ENewsletter

Principal's Report

Welcome to education 2020 at Gatton State School.

2020 is an historic year in Queensland as we will see the first Year 12 students graduate under the new Queensland Certificate of Education system. This week eight new schools opened their doors to welcome their first students. 578,000 students have enrolled in State Schools across Queensland — the highest enrolment count ever. 53,000 teachers will educate these students.

At GSS, the atmosphere in our classrooms and playground is exciting! Each of our classes from Prep to Year 6 have settled in to a supportive learning environment. We have 455 students enrolled so far, including 60 new prep students and 16 new enrolments.

Day 8

Day 8

In State Schools, Day 8 (next Thursday) is when student enrolments are calculated to determine the number of teachers and teacher aides as well as the funding granted to our school for the year.

If anyone is aware of any families planning to enrol their children with us or are still on holidays, please ask them to contact the school. This will help us with funding and planning.

Meet and Greet

MEET & GREET

Your first official opportunity to meet with your child/children’s teachers will be on Tuesday 18th February. Each teacher will repeat their session to allow parents to attend different classes.

Parents and Carers will have a chance to:

Meet your child’s teacher

Understand classroom and GSS expectations

Hear about the pedagogy (craft of teaching) that your child’s teacher uses

Expectations for homework

How behaviour is supported in your child’s classroom – the Positive Behaviour Learning way

Sport, camps, excursions

Times:

3.30 pm - 4.15 pm: Class sessions

4.15 pm - 5.00 pm: Sausage sizzle (free sausages and $1 drinks) and an opportunity to meet with other staff

5.00 pm - 5.45 pm: Class sessions repeated

Whilst this time may not suit all, it should suit most families. Of course, if parents and carers are unable to attend and would like to formally meet the teachers, please telephone the school office to arrange an appointment.

Class Teachers for 2020

Our class teachers for 2020 are:

At GSS, we have admin organizational responsibility year levels. If you have any concerns or ideas, please contact the following:

Principal Vince Burke whole school, in particular Year 6

Deputy Principal Stuart Fuller, Years 4 and 5

Acting Deputy Principal Ann Marie Zillmann, Year 1,2,3

Acting Deputy Principal Jack Wright, ECDP, Prep and multi-age classes

CLASS	TEACHERS	ROOM
Prior to Prep	Mrs Lee Nolan	SC04
PN	Miss Lydia Nestor	U01
PM	Ms Candice Moore	P01
PK	Mrs Marina Kenway (M, T, W, F) Sandy Mantova (Th)	SC01
1C	Mrs Nicola Crozier (M,T,W,Th) Mrs Anne Taylor (F)	A04
1O	Mrs Robyn Olm (M,T,W,F) Mrs Anne Taylor (Th)	A02
1A	Mrs Suzanna Andric	A03
2D	Miss Caitlin Doyle (M,T,Th,F) Mr Shane Krog (W)	Q02
2W	Mrs Beverley Warren	Q01
2M	Miss Amanda Miller	A01
2/3A	Mrs Karen Allison	O02
MW	Mrs Denise Woodrow	I2
MM	Mrs Karlene McCauley-Fletcher	I3
3W	Mr Robert Wicks (M,T,Th,F) Mrs Anne Taylor (W)	O01
3S	Mrs Julie Sykes	S02
4H	Mrs Nola Hodson	G01
4S	Mrs Merilyn Stephan (M,T, W, Th) Miss Jo Lee (F)	G05
4/5H	Mr Andrew Harris	D02
5J	Mrs Lisa Johnstone (M,T,W,Th) Mr Shane Krog (F)	T01
5P	Mr Allan Potts	A05
MR	Mrs Chris Robin (M,T,Th, F); Mrs Lee Nolan (W)	JO1
6F	Miss Carla Ferguson	A07
6P	Mr Kevin Pitts	D01
6R	Mrs Linda Ruthenberg (M,T, Th,F) Mrs Karen Stuhmcke (W)	T02

Our School Behaviour Expectations

Our School Behaviour Expectations

At this time of year, it is very important that our students and parents are aware of and understand our three school behaviour expectations.

These expectations will be discussed and taught in every classroom and referred to continually throughout the year. To support our students with learning and understanding our expectations, it would be helpful for our families to discuss and refer to them at home. More information regarding our behaviour expectations will be given at the MEET & GREET meetings held this term.

BE SAFE BE RESPECTFUL BE RESPONSIBLE

Have you received a text from us this week?

What is same day student absence notification?

Gatton State School advises parents/carers when their child is absent without explanation as soon as practicable on that day. We aim for this to happen before 10:00am. This allows for parents/carers to respond before the end of the school day with a reason for their child’s absence.

Why do we do this?

The safety and wellbeing of students are the highest priorities for the Department.

This requirement reflects community expectations.

Schools need to know when and why a child is absent and parents/carers need to know if their child hasn’t turned up for school.

Improvements in technology and its widespread use help make same day notification readily accessible for many schools and families.

Are parents/carers to be notified every time a student is away from school without explanation?

Yes. If a student is away for one or more days and no explanation has been provided by the parent/carer, a notification should be provided each day.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR A SAFER AND HEALTHIER CHILD (my annual list to consider at the start of each school year)

1. LATE ARRIVALS AND EARLY DEPARTURES FROM SCHOOL

I would like to remind families of our safe way for students to be delivered late and collected early by parents and carers.

All Year 1 to Year 6 (not Prep) students arriving after 9.00am must report to the office with an adult and the student takes a late slip to their class.
All Year 1 to Year 6 (not Prep) students leaving before 3.00pm parents must report to the school office and an absence will be recorded on the child’s absences. Our office staff will phone students to come to the office.

This will reduce disruption to classes and more importantly reduce the number of adults walking through the school.

Please do not be offended if a staff member “checks” on you as you walk through the grounds. It will be one of us making sure that you are a parent/carer or volunteer.

2. SUPERVISION BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL

Before School Students should not be arriving before 8:15am.
After School students should depart as soon as released from class at 3pm.

WHAT ARE THE ISSUES?

We have some students regularly arriving too early. We have some students regularly being picked up late each day. We do not provide daily supervision of students outside of the set school hours. Please consider:

· If you are running late, telephone the office and we will have your children at the office.

· Exceptions to the rule are organised school activities supervised by the teacher, eg sports and music practice.

3. EVERY DAY AT SCHOOL COUNTS The importance of a team effort in achieving school attendance is the main theme in The adventures of Jimmy and Sam the Dog animation and comic book series, developed by the Department of Education.

NRL star Sam Thaiday plays Sam the Dog, with a cameo appearance by Johnathan Thurston, plus former Queensland Firebirds netballer Beryl Friday. Research shows that school attendance leads to positive student outcomes, and can help children to build social and emotional skills. Head to the Every day counts website.

4. DOES YOUR CHILD REQUIRE MEDICATION DURING SCHOOL HOURS? If your child requires medication while at school, please visit the school’s office to obtain relevant authorisation forms.

You will also need to provide prescription-labelled medication in the original packaging with clear directions for its use. Find out more at the

Department of Education website.

5. GSS EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT PLAN

It is a timely reminder to families that our staff and students are familiar with our emergency response procedures. Not just for such threats, but for fire and flood, evacuation and lockdown. We have evacuation or lock down drills each term.

The health and wellbeing of all our students and staff remains my highest priority.

6. BE SUN SMART

Students are reminded that as per the Dress Code, caps are not permitted at the school. Hats must be either a broad brimmed hat or the new school bucket hats - no hat no play. We are a sun smart school.

Please refer to your swimming note for required swimming sun safety.

7. SLOW DOWN AROUND SCHOOLS

With our students returning to classes, parents and carers are being urged to slow down in school zones. Adults can set an example to other drivers by observing these limits when dropping off and collecting children from school. Being cautious and slowing down in school zones doesn’t make a big difference to your trip time, but it could save a child’s life.

Parents should also take the time to teach their children about road safety and the safest ways to travel to and from school. Some basic tips:

· ensure drivers use the drop off zone at the front of the school to drop and go or pull in and pick up. Drivers must not leave the vehicle

ensure your child knows the safest route to and from school

· teach your child to always walk on footpaths

· make sure your child crosses at traffic lights, pedestrian crossings or supervised school crossings and ensure they know the safe times to cross; and ensure you do the same when you are with them

· accompany young children when they are walking or riding to school until they are old enough to understand road safety

· teach your child to be alert for cars going in or out of driveways

· discourage your child from playing with balls or toys while walking to school

We are grateful to the local police for supporting the safety of our students and staff.

8. NO SMOKING WITHIN 5 METRES OF OUR SCHOOL

Smoking is banned at all Queensland state and non-state schools and for 5 metres beyond their boundaries.

The buffer is a 5 metre no-smoking area around the perimeter of the school, beyond the school land boundary; including all structures in this area, such as bus shelters and car parks. This area does not extend into residential or business premises that share a boundary with school land.

The law applies at all times—during and after school hours, on weekends and during school holidays. It includes the use of all smoking products, including regular cigarettes and devices commonly known as electronic cigarettes. (I had to ask a smoker, as I had never heard of an electronic cigarette!)

9. DOGS ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

Some parents and staff have raised concerns about dogs, especially large dogs in our school grounds. It is most common around drop off/pick up times (this concern does not relate to assistance dogs).

Having owned German shepherds, I am aware some children and adults have a fear of dogs – be it injury or disease. The noise level of a school at drop off/pick up times is a problem for most dogs. We would appreciate that if you need to bring your dog, especially large dogs, onto the school grounds that they have a nose muzzle as part of their lead.

10. REMINDER OF PARADE TIMES

Parade is on Fridays at 9am in our hall. All welcome.

11. PARENT WAITING AREAS – PLEASE DON’T USE VERANDAHS

Parents of children in all year levels are asked not to wait for their children on the verandas or concrete areas outside classrooms in the afternoons. Waiting outside classrooms can be extremely distracting for some children and disrupt children’s learning. Please wait away from the classroom to assist our children’s learning. Please be aware that classes should not be hearing adult language and conversations!

Finally, in the last newsletter for 2019, I shared that I will be retiring from Gatton SS and the Education Department on February 14, 2020. I can now confirm that Mr Warren Merchant, former principal of Highfields SS and officer in several other roles with Education Qld has accepted appointment to GSS. He will take up the role on Monday February 17 (week 4).

All the best for 2020!

Vince Burke

Principal

Gatton State School Student Leaders Induction

Gatton State School Student Leaders Induction

When: Friday the 14th February 2020

Where: Gatton State School Hall

Time: 9:00am

Morning tea for student leaders and their families will be provided after the ceremony.

Parents/Carers and Family members are welcome to attend the ceremony.

Mrs Ann-Marie Zillmann

I am very excited to be in my new role as Deputy Principal at Gatton State School. I have been at the school in varying roles since 2005. I have been a classroom teacher, PE and Health Specialist, and am the current Darling Downs netball convenor and manager. I took a two and half year siesta to live abroad in Vanuatu and taught in the Port Vila International School before returning in 2014.

I am very humbled to have been given this opportunity as Gatton State School has a truly amazing and supportive staff. We certainly have experienced staff members as Nicola Crozier and Matthew Taylor were two of my mentor teachers when I was in university. Little did they know at the time that they would be seeing a lot more of me.

I am a proud member of the Lockyer community and Gatton State School team with 4 of my 6 daughters having attended the school. I’ve always loved working with your children and am looking forward to working more closely with the families and the wider community.

Ann-Marie Zillmann

Mr Jack Wright

Hello and welcome back to a new school year.

I would first like to wish Mr Burke and Mrs Paynter all the best in their retirement. The contribution of these dedicated educators cannot be understated and we wish them both all the best for the future. I feel privileged to have worked alongside and learned from them both.

With Mrs Paynter leaving, I will be stepping in to her role to start the year.

I will be working across the school closely with the prep year level, with students requiring additional support and with our cluster schools.

For those who don’t know me, I started at Gatton State School in 2007 as the Early Childhood Development Program teacher. Since then I have had a variety of roles at Gatton and in the Darling Downs Region as an itinerant special needs teacher and Advisory Visiting Teacher for Autism. These jobs were fantastic but I had always loved working at Gatton State School and when I had the opportunity to return to Gatton in 2015, I jumped at the chance.

In 2015 I returned to Gatton SS as the Behaviour Support Teacher and then alongside Mrs Paynter in the Deputy Principal role.

I am exceedingly proud of the work we do here at Gatton SS. We are inclusive, tolerant and always looking for ways to improve our students learning. In my new role, I look forward to continuing this work so that ALL of our students are able to feel and be successful.

I am very excited to be back to school. I hope you and your children are too!

Here is to a wonderful new year in education.

Jack

Gatton State School is Proudly a PBL School

What is PBL? PBL stands for Positive Behaviour for Learning. PBL is all about a consistent and positive approach to explicitly teaching our students about the schools expectations “Be Safe”, “Be Respectful” and “Be Responsible” to make our school a positive place in which our students have the best opportunity for learning.

Each fortnight we have a specific focus on a selected behaviour. Lessons devoted to teaching our students and what this looks like can be observed in many areas across our school. At home, you can support your child’s learning by having a conversation about the fortnightly behaviour. The more consistently our students hear the messages, the greater the outcomes will be.

Behaviour Of The Fortnight

“This fortnight we are focusing on”

“I am prepared and organised for the day”

Over the next two weeks, we are focusing on “I am prepared and organised for the day”.

Organising your kids can be trying but helping them to develop these skills for themselves will make your life and theirs much easier. As with all aspects of parenting, our expectations of our children need to be developmentally appropriate (most four year olds have trouble sitting down to read a story the first time they are asked, let alone ticking off items on a to do list) but that doesn’t mean we can’t help our children to develop good habits early on.

Routines and Time Management

To start instilling organisational skills in kids early on establish simple household routines and stick to them. For example,

in the morning we eat our breakfast, brush our teeth and then get dressed;

in the afternoon we unpack our lunch box and then eat a healthy snack together

For important routines like the morning rush and bedtime, you can even use fun visuals to help your child stay on track without constant reminders from you. Make a step-by-step checklist with pictures for each “to do”, for extra fun, stick these pictures to a poster with velcro and let your child peel each step off as it is completed.If you are organised, they will be too, children learn through watching others around them. Organise yourself with the little things so that they don’t pile up, for example, as soon as a permission slip comes home – read it, sign it and put it back in their bag – job done! Using a weekly schedule that includes things like school, homework and extracurricular activities, will keep the family on track. Including “down time” and time with friends on the schedule will help to teach your child about balance. This can be a fun activity completed by the whole family. Enjoy the first week back at school.

Thank-you for your ongoing support.

Lynette Urquhart

“Today I fill my fill my mind with new, positive thinking”

My Time

Welcome to Gatton State School MyTime!

What is ‘MyTime’

MyTime is a FREE peer support group for mothers,

fathers and carers with children aged 0-18 years who have a disability or special needs.

Catch up, meet & chat

Tuesday 4th February, 2020

9:00am to 11:30am

Where-:

Gatton State School (Prep side)

Jensen Street, Gatton

For catering purposes,

please contact Tam on 0457 669 042.

I look forward to seeing you there!

What happens at a MyTime meeting?

Relax & enjoy morning tea while chatting with other parents & carers in similar circumstances.

Source information about services available in the local community, including how and where to access them.

Visits from Guest Speakers (participants are encouraged to nominate topics ie. Navigating NDIS).

Be supported by a facilitator to guide group discussions and help source information.

Plus..Social outings? Pampering sessions? Workshops to learn new skills? YOU DECIDE!

Swimming Lessons - Term 1

Swimming permission notes were electronically sent out yesterday. Please check your emails or messages. Permission for swimming can be completed digitally by simply checking a box on the online form. Permission needs to be given before your child/ren are able to commence lessons next week. Please contact the school if you have any concerns. The timetable for lessons is in the table below:

Class	Swimming Day	Lesson Start Time	Lesson Finish Time
1A & 1C	Monday	9:15	9:55
1O	Monday	10:00	10:40
2D & 2W	Tuesday	9:15	9:55
2/3A & 3W	Tuesday	10:00	10:40
6F & 6P	Tuesday	12:15	1:00
6R & 5J	Tuesday	2:00	2:40
2M & 3S	Wednesday	9:15	9:55
4H & 4S	Wednesday	10:00	10:40
MR, MM & MW	Wednesday	11:55	12:25
4/5H & 5P	Wednesday	12:25	1:05

Mrs Scott, Mrs Dixon, Mrs Althaus and Mrs Frederiksen’s Classroom

In term 1 and 4 PE classes (except PREP in Term 1) are at the swimming pool. Like all classes in the school, we work within our school expectations: Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible.

Swimming will commence next week for all classes from Year 1 to Year 6. Whilst only 6 lessons are indicated on the form, extra lessons may be offered if catch up days (for bad weather etc) are not required.

Please note that there will be no swimming on the following dates due to swimming carnivals by other schools or for other reasons listed:

Tuesday 3rd March (DD Secondary Carnival)

Wednesday 6th March (DD Primary Carnival)

Tuesday 10th March (Year 6 camp)

Wednesday 11th March (Year 6 camp)

No classes will swim in the last week of term however the senior swimming carnival will be on Friday 3rd April (last day of term 1)

Students of families who pay the bulk swimming payment, will not miss any of their paid lessons as this is a 10 week term and these missed swimming days have been taken into account. Please note however, there will be no refund given for students who are absent from lessons, as the fee is based on the overall cost of providing staff for all lessons.

In previous swimming lessons we have had some students who come without a sun shirt. Education Queensland’s Sun Safety Strategy makes it compulsory for primary school children in all state schools to wear sun shirts or T-shirts during swimming lessons. Please ensure your child has a shirt before their next lesson.

It is also compulsory for all children to wear goggles each week. Goggles allow students to focus on their stroke (arms, legs and breathing), instead of the unpleasant and distracting feeling of water in their eyes. Caps must be worn by students with hair that can reach their eyes. Please ensure these items are named as often they are left behind and we cannot identify the owner. The school does not supply sun shirts, caps and goggles.

Staff will provide assistance in and out of the pool, where required, for all year levels. We do not require assistance at the pool unless requested. Parents/carers sitting at the edge of the pool during their child’s swimming lesson can be quite distracting for the child/children. Parents are welcome to come to the pool during the lessons but we ask that you remain in the covered area near the canteen so students focus on their lesson and not find an audience! Also, we like primary age children dressing themselves. Mum and Dad coming into the dressing room can be embarrassing for some students so please remain in the seating area.

Don’t forget our Senior Swimming Carnival will be held in the last week of this term, Friday 3rd April.

Friday Morning Sport Term 1 2020

This term students in year 4-6 participate in Friday morning sport. Children are divided into teams from a variety of sports. In Term 1 students can play Softball, Cricket, Basketball, T-Ball, Kanga, Newcombe and general games.

This term sport will be played in the mornings in order to avoid the sometimes extreme afternoon heat. Games will be played from approximately 9:45 to 10:50am with travel time required in addition to this.

Softball, T-Ball, Cricket, Newcombe and Kanga are graded so that they have an inter-school and intra-school component. A draw is created so that a number of the children can play against other schools including Withcott, OLGC, Peace and Lake Clarendon.

Teams are sometimes required to travel during the term for games. When teams play in town (eg. Cahill Park or Redbacks) the bus price is $4.00, when a team travels out of town (eg. Withcott, Lake Clarendon etc) the price is $6.50. Note: Every effort is made to have teams play only two or three out of town days in the draw.

Teams that travel in term 1 are:

Softball A and B T-Ball A and B

Cricket A Newcombe A and B (possibly)

Kanga A and B

Important note about messages to students

It can be difficult for office staff to contact children during sport. Only ask the office to contact your child in an emergency. Please ensure you tell the office staff what sport and team your child is in.

Some sports also have a weekly court hire cost.

Basketball: $1.00

*(Basketball is played at the Lockyer Valley Sports Centre. Students walk to this venue)

Overview of draw:

31st January Gatton Team Selections

7th February Gatton practise games

14th February Interschool games – Peace & OLGC

21st February Lockyer Zone Swimming Carnival

28th February Interschool games – Peach & OLGC

6th March Interschool games – Withcott

13th March Year 6 Camp – no sport

20th March Interschool games – Withcott & Lk Clarendon

27th March Lockyer Zone Softball, Cricket, Kanga Carnival

3rd April Gatton SS Swimming Carnival

Students are instructed by their teacher and on parade each week about who is to travel, cost and venues of each sport. Bus and venue money is to be given to the teacher in charge of the sport, on Friday morning before parade.

Parents are requested to ensure children bring correct money, their hat and a water bottle on all travel days. Venue hire fees must also be paid weekly.

Carnivals and Selection Trials 2020

Carnivals and Selection Trials 2020

Current: Wednesday, 28 January 2020 Dates subject to change

Term 1

	Event	Date	Venue	Participants	Convenor (C) Manager (M) Selector (S)
Z	Zone Aust Rules Trials (3.30-5:00)	Thurs 13th February	TBC	Nom by sch (6/7)	Jo Maher OLGC (S)
Z	Zone Basketball Trials (3.30-4:30)	Wed 26th February	Gatton S.S. Hall	Nom by sch (6/7)	Dan Edwards- Gss (S,M)
Z	Zone Swimming Carnival	Fri 21st February	Gatton Pool	Nom by dist (4-7)	Michael Vaughan (C)
Z	Zone Softball Trials (3.30-5:00)	Thur 27th February	Gatton S.S.	Nom by sch (6/7)	Lydia Nestor Gss (C,S)
Z	Zone Touch Trials (3.30-5:00)	Wed 25th March	Cahill Park?	Nom by sch (6/7)	Angela Lynch (C,S)
R	Regional Swimming	Wed 4th March	Gatton Pool	Sel at Zone meet	Michael Vaughan (C,S)
Z	Zone Netball Trials (3.30-5:00)	Thur 5th & Mon 9th March	Gatton S.S. Hall	Nom by sch (6/7)	J Maher Peace (M)/M Clair Helidon (M)
Z	Zone Rugby League trials (3.30-5:00)	Mon 9th March	OLGC	Nom by sch (6/7)	Tony McColl -OLGC (C,S)
Z	Zone Cricket Trials (3.30 to 5:00)	Wed 11th March	Cahill Park Cricket Nets	Nom by sch (6/7)	Mark Clair Helidon (M,S)
R	Regional Golf	Mon 10th March	City Golf Club	Nom by sch (6/7)	-------
G	Year 6 Camp – Gatton SS	11th – 13th March	Murphy’s Creek Esc	Yr 6/7 Gatton	Tania Scott
R	Regional Australian Rules – Boys & Girls	Mon 19th March	Concordia	Sel at Zone trials	Jo Maher OLGC (S)
Q	State Swim Championships	23rd – 25th March	Brisbane	Sel at Regionals	Michael Vaughan (C)
Z	Zone Cricket/Kanga/Softball Carnival	Fri 27th March	Gatton Primary Cahill Park Redback	Teams from sch	Tania Scott (C)
R	Regional Softball- Girls & Boys	Sun 29th-Mon 30th March	Toowoomba	Sel at Zone trials	Lydia Nestor Gss (M)
R	Regional Basketball –Boys & Girls	Mon 30th March	Toowoomba	Sel at Zone trials	Dan Edwards Gss (M)
G	Gatton SS Swimming Carnival	Fri 3rd April	Gatton Pool	GSS Yr 3 (9 yr) – 6 (12yrs)	Tania Scott (C)

Term 2

	Event		Date		Venue		Participants		Convenor (C) Manager (M) Selector (S)
Z	Zone Tennis Trials	Thurs 23rd April		Gatton S.S.		Nom by sch (6/7)		Kevin Pitts Gatton (S)
R	Regional Rugby League (Boys)	Sun 26th & Mon 27th April		Stanthorpe		Sel at Zone trials		Joshua Wardell -OLGC (M)
R	Regional Hockey – Boys & Girls	Mon 27th April		Toowoomba		Nom by sch (6/7)		Tania Scott GSS (S)
R	Regional Netball	Mon 27th April		Toowoomba		Sel at Zone trials		M Clair Helidon /J Maher Peace (M)
G	Gatton SS Junior Cross Country	Wed 29th April		Gatton Primary		Prep-3		Tania Scott (C,S)
Z	Zone Football (Soccer) (3.30-5:00)	29th & 30th May		Gatton S.S.		Nom by sch (6/7)		Peta Windolf OLGC (C,S)
G	Gatton Primary Cross Country	Fri 1st May		Lake Apex		Gat yr 3 (9 yrs) – yr 6		Tania Scott (C,S)
R	Regional Touch	Tues 5th May		Toowoomba		Sel at Zone trials		Angela Lynch (C)
Z	Zone Cross Country	Fri 8th May		Lake Apex		Nom by school		Michael Vaughan (C,S)
R	Regional Football (Soccer)	Sun 10th & Mon 11th May		Stanthorpe		Sel at Zone trials		Peta Windolf OLGC (C,S)
R	Regional Cross Country	Tues 19th May		Toowoomba		Sel at Zone trials		Michael Vaughan (C)
R	Regional Tennis – Boys & Girls	Mon 25th May		Dalby		Sel at Zone trials		Kevin Pitts Gatton (S)
R	Regional Rugby Union	Sun 9th & Mon 10th June		Toowoomba		Noms by school
G	Gatton SS Junior Athletics	Wed 17th June		Gatton Primary		Prep – 3		Tania Scott (C)
G	Gatton SS Ball Games	Thurs 18th June		Gatton Primary		yr 3 (9 yrs) – yr 6		Tania Scott (C)
G	Gatton SS Athletics	Fri 19th June		Gatton Primary		yr 3 (9 yrs) – yr 6		Tania Scott (C)

Term 3

	Event		Date		Venue		Participants		Convenor (C) Manager (M) Selector (S)
R	Regional Rugby League (Girls)	Tues 21st July		Toowoomba		Sel at Zone trials		Tony McColl -OLGC (C,S)
	Caffey District Athletics	Tue 28th & Wed 29th July		Ropehill		Caffey Small Sch		Michael Vaughan (C)
	Upper Lockyer District Athletics	Fri 31st July		Ropehill		Upper Lockyer		Michael Vaughan (C)
Z	Zone Athletics 1500m	Thurs 13th August		Ropehill		Sel at Sch/Dist Carn		Michael Vaughan (C,S)
Z	Zone Athletics	Fri 14th August		Ropehill		Sel at Sch/Dist Carn		Michael Vaughan (C,S)
R	Regional Athletics (Multi-Class)	Fri 14th August		Glennie Toowoomba		Nom by school		DD Sports Office
R	Regional Country Cricket Trials-Boys	Fri 21st August		Stanthorpe		Sel at Zone trials		Mark Clair Helidon (M,S)
R	Regional Athletics	Tues 25th August		Harristown High		Sel at Zone Carn		Michael Vaughan (C,S)
R	Regional Cricket Trials	30th & 31st August		Goondiwindi		Sel at Zone trials		Mark Clair Helidon (S)
R	Regional Cricket Trials - Girls	31st August		Toowoomba		Sel at Zone trials		Mark Clair Helidon (S)
Z	Zone Soccer Netball Carnival	Fri 18th September		Redback & LVNA		Teams from school		Tania Scott (C)

Term 4

	Event	Date	Venue	Participants	Convenor (C) Manager (M) Selector (S)
Q	State Athletics	Tues 13th–Wed 14th Oct	QSAC Brisbane	Sel at Reg trials	Michael Vaughan (M)
G	Year 5 Camp	14th – 16th October	Camp Duckadang	Yr 5 Gatton	Tania Scott
R	Aquathlon	Fri 23rd October	Dalby Pool	School nomination	Tania Scott (M)
Q	State Swimming Relays	Fri 20th November ?	Chandler	Yr 4-7 Sch Noms	Michael Vaughan (C)
	Caffey District Swimming	Thur 26th November	Gatton Pool	Caffey Small Sch	Barry Donaldson Withcott (C)

Key: (G): Gatton State School (Z): Lockyer Zone (R): Regional (Q): Queensland (N): National

Strings 2019/2020

Ms Rotar would like to thank all strings students from 2019 for a wonderful year. The quality of the music produced this year has been a testament to all of your hard work and dedication to the strings program.

All lessons for 2020 Strings students will commence in week 3, 12th Feb 2020.

Expression of interest notes are available for anyone in years 2-5 (in 2019) who is interested in learning the Violin or Cello.

If you want to be a part of the Strings program in 2020 please collect a note and return it to the office by 13th December. Ms Rotar will test all interested students who have returned their expression of interest in week 2 (5th Feb) of 2020.

Sustainability Train

Keep the donations coming in next year, we are still a long way from our target of $1000

Total money raised as at 04th Dec 2019 $239

5c/10c Piece Donations to purchase outdoor seating for students.

If your child is asking for 5c/10c it is to add to their class’ Sustainability Change Train. This money will be going towards the purchase of outdoor tables and chairs for the students to sit at lunch times. Each table and chairs is approx. $1000 to purchase. Our goal is to collect enough 5c/10c pieces to purchase one table and chairs before the end of the school year.

P&C NEWS

AGM

The next P&C meeting will be the AGM and will be held on 18th February, 2020 at 6pm in the Staff room. All are welcome to attend. All positions will be open for nomination.

The Position Descriptions are as follows:

President

The duties of the President are:

To chair all General, Special and Executive meetings of the P&C.
To liaise with the school Principal and Staff.
To be spokesperson for the parents of the school, both within the school and in the general community.
To be ex official member of all sub committees.

Vice President

The duties of the Vice President are:

To carry out all duties of the President when he/she is absent from meetings.
To liaise with the President to ensure smooth running of the affairs of the P&C Association. To oversee fundraising

Secretary

The duties of the Secretary are:

To carry out the official correspondence of the P&C Association.
To maintain communication with the President regarding any action required between meetings.
To count the number of people attending each General and Special meeting.
To take minutes of all Association, Special and General meeting as requested.

Treasurer

The duties of the Treasurer are:

To present at each General Meeting a statement of accounts showing the total of outgoing and incoming expenditure during the past month together with the current balance.

Fundraising Coordinator

Assists the P&C Committee in coordinating fundraising activities at Gatton State School. Their duties include:

maintaining and publicising the events calendar
coordinating volunteers to assist deliver of activities
providing leadership to event coordinators
discussing fundraising options and opportunities at P&C general meetings
presenting budgetary requirements for events requiring financial outlay for P&C committee approval
providing the President with relevant information for the school newsletter, web site and annual report.

The Grants Coordinator has responsibility for providing support to, and building the capacity of the P&C in the area of applying for external grants, sponsorships and awards. Their responsibilities include:

assisting the P&C to integrate grant applications into project development

assisting and supporting the P&C in development of grant proposals

How to Apply

To apply for any of these positions you may do one of the following things:

Put in a written nomination. This is a letter nominating you for a position, seconded by another person and accepted by you. This letter should be addressed to the Principal and may be left at the school office. The letter needs to be received no later than Friday 14th February 2020.
You may attend the Annual General Meeting and stand for a position in person.

Anyone wishing to nominate somebody for a position can also do so by submitting a letter addressed to the Principal and may be left at the school office. The letter needs to be received no later than Friday 14th February 2020.
In the event that there is more than one nomination for a position everyone in attendance at the meeting will be asked to write down their nomination which will be sighted and tallied by the Principal only.
To hold a position on any of the P&C Committees or to vote or nominate anyone for a position you must be a financial member of the P&C.
A financial member application can be filled out before the AGM begins.
The P&C are a very hard working and dedicated group of people who strive to do their best for the staff and children of the Gatton State School. Your input on the Executive committee would be greatly valued and I look forward to working with the Committee.

Speedway

Volunteers are needed to help man the Canteen at the Gatton Speedway on February 8th from 11am to 9pm. If you have an hour or two to spare please contact Julie Mason or the school office 0754663333.

Breakfast Club Term 1

Available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:15am to 8:45am.

New Tuckshop days and hours are Wednesday to Friday 8:15am to 1:30pm.

Tuckshop is no longer open on Mondays and Tuesdays. Please ensure your children have lunch brought from home on these days.

If you are able to lend a hand for a couple of hours in 2020 please contact the school office on 5466 3333.

Weekly Specials Tuckshop Menu

The Tuckshop is now offering weekly Specials. Check the Gatton State School P&C Facebook page for these specials.

Uniforms

The Tuckshop is now taking layby's for 2020 uniforms. To help families with the expense of uniforms you now have the option to layby uniforms. Please contact the office or Tuckshop for a layby order form. Layby’s are available for parents to collect.

The 2020Tuckshop menu is on the following pages: Please make sure you put in your order before school.

2020 Tuckshop Menu

Gatton State School P&C Assoc- Tuck Shop MENU -2020

Order Prior To School Commencing Please !

Hot Food

Pasta Bolgonaise $3.50

Hamburger $4.50

Chicken Burger $4.00

Large Pie with Sauce $5.00

Mini Pie $1.20

Sausage Roll with Sauce $3.50

Pizza - $3.50

Pick Your Own Topping

Cheese Only, Ham and Cheese, Ham and Pineapple, Meatlovers – Ham, Bacon

Sandwiches

Vegemite $1.00 / Salad $3.00

Ham – And Salad $4.50

And Cheese $3.00

And Salad and Cheese $3.50

And Tomato $3.00

And Tomato and Cheese $ 3.50

Chicken with Mayo $3.00

Chicken with Salad $4.50

Egg and Lettuce $3.00

Toastie - Ham and Cheese $3.00

WRAPS Salad Only $3.00

Chicken Tender, Lettuce $4.00

Chicken, Salad and mayo $5.00

Chicken, Lettuce and mayo $4.00

Ham and Salad $5.00

Gatton State School Newsletter

Term 1 2020 | No. 01 30th Jan 2020