23 August 2019

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Welcome to the end of Week 6. Gumdale continues to be a hive of activity and I’m impressed by many of our students who are giving their best across a range of activities. From National Science Week activities and the Osprey ACES Cup to the culminating lessons for many of our sailing lessons, well done to all involved!

I would like to offer a special congratulations to our Sport Aerobics teams who came away with 11 medals at last weekend’s FISAF National Championships at Sleeman Sports Complex. We are proud of the standard of our program, and this is reflected in Gumdale being awarded the Primary School Champions Cup for being the most successful primary school at the competition. A further congratulations goes to Lucy Goddard for being named Head Coach for the Australian team which will be competing in Europe later in the year.

In two weeks’ time, our P&C will be holding the Colour Fun Run, which is tipped to be an exciting day for students. I encourage families to support fundraising activities such as these; Gumdale benefits greatly by way of additional resources from the P&C’s efforts.

Today is the final day for parents and carers to have their say in the School Opinion Survey. Survey slips were sent home at the end of last month. Please take a few minutes to let us know what we do well and how we can improve; your feedback counts!

Always our Best,

Phil Savill, Principal
Gumdale State School

What’s Coming Up

Always our Best

Reminders from the School

Your Child’s 2020 Enrolment Status

To assist us in planning for next year, we would like to know your plans for 2020. If your child will transition to another school for the start of 2020, please assist us by completing the form below.

Completed forms are to be returned to Marissa Bowen at the front office or via email: mbowe79@eq.edu.au

QParents

Pay multiple invoices easily with QParents! Invoices can be viewed and paid in bulk, rather than making individual payments. In addition, any outstanding amount can be viewed and paid.

If you haven’t yet registered for QParents, register now. You can provide your 100 points of identity documents for registration online through QParents, or in person at the school. If you have limited identity documents, or experience difficulties registering, please contact info@gumdaless.eq.edu.au for help.

QParents is a great way to stay informed about what’s happening in your child’s school life.

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 student’s 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 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.

Paying your school invoices

All excursions and events require payment and a permission form to be returned by the due date.

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

1. Using the QParents App.
2. Using the BPOINT Payment Gateway or from the invoice using the BPOINT link.
3. In person at our Administration Office during office hours (8:15am-3:30pm). No cash will be accepted.

Current Excursion Invoices

From the Deputies

Focus on Reading and Writing at Gumdale

Tracy Egan, Lead Principal, visited our school this week and worked with students to discuss their writing and the writing process. Tracy stated, “It was a pleasure to visit Gumdale State School on Wednesday and talk with a range of students about their writing. The students were able to talk about how they are progressing with their writing, how their teacher’s feedback has guided their progress and describe their goals and next steps for improving writing. Congratulations to your teachers and students on this exceptional work! Please pass on my special thanks to Xinyi, Casper, Alina, Sarazen, Jotham, Tyler, Annabel and Sofia for sharing their work with me.”

All students in Prep to Year 6 are currently working in class to complete the first draft of their English assessment task. During the writing process, students spend time conferencing with their teacher and receiving feedback to improve their work. When students are given specific feedback and supported to make these changes, they take responsibility for their learning. We would encourage you to take time to discuss with your child the feedback they are receiving to improve their writing.

Some examples of the wonderful writing happening in classrooms this week:

I like Noni because she helped her friends read a story so they’re not scared of the storm.

Xinyi (Prep K)

I continue chopping and slicing my way through this huge forest. I start to get a little hungry and tired. Soon I am starving and exhausted. Suddenly, out of no-where a little house came into view. It was a small, quiet cottage. I force my skinny legs to carry me there. I open the door and see a kind, elderly woman baking cakes and cookies. She eventually sees me. “Welcome!” She says to me eagerly. I come in. The temperature in here is so hot! I’m living on the sun. It’s like I’m on fire! I don’t complain about this though. I am too busy stuffing my face with all the scrumptious, superb treats!

Sarazen (3M) – ‘Komiko and the Dragon’, Narrative.

The development of Rowan’s character throughout the book is explained further through verb group use such as, ‘He faced the dragon alone.’ Rowan was face to face with the dragon and Strong John was not there to help because he was injured. This shows true bravery to face a creature that could eat you in one swallow.

Blake (4M) – ‘Rowan of Rin’, Character Analysis.

Book Week – Reading is My Secret Power

Each year across Australia, children’s literature is celebrated by bringing students and books together. The theme for Book Week this year is, ‘Reading is My Secret Power’. Next week at Gumdale, students will be offered a wide range of activities that encourage creativity, storytelling and a love of reading. Students in Prep and Year 1 will participate in a book week parade and student in other year levels will select from a range of lunchtime activities offered across the week. Happy Reading!

Resource Centre

Scholastic Book Fair

Students can look forward to some Dino-Mite new books and great new titles in favourite book series Anh Do, Aaron Blabey, Ella Diaries and more.

There will also be some reasonably priced favourite Disney titles.

Each class will be invited to preview the books during their library session. The preview sessions are an ideal opportunity for children to share and discuss the books with their teachers and peers.

The selection of books at our Book Fair will include a wide range of quality books from the best Australian and overseas authors & illustrators. All books are discounted.

Every single purchase from the Book Fair earns FREE books and resources for our school.

Families are invited to visit the Book Fair on:

• Wednesday 28 August – 8:00am - 8:45am and 3:00pm-3:45pm
• Thursday 29 August – 8:00am - 8:45am and 3:00pm-3:45pm
• Friday 30 August – 8:00am - 8:45am and 3:00pm-3:45pm
• Monday 2 September – 8:00am - 8:45am (stock on hand only - no orders taken on Monday morning.)

STEAM News

National Science Week

Students had a great time participating in our Science Week events! Congratulations to Alina G and Emilie G – winners of our Brisbane Science Fair family pass.

Osprey ACES

Well done to our Osprey ACES competitors – Megan B, Ada B, Joye E, Alyssa F, Teddy J, Lillianna M, Danica R and Xin Y.

‘The Osprey Aces was super fun! There was a maths part and a science part. The maths was fun because we got to do various questions that challenged the brain. We also did a hot seat type of game.’ Megan B 5G

Scanning Electron Microscope Workshop

A group of 24 year 5 students visited Moreton Bay Environmental Education Centre and participated in a Scanning Electron Microscope Workshop.

STEM Learning

Year 4

Students have worked collaboratively creating posters showing the impacts animals have on Eucalyptus trees, as they explore the interdependence between plants and animals.

Year 5

Students have captured some great images splitting white light using glass prisms, water and a mirror and diffraction lenses.

Sustainability @ Gumdale

Sustainability Steve.jpg

Let’s work together in making Gumdale State School more sustainable! Sustainability Steve has spent time with 3M. Keep up the great work!

Kitchen Garden

The Year 2-6 Kitchen Garden Club enjoyed the 'veggies' of their labours! A beautiful salad of roast sweet potato, red potato, mizuna, spinach, continental parsley, baby kale, yellow and purple beans and quinoa was enjoyed by all. To complement the salad students experimented with different dressing flavours including lemon, vinegar, oil, mustard, honey and fresh herbs from the school garden. The students ate one whole serving of vegetables each! What a way to start the day and be on their way to achieving 5 serves of veggies per day.

A parent volunteer also turned some of our sweet potatoes into 'sweet potato' custard; a baked treat of sweet potato, eggs, cream, cinnamon, sugar and vanilla for us to try. It was a hit with the students! For a similar recipe, click here.

Did you know?

Sweet potatoes are very easy to grow from old potatoes in the cupboard or from cuttings. Now is the perfect time to plant them in a neglected part of the garden for a summer holiday crop. As they are heavy feeders, they prefer well drained soil that is rich in compost. Sweet potatoes are a source of fibre, vitamin A, vitamin B6, magnesium, calcium, iron and vitamin C (quantities depend on the soil quality). A versatile crop, it can be roasted, steamed, sauteed, etc and incorporated into many savoury or sweet dishes. You can also eat the leaves and stems; just be sure to gently cook them first.

Donations of animal manure, plants, seedlings, seeds, mulch or soil for the garden are appreciated and can be dropped to the STEAM Centre.

Article contributed by parent volunteer Michelle Boutin

Community Events

Student Environmental Photography Competition

Prizes include NIKON DSLR cameras and your work displayed at the Australia wide exhibition. Entries close 31 October. For more information and to enter, follow the link below.

Engineers Australia Create it Comp

Prizes include iPad Pros and Apple pencils. Entries close 30 September. For more information and to enter click the link below. Talk to your STEM teacher if you have any questions or would like support and guidance.

Sports News

Sport Aerobics

Gumdale State School Aerobics students competed at the FISAF National Championships at Chandler over the weekend. Miss Goddard is extremely proud of how the teams performed and supported one another over the weekend.

GSS Aerobics came away with a fantastic:

3 x Gold
5 x Silver
3 x Bronze

That is 11 National Medals. Due to this success Gumdale State School was also awarded the Primary School Champions for 2019 Cup for being the most successful primary school at the competition.

Lucy Goddard has also been selected as the Head Australian Coach for the Australian team heading to FISAF Sport Aerobics World Championship in the Netherlands in October this year. A huge congratulations to our teams and individuals, as well as Ms Goddard!

2019/2020 Camps

The camps for 2019 and 2020 are as follows:

Sydney and Canberra Excursion

Students from our school have recently undertaken an education tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage and democracy.

The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding of $60 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion.

Sailing 2019

Keep moving!

Music Notes

Upcoming Events

Year 5 Music Concert Excursion

Students in 5G and 5L attended concerts at the University of Queensland (UQ) this term as part of their unit ‘Life is a Stage’. In class music lessons the students have been learning about the purpose of performing music, different musical styles and types of performances. We attended the School’s Showcase Concert and the Pulse Chamber Orchestra Concert, hosted by the UQ School of Music, and were fortunate to meet some of the musicians.

“I went to the Pulse Chamber Orchestra Concert and Professor Adam Chalabi lead the group with passion. They played with outstanding expression and it seemed effortless.” Katie M - 5L

“I was really impressed with the primary school performers at the School’s Showcase Concert. They were young and each showcased they own incredible skills.” Charli M - 5G

“It seemed like they had practiced a lot, they were in time and they put their heart and soul into it to make it a special performance.” Saebra B - 5G

Choir

Singfest

Next Monday the Gumtrees Choir will be taking part in Singfest at the Old Museum, Bowen Hills. Our singers will combine with other schools from across Brisbane for a wonderful day of workshops with guest conductor Katherine Ruhle, before presenting the works as a massed choir in a Twilight Concert at 5:15pm.

Upcoming Choir Performances

Please save the date for the upcoming assembly performances and we hope to see you there!

Instrumental Music

Year 3 Instrumental Recruitment

At Gumdale we offer a three year Instrumental Music Program (beginning in Year 4) of group instrumental lessons on percussion, woodwind instruments and brass instruments. This also requires participation in Band and performance activities.

Selected students will undergo testing for their suitability for specific instruments with Mrs Thomas this week and first round offers will be sent home shortly.

WAMM Band Week

Our Year 5 and Year 6 Instrumental students will be heading to Wynnum SHS for the WAMM Band Week, Tuesday 17 -19 September. This camp is now in its 16th year providing the opportunity for students to rehearse in a large Symphonic Concert Band and take part in sectionals with guest instruments tutors and conductors. Permissions and $60 payment are due today, Friday 23 August.

From the Music Department,

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 Mail: mbowe79@eq.edu.au

In 2019, our Platinum and Gold Sponsors are:

Platinum Sponsor

Todd Gerhardt Realty goes above and beyond for his clients. Todd has broken countless street records, priding himself on getting the best possible price for his vendors. Todd Gerhardt is considered a real sellers agent, but he is equally devoted to his buyers and he knows how to close the deal leaving both parties more than satisfied (which in today's market cannot always be the case).

Todd leaves no stone unturned in the search for the right buyer for your home. It is Todd's mission to offer the best real estate experience you can get.

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.

Alpha Home Maintenance is a handyman service designed to save time, money and energy for all your property maintenance needs and those general repairs around the home. We provide a free consultation prior to any job so we can work together on an option that will ensure you choose the service that is right for you. We strive to work hard and deliver outstanding results and exceptional customer service every time. Call us today on 0400 823 868.

Gold - STEM Sponsor

South East Electrical Services conducts all types of electrical works from a single power point in your home to extensive electrical and data works in your office, school or commercial property. Completing regular maintenance for safety switches, lamp replacement service, test and tag of electrical items or emergency light testing, South East Electrical Services can solve your electrical or data problems. Call 1300 997 621.

P&C News

GOSHC

Please note the following important dates:

Further information will be emailed to families on Monday 26 August when online enrolments become available via the school website.

Employment Opportunities

Can you recommend a fantastic Educator? Gumdale Outside School Hours Care (GOSHC) will be commencing service to students of Gumdale State School in September and requires great people to join the team. We are now hiring for educator positions; click on the SEEK links below and please send a cover letter and resume to Dennis Shanahan at goshc@gumdalesspc.org.au

Can you assist?

GOSHC will be seeking volunteers for the weekend of Saturday – Sunday 21-22 September to assist with our set up. Helper will be needed to help move equipment, to assist with cleaning and setting up the service. Watch for the signup link coming soon.

Father’s Day Stall

The P&C is proud to provide a shopping stall for students to purchase gifts and cards for their Dads,

Step-Dads, Pops and carers. Mark your calendars for Thursday 29 and Friday 30 August. The younger children need assistance with choosing those precious gifts and volunteers are required to give change and help children navigate through the stall. With parent helpers, children are able to shop for that special person in their life and it’s quite exciting to see the little smiles on those Preps! The children really feel proud when they can shop and choose gifts on their own. Thank you for your support GSS. Please sign up via the online sign up system by clicking the link below. We understand your time is valuable so even an hour of your time is most appreciated.

Run4Fun Colour Run

Plans are under way for Gumdale’s First Colour Run on Friday 6 September! Hop online to register your child’s profile page, then share the link to get fundraising. All students who fundraising $10 or more can choose a prize.

Please check the GSS P&C Facebook page for details about the day. Don’t forget to send a white or plain t-shirt with your child if they would like to run in the colour lanes. There will be alternate lanes on the course for students who don’t have a t-shirt or who choose to not have colour sprayed on them. It’s going to be a fantastic day!

Please sign up below or contact fundraising if you would like to help, we need many parent volunteers to help make this very successful.

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

Gumtree Eatery

We now offer a Dairy Free spread option on your sandwiches. The brand is Nuttelex, available to select in Flexischools under spreads, and also in the Late Lunch Option. There will also be a Dairy Free muffin coming soon.

Not too far away is the NEW Birthday Box … a very exciting new addition to our Gumtree Eatery menu. Watch this space!!

If you are available to volunteer in the Tuckshop for an hour or two, please follow the link below to our Signup page. Signing up is quick and easy! Click here:

• Click on the required SignUp.com link above
• Scroll through the available dates and make your selection.
• SignUp.com will email you a reminder 48 hours before your selected date.
• If you cannot make a shift which you have signed up for, could you please remove yourself from signup for the day in question. This will ensure that spot is left open for someone else to add their name and we will get an email notification.
• To provide a safe working environment, a minimum dress standard is required when volunteering in the Tuckshop as it is a food production area.
• Closed in shoes, no singlet tops and hair longer than shoulder length must be worn up.

Carol and Helen
Gumtree Eatery Tuckshop Convenors

Uniform Shop News

2020 Senior Shirts

2020 Senior Shirts will be available to pre-order on Flexischools from 2 September with expected delivery last week of Term 4. Please ensure correct size when ordering. The uniform shop has sample sizes from size 8-24 to try on. Our supplier has recommended students to go up a size when ordering. All Orders are non-refundable.

Swimwear

The first order of the GSS Swimwear has arrived and the swimmers look amazing. The long sleeve Sun Shirts are great for sailing and look fantastic on our Elite Sailing Squad members.

If you missed the first order, the second order is now open on Flexischools. GSS Swimwear is not compulsory, however all items can be worn for swimming and sailing. GSS Swimwear is available to purchase via Flexischools only and includes three one piece designs, Jammers, briefs as well as short and long sleeved sun shirts. The Uniform Shop has a limited sizing kit from size 6 for students to try on. All orders are NON REFUNDABLE, please ensure correct size when ordering. Size chart can be viewed here.

All orders are due by 4pm Friday 30 August, with expected delivery Week 2, Term 4.

Shorts

Scags branded Formal Shorts in sizes 4 and 10 are still available at the sale price of $5.00 each. Formal shorts can be worn with the Formal Shirt and everyday Polo shirt. Any incorrect sizes can be exchanged as required.

Surf Hats

The Uniform Shop still have a few of the old style Surf Hats available. Surf Hats have been discounted down to $5 each. These are available in the red Prep hats and the large size (59-61cm) blue hat only. Blue Bribie hats are no longer available.

Available only while stocks last.

If you have any questions regarding swimwear, Senior Shirts or clearance items please email uniform@gumdalesspc.org.au

Michelle Moffatt
Volunteer Uniform Shop Manager

Volunteering at Gumdale State School

Thank you to all who have joined the volunteer pool. Volunteering is a great way to get involved in our school.

If you’d like to find out more or would like to be added to our volunteer pool, please email fundraising@gumdalesspc.org.au and you will be notified via Sign-Up Genius when volunteering opportunities arise throughout the year.

Fundraising Calendar

We are very excited about this year’s calendar. Please ‘save the date’ for the events detailed below. Details for each event will be published in the newsletter, and on social media, closer to the date.

Fundraising Programs

A reminder to support the following organisations if the need arises for their goods and services. For every purchase made, they kindly give back to our school.

Follow the P&C

To stay up to date with all things P&C, follow us on social media:

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

OSHC

Messages from the Team

With Term 3 in full swing we know that life can get busy and we here at the Gumdale YMCA want wish everyone a happy term 3 and we hope your life is full of happiness & fulfilment.

What We’ve Been Doing

This term at the YMCA we have also been using our morning yarning circles as a chance to teach children about friendship and appreciation through a variety of experiences aimed at teaching children about building positive relationships.

Quote of the Week

“Every day may not be a good day……. But there is something good in every day.”

Contact YMCA OSHC Gumdale
Phone: 07 3890 2675
Mobile: 0428 333 317
agd@ymca.org.au

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