9 December 2016

From the Principal

Zoe Smith

We made it! What a year!

This year has been a big one for the school as we entered into the Curiosity and Powerful Learning Project. As with most organisational change, we have had our ups and downs and worked through them as a team to end the year on a high! We are excited about next year and the work we will do in Inquiry Learning and Higher Order Questions.

In last week’s newsletter I made you aware we have some changes to our staffing for 2017. As usual things can change up to Day 8 of the new school year. The class lists sent home on Wednesday are accurate and aligned with the information below.

In 2017, our Prep teachers will remain the same, our Year 1 team has a slight change with Mrs Brough becoming Mrs Barrenger’s teaching partner one day a week next year. Mrs Fredrick will join the Year 2 team in 2017, with Mrs Malcolm becoming Mrs Cousin’s teaching partner for two days a week. We say goodbye to Mrs Garrard for a year as she challenges herself with a year teaching high school! It will be interesting to hear of her experiences, we wish her the best of luck!

Year 3 remains the same and Year 4 welcomes Mrs Kelleher (4 days a week), a new teacher to the school, to work with Mrs Mammino (1 day a week) as her teaching partner. Year 5 and 6 sees the most changes in 2017. Mr Guthrie remains on the year joined by Mrs Hornstra. Mrs Pomeranke has asked to have a year where she can experience other teaching opportunities outside of Graceville and we wish her the best of luck. Regional Staffing Team is currently working on filling this Year 5 teaching position with a suitably qualified teacher. Ms McKillop, has been offered a permanent position in the new school at Redbank Plains and we wish her the best of luck.

Year 6, keeps Mrs O’Brien and Mr Arnold and they welcome Ms Ellis to work with them. Finally, we say goodbye to Ms Tapinos, as she takes on a new opportunity and we welcome Mrs Elliot as the Senior Enhancement teacher for Semester 1, likely the year. I would also like to wish Mrs Nash the best of luck as she takes 2017 off with Maternity leave.

I would like to thank Mrs Freeman for taking on the Acting Deputy Principal role for the last three weeks of the school year. The pace of work in the office in the last three weeks of the school year is far beyond what most people expect. Mrs Freeman has done an excellent job as part of our team.

I would like to thank the P&C for their support this year. We can achieve great things when we work together. I hope to see more parents get involved in the P&C next year!

Finally, I would like to wish our Year 6 students the best of luck in the future.

I hope you have a safe and enjoyable Christmas and New Year!

See you in 2017!

Newsletter Articles

From the Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

Please keep a watch on our school these holidays!

With the holidays fast approaching, we need you to look out for after-hours crime in our school. If you see something suspicious, please don’t attempt to intervene. Call School Watch on 13 17 88 and let the local police or State Government Protective Security Service deal with the matter.

The School Watch program is a partnership between the Department of Education and Training, the Queensland Police Service and the State Government Protective Security Service. It aims to reduce vandalism, theft and arson in Queensland schools.

Keep the number handy and let’s work together to help create a safer school community.

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.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday!

ICAS Medal Presentation

Last week, three students from Graceville State School attended the ICAS Medal presentation at the Brisbane Convention Centre.

Tom C in 3/4BC was awarded Top in the State for Year 3 Spelling
Eunsu C in 5/6D was awarded Top in the State for Year 5 Spelling
Isla W in 5/6D was awarded Top in the State for Year 5 English

With Mrs Bourke and their parents in attendance, it was a lovely afternoon and we are very proud of their achievement. We were also one of the few State Primary schools that won more than 2 awards.

Students with the top score in each subject in each year level are awarded a medal and a medal winner’s certificate.

This year over 980,000 entries were received but only 514 students from Australia were awarded medals for their outstanding achievement.

With Mrs Bourke and their parents in attendance, it was a lovely afternoon and we are very proud of their achievement. We were also one of the few State Primary schools that won more than 2 awards. Congratulations!

Student Council

Student Council Supports RSPCA

During last week’s assembly, the student council presented the RSCPA with a donation of pet supplies. A representative from RSPCA was on assembly to receive these much needed items for animals at their shelter.

2017 Book Lists

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

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.

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.

Chappy’s Chat

John Erichsen

The school year has reached its end and we have farewelled our Year six students. They have had a wonderful preparation for Secondary School and great futures await them. Next year brings, for them and their families, a mix of excitement and nervousness, dreams and doubts. This time of year sees a change of season for some of these families, no longer parents of students at Graceville State School. To those families, I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for all you have done supporting your child/children’s primary school experience. It has been a privilege partnering with you in some small way though those primary years. I trust your memories of Graceville State School will be positive ones filled with great times investing in the lives of our young people and may the relationships built and nurtured during these years, flourish even further as the next step of your journey begins. We, at Graceville State School, will miss you but as individuals and as a community, we are much richer for having traversed this part of the journey with you.

Thank you!

Next year will see the Chaplaincy Service reduce hours, as a full-time service is not sustainable without putting further financial pressure on the school community, which is already so very generous and supportive of not only chaplaincy, but all the activities undertaken by the school and the Parents and Citizens. Chaplaincy is finishing its 10th year at Graceville and has always viewed the role as being in the school to serve the school community. That will continue next year but not in a fulltime capacity at this stage. Exactly what days and whether four days per week or three, will be worked out over the holiday break as I search for a part-time job to supplement my income. My preference is to be here four days per week, but I may need to pursue a two day per week chaplaincy role in another school, if I cannot find something to cover the single day option. It has been and will continue to be a great privilege to support the Graceville State School community.

Anyone interested in financially contributing to the Chaplaincy Service can do so, at any time via the following link and donations are tax deductible.

Have a great holiday break, travel safely if you are going away and may your Christmas and New Year be especially joyous. I look forward to catching up with everyone when school resumes next year.

School Banking

I would like to give a big thank you to all the parents that helped with school banking this year. Without your help, we would be unable to continue. Next year school banking will continue on Mondays and it would be great to see some new faces.

There will be no school banking the first day back for 2017 and the first day to deposit will be Monday 30 January 2017.

A big congratulation to Django A in 2M who won a camping pack prize in the Term 3 Lights Competition. He received his prize on assembly recently.

Our School Banking program is a fun way for your child to develop the knowledge and confidence to handle their money, combining a savings Rewards Program with great activities throughout the year. If you would like your child to participate in our School Banking program please register your interest at the link below:

I hope you all have fantastic holidays and see you next year!

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 day on Friday 9th of December.

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.

School Supplies for Fiji

Thank you to everyone who has dropped off donations of school supplies for Fiji. These donations are greatly appreciated and will be put to good use.

Uniform & Stationery

Sue-Ellen Lockwood

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

This is my final newsletter. I wish to thank my great volunteers especially those whose families are leaving the school with me, Carol Hawker and Donna Williams. Thanks to all those staff members who have assisted me over my 6 years as Convenor.

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.

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)

GOODBYE AND FAREWELL

Tuckshop News

Anne, Amanda and Ally

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.

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.

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 www.afs.org.au/host 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