5 February 2016

From the Principal

Zoe Smith

Hello,

We had a very smooth transition into the new school year. It is great to see the school buzzing again!

It was a very hot week with temperatures soaring! It is weeks such as these, we greatly appreciate that the school is air conditioned! The children and teachers would like to thank the community for supporting the P&C to air condition the school.

Friday is Day 8, an important day for the school. On Day 8 each year, schools submit their enrolment numbers for the school year. The school is then staffed according to the number of students enrolled in the school on that day. We started the year with 31 teachers and if our numbers hold until noon Friday (which we anticipate they will), we will maintain 31 classes throughout 2016. Our numbers meant we were very close to losing a teacher this year so it was a nail biting first few days of school!

This week saw the introduction of our new look Whole School Assembly. Whole School Assemblies will now be held each Thursday Fortnight from 2.20-2.45pm. The first assembly (Thursday 4 February) introduced the new format but more importantly, two new awards. On each school assembly, I will be awarding two Principal based awards per year level. One of the awards is to encourage and recognise students who are showing curiosity in their learning. We will be using the work of Professor John Munro, the academic who has written the manual on Curiosity, for the Curiosity and Powerful Learning Project, as our guide for selecting children to receive the award. Professor Munro offers Seven Characteristics of Curious Thinking that support learning. Professor Munro uses Alice from Lewis Carols, Alice in Wonderland, as the model of a curious thinker. Each Fortnight one child per year level will be selected for displaying some of the seven characteristics (Alice was engaged, she accepted the unexpected, she set goals despite uncertainty, she was optimistic that she could work things out, she built on what she already knew, she took her time and finally Alice was persistent). The second award is titled, The Random Act of Kindness Award. Children will be selected for this award by being recognised for self-initiated acts of kindness (examples of which align beautifully to our Peace Code) which have the intent of looking out for the wellbeing of others. These awards align with two of our major school foci for the year, Curiosity and Powerful Learning and raising awareness of the importance of student and teacher wellbeing on learning. You are all very welcome to come along to the assemblies. We will have a special focus aligned to our school improvement focus areas each week that is presented in a child friendly way.

I hope you were able to make it to your child’s class Parent Teacher Information Session this week. Many of our year levels are working very closely together. We have built strong year level teams who are planning, working and developing together. Of course all of our teachers have their own individual flair and strengths which we encourage them to use when appropriate.

Many thanks to the families who are getting in early to pay for excursions, camps, swimming etc. We greatly appreciate the prompt payments!

Finally, I would like to bring your attention to Chappies section of the newsletter. The role Chappy plays within the school and its benefits are explained further under the Chappy’s Chat Headline.

We are very lucky to have funding for a Chaplain to the equivalent of two days a week. Over the past 10 years the P&C have committed to fund this position further to increase the number of days we can access Chappy. The P&C also play a major role in informing how the role can be of most benefit to the school community. The Chaplaincy Committee (a group of parents, teachers and community members) also hold fundraising events during the year to help fund the position and purchase resources to support the Graceville program. The P&C will be discussing the financial contribution they are willing to make to support Chaplaincy at their next meeting.

Have a great week.

Newsletter Articles

From the Deputy Principal

Maree Hass

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. Year 2 students develop their skills of public speaking by taking turns in leading these assemblies and classes also take part presenting items for us all. We also like to recognise Birthdays and present awards to students from across all classes.

Below is the calendar for term 1 assemblies.

From the Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

Religious Instruction

Religious instruction (RI) is offered at the school and is conducted on Friday mornings. RI will commence in Week 3 (Friday 12th February). Religious Instruction will be in year level classrooms this year.

• Semester: 1 Years 1, 2 & 6
• Semester: 2 Years 3, 4 & 5

At Graceville we operate a Co-operative program which is for students who have a Christian religion nominated on enrolment. This program is authorized to operate in the school by the Principal.

The Bahá’í faith group offer classes based on the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh, the founder of the Baha’i Faith. The lessons are focused on the central principles of the Bahá’í Faith. To find out more about the Bahai Faith go to www.bahai.org.au . If your child is Bahai faith, more information about when that is commencing will be forwarded to you.

Parents of child/ren participating in these programs will be advised about funds to cover the expense of materials used in RI. This will be sent in the form of Student Resource scheme payment.

Students are allocated to RI based on information provided by parents on the completed Application for Student Enrolment unless other written instructions have been provided to the school.

Note: This information remains operational unless the parent informs the school otherwise in writing.

Students who are not participating in RI will be provided with other instruction in a separate supervised location. Other instruction must relate to part of a subject area already covered in class and may include, but is not restricted to:

• personal research and/or assignments
• revision of class work such as creative writing or literacy and/or numeracy activities which could include online programs currently accessed by the students of that school (i.e. Mathletics, Reading Eggs)
• wider reading such as independent reading appropriate to the student

Parents will be advised of any changes to the RI and other instruction programs to ensure they are able to make an informed decision on their child’s participation.

Parents should have received a letter earlier in the week to confirm or update permission details for Religious Instruction.

Urgent Medical information – Needs to be updated!

If your child has a Medical condition, which requires an Action Plan i.e. Anaphylaxis, Allergy or Asthma, you are required to update this annually with your child’s doctor. Any students who have Anaphylaxis or another /Allergic condition must have their details reviewed annually. Epipens must be up-to-date and cannot be administered if out of date.

If your child has any newly diagnosed medical condition please see the Admin staff in the office to update your child’s details. Please discuss any medical conditions with your child’s teacher as well so that they are well informed.

Absences line

Just a reminder that we have an absences line for your convenience if your child is away from school due to illness or any other reason. (3716 2760). Please ensure that if your child is sick or absent for any reason you must inform the school and/or class teacher as soon as possible. If absences are not explained by parents then it will appear on your child’s report card as “Unexplained”.

If your family are planning an extended period away from school (more than 2 weeks) you must complete an application for “Exemption from schooling” which entitles you to return to school after the absent period. This application must be approved by the Principal.

Swimming Years 1-3 Swimming commences next week for years 1-3 (excluding 3/4BC). Please make sure that you have paid by this Friday. If you haven’t paid already you will be required to confirm with a receipt if you have paid online with Bpoint. If you haven’t paid by now, I would suggest going into the office and paying in person. Processing of online payments takes a day or 2 for it to appear on our statements. This deadline is definite. No students will attend swimming if payments has not been made.

Excursion/event permission slips

Along with payment, it is vital that we have your permission slip for your child to attend. This must be submitted to the class teacher, unless otherwise indicated. No child will be allowed to attend an excursion or event without written parent permission, even if you have paid.

Money Matters

Roberta Haryicki

Thank you for your payments of excursions to date. The distribution of family statements will be this week. Please attend to payments of accounts at your earliest convenience ensuring that as well as payment your child’s permission notes are returned by the given timelines.

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

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

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.

LIBRARY News

Melanie Hutchinson

The library is once again off to a busy start - classes and borrowing began this week and the library staff would like to welcome everyone to visit the library.

We are also encouraging students to come in and borrow as often as they wish.

Remember, children are required to have a waterproof, sealable library bag to borrow.

The library is open every morning from 8.15, at first break from 11.00 (for Year 1 & 2, second break from 12.55 (for Years 3 to 6) and until 3.15pm after school. Parents are always welcome to visit the library with their children at any time.

12,044…that’s the number of reasons to love our library! That is the number of regular print books on our shelves, and that doesn’t even include big books, audio books, class readers, teacher resources or DVDs! However, a library’s value exists in more than just the books it loans out.

A library is a place to learn, to study, to hone your computer skills, to meet with other people or a place to just read and relax. It offers security and peace and quiet (most of the time!). All the services and resources through the library are free, which makes our library an invaluable resource to the school community.

Library Lovers' Month is an opportunity to celebrate libraries of all types. Most importantly though, this is a time to recognize the value of school libraries and remind everyone how much the children love our library and how important it is to their learning.

All month, students will have many opportunities to share their love of our library.

REQUEST FOR VOLUNTEERS

Due to our ever-growing collection and circulation, the success of our library depends upon volunteers - the library staff would appreciate any extra help.

If you are interested in volunteering some of your time, the CONTACT CLUB may be for you. They meet in the library on the first Wednesday of the month between 8.45 am until 12 noon and welcome any new members who wish to help out. Morning tea is provided, as is any guidance or lessons on how to professionally cover library books/class readers, etc. If you are interested in coming along or helping out in the library, please come in and see us, or feel free to email the school with your name and phone number.

Teacher-Librarian: Mrs Melanie Hutchinson
Library Aide: Ms Christine Barker

SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB

Welcome back to another school year—a year that we hope will be full of exciting challenges and successful learning. Research tells us children of all ages respond positively when the important people in their world show interest and support for their activities such as reading. By encouraging the ownership of books, by sharing books and talking about them with children, parents and friends are helping children’s reading to develop with enjoyment and understanding.

Scholastic Book Club offers a convenient way for your child to select and purchase worthwhile and appealing books.

Scholastic Book Club operates eight times a year at our school. Simply select any books your child would like and order online with the correct payment, by the closing date. Issue 1 Book Club catalogues have been sent home this week. Orders will close next week on FRIDAY 12 FEBRUARY.

Preferred method of payment – CREDIT CARD payments online, or through the LOOP APP [LOOP: Linked Online Ordering and Payment available on www.scholastic.com.au/LOOP or download the LOOP Apple or Android app]. The order forms do not need to be returned to school. LOOP ordering will be open until Friday 12th February.

If paying by credit card on the phone or with a cheque made to Scholastic Australia, return the order form to the school library by Friday 12th February.

NO CASH ORDERS PLEASE – GRACEVILLE STATE SCHOOL IS RUNNING A CASHLESS BOOK CLUB.

Each order helps earn free books and teaching materials for our library and classrooms, however there is never any obligation to order.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

All Book Club items come with a full guarantee of satisfaction. If for any reason an item is found to be unsatisfactory, please return it us within one month of purchase and a full refund will be arranged.

Music News

Naomi Lindh

Next week we will be beginning our choir rehearsals. A note was handed out to students in years 2-6 who expressed an interest in joining one of the choirs last Friday. If your child would like to join the choir and you would like a copy of the letter, please contact Ms West or myself at school, or via email ( nclos1@eq.edu.au ). Our rehearsal schedule is listed below and all students in years 2-6 are welcome. The cost is $30 annually to be a member of the choir.

Our instrumental ensembles will also be rehearsing from next week. Please assist your child to be prepared for their lesson and rehearsal, particularly while they are getting used to a different routine. It is important that students bring their instrument, music and folder to rehearsals and arrive at the stated time. We appreciate your assistance and support with this process.

Choir and Instrumental Rehearsals for 2016 (Please note that Junior Band will begin rehearsing on Thursday mornings in term 2 with Mr Alex Grodecki and Beginner/Junior Strings will also begin rehearsals next term during the lunch break on Thursdays with Mrs Prout)

Music Rehearsals for 2016

Tuesday 7:45am Senior Choir - Ms Julie West
Wednesday 7:45am Senior Strings - Mrs Ruth Prout
Wednesday 3-4pm Senior Band - Mr Steve Stiller
Thursday 7:45am Year 3 Choir - Mrs Naomi Lindh
Friday 8:00am Year 2 Choir - Mrs Naomi Lindh

All of our instrumental lessons will take place on Wednesdays and Thursdays this year.

We look forward to beginning rehearsals next week! Thank you for supporting our music program.

Chappy’s Chat

John Erichsen

With the new school year off and running, I would like to extend a welcome to new school families and a welcome back to existing ones. Listening to students recounting holiday adventures, it seems as though many had very positive experiences over the Christmas/New Year break. All good things must come to an end, or so it is said. With that in mind, and the transition into a new school year, in a new class with a new teacher, it is normal for some students to feel a little anxious. School staff are very keen to work with families and support them through those tough transition times. Part of my role is to help with settling new students into school and journeying alongside students struggling to settle into the new school year. If you would like to contact me I can be reached through the school office or feel free to say hi if you see me around the school. .

Sadly, this Friday, Feb 5, I am undergoing nasal surgery and will be away from school for 2 weeks in recovery. I return, all things going well, on Monday, February 22. Unfortunately, scheduling of surgery is in the hands of the specialists so I am unable to make other arrangements. I am, however, looking forward to the prospect of breathing normally again after five months of struggling to do so. I look forward to catching up with everyone upon my return in week 5.

Have a fantastic week!

Some Further Information Regarding Chaplaincy

One conversation, one dollar, one smile, can change the world."

Chaplaincy Services provide social, emotional and personal support to school communities. SU Qld Chaplains provide positive adult role models for students. Chaplains are present in schools at the invitation of the Principal, in consultation with the local community, and with the support of the P&C Association.

Chaplaincy at Graceville State School was instigated by parent request and the concept was welcomed by the Principal and staff, endorsed by the P&C and supported by local churches, businesses and the community.

With this support the Chaplaincy service commenced at the beginning of the 2007 school year. In term 4 of 2007, a successful application for Chaplaincy funding through the Federal Government’s National School Chaplaincy Program increased the operation of the Chaplaincy service to full time, the first full-time primary school chaplaincy service in Queensland’s State School system. In 2012 the Federal Government expanded the funding for School Chaplaincy to continue until the end of 2014 and also provided the choice for funding to be provided for a Chaplaincy Service or Student Welfare Officer. Last year Graceville State School was successful in gaining continued Federal Government funding until 2018. Federal funding of $20 000 per annum, contributes to approximately 2 days/week. Funds to cover the remainder of the full time service are provided by the Graceville State School Parents and Citizens, approximately 1 day/week, individual and corporate donors and fundraising ventures, approximately 2 days/week.

What does a School Chaplain do?

A School Chaplain is a safe person for young people to connect with at school and provides a listening ear, caring presence, and a message of hope. Chaplains run positive fun activities for students and assist in fostering supportive, caring school communities.

Working with other members of the school's support team, the Chaplain cares for students struggling with issues such as difficult relationships with other children or family members, poor self-esteem, family breakdown and depression.

The partnership between the school and the Chaplaincy Service, supported by local churches, businesses and community organisations, provides a network of local support and assistance. These positive relationships help young people to face difficult issues and provide hope, connection, meaning and purpose. The Chaplaincy Service is available to everyone in the school community regardless of their religious beliefs.

The Chaplain

John Erichsen, in his 10th year of chaplaincy at Graceville State School, is committed to encouraging students in the development of life skills and coping strategies that will enable them to make good choices and maximise their school and life experiences. John’s goal is to build strong relationships with students through active participation in their world. John uses a strength-based approach to working with children, where he recognises that each student is a capable learner, with many strengths and skills. In the playground and the classroom, John works with teaching staff to support the students in their social and emotional development. John is a trained facilitator in the “Friends for Life” anxiety prevention and resilience building program. John also facilitates social skilling programs in the school, centered around the school’s Pathways to Peace Code.

At Graceville State School

The Chaplain works under the direction of the Principal and is overseen by the Local Chaplaincy Committee. Scripture Union Queensland, the premier chaplaincy-employing authority in Queensland schools, is the formal employer. The chaplaincy role at Graceville State School is a very practical one, with the chaplain actively involved in many aspects of school life, including break and class time activities, afternoon gate duty, assisting new students settle into school routine and even covering School Crossing Guard absences. The Chaplain also works closely with School Administration, specialist staff and the Facilities Officer to maximize a positive school experience for all. Any concerns or complaints regarding the chaplaincy service at Graceville State School should be raised with the School Principal.

Chappy’s Role

• Provide emotional, social and spiritual support to students, families and staff
• Build safe and supportive relationships with students, families and staff
• Support the operation of the Student Services Committee
• Interact with Teachers to support Students with Special needs, behavioral issues and personal struggles.
• Facilitate the “Friends” anxiety prevention/resilience building program in small group and class settings
• Support P&C activities in the school
• Participate in the school sports program
• Attend school camps
• Develop lunchtime programs the students can participate in

Students may request to see the Chaplain on an individual basis for support in personal matters. Parents wishing this to take place can request a permission form from the school office and upon parental consent, the Principal will advise the Chaplain of the request and permission to proceed.

Chappy is not

1. A Guidance Officer
2. A substitute teacher
3. A qualified counsellor
4. Involved in the Religious Education program provided at Graceville State School

Start of Year Snapshot

To give new school families an idea of what chaplaincy looks like at Graceville, the first weeks of the new school year has consisted of the following.

• Professional development and training prior to the commencement of school
• Assisting the Facilities Officer and staff get rooms prepared for the start of school
• Cook the staff lunch BBQ
• Assist in settling new students into class environment
• Work with students experiencing separation anxiety
• Facilitate Hall Games at first break
• Set up hall for wet weather breaks, including a movie at 2nd break
• Supervise swimming lessons
• Set up hall for assembly and train sound system student crew
• After school gate duty on Acacia Avenue
• Cover before school crossing guard duty
• General care and support of students, staff and families

Chappy’s Hours

Chappy is on site full time and is available Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm.

How can you contact Chappy

John is available for all Students, Parents and Staff at Graceville State School. He welcomes the opportunity to talk with you, please do not hesitate to contact him to make an appointment.

Ph.: 3716 2777
Email: chaplain@gracevilss.eq.edu.au

Tuckshop News

Week 2 already....

Volunteers for Week Commencing Monday, 8-2-16

Mon 8-2. - Elise Wilson
Tues 9-2. - Rachel Rillie and Grace Kennedy
Wed 10-2. - Elise Alison and Alana Teixeira
Thurs 11-2. - Fiona Fryer and Michelle Kimber-Fanning
Fri 12-2. - Alison Hibbert and Karyn Krysica and Terriann MacDonnell and Gehann Molachino

Week one was quiet. Yes, we were open and fully stocked with goodies so we look forward to seeing all those orders pour in on School24 this week.

It was pleasing to see so few counter orders last Friday, we really hope this means you are all getting logged into and using School24. We will let you know how we fare this week. We are sure it will make your life easier, just takes a little time to get used to, like any new system.

Here are the logon and information details.

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.

Uniforms & Stationery

If you have not ordered your child's Stars Plus Textbook (all years except Prep and Year 1) you need to do so through the Brodies Bookstore website. The books will be delivered directly to the school for all students.

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 will be out shortly. Check the school bag.

We sell swim bags, silicon and fabric caps, quick dry towels and a limited selection of goggles, short sleeve rashies and Graceville togs.

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 .

Community Sport Notices

GRACEVILLE TENNIS COACHING

Before School, Lunch Time and After School Coaching commenced on Thursday 4th February 2016, if any student is still interested and has not yet enrolled please contact Jim Joyce directly on 0417 771022.

Taekwon-Do Classes

Taekwon-Do classes have recommenced in the Graceville State School ‘Multi-Purpose Hall’ after a short break over the festive season. Family classes are held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7 pm to 8.30 pm. Taekwon-Do provides families with an opportunity to have fun, improve fitness and learn self-defence in a controlled environment. Free introductory classes and family discounts apply. For more information contact local Bai Rui Taekwon-Do Instructor John Bates ( graceville@bairui.com or 0416050601)

GO SPORTS

Join us for all the fun and learn a new game or improve skills!

NETBALL: Grades 2-4 (7.50-8.35am) commencing 10th February
CRICKET: Grades Prep -3 (7.50-8.35am) commencing 10th February

To Register go to www.gosports.com.au and register online

Taylor Bridge Junior Rugby Union Club

Sign on Now Open

Information and Uniform Collection Days: Sunday, 31 January & Saturday, 6 February

Time: 9am – 1pm
Where: Taylor Bridge Junior Rugby Home Ground
Graceville Memorial Park, Oxley Road, Graceville
Register at: www.taylorbridgerugby.com.au
Registrations must be complete prior to the Information and Uniform Collection day.

Training: Friday nights from 5.30pm
Games: Saturday’s and older groups on Sunday’s
Ages: 4 years and above

Further Information

W: www.taylorbridgerugby.com.au
P: 0431 254 482
E: taylorbridgerugby@gmail.com

Community Notices

Priority One (P1) Youth Group

The Priority One (P1) Youth Group will be reforming Friday 5 February for all Year 6 students. We're a group that works with the Sherwood Uniting Church to provide an enjoyable and engaging bridging course between primary and secondary schooling. We offer a range of different activities including chalk chases, bowling, messy games, as well as pastoral care exercises.

Where: Sherwood Uniting Church Hall (706 Sherwood Rd, Sherwood).
When: Each Friday night during the term, 7-9.
What to bring: $5 for the night (or $30 for the term), closed in shoes. Any changes will be advised prior to the night activity.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to direct them towards our directoring team at sherwoodp1directors@gmail.com .

West Brisbane Region Asperger Support Meeting

Details for our February meeting are:

Date: February 18th
Time: 7pm - 9pm (Please arrive ready to start the meeting at 7pm)
Venue: St Matthew’s Church Hall (Cnr Oxley and Sherwood Rds. Sherwood)
Speaker: Ms Bronwyn Sutton - Speech Pathologist www.suttonspeech.com.au www.learningappguide.com
Topic: “iPads - the Good and the Bad” with Q & A
Cost: Gold coin appreciated

Biography:

Bronwyn Sutton ( PhD Candidate (Griffith) MSpEd, Grad. Dip (FET), B.App.Sc. (Speech Path.), MSPA ) is a Speech Pathologist and Educator with 30 years’ experience working with children with autism. Bronwyn has a Masters of Special Education and is currently studying towards a PhD at the Autism Centre of Excellence, Griffith University. Bronwyn is researching the use of iPad technology to support students with autism to interact socially with their peers. Bronwyn is the author of “The Learning App Guide to Autism and Education”. Bronwyn is the author of “The Learning App Guide to Autism and Education”. This website is the first fully comprehensive, rigorous and professional app guide. Bronwyn is passionate about guiding parents, teachers and therapists to make informed app selection which support evidence based practice.

Bronwyn Sutton Speech Pathology is at 1/249 Harts Road Indooroopilly Q 4068 Phone: 07 3876 9529 Email: bsutton@suttonspeech.com.au

We look forward to seeing you.

Kind regards
Jane and Ruth
Jane Leonforte
ASA Group Coordinator
0448 909 863