19 October 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Welcome to the final term of the 2018 school year. With only 8 weeks to go, we are squeezing a lot into our calendar, so please read the newsletter, emails and Facebook to keep your calendars updated.

As well as finishing off another school year, we are also preparing for 2019. We are reviewing our school improvement plan, along with our school achievements so that we can make the best decisions in continuing to grow and improve Coomera Springs State School in 2019.

As I have mentioned in my previous newsletters, this is a critical time for the planning of classes and getting our enrolment predictions as spot on as we can. If you have a younger child that you are yet to enrol please submit your paperwork as soon as possible or if you know of families that are yet to enrol their children can you please encourage them to do so.

2019 Parent Requests for Friendship Groups

This is a repeat article from my last newsletter. Thank you to the parents who have already emailed through their friendship requests for consideration.

If you have any particular requests for 2019 in terms of friendship groupings, please send these through to the following email address: classplacements@coomeraspringsss.eq.edu.au

Please make sure that you include:

• Your child’s full name
• The grade that they will be entering into for 2019
• Your friendship request

Please note that these requests are not for teacher placements, and if you have lodged a previous request for friendship groupings in past years, you still need to submit one this year. Also, this is just a request and no guarantees are given that these requests can be met.

Requests need to be emailed by Friday 19th October.

Are You Leaving Coomera Springs In 2019

If you are leaving our school for the 2019 school year, can you please inform the office. This does not include our graduating Year 6 students.

This information helps us immensely in the planning of classes for 2019.

Year Three Sleepover

Last Friday our Year 3 students participated in their overnight camp program, the annual Year 3 Sleepover. Despite the rainy weather, our students had a day full of fun activities that were about providing a challenge for their personal growth, and this day led into a sleepover in our school hall.

I would like to congratulate all of our students for their incredible behaviour. Eventually, every child fell asleep, and so did we. But gosh it made for a tiring weekend ahead!

Thank you to our teachers for organising the day and to our P&C for the wonderful catering.

Help Kids Develop Impulse Control

Parent Article by Michael Hawton

How many of you have been in a situation where, after being on a diet for a few days, a colleague comes to work selling chocolates for a fundraiser? Do you give in and buy a chocolate? It’s for a good cause after all. Or do you resist?

Austrian psychologist Walter Mischel conducted an experiment in 1965 involving four-year-olds and marshmallows. Mischel invited individual children into a room where a marshmallow was on the table. The man who brought the child into the room explained that he had to step out for a couple of minutes and if the child wanted to, he or she could eat the marshmallow. However, if the child could wait until the man returned before eating the marshmallow, they would be given an extra marshmallow – so two instead of one. Sure enough, some children couldn’t wait and ate the marshmallow before the man returned, while others were able to resist the temptation in order to earn the reward.

Mischel followed the subjects of his experiment into adult life. He discovered that those who had displayed the ability to delay gratification as young children grew to be more socially competent, self-assertive and dependable. And they performed better at school.

Other studies have shown similar results: individuals who had self-control when young, later do better on a whole range of variables.

Mischel initially believed that the ability to delay gratification was a result of a certain personality type. However, in a subsequent study with Albert Bandura, Mischel placed children who had not shown the ability to delay gratification in contact with adult role models who demonstrated some delaying tactics. The adults engaged in some kind of self-distracting activity or put their heads down for a nap. The children who observed these adults later showed the ability to delay gratification themselves. That is, they had learnt the ability to resist temptation from their experience with the adult role models.

Impulse Control is a Skill

The implications for parents are clear. If our children display characteristics such as impulsivity, we can help them learn more beneficial ways to deal with the world. Parents can role model the appropriate behaviours and talk to their children about the strategies they used.

Two main factors seem to influence the ability of both children and adults to delay gratification. Both are more likely to delay gratification if they trust they will eventually get the better reward. That is, they will be more inclined to hold out if they believe the person or organisation that is offering the reward is likely to follow through.

Second, people will generally only display delaying behaviours if they have the skills to turn what might be tedious waiting time into a more enjoyable (or at least tolerable) time. In the original experiment, children who delayed eating the marshmallow showed a range of behaviours including turning their chairs away from the table, singing, inventing games with their hands and feet and talking to themselves to help them pass the time.

Emotional Intelligence Is the Key to Impulse Control

Parents can help younger children delay gratification by distracting them. Many parents find themselves doing this instinctively. When four-year-old Holly nags for snacks just before dinner, they give her a job to do. However, be aware that children younger than about four generally haven’t yet developed the parts of the brain that allow them to delay gratification of their own accord.

Older children need to learn how to distract themselves by redirecting their emotions. This is more likely to happen if children understand that emotions don’t always need to be acted upon. Older children who are able to focus on the bigger picture will be able to make choices that allow them to achieve their goals.

In the book Influencer, the authors contend that many social skills, including the ability to delay gratification, can be learnt. This is good news for most of us! They maintain that while we accept that practice improves performance in sport, music and technical areas, few people would think to practice the skills needed to delay gratification, be a better team member or to negotiate with a boss. However the authors say we should. They claim that with the right kind of practice, we can all learn to be more socially competent.

Kind Regards
Martine Gill
Principal

Student Free Day – Monday 22nd October

Parents, please remember that Monday 22nd October is a Student Free Day!

Balls and Objects on the School Roof

Please be aware that due to Health and Safety Requirements, our Groundsmen are not allowed to collect balls or other objects off the school roof. Due to new processes and laws, even using a ladder to climb up on a high structure is not allowed. Please remind children to be careful as their belongings will not be retrievable.

School Pathways

Thanks to our Groundsmen, we have some lovely, easily accessible pathways from carparks into the school grounds. Please use these pathways when walking from the carparks to the classrooms. We do have a number of steep, brick retaining walls that have been accessed for this purpose instead. Please refrain from using these structures. Not only are they dangerous but they are not intended to be used as steps, shortcuts or pathways. Thank you for your understanding.

1:1 Student iPad Program

As communicated in each of the three 1:1 Student iPad Information Sessions, there are a number of significant alterations occurring with our 1:1 program in 2019. 2019 will see changes to the class composition, duration of the program and device life, as well as ability to purchase specific devices from vendors of choice to be included in the program.

Where possible, our classes will be composed of 1:1 Student iPad Program participants in each cohort. In order to maximise opportunity for our families, we will not limit the number of places in each year level. This however may lead to a class per year level being composed of students with and without their own BYOD (bring your own device).

Parents now have the ability to purchase a device that meets the strict requirements and specifications of our program from either the Comp Now portal or a vendor of their choice. With that being said, all specifications and components of the student bundle must be provided to be deemed eligible to participate in the 1:1 option at Coomera Springs.

Contrary to previous years, the life of our program is now from Year 1 through to Year 6. There is now no need to purchase another device in the transition from Year 3 to Year 4.

The Comp Now Parent Purchasing Portal is now open and ready for your orders! Orders placed before November 2nd are guaranteed to be delivered to school for parent pick up by the end of Term 4. Orders placed after November 2nd will be available for pick up in the first week of Term 1 2019.

As communicated in each of the three Parent Information Sessions, an Expression of Interest form must be completed by the last day of October to ensure your child is added to one of the 1:1 classes. EOI forms can be located on the school website.

Please email your completed Expression of Interest forms through to the following address: 1to1_EOI@coomeraspringsss.eq.edu.au

STEAM Pentathlon

Congratulations to our eight budding STEAM legends! Our four Year 5 and four Year 6 STEAM representatives narrowly missed out on second place to secure a well-earned third in the STEAM pentathlon, hosted by Pimpama State School. They completed 5 challenges throughout the day which tested their Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematical prowess. Well done to all involved.

Year 5 Student Leadership Opportunities

In Week 4 this term students in our Year 5 cohort will be given the opportunity to pursue a position of leadership in 2019. In Week 4 students that nominate themselves will be provided a leadership passport as their first stage of the process. Later, students will be required to present a speech to their class, potentially the 3-5 student body and a formal interview with Mr Morris to further communicate and clarify their leadership qualities and reason for aspiring. In the weeks leading up to the distribution of the passports, we encourage parents to discuss with their children their aspirations to leadership positions in 2019, and support them on their journey during the process.

Year 6 Transition Day Pimpama State Secondary College

Year 6 into Year 7 UCSC Enrolment Information Evening – 24th October

Year 6 into Year 7 UCSC Transition Day – 3rd December

HoSES News

Zones of Regulation

Most of our students have been participating in activities and lessons learning about the Zones of Regulation.

What are the Zones of Regulation?

It is a framework used to teach students self-regulation. It assists students to categorise feelings and states they experience and improves their ability to recognise and communicate how they are feeling in a safe, non-judgemental way. It also allows students to tap into strategies or tools to help them move between the zones. The Zones of Regulation categorises states of alertness and emotions into four coloured zones:

The Blue Zone is used to describe low states of alertness, such as when one feels sad, tired, sick, or bored. This is when one’s body and/or brain is sluggish or moving slowly.

The Green Zone is used to describe a regulated state of alertness. A person may be described as calm, happy, focused, or content when in the Green Zone. This is the zone students generally need to be in for schoolwork and for being social. Being in the Green Zone shows control.

The Yellow Zone is also used to describe a heightened state of alertness; however, a person has some control when in the Yellow Zone. A person may be experiencing stress, frustration, anxiety, excitement, silliness, nervousness and confusion. The Yellow Zone is starting to lose some control.

The Red Zone is used to describe extremely heightened states of alertness or very intense feelings. A person may be experiencing anger, rage, explosive behaviour, panic, terror, or elation in the Red Zone. Being in the Red Zone can best be explained by not being in control of one’s body.

We are currently in the process of creating new displays of the Zones of Regulation in our Activity Zone. Stay tuned for an update…

Connie McLean
Head of Special Education Services

PE Department News

Gala Sports Day - Tuesday 27th November - Years 4, 5, 6

Gala Day this term is on Tuesday 27th November. Students will play; soccer, oztag and tee ball against Park Lake SS and Highland Reserve SS.

The venues for this term are:

• Soccer – Viney Park, Coomera
• Oztag - Coomera Sports Park, Beattie Road, Coomera
• Tee Ball - Flooded Gum Park, Macauley Parade, Pacific Pines

Students will need to wear: their school sports uniform, hat, sunscreen and running shoes – NO football boots.

Students will need to bring: two water bottles, packed lunch and morning tea – NO TUCKSHOP facilities are available.

They may also bring a towel to sit on while they are eating or resting.

If your child’s contact details or medical condition has changed since term three, please contact your child’s teacher ASAP.

Mrs Hodder
PE Teacher and Sports Coordinator

Library News

Dear Parents and Families,

Reading for pleasure unlocks the power of information and imagination and helps children discover who they are. Here’s what you can do to help children develop stronger reading skills and a love for reading:

• Set the example. Let children see you read.
• Have a collection of books in your home. Update this collection routinely to keep up with changing tastes and reading skills.
• Support our school’s Book Fair. Allow your children to choose their own books to read.

Our space themed, out-of-this-world Scholastic Book Fair is a reading event that brings the books kids want to read right into our school. It’s a wonderful selection of engaging and affordable books for every reading level. Please make plans to visit our Book Fair and be involved in shaping your child’s reading habits.

Book Fair dates: From the 30th October until 9th November.

We look forward to seeing you and your family at our Book Fair! Remember, all purchases benefit our school.

Sue Marriott
Teacher / Librarian

Music Department News

Instrumental Music (Band & Strings) EOI Forms due Friday 26th October

It was great to see so many parents in attendance at our Instrumental Music Information Session yesterday, and we have also had many enquiries come in by email. If you would like your child currently in year 2 or 3 to be considered for the Instrumental Music program, please ensure that you have returned your Expression of Interest form to the school office by Friday 26th October. Hard copies of the form for Strings (available to current Year 2s) and Band (available to current Year 3s) are available from Robyn Anstey in the office, or an electronic copy can be emailed to you. If you would like to receive an electronic copy of the EOI form, or if you were unable to attend the meeting but would like further information about applying for the Instrumental Music program please email Mrs Alison Murray amurr51@eq.edu.au

Statewide Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP 2018)

Congratulations to three talented singers in Year 5 - Shari E, Sarah F and Kirra R - who have been selected to perform in the Statewide Honours Primary Choir in Brisbane next month! We are very proud of you and have no doubt you will represent Coomera Springs SS with distinction at this prestigious event. Well done!

Sunny Wins At the Queensland Piano Competition

Congratulations to Sunny L in Year 5 for some amazing recent musical achievements. Over the school holidays Sunny was awarded FIRST PLACE in the Intermediate (14 years and under) division of the 26th QUEENSLAND PIANO COMPETITION (a Statewide competition!). Sunny also received FIRST PLACE in the AMEB Grade 5 Piano Solo (20 years and under) at the Gold Coast Eisteddfod last term. Well done Sunny on these fantastic achievements!

Senior Choir Yr 4-6 Music Count Us In (MCUI) Excursion

Senior Choir students in Year 4 - 6 are busily preparing for a combined schools performance on Thursday 1st November, for the “Music Count Us In” (MCUI) day. Our Year 4 and 5 singers will perform at the Surfers Paradise Foreshore, and our Year 6 singers will be singing at the Presidential Penthouse, on the 74th floor of Q1! MCUI gives us a wonderful opportunity to perform in combination with other school choirs, and is a great way to celebrate music in our schools.

Footsteps to Fame Grand Final

Congratulations to all of the Grand Finalists who performed yesterday and today at the Footsteps to Fame Grand Finals! I’m sure you made the decision very difficult for our judges with the level of talent on display. A full list of the winners in each category will be in next fortnight’s newsletter. Well done everyone, and a big thankyou to Mr Kieran Lewerissa (Music Teacher) for coordinating Footsteps to Fame 2018.

Alison Murray
Music Coordinator

P&C News

Coomera Springs State School Fete – 26th October

Our fete is fast approaching!

Ride bands are available on Flexischools and at Frankie’s Tuckerbox.

$27 for unlimited rides
($32) on the night

Teddy Bear Drive

If you have any pre-loved (or new) teddy bears or stuffed toys that you no longer want, we would love to have them for one of our stalls at our fete.

Please drop them off to the uniform shop as soon as possible.

Cent Auction Baskets

We are still in need of cent auction items, please dig deep and donate to the basket which is allocated to the grades below. The basket packs are as follows:

Prep – Family Pack – (anything that can be used by everyone)
Year 1 – Girls Pack – (anything for girls - hair, makeup, girls games etc)
Year 2 – Dad Pack (dad items - aftershave, tools etc)
Year 3 – Boys Pack (anything for boys - lego, colouring in etc)
Year 4 – Entertainment Pack (games, movies, Snack food for a night in with the family)
Year 5 – Mum Pack (things mum would love to have, chocolates, candles etc)
Year 6 – Pet Pack (food, toys etc)

Any donation big or small will be greatly appreciated.

P&C Meeting

Our next P&C meeting will be held on Wednesday 14th November, at 3:15pm in the resource centre next to the library.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Sharon Sharp
P&C President

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop is open Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 8.15am – 9.00am.

Tuckshop

Ellie’s Café

We are open from 7.30am until 3:00pm.

Frankie’s Tuckerbox Menu

The tuckshop is open Monday - Friday and offers a range of healthy choice options. Please refer to our Tuckshop Menu for more information.

School Terms for 2018

School Directory

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Community Notices

Student Free Day

Coomera Springs State School Spring Fair

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