4 March 2020

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Curriculum Update

During 2020, our school will continue to implemen strategies to improve our students’ reading and literacy skills. Mrs Kerry White and Mr David Clancy will lead this work.

At the same time, we will also be focused on implementing our school’s Pedagogical Framework lead by Kelly Ready and supported by Marg Haebich the Pedagogical Coach. This framework creates the structure around our philosophy of learning and teaching. It guides and enables teachers to evaluate and refine their practice. It is a consistent and commonly shared approach throughout the school and community. The pedagogical framework is designed to support teachers in the delivery of high quality learning and teaching based on best practice research and relate it to the most effective way that students learn.

In each week’s edition of the Pipeline, I will provide an update on our progress in one of these two areas. It gives me great pleasure to highlight work currently being undertaken on reading and more importantly Literacy Learning.

Over the past 2 years, our teachers have been honing their skills in the teaching of reading through professional development, working with our Pedagogy Coaches and observing best practice both within our own classrooms and in other schools. This year, we are expanding our focus to include the teaching of Literacy through the Gradual Release of Responsibility model.

The Gradual Release of Responsibility model allows teachers to steer the learning from teacher knowledge to student understanding and application. The model may be applied over a single lesson, or over a number of lessons or unit of work.

Literacy is not just about learning to read and write. Literacy involves students listening to, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating oral, print, visual and digital texts, and using and modifying language for different purposes in a range of contexts. Literacy happens in all areas of learning, not just in English.

In Literacy Blocks, students will join in with activities to support:

• Reading (including research skills)
• Writing (including keyboard skills and handwriting)
• Grammar
• Spelling
• Speaking and Listening
• Viewing

If you would like to know more about what your child is learning during Literacy Blocks, please contact your child’s class teacher to make an appointment.

Leadership Ceremony

On Friday 21 February our Year 3 – Year 6 students, staff and parents joined to celebrate and acknowledge our 2020 school leaders. I wish to congratulate all of the students for undertaking a leadership role in our school. I recognise that during certain periods throughout the year the spotlight will be on these students. Their success as a leader will be measured by the way they not only represent our school, but also how they bring us all together. I also acknowledge the role that every student plays in strengthening our school community. During this special ceremony, I reminded all students that leadership is far more than wearing the badge that was presented to them. Each student, regardless if they hold an elected position or not has a role to play in strengthening our school and our school’s community’s profile. I wish to formally acknowledge and thank the following 2020 school leaders and their families for their dedication and commitment to our school.

SCHOOL LEADERS 2020

2020 STUDENT COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVES

2020 PLAYGROUND LEADERS

I sincerely thank our distinguished guests for attending this service and assisting with the presentation of the students’ leadership badges. I particularly acknowledge Ms Meaghan Scanlon, (State Member for Gaven), Mr Scott Ison (Principal - Nerang State High School), Mr Chris Tobin (Principal - Merrimac State High School), Mr Mark Rickard (Executive Principal - Benowa State High School) and Mr Bruce McFarlan (Deputy Principal - Robina State High School) for attending our 2020 Leadership Ceremony and helping us celebrate this very important event in our school’s calendar.

Cooler Cleaner Schools Program (CCSP)

Last week the Queensland Government announced the Cooler Cleaner Schools Program (CCSP). This initiative will provide a total funding package of more than $477 million over four years to air condition Queensland state schools and expand the existing Advancing Clean Energy Schools (ACES) program.

The CCSP program will ensure all Queensland state school classrooms, libraries and staff rooms are air conditioned by June 2022, delivering more comfortable teaching and learning environments for our students, teachers and school communities. I am pleased to report that our school will see this work commencing in the next few weeks with over 330 solar panels being installed on M Block and the Library. This infrastructure will help offset our school’s environmental footprint and electricity usage costs.

At our up and coming P and C Association meeting our members will be discussing the final round of our local Cool School Initiative. Late last year, Worongary State School was successful in gaining an $18,000 grant from Angie Bell (Federal Government Member for Moncrieff) to continue our initiative. These funds must be expended on air conditioning four classrooms. The decision on which rooms this funding will be allocated to will be finalised at the meeting once all of the quotes have been received. More information regarding the Cooler Cleaner Schools Program will be shared as soon as it comes to hand.

Parent / Teacher Interviews

Our Term 1 Parent / Teacher interviews will be conducted in the school’s hall on Wednesday 25 March 2020. These interviews provide an opportunity for your child’s class teacher to share with you your child’s individual literacy and numeracy goals. It also provides an opportunity for your child’s class teacher to outline the areas that your child has performed well in during Term 1. From Monday 9 March, parents will be encouraged to log onto the school’s website and book a time to meet with your child’s class teacher. If for any reason you are unable to find a suitable time, please contact your child’s class teacher. Parents will have until Monday 23 March to log on and book an appointment.

I sincerely thank you in advance for helping us to build a stronger and more connected school community.

Early Start

The ‘Every Student Succeeding State Schools Strategy 2020 – 2024’ policy identifies that students are successful when they engage in individualised learning and their achievement is closely tracked. We all know that student learning and achievement is maximised when teachers gain a deep understanding of the students in their class and are able to implement strategies that target both their areas of strength and those requiring growth or support. To achieve this our Prep team has been completing the Early Start data collection. This process provides valuable information for our teachers.

Over the past few weeks, all of our prep students have completed the Early Start assessment processes. Early Start is an assessment teachers use to identify each learner’s strengths and areas for development. Implementation of Early Start across Prep indicates our intention and commitment to ensure every student succeeds from their very first day at Worongary State School.

I strongly encourage all prep parents to book an interview with your child’s class teacher and discuss your child’s performance on the Early Start. By attending an interview parents will be well informed on any future actions our teachers will be taking to ensure all Prep students continue to improve their literacy and numeracy skills.

Griffith University Research Studies

At Worongary State School, we are constantly looking for ways to use and contribute to evidence based practices. Our close connections with Griffith University is resulting in a number of early intervention programs supporting happy and healthy children to transition successfully into school. While much of this work happens within the school or childcare centre contexts, parents are now invited to consider giving permission for your child to participate in two new research projects.

1. The Coping Toolbox Collaboration with Griffith University

Coping with stress is the number one concern of today's Australian children and teenagers. As students progress through their academic studies, and particularly during the transition from primary school to high school, these stress levels may increase. It is therefore important that ongoing research is able to guide the development of resilience, coping and confidence programs in order to minimise stress levels for our children.

Worongary State School has formed a research collaboration with the School of Applied Psychology at Griffith University. The focus of this research is to provide important new knowledge on how young people cope with stress and life adversity; all of which are crucial for the future development of efficient and successful resilience programs. Griffith University will also be providing interventions, workshops and information sessions for school staff, parents and students.

Information packs and consent forms will be sent home with students shortly and should be returned to class teachers by 27th March, 2020. Each child who returns a consent form will receive a small gift AND each class with over 70% of consent forms returned will receive a pizza or cupcake party!

Students from Years 5 and 6 will be expected to complete a questionnaire once a year over the next 3 years (2019, 2020, 2021). The first survey (and the second for Year 6 in 2021) will be completed at school and contact details for future surveys will be requested so that researchers can follow children through their transition into high school. All information on the surveys is de-identified and students are given a unique ID code to assure anonymity and privacy. A small sample of students will also be randomly selected to view some age-appropriate film clips and complete a short survey with these as part of this research.

If you require any additional information please feel free to contact Kelly Ready.

2. Language in Little Ones Study

The Telethon Kids Institute, a child health research group, which aims to improve the health outcomes for all children, is currently involved in an exciting study looking at language development in the first 5 years of a child’s life and how parent/child talk in the family home impacts on this. If you have a toddler who was born between 1st December 2015 –30th June 2016, English is the main language spoken at home, and your highest level of education was Year 12 (or less) and you would like to know more, please click on the study website:

The study requires minimal involvement but will go a long way to improving outcomes for our kids! To say thanks, all participants in the study will receive a $10 Coles voucher after each study visit.

Containers For Change

Last year we raised over $2,000 from Containers For Change. Please continue delivering your empty beverage containers in front of the school between 8.30am and 9am on:

Friday 13th March and Friday 27th March this term

A local cafe is supporting our school by collecting empty beverage containers for 10c refunds at the local Express Recycling depot. Kokko Maria Deli Cafe’s Berge Zakarian said: “As the world is changing every day, the young generation are changing the world at their pace. So for us baby boomers we have to comply and evolve and change with the times. So here we are collecting bottles, plastic and glass to save the planet and raise money for schools.” On behalf of our entire Worongary State School community, we thank Berge and Kokko Maria Deli Café.

If you have glass bottles, please take them to any local Containers For Change depot and use our school’s Scheme ID. It goes directly into our Worongary State School P&C’s bank account. Please also collect from your local businesses, families, friends and neighbours… They can be deposited at ANY depot using our school’s Scheme ID C10179198.

Express Recycling is located at 5 Indy Court, off Spencer Road. For more visit

Save the Date

Learning Vine Awards

Behaviour

Be Safe entering and Exiting our School

We would like to remind our families about the procedures for entering and exiting our school

• Always use the crossings
• Walk on the paths
• Exit by using the open gates-please do not climb over the fences or lift your child/ren over the fences

Be Safe at the Kiss and Go

We would like to remind our families about the procedures for using the Delta Cove Drive

Kiss and Go

• Parents are reminded that this is a pick up and drop off area only. Please remain with your vehicle at all times.
• If you are picking up at the Kiss and Go, please encourage your child/ren to make their way to the area as soon as possible after the bell to help keep the traffic moving.
• Children are not permitted on the retaining walls. These are quite high and parents should not encourage children to climb on them.

Be Safe on your Bicycle or Scooter

• Wheel your bike or scooter across the road on the crossings
• Walk your bike or scooter through the school grounds
• Always wear your helmet.

Thank you for helping to keep our WSS students safe before and after school

Ms Kaia

Kind Regards, Ms Kaia

From the Music Room

UKULELE CLUBS

Last week ukulele clubs started in the Music Room at second break. Each week students will learn basic chords and songs to practise. Last year, the Social Club kindly purchased 25 concert ukulele’s for the Music Room and these are being put to good use at break times!

Places are limited but still available in Tuesday’s Year 3/ 4 group and Thursday’s Year 5/ 6 Group. If your child has their own ukulele they are most welcome to bring it (please make sure it is in a case for safety and tuned). Unfortunately there are no places left in the Year 1/ 2 group. If your child missed out this semester, look out for an announcement in second semester. Club forms are now due back at the Music Room.

MERRIMAC SHS - BAND and STRINGS WORKSHOP DAY

On Tuesday March 31 our Year 5 & 6 Advanced Instrumental Music students will be attending a full day of intensive workshops at Merrimac State High School with other neighbouring primary school students. Last year, this was a fantastic day of musical learning in large and small ensemble settings, that concluded with an evening concert for parents and friends. If your child has not brought home information regarding this event please email or Dojo Miss Jones. Permission Forms are to be returned to The Music Room.

OXENFORD SS STRINGS WORKSHOP DAY

On Friday April 3 selected Year 4 – 6 String students will be attending a full workshop day at Oxenford State School. We will be combining with Pacific Pines, Park Lake and Oxenford Primary for a full day of music -making in a mass orchestra. Parents and friends are invited to an afternoon concert commencing at 1:45pm in the Oxenford State School Hall.

THE MUSIC BUS VISIT and JUNIOR SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP

On Monday students in the Junior School visited the Music Bus for a short presentation. The Music Bus comes to our school each week and offers group music lessons for ukulele, guitar, voice, drums and keyboard.

This year, the Music Bus, in conjunction with our Principal Mr Dare, is offering one student in the Junior School (P – 2) a full year’s scholarship (tuition costs paid for one year) in the discipline of their choice. Interested students should write a short letter to Mr Dare (or record a short speech) outlining what instrument they would like to learn, why they would like to learn it, and what learning skills they think they have that will help them to be successful. Please send either the written submission or recording to office@worongaryss.eq.edu.au. Submissions close March 13 2020.

UPCOMING PERFORMANCES

Senior Choir – Monday March 16 Senior School Assembly – My Country
Junior Choir – Tuesday March 17 Junior School Assembly – Colours of Australia

REHEARSALS IN THE MUSIC BLOCK

STRING ENSEMBLE (Yr 4, 5 & 6) – Monday mornings 7:50am – 8:50am (by 8:00am seated and ready to play)
JUNIOR CHOIR (Yr 1 & 2) – Tuesday mornings 8:00am – 8:50am
SENIOR CHOIR (Yr 3 – 6) – Wednesday mornings 8:00am – 8:50am
BAND (no beginners Term1) – Thursday mornings 8:00am – 8:50am

CLUBS IN THE MUSIC BLOCK

Ukulele Year 1/ 2 - Monday second break
Ukulele Year 3/ 4 - Tuesday second break
Ukulele Year 5/ 6 – Thursday second break

Please do not hesitate to contact me via Dojo or email kjone416@eq.edu.au if you have any questions of queries.

Yours in music, Katheryn Jones

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

Sports News

We have hit the ground running for Term 1 in sporting news. Our swimming team competed in Week 4 at the district carnival at Somerset College. We had great individual results with Isabelle R being selected to represent our school and district in the 11YRS Girls 50m Backstroke, Butterfly and Freestyle. She has now made the South Coast Team, 11 year girls 50m Freestyle. Well done Isabelle.

Also we have had some great success with Jake C making the 10-12YRS Oceanic AFL Boys team, and a fantastic result for Eamon L making the South Coast Golf team which will compete in Cairns later in the year.

Interschool Sports trials were completed last week and your child should be aware of what team they have made. It was a great result with a record number of students wanting to participate in school sports. Training days are currently being negotiated and will be posted on the webpage and facebook as soon as we can.

Upcoming school event is our annual Cross Country day Thursday 26 March (Week 9).

Yours in Sport
Mel Smith

School Plus

It has been a busy time at School Plus Worongary. Educators have been busy working with the children around the recent bushfires and the impact the fires have had on our wildlife. The children have written articles and sourced photos to display. The service donated to the Bush Fire Concert Appeal and the children have begun a display that features affected Australian animals.

The children attending School Plus Worongary are keen to create a Gardening Club this term. Educator Dimity took a group down to weed and prepare our garden beds. We will soon be starting to plant vegetables and flowers and will monitor and document their growth. The service is currently sourcing a worm farm as a way to reuse our afternoon tea scraps.

At School Plus Worongary we respect and value the important place Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples hold as our first Australians and value the history, culture and knowledge they share. Every day the children Acknowledge Country using sign language. The children understand the meaning of the flags and how to treat all flags with respect. The service sourced the beautiful Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander flags from our Federal Member of Parliament, Angie Bell. We appreciate that we received these at no cost.

Numbers continue to grow and the program continues to evolve at School Plus Worongary. Bey Blades are back and the children are enjoying battling their Bey Blades. Due to the consistent popularity, Educator Ian put all the Lego onto one table so the other could be used as a Bey Blade Arena. Educator Janice also developed a Bey Blade Competition sheet to add more structure and to extend on the current Bey Blade craze.

Several Senior students have been selected as School Plus Worongary Leaders for Term 1, 2020. In order to become a leader, the students must reflect school / service rules and uphold core values. Their role includes assisting with the setup of activities, supporting Preps and younger children in the service, role model positive behaviour and support programmed activities. Once selected, they are then required to sign a Leader Contract and receive a School Plus Leader Badge. We are proud of how many young leaders the service has in place to assist in the service.

At School Plus Worongary we welcome input and feedback from parents, carers, educators, children and the school community. We value your opinion as it serves to strengthen and enhance our service and programs. We are currently developing our School Plus Worongary Philosophy. A draft is available at the parent sign in area and we welcome and value any additional input.

Maria Bamford
School Plus Worongary Coordinator

Tuckshop & Uniform

Opening Hours

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

Volunteers

Jasmine and myself would like to acknowledge the wonderful regular volunteers who come back year after year to assist in the Tuckshop. Thank you, Janelle, Narelle and Di. Your help is very much appreciated.

We would also like to welcome Kim and Julie to our band of volunteers. Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to assist in WSS Tuckshop. We look forward to working with you again soon.

Meal Deals

At the end of the term we will be recognising and celebrating Easter with some ‘eggcellent’ Meal Deals. Watch this space in the next Pipeline for details on this event.

UNIFORM SHOP

Opening Hours

Monday: 8:00am-9:00am
Wednesday: 2:15pm-3:15pm
Friday: 8:00am-9:00am
Direct Dial number: 5502 4485

Pre-Loved Uniforms

We still have a decent supply of pre-loved uniforms in stock, especially shorts. If you’re struggling to keep up with the washing and would love some extra items to get you through the week, come up and have a browse at what is available. Shorts, skorts, polos and other items are all available in a variety of sizes.

Kind regards,

Michelle Lee
Tuckshop/Uniform Convenor

P&C News

P&C AGM

This year’s AGM will be held on Wednesday 11 March 2020 at 4.30pm in the staffroom. All executive positions lapse and nominations and voting of the following positions will take place: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Vice Treasurer. For information of what the role descriptions are please either head to our Facebook Page or to P & C Qld. New membership forms will available to be completed at AGM. Everyone is welcome to attend.

P&C Monthly Meeting

Our next meeting will be held directly after the AGM on Wednesday 11 March 2020 at 5.00pm in the staffroom. Previous minutes for viewing will be available from 4.15pm (Prior to AGM) for those you have not received via email. Everyone is welcome to attend

Nerang RSL and Memorial Club Community Fund Donation Application

P&C Association and Mr Dare were presented with a contribution from the Nerang RSL & Memorial Club Community Fund Donation Grant to the value of $1290.00. We would like to say a big Thank You to the Board Committee members from the Nerang RSL & Memorial Club for approving the funding towards our Cool School Initiative Project- A Sustainable Garden & Chill out zone. A project the Worongary SS P&C will deliver in 2020. The approved funds will assist in purchasing the raised modular garden beds with self-watering systems. The P&C will keep you posted on this project development in the near future.

School Banking

The prizes that were ordered last year have arrived and been distributed.

Upcoming Events

We have 2 Fundraising Events for Term 1.

Easter Raffle – The oldest child will recieve a booklet of 20 tickets to sell. Tickets are selling for $1 each. There are 3 prizes to be won. Further booklets will be available from the tuckshop once the ticket stubs and money are returned to the tuckshop. All monies and unsold tickets are to be returned no later than 27 March 2020 to the tuckshop. The raffle will be drawn on Wednesday 1 April 2020. If you are not wanting to participate, please return the booklet of tickets to the tuckshop as soon as possible so they can be given to another family to sell.

Movie Night – We have been offered a private screening of Trolls 2 at Robina Event Cinema. Tickets will be $25.00 per person which includes 1 ticket, 1 small drink and 1 small popcorn. Further information will be available on our Facebook page this week. Tickets sales will start on Friday 6 March 2020 from 8.30am under Gazebo in front of the tuckshop. Cash sales are preferred and eftpos will be dependent on availability due to the Uniform Shop being open on Friday Mornings.

Facebook Page

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

Choose how to add this event to your calendar:

Apple Calendar iPhone, iPad, Mac - Download .ics file

Outlook Desktop Outlook - Download .ics file

Android Calendar Android devices - Download .ics file

Other Calendar Google Calendar, Yahoo, etc. - Download .ics file

Download Event