Dear mums, dads, carers and colleagues

Week 2 has been a very productive and fun week at school.  We:

• Received a special visit to Coomera Rivers by the Assistant Regional Director
• Created a video for the Department of Education
• Ran a great disco
• Held swimming lessons for Year 2 classes
• And 1M and 1N went on excursion to the Jacobs Well Environmental Centre.

         

Tyler shows incredible character and kindness

Each week I speak with students about the importance of both character and showing kindness.  I constantly repeat to our students that kindness shows others that they matter and that people with true character show kindness and not expect anything in return.  Well Tyler from 6K epitomised this at the cross-country last week.  

Tyler is a very capable runner who would normally challenge with the leading pack of runners, but he decided on cross-country day to run with a classmate who was struggling with the event.  He encouraged his classmate the whole way through the first lap (approximately 1.5km) and when his mate chose to not run the second lap, before Tyler set to take off, he said 'Good job mate!'.  He didn't know that we were watching and he didn't expect anything for his kindness.  His levels of humility are astounding.

This behaviour is very special indeed!  Congratulations Tyler.  

NAPLAN is coming

Students in Years 3 and 5 will be sitting their NAPLAN tests in Week 4.  There are four tests to be completed across three days and we will be completing our work on our iPads.  Teachers in these year levels will be sending home information about what children can expect.

You can help your children by:

• Speaking positively about the test experience and encouraging them to give their best efforts
• Ensuring they get a good night's sleep each night
• Providing healthy breakfasts and lunches
• Keeping a perspective on the purpose of the tests
• Celebrate effort as much as performance

The results will be sent back to school by the end of this term and we will send the reports home to families.

Interschool sports

We have begun training for interschool sport season which starts in Week 6.  Matches will be held on Mondays.  Please make sure that your children have the necessary equipment for their sport, including the necessary payments for the program.  

Coomera Rivers will always value participation and effort above winning.  We talk about fun ~ fitness ~ friendship as our sports motto.  Please reinforce this with your children as well.  I want them to continue to enjoy sport well after they finish their secondary school careers.  

Winter is coming so get in early

I always consider ANZAC Day to be the turning point for the cooler months.  The days are superb and the nights are cool.  The cool morning will soon see your children need their jumpers (formal uniform) and tracksuit (sports uniform).  Please get in early and don't wait for the first cold day as the stock will already be gone.

Free dental work for all children at school

The dental van is at Coomera Rivers and all students of the school are eligible for dental check ups and any possible follow-up work.  Visit the Gold Coast health dental site.  

Lost property from camp

We have a lot of lost property at school, especially from the Year 6 camp.  If you are missing anything, it will be worthwhile checking the lost property bags.  We will be donating the lost property items to charity in Week 5.

Kind regards

Vic