Term 1 Week 4 2023

Principal's Report

Celebrating the village that has rasied our leaders

There is a saying that 'it takes a village to raise a child'. In essence, this means that the development of each child is the responsibility of every community member. As children grow and learn more about their world, they will be influenced by many people, who will have an impact on their decisions and attitudes towards themselves and to the world. Teachers and parents, the peer group and the community all contribute to the progress children make in their learning. 

This week we acknowledge those students who have been recognised as student leaders for 2023 at the Investiture parade. During this parade we have made a change that aligns with our school value of community and acknowledges the community that has supported the students to grow into the leaders they are today.

Each student has been asked to nominate a significant person in their life who has had an impact on their life journey. This person will have the honour of presenting the student with their leadership badge. The students will also be congratulated by Mr Dan Purdie, Member for Ninderry, Mrs Maria Suarez, Division 9 Councillor for Sunshine Coast and Mr Terry Proctor, Deputy Principal Coolum State High School as representatives of our magnificent Coolum community.

While these elected leaders have nominated and been voted into their roles, each and every student at Coolum State School has a part to play in building our culture and community. On Friday we will take time to celebrate not just the 44 students receiving badges but the village that has supported them on their journey.

Being curious in learning

The growing use of technology and access to devices often causes questions of their impact on schools and student learning. You may have seen or heard of recent developments in artificial intelligence with a computer being able to write an essay for you in minutes. During the last few weeks I was reminded of the importance of curiosity in developing innovative students for a rapidly changing world while talking to the year 5 students who visited the Starlab and speaking with  very knowledgeable prep and year 1 students.

Amazon Spheres, Stanford University, Microsoft, NIKE Headquarters, Apple Park, University of Oregon, Tesla Stem High School and innovative schools were just a few of the places I visited on the study tour organised by the Queensland Association of State School Principals (QASSP) with a specific focus on innovation.

We discussed how the world is changing at a rapid rate and how education can cater. It has taken electricity almost 50 years to become mainstream, whereas the mobile phone and computer have become commonplace in homes, work places and schools in less than 10 years. At some point, the light bulb was a new innovation, along with paper, books and pens. Now, children have digital devices and artificial intelligence (AI) at their fingertips.

In 1440, Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press which revolutionised the way people communicated from the spoken to the written word. At the time this innovation instilled fear as it could spread information quickly and accurately and give everyday people knowledge and a voice. Fast forward to today, mobile phones and social media are changing the way our children communicate with others in their world.

This really made me think about our students and how we as educators are helping them to become the best people they can be in a digital world. How are we helping them to be resilient, life-long learners who are compassionate, curious and connected global citizens? Students will need to be creative, effective communicators, collaborative and critical thinkers as they face an unknown yet exciting future.

There was an underlying theme of growth mindset, culture and collaboration everywhere we visited. Other common elements were personalised learning and flexible learning spaces both in schools and the workplaces. Innovation was visible and it certainly wasn’t always about devices. Innovation was the introduction of a new product, a new process or a new way of thinking.

At Coolum State School I witness many ways in which we are supporting students for an exciting and ever-changing future. Each class I visit has students collaborating on their learning; the teachers and leadership team are discussing with students what they are learning in order to develop communication and a connection to the learning; engaging with and learning with others to understand our past in order to make sense for the future; technology being used as a tool for learning. While the external resources we have access to has changed with time the 'soft skills' and 'values' perhaps haven’t altered that much. It’s exciting times and with a sense of purpose and intention we can find a way to integrate the new technologies to support aspirations of an easier and more fulfilled life.

Anthony Ryan
Principal

2023 Student Resource Scheme

In 2022, Coolum State School successfully implemented its first year of a Student Resource Scheme (SRS). The scheme’s operation, resource inclusions and participation fees were approved by the school’s P&C Association at the initial meeting held on 25 May 2021. The 2023 contribution will remain at $100.00 per student for the year.

Benefits of SRS 

• The purpose of the scheme is to provide the parent/carer with a cost-effective alternative to purchasing the prescribed textbooks and/or resources elsewhere, through reduced prices gained from the school’s bulk purchasing practices. 
• The scheme also ensures that students have consistent personal resources for their education and saves the parent/carer time and money in sourcing the prescribed materials elsewhere. 
• The scheme is not used to raise funds for other purposes, and revenue collected through the scheme is applied only to the operation of the scheme. 
• The scheme ensures that students have the required resources for their education when they commence school.

Please see attached for full details of SRS scheme. If you have not already completed the documentation sent home please do so asap and return it to the Administration Office. Should you require a further copy of the documentation, it is below for you to print, or collect a hard copy from the Administration Office. 

Payment is now overdue. If you have not yet paid, we look forward to receiving it. 

Rebecca Hann
Business Manager

News from 3J

Welcome to 3J

3J students have settled into the school year and love library borrowing, especially joke books.

Here are some of their favourite jokes

Kiarmi  - When does it rain money? When there is a change in the weather.

Gemma - What’s a mummy’s favourite type of music? Wrap!

Juliette - What do you call a fish without eyes? A fsh!

Dimity - How does Darth Vadar like his toast? On the dark side.

Willow - Why didn’t the chicken ask the other chicken out? He chickened out.

Emily - What did baby corn say to mummy corn? Where’s pop corn?

Zephy - I was on my way to get my new glasses and guess who I bumped into? Everyone!

Daniel - What’s a bike that flies in the air? A probike.

Roman - What goes up but never comes down? Your age

Dimity - What do you call a tree that fits in your palm? A palm tree.

Aiden - What do you get when you cross a chicken nugget with another chicken nugget? A mega chicken nugget.

Ben - Knock, knock. Who’s there? Eye. Eye who? Eye can see through the keyhole.

Duke - What’s orange and goes up and down? Charizard.

Jackson - Why do witches have brooms? Because the vacuum cord isn’t long enough.

Jake - Knock, knock. Who’s there? Cow. Cow who? Cows go moo, not who.

Sophia - What do you call a dinosaur with no eyes? Do-you-think-he -saw-us.

Elwood - Why did the chicken cross the playground? To get to the other slide.

Dante - What does a baby robot call his dad? Data

Ari - Knock, knock. Who’s there? Nana. Nana who? Nana your business.

Dharsika - What is a vampire’s favourite fruit? Nectarines!

Darcy - What did the sushi say to the bee? Wa-sa-bi? (What’s up bee ?)

Louie -What do you call a deer with no ear? ‘d’

Leo -What do you call a dinosaur who just ran a marathon? My-feet-a-sore-us.

Matilda - What’s funny and falls from trees? A joke-o-nut!

Evelyn - Why is 6 so scared of 7? Because 7 8 9.

Kim Johanson
Teacher of 3J

Japanese Word of the Week

ありがとうございますarigatou gozaimasu : Thank you

This is a phrase to express thanks and gratitude. You can shorten the phrase to “arigatou” in a casual situation, but “arigatou gozaimasu” is more polite. If somebody tells you “Arigatou gozaimasu,” you can reply with “Dou itashimashite (どういたしまして),” or “You’re welcome.”

Brad Yaxley
Japanese Teacher

Noosa District Swimming Trials 2023

On Wednesday fifteen of our Coolum State School students headed up to Noosa Aquatic Centre for the Noosa District Swimming Trials.  The students swam extremely well and represented our school with great pride. Coolum placed third overall for the day. Congratulations to all students for their efforts – Alice Small, Charlie Campbell, Milly Pashley, Maya Falkbring, Alice Chamberlain, Ruby Erceg, Milla Kinneally, Jaycee Gielis, Sophie Proctor, Echo Stone, Aiden Sanders, Liam Carney, Sunny Jones and Ryder Beerling.

Special mention to Sophie Proctor and Ryder Beerling for Runner Up Age Champs in the 12 years age group and Alice Small, Sophie Proctor and Ryder Beerling who have qualified for the Sunshine Coast Regional Swimming Trials to be held in March. 

Thank you to Mr Moody for his tireless work in organising and supporting our students in school sport.

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Mural News

You might remember, back in September 2022, Coolum State School Student Council decided it was time something was done about their senior toilet block and put out a call to arms. Full of community spirit and a desire to help, brought the wonderful Owen Cavanagh to our door and not long after, Josh Harris and Billie Baxter joined the ranks of artists willing to give their time to our project.

We are delighted to announce that a few weeks ago, stage two was completed. The 2022 Student Councillors were involved in the creation of a fabulous mural on the outside of our toilet block back in November, but there was also a need for something inside to lift the spirits of those needing a moment alone. Billie Baxter rose to the challenge majestically and has created a vibrant mandala of soft pinks, purples and sparkly gold. This uplifting piece will face our students as they enter the room inscribed with the words,‘Be Kind’ and ‘Be Awesome’. Not to be out done, Owen has created a powerful wave image to inspire our boys with a tag line added by Josh, ‘Life is Good’.

We have been truly blessed by the generosity of these artists who have chosen to help our school and lift the spirits of our students by donating their time and skills. As the saying goes, ‘Good things come to good people’, and we at Coolum, hope the karma they have generated by their kindness will bring luck and good fortune to them.

Our next phase will be to repaint the internal doors in bright colours. We hope that our students will enjoy this building and feel brighter because of it. Thanks once again to Owen Cavanagh from Solearte, Sunshine Coast Australia, Josh Harris, from Two Foot Westerley Painting company and the lovely Billie Baxter, this would not have been possible without you all.

Myschel Albrecht and Judith Moore
Head of Student Council

Music News

Introducing this year’s talented musos who have been selected for our Year 6 Rock Bands and Vocal Rock Singing group!

🎸🥁🎹

Rock Band - “Lost Signal”

Vocals: Eve, Molly, Sophie

Guitarists: Isaac, Marcus, Layla

Bass Players: Bryce, Finn

Keyboardists: Jacob, Elva

Drummers: Lochie, Marcus

🎤🎵

Vocal Rock - “Seabreeze Singers”

Arden, Charlotte, Chelsea, Elva, Eve, Isla, Jameela, Layla, Molly, Skye, Sophie H, Sophie P.

Rehearsals have already begun, and we are looking forward to our sensational Seabreeze Singers performing for our Investiture Parade tomorrow.

Coolum Primary Rocks!  

Huge thanks to the biggest rockers of them all, Mrs Mackay and Mr Welch, for all their hard work in running this awesome extra-curricular activity!!

Coolum’s Kindness Culture

As part of the Kindness Culture at Coolum State School we are supporting and encouraging Australia’s National Be Kind Day on Thursday 2 March. 

As a school we are raising awareness of the importance of kindness in our everyday lives, whilst highlighting all the wonderful things we do as a school community to help and care for others. We ask that all students come dressed in rainbow colours to make our school bright and happy. Students will take part in kindness activities over the week to help spread the message to think kind, act kind and BE KIND.

To support this cause we ask that students bring along a gold coin donation. All funds raised will go towards creating resources to continue building a Kindness Culture within our school.

Sunshine Motorway, Pacific Paradise to Coolum, duplication planning

The Coolum State School community has an important opportunity to have a say in the long- awaited plans to upgrade the local road network, with consultation on the preferred options now open.

Some of the key features of the multimillion dollar upgrades include duplication of 10 kms of the motorway between David Low Way and Yandina Coolum Road, traffic signals at the intersection of School Road and Yandina Coolum Road, provision for south facing ramps at West Coolum Road, and realignment of Yandina-Coolum Road to the west of the motorway.

Most would be aware this congestion-busting project has been my top priority since being elected, and thanks to your support, including the P&C, we’ve secured nearly $7million to get the ball rolling.

The safety of our children is paramount, and it’s vital that locals and regular commuters who use these roads every day have input into the planning and design of the upgrades. As one of the most significant infrastructure projects in our region, I strongly encourage you to take advantage of the consultation period to have your say.

Consultation closes on 26 February, 2023. To have your say and provide feedback visit www.tmr.qld.gov.au/projects/sunshine-motorway-mooloolaba-peregian-pacific-paradise-to-coolum-planning.

Phone: (07) 5451 7055 (Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm)
Email:   NCR_Planning_Comms@tmr.qld.gov.au
Post:     Department of Transport and Main Roads
              PO Box 1600
              Maroochydore Qld 4558

P&C News

The first P&C meeting for 2023 will be on Wednesday 22 February at 6.30pm.

Join from the comfort of your own home by registering your interest on 5471-9371 or pandc@coolumss.eq.edu.au by noon on 22 February and join in online.

All welcome!

Denise French
P&C Manager

Job vacancies

We are looking for School Crossing Supervisors and cleaners. Please see below for details of how to apply for these positions:

Cleaners wanted

Casual relief cleaners required. If you'd like to join our wonderful school community on a casual basis and help keep our learning environment, clean, safe and inviting please see Rebecca in the office or email bsm@coolumss.eq.edu.au for details. Experience and blue card preferred but not essential.

Reporting your child's absence

If your child is absent from school it is important that you notify us as soon as possible. To report your child’s absence please either complete the short form available on the website at https://coolumss.eq.edu.au/our-school/absences or telephone us on 5471 9300.

Absences may be reported both on the webform and on the telephone in advance for planned absences.

We thank you for your assistance.

QParents

Did you know that the QParents portal is available for Coolum State School? QParents enables schools to offer parents secure access to information about their child. Parents can communicate directly with the school and update their child’s address and medical conditions, submit reasons for absences and make online payments for school invoices.

QParents is available to all families and not just our new families! If you would like to receive your unique invitation code and child's EQ ID please email us info@coolumss.eq.edu.au to request this. 

Contact details

Have you changed your mobile number recently? Have you moved house?

It's important that we hold up to date contact details for you and your nominated emergency contacts. If you would like to update your details please pop in to the Administration Office or email us at info@coolumss.eq.edu.au . 

RideScore Active Schools

REGISTER NOW!

1. Do you live close to school?
2. Do your children have a bike or scooter?
3. Would you like peace of mind knowing your children have safely arrived at school?

If you answered YES to these questions, then RideScore is for you!

We are one of nine Sunshine Coast schools that have been invited to trial the RideScore Active Schools Program in 2022.

What is RideScore?

RideScore is an incentive-based program delivered by Sunshine Coast Council and We Ride Australia to increase active travel to and from school. The program is open to all students who ride a bike or scooter to school, as these can easily be fitted with beacons.

Participating students will receive a personal sensor (beacon) to attach to their bike or scooter. The school bike storage facility will be fitted with a Bluetooth reader that detects the signal from the beacon and sends a notification to the nominated contact that the student has arrived at or departed the school gate.  Please note that the beacon is not a tracking device, it only records school arrivals and departures.

Data is collected by the online platform, enabling incentives to be offered at certain milestones.

Activities will also be planned throughout the school year to promote and encourage active travel, including cycling education classes for all Year 4 students.

How do I register?

Step 1 - Download the RideScore App (Search for ‘RideScore’ in the App Store or on Google Play)

Step 2 – Receive your sign on bag (will be distributed via the classrooms) that includes:

• Your child’s beacon & instructions on how to pair and fit
• Bike Lock
• Scorecard
• Road Safety Information

Step 3 – Start riding or scooting

Step 4 – Visit the RideScore website for great resources and safety tips