6 September 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Have you got your tickets to our wonderful school musical ‘The Amazing Adventures of SUPERSTAN!’

Ninety-two Coomera Springs students and twenty staff have given up huge amounts of time to prepare and rehearse for our school musical, known affectionately as ‘SUPERSTAN!’. This production is ready to go on stage on Friday and Saturday nights this week.

This is a specially written musical specifically for primary aged students. There are loads of funny parts, lots of colour and amazing costumes, great hair and makeup and wonderful singing and dancing. Once you see it, you will need to remind yourself that this is being performed by our students.

We have a musical every two years, so now is the time to obtain your last-minute tickets right here to this wonderful production.

NAPLAN 2019

We are proud of our 226 Year 3 and 5 students who completed NAPLAN this year. Our students achieved outcomes above the average for Queensland in all areas.

NAPLAN is about information to assist the school to continually improve and we work as a school team to continue to look for ways to lift learning outcomes for all students.

We anticipate that student reports will arrive at the school ready to be sent home by the end of this term.

Excellence Opportunities for Your Students in 2020

There are a number of opportunities for students to develop through our excellence programs. We are progressively providing information sessions on some of these opportunities for 2020. Families are advised to keep an eye on the newsletter as well as our school Facebook page as these opportunities come up.

As a school we provide all aspects of the full Australian Curriculum to every student (in relevant year levels). This includes the Arts, LOTE – Chinese, ICT, STEM, Gala Day Sport, and Camp Program.

We also offer enhanced opportunities on an application basis.

• 1:1 iPad Excellence Classes
• Music COE Classes
• STEM Excellence Classes
• Instrumental Music Tuition
• Music Performance Groups
• Rowing Club

More excellence opportunities are being added in order to develop your young person. Do you know that a rich selection of excellence programs, outside school activities along with engagement at school can assist students to learn more, have more skills and a balanced approach to life?

Keep an eye on information sessions coming up for 2020.

Chris McMillan
Principal

NAPLAN Results Year 3 and Year 5 2019

Congratulations to all of our Year 3 and Year 5 students who sat the NAPLAN test this year. Results for each strand of the tests will be sent home this week. Please keep an eye out.

Please note that these results are for a ‘point in time’ test. At Coomera Springs State School, we have many, many more ways we collect student evidence and achievement. The NAPLAN test is just one contributing factor as to how we make judgements against student achievement.

Once again, a huge congratulations on the excellent effort all of our students put in.

NAPLAN On-Line

Federal, state and territory education ministers agreed that all schools will gradually transition from the current paper-based tests to the computer-based assessments, with the aim for all schools to undertake NAPLAN Online by 2021. The pros and cons of completing the testing on a virtual platform is being investigated and analysed.

Transitioning to NAPLAN Online assumes schools have suitable hardware and reliable access to the internet. As a school, we need to carry out a technical facilities readiness test to gauge if our site can handle the device requirements and on-line load. We will conduct these readiness tests in Week 9. By no means will students’ performance be assessed or analysed. Although the opportunity presents for students to become familiar with the on-line platform, it is purely an exercise to ensure the on-line assessments run smoothly and all devices are compatible.

We have decided to test the facilities using Year 2 and Year 4 classes on the 10th and 11th of September (Week 9). Each class will participate in a readiness tests no longer than 45 minutes. Results will not be collected, nor will students need to worry about performing their best.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Petrina Lewis (Year 2/3 Deputy Principal) or Ben Morris (Year 4/5/6 deputy Principal)

STEM-X

STEM-X @ CSSS in 2020

2020 will see the expansion of our STEM-X program at Coomera Springs.

Building upon the success of our weekly 2019 STEM-X lessons for our selected Year 4, 5 and 6 students, we will see some exciting opportunities in 2020. Starting next year, we will see the inception of one Year 5 and one Year 6 STEM-X roll class.

In addition to this, our STEM Champion will offer development opportunities to our staff as well as weekly STEM-X lessons for selected Year 4 and Year 3 students.

Please join us for our STEM-X information session on Thursday 19th September at 3:30pm in the library. This session is the place to find out more about what STEM-X looks like at Coomera Springs in 2020.

1:1 Student iPad Program Information Session

Our next 1:1 Student iPad Parent Information Session will be held on the 12th September 2019 at 3:30pm in the library. Please join us to find out all you need to know regarding the program, device specifications and have any questions answered.

Target audience for this event is Prep families transitioning to Year 1 in 2020 and any other families that wish to know more about 1:1 Student iPad Program.

Device Use on School Grounds

As we are well into Term 3, it is timely to remind our school community that students only use digital devices during class times, while at home or off school grounds. Students are welcome to request administration staff to contact parents/carers if necessary.

As recorded in our school’s responsible behaviour plan, students are not to use devices to call, message or facetime parents. As part of our weekly behaviour lessons, class teachers will remind students of these behaviours and the expectations clarified.

Uniform Standards

Coomera Springs State School has always had a great reputation within our school community for our students wearing their uniform proudly. As we approach the middle of the year it is timely to ensure that all students and parents are aware of our school dress code.

A copy of the school dress code can be found on our school website or you can download the link below.

This easy to follow guide illustrates how our school uniform is worn correctly.

If you are required to purchase uniform items, the uniform shop operating hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 8.00am – 10.30am.

Our school has developed a monitoring program to ensure all students are adhering to the school dress code. For uniform code breaches, students will receive a warning from their class teacher. This will be recorded on a class checklist. If there is a repeat breach, then an email will be sent home seeking parent/caregiver assistance to help their child have the appropriate uniform. If the breach occurs a third time, this will incur a play break consequence for the student.

Teachers consider extenuating circumstances as to why the uniform is incorrect. It is important that if parents/caregiver receive an email that they respond if the uniform cannot be rectified immediately.

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s uniform, please contact the class teacher.

2020 Parent Requests for Friendship Groups

Even though we are still in Term 3, this is the time that we begin our planning phase for 2020. One of the areas that takes both a long time, and a lot of consideration is class placements for students.

If you have any particular requests for 2020 in terms of friendship groupings, please send this through to the following email address: classplacements@coomeraspringsss.eq.edu.au

Please make sure that you include:

• Your child’s name
• The grade that they will be entering into for 2020
• 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.

All requests should be submitted no later than Friday, 18th October 2019.

Are You Leaving Coomera Springs in 2019?

If you are leaving our school for the 2020 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 2020

Jeans for Genes Day – Friday 13th September

Finance News

The payment window is open every morning from 8:00am until 9:30am for Cash or EFTPOS payments.

Coomera Springs State School is no longer able to take credit/debit card payments over the phone.

The school is requesting invoice payments now be made via BPoint.

To access BPoint, please click on either the link appearing on your invoice or call 1300 631 073.

IMPORTANT - To make a payment you will need the Biller Code, your Customer Reference Number and Invoice Number. You are able to nominate the amount you wish to pay.

Music Department News

Reminder – Music COE Class (Year 4 2020) Parent Information Session

We will be holding a Parent Information Session for parents of our current Year 3 students who are interested in applying to be a part of our Music Centre of Excellence (COE) program for Year 4 and beyond.

The Parent Information Session will be held in the Music Room from 3:30pm - 4pm on Tuesday 10th September. If you are unable to attend the meeting but would like further information about applying for the Music COE, please email Mrs Alison Murray amurr51@eq.edu.au

Reminder – Instrumental Music 2020 Parent Information Session

We will be holding a Parent Information Session for parents of our current Year 2 and 3 students who are interested in applying to be a part of our Instrumental Music Program for 2020. Year 2 students can apply for our Strings program (Violin, Viola, Cello and Double Bass) and Year 3 can apply for our Band Program (Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, Trombone, Bass Guitar and Percussion). There will also be an opportunity to meet our Instrumental Music teachers, Stephanie Williams (Strings) and Darren Postema (Band).

The Parent Information Session will be held in the Music Room from 4:00pm – 4:30pm on Tuesday 10th September (directly after the Music COE information session for Year 3 parents). If you are 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

Kitch Culture Arts Incursion

This term, we have a very exciting Arts Incursion coming to our school – “Kitch Culture”! This will be a unique musical experience for our students, combining cultural arts and storytelling with music technology.

Presented by award-winning artist, performer, mentor and electronic Samoan Toa (Warrior), Kitchener Wesche, this performance uncovers the power of knowing your history, your culture and your village. Kitch Culture takes you on an interactive journey of discovery as Kitch follows his roots of his family tree, from the rich history of Samoa to the shared cultural history of his children, who are proudly Samoan and Indigenous Australians.

Our Year 5 & 6 Music COE students will also have the opportunity to work with Kitch in the three days after the incursion, writing and recording their own original songs – this is going to be amazing!

The “Kitch Culture” incursion is offered to all students at CSSS for a cost of $8.00 per student. Payment for this incursion is due TODAY - FRIDAY 6TH SEPTEMBER. Class groups will be timetabled to participate in the incursion on Monday 16th September.

Musical Update – The Amazing Adventures of SUPERSTAN!

It is Musical weekend and we are feeling S-U-P-E-R excited! Our Musical students and teachers have been working hard for the past two terms to bring “The Amazing Adventures of Superstan” to life, and we are very proud of the result.

Congratulations to everyone involved! If you haven’t booked a ticket to see the show yet, buy your tickets here they are still available online right up until the show begins each night. Come along and see what all the hype is about!

A reminder that Musical DVD orders will close on Friday 13th September – make sure you put your order in!

Alison Murray
Music Coordinator

Chaplain News

Coles at Coomera City Centre has been very supportive of our Morning Tea program at the school.

Please pop in there to support our local Coles and feel free to say “Hi” to Frank, the friendly and very helpful manager at Coles! Not only do they sell excellent quality food, but they have a heart for supporting their local school community.

Desiree Geldenhuys
School Chaplain

P&C News

What a very exciting and busy couple of weeks we have had in fundraising. Many thanks to all our volunteers for your time, effort and continuous support in our latest fundraising.

Our current fundraising balance to date is $23,617.32.

Our fundraising thermometer is located in the office. I am very happy to say that we are very close to reaching our goal. We only need approximately $3,900.00 more.

Father’s Day Raffle

Congratulations to the winners of the Father’s Day Raffle;

1st prize - Tyrece,
2nd prize - Ryan,
3rd prize - Jen

All of our winners were very excited to hear the news and have now received their prize.

Many thanks to everyone who purchased a ticket.

We raised $661.10.

Father’s Day Stall

Students were super excited when purchasing that special gift for their father, grandfather or special loved one. There were gifts to suit everyone.

We are extremely happy to report that we raised $1,610.33.

We hope you all enjoyed your gifts from our Stall.

Air Conditioning Update

As you are all aware, we are hoping to install air conditioning to eight classrooms over the September school holidays. Although we are close to reaching our goal, we still need approximately $3,900.00. We still have 2 more events planned for this term. Please come along and support our upcoming events.

Upcoming Events

There are still 2 events planned for this term;

We truly appreciate your ongoing support and hopefully the next 2 fundraising events this term will be successful in raising the remainder of the money required to accomplish the installation of our air conditioning.

School Musical - Tonight and Tomorrow Night

The P&C will be running a canteen where you will be able to purchase the following;

• Sausage rolls
• Meat pies
• Ham and cheese toasties
• Packets of chips
• Chocolate bars
• Lollipops
• Water, soft drinks, tea and coffee with a slice of cake.

School Disco - Thursday 19th September

School Disco tickets are available through Flexischools and at the Tuckshop.

Tickets are $8.00 per student.

Uniform - Clearance Sale

Just a reminder we still have quite a bit of stock at clearance prices, if you are interested, please contact Vivienne at the tuckshop.

P & C Meeting

Our next P&C meeting will be held in the staff room next to the library on Wednesday, 11th September at 3.30pm.

If you are interested in the position of P & C Treasurer, then please come along as we will be voting in our new Treasurer on the night.

Theresa Grima
P&C President

Uniform Shop

Tuckshop

Ellie’s Café

Are you passing the time scrolling through your phone as you wait to pick your children up from school each afternoon? Why not take advantage of the buy 4 and get the 5th drink free from Ellie’s Cafe? Drop in and grab your loyalty card from the tuckshop and start drinking your way to a free one.

We are open:

Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30am – 3:00pm
Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30am – 2:00pm.

Frankie’s Tuckerbox

The tuckshop is open Monday - Friday and offers a range of healthy choice options.

Orders can be placed at the tuckshop between 8.15am - 8.40am or online via FlexiSchools

FLEXISCHOOL THURSDAYS & FRIDAYS

All orders on Thursdays and Fridays can now only be placed through Flexischools. No bag orders over the counter will be taken.

Please use separate bags for each break, for each student if ordering at the Tuckshop counter. Please clearly mark the student’s name, class and break on each bag.

Lost or forgotten lunches will be replaced with a jam, vegemite or honey sandwich and a piece of fruit at a cost of $4.00. Payment can be made over the phone by EFTPOS or the bill will be sent home with the student.

All counter orders will incur a 30c processing fee.

Phone orders are no longer accepted.

If you would like to volunteer in the Tuckshop, please contact Angela in the Tuckshop

School Terms for 2019

School Directory

Camp Australia

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Community Notices

SUPERSTAN Musical

CSSS presents the Amazing Adventures of SUPERSTAN.

Tickets on sale now - don't miss out!

Gold Coast Oral Health Services

Free Breast Screening – During September 2019

Coomera Hope Island Cricket Club

Seahawks NATION Basketball Camp

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