7 August 2019

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Thank you to all of the parents who last week supported the school Student Councils, Jeans for Genes fundraiser. It was great to see so many of our students and staff join in and support this very worthwhile cause. Did you know that 1 in 20 kids face a birth defect or genetic disease? Tragically, these children and their families are used to hearing words like “incurable” or “lifelong effects”. Your very kind donation will go a long way in supporting this foundation to essential research for many of these genetic conditions. This year our school’s student council raised $722. We thank you for your support!

Advancing Clean Energy Schools Program

Last week I was delighted to receive a letter from Ms Meaghan Scanlon (State Member for Gaven) outlining our school’s inclusion in Phase 1 of the Advancing Clean Energy Schools Program. Phase 1 will deliver solar panel systems and other energy efficient measures installed in approximately 210 state schools this financial year. Worongary State School will receive a site assessment to identify energy saving measures to suit our local conditions and to reduce energy costs. This tailored approach will give the best value for money and return on investment.

This initiative will build upon the work our Environmental Warriors are performing each and every week. Whether they are leading the Waste Free Wednesdays or running the container collection something is always happening to reaffirm the need to look after our environment. On behalf of the Worongary State School community, I sincerely thank Ms Scanlon for her strong advocacy of our school. More information will be circulated when it becomes available.

Half Time Huddles

Over the past few days Mrs Ready, Ms Ermer and I have been privileged to sit with teachers and review their classes’ Semester 1 English, Mathematics and Science results. Comparisons were drawn between each individual classes and the achievements their particular year level made at the same time last year (Semester 1). The performance of each year level was also compared to the Investing for Success published targets. Information regarding how well our school performed against these targets was highlighted in the previous edition of the Pipeline.

Following the review of these data sets, we completed a process that assisted teachers to identify a select group of students to Case Manage over the remainder of Term 3. The purpose of the Case Management is a two-pronged process. Firstly, it provides an opportunity for staff members to reflect and discuss with their colleagues ideas on ways to best meet the learning needs of individuals. This collaborative process assisted teachers to set meaningful and achievable achievement targets for English, Mathematics, behaviour and attendance. Secondly, this process provides a structure for class teachers and school leaders to come together as co-learners to improve the achievement for all (including teachers and school leaders).

Over the next few weeks, information will be circulated to the specific parents of the students who are being case managed. Additional information regarding the Case Management approach as well as ideas on ways parents can assist their child to achieve their goal will be provided. Parents wishing to obtain additional information are encouraged to contact the office and speak with me.

2020 Prep Transition

During Term 3, we will continue our commitment to implementing the 2020 Prep Transition Program. This program significantly enhanced our 2019 prep students to successfully transition into formal schooling. Parents of Prep students (2020) are cordially invited to attend the Information Session in the Prep E classroom on Tuesday 20 August (5:30 – 6:30pm). This session will be a repeat of the previous session conducted in May. Parents who attended the session in May will not be required to attend. All parents and children commencing prep in 2020 are invited to join with our current prep students for a Prep Expo in the Prep playground (20 September 9:30am – 11:00am).

Parents wishing to enrol their child in the Worongary State School 2020 Prep Transition Program activities are strongly encouraged to contact the school office and arrange for an information package to be sent home. Once these enrolment forms have been returned and processed, a member of the school’s administration team will make contact to provide information regarding the above-mentioned activities.

Over the next few weeks, all 2020 prep parents will be contacted to arrange an enrolment interview. The majority of these interviews will be conducted prior to the Get Set for Prep Program. This weekly program will commence on Thursday 18 October.

A number of parents have submitted 2020 Out of Catchment enrolment applications. All applications will be reviewed in the very near future and parents will be contacted regarding the outcome of this process. Parents wishing to find out more information concerning their application are encouraged to contact the school’s office.

Colour Run

Thank you for your support with Worongary’s upcoming Colour Fun Run. The excitement for the 2019 Colour Run is certainly building. This year’s event will commence at 1.15 am on Thursday 8th August. This year the event will be conducted in the following order.

It is our responsibility to seek permission for your child to participate in the School Colour Fun Run. All measures have been taken to ensure that this event is safe for all students. We are seeking the assistance of all parents to ensure these permission notes are returned. Students who return home on the bus will be required to bring along a second set of dry clothes. Parents who collect children are also strongly encouraged to bring along clean clothes.

There will be various colour powder stations throughout the course. Staff and volunteers at the colour stations will do their best to throw the powder at the torsos of participants however, wind and other factors can result in students getting powder in the face. As such, all students will be provided with eye protection (sunglasses) prior to commencing their event.

The day will be a casual clothes day for our students. To heighten the effectiveness of the colour powder, we encourage students to wear a white top. The colour powder used in the event is non-toxic, biodegradable and environmentally friendly consisting of 98% corn starch and 2% food colouring. It will likely wash out of your child’s clothing, however, we recommend that you consider the possibility of minor staining when selecting your child’s clothing for the day.

Based on the toxicology profiles of the powders used, their concentrations in the formulation, and the mode of use, the products pose a low level of toxicology risk. The product is considered safe for use.

At the end of the Prep event the whole school will be provided a time to take to the course. After a few laps the students will return to the centre of the oval for a final “Centre Throw”. Students will be provided the opportunity to throw their colour bombs in the air. This burst of colour will be filmed and used for promotional material.

Last year this was an amazing event for our school community. I hope you will be available to come along and celebrate what will once again be a terrific community event.

2019 School Opinion Survey

The annual suite of School Opinion Surveys will be conducted from 29 July to 23 August 2019. All families, school staff and a random sample of students will be invited to participate. We encourage you to take this opportunity to have your say about what our school does well, and how we can improve.

Access details for the Parent/Caregiver Survey have now been sent home with students. The survey can be completed via computers, tablets or smart phones with internet connection.

Parents/caregivers who do not have access to the internet at home are welcome to complete their survey online at the school. School computers/tablets will be available on Friday 9 August from 2:00pm.

Survey queries or requests for translations can be directed to Mrs Kelly Ready on telephone 55024444 or email kread5@.eq.edu.au.

Superstar of the Week

While many of us were recently enjoying a restful weekend, Savannah J was busy competing in the Gymnastic Queensland’s AGDA Invitational competition on the Sunshine Coast. Savannah competed exceptionally well in the Vault, Bars Beam and Floor events. This further reaffirms that we have so many extremely talented students attending Worongary State School. Congratulations Savannah on your gymnastic achievements and we wish you all the best in your future competitions.

Regards Landon Dare, Principal

Behaviour

Save the Date

Learning Vine Awards

Book Week

BOOK WEEK 2019

‘Reading is My Secret/Super Power’

19 to 23 August

Grandparents’/Family Day

Wednesday 21 August

Come along and celebrate with your children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews etc

Morning Tea with families in your room/area

All proceeds raised on the day will go towards our Air Conditioning project.

For those of you who are unable make it during the day, we will be open from 3.30 until 6.30 pm to view our Art Gallery, browse the displays, or have a photo taken with your children.

Grandparents’/Family Day - Program

Wednesday 21 August

Class Visits 9 am to 11 am

Morning Tea with Families

Book Week Dress Up Costumes

There have been some enquiries regarding the dress up costumes.

With the school focussing so much energy on our recycling program, I thought it would be a fun idea to try to create costumes from recycled materials, and see who could be the most inventive.

This is by no means compulsory, I just put it in as a suggestion for the children (and/or parents) to show their creativity and ingenuity, as well as save our parents some money by not having to buy costumes.

Student Council News

Worongary State School Student Council is proud to gift both the Music and STEM departments with a variety of new equipment.

For music, a class set of ukuleles have been purchased and will be used during music lessons by all year levels.

For STEM, an extra set of Bee Bots have been purchased which will enable students to work in smaller groups and provide more hands on opportunities. Two kits of Makey Makey were also purchased. Makey Makey will be used by the senior students and is an electronic invention tool that allows users to connect everyday objects to computer programs.

Members of the Student Council enjoyed testing the new equipment out and are looking forward to developing their skills further during weekly classes.

From the Music Room

MUSIC POLO COMING THIS TERM!

A unique polo shirt has been designed to recognise the outstanding work of Worongary’s Instrumental Music and Choir students! Only students in these ensembles will be permitted to wear this school shirt. Students will be encouraged to wear the polo on the days of their weekly rehearsals/lessons and also at school and community performances. Pre-orders of the shirt can be made online, at the School Finance Office or at the Uniform Shop. We anticipate the order to arrive in mid Term 3.

PETER PAN THE MUSICAL

This Friday, students from extra-curricular Music programs will enjoy a performance of Peter Pan -The Musical. A huge thank-you to the parent volunteers accompanying us on to this event. If your child is attending, please send them with a packed lunch on this day.

GIVING BACK TO THE COMMUNITY

Music has the power to change perspectives, emotions and even lives! Next week, our Senior Choir, Advanced Strings and Advanced Clarinet Ensemble will spend a day touring a number of retirement homes in the local area to share their love of music via performance. This will be our first tour for the year and the students are very much looking forward to connecting with the residents. If there are any parent volunteers that would be able to travel with us on this day, please Dojo Miss Jones. It is an extremely memorable day for all.

REHEARSAL ATTENDANCE

A friendly reminder to all students in instrumental and choral ensembles. If you are going to be absent from rehearsal please Dojo your teacher as soon as possible. As we near performances it is vitally important that you attend all rehearsals. Many coaches work on the ‘no show at training - sit on the bench’ philosophy. Please don’t let your team down!

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)

Siblings welcome

Come along and meet other parents and children – all welcome even if not attending Worongary State School

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

The program was put together by a speech language pathologist and early childhood teachers. Each week we will read a story and develop language skills through reading, songs, play and craft - practicing the skills we know are important for school readiness such as:

• focusing on key words and concepts
• asking and answering questions
• noticing the print and the written word in the story or title

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

Regards Katie Huggard, Prep Teacher

Excursions

P&C News

P&C Meeting

The next P and C meeting is on Wednesday 14 August 2019 at 4.30 pm in the staff room. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Colour Run4Fun

This will be held on 8 August 2019. Please ensure your child/children permission slip has been handed into their classroom teacher so they can participate on the day. All monies should have been handed into the tuckshop. Please hand in back page of booklet completed for all students participating so we can ensure your prizes are ordered.

Bunnings BBQ

We are holding a Bunnings BBQ at Bunnings Nerang on Saturday 31 August 2019. If you are able to assist during the day please email us on pandc@worongaryss.eq.edu.au with the times you are able to assist us with so we can schedule our roster of volunteers.

Father’s Day Stall

The stall will be held on 22 and 23 August 2019 in the Lote Room (room next to the P and C room). This is a week earlier than normal due to Gold Coast Day. We will be running a Father’s Day raffle again due to the success – we have been donated by Bunnings Nerang a four burner BBQ as our 1st prize.

Donation

On Friday the P and C was donated a new trolley to assist with transporting items around the school. We would like to thank one of our committee members for this kind donation. It is very much appreciated.

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

Online Ordering Issue Last Week

As per the email sent out last Wednesday, our online ordering provider, SchoolShop Online experienced some issues with their website resulting in it being offline. Unfortunately, this meant that many parents experienced the inconvenience of being unable to order their children’s lunches online.

We managed to assist all parents who contacted us to ensure that their children were fed for the day and once more thank everybody for their patience and understanding as we navigated through the situation.

I would like to take this opportunity to outline some timely hints and reminders that not only will assist if an unusual occurrence like this was to happen again but also can be helpful for everyday occurrences that can turn a morning into chaos and result in lunch issues.

Helpful Hints and Reminders

• There are no EFTPOS facilities in the Tuckshop. We accept cash only via the Tuckshop Basket system and over the counter. Online ordering is available as the alternative to cash.
• FORGOTTEN LUNCH? Please do not call the Tuckshop directly. If for some reason you realise that your child has no lunch at school, 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.
• NO CREDIT: As per P&C QLD regulations, we are unable to provide credit/IOU to anyone and thank you in advance for not asking, as refusal may offend.
• We are however able to accept cash payments in advance to hold on account, in preparation for those days that just don’t run smoothly. Examples of this are:
  - Child left lunch at home
  - Child lost some money from Tuckshop bag
  - Forgot to order online
  - Missed the cut off time for online ordering
  - Didn’t finalise online order correctly
  - Internet glitches

All of these are examples of situations that occur on a regular basis. We recommend that you drop in $5.00 or $10.00 cash to the Tuckshop to hold in credit as a back-up plan. This way if something goes wrong you don’t have to stress - you can simply call us directly to place an order.

Please note that this credit account in the Tuckshop is different to your SchoolShop Online account. We are unable to access your e-wallet credit in your SchoolShop Online account.

Gold Coast Show Meal Deals

The Gold Coast Show is just around the corner and we have decided to join in the fun by having some Gold Coast Show Meal Deals. The meal deals will be available via online and manual ordering from Monday 26th to Thursday 29st August.

Please see the attached flyer for details.

UNIFORM SHOP

Opening Hours

Monday: 8:00am-9:00am
Wednesday: 2:15pm-3:15pm
Friday: 8:00am-9:00am
Closed: Entire last day of each Term
Direct Dial number: 5502 4409

Uniform Shop Closed Friday 23 August

Please note that the Uniform Shop will be closed Friday 23 August. However, online ordering will still be available. Any online orders received before 7:30am that day will be processed as normal. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you in advance for your understanding.

Music Polo Coming Soon

A specially designed Music Polo is landing on our shelves soon. The shirt is exclusively for students who participate in the music programme and will be available to purchase in person from the Uniform Shop and will also be available online.

Please see Katheryn Jones’s music report for details and watch this space in upcoming newsletters for updates on the arrival of this item.

Kind regards,

Michelle Lee
uckshop/Uniform Convenor

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