MOSS Newsletter - Term 4, 2022
- A Message from Mike Curtis - Acting Principal
- A Message from Chrissy Hamilton (A/Deputy Principal)
- A Message from Sandra Schuptar - HOSES - ECDP
- A Message from Kerrie Reid - Education Program Officer (EPO)
- From G Hub
- From D/E Hub
- From A/B Hub
- From C/I Hub
- From J Hub
- From The Arts
- From the P&C
- 2023 School Calendar
A Message from Mike Curtis - Acting Principal
Dear families,
As we draw to the end of the year, we reflect on a lot that has happened but focus on the events and experiences that have had the most impact on our school community. Unfortunately, some of the impacts have left an indelible mark on us and others have left us smiling. Some of these include:
- MamaDojo workshops for some of our students that brought visual arts, dance and drama together through the direction of some world-class performers. This has led to an exciting partnership with ‘Open Theatre’ next year and beyond with wonderful arts and drama opportunities for our students through Emma Reid’s support and advocacy.
- Some of our Middle Years students winning the Best Actor School’s Division Award for their work on their short film ‘The Tiara of Anastasia’
- Middle Years camp. This was a wonderfully positive experience that was both daunting and liberating for our parents/caregivers and exciting and adventurous for our students. The months of planning, care and dedication shown by our staff was incredible.
- The Year 6 student Junior Rotary Community awards organised by Kerrie Ried and in collaboration with Centenary Rotary. This gave some great experiences for our Junior School seniors in: Community Service - Helping others; Skills - Developing a new skill; Physical Recreation - Taking part in a physical activity and Social Experience - Learning about our community.
- There were some very excited students receiving their awards at their Hub Christmas party.
- As per every year, Nicky pulled off a brilliant Sport’s Day that was a lot of fun for all students, with a huge focus on participation at every level. It was lovely to see the families so heavily involved in this event again with some healthy rivalry between the yellow and green teams.
- Pankind Crazy Purple Day for Pancreatic Cancer Awareness. Thank you to all families who participated a raised money for this important cause. We raised over $1500. What an amazing effort.
As we look towards 2023, we hope for a busy but satisfying school year with a number of key initiatives and focus areas:
- A sharp approach to setting goals and capturing evidence in the 4 Access and Participation domains of: Communication; Health and Personal Safety/Care; Social Participation; Access to learning activities, specialist staff, equipment or facilities.
- A clear and structured case management model that draws into focus any intensive support needed in any of the above areas, linking to a streamlined NDIS/ external therapists at school policy
- A student wellbeing framework that places emphasis on Healthy Relationships Education for Junior Secondary and Senior Secondary students
- A PATH-driven Senior School Inter-programming model that provides specific ‘elective’ opportunities for Senior students aligned to their personal short-term goals and long-term transition goals.
Before we embark on the 2023 ride, let’s enjoy the holidays first. I wish you all a wonderful holiday season and all the very best for the new year.
Regards
Mike
A Message from Chrissy Hamilton (A/Deputy Principal)
Next year, all class iPads will have the BookCreator app installed and students will also have access to BookCreator online. BookCreator promotes authentic literacy skills through the use of multimedia. When students create and write books about their own interests or about themselves, it is higly motivating and engaging. To teach reading and writing, teachers need to use the MOST motivating techniques for reluctant and enthusastic learners.
BookCreator provides easy access, choice and control in book making. Students decide the purpose, content and layout of a book. Who doesn’t love a digital book about themseves with cool videos, funny voices and great writing?! There are also free books and example templates available too.
The BookCreator app can be downloaded for free or purchased for $4.49, including additional applications. Similarly, BookCreator online is free, it has some different resources to the iPad app. If you really love the online version, there is also a monthly subscription but I don’t recommend it for home use, the free online version is fine.
At the Student Free Day, two of our technology savvy beginning teachers, will be showing staff how to maximise the use of BookCreator and its functions. Please use the QR code to find out more and/or speak to your teacher next year.
Wishing all families a wonderful Christmas.
From Chrissy
A Message from Sandra Schuptar - HOSES - ECDP
Term 4 at the ECDP is focused on the celebration of Graduation 2022.
This year 60 children from the Mount Ommaney Early Childhood Development Program graduated from our program. These children are now transitioning into their full time education programs either in a special school or into a mainstream classroom.
During Week 8 of this term we held Graduation Celebrations every day.
We set up the outdoor play area with seats for our guests, created a beautiful display of balloons which our children walked proudly through and onto the bold red carpet. Bubbles were blown profusely and there was much cheering and clapping as our little ones made the long walk from their classrooms to the presentation box to receive their awards. For some, this experience was a little daunting but with the support and help of our friends most were able to complete the walk.
Each of our graduates received a Graduation Certificate, a beautiful photo of themselves in their graduation gowns, a yummy graduation iced biscuit and a specially selected book of their interest. Each family also received a small gift of a ‘packet of spring bulbs’ from the staff of the ECDP in appreciation for their support and trust throughout the year.
The staff of the ECDP also want to thank the Mount Ommaney Special School P & C for their kind and generous donation towards the purchasing of the books and the delicious biscuits. The biscuits were made by Jacki at The Little Cupcakery who also made biscuits for graduation in 2021.
Whilst we are saying farewell to 60 children and their families the ECDP staff are now focusing on the start of the new school year and we will be welcoming 80 + children and their families to the ECDP in 2023.
The staff of the ECDP wish all our families a happy and memorable Christmas. May you all keep safe and well over this coming new year until we meet again.
Sandra and the Staff of the ECDP.
A Message from Kerrie Reid - Education Program Officer (EPO)
CSHS Performance of ‘Newsies’ – What an amazing morning of singing, dancing and wonderful energy with students from A/B, C/I and J hubs attending a special performance of ‘Newsies’ at Centenary State High School. This annual event has been part of our school calendar since 2017 and is a wonderful opportunity for students at MOSS to attend a live theatre performance put on by their CSHS peers. A special shout out to Mitch and Mark and all the staff and students involved in the production and to Sunshine Buses for donating three buses and drivers to get us all there and back safely 😊
Rotary Junior Community Award – This year we had six students from our Year 6 cohort participate in the Rotary Junior Community Award. Students were required to complete a range of activities in the areas of Community Service, Physical Recreation, Social Experience and Skills. Some of the activities that our students participated in included the school recycling program, Lids 4 Kids initiative, attending camp, Purple Day for Epilepsy, Spiritual drumming, drama program and Arbour Day just to name a few!!! Congratulations to everyone involved and thank you to the Brisbane Centenary Rotary Club for their support and guidance with the award.
RSL Remembrance Day Chalk Art Initiative – This year, RSL Queensland invited us to take part in Draw to Remember, a creative Remembrance Day learning experience. Students were given the opportunity to learn about the importance of this day, turning these learnings into chalk art. Terry Stevens from our local Centenary Sub-Branch visited the school to talk about the significance of this day, how the initiative came about and to photograph the students' efforts. A very special thank you to the local RSL for offering our students this opportunity and to Terry for being a friend and supporter of MOSS.
MOSS Oppy Shoppy – The MOSS Oppy Shoppy has been a great success this year and although we only had the opportunity to open twice during this last term, our ‘fill a bag for $5’ offers saw many people through the gates hoping to grab some bargains. We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our loyal customers and look forward to opening the MOSS Oppy Shoppy in Term 2 of 2023.
From G Hub
It’s hard to believe that we are fast approaching the end of the school year for 2022. And what a year it has been! Looking back at photos of the students from the start of the year, it is very clear that they have not only grown in size, but have also grown in their confidence and skills. As we move towards the end of the year, it is a perfect time to celebrate their achievements.
As part of the health unit this term, all the students have been creating a personal picture book. They have been engaging in a range of activities that have helped them to learn more about themselves. This book allows the student to tell their own story. It can be a great tool for the students to share with family and friends to encourage communication and meaningful interactions.
With the weather heating up this term, it has been the perfect time for the students to get outside and explore the world of water. Even though we haven’t been able to take part in the planned weekly swimming lessons, the students of G Hub still made the most of the warm weather, with regular water play sessions in the playground. Water play is both fun and educational and has a range of benefits for a child’s social, emotional, physical and sensory development. It also helps to develop early literacy and numeracy skills. And let’s face it, it’s fun. Some of the students embraced the experience fully whilst other were comfortable with just dabbling their fingers and toes in the water to be part of the experience. Whichever option they chose, lots of fun was had and the playground was full of happy faces (kids and grownups alike.)
In Weeks 6 and 7 this term we welcomed 16 new prep students to G Block for two play sessions, as part of their transition program to get them ready for school life at Mount Ommaney Special School next year. They eagerly explored the new environment, played alongside and shared activities with some of the current G Block students. There were certainly some very happy and excited faces at the end of these sessions including the parents and the teachers.
There is no doubt that everyone is looking forward to the well-earned break over the summer holidays and the chance to rest and recharge. The staff in G Block would like to thank all our families for their understanding and support this year. We couldn’t have done it without you. Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday.
Adele and Sandra, Anastasiia, Marg and Sabrina
From D/E Hub
What a whirlwind of a term! Our students have been busy looking at texts from different perspectives, exploring time, identifying and celebrating their strengths and interests. These activities have given them opportunities to develop their communication and social skills. They have shown greater competence and confidence in using their individual communication systems. They have all worked hard on self-regulation strategies by remaining calm and safe during challenging situations. They have practised safe play skills during sensory activities with parallel and group play. In science activities, they explored the weather and its impact on daily events. All students in our classes found these explorations highly engaging and fun. A number of staff and students from D/E hub enjoyed a lovely, sunny day out at the Darling Point Fun Run. They participated in a scenic stroll or run along the walkway, a play in the playground and a yummy sausage sizzle after completion. An enjoyable day was had by all. Students have gained awareness on child safety by engaging in a variety of fun learning and play activities in their classrooms on Day for Daniel by wearing red, baking red cupcakes and joining in with the whole school assembly. This term, students have practised gross motor skills through obstacle courses, bike riding and ball games during PE lessons with Nicky. E1 enjoyed visiting senior classes, making new friends and sharing their interests with peers beyond their class group. It has been a fun-filled term! We wish you all a safe and happy holiday!
DE Hub teachers, Belinda Chadwick–Jones (D1), Sharon Tay (D2), Stephanie Whitbread (E1), Louise Ruzic (E2).
From A/B Hub
What an amazing and busy year we have had in A/B! In Week 7, many of our Year 5 and 6 students had a taste of the summer air, attending school camp at Tallebudgera. We loved swimming at the beach, building kites and having a go at archery. The students showed us their adventurous sides too, rock climbing and conquering their fear of heights on the giant swing. It was amazing to see so many of the students step outside their comfort zones and daily routines to try everything on offer at the camp, and we are already looking forward to next year!
We have also had many of our Year 6 students complete the Junior Rotary Award this year, serving the community, attending community commemorations and developing skills to attain the award. A special thank you to the Rotary Club for allowing us to participate. Well done to participating students!
The students have worked extremely hard this year, and it has been wonderful to see the progress that they have made towards their curriculum, communication and personal social goals. Students enjoyed participating in English lessons on perspective in texts, becoming weather reporters in science and exploring an array of digital technologies. A favourite for the students was using the BlueBots coding robots in the classroom. Students also had the opportunity to participate in Wear Your Words Day, attend the drama performance at Centenary High, weekly drumming sessions with Chappy Bill, gross motor programs and bike riding this term. It has been amazing to see many of the students develop friendships with their peers, filling our playgrounds with laughter and joy on a daily basis.
The A/B teaching team would like to thank you; parents, carers, therapists and extend this to our teacher aides for your continued support and collaboration this year. We would like to congratulate the students on their amazing efforts this year and recognise the 11 Year 6 graduates of 2022. A/B Hub wishes you all a safe and happy holiday break and looks forward to seeing you back for 2023!
Ebony, Courtney, Johnathan and Chloe
From C/I Hub
C1 Classroom
Term 4 has been an exciting term where students have showed greater self-regulation strategies being used and the development of strong staff, student bonds within the classroom setting and across the Hub. Students are seeking out more opportunities to do things with their peers, sharing playground equipment together, eating together, listening to songs together and generally enjoying the company of others. I love this term because you really know everyone’s individual personalities so well and you can start to have some fun together as school expectations and routines are also well known.
Highlights for me have been seeing our students sharing spaces together in a relaxed way, whether it be on the swing or trampoline, sharing Lego, sitting near each other on the couch or eating around the lunch table together. What seems such an easy thing to do for some is a real milestone with our students and it’s a pleasure to witness this.
It’s not as busy a term as Term 3, thank goodness, but we have still had a couple of different days to remember and come together for. Day for Daniel was well supported and is always a great opportunity to remind ourselves about the importance of listening to our bodies tell-tale signs when we are feeling unsafe and to revise who are the people we can go to when we need help.
AAC Awareness month was a great week at MOSS with lots of opportunities to show off ‘wearing our words’ to each other and to our lovely Speech Language Pathologists here at school.
MOSS received a very special award from the Focus on Ability Film Festival when we received the ‘Best School Actors’ prize. Many students from our Hub and J Block participated in this film.
And only a couple of weeks ago we had the fabulous stage show ‘Newsies’ at Centenary State High School, which many students in our Hub participated in. It was a testament to the work being done in classrooms to see how well our students engaged and focussed during this performance.
Of course, Term 4 is also the hottest term and the term where energy levels start to deplete. Keeping things relaxed is important especially in the last few weeks towards the end of the year. Water play is a great way to cool things down and invite peers together to have some fun. And making tasty treats more than usual, is also an extra special activity at this time.
We wish you all a safe and happy Christmas school holiday and thank you for trusting us to work with your children. There are always ups and downs, but the growth over the year has been rewarding to experience with them. Colette.
C2 Classroom
WOW! How is this school year already over? ! We have had a year of learning and fun in C2. Students have not only learnt what was required of them within the Australian Curriculum but they have extended their social skills and emotional regulation strategies. Students have spent time learning, painting, drawing and creating. They have enjoyed spending time together playing games, guitars and other instruments, dolls, Lego, puppets, cars, trucks and bike rides, all remaining popular among students. Students have been enhancing their cooking skills, making and trying new foods. C2 students have also participated in Remembrance Day commemorations, Day for Daniel, AAC Awareness Month challenges, attended the Centenary State High School drama performance of ‘Newsies’ and the presentation of the Focus on Ability Award.
We hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday! Sandy
I1 Classroom
Term 4 was a busy term for the boys in I1. We welcomed Max W to the class and farewelled Jordan. Some students moved house and developed new morning routines. It is a credit to them and their parents for the smooth transitions which made Margaret's and my jobs easier here at school. Thank you.
Our focus this term was on communication. We embedded that in all aspects of classwork and worked hard on developing confidence in our students to see AAC as their voice. I was particularly impressed with the improvement made by H and Max, although I have been tempted to remove the pizza symbol from all our devices 😉. Liam took great pleasure in training staff in Intensive Interaction, often taking the lead in starting and ending the sessions. Levi was also a star in Intensive interaction. His ability was cope with all the changes to his routine this semester has been very pleasing to witness. He was also the one to make sure everyone transitioned successfully and he would often encourage students falling behind to catch up.
Max M took on some new duties this term, collecting the rolls from a number of classes in the morning. He really enjoyed his ‘Middle Management’ role and often reminded staff that it was time to start. Max W settled in quickly to the class and was a great contributor to class discussions.
On behave of Margaret and myself, I we want to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas. Michael.
I2 Classroom
It’s difficult to believe that we are at the end of the school year. Term 4 was extremely busy, with lots happening across the school. The students were involved in number of different celebrations and commemorations, including Remembrance Day, Day for Daniel. Students were also involved in some very low-key Halloween celebrations. Remembrance Day was marked with some special chalk drawings created in honour of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Students wore red on the 28th of October for the Day for Daniel in honour of Daniel Morcombe and as part of the day, students were reminded of the importance of personal safety. On Friday the 2nd of December, staff and students dressed in purple to mark the end of Pancreatic Awareness Month, a cause very close to our hearts here at MOSS.
The entire Hub celebrated the success of those students who were involved in the film created for the Focus on Ability Film Festival last year, receiving the Best Actor Award for their participation. It was a very proud moment when they received their special award, presented by Ryan Goodwin, the creative director of the festival.
The students were also treated to a wonderful drama performance of ‘Newsies’ at Centenary State High School. It was an excellent production with high quality dance, song and acting performances. It was wonderful to see how engaged the MOSS students were during the entire show.
In addition to all these extra activities and experiences, the I2 students continued to focus on the academic side of school life. They engaged in their regular subjects, and were also fortunate enough to have regular drumming sessions with Chappy Bill. They also had the opportunity to engage in visual art sessions with Emma Reid. We continued to focus on building communication skills throughout each school day, and all staff have observed wonderful growth in this area. Break times have become very social and it’s been so rewarding to watch so many strong friendships develop.
Afrodite and I wish everyone a wonderful Christmas break. Catherine.
From J Hub
J1 Classroom
J1 is a power house of pals! During Term 4, our days consisted of fitness activities, gardening, cooking, music, stories, life skills and leisure fun. The key ingredient to our enjoyment has been togetherness. We have worked, played and shared our way through the weeks to build our strength, take safe risks, try new things and had lots of fun doing it together.
This term sees Milly and Hadrian begin new experiences beyond Mount Ommaney Special School. Milly is standing tall and ready to take on the world with her strong legs and increased zoom! Hadrian is ready to take on new adventures with his endless curiosity and enthusiasm! We have been privileged to be part of their school journey and wish them all the very best for their futures. Buster and Charlotte are ready for their graduation year and Daniel is moving into his senior phase of learning. All three of these amazing seniors have worked hard on their personal goals and made significant gains across the year.
We extend a very special thanks to our volunteers, especially Gary. We are grateful recipients of his patience, warmth and jolly sense of humour. He has contributed to our students’ learning and merriment and is a valued member of the J1 team. We hope to see you next year, Gary.
May all of our wonderful J1 students and staff have a restful holiday and we look forward to a jam-packed 2023. Merry Christmas and happy new year to all. Stacey.
J2 Classroom
This term, J2 has been busy getting into the Christmas spirit! We have been cooking, painting, and singing our way through the weeks. Students have loved working together in both educational and recreational activities, and it has been awesome to see their friendships flourish!
We wish all families a safe and Merry Christmas! See you in the New Year. Brodie.
J3 Classroom
J3 students have enjoyed exploring technology this term. We have done fun cooking activities using a switch to activate appliances such as blenders so we can make make yummy smoothies. We have also enjoyed exploring a robot named Evie. Evie could move, sing and dance and was lots of fun! Brodie.
J4 Classroom
CBI
This semester students had the opportunity to participate in a community-based instruction program at Mount Ommaney Shopping Centre. Students were able to demonstrate their independent living skills by selecting and purchasing lunch in the food court. Students accessed a visual shopping list to locate a variety of items from Coles which they used to prepare food for the Curlew Café.
Curlew Café
Students have continued to participate in the Curlew food preparation and Café program. This term students had the opportunity to participate in a weekly staff morning tea program, where they served seated customers and provided a delivery service around the school. Students also participated in two open services where they demonstrated their hospitality, customer service and communication skills to the general public.
Arbour Day
This semester students celebrated Arbour Day by planting a variety of native trees. Students ensured they worked safely by wearing their PPE of gardening gloves and a high vis vest.
Students in J4 also created colourful trees to commemorate the day.
Day for Daniel
Students prepared for the Day for Daniel by learning the importance of the 3R’s: Recognise, React and Report. Students completed activities to assist them to recognise how body clues can help them realise that they do not feel safe. Students also made a short video to explain the 3R’s, which they shared at the Day for Daniel Assembly, before they collected gold coin donations from around the school.
From The Arts
The Arts are an important component of a well-rounded education, and for our students they can provide wonderful opportunities to create, to express and to interact. Teachers use The Arts in their classroom learning sessions, and specialist teachers deliver “Value Added” Programs. This year we have enjoyed drama, visual arts and music sessions in our senior school.
That's Cool With Me
Term 4 is the summer term, so our song about summertime suits nicely. The lyrics were created from brainstorming sessions with some of our senior students, using speech, PODD and P2G. We set their words to the tune from “Ça plane pour moi´, and added imagery of some of our MOSS students in their most happy school moments!
Here is the YouTube link for our summertime video.
From the P&C
The P&C would like to thank everyone for their support this year, and for the parents, staff and friends of the school who have offered to volunteer at the Christmas Wrapping Fundraiser at Mt Ommaney Shopping centre. This is our major fundraising event and raises much needed funds to purchase new equipment for the children to use and enjoy at school.
If you are interested in joining the P&C in 2023, please drop us an email at pandcsecretary@mtommaneyspecs.eq.edu.au or pop along to the AGM.
Wishing everyone a safe and enjoyable Christmas and we look forward to seeing you all in 2023!
Natasha O'Sullivan - President & Michelle Bright - Secretary