24 July 2020

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Welcome back to Term 3

Welcome back to school for Term 3. We all have mixed thoughts about the year 2020, but we know that for every single student, this is the one time they will spend in their current year level and we want it to be the very best it can be. We work together to build resilient, high achieving students. More than in the recent past, we have been living our school motto of ‘our community – creating futures’. We are all grateful that there has been a further lifting of restrictions and during Term 3, we are able to commence more aspects of school life but with modifications to ensure health and safety.

We send our heartfelt thanks to every member of our school community for your support and necessary adjustments during the first half of the year. We are acutely aware that COVID-19 is not over. If we look towards our friends interstate, we are reminded that further outbreaks are very possible and we need to all continue to follow the guidelines to keep our community safe with schools and businesses open.

Term 3 Guidelines

• Student drop off and pick up away from classroom areas
• Adult social distancing in car parks and around the school
• Continuation of hygiene measures - frequent handwashing
• Staff, students, parents and visitors not coming to school if unwell or displaying even mild symptoms
• Continuation of restrictions on visitors
• All students should now be in attendance at school unless there is a medical reason for non-attendance

Term 3 Plans

We are planning to kick-start more aspects of school life this term. There will be adjustments in the way we conduct these activities.

• Assemblies restarting
• Footsteps to Fame
• Childrens’ Book Week | Born to Read
• Modified athletics
• More incursions, excursions and trips with approved COVID-safe plans

There is one aspect of 2020 that we do not want to see change. Our high expectations and focus on excellence cannot be dimmed due to events around the world. We currently need to do things a little differently as we focus on important health measures, we adapt and are agile whilst we maintain our enduring expectations for excellence. I thank our team at Coomera Springs who worked through phases of learning at home and then school return, whilst keeping the curriculum, teaching and learning going to high levels for our students.

At Coomera Springs, excellence does not take a COVID holiday.

One aspect of excellence and pride is our community’s expectations of our school dress code. As we commence Term 3, we ask that all families ensure students are in school uniform every day at school. There are many benefits for families of the school uniform routine which creates consistency and prepares for learning. Whilst some families are doing it tough at the moment, we are urging families to do what they can to ensure students have school uniform, including black shoes for school each day.

NAIDOC celebration

Fifty-two students participated in our school’s special NAIDOC commemoration on Friday 17th July. This was a wonderful opportunity to recognise connection to country and culture of our first nation peoples. Our country here at Upper Coomera has a long indigenous history around the Coomera River which flows from Mount Tamborine to Moreton Bay. This is recognised on our school emblem as the swirl. Please enjoy the below photos and videos from this event.

Chris McMillan
Principal

St Stephen’s Science Show

This Monday our Year 6 students participated in a Science Show conducted by St Stephen’s College.

The students loved the show and were thoroughly engaged by the exciting science demonstrations.

Enrol Now for Prep 2021

If you have a child starting Prep next year, please submit your child’s enrolment application as soon as possible.

Prep enrolment interviews, orientation sessions and school tours will be conducted during Term 4.

Enrolment information and application forms are available on the school website alternatively you may collect an enrolment pack from Administration.

For further enrolment enquiries, please contact administration: admin@coomeraspringsss.eq.edu.au

How to Report a Student Absence at Coomera Springs

Just a reminder that all absences must be reported to Administration by any of the following methods:

• Leave a message on the school absence line Ph: 5519 5300 – dial 1
• Email Administration admin@coomeraspringsss.eq.edu.au
• Reply to the SMS message – please state your child’s name and reason for absence

You may also email your child’s class teacher, however Administration must be advised in order for your child’s absence to be recorded with the correct code.

Your assistance in following our absence procedure is greatly appreciated.

School Photos – Date Claimer

School Photos will be taken on Monday 27th July and Wednesday 29th July.

Please note: If you have previously made payment, these orders will be processed as normal.

The Shoot Keys’ for each child will remain the same as the original one issued in March.

If you have misplaced your order form, please come in to the office and collect a new form.

For any enquiries please call MSP Photography direct on 5668 9110.

HOSES News

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) is an annual collection of information about Australian school students with disability, defined under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

The NCCD enables schools, education authorities and governments to better understand the needs of students with disability and how they can be best supported at school.

The Australian government collects data on students who are enrolled at all Australian schools on the national census date. In 2020, the census date for the national data collection is 7th August 2020.

Please refer to the fact sheet below for more information.

Prep Vision Screening

Due to COVID-19, the primary school nurse needed to re-schedule her visit to Coomera Springs for our Prep Vision Screening Program. For students who returned permission notes they will be screened on either the 3rd or 5th November.

Connie McLean
Head of Special Education Services

Finance News

How can I pay an Invoice?

Our preferred method of payment is BPOINT

Please see below our “quick and easy ways” to pay 24/7:

BPOINT:

• Simply click the BPOINT link located at the bottom left hand corner of the invoice
• Enter your debit/credit card details
• Elect the amount you wish to pay
• Ensure you enter your email address to receive a receipt of your payment

Please note, you will need to do “individual” transactions for each invoice you receive.

BPOINT Phone:

• Phone 1300 631 073
• Ensure you have your CRN and invoice number handy – these can be found in the BPOINT box (bottom left hand corner of your invoice)
• Enter your debit/credit card details when prompted
• Elect the amount you wish to pay
• A receipt number will be quoted at the end of the transaction approval process

Please note you will need to do “individual” transactions for each invoice you receive.

EFT

Payment directly to our School Bank Account

• School Bank Account: Coomera Springs State School
• BSB: 064-474
• Account Number: 10256819

Please ensure correct identification in your reference by including at least STUDENT’S SURNAME, CLASS, etc. Example SMITH, 1A Fees.

Important – When paying by BPOINT/EFT

It is advisable that you allow a “48 hour turnaround” to ensure payment reaches us by the payment deadline date.

PE Department News

Fair Play Vouchers

Fair Play vouchers are now available!

Parents/carers that meet certain criteria can apply for a rebate valued up to $150 for their child which can be used towards sport and active recreation membership, registration or participation fees with registered activity providers.

Check out this link Fair Play Vouchers for more information.

Sports Carnivals

Due to COVID-19 restrictions we were unable to hold our annual Athletics Carnivals in the usual format, however with restrictions lifting I am pleased to announce that we will hold modified carnivals across the school.

There are some changes to our usual policies in regards to this event, these changes are due to our responsibilities to our COVID safe plan. The most obvious change is that there are no spectators permitted.

Although the Queensland Government in conjunction with the Department of Education have developed a reboot of South Coast School Sport, unfortunately Track and Field was not one of sports that will continue for 2020. Therefore there will be no Broadwater District trials for Track and Field this year. At a school level we will celebrate the achievements of all students during the sports carnival and award Age Champions for senior age groups.

Prep, Years 1 & 2 will participate in the junior carnival to be held on Monday 10th August

Years 3,4,5,6 students will be involved in the senior athletics carnival on Tuesday 11th August.

Students can come to school dressed in their house colours – Ballun (blue), Kaban (green), Tharagum (yellow) and Tugai (red). Please see class teachers if you are unsure of your child’s house group.

Students will also need to bring their school hats and water bottles.

Music Department News

Footsteps to Fame 2020

It’s almost time for our biennial school talent competition, Footsteps to Fame!

Students may sign up for an individual or group performance in one of the following three categories: 1. Singing 2. Dancing 3. Mix it Up (instruments, comedy, juggling, hula hooping, poetry and more). There are prizes to be won in each category, for Junior Division (Prep – Year 3) and for Senior Division (Year 4-6), and all students who enter Footsteps to Fame will receive a Certificate of Participation.

PLEASE NOTE: In order to make our Talent Show COVID safe we have made a new rule for group performances. Group Entries must consist of students from one class, or students from one family. An email will be sent to all families explaining the rules and how to enter. Entries must be received by 3pm Friday 24th July.

If your child has a special skill or talent please encourage them to get involved - we can’t wait to see our students on show!

Ensemble Rehearsals are Back!

We are very excited to announce that our ensemble program will re-commence over the next two weeks.

Commencing in Week 3 (next week):
Junior Choir, Drumline, Ukulele Band, Junior Band and Senior Band

Commencing in Week 4
Junior Strings, Intermediate Strings, Senior Strings and Senior Choir

In order to allow for the additional physical distancing that is required, ENSEMBLE REHEARSALS WILL BE HELD IN THE SCHOOL HALL UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF DRUMLINE. Drumline will rehearse in N Block (Mr Lewerissa’s Music Room).

Please see below for the days and times for rehearsals in Term 3:

Alison Murray
Music Coordinator

Library News

Book Fair

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.

The theme of our Scholastic Book Fair is Arctic Adventure, where we hope you will find snow much to read!

It’s a fun 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.

Our Book Fair will be arriving on 17 August 2020.

More information will come out later to your child’s class and the newsletter.

We look forward to seeing you and your family at our Book Fair!

Remember, all purchases benefit our school.

Sue Marriott
Teacher/Librarian

Chappy News

It is lovely seeing the students back at school re-engaging with their peers and friends after the holidays. Whilst one hears their laughter and joy in the corridors and on the oval, there is an unease with some regarding the “2nd wave” of Covid-19 and concerns regarding the media reports which are circulating so often. Many students are voicing their concerns and it is affecting the wellbeing of some students already. Here are a few helpful tips for increasing wellbeing:

• Please be mindful of this when discussing Covid-19 at home or listening to media reports. Perhaps it would be a healthy approach to keep those media reports to a minimum.
• There are good news items to discuss and a sense of gratitude goes a long way in discussions with our children.
• Cultivate feelings of optimism and encourage children to participate in wellbeing activities such as writing cards to others, calling grandparents, baking cookies or muffins together, creating new veggie gardens or initiating new physical exercise routines.
• Social connection is a great antidote to life’s ups and downs. Family activities and games are great opportunities for connection, fun and engagement.

It is vital for ourselves as parents, and for the health and wellbeing of our children and families to focus on our wellbeing and reconnecting with each other. This is a great time for encouraging connection, engagement, optimism and gratitude and forming new and lasting family memories.

“It's not what happens to you that determines how far you will go in life; it is how you handle what happens to you.” - Zig Ziglar

“Simplicity is the whole secret of wellbeing.” - Peter Matthiessen

Desiree Geldenhuys
School Chaplain
desireeg@chappy.org.au

P&C News

On behalf of the CSSS P&C we hope you had a great school holiday break and welcome you back to Term 3! This term the P&C are looking forward to getting back into the swing of things and looking forward to the rest of the year ahead.

Fundraising

Our Luscious Lolly Day held in the final week of Term 2 was a great success raising approximately $300. Thank you for your support!

This term we will be conducting more fundraising events so we can continue to provide on-going support for our school and our children. We are still required, committed to and adhering to all the WHS requirements as directed by the federal and state governments, Education QLD and CSSS. These restrictions will still impact the types of activities we can conduct, however we are having regular discussions with the school to discover different ways of delivering our services to our community.

Our next major event is Father's Day (date TBC) and we have commenced planning for this event and others as well. Please keep an eye on the school newsletter and the CSSS Facebook page for upcoming events and calls for community support. We appreciate all the help provided by our community. If you have any ideas for fundraising activities, or other ideas on how these funds can be spent to better our school, please send these to the tuckshop at email: cssstuckshop@gmail.com or the P&C Committee at: CSSS_PandC@coomerspringsss.eq.edu.au for our consideration.

Tuckshop

The tuckshop is getting busy once again and we thank the CSSS community for all their support. With more students come more orders and with that we are happy to be able to provide a wider range of items on our menu for our children. Our tuckshop staff make a huge effort to ensure that the environment and all items provided for our children are in accordance with appropriate food handling hygiene practices to keep our kids and our school safe. A big thanks to our tuckshop staff on behalf of the committee and our school.

P&C Meeting

The next P&C committee meeting will be held on Wednesday 12th August in the school hall. We need to adhere to distancing rules at these meetings and these currently limit our attendance, however we are investigating ways of providing a means to welcome more of the community along and join in the conversation. Please keep an eye out in the next newsletter, the school website and Facebook page for further details.

It's so great to see all the kids and their smiling faces back at school again. Please check out the new look CSSS website below to stay informed as well.

Stay safe and have a great Term 3 at CSSS!

Sincerely,
CSSS P&C Committee

Uniform Shop

Tuckshop

Frankie’s Tuckerbox

The tuckshop is open Monday - Friday and offers a range of healthy choice options. Please refer to the 2020 Tuckshop Menu

Orders can be placed at the tuckshop between 8.15am - 9am or online via flexischools (We prefer online ordering)

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 so it can be paid next day at the tuckshop.

All counter orders will incur a 20c processing fee.

Phone orders are no longer accepted.

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.

For further enquiries please contact:

Coomera Springs State School - Tuckshop
tuckshop@coomeraspringsss.eq.edu.au

School Terms for 2020

School Calendar 2020

School Directory

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!

http://coomerasprings.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Community Notices

Gold Coast Oral Health Services

As part of Gold Coast Health COVID-19 response, we will be temporarily ceasing the operations of all dental units located in schools in our region, effective immediately.

This decision to temporarily cease services has not been made lightly.

We plan to leave the mobile units on site in the schools ready to recommence when we are given the directive to do so.

Aussie Aths – Term 3

SIBA Soccer – Term 3

Broadbeach SLSC Nipper Sign On

C & K Childcare & Kindergarten

The Athlete’s Foot

Volleyball Australia Emerging Talent Program

Choose how to add this event to your calendar:

Apple Calendar iPhone, iPad, Mac - Download .ics file

Outlook Desktop Outlook - Download .ics file

Android Calendar Android devices - Download .ics file

Other Calendar Google Calendar, Yahoo, etc. - Download .ics file

Download Event