13 November 2019

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Dear Parents,

On Sunday, I had the pleasure of watching our choir student perform at the 2020 Sing to Win competition at Pacific Fair. Our participation was even more special as Worongary State School was the only State School in this competition. During our time of the stage, our students performed three pieces extremely well. They were narrowly defeated in the competition by Coomera Anglican College. Our students were understandably a little nervous as they prepared to perform in front of what felt like thousands of visitors to the centre. Their meticulous preparation was evident as soon as they commenced their very first piece.

I wish to congratulate all of our Choir students and their supportive parents. A special thank you to Ms Jones and her extended family who assisted with the organisation of the instruments and props. I constantly admire Ms Jones for her dedication to our school and our students. I trust you will join with me in thanking her for going the extra mile for our students.

Queensland Primary All Schools Touch Football Competition

Last weekend our Worongary State School Mixed and Girls Touch teams travelled to Redlands Touch fields to compete in the Queensland Primary All Schools. With more than 193 teams competing in either Boys, Girls or the mixed divisions the competition was going to be tough. Both teams were successful on Saturday with the girls winning three games and the mixed team winning two and one loss. This progressed both teams into the finals day, girls fought hard but unfortunately lost in the first round and our mixed team was successful and progressed right through to the semi-final and unfortunately went down right on the buzzer.

A special thank you to Miss Smith, Mr Swift and Mr Rogers their leadership of this initiative. The countless hours of organisation and training has certainly provided our students with the opportunity to shine. I wish to thank all the players for their outstanding behaviour and sportsmanship they demonstrated during the two-day tournament. The number of extremely positive messages I have received this week about how well all of our students represented our school has delighted me. Congratulations to all students on a successful weekend and playing as a team. Finally, I sincerely thank the parents who drove their children to Redlands both days this was a big commitment for you as well to give up your weekend.

Final Call for 2020 Class Parent Requests

I wish to invite parents to write to me regarding your child’s attendance at Worongary State School for 2020. Our school leaders are currently working hard to devise and implement a plan that will support all students to enjoy a smooth and efficient transition into the 2020 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 2020
• You know other children who will be attending our school in 2020
• You have not enrolled your child in Prep for 2020.

This information is vital as it may save our school having to re-structure classes and teachers at the beginning of the 2020 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 2020 classes. I sincerely thank all of the parents who have already written to me and provided feedback on class placements.

All parent 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’.

First Lego League Success

On the back of our outstanding achievements at Merrimac State High School, Nina, Natasha, Lenka, Jasper, Schuma, Claudia, Tayla, Zahlia, Adam, David and Lucas packed up their projects, speeches, posters and Lego robots to prepare for the annual First Lego League Regionals in Ballina. These students had worked hard all semester and, following the scrimmage day at Merrimac, had been selected to represent our school in Ballina.

First Lego League is not just about Lego Robotics. The competition commenced at 9am with our three teams delivering a 5-minute presentation about their project to a panel of judges. These judges then proceeded to interview our students about their engineering and robot designs. They discussed their core values with the judges. Following this presentation, the students went on to complete three rounds of the robot game. During this intense day our students were challenged to overcome several unexpected problems (malfunctioning robots, posters blowing across the school grounds moments before presentation and laptops not connecting to the smart TV). I sincerely congratulate all of our students for the way in which they managed these problems and minor setbacks. Mr Mullaly reported that all of our students spoke with confidence and executed their robot games incredibly well.

Worongary State School had originally entered only one Year 6 team in the competition however at the last-minute Miami State School were unable to attend and we were able to take their spot. This allowed us to split our Year 6 team in two, giving them all more opportunity to be hands on in the robot games. In just two short weeks, our newly formed team of Adam, David and Lucas from 5/6A did an amazing job creating a new project and excelled in the robot game as one of the most consistent primary schools. As a result, this team earned our school a place at the State Championship round on November 23rd. This will be the first time one of our teams has qualified for the state championships. This honour reflects the hard work of all students who have shared and collaborated to hone their skills.

During the afternoon presentations, our students were honoured to receive two awards. The first was for our highly innovative Year 5 team for their “Innovative Solution” in the project category. Our dedication and committment resulted in our Year 6 team being awarded the “Strategy Innovation” trophy for their engineering and outstanding design.

Big thanks to Mr Tim Mullaly and Ms Hayley Thomson for leading the First Lego League program this year. The care, dedication and commitment these teachers display on a daily basis is supporting our students to achieve excellence. On behalf of our school community I sincerely thank these two teachers for all they do in our school.

Worongary Students Shine at Merrimac State High 2019 Awards Ceremony

On Wednesday 30 October, I once again had the pleasure of representing our community at the Merrimac State High School Annual Awards evening. Over the past 12 months, many of our past students have been extremely busy and their achievements were well recognised at this annual event. This year saw some of our past students topping the honour list with many outstanding achievements, most notably Caleb Cuddihy who was awarded the very prestigious Merrimac State High School’s Dux Award. On behalf of our entire school community, I acknowledge the following past students for receiving awards at last week’s ceremony. I also congratulate each of these students’ parents and family members for their dedication and support they have provided over many years.

On behalf of our school community I wish these students all the very best as they transition into their new school year. We also wish those who are completing Year 12 all the very best in their chosen careers or further studies. I look forward to Mr Chris Tobin (Merrimac State High School Principal) presenting the 2020 Merrimac State High School Scholarships at our Year 6 Leaving Ceremony.

Student Resource Scheme (SRS)

Following this afternoon’s Parents’ and Citizens’ Association meeting, all parents will receive details regarding the 2020 Student Resource Scheme. Parents will notice that the school has once again managed to maintain a consistent amount across each of the year levels. Once again, the school has not included items such as a pencil case or USB. Taking the pencil case and USB items off the SRS was a common sense approach as many parents already supply a pencil case and lunch box.

Parents not wishing to participate in the scheme are welcome to contact the school office and receive a book list. It is an expectation that parents wishing to purchase these items themselves do so prior to school commencing and bringing them in on the first day of the 2020 school year. In addition to these items, there is a technology component to the SRS. Parents who choose to purchase their child’s 2020 school materials will also be required to independently contact the online learning provider and purchase an individual licence.

Parents wishing to obtain additional information about these programs are encouraged to contact our Teacher Librarian.

Save the Date

Learning Vine Awards

PREP CLASSES

This week, Prep and Year 1 students participated in our first ‘Outdoor Classroom Day’. Although exhausted at the end, we had a fabulous day. The children were all engaged in their learning activities as we stepped out of the classroom into the sunshine and fresh air! We had children playing in the mud kitchen with their shoes off, feeling the grass under their feet – what a lovely sensory experience! There were maths activities to do with number recognition, counting and adding, as well as a shop for role playing the exchange of money. We measured with sand, water, sticks, blocks and scales and even did some counting in Yugambeh language. For literacy, we practised oral story telling with story boxes and story mat, covered the steps with words written in chalk and wrote messages to each other on a graffiti mat. The children found objects in the sand pit and matched them to the sounds they started with, they practised making diagraphs (sh,th, wh, ch) with playdough and were challenged to turn that into a word! The rugs were out with books for an outdoor library too. To cover The Arts we had dancing with Miss Jones, we painted a city on boxes, made nests out of clay and made pictures out of sticks, leaves and other natural materials. Speaking of materials, we investigated what things are made of and sorted costumes accordingly. We tested materials to check what was waterproof and hunted to look for mini beasts in the prep playground!

Research has shown that the sensory-rich nature of the outdoors reduces stress, increases our attention, and promotes co-operation and we certainly saw this on the day with exceptional behaviour and engagement from all children involved. Well done children!

A huge thank you to all the teachers, teacher aides and buddies involved in organising and supervising the activities and to Bunnings Nerang who donated $100 which supplied the equipment and mud for our mud kitchen.

Mrs Huggard and Miss Willis.

Kind Regards, Ms Kaia

From the Music Room

MUSIC COUNT US IN – Q1/SURFERS PARADISE FORESHORE PERFORMANCE

Last Thursday, Choir students from Years 5 and 6 performed with students from 25 Gold Coast schools at Q1 SkyPoint and Surfers Paradise beach. This performance was to celebrate music education across Australia. The students performed the Australian National Anthem, ‘One Song’, ‘Shine Together’ and 2019’s song ‘We Are’. Students: Amelia I, Samara G, Lenka J, Gemaika T, Lili B-B, Isaac H, Benji S, Sienna L, Tiara M, Grace T, Alyssah C, Taylah C, Jason B and Maddeline O represented Worongary respectfully and with great poise. A special thankyou to Mrs Jaqueline McMahon and to Mrs Rebecca Branthwaite-Bon who assisted accompanying the children to this event.

This performance was streamed to schools around Australia. To view a short summary of the event please follow this link –

PACIFC FAIR’S ‘SING TO WIN’ PERFORMANCE

Our Senior Choir was recently selected for the Pacific Fair’s ‘Sing to Win’ Christmas Carol Competition and performed in the Finals on Sunday afternoon at the Resort Stage. The choir was accompanied by Angie Feng on piano, Samara G and Maddeline O on flutes and Jason B, Lenka J, Alyssah C, Sienna L and Maddeline O on xylophones and glockenspiels. Our Choir sang ‘A Christmas Carol of Peace’, ‘A Song of Joy’ and ‘A Solfege Christmas’.

Thankyou to all the Worongary staff and Worongary families who turned out to cheer on our choir!

CHRISTMAS CONCERT – GUEST ACTS

This week quite a large number of students have been auditioning for a place as a ‘guest act’ in our End of Year Student Christmas Concerts. These fun informal concerts are an opportunity for interested classes to come down to the hall, sing some Christmas songs and watch our talented students perform.

Due to time constraints there will only be a limited number of places for ‘guest acts’. Interested dancers, comedians, singers and entertainers are encouraged to book a time to audition with Ms Jones as soon as possible! Successful guest acts will be announced on Friday on Week 7.

Junior Christmas Concert – Week 10 Wednesday 11 December 12:00pm – 1:30pm
Senior Christmas Concert – Week 10 Thursday 12 December 12:00pm – 1:40pm

PLEASE NOTE – Due to numbers permitted in the hall, parents will not be able to attend the concerts. Parents of students who have successfully received a spot as a guest act will be contacted by Ms Jones in regards to watching their child perform.

CONGRATULATIONS 2020 INSTRUMENTAL MUSICIANS

A huge congratulations to the following students who have been offered a place in the 2020 STRINGS PROGRAM!

Olivia P, Kate H, Charlotte H, Mikaylah V, Breanna R, Tianna W, Holly H, Alyra G, Lucia C, Mya B, Paige B, Mila M, Taelyse B, Jessica L, Arliyah R, Daisy B, Zophia M, Harlow B-B, Grace I, Sienna-Rose S, Aysha B, Ella D, Owen P, Benjamin H, Cody T, Tamikah C, Noah E, Lennox T and Tyson C.

Congratulations to the following students who have been offered a place in the 2020 BAND PROGRAM!

Cierra H, Kahlia H, Lili B, Makaea T, Ella S, Anastasia D, Olivia D, Chloe M, Jayda S, Xander H, Kaycee H, Annie H, Daisy E, Cooper F, Amity B, Gia C, Shyllah S, Coco-Rose H, Tjala B, George R, Brayden P, Ryan H, Bently M, Noah S, John C, Jayden M, Jaida B, Paige H, Eadie S, Jack T, Chayse D, Indie W-S, Indi S and Cooper D.

Enrolment contracts are due back as soon as possible! We have quite a number of students on the wait list very keen to participate! If your child does not wish to take up the offer of learning a musical instrument please email Ms Jones kjones416@eq.edu.au

If there are any questions about learning an instrument or you would like advice on where to purchase an instrument, please Dojo or email Ms Jones.

‘You are never so together with other people as when you make music with them, in tune, in time and expressing the whole world of meaning. It is in the early years of life, especially, that we build the grounding for these abilities - and in our society, it is in the schools that it happens.’

Dr Richard Letts

Yours in Music, Katheryn Jones
Ms Katheryn Jones kjone416@eq.edu.au

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

Tuckshop & Uniform

Opening Hours

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

World Tuckshop Day

Friday 01 November was World Tuckshop Day and all Tuckshop staff were rather spoilt. Jasmine and I would like to thank the students, parents, staff members and P&C executives who acknowledged us and our dedicated volunteers on this day. We received many kind words and gifts, including beautiful handmade cards from every student in Prep C and 1C. Thank you all so much! We appreciate being appreciated.

Warm Days

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

• Frozen Grapes
• Icebergs (cubes of frozen yoghurt/custard with fruit)
• Frozen Orange Wedges

These items are all available both online and through manual ordering and may also be purchased over the counter by students in Years 1-6, during playtime, with a denomination of $5.00 or less.

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 Open tomorrow for Prep 2020 Students

Please note that for the convenience of parents with 2020 Prep students attending the Get Set For Prep programme tomorrow, the Uniform Shop will be open at the following times:

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.

Kind regards,

Michelle Lee
Tuckshop/Uniform Convenor

P&C News

P&C Meeting

The next P and C meeting is on Wednesday 13 November 2019 at 4.30 pm in the staff room. Everyone is welcome to attend.

Change for Change

The senior and junior classes that raised the most money received there Zipper Doopers last week. The total amount raised $862.60. Thank you to all that donated to this event.

Senior - 5C $190.60
Junior - 1D $136.30

Disco

Thank you to all those who attended our disco and to the volunteers and staff who assisted during the day and at night.

Family Portraits

Thank you to the families who attended our family portraits day on Sunday 3 November. The photos will be available to collect on Wednesday 4 December from the school. Location and times for collection will be advised shortly.

Christmas Stall

The P&C will be holding a Christmas Stall again this year. The days and location will be advised shortly.

Facebook Page

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

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