BayView State School - Term 1, Week 6

Principal, Mr David Cooke

Good afternoon BayView community

We are now halfway through the term and on the downhill slide into the holidays.  This however means that teachers are gearing up for assessment for the learning the students have engaged in this term.

Please have discussions with your child about how they are going with their learning and use the curriculum overviews you have been sent by your classroom teacher to base your discussion on.  Retelling and reviewing content at home with parents can have a huge impact on how students perform during their assessments.  It is also important to note that the summative assessments are a point in time reflection of what students can demonstrate what they know based on what they have learnt.

I would also encourage parents and guardians to focus conversations on trying your best and having a go rather than focusing on the grade.  Staying relaxed is important in accessing the knowledge you have and being able to demonstrate on a test or assignment. 

I had the privilege to see some of our Touch Football teams playing last Friday in the local Redlands competition.  Thank you firstly to Mr Bennett for your advocacy for this to happen and also thank you to those parents who have taken on coach and manager roles.  The students that I saw playing were great representatives of the school and played really well.  I also joined to training this week and coached the under 10 boys.  I'm looking forward to seeing them use the skills we learnt on Tuesday in their game. 

Following consultation with staff and reviewing our four-year plan below, is a snap shot of our four key priorities for 2024.  These are the strategies that we believe will have the greatest impact on student outcomes, staff development and the community.  The full document will be posted to our school website as soon as it has been signed by our P&C president and my School Supervisor. 

1. Whole school approach to literacy instruction that is quality assured for consistency of practice.
2. Embed visible learning as a key strategy for student academic improvement
3. Implement opportunities for staff collegial engagement, further enhancing school wide agreed priorities leading to improved student outcomes.
4. Implement a multi-tiered approach to intervention and case management to support improved academic and social emotional outcomes for all learners

This term we our school will be engaging with a School Review.  Every four years, state schools are reviewed by a panel of external reviewers and principal peers to look for opportunities for growth, while also providing commendations for the work our staff are currently engaging in.  This year our review is being held March 12 – 14 and as part of the review, you may receive a call from one of the review team who will ask you some questions to help guide their review. 

Following the review, we will be seeking interested parents or carers who would like to work with the staff and the school to unpack the review document and formalise a four-year strategic plan for BayView.  Please consider volunteering for this opportunity as working together as a community is an important part of how we improve as a school.

Parent communication with your student’s teacher is an integral part of a great classroom environment.  If you would like to see your child’s teacher to discuss a matter, please email a request to the teacher to arrange a time that is suitable to both parties.  It’s important to remember that students start in class at 8.30am and this is not the best time to try and have a conversation as the teacher is working to get the morning routine started. 

I understand  that from time to time there is a need to discuss an issue with the school that is affecting your child’s learning or wellbeing.  Concerns should be discussed openly and respectfully and should be focussed on working together to find a positive solution.  Initially if you have a concern relating to your child or an incident that has occurred at school, your first port of call should be an email to your class teacher. 

If you feel that you need greater clarification or assistance, please email or call the school to make an appointment to speak with a leadership team member.  Please remember that this is a busy school, so booking an appointment time will guarantee you have the full attention of the staff member you would like to meet so we can work together to resolve the issue.

Have an amazing weekend and I am definitely looking forward to the start of the Rugby League season and hoping that the Parramatta Eels can bring home a premiership.

David

Deputy Principal, Mrs Whalley

Prep 2025 Enrolments

Our Enrolments for Prep next year will open on Tuesday 16 April.  Parents are welcome to collect an Enrolment Application Pack from Corporate Services.

Out-of-catchment Applications will be an online registration process via our website.

Fruit Snack

We have a number of students coming to school without fruit for fruit break.   Could all families please remember to pack a fruit snack for their child everyday.

After School Pick up

I would like to remind all parents that, as the school bell goes at 2.40pm, all students should be collected by 2.55pm if they are not attending afternoon sport/choir.  If you are unable to collect your child, then other arrangements should be made.  Not only is this for the safety of your child, but it also allows the office staff to complete their end of day work.

The back gate no longer has staff on duty afterschool, so it is recommended for any young students to use kiss and ride as there are staff supporting this area.

Mrs Whalley

Deputy Principal (Acting), Ms Jess Carson

NAPLAN

NAPLAN Update

Yesterday our Year 3 & 5 students had a very successful NAPLAN practice in their classrooms. Students were able to experience the online environment to further familiarise themselves with the NAPLAN online assessment.

Students will continue to work on further familiarisation activities with their class teachers through the NAPLAN Public Demonstration site. https://www.nap.edu.au/naplan/public-demonstration-site

To ensure your student is able to participate successfully in the NAPLAN assessments (March 13-25) please ensure the below have been finalised:

• iPad software update to IOS 17.3
• Download NAP Locked Down Browser on student iPad
• Ensure to have a pair of headphones at school for learning everyday
• Ensure iPads are charged and brought to school for learning everyday

Students whose iPads are not configured appropriately for the test environment may need to complete their NAPLAN assessments in a catch-up session during the NAPLAN testing window.  

If you would like further information or support with NAPLAN please contact Carly Blyth – Head of Department Curriculum cblyt29@eq.edu.au

Head of Curriculum, Mrs Carly Blyth

Students in Year 3 and Year 5 at BayView State School will be participating in NAPLAN assessments from Wednesday 13 March - Friday 25 March.

All Year 3 and Year 5 classes will be participating in a NAPLAN practice on Friday 1 March.  This will help students feel familiar and confident in the online testing environment. The practice assessment results are not recorded.

About the NAPLAN Assessment:

• The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year.
• NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national standards.
• NAPLAN is just one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process. It does not replace ongoing assessments made by teachers about student performance, but it can provide teachers with additional information about students’ educational progress.
• NAPLAN also provides schools, education authorities and governments with information about how education programs are working and whether young Australians are achieving important educational outcomes in literacy and numeracy.
• See the types of questions and tools available in the online NAPLAN assessments at the public demonstration site.
• Please find further information regarding NAPLAN assessments attached to this email and at the National Assessment Program Website:  https://nap.edu.au/naplan

Please contact me if you require further information regarding NAPLAN assessments.

Carly Blyth

Head of Inclusion, Mrs Skye Sitcheff

Supporting Diverse Learners

Creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all students is integral to learning.

The educational needs and way of learning for students on the autism spectrum are often different to their neurotypical peers. It’s therefore vital that teachers adapt teaching practices, learning environments and programs to help support autistic students achieve their best outcome. Below you will find links to some evidence-based resources for both parents and educators to help support those needs.

Communicating with the school

Building a positive relationship with your child’s school community is the foundation for your child to flourish at school. There are different ways to do this; some of them are more formal with written education and behaviour plans that are very structured. Others are less so, with lots of informal conversations and support for your child that is not dictated by process. Either way, there are three critical factors for a positive relationship:

• A regular, clear and transparent exchange of information between you and your child’s teachers.
  
  
• Ensure that mutually agreed goal setting (whether they be big or small) is part of your child’s ongoing development.

Build relationships with other key school staff such as Support Learning Officers, office administrative staff, deputies and principles etc. Both you and your child’s teachers need to discover how your child learns, and you need to do this together. What factors help or hinder your child’s capacity to learn? How do they learn in the classroom, in the playground, while playing sport, learning music or doing art? This is a gradual and evolving process that will also change as your child grows. Some things will work, and others won’t. It won’t all be smooth sailing. When things go awry, make sure problems are addressed quickly and openly. When goals are achieved make sure they are celebrated. Remember you are your child’s greatest advocate and champion.

Educational advocacy & rights

We recognise that sometimes, even with the best mindset and investigation, it still might be a challenging process to find a school that best meets your child’s individual needs. There are some valuable sources for information and educational advocacy in case families need extra support and counsel.

Guidance Officer (Acting), Ms Meg Hunt

Sports News, Mr Beasley & Mr Bennett

Music News, Amy Ellis & Tracey Holmes

Last call for choir members. No new members will be able to join after Friday 8^th March (Week 7).

Junior Choir – Prep and Year 1 (not starting until Term 4)

Intermediate Choir – Years 2 and 3

BayView Voices – Years 4, 5 and 6

Rehearsal Times

BayView Voices – Years 4, 5 and 6

• Rehearsals will be held after school every Tuesday from 2:45 – 3:20pm. Meet at the music room.
• Contact person – Miss Ellis aelli119@eq.edu.au

Intermediate Choir – Years 2 and 3

• Rehearsals will be held after school every Thursdayfrom 2:45 – 3:20pm. Meet at the music room.
• Contact person – Miss Ellis aelli119@eq.edu.au

Drama, Mrs Deb Bowe

Welcome to the wonderful, expressive, and exciting world of DRAMA at Bayview State School in 2024!

In Semester 1, our Year 3 to 6 students have been studying Drama as a specialist subject once a week. They have truly immersed themselves in the creative world of the Arts – engaging in freeze frames, improvisations, mime, and games to teach the Elements of Drama in a fun, engaging and inclusive way. Their final assessment pieces in Term 2 for reporting purposes will closely align with the curriculum they are currently studying in class in both English and Humanities and Social Sciences.

We all started the year by learning about emotions and how our body language and facial expressions can be used to portray our feelings to others. We learned about the concept of empathy, and used role play and improvisation to model how we could understand and support friends in need. We linked this to the ‘Zones of Regulation’ which is part of the social-emotional curriculum that we practise across the school.

In Term 1, our Year 3 and 4 students have been learning about different time periods in history, from the Ancient Egyptians and First Nations people of Australia, to the Gold Rush, to the Cowboys and Indians of the Wild West, right through to the Space Age of the 60s and 70s. Our students are creating freeze frames, re-enacting historical events, engaging in role-play, and stepping into the shoes of characters from different time periods, actively applying the Elements of Drama to create engaging scenes.

In Term 1, our Year 5 and 6 students have been learning about sustainability and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development goals. They have researched climate change, and are working collaboratively to create a play that addresses such a significant global environmental issue. Students are using improvisation, scripting, and are refining their performances to gain a deep understanding of the Elements of Drama. This has allowed them to internalise the significance of Drama in conveying important messages across cultures, times, and contexts.

I am absolutely loving the opportunity to see our children develop their confidence, creativity, and resilience. They are working both individually, and collaboratively, to express their ideas, and demonstrate their learning in a safe and fun environment. We have a culture that is based around a strict Drama contract that all students have agreed to, an open space that allows for a lot of movement and games that teach dramatic skills, self-control, trust, confidence, and a whole lot of fun and laughter along the way!

It has been a brilliant start to the year, and I can’t wait to see how much further our incredible students can progress. In semester 2, the program will switch to students from Prep to Year 2, along with our Year 5/6 Diamond class. I can’t wait to see them all in action!

Here is some early feedback from our amazing Year 3-6 BayView Drama students:

“I love it and it’s a great idea to teach Drama at BayView because we learn more this way and can act things out.” (Sophie, Year 4)

“It’s a good, fun learning environment.” (Dane, Year 6)

“I like Drama because it shows your personality.” (Scarlett, Year 3)

“It’s a fun, safe environment to be in an acting role.” (Maya, Year 6)

“It really engages our inner feelings.” (Titan, Year 4)

“Drama is like creating a whole new world while we are at school.” (Amber, Year 6)

“I love doing freeze frames and all the fun dancing.” (Sunday, Year 4)

“I love that we get to be physical inside the classroom so much.” (Oliver, Year 6)

“The games are so fun!” (Chase, Year 4)

“We get to learn new dramatic techniques.” (Koby, Year 3)

“I think Drama is a ‘learning and having fun at the same time’ experience. Mrs Bowe should become a Drama teacher at a real Drama place, just a suggestion.” (Layla, Year 6)

“It makes me happy because you get to move around.” (Evie, Year 5)

 “Drama means I can immerse myself into another place, as another person, and have fun.” (Hudson, Year 6)

“I like Drama because I like the acting.” (Skylar Year 5)

“It’s like facing your fears in a safe way, but being able to show people that you can be good at other things that they wouldn’t expect you to be good at.” (Jackson, Year 6)

“It’s an amazing subject because I learn so much to help me, and I am now doing Drama classes with my Bayview friends outside school.” (Symphony, Year 4)

“I love that we get to do fun activities while we are learning.” (Manaswini, Year 6)

“I think Drama opens your imagination and helps with getting into B-Factor. A class where I can do performing like this is a dream come true and our teacher Mrs Bowe is awesome at being our Drama teacher. It’s just amazing!” (Arthur, Year 5)

“I get to be someone else and express my feelings.” (Lilli, Year 6)

“I get to spend time with my friends, act things out and have fun!” (Ruby, Year 4)

“I get to express my feelings in a safe environment.” (Jayden, Year 6)

Here’s to an amazing year ahead! Yours in all things dramatic and fun, Mrs Bowe 😊

Drama Fun!

Classroom News

Enhancing Student Wellbeing

1 Violet have been learning about the Zones of Regulation during their Wellbeing Wednesday sessions.

As part of this, students thought about the feelings that fall outside the 'Green Zone' (where they are calm, focused and ready to learn) and identified which emotion (and zone) they often feel at school which makes it difficult from them to learn. 

As a class students explored range of strategies that might help them get back into the 'Green Zone', such as breathing, taking a drink of water, big body movements, talking to a teacher or friend. Additionally, based on their identified feeling, students spent time with me making their own sensory tool which they have access to in our 'Zen Zone' (a calm space within the classroom).

Here are some photos of their amazing creations to support them with the following feelings:

Blue Zone - Sad/homesick: Memory bag (for a loved one to add a familiar/comforting smell and special message of love)

Blue Zone - Worried: Worry worm (to share their worries with)

Blue Zone - Tired - Activity book to use at break times as a reminder to conserve energy when coming to school tired. 

Yellow Zone - Wriggly: fidget ring with rubber bands, nuts or beads

Yellow and Red Zone: Frustrated then furious: stress ball

Students are learning how to use these items as tools (just like a hammer or saw) which can help you complete a particular task at a particular time, rather than a toy which, if used at the wrong time, may cause distraction.

Photos from 1 Violet - Wednesday Wellbeing!

1 Teal made a delicious pattern with fruit kebabs for maths today. After that, they shared what the repeated pattern was.  Fruit Salad!  Yummy!  Yummy!

Photos from 1 Teal - Math Fruit Kebabs!

PBL - Positive Behaviour for Learning

Students have been excited to welcome in our new Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) reward system. Each class have been busy collecting tokens and working together for individual, class and a whole school rewards.

We asked some students what they thought of the new system.

"It's great and awesome because it's easier to achieve and they can never be taken away from you" - Archie, Year 3

"I got nine today. I really want to get ten tomorrow." - Sienna, Year 5

"I have ten tokens today so I will get a prize!" - Jevyn, Year 3

Have your children been talking about our new PBL reward system? If you would like to give feedback, or join our PBL parent community, please contact Sabrina Tully at stull20@eq.edu.au or Megan Hunt at mwarr56@eq.edu.au.

Be Responsible.  Be Respectful. 

Be Your Best Self.  Be Inclusive.

Student Leadership

Over the last few weeks the student leadership team have begun working on their leadership journey this year. They are aiming to raise funds to purchase equipment for the playground including activities and sporting gear. The student council hosted a “Pink” free dress day to farewell Mrs Pink and are hosting the Disco on 7 March so come along and support their efforts.

In week 5, the student leaders attended GRIP leadership where they focused on stepping up into leadership with almost 1000 other students. They explored how they can make a difference within their school community and the best may to have an impact. In week 6 they attended the Cluster Leadership Day with other local school to begin the planning for their goals for the year.

Well done to all of the leaders who demonstrated all of our BayView values while out and about.

Mrs Tully and Miss Labuschange

Corporate Services News

Advising the School of an  absence

If your child is absent without explanation, you will receive an SMS asking for a reason for their absence.  When replying, consider these handy hints.

• Please ensure you select the child’s name you are explaining an absence for.
• Please respond on the day (or following day) that you receive the SMS message.

If you would like to advise the school of an absence, please use one of the following methods:

• Phone the student absence line on 3206 5266
• Email absence@bayviewss.eq.edu.au
• Use QParents
• Please do NOT send an SMS message unless you are REPLYING to our message.

If you have any finance questions throughout the year, please contact our Business Manager, Vikki Lord vlord1@eq.edu.au.

We are happy to help with any queries regarding invoices, payment plans, financial hardship or general student account questions.

Voluntary Contributions

Parents are invited to participate in a Voluntary Resource Contribution Scheme of $100 per student per year. If you haven’t received a form, please contact Corporate Services admin@bayviewss.eq.edu.au.  These valuable contributions go directly towards the costs involved with providing your children with a wide range of Literacy, Numeracy, ICT and Creative Arts resources.

Fruit Snack

Students are encouraged to bring a piece of fruit from home every day to promote healthy eating.  Students will have a short break before 1^st break to enjoy their fruit snack.  We are always happy to accept donations of fruit.

Lost Property

Please ensure that all clothing, hats, drink bottles and lunch boxes are clearly named, so they can be returned to your child as soon as possible.  Our lost property trolley is located outside of Corporate Services each day.  (Please see photo below if you recognise some of our lost drink bottles!)

School Hats

A number of students come to school without their hat each day.  Please ensure that your child brings their school hat to school everyday.

Q Parents

We encourage ALL BayView families to join QParents as soon as possible.

Cafe News

• Disco on Thursday 7 March - our Café will be open from 4.15 until 6.30pm for sausage sizzle, drinks and frozen items, so bring the kids for a quick easy dinner option!  Cash and eftpos available.

• Easter meal deal is 15 March - please place orders online via Flexischools by 11pm next Thursday (7^th). No late orders can be accepted.

We would like to give a very big shout out to Jabiru who have very generously donated our sausages, bread and sauces for the school Disco on 7 March!  All Café profits go straight to the P&C who in turn support our school in various areas.  Thank you Jabiru – Alicia and team!

Uniform Shop

What's on at BayView

Community News

School zone safety – advice for motorists, parents and carers

With school back for 2024, we need to keep safety top-of-mind when travelling through active school zones and around our school community.

School zone times have been standardised in Queensland to help motorists remember when to slow down. The standard operating times for most school zones in Queensland are 7–9am and 2–4pm, with some operating all day between 7am–4pm.

Speeding remains a significant concern, contributing to fatalities and injuries, and police will be on the lookout for speeding motorists. Keeping below the signed speed limit in school zones helps keep everyone safe. This simple adjustment may have minimal impact on travel time but has the potential to significantly contribute to saving lives.

Children's crossings are identified by children's crossing flags, displayed near crossings before and after school hours. 

When the crossing is supervised, you, as a motorist, must:

• Wait until all pedestrians, bicycle riders, or personal mobility device riders have crossed the road and the crossing supervisor has returned to the footpath.
• Abide by the direction given by the School Crossing Supervisor.

Please keep our children safe by staying alert, slowing down and obeying our school crossing supervisors who are there to help kids cross the road safely.  

You can also help children become more road safety aware by:

• Showing them how to look for vehicles coming in and out of driveways and discourage them from playing behind parked cars, or with toys or balls when walking to school. 
• Ensuring your child knows the safest route to and from school. This is usually the way with the least traffic and the fewest roads to cross and teach your child to always walk on footpaths. 
• Showing your child how to cross at traffic lights when the green 'walk' sign is showing at pedestrian crossings when vehicles have stopped and at supervised school crossings when the supervisor has signalled it is safe to do so. 
• Accompanying children when walking or riding to school until they are old enough to understand road safety (usually around 10 years or older). 
• Teaching your child if they catch the bus to never cross in front of or behind a bus; wait until the bus goes before crossing the road. 
• Making sure wheeled devices (bicycle, scooter, skateboard, or rollerblades) used to travel to school are well maintained and that the appropriate protective and safety gear (for example, helmet, visible clothing, knee and elbow pads) are used. 

Visit the Street Smarts website for more information about what to do at pedestrian and children crossings.