13 December 2019

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

It’s hard to believe we’re at the end of 2019 and what a year it has been. Congratulations to all our students on a productive year - we have seen many gains made in key academic areas and have had plenty of achievements on the sporting field, in STEM and in the Arts. My thanks goes out to all staff and our parent community who partner together to help our students thrive.

I would also like to acknowledge our community members who work with us to make our school what it is – the P&C, our Business Network Sponsors and our School Council. Our continued success is possible with your partnership.

Staff News

Ms Louise Hart has been permanently appointed as Deputy Principal at Gumdale State School beginning in 2020. We look forward to welcoming Louise to our community.

The end of 2019 sees a number of staff leaving us as their contracts finish, they take maternity leave or they move on to new opportunities. We would like to acknowledge each one of them for their contribution to Gumdale State School throughout their time here. Thank you to Mrs Shelley Coates (Year 4), Mrs Lauren Dapkewitch (Prep), Ms Jane Lee (Welfare Officer) and Mrs Vivienne Thomas (Instrumental Music).

Finally, I would like to thank Mrs Amanda Zoppi who has been a fantastic addition to the admin team acting as Deputy Principal for Prep and Year 1 during Term 4. We look forward to welcoming back Ms Daphne Gillies to this role in Term 1.

I wish all our Gumdale families and community a safe and relaxing holiday. I look forward to working with you all again in 2020.

Always our Best,

Phil Savill, Principal
Gumdale State School

What’s Coming Up

Always our Best

School Watch

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.

News from the Payment Desk

In an attempt to reduce paperwork for parents and staff, GSS will be trialling a new process from Term 1, 2020 to alleviate invoicing students per excursion. Early in the Term you will receive one invoice per student, per year level, for the entire term. Payments can be made in instalments with full payment due by Week 5 of the term.

In the event that your child elects to participate in an individual non-curricular activity you may be invoiced separately. We appreciate your patience during this transition period and apologies in advance should any unforeseen issues arise.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Current Excursion Invoices

Early Moves

As was communicated recently, in 2020 our before school procedures are changing. 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. From 8:30am, students may report to Hollis Hall where they will be supervised before proceeding to their classrooms.

With that in mind, we have recently sent out a list of before school options available to families with students in Years 1-6 in 2020. These externally provided and school-based programs have been available this year with the addition of a new school-run program in 2020 called Early Moves.

For more information on Early Moves and to register your interest, please click here.

From the Deputies

Reporting

Student results were reported to parents via a report card emailed on Wednesday 11 December. If you have not received this, please notify Mrs Marissa Bowen of updates to parent email addresses on mbowe79@eq.edu.au.

Graduation

Congratulations to our Graduating class of 2019! It was a wonderful evening celebrating the many achievements of our Year 6 students. Parents and guests were treated to a dance performance before speeches were given by our outgoing student captains. Several awards for high achievement were presented by our sponsors and then students walked the stage to receive certificates. Afterwards, the students sang a farewell song before celebrating with their families and friends. Thanks goes out to the Year 6 staff and other support staff who made the evening an unforgettable one for our students.

2020 Senior Leaders

Earlier this week, we announced the student leaders for 2020. We would like to take this opportunity to publicly acknowledge and congratulate them:

School Captains

Zoey A, Jordan D, Jack G, Theodore J, Katie M and Stella M.

House Captains

Bribie: Angelique A and Jack D.
Fraser: Teya C and Hunter C.
Moreton: Charli Moffatt and Max V.
Stradbroke: Millie C and Becky R.

Cultural Captains

Alyssa F, Isabella S, Jameson C (Band) and Kami R (Choir)

STEM Captains

Megan B and Hugo H.

Principal’s Morning Tea

Dozens of hardworking students were presented with certificates this week at the Semester 2 Principal’s Morning Tea. Students achieved an A in both English and Maths. Way to go everyone and keep up the great work!

Gumdale in History

We would like to share with you a message we received last week from a parent of a Year 6 student, reflecting on her family’s connection to Gumdale SS.

School Council

The final School Council meeting for 2019 took place on Friday 15 November at the RQYS. The members of the council were presented with the outcomes of each working party's strategic plan.

Student Engagement - From communication with students and their parents, members of the student council are enjoying making suggestions, having a voice with school matters and partaking in leadership roles. Technology at Gumdale has developed with the purchase of the Sphero robots, coding and robotic clubs and new online teaching and learning platforms. In 2020, GSS will rollout iPad classes for all students in Years 2-6. Opportunities have existed for older students to engage with STEM professionals, interschool sports, signature programs and voluntary lunchtime roles such as Library Monitors, Game Rangers and Coding Mentors.

Community Partnerships - The success of Gumdale’s school based physical education, community-sporting and Signature programs has been reinforced through the 2019 School Opinion Survey. Gumdale’s educational links including Kindergartens, State High Schools and school camp providers will continue to be refined in the future. Community Business networks and sponsorships will continue offering opportunities for participation and involvement in sponsorship of school programs and events. The Community Support Program, student volunteering and parent information sessions will continue to be further developed.

HR Recruitment & Development - Gumdale continues to develop new program roles and leadership programs for staff enhancement. The School Council will continue to recognise valuable staff contribution and school staffing will continue to meet key priorities through ongoing, tailored professional development opportunities and active recruitment. This term the Council acknowledged Julie Pascoe for 19 years of dedication to the school in her role as Teacher Aide.

Following on from the working party reviews, Mr Savill presented his Principal's report which included the generous contribution of $30 000 received from the P&C. The school continues to excel at NAPLAN and the School Opinion Survey provided positive feedback from all stakeholders. The Principal requested and received council endorsement to apply for continued funding of our School Community Support Worker. Mr Savill acknowledged the genuine impact of the GSS Community Support Program on our broader community in supporting students and families.

At this stage, 2020 will be another big year with current enrolments of over 1 000 students at Gumdale. In accommodating this growth, a change in the before school arrangements will see students who are at school prior to 8:30am enrolled in a registered school program or attending GOSHC.

P&C President, Shaunesy Pegg, updated the council with the success of GOSHC. She reported that student numbers had increased and that the service has received positive feedback from the Education Standards Board. GOSHC, recently accredited as ‘Sunsmart,’ has planned exciting vacation care programs for the holiday break. The Council congratulated the P&C on their recent successes since taking on the running of the service. Ms Pegg also gave an update on the financial strength of the P&C and thanked the school administration for their ongoing support.

Council Chairman, Janet McBeth, updated the Council on the activities of the students including recent academic, public speaking and sporting achievements. These achievements included the Maths Masterminds Competition, Rotary Public Speaking Competition, Queensland Youth Sailing Championships, Queensland All Schools Championships and Sports Aerobics team performances this term. Ms McBeth informed the council of the resignation of Ian Walkley, foundation member of the School Council. The Council acknowledged Ian’s input and contribution during his service. Ms McBeth also acknowledged the valuable work of the P&C and the generosity of the school community through annual support of the GIVIT program.

The Council would like to wish the school community a happy and safe festive season.

Digital Tech News

iPad Classes 2020

Next year will see Gumdale expand the BYO iPad program to all classes in Year 2 to 6. Any new or existing families seeking information about the iPad program can access parent handbooks, documents, help guides, iPad specifications and the 2020 App Lists from the school website on the front page iPads @ Gumdale. We also have a direct link to JB Hi-Fi Portal (use the code GSS2020) and the Apple Store for your convenience.

Those students who were in an iPad class this year, please take the time on the holidays to delete any old or unused apps, install the new apps for 2020, clean out the camera roll by deleting any photos not needed, back up the device and install any new iOS updates. We also advise students to create a home folder and school folder in their camera roll. Please sort all personal photos into the home folder.

We also advise all iPad students to set their password to 1111 upon their return to school. The IT specialist will be setting up the school’s Wi-Fi profile on your child’s device in Term 1 and requires quick and easy access to the device.

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:

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 here:

STEAM News

Waste Free Wednesday

2019 has seen the introduction of Waste Free Wednesday with students and families doing a wonderful job! 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 5L. Keep up the great work!

Kitchen Garden Club

Our annual Kitchen Garden Harvest Afternoon Tea was a great success and an opportunity for students, staff, parents and community volunteers and contributors to come together and enjoy the fruits of our labour.

We want to say thank you to all who have contributed time, supplies and funds.

Parent volunteers Michelle Boutin, Sabine Clark, Pat Hammond, Amanda Sobey, Nadja Dorst and Nikki Meyers. Community groups Bromeliad Society of Queensland, Mr Hammond and Brisbane Bayside State College, David Gilmore and the Wynnum Manly Men's Shed, Mena Stoke, Kathy Clout and Wallum Nurseries Gumdale.

On the menu: kale chips, lemongrass iced drink, spinach pie, vegetable fritters, fresh harvest salad, green tomato chutney, spinach and kale pesto, pickled kale and spinach stems, herbed focaccia, chocolate cake (includes veggies) and melon and mint ice blocks.

Thank you for a wonderful year!

Wishing all a safe and happy holiday!

Sports News

Signature Programs

2019 was a great year in Signature Programs and our students were able to increase their skill in their chosen area. We look forward to continuing these programs in Semester 2, 2020.

Year 4 Camp

Our year 4 cohort enjoyed a great 3 days at the Sunshine Coast Recreation Centre in Currimundi this week. They took on challenges and activities including surfing, fencing, kayaking, catapult building and much more.

2019/2020 Camps

The camps for 2020 are as follows:

Junior Swimming Carnival

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:

Keep moving!

Music Notes

Check out the highlights from 2019!

Goodbye

We are saddened to farewell Mrs Vivienne Thomas from our Music Department at the end of the year. From all the staff, students and families, we thank you Mrs Thomas for your valuable contribution our Instrumental Music Program over the years and we wish you all the very best in your future endeavours. We hope that you have treasured your time at Gumdale and we wish you more happy musical memories with your new students.

Choir

Vocal Pop-Up Concerts

Vocal Pop-Up Concerts were held last week in the Music Room. Thanks to all the singers for their entertaining performances and the audiences who came along with their best manners.

Gumtrees Choir Performance at Lota House

Our wonderful Year 5 & 6 students in the Gumtrees choir brought Christmas cheer and the joy of singing to the residents at Lota House last week. The students performed a short concert then joined the residents to share in the singing of Christmas carols.

Instrumental Music

Primary SHEP (State Honours Ensemble Program)

Congratulations to those Gumdale SS students selected to represent our school at the annual SHEP (Primary) weekend at the Griffith Queensland Conservatorium of Music. Four Gumdale State School Students were selected:

Ho H: Trumpet
Katie M: Vocal Treble
Matthew S: Clarinet
Cristiean B: Trombone

These student spent last weekend at the Griffith Conservatorium of Music, Southbank rehearsing with world class conductors and some of the best Primary aged musicians in Brisbane schools. A huge day of preparation was followed by some exceptional performances in the sold-out concerts on the Sunday 1 Dec. Well done to our fine young musicians!

Farewell From Mrs Thomas

Thank you to all of the students and families of students I have taught over my wonderful four years at Gumdale State School. I wish you all a future that includes music, and hope to see many of you at musical events in the future!

From the Music Department,

Community Support

Back to School Tips

As we wind down and celebrate the achievements our children have made over the year, we may also become aware that some may already be thinking and worrying about the transition to a new classroom and teacher in 2020. Below are some good tips on how to ease back to school jitters.

Be aware of school-related stress

It’s important to be aware of kids’ worries and know how to respond. Parents and caregivers play a critical role in helping children understand, manage, and overcome these worries. First, make sure your child knows it’s normal to be nervous.

Ask why your child is scared or nervous — it’s important to listen and show empathy. Younger children commonly worry about friends: Will they know anyone? Will they have anyone to play with or eat lunch with? To reduce anxiety, consider helping your child get to know classmates with a play date at the park or a group shopping trip for school supplies before school starts.

Also, be mindful of your own emotions: Parental stress can be picked up by your child so stay calm, watch that you don’t express your own nervousness, and show confidence.

Solve problems and plan

Children often seek reassurance that nothing bad will happen. Encourage your child to think of solutions for potential issues. When they are part of the solution, children feel empowered. Role-playing can also boost a child’s confidence.

Highlight the positive

Talking about past positive school experiences can brighten your child’s attitude. Discuss your child’s strengths and talents. Go shopping together for school supplies and let your child select some items to purchase. When children feel included, they are more likely to embrace changes, such as the start of the new school year.

Get into a routine

A regular routine can ease anxiety and make the transition smoother. Start with going to bed early and getting up at the time they will need to for school.

If it’s a new school, take a tour. Visit the classroom and point out the locations of key facilities, such as bathrooms, the tuck shop, and administrative offices. Let the teacher know if your child is very anxious. Many schools have systems in place, such as assigned peer buddies, to help your child’s transition.

Have a first-week plan: Praise, reassure, and support resilience

Organise everything together the night before school begins to cut down on first-day jitters.

Younger children may feel comforted by bringing a special object to school that reminds them of home. For older children, a reassuring note in a lunchbox can help them feel better. This is also a time to teach mindfulness — being more aware of the present moment. Mindfulness can quiet a busy mind and ease anxiety.

After the first day or week, praise and reward your child for being resilient and brave during a significant transition. This is an opportunity to learn and practice resilience, making kids more adaptable to change and better equipped to handle adverse experiences. As a reward, you can offer treats, such as special pencils or school supplies, an outing, or a favourite meal.

For more tips and information on dealing with back to school worry, visit:

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

Caption: Click here for information about our Community Business Network

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

We would like to invite all parents and carers who are new to GSS to attend our Tea and Tissues event on the first day of school next year. It’s a chance to meet other new families and also admin staff and P&C members.

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

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

We would like to take this opportunity to say a HUGE thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who have given up their time to help us here in the Gumtree Eatery in 2019! Without you all, it would not be possible to run this busy tuckshop so thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

We would also like to say thank you to Shaunesy and the P&C for supporting us here in the Eatery and giving their valuable time to make sure everything is running smoothly, they too are volunteers and we appreciate all that you do.

Please note: Flexischools cut off times for 2020 will be 8:00am Monday - Friday with the late lunch option open until 10:30am.

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and we look forward to many more exciting things here in 2020!

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 the below website 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

Senior Shirts were delivered to classrooms on Thursday this week. If your child has already finished for the year, you can collect from the Uniform Shop during extended trading hours or in 2020.

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.

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

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