31 August 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL

Principal Peer Review

Every school in Queensland will be reviewed every 4 years. As part of this process, a reviewer from the School Improvement Unit and at least 1 principal from another school will visit each school to talk to parents, staff and students.

I shall be visiting Eidsvold State School for 3 days this week as part of the reviewing team. Eidsvold is a small town in the North Burnett region of Queensland. Eidsvold State School will be very different to Worongary, it is a P-12 school, with a total of 94 students, with only 68 students in Prep – 6. As you know Worongary has almost 800 students.

In my absence Mrs Kelly Ready will be Acting Principal.

Student Academic Progress

Due to unforseen circumstance, we are not able to hold the usual Parent Teacher interviews this term. Teachers will be contacting parents if they believe a meeting is necessary, and as always, parents are welcome to contact the teacher to discuss their child's progress.

At the end of this year we will once again be awarding Encouragement, Merit and Principal's Excellence awards as well as naming the Year 6 Dux of the school, many children have told me they are going to achieve one of these awards this time – it is important that we work together to ensure that English, Maths, Science, History and Geography high standards are encouraged and maintained.

Dojo Awards

Congratulations to all our students who have received their Bronze Dojo Badge, our target is that every student will achieve this award before the end of the year, a special congratulations to all those students who have received their Silver Dojo Badge, I am thrilled to congratulate Brooklyn G of 2 Green for being the first student to receive a Gold Dojo.

Attendance

As the term comes to an end it is important that we still welcome each day as if it is the first day of term. It is important to 'Finish Strong'. I use the analogy of the surgeon or airline pilot who is working on the last day before their holidays – I need them to be taking this day as seriously as any other day in their working week. The holiday starts on Monday 19 September and to encourage students to attend on the last day of term a bonus Dojo will be awarded to all students present.

Student attendance is an indicator of success at school. While we do recognize that students, just like adults, do become ill and are unable to attend some days, it is important that they are present every day they are well. This includes being on time for the commencement of every school day, and remaining until the end of the day. Our times are 9.00 am to 3.00 pm. If your child is sick and unable to attend school please phone the office to explain the absence. Some of you will have received notes requesting explanation of past absences. Please return these to your class teacher so that we can finalise student absences. This is an Education Queensland requirement, not just a Worongary State School request.

If you are unsure of your child's current attendance rate please do not hesitate to contact your class teacher via Dojo or email or in person to find out. Our target is 95% attendance and students who attain 95% or greater attendance are acknowledged every term.

Behaviour

Term Focus

Week 8 and 9 Focus

Prep 2017

Important Dates:

Prep Parent Information Sessions (the same information will be provided at both sessions)

Tuesday 13 September 9:15am – 10:15am
Thursday 6 October 2:00pm – 3:00pm

Get Set for Prep (children will attend 5 sessions)

Thursday 20 & 27 October and Thursday 3, 10 & 17 November

Please look out for more information about these activities in the Get Set for Prep Newsletter

String Recital for Year 2 Students

Students at Worongary State School can take up a string instrument as part of our Instrumental Program in Year 3. On Monday, our strings students played for our Year 2 classes to showcase our instrumental program and encourage students to take up a string instrument next year.

Please look out next term for more information on how your child can join the Instrumental Program in 2017.

Speaking Up Competition

As an integral component of the English syllabus we are holding our annual Speaking Up Competition. This is a wonderful opportunity to discover the hidden talents within our school and extend those who have already shown promise in public speaking skills.

Students will be required to select one topic from their year level and prepare a short speech to be presented to their class.

Shortly, teachers will be asking for children to present their speech to the class. Then nominations from each class competition will be selected to compete across their year level in the school Speaking Up Competition.

Prep – Year 2 Tuesday 6 September
Year 3 and 4 Thursday 8 September 2016
Year 5 and 6 Thursday 15 September 2016

The winner from each year level will be announced at the next Assembly following the competition.

The overall winner from each year level will go on to compete at the Nerang Alliance Speaking up competition 12 October 2016

Cyber Safety Presentations

On the 5 September, we will be undertaking the next phase of our Cyber Safety Presentations. Earlier in the year the Department of Education and Training's Cyber Safety team presented to our Year 5 and 6 students and this time our Year 3 and 4 students will be addressed about appropriate use of the internet and technology. All parents are invited to a parent information session at 9am in our school hall. If you are wanting to attend can you please RSVP to office@worongaryss.eq.edu.au or call 55024444 by September 2.

Year 4 Camp

As you would already be aware the Year 4 Currumbin Farm Camp is fast approaching, and will be held for 4G & 4Y on Monday 12 September – Wednesday 14 September and for 4B & 4R Wednesday 14 September – Friday 16 September. Internet payment August has closed and final day for cash or credit card payment (prior to 10am) is 2 September and payment office (between 8am – 10am) is 2 September.

It is requested that in preparation for camp, you discuss with your child the importance of demonstrating positive and appropriate behaviour at school in the lead up to camp and whilst they are away participating in this activity. A requirement of attending Currumbin Farm Camp is to consistently demonstrate safe, compliant and respectful behaviour. As in all out of school activities a risk assessment has been completed and it is imperative that all students attending the camp demonstrate behaviour that is in line with the Worongary State School Responsible Behaviour Plan.

If your child's behaviour is inappropriate in the lead up to camp, a meeting or phone call will be established between administration, the classroom teacher and our behaviour specialist to discuss possible removal from attending the camp. In addition if your child's behaviour is inappropriate at camp, Parent/Guardians will be contacted to collect their child from the camp venue.

If you have concerns regarding your child attending the camp please see their classroom teacher.

2016 Interschool Summer Sport Competition

The Summer Interschool Sport competition will commence this Friday 2 September. The draw will be available on our Website and Facebook each week. Children will be transported to the various venues by bus and the required season levy to cover the cost of this transportation is $80.00. The full payment is due by 10am Friday 9 September. It is important that all parents are aware that we have very high expectations regarding the Worongary State School Code of Conduct for Student Behaviour. As outlined in the sport contract, if a student receives 3 RTC's within the sport season they will be excluded for the rest of the sport season. If a student receives an external suspension they will be immediately be excluded from their sporting team.

How much sleep do children need?

Sometimes we notice children who are very tired, they need to sleep in class or become easily

distracted. If we consider how we feel if we don't get enough sleep it is easy to see that not enough sleep can seriously affect your child's learning. There is a lot of research available (on the internet) for you to read about the effects of lack of sleep. If your child has difficulty sleeping it might be advisable to visit your GP or Paediatrician for some assistance.

While every child is slightly different in terms of how much sleep they need, most require the following to be fully rested:

Some Tips to help with Bedtime

The 4 B's of Bedtime

Bathing. Baths and showers are a soothing, hygienic, and decisive way of separating the evening's eating activities from sleeping.

Brushing. Whether you choose to brush your child's teeth right after the last meal or just before the actual bedtime itself, it is advisable to get in the habit of having a toothbrush be the last thing in your child's mouth at night, that is no drinks, no snacks and definitely no lollies.

Books. Books at bedtime, instead of some screen or electronic device is a very calming and satisfying way of preparing for sleep. For younger children they enjoy listening to you reading the story, as children get older it is an excellent way to calm their thinking and energy levels by reading a good book in bed.

Bedtime. We acknowledge that it's very hard to force a child to fall asleep. We suggest you stop trying and instead stick to implementing a routine time for your child to get ready for and get into bed. Children like routine, it makes them comfortable and let's their bodies and minds get into 'sleep' mode more easily.

Getting to School on Time

Now that we have the children to bed and sleeping it is important to get the up the next day and ready on time for school.

Children don't understand time in the same way as grown-ups. This can make school mornings a stressful time of day for families.

But staying calm and getting along in the morning will help you all feel positive about the day ahead. For example, fighting with children in the morning makes it harder for you to work well. It even increases the risk of you having an accident at work.

The most useful way to reduce morning chaos is to establish a morning routine for school. Sticking to a morning routine for school helps your children predict what's coming, and remember what they need to do.

Here are some ideas to take some of the pressure out of school mornings – even if things don't always go smoothly!

• Try getting up 15-30 minutes earlier. The extra time might help things run more smoothly. Also try to allow plenty of time to get from home to school. Rushing can really increase everyone's stress levels.
• Think about an alarm clock for children who find it hard to wake up or don't like getting out of bed.

• Tackle the morning as positively and as optimistically as you can. Good moods can be infectious. One way to do this is by focusing on the positive aspects of your children's behaviour and praising them – for example, 'Great to see you eating some toast'.
• If your children are young, remind them what they're meant to be doing and when. Simple 'to do' checklists, even with pictures, can help as a reminder.
• Once your children are old enough, encourage them to do more for themselves – for example, getting dressed on their own, making their own breakfast, and tidying up after themselves. Mornings are easier when your children are more independent.
• Cut down on distractions. Television and computer games can distract children from getting ready, and many families have a rule about no television in the morning. Think about leaving the TV and games off.
• Give your children calm and clear instructions about what you want them to do, and follow up with specific praise as soon as they start to cooperate. Try not to give your children extra attention for arguing, whining or stalling. Even negative attention is an incentive for them to keep going with this behaviour.

Regards Marilyn Moballe, Principal

Curriculum and Pedagogy Coaches

We Need Your Help!

We would love any used greeting cards or old calendars to use as stimulus pictures in our classroom.

Please drop off at CAPS room(next to the uniform shop). Look for the red flag.

Regards Donna Ermer & Megan Taylor Curriculum and Pedagogy Coaches

FINANCE

Payments

We have had some people again wanting to pay at our office of an afternoon and I would just like to remind families that our advertised times to accept cash/card payments are 8am to 10am Tuesdays and Fridays. We do not accept payments at our receipting counter at any other time. If payment is due by a certain day it will need to be received at school on that day by 10am. Please remind students to bring any payments directly to the office in the morning when they arrive at school, as they will be responsible for their own money if they do not get it to the office in time. If you do not want your child to have this responsibility please choose another method of making payment, that is internet, credit card or debit card. The office does not hold cash on the premises.

In some instances invoices that are generated through our finance system are emailed to parents/caregivers. This usually occurs when a student at our school has a sibling at another school which uses email as their method of communication. We are unable to alter this, as it then adjusts for the family at the other school. If you receive an emailed invoice and you have already paid it, please do not contact the office to confirm payment. You will already have your BPoint receipt or will receive the school receipt via your child and this is the proof of your payment. Invoices are usually generated before the event note is sent home, so if you are unsure about why you might have received an invoice please wait a day or two before contacting the office to allow time to receive the event note.

A reminder also that our policy is not to accept late payments and I can assure you that at times this causes students, parents and also our staff great distress, but we need to maintain this position to ensure that variations to our school routine meet all the requirements of our Department which in turn is a safeguard to our students.

Lost Property

Please ensure that all hats, jumpers and property including lunch boxes and drink bottles are clearly named. We currently have an enormous amount of lost property. If property cannot be returned to the owner, it will eventually be donated to a charitable organisation. The lost property container is placed outside the tuckshop each day, so please check if you are missing any property. Your assistance with clearly naming and checking is greatly appreciated.

CASH AND BANKING DETAILS

The office payments window is open on Tuesdays and Fridays between 8.00 – 10.00 am. Cash payments can only be accepted during these times.

Credit card payments can be accepted over the phone during office hours up until 10.00 am on the due date.

Please remember that internet payments for excursions and activities close three working days before the cash/card due payment date. This is to allow for bank processing times. Late payments for excursions/activities will not be accepted. Please use the following details for internet transfers:

Account Name: Worongary State School General Account
BSB: 064-451
Account No: 10012741
Description: Enter first five letters of students surname space first three letter of their given name space reference code.

BPoint payment information is located in the lower left-hand corner of invoices and debtor statements. To ensure your payment goes to the correct invoice, please make sure that the four sections of the BPoint screen are completed. Only one invoice can be paid at a time using the BPoint option.

STUDENT RESOURCE SCHEME 2016

Thank you to those families who have paid the SRS in full for their children. We have a number of parents who have not adhered to their commitment as per the signed SRS Participation Agreement. Any parent with outstanding SRS fees will now need to contact the Business Services Manager.

Payments can be made as per the school banking details shown above.

RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION

Religious Instruction (RI) is an elective subject and it is not included in the 2016 Student Resource Scheme. Parents who had indicated their student was participating in Religious Instruction were invoiced for $6.90 during Term 1. RI Activity Books were issued to all these students so that their participation in the RI class activities would not be limited.

There are a number of parents who have not paid the $6.90 for RI and we ask that outstanding amounts be paid this week.

Regards Charmaine Johnson, Business Services Manager

BEHAVIOUR

Biting! Hitting! Punching! Has your child ever lashed out and hurt someone?

The first step is understanding the underlying reasons why your child is choosing to act out this way. The more you understand what's happening, the better you'll be able to help them find other, non-aggressive ways to solve their problems. One place to begin is to watch your child for cues to see if any of the situations described above brings about aggressive behaviour. Learning as much as you can about the factors that trigger bad behaviour is the best way to combat it when it occurs next time. Many times kids who display aggressive behaviours lack the communication skills necessary to help them through a stressful situation. For a young child, biting or hitting someone is a whole lot easier! Plus, aggressive behaviours often give children a false sense of power over their peers. It's up to you to work diligently with your child so that he or she can practise the art of diplomacy in a tough situation. Help your child find their voice when they feel like acting out. By explaining and then practising using their words, you are helping them to trade off aggressive behaviour in favour of more socially acceptable behaviour.

Regards Kaiaya Clarke, Behaviour

Resource Centre

Grandparents' Day

What an amazing day we had last Wednesday for Grandparents' Day!

Every class was abuzz with excitement, activity and creative costumes.

The Hall was transformed into a colourful display of student work, showcasing their creativity. We were all blown away with the result. The Library was also full of colouring competition entries, and winners all received their prizes last Thursday (list below).

The students' dress up costumes were a testament to their parents' & grandparents' creativity, and there was certainly a great variety of book titles covered.

Thank you to everyone who took part in our Art Gallery and dress up parades, whether it was organising or visiting. I think I can safely say a fun time was had by all, despite the inclement weather.

Colouring Competition Winners

Prep B - Ashley Prep G – Chloe M Prep M - Angelina Prep R – Jensen
Prep Y - Indi
1B – Grace G & Skye D 1G – Sienna D 1M - Aria 1R - Corey
1Y – Te Rauhuia
2B - Tiara 2G - Charlie 2M - Sommer 2R - Dustin 2W - Isabelle
2Y - Bailey
3B - Charlotte 3G - Paige 3M - Ariella 3R - Jett 3Y - Rylee

Year 4 was optional, so entries were limited and not from every class.

4B – Phoebe & James R 4R – Abbey G 4Y – Kiralee & Anastasia

Regards Jann Connor, Librarian & Technology

FROM THE SPORTS DESK

Term 3 Wrap Up

Oceanic District Track & Field

After another successful school Athletics carnival, Worongary had a team of 43 ready and willing to tackle 13 other schools at Day 2 of the Oceanic District Track & Field Carnival. Our District is so large that we have to run two separate days to fit us all in, then the first four place getters from each event from both days, come together again for a 'Championship Day'.

Unfortunately, due to bad weather, Day 2 of the District Track & Field carnival was postponed to the following week, which happened to be the day before 'Champ Day'. For two reasons this put Worongary at a disadvantage – firstly due to the carnival being forced back to the following week, our Year 6 students were on camp forcing them to make a tough decision to attend the Track & Field carnival or stay at camp. Secondly, all schools that competed at the Day 2 carnival had to back up and compete again the following day, as opposed to those schools that competed the week before.

Now apparently because the food was so good and of course the fun that was being had, only one student (and his extremely dedicated Mum who drove to Tyalgum to collect and then return him; two days in a row), opted to leave camp to compete at the District T&F. Well done to Eli M (and his Mum)! Eli was successful in the 100m sprint, placing 3rd, hence the need for him to travel back and forth both days.

Although Worongary didn't have our Yr.6's competing at Day 2 of the carnival, our twenty-four 10 & 11 year old students from year 4 and year 5 were so dominant that we finished 3rd overall out of 14 schools. This is Worongary's best ever result! What might have happened if we had all our year 6's in attendance?

Two 10 year students were huge contributors to our success by being awarded Age Champions of the Day 2 carnival. CONGRATS to Nyalli M and Luka S. Nyalli won three first ribbons in 100m, 200m and Long Jump and a 4th in Discus. Luka won two first ribbons in Discus and 100m and a fourth place for Long Jump.

In addition to Nyalli, Luka and Eli qualifying for 'Champ Day', see the list below for our other qualifiers:

Grace M: 2nd Long Jump & 2nd Discus
Mollirose M: 2nd 800m & 4th 100m
Izayah P: 4th 100m, 3rd 200m & 3rd Shot Put
Moana M: 4th Discus
Gemma F: 3rd Hogh Jump
Hannah T: 4th Shot Put
Tavarna P: 3rd Shot Put
Jac F: 4th Discus

Oceanic District T&F CHAMP DAY

After a big day of competition on Wednesday, our little legends performed brilliantly on Champ Day! At this carnival they were competing against the Top 4 place getters from both days of the District carnivals. If they place in the Top 4 on Championship Day, they have booked themselves a place in the Oceanic team and go on to compete at the Regional (South Coast) T&F carnival on the 6 & September at Griffith University Athletics Centre.

The following were successful in making the Oceanic T&F team:

Nyalli M; 2nd in 100m & 200m, 3rd Discus
Luka S; 1st in Discus
Grace M; 3rd Long Jump & 4th Discus
Mollirose M; 3rd 800m
Moana M; 4th Discus

A HUGE Congrats to these fabulous athletes and good luck to you all at the Regional Carnival from all of us here at Worongary SS…

Regards, Kyle Milne, Phys Ed Coordinator

MUSIC DEPARTMENT

Congratulations to both the Lorikeet and Rosella choirs for their outstanding performance at the Eisteddfods this week and for both choirs receiving Honours for their performance. Congratulations also to both choirs for performing on Grandparents day so enthusiastically, irrespective of the rainy weather, and looking so amazing in your Book Week costumes.

Rehearsals will continue as normal with Lorikeets Tuesday mornings and 2nd break and Rosellas on Thursday mornings and 2nd break. New choir members are welcome to join. We will be preparing new songs for our end of year concert and assembly items

Regards Bonnie Hapi, Music & Arts

EXCURSIONS

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

LEARNING VINE AWARDS

P&C COMMITTEE

Father's Day Stall

The P&C will be holding a Father's Day stall on Thursday 1 September from 9:00am. Classes have been timetabled to attend the stall during the day, with Preps visiting the day before due to their farm excursion. Any leftover gifts will be available for purchase on Friday 2 September from 9:00am – 12:00pm. Gifts will cost between $2 and $10. Please send the money with your child in an envelope marked with their name.

Tuckshop & Uniform Shop

Tuckshop News

Volunteers

Jasmine and I would like to send our thanks to the following lovely ladies who have helped out in the Tuckshop in the last two weeks:

To Lizzy M and Narelle R, thank you for continuing to give your time regularly every week. We love knowing that we can rely on you.

To Claire H and Tara R, thank you for continuing to stop by when you can. We love your surprise visits that somehow seem to be perfectly timed for when we need that extra pair of hands.

To our P&C executive members, thank you for being a supportive P&C and for making yourselves available to assist us whenever we need you.

Whether for a short time or a long time, every bit helps. There's always something happening in the Tuckshop. Thank you again.

Breakfast Menu Update

The planning of the Breakfast Menu is underway and will commence for trial in Term 4. Watch this space.

Gold Coast Show Meal Deals

Thank you to everyone who ordered our Gold Coast Show Meal Deals last week. We hope you enjoyed them as well as the long weekend.

Canteen Week Competition – Update

I am pleased to announce that we have been invited by ASCA to put forward not one, but two entries in the Statewide colouring/drawing competition – one for each category. So, Kai S (5 Blue) now joins Hope M (Prep Blue) in representing WSS. Well done.

Uniform News

Opening Hours

Monday: 8:00am-9:00am
Wednesday: 2:15pm-3:15pm
Friday: 8:00am-9:00am
Direct Dial number: 5502 4409

Hair Accessories

Hair accessories are now available for purchase from the Uniform Shop. Products and prices are as follows:

Note: Hairties and clips are for everyday use. Mini Korkers are for use on House Sports Days.

Winter Stock

Please be aware that, as we near the end of the Winter season, we are unable to restock certain items that sell out. Every effort will be made to accommodate your child with the next best size and your understanding is most appreciated.

Interschool Sports

Congratulations to all students selected to represent Worongary State School for the upcoming Interschool Sports season. For those who don't yet have them, the following items are available for purchase online or from the Uniform Shop:

Interschool sports shorts (pocketless) - $21.00
Footy socks - $10.00

Please check with your sports coach or Mr Milne if unsure which items your child will need for their chosen sport so they can represent Worongary with pride.

Regards Michelle Lee, Tuckshop and Uniform Convenor

COMMUNITY NOTICES

Benowa State High School is taking applications now to sit the Academic Exam for Year 7 -2017 Excellence Program

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