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Dear mums, dads, carers and colleagues
I hope that everyone in our school community is enjoying the long weekend. It has been a rigorous five weeks at school this term as we manage through the additional constraints and requirements in order to plan ahead. Coronavirus has certainly added a heavy layer of complexity to what teachers and parents need to do at school.
Everyone's health is important
We are also in the traditional cold and flu season now, and while numbers are lower than previous years, many in our community are unfortunately, still affected. Please remember that everyone who is unwell must not attend school. This is a government requirement and it applies to students and staff at school and our OSHC. Where once we would soldier on at school, we are no longer permitted to do so. If students or staff are showing any flu-like symptoms, they are required to see their doctor and if directed, undertake a covid test. They are then isolated until the test results are returned. High testing will help control spread and keep case numbers lower.
A common sense approach is necessary for this. I noticed some frustrated posts on Facebook this week about the school sending students home. It is true that we do this as we it is a direction from the Chief Health Officer of Queensland.
Managing mental health is very important
The coronavirus has placed a lot of additional pressures, stresses and worries on everyone so it is more important than ever that we protect the mental health and well-being of those for whom we care. Click here to access the Department of Education sites that promote strong mental health and well-being.
Coming activities
We will have a few events starting up across the remaining 24 school days this term (Friday 4 September is a SFD). With so few days left, please ensure that attendance is strong as possible.
- Swimming for Years 2&3 across the next couple of weeks
- Excursion for Prep
- Athletics trials for Years 5&6 (& some Year 4) in Week 10
- Sports Fun Days (Week 1 of Term 4. At this stage parents are not able to attend so I have authorised staff to use Facebook Live to stream some of the carnival events. More information will be sent home in the coming month about this. The carnival will be spread out over 3 days to manage student numbers and stay below group size ceilings.)
Uniform infringements
Please ensure that your children are in correct school uniform each day. If something prevents this, please provide your child's teacher a note. This will mean that they will not receive an infringement.
Uniforms can be purchased through:
- The School Locker shop on line and on campus
- PLUS Pre-loved uniform shop via Flexischools) and
- Many of the parent run Facebook pages
If you are experiencing financial hardship, please discuss your circumstances with us.
The uniform focus this week is on the dress code including hair, jewellery and nails.
Air-conditioning of classrooms
I am delighted to let everyone know that all of the remaining classrooms in our school will be air-conditioned between now and the start of Term 4. The P&C began this enormous task and managed to complete 34 classrooms across two years. The Queensland government is doing the rest.
Work will be undertaken from 3:00pm until midnight each day & night to reduce interruption to classes.
Early collections stop next week
This coming week will see us cease early collections, at least for the time being. Everyone will revert to the regular 2:30 school finish. This is due to the number of students involved in early collection dwindling to a point where it no longer impacts on regular collection numbers. The last day for early collection is Friday 21 August.
We will consider resuming early collection should restrictions increase.
Diamond process
Next week, teachers in Years 3-6 will be awarding behaviour promotions to students in their classes. At Coomera Rivers, we classify our student behaviour levels into three categories - Emerald (C), Sapphire (B) and Diamond (A). These gemstones represent the three school colours as well. The highest level of personal behaviour is Diamond and it is difficult to achieve. Diamond level students epitomise the qualities to which we want all children to aspire. These are the children who represent the school with pride, focus on their learning, ensure that their conduct is impeccable, maintain their service to others and have other regard their leadership at school with admiration and their social interactions are highly respectful.
Normally we would have a special assembly to celebrate these promotion achievements and the deputies, teachers and I would proudly present students with their Diamond badge. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has prevented this. So this time, we have decided to do a reverse announcement. Normally we keep the awards a secret to students and we share the surprise with parents. But this year we are telling the students and the surprise will be for the parents! So students will be presented with their Diamond Badge and certificate early next week and mums and dads will find out when they get home.
As parents, you have played an enormous role in supporting your child to achieve Diamond status, so we really want to include you in this celebration. While we have presented the badge and certificate, the deputies did not pin this badge on your child’s uniform. This is an honour that we want to share with you. So please pin the badge on your child’s uniform so that they can wear it with pride to school the next day. It is worn on the opposite collar to the school embroidered badge. AND MOST IMPORTANTLY, can you please take a photo of you and your child (wearing their badge) and email it to me at vgrah1@eq.edu.au so that it can be shared via the school newsletter later that week.
Different coloured Diamond badges show 4 levels of achievement
Some students in Year 6 are receiving their fourth Diamond level badge. Some in Year 5 will have earned their third and some in Year 4 will have earned their second. To recognise the significance of these achievements, we have created a colour coded badge system. The original Diamond level badge remains in place then we will progress to Green, Navy and Gold.
Kind regards
Vic
Congratulations to this week's Excellence Award winners. They are most deserving.
Prep and Year 1
Year 2 and Year 3
Year 4
Year 5 and Year 6
Please remember to contact the school to sign your Blue Card declaration before the end of August. We will send out SMS messages to everyone who is still to do this. The new laws mean that no declaration = no volunteering.
Ready, Steady, FUN
I hope our families are ready for an action-packed school holidays! Miss Kayla and Miss Montana have been working extra hard to ensure that these holidays will be the best vacation care yet! Now we don’t want to give too much away but let’s give you an insight to what OSHC has planned for you to enjoy. Here’s a hint for you all, you’ll definitely need to wear your running shoes throughout vacation care, because for some of the days, we will be exploring, getting sporty and practising our golf swings! It may also be a good idea to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting a makeover, because we have an awesome Tie-Dye day coming your way!
Recycled rubbish may sound gross and icky, but I bet you’ll be amazed when you learn how to turn trash into treasure! That’s all we can say right now, otherwise there’ll be no surprises left! Make sure you get your Vacation Care forms filled out ASAP, I can guarantee that you definitely don’t want to miss out on our adventure filled vacation care plan!
