Term 3 Week 4

Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

I hope that you have been staying warm as the temperature has dropped this last week!

This term our students will be involved in many different and exciting extracurricular activities across a range of areas in our school. We have students representing our school in many sporting events, including district athletics, Gala Days, Lightening Netball Cup, Billy Moore Cup and Moses Mybe Carnival and Curra Grom Fest Surfing Competition. Our Arts department also have many events and opportunities this term for students, with a number of dance competitions for our AllStarz team, choir eisteddfods and of course our Shrek musical! With our school focus on Reading this year, it is exciting to also have our Spelling Bee and Book Fair celebrations this term, including Paint the Town Read and our Book Week dress-up! On top of all this, we have some exciting learning excursions planned across the year levels and also our transition days for our Pre-Prep students beginning their primary school journey in 2025, and our Year 6 students moving to high school. We are incredibly luck to have staff and parents at our school who are passionate about going the extra mile and supporting these opportunities for our students.

At this time of year, every year, our staff are looking at and reviewing the adjustments and supports that are in place for students with a disability. This results in a data collection, called the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data- NCCD) that is finalised early next month. The NCCD is a collection that counts:

• the number of school students receiving an adjustment or ‘help’ due to a disability
• the level of adjustment they are receiving to access education on the same basis as other students.

Students are counted in the NCCD if they receive ongoing adjustments at school due to a disability. This ‘help’ allows them to access education on the same basis as a child without disability. The NCCD uses the definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. Schools provide this information to education authorities and the NCCD data informs funding and work by schools and sectors. It ensures that support for students with disability becomes routine in the day-to-day practice of schools. While it is not possible for schools or families to ‘opt out’ of the NCCD, the privacy and confidentiality of all students and their families is treated with utmost importance. Data is collected within each school, and personal details, such as student names and other identifying information, are not provided to local or federal education authorities. Please contact the school if you would like more information regarding the NCCD, or click on the link: https://www.nccd.edu.au/for-parents-guardians-and-carers

Recently, parents will have received the 2024 School Opinion Survey link in their email (check your junk folders). The School Opinion Surveys are designed to obtain the views of parents/caregivers, students and school staff from each school on what they are doing well and how they can improve. Opinions about the school on a range of topics are sought from a parent/caregiver in all families and from state school students in Years 5, 6, 8 and 11.

School staff and principals are also asked to provide opinions about their school. This information is such a valuable resource for schools to gain a clear picture about the views and beliefs of the school community. We use this information to support planning and the future direction of the school, and also to monitor progress and success of initiatives that have been implemented.

The suite of 2024 School Opinion Surveys will be open between 22 July and 16 August 2024, and I would like to encourage all of our families to respond to this and have your say. Students in Year 5 and Year 6 will be timetabled to complete the survey at school.

Thanks for a great start to the term!

Shannyn

Shannyn Taylor
Principal

Dig Into Reading

This Term the Dig Into Reading Articles take a closer look at language comprehension. 

Reading requires two very important skills:

• decoding (reading) the words on the page
• making meaning from the words, sentences and paragraphs that are read.

Last term, we looked closely at decoding (reading) the words on the page.  This term we look at the importance of language comprehension which is a pre-requisite for reading comprehension ie.  Making meaning from words, sentences and paragraphs that are read. 

Children develop their language skills through the language they hear and read. In the early stages of reading instruction while children are developing their decoding skills, it is very important that they are read to often, so they hear lots of new words and learn about new things that they may not yet be able to read about themselves.

Parents play an important role in helping children learn to read by both:

• • listening to your child read aloud to practise decoding words
  • reading aloud to your child to build their understanding of language and literacy.

News from 3E

This term in 3E, our learning journey takes us across the diverse landscape of Australia as we delve into the exploration of its states and territories, significant places and people in each place. The students have had a wonderful time so far learning all about our beautiful country. In light of what we have been learning about this term, I asked the students to tell me an interesting place they have visited in Australia and why they loved this destination so much.

Wil: Melbourne - It was really cold down there, and we got to see a cool satellite dish.

Luka: Tasmania - It was such a cool place because there were penguins and seals there.

Harry: Alice Springs - There were so many sand dunes to climb, and it was really dry.

Jarrah: Geelong - It’s a special place to me because I was born here, and during Christmas time, they put up an enormous Christmas tree that floats on the water.

Ruby: Brisbane - When I moved to Australia, that was the first place I saw, so it’s special to me.

Charlie: Tin Can Bay - I loved feeding the dolphins there and seeing the cool sand dunes that weren’t too far away.

Frankie: Agnes Water - I love this place because my cousins live there, and we get to go out for breakfast a lot, and the cafe is on the beach.

Asha: Hervey Bay - My mum lives in Hervey Bay, so I love going there so I can see her.

Zack: Airlie Beach - I loved the resort we stayed in when we went there. It had a really cool swimming pool, and when we drove around the town, we got to see the crystal-clear water and big boats.

Rhyatt: Cairns - I got to go swimming in the lagoon and spend time with my family.

Evie: Lake Conjola - There was a big rope swing there that you could swing on into the water, and the river had a strong current, so you could float down the river on floats.

Alana: Luna Park - I won a massive prize when I went there, so I think this place is pretty cool.

Nefeli: Great Barrier Reef - I loved visiting the Great Barrier Reef because I got to go snorkelling and see turtles and even a shark. I also got to go on a submarine and see a bright pink flat fish.

Toby: Queensland - I just love Queensland because it’s the best state in Australia, and we have the best NRL team.

Dash: Gregory Downs Station - There aren’t that many people who live there, and it’s in a beautiful location in the outback next to a river.

Harlee: Canberra - I used to live there, and I love it because there are heaps of war memorials there.

Ruth: Melbourne - When I went to Melbourne, I participated in a skating competition and I won. So, I love Melbourne.

Zoe: Rainbow Beach - I love Rainbow Beach because the water is warmer, and the sand dunes are so colourful.

Lennox: Stradbroke Island - I loved Stradbroke Island because there was a big lighthouse and nice water to swim in.

Jarvis: Sydney - Most of my family live there, and I love visiting them. I also like looking at the Sydney Opera House because I like the design.

Oscar: Moreton Island - There were so many big sand dunes there that we could go down on sleds. We also did quad-biking. Moreton Island is the best.

Jakobi: Inskip Point – It was so much fun because we got to go on a big boat, and I went with my cousins and friends.

Winston: Blue Mountains - I absolutely adore this place because it’s really cold, and they have a lot of cows up there.

Cooper: Weipa - I love this place because this is where I was born. I also love the dirt because it’s really colourful.

Sienna: Hamilton Island - I loved it because we went on a boat around the island and went snorkelling in the crystal-clear water.

Briarne Edwards
Teacher of 3E

News from 4O

Term 3 Kicks off with a Golden Start for 4O: Disco, Book Fair, the Coolum-pics, and More!

4O has been buzzing with energy and excitement these past few weeks, as students dive into a series of seriously fun and educational activities. Last Tuesday, our students had a blast at the disco, dancing the night away and showcasing their best moves under the glistening lights. It was a fantastic way to start the term. Everyone had an incredible night boogying with our friends!

Earlier this week, our annual Book Fair brought a wave of literary enthusiasm to our class. Students eagerly browsed through a wide selection of books, discovering new stories and informative texts, expanding their reading horizons.

In conjunction with the international Olympic Games taking place in Paris, the Year 4’s proudly hosted the 3rd Quadrennial Year 4 Coolum-pics (Mini Olympics), a true highlight for our aspiring athletes. The festivities kicked off last week with an unofficial yet grand torch relay and opening ceremony, where Argentina, Venezuela, Chile, Peru, and Brazil showcased their vibrant colours in a moving and spectacular display.

The athletes have eagerly embraced a variety of mock sports, including 100m sprints (Trundle Wheel Races), Javelin (Paper Plane Throw), Rhythmic Gymnastics (Streamer Twirl), Volleyball (Keepy Uppy), and Cycling (Skipping). Their enthusiasm and sportsmanship have been truly inspiring.

Best of luck to all our competitors! We recognise and appreciate your dedication and hard work. We eagerly anticipate discovering the medal winners and celebrating the accomplishments of all participants. Stay tuned for the results and highlights from this memorable event!

In class, students have been delving into global cities, researching various destinations around the world and creating accurate, detailed maps of each place. They’ve explored exciting travel opportunities, family friendly as well as for the adventurous, and the best local dining spots. If you’re considering an international getaway, swing by 4O to discover which destinations our students recommend. Their insights might just inspire your next adventure!

Looking ahead, we're excited for today's excursion to the Alexandra Headland to witness firsthand the effects of erosion. Students will explore practical ways to prevent erosion, gaining valuable insights into environmental stewardship. It promises to be both educational and inspiring!

We’re thrilled to be part of these enriching experiences! Wishing everyone an awesome term ahead!

Leona Onions
Teacher of 4O

AllStarz News

Our amazing Coolum AllStarz Dance Team competed at their second competition on Saturday at The Australian Pinnacle Dance Challenge competition.  They performed exceptionally well, achieving some incredible results.  Unfortunately, two of our team members couldn’t make it due to sickness, but the rest of the team pulled it off after making some quick changes. 

Our amazing Coolum AllStarz received 1^st POM, 2^nd Hip Hop, 3^rd Contemporary, 3^rd Musical Theatre and 3^rd Jazz.

Congratulations, girls!  You were outstanding and did an amazing job, showing great sportsmanship and wonderful behaviour and respect. A huge thank you to the wonderfully supportive families and friends who came along to support the girls.  Feeling super proud to be part of our awesome Coolum community!

Well done, AllStarz!  You certainly made Coolum State School and Ms Bollard super proud!!

Sam Bollard
Dance Team Coach

Spelling Bee

Thank you to everyone who has returned their form for the Premiers Spelling Bee, 2024 competition. We have had a marvellous response with over 130 students entering. 

The event will take place during week 6, 12 to 16 August.

Our wonderful Year 3 students will be up first on the Monday, followed by Year 4, 5 and 6 each day there after. Year levels will have the opportunity to compete at morning tea with the exception of the classes 3P and 4P who will compete at second break on Wednesday 14 August. There are so many students wishing to enter the competition our Senior Computer Labatory simply can not cope, so we have had to run an extra session for those students.

Students who are unable to attend on their nominated day need to make contact with Mrs Moore to enable her to schedule them an alternative time slot. And don't worry, there will be plenty of reminders shared with teachers so that no one will miss the competition.

We highly recommend that all entrants jump online to https://www.spelling-bee.com.au/ and try out the bee.  On the site you will find a practice session which will help everyone to understand how the online competition is run. It will also give students some typing practise, winning is both about typing speed and spelling knowledge. Look out for the TRY THE BEE link on the website.

In case you've lost your copy, the Spelling Bee website also provides the list of words that need to be memorised.

If you need anymore information, please see Mrs Moore. Good luck everyone.

Judith Moore
Spelling Bee Coordinator

Book Week is coming up....

BOOK WEEK is only a few weeks away, with our annual dress-up day on Friday 23 August!

‘Reading IS Magic’ and everyone will be dressing up to show how true that is. However, this year we will be using our donations to support Story Dogs.

When children read to a dog, the outcomes are amazing! It is a non-judgemental setting, the children's focus improves, their literacy skills increase and their confidence soars. The accepting, loving nature of dogs gives this program its magic and helps children relax, open up, try harder and have fun while reading to a friendly, calm dog.

So have some fun dressing up for BOOK WEEK, and please bring a Gold Coin donation on Friday 23 August to help support our wonderful Story Dogs who come to our school.

See www.storydogs.org.au for more information.

Year 5 Mentors

We'd like to give a BIG shout out to our year 5 mentors.

Every day a group of enthusiastic students give up their free time to spend with the younger students in our school.  They take on the role of mentors. This means they think of games and run activities to help make lunchtimes fun. They spend time in areas such as the prep playground where they encourage students to build, dig and run; play football with our years 2 students and support Miss Sarah's wellness activities.  It makes a real difference when you have someone to play with and we really value our wonderful mentors and the help they freely give, thanks team!

Photos of Diabetes Awareness Day

Photos of Containers for Change fundraiser

Prep 2025 Enrolments

Prep 2025 enrolments are now open. Please collect an Enrolment Pack from the office. Our Enrolments Officer Katie will be happy to assist you with any questions or queries that you may have.

Japanese Word of the Week

ikigai (生きがい) = a purpose for living

The concept of Ikigai, meaning "your reason for being", is "the reason you get up in the morning". It has evolved from traditional Japanese principles on wellness, a concept that helps people feel motivated towards living a fulfilling life.

Brad Yaxley
Japanese Teacher

Student Success

STUDENTS SHINE IN QLD SCHOOLS ORIENTEERING CHAMPIONSHIPS

Congratulations go to our very own Neve from Year 6!!

On the weekend, Neve participated in the Queensland Schools Orienteering Championships. Over 100 students from all around Queensland took part in three events: a Sprint Distance event at Sheldon College, a relay event at Karingal Scout Camp and a bush event at Tingalpa Creek.

Orienteering is a competitive international sport that combines racing with navigation. Participants use very detailed maps to select routes and navigate through diverse and often unfamiliar terrain in the fastest time. Besides needing excellent map reading skills, an orienteer needs great concentration and the ability to make quick decisions about the best route under pressure while running at high speed.

Further information about orienteering is available from www.oq.asn.au or Orienteering Queensland on Facebook.

Neve is pictured in the white t shirt.

RideScore Active Schools

Register Now

Do you live close to school?

1. Does your child have a bike or scooter?
2. Would you like your child to get an active, healthy and fun start to the day?
3. Would you like a system that tells you automatically when they have arrived or left school?

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

We are one of 11 Sunshine Coast schools that are enjoying RideScore Active Schools Program funded by councils Transport Levy.

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 will be open to students who are able to ride a bicycle or scooter to school.

Participating students receive a personal sensor (beacon) to attach to their bicycle or scooter. The school bicycle storage facility has a Bluetooth reader that detects the signal from the beacon and sends a notification to the nominated contact to inform them that the student has arrived at/or departed the school. 

Each trip is recorded by the RideScore app, providing incentives when the students reach their milestones. Earn great prizes:

• 20 Trips – Mystery prize
• 70 Trips – Movie ticket
• 120 Trips – Bli Bli Aqua Park voucher

Activities will be planned throughout the school year to promote and encourage riding and scooting, including fun events and bicycle skills classes for all year 4 students.

This program was developed in 2022 with a Federal grant funding from the Move it AUS program, with the support of Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) and Stockland.

How do I register?

Step 1 - Download the app (search ‘RideScore’), complete your registration details

Step 2 – Receive your sign on bag (posted within 1 week) that will include:

• Your child’s beacon & instructions on how to pair and fit
• A scorecard (your app will also keep a live score)

Step 3 – Start riding and scooting!

Visit the RideScore website for more information, great resources and safety tips.

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.

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 . 

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 and submit reasons for absences.

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.