7 February 2020

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

It’s been a positive and productive start to the school year and I would like to extend a warm welcome all new and returning families to Gumdale. Congratulations to students for arriving at school every day ready to learn. Children achieve more when they go to school all day, every school day. We thank parents for their support in not keeping their children away from school unnecessarily. At Gumdale we have high expectations of students and we will continue to focus on Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation and Numeracy.

Our Year 3-6 students should be commended for giving their absolute best at this week’s Senior Swimming Carnival at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre. I would like to thank all staff and our parent volunteers who helped the event run smoothly. A special thanks to James Doherty for his efforts in preparing and running such a big event.

We are beginning to roll out numerous programs around the school over the next week, including the start of many of our extra-curricular activities. More information can be found in the Deputies’ messages.

Finally, I invite parents to attend our Leadership Induction Ceremony on Monday 10 February from 2:00pm in Hollis Hall when our new school leaders will be recognised.

Always our Best,

Phil Savill, Principal
Gumdale State School

2020 Term Dates

What’s Coming Up

Always our Best

Reminders from the School

Student Attendance

All children must be present in their classroom for roll marking at 8:50am. Teachers will mark the roll and close it. Any child not in the classroom will be marked as absent. Children who arrive after the roll has closed will be required to go to the office to collect a LATE SLIP for presentation to their teacher.

Office staff will check and clear the Absence Line before 9:45am and a DAILY UNEXPLAINED ABSENCE report will be run. A generic SMS message will be sent to parents advising of their child’s absence and requesting an explanation.

Phone the Student Absence Line before 9:30am to inform of any/all occasions your child will be away from school. This is a 24hr recorded service, you can call it anytime. The STUDENT ABSENCE LINE number is 3902 8399; we suggest you store this number in your phone. Alternatively you can email absence details to admin@gumdaless.eq.edu.au or registered parents can utilise the QParents App. If you receive an SMS message, call the Student Absence Line to explain the absence OR if you believe your child should be at school contact the school office immediately to notify us.

Early Departures

From time to time, you may need to collect your child early from school. This may be in the case of illness, attending an appointment or family emergency. In all cases students must be signed out through the administration office.

Once you have signed your child out, administration staff will issue you with an early departure slip. This must be presented to the classroom teacher before your child can be released into your care (or that of the collecting adult).

Legally the school can only release your child into the care of an adult who is listed on the student’s personal details record as a guardian or emergency contact. Administration staff are able to check these details and verify the identity of the person collecting the child. In the event that a person comes to collect your child and their details are not recorded, administration staff will contact you to seek your instruction.

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

School Banking

Our School Banking program has now begun. Yellow banking books are to be returned to classrooms on Fridays. Banking application kits are available from the front office. We are also in need of volunteers to help with school banking on Friday mornings from 9:00am in the school staff room. If you are able to help please come to the front office or email info@gumdaless.eq.edu.au

Parent Handbook

The Parent Handbook is a wealth of information on our school and can be downloaded here.

News from the Payment Desk

Bulk Invoices

A reminder that this year we have implemented the bulk invoice system for incursions and excursions. This term, payments are due on Friday 21 February. Any extra-curricular activities which incur a cost will be invoiced separately. Please contact the front office on 3902 8333 with any queries.

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.

From the Deputies

How wonderful it has been to welcome our students at the beginning of 2020. There has been great excitement with new books, groups and classrooms.

The Deputy Principals have been visiting classrooms and have been delighted by the way our students are settling into learning and showing their GROW values.

This term all classes have a focus on the “G” in GROW (G stands for Great Learners). Teachers are working with students to establish efficient routines and processes so that we can maximize opportunities for learning. Teachers are also building students’ skills in getting on positively with each other.

Class Newsletters

These first few weeks are also an opportunity for parents and carers to get to know their child’s class teacher. On our website here you can find class newsletters with information relevant to each year level for Term 1. Click in the folder called 'Class Newsletters'.

We hope that many of you were able to attend the Classroom Information Nights. Thank you to our dedicated teachers for making this opportunity possible.

Before School Procedures

The new before school routine has been well supported with the majority of students adhering to our expectation of not arriving at school before 8:30am unless they are registered in a program. A reminder that Prep students are to be taken directly to classrooms for 8:45am. We have over 200 students in Year 1-6 registered and attending Early Moves (more information here) and it’s great to see them getting active before school.

Extra-Curricular Activities

A wide range of additional extra-curricular activities are on offer before, during and after school. With a large number of opportunities available, parents will need to carefully consider selection and timetabling of extra-curricular activities.

A list of school clubs can be viewed here:

Food Allergies and Nut Minimalization

Please be aware that we have a number of students attending our school who are at risk of anaphylaxis if exposed to nuts or other foods. As a community we work together to ensure we have the safest possible environment for all our students. Therefore we ask that you do not send nuts or nut products in your child’s lunchbox. This does not include products that are labelled as “May contain traces of nuts”. Additionally, our staff actively discourage students from sharing food with their peers during eating breaks. Please note:

• If you are sending in food for a student’s birthday celebration, please advise our staff of the ingredients or provide the original packaging.
• We encourage parents and carers of students at risk of anaphylaxis or with food intolerances to discuss their child’s individual needs with the class teacher.
• Kindly ensure that you update your child’s school record if there are any changes such as a new diagnosis or change in action plan). This can be done at the front desk.

We thank you for your cooperation.

We hope you enjoy some photos of the first day of school.

Back to School

STEAM News

Kitchen Garden Club Volunteers Wanted

As you stroll through Gumdale school grounds you may have noticed our Kitchen Gardens are continuing to expand and now encompass over 25 square metres of edible gardens, numerous composting stations and worm farms and 2 native stingless beehives. To continue growing this club for our students we are seeking parent, family and community volunteers. If you enjoy gardening, cooking or any art/craft that is kitchen or garden based we would love to hear from you. You can come along on Wednesday mornings at 7:45am – come once or every week! You may wish to host an activity for the students (we will support you and provide all materials and equipment).

Please contact Amanda Sheppard on axshe7@eq.edu.au with any questions and to register your interest.

A big THANK YOU to GOSHC for tending to the gardens and worms over the summer break! We look forward to working with you in the gardens in 2020.

Sustainability @ Gumdale

Our journey at Gumdale State School over the last few years to improve our waste habits has resulted in a considerable reduction in student landfill waste. We now offer Organics, Recycling and Rubbish bins in all eating areas and encourage all students and families to aim for a Waste Free Lunch. Students are educated with a variety of workshops and presentations throughout the year on how to REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE and RETHINK their habits. Thank you to all students, staff and families on your amazing work so far!

Junior Engineers Term 1 Scholarship

Junior Engineers are offering one student a scholarship to their Term 1 program. Students in years 2-6 can apply by emailing or writing 25 words or less on the topic: ‘Why you would like to attend Junior Engineers’. Be sure to talk to your parents first. Closing date for entries has been extended to Monday 10 February 3:00pm.

Digital Tech News

Thank you to the iPad families for a wonderful start to 2020! Students have turned up on the first day with all their equipment and iPads set up ready to go.

Technical Support

If at any time your child is experiencing a technical issue with their iPad, please do not bring the device to the front office. Instead, please have your child bring the device to the ICT support team in the Resource Centre.

Required Apps

If you haven’t already, please download the required apps as per your child’s year level. These apps can change each year so please check iPads are up to date. You can access copies via the school website using the link here:

Tips to help maintain your child’s iPad

General Tips

• Students should have a selfie as their lock screen wallpaper.
• Passcodes set to 1111 for Term 1. This is to ensure a quick and easy process for setting up iPads.
• In Screen Time, do not place any time limits or restrictions on school-based apps including Safari and Google. Students may not be able to complete their schoolwork if these limitations are put on.
• In Settings, ensure Pages, Keynote, iMovie, Numbers and Photos have been selected to store documents ‘On My iPad’ rather than iCloud storage. Students cannot access iCloud at school and may be unable to retrieve their schoolwork when required.
• Settings > Scroll down to app > Click on app (Pages, Keynote, iMovie, Numbers, Photos) > Select ‘Document Storage’ > Select ‘On My iPad’ > Repeat this process for all apps listed above.
• Remind children that iPads are learning tools and not toys for games.
• Minimise home gaming apps on the device. All home games must be put into a separate folder titled Home Games and must not be accessed at school. You may wish to set time limits and restrictions on these apps using Screen Time.

Each day

• Charge the iPad everyday and keyboards as required.
• Please turn the iPad off when coming to school. Students will turn it on once they arrive in the classroom and the iPad will automatically connect to the school network allowing access to online platforms.
• iMessage and FaceTime is to be disabled and must stay OFF. Messages from parents must go through the School Office.

Each week

• Clear app history once a week (double click home button and swipe pages out – towards top of screen).
• Clear web browser once a week (> Open safari app > top right corner is a double square icon > press and hold for one second > choose close all tabs.)

Each term

• At the end of each term, make sure photos and videos are uploaded to a PC and deleted from the iPad when not required anymore.

Digital Levy

We kindly request that the Year 2 - 6 Digital Levy payment of $35 is paid ASAP. This will ensure your child has access to Mathletics, Spelling City, Typing Tournment, Click View and Soundwaves. Access to these subscriptions will commence once payment has been received. Please note that you must download the free apps for Mathletics and Spelling City as per the App Lists. This allows your child to access the program once payment has been received.

If you have any questions regarding the iPad program, please email our Digital Technology Coaches on the details below.

Sports News

Senior School Swimming Carnival proudly sponsored by Todd Gerhardt Realty

Congratulations to all participants in the 2020 Todd Gerhardt Realty Gumdale State School Senior Swimming Carnival. It was fantastic to see such a high level of participation and I’m sure all involved enjoyed the experience. A big thank you to all staff and parents who assisted during the day. It is greatly appreciated! We were also lucky enough to have former 50m Breaststroke world record holder, World Championship Gold medallist and Commonwealth Games Silver medallist Jade Edminstone along with former Butterfly World Champion, Commonwealth Games medallist and double Olympic Gold medallist Jessicah Schipper to present awards and to talk to the students. Thanks very much Jade and Jess for your generosity in giving up your time.

Thanks also to our Age Champion perpetual trophy sponsors and our event sponsor Todd Gerhardt Realty.

Congratulations to the following students who are the 2020 Age Champions:

Congratulations also to our record breakers at the carnival on Tuesday. A great achievement. These students will be presented with a record certificate at Assembly on Monday 24 February. Our 2020 record breakers are:

Well done to Bribie House on winning the Interhouse Swimming Carnival Shield.

2020 Camps

The camps for 2020 are as follows:

Bayside District Trials

Please refer to the Schoolzine email sent this week if you are interested in nominating your child for a Bayside District trial in their chosen sport (10-12 years only). These trials do require a strict criteria to be met, if you have any questions please let me know.

Sailing 2020

In Term 1, Year 6 students have the opportunity to participate in a ‘Tackers 3’ learn to sail program and a sailing regatta led by qualified instructors at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron (RQYS). Students will learn the basics of sailing, learning boat handling skills, and the essential background sailing theory that will allow them the freedom of sailing the small boats with guidance from the RQYS Instructors.

Sailing lessons will occur on the following days:

6L and 6R/6S– Wednesday 5, 12, 19, 26 February and 4, 11, 18 March and a regatta on 25 March
6D and 6V – Thursday 6, 13, 20, 27 February and 5, 12, 19 March and a regatta on 26 March

GSS Elite Sailing Team

In 2020 Gumdale State School will be continuing its elite sailing squad. This Year 4- 6 squad will complement our high quality sailing program and train and compete as a team throughout the year. The elite squad will comprise of two teams of 10 and students will be required to attend a fortnightly training session in preparation for the Queensland Youth Sailing Championships which take place in Yeppoon in the September holidays. Trials for the Elite Team will be conducted Tuesday – Friday next week.

Cross Country

The Gumdale State School Cross Country will be held on Friday 27 March. Participating in Park Runs is also an excellent way to prepare for the school cross country. Local park runs are available on a Saturday morning at 7:00am at Capalaba, Lota, Wynnum and Minnippi. These are a free 5km timed run. More information via the link below.

Sport Aerobics

The Sport Aerobics Competition Program will be offered to students from Years 2-6. Students will be placed into competition teams and are required to attend set training sessions throughout the week as well as competitions and performances throughout the year. To be selected into one of these teams students must attend auditions.

Auditions

This year auditions will run over two days for each age group. The first session will be learning the routine and the second session will be performing the routine for team selection. Students must attend both sessions for their age group to be considered for a team. Students will receive confirmation of their spot in the following week.

Please refer to table below as to when your child’s audition will be. Auditions will take place in Hollis Hall. Please note that these are CLOSED Auditions (closed to parents/spectators).

Training

Teams will train once a week, these will occur either during a lunchtime or before school. Once teams have been finalised a schedule will be sent out to students and parents. Students must attend training each week.

Please review the information that was emailed out to families in Year 2-6 and complete the audition form before Monday. If you have any questions, please email Lucy Goddard on ligod1@eq.edu.au

Keep moving!

Music Notes

A special welcome back to all our music students and families. 2020 marks another year of growth in the music program as we continue to build on our programs and lift the standard of Music at Gumdale; always giving our best. Our instrumental program expands to include three bands and our range of music ensembles, (commencing Week 3) will work towards excellence in their performances throughout the year. We are pleased to welcome two new instrumental teachers to our music team. Mr Angus Charlton joins us on Mondays and Mr John Cosic will be working on Tuesdays and Fridays.

To assist with any specific queries relating to year levels or music ensembles, please see our staff list below:

Music Meet and Mingle BBQ

We would like to invite your family to join our music team at the Meet and Mingle BBQ. If you have students participating in our music programs this year or you are interested in finding out more information about what’s on offer you are welcome to come along. Please save the date and stay tuned for more information.

Choir 2020

Choirs at Gumdale will commence next week (Week 3) for students in Years 2 – 6. Being part of a choir not only helps to develop singing and improve musicianship, but builds on performance skills, confidence, team work and relationships all while having great fun!

Please note that the Gumnuts Choir will only be offered to students in Year 2 this year. To support the students’ readiness and commitment to the choir program there will be an opportunity for interested Year 1 students to experience choir during Term 4. More information about this will become available later in the year.

More information and permissions have been sent out via email. NEW members as well as those continuing are welcome to sign up. Permissions are due by Wednesday 12 February.

General Music Levy

We have introduced a General Music Levy of $50 for all students participating in the Choir and Band Programs this year. This is a one off payment for students in both Choir and Band to assist with the purchase of new music, music folders and costs associated with performance events.

Choir Rehearsals

ALL choir rehearsals will be held in the Music Room, please take note of the changes to days and times this year. Looking forward to seeing you there!

Instrumental Music 2020

Bands in 2020

In 2020 Gumdale State School will have three bands; Junior Band with Mr Cosic (beginning students, commencing Term 2 on Fridays), Intermediate Band with Mr Charlton (students in second year of learning) and Senior Band with Mr Cosic (students in their third year of learning). Intermediate Band will commence on Monday 10 February and Senior Band will commence on Tuesday the 11 February. All rehearsals will run from 7:30 – 8:30am. It is essential that all students are ready to start on time. Students should arrive from 7:20am to allow time to set up.

Xylophone Group

Xylophone Group will be starting back in Week 3 for interested students in Years 3 and 4. This group has a weekly lunchtime rehearsal and will have performance opportunities throughout the year. If your child is interested in joining, they will need to come to the first meeting on Friday 14 February at 11:00am in the Music Room to collect their permission forms. Students are required to bring an A4 display folder for copies of their music.

From the Music Department,

Resource Centre

Scholastic Book Club

Great news! Gumdale SS is running out of plastic bags. This means when you place an order through Scholastic Book Club, we ask that you provide a reusable bag to the library with your child’s name and class clearly marked on it by the order closing date. Your child’s order will be sent home in your reusable bag. Current Book Club orders are due on Wednesday 12 February. Read more 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

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 Sponsor

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

Tea & Tissues

The P&C held its annual Tea & Tissues welcome morning tea for new parents on the first day of school. It was great to meet a few of the new families to GSS and share a bit about the P&C’s role.

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

Vacation Care

Vacation Care was a hit! We had so many fun activities, excursions and incursions. Every single day was jam packed!

We loved having the children’s input in creating our Vacation Care program and you could really tell that the children enjoyed themselves and what they planned. Here are some photos to show you just how much fun they had!

Making a Permanent Booking

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 into the service.

Booking permanently for 2020, 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.

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.

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

Seeking new Prep Parents & Grandparents!

Welcome back!

We are looking for new Prep parents & grandparents of families of GSS to join us here in Tuckshop. We have lots of easy jobs available, just an hour or so a week and if you stay for the morning we will even make you lunch and a cuppa. Please call in to see us if you or a family member would like to join us. The children love seeing their family here!

Sushi

Sushi Wednesday is back. If you would like to order sushi on a Wednesday please see Flexischools for our full menu. The cut-off is 9:00pm the night before (Tuesdays).

Reminders

• Flexischools cut-off is 8:00am every day.
• Please do not call the Tuckshop unless you are cancelling an order. Emails are only checked first thing in the morning then after 2:00pm.
• Preps are not permitted to purchase items over the counter - ordering is through Flexischools only.

Volunteering

If you would like to volunteer here in tuckshop signing up is quick and easy!

• Click on the required SignUp.com link below
• 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.

Please ‘like’ the Parents & Citizens Facebook page to keep up to date on Tuckshop news.

Carol and Helen
Gumtree Eatery Tuckshop Convenors

Uniform Shop News

A big thank you to our Gumdale mums and students who volunteered their time to assist us during our Back to School extended trading hours. We had large amounts of orders to pack and GSS families to assist with sizing and purchasing uniforms.

Ordering

Uniform requirements, price lists and how to order online are on the school website here. Order online with the convenience of Flexischools and have your order delivered to the classroom:

Our staff and volunteers deliver to the teachers’ pigeonholes on Monday and Thursday mornings to avoid disruption to classes. Teachers will collect and distribute to students.

Backorders

A small supply of everyday polo shirts in sizes 6, 8 and 10 are due this week. All backorders will be delivered to Teachers pigeonholes to avoid disruption to classes. More everyday polo shirts will arrive next week. We are still waiting on the shorts to arrive. Our supplier is working hard to get these to us as soon as possible.

2020 Senior Shirts

The second order of Senior Shirts are due by 4:00pm on Friday 7 February. The order will then be placed with our supplier and expected delivery is mid-March. All orders must be placed through Flexischools.

Swimwear

Gumdale swimwear is a custom order and is only available to pre-purchase through Flexischools. Next ordering will open on 17 March and close 4:00pm, 20 March. Expected delivery will be Week 3, Term 2.

Second Hand Uniforms

Thank you for your donations of used uniforms over the last couple of weeks. We still require uniforms in all sizes from 4 to 16. Donations can be left in the box located outside the Uniform Shop.

If you have any questions regarding uniforms, please email the Uniform Shop on the details below.

Michelle Moffatt
Uniform Shop Manager

Community Notices

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