24 November 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Welcome to the penultimate whole school newsletter for 2017. We say it every year, but gosh, another year gone so quickly.

I encourage you all to take some time to reflect with your child on the year that they have had and to celebrate the small and big successes in their learning.

It is reporting time again, so this means that all report cards will be emailed home in the final week of school. Once again, if you have made any changes to your email address, can you please let our lovely office ladies know of this and we can ensure your records are updated.

How to Help Your Child Cope with Change

As we start to wind up another school year, this means a season of change is ahead for our students as they begin to prepare to enter into the 2018 school year. For some children, change comes easily and they are filled with excitement for what is ahead. For many of our little people though, change can bring about a lot of stress. I have recently been doing a lot of reading on helping our children cope with stress by focussing on resilience. I would like to share with you some of these readings.

Building Resilience to Cope With Stress

What does resilience look like?

There’s probably not one way to describe what resilience looks like and, of course, no-one is resilient all of the time. There are some characteristics that we might expect to see in a child who is coping well or is resilient. For instance, they might:

• Use positive self-talk for encouragement
• Capably express their feelings and thoughts
• Not hide away from strong feelings
• Have helpful, age-appropriate strategies to manage their emotions if they are upset
• Rearrange their plans to work around an unexpected situation
• Use a trial-and-error approach in their daily life
• Remain hopeful and keep on trying if something doesn’t work out
• Know when to stop trying if they decide the effort is not worthwhile
• Actively ask for help if they need it.

It’s important to note that children can appear resilient on the outside but not actually be resilient. They may have learned to behave in ways that are acceptable to the adults around them. Sometimes, these children can go under the radar in a school or community setting. A child like this might:

• Not openly express their feelings
• Put on a front (even though it’s obvious they are struggling)
• Not fully engage in what’s happening around them
• Not fully connect with other children and adults in their lives
• Tend to give up if things don’t go well in the first instance
• Not appear confident in dealing with situations themselves (but might not make a fuss about it)

Can you build resilience to specifically help kids deal with stress? How might schools and parents achieve this?

Building resilience really comes through the development of social and emotional skills, which include coping skills. These are the same skills that will help children deal with stress, so it follows that building resilience will really help kids deal with stress. When teaching social and emotional skills (such as understanding and managing emotions, getting along with friends, and making good decisions), it can be useful to draw on some of the actual stressors that children are facing in their real worlds. Schools have a range of social and emotional learning initiatives they use to explicitly teach these skills and practise them throughout the school day. This way, they can learn practical skills to use in the real world. It’s also important not to ignore basics like helping children sleep and eat well, as we know these are associated with stress.

School staff and parents can play a really important part in their modelling and approach during stressful times. Children learn (and take cues) from the adults around them, so it’s important for adults to be mindful of how they approach stressful situations and the skills they use to resolve challenges. They can also play an active role in supporting children during stressful times. They can do this by facilitating problem-solving steps to work through situations positively. Over time, these skills can then be developed by the child so they are able to more independently resolve difficulties. Chatting about what happened afterwards can also help to reinforce the learning and remind the child that things can turn out okay even when it’s been a bit stressful. (Article from Kids Matter)

Thank You to Our Volunteers

A school simply cannot function without the help of our many volunteers. We have so many different activities across each week where we are incredibly fortunate to have some wonderful mums, dads and grandparents come in and volunteer their time. We want to say a big thank you to each and every one of you for making our school better. Your time and efforts are greatly appreciated.

2018 Class Lists

We continue our work on class lists and like the last couple of years, we will once again put these lists on display across the final days of school. I will send an email home with the exact dates and times closer to the date. Due to privacy issues, I do remind our community that you cannot take photos of the class lists. Even if a friend has asked for you to get the information for them, you will need to write things down.

If you have a concern about placement, like each year, please email these concerns through to me on mgill35@eq.edu.au

The Final Two Weeks

Even though the school year is coming to an end, we have two full weeks ahead. Here are some of our big celebrations, and we hope you can come and join in:

Nov 29 – Christmas Concerts
9.00am: P-2 Concert
11.15am: 3-6 Concert

Nov 30 – School Disco

Dec 1 – Years 4-6 swimming carnival

Dec 4 – Awards Assemblies
11.20am: Years 4-6
1.35pm: Prep-3

Dec 4 – Year 6 Graduation

Dec 6 – Final Roll Call

Have a wonderful week!

Martine Gill

Are You Leaving Us at the End of 2017?

If you know that you are not returning to Coomera Springs State School in 2018, please let the school office know (this does not include our Year 6 students transitioning to high school).

Award Ceremonies Date Saver

This year’s awards ceremonies will take place on Monday 4th December. This year there will be two separate celebrations, Years Prep- 3 and 4-6.

Years 4-6 Award Ceremony: 11:20am
Years P-3 Award Ceremony: 1:35pm

Final Roll Call

Final roll call is an important event in our school calendar where we officially say farewell and offer best wishes to our Year 6 students transitioning to high school. This year’s final roll call will be on the 6th December at 11:30am in the school hall. Following the ceremony, the Year 6 cohort will take advantage of the occasion for photo opportunities with parents and extended family.

iPad Program 2018, Years 1 and 4

The response to our 2018 iPad program has been immense, thank you to those families from Prep and Year 3 with children going into Year 1 and Year 4 next year. There will be communication in the next few days regarding the pickup of devices for those families that purchased before the 5th November cutoff date.

The purchasing portal has been very busy in processing all of the orders. Please remember that if you have returned the EOI’s you are then required to jump on the link below and purchase. The Pre-Christmas deadline for orders to arrive before the Christmas break has now past. The next important ordering cutoff date is the 14th December 2017. Orders placed between now and the 14th December will be delivered and ready for use Day 1, Term 1, 2018. The portal will remain open after that, however delivery will not be day 1 Term 1. There are multiple payment options provided by CompNow and these are all detailed on the website.

Parents who have already placed orders will be emailed by the school and informed where and when the pickup will take place.

Please note: For parents that have already ordered and not yet done so, please confirm receipt of the sales reference number starting 99XXX as confirmation of your order. If this confirmation email has not been received please contact jon.tapia@compnow.com.au to confirm your order has been placed.

Please select the following link to access the portal.

ATTENDANCE AT COOMERA SPRINGS STATE SCHOOL

Our Goal:

At Coomera Springs State School, our aim is to achieve a minimum attendance rate for every student of 93%. This target of 93% means a minimum of 93% of all school days, regardless of absence notes supplied.

Secondary to that, we would like to see all classes in 2017 and 2018 hit a weekly goal of 93% or more for attendance.

WHAT WE are COMMITTING to do here at Coomera Springs:

1. Track each student’s attendance to ensure they maintain an attendance rate of 93%. Student attendance is monitored closely and regularly by staff.
2. Support – High attendance is celebrated, while students with consistent low attendance, late arrivals or early departures are supported to improve their attendance through implementation of individual/family attendance plans.
3. Celebrate student attendance targets which are met, recognised and celebrated by all.

HOW CAN PARENTS/CARERS HELP ACHIEVE THIS GOAL?

Each student:

• Attends school every day, ready to learn (ready to engage and with all equipment)
• Arrives at school before classes commence at 8.40am or if after 9am, report to the office with a note explaining their lateness
• Never leave during school hours without parent/carer permission

Each parent can:

• Ensure your child attends every day, on time
• Ensure the school is notified if your child is absent from school for any reason via text message or phone
• Track your child’s attendance to ensure they meet the school requirements on 93%
• Ensure, when your child is being collected from school, that the person who collects them is updated on the school’s contact list

PROCEDURES:

Attendance

If students are absent from school at any time, parents/carers should advise the school by 9am and provide a satisfactory explanation for the absence. They can do this by:

• Phoning the Administration office on 5519 5300 and choose option 1
• Reply when a text message is sent
• Send an email to the class teacher
• Write a note for their child to hand to their teacher the next day when they are present

Attendance of enrolled students means:

• Students are required to be at school by 8.50am to ensure they go to class in an adequate time
• Students continually late will be referred to the DP
• Class roles will be marked by staff no later than 9.05am and after the second lunch break

Lateness/Leaving Early

Students who arrive late to school after 9am are required to report to the office. It is expected that students or parents of students who are late will provide an explanation of their lateness. Students/families who continually arrive late to school may be required attend a meeting with DP to discuss the issue.

Holidays during term time

Please provide a written explanation for leave of absence for five or more consecutive days, prior to finalising arrangements. Please be aware that the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) set mandatory hours that students must attend classes in a registered school. Parents should be aware of this when making decisions as it may result in students being unable to complete core learning, assessment tasks and teachers being unable to report on that student for that semester.

We don’t ask our teachers to provide additional support on top of their normal lesson planning if a student is absent for a family holiday. In the best interests of your child’s education we would strongly encourage parents to plan holidays during scheduled school holiday breaks.

We aim for 93% Attendance Minimum. 93% minimum means:

1. No more than 13 days off every year
2. No more than one day off every month
3. Over the course of primary school, 93% minimum attendance means missing 3 ½ days over 1 term
4. Over the course of 13 years of schooling, 93% minimum attendance means missing 169 days of schooling – that is nearly one full year of learning
5. We believe that no more than 13 days of absence from school every year is more than reasonable for a healthy student

CELEBRATION OF ATTENDANCE

• Class Certificates for 95% + (fortnightly)
• 100% attendance over a semester for individual students – Lunch with the administration team and a prize draw

EVERY DAY COUNTS!

Did you know that research shows that in Queensland, higher student attendance at school is associated, on average, with higher student achievement? Regular school attendance will mean that your child has a better chance in life and your child will achieve better when they go to school all day, every school day. They will learn better, make friends, be happier and have a brighter future.

Does attendance really matter?
1 or 2 days a week doesn’t seem much but…..

If you want your child to be successful at school, then YES attendance does matter
Every day counts!!!

Cyber-safety and Cyberbullying

The internet, mobile phones and instant messaging provide wonderful opportunities for young people to learn, be creative and socialise online. They also provide opportunities for inappropriate behaviour, bullying and harassment to occur. Schools and parents have an important partnership in working with young people to use the internet appropriately and to act safely when on-line.

Some clear messages you can discuss with your child/children relating to Cyber-safety and Cyberbullying,

The same rules apply online as in the ‘real world’ about how to treat other people. Unfortunately, people don’t always treat each other well online, and you, or a friend, may find that you are the target of cyber-bullying. You might be teased or have rumours spread about you online, receive nasty messages or even threats. It can happen in school, or out of it, any hour of the day, from people you know, and sometimes people you don’t know. It can leave you feeling unsafe and alone.

No-one has the right to bully another person. At its most serious, cyber-bullying is illegal and can be investigated by the police.

Tips - If you are being cyber-bullied

Ignore it

Don’t respond to the bully. If they don’t get a response they may get bored and go away.

Block the person

This will stop you seeing messages or texts from a particular person.

Tell someone

Tell your Mum or Dad, or another adult you trust. Or you can call Kids Helpline on 1800 551800, visit their website or contact the Cyber-smart Online Helpline service.

Keep the evidence

This can be useful in tracking the bully down. Save texts, emails, online conversations or voicemails as proof.

Report it to:-

Your school - they have policies in place about bullying and cyber-bullying.

Your ISP and/or phone provider or the website administrator - there are actions they can take to help.

The police - if there is a threat to your safety the police will help. Call Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Help stop cyber-bullying

Stand up and speak out! If you see or know about cyber-bullying happening to a friend, support them and report the bullying. You’d want them to do the same for you.

Don’t forward on messages or pictures that may hurt or be upsetting to someone. Even though you may not have started it, you will be seen to be part of the cyber-bullying cycle.

Remember to treat others as you would like to be treated when communicating online.

Parents, please be vigilant about how and when children use the internet at home. Parents can use a number of websites for help with this. The following may be a good start...

Student/parent current contact numbers and addresses

If your contact details have changed, please ensure that the school office has been informed of the latest information — emergency contact details are essential. It is advisable to have several contact numbers in order to support students in the event that parents are unable to be reached. This is essential both at school and when students are participating in excursions and school camps. Please also remember to update your email address.

Hot weather

Please ensure your child has a drink bottle that can be filled up throughout the day. It is important for students to keep hydrated during the hot weather period. Please remind your child to have their hat with them. No hat means no play.

It is great to see students being sensible in the hot weather. Historically, the hot weather brings about some silly water play. It is pleasing that students haven’t had to be reminded about the appropriate behaviour around the bubblers or with water bottles.

Lost property

As it is close to the end of the school year, the lost property pile has grown bigger. Please check regularly the water bottles, lunch boxes and hats your child/children bring home in case they have mistakenly picked up someone else’s property. All lost property is kept outside the office, please have your children check there if they have missing items of clothing.

Upper Coomera State College Transition Day – Year 6 into Year 7

Pimpama State Secondary College 2018 Year 7 Enrolments for 2018

HoSES NEWS

Harvest Time

Following on from the recent rainfall and sunshine our school vegetable garden has grown in abundance. We have been fortunate to pick some delicious corn cobs, strawberries, sugar snap peas as well as parsley and rosemary.

Just prior to school holidays the students will have the opportunity to plant some sunflower seeds, so hopefully when we return to school in the New Year we will be greeted by some beautiful flowers.

SEP transitions

Your child’s current case manager has begun the process of writing student profiles that will be handed to their 2018 class teachers before the end of the year. These profiles will outline student characteristics, strengths and the required adjustments to support their individual learning needs.

During the last week of school we will endeavor to introduce your child to their 2018 class teacher and show them where their classroom will be. For those students that will have a new teacher to our school, we will organise a time during the Pupil Free Days where they will have the opportunity to meet their new teacher.

Launch of new mental health support website

A new website, Head to Health, links Australians to online and phone mental health services, information and resources. It supports people seeking help - either for themselves or someone they care about.

Connie McLean

PE News

Save the Date – Years 4, 5, 6 Swimming Carnival

Students in years four, five and six will be participating in the annual Swimming Carnival on Friday, 1st December 2017 at the Coomera Anglican College Pool. All students in years 4, 5 and 6 are expected to attend. Parents and friends are invited to come along and cheer.

Gold Coast Titans Holiday Clinic

The Titans are holding a Beach Holiday clinic during the Christmas school holidays at Coolangatta Beach. Join some of the players for a day of footy activities on the beach and a surf lesson.

The clinic is open for girls and boys aged 5 - 13 years old of all abilities. Activities will be run by Titans and NRL trained staff with Walkin’ on Water surf school taking all the kids for a surf lesson. Morning tea and lunch is included along with a gift pack to take home at the end of the day.

Don’t miss out on registering now as spaces are limited!

2018 junior Titans members receive a discount to the clinic – to sign up to become a Titans member click here

Mrs Hodder

Library News

Dear Parents and Carers,

Our Book Fair is now over for another year. I wish to thank the school community for your wonderful support. We sold $6770 worth of books and products. From this, we were able to receive $2300 worth of free books for our library.

Thank you also for supporting Book Club throughout the year. From this, we were able to buy at least $1000 worth of free resources for the school and library.

Thank you once again, have a Happy Christmas and keep on Reading!!!!!

Sue Marriott
Teacher Librarian

Music News

CHRISTMAS CONCERTS!

The CSSS Christmas Concerts will be held in the School Hall on Wednesday 29th November – the Junior Concert (Prep to Year 2) is at 9am and the Senior Concert is at 11.15am. We are looking forward to having every class in the school perform on stage, plus featured performances from the Junior Choir and Ukulele Band (Junior Concert) and the Senior Choir, Combined Band, our 3 String Ensembles plus the combined Music Centre of Excellence Classes (Senior Concert).

Come along and share in the fun!

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 2018

Beginner Strings and Band Programs are going to be amazing next year! Mrs Favaloro and Mrs Russell have been busily reviewing all applications from our talented Year 2 and 3 students, and this week have sent home letters of acceptance to the successful students (Instrumental Music Applications for 2018 have now closed). If your child has been selected for Instrumental Music in 2018 please ensure the required paperwork is returned to school as soon as possible to allow us to set up the group timetables for next year.

Alison Murray
Music Coordinator

Disco

Our Final Disco for 2017 is being held on Thursday 30th November between 4.30pm and 6.30pm

We are going with a Christmas Theme so come dressed in your best Christmas outfit. $10 ticket price will get you entry, sausage sizzle, drink and a glow item. Tickets on sale now on Flexischools and at Frankie’s Tucker box. Ticket Sales close 5pm Tuesday 28th November.

Christmas Stalls

We will be holding our Christmas stall soon. Please keep an eye out for class times. We have some amazing items for sale!

Uniform Shop

Our uniform shop is open for you to start stocking up on next year’s uniform supplies

We are pleased to announce we have introduced a new sports skort! This will be available for the girls to wear instead of sports shorts if they choose to. The sports skort will be available to purchase in January.

Please keep an eye out on Facebook for the uniform shop opening times in the 2 weeks before school returns.

Tuckshop

The Tuckshop will be closed on Friday 8th December for cleaning.

We are starting to wind down our tuckshop operations for the end of term 4. Please note that as we run out of items they will be taken off the menu.

Please remember that Thursday’s and Friday’s are flexischool orders only.

We hope everyone enjoys their holiday break and we look forward to seeing you all in the New Year!

Breakfast is served at Coomera Springs

We have noticed a large number of students in the mornings either buying unhealthy food options at Hungry Jack’s (Slushies’ and ice cream) or eating their lunch whilst they are waiting for school to begin. We have opened up a breakfast menu to help combat these issues.

Breakfast starts at 7am with cereal, toast, muffins and fruit available as well as juice.

Wednesday is Pancake Day!

Prices as below:

We are hoping that the menu will increase and we have more special days as we get busier. We are hoping that by offering a healthy breakfast the kids will have a great start to their day and won’t tuck into their lunches leaving them hungry later in the day.

School Directory

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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)

Community Notices

UC Physio

UC Physio offers 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

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:

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