14 October 2016

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents & Caregivers,

Welcome to Term 4

Welcome back to all of our returning families and a special welcome to our new students and families that have started with us in term 4.

I trust that everyone had a safe, healthy and relaxing spring break. It was nice to walk the campus this week to see that we don’t have a multitude of cuts, bruises, broken bones and slings. As educators we tend to see this a lot after a school break.

Term 4 is an incredibly busy term so please keep an eye on our calendars, read emails and newsletters and watch out on the school e-sign for upcoming events.

Your classroom teacher is always the first port of call for information but if you have any further questions or concerns please feel free to contact our school office on (07) 5519 5300

Personal News

On the last day of Term 3, my wife and I welcomed our second child into the world. Elka Neve was born a healthy and happy baby girl and has settled in well with big brother Knox. I would like to thank the entire Coomera Springs community for the love and well wishes we have received.

Class Request for 2017

Yes it is that time of the year when our teachers begin the long process of organising class structures and lists for 2017.

Over the last few years we have changed our process slightly in that we have made our class lists available in the final few days of Term 4. This will again occur in 2016. It’s very important to understand that our structures and class placements are only in DRAFT. Our staffing model is not finalised until the 8th day of the new school year. Before this point we work solely on predications, so in turn this means change is always possible.

Each year we offer our parents the opportunity to request friendship placements. You can once again do this and send them through to me on thale22@eq.edu.au or alternatively you can hand deliver a letter to the office addressed to Taylor Haley.

Also, please remember that the requests are only for friendship groupings and you cannot request a particular teacher. Teacher requests are not considered in this process.

Parent requests will close on Friday 4th November.

Are You Leaving Us at the end of 2016

We are such a transient population on the Gold Coast and we may have families that may be leaving us. So if you know that you are not returning to Coomera Springs State School in 2017, could you please let the school office know (this does not include our Year 6 students transitioning to high school).

Staffing Update for Term 4

We welcome Mr Dave Hartley back to our school after spending Term 3 at Coombabah as Acting Principal. Mr Hartley’s return to Deputy Principal means that Mr Ben Morris returns to his Year 2 class. We thank Mr Morris for his time in his admin and trust that his students are excited with his return to class.

The state wide transfer process is also underway for Education Queensland schools and as we sit at the moment we will be saying farewell to Mr Tim Gall. Mr Gall will be making a move to Moggill State School in Brisbane. I would like to thank Mr Gall for his service, passion and commitment in his time at Coomera Springs. Mr Gall will be an enormous loss to our staffing family.

Kind Regards
Taylor Haley/Acting Principal

News from our Deputies

Years 4-6 Expectations

Firstly, thankyou to all the parents that have wished me a warm welcome back to Coomera Springs after returning from Coombabah State School as Acting Principal in Term Three. It feels great to be working with such a great team again and reconnecting with our students and staff. Term Four is a time where we expect our students to start ‘stepping up’. On assembly this week, I have addressed the Year Four, Five and Six students about the need for them to demonstrate an increase in their work ethic and quality of work and behaviour. Our students are on board with this and they are now getting used to me calling them Year Five, Six and Seven!

Social Media and Children

With this week’s focus on cyber-safety, please be aware that social media has been addressed at the senior assembly this week. We believe that parents need to be aware of the apps that are on their child’s device and how they are being used. These apps also have a large impact on peer-groups and friendships that exist within our school setting. As outlined below, most of our students are not of legal age to even have a social media account. Like you, we want to keep our students safe, whilst also teaching them appropriate usage of information and communication technologies.

Please also refer to the support guidelines that have been published on the Australian Government’s e-safety website.

Facebook: Facebook is available to people over the age of 13. Facebook will not create an account for a person who lists their age as under 13.

Instagram: You must be at least 13 years old to use the Service.

Musical.ly: Musical.ly is intended for people over the age of 13, based on the following content warning: Infrequent/mild profanity or crude humour

• Infrequent/mild sexual content and nudity
• Infrequent/mild mature/suggestive themes
• Infrequent/mild cartoon or fantasy violence
• Infrequent/mild alcohol, tobacco, or drug use or references

Other important information to be aware about when using Music.ly includes:

• users (aka Musers) can search for other users near their own location/city
• muser-generated videos can be viewed and shared on other social media and messaging apps. This means, you may lose control of who sees your video
• musers can comment on other muser’s videos.

Kik Messenger: Kik is available to people over the age of 13. However, if you are between the ages of 13-18 years old, you may only use the site if your parent or guardian consents to the Terms of Service on your behalf.

Snapchat: Snapchat is intended for people who are at least 13 years old. Persons under the age of 13 are prohibited from creating Snapchat accounts. For certain features or functionality offered, users must be at least 18 years old.

As a school, we will do all we can to keep our students safe and teach cyber-safety behaviours. We also continue to teach social skills and behaviours that promote positive friendships and interactions. Please monitor your child’s usage of their device and refer to the above link for any parental support or guidance relating to cyber-safety.

2017 Year 1 and 4 Ipad Classes

We have had a great response by families who have children entering Years 1 & 4 in 2017 accessing the iPad purchasing portal.

If you would like another copy of the EOI please make contact with Mr Gegić on egegi1@eq.edu.au.

The purchasing portal is still open and ready for orders. There are multiple payment options, including a 6 months interest free selection. Please select the following link to access the portal.

Year 3 Sleepover

Lots of preparation has been going on at school in relation to the Year 3 Sleepover that is planned for Friday, 14 October 2016. Our students and teachers are excitedly anticipating the 1-night sleepover at the school campus and it is hoped our students and teachers have an enriching experience and amazing time spent together.

This is the first experience for children spending a night away with school mates and is an important introduction to overnight excursions/ camps. This event helps to prepare students for future excursions/camps, and teaches them about ‘Organisation’ and ‘Getting Along’. It also engages them in teamwork and problem solving games and tasks.

Prep Enrolments 2017

Prep Enrolments for 2017 are now open! The sooner you are able to enrol any younger siblings, the sooner we are able to plan our classes, teachers and learning programs for 2017. Enrolment packs are available from the office! Please see below for some important dates for those students who have been accepted, and for those future in catchment enrolments.

Coomera Springs State School takes great pride in our programs and learning opportunities, and we have many wonderful teachers who are dedicated to providing a supportive and productive learning environment for all of our students.

Prep 2017 Calendar of Events

• Prep enrolment interviews: Nov 7—Nov 18 (Week 6-7)
• Parent information sessions:
  *Wednesday 9th Nov @ 5:00pm (Children are not required to attend)
  *Wednesday 16th Nov @ 9:00am (Children are not required to attend)
• Future Springers Sausage Sizzle: Thursday 24th Nov @ 3:30pm
• Orientation Days: Monday 28th Nov —Friday 2nd Dec (Week 9)

Music Centre of Excellence 2017

We are very excited to announce that there will be another Music Centre of Excellence Class going in to Year 3 next year! There will be a parent information session in Week 4 of this term for the parents of our current Year 2 cohort. During the session you will hear all about the benefits of Music Education, the particulars of our program here at CSSS, and some examples of learning opportunities experienced by the COE class from 2016.

The date will be published closer to the time, parents of our current Year 2 students are encouraged to come along and hear about this exciting program!

The COE will be designed to support and complement the school’s academic programs to increase student achievement across all curriculum areas. The benefits to children who study music are widely known and supported by research. The following is a summary of points from the “Music to Our Ears” report, which is a joint initiative of the Music Council of Australia website link:

a. Learning music develops and improves learning abilities.
b. Learning music improves auditory skills.
c. Learning music enhances early childhood development of the brain.
d. Learning music can enhance non-musical abilities.
e. Learning music improves test scores in key academic subjects.
f. Learning music helps under-achieving students catch up

Booklists 2017

We are in the final stages of the process for organising our booklists for 2017. Details will be published very soon, so you can begin getting organised for 2017!!

Dave Hartley/Elvis Gegić/Acting Deputy Gabby Raffin

News from our Hoses

SEP High School Transition

This term our SEP team will be working with the local high schools and our Year 6 students on transition programs.

Students attending Pimpama High School the transition days, times and an outline of the activity are listed below.

Week 4 - Tuesday 25th October 9:00-10:15am Getting to know you
Week 5 - Tuesday 1st November 10:10-11:20am Scavenger Hunt: Map activity
Week 6 - Tuesday 8th November 9:00-11:15am My PSSC Passport
Week 7 - Tuesday 15th November 9:00-10:15am Art activity
Week 8 - Tuesday 22nd November 10:10-11:20am Using computers and laptops
Week 9 - Tuesday 29th November 9:00-10:10am Timetables Tournament
Week 10 - Whole School Transition Day

Students Attending Ormeau Woods High School the transition days and times are listed below:

Week 2 - Thursday 13th October 8:45-10:45am
Week 3 - Thursday 20th October 8:45-10:45am
Week 4 - Thursday 27th October 8:45-10:45am
Week 5 - Thursday 3rd November 8:45-10:45am

Attendance on all days at nominated school is required.

SEP Cooking

Last term our students enjoyed participating in the community access and cooking program.

They worked together as a team to bake delicious chocolate chip cookies as well as fantastic fried rice.

This week they have decided to make scones topped with jam and cream as well as pikelets.

News from our Guidance Officer

Talking to your child about alcohol and drugs - Tips for parents

When it comes to talking about alcohol and drugs young people will appreciate your advice and look to you for your views, but they will expect you to be informed, up front and honest, and, if you show you are listening to them, they are more likely to listen to you.

Here are 10 ways to encourage young people to talk with you about issues such as drugs and alcohol.

Be part of their lives

Make sure that you make time for your children. Take an interest in their interests and establish a routine for doing things together. Don’t be afraid to ask where your teenagers are going and who they will be with. Spending time together as a family is important. For example, try to talk and eat together at least once a day and find other opportunities to enjoy time together as a family.

Listen to them

By showing a willingness to listen will help your children to feel more comfortable about listening to you. Ask for their input about family decisions to demonstrate that you value their opinions. Try not to interrupt or react in a way that will stop further discussion. Encourage them to feel comfortable about telling you their problems.

Be a role model

When it comes to substances, there is no such thing as “Do as I say, not as I do”. If you take illicit drugs or drink to excess, you can’t expect your child to take your advice. Don’t underestimate the influence your behaviour can have on your children, particularly any use of tobacco or misuse of alcohol and medications.

Be honest

It is important to be informed but don’t pretend to know everything. Be prepared to say “I don’t know but I will try and find out”. Be honest and clear about where you stand so that your children will find it easier to be honest with you.

Pick your moment

Choose the right time to discuss the topic by looking for natural opportunities as they arise. This might be watching TV, when talking about someone at school, or in response to something that the media has targeted in regards to substance abuse.

Be calm

Being calm and rational is also important and don’t overreact. You should keep the lines of communication open and don’t ridicule or lecture. Remember that getting angry will just close the door on further discussion.

Avoid conflict

It is difficult to solve a problem when there is conflict. Try to see their point of view and encourage them to understand yours. If a confrontation develops, stop the conversation and return to it as soon as both of you are calmer.

Keep on talking

Once you’ve had a discussion, it’s important to have another. Ensure that you are always willing to speak to your children about drugs and start early.

Set clear boundaries

Most young people expect and appreciate some ground rules. Allowing them to take part in setting the rules encourages them to take more responsibility for sticking to them. Once you have rules, enforce them and ensure young people know of the consequences of breaking them. Find and agree to ways young people can act should they find themselves in a situation that exposes them to potential danger. For example, let them know that you will always collect them if they need you to, even if it is late at night. However, make it absolutely clear that you would rather they didn’t put themselves in a situation where they are likely to be exposed to illicit drugs.

Focus on the positive

Reward your children’s good behaviour and emphasise those things they do well. Encourage them to feel good about themselves and let them know that they deserve respect.

Adapted from http://www.drugs.health.gov.au/internet/drugs/publishing.nsf/Content/tips-for-parents

News from our Chaplain

Chappy News

It is the beginning of term 4!! It’s unbelievable how fast this year has flown by! This term will see the Mini Men Shed go into full swing. We will be fixing up things like bikes and old furniture, while also making things that the boys can take home and show off. If there is an old bike or piece of furniture that you don’t want anymore and are happy for the boys to fix up and pass onto someone who would really benefit from it, don’t hesitate to contact me. We are also looking for donations of tools such as old hammers and screw drivers.

Food for thought

So I wasn’t quite sure what to put here. Last term I spoke about the benefits of taking time to switch off and enjoy the people around you. But these holidays I had a bit of an epiphany, and that was how often do we really focus on the relationships we have with others? Whether it be husband/wife, boyfriend/girlfriend, siblings and friends. As human beings we are wired to thrive off human interaction and healthy relationships. So often we neglect our relationships with others because life gets too insane. We often don’t sit and have meaningful relationships purely because we are too focussed on what’s happening in our own lives. We forget that healthy relationships help us more than we realise. It’s better to sit and talk with a friend or loved one about what’s going on for each of you instead of trying to go it alone. It’s purely a case of, as corny as it sounds, “We need each other!”

News from our IT Department

Dear Parents and Carers,

Are you subscribed to our newsletter?

Do you see it off the website, emailed from the school or our Facebook or twitter accounts?

Would you like to get it emailed to you as soon as it is released…?

Please click on the link below to receive it via email as soon as it is released!

Further into the Sign Up process is the option for you to choose your association with the school (e.g. Staff, Parent, and Student)

News from our PE Department

Gala Sports Day

A reminder that the Gala sports day for term 4 is on Tuesday 25th of October.

Sport and venue details are outline below. Please ensure your child has sufficient water, hat AND sunscreen, these are outside sports and therefore children will be in the sun for a large portion of the day.

AFL

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

Netball

Venue: Southport Carrara Netball Association, 166 Benowa Rd
Bring: Wear sports uniform and normal runners, water bottle and packed lunch.
Time: 9.30-2pm

Aquis Gold Coast Titans

Last week during their PE lessons some Prep and Year two classes were visited by the Aquis Gold Coast Titans. The students participated in a rugby league coaching course run by our school representative, Kieren. Students practiced rugby league ball skills and they tested their speed and agility as they attempted to get a try against each other.

We would like to thank Aquis Gold Coast Titans for their involvement with Coomera Springs State School this year. Kieren is our school development officer and has been a regular supporter of our school, you may have seen him at Real Men Read, our 'Hero's Read too' day, and our Under 8s celebration day. The community coaching courses are run with the support of Nucrush Group at Oxenford. Each student that participated received a goodie bag from Nucrush.

News from our Music Department

Footsteps to Fame

Congratulations to the following students who qualified for the Footsteps to Fame Grand Final on Thursday 13th October:

Junior Singing – Monique E, Mackenzie D, Makaylee-Grace D , Makayla D, and Shari E
Junior Mix it Up – Alvin C, Millah J, Sarah F, Grace U, Gracie W, Kirra R
Junior Dance - Havana-Lee T, Mia K, Claudia B, Caillat S, Zoenah B, India T, Sarah W
Senior Singing - Jevahnia T, Mahlee K, Jayde O, Keeley R, Chloe R, Ruby Y, Bronte D, Haylee B
Senior Mix it Up – Jamie C, Maisie W, Xye K, Felix C
Senior Dance – Macey G, Chloe C, Tayla-Jae S, Mia T, Shia C, Neve V, Isabelle D, Faith S

Winners will be announced in the next edition of the newsletter…

Instrumental Music Information Session

An information session for parents and students interested in joining our school Instrumental Music Program in 2017 will be held on WEDNESDAY 2ND NOVEMBER at 3.30pm. We will be recruiting Beginner Strings students from the current Year 2 classes and Beginner Woodwind, Brass and Percussion students from the current Year 3 classes. For further information please contact Mrs Alison Murray on amurr51@eq.edu.au.

News from our Librarian

Dear Parents and Carers,

BOOK FAIR is COMING!!!!

Our annual Book fair will be here before we know it! It is that time of year again when we get to showcase a whole range of Children’s Books in our Library. Viewing times will be announced in the coming weeks…

October 31st-11th November 2016 (Week 5)

Please stay tuned and look for notices on the class windows. Please note, due to Book fair there will be no Book club this term.

Happy Reading,
Sue Marriott.

Upcoming Events

News from our Classrooms and around the School

Year 2

Year 2 Science WALT- Use and learn about forces beginning with push and pull.

Year 3

At the end of last term, Year 3 students designed and created Olympic Mascots for their Design and Technology unit

This term in English, Year 3 students are learning about electronic blogs. Last week they practised creating a blog and commenting on each other’s posts to create discussion.

News from our P&C President

School Fete Friday 21st October

Our fete is fast approaching. We are still in need of donations for the Cent auction, White elephant stall and Cake stall! If you are able to help please see the ladies in the uniform shop or tuckshop.

Showbags and ride bands have been loaded for pre purchase on flexischools. These can also be purchased from the uniform shop or tuckshop.

We have so much entertainment with special appearances from Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol and Pokemon,not to mention a fireworks finale. We hope to see everyone there.

Campout

Thank you to all the parents and students who attended our first school campout. We had such a great time and it was fantastic to see so many new faces amongst the group. The parent obstacle race was the highlight and funniest thing I have seen in a long time.

A special thank you to all the parents, you made the evening run so smoothly by assisting with food preparation, BBQ duties and anything we asked of you. We truly appreciated all the help.

Air Conditioning

We are so excited the first round of air conditiontion was installed over the holidays and the kids are definitely feeling the difference in their classrooms.

P&C Secretary and Next Meeting

We currently have an opening on our executive team for a P&C Vice President and Secretary. If you would like to be involved in the P&C and would some more information please contact the P&C for more information.

Our next P&C meeting will be held on Wednesday 9th November at 6pm in the staffroom, next to the Resource Centre. 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.

Sharon Sharp
P&C President

Community Notices

Upper Coomera Physio

What is UC Physio?

UC Physio offer physiotherapy services including musculoskeletal, paediatric, women’s health (pre & post-natal), neurological, pre and operative rehabilitation and respiratory conditions. We are able to offer a range of exercise programs that improve and maintain physical strength and function.

Sprains & Strains
Aches & Pains
Sports
Children
Pre & Post Pregnancy
Incontinence
Clinical Pilates
Hydrotherapy
Aqua Bump Classes

Where is UC Physio?

Level 1
21 Coomera Grand Drive
Upper Coomera QLD 4209

We are opposite the trade entrance to Masters in the Coomera Grand Complex

Phone: 55 618 111
Fax: 55 618 344
e-mail: admin@ucphysio.physio
PO Box 327
Upper Coomera QLD 4209

General Physiotherapy

Musculoskeletal problems

Spine (Back/Neck)

Shoulders

Poor posture

Sport Injuries

Pre & Post-Operative Rehab

Respiratory

Osteoporosis (vibrodisc)

Women’s Health

A Women’s Health Physiotherapist will help people with pelvic floor issues (eg. Incontinence, prolapsed), pregnancy discomforts (eg back, pelvic, and leg pain), and post pregnancy issues (eg abdominal separation, mastitis and breastfeeding issues).

Kids Physiotherapy

Babies and children often require specialised assessment and treatment that can’t be effectively assessed unless the clinic is specially set up to look at these i.e. developmental delay, movement disorders and neuromuscular conditions.

Workcover, DVA and Third Party

With appropriate referral from your doctor we are able to assess and treat, and report back to your referring doctor.

Clinical Pilates

Clinical Pilates is an excellent way to manage poor posture and ongoing chronic problems. It is especially effective in the hypermobile and post-operative populations. Specific DMA assessment and treatment is also very effective at treating dysautonomia when there is a spinal contribution.

Aquatic Physiotherapy

Aquatic physiotherapy programs can be used for joint pain, gait re-education, strengthening, postural control, fitness and balance. It is suitable for many conditions including muscular dystrophy, arthritis, chronic pain conditions, rehabilitation post injury and post-surgery.

Phone: 07 5561 8111

Gold Coast Health Oral Health (Dental) Services

Please note the Dental Van is no longer at Coomera Springs. To find your nearest van please call 1300 300 850 and to arrange an appointment for your child call:

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

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.

FREE Dyslexia Seminar

Dyslexia is a disorder that involves difficulty in learning to read or interpret words, letters and other symbols. Many people go un-diagnosed and struggle through school and later life. Recent studies show that up to 15% of the population are affected by it.

This Dyslexia Seminar will be 90 minutes of tips, insight and practical knowledge about what dyslexia is and how you can go about remediation.

QLD Seminars will be in: Ayr, Townsville, Bowen, Mackay, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, Gympie, Noosa Heads, Sunshine Coast, Caboolture, Toowoomba, Warwick, and Gold Coast.

Visit the Dyslexia website for more information about the events or to register.

FINA Diving Grand Prix Gold Coast

Diving Australia is pleased to invite your school to attend the FINA Diving Grand Prix Event to be held on the Gold Coast, Australia. The event will be held from 27 - 30 October 2016 at the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre – the Host venue for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Athletes from 6 Countries will be contesting it out on the diving boards. China, Malaysia, USA, Canada, Singapore and Australia will all have athletes attending the event.

Please come along and see the flips and spins from some of the top level divers around the world. The FINA Diving Grand Prix is a free event; however standard spectator charges will apply to enter the Gold Coast Aquatic Centre.

The competition days are Thursday 27 – Sunday 30 October. Competition starts at 10am each day.

If you would like to attend, or for more information please contact Barbi Donnet bdonnet@diving.asn.au.

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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