1032 Lowood-Minden Road,MINDEN,QLD,4311,Australia / Phone: 5425 7222
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Issue Term 4 Week 3 – 20/10/16

Dates To Remember

* P&C Meeting / 3:30pm 07/11/16
* Term 4 / 04/10/16 – 09/12/16
* Junior Assembly / 21/10/16
* Senior Assembly / 28/10/16
* Disco / 28/10/16
* Free Dress Day / 04/11/16
* MindenMarkets / 13/11/16
* Christmas Carnival / 25/11/16

From The Principal

Whole School Review

Priorto the holidays, our school participated in a Full-School Review where three practising Principals interviewed staff, students, parents, local community members and partner organisations over a three day period. Last week, we received the official report comprising key findings and advice for future action. We can all be very proud of our school as the key findings rate Minden very highly in terms of organisation, management and performance. Whilst many schools receive a number of explicit recommendations to inform future action plans from this process, Minden has been provided with three general themes which will underpin our work for the next four years.

This is a significant achievement for our school and testament to the dedication and support provided every day by our community.

The three key improvement themes include:

* Provide staff with a range of PD activities to optimise the skill set of an expert teaching team.

* Embed the consistent curriculum planning and delivery process.

* Strengthen student data tracking and the actions required to move to students into the Upper 2 bands (NAPLAN)

The full Executive Summary can be found on the school’s website.

School Opinion Survey Data

The results are in and for the fourth year in a row the feedback is very positive across the 3 survey groups of students, parents and staff.

Here is a snapshot of what our students thought:

I feel safe at my school 100%

My teachers motivate me to learn 100%

My teachers encourage me to do my best 100%

My teachers clearly explain what is required in my school work 100%

My school encourages me to participate in school activities 100%

I like being at my school 98.2%

My teachers expect me to do my best 98.1%

My school is well maintained 98.2%

I understand how I am assessed at my school 98.2%

I can access computers and other technologies at my school for learning 98.2%

I enjoy using computers and other technologies at my school for learning 98.2%

My teachers help me with my school work when I need it 98.2%

My teaches [provide me with useful feedback about my work 96.2%

My school looks for ways to improve 96.4%

My school gives me opportunities to do interesting things 96.4%

I am getting a good education at my school 96.4%

My Maths skills are being developed at my school 96.4%

My schoolwork challenges me to think 96.4%

My teachers care about me 96.3%

My school encourages me to be a good community member 96.4%

My school celebrates student achievements 96.4%

This is a good school 96.4%

From the parent responses, 100% stated that “This is a good school”.

Swimming

Our first two sessions have gone very well despite the water being a little chilly. Please ensure all items are labelled especially goggles and bathing caps. We also encourage students to bring thongs / crocs to wear to the pool as this makes getting dressed a lot easier and quicker.

Prep Interviews and Orientation Afternoons

Our firstsession was well supported and it was great to see so many keen young people enjoy their activities in Prep. There are another three sessions before the end of the year – Thursday 27 October, 10 November and 24 November.

World Teachers Day

Queensland state schools will celebrate World Teachers' Day on Friday 28 October. World Teachers' Day was established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1994 to celebrate the role of teachers in society. Recognised in more than 100 countries worldwide on October 5, it is celebrated in Queensland on the last Friday of October.

I would like to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge the wonderful teaching staff at Minden who work tirelessly every day to provide quality education to our children.

Parent Teacher Interviews

These will take place in week 5 on Monday 31 October and Thursday 3 November in the Resource Centre. Bookings can be made online through and use the code gzbfy.

Volunteers Afternoon Tea

Our school is blessed to have so many parents who willingly give up their time to help support us. From working in classrooms, collating Book Club and Book Fair, working in the P&C, tuck-shop, uniform shop, selling raffle tickets, Commonwealth Banking and doing a multitude of other things, your contribution genuinely makes a difference and our school is a better place as a result! To show our appreciation, we are holding an afternoon tea on Wednesday 26 October from 3:15pm onwards. If you have helped out in any way during the year, we would really like to see you there.

Grandparents Day

Celebrated on Sunday, 30 October, Grandparents Day provides families with a wonderful opportunity for grandchildren to thank their grandparents for their endless love and support. There are many ways that children and families can celebrate the special connection grandchildren share with their grandparents. Here are a few ideas: * give grandparents a card, bookmark or certificate to thank them for their love and support * send grandparents a special Grandparents Day postcard

* attend a community run Grandparents Day event.

* make a special thank you gift

* take grandparents out to morning tea or lunch

* spend time together doing something fun - such as going to the park, watching movies, baking or simply chatting and catching up

To all grandparents in our Minden community, we hope you have a happy Grandparents Day!

Christmas Carnival

Forthe last few months, the P&C have worked tirelessly on organising the Minden Christmas Carnival which will be held on Friday 25 November from 4:30 to 8:30. This year’s carnival promises to be bigger and better with market stalls, sideshow alley, food stalls and entertainment. This promises to be an exciting and fun-filled event with lots to do and see.

Enrolments 2017

Our school is now accepting enrolments for 2017. If you know of someone who may be interested in joining our school community, please encourage them to call the school on 0754 257 222 or call into the office to pick up an enrolment pack.

Leaving Minden?

Please let us know if your child/renwon’t be returning to Minden in 2017. Apart from being courteous, this information greatly assists us with making an informed decision for class groupings and teacher placements. We would appreciate the form being returned to the office as soon as possible.

Parents And Citizens Association News

Parents and Citizens Association Meeting: 3:30pm 07 November 2016.

Hope to see you at our next Minden Markets on Sunday 13 November.

Credit/Debit Card Facilities Now Available

The P&C now has a credit/debit card facility. Payments for uniforms, book club etc can now be paid using your credit/debit cards. This can be done in person, on the phone or by email to the school office.

Upcoming Events

> School Disco – 28 October

Start getting your dancing shoes ready, the school disco will be fun for all the family.

> Christmas Carnival – 25 November

We are starting to plan this year’s Christmas Carnival and looking for businesses that are able to come along on the day and provide fun entertainment for the kids and adults. If you would like to take part, please contact the P&C through the school.

> TuckshopSellout Sale – 30 November to 2 December

These days we will sell out any stock left over in the tuckshop.

> Ice Block Day – Chaplaincy – 6 December

Money raised goes towards funding the chaplaincy service.

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Uniform Shop:

Open days and times:

Monday - 2:30pm - 3:30pm

Wednesdays - 9:00am - 12:00 noon

Fridays - 9:00am - 12:00 noon

Please contact: Mel Forgan0407349132

Outside School Hours Care (OSHC)

Operating Hours

Monday - Friday before school opening at 6:15am and after school closing at 6:00pm.

For bookings or details please see the OSHC educators, call our main office (07) 4638 7965 or email

School Chaplain

Disco Fever Hits Minden Friday 28th October

BBQ (food) available to buy from 5:30pm

Dancing starts at 6:00-8:00pm

Pre-sale tickets - $3 per student

($4 tickets available at the door)

Theme is the letter 'M' - dress up for fun!

Games and fun on the night!

Face Painting available $2

There will be a lolly guess jar, see Mrs Hewett to have a guess $1 each, before the disco with the winner being announced at the disco.

** ICE BLOCK DAY FOR CHAPLAINCY –

DATE CLAIMER – FRIDAY DECEMBER 2 **

If there is anything that I can help with, please call me in the school office or send me an email. I am at Minden, Thursday and Friday each week.

Rebecca Hewett

School Chaplain

Minden State School

5425 7222

General School News

Assembly Gotcha Awards

Layla, Trent, Aliti-Rose, Hunter, Amy, Cooper.

Congratulations!

Classroom News

Prep News

*Presentation – Term 4’s presentation will be in week 9, Thursday 1st December at 2pm.

*Munch Crunch– Most students are able to finish their snack quickly, thanks to those parents that are taking the time to cut up fruit, making this snack quick.

*Lunchboxes– Please remember to pack an extra sandwich, wrap etc on Tuesdays (swimming day). Preps do not return to class until after the first break is finished.

*Homework– Homework now includes a maths activity, all work given to students has already been part of our classroom learning.

*Swimming – Students have time to change at school, as it gets hotter wearing swimmers will be very sweaty. Thongs make it easier for students to be ready to get into the water quickly.

*School absences – Great work parents! I rarely need to message parents concerning reasons for absences.

*Independence– It is great to see most Prep students walk to class by themselves. They are growing up fast, almost ready for year 1.

*Please ask if you are unsure about anything…

Thanks for your support….

Mrs Williams, Mrs Ploetz and The Prep Students

Curriculum Awards

Prep

Special Awards:

Jacob - is working hard in class, he is having fun learning.

Alyssa - Alyssa is working hard in class, she is enjoying learning.

Liam - Liam is enjoying learning, keep up the great work Liam!

Leon - Leon is showing confidence in class, he is having a go!

Sofie- Sofieis concentrating and working hard in class, keep up the great work Sofie.

Amelia - Amelia has completed Primer (Dolch) High Frequency Words. Keep up the great work Amelia!

Great Effort with Homework:

Hailey, Lincon, Alyssa, Joshua,Layla.

Year 1

Special Awards:

Seth - For excellent work on your research report!

Zye- For a great improvement in writing and spelling.

Arden - For getting stuck into your work this week!

Year 2

Special Awards:

Alastair - For having a positive attitude towards work and always trying hard.

Keeley- For being respectful and friendly to others. Well done!

Max - For being ready to learn and focused in Maths. Great effort!

Year 3

Special Awards:

Landon - Landon is showing an excellent work ethic in all areas.

Luka - Luka has been working very well in class.

Deegan - Deegan has made great progress in reading. Well done!

Keely - Keely is making excellent progress with her reading. Well done!

Birthdays

Ebony, Jai, Molly, Landon, Bella, Kylah, Samantha.

Happy Birthday from everyone at Minden State School!

Community Notices

NAB AFL AUSKICK

Register now for NAB AFLAUSKICK

Saturday 22 October (First Session)

8:30am - 9:30am

Only $75.00

Seven Weeks

Fernvale Sports Park

Children must be turning at least 5 in calendar year to participate.

More details contact Blaec on 38658700 or email

Minden State School Christmas Carnival

Christmas Carnival

Friday 25 November 2016

4:30pm - 8:30pm

1032 Lowood-Minden Road, Minden 4311

Special Guest, Twilight Markets, Lucky Door Prize

Student Performances, Specialty Food Stalls

Face Painting, Animal Farm, Games, Rides

Purchase your unlimited fun pass prior to 24 November for $20.00 or on the day for $25.00

More information contact Di - 0407828992 or Mel 0407349132

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