PRINCIPAL'S MESSAGE: Mountain Creek State School
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Caring - Sharing - Learning Together
22 October 2020
PRINCIPAL’S
MESSAGE:
2021 Prep Enrolments and Early Years Capacity: A review of current enrolmemts has identified that capacity may
exist to include some additional enrolments from outside our zone. We have reminded our local families to com-
plete enrolments so it is time to assume that we have catered for our existing families. To ensure our classes are
balanced and we utilise our facilities, we will consider some further requests from families from neighbouring areas
while capacity exists. Prep, Year 1 and 2 Enrolment packages are available directly from our office between 8.00 am
and 3.30 pm.
Sports Carnival: This week’s newsletter contains photographs from the Year 4 to 6 sports carnivals held this term.
Each of these year levels was able to go out to the oval’s for a session to enjoy sprints, long jump and a range of
other adjusted sports activities. Our students really enjoyed the day and can be congratulated on their positive sup-
port of each other. It is a reminder to us all that we are gradually seeing more and more things moving back to how
they once were. It will take some time, but more and more we can transition our favourite events back with some
adjustments. Our next sports carnivals for Prep to Year 3 will be run next Thursday, 29 October 2020. To meet
COVID regulations it will be a student and staff event.
Book Week: A huge congratulations to Ms Louise Gerzanics in the Library who has coordinated our book week
activities. Please check out the photographs in the newsletter to see the outstanding displays created to represent
many of the shortlisted Children’s Books of the Year. Our Library has new displays including an old fashion grandfa-
ther clock, a light house and even a jungle tucked away in one of the corners. Classes have enjoyed visiting the dis-
plays and hearing stories being read to them. A huge congratulations to all students and staff for dressing up as a
book character this week. There were magicians, animals, super heroes and many other creative ideas. Great work
team.
Early End to the Year: We have recently been informed that in recognition of the efforts of school-based staff dur-
ing the COVID-19 health pandemic, the government has decided that the 2020 school year will end early for all
schools. The last two days of the school year – Thursday 10 and Friday 11 December 2020 - will be designated stu-
dent free days. Schools will be closed to all staff on these days.
Daniel Morcombe Day (Red Day) and World Teacher Day: Our Student Council has asked to move World Teach-
ers Day to a day early to avoid a class with other school activities; Thursday 29 October—World Teachers Day, Fri-
day 30 October 2020—Daniel Morcombe Day (Red Day). Students are able to wear red and bring a Gold Coin dona-
tion.
Best wishes and many thanks for you ongoing support.
Rob Van den Heuvel
Principal
ADMINISTRATION
SCHOOL POLICY ON MOBILE PHONES
AND KIDS SMART WATCHES
MOBILE PHONES
General use of mobile phones causes major disruptions to school environments and are
therefore prohibited. Any student found using a mobile phone will have the phone confiscat-
ed. Parents/caregivers will then be asked to collect the phone from Administration. (It will not
be returned to the student). Students are discouraged from bringing mobiles to school, how-
ever if they do, they are to be handed in to the administration before school and collected
after school. The school takes no responsibility for mobile phones.
The general use of Mobile phones are prohibited for three (3) main reasons:
1. Mobile phones during class time are disruptive to learning. The sending and receiving
of text messages and the ringing of mobile phones is detrimental to student learning.
2. The use of mobile technology to photograph or video other students or teachers with
the intention to harass, intimidate or embarrass, is not only contrary to school policy
but is also unlawful in many cases.
3. Mobile phones can transport visual media and movies which may contain materials
that should not be viewed at school.
CHILDREN’S SMART WATCHES
Watches that incorporate mobile phone technology and are capable of sending/ receiving messages, taking photos,
recording or playing audio/ video recordings or are capable of accessing electronic media of any kind come under
the same category as a mobile phone.
Therefore, smart watches with any of these capabilities should be kept for non-school hour usage, or handed in to
the office in the morning and collected after school as per mobile phone policy. Wearing a Smart Watch with the
selection of “school mode” MODE may not be a solution as the children are able to disable the function easily.ADMINISTRATION FINANCE NEWS SCHOOL FINANCE HOURS Payments are able to taken at the TAP n GO window located at the rear of the Administration Building on a Monday and Wednesday morning from 8 am to 11 am. Our preferred methods of payment are: BPoint—an online payment system which provides a secure and efficient method of collecting payments from parents/caregivers. It is the preferred payment method for the Department of Education due to the efficiencies that automated receipting brings. BPOINT payment methods are listed on invoices generated. BPOINT allows parents/caregivers make payments from their electronic devices. Telephone payments via the BPoint Interactive Voice Response (IVR) – OneSchool invoices include the Bpoint IVR phone number 1300 631 073 for parents/caregivers to call to make payments TAP n GO payment window – Located at the rear of the Administration Building open on a Monday and Wednesday morning from 8am to 11am Cash – If paying by cash, please ensure you have the exact amount, as the office is not able to provide change. Any additional amount received will be receipted as credit for your child. DEBTOR STATEMENTS Please note that the Debtor Statements that are emailed out to parents/caregivers may also contain credits. If there is a minus before the amount on your statement, this is a credit, please do not pay. OUTSTANDING PAYMENTS As we near the end of the school year, payment of any outstanding tax invoices would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to discuss further, please contact the Office on 5452 3444. Thank you YEAR 6 GRADUATION We are continuing with our planning of the Year 6 Graduation with our fantastic Year 6 Teachers. This year the for- mat will run differently compared to previous years. Due to COVID constraints our Graduation will take place on Wednesday 2 December 2020 starting at 9 am. Please note we have changed the date since our last newsletter . To meet the COVID safety plan, the graduation will be outside using the hall’s external stage so that parents are able to join us with the celebration. We will be sending out invites over the next week to parents. Thank you for your understanding. Dominic Carter Deputy Principal CAFÉ CONNECT Café Connect would like to thank everyone for their ongoing support particularly through the last few months. They would like to advise they are once again accepting cash and using café cups and mugs. Unfortunately, personal keep cups and mugs are still not accepted.
ADMINISTRATION
COVID-19 SAFETY POLICIES—TERM 4
Please help us by being COVID safe. A reminder to parents that we continue with Covid -19 protocols to maximise
safety:-
Dropping off and collecting your children from school
Junior school- drop and collect from designated gates.
Middle/ upper school- we ask that children meet parents/ carers outside the gates. If you must meet near the
classrooms, please stay back on the grass outside the white line markings. Parents and siblings are to avoid
classrooms, bag racks etc.
Swimming Lessons and Sports days
School Swimming Lessons- Prep, Year 3, Year 5 (Starting Week 2) and Surf Education- Year 6 are student and
staff events.
The planned sports carnivals and Book Week events are able to occur as we are meeting COVID guidelines.
This is achieved by making them student only events managed by school staff.
- Sports Day—Prep-Year 3 - Thursday 29 October 2020 (Week 4)
Note:- Sports day will be held in year levels spread across the day to avoid unnecessary gathering of students.
We apologise for changes we have had to make to these normally parent/ school community friendly events, how-
ever the welfare of the children and our wider school community must be our first priority.
Craig Wockner
Deputy Principal
2021 SCHOOL START INFORMATION
Over the coming weeks we will be sending out an Alert to all families regarding 2021 school start information. This
will information will include:
New school uniform information
Book packs
Summer Tuckshop menu
Online ordering instructions for all of the above
This information will be available too by visiting our school website. https://mtncreekss.eq.edu.au/
We’re all looking forward to a positive and healthy 2021.AROUND
THE SCHOOL
BOOK WEEK 2020; A WILD WORLD OF BOOKS
Wild Things have been happening in our library this week. Students have entered
the library following a nature trail, inspired by the book ‘Three’. There is greenery!
Flowers! Animal sounds!
The next wild environment that students visited was the wild seas of the ocean,
and the light house from ‘Hello Lighthouse’. We used our wild imagination to feel
the wind in our hair, smell the ocean, and we carefully climbed across the rocks to
safely get to the lighthouse. Year 3 to 6 learnt about lighthouses and the role a
Lighthouse Keeper played. Prep to Year 2 helped me check that the cheeky sea-
gulls had not stolen my lunch (just like in the Lighthouse Keepers Lunch!)
We visited Oddmints Dumporeum from the book ‘Nop’, listening to a story and
collecting our craft activity, ready to take back to the classroom, or home, to com-
plete.
It is a fabulous week in our library!
Louise Gerzanics
Library Teacher Aide
MUSIC
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Unfortunately we have not been able to do Choir this year because of COVID. Hopefully we will be able to start
again for 2021. We will run Choir for Year 3 and 4 students together every 2nd Tuesday before school , alternating
with Year 5 and 6 students.
If your child was in choir this year and would like to participate again next year they DO NOT need to audition.
If your child would like to try out for a place in the choir then auditions are in the Music room on Wednesday
lunchtimes. Your child will have to sing a short song by themselves.
Any further enquiries please contact the Music teachers-Terri Giesen –tgies1@eq.edu.au and Cherie Emerson-
cemer5@eq.edu.auAROUND
MUSIC
DEPARTMENT
THE SCHOOL
MUSIC
STRINGS PROGRAM
We are in the process of organising the Strings Program and we require confirmation about your child continuing in
the program for 2021. Your child has been given a note to bring home for you to complete and return to the office.
All notes must be returned to the office by no later than Friday 6 November 2020.
If your child has had the use of a school instrument this year, it must be returned to the school on Thursday or Fri-
day 26 and 27 November 2020. If your child continues in the program in 2021 a full year’s commitment is ex-
pected. Violin and Viola students will need to purchase their own instrument. If they are playing a cello or double
bass students are to purchase their own instrument after their second year of tuition.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC
Mountain Creek State School’s Instrumental Music Program is asking for expressions of interest from students who are
currently in Year 2 and 3 who would like to learn an instrument in one of our programs. The programs are:-
Strings- Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass (from Year 3). Strings Orchestra Performance Group.
Multi- Clarinet, Trumpet, Flute, Saxophone, Trombone, French Horn, Euphonium and Orchestral Percussion (from Year
4). Concert Band Performance Group.
Guitar (from Year 3) -Rock Band Performance Group.
Students who are selected for the program will receive a half hour group lesson each week during school time from one of
our visiting instrumental music teachers. Once the student reaches a suitable standard, they become a member of one of
our performance groups and receive another lesson as part of the group.
Our Instrumental Program is offered as an extension program and is intended to cater for high performing music students
who are independent learners in the classroom and are able to learn without extra learning support. All lessons are small
groups and the programs are group- performance based.
INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC POLICY—Students can only learn ONE instrument at school. Once a student is accepted into a
program they cannot change over to a different program. For example, they cannot start on Violin in Strings in Year 3 and
then change to Trumpet in Multi in Year 4. They can learn an instrument and (encouraged to) be in Choir as well. Singing in
tune is the basis of all good instrumental music. Compulsory participation in a Performance Group is expected when asked
by the teacher, once the student reaches the required level. Students music commit to the Program for one year.
PARENT EXPECTATIONS—To be successful on any instrument in any program your child will need your support. As a par-
ent, this includes:-
Ensuring your child attends weekly lessons and rehearsals when asked for the whole year.
Supervising regular home practice 5 days a week for the whole year .
Supplying necessary equipment.
COSTS—Costs include tuition fees, hire fees, equipment, and tutor books. If you would like further information and you
would like your child to audition for participation in the Strings or Multi Instrumental Program or the Guitar Program,
please have your child collect a note from either their music teacher or the office.
ALL EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST FORMS MUST BE RETURNED TO THE OFFICE NO LATER THAN FRIDAY 30 OCTOBER 2020.HPE
DEPARTMENT
SPORTS DAY
Despite certain COVID restrictions a restricted Sports Day was able to go ahead for Year 4, 5 and 6 last week. There was plenty
of cheering from all the classes who sat along the 100 m track cheering on their class mates whilst the sun shone.
The students had the opportunity to long jump, throw a vortex as far as they could and a variety of ball catching games. Thank
you to Mr Barritt and Miss Stoeckert and all the year level teachers who made the fun filled day a huge success.HPE
DEPARTMENT
MOUNTAIN CREEK CRICKET ACADEMY
Last Wednesday players from the Mountain Creek Cricket Academy took part in the Coastal
T20 blast. Mountain Creek entered two teams into the competition. Both teams played
extremely well. The boys played opposition teams that had many Sunshine Coast repre-
sentatives and club players.
Despite this, our boys went on to only lose one game for the day and won the play off for
third place. In the semi-final, Josh (6K) bludgeoned about 5 sixes into the Kmart car park
across the road. These were some of the biggest hits Mr. G has ever seen. Many of the
boys were playing their first official game and came away with wickets and plenty of runs.
Like the boys, the girls had only lost one game leading in the final. The girls had won their
other games easily by 140 and 80 runs respectively. The final was a low scoring game domi-
nated by great bowling from both teams. Unfortunately, our girls couldn’t hit the bounda-
ries like they did in the previous game. Mooloolaba came away with a win in the final by 35
runs.
The sportsmanship and spirit throughout the day was something to be proud of with all of
our players being gracious despite the result. Many of these girls had not bowled a ball un-
til this year and Mr. G. stood there in awe watching them take wickets and smashing six-
es. Thank you to all the parents that transported the students. Mr. G. is now on the look-
out for more boys and girls from Year 3 and 4 for next year.
SURF SKILLS
As part of the Year 6 HPE Curriculum this term, Year 6 students have been enjoying Surf Skills that are taught by
qualified surf coaches at Alexandra Headland Beach. The aim of the program is to enable students to recognise and
enjoy a safe beach or aquatic environment. Activities will include surf swimming, first aid, resuscitation, surfing,
beach activities and board paddling. The students had a great time last week relaxing and enjoying the beach whilst
learning life saving skills.PREP 2021
TERM 4—PREP PLAY DATES
Term 4 is up and running and it is a really big term for us at Mountain Creek State School. The countdown is definitely on for
our new Preps starting at our school. It is very exciting. Our playdates will continue on the Monday mornings (all except Week
10). Please come along if you can and let other Prep families know as well. See the calendar for dates and times.
We will be having a Prep tour on Monday 26 October 2020, 11:30am and there are limited spaces, so you will need to register.
As we are having some extra families, we have had to restrict it to just ONE family representative and Prep child. We will meet
at the foyer of the hall. Thankyou for your understanding.
Parent / teacher Interview registrations are now open as well. They will begin week 5 and go through to week 9.
Please register for both tour and interviews through our administration office either in person or by phone (54523444)
Keep those enrolment forms coming in as well please as we have begun our planning process for class groupings.
Thankyou for choosing Mountain Creek for your child's education. We strive on our motto of Caring, Sharing, Learning Together
and look forward to our 2021.
Many Thanks
Gayle Wells, Prep Transition Officer
WEEK PLAY DATE IMPORTANT NOTES
Playdate 9-11am
4 Monday 26 October 2020
Prep Tour 11.30—PLEASE REGISTER
Playdate 9-11am
5 Monday 2 November 2020
Parent/ Teacher Interviews
Playdate 9-11am
6 Monday 9 November 2020
Parent/ Teacher Interviews
Playdate 9-11am
7 Monday 16 November 2020
Parent/ Teacher Interviews
8 Playdate 9-11am
Monday 23 November 2020
Parent/ Teacher Interviews
9 Playdate 9-11am
Monday 30 November 2020
Parent/ Teacher Interviews
10 Monday 7 December 2020 NO PLAYDATE
If you wish to contact us regarding any questions please email me at 2021PrepEnrolments@mtncreekss.eq.edu.au
Parent / Teacher Interviews are available for booking at the Administration Office. Their number is 54523444.
These meetings will take place between weeks 5-10. They are strictly 15 minutes. They are a perfect time to come
along and discuss any issues that you have regarding your child’s entry to Prep 2021. This may include:
Social / Emotional wellbeing
Peer Relations and Friendships.
Medical Issues- please bring along medical plans if applicable.
Speech issues – please bring along any recent reports you may have.
Any Family circumstances that you wish to share confidentially.
Discussions about your child’s interests / strengths / weaknesses etc.
You can add information to the questionnaire sheet for your child’s file for a later discussion / meeting. Note that
these interviews are not compulsory. If you don’t feel that there are any pressing issues regarding your child and
their enrolment at our school, there isn’t a need to have an interview. You will however be asked to still complete
the questionnaire as this information is passed onto our classroom teacher to give a snapshot of your child prior to
starting their Prep year.
**PLEASE BE SURE TO CONFIRM A TIME WITH THE OFFICE STAFF.COMMUNITY
NEWS
Please support our café as it is operated by our
P and C Association
If you are looking for a healthy ‘take-away’ at the
end of a busy day Café Connect can offer you
Café Connect now has more Gluten Free
options available—ask today
Come in and quench your thirst with a delicious
iced latte or iced coffee
Weekly specials:
Check the blackboard for our weekly specials
Family Frittata $25.00
Family Lasagne $40.00
Quiche $25.00
Whole cakes $30.00
2020 TERM 4 DATE CLAIMER
Event Date
World Teacher Day Thursday 29 October 2020
Day For Daniel (Red Day) Friday 30 October 2020
P and C Meeting Thursday 19 November 2020
MCSHS Make Up Transition Day Thursday 26 November 2020
Year 6 Graduation (9.00 am) Wednesday 2 December 2020
LAST DAY TERM 4 WEDNESDAY 9 DECEMBER 2020You can also read
