6 March 2020

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

During my classroom visits each week, I’ve been observing great learning taking place across all year levels. Students are making good progress in their reading and writing. As I have said before, reading and its relationship to quality writing are some of the academic priorities at Gumdale. In the Deputies’ section of this newsletter, you can read some examples of this, and teachers continue to share this message in the classroom every day. As educators, we value your cooperation in ensuring your child attends school each day to give them every opportunity to do their best.

Thank you to the many parents who have taken an active role in their child’s schooling, coming along to various parent information sessions on offer. Attendance at our recent parent teacher interviews for Prep was very well attended, and I encourage parents in other year levels to take advantage of this opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher later this term.

Finally, I would like to praise our young swimmers who have reached new heights in representing Gumdale this year. The training they have done each week at Swim Squad has resulted in 29 school records being broken, 20 students qualifying for Bayside District trials and 10 students qualifying for Met East trials. Gumdale is proud to have finished in 10th place overall in the district group of both public and private primary and high schools. Additionally, Year 4 Gumdale student Harris B has qualified to swim at the upcoming State Carnival later this month. Congratulations and well done to each of our swimmers for showing tenacity and team spirit.

Always our Best,

Phil Savill, Principal
Gumdale State School

2020 Term Dates

What’s Coming Up

Always our Best

Reminders from the School

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

Over-the-counter medications

The Department recognises that all medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications, e.g. paracetamol or alternative medicines, may be drugs or poisons and may cause side effects. As such, schools are required to receive medical authorisation from a prescribing health practitioner (e.g. doctor, dentist, optometrist, but not a pharmacist) to administer any medication to students, including those bought over-the-counter.

More information can be found by downloading this document.

Blue Cards

To work or volunteer with children in Queensland schools, you need to have a blue card. People who need a blue card include:

• a person providing services to children
• a person conducting activities with children
• a person volunteering in the classroom or Tuckshop, including grandparents
• a person teaching religious instruction
• a teacher aide
• a cleaner or grounds person (including employees of the school and of other companies)
• a student doing a practical placement in a school

These people do not need a blue card to work at a school:

• a parent who is volunteering at their child’s school, including in the classroom or Tuckshop. Grandparents are NOT exempt and must hold a valid blue card.
• a teacher registered with the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT)
• a tradesperson who is doing maintenance work at a school

For more information, or to apply for a Blue Card, visit

News from the Payment Desk

Bulk Invoices are Now Due

A reminder that Bulk Invoice payments were due on Friday 21 February. Any extra-curricular activities which incur a cost will be invoiced separately. You can check your account by logging into QParents. 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.

Invoices Due

School Photos

Official school photos will be held on Monday and Tuesday (9-10 March 2020) in Hollis Hall. Students are required to wear their formal school uniform on both days, including black shoes and white socks.

Sibling photos will be taken in the Hall between 7:45 and 8:45am on both days. Photos need to be ordered online. An example slip can be viewed at the link below along with the Photo Timetable. If you have any questions regarding the process, the website or the packages, please contact Geoff directly at geoff@littleimages.com.au

From the Deputies

Prep Parent Conversations

Prep parents and carers were invited to meet with class teachers last Wednesday night. Conversations focused on each individual child’s wellbeing during the transition into school life. Teachers were also able to use this opportunity to share with parents and carers their observations of student progress.

Feedback from teachers after the event was very positive. Teachers commented on how this was a wonderful opportunity for home and school to come together to support each new student.

Parent Teacher Interviews for Year 1-6

With interviews being held on Wednesday 1 April, parents will have the opportunity to discuss with teachers the individual reading and writing goals for their child. This meeting also provides the opportunity to discuss the strategies students, parents and teachers can work on together to improve learning outcomes.

Teaches of students in Years 1-4 will hold parent teacher interviews in Hollis Hall. Year 5 and 6 teachers will be facilitating student-led conferences as an alternative to parent teacher interviews in classrooms. A student-led conference is a conference with parents led by the student. The role of the classroom teacher is a facilitator in the conference process. Students lead parents through a discussion of their work and established academic and social goals. Some of the benefits of student-led conferences are:

• Students assume greater control of their academic progress.
• Students accept personal responsibility for their academic performance.
• Students learn the process of self-evaluation.
• Students develop organizational and oral communication skills.

Year One

Year One have been very busy learning about one of the most practical types of texts – Procedural Texts (How To…).

Topics covered have been as diverse as How to tame a dragon and How to wash your hands. Should you have a year one at home, they will be able to help out by listing all the essential things you need to complete a simple task. They will then give you a clear set of directions (steps) so that you will know exactly what action to take.

Should you be looking for some recipes ideas, please refer to the following samples written by year ones. The first is recommended. The other, inspired Marcia K. Vaughan’s famous Australian picture book Wombat Stew, is only for the brave.

How to make Fairy Bread by 1B

What you need:

• Sprinkles
• Butter
• Bread

Steps:

1. Put some butter on your knife.
2. Spread your bread with butter.
3. Put some sprinkles on the bread.
4. Enjoy your fairy bread.

How to make Wombat Stew by 1TS

What you need:

• Chillies
• Really hot pepper
• Rotten banana
• 1 Dingo
• Large pot

What to do:

1. Sprinkle the chillies.
2. Throw in a really hot pepper.
3. Peel a rotten banana.
4. Throw in a clever dingo.
5. Enjoy your stew!

Focus on Writing

As students work on drafting their first English assessment task, it is wonderful to share some of their work.

The Twits

One morning evil Mr Twit went out to get some food to stuff in his greedy mouth giving Mrs Twit a chance to think up a horrible, nasty trick. Then, out of the blue, Mrs Twit got an idea. She hobbled quickly to the thorny rose bush and started picking all the thorns out. Mrs Twit just remembered that the silly, old Mr Twit bought donuts to have for dinner and lunch. She ran as fast as she could (which isn’t actually fast) with a bucket of thorns in her disgraceful, warty hand and snatch the donuts from the cupboard.

(Layla, Year 4)

The Monster

It was a starless night. The wind howled through the cold, silent air. Rain pelted down in bucket loads and hail smashed against the tin roofs. Lightning lit up the city and thunder growled at sweet, six year old Avamay who hid under her covers trying desperately to fall asleep. Avamay glanced at her watch. It was witching hour.

(Maddison, Year 5)

The Break In

The bright stars floated in the dark night sky. The moonlight shone through Nate’s bedroom window as three furry black bats flew past. He was fast asleep, curled up like a cat, hoping to get a good rest. Nate’s room was like his own universe.

Holiday Advertisement

Have you wanted to get away lately? If so, choose fresh and choose fun! Choose FREEDOM! The Outrigger is definitely the place for you and your hardworking family. There are outstanding huts, buffets to die for and activities that the whole family will enjoy. If you need a break, then choose The Outrigger!

(Chloe, Year 6)

NAPLAN Online

Parents of students in Years 3 and 5 are invited to attend a NAPLAN online parent information session on Wednesday 11 March at 6pm in the Resource Centre. Information on the online testing process will be shared and parents will have the opportunity to explore the testing platform.

Further information on NAPLAN on-line for parents/caregivers can be accessed at the ACARA website here.

Equestrian Program Congratulations

A big congratulations to the students who have been attending the Friendship Program and the Ready, Set, Trot program at Kurshonbrooke Lodge each Wednesday and Friday afternoon. The students’ behavior and teamwork have been outstanding. The students are enjoying their time learning how to interact safely with horses.

The school’s motto: Always our Best - is definitely being enacted each Wednesday and Friday. Congratulations to all, keep up the great work!

Cyber Safety

This week students and parents had the opportunity to participate in a Cyber Safety information session. Student sessions targeted the importance of password protection, staying safe online and responsible use of technology.

NAPLAN Review

Queensland is working with New South Wales, Victoria and the Australian Capital Territory on a cross-jurisdictional review of NAPLAN. This will build on findings and recommendations from the 2018 Queensland NAPLAN Review, which are available online.

The review panel is now seeking feedback on the future of NAPLAN, including a number of proposals set out in an interim report released in December 2019.

Responses to a series of consultation questions can be provided via the NAPLAN review website by 20 March 2020.

Student Council

Change Challenge 2020 – Let the Coin Collecting Begin!

Student Council 2020 are launching an exciting new fundraiser and competition of class vs. class to see who can collect the greatest value in coins over 3 weeks, in Weeks 7, 8 and 9. Every class from Prep to Year 6 will have their own ‘Change Challenge’ collection jar and student councillors will collect the coins each Friday morning, on 13, 20 and 27 March.

At the office, class coin collections will be counted and tallied up with results of the top 3 coin collecting classes then being relayed to teachers, students and families to show who’s in the lead each week.

You can start collecting any loose coins you can find at home or in the car and the plan is to start adding coins to the collection jar, starting this Friday, 6 March.

Everyone is encouraged to check out pockets before clothes go into the wash, in the sofa or lounge somewhere and with your permission, can ask if there are any coins taking up space in parent pockets, wallets or handbags!

Student councillors did extensive student surveys to find the most popular prize ideas and arrived at the following ideas …

Prizes on offer are:

Prep – 2:

Years 3-6:

All money raised is going towards buying things for our school and our students which is a wonderful and very worthy cause. If you have any questions please email Ros McAuliffe on rmcau3@eq.edu.au

Thank you, as always, for your amazing support and interest.

Resource Centre

Books Make a Great Easter Gift!

Scholastic Book Club catalogue Issue 2 is out this week. Orders are due by Monday 17 March. Place your order using the Scholastic LOOP online ordering system and leave a bag at the library with your name and class for your order. All orders raise money for new books for our school library.

STEM News

Year 1

This term students are investigating light. We have found that when we shine a torch through a coloured filter (cellophane) we can see the colour of the cellophane reflected on the white wall behind it. We now know that we can change the properties of light.

Year 2

Students displayed amazing GROW behaviours participating in their Rocket incursion. Rockets soared high and far!

Year 3

Students have been learning about different heat sources and classifying them according to how they produce heat. These include; electricity, burning and friction. Students have been exploring how heat transfers from one object to another. Students have been practising their scientific drawing skills and creating annotated diagrams showing their knowledge of how heat is produced. All year 3 students have their STEM journal in Showbie. To see your child’s learning in STEM go to the Showbie app on their iPad or on any device go to Showbie.com and have your child sign in.

Year 5

On Thursday 12 March, students will be participating in a STEM Design Challenge focusing on the 2020 National Science week theme ‘Deep Blue – Innovations for the Future of our Oceans’. In groups students will research, brainstorm, design and create and showcase their innovative solutions.

Year 6

Students are heading to World Science Festival Brisbane on Thursday 26 March. ‘Cool Jobs’ brings students face-to-face with amazing scientists doing amazing jobs. They’ll hear from a palaeontologist who discovers new species of Jurassic marine dinosaurs, what it’s like to hunt for volcanos from a volcanologist, how a conservation forensics expert from Australia’s one and only Taronga Zoo is saving threatened species and why a Boeing systems engineer fell in love with the exciting world of aerospace engineering. These uber-cool scientists will share their fascinating journeys of land, sea and fire. Street Science! will give students the prime opportunity to experience an action-packed and enthralling bunch of hands-on activities. From virtual reality to robotics, and geoscience to chemistry, the wonder and excitement of STEM will be open for business in all its colour, noise and glory!

Sustainability @ Gumdale

Congratulations to 6R and 1HC! Sustainability Steve has spent a week with each of these classes for their initiative and thoroughness in looking after the Organics bin. Our worms are very happy!

STEM Clubs

Kitchen Garden Club

Everyone has been working hard in our kitchen garden teams. Weeding, irrigation pipes, soil enrichment, labelling, planting and watering over the last 3 weeks has our gardens starting to look great. We have seen our bean seeds sprout in just a week! Our cotton plants have produced their first cotton too. We even had some refreshing lemongrass infusion to cool down before school started.

Don't forget your gloves, hat, water bottle and sun cream. Please try to be on time, as important information for the morning is given out and it disrupts activities if you are late.

Kitchen Garden Club starts at 7:45am every Wednesday morning, in the STEM room.

Parent/carer/family helpers are always welcome. Many hands make light work!

Article contributed by Kitchen Garden parent volunteer Amanda Sobey

Sports News

2020 Camps

The camps for 2020 are as follows:

Touch Football

The GSS U/12 Boys and Girls Touch Football teams have commenced playing at Cleveland Showgrounds each Friday night. It has been a very positive start with both teams recording convincing wins in their first two games. Keep up the good work!

Bayside District & Met East Swimming

Congratulations to the 20 GSS students who attended the Bayside District Swimming Trials on 20 February. A magnificent effort by all of the students and we are very proud of their achievements. We are proud to announce that Gumdale finished in 10th place among all Bayside schools, including primary and high schools.

From these trials we had 10 students who were selected to represent Bayside District at the Met East trials on 3 March. The following students attended Met East trials: Harris B, Rileigh B, Josephine C, Hunter C, Alexander F, Edwin L, Paige M, Becky R, Chloe S and Annabelle S.

A fantastic achievement also by Harris B who was awarded the 10 years Boys Age Champion at Bayside Districts, then qualified to represent Met East at the QLD State Carnival in 3 events: 50m backstroke, 50m freestyle and 100m freestyle. Well done Harris!

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 05, 12, 19, 26 February and 04, 11, 18 March and a regatta on 1 April
6D and 6V – Thursday 06, 13, 20, 27 February and 05, 12, 19 March and a regatta on 2 April

Term 2 and 3 Sailing permissions will be sent home in the near future. Please keep an eye out for it in your inboxes. Years 2 and 4 will sail in Term 2 and Years 3 and 5 will sail in Term 3.

Cross Country

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

Keep moving!

Music Notes

Upcoming Events

Commitment to choirs and bands at Gumdale requires:

• attendance at weekly rehearsals
• being a responsible team member
• learning new music and home practice
• maintaining music folders and equipment
• participating in performances
• wearing correct performance uniform

Meet the Music Captain

Jameson Chippendale

• What is your favourite movie? Movies from the Marvel universe
• What is your favourite food? Tacos
• What do you like doing on the weekends? Playing soccer
• How long have you been performing music? About 3 years now
• Do you get nervous when you perform? Not really. Performing in small groups has helped
• Why do you like playing music? Because some music is upbeat and fun to play

Kami Regenet

• What is your favourite movie? The Greatest Showman
• What is your favourite food? Baguettes and croissants
• What do you like doing on the weekends? Spending time with my family
• How long have you been performing music? Since I was in the Gumnuts Choir in Year 1
• Do you get nervous when you perform? Not normally because I have been doing it for several years
• Why do you like singing? Because it is fun and it’s relaxing

Choir

ALL choir rehearsals will be held in the Music Room, please take note of the changes to days and times this year.

Home Practise

To assist with home practise, members of the Gumleaves and Gumtrees Choirs now have access to audio tracks, helpful links and information in Showbie on their iPads. Class access codes will be distributed during choir rehearsals.

Instrumental Music

Pop-up Concerts

Pop-up concerts will be happening during lunchbreaks in Week 10 with performances by our Year 5 and Year 6 instrumental students. Now is the time to start preparing your pieces as a soloist or with a small group. Stay tuned for more information in the coming weeks.

Xylophone Group

The xylophone Group has a weekly lunchtime rehearsal and will have performance opportunities throughout the year and anyone is welcome to join. Come along Friday at first break with your lunch and A4 display folder. Looking forward to seeing you there.

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

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

Notice of the P&C Annual General Meeting

The Annual General Meeting of the Gumdale State School Parents and Citizens’ Association will be held on Wednesday 11 March, 2020 commencing at 7:00pm in the Resource Centre.

Following acceptance of the minutes from the 2019 General Meeting and the tabling of the Audit Report for the year ending 31 December 2019, all current office bearer roles will be declared vacant and nominations called for the following positions:

• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer

All current P&C members are encouraged to attend the AGM to vote and/or nominate for vacant positions on the Executive Committee.

For more information concerning any aspects of the P&C including the conduct of the AGM, and the roles of executives, please email pandc@gumdaless.eq.edu.au

The AGM is open to all parents and carers who wish to attend, however only members are eligible to vote and/or nominate for vacant positions. At the completion of the AGM, the March general meeting will be held.

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

GOSHC

We held our 'Welcome to GOSHC BBQ' and the turnout was amazing. We were so glad to see so many happy faces on both children and parents. By the end of the 2-hour BBQ almost all of the food was eaten, bellies were full, and no one needed to cook dinner! We are grateful to all of our families who managed to make the time to come and join in the fun and missed those who weren't able to make it. It was a great opportunity for the families to mingle, especially those who work so much that they rarely get the chance to see those during school drop-offs or pick-ups.

Thank you to Shaunesy and Sanjani who helped us organise the event and cook the food, and all GOSHC educators who were either cooking/serving the BBQ or up at GOSHC looking after all the children.

We would love to meet more Gumdale State School families, if you are looking into Outside School Hours Care, please feel free to come by and meet the team and see what GOSHC is all about.

GOSHC is getting bigger and better than ever before. We are reaching numbers over 200 daily! We want to thank all our families and educators for all their continued support. However due to these numbers, we are finding it hard to fit everyone. Please make sure you book in far enough in advance to guarantee your children a position or make a permanent booking. Permanent bookings are the best way to guarantee your child a position at GOSHC.

Making a Permanent Booking

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. Vacation Care is also booked through our MyFamily Lounge App.

Autumn Vacation Care

Bookings for Autumn Vacation Care 2020 are now open! Make sure you get in quick, as our last vacation care program booked out fast. Do not miss out on your kids having fun with their friends and make memories at GOSHC. Please see our attached program for more information.

Gumtree Eatery

We sell dairy free muffins & gluten free cakes, please see Flexischools for full menu options.

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

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.
• Please remember to not order tuckshop if your child is at sailing.
• We cannot store parents’ own Zooper Doopers or ice-blocks.

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.

Thank you to all the wonderful volunteers for helping week in week out, we wouldn’t be able to do it without you! 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

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.

Stock

Polos in all sizes are now back in stock. We are still waiting on the shorts to arrive. Our supplier is working hard to get these to us as soon as possible.

Swimwear

Gumdale swimwear is a custom order and is only available to pre-purchase through Flexischools. Ordering is now open and will close next week on Friday 13 March at 4:00pm. 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

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