3 March 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Time is certainly ticking away and we are in the home stretch of Term 1. There are still many activities coming up on our school calendar, so please keep reading the newsletters, your emails and keeping an eye on the calendar.

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 March 11th.

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.

Bikes and Scooters

We have an increasing number of students travelling to school on their bikes and scooters. Which is wonderful, as this helps to ease the congestion of traffic before and after school, as well as promoting healthy lifestyle benefits.

Please remember that we have our little people entering into the school grounds and leaving and whilst we continually promote road safety to our students, our motorists also need to take great care.

We ask that all of our students on bikes and scooters enter and leave the school grounds via the footpath that runs parallel to the entrance driveway into our school. The reason for this is that there is no pathway available to our students from the front exit of our school.

Can I also remind parents to ensure that their child is always wearing a safety helmet and to have a lock for their bike and/or scooter.

Gala Sports Day

This week saw our Year 4-6 students participate in the first round of Gala Sports Day. This is where we compete in a selected sport against Park Lake State School and Highland Reserve State School. The weather whilst cooler also brought about a day of rain. However, the rain did not stop the running of the day, nor did it dampen the spirits of our students or their sportsmanship.

I really am proud of the way in which our students conducted themselves and we received multiple compliments from parents of our other schools. Most definitely a proud moment for all.

Superhero Day

You could have easily been confused last week thinking our school had been overrun by a troop of superheros and princesses. But it was all for a good cause in raising funds for Cerebral Palsy. It was great to see so many students getting involved in this wonderful cause and many thanks to our Student Representative Council for organising this.

Teacher Appreciation Award

We are so incredibly lucky at Coomera Springs with the quality and commitment of our staff. We work hard to recognise our wonderful staff in multiple ways and this week at our staff meeting we were able to celebrate the work of Mr Jason Harvey. Mr Harvey is not only committed to his classroom role, but also leads our rowing program and our ‘Come Have a Chat’ Club for boys. Jason received a meal voucher from Junction at Coomera Café. We would like to thank Joanne Henderson and their staff for recognising the wonderful job our teachers do.

Junction at Coomera Café is located at the corner of Days Road and Old Coach Road, Upper Coomera OLD. Telephone (07) 5580 0060.

It’s been great to partner with Junction at Coomera Café to celebrate this work.

Footy Colour Day–Fundraising for Coomera Springs State School

Coomera Springs State School will be holding a ‘Footy Colour Day’ on Friday, 18th March, 2016. Please come to school dressed in the colours of your favourite football/ sporting team. Clothing choices should be appropriate and ‘Sun Safe’ for the day. Remember to bring a gold coin donation. This is to raise funds for a set of football Guernseys for our school AFL team.

Thought for the Week

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

Martine Gill

News from Our Deputy Principals

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

Our week 5 Maths Mentals results are in, and our entire school did a superb job. With a school average of 17.1 and some very notable improvements from last week to this week, we certainly have some stories to celebrate.

Our Year 6 team performed very well this week with a grade average of 18.7, closely followed with the Year 4’s right behind on 18.6.

Keep up the great work Year 6 and Year 4.

Remember to discuss with your child the weekly strategy and potentially use the car drive or the walk home to work on improving your child’s maths computation skills.

Week 7 topics are:

New Autism Hub and Reading Centre Open

The Autism Hub and Reading Centre located in Woolloongabba, Brisbane are now available to provide resources, training and advice to parents and schools state wide. The new Autism Hub will work in collaboration with existing state and non-government services, and a network of regionally based autism coaches, to help improve engagement and academic achievement of students with autism. The Reading Centre will provide specialist reading advice to parents and teachers, including strategies for teaching children with dyslexia.

Autism Hub:

Reading Centre:

Leukaemia Foundation Shave for a Cure at Coomera Springs

Every year at Coomera Springs, our school takes part in the Leukaemia Foundation Shave for a Cure, and this year I would like to draw your attention to the charitable act Miss Hargrave is undertaking.

Today, 34 Australians will be given the devastating news that they have blood cancer, and they’ll turn to the Leukaemia Foundation for help. Miss Hargrave is looking to help support families and continue the urgent search for cures, through this cause.

Getting sponsored to shave your hair is an extraordinary way to help people with leukaemia, lymphoma and myeloma, but she cannot do it alone. Miss Hargrave has been growing her hair for over 10 years and has decided to cut it off to raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation.

If you would like to visit her sponsorship page, please see the following link.

Year 2 are having a Dreamworld incursion

This Monday the 7th of March, the Year 2 students have a wonderful learning opportunity. They will participate in an incursion presented by Dreamworld- Wildlife For Kids.

Dreamworld staff will be providing a presentation at Coomera Springs State School. This presentation aligns with the Year 2 Science Curriculum and provides a hands-on experience with animals and learning. It is sure to be a great learning experience.

Pimpama State Secondary College Reach Program

What an amazing opportunity for our students passionate about the Performing Arts! This program is designed to challenge, develop and extend the technical and performance skills of Year 6 students with a passion for Dance, Drama or Music. Students will be provided with the exciting opportunity to participate in 8 half-day workshops and one full-day workshop at the College’s brand new Performing Arts facilities, conducted by the College’s knowledgeable staff and industry professionals (please see attachment for more details).

Your child will work collaboratively with Pimpama’s Year 7, 8 & 9 Performance Arts Excellence students within their chosen major: Dance, Drama or Music (students cannot participate in both).

Upon completion of the program your child and Pimpama’s Performing Arts Excellence students will be provided with the opportunity to showcase their development in a culminating performance. Dancers will perform on the Gold Coast Arts Centre stage in the annual Dance Ed in the Spotlight performance for all Gold Coast schools and the actors and musicians will perform in an evening performance at a the Black Box Theatre, Gold Coast Institute of TAFE, Coomera Campus.

Helensvale State High Excite Academy

The Helensvale State High EXCITE Academy (Academic advancement in Maths, Science, English, and History) Entrance Exam is just around the corner. To any of our Year Six parents, you may wish to consider this as an option for your child in 2017.

2016 School Photos

Please mark these dates in your diary – the 23rd and 24th of March. Over these two days, all classes will have their photos taken. In the next newsletter, important information will be provided regarding payment options and the online ordering process. In the meantime, class teachers have been given their photo date and time.

Please check in with your class teacher just in case you’d like to come to the school and do any last minute hair checks! I wish my mum came to fix my mullet in 1989…

Superhero Day

On Wednesday the 24th of February, Rebel FM and Coomera Springs joined forces to raise money for the Cerebral Palsy League of Queensland. Ash and Jake from Rebel FM were dared to mow our school oval with push mowers while dressed as superheroes. As usual, the Coomera Springs students provided excellent support and came dressed as superheroes for a gold coin donation. After all the money was counted (thank you Mrs Blom and the Student Representative Council), we raised $859 for Cerebral Palsy. Magnificent effort Team Coomera Springs!

Extra-Curricular Clubs

I know we often talk about how committed our teachers are, but what about this… our list of extra-curricular clubs for 2016 is a mile long! We have a variety of extra-curricular activities available for your child on offer this year.

Depending on your child’s age, some of the activities are:

• Yoga Club,
• Running Club,
• School of Rock,
• Origami,
• Rowing Club and
• Dance Club, just to name a few.

Please ask your child which activity they plan on attending. Thank you again to our dedicated staff – our students are lucky to have you!

Taylor Haley/ Elvis Gegić/Dave Hartley

News from our Head of Special Education Services

The Term is certainly flying by. During the year your child's Classroom Teacher and SEP case manager will work with you to support their learning. Please make contact with your child’s SEP case manager throughout the year to discuss your child’s progress and tell them if there is anything you're concerned about. It's also important to tell them when you are happy and pleased with the support your child is receiving.

Here at Coomera Springs State School the SEP team works with a range of other people to support children’s learning throughout the school year. Other staff who may be involved in your child's education this year include:

• Head of Special Education Services (HOSES);
• Guidance Officer (GO);
• Advisory Visiting Teacher (AVT) - teachers with specialist knowledge and skills who support school staff to assist students with disability to access and participate in the curriculum;
• Registered Nurses;
• Occupational Therapists;
• Physiotherapists; and
• Speech-language Pathologists.

Lisa Partridge

News from our Guidance Officer

Seven traits of mental toughness

In different contexts, one character trait has emerged as a predictor for success. It isn’t social intelligence, good looks, IQ, or physical health. It is “grit,” which the dictionary defines as “mental toughness”. It could be defined as resilience or the ability to “bounce back” after setbacks.

Mental toughness is the “perseverance and passion to achieve long-term goals; having stamina; sticking with your future day in and day out and working hard to make that future a reality; a marathon not a sprint.”

Studies have shown that there is a correlation between mental toughness and self-control. It takes mental toughness and self-discipline to raise kids –they have constant needs. It is difficult to deal with tantrums/ ensure homework is done/ provide healthy food choices (when even you would prefer chocolate bar over an apple)/ monitor TV, computer time/ up and out in the morning (when you would prefer to be sleeping)…… and on it goes.

Seven traits of mentally tough people

1. Look for positives & learn from mistakes
2. Face fears
3. Celebrate successes of others
4. Realize that the only person they can control is them self & do not blame others for their mistakes
5. Limit exposure to outside stimuli (e.g. Facebook, Angry Birds, Krispy Kreme donuts)
6. Accept and embrace change

Mentally tough people embrace change, but they understand that change must first happen in them before it happens through them.

Mahatma Gandhi said it so well.
“You must be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Adapted from Generationnext.com.au

News from our PE Department

Early Years Perceptual Motor Program

In addition to Physical Education specialist lessons for Prep and Year One students each week, they also participate in a Perceptual Motor Program.

The Coomera Springs Perceptual Motor Program includes gross motor skills incorporating travelling and manipulating skills.

The gross motor skills are:

• walking,
• running,
• jumping,
• hopping,
• skipping,
• leaping,
• dodging,
• chasing,
• fleeing,
• balancing,
• catching,
• dribbling,
• kicking,
• striking,
• throwing and volleying.

Each 45 minute lesson includes a warm up that incorporates travelling skills such as running, dodging, fleeing and chasing. There is a focus per lesson with various ways of exploring that skill through circuit rotations. The program has been organised in order of progression of development and difficulty. What makes a skill more difficult than others depends on the use and control of muscle groups and the manipulation of equipment.

Students are really enjoying the variety of activities and challenging themselves with some skills.

News from our Music Department

Music News

WORKSHOP FOR BEGINNER STRINGS STUDENTS

On Tuesday 15th March, Upper Coomera State College will be hosting a Beginner Strings Workshop in their Performing Arts Complex. The workshop will include students from UCSC, Coomera Springs, Coomera Rivers, Coomera, Highland Reserve, Pimpama and Woongoolba State Schools. This day promises to be a very exciting and memorable experience as students learn new techniques and songs under the direction of the Instrumental Music teachers from these schools. The day will conclude with a concert for parents and carers at 2:30pm. All are welcome to attend – your presence would mean a lot to the students and teachers involved.

ALL of our Beginner Strings Students are invited to attend this workshop. Students should have received notes by email from Mrs Favaloro – please return these to the Music room or Office ASAP!!

Gabby Raffin

News from our Librarian

From the IZONE

Dear Parents and Carers,

Last Week the latest Book Club forms were handed out to the students. The closing date for orders is Monday 7th March. This is to give enough time for the orders to come back before the holidays.

Please pay online as this is the easiest way; just follow the directions on the forms, or by cheque which you send to the library. No money is accepted via the library or classroom teachers for this.

There is also a competition the students can enter and win books for their school. Come to the IZONE and read all about it.

Happy Reading!!
Sue Marriott

News from our Classrooms

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

Prep

WALT: Identify the places people live in and belong to, their familiar features and why they are important to people.

WALT: Recognise and write numbers quickly
WALT: Practice our reading stamina during read to someone

Grade 1

P/1 G: WALT creates our own superhero stories. Drawing the beginning, middle and end as our hero defeats the villain!

Grade 2

In Year 2 we have been role modelling dynamic dialogue. This photo is ‘Mum’ telling her son to “Put your iPad away dinner is ready!”

Grade 3

Super Hero Day in Year 3

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!

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.

Each student should have now received a fundraising form. If you haven’t received yours, please contact the school office. 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.

DISCO

Our first disco of the year will be held on Thursday 10th March (Week 7). Please contact Sharon – csssvp@gmail.com if you are able to assist at either disco.

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.

Frankie’s Tuckerbox

One of the lovely ladies from Frankie’s, Super Mum Angela got in to the spirit last Wednesday!

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 flexischools.com.au for further information or to register.

Good bye!

Our next P&C 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

As I will not be nominating for a position at the AGM, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our wonderful community at CSSS for their support and assistance over the last 2 years. I’ve enjoyed all of my time as President of the P&C and will continue to support the goals of the new Executive members.

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 -

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.

Follow us on Facebook:

Follow us on Instagram: #junctionatcoomera

Choose how to add this event to your calendar:

Apple Calendar iPhone, iPad, Mac - Download .ics file

Outlook Desktop Outlook - Download .ics file

Android Calendar Android devices - Download .ics file

Other Calendar Google Calendar, Yahoo, etc. - Download .ics file

Download Event