19 February 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal's Report

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Welcome to the next instalment of our whole school newsletter. I trust that the past fortnight has been a positive one for you all.

Over the past 2 weeks we have been hosting our Parent Information Sessions for each year level. I hope you have had the opportunity to make it along to these sessions to hear about what is ahead for your child this year.

Just a reminder if you do have any concerns at any point during the year concerning your child's learning and/or behaviour, please ensure you direct your first point of contact to the classroom teacher. We also have 3 Deputy Principals looking after the sectors of our school who you can contact to discuss issues.

Prep – 1: Mr Taylor Haley
Yrs 2 – 3: Mr Elvis Gegic
Yrs 4 – 6: Mr Dave Hartley

Thank You for Loving Our School

I cannot say a big enough thank you to our school community for supporting our reading in the 'Love Our School' initiative.

We received near 200 books for our library, meaning that our students will directly benefit from your support.

It is incredibly overwhelming that you support our students, their learning, and our love of reading in this way. So please accept our thanks for this support.

Emergency Management Plan

Every school in Education Queensland operates with an Emergency Management Plan and each term, as a precaution, as well as for practice, we have both a fire drill and lockdown.

Last week we had the first of our fire drill practices for the year (we do one each term). We have moved our location this year for the classrooms situated closer to the oval. Given the spate of threats that are occurring across Queensland schools, we felt it best to practice our drill.

To date we have been fortunate to not have been affected by these threats, however, should this occur, we would (when safe to do so) communicate the events with our community.

Rest assured safety of all remains our highest priority.

Our Wonderful Office Staff

In our last newsletter you met your leadership team. This week I would like to introduce to you our wonderful office ladies.

We have Mrs Robyn Anstey, who is the lady to greet you at the front counter. Robyn deals with hundreds of parents, students and phone calls during any given day. She is an integral part of our team and learns so much about our families.

Mrs Judy Anderson is also at our front counter, but also in our finance office. Judy works tirelessly in organising payments for every single area of our school, and most of you get to see Judy when you come up for a payment. Judy is always keen to help our families and does this with a massive smile every single day.

Mrs Jean Newall is our Business Services Manager. Jean has to oversee a lot of aspects of school life including the school budget, facilities and all of our non-teaching staff. Jean is always running around and always wanting to help people out.

Our office could not function without these wonderful ladies so please remember how big their jobs are and come in with your smile too.

(In order: Judy, Robyn & Jean)

School Council Elections

As an Independent Public School we are required to have a school council, which we have had. However, 2 of our members are no longer able to serve on our school council and this means that we will be required to hold an election to fill these vacancies.

The existing vacancies must be filled by members of our community, meaning parents or members of the wider community.

As a member of the school council you will be required to:

• Be conversant with the School Council Constitution and the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006
• Be familiar with Education Queensland's strategic plan
• Be familiar with the school's strategic plan
• Understand the philosophy and core values on which the school's services and programs are based
• Demonstrate a personal suite of values aligned to realising harmonious and constructive conversations and decision making
• Offer an array of personal capabilities to assist creative and productive discussions and decision making relative to the strategic responsibilities of the school council
• Be able to work cooperatively with other council members to ensure productive and constructive discussion
• Be able to leave aside personal agendas and bias
• Assist in strategic planning and development
• Understand the difference and the delineation between operational, governance and strategic issues
• Liaise with relevant stakeholder groups to effectively represent views and opinions of staff, parent and community bodies
• Engage in shared leadership
• Work with other council members, school personnel and other decision-making bodies, for the benefit and betterment of all students and the community
• Demonstrate ability to follow through on tasks and meet associated timelines
• Attend council meetings as required
• Represent the school council and support decisions made
• Actively promote and portray a positive image of the school council
• Undertake extra activities or duties as requested by the council or the chair
• Approve key strategic documents, as well as reviewing and monitoring school performance
• Develop strategic initiatives that meet the unique needs of the students of the school
• Keep the broad school community involved in the activities of the school council

Areas outside the scope of responsibility for a school council include:

• input on school operations, implementation and the direction of school staff in their work duties
• managing the principal, teachers or staff
• management of day-to-day operations of the school and its curriculum
• operational decisions about the use of teaching or learning resources at the school
• decisions about the individual teaching styles used, or to be used, at the school
• controlling funds
• entering into contracts
• representing external sectional interests
• acquiring, holding, disposing of or dealing with property
• establishing a committee or subcommittee
• fundraising
• Advising on class allocations.

In addition, council members must not make any decision that is contrary to legislation, industrial instruments, directives, delegations, whole-of-government policy or national agreements. They cannot sue other parties or be sued

Should you wish to elect to be a member of the school council please email Martine Gill on mgill35@eq.edu.au by no later than Friday 26th February.

As mentioned we require 2 new members, therefore, dependant on the number of nominations received we may then be required to run an election process. I will await responses from our community and let you know the process from that point.

Superhero Day

Rebel FM are raising money for Cerebral Palsy and have asked Coomera Springs to come to the rescue! Please see the attached poster.

What is Cerebral Palsy?

Cerebral palsy is a physical disability that affects movement and posture. Cerebral palsy is an umbrella term that refers to a group of disorders affecting a person's ability to move. It is due to damage to the developing brain either during pregnancy or shortly after birth. Cerebral palsy affects people in different ways and can affect body movement, muscle control, muscle coordination, muscle tone, reflex, posture and balance. Although cerebral palsy is a permanent life-long condition, some of these signs of cerebral palsy can improve or worsen over time. People who have cerebral palsy may also have visual, learning, hearing, speech, epilepsy and intellectual impairments.

Who: Rebel FM's Ash needs our support to raise money for Cerebral Palsy. Ash will be mowing our oval in a Superman costume with a push mower – not a ride on!

When: Wednesday morning, 24th of February.

Dress: To support Ash from Rebel FM and Cerebral Palsy, students can come to school dressed as their favourite superhero or fairy princess and bring a gold coin donation!

Arrive: Come to school and walk straight to the undercover area at the oval – Ash will be mowing up a storm. Our groundsman, Mr Kev, will put his feet up for the morning and watch with a cool drink in hand.

Thanks Coomera Springs. Our school and REBEL FM appreciate your support!

Thought for the Week

I wish you all another fantastic week ahead and thank you for your continued support.

Kind Regards
Martine Gill

News from Our Deputy Principals

Parent Ready Reader Team

Once again READING is a key focus for our school in 2016. As a school we are always looking at specific ways to improve the student learning outcomes across every single year level. So once again we will be running our Parent Ready Reader squad, and yes it involves YOU!!!!

A major factor in student success at school is the partnership that is formed between both the school and the parents/carers. As a school we are continually looking to expand the opportunities to work with parents/carers to help improve all student outcomes.

This strategy is about building a strong team of parent volunteers across our school, our 'Parent Ready Readers'; as well as sharing with parents the ways in which you can help your child develop as a competent reader at home. So like 2015 we are putting the call out to you to come along and join our 'Parent Ready Readers' group. If you are a parent that can spare 1-2 hours 1 or more days a week and would like to work 1 on 1 with our students, please take this opportunity to come along to our information session on Wednesday the 9th March.

This information session will provide you with some insight into how reading is taught at Coomera Springs State School along with how you can become an integral part of our 'Parent Reading Program' and the success of every child at our school.

Session Information:

• When – Wednesday 9th March – 3:15pm
• Where – iZone Central (Resource Centre)

We hope to see you at this information and sharing session. Remember, books are food for the brain!!

Maths Mentals

This week marks the start of our school wide Maths Mentals Program. We do not include our Prep's as they join the rest of the school at the start of Semester 2.

Mental computation is the most common form of computation used in everyday life. It is used for quick calculations and estimates, but is more than 'mental arithmetic'. Mental computation refers to the process of working out and obtaining exact or approximate answers mentally. When calculating mentally, students select from a range of strategies, depending on the numbers used. As they develop their repertoire of strategies, students select those that are more efficient and effective for them.

Our teachers focus the learning around the strategies used to obtain the answers not just on the final answer.

See below for the focus strategies for each Year level each week.

Senior Shirts

Last week our Year Six students were measured and sized up for their 2016 senior shirts. This year's design includes a similar colour scheme to last year's shirt, however we have opted to highlight the stars of our school logo, instead of the river in the logo that was featured last year. The feedback from the students regarding the design has been very positive and we look forward to receiving all orders and payment by Wednesday 2nd of March.

Student Leader Induction Ceremony

Next Monday 22nd of February at 1:30pm, we will hold our 2016 Student Leader Induction Ceremony in the hall. We are very excited to present our school leaders, sports leaders and student council representatives with their 2016 badges. We proudly invite our school community, especially parents of those students receiving badges, to attend this important event. The list of students elected to higher duties are:

Helensvale State High School Excellence Academy

Helensvale State High will host their Year Seven 2017 information session on Monday evening, 22nd of February. Many of our students apply and are accepted into Helensvale State High's various learning pathways. Please see the attached information flyer and list of key dates.

Upper Coomera State College STEM and Sporting Visit

Students and staff of Upper Coomera State College will visit our Year Five and Six students on Tuesday afternoon, February 23rd at 2:00pm. UCSC's STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) program will be on show, with interactive sessions being presented to our students and their sporting programs will also be demonstrated. Please feel free to attend this event if you are considering sending your child to Upper Coomera State College.

Taylor Haley/ Elvis Gegić/Dave Hartley

News from our Head of Special Education Services

Hello,

We just wanted to share with you all some of the fun that students are having in Activity Zone so far this year. Activity zone is open at 1st and 2nd break every day of the week. Students are able to access a range of play activities including 'home corner', 'book corner', a range of construction activities, arts and crafts, board games, and iPads. Activity zone is always supervised by school staff. Activity zone helps children learn social skills through talking, laughing, playing and mixing with different people.

Lisa Partridge

News from our Chaplain

Chappy's Corner
Thought for the week

I was thinking through what I should talk about for this fortnight's newsletter and it sort of struck me when I was part of a conversation with a student this morning who had used some very colourful words. It then had me thinking, how often is it that we say things that can have a pretty heavy impact without us even realising at the time. Words can be used to build people up, but they can also be used to tear people down. I have found that we can spend the day receiving a lot of kind and encouraging words from people, but as soon as someone says something rude or negative, the rest of all those kind and encouraging words are thrown out the window. It's my challenge this week to be conscious of the words I use and making sure that if I haven't got something nice to say, then don't say it at all. It is something we all need to be reminded of, especially myself.

So, let's make our words count for something good.

Ben Findley

News from our Guidance Officer

Worries and Anxieties: Helping Children to Cope

Children, like adults, have all sorts of strong feelings about what is happening to them. At times, the world can seem frightening or uncertain, which may create fearfulness, worry or anxiety.

Different Types of Anxiety

Fears and Phobias

Very young children often develop fears and phobias. These can be triggered by changes (going to childcare, separating from a parent), or particular things (spiders, snakes, monsters etc). Fears like these are common but with encouragement and support most children learn to overcome their anxiety.

General Anxiety

Some youngsters feel anxious most of the time for no apparent reason – it may be their temperament or may be a pattern of behaviour that is shared by other members of the family.

School-Related Anxiety

School refusal can be caused by anxiety – separating from parents, fear of bullying, problems with friendships, trouble with school work or teachers are worth investigating

Home Related Anxiety

Family problems (money issues, squabbling, separation/divorce), death of a family member or friend, harsh discipline or a traumatic experience eg burglary can be causes of anxiety (as well as depression).

What are the Signs?

• Feeling sick – stomach aches, headaches. Not being able to stomach food.
• Feeling tense, fidgety, needing to go to the toilet often
• Feeling fearful or panicky, breathless, sweaty
• Being irritable, tearful, clingy or having sleeping difficulties

Anxiety can limit a person's experiences in life. It can contribute to lack of confidence, loneliness, health problems and learning difficulties. The emotional effects if not remedied can be long lasting.

What to do

• Talk to your child –show your child that you care and want to understand the reason for their anxiety
• Give comfort, reassurance and practical help with how to cope eg. change thinking to be more positive
• There are children's books to help with upsetting things like divorce, death (ask your guidance officer)
• Prepare your child for changes – talk to them about what might happen and why
• For children with school/ separation anxiety, regular routines and consistency around sleep, and getting ready for school, having breakfast etc will generally improve the outcome
• Be aware of school or family situations that may be creating worries for your child
• Be aware of your own anxiety and protect your child from taking on your woes

If your child is so anxious that they can't cope more specialist help may be needed.

NB: At these times a talk to your school's guidance officer or your doctor will be useful, or you could seek help through child mental health services. Through the medicare benefits scheme access to a psychologist is available.

Adapted from Mental Health and Growing Up, 3rd Edition – Factsheets http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/info/mhgu/index.htm

News from our PE Department

Parents, sporting enthusiasts and Google experts……have a go at our Sports Quiz question of the week!

SPORTS QUIZ QUESTION:

In what year did the Brisbane Broncos join the NRL and name their first Captain????

Healthy fact:

Drinking water is the best way to quench your thirst. Even better, it doesn't come with all the sugar and energy (kilojoules) found in fruit juice drinks, soft drinks, sports drinks and flavored mineral waters.

Drinking water instead of sweetened drinks also prevents dental problems, while the fluoride found in tap water can help strengthen teeth and bones.

CSSS sporting achievements:

REMINDERS:

1. A reminder that the Gala sports day is on Tuesday the 2nd of March.
Information for the day is as follows.

Boys Soccer

Venue: Coomera Playing Fields, Beattie Road, Coomera
Bring: Wear sports uniform and normal runners (No boots), water bottle and packed lunch.
Time: 9.30-2pm

Girls Soccer

Venue: Viney Park, 1 Yaun St, Coomera
Bring: Wear sports uniform and normal runners, water bottle and packed lunch.
Time: 9.30-2pm

2. The Cross country is fast approaching on Thursday the 17th of March…Can't wait to see everyone dressed up in their house colours. Ballun (Blue), Kaban (Green), Tharagum (yellow) and Tugai (red). Just a reminder the bottom car park will be closed from 10:45am to 1:00pm, as children will be running through this as part of the cross country.

3. 'Running and fitness club' will be held on Thursday mornings from 8:00 to 8:30am and is open to all students from grade 4 to 6. The sessions will be run by Mr Fletcher and Mr Gall. The sessions will include training for upcoming events ( 17th March - cross country), fitness circuits, team challenges and of course – games!

I hope all students are enjoying and are appropriately using all the sports equipment that had been put out into classrooms.

ROWING at Coomera Springs

At the end of last year Mrs Hodder and Mr Haley began planning for rowing to be an extra-curricular sport at our school. Our school is part of Sporting Schools which is a Get Active program run by the Australian Sports Commission that supports and encourages schools to provide sporting opportunities to students. It is a very exciting venture for our school community to be involved in as there are no other state primary schools in Australia are offering a rowing program. It's another innovative program that our school is involved in.

Last week classes across the school participated in rowing lessons as part of their PE lesson. Wade from Urban Rowing at West End, bought in 10 ergo machines and combined with our school machines there was enough machines for students to rotate around in to ensure maximum participation and engagement. Students watched as Wade and Mr Gall demonstrated the correct rowing technique, then students were joined in the fun of having a go and then competing against each other. Mr Haley, Mr Hartley, Mrs Raffin and Wade also had a rowing competition on assembly on Monday. Wade had classes from year 1 to year 6 and proved that students of any age and ability are able to row.

Mr Harvey and Mr Gall are running an 'on land' Rowing club before and after school two days a week for years 4 – 6 students.

AFL visit

Each year students at Coomera Springs State School are lucky enough to be visited by AusKick AFL QLD. Last week classes across the school participated in games and skills leading into AFL. On Thursday afternoon Year 6 students were visited by the Gold Coast Suns Players for an intensive skills program and a meet and greet question session.

There is an Auskick Program beginning on our school oval on Tuesday 16th Feb – 22nd March. Parents can complete the forms online or students were given forms last week to take home.

News from our Music Department

Music News

EXTRA CURRICULAR GROUPS

This week, we have commenced our Music Extra Curricular groups! Below is a list of groups and who can attend each one. All of our groups are meeting in the Music Block.

Monday 1st Break: Drumline – Year 5 and Year 6 auditions are happening in week 4
Thursday 1st Break: Junior Choir – Prep to Year 2
Thursday 2nd Break: Senior Choir – Year 3 to Year 6

There is still plenty of room for students to participate in Choir – all are welcome to come along!!

Most of our Extra Curricular groups will have the opportunity to compete at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod later this year. Competing at the Eisteddfod is a great opportunity for development and really boosts our students' confidence!

Rock Band auditions will be commencing in week 4. If your child is a budding vocalist, guitarist or drummer, please encourage them to keep an ear out for audition times.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

Thank you to those families who have been prompt in paying their Music Levy and returning loan forms. We are happy to send school instruments home once we have received the signed loan form. Students can see Mrs Raffin during the week to collect instruments if they have returned their note.

Gabby Raffin

News from our Librarian

LOVE OUR LIBRARY

After a successful Love our school campaign, in which close to 200 books were donated to our library, now is the time to LOVE OUR LIBRARY!

For those who are new to the school, our new Preppies or those who just haven't been in a while, come in, borrow, read and visit our lovely library and Librarian Mrs Marriott.

News from our Classrooms

We love to show you what is going on around our school and in our classrooms.

Grade 2

WALT (We are learning today)

To draw on our prior experiences to write a procedure for making fairy bread.

News from our P&C President

Our goal this year is to focus our fundraising efforts on air-conditioning for our school. The P&C knows this will be a big task and it won't be cheap, but will benefit our entire school community, especially the learning of our students. We will be counting on support from this community to assist us at upcoming fundraising events to make this goal achievable. So join us in creating a cooler learning climate for our children!

DISCO

Our first disco of the year will be held on Thursday 10th March (Week 7). As our school grows, some changes have needed to be made.

Please see below for changes and information for new families to CSSS.

• Times of discos:
  We will now hold 2 discos, one for Junior (Prep – 3) and Senior (Yr 4 - 6)
  The Junior disco will run from 4.00pm – 5.30pm
  The Senior disco will run from 6.00pm – 7.30pm
  Students must only attend the disco for their year level. i.e. Senior students are not allowed to attend the Junior disco and vice versa.
• Safety:
  All students will now need to be signed in and out by a parent/guardian. Signing in and out will occur at the drop off and pick up door (only one door now for both entry and exit point)
• Entry and Exit to the Disco:
  The drop off an pick up point has been moved to the Fire Exit across from the Office and year 1 block (this will be clearly signed for students and families)
• Parents as Volunteers:
  Parents are always welcome to stay at the disco, however, as the saying goes, many hands make light work. We will be asking parents as they enter to assist with the many jobs required to make our discos a safe and enjoyable event. Seating is not provided unless an emergent situation requires it.
• Younger Siblings:
  Siblings not attending CSSS are also welcome to stay, however, will need to stay with a parent at all times and be properly supervised.
• Ticket Cost:
  Tickets cost $10 and include: Entry price includes: 1 hot dog, can of soft drink or water and a glow product
• Purchasing of tickets:
  ALL tickets will only be available through Flexischools until 9am on 8th March. No tickets will be available after this time and no tickets can be purchased at Frankie's Tuckerbox.
• Wristbands:
  Wrist bands will be delivered to the classrooms on the day of the event. Wrist bands must be worn to the disco.

Keep an eye on Facebook and your inbox for the flyer in coming days!

RUN 4 FUN

We are conducting a School Run 4 Fun Program for the students as a major fundraiser for this term so we do ask for your support. The event will take place on 17th March. All monies raised will provide additional resources for the students.

Forms will be sent home early next week. Forms & money will need to be returned to the Uniform shop by Wednesday 9th March.

PLEASE NOTE: The Uniform shop is only open Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings 8:15am – 9:00am.

Frankie's Tuckerbox

From Term 2, we are introducing Flexi Friday. No cash/eftpos orders will be accepted over the counter. If you do not have access to the internet and wish to order, please come to Frankie's and use our facilities available to place your order.

Frankie's is open every day from 7:30am – 2:00pm. Have you seen the menu options available? Watermelon cups are a favourite with the students, and the Staff are raving about the Chicken Caesar Salad. Please find our new Tuckerbox menu on the School website and Facebook.

Uniform Shop

The uniform shop is open every Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 8.15am – 9.00am. We are only able to accept eftpos and credit card payments over the counter and Flexischools orders are preferred.

Please see www.flexischools.com.au for further information or to register.

Good bye for now

Our next meeting and Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on Wednesday 9th March at 6pm in the staffroom, next to the Resource Centre. All positions on the Executive Committee, President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer become available for nomination. If you are interested in joining the P&C we would love to see you there. If you have any questions or would like to assist the P&C in any way, please do not hesitate to contact me at pandcpresident@coomeraspringsss.eq.edu.au

Natalie Cullen
P&C President

Community Notices

Schoolkid Bonus Announcement

Helps with education costs and is automatically paid in January and July.

Schoolkid Bonus is being phased out. The final instalment will be paid in July 2016.

Term 1 Parent to-do List:

• pay school resources fee in instalments
• find out if there is any camps/excursions to pay for this year
• what extra cost do we have to cater for extra curriculums such as sport, music instrument hire, art supplies etc.?
• join the Saver Plus you read about in the school newsletter to save for education cost, as no more school kids bonus after June 2016!!!

Upper Coomera Physio NOW OPEN

General Physiotherapy
Clinical Pilates
Osteoporosis
KIDS Physiotherapy
MASS & CAETI
Aquatic Physiotherapy
AND…
Speech Pathologist - Nicole Swallow

Now Practising at UC Physio kids therapy room– Monday, Tuesday and fortnightly Saturdays

She has extensive experience dealing with speech issues in the pre-school and school aged populations.

Self-referral or medical referrals can be accepted through UC Physio ph: 55618111 (fax 55618344)

Gold Coast Health Oral Health (Dental) Services

Gold Coast Oral Health Services are offering free dental check-ups to children in year 6 at Coomera Springs S.S.

This service will be provided on site by Drover 023. Hours of operation for this clinic are Monday –Friday 8.00am – 4.15 pm

To arrange an appointment for your child telephone:

The Oral Health Client Service Centre
1300 300 850
Monday – Friday 8.00 am – 4.30 pm
Excluding Public Holidays

***PLEASE NOTE: If you are trying to book an appointment and experiencing some difficulties, feel free to come to the van to make the appointment, however, if we are busy with a patient, your details will be taken and contact made as soon as possible.

Child Dental Benefit Schedule Vouchers are accepted. When your child's $1000 cap is reached, there will be no out-of-pocket expenses provided your child meets *eligibility criteria.

* Eligibility – All Queensland resident children aged four years or older who have not completed year 10 of secondary school.

Junction Café

Junction Café is located in Coomera Square shopping centre. We are open for breakfast, lunch and Thursday night for dinner.

Open from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm 7 days
Thursday from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm

Plenty of room for mums to come in with pushchairs and enjoy a coffee while the kids plays at their own little table.

We are looking at hosting small cooking demonstrations on a week day morning with our Chef utilising pantry staples with a few simple chef twists. Afterwards there will be a Q&A with the Chef over a coffee or tea for those that are interested please phone 5580 0060.

Our menu has the good ol' classics for breakfast with some added favourites, like, overnight oats, omelettes, lifestyle choice and the iconic hash stack. This runs all day

Lunch has a street food vibe, which has bagel burgers, soft shell tacos, street wings, Thai salad, BLT and a lot of mouth-watering favourites to offer.

We also offer fresh made to order sandwiches, wraps, Devonshire teas, toasted sandwiches and a few gluten free alternatives, to name a few.

Our Devonshire teas and ham, cheese, tomato toasted sandwiches are on a permanent special at $5.00.

We are a Pay it Forward café. So what does this mean? We collectively pool tips and donations, which are topped up from sales. This is given back to the community by way of tokens. These can be exchanged for a meal or drink for those that are finding it a little tuff.

We also host morning tea and scones for residents of the local aged care facilities with the Pay it Forward programme.

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