26 June 2020

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

The second term of 2020 is drawing to an end and there is no doubt the past few months will remain in our memory banks for many years to come. Along with some challenges, this season has brought plenty of opportunities to grow in resilience, patience and flexibility.

When I wrote to you at the end of Term 1, we were preparing for possible school closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic. On 20 April, learning@home was rolled out successfully for the first five weeks of term, with over 80% of our students engaging in the program from home.

Widespread changes to our routines were put in place during the second half of term to support the state government’s social distancing recommendations. We are so pleased with how well these changes have been supported by our community. We have adapted in many ways, such as by broadcasting our weekly assemblies online into classrooms in lieu of gathering in Hollis Hall.

I would like to thank our staff who have continued to operate in a professional manner during often challenging and changing circumstances. Your care for not only our students’ education but also their wellbeing has been exemplary.

To our community of parents and carers – your support in prioritising your children’s remote learning experience resulted in our students staying on course for a productive term of schooling. Thank you for working with us to achieve such positive outcomes.

Thank you to our students, who make Gumdale the place it is. I am proud of the effort you have made in all areas, both during learning@home and when you returned to school. I hope you are proud of yourselves too.

I look forward to welcoming students back for Semester 2 on Monday 13 July.

Always our Best,

Phil Savill, Principal
Gumdale State School

What’s Coming Up

Always our Best

Weeks 9 & 10 - Always our Best

From the Archives

Gumdale State School – 1940’s

This photo was taken of Gumdale State School in the 1940's. The suburb of Gumdale began its history as Mossdale, named after a large sheep property in the area. This was changed to Grassdale in about 1889. Locals successfully lobbied for the establishment of a school, which opened as Grassdale State School on 26 August 1935 with two rooms and 32 pupils.

In 1942 there was another name change that arose with the opening of a post office in the developing area and a clash of names with a Grassdale Post Office in another state. The headmaster at Grassdale State School asked the children for suggestions and the name Gumdale was chosen.

In 1975, parts of Gumdale were divided into four smaller suburbs: Gumdale, Wakerley, Ransome and Chandler.

Due to the growing student population, in 2015 Gumdale State School received a much needed facilities upgrade including the new full size Paul Green Oval, multi-purpose courts and cricket practice nets as well as the STEM building.

School Watch

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

Parents/carers of enrolled students have been contacted regarding upcoming Prep Information Sessions. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, enrolled families are required to make a booking with Marissa Bowen on mbowe79@eq.edu.au .

From the Deputies

Term 3 Routines

New routines established in Term 2 will continue next term. This includes the staggered start and finish times and the drop off and pickup arrangements from school gates to reduce the number of adults on site.

Beginning next term, we will cease after school supervision at our gates at 3:15pm. Any students remaining at the gates will be sent to the administration office until parents arrive to collect them.

School Opinion Survey

Parents and Caregivers are invited to participate in this year’s School Opinion Survey and have a say about schooling during the COVID-19 lockdown. You are also given the opportunity to provide feedback about our school more generally.

Participation in the survey is anonymous and you are encouraged to take this opportunity to have your say. The survey form has been designed so that it can easily be completed on a computer or smartphone. The online survey will be available until Friday, 17 July 2020, and should take less than five minutes to complete.

To access the survey, please click on the link below or copy and paste it into your web browser:

Please contact the school if you have any questions about the survey.

Thanks to our Cleaners and Groundsmen

We showed our appreciation to our Cleaning and Grounds Staff recently during a scrumptious BBQ breakfast. These hard working staff members certainly go above and beyond each day to keep the wheels turning and to keep our school clean and safe.

Learning at school is great!

Students have shared some reasons why they think that learning at school is great!

Year 2

Year 3

School Council Update

The Gumdale State School Council met for the second time in 2020 on Friday 20 June at the Gumdale Outside School Hours Care building.

The Council welcomed Mr Aaron Beake, President of the Gumdale State School P&C Association. Council members voted in favour of the secondment of Mrs Marissa Bowen into the role of Council Secretary and accepted the resignation of parent representative Peta Bevan. Peta has been a member of the School Council since its inception and we thank her for her valuable input.

Council acknowledged staff member Michelle Haigh with the Staff Recognition Award for Term 2. Michelle is one of our staff at the front desk in administration. Thank you Michelle for all the extra effort you put in when liaising with parents and staff and always with a friendly smile.

New business within the Council included the development of a Conflict of Interest Declaration Register and the implementation of a working party to develop a School Council Handbook. The handbook will include meeting protocols/guidelines, Code of Conduct, Council Vision and the Council Values Statement.

Gumdale State School Community Support Teacher, Genevieve Agerholm, presented to the Council about the role of the Community Support Program. She outlined how it has been assisting families within our school community including suppling and delivering book packs during At Home Learning. The Community Support Program operates thanks to generous donations from the P&C Association and local community groups. Additional financial support is always welcome.

Mr Savill presented his Principal's report that stated that the school's learning priority continues to be reading and its relationship to quality writing; that student progress across the school is very positive; the BYO iPad program will be expanded in 2021 and before and after school start times will remain in place for Term 3. The STEAM Centre will be air conditioned however the expected power board upgrade has been delayed.

Council Chairman, Janet McBeth, updated the council on events since the last meeting. She stated how Gumdale State school had been impacted by COVID-19 with students enduring the cancellation and postponement of many school clubs, sporting activities and school assemblies. Mrs McBeth noted how inspiring it was to see how the school community adapted to, and embraced, the At Home Learning scenario during Term 2. How the staff, through patience, flexibility, commitment and professionalism ensured that the supporting of the students was guaranteed. Although the start to Term 2 was unsettling, the experience allowed all involved to display resilience and to grow in persistence. Janet stated that many local businesses, such as Aussie Capalaba, The Gateway Church Carindale, Gumdale Bakery, Jacques Patisserie, RACQ Bank, Ross Vasta MP, Steve Minnikin MP and the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club acknowledged this unique situation and showed their support during this time by sending gifts.

The Term 3 meeting is scheduled for Friday 21 August.

Digital Technology News

2021 iPad Hire Scheme

Next year our iPad Program will expand to our Prep and Year 1 students. All Year 1 to 6 students will bring their iPad to school on the first day of school in 2021. All Prep students will join the program on the first day of Semester 2, 2021.

The BYOD 2021 Handbook and FAQ’s can be viewed on the school website. The Handbook includes the specification for the device and the accessories required. App lists will be released early Term 4.

There are three options for the 2021 BYO iPad Program.

1. Buy the iPad from your choice of reseller. Apple and JB Hi-Fi offer 12 months interest free purchases. Links to these resellers are on our school website.

2.Hire the iPad using the Student Resource Scheme. This option will cost approximately $225 per year. This covers the use of the device, apps and maintenance of the device. These iPads will remain at school.

Expressions of interest for this option will be sent out to Prep and Year 1 families in early Term 3. Families who are already in the iPad Hire Program will be asked if they would like to opt in again for 2021.

3. Access the Equity Fleet. If you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact your relevant Deputy Principal to discuss this option before Friday 24 July, 2020.

Keep reading the school newsletter for more updates regarding our 2021 BYO iPad Program. If you have any questions, please send an email to our Digital Technology Coaches via the email address below.

Wellbeing

Problem Solving Skills

As children progress through childhood, adolescence and into adulthood, they are going to be faced with all manner of challenges. It might be a difficult English assessment, not wanting to complete a task, disagreements with friends, or having to face the consequences of a mistake they made. These are all small challenges that children are strong enough to face and solve, and doing so will make them stronger and more resilient.

There may be times when we want to jump in and try to ‘fix’ things for our children; but when we do this we could actually be doing more harm than good. When the adults around a child jump in to solve problems for them, the message they receive is that they aren’t strong enough to face or overcome problems themselves. Thus reinforcing helpless behaviours (giving up, getting angry, negative self-talk, giving the problem to someone else to fix) rather than problem solving behaviours.

Adults can equip children to manage life’s ups and downs by letting them know that they are strong enough to overcome difficulties and be there for them to talk to about possible solutions or ways to move on. Listening to children, asking growth mindset questions and encouraging them will help them become confident, independent problem solvers.

For information on helping children to problem solve, visit the link below:

STEM News

STEM Learning

Year 3

Students had an egg-citing time testing their air-drop creations from the first floor balcony.

Year 4

Students worked together to create a model response to an investigation. The aim of the investigation was to find out if washing our hands with soap for 20 seconds, or, using hand sanitiser is best at reducing germs.

Year 5

Students designed and made some very clever and creative flying creatures to tackle the challenge course.

Sustainability @ Gumdale

Sustainability Steve is very excited to have students back at school and being mindful of their waste. Our worms are enjoying the return of organic food scraps!

Film festival

Entries are now open for the Cicada Film Festival — a short film competition open to South East Queensland youth. The festival aims to raise awareness of environmental issues facing South East Queensland. Schools and students have the chance to win cash prizes. The submission deadline is 7 September.

Video competition focuses on Great Barrier Reef

Students aged 6 to 13 have the opportunity to combine their creativity with their desire to protect the Great Barrier Reef and its marine life. The Reef RADicals film competition welcomes 90-second videos that feature ideas, actions or solutions for saving the reef.

Free Virtual Holiday Programs

Street Science and QUT bring science to life

These winter holidays, QUT is teaming up with Street Science to present a special QUT Virtual Holiday Program. From the comfort of your home, Science Steve and QUT researchers will bring science to life and guide you through their high energy and engaging experiments, sure to captivate budding scientists.

The first session on 30 June, called Biology Explained – plants and animals, features fire tornados and gas clouds allowing children to explore the ever-changing field of biology.

Guaranteed to captivate all junior scientists, the second session on 2 July called Biofuels – past / present / future features a real rocket engine and Street Science and QUT researchers will discuss what biofuels are and what kind of fuels will be used in the future.

Find out more:

Wishing all our families a safe and happy holiday!

Sport News

Swim Squad

Next term sees the reintroduction of Swim Squad. This twice weekly before school program is held at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre. Students are transported to school on the school bus following each session. It will be great to establish some routines again!

2020 Camps

The camps for 2020 will be as follows:

2021 Camps

The camps for 2021 will be as follows:

Information regarding approximate costings will be communicated shortly.

Primary Schools Cup – Netball

The Primary Schools Cup – Netball will be held on 12 and 13 September at Ipswich Netball Association. GSS will be nominating two teams for this competition, a development team and a championship team.

Trials for these teams will be held on Monday 20 July from 3:20-4:20pm at the school netball courts. Students will be notified by email following the trial whether they have been selected. Selected students will train each Monday afternoon after school leading into the competition.

Sport Aerobics – Keep us in the lead!

Help support our Gumdale Sport Aerobics squad! They are entered to win vital funds to assist in keeping costs down for our students. Voting is simple through Facebook or email and ends on 30 June.

The group with the most votes will win the campaign, so getting voting and share the link to make sure Gumdale is in with a chance to win!

Keep moving!

Music Notes

Choir

Choir rehearsals will resume after the holidays in Week 1 of Term 3 and rehearsal days/times will remain the same. Please keep singing over the holidays and I look forward to seeing you back in choir next term.

Instrumental Music

Year 3 Instrumental Recruitment

At Gumdale we offer a three year Instrumental Music Program (beginning in Year 4) of group instrumental lessons on percussion, woodwind and brass instruments.

Students in Year 3 will take part in the selection process during Term 3. Please stay tuned for more information after the holidays. The following link has demonstrations of the different musical instruments we offer and you may wish to view and discuss them with your child over the break.

Band Rehearsals

Band rehearsals including Junior Band will resume after the holidays in Week 1 of Term 3 in the music room. Rehearsal days and times will remain the same and we can’t wait to start making music together again.

Xylophone Group

The Xylophone Group will resume after the holidays in Week 1 of Term 3 in the music room with Miss Moran. We are 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. Call Todd on 0419 941 315.

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

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.

Connect with the P&C

To contact the P&C, please email pandc@gumdalesspc.org.au.

Stay up to date with all things P&C by following us on Facebook at Gumdale State School Parents & Citizens.

Aaron Beake
P&C President

GOSHC

The following information was sent to all GOSHC families last week.

When will the Early Childhood Education and Care Relief Package end?

The relief package has been extended until 12 July 2020. The relief package was originally scheduled to end on 28 June 2020.

This impacts Vacation Care at GOSHC, whereby the occupancy is limited, and parents are required to provide in-office employment letters.

When will GOSHC be back to normal?

From 13 July 2020, CCS will return, and the direct debit process will be reactivated. The first direct debit run will occur on Friday 24 July 2020 and fortnightly thereafter.

How do I make a booking for Term 3?

• Casual bookings for Term 3 can be made via the MyFamily Lounge App.
• Permanent bookings can ONLY be made via email.
• We are fully operational as of 13 July 2020.
• A reminder of the $5 non-cancellation fee and the $15 failure of direct debit payment.

What do families need to do for their CCS to start again?

Families who were getting CCS before 6 April 2020, won't need to do anything as long as they have remained eligible. Their CCS will start again automatically on 13 July 2020.

Families should check their details, and make sure they are up to date.

Can I send my child to GOSHC without a booking?

No.

Due to the educator to child ratios, our staff are rostered on in accordance with the confirmed bookings. Families that arrive for before school care without a booking will be turned away.

Children that arrive for after school care without a booking, will be sent to stop, drop and go.

Are there any changes to the sign in and out process?

For Term 3 GOSHC will be trialling a new Before School Care sign in procedure. Families that arrive between 7:15am – 7:45am will be able to pull in to stop, drop and go, remain in your vehicle, your child/ren will exit the vehicle. A GOSHC staff member will greet and sign your child into the service. Communication will be made through out the process to all GOSHC staff, this will ensure all children will arrive safely to the Before School Care program.

Will there be changes to our fees in the new financial year?

Yes, fees are increased every financial year.

However, due to COVID-19 the GSS P&C Association have deferred this annual increase until Term 4 (6 October 2020).

Please see the fee schedule below (effective 6 October 2020). This includes a new permanent and casual rate.

Gumtree Eatery

In Term 3, we will continue to operate with a reduced service. Over the counter service for snacks and frozen items is also available for students in Years 1-6. All meal items need to be ordered on Flexischools.

Our popular winter warmers have been a big hit and we’ll continue to offer these in Term 3. Check out our soup of the day, served with a fresh bread roll for $5.00.

Hot chocolate can be purchased from 8:00am over the counter or ordered ahead on Flexischools for only $2.00 per serve. We will also offer monthly specials so check out our Facebook posts for more details.

Finally, the Gumtree Eatery is pleased to announce we have a new Assistant Convenor – welcome to the team Catherine Cook!

Carol Matheson & Catherine Cook
Gumtree Eatery Tuckshop Convenors

Uniform Shop News

The Uniform Shop remains closed for over the counter orders. All orders MUST be placed via Flexischools. Orders will be delivered to Teachers pigeon holes for collection and then delivered to students. If you require an incorrect item to be exchanged or refunded please contact the Uniform Shop staff via email and send the item to Admin with invoice and note explaining change required.

GSS Swimwear Clearance

The Uniform Shop has a very small supply of new and sample GSS swimwear to clear. If you would like to purchase any swimwear or sun shirts please contact the Uniform Shop staff at uniform@gumdalesspc.org.au. Limited stock and sizes available.

Troubleshooting Flexischools

If you are having trouble with Flexischools try logging off and then log back in. Alternatively try the desktop website. If you are still having trouble please email the Uniform Shop staff for assistance.

Uniform Policy

As the weather cools and we reach for warmer clothing, a reminder of our Uniform Policy:

Uniforms can be ordered online from Flexischools and delivered to classroom teachers for your convenience. More information on our uniform policy is available on our website here.

Michelle Moffatt
Uniform Shop Manager

Community Notices

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