27 November 2019

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

It is customary at this time of the year that we acknowledge our 2019 school leaders and turn our attention to appointing our 2020 school leadership team. I wish to congratulate and thank Lila C, Jett D, Ava T and Isaac O 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, along with all of our other 2019 school leaders, have exceeded our expectations. Our school community owes our 2019 school leaders considerable gratitude for their commitment to improving our school. I wish these students all the best as they move into High School in 2020.

In addition to recognising the contributions these students have made to our school, it also gives me the opportunity to transition our 2020 School Captains into their new roles. It gives me great pleasure to announce and welcome our elected 2020 School Leaders into their new roles:

2020 School Captains

2020 House Captains

2020 Music Captains

2020 LOTE Captain

2020 Student Council Captains

2020 STEM Captain (New Position)

2020 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. These students will very shortly receive an invitation to participate in a Leadership retreat at Numinbah Valley Environmental Education Centre.

Christmas Gift Drive

I wish to sincerely thank the Parents’ and Citizens’ Association for implementing a new initiative that will support all families in need to enjoy the up and coming festive season. Visitors to our school’s office would have recently seen a Christmas tree standing in the corner. The P and C Association wishes to invite any parent or student who would like to donate a small gift to a child in need to place a wrapped gift under the tree. Families in need will be identified by the leadership team and these gifts will be offered to them. Any remaining gifts will be provided to the ACT4Kids organisation for distribution to other families in our extended community.

The P and C Association respectfully requests that a small tag accompanies each gift. This will help to ensure the gift is given to an appropriatly aged child. Parents wishing to obtain more information are encouraged to log onto the P and C Association Facebook page.

Staffing Update

Over the past few weeks, I have been working closely with our South East Regional Office Human Resource team to ensure our 2020 staffing is within our allocated model. As a result of a number of staff returning from leave and a reduction of predicted enrolment numbers, our school is required to reduce our permanent teaching staff.

Over the past 12 months, Mr Tom Mc Donald has acted in the role as a Head of Curriculum at Southport Special School (SSS). Mr McDonald has thoroughly enjoyed this new role and has extensively contributed to improving Southport Special School. Mr Mc Donald’s significant contributions has led to him being offered a permanent position in 2020. On behalf of our entire school community, I wish to sincerely thank Tom for everything he achieved at Worongary State School over the past 8 years. His passion and dedication has resulted in our school achieving a firm foundation for future success. We wish him all the very best in his new school.

On Monday, the school was informed that Ms Angela Banks (current Year 5/6A class teacher) accepted an offer from Palm Beach Currumbin State High School to transition into their Junior Secondary Department. Similar to Mr McDonald, Ms Banks has worked in the school for close to 10 years. Ms Banks has in many ways positively contributed to our school and we wish her all the very best as she transitions to teaching in high school.

Head of Department – Curriculum

For a long period, the staff at Worongary State School have appreciated the support of the school funded Head of Curriculum position. This year our school’s Head of Department – Curriculum has been working to ensure our summative assessment processes (those that help produce the evidence backing report card decisions) are closely aligned to the Australian Curriculum. The school’s Local Consultative Committee recently acknowledged the importance of this position by agreeing to undertake a Work Place Reform to make this position a permanent position in 2021. I am delighted to report that, following a recent selection and recruitment process, Mr David Clancy has secured the position for 2020. Mr Clancy’s contribution to supporting our teachers during 2019 has been outstanding. I congratulate David on securing this position and look forward to seeing our student’s results continue to improve under his leadership.

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 11 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 be a quick conversation. This conversation also allows teachers to have the opportunity to celebrate many of your child’s 2019 achievements. Please continue to speak to your child’s teacher if there are any problems or concerns.

First Lego League

Last Saturday, 5 of our Year 6 students competed in the First Lego League Northern Nationals at Grace Lutheran College. Our students worked very hard to prepare for the event and presented excellent presentations for their Project, Core Values and Robot Design. Unfortunately, it was just not our day as our robot game just didn’t go to plan. Even though our design did not go to plan, our students remained focussed and worked together as a team to represent our school with pride. It was great to see the students enjoying the experience together, as a team.

Thanks to Kathy Bellamy and Donna Ermer for meeting with the students to discuss their project. An extra big thanks to Hayley Thomson for coming on board with First Lego League in 2019. Without a STEM room for the past few weeks it has been difficult for me to arrive to lunch time practices on time and I appreciate Hayley’s effort in co-ordinating the students and allowing us to keep the robot table set up in her room.

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 11 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.

2020 Class Placements

I sincerely thank the many parents who have provided me with information regarding 2020 class placements. Although I am unable guarantee everything on these “wish lists”, I can guarantee that my leadership team and I have considered each request. With classes now formed, any movement of students may simply not be possible. 2020 Class lists will once again be displayed outside the office on the Pupil Free Days. Parents are invited to pop up to the school on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 January 2020 (Between 9:00am and 3:00pm) to see your child’s class list and direction to their classrooms.

I again seek the assistance of all parents to ensure our transition into the 2020 school year is smooth and without any major re-structures. If your child is not attending our school in 2020 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.

2020 Year 7 Scholarships

A number of our Year 6 students have been awarded scholarships by their future high school. I will acknowledge and celebrate these students in next week’s Pipeline. I look forward to publically recognising these students at the Year 6 Leaving Ceremony on Tuesday 10 December 2019.

I Block Refurbishment

Last Friday, Mrs Hogart and Mr Townson met with the representatives of Honeywill Consulting, Department of Education and Akela for the fortnightly site meeting. As you can see from the photo below, the work of demolishing the internal structures have almost been completed. This refurbishment will result in classrooms that are significantly larger and more modern. I am confident our 2020 Year 5 and Year 6 students will enjoy these new facilities. Over the course of the next few weeks we will begin to see the internal classrooms take shape. We will also see the external learning area (outside the top level classrooms) being sealed from the elements.

This is an incredibly exciting time for our students and staff and we are all looking forward to the project being finished ready for students on the first day of the 2020 school year.

Uniform Shop

In 2020, our Uniform Shop will be located in the Central Under Covered Games Area. To help facilitate this move, the Uniform Shop will now be closed for over the counter service. Parents are strongly encouraged to purchase uniforms via the online ordering system. Once the order has been received, our volunteers will package up the ordered uniforms and either send it to your child’s classroom or the office for collection. Parents should be aware that some items would not be available until 2020 (when we receive delivery of stock). We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this change may cause and trust all families will appreciate the benefits from the wonderful new facility when it officially opens in January.

If you haven’t already used online ordering, you can register an account with Schoolshop Online by following the links on the school website or by inputting Worongary in the search box via the link below.

Key things to note about ordering uniforms online are:

• Online ordering is great for busy parents. Orders can be placed online at your convenience.
• During this transition time, online orders will be processed daily. A yellow note will be sent to your child’s classroom via the Tuckshop basket so they know when to collect it from the Tuckshop. Please let your child/ren know to keep an eye out for this.
• Any items ordered that are currently out of stock will be placed on back order for collection at our Back to School open days in 2020. Please refer to the upcoming newsletter article for dates and times (due out Wednesday 27 November).
• Please be sure to update your child/children’s class for each new school year. The account profiles for Tuckshop and Uniform shop are not linked, so must be updated separately.
• Prep 2020 students will be able to try on uniforms for day only. 2020 Prep parents are invited to visit the uniform shop on Monday 2 December 8:00am-9:30am and 1:30pm-3:30pm. An online order will need to be placed once this uniform fitting has been completed.

Swimming Carnival

The Worongary State School Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival will be conducted on Friday 6 December 2019.

Children will be transported to and from the pool by bus. The cost of the bus fare and admission to the pool will be covered by the P&C at no cost to you! Parents are welcome to attend the carnival – admission cost to be paid upon entering the pool.

As swimming is not part of our school curriculum, students that can’t swim 25m unassisted – will NOT be allowed to enter the water on the day.

This carnival day will be a Red Food Day for our school. There will be canteen facilities available at the pool. Children will be monitored as to when and how often they will be able to use the Canteen. It is preferred that children bring a healthy lunch and a large drink. (Water is preferred.)

Students are to come to school in their house colour shirts (singlets are not allowed) green school shorts or skorts, enclosed shoes, hat, sunscreen, sun shirt, towel and swimmers. Please ensure all items of clothing are named.

Save the Date

Learning Vine Awards

From the Music Room

END OF YEAR CONCERT BAND, CHOIRS & STRINGS CONCERT

Our End Of Year Concert for all extra-curricular musical ensembles will be held this year on MONDAY DECEMEBER 2 (WEEK 9) from 3:30pm in our School Hall.

Groups performing include:

• Beginner Strings
• Advanced Strings
• Junior Choir
• Senior Choir
• Concert Band

We expect that all students who have participated in these groups will be present. We would also like to extend an invitation to all students of Worongary State School and their families to join us for this afternoon of music making. It would be great to see many of the students joining the Instrumental Music Program in 2020 at this concert for insights into ensemble playing.

MUSIC EXCELLENCE PROGRAM – YEAR 6 STUDENTS 2020

Worongary will be offering students in Year 6 the opportunity to participate in Excellence Programs in the fields of Music, Sport and STEM. These programs will run for the entire school year and incur a small additional fee ($40 per year) to cover associated costs.

Students in these programs will benefit from one additional 50 minute session each week, in class time, in their chosen field and may be required to participate in competitions and events outside of school hours from time to time. Students in these programs will need to demonstrate outstanding behaviour at all times and dedication to their chosen program for the entire year.

Students wishing to apply for the Music Excellence Program will need to meet a strict criteria as detailed in the Application form. Students must be learning a musical instrument and/or be a member of the Senior Choir. Students in this program will become fluent in aspects of Music theory (including reading music) and basic keyboard/piano skills. Theoretical student work will comprise of tasks from the Australian Music Examinations Board (AMEB) Preliminary Music Craft/Theory Curriculum. Students will require this knowledge should they choose to pursue a pathway in Music undertaking practical examinations and music theory examinations or applying for Music Excellence Programs at secondary schools. The practical component of this program will focus only on keyboard/piano skills. It would be advantageous for students enrolled in this program to have access to a keyboard or piano at home.

Completed application forms are to be handed in to the Office.

AUDITIONS FOR GUEST ACTS – WORONGARY KIDS CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Last week quite a large number of students auditioned for a place as a ‘guest act’ in our KIDS CHRISTMAS CONCERTS. These fun informal concerts are an opportunity for interested classes to come down to the hall, sing some Christmas songs and watch some of our talented students perform.

A big thank-you to the following students who auditioned – Coco-Rose H, Polly W, Olivia D, Chloe B, Ella-Rose B, Ashley T, Ellie B, Taylah C, Alyssah C, Paige B, Ella D, Savannah J, Zophia M, Arliyah R, Zai S, Jason B, Natasha M, Tegan C, Chloe H, Jake B, Chloe M, Riley C, Lucie G, Hunter J, Rhea P, Samara G, Lenka J, Nina K, Felecia M, Beau R, Amelia I, Bonnie D, Maddison H, Jessica R, Sommer W, Chelsea S, Willow M, Daisy B, Jasper M, Jesse R and Yuna and Aina N.

A short list of acts to rehearse with a view to performing at the Junior and Senior Concerts will be configured and announced this week.

STRINGS LESSONS

Unfortunately Ms Futo has been ill and has had to take emergency sick leave. For Week 8 and 9:

• Ms Jones will conduct Advanced String Ensemble Rehearsal each Friday from 8am. Students in this group can contact Ms Jones to arrange alternative lesson times.
• Beginner Strings will have their lesson time with Ms Jones each THURSDAY AFTERNOON FROM 2:10pm – 3:00pm.

SRS PAYMENTS MUSIC 2020

Enrolment contracts are now due back and the tuition fee ($60) is due at the School Office. 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 notify Ms Jo Wales in the School Office or email Ms Jones kjone416@eq.edu.au

In music, a mistake is a mistake; the instrument is in tune or not, the notes are well played or not, the entrance is made or not. It is only by much hard work that a successful performance is possible. Through music study, students learn the value of sustained effort to achieve excellence and the concrete rewards of hard work!

Children’s Music Advocacy Workshop, Brisbane September 2019

Have a great rest and we look forward to an exciting Term 3!

Yours in Music
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

TUCKSHOP AND UNIFORM SHOP

Our Thanks

As 2019 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 2020.

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 last meal deals 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 13 December
[We will re-open Tuesday 28 January, 2020]
PLEASE NOTE: There will be NO Subway Day this term

Online Ordering Profiles for 2020

When your child joins their new class for 2020, 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 09 December – Thursday 12 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.

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 you joining us again next year.

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

Diana S
Janelle W
Narelle R
& Pip C

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

UNIFORM SHOP

The Uniform Shop is CLOSED for the remainder of the term
[Please see below for January 2020 ‘Back to School’ open days]

Online Ordering Profiles for 2020

When your child joins their new class for 2020, 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 2020 were placed last term and all shipments are on track to arrive in our supplier’s warehouse in December, ready to be delivered to us 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 pre-order your item/s online. All orders will be ready for collection on our back to school open days.

Back to School Hours 2020

The Uniform Shop will be open for ‘Back to School’ sales in January 2020 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 31 January, 2020.

Seniors Shirts for Year 6

Thank you to those parents who have already arranged their child’s Year 6 Seniors Shirts for 2020. If you are yet to order, please remember that the final date for ordering and paying for these shirts is Monday 03 February, 2020. A copy of the order form is attached here, should you still require one.

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

Kind regards,
Michelle Lee
Tuckshop/Uniform Convenor

P&C News

P&C Monthly Meeting

The next meeting will be held in February 2020. Once this date is known it will advertised via Facebook and pipeline.

Family Portraits

Photos will be available to collect on Wedneaday 4 December from the school. Location and times for collection will be advised shortly.

Christmas Stall

We are holding a Christmas Stall again this year. The days and location will be advised shortly and will be advertised via Facebook and Dojo.

Facebook Page

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

Community Notices

Image/Come and try Day

Come for the run or just come for the fun! Putting a healthy twist on New Year’s Eve; come along the to the second Resolution Run; there’s kids runs (500m & 1k), relays (3 x 4km) and individual distances of 4, 8 & 12km or just come along to the FREE Community Carnival!

Entry includes a finisher’s medal, a surprise gift from RACV Royal Pines Resort AND a ‘Build your own Burger’ complete with salad and chips! It’s a twilight fun run that is followed by a FREE Community Carnival complete with jumping castles, giant games, face painting & live music and what’s New Year’s Eve without fireworks?! Held at the family-friendly time of 7.30pm; you can then stay on for the free kids movie under the stars with FREE popcorn while the adults continue to enjoy the live music!

Enter the run now and by entering the code WORONGARY you can save 10%! There's also a primary school relay and every Worongary participant helps our score towards the Schools Challenge where the school can win a share of $2000 worth of sports gear from Rebel Sport Pacific Fair and $1500 worth of art and craft from Cleverpatch!

Details at

STEVE JACKSON
T: +61 408 236 483
Race Director - Resolution Run & Hamilton Island Endurance Series
Coach/Runner - RUN CENTRAL Gold Coast
Tour Guide - Trail Trips & Tri Travel
Staff Member - Performance Sports Distribution
First and foremost - Family Man

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