Dear mums, dads, carers and colleagues

It has been a few days of record rainfall for our school and community.  We have measured 210mm up to 9:00am on Friday morning with still more falling.  It may not better the all time rain fall records but it is the most recorded at school since we opened in 2011.  The rain is a lovely sight but does restrict our play times a lot.  You may have noticed the small dam of water in the playground beside the tennis court.  We are currently organising for the drainage to be improved in this and it will be completed shortly.  

School enrolments

Our enrolment capture this year is planned to be held on Thursday 13 February instead of last week.  The department has provided another week to assist school that may have been affected by the Coronavirus.  Today our enrolment sits at 1186.  

Restructure of classes:

Most classes are balanced in number but we will need to make a small restructure in the coming weeks, probably in the junior end of the school.   This will then make all classes below the maximum number.  We will send you the plan in the coming week and any family affected by a change will be informed before any moves are made.  Please keep an eye out for this information so you don't suddenly receive a surprise.

Coming events

There are a number of big events this term that your children might like to be involved in.  

• The colour run will open for sponsorship soon.  
• The first disco for the year (we hold 2) is planned for March 6.  Tickets sales open soon.
• Parent teacher interviews are planned for Week 9
• Two free dress days are coming this term as well.  

We will send home information about all of these events and the respective deadlines in the coming weeks so please check back regularly.

Coronavirus update

I have not received any updates from the department or government agencies this week.  Based on news reports, there are a growing number of cases of coronavirus in Queensland and the number is predicted to rise.  I will be stressing with students and teachers the need to wash hands with soap when required.  You can help by reinforcing this message at home too.  Remember to seek medical advice if you are concerned about the health of your loved ones.  

Good at learning - Good at life

We have been doing some amazing things in classes this week and here are just two of the best!

Congratulations to Mrs Caswell and 4K for maximising the connections made on Twitter and leveraging digital for a learning opportunity. The students in 4K were lucky enough to have Tamara Letter, author of A Passion for Kindness, read Ordinary Mary's Extraordinary Deed to them. This was a wonderful way to introduce the power of kindness and how easy it is to be kind. Tamara also answered student questions about the writing process.

The students in 1D and 4M have become 'buddies' and each week they will be participating in meaningful buddy reading activities. Last year we did a lot of work around enabling our students to rediscover a love of reading.  Buddy reading is a fabulous way to do it.  The younger students have the opportunity to hear another student model reading skills such as fluency, expression, pause etc. Mrs Walsh and Mrs Young  are looking to 'coach' our older students with conversational reading skills so these reading opportunities are very targeted to developing our readers.  Great work teachers!

Sign on to chess club for 2020

Our chess club starts next Wednesday.  Chess club is held after school every Wednesday afternoon in the staff room.  It starts at 2:30 and children need to be collected at 3:30.

There is a small cost for chess club at $1 per week.  This helps to cover the cost of replacing teachers when we participate in tournaments.  Tournaments are an additional cost and vary from $10 to $25 depending on the level of the tournament.  

How to sign on

Click here to email Mrs McMurtrie with your child's name and class.  It also helps if you can tell us if your child is new to the game or has played before.  Alternatively you can call her on 55968333.  

Cultural groups at Coomera Rivers

At our school we believe that every child has the right to learn about, engage with and connect to their cultural heritage.  For some of these cultural groups we are able to coordinate some extra programs and activities.  Offering these for our kids has nothing whatsoever to do with a bias or prejudice as some Facebook posts claimed this week.  We are here for learning and we value ALL of our families enormously.  From time to time we might not say or write things perfectly but I would like everyone to know that our intent is always pure and focused on helping our children.  

Good Start program for our pacific island community

Our school has been given the opportunity to participate in the Good Start program.  The program is especially designed for Maori and Pacific Island children and families. It is an eight week program which runs in each term of the school year (so 32 weeks in total).  The program promotes cultural awareness and healthy lifestyles for our children.  

• The program starts on Wednesday 12 February 2:30 - 3:30pm
• Children need to be collected at 3:30pm.
• There is no cost.
• Please contact the school office for permission forms.

Student leadership

We have been completing the election of student leadership positions this week.  The Years 3-5 are complete and the Year 6 speeches are being held this Monday and Tuesday.  The announcement of positions will be made at senior assembly on Friday morning.  Good luck everyone. 

Best wishes

Miss Marlow has been away this week with appendicitis.  She was operated on late this week and is recovering well in hospital.  We look forward to her return in the coming week or so.  Mrs Shell Kalogjera, has replaced Miss Marlow and will continue to teach 1M until she returns.  Ms Waide will keep families of 1M updated as more news comes to hand.

Have a great weekend

Kind regards

Vic