25 May 2018

Newsletter Articles

Message from the Principal

Welcome to Friday and the halfway mark of Term 2.

Last week was a busy week for the school as our Year 3 and 5 students took part in NAPLAN. Well done to students and families for being well prepared, well fed and will rested for these exams. I express a sincere thank you to staff - particularly Mrs Letnic, Mrs Marshall, Mrs Cracknell, Ms Mitchell, Mrs Riemann and our Year 3 & 5 teachers for their coordination and supervision of NAPLAN at our school.

At the end of the week, it was time to let our hair down and have some fun. I congratulate our P&C and their Fundraising working committee on the exceptional job they did in hosting Saturday’s annual Fashion Parade. There was much fun, laughter and celebration; it is evident that we have a very united and inclusive school community.

This week, Gumdale Staff took part in Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea in aid of the Cancer Council. So many of us have been touched by cancer in one way or another, whether personally or through family and friends. Providing an opportunity to come together, share stories and raise money was a positive experience for all – I hope many of you had the opportunity to do something similar.

Moving forward….tomorrow morning we welcome prospective families to our Prep Information Session, held in the School Hall starting at 10am. This parent-only occasion is to welcome families to our school and introduce more of who we are, what we do and why Gumdale is the preferred school of choice in the area. Bookings are not necessary, just come along and join us as we introduce you to Gumdale State School.

As the weather starts to cool but the sun continues to shine, I wish you all a happy and relaxing weekend.

Until next time, always our best!

Susan Cowley
Acting Principal

Important Dates

Reminders from the School

Stop, Drop and Go Zone

Mornings and afternoons at our Stop, Drop and Go zone are very busy, particularly so in the afternoon. To ensure a smooth process, please have your child’s name/surname displayed clearly on your sun visor or windscreen. If you require a sign for your car, please email Cara at cschu102@eq.edu.au. Lastly, a reminder that parents MUST NOT park their car and leave it unattended in the Stop, Drop and Go zone. Please respect fellow members of the school community by following procedures.

Lost Property

Our lost property buckets are starting to overflow with jumpers, water bottles and sundry belongings; many are labelled. Our Sailing lost property bucket is also bursting at the seams. Please make a stop via the Lost Property buckets at the end of the school day if you are missing an item. These tubs are located at the rear doors of the Admin Building.

Chess Club

Messages from the Deputies

Year 5&6 Signature Programs

Thank you to all families that joined our Information Session earlier in the week regarding Year 5 & 6 Signature Programs. An email has been sent home providing further information and an online enrolment form. Please ensure to complete this form by the end of May. Your child will be notified of their elective status prior to the end of term 2.

Always our Best

Welcome to Prep

A look inside Prep life at Gumdale State School

As we welcome new families to our Prep 2019 Parent Information Sessions this week, we’ve created a short video to provide a brief snapshot about Prep life at Gumdale State School. Watch it here!

Year 6 Volunteering Program

This year students in year 6 have been attending an afternoon volunteering at Lota House. Students have been going out in a team of four on Thursday afternoons to chat with residents or participate in group activities. The program gives students an opportunity to understand and appreciate the diversity of their local community, develop their personal and social capabilities, as well as develop a sense of service, empathy and compassion towards others.

“My personal experience from Lota House was fantastic. I got to meet the loveliest of people, they enjoyed meeting us too! Some of their stories were fascinating about how they lived when they were young. The experience was unforgettable and such a great time to enjoy.”

Michael, 6M

“Volunteering was really fun and interesting. I had so much fun and I got to learn all about the residents lives in the past and now, which was interesting. Also it was fun because when we talked to them we put a lovely smile on their faces and made each of them happy. I liked the stories they told me and how they were so open to us.”

Allysha, 6M

“Going to Lota House was very fun. The residents there told funny and interesting stories. It was also nice having a chat with some of them.”

Lachlan, 6M

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
   https://www.bpoint.com.au/payments/dete
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

Year 5

Students had a great time using the design process to create flying creatures to complete a challenge course as part of their Design Technologies – Materials unit. The creativity, collaboration and perseverance displayed was second to none.

STEAM Club Years 3-6

The STEAM Club have been nominated for a Brisbane City Council Cleaner Suburbs Award for their work so far towards making Gumdale State School a more sustainable school. Well done to our student, parent and teacher volunteers! Winners will be announced in October in a ceremony at City Hall hosted by the Lord Mayor. For more information:

• Waste reduction - We are wrapping up filming and final editing is underway for the educational video ready for the launch of ‘RECYCLING, ORGANICS & WASTE’ bins in year 3 to 6 eating areas.
• Compost bins – Thank you to Chrissy Bourzali and Joanne Sneeden for helping secure used pallets to construct our compost bins. If you are handy with tools and have some time we would greatly appreciate assistance in turning the student designs into reality.
• Gardening – Club members are planning what to plant in the beds for the coming cooler months under the guidance of parent volunteer Michelle and Mrs Tatham.

“The students and I discussed the types of items we will need to get the gardens underway. Importantly, the students decided that improving the nutrient profile and water retention capacity of the soil were high on the list of 'to do's' before the plants can go in. We also discussed how we might structure the garden and the students drafted a preliminary garden plan. The plan considered suitable winter plants, plant height, sunlight, spacing, and competition. We used an iPad to research vegetable garden plans and winter vegetable and herb varieties that grow well in Brisbane. We found a large rosemary bush on the school grounds and provided the Tuckshop with some sprigs which they use in their super tasty Bolognese sauce. We also harvested some marigold seeds that we can use in our garden plots as part of a natural pest management plan (Marigolds are a good 'companion' plants and keep several pest insects and nematodes at bay).” Michelle

To get the garden started we are seeking a few items. Student wish list includes:

• Sugarcane mulch
• Dry, aged horse manure
• Clean fill for one large garden bed and 4 smaller ones
• Garden Stakes
• Netting
• Garden wire/string
• Seedlings, cuttings, divisions or established plants (in the cooler weather seeds struggle to germinate) such as:
• Lemongrass
• Lavender
• Herbs such as Mint, Basil, Thyme, Oregano, Sage, Coriander, beefsteak herb (a.k.a. shiso or perilla)
• Edible ginger
• Onions and garlic
• Lettuces
• Green/French/Runner beans
• Spinach
• Cabbages, Brussel Sprouts
• Zucchini/Courgette
• Seed Potatoes (unfortunately commercial store bought potatoes cannot be used)
• Beetroot
• Carrots
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Sugar snap peas/snow peas
• Other green leafy vegetables
• Tomatoes
• Mushroom box
• Flowers to use as cut-flower varieties like Chrysanthemums, Gerberas, etc

Please use the VolunteerSignup website link to register your contribution and drop off day or contact Amanda Sheppard.

STEAM Club Meeting Times for Years 3-6

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 student, teacher, parent and carer 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
  Date: Sunday 3 June
  Time: 9am – 3pm at
  Where: 7th Brigade Park, Chermside

• 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 22nd June, 2018. Visit one of the STEAM teachers if you would like assistance with your entry.

Previous entries -

Code Camp

Code Camp will be at Gumdale State School for three days over the school holidays to run the coding workshops. These camps will be open to all primary aged students (Y2-6) in the area, so please feel free to invite friends, neighbours and family too.

If you are interested in having your child continue on their coding journey or having them take their first steps, please mark your diaries and go to the link below to register your interest in being informed of upcoming camps.

Early bird pricing, gives you a $20 discount and is available from Wednesday 23 May until Sunday 27 May with zipPay also available (book now, pay later) A three day camp costs $349. Each child will receive:

• A totally fun and unique camp experience where students learn to be creators of technology - not just consumers!
• A Code Camp shirt, cap, wristband and pin.
• A medal for completion at the end-of-camp HI-5 ceremony! Plus a digital certificate to commemorate their achievement.
• Code Camp App - An app the students can play the games they created.
• Code Camp World - Our online coding platform allowing students to learn drag and drop coding plus pure line coding with JavaScript.
• After the camp, students are sent weekly coding activities for a month to keep them engaged and to encourage them to continue to code.

News from the Sports Desk

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 remaining 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 Achievements

Gumdale State School Year 4 student Becky Roberts competed at the U/15 Youth Queensland Weight Lifting State Championships last weekend in Toowoomba. Becky placed third in the 48kg category. What a great achievement!

Congratulations to Cayda Kendall who was selected in the Bayside Touch Football team to compete at the Met East trials. Well done Cayda!

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

Lunchtime Sport

This term the sports captains have organised a lunchtime soccer competition for Years 3 and 4 on a Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at first break. Some great games in the first week of competition. Thanks to the organisers and also the referees who are giving up their lunch breaks. Draws and results are located on the sports noticeboard in Hollis Hall.

Keep Moving!

Music Notes

There will be music in the air around the Gumdale grounds during the ‘Busking Bonanza Week’ (June 25 to 28). We have some talented musicians and singings performing for you before school and during break times. So for those involved be sure to keep practising your songs and instrumental pieces for your performance.

Gumleaves Rehearsal

There will be NO rehearsal on Wednesday 6 June (Week 8) due to instrumental fanfare.

Rehearsals will continue as normal during all other weeks. Thank you to all our eager singers for turning up to rehearsals each week on time with your choir folders. We are preparing new songs for performances later in the year.

Gumleaves and Gumtrees Rehearsal

Please be aware that there will be a change of rehearsal days once beginner band starts rehearsals from week 10. Confirmation of the changes will be emailed home.

Beginner Band Week is Coming Soon

Have you returned your bus requisition form to the office? For those parents dropping children off on the first day, you will need to sign your child/children in at the Sleeman Arena. Remember to bring your instrument, red tutor book, pencil, collapsible music stand, lunch and water bottle, ALL clearly labelled with your name. School uniform is required for this event as we are representing the school.

Instrumental Fanfare

Our Senior Concert Band is representing Gumdale State School at the state-wide school band competition, Fanfare. Sessions are open to the public if parents would like to come along and watch. Gumdale will be performing in session 2 from 11:30am to 1:35pm at the Wynnum State High School Star Theatre. Students will be traveling by bus to and from this event and a note will go home shortly.

To help prepare for Fanfare competition we are hosting an afternoon of rehearsals with guest conductors and tutors followed by a pizza dinner for a $2 donation. 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

ICT News

Games, apps and social networking

Games, apps and social networking sites are popular among children and adults alike. Learn about the latest apps, how to protect your information and where to get more safety guidance. All information provided is factual and it is up to each individual to decide whether an app, game or social networking site is appropriate for themselves and their family. Any app or game that allows users to interact with others, including people they may not know, presents a potential risk of unwanted contact. Click here to read tips and advice from our IT expert.

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

The YMCA provide services to more than 700,000 participants annually. Such services include youth programs, Long Day Child Care, Family Day Care, In Home Care, Outside School Hours Care, Vacation Care, Limited Hours Care, a large range of sport and recreational activities, health and fitness, outdoor education and camping, vocational education and accredited training, hospitality, restaurants and hotel accommodation.

Gold Sponsors

Ian lives in Wakerley and brings his background as a marketing consultant to achieve the best result for his clients. Ian has achieved numerous property records in the Bayside area. As a great supporter of Gumdale State School Ian currently serves as a community representative on the School Council.

In a climate such as Brisbane, air conditioning is a must. Whether you are air conditioning a room or a whole home, the team at NYE Industries are experts in our Trade. We can install split systems, ducted or multi-head air conditioning systems that will enhance your lifestyle whilst adding value to your home. We are a family owned and operated company operating in the Redlands area for over 10 years. Our expert technician will walk you through the process of air conditioning your home and inform you of the calculations required and the reasons behind our recommendations for your needs. Our exacting Quality Assurance processes ensure your project is completed to our high standards. Call today for an obligation free quote and discover the difference of a professional, specialised air conditioning company! We pride ourselves on total client satisfaction. Many of our happy customers cannot be wrong!

P&C News

P&C June General Meeting

The next P&C General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 12 June at 7:00pm in the Resource Centre, everyone is welcome.

Unfortunately, it is with much sadness for us to advise that Amanda Fawkes our Assistant Tuckshop Manager has resigned and her last day is this Friday. Thank you Amanda for everything you have done for our Tuckshop and we wish you all the best for your future endeavours.

Volunteers of the Month

Thank you to our wonderful volunteer Janet Graham who is the April P&C Volunteer of the Month. Janet is the recipient of the $40.00 voucher from the Gumdale Tavern. Thanks Janet for volunteering for the P&C.

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 via the link below.

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

Tuckshop News

Unfortunately, the Tuckshop has been experiencing some issues with the supply of sushi and as such Sushi Fridays are on hold. We hope to have this rectified as soon as possible and we will advise when sushi is back on the menu. Please kindly order other items from the Tuckshop menu in the meantime.

A reminder to our Year 5 & 6 students who leave the school on Fridays to participate in interschool sport, you can only order for the first break.

Students who have made an order to purchase something frozen like a plain milk cup or something with custard or yoghurt, will need to come to the Tuckshop to collect their item. A green smiley face face or a red star on your bag means you must bring the bag to the Tuckshop to collect the item which can’t be sent to your classroom.

If any students have an issue with their orders, please come to the Tuckshop immediately so that the helpful staff can rectify the issue.

Amanda is leaving her position as Assistant Tuckshop Manager and Friday 25 May will be her last day. I would like to thank her for all her hard work over the last year and a bit.

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 Suzuki
Tuckshop Manager

Uniform Shop News

Mondays: 8:15am – 9:30am
Thursdays: 8:15am – 9:30am

The Uniform Shop is fully stocked with microfiber jackets and fleece hoodys in ALL sizes.

Trackpants are now on sale! Fleecy pants all sizes are $10 each (sizes 4, 6 & 8 are sold out). Microfibre pants sizes 12, 14, 16 & 18 are $15 each. Only while stocks last.

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

Michelle Moffatt
Volunteer Uniform Shop Manager

P&C Fundraising News

Update from the Fundraising Team!

Mother’s Day Stall

We hope all our wonderful mums, grandmas and special ladies had a wonderful day Mother’s day and were very spoilt. It was a very busy couple of days, thank you for to all our volunteers. The fundraising team raised $4,010.41 towards air-conditioning the remaining classes.

Fashion Parade - Havana Nights

The annual fashion parade held on the 19 May was a fantastic evening. Thank you to all who attended and supported the school. Our guests looked fabulous, with a lot of effort put into outfits and fitting the theme. A big thank you to Mark Button Photography for giving of your time and capturing the evening perfectly.

A huge thank you to this year’s Fashion Parade working party! These dedicated volunteers have worked tirelessly over the past few months to bring together our night in Havana filled with fashion, gorgeous raffle prizes and amazing live auction items.

Thank you once again to our Platinum sponsors Todd Gerhardt Realty, McGrath Estate Agents and Zealous Swimwear. In addition, thank you to all our local businesses that generously supported this fantastic evening, the full list of sponsors is available on our social pages.

Volunteering

Volunteering is an easy was to get involved in our school community and meet other parents. 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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