From the Principal’s Desk

Continuing COVID safe protocols at School With the unfortunate continuance of COVID related challenges in some of the southern states, and to ensure the ongoing health, safety and wellbeing of our local area/community, we are going to maintain our current protocols surrounding limited adult access to the school site and classrooms. Thank you once again to the many mums & dads who’ve continued to support and assist the arrangements we have in place regarding limited entry and for your patience and understanding throughout this period.

School Entry & Collection Routines and Distancing measures continue The current routines for the morning arrival/drop-off of Prep-Year 6 students and afternoon collection arrangements will continue until further notice. I will advise all families by way of a special Parent Update should there be any changes in the weeks ahead. We’ll continue the early collection times for PREP students each afternoon this week as follows:

Collection from School Hall 2.55pm: All Prep-B, W, WO, J and P/1L children at the same time

Arrival time at School While we recognise that the current chilly Winter weather may be making it a little harder for children to get up and get organised for school each day, it is nonetheless important that all students arrive at school before the first bell each morning. There seems to be a growing number of students arriving after the first bell at 8.45am, which then requires them to rush

to class and be less organised as they become more anxious at the start of the day. We would kindly ask that every effort is made by families for children to be on time for school each day.

For Prep children, the ideal arrival time would be between 8.15-8.30am, whilst all other students should not be here before 8.00am (Instrumental Music rehearsal mornings excluded) and arrive no later than 8.40am. Parental assistance in this regard will be greatly appreciated.

School BOOK FAIR - starts next week on Thursday One of the special annual activities we’d been hoping to return to this year will be going ahead. The annual School BOOK FAIR will be conducted in our Library, opening next Thursday 6th August. A range of terrific, reasonably priced books will be on sale and available to all students as they visit during their scheduled Library time between Thursday 6th and Wednesday 12th August. The Fair will also be open to parent visits & purchases after school from 3.30-5.00pm on each of these days - under strict social distancing conditions. On Friday 6th August (next week) we’re also inviting all Prep-Year 6 students to partcipate in a Character Dress Up day around this year’s Book Week theme of ‘Curious Creatures, Wild Minds’. More specific information about the Fair , as well as ideas 7 suggestions for dress up outfits can be found in Mrs Daley’s ‘Library News’ section of today’s Newsletter.

PREP Year 2021 - Special Events & Date Claimers for MRSS Parents of eligible Prep Year children may like to note the following dates of some of the preparatory events we’ll be conducting at our school in Terms 3 & 4 this year, ahead of our Prep 2021 intake:

PREP 2021 Prep Year Mini-Immersion Mornings – 9.00-10.00am Wednesdays. Limited spaces remain available for the remaining sessions on 19/08, 02/09 and 16/09 - choose one only. Under current conditions, only 10 children will be accepted on each of the above mornings on a first-in basis, without parent entry to classrooms. PREP 2021 Parent Information Session #1 (Evening): Wed 26 August, 6.00-7.00pm PREP 2021 Parent Information Session #2 (Afternoon): Thurs 03 Sept, 3.30-4.30 pm PREP Come & Try Mornings Tues 20 Oct, Wed 21 Oct, Thurs 22 Nov, Fri 23 Oct - all 9.15-10.45am – bookings open from 26 Aug 2020 Individual PREP Parent Interviews: Tues 03, Wed 04, Thurs 05, Fri 06 Nov - 7.45am-5.00pm daily –

bookings open from 26 Aug

Feel free to contact our school office should you require further details or information.

School Contacts:

Principal Craig Barron

Deputy Principals

Lois Staatz (T-F) Belinda Brett (M-W) Jill Temple (M-T-Th-F) Office Admin Staff

Julie Collingwood (BM) Dianne Pentecost (AO) Samantha Brock (AO)

Phone

46874222

Email

admin@ middleridgess.eq.edu.au

Outside School Hours Care

0452 246 230

Tuckshop Convenor

Amanda Ryan 0419 620 138 P&C Association

Meets at 7pm on the 3rd Wednesday each month. All parents welcome. School Motto

‘Where seeds of learning become forests of opportunity’

School Values

We value & strive for: Respect Honesty Learning Kindness Co-operation Social Justice Self-discipline

- NEWSLETTER - Middle Ridge State School

Wednesday 29th July 2020 ‘Where seeds of Learning become forests of Opportunity’ 23/20

www.middleridgess.eq.edu.au 203 Spring Street, Middle Ridge. Q. 4350

2021 & 2022 Prep Year Enrolments Invited Now.. We are formally inviting parents of age eligible children to express an interest in enrolling for the 2021 & 2022 Prep Year program at Middle Ridge SS. If you’ve not already done so, Parents of age and catchment eligible children are asked to register their enrolment intention NOW for the 2021 Prep Year program. This includes the younger siblings of families already enrolled with us. Age and residence (home address) criteria apply. Places for ‘in-catchment’ students have historically been very popular and usually fill quickly. If you are aware of family members or friends who live within our catchment area and are looking for a quality early years program and a terrific start to their child’s entry into school, please encourage them to make contact with our school office ASAP - all enquiries welcomed.

Term 3 Year 5 Sunshine Coast Camp - Payments welcomed NOW and by this Friday please A reminder that payments for the Year 5 Camp and all related forms are required at the school office by this Friday 31st July for all attending students. Our Year 5 Camp to the Currimundi Recreation Centre takes place from 12-14 August. Parents are kindy asked to read carefully through the notes & consent forms provided in Week 1 this term. Any questions relating to the Camp program and organisation can be directed to Camp Co-ordinator, MRSS HPE Teacher Mr Galvin, via his email address at bgalv3@eq.edu.au Queries related to the Consent & Medical/Medications/Health forms can be directed to your child’s class teacher via their email address. A reminder to all families that for any medications that need to be given during the Camp, the prescribing doctor’s written authority must be be provided. Over the counter medications, including Panadol, herbal remedies or alternate medicines will not be permitted nor administered by staff on Camp without a medical clinician’s letter affirming the need for the medication, its dosage and required time of administration. Please do not provide unsupported medications, etc on a ‘just in case’ basis. This requirement accords with the department’s policies to which our teachers must adhere. Thank you.

Term 3 Parent-Teacher Interviews In accordance with the Department of Education’s Operating Guidelines for Schools, ‘Parent-teacher interviews, approved by the Principal, can occur ensuring physical distancing requirements are maintained and other COVID-19 control measures are implemented’. Consequently, and with the required physical distancing protocols in place and firmly implemented, we’re going to proceed with our Parent-Teacher interviews currently planned for Week 6 this term. Interviews will be offered in the school Hall with Adults Only attendnace between 3.15-6.45pm on the afternoons of Tuesday 18th August and Thursday 20th August. Over this coming week all families will be provided with an invitation note from your child’s teacher outlining the opportunity to join us at nominated times. These interviews will be available in 10 minute timeslots. As long as the Operating Guidelines remain in effect and government/health authorities allow schools to do so, parents will be encouraged to take advantage of the above chance to share in discussions about your child’s progress. Once all replies have been returned, an appointment confirmation slip will be returned to you in the days prior to your specific meeting time. We look forward to your company and discussion then.

School Banking has started Student School banking has recommenced from today. Children who either have a school banking account or wish to start one should see the separate article from our volunteer co-ordinators, Laura & Ann-Marie, in today’s Newsletter for details.

Australian Maths Competition - confirmed for tomorrow (Thurs 30 July) I would like to confirm that the Australian Maths Competition for pre-registered MRSS students will take place at our school tomorrow, Thursday 30th July. Deputy Principal Mrs Brett will be overseeing the AMC, with children needing to arrive at school by 7.35am for a 7.45am sharp start. The Competition will be held in the ICT lab of the school Library. Children who have registered to participate should

bring a ruler, eraser, HB lead pencil, and calculator. Good luck all!

Preparations for Year 7 Enrolment at local State High Schools in 2021 Our local State High Schools - Centenary Height SHS and Harristown SHS - are currently liaising with Toowoomba Primary Schools regarding opportunities for Year 7 enrolment in 2021 and their transition processes in support of students and parents. Both schools are offering a considerable amount of information for enquiring families, much of which is being made available online via their respective school websites. I’m pleased to provide the following direct links to the resources, enrolment processes, policies practices, forms, virtual tours, staff & parent videos that parents may wish to peruse for either school: Harristown SHS - https://harristownshs.eq.edu.au/enrolments/school-tours Centenary Heights SHS - https://centheigshs.eq.edu.au/enrolments

Parents of current Year 6 students are encouraged to access the above websites and take note of the orientation and preparatory information being provided by both schools. Please be aware that each school maintains an Enrolment Management policy, with specific eligibility criteria having to be met by families seeking to apply for enrolment. Whilst we maintain very productive relationships with each school and will provide our students with information about potential enrolment and opportunities with both, parents wishing to obtain application forms and specific details will need to engage directly with the specific High School of interest.

Respect & Self Discipline Weekly Class Awards Congratulations to the following classes who are the winning recipients of last week’s Respect & Self-Discipline Class Awards. The RSD banner is sitting proudly outside the classroom door of each group this week. Well done all.

RSD Award Prep Yr 1 Yr 2 Yr 3 Yr 4 Yr 5 Yr 6

T3-Wk 1 Prep-B 1KB 2V 3MB 4WK 5I 6S

Office Foyer display this week This week’s Admin Office foyer display features some promotional posters and information for students about the upcoming School Book Fair. Whilst it may be a little difficult to see here, most of the important details are being provided for parents in the Library News section, further into today’s Newsletter. Our students are welcome to visit the office during lunch breaks to the displayed information. Thank you Mrs Daley.

Michael Grose Parenting Ideas Article We have subscribed to the Michael Grose ‘Parenting Ideas’ website, providing our school with free on-line access to a multitude of great articles, resources and ideas to support parents in your efforts to continue raising healthy, happy children. This week’s feature item is an article from the Parenting Ideas resource bank entitled ‘Standing behind difficult decisions’.’ I hope you find it both interesting and worthwhile reading.

P&C Association Meeting - return to scheduled monthly meetings from Wednesday 19 August The P&C Association executive has advised that they will be returning to their usual monthly meeting on Wednesday 19th August. Commencing at 7.00pm in the school Staffroom, all interested parents are invited to attend and will be made most welcome. We look forward to your company.

Regards,

Craig Barron

PRINCIPAL

From the Deputy Principals

Value of the Fortnight: KINDNESS

Congratulations to 1KB for presenting the school value of Kindness on Junior Assembly.

COOL (Care of Others Lives) Awards:

We are learning how to be BUCKET fillers

and NOT BUCKET Dippers. This is because bucket fillers are kind and

happy. Bucket dippers are mean and sad.

What we are looking for: students who do

random acts of kindness - they fill other people’s buckets and in doing so, also fill their own bucket.

Other Awards

STEM News – Mrs Belinda Brett (Deputy Principal & STEM Leader) 3FB have been learning coding through using the WeDo2.0s. They build a machine and then code it to make it move

through the WeDo2.0 program on the i-Pad. Looks like fun!

National Science Week 2020 will take place from August 15 to 23, with thousands of events and activities

around the country. There are so many interesting things happening in our world that I have taken a moment to put some in the newsletter for your interest.

Innovations! Click on the link to find out how a high school student used an idea from crocodiles to high rise building designs. https://blog.csiro.au/crocodile-nature-inspired-design/?utm_source=Snapshot-July-2020&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=Snapshot

The following link is a video explaining how oil rigs can be repurposed for better oceans. A wonderful innovative idea that could help our marine life. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N2NpAIbBRLw&feature=youtu.be&utm_source=Snapshot-July-2020&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=Snapshot

Need more information on how to stay cyber safe? Then this link is for you. https://blog.csiro.au/phishing-and-smishing-terms-to-know-to-avoid-a-cybersecurity-attack/?utm_source=Snapshot-July-2020&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=Snapshot

We’re always talking about the science and technology side of STEM but we don’t often talk about mathematics careers. The following link provides interviews with five professional mathematicians working in a variety of interesting jobs. Some might surprise you given their numbers background. https://blog.csiro.au/mathematics-careers/?utm_source=Snapshot-July-2020&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=Snapshot Want to know more about our oceans? CSIRO provide information about mapping the ocean floor and how seamounts are formed. https://www.csiro.au/en/Showcase/Mapping-the-ocean-floor?utm_source=Snapshot-July-2020&utm_medium=newsletter&utm_campaign=Snapshot

AMC (Australian Maths Competition) This will be sat tomorrow, Thursday 30 July. It will be held in the Computer Lab (Library)starting at 7.45am. Students need to arrive between 7.30am -7.40am. Students will need to bring a HB pencil, ruler and calculator. If students need concreate maths materials such as MAB blocks, play money etc they will need to see their classroom teacher prior to Thursday. Scrap paper will be provided. ONLY those students that have paid and are on my list will be able to participate. If unsure please contact the office.

Inclusivity

Being inclusive means that Australians of all ages, gender, sexual orientation, ability are treated fairly and with respect. We treat people with respect by acknowledging and accepting differences and treat people fairly by providing opportunities for all to be included/recognised in whatever the situation may be.

Our children are what we teach, show and model. Let us make sure that we are modelling the behaviour that is respectful of all people. The language we use determines how we think or feel about people. It determines the level of respect we have for people. With children it is important that they hear the language that makes them feel included, feel worthwhile, that they matter.

LIBRARY News - Mrs Tina Daley (Library Teacher)

INVITATION TO PARENTS TO VISIT THE BOOK FAIR

TIME: 3:30 – 5pm Friday 7th August, Monday 10th August and Tuesday 11th August. Children will be visiting our Book Fair during school hours. We know you’d like to visit our fair too so we’ve put social distance proticals in place to enable you to visit outside school hours. We actively manage routines and protocols in and around the school. Physical distancing measures between adults remain in place and it is important that we all continue to practise these measures. As a condition of entry to our School Library and Book Fair, Parent Visitors will be asked to provide name, student’s name, address, mobile phone number, and consent to this information being forwarded to Queensland Health to enable Covid-19 contact tracing procedures if required (just like visiting a local restaurant)

Social distance markers will be placed on library carpet (Velcro’s markers)

Hand sanitiser will be administered

9 adults enter the Book Fair (Drama Room) at 1 time with 1.5m distance in place

Adults will enter through the library door and proceed (social distancing) 9 in the library

Adults will vacate the DRAMA room through the computer lab door

A staff member cashier will be taking money in the computer lab

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfHJ98jVAgM&feature=youtu.be Hope to see you on one of the three afternoons offered!

LIBRARY BORROWING TIMETABLE FOR TERM 3

There has been a slight change to our timetable (5HS) Please ensure your child has a library bag on their borrowing day. If you don’t have a library bag please see one of our library staff who can issue you with one so your child can take home a book to read on their library day.

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY

4WK 3T 4D 2M 2V

Prep/1L 3/4R 4W 6S 6B

1MB 2MB 1HB 1KB 4/5S

PrepWO PrepJ 2P 2R 5RY

3MB 1SB PrepW 6H

5JY 5HS 3HO PrepB

5I 3FB

6F

Dress Up Ideas

You could look at creatures both real and imagined. REAL: Look at the many strange creatures in nature. Explore Your World: weird, Wild and Amazing by Tim Flannery, The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals by Sami Bayley and Fauna: Australia’s Most Curious Creatures by Tania McCartney are all recently published books, but check your own books at home for others. SPIRITUAL and IMAGINED: Myths and Legends and Folklore – Mermaids, dragons, yowie, etc. Fantasy Books – such as The Gruffalo, The Hobbit, Ice Wolves. Speculative Fiction – such as Mechanica by Lance Balchin. Aboriginal Spiritual Beings – The Bunyip of Berkeley’s Creek, The Quinkins (Percy Trezise and Dick Roughsey), The Binna Binna Man (Meme McDonald and Boori Pryor). Discuss the theme with your child to see what ideas they have. One way is to explain to the child that they are a curious creature with a wild mind. They may be passionate about adventures, exploring, science, space, drawing or sport. If the child is excited about their character then go with whatever takes their fancy!

Book Fair on 6th August! Book Week Dress Up Day 7th August PREMIERS READING CHALLENGE closes on 28th August.

SPORTING NEWS - Mr Brendan Galvin (HPE Teacher)

INTERHOUSE ATHLETICS CARNIVALS

Our Interhouse Athletics Carnivals have been revamped and modified and will take place over the next 5 Weeks. Unfortunately, parents and family supporters will not be able to attend these days due to the ongoing Covid-19 restrictions. Parents will need to relive the days’ action through the detailed report of your child around the dinner table that evening!

Year 3-6 - House points and Yr Level Champion trophies (Yr3-Yr6) will still be up for grabs but with changes to the regular program. As students will attend the carnival Yr Levels, it will not be possible to run Age Group events as age groups span across different Year levels. Hence, events will be held as Year level events. Field events are not part of this years program so individual points will be allocated across 100m, 200m and 800m events. Students also participate in Ball games and Relays.

Yr 3&4 Carnival held Thursday 6th August; Yr 5&6 Carnival held Friday 21st August. Only students will be in attendance.

Prep-Year 2 – Our Junior School will participate across all the usual rotational events as in the past, those being – Sprint Race, Relay Race, Long Jump, Shot Put, Modified Discus and Ball Games. Student numbers are being restricted to just one Year level at a time for 1.5hrs per session. This is a participation carnival focusing on all the positives of young students experimenting with the basic techniques within Athletic events.

Prep Carnival held Tuesday 25th August; Yr 1 Wednesday 26th August; Yr 2 Thursday 27th August. Again, only students will be in attendance.

IN OTHER SCHOOL NEWS.....

Toowoomba Regional Councillor addresses Year 4 Students about Local Government

All Year 4 students had the privilege last week of having Councillor Tim McMahon

visit to discuss the responsibilities of local government. This corresponded with the

current HASS unit that the Year 4s are studying this term, where they’re investigating

sustainability, the roles and responsibilities of the local council and how they can

contribute to the longevity of our local environment. Councillor McMahon spoke

about waste management and water conservation. The students then asked a variety

of engaging questions that prompted discussion about geo-thermal energy, waste

and compost, landfill turned into parks, and the process of how to become Mayor.

We sincerely thank Councillor McMahon for his time. The Year 4s thoroughly enjoyed

the discussion and took away valuable information that has assisted them with their

learning.

SCHOOL BANKING NEWS

School banking is back!! School banking day is Wednesday and commenced from today, 29th July 2020

School banking is a fun, interactive and engaging way to help young Australians learn about money and practice good saving habits. For each weekly deposit made at school, students will receive a virtual Dollarmites token. Once they collect 10 tokens they can redeem them for a school banking reward. If your child has previously participated in School Banking, or has an existing Commonwealth Bank Youth Saver account, They can start banking straight away by bringing their Dollarmites deposit wallet to school on Wednesday morning. If you would like to know more about School Banking please ask for a 2020 School Banking program parent guide from the school office or visit www.commbank.com.au/schoolbanking

Enjoy your day Laura and Ann-Maree School Banking coordinators

SCHOOL DENTAL VAN NEWS - Karen Wapstra (Qld Health Dental Therapist) We are very pleased to let you know that the Dental Van will be resuming dental services in the very near future. Thank you all very much for your patience while we have had to close due to the ongoing Covid19 pandemic, and we look forward to seeing our lovely clients and parents again very soon. There are some changes in the way we are required to operate, due to Covid19, to ensure the safety of both staff and visitors to the Dental Van.

1. Appointments will be made via telephone, and a Covid19 screening will be carried out. If the intended patient or any family member has travelled or is feeling unwell, the appointment will be deferred, but you will not miss out. We will simply see you at a later date when all is well.

2. Middle Ridge State School requires that all parents who arrive to accompany their child to a dental appointment must go to the school office and sign in. The office staff will then contact the child’s classroom teacher and the child will be sent to the office. You can then bring them to their appointment.

3. So that we can adhere to social distancing requirements and Qld Health visitor directives, only one parent or carer may attend the appointment. Qld Health at the moment, does not allow any person under the age of 16, unless they are the patient, to enter a health care facility. This means that no younger siblings are able to come inside the dental van, so care arrangements will need to be made for the little ones.

4. Before entering the dental van, another screening questionnaire must be completed and temperatures taken to ensure as far as possible that everyone remains safe.

If you have any concerns about procedures or safety protocols, please call us on 0412369415 . The van is open from 8am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday.

We are looking forward to seeing you all again Karen, Sandra and Luisa

P&C ASSOCIATION NEWS

TUCKSHOP

Dear Parents / Caregivers

1) The Winter Menu can also be found on the school website by clicking here. Orders should be placed on Flexischools.

Regards, Amanda Ryan Ph: 0419 620 138

UNIFORM SHOP

We are now fully stocked for Winter. Uniform Shop opening hours have been adjusted to accommodate the continuing social distancing requirements in schools. Operating hours are as follows until further advice: Mondays and Wednesdays 8.00-8.40am

We will still be practising Social Distancing so ask that only one family enter the shop at a time. You can still order on Flexischools for delivery to your child's classroom.

Regards, Joanna Matic

Adjusted Opening Hours:

Wednesday 8.00am to 9.00am

Opening Hours

Tuesday - Friday 8.15am to 2.00pm

COMMUNITY NEWS