9 November 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL

Finish Strong

It is hard to imagine, but we have only 5 weeks of the 2016 school year left. It might sound a bit trite – but it is important that children ‘do not count the days – make the days count’. It is very easy to impose on students that the year is coming to an end, that they must be tired etc. It is important, however, that instead we encourage them to apply the same energy and enthusiasm to their studies as they did at the start of the year.

We need to work together, your child, our student, you and Worongary State School, to ensure that our children do not start slowing down. Here is a link to a very short clip that helps explain this. FINISH STRONG.

Final assessment is due, attendance is important – in class, on task and learning – attending every day, good behaviour in class and in the playground is still expected.

The End of Year Awards Ceremonies are coming up soon too:

Senior 3-5 Thursday 1 December
Junior Prep – 2 Friday 2 December
Year 6 Leaving Ceremony Tuesday 6 December

Students will be awarded Effort, Encouragement, Merit and Academic Excellence Awards based on the school work over the past semester. Year 6 students will be eligible for subject awards based on their 2016 results, with overall Academic Awards being presented to the student who has consistently performed to an excellent level in the core learning subjects of English, Maths, Science, History and Geography.

QParents is now available at Worongary State School

What is QParents?

The QParents Portal is a web and mobile application that allows parents/carers of Queensland state school students to access information about their child and to communicate directly with their school.

This portal provides you with secure, online access to information such as:

• attendance details
• report cards
• timetables
• invoices
• payments
• enrolments.

You are also able to update your child’s details and let your school know of changes to their normal routine, such as when your child is unwell or has to leave school early.

QParents won’t replace the traditional ways parents and schools communicate—it will just provide another option.

Online security

QParents is a secure portal that meets industry security standards. It utilises a range of security measures to ensure that the integrity of the student data is maintained.

Only QParents account holders and their authorised delegates can access student information.

If you do not want to register for QParents, the account will not be activated and your child’s information will not be made available through QParents.

How to access QParents

You should have received an email or written invitation to participate. This invitation will contain your unique Invitation Code. You will be required to log on and provide proof of identity to activate your QParents account.

If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact Jo Wales in the office, or for more information visit QParents by clicking on the link below.

Parents and Carers have you considered a career in teaching?

There are so many great reasons to become a teacher, including a great work-life balance and one of the highest starting salaries for university graduates in Australia.

• It’s never too late in life to study teaching.
• Teaching is a four-year undergraduate degree or a one-year post-graduate diploma for students enrolling in 2017. From 2018, the post-graduate diploma will become a two-year study program.

Teaching is a career where you can inspire others, make a difference and work with Queensland’s future!

Attendance

Our goal is to have every child in class, on task and learning. If, due to illness, holiday or family reasons, your child is going to be absent for more than 10 days, that is 11 days or longer, you are able to apply to the school for an exemption from attendance at school. If granted the absence is not counted against your child’s attendance and they can still be eligible for the attendance awards at the end of each term.

Please contact us if there are any ongoing reasons why your child is unable to attend school or if you are finding that you require assistance with getting them to school.

Dojos

The awarding of Dojos is still a highlight at each assembly, the children enter the stage with pride and display their well-earned badges on their uniforms. Congratulations to all recipients, our goal is for every student to gain at least their Bronze badge. Keep up the excellent behaviour students, you are obviously following the school rules of:

Student’s Dojo award will be considered when reporting on student behaviour in the end of semester reports. Student behaviour will also be considered when selecting school leaders for 2017.

Growth Mindset in Children

Mindset is a simple idea discovered by world renowned Stanford University psychologist Carol Dweck. Ms Dweck has stated that there are two types of mindsets; fixed or growth. In a fixed mindset, people believe that their basic qualities, like intelligence or talent, are fixed traits that you are born with. This type of mindset sees people documenting their talents rather than developing them.

A growth mindset sees people who believe basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work. This mindset encourages a love of learning, acknowledgement that learning continues through making mistakes and a resilience that is necessary for great success and accomplishment.

It is important that we teach children that the brain is like a muscle and that they understand that the more that they use their brain the stronger it will become. Parents can encourage their children to develop a growth mindset by adjusting their praise or acknowledgement of their children’s effort and hard work. Below is an example of some questions you can ask your children to help them develop a growth mindset.

Year 6 Leaving Ceremony

The Year 6 Leaving Ceremony is taking place on Tuesday 6 December at 6:30pm. There is no cost for tickets for the evening; however all seating will be allocated by an online booking system. Bookings will close on Monday 14 November. If you have any further enquiries please contact the office.

Behaviour

Term Focus

Term 4 Week 6 and Week 7 Focus

Prep 2017

Remaining Get Set for Prep dates:

Thursday 10 & 17 November.

A reminder that online uniform orders can be picked up on the Get Set for Prep days.

Triple P Parenting

Session 3

Worongary State School, in association with Little Explorers, is inviting interested parents to attend the final Triple P Parenting session, Raising Resilient Children.

TOPIC: Raising Resilient Children
DATE: Tuesday 15 November
TIME: 5:30pm – 7:00pm
VENUE: Worongary State School Hall
BOOKING: Please register at least 48 hours prior by going to the link below.

If you are having difficulties registering, please contact the school.

Discussion Group

Put an end to fighting and aggression

It’s natural for children to have disagreements or arguments at times. But a kid who bites, hits or fights won’t necessarily grow out of it. This two hour Triple P Discussion Group will give you new ways to calm those volatile situations.

DATE: Tuesday 22 November
TIME: 5:00pm – 7:00pm
VENUE: Little Explorers Early Learning Centre
BOOKING: Please register at least 48 hours prior by going to the link below.

STEM Engagement Classes for 2017

Worongary State School is excited to announce the implementation of STEM Engagement Classes in Years 5 and 6 in 2017. These will be regular Year 5 and 6 classes, but will have an emphasis on the STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) and will provide opportunities for the students to engage in collaborative projects to solve problems. Parents and students will be required to complete an Expression of Interest if they wish to be considered for one of the STEM Engagement classes in 2017.

A student and parent information session will be held in the school hall on Monday 14 November at 4:00pm. For those who cannot attend, an information sheet and Expression of Interest will be e-mailed to all parents of students currently in Years 4 and 5 after the presentation.

Position Vacant

Are you a scientist, IT professional or an engineer? Would you enjoy inspiring out teachers and students in science, maths or information technology? Would you like to become our schools, mathematician or IT professional?

Our school is registered for Scientists and Mathematician in schools and we’re looking for scientists, mathematician, engineers or IT professionals who are interested in working with our staff and students – it would be great to have someone from our local community.

Easement Closure

The easement from Virgil Court to Nabarlek Park will be closed from Wednesday 9 November until the end of term due to Gold Coast City Council sewer upgrade. Students who normally use this access will need to find an alternative route. See council webpage for further information.

Regards Marilyn Moballe, Principal

FINAL DISCO FOR 2016

Don’t forget the Disco

Wednesday 16 November
Prep – Year 6: 4:30pm – 6:30pm
Year 6 Only - Extra Hour: 6:45pm – 7:45pm

Due to the need to order pizzas, pre-paid and meal deal money will be collected on Wednesday 9 November in classrooms. Wristbands will be handed out the Wednesday of the disco.

Please see attached flyer for further information.

DAY FOR DANIEL

Day for Daniel

EXCURSIONS

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

LEARNING VINE AWARDS

SPORTS RESULTS

28 October 2016

4 November 2016

Important information about school bus travel for 2017

School transport is not free. However, you may be eligible for transport assistance under the Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) School Transport Assistance Scheme (STAS). APPLY NOW if you intend to use a Surfside Buslines bus to get to or from school.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a bus pass?

There are a number of general criteria that apply to STAS. Where a student is eligible for STAS, there are two types of bus assistance available, distance based and Safety-Net travel. Visit the link below for eligibility details and to print the relevant application form.

Where do I send the form to?

Applications for 2017 can be submitted now to
Surfside Buslines
PO Box 3036
Robina QLD 4230
Or
Email: gcschools@tagroup.net.au

Who needs to apply?

If this is the first time you are applying for assistance to travel or you are moving schools, changed address, repeating a grade or are moving from primary school to secondary school you need to apply now.

Existing bus pass holders

If your details will not be changing from 2016 to 2017 you do not have to reapply.

Students who hold a 2016 bus pass will be able to travel with that pass until 24 February 2017. This allows some time for the 2017 passes to be made.

If you lose your 2016 bus pass you will have to apply to Surfside Buslines for a replacement.

How do I get my bus pass?

Surfside will process applications over the Christmas school holidays so your pass will be sent to your school for you to collect.

What if my pass hasn’t arrived by 24 Feb 2017?

Without written confirmation from TMR stating your application has been approved you will need to pay the full cost of travel. These fares are not refundable.

What if I am not eligible for STAS?

The Queensland Government offers children and students a 50% concession fare by purchasing a TransLink gocard. Passengers aged 5-14 years are eligible for a child concession fare.

Full time students 15 years or older are eligible for a Student Concession gocard. To receive a concession fare, students must always carry an approved Queensland student photo identification card or wear an official Queensland school uniform.

Timetables

Use the TransLink journey planner to plan your travel to and from school. There are helpful tips on how to plan and how to catch a bus. Alternatively telephone 13 12 30.

Check out the new MyTransLink app. All bus, train, ferry and tram information is in the palm of your hand with customisable features so you will always get the updates that matter to you.

Further information

For more information on the School Transport Assistance Scheme, the Code of Conduct for School Children Travelling on Buses and Timetables visit the link below.

P&C

Chocolate Chasers

Families who still have outstanding Chocolate Fundraising money have been recently contacted via email and requested to settle their accounts. Unfortunately we still have approximately $1,800 of outstanding monies from the chocolate drive. These funds are earmarked for the Senior Playground. Could you please ensure that you pay your dues as soon as possible.

Swimming Carnival

Time to jump in the pool and practise your swimming strokes! The P&C are very proud to pay for our end of year swimming carnival for senior school years 3 – 6. Mr Milne has made a booking at Nerang Pool for the last week of term. More information will be issued in the next Pipeline so dust off those goggles and check your swimmers for holes! We can’t wait to hear who will be the House Champions of this year’s swimming carnival.

P&C Meetings

By the time you read this we would have had our last regular P&C meeting for the year. If you didn’t manage to make a meeting and are interested, we would love to see you in the New Year. We are a friendly, relaxed team always hoping to see a new face or two to share ideas and listen in. It’s a great way to hear about upcoming events and hear what is going on in the school.

World tuckshop day

On Friday 4 November the P&C celebrated world tuckshop day by surprising our lovely tuckshop ladies with specially made cards and gifts signed by our staff and students saying thank you. The ladies were absolutely stunned and very appreciative by it all.

On behalf of the P&C, staff and students we would like to say thank you again for all that you do in our school tuckshop.

Tuckshop & Uniform Shop

Tuckshop News

World Tuckshop Day

Last Friday was ‘World Tuckshop Day’ and our lovely P&C executives surprised Jasmine and myself with a special afternoon tea, certificates of appreciation and beautiful bunches of flowers. Not to be outdone, some of our thoughtful staff and students produced very creative and colourful cards containing many humbling messages of thanks and appreciation. And to top it all off, we also enjoyed yummy goodie bags delivered by our Principal, Ms Moballe. What a special way to end our week. We would like to thank all of you again for acknowledging our efforts and the services provided by our school Tuckshop. It’s great to feel appreciated.

Meal Deals

Our ‘Spooky’ and ‘Tricky’ Halloween themed Meal Deals were a great success. Stay tuned for the next Pipeline article when we launch our final round of meal deals for the year…these are a little scary to think about because they are our Christmas themed Meal Deals! Personally, I think it is a little scary how fast Christmas is approaching.

Warm Days

As the weather heats up, please remember that we have plenty of yummy, healthy frozen treats available, like:

• Frozen Pineapple pieces and Frozen Grapes
• Icebergs (cubes of frozen yoghurt and fruit)
• Frozen Orange wedges for 20c each

These items are all available from both online and manual ordering and may also be purchased over the counter by students in years 2-6, during Big Lunch.

UNIFORM SHOP

Opening Hours

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

Stock

Please be aware that as we approach the end of the school year, stock is becoming low in selected uniform items/sizes. However, you can rest assured that our back to school orders for 2017 were placed last term and all shipments are on track to arrive either later this term or before school resumes in January, 2017. In the meantime, if you require any items that are unavailable at the time of ordering, you are welcome to come into the Uniform Shop or call us during opening hours to pre-order your item/s. We will then contact you when the shipment/s arrive to arrange collection.

Uniform Shop Back to School Hours 2017

The Uniform Shop will be open for ‘Back to School’ sales in 2017 before school recommences. Layby orders and online orders can also be collected at these times, so save these dates in your calendar:

Thursday 19 January 2017 - 2:00pm – 7:00pm

Friday 20 January 2017 - 7:00am – 12:00pm

In addition to these days, we are also offering extended hours for the first two days of the term before returning to the regular hours on Wednesday 25 January. Opening days/times for the first week back are:

Extended Uniform Shop Hours

Monday 23 January 2017 8:00am - 10:00am

Tuesday 24 January 2017 8:00am - 10:00am

We then return to the regular open hours (as above) from Wednesday 25 January 2017

How to Order Uniforms for Prep 2017

Option 1: Purchase at the Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop is located upstairs from Central Games in Modular F. Uniforms can be purchased here during opening hours. Please see above for our opening hours.

We recommend bringing your child along for sizing.

Option 2: Purchase Online

Online purchasing is available for future Preps. Go to the school website and follow the link to Uniforms Online where you can set up an account. If you choose to purchase online, the following collection options are available:

• Order online and have the uniforms collected by a sibling already at the school.
  The nominated sibling will receive a note in their class Tuckshop basket to advise when the order is ready for collection.
• Order online and collect from the admin office at your convenience.
  We will call you when the order has been processed and is ready for collection.
• Order online and collect at the Get Set for Prep program.
  We will call you when the order has been processed and is ready for collection.

Please add a note in the comments section to let us know your preference.

If you have any queries please call the Uniform Shop during opening hours.

Regards Michelle Lee, Tuckshop and Uniform Convenor

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