16 November 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents/Caregivers,

Welcome to our newsletter for Week 6. We are well and truly into the business end of school term, with an incredibly busy time ahead for everyone. Remember to check the school calendar and read your newsletters to stay on top of all that is happening.

Warmer Weather

As our days begin to heat up, we know that our little people can suffer. Please make sure you are sending your children to school well hydrated, and with a clearly labelled water bottle. They also need their hat to be able to play outside, and ensuring they have sunscreen on is another precautionary measure.

We are very fortunate that our P&C have continued working towards their goal of air conditioning classrooms. This is a mammoth and costly adventure, so thank you also to our community for your continued support.

Are you leaving Coomera Springs State School in 2019?

Thank you to the parents who have notified the office of your intentions for 2019. As we are right in the middle of creating classes for 2019, this information is incredibly important for us. To streamline the notification process, we have created a specific email address for you: leavingCSSS_notification@coomeraspringsss.eq.edu.au

So, if you are leaving us in 2019, please send this information through to the above address and we will know not to place your child in a class.

2018 School Opinion Survey

Every year, each Education Queensland school participates in a School Opinion Survey. Information is gathered from staff, students and parents.

Coomera Springs State School has a lot to celebrate and be proud of with our results. Here is a small snapshot for you:

What’s been happening at school lately

School life is always busy life and we are very proud to be able to offer our students an ever growing list of opportunities to participate in and to develop their skills in learning and life.

Most recently we have had the students from our rowing program participate in a day out on the Nerang River with The Southport School Rowing Club. This is an incredible opportunity and Coomera Springs remains one of the only state primary schools to offer such a program to our students.

Also, our Student Council has come up with the idea of a ‘Pay It Forward’ campaign. This campaign involves cards that have been distributed around the school. When a child receives a card, they need to pass some kindness onto one of their peers. If they are stuck, the cards have suggestions on the back of ways they can do this.

The aim of this campaign is to spread positivity throughout the school by assisting students to recognise that warm feeling you get while helping someone out. Opening doors, complimenting someone or helping them out are just a few ways that your child can pay the kindness forward.

White Ribbon Day

White Ribbon Day on 23rd November is an important opportunity for schools, parents, students and community groups to show support for ending domestic violence.

Our school is committed to modelling and building relationships that are based on equality and respect and free of violence and abuse. Parents and carers play a critical role in teaching respect.

For more information on White Ribbon Day visit the website below.

Making a smooth transition to secondary school
Parent Article by Michael Grose

Going to secondary school is both exciting and scary for many kids. There’s excitement about new friends, teachers and ventures, but this can be overshadowed by anxiety and stress.

The sheer size of a high school building can be overwhelming to the uninitiated. The potential loss of status when moving from big fish in a small pond to tiny minnow in a large ocean can be hard to swallow for some. Add the increased number of teachers and the hormonal changes that accompany puberty and drive emotional and cognitive development, and it is little wonder the first year of secondary school often sees a plateauing in learning. Most kids are flat out making new friends and getting used to how secondary school works, so learning takes a back seat for a time.

While it’s easier for those who have a brother or sister already there who can pass on some tips about how to survive secondary school, many don’t have that luxury. Fortunately, there are a number of strategies parents can use to make the transition to secondary school easier.

1. Know the school space

Familiarity helps reduce anxiety. Most secondary schools have familiarisation programs for incoming students but it helps to reinforce with your young person where the key spaces are – such as administration, toilets, the tuckshop and drinking taps. A trip to the school during the holidays, if possible, can help reassure a nervous secondary school starter.

2. Make the leap with friends

Negotiating new friendships can be stressful so it helps to identify some friends from primary school or outside school that your child can travel with or meet up with before school, at lunch breaks and during times when classes aren’t scheduled. This will give them the opportunity to share and compare experiences, which is therapeutic for kids who are experiencing change.

3. Help with planning and organisation

Some students can be overwhelmed by the organisational demands of secondary school. If your child fits this category, be prepared to be on hand to coach your young person in the finer arts of being on time to class, organising work in folders, planning homework time, handing in multiple assignments and filling out forms.

4. Set up a designated study space in the home

Now that your young person has hit the big time it’s important that they have a study space to call their own. Keep this outside the bedroom if possible – the bedroom is a space for sleeping and relaxing. Use any area that is reasonably quiet and well lit. Set up a desk with a computer, if possible, along with stationery items.

5. Establish a work schedule

If your child’s primary school homework was given inconsistently then be prepared for a change. Most secondary schools try to coordinate homework between different teachers but there will be more times than not when your child will come home with multiple homework assignments to complete. Build the homework habit early and choose a regular time that allows for breaks. Encourage them to work quickly so that work does not drag on and become demotivating.

6. Stay patient and positive

The social and academic demands of going to secondary school can be mentally draining for young people. Some will miss old friends and the relative comfort of primary school. It’s important for parents to be patient with their young person, to expect a few behaviour blowouts and to be prepared to listen and help them process their new experiences. If your young person has negative experiences, point them in the direction of the good things that may happen during the day.

Your young person’s coping mechanisms are being tested during this time. They can change on a daily basis. If stress becomes overwhelming or persistent to the point that they don’t want to go to school after the initial settling-in period, consider organising some extra assistance. A year-level coordinator, school counsellor or the local doctor can be good starting points should extra assistance be needed.

Starting secondary school is one of many transitions your young person will face in life. With planning and support, your child can make a positive start to secondary school and enjoy an amazing time at their new school.

Kind Regards
Martine Gill
Principal

1:1 Student iPad Program

Now that Expressions of Interest have closed for the 1:1 Student iPad Program in 2019, it is time to purchase a device ready for the new school year. 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.

If families are purchasing a device from another supplier or already have a device that meets the below specifications, the device will need to be delivered to the IT department on Monday 3rd of December. Please ensure that iCloud is signed out, the device is cleared/wiped or backed up (part of the enrolment process is to have a factory reset device) and also clearly labelled with the students full name and current class. The device will then be ready for pick up on the 12th of December 2018.

Student Leadership

Our Year 5 cohort has officially entered into the student leadership process which will result in our 2019 Captains. 2019 will see the introduction of Performing Arts Captains who will join our School and Sports Captains on the school’s student leadership team.

Below is the timeline of the student leadership process.

Our school captains play an important role in school life at Coomera Springs. Their role varies according to their elected position, however below is an outline of what the role asks of them, some of their extra duties and the criteria.

Role:

1. To promote Coomera Springs State School through honouring the school rules and key values by setting a good example in uniform, behaviour and academic achievement at ability level.
2. To represent all students of Coomera Springs State School at public functions at both the school and greater community.
3. To welcome, thank and provide guided tours for important guests/visitors to our school.
4. To respectfully and responsibly voice the needs and concerns of students.
5. Meet regularly with Administration.
6. To participate in school decision-making processes.

Extra Duties:

1. Help set up and run assembly.
2. Help introduce new students, staff and parents to the school.
3. Assist in organising fundraising events.
4. Be a member of the Student Representative Council.
5. Be a Coomera Springer (playground leader).
6. Performing Arts Captains- must attend Eisteddfods, Musical Showcases, Musical related events and assist with the running of Footsteps to Fame.

Criteria:

1. Leadership (demonstrated and/or potential)
   a) have a keen interest in the role of School Leader;
   b) have the willingness and ability to take on extra duties;
   c) display a respectful and responsible attitude towards others in the classroom and playground;
   d) be a confident public speaker and be able to converse with visitors;
   e) be trustworthy;
   f) Performing Arts Captains must be in the Music Program or participate in the Musical or perform in Footsteps to Fame each year.
2. All captains are required to:
   - consistently show school pride by wearing the correct full school uniform;
   - consistently demonstrate the school rules and key values.
3. Academic Achievement within own ability level.
4. Support from parent(s) and class teacher.

2018 Awards Ceremony - 4th December

This year’s award ceremonies will be held on Tuesday 4th December. Both ceremonies will be held in the school hall with the Prep to Year 3 ceremony beginning at 9:15am and the Year 4 to Year 6 ceremony beginning at 11:30am.

Final Roll Call - 12th December

This year’s Final Roll Call will be held on Wednesday 12th December, beginning at 11:30am. It will be a wonderful event which culminates our Year 6’s Primary School experience before embarking onto their respective high school.

HoSES News

A Very Special Visitor

Last week, Floyd a working therapy dog came into Activity Zone to cool off from the heat during one of his weekly school visits. He was greeted by some very excited students who were working on their literacy activities.

Jai, one of our Year 3 students, had the pleasure of reading one of his readers to Floyd whilst he rested. From all reports, Floyd was very keen on hearing all about what was happening in the story.

Connie McLean
Head of Special Education Services

PE Department News

Years 4, 5, 6 Gala Sports Day Term Four

Gala Day is on Tuesday 27th November. Students will play soccer, oztag and tee ball against Park Lake SS and Highland Reserve SS. Games will commence at approximately 10am.

The venues for Gala Day 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.

Years 4, 5, 6 House Swimming Carnival

All students in years 4, 5 and 6 will be participating in the annual house swimming carnival on Friday 30th November. Students will be walking to and from Coomera Anglican College with swimming events commencing from 9.30am.

Mrs Hodder
PE Teacher and Sports Coordinator

IT Department News

Remember to check your iPad Warranty Status

• Have you checked your AppleCare Insurance status on your iPad recently?
• 1:1 iPad Families can actively check their iPads warranty status at any time by entering your iPad Serial Number at the below Apple website

• The school can only assist families with lodging AppleCare claims IF your iPad is still covered by AppleCare. The school cannot assist with lodging claims for iPads outside of their AppleCare expiry date.
• AppleCare cover addresses Accidental Damage (cracked screens, cosmetic damage, stuck buttons etc) and device hardware faults experienced on your iPad. For a complete overview of what AppleCare cover includes for your iPad, please visit:

• For CompNow School Portal bundle purchases, AppleCare insurance was included within the total bundle price as standard. Your AppleCare cover automatically applies to your iPad at time of purchase and is covered for two (2) years from that date.
• Please communicate to your child’s classroom teacher if you have any questions surrounding iPad faults, damages or AppleCare cover. Your communication will be forwarded on to the schools IT department.

Where Can I Find My iPad Serial Number to Check My Cover?

You can find your iPad Serial number on the back of the iPad.
OR
Go into the iPads “Settings” App > click General > click About.

Library News

Book Fair

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for your support during Book Fair. We sold $5076 worth of product. We now have $1768 worth of new books for our library for your children to read next year.

Many thanks and happy reading,

Sue Marriott
Teacher / Librarian

Music Department News

Instrumental Music – Update

At the beginning of this term all students in Years 3-5 who are CURRENTLY in our Instrumental Music program (for Strings or Band) were given a “Continuing Strings” or a “Continuing Band” note to be completed and returned. If you did NOT receive a note from your child regarding Instrumental Music in 2019 please email Alison Murray amurr51@eq.edu.au ASAP. As soon as we have received a response from all current students we will commence timetabling for 2019.

Instrumental Music applications for NEW STUDENTS (BEGINNERS) for 2019 are currently being processed. We are currently in the instrument testing phase, where students have an opportunity to try out playing the instrument/s they are considering learning (this phase will take another 2 weeks, as students are assessed in small groups). Parents will be contacted regarding Instrumental Music acceptances for 2019 in the last 2 weeks of Term 4 this year.

Alison Murray
Music Coordinator

P&C News

P&C Meeting

The final meeting of the P&C for 2018 was held on Wednesday 14th November. There will be no P&C meeting in December.

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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