16 March 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL

Every Student, Every Day, In Class, On Task and Learning

As we reach the end of term 1, parents are reminded of the importance of sending children to school every day. Being at school every day counts, with one day absent each week quickly adding up to two months of missed lessons in a year.

Unless your child is ill, it is expected that your child will be at school learning every day of the school year, including the last day of term.

More information on the importance of regular school attendance is available at

Each Pipeline I will publish the current term’s attendance data and trends. We are committed to a 95% attendance rate. Students with 100% attendance each week are awarded a Dojo for ‘Being a Learner’. If you require support with ensuring that your child attends school every day please contact your Class Teacher, the Guidance Officer or a Deputy Principal for advice and help.

Congratulations to Prep and year 1 students. Their attendance at school is above the target of 95% and is improving weekly. Year 2 and year 6 are currently attending at the expected 95%, but this is starting to drop slightly.

A very important, very small word

With the holidays very close I am certain that many of you are planning many outings and experiences for your children. The Easter holidays are punctuated with the constant supply of chocolate, even those of you who don’t really like chocolate (I am told there are some such people) can’t avoid the temptation to overindulge.

Children ask for so much, especially over the holidays, and it is tempting to give in just to keep the peace. But parenting and grand parenting sometimes requires us to be the bad guy and we have to say NO. We all hate to see our kids unhappy having a meltdown and so all too often we take the path of least resistance and give in. But the truth is, you'll do your child a big favour by saying NO more frequently.

Saying no teaches children important lessons:

• how to deal with disappointment
• how to reason
• how to prioritize and
• how to strike a balance between work and play.

There are many parenting websites on the internet; http://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/advice/just-say-no/ offers some good suggestions on how to respond to your child’s refusal to accept NO as an answer. It is not easy, but with practice both you and your child will find NO is a legitimate answer to extra lollies (especially Easter eggs), sleep overs, staying up late to watch a program or play a game.

School holidays are almost upon us

During this period empty schools provide an opportunity for criminal activity, becoming targets for unlawful entry, arson, stealing, graffiti and property damage – all of which become a cost to the community.

The School Watch Program is a partnership between Education Queensland, the Queensland Police Service and the State Government Protective Security Service. It aims to reduce criminal activity in Queensland schools and encourages everyone to look out for after-hours crime in our schools. If you see anything suspicious, please don’t attempt to intervene. Call the School Watch number – 13 17 88

Parent Teacher Interviews

Wednesday is our Parent Teacher Interview evening. I urge you to be punctual to your appointment and please stick to your time allocation. All interviews will be held in the school hall. This will make it easier for you to locate all the teachers you wish to speak to and make it easier for you to keep to the time allocations. If you need to bring your children with you, they will need to attend the interview, as supervision for children will not be available.

Parent Teacher interviews provide you with opportunities to:

• Share information about your child’s progress
• Improve communication with your child’s teacher
• Foster positive relationships between you and your child’s teacher
• Let the teacher know if you would like to be involved in any school activities
• Schedule follow up meeting.

Parents, as well as teachers, will gain the most from the interview process if you are prepared for the interview.

Some suggestions are:

• Make a list of specific questions you would like to ask
• Ask your child what they think the teacher will say about their behaviour, effort and progress
• Think about any special information you think your child’s teacher needs to know
• Bring pen and paper if you would like to make notes.

At the interview maintain a positive outlook. The aim of the interview is to share information about your child to ensure the best learning outcomes for every child.

• Let the teacher know something about your child, including their hobbies and strengths outside school
• Check on your child’s social interactions as well as academic progress.
• If the teacher raises concerns do not become angry or defensive, listen to what they are telling you. Remember that raising concerns is the best way to make sure they are addressed and your child is supported.
• Listen and share ideas that work at home and at school.
• End the interview on a positive note. Thank the teacher for taking the time to speak with you about your child.

After the interview:

• Speak honestly with your child about the information you have received
• Discuss with your child any plans that have been made for them
• Start right away on any plans that have been agreed to by you and your teacher
• If your partner or spouse was not able to attend the interview let them know what was discussed and agreed on
• If necessary ring and make an appointment to speak to the teacher again. Please don’t try and talk to the teacher during teaching time ie after 8.50 am and before 3.00 pm. It is best to make an appointment so that teachers are able to make time either before or after school to talk with you.

Keep in touch during the year:

• Make sure that you read the school Pipeline, website and Facebook
• Maintain contact with your child's teacher through Dojo or email
• Get involved in the P&C, working bees or volunteering in your child’s classroom or in the tuckshop.

Harmony Day & Anti Bullying Day

This Friday 18 March Worongary State School is joining schools and organisations around Australia to celebrate Harmony Day. Harmony Day (21 March) celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone. Harmony Day is held every year on 21 March to coincide with the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

The message of Harmony Day is everyone belongs. It’s a day to celebrate Australia’s diversity – a day of cultural respect for everyone who calls Australia home.

This year for Harmony Day, students are invited to come to school wearing orange. Please be aware that this isn’t a free dress day, and students will need to bring a gold coin donation. Classes will be participating in a picnic on the day at lunch time, on our school oval.

Also on this day we will be participating in the No Way Anti Bullying initiative. In order to carry on this important message, it is imperative that parents understand the difference between bullying and other situations that occur in the playground. This allows you as parents to assist your children to put events into the proper perspective and respond accordingly. The information below is provided from the government’s NO WAY Anti-Bullying website;

What is bullying?

The National Safe Schools Framework defines bullying as repeated verbal, physical, social or psychological behaviour that is harmful and involves the misuse of power by an individual or group towards one or more persons. Cyberbullying refers to bullying through information and communication technologies, e.g. the internet or mobile devices. Conflicts or fights between equals and single incidents are not defined as bullying. Bullying of any form or for any reason can have long‐term effects on those involved, including bystanders.

In short, bullying is a repeated pattern of harmful verbal, physical or social behaviour which involves the misuse of power.

Is every conflict between students bullying?

Not all aggressive or harmful behaviour between people is bullying. While conflicts and aggressive behaviour need to be addressed, it is important to be clear when these behaviours are not actually bullying. The definition of bullying has three critical aspects ‐ a repeated pattern, the misuse of power within relationships, and behaviour which causes harm; all three aspects need to be present in order for behaviour to be called bullying.

Interschool Sports

Interschool Winter Sport will begin on 15 April for students in years 4 to 6. This year, students will be able to participate in Soccer, Netball or Oz Tag for girls and Soccer, Rugby League or AFL for boys. If your child has nominated to try out for one of these sports, they will be undertaking trials over the next two weeks, with teams finalised at the end of week 8.

The cost of participation in Interschool Winter Sports will be approximately $85, depending on the number of students involved. This is for 10 games over term 2 and covers the cost of the bus and District Affiliation Fees. Games will begin term 2, week 1 (15 April).

Students will be notified if they have been successful in gaining a place on a team in week 8, with parents invoiced after Tuesday 22 March. The participation fee will be due by Tuesday 12 April. Unless prior arrangements have been made, students who have not paid by the due date will not be permitted to attend and their place may be offered to another student.

Student Disco

The student council has made the decision to postpone our term 1 Disco as our intended date was the same night as our P&C's AGM. The decision has been made to have two Discos next term, one in week 2 and the 2nd in week 8 (dates to be confirmed).

Adopt-A-Cop Visit

On Tuesday 8 March, the children in years 3-6 had a visit from Constable Leigh Rasmussen. Constable Rasmussen is based at Nerang Police Station. The Adopt-a-Cop program was implemented to build positive relationships between police and members of the school community. The program is an integral part of policing and reflects a greater emphasis on police partnerships with the community. Constable Rasmussen spoke of the importance of developing strategies that complement our three school rules of I am a Learner, I am Safe and I am Respectful. We viewed a power point developed around the One Punch Can Kill program and finished with a rap song and a Q and A session.

Constable Rasmussen will be back early in term two to spend time with the children in Prep-2, with a special session planned around the police car.

We would greatly appreciate your support by discussing the importance of not using physical violence at all, and continuing to role model safe practices of resolving issues by using ‘Stop-Think-Speak’.

Regards Marilyn Moballe, Principal

GUIDANCE OFFICER

This Friday Worongary State School is joining schools and organisations around Australia to celebrate the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence. In conjunction with recognising this important initiative we are also celebrating Harmony Day, a day that celebrates Australia’s cultural diversity.

Our school aims to create a safe and supportive school community for everyone. Sometimes, it can be difficult for parents or carers to know what to do when their child talks to them about bullying. You are an important part of our work to prevent bullying and to respond effectively if it happens. Stopping bullying involves everyone.

If your child talks to you about bullying:

1. Listen calmly and get the full story
2. Reassure your child that they are not to blame
3. Ask your child what they want to do about it and how you can help
4. Visit www.bullyingnoway.gov.au to find some strategies
5. Contact the school – make an appointment to meet with your child’s teacher and, if you need to, ask to talk with the Deputy Principal or Principal
6. Check in regularly with your child.

(adapted from the bullyingnoway.gov.au website, 2016)

If you would like to discuss any concerns or would like help dealing with those concerns, please contact the school to speak with your child’s teacher, myself, the Deputy Principal or the Principal.

Regards, Kathy Bellamy, Guidance Officer

CURRICULUM AND PEDAGOGY COACHES

Each year, the University of NSW runs the International Competition and Assessment for schools (ICAS).

This competition covers various areas of the curriculum. Children throughout Australia and the South Pacific Region take part and receive certificates. This year Worongary State School is continuing to offer the ICAS completion to students from Year 3 to Year 6. Any students interested in the ICAS competition will be required to complete school permission forms and pay the fees set out in the subject table.

ICAS is an initiative of Educational Assessment Australia (EAA). EAA is a not for profit organisation owned by the University of New South Wales (UNSW). ICAS provides an opportunity for all students to gain a measure of their own achievement in an external assessment situation. It provides teachers, parents and students with comprehensive reporting of results in Computer Skills, English, Mathematics, Science, Spelling and Writing.

All participating students receive a certificate and an individual student report indicating which questions they answered correctly, their total score as well as their average compared with the rest of the students in the state/region. The student report is also useful for highlighting student strengths and weaknesses in the skills and processes in the ICAS they participate in. These documents are suitable for your child to include in a portfolio. The first competition commences on 17 May.

The ICAS Assessment is offered to students in year 3-6.

Details involving permission and payment for ICAS assessment will be forwarded to parents in the coming weeks.

What is YuMi Deadly Maths?

QUT researchers in the YUMI DEADLY MATHS (YDM) CENTRE have been collaborating with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander schools and some low socio-economic (SES) schools in a series of projects to enhance student learning of mathematics. The project was highly successful therefore schools across the state were offered the opportunity to participate in YuMi Deadly Maths training.

YuMi Deadly Maths is designed to improve mathematics participation and learning by making connections with the real world, followed by a sequence of representations and activities. Activities focus on the use of students’ bodies, then their hands and finally their minds, checking visual images are developed. They can then focus on the use of Mathematical language and symbols to build connections with other mathematical ideas. YuMi Deadly Maths students then reflect on their learning and connect what they have learnt with the world they live.

In a nutshell, YuMi Deadly maths is a hands-on, activity based way of learning maths. It is not only fun, but it has been proven to improve student maths results.

Would you like to learn more? Janet Cavanagh, (QUT YuMi Deadly Mathematics Facilitator) would like to present parents with a workshop that will introduce you to ideas and ways that will help you not only understand mathematical concepts but will also assist you in helping your child understand maths.

YuMi Mathematics - PARENT WORKSHOP (Prep-6)

Date- Tuesday 22 March Time-2.00pm-3.00pm Where- CAP room (next to uniform room)
Please contact the office or classroom teacher to indicate your interest.
All welcome

Regards Donna Ermer & Megan Taylor Curriculum and Pedagogy Coaches

ABSENTEES

If your student is absent from school could you please notify the Administration Office as soon as possible. You can do this by:

• emailing the absence details to absences@worongaryss.eq.edu.au, in the email please add the student name, class and reason for the absence.

OR BY

• phoning the absence number which is 5502 4472, if this call goes to voice mail please leave student name, class and reason for the absence.

We are striving for between 95%-100% attendance for all students during 2016 therefore it is important that your child has no unexplained absences on their rolls.

We appreciate your assistance in this matter

FINANCE WINDOW

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE FINANCE WINDOW WILL BE CLOSED FROM FRIDAY 18 MARCH AND WILL REOPEN FOR BUSINESS ON TUESDAY 12 APRIL. INTERNET PAYMENTS CAN BE MADE PROVIDING THEY APPEAR ON THE SCHOOL’S STATEMENT BEFORE DUE DATE.

RESOURCE CENTRE

Bookclub

Bookclub orders should arrive by early next week. Books will be sent to classroom.

Book Returns

Could parents please check that your child has returned ALL books for the end of term stocktake this includes library books, reading books and home readers, by Friday 18 March.

SPORTS DESK

Oceanic Swimming Carnival

Worongary sent a team of 19 to the Oceanic District Swimming carnival held at Miami Olympic pool on Thursday 18 February. Our team were up against the best swimmers our District produces. All Worongary competitors had great day and enjoyed battling it out against the best and also amongst each other.

The students listed below made it into the Top 25 best times for that event. There were usually two students per event from each of the 33 schools involved…up to 66 competitors in total / per eveven.

Hannah T – 19th 50m Backstroke
Jayden D – 19th 50m Breastroke
Molli M – 21st 50m Breastroke
Holly J – 22nd 50m Freestyle

Well done to all students that swam at the trials!

Oceanic District Sport trials

Congratulations to the following students for their great effort and skill in gaining a spot in an Oceanic District team!

Reico R – U/12 District Rugby League
Kyen M – U/12 District Rugby League
Reef T – U/11 District Rugby League
Waylyn T – U/11 District Rugby League

Well done boys!

Special mention and well done also goes out to Brock L and Jasmine B. Brock gained selection into the U/11 District Rugby League team, but unfortunately broke his arm playing for his club team. Here’s to a speedy recovery as he still may be able to take part in the Regional carnival.

Jasmine was selected as the ‘shadow’ for the U/11 District Netball team and has been attending training with them in the lead up to the Regional trial.

Congrats to these six talented students and to all our other Worongary SS reps that trial for a position in a District team. Well done!

We also wish those students that have been nominated to trial for District sport teams, that haven’t as yet trialled, all the best.

Interschool Sport – Winter season

Those students that signed up to trial for one of our Interschool Sport teams should have already received an information note. By the end of this week, students will know whether or not they have been selected in that team and also how much it will cost and when this payment is due. The children should also now know when and where team training will take place. The Winter season starts Friday 15 April – week 1, term 2 and continues until Friday 17 June; 10 weeks. Training schedule and weekly draw will be published to the website when available.

Yours in Sport, Kyle Milne, Phys Ed Coordinator

PREP EASTER HAT PARADE

Prep Easter Hat Parade

When: Thursday 24 March at 2:15
Where: School Hall

Parents, Grandparents and special visitors are welcome.

EXCURSIONS

PLEASE NOTE ALL EXCURSION NOTES ARE AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE
NO LATE PAYMENTS WILL BE RECEIVED.

LEARNING VINE AWARDS

CHESS NEWS

Chess at Worongary State School – Term 2

The end of term 1 is fast approaching and we have been having a great term of chess, where our students have been learning all the strategies, traps and tricks of the game while having lots of fun. The lessons run on Friday afternoons from 3.05 – 4.05pm in the Games Room Module H Room 2 & there are still places available for term 2. Lessons will commence on Friday 15th April and the cost is $88.00 per student per term. We cater for all ages & abilities and the educational benefits have been proven – kids think smarter when they know how to play chess! To enrol & pay please go to our web site www.gardinerchess.com.au, click on the parent icon, set up an account using your details, click on Student Coaching & Add Student, select term 2, add to cart & check out. Please call our friendly staff on 5522 7221 or visit our web site www.gardinerchess.com.au if you have any questions.

Happy Chessing!
From the Gardiner Chess Team www.gardinerchess.com.au

P&C COMMITTEE

P&C MEETING

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place next week on Wednesday, 23 March 2016 at 5:00pm in the School Staff Room. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Please note that all P&C roles are declared vacant at the AGM and any parent is welcome and encouraged to express interest in taking on one of these P&C roles. The 2016 P&C Executive Committee members are elected at this meeting.

The AGM is a great way to find out what is happening at our school, so we hope you can attend. The AGM will be followed directly after by the March 2016 P&C meeting.

We hope you can join us!

School Banking

School banking for the last week of term 1 will be on Wednesday 23 March. Thank you to our lovely volunteers that help every Friday!

TUCKSHOP

!! COMPETITION ALERT!!

Who would like to win TWO VIP MAGIC PASSES to Movie World, Sea World and Wet n Wild with holidays just around the corner?

Well, your Tuckshop is ready to help one lucky family make the most of their upcoming holidays by giving away these passes next week.

All you have to do is order online anytime from Wed 16/03/16 to Tues 22/03/16. Entries will be counted as one per student, per day (eg Jack orders online Monday for both little and big lunch and gets one entry; Jack then orders online Tuesday for just little lunch and gets one more entry).

On Wednesday 23 March, 2016, we will count up everyone’s online entries before delivering this exciting prize to the winning student during the school day.

So, if you haven’t already set up your online account with “Schoolshop Online”, now is the time! Visit our school website for the link located towards the bottom right of the home page.

As an added bonus, all of our online families will have exclusive access to our special Easter Meal Deals that will be available online only until Wednesday 23 March, 2016. Please ‘hop’ on to our website to check those out…!

Tuckshop will be closed ALL DAY on the last day of term,
Thursday 24 March, 2016, for cleaning
We will re-open Monday 11 April, 2016.

VOLUNTEERS:

We are always busy with ‘Over Counter Sales’ for years 2-6 so please feel free to stop in any day to help serve our eager students between 1.30pm-1.55pm

Regards, Jasmine Smith, Tuckshop Convenor

UNIFORM SHOP

Term 1 opening hours:

Monday - 8:30am-10:30am
Thursday - 2:30pm-3:30pm

Term 2 opening hours:

Monday - 8:00am-9:00am
Wednesday - 2:15pm-3:15pm
Friday - 8:00am-9:00am

Direct Dial number: 5502 4409

Uniform News

Uniform Shop Hours

Please note that the Uniform Shop hours are set to change again next term. For your convenience we will now be opening on three days per week instead of two from the beginning of Term 2. The new hours will be:

Monday - 8:00am-9:00am
Wednesday - 2:15pm-3:15pm
Friday - 8:00am-9:00am

Old Style Uniforms

We have reached the end of our two year uniform changeover period and old style uniforms are no longer acceptable to wear. Any old uniforms you’d like to clear out can be dropped off at the Uniform Shop. Once we finish collecting them all, they will be donated to a needy overseas school.

Seniors Shirts

Seniors Shirts have now been ordered and production is in the hands of our supplier. All going to plan, students can expect to receive these around week 3 of term 2. Watch this space for updates!

House Shirts

Remember that we now have House Shirts available for purchase. They look amazing. The shirts have the school logo on the front and house birds on the back. They are of course available in all house colours: Narairee - black, Karee - white, Nyunga - yellow and Pilleen – red. The cost is $17.00 each.

Online ordering

If you haven’t already used online ordering for purchasing uniforms and would like to give it a try you can register an account with schoolshop online by following the links on the school website.

Key things to note about online ordering are:

• Online ordering is great for busy parents. Orders can be placed online at your convenience.
• Any orders placed online will be processed on the next uniform shop day and a note will be sent to your child’s classroom so they know when they will be able to collect it from the Tuckshop. Please let them know to keep an eye out for the note. Please ensure that you include your child’s details as well as your own on the form ie. name and current class.
• Please be sure to update your child/children’s class for each new school year.

Pre-loved uniforms

We will buy back the following items in good condition to add to our supply of pre-loved uniforms: new style polos, new style shorts, skorts, pullovers, trackpants and zip-up cardigans.

Have a great break and see you all back here next term!

Regards, Michelle Lee, Uniform Convenor

MERRIMAC STATE HIGH SCHOOL

COMMUNITY NOTICES

The Gold Coast Bulletin Fun Run (#gcbfunrun) and half marathon is a great opportunity for your school to get together for a fun & active day out on Sunday 17th April, 2016.

Choose how to add this event to your calendar:

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

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