TERM 2 - WEEK 8

Principal's message

PRINCIPAL MEETING: On Friday June 6^th, I joined principals from across our region at the Equity & Excellence Roadshow where we came together and worked on some of the key initiatives being implemented by the Education Department, including early year teacher programs, middle leader programs, beginning principal programs, digital innovation in teaching & learning and understanding policy around a whole school approach to pedagogy. This Roadshow is presented by high level officers within the department, including the Director General, and is delivered in all regions across the state to ensure the same messages are being heard by all Queensland state schools. One first-hand benefit of the Equity & Excellence Strategy for Cairns West is the Partnership Initiative which provides our school with additional human resourcing.

ATHLETICS: We are grateful to finally have some sunny weather and look forward to our annual athletics carnival this Thursday (13 June). We welcome all parents and families to come along and support the fun occasion.

SCHOOL CAMP: I thank our staff who accompanied students on last week’s school camp at Lake Tinaroo. From all reports it was a great experience that was thoroughly enjoyed by all and student behaviour was reportedly very good. Unfortunately, as families are aware, the camp ended with a very concerning bus incident. In response to this incident, as outlined in my letter to families, I have taken the following actions:

• Met with several parents & families and listened to (and investigated) all complaints and concerns raised,
• Thoroughly recorded the incident in the departments Workplace Health & Safety system,
• Sent a formal complaint to the bus company,
• Reported the incident to the Department of Transport & Main Roads (as the licencing regulator for the bus company)
• Reported the incident to Workplace Health & Safety Qld (WHSQ) to investigate.

I appreciate the anger and distress this has caused many families and will provide more information as it comes to hand.

BLOOMFIELD RIVER: Recently we said goodbye to the last of the Bloomfield River students as they returned to their home of Wujal Wujal. It was a great experience having them in our school and I thank the entire school community for being so welcoming and accepting of these students and staff. I would like to share the thank you given to our school by our School Supervisor, Mandy Whybird regarding hosting the Bloomfield River students:

“A very special thank you for the amazing and warm welcome you provided to the staff and students of Bloomfield River over the past months. Your hospitality, kindness and support has been greatly appreciated by all concerned.  I feel sure that the way you unconditionally welcomed this group of students and staff into your wonderful school helped them to feel a significant degree of comfort and assurance that they were not left to deal with the impact of their situation on their own. I am also sure there are many students who will remember your welcome and hospitality for many years to come! Once again, many thanks to you all. Kind regards, Mandy”

NEW STAFF MEMBER:  We welcome Mrs Irene Lehmann to our school. Ms Irene has been employed as part of the Partnership Initiative as our School Community Partnership Facilitator. Ms Irene will be working with community partners, agencies and families to develop place-based action plans and strategies to improve service delivery and strengthen community connections. I’m sure Irene will be a great addition to our team and look forward to working with her around this important initiative.

ROAD SAFETY: We are seeking parent support around improving the road safety behaviours around our school:

• Bus Zones: We are regularly seeing cars parking in the bus zone on Mayers Street. This creates a traffic hazard when buses are unable to find a place to park and puts children’s safety at risk. It would be sincerely appreciated if cars are not parked in the bus zone in front to the school.
• Stop Drop Go Zone: This zone is designed to be available for drop off and pick up at the busy time around the beginning and end of the school day. We ask that parents remain in their car whilst picking children up after school, as leaving cars unattended also creates a traffic hazard and endangers student safety.
• Pedestrian Crossings: There have been numerous reports of children crossing busy roads outside of designated pedestrian crossings on Mayers and Hoare Streets and even Alfred Street. If your children walk home from school unsupervised, please remind them of the importance of using pedestrian crossings.

Our Year 6C students are learning about the roles of local councils and have sent an email to Cairns Region Council seeking advice on how to change the speed zone in front of our school on Hoare Street to a School Zone – 40km/h. This email will initiate a process where we will form a `Safety Committee’ to make a formal application to council to have this request enacted. Well done year 6C, we look forward to the next steps!

Yours in Education, Jason Evert  -  Principal

Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning

Hello CWSS community,Cairns West State School students ROCK!!! On Friday May 24th the Cairns West State school band took to the stage of Smithfield High school for their debut performance at Fanfare. Fanfare is the biennial state-wide festival of bands and orchestras from Queensland state schools. It showcases the exciting music-making that occurs in school-based ensembles across the state.

The emphasis for Fanfare is on improving the quality of ensembles, promoting the highest possible standard of performance, striving for excellence and encouraging participation. For many of our students this was their first time performing to an audience on a stage. The CWSS band were AMAZING and brought goosebumps and even a few tears to their fan club’s eyes. I was very impressed by the students’ commitment and team work. It was a wonderful experience for everyone. The CWSS band were awarded a silver achievement for their performance. A special thank you to the Band conductor, Instrumental Music Teacher Mr Kelly Perger and support staff Mrs Lexelle Bray and Mr Deepak for supporting our Instrumental Music students in their music development.

On June 12th Cairns West State School will recognise School Officer Day. This is our opportunity to celebrate the vital role support staff play in our school and show our appreciation to the many support staff members who work tirelessly to support our school. School officers include any staff members who are not Teachers or Teacher aides and include staff such as the admin officers, cleaning staff, groundsman, IT technicians, crossing supervisors, Tuckshop staff and our Chaplain & Social Worker. Be sure to thank a member of the Cairns West State school support staff and let them know their hard work and efforts are appreciated by our school community.

In week 10, our Year 5 and Year 6 students have the opportunity to participating in Life Education Queensland Talk about its sessions, an innovative program focusing on sexual health and relationships. All Talk About It content is aligned with the Health and Physical Education Australian Curriculum. The age-appropriate content is consistent to national standards to improve learning for all young Australians. The session will be delivered alongside school staff in the Conference Room. A parent information session will be held on Monday 17th June at 8am in the conference room for families to learn more about the content of these sessions. Please contact the school if you have any questions or concerns regarding this program. 

Currently, CWSS teachers are incredibly busy completing assessment, moderating student work for consistency of grading and finalising Academic Reports. This is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on student development and set future goals and plans on how to support students on their learning journey. Report Cards will be emailed home early in Term Three and 3 -way strong parent teacher interviews will be held after report cards are issued. Please ensure your email address is up to date at our school office to ensure you receive your child’s report card on time. Always remember with education, it is not always the destination but the journey, and acknowledging progress and celebrating success along the way is incredibly important. So be proud of your child and encourage them to be proud of their efforts & set future learning goals together. 

There is only 3 more weeks in Term Two but every day counts at CWSS and there are exciting learning opportunities happening every day. I look forward to seeing you and your family at Cairns West in the upcoming weeks, perhaps at School Assembly (Thursday 2pm), Athletics Day or NAIDOC celebrations.

Thank you for being a partner in your child's learning journey.

Megan Mitchell  Deputy - Principal Teaching and Learning

Deputy Principal - Student Services

Hello Cairns West families,

WOW! The term has gone so fast and we are going to finish the term with lots of fun!

Firstly, I want to congratulate the families whose children come to school every day on time.  Learning starts at 8:30am and sometimes students struggle to get into learning if they are late.  I know it's getting colder in the morning and a struggle to get up, but go and get some warm clothes and keep those home routines consistent for another 2 weeks.

As we head towards the holidays it is always good to express gratitude for what we have, how far we have come and appreciate life.  The Resilience project is a resource our staff use with children to build resilience through focusing on gratitude, empathy and mindfulness.  

Working on gratitude helps us to be thankful and appreciate what we have in our lives, rather than focusing on what we don’t have or what we want. When we practise being grateful, we start to scan the world to look for positives – this only takes 21 days! Practising gratitude every day increases our levels of energy, helps us to feel happier and more focused, determined and optimistic. It even helps us have a better sleep, lowers levels of anxiety and depression and we are less likely to get sick. So many benefits – let’s all try to be grateful for the things and people in our lives every day! (Snapshot from TRP)

One way you can practice expressing gratitude is by modelling to your children something you are thankful or grateful for that day.  Then get them to do the same.  This simple routines can boost energy and happiness, daily.

Next week is our VERY competitive Athletics Carnival.  All families are invited to come and cheer on their children and team.  The 800m is going to be run Wednesday the 12^th at 1:30pm and then a full day of athletics will happen on Thursday 13^th June 2024 starting at 8:30am.  It's going to be a great day and we hope all of our families can come and support their children.  The tuckshop will have a carnival menu and sports shirts will need to be ordered before the carnival as uniforms won't be sold on the day.

Week 10 Cairns West will be celebrating NAIDOC week.  There will be activities all week happening in classes and at lunch times and Thursday 20^th June will be the culminating day.  There will be a whole school assembly at 1:30pm and all families are invited to attend.

Take care of yourself and your health.  Please let the office know if your child is away sick, so we can account for their attendance.

Enjoy the last couple of weeks of term and more importantly enjoy the holidays.  Take time to re-energise and spend quality time with your family.

Take care

Hayley Lawton -Deputy Principal Student Services

Cairns West School Band

On Friday 24 May the Cairns West State school band took to the stage of Smithfield High school for their debut performance at Fanfare.  For many of our students this was their first time performing to an audience on a stage. The CWSS band were AMAZING and brought goosebumps and even a few tears to their fan club’s eyes.  

The CWSS band were awarded a Silver Achievement for their performance. A special thank you to the Band conductor, Instrumental Music Teacher Mr Kelly Perger and support staff Mrs Lexelle Bray and Mr Deepak for supporting our Instrumental Music students in their music development.

Fanfare -state wide festival of bands and orchestras

Year 6 School Camp @ Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre

Year 6 students had a successful camp at Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre (TEEC) in week 7. All students worked together to achieve great things in the group challenges, like building rafts and orienteering. They supported and encouraged each other to do their best in individual challenges such as the high ropes vertical challenges. Teachers and adults were impressed with the way CWSS students improved their social skills in getting along with others, as well as building confidence, resilience and organisational skills. It was a wonderful experience where students learned about living sustainably and caring for the environment while having fun in the outdoors.

TEEC staff commented on the wonderful manners and great attitudes of our students. We all left Tinaroo with big smiles, full hearts and positive memories of camp 2024. 

The photos below show students engaging in various activites during camp.........

🤩Celebrating Student Achievements😍

Term 2 - Week 5

Term 2 Week 6

Term 2 week 7

Term 2 - week 8

Life Education Sessions - 17 to 19 June

In week 10, our year 5 and year 6 students have the opportunity to participate in Life Education Queensland Talk about it sessions, an innovative program focusing on sexual health and relationships. All Talk About It content is aligned with the Health and Physical Education Australian Curriculum. The age-appropriate content is consistent to national standards to improve learning for all young Australians. The session will be delivered alongside school staff in the Conference Room.

A parent information session will be held on Monday 17 June at 8am in the conference room for families to learn more about the content of these sessions. Please contact the school if you have any questions or concerns regarding this program. 

Swimming Program Information - Term 4

Students from Prep to Year 6 will be participating in the Swimming Program in Term 4 at the Woree Aquatic Centre. The program will be based on Water Safety and Learn to Swim and will be administered by qualified Aust Swim Instructors.

Students participating in the Swimming program will have the opportunity to:

• Develop important life skills 
• Undertake swimming and water safety in, on and around the wate

Students will be travelling to and from the pool by bus.  It is strongly encouraged that all students attend this important educational opportunity, unless the student has a medical condition supported by a doctor’s note.

Week 4 - 21 to 25 of October – Years 5 and 6
Week 5 -  28 October to 1 November – Years 3, 4 and 2A
Week 6 - 4 to 8  November – Prep to Year 2

Invoices will be sent out in Term 3 and further information confirming dates and times will be sent home to families in Term 4.  Permission forms where sent home with children in Week 6 and we kindly ask you to sign the form to confirm your child's attendance and return to the school as soon as possible. If you have not received a permission please contact the office.  

HPE News

Important Sports Dates to remember in Term 2

CWSS Athletics  -  Wednesday 12 June & Thursday 13 June

Thursday June 13th

This is a family friendly event and we look forward to seeing parents and care givers come along and cheer on their children.   Food and drink will be available for purchase on the oval from 9:00am to 1:00pm.  Should your child need a sports shirt please pre-purchase prior to the Athletics Carnival as they will not be able to be purchased on the day.  Sports Shirts - $35 and are available at the tuckshop. 

FAMILY AND CHILD CONNECT

Sometimes when life is rolling along, the wheels can suddenly fall off, but there's always a way to bounce back from the ups and downs.   Come and drop in for a tea or coffee and chat to our staff about anything you might need some help with.  Tuesday and Thursdays in the Community Room.  No appointments needed.   Family & Child Connect, connecting families to the right services at the right time! 

Our school Tuckshop operates daily from 7:30am  -  and closes at 1:00pm.  The best way to get your childs lunch/morning tea is to use the Flexischool App - orders must be in before 9:00am.  School uniforms are also sold at our Tuckshop (cash and eftpos only)

• School shirts  -  $35.00                        Sports shirts  -  $35.00                     Senior shirts  -  $40
• Shorts  -  $30.00                                      Sun Smart Hats  -  $15.00

TRYFOR5!

100% Attendance Reward Winner - ATTENDANCE STAR!  - Each week 5 tickets will be drawn from the Try for 5! 100% Club Box to wind Try for 5! prizes.  In weeks 5 and 10 we will be drawing 2 names from the Try for 5! 100% Box.  These 2 winners will win either a scooter or bike.   

Week 5

Week 6

Week 7

TRYFOR5! WINNERS - Each fortnight 1 class from the Junior school (P-3) and 1 class from the senior school (4-6) class with the Best/Most Improved (alternate fortnight) attendance will be rewarded with a class set of Try for 5! Prizes.  The classes will be announced on parade and prizes delievered to classes. 

This Term the Try For 5! team have donated a mid and end of term prize. Students who come to school 5 days in a row will place their raffle ticket into the Try for 5! 100% Club box. Two students names will be drawn in week 5 and another two names will be drawn at the Big Breakfast in Term 3.

These students will win themselves a bike or scooter and helmet. Make sure your child is coming to school every week to be in the draw!

Week 5 -100% Club Box - Winners

Congratulations to our Try For 5! Scooter and Bike winners! The raffle ticket system has certainly sparked a lot more interest and excitement with students. It is also lovely to be able to acknowledge the kids positive attendance as they put their raffle ticket in the draw. 

Under 8's Day - week 5 - 16 May

This term CWSS hosted our annual Under Eights Day. It was a huge success. Thank you to the families, kindergartens and external agencies who attended to join in the fun. The smiles on our students faces says it all!

Under 8's Day

Families for Inclusion Education (FFIE)

This project aims to build the capacity of families to advocate for, nuture, and sustain their child's successful participation in inclusive education.

Inclusion and Belonging at the Local School:  The Parent Advocacy Toolkit

Cairns 12 June 2024  -  see link below for more information

Come along to this workshop to hear stories of the benefits of inclusion for all children, and of overcoming barriers to success in the regular classroom.

Learn about inclusive education to be informed and confident in promoting inclusion for your child

Community Food Garden & Reference Group

Community Advisory Group
Mission Statement
We stay aware to authentically acknowledge First Nations Peoples as the traditional custodians of the land where we live, learn and play.
We commit to cultivate strong community through education and respectful communication
We lead by example, fostering a place of safety and belonging where we can share our ideas and seek answers to what we don’t understand without judgement or ridicule

Community Reference Group is talking all things NAIDOC
This group meets twice per term, once in week 4 and again in week 8.  This allows time and space to gather as community, support the school, stay informed and to better understand our school and each other. 
This term the group is talking about NAIDOC.  The theme for 2024 is Keep the Fire Burning, Blak, Loud and Proud.  The group welcomes any folk who would like to support the event which the school will hold in the last week of school.
If you are able to help with an activity like weaving or cooking or storytelling please come and see me in the Community Room.  Wednesday, Thursday and Friday are the best days to find me in that space. 

Playgroup
Our playgroups continue in the Community Room every Wednesday and Friday morning.  If you have a child between 0 and 5 and are looking for an opportunity to meet others and play for a couple of hours, we would love to see you.
Both sessions are free to attend and provide a group activity as well as free play.  Both sessions also provide a morning tea for children and parents.
The last week of playgroup will be supported to deliver a NAIDOC focused session with some special guests.  Stay tuned for further details.

Community Garden
Community Garden Mission Statement
Our focus is on sustainable and organic gardening, learning and sharing from each other
We welcome and promote friendship, wellbeing and belonging 
We garden without judgement of ability, race, religion or gender
We tend our garden with care and take care to keep the garden tidy and hazard free.  Our garden is loving the change in the weather with a lot more sunshine.  Family plots are changing daily with seeds popping up and different vegies ready for harvest. All of the Adopt a Spot gardeners are loving the morning sun and the opportunity to get some gardening done without the consistent downpours of recent months.
If you are gardening at your house, we would love to hear how your garden is growing.
Our Passion Fruit vine is growing with vigour and producing lots of fruit which should be ready to harvest in the coming weeks.
We have oranges, mandarins and cumquat all producing at the moment some better than others but that is how it rolls when you are growing food.

Miss Annie