19 February 2016

From the Principal

Zoe Smith

Hello,

We had another hot spell this week! We are lucky to be a school with Air-conditioning!

Thank you to the parents who have already paid the voluntary contribution! We greatly appreciate your support of teaching and learning at Graceville! Your contribution will be going towards supporting our Curiosity and Powerful learning journey! Parent Information sessions on Curiosity and Powerful Learning will be held next Wednesday night from 6.00-7.15pm and Tuesday 1 March from 8.45-10am. These sessions have the same content so you only need to attend one of the sessions. If you would like to come along, please RSVP to the office by phone, 37162777 or email admin@gracevilss.eq.edu.au . We will provide tea/coffee and biscuits.

Mrs McKeaten, Ms Hass and I have been doing an after school duty this week to see how many children are in the school grounds beyond 3.10pm. School finishes at 2.50pm and teachers are on duty at the gates until 3.10pm. Unless you have contacted the office and made arrangements for a late pick up, children should be picked up by 3.10pm. Children are not allowed to play in the school grounds beyond 3.10pm without the supervision of an adult. This means all children need to be picked up or walking/cycling/scooting home by 3.10pm. Children attending Tennis or Swimming lessons must have arrangements with the respective coaches if they are required to stay in the school grounds beyond 3.10pm. Children may not be in and around the school grounds unsupervised.

We had some feedback this week from parents who are using the Drop and Go zones around the school. Pick up and drop off times are busy in all schools. We rely on parents to abide by the rules of the zones to keep traffic flowing and children safe. Last week the police issued warnings to many parents about appropriate use of these zones. The Drop and Go Zones on Acacia Avenue and Park Road are 2 minute zones. You may not get out of your car and leave it unattended. The 2 minute aspect of the zone is in place to help traffic flow. If you are at the head of the queue, you have 2 minutes before you should be moving on. If your children have not arrived, you should drive on and return to the end of the queue. If your children are regularly late to the zone please encourage them to go directly to the gate for pick up or delay your pick up by 5 minutes. Teachers are on duty until 3.10pm. I greatly appreciate your support in ensuring the safety of our children!

Next Wednesday is our first P&C meeting for the year. The meeting is held from 7.30am in the Oxley room. As stated in a previous newsletter, one of the agenda items will be Chaplaincy. If you have an interest in the Chaplaincy program you are welcome to attend and be part of the discussion.

Have a great week.

Newsletter Articles

From the Deputy Principal

Maree Hass

Mathletics for 2016

We will shortly commence the Mathletics program for this year. It is an online Mathematics program that is individually based and one that students can access at home as well as at school for all students in year 1 to year 6. This access to Mathletics is considerably cheaper than private family subscriptions. The cost for Mathletics is $12 per student for the year and a letter of offer will be coming home in the next couple of days. Your class teacher can inform you more fully about Mathletics and how your class will be using the program this year. Each student will then receive their own personal log on and password to access the program for both at school and at home. It is a high quality program that offers valuable practice of mathematics and the possibility of differentiation to meet individual student’s needs, abilities and progress.

Junior Assemblies

Parents and care givers are all invited to join us for Junior Assemblies on every second Tuesday afternoon from 2.15 in the hall.

Below is the calendar for term 1 assemblies.

From the Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

University of New South Wales competitions

Every year our school participates in the UNSW competitions. These are open to Years 2-6. The competitions we participate in are:

• Digital Technologies 17 May Yrs. 3-6
• Science 31 May Yrs. 2-6
• Writing 14 June Yrs. 3-6
• Spelling 15 June Yrs. 2-6
• English 2 August Yrs. 2-6
• Mathematics 16 August Yrs. 2-6

Any students in Years 2 & 4 who want to apply for entry into the Enhancement classes for Years 3 & 5 for 2017 are required to sit the English, Maths and Science competitions to be eligible.

A letter will come home in the next couple of weeks to families wishing to enter their students in any or all of the competitions. All entries will need to be finalised by Friday 18th March. Payments for all competitions will be included in the Term 2 statement. Payment will be based on entries submitted at the end of Term 1 and are pre-paid, with no option of refunds or credits if your child is absent on the day. No entries will be taken after the Easter holidays.

Screen It 2016 competition is here!

Australia’s largest moving image competition for primary and secondary school students, Screen It, has returned after a massive 2015. Students across Australia are asked to create a live action film, animation or videogame in response to the theme ‘Mystery’. Screen It is designed to generate educational outcomes, and teachers are supported through our videoconference series, resource kit and online gateway. Best of all, Screen It is free to enter.

Student Absences

Please inform the school if your student is going to be absent for any reason. The Absentee Line is 3716 2760. When calling please advise the following:

• Students Name and Class
• Reason For Absence e.g. Illness, Holiday, Family reasons,
• Duration of absence if known
• Contact number for verification if needed

You may also use the Absentee line to advise of past absences.

Money Matters

Roberta Haryicki

Thank you for your family payments.

Staff will be advised of any families with accounts in arrears from 2015 and prior.

Unfortunately, your child will not be able to attend 2016 planned events until the outstanding is paid in full.

All excursions and events require payment and a permission form to be returned by the due date or your child will not be permitted to attend.

Student Resource Schemes (SRS) for 2016 are:

• Prep Requirements ($60)
• Instrumental Music Programs – Instrument Hire ($100), Percussion Maintenance ($50), Music Participation ($30) & Choir ($30)
• Religious Education Program ($10)
• Mathletics On-line registration ($12) (Years 1-6)

All students involved in these programs must return a completed SRS form.

VOLUNTARY PARENT CONTRIBUTIONS

Your valuable contribution to this school’s learning journey is most welcomed.

$60 single student family and $115 for 2 or more in family. Please refer to the Principal’s letter and information sheet.

Credit in Account: Credits from 2015 rolled over to this year can be applied to current invoices at the parent’s request.

Request for Refund form for an excursion paid and not attended is available from the front office. Prepaid ticketing excursions are non-refundable.

Payment of account days:

8am-3.15pm - Monday to Wednesday
8am-12pm - Thursday and Friday

BPoint is the preferred method of payment; Eftpos, Debit Cards: Visa/Mastercard, cheque or cash payments are accepted.

BPOINT User Information

For payment of multiple items on your statement/invoice, you will need to do a separate entry for each item, entering the invoice number and the corresponding payment amount for that item only e.g.

Separate Entries for each line must be done to ensure the payment is allocated to the correct Excursion/Resource Fee.

BPOINT payments must be processed in time to clear (usually 2-3 business days) before the Due Date for payment.

LIBRARY News

Melanie Hutchinson

Graceville State School library staff invited students to be brave and go on a BLIND WITH A BOOK this past Valentine’s Day.

Well what a HUGE SUCCESS! Over 200 children checked out a book that was individually chosen and wrapped just for them. The students didn’t know what book was inside, but I’m pleased to say many children discovered their next great read and/or a new favourite author!

Thank you to those students who returned their ‘Rate your Date’ slips – it was great to read the results. This will also influence the library’s future book collection choices.

The Blind Date idea was to intrigue and surprise students with a book they might not otherwise read. And even though it meant we had to wrestle with a lot of brown wrapping paper – anything that puts books into children’s hands makes us very happy!

If this year’s success is any indication, the Blind Date with a Book is sure to be something that may just become a very special annual library event.

Music News

Naomi Lindh

Thank you to all of the music students who have attended their lessons and rehearsals this year. If your child is unsure of their lesson time, please ask them to see me or contact me via the school or email ( nclos1@eq.edu.au ).

I have included all of the rehearsal times for this term and the beginners who will start rehearsals next term below. It is a requirement that all students in the IM program attend their ensemble rehearsal as well as their lesson. Please contact your child's teacher if they are unable to attend a rehearsal. We also ask that parents contact the instrumental teachers to discuss any issues they are having in the first instance so they are aware of it and able to work with your child during lessons and rehearsals to support them. If issues are left unresolved for a period of time, they can escalate and impact on your child's ability to engage in lessons and rehearsals as well as progress. We are very fortunate in Queensland to have classroom music lessons, an instrumental music program and choral program to support your child's area of interest, learning and engagement in music, however it also requires commitment from each child and family. If a student does not attend lessons or rehearsals regularly it impacts on the other students in the lesson and the ensemble. If you have concerns after contacting your child's instrumental teacher please contact myself or Mrs Lisa McKeaten to discuss the issue so we are able to support your child and their continued involvement in the program.

I have included email addresses for our instrumental team below:

Mrs Ruth Prout - string program - rprou5@eq.edu.au
Mr Steve Stiller - percussion teacher and Senior Band - sstil2@eq.edu.au
Mr Alex Grodecki - brass/woodwind teacher and Junior Band - agrod3@eq.edu.au
Mr James Kukulies - brass/woodwind teacher - jkuku2@eq.edu.au
Ms Julie West and I are the classroom music teachers and choral conductors, contactable at the school or via email ( nclos1@eq.edu.au/jwest269@eq.edu.au ).

If your child would like to join one of the choirs but has not attended a rehearsal yet, they are welcome to join next week. Please note the rehearsal times listed below.

Music Rehearsals

Tuesday 7:45am Senior Choir - Ms Julie West - music room year - Year 4-6 students
Wednesday 7:45am Senior Strings - Mrs Ruth Prout - music room
Wednesday 3-4pm Senior Band - Mr Steve Stiller - music room - Year 5-6 students
(Thursday 7:30am Junior Band - beginning in term 2) - Mr Alex Grodecki - Year 4 students
Thursday 7:45am Year 3 Choir - Mrs Naomi Lindh
(Thursday 12:45pm Beginner/Junior Strings - beginning in term 2) Mrs Ruth Prout
Friday 8:00am Year 2 Choir - Mrs Naomi Lindh - music room

Thank you for assisting your child to arrive on time for rehearsals, being prepared for their lessons and supporting the music program.

Active School Travel

TACO TUESDAY!
(Travel Actively Coming-to-school On)

It was fantastic to see so many students actively travelling to school this week on TACO Tuesday. Remember, you can travel actively on any day of the week. There are many ways to be active - Put on your sneakers and walk, or get on your bike or scooter (and remember to wear your helmets).

Here are just a few benefits of walking (riding or scooting) to school every day-

• Reduced traffic around the school
• Walking is one of the best exercises to build strong, healthy bones
• Helps reduce anxiety
• It is a great way to have a chat along the way
• Improves sleep quality
• Improves cognitive performance at school

If you’re unable to walk or ride, consider parking the car at one of the designated “park and stride” locations and walk the remaining distance on foot. Alternatively, car pool with some friends and help reduce congestion around the school.

Children's crossings

We are very lucky to have our Crossing Supervisors to keep us safe while crossing the road before and after school.

Children's crossings operate only when the red 'children crossing' flags are displayed. They are designed to help children cross the road safely near schools. To use a children's crossing:

• Wait on one side of the road for the supervisor to walk out on to the crossing with a red stop sign.
• Cross once the traffic has stopped at the white stop lines on the road and the crossing supervisor has blown a whistle.

Two minute zones / parking

Please be conscious of the parking regulations, especially the 2-minute zones on both sides of our school. These zones only allow you to ‘sit’ in the queue for a maximum of 2 minutes. You are not permitted to get out of your car or leave your car. If you need to get out of your car please find a suitable parking spot away from the 2-minute zones. If you are a Prep parent then you are required to go to the classroom to pick up your child so you should not be using the 2-minute zones.

If your child/ren is not there ready, you are obliged to leave, do the block & re-join the queue. You must be conscious of not queuing and blocking off traffic. On Acacia Avenue it is illegal to queue in the right hand lane & block the road for other motorists. I realise this only allows for a small number of cars, but it is a road rule for the safety of all motorists and children.

As a parent, you are the most influential person in your child's life. They form their behaviour based on the activities that you encourage them to participate in, and these behaviours are likely to extend well into their adult years.

If you have a few spare hours a month to help us run this fantastic program we are looking for volunteers to join our Active Travel Committee. Please contact Jo Richards at sajrichards@iinet.net.au for more information. Alternatively please join us for our next meeting at the Waratah room 25th Feb 2016 @ 10:45am.

Tuckshop News

We had 125 online orders last Friday, a new record. Well done to so many of you for getting online. Thank you all so much, it really makes our job, and more importantly, our wonderful volunteers' time in the Tuckshop so much easier on the busiest Fridays. We are able to get the children’s lunches out on time!

There was a small rise in counter or "paper bag" orders, which is concerning because this week is the last week for these. From next week the shutter will be down and any genuine emergency cases will have to come to the door. Please get online and make everyone's lives so much simpler, particularly, your children's.

If you have any troubles or concerns with getting online, please come and see either Amanda or myself or email us or phone the Tuckshop.

Also it is great to see many of you ordering our new menu additions of carrot sticks and popcorn. For only 50 cents each, they are a healthy treat worth having!

Volunteers for Week Commencing Monday, 22 February

Mon 22/2. - Juanita Holland
Tues 23/2. - Trish Hinds and Julie Woolfield
Wed 24/2. - Sara Williams and Evie Askew
Thurs 25/2. - Nell MacKay and Ally O'Keefe
Fri 26/2. - Annie Madders and Bess Sellers and Marie Gjorgiosci and Sharon Fozard

Friday, 19 February.

Don't forget this date as it will the last day for counter or paper bag orders, apart from cases of genuine emergency. From Monday, 22 February we are going to be a totally online Tuckshop.

If you haven't already done so, to set yourself up, log onto: http://www.school24.net.au/ps_parent.asp and follow the instructions. It is super easy.

Graceville State School's registration ID is 25314963

Should you wish to use them you can use access the School24 User Guide and Registration Guide via the school website. The links below:

Of course if you are having any difficulties, please give either of us a shout or come and see us at the Tuckshop. We'll get you sorted.

Anne and Amanda
tuckshop.gss@gmail.com

Uniforms & Stationery

If you had not ordered your child's Stars Plus Textbook online through Brodies (all years except Prep and Year 1) you need to purchase it now through the uniform store. The books have been delivered directly to the school for all students and will be sent to the classroom when paid. An order form is attached.

If someone wants to buy 2 x size 10 100% cotton gold shirts, I have two available.

A form regarding the printing of Year 6 Commemorative Shirts has been sent to the classrooms. Check the school bag or alternatively, the documents are attached.

We sell swim bags, silicon and fabric caps, quick dry towels and a limited selection of goggles and short sleeve rashies (size 16 blue).

The last remaining school cookbooks are in stock $10 each.

Donations of 2nd hand uniforms are always appreciated, especially at this time of year. 2nd hand uniforms are available for sale all year round.

Order forms are available on the School website. If you email the order, the items will be sent to the classroom.

Email address for school uniform store is:

uniformstore@gracevilss.eq.edu.au .

Spellathon

It’s SPELLATHON time! Spellathon is a fundraising event designed to be both a fun and an educational activity for our children.

Spellathon is a literacy based way for our children to help fundraise for our school. The spelling words that your child will be asked to learn are all from the current curriculum. The teachers in the school have selected the words and all the children will benefit academically from their participation. There will be lots of fun prizes awarded. Prizes will be based on sponsorship collected and also every child who spells all their words correctly will be entered into a prize draw where they could win one of two fun prizes in each year level.

This fundraising event is second only to the Fete in terms of revenue raised for the school. In 2015 we raised nearly $20,000 - an amazing effort! Last year funds raised by the Spellathon contributed to the school literacy program by enabling the school to purchase a large number of readers to support the school reading program. This year the funds raised will go towards refreshing the school’s technology equipment (laptops and some desktops). Projects like these are of great benefit to all students in the school. Please encourage your friends, relatives and neighbours to sponsor your child and help us make Spellathon 2016 a great success.

Next week the SPELLATHON 2016 word lists and sponsorship forms will be given to the children to take home. We will let you know when they have been distributed.

Please show your support by encouraging your child to help our school. Involve your families, friends and neighbours by asking them to become sponsors. The sponsorship your child receives will be a real incentive for them to learn their words.

Important Spellathon Dates:

Tuesday 15 March: SPELLATHON Test Day
Monday 18 April: Return of sponsorship forms and money

Our sponsors for 2016 are Peter May and Brad Robson from Place Real Estate, Oxley Rd Discount Drug Store and Graceville Bike Company.

If you need help buying or selling your home, Peter & Brad from Place are the ones to help you. Please contact Peter on 0409543546 or Brad on 0414773437.

For all your pharmacy needs go to Oxley Road Discount Drug Store where you get more than just low prices. They are located right next to the Post Office.

To find Brisbane’s friendliest bike shop with expertise in road, racing, touring, commuter, mountain and kids’ bikes go to Graceville Bike Company on Honour Ave. Tele: 3379 7464.

We thank our sponsors for their support of our school and ask that you support them with your business.

If you have any queries please get in touch by emailing: gracevillespellathon@gmail.com

The Spellathon Committee

SchoolPlus

Awesome Fun for Everyone

Term 1 is looking very exciting! We celebrated our first birthday at Graceville on the Student Free Day with our new kitchen facilities.

Our wonderful Educator’s cooling off after hot day at Vacation Care

Community Notices

Musical Auditions

'ANNIE - The Musical!' is coming to Indooroopilly with ROCKIT Productions, the home of Musical Theatre Training in the Redlands and now the Western Suburbs! With a weekly dose of singing, dancing, and acting, each fun filled rehearsal will be held inside St Peter's Lutheran College on Tuesday afternoons from 4:00-6:00pm in a positive, encouraging, and stress-free environment. Auditions to be held for all students in Grades 3-7 this Tuesday the 23rd of February so come along to see what it's all about! For more info, simply head to… www.ROCKITproductions.com.au