Issue 03
16 March 2010
Contact our school
Santa Isobel Bvd Pacific Pines QLD 4211
PO Box 534
Helensvale QLD 4212
Ph: (07) 5502 5333
Fax: (07) 5502 5300
Email: admin
@pacificpinesss.eq.edu.au
Web: www.pacificpinesss.eq.edu.au
Our Sponsors
Please click on the advertisments to view more details
 P&C Executive 2010
Congratulations to the new P&C Executive for 2010 who are:
President:
Kristi Walsh
Treasurer:
Gabby Muffin
Secretary:
Debbie McMillan
Tuckshop Convenor:
Helen Pitman
Uniform Convenor:
Patricia Girling
I am looking forward to working with our executive throughout 2010.
Staff Planning
During the past week and for three days this week all of my classroom staff have been offline planning
curriculum, teaching and learning in their teaching teams. This professional development, funded by the
school, is an important part of the culture at Pacific Pines. My staff work together in teams to make a
difference to students’ learning. Through planning and working together, we share expertise, strategies that
work, resources and skills that ensure that every student here receives the very best education possible. My
staff are professionals who work way beyond expectations and are always willing to share their expertise.
Parent/Teacher Interviews
It has also been a practice at this school for all parents of students in Years 1 to 7 to meet formally with their
child’s teacher before the Easter Vacation. Prep staff will not be having these interviews until just before the
Winter Vacation at the end of June. Prep parents also see their child’s teacher regularly as they have to sign
in and out each day. Please take advantage of these interviews. We hold them early in the year so parents
are made aware of their child’s progress and any concerns can be dealt with as soon as possible.
National Australian Curriculum
The National Australian Curriculum was released for public view on Monday 1 March. You can view the
entire first four curriculum areas in English, Maths, History and Science by going to the web site at
www.australiancurriculum.com.au You will need to register to gain access. Anyone can register. My staff
have been looking at these areas and will be providing feedback to ACARA (Australian Curriculum and
Reporting Authority) before 23 May.
Traffic and Parking
Our students’ safety is paramount at all times. Please follow these simple road rules:
Do not call your child across the road to your car. Use the traffic crossing.
Walk across the road with your child using the traffic crossing
Park in designated areas. Do not park on the grassed areas, especially if you have a four wheel
drive vehicle.
Use the drop off zone for drop off and pick ups only. Do not park there and get out of your car.
The back access road is not to be used for dropping off and/or picking up students.
Finally, please do not drive your car through the gate which says “No Entry. Staff Only Access”. This is the
gate directly in front of the school near the courts.
I would like to thank those parents who do the right thing all of the time.
Central Park
It has come to my attention that there has been a suspicious male person loitering around Central Park near
the toilet block. If you do take your children over to this park, please be vigilant about them whilst they go to
the toilet and that they are within your sight at all times. Thank you to the mum who asked me to place this
warning in the newsletter.
 Read to Children Every Day
Parents and carers who read aloud to their children every day provide a strong, positive influence and help
develop a life-long love of reading.
The Queensland Government has partnered with The Sunday Mail and Queensland bookshops to give
parents the chance to stock up on kids books at reduced prices.
Each week during March, parents can collect a token from The Sunday Mail and receive 10 per cent off the
price of a children’s book at selected bookstores.
The initiative is part of the Government’s A Flying Start for Queensland Children reading awareness
campaign to help children learn to love to read.
Find out more at www.thepremier.qld.gov.au/readtochildren
There are a number of things you can do to foster your child’s love of reading:
Read aloud to young children every day, if only for a few minutes, and let them hold the book and
turn the pages.
Visit the library as a family and let your child select books that interest them.
Engage older children and teens in discussions and debates about the books or magazines they are
reading.
For more tips and information on helping your child to read and for a list of age-appropriate books for
children and young people visit www.deta.deta.qld.gov.au/aflyingstart/read.html
Inappropriate Content On Social Networking Sites
Social networking sites such as Facebook, MySpace and Bebo have changed the way young people
communicate.
It’s important you monitor your child’s behaviour on these sites and ensure they are being used in an
appropriate manner.
While these sites are an effective way to keep in touch, it is important for young people to be cybersmart and
think before posting material online.
All web users have a responsibility to be mindful when publishing content online to ensure it does not breach
social, religious, cultural or copyright standards.
If our school becomes aware of inappropriate content involving our staff, students or school, or images,
banners, logos or our school crest are used without permission, we will take reasonable steps to ensure the
content is removed.
Our school is committed to promoting a safe and supportive learning environment and students involved in
the posting of inappropriate material on websites may be disciplined in line with our school’s Responsible
Behaviour Plan for Students.
We will continue to work closely with parents and students to address these issues as they arise, but
appreciate your support in monitoring your child’s internet activity and reinforcing this message at home.
For information, tips and advice to help you and your family make the most of being online, visit the
Australian Government’s CyberSmart website at www.cybersmart.gov.au/parents
Cybersmart provides activities, resources and practical advice to help young kids, kids, teens and parents
safely enjoy the online world.
Regards
Kathy Edwards
 Principal
Year 7 students and their parents are invited to a Canberra information Sharing Evening on Thursday 25
March. This will be held at the tuckshop undercover area and will start at 6:00pm. Year 7 students have a
note to return to indicate attendance so we can ensure we have enough seating available.
Canberra once again promises to be a sensational and valuable trip for all self managed students.
Angela Gooley
Deputy Principal
Pacific Pines Primary Schedule
Tuesday 16/03/2010
Thursday 18/03/2010
TIME
Photographer 1
Photographer 2
TIME
Photographer 1
8:30
STAFF
9:00
3S
9:00
Year 7
9:10
2J
9:30
7A
7G
9:20
1B
9:45
7K
7O
9:30
1H
10:00
7P
7R
9.40
PREP ORANGE
10:15
7S
6A
9:55
PREP RED
10:30
6C
6F
10:10
PREP BLUE
BREAK
10:25
PREP YELLOW
11:30
6H
6N
10:40
PREP PURPLE
11:45
6P
5A
BREAK
12:00
5B
5H
11:30
1N
12:15
5R
5S
11:40
1P
12:30
5T
3C
11:50
1S
12:45
4F
4K
12:00
1T
1:00
4M
4G/H
12:10
2C
1:15
4R/M
4B
12:20
2F
1:30
3C/H
3N
12:30
2M
1:45
7 Music groups &
Student Council
12:40
2S
12:50
FAMILIES
Congratulations to the thirty-seven chess club players who behaved and performed so well at the interschool
tournament on Tuesday 9 March.
For the first time we will have a team representing us in the championship grade. The top four teams from
South and North divisions are chosen. Our A grade team of Tony 7K, Takeshi 7G, Nathanial 7A and
Samuel 4M finished 3rd overall to achieve this. Our two other A grade teams finished 6th and 12th
respectively.
Our B grade teams also performed extremely well. They picked up 3rd place as well as 12th and 15th out of
21 teams. Great individual efforts came from Joel 5B 3rd, Dylan 3C 15th and Daniel 5B 21st.
The C grade teams also performed very well, finishing equal 3rd but on count back being relegated to 4th.
 The other two teams finished 8th and 11th out of seventeen teams. Great individual efforts came from
Jayden 3S 8th, Kevin 2F 12th, Taine 1P 16th and Liam S 3C 18th. It was amazing that we had nine
students in the top 28 out of 60 students.
The next tournament will be at Arundel on 15th June. Our Championship team will play on Wednesday the
16th June.
Refunds
The school refund policy is under payment options on our website. Please note requests for a refund must
be received within 2 weeks of an excursion/camp to allow finalisation of the activity. As stated in the policy it
may not always be possible to refund the whole amount.
Late Payments
Already this year we have had many students coming to the payment window well after the cut off date.
These payments cannot be accepted as all camp/excursion numbers have to be finalised as soon as
possible after the cut off date to allow confirmation of numbers to venues and bus bookings.
Obviously if we accept late payments and this necessitates booking an extra bus then the school will make a
loss on a camp/excursion.
Internet Payments
Internet payments must be made at least 2 days before the cut off date of an excursion/activity to allow the
transfer to our bank account.
If numbers have been finalised then late payments will be processed as a credit on your child’s account.
Eileen Dixon
Business Services Manager
 Pacific Pines Yr 4-7 Cross Country Thursday 18 March
9:00am Teachers bring classes to the oval with hats and water bottles.
Students assemble in age groups ready to begin.
1000m Course: 1 lap around oval; 1 lap around the course; return to oval to finish.
9yr girls
9yr boys
2000m Course: 1 lap around the oval; 2 laps around the course; return to oval to finish.
10yr girls
10yr boys
11yr girls
11yr boys
12/13yr girls
12/13yr boys
When all students have completed the course in all age groups, students will assemble in class groups and
return to class.
The Year 4-7 Cross Country will be finished by 10:50am. Students may wear a shirt in their house colour.
Pacific Pines Yr 1-3 Cross Country Friday 19 March
8:45am Teachers mark rolls, collect tuckshop orders etc, then mark student’s hand with year level and
house colour.
9:15am Teachers assemble classes on the bottom oval with hats and water bottles. Students assemble in
year levels and house groups ready to begin.
Course: 1 lap around oval; 1 lap around the course; return to oval to finish.
Yr 3 girls – Hackett, Freeman, Rafter, Norman
Yr 3 boys – Hackett, Freeman, Rafter, Norman
Yr 2 girls – Hackett, Freeman, Rafter, Norman
Yr 2 boys – Hackett, Freeman, Rafter, Norman
Yr 1 girls – Hackett, Freeman, Rafter, Norman
Yr 1 boys – Hackett, Freeman, Rafter, Norman
When all students have completed the course in all age groups, students will assemble in class groups and
return to class.
The Year 1-3 Cross Country will be finished by 10:50am. Students may wear a shirt in their house colour.
Josh Turpin
Physical Education Teacher
With heavy clouds and rain forecast a very excited 28 leaders and 3 teachers set off to Uki. The hour and a
half bus trip was filled with camera flashes and giggling as we turned into Camp Interaction on the first of
March. On arrival our team had their first challenge, to put up their new homes -tents. We met our
instructors, Kate and Nathan, and with them we spent the afternoon doing team building activities. With wet
and muddy clothes, the leaders had showers before lining up for dinner. After dinner, the 4 student leaders
gave an entertaining presentation. The highlight of the night was the Jib jab ice skating routine presented by
Mr Slinger and Miss O. It was hard not to notice Mr Slinger’s bright red embarrassed face.
We woke on day 2, (Tuesday) to grey clouds and steady drizzle, but this couldn’t wash away our excitement.
We swung from trees like sugar gliders, built rafts, canoed and walked through rain forests. All of these
activities help us get to know each other and our own strengths and weaknesses.
We were very pleased when we woke to sunshine on Wednesday – using maps and clues we did
orienteering. Many of us had to face our fears of heights by rock climbing, while the wall looked tall from the
ground, your belly really started to churn when you looked down from the top, there was a lot of support and
 cheering as each person climbed and abseiled back down. With our bags packed and tents pulled down a
sense of sadness could be felt as everyone realised our time together was over. As the bus pulled away we
laughed as the rain once again poured down.
While the camp was a serious time for our new leaders to get to know each other and set the goals for the
2010 student council there were also many funny things and interesting facts that we learnt about each
other, did you know that.....
Funny Fact File:
Most Slip Overs: Brittny
First Leech: Beth
Cutest Baby Photo: Jon
Ate the most: Jordan
Funniest Laugh: Georgia (snorts)
Messiest Camper: April
Giggler: Amy
Best Singer: Tre
Best Beat Boxer: Laura
Worst Aim: Miss O
Non-stop Talker: Izzy
Reddest Face: Mr Slinger
Eel Supporter: Lachy
Most Hair Product: Sam S
Fear Fighter: Morgan
Morning Hair: Caitlyn
Best Jib Jab Dancer: Mrs Gooley
Quiet Achievers: Emma T & Nicole
Rock Wall Banger: Matt
Raft Idea: Lochie
Most Muddy: Aaron D
Most Showers: Grace
Lost Toothbrush: Chloe
Best Cricket Catch: Sam B
Forgot Undies at Shower: Sara & Emma H
Loudest Norman Supporter: Rachael
King of The Rafts: Jason
Team Player: Jade
Nature’s Best Friend: Jamie
All members of the student council would like to thank Mrs Gooley, Mr Slinger and Miss O for organising and
supporting us at the leadership camp. We would also like to thank the 2009 student council who raised half
the funds towards our camp and to the school for also contributing to the costs – we had also better thank
our parents who are probably still trying to get the mud off our clothes!
The 2010 student council are looking forward to sharing with the Pacific Pines Primary parents and
community the great things that all our students are doing by having a regular article in the newsletter – look
out for the students@PPP section.
Emma
Vice captain
Pacific Pines Primary School
Reducing Test Taking Anxiety
Test taking anxiety is when a student excessively worries about doing well on a test. This can become a
major hindrance on test performance and cause extreme nervousness and memory lapses among other
symptoms. The following are tips on reducing test taking anxiety.
Being well prepared for the test is the best way to reduce test taking anxiety.
Space out your studying over a few days or weeks and continually review class material. Don't try to
learn everything the night before.
Try to maintain a positive attitude while preparing for the test and during the test.
Exercising for a few days before the test will help reduce stress.
Get a good night's sleep before the test.
Show up to class early so you won't have to worry about being late.
Stay relaxed, if you begin to get nervous take a few deep breaths slowly to relax yourself and then get
back to work.
Read the directions slowly and carefully.
If you don't understand the directions on the test, ask the teacher to explain it to you.
Skim through the test so that you have a good idea how to pace yourself.
Write down important formulas, facts, definitions and/or keywords in the margin first so you won't worry
about forgetting them.
Do the simple questions first to help build up your confidence for the harder questions.
Don't worry about how fast other people finish their test; just concentrate on your own test.
If you don't know a question skip it for the time being (come back to it later if you have time), and
remember that you don't have to always get every question right to do well on the test.
Focus on the question at hand. Don't let your mind wander on other things.
 If you're still experiencing extreme test anxiety after following these tips, seek help from your school
Guidance Officer.
I hope this is helpful.
Until next time
Julie Dixon
Guidance Officer
 Parents/Guardians, please remember to advise the school if your child is absent from school for three days
or more. You can do this by using the student absence phone number. If notification is not received your
child’s absence is recorded as “unexplained”. Letters requesting an explanation will be sent to
parents/guardians when a child is absent for 3 days or more.
Student Absence Phone Number (24hrs) 5502 5360
R.E. activity books for Semester 1 are available for purchase now from the payment window at the office on
Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 8:15-10:00am
Year 1
Beginning with God
$5.00
Year 2&3
Infant Connect
$3.00
Years 4&5
Lower Primary Connect $3.00
Years 6&7
Upper Primary Connect $3.00 SOLD OUT
Year 5
Reading Lab 2a-student record book
$9.05
Year 5
Targeting Maths Dictionary
$11.20
Year 4
Soundwaves Student Activity Bk.
$13.85
Camp School
31 March
DATES TO REMEMBER
$25 deposit
24-28 May
16 & 18 March
School Photographs
18 March
Yrs 4-7 Cross Country
19 March
Yrs 1-3 Cross Country
22 March
Interschool Sport Commences (3 days 22/3, 19/4, 24/5)
25 March
Yr 7 Canberra Trip Information Sharing Evening - 6pm
30 March
Year 7 Culmination morning 9am-11am
1 April
Last Day Term 1
12 April
Student Free Day
13 April
First Day of Term 2
Yr 6 Camp to Tallebudgera Beach Camp School
Yr 6 Camp to Tallebudgera Beach
EXCURSIONS/ACTIVITIES
24-28 May
Year
Level
Date
Excursion/Activity
Cost
Payment
Due by
5
29-31 March
Yr 5 Camp to Tyalgum Ridge Retreat
$225
19 March
6/7
1-3 March
Leadership Camp
$32
19 March
5/6/7
22 March
Interschool Sport
$30
19 March
Choir
28 April
Voice Fusion
$12
26 March
6
CHESS PAYMENTS FOR TERM 1 DUE NOW $25
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