1 April 2020

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Dear parents and caregivers

Before our attention turned to COVID-19, the school was managing a work place, health and safety issue relating to possums residing in the ceiling of the Central Under-Covered Games area. Despite our best efforts to capture and relocate a female possum and her baby, the possum continued to return to the safety of the cavity above the amenities areas. Finally, after receiving a specially made possum box we successfully relocated the possum to a new safer home. On behalf of our students, staff and community I wish to acknowledge and pass on a sincere thank you to Mrs Kerrianne Sullivan and her parents for co-ordinating and constructing the possum box at such short notice. This possum box is now safely located in a tree on the schools’ premises.

COVID -19 Update

The past two weeks have certainly tested us all! In my 20 years as a principal, I cannot recall a more challenging time. I would like to acknowledge the dedicated and devoted staff members of our school for their unwavering commitment to supporting our families and students through this unprecedented time. Each individual staff member has played his or her part to ensure your child’s health and safety remained our highest priority. As we move closer to the school holidays, I encourage all parents to ensure our school’s standard health practices and procedures continue to be implemented in the home environment. Thoroughly washing hands, coughing or sneezing into your elbow and implementing social distancing practices while out will be critical in supporting a national effort to contain and slow the spread of COVID-19. Each one of us, and our school, play a vital role in this effort and I ask for your continued support in this containment effort. I sincerely thank all parents for the way in which you have assisted us to manage this situation.

This has been a very unusual way to end Term One. I seek the support of all parents to understand that at the end of the week our teachers will be taking their Easter vacation. The work that the school has shared (for the children to complete) should come to an end. Your children should likewise pause and rest. Teachers will not be expected to answer their emails or Dojo messages during their period of holidays. If there is something pressing or urgent, please email me directly (ldare1@eq.edu.au).

More information regarding Term 2 processes and procedures will be circulated as soon as it is made available. I strongly encourage all parents to join the school’s Facebook Page as this will be one way in which we communicate any changes or modifications to Term 2 scheduled commencement date.

Pupil Free Day Updates

As you would be aware, the Queensland Government late last week announced that this week would be a week of pupil free days. Over the course of the past few days, our teachers and ancillary staff have been working to formalise a consistent approach to curriculum delivery for Term 2. Information regarding the school’s expectations will be emailed to all parents early next term. Much of this material will be delivered through an online platform. Parents who do not have access to the internet are encouraged to notify the office to allow us to plan for Term 2. Individual arrangements will ensure a high level of curriculum consistency is maintained across the year level. Parents are encouraged to monitor their email communication for additional details.

Keeping Connected - Phone Calls

It is important that while we navigate the changes mentioned above that we never lose the

personal connection we have with our students. Over the course of the next week (and potentially early Term 2) our teachers will be ringing parents of students who are not at school to have a quick chat with students. These calls are designed to reassure students and to let them know that we are working hard to get ready for next term and that they are all still connected as teachers and students. Parents are encouraged to Dojo their child’s teacher if they believe their child would benefit from a quick call of encouragement from their teacher

Student & Parent Wellbeing Support

For information on how to look after your own and children’s mental health, please refer to the article by Kathy Bellamy, out Guidance Office, later in the newsletter.

In the coming days and weeks, we will be continuing to reach out to our community and offer as much support as we can. Stay safe everyone and please do not hesitate to contact the school if we can be of any assistance.

Microsoft Office Link – Free for Students

For those people who do not have Microsoft Office Suite installed on their computers, it is available as a free download for every student. Much of the work being provided for home learning utilises one or another of the Office programs. Please Google 'Free Student Download' as per the attached file, or click on the direct link to access it. All that is needed is a student email address (printed on student digital passports). Students' email addresses are made up of their network username eg fblog29 and adding the domain @eq.edu.au. So fblog29@eq.edu.au becomes their email.

Please follow the link below;

Continuity of Learning & Social Interactions - Online Safety

Many parents have contacted us over the past two weeks concerned about their children being online and what type of protection they should look into putting in place to support them when they are using their online devices. Others are wondering whether they should be allowing their children to speak to friends on social media sites now that they are unable to spend face-to-face time together due to COVID-19 social distancing requirements.

The following link will give parents the opportunity to review online games and social media sites and evaluate whether they are appropriate for their children to be using.

A document has also been attached about individual digital footprints and how you can monitor and encourage a reduction in negative things being attached to your child's digital footprint.

Parents’ and Citizens’ Association AGM

Earlier in the month our school’s Parents’ and Citizens’ Association conducted our 2020 Annual General Meeting. At this meeting, it gave me great pleasure to acknowledge and pay tribute to the 2019 Executive for their leadership and support. In 2019, this association provided valuable guidance to our leadership team and greatly appreciated resources to the students. On behalf of our school community, I wish to extend a sincere thank you to this team for their tireless efforts in meeting the needs of our students and wider community. It was an absolute pleasure to work with these outstanding volunteers during 2019. I wish to also thank the many volunteers who have worked alongside Michelle and Jasmine in the school’s tuckshop. Without these dedicated volunters this service would not be available to all of our students.

Please refer to the P&C messages later in the Pipeline for the names of the successful 2020 Office Bearers.

On behalf of the staff we wish to sincerely thank schools P&C and Michelle and Jasmin for their generous offer to cater lunch on Monday during our pupil free day planning. Our teachers have worked very hard during this current situation and really appreciated your generous contribution.

Keep a watch on our school these holidays

With the holidays fast approaching, we need you to look out for after-hours crime in our school. If you see anything suspicious, please call School Watch on 131 788.

The School Watch program is a partnership between the Department of Education, Training and Employment, the Queensland Police Service and the State Government Protective Security Service. It aims to reduce vandalism, theft and arson in Queensland schools.

If you do see something suspicious, please don’t attempt to intervene. Call the School Watch number and let the local police or State Government Protective Security Service deal with the matter. Keep the number handy—131 788—and let’s work together to help create a safer school community.

Term 2 Principal Position

Earlier in the week, I wrote to inform all parents that I have accepted a promotional position as the Acting Principal of Arundel State School during Term 2, 2020. A selection and recruitment process is currently underway to backfill the Worongary State School’s Principal position.

Over the past few weeks, our school’s leadership team has been working extremely hard with our teachers to develop units of work that will support your child/children to maintain a level of continuity during the next term. I am extremely proud of the work that our teachers have completed. While I am away, I am highly confident that the processes and procedures we have implemented will ensure your children remain connected with the Australian Curriculum and their teachers.

I wish to sincerely thank you for supporting our school through the current unfolding situation. As we transition into next term, I believe our staff are very well prepared to support your child. If at any time you require additional information regarding your child’s learning, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher.

I look forward to returning in Term 3 and seeing firsthand the innovation and creativity that supported our students to continue to achieve excellence.

Easter Break

Finally, on behalf of our entire school staff I wish you and your family a very happy and relaxing Easter break. It has been an absolute pleasure to witness firsthand the improvements our students have made during Term One. I thank you for supporting our school during what has been a very eventful first term. We look forward to continuing to support your child to achieve excellence when we commence Term Two. Stay safe!

Regards Landon Dare, Principal

Thank you to the Healthcare Workers

This week the prep classes, Year 2 and Class 6B set to work to give back and thank the healthcare workers and Gold Coast University Hospital (ICU). We made and sent up 150 ‘Superhero’ chocolates to say thank you for all their hard work. Mrs Huggard’s sister (Mrs Marr) wrote a lovely poem to go with the superheroes as we sent them on their way.

Guidance Officer

At this time many of our children may be feeling anxiousness or uncertain about what is happening around them. It is important that we continue to look after our own and our children’s mental health and wellbeing. This is a time when we need to access our support networks more than we may have done so before.

While there are a number of agencies and websites available to tap into for information and further support, I wanted to let you know about two that are free and can support children and families.

Parentline:

Parentline can provide support over the phone (8.00 am to 10.00 pm) to parents or carers for the cost of a local call. They also provide information about various topics on their website. Contact details are: Parentline.com.au or Ph: 1300 301 300

Kidshelpline:

Kidshelpline can provide confidential counselling support to young people from the age of 5 to 25 yrs of age for free. They also provide information about various topics on their website for both parents and young people.

Contact details are: Kidshelpline.com.au (Ph: 1800 55 1800)

Also attached in this newsletter are some strategy activities which may help your children. You might also like to use.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me at the school if you have any queries or concerns about your child’s emotional and mental health and wellbeing or wish to access Guidance Officer support for your child. I can be reached on the school phone number.

Kathy Bellamy
Guidance Officer
Gilston SS (M-T) Worongary SS (W-F)

Save the Date

Behaviour

Kind Regards, Ms Kaia

From the Music Room

ONLINE MUSIC LESSONS ANS RESOURCES

Please access the weekly Year Level lessons and additional resources on the Learning Place’s Worongary State School Independent Learning Hub. This is a new teaching and learning platform for all of us and whilst there may be ‘teething’ issues, I am sure the activities provided will give students hours of music making fun!

Additionally, each week I will add music files for both Choirs and post simple and fun movement, recorder, ukulele and keyboard music for everyone to access and enjoy. If you do not currently have any instruments at home, try the app store. There are countless great free apps for virtual pianos, xylophones and similar.

CANCELLATIONS

Unfortunately all Instrumental Music and Choral rehearsals, workshops, incursions, excursions and performances have been postponed indefinitely. I will keep you updated via Dojo and Pipeline and look forward to the recommencement of these many activities.

Our Instrumental Music Teachers are currently exploring creative ways to connect with students and will also keep you updated via Class Dojo.

THE MUSIC BUS - JUNIOR SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP

This year, the Music Bus in conjunction with our Principal Mr Dare, offered 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. There were a vast number of very creative recordings, letters and messages received.

Congratulations to Lorelai from Year 2, who is the successful recipient of this award! Lorelai demonstrated a passion for percussion and has been an outstanding choir member. When Music Bus lessons recommence, Lorelai will enjoy one free year of tuition. Congratulations!

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

School Plus

Vacation Care Program

A fun filled Vacation Care Program has been issued to all families enrolled with School Plus. Highlights include incursions from Crazy Candles and Dr Joes Science Green Screen movie making fun! Other activities include Minute to Win it, Talent Show, Golf workshop, arts and crafts and plenty of games! Please contact the service for more information.

School Plus participated in Clean Up Australia Week. This included children focusing on picking up rubbish at home, school, School Plus and the general community. We also discussed where Rubbish goes if not collected and how it impacts on the environment and ocean, animals and sea life. During ‘Group times’ the children brainstormed ideas around recycling and reusing as well as how to save water and electricity at home and at the service and school.

School Plus has been conducting Evacuation & Lock Down Drills over the past few weeks to ensure all children in Before and After School Care are confident in knowing what to do in these circumstances. With illness around we have also been focused on the importance of thoroughly washing hands before eating and in general.

At School Plus Worongary we have started group discussions around Anti-bullying and National Day of Action 20 March 2020. The children have contributed numerous strategies and are currently creating Anti bullying posters. Educators are also using this as an opportunity to reinforce Protective Behaviours messages ‘You have a right to feel safe all of the time’ and ‘Nothing is so awful you can’t talk about it’. We will be following up with a Trust Hand activity in next week’s program.

Maria Bamford

Tuckshop & Uniform

Tuckshop News

Opening Hours

Monday-Friday: 8:30am-2:00pm

Tuckshop Open

As you are aware, the Tuckshop is usually closed on the last day of each term. However, due to student numbers being minimal at this time we have had a head start on stocktake and cleaning. Therefore, for the convenience of parents whose children are still attending school, we are able be open on Friday.

Meal Deals

Thank you to the students who have tried out the Easter Meal Deals. We hope you have enjoyed them. Tomorrow is the last day to order so if you haven’t yet given them a go, hop to it while there’s still time.

UNIFORM SHOP

Opening Hours

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

Winter Stock

We have now received delivery of the remaining winter items we had on order; zip-ups and pullovers. All winter items are now available for purchase both online and in store:

Seniors Shirts

The Seniors Shirts are still on track to arrive early in Term 2 – we look forward to being able to hand them out to an excited group of year 6’s upon our return.

From Jasmine and myself, best wishes to you all for an extra safe and happy break.

Take Care,

Michelle Lee
Tuckshop/Uniform Convenor

P&C News

Easter Raffle

A big Thank you to all our School community and families for your support in selling tickets to our Easter Raffle. All monies raised will go towards our Cool School Initiative Projects for the year 2020. Thank you to Mr Dare for providing 5 mins out of your hectic schedule to assist the P&C in drawing our raffle.

A big Congratulations to our lucky winners;-

3rd prize;- Simon M of Worongary
2nd prize;-Deanne K of Coomera
1st Prize;- Jackie D of Nerang

School Banking

School banking has been temporarily suspended effective from 23rd March 2020 until Term 2. It is a priority to safeguard the health and wellbeing of our School Banking volunteers and Commonwealth Bank Members to limit the transmission of COVID-19. We thank you for your understanding and will advise when it is up and running again in Term 2. You can still however do online deposit banking.

Containers for Change

Containers for change will recommence in Term 2 On Friday the 24th April 2020- unless the Government has further announcements in regard to school returning for term 2.

The dates for term 2 otherwise are;-

Friday 24 April
Friday 8 May
Friday 22 May
Friday 5 June
Friday 19 June

DID YOU KNOW??

That we are also collecting plastic bottle tops and bread tags to turn them into prosthetic limbs and wheel chairs? There is a box that is clearly labelled which will be left outside the office, where students can drop off what they have collected. Please ensure that they have been cleaned and dried before dropping them in the box.

The Worongary P&C held the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday the 18 March 2020. All current members and Executive positions lapsed. We would like to announce that the president, Vice President, Treasure and Vice Treasurer were nominated again and accepted to be the 2020 P&C executive team. However, it was with a heavy heart we said good bye to our 2019 Secretary, Diane Collins, however she will remain as a member of the P&C and assist where she can. We would like to welcome one of our previous members to the executive team as the secretary- Bec Branthwaite-Bon.

2020 WSS P&C Executives-

President- Rhiannon Henson
Vice President- Tracy Bosworth
Treasurer- Rob Paolini
Vice Treasurer- Kylie Wallbank
Secretary- Bec Branthwaite-Bon

Mothers Day Stall; (FYI- Mothers day-Sunday 10 May 2020)

At this stage, the Mothers Day Stall for 2020 will still go ahead in Term 2 on Thursday 7 May & Friday 8 May 2020. We will however be introducing certain measures to ensure everyone's safety during the handling of Mothers Day Gifts and monies.

Facebook

Did you know the WSS P&C have a Facebook page? If you wish to stay in the know of what the P&C are doing as well as up-to-date announcements from P&C or Worongary SS please go to our Facebook site - Worongary State School P and C Association and request to be a member.

We also have a Facebook School Business networking page. If you have a business no matter how big or small, we would like to support you by having this network page where you can post about your business so the school community know that they can support a community member. Please go to Facebook Site - Worongary state school parents business network

Note From the P&C

Please keep safe and well during this ever evolving environment of COVID -19. As you are all aware, the Government has introduced unprecedented measures and restrictions across the state to protect all Queenslanders. It is a challenging time, an unknown time, and it will have a major impact on our lives as we know it, especially during the Easter School holiday period.

Please, for you and your family’s safety, please ensure compliance and also compassion during the Government’s directions. We will get through this. It won't be easy, but we will succeed.

From our families to yours - please take care.

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