8 March 2018

From the Principal

Zoe Smith

Hello,

There are only three weeks to go now until the school holidays! Time is flying!

Parent Teacher Interviews are being held in week 9 this term. All parents should have received a letter with details of teacher availability. I encourage you to attend this formal opportunity to discuss your child’s learning.

Next Thursday 15 March, we will be holding our annual Parent Information Session to explain how the Enhancement classes operate. It is important for you to attend this session if you are a current Year 2 or Year 4 parent and are interested in expressing an interest for the classes in 2019. A letter was sent home with specific details, inviting parents to the meeting. Expressions of Interest for the Enhancement classes for 2019 will be available at the meeting or at the office after the meeting. An Expression of Interest, returned by 29 March, is the only process for entry into the class. Parents who do not complete and return an Expression of Interest form to the school office by 29 March will not be considered. The school does not accept late expressions of interest. If you are interested, please read the letter that was sent home, enrol your child to do the UNSW tests and attend the meeting at 8am in the hall on 15 March.

This Friday, Ms Hass has been asked to speak at a conference about Graceville’s success as a host school for International schools through the Study Tour program. Ms Hass has been integral in leading Study Tours at Graceville, both in and out bound. We are lucky to have Ms Hass leading the way in this unique aspect of our school.

At whole school assembly next Thursday, we will focus on celebrating Harmony Day and recognise The National Day against Bullying which will be observed on Friday 16. Please come along and help us to recognise these two important events.

I hope you have a great week,

Zoe Smith

Newsletter Articles

Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

Say 'Bullying. No Way!' on Friday 16 March

The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA) is on Friday 16 March. Take a Stand to promote a united message that bullying and violence are not okay. Students and Staff are encouraged to wear an orange shirt on that day. Yr 5 & students will need to bring their usual shirt for interschool sport.

Managing contagious conditions at your school

Parents are reminded to take their child to the doctors if they are quite unwell. We don’t want contagious conditions at school otherwise other students, staff and parents may also get sick. Please let us know immediately if the diagnosis is an infectious condition where we would need to contact public health and the school community. Your GP will know the full extent of conditions eg. chicken pox, Gastro, Measles, Whooping cough, Hepatitis A, Rubella are the common ones. Please be mindful that we have people in our school community who may be adversely affected by some of these contagious conditions eg. people with low immunity or pregnant women.

Train travel for Easter holidays and #GC2018 – be prepared

To support the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games, there will be timetable adjustments across the SEQ Citytrain network from 30 March – 20 April, over the school holidays and during week 1 of Term 2.

Members of the school community are encouraged to plan their journeys in advance, especially when returning to school next term. Material for school newsletters, social media and websites is included in this edition of the State Schools Update and there is a flyer that can be distributed.

2018 International competitions

All students in Years 2 - 6 will soon be invited, via email, to participate in the International competitions run by the University of New South Wales.

Any students in Years 2 or 4 whose parents are intending to apply for the Enhancement classes are required to enter their child in the English, Maths & Science competitions.

In 2018 we will be participating in the following competitions:

• Digital Technologies 8 May $8.00 (Yr 3-6)
• Science 29 May $8.00 (Yr 2-6)
• Spelling 13 June $11.00 (Yr 2-6)
• Writing 14 June $17.00 (Yr 3-6)
• English 31 July $8.00 (Yr 2-6)
• Mathematics 14 August $8.00 (Yr 2-6)

All participating students will need to indicate if they are entering by Wednesday 14 March. Payment for these competitions will be invoiced for each competition. Unfortunately with the invoices, they all will be sent as individuals unless you are on Q Parent, you can simply pay for all of them in one transaction. All competitions will be non-refundable as they are pre-paid.

From the Deputy Principal

Maree Hass

School Technology Plan and Committee

In 2016 we developed a technology plan for the next 5 years which covers the distribution of devices in the school and planning for the renewal of devices as required. The P&C support technology in the school by providing 75% of voluntary contributions towards technology. I would like to invite any parents who might like to get involved in this committee to come to our first meeting for the year to discuss how things ‘technologically’ are going in the school on Friday April 27 at 8:00am in the school library. We are fortunate that this year we have a computer technician to support us in the school 3 days per week, this is part of a new Education Queensland initiative as last year we had to purchase technician time 2 days/week out of school funds.

To date this year, $8 700 has been received for voluntary contributions which equates to 87 students paying for this year, thank you very much to those families. 75% of this amount will go directly towards updating and purchasing laptops and iPads for use in classrooms.

Study Tour 2018

It’s early days but we will be hosting a Study Tour from Taiwan, from Minzu and Wenhau Elementary schools this year. The prospective dates will be July 24 until August 7 for two weeks. Please as a family start to think about if you are able to offer a place to host one of these students. It is a rewarding opportunity and I will give more information at the beginning of term 2 as we commence planning for this visiting group.

Waiting List for Prep for 2019 – opens first day of next term Tuesday April 17.

The waiting list for 2019 will open on Tuesday, 17th April at 8:00am. Please let any interested people know that forms and information can be obtained from our school office from that date which is the first day of next term. Families from within our catchment area we also invite you to obtain enrolment forms to begin the process when convenient after the start of term 2. For in catchment families a birth certificate and proof of residency in our catchment is required along with the completed enrolment form.

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 1 assemblies.

Money Matters

Anne Nixon

Thank you for your payments for excursions and resources to date.

All excursions and events require payment and a permission form to be returned by the due date or your child will not be permitted to attend.

Student Resource Schemes (SRS) for 2018 are:

• Prep Requirements ($70)
• Instrumental Music Programs – Instrument Hire ($100), Percussion Maintenance ($50), Music Participation ($80) & Choir ($30)
• Religious Education Program ($10)
• Mathletics On-line registration (Years 1 - 6) ($12)
• Origo Maths (years 3, 4 and 5) ($6)
• Year 4/5 maths levy ($17.50)

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

VOLUNTARY PARENT CONTRIBUTIONS

Your valuable contribution to this school’s Learning Targets is most welcome.

$100 single student.

You can either pay the Voluntary Contribution in the office, or by direct deposit into the school bank account referencing the payment “VC” with your child’s name. Our bank account details are

BSB: 064-111
Account Number: 00090051
Account Name: Graceville State School

Credit in Account: Credits from 2017 rolled over to this year can be applied to current invoices at the parent’s request.

Request for Refund form for an excursion paid and not attended is available from the front office. Prepaid ticketed excursions are non-refundable.

Payment of account days:

8am-3.00pm - 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

The Junior Choir will be performing at the whole school Harmony Day assembly on 15 March. Families and members of the school community are invited to attend. This will be the Junior Choir's first performance for the year and they are looking forward to singing at the assembly!

Please ensure your child has returned their student resource forms. The choir student resource form is blue and the instrumental student resource form is orange. These need to be returned to the office (or music room). Payment for the instrumental music program is now due by the end of week 8 this term. At the end of last year with the approval and input from the P and C we changed the IM levy process and included the workshop as a non-refundable $80 annual levy due by the end of week 4. This information was included in the Newsletter sent out to families on 23 November 2017. Most of our families have paid this levy, but if you have not and would like your child to continue in the program we are requesting the payment by the end of week 8. Please contact Mrs Smith if you are having any issues with payments.

2018 Rehearsal schedule

Monday 7:45am Senior Choir (year 4/5/6 students) - Ms Julie West (rehearsals begin in week 3)

Tuesday 7:45am Junior Choir (year 2/3 students) - Mrs Naomi Lindh (rehearsals begin in week 3)

Wednesday 7:30am Junior Band (year 4 band students) - Mr James Kukulies (please note this will not begin until term 2 in May, with the first rehearsal date TBA)

Wednesday - first break - Junior/Beginner Strings - Mrs Ruth Prout (please note this will not begin until term 2, with the first rehearsal date TBA)

Wednesday 3:00-4:00pm Senior Band (year 5/6 band students) - Mr Steve Stiller (rehearsals will begin in week 3)

Thursday 7:45am Senior Strings (rehearsals will begin in week 3)

Please contact your child's teacher if you have any questions or concerns about your child's involvement in the music program or if they are unable to attend a rehearsal.

Alex Grodecki - agrod3@eq.edu.au
Ruth Prout - rprou5@eq.edu.au
James Kukulies - jkuku2@eq.edu.au
Steve Stiller - sstil2@eq.edu.au
Julie West - jwest269@eq.edu.au
Naomi Lindh - nclos1@eq.edu.au

Thank you for supporting your child's involvement in our music program.

Naomi Lindh
Music Teacher and IM Coordinator

Library News

Melanie Hutchinson

SCHOLASTIC BOOK CLUB

Scholastic Book Club is up and running again for the year.

This term’s flyer (Issue 2) has been handed out to the classes – to order, just look over the flyer with your child, select the books you want and mark them on the order form on the back of the flyer.

Then ORDER ONLINE WITH THE CORRECT PAYMENT, by the closing date FRIDAY 16th March.

Preferred method of payment:

CREDIT CARD payments online, or through the LOOP APP [LOOP: Linked Online Ordering and Payment available on the link below or download the LOOP Apple or Android app]. The order forms do not need to be returned to school.

If paying by credit card on the phone or with a cheque made to Scholastic Australia, return the order form to the school library by Friday 16th March.

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

Chappy’s Chat

John Erichsen

The first term of 2018 has been filled with exciting learning opportunities for Graceville students. As I get to classrooms I am finding students engaged in inquiry and deepening their understanding. I am impressed by how effectively our students can communicate about what they are learning and what’s next in their journey. From our new Prep students to our year six school leaders, there is buzz around the school regarding the Learning Assets. Even on last Friday’s Year 5 “Geography Walk”, many students’ note taking reflected the positive impact the Learning Assets are having on their researching and enthusiasm to explore content more deeply. We are just at the beginning of this whole school journey. So, it is incredibly exciting to consider just how far our students will go as we travel farther down this road.

I would like to extend a big thank you to all the parent volunteers who contribute to morning reading groups. It makes a massive difference to have so many parents willing and able to partner with teaching staff to deliver a strong reading program. Not only are students very excited to have a parent helping their learning in this way, but the consistent connection between school and home is reinforced also. We live in a busy world and it isn’t always possible for parents to be free to volunteer in this way. There may be other ways and other times where you can provide a little extra support to your child’s learning. For example, some extra spelling practice in lead up to the Spellathon would be quite beneficial. Keep an eye out in the newsletter for opportunities and put your hand up, if you can. Both students and parents will find it very rewarding, connecting over schooling and it sends a wonderfully positive message to children about how important their learning is.

In the mornings before school, I see so many students being good self-managers, sitting quietly waiting to be released to play. I witness so many responsible students playing appropriate games with consideration for others around them. Of course, there are instances where some students, over-eager to play or caught up in the moment, need a little reminder about keeping themselves and others safe. With all the wet weather lately, travelling around the school needs to be done safely and with care. I know students need outlets to release all their energy and on wet days, with the oval closed, that is easier said than done. Hall activities are organised for some levels at break times, to provide some outlet. I also hope our students recognise their need to be especially vigilant on wet days with all those hard, slippery surfaces around the school.

Interschool sport, kicked off, tapped and ran off and jumped off last Friday for year five and six students. I know many of our year fives have been waiting for Interschool sport for what seems like forever. Hopefully, students will enjoy their chosen sport, develop and build their skills and increase in their understanding of the game and related strategies. The season should also provide opportunities to develop teamwork skills and roles. Parents are welcome to attend and spectate, encourage and support our sporting teams. It can be a great spectacle.

Have an amazing week!
John Erichsen

It’s SPELLATHON time! Spellathon is a fundraising event designed to be both a fun and educational activity for our children. SPELLATHON 2018 word lists and sponsorship forms have been given to children to take home. A copy of documents for each year level is attached to this newsletter.

Spellathon is a literacy based way for our children to help fundraise for our school. There will be lots of fun prizes awarded. Prizes will be based on sponsorship collected and words spelled correctly. Also, all children who spell all their words correctly will be entered into a prize draw for each year level. As well as individual prizes, there will be whole class prizes for the class that raises the most money in each year level.

This fundraising event is second only to the fete in terms of revenue raised for the school. In 2017 we raised over $19,000 - an amazing effort! Last year funds raised by the Spellathon contributed to refreshing the resources focusing on Humanities and Science. This year the focus is on resources to support the teaching and learning of writing. Projects like these are of great benefit to all students in the school. Please encourage your friends, relatives and neighbours to sponsor your child and help us make Spellathon 2018 a great success.

Important Spellathon Dates:

Tuesday 13 March: SPELLATHON Test Day
Tuesday 27 March: Return of sponsorship forms and money

Our sponsors for 2018 are Peter May and Brad Robson from Place Real Estate and Graceville Village Discount Drug Store.

If you need help buying or selling your home, Peter & Brad from Place are the ones to help you. Please contact Peter on 0409543546 or Brad on 0414773437.

For all your pharmacy needs go to Graceville Village Discount Drug Store (incorporating Graceville News) where you get more than just low prices. They are located next to the Post Office in Graceville.

We thank our sponsors for their support of our school and ask that you support them with your business.

If you have any queries please get in touch by emailing: gracevillespellathon@gmail.com

The Spellathon Committee

Proudly sponsored by:

Uniform Shop

Fiona Fryer

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

YEAR 6 COMMEMORTIVE SHIRTS

The shirts have been sent to the printers so I will not be accepting any late orders. The shirts will be back before the end of this term.

INTERSCHOOL SPORT

Interschool sports have started for years 5 and 6, you can purchase the representative shirts from the uniform store for $35.

All house shirts are now back in stock.

Donations of 2nd hand uniforms are always appreciated, so please keep them coming but can you please make sure that all items are in a good, clean and saleable condition.

Please be advised that refunds will ONLY be given if you have the original receipt and items should not have been washed or worn.

Swimming gear is available including some long sleeve rashies, lycra and silicone swim caps, swim bags and quick dry towels in the house colours.

Order forms are available on the school website and can be emailed to the uniform shop at the below address, the items will be sent to the classroom via the teachers pigeon hole.

Email address for school uniform store is:

uniformstore@gracevilss.eq.edu.au

WE NEED MORE VOLUNTEERS PLEASE, it only requires you to be there from 8.15-9.00am on Mondays, Tuesdays or Fridays, if you think you could help out send an email to the above address or just come to the store and have a chat.

Tuckshop News

Tuckshop Roster for the week ending Friday 16th of March 2018

Thank you to all our volunteers! We still need more volunteers!

Volunteers are required on both Wednesdays and Thursdays, if you can help please contact us at the Tuckshop on tuckshop.gss@gmail.com We are very busy preparing the healthy choices lunches!

Have you tried our Hommus and crackers or the carrot sticks? They are very popular to order and a great snack. Maybe Tzatziki is your favourite, we sell that too with crackers, carrot sticks or cucumber sticks, take your pick!

TO BUY AT THE TUCKSHOP COUNTER –

Popcorn is only 50 cents and you can buy it online or over the counter. ANZAC Cookies are available for 50 cents per cookie too. Want something refreshing on a hot day, then try Frozen Watermelon for only 50 cents. Bretzels are selling fast too, very tasty and popular at our introductory price of $1.20.

Fancy a different snack? Try the Roasted Chick Peas or Fav-va Beans for $1.50/bag. They are a very filling snack! Apples available for $1. Delicious Vanilla Blueberry or Apple muffins are also available for $2 each. Greek yogurts in either berry, passionfruit or mango flavours are $2.20 and very tasty. So much to choose from!!

If you have any questions or concerns, please see us at the Tuckshop or drop us an email at tuckshop.gss@gmail.com

Contact Club

The Contact Club meets this Wednesday the 7th of March in the Library straight after drop-off or after reading groups. Tea and coffee supplied. We meet 8.30am - 11.30am but please come along for as long as you are able, every bit helps.

There are loads of books to cover. If anyone has spare time, and would like to take some books home to cover, there are sets of readers to cover at your leisure. Just ask our friendly Librarians. All books and resources need to be covered before they can become part of the Library catalogue. Volunteers in this group make it happen! If you would like to help and join our friendly bunch, just come along on Wednesday or email contactclub.gss@gmail.com for more information.

The next Contact Club will be on Wednesday the 2nd of May (none in April due to the school holidays).

ACTIVE SCHOOL TRAVEL

Thank you to all the students, parents and teachers who took part in the launch of Active School Travel on 27th February. Teachers met with students and parents at meeting points to walk on mass to school to celebrate. Also thanks to Cr Johnston put on muffins and juice for the hungry walkers (and active travellers) at school as part of the launch celebrations.

Get stamping!

As part of the Active School Travel program, students who walk, cycle, scooter, car pool or catch public transport to school on TUESDAY can earn great rewards.

Once a week on TUESDAY students who actively travel get their passports stamped. When students reach target trips in their passport, they are eligible for an Active School Travel reward.

There are lots of great rewards for your children so join us and actively travel on TUESDAY to earn stamps and great rewards.

Each Tuesday 27th you will be able to collect stamps in your passports as you actively travel to school.

Active travel is:

• Walking
• Riding
• Rolling or scooting
• Catching public transport
• Walk and stride – park the car a few streets away from school and walk the rest of the way

Active travel is NOT:

• Being dropped off at the schools drop off zones

Stamping stations will be located:

• At the gate near the tennis courts
• In the quadrangle outside the hall
• At the bottom gate near Out of School Care

Throughout the year we will have lots of fun events where you can get involved and earn bonus stamps and great prizes.

Friday 23rd March -National Ride to School Day.

Students have the opportunity to earn a bonus stamp in their passports on Friday 23rd of March. Decorate your helmets (even if you cannot ride your bikes) to be in the running to win some great prizes. Remember just be active…..ride, walk or roll and help reduce congestion around the school.

We need 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. We are especially in need of a parent, caregiver or member of the community to head up the committee for 2018, with lots of ongoing support from the current members.

Please contact Jo Richards at sajrichards@iinet.net.au for more information or come along to our next meeting at 3pm on Thursday 15th March in the Waratah Room.

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