A STRONG START

It has been a really strong start to our new school year. As I visit classrooms, I have seen our new and returning students engaged fully in their learning and teachers setting up routines and expectations as they settle their classes into a new school year. I want to also acknowledge all parents/caregivers who continue to support the school through respectful interactions with staff, positivity with their children and their experiences and a measured approach to issues or incidents which might arise over the course of the school year.

Schools are complex places and a microcosm of society. There will be times when things are not going as smoothly as they could. Children get upset with friendship issues, challenges with school work and other incidents which might occur. I know that we all want our children to be happy, however we all know that they will experience a raft of emotions as they learn to navigate life. It is important to keep things in perspective and remember that there will be two sides to every story. I like to use the analogy that ‘if you believe 50% of what your child tells you about the happenings at school (particularly around friendship issues etc) then we will believe 50% of what we hear about what happens at home!’. I am in no way trying to minimise student concerns and issues, however we do know there are many contributing factors in any child’s life that can influence how they are feeling or reacting to a situation. 

We need to always keep at the front of our minds that their brains are developing and therefore they will make impulsive or poor choices, find it difficult to regulate their behaviour and have both successful and challenging days. It’s our role as the adults to regulate our own behaviour and model this by remaining measured and calm in the face of a child’s distress. Often, we can be ruminating over an issue weeks later, when the child has moved on the very next day!  It’s our role to help them navigate and work through their issues, understanding that they will make mistakes and these are the best learning opportunities, whether they be academic, social or emotional. 

Be kind to yourself as a parent. It is the hardest, yet most rewarding role you will ever have. Please rest assured, that as experienced educators, there’s nothing that we haven’t seen or experienced in relation to academic, social or emotional issues. We are here to help and work with you!

John Marsden, an accomplished author of numerous books for children and adolescents and also a school principal recently passed away. Just before this sad event occurred, John gave some sage advice to parents which really resonated with me. I think they’re worthy of sharing with you and I wish I had done more of these when raising my own-

1. Give children space. Back off. Let them roam. Let them be bored. Don’t over plan their lives. Cut way back on the after-school activities.
2. Keep away from all those ghastly, soulless, sterile playgrounds. Keep away from shopping malls. Look for real places. Wild places.
3. Be an ADULT. Say no to your children at least once a day. If the role of adult in your family is vacant, then one of your children will fill it. And it won’t be pretty.
4. Don’t take up all the space. If you are dominating, loud, forceful, your children are likely to become passive, lacking personality and or sullen.
5. Believe about 40% of the dramatic stories your children tell you of the injustices, corruption and poor practices happening at school.
6. Teach them empathy. For example, after the jubilant victory celebrations when they win a sporting match, remind them that their jubilation was only possible because someone else- the losers- have been made to feel awful.
7. Help them develop language skills. Don’t finish their sentences for them. Don’t correct them when they mispronounce a word - they’ll work it out sooner or later. Ask them open ended questions, that need a detailed answer- not just yes/no.
8. Make sure they have regular jobs/duties at home and that those jobs are done to a consistently high standard.
9. Don’t whinge endlessly about the miseries of your adult life. A lot of children are fearful of growing up because their parents paint such a grim picture of the awfulness ahead.
10. Teach them to be very wary of people who absolutely know the absolute truth about absolutely everything! The colour is always grey.

CELEBRATING ACADEMIC SUCCESS

At the end of each semester, we calculate the percentages of students who are achieving a C Standard (at level for their year level) and above. Below are the results we would like to celebrate for our semester two 2024 report cards. This is an excellent achievement, given that statistically, you would find only 85% of the population on average would achieve at or above a C standard. This is well recognised in all standardised testing across the world, including the PISA and TIMMS.    

These results align closely with our year 3& 5 NAPLAN for 2024 as well.

We are confident in our achievement data, given we moderate twice a year across some 17 schools in our City Collective Group and undertake our own rigorous moderation practices within the school, based on the delivery of the Australian Curriculum Version 9. Not all schools across the state undertake moderation with other schools, so there will be variations in results.

We also celebrate our results for students achieving A or B in English and Mathematics, noting that a C Standard means a student is achieving at their year level.

If your child is not achieving at a C level for English and/or Mathematics, we work closely with you as parent/caregiver, in conjunction with our ACCESS Team to look at ways we can provide intervention and support for your child. There can be many factors which contribute to a student finding the work challenging and when we work with you to uncover the reason/s why, we can develop a plan to help them succeed at their own rate. Class teachers make these referrals to the ACCESS team, so if you have concerns regarding your child’s level of achievement as they are below C standard in English and/or Mathematics, please ensure you make an appointment to see them.  

NEW STAFF

Again this year, we have the wonderful opportunity to have new and returning staff join us each year, bringing their experiences to our school.

Teachers:

Courtney Davis- Courtney has been a teacher aide in our school for some time and now having completed her education degree, joins the year one teaching team.

Kate West- Kate is a highly experienced teacher, who joins us from Bracken Ridge SS to teach in the year three team.

Nadia Hirsch- Nadia returns to us from DRT role, to join the year one team

Tahia Sen- Tahia comes to us from Aspley SS to join the year four team.

Phoebe Marsh- Phoebe is also a graduate teacher who will join the year five team.

Laura Sheen- Laura is returning from maternity leave and will join the year four team.

Neil Wickham- Neil joins us as instrumental music teacher and band conductor. He currently services a number of schools on a very large circuit.

Teacher Aides:

Laura Trevor- learning support & general

Lucinda McKeown – general and Inclusion

Kerry Douglas – relief

P&C FUNDING 2025

The P&C in general has been so very supportive of all requests for assistance from the school and community, particularly the funding which once again continues to be outstanding. In total, the P&C raised close to $100 000 this year and will donate this this figure and an additional one-off payment of $50 000 to the school for a variety of resourcing needs in 2025, which will benefit every student in our school. This was passed at the final P&C meeting in November.

We will be undertaking the following programs and resourcing as outlined below-

The executive and members can often be a forgotten entity, working tirelessly behind the scenes to keep all of the sub committees and the budget moving forward to the benefit of all students across the school. Thanks so much to Thomas Rice- President, Leah Beadman- Vice President, Sarah Bassett – Treasurer and Ian Connor- Secretary who make up the executive team.  

Similarly, to the School Advisory Council Members- Julie Rowlinson -Chairperson, Anita Heinrich -Secretary and Staff Rep, Carrie Radzevicius -Parent Rep and Raegan Cooney Staff Rep, for their input and guidance. I have appreciated their counsel over the year and look forward to working with both groups in 2025.

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS AT MILTON STATE SCHOOL 2025

Congratulations ot the following students on their appointment to key leadership roles in 2025.

The formal induction ceremony for all leaders will be held on Friday 21 February at 9:00am in the multipurpose area. Everyone is welcome to attend.

SCHOOL CAPTAINS – Audrey L, Elsie J, Paddy D, Jefferson S

STUDENT COUNCIL CHAIRPERSON-    Olivia B

HOUSE CAPTAINS:

LAVER HOUSE-

Kaito F

Alex E

Caitlin M

Payton L

TURNBULL HOUSE-

Oskar L

Charlie C

Edwina S

Emily G

ANDERSON HOUSE-

Bailey D

Flynn M

Lucy P

Ivy M

OTHER CAPTAINS:

CHOIR-   Isla H

STRINGS- - Divya R

BAND-  Charlotte C

ITALIAN-   Georgia S

CHESS- Kinoli C

THE HIVE- Charlie H/ Tate C/ Evette B

PERFORMING ARTS- Imogen C

ACTIVE TRAVEL- Jessica D/ Quinn L

VISUAL ARTS- Simran G

SUSTAINABILITY CAPTAIN- Rylee M/ Edith N

TUCKSHOP- Imogen R/ Daisy B

STUDENT WELLBEING-   Cian B

STUDENT NEWS -   Felix P/ Dylan A

STUDENT COUNCIL REPS- YR 3-6:

Year 3- Sammy T, Mia K, Liam M & Vivian H

Year 4- Liam C, Jack H, Jimmy S & Evie L

Year 5- Charles M, Anton K & Grace V

Year 6- Tristian T, Sam S & Trixie C

Kind regards,
Paul Zernike
Principal
pzern1@eq.edu.au

NAPLAN 2025 - Year 3 and 5

This term students in Year 3 and 5 will participate in NAPLAN 2025 on the following dates:

Kind Regards 
Anita Heinrich
Deputy Principal
ahein8@eq.edu.au

HOW WAS SCHOOL?

Thanks for a Brilliant Start to the 2025 school year- it has been lovely to greet you at the front gate and see all the excited faces coming through.

How was school? Good.   I can’t tell you how often I’d get this response from my two children when they were at school. Here are some great questions which may illicit some more information …

1. Who did you play with at lunchtime today? What did you do?
2. What was your favourite classroom activity today?
3. What mistake did you make today that taught you something?
4. Did you read today? What are you reading right now?
5. What happened today that doesn’t happen every day?
6. What are you excited to do at school tomorrow?
7. What hard thing did you do today?
8. How did you help somebody today?
9. Who or what made you smile/happy today?
10. What is something you learned today?
11. What was the best thing that happened today?
12. What is something funny that happened today?
13. When did you feel proud or good about yourself today?
14. Was someone kind to you today?
15. How were you brave today?
16. Did you ask any questions today?
17. Was anyone unkind to you today? What did you do?
18. What was the best part of your lunch?
19. What did you do today that was creative?
20. If you could change anything about your day, what would it be?

TRIPLE P – Positive Parenting Program – Parent Session

Our School Social Worker Rosa Shepard will be offering a parent session this semester so stay tuned.

Below is some general information:

It’s not only children and teens who benefit from positive parenting. It also makes family life more enjoyable, easier and more rewarding for parents.

More and more parents understand that it’s okay to ask for help and, in Queensland, positive parenting support to suit every family is free for any parent or carer of a child up to 18 years old.

The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program is used around the world and was developed right here in Queensland. It helps parents to raise children and teens who grow up to be happy and healthy. Thousands of Queensland parents have already done Triple P and recommend it.

Triple P offers practical skills and tools to help parents:

• develop strong, positive relationships with their children
• set limits and establish family routines that work
• encourage and teach prosocial skills
• confidently respond to challenges
• balance work and family with less stress
• create a happy, safe, and supportive family

How can I do Triple P for free?

• Start doing Teen Triple P Online at any time.
• Visit the Triple P Queensland website to learn more about the program and search for a free Triple P provider in your local area (note that providers manage their own listings on the website).
• Find out when free Triple P sessions are being delivered, either in person or via video conference (note that providers manage their own listings).

Thank you, 
Kylie Dunne
Deputy Principal
kdunn34@eq.edu.au

Lost property

This was left at school at the end of last year.

If this is yours please contact the office.

CLEANERS NEEDED

 POSITION VACANT

MILTON SS SWIM TEAM

Next week, on Wednesday 12th February, thirty-six of our students will compete in the City District Swimming Trials at Lawnton Pool. They will be swimming against other city district swimmers from schools within City District of Brisbane for a spot to make it through to the City District Swim Team to compete at the Metropolitan North Swimming Championships on Monday 10th March back at Lawnton Pool.

These students have trialed in either our age championship races of last year and or at trials on day one this year to meet time qualifying standards. They will race in 50m, 100m and 200m races in multiple strokes under QSA officials’ rules. A high level of swimming. We wish all of the students the very best of luck on the day and look forward to finding out how the kids go. Good luck to all of our swimmer and GO team Milton!

MILTON RUN CLUB 2025 returns in week 4!

Milton State School Run Club returns and will begin on Friday 28th February commencing at 7.45am and finishing at 8:30am. It will run on Wednesday’s and Friday’s and run for four weeks as a lead up for training for our Cross Country.

The club is designed to promote health, fitness and a sense of well being through running, jogging or even walking. It is open to EVERYONE, all of our students, their parents and caregivers, grandparents and other community members too.

If children are in Swimming lessons, Chess Club, Choir or Band on any of these days, these take precedence and students should attend those. They can run on the other day if they’re free.

There is no sign up required. Everyone is welcome on every day! Just show up, wear your runners and exercise gear, bring a water bottle, join the warm up and get going. Run Club is the perfect way for all children to prepare for the Milton SS Cross Country Carnival that will be held towards the end of Term 1 on Tuesday 25th March, 9am – 1:00pm (*Wet weather back up – Tuesday 1st April).  All children from Prep to Year 6 participate in the Cross-Country carnival. Year 3-6 from 9am – 11am and Prep – Year 2 from 11:30am – 1:00pm.

How Does Run Club Work?

A 400m *approx. circuit is outlined around Gregory Park, starting at the school gates near the assembly area. Children and adults can complete as many laps as they wish running, jogging or walking. No more than 10 is advised, 8 for Prep/Yr. 1’s which is equal to 3km - 5km. As runners complete each lap, house captains & year 6 leaders will assist in placing a tally mark on their arm. Runners can then have a PB each week to improve on the amount they ran the session/week before.

Term 1 Run Club Dates

Week 5: Friday 28th February

Week 6: Wednesday 5th March & Friday 7th March

Week 7: Wednesday 12th March & Friday 14th March

Week 8: Wednesday 19th March & Friday 21st March

*Weather permitting each day. An email will be sent to all parents if cancelled due to weather.

Personnel:

Mr. Sayer & House captains will be coordinating the Run Club.

Points to Note:

1. Children can arrive any time between 7.45am and 8.30am and run as many laps they feel like (Max. 10-12 is advised, 8 max advised for Prep and Year 1 students).
2. Children are encouraged to wear an old shirt to run in and then change into their school uniform afterwards.
3. Everyone is encouraged to run at their own pace.
4. PLEASE bring a labelled drink bottle and a healthy snack, piece of fruit to eat after running.

I look forward to seeing all the runners/walkers on our first session on Friday 28th February @ 7:45am.

Thank you
Lachlan Sayer
HPE Teacher 
lsaye12@eq.edu.au

Welcome to another exciting year in the library! The books have missed you and are ready to be borrowed from next week!  Prep -3, it is a requirement that you bring a library bag to take your books home.  This can be as simple as an old grocery bag or you can purchase a bag from the uniform shop, a homemade one is always a delight to see and easy for children to recognise!  Don’t forget to label your bags!  Year 4-6 may also bring a bag, but it is not compulsory. The Hive is also open at lunch for students to join in with Makerspace activities, play games, meet with friends and find a quiet…ish space to read.

This year I welcome Tate, Charlie and Evette as our year 6 Hive Captains.  They have already been busy setting up the library in readiness for the opening next week.  I can’t wait to see the wonderful work they’ll do throughout the year.  You’ll hear more about their role and find a little about them throughout the year. 

Scholastic Book Club

Scholastic Book Club is a wonderful opportunity for you and your children to discover the joy of reading and support our school through your purchases.  For every book you buy, Reward Dollars are earnt to purchase new books and resources for our library. Pamphlets will be sent home with your child this week.  To order, please use the LOOP system.  Do not send any money with your child as we can’t process it. Orders will be processed on Thursday 13 February and usually take between 2-3 weeks for delivery. 

The delivery will be given to your children in their classrooms unless you specify it is a gift order.  Then Miss Justine will contact the parents/guardians to notify them the books have arrived. 

First meeting for 2025 - Tuesday 18th February, 7pm. A block. Drinks & nibbles provided, all welcome! 

Events & fundraising calendar - we have a draft and will share at the P&C meeting for feedback, and will distribute broadly in late February. Should you have any suggestions or want to get involved, we welcome this - please email  pandc@miltonss.eq.edu.au

The P&C has committed $150,000 to school this calendar year so fundraising is incredibly important! This year excitingly, the money is slated for new playground equipment, teacher aide support, upgrades to the MOSHC courtyard and a contribution towards the visual arts program for our children.

Colour Splatacular - this year we will hold this fantastic event on the afternoon of Friday 28th March. The P&C exec thank April Thomas-Senescall & Teagan Williams for taking on the organisation again in 2025. More info to come in early March.

A reminder about our Containers for Change initiative and account - you and family can collect your containers at home and donate the 10c towards the P&C. Search for Milton State School P&C Association on https://www.containersforchange.com.au/qld/donate-your-refund 

Need labels? We have set up a deal with My Name Label where the P&C receives 15% of all sales. Order at www.mynamelabel.com.au and use code MSS0515 at checkout

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Thanks for your support, 
P&C Executive committee

Thomas, Leah, Sarah & Ian
pandc@miltonss.eq.edu.au

Welcome Back to MSS!

We’ve hit the ground running at the Uniform Shop and have enjoyed welcoming both new and existing families back through the doors.

Volunteers are essential for the smooth running of the shop, no experience is required and it’s a great way to connect with other families. If you’re interested in giving it a try or in helping out again simply click on the sign-up link and follow the prompts on the page, we really do appreciate it.

https://volunteersignup.org/X3ELL

A few reminders to start the year off:

* We are open each Tuesday & Friday morning, 8.30am – 9.30am during school terms.

* If you cannot make it into the store please place your orders online Via the Qkr App. Your order is then delivered directly to your Child’s classroom, no pickup is required.

*Pre-loved items cannot be ordered online, please visit the store to see what’s currently available.

* We are always grateful for donations of Pre-Loved MSS Uniforms in any condition. Feel free to drop them directly to us when we're open or to the admin team during school hours.

Thank you,
Julie Rowlinson
Uniform Shop Convenor
Uniforms@miltonss.eq.edu.au