April/May Newsletter 2024

News from the Principal

What a great start everyone has had for Term 2, in a blink and the first 4 weeks have come and gone.  It has been extremely pleasing to see how quickly our students returned to school routine post holidays.  It has been a very busy first four (4) weeks, as classroom teachers and teacher aides continue to support each student towards their individual learning goals. 

In the coming weeks, classroom staff will continue to assess all students learning and begin moderating processes before compiling each student’s semester 1 report card.  It is a very busy next few weeks, and also a very important next few weeks.  I am calling on all parents to maximise their child’s learning days by ensuring they are coming every day.  Each day of school, provides an opportunity for your child to engage in the curriculum and learning experiences, and also provides valuable time for teaching staff to teach, assess and report on each student’s progress. 

I was extremely proud of all of our students and staff for participating in our school’s ANZAC Parade at school.  The Transition students and staff did a great job leading the school ANZAC ceremony.  Everyone involved (either presenting or observing) were respectful and followed along and participated appropriately.  Furthermore, I was so proud and appreciative of the students, family members and staff who attended the Gladstone ANZAC Parade and represented our school in the Gladstone Town March.  You all did an amazing job and proudly represented our school.

Thank you to our wonderful P&C who have been busy behind the scenes supporting the school with:

• Mother’s Day stall
• Organising major fundraiser (please keep an eye out for fundraising information for a BINGO event)
• For the second year running, the P&C have organised a school jacket order run. It is so good seeing so many of them proudly worn around the school.

I am excited to share that Miss Shelley our Deputy Principal, has been successful in obtaining the Acting Principal position at Rockhampton Special School for the remainder of 2024. In her absence we have seen our HOD C Miss Dom step up into acting Deputy Principal.  She has been doing a great job supporting everyone at Rosella.  In the coming weeks, I will be going through an open merit process to advertise the Acting Deputy role for semester 2.  As soon as the successful candidate is known, I will share with the school community.

A massive thank you to our families for supporting student attendance.  Our data to date is showing a significant improvement since 2023.  We have not seen our average attendance data slip below 82% all year.  Last year our data trend sat around 77%.  So, job well done families, it is so good seeing the students turn up every day.

I continue to encourage all families to notify the school of any absences (whether they are planned or illness related).  If your contact details have changed, can you also, please update the school with new contact numbers.  We use your current numbers to send absentee text messages (it is also imperative to have correct details if we are needing to contact you for other matters as well).

Until our next newsletter, wishing you all the very best.  If you have any concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school and arrange a time to have a chat.

News from the Deputy Principal

Community donations for shazam shop and student council

This term has seen some amazing contributions from local communities to help support our student Shazam shop which sees students receive Shazams for continuously displaying the three school rules of respect, positive and safe. Guzman Y Gomez have been fantastic with the delivery of little face paints, hair bows and burrito gift vouchers. We’ve seen a massive donation of fun and funky stationery and toys from Officeworks, we’ve also received donations from McDonald’s in the form of vouchers for happy meals, and frozen cokes as well as free coffees for staff. The Imperfectly Perfect shop from Calliope he has also donated some book bags and Gladstone Cinemas has donated free movie sessions! We continue to receive little bits and pieces from other community members as well! So, from all staff at Rosella another massive thank you for helping us continue to be able to meaningfully rewards our student.

Leader’s Camp

Our student councillors and sport captains had a great time challenging themselves on camp. They worked together to solve challenges and help one another at Kershaw gardens, dinner and bowling, swimming as well as a great adventure on a scavenger hunt on the beautiful trails of Mt Archer.

Everyone enjoyed relaxing at night and enjoying a game of footy on the TV, eating snacks and sharing stories about the day’s adventures. This outing really helped build new friendships and build on existing ones. It was my pleasure witnessing the compassion, helpfulness and responsibility of all the students on camp, while putting themselves in situations that challenged them. Ready for next year! A massive thank you to Ms Harris, Mrs Ward, Miss Sally and Miss C for their help making it all happen.

Importance of GP roles for children

GPs – choosing and visiting a family doctor

• A General Practitioner is also known as a GP, a local doctor or a family doctor. GPs specialise in general practice medicine, which means they care for many different health problems in all age groups. Some GPs have extra qualifications in a specialised area, such as pregnancy or immunisations.

Almost all non-emergency medical problems should begin with a GP visit, and the GP will refer your child to a specialist if needed.

It is important to have your own regular GP who knows you and your children, and who has access to your complete medical history. This will allow the GP to develop an understanding of your family's health needs so they can decide on the best treatment for you. A regular GP can get to know you and help you feel comfortable to talk openly about personal issues.

Your GP will be able to:

• provide immunisations
• monitor children's health and development
• treat non-serious accidents (e.g. cuts that need stitches, minor bangs to the head, and plastering some fractures)
• talk about your personal concerns and stresses
• make referrals to other service providers and support agencies
• liaise with hospital staff to help manage your child's care after being in hospital.

There may be times when you or your GP want to get a second opinion from a specialist. Your GP can help you to choose where you may wish to go and the reason for the second opinion.

Finding and choosing the right GP

When looking for a GP, ask friends or family members who they recommend, or ask your Maternal and Child Health Nurse. You can look for a doctor online via Healthdirect. Ask clinics in your local area if any of their doctors have a special interest in treating children.

To help decide whether a new GP is right for you, ask yourself the following questions on your first visit:

• Do I feel comfortable with this GP?
• Do they listen to what I have to say?
• Do I feel comfortable asking questions?
• Does this GP understand my cultural needs?
• Does this GP allow me to choose treatments that suit my beliefs?
• Can I make a longer appointment time if necessary?
• Is this GP easy for me to get to?
• Do the clinic's opening hours suit me?
• Does the clinic's payment plan suit me?

How to make the most of GP appointments

You will need to book an appointment to see a GP, unless it is urgent. In urgent cases, your GP may be able to fit you in ahead of patients waiting with less urgent issues. In these cases, try to call ahead if possible. Some GP clinics offer walk-in appointments where a booking is not necessary.

Most appointments are 10–15 minutes long. This is enough time for most simple general health problems. If you think the concern is more complex, or there are a number of issues you want to discuss, ask for a longer appointment. Ensure a separate appointment is booked for every person you wish to be seen on the day.

Before the appointment:

• write down the reason/s for your visit and any questions you wish to ask 
• make a list of all the medications your child is taking, including any complementary or alternative therapies.

During your visit:

• be prepared to discuss your concerns openly and honestly 
• write down anything that is important or that you might forget 
• ask questions if there is anything you don't understand.

Accessing a GP after hours

If you are worried about your child after hours, but don't feel that an emergency department visit is necessary, you may want to see an after-hours GP rather than wait until the next morning to see your regular GP.

Source: Kid’s Health Information, Royal Melbourne Hospital

Yours in good health,

Dominique Colucci

Acting Deputy Principal

News from Junior 1

We must be having too much fun in Junior 1 to notice the weeks flying by. Already this term, Junior 1 students have explored concepts around displaying data, positive interactions with peers, character descriptions and acting out texts through play. A favourite among the students has been displaying data based around our favourite foods and toys. We have explored a wide range of musical instruments and used communication cards to tell each other what instrument was our favourite. Students also made pizzas last week using some delicious toppings to communicate to others what their favourite pizza toppings are.

As we make our way through term 2, can I please remind all parents to ensure your student has a spare set of clothes in their bag daily. We can get quite messy in Junior 1 and some days we need a change of clothes. Please also ensure all clothes are properly labelled with your child's name. I hope everyone has a great week! 😊

News from Junior 2

Junior  2 have been learning the Science concepts of float and sink.  We explored a range of objects and put them into categories according to their attributes. We then used our preferred mode of communication (PODD and ALD boards) to request items to construct a boat.  We then got to test them out during water play to see if they floated.

Junior 2

News from Junior 3

Junior 3 students have been practicing transitioning around the school this term. We have visited Adventureland, the Library, the activity room and the sensory room. Skills we are focusing on during these transitions include lining up and walking as a class group. Class members have also participated in learning activities outside on the junior veranda. This has been very engaging and a lot of fun. We set up the sand pit, water tray, gross motor activities, musical instruments and playdough to name a few. Looking forward to continuing this learning for the rest of the term.

Junior 3

News from Intermediate 1

Hello to all intermediate 1 families.  This year is going so fast.  Students have been working really hard on their selected goals for this semester. Students have been completing assessments for all subjects and continue to write some great stories. All students have worked hard towards achieving their individual goals and parents will be so proud of their successes which will be revealed in the report cards coming home at the end of this semester. 

Students are also looking forward to our PBL rewards day activities at the end of term and of course the holidays. Please look out for the pictures that will be posted on dojo about these upcoming events.

News from Intermediate 2

Intermediate 2 students have been having fun looking at 3D shapes this term. We have learnt all about spheres, cylinders, cubes and pyramids. We have made models of each of the shapes and located these shapes in the environment. We have also begun to learn about patterns and how they recur in the world around us. We enjoyed making the wreath for ANZAC Day and learned about the significance of this day for Australians. We are all working so well!

News from Intermediate 3

This term, Intermediate 3 have been having a great time with our weekly Community access excursions.  We have been visiting the Gladstone Regional library and shopping for our weekly cooking at Coles.  We have been borrowing lots of great books and using the interactive stories at the library.

Senior 3

News from Intermediate 4

The intermediate 4 students have been working on completing Good Morning books each morning. They write their own names, the day of the week and their teachers names. They then select options from the book about the weather, their mood, and their preferred activities. It has been great to see the progress over time as students engage more with this activity.

We have been working a lot on deciding our likes/dislikes and preferred activities. This has led to some great fun; Angus is loving the guitar, Khiann loves the swing, and all the students enjoy cooking and crafting.

During our day we are also doing movement breaks and learning to share and play nicely with others. This has led to some beautiful interactions with students from other classes. Intermediate 4 will have a lot more fun days for the remainder of the term as we use our 5 senses to explore all sorts of foods and sensory toys. Looking forward to finishing the term with lots of smiles.

Intermediate 4

News from Intermediate 5

In Intermediate 5 the Super Hero boys have been enjoying the book of the week and learning about letters in our English lessons every day. We read a book and watch it on the classroom TV. Our favourite books so far have been The Rainbow Fish, Wombat Stew and One Woolly Wombat. Just some of the letter activities the boys enjoy are searching for letters in rice, matching letters, looking at letter picture cards and watching letter songs on the classroom TV.

Intermediate 5

News from Intermediate 6

Although every day is different in Intermediate 6, the one thing that remains consistent is the incredible growth our students are making with their communication. They get better at letting us know what they want and are becoming experts at transitioning and coping with change.

We enjoy play based, creative learning. As you can see, we like to get our hands (and faces) dirty. We also love playing “Where’s Thorin”? Can you see him in the cushions? We also made wonderful Mother’s day gifts for the special women who love our students with everything they have.

We also love some time in the Sensory and activity rooms. Aliah was our cheery representative at the ANZAC day parade in Gladstone.

Intermediate 6

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News from Senior 1

Senior 1 have been busily attacking their assessments with zest and some hesitation, however they have continued to shine when it comes to it!

Over the past 10 days we have been investigating evaporation during our science lessons where the students observed, analysed and documented the changes for their assessment. Leading up to the final assessment, Senior 1 conducted an experiment to observe the fizz time when different amounts of citric acid was added to the plastic cups.

Congratulations to those students that have participated in the athletics day and cross country. Well done to you all and for those that are presenting to the "out of school hours" training sessions.

Another great effort from Senior 1, Go Team!!!

Senior 1

News from Senior 2

Senior 2 have been working on their assessments recently; this has given me the opportunity to judge the progress they have made since the start of the year.

In English, students have been demonstrating their ability to respond to questions and make observations about our video of the week. They have also been preparing presentations to deliver to their classmates, practising their writing and typing skills and showing their ability to listen without interrupting.

Our Maths assessments have been designed to show the students’ ability to count and skip count and to demonstrate their use of the language of probability to describe familiar events. In Science, we are carrying out an experiment about designing a boat whilst in HPE we are interpreting other people’s emotional responses.

I look forward to sharing the students’ achievements with you in their end of semester reports.

Mr Mike

News from Senior 3

Senior 3 have been applying their Literacy and Numeracy skills in a variety of cross curricular activities.

In Technology they planned and created beautiful terrariums. In Science they have planned, conducted and evaluated investigations and communicated their ideas and findings. In cooking, senior 3 has continued to produce delicious food every Friday.

Senior 3

News from Senior 4

Wow this year is flying by !  Assessment is well and truly underway as well as report card writing.

Math curriculum revolves around making connections between number names, numerals and quantities up to 10 and answering simple questions to collect information and make simple inferences.

English curriculum involves identifying connections between texts and their personal experience. Describing likes and dislikes about familiar texts, objects, characters and events.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns, either by using the communication book or Class Dojo.

Mr Shaun

News from the Transition classes

Well it has been a busy few weeks in the Transition world. Mrs Leeson has been away enjoying herself overseas and will be back with us in Week 7.

Transition 1 ran a lovely ANZAC School service earlier in the term. They did a fabulous job and should be very proud of all the effort they put in.

Members of the Student Council team enjoyed their recent leadership camp in Rockhampton. They worked well with a variety of peers in engaging team building activities. 

We have been busy accessing the community and looking at all the post schooling options available. This has included visits to NDIS providers, the careers expo and organisations to support services in the community. 

We are busy finalising our assessments at the moment, with everyone progressing really well. 

Stay tuned for details on our active citizenship fundraiser where we will be organising and running an event to support the Gladstone Food Bank and Soup Kitchen.

Miss Sally and the Transition Team 🙂

Transition

News from our Non-Contact Teachers

In Design and Technology, students used old jeans and fabric remnants to create a bowl!  Don't they look amazing!  The students used a mould and glued the denim fabric together in layers.  They thought of lots of great ideas of how they could use them. 

In Intermediate 3, students have been learning adjectives to describe various objects.  They went for a walk around the school to find things that were rough and smooth.  

All the students have been very creative in Design and Technology, making lots of interesting items by recycling.  Senior 4 even made their own wrapping paper using brown paper and some paint and stencils.  

Kind regards,

Inter 1 Design and Technology

Int 3 Design and Technology

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Community News

This program is running through Lionheart. Please contact:
 
Michelle Cuthbertson
She/her
Community Coordinator 
Lionheart acknowledge the traditional owners, custodians and elders past, present and emerging on whose land that I work and live on.
 
07 4910 8777
0413 681 302   
michellec@lionheart.care  | www.lionheart.care

May is Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month. Our school joins with all Queenslanders in saying ‘No’ to domestic and family violence. Not all DFV involves physical abuse. Coercive control is a pattern of abusive, threatening behaviour aimed at controlling another person. For help and resources visit the Domestic and family violence website.