25 November 2016

From the Principal

Zoe Smith

Two weeks to go!

As you can imagine this is an extremely busy time of year at the school. We are finalising many things for 2016 while simultaneously planning for 2017.

Teachers will be finalising report cards this week. The Deputy Principals and I can then read and sign, ready for them to be sent home on Wednesday, December 7th. Report Cards will be sent home in a sealed envelope.

The teachers, Deputy Principals and I will also have a draft plan of classes by early next week. The draft will be closely examined one final time late next week before we release the classes on the afternoon of 7th of December. Students have the opportunity to meet their new teachers on Thursday afternoon from 2.10pm. Once classes are drafted it is very difficult to make changes as we try our best to ensure an identified friend for each child, parent requests for a style or type of teacher and of course the professional judgement of our teachers who know the children very well. It is very difficult to accommodate all requests however we do our best. We hope students and parents can understand and appreciate the time and effort that goes into this process.

The Year 6 students and teachers are working hard to make their graduation a memorable occasion. The Graduation night is Wednesday 7th of December and is by invitation only. The final assembly which includes the badge ceremony for the 2017 school leaders and the farewell to our Year 6 students is open for all families to attend. We hope to see you celebrate these special occasions with us.

Each year, the Year 6 students leave a parting gift to the school and students. This year, the Year 6 students have gifted the start of a Lego room. This year a group of teachers and I attended a purpose build Inquiry school in Melbourne. We saw many amazing things and teachers were quite taken with the Lego room the school had established and how it had become such a highlight of their school. On return, the teachers discussed the idea with the wider staff and student council. The Year 6 gift is the ‘start up’ funds to make the Lego room operational in 2017. We are hoping to build upon the Lego room over time. We will need to find sources of funding to support this program in the school. We will consider how this can be achieved next year. Maybe you know a family, business or community group who would love to help with us in this project? Something to keep in mind as we enter the new year.

Finally, I would like wish the Swimming Club the best of luck for the 50th anniversary celebrations at the pool this weekend. It sounds like an exciting day! I will come along for part of the day to share in the celebrations.

Have a great week.

Newsletter Articles

From the Acting Deputy Principal

Tracy Freeman

I would like to take this occasion to introduce myself. My name is Tracy Freeman and I have the privilege of working as the Master Teacher at Graceville State School. My work has been predominantly based in all things Reading. It is wonderful to see students developing a love for reading, being able to decode texts, as well exhibiting the skills necessary to identify and use comprehension strategies.

Over the next three weeks I have the pleasure of working in the Deputy Principal role while Ms Hass is on Long Service Leave. This week I have had the opportunity to continue the Prep enrolment Interviews for 2017, it has been a thoroughly enjoyable experience to introduce new parents to the Graceville community. I have visited some P-2 classrooms and the students have all been very welcoming. By the end of the week I hope to have visited all P -2 classrooms, so if you see me in my travels please don’t hesitate to say hello.

Below is the calendar for Term 4 Junior assemblies – commencing at 2:15pm.

Taiwan Study Tour Update

A newsflash was sent out on Tuesday regarding the outbound Study Tour next year to Taiwan. We currently have 11 students who have registered their intention to participate in the study tour. If you want your child to participate, you will need to sign the ‘Intention to participate’ form and return it to the office by Friday November 25th. The office has spare forms if required.

From the Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

There will be no RI on Friday 2nd December due to the Yrs. 4-6 swimming carnival.

Pool refurbishment

Over the School holidays our pool will be undergoing a huge refurbishment. This work will commence in Week 10, with contractors setting up for this project. Any heavy, noisy work will commence in the week after school finishes. The plan is to have all work finished by the end of the school holidays, all being well. Please be aware that there will be a construction zone fenced, at the back part of the school, starting in Week 10. Access to all buildings should not be affected.

‘C’Block (After school care building) re-roofing project

In January the roof on C Block will be replaced. If you have children who will be attending Vacation care, they will be accessing the hall for that period of time. All work should be completed before school starts.

Same Day Absence Text Messaging

This week we have gone “Live” with our Text messaging system for unexplained absences. Last Friday every parent in the school should have received a test message in a text from us. So far it has been working well. On Monday we had 11 unexplained absences, Tuesday we had only 1 and Wednesday we had 4. Our goal for each day is to have no unexplained absences.

Here is reminder about the process:

• If your child is absent on any particular day, please call the absences line (3716 2760) early (night before or prior to 8am if possible)
• Absences line will be monitored up until 9.30am
• If you know in advance that your child will be away, please let the office know (3716 2777) so we can “Explain the future absence”
• Teachers will mark rolls by 9.20am
• Late students (same process as now) 8.45-9.00am – go directly to classroom, after 9.00am parents to escort student to the office for a late slip.
• At 9.30am we will send out the messages to parents who have a child absent (Unexplained)

Message will be from Graceville State School, “(Student’s Name) is absent from school today. Please contact the school on 3716 2777 or email sms@gracevilss@eq.edu.au ”.

Year 7 students for 2018 (Current Year 5 students)

If your child is currently in Year 5 and your intention is to send them to Indooroopilly High School, please check if you are in their catchment area. When I was speaking to one of the DPs this week, they told me that they can’t take anyone out of catchment for this year. The numbers at ISHS are getting very high so I suggest, for 2018, if you are not in the catchment area, please contact them early in 2017 to put your child on their waiting list. Don’t assume that if your child goes to Graceville State School that they will be accepted. It has to strictly go by their catchment area. Please check Indooroopilly State High School’s website or the Queensland Government Catchment Map website for details on which catchment area you are located in via house number and street address.

National Golf Championships

We were very pleased to hear wonderful results achieved by Ilani S from year 6. Ilani recently competed in the National Golf Championships at Murray Bridge Golf Club in South Australia.

• Representing Queensland, Ilani was also selected as Captain of the Queensland Girls Team.
• The Queensland Girls Team finished second (both Gross and Nett) in the 4 person Ambrose event.
• The Queensland Girls Team finished second in the Brenda Carnavas Cup (Nett event for Girls Teams) - awarded Silver Medals.
• The Queensland Girls and Boys combined Team finished third in the Craig Parry Shield (Gross event combining Girls and Boys Teams) - awarded Bronze Medals.
• Ilani finished tied 2nd individually (Girls Gross) in the final round (1 shot off first!)

Temperatures varied between 4 & 38 degrees during the week of play - 70kph winds and rain the first day, through to wind and baking temperatures the final day.

Congratulations Ilani on a fantastic effort!

2017 Book Lists

The 2017 booklists for our school are now available on the Campion Education website. Click on Order Now, select Queensland, then select your school, enter the following code: WAW5 and follow the prompts.

Please remember that you are ordering for your children’s 2017 year level.

Please note that you must place your order on or before Friday 2nd of December to have your book pack(s) delivered to your nominated physical address during the week ending 13th of January 2017, or you can select the option to pick up your pre-paid book packs from the School Hall on Friday the 20th of January between 3pm and 6pm. With this option you will need to bring identification/proof of purchase. It is important to know that you will only be able to pick up your own children’s packs.

Campion is located at 314 Montague Road, West End and is open Monday - Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm.

In January 2017 Campion will also open on Saturday 14th, 21st and 28th January from 9:00am to 1:00pm

They will be closed from 2:00pm on Friday 23rd of December 2016, reopening at 9am on Tuesday 3rd of January 2017, and also closed Thursday 26th January 2017 (Australia Day Public Holiday).

Money Matters

Roberta Harycki

Thank you for your payments to date. Pink reminder statements will be sent home by 28 November 2016. Your attention to accounts in arrears payments by 2 December would be appreciated.

Student Resource Schemes (SRS)

SRS programs for 2017 have been distributed to students currently in Prep-Year 5:

• Mathletics On-line ($12)
• Religious Education Requirements ($10);
• Years 2, 3, 4 - Origo Maths Program ($6);
• Instrumental Music Programs:

$100 instrument hire plus $30 music participation;

$50 percussion levy plus $30 music participation; and ongoing students in the IMP – $30 music participation.

Your support here will assist in student invoicing at the start of 2017. Please return the completed form by Friday 2 December 2016 to class teachers – Do not send payment until 2017.

GIFTS AND BENEFITS TO STAFF

Class representatives that are planning end of year thank you gifts I ask that you consider this information provided to our staff:

Please be aware of the gift register and "Declaration of Gifts and Benefits Received Form" is a must for value of $150 and over. This form (available from the office) is an official document and the DG is required to publish and make public your comments. This form is also approved by the Principal.

Credit in Account: (e.g. -$10) – This means your account has a credit of $10. Do not pay this amount but please let office staff know how you wish to use your credit by nominating which excursions are to be paid.

Sorry, our financial system does not automatically match to outstanding invoices.

Helpful hints for payment - BPoint instructions are attached; Also note, Permissions and Payments by the “Last day of Payment” is a must for your child’s inclusion.

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.

End of year scenario – If your family account is in credit and your child is not continuing at Graceville in 2017 with no other siblings to roll the credit over to next year, and then please complete a Request for Refund or donation to school funds if you wish.

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

This week we have had the Grandparents' Concert involving all of our choir students as well as the Senior Strings. This is our last performance of the year, culminating with shared carols accompanied by our string students and Mrs Prout, then morning tea with guests and performers.

I would like to acknowledge our dedicated music staff for their work with our students throughout the year at lessons as well as rehearsals, Ms Julie West, Mrs Ruth Prout, Mr Steve Stiller, Mr Alex Grodecki and Mr James Kukulies. Our students have had a great year of learning and performing music. On behalf of our music team we would all like to thank our students and families for their commitment and involvement in the program.

IM teachers will be collecting instruments from students next week to do a stocktake of our equipment and assess which items need servicing and repair. Continuing students should have received a note this week for the IM resource scheme for 2017. If you did not receive this, please contact me. Once it has been completed, please return it to the office by Friday 2nd of December. No payments are required until term 1 next year.

Thank you to our Senior Strings, Year 2/3 Choir and Senior Choir students for a fabulous Grandparents' Concert this week!

Chappy’s Chat

John Erichsen

As the end of the school year fast approaches, assessment and reporting tasks run rampant, leaving weary students and teaching staff in their wake. This time of year can be quite draining and that can bring on a case of the ‘grumpies’, turning our well behaved little cherubs into snarly, snappy people we barely recognise. Thankfully, this season is short-lived and normal programming will return. One just needs to survive until it does.

For those in the midst of these end of year meltdowns, going back to basics can minimise the fallout. Children need routines, especially when their tank is empty and they are running on fumes. When behaviour needs adjusting and withdrawals are made from that Parental Love Bank, it is essential that regular deposits are made to top up the account. This is a good practice at all times but particularly beneficial when the wheels are falling off. Find something your child/children enjoys and share in that experience with them. That shared joy is so precious and “you can take that to the bank”. When all else fails and our children lose the plot, in the midst of the carnage, remind them they are loved. Even when they don’t feel like it or want to hear it, children need that affirmation. In fact, those times are exactly when they need it most. It separates a poor choice or poor behaviour from who they are as person. It speaks to them and tells them that they are important and have great worth, even if they make mistakes. Life lessons often come, not from never making a mistake, but rather from making them and having opportunity to learn from that experience. I hope the end of term and all its craziness is a time where even the tricky situations bring you and yours closer together. Remember to breathe and embrace what’s left of the year.

The parents’ disco on Saturday was a fun night, complete with taking a trip down memory lane and back to the 1980’s. Those who attended had a great time and enjoyed revisiting those awesome moments of yesteryear. It is truly amazing how music can carry us away to a time long gone, but sealed away in the corner of our minds, never to be forgotten. Thanks to everyone involved in making the night happen. I hope it grows to be bigger and better next year.

Have a fantastic week!

3/4BC Ice Cream Stall Fundraiser

On Tuesday 29th of November 3/4BC will be holding an ice – cream fundraiser at the hall kitchen during the upper school’s second break. Prep to year 2, have taken home order forms this week and their ice creams will be delivered to their classrooms.

This fundraiser will donate 100% of the proceeds to Lani Balzan, an Aboriginal artist, whose house unfortunately burnt down on the holidays. We skyped with her during our NAIDOC day activities, and she painted and sent us a decorated feather.

There will be two choices for your child, vanilla ice cream with sprinkles and vanilla ice cream without sprinkles. The prices are:

Vanilla ice cream without sprinkles - $1.50
Vanilla ice cream with sprinkles - $2

Thank you to the student council for supporting our idea of a fundraiser for Lani.

Tom and Annabel for 3/4BC

School Supplies for Fiji

In February there was a cyclone that hit Fiji. Most of the aid sent during the year to help has run out. Old exercise books, pencils or other school items are being collected to donate to schools in Fiji. It is fine that these items are used as they are considered luxury items by many students in Fiji.

If you have any items to donate, please drop off to the school office – there is a collection box for donations and they will be sent to Fiji during the school holidays.

Active School Travel

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

Safest Route to School

When they are old enough to travel to and from school on their own, it is important to know the route your children take. You can learn about the hazards they may experience as pedestrians by travelling the route with them.

As you walk with your children, consider the following questions:

• Does the route follow the quieter streets?
• Does it have the least number of road crossings?
• Are there footpaths or do your children have to walk along the roadside?
• Are there difficult intersections or railway lines along the route?
• Are there signed, supervised or light-controlled pedestrian crossings?
• Do your children look for a safe place to cross the road?
• Do they use the 'Stop, Look, Listen and Think' procedure before crossing roads?

Is your younger child under the supervision of an older child or adult? 
When you travel the route with your child, discuss how they can be safe on their journey. If the route seems too dangerous, look at some alternatives keeping the above questions in mind. 
Note: If your younger child has to be in the care of an older child, please be aware that the older child may not have sufficient road sense or maturity to be able to supervise the safety of a young child. 
Meet your child at the bus stop after school so they learn to walk home or cross the road safely. Don’t call them across the road... walk across to meet them

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.

P&C News

FINAL P&C MEETING FOR 2016

The last meeting for 2016 is Wednesday 30th of November at 7.30pm in the Waratah Room (which is beside the staff room in the main reception block). Everyone is very welcome.

SCHOOL VOLUNTEERS DINNER

All parents and especially our fantastic volunteers are welcome to join the end of year Celebration of Volunteering for the P&C in 2016 at Graceville State School. The dinner will be at Asian Lily, Graceville Avenue on Monday, 5th of December. There is a set menu at $25/head menu. Please come and join us. RSVP to the P&C email address or to Anne and Amanda in the tuckshop.

TECHNOLOGY

The school technology plan will be delivered to the next P&C meeting to discuss. This document will outline a 5 year plan of updating and providing the required technology for our children's learning. A discussion will be held as to how we may go about funding and delivering this plan as a school and school community. It is likely that a levy in the form of a voluntary contribution will be needed to stem the flow of the aging technology in our school and deliver on the technology plan. Everyone please feel free to join the discussion. We are working on the premise that we want our children to have ready access to appropriate technology for their learning.

UNIFORM SHOP

Thank you to the people who expressed an interest in this position. We will review these applications and will look at appointing a coordinator as soon as possible as we enter the busy start of year preparations.

PARENTS DISCO

The parents disco went off with a bang. A fantastic night was had by those who were able to attend. Thanks to Melissa and Rebecca for organising such a great night. Special thanks to Chappy who helped setup, cooked and was last man standing at the end with the cleanup and lockup. We would be interested to know if the parent body would like another disco, perhaps earlier in 2017 as this time of year does get busy.

POOL 50th CELEBRATIONS

Congratulations to the Swimming Club team who have arranged a fantastic celebration of the pool's 50th anniversary set for this Sunday, 27th of November. It looks to be a great afternoon. Please see swimming club section and next week's newsletter for the recap. The 50th celebration of the pool continues in the holidays of course where the pool gets a facelift thanks to the Department of Education.

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.

Uniform & Stationery

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

The Prep selling days have concluded for this year. Newcomers will need to come during normal uniform store hours up until the end of term.

If you have a small child wanting a dress for next year smaller than the size 2 available you need to come in and specially order them asap.

The new SKORTS have proved popular and have sold out in sizes 6, 8 and 10 but you can order to secure your stock when it arrives. More have been ordered for return to school but we would appreciate receiving your orders as soon as possible to try and ensure we have enough ordered. We have samples to try on in store. The Skorts have pants built in under a skirt embroidered with GSS in gold on skirt.

Most of your swimming gear is available from the uniform store, including swim caps, bags and quick dry towels in your house colours and others.

All sizes in House Shirts (Cook, Kennedy and Flinders) are in stock. Get in now for the swimming carnival in the 2nd last week of school.

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

Anne, Amanda and Ally

No records this week but goodness, we were busy!! Numbers for last week were:

Please note that the week commencing Monday 28/11/16 is the last week of tuckshop with the last day to order on Friday 2/12/16. Tuckshop is closed in the last week of school.

Volunteers for the final week of the year, week commencing Monday, 28/11 are:

If you see them, make sure you thank them. Remember, it's your children they are working so hard to feed!

If you have any questions please come see us or drop us an email at tuckshop.gss@gmail.com

Contact Club

Contact Club will meet next week on Wednesday the 30th of November.

Come along to the last meeting for the year and celebrate your achievements (I wish I had statistics of how many books we covered, you would be astounded!), enjoy good company and great chat. There are still plenty of books to cover and those we get done will be ready for the students in the new year ahead.

See you there after drop-off or reading groups in the library. Bring a snack if you like, and tea and coffee are supplied. If you would like to join us, just turn up or contact Amanda on thecarps.home@gmal.com

Community Notices

Sherwood Community Festival

Sherwood Community Festival is currently looking for new Committee members to help organise this wonderful, local annual Festival.

Please call President, Viv Rogers on 0414 795 275 or Sandy Howard on 0418 736 579 if you are interested.

Dunlop Park Swimming Pool

Free Events at Dunlop Park Swimming Pool during November.

Sherwood District Meals on Wheels

Do you know someone who is having difficulty shopping for food or cooking? Sherwood District Meals on Wheels is able to help. Our volunteers deliver meals to the suburbs of Chelmer, Graceville, Sherwood, Corinda and Oxley. Our $10.00 meal pack ($9 if eligible for government subsidy) includes soup, a main meal, juice and dessert. The meals are nutritionally prepared for us by our supplier Nutrifresh and are delivered daily by our friendly volunteers between 9 and 10 am. The meals can be delivered fresh or frozen allowing more flexibility for the clients. Special dietary needs can also be catered for.

Who is Eligible?

• People who are 65 or older
• People who are having difficulty preparing meals for themselves or shopping
• People who have a disability and their carers
• People recovering from hospitalisation or illness

Volunteers

Volunteering for Meals on Wheels is a satisfying experience as we enable people to maintain their independence by continuing to live in their own homes. We provide a friendly daily contact for people, many of whom may be isolated or frail. We welcome new volunteers to either do a delivery run to people in their homes one morning a month (starting around 8.45am and usually finishing shortly after 10am) or to help in our kitchen by packing the meals for delivery.

If you know someone who needs help with meals or you would like to volunteer, please contact Donna at Meals on Wheels on 33797715 or email: sherwoodmow@gmail.com . For more information visit our website.

Graceville Railway Station Upgrade and Aerial Photography Notices

Musical Instruments For Sale

*Trumpet

Silver YAMAHA Trumpet – Purchased new two years ago. Excellent condition.

Recently checked by Brass Specialist.

Includes Hard Case, Music Stand and Standard of Excellence Books 1 & 2.

Asking $500.

Contact Nadia Mob: 0417753134

*Alton Saxophone

Jupiter JAS 769 Alton Saxophone with excellent custom fit “wheelie” case. $800 ono.

*Clarinet

Yamaha 250 Student Clarinet, including standard hard case. Professionally cleaned & serviced.

$300 ono.

Please contact Justin on 0448 989 441 or Averil on 0419 868 831

AFS – Intercultural Programs Australia

Would you like to be a Host Family to an AFS exchange student arriving in February?

Are you ready to get an unforgettable experience, get to know another culture, make a lifetime friendship by adding a new member to your family from different country?

If your answer is YES, then log on to our website and get to know our amazing students arriving in February 2017.

We have students from a variety of different countries eagerly awaiting any kind of information regarding their future host families who will host them here in Australia for the length of their program, either 5 or 11 months. Please contact the Hosting Coordinator at the AFS National Office: on 1300 131 736.

School Holiday Activities Notices

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: Week 1 – Monday 12th of December 2016 to Thursday 15th of December 2016
Week 2 – Tuesday 3rd of January 2017 to Thursday 6th of January 2017

Times: 8:30am to 12:00pm daily

Cost: $199.00 (Incl. GST) per Clinic (family rates available)

Contact: email – henschellcricket@bigpond.com
phone – Brett Henschell 0458 026 224

Game On Australia Holiday Sports Program

Game On Australia is pleased to announce two multi-sport programs in the upcoming holidays. Exciting sports, games and activities on offer.

Years: Prep - Year 6. All abilities welcome.

Where: Christ the King Primary School, Graceville.

When: Wed 14th – Fri 16th December and Mon 16th – Wed 18th January

Times: Activities from 9:00am-3:00pm

Operators: Game On is organised and run by qualified HPE teachers and coaches

Early Bird Specials finishes shortly.