HISTORY OF IPSWICH NORTH STATE SCHOOL

1867 – 1900

“North Ipswich” began operating as a Mixed School for boys and girls on the 5th July 1867. The first Head Teacher was Mr. Samuel Ewing. The average attendance at the time of opening was 88 pupils. On the 1st January, 1874 two separate schools were established. One was for boys and the other for girls and infants. No public transport was available so the pupils had to find their way to school as best as they could. Some rode horses, many walked through the local bush and others caught a punt across the Bremer River from Basin Pocket to the bottom end of Fitzgibbon Street. School inspections were carried out by the District Inspectors who reported on school management, condition of the school in general and the discipline and progress of students.

In 1875 the Boys’ School had an enrollment of 110, the Girls’ and Infants’ School was 167 (38 boys and 129 girls).

In October 1885, the Head Mistress wrote to the Department of Public Instruction “that the accommodation in the Girls’ School, North Ipswich, is quite inadequate to the number of children in attendance. The inconvenience is most severely felt when there is a high wind because the verandah which has to be constantly used as classroom is fully exposed to the weather…The average attendance is about 224 and the school will accommodate 150 or 160…”

In February 1887, the Headmaster of the Boys’ School requested”…enlargement of the school under his charge for the following reasons:- (a) increased attendance, (b) want of class room for the instruction of pupil teachers, and (c) the defective acoustics of the building.” In July that year the Secretary agreed to the indenture costing Five hundred and fifty pounds.

On the 22 April 1891, Jessy Wilson again wrote to the Department regarding overcrowding at the Girls’ School. The average attendance was then 300 pupils with 200 in the Infants’ Section. Plans were made to extend at an estimated cost of five hundred and sixty-five pounds.

1900 – 1920

In January 1904, the average attendance at the Boy’s School was 280.6 pupils. The staff consisted of the Head Teacher, four assistant teachers and three pupil teachers. In 1909 the School’s Cadet Corp won a trophy for a Shooting Competition for voluntary cadets. Religious Instruction (or Bible Lessons as it was then called) was introduced to schools about 1910, and Ministers of Religion visited the schools once a week.

After a long search for school readers appropriate to Queensland, the Queensland
School Readers were introduced to schools in June 1914, but not officially brought into service until January 1915, coinciding with the introduction of a new primary school syllabus.

Enrolment at the Boy’s School in January 1916 was 223.

In 1917, a report had to be made to the Minister for Public Instruction after a letter protested against the method of marshalling the school children at Ipswich North to the sound of drum and bugle. The complaint had implied that the sound of the drum and bugle "has a militaristic effect upon the minds of the children”. The Head Teacher’s reply stated "... to set matters in order, it is necessary first to state what use is made of bugle and drum. Bugle - the "assembly" is sounded at 9.25 a.m... All other assemblies and quarter calls are made by the school bell. Drum - at 9.25 (morning), 11.25 (recess) and 1.45 (mid-day recess), the drum is sounded for the whole school to march to class positions from parade. Further use is made when the senior boys are engaged in marching exercises. Neither drum or bugle is used as a substitute for oral commands." Apparently the Minister accepted the Head Teacher’s report as no further action appears to have been taken. It was noted however "…that it was regrettable two articles had appeared in the newspapers concerning the subject".

1920 – 1940

Following inspections of both schools in June 1921, Dr. Mervyn Patterson’s Medical Report found the seating accommodation to be inadequate, and overcrowding present in most classrooms. He recommended that some protection be placed on the western end of verandahs used as class rooms, and a water tank at the Boy’s School should be taken away and a proper drinking tap be supplied with proper fountain top.
Dr. Patterson considered it would be necessary to increase sanitary accommodation at the Girl’s School, and that the most economical method of doing this would be to reconstruct entirely.

He further recommended that the Department install fountain drinking apparatus which could be fitted to the service pipes, and the tank water also removed from the Girl’s School. This would prevent mouth to mouth infection from using a
common drinking cup.

On the 6th July, 1923, the Head Teacher of the Girls and Infants School, reported an epidemic of influenza, whooping cough and mumps, with at least 170 pupils said to be suffering from these diseases. Enrolment at the school in that July was 417.

In 1930, a new syllabus reclassified pupils into seven grades instead of six classes, and as a result some minor changes were made to the Queensland Readers, including the introduction of a Grade VII Reader. Colour plates were also introduced and the Prep readers came into use, however the Readers basically remained the same until phased out in the 1970’s. In 1931, Mr. Ted Barratt, approached the Headmistress,MissPhillips, about forming a choir. Mr. Barratt, a member of the Blackstone Ipswich Cambrian Choir, was not a member of staff, but an employee of the Queensland Government Railways. Permission was obtained, and the choir was established in May, 1932 and began to successfully compete in numerous contests.

In a memorandum of March, 1933, the Supervising Architect of the Works Department (Mr. Leven), reported the poor condition of the school buildings at North Ipswich. It was suggested consideration be given to amalgamation and erection of one new building to incorporate both boys and girls.

The enrolment of the Boy’s School and Girl’s and Infant’s School for February
1933, was 231 and 293 respectively. Of these there were 115 pupils in the 6th & 7th Grades. In the event of an Intermediate School being established in Ipswich and if these pupils were compelled to attend such a school, then the balance enrolment would be 409.

The Director of Education informed "... that, in conjunction with proposed ground
improvements and the installation of the septic system at the Schools, the Department is giving consideration to the amalgamation of the Boy’s School and the Girl’s and Infant’s School, and the Works Department is being requested to prepare plans and estimates of the cost of a new building which will ultimately accommodate 600 pupils." The estimated cost of the proposed rebuilding scheme was 12,600 pounds, including 600 pounds for furniture.
The complete scheme provided accommodation for 730 pupils. The proposed first section comprised eleven classrooms to accommodate 430 pupils, together with 3 Teacher’s Rooms, Cloak Rooms, Boy’s and Girl’s Lavatories, etc.”

The building was to be of three storeys, the lower floor consisting of play areas with lavatory blocks at either end, and the upper floors to contain the classrooms with open air corridors on the north. A complete septic tank drainage system was included. The building was to be constructed of brick and concrete with galvanized corrugated iron roof.

A new brick building was erected on the site and was occupied on 29th January,
1935. It was officially opened at 2.30p.m. on the 4th May 1935 by the Hon. F.A.
Cooper M.L.A. , Minister for Public Instruction, and for a period, Premier for
Queensland and Lieutenant Governor. The building became known locally as
" Cooper’s Monument".

Among other speakers at the Opening Ceremony were His Worship the Mayor (Alderman A.T. Stephenson) and Dr.J.J.C. Bradfield, on behalf of past scholars - who presented the School with two framed pictures of the Brisbane River Bridge (Storey Bridge) he designed and which still hang in the School’s main entrance today.

The National Anthem was sung by the children, led by the School Choir. After the
Official Opening, the children sang "Land of Hope and Glory”. At the time this
new school was built, it was one of the most modern in Queensland.

The enrolment for May, 1935 was 585 pupils.

The North Ipswich State School Choir, conducted by Mr. Barratt were the first artists to broadcast from Radio Station 4IP which opened on Monday, September 2nd, 1935.

Approval was given in August, 1936 for the erection of four additional classrooms at a cost of 2,388 pounds at the north west end of the existing building, to accommodate 40 pupils each classroom.

1940 – 1960

The Hon. Frank Cooper M.L.A. approached the Director of Education on 12th
February, 1941, asking for the school parade ground to be bitumined and paid for by sale of the old building retained at the request of the School Committee.

Trenches were dug in the lower playground following the Japanese invasion of
Darwin in 1942, and air raid drill was practised by the staff and pupils in case of air attack. In August, 1943 permission was granted for the children from the school to attend a service at the Congregational Church in response to a call by King George VI to observe a special day of prayer for peace.

Gas was installed in the school tuckshop in 1948. At this time the tuckshop only
operated one or two days a week. In 1949, a four foot square platform was erected on the parade area for the morning parades.

In 1954, the verandahs on the northern side of the school were enclosed with glass louvres. The School Committee provided funds in 1955 for the purchase of furniture and books, and a room was converted into a library room. The Government subsided the cost.

In 1956, an Inspector’s report that many children were forced by the nature of the furniture to sit in a cramped position, led to the provision of a quantity of modern dual desks and chairs. A new wing was added to the main building in 1957 at a total cost of 7,850 pounds. Work was completed on these new classrooms in January, 1958 and the new wing was officially opened by the Governor of Queensland, Sir Henry Abel Smith, on the 27th August 1958.

In 1957, the School’s 90th year, celebrations extended over a period of 10 days. A "Queensland Times" report of 5th July 1957, reads –

"Culmination of an intensive period of celebration at North Ipswich State
School will be reached at 3 p.m. tomorrow when about 100 of the School’s
Nineteenth Century pupils sit down to a specially arranged "90 year" afternoon
tea. The Celebration started on June 27 with a scholar’s concert in the Town
Hall on Monday. Rain was responsible for postponement of a night athletic
meeting planned for the night at the North Ipswich Reserve. The programme continued at the Showground’s Pavilion with a miniature ball when 30 juvenile "debs" were presented (with their youthful partners) to the Head Teacher (Mr. W.M. Johnston). Conclusion of the celebrations is scheduled for Saturday when there will be a sporting programme, a street procession, fete, picture show and barbecue. A feature of the day will be the crowning of the school’s "Princess" by the Mayor (Ald. J.T. Finimore). The four Princesses are Betty Mole (French), Marj. Kruiswyk (Kendall), Lynette Little (Lawson) and Dorothy Allen (Monash). "

In August, 1958, fire raged through the North Ipswich Congregational Church, the
Church Manse, two shops and five flats in Downs Street, and at one stage, seriously threatened the School which was across the road. Flames, fanned by strong winds were leaping 50 feet at the height of the fire, bridging the gap between the blazing buildings and the school. Trees in the school yard were badly singed and classroom windows were broken and cracked by the intense heat. Detailed records of the school’s history were kept in the mixed business shop operated by Mr. "Gov" Clark (then Secretary of the School Committee) and were destroyed.

1960 -1980

The 1960s began a period of great changes in the education system. The State School Scholarship Examination was abolished after the 1962 Examination. The last Grade 8 Primary School Class was in 1964 -the new wing was left vacant when the school lost the Grade 8 class transferred to Secondary Schools. In 1964 the first T.V. set was purchased for the T.V. room. Cuisenaire Rods, (coloured pieces of wood used to understand maths) were introduced in 1966.

Throughout 1966 work continued at the school providing four extra classrooms,
installing new blackboards and cupboards for the storage of material, redecorating the Health Room and preparing a room for use as a library. Modern single tables and chairs were provided for some rooms, together with science tables, equipment trolleys, and library chairs. Internal painting was undertaken. Wardens were to control School Crossings before and after school.

The School celebrated its Centenary in 1967. At that time the School had an enrolment of 600 pupils. The federal Minister for Housing, Dame Annabelle
Rankin officially unveiled a plaque and memorial archway to mark the occasion.
The P & C Committee organised a Centenary Queen Competition with one entrant allowed from each of the four houses. Each House was set the challenge of raising funds to go towards school projects. A colourful procession made up of floats, veteran cars, a pipe band, marching bands as well as past and present pupils moved from Flint Street to the School where a special school athletics competition was held. The centenary fete was an added attraction, and Beirne Pty. Ltd. staged a fashion parade depicting the changing modes of dress over the years.

The Recorder Band was formed in 1967. Some of the senior students who had been
learning the recorder, presented a couple of items at the centenary celebrations. Mr. Cyril Suthers saw the potential for a school band. The band was formed with the idea of giving every student the opportunity to learn to play an inexpensive instrument and be taught marching and to be part of a team. In 1968, the band made its debut by marching in the Ipswich Colour City Carnival parade, and continued to do so for many years. The band was trained in precision marching and diagram marching.
Ipswich North was one of the few schools in Ipswich to continue to conduct a school ball in 1969, following the closure of Wonderland Ballroom. The ball was held on 10th October at the V.E. Hancock Youth Centre, Griffiths Road. (now the Police Citizens Youth Centre.)

In the 1970’s excursions were popular to places such as Parliament House and
Fort Lytton. Mr. C.J. Turvey was appointed the school’s first Janitor/Groundsman
on 27th January 1970. Miss G.J. McGovern was the first Clerk Typist appointed also in 1970.

On 1st October 1971 the annual school ball was held at the Leichhardt Parish Hall. New school and house flags were purchased. In 1973 the first Teacher/ Librarian (Miss C. Arden) was employed at the school. In 1973 the Recorder Band joined the Primary School Band and Orchestra Association of Queensland. Competitions were regularly staged and once a year the Association conducted a Band Championship Competition, with schools taking turns in playing host band. Bands from all over Queensland participated in these events. The distinctive gold vest and the light green and white uniform was designed in 1974.

During the 1974 floods, the school was closed for several days and used as an
emergency shelter (as in 1893). Because of the socio-economic background of pupils, Ipswich North was selected as a school with special needs, by the Australian Schools’ Commission. As a direct result of this four Teacher Aides were appointed in 1974.
The school had submissions under consideration involving "A Learning Experience Reading Program"; "Supplementary Readers"; "Educational Tours for all grades" and carpeting of some classrooms, which were estimated to cost $10,000. These projects were financed through the Australian Schools’ Commission.

The parade area was resurfaced with bitumen and classroom tables replaced with steel tables with laminated tops. In 1975 enrolment was 550.

Road Safety Patrols were once carried out by senior school pupils before and after school and then traffic lights were erected on Downs Street. 7T planned and constructed an Ornamental area with fish pond and statue.

The Library moved from Room 7 to the present Resource Centre (previously Rooms 1 and 2) in 1977-78. The Education Department acquired land adjacent to the school in Fitzgibbon Street in the mid 1970’s and an old home on the property was removed. Work began on the construction of our Dental Clinic which was ready to use at the beginning of 1978. All children from the school have their teeth checked after enrolment, and they are regularly monitored throughout their years at school.

In 1978 the grounds were refenced. Enrollment was 430.

1980 – 2000

Mr. Barry Blake became the school’s second Janitor/ Groundsman on the 10th November 1980 until his retirement. At that time enrolment was approximately 351.

Although the Queensland Government announced some ten years earlier that they
would provide a free, non-compulsory pre-school education for all four and five year olds, it was not until 1982 that a pre-school was started at Ipswich North. The Pre-school was situated in two existing ground floor classrooms previously occupied by Grade One pupils.

Ipswich North played host in 1983 to the 10th Annual P.S.B.O.A.Q. Queensland
School Bands Championships. Seventeen bands competed, with the Ipswich North
State School Recorder Band winning the marching event.

In July, 1984 the school experienced the appearance of the "Lollipop People" or
School Crossing Supervisors who were first introduced to Queensland schools in
January that year. They once supervised both Pine and Downs Streets’ crossings.

The Special Education Unit opened at North Ipswich at the commencement of the
1985 school year, and its main purpose was to cater for the educational needs of
some young children who lived on the north side of the Bremer River. The S.E.U. is responsible for students ascertained as Intellectually Impaired, Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Speech Language Impaired. The school philosophy is inclusion within the mainstream as much as possible for S.E.U. students. In 1986 our "Adopt-a-Cop" was Miss Donna Dowling. In 1989 our effective enrolment was 275.

In 1990, No hat - No play and Slip, Slop, Slap were stressed to students. The school had Bush Bands and Bush Dances were held where previously Fancy Dress Balls were the social event of the school calendar. The Austplay Company erected new playground equipment paid by the Commonwealth Government through the Special Program Schools Scheme.

In 1991, The Language Other Than English (L.O.T.E.) – Japanese was introduce to our students. At an estimated cost of $158,000 a new free standing preschool was erected on land fronting Pine Street. The new spacious, airy, building was ready for occupation on 21st October 1991. The preschool operated on a morning and afternoon session basis.

In 1991, the Covered Games/ Play Area was built on the site between the Dental Clinic and the Preschool where the previous playground equipment had stood.

Celebrations were held in 1992 to mark our 125th Anniversary. A 125th Anniversary Book was written and complied by Lorraine Burton and Catriona Robinson for the Ipswich North State School Anniversary Committee.

In 1993 an intercom system was installed in the school. More parking was allocated in Fitzgibbon Street by the Ipswich City Council. The school took part in the Coles Apples for Schools scheme and was able to purchase some computer software from their Coles’ dockets total. Enrolment in August of that year was 242 plus 32 at preschool. Human Relationship Education (HRE) was written and developed with full scale implementation planned for 1994. The Winnebago system was installed in the Library for borrowing by students and teachers. Behaviour Management Policy came into place as did a new Code of Behaviour policy and these are reviewed regularly.

The School Concert Band and Choir were restablished. Annette Thorpe trained the Recorder Band. A Collaborative School Review was undertaken with the co-operation of the whole school community.

The school was vandalised 14 times and a theft occurred. The school also experienced a fire. As a result the school installed a security system in 1995. The "Ring Road" issue was first discussed with the Ipswich City Council. The Year 2 Diagnostic Net and Year 6 Literacy and Numeracy Tests were trialed.

In 1996, the Capon Program, a rotation of various perceptual motor activities designed to improve ‘tracking’ skills was began for Preschoolers to Year 3 students. This later evolved into the Smart Start Program.

The girl’s sports uniform skirt colour was changed to bottle green after notification that the manufacturer had ceased production of the lighter green colour. The first Disco organised by the Student Council proved very successful. Ipswich North celebrated "Pride Week" organised by Mrs. Brassington in 1997, a week long salute to the school by the students showing their pride of the school (our 130th Anniversary) by way of displays and activities. An ‘Options Program’ commenced, teaching life skills to Years 6 & 7 students with the assistance of parent volunteers.
Over the 1996 / 97 school holidays Ipswich North had major refurbishment undertaken in the "Building Better Schools" program, an initiative of the Department of Education. "Through the BBS program, older classrooms in existing primary schools are being upgraded to ensure that students are learning in environments suited to today’s curriculum. Many older classroom areas will be upgraded so they are more suitable for art and science activities. In many cases, classroom spaces will be enlarged." This was the case in our main building with ten previous classrooms being converted into six teaching spaces with ‘wet areas’. Rooms were also painted and some electrical upgrading done under the BBS program. The school also undertook the upgrading and modernisation of the reception office. The School Management System was introduced into Ipswich North (1997).

Mrs. Whittlesley and Mrs. Brassington lead the Recorder Band to become runners up in the March Pass at the Ipswich Show. The following two years the Band won first place in this event, lead the annual Inter-school Netball March Pass and performed in the Ipswich Mall. Officer Andrew Antonelli was our Adopt-a-Cop.

In 1997 the Preschool participated in the statewide trial of the Preschool
Curriculum Guidelines. As a result of feedback from the Principal, Preschool
Teacher-in-charge and Parent Representative of the schools taking part the first
Preschool Curriculum Guidelines was published by the Queensland School
Curriculum Council and was used in all Queensland Preschools.

Queensland Rail provided A.V. equipment, library books and furniture in a three-way partnership with Ipswich City Council and the school. The "Leading Schools"program was discussed but eventually was not applicable to Ipswich North State School.

A shade cover over the extensive Adventure Playground was installed for the commencement of the 1998 school year.

The Tuckshop continued to take part in healthy food promotions and Special Meal Deal Days as trialed the previous year.

Religious Instruction sessions were changed in that students remained in their classes to be taught by Ministers and instructors and not separated into denominations.
Channel Seven’s Frank Warwick - ‘Operation Eagle’ visited the school again (1989). The Recorder Band featured at this event. The Band marched in the Ipswich Heritage Twilight Parade. This year the Band was chosen to be part of the new Ipswich Global Arts Centre by being recorded for part of an interactive display when the Centre opened.

‘Kidpower’ - Accident Survey Queensland Health, was launched at Ipswich North in 1998 after its trial at various Queensland schools.

In 1998, the Pre-school program changed to operate as a full-day centre.

2000 –

This year saw the construction of a Covered ‘Quiet Play ‘Area between the Infants’ Wing and Covered Play Area. New board games and other activity equipment e.g. skipping ropes, buckets and spades, were purchased for use by the students at playtimes. Chess tournaments were competed in by interested students.

The“2010 Queensland State Education” strategy helps Education Queensland to contribute to the government’s objective to reinvent Queensland as the Smart State by: maximizing the number of students who complete Year 12 with a foundation for later learning and the skills to be part of a competitive workforce in the knowledge economy; providing equal access to learning outcomes for students from all backgrounds and helping revitalize communities disrupted and impoverished by social and economic change. Education Queensland introduced “The New Basics”, an integrated framework for curriculum, pedagogy and assessment that defines essential areas of learning, appropriate and effective approaches to teaching, affiliated modes of assessment and standards and assurances about student development at key points of schooling. The policy on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander education – “Partners for Success” – covers the elements and deals with: standards of education, educational outcomes (academic, social and cultural), employment and career development for staff, community roles and responsibilities, cultural and language diversity and whole-of-government coordination of services.

The community endorsed our ‘Key Learning Outcomes’ i.e. having our students prepared for their future roles in society. Ipswich North State School aims, by the end of Primary School, to develop life-long learners who: 1. have Quality Basic Skills;
2. are Effective Communicators; 3. are Innovative and Enterprising Learners; 4. are Active and Informed Citizens; 5. possess a strong sense of Self-Worth; thus ensuring they are prepared for their ever-changing world.

In 2001 our school embraced ‘Multi-age Learning’. Multi-age class strategies such as co-operative tutoring, integrated curriculum and multiple intelligence are frequently used to enhance the learning of all students.

Rewarding good behaviour in the classroom and playground through the "Gold Slip" program at the Tuckshop and end-of-term special events was supported by the school community.

School-based Management Policy, Protective Behaviours and Uniform Code of Dress were reviewed.

Our ‘Literacy At Work’ program enables teachers and teacher aides to work with and
observe small groups of children as they develop an understanding of reading processes and practise their literacy skills.

Technology played an important part in school curriculum, with the school receiving funding under the ‘Schooling 2001 Learning Technology Program’ which aims to build computer networks within schools, enhance hardware and educational software, support computer technicians and professional development of teachers.

In 2001, Ms. Kerryn Hall, our Music Teacher, became the instructor for our Recorder Band. Instrumental Teachers taught our Junior and Senior Band (Concert) members.

Eight Ipswich schools formed the ‘Ipswich Cluster of Schools’, a network aimed at making the transition for students moving from primary to secondary schooling easier and allowing the Principals and staff to come together to address issues in schooling.

Our Inaugural Art Show was held in 2002 and was great success. Student art work of many forms and medium were displayed and some artwork was available for sale. Our Instrumental students played at the opening and vignettes throughout the evening making the Art Show a truly cultural evening. An Art Show has been held every two years since then. The Art show and school Fete will now alternate as major highlights on the school calendar.

The ‘ALICE’ software was incorporated into the library as a cataloging/borrowing system.

In late 2002, the girls’ ‘Day Dress’ and ‘shorts’ uniform coloured material was no longer available from the manufacturer. The school community decided on a new blouse -checked like the boys’ shirt and ‘knit’ bottle green short for the girls. A new white ‘Sports Polo Shirt’ was introduced featuring a green and gold striped collar and embroidered school emblem for both boys and girls.

A new, purpose-built Fitness Track/Senior Playground was erected beside the Junior Playground in 2002 with an applied grant from the Community Gambling Benefit Fund.

In 2003, the new uniform pieces were worn. Our school’s Adopt-a-Cop was the new North Ipswich Neighbourhood Beat’s Senior Constable Maynard Marcum. Mr. Peter Broderick became our third Groundsman, who has kindly painted some of our school murals. The students continued to take part in the “Clean Up Australia - Schools” campaign.

In 2004 the Ipswich and West Moreton Branch of the National Servicemen Association constructed a monument to honour men and women who served Australia in conflicts. The sandstone boulder and flagpole are situated in front of the main building.

New “House” banners were purchased to replace the old flags used on sport days.
Our school’s Adopt-a-Cop North Ipswich Neighbourhood Beat’s Senior Constable Mick Abbott was welcomed in 2005. The Year Seven students won a trip to Canberra. New Teaching and Learning Centre classrooms were established.

The Student Council purchased new white polo ‘Music Shirts’ for our Recorder and Instrumental Bands.

The bitumen area was colourfully sealed with new courts markings and new basketball/netball posts.

In 2006 the final Preschool classes enjoyed new playground and sandpit structures. New furniture and amenities were accrued in preparation for Prep.

The school grounds were also upgraded in 2006/07 with submitted funding from the “Investing In Our Schools” program. A new irrigation system under the main oval allowed water bubblers to be installed, new shade structures on the Courts Area and over the Senior Playground were erected and a new flagpole installed. A new Junior Playground was erected, replacing the old Ausplay equipment. A new enclosed bike cage was erected.

The school embraced the new Behaviour Management Policy - “R.O.C.K.S.” an acronym for Respect, Ownership, Co-operation, Kindness and Safety. Awards and ‘Gotcha Rockin’ (Tuckshop) slips are presented to students who display these behaviours.

In 2006, the school was awarded the ‘Carrs Queensland Road Safety Awards – Schools Category’. A student based ‘Gardening Club’ was re-established. This year, because of the drought, instead of planting trees we held our first ‘Poetrees Festival’, where poems written by students and staff were hung from the trees on the oval – a very colourful sight!

The students made cards to express their feelings on the death of Steve Irwin – The Crocodile Hunter, which were laid at Australia Zoo on our behalf.

In 2007, our Prep Year class was enrolled in the former Pre-school building. The original pre-school room was refurbished to again teach junior grades.

The Tuckshop was refurbished with new counters, equipment and painted extensively.
The Queensland Government’s ‘Smart Choices-Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for Queensland schools was completely integrated into the Tuckshop and school-life. Foods are now categorised as “Red, Amber and Green” and schools are only allowed to serve Red foods twice a term e.g. sausage sizzles, chocolate drive; Amber foods – occasionally and Green foods-everyday. Under 8s Day was again celebrated at school with rotational activities for junior students.

The school celebrated 140 years of education. The school fete featured a history display that our wider community supported well and enjoyed. “Rockspell”, an initiative of the Literacy Committee, was competed by all our students. Our School-Wide Positive Behaviour Support Program was introduced and is an on-going program which is a consistent and transparent approach to supporting students in their behaviour at school.

2008 began with our first School Chaplain, Mrs Petra Fisher, becoming an active member of our school community providing social and spiritual support for students three days a week. The ‘Breakfast Program’ resumed for students. The Tuckshop area – ‘Kids Café’ was colourfully painted and table and seating erected from funding through the Community Benefit Fund. The area is now an asset for lunchtimes, the ‘Breakfast Program’ and social events e.g. the school fete.

This year saw the State-wide Testing Scheme for Years 3, 5 and 7 move from August to May to become the National Testing Authority (NAPLAN) and include Year 9 students Australia-wide. 2008 also saw the trailing of the Queensland Comparable Assessment Tasks in September within the State Government’s QCARF agenda. We became an ‘Asthma Friendly School’.

‘Cool Kids’ Awards recognized students who had collected 25, 50, 75, 100 and 150 ‘Gotchas’. ‘Gotchas’ are awarded to students who demonstrate our S.W.P.B.S.’s R.O.C.K.S. philosophy. Students were eligible to receive a ‘Star Student’ and ‘Star Class’ trophy during Physical Education lessons. Our Cross Country and Sports Days were well supported by students and community alike. Regional /Districts competitors included basketball and athletic students.

Our School leaders participated in The Bremer Blitz program. They helped the Ipswich City environment by planting native plants and trees improving the state of the waterways at the Riverlink Parklands.

The Ipswich Art Gallery, Ipswich City Council and the Primary Arts Network Ipswich worked together to provide an exciting and innovative ‘Artist In Residence’ program for Ipswich North State School and Springfield Lakes State School. Brisbane-based artist Mr Nick Olsen visited one day a week in Term Two with our Year 4 students and together they created individual and collaborative artworks. These works were then commissioned in the Ipswich Art Gallery as the ‘Small Worlds’ exhibition.

The school conducted our bi-annual Art Show in September. The galleries featured various art mediums with the themes of Eco Gallery, Healthy Gallery and Creative Gallery. The evening was well supported by our parents and wider community.

The school took part in ‘Walk Safely to School Day’, Premier’s Reading Challenge, International Competitions and Assessments for Schools, Fanfare, the Ipswich and Silkstone Eisteddfods, the Jacaranda Festival, National Young Leader’s Day, Year 7 Days of Experience and Year 5 Day at Ipswich State High School, Jump Rope for Heart, Under 8s Week, NED ‘The Yo-Yo Guy’-Never Give Up, Encourage others and Do your best, Book Week and Senior Week celebrations, Steve Irwin Day, Year 6/7 Camp, the Breakfast Program, SUPA Club and Scholastic Book Club.

Two electronic “Smart Boards”, library and other reading resources and sporting equipment was purchased through money raised from various fundraising drives and the Art Show Café by our P & C Committee.

After a whole School Uniform Review, the school community voted for Ipswich North S.S. to become a ‘compulsory’ uniform wearing school in 2009 and a new ‘Dress Code Policy’ was enacted.

2009 sees our Special Education Unit becoming Ipswich North State School Special Education Program. Education Queensland policy promotes inclusion of children with special needs into classrooms. ‘Inclusive Curriculum’ reflects values, ethos and culture of a state education system committed to enhancing equitable educational opportunities and improved outcomes for all students, recognising the role education can play in redressing social disadvantage and social injustice. Inclusive education requires that schools are supportive and engaging places for all students, teachers and members of school community. It is about building communities that value, celebrate and respond positively to diversity. It is underpinned by respectful relationships between students, teachers, other education workers and parents/carers. It is supported by collaborative relationships with families, communities and governments. It is about shaping the society in which we live and type of society to which we aspire.

The Managed Operating Environment was installed on our computer system. Ipswich North S.S. received acknowledgment of 25 years on continuous service of School Crossing Supervisors Scheme from the Queensland Government. Our S.W.P.B.S. Committee purchased wristbands imprinted with our R.O.C.K.S. motto to award students along with their ‘Cool Kid Award’.

The Federal Government’s initiatives of ‘The Primary Schools for the 21st Century’ - ‘Building the Education Revolution’ and ‘National School Pride Project’ will see the construction of a new purpose built Resource Centre with Science and Innovation Laboratory and a Community Hall on our grounds, nine ‘Smart Boards’ placed in classrooms and other minor works throughout the school. The ‘Hockey Oval’ will transform to align the Covered Play Area, Resource Centre, Senior and Junior Playground structures and the Community Hall.

The students have enjoyed excursions to Queens Park, the Civic Centre, the Brisbane Botanical Gardens and Convention Centre. They have participated in the Junior Easter Bonnet Parade, a Free Dress Day to fundraise for the Victorian Bushfire Victims, Book Club, Under 8s Day, National Young Leaders Day, the Breakfast Program, SUPA Club and NAPLAN Testing.

Sport at Ipswich North State School

Sport has played an intricate part in school life at Ipswich North State School.

Though the games played in the 1800’s may have changed somewhat to those played now - playtime has always been a social and physical outlet from studies.

Lunchtime activities have included: Hide and Seek, Marbles, Wall, Nick-na-Fill, Big Ring, Little Ring, Top spinning, Saddle-Me-Nag, Yo-Yos, skipping ropes, board games and chess, soccer, basketball, touch football and many more plus the advantages of structural playground equipment.

Sports activities and events have been organised and coached by enthusiastic teachers and parent volunteers through the years. The Inter-house sports day is still an important event on the school calendar. This once coincided with the Arbor Day celebration of planting trees. There were once four Houses, Lawson, French, Monash and Kendall, but with the decrease in enrollments Kendall house was dissolved.
Sports that have been played at Ipswich North include: athletics, cricket, rugby league, hockey, soccer, netball, swimming, vigoro, tennis, basketball, softball and ball games ie. leader ball, captain ball, and tunnel ball.

Many of our students have represented the school in inter-school, regional, state and national championships in a variety of sports. The dedication of students, teachers, coaches and parents has enabled Ipswich North State School to shine on various sporting fields.

Excursions and Camps

Over the years our students have visited a wide variety of centres of learning, industries, places of interest, other towns and cities on educational excursions. Many students have also taken the opportunity to attend camps. These camps have included sleeping out in tents or dormitory-style accommodation. The surroundings have been either rural and /or beach side and the activities have varied accordingly.

Excursions have taken our staff , students and community volunteers to: The University of Queensland, Gatton College, The Science Centre, Queensland Art Gallery, Queensland Museum, Mt. Cootha Botanical Gardens and Planetarium, Queens Park, Newstead House, Wolston House, Laidley Historical Museum, Woodlands, Northgate Cannery, Hancock Bros Sawmill, Railway Workshops, Ipswich City Council Meetings, Parliament House, Lone Pine, Alma Park Zoo, Underwater World, Woolahra Dairy Farm, Ipswich Fire Station, St. Andrew’s Hospital, Ipswich Incinerator Theatre, Ipswich Civic Centre, Southbank Parklands, QEII (for the 2001 Goodwill Games) and the towns of Tallegalla, Rosewood, Stanthorpe, Nambour and even the Nation’s Capital, Canberra in 2005.

Camping gear was purchased in 1982 and used on camping trips organized by our Teachers. Parents volunteered to accompany these groups. The Year One students often camped in the school grounds as their initiation to camping. Other students have attended camps at Duckadang, Camp Stacey, Giraween National Park, Noosa North Shore Wilderness Camp and Camp Cal. The camping gear was sold by tender to our community in 1999. In recent years our students have attended camps at Dandabah, Kenilworth and Tallebudgera. Activities have ranged from bush walks, rope courses, surf life-saving training, swimming, canoeing, archery and orienteering.
Our Instrumental Music students have enjoyed the opportunity to attend ‘Band Camps’. The camps have been organised by our local Education Queensland Instrumental Music Teachers. The program has included both school-day workshops and stay -over camps. These workshops and camps have allowed the students to receive intensive training in a small group setting. At the conclusion of camp, all the various participating school’s students come together as one large combined band and perform to an enthusiastic audience of parents, principals and community members. Camp venues have included: Ipswich State High School (Combined Band Day), Sonshine Ranch, Bundamba State School, Woodcrest College and the Uniting Church at Silkstone.

Ipswich North State School and The Community

A look back through the history of Ipswich North must also note the keen support the parents and wider community have shown the school.

Originally, a School Committee of seven members co-operated with the Head Teachers to provide necessary resources and grounds work. In March, 1965 the Inaugural Annual General Meeting of the Parents and Citizens Association was conducted. Ladies Auxiliary groups were a mainstay in the operation of the school. Through fundraising, much of the school’s sporting equipment and uniforms, library books, audio-visual equipment, classroom resources and improvement of the school grounds have been provided. Within these groups, parents have been involved in the decision making process of the school. The meetings have provided parents with a forum to discuss such issues as behaviour management polices, uniform reviews, annual budgets, student and school safety issues and the changes in the Education System.
Our school’s previous Aboriginal Student Support Parent Awareness Committees
(ASSPA) have dispersed funds received to help indigenous students attend camps, swimming lessons and sporting events, and provided the support of Teacher-aides. The oval mural wall painted in 1997 was funded through ASSPA and Ipswich City Council. The Committees also strived to promote indigenous culture through the donation of paintings, books and artifacts to the school.

Our Parent Liaison Officer, Mrs. Wendy Sinclair, was employed in 1999 to foster closer links between school and community. The numerous funding submissions that have been successfully applied for have provided the school with new shading, playgrounds and other resources e.g. oval and library upgrades. The P.L.O. has been our school’s parent representative at ‘Ipswich Cluster of School’ meetings, and has assisted A.S.S.P.A. and P & C Committees in carrying out their duties and activities.

Be it arranging social functions, fundraising for school resources, operating the Tuckshop, volunteering for reading groups and classroom rosters, sports coaching, band and choir rehearsals and performances, parents and local community members have shown a vested interest in Ipswich North State School.

Visitors to the school have included; Ministers and teachers of Religion, Bike/ Road Safety Instructors, the Life Education Van, Recorder, Marching and Instrumental Bands, Military Personnel, National Servicemen Association (especially on ANZAC Days), Members of Parliament, Mayors and Ipswich City Councillors, Adopt-a-Cops, Emergency Services, Administrators and Support Staff from Education Queensland, Kidpower Organisers, representatives from Nerima, Japan (Ipswich’s Sister City), sporting identities, authors and illustrators, artists, T.V. personalities, our families and interested community members.

Pride in our school is still very evident in the students, teachers, staff and community of Ipswich North State School.

Compiled and researched by Wendy Sinclair 2009
(The 125th Anniversary Book was used as a major source reference, as well as the historic documents kept at the school, photographs and gathered documentation and my own recollections from 1995 onwards…)