3 February 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents & Caregivers,

Welcome to 2017

Welcome to Term 1 and the 2017 school year.

A special and very warm welcome to our new families to Coomera Springs. The start of the school year marks much excitement, intertwined with many hours of planning from the entire community to start our year as smoothly as possible.

It’s always a nice feeling to see the smiling faces of new and returning students, the perfectly presented students all dressed in fresh and pressed uniforms ready for an enormous year of growth. In 2017 we currently have 6 Prep classes and day 1 and week 1 was very smooth. Sad faces were kept to a minimum as parents and loved ones dropped off and departed.

Just as pleasing as the start of the year has been, I have loved the stories students and families are sharing with me about their wonderful summer holidays. I know I enjoyed my time immensely with my young family.

The first 8 days of the school year is a very important time for student enrolments. The total number of students we have here at Coomera Springs by this Thursday (8th Day of the year) dictates how many teachers and how many classes we are able to make. It’s imperative that we are completely accurate on the numbers submitted to head office as it can mean the difference of creating one less class and restructuring the groups as well as the loss of a teacher. As I write this email, there is high possibility that we will need to collapse two classes, redistribute students and then create a composite class. More information has been shared with the families of students affected.

Car Park Safety

We have an increasing number of enrolments with many of our families walking, riding or driving to school. This obviously has an impact on the congestion of our car parks. Please remember that we have our little people entering the school grounds and leaving the school grounds with a somewhat basic knowledge of road safety. I ask that all users of our car park follow the clearly marked signs. I ask that NO cars use or stop in the bus lane and that the second lane is used only for a kiss-and-go (2 minute drop off) approach.

We ask that all of our students on bikes, scooters and skateboards enter and leave our grounds via the footpath that runs parallel to the entrance driveway to our school. Can I also ask that parents remind their child about the importance of protective wear and locks for their bike, scooter or skateboard.

A friendly reminder that our local road safety police unit will be out in force over the coming weeks. They will be enforcing speed limits, illegal parking, crossings and general road rules. Thank you again for your help in maintaining the safest road and carpark environment in and around our school as possible.

Love Our School

Once again Coomera Springs will be embracing International Book Giving Day.

International Book Giving Day falls on February 14th, but as most of you would know also Valentine’s Day. With this special day in mind we ask that families donate a new book (primary school appropriate) to our school library. If you could deliver this book to our lovely ladies in the front office that would be fantastic. We will have a special card glued into the front of your donated book or books to recognise your contribution.

Over the last 2 years we have received over 400 books, which are all enjoyed by the budding readers of Coomera Springs. We will keep our community up to date with a running tally and book-o-meter.

All books need to be received by February the 14th.

School Communication

I encourage all of our community to stay connected with all communication that comes from the school. As a school we use many methods to communicate and we work very hard to reduce the use of paper where possible so for the majority the forms of communication are digital (eNewsletter, Teacher Newsletter, Emails, Social Media). We will also be hosting our parent information sessions in coming weeks, so please read the below article from Melissa Gurney (Deputy Principals), detailing the dates and times for each year level.

Kind Regards
Taylor Haley/Acting Principal

News from our Deputies

Daniel Morcombe Foundation Visit

On Wednesday the 15th of February Denise and Bruce Morcombe will be visiting Coomera Springs state school in association with the Daniel Morcombe Foundation Inc. (DMF) which is committed to Keeping Kids Safe. This foundation was established by Bruce and Denise Morcombe in 2005 in honour of their son’s tragic death in 2003. It has two main aims; to educate children on how to stay safe in a physical and online environment and to support young victims of crime. If you would like to have any conversations at home with your children or find out more about the DMF, visit the link below.

In honour of the visit we will be having our Day for Daniel on the 15th of February and ask all families to get involved by donating a gold coin and wearing red . This could include t-shirts, shorts, hats and/or socks. We look forward to getting the whole school community behind the cause!

Rocket to Success

This term, Coomera Springs SS will again be running our exciting Rocket to Success Extension program before school. In this round, we will be working with Year 3 and 5 students to extend Reading Comprehension and Maths problem solving skills. Permission notes have been sent out; please return these ASAP as the program has begun this week. Year 3s are working with Mrs Rooks and Miss Jones on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. Year 5s are working with Mrs Gurney and Mrs Raffin on Wednesday and Friday mornings. All sessions are being held in the Library from 8:00am to 8:40am. We are really excited to see what we can do!

Book packs – Online ordering still available

The online book pack ordering portal is still open for those new families who wish to purchase book packs. Please use the log on below and you will find each year level has a specific list. You can add and delete items from the list as you see fit.

Kookaburra Educational Resources will be supplying our Student Packs for the 2017 School Year. You will find that their prices are extremely competitive, with most stationery items being under the recommended retail price.

Parent Information Nights

In weeks 3 and 4 of this term, Coomera Springs will be holding Parent Information Nights. The sessions offer information around curriculum, units of work and events that occur throughout the year in your child’s respective year level. Lead by the teachers of each year level, this is a great opportunity for families to ask questions and meet the teachers. Your child’s classroom teacher may give you more information in the next coming weeks.

The schedule and locations for parent information nights is as follows:

Week 3 Tuesday 7th February Prep @ 4:00pm (Prep C classroom)
Week 4 Monday 13th February Year 5 @ 3:30pm (upstairs H block)
Year 6 @ 4:15pm (6C classroom)
Year 4 @ 4:30pm (G Block)
Tuesday 14th February Year 1 @ 3:30pm (1D classroom)
Wednesday 15th February Year 2 @ 4:00pm (2C classroom)
Thursday 16th February Year 3 @ 4:00pm (3A classroom)

If you have any questions leading up to the events please contact your classroom teacher.

2017 Student iPad Program

Coomera Springs State School 1:1 Student iPad Program is an exciting opportunity for students to become involved with in Year 1 to 5. The Coomera Springs 1:1 Student iPad program in 2017 is a 1:1 student model, rather than a 1:1 class model. This means the program supports and differentiates students participating in the 1:1 Student iPad Program in the class they are situated in.

In our Year 2 cohort for example, we have 4 classes which all contain students participating in the 1:1 student iPad program and 2 classes that have no students participating in the 1:1 student iPad program. All students are learning from the same curriculum, the Australian Curriculum, however at times the learning experiences they engage in may vary based upon the learning tools they utilise. While some students may be creating ebooks while exploring narratives, other may be creating a non-digital narrative interactive poster. All students benefit from our excellent teaching staff, and a blended learning environment is yet another way students are catered for at Coomera Springs State School.

The complexity of a growing school, parent requests and departmental requirements, as well as maximising student participation in the 1:1 Student iPad program, makes class composition a very complex task. We have adopted this model to enable the flexibility to ensure classes don’t remain unchanged year after year, reducing the social opportunities of our students. We thank you for your cooperation in this matter and look forward to the wonderful outcomes from blended teaching spaces.

Student Leadership Induction Ceremony Date Saver

Our Year 4-6 classes have been in the process of the important business of selecting their Class Representatives. Class Representatives have an important role at Coomera Springs State School; they are the student voice that communicates through the Student Council.

Both Student councillors, Sports Leaders and our 4 School Leaders will be presented with their badges of office and recognised for their achievement in a Student Leadership Induction Ceremony which will take place on the 9th February at 1:30pm in the school Hall.

Acting Deputy Gabby Raffin/Acting Deputy Ben Morris/Acting Deputy Mel Gurney

News from our Hoses

A very warm welcome back to school to all our families for the commencement of Term 1 2017, We hope you have had a restful break and are ready for another fabulous year.

Our SEP team for 2017 is as follows

Prep, Grade 1 and Grade 2- Mrs Connie McLean
Grade 3 and Grade 4- Mrs Sandra Button
Grade 5 and Grade 6- Mrs Linda Miranda

With the support of our SEP teachers and teacher aides, our students have been settling into their new class routines and getting to know their new classmates. It has been wonderful to see the smiling faces of our students and hearing all about their holiday adventures.

I am looking forward to working with our wonderful students and their families of Coomera Springs State School again.

Stepping Stones Triple P Program

Stepping Stones Triple P is a specially tailored program for parents of children with a disability and autism aged 2 to 12 years. It is part of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, one of the world’s most effective parenting programs.

Stepping Stones gives parents the skills to raise happy, confident children and build stronger family relationships. It also helps parents manage problem behaviour and developmental issues common in children with disabilities.

The following FREE Stepping Stones Triple P programs have been scheduled through the Robina Disability Service Centre:

Group Stepping Stones (Intensive 2 Days)

Day: Sat 6 May and Sat 20 May, 10am – 4:30 pm

Seminars (each seminar focuses on a particular topic)

Seminar 1 - Mon 30 Jan, 10 – 12:30
Seminar 2 - Tues 28 March, 10am – 12:30
Seminar 3 - Date to be advised

More workshops to come in 2017; please contact Kim Atkinson or Rowena Woolley on Ph: 5656 5800 or go to the link below.

Connie McClean

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

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.

Students are encouraged to bring a water bottle to their PE lessons to ensure they stay hydrated throughout the day.

Students are also reminded to bring their hat to school every day.

Years 4, 5 and 6 Gala Sports Days

In 2017, all Coomera Springs State School children in grades 4, 5 and 6 have been invited and are strongly encouraged to join in the Gala Sports Days against Park Lake State School and Highland Reserve State School. These Gala sports days will occur over all four terms this year. The first Gala Sports day will be held on Tuesday 28th February. Permission and medical forms were emailed to students earlier this week. Please ensure you return the forms to class teachers, and follow the payment options by the due date.

Gold Coast Suns Family Day

Gold Coast SUNS Family Day

Come down and join the Gold Coast SUNS players to
Celebrate everything AFL

Where: Metricon Stadium, Nerang Broadbeach Rd Carrara
When: Saturday 11th February from 8:00am to 12:30pm
Cost: FREE

Your local Junior AFL club is Coomera Magpies JAFC - sign up on the day or at Coomera Sports Park, Beattie Road, Coomera on Sunday 12th February from 8:00am – 1:00pm

For more information on Coomera JAFC AFL Auskick or Junior AFL please contact:

Phil Littlejohn on 0457837620 or at president@coomeramagpiesafc.com
To register for Auskick please go to www.aflauskick.com.au.

News from our Music Department

Music Staff

We have a new Classroom Music Teacher, Ms Lisa Muir-Wood (the students call her Miss M). Miss M will be teaching Classroom Music to the Year 2 - 5 classes (Monday to Thursday). Mrs Murray will teach Prep, Year 1, Year 6 and the COE Music classes, and coordinate the Instrumental Music Program (Monday to Friday).

Instrumental Music News

Instrumental Music (Band and Strings) Programs are now underway for 2017, and off to a fantastic start! The Strings Beginners in Year 3 have just completed a 3 day “Quick Start Program”, and beginner and continuing Strings students have taken home all necessary paperwork this week to commence timetabled classes in Week 3. Band beginners and continuing students received their forms in Week 1, and have met with Mrs Russell this week. Timetabled Band lessons also begin in Week 3. Please return your contracts and SRS payment forms promptly and make the necessary arrangements for payment of your Instrumental Music Levies. This year our Strings Teacher (Mrs Trish Favaloro) is at CSSS on Mondays and Thursdays, and our Band Teacher (Mrs Alana Russell) is at CSSS on Wednesdays. Please check your timetables for lesson and rehearsal times.

School Musical 2017 – KIDS AT SEA!

We are very excited to announce our CSSS School Musical for 2017 – Kids at Sea (Sindbad sails again)! Students in Years 3 to 6 are able to audition for roles in the Musical, which will be held at UCSC Hall on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th of September (two night time performances). If your child in Year 3 – 6 would like to audition, they will need to join the Senior Choir for Term 1, as we will be teaching all the audition songs and dances in choir time. We will be holding Sign Ups on Thursday 9th February at Second Break in the Music Room. Auditions will be held towards the end of Term 1, after all interested students have learned the songs and dances as a part of our regular choir rehearsal time (Thursdays at second break).

Music Shirts

Our performing ensembles look amazing in their new Music Shirts. If your child is in Band, Strings or Choir now is the time to order your Music Shirt for 2017 – available from the uniform shop for $28. Music Shirts can also be worn to school on Fridays.

News from our P&C President

Welcome Back

The P&C and Retail Operations staff are all excited to be back for 2017. We have already had a busy start to the year.

Frankie’s Tuckerbox

Our new menu is available for viewing in Flexischools, on the school website or you can collect a hard copy from the ladies at the Tuckerbox. We have some delicious new editions to our summer menu including sweet potato fries and Coconut water.

Our Meal deals are now only available on Flexischools. They are:

Monday: Roast Chicken & Gravy roll, muffin or biscuit, popper or water
Tuesday: Beef Nacho’s, muffin or biscuit, popper or water
Wednesday: Sushi ,muffin or biscuit, popper or water (must be ordered by 12pm Tuesday for Wednesday lunch)

Please also note that due to the large numbers of orders we receive Thursday and Friday Tuckshop orders are only available on line through our flexischools portal. It is easy to set up an account!. Go to www.flexischools.com.au and follow the prompts. If you have any trouble or need some help please see Kylie, Angela or Leanne at Frankies Tuckerbox or you can call Flexischools on 1300 361 769.

Volunteers Needed

Do you have a spare hour 1 or 2 days a week? We are looking for volunteers to help in our uniform shop ,Frankie’s Tuckerbox or our school banking program. If you would like some more information please contact Sharon on coomeraspringspresident@gmail.com. We will be having a volunteers morning tea in the coming weeks so keep an eye out for more information .

Good bye for now

Our next P&C meeting will be held on Wednesday 8th February 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 And
WOMEN’S HEALTH PHYSIOTHERAPY SERVICES

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

Did you know that a Women’s Health Physiotherapist offers assessment, treatment and education for a number of issues within the community?

A Women’s Health Physiotherapist will help people with pelvic floor issues (eg. Incontinence, prolapsed), pregnancy discomforts (eg back, pelvic, and leg pain), Pre & Post op Gynae repair education & pelvic floor retraining, Pregnancy & post-partum exercises Pelvic floor safe exercising, Toileting issues with children – bedwetting, constipation, hesitancy, won’t sit for poo and post pregnancy issues (eg abdominal separation, mastitis and breastfeeding issues). All appointments are conducted in a private treatment room, allowing patients to discuss freely their concerns and symptoms. We are equipped with HICAPS so patients can claim private health insurance whilst at their appointment.

If you are experiencing any of the above, please request your appointment with Nadine when phoning our clinic.

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

Gold Coast Oral Health Services are offering free dental check-ups to children in Prep to Year 6. This service will be provided on-site by the Mobile Dental Clinic.

Hours of operation for this clinic are:

Monday – Wednesday 8.00am – 4.30 pm.

To arrange an appointment for your child telephone:

The Oral Health Client Service Centre
Number: 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.

Further information on public funded oral health services can be accessed via URL:

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