28 November 2018

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

It is customary at this time of the year that we acknowledge our 2018 school leaders and turn our attention to appointing our 2019 school leadership team. I wish to congratulate and thank Zahlee T, Riley R, Phoebe A and Tyler C for the way in which they have led our school during this year. Twelve months ago, these students presented a speech to our students outlining what they would do as a School Captain. It has been extremely pleasing to see that these four students have exceeded their expectations. Our school community owes these four students considerable gratitude for their commitment to improving our school. I wish these students all the best as they move into High School in 2019.

In addition to recognising the contributions these students have made to our school it also gives me the opportunity to transition our 2019 School Captains into their new roles. It gives me great pleasure to announce and welcome our elected 2019 School Leaders into their new roles:

2019 School Captains

2019 House Captains

2019 Music Captains

2019 LOTE Captain

2019 Student Council Captains

2019 Playground Leaders

On behalf of our school community, we congratulate these students and look forward to assisting them to further develop and refine their already outstanding leadership qualities.

Staffing Update

Over the past few weeks, I have been working closely with our South East Regional Office Human Resource team to ensure our 2019 staffing is within our allocated model. As a result of a number of staff returning from leave at the beginning of 2019, our school is required to reduce our permanent teaching staff. Our permanent teachers have all had the opportunity to submit Expressions of Interest to our regional office staff regarding the possibility of transferring to another school location. It is anticipated this process will be finalised by the end of next week. While this process is being completed, I am unable to formulate and publish our 2019 class teachers. I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Mrs Peta White, our school’s Head of Curriculum, will be leaving our school at the end of the 2018 school year. Peta has been instrumental in supporting our school community to implement the Priority School Review’s Reading Strategic Plan. This plan has resulted in some of the best NAPLAN Reading results the school has ever achieved. I sincerely thank Peta for her leadership of our school’s curriculum this year. I trust you will join with me in wishing her all the very best as she transitions into her new role as the Deputy Principal of Broadbeach State School.

Mrs Kelly Ready will commence two weeks of long service leave at the end of this week. I sincerely thank Mrs Ready for her leadership of our Priority School Review’s Wellbeing Strategic Plan. Under Mrs Ready’s leadership, our school was recognised as one of highest improving schools in Queensland. This is certainly an amazing achievement for our staff and our students. I wish Kelly a very relaxing and enjoyable break and acknowledge her the care and compassion she displays to our students on a daily basis. Mrs Donna Ermer (3B) will replace Kelly as the school’s senior Deputy Principal for the final two weeks of the term. Mrs Yvette Cassidy will replace Donna as the Year 3B class teacher.

Lego Robotics Celebration

Recently our Worongary State School Robotics Club participated in a regional round of the First Lego League in Ballina. We entered two teams, the Wonder of the Galaxy and the Space Walkers. Our teams competed against other schools from QLD and NSW and were recognised for their efforts with the Inspiration Award and the Mechanical Design Award. Our students were also runners up in the project research category.

The First Lego League event is about more than coding robots. Students had to undertake a research project investigating a problem faced by astronauts and present to a panel of judges. Students also had to present their robot designs and discuss core value of collaboration, discovery and teamwork. It gave us pleasure to recognise these students on parade earlier this week. I once again acknowledge and thank Mr Mullaly for giving his time on the weekend to support our students and his wonderful leadership of our STEM initiative in 2018.

Air-Conditioning Phase 1 Update

Phase 1’s Air-Conditioning tender process concluded last week with a number of companies submitting applications to supply and install units in a number of classrooms. With a total expenditure of over $89,000 it gives me great pleasure to announce that the following classrooms have been included in Phase 1. All of these classrooms are located in very hot (and cold) demountable buildings. These classrooms include:

• Year 3A
• Year 3B
• LOTE Room (Year 3 classroom in 2019)
• Games Room (Year 3 classroom in 2019)
• Year 4A
• Year 4B
• Year 1E
• Library
• Music Room

I trust you will join with me in acknowledging all of the hard work that the air-conditioning volunteers and our school’s P & C Association executives have contributed to this process. Funding sources for the Phase 1 included the Gambling Community Benefit Fund, P & C Association fundraising and school contributions. I sincerely thank all of our parents and community members who have supported our fundraising events. I look forward to investigating the implementation of Phase 2 early in the new school year.

Uniform Policy

As we near the end of the year, we have noticed that some students are choosing to wear non-uniform items to school. This has included jewellery, hats and shoes.

The way a child dresses him/herself influences his/her behaviour. Worongary State School in conjunction with the 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 (i.e. boxer shorts, long sleeve shirts, etc.). If students are 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.

During the school holidays, many parents will be buying new school shoes for the new school year. 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.

I seek the support of all parents to be aware of this expectation. I am very conscious of financial pressures families are facing and therefore request parents only purchase school shoes that comply with the school’s expectations.

Reporting on Student Achievement

All report cards will once again be distributed to parents electronically. Parents are advised that student reports will be distributed via email to all parents on Wednesday 12 December. Please ensure that your email address is current with administration. Parents are encouraged to make an appointment with your child’s teacher if you would like to receive any additional information on your child’s progress. I sincerely thank all of our teaching staff for their efforts in completing these informative reports. I trust all parents will join with me in acknowledging the efforts of our students and staff once these reports have been received.

Positive Productive Communications

Please remember that it is important that we continue to build upon the wonderful rapport that has developed between your child, the class teacher and yourself. If you have any questions, concerns or feedback, your first point of communication should always be with the classroom teacher. Most things can be addressed in this manner, and it allows teachers to have the opportunity to build upon their constructive interactions with you. These productive and respectful communications will continue to support your child’s learning and success at school.

Upcoming Excursion - Year 6 Big Day Out

The Big Day Out, the end of Year celebration for Year 6 students, will be conducted 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. We seek the support of our Year 6 parents to discuss with your child the importance of demonstrating positive and appropriate behaviour at school and in school activities. All Year 6 students are currently working through their behaviour contracts prior to Big Day Out and their opportunity to attend this activity will be reliant upon them demonstrating positive behaviour choices across all areas of the school.

2019 Class Placements

I sincerely thank the many parents who have provided me with information regarding 2019 class placements. Last week we asked our students to also provide us information about who they would like to be placed with in 2019. I am passionate about seeking ways to give our students a “voice” in how we can best support them. So much of this information was very helpful and I sincerely thank them for their views.

Although I am unable to guarantee everything on these “wish lists”, I can guarantee that my leadership team and I have already commenced considering how we can best support these requests.

I again seek the assistance of all parents to ensure our transition into the 2019 school year is smooth and without any major re-structures. If your child is not attending our school in 2019 please notify the office as soon as possible. At this time of the year, we are very busy placing students in their classes and this information will be critical to our school’s operations.

2019 Robina State High School

On Monday 12 November, I had the pleasure of representing our community at the Robina State High School Annual Awards evening. This evening provides the staff and students of Robina State High the opportunity to acknowledge the students’ achievements during the past 12 months. On behalf of our school community we congratulate Hannah Trace for being awarded a Year 7 Academic Excellence Award. As only a handful of our students transition to Robina State High School, we are incredibly proud of Hannah for her performance over the past 12 months.

2019 Year 7 Scholarships

A number of our Year 6 students have been acknowledged by their future high schools and been awarded 2019 scholarships. I will acknowledge and celebrate these students in the next Pipeline. I also look forward to acknowledging these students at the Year 6 Graduation evening on Tuesday 11 December 2018.

Food Drive

On behalf of our community, I wish to sincerely thank the many families who contributed to the recent food drive. This food drive was co-ordinated by Tyson and Ariella W. These amazing students reflected upon the needs of some of our community and decided to take action to ensure everyone within our community is afforded the opportunity to have a festive season. All donations have now been passed onto the Nerang Neighbourhood Centre. I congratulate and sincerely thank Tyson, Ariella and Kelly (mum) for their dedication and commitment to serving our community.

Student Safety

As outlined in pervious editions of the Pipeline, Worongary State School has joined forces with the Gold Coast City Council and the Queensland Police to ensure all children in our community remain safe. Over the past few days, the Gold Coast City Council has supported our community by installing a mobile camera at the entrance to Lawrance Hinde Park. This round the clock surveillance will be monitored each day by a team of professionals. I wish to sincerely thank the Gold Coast Council and the Queensland Police for their ongoing support of our school and wider community.

Behaviour

Regards Landon Dare, Principal

Save the Date

Learning Vine Awards

From the Finance Department

The Finance window will be closed from Friday 30 November for the rest of the year.

Payments still can be made via internet Payment, QParents and BPoint.

We will reopen in 2019 on Wednesday 23 January and Tuesday 29 January from 8.00am – 11.00am.

From the Music Room

Thank-you Families and Students

On Monday of last week Instrumental Music students and both the Junior and Senior Choirs participated in our biannual Twilight Concert. These concerts would not be possible without the continued support of our amazing Worongary students and their families. On behalf of Miss Donna Futo and Miss Aichlinn Ryan, I would like to thank all the families and students who attended this recital.

I would also like to extend gratitude and a large congratulations to the performing students. Their dedication and commitment to improving their skills, attending weekly rehearsals and lessons is admirable. Well done girls and boys!

Christmas Community Music Tour – Senior Choir and Senior Strings

This Friday is our highly anticipated Community Tour of Retirement Homes and Early Learning Centres in the Nerang area. Again, thank-you to our wonderful parents, carers and teacher aides who have volunteered to accompany us on this performance tour. All students are to present at their classrooms for roll marking and then come to the Music Room for a short rehearsal prior to a 10am departure.

Senior Choir Filming Opportunity

Members of the Senior Choir who have recently returned a Media Release form have been made aware of another filming opportunity to occur on Monday December 3. Channel 7 News will be visiting the school to film our students singing Christmas Carols. If you would like your child to opt out of this opportunity please do not hesitate to contact me.

Returning of School Instruments

Please be aware that school hired instruments need to be returned to school by Monday of Week 9 (December 3) for servicing.

End of Year Celebration of Music – Week 9

In Week 9 the Senior School students and Junior School students will be participating in a fun, informal Celebration of Music Concert down in the School Hall. This concert will allow the students to show case what they have been learning in class. Due to the number of students participating, this concert is not open to parents.

Yours in Music, Ms Katheryn Jones

Read and Grow Update

Only 1 week to go Tuesday 4 December!

Read and Grow is a fun interactive story sharing program for parents and 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

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).

Regards Katie Huggard, PrepTeacher

Why do Religious Instruction?

Our cooperative Religious Instruction (C.R.I.) represents 22 denominations of Christian churches. We teach the children life skills which encourage them to be happy and appreciative of their parents and school. They learn the history of the ancient world including when the Romans dominated. The children also learn about the teachings of Jesus which are the basis of our democracy and the foundation of the success of western nations.

The children learn respect and they receive encouragement and skills in reading, public speaking and singing. The thirty minute programs are action-packed. I encourage all parents to take advantage of this free, volunteer-based program.

Ted Skuse, Coordinator C.R.I. Programs

Excursions

P&C News

Student Banking

The last day for banking this year is Wednesday 5 December 2018. This is to ensure all bank books go home for the holidays.

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

Our Thanks

As 2018 draws to a successful close, Jasmine and I would like to thank our dedicated P&C Executive Committee, Tuckshop Volunteers and supportive school community for their friendship and generosity. We hope that everyone has enjoyed the Tuckshop themed weeks and meal deals we’ve had on offer throughout the year. They will be returning in 2019.

Please read on for our final Pipeline instalment of the year as it contains some important information about Uniform Shop hours for next year as well as details on the two last meal events that will round up the year.

We wish you all a safe and happy holiday season and look forward to seeing you all again in the New Year.

Tuckshop News

Opening Hours

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

Tuckshop CLOSED Friday 14 December
for cleaning and stock take
[We will re-open Tuesday 29 January, 2019]

Online Ordering Profiles Updates 2019

When your child joins their new class for 2019, please remember to update their “Schoolshop Online” ordering profiles with their new class, as this does not happen automatically. Please note that Tuckshop and Uniform Shop profiles must be updated individually.

Christmas Meal Deals – Ho Ho Ho!

Please see the attached Meal Deal Flyer for details on Christmas themed Meal Deals that are coming your way. The deals will be available:

• from Monday 10 December – Thursday 13 December
• at First Break and Second Break
• via online or manual ordering

Please note that substitutions may be required towards the end of the week as we run down our stock for end of year.

Subway Day

For the last day of the Term, Friday 14 December, we will once more be having a SUBWAY Sub Day. As the Tuckshop will be closed on the last day of Term, this provides an alternative option for ordering lunch on this day. Here’s what you need to know:

• available on the last day of Term, Friday 14 December
• available by pre-order only
• available at First Break only
• drinks available as an optional extra
• bonus Meal Deal option available ONLINE only.
• cut-off date for ordering is Wednesday 12 December. Orders must be received online or into the Tuckshop (via classroom Tuckshop basket) by 9am on this day.
• if ordering manually, please use the order form attached here. Printed copies of the order form will be available from the Tuckshop should you require them.

Volunteers

Thank you to our incredible Volunteers for all that you do for our Tuckshop and ultimately for Worongary State School. The gifts of your time and talents are so appreciated. New volunteers, regular volunteers, returning volunteers and executive volunteers – we’re so happy to have had the pleasure of working with you all and look forward to having you on board again next year.

In particular, we would like to acknowledge the following ladies:

Diana S
Janelle W
Lynette T
Lizzy M &
Narelle R

Here’s a very big thank you to you all!

UNIFORM SHOP

Opening Hours

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

Uniform Shop CLOSED Friday 14 December
for cleaning and stock take
[Please see below for January 2019 ‘Back to School’ open days]

Online Ordering Profiles Updates 2019

When your child joins their new class for 2019, please remember to update their “Schoolshop Online” ordering profiles with their new class, as this does not happen automatically. Please note that Tuckshop and Uniform Shop profiles must be updated individually.

Stock

Please be aware that as we approach the end of the school year, stock is becoming low in some uniform items/sizes. However, you can rest assured that our back to school orders for 2019 were placed last term and all shipments are on track to arrive before school resumes next year. 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. All orders will be ready for collection on our back to school open days.

Uniform Shop Back to School Hours 2019

The Uniform Shop will be open for ‘Back to School’ sales in January 2019 before school recommences. Layby orders, pre-paid orders and online orders can also be collected at these times so please save these dates and times in your calendar:

In addition to these days, we are also offering extended hours for the first two days of the term as follows:

Extended Uniform Shop Hours

We then return to the regular open hours from Friday 1 February, 2019.

Seniors Shirts for Year 6

Thank you to those parents who have already arranged their child’s Year 6 Seniors Shirts for 2019. If you are yet to order, please remember that the final date for ordering and paying for these shirts is Monday 04 February, 2019. If you have yet to order and have misplaced your order form, you can find a copy attached here.

Please note that the sample shirts we have available for students to try on for size are on loan from our supplier and may not be available right up until the cut-off date. There are other schools on a waitlist for these shirts and our supplier may need to collect them from us at any time.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday.

Kind regards, Michelle Lee, Tuckshop/Uniform Convenor

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