Bowen State School eNewsletter

Feedback from Recent ARD Visit

At last Friday’s parade I was able to share some amazing feedback from the ARD visit during week 5. Mrs Helen McCullough gave some productive feedback to staff around what she heard and saw in the classrooms. I have included some sections and statements from the visit.

“Visited 2 Prep rooms and spoke to 6 students (ARD) and more (Principal and all leaders). There was high levels of clarity in both classrooms and students were able to articulate what they are learning about. The students were able to discuss the key features at the A Standard on the GTMJ and used the learning wall and their own writing to point out where they had been successful. For the purpose of the walkthrough (and I could have chosen any one of the 6 students) I have focussed on Aldo. He was a confident Bowen Prep student who proudly shared with me his learning… “

“Christien you have a wonderful school community and such committed and dedicated staff. It is a credit to the leadership of your team and the strong foundations that you have all built and continue to refine through a considered approach. Please thank all of the team and congratulate them on a great year of learning”.

Student Numbers

We have arrived at the time of year to closely monitor the student numbers for 2023. We have experienced positive growth into the community and numbers are sitting at 420 students. So far we have 61 preps enrolled for 2023 which is outstanding. It is important that families notify the office if there are changes for 2023 so we can best support the planning for next year.

Over the remainder for the term we will continue to support successful transitions for all students and families as we track closer to the end of the year.

Remembrance Day

Today we assembled as a whole school and paused for 1 minute’s silence to acknowledge the annual event of Remembrance Day. We met to remember and payed our respects to members of this community who served in the first world war and who served in all wars. A great opportunity for our students to learn of our history and the sacrifices made that we must never forget.

Looking forward to sharing more great stories around the teaching and learning this term. Until next fortnight have a great couple of weeks.

Christien Payne
Principal

I believe in: Hard Work Honesty Transparency

Our whole school attendance currently sits at 89.31%

Our attendance target is 93%.

Fantastic to see so many classes having 100% attendance on one day.

Monday 31st - PL,

Tuesday 1st- 1J, 2W/G

Wednesday 2nd- 5/6P

Thursday 3rd- 1T

Friday 4th- 6G

Monday 7th- P/1W, 2I

Tuesday 8th- 5/6P, P/1W, 6G

Wednesday 9th- 1J, P/1W, 3/4C

Thursday 10th- 1J, P/1W, 6R

Bin Wars

Bin Wars. We've started a competition between Preps and 1s vs Grades 2,3,4 vs Grades 5 and 6. We've employed our very own Litter Inspector to check each area at the end of lunch time. Stay tuned!

Karen Weekes
Deputy Principal

PBL

The PBL committee has been reviewing and updating the policies and procedures around our school badges - Smiley, Silver and Gold. Clear guidelines and expectations are what we are aiming for!

More information ... coming up in 2023.

All Current Instrumental Music Students

At our lessons in Week 8 all the school instruments and music (red books and blue books) are to be returned to Mrs Mattiske. If you will not be at school after Week 8, please return your school instrument and music to the office.

The last term of 2022 is rushing by, and the end of the school year will soon be upon us. Bowen State School follows a policy of inclusion, which means that our students are completely integrated into their age-appropriate cohort. Bowen State School Provides an Early Childhood Development Program for children from that age of birth to 5 years, If you would like more information on enrolment, please contact the school.

ECDP Students have been very busy with their transitions to Prep in 2023 with visits to the Prep classrooms and attending Music lessons- please take the time to look at the pictures below. Please note that ECDP has their Christmas Party Next Monday the 14th of November, please feel free to dress up. We have wet play day on Monday the 21st of November and please bring a change of clothing.

In Science this term, Prep D have been participating in investigations and using their senses to observe and explore the properties and movement of objects. We have explored how our bodies move through dance, and have investigated the movements of rolling, sliding, spinning, bouncing, pushing and pulling by using many familiar objects. We have had a lot of fun!

Our class has been designing and creating musical instruments from recyclable materials. By using their Science knowledge and with support from Mrs Conway and myself, the students have come up with some great results. We have string, percussion and wind instruments of all kinds. Well done Year 1T. Our class orchestra has performed for Mrs Conway recently. I am super proud of their efforts.

5J has been studying the structure of bridges this term in Design Technology. Over the past week, students had a great time constructing their own bridges. All bridges supported much more than a toy car. Well done guys!