Term 4, Week 4
30 October 2009
Contact our school
PO Box 5588Torquay QLD 4655
Ph: (07) 4194 4333
Fax: (07) 4194 4300
P & C meets every
4th Wednesday of each month
(Commencing at 2pm)
Email: the.principal
@torquayss.eq.edu.au
Web: www.torquayss.eq.edu.au
Our Sponsors
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 Friday 30 October 2009
OCT 2009
Friday 30
Student Council
Swimming P-3
Swim Training Yr 4-7
2010 Pathways Applications Due
Book Fair
NOV 2009
Thursday 5
Indigenous Sports Expo
Friday 6
Swimming P-3
Swim Training Yr 4-7
Thursday 12
Swimming Carnival Yr 4-7 9am to 12am
Continuous Learning
I believe that the quality of teaching and learning in our school directly affects how students view
themselves as learners and their attitude towards school.
To ensure high quality teaching and improve our student results I have set the following 5 drivers
as the framework for 2010:
1.
An unrelenting focus on improvement
2.
A shared commitment to core priorities
3.
Quality curriculum and planning to improve learning
4.
Teaching focused on the achievement of every student
5.
Monitoring student progress and responding to their learning needs
Today 6 staff members and I worked off site to develop aspects of our Whole School Curriculum
Plan, which outlines our current priorities and how we will address them. International, national and
state data has highlighted the need to focus more attention on the teaching and learning of
English, mathematics and science to improve student achievement in these important areas.
Today the team focused on developing an explicit English program and on the 18 November we
will develop an explicit numeracy plan for 2010. I believe English and mathematics are
fundamental in all years of schooling and therefore must be a primary focus of learning. While we
will continue to teach all 8 Key Learning Areas, it is important that we prioritise English,
Mathematics and Science.
In 2010 the following time allocations have been agreed to for the teaching of English,
mathematics and science
 Based on 25 hrs per week
Yrs 1 - 3
Yrs 4 - 7
English and literacy
7 hours/week
6 hours/week
Mathematics and numeracy
5 hours/week
5 hours/week
Science
1 hour/week
2 hours/week
Staffing
Mrs Gina Keightley will be retuning to work on Thursday. We thank Mr Gavin Tubb for his
excellent leadership and professional teaching of 2/3K. We look forward to working with
Gavin on a regular basis in the near future.
Mrs Jacqui MacDonald returns from LSL next Monday
Student Safety
It has been reported that parents are parking their cars across the road on Torquay Terrace in the
vacant lot again. This poses a safety risk for students with cars exiting too close to the student
crossing.
A number of parents are collecting their children from school and not using the supervised
crossing. We are asking that parents be role models for their children’s safety and use the
crossings.
We conducted a before school fire drill on Tuesday which was very successful. Congratulations to
students, parents and teachers who followed staff instructions.
Fire drills are conducted to teach students vital skills. As fires can occur at anytime they are
necessary. If a fire drill is conducted before or directly after school we ask that parents follow staff
instructions and support our processes to ensure student safety.
Responsible Behaviour Plan.
A dedicated group of parents and staff have met for the last 2 Thursday afternoons to review our
current behaviour plan.
The focus of the review is:
Develop and articulate a cyber bullying policy
Replace current rewards day system with a more proactive program
Replace current coloured level system with a more user friendly system
A survey for parents, students and staff will be sent home next week and we are planning to have
the draft policy completed and to district office by the required time of November 16.
World Teachers Day
On Friday 30 October 2009 World Teachers’ Day will be an occasion to celebrate the invaluable
role that teachers perform in education at all levels. Celebrated in more than 100 countries,
World Teachers’ Day was introduced in 1994 by UNESCO to recognise the importance of
competent, qualified and motivated teachers.
All of us recall special teachers — people who not only taught us but inspired us in ways that
changed our lives. William Arthur Ward once said, "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher
explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires."
Student Council Fundraising
Student council have 2 major fundraisers planned this term:
PJ and Crazy Hair Day this Thursday – gold coin donation
Sale of TSS bumper stickers for $2.50 each. These can be purchased from the foyer of the
office each morning from 8.00am – 8.30am from Monday 2nd November
Pink Ribbon Breakfast
Torquay staff will host a pink ribbon breakfast this Friday to raise money to support this valuable
cause. If you wish to make a donation please follow the following links:
The host name is Sue Currin.
 Congratulations
Mr Neil Collins has completed his training as a First in Maths Facilitator. Mr Collins participated in
an 8 day course which will enable him to lead teacher professional development.
Ms Paula Chalmers lead Indigenous Professional development for our staff at last Monday’s pupil
free day. The Care plans Paula has developed are a credit to her.
2010 Pathways Applications
All current Yr 6 students are required to have submitted their preference for their pathway by 3pm
tomorrow. All Yr 5 students need to complete the application form and submit it by 3pm
tomorrow.
TOP 10 TIPS FOR PARENTS
1.
When your child wants to show you something, stop what you are doing and pay attention
to your child.
2.
Give your child lots of physical affection.
3.
Talk to your child about things he/she is interested in and share aspects of your day.
4.
Give your child lots of descriptive praise when they do something that you would like to see
more of.
5.
Children are more likely to misbehave when they are bored so provide lots of engaging
indoor and outdoor activities for your child.
6.
Teach your child new skills by first showing the skill yourself. For example, speak politely to
each other in the home.
7.
Set clear limits on your child’s behaviour. Sit down and have a family discussion on the
rules in the home. Let your child know what the consequences will be if they break the
rules.
8.
If your child misbehaves, stay calm and give them a clear instruction to stop and tell them
what you would like them to do instead. If they do not stop, follow through with an
appropriate consequence.
9.
Have realistic expectations.
10. Look after yourself. It is difficult to be a calm, relaxed parent if you are stressed, anxious or
depressed.
From Triple P – Positive Parenting Program www.triplep.net
Yours in Education
Suzanne Currin - Principal
Student Banking
We are looking for a responsible parent(s) to take on the role of Student Banking Coordinator.
This requires approximately 30 – 45 minutes of your time on a Wednesday morning to collect,
calculate and bank the student funds. If you think you will be able to volunteer your services
please let the office know. Thank you.
Chickenpox
We have had a few cases of chickenpox reported within the school during the last few weeks.
Please remember that any student with chickenpox should be excluded until all blisters have dried.
E-Newsletter
In a continual attempt to reduce our carbon footprint we are working towards our school newsletter
being sent to you by email. In order for us to start collecting the data we require to make this
possible we would appreciate it if you would email us with the first and last name of the youngest
TSS student in your family. Please also advise us of the email address you wish the newsletter to
be sent to if it is not the address you are using to forward the information from. Please email
aeaso4@eq.edu.au as soon as possible.
Thank you.
School Crossing Supervisor
A casual position exists for a School Crossing Supervisor at Torquay State School. The School
Crossing Supervisor may be required to work five days per week in all weather conditions. The
 hours of work at the Torquay SS Crossing are 30 minutes per day in the afternoon. The current
rate of pay for a School Crossing Supervisor is $22.30 per hour.
The successful applicant is dependent on:
The favourable outcome of a health assessment carried out by a Government Medical
Officer or a duly qualified Medical Practioner according to the guidelines in the “Notes for
Medical Practitioner” on the School Crossing Supervisor Scheme – Health Assessment
Form; and
Applicants are required to advise in writing of any charges that have been laid against them
or any offence of which they have been convicted of.
If you are successful in your application for this position, you can only commence employment with
Queensland Transport if you hold a current Blue Card or are renewing your Blue Card and have
submitted either a Blue Card Application renewal form or Authorisation to Confirm Current Blue
Card form to the Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian.
If you are interested in this opportunity to supplement your income and help provide a safe
environment for the children of Torquay please collect an application package from the Torquay SS
office. Application process will close on 13th November. For further information please call Kacey
at Torquay SS on 4194 4333.
School Levies
Just another reminder for all families who still haven’t paid their levies for 2009. If we don’t receive
these levies from families, the funds must come from school grant funding that could be used to
purchase additional resources for the benefit of all our students. Thank you to the families who
have already paid their contribution. We would appreciate the families who have not yet paid to
please do so at your earliest convenience. Thank you.
International Student Program & Homestay Program
Is your family interested in providing homestay for international students during 2010? Hosting an
international student in a family environment can provide an enriching cultural experience for both
the student and the host family. You will be fully supported by the Homestay Co-ordinator and
receive a reimbursement of $190 per week to cover costs of meals and other incidentals and
support with student’s homework. You will also be able to network with other homestay families
and students. The program requires homestays for both short term (emergency back up) and
longer term individual senior students (3 months to one year). If you would like to be considered
as a host family please contact Marg Warman, Homestay Co-ordinator, Urangan State High
School on 4197 0201 or email mwarm7@eq.edu.au.
Swimming Carnival – Aquatic Centre, Boundary Road
Thursday 12th November is Torquay SS swim carnival. We have been very pleased with the
training program and the effort the students have been putting in. The students are in the process
of nominating themselves in the events that best suits their ability. We would like to wish all
swimmers the best of luck and would encourage parents to support the carnival.
We are endeavouring to make the event as Sun Smart as possible. All students will require a sun
shirt and only students in championship 50 will be able to swim without a shirt. Shade, sunscreen
and water will be provided. The canteen will be available for parent use only. Under no
circumstances are swimmers to purchase or be allowed to consume items from the canteen.
Urangan State High School – Year 8 Enrolments - 2010
Just a reminder to families that enrolment forms for Year 8 in 2010 were due at Urangan State
High School by the end of term 3 (18.09.09). The school is currently organising classes and
teachers for 2010 and therefore require this information urgently. If you still have an enrolment
form please organise for this to be handed in at Urangan High as soon as possible. Student
Orientation Day is on Tuesday 1st December. If you have any queries please contact 4197 0111.
VIKINGS FOOTSAL
Vikings Futsal ...’NEED PLAYERS’. Futsal has now started playing in Hervey Bay. If you are
between 10 and 16 and are interested in joining contact Debbie on 0417 809 741 for more
information.
 TUCKSHOP ROSTER NOVEMBER 2009
INGREDIENT DONATIONS
Tuesday 3rd
Debbie Burnap
November 3rd
EGGS ; Mary Bowman
KRAFT LITE CREAM ;
Karen Walker
Wednesday
4th
HELP REQUIRED
Thursday 5th
Katrina Garlinge
Friday 6th
Sonia Messer
Tuesday 10th
Kim Trannore
Wednesday
11th
HELP REQUIRED
Thursday
12th
HELP REQUIRED
November 10th
EGGS ; Kathy Harrison
KRAFT LITE CREAM
CHEESE; Rose Jordan
Friday 13th
Sonia Messer
HOME BAKERS NOVEMBER 2009
Tuesday 3rd
Renee Gibson, Fiona Hughes
Wednesday
4th
T Fletcher, Rose Jordan, K
Remfrey
Tuesday10th
Renee Gibson, Katrina
Garlinge
Wednesday
11th
K Harrison, K Healy, S
Messer
IF YOU CANNOT MAKE IT TO YOUR ROSTERED DAY PLEASE CALL ME AT HOME ON
04388 20159 BEFORE 7.45 AM OR AT TUCKSHOP AFTER 8AM ON 4194 4328. SO THAT I
CAN ARRANGE FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO DO YOUR DAY.
Hi everyone, a couple of new things are available at the tuckshop, we have bags of frozen peas for
40 cents and bags of sultanas for 30 cents, some kids love frozen peas so a nice small healthy
treat. A variety of fresh fruit is available everyday, depending on the size of the fruit it starts at
50cents. Cups of fresh watermelon are available for $1.00 depending on demand. l am starting off
with about 10 cups a day, l will do more as we see how it goes, so kids get in early if you want one.
We now have the new ‘BLISS BAR’, these are 98% fat free ice cream, they are $2.00 and for 2nd
break only, we also have a lemonade icy-pole for 90 cents at 2nd break only. Thanks, Judy’
A very big thank you to Kereann for continuing to volunteer her time for us in the uniform shop.
Your help is very much appreciated. Please note that the uniform shop will now be open on
Thursday mornings between 8.30am and 9am. If you have any uniforms your children no longer
wear please feel free to donate them to the school for re-sale. All money raised is used through
the P&C Association for our children. Thank you.
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