25 August 2015

Newsletter Articles

Principal's Report

School Review

The Department of Education and Training introduced new performance reviews for Queensland state schools in 2015. These reviews are conducted every four years and last week we underwent our scheduled school review over three days. The reviews do not rate or compare schools but provide independent and quality feedback to help schools continue to improve outcomes for students. During their time at Jones Hill School, the three members of the review team spoke with staff, parents, community members and students. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this process. Your feedback is important and will help us continue to deliver a quality education to our students. We expect to receive the report in the next few weeks and it will be made available to parents and the community on the school's website.

Further information about school reviews is available from the department's website at:

Prep enrolment

Prep is the first year of school and provides the foundation for your child's education. It also provides a smooth transition into Year 1. Here at Jones Hill we provide an extensive and varied prep program delivered in a fun-filled, interactive environment. We welcome you or anyone you know with a prep child starting in 2016, to attend our pre-prep transition program which is designed to make your child feel safe and secure staring their first year of schooling. School tours are also available upon request. You can observe our current prep classrooms in action and find out more about our learning programs. During the tour you will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your child's needs.

At present we have almost two full classes of prep students for next year. If you are looking to enrol your child in our prep classes for 2016, please contact the office to secure a place.

Early entry to prep

Students starting prep next year need to be turning 5 by 30 June 2016. There is a process for those children who are younger than the prescribed age for Prep and they may be enrolled in Prep if:

• they turn 5 years by 31 July in the year of proposed attendance; and
• the principal is satisfied the child is ready for education in Prep, having regard to their attributes (including ability, aptitude, social and emotional competence, physical development, and level of knowledge and understanding).

If you believe your child will be ready for prep outside the cut-off date of 30 June 2016, please contact the office to book a meeting with Helen or myself to discuss the options.

For further information about starting prep you may like to visit the Queensland Government website; Preparing for Prep.

Wide Bay Athletic Trials

Good luck to all those competing in the Wide Bay Athletics Trials tomorrow. We know you have already put in a great deal of effort by attending all your training sessions. Here's hoping all your hard work pays off.

Crossing Supervisor

I am pleased to announce that the volunteer school crossing guard previously advertised, will now be a paid position as of October 6, 2015. If you or anyone you know feels that they possess the qualities to be a crossing guard please read the document links below. Applications must be received by Wednesday September 2.

Regards,
James Watt
Principal

Deputy Principal's Report

Jump Rope for Heart

Heart Foundation Jump Rope for Heart is all about teaching kids how to keep fit and healthy, which is certainly happening here at Jones Hill School. The Jump Rope for Heart Jump Offs last Wednesday, have seen the students working extremely hard in HPE classes as well as practising diligently at home. I have witnessed some amazing skipping, both individually and in groups. I am very proud of the student's efforts and it has been a pleasure to watch them have so much fun. Thank you to Mr McEnery for organising and co-ordinating this worthwhile fundraiser. All sponsorship money should be given in at the office or transferred on line (via the Heart foundation link www.heartfoundation.org.au/jumprope in the 'kids join now' button, by the end of this week. The school has raised $2399 to date! Excellent effort everyone. Funds raised go towards research to help the fight against heart disease and stroke.

Book Week

Each year, schools and public libraries across Australia spend a week celebrating books and Australian authors and illustrators. This year Book Week theme is Books light up our world. Mrs Hurren and I have been busy organising our costume for next week's Book Week parade. We encourage all students to dress up for the grand parade on Thursday 27 August. Parents are most welcome to join in the fun at 9:00 am on the bottom oval. The children will then have a delightful time during the day exploring many new books with the help of the ladies from the Gympie Regional Library.

Pre-Prep

Last Friday morning the pre-prep students from Goodstart Early Learning Centre joined us in a fun musical experience with our music teacher Mrs Falk. The children enjoyed making music with a range of percussive instruments than sang and danced their way through musical games and activities. The session was a highly positive experience for all the children.

Starting prep can be a challenging time for your child but you can make the transition easier by attending our pre-prep program activities. All 2016 prep students in the Gympie area are welcome to join in our pre-prep transition program. Our next session is another music lesson next Friday 28 August. A full list of program dates can be found at the end of this newsletter. Please call our office on 5489 0555 to book in. You may also like to take the opportunity to book in for a tour of the school as well.

Spring Festival

A reminder to keep Friday 9 October free for all family members and friends to join us for our annual Spring Festival. Come down and help us celebrate the arrival of Spring and enjoy our many displays and activities. Whatever you are interested in, we will have it: baby animals petting zoo, arts & crafts, tractors, bush poet, hot rod cars, bees, emergency service and community displays, alpacas and chainsaw sculpting just to name a few! We encourage all mums, dads and grandparents to enter our competitions. We are looking for the Dad who can make the best cake using a packet mix (no cheating… mums are definitely not allowed to help!) Mums, we are looking for those who have amazing construction skills. You can use them to build any object out of any material. We are looking forward to some interesting and bizarre works of art. Children can enter many categories of competitions including the wearable art and spring hat sections. The students will take part in a parade at the end of the day to display their creations. Further information will be coming out over the next few weeks explaining in more detail all events and activities for our fun filled festival.

P&C Fundraising

In most schools it's the tireless volunteers of the P&C who spend endless hours raising the extra money used for necessary resources to improve the learning outcomes and school life of our students. The P&C members of our school are the most dedicated and hardworking committee I've had the pleasure to work with. Please help support them by volunteering your time, donating goods when required or simply buying a raffle ticket.

Our Father's Day stall is on Tuesday 1 September. If you can help out on the stall please let us know. Students will have the opportunity to visit the stall in class groups throughout the day. Items will be priced between 50cents and $6.00.

Volunteers are still needed for the Bunnings BBQ fundraising day. The shifts are only 2 hours long. If you can't help out, why not bring Dad down and shout him a sausage and a cold drink while you shop for a gift for Father's Day in Bunnings?

Drakes Supa IGA Community Rewards

On Tuesday last week, Carmel Window and I had the pleasure of accepting a cheque from the Drakes Supa IGA Rewards Program, during a morning tea held at the store. We would like to thank everyone at Drakes Supa IGA for their generous donation to our school. To help raise funds for our school at Drakes Supa IGA just drop by the office and pick up a key tag. Simply swipe the tag at the checkout every time you make a purchase from the store and start earning easy money for our school to put towards more resources for our students.

Relay for Life

The Jones Hill Relay for Life teams will be holding a family photoshoot day on Sunday 6 September. This would make a wonderful Father's Day gift! Please see further on in the newsletter for more details. All funds raised go to the Cancer Council to aid in research and prevention programs.

German Cafe

Year 6 German students have been having fun learning new German words by running a German café. The are making their orders in German and also taking turns at being a German waiter/waitress. The students have been putting together some very interesting café menus in German. This is a fantastic fun activity that is improving the students' German speaking skills. Wunderbar!

Kind Regards,
Helen Grogan
Deputy Principal

Events Calendar

TERM 3 DATE CLAIMERS
27 August	Book Week Dress Up Day
1 September	P&C Father's Day Stall
4 September	P&C Father's Day Raffle Drawn
5 September	P&C Bunnings BBQ Fundraiser
6 September	Family Photo Relay Fundraiser
9 September	GSHS Parent Information Evening 6pm to 7pm
17 September	P&C Footy Tipping Money Due
18 September	Last day of Term 3 – Term 4 resumes Tuesday 6 October Non Uniform Day
9 October	Spring Festival

Thumbs Up Certificates

Parade Friday 28 August at 9:00am in the Hall

20 TOKENS: Maverick E (3G), Mackenzie W (3B), Jemeika W (4L), Cody B, Harry, B, Jed C, Aurora W, Cortney W (PJM)

40 TOKENS: Mia C, Kyan M, Lachlan H (3G), Bailee G, Jayden H, Finley L (1C), Eli R (1B), Drajon D, Harry M (1B), Kadin E (6C), Ebony B, Mason D, Lara D, Logan G, Ava M, Hannah W, Mitchell W, Harry D, Lilly S, Jessie V, Jemeika W (4L), Alex W (6K), Steele B, Manny C, Sienna C, Lincoln G, Rhianna M Joel R, Brock S (PJM), Flynn O (5N)

60 TOKENS: Elijah H (3G), Kayla B, Narayan H, Ethan L, Harry P, Mikaylah S (3B), Micah H (1C), Lincoln S (2S), Kasja L, Jack T, Thomas B (2N), Hayden B (6C), Harry D, Cooper R (6K), Ella O (PJM), Taylah S, Kira S, Olivia M, Isabella M (5N)

80 TOKENS: Chloe B (3G), Brodie F (3B), Kate F, Lainey W (1B), Taylor R (5N)

100 TOKENS: Grace P (3G)

Gympie District Track & Field Championships

Certificates given out on parade this Friday.

FIRST: Sophie S – Girls 12 years High Jump; Tully M – Boys 10 years Long Jump, Boys 10 years Discus.

SECOND: Tia M – Girls 11 years Discus, Girls 11 years Shot Put; Harry D – Boys 12 years Discus; Emily B – Girls 10 years Multi Event; Corben B – Boys 11 years 800m; Aurora D – Girls 11 years High Jump.

THIRD: Emma V – Girls 11 years High Jump; Serenity P – Girls 10 years Shot Put; Hayden S – Boys 10 years Shot Put.

Music Awards

Certificates to be given out on parade this Friday

Second place in Small Instrumental Strings Ensemble at the Eisteddfod - Hayden B, Charlotte K, Elisabeth Y, Harry D and Makayla F

First place in Small Instrumental Ensemble at the Eisteddfod – Emily L, Zanthe F, Alex W, Makayla F, Taylor R, Charlotte K, Grace P, Mackenzie K, Taylah S, Olivia M, Serenity P, Aurora D and Kirra S

Second place in Small Instrumental Percussion Ensemble at the Eisteddfod – Tegan K, Emily L, Zanthe F, Alex W, Eliza B, Takira C, April G, Emma V and Makayla F

Principal's Award

Presented on parade August 14

• Ella O and Tyler R - counting and giving their best effort to learning (PJM)
• Tyler R and Cooper W – great rhyming sentences (PJM)
• Isabella P – beautiful Handwriting (PCM)
• Scarlett H – outstanding Behaviour (PCM)
• Travis J and Bradley C – good work on writing interesting sentences (1B)
• Casey J – great reading with Ms Coates (1B)
• Jayden R – consistent hard worker in all areas, great results (1C)
• Oliviah W – great attitude and effort in class (2S)
• Deacon M – improving his attitude and work ethic (2S)
• Taya J – diary writing of circus things (2S)
• Angel B – algebra Questions completed in year 2 (2S)
• Travis N – interesting report on snakes (2S)
• Jordan A and Tiana K – wonderful progress in their reading (2N)
• Chloe B – outstanding bookwork (3G)
• Shelby D – writing excellent sentences with extended noun and verb groups (3G)
• Isabelle W – taking a lot of care with her work and making wonderful progress with Reading Comprehension (3B)
• Ethan H – so enthusiastic during History activities and doing his best to improve his handwriting (3B)
• Riley L and Angus P – improved skipping for Jump Rope for Heart – (4L)
• Caleb H and Madeline D – reading a very funny book to Mrs Walters and Mrs Grogan (4R)
• Kirra-Lee P – making a commitment to learning her poem (4/5W)
• Georgia F – for her compassion when working in class groups (4/5W)
• Taylah S – shining in everything you do in class (5N)
• Emily S – working exceptionally hard in maths and believing in herself (5N)
• Lachlan H – fantastic effort to improve his writing (6C)
• Tiana H – consistent positive attitude to learning in maths (6K)

Presented on parade August 21

• Cooper R – cooperating well with his peers and school staff and having a positive attitude towards learning (6K)
• Mia W – always respectful towards others and supportive of her peers (6K)
• Josh R – contributing to good relationships and learning by using his initiative to do jobs in the classroom without being asked (6C)
• Jarrod B – greatly improved attitude towards his learning and becoming an independent learner (6C)
• Jordan B and Charlotte K – always working well (5N)
• 4L and Mr Littler – for doing a great job (given by the Relief Teacher)
• Caitlin A – always being respectful and responsible in the learning environment (4/5W)
• Kaitlyn V – for an excellent attitude to learning (4/5W)
• Seth Z – for great artwork (PCM)
• Everleigh T and Eli H – writing great rhyming sentences (PCM)
• Scarlet P – good effort and improvement with diary writing (1B)
• Layna C – beautiful handwriting and effort with writing tasks (1B)
• Finley L – working hard to improve in her reading (1C)
• Cooper H and Tahni R – great writing (1C)
• Abbie W and Annabell A – very good enthusiasm and interest in class measurement activities in maths (2S)
• Keira H – great maths work (2S)
• Tristen F – great work constructing a worm farm (2N)
• Tayla H and Lara B - great rotations work (2N)
• Toby L – great reading to Mrs Grogan (2N)
• Wyatt D – working hard to achieve his goals and working neatly and carefully (3B)
• Campbell G – writing a great story (3B)
• Kyan M – trying very hard and progressing very well in reading (3G)
• Ryan F – providing excellent example and explanations related to sources of heat and the transfer of heat (3G)
• Grace P, Chloe B, Toby M, Shelby D – great work on their Aboriginal art (3G)
• Shanae K – being a quiet achiever and always working hard (4R)
• Kaydee P – trying her absolute hardest in all areas (4R)

Spring Festival

Jones Hill Spring Festival is on Friday 9 October. Information on the Festival is on the attached flyer. We are seeking donations for the raffle at the end of the day. These items could include gardening products eg. seeds/plants/watering cans/garden decoration/tools/books or any other sustainable pieces. Please leave donations at the office.

We are giving ice block vouchers to the class who donate the most prizes.

Raffle tickets will be going home to sell soon.

Air Conditioning Meeting

A meeting is to be held in the staffroom at 3:15pm on Wednesday 26 August to discuss air conditioning. If you have any suggestions or a simply interested in the school becoming air conditioned, please don't hesitate to come along.

Kind Regards
Tammy Pengelly
Business Services Manager

Spring Festival Sponsorship

Any businesses wishing to sponsor the Spring Festival, please contact the school for further details. There are different levels of sponsorship available.

Book Week Celebrations

Traditionally, as part of our Book Week celebrations, we have a Dress Up day. The theme for this year's Book Week is 'Books Light Up Our World'. Your Dress Up theme can be a favourite book character or something innovative based on the Book Week theme.

When: Thursday August 27
What: Dress Up and celebrate Book Week.

Classes assemble on the oval or in the hall (depending on the weather) at 9.00am. Everyone has a chance to appreciate the costumes and take photographs. Dress Up and join in the fun!!

P&C News

POSITION VACANT

JHSS P&C are in need of a new Uniform convenor. Our current convenor is retiring at the end of the year, as this is her last year at the school. The job will entail ordering uniforms, talking with suppliers and selling on a weekly basis. Jill would like the opportunity to train someone between now and the end of the year. This is a volunteer position and you would be helping out our school community. If you would like to help out please contact Jill phone mobile 0408064744 or email pandc@jonehill.eq.edu.au

FATHER'S DAY RAFFLE

Once again we will be sending a small booklet of raffle tickets home for each family to sell. Raffle tickets have been sent out to the eldest in each family. We have an amazing selection of prizes to win in our Father's Day Raffle.

1. Spotters Cool Pack - Spotter's drink cooler x2, Spotter's cap, 1.25 lt coke, plain chips, Burger Rings & Dominos Pizza Voucher
2. Spotter's Cool Pack - Spotter's drink cooler x 2 Spotter's visor x2, 1.25 lt coke, Salt & Vinegar chips, Cheese & Bacon Balls & a Beefy's Pies voucher
3. Engel Pack - Engel backpack, Engel drink cooler, Gunabul cap, Gunabul golf towel, Gunabul Voucher for bucket of balls for driving range, 1.25lt coke, Salt & vinegar chips, cheese Twisties & Beefy's Pies voucher
4. Bunnings Gift Voucher

Tickets are $1 and will be drawn at parade on Friday 4th September. Please ensure your tickets and money are returned to the office by Thursday 3rd September.

We would like to send a huge thank you to all above mentioned business' for their kind donations towards our raffle.

FATHER'S DAY STALL

Our Father's day stall will be held on Tuesday 1 September. All classes will be given the opportunity to visit the stall to purchase something. Items will range from 50cents to $6.00.

If you are able to help out on the stall, even just for an hour please contact Sasha on 0409 429 242

BUNNINGS BBQ

Our next BBQ is on Saturday 5th September. Helpers are still needed. Please leave your name at the office or contact Denise on 0437 024 441 or Sasha on 0409 429 242 if you can spare a couple of hours.

NON UNIFORM DAY

There will be a non-uniform day on the last day of this term, Friday 18th September.

Our theme for this day is BLACK & WHITE WITH A MOUSTACHE!!!

Gold coin donation for dressing up please.

FOOTY TIPPING COMPETITION

As the footy season is quickly coming to a close it is now time for those people who are in our Jones Hill NRL Footy Tipping Competition to please pay your $25 tipping fee. Please place money in the P&C box in the office. If you have already paid, thank you.

SPRING FESTIVAL HELPERS NEEDED

The P&C will be running a food stall at the Spring Festival on Friday October 9. We will be selling Hamburgers, sausages on bread and drinks. If you able to help us on this day, even if only for a short while please contact Carmel on 0418810850.

Relay for Life

Jonesy's 5 Cent Challenge

This is the final week for our 5 cent challenge. Next Monday is the last day. The winners will be announced on parade next week, Friday September 4. No totals will be read on parade this week.

Family Photo Day

Chocolate Donations

We are seeking donations of multi pack mini chocolates for our on-site fundraiser at the Relay for Life. Please drop all donations to the school office.

Woolworths Earn & Learn

GSHS Year 7 Parent Information Evening

Wednesday 9th September 6pm to 7pm – Junior Secondary Building – Everson Road

Chaplaincy Fundraiser

On the 3, 4, 5 October - the long weekend – the Mary Valley Local Chaplaincy Committee and local community members, are hosting the inaugural 'Trailblazers' Horse Ride. This ride goes over the 3 days, taking riders through our beautiful forest areas west of Imbil and up behind Borumba Dam, camping each night at a lovely spot on 'Glen Idle'.

The proceeds of this ride go towards supporting the chaplain in your school, and for this reason we are encouraging the school community to get behind the venture.

There will be a variety of ways you can help. Currently, we have showers, but are looking for some camping en suites to provide privacy for the showers at the base camp. If you can lend us one, please contact Ken Ward on 0428605393.

GYMPIE GOLD FINS SWIMMING CLUB - SIGN ON

"Come and Join the Gympie Gold Fins Swimming Club. Our sign on will be held on Monday, 14 September from 3:30 – 5 pm in the Clubhouse at the Gympie Memorial Pool. We have a range of swimmers from Recreational to Competitive. We offer a family friendly environment so come and discover your inner swimmer and stay fit and healthy. The club offers two (2) come and try nights for any swimmer interested in joining.

For further information please phone Minette on 0429 820 332, or Kylie on 0419 655 567 or visit our website www.gympiegoldfins.org.au ."