21 August 2019

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Dear Parents

On behalf of our school community I would like to congratulate our Parent’s and Citizens’ Association and their volunteers for coordinating an amazing Colour Run last week. The feedback from the students and parents who attended was extremely positive. This inclusive event provided an opportunity to bring the school community together while also raising valuable funds for phase 2 of the school’s air-conditioning project. We sincerely thank Mrs Jennifer Thompson for donating her time to take many of the action shots that appear on the school’s Facebook page. Finally, I would like to thank the parents who supported this event by assisting with fundraising. Your support is truly appreciated!

Worongary State School - Biannual Concert

Tickets to the Worongary State School biannual concert have now gone on sale. There will once again be two concerts for each of the sectors of the school (junior and senior school). This year’s concerts are titled:

• Dreaming (Junior School) and
• Dance Around the World (Senior School)

Junior school’s concerts will be held on Thursday 5 September at 6:00pm and a matinee concert on Friday 6 September at 1:00pm. The Senior School matinee performance will commence at 1:00pm on Thursday 5 September. The Senior School’s evening performance will commence at 6:00pm on Friday 6 September.

Due to Health and Safety restrictions on the number of people allowed in the hall, we have had to limit sales of tickets to three tickets per family. As per previous year, if you have children in both junior and senior school you will be entitled to three tickets to one of the junior concerts and three tickets to one of the senior concerts. More information will be circulated in up and coming editions of the Pipeline.

School Opinion Survey

Time is quickly running out to have your say about our school. The suite of School Opinion Surveys are undertaken each year by the Department of Education and Training to obtain information from parents/caregivers, students and school staff to identify what we are doing well and how we can continue to improve.

Students in Year 5 and 6 were provided the opportunity to provide their opinions on the school, their learning and their well-being through the online survey last week. All parents should have received a letter with the instructions on how to access your individual online survey. The letter provided a log in and password which can only be used once. Please follow the instructions and contact the school if you experience any difficulties.

The information we receive from these survey will help us to plan for the future and will allow us to know what we are doing well and in what areas we need to improve.

I thank all of the parents who have provided feedback on our school’s performance through the 2019 School Opinion Survey. At this stage, more than 50 parents have logged on and provided us your thoughts. We sincerely thank these parents as this figure is substantially above this period last year. This year, our school has used information obtained from the 2018 survey to implement several initiatives aimed to meet the needs of your child and your family.

I strongly encourage all parents to have your say and help us make our school an amazing place of learning for all.

Indigenous Stakeholder Meeting

We would like to invite the parents and extended family members of our Indigenous students to our Semester 2 Indigenous Stakeholder meeting. The feedback from our Term 1 stakeholder meeting significantly assisted our school to implement initiatives that promote Indigenous perspectives. This meeting will again be located in Ms Kaia's room at 9:00am on Tuesday 27 August. To assist with catering, parents or family members wishing to attend are encouraged to contact the school office. We will again be seeking your ideas on ways to support your child and promote Indigenous education so please come along with your ideas!

Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Camp

Enhancing our students’ understanding of STEM is a core component of our school’s 2018 – 2021 Strategic Plan. During 2019, we have continued to grow and develop key aspects of our strategic plan. These key aspects have included:

• Building teacher capability to transform STEM learning
• Increasing student engagement in STEM learning
• Achieving excellence in STEM learning

Earlier in the year, the Nerang Alliance of State School Principals decided to investigate the opportunity to implement a Nerang Alliance STEM Camp at our local Numinbah Valley Environmental Education Centre. Last week, while the final changes were being made to the STEM Camp program, Mr Mullaly commenced the difficult task of selecting 10 students from Year 6 to participate in this excursion. These 10 students were selected for their regular contribution and to improving our school’s STEM program. This two-day camp will commence on Monday 2 September. I look forward to sharing the success of this camp once the students have returned.

I wish to thank Mr Mullaly for his co-ordination of this camp. All of our students are truly fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such a passionate and dedicated STEM leader.

Day for Daniel

On Friday 25 October 2019, our school community will join together once again to acknowledge the 'Day for Daniel'. This event is the Daniel Morcombe Foundation National Day of Action on child safety and protection. Last year this day was the largest child safety awareness day of its type in Australia. Participation in last year’s event was at record levels with approximately 2,800 schools and hundreds of businesses taking part.

Last Monday our senior school students were fortunate to participate in a special presentation from Bruce and Denise Morcombe. Although Bruce and Denise spoke to the Year 3 to Year 6 students about a range of child protection and safety topics, their key messages centred around the three strategies children need to do to keep themselves and their friends safe. These strategies are:

1. Recognise – Listen to your body’s clues
2. React – Run to a safe place or say NO!
3. Report – Tell an adult why you feel unsafe.

At the end of the session, Bruce Morcombe strongly encouraged everyone to go home and speak to their parents about the presentation and discuss some things that all families can do together to ensure they are safe. Parents wishing to find out more information are encouraged to visit the Day for Daniel website below.

We sincerely thanks Ms Kaia Clarke for coordinating this opportunity for our students and staff.

Music Success

Over the past few weeks our music students have been incredibly busy participating in a variety of excursions.

Firstly, approximately 60 students recently attended the 2019 Merrimac State High School’s performance of Peter Pan. This was another wonderful performance from the students of Merrimac State High School. It was particularly pleasing for our students to see a number of past Worongary students in major roles of the production. Campbell Hartley performed exceptionally well as Peter Pan while Sophie McIntosh (cast as Curly) provided an outstanding performance. I wish to congratulate each participating student for their exceptional behaviour and how they represented our school.

Secondly, late last week Ms Jones and our school’s choir performed for our local Nerang community. Students travelled by bus and performed for residents at the Billabirra Aged Care, Melody Park Retirement Centre and Cedarbrook Retirement Centre. Having been privileged to hear our amazing choir perform at the Regional Fanfare, I am extremely confident the residents would have loved the performance. Congratulations to all of our students and a big thank you to Ms Jones for her dedication and commitment to our music department and wider school community.

Parents’ and Citizens’ Association (P and C) Fundraising

As mentioned above the 2019 Colour Run was undeniably an amazing event. The P and C marked this initiative as their major fundraising event in 2019. The Fundraising Report (tabled at last week’s P and C meeting) highlighted financial success of this initiate. This report outlined that the school had received donations of approximately $13,000 from the Colour Run. With outgoings (hire of the equipment, colour powder and prizes) approximately totally $7,500, the P and C’s profit was sadly reduced to a little over $5,500.

Upon reflection, regrettably only 35% of our students participated in the fundraising aspect of this event. Sadly, nearly two-thirds (65%) of students participating did not contribute financially to the running of this event or the fundraising aspect of this initiative. Because of this disappointing participation rate, the P and C will be required to implement a few changes to the way the event will be conducted in 2020. These recommendations will be discussed at the next P and C meeting.

While these recommendations are being drafted, the P and C ask you to reflect on how you have contributed to the school’s air-conditioning initiative. Phase Two of the air-conditioning project will see more than $34,000 being expended to air-condition the Year 2 learning block before summer. This significant investment will ensure our students in Year 2 can learn in a climate controlled environment. The P and C Executive members understand that sometimes we all may find ourselves under pressure and be unable to contribute financially. However, there are many other ways you can contribute other than making a tax deductable donation to the Building Fund. Have you considered:

• Nominating to be a volunteer at next weekend’s Bunnings Sausage Sizzle?
• Can you volunteer to help at the Father’s Day stall?

The committee sincerely appreciates and thanks the 35% of our community who contributed to the financial success of the 2019 Colour Run. If we are to achieve our goal of air-conditioning Worongary State School we must all play our part by donating or volunteering. I hope you can join with our hard working P and C team and create a preferred future for your children.

I Block Renovation

Last week I met with the Project Managers to discuss the planned modifications to I Block. This block is currently where the Year 5 and Year 6 students are located. With a planned budget of $800,000 these facilities will undergo significant remodelling. As this renovation must be completed by the commencement of the 2020 school year, we may need to relocate the Year 5 and Year 6 classes to an alternative classroom during Term 4. More information will be made available regarding relocating these classes after our next site meeting. Parents wishing on obtaining more information regarding the designs and drawings are encouraged to attend at our next P and C Association meeting on Wednesday 18 September, at 4.30 pm in the staff room

Regards Landon Dare, Principal

Behaviour

Dear Families and Caregivers

In addition to our behaviour focus our school also implements a program called ‘Second Steps’. Second Step is universal program designed to increase students’ school success/ school-readiness, improve peer relationships, and decrease problem behaviours by promoting social-emotional competence and self-regulation. Curriculum differs according to age groups. All our students from P-6 access this program. If you would like any further information please contact your child’s classroom teacher or Ms Kaia

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, but 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.

From the Music Room

COMMUNITY TOUR PERFORMANCES

Last Friday our Senior Choir, Advanced Strings and Clarinet Quartet performed for residents at a number of retirement homes in the local area. Students were well received at each venue and are to commended on their outstanding behaviour. A very special thank-you to the Year 5 and 6 students that assisted with equipment setups and to our wonderful parent volunteers that travelled with us throughout the day.

BAND & STRINGS IN 2020

In the upcoming weeks, the Music Department will be staging a number of concerts, open rehearsals and surprise performances for students in Year 2- 5 interested in learning a musical instrument in 2020.

We currently have a number of positions available for 2020 in both the Strings and Band programs. We also have many quality instruments available for hire. We are particularly seeking students interested in learning – French horn, trombone, euphonium, tuba, trumpet, saxophone, cello and double bass. Expression of Interest forms are now available from the Music Room.

Continuing students are encouraged to consider purchasing an instrument of their own to allow more students to participate in the Instrumental Music program. For Brass and Wind Instruments, brands such as Yamaha are recommended. For stringed instrument purchases, please go to a reputable String specialist store. If unsure please email me and I am happy to assist.

TERM 3 REHEARSALS

BAND – MONDAY 7:45am start
DRUMLINE – MONDAY 11:00- 11:30am
ADVANCED STRINGS – Tuesday 8:00am (with Ms Futo) and Friday 8:00am (with Miss Jones)
JUNIOR CHOIR – Tuesday 8:00am – please bring music each week.
SENIOR CHOIR – Wednesday 8:00am and Thursday 8:00am – please bring music to rehearsals.

I am aware that some students are starting to need to attend sports training for the upcoming start of Interschool Sport. Students are to come and see me and let me know which of the two rehearsal days they will attend Choir rehearsal.

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 18 September 2019 at 4.30 pm in the staff room. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Colour Run4Fun

Thank you to all those who fundraised for this great event. The cut-off to claim prizes has now finished so prizes should arrive shortly once the Australian Fundraising Company has processed the order. These will be distributed to children who were eligible to claim a prize. We will advise the final figure that was raised once known.

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 volunteer and we will schedule a roster.

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 Show Holiday. Due to the previous success, we will be running a Father’s Day raffle again. Bunnings Nerang has generously donated a four burner BBQ as our 1st prize. The tickets for this raffle will start selling on Grandparent’s Day at the P and C cafe and will continue on both days of the Father’s Day stall. Raffle tickets are $2.00 a ticket or $5 for 3 tickets. If your child spends $10.00 or more at the Father’s Day Stall, they will get a free entry into the raffle. Please provide your child with a bag to carry their purchases home.

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

Tuckshop News

Opening Hours

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

Gold Coast Show Meal Deals

Our Gold Coast Show Meal Deals kick off on Monday and will be available at both breaks all week in the lead up to the Show. Available via online and manual ordering. 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 this Friday, however, online ordering will still be available. Any online orders received before 7:30am this Friday will be processed as normal. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you in advance for your understanding.

Kind regards,

Michelle Lee
Tuckshop/Uniform Convenor

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