Dear mums, dads, carers and colleagues

The heat wave that ended our school week was certainly draining.  Rest assured that we can manage quite comfortably in extended periods of excessive heat.  Our classrooms are all air-conditioned, we have plenty of shade, we drink lots of water and we wear sunscreen and hats when outdoors.  We also try to stay out of the sun on these really hot days but convincing some kids can be a challenge. 

Decision on cross-country

The cross-country is scheduled for next Thursday.  I am a little concerned about the unseasonal heat continuing into next week.  If it does continue like it was today, we will postpone.  We will make the decision by Tuesday and notify families as I know many of you have made arrangements with your work.  At this stage we are going ahead.  The forecast is for a very warm day but the high heat from this week should be passed by then.  Time will tell.

NAPLAN testing           

We are over half way through our NAPLAN testing regime and I am delighted with the efforts and determination of staff and students alike.  This is a massive logistical undertaking by the school and things have been smooth thus far.

What is in our sights this year?

Our aspiration for every student is to be

Good at learning - Good at life

To achieve this in 2023, we will be focused on:

Reading

• We are focused on all students developing a deep love of reading and being successful in learning to read and comprehend texts. 
• We need families to read at home - a lot!

Deep learning

• We will be further developing character, citizenship and collaboration skills for all learners.  
• We need all students to attend school as a strong routine.  Our target is 95% attendance.  We need families to create strong school routines across each week and each day.

Does strong attendance make any difference?

Strong attendance leads to optimum learning outcomes and lower anxiety for children and stronger partnerships between parents and teachers - it is as simple as that.  

                              

Kokoda training

The first training session for the school's Kokoda Challenge was completed last Saturday at Burleigh Heads.  It was a spectacular sunrise and the children trained hard with their teachers and parents.  Our next training session is at Nerang State Forest tomorrow morning where we experience trail running for the first time this year.  

           

We are Ecomarines

        

This year Coomera Rivers has team up with Tangalooma EcoMarines to support our Environmental Leaders in creating and sustaining initiatives in our school. Our Environmental Warriors, Lila, Evelyn and Meah and our Cultural Leader Liliana, were presented with their Eco-Marine Ambassador t-shirts last Friday. They will wear these shirts when they attend the EcoMarine workshop in May.

On Tuesday, our EcoMarine Ambassadors met with Aaron from EcoMarines and Bree from the Gold Coast City Council to chat about the initiatives that we are currently doing in our school and brainstormed ideas for possible solutions for other environmental concerns that we notice at Coomera Rivers. We look forward to working alongside Tangalooma EcoMarines this year and the workshop at Tangalooma in May.

Harmony Day (FREE DRESS)

Friday 24 March

Wear your cultural dress, national costumes, national sports team apparel or national colours with pride on Friday.  Please also make a gold coin donation to our student council.

Earth Hour

We are switching off this Earth Hour Schools Day on Friday 24 March. Will you join us?  Sign up to #SwitchOff this Earth Hour at earthhour.org.au .

Autism awareness day

Kind regards and keep cool across the weekend

Vic