Newsletter Term 3 Week 1
PRINCIPAL’S PRATTLE
It was a great sight on parade on Monday morning to see
so many happy, smiling faces ready to take their learning
into their own hands for another Semester at school. I
have heard many wonderful stories about the students’
holidays with many telling me how they enjoyed spending
time at home with family. Winter certainly approached
during the break and it is hoped that the illnesses all stay
away. Keeping healthy also means keeping warm during the
colder months. P & C operate a uniform shop which is open
every Monday for parents/caregivers to access. However,
if you are unable to make it up on this day, please call the
school and we will ensure your order is given to the P & C
and delivered back to you as soon as possible.
This term will be very busy with athletics, teaching and
learning audit, School Opinion Survey and many other
significant events occurring. It is still our number one
priority to ensure every child at Biggenden State School
receives a high standard of education with learning
occurring every minute of every day. Parents would have
received their child’s Semester One Report Cards by now.
I encourage all families to sit down and read the reports
together and set goals on learning improvements for the
upcoming Semester.
Students are continually receiving feedback from their
teachers about their learning and it has now become
accepted that students know where they are at and what
they are learning. Student learning and achievements
should be celebrated at home. Staff members and myself
have shared with students their achievements and
acknowledged how proud we are of their learning. Please
contact the school if you have not already requested a
parent teacher interview. At these interviews teachers
will share your child’s work with you and acknowledge the
areas of achievement and the areas to focus on.
This Thursday and Friday I will be attending Quality
Schools Inclusive Leaders Professional Development in
Gladstone along with Natalina Royan. This training is of
high importance and allows us to further understand
students with disabilities and learning difficulties. The
training will ensure the school is catering for all students’
needs and requirements. All students at our school are
given opportunities to learn and achieve.
ATTENDANCE
Once again this term we will continue to strive to achieve
our attendance goal of 96.3% across the school. Semester
One saw the school achieve 93.4% which was a marked
improvement on the same time last year. Students need to
attend school to ensure they receive the maximum
opportunities to learn.
17 July 2014
SCHOOL WIDE POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR
This term our school wide positive behaviour topics focus
on respect. Respect is a difficult concept for students to
understand but it is an exceptionally important concept
for everyone to learn and be able to display.
Gotcha Winner – Ryley Gibbs
Gotcha Winner – Amy Wayne
ATHLETICS CARNIVAL
Wednesday this week was the final day for our Biggenden
Interhouse Athletics Carnival. Students all participated
to the best of their ability, demonstrating some
exceptional determination and sportsmanship. I am sure
many students actually surprised themselves when they
achieved so well. A big thank you to Mrs Carolyn Holmes
and Mrs Susan Stark for all the extra work they do behind
the scenes in organising these events. The hours they
spend on the program ensures everything runs very well.
Next Friday, 25th July, 2014, Biggenden State School will
host the Biggenden & District Athletics Carnival for
students aged 9 to 13 years from not only our school but
also Coalstoun Lakes and Dallarnil students. This is a
selection trial for students to be nominated for the North
Burnett Athletics Carnival to be held in Gayndah on
Wednesday, 6th August, 2014.
I encourage all
parents/caregivers to come along on the day and show
support. A tuckshop will be operating on the day for the
entire school and we ask for parent volunteers to assist in
the canteen. Monies received from this day goes back to
the Biggenden & District Sports Committee to purchase
trophies and equipment to be used on District days.
SCHOOL OPINION SURVEY
This year the School Opinion survey will be administered
to all parents from Prep to Year 10 on Monday the 21 July.
Please ask your oldest child for the envelope handed to
them from the office.
This is an online survey; each family will be issued with a
unique login and password so their privacy can be ensured.
It is important for all families to complete this survey to
assist us in reviewing or improving areas of concern or
improvement in our school.
The survey must be
completed by the 3rd August.
We thank you in
advance for your cooperation to this matter.
Big on Heart – Respect – Responsibility – Learning.
While Striving to Excel
Newsletter Term 3 Week 1
JULY
22
24
25
29
Years 9 & 10 Attend Careers Expo
Under 8’s Day
Biggenden District Athletics Carnival
Multicultural Day
AUGUST
4
USQ Camp Years 9 & 10
6
Primary Zone Athletics
11
Biggenden Show Public Holiday
13
Arts Council – Sarah’s Heavy Heart
19
Book Week Celebrations
22
NB Athletics Sec
27
Primary WB Athletics
SEPTEMBER
12
Chaplaincy Dinner
17
Immunisation Clinic Yr 8 & 10
22 – 3 October SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
17 July 2014
Welcome back to all families of our school community. This
term’s theme is all about respect. Self-respect is the
basis of respect for others. Have a look in the mirror and
see if you like and respect who you see. Remember, your
true self is under the mask of your face. Make a decision
to show yourself respect and care today.
Multicultural Day Tuesday 29th July
This is a day when we celebrate our
family of origin. Bring food, costumes,
flags and any other item of interest
to share with your classmates.
Activities will be done in class groups
and food shared at first break. Family
members welcome to attend.
WANTED! A Chaplaincy Committee treasurer. Our long
serving treasurer has moved to the country and would like
to hand over the book keeping. It is an easy job which just
requires a computer. If you are interested see/ring Moira
41271991 or Mark 41271959 LOCAL CHAPLAINCY
MEETING this Monday 21st July 3.15pm
BOOK WEEK CELEBRATIONS
Biggenden State School will be celebrating Book Week in
week 6 this term on Tuesday 19th August.
The theme is Reading to Connect.
Come dressed as a character from your
favourite book. Put your thinking caps on and
start thinking about your costume.
PRE PREP PROGRAM
to start at
Biggenden State School SOON.
Enrol your child for this very important program NOW.
COMMUNITY NOTICES
BIGGENDEN ROSE FESTIVAL
PUBLIC MEETING
Pre Prep students must be turning five (5) by the 30
June 2015.
MONDAY 21st July 7pm
A Birth Certificate is essential for your child’s
enrolment being accepted.
Please let your friends and neighbours know about our
program.
Come and have your say.
We will look at how we can celebrate living in Biggenden
with an annual or biannual Festival.
Supper provided.
Biggenden Memorial Hall
Biggenden ... halfway between Utopia and Paradise
CHAPPY NEWS
Enquiries Moira Thompson 41271991 or 0458365051
BIGGENDEN HOSPITAL
While Striving to Excel
AUXILLARY
Big on Heart – Respect – Responsibility – Learning.
are holding a
Newsletter Term 3 Week 1
17 July 2014
----oo000oo---
LIVING WITH WILDLIFE – SWOOPING MAGPIES
Between July and November, magpies defend their young
from threats. Some magpies see us as threats – and they
swoop. If you know what to do when a magpie swoops, you
can stay safe and let these birds raise their young.
Avoidance of the area is best. Magpies breed in spring
and protect around 150metres around their next.
If you must go near the next of a
swooper below is a few handy hints.







Wear a hat and sunglasses or hold
a school bag or umbrella over your head.
Some magpies only swoop at cyclists. If you get off
your bike and walk, the magpie should leave you alone.
‘Spike up’ your bike helmet with a few cable ties to
scare magpies away.
Magpies are less likely to swoop if you walk in a group.
Team up with others if you walk through a nesting
area.
Watch magpies. If they know they’re being watch
they are less likely to swoop.
Don’t fight back. Throwing sticks at a magpie will only
make it more defensive next time.
Never approach a young magpie that’s out of the nest.
The parents may think you’re trying to harm it.
Rescuing baby magpies is best left for wildlife rescue
groups to carry out after dark.
For further information visit www.ehp.qld.gov.au or phone
13 QGOV (13 74 68)
BIGGENDEN HOSPITAL
AUXILLARY
----oo000oo---
NB & BUNDABERG FLOOD RECOVERY SUPPORT
provides information and referral to free counselling
for those affected by the North Burnett and
Bundaberg Floods.
Counselling includes:

Individual counselling

Family counselling

Child counselling

And relationship counselling
To assist with development strategies to manage the
stress, anxiety and depression that has developed due to
the impacts of the flood and the trauma of rebuilding lives,
relationships and homes.
This is a free support service.
To make an appointment phone 1300 523 985.
Friendly intake staff will support you through the process.
Office hours are: 9.00am to 4.45pm Monday to Thursday
9.00am to 4.15pm on Friday.
are holding a
TOMBOLA
at the
MEMORIAL HALL
on
SATURDAY 19 JULY, 2014
Doors open 8.30am
Start 9-00am
$2-00 entry
(includes morning tea
Bigand
onlucky
Heart
– prize.)
Respect
door
– Responsibility – Learning.
A GREAT DAY OUT IN SUPPORT
While Striving to Excel