HOMESTEAD HEADLINES HOMESTEAD HEADLINES HOMESTEAD · As the end of year approaches our staff will be reviewing this year’s AIP and contribute to the formation of the 2018 ... the

HOMESTEAD HEADLINES HOMESTEAD HEADLINES HOMESTEAD

Issue October/November 2017

Included in this edition:

Principal’s report

Students Awards

Calendar of events

Birthday wishes

P&C Report

Progress Report

Visitors to our school

Around our school

School Watch



Principals Report Hello Everyone

Term 4 has started at a rapid pace once again. In the blink of an eye we have already completed a few

weeks of learning. Being the final term for the year our students and staff are working extremely hard to

achieve outstanding results and ensure ‘every student is succeeding’ (State Schools Strategy 2017–2021).

Annual Improvement Plan (AIP) 2017 update

85% of students are achieving a ‘C’ or better in Maths, English and Science

Term 4 subject overviews have been attached to the newsletter to provide an outline of what your child/

ren is learning about.

In English, I am currently leading a project across the Dalrymple Cluster Schools to collectively monitor stu-

dent progress for Unit 7 in years 1 and 2. This requires our staff to co-operatively plan with Pentland, Prai-

rie and Cameron Downs State Schools and engage in weekly on-line or face-to-face sessions to reflective

sessions. These sessions also require teachers and principals to present pre-task, middle and end of unit

writing samples and indicate whether the focus students have achieved success in that lesson. Moreover,

we then identify the next steps towards achieving an ‘A’ level on the marking sheet. As a staff, we regular-

ly monitor our students’ progress and identify the areas we need to target. All students have their pre-task

results displayed on the ‘Learning Walls’ along with current work samples and examples of successful writ-

ing. I encourage you to drop in and discuss how your child is progressing in this unit.

While on the topic of the Dalrymple Cluster Schools, I will be leading the principals on Pupil Free Day on

Monday 16th

, October, with some of staff from NQ Regional Office to align our whole school curriculum

plan. This is fantastic news as it will allow our students to study the Australian Curriculum for each year

level by including an A & B years rotation. Presently our students in small schools learn in multi-age levels,

resulting in access to 4 sets of units being P-2, 3-4 and 5-6 junctures. The staff are excited about this

change as wellJ

Term 4 Subject Overviews

Attached to this newsletter is a copy of the Term 4 Overview statements of each the Key Learning Areas.

They provide a brief summary of what students are learning about. I encourage you to discuss with your

child how they are progressing in class. Some example questions you may like to ask are, ‘What are you

learning?’ and ‘What do you need to know and do to be successful?’ Parents are welcome to drop in and

ask Fay Staub or myself about the subjects or student progress. The Overview statements can also be

found on the first page of the school website by clicking on Quick Links.

Attendance – Current: 92.72% 2017 Target: 92% NQ Region target: 93%

Our attendance data took a significant drop during Term 3 due to the severe outbreak of various illnesses.

This has been reflected nationally in work places, communities and schools. I would like to thank the entire

community for ensuring the illnesses were managed effectively, reducing the spread onto others and con-

tacting the school to inform us if your child has been unwell. As this is the final term it is vitally important

students attend school every day. Missing as little as a few days of school places additional pressure on stu-

dents to consolidate their understanding of concepts re-

quired to complete assessment tasks

Please remember to notify the school if your child is going

to be absent from school. As part of our Same Day Absence

processes, if we have not been informed of your child’s

whereabouts by 9:00am the school will send an SMS or

phone call. Thank you for your support with this matter.

As the end of year approaches our staff will be reviewing

this year’s AIP and contribute to the formation of the 2018

AIP. This process also shapes the professional learning and

development for all staff in the new year.



Work Place Health and Safety

Recently, there has been a sighting of a venomous snake in our school grounds. Our staff have taken the

opportunity to discuss this matter with the students. We will also be reviewing our emergency proce-

dures to ensure the safety of our staff and students.

Accessing the school facilities – I would like to take the opportunity to remind parents of the following

matters:

Entry to the classroom before school is via the classroom or office door;. Parents may also use the office

door for late arrivals and early departures;

The Staffroom door is for staff entry or P & C and Tuckshop volunteers when performing official school business. I ask that parents/carers refrain from using this door as a matter of WHS to en-

sure your own and all children’s safety;

A safety door has recently been installed as part of the Kindy upgrades to ensure the safety of our

children;

By using the main classroom and/or office entry points also reduces interruptions to student learn-

ing.

These safety measures and conditions of entry are in accordance with Education Queensland policy (see

below). If you have any queries relating to these matters please come and speak with myself.

Kindy Upgrades

During the end of term holidays Kindy upgrades to facilities were installed. Whilst a few minor works still

need to be carried out, the majority have been completed. The children now have a terrific ‘soft fall’ sur-

face on the playground, a step to assist with using the drink taps, safer door access, toilet upgrades, fenc-

ing and signage and kitchen storage. If you haven’t been in to check these out you will be impressed

with what has been done!!

Morning Routines & Homework

We have implemented a slight change to our morning rou-

tine to get our days off to a positive start. As the students

arrive at school the ‘Morning Jobs’ chart has been put in

place.

Feedback from staff and students has been overwhelming-

ly positive and rewards students for their efforts. A short

period of time spent doing something they enjoy has ‘put a smile on their dial’!

Oral Reporting

Oral reports will be available for parents to meet with me

on Monday and Tuesday of Week 7. Notes will be sent

home shortly regarding the available times and sessions

will last for approximately 15 minutes. For students achiev-

ing a ‘C’ or better in English, Mathematics or Science the

sessions are optional, however if your child is currently

tracking below a ‘C’ I encourage you to make an appoint-

ment. I look forward to reporting on your child’s progress.

P & C Meetings for Term 4

P & C Meeting - Tuesday, 31st October from 2:45 – 3:45pm in the Library

All P & C and staff are invited to reviewing of HSS Annual Improvement Plan on Wednesday, 15th

November (2:45-4:15) in the Library

P & C Meeting - Tuesday, 22nd

November from 2:45 – 3:45pm in the Library

.



Swimming Carnival

Unfortunately, due to the Cluster Swimming Carnival at Greenvale being postponed we were unable

to attend the following week. Whilst there were a small number of students wishing to participate in-

sufficient transport was available. I would like to thank the P & C for kindly donating $100 to the

Greenvale P & C to cover the costs of catering.

A review of the Dalrymple Schools Cluster Sports calendar of events is currently underway to ensure a

successful program and maximised student participation. Principals and communities of the respective

schools regularly provide feedback from each event. The carnivals are certainly a highlight of the year

and a fantastic opportunity to catch up with people from the other communities and renew our com-

petitive spirit. I welcome any suggestions you may have for any of the Cross-Country, Soccer, Athletics

and Swimming Carnivals.

Pool Party

In the final week of the Term 4 we have been invited to a ‘Pool Party’ with the

Pentland State School staff and students. Parents are welcome to attend as

well, so watch this space for more details. What a fantastic way to end the

school year!

That’s All folks!

Damien Pressley

Principal

Homestead State School

Swimming Lessons

Swimming is back on the calendar for Term 4 as part of the Physical Education

program. The lessons have been progressing wonderfully and the students are

to be commended for their excellent participation and behaviour. Lessons are

held each Thursday, departing at 12:30pm and leaving the Pentland Pool at

2:30pm. Thanks to the staff and parents who have assisted with transport and

supervision.

Snake safety at Homestead State School (see Page 9)



Around Our School

Congratulations! Kaye Griffiths, Jeanette Curtis and Jasper Epong have been chosen with the honour of representing the Homestead Community in the Queens Baton Relay which is part of the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games.

Homestead State School celebrated World Teachers Day on Friday the 27th of October. This gave all of us the opportunity to thank the hard-working teaching staff at our school and to let them know just how much they are appreciated.

World Teachers Day! Student Awards Mia— fantastic achievement with her Sight Words Makayla—Great maths problem solving strategies Darcy– Great maths problem solving strategies Denzel– Excellent modelling and sharing of maths strategies Megan– Willing to try different maths strategies Dana– Great maths problem solving strategies Jasper– Terrific writing of a persuasive text Caleb– Excellent writing of persuasive response Tyler– Great reading



1 _________________

2_________________

3_________________

4_________________

5 ________________

6 Brodie McGill

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8 ________________

9_________________

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13 Henry Epong

14 Paisley

Johnson

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22 Kyle Ford

23 _______________

24 _______________

25________________

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27 Aneeta

Hafemeister

28________________

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On the 24th of October, Homestead State School held it’s first Kindy transition day for the term. Our pre-Kindy, Kindy and Prep children all took part in a range of fun and educational activities. We are all looking forward to an exciting 2018!

Thanks to everyone for supporting our Footy Colours Day which was held on 15 September. We raised a whopping $97 for cancer research which is awesome!



Our Kindy students have been doing lots of fun and educational activities which will assist them to transition into Prep in 2018. Mackaydee is pictured matching objects to numbers and using her fine motor skills to do this.



We continue to enjoy our swimming lessons at the Pentland Pool each Thursday. Tess Pemble has been our coach for many years and shares her knowledge and expertise to ensure all our students are equipped with the necessary skills to be safe and confident in the water.

On the 12th of October , veterinary staff from the Charters Towers Veterinary Clinic visited our school to educate our students on the importance of caring for pets. They answered many questions from the students and gave us lots of interesting and helpful information to help us all to be responsible pet owners.

Mia’s VERY hungry caterpillar, representing the days of the week!



Our recent working bee has revamped our wonderful school and one of our past students has kindly volunteered to complete the latest beautification activities. Thank you Amber for doing such a wonderful job! Homestead State School has always been known for the pride we take in our school and we could not achieve this without all the important volunteers, students and staff over many years who have helped and who continue to help present our school as the exceptional facility it is.

On the 25th of October, Homestead State School had a visit from Rhoda Smith, the Safety and Rescue officer from Thalanga Mine. Rhoda was here to educate our students about snake safety, and more importantly how to treat a snake bite. This was a very interesting and informative presentation. The students learnt how to practice their new skills on fellow class mates (and Mrs Staub!). They learnt the importance of keeping their patient calm before medical attention arrives and that they can improvise with different objects and materials if they do not have the proper bandages and equipment on hand.



The Homestead State School P&C Association held a General Meeting on Tuesday the 31st of October 2017. Thank you to all who attended. We are investigating all options involved with installing an ablution block at our school which will benefit all collaborative events held at our school in the future. The bike/scooter shed is to be purchased before the end of the school year and we are concentrating on catering for the phenomenal event coming to our school which is the Queens Baton Relay in March 2018. Very exciting!

We will be very busy catering for the Melbourne Cup Luncheon being held at the Homestead Community Hall on Tuesday the 7th of November. This is always a great opportunity for everyone near and far around the Homestead Community to catch up and enjoy a lovely social event together. This event is not limited to the ladies of course, gentlemen are also invited and children are always welcome and catered for. Flyers have been sent out. Cost is $5 per adult and primary school aged children and under are free.

A big shout out to our volunteers who cater for our tuckshop. A teacher who was recently allocated here for the day told our students that out of all the schools she works at in Charters Towers and district, Homestead State School has the BEST tuckshop available. Not only is tuckshop a big hit with students, staff and visitors, it is a fantastic and effective fundraiser for our P&C.

Our Footy Tipping BBQ was held at the Homestead Community Hall recently and was a fun night, enjoyed by all. We congratulate all of the winners and give our Lifetime Member, Jeanette Curtis, a huge and sincere thank you for administrating this fundraiser. We all cannot wait for the next footy season!

The Homestead State School P&C Association is a dedicated group of parents and citizens who are committed to contributing towards building our school community. By doing this we are all making our school a happier and more connected place. Our next General Meeting will be our final for the year, with the date to be advised. All are welcome to attend, we hope to see you there!



Homestead Progress Association

The Homestead Progress Association held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 7 September. The committee is:

President – Jon Griffiths Vice President – Mick Curtis Treasurer – Jeneve Barnicoat Secretary – Jeanette Curtis

The date for the Community Christmas Tree will be Saturday 9 December. Please keep an eye out for the Santa present list in your mailbox. These need to be returned to Jeanette by the Friday 10 November.

Thanks , Jeanette Curtis Secretary

Everyone is invited to purchase tickets in a

magnificent Christmas prize package donated

by Jenny Deal from Hughenden.

Tickets—$1 each

Available—Homestead State School Office

Drawn—Tuesday, 5th December (Presentation Night)

Thank you very much Jenny for this wonderful gesture, our Student Council is very excited for this opportunity to fundraise for our school.

1 _________________

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4 Kayden Pemble

5 _________________

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8 Tracey Ford

9_________________

10 Don Perks

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12 Deborah Albrecht

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15 Ricki Isabeth

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22 Sondra Epong

23 Sam Pryor

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25 Amber Curtis

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28 Bev Albrecht

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Calendar of Events

Newsletter Items:

An issue of the Homestead Headlines will be printed at the end of each month. Anyone wishing to place an article in the

‘Headlines’ must have their article in to the school by the Wednesday before printing.

Small articles can be emailed to [email protected]

Any additional flyers or inserts must be pre printed before submission.

The next issue will be printed on Friday the 30th of November 2017.

7th November— Kindy Orientation Day (8:30-1:00)

8th November—Prep Orientation Day (8:30-1:00)

21nd November—Kindy Orientation (8:30– 2:30)

22nd November—Prep Orientation (8:30– 2:30)

5th December (Tuesday)- Presentation Night (Starting at 6pm)

Homestead State School Uniform Policy

Homestead State School would like to remind everyone of our uniform policy. Students are required to wear a Homestead State School polo shirt, black shorts/skirt, white socks and a pair of closed in footwear (preferably joggers).

Girls are required to have their hair neatly tied back if it is shoulder length or longer and earrings are required to be either plain studs or sleepers. A sun safe hat is also required to worn by each student.

Absence notification process

Please remember to call the school on (07) 47876645 early in the morning if your child is going to be away or late for school so your child’s absence can be recorded correctly.

Same day notification

Our school will contact parents as soon as practicable on the day if a student is not at school and we don’t know why. If you are advised by the school that your child is away without a reason, please contact us as soon as possible by calling on (07) 47876645 to let us know where your child is. We will follow-up with parents if no response is received.

Documents

HOMESTEAD HEADLINES HOMESTEAD HEADLINES HOMESTEAD · As the end of year approaches our staff will be reviewing this year’s AIP and contribute to the formation of the 2018 ... the