Enrolment Advice 2020
In 2020, enrolment data will be collected by Department of Education on the 1st and 22nd February. These enrolment collections determine our teacher staffing numbers and also generate our grant income. Previously our collection dates have been in March when most of our students are on air and have returned from holidays.
Active enrolment in a distance education school is determined by paper return and/or attendance on air.
If you are enrolled with us in 2020 and WILL NOT be on air by either the 1st February and/or 22nd February, could you please complete this enrolment advice form and return by email to our PLO - Linda Ryan [email protected] or fax 0747448300, or alternatively you can ring Janeen on 47448 333 or email [email protected]
Thank you.
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E N R O L M E N T A D V I C E
______are enrolled in 2020. We will be absent from school (FAMILY NAME)
until ______as we will be ______(Insert Date) (Reason) (e.g. on holidays, returning child to boarding school, away for private and confidential reasons, etc.)
______SIGNATURE DATE
PO Box 1683 137-143 Abel Smith Parade Mount Isa QLD 4825 Phone 07 4744 8333 Fax 07 4744 8300 NEWSLETTER 1 – TERM 1 2020
Inside this Newsletter: Greetings & Welcome to Term 1 Organisation & Events PRINCIPAL’S GREETING - Staffing For 2020 - 2020 Daily Notices Changing to 2020 begins a new decade. I ponder where we will be in ten years time, as I reflect upon MISOTA Muster - Class Lists my last nine years with the school. Since 2011 – - 2020 MISOTA Strategic Plan - Change: Home Tutor Seminar & We adopted the C2C and paperbased products for home tutors and teachers. Home Tutor Activity Days Term 2 - Prep – Year 6 2020 Timetable This is currently being updated to embed the V8 National Curriculum within the - Book Lists 2020 Prep-Year 6 Independent Learning Materials. These papers will now be developed and - Field Services printed onsite, and not through a centralised distance education facility in - eKindy and Prep Get To Know You Days Brisbane. - NAPLAN Testing In 2020 There has been increased time on air for all students as internet services have - Strings News improved and our infrastructures have supported the change - Camps - Open Communication We still use our parallel phone connection for lessons, however the option of - Family Contact Details VOIP is now a possibility - Governess Contact Details The Western Alliance was formed to provide a combined teaching service for - School Invoices - Computer and Internet Contract our Secondary Year 7-10 students. Subjects are taught by subject specific Needs teachers to classes of 10-15 students, allowing students access to a robust and - ‘The Computer School’ Family broad curriculum. Resource - SDE Laptop Loan Scheme LOTE is now mandatory for students in Years 5, 6, 7 & 8 - Sports Kits Prep enrolment became mandatory in Queensland - Mail Room Term 1 Curriculum eKindy commenced at MISOTA in 2013 - Additional Resources The Western Alliance has grown in enrolments from 50 students in 2013 to over - Diagnostic Assessment 100 students in 2020 - Learning Support - Partners in Learning Tim Moes moved on from our school after 28 years, having a history as a Field - The Importance of Team teacher, Deputy Principal and then Principal. Visual Timetables We created a Head of Curriculum role for P-6 in 2019 and a Western Alliance - LOTE – Years 5, 6, 7 and 8 - Extra-Curricular Activities Head of Department role (Y7-10) in 2017 - Accommodation Assistance - We moved from two Field Teams to one, to ensure class sizes are responsive Connellan Airways Trust and effective for teaching and learning online in Prep-Year 6 Term 4 in Review - Student Council We have increased our teaching reading support Prep-Year 10 and improved - 2019 Competition Results and increased resourcing for reading materials. - Rock Pop Mime We developed Maths boxes & Science kits to support curriculum delivery - Graduation - Julia Creek Learning Facility The library moved to an online loans platform, with continual renewal of - Staff News resources – books; sports equipment; eBooks etc - eKindy - Western Alliance Our use and access to digital resources at Field Events has increased General Interest We have had visual artists; music composers; puppeteers; harpists and bush - Gumbuya Magazine poets join us at minischools. - Bushkids Calendar - Holiday Tips We have had 61 staff leave, and 59 new staff join us. - Screen Time Alternatives - AHVISE Change is inevitable, but our family culture has been a constant, always responding with - MISOTA P&C Association - ICPA Mount Isa Branch of the Air open arms to welcome those new, to help each other learn the way and to grow our (BOTA) News and Membership form children for the future. I thank everyone for a terrific journey in 2019, and know that Attachments: together 2020 will continue to move us forward on our road to great educational Staff Contact list Calendar outcomes for our school family, while embracing the tyranny of distance. Who to Contact Primary Timetable Merry Christmas all, and I look forward to seeing each one of you in the New Year to Western Alliance Timetable reflect on what has been, and to create plans to embrace a new tomorrow. Extra-Curricular Activities Connellan Airways Trust Fund Application Janeen Fricke (Acting Principal)
TERM 1 – ORGANISATION & EVENTS
STAFFING FOR 2020 At the time of writing, this is our team for 2020 Principal (Term 1) Janeen Fricke Deputy Principal(Term 1) Nikki Barlow Business Manager Anne Coleman Parent Liaison Officer Linda Ryan Technical Officer Luke Hughes Admin Officer Rhonda Maier School Chaplain Corlia Pienaar eKindy Staffed and based from BSDE – David Saunders Prep Jo Mills Georgia Plant Year 1 Tiarna Rogers Peta Wirth Year 2 Danae Beckwith Claire Armstrong Year 3 Mat Whitney Fiona Hjortshojf Year 4 Liz Waugh Anneka Van der Kley Year 5 Mia Hubert Emma Pails Year 6 Katrina Kuhne Peta Harding Secondary Western Alliance Chris McIntosh, Renee Moore and David Yang Field Services Annette Reid and Stephen Reid Support Teacher Literacy & Numeracy Kara Thompson (Term 1) Di Knudson Term 2-4 Head of Curriculum Di Knudson (Term 1) Term 2-4 Nikki Barlow Reading Coach (PiL) Kara Thompson Term 2-4 Relief Teacher Chris Kuhne Instrumental Music – Strings Cara Taggart Resourcing - Curriculum Leah Allingham Resourcing – Mailroom Deb Woods Resourcing - Library Maureen Capuno Reading Teacher Peta Wirth Reading Teacher Aide P-6 Silvana Gowland Reading Teacher Aide Y7-10 Debby Bishop Cleaner Cherryl Nicolas Groundsman Nick Ewin
2020 DAILY NOTICES - CHANGING TO MISOTA MUSTER Over the last few years, we have noticed that less people dial in to Notices each morning. We surveyed families earlier this year, and from feedback, we are moving to a once a week on air assembly, called MISOTA Muster. This will occur the first day of a working week. This change will result in –
One weekly on air assembly The first MISOTA Muster will be the Class Allocation Day Tuesday 28th January 2019 at 8:00am Conference Code: Studio 4: 8145 968 840 Daily Notices will be posted on eLearn daily Daily Notices can be emailed to families to those who have registered for this communication. Those who would like to receive daily notices by email please let Anne Coleman know [email protected].
The structure for the MISOTA Muster for Term 1 will include – The national anthem/school song Weekly general notices & upcoming events Year Level Awards
We look forward to gathering with you on our first MISOTA Muster on the 28 January 2020! CLASS LISTS Please look carefully at the class list and timetables which are available on eLearn – Home Tutor documents site and let Janeen/Nikki know immediately if there are any clashes for your family. These lists will be confirmed on air Tuesday 28th January, 2020 at 8.00am. Dial in on 1800 141 220 then follow the prompts, use Studio 4 conference code (8145 968 840). Thanks to all the families who made specific requests for times, teachers and class groupings in plenty of time for them to be carefully considered. It is easy to consider requests whilst planning, but almost impossible to make changes after documents and plans have been put in place. Our enrolment numbers and therefore our teacher numbers and budget are not confirmed until mid to late February. If adjustments to classes and/or teachers need to be made, it will be in early March. 2020 MISOTA STRATEGIC PLAN
Our Strategic Plan 2017-2020 is in its final year, and we will go through the process of a Quadrennial School Review (QSR) in 2020 to establish our priorities for the next four years. Some highlights of the progress toward our goals have been –
Develop the links between eKindy, P-6 and Western Alliance to ensure streamlined transitions (Teaching and Learning, Curriculum) and communications throughout the community. o A collaborative approach with BSDE eKindy to deliver both digital and face-to-face learning experiences o Use of transition statements to inform entry to Prep o Collaboration by teaching staff to ensure continuity in learning progression from year to year o Tips for transition to alternate learning pathways from eKindy – Year 10 o Get to Know You Days in regional areas focussing on eK-Prep o Group Days Term 1 welcoming new families to distance education focussing on smooth transitions to our school community o Western Alliance principals consulting with Western Alliance parents through a representative parent group o Multischools in Longreach twice a year to ensure successful learning, wellbeing and planning for transitions o Newsletter items representative of eK-Year 10 o Continuing examination of formative and summative data to ensure student success and appropriate resource delivery
Provide alternate pathways to cater for all categories of enrolment o Pre-enrolment meetings with all applicants to ensure learning is targeted and engagement is a priority o Collection of diagnostic data upon entry to the school o Focussed co-ordination between Curriculum Team and Resourcing Team using OneNote processes o Regular meetings of the Student Services Committee, focussing on student improvement and success o Coordinated meetings with families, allied health professionals, and DoE staff to focus on each students progress
Develop an assessment literate community o Continuing and progressive professional development focussed on unpacking the national curriculum and GTMJs with teaching staff and home tutors o GTMJs part of daily lessons, and targeted success criteria to achieve the national curriculum standards o MISOTA engagement with North Queensland Region curriculum support team o Collaboration with Charleville SDE and Longreach SDE to align pedagogical framework and assessment practices
Develop a consistent pedagogical framework to improve teaching and learning. o Implementation of the Gradual Release of Responsibility (Fisher & Frey) Prep-10 o A process of embedding research and evidence based practices aimed at putting faces on the data (Sharratt; Hattie)
Continually reflect on curriculum demands and determine appropriate methods of instruction in the DE context. o Embed the National Curriculum alignment process to ensure clarity of focus to improve student outcomes o Created the Adapt & Adopt process to further unpack the C2C materials to ensure alignment to the national curriculum, and to provide further support for the home tutor o V8 update of the paper based independent learning materials and eTeach resource by end of 2020 o Use of other digital tools to assist isolated classrooms, students and teachers e.g. SeeSaw, ClassOneNote, Library Oliver borrowing platform o Field Team focus on designing learning experiences for field events focussed on The Arts; Design & Technology; HPE
During Term 3 in 2019, we began to gather input from parents & governesses about current practices and processes of delivering teaching and learning, support and resources for the isolated classroom. These surveys are being collated and will be shared through our P& C meetings in the coming year and will form part of the process for the QSR. If you want any more information on this or would like to become part of the process, please contact the Principal and join a very active, informed and dedicated members of our MISOTA P&C association. CHANGE: HOME TUTOR SEMINAR AND HOME TUTOR ACTIVITY DAYS TERM 2 TRIAL This year we have made a change to the schedule, which will impact ALL FAMILIES. In 2020 we will be doing NAPLAN online for all year levels – Year 3,5,7 & 9. There will be no capacity to do paperbased tests or sit the tests external to the school site. The Year 3 writing test is handwritten, and other year levels writing test will be done by keyboard online.
Students will sit the tests in the same order as previous, but on a rolling timetable. Spinifex Senior Campus has kindly loaned their library facilities and laptop bank to enable us to participate. A student preparation test will be available Term 1 2020 and teachers will walk them through the process prior and also support them on the day.
To embrace this change, Activity Days will now run from the Tuesday 12th May, Wednesday 13th May and half day Thursday 14th May. In conjunction, Home Tutor Seminar will run from the Wednesday 13th May and half day Thursday 14th May. The half day allows for community meetings and family photos. Sports Day will remain on the Friday and Year 4/5 camp will depart on the Sunday 22nd May 2020. PLEASE ENSURE YOUR ACCOMMODATION BOOKINGS REFLECT THE ABOVE CHANGE. PREP – YEAR 6 2020 TIMETABLE To engage with the requirement to update the Independent Learning Materials (ILMs) for delivery and use in 2021, adjustments are being made to the schoolteacher timetables. English will be taught direct to students 5 days week (Mon –Fri) for one hour per class Reading lessons will occur for 30 minutes each week one on one or in small groups dependent on development and need P-10 Personal Learning Times (PLT) will occur once a fortnight for 30 minutes Feedback sheets will be sent weekly on submitted work Adapt & Adopt of ILMs and unit planning will be embedded in the teacher timetable and will not impact the isolated classroom These changes will allow for more space on the timetable to respond to student and home tutor needs, complete feedback and to create curriculum materials. BOOK LISTS PREP – YEAR 6 This year we have again revised the Book Lists and Classroom Requirements lists to complement the curriculum. Please take the time to peruse this version to make sure you have what is required for 2020. Booklists and School requirements are available on eLearn – Home Tutor site. Please note that MISOTA is putting new Science Kits together. Where possible some of the suggested Science items on the lists will be provided. However we strongly suggest that once you have your Science Kit, you go over the list to ensure you have access to all items on the Science list. Some items may be general household items that you already have. If you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact the school.
FIELD SERVICES MISOTA places a strong emphasis on our field program providing a series of activity days, group days, minischools and home visits. The Field Team are responsible for planning these events.
In 2020, the field service will be provided by Stephen and Annette Reid. If you have any questions about field events, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please note that all dates are subject to variation. Stephen Reid [email protected] Annette Reid [email protected]
Home Visits Home Visits are be conducted by either the class teacher/s or the Field Team. These visits are designed to offer support to the home tutor, the parents and the students. It also gives the staff a feel for what schoolrooms are like on stations. Visiting teachers can offer advice on: classroom set up behaviour management classroom timetables engaging the learner literacy and numeracy levels who to contact with any MISOTA issues Typically teachers arrive in the afternoon and leave the following afternoon. Please let us know if accommodating us is difficult given your circumstance and we can stay in a nearby town. The Field Team or teacher will phone the family with a proposed date between two and four weeks prior to the date. If you have a particular need for a home visit, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate this. All requests for home visits should be directed through Nikki or Janeen.
Group Days Prep to Year 6 Each family will have the opportunity to attend two group days in a year. Stephen and Annette coordinate these days which are similar to activity days in structure but are held on a station and are smaller by nature. The Term Two Group Days usually include some sport or physical activity and fun, multi-age group work. Group days also give the older students the opportunity to lead the rest of the group. They are a great opportunity to have a tour of another schoolroom and get some good ideas. The Term Four Group Days are usually assigned a swimming focus and are conducted around towns with access to swimming pools. Parents are invited to host this day with a shared morning tea and lunch. Stephen and Annette attend each group day. If you would like to host a day, with 2-5 other families joining in, please contact Stephen or Annette. Towards the end of Term 1, we will let all families know when and where the Term 2 group days are.
Activity Days Prep to Year 6 Activity Days assist in teachers meeting their students. Activity Days usually commence at 9.00 am and conclude at 3.00 pm. MISOTA teachers arrange and conduct a program of activities for the day. The Admin. have a meeting with parents and home tutors to discuss school focuses and as a forum for open communication. Parents coordinate and provide the meals. A shared morning tea and lunch is a common practice. We recommend that new families contact an experienced Mum for further catering information if required. Field Services staff can put you in touch with somebody if needed. Activity Days replace on air lesson commitments for that day. Students will often wear their MISOTA school shirt on the day and need to bring a water bottle, hat and wear closed in footwear for these school events.
In Term One, an activity day is conducted in each of the following centres: Town Date Venue Julia Creek Friday 20 February Town Hall Cloncurry Friday 21 February Cloncurry Community Precinct Boulia/Bedourie Wednesday 26 February Town Hall Camooweal Tuesday 3 March Racecourse Burke and Wills Friday 13 March Burke and Wills Roadhouse
P-3 teachers attend all activity days where they have a student/s attending. Representatives of the Years 4-6 teaching group will attend each activity day. In Term Two, two and a half consecutive activity days are held in Mount Isa in conjunction with the Home Tutor Seminar. In 2020, these days will be Tuesday 12 May, Wednesday 13 May, and half day Thursday 14 May.
In Term Four, an activity day (14/10/20 to be confirmed) is held in Mount Isa in conjunction with the Rock Pop Mime performance and a Christmas Activity Day is held in Mount Isa on Wednesday (02/12/20) of the final week of school in conjunction with Sports for Bush Kids week. A family barbecue is held on the Wednesday evening.
Minischools Kindy to Year 6 In Term Three each year, the school conducts six minischools each being held in the field over the period of one week. These are conducted at Normanton, Bedourie/Boulia, Cloncurry, Camooweal, Julia Creek and Gregory. Families are invited to attend one of these and it is important to let the school know if you wish to attend a minischool that is not the closest to your home. The week provides the opportunity for children from eKindy to Year 6 to mix and learn together in a central location. The week’s activities usually include art, music, sport and science. No weekly papers are completed at minischool. During the week Janeen, Nikki and the Parent Liaison Officer, Linda will visit for a day. Parents are asked to bring along food to share and there is usually a small charge to cover perishable items purchased for the week. A food coordinator (one of the parents) organises this and planning meetings are held on the phone prior to the mini school. Parents will be rostered on to help with serving, preparing, etc.
In Term Two, planning sessions via a teleconference encourage input by Home Tutors and parents into the organisation for the minischool. A representative from each family is expected to attend the planning sessions for the minischool they are attending. A letter informing you of more specific details are provided closer to the event.
There are 6 minischools this year: Town Date Venue Normanton Sunday 2 August to Friday 7 August Normanton Racecourse Boulia/Bedourie Sunday 9 August to Friday 14 August Town Hall Cloncurry Sunday 16 August to Friday 21 August Cloncurry Racecourse Camooweal Sunday 23 August to Friday 28 August Camooweal Racecourse Gregory Sunday 30 August to Friday 4 September Gregory Racecourse Julia Creek Sunday 6 September to Friday 11 September Julia Creek Racecourse
Everyone usually arrives at minischool on the Sunday night and the week finishes with a concert on the Thursday night. Friday morning is spent tidying up, etc. and then we all travel home. There is a timetabled program for each day and after dinner a series of activities are planned. Needless to say that by the time Friday arrives, everyone is tired but have enjoyed a wonderful week of learning. Teachers coordinate and run the activities for the school students. Minischools have a theme. In 2020, the planned theme is ‘Under the Southern Cross.’ The theme influences all the activities for the week and there is a costume parade held on one night of the minischool. The students prepare a costume at home to bring along to minischool. The activities at minischool are fun, hands on and exciting!
Each minischool has different overnight arrangements. Bedourie, for example, is motel/caravan park but at other locations camping at the facility is permitted. Families are free to select other accommodation, like a friend’s home or motel. EKINDY AND PREP GET TO KNOW YOU DAYS
Welcome to all the Prep and eKindy students and their families. We hope all children, Home Tutors and parents enjoy their 2020 year of schooling with Mount Isa School of the Air. We are certainly looking forward to meeting all of our new students. Prep staff have prepared 'Welcome to Prep' packs to provide some ‘getting started’ information. These packs have been sent to all families who have enrolled a Prep student. Take particular notice of the 'Don't Panic' sheets and the Work Rate Calendar Term 1- 2020 for phone numbers and tips.
Transition to school: Giving all children a great start is a priority for the Queensland Government. The sharing of consistent and aligned practices across early childhood service and schools encourages children to develop confidence as a learner. Early childhood education and care (ECEC) services and schools are both committed to providing: high quality teaching and learning safe and supportive learning environments sustained collaborative partnerships with families, community and other agencies.
‘The Department of Education strategy; 2019 K-2 Enhancing Continuity and Alignment, identifies the importance of children making successful transitions to school as a core outcome of their early years.’ With this priority in mind, and the fact that from 2017, it has been compulsory for Queensland children to undertake Prep prior to Year 1, our MISOTA Early Years and Admin teams have identified several strategies to ‘maximise continuity of teaching and learning for our students as they transition to school.’ "Get-to-know-how-Prep-MISOTA-style-works": Sessions via Home Tutor Sessions over the phone and via web conference. This will enable new-to-the-school and old-hands to share their experiences. See Unit Timetables for dates, phone codes and times. Get to Know You Days: Our Prep teachers, Parent Liaison Officer, Deputy/Principal and Field Team will travel to a number of centres around the district to meet with groups of families. At these days we will provide information/sharing sessions for parents and govies about curriculum and school procedures. The eKindy and Prep children will participate in play and learning tasks. See Calendar of Events for proposed dates and centres. Specific venue and times will be provided at the start of the school year. Of course weather can always affect our plans so plans may often change at short notice. New Home Tutor & Governess Development Workshop: See Calendar of Events for dates.
Our goal is to ensure that families and Home Tutors feel encouraged to join us, the Early Years team, in laying the groundwork for developing a new crew of little lifelong learners and developing a sense of belonging within our wonderful school community. School staff, parents and govies felt that previous Get to Know You Days were a valuable experience and are chomping at the bit to do it all again in 2020.
Further information about transitions can be found through the following links. https://learningplace.eq.edu.au/cx/resources/file/4260e30a-8d40-4ef5-bfd0-0554f9c7855f/1/index.html https://det.qld.gov.au/earlychildhood/about/Documents/pdf/res-env-transition-newsletter-cover-document.pdf
Please direct any queries to our Prep Staff: Georgia Plant [email protected] or Jo Mills [email protected] YEAR 3,5,7 & 9 NAPLAN ONLINE TESTING IN 2020 In 2020 MISOTA will be participating in NAPLAN Online for the first time. All students will be required to sit the test physically at the MISOTA campus in Mount Isa. The students will sit the tests during the Home Tutor Seminar Week. The tests will be conducted on Tuesday 12th, Wednesday 13th and morning of Thursday 14th May. This will necessitate families with children in the test year levels to come into town for the three days.
PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE. To assist with this attendance of the online process, the Home Tutor Seminar Activity Days will now run for all students on the Tuesday, Wednesday and half day Thursday of the Home Tutor Seminar Week.
The requirement to attend the online version in Mount Isa in 2020 is different; where previously our Western Alliance students, and occasionally students unable to sit the test at MISOTA, have been allowed to sit the tests at home; this will not be allowed. This new process will not allow paperbased tests to be accessed alongside the online process due to the security and rigour of the new test process.
We ask that if your family cannot attend MISOTA to sit the tests during that week, that you notify the Principal during Term 1 so that appropriate paperwork can be processed to withdraw from the tests. More information will be given closer to the dates but PLEASE BE AWARE OF THE NEED TO SIT THE TESTS IN MOUNT ISA OVER THE 3 DAYS 12,13 and half day 14 May 2020. STRINGS NEWS Congratulations to all the string students who were part of the instrumental music program in 2019. It was a pleasure to be able to share your talent and dedication, and see the culmination of the year’s work at our bi-annual MISOTA Showcase concert.
MISOTA was lucky to be represented by 6 students across 2 ensembles at the State Honours Ensemble Program(SHEP). The State Honours Ensemble Program is an educational program for music students that helps extend and encourage their pursuit of musical excellence. Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University’s State Honours Ensemble Program has grown from relatively modest beginnings in 2001 to now include more than 4000 participants in twelve programs throughout Queensland. SHEP is now a firmly established aspect of music learning in Queensland, bringing together young people from all over the State, in regional centres and Brisbane to share their passion for making music. The Primary School program was held Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December 2019 at the Queensland Conservatorium and Queensland College of the Art Griffith University Southbank campus, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre and Brisbane State High School.
SHEP gives students the opportunity to: Work in an intensive environment of musical excellence with their peers offering a unique opportunity to extend and develop their musical skills Work with a team of eminent conductors from Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University Represent their school in a Grand Finale Concert
Whilst in Brisbane, the students had the chance to work with other primary students from schools throughout the greater Brisbane area. They also had the chance to experience the Queensland Symphony Orchestra live in their “Cinematic” concert. Without the generous support of the Apex Foundation and the QCWA however, we would not have been able to attend, and both the students and I are incredibly grateful for their generosity. I am looking forward to nominating students for SHEP – Middle School in Townsville 19-21 June, 2020 and SHEP – Primary – Brisbane 28-29 November, 2020.
In 2020 we are excited to host a Top Up program with the support of Topology. This program brings together world-class professionals and young musicians to experiment, create and perform side by side. Top Up empowers musicians, songwriters, and composers of all ages and backgrounds. Individually and collectively, the musicians possess world- class expertise and qualifications in the ‘hard to teach’ areas of composition and improvisation. Twenty years’ additional experience as award-winning performers gives Topology the additional ability to deliver best practice, practical advice to enhance performance, stagecraft, and production for the schools and communities. In 2020, Topology will visit some of our string students to music to be performed with Topology in May at home tutor week. We look forward to seeing the creative journey unfold. The string program at MISOTA is a wonderful opportunity for students to be involved in music, and is very unique to our school. Lessons are held once a week for 30min at times negotiated with families. If you are interested in your child joining the Strings program for 2020, or would like more information about how the program works please email Cara Taggart – [email protected] CAMPS Our camp program for this year:
Year 4 and 5 students will go to Magnetic Island and stay at the Picnic Bay camp site from 17th – 22nd May. The children will catch a bus from Mount Isa to Townsville along the Flinders Highway. We will pick children up along the route. We expect this camp to cost approximately $500.
Year 6 students will be travelling to Canberra in the first week of Term 3. Please note that the days of travel are yet to be confirmed as flight schedules may change. The students will visit Parliament House, National Gallery, Museum, CSIRO, Snowy Mountains, Australian War Museum, Geoscience Centre and many other attractions. The P&C make a contribution to help with the costs of air travel and bus hire. It is expected that students do some fundraising for this camp as we believe that helps the students value the camp more. The amount of money raised is not as important as the effort put in by the students. The money fundraised goes to the P&C. Families are expected to pay an additional amount determined prior to camp in addition to the fundraising. Funding assistance also comes from the PACER Program. We expect this camp to cost approximately $900.
Secondary students in the Western Alliance will attend two Multischools (Term 2 & 4) in Longreach with students from Charleville and Longreach SDEs. These generally cost around $250-300 each. The Western Alliance camp in Term 3 generally costs around $700-$900. See the calendar of events for specific dates.
More information and final costings will be sent to families well in advance of the camps. If you have any concerns at all that may prevent your child from attending please contact the Principal. Payment plans are available if required. Please contact Anne in the office if you need more information about payment plans. OPEN COMMUNICATION Communication is at the heart of what we do.
Email, phone, letters, faxes, edStudios, eLearn, notices, on air lessons and carrier pigeons are all means of communication available to us as a school community. It is our collective responsibility to communicate well with each other. Please communicate to your teachers the joys, frustrations and the laughable moments so that together we can provide the best education for your children. Our frontline of communication is Daily Notices Announcements. We encourage families to log onto eLearn Home Tutor site first thing each morning.
If you need assistance, do not wait for us to contact you, please call your class teacher or Janeen/Nikki at your convenience.
In our experience, families and teachers that discuss their expectations around communication are the most satisfied. Teachers will provide you with their Education Queensland email that can be used for all electronic correspondence. Parents and Home Tutors should ensure that email contact with the teacher is of a professional manner and no inappropriate content is forwarded to the teacher.
Teachers will also provide you with their school phone number and a timetable of their non-scheduled hours to ensure that you know the best time to call them. If you ring the school and you suspect it may be a lengthy call we are happy to call you straight back so that the school meets the cost. Alternatively you can contact the school office and the ladies will pass the message to the request on notices that a teacher calls you sometime that day.
At times, teachers will provide you with their mobile number for use during special events or travel and we ask that families use these numbers respectfully. Under Education Queensland policy students should not call or text a teacher’s mobile phone (unless directed to during specific events such as camps, where after the event, these are to be deleted from student phones).
The interaction between teachers and students (including past students who are under the age of 18) using social networking sites e.g. Facebook, Snapchat and MySpace is not permitted under Education Queensland policy. We have also requested that staff do not engage in these sites with home tutors, parents or governesses. We would appreciate that you discuss this policy with your child so that teachers are not put in the awkward position of having to refuse contact with them. Could I also caution our school community to be very careful about passing comment on staff and other community members on these sites, as these sites are far from private.
This school is proud of the open and honest communication it has established between students, teachers and home tutors. Attached to this newsletter is a list of all staff with their school contact numbers and emails. We have also attached a ‘Who to contact list’ which details the relevant coordinator for a range of activities and programs within the school and we recommend that you look to this form to ensure that you get to speak with the most appropriate staff member in relation to your specific enquiry. If you wish to talk to the Principal please contact the school office on 4744 8333.
GETTING THE BEST FOR YOUR CHILD: RAISING A CONCERN Although rare, during the course of your children’s school years, you may have cause to make a complaint about an issue with your child’s education.
Education Queensland and this school are committed to ensuring that all complaints are dealt with in a fair and equitable manner. There are processes and support structures in place to enable parents/carers and students to work through any issues they may have with Education Queensland provisions.
The following 5-step procedure may assist parents/carers, and school staff to reach an outcome that is in the best interests of the student. 1. Discuss the complaint with the class teacher 2. Discuss your complaint with the principal or ask the principal to assist by participating in the informal conflict resolution 3. Contact regional office 4. Complaint still not resolved 5. Independent review
When making a complaint, it is in the best interest of complaint resolution to ensure that you: • provide complete and factual information in a timely manner • deliver your complaint in a non-threatening and non-abusive manner and • not make frivolous or vexatious complaints or include deliberately false or misleading information.
You should be aware that if you are making a complaint about a staff member, that in most instances the staff member will be told of the complaint and offered the right of reply. You also have the right to have a support person participate throughout the process. However, as a school we take pride in our open communication with families and the trust built over decades to deliver the best education for your child/ren
As Principal, my door/phone is always open for conversation for working with members of our school community for what is best for our school and aligned to the policies and priorities of Education Queensland. Please do not hesitate in speaking with me about any concerns.
Janeen Fricke, Principal
FAMILY CONTACT DETAILS It is important that the school has correct family details on our database. From time to time the school will seek updated contact details from you. If your Govie’s name and your address, email or phone number do change, it is important that you let the school know, through Linda Ryan our Parent Liaison Officer (PLO) [email protected]
The majority of our families now have a regular and reliable internet service. Your email address is a very important part of your enrolment information. Please identify which email you prefer to receive general school information (distributed from the school office) and that required for class teacher contact (e.g. schoolroom email). If you change internet providers and/or your email address changes, please notify Linda. If you do not receive your monthly P&C minutes via email this is evidence that we do not have a record of your email address.
We strongly recommend that families use their Education Queensland provided email account. You can log in via http://owa.eq.edu.au or by adding the EQ email account into Outlook. Please contact our Technical Officer Luke Hughes on [email protected] for more information or for help to set up Outlook to receive your EQ email. GOVERNESS CONTACT DETAILS
As a school it is essential that we are kept up to date with who is the Home Tutor for your child at any given time. If you employ a Governess/Governor, please contact Linda Ryan as a priority so that she can provide an induction to our school and make that initial contact for your Governess/Governor. Linda will also communicate this information with the staff of our school, including the teachers, field team, administration team and mail room. Linda will, with their permission, pass on their contact details to other governesses so that a network of governesses can be formed.
As a school, we are working at supporting and educating our Governesses/Governors so that they can perform their duties as the teacher of your children to the best of their ability. We feel confident that our ongoing support throughout the year will go a long way towards achieving this. SCHOOL INVOICES Please note that the school’s accounts are completely separate from the P&C accounts. The school operates on an invoicing system. Families will be issued invoices for activities throughout the year. These invoices will be sent home/emailed at the time of invoicing. It would be greatly appreciated if you pay your accounts on the issue of the invoice. Payment plans can be arranged by contacting Anne Coleman, Business Services Manager. A statement will be issued at the start of each month.
ALL MISOTA INVOICES NOW INCLUDE CRN DETAILS Parents: www.bpoint.com.au/payments/dete
COMPUTER AND INTERNET CONTRACT NEEDS Laptop Computer with the following are recommended. Windows 10 400GB HDD or larger Minimum 8 GB of RAM, 16 GB if possible. CD/DVD drive Harvey Norman, JB-HIFI, Officeworks or Dell at www.dell.com.au would be places you could check to purchase a computer. Most PC’s are used over a 3 year time span and then replaced. It is normal for the computer to come with a 12 month warranty. It is recommended you purchase extended warranty to 3 years. Software is not required to be purchased with the PC as all required school applications are free to download and use. Office 2016 Adobe reader Avast Anti-virus free edition Blackboard Collaborate Launcher Java
HOME INTERNET 50GB per student seems to be the amount required for schooling. Sky Muster™ service The nbn™ Sky Muster™ satellite service is dedicated to providing broadband connectivity to regional and remote Australia, so you can now enjoy quick access to health, education and business services as well as all the ways you love to stay connected with friends and family. What is Sky Muster™ Educational Service? The Sky Muster™ Educational Service is designed to meet the special challenges of students who get their education via distance programs like School of the Air. This service will not be available for children who attend brick and mortar school.
Who is eligible? If you live in an area serviced by Sky Muster™, and have a school-aged child (K-12) enrolled in a recognised distance education program, you may be eligible to receive a Sky Muster™ Educational Service at your premises. You will also need to be verified by nbn™ with the appropriate Education Department in your State or Territory. Plans There are a great range of nbn™ Satellite plans available for Sky Muster™ Educational Services. Speeds range up to 25/5 Mbps with large monthly data allowances.
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IPSTAR Retail Satellite Broadband www.ipstarbroadband.com.au/ IPSTAR Internet services for Australian residences. We supply NBN satellite service, IPSTAR satellite service and VoIP service. Sales: 1800 477 827 https://ipstarbroadband.com.au/products/skymuster-education/ www.reachnet.com.au Features and benefits of NBN satellite broadband with reachnet: Fast & effective: Sales: 1300 798 007 https://reachnet.com.au/products/skymuster-education/ https://www.skymesh.net.auCall now: 1300 759 637 SkyMesh offers educational plans and our pricing can be found with the following link: https://www.skymesh.net.au/sky-muster-education-plans/
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‘THE COMPUTER SCHOOL’ FAMILY RESOURCE Our school has a license to access ‘the Computer School’, an online resource designed to teach a wide range of computer skills for home tutors and students. It has instructions for everything from iPhones through to Office and Macs. To access the resource go to: http://www.thecomputerschool.net/smartcart/scart_skillsindex.php?logname=tmoes3&logtype=2 and enter the password tmoes2013 and away you go! Check out the range of courses. We will send out the link digitally again in the new year.
LAPTOP HIRE SCHEME The Department of Education QLD have been working with the Queensland Schools of Distance Education on a laptop hire scheme for students with enrolment category of geographically isolated.
The benefits of the scheme for families, in brief, are
A fully maintained laptop computer with full technical support for the warranty of the machine. Fully loaded with all programs required for schooling. $500 per annum (you still receive the $250 ICT subsidy and the $500 Internet subsidy if eligible).
Acceptance to the laptop scheme is not guaranteed and is subject to the following conditions-
a sixth month continuous enrolment history with SDE, adequate return of work by students, no outstanding invoices/monies owed to the school for the family, upfront payment of fee each year, enrolment category of geographically isolated and availability of laptops.
If you are interested could you please contact the school, Anne Coleman. Email: [email protected] Fax: 07 4744 8300 SPORTS KITS Our library staff are very excited to inform families that they have a fantastic variety of sports equipment available for loan. These kits need to be collected from, and returned to the library. They cannot be mailed out. Families can borrow them but must ensure they are returned prior to your students leaving MISOTA. Apart from these kits, the library also has quite a number of other sports and games for loan.
If you would like to borrow some of these wonderful packs, please let Maureen Capuno [email protected] know and she will reserve them for you.
MAIL ROOM Each family has their mail sent to them one day per week. Return mail should also be sent in only one day per week. Please use only one mail bag unless you cannot possibly fit it all in one bag. The school is only funded for a single mailbag. Extra mail is therefore at the expense of other activities. If you are experiencing delays with your mail, please contact the Resourcing / Curriculum staff: Debbie Woods: 07 4744 8309 or email [email protected] Leah Allingham: e-mail: [email protected]. A change in mail day may help.
If you are attending a group day, activity day or minischool, mail can be given to staff for return to school. Please let the field team know you will be bringing your mail.
FIRST TERM MAILOUT Instruction papers and resources were collected or dispatched before the holidays. Every effort is made to ensure that all resource packs and boxes are sent complete and are in working order. It would be to the student’s advantage if items are checked and USB’s are tested and copied on to your equipment at home. If you have problems let us know so items are able to be replaced in time for that particular lesson. It is important that the resource packs are returned as soon as indicated on the pack, or requested by the teacher, and that these are returned inside the clip lock bag provided. Please don’t keep them to send back once or twice a year. This is very inconvenient as some resources are used across year levels at different times and therefore, they need to be checked, cleaned and on the shelf as soon as possible. The Mailroom Aide will send an email if resources are missing from the bags, as these are costly items. If resources are damaged or lost then we consider it is the family's responsibility to replace them, therefore an invoice will be raised to cover the cost.
There may be times when you don’t have a blue satchel/bag at home or have too much mail (e.g. library books) to fit in a bag. Please place the mail in a post-pack or re-cycled box and use the following Reply Paid number: The Principal, Mount Isa School of the Air, Reply Paid No 1683, MOUNT ISA QLD 4825
USBs should be mailed in a small plastic bag/envelope or with a tag on it to prevent loss through the zip of the blue bag/satchel or attached to the pages of a book. Please ensure the child’s year level and teacher’s name is included. Please don’t send completed work back in resource packs as these do not go to the teachers. It could be a while before the work is found in the bag.
BLUE MAIL SATCHELS For the information of new families, a mailbag scheme operates at MISOTA. For an initial family contribution of $15, three vinyl mailbags are provided, four in larger families, for mailing of materials. These bags are strong, zip-locked, and only require you to reverse the mailing label in the window for return. The bags are used in rotation: one will be here at school, one in transit and one in your schoolroom. The school covers the cost of printing on the bags for school identification, and the continuous mail costs to and from the property. Please contact the Resourcing / Curriculum staff for more information.
RETURN OF RESOURCES These points need to be considered when returning the resource packs: Packs do not go to the teachers so please do not return completed assignment books in the bags. Make a separate folder or bag with the child’s name, year level and the teacher’s name clearly marked. This way children’s work is not likely to go astray. Please use the plastic bags to return resources; they are used for listing and protecting the contents. Packs should be returned when requested, so they can be checked, cleaned and shelved in readiness for other students. If a USB is broken or unusable, or if a book is damaged, please attach a note letting us know so it can be replaced. Don’t forget, they are fragile items, please look after them. Please do not mark books with pencil. Any sticky notes or blutac should be removed before returning books. Please communicate your needs within the mail, put a name/note on items for staff members so mailroom staff can get mail to the intended staff member. Visits to Mount Isa can be last minute occasions, but if you know in advance that you are coming in, please let us know. We can hold your mail for you to collect. This may save a week’s mailing time.
Leah Allingham & Debbie Woods
TERM 1 - CURRICULUM ADDITIONAL RESOURCES To support the Independent Learning Materials (ILMs) for subjects in 2020, the following tools are available to assist teaching and learning in distance education contexts. Some of these are – The Home Tutor Website for Queensland Distance Education - www.elearningbank.net The Computer School - a one stop shop for all your ICT learning needs (information in this newsletter). Year 4-7 Typing Program - students will access the Computer School program (info in this newsletter) to engage with a typing program. Reading is Magic (on year level USB sticks) – Mem Fox resource on how to foster learning how to read and write (Prep) Literacy Foundations Packs - Prep – phonemic awareness; phonological awareness; phonics Soundwaves website, student books & charts – being introduced Prep-Year 6 in 2020 M100W Sightword Kits – a kit of cards, charts and games to assist with developing fluency in reading and writing of the most common words used in the English language. One per family Prep & Year 1. Beginning Writing Program - Casey Caterpillar (Prep; and bridging program Year 1- Term 1). Targeting Handwriting Year 4-6 - will have a commercial handwriting book in the Unit 1 pack to continue the P-3 focus learning the Queensland Cursive Script for their year at school. Maths Boxes Year 1-6 – items for hands-on learning required for all Maths concepts. Targeting Mental Maths Book Year 1-6 - a commercial text to engage students in Maths warm-ups preparing for Maths papers. Banish Boring Words text – one per family. Levelled Readers – supplementary packs for familiar reading for practise with the home tutor and also packs of phone readers for guided reading lessons with teachers. EdAlive Software Program – access to 60 titles covering numeracy, literacy, typing, fonts & clip art to aid in lesson warm ups, mental maths, spelling and reading. Available through the mailroom upon request. Library Online - https://mtisasde.softlinkhosting.com.au/oliver/libraryHome.do DIAGNOSTIC ASSESSMENT Diagnostic Assessment Diagnostic Assessments are designed to identify or “diagnose” strengths and areas of need in all students. It involves gathering and evaluating data to help understand students’ knowledge and skills in a learning area, which is then used to help in the development of differentiated lessons to meet the individual needs of the student. Some examples of diagnostic assessment that are used at MISOTA are: - Checklists - Daily Writing samples - Running records (PM and Probe) - Words Their Way spelling test - Concepts About Print - Oral Language screeners - Literacy Continuum P-2
Below is a flowchart to show how diagnostic assessments are used at MISOTA to assist teachers to cater for all individual students. The same diagnostic assessment can be done more than once throughout the year to show the growth the student has made over a period of time, but ultimately they are all used to improve the learning outcomes of each individual student. It is extremely important that the student complete these diagnostic assessments independently, so the class teachers can gauge exactly where the students’ strengths and areas of need are.
What the student
knows Diagnostic Improved Action Assessment learning What the student required needs to improve outcomes
Resources needed
Adapted from the ‘decision-making loop’, Saubern,R. (2010)
LEARNING SUPPORT As Home Tutors, you may have concerns about your student, or see them struggling in certain areas. It can be quite upsetting for both your child and yourself, and can affect social, emotional and academic growth. We are very lucky at MISOTA to have a great depth of experienced teachers and staff who have a vast amount of knowledge and abilities to help you.
If you do have any concerns, here are some steps that will help us to help you: 1. Notify your class teacher of your concerns. 2. Have a hearing and vision screener to rule out any underlying issues (this is imperative as 4 out of 5 struggling readers have difficulty with their vision. A Behavioural Optometrist can check not only for vision, but tracking issues and how the eyes work together). 3. Give detailed feedback to your class teacher about the type and amount of support you are giving for each lesson, and any other observations you have made. 4. Your class teacher will make adjustments according to your feedback.
If your student is still having difficulties, the class teacher will discuss these with the Support Teacher: Literacy and Numeracy. Further modifications and interventions may be implemented, which could take the form of: - alterations to access the curriculum - deletions of units or a reduced workload - extra individual or paired lessons with support staff
External support services such as a Guidance Officer, Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Physiotherapist, Bush Children’s or a Paediatrician may be contacted for a consultation or assessment to help provide further strategies and modifications according to the specialist reports.
This process takes time, so please notify your class teacher as soon as you have any concerns and make hearing and vision appointments. PARTNERS IN LEARNING The Partners in Learning program supports Schools of Distance Education to enhance the skills of parents and home tutors in improving children's reading. Our school has been involved in this program since 2017. 2019 our coaches have been Jo Mills and Kara Thompson. The Partners in Learning program provides specialist advice and strategies to build capability to inspire, encourage and teach children to read and support reading development throughout their school years. The Partners in Learning Program will commence in Term 2, 2020 and will be managed by Kara Thompson.
A suite of training videos showing reading techniques and approaches is available on our Mount Isa School of the Air website (www.mtisasde.eq.edu.au) under the ‘Curriculum’ link.
These videos discuss and model the stages of reading development and reading strategies for children. The video topics have been listed below.
Partners in Learning – Overview of reading videos Topic Details 1 - Oral language development Speech language pathologist discusses links between oral language skills and 2:43min literacy development and how parents, carers and educators can support literacy development in the early years. 2 - Shared reading Modelled example of shared reading including the types of conversation most 2:57min beneficial for children’s literacy development in the early years. 3 - Developing phonemic awareness Modelled example of activities for developing phonemic awareness, including: 5:16min onset and rime segmentation; the position of phonemes within words; blending and segmenting sounds in words and manipulating sounds. 4 - Phonics Modelled examples of activities for developing phonics in the early-years 7:44min including: onset and rime segmentation; the position of phonemes within words; blending and segmenting sounds in words and manipulating sounds. 5 - Vocabulary Speech language pathologist explaining and modelling strategies for developing 5:07min vocabulary in the early years. 6 - Fluency Modelled example of approaches to improve fluency in the early-years. 2:29min 7 - Text comprehension Reading coach discussing text comprehension in the early years, including 4:08min modelled scenarios. 8 - Phonological awareness Reading coach discussing phonological awareness in the early years, including 7:44min modelled scenarios of word knowledge (metalinguistic awareness) development through syllable; rhyme and alliteration activities. 9 - Phonemic awareness 44 sounds Speech language pathologist articulating the 44 sounds in English. 4:21min 10 - High-frequency words and sight words Reading coach discussing high-frequency words and sight words, with examples 3:36min of a child engaged in activities to develop sight word recognition. 11 - Stages of reading development Reading coach discussing three examples of children demonstrating reading 3:58min behaviours in each stage of reading: (emergent) prior to school; beginning reader; becoming a fluent reader. 12 - What to do… before reading A modelled scenario of what to do prior to reading a book, including selecting the 4:58min book and introducing the book. 13 - What to do… during reading A modelled scenario of what to do during the reading of a book, including 3:39min becoming a listener and asking guiding questions. 14 - What to do… after reading A modelled scenario of what to do after reading, modelling use of questions and 3:30min statements. 15 - Pause, prompt, praise Pause, prompt, praise modelled. 5:08min 16 - Reading strategies for children Children’s reading strategies modelled: decoding with phonics; re-reading sections 6:33min of text; chunking; reading on; word recognition; pictures and visual clues. 17 - Reading session A modelled example of a complete reading session. 5:04min 18 – Feedback Immediate and positive feedback examples to support student’s reading 1:57min development. 19 – Modelled reading This reading procedure is explained and modelled. 3:23min 20 – Guided reading This reading procedure is explained and modelled. 4:21min 21 – Independent reading This reading procedure is explained and modelled. 1:49min 22 – Reading difficulties - schools and Speech language pathologist discusses reading difficulties and how schools educators (including schools of distance education) can meet the needs of students through 5:06min assistive technologies. 23 – Reading difficulties – Speech language pathologist discusses reading difficulties and how parents, carers parents/carers/home tutors and home tutors can support all students with reading difficulties, including 2:56min students who are enrolled in schools of distance education. 24 – Assistive technologies – schools and Assistive technologies and how schools (including schools of distance education) educators can meet the needs of students through assistive technologies. 2:50min 25 – Assistive technologies – Assistive technologies and how parents, carers and home tutors can support all parents/carers/home tutors students’ reading through assistive technologies, including students who are 3:30min enrolled in schools of distance education.
The Partners in Learning program will be offered once again in 2020 for both Home Tutors and Parents and will be delivered both face to face and in an online learning context. If this is something you are interested in, please send Kara Thompson our 2020 PiL coach, an email ([email protected]), so she can provide you with more information to enroll for the program in Semester 1, 2020. THE IMPORTANCE OF VISUAL TIMETABLES Timetables: Having a visual weekly timetable in the classroom helps to communicate to the students the upcoming daily and weekly events. It tells the student when they are to be doing a KLA and for how long. Visual timetables enhance receptive language skills (how a student receives information) and can be designed to meet the needs of the student by using words, pictures, icons or photos. Visual timetables help students to become independent of adult prompts and cues. They assist with comprehension of the day’s events and are easily accessible to the student. They can see and understand what is going to happen next and they can therefore organise themselves for the next thing on the timetable.
Timers: Timers tell the student how long and when they are going to have to do an activity. Timers can be used to break down an activity into achievable tasks and lets them know how long they have to go for an activity. They can be used to develop independence in students by setting a time for them to complete an activity independently while the home tutor is working with other students. They can be used to increase work productivity in the student, for example: 10 minutes writing, 5 minutes break, 10 minutes writing, gradually increasing the writing time while decreasing the break time. They are a great visual aid for all students – use a clock, an iPad or smart phone, or any appliance where you can set specific times and the student can see this counting up or down.
LOTE – YEARS 5, 6, 7 AND 8 LOTE is a mandatory subject for all Year 5, 6, 7 and 8 students in Queensland primary schools. Learning a Language Other Than English - introduces students to other languages as a means of accessing other peoples, ideas and ways of thinking; inspires interest in and respect for other cultures; intersects with a range of communication technologies; develops an array of transferable skills that support other areas of the curriculum.
To broaden our students’ experiences with LOTE we are pleased to be able to offer Indonesian, French, and Japanese to our students. These three languages for Years 5 and 6 will be taught by teachers who are a based at Cairns School of Distance Education, while classes for Years 7 and 8 will be delivered through our Western Alliance school campuses. As per time requirements for LOTE, the following on air times generally occur in the afternoon and encompass all course material (there is no homework). Extra study may be required for exams. Students in Years 5 and 6 will participate in 1 x 1 hour lesson per week Students in Years 7 and 8 will participate in 2 x 1 hour lessons per week
Families often confer with their future High School options (e.g. boarding school) and choose a language on offer that will be available for the child in his/her future years of schooling. We require all students in Years 5, 6, 7 and 8 to select one of the languages on offer. Please let Janeen or Linda know of your decision. However, students may be exempt for the following reasons –
Student identified as being below the national minimum standard in literacy and/or numeracy as determined by the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN). Student has been granted an exemption from NAPLAN testing as per the established criteria. Student has cultural, religious or political reasons for an exemption, e.g. a student’s religious beliefs or other circumstances may prohibit the study of specific languages. Student is already fulfilling the requirements of school-based language studies.
The Principal will decide on a case-by-case basis whether it is in the best interests of a student to be granted an exemption. While language studies are an important component of the curriculum in Years 5, 6, 7 and 8, there will sometimes be exceptional circumstances that need to be taken into consideration. Please contact Janeen Fricke if you wish to discuss this option.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES There are numerous activities, events and programs that our students can get involved in during the school year. Attached to this newsletter is an information sheet about our extra-curricular offerings. Instead of registering for these activities for the year ahead we have provided you with the possibilities and the name and contact details for the responsible person. You should register your interest for these activities with this person and also check daily notices announcements on eLearn for further updates throughout the year.
ACCOMMODATION ASSISTANCE – CONNELLAN AIRWAYS TRUST FUND The Connellan Airways Trust provides a nightly subsidy towards family accommodation costs to attend some school functions. Some of these include Home Tutor Seminar, NAPLAN testing, Sports for Bush Kids and Rock Pop Mime. If you require further details please contact Anne, our BM in the school office or Linda Ryan our PLO. A funding application form is included with this newsletter. Please complete the forms and return to the school office by 11th February 2019 by fax or email [email protected] TERM 4 IN REVIEW
STUDENT COUNCIL Hello, my name is Becky Miller, and I am the secretary of the 2019 Student Council. Student Council is a selection of students from Year 4 to Year 6 that are voted in by their peers through an election process. Being secretary of Student Council means that I have to take notes when we do meetings, then we send it to the students in Student Council. The Student Council holds meetings to talk about fundraisers for our school and other important issues.
This year to fundraise, we sold icy poles at Home Tutor week and we did a raffle at the minischools. We are currently planning another fundraiser to hold at the end of year Christmas Barbeque. We also helped with the planning of the minischool discos. We had a meeting about the theme of the school disco, the students brainstormed ideas and then we all voted for the best theme, which was ‘Turn the Lights Out on Bullying’. It was a great success. Being on Student Council has taught us leadership skills and responsibility.
Hello, my name is Lachlan McConachy, the chairperson of Student Council for 2019. It was great being a part of Student Council in 2019. You get to share your ideas for fundraisers for events and then put those ideas into action. You also work with other students and teachers that you may not have known before. I encourage other students to have a go, nominate for next year’s Student Council, and continue raising money and awareness for organisations and issues that are important to our school community.
Written by Becky Miller, Lachlan McConachy and Miss Stewart ICAS COMPETITION RESULTS Congratulations to all students who participated in this year’s online ICAS Digital Technologies, English, Science, Spelling, Writing and Maths competitions and the Australian Maths Trust competition. The results from these challenging tests can be found below. Unfortunately, results from the ICAS Year 4 Writing competition have not yet been released.
ICAS DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES COMPETITION ICAS ENGLISH COMPETITION Credit Distinction Emily Castle – Year 3 Ayla Munchenberg Year 4 Hayley Brock – Year 5 Hayley Brock – Year 5 Credit: Ava Fry – Year 2 Merit: Caitlin Fry – Year 3 ICAS MATHEMATICS COMPETITION ICAS SCIENCE COMPETITION Credit: Distinction Ava Fry – Year 2 Emily Castle – Year 3 Emily Castle – Year 3 Merit Caitlin Fry – Year 3 Ayla Munchenberg – Year 4 Merit Hayley Brock – Year 5 Hayley Brock – Year 5 ICAS SPELLING COMPETITION ICAS WRITING COMPETITION Credit Credit Ayla Munchenberg – Year 4 Hayley Brock – Year 5 Hayley Brock – Year 5
ROCK POP MIME 2019
On the 18th of October, our Rock Pop Mime group performed on stage at Tony White oval to a crowd of thousands. They did an amazing job, entertaining the audience with their item ‘War of the Worlds’.
Thank you to the commitment of all of the students, their families and school staff that contributed to make this such a successful event. The students worked very hard, practising over three days always displaying an enthusiastic spirit and demonstrating a supportive team environment.
Students in Years 4, 5 and 6 are eligible to participate in Rock Pop Mime. Please keep an eye on the daily notices in Term 2 for nomination details. Mat Whitney, Annette Reid, Stephen Reid, Alex Stewart and Liz Waugh Rock Pop Team GRADUATION 2019 Graduation was a great night of celebration for our students. It was a time of farewell to students, families and home tutors leaving, a time of reflection on the past, anticipation of the future and a time to acknowledge achievements. Congratulations to all those graduating and to the award recipients.
The Award recipients were: Year 6 Academic Excellence Award ...... Clint Folker ICPA Citizenship Award ...... Lachlan McConachy Zanda McDonald Award ...... Olivia Easton Governess Bursary Award ...... Isabella Rasheed Young Leader Award ...... Becky Miller P&C Endeavour Award ...... Emily Cook School Spirit Award ...... Clara Hacon Rotary Award ...... Peter Johnston Zonta Award………………………………….…………………Emily Watts Dante Alighieri Award………………………………………….Frederick Stanger
Valedictory Speech Jesse Remfrey & Axyl Lousick
Western Alliance Year 7 Geography Achievement Award ...... Hayley Thomas Year 7 Health and Physical Education Achievement Award ..... Hayley Thomas Year 7 Economics and Business Achievement Award ...... Hayley Thomas Year 8 The Arts Achievement Award ...... Breana Verhoeven Year 8 Food and Fibre Achievement Award ...... Brydi Lousick Year 8 LOTE (French) Achievement Award ...... Brydi Lousick Year 10 Health and Physical Education Achievement Award ... Emily Fisher Year 10 History Achievement Award ...... Emily Fisher MISOTA Secondary Academic Excellence Award Brydi Lousick MISOTA ‘Through Adversity to Higher Things’ Award Lane Mackenzie and Tyra Martin MISOTA Secondary Citizenship Award ...... Jessie Miller MISOTA Zonta Award ...... Emily Fisher WESTERN ALLIANCE – JULIA CREEK LEARNING FACILITY Welcome to the MISOTA classroom. If you are not familiar with our classroom, let’s introduce ourselves. We are a class of two secondary students: Tyra Martin, Year 7 and Melissa Crawford, Year 8 and Teacher Aide, Miss Alisha. We are part of a family that is Queensland’s largest classroom, known as Western Alliance. Western Alliance is a collaboration of three Western Queensland Schools of Distance Education; Mount Isa, Longreach and Charleville. Although we belong to the Western Alliance, our base school is Mount Isa School of the Air.
And so our journey of 2019 comes to an end and what a journey it has been. 2019 proved a very challenging start for many families, however to think what has been achieved this year is remarkable. We look forward to 2020, where the journey will continue and many more memories to create.
In reflection, it is only fitting that we thank the collaboration that makes up the Julia Creek Learning Facility. McKinlay Shire Council, Department of Education – Mount Isa School of the Air and Julia Creek State School. Without this partnership, Julia Creek would not be able to offer an educational centre for secondary students. Therefore, we would like to send a huge shout of thanks to each for the resources, support, opportunities and most importantly a secondary education for our local students.
Earlier this year, the Western Alliance classroom had an upgrade with new desks provided to make a spacious area to house student laptops, phones and work areas, while allowing quick reference information attached to the desk pin boards. To add to the classroom efficiencies, council provided a new printing and scanning machine to efficiently and effectively deliver our schoolwork in a timely manner to teachers from far and wide.
Thank you McKinlay Shire Council, we truly appreciate your contribution to improving our educational needs. Tyra Mr Yang Melissa Miss Alisha In closing, we send our wishes for a safe and happy holiday and may you all have a joyous Christmas, spent making many special memories with loved ones. Miss Alisha, Melissa & Tyra
STAFF NEWS ALEX STEWART 2016 – 2019 - As my MISOTA journey comes to an end, I’m becoming a bit reflective thinking of all the wonderful times I have had with this school. What an honour it was for you to invite me into your homes as part of the Field Team for 2 years. To see all of your faces so often was such a joy and I honestly think it will be one of the best jobs I’ll have in my life. Thank you for sharing your lives with me, and showing this Gold Coast bred gal the country ways. There’s nothing quite like doing a reading lesson only to have a student call in to say that they had to leave because they were doing a killer, or that the turkey’s nest had exploded (and naïve me assumed it was to save all of those poor baby turkeys). Having moved from the Field Team role, to teaching on air this year, I can say that I definitely have had a great bunch of students and families to spend my last year at MISOTA with. Next year I will be doing District Relief work with the Mount Isa Centre for Learning and Wellbeing, so there’s a chance you may still hear my voice or see my face in your local town! I sure hope so. What an unforgettable experience I’ve had here at MISOTA! Thank you for everything.
GRAEME FOSTER 2013 – 2019 - Unfortunately I’m leaving MISOTA next year to take up a teaching position at Malanda State High School, teaching year 7 and 8. Although it’ll be tough to leave the MISOTA family and the friends that my family and I have made here in Mount Isa, it will be nice to be closer to parents, siblings and cousins. I have really enjoyed my time at MISOTA over the past 6 years as chaplain and then as a teacher. A massive thank you to all of you for making my time with MISOTA a great time.
TANYA POLLARD 2008 – 2019 Over eleven years ago I joined the iconic MISOTA to discover that I was to become part of a wonderful school family. Hence, it is with a sense of excitement for the adventures that are to come, and sadness for the friends I will miss, that I write my departing message. I have so many fond memories of my time and experiences at MISOTA some of which include on air lessons, in which show and tells have included a variety of animals, some small, some not so small and wonderful children who at times have told me way too much about what they drove and shot. I have had adventurous minischools where the memory of a wombat digging under the fence near my tent still makes my heart race and minischools where the sickness bug decided to visit nearly all of us. I've enjoyed activity days, especially where I have organised excursions and felt so proud to be a MISOTA teacher when every community member commented on the extraordinary behaviour of our children. Over the years I have gone on home visits and will never forget the hospitality and warmness I have experienced on every visit. We as a school have had our good and bad times and I have had opportunities to laugh and cry with many of you and those are memories I will always cherish. It is with some excitement that I head into my next teaching adventure which will see me move back to a local school in Mount Isa. The school I will be teaching at is the school I attended as a child and I will be teaching Year 1/2 in the classroom I did Year 1 in. I want to thankyou for giving me the opportunity to be part of your lives and allowing me to teach your amazing children. I will still be popping up at MISOTA events when possible because as Tim would say, ‘Once a MISOTA teacher, always a MISOTA teacher’.
NATALIE GRIFFITH As the 2019 school year is almost here I can reflect on a very exciting and enjoyable year it has been. I began the year as the year 1A and 1B teacher and was offered the opportunity to become an Early Years Workforce Coach. My new role has been filled with travel and meeting a lot of new friendly faces in Early Childhood settings throughout rural and remote North West Queensland. I have assisted to build the capabilities of educators and strengthen the quality of prior to school settings. My biggest challenge is yet to come when I will welcome my baby boy in February 2020. I wish you all a wonderful and safe Christmas season and all the best for the new year.
eKINDY As 2019 draws to an end - one door closes, and another one opens. I’m very sad to say goodbye to my wonderful group of eKindy children and families, but I can’t wait to meet all of our new 2020 enrolments next year!
What a year it’s been, so many highs, and yet so many lows at the same time. Dorothea Mackellar in her poem ‘My Country’ really summed up my first year working alongside MISOTA as an eKindy teacher. Over the past 12 months traveling with the school, I’ve seen sweeping plains, ragged mountain ranges, far horizons and the ferocity of droughts and flooding rains. I’m looking forward to seeing more of this wide brown land and visiting as many eKindy families as possible next year.
If you, or someone you know haven’t had a chance to register for eKindy in 2020, please Google “eKindy Queensland” or check out the eKindy website https://brisbanesde.eq.edu.au/Curriculum/ekindy/Pages/ekindy.aspx for the registration form and resources to start your eKindy journey. To be eligible for eKindy, your child needs to have turned 4 by the 30th June 2020 and fulfil the distance and/or health requirements. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact our admin team (Carol and Storm) on (07) 3727 2860 or Cath O’Connor (eKindy manager) on (07) 3727 2856.
I’d like to finish off this newsletter item by saying an enormous thank you to all of the wonderful Home Tutors and Governesses that worked tirelessly to incorporate the eKindy program into often a very busy schoolroom or home environment. I hope that you’re underneath some decent showers soon, and you all get a chance to put your feet up for a well-deserved rest... And to all of my amazing Kindy children, all the best as you start Prep next year. I hope that you continue to carry on your enthusiasm and love of learning throughout your education journey, at MISOTA or further afield.
Have a very happy and safe Christmas break and I’ll see you all in 2020.
David Saunders
WESTERN ALLIANCE During the course of Western Alliance in 2020, we are privileged to be providing more variety in curriculum and field events for students and staff. The three Western Queensland Schools of Distance Education, Mount Isa, Longreach and Charleville provide quality education to students from Prep to Year10 who are geographically isolated or choose distance education as a home schooling or flexible learning option. In 2012 the secondary departments of these schools combined resources to form an alliance to further expand the delivery of quality learning for secondary students. This is known as the Western Alliance (WA). Whilst students belong to the Western Alliance, the school the student is enrolled with, is referred to as the base school.
Field events: The field program is regarded as an integral component of the curriculum and there are several events that occur throughout the year. Students are strongly encouraged to attend these events as it provides them with the opportunity to become better acquainted with their peers and teachers, as well as developing social and life skills.
Multischool: All students are invited to our Multischools held twice per year. Essentially this is a Minischool for all secondary students held in one location. These will be held in Longreach in Term 2 Week 5 and then again in Term 4 Week 2. All secondary teachers will be in attendance. There will be no on air lesson conducted during the week of specialised secondary field services. Student whom are unable to attend will still have scheduled work in line with the curriculum delivered in a face to face manner at Multischool by their subject teacher. Further information will be communicated about these events early in Term 1.
Camp: Secondary school camps are designed to enrich the curriculum, reinforce learning and provide broader development of students. A four year rotation is currently under consideration with a different focus for each camp, including careers, leadership, rural and urban familiarisation. Current locations under consideration include Beach Camp, City Cultural Camp, Canberra Snow Trip and Rain forest Eco Tourism Adventure. More details will be provided closer to the dates which are to be confirmed.
Resources Base school: Students will receive materials and any relevant resources for core subjects from their base school. Students who are enrolled in elective subjects will receive resources from the base schools of the teacher that offer those subjects. All returnable resources must be sent back to the original school from which they were received. Students will need to send their work (digital or postal) directly to their subject teacher. Please refer to the Contact Information sheet (Student Handbook) for contact details of relevant staff members and postal addresses for base schools. If you have any questions about mail only at MISOTA, please contact Deb Woods [email protected] or Leah Allingham [email protected]
Student handbook: Each year students will receive a new Western Alliance Student Handbook. This package includes elective subject forms, on-air timetable, staff contact information and information about the general operation and expectations of secondary. It is encouraged that both parents and students acknowledge and understand the roles and responsibilities associated within the Western Alliance obligations.
Subject Electives: In 2020, we are continuing to offer increased opportunity for all Western Alliance students. Please refer to the elective forms emailed to families and found in the student handbook on enrolment. Please note, if student enrolment is after Term 1, Week 5, enrolment into elective subjects is by negotiation with the subject teacher. Furthermore, a fee may apply for some subjects and student numbers will direct the course schedule. If you have any questions regarding the elective subject selection form, please contact Linda Ryan, PLO, [email protected]
From the SOTA Secondary department, we are looking forward to a prosperous 2020 in the Western Alliance
.
GENERAL INTEREST GUMBUYA MAGAZINE We hope that you enjoyed reading the 2019 Gumbuya. It is a great record of the school year and events throughout the year. Thank you to all our sponsors and those who have contributed to putting the magazine together to make it the amazing production it is. Visitors from far and wide comment on the magazine and also on our students’ vast range of activities and achievements. Each year the magazine looks better and better, so if you haven’t had a chance to read the magazine yet, take some time out and sit back and reflect on the wonderful ‘year that was’ at our school. BUSHKIDS CALENDAR The P&C organize a Bush Kids Calendar every year with photos of our kids on their properties. Remember to get your cameras out and click away as families will be asked to provide photos for the next year’s calendar. Calendars are distributed during the last week of school through a preordering system.
HOLIDAY TIPS Parents rejoice when it comes to holidays. Routines of the schoolroom can be given a break, and we can all relax…well nearly everyone. Parents love to have a break along with their children; however some expectations still need to be set for children when it comes to downtime and holidays. This is particularly important when it comes to screen time, and the persuasive lure and engagement of interactive technology. It can be so easy to leave our children with devices to give us some time to relax, however latest research is reflecting that it needs to be monitored and restricted dependent on age, appropriate content and family schedules. Reports all seem to focus on how continual extended screen time (laptops, smart phones, tablets & television) can affect developing children (O-18), in three major ways – 1. The first and most common side effect is digital eyestrain. When we look at a screen, our blink rate drops significantly, and our eyes will not put up with that for too long without fuss. While digital eyestrain is temporary, if left unaddressed, it can turn into a chronic problem. 2. The second — and more serious — impact that too much technology consumption can have on our eyes is damage from blue light exposure. Blue light is just what it sounds like — it is a type of light that gives off a blue colour. Blue light is harmful, because it is the highest energy wavelength of visible light. This energy is also able to penetrate all the way to the back of the eye, through the eyes’ natural filters, and that is the problem. It can actually upset melatonin levels required for healthy sleep patterns and the natural operation of the body clock. 3. Devices are really mentally and physically arousing - they're interesting, they're fun and so it takes a while for the brain to wind down and prepare for sleep after using them. Often young people are using these devices in the bed and this creates a learned association between the bed as being a place of study or work or socialising, rather than keeping the bed just for sleep. (Dr Gamble – Sydney Woolcock Insomnia Clinic 2013) Dr. David Hill, a pediatrician with the American Academy of Pediatrics (2014) states clearly, that time spent engaged with parents and adults is crucial for young kids’ emotional and cognitive development. Simply watching a parent cook dinner or fix a fence — especially if the parent is explaining to the child what he’s doing and why—can be powerful, Hill says. From boosting your child’s vocabulary to helping form his ability to read faces and emotions, this sort of interaction is crucial. For older kids—those in elementary school and middle school—Hill says a parent’s big focus should be on monitoring what kids are viewing. “As children get older, we know whatever media you put in front of them or allow them to be exposed to, they will learn from,” he explains. “So you need to pay attention to whether the content is violent or sexual or explicit, and decide what’s appropriate.” So what can we do as parents and responsible adults? 1. Setting – times convenient to the whole family for screen time, and monitoring daily extended use by children. 2. Create a daily holiday routine that keeps everyone occupied with indoor and outdoor activities and play. Mixing it up for shared and independent time, all the while being mindful of the heat of the day in the wonderful Australian summer. Being bored is OK, and can actually bring out our creative side with amazing results. 3. Setting the rule of no devices at meal times for all present, including adults. 4. Cutting back on devices in the evening, and limiting/banning use in the bedroom. 5. Allow sufficient time in the evening prior to bed to be device free, so that the child can relax mentally and physically. 6. Have your children/s eyes checked annually by an optometrist. Most of all enjoy being together and have a wonderful Christmas/New Year holiday. We look forward to seeing and hearing from you all in the new year.
SCREEN TIME ALTERNATIVES As an alternative to screen based activities, the following activity ideas for car drives, restaurants and hot days are great choices for children which can be done without too much parent involvement. They are a sample of fun, engaging and calming ideas which give parents a break, and children time away from screens.
Car Drives: I’m Having a Party Memory Game - participants have to repeat the sentence and include all previous things that each child said they will bring to the party. Tennis - choose a category (eg Boys names) and each child bounces an answer back and forth with a different boys name, but they must choose a name that starts with the end letter of the previous name (ie: Ben, Nathan, Nate, Ethan). Other categories: Things found at the beach, girls names, healthy food, bands, clothing brands etc. A great car game is to go through the alphabet for a theme such as famous movie stars, cartoon characters, names of people. eg: cartoon characters - Action Man, Batman, Cinderella, Daphne (Scooby Doo) and try to get all the way to Z. Car Cricket - a game of cricket using vehicles on the road to score runs. As you are travelling along, each person in the car gets a turn at batting (collecting points), until the nominated ‘Out Vehicle’ comes along. The hypothetical bat is then passed to the next person. As vehicles pass in the opposite direction, the elected batter adds up their score. o Vehicle Scores:Truck – out o Car – 2 points o Car towing (trailer, caravan) – 4 points o Motor Bike – 6 o Bus – 6 o Police Car – out To keep it lively, alter the scoring system according to what traffic you are coming across. Letter Challenge - One person calls out a letter and second person has 30 seconds to say as many words as they can think of, starting with that letter. Others keep count and check that no word is repeated. Second person then challenges the next person with another letter until everyone has had a go. Watch My Lips - Try to say something without moving your lips and see if the others can tell what you are saying. Guess When We Reach a Kilometre: Use your car’s odometer and kids guess when one kilometre is reached after you say “start”. As they get better at it, you can ask them to estimate how many kilometres until the lake, the next petrol station or road. Adults can play too, and after each person has a turn, reset the odometer and you can keep track of who came closest to the actual distance 20 Questions. This easy-peasy game is great for young kids, thanks to its straightforward rules. Player One thinks of a person, place or thing. Everyone else takes turns asking questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no. After each answer, the questioner gets one guess. Play continues until a player guesses correctly. The Theme Song Game: One person hums the tune to a favorite TV show, and everyone else tries to name the show as fast as possible. The first person to guess correctly hums the next song.
Restaurants: colouring in find-a-word treasure hunt list (but only using their eyes to find things – challenge to stay at the table) football (kids sit at opposite ends of table. 1 child makes a goal with their fingers and the other has to flick a coin between their two thumbs to try to get the coin between the goal). Uno and deck of cards Name Sentence - Think of a sentence using each letter of your full name as the first letter of each word. All the letters must be in the right order and your sentence must make sense Sausages - One person is the questioner. They ask each participant in turn a question. Whatever the question, the answer must be 'SAUSAGES'. The aim of the questioner is to get everyone out by making them laugh. The last person in becomes the next questioner.
Hot Days: Water Play Reading Craft Relaxation, e.g. yoga Making sounds in a pedestal fan using their voices Charades Add to It - Sit or stand in a circle. One person makes an action, the next person repeats the action and adds one of her own. The third person does the first two actions and adds another of her own etc. When someone forgets an action the next person starts a new sequence off. Alphabet Story - Make up a story with each word beginning with each letter of the alphabet (in the right order) e.g. 'Anne Brown Came Down Every Friday..etc' Share stories Danger Mimes - Each person takes it in turn to mime a danger in the home e.g. leaving a frying pan unattended, putting too many plugs into one socket, not wiping up a spill on the kitchen floor etc. The others have to guess the danger. Drop It - Play in pairs. Partners face each other. One holds an object in each had, outstretched at shoulder level and the suddenly drops one of the objects. The other person has to catch it before it touches the ground. I Went to the Shops - The first person starts by saying 'I went to the shop and bought a toothbrush' and mimes the action. The second person repeats this with the mime then adds another object and mimes it. The third person repeats the first two mimes and adds another and so on. One Minute Walk - Start at one end of the room and aim to reach the wall at the other end in exactly one minute. See who can time themselves the best. Spot the Difference - One person goes out and changes one aspect of her appearance. The others then have to identify what has been changed e.g. earring taken out pin turned upside down etc. Secret Place Race: One person looks at a road map and finds a small town, village, river, etc. That person announces the name of the place she has chosen. A second player has 60 seconds to look at the map and try to find the secret place
AHVISE –SCHOOLROOM SUPPORT
AHIVSE Remote Educational support for Aussie Farming kids
Call (07) 31032070 [email protected] AHIVSE supports Aussie farming kids and their families with educational support on their farm and virtually. MOUNT ISA SCHOOL OF THE AIR PARENTS & CITIZENS ASSOCIATION Together with the MISOTA P&C, I would like to welcome back our school community for 2020. I truly hope you have all had a great Christmas has been blessed with some rain and are ready to enjoy another fabulous year.
A sincere welcome to all our new families. MISOTA is a warm, inclusive and unique school offering our children on the land a high-quality education in a caring environment. The P&C has many roles one of which is to support new families. I encourage you to contact Linda Ryan to use this contact, whether by phone or email, for any questions, queries or just some words of support. This past year has seen many changes to our school and 2020 will also bring change with a new principal to be appointed in Semester 1. The P&C will play important role in representing the school community with a member of the executive sitting on the panel contributing valuable firsthand perspectives from our isolated schoolrooms.
The MISOTA P&C Association is an enthusiastic group of parents, staff, home tutors and govies who meet once a month on air, to discuss our school’s strengths and possible changes across our school. The meetings are held on the 1st Tuesday on the month. I strongly encourage families to attend meetings, as these meetings provide information about what is happening at school and also gives us as the families a voice directly to the school. Our discussions and resolutions are more balanced when have a number of families offering their experience and ideas. Your involvement does not have to be a huge commitment. The meetings are kept short and are a positive think tank for real issues that we together tackle as a school community. I strongly encourage new members to dial into a meeting, just to have a listen, you do not have a contribute vocally until you are comfortable doing so.
I know all the P&C members are looking forwards to meeting our new families and an exciting 2020 school year.
Happy regards, Sarah Acton President.
P&C Executive PRESIDENT Sarah Acton TBC SECRETARY Tara Locke [email protected] TREASURER Megan Munchenberg [email protected] V/President BK Calendar Bec Hawkins [email protected] V/President Souvenirs Catherine Woodhouse [email protected] V/President Fundraising Catherine Woodhouse [email protected] V/President HT Seminar Tina Barrett [email protected] SODEA Reps Bec Hawkins [email protected] Tara Locke [email protected]
ICPA - MOUNT ISA BRANCH OF THE AIR (BOTA) AVON DOWNS, PMB 40 MT ISA QLD 4825 Ph 08 89645551 Email [email protected]
Hello to all our Members of the “ICPA, Mt Isa BOTA”,
Membership is due again on January 1st 2020.
Support the work of the ICPA in giving outback families assistance in ensuring geographically isolated children have access to appropriate schooling.
Receive News & Views and Pedals magazine to keep up to date on what’s happening and feel welcome to join in on monthly meetings by phone. Invite a friend to join as well, the more feedback that we have on issues relevant to you, the better ICPA can represent you.
To renew your membership, please forward this form and your membership fees in the school mail bag, see me at Sports for Bush Kids, post to me at the above address or direct deposit.
Please would you be able to return this form even if you are no longer renewing. Many thanks,
Tina Barrett Immediate Past Treasurer ( Acting Treasurer) ( Still looking for someone to step up) ICPA Mt Isa BOTA
Working together for equity of access to education for all
Students in rural and remote Australia.
NAME :...... will be continuing my membership ($50.00 which includes Federal affiliation of $22.00 , State affiliation of $22.00 and branch donation of $6.00) Cash, Cheque, Direct deposit BSB 034-205 A/C 117-224
Please list your email address and postal address below – our minutes and other information are circulated via email- if you are not receiving these, please let us know.
Email address:
Postal Address:
Phone number:
Mobile number:
I am transferring to another Branch
Please state branch: ......
I no longer wish to be a member
Thankyou
2020 STAFF CONTACT EXTENSION NUMBER & EMAIL ADDRESS NAME EXT. EMAIL ADDRESS POSITION Janeen Fricke 4744 8311 [email protected] Principal Nikki Barlow 4744 8322 [email protected] Deputy Principal Anne Coleman 4744 8310 [email protected] Business Manager Linda Ryan 4744 8303 [email protected] Parent Liaison Officer Luke Hughes 4744 8306 [email protected] Technical Officer Anneka Van Der Kley 4744 8337 tba Teacher – Year 4 Annette Reid 4744 8354 [email protected] Field Services Cara Taggart 4744 8319 [email protected] Teacher - Instrumental Music - Strings Chris Kuhne tba [email protected] TRS Chris McIntosh 4744 8332 [email protected] Teacher - Secondary Claire Armstrong Tba tba Teacher – Year 2 Danae Beckwith 4744 8348 [email protected] Teacher - Year 2 David Saunders 3727 2860 [email protected] Staffed and based from BSDE David Yang 4744 8338 [email protected] Teacher - Secondary Di Knudson tba [email protected] Head of Program - Curriculum Emma Pails Tba [email protected] Teacher – Year 5 Fiona Hjortshojf 4744 8331 tba Teacher – Year 3 Georgia Plant Tba [email protected] Teacher – Prep Liz Waugh 4744 8329 [email protected] Teacher – Year 4 Jo Mills 4744 8328 [email protected] Teacher - Prep Jody Reader Tba [email protected] Teacher – Reading Kara Thompson 4744 8357 [email protected] Teacher – STLN Katrina Kuhne 4744 8341 [email protected] Teacher - Year 6 Mathew Whitney 4744 8336 [email protected] Teacher - Year 3 Mia Hubert 4744 8339 [email protected] Teacher - Year 4 Peta Harding 4744 8334 [email protected] Peta Wirth 4744 8347 [email protected] Teacher – Year 1 Renee Moore 4744 8349 [email protected] Teacher - Secondary Stephen Reid 4744 8360 [email protected] Field Services Tiarna Rogers 4744 8335 [email protected] Teacher – Year 1 Corlia Pienaar 4744 8320 [email protected] School Chappy Deb Woods 4744 8309 [email protected] Teacher Aide Debby Bishop 4744 8315 [email protected] Teacher Aide Leah Allingham 4744 8345 [email protected] Teacher Aide Maureen Capuno 4744 8353 [email protected] Teacher Aide Silvana Gowland 4744 8341 [email protected] Teacher Aide Cherryl Nicolas - - Cleaner Nick Ewin - - Groundsman Kim Shelley - [email protected] Scouts of the Air – Leader (AS AT 06/12/19)
2020 CALENDAR
Term 1 – 10 Weeks 28/01/20 – 03/04/20 Beginning of the School Year 21 – 24 January DoEStudent Free Days – Staff Professional Development 27 January Australia Day Holiday MISOTA Muster - Class Allocation 8am on phone. Dial 1800 141 220, 28 January follow the prompts and the conference code is 8145 968 840 29 January On air classes P-6 commence 3 February Western Alliance on air lessons commence 31 January Mount Isa eKindy and Prep “Get to know you days” 5 February Normanton eKindy and Prep “Get to know you days” 7 February Julia Creek eKindy and Prep “Get to know you days” 13 February Boulia eKindy and Prep “Get to know you days” 20 & 21 February Julia Creek and Cloncurry Activity Days 26 February Bedourie/Boulia Activity Day 3 March Camooweal Activity Day 3-5 March Home Tutor & Governess Development Workshop 13 March Burke & Wills Activity Day Term 2 – 10 Weeks 20/04/20 – 26/06/20 On Air resumes 20 April 25 April Anzac Day Public Holiday 4 May Labour Day Holiday 12-14 May NAPLAN Online - Year 3,5,7 & 9 (all testing in Mount Isa) 12-14 May Activity Days Mount Isa (Tues/Wed/ ½ day Thurs TRIAL) 13/14 May Home Tutor Seminar (Wed, ½ day Thurs TRIAL) 15 May Sports Day/Athletics Carnival in Mount Isa 17 – 22 May Year 4/5 Camp 18 - 22 May WA Multischool 1 - Longreach 19 June Mount Isa Show Holiday Term 3 – 10 Weeks 13/07/20 – 18/09/20 On Air resumes 13 July 12 – 17 July Year 6 Canberra Camp TBC New Home Tutor/Governess Workshop TBC Western Alliance Secondary Camp 2-7 August Normanton Minischool 9-14 August Boulia Minischool 16-21 August Cloncurry Minischool 23-28 August Camooweal Minischool 30 August – 4 September Gregory Minischool 4 September DoE Student Free Day - Staff Professional Development 6-11 September Julia Creek Minischool Term 4 – 9 Weeks 06/10/20 – 04/12/20- On Air resumes 6 October 5 October Queen’s Birthday Public Holiday 12-16 October WA Multischool 2 – Longreach 14 October TBC Rock, Pop Mime Activity Day Mount Isa 16 October TBC Rock, Pop Mime Years 4 – 6 Mount Isa 27 November On air concert + last day on air 30 November – 4 December Sports for Bush Kids 1 December Graduation Ceremony 2 December Christmas Activity Day/Family Christmas BBQ *All dates are subject to change.
Who to contact…2020
At Mount Isa School of the Air, we believe that open communication is the key to success for our school, our families and our students. Whilst we have provided the direct contact details for the main contact person for the various areas below, we encourage you to contact the School Office if the main contact is unavailable.
Activity Contact Person Telephone Email
Stephen Reid 4744 8360 [email protected] Athletic Carnivals Field Services Annette Reid 4744 8354 [email protected]
Boarding School Parent Liaison Linda Ryan 4744 8303 [email protected] Information Officer
Book Club Library Staff Maureen Capuno 4744 8353 [email protected]
Office Centre Teacher Visits Principal Janeen Frickie 4744 8333 [email protected]
ICAS and AUST MATHS Office Office Office [email protected] Competitions 4744 8333
Curriculum, C2C, Naplan, Principal and Janeen Fricke Office [email protected] LOTE etc Deputy Principal Nikki Barlow 4744 8333 [email protected]
eKindy eKindy Teacher David Saunders 3727 2860 [email protected]
Eisteddfod Teacher Jo Mills 4744 8328 [email protected]
Parent Liaison Enrolment Information Linda Ryan 4744 8303 [email protected] Officer
Field Services Group Days Stephen Reid 4744 8360 [email protected] Field Services Activity Days Annette Reid 4744 8354 [email protected] Minischool
Good News Club Debby Bishop [email protected]
Parent Liaison Govies Group Linda Ryan 47448303 [email protected] Officer
Home Tutor Seminar office Deputy Principal Nikki Barlow [email protected] Week 4744 8333
Instrumental Music Instrumental Music Cara Taggart 4744 8319 [email protected] (Strings) Teacher
Library Library Staff Maureen Capuno 4744 8353 [email protected] Activity Contact Person Telephone Email
Administration Office Magazine Sponsorship [email protected] Officer 4744 8333
Leah Allingham [email protected] Mail Out Information Mailroom 4744 8309 Deb Woods [email protected]
Regional Sports TBA
P&C President Sarah Acton TBC TBC
office Publicity Principal Janeen Frickie [email protected] 4744 8333
Rock Pop Mime Teaching staff Mat Whitney 47448 336 [email protected]
School Newsletter Principal Janeen Fricke Office [email protected] (once per term) Deputy Principal Nikki Barlow 4744 8333 [email protected]
Scouts Of The Air Kim Shelley [email protected]
Sports Coordinator David Yang 4744 8343 [email protected] MISOTA
Sports For Bush Kids ICPA TBA
Office Student Council Deputy Principal Nikki Barlow [email protected] 4744 8333
Computer Technical Support Technician Luke Hughes 4744 8306 [email protected] Telephones
Office Year 4/5 Camp Principal TBA 4744 8333
Year 6 Camp Teachers Katrina Kuhne 4744 8346 [email protected]
Western Alliance Camp Secondary TBA
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 2020
ACTIVITY INFORMATION COORDINATOR
Open to all students Mrs Kim Shelley (Rikki) contact on Scouts of the Air Weekly on air session email: [email protected]
Open to Years 4,5 & 6 Rock Pop Mime Attendance at on air meetings required Mat Whitney Max 35 participants. Open to students from Years 1 – 7 who may be grouped in to the Beginner, Middle or Beginner: TBA Advanced groups. 30 minutes on air lesson Recorder p/w plus at home rehearsal. Middle: TBA Will be dependent on sufficient student Advanced: TBA registraitons
Open to students from Years 2 – 7. No Cara Taggart Instrumental Music - Strings musical background required. [email protected] Cost involved.
Open to any denomination – providing a non- Register with denominational Christian experience via 30 School Chaplain Good News Club minute weekly on air lessons. and then attend weekly on air Prep – Year 6 lessons.
Open to students who are involved in Recorder and Strings. Also Poetry section open to Prep Jo Mills Eisteddfods – Year 10. Requires independent practice and [email protected] then an on air competition.
The International Competitions and Anne Coleman Assessments for Schools (ICAS) are ICAS [email protected] independent skills-based assessments with a competition element.
CONNELLAN AIRWAYS TRUST
Funding Assistance
Once again this year, the Connellan Airways Trust will give Mount Isa School of the Air an amount of money to be distributed to families for assistance with accommodation when coming into town to attend some ‘in school’ functions. Mount Isa School of the Air will acquit this grant at the end of the year and return any unused funds to the Trust.
The Trust has asked us to advise them which ‘in school’ functions will be chosen for funding and for how many nights. The school will then inform the Trust of the total number of families requiring assistance and the total number of nights so they can determine how much funding is to be given to each school.
This information is required by the 17th February so we can forward the numbers to the Trust prior to their March meeting.
An application form must be completed (attached to this newsletter) and submitted by each family to Mount Isa School of the Air for funding assistance prior to the 16th February.
We will provide payment to families at the end of the year on provision of accommodation receipts. The amount paid will only be a proportion of the funding allocated and not full reimbursement. Receipts will be required at Mount Isa School of the Air with each claim form immediately after each approved event for payment shortly after this date.
Families who require further financial assistance due to economic hardship, or enrol after the cut off date of the 19th February are encouraged to apply direct to the Connellan Airways Trust. Information can be obtained from their website www.connellanairwaystrust.org.au.
The Trust expects recipients to publicly acknowledge and promote the activities and benefits of the Trust wherever possible and is always appreciative of written evidence of those acknowledgements.
Anne Coleman Mount Isa School of the Air December 2019
A GUIDE FOR APPLICATIONS FOR FUNDING ASSISTANCE FOR ATTENDANCE AT SOTA/SDE FUNCTIONS
Applications should be made on the SOTA/SDE Funding Application Form, available from the School or from the Trust, and may cover all events for each calendar year.
Attention is drawn to Item 3 on the form. Although a means test does not apply, applicants should briefly indicate that there is a need for funding assistance from the Trust (e.g. seasonal, economic, personal or other conditions, but not merely because of distance). Applications for other circumstances need to be discussed with Principal prior to approval.
Retrospective applications will not be granted. It is essential that applications are received by the school one week prior to the start of the first event for which funding is requested. However, applicants are advised to confirm the closing date with the relevant school.
Funding will only be provided to support accommodation costs. The number of nights to be funded for each function will be agreed between the SOTA Principal and the Trust. Should any applicant have a requirement for additional night’s accommodation, the application should be forwarded to the SOTA Principal, who will confirm the request prior to submitting it to the Trust.
With regard to Items 5 and 6, parents are encouraged to access all available funding, including the NT SOTA Student Functions Allowance (where applicable) and AIC. Accessing such funding will not result in a Trust grant being refused.
The Trust expects recipients to publicly acknowledge and promote the activities and benefits of the Trust wherever possible.
Parents who have particular financial circumstances will be encouraged to apply to the Trust for additional assistance as a general application. The Trust encourages potential applicants to contact the Executive Officer of the Trust with any queries.
Schools that are currently participating in this program are:
Alice Springs School of the Air Mount Isa School of the Air Hay School of the Air Cairns School of Distance Education Charters Towers School of Distance Education Longreach School of Distance Education
For further information visit the Trust website on www.connellanairwaystrust.org.au
Connellan Airways Trust Application for Accommodation Assistance Please note: the completed form should be submitted to the School by email [email protected] or fax 07 4744 8300. You will receive an email conformation that your application has been received. It should not be sent directly to the Trust.
1. Applicant Details:
Name:
Address:
Telephone: Fax:
Email:
2. Children’s ages and year levels (Please add any additional information as attachment) Name Age Year Level Special needs of student
3. I am applying for funding from the Trust because: (Although a means test does not apply, applicants should briefly indicate that there is a need for funding assistance from the Trust eg. Seasonal, economic, personal or other conditions, not merely because of distance).
4. Estimates of Accommodation Requirements: Function (approx nights required) Approx dates Number of Nights
HOME TUTOR SEMINAR (4 nights) ……………………………………………………
ROCK POP MINE (3 nights) ……………………………………………………
SPORTS FOR BUSH KIDS (5 nights) ……………………………………………………
MULTISCHOOL (4 nights) ……………………………………………………………………
OTHER – SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS ……………………………………………………………………………
5. If funding is granted, will you promote the Connellan trust to the community in a positive manner? Yes No
6. If funding is granted, will you acquit the grant with all relevant receipts within six weeks of the completion of the final event for the year and to return any unused portion of the grant? Yes No
7. Declaration I acknowledge that the application that I have made to the Connellan Trust is not regarded as confidential and that the Trust retains the right to identify persons receiving funding from the Trust.
Signed: Date:
Ratified by the School of the Air:
MUST BE RETURNED TO THE SCHOOL BY 10th FEBRUARY 2020
YOU WILL RECEIVE AN EMAIL CONFORMATION THAT YOUR APPLICATION HAS BEEN RECEIVED.
5 December 2019
Dear MISOTA Families, Sound Waves Spelling Program – MISOTA 2020 MISOTA will be employing the Sound Waves suite of resources across the primary sector in 2020. Sound Waves is a synthetic word study program designed to develop reading, spelling and writing skills through phonemic awareness. Phonemic awareness is essentially a knowledge and understanding of the sounds and sound patterns used in English. The Sound Waves Approach focuses first on the basic units of sound in our language and explores the letters that represent these sounds and how they fit together to form words. Class Teachers will begin to introduce Sound Waves during Friday lessons, beginning in week 2, 2020. During this lesson, Class Teachers will aim to complete Step 1 of each week’s spelling focus with the remainder of the weekly program set for completion in the home classroom as outlined in each year level Schoolroom Timetable. It is our aim to have each stakeholder level in our school supported with this new program in the learning of spelling, and to supplement the work we are already doing in reading and writing. At various points throughout the year we will be offering Home Tutor and Governess support sessions including in the first few weeks of Term 1 via Home Tutor Sessions, at the New/Continuing Home Tutor and Governess Workshop and the Home Tutor Seminar. As this is a new program, we will all be learning alongside one another and would appreciate constructive feedback as we engage further with Sound Waves. Please be reassured that we feel confident that Sound Waves offers a full range of resources to support student’s spelling, reading and writing whilst offering the home classroom a program focus that is easily used at the same time across a multi-age setting. Further information about Home Tutor sessions in the first few weeks will be forthcoming, so please keep an eye out for this. The program itself will not be scheduled on the Schoolroom Timetable until Week 3 of Term 1, and it is expected that home schoolrooms do not begin the program until this time. We look forward to your feedback on this program and to a fruitful year of literacy learning.