TERM 3 - WEEK 4

Principal's message

Hello Cairns West families

SCHOOL OPINION SURVEY: Parents have been emailed a link to our annual School Opinion Survey. This survey occurs every year and is completed by staff, selected students and parents. Parent input into this survey is highly encouraged. Last year we had 10% of parents completed the survey. This year I’m confident we can at least triple that amount. The school opinion survey provides our school with valuable feedback that helps us improve and parent support is sincerely appreciated. The survey closes on Friday 16 Aug 2024.

THREE WAY INTERVIEWS: Thank you to those families who supported our 3 Way Interviews this week. This is a great opportunity to support your child’s education and share valuable information with your child’s teacher to help support their learning. Thanks also to our teachers and school staff for all the work behind the scenes that ensures the success of this event.

ROAD SAFETY:

• School Zone Hoare Street: Thanks to our Year 6C class, last week we facilitated a `SafeST” meeting with representatives from the Department of Transport and our local councillor Ms Anna Middleton, after our year six students wrote letters to Cnr Middleton requesting a review of the speed limit in front our school on Hoare Street to be changed to a `School Zone’. The SafeST committee is the body who initiates changes to traffic management around schools. It was a productive meeting and the Transport Department representatives will take the proposal to their next Cairns Traffic and Advisory committee meeting which will likely ratify the proposal and the change will be implemented later in the year. This was a fantastic learning experience for our year six students to use a real-life issue to support their learning about the functions of local government in HASS. Well done 6C!
• Helmets: We have a lot of students riding bikes and scooters to school without helmets. Parent support around ensure children wear helmets whilst riding to and from school is sincerely appreciated.

SCHOOL REVIEW: This week I have been involved in a school review as a `peer reviewer’ of Regent’s Park State School in Brisbane. Like us, Regent’s Park has a multi-cultural student population and the experience has been a fantastic professional learning opportunity. The school review process allows for principals to apply to be panel members of school reviews across the state, after they have completed the requisite training. I look forward to sharing my learnings with our leadership team and school staff.

ATHLETICS: Congratulations to all of our students who represented Cairns West at the Peninsular athletics carnival last Friday. The report from supervising staff was student behaviour and participation were highly commendable. We have several students who have been selected to represent the Peninsular Region at the next level of competition.

NAPLAN: Recently parents of children in years three and five received their child’s NAPLAN report. It’s pleasing to note our school’s performance trends showed improvement in all areas tested compared to last year. This is a reassuring sign that the hard work of our teachers and school staff is having an impact.

SOCIAL MEDIA: Parents are encouraged to monitor childrens’ behaviour on Social Media. Inappropriate use of social media can have a significant impact on childrens’ mental health and wellbeing and schools are often called upon to manage issues at school that have originated on social media outside of school hours.

We are aware of numerous students that have social media accounts (eg: SnapChat) that they are not old enough to have.  We are also aware of students providing personal information to people online that they do not know. This is a growing issue in schools and parent support around strict supervision of online behaviour is sincerely appreciated.

Yours in Education, Jason Evert - Principal

PRINCIPAL APPRECIATION DAY

On Friday 2 August CWSS will acknowledge Australian Principal Day.

Cairns West would like to acknowledge the tireless efforts and commitment of our Principal Mr Evert in ensuring our school is the best! We encourage our school community to reach out to Mr Evert this Friday and show your appreciation for the outstanding effort he puts in every day at Cairns West.

Thumbs up Mr Evert 👍 you rock!

Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning

Hello CWSS community,

Welcome to Semester Two! We are off to a busy start at Cairns West, where every day counts. Already in three short weeks this term, you should have received your child’s report card, an opportunity to attend a Parent Teacher interview and possibly a NAPLAN report if your child is in Year 3 or Year 5 and participated in the NAPLAN tests in March.

Assessment and reporting are important parts in the teaching and learning cycle and we encourage families to support their student by talking to school staff about their child’s strengths, challenges and a plan for improvement. The Department’s education strategy supported by Cairns West focuses on educational achievement. Knowing each student’s learning progress to ensure they are on track for positive educational outcomes.

This means we:

• have a common goal that every student achieves at least one year of learning growth each year
• have clear expectations for schools and help them to differentiate support so every student realises their potential. (Equity & Excellence policy).

Whilst assessment and reporting is a snapshot in time of your child’s development and only one aspect to the many elements that make your child unique, 3-way strong partnerships between families, student and teachers is the best way to ensure your child continues to develop.

Here are some ways families can support children to be successful students.

• Everyday counts at school. Learning happens every day in classrooms from 8:30am so unless your child is unwell try to send them to school every day on time.
• Encourage a good night’s sleep and healthy food ready for a good day at school.
• Connect with school staff. Keep us informed about your child and ask us questions about your child as a student. Let’s work together to support your child to be the best learner they can be!
• Talk with your child about school – What do they enjoy? What did they learn?
• Talk, talk, talk! Read, read, read! And learn, learn, learn in the home (count, sing, move, play).

The Term 3 Learn now to succeed overviews will be sent home with your child and are an excellent opportunity to give you an insight into all the exciting things your child is learning. Please always feel welcome to speak to your child’s teacher or a member of staff about your child’s development and how we can work together to best support your child.

Keep an eye on Facebook and the school calendar for events coming up this term. One of my favourite school events is 'Book Week' happening in week 7 to celebrate that Reading is magic…and it certainly is. 

Thank you for being part of your child's learning.

Megan Mitchell  Deputy - Principal Teaching and Learning

Deputy Principal - Student Services

Hello Cairns West families,

Welcome back to term 3!

I hope those who went to the Cairns Show had a nice time and enjoyed some quality family time.  It is now week 4 and it is back to business.  We need students at school and we need parents/carers informing the school if their child is away.  We track every child's attendance and student's without explained absences will be followed up and case managed.  Please see the Student Services team if you need support with your child attending school, we are more than happy to help.

We have lots happening this term and parents would have received the link to complete the School Opinion Survey.  Please complete the short if you want your opinion heard or seek some support from school staff if you wish.  Parent and community feedback is used to make our school a better place and we value your feedback.

The Students Services team are always here to support yourself and your children.  Please make sure you take the time to connect if you need support.

The Resilience Project provides our students opportunities to engage in Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness.  They also support families in this space and this focus is around:

EMPATHY

Did you know …. 80% of our happiness is derived from:

• Friendship
• Health
• Work fulfillment
• Loving relationships
• Spirituality

When you do something kind for someone else your brain releases the love hormone oxytocin. This makes you feel good too. Check out Martin Heppell from The Resilience Project talking about being kind and the benefits of kindness. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qO-ja3h5INc

“Kindness is the greatest wealth of all. Small acts of kindness last longer than a lifetime” - Eddie Jaku (Author of ‘The Happiest Man on Earth’).

Take care of yourself and others

Hayley Lawton -Deputy Principal Student Services

Jute Theatre Workshop Group

CWSS Partnership Facilitator - welcome

School Community Partnership Facilitator

We have welcomed a new team member to the school, Mrs Irene Lehmann.

Irene identifies as a Torres Strait Islander from the Umai clan of Saibai Island, and also has Sudeten German heritage. She is a proud member of a large extended family, whose backgrounds include other First Nations Australians and multicultural groups from around the world.

You may have seen Irene around after she started working at the end of Term 2 as a new CWSS team member.  Her role is to work with the school team, community and local agencies to improve services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and children, so that students have improved supports and success at school.

Irene would like to know more about CWSS Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and invite them to drop in to her office in A Block for a chat and cuppa.

BOOK WEEK - DRESS UP DAY

EVERY YEAR the school celebrates Book Week. The library has a display that incorporates all the books nominated for the Children’s Book of the Year Awards. Students have an opportunity to read these books and decide which book is their favourite.

On Thursday 22 August we will be having a Dress up day. This is an opportunity for students and staff to dress up as a book character. This can be as easy as a sports / job uniform. By putting on a crown you can be a prince, queen etc. Remember that most things can be found in a book. Please don’t go to any great expense.

Happy Reading......Mr Woodhouse and Ms Sara

What's 1C been up to?

In 1C we have been reading traditional stories and retelling what happened in the beginning, middle and end of the story. Today we read 'How the Birds Got Their Colours' and used finger puppets to retell the story. 

Sarah Campbell - 1C teacher

School Opinion Survey 2024

School opinion survey information:

This year’s School Opinion Survey runs from 22 July to 16 August 2024. Parents, caregivers and students are encouraged to participate. Your insights will help us know what our school does well and how we can improve. Participants will be emailed a link to access the survey the week before it opens. Survey responses are confidential. The survey usually takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

More information can be found on the School Opinion Survey webpage or by contacting the school.  If you would like support with the survey or would like to use a computer, please see Miss Annie in the community room.

CWSS ADOPT-A-COP

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🤩Celebrating Student Achievements😍

Term 2 - Week 9 & 10

Term 3 - week 2

Term 3 - week 3

Term 3 - week 4

Sports Carnival - Thursday 13 June

House champion team:  Ashmore-420 Hastings-417 Sudbury-401 Arlington-366

Age Champions
9yrs Boys Jirokichi Sebasio (Arlington)
9yrs Girls Shaneisha Warren (Ashmore)
10yrs Boys Clive Waianga (Sudbury)
10yrs Girls Maryanne Brown (Hastings)
11yrs Boys Joseph Temu (Sudbury)
11yrs Girls Louange Assumani  (Sudbury)
12yrs Boys  Tukou Temu (Sudbury)
12yrs Girls Whitney Thomas (Arlington)

SPORTS DAY - AGE CHAMPIONS

CWSS Sports Day - Thursday 13 June 2024

ENJOYING THE SPORTS DAY

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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 have been sent out to all families by email.  BPoint is our preferred payment option (please use the link provided on the invoice)  For EFT, Cash or Centerpay please come to the school office. Further information confirming dates and times will be sent home to families in Term 4.  Permission forms were sent home with children last term 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 school office.  

TRYFOR5! Term 3

100% Attendance Reward Winner - ATTENDANCE STAR!  - Each week 5 tickets will be drawn from the Try for 5! 100% Club Box to win TRYFOR5! prizes. Mid-term prizes to be drawn in week 5 - 2 x $100 Movie vouchers and 1 x $100 Timezone voucher End of term prizes to be drawn in Week 10 - $100 Movie vouchers 2 x Timezone vouchers Cowboys Merchandise packs to be distributed throughout the term At Big Breakfast the following classes were acknowledged for Best Attending in Term 2

Congratulations to 2A for achieving 83% attendance in term 2                                              Congratulations to 4C for achieving 86% attendance in term 2

Term 2 - Week 8 & 9

Term 3 - Week 1

Term 3 - Week 2

Term 3 - Week 3

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 delivered 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!

Term 2 week 10-100% 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 student's positive attendance as they put their raffle ticket in the draw. CONGRATULATIONS to the below students......

FREE DENTAL check-up children 0-17

Safer Streets Program- Term 3

Cairns Safer Streets is a multi-agency, co-located group of State Government representatives delivering innovative projects through community and whole-of-government partnerships.

We have developed a place-based approach in Cairns West which enables the development and implementation of innovative strategies to address underlying causal factors of complex social issues.

See timetable for activities for this term below.......

Community Space and Place

Community Garden

The Cairns west Community Garden is always growing and evolving and at this time of year our gardeners can really get growing.    Our Adopt a Spot families are enjoying the cooler weather which gives them the opportunity to plant more variety and usually more to harvest.
Our Passionfruit Vine is abundant with fruit and is slowly starting to ripen with plenty of fruit still to come.
If growing food is something you like to do and don’t have the space but have some time to spend, please drop by for a chat.  There is one spare plot in the garden at the moment if any family would like to Adopt the Spot.    
Each family reaps the rewards of their harvest to feed their family. While many are willing to share excess of what they grow we do ask that no one picks any of the fruit or vegetables unless they are asked to do so.  If you are a gardener, you will know the time and the attention involved in growing food and the disappointment felt when it is picked and taken by someone else.

Playgroup 

Playgroup happens twice a week in the Community Room  
These are great opportunities for parents to come and play with their children while making new friends for parents and children alike.
Monday morning session from 8:30am – 10:30am facilitated by Wuchopperen 
Wednesday morning session 9:00am – 11:00am facilitated by Uniting Care

Desktop Computers

Our Community Room is also open for families who would like to access computers for personal use and school related activities. 
Computers can be used to make a booking with your child/children’s teacher at the 3 Way Interviews.  If you need some help to do so, this can be easily arranged.

The school has emailed all families the opportunity to participate in a Parent School Opinion Survey.  This is your opportunity to give anonymous feed back on your thoughts on the school. If you would like some help finding the Survey, please make a time with Annie to assist.
If you cannot see the Survey in your email inbox, please check your junk mail or come to the school and update your details.
Community Room computers can also be used check your email, do some banking or maybe work on an assignment then you are more than welcome to make a time.

Community Reference Group
Our twice a term Community Meetings
First meeting:                       week 4 - 27 July @ 2:45pm – 3:45pm
Second Meeting:                  week 8 - 28 August @ 2:45pm – 3:45pm
Both Meetings will be held in The Community Room, beside the Community Garden
This an opportunity to gather, regroup, ask questions and share ideas.

If you are a current member and would like to bring a friend or know someone who might be interested, please bring them along or if you are an interested parent and don’t know anyone please also come along and we will get to know each other.
Look forward to seeing you there   -   Annie

Community Garden - looking good!!

Visit to Nepal by staff

At the end of this term three of our staff members – Mrs Kathy Laurila, Ms Naina Gurung and Ms Gilaine Dalglish are going to visit Nepal to donate stationery and teaching supplies to the refugee camp schools.

There are still many displaced Bhutanese refugees that live in the Beldangi refugee camps in Jhapa, Nepal.

They have been abandoned by many of the charity groups and rely heavily on donations, begging or selling what little produce they can grow.

Thank you in advance for your donations