11 May 2018

Newsletter Articles

Message from the Principal

I hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend courtesy of Monday’s public holiday. Whilst many of us were enjoying an extra day of relaxation, close to 100 Gumdale families made the trip to Coffs Harbour for the FISAF Sport Aerobics Competition. What an incredible experience for our students. Gumdale State School’s 15 teams took home: six gold, five silver and four bronze. A special message of thanks extends to Miss Goddard for all her dedication, training and coordination; these experiences will be remembered by students for many years to come.

As we approach the start of Week 5, please take note of a few important upcoming events.

NAPLAN

Week 5 of Term 2 is the week that NAPLAN takes place across all schools. NAPLAN is a strategy designed to assess our students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 in Reading, Writing, Language Conventions (Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation) and Numeracy. Our Deputies discuss how best to prepare your child in today’s newsletter. Should you have any questions about the process please contact your child’s teacher.

Prep 2019 Information Sessions

On 24 & 26 May, Gumdale State School will be holding Prep 2019 Information Sessions for families looking to enrol their child. These information sessions are open to all prospective families – those living both inside and outside of catchment. Please refer to the dates and times mentioned below. We look forward to seeing new families on these two dates.

Happy Mother’s Day

This weekend marks a special day of thanks and appreciation to all the mums, aunts, nannas and female relatives that go above and beyond to care for others. I hope many of you had a chance to purchase a small token of appreciation at the Mother’s Day stall hosted by our P&C this week. Wishing all fellow mums – a Happy Mother’s Day.

Havana Nights Fashion Parade

For those of you who have purchased tickets to the P&C’s Havana Nights Fashion Parade next Saturday night – I look forward to seeing you there. Please extend a warm message of appreciation to our P&C crew for organising such an incredible event in aid of the Gumdale School community – we really do have some selfless heroes within our school family.

Please enjoy some of the pictures and highlights in today’s newsletter that showcase this wonderful school!

Always our Best,

Susan Cowley
Acting Principal

Important Dates

Reminders from the School

Year 5&6 Signature Programs Information Session

Year 5&6 parents and carers, please note that an Information Session will be held on Tuesday, 22 May 2018 from 3:15-3:45pm in the School Resource Centre to outline the Signature Programs that will take place in Semester 2.

Chess Club

Grade 3 Chess Club: 11.00am Tuesdays at 3S- bring your lunch
Grade 4 and above Chess club: 11.00am Fridays at 3S- bring your lunch.

Messages from the Deputies

NAPLAN

Next week our Year 3 and Year 5 students will take part in the National Assessment Program of Literacy and Numeracy. The tests will be implemented on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in your child’s class under the supervision of their classroom teacher. You can help your child prepare each day by reminding them to simply try their best, ensuring they have had a good sleep the night before and a calm morning. The quality teaching and learning that our students receive has prepared them to their best in these tests and our teachers have ensured students are familiar with the format and types of questions in the tests.

Following Process

From time to time our children come home to us with stories about things that have happened during the school day. Some of the stories can be upsetting and many need to be discussed further with the class teacher. Please follow the process in place here at Gumdale and have this first discussion with the class teacher. It is not appropriate for parents to approach other parents or students in the school grounds to discuss incidents that may or may not have happened. The teacher will be able to give parents the most accurate information and will refer to administration if necessary. If parents have spoken to the class teacher and need further clarification they are encouraged to contact the year level deputy.

Mothers’ Day

A big shout out to all the mums in our lives. Thank you for all you do to tirelessly support your children. We hope you are treated to some special time with your family and maybe even some time just for yourself to relax!

2019 Enrolment Information

GUMDALE SCHOOL COUNCIL – WHAT’S IT ALL ABOUT?

When Gumdale State School adopted the decision to become an Independent State School there were certain responsibilities that needed to be fulfilled to allow the school to operate on a more independent basis.

One of these was to establish a governance body that would have an overall guidance role, and take a strategic approach and direction, in achieving defined goals. The Council monitors the school operational administration to stay on course and achieve the objectives set for Gumdale State School by the school community.

The Council’s role is does not impact on the day-to-day operations of the school, and it has no financial resources or controls. In that sense, the Council is an advisory body rather than an operational body.

A key focus of the Council mission is to support improved educational outcomes and the growth of the school as a centre of excellence, within the learning areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM). This has been established in draft form as a mission statement by the Council, along with four key action areas:

• Being consulted in senior employment matters to ensure strong and consistent leadership;
• Promoting employment of highly qualified and experienced staff consistent with school values;
• Supporting long-term employment initiatives and retention incentives for quality staff;
• Supporting the senior administration team in fostering a positive social tone in the school.

How does Council Operate?

At this point, Council has one or two meetings a term, and the agenda is largely driven by input from the senior management team. A key focus of these meetings is the Principal’s report, which details action and progress on our school improvement goals. As Council members become more familiar with their role and take a more active position, it would be expected that Council will take more initiative in the formation of the agenda.

The Council also has three informal subcommittees to discuss and recommend to Council strategic directions for:

• HR Recruitment & Development
• Community Partnerships
• Student Engagement

The Council has adopted strategic plans in each of these areas for the next year.

Who’s on the Council?

At the present time the Council has 10 members, including the Principal and 2 staff representatives, 4 parent representatives including the P&C President, and 3 community representatives. It is intended that the Council invite several additional community members over time.

Current members are: Susan Cowley (Acting Principal), Janet Mc Beth (Council Chair), Jo McDougall, Shaunesy Pegg, Peta Beven, Ian Walkley, Terease Cosgrave, Gretchen Mander-Jones, John Ryan, Renae Northcott.

Recent Council Actions

• Council was consulted in the appointment process for the Acting Principal, Susan Cowley.
• Council has presented Achievement Awards to recognize four staff members so far for their contribution to the school. Those staff members are: David Harris, Kyla Evison, Julie Pender and Cara Schultz.
• Council members met to discuss potential initiatives to encourage retention of key personnel.
• Council has made recommendations on process for naming of the two school ovals. The Top Oval will be available for sponsorship, and the Bottom Oval will be named after a former school member who has achieved significant sporting influence.
• Council sponsored a trophy at the recent swimming carnival and will be doing so for the athletic carnival.

Council welcomes input from parents and the community on matters of strategic importance. Please contact Council through Marissa Bowen: mbowe79@eq.edu.au.

News from the Payment Desk

Office Procedure for Payment of Excursions

Three weeks after an excursion has taken place One School will produce a Credit Adjustment for those students who have not paid. This is a system generated document which will clear your students account for this excursion. If your student attended and payment has not been received, you will be emailed a new invoice for this particular excursion.

Please ensure you advise the office and teacher if your child will not be attending the excursion, this will save you receiving another invoice.

Prompt payment is of invoices will also ensure that additional invoices are not emailed to you, payment due dates are stated on the excursion letter which you receive the day before you are invoiced.

As a reminder, here is a list of upcoming events / payments that might be relevant to your family:

Paying your school invoices

All excursions and events require payment and a permission form to be returned by the due date or your child will not be permitted to attend.

Please note that payments can be made one of three ways:

1. Online using the BPOINT Payment Gateway
2. Phone banking via BPOINT IVR (1300 631 073)
3. Online using the QParent App or
4. In person at our Administration Office during office hours (8.00am-3.30pm)

STEAM News

STEAM Club Years 3-6

Waste reduction - STEAM Club are in the process of filming their educational video ready for the launch of recycling and compost bins in year 3 to 6 eating areas.

Gardening - This week we were joined by parent volunteer Michelle Boutin to assist with preparing our gardens.

Compost bins – We are still seeking old pallets to construct our compost bins. To build our compost bins we require about 10 pallets. If you have access to old pallets and would like to donate please contact Mrs Sheppard at axshe7@eq.edu.au who will organise collection.

STEAM Club Years 3-6 Meeting Dates

STEAM Club meet Thursday and Friday 8.00 – 8.45am. Students are welcome to attend both days, however if they can only make one that is fine.

New members are always welcome!

STEAM Club Years 1-2

We meet every Thursday 11.15-11.40 in the STEAM room for coding fun!

New members are always welcome!

Exciting Events

Brisbane City Council’s Green Heart Fair is just over 4 weeks away.

The Green Heart Fair is Brisbane’s biggest sustainable living festival, promoting innovative green living in a fun, family friendly environment for all residents to come and enjoy. The Fair welcomes over 100 of Brisbane’s leading sustainability organisations, community groups, artisans, foodies, green thumbs, conservationists, businesses and eco experts sharing information and knowledge with Brisbane residents on how to live more sustainably. Fair goers are treated to heaps of fun, free activities and entertainment throughout the day. Check out our jam-packed schedule here.

• Cicada Awards: Giving Youth a Chance to be Heard – A short film competition giving our youth a chance to be heard on how to protect our wildlife and their habitat for future generations. Entries close on World Environment day 22 June, 2018. Visit one of the STEAM teachers if you would like assistance with your entry.

Previous entries -

Thank you

Thank you to Michelle Boutin for volunteering her time and expertise with our gardens and STEAM Club.

Ipad Newsletter

Read Gumdale’s first ever iPad Newsletter – a great resource for iPad classrooms!

News from the Sports Desk

Gumdale Sport Aerobics Teams Shine in Coffs Harbour

Congratulations to the 15 Gumdale State School teams that travelled to Coffs Harbour in New South Wales this weekend to compete at the FISAF Super Series event. The students are to be commended on their performances and behaviour as they represented the school extremely well and Ms Goddard was extremely proud.

Gumdale State School came home with:

6 Gold
5 Silver
4 Bronze

What fantastic results for all teams. Thank you to all the parents and families who made the trip down to support your children it was great to hear so many Gumdale supporters in the stands.

Keep training hard as the next competition is at the end of this month.

GSS Woo! Always our best!

Term 2 Sailing

A great start to our sailing program last week with six classes heading to RQYS in the new school bus.

Please find below the timetable for term 2:

Please contact James Doherty jpdoh0@eq.edu.au if you require any further information regarding the Gumdale State School sailing program.

Sporting Representatives

A fantastic achievement by Maya Brodie!! Maya has won the National 1m Springboard championship in diving. What an amazing effort! We are very proud of all of her achievements.

Congratulations also to Matty Doherty who has been selected in the Met East Rugby League team to compete at the State Championships in July. Well done Matty!

Will Bloxham has also been selected in the U/12 Bayside rugby union team. He will compete at the Met East trials. Great effort Will!

2018 Camps

This year there will be a change to our Year 4-6 Camp structure. This will allow three different settings and experiences for students in our Senior School. More information regarding camps will be made available as the camps draw closer. The camps will be as follows:

Year 4 – Sunshine Coast Recreation Centre, Currimundi (5-7 December 2018)
Year 5 – Emu Gully Leadership Camp, Helidon (21-23 November 2018)
Year 6 – Sydney and Canberra (22-26 July 2018)

Any questions - James Doherty jpdoh0@eq.edu.au

Cross Country

Congratulations to the following students who represented Gumdale State School at the Bayside Cross Country:

Ethan Brelsford, Daniel Toia, Ryan Pilling, Emily Ho, Imogen Williams, Loushus Cox, Matty Doherty, Cayda Kendall, Charlee Kavanagh, Sofia Ramos, Summer McShane, Oliver Murray, Sam Law, Rhys Wellings, Holly Bradford, Ruby Walker and Kami Regenet. As a school, we finished 10th out of 42 schools. A great achievement.

Special recognition to Ethan Brelsford who placed 2nd in the 12 year boys race. Ethan will now represent Bayside District at the Met East Carnival.

Oztag

Thank you to the Year 5 and 6 parents who have expressed interest in attending the All Schools Oztag Carnival at Sunshine Coast Stadium from 27-29 July. Gumdale State School have entered a Year 5 Boys, Year 6 Boys and a Year 6 Girls team in the carnival. Training for this event will commence on Monday, 14 May. Training will occur during 1st break on a Monday.

Help Required – Managers for All Schools Carnival Needed

If you are able to assist at the All Schools Carnival, please contact jpdoh0@eq.edu.au as soon as possible. We will be requiring three managers for the weekend.

Keep Moving!

Music Notes

This music room has come to life with groups beginning their rehearsals for the ‘Busking Bonanza Week’ from June 25 - 28. Thanks to everyone who has already expressed interest and started preparing for their performance. If you would like to perform, it is not too late to secure a place so come and see the lovely music staff.

Choir

This year the Gumtrees Choir will be participating in Singfest. We will be combining with other Brisbane State Schools at the Old Museum for a day of workshops with guest conductor Paul Jarman followed by a concert that evening. This is such a wonderful opportunity for our singers to collaborate and be inspired. It’s guaranteed to be a memorable day of fun! More information will be sent home soon.

Instrumental

BEGINNER BAND WEEK TRANSPORT

The new Gumdale State School Bus will be made available to our Beginner Instrumental students to travel to and from school and the Beginner Band Week venue (Sleeman Sports Centre Arena). This service will be offered Mon- Fri each way (except Wednesday which has late finish (5:30 pm). The cost for this service will be $5 per day per student. A letter will go home this week to nominate times, and parents will be invoiced prior to the event. Please check with the office if you need another copy.

To help prepare for Fanfare competition we are hosting an afternoon of rehearsals followed by a pizza dinner (provided). This is for all Senior Concert Band members who will be attending the Fanfare competition the following Wednesday in school time. Come along in your best PJs for a fun afternoon!

Upcoming Events

NAPLAN

15-17 May 2018

Next week, students in Years 3 & 5 at Gumdale are encouraged to have a full breakfast and a good night’s rest as they prepare to sit NAPLAN.

The National Assessment Program –Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is an annual national assessment for all students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Students will participate in tests in reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.

NAPLAN tests provide parents and schools with an understanding of how individual students are performing at the time of the tests and they also provide schools, states and territories with information about how education programs are working and what areas need to be prioritised for improvement. These tests are one aspect of a school’s assessment and reporting process and do not replace the extensive ongoing assessments made by teachers about each student’s performance.

NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students have already been learning through the school curriculum. Teachers will ensure students are familiar with the test formats and will provide appropriate support and guidance. The best way you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to reassure your child that NAPLAN tests are just one part of their school program, and urge them to simply do the best they can on the day.

A NAPLAN report will be issued later in the year. The same report format is used for every student in Australia. Individual student performance will be shown on a national achievement scale for each test and the performance of individual students can be compared to the average performance of all students in Australia.

For more information please visit the National Assessment Program website.

Student Support

Talking to children about death and dealing with grief

Recent Anzac Day celebrations can sometimes remind families of lost loved ones. Grief is a normal part of life that is experienced differently by all. Children sometimes have questions and want to understand their experience. It is important to acknowledge their experience and answer their questions truthfully and respectfully.

The following are some general guidelines for talking to children about death (written by Marilyn A. Mendoza Ph.D.)

Understanding Grief:

• Be truthful and use the word death. Avoid the use of euphemisms such as telling them that someone is asleep or is taking a trip. Children have been known to develop problems sleeping as a result.
• Present information in a way the child can understand. Be direct, use simple and easy to understand language.
• Be patient. Listen to them and do not be judgmental. Answer their questions. It is also okay to say you don’t know. Keep the conversations short to allow them to absorb what you are saying.
• Reassure them that it is not their fault.
• Comfort them, love them and support them in their sadness.
• Let them know that people grieve differently and that there is not only one way to grieve.
• Prepare them and instruct them as to what to do and what to expect.
• It is okay to let the children see you cry. It gives them permission to do so.
• Reading a children’s book about death with them can also be an opportunity for increasing their understanding and furthering dialogue on the subject.

Children have different personalities and different ways of reacting to death. Basically what they need in this process is for the adults to be caring, loving, supportive, willing to listen and answer questions. Regardless of the age, you can never go wrong with a hug, a kiss, and telling them I love you and I will be here for you.

The following links have some ideas and resources that may be helpful.

Family Education Workshops

True Relationships Family Education Program - ‘Preparing for puberty’

True’s family education programs are designed to assist you to:

• Develop healthy communication with your children
• Provide age-appropriate sexuality education
• Build children’s self-esteem and
• Answer questions with comfort.

‘Preparing for puberty’ builds communication between children aged 10-12 and their parents/carers. It addresses reproductive body parts and changes that occur at puberty.

There are 30 spaces available. To secure a place, please e-mail Genevieve Agerholm (gager1@eq.edu.au) by Tuesday 29 May 2018.

Community Business Network

Gumdale State School is pleased to have the support of businesses in our local and nearby community by way of sponsorship. Each year, our school resources are enriched courtesy of members in our Community Business Network.

More details regarding our program and the packages available can be found on our school website or by contacting: Marissa Bowen, Executive Assistant, Phone: 3902 8333, Email: mbowe79@eq.edu.au.

In 2018, our Platinum and Gold Sponsors are:

Platinum Sponsors

Gold Sponsors

Brisbane City Council Libraries Gold Star Reading Club

The Gold Star Reading Club has commenced across Council libraries starting 1 May 2018.

There are five great reasons for children to get involved in the 2018 Gold Star Reading Club.

Membership to the Gold Star Reading Club is FREE!

The Gold Star Reading Club can help children improve their reading and literacy skills.

Children will be rewarded for reading with exciting monthly incentives –a library bag, maze pen and snake puzzle.

The opportunity for all participants to enter the monthly draw to win a $25 book voucher.

It’s FUN! Children will have fun sharing their reading experiences with family and friends.

This is a great opportunity for parents to share in their children’s reading achievements.

To register your child for the Gold Star Reading Club, simply visit the link below or your local library to complete a registration form.

For more information about the Gold Star Reading Club, visit your local library or call Council on 3403 8888.

P&C News

Online Ordering

The Tuckshop and Uniform Shop offer an online ordering service called Flexischools. Online ordering is convenient, provides you with 24/7 payment and ordering system that can be accessed from home, work or on a mobile device. You won't be fumbling around for coins in the morning or looking for a brown paper bag. You can also purchase uniform items when the shop's not open and our volunteers will deliver the items to your child's classroom. Flexischools registration is free and only takes a few minutes so get online in the link below.

Tuckshop News

We would like to take this opportunity to advise the school community that Flexischools is the only option available for ordering lunches from the Tuckshop. The bag system is no longer available due to a change in P&C policy and procedure.

Over the counter purchases for years' 1 - 6 students during breaks will still be available. Fruit, drinks and snacks can also be purchased over the counter before school.

Did you know you can set up a recurring order through Flexischools? When you place an order simple check the box at the end of the order to keep your order going every week.

Tuckshop Volunteers

We need your help! The Tuckshop is looking for some extra volunteer help every day of the week! You don’t need to come the whole day…if you have time to drop by to wash the dishes or serve at the counter during the lunch break, this would really help us out and make the running of the Tuckshop much easier. Drop us an email or complete the form below if your able to help, we’d really love to see some new faces.

Contact

If you need to contact the tuckshop for any reason, please do via one of our contact methods: (please note – our emails are not checked in the mornings)

Phone: 3902 8304
Email: tuckshop@gumdalesspc.org.au
Stop by and see us anytime

Rachelle & Amanda
Tuckshop Convenors

Uniform Shop News

Mondays: 8:15am – 9:15am
Thursdays: 8:15am – 9:15am

The Uniform Shop is now fully stocked with microfiber jackets and fleece hoodies in all sizes.

Single use plastic bags will no longer be supplied in the Uniform Shop for over the counter purchases in line with Queensland’s total ban.

Donations of second hard uniform items which are in good condition are most welcome. A donations box has been placed outside the door of the Uniform Shop.

There is a small supply of second hand uniform items now available for purchase, prices as marked. Included in the items are some Prep hats if you’re looking to purchase a ‘spare’ hat for your child.

Don’t forget we are located on Level 1 of Block A so drop by and see our friendly volunteers when the shop is open.

Contact

Phone: 3902 8335
Email: uniform@gumdalesspc.org.au
Orders: Online through Flexischools
Payment: cash and EFTPOS facilities

Shaunesy Pegg
P&C President
pandc@gumdaless.eq.edu.au

P&C Fundraising News

Update from the Fundraising Team!

Pop Up Stall

The fundraising team hosted a Mother’s Day Pop Up Stall on Sunday 6 May. The event was independently run however the fundraising team were invited to run the bar and offer a wonderful raffle. The amount of funds raised is still being calculated and will be shared in the next newsletter.

Congratulations to our raffle winners: The major prize winner was Marissa Wood 1W with prizes also going to Leigh Mc, Annie, Kerry (one of the stall holders) and Sue Horton.

A big thank you to Steve, our School’s Groundskeeper, your help was invaluable.

Mother’s Day Stall

The Mother’s Day Stall was held on Thursday and Friday. Thank you to all who provided donations and to all of our volunteers. The children took their shopping very seriously so we are sure there will be some very spoilt Mum’s out there. Happy Mother’s Day to everyone.

Fashion Parade - Havana Nights

Have you purchased your tickets to the 2018 Fashion Parade yet? Tickets went on sale on Tuesday, 8 May so it might not be too late! Get a few friends together and join us for a night of fashion and fun. There are amazing raffle prizes on offer, a fabulous live auction, beautiful fashion, DJ entertainment and prizes for best dressed.

Tickets are only on sale through TryBooking in the link below and whilst you're there, grab your pre-paid drink cards $25 for 4 drinks + 1 complimentary, Drinks Card purchased on the night are $25 for 4 drinks only. Tickets usually sell out fast so get in quick so you don’t miss out.

We are pleased to announce our Platinum sponsors for the Fashion Parade are Todd Gerhardt Realty, McGrath Estate Agents and Zealous Swimwear. Pop to our social pages to view the full list of wonderful sponsors who are also generously supporting this fantastic evening.

If you or your business are interested in being a part of this event, it’s not too late. We are still looking for sponsors to come on board for raffle prizes so if your business would like to get involved please contact the team at fundraising@gumdalesspc.org.au.

Raffle tickets will be on sale before school and also at IGA Gumdale on Sat 12 May and Sat 19 May 7am - 3pm.

Volunteering

Ever wondered how to get involved in your school and community! We are always looking for volunteers to help out here and there when you are able to. If you would like to volunteer, please email fundraising@gumdalesspc.org.au and you will be notified via SignUp Genius when volunteering opportunities arise throughout the year.

Fundraising Calendar

Fundraising Programs

A reminder that if you make a purchase from any of the following organisations they give back to our school.

Stay Social

To stay up to date with all the Fundraising Events, follow us on social media:

Please note the Fundraising Facebook page has now joined the P&C page. Make sure to follow the pages below to stay up to date.

• Facebook at Gumdale State School Parents & Citizens
• Instagram at gumdale_ss_pandc
• Twitter at gumdaless_pandc
• Or contact us on fundraising@gumdalesspc.org.au

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