18 August 2021

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Yours in education,

Leanne Odorico
Principal

Student of the Week

Top Kurwongbah Kids

Congratulations to the following students who have recently received Top Kurwongbah Kids Awards by showing our School Values:

TERM 3 WEEK 5

Top Kurwongbah Kid – Term 3 Week 5

Date Claimers

Due Dates for Payments

Thank You

We would like to sincerely thank all families for their continued support during changes brought on by Covid lockdowns and remote learning. Such organisation is only possible with the support and understanding of our local community. We would also like to acknowledge the significant work of all staff during this time to provide learning resources for families with minimal turnaround time. It was great to welcome back all our students to school last Monday. There are a number of restrictions all schools are required to follow upon return to school which are designed to maximise safety for staff and students by again limiting external access to the school grounds.

P&C To Install Airconditioning In The School Hall

At the online P&C Meeting last Wednesday night, the P&C approved the contribution of $110 000 to aircondition the school hall. Once installed this will mean that all classrooms across the school plus the hall will be airconditioned.

Thank you to our amazing P&C and the many parents and volunteers who have contributed over many years to enable this to happen.

No School Parades

Due to current Covid restrictions, school parades are not being held on a Friday morning at present. This also means that the BookWeek Parade scheduled for Thursday 26th August will be postponed to Friday 17th September (Week 10) pending a change in Covid Restrictions. We will keep you updated as to when school parades and class presentations are able to recommence.

2022 Prep Enrolments

If you know of anyone wanting to enrol their child at Kurwongbah, we still have some places available in Prep for 2022.

Children who were born between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017 are eligible to commence prep in 2022. Parents are invited to contact the school office (34814333) if they are intending to enrol their child at Kurwongbah for Prep in 2022. Enrolment interviews for Prep 2022 have now commenced. Please contact the school for further information.

Voluntary Contribution

Voluntary Contribution is a vital part of the Kurwongbah P&C’s commitment and helps to fund reading books, maths & science consumables, art consumables, digital resources, sporting equipment and positive behaviour learning program resources.

You can make a financial contribution to the school by completing the attached form and forwarding with payment to the school office. The contribution equates to $1 per week for the 40 weeks of the school year.

Student Free Day

Show Holiday Rescheduled

The show holiday on Monday 9th August has been rescheduled to Friday 29th October 2021.

Term 3 School Opinion Survey

Thank you to the 156 families who completed the School Opinion Survey for this year. Your opinions are important to us and we look forward to sharing the results of the survey when they are provided back to the school in the coming weeks.

School Uniform Days

This is a reminder to parents and students that we encourage the wearing of Sports House shirts each Tuesday. We also ask that students wear their formal check uniforms each Friday.

Swooping Birds

Spring is rapidly approaching and along with the warmer weather it also means the beginnings of the breeding season for many of our feathered friends. Some native bird species including magpies, plovers, butcherbirds and crows, are well known to swoop as a defensive behaviour to protect their young. Swooping is typically most common during the spring breeding season, but if weather conditions are favourable some species may start breeding from late winter and continue into summer.

Children may encounter swooping birds on their way to and from school, or while inside school grounds. While being swooped on can be unpleasant, there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce safety risks to individuals and the community.

Not all birds of these species swoop. In fact, it is estimated that only 9% of magpies show this aggressive behaviour. Birds usually swoop for six to eight weeks, until their eggs have hatched and their young are grown.

Native birds are protected under the Nature Conservation Act 1992, it is therefore illegal to harm them or interfere with their nests and eggs.

If there is a swooping bird in your area:

• Take an alternative route - the best way to avoid being swooped is to avoid the bird’s territory

• Wear a hat and sunglasses or carry an umbrella to protect your face and eyes
• Dismount from your bicycle and walk through the area
• Don’t wave your arms, yell or throw objects at the bird - this will likely make the bird more aggressive
• Remain calm and walk quickly through the area, but don’t’ run - injuries often occur when people panic and run from a swooping bird

If you are concerned about a swooping bird on council land you can report it to council on (07) 3205 0555. Council may install temporary signage around the territory of a swooping bird to alert residents of its presence.

Junior Swimming Update

Due to the current COVID restrictions, the Year 2 Swimming has been rescheduled to later this term and early Term 4. The payment due date for Year 2 swimming has been extended until Friday 27th August due to the unexpected changes that have been made.

Please be aware that further changes could be made due to COVID restrictions. We encourage parents to make the payment for the swimming lessons as soon as possible to allow us to finalise our groupings with Genesis Aquatic Centre. Full refunds will be made if swimming is cancelled due to COVID restrictions.

First Aid News

You are reminded that children who are unwell must not attend school. In accordance with Queensland Health Directions, parents or carers of any child showing signs of illness will be asked to collect them immediately from the school.

First Aid Room
firstaid@kurwongbahss.eq.edu.au

Kurwongbah Kids Playgroup

Our Kurwongbah Playgroup has not been able to proceed due to the Covid Restrictions currently in place. At this stage, the Playgroup will not be operating on the 13th or 20th August, as to the restriction of limiting parents on school grounds. Mrs Krogh and Mrs Cross are looking forward to welcoming you back to our weekly sessions as soon as possible and we miss you all.

Year 6 Graduation Planning

Initial planning and preparation for the Year 6 Graduation will start soon. If you are an interested parent and have some skills/ideas/time to help out, please contact Mr. Wood (swood130@eq.edu.au). When we have compiled a list, we will then determine the best way to meet to get things started.

STEM & Enrichment Education News

Makerspace Lunchtime Timetable

National Science Week (14-22 June)

National Science Week runs from 14th – 22nd August. It aims to encourage an interest in science and STEM among the general public, and this year, it aims to encourage younger people to become fascinated by Food: Different by Design! It honors the United Nations International Year of Fruits and Vegetables and the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development.

Come to the Makerspace this week at first and second break for great interactive Science Activities and shows celebrating Science Week!

Buy $mart

Selected Year 5 students are creating amazing activities for the upcoming financial literacy competition. Films, posters and games are just some of the projects being designed for the competition. These items are targeting tips for shopping online budgeting, consumer rights and avoiding scams. Best wishes for your entries!

Robotics in Education

The Year 6 classes attending robotics this week are using the EV3 robots to perform set challenges using sensors and motors. They are designing and creating coding programs that use branching and repetition with input and output devices on their machine.

In the Year 4 classes students are using Ozobot robots in their mathematics program to enhance skills in measurement. Their challenge is to create the fastest path for the robot to travel on that is exactly 100cm in length using only an A4 piece of paper.

Hermitage Science Plant Competition

Congratulations to the Year 6 students who entered the Hermitage Plant Science Competition. They created a scientific report on, ‘What is pestering my plant,’ researching the pests and diseases that impact tomato plant growth as well as a science poster about different wraps used to preserve food. Congratulations students on your efforts, a participation certificate is on its way!

Origin Energy Little, Big Science Competition

Budding young inventors across the country are being invited to submit their ideas to Origin’s Little Big Idea! The competition is giving innovative Aussie kids in grades three to eight the chance to win a $10,000 education and innovation grant. Entries are due Friday 10th September and can be sent online or via the post. Follow the link for more details.

Aussie Student Inventions that changed the world competition

The 2021 Aussie Student Inventions Competition is now open to all primary and secondary students. In partnership with the producers of ‘Aussie Inventions That Changed The World’, the search is officially back on for Australia’s most innovative students. Each winner will get an incredible mentorship opportunity and $3,000 cash! This popular competition is running throughout Term 3, 2021. Now is the time to start thinking of your invention. It can be any type, size or functionality. It could solve a problem, make life more interesting or just be incredibly cool! Entries close 17th September, please see the below link for more details.

Telling Stories Writing Competition

The ‘Telling Stories’ Writing Competition is organised by Mooloolaba Rotary in partnership with the Creative Writing Program from the University of the Sunshine Coast and Voices on the Coast. This competition is on again and open for students from Year 4-6. Students are to write their own story with the title being – ‘I should have waited.’

Entries are due on 23rd August and there are great cash prizes to be won. Please see the Library for an entry form or visit the below website.

Resource Centre News

Book Week 2021

Due to the current restrictions of visitors to the school we are having to postpone upcoming Book Week Celebrations.

Please don’t be too disheartened!

As soon as restrictions are lifted and we can invite our guest authors and parents into the school the new date will be set! So… keep those book week costumes handy! We have lots of exciting activities lined up for when we can hold the celebration!

Many thanks and Happy Reading,
Your friendly Library Crew

Physical Education & Sports News

Track and Field

Congratulations to all of our 34 athletes who participated in the Pine Rivers District Track and Field Trials 28-29 July. There were some great performances from our students and many personal best achievements. We had 8 of our students selected to attend the Met North Track and Field Trials.

• Bridget : 800m & 1500m
• Layla : High Jump
• Aaliyah : 100m, 200m, Long Jump, High Jump and Discus
• Emily : Discus
• Hope : Long Jump
• Isabella : Shot Put
• Zachary : 1500m
• Corey : Long Jump

Unfortunately the Met North and Queensland Track and Field Trials have been cancelled due to the uncertainty regarding COVID. This is a disappointing thing but there will be plenty of future opportunities for these students.

Congratulations students and thanks to families for helping them out with training and support.

Gala Day (Year 4-6)

Our final Gala Day for 2021 is scheduled for Friday 27 August. We are hopeful that COVID restrictions allow us to proceed with this event. Find additional details regarding the upcoming event below:

Venues

Training

Training sessions are scheduled before, during and after school for the different sports. Students will need to check with the coaches for their respective sports for the timing of training. Updates will be provided on Facebook.

Permission

All students must have returned a signed permission form to be able to attend. The teachers assigned to each sport have a list and will remind your child about permission forms if we don't already have one returned.

Transport

Buses leave at 9.00am SHARP. If your child arrives at school after this time then they will need to remain at school.

Equipment

There is no special equipment required for the sports. Students should be wearing their Jade uniform. All students must have a hat, their lunch and plenty of water with them on the day. Students participating in League Tag may wish to wear bike pants during games. These are best worn under regular school shorts until the games commence.

YMCA OSHC

Hello families

We are glad to be back into the swing of things now that the South East Queensland lockdown is complete and children have been busy playing and learning here at OSHC. We have been gathering many of their suggestions for the upcoming vacation care and the program will be out for families to view in the coming weeks.

Friday the 3rd of September is a student free day, but we will be open for families and children. Be sure to book in soon as spaces are limited on student free days.

Our program this fortnight has been a mix of physical and outdoor play, nature art, pop culture activities, and sensory creativity. Children have also been utilising our home corner for lots of imagination play. Imagination play supports the development of communication and social skills.

Next week we will be conducting plenty of experiments as part of National Science Week. The children are eager to explore, observe, investigate and research all things science. Did you know that creating slime is a scientific process? Science sure is fun!

We would love to hear your feedback and suggestions, so feel free to email us or drop by the YMCA office for a chat.

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

Fundraising News

Kurwongbah 80’s Disco Party

Unfortunately, due to current Covid restrictions, the Disco planned for Friday 20th August has been cancelled. It will not be rescheduled.

Father’s Day Stall

The Kurwongbah Craft Group are running a Father’s Day Craft Stall on Tuesday 31st August and Wednesday 1st September. Students will have the opportunity to visit the stall in their class groups to purchase inexpensive gifts for their loved ones (Dad, Grandpas, Step-Dad’s, general gifts). Gift prices range from $1.00 to $10.00.

Tuckshop News

The tuckshop is very excited to be back after our recent lockdown. We are excited to be bringing new meal deals out this week.

New Meal Deals

• Caleb’s Mega Meat Pie Meal $7.50
  Beef Pie, Chocolate Mousse and Drink
• Neave’s Aussie Pack $7.50
  Sausage Roll, Watermelon Cup and Drink
• Breea’s Burrito Box $6.50
  Burrito, Brownie and Drink

3 other meal deals are yet to be advised.

Ongoing Meal Deals

• Evie’s Swimming Meal $7.50
  Half Chicken Tender Wrap, Chocolate Mousse and Drink
• Shakiya’s Rugby Meal $7.50
  Ham and Cheese Pizza Slice, Watermelon Cup and Drink
• Sierran’s Build A Burger Box $6.00
  Beef Burger (Cheese – extra $1.00), Chocolate Mousse and Drink
• Tilly’s Taco Meal $6.50
  Beef Taco, Brownie and Drink (*Gluten Free Option Available*)
• Waldo’s Toastie Pack $7.00
  Ham and Cheese Toastie, Watermelon Cup and Drink
• Chappy’s Happy Meal $6.70
  4 Dino Nuggets, Brownie and Drink (*Gluten Free Option Available*)

All meals come with a popper or you can upgrade to a flavoured milk for an extra 50c.

We would like to thank Jaspaa, Lucas and Makayla for their amazing meal deals that have ran for the last 10 weeks.

Daily Specials

Pizza Wednesday

• Margarita pizza $5.00
• Ham and Pineapple $5.00
• Mega Meat $5.50

Thursday Special

• Roast Chicken Special
  Roast Chicken, Baked potato, Vegies, Gravy and Garlic Bread $5.50

Ordering

The preferred method of ordering is online via the QKR app, as all details of in stock items are available. We also accept over the phone orders and cash orders over the counter.

Cash

Tuckshop is once again accepting cash sales via the bag system and for over the counter items in break times.

Phone Orders

Parents can place a phone order, by phoning the tuckshop directly on 3481 4337 and paying by credit card. Cut off for phone orders is 9:00am.

Online Ordering

Parents can order via the online QKR app. Cut off for online ordering is 8:00am. Please ensure you have your child’s correct class, so your child’s meal is prepared and ready in the correct collection place.

Allergies

We currently cater for many students with allergies. If you have any concerns, please feel free to contact our team and we will be able to give you up to date information regarding our products.

Tuckshop Hours

Monday – Tuesday CLOSED
Wednesday – Friday 8:15 2:10 pm

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

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop is currently accepting phone orders Monday and Thursday 8.30am – 10.00am or email orders. Please include phone number. Orders will be packed and delivered on Mondays and Thursdays.

Parents are not allowed on site at present, but if you are wanting to have your child sized for an order, please call Kay on Monday or Thursday mornings. This will be the process until parents are again able to come on to school grounds.

Payment methods accepted Eftpos, credit card, direct deposit, and cash. You can also now order your uniforms online via the Qkr app.

Winter Orders

Our Winter jackets have arrived in stock, so we now have a full range of sizes. We also have all sizes in our Jumpers and Vests.

Hats

We are currently out of size Medium Bucket Hats. The Bucket Hats are on order and we are hoping to receive them by the end of the month. We have plenty of Legionnaire Caps which will fit all sizes.

We also have some size small older style hats which we are selling out at $10.

Ordering Through Uniform Shop

The following options are available:

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.
3. Qkr! Online Orders
   Download the Qkr! App, or use the web-based version of Qkr at https://qkr-store.qkrschool.com/store

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

Uniform Shop Hours

Delivery days are Monday and Thursday.

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

Containers for Change

Community Notices

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander COVID-19 Vaccination

The COVID-19 vaccines are now available for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peopled aged 12 and over. COVID-19 vaccines remain our best way out of this pandemic as they can help keep you from getting really sick and needing to go to the hospital.

The vaccines are most effective when you’ve received two doses of the same vaccine within the recommended timeframe. The first dose of your vaccine will begin to build up a protective response against COVID-19 in your system. The second dose will boost your immune response to give you long-term protection against COVID-19. Without the second dose, your body will not be able to fight the virus as effectively. At your first vaccination appointment, your healthcare worker will tell you when you should book your appointment for your second dose.

COVID-19 vaccines are just one part of keeping the community safe and healthy. People and communities should all continue keeping COVIDSafe by regularly washing your hands and keeping two big steps away from others.

Learn more at the Department of Health’s COVID-19 vaccines hub and subscribe to key health updates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities.

Queensland Road Safety Week (16-20 August)

The focus this year is to 'Sign up for Road Safety' and put a spotlight on road safety. Last year hundreds of Queenslanders shared their road safety messages online, let's make this year even bigger.

How can you and the family take part… think of a road safety message and put it on a sign – be as creative as you like. Take a photo or video of your sign and make sure your message is clear. Post it to the StreetSmarts website – use the QR code below and tag @StreetSmartsQld or #QRSW2021

What can you do with the kids at home? Qld Road Safety week is around the corner! Show your support by kicking those bad driving habits and make our roads a safer place for everyone. Check out the StreetSmarts website for a range of activities and resources

(find a word, colouring activities)

Check out the road safety quiz for kids – use the QR Code below and let your kid's test their street smarts!

Junior Engineers – Spring Holiday Camp

Celebrate Book Week with Moreton Bay Region Libraries

Register for a FREE virtual Storytime with local author Alison McLennan to boost your school’s Book Week celebrations. Alison will share her latest picture book, Growing Pains, and create a tree using recycled materials. This Storytime and activity is perfect for Prep - Year Three students and explores themes of empathy, kindness and caring for the environment. Teacher’s notes are available from the publisher.

The pre-recorded video is available for exclusive use during Book Week, but you have the flexibility to fit it into whichever lesson best suits you.

To register, contact us via email and we’ll send you the video link.