19 August 2016

From the Principal

Zoe Smith

Hello,

The fete is on next weekend, I am sure it will be a great day! Don't forget to buy your ride bands online by this Friday. I attended the final fete meeting last night. It was wonderful to see so many parent volunteers putting in such a big effort to make the fete a great day! As the saying goes, many hands make light work, so we would appreciate any help you can provide in the lead up to the day or on the day. Raffle tickets books also need to be returned ASAP.

The Study Tour finished on Thursday. It was a very good experience to have the Taiwanese students and teachers in our school. Thank you to all the families who billeted students during their stay. The Study Tour could not go ahead without your help and support. I would also like to thank Ms Hass who organised the tour and worked hard to make it a success. We have been offered the opportunity of a reciprocal visit to Taiwan in the September holidays next year. We will send out an Expression of Interest soon to gauge interest in student attendance. Ms Hass believes the tour would be approximately 10 days at a cost of between $1600 and $2000 per student. Students would be billeted with families from the school. To make the tour worthwhile, we would need at least 10 students. We will offer places to Year 6 students and will consider Year 5 students if parents are confident their children will be able to cope being away from home for 10 days. It is a great opportunity! At this stage Ms Hass and I are likely to attend with the children.

Our teachers were involved in the final round of peer observation and feedback this week. We have been working to further improve our explicit teaching by including a Learning Intention and Success Criteria into lessons. We have also been working on checking for understanding of the Success Criteria throughout the lesson. Our teachers have been very committed to improving in this area and we are starting to see great consistency across the school. Thank you to our teachers!

As you may know, this time of year is the cold and flu season. We have had many children and teachers battling colds. As you can imagine with 750 children in the school, colds spread easily. We would appreciate your support in keeping your children home from school while they are sick.

Friday is our Book Week dress up day! Students can come to school dressed as a book character. There is no gold coin donation, instead, we ask children to bring a block of chocolate for the lob-a-choc stand at the fete.

Finally, a quick reminder for our upper school students, Interschool Sport starts on Friday 26th of August.

Have a great week.

Newsletter Articles

From the Deputy Principal

Maree Hass

Study Tour 2016

We farewelled our 11 students and their teacher, Ivy from Future Heir Bilingual Elementary School on Thursday morning. They have a few more adventures in Australia before returning home at the end of the week to shortly commence their new school year in Taichung. We enjoyed a very successful study tour thanks to our homestay families, school buddies, integration teachers and classes, the choir, Mrs Barry (pie baker), Miss Nicholls (BBQ master), it was truly a whole school effort. Thank you all! Many rich learning experiences were gained by all in sharing cultures and making new friends.

Here are some snaps of the Study Tour in action.

Prep 2017 – please enrol your child now!

Please come to the main office and get the forms and information pack if you didn't attend our information evening. I am now also planning interview times for new families to Graceville over the rest of this term. Times are available over the coming weeks of this term so come in and book at the office.

Graceville State School recognises as its prime obligation the provision of access to an appropriate educational service for students resident within this community as defined by its local catchment area.

Please visit the following link which details our school enrolment management plan and also provides a link to the catchment area for Graceville State School:

This site also outlines the process for placing your child's name on our waiting list if you reside outside of our catchment area.

Below is the calendar for Term 3 Junior assemblies.

From the Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

Wellbeing – Father's Day

Stay tuned – Father's Day events are in the planning stages. Our Student Council will be running an event to celebrate Father's Day on Friday 2nd September. For Mother's Day we celebrated by handing out single carnations to our Mums. This was a great success!

2 Minute zone updates- First batch of name tags seen in the pick-up zones!

We have been handing out the order forms to drivers in the pick-up zones so that they can order a 'Name tag' to go on their visor. This will make the process of using the 2 minute zones much quicker as we will be able to call the names out for the students. We will also hand out a reminder 'bookmark' with the rules. This may also be useful to drivers in the pick-up zones who are not parents reading the newsletter. We often see Grandparents or other carers in this zone and communicating the messages to these people is difficult. I have attached the order form & the rules. If you require names tags please complete and return to the office.

Queensland Academies Brilliant Futures Program

The Queensland Academies Brilliant Futures Program is open to very highly capable students from Year 5 in 2016 who are seeking an assured pathway into the Queensland Academies campuses for commencement in Year 10. In Term 1 we ran an information session about this program. This is just a reminder that entries close soon for Year 5 students. See attached flyer.

Camp Quality

The Camp Quality Education Program has been booked to perform their Puppet show on Tuesday 6th September. The program will focus on helping children and teachers to continue to provide a supportive school environment for children affected by cancer, whether they are living with cancer themselves or have a family member living with cancer.

The program consists of a live, educational performance focusing on cancer education, optimism, friendship and tolerance and a suite of educational resources for students and teachers.

Life Education

All year levels will participate in the Life Education Program starting on Wednesday 31st August and running for the remainder of the term. All classes have a session in the Life Education Van which is an hour for lower grades and 1.5 hours for older ones.

I have attached the Parent brochure for your information. Permission slips have already been sent home and payment is required prior to 31st August.

Entries now open for Origin Energy's littleBIGidea competition

Calling all young inventors! Students in Years 3 to 8 are encouraged to apply for the 2016 littleBIGidea competition. All they need to do is submit an idea, no matter how big or small, on how to make the world a better place. Entries close Tuesday 30th of September. Find out more at the competition website:

Money Matters

Roberta Harycki

Thank you for your payments to date, BPoint is being driven very well by you!

Please ensure your child's Permission Proforma has been completed and returned intact to their classroom teacher. This form will allow staff to quickly identify parental permission before allowing your child to attend the activity.

Payments by the "Last day of Payment" is a must.

Voluntary Parent Contributions (VC)

Programs in developing Curiosity and Powerful Learning is underway. The "funds target has not yet met the mark" so if you wish to contribute, no matter how large or small – it would be most appreciated.

A copy of the Principal's letter and information sheet is available at the office.

Credit in Account: (e.g. -$10) - Please inform staff as to how you wish your account credit is applied. Our financial system does not automatically match to other payments.

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

Payment of account days:

8am-3pm - 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.

Music News

Naomi Lindh

We had an excellent student attendance at the first combined Year 2 and 3 choir rehearsal last week for our transition week. This Friday 19th of August, all students are requested to attend rehearsal on Friday morning. It was lovely to have a larger sound and sing in up to 3 parts, with some support at this stage. Thank you to families for assisting with the change of rehearsals for Year 3 Choir students.

Upcoming performances:

Fete – The Senior Band and all choir students will be performing - times as listed:

12 noon - Senior Band
12:25pm - Year 2/3 Choir
12:35pm - Senior Choir

Wednesday 7th & Thursday 8th of September - Instrumental Music Workshop (cost $40 - all IM students involved) with a concert on 8 September at 2pm

Wednesday 16th of November – Evening Concert 6pm - all choir and instrumental students will be performing

Wednesday 23rd of November – Grandparent's Concert - all choir students and the Senior Strings

Please note - additional performance dates may be added to this during the semester.

Chappy's Chat

John Erichsen

As one major event moves ever closer to its close, another even more exciting event draws nigh. The thrill and wonder of the Olympics may be reaching its final days but our school fete is just around the corner and likely to trump Rio 2016 for colour and fun, if the word on the street is anything to go by. Next Saturday, our school will be transformed into a wonderland of epic proportions as rides, stalls and on stage performances liven up the community. Spread the word and spread the joy! Graceville State School fete is almost upon us. I hope to see you there!

A world of books came alive at Graceville with the culmination of Book Week and a free dress day to support the Lob-O-Choc fete stall. Favourite characters from books graced the school today and there was an excited fun filled atmosphere throughout the school.

Have an awesome week!

Fete Update

Your fete checklist … how you can help out!

As we make final preparations for the fete, it is important to remember that it is the P&C's biggest annual fundraising initiative. This year, proceeds from the event will go towards ventilation of the hall, solar power, technology needs and ongoing maintenance and upgrades of air-conditioning. Here are some things you can do to help ensure the fete's success.

Now …

1. Make sure you have returned raffle ticket books (we need to account for all sold and unsold books).
2. Drop off toys and books that are in good condition outside the school office for sale at stalls (the cut-off date to receive items is Wednesday, August 24th).
3. Leave any good-quality household items and pre-loved goods in the POD (near the Tuckshop) for the Garage Sale. Storage is limited in the POD, so larger pieces can be delivered on Sunday August 21st, between 10am-12pm or the day before the fete.
4. Deliver any jams, relishes, chutneys and curds to the Tuckshop.
5. Plan your baking day for cakes and sweets. Don't forget to pick up sweets bags and recipes from the office.
6. Contact your class rep and sign up on the roster for your class stall.
7. Purchase ride bands and Art Show works (Prep to Year 2 only) via School24 before midnight on this Friday August 19th.

The day before the fete …

1. Take any cakes, baked goods and sweets to the school hall. (you can sample a few, but don't tell the kids).
2. Don't miss the last chance to drop off larger items for the Garage Sale.
3. Help with the set-up, especially after school finishes, and stay for as little time or as long as you like.
4. Check out the Performance Timetable and schedule your day around your 'little star's' performances.
5. Decide who you want to dunk and make sure you are at the Dunking Machine with your arm warmed up and ready to go.
6. Peruse the Cent Sale and Auction listings – they are AMAZING! Our sponsors have outdone themselves this year.

On the day of the fete…

1. Have fun! And make sure you see your child's class performance.
2. Work on your class stall and remember that many hands make light work. The beauty of having many parents sharing the load on stalls is that it allows all families to enjoy the day and spend time with their children as various activities unfold.

The day after the fete …

1. Lend a hand at the recovery and clean-up party. There will be a barbecue and coffee to keep up your energy levels.

Active School Travel

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

Queensland Road Safety Week
22nd-28th August

We understand that not everyone can be active every day of the week on his or her journey to and from school. For those parents and caregivers that need to drive students to school it is very important to be on alert and take extra care when driving around the school zones.

• Speed – are you doing the correct speed? 40km p/h around schools during 7-9am and 2-4pm on school days.
• Parking – have you parked on a yellow line? Do you know this obstructs the view of other motorists and pedestrians? It is disappointing that EVERY day there are cars parked over yellow lines around our school at pick up times. When you next park at the school (especially on Park Road) take the time to check that you're not parked over a yellow line…..you might be surprised! Set a good example and follow the rules – it doesn't matter how busy you are….you are endangering the lives of others by doing the wrong thing.
• Mobile Phones – we all are guilty of being distracted by our mobile devices. While driving make sure you are not texting or looking at the screen. Use hands-free where possible. Better still, if you can turn off your phone or put it onto silent while doing the school pick up – drop off. This will save you any unnecessary distractions and help you to focus on the traffic and pedestrians around the school. Better still turn it off and talk to your passengers
• School Zones - Anyone using the school pick up and drop off zones needs to be aware of the times it can be used and how long you can be parked there. The two minute zone is just that…..you are not supposed to be parked there for more than two minutes! If your passenger is not there you should be moving on and going around the block. Alternatively, park your car in the "park and stride" zones and walk. The weather is so beautiful at this time of the year and it gives you an opportunity to have a conversation with your child about their day.
• Crossings - don't park over the crossing as this makes it difficult for our crossing supervisors to see oncoming traffic.
• Signage - check the signage where you have parked or are sitting in your car. Are you parked appropriately?

Queensland Road Safety Week gives you the opportunity to be directly involved in making our roads safer….so join the conversation at:

Fete Competition

Thank you to the Fete Committee for donating the ride band and lob-o-choc prizes. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! The winners will be notified next week after the draw at 3pm Friday 19th August. If you are one of the lucky winners (and have already purchased your ride band) we will organise a refund for you.

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. Our next meeting will be on 13th Oct at 10:45am in the Waratah Room. Please contact Jo Richards at sajrichards@iinet.net.au for more information.

P & C

FETE NEXT WEEKEND!

Only about a week till Fete time! The kids are so excited. Thanks to all the parents who have mobilised to make sure preparations are underway for a fantastic day on Saturday 27th of August. Please work with your class reps, order your artwork and ride bands online and look out for fete updates via your take home kits and online. We're also after donations for garage sale to be dropped off at any time, even this Sunday at the tuckshop carpark POD and even up to the Friday before the fete for heavy items straight to the tennis courts.

Set-up and clean-up (Friday after drop off and Sunday morning) after the fete are great opportunities to help out. Many hands really do make these jobs so hassle free. Any time and muscle power is certainly appreciated.

FACEBOOK

The fete has an active Facebook page for updates in the lead-up to our big day. Please have a look and like "Graceville State School Fete" online to keep up to date. Another great page to join/like is the "Graceville State School by parents" on Facebook.

SAVE THE DATE – PARENTS DISCO

Put this date in your diary and get ready for some old school disco fun! Saturday 19th of November.

BUILDING FUND

The P&C, like most other P&Cs, offers parents an opportunity to take part in a Tax Deductible Voluntary Contribution Scheme. If you wish to contribute to the P&C building work projects for the school, please contact the P&C Executive at the email below and we will send you the details. The building fund is going towards climate controlling the school, continuing to air condition the class rooms and the major project of fixing the ventilation of the hall.

NEXT MEETING

The next P&C meeting will be held the week of the fete, Wednesday 24th of August at 7.30pm in the Waratah Room (which is beside the staff room in the main reception block). Everyone is very welcome.

Please feel free to contact the P&C executive via email: pandc@gracevilss.eq.edu.au

Uniform and Stationery

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

Gold shirts in size 8 have sold out. New stock is expected to arrive by the end of this week.

Friday sport shirts are in stock.

All sizes in Polar Fleece jumpers are in stock, as are tracksuit pants and bootleg leggings. Lots of second hand stock on hand.

Donations of 2nd hand uniforms are always appreciated. Good stocks are available for sale now, including lots of dresses, jumpers and good shorts. Come in and grab a bargain.

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

Tuckshop News

Great week, no world records, but great just the same! Numbers for the week were:

Do you enjoy your "day off" from making lunches when your kids have tuckshop? Then please make sure you thank these people. Volunteers for the week commencing:

Come and see us if you have any questions regarding anything "tuckshop" or email us on tuckshop.gss@gmail.com

Ally, Amanda and Anne

Community Notices

Staverton Kindergarten

Staverton Kindergarten has places available for age appropriate children for 2017 (children born 1/7/12 to 30/6/13).

Please call 3379 1511 or visit our website for further information.

School Holiday Cricket Clinics

Boys and girls, aged 6 to 17, are welcome to attend Holiday Cricket Clinics conducted by Henschell Cricket Academy Pty Ltd.

These Clinics concentrate on skills and activities for the beginner to the representative player whilst having fun.

Where: Fig Tree Pocket State School, Cubberla Street, Fig Tree Pocket
When: Monday 19 September 2016 to Thursday 22 September 2016 inclusive (4 days)
Times: 8:30am to 12:00pm daily
Cost: $199.00 (Incl. GST) (family rates available)
Contact: email – henschellcricket@bigpond.com or
Phone – Brett Henschell 0458 026 224

West Brisbane Asperger Support Group

Please see the details below for our next West Brisbane Asperger Support Group meeting:

Date: Thursday August 18th
Time: 7pm - 9pm (Please arrive ready to start the meeting at 7pm)
Venue: St Matthew's Church Hall (Cnr. Of Sherwood & Oxley Rds. Sherwood)
Speaker: Lizzie Brown
Topic: "Being a young woman on the spectrum - anxiety and all that stuff."
Cost: Gold coin appreciated

From Lizzie:

Let's get one thing straight. I'm not a medical professional, or a parent, or a psychologist. What I am is a 21 year old with Asperger's, who had gained a great deal of knowledge over my life. This isn't about clinical matters, this is about you. Growing up with a term that is considered to be very broad in definition, and manifests itself in different shapes and sizes, can be a difficult journey. Every day, young (and even older) people with AS will likely face ignorance, stereotyping and sign posting, and of course - school yard bullying. When you suddenly have a label upon you, people may begin to see you and treat you differently. The diagnosis may turn your life upside down, and you may start to change the way you see yourself, especially if you are fed consistent negativity.

I'll be speaking and answering any questions you have about coping with things like school/Uni/TAFE, relationships, dealing with hard times that may come about with anxiety and depression, counteracting stereotypes and the most important thing, learning the first steps of self-love and accepting yourself. I'll be talking about my journey openly and candidly as well and how being on the spectrum has changed my perspective on life as I know it.

Young adults, teens, children, Let me be a friend to you and give you advice, let me be a mentor to you and a voice of peace in a world that can be a little turbulent for people like us. Parents, or teachers, I hope I can provide some more insight into your child's/adolescents/grown-ups brain power, and let me be living proof that every child on the spectrum is different and are capable of whatever they wish to achieve.

It's okay to be different :) be the change you want to see in the world.

We look forward to seeing you.

Kind regards
Jane Leonforte
ASA Group Coordinator
0448 909 863

Souths Little Athletics

Souths Little Athletics season runs from September through to March each year on Friday nights at 6.30pm.

Little Athletics is a sport for children aged 5-16 years. It is based upon the sport of athletics (track & field). A wide range of running, jumping, throwing and walking events is conducted.

Venue: J F O'Grady Memorial Park - Brougham & Home Streets Fairfield

Sign on day for 2016/2017 Season is Saturday 20th of August 2016 at J.F. O'Grady Memorial Park, Corner of Home Street & Brougham Street Fairfield, from 9 am to 12 pm.

Registration Fees and registration details are on our website:

Souths Little Athletics Club is a registered club for the Get Started Program to help families with cost of memberships and or participation fees. Applications have opened and will close 28th September 2016.

Craft Market and Car Boot Sale

SUNDAY 21st AUGUST 2016
7:00am – 12noon
Corner of Oxley Road and Colwel Street Oxley

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