TERM 3 - WEEK 8

Principal's message

Hello Cairns West families

INFRASTRUCTURE UPDATES:
- GO FOR GOLD: I am extremely excited to announce our school’s successful infrastructure application for a new multi-purpose sports facility to the value of $5,340,000 under the Go for Gold program. This initiative is proudly funded and supported by the Queensland Government and our application was one of a significant volume of high calibre applications for funding across the state. I acknowledge the great work of our Business Manager, Ms Zoe Payet, for coordinating the complex application in a very short time-line. The new facility will be built on the corner of McCormack Street and Hoare Street where the old tennis court is located and is aimed to be delivered by December 2025. I thank the local sports clubs and organisations who provided letters of support for our application. This announcement is a great accolade for our school and will support us encouraging greater physical activity and sport participation for our students by getting more kid active, more often.

-  PLAYGROUND UPGRADE: Plans are well underway for our playground upgrade as part of our successful $290,000 grant received as part of the Playground Upgrades and Tuckshop Upgrades program. This funding will be used to remove the three existing outdated playgrounds in junior play area and replace them with one large covered playground in the same location. This work is due to commence over the Christmas holidays.

-    STAFF CARPARK: After several delays the staff carpark upgrade (Mayers Street) is scheduled to commence in October. Fingers crossed!

-   TREE REMOVAL / LOPPING: Over the September holidays a number of trees will be either lopped or removed from around the school grounds. This work is necessary due to either health & safety reasons or large trees have grown too close to buildings and pose risks to infrastructure. I don’t like to remove trees and have inspected each tree, that is marked for removal, to ensure there is a legitimate reason to justify its removal. I am also committed to planting more tress around our school grounds, ensuring they are suitably selected and located.

-  NETBALL Fowler’s Cup: Congratulations to our netballers who won the U10 and U12 divisions of the Marlin Coast Primary School Sports Netball Carnival last Friday. This carnival is attended by a large number of schools across our region, so winning both divisions is an extraordinary achievement. I was fortunate to be able to watch a couple of games and was particularly impressed with the teamwork and sportsmanship of our girls. A big thank you to Ms Luxford, Ms Bruton and Mr Toft for organising the students and to the Radars Netball Club for their ongoing support of Cairns West netball.

-  PUPIL FREE DAY: A reminder tomorrow (Friday 30August) is a pupil free day. This day is a flexible staff professional development day and staff at Cairns West opted to work the required (flexible) hours at the beginning of the year. No staff will be on site on Friday.

-  GALA DAY (Year 5 & 6 Students): A reminder next Thursday 5 September we will be participating in the inaugural Cairns West v Balaclava Gala Day. Students in years five and six will be participating in sports activities either here or at Balaclava State School. The Gala Day is the first step in building a stronger partnership between the two schools. 

-  ROAD SAFETY: Recently I received an email from our local councillor Cr Anna Middleton providing an update on the speed zone change in front of our school on Hoare Street. Cr Middleton noted they are on target to have this proposal in front of the Cairns Traffic Advisory Committee Meeting (CTAC) on the 26 November and expect it to be approved at that stage. This speed zone change was initiated by our year six students by writing emails to the local councillor as part of their HASS unit learning about local government. Well done 6C.

Yours in Education, Jason Evert - Principal

Deputy Principal - Teaching & Learning

Hello CWSS community,

Who said school couldn’t be fun!!! Learning has certainly come alive at Cairns West State school and the students are having so much fun along the way. Last week’s Book Week was a fine example of this as students and teachers dressed up as their favourite book character. The theme of book week was ‘Reading is magic’ and we certainly believe that at CWSS, which is why students practice reading everyday from 8:30am. Being a competent reader is the magic potion to ensuring a bright and successful life. Thank you to our families who encourage their child/ren to read everyday and to our school community who embraced the magic of book week!

As part of Book Week celebrations, I was invited to visit the Intensive Learning Centre (ILC) classroom at CWSS and was blown away by the students in this class, who are new arrivals to Australia, as they read me a story complete with hand actions. The ILC students and staff must be so proud of their efforts and the way their Standard Australian English skills are developing. Keep up the excellent work!

Another magical moment from Book Week was a special visit from our Kindy friends from Waratah Early education centre. Not only were the Waratah kindy students super cute in their book week costumes but they were very well behaved and absolutely showed they are ready for that big step to big school next year. Do you know a kindy aged child who is set to start school next year? If you do, please encourage them to join in the Cairns West State School Prep for PREP program which is running next term. If you have any questions regarding enrolling a student in PREP at Cairns West next year, please contact our school admin team or Head of Student Services, Mrs Katie Hughes (Tuesday-Thursday).

I am always impressed and proud when I visit classrooms at CWSS, that the teachers go above and beyond to make sure learning is relevant and engaging. I often leave the classrooms a little smarter than when I entered, thanks to the learning the students share with me during my visits. One vital aspect to learning is the importance of play. Play is central to your child’s learning and development.

Play helps children to:

• Build confidence
• Feel loved, happy and safe.
• Understand more about how the world works.
• Develop social skills, language and communication.
• Learn about caring for others and the environment.
• Develop physical skills.

Our Prep team are excellent leaders of learning through play and in week 10 Thursday 12 September, our prep students will celebrate the importance of play during our Prep learning matters morning. More information will be provided to Prep families closer to the date.

Next Wednesday 4 September we acknowledge our awesome Teacher Aide team on Teacher aide appreciation day. CWSS is so blessed by the efforts of the hard working and caring Teacher Aide team that work at our school. Please join me in showing our appreciation to a CWSS Teacher Aide during week 9.

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,

Where has the term gone?  I want to congratulate the students and families who are committed to their education.  Education is the key to success and showing your child that you are invested in their education makes it easier for them to come to school and engage in meaningful learning.  As we near the end of term it is crucial that students continue to finish their term strong.  We will celebrate our PBL positive behaviour rewards.  Students receive 'Way to Go' ticks for showing the school rules and engaging in learning.  It is a free and frequent system that all staff use to reward students for positive behaviour.  Please ask your child what their celebration day is going to be!  We have movies, popcorn, pizza parties and more happening in week 10.  Make sure your child is at school to participate.

 In the senior girls toilets, we have a Dignity Vending machine (see below picture).  This machine is in the toilet to provide emergency sanitary products to girls who get their period at school and aren't prepared.  The students have been spoken to about the machine and using it appropriately so that it is not wasted.  We don't have control over the products in the machine, but girls can talk to a female staff member if they require support.  Please have this conversation with your daughter if appropriate.

Next Thursday 5^ September the year 5 and 6 Students will be participating in a Gala Day VS Balaclava State School.  Half of our year 5 and 6 students will travel to BSS for the day and other half will remain at school to engage in the sports here.  It's going to a fantastic day!  If your child has a note they will be travelling to BSS via bus and you are more than welcome to go there and support them for the day.  If they haven't brought home a note they will remain here and you are also welcome to come and support them.  Bring the family and let's cheer on Cairns West!

Let's enjoy the last few weeks of school by coming on time and completing set tasks.

Take care of yourself and each other

Hayley Lawton -Deputy Principal Student Services

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. 

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

Book week - Dress up Day

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Book week - Dress up Day

Teacher Aide Appreciation Week 2-6 Sep

Netball News

Cairns West is the Best!

On Friday, 23 August girls from Year 4,5,6 competed in the Fowler's Group Netball Carnival. Three teams competed, u/10's competitive, u/12 non- competitive/ development 's and u/12 's Competitive.

The 10 and 12's competitive teams were successful in being outright winners for the day, winning their grand finals. 10's did this easily whereas the 12's had to work hard for their win. All students played with integrity and respect, showing the positive respectful nature of Cairns West State School.

A big thank you to the parents who were there to support the girls encouraging and cheering them on.

Thank you to the staff who helped and supported on the day.

Ms Luxford and Ms Bruton - Netball coaches

School Crossing Supervisor position

CWSS ADOPT-A-COP

Ecomarine Group in action

The Ecomarines is a group open to all students of the school. Its aim is to support positive choices for the environment and sustainability. The Ecomarines are trying to put in place composting for the student lunch areas this year. They were awarded a 100-dollar gift voucher for their efforts for Clean Up Australia Day. Students decided to spend their money on two lidded buckets for composting and nine pick up sticks so that they could help pick up microplastics around the school.

Their first session was very popular with the students, and they had heaps of fun.

Dr Cathy Shepherd - Science teacher

Cairns Youth Orchestra - concert 31 August

Cairns Youth Orchestra consists of mostly school aged children from all over Cairns.

Our mission is to connect youth with their community through music performances. We have been around for over 50 years and are always looking for new musicians to join our ensemble. 

Our next concert is on Saturday 31 August and we would love to see some of your school community members there.  Cost will be $15 and will start at 4:30pm - 5:30pm.

We will have beverages and homemade cakes available during intermission.

Any inquiries to cairnsyouthorchestra@gmail.com.

🤩Celebrating Student Achievements😍

Term 3 - Week 5

Term 3 - Week 6

Term 3 - Week 7

Term 3 - Week 8

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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.  If you didn't receive your invoice, then maybe you may need to see the office and update your address.  If you have not received a permission form, please contact the school office.  

Further information confirming dates and times will be sent home to families in Term 4. 

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.

Term 3 - Week 4

Term 3 - Week 5

Term 3 - Week 6

Term 3 - 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 delivered to classes. 

Term 3 week 5-100% Club Box - Winners

Congratulations to our TRYFOR5! winners! Three names were randomly drawn from the TRYFOR5! Attendance box in week 5.  These three lucky students came to school for at least one full week this term and were the winners of the $100 movie and Timezone vouchers!

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......

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 Place and Community Garden Open Day

Thursday 6 September 2024

Thursday next week the Community Garden and the Community Room will be open all day.

If you are interested in viewing the garden or have been wondering what happens inside the Community Room, please drop in for a chat.  The room will be open from 8:00am until 3:00pm.

In the meantime all of the programs and services are still on until the end of term

Monday Playgroup with Wuchopperen 9.00am – 11.00am

Wednesday Playgroup with Uniting Care 9:30am – 11:30am

Wednesday Learning Club with the Smith Family 2:45pm – 3:30pm

Tuesday and Thursday morning 8:00am – 9:30am and afternoon 2:00pm – 3:30pm ACT for Kids

Look forward to seeing you there   -   Annie