18 March 2016

From the Principal

Zoe Smith

Hello,

It is amazing there is only one week until the Easter holidays!

I would like to thank the teachers for the time and effort they put into Parent Teacher Interviews this week. As you can imagine, working a full day and then adding three hours of Parent Teacher Interviews on top is a big commitment from our teachers. I hope you were able to utilise the time with the teacher effectively.

Our teachers have been working in TRIADS this term to help enact one of the Theories of Action from Curiosity and Powerful Learning. Our focus has been looking for the visible and oral evidence of teachers using Learning Intentions and Success Criteria in the teaching of reading. Teachers have been observing each other teach, providing feedback to each other on what they see and hear and then taking part in coaching sessions to help understand how they can improve upon their current practice. We run cycles of TRIADS throughout the term so teachers can set goals and monitor their improvement. Once again our teachers have proven they have the best interests of the students learning in mind as they engage in reflective practice in order to continually improve. Our teachers are modelling to our students that everyone can learn and grow, even their teachers!

Thank you to the families who supported the Free Dress Day. It was lovely to see the outcome of democracy as the student council acted upon the suggestion of students within the school. All funds raised will be donated to support the Fiji cyclone clean up and restoration.

Friday is a very important day, the National Day against Bullying. Our school will raise awareness of the day at Whole School Assembly on Thursday as well as celebrating in classes on Friday. All children will receive an orange wrist band from the Student Council and we will provide some literature with links to a website for parents who would like to learn more.

Thank you to the parents who attended to the Enhancement Class information session last week. Please remember all Expressions of Interest for the Junior and Senior Enhancement classes are due by 3.30pm on 24 March. No late forms will be accepted. All students must also have enrolled to take part in the UNSW tests.

Finally, please consider joining with us again this year to celebrate ANZAC day. The school holds an ANZAC assembly each year as well as attending the public ceremony held at the Graceville Memorial. I will be providing more information about both events in week 1 next term.

Have a great weekend.

Newsletter Articles

From the Deputy Principal

Maree Hass

Last Friday together with 4 of our student leaders I attended Milpera’s celebrations for International Women’s Day. Milpera staff and students both entertained and informed us with many items. An interesting fact is that the World Economic Forum predicted in 2014 that it would take until 2095 to achieve parity between men and women in all countries. Then one year later in 2015, they estimated that progress is slower and the gap between men and women wouldn’t close entirely until 2133.This is certainly food for thought. Please read the reflections from the girls who attended the morning.

In my experience the International Women’s Day event at Milpera was extremely enjoyable. I found that listening to the past students speeches were extremely inspiring and uplifting. You can tell what tough times they had been through and hearing about how they dealt with it and achieved was amazing. I also found the Milpera girls dance very funny and entertaining. All in all I would say my experience was inspirational and fun. By Maddie M

Two important messages I took away from my day at Milpera were – to always work hard and to never give up. We were very entertained with songs, dances and stories from past students. Overall, it was a very inspiring and delightful day. By Sarah O

On Friday 11th March, Ms Hass, Lily, Sarah, Maddie and I were lucky enough to go to Milpera for an International Women’s Day celebration. I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I learnt a lot. I learnt about the diversity of women around the world and I also heard many inspirational stories from past and present students. I was particularly inspired by a story from a past Milpera student. She told us that whilst in grade nine, she was receiving straight C’s. She wanted to, and felt that she could do better than that. She said that every morning, lunchtime and afternoon, she stayed back to study her subjects and to work on her English. The next year, when she was in grade ten, she received straight A’s. She is now studying Occupational Therapy at university as she was given a scholarship in grade twelve to do so. I believe like any story, this has an important message. The message is that setting goals and working hard to achieve those goals, results in success. There were many other highlights from the day but I found that particular story very touching and inspiring. Overall, I really enjoyed the morning and I’m very thankful for the staff and students of Milpera for sharing their day of celebration with us. By Ilani S

Last Friday I was lucky enough to be invited to the International Women’s Day celebrations at Milpera. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed it heaps. There are two things that stood out for me though Number 1, the dancing, singing and circus acts. These performers were fun and the girls who were doing it looked like they were having fun. Number 2 was the women who came and spoke to us. I enjoyed this part because they were really inspiring people. I really enjoyed the morning and thank you to Ms Hass for allowing us to have this wonderful experience. By Lily C

Mathletics

All students in year 1 to 6 should now have received their Mathletics log on and password. Some classes use Mathletics during school time, some classes use Mathletics components for homework and other classes use this access for independent at home Mathletics use. Mathletics is a very engaging way for students to practice their maths skills and teachers can support students by providing more individualised personally tailored access to materials within the program. The cost per student for Mathletics use is $12 for the year and you will have received a letter of offer and then invoice for this amount. All students have been enrolled within the program and in a week’s time I will check with teachers on payment of this amount as we ensure that paid subscriptions only have access to the program moving forward for the whole year. So if you have not yet paid for this access please do so over the coming week.

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. We invite everyone to join in on our annual Prep Easter Hat Parade at our last assembly for the term.

Below is the calendar for term 1 assemblies.

From the Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

Wellbeing

Our first Special Event is the National Day of Action (18 March) – (Bullying & Violence). The Student Council has already organised some great ways to recognise this day. We will also be having a special Assembly celebration on this Thursday 17th March. For more information about the National Day of Action please refer to the website:

In the hall, 6H are putting up a “Pledge Wall” for our students to display their “Pledges” to highlight the importance of the National Day of Action against Bullying & Violence. We will display a photo of this next week. Please feel free to come and have a look at our Pledge wall, in the concrete side of the hall.

I have added in a link to a document which has frequently asked questions which I believe may be useful to clarify some important points.

The second event is Harmony Day – Monday 21 March. This Special Day is important to celebrate Australia’s cultural diversity. We will be encouraging students and teachers to celebrate the cultural backgrounds of their students.

Easter Service – This Friday 18th March

Our annual Easter service will be in the hall from 9.00-9.40am for Years 1-6 who have permission to attend Religious Instruction. All non-attending students will remain in classrooms.

Young Leaders Day

On Monday I had the pleasure of escorting 10 of our School Leaders to the Brisbane Convention Centre for the annual Halogen Young Leaders Day. The day involved about 3000 students and teachers from across the state. In next week’s newsletter I will have a detailed summary from the students who attended.

Money Matters

Roberta Haryicki

Pink family statements have been distributed. Please attend to payments at your earliest convenience as 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.

Included in the family statement:

Year 3 Museum; STEM students (Mrs Davey)
Metropolitan Regional Choral Honours workshop (Ms West)
Reminder – Sports Bus Transport final payment due14 April.
Year 5 Planetarium; and Year 3/4BC – Buddha Birth Day Festival.
These are excursions early Term 2.

Student Resource Schemes (SRS) for 2016:

• 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)

These SRS should have been paid for by now.

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 and prepaid competition entries 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.

Spellathon

Spellathon Test Day was last Tuesday. Thank you to all the children for learning their words and trying their best. Thanks also to the teachers for supporting the Spellathon and for incorporating the Spellathon test into their busy schedules. Everyone’s efforts to help the school are greatly appreciated.

Each child’s sponsorship envelope should have been sent home again this week so the children can collect their sponsorship money from their sponsors. To be eligible for prizes the sponsorship forms and all money raised are due back to the School office by 3pm on Monday 18 April. If your child forgot to bring in their form for test day, please get them to bring the form in soon for the teacher to write the child’s number of words/tasks that they got correct on the top. If you cannot find your envelope or form please find a copy linked to this newsletter.

Don’t forget there are great prizes in each year level. Prizes will be based on sponsorship collected and also every child who spelt all their words correctly will be entered into an exciting prize draw where they could win one of two fun prizes in each year level (see your information letter for prize details). As well as these individual prizes, there will be whole class prizes. Every child in the class that raises the most money in each year level will receive a small prize. No matter how small a contribution your child makes it will be helping to make the 2016 Spellathon a great success.

This year the funds raised by the Spellathon 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.

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

Proudly sponsored by:

Library News

Melanie Hutchinson

GRACEVILLE STATE SCHOOL READERS’ CUP 2016

Students in Year 5 & 6 will be testing their knowledge of books and reading by competing in the GSS Readers’ Cup NEXT Thursday in the Hall. Students will battle through FOUR rounds of questions for their chance to win the GSS Readers Cup trophy and many other fantastic prizes. The Readers Cup preparation has challenged students to read widely, work collaboratively in a team and continue to develop their love of reading.

For those students who are interested in representing the school at the Regional Readers’ Cup Competition coming up in Term 2 – the elimination question time will be held during the lunch break on Thursday (day of the school competition). The students with the highest scores from this session will become the entrants in the upcoming Regional Readers’ Cup competition.

We wish all the teams the best of luck for the day and most importantly, HAVE FUN!

Chappy’s Chat

John Erichsen

This Saturday will see us heading to the polls for the Local Government elections, so at Graceville State School I will be firing up the BBQ and rolling sausages along the production line to raise some funds for the chaplaincy service. There will also be cupcakes, lamingtons and cold drinks for sale. If anyone has a passion for baking and would like to add their wares to the stall, they would be welcomed. Alternatively, if anyone is struggling to find a Saturday morning activity and spending some time serving at the stall would brighten your day, please feel free to do so. The BBQ will operate from approximately 7.30 until just after midday or when the sausages run out. Please pop in and say hi, even if only in passing on the way to do your civic duty.

It may not be perfect timing but I thoroughly enjoyed the science focus on Monday night’s QandA program. It was such a refreshing change from the political point scoring that often is part of this program. It was also fantastic to see some amazing female scientists on the panel, sharing their passion and love for science. I do hope they are in some way trailblazers for a generation of girls, daring to dream big and follow the field they love. I wonder how many of our students might one day be making incredible discoveries in one of the many sciences. Curious minds can be a powerful thing!

With the Easter weekend just around the corner, it seems a fitting time to look at some of the important aspects of the Easter message. Regardless of faith beliefs, the Easter message can provide all of us with some inspiration. Easter speaks of sacrifice and is a good time to consider all those in our society who make sacrifices for the good of others. Our defence force personnel, Emergency services, including Police, Ambulance and Fire Services, plus State Emergency Service and Surf-Lifesavers are just some who put aside their own safety to help save the lives of others. Hope is another part of the Easter story. Hope is powerful. It can keep us, even sustain us through the darkest times. Hope is more than wishful thinking. It becomes powerful when we dare to believe in the hope we have. In times of crisis, one of the greatest things we can offer those in danger is the hope that things will be ok. Easter speaks to us of that hope.

This Easter, I hope the thoughts of sacrifice, hope and new opportunity provide you with strength and comfort. I also hope you get to enjoy the chocolate that is prevalent this time of year.

Have a fantastic week!

Music News

Naomi Lindh

Thank you to our year 2 and 3 Choir students for sharing your lovely voices at the Harmony Day assembly this week. We appreciate the support of families and members of the school community who were able to attend.

Next Wednesday 23 March the WestCent music camp auditions will be held. We wish our auditioning students success for their auditions. As our instrumental teachers will be attending the auditions there will be NO INSTRUMENTAL LESSONS OR REHEARSALS ON WEDNESDAY 23 MARCH. This includes rehearsals before and after school on Wednesday 23 March. Lessons will resume as usual on Thursday 24 March.

Please note your child's conductor/teacher name so you are able to contact them if your child is unable to attend a rehearsal or to discuss any issues which your child may be having regarding the music program, lessons or rehearsals.

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 (Thursdays) and Junior Band - agrod3@eq.edu.au
Mr James Kukulies - brass/woodwind teacher (Wednesdays) - jkuku2@eq.edu.au
Ms Julie West - classroom music Mon/Tues and Senior Choir - jwest269@eq.edu.au
Mrs Naomi Lindh - classroom music Wed/Thurs/Fri and Year 2/3 Choirs - nclos1@eq.edu.au

Music Rehearsals

Tuesday 7:45am Senior Choir - Ms Julie West - music room - 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 supporting the music program.

Active School Travel

TACO TUESDAY!

(Travel Actively Coming-to-school On)

Additional Stamping Station

There will now be an additional stamping station located at the gate between After School Care and the music block, so that those active travellers who enter from Park Road can get their passports stamped without having to come up to the quadrangle. Thank you to our students who do all the stamping on Tuesdays!

Did you know that the Graceville Bike Company proudly supports the GSS Active Travel Program? They are offering the following to the families of Graceville State School:

• 15% off all kids’ accessories (not including bikes)
• 5% off all kids’ bikes
• Free wash on parents’ and kids’ bikes with any Bronze Service - for the month of March

Crossing roads

When crossing the road or using a pedestrian refuge, traffic island or median, wait for a safe break in traffic before crossing each section of the road.

Pedestrian crossings

To use a pedestrian crossing:

• Stand at the edge of the crossing and wait for the traffic to stop.
• Cross when the traffic has come to a complete stop.
• If there is more than one lane to cross, be sure that all approaching traffic has seen you.
• Traffic must give way to you once you have a foot on the crossing.

Children's crossings

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.

National Ride 2 School Day

A big thanks you to all the students who took part in National Ride 2 School Day on 4th March. There were many beautifully decorated helmets, bikes and scooters around the school. Students who participated received a ticket in the lucky draw and the winners were: Joel S (2B) and Ted M (4C) Congratulations! Thank you to Mrs Hornstra, and the student council / class reps who did a fantastic job handing out certificates, and stamping the passports.

Our next big event…..A long time ago in a school far far away, students dressed up to celebrate active travel…..May the 4th be with you! If you took part last year you will remember how much fun it was. More information to follow.

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. Our next meeting will be on the 21st April 2016, at 10:45am in the Waratah Room.

School Banking

School Banking is changing to Monday’s starting in Term 2
from 11th April 2016

School Banking is every Monday

• Place your money into your yellow Banking Wallet, complete your deposit slip (leave student no. blank the 1st time) and place the wallet into the Grey Banking Satchel in the classroom on Monday morning.
• One silver Dollarmites token will be issued for every deposit made.
• Once 10 tokens have been earned you can include your 10 silver tokens with a reward coupon to redeem a reward. Reward cards will be issued at school in 2016.

• Tokens are only available through School Banking. Branches do not have access to tokens or rewards.
• The School Banking program rewards individual saving. Sharing of tokens is not allowed.
• School Banking is processed by parent volunteer School Banking Coordinators. Please take the time to thank them for their efforts as this is a great fundraiser for our School.
• Happy Saving!

The Banking will still be processed in the same room off the Assembly Hall.

If you have any questions please direct these to the office and we will get back to you within a few days.

Please remember we are Volunteers and we are on not employed by the Commonwealth Bank.

If you would like to find out how to be a volunteer please leave your name at the office and I will get back to you.

Tuckshop News

Another busy week in Tuckshop. Here is how the week looked:

Don’t forget we are online only for orders now; no counters orders unless it is a genuine emergency.

Easter already!!!

Please take some time this week to thank our generous Tuckshop volunteers for all they do. Just so you know who they are, their names are listed below.

Volunteers for week commencing Monday 21 March

Happy Easter!!!

If you haven't already done so, to set yourself up on School24 log onto:

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, or you have any questions or feedback please give either of us a shout or come and see us at the Tuckshop. We'll get you sorted.

See you at the Tuckshop

Anne and Amanda
tuckshop.gss@gmail.com

Uniforms & Stationery

Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Friday 8.15am to 9.00am.

Your teacher should have advised you if you had not ordered your child's Stars Plus Textbook online through Brodies (all years except Prep and Year 1). You are now required to purchase it through the uniform store as soon as possible as this item was on your child's booklist. 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.

Year 6 Commemorative Shirts and "House Captain" shirts have been finalised and sent for printing and will be back after the holidays.

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

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

Donations of 2nd hand uniforms are always appreciated. Good stocks are available for sale now, including jumpers.

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.

Community Sport Notices

Holiday Swim Clinic

Bookings are now being taken for two swim clinics being held at the school pool over the Easter vacation. Group lessons consisting of Squad, Advanced Stroke Development and Beginner Stroke Development are on offer. Private lessons for learn to swim students or those who want specialized instruction may also be booked for 20 minutes. The first swim clinic will be held for 5 days from Monday March 28th till Friday April 1st. The second clinic will be held for 5 days from Monday April 4th till Friday April 8th. To enrol in the clinic please contact Pete Geraghty by email : petegeraghty@hotmail.com or phone [0432407442].

TENNIS COACHING CLINIC

DATE – TUES 5TH – THUR 7TH APRIL 2016
8:30AM – 12:00PM EACH DAY
COST $135.00
BEGINNERS TO ADVANCED (AGES 6 & UP)
THESE CLINICS ARE OFTEN BOOKED OUT, SO PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO ENSURE A PLACE
CLINIC IS HELD AT WEST BRIS TENNIS CENTRE
227 Archerfield Rd, Richlands

COACHING AND COMPETITIONS

TOURNAMENTS AND TROPHIES

ENQUIRIES CONTACT
JIM – 0417 771 022

To enter clinic please phone the above number or email jim@westbrisbanetennis.com.au

Community Notices

Corinda State High School

FROM THE DAWN OF TIME

This Origami workshop has been millions of years in the making

Jonathan has been exploring through the species of Dinosaurs and found a collection that will appeal to all budding paleontologists.

After all, what kids don't like dinosaurs?

There will be Pterodactyls, Tyrannosaurus and a pack of raptors.

All the kids can make their own collection and start a Jurassic Zoo.

The classes are aimed at the 8 years upwards and will guarantee something to keep the kids entertained long after the workshop.

The workshops will be held at the Graceville Presbyterian Church Hall in Bank Road on April 5, 6 & 7th with two sessions a day, starting at 9:30 and 1:30.

The workshops will only cost $35 per child with all materials supplied… and to stretch your holiday dollar even further, there are family discounts and parents and carers are free.

For more information contact Jonathan Baxter on 3172 7291
or email kami@origamidojo.com.au

Craft Market and Carboot Sale

SATURDAY 19th MARCH
7:00am – 12noon
Corner Oxley Rd and Colwel St

Our wonderful markets features a wide range of arts and crafts, trash and treasure, plants, toys, books, clothes and much more.
Just like 60 garage sales in one great location.
BBQ, HOT & COLD drinks available.
FREE ENTRY for shoppers!
Info contact Narelle 0412 240 503