8 December 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 4 WEEK 8

Top Kurwongbah Kid – Term 4 Week 8

TERM 4 WEEK 9

Top Kurwongbah Kid – Term 4 Week 9

Top Kurwongbah Teacher

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 recipients recently received their award at parade.

We would like to acknowledge all nominated Outstanding Students for Term 4:

Term 4 2021 Outstanding Students

Date Claimers

School Watch

We are asking our community to report any suspicious activity in our school grounds during the holidays to the School Watch Team on phone:

13 17 88.

We take pride in our school facilities and trust you will work with us to prevent any damage occurring.

2022

Thank You

A huge thank you to everyone who has helped throughout 2021. The school could not run as smoothly without you! We have so many wonderful parents and carers that volunteer their time.

2022 Booklists

Please find below the 2022 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.

Mandatory COVID-19 Vaccinations from 23 January 2022

The Premier recently announced a new public health direction requiring mandatory vaccination for workers in schools. This means that all workers entering the following identified high-risk settings will need to have at least one vaccination dose by 17 December 2021 and be fully vaccinated by 23 January 2022.

Who is required to be COVID-19 vaccinated?

Anyone who works in, undertakes an educational placement in, or volunteers in the school is considered a worker in an education setting.

This includes:

• teachers
• teacher aides
• cleaners
• administration officers, business managers, schools officers, IT staff, agricultural assistants, and all school support staff
• an employee of a company that supplies services to an education setting, such as plumbing, electrical and building services
• a contract teacher or early childhood instructor engaged for relief work
• volunteers who assist in delivering support activities and services in education settings such as tuckshop, reading programs, etc.
• chaplains, entertainers or support workers visiting education settings
• university students on practical placement, school work experience or traineeship in education settings including early childhood education and care settings
• psychologists or therapists providing support for individuals in education settings
• a dentist in a school dental clinic
• identified staff within regional and central offices who are required to be present in a school as part of their work duties, i.e. where attendance at a school is necessary to fulfil the requirements of their job.

2022 Prep Enrolments

There are still some places available for Prep students in 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. Please contact the school for further information.

Classes For 2022 And Children Leaving Kurwongbah

Students received letters on Monday indicating their class teacher for 2022. Parents whose child or children (other than year 6 students) who are leaving Kurwongbah at the end of the year please notify the office this week.

Staffing Update for End Of 2021

Mrs Jaques (Prep Teacher Aide) is on leave this week replaced by Mrs Tate.

Staff Leaving

This week we say farewell to a number of our staff who are leaving Kurwongbah at the end of this week. We thank you for your dedication and commitment to our students- just know that you have made a difference and you will be missed. Even though you are leaving you will always be part of the Kurwongbah Family.

• Mrs Anne O’Brien -Teacher Aide is retiring. Mrs O’Brien has been a long-term staff member at Kurwongbah since 1998.
• Mr Bill Henry - Facilities Officer is retiring. Mr Henry has been a staff member at Kurwongbah since 2014.
• Mrs Joy McLary - Behaviour Support/IEC Teacher is retiring. Mrs McLary first started at Kurwongbah in 1990 before working at a number of other schools in the region.
• Mrs Morgan-Hood - LOTE Teacher has been transferred to Bray Park State School. Mrs Morgan-Hood has been a staff member at Kurwongbah since 2006.
• Mr Daniel Mills - IEC Teacher has been transferred to Stretton State College. Mr Mills has been a staff member at Kurwongbah since 2018.
• Mrs Clare Marks - PE Teacher has been transferred-Mt Mee/Dayboro Staff Member at Kurwongbah since 2017.
• Miss Kira Niesler - has been transferred to Lawnton State School. Miss Niesler has been a staff member at Kurwongbah during 2021.
• Miss Kira Camilleri - has been transferred to Clontarf Beach State School. Miss Camilleri has been a staff member at Kurwongbah during 2021 and is a past pupil at Kurwongbah.
• Sonia Ensoll has been our school Guidance Officer during Term 4 this year.

Semester 2 Academic Reports & Academic Awards

Semester 2 Academic Reports were emailed to all parents on Monday. Please take the time to talk through the results with your child and celebrate their successes during 2021 and future goals moving into next year.

Parents of students in Year 3-6 who have qualified for Gold or Silver Academic Awards in Semester 2 were contacted recently. The presentation will be on our final parade on Thursday 9th December.

Year 3-6 Academic Awards Criteria. Please note Music and the Arts are combined (averaged) for one KLA. Health and PE are combined (averaged)for one KLA.

The criteria is as follows:-

Year 6 Graduation Ceremony

Last Friday evening, we formally farewelled our Year 6 students. The students received their Graduation Certificates and enjoyed a dinner and disco with their friends and Kurwongbah staff. We are very appreciative of the efforts of Year 6 parents and family members who made the night so special for our students – decorations, catering, photo display and clean up. The students will long remember their Year 6 graduation from Kurwongbah SS.

School Parades

In week 8, all of our Prep Students performed on parade. Well done students on your very entertaining performances. Thank you for our Prep Techers and Teacher Aides for organising the presentation and to the large number of parents who came to watch the performance.

Thanks to the Year 6 students and teachers for a very entertaining reflection on their 7 years at Kurwongbah during their parade presentation last Thursday. The students spoke with such confidence and used humour very effectively. A great way to finish parade presentations for 2021.

Farewell Parade - Tomorrow

All students from Prep to year 6 will attend a special Farewell Parade for Year 6 students in the hall commencing at 8:55am. Year 6 students are asked to wear their year 6 shirts. All other students are to wear their school uniform on this day.

School Uniforms

During the final week school uniforms are to be worn on Monday-Thursday. Friday is clean up day and students may wear free dress. Clothes must be sunsafe.

Safety French’s Road Carpark

Parents using the French’s Road Carpark near the Sports Hall are reminded that for the safety of our students do not park in the end (white painted) no parking places in the carpark next to the disabled parks. These areas are designed to allow as a turnaround space for cars that can’t find a park and also allow easier access for disabled parking. Thank you for your co-operation in this matter.

Lost Property

There are numerous drink bottles, hats, jumpers, lunch boxes etc at the Lost Property box, located outside First Aid. Most of these are unnamed or named with an ex-Kurwongbah student, so we are unable to return to the owner. Any unnamed items will be disposed of at the end of the year.

Watches, Glasses & Jewellery

There is a large selection of watches, glasses, sunglasses and jewellery held at the main office. Please enquire if you are missing any.

Year 6 Camp & Shirts 2022

Year 6 Camp 2022

Year 6 Camp is scheduled for Week 7 of Term 1 (7-9 March 2022). Costs for students are expected to be approximately $340. Please note that exact costs will be confirmed at the beginning of 2022. For families who would like plenty of advance notice, please make a note of these anticipated costs and dates.

Payment plan options will be available, but these will not be outlined until the beginning of the 2022 school year.

School Council News

The school council is seeking two parent representatives for nomination for 2022/2023.

The role of the School Council is to support the Principal in setting and reviewing the School’s Strategic planning and progress. Recent work focused on Strategic Partnerships including establishing a playgroup, connections with University of Southern Qld to promote learning partnerships and a focus on partnerships supporting sustainable practices within our school community. The current School Council have developed a 2022/23 Action Plan focusing on early years partnerships and sustainability practices within the school community. If you would like to know more about the School Council or may be interested in applying for the 2022/2023 position, please contact the Principal or school office (07) 3481 4333 or download the nomination form and return to the office.

Kurwongbah Fete – Sunday 19th June 2022

Fete Meeting – Wednesday 2nd February 2021

The next fete meeting is on Wednesday 2nd February 2021, 6:30pm in the Staffroom.

Donations

Does anyone have any left over halloween decorations?

We are in need of decorations for our Haunted House stall. We are looking for anything scary eg: skeletons, spiders webs, spiders, snakes etc.

Do you have leftover jars?

Our Jam stall needs an assortment of jars to start planning some amazing jams and chutneys.

All donations are greatly appreciated and can be dropped off to the office.

Fete Convenor

We are looking for stall convenors. Our fete cannot run without volunteers. Each convenor is responsible for the planning, execution and reporting on their chosen stall. Convenors will be supplied with as much information as possible on how the stall was previously run. Working closely with the Fete Committee, convenors will also be given the choice/chance to bring new ideas to fruition.

Why not run a stall with a friend. Please contact us or come along to our next fete meeting to find out what it’s all about. You can email us at kssfeteconvenor@gmail.com.

Facebook Page

Follow our Facebook page, Kurwongbah State School Fete.

Alana Krogh & Kirsty Cherry
Fete Convenors
kssfeteconvenor@gmail.com

Kurwongbah Kids Playgroup

On behalf of Kurwongbah, we would like to extend our gratitude to the Zschech family, Daley family and Turnbull family for their donations to Playgroup this year. With these kind donations, the Kurwongbah Playgroup has had more choice of activities to offer our students.

Alana and I would like to thank all our Kurwongbah Playgroup students, parents and caregivers, plus the Kurwongbah school staff for all your support this year. It has been a terrific year and the growth in our Playgroup students have been proud teacher moments. We would like to wish you all, a safe and restful school holiday, and we are looking forward to joining you either at school, or back at Playgroup in 2022.

Chappy News

Happy End of Year, Kurwongbah families!

It is amazing to me how swiftly Term Four passed by! It seems that we barely finished the last school holidays and now a big summer break is upon us. I am looking forward to finishing the school runs, the packed lunches and the endless uniform washing and hat finding that goes on during the school year, however I will miss the beautiful smiles from the students and the many conversations had with staff and parents. However, 2022 will be here before we know it and the whole cycle repeats again!

This year has been a challenging year for many of us, especially as we have continued to deal with the COVID-19 situation and the uncertainty around lockdowns, border closures, mask mandates and the never-ending news reporting. Many of us are dealing with ‘COVID-fatigue’ along with significant increase in financial and housing pressures. Can I encourage each of us at this time of year to check in with those around us and, if you are or you know a family doing it tough, please reach out to the services below who can offer assistance.

Financial Assistance

Christians Against Poverty (CAP)

CAP provides free assistance with money and debt management to assist students, singles and families who are struggling with unmanageable debt in order to help them gain better control over their financial situations and become debt free. This service includes in-home visits, budget solutions, simple repayment options, advocacy and negotiations, insolvency services, long-term support. Call the national helpline (1300 227 000) to make an appointment with your local coach or head online to

Good Shepherd Microfinance

Good Shepherd Microfinance works with the corporate, government and community sectors to develop initiatives that promote financial inclusion. Programs such as the No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) and StepUP Loan (in partnership with NAB) are facilitated by Good Shepherd Microfinance. NILS and StepUP Loan providers can access competitive pricing on energy efficient white goods, computers and other household appliances through the Good Guys Commercial site, with free delivery on refrigerators and washing machines. They also support Insurance: Essentials by AAI. Which offers care and contents insurance (eligbility criteria apply) with affordable premiums and flexible payment options, making it accessible for people on low incomes Ph 1800 429 598.

NAB

NAB has partnered with the Uniting Carering program which offers assistance to customers experiencing financial and non-financial hardship. The programs include counselling services, recreating/creating loan repayments that are suitable for individuals experiencing hardship and a Family Violence Assistance Grant. The Family Violence Assistance Grant offers financial support to women leaving DV situations. The support can include setting up individual accounts and supporting independent financial freedom, safety planning and in some cases a grant. Phone 1800 701 599 Website

See also The Salvation Army; St Vincent De Paul; and The Smith Family

Food Parcels

Harvest Food Assist

Harvest Food Assist - Bald Hills is open: Tuesday - Friday 09:00am to 4:00pm & Saturday 09:00am to 11:00am. 53 Telegraph Road, Bald Hills, Qld 4036. We also run a community kitchen called 'Harvest Community Lunch' each Thursday at 12.30pm, where people with different needs can come and fellowship together enjoying a free three course meal and great day out.

ADRA Australia – Pine Rivers

Provides food hampers to individuals and families doing it tough, for a small contribution, if possible. There are no requirements or criteria to receive a hamper. Open Tuesday 9:00am-12:30pm. 337 Old Gympie Road, Dakabin

The Lakes Pantry

Created for locals in North Lakes, Mango Hill and the surrounding areas. See Facebook (The Lakes Pantry) or the link below Open during the week.

Moreton Bay Community Matters

Community Food Bank runs from 7.30 – 9 am at 120 Ann Street, Kallangur. Food hampers to giveaway. See Facebook (Moreton Bay Community Matters) for more information. The My Community Website is a great resource for finding services in your local area as well as contacting local churches and neighbourhood centres.

I wish you all a very happy and safe Christmas and hope that the New Year brings with it peace, joy and many new opportunities to thrive. I look forward to seeing all of our Kurwongbah families next year and thank you for the support you have given the Chaplaincy service this year.

Many blessings,
Chappy Carly.

STEM & Enrichment Education News

RoboBay Robotics Competition

Congratulations to the students who recently competed in the RoboBay Moreton Robotics Competition last Wednesday. Over 100 students attended the event at the University of the Sunshine Coast, Petrie to battle against neighbouring schools in a Sumo Wrestling Robotic event.

Congratulations to the winners of the Year 5-6 division, ‘Fearsome Fighters,’ of Nathan, Connor and Zebulon, taking out first place again this year! Kurwongbah also achieved 2nd in the 5-6 division with the, ’Kraken Team,’ of Sierran, Hendrix and Caleb. This team also received the award for the most impressive robot weighing exactly 1kg. Kurwongbah entered for the first time into the Year 3-4 division and came 2nd place with, ‘The Control Legends,’ team of Chloe and Lewis and 3rd place with Freya of the, ‘Deadly Destroyers.’

Congratulations to the students who participated in the event on the day, ‘The Sumo Rampages,’ of Harrison and Micah and ‘The Shredders,’ of Kirby, Quillan, Miller and Bryn.

Fantastic end to a great year of robotics!

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

Mrs. Rowley
STEM and Enrichment Support Teacher.

Upcoming Holiday Fun!

Music News

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 required forms before the end of term 4. No payment is required in 2021. Invoices will be sent home early 2022.

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

Choral Program

During the first week of school in 2022 notes will be handed out to interested students to join the Choral Program at Kurwongbah. The following choirs will be offered - Junior Singers, Middle Singers, Kurwongbah Blokes, Senior Singers and Performance Group.

The music staff would like to thank you for your support and commitment in 2021. We hope that in 2022 with the easing of restrictions we will be able to perform and show case the talented students of Kurwongbah more often.

Have a safe and relaxing festive season.

Kurwongbah Music Staff 2021

First Aid News

Return of Borrowed Clothes

Please return any borrowed clothes to the First Aid Room before the end of the year. First Aid are urgently seeking more shorts, if anyone has some to donate.

Collection of Medication

Parents are reminded to collect any medication stored at the First Aid room by Friday 10th December.

Medication 2022

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 2022

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 (Monday 24th January 2022), First Aid will be open on Wednesday 19th January 2022 (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.

Leigh Taylor, Alana Krogh, Marika Lankheet & Anne O’Brien
First Aid Admin Officers
firstaid@kurwongbahss.eq.edu.au

YMCA OSHC

Congratulations on reaching the end of another school year. Ahead of us is 5 weeks of vacation care, two weeks before Christmas and three weeks leading in the new school year. Bookings have come through in large numbers and we are already booked out a number of days in the lead up to the Christmas break, if you wish to book we suggest that you do so ASAP.

If you have booked in for January onwards, you must have a fully complete enrolment, an email has gone out to all current families on Tuesday December 7 detailing what all families are required to do to complete their enrolment.

For all new families, please contact the service directly to enquire about how to enroll for the new school year.

Once the new school year begins on January 24 our new fee schedule will come into effect, these new schedules were sent out to all current families on Monday December 6.

A reminder that we close 6pm on December 23 and return 6am on January 4

If we don’t see you at all during the school holidays, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year and we look forward to seeing you all for the new school year commencing on January 24.

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

P&C News

Hall Hire

The Kurwongbah State School Hall is available for hire by community groups outside key school hours. The venue has seating for up to 300, lighting, sound and stage facilities, amenities, kitchen, fans and air conditioning (coming soon). Hall bookings are managed by the Kurwongbah SS P&C Association. Short and long-term hire is available with all applications submitted through the P&C for Principal approval.

In 2022, the hall is currently available for hire on a Friday afternoon and Saturday (all day).

For all enquires please email admin@ksspca.qld.edu.au.

Tuckshop News

Tuckshop would like to wish all our families and staff a safe and happy holiday. We are excited to be working on a new menu and working with our 2022 student leaders creating some amazing meal deals.

Tuckshop Hours

Tuckshop will have over the counter sales only on Thursday and will be closed on Friday.

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

Uniform Shop

Parents are now welcome back in the uniform shop. We have appointments up to Thursday 9th December.

Appointments

Bookings for January 2022 appointments are now be accepted. Refer to the attached schedule for further details. Please book your appointments now before school ends. I will answer any emails that come in after the 10th December, when I come back to school on 14th January, 2022.

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

Payment methods accepted Eftpos, credit card, direct deposit, and cash. You can also now order your uniforms online via the Qkr app. Ordering can still be done over the phone or by email as well.

Second Hand Uniforms

We are nearly out of stock of the larger sizes, from 8 upwards. If you have uniforms you want to sell, please download the form and bring them into the Uniform Shop or leave them at the office.

We have quite a range of house shirts of all colours available for you to purchase in the shop.

Please see attached order form and price list.

School Backpacks

School Backacks are available now. These school Backpacks have a guarantee for the life of the time your child is at school. The price remains at $50.00.

Extended Trading Hours 2021 – 2022

Please find attached the extended trading hours schedule. All Preps must be by appointment. Please make your appointments now to avoid disappointment.

If you want to have your child fitted in November and December extended hours you will have to make an appointment. You can also book for the January 2022 times this term.

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:

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, Wednesday and Thursday.

Containers for Change

On the last Collection Day, the school raised $163.90. To date we have raised $1602.40. Thank you to all those students and parents that have donated.

Community Notices

School Bus 6800

Bus Service 6800PM will commence from Kurwongbah State School 3:05pm. Then continue to Petrie Primary then to Genesis College and continue as it has in 2021.

Pine Rivers State High School – Uniform Shop Information

The Pine Rivers State High School Uniform shop is now taking appointments for December and January.

Extended trading hours include:-

• Mon 6th, Tues 7th, Wed 8th, Thurs 9th December, 8:00am-4:00pm
• Sat 15th January, 8:00am-1.30pm
• Tues 18th, Wed 19th, Thurs 20th , Fri 21st January, 8:00am-2:00pm

Please email prshsuniformshop@outlook.com or call 3881 4739 to make an appointment.

Chess Mates – Holiday Program

Soccer X – Term 1 2022

Teacher Aide Training

Caboolture Christmas Care Christmas Drive