Term 3 Week 6

Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

This week we have completed the first stages of our Kindy visits and our ’Get Set for Prep’ transition afternoon. It was beautiful to see our preps for 2025 so excited already for their journey to ’big school’. We have been working very closely with our local Kindy's and this is another example of where the strength of our Coolum community benefits our students and they feel a real sense of belonging from the beginning. Thank you to the parents and staff involved in making this process such a successful part of our transition program. If you have a child beginning Prep in 2025, or know someone who is, it is important to complete your enrolment paperwork and submit it to our office team as soon as possible. I am currently working on our staffing plans for 2025 and need predicted 2025 information to compile the this effectively. In addition to this, if you currently have a student in Prep to Year 5, and you know that you will not be returning in 2025, please advise the office so that we can factor this into our planning. Accurate and effective planning around staffing ensures smooth and calm transitions for all from year to year. Thank you for your support in this.

Recently I spoke to students about being safe around the school by walking on paths and walkways. As you can imagine, when the bell goes and over 1000 student go to move in the school, it can be a frenzy of activity. We have spoken to student about how they can help this and keep themselves and everyone safe by walking calmly on paths and not running or jumping as they move around the school at these transition times. Let me tell you, once they hit the grass of the oval, the speed limits are off! 😊

This fortnight the leadership team and some teachers have been talking to students in their classrooms around what they are learning in English, how they are going with their work, and what their next steps to improve are. Speaking to some of our Prep to Year 6 students already, they are definitely in the driver seat for their learning. This is a very positive reflection on our teaching and support staff who work closely with students on their individual learning goals, both in the support or extension contexts. I look forward to continuing these visits over the next fortnight also.

I am really looking forward to experiencing my first Paint the Town Read event with the Preps, Year 1 and Year 2 students next week on Wednesday 21 August in the Coolum Business District. I am told that it is one of the most exciting excursions on the calendar that the students look forward to. This event incorporates the generous support of over 25 local businesses offering our students an amazing celebration of reading experience. This event, costing families absolutely nothing due to the generosity of the businesses, epitomises the strong sense of community that I feel here at Coolum. Thank you to all of the businesses for your incredible contribution in making this wonderful event the success that it is.

Our next P&C meeting is on Tuesday 20th August at 5:30pm. All welcome to come and join the collaborative discussions around working together for our students.

Please note in your diaries that Friday 30 August is a student free day so school will be closed. Enjoy the extra day with your family. 

Kind regards

Shannyn Taylor
Principal

Musical News

Its only 3 weeks until SHOWTIME, which is not so FAR FAR AWAY! 

Things are certainly getting exciting!  Tickets are on sale at trybooking.com now via this link https://www.trybooking.com/CUDFD

This dedicated, inspiring cast have been working so hard to bring Shrek to life and now it is all coming together beautifully. You will be amazed! Get ready to see what a “Big, Bright, Beautiful World” we live in.

Dig Into Reading

This Dig Into Reading Article explores the benefits of shared book reading.

Why use shared book reading?

Shared reading describes the interaction that occurs between an adult and a child when reading or looking at a book. Although one of the most obvious and engaging features of storybooks is their illustrations, they also provide children with access to a world of sights, sounds, and words that may be quite different from what they experience in their homes, communities, and schools.

Reading aloud with your child builds language development so that by the time children have mastered letter-sound correspondences and can read increasingly complex texts themselves, they will have the language skills to understand what they read. Having strong oral language skills sets the foundations for children to build strong literacy skills.

Reading authentic texts aloud to your child allows them to continue to hear stories, information and written language they may not yet be able to read themselves.

Click here to learn more about Shared Reading.

News from 3T

3T have really enjoyed following and supporting their teams during the Olympic Games over the last two weeks.  Everyday students were eager to share a sport they had enjoyed watching with the class and record the medal tally for Australia.

The Year 3’s participated in their own mini-Olympics last week.  Each class represented the State and Territory they are learning about for our transdisciplinary unit this term and cheered on their team as they competed.  Students all had a lot of fun competing in events such as the Hoola Hoop Contest, Football Dribble Course, Kangaroo Jump, Over-Under Relay, Bean Bag Toss and Limbo.

Here are some of 3T’s favourite Olympic sports.

Harlow: I liked watching the basketball because I play basketball.

Max: I liked the canoeing.

Luca: I liked the gymnastics because it was interesting to see who got the biggest score.

Bentley: My favourite sport to watch was soccer because I play soccer and it’s one of my favourite sports.

Lincoln: I liked the swimming because they go in the water and I have a pool at home.

Isla: I liked the gymnastics because I liked seeing the cool flips they do.

Daisy: I liked when Jessica Hull got the silver medal for running.

Apollo: I liked watching the swimming because they broke the Olympic record for the fastest time.

Olive: I liked the soccer because it’s really fascinating to watch and I got to learn stuff from them because I play soccer.

Kayden: I liked the soccer and swimming.  I liked soccer because I play and its swimming’s fun to get you cooled down.

Ziggy: I liked the gymnastics.

Hannah: I liked that the Olympics has so many different sports.

Kara: I liked the diving, because I like to see how they jump off the platform and their cool moves.  Fact, the water is sprayed on the surface, to stop the friction of the landing.

Seb: I liked the surfing because they do flips.

Lilah: I liked watching the swimming and the pole vaulting.   I liked the pole vaulting because it was really fun to watch how far they could actually throw it.

Jensen: I liked the rugby sevens and lots of other things because you can watch them and they’re really fast.

Lia: I liked watching the diving because they have to practice for a long time to get it right and make it perfect.

Zoey: I liked the gymnastics because I want to be gymnast when I grow up.

Escher: I liked the 10-metre diving because they were so graceful when they leapt into the water and they were so in sync.  They made tiny splashes from 10 metres.

Ryder: My favourite thing in the Olympics was the rugby sevens, athletics, soccer, basketball, water polo.  I liked watching the girls water team try their hardest to get gold, but got silver against Spain.

Derek: I liked how I could support two teams, like the Netherlands and Australia.

Willow: I liked watching the gymnastics because I do gymnastics.

Ollie: I liked the surfing because Jack Robinson one of the Australian’s made it into the finals and got a silver medal.

Indigo: I liked the skateboarding because the youngest girl tried really hard and got gold.

Oliver: I liked the Rugby Sevens.

Johnny: I liked the javelin because I like how the throw it really fast and it spikes into the ground.

Manyx: I’ve been enjoying the soccer.  I liked how they work together.

Tilly: I liked the pole vault because it was cool watching people get over.  I also liked the soccer because I like watching the Matildas play.

Darcy: I liked watching the skateboarding because the girl was only was only 14yrs old and I like skateboarding.  I also enjoyed the sprints.

Lauren Telfer
Teacher of 3T

News from 6E

Winter warm and fuzzies, 6E and our prep buddies!

Ayla – Bridget and Azzura are really cute and nice. I love hanging out with them to do activities. 

Brody – Flynn is really fun to play with and cute.

Cassandra – I liked having fun with her and spending time with her. She is nice and funny.

Dallas – I like my buddy Ned because he is funny and fun.

Hamish – Leo likes playing video games and jumping around playing sport. He is funny and cute.

Harry – Koa is a wonderful and exciting person to play with.

Hugo – Will likes skating. He is funny and is really energetic.

Hunter – Sophia likes soccer and giraffes. She is cute and nice. I like having her as my buddy.

Ivy – Marli can seem really shy and quiet but she is full of energy and always ready to play.

Ivy O – Emmy is the most confident little girl in the world. She can count to ten in a different language. She is funny, cute and kind.

Indiya – Remi is funny and playful. We get to do different activities with our buddy. I’m always excited to see what we do next. Her gingerbread man was really delicious.

Jake – Flynn is nice and funny. He is also very smart. I feel responsibility for having to take care of my prep buddy which gives me a sense of dignity.

Jett – Alessio is really nice to me, Magnus and his class.

Magnus – When I walk in to buddies I love seeing his face smile. We both like talking about surfing. Alessio is cool and funny.

Malu – Lucas is fun to play with. He loves strawberry ice-cream. I like hanging out with him getting to do different activities.

Matilda – Hazel and Daisy are fun to play with. They are really kind and funny.

Milla B – Mila is the cutest prep buddy ever. She loves seeing us and we love seeing her.

Milla F – She is kind and always in a great mood.

Milla K – Zephyr is fun and is a good person to hang out with and I like that he likes trying new things. We get to meet lots of cool preppies as year 6 students.

Ocean – Erin is kind and very smart. I love that we have our own handshake.

Ollie – Ned is funny.

Oliver – Finn is really fun and playful and he loves listening to my stories.

Pippa – I love how Remi is always excited to see us. She is always funny. I like how she always participates in the activities we do.

Reef – He is a really caring friend and is an amazing buddy.

Stella – Erin is shy and quiet but she is really smart.

Tyler – Isaiah is nice and fun to play with. I feel excited about getting to see him each week.

Wyatt – Will is funny, full of energy and good to hang with.

Zack – Leo is a kind, caring little buddy.

Eva Green
Teacher of 6E

Year 4 Mini Olympics

Over the past couple of weeks, the Year 4 students have been in the Olympic Spirit and participated in a fun-filled Mini Olympics.  To link with our learning about different countries, students were placed into five different teams.  The countries that were represented included Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Peru and Venezuela (all linked to a part of HASS studies about South America). 

Students busily made flags, banners, streamers and pom poms and enthusiastically brought them out at every new event.  We started off with a moving Opening Ceremony with the presentation of the Olympic Oath, Welcome To Country (read by our indigenous students) and the magnificent Olympic Torch (burning in all its glory) was brought out for all to view.

Each team nominated competitors for the various events and the competition was fierce!  We started off with the 100m sprint (Trundle Wheel race), followed by the Javelin (Paper Plane Throw).  The Rhythmic Gymnasts displayed their twirling skills (Streamers) and then the cyclists (Skippers) showed how quick and fit they were.  Our final event of the Games was the Volleyball (Ball Hit Up) event and once again, we were all amazed with the skills and stamina on display.

The Mini Olympics concluded with the Closing Ceremony.  Competitors were presented with their medallions and Good Sports Awards were handed out to the deserving recipients.  The Mini Olympics were officially closed with a heartfelt speech from the IOC President, before the Olympic Torch was gently and proudly passed on to our friends in LA for the 2028 Games.

Congratulations to all competitors and team members - a great lot of fun was had by all!

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Spelling Bee

This week, 136 Coolum Students, from years 3 to 6, have been participating in the school round of the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee. Despite the wild weather, our students happily came to compete against one another to see who had the best spelling skills at Coolum State School.

To find out the results, everyone will need to remain patient for a few more days. Round one will finish on 23 August  across all schools in the country. After this, the Prime Minister’s Spelling Bee Team will confirm those who will move on to the state round. Once we have this information, notes will be sent home to those who will be competing in round two, explaining the time and date of their next session. Students will be involved in the state round on either September 3^rd or 4^th at morning tea. If they are unavailable at this time, they will need to speak to Mrs Moore who will endeavour to make alternative arrangements for them.

Thank you to everyone who has put themselves forward to be involved in this competition and spent time learning the words. And a special mention to Jacquie Chapman who provided stickers for all out students, you’re a star. Fingers crossed you make it into round two, keep practising those words.

Judith Moore,
Spelling Bee Coordinator

Coolum State School Netball Gala Day

On Friday 2 August Coolum State School held our Annual Netball Gala Day.

Each year Coolum State School runs this wonderful event to promote the game of Netball and to give students the opportunity to compete at a non-competitive level.

This event has become a much-anticipated day on local schools’ calendar, as students from schools on the coast all come together.

The day is all about teamwork and giving it a go, with the main agenda of having fun!

This year, along with Coolum State School we had teams from Tewantin, Noosaville, Sunshine Beach, Cooroy and Pomona State Schools.  We also had teams from Coolum Beach Christian College.

In total the day involved 18 teams, including Coolum’s five teams.

Congratulations to Tewantin State School for winning the Div 1 final and getting their name on the trophy for the first time.

A big well done to all of our students who participated on the day, your behaviour and team spirit shown made us proud.

Special thanks to the P&C for the lovely morning tea and lunch provided to all of our officials, coaches and umpires.

Thank you to all those who worked behind the scenes to make the day a success, the smiles on all students faces were certainly our reward.

Yours in Netball,
Helen Philtrip

AllStarz News

Our amazing Coolum AllStarz have been training really hard all year in preparation for the competition season.

They have already competed at two competitions and this Saturday 17 August, they will be competing at their third event – Dance X Competition with schools from all over the Sunshine Coast.  They will be performing their six routines across three separate categories and our Captains, Indi and Lani, as well as Caitlyn will be representing the Coolum AllStarz in the Professional Experience Audition category.  The Dance X Competition is held at the Matthew Flinders Performance Centre, Stringybark Road, Buderim.

We’d love to have you come along and support the girls as they perform their six routines - Pom, Jazz, Hip Hop, Lyrical, Contemporary and Musical Theatre. Session time for the Coolum AllStarz commences at 9:25am until approximately 12:00pm.

Tickets are on sale through this link until 6pm Friday https://www.eventbookings.com/b/event/dance-x-sunshine-coast-regional-2024

and then sold at the door. Good luck to our talented team of dancers. Gooooo, Coolum AllStarz!!!

Book Week is coming up....

BOOK WEEK isn't far 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.

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

kūki o yomu (空気を読む) = literally ‘Read the air’ to mean “to get the hint”

 kuki wo yomu is similar to idioms like “Read the room” or “Read between the lines” in English. This Japanese phrase means to be aware of the situation around you and act appropriately.

Brad Yaxley
Japanese Teacher

Coolum Nippers

Here's a message from Coolum Nippers.....

It's not too late to join Coolum Beach SLSC Nippers for the 2024-25 summer season!

We currently have spaces available in our Under 11 to Under 13 age groups*. 

Make great friends, be active, and learn vital skills to enjoy the beach safely with the great team at Coolum Beach SLSC Nippers.

Don't miss out, register to be a Coolum Nipper today – here https://www.coolumsurfclub.com.au/nippers

*Our U6, U7, U8 & U9 age groups are full.

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.