Term 3 Week 5 School Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Principal Message

News from the Prep - Year 2 Deputy Principal

We are half way through Term 3 already!

It is always so exciting to see how far our students have progressed with their academic performance! I love it when students share their work with me and they are so proud. I also love seeing students using the visible learning wall in their classroom to support their learning. We have such amazing teachers in this school that support your children with their learning every day.

Prep enrolments for 2025

We have kicked off our Prep 2025 events with our first Prep Information School Tour! Thanks to those families who came along and joined us.  If you, or anyone you know, has a child born between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2020, they are able to enrol for Prep in 2025. I encourage you to complete the enrolment paperwork (either online at our webpage or pick up a pack at the office) and submit it to our office to get on the communication network for all events including enrolment interviews, stay and plays, Prep information school tours etc.

Trinity Beach State School is a brilliant school and I would encourage anyone with a child ready to start Prep in 2025 to come along to a Prep information school tour and see what our school has to offer.

Book Week

Book week is fast approaching (week 7 of this term -19^th- 23^rd of August). We have planned a number of exciting events happening throughout the week including our annual “Come dressed as your favourite book character” parade on Thursday 22^nd of August at 9.30am. Other events will include a colouring competition for Prep and Year 1, Short story competition for lower, middle and upper students, “Our class book – doors to your imagination” - classroom door/window decorating based on a class read book” and many more. There will also be a Book Fair running in the library during this week. Class teachers have all the information regarding these different events and competitions.

We are very excited to host our inaugural “Bedtime Stories” evening for our P-2 students. Parents and children under the age of 8 (younger siblings welcome!) are invited to come along in their pyjamas to a wonderful evening on Tuesday, August 20th from 5-6pm at the school. (We will meet in the Prep area to start.) Parents and children will rotate between 4-5 different classrooms with 1-2 teachers in each room and listen to a number of different books before finishing with a warm Milo, a biscuit and then heading off to bed (at home- not at school!)

More information will be shared via Facebook and through classrooms regarding all upcoming events for Book Week

Have an amazing week

Martina Jackman

News from the Year 3 - 6 Deputy Principal

What has everyone been up to in the 3-6 space?

After an eventful beginning to the term, we have stepped it up a gear with the successful running of Year 6 Camp and the Year 5 Holloways Beach boating excursions.

Starting with year 6…

Camp Paterson again proved to be a wonderful location for our students to form and strengthen friendships, work with others, develop and enhance life skills (such as doing the dishes, cleaning and sweeping up after meal times – yes this was witnessed, so feel free to remind students that they can do this at home too 😊).  In all seriousness, our year 6s did a fantastic job in a new environment; they embraced the fun, responsibility, and challenges of team building activities and overall had a great time. The giant inflatable water slide and obstacles were a crowd favourite, and everyone was very impressed with how well students took up the canoeing and worked together. Team work also featured in the tricky raft building activity, and while there were varying degrees of success getting the Prince or Princess across the water safely and completely dry, the laughter, excitement and fun challenge was worth the effort 😊. Thank you to everyone involved in organising and supervising this terrific event.

Then onto Year 5…

Our Holloways Beach excursion was a sensational experience for students and staff alike, filled with laughter, learning and fun. We all gained a wealth of knowledge about the local plants and animals. The year 5s have worked so hard in their Biological Science unit and during the excursion they were able to make real world connections with the learning they have been undertaking. They learnt how to construct and drop a crab pot, how to measure fish and crabs to ensure conservation of sustainable fishing practices, and ways in which people can work with nature to protect Cairns’ ecosystems. It was a valuable experience learning about adaptations of mangroves, mud crabs, fish and lots of other local species. We spotted a female crocodile sunbaking on the riverbank. We also had a beach walk where we picked up different shells and visited the aquarium where we learnt about species of fish, barramundi and clownfish. (Ms Rutledge, Ms Goldsworthy, Ms Zeylmans and Ms Devlin)

Student comments about the excursion:

“We got to take photos with the camera and look through the binoculars on the boat!”

“We were on the boat for 3 hours to see all of the incredible creatures in the Barron River, it was so fun! 😊”

“It was so cool when the boat went fast.”

“The aquarium was awesome, I loved picking up the animals and feeling them even though I was scared.”

“The boat drivers were so nice and they knew so many things.”

“I felt like I was the expert, this is all of the fishing stuff my Grandpa taught me up in Badu”

“It was really cool when the staff said that I taught them something 😊”

What a great adventure, well done and thank you to everyone involved.

How about the year 3 and 4s?

Our year 3 classes are soon to enjoy the sea breeze with a special walk down to Trinity Beach for classwork and a picnic. For the morning they will engage their senses by taking in the surroundings of the beach environment, generating ideas for descriptive sense poetry, and practising writing using this lovely environment as a stimulus. Sounds fun, lucky year 3s!

Year 4 are currently working on their powers of persuasion by investigating how advertising companies use persuasive techniques to sell buyers items with a focus on cereal brands. The students are learning how to be critical readers and viewers and enhancing their understanding of deliberate tactics used to engage audiences and appeal to buyers. For their final assessment this term, they will create their very own cereal box, and practice their ability to influence their peers by presenting their creations. We can’t wait to see what they come up with!

Coming Up – 2025 Year 5 and Year 6 BYOX information session

Parents/Carers of 2025 Year 5 and 6 students are invited to attend a BYOX information session on Thursday the 22^nd of August in the Senior Learning Centre from 5.30 – 6.30. Come along to learn more about our Bring Your Own Device Program for 2025 year 5s (opt in to BYOX optional) and year 6s (opt in to BYOX required). While attendance at the session is preferred, further information will be communicated for those who can’t make it.

Shannyn McMillan 

News from the Wellbeing, Engagement & Inclusion Deputy Principal

Why do schools focus on student wellbeing?

Improved outcomes in all aspects of student wellbeing are positively associated with improved outcomes in all other aspects of schooling.  “Wellbeing and a strong sense of connection, optimism and engagement enable children to develop a positive attitude to learning”.  Wellbeing has a significant impact on students’ academic outcomes. Students with a greater level of wellbeing are more likely to experience improved academic outcomes. 

There are particular times and situations in which wellbeing needs may be greater for individual students. Transition points, such as the commencement of primary school, moving from primary to secondary school, represent a time of change and have the potential to be stressful in the short term. For some children, they trigger longer-term or more intense responses that have an impact on wellbeing.

If you believe something maybe impacting on your child’s wellbeing, please reach out to your child’s teacher for a conversation.  When school and home work together so much can be achieved.

The Wellbeing Engagement and Inclusion Team’s work focusses on ensuring every student can achieve through tailored supports based on identified needs.  The Student Engagement Team led by Petai Wilson, support students through and broad range of strategies and programs. Some of these are: daily check ins, mentoring groups focussing on social emotional supports and skilling, supervised play plans to ensure success at lunch breaks, check in check out cards to articulate individualised goals and strategies, hands on learning experiences through the step it up program, lunch time focus clubs, students on duty and in class supports to engage in learning.

FOCUS CLUBS FOR TERM 3 – These clubs provide a place for students to go at break times if they feel social interactions challenging or they share a passion for the club being run.

A big thank you to all staff who have elected to run a focus club.

If you have a child who may find lunch breaks challenging, consider printing this list out and putting on your fridge.  Each morning before school you could discuss with your child where they could go for each break.

Please reach out to the school if you need more information or would like to meet to discuss your child’s needs.

Narinder Singh

News from the Head of Inclusive Education

It was great to see so many parents and carers attend the recent Year 3 Walk to the Beach excursion!    You play an important role in your child’s education and social emotional development, including supporting your child through highs and lows and helping them feel positive about school.   Some days children may feel happy and confident, other days they may appear anxious, tired or overwhelmed. These are all typical responses as children grow and adjust to the school environment, while learning routines and expectations at Trinity Beach State School.

As a school we want all students engaged in learning to the best of their ability.  This is important to us as educators.  We understand that supporting your child’s education and social emotional development can sometimes be challenging.  If you have concerns about your child’s learning and engagement at school, the organisations listed below can provide additional resources and information to support you and your child.

 Raising Children Network

Raising Children Network (www.raisingchildren.net.au) provide free, reliable, up-to-date and independent information to help your family grow and thrive together. Raising Children Network is funded by the Australian Government, reviewed by experts and is non-commercial.  It is designed for busy families and full of tips and tricks for you to try, content is easy to find and easy to digest.   Articles, videos and interactive resources are tailored to different ages and stages and ability levels.

Community Resource Unit Ltd (CRU)

The Community Resource Unit Ltd (CRU)  is supported by the Queensland Department of Education to provide information to families about inclusive education . A range of resources  are available, including a fact sheet (PDF, 761KB)  about advocacy and meetings. This may help you when consulting with school about support services available.

CRU's "Families for Inclusive Education” (FFIE) projects helps parents and carers of children and young people with disability to be valued partners in their child’s education. 

CRU help families:

• Develop a clear plan for your child’s school years
• Learn about inclusive education policies and supports
• Develop communication skills so you can work with your child’s school
• Build support groups with other families

CRU give free:

• Useful information, handouts, booklets and videos
• Workshops across Queensland (morning tea and lunch provided free of charge)
• Travel funding to help you attend if you live a long way from where a workshop is happening
• Online Zoom workshops
• Telephone information and help service

Autism Hub

The Autism Hub https://autismhub.education.qld.gov.au/  is a Queensland Department of Education and works with school leaders, teachers and parents to improve the engagement and education achievement of students with autism in all Queensland schools.  The Autism Hub provide information and deliver professional learning that supports educators to include, retain and engage students with autism and empowers parents to partner with schools and teachers in their child's education.  The Autism Hub also has a useful online transition resource for various stages of transition – it can be found here:   https://autismhub.education.qld.gov.au/resources/online-transition-resource

Positive Partnerships

Positive Partnerships (www.positivepartnerships.com.au) is about working together with parents, carers and educators of school-aged children on the autism spectrum to provide current, relevant and evidence informed information through workshops and online resources.  They also offer free workshops around Australia to provide information and strategies to support your child’s learning.

Healthy Families

Healthy Families is another useful resource https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/age-6-12   and is all about giving you the information, knowledge and confidence to support the young people in your life – whether you’re a parent, guardian, grandparent, a favourite uncle or an awesome auntie.  Healthy Families can also help you take care of your own mental health and wellbeing, especially if you’re a new parent or about to become one.

If you would like more information about any of the online resources listed above, please come and see me in the Inclusive Education Centre.

Kind regards,

SAMANTHA ILIC

HEAD OF INCLUSIVE EDUCATION

News from the Head of Department Curriculum Prep - Year 6

We are now half way through the Term 3 and our students are well into their learning for the term. Over the coming weeks, teachers will be meeting to view samples of students work to develop a plan about what content needs further teaching before the final assessment. Please let contact your child’s teacher know if your they will be away for extended periods of time.

Term 3 is jammed packed full of events and excursions such as swimming lesson, book week, under 8s day and the year 3 beach trip. Please keep checking QParents and Facebook for more information regarding these events.

Chris Paterson 

News from the Guidance Officer

For those parents and families who don’t know me yet, my name is Jenny Ferguson and my office is in the Library.  I work at Trinity Beach State School every day, and can provide support or referrals for support to families who need assistance.

I can usually be easily recognised by my bright coloured hair!  Your kids will have seen me around the school, even if they have not met me yet. 

I have had a lot of queries from parents recently about how to assist their child to deal with anxiety.  It seems that this is a common issue for a growing number of children in our school, and across Australia. 

If you are concerned about your child showing signs of anxiety, here are some things you can do:

1. Talk with your child and see if there is something they are worried about. Sometimes it can be something very specific, and if that is changed, their anxiety / worries reduce very quickly.
2. Talk with your child’s teacher to let them know you are seeing some signs that your child may be anxious / worried. This will help you to identify whether your child’s concerns are just being shown at home, or also on display at school.
3. Talk to your GP about your concerns – doctors have excellent training in recognising and helping to treat mental health issues. Anxiety is very common in children and most GPs are wonderful at suggesting some ways to assist. 
4. Talk to the Deputy Principal or myself (Guidance Officer) to share your worries. We can help to keep an eye on your child, and offer them additional support, if it is needed.

There are also some amazing websites with more information on anxiety.  Here a few to consider:

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/anxiety-in-children

https://healthyfamilies.beyondblue.org.au/age-6-12/mental-health-conditions-in-children/anxiety

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fear-and-anxiety-children

If you have significant concerns about your child, you’re best to start with a GP referral.  If you need a hand to organise this, I’m happy to assist.  I can be contacted on jferg53@eq.edu.au or via my office phone which is 4057 1421.

Jenny Ferguson 

School Opinion Survey

The School Opinion Survey is open until Friday, 16 August 2024.To have your say, check your email for an invitation from the Department of Education titled School Opinion Survey for parents and caregivers, 2024.

The survey can be completed as soon as the invitation is received and will take approximately 5 minutes using a computer, tablet or smart phone.  Survey responses are confidential.  Parents, caregivers are encouraged to participate.  Your insights will help us know what our school does well and how we can improve.

Can’t find your invitation? If your family has more than one parent/caregiver, check that they haven’t received the invitation and/or check your junk email folder.

Focus

Week 3 & 4

Week 5 & 6 

Term 3 Parent Teacher Interviews

Our Parent Teacher Interviews will be held over one week.

Together in our School Hall:

• Week 9 Main event (School Hall)
  • Tuesday 3 September 2024 from 3.20pm - 6.30pm

Flexibility for you throughout the week:

• Week 9 Flexible times (classroom or telephone call)
  • 8.00am - 8.20am and 3.20pm - 4.20pm Monday to Friday
  • (Teacher availability dependant)

This is an opportunity to discuss your child/ren's progress towards their goals.

Sessions are strictly 10 minutes.  If you require additional time with a teacher, please schedule a meeting outside of this time.

Emails will be sent home next week how to book your preferred time slot.

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

Student Medication

Student medication

If your child requires medication at school:

You will be asked to complete and sign the Consent to Administer Medication form.

1. Medication needs to be in original packaging
2. Written medical authorisation, completed pharmacy label, medical order, or action plan completed and signed by prescribing health practitioner.

Student Absences

How to report a student absence:

If your student is absent or needs to leave school early - please contact the office by: 

1. Text (SMS): 0428 621 921 - preferred method 
2. or call the absence line 4057 1444 - press #1
3. or email:  attendance@trinitybeachss.eq.edu.au
4. QParents

(SMS line does not take calls and no emoji's please)

When students arrive late, they must sign in at the student services window and take their late pass to their classroom.  If they are leaving early parents/carers must sign their child/children out from the student services window.  

Attendance Matters

No Hat, No Play

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

Reading Eggs and Maths Seed Subscriptions

Our school is offering our parents the opportunity to purchase heavily discounted subscriptions to two excellent online educational programmes for students to use at home to support their learning. The programes are: ABC Reading Eggs, and Math Seeds.  Feedback from parents and teachers has been very positive, particularly, with the level of educational benefits that our students have derived from regular access.

ABC Reading Eggs – age 3-13

ABC Reading Eggs and Reading Eggspress are learning resources that support your students’ reading, comprehension, vocabulary, spelling and grammar skills. It is a comprehensive program that takes your child from being a non-reader, all the way through to reading long chapter books. Children complete animated online lessons based on solid scientific research, where they learn essential reading and phonics skills. The program includes a library of more than 2000 eBooks. This program is aimed for children aged 3-13.

ABC Math Seeds – age 3-8

ABC Math Seeds is a comprehensive online mathematics program for children aged 3-8. It offers a huge range of carefully structured lessons and activities that build mathematical skills over a broad range of number, shape and measurement topics. The Math Seeds program is packed full of enjoyable child focused activities that makes learning a rewarding and meaningful experience. It teaches fundamental concepts in a fun, motivating and engaging way whilst rewarding children for their efforts.

These programs are a combination of high-quality learning activities that motivate children and help reinforce and master important reading and mathematical skills and enhance and complement our literacy and mathematics lessons.

 Payment can be made at the office using EFTPOS only. No cash will be accepted.

Swimming Prep - Year 6

Get Set for Prep 2025

Bullying No Way National Week of Action

QVSA Design Sprint 2024

Come Together

BYOX Information Session for Year 5 & 6 2025

Book Week

Student Free Day

Under 8's Day

Prep Enrolments Open for 2025

Instrumental Music Program

🎻 **Discover the World of Strings at Trinity Beach State School!** 🎻

Are you or someone you know intrigued by the enchanting melodies of the violin, viola, cello, or double bass?

Look no further than Trinity Beach State School! 

Our prestigious music program is offering opportunities for students eager to explore the rich world of strings. Whether you're child is a budding musician or simply curious about the art of string instruments, now is the time to apply and secure your spot on our waiting list.

Why choose Trinity Beach State School for your musical journey?

- Access to very affordable government-subsidised lessons and instrument hire

- Opportunities to learn and perform throughout the year

- Experienced teachers passionate about nurturing talent

- Seamless transition to year 12 through the tropical north learning academy at Smithfield.

- Students start as early as Grade 3 for strings.

Don't miss out on this chance to embark on a musical adventure.

Apply now and join our vibrant community of aspiring string players at Trinity Beach State School!

📧 Email: Mark Wilkins mcwil1@eq.edu.au

i-Educate DoE Conference Brisbane

Mrs O’Kane & Mrs Sokolowski presented to educators about the work we are achieving with the DoEs Cerego AI trial. This is using AI technology to support lesson planning and delivery. Trinity Beach State School is one of 2 state schools in QLD leading this work.

Mr Cuzon our Computer Technical Support Officer also is in Brisbane updating his knowledge to ensure our school is continually leading the way in the tech space.

More information can be found on this link.https://statements.qld.gov.au/statements/98877

Camp - Year 6

YEAR 6 Camp Paterson | Group 1 - They are off! We hope everyone packed their jumpers..

That’s a wrap for Year 6 Camp.

A big thanks to our hosts, Scott and Lyn, at Camp Paterson for making our Year 6 camp experience memorable and exciting for our students.

We also want to give a big shoutout to all the teacher and parent volunteers who generously donated their time throughout the week. Without your support, these incredible school events for our children simply wouldn’t be possible.

And finally, kudos to all of our students for taking good care of Betty this week - she never complained once! We look forward to seeing you again next year Betty

Fire Fighters Visit - Year 1

Year Ones had a visit from our local Fire Fighters. They explained that there are safe and unsafe fires, what number to ring in an emergency, 000 and how they help us in the community. They also spoke to the children about the four main things to remember if there’s a fire.

1. Get down low and go go go

2. Stop, Drop and Roll

3. Get out and stay out

4. Don’t hide, scream and shout

Don’t forget to teach your child their address in case of an emergency. We look forward to the next visit with the fire truck.

Cairns Eisteddfod

Some fantastic news regarding our students' recent achievements at the Cairns Eisteddfod music competition. Their dedication and hard work have truly paid off.

Jack Seaby won the 'Most Promising Pianist Under 14 Years Old' award. This is a remarkable accomplishment and shows talent and commitment.

Additionally, several other students also performed admirably and achieved commendable results in their own categories. Their achievements reflect not only their individual efforts but also the support and encouragement they receive from our school community.

2024 Cairns Eisteddfod

Jion Newn

• 3rd place - Contemporary Piano Solo - 6 and Under 9 Years
• 3rd place - Own Choice Piano Solo – 6 and Under 8 Years

Jack Seaby

• 1st place - Own Choice Piano Solo – 8 Years
• 1st place - Contemporary Piano Solo - 6 and Under 9 Years
• 1st - place String Solo Under 10 Years

Karina Namba

• Encouragement award - Piano solo by an Australian Composer

Leah Seaby

• 3rd place - Own Choice Piano Solo - 10 Years
• Highly Commended - Contemporary Piano Solo 9 under 11 Years
• 2nd place - String Solo 10 and Under 12 Years

Leah and Jack

• 3rd place - Piano Duet Under 6 and Under 14 Years
• Highly Commended - String Duet under 6 and Under 14 Years

Leon Newn

• 1st place - Popular Music Piano Solo - 11 and Under 14 years
• 2nd place – Bach or Mozart Solo - 10 and Under 14 Years
• 3rd place - Contemporary Piano Solo - 11 and Under 14 Years
• Highly Commended - Piano Solo by an Australian Composer - 11 and under 14 Years

Congratulations.

Holloways Beach Environmental Education Centre - Year 5

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Sports News

Bike Bus News

What a perfect day for a bike bus

Run Club

It was a perfect morning for Run Club, everyone was super motivated and done an amazing job.

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Tuckshop News

P&C News

OSHC News

Student of the Week

Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Attendance Award

Week 3

Week 4

Around the Classroom

Writing in Prep Montessori

Look at the amazing writing that Mrs Jackman got to see in Prep Montessori today! Well done Team!

Montessori Prep List Superstar!

Well done to this superstar who persevered through his list, even through the challenging task!

You should be proud!

Prep B Writing Superstars

Prep students are learning to write a simple sentence this term in English. Check out the amazing writing in Prep B!

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2A - Writing OREO paragraphs. Students eating OREOs to remind them to write OREO paragraphs in their persuasive texts.

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More Prep Writing Superstars!

Check out Prep A students using their visible learning wall to support their simple sentence writing! Well done Prep A!!

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⭐️✏️Prep C Writing Superstars!
Prep C used a stimulus picture to practice their sentence writing. Students used their learning wall with Mrs Buckley to decide if their writing was a “caterpillar, chrysalis or a butterfly” sentence! Great Job Prep C!

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5C were literally tied up in string when Mr.Fred popped in to help them with thier laptops, he was able to snap a quick photo before they unwound themselves.

Each member of the class had been allocated a different comprehension skill or strategy; they then spoke through what happens when you read a book. Very quickly the students began to see the connections between the strategies. When we apply one strategy, we are often applying multiple strategies.

To summarise, you have to find the main idea, you also Skim and Scan the text to find supporting facts and details, then you can paraphrase your answer. Making the activity 3-Dimensional, helped the students understand the abstract concept of interconnectedness as they could 'see' the connections forming as the string moved from student to student.