9 December 2020

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Parents,

2020 has been an extraordinary year challenging us all in ways we had never anticipated. As we come to the end of the school year, I offer my sincere thanks to our wonderful students who consistently demonstrated resilience and positivity throughout the many unexpected changes this year. They have been wonderful role models for us all. Our Kurwongbah staff have been exceptional responding with agility and care with an unerring determination to minimise any potential for negative impacts on our students. I also sincerely thank all our parents and carers for your patience, generosity and support this year and the continuing support of our P&C providing parent feedback and considerations on all our planning. We have a truly special school community who have risen as one to face the challenges of 2020.

This week we farewell our graduating year 6 students. Graduation was a special celebration with our students’ parents able to join us for this important milestone event. We are extremely proud of all graduating students and wish them well in their future learning. This week parents have received their child’s report card via email. I encourage parents to firstly review the ‘Effort’ column as the strongest indicator of the commitment your child has shown to their learning this semester. Students achieving a ‘C’ standard are meeting the year level Australian Curriculum subject requirements. Students achieving at a ‘B’ or ‘A’ standard are demonstrating skills exceeding year level expectations. Please look for the celebrations with your child as they will be keen to share their progress with you. Congratulations to all Year 3-6 Silver and Gold Academic Award recipients who demonstrated learning excellence this semester.

Special farewells to the following staff who are leaving the Kurwongbah SS family: Mrs Neilson, Ms Arnold (first aid) and Mrs Clem (office). We also wish Mrs McLary and Ms Neill a wonderful break on their extended long service leave during Term 1 and Semester 1 2021 respectively. Mr Cameron Brown is replacing Ms Neill as Head of Inclusion for Semester 1 2021. You have all made significant contributions to our school community and will be deeply missed.

Class allocations for 2021 were sent home with students on Monday. Thank you for understanding the complexity of this task and the significant considerations which have been given to the individual placement of every child.

To assist parents in preparing their child for the beginning of school in 2021 we are again offering time for parents to stop through briefly to their child’s classroom to say a quick hello to their new teacher and deliver their learning resources to the classroom. Students and parents will be able to stop by classrooms on Thursday 21st of January between 8-8.45am. This is just an informal time and not a formal meeting time with parents. Parent information sessions will be offered in Week 3 as part of our formal beginning of year parent communication process, dates and times will be published at the beginning of the 2021 school year.

I would like to sincerely thank all students, parents, staff and community members for the exceptional school year. I am extremely proud of our school and the achievements of all students and look forward to an even better 2021. I wish all families a safe holiday especially those travelling at this time of the year and look forward to your safe return in the new year with school resuming Wednesday 27th January 2021.

Yours in education,

Leanne Odorico
Principal

Student of the Week

Outstanding Students for Term 4

Each term, teachers nominate an Outstanding Student from their class. The nominee is a student who independently models our school values reflecting pride in themselves, pride in our school and displays care and concern for those around them.

All Year 3-6 (except Senior D) Outstanding Students for Term 4 were presented at parade on Friday 27th November.

We would like to acknowledge all nominated Outstanding Students:

Term 4 2020 Outstanding Students

2021 Student Leadership

House Captains

Congratulations to all our elected sports house leaders for 2021.

Academic Awards Criteria 2020 – Semester 2

At parade this morning we will be presenting the Academic Awards for Semester 2. Congratulations to our 38 silver and 32 gold winners. We are very proud of these high achieving students.

The criteria is as follows:-

Academic Award Winners

Date Claimers

School Watch - Working together to protect schools

We can all help keep our schools safe. The responsibility rests with all of us.

If you see something suspicious, look, listen, and report.

Contact School Watch on 13 17 88 to report any incidents you see or hear, even if they seem minor.

In an emergency or if you see a crime in progress dial Triple Zero (000).

2021

Thank You

A huge thank you to everyone that has helped throughout 2020. The school could not run as smoothly without you! We have so many wonderful parents and carers that volunteer their time.

2021 Booklists

Please find below the 2021 Booklist for your child. The list includes specific items that our teachers have found to be good quality and meet the curriculum requirements for the year ahead. Please note that use of the listed supplier 'MySchool Gear' is entirely optional. Families can purchase items individually from any stationery store but we do ask that you purchase the items and quantities listed.

First Aid News

Collection of Medication

Parents are reminded to collect any medication stored at the First Aid room by Wednesday 9th December.

Medication 2021

If your child is planning to have medication stored at school next year, please use the Christmas period to arrange a visit to your child’s GP/Specialist and ensure you have the necessary paperwork required by Education Queensland.

All medication, including over the counter medication, must be prescribed by a GP/Specialist. The label must include the student’s name, GP name and dosage.

Requirements for Medication

For general medication, please be aware of the guidelines from the Department of Education. ALL medication no matter what it is, is required to be prescribed by a qualified health practitioner (eg: doctor, dentist), in its original container/box and have a pharmacy label attached. Failing to adhere to these guidelines, means that we are unable to administer the medication to your student and you will be called to either collect the student or come and administer the medication yourself.

If your child has had an Action Plan (of any sort), these need to be updated every 12 months. It is preferable this occurs at the beginning of each year.

Drop Off for Medication in 2021

Medication and the necessary paperwork should be dropped off at First Aid in the New Year with new labelled medication for your child.

To avoid the congestion on the first day of school returning (Wednesday 27th January), First Aid will be open on Tuesday 19th January 2020 and Wednesday 20th January 2020 (week prior to school returning), 8:30am-3:00pm. We highly recommend you take advantage of this to drop off any paperwork and medication.

If you have any questions regarding this or anything else, please call in to see us, ring First Aid on 3481 4335 or alternatively you can email us (see email address below) and we will endeavour to respond as soon as possible.

Paula Arnold & Jenelle Conlan
First Aid Admin Officers
firstaid@kurwongbahss.eq.edu.au

STEM & Enrichment Education News

Year 4 Think Fest

The Mathematical Think Fest Tournament was a huge success with Year 4 students having so much fun they asked if they could participate in this event every week. Congratulations Year 6 organisers on a very challenging and successful event.

KSS - Robotics SUMO Wrestling Competition

Congratulations to all the students who participated in the Kurwongbah Robotics Sumo Wrestling Competition this term and to the wining team of Hudson, Sierran and Caleb! There was an amazing battle to the end. Well done to the Year 6 students who facilitated and organised this activity.

Congratulations to all students who participated in the STEM and Enrichment Education programs this year. Your efforts have been amazing and highly commendable!

Holiday Fun

Looking for some holiday ideas? See the websites below for igniting children’s learning, creativity and inspiration.

• STEM Punks - https://www.stempunks.com/p/holiday-classes
• Queensland Museum - http://www.qm.qld.gov.au/
• Sciencentre - http://www.sciencentre.qm.qld.gov.au/

Mrs. Rowley
STEM and Enrichment Education Support Teacher

Music News

Well done to all the students from the Senior Band and Senior Singers who entertained the students and staff with a pop-up lunch time Christmas concert in the covered area last Thursday. It was a great way to end the year with a performance from the students.

Instrumental Program

Congratulations to those students that received offers to join the Instrumental Music Band and String program with Mr Hamlin, Mr Denning, Ms Porter and Ms Rashada. Please ensure you return the SRS participation and payment forms, and EQ11 form if attached before the end of term 4. No payment is required in 2020. Invoices will be sent home early 2021.

Lessons start week 2, term 1. Students will require all equipment necessary before their first lesson including the text book listed below.

Band and Percussion Program Equipment

• Please refer to the equipment list that was sent home with the letter of offer.
• Instrument (Own or school loan instrument as previously advised)
• ‘Sound Innovations Book 1’ for their Instrument (each instrument has its own book).

String Program

• Instrument (Own or school loan instrument as previously advised)
• “Essential Elements” Book 1, for your instrument (available from music shops)
• Shoulder rest for Violins and Violas (ensure you buy the size to match your instrument, and try it for comfort before purchasing). Avoid Johnson brand, as they warp and fall off the instrument – frustrating for students! Everest is good.
• Soft cloth to wipe instrument clean (an old face washer is fine!) Microfibre cloths are also cheaply available.
• Rosin (Rectangular, cork-sided ones are easiest for little hands to use).
• Two clothes pegs, to keep music books open and still
• Music stand (for home practice – do not bring to school)
• Set of spare strings – correct size and quality brand is essential. Please purchase from a string shop, not an all-round music shop. You’ll get a good price and superior quality. Please ask me for advice should you require it.
• A music bag (an old library bag would be perfect)

The music staff would like to thank you for your support and commitment in such a different year that none of us expected. We hope that 2021 will bring an easing of restrictions and we are able to perform and show case the talented students at Kurwongbah.

Have a safe and relaxing festive season.

Physical Education & Sports News

Swimming Carnival

Well done to all students for a series of great performances at the swimming carnival 1st December. We had great team spirit and plenty of fun on a hot day. Thanks to our wonderful staff for their hard work to ensure that the day ran smoothly. Well done to our age champions and runner up age champions and to Wyalla for being crowned the House Champions for 2020.

Age Champions 2020

House Championship Results

Swimming House & Age Champions 2020

PE & Sports Awards 2020

PE & Sports Awards for 2020 will be presented at parade this morning. Congratulations to all recipients.

Junior Primary

These students were selected for :

• Doing their best in lessons
• Receiving an A or B on their report cards
• Trying new activities
• Showing our school values in PE

Congratulations to :

• Curtis Ussher (Prep)
• Benji Pitt (Year 1)
• Harrison O’Connor (Year 2)

Middle Primary

These students were selected for:

• Strong effort
• Getting at least and A or B for PE on their report cards
• Individual or team excellence
• Participation and effort at school sports carnivals
• Cooperation and teamwork

Congratulations to:

• Indi (Year 3)
• Poppy Greenhalgh (Year 4)

Senior Primary

These students were selected for :

• Participation and effort for PE lessons, school carnivals and gala days
• Getting an A or B for their report cards
• Excellent behaviour and effort
• Leadership qualities

Congratulations to:

• Bridget Adamson (Year 5)
• Hayden Ussher (Year 6)

Overall Sportsperson of the Year Award

• Representative Sport in Term 1
• Commitment to before/ after school training
• Participation in small group Athletics Extension Program Term 2
• Placing in Top 10 for Met North Cross Country at Home (During lockdown)
• Boys Age Champion – Athletics
• Girls Age Champion – Athletics & Swimming

Congratulations to:

• Quayde Franciscus
• Bowie Gillam

YMCA OSHC

Hello families!

As we speed towards the end of 2020, we would like to take this opportunity to thank the Kurwongbah school community for embracing our YMCA service and staff. We look forward to more years of collaboration with children, families and the school. We also want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a positive New Year!

A final reminder to get enrolments for 2021 in to ensure your child’s place, ready for the new school year. If you are needing vacation care in the break please book in as soon as possible so we can organise staffing, menus and programming. Booking can be done through the My Family Lounge app.

We are continuing to collect donations of Christmas and craft resources for the vacation care period. If you have any items to donate please contact us on the below details.

Many thanks,

The YMCA Kurwongbah Team
Phone: 0448 244 060
Email: akb@ymcabrisbane.org

P&C News

P&C Qld - Parent Talk Publication

P&Cs Qld is the peak body supporting and representing more than 576,000 state school parents and wider school communities throughout Queensland. They support the achievement of quality educational outcomes for students through fostering parental and community engagement in a thriving and successful education system. Through their state-wide network of over 1200 P&C Associations and School Councils, they have the localised presence and voice to lead and enact change.

Their Parent Talk magazine is a parent focused publication and published on a quarterly basis. It is circulated throughout Queensland state schools and P&Cs as a resource to provide parents and school communities with regular news and information on a wide range of topics relevant to parenting and education. Research confirms that where parents and community are engaged in their children’s education the outcomes vastly increase. Help us ensure Every Child has Every Chance to a successful education. All editions of Parent Talk can be viewed here - P&Cs Qld Parent Talk Publication.

Tuckshop News

Congratulation to all of our senior students graduating their final year of primary school. We wish you all the best at high school.

The tuckshop have been extremely lucky to have had a visit from a few of Santa’s elves, they have been busy watching children’s behaviour while making snow angles, eating popcorn, hanging out in the drink fridge, having a bath and surfing.

We are very excited to be working on a new menu for 2021. Please keep an eye on the Kurwongbah P&C Facebook page to stay up to date regarding a new online ordering system and to look out for the menu.

Have a happy and safe holiday season and we look forward to seeing you all back next year.

Sandra and Carol
Tuckshop Convenors
3481 4337
tuckshop@ksspca.qld.edu.au

Uniform Shop

I would like to wish all our wonderful parents a very happy and safe Christmas from Kay & Kristie.

The uniform shop is now closed for 2020. Staff will not be returning until Saturday 16th January 2021. We will answer your emails when we return on 16th January 2021.

2021 Back to School Hours

Appointments are required for our Back to School Hours.

Extended Hours – January 2021

Appointments are required for these days due to COVID restrictions.

Hat Only Purchases

There will be a hat only stand in front of the Uniform Shop for back to school on,

• Thursday 21st January 2021, 8:00-9:00am. No appointment necessary
• Wednesday 27th January 2021, 8:30-9:30am. No appointment necessary.

Ordering Through Uniform Shop

1. Email Orders
   Email your order through to uniformshop@ksspca.qld.edu.au. This will be processed next time the Uniform Shop is open.
2. Phone Orders
   You can phone the Uniform Shop during open hours and pay by Credit Card.

The preferred payment options are by Eftpos either by email order or over the phone by credit card or by direct deposit.

Term 1 2021 Uniform Shop Hours (Until Further Notice)

Thank you
Kay Mitchell & Kristi Milligan
3481 4323
uniformshop@ksspca.qld.edu.au

Containers for Change

Community Notices

Soccer X 2021 Term 1

Soccer X will be returning to Kurwongbah in Term 1.