29 March 2018

From the Principal

Zoe Smith

Hello

I can’t believe how quickly the term flew by!

The teachers were once again victorious in the Teachers V Students+ games this week! I think we had an edge as the games were ‘old school’ with the egg and spoon race being a particular favourite! It is so nice to see the teachers and students having fun together!

We now have a two week break where we can all take some time to relax and refresh for another term. I hope you enjoy watching the Commonwealth Games and if you are lucky attending some of the events.

Next term we start on Tuesday 17 April. Our Year 6 students will head off on camp mid week, the school Cross Country will be Monday of the week 2 and ANZAC day will be an important day to remember on 25 April. As usual, we hope to see Graceville students attending with pride!

I hope you have a great Easter!

Zoe Smith

Newsletter Articles

Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

Seqwater play it safe campaign

With the Easter holidays fast approaching, it’s important to remember to keep an eye on your kids around waterways. Inland waterways are currently responsible for the highest number of drownings in Australia. For safety tips visit Seqwater’s website.

Nominations for the Peter Doherty STEM Award closing soon

Awards of $5000 are on offer in this year’s Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curriculum. Six categories recognise students, teachers, schools (both state and non-state), volunteers, mentors and organisations that demonstrate an outstanding and innovative contribution to STEM education in Queensland. Nominations close Monday 26 March.

CGEN Voices – tickets on sale now

Creative Generation Voices (CGEN) celebrates some of the best vocal talents from Queensland state schools.

Come along and enjoy the state final concert on Thursday 19 April at The Old Museum, Brisbane. 2018 adjudicators include Australia Idol winner Casey Donovan. Tickets can be purchased at The Old Museum website.

From the Deputy Principal

Maree Hass

Our annual Prep Easter Hat Parade was on Tuesday this week and we had a splendid display of Easter themed hats, bonnets and crowns! Well done parents and preps! Our prep students have come so far already with one term down at school and I thank all the hard working prep team of teachers and teacher aides, enjoy a well deserved break.

Enjoy the break everyone after a busy term one of the year, safe travels and holidays.

Go Australia!!

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.

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. 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.

Date Claimer: Prep 2019 Information evening will be held in our school hall on Wednesday July 18 at 7pm.

Below is the calendar for term 2 Junior assemblies. Everyone welcome, we are on from 2.15pm on these Tuesdays in the hall.

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)
• ESmart Digital Licence Yr 5 ($10)

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

Last week a small number of students selected by our instrumental teachers auditioned for a place in the intermediate or honours West Cent IM Camps. Thank you to the students who practiced to prepare their music for this and families who took their children to the audition. We will be able to inform students of the results from the audition early next term.

Due to the year 6 camp, the Senior Band rehearsal on the first Wednesday of next term will be cancelled. The Senior Strings rehearsal scheduled for the first Thursday in week 1 will be on as usual. Junior Choir will resume on the first Tuesday back, 17 April, however please note due to a staff professional development session with Kath Murdoch, Junior Choir will be cancelled on Tuesday 1 May only. There will be a Senior Choir rehearsal on Friday of week 1 next term at first break due to the pupil free day.

The Junior String rehearsals will start in week 3 next term, 2 May on Wednesdays at first break in the music room. Please note that Beginner Strings will join them later in the year, with the date TBA. The Junior Band will start rehearsals on 9 May, also as advised by Mr Kukulies via email. Please let us know if you are not receiving these emails.

Please ensure payment for the Choir and Instrumental Music levies have now been paid. Payment for the instrumental music program was 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 in a non-refundable $80 annual levy due by the end of week 4 as well as instrumental hire if applicable or the percussion maintenance fee. This information was included in the Newsletter sent out to families on 23 November 2017 and letter to students beginning in the program this year. Most of our families have paid this levy, but if you have not and would like your child to continue in the program payment must be made immediately. Please contact Mrs Smith if you are having any issues with payments. This year we are organising a choir incursion with a guest conductor for Friday 22 June which will culminate with a concert (at 2:15pm). The levies paid by students will cover costs for the day including the guest conductor and accompanist. Please ensure your child's levy is paid so they are able to participate in our exciting choir incursion.

We ask students and families to remain consistent with attending lessons and rehearsals at the end and beginning of terms and ask that if you will be away on holidays, please email your child's conductor/teacher.

2018 Rehearsal schedule

Monday 7:45am Senior Choir (year 4/5/6 students) - Ms Julie West Tuesday 7:45am Junior Choir (year 2/3 students) - Mrs Naomi Lindh Wednesday 7:30am Junior Band (year 4 band students) - Mr James Kukulies (please note this will not begin until term on 9 May Wednesday - first break - Junior/Beginner Strings - Mrs Ruth Prout (please note this will not begin until term 2, with rehearsals beginning in week 3, 2 May for Junior Strings and the Beginner Strings will join them later in the year) 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.

Thank you for supporting our music program.

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

We wish all of our families a happy and safe holiday!

HPE

Wayne Daunt

The school cross country will be held on Monday April 23, in the Graceville Memorial Park. The event is open to all children from our Prep classes through to the Year 6 students.

The children from Year 4 upwards (born 2008 and earlier) can choose to compete in a cross country event run over 2km (10 yrs) or 3km (11 & 12 yrs) or a fun run event (1km). Children who wish to possibly compete at the district cross country (available for children aged 10-12yrs) must run in a cross country event, not a fun run event. The approximate times for each event are listed below. Please note these times are approximates only and are to be used as a guide only, the event could be several minutes earlier or later depending on the organisation on the day.

TIMETABLE

9.10am - 11yrs & 12yrs Boys & Girls 3km Cross Country (born 2006 & 07)
9.25am - 10yrs Boys & Girls 2km Cross Country (born 2008)
9.45am - Year 4 Boys 1km Cross Country
9.55am - Year 4 Girls 1km Cross Country
10.05am - Yr 6 1km Fun Run Boys
10.15am - Yr 6 1km Fun Run Girls
10.25am - Yr 5 1km Fun Run Boys
10.30am - Yr 5 1km Fun Run Girls

SESSION 2

11.40pm - Prep Boys 500m Cross Country
11.50pm - Prep Girls 500m Cross Country
12.00pm - Yr 1 Boys 500m Cross Country
12.10pm - Yr 1 Girls 500m Cross Country
12.15pm - Yr 2 Boys 500m Cross Country
12.20pm - Yr 2 Girls 500m Cross Country
12.25pm - Yr 3 Boys 1 km Cross Country
12.30pm - Yr 3 Girls 1 km Cross Country

Library News

Melanie Hutchinson

HOLIDAY BORROWING FROM THE LIBRARY

During the Easter break children can borrow from our school library. Most classes have been to visit, and have chosen their books to read over the holidays - children were given the opportunity to borrow an extra book, which made many little people very happy! The last day for borrowing will be Thursday 29th March, students can visit before and after school and during lunch breaks. Students must have their library bag to borrow.

VOLUNTEERS

The success of our library depends upon volunteers, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our very special ‘Contact Club’ members, as well as those other parents who drop by the library to help cover our fabulous new library books and other resources required for the classrooms. Everyone has offered so much of their time and we really appreciate the extra help. Not only does it assist in the smooth running of our library, but it also means our students continually have new books to borrow, read and enjoy!

We would also like to thank our current library monitors who also volunteer their own lunch times to help out in the library. They are a very willing members and get so much done in such a short space of time.

GSS READERS CUP 2018

The Graceville SS Readers’ Cup takes place on Thursday this week and everyone is really excited to participate, and be in the running to have their teams name on the trophy. Some students have already indicated they are keen to try out by answering extra questions during first break, in the hope they will make up the teams that represent Graceville SS at the Regional Readers Cup Competitions. Watch this space for the winning results!

BOOK CLUB

Book Club orders have arrived and will be distributed throughout the week. Everyone will receive their goodies before the holidays. If there are any questions regarding Book Club please do not hesitate to contact me.

We wish everyone a safe and happy Easter break.

Uniform Shop

Fiona Fryer

Opening Hours Next Week: Monday and Tuesday 8.15am to 9.00am.

YEAR 6 COMMEMORTIVE SHIRTS

The shirts came back from the printers so they were given to the kids last Friday.

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.

Chappy’s Chat

John Erichsen

Well done for making it to the end of Term 1. It has been an incredibly busy term filled with achievements in learning. Our students, staff and families have truly earned this holiday break.

Have a wonderful holiday, investing in time with friends and loved ones. Stay safe on the roads if you are travelling and for those going to see the spectacle that will be the 2018 Commonwealth Games, plan ahead and enjoy the competition.

Have a fantastic holiday and see you back here refreshed for Term 2.

John Erichsen
(Chappy)

Tuckshop News

Tuckshop Roster for Week 1 of Term 2 – week ending 20th of April 2018

No sushi or rice paper rolls available in the first week.

Thank you to all our volunteers! We couldn’t have got through Term One without you! Thank you so much to the new volunteers who answered our recent call for help.

Our roster for Term Two is looking less like Swiss Cheese and far more manageable! However emergency back-up is always required especially coming into the cold and flu season. If you and your children love tuckshop and you could offer three hours once a term we’d still love to hear from you.

We are an online only ordering Tuckshop. If you would like to use the Tuckshop, please register your details on School24 at school24.net.au and follow the prompts. Use the Graceville School ID code 25314963.

There is an information page and login guide on the Graceville State School website, under P&C and the Tuckshop, if you need any help.

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

Have a great holidays!

Spellathon

Thank you for your support of Spellathon 2018!

Funds raised will go directly to support the teaching and learning of writing. Final figures raised and prizes awarded will be announced early next term at assembly.

The Spellathon Committee is looking for someone who would like to take over the lead role!

We will still be here next year, but would like to show someone how it works with a view to handing over the reins the following year. If you think this might be you, please get in touch - gracevillespellathon@gmail.com.

Don’t forget to support our sponsors – they support us, so we support them.

Peter May and Brad Robson from Place Real Estate and Graceville Village Discount Drug Store.

Thanks again, and see you in 2019!

The Spellathon Committee

Proudly sponsored by:

Schools Plus

What another fun week it has been at before and after school care! Last week we welcomed two new Assistant Coordinators, who were able to experience the excitement of before and after school care! From our highly anticipated “Frog in a Hole” breakfast morning to our Mexican Burrito afternoon, as well as our range of indoor and outdoor activities, the children again enjoyed a great week! They played with their friends as well as made new friends and created and facilitated games of their own. Also introduced was a new programmed group activity called “Golden Child”, run by one of our new energetic staff, which was an absolute hit! The children were also able to get their creative juices flowing and became artists of Graceville with our indoor, Butterfly Painting Activity. Week 9 down and we are even closer to our exiting Vacation Care Program, which will be even more jammed packed full on fun! Be sure to watch this space for more exciting news and updates!

Graceville State School Tennis Coaching – Term 2

Before School, Lunch Time and After School Coaching will commence from Tuesday 24th April 2018.

Enrolments close by Thursday 19th April 2018. Spare enrolment forms are available from the School Office, they can also be downloaded from the School Newsletter. To ensure a place in class, forms must be returned by this date to the School Office. Do not return forms to the School Office after this date contact Jim Joyce directly on 0417 771022.

A tennis meeting will be held at lunch time (1st Break) on Monday 23rd April on the School Tennis Court to advise of your lesson time – Please ensure your child attends.

Special Offer – All new students in Grade 1, 2 and 3 will receive a free tennis racquet when joining for the first time.

For further enquiries please contact Jim Joyce on 0417 771022

Holiday Swim Clinics

Bookings are now being taken for 2 holiday swim clinics being held this Easter vacation. The first from Tuesday April 3rd til Friday April 6th and the 2nd clinic from Monday April 9th til Friday April 13th. Squad, stroke development and learn to swim classes are on offer every day of the 2 clinics. Those in school care may participate in the program as well, with staff members able to take the children to the pool for their lesson and pick them up after. If you are coming from school care some paper work will need to be completed with them. It is not necessary to attend every day of the clinic so just state your availability when booking. You don't have to be a Graceville student so please pass this information to anyone who may be interested. All inquiries are welcome. Please contact Pete Geraghty by phone [0432407442] or email [petegeraghty@hotmail.com]

HIP HOP

GO SPORTS Coaching Term 2

Join us for all the FUN!! Learn a new game or improve skills.

SOCCER: Grades 1 – 4(1-2,3-4) commencing 2nd May 7.45-8.30am
NETBALL: Grades 1-4 commencing 2nd May 7.45-8.30am

To Register please see attached flyer or go to the link below.