2023 Term 1 Week 8
From the Principal's Desk
Welcome to the Week 8 edition of our school Newsletter. This fortnight has seen many activities happening around the school. Firstly, our Year 3 and 5 students have begun the National Assessment Programme - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN), having now completed assessments in Writing, Reading and Language Conventions. Our students completed these tests calmly and without any issues, with only Numeracy left to finish. Well done!
Our senior students completed their Leadership Camp at Barambah Environmental Education Centre as part of their leadership journey last week. Next up for these students is completion of their written application, followed by speeches and finally, interviews. This rigorous process is designed to develop our student leadership potential and to ensure our students become excellent role models and better prepared for high school.
Harmony Week is upon us again starting next Monday. This week is a national celebration, designed to recognise and celebrate the diverse range of backgrounds within our Australian community. It is about inclusivity, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. This year, the theme for Harmony Week is: Everyone belongs. To celebrate at Amamoor State School, we have recently painted our port racks outside the junior school, to which students will add their artworks during next week. Thank you to Mrs Alford and all the staff involved in this effort.
With temperatures continuing to be incredibly high, outside play at lunchtimes has needed to be limited. Staff ensure all students are well hydrated during the day, are wearing a hat and minimising sun exposure during the hottest parts of the day. Unfortunately, we could not attend swimming today due to the instructors being unavailable. Rest assured, swimming will be recommencing next week as scheduled.
With our Rewards/Fuzzy 'bucket' now full, students will be rewarded for positive behaviour with a 'Rewards Day.' Each class will discuss with their teacher what they would like to have as a reward, with one of the options drawn out next week. It is anticipated that our 'Reward Day' for Term 1 will be in Week 10. More information shortly!
Over the last month, students from Amamoor have been provided with a free cricket clinic, hosted by Nick from the Brisbane Heat. Students learnt a range of skills and at the final lesson, received a small gift pack. Thank you to everyone who attended. Still on sports, congratulations to Gracie, Brock, Declan, Deklin, Makayla, Maddie, Xanthe and Kirra for being selected in the District softball team. Training for this team will commence next Friday after school in Gympie. Meanwhile, our Annual Cross Country Carnival is quickly approaching. This event is scheduled to be held in Week 10, on Wednesday 29 March. Information for this event will be sent out early next week.
Recently, our school has received a couple of complaints about people parking cars across driveways and bus stopping areas during pick up times. While the car park can be a busy and congested area at pick up times, please ensure you always prioritise safety and respect for our neighbours. Thank you.
Next week will see teachers busy after school conducting Parent/Teacher interviews. These interviews provide an excellent opportunity for parents to discuss how their child is progressing; academically, socially and emotionally. If you have not been able to schedule an appointment, please get in touch with your child's teacher.
If you have recently changed address, phone number or email, please ensure you contact the school office to update your contact details. Likewise, please review the emergency contacts you have listed to ensure they are current with the School Office as well. It is imperative that these details are accurate if the school should need to contact you.
Take care and see you around the school!
Tony Benzie
Prep/1 Classroom
The above photo is the Amamoor State School feature article which is due to come out in the Gympie Today Newspaper (Online) in the near future...keep a look out!
2/3 Class
4/5/6 Class
NAPLAN Testing 2023
Students in Years 3 and 5 have been busy sitting this annual suite of tests at Amamoor State School. Again, our students have undertaken this task seamlessly, with no stress or anxiety around the testing schedule. We have already completed the Writing, Reading and Spelling/Grammar tests, with only Numeracy (Maths) left to finish next week. Congratulations to all of our students for working so well, and to our wonderful teachers for preparing the students for the range of testing. Results from these tests will be forwarded to the school and to parents later in the year. Please see below brochures for further information.
Fornightly Behaviour Focus
As you walk around our school, you will notice the brochure above outside classrooms. This is our fortnightly behaviour focus. Staff analyse behaviour each week, and if there is a particular area that needs attention, this becomes our focus for the following fortnight. Unfortunately, a few children have not been as courteous to others as they should be...hence, our new spotlight on this aspect of behaviour.
Around the Library
Kitchen/Garden Programme
This week our Prep/1 students did lots of weeding and clearing up around the gardens, ready for our new seedlings! They also cooked some yummy pikelets and enjoyed a tasty treat with strawberry jam. When we finished outside, we went back into the classroom and wrote about our gardening day...
Visual Arts Programme
Students of the Week
Congratulations to Jett, Brady, Ari, Eve, Max, Darcy, Annabelle and Kieran!!!
Student Thoughts...
Two of our students recently penned a short note about wearing a school uniform..
Wearing Your Uniform with Pride
By Matilda
The school rules apply to everybody. You must always wear your red shirt, royal blue shorts, skorts or skirts. You should have a clean school uniform and keep it in good condition. If you are doing art at school, you try your best to keep it clean, or wear a smock.
You must wear you full school uniform at all times when you are at school., which includes having appropriate shoes on. If you have long hair [usually past your shoulders] you should have your hair up. Now with your earrings - you should be wearing sleepers or studs. You shouldn't wear jewellery; that includes bracelets, anklets or long earrings. You definitely don't wear nail polish! But on Free Dress Days, things are a little different!
Wearing school uniform with pride
By Veronica
I wear my school uniform with pride. I button up my shirt, tie my shoelaces together, wear sleepers or studs for my earrings, and always wear a hat outside. If I wear a necklace, it has to be under my shirt where it can't be seen. I always keep my uniform tidy, wear a smile on my face and be a proud Amamoor student.
P&C News
Chappy News
Today, Chappy Mark commenced his Friday lunchtime 'Chappy Club' which was held in the Multi-Purpose Room. This new club provides an extra outlet for social and emotional support during school time. Many students from the senior grades took advantage of this new club (especially in the heat!). Some of the activities on offer included board games, chess, card games, etc.
If you would like to know some information about National Chaplaincy in 2023, have a read of the brochure below...
If you would like to speak with our Chaplain, about any issue you may have, please contact the school office and we will organise a time.
Community Events and News
