Term 2 Week 3 2023 Newsletter

From the Principal

What an exciting start to Term 2 it has been!

School Improvement - Courts

During the holidays the school courts were resurfaced. Though it has taken a little longer than planned due to wet weather, the courts are now available for use! We have an amazing school community and I have been overwhelmed by the number of students who came and said "Thank you!" for the courts resurfacing. Their vocal appreciation was a surprising but most enjoyable experience.

Most of the courts have a foam matting (made of recycled tennis balls) under the surface. This surface is kinder to children’s ankles and knees as well as softer if children are to fall. The down side to the courts is that we cannot drive on the courts or ride bikes, scooters etc. I am sure you would agree, the pros far outweigh the cons.

School Improvement – Pinboards

Though it might sound trivial, we have had the pinboards replaced throughout the school. The replacement of the multi coloured pinboards with a more neutral tone will have a great impact as it reduces the visual clutter/distraction effect it has on student learning and flips it to a more calming environment. The neutral colour also allows student work on display to “pop” rather than it being disguised by bright colours. Having a consistent look and approach through the school highlights that this is a whole school approach, with children being at the centre of our thinking.

School Improvement – Term 2 Projects

The poles on Botting Street have been installed in preparation for the sun sails, which should be no more than a couple of weeks away. This will transform the outdoor area, creating an outdoor learning space for the Year 5/6 students. I am looking forward to the furniture and area being used.

On Monday 29 May 2023, construction of the junior Nature Play area will begin. This should only be a three week project which will include a learning/gathering space, sand and water play, balancing beams and logs, a flat spiderweb and a gardening area. Once this project is completed, construction of the major Nature Play space will begin. This possibly will take 6-8 weeks to complete.

Designs of the Nature Play spaces will be on display on the front office window, as well as on the windows of the P & F Room.

School Improvement – Learning

It is important to know that we are constantly looking for school improvements to occur, educationally as well as our physical environment. As a staff we have been working on:

Assessment
Ensuring we are catering for all students – closing gaps and extension
Using data to inform student learning
Years 3-6 Numeracy
Writing R-6 (Student Free Day, Week 6, Friday 9 June 2023)

I recently had a conversation with a Reception parent about her child’s learning. At the start of the year, their child’s InitiaLit screener result was at 4% - at the review that took place at the end of the term, the child scored 84%. I'm sure you would agree that this is significant growth. This is one of many examples of student growth in their learning.

Community

I do not believe that anyone could question our sense of community and the work of our Parents and Friends. The recent Mother’s Day celebrations – gift stall and breakfast – were great examples of this. I regularly think about how much I enjoy being the Principal of Our Lady Queen of Peace School. After the Mother's Day breakfast, I said to Diana, our Finance Officer, "Some days I just really love this school”, and Friday was one of those days.

Staffing

You may not be aware but Jeanette Barge is in Japan, on long service leave, visiting family. I recently heard from her and she is overjoyed to be spending time with her family again. However, through some soul searching, Jeanette has decided to resign from her position at Our Lady Queen of Peace School. She will not be returning as a staff member after she returns to Australia.

In addition to this news, James Lowe, who also recently accessed some long service leave, has decided to resign from his position. Both Jeanette and James have contributed significantly to the school over a number of years. We will find a time to farewell them both in the near future, and thank them for their many contributions over the years.

A reminder that we have a student free day on Friday 9 June 2023.

Take care.

Lee Abela
Principal

Wakakirri 2023

Our Lady Queen of Peace School is participating in the Wakakirri for the first time in 2023!

What is Wakakirri?

The Wakakirri Story-Dance Festival is a national program that helps schools develop student engagement and wellbeing through participation in the performing arts. The Aboriginal word Wakakirri means ‘to dance’. It was chosen to give the festival a uniquely Australian feel.

Created in 1992, Wakakirri is Australia’s largest national performing arts event for schools. A Wakakirri Story-Dance is a 3–7 minute performance by a group of students who theatrically tell a story using a combination of dancing, creative movement and acting to pre-recorded music.

Primary schools can tell any story and use any combination of:

dance,
creative movement,
acting,
music,
props,
costumes,
sets, and
film projections.

The aims of Wakakirri are:

To create opportunities for student voice and expression.
To build social and emotional wellbeing.
To enhance connection and belonging.

Schools’ performances are inspired by the Wakakirri ethos ‘great stories inspire change’. Environmental, social, cultural, health, historical & reconciliation stories are all popular themes.

The following students have signed up to being part of the OLQP Wakakirri Story-Dance Squad. And we wish them great success in all upcoming rehearsals.

Click on the image below to enlarge.

Our 2023 story-dance information

Our story-dance is titled, "Video Game Killed the Radio Star"

Item description: What happens when life suddenly becomes a game? Inspired by a popular dance video game, watch how friends overcome obstacles and work together to showcase choreography reminiscent of classic eras in music.
Item theme: Entertainment
Key message: Life is not a competition, helping others helps yourself.
Story Breakdown:
Friends arrive home eager to play their favourite video game.
Both friends are suddenly sucked into the game!
They then have to dance to different styles of music to win.
One friend is not getting enough points in the game.
The other friend suggested banding together to pass the levels.
They both pass and return home, better friends than before.

We need your help!

We are seeking support from the OLQP school community.

If you have any old costumes that could be donated, or artistic skills in making sets and props, stage lighting experience or if you would like to offer support with supervision during rehearsals or at the performance, please contact Adriana Pilla or Natalie Urdanoff, our Wakakirri School Coordinators.

apilla@olqp.catholic.edu.au
natalie.urdanoff@olqp.catholic.edu.au

Adriana Pilla and Natalie Urdanoff
Wakakirri School Coordinators