2 December 2016

From the Principal

Zoe Smith

One week to go!

Mrs McKeaten, Mrs Freeman and I are now deep in report card reading. It is very interesting to see the progress of children over the course of the Semester. Report Cards go home on Wednesday afternoon.

We have now finalised the classes for 2017. The school will be staffed with 31 teachers. We try very hard to accommodate the wishes of all parents and students however we do our best. Once classes go out it is very hard to make changes and so we very rarely accommodate these requests. Classes will go out on Wednesday afternoon. There will be a ‘meet the new teacher’ session on Thursday afternoon from 2.10pm.

We have some teacher changes for 2017. Mrs Davey has extended her secondment until the middle of the school year. Mrs Elliot will be taking the senior Enhancement Class for Semester 1, 2017. We are also very sad to say goodbye to Ms McKillop. Ms McKillop has only been on contract at Graceville and has now been offered a permanent job in the new school opening at Redbank Plains. We have one new teacher coming into the school, Mrs Kelleher, who will be bringing her two children to Graceville and is looking forward to becoming a member of the Graceville community.

I have heard great feedback about the Lego room as explained in last week’s newsletter. Please keep thinking about ways we can continue to build on the Year 6 gift start up! I will seek further ideas and support early next year as we explore options.

Next week is huge for our Year 6 students! The Year 6 Graduation will be held on Wednesday night. The final assembly of the year, which includes awarding the leadership badges to our Year 5 students and farewelling our Year 6 students, is held on Thursday morning from 9-10am.

Finally, I would like to thank the parents who are taking the opportunity if they catch me around the school, or even via email to share some of the positive things that have happened at Graceville and how grateful they are to the teachers and the school. Often, we only hear from the people who have a complaint or are unhappy about something and so we have been very thankful the parents who are taking the time to let us know how much they appreciate the school.

I hope you have a great week.

Newsletter Articles

From the Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

Same Day Absence Text Messaging

We have been ‘Live’ with our messaging service for over a week now. We have had a few little teething problems, but generally things have run very smoothly. Apart from a few technical glitches, which are out of our control, it has been a good start to this process.

If you know in advance that your child will be away, please let the office know (Absence line: 3716 2760) so we can “Explain the absence”. As a parent, it is your responsibility to inform the office about your child’s absence. Out of courtesy you can let the class teacher know as well, but you need to call the absence line to inform us, prior to the commencement of school. It is not the teacher’s role to pass on this information to the office.

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 admin last week, they told me that they can’t take anyone out of catchment for next 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 that they will be accepted. It has to strictly go by their catchment area.

or the Queensland Government Catchment Map website for details on which catchment area you are located in via house number and street address.

2017 Book Lists

Just a reminder that this Friday 2nd of December is the cut-off date for ordering booklists.

Click below to visit the Campion Website. Enter the code: WAW5 and follow the prompts. Please remember that you are ordering for your children’s 2017 year level.

Pick up from the school hall will be on Friday the 20th of January between 3pm and 6pm.

Campion has listed a different time but this is an error on the website.

Please 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 have been sent home. Your attention to accounts still to pay would be appreciated. Family accounts in credit will rollover to 2017 and can be used with other family members in the school.

Student Resource Schemes (SRS):

Forms have been distributed to students currently in Prep-Year 5

• Mathletics On-Line ($12)
• Religious Education requirements ($10)
• Forms have been distributed to students currently in Years 2-4 (not Year 3/4BC):
• Origo Maths Program ($6)

Please return all forms to your child’s class teacher by 2 December 2016. These SRS programs being run in 2017 will require permission to participate in readiness for invoicing at the start of next year.

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

We would like to say a huge THANK YOU to all of our committed music students and families. Concerts, rehearsals and lessons have now finished for 2016 and during this time we have shared many songs, pieces, learning experiences and performances together. It has been a fabulous journey of learning and sharing within our school community which would not be possible without your commitment!

Ms Julie West and I would also like to say a special thank you to the parents who helped for a number of hours during the set up and morning tea for the Grandparents' Concert. Your time and assistance was greatly appreciated! The morning tea was lovely and we acknowledge the efforts families have made to send food/plates to school for it.

If your child still has a school instrument which they have loaned, they need to return it as soon as possible to the music room unless you have made a prior arrangement with me. Continuing students should have received a note regarding the IM resource scheme for 2017. If you did not receive it, please contact me as soon as possible. Once it has been completed, please return it to the office by Friday 2nd of December or Monday 5th of December. No payments are required until Term 1 next year.

Thanks again for your commitment and involvement in the music program this year!

Library News

Melanie Hutchinson

The end of the year has come around very fast, please be aware that ALL STUDENT LIBRARY BORROWING BOOKS NEED TO BE RETURNED so our annual stocktake can be completed. This includes any class readers and/or textbooks students may have brought home to complete homework, reading groups or assessment.

We also wanted to give a huge shout out to all our wonderful library monitors - big and small! There is a huge group of students who regularly visit the library at first and second break. They lend a hand with so many jobs in the library and we truly appreciate all your help.

Sports News

Wayne Daunt

Due to the predicted excessive heat forecast (39 degrees) for Friday, the swimming carnival has been cancelled. This is in line with Education QLD excessive heat policy.

In the first week of 2017 students wishing to attend districts will be given the opportunity to swim and qualify for the West Taylor Bridge District Carnival.

Chappy’s Chat

John Erichsen

As we enter into the final days of the 2016 school year, we see the finish line not far away and we press on, gaining ground with every stride. This year has been busy and full, with students participating in a huge range of activities, and the school community supporting students, staff and P&C events with great gusto. I hope when you reflect on 2016 at Graceville State School your memories are positive ones that bring a smile to your face. We are part of a wonderful school community and it’s good to remind ourselves of that when things seem a little crazy busy and we are all feeling weary.

The students have received their Random Acts of Kindness tickets and over the final week of school, we hope to see an ever greater outward focus as “Nice Deeds” spread more and more throughout the school community. It is good to do something nice for someone else. It is a positive experience for both the giver and the recipient and “Win/Win” opportunities should be grasped as often as possible.

Thank you for all the volunteers who give up their time to deliver the various Religious Instruction programs in our school. I hear much positive feedback from parents about the programs.

This time of year is filled with messages of hope and love, shared through Carols and Christmas messages. Whatever your worldview is, I trust this time of year is one where you find love, hope, joy and peace. For me, these are the diamonds in the Christmas story. May your holiday season be filled to overflowing with joy and happiness found in sharing great times with those you love.

When looking ahead to 2017, may it be a year where your hopes are realised and with so much conflict in our world, my Christmas wish is that you and your family can enjoy the holidays and the year to come, with a very real sense of peace.

Have a wonderful Christmas and New Year.

Creative Generation

Registration to join Creative Generation for 2017 is now open. Students in years 2-5 in 2016 are welcome to register their interest for next year.

If your child has not received a registration form and would like to join, spare copies of the form can be collected at the office.

Student Medication

Just a reminder that medication belonging to Year 6 students and other students leaving the school will need to be collected from the office by a parent/carer at the end of next week.

If you have recently received a letter notifying that the current medication the school has for your child has expired, please ensure that current medications are up to date for the start of 2017.

Student Council

Student Council Supports RSPCA

Earlier in the year the Student Council asked the students of Graceville State School to vote on a non-profit community organisation to support. It is a way the students of Graceville can give back to their community and see the value in helping others. The students voted to support the RSPCA. It is with great pleasure we invite all families and friends of the school to our assembly on December 1st as we present the Student Council gift to the RSPCA.

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 and they will be sent to Fiji during the school holidays.

P&C News

2016 ALMOST DONE

The last meeting P&C meeting for 2016 was held on Wednesday 30th of November evening and we would like to thank everyone who attended any of the meetings this year. I would also like to encourage everyone to be a part of the P&C, participate in the life of your child at the school. Our active P&C really does make a real difference to the learning environment of our children. The P&C Annual General Meeting will be held in Term 1 and I would encourage people to attend and take a position on the committee. There is plenty of work to be done in 2017!

Thank you to the school leadership team, the staff and especially the fantastic teachers we have at our school. It has been a terrific year and it good to see your hard work pay off in the results and the growth of our children. It has been a massive year in further rolling out the inquiry learning and we appreciate the effort which has been made by the teams.

A massive thank you to the P&C Executive. 2016 certainly seems to have flown by and there have been countless matters which the Executive shares and deals with almost on a daily basis. The major projects of ventilation of the hall, power usage in the school, solar power and ongoing sustainable air conditioning of the classrooms are all well underway. The hall should have a solar array fitted this month which will start reducing the school power bills immediately. Maintenance work on the hall roof vents/whirly birds should be done later in the school holidays.

This year also sees a number of massive contributors stand down as their time at Graceville comes to a close. The fete teams led by Kathy and also with Gehann have worked with an incoming fete team for 2017. Derek Brown has been P&C President for 5 years and this year assisted greatly as a Vice-President. Sue-Ellen has run the Uniform Shop and done a magnificent job over the years. Carol and Donna also in the uniform shop, thank you. Thank you to all of you.

Thanks to the tuckshop convenors and all the wonderful volunteers who feed our children. You've done a fabulous job and also thank you for the conscientious and meticulous way, in the background, you have navigated through the material from the Government to ensure that our tuckshop is transitioning responsibly and successfully with the new Healthy Choices 2017 requirements.

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 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.

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

Sue-Ellen Lockwood

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.

The back to school selling day has been pencilled in for Friday 20th of January 2017 9am to 12 noon.

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.

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

Record breaking week last week, you could say we were very busy!! Numbers were:

This is the last week of Tuckshop. School24 website will not accept orders for dates between Monday 5th of December – Wednesday 25th of January.

Thank you for supporting us throughout the year and we hope you have a fantastic relaxing holiday! We will re-open next year in the first week of school on Friday 27th of January 2017.

We will let you know the new volunteer roster for 2017 as soon as we have a clearer idea of our volunteer numbers.

Don’t forget, if you can help next year, we would love to have you in the Tuckshop! It’s only one shift once a month. Hours are approximately 8.30am until 11.30am, tea and coffee are supplied and it can be a great social outlet. You can pair up with a friend and do your tuckshop shift with them, catch up while you make a few lunches. We are happy to have you help, no experience necessary!

If you would like to contact us please drop us an email at tuckshop.gss@gmail.com.

Have a wonderful Christmas and happy holidays.

Christmas at Graceville State School

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas!

The elves in Mrs Lambrides’ 1L classroom have been hard at work creating a “Santa” theme to their classroom. The twinkle lights also look amazing!

It seems that Christmas has also hit the Admin Office, complete with tree, stockings and tinsel.

School Plus Before/After School Care

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.

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 at:

Graceville Railway Station Upgrade

Musical Instruments For Sale

*Alton Saxophone

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

2017 Sports Registrations

SOUTH WEST UNITED HOCKEY CLUB INC

Want to improve your or your kid’s physical and mental health in 2017?

Hockey is a game for everyone - with many parents and kids eventually even enjoying playing in the same teams together. Those who excel at our sport are supported to go on beyond Club level to play Representative hockey at State, National and International level.

Playing hockey offers great opportunities for keeping fit, learning teamwork and commitment, promoting respect and resilience and for teaching responsible participation. All this happens in the midst of friendship and fun!!!

So if you’d love to join an inclusive, dynamic and supportive community to rediscover or learn hockey then consider attending our

SWUHC 2017 Come & Try and Registration Day

Saturday 11th February, 9am-Midday at The Cricket Club, Graceville Oval, Graceville.

We welcome men and women, boys and girls to play from ages 5 to 95!

Training happens:

Wednesday’s from 5pm at Carina for Turf teams (only U13 & over)
Thursday’s from 6pm at Graceville for grass teams U7, U9, U11, U13 & over

Games happen:

Junior Turf Friday night/Saturday morning –various turf locations
Junior Grass Saturday Morning – Rasey & Downey Parks, Wilston
Senior Grass Saturday Afternoon – Downey Park, Wilston
Senior Turf Saturday and Sunday –various turf locations