13 March 2019

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s News

It is amazing that almost seven weeks have now passed and we have passed the half way mark of the first term. We have had an incredible start to the year with a range of classroom achievements already evident matched with a diverse range of additional programs that have engaged and challenged our students. It is exciting to look at the calendar of future events and seeing the incredible opportunities that await. I look forward to sharing these in future editions of our newsletter and on our school Facebook site.

As you would no doubt be aware, all schools are required to practise school lock down and evacuation drills to ensure we are well prepared in case an emergency arises. It is vital that parents understand the following:

• Edens Landing State School practices fire and lockdown drills regularly and frequently refine our procedures to ensure they meet the safety needs of all community members.
• In the event of a real lockdown, our priority will be the safety of all students and staff. Communications will be made under the direction of police. Parents must understand that police know their jobs and give us directions on what communications we provide and when we can send them for a reason.
• Whilst issues like this are stressful at the time, parents must place trust in our systems that are designed to ensure all students and staff remain safe.

Hopefully we never have to respond to an actual event, however, if we ever do I ask all parents to trust our processes and be supportive of our actions that will be focused solely on keeping your children and our staff safe.

As we reach the end of week 7, I would once again like to thank all parents for your support of the ELSS Student Uniform Policy. It is wonderful to see the pride that students are showing in our school through the correct wearing of the uniform, including the all black shoes and white socks. It is wonderful to see the culture of inclusivity, mutual respect and belonging that is created through the uniform expectations and compliance. Please note that this term we require all students to wear their school uniform for school photos. We ask that students not wear the sports uniform on photo days. Year 6 students are asked to wear their senior shirt on photo days. Further information will be sent home soon.

Last week I attended the State Principals’ Conference in Brisbane for two days. This conference, held every two years, brings every Principal across the state together to communicate the future direction and focus of education within Queensland. Learnings from the two days will help direct the future improvement priorities in our school.

Warmly
Gail Quigley
Principal

Deputy Principal’s News

Parent Teacher Interviews

Semester 1 parent/teacher interviews will take place on Wednesday 20th March 2019.

From 3.10pm - 6pm. The 10 minute interviews will run in the same format as last year, with all teachers being positioned in the multi purpose hall for ease of access by parents. Your child should attend with you.

Bookings for interviews are available online, from 8 March and closes Monday 18 March.

TO BOOK INTERVIEWS:

Go to the website below – (Link is available school’s web page)

Enter the following code to access bookings and press go: da4p6

Step 1: complete your details

Step 2: Select the teachers you wish to meet

Step 3: select the times you wish to book from the available times

Step 4: Check your booking and press finish

Indigenous Culture Club

Our Indigenous Culture Club is once again up and running on Monday afternoons 3pm- 4pm at E Block. If you would like your child/ren to attend, please complete the note sent home last week and return to the office. If you can’t find your note, spares are availed from the office.

Year 6 Camp 2019

Notes have already gone home for our Year 6 camp. Thank you to the families who have already returned their notes. Please makes sure all notes are returned promptly so we can finalise the numbers before the end of term. As always, if you are finding it difficult to meet the payment deadline, please speak to the office staff who can assist with a payment plan.

Student Council Fundraiser

2019 has seen the election of a very keen group of Student Council representatives. They are organised and hoping to raise significant funds to help with school projects and community support projects. The first fundraiser for the year is an Easter Raffle. Staff members have very generously donated chocolates and Easter Eggs to kick start the prizes. If you would like to donate Easter items towards this fundraising, please drop your chocolates at the office. The more donations we get the more prizes we can offer. Last year we ended up with almost 20 prizes. It would be great to be able to offer the same again this year.

A note will go home in the next few weeks outlining how tickets can be purchased. The raffle will be drawn on the afternoon of the 3rd April. Winners will be notified and prizes will be ready for collection on the last 2 days of term.

Yours in Education
Cheryl Gibson
cgibs2@eq.edu.au

Deputy Principal’s News

From the classrooms

The children are now well and truly settled into their classes – including the newest Prep Class – Prep S, with Ms Stevenson.

The children have been building relationships with their Year 6 Buddies. This is a unique time for both the oldest and youngest children in our school – like a family, the older children are able to positively influence the younger ones. It is a special occasion when they come together to assembly.

Learning through Play

Don’t throw out those empty boxes and containers – let your children use them for play. Cardboard boxes can become a favourite ‘toy’ for children to play with as they are an open-ended material. “They inspire creativity and imagination as children transform and reinvent them into something else. It could be exploring imaginary places such as turning the box into an imaginary item such as a pirate ship or castle, the ideas are endless.”

For some ideas on using cardboard boxes to inspire learning please follow the link:

Religious Instruction

Religious instruction (RI) is offered at the school for students in years 1 and 2 and is conducted on Tuesday afternoons.

The faith group/s that provide/s religious instructors to deliver an authorised program is/are listed below:

Students are allocated to RI based on information provided by parents on the completed Application for Student Enrolment unless other written instructions have been provided to the school.

Note: This information remains operational unless the parent informs the school otherwise in writing.

Students who are not participating in RI will be provided with other instruction in a separate supervised location. Other instruction must relate to part of a subject area already covered in class and may include, but is not restricted to:

• personal research and/or assignments
• revision of class work such as creative writing or literacy and/or numeracy activities
• wider reading such as independent reading appropriate to the student

Parents will be advised of any changes to the RI and other instruction programs to ensure they are able to make an informed decision on their child’s participation.

Deputy Principal
Anthea Grant

Office News

ATTENTION TO ALL CONTRACTORS, VISITORS and VOLUNTEERS INFORMATION and REQUIREMENTS

It is a Department of Education requirement that all contractors, visitors and volunteers working in any school must complete the annual Mandatory Training program. ALL contractors, visitors and volunteers entering the school must complete the Mandatory Training program.

Payment Window

You can now pay for your student's activities or excursions via cash or EFT at Window 1 at the office between 8.15 and 10.30am WEDNESDAY AND FRIDAY mornings. Cash WILL NOT be accepted outside of these hours.

Bpoint payments and bank transfers close 3 days before the cash due date listed on the activity information.

PLEASE NOTE that NO PAYMENTS made after 10.30am on the last payment date will... be accepted.

The Department of Education’s preferred method of payment to schools is Bpoint.

Upon the return of a completed Student Resource Scheme Participation Agreement and invoice will be provided for BPoint payment to be made.

Payments can still be made via Internet Banking without the invoice

Schools Bank Account Name: Edens Landing State School
BSB Number: 064-401
Account Number: 10158334
Description of Payment: Enter Students surname, initial of first name &SRS

Centre pay: Deduction application can be completed via MyGov website. Please ensure the target amount is the full balance amount.

Centerpay Service Provider Number
555-092-104-B

Report Student Absences

Text message your child’s absence to 0429 904 926

Text first and last name of your child, date, duration and reason of absence.

In the event that your child will be absent from school please call the student absence line on 3826 0360 to leave a message. Alternatively you may also use the absence email - absences@edenslandingss.eq.edu.au or Text to 0429 904 926. Please record your child's name, class, date of absence/s and reason for absence.

Late Arrivals

Students who arrive to school after 9:00am must report to the office windows for a late slip prior to going to class.

Excursions

When your student is involved in an excursion or activity at school which requires payment an invoice is issued by our system. Some families currently receive their invoices via email which not only helps to alleviate the amount of paper used but also provides all the required information for our preferred payment method BPoint.

The invoices will be sent directly to parents’ emails, we are asking that you ensure your details are current and that you have active email addresses listed at school on your child’s file. Payment of these invoices is only required if you wish for your child to attend the excursion/activity.

OVERPHONE or ONLINE CARD PAYMENT SYSTEM

PHONE: 1300 631 073

To access the QLD State School Card Payment System. Use the CRN and Invoice number located on your invoice.

Or Visit the website below:

Biller Code: 1002534 (Department of Education and Training)

*CRN and Invoice number can be found on your invoice Or by contacting the office on 3826 0333

*Please note: Due to changes in departmental handling of credit card payments we are no longer able to take credit card payments over the phone at school*

Change of Details

Please email the school on office@edenslandingss.eq.edu.au stating your child’s name and class to confirm your email address and if applicable advise of any contact details that may have changed, to ensure we are able to contact you in an emergency.

Thank you for your continued support

Charmaine Johnson
Business Manager

PE News

Interschool Sport Training

As our students prepare for interschool sport, training sessions have been scheduled for those involved:

Touch football - Monday and Tuesday mornings 8:00-8:30 (Mr Hopkinson)
Netball - Wednesday & Thursday mornings 8:00-8:30 (Ms Alterator and Miss Trudinger)
Rugby League - Thursday and Friday mornings 8:00-8:30 (Mr O’Donnell)
Soccer - Wednesday mornings 8:00-8:30 and Thursday lunch breaks 1:00-1:25pm (Ms Cameron)

Payment for those students attending is March 13th March.

Hats

Over the course of the year, lessons will be held on the oval. It is essential that your child/ren has a suitable school hat for all lessons. A note will be issued to students who fail to bring a hat to lessons. If your child/ren is unable to take part in a lesson due to an injury or medical reason, please provide a note.

School Sport Dates

Cross Country: 21st March
Senior Sports Day (3-6): 30th and 31st May
Junior Sports Day (P-2): 6th September

Contact

I can be contacted at kodon30@eq.edu.au should you want to discuss anything regarding Physical Education at Edens Landing.

Yours in Sport

Ken O’Donnell
Physical Education Teacher

Music News

Year 6 Percussion Bands

Red Band: Monday mornings before school, 8:20 – 8:50 am
Blue Band: Tuesday mornings before school, 8:20 – 8:50 am

School Choir (Years 1 – 6)

Wednesday mornings 8:25 – 8:50 am (in the music room). Mrs Brosnan will also host some extra lunchtime rehearsals in her classroom. Details TBA.

Jam Program

Friday throughout the day. Participating students will be given notes with a weekly lesson time.

Strings Program

Tuesday throughout the day in the instrumental music room.

Multi Instrumental Band

Thursday throughout the day in the instrumental music room.

Keeping in Tune

Mr Kazoullis
Awsome Music Teacher

Chappy News

Hi Everyone,

I can’t believe summer is over and we are in March already.

Although we are in Autumn it is still quite warm and we can tend to forget to keep up our water intake, I know I do. So this week I have added an article on the importance of water.

A quick reminder that parents afternoon tea is on the 14th of March in the end room of the Resource Building, from 2pm to 3pm. Come and join us for a cuppa and a chat.

KidsHealth

Why Drinking Water Is the Way to Go

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD

What do you, the trees, and a hamster have in common? Give up? You all need water. All living things must have water to survive, whether they get it from a water fountain, a rain cloud, or a little bottle attached to the side of a hamster cage.

Without water, your body would stop working properly. Water makes up more than half of your body weight, and a person can't survive for more than a few days without it. Why? Your body has lots of important jobs and it needs water to do many of them. For instance, your blood, which contains a lot of water, carries oxygen to all the cells of your body. Without oxygen, those tiny cells would die and your body would stop working.

Water is also in lymph (say: limf), a fluid that is part of your immune system, which helps you fight off illness. Water helps keep your temperature normal. You need water to digest your food and get rid of waste. Water is needed for digestive juices, urine (pee), and poop. And you can bet that water is the main ingredient in perspiration, also called sweat.

Besides being an important part of the fluids in your body, water is needed by each cell to work.

Your body doesn't get water only from drinking water. Any fluid you drink will contain water, but water and milk are the best choices. Lots of foods contain water too. Fruit contains quite a bit of water, which you could probably tell if you've ever bitten into a peach or plum and felt the juices dripping down your chin. Vegetables also contain a lot of water — think of slicing into a fat tomato or crunching into a crisp stalk of celery.

How Much Is Enough?

Because water is so important, you might wonder if you're drinking enough. There is no magic amount of water that kids need to drink every day. The amount kids need depends on their age, body size, health, and activity level, plus the weather (temperature and humidity levels).

Usually, kids drink something with meals and should definitely drink when they're thirsty. But if you're sick, or it's warm out or you're exercising, you'll need more. Be sure to drink some extra water when you're out in warm weather, especially while playing sports or exercising.

When you drink is also important. If you're going to sports practice, a game, or just working out or playing hard, drink water before, during, and after playing. Don't forget your water bottle. You can't play your best when you're thinking about how thirsty you are!

When your body doesn't have enough water, that's called being dehydrated. Dehydration also can keep you from being as fast and as sharp as you'd like to be. A bad case of dehydration can make you sick. So keep that water bottle handy when the weather warms up! Not only does water fight dehydration, but it's refreshing and has no calories.

Your body regulates the amount of water in your system. The body holds on to water when you don't have enough or gets rid of it if you have too much. If your pee is very light yellow, you are well hydrated. When your pee is very dark yellow, it's probably time to drink up.

You can help your body by drinking when you're thirsty and drinking extra water when you exercise and when it's warm out. Your body will be able to do all of its wonderful, waterful jobs and you'll feel great!

Reviewed by: Mary L. Gavin, MD Date reviewed: June 2018

Tricia Quattromani
Chaplain

P&C News

It was great to see so many new faces at our first general meeting for 2019. We are looking forward to meeting more members of our community as the year progresses.

AGM MEETING

It’s that time of year again, time to start thinking about the next P&C executives to take over!

Our 2019 AGM will be held on the 18th of March at 6pm.

All parents and citizens are encouraged to come along. Everyone is welcome to become a P&C member and apply for an executive position. The following positions need to be filled at the AGM.

Executive positions that need to be filled are:

• President
• Vice President
• Secretary
• Treasurer
• Fundraising coordinator
• Grants coordinator

If you have any enquiries about these positions, please come along to a meeting, and we will be more than happy to talk with you about these roles, or alternatively, email the P&C pandc@edenslandingss.eq.edu.au

If no executive is formed, services run by the P&C may cease to operate. The most important of these being the uniform shop and tuckshop.

Please come and be a part of our team, even if you just attend our meetings.

Regards,
Edens Landing State School P&C Association
pandc@edenslandingss.eq.edu.au

Join the Dollarmites on a savings adventure with School Banking!

Every year the School Banking program launches a new savings theme and eight new exclusive School Banking reward items.

In 2019, School Banking is taking children on a Polar Savers adventure to the Ice Cave of Savings.

There are 8 new reward items for 2019 from the Polar Savers range:

• Scented Stackable Highlighters
• Snowy Origami Set
• Icicle Slapband Ruler
• Yeti Fluffly Notepad
• Arctic Owl Fluffy Keyring
• Scratch Art Cards
• Water Skimming Bounce Ball
• Polar Pencils & Pencil Toppers

If you would like to know more about School Banking, please ask for a 2019 School Banking program information pack from the school office or visit:

Tuckshop News

Half way through term 1 already, time is certainly flying this year.

Flexischools unfortunately suffered some technical issues recently. The problem was out of my control and I do thank all the parents for their patience during these days. When there is a technical issue with Flexischools, either with their app, website or your account, you will have to contact Flexischools, I do not have access to your accounts, nor can I do anything about the website or app. If your child is away and you need to cancel or hold an order, then you contact me. A quick phone call is all that is needed, and I will do my very best to help straighten out any issues you are having. If you are sending messages via our Facebook page, please be aware that I am not able to check it while working.

The two lunch breaks during the day are at 11am and 1pm. First break (11am) is the main food break and is for hot food and sandwiches. Second break (1pm) is a snack food time and no hot food or sandwiches are sold for this break.

First break food ordered at tuckshop is collected by classroom monitors and taken to their respective eating areas. Second break is the break when students must come to the tuckshop in person to collect or buy their food. They must come during play time (1pm – 1.25pm) to collect. Tuckshop closes at 1.25pm. If your child forgets to come and pick up their second break, they can come the next day. Second break orders are kept in tuckshop until end of term.

Money and food sharing are not allowed between students at our school. I have seen children giving others money to purchase food and trying to buy for others. Neither of these situations are acceptable within our school. Please talk to your children about keeping their own money for themselves and not to buy items for others. Sharing food from home and food purchased at the tuckshop can be potentially fatal to some students.

Please be aware of how much food is ordered for your children with regards to how long their eating break is. Leaving hot and cold food and dairy items in bags or lunchboxes for second break is a dangerous practice that could lead to unwanted health problems.

If your child has forgotten their lunch, the following occurs. The child has their bag checked and if there is no food then they are sent to the office and the office staff will contact parents to approve lunch if tuckshop is what is decided upon. I will then send a yellow note home with the amount owing on it. If you have been contacted by the school when you child is without lunch, please check your child’s bag for this yellow note. Please send payment and the yellow note along with the child the next day.

At the bottom of the menu there is information on how to order tuckshop using the paper bag system. Our preferred method of ordering is our online system called Flexischools. Flexischools cut off time is 8am the morning of service, please make sure your orders are completed and confirmed by 8am or they will not be processed on the Flexischools website. If your child is not at school and not needing their Flexischools order on that day, please contact the tuckshop and inform us so I can cancel the order, if you do not make contact and cancel the order with me then your order will stand, and no refund will be given. If there is no answer, please leave a clear message including child’s name and class. If there are any problems with the Flexischools website and ordering system, please contact them directly.

Getting online is easy and only takes a few minutes to register. Simply go to the website below and click “Register Now”. You will be sent an email with further instructions on how to complete the registration. Once registered, you can start placing orders immediately. If you have any questions, Flexischools provide a great help desk on 1300 361 769, or you can contact them via their website.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any issues with tuckshop or would like to come and volunteer. There is no need to stay the whole day, a couple of hours at the most is normally only what is needed. The tuckshop can only provide lunches to children if volunteers help. Many hands make light work.

Annette Honnery
Tuckshop Convenor
tuckshop@edenslandingss.eq.edu.au
3805 7999

Uniform News

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop is open on Thursday mornings 8:15am to 9:15am during the school terms and is located inside the hall between the Tuckshop and Volunteers Room.

For those who cannot make it in during trading hours you can order by FlexiSchools.

Getting online is easy and only takes a few minutes to register. Simply go to the website below and click “Register Now”. You will be sent an email with further instructions on how to complete the registration. Once registered, you can start placing orders immediately. If you have any questions, FlexiSchools provide a great help desk on 1300 361 769, or you can contact them via their website.

There are a variety of payment options supported, including Visa, MasterCard (credit and debit) and Bank Transfer. The system operates via a pre-paid account. FlexiSchools has a cut off time of 4.00pm Wednesday it’s the day before the Uniform Shop is open. Pick up is between 9:30am – 9:45am Thursdays or can be delivered to your child’s class from 9:45am - 10:00am Thursdays. The system is now available, so we look forward to seeing your next order online!

** New students or if you’re not sure of a class please pick a year level and then send an email stating you’re not sure or new and we can sort out the pick-up of your order.

Items in/out of stock: There is a sign near the Uniform Shop to let you know what’s in and out of stock. All Sports Shirts are low or out of stock in all sizes. Jumpers in some small sizes are out of stock, will update when they are in stock again.

Sport Shirts: Sports Shirts are limited to 1 per child and have been asked to be worn on the days that the child/children have sports. This is due to the sports shirts not being our everyday polo shirt to wear.

For more information please contact the Uniform Shop:

uniform_shop@edenslandingss.eq.edu.au

Make sure you like our P&C Association Facebook Page:

If we have any extra open days or we aren’t open one Thursday or if items are out of stock it will be posted on the Facebook page.

If you have any uniforms your children have out grown but that are still in good condition you can donate them to the Uniform Shop.

Outside School HOURS CARE - OSHC

Important Dates to Remember

Visit the ELSS website for all calendar events:

Contact Details

• Have your contact details changed?
• Have you moved address?
• Do we have your current phone number in case of an emergency?
• Are your emergency contacts still current?
• Are you receiving our newsletters by email?
• Do we have your current email address?

PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE TO UPDATE YOUR DETAILS

Phone 3826 0333 or Email office@edenslandingss.eq.edu.au

Community News