Goondi SS Newsletter 03.08.22
From the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
Our current daily attendance rate sits at 87% but our target is 95% Coming to school every day is of the highest importance as our students continue their education. Due to sicknesses such as COVID and flu, we recognise that attendance may be lower than this target. However, school is such an important part of every child’s development that once symptom free, every effort needs to be made to come to school on time every day. If there is any problem or issue that prevents your child from regular attendance please do not hesitate to contact us. We are all here to help.
*Remember that 1 day missed per fortnight equates to an entire year missed by the time a student completes Year 12.*
Last week we held the 2022 Inter-School Athletics Carnival at Goondi. For the second year in a row, the weather was perfect and it was great to see the commitment and sportsmanship demonstrated by all students. Thank you to the families who took the time to come from Goondi and the other schools in the area to support their children as they took part in the track and field events.
I would also like to thank our HPE Teacher, Mrs Bulstrode and the staff from Good Counsel Primary School who coordinated the events. Not forgetting our Goondi State School P&C who provided the fantastic catering on the day which made the event all the better.
We are currently receiving enquiries about enrolments to the school and encourage families with Prep age students to talk to us about enrolment for the 2023 school year. We will be holding a Prep Information Evening on Thursday August 25th at 5.30pm. Our Prep classrooms will be open for parents and we will then hold a presentation in the school hall at 6pm. We encourage all parents who have children who will be Prep age in 2023 to come along.
With this in mind, our Pre-Prep Program will take place from Week 1 next term where students enrolling for Prep 2023 can come along each week for a 2-hour session full of activities designed to help with the transition to full-time schooling.
We have an Enrolment Management Plan to ensure that our enrolments do not exceed the number of teaching spaces we have available and this comes with a distinct catchment area for our school.
In line with the plan, we are able to enrol:
- Students who live in our catchment area (parents have to provide documents to prove that they live in the catchment area).
- Students who have a sibling already enrolled at the school.
- Students whose parent(s) work at the school.
Out-of-catchment students can also be accepted providing there are vacancies in that year level. Spaces must also be kept for in-catchment students who may enrol during the year. We encourage parents of out-of-catchment students to make applications for enrolment and they will be placed on a waiting list. Students are selected from the waiting list (in order of application) and enrolment offered when vacancies occur.
Regards,
Peter Begemann
Principal
School Calendar
TERM 3 CALENDAR
School Events
Fri 5th August – Movie Night (P- 2 & then 4-6) See article and notices for times
Wed 24th August - Under 8's Morning (9-11am)
Thurs 25th August – Prep Information Night 5.30pm
Fri 26th August - Book Week Parade
Tues 13th Sep - Parent-Teacher Interviews
Fri 16th Sep - Poetry Idol Finals
P&C Events
Mon 15th Aug – P&C meeting
Extra-Curricula Events
Wed 10th August – Year 4 Aquarium Excursion
Other School News
POETRY IDOL
Preparations for the 2022 Poetry Idol competition are already underway. This year, the event will be coordinated by Mrs Edwards. As you know, this competition celebrates children’s literature and has been running for many years now. We always look forward to seeing our talented poets coming through and demonstrating their creative flare!
Students have already commenced the Poetry Idol process by selecting and learning individual poems. An important part of the process is teaching students the strategies they need to master to perform effectively in front of an audience.
PREP ENROLMENT INTERVIEWS
As mentioned earlier in this newsletter, on Thursday 25th August, we will be holding our annual Prep Information Evening. We will be presenting information about our school values, curriculum and pedagogy. One of the main topics is always Goondi Pre Prep program, which is an invaluable way to help children of Prep age to become school ready for 2023.
The Prep classrooms will be open from 5:30pm to 6:00pm followed by an information session in the school hall.
Our Deputy Principal, Mrs Jackson, is conducting enrolment interviews for Prep students who will be attending Goondi next year.
Our Pre-Prep program will commence in the first week of Term 4. 2 sessions will be available for the duration of the program. Morning (9:00-11:00am) and afternoon (1:00-3:00pm) sessions will be run on Wednesdays. Parents are asked to select one of these sessions.
If you have a Prep age student at home or know someone who does, please do not hesitate to talk to the school about the program and enrolment for 2023.
MOVIE NIGHT
A reminder that The Student Council is holding a movie night this Friday, August 5th.
We will be showing two movies – one for Goondi students in Prep to Year 2, and the second movie for Goondi students from Year 3 – 6.
Where - Goondi State School Hall
When - Friday, August 5th – check times below
Cost - Gold coin donation upon entry.
Bring along some extra money as drinks and snacks will also be sold.
What to bring:
Wear comfy clothes (e.g. pyjamas) and bring a pillow, sleeping bag or blanket to lay on.
PREP, YEAR 1 and YEAR 2
What - Storks (rated G)
Time - Doors and the canteen open at 3:30pm.
The movie goes from 4pm – 5:30pm.
YEARS 3, 4, 5 and 6
What - Raya and the Last Dragon (rated PG)
Time - Doors and the canteen open at 5:45pm.
The movie goes from 6pm – 8pm.
We can’t wait to see everyone there!
NAIDOC WEEK
This week, we are recognising NAIDOC week and its theme for 2022 of “Get Up! Stand Up! Show Up!” On Thursday, we will be holding our assembly on the front lawn so that a flag raising ceremony can take place. We acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land and leaders past present and emerging.
BOOK WEEK
Our Book Week Parade is coming up in Week 7, Friday 26th August.
The theme is 'Reading is Dreaming with Eyes Wide Open.'
I am looking forward to checking out all the costumes.
Prize for the best dressed in each class.
Sue Edwards
Teacher Librarian
Prep Capers
In English for the next two weeks we will be writing an information report on ducks. In Letterland, we have been looking at initial consonant blends such as ‘bl’ as in black and ‘cl’ as in clock. This week we will be learning all about the blends ‘br’ and ‘cr’.
In Maths the children have been introduced to the teen numbers 11, 12 and 13. We will be looking at the next teen numbers over the coming weeks. We have also looked at many addition strategies such as think big – count small, doubles and adding on two.
In Science, the children have been introduced to living and non-living things. In the next coming weeks, we will be looking at five things animals need: food, air, space, water and shelter.
In HASS, the children have been using their senses to see, smell, touch and taste many different things. Next, we will be looking at special places for example the playground, home or school. We will be looking at what makes them special to us and how we can care for them.
Kind regards: Prep Staff
Year 1 Capers
Writing Information Reports has become one of our favourite things to do in Year 1. We are thoroughly enjoying learning all about insects. Over the last 2 weeks we have learnt all about Ladybugs.
“Ladybugs are omnivores because they eat insects and plants.” - Kieran Xiong
“They have no teeth but have two strong mandibles.” -Jaxon Goodwin
Over the next two weeks we will be learning all about butterflies. It is great to see that students are bringing in shoe boxes/boxes for their dioramas.
In Maths we have been practising our doubles plus one facts, half past digital time, capacity, chance and the Bar Model. We are working very hard in Year 1.
Have a great week!
Hayley, Leigh, Tayla, Fiona & Kimberley.
Year 2 Capers
Year 2 has been very busy! In HaSS we are still looking at changes in Technology over time, including fun things like games systems. We’re looking not only at things that have changes, but also the way things have stayed the same.
In Science we have grown some bean sprouts in plastic bags, and we will soon be comparing some of our baby photos to the way we look today, all of which will help us understand lifecycles, which we are learning about. We are producing some really great writing in English, these Imaginative Recounts are a chance to show off our imagination.
Book Week is coming up in Week 7, and once again we all get the chance to dress up as our favourite book characters. Looking forward to seeing some cool ideas!
Regards,
Nathan Worth, Robyn Scheiwe and Jeanette Spataro.
Year 3 Capers
Hello everyone,
The term is progressing at a frantic pace, and the children in the Grade 3 classrooms are constantly busy and working hard.
In Science we have been investigating heat and heat transfer and have learnt that heat transfers from hot to cold objects. We have read thermometers and made predictions about the cooling rate of porridge.
By this stage all children should have chosen their poem for Poetry Idol. Please encourage your child to take the time to learn their poem, so that they are ready to present it to the class during Week 8 of the term. This is the week beginning Monday 29th of August.
In Technology we have been planning our pinball machines and have considered the forces involved and the materials required. We have some basic equipment for students to use, but if your child requires any special materials could you please send them to school as soon as possible.
We have been very fortunate to have a prac student (Miss Tayla Ward) working with us. Miss Ward finishes this Friday and we thank her for her hard work and wish her all the best for her teaching career.
Until next time, Donna, Janelle, Paula and Lizette.
Year 4 Capers
Wow! Week 4 already! In English, the students are enjoying researching a range of feral animals and learning to link and rewrite their notes into sentences for their weekly scientific reports. So far, we have studied Fallow Deer, feral pigs and feral rabbits. This week, we are reading about feral goats.
In Maths, we are exploring hundredths, working with timetables and practising the multiplication algorithm.
In HASS, we have been learning mapping skills with a spotlight on South America and Africa while regularly revisiting the inquiry question, “How can people use environments more sustainably?”
In Science, we have learnt the difference between complete and incomplete metamorphosis, and we are very excited for our excursion to the Cairns Aquarium in Week 5. Thank you to the many parents who have returned the permission form and completed on-line payment. If you have not yet done so, it would be really great if they could be returned by Friday 5th of August.
Most of the students have selected their poem for Poetry Idol, and should be practising it along with their regular homework.
Until next time: Kath, Kathy and Mel.
Year 4/5 & 5 Capers
Welcome to Week 4 of the ‘Zoom’ term. Students are picking up the pace this term with their learning and consolidations. It is that time of the year again-Poetry Idol. By the end of this week all students must chose a poem and be practising it at home for Poetry Idol. Classroom recitals are being held in Week 8. With Year 5 finals in Week 9. Year 4 is TBA at this time. So get practising!!
In English, student focus has been centred on the ‘Omar Rising’ and responding to characters, issues and situations within the text.
In Maths, students have been introduced to many new financial concepts such as calculating unit price, saving plans and profit margins.
HASS has challenged students with inquiry questions about democracy and people’s rights and responsibilities.
In our Science Animal Adaptations unit, students have become biogenic engineers creating their own unique and interesting species of fish.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns.
Cheers for now,
Rebecca, Jessie & Janette.
Year 6 Capers
Welcome to Week 4! Everyone has been working hard in what has been a busy term so far! Congratulations to our Year 6 students who participated in the recent Inter-School sports competition, and to those who helped set up, pack up and assist during the day.
In English many students are changing their original opinion of whether they think Ned Kelly is a hero, a villain or a victim. It’s an important reminder to back our opinions up with fact! Even though we don’t all agree, students are finding that they’re changing their minds as new information comes to light as we read our class novel Black Snake. Poetry Idol practice has begun, as the weeks count down towards our class performances in Week 8. Please help your child learn their poem, so they can begin working on the nuances of their performance.
During Maths, we have been developing our skills to calculate the area of a triangle and compound shapes, continuing our investigation into measurement conversions and working with reflections.
In Science we have been looking at natural disasters, and so far have discussed volcanoes, earthquakes and cyclones. Some of the inquiry questions that have been raised are, “Are there any active volcanoes in Australia, and if there are, how many?” and “What would an earthquake that measured 20.0 on the Richter Scale look like?” In the next few weeks students will be learning how to read the weather by interpreting synoptic charts and investigating preparation strategies for natural disasters.
In HASS we have been investigating the responsibilities of local, state and federal governments, and how laws are made in Australia. Do you know how many potatoes you’re legally allowed to possess in Western Australia? Ask your child about some of the weird laws that exist in our country!
Melanie Worth, Tjaart Richards and Janette McClelland
Student Council News
Movie Night
The Student Council is holding a movie night this Friday, August 5th!
We will be showing two movies – one for Goondi students in Prep to Year 2, and the second movie for Goondi students from Year 3 – 6.
Where Goondi State School Hall
When Friday, August 5th – check times below
Cost Gold coin donation upon entry.
Bring along some extra money as drinks and snacks will also be sold.
What to bring
Wear comfy clothes (e.g. pyjamas) and bring a pillow, sleeping bag or blanket to lay on.
PREP, YEAR 1 and YEAR 2
What Storks (rated G)
Time Doors and the canteen open at 3:30pm.
The movie goes from 4pm – 5:30pm.
YEARS 3, 4, 5 and 6
What Raya and the Last Dragon (rated PG)
Time Doors and the canteen open at 5:45pm.
The movie goes from 6pm – 8pm.
We can’t wait to see everyone there!
Sports News
Congratulations to all athletes who competed at the Cassowary Coast District Athletics Carnival. We were a cohesive, respectful Team with many athletes posted personal best times and distances. Congratulations to Charlise Bailey, Kyuss Barba, Noah Higgins and Logan Wells for being selected in the Cassowary Coast Team. We wish these athletes Good Luck at the Peninsula Trials in Cairns.
Tiffanie Bulstrode
Health and Physical Education Teacher
9y Age Champion - Harley-Rose
Challenge Games
We had 3 students travel down to Townsville recently to participate in the Challenge Games. Thank you to Mrs Darveniza who accompanied them, they all had so much fun.
The Arts News
Naidoc celebrations are happening this week and our Prep to Year 2 students will be concentrating on Tiwi Art and the repetitive patterns used to represent the indigenous culture and environment. Students have been using the artwork of Debbie Coombes as inspiration to draw Tiwi patterns on their aeroplane design. Year 3 and 4 are completing their abstract Microbe drawing and will be taught how to use black pen and watercolour paint to resolve their study. Focus vocabulary words this term include composition, stylised, texture, symbols and linework. Year 5 are focusing on Surrealism paintings that depict abstract landscapes. Inspired by the paintings of Joan Miro, they are currently drawing a composition utilizing spontaneous and automatic drawing techniques. Concentrating on the processes of Design, Year 6 have commenced their assessment work which is to propose and design a form of bus or bike shelter for the school. Already much discussion has arisen from what constitutes a form of shelter and why the design process is so important. Last week we created cardboard shelters utilizing only board and tape.
Francesca Rosa
The Arts
For Naidoc, The Arts celebrates the artwork of Debbie Coombes and her magnificent painting titled “Going to the Footy”.
Year 6 creating cardboard shelters.
Instrumental Music
Instrumental Music News
On Monday of Week 4, some of our instrumental music students were treated to a visit by Greg Aitken – a professional trombone player from Brisbane. Brass players (students learning the trumpet and trombone) participated in a workshop that focused on the techniques specific to their instrument. Greg talked to the students about starting and stopping notes, instrument maintenance, practising at home, and making a strong sound. He taught the students four simple exercises that they can use to start their practise, and reinforced the idea that they need to practise frequently to strengthen the muscles on their face. All students were eager to answer Greg’s questions and they each had a turn at playing on their own to receive individual feedback. The workshop was a valuable learning experience for all and we thank Greg for visiting our school.
L.O.T.E News
Years 5 and 6 Italian classes are speaking, writing, listening to new words, phrases, sentences and questions in Italian. In this manner, students are enhancing and furthering their knowledge of the Italian language.
Year 5 students are writing and listening to short role plays including three students, revising known language and introducing third-person singular verbs. Year 6 students are building on their vocabulary by learning the days of the week and months of the year, sports and hobbies, verbs and adverbs of time. Both year levels are learning and/or revising teacher-developed tables to understand nouns and adjectives.
The bookwork standard shown in their exercise books is pleasing. Feedback and assistance is given to students regularly. Continue encouraging your child to speak Italian with you and discuss what they are learning.
Arrivederci (Goodbye)
Signora Lazzarini
P & C News
The Goondi State School P and C would like to thank all the volunteers who helped make the Inter-School Sports Carnival cake stall and sausage sizzle a huge success! We feel that the stall helped build an exciting atmosphere on the day for Goondi's students, staff, and visiting families.... all while raising important funds which will support P and C efforts. Thanks you to everyone who bought items from our stall.
A special thank you to Leanne De Prima for her work planning and leading the catering effort. Her experience and dedication was absolutely instrumental. Leanne often thinks of initiatives which will add positively to our children's schooling experience and is never afraid to roll up her sleeves and help out - the Goondi school community is lucky to have such a dedicated volunteer!
Leanne was assisted by an army of volunteers on the day and our thanks also go to:
Paul Pike
Duane De Prima
Janita Saunders
Bec Allen-Ankins
Sharon Marks
Rashida Mohammad
Leah Bailey
Karen Schulz
Amanda Kleve
Kylie Goodwin
Kylie Rattray
Bec Sappupo
Thanks also to the Greven and De Prima families, and P and C Uniforms Shop for donating gazebos, eskies and tables, without which the event couldn't have gone ahead.
A big thank you also to everyone for their donations of baked goods.... we received over 320 individual items and had only a few items left at the end of the day!
Mr Barista's coffee van was also a very welcome sight.... hot coffee was a big hit on a cold day.
Thanks again to everyone who helped out, and our congratulations to competing Goondi State School students for giving their best effort on the day,
'Til next time,
Goondi P and C.
Community News
