24 July 2020

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Good morning Gumdale families. All around the school, from Prep up to Year 6, our students are back in the swing of things for Term 3. During our classroom visits, the Deputies and I have seen the solid effort which is underway in our focus areas of reading and writing.

Many of the programs which paused during the period of remote learning are gradually recommencing. This week saw the launch of the 2020 Signature Programs for our Year 4-6 students. We look forward to seeing students thrive in their chosen elective over the next 2 terms.

Pedestrian safety

Earlier this week I reminded students of road safety, specifically when travelling by bicycle or scooter in and around the school. Students are to dismount and walk their bikes and scooters whilst on school grounds and surrounding footpaths. When crossing roads, they are asked to walk their bikes/scooters safely within the crossing before proceeding with their journey home.

Two other key reminders for parents and students:

• Always cross at the traffic lights and only cross the road when the pedestrian light is green. Do not begin crossing on a red flashing signal.
• Children learn behaviours from their parents. Please be a good role model to your child and others by following road rules and crossing with care.

Methods of communication

We communicate with parents and carers through a wide range of methods, including:

• Our school website . The home page includes our Facebook feed for parents who choose not to use the Facebook platform.
• Regular Schoolzine emails
• Fortnightly Newsletters
• Our school Facebook page

Additionally, up to date information can be found in our Parent Handbook .

If you have any enquiries or concerns please contact your child's classroom teacher in the first instance. Please remember that the best source of accurate school information is directly from us.

Always our Best,

Phil Savill, Principal
Gumdale State School

What’s Coming Up

Always our Best

Weeks 1 & 2 - Always our Best

Reminders from the school

Late Arrivals

Students who are arriving after the usual roll marking time in the morning will need to report to the office to collect a late slip. Please see the cut off times as follows:

Students requiring assistance will be accompanied to class by our personnel once they have collected their late slip.

QParents

QParents provides secure, online access to student information and allows parents to update children's details including address and medical conditions, submit reasons for unexplained absences, notify the school of future absences, and make online payments against multiple school invoices at one time.

Please contact our front office if you need assistance registering for Qparents, via info@gumdaless.eq.edu.au.

NCCD Information Notice

The Department of Education has provided an information notice for parents regarding the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability. It can be viewed via the link below.

School Banking Program

School Banking has resumed on Fridays. Thank you to the volunteers who give their time each week for this program. If you have any questions about school banking, please email the front office on info@gumdaless.eq.edu.au

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

Year 2 Writing

Year Two students are studying Information Report Writing on the subject of insects. We began by demonstrating our prior knowledge. Now we are learning how to find information in texts and we are writing dot points in a retrieval chart.

Year 3 Writing

This term, Year 3 students have begun learning how to write a great information text. The samples show an example of what we could write before we started the explicit teaching, and the second shows what we can do now that we understand more about organising our writing, using technical words and writing in our own words. These are from the We Do part of the teaching where the teacher scaffolds the writing to give students a good example. We are looking forward to sharing more of our writing throughout the term.

After school supervision

As was communicated at the start of the term, school supervision at our gates ends at 3:15pm. Any students remaining at the gates after this time will be sent to the administration office until parents arrive to collect them.

Social Distancing at Gumdale

We thank our parents, carers and community members for the ongoing support around maintaining social distancing guidelines. Our key reminders are:

• We are continuing to limit adults on school grounds. Students are to be dropped off and collected from school gates.
• Students and staff who are unwell must not attend school.
• Students will engage in regular hand washing with soap and water (or using hand sanitiser) and will be reminded to cover coughs and sneezes.
• Parents and carers are asked to maintain 1.5m social distancing at school drop off and pickup. Please refrain from congregating around school gates.

If your child is sick

Please be advised that if your child is sick, they must not go to school. You must keep them at home and away from others. Please seek advice from your doctor or 13Health before sending your child back to school.

Parents and carers of children at school experiencing or reporting symptoms of illness while at school will be contacted promptly. These children must be collected by a parent/carer as soon as possible. We thank you for your continued vigilance.

School Clubs

A new Japanese club has begun for interested students in Years 3-6. This group meets during first break on Wednesdays in 3R. Come and learn about Japanese culture and have fun!

Refer to the updated School Clubs newsletter for more information.

Student Council

Student Council was excited to resume our weekly meetings this term. We have lots of ideas for ways we can help our school community and beyond. Stay tuned!

During this week’s virtual assembly, we were pleased to announce the results of the loose coin challenge which was held in Term 1. An amazing total of $3160.55 was raised. Funds raised will be used to purchase additional school resources. A huge congratulations to the following classes:

• In 1st place with $261.25 is 3D. They have won a Gold Class Movie Experience.
• In 2nd place, raising $259.60 is 4M. They will be enjoying a sphero and robotics party.
• In 3rd place, with $240.10 is 5/6S. They will be enjoying a delicious doughnut party.

Student Council would like to acknowledge three other classes who raised fantastic amounts: 4R, 2S and 1K.

We look forward to sharing some new incentives with the school community in the near future.

Wellbeing – Growth Mindset

The terms ‘growth mindset’ and ‘fixed mindset’ were developed by Professor Carol Dweck and refer to the beliefs people have about their learning and intelligence.

People with a fixed mindset believe their intelligence or talent, are fixed at birth and can’t be improved or changed. People with a growth mindset on the other hand, believe they can improve through perseverance and hard work - brains and talent are just the starting point.

A growth mindset may assist students to learn more, learn faster and view challenges and failure as an opportunity to improve. The best part about our mindset, is that we can change it, we just need to shift the way we think.

For information on growth mindset, visit the link below:

STEM News

Kitchen Garden

Students thoroughly enjoyed getting back in the garden! We looked after our worms, planted zucchini and parsley seedlings, and, harvested juicy, sweet carrots.

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.

Sport News

Swim Squad

Term 3 Swim Squad commenced this week at Brisbane Aquatic Centre. It was fantastic to see such an enthusiastic group back into the routine. This squad will train twice weekly throughout the term.

2020 Camps

The camps for 2020 will be as follows:

2021 Camps

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. Congratulations to the below students who have been selected in GSS teams:

Millie C, Jordan D, Matilda C, Saebra B, Josie C, Charlotte C, Stella M, Becky R, Caitlyn C, Jade P, Charlotte I, Sophie M, Mia K, Madeline A, Holly P, Mikaela J, Chelsea C, Alex B, Josh C, Jackson S, Zoey A and Livi R.

These students will train each Monday afternoon after school leading into the competition. Thanks to Miss Spratt, Mrs Doherty and Mrs McLennan for your work with these teams.

Sailing

Both GSS Elite sailing teams have recommenced their sailing sessions over the past fortnight. I look forward to them continuing this steep learning curve in the lead up to regattas later in the year.

Years 2 and 3 students have received permission forms for their sailing lessons in the second half of term 3. Each class will participate in two lessons at RQYS in 2020. Years 4 and 5 will have an opportunity to sail in term 4.

Aerobics

We are happy to share that with the assistance of our awesome community, our Aerobics Squad was able to secure enough votes to receive a donation of $1,000 from Freedom Property’s community support campaign! These funds will assist our squad with resources. A huge thank you for your votes, and thank you to Freedom Property for the opportunity.

Signature Programs

Year 4-6 students commenced Signature Programs this week. These programs will run throughout Semester 2 with students given access to the following electives:

Touch Football, Robotics, Music Ensemble/Technology, The Arts, Aerobics, Equestrian and Netball. Students will progress through their elected program over 14 sessions in Semester 2.

FairPlay

The QLD Government Fairplay voucher program has now opened. This program provides subsidies to support families and to ensure kids continue to participate in physical activity.

Parents, carers or guardians can apply for a voucher valued up to $150 for their child, which can be used towards sport and active recreation membership, registration or participation fees with registered activity providers.

Use your FairPlay voucher to jump on a tennis court and join in the fun! Visit FairPlay voucher link to find your local club and play!

Keep moving!

Music Notes

Upcoming Events

Choir

Choir rehearsals resumed this term, please see days and times below.

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.

The selection process has begun in class music lessons with Ms Slater. Students with higher levels of music aptitude will then undergo further testing on specific instruments with Mr Cosic and Mr Charlton later in the term.

The following link has demonstrations of the different musical instruments we offer and you may wish to view and discuss them with your child.

Expression of interest surveys have been emailed to all Year 3 families. If you would like your child to be considered for the Instrumental Program in 2021, please complete the digital survey by Friday 31 July.

Junior Band

Our beginner band students came together for their first ever rehearsal last week. The eager musicians were so excited to start making music together as a band. It was a fantastic first rehearsal with Mr Cosic and we were very impressed with how well you all displayed our GROW values! Well done everyone!

WAMM Band Camp - CANCELLED

We have been advised that unfortunately WAMM Camp has been cancelled for 2020.

Xylophone Group

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

Meet Our New Assistant Coordinator

Amy has started with us over the Winter Vacation Care period as our new Assistant Coordinator. She has had many years’ experience in OSHC, and Long Day Care and she is also a registered nurse. You will see her face around the service a lot as she begins to familiarize herself with the families and GOSHC service.

Will there be a Prep Program starting Term 3?

Yes. We have received lots of feedback from our GOSHC families about having a separate program for the Prep students. Therefore, this Term we will be starting a new Prep Program that will be separate from the other GOSHC students. This program will also engage our older students to assist the educators with the program.

The afternoons for the Preps will look like this:

• 2:45pm - Collected from their Classrooms and brought to the Quiet Room for afternoon tea and sign in
• 3:30pm - The group will move to their programmed area with their school bags. They will remain in their programmed area until 5:00pm
• 5:00pm - The remaining Preps will move back to the GOSHC building.

The Preps will have their bags with them for the entirety of the afternoon. Prep parents will be required to collect the preps from the area programed that afternoon. This area will be displayed on a sign in the sign in/out area.

Will there be activities for my child in the Senior years to participate in?

Yes. We will be starting up a Senior Club for the children in the senior years to be involved in. This will not have specific programmed activities; however, we have purchased items such as an air hockey table for our seniors to utilize. The children will also be able to do a lot of free choice activities with the educator/s running the senior club that day.

How do I make a booking for Term 3?

Casual bookings for Term 3 can be made via the MyFamily Lounge App. Casual bookings are not guaranteed. If a session reaches capacity, your child will be added to a waiting list. The only way to guarantee a booking for your child/ren, is to create a permanent booking. 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.

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.

Before 7:15am and after 7:45am all parents will be required to walk their students to the GOSHC building and sign their child/ren in.

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 this term. 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.

Carol Matheson & Catherine Cook
Gumtree Eatery Tuckshop Convenors

Uniform Shop News

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 for availability. Limited sizes and stock available.

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.

Formal Skorts in sizes 4 to 16 have been discounted down to $5.00 each. 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 14 to 18 A-line Check Dresses, Size 14 to 16 Unisex Sports Shorts, Size 14 to 18 Sports Skorts and Drop Waist Check Dresses sizes 10 and 14 to 18 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.

Flexischools

In line with current guidelines all uniform purchases are via Flexischools only. Flexischools orders will be delivered to teachers’ pigeonholes and then delivered to classrooms. Any incorrect sizes can be exchanged by emailing the Uniform Shop staff at uniform@gumdalesspc.org.au

Haven’t received your uniform order?

All Uniform Orders are delivered to teachers’ pigeonholes, ready for collection by teachers and then delivered to classrooms. If you have not yet received your order please check with your child’s teacher first. Any further queries can then be sent to our Uniform Shop staff.

Winter Uniform Policy

A reminder of our Uniform Policy regarding the winter uniform:

More information

Our updated price list, a size chart, the GSS Uniform Policy and our Refund/Return Policy can be found via the school website here.

Michelle Moffatt
Uniform Shop Manager

Community Notices

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