29 November 2019

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

We are on the home stretch with only two weeks remaining in the school year. Students are continuing to work well in the classroom and are giving their best efforts in swimming, Signature programs and other activities. We have several events to look forward to in the next fortnight, including Year 1 excursions, the Year 6 Graduation and our Year 4 Camp. All are welcome to attend the final school assembly on Monday 9 December.

Please join me in thanking the grounds staff Steve Wicks and Jeff Stonehouse who have done a commendable job in maintaining our school grounds, despite the very dry weather. We also look forward to the completion of the Outdoor Learning space in the coming weeks.

It was wonderful to see so many new families attend our Prep Orientation last week and we look forward to welcoming you to our Gumdale community in 2020. For families leaving us next year, I encourage you to notify the school office as soon as possible.

Last week I advised our parent community of changes to our before-school procedures in 2020. Please note that in 2020, unless registered and participating in one of our before-school activities, students must not be on school grounds prior to 8.30am as no staff supervision will be provided before this time. Next week we will provide details of activities your child can register for before school.

Finally, thank you for supporting our Gumdale Gives appeal once again. I’m proud of our Gumdale community that always gives so generously.

Always our Best,

What’s Coming Up

Always our Best

Weeks 7 & 8 Always our Best

Reminders from the School

Student Medication

A reminder that any student medication kept in the school office needs to be collected on the student’s last day of school for the year.

Yours 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

A QParents invitation has recently been emailed to all Gumdale families who are not already subscribed. Please check your junk folder if you have not received the invitation or contact info@gumdaless.eq.edu.au if you require assistance. QParents allows parents to connect instantly with the school to access and manage their child’s student information, including:

• Attendance and absence details, as well as the ability to notify the school of an absence
• Academic report cards
• Viewing unpaid invoice details, payment history, and making payments online
• Viewing and updating personal student details, including medical conditions and address
• Enrolment details

Booklists

Booklists for 2020 have been sent home with students. Our preferred supplier is Schoolstuff and for your convenience, ordering can be done online. To request a booklist, please email Marissa Bowen on mbowe79@eq.edu.au.

The deadline for orders is 3 January 2020.

PassTab Visitor System

This term we have been trialling a new sign-in system at the front office. Visitors and volunteers use an iPad to sign in and out. The system is also being used for signing students out for early departures. If you have questions about the PassTab system, please ask at the front office.

News from the Payment Desk

End of Year

A reminder that all outstanding amounts are required to be finalised by the end of the year. Please see the front office or email info@gumdaless.eq.edu.au for more information.

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

Refund Policy

If a parent wishes to apply for a refund due to their child’s non-participation in an extra-curricular activity, they may do so by completing a Request for Refund form available from the school office. Where possible, the request should include the receipt relating to the payment for which a refund is being sought.

It is preferred that refunds be made as a credit against the student’s account at the school, and used to offset any future charges. No refunds will be given under $20.

Current Excursion Invoices

From the Deputies

Jollybops Prep Incursion

Last Wednesday our Prep students were entertained with a chemistry science show called ‘Mix it Up.’ Rusty the Robot and Jolly Professor introduced the students to explosive gases, combusting powders, freezing liquids and colour changing reactions. The show was highly engaging and our students enjoyed laughing and learning at the same time.

Prep Orientation Day

Last week we welcomed our new Preps for orientation day. This really brought home how quickly time flies. Our year six students were very helpful at the event acting as guides and official welcomers. Our new Prep families were full of excitement and thoroughly enjoyed the activities throughout the morning.

End of Year Organisation

With the increased number of events happening in the lead up to the end of the school year, please continue to check our social media communication vehicles such as Facebook and Twitter. Please also ensure that your contact details, particularly email addresses, are updated at the office if details have changed. At this time of the year, many of our classroom teachers are emailing correspondence detailing changes to routines and special events/celebrations.

Year 2 Writing

ICAS Awards

Students at Gumdale State School receiving awards for the ICAS testing were presented with their distinction and high distinction awards on assembly this week. Students receiving distinction awards were placed in the top 11% of students sitting the tests whilst those receiving a high distinction were placed in the top 1%. All students who participated are to be congratulated on their achievement across the tests in digital technologies, science, writing, spelling, English and mathematics.

Student Leadership

Year 5 students have been refining their persuasive speech writing skills in class this term in preparation for school leadership opportunities in 2020. Students who nominated for school captain roles presented speeches to the Years 3 to 5 students this week. All students who participated are to be congratulated on the high quality of their speeches.

Next week students who have nominated for the positions of House Captain, Cultural Captain and STEM Captain will present their speeches. Our student leaders for next year will be announced at our final assembly this term.

Graduation

The finishing touches are being made by the Year 6 teachers, students and specialist teachers in preparation for the graduation ceremony in the Hollis Hall on Thursday 5 December. We look forward to taking this time to reflect upon and celebrate the learning, friendships and opportunities that lie ahead in high school.

Student Council

Student Council Raffle

Student Council is holding a raffle until the end of next week to support our school’s Community Support Program. You could win one of five prizes! Each prize includes a $100.00 Athlete's Foot Voucher and a 1 month membership at Jetts Gumdale. Tickets are $2 each and are on sale before school outside the Tuckshop and Hollis Hall. The raffle will be drawn on Monday 9 December, 2:00pm at Assembly.

Breakup Party

This week, Student Councillors gathered for their breakup party and they were presented with certificates of appreciation for their important contribution to Gumdale this year. Special acknowledgment goes to Mrs Ros McAuliffe for her leadership of this great group of students. Gumdale State School is a better place because of the ideas and initiatives that the Student Council has brought forward in 2019 including numerous fundraising activities. Thank you all!

STEAM News

Waste Free Wednesday

Waste Free Wednesday is now happening across all year levels and we have noticed a lot less rubbish in our red landfill bins. Thank you to everybody who brings a waste free lunch. Keep up the great work - together we are on our way to becoming a ZERO WASTE SCHOOL!

Sustainability @ Gumdale

Let’s work together in making Gumdale State School more sustainable! Sustainability Steve has spent time with Prep I and 5L. Keep up the great work!

STEM Clubs

Thank you to all Club members – students, staff, parents and community volunteers. All STEM Clubs have finished up this week and we look forward to your participation in 2020.

Thank you to The Bromeliad Society of Queensland

The Bromeliad Society of Queensland recently had their Spring Show and to inspire the next generation of Gumdale gardeners they donated the proceeds of their Monster raffle to the Gumdale State School Kitchen Garden Club.

The President Barry and Vice-President John attended our Junior Assembly to present a cheque for $1600 to our Kitchen Garden Club program.

Kitchen Garden Club

Students are keeping busy with general garden maintenance (lots of watering), harvesting and preparing the garden beds for the summer break. We have also harvested a variety of seeds from our own plants ready for sowing and planting in 2020.

Donations are greatly appreciated and can be dropped to the STEAM Centre. We are currently seeking:

• animal manure to enrich our soil over the holidays.
• plastic plates, bowls and cups
• mulch and soil

As our Kitchen Garden Club wraps up for 2019 we want to thank all participating students, teachers, volunteers and contributors for a fun filled year of gardening and kitchen garden based activities.

We will be celebrating with a Harvest Afternoon Tea next week.

Article contributed by parent volunteer Sabine Clark

Digital Tech News

JB Hi-Fi Portal Open

Gumdale State School has created a JB Hi-Fi BYOD Online portal. This provides families with access to iPads at an affordable price for our BYO iPad program. The BYOD portal provides a simple step-by-step process that allows you to purchase your device, any accessories, extended warranty and insurance all from the one place.

Click on the link here and enter the school code: GSS2020

School Apps

As part of our school’s BYO iPad program, each student in Years 2 to 6 are required to download apps onto their device as per their App List for their 2020 year level. These app lists can be found on the school website using this link below:

We also recommend using Apple’s Family Sharing to ensure that apps need only be purchased once for a whole family’s use.

If you have any questions about the iPad program, please contact our Digital Technology Coaches via email: iPadclasses@gumdaless.eq.edu.au

New iPad Wi-Fi Installation

As we roll out the whole-school Year 2-6 BYOD program in 2020, all new student iPads need to be set up with the school Wi-Fi Profile and student login details. To ensure an easy transition, our IT support staff will be on site in the Resource Centre in January providing the opportunity to have new devices set up (note: this is NOT required for devices that have been used previously on the school network). This will help ease the volume of devices that need setting up during the first week of school.

Please note the following timetable:

Parents can choose to attend during the advertised hours and wait for their device to be set up, or to drop off the iPads and collect later. If you would like to drop off and come back, please fill out the form below and bring it with you on the day. This will help us ensure that the correct iPad is going back to the rightful owner. These forms will also be available in the resource centre at the time of drop off.

Please ensure that all iPads have the following settings enabled when you bring them in:

1. The passcode is turned OFF or no passcode set
2. Bluetooth is turned ON
3. Airdrop is set to EVERYONE

Note:

1. This set up process is NOT required for devices that have been used previously on the school network.
2. Families who are accessing iPads through the hire scheme will have their devices set up and ready to collect on the first day of school.
3. Families who are not able to attend one of the above set up times will have their iPads set up in the first week of school.

Apple Education Evening

Gumdale Families are invited to attend an Apple Education Session from 4:00pm - 7:00pm on Tuesday 21 January 2020. Parents who wish to purchase iPads at the session will have access to exclusive assistance with device set up.

In addition, the following sessions are open to all GSS families:

• 4.30pm - 5.30pm // Kids session: make your own emoji
• 5.30pm - 6.30pm // Kids session: make your own emoji
• 5.30pm - 6.45pm // Family sharing + screen time. Topics will include Family Sharing, Screen Time and parental controls to encourage online safety and to help parents manage what their children see and do with their device.

Please RSVP by 17 December by clicking at the link below:

Code Camp

Since 2013, more than 80,000 kids have had the most fun and excitement during their school holidays at Code Camp. Kids design, code, problem solve and become storytellers, as they move from being consumers to creators of technology.

In just two to four days, kids can build their very own game or website accessible via the Code Camp Community App, available on the App Store and Google Play. There are six levels to choose from, each more fun and challenging than the last! Start with drag & drop and progress right through to JavaScript, HTML and CSS - the skills of the future!

Click here for more information about Code Camp at Gumdale from 16-18 December.

Prep Transitions Program

Transitions at Gumdale State School 2019

Gumdale State School values successful partnerships with our local kindergartens and aims to provide support to students moving into the school setting in their year of pre-prep.

At Gumdale, we have a ‘Transitions Team’, made up of administration and teaching staff, who collaborate and network with local centres (as well as centres from outside the area) to best support children in their transition to school.

Supporting Children

In 2019, Kindergarten children have been supported in the transitions process by:

• Participating in activities onsite.
• Engaging in activities within centres, led by a Gumdale Transitions Teacher.
• Coming along to Under 8’s Day at G.S.S.
• Participating in Outdoor Play Day onsite at Gumdale.
• Being read our G.S.S. ‘All About Prep’ book.
• Being issued with a ‘My new school book’.

Through participation in the above activities, our Transitions Team hopes that children will begin Prep in 2020 with a sense of familiarity and confidence within their new environment.

Supporting Families

Our Transitions Team also aims to support families by providing:

• Information evenings.
• Emails out with links to helpful information.
• A Prep Orientation pack.

On Wednesday, the 20 November, children attending Prep at Gumdale in 2020 participated in our Orientation Day. The Prep teachers, as well as the incoming Prep children, reported that this event was a huge success!

We look forward to welcoming our incoming Preps in 2020. Always our Best!

Kristin Doherty, Transitions Teacher
kdohe32@eq.edu.au

Photos from Prep Orientation

Sports News

2019/2020 Camps

The camps for 2019 and 2020 are as follows:

Staff v Students Touch Football

More action on the Paul Green Oval last Friday, with boys and girls touch teams taking on the staff in a lunchtime game. Staff are basking in the glory of their 6-5 victory over the students, but there were many aching bodies following. Great sportsmanship was demonstrated on both sides.

2020 Sailing

In 2020, Gumdale State School will continue to grow its relationship with the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. Please find below some important Term 1 dates:

Swim Squad – 2020

The Year 3-6 swim squad will continue in 2020 with a registration email to be sent home to current Year 2-5 families on Monday 9 December. The Term 1 program will commence on Thursday 6 February 2020. This program is limited to the first 34 to register. Any queries about the program please email jpdoh0@eq.edu.au

The recent swimming lessons

Keep moving!

Music Notes

Upcoming Events

We are delighted to open more places for piano tuition in 2020. The piano tuition program was introduced this year for students to take piano lessons during the school day and we are pleased with the progress the students have made. There will be a short information session for families of continuing, new and interested students. You are welcome to come along to find out more information about the program next Tuesday 3 December at 3:15pm in the Music Room.

Choir

Vocal Pop-Up Concerts

Vocal Pop-Up Concerts will be returning to lunchtimes in next week in the music room, everyone is welcome to attend to enjoy the performances.

Gumtrees Choir Performance at Lota House

Please save the date for a special choir performance at the EM Tooth Memorial Home, Lota House Aged Care Facility next week:

Instrumental Music

Xylophone Group Assembly Performance

What a wonderful performance by our Xylophone Group at last week’s Assembly. We were all impressed by your musicianship and performance etiquette. Thank you for always giving your best! New members are welcome to join this ensemble in 2020, please stay tuned for more information in the coming year.

Last Post Trumpet Auditions for ANZAC Day 2020

Any students wishing to perform the ‘Last Post’ at our school ANZAC Day ceremony in 2020 will need to audition later this term. You will need to play ‘Last Post’ for the audition. Auditions will be held in Week 8, please see Mrs Thomas to arrange a time.

Link to music at the link below:

From the Music Department,

Community Support

Gumdale Gives

A huge thank you to all our families who gave generously to the GIVIT Toy Collection and the Micah Food Hamper Appeal this year.

GIVIT attended our assembly on Monday to collect the toys and will now distribute them to Child Safety Centres across Queensland to give to children living in care for Christmas. Micah collected our food donations throughout the week and are now getting organised to begin packing them into food hampers to be delivered to those in need throughout Brisbane for Christmas.

Once again we have been overwhelmed by the donations we received for both our MICAH Projects and GIVIT collections. We are so lucky that we have such a caring community who are in a position to support these worthy causes.

Thank you for giving.

For more information on GIVIT and MICAH Projects, visit their websites here:

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

As the year draws to a close, the P&C would like to take this opportunity to thank the Gumdale community for their support. It has been a successful year in terms of events, fundraising and the launch of GOSHC. Without community support none of this would be possible.

Although there are no further events for this year, details for the 2020 Tea and Tissues for our new Prep parents will be shared in the next newsletter.

School Disco

We would like to thank all our wonderful volunteers who made the term 4 disco a success. Students love this time with their friends and without volunteers it would not be possible to host this fun event.

This event raised $4,705.63, an amazing effort. Thank you again to our volunteers and the community for their support.

Volunteering at Gumdale State School

Volunteering is a great way to get involved in our school. If you would 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 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

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

GOSHC

We have welcomed three new educators to our GOSHC team. Aaron has had some experience in OSHC, and he loved it so much that he wants to work more in the industry. Rhiannon has joined us from Bulimba OSHC. They are both great assets to our team. Bec has moved all the way from Adelaide to be our Education Leader. Her seven years of OSHC experience will benefit our service greatly. We are excited for the children to get to know them and show them the quality of Gumdale OSHC.

Vacation Care

Vacation Care is just around the corner! Make sure you book in now, as it is filling up quickly. We have so many fun activities and days out planned. Many of the kids’ suggestions have been put into planning this Vacation Care program.

Booking is made easy, thanks to the MyFamily Lounge app. If you need help, please bring your phone in to the service, with MyFamily Lounge downloaded and we will be happy to help you.

Enrolments

Enrolling for GOSHC in 2020 is easy, with our online enrolment system QK Enrol. All information is via the Gumdale State School website here. We have plenty of positions available for new and existing families.

If you are an existing family please make sure you update your details, if needed, via QK Enrol for 2020. If you do update your details, please print out and sign an updated enrolment form and bring it into the service.

Booking for 2020 will look at little different. Instead of creating a booking request through QK Enrol for permanent bookings, please send us an email. All casual bookings will still be made through the MyFamily Lounge App and you will be able to book one term at a time. Each term will open one week prior to starting.

A reminder that all enrolments must be made from a desktop browser only. To assist you with this process, please view the FAQ here:

Gumtree Eatery

Christmas Special

White Chocolate Christmas Tree ice cream is available for $3.00 via Flexischools or over the counter (Year 1-6 only) until sold out! Limited stock available so get in quick.

We are looking for new volunteers to help us out in Tuckshop. We can only operate this busy Tuckshop and keep prices low with your help, otherwise it would not be possible. On a daily basis we need one volunteer then at the end of the week we need at least three. At the moment we are struggling on a Friday. There are many ways you can help: washing the dishes, folding pizza boxes, filling the drinks fridge or sticking labels on bags. All these jobs can be done in one hour! Many hands make light work.

Carol and Helen
Gumtree Eatery Tuckshop Convenors

Uniform Shop News

Prep Packs

Prep Packs can only be ordered through Flexischools, order forms will not be taken over the counter until January 2020. GSS Prep Hats which include your ‘House’ name and colour will be allocated at the time of collection. To order online, visit at the link below and register under Prep 2020. All pre-orders are available for collection on normal trading days (from the Uniform Shop) or during the extended Trading Hours (from the old Uniform Shop downstairs opposite the Tuckshop).

2020 Senior Shirts

Round 2 of Senior Shirt orders are now open on Flexischools. Sample sizes are available to try on. Orders close 4:00pm on 7 February 2020 with expected delivery date late March 2020. Round 1 orders are expected in Week 10, Term 4 2019.

Swimwear

Swimwear is a custom order and as such, the Uniform Shop does not keep a supply of stock, only sample sizes to try on. Current pre-orders are due Week 1, Term 1 2020. Next pre-order will open on Flexischools early 2020.

Formal Shorts Size 12

Size 12 Formal Shorts are currently out of stock and the new supply will not arrive until March 2020. Please contact the Uniform Shop for alternative options.

Clearance Items

Old Style Surf Hats are still available for the discounted price of $5.00. Stock remaining is the red Prep hat in Stradbroke house and 61cm Blue Fraser hat. These can be purchased on Flexischools or during our normal trading hours.

We still have a large number of Scags Formal shorts in sizes 4 and 10 and will continue to sell these at the discounted price of $5.00 until stock numbers become lower.

Volunteers Needed

To help make uniform shopping easier over the school holidays, the Gumdale State School Uniform Shop will be extending its trading hours during January 2020. A team of volunteers will be needed to assist with sizing, packing orders and sales. If you are able to spare an hour or two to assist please sign up to your preferred day and time here.

Extended Trading Hours

January Flexischools Orders

All Flexischools orders made over the holidays can be picked up from the old Uniform Shop, opposite the Tuckshop on 16 and 20 January 2020. All orders not picked up during this time will be delivered to students’ classrooms on 28 January 2020.

If you have any questions regarding swimwear, Senior Shirts or clearance items please email the Uniform Shop on the details below. It is a busy time for our volunteers with back to school stock arriving plus organisation of Prep Packs, so the best form of communication is via email.

Michelle Moffatt
Volunteer Uniform Shop Manager

Community Notices

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