28 February 2025

Acting Principal

Abi Hurdley

Dear Graceville Families and Friends,

It’s hard to believe we are already halfway through Term 1! The weeks have flown by, and it has been wonderful to see our students settling into their routines, embracing new learning opportunities, and engaging enthusiastically in all aspects of school life. There’s still plenty to look forward to in the coming weeks, and we appreciate the ongoing support of our families and staff in making this term a successful one.

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:

• 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.
• Deepening personal empowerment and embedding a nurturing environment to maximise curiosity, positive engagement and success for all.

At our school, we are committed to providing high-quality literacy instruction to support every child’s reading development. This year, our focus is on implementing the Department’s Reading Position Statement, which emphasizes the importance of both language comprehension and word recognition in skilled reading. To support this, our early years teachers will be undertaking "Sounds Write" training to strengthen their approach to phonics instruction. They will use structured lessons, systematic decoding strategies, and assessment data to provide targeted support, ensuring all students build strong foundational reading and writing skills.

"Sounds Write" is a structured, evidence-based phonics program designed to help children develop strong reading and spelling skills. It teaches students how to break words into sounds (phonemes), blend sounds together and apply this knowledge to reading and writing. The program follows a systematic approach, ensuring children build confidence and accuracy in decoding words, which is essential for becoming fluent readers. Our current Prep teaching team has completed the Sounds Write training, and it is wonderful to see the program in action in our Prep classrooms, supporting our youngest learners as they develop essential early literacy skills.

SPOTLIGHT IN THE CLASSROOMS

This week, I had the pleasure of visiting our Prep classrooms to join them for a literacy session, and it was fantastic to see our youngest learners so engaged in their learning. Our Prep teachers have been implementing the Sounds Write program, and it was wonderful to see the carefully planned learning experiences in action. Students were actively participating in phonics activities, confidently exploring sounds, blending words, and developing their early reading and writing skills. It was a great reminder of the importance of strong foundational literacy teaching, and I look forward to seeing their progress throughout the year!

COFFEE AND CONNECT SESSIONS: CONVERSATION WITH THE GSS LEADERSHIP TEAM

This year, we are excited to introduce Coffee & Connect sessions to strengthen our school community. These informal gatherings provide an opportunity for parents and caregivers to catch up over a coffee while engaging in meaningful conversations with the Graceville State School Leadership Team. Sessions will be held in the School Hall on selected Fridays throughout the year—March 21, June 20, September 12, and December 5. On each of these mornings a coffee van will be on site from 8:00am for you to be able to purchase a coffee before the session commences.

At our first session on March 21, the leadership team will be sharing an update on reporting and assessment at GSS, including important information about report cards. We will also be discussing our school-wide focus on the teaching of reading this year. We encourage you to come along, connect with us, and be part of these valuable conversations. The session is on the same day as when our students will be doing a dance performance to celebrate their learning in dance this term. The session will therefore commence straight after the last performance at 10:15am and conclude at 10:45am. A coffee van will be on site on this morning from 8:00am. We look forward to seeing you there!

I will be on Long Service Leave from 26 February until 10 March. During this time, Liam Bray will be stepping into the role of Acting Principal. I have full confidence in Liam’s leadership and know that our school will continue to run smoothly in my absence. Thank you for your support, and I look forward to seeing everyone upon my return.

As we move through the second half of the term, we appreciate the ongoing support of our families in making our school a wonderful place for learning and growth. There are many exciting events and opportunities ahead, and we look forward to sharing them with you.

Have a fantastic two weeks!

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

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.

Deputy Principal

Liam Bray

Parent Teacher Meetings

At Graceville SS we believe that collaboration between parents, guardians, and teachers is essential to a student's success. Parent-Teacher Meetings are an excellent opportunity for families to connect with teachers and gain valuable insight into their child's progress, well-being, and learning journey. Parent-Teacher Meetings are a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering strong relationships within the school community. These meetings provide a chance for parents to discuss their child's strengths, challenges, and goals with teachers. It allows for the exchange of ideas, feedback, and suggestions that can support the child's learning at school and at home.

Each year, parents are given the opportunity to meet with the class teacher in Term 1 and then again in Term 3. Our first round of Parent-Teacher Meetings will be held over Weeks 8, 9 and 10. Parents will have the opportunity to book a timeslot with the class teacher via our SOBS booking form. A separate email will be sent to all parents with the details on how to book a meeting time.

As well as this, all students receive a formal report card in Term 2 and Term 4. In 2025, there will be some subtle changes to the report card structure as the school transitions into Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum with some minor tweaks to the system that generates our school-based report cards. As we get closer to our first formal report cards in Term 2, we will provide parents with more information about this.

Thank you for your continued support in making our school a positive, collaborative space for learning. We encourage all families to attend and actively engage in these important conversations.

Active School Travel

Active School Travel promotes clean and green, active and healthy school travel modes such as walking, riding, carpooling and public transport. Over the next three years, our school will receive a range of free resources, tools, and incursions to enable active travel to and from school.

By leaving your car at home, at least one day a week on our active travel day, we can improve our health and fitness, reduce traffic congestion at the school gate, improve our students’ road safety awareness and create a cleaner environment!

The AST Crew will visit our school assembly to launch the Active School Travel program very soon. We would love you to be part of this great initiative to change our school environment and culture.

Active School Travel is one of the easiest ways to incorporate physical activity into everyday life for all children.

Colour Explosion Run

As we get closer to our annual Colour Explosion Run can I thank all the members of the P&C and parents who are working behind the scenes to organise this fundraising event. Any money families raise will go towards the upgrade of our Playground and help provide flexible furniture for our classrooms.

Junior Assembly Overview 

Each even week we hold our Junior Assembly in the hall starting at 2:05pm.  All parents and carers are encouraged to join us as we celebrate the achievements of our students.

Music News

Naomi Lindh

Dr. Anita Collins is renowned for her research into the neurological effects of music education, demonstrating how music learning can enhance brain development and improve various cognitive skills. She explores the connection between music engagement and increased neural activity, suggesting that playing and learning music can boost academic and social performance for children. Anita effectively communicates her findings through various platforms, aiming to influence educational policies and practices by emphasising the benefits of music in schools."

Dr Anita Collins, 2024, Dr Anita Collins Music .com.au (accessed 24 February 2025)

Further information is available on the positive impacts of learning music on Dr Anita Collins website (link above). 

I hope all our students and families have settled well into the term. Unfortunately, I have been sick recently and have needed to cancel some of our choir rehearsals. My apologies for this. I am looking forward to seeing everyone back at our rehearsals and in music classes when I am well. Thank you for your understanding with this.

I hope all our instrumental students have been enjoying their lessons and rehearsals and keeping up regular practice at home. Sharing some of Dr Anita Collins research with your child may also help them to understand the positive impacts that learning music and practicing their instrument can have.  

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

Guidance Officer

Louissa Chalk

Graceville State School

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

This week I have attached a link with helpful information from the Raising Children Network to encourage discussion in your family about school.

Talking with your child about school is an important habit for parents and caregivers to embrace for many reasons.

Not only does it build connection between you and your child’s daily life, but it also paves the way to better support major schooling transitions in your family’s future. Such as, transitioning year levels (eg. from year 3 to year 4), transitioning between schools (eg. Unexpected/planned moves from one school to another), transitioning from primary to secondary school and finally transitioning from school into adult life and the workforce.

The information attached is linked to our Graceville SS Core Priority: Inclusive and Connected Community.

Please click on the link provided below for the complete information document.

Talking about school with children shows you’re interested in their lives and learning. It shows your child that you value them and their education and encourages them to value the same.

• You can start a conversation about school by picking a good time.
• Get children talking by asking simple and positive questions about school.
• Encourage your child to identify positive experiences and problem solve any challenges together.
• Encourage your child to talk about any concerns with their teacher – you may want to support your child in learning this skill initially.
• Get excited about upcoming school events.
• Try to attend physically at the school when possible and encourage your child to show you points of interest to them.
• Share and reinforce school successes around the dinner table whenever possible.
• As children get closer to secondary school years, talking about school might involve talking about their future plans.

I hope you find this information informative.

Kind regards,
Louissa Chalk
Guidance Officer
(Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday)

Tuckshop

Have you tried the sushi from our new supplier, Big Crunch Sushi?

Sushi ordering

After a few weeks trial, we’ve decided to switch back to a pre-order menu for sushi as we have had set up in previous years, rather than including the sushi items in the daily first break menu.

The new Big Crunch sushi is proving popular, so the menu will be available for delivery two days a week: on Wednesdays and Fridays, which means that orders must be placed by 11am on Tuesdays and Thursdays, respectively.

So check out the Sushi menu for mini roll packs, hand rolls and other delicious and healthy options on the menu each week!

Volunteers

A huge thank you to the new volunteers who have come to lend a hand in the tuckshop over the last few weeks. It has been fabulous to see some new faces, including some new parents to the school!

As always, we’d welcome help from anyone with some time to spare for us, even if it’s just 15 minutes after drop off to make a few sandwiches or bag some bretzels. Please get in touch if you’d like to know more, or just drop in during the morning and ask!

We begin morning preparation in the tuckshop from 8am each day and students from each class come to collect lunches at the beginning of first break at 10:45am. At 11am the tuckshop counter is open for students to collect pre-ordered frozen treats and buy snacks over the counter (they always love to see you there!).

Tuckshop Ordering

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. 

• Orders must be placed by 8am. Classes collect the tuckshop at 10:45am and take it to the class eating areas.
• To collect frozen treats, the students need to bring their tuckshop bag showing their order to the tuckshop counter during the play period or break after 11am, 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. 
• The Emergency Menu is available until 11:30am daily for cases of lost or forgotten lunches or other unforeseen circumstances.
• If your child is absent you can cancel your order before 8am using the Qkr! app. After that time, please call us as soon as possible and we may still be able to cancel or postpone the order (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.

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

Uniform Shop

YEAR 6 SENIOR COMMEMORATIVE SHIRTS

All Year 6 students are being given the opportunity to purchase a Commemorative Shirt to celebrate their final year of Primary School. Shirts are screen printed with class lists on the back. 

Gold polos can be purchased for $30
House shirts (for House Captains only) for $35
Long Sleeve Gold Polos for $35 
Rugby shirts can also be purchased for $35

Existing Gold Polo and Rugby shirts that are in EXCELLENT condition can also be printed i.e. no holes, pulls or stains.

Please note that House shirts will not have class lists printed on them, only House Captain.

PRINTING COSTS: 
$12 per item for Gold polo. L/Sleeve Gold polo and Rugby shirt
$15 per item for 'House Captain' printing on House shirt

ORDERS MUST BE COMPLETED BY FRIDAY THE 28TH OF FEBRUARY 

PLEASE NOTE – Shirts are not able to be ordered or printed after the cut-off date.
Please purchase shirts and separate printing costs found under 'Uniform Services' through our online store.

OR make an appointment on a Tuesday or Thursday to pay in person.

Should you have any queries, please contact the Uniform Store which is open every Tuesday and Thursday from 8:15 or email uniformshop@gracevillepandc.org.au  

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

Thank you to all the prep families who lingered at school last Friday for the Chaplaincy Spider Meet and Greet. It was great to be able to give a little bit back to a school community and put some smiles of the children’s faces. Over the course of the year, the Chaplaincy Committee will do more of these activities, to help connect with new school families. I would also like to thank all the chaplaincy committee and friends who were available to help make the afternoon work so well.

The next Chaplaincy activity is our Golf Day fundraiser, held at Oxley Golf Course, Friday March 14. There are still some spots available, for those interested. Information and bookings details are below.

Have an awesome week!
John Erichsen
(Chappy)

P&C News

P&C Association

COLOUR EXPLOSION RUN 4 FUN 

The countdown is on until our Monty’s Colour Explosion Run 4 Fun!

We are raising funds to help finish our playground upgrade project and anything additional raised will contribute towards finalising our ongoing flexible furniture project!

So jump online at www.myprofilepage.com.au and create a profile page today.
Congratulations to 5F (!) who have won our Quick Starter Pizza Party !
*delivery will be arranged your the class teacher shortly.

New Class Prize alert !

• Our highest fundraising class between 24/2/25 and 3/3/25 will be win an ice block party ! 

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 to help to 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 P&C is our AGM scheduled for 19 March 2025 at 6.30pm in the Waratah Room and online. Join us - New members welcome!

Trivia Night

Announcing the Graceville State School Television Trivia Night! 

Finally all those years of study will pay off! Please see the attached flyer for more details. For our new families to GSS, who may not be familiar with Trivia Night - it is one of our biggest fundraising events of the year and a lot of fun. As the only event for the adults, it’s a cracking night not to be missed! Your group will be asked to choose a theme (a TV show) and dress/decorate accordingly. You can go all out, or keep it casual, but the best dressed and decorated will win some great prizes (and bragging rights!). It is a great way to meet new people, have a fun night out and get involved in a kid free zone. If you’d like to attend but aren’t quite able to make the numbers to put a table together, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we can help you out.

Thanks! 
Carrie and Anna Trivia Convenors 2025

Tennis

EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY TENNIS COACHING CLINICS

Enrolments are now open for the Easter School Holiday Tennis Clinics as well as special discounted holiday private coaching sessions. 

Positions are available for all school students between the ages of 4-15 years but please note timings will differ depending upon your child's age and experience.  Children from all schools are invited to attend any clinic.

For further details or to enrol, please click this link