17 October 2018

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Welcome everyone to what will be an exciting term. I trust you and your family had a relaxing break and enjoyed not having to make school lunches for a couple of weeks. Term 4 is traditionally one of the busiest times of the year for everyone. One of my most enjoyable aspects of the Term 4 calendar is my attendance at our local State High School Presentation evenings. Attending these events provides me with an opportunity to witness just how successful many of our past students have performed over the past twelve months. I am frequently inspired by the large number of our past students receiving awards and acknowledgements at these various ceremonies. I look forward to congratulating our past students in future editions of the Pipeline.

Pupil Free Day

Monday 22 October (next Monday) is a state-wide pupil free day. This year our staff will be participating in sessions relating to our school’s preferred future, pedagogical framework and building upon our understanding of indigenous perspectives. Our day will be concluded with a number of team building activities. This year we will be travelling to Numinbah Valley Environmental Education Centre for these workshops. School will resume for our students and families as per usual on Tuesday 23 October.

Australian Youth Performing Arts Company

Last Friday our students were treated to a performance presented by the Australian Youth Performing Arts Company. This hour long free performance covered various aspects of the performing arts including vocal, dance, acting, instrumental and even circus and street performance. The performance cleverly embedded key educational messages. The majority of the performers travelled from all corners of our country to perform. Performers were provided with information about the performance prior to coming together to put it together. I sincerely thank Mrs Sara Sullivan for helping to bring this entertaining and inspiring performance to our school.

Curriculum Update - Reporting

At Worongary State School we aim to provide all parents with a clear understanding of how your child’s academic, behavioural and effort achievement in the key learning areas of schooling will be reported. It is imperative that we develop a common understanding about the expectation of where children should be in accordance with the Australian Curriculum. This semester all report cards will once again be sent out electronically. Please ensure that your email address is current with administration. Please be aware that report cards will be emailed out on Thursday 13 December.

Staffing Update

Last week our school welcomed back Mrs Madonna O'Sullivan-Roderick from her leave. Mrs O'Sullivan-Roderick will partner Mrs Sue Bernard as the Year 5B class teachers for the remainder of the school year. These teachers will replace Ms Hayley Cannon who recently commenced her maternity leave. Our thoughts are with Hayley and we all wish her the very best over the next few weeks.

Next week we will also welcome back Ms Reanne Sims from maternity leave. Reanne will be replacing Ms Kaitlyn West as our school HASS teacher. On behalf of our Worongary State School community I wish to acknowledge and thank Ms West for her dedication to our students. Ms West commenced at our school in January as the Year 4B class teacher and continued as the school’s HASS teacher once Mr Werder returned to class. Kaitlyn worked incredibly hard with our Year 4 team and she will be missed by all of the staff. I hope that we will be in a position to welcome Ms West back to our school at some stage in the future.

School Uniforms

I seek the assistance from all parents to ensure your child’s school uniform complies with our school’s expectations. Worongary State School is a uniform school. Parents are expected to ensure that plain black (sports or formal) leather shoes are worn with the school’s uniform. Commencing next week teachers be reminding students who do not meet the school’s uniform expectations that it is a condition of enrolment that all students attend school in the correct uniform. Parents are reminded that with almost a quarter of the 2018 school year remaining, replacing shoes now may save a few dollars when we return in 2019.

2019 Student Resource Scheme (2019 SRS)

The school’s Parents’ and Citizens’ Association recently endorsed the 2019 SRS. I sincerely thank Mrs Rachel Zorbas (our school’s Business Manager) for all of the work she has done in preparation for the introduction of the 2019 SRS. From the outset I was committed to reducing the cost of this scheme for hard working parents while at the same time standardising the scheme across the school. I am delighted to announce that commencing next year all students, regardless of their year level, will be afforded the opportunity to pay the same SRS amount. The 2019 SRS has been set at $165 for all students. This figure represents a significant reduction in SRS for some year levels.

This reduction has been possible due to some items no longer being included in the scheme (water bottles and USBs) as well as a change to how we administer the system internally. I trust this reduction will be met with your approval and if there are any questions regarding this scheme please do not hesitate to contact the office and speak with me. Letters explaining this scheme will be distributed to all families in the next few weeks.

Every Day Counts at School

One of my core responsibilities is supporting students and their families to ensure children are enrolled and attend school on every school day. Having looked at our Term 3 attendance data, I hold grave concerns for some of our students. Improving school attendance rates is a complex issue. Over the next few weeks I will be working with our school leaders to identify families who may benefit from additional support and contacting parents to arrange a stakeholder meeting.

In the meantime the adventures of Jimmy and Sam the Dog series developed by the Department of Education and Training supports this team effort to improve our students’ school attendance. This team message is the central theme in the next animation and comic book. Once again NRL star Sam Thaiday plays Sam the Dog, with a cameo appearance by Johnathan Thurston, plus former Queensland Firebird Beryl Friday and two Solid Pathways students.

Research shows that school attendance leads to positive student outcomes, and can help children build social and emotional skills. Head to the Every day counts website for more information.

Get Set for Prep

Over the past few weeks Mrs White and I have enjoyed the privilege of continuing our prep transition program by meeting more than 70 of our 2019 prep children. While we will continue to conduct theses interview throughout the remainder of the term, we now must turn our attention to the 2019 Get Set for Prep initiative. Get Set for Prep starts tomorrow, Thursday 18 October. The aim of this program is to support our youngest students to successfully transition into formal schooling at Worongary State School. We officially welcome our newest students to our Worongary State School family and trust they enjoy the wonderful program that has been planned.

Three Get Set for Prep sessions will run throughout the day with Mrs Huggard (Prep A) and Mrs Jackson. Mrs Evangelinos will be replacing Mrs Huggard for the Thursdays during Get Set for Prep. All parents should have received information regarding which of the three sessions their child has been enrolled into. Feedback from our 2017 prep transition program indicated that those students who participated in this program, transitioned considerably better than those who did not. Parents requiring additional information about the Get Set for Prep Program are encouraged to contact the school’s office on 5502 4444.

If you, or someone you know, has a child ready to start Prep in 2019 and have not yet enrolled, please make sure enrolment papers have been handed in at the office and an interview scheduled. Places in Worongary State School’s 2019 Prep program are filling fast.

Year 6 Leaving Ceremony – Parent Committee

This year the Year 6 Leaving Ceremony will be held on Tuesday 11 December. As is the tradition at Worongary State School, we will be once again asking for parent volunteers to become part of the committee. This committee helps with the decoration of the school hall, foyer and celebration cakes for our Year 6 students Leaving Ceremony. Special thanks to the very generous Parents’ and Citizens’ Association who have kindly donated $500 toward to cost of hosting this event. Our first meeting will be held on Tuesday 23 October at 9:00am in the staffroom. If you are interested in joining in please email your details to
office@worongaryss.eq.edu.au

Upcoming Excursion - Year 6 Big Day Out

Our end of year celebration for Year 6 students, Big Day Out, will be held on Wednesday 12 December. Big Day Out is an exciting day where Year 6 students spend the day at Wet & Wild with their teachers and support staff. All parents of Year 6 students recently received information regarding my expectations in the lead up for this event. I seek your assistance to discuss these expectations with your child and in particular the importance of demonstrating positive and appropriate behaviour at school and while representing the school (Interschool Sport and excursions). I wish to acknowledge and congratulate the vast majority of our students who consistently display exemplary behaviour both within and beyond our school’s boundaries. All Year 6 students will be placed on a behaviour contract in the weeks prior to Big Day Out. The opportunity to attend the 2018 Big Day Out will be reliant upon each individual demonstrating positive behaviour choices. Parents wishing to obtain additional information are encouraged to speak with their child’s class teacher.

2019 Class Parent Requests

I wish to invite parents to write to me regarding your child’s attendance at Worongary State School for 2019. Our staff are currently working hard to implement a plan that will support all students to enjoy a smooth and efficient transition into the 2019 school year. To support this plan, I seek your assistance to notify the school office if:

• Your child is not going to be attending our school in 2019
• You know other children who will be attending our school in 2019
• You have not enrolled your child in prep for 2019.

This information is vital as it may save our school having to re-structure classes and teachers at the beginning of the 2019 school year. In addition, I am now seeking feedback from you regarding whom your child works well with and who they do not. I invite parents to write a letter to me outlining any concerns that you may wish us to consider in the decision making process for 2019 classes. I sincerely thank all of the parents who wrote to me at the end of last year providing me with feedback.

All parental requests must be received by the school by no later than Friday 16 November. To ensure confidentiality all correspondence of this nature should be addressed to the Principal and forwarded to the office in a sealed envelope marked ‘Private and Confidential’.

Regards Landon Dare, Principal

Save the Date

Learning Vine Awards

Behaviour

Friday 26 October 2018 our school will participate in the Australia wide Day for Daniel Memorial Service. We encourage our students to wear a red t-shirt with Worongary School shorts or skorts and bring a gold coin donation. All monies raised goes to the Daniel Morecombe Foundation.

Regards, Kaia Clarke, Behaviour

From the Music Room

Australian Youth Performing Arts Company Performance at Worongary

On Friday October 12, Worongary hosted the Australian Youth Performing Arts Company. This troupe of talented performers toured the Gold Coast and generously agreed to perform for the Senior and Junior School. Many of our students were very privileged to speak with the students during the tour.

Christmas Community Music Tour

On Friday November 30, the Senior Choir and selected instrumental music students will be travelling to Retirement Centres and Early Childhood Centres in the Nerang area to perform a repertoire of festive music. Parent helpers are most welcome. Please ensure that the necessary permission forms are signed and returned to the Music Room.

Instrumental Music 2019

Instruments are now being allocated for new students joining the 2019. If there are students that are interested in joining the program please come and see Miss Jones in the Music Room.

Reminder: The Music Room is open every morning (from 8am) for instrumental music students only to practise.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any inquiries.

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)

For more information or to ask any questions, please contact Katie Huggard via email: khugg2@eq.edu.au

Regards Katie Huggard, PrepTeacher

Reading on Rugs

Did you know that if you read a book to your child every day from the day they are born, by the time they are 5 they would have seen 1825 books! How far behind are you?

Each morning before school, please come along and sit with your child quietly to read a story. Books and rugs supplied. Outside Prep A, every day (weather permitting).

Excursions

P&C News

P&C Meeting

The next monthly meeting will be held in the staff room on Wednesday 7 November 2018 at 4.30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.

School Banking Co-ordinators Needed

Each Wednesday we have school banking and we require volunteers to assist with this. It normally takes just over an hour each Wednesday morning. If you are able to assist please contact us via ourpandc1993@gmail.com

Facebook Page

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

Regards P&C

Tuckshop & Uniform

Opening Hours
Monday-Friday: 8:30am-2:00pm
Closed: Entire last day of each Term
Direct Dial number: 5502 4426

Product of The Month

Chicken Caesar Salad is the Product of the Month for October. Available at both First and Second Break and via online and manual ordering.

Halloween Meal Deals

We are once again recognising Halloween with some themed Meal Deals. The deals will be available at both First and Second Break for the five school days from Thursday 25 October 2018 - Wednesday 31 October 2018. Please see flyer for details…Trick or Treat.

Warm Days

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

• Frozen Pineapple pieces and Frozen Grapes
• Icebergs (cubes of frozen yoghurt or custard and fruit)
• Frozen Orange Wedges

These items are all available through both online and manual ordering and may also be purchased over the counter by students in Years 1-6, during playtime.

Volunteers

For any mums, dads, grandparents and carers interested in joining our small band of Tuckshop volunteers this term, we encourage you to come visit us to find out more. There is always something to be done in the Tuckshop and if you love a fast paced and fun environment, this could be for you. Volunteering can fit in around your schedule on a weekly, fortnightly or even monthly basis. Please call on the number above or stop by and speak to myself or Jasmine to find out more.

“Volunteers do not necessarily have the time; they have the heart”
Elizabeth Andrew

UNIFORM SHOP

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

Seniors Shirts for Year 6

Year 6 Seniors Shirts for 2019 are now available for ordering. This shirt is included as part of the everyday uniform for Year 6 students only. A hard copy of the order form will be sent home with current Year 5 students this week and a copy is also attached here. This form contains all the information you need but should you have any questions please feel free to contact us on the number listed above.

Uniform Ordering for Prep 2019

It’s not too early to think about ordering uniforms for Prep 2019. Please read on for information on how to do so…

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 the opening hours listed above. We recommend bringing your child along for sizing.

Please note that for your convenience, the Uniform Shop will be open at the following times on the last Get Set For Prep day, Thursday 15 November:

• For those attending the 9:15-10:15 session: 8:45am – 9:15am
• For those attending the 10:30-11:30 session: 11:30am – 12:00pm
• For those attending the 11:45-12:45 session: 12:45pm – 1:15pm

These times are either before or after the Get Set For Prep sessions to allow you to bring 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 on the home page (located on the bottom right side) for 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 administration 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 programme.
  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 the opening hours outlined above.

Kind regards, Michelle Lee
Tuckshop/Uniform Convenor

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