26 May 2023

Newsletter Articles

2023 Important Dates

The 2023 school calendar is now available to assist with planning the year.

Principal’s Report

May is Domestic Family Violence Prevention Month

This month of May, there is a state-wide focus upon the awareness and prevention of domestic and family violence (DFV) in all its forms. DFV cuts across all geographic areas, income and financial status. We take this opportunity to raise awareness of DFV towards prevention and available supports to assist.

DFV prevention resources

Can you spot the red flags of the DFV video?

Red flags are hard to spot and even harder to escape. From controlling behaviours to something just feeling a bit 'off', the red flags of DFV and coercive control present themselves in different ways for different people. When we can spot the red flags, we can help stop DFV.

Future plans with regards to 1:1 Devices at Coomera Springs

Digital technology has been in use as a teaching and learning tool for over 30 years now. The evolution of the Internet and smart devices has enabled the digital world that we all live in. Teachers and students have been using smart devices to assist with learning for many years and we are now ready to make the next step in 1:1.

We are now at a point where we have plans to expand our 1:1 as universal for all students in Year 3 - 6. This step will provide significant benefits for equity and excellence for all Coomera Springs State School.

We will be continuing to work with our community to identify the considerations as we transition to full 1:1 iPad cohorts.

Pedagogy - benefits and balance

We want our students to learn to read, write and communicate in traditional ways. This is why the 1:1 is delayed until the students are older. Year 3-6 will use both digital technology and traditional learning (pen and paper, face to face communication, mini whiteboards) as a hybrid mix to ensure they have all of the skills for the 21st Century.

Cost - device and price

The selected 1:1 device is the iPad 9th Gen WiFi 64GB. This device is currently available for around $550 for device, cover and screen protector. We continue to have options to secure this through our retail partner. These devices are also widely available in local retail stores and on-line. These devices need to be dedicated and managed through the school system to ensure safety and security for students. More information on this to come.

School network and logistics

We already have a majority of students on 1:1 at the school and have increased bandwidth, systems and technical support well established at the school. The backbone of our system has progressively been upgraded and systems refined ready for this next step.

We continue to engage and consult with our community with regards to this plan. We will have an information session for families early in Term 3.

Every day counts for schooling

On 5th May 2023, the World Health Organisation declared the end of the COVID - 19 pandemic declaration. We now move to consider COVID like any other illness.

As we recover from the pandemic, we now resume our expectations of good school attendance. Our attendance rate has bounced back from the COVID years and we seek for student attendance to be as high as it can be.

The Department of Education has produced the following infographic to reinforce that 'every day counts.'

PCYC is coming to Outside School Hours Care at Coomera Springs SS

We continue to provide more information on the transition to PCYC School Aged Care.

PCYC will be providing outside school hours care at Coomera Springs State School following a department procurement process. The changeover from Camp Australia to PCYC is scheduled for 26 June 2023 coinciding with Vacation Care for the Winter Vacation. Camp Australia will continue to operate these services until that date. We are working with both providers to best ensure a smooth transition for the families of students who require outside school hours care.

Who are PCYC?

PCYC is an acronym referring to Police Citizens Youth Clubs and is well known for its work with young people throughout Queensland.

PCYC is the state's largest provider of Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) and was recognised in 2020 by the Queensland Government as an Institutional Great for commitment to youth development. Whilst PCYC is a large provider with significant system support, PCYC also work to tailor how they work with the school, families and students to build positive partnerships and high-quality learning programs.

PCYC are also able to bring benefits for our students with their relationship with the Queensland Police Service, PCYC Nerang and their Bornhoffen Leadership Centre.

Please refer to the information provided for parents to find out more about PCYC, how to enrol and information sessions.

Active School Travel

We continue to maintain a focus upon Active School Travel this year.

• Fun Fit Friday - Students are able to have their bag tag clipped each Friday for incorporating any amount of active school travel into their trip to school. Once their bag tags are fully clipped, students can write their name and class on the tag and put it into a special prize draw. They will receive a new bag tag
• The next healthy breakfast is scheduled for Friday 16 June 2023 before school
• We have commenced our education programs with 'Bus It' program for Year 5
• Bike Safety program for Year 4
• We continue to work with our families on safe use of pedestrian crossings, safe riding and wearing a properly fitted helmet (to the Australian Standard)
• The use of scooters and bicycles has increased. Please ensure all bikes and scooters have lockable chains. Unfortunately, we have experienced the theft of some items which has been reported to the police

Kokoda Challenge Team Sponsors

A big shout out to our 2023 Kokoda Challenge teams who have been training very hard, preparing for their 18km event in June. This is made possible with the dedication of our team leaders, parents and family and our wonderful team sponsors and shirt sponsor.

We thank and support our 2023 Team Sponsors.

Our Kokoda Challenge teams will be competing in the Brisbane event in a little over a week's time. Best wishes to all of our teams.

Stone Real Estate Coomera

Electrical Contracting Queensland

Kendall Fitness

ASN Coomera

Burling Brown Architects

Our shirts sponsor

Satin Stitch Embroidery

2024 Enrolments

Do you have a child turning 4 by 30 June 2023? These children are eligible for Prep in 2024.

We have now opened Prep enrolments for the 2024 school year.

Choosing a schooling option for your children is an important and big decision. Make an informed choice by coming along for a School Tour to get to know the school first hand.

Principal School Tour
9:30am
Monday 19 June 2023

Keeping up with school information

Our school communicates with our school community in a number of ways. This newsletter is one way. We also have class newsletters going home a couple of times a term. We also have a school Facebook page. Many families find that Facebook is a convenient way to receive updates and information.

Please see the following links to assist with accessing our school Facebook page.

Parents and community members who are not on Facebook may access the Facebook updates via the feed on the school website.

We celebrate our Gala Sports, Kokoda Challenge Teams, Junior Sports and 200m/ 800m in this fortnight's slideshow.

Chris McMillan
Principal

Early Departures

Streamlined procedures for early departures of students

Commencing 29 May, 2023, we have some changed procedures for the Early Departure of students.

We value student attendance and engagement in school. We understand that from time to time, parents need to collect students early for valid reasons such as specialist appointments.

The new process allows for a secure and streamlined student collection process for the early departures of students.

• Parent/Carer checks into Admin to register the early departure for a student
• Parent/Carer then takes the exit slip to the classroom, hands the slip to the class/specialist teacher before collecting the student
• Parent/Carer and student then checks out at Admin to depart the student

Thank you to parents and carers for assisting with this new procedure.

Permission Notes are going online!

Coomera Springs SS will be switching to online consent provision for school excursions and inclusions in 2023. This will save us all from chasing up paper forms, they can be easily lost or destroyed. Scanning and emailing can also be an encumbrance! We will be using the existing function within QParents for permission from Term 4 this year. QParents is the Department of Education’s online parent portal that is available in all Queensland State Schools. Many parents at CSSS are already registered.

In order to facilitate this change, we will need all parents to register for Q Parents as soon as possible. In the next couple of weeks, the school will resend a unique code to all parents which will allow you to register online. Only one parent can register, but once they have registered, it is possible to add another parent.

When you receive the unique code via email, you can click on the link which will take you through the registration process. Please be aware that you will need to provide 100 points of ID through the website to verify your identity. This is necessary as, once registered, you will have access to view and change information about your child and can provide consent for them to attend excursions off campus. For this reason, it’s very important to ensure that only the parents can register. Your identity can also be verified by presenting to the school office with the required identity documents.

What is QParents?

QParents is a user-friendly portal accessible via app or web browser, providing parents with secure online access to information about their child's state schooling.

QParents allows you to access and manage information online about your child.

You can access information about:

• attendance details
• timetables and upcoming events
• report cards and assessments
• invoices and payment history.

Further information is available here:

Watch the QParents overview video

Music Showcase Evening

Pyjama Day

How to Report a Student Absence at Coomera Springs

Just a reminder that all absences must be reported to Administration by any of the following methods:

• Leave a message on the school absence line Ph: 5519 5300 – dial 1
• Email Administration admin@coomeraspringsss.eq.edu.au
• Reply to the SMS message – please state your child’s name and reason for absence

You may also email your child’s class teacher however; Administration must be advised in order for your child’s absence to be recorded with the correct code.

Your assistance in following our absence procedure is greatly appreciated.

News from Head of Inclusion

Do you find yourself repeating instructions to your children over and over again? If you answered YES, see below for some handy strategies that could assist your child with task initiation in the home!

News from our PE Department

News from our Music Department

Choral Fanfare Results

We would like to congratulate our Senior Choir on their performance at the CHORAL FANFARE competition at Pimpama State School on Monday 22nd May. The students performed extremely well under pressure, made great music, represented our school with pride, looked good in their uniforms and demonstrated respectful behaviour throughout the morning. Our Music Teachers, Alison Murray and Sue Eckford, with accompanist Marie Nicholson are also acknowledged for their efforts in preparing this performing group, and we thank Caitlin Summers for her assistance on the day.

Congratulations Senior Choir – SILVER AWARD!

Date Claimer: Music Showcase Evening

The CSSS Music Showcase Evening will be held on Wednesday the 7th of June at 5:30pm in our school hall. This will be a very exciting evening of music and entertainment. All of our Instrumental Music Ensembles (Band and Strings) will be performing, as well as our Choirs, Ukulele Band, Drumline and Music Centre of Excellence Classes! This is a great opportunity for parents of potential Instrumental Music and COE students to come along and see what our program has to offer. Our whole school community is invited to come along and enjoy some wonderful entertainment!

Music Shirts – Clearance

The P&C have advised they still have remaining stock of Music Shirts from the old supplier (identical looking shirts) – these are available from the Tuckshop for $21 while stocks last. If your child’s size is not available at the tuckshop you are still able to order online via School Locker’s website

Music shirts can be worn to school as a uniform option on Thursdays this year, and will be required for Choir, Strings, Band, Drumline and Ukulele Band for their performances in Term 2 and 3. Year 4 Music COE Students will also wear their Music Shirts for their excursion at the beginning of June.

Alison Murray
Music Coordinator

News from our Active School Travel Team– Fun Fit Friday!

On Friday of Week 9 (16th June), we will be hosting another Active School Travel healthy breakfast. Students have been working hard to switch up their modes of travel to incorporate some active travel on our ‘Fun Fit Fridays!’ To reward students for their hard work, we will be having our second healthy breakfast. Being an active travel school means; increased concentration in students, healthier children, safer school zones, reduced traffic around school and helping us look after the environment.

Students will receive a raffle ticket and will be able to put this (or their completed bag tag) into the draw to win some awesome prizes.

Where: We will meet at Rosemallow Parklands – on Rosemallow Avenue.
When: Friday 16th June 7:45-8:00AM
Who: All staff, students and families are invited.
What: Students who travel actively to school (walk/wheel) will receive a free breakfast!

The path is approximately 600m and is accessible for prams and strollers with one small street crossing. Parents should consider their own student’s age, maturity and road-sense to determine if they can walk with the large group or another responsible adult or staff member. We recommend very young children to walk with own parents or carers.

Active School Travel encourages the safe use of rideables as well as walking. We welcome students on scooters and bikes as long as they have a well-fitted helmet and good road-sense. Because this will be a large group, we ask that people on rideables keep a safe distance from the pedestrians. Not every student can walk or ride to school due to distance. Students can still participate by walking or wheeling the last part of the journey from a car or bus into school.

Uniform Shop

Click the link below to be taken to The School Locker Website

Tuckshop

Frankie’s Tuckerbox

The Tuckshop is open Monday - Friday and offers a range of healthy choice options. Please click here for the 2023 Tuckshop Menu.

Orders can be placed at the tuckshop between 7.30am and 9am or online via flexischools (We prefer online ordering).

Please use separate bags for each break for each student if ordering at the Tuckshop counter. Please clearly mark the student’s name, class and break on each bag.

Lost or forgotten lunches will be replaced with a jam, vegemite or honey sandwich and a piece of fruit at a cost of $4.00. Payment can be made over the phone by Eftpos or the bill will be sent home with the student so it can be paid next day at the tuckshop.

All counter orders will incur a 20c processing fee.

PHONE ORDERS ARE NO LONGER ACCEPTED

All orders on Thursdays and Fridays can now only be placed through Flexischools. NO BAG ORDERS OVER THE COUNTER WILL BE TAKEN.

For further enquiries please contact:

Coomera Springs State School – Tuckshop
tuckshop@coomeraspringsss.eq.edu.au

School Calendar 2023

School Directory

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Community Notices

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