31 January 2025

Acting Principal

Abi Hurdley

Dear Graceville Families and Friends,

WELCOME TO THE 2025 SCHOOL YEAR.

Welcome back to a new school year at Graceville State School! We hope you all had a wonderful and refreshing break, filled with special moments with family and friends. A very warm welcome to our new families who are joining our school community for the first time—whether you are starting in Prep, transferring from another school, or joining us from further afield, we are delighted to have you with us. This year promises to be an exciting one, filled with opportunities for learning, growth, and connection, and we are thrilled to begin this journey together.

GRACEVILLE STATE SCHOOL STRATEGIC PLAN (2024 -2027)

Graceville State School’s Strategic priority focus areas are:

1. Innovative Teaching and Learning
2. Empowering and Nurturing Environment
3. Connected Community

This year we will have two priorities in our Annual Improvement Plan that will guide our work for each of these focus areas:

1. Enhance and extend a whole school, inclusive approach to support student learning beginning in the classroom so that resources are most effectively used to lift student learning.
2. Deepening personal empowerment and embedding a nurturing environment to maximise curiosity, positive engagement and success for all.

This year, our school is committed to several key strategies aimed at enhancing teaching and learning. We are deepening our understanding of the Australian Curriculum (V9) to implement a conceptual curriculum and inquiry-based approach, encouraging critical thinking and curiosity in our students. Guided by the Department’s 2023 Reading Position Statement, we will focus on developing a structured whole-school literacy block that emphasises language comprehension and word recognition as foundations for skilled reading.

In addition, we are embedding a Multi-Tiered System of Support to ensure all students receive differentiated, evidence-based instruction and interventions to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We are also exploring evidence-based practices to strengthen students’ sense of belonging by incorporating strategies that promote inclusivity, relationship-building, and active engagement within the classroom. Finally, we are working to foster autonomy and responsibility in learning by empowering students to take ownership of their learning.

WELCOME TO OUR NEW STAFF

This week, we are excited to welcome several new staff members to the GSS team!

• Lynelle Dunn has joined us as our Business Manager. Lynelle brings a wealth of experience, having worked in various schools across Brisbane and with the Department of Education's finance team.
• Ms. Mia Crawford has come on board as the Year 6C classroom teacher. Many of you may recognize Ms. Crawford, as she was a student teacher with us last year. We are thrilled to have her officially join our teaching team!
• Mr. Tom Stewart is joining us as an instrumental music teacher. Mr. Stewart works across multiple schools in Brisbane, and we look forward to collaborating with him this year.
• Ms. Zoe Fleming will be teaching our 1CF class every Friday. Ms. Fleming is a familiar face at GSS, having worked as a relief teacher throughout 2024.
• Finally, Ms. Clara Maw has returned to GSS after taking leave last year. Ms. Maw will be teaching our 3M class every Friday.

We warmly welcome all of our new and returning staff and look forward to a fantastic year ahead!

SCHOOL GROUNDS

Over the holidays, the outdoor area next to the admin block underwent a stunning transformation! Students and staff returned to find a fresh, vibrant space with artificial turf and natural sandstone seating. This new space is designed to provide a welcoming and functional environment for our school.

We are thrilled to see this upgrade come to life and look forward to everyone enjoying this wonderful addition to our school grounds. A big thank you to everyone involved in making this project a reality!

SPOTLIGHT IN THE CLASSROOMS

This week I have visited all of our classrooms and received a very warm welcome from our students. I had the absolute pleasure of spending time with our 2025 Prep cohort during their classroom activities. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm as they explored new learning experiences and began forming connections with their teachers and peers. Together, we enjoyed sharing stories, engaging in hands-on activities, and celebrating their curiosity and creativity. It was inspiring to witness their excitement for learning and the supportive environment our prep teachers are fostering. I look forward to seeing these young learners continue to grow and thrive as they embark on their school journey at Graceville State School.

2025 LEADERSHIP INDUCTION CEREMONY  

We are excited to invite our school community to the 2024 Leadership Induction Ceremony, which will take place on Wednesday, 12 February, at 2:00pm in the school hall. This special event is an important milestone in our school calendar, as we formally acknowledge and celebrate the students who have been chosen to lead and inspire their peers in various roles this year.

During the ceremony, badges will be presented to the following 2024 student leaders:

• School Captains
• Student Learning Ambassador Leaders
• Community Leaders
• Music Captains
• House Captains
• Year Level Leaders

This ceremony highlights the value we place on student leadership at Graceville State School and the significant role our leaders play in shaping a positive and inclusive school culture. We warmly invite parents, caregivers, and members of our community to join us in celebrating these young leaders as they take on their responsibilities and commit to leading by example. We look forward to seeing you there!

As we embark on this exciting new school year, let’s work together to create a positive and supportive environment where every student can thrive. Whether you’re a returning family or new to our community, we look forward to partnering with you to make 2025 a memorable and successful year. Here’s to a fantastic start, and we can’t wait to see what we will achieve together!

Abi Hurdley
Principal

Upcoming Events

Planned events are listed – we may have to postpone or cancel based on advice closer to the time.

Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

Swimming Term 1

All classes Years 1-6 will start swimming next week. Parents are not required to pay for swimming at all. The Swim Academy will be conducting the lessons with all classes, with Mr Daunt involved in instruction in several year levels. Parents need to make sure that student have their rashie shirt, swimming cap and goggles along with swimmers & towel. Teachers will let you know which day the class is scheduled.

Naplan Years 3 & 5

The National Assessment Program is coming up later this term – 12^th to 24^th March.

NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national proficiency standards.

Students will participate in practice tests online during weeks 3 or 4, which is an opportunity to “practice” using an Ipad (Year 3) or desktop computer or laptop (Year 5) in the training environment, which gives them practice questions very much like the real testing.

Parents who have children who may require adjustments to complete the testing program can talk to class teachers. Once identified, class teachers will contact you to complete the necessary paperwork.

The Naplan tests are online, apart from the Year 3 writing task, which is on paper. More information will be sent out to families in the coming weeks.

If you have children in Years 3 & 5 please try to avoid any appointments/days off, etc during these times.

Religious Instruction

Semester 1 – Years 1, 2 & 6
Semester 2 – Years 3, 4 & 5

Classes will commence on Friday 14^th February. A letter was sent out to all families which needs to be completed only if you need to make any changes to your choice. This letter is attached as well for you.

Any child who isn’t participating in Religious Instruction will be supervised by class teachers on each year level.

Deputy Principal

Liam Bray

As we kick off another exciting school year, we are thrilled to welcome our new prep students and families to our school community! It was fantastic to be in and around the Prep classrooms these last couple of mornings to welcome everyone. There were some tears (including parents), some nerves and plenty of excitement and curiosity from everyone.

We have had a number of new families join us across the school as well, and it was great to be able to welcome them to the Graceville school community.

We are also excited to welcome back our returning families and students. It’s always heartwarming to see familiar faces, reconnect with familiar routines, and share in the growth of our students year after year.

Our dedicated teachers, staff, and families are working together to create a positive and supportive environment where every student can thrive. Whether through engaging lessons, extracurricular activities, or building strong friendships, this year promises to be one of growth, learning, and success.

Active School Travel

In 2025, Graceville SS will again participate in the Active School Travel program run by the Brisbane City Council. This program offers Brisbane primary schools a suite of free resources, tools and incentives to enable students, parents, carers and teachers to leave the car at home and actively travel to school. It’s all about creating healthier, more active students and families, increasing road safety awareness, safer streets and continuing to tackle traffic congestion.

As part of this program, we require a parent representative on the Active School Travel Committee. This group will meet once a month at school and the parent representative will help with the promotion of the program across the parent body. If you are interested in being part of this, please contact the office.

For more information about the Active School Travel program visit

Have a great week!

Liam

Music News

Naomi Lindh

Welcome to the new school year! It has been lovely to see many familiar faces returning to Graceville and meet our new students in Prep and other year levels. 

This year we have a new band teacher, Mr Tom Stewart. He will be emailing the timetable and any important information out to families soon. I have had the opportunity to meet Mr Stewart and he is looking forward to meeting our students and teaching here at Graceville! Mr Alex Chin will continue to be our string teacher this year and will also be emailing families soon regarding the timetable and starting dates for lessons. Our IM rehearsals will start in week 3 of this term for our Senior ensembles and Intermediate Strings. (The choir rehearsals will also start in week 3 - see information below). Mr Stewart will provide families of students in the Junior Band program (year 4 band students) with details regarding the start of the Junior Band.

Please make contact with your child's instrumental teacher if they are experiencing any difficulties settling into the IM program, so their teacher can support them and assist them with any challenges they are facing, or if this happens at any stage during the year. This can help to set them up for successful engagement in and enjoyment of the IM program, until they graduate Graceville at the end of year 6. 

Our school has a Junior Choir for students in years 2 -3 and a Senior Choir for students in years

 4 – 6.  The choirs are open to any interested students in years 2 – 6 and there is no audition process.  Choir rehearsals are held weekly, starting in week 3 of this term, with further details below:

• Junior Choir – (Year 2 - 3 students) Thursday mornings in the music room at 7:45am
  (starting Thursday 13 Feb)
• Senior Choir – (Year 4 - 6 students) Monday mornings in the music room from 7:45am
   (starting Monday 10 Feb).

OHSC is able to bring students to the music room for the beginning of the choir rehearsal if they need to be dropped at school early on our rehearsal day.  Please advise them via the appropriate form if this is the case. A letter will be sent out soon through the school email system  to families of students in years 2 - 6 with a form to return for students interested in joining the choir.

Thank you for supporting your child's involvement in our music program!

Music Teacher Contact Details
Mr Alex Chin - Instrumental Music Teacher - Strings - Email: achin4@eq.edu.au
Mrs Naomi Lindh - Classroom Music Teacher/Choir Conductor - Email: nclos1@eq.edu.au
Mr Tom Stewart - Instrumental Music Teacher - Band Email: tstew97@eq.edu.au

Survival Day 2025

Acting Head of Curriculum
Christie Goeldsmede

On Sunday, January 26, the GSS school captains attended the annual Survival Day ceremony at Simpsons Park, Graceville.  This event was hosted by the Benarrawa Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Solidarity Group. Over 500 people gathered to honour the survival of the First Nations people of Benarrawa (Yuggera name for Oxley Creek and its surrounds), who lived along the Brisbane River, cared for the land, and raised their families. Their lives were greatly affected by colonisation.

The ceremony began with the distinctive sound of the didgeridoo. A group of young children performed a cultural dance to welcome everyone, and we all learned how to sing ‘Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes” and another traditional song in the Yuggera language. Together, the GSS school captains spoke about the history of Aborigines in the area and the importance of sharing cultural stories.  Local Elders, including Aunty Theresa and Uncle Steve, gave speeches describing what Survival Day means to them.

A special moment was when community members were invited to place native flowers and foliage into the bronze canoe, as the choir sang. The flowers were gently cast into the creek at the conclusion of the ceremony. Afterwards, everyone enjoyed a communal breakfast together.

We were thankful for the chance to represent GSS at this moving and uplifting event. We came together, listened, and acknowledged what January 26 means to First Nations people and the wider community.

Thank you to the families and students for supporting this event.

Guidance Officer

Louissa Chalk

Dear Graceville State School community,

Hello and welcome to (or back to!) Graceville State School 2025 😊

My name is Louissa Chalk and I am the Graceville Guidance Officer (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday).

We are an inclusive and connected community, and I will be providing information on a range of topics for families through our newsletters throughout the course of the year.

The beginning of each year and each term is a good place to reflect on what routines, values, boundaries, and parenting practices you want to put in place to best support your unique family situation - and to begin implementing them. The aim being, to give everyone the best chance of having a calm, positive and successful year.

I have included some articles that you may find helpful from the TripleP parenting network and BeYou.

No more tears: Parenting tips for easier drop-offs
January 8, 2025 | Triple P Articles

School's back! Helping kids navigate friendships, bullying, and social challenges
January 20, 2025 | Triple P News

Remember - returning to, or beginning to attend school is always a time of immense change in our parenting/caring calendars. I have attached an information document ‘Transitions in Learning Communities’ from BeYou for your information.

Consider setting up these routines in your family…

• Develop daily routines and expectations (e.g. getting ready for school, going to bed, packing/unpacking school bag, chores, etc).
• Help your child develop new routines (e.g. managing online learning).
• Reinforce the importance of good hygiene routines with your children (e.g. hand-washing).
• Let your child know you are available to talk, listen to concerns and answer any questions.
• Ensure children remain physically active each day. There are many free workouts available online or just go for a walk or bike ride.
• Consider committing to a family dinner at the dinner table (with no screens!) at least once per week and encourage every family member to identify their favourite part of the day. You may also wish to offer a family problem-solving conversation component as well eg. “I noticed that we found it difficult to get to school on time this week – how do you think we could solve this problem together?” Don’t forget the importance of modelling during both conversations!
• Enjoy finding some new activities your family can participate in.

Kind regards,
Louissa Chalk

Tuckshop

Welcome to the 2025 school year to all our families, especially to all the new families joining the Graceville community this year! Hope everyone had a chance for a bit of rest over the summer holiday and best wishes for a happy and productive year for everyone from us in the tuckshop.

The tuckshop will be open from Week 2 this term and we look forward to seeing all the bright and energetic faces again next week!

Tuckshop Ordering

Just some beginning of year information and reminders about how the tuckshop works and how to order for your children.

Ordering for Tuckshop is all done through the online platform Qkr!, either using the web portal, or the Qkr! App on your mobile device. If you haven’t used it before, you need to create a new account and add the details for each of your children before you can make purchases. Please have a look at the how-to guides below for details. 

For current users: you will need to re-enter the details of new 2025 classes the first time you use Qkr! this year, to ensure food will be sent to the right place at break time.

The tuckshop serves food each day at first break, which runs from 10:45am to 11:20am. Orders must be placed by 8am. Classes collect the tuckshop at 10:45am and take it to the class eating areas.

If you have ordered frozen treats, the students need to bring their tuckshop bag showing their order to the tuckshop counter during the play period of break (after 11am) to collect them, except for the Prep students, who will receive frozen treats in their tuckshop bags.

Year 1-6 students and staff can also purchase a range of snacks and drinks from the tuckshop counter with cash or card during the play period, 11:00 - 11:20am. 

For those days when things don’t go to plan and lunches or orders get forgotten or lost, we have a limited Emergency Menu, which is available until 11:30am daily. Or please get in touch if you aren’t able to place an order, we will always try to make sure that all the children get fed!

If your child is absent, you can cancel your order before 8.00am using the Qkr! app. After that time, please call us and we can help (we won’t necessarily have a chance to check emails during the morning).

Also, please feel free to get in touch and let us know of any dietary allergies or sensitivities that your child might have.

Daily Specials
Monday: Warm crumbed chicken wrap
Tuesday: Beef and chicken burgers
Wednesday: Hot dogs
Thursday: Pizzas (cheese, ham and cheese, or Hawaiian)
Friday: Sushi (menu will be available soon)

And finally, we are always grateful for volunteer help in the Tuckshop during the mornings and would love to see you, whether you have just 10 minutes after drop-off, or a couple of hours spare to lend a hand. Your kids will love to see you there and it’s a great way to meet other parents. Please get in touch if you’re interested, or just drop by to find out what it’s all about.

Have a great term!

Team Tuckshop
tuckshop@gracevillepandc.org.au
Ph. 37162777 (main school office and ask for the tuckshop)

Uniform Shop

Hi all!

Welcome to Week 1 of the new school year.

As expected, it has started with a bang! 

SENIORS SHIRTS 

I know the year 6's would be excited to receive their shirts asap, so keep an eye and ear out in the classroom and via emails for more information over the next week or two.

OPENING DAYS AND TIMES FOR TERM 1

We will remain appointment only as well as having the online store for easy ordering. The appointment days are Tuesday and Thursday of each week from 8:15am – 10:00am

LINK FOR BOOKING APPOINTMENTS

ONLINE STORE

The uniform shop has an online store, so if you already know your child’s sizes you can order and pay online and it will be passed on in the classroom.

PLEASE NOTE – When buying online please add your child’s FULL NAME and CLASS in the notes section.

The online store and appointment bookings can be made via the following link -

RETURNS/REFUNDS

Please be advised that refunds will only be given if you have your receipt which will be sent to you via email or text message. Items should be in perfect condition so should not have been worn or washed and any original tags should still be attached. You have 60 days for returns and refunds.

DONATIONS

We are always grateful for donations of 2^nd hand uniforms that are in freshly washed, in saleable condition with no tears or holes. We also ask that donations are our SCHOOL BRANDED ITEMS ONLY, so no items from any outside stores. Please do not leave donations at the uniform shop when it is closed. Thank you for your generosity and understanding.

Email address for school uniform store is
uniformshop@gracevillepandc.org.au

Thanks everyone!
Michelle

Chappy’s Chat

John Erichsen

Welcome to the 2025 Graceville State School year! It promises to be an action-packed journey filled with wonderful learning opportunities. I would like to extend a warm welcome to new families and look forward to seeing you around the school and getting to know your young champions. At the other end of the spectrum, there will be families in the final year of their GSS journey. My hope is that it will be extra special for you, highlighting a positive school experience with us and celebrating some awesome times as part of the school community.

Thought for the Week

Week 1 of the school year is like the blank first page of a book, with another 40 pages to be written. Let’s make this first page something special.

Have a fantastic week!
John Erichsen
(Chappy)

P&C News

2025 - Let's get ready for COLOUR!!! 
Colour Explosion Run for Fun | 27/3/25 

Our newest event will be here again before you know it! Booked for Thursday 27 March 2025, we will be raising funds to help finish our playground upgrade project and anything additional raised will contribute towards finalising our ongoing flexible furniture project!

It was such a fun event last year, I'm so excited the students requested we bring it back and cannot wait to see the joy on so many faces over the course of the day. DJ Jumbo Funk is back with us again to bring the party, the hay bales are ready to be stacked and the teachers are preparing to sign up to be slimed again and we CANNOT wait to deliver!!

Each student will require a white (or black) t-shirt! White = colour YES PLEASE. Black (Optional) = colour NO THANKS! There will also be the option (same as last year) to run an "inside the witches’ hat" route to avoid our colouring-in crew!

There will be a fundraising portal via Australian Fundraising and whilst we understand not everyone is in a position to fundraise, we would welcome a $10 contribution per child towards this event. This fun event does cost money to put on and this would help to cover the costs of the event itself and ensure we have a successful fundraiser. 

If your family are in a position of hardship and need help with a Tshirt, please let me know by whatever means you feel comfortable. We want to be able to include everyone who wishes to participate in this fun day!

A call-out for volunteers is coming, if you have an interest in getting involved as a parent volunteer or, if you have a business that would like to sponsor 2025's year's event, please get in touch by emailing -  Colour@gracevillepandc.org.au ! 

We'd love to see some new faces & rest assured it's a fantastic day to get involved in!

Looking for IT Tech Support person:

The main role would be resetting email passwords and MFA credentials. You would require a level of tech nous, but looking for IT Helpdesk level skills, not Exchange Admin level skills. Responsibilities would include:

• Basic Microsoft 365 admin (password resets, account creation, user support, etc.)
• Occasional technical support (laptops, square and lightspeed etc)
• Advice and assistance with cloud apps

If you have some skills and are interested in volunteering, please contact P&C treasurer, Paul Ruberry, via email at treasurer@gracevillepandc.org.au.

GSS Tennis Court Hire

It’s so easy to play Tennis at Graceville State School! We encourage you to book a court, grab a racquet and have a hit with your family and friends.

When you book a court online, we'll send you a PIN to access the court/s you have booked.

Please note: Your booking PIN code will take 30 minutes to activate after you have made your booking online. Please book at least 30 minutes prior to the time you want to access the courts

All funds raised for the tennis court hire go back to the Graceville P&C Association who, alongside the school help both run and maintain our newly refurbished courts!

Containers for Change

Did you know you can contribute to our fundraising efforts by donating your recyclables?!

Next P&C meeting

Our next General P&C meeting is scheduled for Wednesday 19 February 2025 at 6.30pm in the Waratah Room and online. Join us - New members welcome!

Graceville Lightning Swim Club

New members welcome at the Graceville Lightning Swim Club

The 2024-25 season resumes on January 31st! We’re excited to welcome back our continuing members and encourage new swimmers to dive in!

We'll be swimming every Friday night throughout Term 1, 2025. Each club night kicks off with a free swim at 5:30pm, followed by racing at 6:00pm. Our heated pool ensures everyone stays comfortable, even the littlest swimmers!

Who can join?

Anyone aged 5 - 12 can join in the fun! Whether you're new to swimming or looking to gain more racing experience, our club offers a supportive and fun environment. For our youngest swimmers, we offer assisted swims until they feel confident to swim on their own.

Membership Fees for NEW members joining in Term 1 (50% of full season pricing):

* $35 for kids in Prep - Year 3
* $60 for kids in Years 4 - 6

Bring the whole family to enjoy Friday night dinner with a selection of tasty items from the canteen and a delicious BBQ, thanks to our amazing sponsors: Andrews Meats Indooroopilly and Miettes Bakery Graceville!

Everyone is welcome to come along and check out the action on any club night. We can’t wait to see you at the pool!

NEW MEMBERS - sign up now: gracevillelightning.org.au
For more info, email: info@gracevillelightning.org.au

Tennis

TENNIS HOT SHOTS – ENROLMENTS NOW OPEN FOR TERM 1 2025!

Limited places are still available for term 1 tennis lessons and Fixture Leagues.  
ENROL ONLINE at www.tennisforkids.com.au  

PRIVATE AND SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Should you have any questions please contact Tennis for Kids on info@tennisforkids.com.au or 0408 187 741. 

ALL NEW CHILDREN ENROLLING IN TERM 1 WILL RECEIVE A FREE JUNIOR TENNIS RACQUET!

Tennis For Kids is a FairPlay activity provider and therefore can accept Government FairPlay Vouchers - www.qld.gov.au/fairplayvouchers - please email us if you wish to use your voucher towards enrolment.

PICKLEBALL SESSIONS AVAILABLE

We are excited to announce that Pickleball sessions will be offered at some school venues.  Social play sessions are available for both adults and children. Children and parents from all schools are welcome to attend any of the sessions listed online.

Community Notices