4 April 2025

Acting Principal

Abi Hurdley

Dear Graceville Families and Friends,

As we reach the end of the term, it's incredible to see how much progress our students have made so far! The energy and enthusiasm in the classrooms have been contagious, with exciting learning, activities, and events taking place across all year levels. As we approach the end of the term, let’s continue to celebrate our achievements and stay focused on finishing strong!

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.

As we wrap up Term 1, it’s a great time to reflect on the fantastic progress we’ve made in our key priorities.

With the implementation of Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum, staff have engaged in collaborative planning sessions, using ongoing student data to guide teaching and learning. In Prep, teachers have been successfully implementing the Sounds-Write program, and it has been wonderful to see their carefully planned learning experiences in action. Students have been actively participating in phonics activities—confidently exploring sounds, blending words, and developing their early reading and writing skills. This has been a powerful reminder of the importance of strong foundational literacy teaching.

Our Year 1 teaching team completed Sounds-Write training this term and has already begun planning for next term. Meanwhile, our Head of Curriculum has been working with a team of Year 3–6 teachers to develop a literacy scope and sequence aligned with high-quality literacy instruction, based on The Simple View of Reading. Staff have also been collaborating to embed a structured planning and review process within the whole-school curriculum, ensuring the effective implementation of a Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).

In our efforts to foster personal empowerment and create a nurturing environment that maximizes curiosity, engagement, and success for all, we have explored ways to strengthen our students' sense of belonging at GSS. Drawing on Doug Fisher’s research on belonging and student engagement, we have examined strategies to create inclusive learning environments where every student feels valued and supported. Fisher’s work emphasises how a strong sense of belonging is essential for academic success and overall well-being. By fostering positive relationships, inclusivity, and active participation, we are ensuring that students are not just present in the classroom but are deeply engaged, motivated, and invested in their learning journey.

SPOTLIGHT IN THE CLASSROOMS

This week, our Year 5 and 6 students took part in the GSS Readers Cup, and it was fantastic to see their enthusiasm and teamwork in action. They engaged thoughtfully with the questions and worked collaboratively in their teams. Their creativity was also on full display, with impressive costumes inspired by their favourite book characters and beautifully decorated tables.

A huge thank you to the staff who organized and ran this event, with a special mention to Mel H for the incredible effort that goes into making it such a success.

QUEENSLAND ENGAGEMENT AND WELLBEING SURVEY

In Term 2, students in Years 2 – 6 will be asked to take part in the Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing (QEW) Survey.

We know that wellbeing and engagement are important parts of your child’s life at school. The QEW Survey is designed to measure how students view their wellbeing and engagement across different topics. The information we get from the survey helps us better understand and support our students.

An information letter will be sent out to parents and carers closer to the time. If you have any questions, please contact the school. More information, including FAQs, can be found on the Education website: 

GRACEVILLE STATE SCHOOL COMMUNITY MEETING

I am pleased to invite you to an upcoming Community Meeting to be held on:

Date: Wednesday 30 April 2025
Time: 6:30 PM
Location: Waratah Room, Graceville State School.

Attendance via Microsoft TEAMS will be available. Details will be sent via email closer to the date.

The purpose of this meeting is to welcome new P&C members and conduct the election for our P&C Executive Committee.

Following the nomination process for vacant P&C Executive positions, we now invite all members of our school community to attend and take part in this important meeting. Your involvement is crucial in shaping the future of our P&C and supporting the continued success of our school.

Please note that only registered P&C members can participate in the election. If you would like to join, a 2025 P&C Membership Form is attached. Please complete and return it via email to Abi Hurdley – ahurd3@eq.edu.au or submit it to the school office.

We encourage all interested community members to attend and be involved. If you have any questions or need further information, please contact the school office.

We look forward to seeing you there!

End of Term 1 – Thank You!

As we wrap up Term 1, I want to extend a sincere thank you to our wonderful Graceville State School community. It has been a fantastic start to the year, filled with learning, growth, and memorable moments. From classroom achievements to special events, it has been a joy to see our students thrive.

A huge thank you to our dedicated staff, supportive parents, and, of course, our amazing students for their hard work and enthusiasm throughout the term. Your efforts and commitment make our school such a special place.

As we head into the holidays, I hope you all enjoy a well-earned break. May your Easter be filled with joy, relaxation, and time with loved ones. We look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for an exciting Term 2!

Happy holidays and Happy Easter!

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

Liam Bray

Term 1

As we come to the end of the term, I just wanted to make a comment on how our new Prep students have had a fantastic start to their journey at Graceville State School! It's been wonderful to see how quickly our youngest learners have settled in, embraced new routines, and formed new friendships.

From their very first day, our Prep students have displayed an eagerness to learn and engage with the school environment. They've been exploring their classrooms, learning new skills, and beginning their educational journey with excitement and enthusiasm. Whether it's learning about phonics, discovering numbers, or engaging in creative play, the children have demonstrated incredible growth and development.

Additionally, the Prep students have become familiar with the school's broader community. They've enjoyed participating in assemblies, exploring the school grounds with their Year 6 buddies, and taking part in various learning activities, giving them a real sense of belonging to the Graceville community.

A huge thank you to all our staff for all their efforts across the term.

ANZAC Day

On Wednesday 23^rd April we will be holding our ANZAC Day Service at 9:00am in the Hall. As part of the service, I would like to include photos of any family members who have served in the armed forces or are currently serving. This could include parents, uncles and aunties, grandparents, great grandparents. There will be some spots during the service where we will be able to have these photos displayed as part of a PowerPoint presentation.

If you could send the photo along with the following information to me by Friday 18^th April ( liaab0@eq.edu.au )

Name:
Service History: (eg, what conflict involved in, including details such as 15^th Battalion etc if known)
Relationship to student/s at Graceville SS: (e.g Great Grandfather of Liam, Year 3)

Please note the following information for ANZAC Day:

GRACEVILLE ANZAC DAY CEREMONY | Friday 25 April, 7.30am at Graceville Memorial Park

Students who wish to march with Graceville State School, please note details below:

• Please meet at 7am on the corner of Verney Road East and Appel Street, Graceville.
• Parents are to drop students off – students and staff will march, with parents meeting students at the ceremony.
• The march will commence at 7.15am and the ceremony at 7.30am.
• The march travels along Verney Road East, onto Oxley Rd and into the Graceville Memorial Park.
• Students will need to be dressed in full school uniform. Please ensure you prepare for wet weather (raincoat) or hot weather (water/sunscreen).
• Our Year 6 School Leaders will lead the school on the march and will lay a wreath on behalf of our school. 

We look forward to coming together as a school community for these important services.

Term 2 Junior Assembly Timetable

Please note that our Junior Assemblies will start at 2:05pm in the school hall.

Prep 2026 Enrolment information

It is hard to believe that we are already looking at 2026 Prep enrolments! Please visit the school website https://gracevilless.eq.edu.au/enrolments/prep for all the information about Prep 2026 including dates for Get Set for Prep sessions.

In catchment enrolments

Parents can download the enrolment forms via the school website. Or can pick up a hard copy from the Office. These enrolment forms can be handed into the office anytime from Term 2.

Out of catchment enrolments

We have made some changes to our process for out of catchment enrolments. Out of catchment enrolments will open on Tuesday 22^nd April at 9:00am. Parents are to complete the out of catchment form located on the school website. And send this via email to prepyear@gracevilless.eq.edu.au from 9:00am Tuesday 22^nd April.

Please visit https://gracevilless.eq.edu.au/enrolments/prep for all the information.

If you have any questions or concerns about 2026 enrolment, please contact the office.

Music Matters

Naomi Lindh

Music Matters

Miss Hurdley has come to visit us in several music lessons over the last few weeks to see what the students have been learning. She has enjoyed listening to quite a few of our year 4 students playing their melodies on the glockenspiel/xylophone, the song writing our year 3 students have started working on and students in year 2 working in pairs, singing a song, and performing an ostinato. The students have really enjoyed sharing their music with Miss Hurdley and we greatly appreciate her making the time to come and see and hear what students are learning in music lessons! 

Thank you to our students and families for your commitment to attending rehearsals, lessons and home instrumental practice. Please contact your child's teacher if they are experiencing any issues with their instrument so they can support your child. Regular practice or particular pieces/scales/notes can provide challenges at times which our IM teachers can help with if they are aware. 

We look forward to seeing everyone at the beginning of next term. Rehearsals will resume in week 1 of next term.

We hope all of our families have a relaxing holiday and a lovely Easter!

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

Tuckshop

Wowsers that was a big term but we've made it! 

Thank you for your patience with the changes to menu etc due to reasons outside of our control. 

We hope your children have enjoyed the new items such as the sushi bowls, gyoza, satay chicken Nut free, dairy free and in house made mini apple and cinnamon muffins. 

Huge thank you to our volunteers, we love to have you visit (not as much as your children love seeing you there) whether it's for 10 minutes or 3 hours we won't say no to the extra hands. 

Also, a big thank you to the admin team who have been an amazing support to us in keeping everything moving along.

Lastly, have a wonderful Easter break and we will see you next term!

Emma, Catherine and Annette
Aka Team Tuckshop 2025

Uniform Shop

Hi all,

Welcome to Week 10

Our first term of 2025 is done and dusted! I hope you all enjoy a little r & r over the Easter break and enjoy some family time.

SENIORS COMMEMORATIVE SHIRTS

The wheels are in motion for the shirts to be screen printed, but unfortunately there will be a slight delay due to our supplier and screen printer having to close because of the cyclone and flooding. I was hoping to have the shirts back by Week 10, but it’s looking more likely now for early in Term 2. Thanks for your patience.

WINTER GEAR

As the mornings are becoming cooler, I have started to sell quite a few jackets over the past couple of weeks. We have an extensive range of winter items to keep your children comfy cosy throughout the winter months.

Our range includes –

• Polar Fleece Jacket - super soft and super warm, front zip style and pockets
• Sports Jacket - lighter weight quick dry fabric, front zip style and pockets
• Rugby Jersey - long-sleeved polo shirt style in a thicker jersey fabric
• Long Sleeve Gold Polo - the same fabric as our short sleeve polo
• Track Pants - fully lined, quick dry fabric with pockets, elastic/draw string waist and zip at the ankle
• Leisure Pants - straight leg, thick stretch fabric with elasticised waist and zip pockets

We encourage you to wear our winter range and perhaps find a bargain on our second-hand racks that are currently well stocked. Don’t delay in browsing as they always sell fast!

BACK IN STOCK

Gold Polo - size 10
Blue House shirt - size 10
Red House shirt - size 8 and 10

2^nd HAND STOCK

Why not look at our 2^nd hand rack. Items start at just $5 and are always marked at 50% off or less! Pop by the store on a Tuesday or Thursday morning for a look or send me an email with what you’re after so I can help.

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 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

Year 6 camp was such a good time for students and staff, with blend of fun and challenging activities. The rain only added to the excitement with some muddy, wet conditions a perfect fit for a bush camp with military themes. At times, being in the tunnels was the driest place to be…

A huge thank you to everyone who participated in or supported the inaugural Chappy Golf Day fundraiser a couple of weeks ago. The event was successful on a number of levels, despite the change of date and venue caused by Cyclone Alfred. Planning is already under way for next year’s event. Please check out some photos and the thank you flier for our amazing, generous sponsors.

Have a wonderful break over the next two weeks, even if that break is only from school lunches and drop off/pick up routines. Invest some time and energy in the people who make your world a better place and share life, love and laughter.

See you in Term 2!

John Erichsen
(Chappy)

Guidance Officer

Louissa Chalk

Dear parents and caregivers,

As we have a break from school with our Easter holidays, it is important to be mindful of some universal health and wellbeing truths – for both children and adults!

Physical wellbeing

Physical health is a vital part of overall wellbeing. Good physical health also contributes to positive mental health.

Physical activity

There are many benefits of physical activity, including:

• reducing your risk of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes and some cancers
• building strong muscles and bones
• creating opportunities for socialising and meeting new people
• improving your psychological health and managing mental ill-health
• improving your wellbeing and overall quality of life.

Healthy eating

Eating well is not only good for physical health, but also proven to positively impact your mood and energy levels.

Queensland Health provides some great resources to support healthy eating, such as recipes and cooking tips. Go to Health and Wellbeing’s Boost Your Recipes External link for more information.

Regular health checks

Stay informed about your family’s health by having regular health checks. You can do this through your GP.

Sun safety

Queensland has the highest skin cancer rates in the world. It’s essential to be sun smart and have regular skin checks.

Cancer Council Queensland’s Healthy Educators’ Program is designed to advise Queensland educators on cancer prevention and healthy living through a series of educational workshops.

Helpful sites:

Mental health and wellbeing

Positive mental health and wellbeing is relevant to all of us - increasing life satisfaction and positively impacting on workplace productivity, community contribution, family life and physical health.

Safe alcohol consumption

1 in 6 Queensland adults (17%) drink alcohol at the riskiest levels, which is higher than the national average. Risky alcohol consumption can lead to risk factors for chronic disease such as obesity, hypertension and chronic conditions such as cancer and cardiovascular events.

Helpful sites:

• Australian Government External link provides information about alcohol consumption, its effects and support services
• Alcohol Think Again External link provides information, risk calculators and referral contacts
• Alcohol and Drug Foundation External link provides information and fact sheets about the impact of alcohol consumption
• Hello Sunday Morning External link provides information and apps for people wanting to moderate their alcohol consumption or take a break from alcohol.

Tobacco smoking and vaping

The best thing you can do for your health, and the health of your family and friends, is quit smoking tobacco and/or vaping.

• The health risks associated with tobacco smoking are well documented, while the risks associated with vaping are still being understood.

I wish you all a happy, healthy and enjoyable Easter holiday.

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

Trivia

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 https://tennisforkids.com.au/holiday-programs/programs/