Dear Parents and Caregivers

As the end of the school year draws closer, I would like to advise some of the arrangements to assist with planning over the remaining weeks.  As our school follows COVID- SAFE practices, some of our events have had to be modified.  Could I please encourage everyone to read carefully all communications which are or have been forwarded home as some arrangements have changed from previous years. We will also post updates on Facebook as they are necessary.

Our school swimming carnivals are being held next week.  The senior carnival is scheduled for Tuesday 24 November and is an all day event. Our Junior Carnival is on Friday 27 November and is a half day event.  All students will be seated in shade when they are not participating and will receive briefings on sun smart actions. Water bubblers will be available at the pool, however students are also encouraged to bring water bottles for the days. The canteen will operate for both events.   Please refer to the details in the letters which have been forwarded home for more specifics relating to each event.  Please note that we are unable to host spectators at both events and some arrangements regarding arriving and departing the events have changed from previous years.

Our Year 6 Graduation is being held on Monday 7 December at 9.30am in the CSA.  This is a by invitation only event and has a limited capacity to satisfy COVID-SAFE practices.  Details have been forwarded home to Year 6 families. 

Our final assembly for the term will be held on Tuesday 8 December at 12.00pm.  At this time, our new school leaders will be announced to the school community. Unfortunately parents are unable to attend this event this year. All announcements will be available via Facebook shortly after the event.

Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 December are both free dress days whereby students are able to wear casual sun safe clothing to school.

Colour Fun Run

Our fundraiser in term 3, the Colour Fun Run was a great success and has reached its conclusion this week with the distribution of the prizes to students.  After commissions and other costs are accounted for, it is anticipated that our P&C has raised in excess of $18000 from the event. Considering the size of our school, this is a credit to our school community in the way everyone got behind the event and supported it so well. Well done to the P&C !

Classes for Next Year

Classes for next year are being developed and will be available on Thursday 21 January from 8.45am outside the School Administration. All classes are DRAFT until the Day 8 School Staffing Census and are subject to change.

On the same morning between 9:00-10:00am, teachers will be in their classrooms and the opportunity is available for parents and students to meet teachers and drop off book packs. At the time of writing, the COVID-SAFE practice of signing in is required before attending classrooms.   This will be the only time available as teachers will be involved in a Student Free Day program at all other times.

School Leaders Selection Process Continuing

The nominees for the position of School Captains for 2021 will present their speeches to students in Year 3-6 this Thursday.  A total of 17 students have nominated for the four positions. It is certainly wonderful to see so many students nominating and willing to be school leaders in 2021. After the speeches are presented, students in Years 3-5 will be invited to vote by ballot, from which a shortlist will be created with successful shortlisted candidates progressing to an interview in coming weeks.  Unfortunately, we are unable to host a parent audience this year.

Next Monday, after assembly students in Years 3-6 will go to their Sports House Groups to hear short presentations from students nominating to be Sports Captains or Vice-Captains. Again a ballot will be conducted and preferences for all leadership positions will be considered before a final announcement of all the new school leaders is made on assembly on Thursday 8 December.

Parking in Roderick Street

I have received some correspondence from residents in Roderick Street regarding parking over driveways during after school events. Whilst we realise that parking is limited, could I please ask everyone to be mindful of this.  As a school we work hard to limit impacts upon our neighbours and cooperation around this would be very much appreciated.

Garry Drummond

Principal

Dear Families and Friends

Well with 4 weeks to go and reflecting on what a challenging, different and interesting year it has been I am reminded of a poem written by a teacher. It describes how she sees her job and it reminded me how seriously we take our role as educators here at Dayboro and that educating is not always just about the pursuit of academic achievement but also about unlocking the potential for all children to succeed and fulfil their own dreams.   

Our Prep Orientation morning was a huge success. We welcomed students from Barefoot, LEAD and our local Community Kindy. We can’t wait until our Prep class of 2021 join us!

Also a reminder that we will not be holding the planned Monday visits this year.  See below.

Social Media and Primary School Students

Many students use or have access to some form of social media. Many visit these sites every day. There are plenty of good things about social media — but also many risks and things students should avoid. They don't always make good choices when they post something to a site, and this can lead to problems. So it's important to talk with your children about how to use social media wisely. It is also important to note that many apps have an age restriction of 13+ for very good reasons.

What's Good About Social Media

Social media can help kids:

• stay connected with friends and family
• volunteer or get involved with a campaign, nonprofit, or charity
• enhance their creativity by sharing ideas, music, and art
• meet and interact with others who share similar interests
• communicate with educators and fellow students

What's Bad About Social Media

The flipside is that social media can be a hub for things like cyberbullying and questionable activities. Without meaning to, children can share more online than they should.

• post photos of themselves online or use their real names on their profiles
• reveal their birthdates and interests
• post their school name and the town where they live

This can make them easy targets for online predators and others who might mean them harm. In fact, many children say they have:

• been contacted online by someone they didn't know in a way that made them feel scared or uncomfortable
• received online advertising that was inappropriate for their age
• lied about their age to get access to websites

Concerns and Consequences

• Besides problems like cyberbullying and online predators, children also can face the possibility of a physical encounter with the wrong person. Many newer apps automatically reveal the poster's location when they're used. This can tell anyone exactly where to find the person using the app.
• And photos, videos, and comments made online usually can't be taken back once they're posted. Even when a child thinks something has been deleted, it can be impossible to completely erase it from the Internet.
• Posting an inappropriate photo can damage a reputation and cause problems years later — such as when a potential employer or college admissions officer does a background check. And sending a mean-spirited text, even as a joke, can be very hurtful to someone else and even taken as a threat.
• Spending too much time on social media can be a downer too. Seeing how many "friends" others have and the pictures of them having fun can make children feel bad about themselves or like they don't measure up to their peers.

What Can Parents Do?

It's important to be aware of what your children do online. But snooping can alienate them and damage the trust you've built together. The key is to stay involved in a way that makes your children understand that you respect their privacy but want to make sure they're safe.

Tell your kids that it's important to:

• Be nice. Mean behavior is not OK. Make it clear that you expect your children to treat others with respect, and to never post hurtful or embarrassing messages. And ask them to always tell you about any harassing or bullying messages that others post.
• Think twice before hitting "enter." Remind children that what they post can be used against them. For example, letting the world know that you're off on vacation or posting your home address gives would-be robbers a chance to strike. Children also should avoid posting specific locations of parties or events, as well as phone numbers.
• Follow the "WWGS?" (What Would Grandma Say?) rule. Teach children not to share anything on social media that they wouldn't want their teachers, future bosses — and yes, grandma — to see.
• Use privacy settings. Privacy settings are important. Go through them together to make sure your children understand each one. Also, explain that passwords are there to protect them against things like identity theft. They should never share them with anyone, even a  best friend.
• Don't "friend" strangers. "If you don't know them, don't friend them." This is a plain, simple — and safe — rule of thumb.

Make a Contract

Consider making a "social media agreement" with your children — a real contract they can sign. In it, they agree to protect their own privacy, consider their reputation, and not give out personal information. They also promise not to use technology to hurt anyone else through bullying or gossip.

Parents also can help keep children grounded in the real world by putting limits on media use. Keep computers in public areas in the house, avoid laptops and smartphones in bedrooms, and set some rules on the use of technology (such as no devices at the dinner table). And don't forget: Setting a good example through your own virtual behavior can go a long way toward helping your kids use social media safely.         

WRITING AT DAYBORO

At Dayboro we value creative, authentic and engaging writing for a purpose. Our goal for 2020 has been to lift the engagement of our students in writing in all its’ forms and to celebrate successes in writing. Our teachers work hard to embed the teaching of high quality writing practices in their classrooms. Teachers meet regularly to discuss and share writing samples of students and it is pleasing to see our students working so diligently on their writing goals and becoming better writers! 

Having a clear goal for making our writing better has certainly been working in Year 1.  Below are two stories written by Yr.1 students. They had to write an imaginative event to add into a well-known story “Alexander’s Outing” by much loved author, Pamela Allen. Below are their outstanding efforts. It’s hard to believe they are only Year 1. Imagine what amazing authors they will be by Year 6!!!!!

The Whirlpool

After one eerie, overcast night, Alexander the hopeless duckling was waddling on the muddy banks of the clear blue water of Sydney Harbour. Suddenly, hopeless Alexander slipped off the muddy banks into a fast flowing whirlpool. Then hopeless Alexander was pinned to the bottom of the clay river. Hopeless Alexander’s heart was beating non- stop and his beak was quivering with fear. Then the whirlpool got faster and faster until…. Alexander got knocked out cold. Alexander’s mother and four brothers and four sisters began to get worried and began to search everywhere and anywhere. It began to get dark. Alexander’s mother heard a “patter, patter” of feet. “Could it be Alexander?” she thought. Then she saw a flicker of lights as a person hopped in the Vet van and drove off towards the pond.

The big vet van drove to the beautiful pond then the whirl pool stopped and Alexander floated to the top. He was still unconscious. The vet carefully picked him up and drove him to the Vet. In a few weeks the surgery was done and Alexander learnt to stay close and take care.

By Jonah 1/2A

Alexander Saves a Bear

One clear day, Alexander the kind, caring duck was helping his kind mum in the bright pond in Sydney. Suddenly there was an earthquake. The ground boomed and banged. It even shook! It shook so wildly that Alexander’s siblings fell down an earth hole. “Help!!!” Alexander’s siblings quacked from underground. “Quack! Quack! Quack!!” Alexander’s mum quacked very sadly.

Tilly, Milly, Chilly and Flappy were very worried. Then Alexander saw what was making the BIG earthquake. Alexander’s mum asked, “What is it?” “It is a big, brown, fluffy ……BEAR!” Then Alexander quacked and the Bear climbed  down. “Now to get my brother Flappy and my sisters Milly, Tilly and Chilly out.” One minute later Bear found them and returned. “Thank you! Thank you!” Milly, Tilly , Chilly and Flappy cried and they were safe.

Bear never could say goodbye. HE did not want to leave but he had to go back to his family.

BY Abbie 1/2A

Now that the days are starting to get warmer please remember that it is an expectation that all children wear hats during play times and PE lessons. The rule is “No Hat, no Play!”

Children that do not wear hats are expected to be in the CSA areas during break times.  

Collect your child’s medication from school

Rember to collect your child's medication from school before the holidays begin and store them correctly at home.

Learn more about storage of medications such as asthma inihalers and adrenaline auto-injectors (for example, EpiPens) at the NPS Medicinewise website.

You should also check the expiry dates before taking medications back to school after the holidays.

BOOKLISTS 2021

Kookaburra Educational Resources will be supplying our Student Packs for the 2021 School Year.  Please note all orders take place through Kookaburra and can be ordered online or through emailing forms and payment details to Kookaburra. Booklists are also on the Kookaburra Website. Please note that our school and office staff do not handle any Booklist requests and any enquiries should be made directly to Kookaburra Educational Resources.

DATE CLAIMER: Senior Swimming Carnival: Tuesday 24^th November.  (all day) Please make sure children have hats, sunscreen and water bottles. The canteen will be opened for children to purchase food, if needed.

Junior Swimming Carnival: Friday 27^th November. Children will be walking down to the pool in the morning with their class groups.  Please make sure children have hats, drink bottles and sunscreen. Children are to bring own food for the day. The canteen will be available for snacks only. Children will return to school about 12:30pm. Parents can pick children up from school at this time, if needed.

Thank you from Mrs Ryan

Our Vision: “To inspire students to reach their full potential in a safe, caring and educationally challenging environment.”

What parents can do at home to help your kids with Writing

1. Build a climate of words at home. Go places and see things with your child, then talk about what has been seen, heard, smelled, tasted, touched. The basis of good writing is good talk, and younger children especially grow into stronger control of language when loving adults — particularly parents — share experiences and rich talk about those experiences.
2. Let children see you write often. You’re both a model and a teacher. If children never see adults write, they gain an impression that writing occurs only at school. What you do is as important as what you say. Have children see you writing notes and emails to friends, letters to business firms, perhaps stories to share with the children.
3. Be as helpful as you can in helping children write. Talk through their ideas with them; help them discover what they want to say. When they ask for help with spelling, punctuation, and usage, supply that help. Your most effective role is not as a critic but as a helper. Rejoice in effort, delight in ideas, and resist the temptation to be critical.
4. Provide a suitable place for children to write. A quiet corner is best, the child’s own place, if possible. If not, any flat surface with elbow room, a comfortable chair, and a good light will do.
5. Give the child, and encourage others to give, the gifts associated with writing: pens, pencils, textas, erasers, diaries and journals
6. Praise the child’s efforts at writing. Forget what happened to you in school and resist the tendency to focus on errors of spelling, punctuation, and other mechanical aspects of writing. Emphasize the child’s successes.
7. Share letters and emails from friends and relatives. Treat such letters as special events. Urge relatives and friends to write notes and letters to the child, no matter how brief. Writing is especially rewarding when the child gets a response.
8. Be alert to occasions when the child can be involved in writing, for example, helping with grocery lists, adding to emails, sending holiday and birthday cards, writing messages, writing notes to friends, helping plan trips by writing for information, and preparing invitations to family get-togethers.

Linda Smith

Head of Department (Curriculum)

Colour Run Prizes have now arrived and been distributed to classrooms! Prizes have been bagged up for each child to bring home. No doubt there are some very excited children this week, feeling like Christmas has come early! If you have any queries, you can contact 1800 FUN RUN or the P&C for assistance.

Uniforms The Uniform Shop will be open the following dates for parents who may wish to see sizes/make purchases;

• Friday 11th December 2020 - 9.00 am to 11.00 am
• Saturday 16th January 2021 - 9.00 am to 12.00 pm
• Thursday 21st January 2021 - 8:30 am to 9:30 am

Orders can still be emailed through as per the current process. Uniform Pricelist and Order Form

2021 Volunteers Needed We are still seeking volunteers to join our recurring monthly roster for 2021. Just one day a month is all that’s needed and its heaps of fun! Please contact Alison Taylor on tuckshop@dayboropandc.org.au if you would like more information  or to put your name down.

Year 6 The P&C is proud to be able to again provide the Graduation Medals for our Year 6 students. We wish them every success in their high school journey and hope they enjoy their remaining weeks at our wonderful Dayboro State School.

Next P&C Meeting This will be the last of the year. As it will be held prior to the P&C Committee end of year BBQ, this meeting will be face to face on the 28^th November 2020.  If you would like  more information and/or  you would like to join us, please email Mia at Secretary@dayboropandc.org.au

Thanks

Mareeta

President

Maker space continues to be a hive of activity.  We consistently have a large group of students who arrive each day to use the Sphero robots – we are very impressed with the level of coordination they are starting to develop in order to control the robots.  Our most enthusiastic Lego builders have been designing and building an elaborate dragon lair.

This week we have started offering some Christmas crafts, beginning with Hama beads.  The students have pieced out some truly awesome designs – students put their own designs together one bead at a time and this process can take a significant amount of time depending on the complexity of their design.

Australian Reading Hour

Australia Reads 2020 was a reading initiative held over the first two weeks of November with the goal of encouraging Australians of all ages and from all walks of life to share and celebrate the joys of reading.  We hope that you were able to join in with Australian Reading Hour on the 12th of November by reading or listening to books for one hour on the day.

 

New Books

We have had the great privilege of being able to purchase books with the proceeds of book fair, ensuring we select titles that we know students will love or have requested.    These books have started arriving at school and we are sure they will be amongst the first books borrowed in the new school year.

We have also been fortunate to receive a large donation of Goodbumps and Jedi Academy books from the family of a former Dayboro State School student – thank you so much for your generous donation, these books are sure to be a big hit with our students!

End of Year Book Returns

Last Friday was the final day of Library borrowing for students for this year.  Over the coming weeks students will be given reminders about outstanding loans and parents may receive automatically generated emails with information about overdue books.  If students report that they cannot find their books, can we please ask that they check book shelves at home and in their classroom, tidy trays, toy boxes, under car seats, and in school bags.  It’s surprising how often these places are reported by students as being the place where they found the book they previously believed was lost.

Students are still welcome to come along to the Library to read books from the collection during lunch breaks until the end of the year.

Keep an eye out for information coming soon about the Summer Reading Club, a reading initiative hosted by the State Library of Queensland.  The Summer Reading Club is also supported by Moreton Bay Region council libraries and seeks to encourage children to continue reading throughout the summer holiday break.

Thank you for you continued support,

Mrs Wilkinson and Mrs H.

Our Senior Choir is ambitiously practicing for our last performance of the year. What song do you think we will be performing?

The end of the year has come quickly for us this year.

Today was the last band rehearsal and lessons for 2020.  We celebrated by recording the band playing our favourite band pieces of 2020.

School instruments have been returned this week. If you have a school instrument still at home, please make sure that it is returned into the office by Friday 20 November. All school instruments will go away for servicing and cleaning. If your child is still using their instrument in 2021, new loan forms will be handed out at the beginning of next year.

Thank you for your support of the program this year. It’s been a difficult year with no performances but I think the kids have had fun regardless and we’re extra keen to showcase our talents next year.

Lastly, thank you to all the year 6 IM Students: Cassie Collins, Zeke Zuvela, Teah Juffs, Chloe Draper, Pippy Bohan, Oscar Jackson and William Hayne. Your involvement in our program has been very much appreciated. Good luck with your musical endeavours in high school.

Date Claimer: Instrumental Music Breakup: Tuesday 1^st December at 11am.

Elisha Edwards

Instrumental Music

The senior swimming carnival takes place next Tuesday 24^th November, starting at 9:00am.  We aim to be finished by around 2:30pm. The carnival program is finalised, and sessions of novelty races have been included. 

This year, the children have two options for arriving at the carnival.  Parents, you may drop children at school early to walk down with school staff, or you may take your children directly to the pool to be handed over to staff at the gate there.  If you choose the second option, please don’t bring them until at least 8:40am.  These children will then be supervised in their house areas until everyone is at the pool.  Rolls will need to be marked before events can begin.

As you would be aware, no parents are able to attend the carnival this year due to COVID – the only adults onsite will be school and pool staff.

Children, please remember the following details:

• Bring lunch, sunscreen, hats, plenty of water and sun safe swimming gear.
• The water bubblers will be turned on for this event and there will be plenty of shade provided on the day.
• If you are walking to the pool in the morning, please wear your togs underneath your sports house uniform if possible. Closed in shoes must be worn for the walk.  Be at school by no later than 8:30am!
• If you are being dropped at the pool in the morning, but walking back to school in the afternoon – please make sure you have the appropriate uniform and closed in shoes to wear for this trip.
• The pool canteen will also be open for lunch and refreshments.

Kind regards

DSS Sports Committee

It has been great to see our children acknowledging Remembrance Day with wreaths displayed on the front fence. Our children have been engaging in various group games and arts and crafts. A big thankyou to Isla and Aaliyah for leading our most recent children’s meeting. These meetings allow children to have input into the program and menu, and allow children to develop leadership and communication skills.

A reminder to please ensure the gates into the service are closed after entering/departing. This is to ensure we remain compliant with National Regulations and keep all children in attendance safe. We thank you for your co-operation with this.

Due to COVID-19, we are continuing our sign in/sign out area outside of the service; this means adults are not permitted to enter the building. Families will be informed when this restriction has been lifted and we appreciate your patience with this.

Vacation care is coming around fast – please ensure you are booking your spots in to help us plan each day effectively. Children will need to be enrolled prior to booking for these sessions. Please see below for how to enrol.

Would you like to join in our exciting morning and afternoon sessions? Vacancies are available for both morning and afternoon sessions and we welcome all children and families to the service.

To enrol your child, please visit www.helpinghandsnetwork.com.au, selecting Dayboro as your service and following the prompts to access the iParent Portal. If you have any issues, please contact Jenny at the service on 0459 991 697 or our customer accounts on 1300 612 462.