Post on 25-Jun-2020
Tartan Times McDowall State School An Independent Public School since 2013
Achieving better outcomes for all students
School Administration (Office)
Open Mon to Fri, 8.00am – 4.00pm
Payment days: Wed & Fri: 8am – 11am
Recess Times
Prep – Year 2: 10.30am – 11.10am
12.45pm – 1.25pm
Years 3 – 6: 11.00am – 11.40am
1.15pm – 1.55pm
School Assemblies
Mon: 8:55 – 9:30am (Years 3–6)
Wed: 8.30 – 9:00am (Prep–Yr 2)
Tartan Tuckerbox (Tuckshop)
Monday: 1st break only
Open Tuesday to Friday
Flexischools orders avail. Mon-Fri
To volunteer: click here
Uniform Shop
Open Mon & Thu, 7.45am to 9.30am
Standard Uniform (Mon – Thu)
Tartan or red polo shirt
Bottle green pants shorts / skorts
Bottle green socks & black shoes (Tartan)
White socks (with red and bottle green stripes) & black shoes (red polo shirt)
Red bucket (for Prep Year) or Bottle green reversible broad-brimmed hat
Winter: bottle green jacket, jumper and track pants
Friday (Sports)
House shirt or red polo shirt if playing inter-school sports
Bottle green pants shorts / skorts
White socks (with red and bottle green stripes)
School hat
EDITION: 8th August 2018
N E
W S
L E
T T
E R
Office 3872 5333
Absence 3872 5366
OSH 3353 5755
Tuckshop 3872 5304
Fax 3872 5300
Email admin@mcdowallss.eq.edu.au
Website www.mcdowallss.eq.edu.au
2 Principal’s Post
5 Administration News
6 Music News
7 Sport News
7 Library News
8 Dance News
8 P&C Association News
What’s Happening
Mon 13 Aug
Tues 14 Aug
Wed 15 Aug
Thur 16 Aug
Fri 17 Aug
Power Into Prep Evening 5.30pm
Prep Active Learning Day
RNA Show Holiday (School Closed)
Yr 6 Maths Olympiad
Grandparents Morning 8.30-10.30am
Mon 3 Sep
Tues 4 Sep
Wed 5 Sep
Thur 6 Sep
Fri 7 Sep
Yrs 5-6 District Maths
Tournament
Chamber Music Concert 6.30pm
Yr 3 Ngutana Lui Excursion 3F2, 3F3, 3F4
Mon 20 Aug
Tues 21 Aug
Wed 22 Aug
Thur 23 Aug
Fri 24 Aug
Book Week
Yrs 3-6 Book Week Assembly
School Council Meeting 7pm
Yrs 3-5 Battle of the Bands
P-2 Book Week Assembly
Yr 2 Music Recruitment Concert Music Parent Info Night 6.30pm
Book Fair Yrs P-2 Library Author Visit
Yrs 4-6 Cyber Safety
Incursion
Book Fair Yrs 5-6 School Tennis Tournament School Opinion Survey Closure
Yr 6 Boys SEQ Championships
Mon 27 Aug
Tues 28 Aug
Wed 29 Aug
Thur 30 Aug
Fri 31 Aug
Book Fair Singfest Choral Festival Old Museum P&C Association Fathers Day Stall
Yr 5 Father’s Day Breakfast 8am-8.30am
Yrs 3-6 Merrille O’Neill Assembly P&C Association General Meeting 7pm
Yrs 3-6 Regional Athletics Carnival Poem In Your Pocket Day
P-2 Merrille O’Neill Assembly Bedtime Book Fair 5pm-7pm
Yr 3 Ngutana Lui Excursion 3F1, 3N1, 3N2
Year 6 Red Team Soccer
Heading to the South East QLD Soccer Finals
After completing the North District Gala Days undefeated, McDowall SS Year 6 Boys played Hilder Road SS at the Gap Football Club in a playoff. McDowall SS was off to a great start scoring early in the first half from a superb build up and a powerful finish from Daniel M. After half time Hilder Road SS struck back with two quick goals snatching the lead.
Strong running through the centre of the field, Aaron J set up plenty of promising scoring opportunities. With minutes left and the pressure building, Sam P bamboozled countless defenders before scorching down the sideline with pace to burn.
All set to score the equaliser, Sam P was brought down in a rough tackle, resulting in a penalty. Super Striker Jamie W, as cool as ice, stepped up and smashed the ball into the back of the net not giving the keeper a chance. All tied up at full time, the game went into extra time and after 20 more minutes and no more scores, a penalty shoot-out would decide the outcome.
After seven shots per team a Hilder Road SS player pushed his kick wide missing the goal posts. One kick, one goal and the victory would belong to McDowall SS. Daniel M kicked truly and the crowd erupted with cheers for the boys. Zade B was spectacular in goals throughout the game. It was a hard fought and highly entertaining game delivered by both teams.
Congratulations to this squad of boys. It was a huge team effort. A big thank you to our supportive parents and grandparents who cheered and urged the boys on throughout the game. The journey is far from over; next stop Ipswich and the South East Queensland finals on Friday the 24th of August, 2018.
Tartan Times 8 August – 2018 Page 2
Principal’s Post
Grandparents’ Morning
Grandparents’ Morning will be held on Friday
17th August, 2018 from 8.30am-10.30am.
Grandparents are special family within the
lives of children. In our modern society with
many parents working, grandparents assume
an increasing role in the upbringing, care and
welfare of children. It is therefore appropriate
that the McDowall State School invites
grandparents to join with their grandchildren
to celebrate their daily educational experience.
Grandparents Morning is annually well
supported and many grandparents
travel considerable distances to attend.
Grandparents are invited to sit with
their grandchildren before school, then
accompany them to class to experience
the morning session. Teachers
welcome grandparents into their classroom. Students display
extreme delight in sharing their school experience.
Grandparents may sit beside their grandchild, work with small
groups of students, hear students read or perhaps, even be
invited to share their knowledge and experiences with the
class. Should grandchildren be located in more than one
class, grandparents are welcome to move between classes
during the morning session. Should a grandparent not be
available to attend, parents are welcome to send along
another suitable adult member of the family.
The P&C Association will share a morning tea for
grandparents in K Block (OSH) from 10.30am-11.00am.
School Council
The McDowall SS School
Council meets five times
annually. The School
Council has ten members.
The Principal and P&C
Association President are
automatic members of
the School Council. Remaining members are elected for a two
year term of membership by either staff or parents.
The School Council is separate from and has a distinct
function to that of the P&C Association. It guides and
monitors the strategic direction of the school, approves and
monitors the implementation plans and policies of a strategic
nature; and advises the Principal on strategic matters. The
School Council performs its functions in a way that achieves
the best learning outcomes for students.
Essentially, School Council members are regularly kept
informed about school operations, issues and achievement by
the Principal. Being elected by staff and parents, these
members oversee the drafting of the School Plan 2018-2021
(an aspirational but realistic vision or perspective of what the
McDowall State School student experience, opportunities,
facilities and achievement standards should be like in four
years time). Additionally, members identify key steps, targets
or benchmarks that should be annually attained if the drafted
vision is to be realised. Changing influences and
circumstances mean that School Council annually monitor
school progress and amend the vision statement as required.
School Council business is outlined within the School Council
Charter 2018-2021. Both documents are available from the
McDowall State School website www.mcdowallss.eq.edu.au .
The School Council is not permitted to interfere with the
Principal’s management of the school, including it’s
curriculum, teaching style or resourcing. The School Council
must comply with law such as the Education Act and
Regulations. It does not control funds, own or manage
resources nor can members be sued. It is an ‘advisory body’
established to work in partnership with the Principal and P&C
Association President, according to its constitution, outlining a
preferred direction that should result in the best possible
outcomes for all enrolled students. School and P&C
Association (in partnership) then annually do what is
necessary, to transfix the vision into real experience for our
students.
Next SCHOOL COUNCIL Meeting: Monday 20 th August,
2018 from 7pm – 8pm (School Administration).
RNA Show Holiday
The McDowall State School will close on Wednesday 15th
August, 2018 for the RNA Show Holiday.
School Signage
McDowall State School receives core operational grants from
the Queensland Government. These grants are a mix of both
State and Commonwealth funds. Over the past five years,
State funds have remained generally static and continued to
be invested within essential core school programmes and
accountabilities while received additional Commonwealth
funds have been invested to deliver improved educational
service delivery to McDowall State School students. For
example:
As an Independent Public School we annually receive an
additional $50,000 of Commonwealth funds to cover costs
associated with meeting the objectives of this
programme. McDowall SS has used these funds to build
additional infrastructure. Eg. Kiss-and-Ride Facility
Covered Area, Year 2 Covered Area, Performing Arts
Classroom, wider pathways and classroom
refurbishments.
A Master Teacher (teacher coach) has supported and
assisted McDowall SS teachers to develop and refine
teaching practices aligning better with published
neuroscience and our action research initiatives. This
salary was fully funded by Commonwealth funds.
A Master Teacher support grant of $25,000 pa (over 5yrs)
has been used to ensure best quality professional training
for McDowall SS staff (a) Academic presenters (b)
University links (c) Co-teachers; and (d) Minimal
disruption to class programmes. This grant was fully
funded by Commonwealth funds.
Tartan Times 8 August – 2018 Page 3
The Great Results Guarantee (now called) Investing for
Success annual static grant of $298,366 is also fully
funded by the Commonwealth. Each year, a programme
overview and a programme outcomes page is placed on
the school website for parent information. These funds
currently purchase:
A Speech Language Pathologist across P-2 for three
days weekly.
A full-time teacher-aide assigned to each of P-4 Year
Levels (5 staff).
A Communications Officer (24hrs/wk) to oversee
Tartan Times, school website and facilities hire.
IT technology support for Years 5-6 teachers
overseeing BYOD programmes.
Since 2014, the Queensland Government has been one of only
a few jurisdictions to have significantly passed Commonwealth
funds directly to State Schools. This needs-based funding has
allowed Principals and School Councils, to allocate additional
resources where they are most required, particularly to support
and extend the learning of all students. McDowall State School,
Our Great State School, has blossomed under this financial
investment due to the ability to use funds in addressing local
priorities and student learning need.
There are two significant issues of which parents need to be
aware at present. Neither are underpinned by politics nor
political leaning but both will indeed impact on McDowall State
School’s future capability in delivering the ‘Best Learning
Outcomes For All Students’. Therefore, both issues should be
of interest to staff and parents.
No matter the political persuasion, Australia’s State
Schools must be properly and adequately funded. It is the
nation’s obligation to ensure that schools can meet /
appropriately respond to the needs of every enrolled
student, with each student having the opportunity to
realise their potential. All, not some, schools should be
properly and equitably resourced. “Fair Funding Now”
signage has been placed on the school fence-line. This is a
school community message directed at both State and
Commonwealth Governments.
The Queensland Government has advised that (i) The
Independent Public Schools initiative is under review; and
(ii) The Master Teacher initiative and associated Master
Teacher grant will be discontinued from 2018. This will
equate to a potential Commonwealth funds loss to the
McDowall SS Budget 2019 of $204,906. The Queensland
Government has every right to redirect State and
Commonwealth funds as they see fit. Principals also need
long-term school funding (staffing) certainty. Presently, it
is unsure whether ‘Investing for Success’ funding will
continue to be received by State Schools beyond 2019.
Potentially, this will equate to a further Commonwealth
funds loss to the McDowall State School Budget 2020 of
$298,366 with all associated student support services
being discontinued from that time. A ‘Direct Funding To
Our School Matters’ notice has been placed on the
McDowall State School Electronic Sign.
This information is provided to parents based on that which is
currently known, so that they may engage in inquiry, better
informing their knowledge and understanding, so that they
more productively contribute toward the current educational
debate affecting future State School service delivery standards.
Parent Opinion Surveys
Each year, the Department of Education undertakes a survey of
all parents, all staff and Years 5 and 6 students to gauge their
opinion with important aspects of schooling. Each family,
through their eldest child, received a Cover Letter from the
Principal and a Blue On-Line Access Letter enabling a single
opportunity to complete the Parent Survey for 2018. Parental
responses assist the school community to further achieve ‘Best
Learning Outcomes For All Students’ in making the
McDowall State School a better learning experience for your
child. Confidential responses afford feedback to the school
community (staff, parents & students) on what we do well and
in identifying ways we may collectively improve in creating an
even better learning place for students.
The Parent Opinion Survey will close on Friday 24th August,
2018.
Year 6 Boys Soccer
The Year 6 Boys Soccer Team has been selected to represent
the Metropolitan North Region at the South East Queensland
Football Championship to be held on Friday 24th August at
Western Pride Football Club, Ipswich. Mr Heath McDonald 5D2,
recently becoming a father, will cancel his paternity leave to
keenly accompany the team. McDowall State School will play
within this high level competition against a Sunshine Coast and
a Darling Downs School, needing to win both games, in order to
assume the SE Queensland Title. Congratulations on your
achievement to date and best wishes for these games.
Colds & Flu
Flu, colds and other viral infections are moving through
Brisbane. You may take precautions but such infections are a
part of modern urban life. Flu vaccinations may not prevent all
strains but may minimise effect and longevity of infection. Good
personal hygiene and social practice is critical in minimising
spread and severity of illness.
McDowall State School students have been instructed:
To tell their parents when they feel sick and not to attend
school until they feel better. This may require a
medical clearance. Sick children must not be sent to school
with likelihood that they will spread the virus to other
students and to staff. Sick children need regular care, rest,
fluids and regular access to toilets. McDowall SS neither
has the facility nor staff to care for sick children. Parents
will be called to collect and make other arrangements for
child care.
To carry either a handkerchief or tissues so that they may
cover their mouth when they cough or sneeze. Tissues are
available from within classrooms. All used tissues must be
immediately placed in bins.
To cough or sneeze into their elbow, not their hand should
they not have a handkerchief or tissue.
To wash their hands regularly. Foam soap is available from
within toilets.
To eat healthy food, including a good breakfast and lunch.
Drink a lot of water.
To go to bed early and experience at least 8 hours sleep
nightly.
To tell their teacher as soon as they feel ill. To promptly
depart the classroom (even without requesting permission)
if they feel that they may vomit.
Tartan Times 8 August – 2018 Page 4
Principal’s Gallery
Administration News
Term 3 Overviews for all Year Levels are available on our
website. Please click here for more information.
Year 5 News
In Term 2, Year 5 students
studied the art of persuasive
writing. Many students from
5G4 have become strong
advocates for the
environment.
Please see attachments for
some samples of their
impassioned pleas to join the
War on Waste.
CONTACT: Ms Arlene Smethurst, Master Teacher
Nicol Jackson Art Competition
Each year, McDowall State School holds an Art Competition
across P-6. We are constantly amazed at the artistic and
creative talents of our students and 2018 is no exception! At
special Art Assemblies on Monday 25th June, our School Hall
was transformed into an art gallery as we displayed and
announced the Year Level winners. Year 6 student, Alice T,
was also presented with the Nicol Jackson Art Award. This
annual award is presented to a Year 6 student who has
demonstrated outstanding achievement, attitude, effort and
participation in the subject area.
Year Level winners for 2018 were:
Prep
Sophia C - PC2
Ayla M - PA1
Emma A - PA1
Jason N - PB2
Aiden J - PA2
Year 1
Daisy P - 1J6
Katherine M - 1J4
Isabella S - 1J2
Nicola W - 1J2
Sienna G - 1J6
Year 2
Savinu G - 2Q2
Eliza - 2O2
Misha A - 2O2
Sophie A - 2J8
Eve R - 2Q2
Alice T - 6D4, Nicol Jackson Art Award Winner
w/c 6th Aug 4E1 Please enjoy a snapshot of art-
work featured from 4G1 & 1J3
w/c 13th Aug 4E2 w/c 20th Aug 2Q1 w/c 27th Aug 5D2
Tartan Times 8 August – 2018 Page 5
CONTACT: Ms Vanessa Crowhurst, Head of Curriculum
Music News
Celebration Concert
Congratulations to our many
talented students who
performed within the McDowall
State School Celebration
Concert held on Thursday, 21st
June, 2018. It was a great
evening with our music
students showing off their skill
and talent. Our music teachers
all work so hard to get their
students ready for these types
of performances and they are
congratulated on the high standard that was presented. It was
such a joy to see so many McDowall State School students
involved in making music.
Events like these can’t happen
without many volunteers, so a huge
“Thank You” to the staff and
parents who contributed their time
and endeavour ensuring the concert
went off with a bang!
The next School Concert is the Chamber Music Night, due to be
held on Tuesday 4th September, 2018. This Concert is of a
more intimate style, comprising of small instrumental and
dance ensembles and solo instrumental performances. We hope
to see you there!
Key Performing Arts Dates for Term 3
Presto Strings Impress at Fanfare Finals
On Monday morning, 25th June, 2018 a very
excited group of musicians travelled by bus to
the Old Museum Building, Bowen Hills, to
perform in the 2018 Fanfare Regional Finals. Presto Strings
performed beautifully and certainly showed why they were
selected for the finals. Although they did not place in the top
three, our Presto Strings really impressed.
Hearty congratulations to all of the students in Presto Strings
who have worked so hard this year. A big thank you to Mrs
Payne for her dedication and hard work in preparing the
students for this competition. Also thank you to Ms Woodruff for
her piano accompaniment during the Presto String’s
performance. To all the Mums and Dads, a big thank you for
supporting your child’s musical development – it is very much
appreciated.
CONTACT: Ms Vanessa Crowhurst, Head of Curriculum
Tartan Times 8 August – 2018 Page 6
Sport News
Hockey
From 14th—17th June, 2018, Meribelle R,
Trinity W and Lily P represented Met North
Region at the recent Queensland School
Sport, for 10-12years Hockey State
Championships in Cairns.
Met North Region won all ten of the games
and became this year championship
winners for 2018.
Congratulations to Lily P Yr.4 who earned a place on the
Met North Region Under 12 softball team. A tremendous
achievement for such a young student.
Congratulations to the following students who have
earned a place on the Yr. 4 red ball tennis team. They
will represent McDowall State School in the B.I. Schools
Challenge. [Sara B , Jayden J , Isaac C , Mitchell E, Lily
P, Nick D, Lucas W, Max F.]
District Athletics - Congratulations to all students who
competed in the North District Athletics Carnival. Our
school was once again successful in earning two District
Trophies. We won the A Division Schools Trophy and the
Overall Points Trophy. Many McDowall SS students will
now compete at the Met North Regional Carnival at UQ
in a couple of weeks. A special mention to these
students who competed in the multi event at the District
Athletics - Isaac & Trinity 1st place, Thomas H & Lily P
2nd place, Erin H 3rd place, Kip R 4th place. This is a
tough event involving four disciplines.
Please return Athletic singlets to the Sports Room.
Yr. 5 / Yr. 6 School Tennis Tournament - The school
tennis tournament will be held on Friday 24th August,
2018. It is open to Yrs. 5-6 students only. It is a knock-
out tournament. Matches run through-out the day.
Preparatory Year PE - I had the pleasure this week to
teach Prep classes for two PE lessons. We learnt over-
arm and under-arm throwing skills. Students were
enthusiastic and were excellent at following instructions.
Prep classes will receive two PE lessons per week this
term.
School Jerseys - Please return any school equipment or
your jersey to your coach or PE teacher.
Rebel Sport Mitchelton - Please mention our school when
purchasing. We are part of the community kick-back
program.
Fitness Awards - Congratulations to 35 students who
received a Gold Level Certificate for their fitness awards
in Semester One. To achieve a Gold Certificate students
needed to get a gold level for all seven fitness tests.
Congratulations to the following classes who were
judged to be the fittest class for their year level. 3F4 ,
4G2 , 5D3 , 6C4 & 6D4 (tie).
Fitness Awards Semester 2 - These begin shortly. All
students start from zero.
Friday Fitness Club - Beep Test sessions will be held in
the Sports Centre every Friday morning from 8.05am
and 8.20am. These sessions are open to students in Yrs
3-6. Please wait at the Sports Centre door for a teacher
to arrive.
CONTACT: Mr Paul Henderson, PE Teacher.
Library News
Busy Term for Children’s Book Week
Book Week Term has arrived! Though
Book Week itself isn’t until Week 6,
preparations for our celebrations at
McDowall State School have already
started. Students are currently finalising
their entries for the Merrille O’Neill Poetry
Competition. The English teaching staff at
Craigslea State High School will judge
these soon and winners will be
announced later this term.
During Book Week month we will be
having a Book Fair with a Bedtime Book
Fair on 29th August, 2018. Our special
guest author, Rebecca Johnson, will be
visiting McDowall SS during Book Week.
A highlight of Book Week is of course the
books. The Australian Children’s Book
Council have named the finalists for this year’s competition.
Please view the list at: https://www.cbca.org.au/short-list-
2018 . From this list, the winners will be decided and
announced just prior to Book Week.
TOTAL NUMBER OF
WORDS READ BY YEAR
FOUR & FIVE STUDENTS!
28,652,333
Tartan Times 8 August – 2018 Page 7
Our Library Garden
It is lovely to be outdoors at this
time of the year and students are
certainly enjoying the School
Library garden. It is two years old
now and while some plants have
come and gone, generally the
garden is looking quite
established. Our rosemary, for
example, is doing very well. So if
you are roasting some lamb for an
evening wintery meal, you are
welcome to come and grab some fresh rosemary from the
garden!
CONTACT: Mrs Jan Saunders, Teacher
Dance News
Dance Student Of The Week
This term in Dance, I have started a school wide reward
system to congratulate and commend a boy and girl in each
Year Level who follow the school rules at all times during the
lesson and also demonstrate outstanding work in Dance.
Week 1 saw students progress straight into new exciting units
of work. Years 5-6 also began their weekly 30min dance
lesson designed to extend their presentation skills.
Congratulations to the following students for their enthusiasm
and hard work.
Week 1
Prep- Emilie S & Brodie F
Year 2- Tanish K & Narnia B
Year 3- Jake T & Jiya P
Year 4- Blake H & Rianna J
Year 5- Micah H & Mia B
Year 6- Miles P & Charlie C
CONTACT: Miss Ashlee Murphy, Human Movement Teacher
P & C Association News
Uniform Shop The uniform shop is seeking a volunteer for Thursday mornings, once a month. If you can help out, please contact Karen – uniformshop@mcdowallss.com
Fundraising at Indooroopilly Shopping Centre McDowall State School came 3rd in the Indooroopilly Shopping
Centre’s Funds for Local Schools Fundraising Initiative. Our
school receives $500 for 3rd place.
Our thanks to Indooroopilly Shopping Centre and the FUNds
for Local Schools Fundraising Initiative.
Advertising on the Electronic Sign
Do you run or know of a local business
which would benefit from advertising
on our school electronic sign on Rode
Rd?
If you would like to advertise your
business, please contact the P&C
Association Operations Manager, Manie, for more information,
or please share Manie's contact details with local businesses.
Tartan Tuckerbox
Have you had your say about the Tartan Tuckerbox? Please
spend a couple of minutes completing our survey so we can
provide the best possible service to our school community.
School Banking Congratulations to PB1 for being very consistent savers last
term and winning the Zooper Doopers.
The following prizes are all on offer for kids to redeem (while
stocks last). For images, you can google them on CBA.com
There are plenty of Colour change markers, Epic Earphones,
Glow Light, Heat Reactor Pencils, Mighty Boom Handballs,
Pencil Tech Case, Smiley Emoji Keyring, Sparkle Glitter Pens,
Tablet Case, Twister Handballs and Volt Handball.
It normally takes two weeks for the school to receive the rewards that each child is redeeming. At this stage, the CBA are not having any more Scratch pads, (Sorry). If you ever have any concerns, feel free to email us at banking@mcdowallss.com or put a note in the banking book.
CONTACT: Mrs Anna Lagos, P&C Association