Term 1 Week 5 School Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Principal Message

News from the Year 3 - 6 Deputy Principal

We are half way through the term and the school is buzzing with activity.  Last week we officially acknowledged our 2024 school leaders at our Induction Ceremony. It is always a very proud moment to see our students receive their badges for being role models and leaders across sporting, academic and musical fields. Our school captains have had the opportunity also to attend a leadership camp with other school leaders from across Cairns. While at Holloways Beach Environmental Education Centre, our leaders will devise a project that they will lead in the school this year.

I have enjoyed visiting classes this week and seeing the learning that is taking place. I had the pleasure of seeing Mr Clair’s students in 6C, Ms Stanfield- Roche 3C and Ms Arthur’s students in 3E engaging in their reading activities. Ms Rutledge’s 5F class also impressed me with their engagement in their Math lesson.

Over the last couple of weeks I also had the pleasure of interviewing students for the role of Arts councillor. To hear the enthusiasm for Visual Arts and the passion to bring arts projects to the school that many of our students have is exciting.

Our students are engaging with new digital pedagogies in our BYOx classes.  Our Year 6 students are currently producing a persuasive brochure in English using the Canva platform and our Year 5 classes are interacting through on-line discussion forums to present their opinion on a film adaptation of The Lorax. We still have some families who are yet to return their BYOx Charter Agreement and the consents to access on-line digital platforms. I encourage everyone to download the QParents app to get these in as soon as possible so that your child can begin interacting I digital pedagogies to their full capability.

Year 6 reef trip is coming up soon and we will be seeking parent helpers with sea legs.  Keep an eye out for consent forms in the next couple of weeks. Consent can also be given using the QParents app.

Regards

Leanne Bell

Deputy CTL Years 3-6

News from the Prep - Year 2 Deputy Principal

Can you believe we are in week 5 already and half way through term 1!!

Feedback on Transition

Thank you to all those Prep families that gave their feedback regarding the transition process here at Trinity Beach State School. I will use this information to review our current practice and develop new opportunities for future Prep students.

Crazy Hat Parade

It sounds crazy… to be talking about a Crazy Hat Parade already but our annual Crazy Hat Parade is on Wednesday the 27^th of March at 9.15am! I wanted to make sure that all families have enough warning to get their supplies together to create a ‘crazy hat’ for the parade. This is a fun event to celebrate the end of the school term. Please put this crazy event in your calendar so you can come along and join the fun.

Junior Cross Country

Another major event to put in your calendar for the Junior School, is the Junior Cross Country which will be held on Thursday the 28^th of March (last day of term 1) This event starts just after 9am and is usually finished by 11 at the latest. We love parents coming along and cheering for our runners.

Afterschool Restraint Collapse

A number of parents have talked to me recently about their child’s behaviour when they get home after a full day at school. The school day is a full day, requiring students to concentrate on non preferred tasks while maintaining their behaviour and friendships. I would like to share an except from “Grow – Paediatric Therapy via The Contented Child, Child Wellbeing Consultancy” 

Afterschool Restraint Collapse is a term used to describe when children experience big feelings and behaviours after returning home from school. This might look like meltdowns, ‘whining’, withdrawal, isolation, irritability, defiance, negativity or mood swings. Afterschool restraint collapse is a release of built up tensions and feelings that can be a result of masking, suppressing emotions, following rules, navigating social situations and focusing for extended periods.  After school restraint collapse often happens at home because it is a safe space for children to express their emotions.

You can support your child by:

• Offering a safe space to vent
• Offering calming activities
• Establishing after school routines
• Acknowledging and validating their feelings
• Focusing on basic needs and reducing demands
• Communicate with the school about potential triggers
• Seeking support if you are concerned

Prep play area before and afterschool

Please be aware that you are responsible for your child before and after school. If you choose to let your child play briefly before going home, the same expectations of being safe and being respectful are expected of all students. It is not ok for children to hit, grab and be physical with each other. This is not safe play and is not acceptable behaviour here at our school. Please help do your part by actively monitoring your children and reinforcing the rules and expectations for our Prep Play area and help keep all of our students safe.

The Cairns Post – My first year

The Cairns Post photographer will be here next Wednesday the 28^th of February to take a photo of each of our prep classes for their “My First Year special keepsake” publication. If your child does not have media consent we have emailed you specifically to see if you would like your child included and they requirements for that. All other students will be included in the photo, with first name only included. The “My First Year special keepsake” print copy is set for March 27 publication.

News from the Wellbeing, Engagement & Inclusion Deputy Principal

How do we support our diverse range of students at Trinity beach State School?

PAUSE Program, Emotional Regulation and The Brain

The PAUSE Program is taught in all classrooms from Prep to Year 6.  The Pause program teaches the students the skills to emotionally self-regulate their own behaviour as well as gain the knowledge of the neuroscience of the brain, specifically the three key parts of the brain (Prefrontal Cortex, Amygdala and Hippocampus).

The program:

• teaches the three key parts of the brain that are responsible for thinking, emotions and long-term memory
• encourages self-regulation by taking notice and acting on the signals received from our brain in a positive way
• is implemented and supported by a set of lessons delivered in a similar manner to the lessons associated with the Department of Education Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL)
• is implemented through processes which involve staff, students’ and parents learning about Neuroscience, Mindfulness and Positive Education
• improves both teacher’s and students’ wellbeing by learning about and using the knowledge of neuroscience and mindfulness strategies in our daily lives
• is designed to deliver improvements in teacher wellbeing as a direct result of students being able to emotionally self-regulate their behaviour
  

You can access the following link to view a Ted Talk by PAUSE creator Wendy Fox. Click here

Student Engagement Centre Support

There are a range of interventions in place to support our students.

Our Pie maker got a good work out this week!

Our Year 5and 6 STEP IT UP boys engaging in alternative learning through cooking. This week we practiced our literacy and maths skill by reading and following the recipe of the Classic Aussie Meat Pie! The Year 4 STEP IT UP boys created the same pie but experimented with the measurement of the ingredients.

Girls Group went for a sweet option and made some delicious apple pies!

Working together, taking turns and taking pride in their creation are key components in the STEP IT UP program

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Lunch time Focus Clubs

These provide places and things to do for students who find lunch breaks challenging for a range of reasons or for our students who have a passion for a particular activity.

Rubix Club

Thanks to Remy and Ottis for running the Rubix Club for Beginners Year 1-3 on Wednesday afternoons in the Student Engagement Centre.

They also have a senior Rubix club on Friday for Year4-6! BRING YOUR CUBE!!

News from the Head of Inclusive Education

We’re now at the half way mark of the term and it has been wonderful to see students settled into class routines.

During Weeks 8 and 9 this Term we have our Year 3 and 5 students undertaking the NAPLAN (The National Assessment Program- Literacy and Numeracy) tests. Our IEC Teachers have been in contact with our parents in regards to the adjustments we can make for individual students.

In the Inclusive Education Centre this term, staff from our regional office have been working with Prep teachers and IEC staff to build understanding of evidence-based strategies to best support Prep learners with additional needs.  We also reflected on the concepts of Equity and Equality in education.

What does equity in education mean?

In education, the term equity refers to the principle of fairness.

Equity in education is the process of reforming practices, policies, and procedures at the school and regional level to support academic fairness and inclusion and ensure that every child has the resources, teachers, interventions, and supports they need to be successful.

What does equality in education mean?

• Educational equity is the study and achievement of fairness, justice, and impartiality (equality) in education. The term equity means accommodating and meeting the specific needs of specific individuals. This means ensuring that everyone’s learning needs are met.

How do we define the differences between equity and equality in education?

• In an “equal” system, all students are given the same resources. In an “equitable” system, resources are given to students based on their individual needs.

You can see an example of equality and equity in the image below.  In the top row of bikes, everyone’s bike is the same, but it is only the right size for one person.  In the bottom row of bikes, everyone has a bike that suits their level of need – this is an example of a reasonable adjustment.

If you would like to learn more about inclusion at our school or discuss reasonable adjustments for your child, please make a time to see me in the Inclusive Education Centre.

Samantha Ilic
Head of Special Education Services

News from the Head of Department Curriculum Prep - Year 6

We are now at the half way point of the term!

All year levels are now well into their units and our teachers have been meeting to carefully plan our next steps for each class by looking at samples of student work and marking it against the standards of the Australian curriculum.

Year 3 and 5 have now completed their NAPLAN practice tests. Students have learnt how to use the NAPLAN locked down browser to successfully complete their tests. A letter about NAPLAN will be sent in the coming days that will give more information about NAPLAN. Please see the calendar below for NAPLAN dates.

This week our year 1 and 2 teachers attended a masterclass on teaching reading through the Australian Curriculum. This class gave teachers the latest strategies in teaching reading to ensure they have the latest knowledge and teaching strategies to support our students. I look forward to seeing this in action in our year and 2 classrooms!

News from the Guidance Officer

DATE CLAIMER

In Week 9, our school will be supporting The Leukaemia Foundation by having a Shave for a Cure event.  I will be shaving my head on this day, on our Yr 3 – 6 parade, and invite families to donate to this worthy cause.  More information to come!!

Support for your children

If you have worries about your child, what can you do to support them?

1. Talk to your GP if you or your child requires any support around mental health.  GPs have excellent training in recognising and assessing mental health concerns.  They can also provide a Mental Health Plan if needed, which provides supports at a reduced cost.

1. Family and Child Connect – This service operates during the school term, and also over school holiday periods from their main office, in Cairns city.  Families can engage with this service in order to be linked with appropriate support options for their children.  Families can self-refer during holiday periods, or anytime via Act for Kids’ main office in Cairns city (Phone: 07 4033 8500).

1. If you, a family member, or your child needs counselling support, there are some excellent services who are generally able to work with families in the Cairns area.  Two of these, who already do some work with families at our school are:

• Uniting Care Counselling – Provide 1:1 counselling for children and adults, and can do this at school for children if needed, families can self-refer – Ph 1300 096 203

• Centacare counselling – Provide 1:1 counselling for children and adults, and can do this at school for children if needed, families can self-refer – Ph 4044 0130

1. For parenting support, the following websites have excellent resources and referral ideas -  https://raisingchildren.net.au/ or https://parentline.com.au/ - Parentline also has a phone service, available on 1300 301 300 (providing free counselling and support to Parents and Carers).

Focus

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Q Parents

To continue to streamline the school’s sale for all items – school fees, excursions, performances, instrumental music we are moving to a cashless school.  This allows our school to reduce the time, effort and expenses required to collect and follow up payments from parents and students.  When you receive an invoice payments can be made online via BPOINT or QParents.

We are proud of being a relatively-cashless school and thank you for moving online with us!

QParents

QP is an online portal helping the school move toward a cashless and paper friendly school. 

• The QP portal allows Parents and Carers to grant participation consent online for activities such as swimming and excursions which reduces our need to print out paper consent forms
• Also, the QP portal enables Parents and Carers to make payment online for school activities and viewing unpaid invoices payment history.

Thank you to all those parents who have registered for QParents. This means every registered parent now has the opportunity to access to their children’s student records at their fingertips, anytime, anywhere. Haven’t received an invitation from us yet? There’s still time! Please let us know immediately. Or if you are simply looking for further information, videos and FAQs on QParents, visit https://qparents.qld.edu.au

Stop, Drop and Go

Thank-you for safely using our Stop Drop and Go on both Madang and Wewak Streets.

Remember no parking and leaving your vehicle. This can be a safety risk for our students. Please refer to our signage to guide the flow.

Dangerous parking or driving can be reported to police via this link https://www.police.qld.gov.au/policelink-reporting

Phones away for the day

The Department of Education’s ‘Phones away for the day’ will be implemented in all Qld state schools from 2024.This means that all students are required to:

• switch off their phone and hand in to the school office as soon as they arrive at school and collect it at the end of the school day.

• Switch off notifications on Smartwatches and other devices (these can be still worn).

This includes off site school activities such as camps and excursions.In the school bus line, phones must be put away in school bags.If parents need to contact their child/children, a call can be made to our school office and we can send the message to your child’s classroom.If you child needs to access their phone for medical, disability or wellbeing reasons, exemptions will be considered for these reasons on a case-by-case basis by the principal.

Religious Instruction

Queensland state schools embrace a multitude of cultural, religious and non-religious beliefs. Under the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, schools are to provide Religious Instruction (RI) if approached by a faith group seeking to provide RI and students of that faith attend the school.

R.I at TBSS runs on a Monday from 12:30pm to 1:00pm for years 1-3 and 1:00pm to 1:30pm for years 4-6.

RI informs students about the beliefs and values of a particular religion. It is delivered by volunteers of a faith group using instructional materials approved by that faith group. RI is required to be consistent with legislation and Department of Education policies and procedures.

All RI instructors must hold a blue card and participate in compulsory Student Protection and Code of Conduct training. RI instructors are only entitled to deliver the RI program outlined below. A school staff member will be present during the delivery of RI.

Participation in RI is not compulsory. Any student (except Prep students) may participate in RI if a parent has provided written instructions to the school.

Students who are not participating in RI will be provided with other instruction in a separate supervised location. Other instruction must relate to part of a subject area already covered in class.

Students are allocated to RI based on information provided by parents on the completed Application for student enrolment unless other written instructions have been provided to the school. If you wish to have your child participate, please ensure you let the office staff know so they can update your child’s details and likewise if you wish your child not to participate in any of these programs.  

Currently we have 3 different religion classes, Christian, catholic and Baha’i. Below we have a brief overview of each class. 

Baha'i Spiritual Education Classes

Children are the most precious treasure a community can possess, for in them are the promise and guarantee of the future. For this promise to be realised, the moral and spiritual education of children assumes vital importance.

The goal of spiritual education is to cultivate in children spiritual qualities such as love, forgiveness and justice, and to help them apply these qualities to their own lives and those around them.

Baha’i children’s classes aim to help children to:

• Acquire spiritual qualities such as love, truthfulness and generosity
• Develop patterns of behaviour that lead to a fruitful and productive life
• Become aware of God’s love for humanity and His unfailing assistance

Baha'i classes empower children to contribute to the creation of a peaceful world through exploration of universal themes such as:

• We are all loved by the same God
• We are all one human family
• Diversity is valuable
• Women and men are equal
• All forms of prejudice must be eliminated
• The natural environment is a sacred trust
• Consultation is an essential skill for peaceful problem solving

Children who have reached the age of 12 can continue this educational process with further age-appropriate materials. Eventually they reach the stage where they can take personal responsibility for their own spiritual development and contribute to the wellbeing of society.

Baha’i children’s classes are open to all children, subject to parental approval. All classes are taught by volunteer local teachers who are trained to conduct classes. All teachers are certified under the relevant child protection laws of Australia’s states and territories.

Parents are welcome to sit in on the classes or to meet with the teachers at a mutually suitable time.

Diocese of Cairns

Catholic Religious Instruction

We offer creative and hands on activities that engage the student in developing a relationship with Jesus.

The important task of Catholic Religious Instruction in State Schools is carried out by trained volunteers from our Catholic parishes throughout the Cairns Diocese. These Religious Instructors use a variety of methods and resources at no cost to the parent.

Authorised program:
•    Getting to know Jesus

Aims and goals:
•    To provide an environment in which young children may come to know Jesus Christ and develop a relationship with him
•    To learn about a personal union with God, and their membership of a church established by God.
•    To learn about becoming like the person of Jesus – in the home, at school, in the parish and in the world.
•    To value Christian virtue and Christian truth as the foundation for the whole of life.

Lesson structure:
•    Orientation phase, Development phase and Synthesis phase.
•    30 mins/week
•    48 lessons inviting children to get to know the Jesus of the Bible through key stories that are age-appropriate.
•    Using a variety of storytelling techniques, this resource invites children to dive into the stories of Jesus and explore their meaning through physical action, drama, fun, vocalisation and repetition.

Christian

Here at Trinity Beach State School, we use two programs, Godspace and Connect.

Both programs are BIBLE-BASED, RELATIONAL, RELEVANT and ENGAGING

They are interdenominational programs where Bible truths are explored in a fun and safe environment through music, songs, stories, drama and games.  All lessons are age appropriate and each student is given an activity book which they work through doing the challenges and fun activities.

Both programs follow a professionally designed 3 year curriculum with Bible passages carefully chosen to give children aged 6-12 years a good general knowledge of basic Christian beliefs plus additional exciting Bible stories appropriate to their stage of development. Lessons are relational and life related and encourage the children to get to know God for themselves rather than just learn information about God.

The Connect program also produces ‘Big Questions’, a one year program for the gr 6 students who are ready to explore some big issues, share their own opinions and investigate the Bible for themselves.

Cross Country Dates

Sports News

Bike Bus News

Bike Bus UpdateBike Bus will kick off in Term 2, Week 2, once the tropical weather cools down, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable ride for all participants.

What is the Bike Bus, you ask?

It's a fantastic opportunity for students to join together in a fun and healthy way to commute to school by bike, forming a "bus" convoy with designated stops along the way (see our timetable below).

But there are many other reasons why our kids must hop on the Bike Bus bandwagon this year:

 Keep Fit: Cycling is not only a great way to stay active but also boosts your energy levels and mental well-being. Joining the Bike Bus ensures your child will start their day on the right pedal!

Eco-Friendly Commute: Say goodbye to carbon emissions! By opting for the Bike Bus, you're reducing your carbon footprint and helping to create a cleaner, greener environment for everyone.

Learn Road Safety: Our program isn't just about riding bikes; it's also about learning important road rules and bike safety hand signals. Your child will become a confident and responsible cyclist in no time!

Don't miss out on the wheely good times ahead (pun intended)! Stay tuned for more pun-tastic updates on how you can join the pedalling parade!

Let's pedal towards a healthier, safer, and more sustainable future together! #TBSSBikeBus

Student of the Week

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Attendance Award

Week 4

Week 5

Golden Garden Gnome Award

Week 4

Week 5

Around the Classroom

3/4A working together during their reading focus lesson on Summarising. Students identified key words and important parts of the text and brainstormed these ideas in small groups. They were then required to write a summary of the text using their brainstorming ideas in 25 words or less.

Sequencing using Reteller Rabbit Prep A have been working hard learning about the sequence of a retell using Reteller Rabbit and the story of The 3 Billy Goats Gruff.

Year 4B Students Show Initiative | Eloise and Lilah today shared their healthy lifestyle ideas with our Principal Mr Hollis. They plan to present at parade and lead healthy eating awareness and fitness during a lunch break once their plans are finalised. Well done champions!

Visual Arts Opportunities | Mrs GrahamWe are so lucky to have Mrs Graham discover the talent in our students through Visual Arts activities school wide. Have a look at the display in our Administration building…

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Learning in Prep Montessori

Students in PM have been working hard to learn the routines and expectations in their Montessori classroom. Montessori is a very structured learning environment which allows freedom within limits.

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Student initiatives are flourishing | Well done to Layla, Gali and Affiannie who came to see Mr Hollis our Principal to run lunch time initiative to support their friends wellbeing. We are so proud of the wave of kindness spreading across our school. Well done students!

Around the Playground

Fun in the Prep PlaygroundWhat a fun afternoon we had playing in our prep playground! We have had such a wonderful first 4 weeks of Prep!

Student Leaders

Leadership Induction Ceremony | Smithfield State High School.

Our student leaders attended a respectful leadership induction ceremony today with our Principal Mr Hollis and Deputy Principal Mrs Bell. Our new student leaders met with our former leaders and discussed their goals for 2024

Student Induction Ceremony

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Paradise Playgroup

P&C News

join here https://form.jotform.com/232470444209856

Thank you Trinity Beach State School P&C Association and families for attending our Meet & Greet sessions. The BBQ was a real hit. Saved a lot of busy mums, dads and carers from making dinner..

Please join one of the most productive P&Cs in the state. We love your engagement and input!

Come and join one of the most productive P&C Associations in the state! Thank you to the staff and parents for supporting Trinity Beach State School.

Community News