1 May 2020

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

We are now two weeks into the new remote learning model and it would be fair to say that while the path has not always been smooth, we all – students, teachers and parents – have risen to the challenge. There have been many opportunities to display resilience and to grow in persistence, and for this I applaud you. In my message last week I thanked our staff and it is worth repeating: thank you for the work you are doing to provide this new learning experience for students in such a professional way. The same goes for our cleaning and grounds staff who continue to go above and beyond to ensure our school is hygienic and safe for all.

You, our parent community, have been gracious and patient in navigating this season with us. Thank you for the support you are showing your children in their home learning. I remain confident that our students will continue to learn and grow in Term 2.

School Attendance

We understand that each family’s situation is different when it comes to managing remote learning. The Department of Education's guidelines may assist you in deciding if your child/ren will attend school over the first 5 weeks of Term 2.

Please draw your attention to the following:

1. As directed by Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, all students who are able to learn from home for the first 5 weeks of Term 2 should do so. The exception is for students in the following categories:

• Children of essential workers. These children may attend school on days when they are not able to be supervised at home and no other arrangements can be made. Essential worker means any worker who must continue to attend their workplace for essential business during this time. Further guidance is available here.
• Vulnerable children. This includes children identified by schools or who are currently receiving services from Child Safety, including children who are subject to a child protection order; or are subject to a youth justice order. Children in designated Indigenous communities may also be vulnerable.

2. We understand that parents/carers may be working during the day while at home. For parents supervising their children, 2 to 3 hours of learning each day will usually be plenty, with a range of optional additional activities that have been provided to keep children engaged.

3. Students in the above categories who are attending school will be accessing and engaging with the same remote learning resources as students who are learning from home.

4. Where the student is learning at home, the parent or carer is responsible for the student’s safety and wellbeing at home or elsewhere. Parents/carers are encouraged to contact administration if they have any concerns.

Always our Best,

Phil Savill, Principal
Gumdale State School

Reminders from the School

Labour Day

A reminder that on Monday 4 May, the school will be closed for the Labour Day public holiday. We hope you enjoy a day of rest and relaxation with your families.

Stay up to date with QParents

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

Prep 2021 Enrolment

To enrol your child for Prep 2021 at Gumdale State School, please complete the Student Enrolment Application Form and submit to our Administration Office or email to: admin@gumdaless.eq.edu.au

From the Deputies

Connecting with Families

Over the past week, teachers have begun phone check-ins with families and students. The purpose of the weekly phone call is to monitor both student wellbeing and learning. Teachers may speak with both the parent and the student over the phone during the call. Feedback from parents, teachers and students has been very positive. Keep your eyes on the mailbox for postcards over the coming weeks as we keep looking at different ways to connect with families.

Remote Learning

We are pleased to share a new way for Gumdale parents and carers to access resources for remote learning, all in one place. Here you will find handy help guides and printable fortnightly resource packs from the learning@home website.

Tech Assistance

For all technical enquiries regarding remote learning, including help accessing lost passwords and difficulty accessing resources, please email our coaches and IT staff on learningathome@gumdaless.eq.edu.au.

Please include the following details: Student's name and year level, device being used and the website or app being used.

learning@home TV

Lights, camera, action!

The Department of Education has partnered with the Channel Seven, Nine and 10 networks to broadcast three educational TV programs to support home-based learning for students across Queensland.

Check out the TV guide to see when learning@home TV, reading@home TV and coding@home TV will be coming to your screen.

More information is available here:

Facebook Live for Parents/Carers

On Tuesdays and Thursdays at 12:30 pm, Queensland Department of Education’s Reading Centre will be livestreaming on their Facebook page Lunchtime Bytes.

The Reading Centre coaches will talk about the reading and writing resources developed for the Queensland Department of Education’s learning@home website and answer questions from parents and carers as students learn from home.

You can find the live streams on The Reading Centre’s Facebook page.

GROWing @ Home

Keep sending through evidence of your photos and videos for our GROWing @ home challenges. We look forward to seeing your great work each week.

Skills for Life

This fortnight, parents and teachers have commented positively on the life skills that students are refining and strengthening when learning at home and at school. Students, with support of parents and teachers, have been challenged to persist and overcome obstacles to complete tasks in new learning environments. Students are to be congratulated on building their resilience during this time of change. Some further information from our Guidance Office, Mr Czislowski, to support families during times of change:

Looking after our family’s mental health during significant change

This year has certainly posed many challenges to us all, especially parents. It seems each day we are bombarded with negative news stories, disasters and tragedies that can at times challenge our own sense of wellbeing! What are some ways we can help our family cope during these challenging times?

1. Be aware of and find ways to manage your own stress. Children look to adults for behavioural clues which tell them how concerned they should be about anything unknown or difficult. So it is important that we have support people to turn to and healthy coping mechanisms when we are feeling anxious ourselves so that our stress doesn’t become contagious.
2. Normalise anxiety for your children as a completely understandable reaction to all the corona virus information out there but it is not always a negative. On the positive side, anxiety does work as a warning system in our brains to help us keep safe and alert to danger. It only becomes a problem or a negative when the alarm system is oversensitive and leaves us with irrational fears that effect our daily functioning.
3. Keep in mind your child’s age and maturity level when exposing them to information. Try to lessen exposure to media particularly for younger children as they will pick up enough information from over hearing adults and other kids talk. If they raise questions around what they have heard it is good to make sure the information they have is accurate and not based on imagination or conjecture. Take time to listen to their feelings and validate them e.g. “That must have worried you.” This is better than dismissing feelings with “Oh that’s a silly thing to say” or, “Just forget about it”.

However, for older children and teens it is important to talk about it more openly in terms of the facts and always with a positive slant focussing on how your family can work together in practical ways to avoid the corona virus. This is reassuring and helps answer the real question we all ask, including our children: “Am I safe?”

Whilst we can’t offer guarantees that family members won’t contract the virus we can empower our families through the CARE approach:

Choices – Channel anxiety into useful action to avoid the disease by practising the recommended preventative strategies, limiting exposure to media reports, maintaining normal routines (as much as possible) and finding healthy distractions.

Agenda – develop and discuss plans for how your family will deal with activities being cancelled and also if a family member contracts the virus.

Resilience – find ways to focus on the positives (e.g. taking time to be grateful), enjoy some humour (there’s some great toilet paper memes circulating!) and encourage your family to turn their attention to supporting others during difficulty e.g. picking up some groceries for an elderly neighbour or running an errand for and checking on a vulnerable family member.

Emotional Support – keep an eye on how your children are feeling and remind them you are there to listen to their concerns. Look for signs they are not doing well – sleep issues, appetite changes, behaviour difficulties are just a few things that indicate your child may need some extra reassurance and support.

It’s good for all of us to remember that we will get through this pandemic and hopefully our families will grow stronger through this challenge.

(Source: Ideas to Manage T(w)een Anxiety about COVID-19 – Collett Smart, 2020)

ANZAC Day

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we did not hold our yearly ANZAC Day commemoration service. Instead, students of essential workers who were attending school on campus were encouraged to participate in other ways to honour our current and past servicemen and servicewomen. Small groups of students made wreaths which were later laid beneath the flagpole at the front of the school. Some of our student leaders did the same at the war memorial at Richard Russell Park, Manly. We hope you enjoy watching the video of our commemorations.

Here’s how some of our GSS families recognised ANZAC Day at home; we thank those families who sent in their photos.

Growing @ Home

During this time of change and uncertainty, it is important we support the wellbeing of our students. In addition to the remote learning resources that will be sent out weekly, we have created a new platform called Growing @ Home to support the social and emotional needs of our Gumdale students and allow them to stay connected to our school community.

Each Monday we will send out a Growing @ Home email with links to:

• Suggested daily activities (created by Thrive) to support social and emotional development through the arts, play and creativity. Included in this will be a weekly challenge where students will be invited to share a photo or video of one of the activities from the week.
• The Gumdale YouTube channel where short videos will be uploaded for students to view.
• Useful websites that might be of interest to students
• Mindfulness activities/meditations.

Each Monday we will send out a Growing @ Home email with links to:

• Suggested daily activities (created by Thrive) to support social and emotional development through the arts, play and creativity. Included in this will be a weekly challenge where students will be invited to share a photo or video of one of the activities from the week.
• The Gumdale YouTube channel where short videos will be uploaded for students to view.
• Useful websites that might be of interest to students
• Mindfulness activities/meditations.

Check out this week’s video here

Resource Centre

Scholastic – Virtual Book Club

In these unprecedented times we’re all being asked to change the way we work and live. Scholastic’s tradition of putting books into the hands of kids isn’t going to change, but for Term 2, they're doing things a little differently.

Issue three is online now. Orders will be delivered and sorted at school as usual and we will advise when they are ready to be collected.

STEM News

STEM Learning

Well done to all students, parents and carers for their amazing efforts as we tackle this challenge of learning@home. We have seen some wonderful examples of students engaging with and enjoying their Science learning.

Your STEM Teachers are here to support your Science learning.

Continue to refer to your Classroom Teacher’s weekly schedule/grid for your Science learning support and guidance.

Please continue to communicate your questions, queries, concerns, challenges and successes through your year level platform and/or email us directly (addresses below).

2020 Premier’s Coding Challenge

The Premier's Coding Challenge is an annual statewide initiative for all Queensland students in Year 3 to Year 10. The Premier's Coding Challenge aims to encourage an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in Queensland students. Students can enter as individuals or as a pair, in one of 8 categories. See examples from previous winners (ZIP, 67.8MB). Winners receive prizes (PDF, 65KB) of coding and robotic kits (total prize pool $10,000).

Sports News

Year 6 Sydney/Canberra Camp

With great disappointment, the Year 6 Sydney/Canberra Camp for 2020 has been cancelled due to current global health concerns.

To replace this event, an ‘Activities Week’ is currently being planned for Week 9 of Term 4 which will include all Year 6 students. This week will include day trips in and around Brisbane. Further details of this week will be communicated as the date draws closer.

Stay Active

While students are learning at home, we encourage them to stay active! Check out some fun fitness challenges on our YouTube channel.

This week’s Sports video

This week’s Aerobics video

Keep moving!

Music Notes

Thank you to everyone for your commitment and flexibility during these times. It has been encouraging to see how well you are all embracing and maintaining your music practise and learning at home. From all of us, please stay safe and keep making music!

Growing at Home Videos

Keep up with our interactive musical videos on our YouTube channel

Last week’s video

This week’s music video

Instrumental Music

Mr Cosic’s instrumental students have access to their learning at home information on Onenote. Each week you will be emailed reminders and other helpful information.

Mr Charlton’s instrumental students need to check their emails for the weekly focus, practise tips and information about sending recordings.

From the Music Department,

School Banking

Message from the Commonwealth Bank

The health, safety and wellbeing of our communities and our people remains our highest priority. Due to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding coronavirus, the School Banking program will remain on hold. We will continue to monitor the situation and keep you informed with any updates including how we will be managing Dollarmite tokens for students.

In the meantime, here are some handy online resources for parents who wish to maintain momentum with their child’s financial education:

Start Smart: these resources have been created to improve children’s money management skills, and is aligned to the Australian Curriculum and the National Consumer Financial Literacy Framework.

The Beanstalk: offers videos and fun activities for children to learn about money.

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

May Meeting

The P&C Association will hold its next meeting in an online forum on Thursday 14 May at 7:00pm. Members will be able to join the meeting and all details will be sent out prior. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work through the details.

Mother’s Day Stall

Unfortunately we have cancelled the upcoming Mother’s Day stall. The P&C extends warm wishes to all the Mums, Aunts and Grandmothers on their special day honouring Motherhood.

Fundraising

Plans for the annual Fashion Parade have also been put on hold until further notice. The P&C looks forward to some planning when the current situation has changed. Please stay safe and healthy.

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

Aaron Beake
P&C President

GOSHC

New staff

We are very excited to announce that our new Coordinator, Gillian and Educational Leader, Jodie have joined us.

Get to know Gillian

I’m Gillian and I am coming on board as Coordinator for Gumdale OSHC. I have worked in OSHC for 5 years, and hold a Diploma of School Age Education and Care. I am also studying a Bachelor of Behavioural Science. I can sum up my core values on working with children with my favourite Dr Seuss quote: “A person’s a person no matter how small”. Really says it all!

I live with my husband, two young children and an elderly Labrador in Birkdale. I enjoy sleep ins and hot coffee (with two kids under 4, it’s the simple things!), dining out and the beach. I collect outrageously colourful earrings and enjoy wearing them to work each day!

I can’t wait to get to know you all and look forward to a great year (it can only go up, right?!).

Get to Know Jodie

Hi, my name is Jodie Berderow, and I would like to introduce myself to you as your new Educational Leader. I am extremely excited to be given this opportunity to work within such a wonderful, beautiful school and fantastic children and families. I am looking forward to building and developing a strong and positive affiliation with you and your children.

I have come to Gumdale OSHC with 30 years’ experience in the early childcare industry with the last 3 years in OSHC. In that time, I have worked with many children and families with numerous diversities and backgrounds as well as children with additional needs and challenges. I believe in providing a high-quality program for both families and the children to participate in by providing fun, interesting, safe and enjoyable experiences and activities that are based on all the children’s interests. I feel this can only be achieved by building strong, respectful and genuine relationships with all the children and families of Gumdale state school. I would like to invite you to feel free to come and say “Hi” to me and to help me get to know you and your children as we go forward in building on our OSHC service together.

Other staffing changes

We are also excited to let you all know that Kirra and Alex have recently been promoted to Permanent Part Time Educators. This means extra friendly faces will be around the service during this adventurous time period.

The P&C have also hired an Operations Manager to assist in operating GOSHC. Shaunesy Pegg has been appointed this role and we are so happy to have her on board.

Booking Updates

Due to COVID-19 and Queensland school students learning from home, apart from school being open for children of essential workers, bookings have changed slightly.

All permanent bookings have been cancelled. Parents needing to send their children to before and after school care must send through an email if they want permanent bookings between the dates of 20 April 2020 and 22 May 2020. Casual bookings are still available to make via the MyFamily Lounge App.

Permanent bookings will need to be made again for all families when schooling goes back to normal, an email will be sent out in regards to this around 22 May 2020 when we are updated.

Gumtree Eatery

It’s business as usual for the Gumtree Eatery and we thank all those parents that are using this service. We appreciate your understanding that we are still operating a cashless service with all lunch orders to be placed through Flexischools.

We are offering first break on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and on Thursday and Friday we offer lunches for both breaks. We will put a notice on Facebook if and when this changes.

New Items

We have new items on our menu offering a dairy-free/gluten-free ice cream (available in chocolate, vanilla and caramel). We also now serve dairy-free/gluten-free banana muffins. The already popular birthday boxes are still delighting the children and making them feel extra special on their birthday. These are available to order through Flexischools but please remember to give us 24 hours’ notice.

Our delicious meals are cooked at the Eatery using fresh and nutritious ingredients. Watch out for our monthly specials and our regular Facebook posts.

Thank you to all our lovely volunteers for your help at the Eatery and as more students attend school, we will give you a shout out for your assistance.

Carol Matheson
Gumtree Eatery Tuckshop Convenor

Uniform Shop News

In line with current policies and meeting social distancing guidelines the Uniform Shop will not be open for over the counter sales until further notice. All uniform purchase are to be made via Flexischools. Orders will be delivered directly to students.

If you have any questions or need to exchange an incorrect size please email the Uniform Shop staff at uniform@gumdalesspc.org.au

New Microfibre Shorts

The new Microfibre Shorts have arrived. The new Microfibre Unisex Shorts will replace both the Formal Shorts and Sports Shorts, decreasing the need for parents to buy multiple items. The Microfibre Unisex shorts can be worn with both the Formal Shirt and the Polo Shirt.

We will be rolling out the new shorts as our stock levels decrease in the Formal Short and Sports shorts. Currently the new Microfibre Unisex shorts are available in sizes 6, 8 and 12, plus a shorter version of size 8. We have been able to keep the same low price as the Sports Shorts at $25 each and these are now available to purchase on Flexischools.

Senior Shirts

The second order of 2020 Senior Shirts has arrived and all orders delivered to teachers, ready for collection when your child returns to school.

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, 8 and 12 have sold out. Our new shorts have arrived and all sizes will be available to purchase once Formal Shorts stock has been cleared.

Overstock of Formal Skorts in sizes 4, 6, 12, 14 & 16 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.

Michelle Moffatt
Uniform Shop Manager

Community Notices

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