20 March 2020

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

The past couple of weeks have been an especially busy time in our school as we approach the end of Term 1 and also navigate the unfolding Coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will continue to take advice from the Department of Education as the situation unfolds. Rest assured that we will pass on information as soon as it becomes available. All State schools are open and operating at this point in time.

I thank parents and carers who are contacting the school for advice and to keep us informed of the personal and medical circumstances of their children and family members.

The health and safety of our students, staff and their families continues to be our priority.

Social distancing is a phrase everyone would be familiar with at the moment and we have put several preventative measures in place to encourage good hygiene and to reduce contact between students. We are:

• Encouraging regular handwashing throughout the day.
• Implementing social distancing before school and at eating times, wherever possible.
• Encouraging individual resources being used in classrooms rather than shared resources.
• Not allowing sharing of resources during playtime.
• Reminding students to cough or sneeze into their elbow.

In addition, assemblies and extracurricular activities have been cancelled in line with departmental advice. Thank you for your patience and understanding in this matter.

I would encourage you to stay informed from official sites, such as the Queensland Health website. They have also provided answers to Frequently Asked Questions to assist parents.

I have been very clear with our students and staff that our actions, in support of our school community, will be based solely on information provided by the Chief Medical Officer and the Department of Education.

In other news, we recently thanked our administration staff at a special breakfast for World Admin Day. I’m sure you will agree that they do a great job each day helping to keep our school running smoothly. Please take a moment to thank them next time you’re in the office.

Thank you again for your ongoing support. I wish you and your family well during this period.

Always our Best,

Phil Savill, Principal
Gumdale State School

COVID-19 Support Resources

8 tips on what to tell your kids about coronavirus

As the number of new cases of coronavirus infection continues to rise the impact is now being felt in schools in Australia. It’s therefore important for parents to be there for their children to ease any concerns they may have about the virus and how it could affect them. So here’s some advice for parents to help them and their children stay informed.

1. Control during uncertainty

The new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 causes the disease COVID-19, which can be like a common cold but it can also have more serious complications. Signs of infection may include: fever, cough and shortness of breath. Some severe cases can involve pneumonia or kidney failure with more serious consequences.

One reason people experience anxiety during a pandemic is uncertainty about its impact. Research during the 2009 swine flu (H1N1) pandemic found those people who struggled with uncertainty were more likely to see the pandemic as threatening, and this can lead to increased levels of anxiety.

One way to provide our children with certainty in uncertain times is with facts, for example, telling them the evidence so far shows children are less likely to experience severe symptoms than older adults.

You can also help them gain a sense of control by giving them strategies to help prevent them catching the virus.

2. Practise good hygiene

The World Health Organisation (WHO) says we should channel our concern into good hygiene.

Encourage your children to wash their hands with soap and water frequently (particularly after going to the toilet, coming from a public place, and before and after eating).

Children should also use a tissue to sneeze into and put the tissue in the bin afterwards.

3. Be careful with the news media

A quick scan of the news brings up headlines such as “Australia’s coronavirus death rate could proportionally be worse than China’s, expert warns”. This report even includes a graph showing “How likely are you to die from Coronavirus?”

Exposing children to such reports can increase their fear and anxiety.

There is a clear and strong relationship between what children see as threatening information in the media and their level of fear.

So be careful with what news media your children are exposed to. Try to watch, listen or read it with them so you are there for any questions they may have.

4. Stay with the facts

When answering such questions, use information from the World Health Organisation and other trustworthy sources to inform yourself.

Filter some of the incorrect information around preventing COVID-19 (eating garlic, having hot baths) and inform your family with the correct information. Don’t be someone who passes on incorrect information to your children or others.

5. Talk about your feelings

It’s OK to feel worried. Talking about your feelings of stress can help you work through them.

If you try to push down feelings of stress, this can have an impact on your health.

As parents you only have to listen and hear your child’s concerns. You can’t promise things will be safe or certain. But you can assure them that as a family you will work together to manage whatever comes up in the future and that you are there to listen to them.

6. Don’t pass on your fear

Research from the 2009 Swine Flu pandemic showed children’s fear of the disease was significantly related to their parents’ fear of the disease.

This effect of parents passing on fear even exists when there is nothing to fear. Research showed if parents get negative information about something that is harmless, they are more likely to pass on those negative beliefs to their children and increase their level of fear.

So even if you feel stressed about COVID-19, you need to make sure you don’t pass on this fear to your children. Show them you are calm. Don’t be a carrier for fear.

7. Keep on living life

It is easy to get swept away with panic about the future and what may happen. But being future-focused only contributes to anxiety.

Help your child to focus on the now and what they are doing today. These things are in their control – work hard at school, train for netball. Continue their routine and enjoy the moments.

8. Work together

This is not a time to be selfish, but to work together and support one another.

Be kind to others (don’t steal their toilet paper) and encourage your children to be kind to others as well.

Being less self-focused helps to alleviate stress and give life more meaning and purpose.

Author: Mandie Shean, Lecturer, School of Education, Edith Cowan University.

Further information and resources are available here:

Hello, I’m a Virus

This is a great printable resource to assist parents in explaining more about COVID-19 to children.

School Calendar of Events

As we navigate the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, the status of many school events has changed. The list below is current as of the time of writing. We will continue to monitor the situation and review the decisions in relation to these events and any event not yet listed in the table below.

Always our Best

Weeks 7 & 8 – Always our Best

Reminders from the School

Reduction of Queuing and Visitors

Please be advised that we are continuing to review school procedures through the lens of social distancing. We would like to advise you of the following changes effective from today, Friday 20 March 2020.

Reduction of queuing

Late arrivals will now report to their class teacher rather than going to the office for a late slip. Teachers will then mark the late arrival and reason on their roll. This will come into effect from today.

Reduction of visitors

With reluctance, we are closing access to volunteers who assist with classroom experiences e.g. reading groups. Please note that Tuckshop Volunteers are still encouraged to assist in the Tuckshop where possible.

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

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

From the Deputies

Parent Teacher Interviews for Year 1-6

Due to the change of our calendar events, these interviews will be rescheduled. Please stay tuned for more information.

NAPLAN Online Update

Our students in Years 3 and 5 will be undertaking NAPLAN testing online in May this year. NAPLAN online brings many advantages including a test design that offers test items tailored to students’ knowledge and ability.

We will also be participating in a national practice test on 23 and 24 March. This is an excellent opportunity to fine tune any technical and logistical needs, as well as familiarise students and teachers with the online testing process.

Parents and caregivers of children in these NAPLAN year levels will need to be aware of important information relating to privacy, which can be found on the NAPLAN Online Queensland website’s parent information page.

As our school runs a bring your own device (BYOD) program, you can assist us by ensuring the NAPLAN Online locked-down browser is downloaded prior to testing. Information about BYO devices is also available on ACARA’s website.

We will keep you up-to-date in the lead-up to May, but if there’s anything you need in the meantime you can contact your child’s classroom teacher.

Equestrian Friendship Program

As our first Equestrian Program ends this week, Gumdale would like to extend a huge thank you to Shonel and Brooke at Kurshonbrooke Lodge for welcoming the children of Gumdale and for their hard work, support and friendship. Students have shared their thoughts on the program below:

I enjoyed taking care of the horses and getting to know everyone. Walking with the horses too. But my favourite bit was seeing everyone. Thank you for the treats each week.

Camila:

I enjoyed taking care of the horses and getting to know everyone. Walking with the horses too. But my favourite bit was seeing everyone. Thank you for the treats each week.

Chris:

I enjoyed that I learnt a lot about my feelings and the horses’ feelings. I also learnt that I can do things even if I am worried.

Kaitlyn:

I enjoyed that we got to spend time with the horses for 6 weeks and I loved it!

Annabelle:

I enjoyed walking the horses. I also enjoyed getting to know the horses and being more confident around them.

Ellie:

I liked walking the horses with a partner and by myself. I also like learning how to tie the horses up.

Oliver:

I enjoyed working with the horses and learning about the horse.

Ditto Keep Safe Adventure Show

Last week our Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 students attend the Bravehearts ‘Ditto Keep Safe Adventure Show’. Our students enjoyed the show and learnt song, dance, and easy-to-remember messages about personal safety.

The ‘Keep Safe Adventure Show’ educated students on Bravehearts’ six principles of personal safety:

• Differentiating ‘yes’ and ‘no’ feelings
• Recognising the bodies ‘warning signs’
• Identifying ‘private parts’ and ‘privacy’
• Helping children identify language and feelings associated with secrets
• Reinforcing that there is no secret that children cannot tell someone
• What to do if you feel unsafe or unsure.

For more information visit at the link below.

Ditto Show

Student Council

Change Challenge 2020

The tally from week one of the Student Council's Change Challenge fundraiser is in and we're proud to announce we have raised over $2000 already! Check out the leader board - who will be on top by next week, and which class will win the prizes for the top 3 fundraising classes?

Leader board

Way to go everyone, don't forget to keep bringing in those loose coins and lonely notes! The counting will continue today Friday 20 March and next Friday 27 March.

Prizes on offer are:

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.

STEM News

Year 3

Students have been learning about the conductivity of different materials when heated by hot water. We investigated what happened to the hotness of the spoon when we changed the material being metal, plastic and wooden spoons.

Students explored and felt the temperature of the spoons before putting them in water, after 20 seconds and then after 3 minutes in hot water. They recorded their results on table and answered questions related to the investigation.

Y3 STEM

Year 5

STEM Design Challenge ‘Deep Blue – Innovations for the Future of our Oceans’. Students pitched some very innovative and creative design ideas - roller coasters, art pieces, plastic seeking robots and education programs to name just a few!

STEM Design Challenge Year 5

Sustainability @ Gumdale

Congratulations to 3W! Sustainability Steve has spent some time with this class for their initiative and thoroughness in looking after the Organics bin. Our worms are very happy!

STEM Clubs

Kitchen Garden Club

Using lovely fresh produce from the garden students prepared vegetable slices and chocolate cakes. They have been placed in the freezer ready to enjoy when we resume Kitchen Garden Club. Yum!

Kitchen Garden Club is cancelled for the remainder of Term 1. We look forward to welcoming members back in the future.

Kitchen Garden

All Things Digital Tech

We encourage parents to regularly check in with their child regarding the work they are doing in iPads in the classroom. iPads are a wonderful way of generating discussion about your child’s learning experiences. This can also be a good time to check the device and associated equipment for any damage or warranty issues. Please remind your child that any damage sustained to the device must immediately be reported to their class teacher and parents as set out in the iPad Participation agreement.

In Week 6, we had Cybersafety sessions held by Kirra Pendergast from Safe on Social. She also presented a Parent Information session that evening. Kirra spoke to parents on a range of topics including:

• Using apps while keeping age recommendations in mind.
• Online gaming.
• Turning off Location Services on devices.
• Using reverse image search on Google.
• Snapchat
• TikTok

On our school website, we have uploaded information sheets on these topics that were covered on the evening. If you are interested in accessing more information on cybersafety, Kirra has a Safe on Social Toolkit on everything you need to know now to keep your kids safe on social media. If you enter the keyword ‘Gumdale’ you will receive a discount on this yearly subscription. Click here to access more information about the Safe on Social Toolkit.

In addition, we have links on our school website to The Office of the Esafety Commissioner. This website has lots of information and ideas for parents. It also features a quick link to report cyberbullying, image based abuse or illegal and harmful content.

If you are on Facebook, Safe on Social , ySafe , and Code9 Parent are good pages to follow. These pages keep parents up to date with information and advice regarding the latest apps and online trends.

Sports News

2020 Camps

The camps for 2020 are as follows:

Bayside District Representatives

Congratulation to the following students who have been selected in Bayside District representative teams:

Jack D – Basketball
Rosa C, Kami R and Chloe R – Hockey
Harley W and Beau M – AFL

With representative sport now being postponed I would like to congratulate all students who have trialled this year.

Bayside District Swimming trials

Congratulations to the below students who participated in the Bayside Swimming trials recently:

Harris B, Rileigh B, Josephine C, Hunter C, Alexander F, Edwin L, Paige M, Becky R, Chloe S and Annabelle S.

Some fantastic performances and we are very proud of their achievements.

A big congratulations to Harris B who was selected in the Met East Swimming team to compete at the State Swimming trials. He was to compete in 50m Backstroke, 50m Freestyle and 100m Freestyle at this event. Unfortunately this event has now been cancelled.

Sailing 2020

Unfortunately Year 6 Sailing has been postponed for the remainder of term. It is anticipated these lessons will now be in term 4. More details to follow shortly.

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.

Keep moving!

Music Notes

Upcoming Events

Extra-Curricular Music Update

Please be advised that until further notice we will not be gathering students in groups for rehearsals and music clubs. This includes ALL bands, choirs and xylophone group.

During this period we encourage students to continue practising their pieces. Instrumental music lessons will continue in small groups with Mr Charlton and Mr Cosic. Piano lessons with Mrs Panagopoulos will not be impacted at this time. Outside school providers, such as guitar and ukulele, will advise you of their own arrangements.

Choir

Choir 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 have been distributed during choir rehearsals.

Instrumental Music

Home Practise

As our Instrumental Music lessons are only thirty minutes each week, most progress on an instrument is made during home practise. The following tips may make a world of difference to your child when they are playing their instrument at home;

• Practise regularly (daily for a short amount is better than once per week for two hours).
• Set goals (e.g. Aim to finish Tradition of Excellence Book 1 by end of Term 2).
• ZERO distractions! Usually a quiet space is best with no interruptions to assist concentration.
• Fix problems. Students know when they’ve made an error during playing and should focus on fixing problems each time they play.
• Scheduling practise at the same times each week sets a routine, students are more likely to practise if they are set in a routine.
• Encouragement and persistence! Music isn’t instant and takes a long time to perfect, at some stage in every child’s musical journey they will require some positive words of encouragement.
• Practise with someone else. Practising with a friend, sibling or relative is great fun and very enjoyable!

Interactive Practise Studio (IPS)

In instrumental lessons the students continue to work through The Tradition of Excellence method book and its accompanying app called IPS (Interactive Practise Studio). This is a free app with the purchase of the paper copy of the book. The app has a handy recording function which allows your child to record themselves playing along with the backing track, which is a great way to hear progress over time.

Information about IPS can be found inside the back cover of the Tradition of Excellence book along with a user code which must be entered into the app in order to carry out the free access. Below is a link to the web page for IPS, where you will find further links for both Apple and Google Play:

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.

P&C News

Annual General Meeting

The 2020 P&C Executive was elected at the Annual General Meeting on Wednesday 11 March. Congratulations to Aaron Beake (President), Lynda Rogers (Vice President), Sanjani Prakash (Treasurer) and Riana Ferreira (Secretary).

It was also announced that the role of P&C Operations Manager has been filled, with Shaunesy Pegg being the successful applicant.

P&C Meetings

The schedule of meetings for 2020 is below, please save the dates!

• Thursday 14 May
• Tuesday 14 July
• Thursday 10 September
• Tuesday 20 October
• Thursday 26 November

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

Making a Permanent Booking

If you would like to book 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’s bookings will open one week prior to starting. Vacation Care is also booked through our MyFamily Lounge App.

Autumn Vacation Care

With the ongoing development of COVID – 19, we are looking to the Department of Health for updates and guidelines. In keeping with the social distancing guidelines, GOSHC has decided that we will cancel all excursions during the upcoming Vacation Care period.

These will be replaced with in-house, fun service days. You will be advised as soon as possible what these days will have planned. This change will open positions for the currently booked-out dates.

If you have any questions please let Shaunesy, Abby or the P&C Executive Team know.

Gumtree Eatery

If you have forgotten Brain Break we always have a selection of fruit on hand! Pop by to see us.

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

Uniform Shop Sale

With the introduction of the new Microfibre Shorts which will replace both the Formal Shorts and Sports Shorts, the Uniform Shop is clearing out all remaining Formal Shorts at $5.00 each. Please note size 6 and 12 have sold out. Our new shorts should be arriving before the end of term and will be available to purchase once Formal Shorts stock has been cleared.

Overstock of Formal Skorts have been discounted down to $5.00 each until stock levels become more manageable. Girls are required to wear the Formal Skort or Formal Short with Formal Shirt as an alternative to the Check Dress. Formal Skorts can also be worn with the Polo shirt.

Size 12 to 18 Check Dresses, Size 14 to 16 Unisex Sports Shorts and Size 14 to 18 Sports Skorts have been further marked down to $20 each to reduce inherited elevated stock quantities.

Prices are subject to change and will revert to normal pricing once stock levels are reduced.

All sale items will remain acceptable Gumdale State School uniforms and comply with the P&C Uniform Policy. Sale items can be purchased via Flexischools or during our normal trading hours.

Swimwear Update

Due to a delay with the manufacturer, the swimwear order will be delayed. Stay tuned for more information to follow.

Hoodies on Backorder

Hoodies in sizes 6, 8 and 12 are currently out of stock. We are taking backorders on Flexischools only and all items will be delivered to classrooms when they become available. Expected delivery of Hoodies is the end of term.

Please order your Backordered Hoodies separately from other Uniform items. There is no surcharge on Uniform items purchased.

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.

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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