9 December 2020

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Special Pupil Free Days

Families are reminded that Thursday 10th and Friday 11th December are special student free days. The school will be closed on these days, however Camp Australia will be operating.

2020* Benefits for Students

In years to come, 2020* will have a virtual asterisk against it for a number of reasons. The asterisk may well represent a crown shaped virus, but our students, staff and families have been able to define what the asterisk can mean for our students.

Some things were different and there have been challenges and difficulties along the way.

We didn't get to do all of the things that we were hoping to do this year, but we got to do a lot.

Within all of what 2020* brought, there were some real benefits for students.

Students learnt adaptability as they inspired us with their ability to change routines as things changed.
Students learnt resilience to cope with challenges ready for success in future life.
Students learnt independence and became more self-reliant as they were dropped off outside the school.
Students learnt gratitude to appreciate their families, their teachers and classmates.
Students learnt kindness to look after others as a way to improve their own wellbeing.
Students loved working at their own pace when working on Showbie as more independent learners.
Students coped when events were cancelled or changed and gained a real appreciation for the little things that could happen.
Students worked on goals, knew what a good example of work looked like and learnt as much or more than before.

We were forced to do things differently and it was challenging, but it is just possible that some good came out of 2020* and we should look to continue the good aspects.

As adults, we do not need to immediately solve every problem for a child, we do not need to save them from challenges or a little hardship, we do not need to smooth their pathway or carry their things. As adults, we do not need to fear that our children will not cope with change or be able to adapt. Given the chance, they will inspire us with strength and will learn the skills and attitudes necessary for good health and wellbeing in life. Together, we need to learn the lessons, acknowledge the great outcomes and innovate to continue what is working.

Together, we have defined what that little asterisk next to 2020 means.

We have defined 2020 as a year of growth, positivity and strength.

At the end of 2020, our students have achieved learning outcomes equal to or higher than those of 2019. We are proud of the overall levels achieved in this reporting period.

I am immensely proud of what has been achieved.

I also thank our Coomera Springs teachers and staff for your amazing efforts in ensuring our students this year continued to learn at high levels and had many wonderful experiences. This has been achieved and I sincerely thank our staff.

I acknowledge Coomera Springs parents and families. We have had to make more changes than ever and we had a period of learning at home. It has been challenging for all families this year. Our Coomera Springs families have made this possible and I thank everyone for their support every step of the way during 2020.

I thank our school leadership team for their work in navigating COVID with 100 staff and 900 students to keep safe from the pandemic. Together with our wonderful school community, we navigated many changes and restrictions within crushing timelines.

To ensure students not go backwards in 2020 would have been an achievement. Thank you to our teaching teams for making real and amazing positive progress this year. This is really inspiring as to what can be achieved. We have some students no longer receiving Ds in English and Maths and we have many other students achieving a B or A for the very first time. We have heard of so many success stories. Not only are these students receiving the gift of competency within the Australian Curriculum, their confidence and self-worth has lifted. This is life changing!

As we head to the Christmas vacation, please feel a sense of achievement that students have not gone backwards AT ALL during 2020. A large number of students will see in their student report card that they have gone up a rating level. We congratulate all students for their successes this year.

2020* was a year of many successes!

2021 at Coomera Springs SS

We welcome our incoming Prep cohort

We have been very excited to welcome our 2021 Prep students and their parents to our Prep Transition events at the school recently. These wonderful little people are really ready for their formal schooling to commence in a few weeks’ time. We very much look forward to seeing these little faces about the school over the next seven years. Due to border closures this year, we are extending our enrolment cut off for a little longer to support our local families and new families to the area. Please call the school on 55195300 for any Prep enrolment enquiries.

Please click the following link for our Video welcome

2021 Class Allocation

Families will be able to access 2021 class allocations through the school website by Friday 11th December 2020. To meet student protection and privacy considerations class lists will identify students via their individual EQID code (no names). This code contains a combination of numerals and letters and will be available through the student report.

Parents found this method convenient and easy when we used it last year to circulate class lists. We will forward an email which will contain step by step instructions and links to class lists and the school map. All the necessary details will be provided when the lists are available.

2021 School Calendar

The 2021 School Calendar is now available here.

Air Conditioning Update

Our school is fortunate to receive the installation of classroom air conditioning before many schools on the Gold Coast. We now have air conditioning units installed in every classroom. Whilst the majority of these units are now operational, we have been made aware that an electrical upgrade is required before some units can be operated. The appointed project manager is coordinating this upgrade and keeping us updated. We now expect that the internal electrical upgrades required are expected to be completed by the start of the 2021 school year. We may also need an upgrade from the electricity supply company.

We work together to maintain a COVID-Safe bubble for Coomera Springs in 2020.

As an entire school community, we need to continue to implement the various modifications and restrictions on the way we do things to keep our school community safe, and our school operating. Guidelines have eased some restrictions for schools.

• We have received confirmation that dancing can be included in our Year 6 Graduation
• Monitor all Queensland Health Advice and Directives
• Do not enter the school if unwell – students, staff, parents and visitors.
• Get tested if you have symptoms.
• Adult social distancing inside and outside the school and restricting access to school areas.
• Hygiene and frequent sanitisation.
• We have commenced inviting parents to significant student milestone events with a COVID Checklist

Learning Excellence in Term 4

Through the amazing support and cooperation of our entire school community, we have been able to ensure continued learning excellence at Coomera Springs during Term 4.

Live streaming or the sharing of highlights of school events such as assemblies, and photo highlights of other school events have enabled our families to be part of student activities.

• Our team have implemented COVID – Safe plans for 1:1 Information, Music COE, Instrumental Music, 2021 Captain Speeches, Seven Awards Assemblies and 2021 Prep Transition sessions
• Every incursion, excursion and camp requiring additional planning and adjustments

This week, we share Awards Assemblies, Christmas Concert and Swimming Carnival photos.

Happy Christmas

As we approach the end of the year, we wish everyone a special family time together, safe travels and a very Happy Christmas.

Reopening 2021

The school office will open on Monday 18th January 2021.

School resumes for all students on Wednesday 27th January 2021.

Chris McMillan
Principal

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.

PE News

Swimming Carnival

Last Friday we held the Years 4-6 2020 Swimming Carnival. I would like to thank all students for their participation and outstanding efforts in the 25m and 50m swimming races. Students also enjoyed some free swim time to end our action packed carnival.

A big thanks to our wonderful sports leaders for their assistance during the carnival. The winning house for the 2020 Swimming Carnival was KABAN.

Well done to Jacob, who broke the CSSS Swimming Records for 11 Years Boys in the following events:

50m Freestyle
50m Backstroke
50m Breaststroke
50m Butterfly

Congratulations to the following students who were crowned Age Champions for 2020:

9 Years (Born 2011) – Jasmin & Kobe
10 Years (Born 2010) – Zayla & Riley
11 Years (Born 2009) – Kyama & Jacob
12 Years (Born 2008) – Shaylee & Cooper

Mr Bailey
PE Specialist

Library News

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for a great year, even though it was very unusual. Thank you for your support with Book Club and Book Fair during the year. The library was able to buy over $2000 worth of books with the rewards gathered and students have been borrowing them this term.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Happy Reading,

Sue Marriott
Teacher/Librarian

Uniform Shop

Uniform Shop Extended Operating Hours for January 2021

Click the link below to be taken to The School Locker Website

School Terms for 2021

School Calendar 2021

School Directory

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Community Notices

A message from Gold Coast Health – School Immunisation Program

Is your child starting Year 7 next year?

Be on the lookout for an invitation for your child to participate in the free School Immunisation Program (SIP) in Term 1, 2021. In February, you will be sent an email or SMS from Queensland Health with a link to an online form. The form will provide information on the vaccines being offered and ask you to confirm if you would like your child to participate, or not.

For more information about the SIP and vaccines being offered, please phone 1800 940 750 or

Click the link below

A message from Parentline …

Sometimes you just need someone to talk to. Parentline can help!

We know anything can affect the functioning of a family. Whether your concerns feel big or small, we are here to support your family needs.

Parentline is a confidential phone and webchat counselling and information service. We offer FREE counselling and support for parents and carers in Queensland. If all counsellors are busy on calls parents are given the option to leave a voice message and a counsellor will call back.

How can Parentline help?

Parentline works with you to:

• Help you work through what is worrying you
• Identify and strengthen ways to increase family wellbeing
• Find other services and information to help you

What are some of the things that can be talked about?

Anything! Including:

• All things parenting
• Relationships in your family
• Family breakups
• Mental and emotional wellbeing

So, call Parentline for a chat.

Parentline is open 8am-10pm, 7 days a week. 1300 30 1300 or click the link below.

Parentline also offers FREE online cyberbullying information for parents.

Supporting children through experiences of cyberbullying and online harm is mostly about managing emotions; your child's and your own.

Sometimes, in order to support our young ones, we need support and information ourselves. Visit the link below.

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