23 November 2022

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Yours in education,

Leanne Odorico
Principal

New Students

A special welcome is extended to Caleb (4B) who joined the Kurwongbah School community recently. We hope you enjoy your time at Kurwongbah and we look forward to parent support with P&C and class activities.

Student of the Week

TERM 4 WEEK 6

TERM 4 WEEK 7

Top Kurwongbah Staff

Top Kurwongbah Kids

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

TERM 4 WEEK 6

Top Kurwongbah Kid – Term 4 Week 6

TERM 4 WEEK 7

Top Kurwongbah Kid – Term 4 Week 7

Date Claimers

Due Dates for Payments

2023 Student Leadership

Music Captains

Congratulations to all our elected Music Captains for 2023.

We are sure that you will be great music leaders.

House Captains

Congratulations to the following students who were announced as 2023 House Captains.

We look forward to them developing their leadership skills through the variety of sporting activities that are scheduled in 2023.

Sports Awards 2022

Congratulations to the following students who received Sports Awards last Friday on Parade.

Prep – Zayne
Zayne always had a positive attitude and did his best. He was willing to try all activities during the year.

Year 1 – Elliya
She had a very positive attitude and always showed she was able to listen and follow directions.

Year 2 – Rylan
Rylan showed that he always enjoyed PE lessons. He has had a positive influence on others during PE and sport activities.

Year 3 – Tyson
Tyson is consistently keen and enthusiastic in all PE activities. He has shown teamwork and great participation in sports activities during the year.

Year 4 - Harrison
Harry always strives to be the best he can be in any sporting activity. It does not matter if it is a new game or something he has tried many times before. Harry is focussed on being learning and improving.

Year 5 – Yahirah
Yahirah always applies herself 100% to all PE activities. She is a positive influence on others, enjoys participating as a team member and has great leadership qualities in sport settings.

Year 6 – Micah
Micah has a positive attitude and proves that he is always willing to listen to feedback. He strives to be the best he can be.

Sportsperson of the Year

These awards are for students who are selected in representative sports teams at district, regional or state level. This is only for students aged 10 years and above and for Queensland School Sports. There are some sports our students participate in but our points for Sportsperson of the Year are linked to Queensland School Sport. Points are awarded based on selection in individual or team sports at the different levels.

Dustin – Dustin was selected in the Met North Team for Touch Football and attended the Queensland Trials which were held on the Sunshine Coast.
Yahirah – Yahirah was selected in the Pine Rivers and Met North Netball Teams. She progressed through these trials and was then selected in Queensland.

Staff Update

Thank you to Mrs Crowhurst who completed her role of cleaner last Friday. We wish you every success and happiness in your new career.

Mrs Bothwell (3A) commences leave after Friday and will be replaced by Mrs Mazzer for the remainder of the year.

Mrs Kessels (LOTE) commences leave after Friday and will be replaced by Mrs Warner for the remainder of the year.

Parade Presentations

Congratulations to all our choirs, Mrs C and Ms Waltisbuhl for an entertaining performance on Parade last Friday week. A special mention to our Prep/One singers who completed their first performance of 2022. Well done students on your very entertaining performances. Thanks to our teachers Mrs C and Ms Waltisbuhl for all the rehearsals you have done with the student in preparation for the performance.

The Percussion Ensemble and Mr Hamlin performed last Friday on Parade at a very high standard. Well done students on a captivating presentation which was performed from memory without music.

Children Leaving Kurwongbah

We are in the process of finalising class formations for 2023. Parents whose child or children (other than year 6 students) will be leaving Kurwongbah at the end of the year are asked to inform the school office.

Year 1 – 6 Pool Party Information

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 6

Year 5

Prep Water Play End of Term Celebration

The Prep End of Term Celebration will occur on Tuesday 6th December. Prep teachers will send home information on requirements for the day.

Year 6 Graduation Ceremony

The Year 6 Graduation Ceremony will be held in our school hall from 5.45pm on Friday 2nd December. Following the ceremony, the students will have a light meal and conclude the evening with a disco finishing at 9.30pm. Dress for students is smart casual.

Semester Two Academic Reports

Teachers are completing the Semester Two Academic Reports this week. Reports will be emailed to parents on Monday 5th December. Letters will also be sent home on this day with information about Student class placements for 2023. Parents will be notified of our Academic Award recipients (Silver and Gold) in Week 9. The presentation will be during our final Parade on Thursday 8th December.

2023 Enrolments Prep – Year 6

There are still some places available for Prep students in 2023. Children who are born between 1st July 2017 and 30th June 2018 are eligible to commence Prep in 2023.

We also have enrolment opportunities available for new students in Year 1 – 6 for 2023. Parents are invited to contact the school office on 3481 4333 if they are intending to enrol their child at Kurwongbah in 2023.

School Parades

School parades are held each week from 8.55am each Friday except for Weeks 9 and 10 (Thursday) in our school hall. Parents are welcome to attend. A list of parade presentations for Term 4 is below.

2023 Booklists

Please find below the 2023 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.

Pine Rivers State High School, Murrumba State Secondary College and Dakabin State High School Transition Day

A Transition Day for 2022 Year 6 Students going into Year 7 in 2023 is on Monday 28th November.

Christmas Craft Stall Timetable

The P&C will be holding a Christmas Craft Stall on Wednesday 30th November and Thursday 1st December. Class visiting times are below.

Wednesday 30th November: Selling of Items to Students

Thursday 1st December: Selling of Items to Students

NAPLAN 2023

In March 2022, Education Ministers announced that NAPLAN testing would be moved to Term 1 from 2023. The 2023 NAPLAN testing dates are Wednesday 15th March 2023 to Monday 27th March 2023.

NAPLAN is used by governments, education authorities and schools to determine whether young Australians are meeting important goals in literacy and numeracy.

Students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are expected to sit the NAPLAN tests, which are held in Term 1 each year.

NAPLAN gives a snapshot of how children are performing in reading, writing, spelling, punctuation, grammar, and numeracy. It complements other effective classroom assessment and reporting practices.

Eco-Marines News

This term the Eco-Marines have been promoting ‘Waste Free Wednesday’ and last Wednesday at first break went in search across all year levels to present tickets to students who made an effort to go waste free with their lunches. All names went into a draw and Tess of 2D was announced as this week’s ‘Waste Free Wednesday Warrior’.

This week the school has also recycled its five thousandth ‘containers for change’ drinking container. All containers have been placed in the big purple recycling container over the far side of the oval for collection. Please view the poster below for ideas the Eco-Marines have suggested on how Kurwongbah can further reduce its waste.

Kurwongbah Kids Playgroup

Kurwongbah Playgroup is starting to grow in numbers as our new 2023 Prep students prepare for "big" school. We may need to implement our booking system each week to ensure your little person is not missing out on their Friday fun. There are a few ways you can indicate your attendance:

• Let the Playgroup Staff know each Friday for the following week
• Make a booking through the Kurwongbah School Office (07) 3481 4333
• Email Mrs Cross directly at mcros119@eq.edu.au

Inclusion News

Disability – What it Means

Society has come a long way, and I am personally not sure we have it right yet. Even in the word, Disability. It strikes up images and pictures that aren’t an accurate representation. I picture the Olympic athlete, who is a dual amputee, and ca hurtle down the running track ten times faster than I can. In that instance, if the athlete has a disability, then what do I have? I don’t mean to make light of the issue, but it is a good illustration. I have heard the ‘slang’ term before Diff-Ability – representing differing abilities. I like this notion. Every human on earth has a gift that they have that they bring to bare on the world and impact on those around them. Everybody’s gift is different, and the diversity range is vast, which I feel is perfect, as then, in our society, there is a place for all of us.

Since approximately 2016, schools varying capacities, and now compulsory have taken part in the NCCD. The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data for Students with Disabilities. This has taken on the National definition of disability, and taken Education Queensland beyond the Six Verification Categories being Intellectual Disability, Physical Disability, Vision Impairment, Hearing Impairment, Autistic Spectrum Disorder and Speech Language Impairment.

This move beyond six narrow categories is a positive move in education, but it is important to understand the National Definition, and in doing so, take the stigma away from the word disability. This presents a challenge I understand. However, I have Asthma, which by definition, classes me as having a disability. When I broke my leg, for the duration of time where my movement was hindered, I was classed as having a disability. My vision, which without corrective lenses, would have me a legally blind, is corrected by lenses, and so hence is not one of my disabilities.

The National Definition of Disability is

• total or partial loss of the person's bodily or mental functions; or
• total or partial loss of a part of the body; or
• the presence in the body of organisms causing disease or illness; or
• the presence in the body of organisms capable of causing disease or illness; or
• the malfunction, malformation or disfigurement of a part of the person's body; or
• a disorder or malfunction that results in the person learning differently from a person without the disorder or malfunction; or
• a disorder, illness or disease that affects a person's thought processes, perception of reality, emotions or judgement or that results in disturbed behaviour;

and includes a disability that:

• presently exists; or
• previously existed but no longer exists; or
• may exist in the future (including because of a genetic predisposition to that disability); or
• is imputed to a person.

To avoid doubt, a disability that is otherwise covered by this definition includes behaviour that is a symptom or manifestation of the disability.

With NAPLAN being moved into Term 1 next year for our Year 3 and 5 children in 2023, we have been in a position where we have needed to share information around the adjustments that can be offered to students where they a) meet the national definition for disability and b) there disability has a functional impact on their access to education.

For this reason, our staff have been contacting parents of students who are captured in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data, where their disability has an impact lasting longer than 10 Weeks through the school year.

My reason in sharing this information, really at the heart of things, is to challenge our thoughts around what disability means, and how we view it. As if we dig deep enough, the vast majority of us will experience transient disability in our lives. Also, to acknowledge that the diversity in our society is amazing, and to be celebrated, for all the differing gifts that enrich our lives.

Cameron Brown
Head of Special Education Services

Guidance Officer (GO) Greetings

Greetings Kurwongbah families!

‘Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me’ – unfortunately this old schoolyard rhyme is not true, words can hurt! “Being teased about their appearance can make a child not like their body or the way it looks, and these thoughts can last throughout their lifetime” (Butterfly Body Bright).

While teachers work hard to prevent teasing at school, unfortunately it can still happen. KSS is registered for Butterfly Body Bright – this is a strength based, evidence-informed program designed for Australian primary schools to support positive body image in children. Butterfly Body Bright recommends the following if your child has been teased about their appearance:

The family ‘Tip Sheet’ called Help your child be BRAVE against teasing about appearance is attached below.

If you would like further information about Butterfly Body Bright, please see their website:

Olivia Devereux
Guidance Officer

STEM & Enrichment Education News

Makerspace Lunchtime Timetable

Robotics - Sumo Wrestling Competition

The KSS Robotics Sumo Wrestling Competition will be continuing this week with students competing in a round robin tournament as part of their assessment. The Year 6 students have had great fun designing and programing their robot this term and will battle in class groups to see who is declared a winner. Class winners will battle in the Makerspace during breaks so come along and cheer them on and see who will be declared the overall winners! All students are welcome to join in the tournament during the breaks.

Battle of the Brains – Year 6 Trivia Competition

On Thursday 10th November Kurwongbah had three Year 6 teams compete in the Moreton Regional Council’s, ‘Battle of the Brains,’ tournament at the Strathpine Community Centre against other local schools in a trivia event. Students competed against 37 teams in rounds of questions in categories of general knowledge, mathematics, science, sport, spelling, movies and music. The students had a fantastic time learning new knowledge, applying their skills to problem solve as well as developing effective team collaboration. Congratulations students on your great behaviour and effort in this activity.

Book Club News

With Christmas around the corner, why not check out our Issue 8 catalogue for that special gift for your child. Also, if you would like to keep it a surprise, just choose the gift order option. When it arrives at school the office will contact you for collection.

How Book Club Helps Your Child’s School

Every time you place a Scholastic order, your School is being rewarded! For example, for every Book Club order you place, Scholastic receives 20% of your total order spend to your school as Scholastic Rewards. This allows the school to purchase books and resources for your child’s classroom and the library, helping students reach their highest potential.

How To Order

The Book Club LOOP platform for parents allows you to pay by credit card. Your child’s order is submitted directly to school and the books will be delivered to your child’s class. You can place your child’s order at the link below or using the LOOP app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Google Play.

Cash orders can be handed into the library. Simply fill out the order form on the back of the catalogue, place the form and the exact cash amount into an envelope or clip seal bag and drop off to the LIBRARY ONLY!

Julie Collins
Book Club Coordinator

Tuckshop News

The Tuckshop is excited to announce that we will now be opening Mondays 1st break only. Orders can be placed on QKR, over the phone or at the counter.

As we near the end of the year, the Tuckshop will start running stock down. QKR is always up to date with products that are available. Our last day to order Tuckshop will be Thursday 8th December.

Our meal deals this term are:

• Isaac’s Tender Wrap Meal $8.00
  ½ Chicken Tender Wrap (with lettuce and mayo), Juice Cup and Drink
• Hailey’s Hammy Meal $6.00
  Ham and Cheese Toasted Sandwich, Anzac Slice and Drink
• Mason’s Hotdog Meal $7.70
  Hotdog, Honey Soy Chips and Drink
• Rylan’s Mighty Pie Drive
  Beef Meat Pie, Juice Cup and Drink
• Addilyn’s Chicken Burger Meal $8.00
  Chicken Burger (lettuce and mayo), Fruit Cup and Drink
• Best Friend Meal $9.00
  6 Dino Nuggets, Garlic Bread and Drink
• Master Chef Special $7.50
  Ham and Pineapple Pizza, Chocolate Mousse and Drink
• Noah’s Super Standard Meal $8.20
  Cheeseburger, Chips and Drink
• Mala’s Munchies $7.20
  Pasta Bolognese, Brownie and Drink

All meals come with a popper however this can be upgraded to a flavoured milk for an additional $0.55. Sauce can also be added for an additional $0.40.

Slushy’s have now been added to QKR for ordering under Frozen Treats. These items are only available for collection during play time and not in eating time. Our Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 Students will receive a token in their class eskies at Firs Break to be collected at Second Break play time. If you give your child cash for a Slushy, please encourage your child to come to the Tuckshop before school to pay.

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

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

Uniform Shop

Parents are welcome to the Uniform Shop during opening hours with no appointment necessary. If you have an hour to spare and would like to volunteer in the Uniform Shop please email or call me, volunteers are urgently needed. We are very busy in Term 4 and any help will be greatly appreciated.

Back to School Appointments

We are now taking back to school appointments in November and January. Please refer to the below attachment for times available. Any emails send after Thursday 8th December 2022 will not be answered until 14th January 2023.

Second-hand Uniforms

We have a very good range of second-hand uniforms, all in excellent condition currently available in the Uniform Shop. If sell your second-hand uniforms through the Uniform Shop with 50% from the sale going to the P&C, which is spent providing better facilities for your children.  We always have parents waiting for second-hand uniforms. 

School Backpacks

School backpacks are available for $50. These backpacks are chiropractic approved and have a guarantee for the full time your child is at school.

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 link below.

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

Uniform Shop Hours

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

Containers for Change

Community Notices

Lemonade Kids - Holiday Workshop

Encircle – Community Bingo Bonanza

Child Health Services – Birth to Five Drop in Clinics

Boondall Figure Ice Skating Club

Albany Creek Crushers – Registrations 2023