18 August 2021

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

What a start to Term 3!

Thank you for the huge community support and engagement with the Learning@Home platform for Worongary State School. Our teachers worked tirelessly to create an engaging curriculum that suited their term 3 units of work and would support success at home. A special thank you to our support staff who supervised children of essential workers who attended school, answered the many questions on ClassDojo, emails and phone calls. It truly was a team effort.

As a school, we learn of lock downs and restrictions when you do. With many of these announcements occurring on the weekend, this provided greater challenges for us. I again thank you for your understanding, support and engagement during this time.

We have been so happy to welcome the students back to school over the last week to bring some normality back to staff and students. Since the return, there have been a number of restrictions for staff and students. These have included:

• No drop off or collect of children between 8-9am and 2:45-3:30pm from school grounds;
• Keeping your children home if they are unwell;
• No excursions or assemblies;
• Limiting visitors to the school and calling the office when needing assistance; and
• Being COVID safe to name a few.

I realise the latest developments may create challenges for many staff, students and families. Please be assured we have plans in place that will enable the ongoing delivery of teaching and learning.

The Department of Education will continue to keep me informed of any further changes to school arrangements and I will continue to provide the school community with this information as soon as it becomes available. Further information for parents is available in the Department of Education’s frequently asked questions. I encourage you to stay informed of the latest developments regarding COVID-19 by regularly visiting the Queensland Government’s COVID-19 website

Thank you for your understanding as we continue to work together during these challenging times.

Book Week – Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds

Next week, we look forward to our annual book week celebrations. Book Week 2021 runs from 21-27 August and this year asks your children to embrace the theme “Old Worlds, New Worlds, Other Worlds”. The theme this year opens a world full of possibilities when it comes to kid’s book week theme ideas. This is an opportunity to escape into another world where your child can be anything they want to be! Wednesday 25 August will be our dress up day in students’ classes. Photos will be taken (of students with media permissions) to share with you via ClassDojo and the school Facebook Page. Again, Mrs Connor will take individual photos of children and print these off by the end of week 8 for the students to treasure. Even though we have restrictions, we have fun installed for the students and staff. I cannot wait to celebrate the love of reading through book books and more books!

Communication – Emails, Facebook and ClassDojo

If your contact details have changed, please inform the school office for these to be updated. Some parents have reported they have not received emails from the school. Please check your junk mail as some providers automatically send the department emails to junk/spam folders. Also, please like our Facebook page and review your ClassDojo app as other forms of communication in our school.

Tuckshop under construction

Thank you for your support as our tuckshop is “under construction”. A huge thank you must to Tracey and Katie who have spent long days and evenings upgrading the tuckshop. They have also been supported by some very handy dads and donations from families.

Regards,
Adam

Save the Date

Book Week

Book Week celebrations will go online again this year due to continuing Covid restrictions not permitting any parents or visitors on site.

Dress Up day will go ahead on Wednesday 25 August. Get your thinking caps on for great costume ideas. See how creative you can be and raid those cupboards

Each student will receive a photo wallet in Week 8 with a picture of them in costume.

The teachers will take a picture of their student’s art work, which will be made into a video and uploaded to our Facebook page and Class Dojo.

Dress Ups – As we cannot have multiple classes together, the class photos will be taken one class at a time, on the stage in the Hall. These will also be uploaded to Class Dojo.

All photo permissions will be adhered to.

Unfortunately, there will be no musical performances (due to the strict conditions around group performances).

Thank you again for your support and understanding as we are working with guidelines to ensure these events still take place in our school to support our students.

Jann CONNOR
Worongary State School
Teacher/Librarian

Positive Behaviour for Learning

Dear Families and Caregivers

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

Positive Behaviour for Learning

SCHOOL UNIFORM FOCUS

As winter is upon us, the mornings when the students are in the playground can be very cool. Please remind your children about our uniform policy.

DAILY SCHOOL UNIFORM

Students must wear the day uniform at all times. Exceptions to this rule include the wearing of a house uniform for designated days, free dress as part of the student council fundraising program or the interschool sports uniform on designated interschool sports days. Items which do not contain the school logo should be of the correct colour of maroon or bottle green, and feature no brand names.

SHOES

Shoes are to be kept neat and tidy. Shoes are to be made of leather or vinyl (no canvas shoes). White ankle socks must be worn with shoes. For safety reasons, laced shoes must be tied tightly. Laces are to be the same colour as the shoe. All parts of the shoe must be black, including trims, eyelets and motifs. Shoes and socks MUST be worn at all times unless instructed by a teacher. Slip-on shoes are prohibited due to health and safety.

JEWELLERY/COSMETICS

The wearing of jewellery is to be limited to one earring per ear lobe (sleeper or plain stud. Spacers are prohibited). No rings, bracelets or necklaces should be worn other than necklaces/bracelets for religious/medical purposes. Any religious/medical necklaces must have prior approval by the Principal and must be worn beneath the uniform and not be visible at any time. There is to be no visible body piercing or visible tattoos (Including temporary tattoos). Makeup and nail polish are not permitted. Students wearing makeup or nail polish at school will be provided with the means to remove it immediately.

HAIR

Hair should be kept neat and tidy. Long hair for both genders must be tied back. Unnatural colouring or style is not permitted (Examples include, but are not limited to, tracks, Mohawk styles and other excessive styling). Hair accessories should be in school colours (maroon, green, white or natural).

HATS

School hats only are permitted. Hats must be broad brimmed and do not include bucket hats or caps. Hoods are not considered to be appropriate substitutes for broad-brimmed hats. The school adopts the “Hat on, Play on” policy. Hats should not be worn indoors.

The wearing of school hats is compulsory in all PE lessons and outdoor related activities.

Students who do not comply and breach the uniform code will be issued with a warning. Repeat offenders will partake in a disciplinary program (see ‘Uniform Breach Code’).

SUNSCREEN

While sunscreen is available, it is recommended that you apply sunscreen before leaving home.

INTERSCHOOL SPORT

Interschool sport shorts and socks only can be worn to school. Students are still required to wear the school uniform day polo shirt and uniform black shoes. Time will be allocated to allow students to change into appropriate sports shirt and shoes. If sports shirt and shoes are worn in training, students must change back into the school uniform day polo shirt and uniform black shoes before entering their classroom.

UNIFORM BREACH CODE

Kind Regards,
Ms Kaia

Hi All,

Konnichiwa!

I would like to introduce myself to the Worongary community as your new LOTE, Japanese teacher.

My background covers over 30 years of teaching Japanese both here and in Japan, where I lived in Tokyo. I received two scholarships to live and study in Japan which now gives me unique experiences to share with my students from travel, culture, food and daily life. I have also taught in schools, universities, TAFE and proudly served for the RAAF as an Education Officer.

I hope to bring a love of language and culture to Worongary through bonsai which I am happy to incorporate into the lessons as part of the cultural aspect in the Australian curriculum.

I am excited to be at Worongary and look forward to teaching your son/daughter.

Kim Rochelle-Brown

B. Teach (Japanese) B. Ed (Japanese) Dip Bus, Cert. IV Trainer & Assessor- LLN, Dip Leadership Management, Dip Project Management, Cert. Public Safety (Defense)

Japanese Teacher (sensei)

Lilliannah Bonsai

From Read and Grow Update

You’re invited to attend our FREE Read and Grow Program with your 3-5-year-old children

Starting: Term 3 Week 2 (20 July to 14 Sept)

Theme is “Food Glorious Food”

Come along and meet other parents and children – all welcome, even if not attending Worongary State School

During the session, we read stories, sing songs and complete activities learning about pre-reading skills in readiness for starting school.

Due to COVID restrictions, you MUST book prior to attending as we have a maximum number of 10 participants we are allowed. Please email to book your place NOW!

Katie Huggard: khugg2@eq.edu.au

Regards Katie Huggard, Prep Teacher

NCCD - Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability

Worongary State School is in the process of performing the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) relating to our current students.

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) takes place every year. The NCCD is a collection that counts:

• the number of school students receiving an adjustment or ‘help’ due to a disability
• the level of adjustment they are receiving to access education on the same basis as other students.

Students are counted in the NCCD if they receive ongoing adjustments at school due to a disability. This ‘help’ allows them to access education on the same basis as a child without a disability. The NCCD uses the definition of a disability in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

The definition of disability for the NCCD is based on the broad definition under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

The following students are examples of those who may be included in the NCCD if they need monitoring and adjustments:

• students with learning difficulties (such as dyslexia)
• students with chronic health conditions (such as epilepsy or diabetes).

Each year, schools collect the following information about the student, including:

• their year of schooling
• the level of adjustment received
• the broad type of disability.

For more information about the NCCD click here for the Fact Sheet for Parents, Guardians and Carers

Kerrianne Sullivan
Inclusion Support P-2 /Senior Experienced Special Education Teacher

Please save the date

Worongary State School will be hosting our biannual concert showcasing our talented students. We will be having two performances each for the Junior and the Senior school.

September 15th Senior matinee performance at 1pm, Junior evening performance at 6pm

September 16th Junior Matinee performance at 1pm, Senior evening performance at 6pm

Our theme is gratitude and happiness to celebrate the resilience of students/ parents and teachers during the pandemic. It is a fabulous opportunity for parents to enjoy an afternoon or evening performance showcasing their children.

We have chosen to have our performances free of cost to attend however we are requesting a gold coin donation towards the Nerang Neighbourhood Centre which has helped and continues to support many individuals and families in our school community.

Children have already started rehearsing and no doubt singing songs and practicing their routines at home.

We are looking forward to celebrating our performance with you and finishing off Term 3 on a terrific note.

From Music Room

NO ENSEMBLES BUT MUSIC LESSONS ARE BACK

We are currently operating under Education Queensland Directives that state ‘no ensembles or performances’. This directive affects Junior Choir, Senior Choir, Beginner Band and Senior Band.

There are no rehearsals for these groups until the guidelines are updated – we very much look forward to the return of rehearsals for these ensembles and will keep parents updated via Class Dojo.

Music Lessons are recommencing this week (Week 6) and we welcome back Miss Sarah Larmor and Miss Kerri Buchanan to Worongary. The group lessons will look a little different as we have been advised to not teach across year levels.

I would like to sincerely thank both Sarah and Kerri for their fantastic efforts with teaching remotely over the last fortnight. They have uploaded videos, provided worksheets and sent numerous messages to assist our students and provide continuity of learning. THANK -YOU LADIES! YOU ARE BOTH AMAZING!

MUSIC VIVA

In Week 3 Musica Viva came to Worongary and presented two outstanding performances that embodied Indigenous music, dance and culture. The games really delighted and engaged all the audience!

Thank-you to our Office staff who assisted greatly to make this happen.

In Week 3 our Year 5 and Year 6 students also attended Nerang State High School’s production of Matilda. All students were thoroughly amazed at the acting, singing, dancing and set production encapsulated in this outstanding event. Congratulations to all involved! It was also lovely to see past Worongary students performing at such a high standard.

Our students must also be congratulated on their terrific audience behaviours.

SMART MUSIC

Each student in the Strings and Band program has access to a online practise program called SMART MUSIC. As a school, we have invested considerable funds in purchasing this program for our children to assist with home practise.

If you are in the Band or Strings program and have not yet registered with Smart Music please make this a priority. It is such a wonderful resource and makes music time at home a lot more enjoyable.

EISTEDDFOD CANCELLED

Unfortunately, the Choral Sections at this year’s Gold Coast Eisteddfod were cancelled due to the South-East Queensland lockdown.

Thank-you to all the parents that had volunteered to accompany us on these excursions and a big thank-you to the students, who worked tirelessly to prepare for these events. Whilst it is disappointing, the safety of our community must come first. I am sure there will be many more events in the future that we can really relish and enjoy.

POSTPONED - RECRUITING YEAR 2 & 3 STUDENTS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC 2022

We have postponed the recruitment concerts for students in Years 2 & 3 regarding learning a musical instrument in 2022. As soon as restrictions are further eased we will look at re-scheduling these events for students.

Each child, in Years 2 and 3 will receive an Expression of Interest form to learn a musical instrument in 2022. Current students in the programs will perform for the students and introduce the various orchestral instruments taught by Specialist Music Teachers here at Worongary.

Learning a musical instrument is proven to increase cognition, improve mathematics and language skills, improve auditory discrimination, co-ordination and a sense of wellbeing. It does require commitment and considerable effort but is very rewarding. Please carefully consider this amazing opportunity with your child.

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

National OSHC Educator Day was marked on 28th July. We celebrated by asking the children why their educators were super stars, including questions like ‘What makes a good educator? If you could give a Class Dojo reward to a staff member, who would it be and why? & If an educator was a fruit, what would they be & why?’ The children came up with some fantastic answers!

During NAIDOC Week at School Plus we were lucky enough to have an Aboriginal friend Wilma Weldon design a Rainbow Serpent for us. The children did a beautiful job of colouring this in, we then used it to create a Height Chart for the service. We have been busy measuring the children and look forward to recording their growth by the end of Term 4.

Clubs have started again for Term 3 at School Plus with Gardening club growing plants from seeds and making Terrariums. Science Club have been making crystals & volcanos while craft club has been busy creating fantastic craft items. The children have also been enjoying a number of dramatic play experiences, so we have programmed for Doll Hospital, Post Office, Vet, Restaurant, Coffee shop and Ice Cream parlour. The interest shown by older children attending reflects that children do not lose the desire to escape into & the benefits of dramatic play!

Book in now for Before and After School Care to join in on the fun!

Maria, Laura and the School Plus Worongary team

P&C NEWS

UNIFORM STORE

We know many families are eagerly waiting for our Uniform Order to arrive. Expected delivery is currently the end of September/October, Due to the delays we are currently experiencing in receiving orders we have already placed a uniform order for Back to School sales in January 2022, to ensure we will have the stock in time. If there is no stock available to order online unfortunately that means we are completely sold out - we don't hold separate stock in store. We now have plain (no embroidered logo) maroon hats available for $12 in S, M, L and XL. These are available to order online and instore. We thank the community for their support while we await the deliveries.

TUCKSHOP

We understand the importance of the tuckshop to our community and are working hard every day to have it open as soon as possible. We do hope to announce an opening date very soon.

We will begin Menu planning very soon, so please email us if you have any suggestions, anything you would like to see on the menu or your child's favourites you would like to stay.

We would like to send out a big thank you to Inspirations paint Mt Gravatt and Nerang stores for their generous donation and assistance with the paint for the tuckshop. Volunteers have been extremely busy giving it an entire refresh. We would also like to thank the Worongary Families who have donated containers for food storage, a chair for the office, a white board and stationary. These donations have helped keep the costs down in revamping the tuckshop and are greatly appreciated.

When the Tuckshop reopens we will need a team of volunteers to assist in preparing and packing orders. The hours of power required are between 9am-midday (3 hrs). If you are able to assist, whether it be for half an hour a day, week, fortnightly or monthly- we would appreciate your company. Duties to be fulfilled could be assisting with prepping, baking, portioning and packaging, and serving daily. When the time is right, come join us, meet new people, get involved and support your child's community. If you wish to find out more about being a volunteer at our tuckshop, please email the WSS P&C at pandc@worongaryss.eq.edu.au with the subject header” Volunteering” and we will happily forward you an induction handbook to ensure we meet health requirements.

TERM 3 FUNDRAISING

Father's Day Stall gifts have arrived and we are really excited to be able to offer some very unique gifts this year. COVID restrictions will determine what type of stall we will be able to have this year, but either way we will ensure all students are given the opportunity to purchase something. Join our FB group to keep up to date with the details.

CONTAINERS FOR CHANGE

Some fun figures: If every child collected 5 items for every collection throughout the year we would raise $ 6,710. What a difference just 5 containers make!

If you would like a collection bag, please email the pandc@worongaryss.eq.edu for one to be delivered to your child's class to take home. We can only accept suitable containers, mainly poppers, cans and plastic bottles. Please remove any lids unfortunately if any lids slip through they make the bottle ineligible and we lose the money. No glass is allowed on school grounds due to the safety of our students. All collection proceeds go directly to our Cool School Initiative Projects for the school. The collection dates for this term are as follows:

Thursday 26/8/21 (due to Gold Coast Show holiday)

Friday 10/9/21

P&C Meeting - Due to COVID restrictions and commitments our next meeting will be held in Term 4.

Kind Regards
Katie H and the WSS P&C Executive Team

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