9 June 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As we head into the final weeks of term we have a variety of activities still to occur, so please keep your eyes on the event calendar.

Behaviour and Uniform

On the past couple of assemblies we have been giving our students some reminders about behaviour expectations and uniform compliance. In particular we have focussed on vandalism and aggressive/physical behaviours. We want our students to feel safe when coming to school, and to know that they have the right to learn in an environment that is free from distraction. We also want our students to respect their environment, including the facilities and resources available to all of us. I believe we are very fortunate at Coomera Springs to have a visually appealing school and clean facilities. It is definitely disappointing when a student makes a decision to destroy or vandalise any aspect of this. Parents it would be great for you to reiterate these messages at home, as those reminders between both of us make a big difference.

We have noticed a few slips in our uniform policy of late. Please remember that students are expected to wear black shoes with their day uniform, and sandshoes only with the sports uniform. As the need for wearing jumpers is now upon us, it is expected that students wear the school jumper available from our uniform shop. Then it’s the small details such as no nail polish, hair neatly styled with the correct colour accessories.

Kokoda Challenge

On Saturday 4th June we had 4 teams of Year 6 students participate in the 15km Kokoda Challenge in Brisbane. It was a cool start to the morning, but as we all took off on this challenge we quickly warmed up. There was a lot of climbing ahead and many steps to take.

Our students all did an amazing job and definitely displayed great mateship, courage and endurance. Plus, it was a wonderful achievement for all of them and something special to remember for a long time.

A very big thank you to Miss Andrews for not only organising this event again this year, but for all of the weeks of training that was made available to our students. Plus a big thank you to Miss McCreedy and Miss Jones who also very generously gave up their time to train our students and take on this challenge with them.

Congratulations to all of the students involved. You all did an incredible job!

Week 9

Next week is an exceptionally busy week for many reasons.

We have our Sports Carnival occurring across three days. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. Come along if you can to cheer for our students.

Wednesday night is our monthly P&C meeting. Thursday night is Disco Night for students and then Friday night is Bingo Night for parents and our wider community. We hope to see all of you at these events.

Communication between School and Home

Across the school we offer a variety of methods of communication ranging from newsletters, emails, phone calls, face to face and social media. At times, there is a need for some of this communication to be about a more negative topic that would normally involve your child. In the past I have always praised our parent community for the positive interactions that we have, including when the topic may be of the more negative kind. Again, for the most part, this is still the case. However, lately we have also experienced an increase in some aggressive communication and reactions towards staff. Whilst I can always appreciate that some news may be difficult to hear, there is always going to be the expectation that everyone is treated with respect and due diligence. One of the biggest impacts we have recently experienced is when we have dealt with a misbehaviour, at times, some students go home and share a different version of the story to the events that have been uncovered at school. We are always happy to talk through these events with parents, maintaining privacy standards of anyone involved, however, that communication needs to be positive and professional. When the school comes to the conclusion that a behaviour infringement has occurred, that decision is based on as many facts as can be gathered and/or ascertained. When you enrol at not only Coomera Springs State School, but any Education Queensland school, one of the forms you sign is the School’s Responsible Behaviour Form. This means that you have read and agree to the policy within the school.

We value our parents as partners in learning and we always operate with the best interests of children at our forefront. So please remember we are always here to support, but the expectation is to keep the communication positive and the standards high.

Reporting Term

Report cards will be emailed home in the final week of term. Please make sure that the office has your correct email address, and if you have any concerns from reading the report card I encourage you to make an appointment with your child’s teacher to talk through this.

Have a wonderful week and see you at the upcoming events!

Kind Regards

Martine Gill

News from our Deputies

Learn about consumer issues, buy smart and earn cash prizes

The Buy Smart competition encourages young people to create new ways to communicate the challenges, opportunities and pitfalls of purchasing in today’s complex marketplace.

You could be in the running for over $15,000 in cash prizes.

Competition closes 15 September. Enter individually or as a team.

Visit the Buy Smart competition website (link below) to find out more.

Triple P Parenting Sessions

The school will be hosting three sessions in the school library in term 3, we would like to personally invite some parents as well as open it up to the entire community. Triple P is one of the most effective evidence-based parenting programs in the world, backed up by more than 30 years of ongoing research. Triple P gives parents simple and practical strategies to help them build strong, healthy relationships confidently manage their children’s behavior and prevent problems developing.

Stay tuned to the school and class newsletter for more information about where, when and what time.

Attendance

As we approach the heart of “flu season” we would just like to remind everyone about the importance of being at school every day! Of course, if your child is ill, it best for them to stay home and recover! Minimising other absences though, is the best thing for your child’s learning. Please have a look at the infographic for the long term effects of missing days of school and some great tips for improving attendance. Sometimes we don’t realise how the days can add up! Our school target for attendance is to have each child attend 95% of school days throughout the year. This means that they will have less than 10 days off across the year. It would be fantastic is we can achieve this goal for 2017!

Report Cards

Our reporting period is now in full swing with only a couple of weeks to go until the end of Semester One! Report Cards will be emailed home at the end of Week 10. If you need a hard copy, you can request one from the school office – or print one at home!

School Photos

Due to editing complications in the development process associated with our school, the production and orders have been delayed. Rest assured they are currently in production and all families with orders will see their photos at the first available date. While unfortunate, the necessary delay will ultimately result in a better end product for our school.

1:1 Information Sessions- Interested in 1:1 student iPad Program???

We are nearing that time of the year when our Prep and Year 3 parents have the opportunity to express interest in their child/ren being part of the 1:1 student iPad program in 2018. Year 1 and Year 4 are entry points for our students to purchase devices (via CompNow parent portal) and become part of the 1:1 Student iPad program at Coomera Springs State School. Our Preps have their first opportunity to be part of the program and our Year 3s the opportunity to become part of the 1:1 model that exists in the other year levels.

Early in Term 3, Coomera Springs State School will host a parent information session which outlines why we offer this opportunity, what the program involves, requirements of the program and also offer a glimpse into how our students engage with their devices in the classroom. The information session is the time to gain greater insight into the program and to have your queries answered. The date and time of the information session will be advertised in coming newsletters and invitations also emailed out.

Gabby Raffin/Taylor Haley/Ben Morris

News from our HoSES

Morning Activity Zone is Open.

Don’t forget Activity Zone in the SEP building is now open before school from 8:10am to help support our students in the following areas:

• Morning transitions into classroom to begin the school day
• Fine motor – students will have access to various activities to strengthen and develop their drawing, colouring, writing and cutting skills.
• Reading- Students will have the opportunity to read to an adult. They can read their home reader or choose a book from the book corner.

Activity Zone will be supervised by our wonderful Teacher Aides and will be open from 8:10am.

If your child is in the SEP and you would like for your child to access Morning Activity Zone please either contact their case manager or myself cmcle38@eq.edu.au

Transition to High School

It’s that time of year when again, when the parents of Year 6 students are thinking about the transition to High School.

Eligible children are entitled to enrol at their closest appropriate state school. Some secondary state schools may have reached enrolment capacity and have an enrolment management plan in place. This means students may not be entitled to enrol unless they live within the local catchment area, or, for students from outside the local catchment area, have met eligibility criteria contained in the plan.

It may be helpful to talk to other parents who have children at the school you are considering for your child.

When choosing a school, consider your child's particular needs along with the support available at the school. It may be useful to write a list of questions about schooling to help guide your discussions with school staff, other parents and community agencies.

After checking the school's website and reading the school's prospectus and any other relevant documents, you might like to ask about:

• supports available for students with disability
• the size of the school and class sizes
• specialist staff available to help your child
• technologies available to help your child
• physical access around the school
• parent support groups
• when and how to enrol
• school hours
• uniform policy
• fees and levies
• assessment and reporting procedures
• homework and assignment expectations
• available resources e.g. library, internet, computers, specialised technology
• communication between home and school
• religious instruction and chaplaincy program
• amenities, e.g. tuckshop, out of school-hours care
• student participation, such as school councils
• Parental involvement e.g. parents and citizens' associations, volunteering.

Copies of the school's Responsible Behaviour Plan for Students, newsletters, prospectus and the annual report will give you further information about the school and its activities.

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 Library

Hi Everyone,

Book Club is now closed. All orders have been processed and we are waiting on delivery.

We will advise students when their orders have arrived at school.

Happy Reading!!

Sue Marriott.

News from our PE Department

Broadwater District Cross Country

Our students did a wonderful job at the Cross Country Carnival last Thursday.

Congratulations to our students who qualified to compete.

We had some fantastic results:

10yr Girls – Zarlee R 14th
10yr Boys – Jordee B 2nd
11yr Girls – Caoimhe G 5th
12yr Girls – Kamylie L 1st

These four students qualified for the South Coast Carnival on Tuesday June 6th at Runaway Bay.

We wish them Good Luck!

Naidoc Titans Event

Sarah Hodder

News from our Music Department

School Musical Update - KIDS AT SEA 2017!

Musical Cast Shirts are now available for purchase from the School Office at a cost of $20 – all orders MUST be received by Wednesday 14th of June. Musical Cast Shirts may be worn to school every day in Term 3, and on PE days in Term 4.

The Kids at Sea Poster Design Competition (Year 3 – 6) and Colouring Competition (Prep – Year 2) closes next Friday, 16th of June. We are looking forward to seeing the amazing artwork of our students! Winners will be announced on assembly after the holidays, and will receive a small prize pack, plus the honour and glory of having their artwork featured on Posters, Tickets or Programs for the Musical!

Date Claimer – MUSIC SHOWCASE EVENING

Following the success of our Inaugural Music Showcase Evening last year, I am pleased to advise that this year’s event will be held on Thursday the 27th of July at 5:30pm in our hall. This will be a very exciting evening of music and entertainment. All of our Instrumental Music ensembles will be performing, as well as our Junior Choir, Ukulele Band, Music Centre of Excellence Classes and some of our talented Teachers! This is a great opportunity for parents of potential Instrumental Music students to come along and see what the program has to offer. Our whole school community is invited to come along and enjoy some wonderful entertainment.

Music Shirts

Our performing ensembles look amazing in their Music Shirts. If your child is in Band, Strings, Ukulele Band or Choir now is the time to order your Music Shirt for 2017 – available from the uniform shop for $28.

Music Shirts can be worn to school on Fridays in 2017.

Prep parents please be advised that the Music Shirts are only available from Size 6 upwards (it is not possible to make the shirt in a smaller size as the process would alter our design). Prep students in the Junior Choir should purchase a Size 6 shirt and wear it tucked into their formal bottom half.

Alison Murray
Music Coordinator

News from our P&C President

Bingo Night!

Our first Bingo night for the year is being held on Friday 16th June.

We have 2 Jackpots up for grabs $1000 and $500 as well as heaps of cash and prizes. Prebooked tables of 8 get a free nibbles platter. BYO alocoholic drinks. There will be food and softdrinks available for purchase.

Tables are selling fast! Places can be booked on Flexischools, at Frankie’s Tuckerbox or contact Sharon on coomeraspringspresident@gmail.com

School Disco – Heavy Metal

Our next school disco is being held on Thursday 15th June between 4.30pm and 6.30pm. The theme is Heavy Metal! Tickets are available at Frankie’s Tuckerbox or on Flexischools.

Volunteers Needed

We are again asking our parent community for anyne who has some spare time to help.

We are needing volunteers to help with:

School Banking (Tuesday mornings)
Frankie’s Tuckerbox ( any time between Mon-Fri)
Frankie’s Fabrics Uniform Shop (Mon, Wed & Fri mornings 8.15 – 9am)

If you can spare some time please contact Renee on csssvp@gmail.com

Good bye for now

Our next P & C Meeting will be held on Wednesday the 14th June 2017 at 6pm in the resource room next to the library.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Sharon Sharp
P&C President

Community Notices

Gold Coast Health Oral Health (Dental) Services

****Please note: The dental van is no longer at CSSS, you will need to phone the Oral Health Client Service Centre # 1300 300 850 to make a time to receive a free dental check-up & any follow up treatment required.

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:

UC Physio

UC Physio offer physiotherapy services including musculoskeletal, paediatric (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), 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.

Level 1, 21 Coomera Grand Drive, Upper Coomera QLD 4209
Phone: 55 618 111 Fax: 55 618 344
Email: admin@ucphysio.physio

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