Term 4 Week 8 2024
- Principal's News by Ange Padgett
- Team Mango We All Belong!
- Prep News by Mieke Munko
- Year 1 News by Barbara Cornford
- Year 2 News by Kylie Vaughan
- Year 3 News by Kris Olsen
- Year 4 News by Danielle Price
- Year 5 News by Greg McCallum
- Year 6 News by Evan Barrett
- Curriculum News
- Sporting News by The PE Department
- Community News
Our students and staff were looking tired last week as staff have been working hard to give our students that last precise piece of feedback to bump up their work while students have been busy applying this feedback. I thank both staff and students for their constant willingness to push their learning that little bit further. Congratulations to our students for showing resilience at this busy time of the year. Some of our students were feeling overwhelmed but rather than using big emotions, they used their words to allow others to assist them with their feelings to allow them to use some strategies to feel better. This is what we refer to as increased student agency. We are all so proud of you.
Music Gala Awards Evening
This week we celebrated all things Music with the Music Gala Awards Evening on Tuesday night. Congrats to students who presented and to those who won an award. A big thank you to our Music staff Ms Janet Almond, Ms Claire Morrel, Ms Emma Nic, Ms Alena Bogden, Ms Erin Blyth, Ms Judy Luke and Ms Glenda Kostoglou. Thank you also to parents/carers for ensuring your child is at rehearsals and for encouraging them to practise when at home.
End of Year Dance Concert
On Monday 25 November, we will be holding our End of Year Dance Concert. Prep and Year 6 will be presenting. Once again, we thank our amazing teachers; Ms Glenda Kostaglou, Ms Almond and Ms Morell for their commitment to this program. Thank you also to our dedicated students and parents/carers.
End of Year Disco
Change of date: We will be holding an in-school Disco on Wednesday 11 December, 2024. Classes will have 30 mins to dance their session away! Each class will be scheduled a time. We are asking students to provide a small donation from the list below as an entry fee. These donations will be forwarded to an organisation to assist local families who may be in need over the holiday break.
Please note; there is No expectation but rather this is optional. Donations can be placed in the space outside the office on Wednesday 11 December and Thursday 12 December from 7.50 am - 9.00 am.
Gifts
- Outdoor games - bubbles, cricket sets, footballs, soccer balls etc
- Beach toys/beach towels/hats
- Board games
- Fidget toys - poppits, spinners etc
- Art and Craft packs
- Clothing (NEW) for all ages
- Socks/shoes/sandles (NEW)
- Lunch box/drink bottles
- Books - reading, colouring, puzzles
Pantry Items
- Cereal/Rice
- Life long milk
- Spreads - vegemite/peanut butter/jam etc
- Poppers
- Coffee/tea/milo/cordial etc
- Pasta/pasta sauce/condiments
- Tinned fruit/jelly cups
- Canned food - spagetti/baked beans/soup
- Shampoo/conditioner
Christmas Items
- Bon bons
- Christmas wrapping paper
- Gift bags
- Ribbons and gift bows
- Sticky tape
- Christmas shortbread/treats/chocolates
- Soft drinks
- Candy canes
Excursions
The link below outlines the 2025 excursions as approved by our P&C. Some dates are yet to be finalised. Please also note, costs are an approximation only as some companies do not release costs until closer to the time. The camps are also an indication only as the final cost is based on the number of students attending. This is currently unknown.
Awards
As shared last week, we have a new curriculum and new learning area offerings next year. As such, the school has to change our awards criteria for 2025 as the current awards criteria does not work. Some parents/carers have also shared with me their concerns around the current model used. Originally when the awards were first given, additional criteria was added but after COVID, some criteria was removed.
Moving forward the proposed criteria is below. Should you have feedback please email Petrina Ollard polla2@eq.edu.au by Friday 29 November, 2024.
Free Dress Day
On Friday 22 November our Student Council are having a free dress day. There will be no theme but appropriate sun safe attire must be worn. Gold coin donation. All funds raised will go towards Cancer Council.
Mango Hill State School SOLE Sticker Chart
The Wellbeing Team at Mango Hill State School is currently designing a SOLE Sticker Chart to help us acknowledge students for demonstrating Care for Self, Others, Learning & the Environment.
Early next year we will launch the acknowledgement system however we are currently asking students to submit a design for the front cover of the SOLE Sticker Chart.
We would greatly appreciate your support in encouraging your child to get involved in this competition. Entries close Friday 29 November. Please see details below.
Student Code of Conduct Consultation Process
Every Queensland state school is required to have a Student Code of Conduct. This is the school’s behaviour policy, with information about school rules, consequences and processes for addressing bullying and the use of technology.
Every four years, Queensland state schools are required to update their Student Code of Conduct. This process for Mango Hill State School has included consultation with staff, students, the P&C, the School Council and finally the wider community through the newsletter.
The Student Code of Conduct includes nine mandated sections:
- Purpose
- Contact Information
- Endorsement
- Contents
- Whole School Approach to Discipline
- Disciplinary Consequences
- School Policies
- Restrictive Practices
- Critical Incidents
To review the Student Code of Conduct (2025 – 2028- Draft) please follow the link.
Mango_Hill_State_School_student_code_of_conduct_.pdf
If you wish to provide feedback on the Student Code of Conduct please email the office mhssadmin@mangohillss.eq.edu.au by Friday 29 December.
For more information on the Student Code of Conduct please follow the link below. https://ppr.qed.qld.gov.au/attachment/fact-sheet-student-code-of-conduct.pdf
Awards Ceremonies
Ange Padgett
Principal
apadg6@eq.edu.au
Focus of the Week
This week in Care Class we will learn about how to Care for Others by identifying what respect looks like at Mango Hill State School as well as learning to negotiate and resolve conflict respectfully.
What is a conflict?
A conflict is a disagreement or problem between people. All people experience conflicts from time to time!
We can use the following steps to resolve conflict respectfully.
- Try to calm down
- Talk about how you feel
- Find a win – win solution or ask for help
Uniform Shop
New Prep parents who are still wanting to purchase their uniform before January are welcome to come into the shop during our regular opening hours. We are open as follows.
Mon 8am-10:30am
Wed 1:30pm-4pm
Thu 1:30pm-4pm
Fri 8am-10:30am
We also have a retail store located at 41 Kirby Road, Aspley. They operate regular retail hours and can be reached on 3263 5566.
We offer online orders. Orders can be placed through our website any time at www.wearitto.com.au/schools/mango-hill-state-school
Zoe and Rochelle
Uniform Shop Convenors
First Year of Learning Celebration
Week 8 is here already! How time flies when you’re having fun. Before we know it, our Prep learners will have completed their first year as part of Team Mango. On Monday 2 December we invite you to a special assembly to celebrate our Prep learners’ first year of school. This begins at 8.45 am and should conclude by 9.30 am.
Prep Concert
Preparations are well under way as we count down to our very first concert. I enjoyed watching rehearsals this week and was impressed by the level of fun and engagement in all the classes. A reminder that doors open on 25 November at 5:00pm for a 5:15pm start and Preps will finish at 6.30pm. We can’t wait to see everyone in their costumes.
Mieke Munko
Deputy Principal-Prep
mmunk1@eq.edu.au
Celebrating Learning in our Literacy Block in 1B
These photos show examples of students writing. This work was captured at the end of the Daily Review lesson in the Literacy Block where students participate in the following.
- ‘Quick fire’ practise of concepts and skills previously taught
- Revise Phonemic awareness – that is the ‘sound bits’
- Revise Phonological awareness – that is putting sounds and letters together
- Sentence structure including grammar and punctuation
Before School Routines
This is a friendly reminder of our Before School procedures for Years 1 and 2. Please revise them with your child.
What can we do while we wait?
Students may arrive at school any time after 8.00 am.
Students in Years 1 and 2 are to wait in the Junior Undercover Area.
While they wait for the bell, they can chat with their friends and play quiet games. Some equipment is available for this use.
At the 8.15 am bell, students pack up the equipment and walk to class.
What can’t we do while we wait?
The Playgrounds are out of bounds. This includes the:
- Astro Turf Playground
- Big Playground
- Grassed area between the Undercover Area and the classrooms.
Students keep their bags with them until the 8.15 am bell and do not put them on the bag racks outside their classroom.
Outside the classrooms is out of bounds before school.
Barbara Cornford
Deputy Principal –Year 1
bcorn3@eq.edu.au
Number Facts in Year 2
As part of our Mathematics program across Mango Hill, students in Years 1-6 learn strategies for recalling number facts. In Year 2, we focus on teaching addition and subtraction number facts that involve building to ten, doubles, near doubles and bridge to ten.
The Building to Ten strategy involves learning the combinations of numbers that go together to make ten. These facts are sometimes called Rainbow Facts. Once children know the number combinations that make ten (4 + 6 = 10), they can apply their understandings to take numbers away from ten (10 – 6 = 4) and extend the facts (40 + 60 = 100 and 24 + 26 = 50).
The Doubles strategy is used whenever a number is doubled (6 + 6). Often these facts need to be learned by rote. Once the Doubles facts are mastered, Near Doubles can be tackled. Near Doubles are facts where the numbers are almost near to doubling (6 + 7). Students need to think about the double that the fact is near, double that number and add on one more (6 + 7 think 6 + 6 + 1).
The Bridge to Ten strategy involves doing sums in parts by adding (or bridging) to the nearest 10 and then taking things from there. For instance, when given a sum like 9 + 7, students can use the bridging through 10 method as follows 9 + 1 = 10 which leaves 6 remaining. 10 + 6 is the equivalent of 9 + 7.
Number facts are the building blocks to having strong mental computation. Regular practice is the key. Over the holidays trying using Dr Paul Swan’s Number Facts practice app to keep practising. It can be found at this website:
https://drpaulswan.com.au/wp-content/uploads/interactive/basicfactsassessment/index.html
Kylie Vaughan
Deputy Principal- Year 2
kvaug3@eq.edu.au
Poetry
I am continually impressed by the creativity and dedication our students have shown in their poetry this term. Over the past fortnight, students have been working hard on their independent poems, each one painting vivid pictures in the reader’s mind. From tranquil rainforests to spooky Halloween houses, and my personal favourite, the excitement of Suncorp Stadium, the variety of topics has brought much engagement!
It has been a pleasure to see students incorporating feedback and applying their next-steps to elevate their writing. Using their writing scale to refine their skills has truly helped them make significant progress. What a fantastic way to wrap up our writing unit in Year 3!
First Nations Presentation
Last week, students in 3S had the privilege of welcoming parent volunteers who shared their personal Indigenous history and brought in fascinating artifacts. Students heard how tools were used for hunting and gathering, listened to the didgeridoo and learned how these were made. This engaging presentation was a wonderful opportunity to deepen our understanding of Indigenous culture and continue our celebrations of diversity. It was a memorable experience for all involved, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to learn directly from a member of our community.
Deputy Principal
Care for Learning
It has been great seeing students reinforce and apply their mathematical understandings within problem solving situations this week. Our Year 4 students have been working collaboratively to deepen their understanding. In Year 4, we teach students a range of strategies to solve problems as it supports their conceptual understanding of multiplication, from using less formal strategies such as skip counting and split strategy to more formal strategies such as the written algorithm. It was fantastic to observe students working with their peers and using a range of resources as they practised some of the strategies that they were less familiar with.
Swimming Carnival
The swimming carnival is next week! Students born in 2015 will attend the carnival on Friday and students born in 2014 will attend on Thursday. Parents are more than welcome to come along and cheer on their children. All students are encouraged to attend and participate, with a range of options for swimmers of all abilities.
Danielle Price
Deputy Principal- Year 4
dxobr0@eq.edu.au
Year 5 Eureka Excursion in Beenleigh
This week, our Year 5 students enjoyed an exciting educational experience when they attended the Eureka Excursion in Beenleigh. The day was filled with hands on learning experiences as students explored various aspects of Australian history and culture.
During the excursion, students engaged in interactive exhibits that brought Australia's gold rush era to life, allowing them to delve into the challenges and triumphs of the period, while gaining a deeper understanding of this significant time in history.
The highlight of the day was panning for gold, where students eagerly sifted through the sand to find small treasures, just like the early miners did. It was an enriching experience that combined fun and learning, leaving students with new knowledge and lasting memories.
A special thank you to the students who got into the spirit of the day by dressing up and the staff who joined in the fun!
Student Leadership
We are incredibly proud of all the Year 5 students who took the initiative to apply for student leadership positions. We commend all students for their efforts and dedication!
A special congratulations goes to the students who have been shortlisted for the next stage. These students will be delivering a brief speech to Year 4 and Year 5 students and teachers on Friday. Following the speeches, we will begin the voting process to elect our new student leaders.
Again thank you to all students who submitted applications and I look forward to working with students in various leadership positions across the school.
School captaincy positions will be announced at the Year 5 awards assembly in Week 10. Parents / Carers will be notified if their child is receiving a captaincy role.
Greg McCallum
Deputy Principal- Year 5
gmcca24@eq.edu.au
It is a busy and exciting time for our Year 6 students as they finish off their final weeks of primary school. With this significant transition, comes a range of emotions and sometimes challenges.
Why are successful transitions important?
Successful transitions help young people feel more confident in their ability to step into new situations. When young people develop new skills to manage new situations, it can increase their sense of competency which helps their mental health and wellbeing.
Young people who experience a successful transition into their new school are more likely to feel valued and accepted, have a more positive attitude to learning and talk to you about any issues that arise.
Common concerns
Although the experience of transitioning to secondary school is different for everyone there are some common concerns including:
- fitting in
- managing their time and tasks
- peer pressure
- differences in physical development
- fear of being bullied
- worry around travelling independently to school
- navigating different systems and environments eg: different people in each class, changing rooms and timetables
- increased pressures with homework.
How can I prepare my young person?
Families play an important role in preparing and supporting young people to make positive transitions. You can help equip your young person for the transition to secondary school by:
- planning and getting organised
- visiting the school and encouraging your child to go to any secondary school orientation days/programs
- doing a trial run with travelling to school, including taking public transport and using a travel card
- inviting older siblings or friends to share information about the school system ie. timetable, changing classrooms
- practising ‘what if?’ scenarios
- establishing routines including relaxing and fun activities
- Staying connected and interested in your young person’s learning.
Evan Barrett
Deputy Principal –Year 6
ebmcf0@eq.edu.au
Accelerated Reader
Even though we have now finished borrowing, we have a handful of keen students who are continuing on their AR journey. If your child has a particular goal they’d like to reach this week, please encourage them to talk to our Hub staff, as there are always special circumstances.
This week we have seen Kristoff reach 1 million words. Well done Kristoff. We are very excited to add his photo to our 2024 AR Millionaire’s display!
We would also like to congratulate Sai and Jeremy who have finished AR. This means they have reached AR 9.0 – the very top of AR at Mango Hill State School. What an amazing achievement!
Congratulations to these students and to all those who have worked hard throughout the year to reach their goals.
Borrowing from the Hub
We have now finished borrowing from the Hub for 2024. Students should now return all of their books.
Don’t forget if your child has lost, misplaced or damaged their book, we ask that you replace this book. For AR books, we need the replacement books to be the exact title and author, as these are often difficult to source.
The Hub will continue to remain open every morning from 8.15am until 3pm each afternoon. See you soon with some returns!
Have a fantastic week
Suzette Holm, Jessica Rivett
shol0@eq.edu.au
jxqui5@eq.edu.au
MHSS Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival
Later this term our MHSS Swimming Carnival for all Year 3-6 students will be held. Our goal is to ensure all students can participate in a variety of swimming races and have an enjoyable day with their peers.
Day 1: Students turning 10, 11 and 12 years old in 2024 (Born 2012, 2013 and 2014) will compete on the first day, which will be Thursday 28 November (week 9).
Day 2: Students in Years 3-4 who are turning 8 and 9 years old in 2024 (Born 2015 and 2016) compete on the second day, which will be Friday 29 November (week 9)
Students compete at sporting events, including at representative levels, in age groups, not in year levels. Therefore, our carnival days run to align with this process.
Below is the initial parent information for both days. Students will receive more information at school in the coming weeks. This will include a permission and race nomination form, which will need to be returned for your son/daughter to attend. There is no cost for parents associated with the swimming carnival days. This was funded by our wonderful P&C.
Mr Hills, Mr Newell, Mrs Fuller and Mr Lisha
Physical Education Teachers
