4 April 2019

From the Principal

Zoe Smith

Hello,

It is amazing to think the term has come to an end and we are now entering the Easter Holidays!

If you were lucky enough attend the Prep Easter Hat Parade this week I am sure you walked out with a big smile on your face! Not only did our preps look amazing in their Easter Bonnets but they sang beautifully too! I was also very impressed by the Year 1 and 2 students who were very supportive as audience members. One of the things I love about our students is the excitement and enjoyment they show as they participate as audience members, they love a good clap or sing along!

This week our Year 5 and 6 students participated in the school Readers Cup. Mrs Hutchinson does a great job organising the Readers Cup each year and the children love getting dressed up and taking part in teams on the day. I would like to thank Mrs Hutchinson for the great enthusiasm she brings to the love of reading and writing at Graceville.

Our Out of Catchment waiting lists for Prep open on Tuesday 23 April. The office will be very busy that morning and so we greatly appreciate your understanding in postponing any non-urgent trips to the office. Things are usually back to normal around 9.30am.

The first week of Term 2 is only three days long. Tuesday 23 April is the first day back and Thursday 25 April is the ANZAC Day public holiday. I hope to see as many students as possible at the ANZAC day march and service. Don’t forget to bring a hat and water bottle as it can be hot standing in the sun on ANZAC morning.

Monday 29 April is the Year 4 – 6 Athletics Carnival which is held at UQ. The athletics carnival is a great day especially as we use the UQ track and field facilities and equipment. Mr Daunt, our PE teacher, is always looking for volunteers so if you are interested please let him know.

Ms Hass our Deputy Principal for the lower school will be taking leave to go on an overseas holiday in the first two weeks of Term 2. Ms Kerrie Byrne will be the Acting Deputy Principal in her absence.

Finally, I hope you have a wonderful Easter Break. I am always mindful of the road safety messages around speed, fatigue and distractions while driving especially in school holiday periods. If heading off to the beach please be aware of swimming between the flags and following the advice of life guards. I look forward to seeing all of our students return safe and sound after the holidays.

Happy Easter!

Zoe Smith

Newsletter Articles

Deputy Principal

Maree Hass

Easter Hat Parade

What a great turn out again this year and wonderful colourful Easter hats, well done Preps!

Wow, term 1 just about done, what a busy and productive term! I hope you all have a lovely Easter break and come back revived for term 2. Kerrie Byrne will be replacing me for the first 2 weeks as I am on long service leave. See you back in week 3.

Inbound Study Tour 2019

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 26 until August 10 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.

Date Claimer

Date Claimer: our school ANZAC Day assembly will be held in our hall on Wednesday April 24 at 10:15am, all welcome to attend.

Thank you year 3 parents who have offered to provide a plate for morning tea for our ANZAC Day assembly and also to come in and assist on the day. There has been a wonderful response so please send in a small plate of food. Thank you so much.

Waiting List for Prep for 2020 – opens first day of next term Tuesday April 23.

The waiting list for 2020 will open on Tuesday, 23rd 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.

Junior Assemblies

Below is the calendar for term 2 assemblies.

Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

NAPLAN testing (Years 3 & 5) 14, 15 & 16 May 2019

On Tuesday 14, Wednesday 15 and Thursday 16 May, students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will take part in the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy, or NAPLAN, as it is commonly known.

Skills that will be tested include reading, writing, spelling, grammar and punctuation, and numeracy.

These tests are done here at school and are considered just another part of the curriculum.

It is important for you and your child to know that NAPLAN is not a pass/fail test. It simply looks at what level students are achieving in literacy and numeracy against National Standards and compared with student peers throughout Australia.

NAPLAN cannot be studied for and students are not expected to do so. The best way you can help your child prepare for NAPLAN is to let them know that it is just a routine part of their school program, and to urge them to do the best they can on the day.

All students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 are expected to participate in NAPLAN testing. Please ensure that if you have a child in Years 3 or 5 that they are in attendance during that week in May. Please avoid booking holidays or appointments during those days. If you cannot avoid those days eg. specialist appointment, please try to make it in the afternoon. All testing will be completed by 12.45 on those days. Any missed tests will be made-up on Friday 18 May only.

Later in the year we will send you an individual student NAPLAN report that you can use to view and monitor how your child is progressing.

More information is available on the NAP website:

Money Matters

Anne Nixon

Student Resource Schemes (SRS) for 2019 are:

• Prep Requirements ($70)
• Reading Eggs for Prep ($25)
• 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 2, 3 and 4) ($6)
• Year 4/5 maths levy ($17.50)
• ESmart Digital Licence Yr 5 ($10)

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. We will be starting to send Term 2 accounts next week.

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 2018 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

Naomi Lindh

Last Thursday our Junior Choir had their first performance for this year at the Harmony Day assembly. This was such a lovely assembly with so many of our students performing and sharing music, dancing, experiences and information about different cultures. The choir sang two songs with a beautiful tone and confident sound, especially as the second song did not have any harmonic accompaniment and included two parts. I hope all of our students enjoyed the experience of singing and being part of this very special assembly. I would like to thank all of our Junior Choir students, our Choir Captain Ditte H and year 6 leaders Grace C and Georgia R for their efforts. Thank you also to the members of our school community who were able to attend and support our students who were performing at this assembly.

All instrumental and choral rehearsals will resume from week 1 next term. Please note that there will be a Senior Choir rehearsal on the first day back during first break (Tuesday 23 April) due to the public holiday on Easter Monday.

The Senior Choir will be attending the Sing Together Day at St Peters on Tuesday 18 June and evening concert. A letter will be provided to students closer to this event, but please note the date as it also includes an evening concert at St Peters (on Tuesday 18 June). We need all Senior Choir students to attend to make the most of this exciting performance opportunity so we ask families to ensure students are able to attend. The Senior Choir will also be performing at the Junior Assembly on Tuesday 11 June prior to their St Peters performance. If any students would like to join one of our choirs next term, please check the link below for further information.

Please contact your child's instrumental or choral conductor if they are not able to attend a rehearsal (email contacts are listed below) or if they are experiencing any issues with their lessons.

Last week, 5 of our students who were selected from a large number of nominations attended the Honours Choral Program. Our Choir Captain Ditte H has written the paragraph below about this exciting experience.

The Metropolitan Choral Honours Program was a privilege to be involved in. We all enjoyed this amazing opportunity. The students involved were: Sam C, Maria B, Grace C, Hannah M and myself, Ditte. The program, lasting three days, began on the 25th and ended on the 27th and on the Wednesday evening we were lucky enough to perform a the Old Museum! “I really enjoyed the conductors and pieces of music.” Sam had said about the program. “One of the highlights was meeting & performing with lots of new people who were all interested in singing,” commented Maria “other highlights were learning lots of new songs and performing in the Old Museum”. We all thought this was a great learning opportunity.

Ditte H - Choir Captain

2019 Rehearsals Venue - Music Room

Monday 7:45am - 8:30am Senior Choir (beginning in week 3 on 11 February) (year 4,5 and 6 students) Ms West
Tuesday 7:30 - 8:30am - Junior Band (starting during term 2, date TBA) Mr Kukulies
Wednesday 7:45am - 8:30am - Junior Choir (beginning in week 3 on 13 February) (year 2 and 3 students) Mrs Lindh
Wednesday 10:45am - 11:25am - Beginner/Junior Strings (starting during term 2, date TBA) Mrs Prout
Wednesday 2:50pm - 4:00pm - Senior Band (beginning in week 3 on 13 February) Mr Stiller
Thursday 7:45am - 8:30am Senior Strings (beginning in week 3 on 14 February)

Music teacher contact details...

Alex Grodecki - agrod3@eq.edu.au (at Graceville Thursdays)
Ruth Prout - rprou5@eq.edu.au (at Graceville Wednesdays and Thursdays)
James Kukulies - jkuku2@eq.edu.au (at Graceville Tuesdays)
Steve Stiller - sstil2@eq.edu.au (at Graceville Wednesdays)
Julie West - jwest269@eq.edu.au (at Graceville Monday/Tuesday)
Naomi Lindh - nclos1@eq.edu.au (at Graceville Wednesday/Thursday/Friday)

Important dates to note...

11 June - Senior Choir singing on Junior Assembly
18 June - Senior Choir attending St Peters Sing Together Day and evening concert
24 August - Fete performances - Junior Band, Senior Band, Junior Choir and Senior Choir
28/29 August - Instrumental Music Workshop - concert 29 August at 2pm involving all IM students.

On behalf of our music staff I would like to wish all of our students and families a relaxing holiday and a Happy Easter.

Naomi Lindh
Music Teacher and IM Coordinator (Wednesday - Friday)

Chappy’s Chat

With some welcome rain, our oval and lawns have returned to a more lush green state. This rain has done much to fill water tanks and lifted the spirits of many in our communities. It is interesting to see the hope that good rain can bring. Some of our rural communities have received rain and can now see a way forward and a positive outcome. The rain has also aligned with the arrival of autumn weather. As the saying goes, "It’s better late than never.” I know many won’t be too devastated if the hot and humid weather has finally passed.

These holidays, I wonder how many of our students will, without conscious intent, use the Learning Assets as they enjoy some leisure time? Will families and friends see and hear thinkers, communicators, collaborators, researchers and self-managers in their holiday environment? I imagine many will as our students have immersed themselves in the waters of life-long learning.

Early next term our year 6 students head off to camp. Set in the hills, inland of Tweed Heads, the setting is perfect for a camp which will both challenge the students and be a celebration of their final primary school camp experience. Many activities require harnesses so please ensure clothing is suitable for climbing activities. With all the climbing, it might be fitting for our students to reach for the stars on camp. I am sure our students will be wonderful ambassadors of Graceville State School and return from camp weary, but content with all they have achieved.

On Wednesday, April 24, we will hold our ANZAC Day Commemorative Service, where we remember the brave actions and great sacrifices made in times of war and conflict. We pause to reflect on this important aspect of our nation’s history and honour the courage and commitment of all who have answered the call to serve their country. This time is also an opportunity to be thankful for the peace and freedom we enjoy. May we always value this freedom, which was bought at such a great price. Lest we forget!

Finally, I hope you have a fantastic holiday break, filled with amazing times spent with those most important to you. May these two weeks be filled with magical moments that remain forever etched in your memories. For those travelling, stay safe wherever you are going and return to us with tales of exciting adventures. For those remaining close to home, enjoy the break of routine and the company of those special people in your world.

See you next term!

John Erichsen
(Chappy)

Tuckshop News

Thank you thank you one and all for your help at tuckshop this term, it has been a busy start to the year and what a hot one! The first week of next term is a bit confusing with Monday being a public holiday and also the Thursday. So the roster for the three days is:

Tuesday 23/4 - Bec Kenos, Chantell Saddler
Wednesday 24/4 - Mel Stainlay, Jo Richards, Jane Garner
Friday - 26/4 - Elizabeth and William Chin, Cass Rich, Sasha Briggs

We told you last week that we had something new coming and today you get to see a picture!

New muffins will be in tuckshop from Term 2.

Orange and Poppyseed and Apple and Cinnamon (made by Carolin). We have done a few tastings and can highly recommend them both. Anne's favourite is the orange, and Emma is an apple girl. They will remain at the same great price of $2 each and will be available for ordering from 23/4.

We hope you enjoy the Easter holidays and we will see you next term.

Anne and Emma

Uniform Shop

Fiona Fryer

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

Uniform Store Roster

Week 1

Week 2

Year 6 Commemorative Shirts

The shirts will be ordered on Friday 5th April in the morning, no late orders will be received after this time, I am hoping the shirts will be back from the printers the first week of term 2.

Cross Country

If you hired a singlet from the uniform store, please don't forget to return it to receive the $5 deposit back.

Size 12 Flinders shirts are out of stock.

We now have size 2 house shirts in stock, by the end of this term everyone should know which house they are in.

We have a new delivery of hair accessories, there are headbands, hair ties, bows and clips all in the school colours.

As of 1st July 2018, stores stopped providing free single use bags therefore the uniform store will no longer provide plastic bags so please make sure you bring your own if required.

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

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 in the main office.

Email address for school uniform store is:

uniformstore@gracevilss.eq.edu.au

School Banking

We are looking for Volunteers for the Graceville State School program, if you are interested please feel free to email Alicia Field –School Banking Specialist at the Commonwealth Bank.

Alicia.Field@cba.com.au

School Plus

With the weather taking a turn for the worse, everybody at School Plus has maximised the use of all our indoor facilities. Craft and the hall have been very popular options with dodgeball and badminton both being a hit amongst the children. We have also continued our gardening endeavours whenever there is a bit of sunshine. Recently we have also started providing the children with a little more responsibility by having a breakfast monitor and a bag monitor each morning, with whoever has been in those roles excelling in helping the educators! Don’t forget to book for Vacation Care which is approaching fast, there is a fun-filled program for everyone to enjoy.

Graceville State School Tennis Coaching – Term 2

Before School, Lunch Time and After School Coaching will commence from Tuesday 23rd April, 2019.

Enrolments close by 9.00am on Monday 1st April 2019. 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 Thursday 4th 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

Easter Swim Clinic

Bookings are now being taken for a swim clinic being held at the school pool over the Easter vacation. Group lessons consisting of Squad, Advanced Stroke Development and Beginner Stroke Development are on offer. Private lessons for learn to swim students or those who want specialized instruction may also be booked for 20 minutes. The swim clinic will be held for 5 days from Monday April 8th until Friday April 12th. You do not need to attend every day of the clinic so just state your availability when booking.

To enrol in the clinic please contact Pete Geraghty by phone [0432407442].

GO SPORTS Coaching TERM 2

Join us for all the FUN!!

NETBALL : Grades 1-4 Wednesday commencing 8th May 7.45-8.30am
SOCCER : Grades 1 -4 Wednesday commencing 8th May 7.45-8.30am

To Register go to:

Community Notices