On behalf of the Coomera Rivers State School community, we would like to show our respect and acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we walk, live and learn, the Bullongin, Kombumerri and Yugambeh speaking people, and their elders past, present and emerging.

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TOTAL FIRE BAN

EXTENDED UNTIL MIDNIGHT  DECEMBER 13

   
SEVERE FIRE DANGER TODAY

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Dear mums, dads, carers and colleagues

It has been a hot and initially windy week this week but we still managed to be busy at Burleigh Heads with our Year 5 beach safety program and of course, the Christmas concert and movie night on Friday.

Highlights from this week

Christmas concert:   Congratulations to the P&C and staff for creating an amazing community event again.  The weather was fine and hot and the performances were just so awesome.  This is one of the biggest events on the school calendar and I estimated that we had over 4000 people on the oval - including children - for the event this year.  The best part is actually watching the expressions on the faces of the parents while their children perform.  Here is a snapshot of a few photos but the gallery is following later in this issue of the newsletter.  Great work everyone!

New families BBQ:   Thank you to our P&C for hosting the new families welcome BBQ yesterday afternoon.  It was a great opportunity for families to meet and the kids to play.  Plus the sausage sizzle was a hit!  Thank you also to the staff who joined us for the afternoon.  

Alliance debating finals:   I was extremely proud of our debating teams this week when they competed in the Alliance schools debating competition.  There are 10 schools that participate in the three levels of competitions - Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 - and Coomera Rivers had a team in each final where we competed against :

• Year 4 – Coomera Springs (W)
• Year 5 – Norfolk Village (L)
• Year 6 – Pimpama State (W)

The results are following in the newsletter.  Congratulations to the coaches and Mrs Artz on a fabulous opportunity for our children.  

Year 5 beach safety:  Our Year 5 students attended their beach safety course this week and the reports were amazing.  They became Nippers for the day and learned about the flags, some basic first aid and were so lucky to have a swim.  Be sure to visit the Sports News section for more photos of the excursions.  Thank you to our wonderful staff who made this possible.  It is certainly something that will be continued at our school.

Meaningful learning: As you will have read in previous newsletters, our school is focusing more and more on deep learning where students are engaged in their world as serving citizens.  An example of this occurred last night when our Year 5 students collected donations for the Wasp Creek Rural Fire Brigade who are always doing an amazing job at protecting property and wildlife. 

And this week, Abbey and Hannah visited the Cancer Council to donate the money that they raised as part of the $20 Boss entrepreneurial project where they traded at the school fete and community events.  I am told that the ladies there were great Kelly (front desk) and Andrea (psychologist) were so impressed with the kids donating 100% of their business income.  Abbey and Hannah raised $320 and Chase raised a further $60.

Busy times ahead

There are just 5 school days remaining for 2019 and it is certainly going to be a busy time ahead as we celebrate the year completed and prepare for the next year.

The calendar at a glance:

Week 40

• Monday 9
  • Swimming fun day (Years 3&4)
  • High school transition day (Year 6)

• Tuesday 10
  • Swimming fun day (Years 5&6)
  • Report cards available on QParents

• Wednesday 11
  • Junior school awards assembly (Prep - Year 2)
  • Report cards emailed home

• Thursday 12
  • Senior school awards ceremony (Years 3-5)
  • Year 6 graduation ceremony (Sharks function centre)

• Friday 13
  • Last day of school for 2019
  • Free dress day (Sell uniforms to PLUS)
  • RED day at the cafe (cash only day)
  • Year 6 day at Wet n Wild

Staffing changes in 2020

We always see changes to our school staff each year.  Some staff are transferring, some are retiring and some are taking leave.  This year we say a fond farewell to:

• Mr Aquilina
• Mrs Bond 
• Ms Chapman 
• Mr Frost
• Mr Isele 
• Mr Longworth
• Mr Murillo 
• Mrs Richards
• Mrs Rolfe
• Mrs Sturgeon
• Mrs Walsh 
• Ms Westra
• Ms Witham

Thank you to each of them for their contributions to our school and community.  

We excitedly welcome the following new and returning staff:

• Louise Barnes (from Kingston SS)
• Louise Landers (from Bentley Park College)
• Anna Leese (Returning)
• Jason Meijboom (from Hilliard SS)
• Shelley O'Neill - SSC (from Cairns Regional Office)
• Nicole Rafton (from Grand Avenue SS)
• Rachel Shepherd (Returning)
• Charmaine Wynne  (Returning)

Cash payments at school

The Friday payment window has now closed for 2019.  Payments can still be made via B Point or Q Parents though.

2020 classes

Teachers will email families on Wednesday 22 January, welcoming your child to their class for 2020.  The Privacy Act prevents the school from sending a list to families.  

Book drop off and meet the new teacher

The school will be open on Friday morning 24 January so families can drop in to the school to meet the 2020 teachers, find the new classrooms and drop off book packs.  This is designed to make the first day of school much simpler.  

Have a great weekend.

Kind regards

Vic