25 July 2018

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Welcome back to our students and families for term 3. This term is already shaping up to be another tremendous term of learning at Worongary State School. This term will see our Year 4 and Year 5 students participating in their camp experiences while a number of other year levels will take part in a variety of excursions and incursions. Our wonderful partnership with Merrimac State High School will bring a focus to the curriculum area of coding. After a considerable investment in robotics, I am certainly keen to see our students’ using their knowledge and coding skills in the very first Merrimac State High School Coding Challenge. What an amazing term we have planned for all of our students!

Principal Update

All parents were advised last term that Ms Marilyn Moballe has decided not to return to Worongary State School. I wish to take the opportunity to acknowledge Marilyn for her achievements while the principal of our school and I wish her all the very best in her future.

The Department of Education has already commenced a selection and recruitment process to find a replacement for Marilyn. It is the clear intention that a permanent principal be appointed to Worongary State School for the commencement of Term 4. Our department welcomes feedback from our community regarding the qualities that a high performing leader would bring to our school. To ensure the school community has a voice in this process Mrs Rhiannon Henson (the school’s Parents’ and Citizens’ Association President) has kindly offered to represent our community. All families have received an invitation to comment on the qualities you are looking for in our principal.

I would encourage any parent who wishes to have an input into this process to contact Rhiannon via the P and C Association’s email address - pandc@worongaryss.eq.edu.au. Parents wishing to obtain additional information are also welcome to contact the office and make an appointment to meet with me. More information regarding the permanent appointment will be shared as soon as it comes to hand.

Staffing Update

Mrs Kerry White (our school’s Junior Deputy Principal) is currently enjoying some very well deserved long service leave. Mrs White will be away for the first five weeks of Term 3. Ms Kaia Clarke will be replacing Mrs White she is enjoying her holiday. Ms Kaia will take carriage of the Junior school while Mrs Kerrianne Sullivan will be replacing her as the Behaviour Support Teacher. We welcome Ms Kaia Clarke to the leadership team. This staffing change will have limited impact on our students as all of these officers have worked hard to support each other in their transition.

On Monday we welcomed Mrs Toni Van Dyke into the school as our Year 2A teacher. Late last term we learnt that Mrs Fowler was unwell and needed to take some extended leave to rest and recuperate. Mrs Van Dyke is a very hard working and enthusiastic graduate teacher who has already added value to our Year 2 team. While our thoughts are with Mrs Fowler I am pleased that Mrs Van Dyke will remain with us for the remainder of Term 3. I hope you will join with me in welcoming her to our school.

NAIDOC Week

NAIDOC Week is celebrated each year in July with celebrations this year falling within the second week of the school holidays. Worongary State School students will celebrating NAIDOC Week in Week 2 of Term 3. This year, the theme is “Because of Her, We Can”. To celebrate our local language, students in Years 3 – 6 will be using the Yugambeh Language Program to create Haiku Poems. Our Junior school will be learning about bush tucker plants and their uses.

We will be holding special assemblies to mark NAIDOC Week this Friday (27 July). Senior Assembly (Year 3-6) will be held in the hall at 12:00pm and Junior Assembly (P- Year 2) will be conducted in the hall at 12:30pm. Parents and carers are welcome. As all classes will be conducting activities throughout next week, I would encourage you to speak to your child about what they have produced.

Air Conditioning Update

Over the past 18 months the school and our P&C Association has been working to ensure the temperature in our school’s classrooms is conducive to the achievement of positive learning outcomes. Prior to the mid-year vacation the school commissioned an electrical company to conduct a thorough audit of our school’s electrical wiring and switchboards. The report that was provided back to the school has indicated that an additional $30,000 of electrical upgrades will be required to ensure the systems will function efficiently in each of the rooms. I sincerely thank the P&C Association for kindly supporting the school to undertake this work. The hours of fundraising has made a significant difference and we all thank you very much.

Attendance

It is important that all students are attending school unless there is an acceptable reason such as illness or family/cultural commitment. The beginning of the term is when teachers revisit classroom expectations and give students preliminary work to form the basis of learning that will be taking place throughout the term. Therefore, this is a very important time in the term.

We will continue to send out daily SMS messages to parents to help reduce the number of unexplained absences. We sincerely appreciate all of the parents who are contacting us and letting us know that your child is absent and hope that all parents understand that Every Day Counts in your child’s education.

Uniform Policy

As we commence our second Semester, we have noticed that some students are wearing non-uniform items to school. This has included jewellery, hats and shoes. I sincerely thank the many parents who support our school by ensuring your child attends school each and every day wearing the correct uniform. The way a child dresses him/herself influences his/her behaviour. Worongary State School in conjunction with our Parents’ & Citizens’ Association have introduced an appropriate dress code. This has been implemented to:

• Promote a sense of identity and pride within our school community
• Promote equality amongst students
• For student security. School uniforms mean students are easily identified.

Children are required to wear the correct uniform each day. The uniform is expected to be kept in a clean, neat and correct fashion. It is inappropriate for undergarments to be visible. (ie boxer shorts, long sleeve shirts, etc). Should students be unable to wear the uniform due to an unusual circumstance, parents are asked to send a note with an explanation with the student that day. Students who breach the uniform code will be issued with a warning. Repeat offenders will partake in a disciplinary program (see ‘Uniform Breach Code”).

Parents may need to buy new school shoes for the second semester. This is a timely reminder of the styles of shoes which are acceptable as part of the school uniform. Our uniform policy states:

Shoes are to be kept neat and tidy. Shoes are to be made of leather or vinyl (no canvas shoes). White ankle socks MUST be worn with shoes. For safety reasons, laced shoes must be tied tightly. Laces are to be the same colour as the shoe. All parts of the shoe must be black, including soles, eyelets and motifs. Shoes and socks MUST be worn at all times unless instructed by a teacher. Slip-on shoes are prohibited due to health and safety.

Parents who are experiencing financial difficulties in meeting these expectations are encouraged to contact the office and speak with a school leader. We thank you for your anticipated support.

Regards Landon Dare, Principal

Save the Date

Learning Vine Awards

Behaviour

Welcome back to everyone! I hope you had a great holiday and are ready for a productive and positive Term 3. I will be taking on the role as Behaviour Teacher while Ms Kaia is acting in Mrs White’s Deputy Principal (Junior School) role for the next 5 weeks. I have outlined the behaviour focus for the next 2 weeks below and I trust that you will cooperate with the school to encourage our students to follow the expectations of Worongary State School.

Being in the Correct Areas

It is our commitment that our students are safe while they are at school. It is important that all of our students follow our school rules and play or congregate in the correct areas of the school, relevant to the particular time of day.

Before the 8.50am bell all students should be in the Central Games area where they will be supervised by staff member/s at 8.30am. In break times, designated play areas are clearly communicated to the students in the differing year levels that are fully supervised. After school parents pick up, students make their way home independently or attend Helping Hands for extended supervision after the school day. Students are not to play on the school equipment after the school bell rings due to heightened safety concerns.

To ensure optimum student safety it is imperative that ALL students, carers and parents understand and follow our rules of ‘I Am Safe, I Am Respectful, I Am A Learner’ and support our school in creating a positive and safe learning environment.

Regards, Kerrianne Sullivan, Behaviour

From the Music Room

We trust that all students and families had a restful break and are now ready to go for another busy Semester. There have been some changes to Choral Rehearsals times as detailed below and a new Drumline ensemble will commence rehearsals in Week 2.

Little Voices - JUNIOR CHORAL ENSEMBLE (Years 1 – 3)

After second term’s trial of lunchtime rehearsals, Junior Choral Ensemble will return to before school rehearsals. If your child did not receive an information pack, please see the ladies in the Office.

Rehearsals for Term 3 and Term 4: Tuesday Mornings 8:10am – 8:50am.

SENIOR CHORAL ENSEMBLE (Years 4 -6)

The Senior Choral Ensemble will also revert to before school rehearsals.

Rehearsals for Term 3 and Term 4: Wednesday Mornings 8:10- 8:50am.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC: BAND

Reminder that Band rehearsals have commenced playing (not setting up) each Monday at 7:45am.

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC: STRINGS

Lessons have re-commenced each Monday as per timetable. We are looking forward to performing for you this term.

DRUMLINE

A new Drumline group has been formed, only one place remains in this ensemble. We will rehearse under the guidance of Miss Ryan and Ms Jones each Monday at first break 11:00am – 11:30am.

If there are any students expressing interest in joining any of the ensembles, please do not hesitate to contact me on kjone416@eq.edu.au.

Yours in Music
Ms Katheryn Jones

Read and Grow Update

Read and Grow is a fun interactive story sharing program for parents and children 3-5 year old children who are not yet attending school.

Throughout the program we will learn to listen, sing songs, share books and play together. This is a great way to develop your child’s oral language skills and help prepare them for school.

You’re invited to attend our FREE Read and Grow Program with your 3-5 year old children

(It is not compulsory to attend all sessions)

Regards Katie Huggard, PrepTeacher

Jeans for Genes Day

Jeans for Genes Day 2018 will be held on Friday 3 August.

Students are invited to come to school wearing their favourite jeans or jeans shirt, with the rest of their clothing being their school uniform.

Jeans for Genes was established in 1994 by Children’s Medical Research Institute to fund revolutionary research that helps diagnose, understand, and find cures or treatments for conditions affecting kids, including genetic diseases, cancer, and epilepsy.

One in 20 kids are born with a genetic disease or birth defect. You likely know and care about someone who is affected.

Genetic diseases are one of the leading causes of death in kids under four and the main cause of ongoing hospitalisation. To fight this epidemic, we need more research.

Please bring a gold coin donation to help the research of this very worthy cause.

Can’t wait to see you looking trendy in denim.

Regards Student Council

Excursions

P&C News

P&C August 2018 Meeting

The next monthly meeting will be held in the Staff room on Wednesday 15 August 2018 at 4.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Volunteers

We desperately need a strong team of volunteers we can rely on to ensure our fundraising events run successfully, if you can assist in any way please send your details to pandc@worongaryss.eq.edu.au so we can add you to our volunteer register. As we need help throughout the year we will contact you.

Office Works Sausage Sizzle

We are holding another Sausage Sizzle on Saturday 4 August 2018 between 10am - 5pm, and require volunteers to assist on this date. If you able to assist please email us on pandc@worongaryss.eq.au with the times you are able to assist.

Chocolate Drive

The chocolates were handed out on Tuesday 24 July 2018. Please return monies and any chocolates you have been unable to sell to the Tuckshop. We will distribute a new box if required when full monies from the previous box is handed in.

Facebook Page

Remember to join our Facebook page “Worongary State School P&C Association” so you can keep updated with our upcoming events.

Kind Regards P&C

Tuckshop & Uniform

Tuckshop News

Opening Hours

Monday-Friday: 8:30am-2:00pm
Closed: Entire last day of each Term

Window Out of Order

Please be aware that for the safety of your children we are currently unable to open one of the Tuckshop windows. Some maintenance work is required to be undertaken on one of the roller doors and this window will remain shut until the work has been completed.

In the meantime, our mornings remain very busy as we serve children from our breakfast menu and will soon be even busier once Chocolate Drive monies start being returned to the Tuckshop. If you choose to order tuckshop manually, it would be very helpful to both yourselves and to us, if children could put their orders in the baskets in their classrooms rather than dropping them off to the Tuckshop in the morning, as many have been doing lately.

Please be prepared for the possibility of a wait time if you choose to write orders out at the Tuckshop in the morning.

Other Friendly Reminders

I would also like to remind you all of a few other important things:

• There are no EFTPOS facilities in the Tuckshop. We accept cash only over the counter. Online Ordering is available as an alternative to cash. Cut off time is 9am each day.
• NO CREDIT: As per P&C Qld regulations, we are unable to provide credit to anyone and thank you in advance for not asking, as refusal may offend. We are however able to accept payments in advance, to hold on account, in preparation for those days that just won’t run smoothly!
• NO LUNCH: If for some reason you realise that your child has no lunch at school e.g. forgotten to order online/child left lunch at home then you have the option to either bring your child some lunch or arrange for a family member to do so. If neither of these options are feasible, your child will be sent to the school administration office who will contact you to arrange for a basic emergency lunch to be provided to your child. Please do not call the Tuckshop directly.

Product of The Month

We’ve kicked off Term 3 with the always popular Chicken Wedges as our Product of the Month for July and will soon launch into August, with Pork Sliders taking centre stage.

Remember that these offers are available via manual and online ordering and are available for both first and second break. Please see below for more information, including the accompanying offers for both July and August.

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 Levels Polos, Shorts and Hats

Please note that we are currently out of stock in most sizes of Polo Shirts, M and L hats and several sizes of shorts. Deliveries for all items are expected to arrive in the next two weeks. We once more apologise for any inconvenience caused and thank you in advance for your patience and understanding while we await these deliveries.

If you have ordered and pre-paid for any items, they will be sent home with your child/ren as soon as possible. If you have pre-ordered any items but not yet paid, you will receive a phone call to advise when your order is ready for collection.

Community Notices

NDIS Webinar on self-management - 2 August

On Thursday 2 August between 11am and 12pm AEST the NDIA will be hosting a webinar on self-management.

What's it all about?

The self-management webinar will deliver information and insights about what self-management is, how to self-manage your NDIS funds and your responsibilities as a self-manager.

See how managing your own funds gives you choice and control over what and who supports you.

Find out what’s involved in managing your own plan and whether self-management is right for you.

Who should join in?

The webinar is an interactive forum for participants, families and carers who want to learn more about what’s involved in self-managing NDIS funds.

How do you join in?

You can join the conversation from wherever you are by watching along on the webinar website and asking your questions via live chat. It’s free to watch, includes Auslan interpretation and live captions, and if you can’t join on the day the content will be posted to the NDIS website following the event.

Once registered we will provide detailed information about the event closer to the day.

Date: Thursday 2 August
Time: 11am – 12pm AEST
Location: Online event
RSVP: Please register for the webinar here (external)

Please advise any accessibility requirements.

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