5 December 2019

Domain and email change

Please be aware that the school’s domain name change for our school website address is now:

This domain name change also impacts upon the following email addresses, please ensure you have updated your contact lists:

principal@gracevilless.eq.edu.au
admin@gracevilless.eq.edu.au
newsletter@gracevilless.eq.edu.au
pandc@gracevilless.eq.edu.au
bsm@gracevilless.eq.edu.au
prepyear@gracevilless.eq.edu.au

Principal

Zoe Smith

Hello,

One week to go! This is the last newsletter for the year.

To start this week’s newsletter I would like to congratulate some students for wonderful achievements.

• I would like to congratulate Eliza B ,Miller B, Sarah N, Jacqueline P, Liam T, Jackson W, Max W for participating in the State Honours Ensemble Program held at the Queensland Conservatorium of music last weekend. They spent their entire Saturday rehearsing new music, before performing at a concert on Sunday. Well done!
• I would like to congratulate Tom C, Jack C and Benny B for being awarded academic medals from the UNSW for exceptional achievement in Maths and or Science. Outstanding!

As the year draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to say thankyou and farewell to a few staff members who will be leaving us this year:

• Mrs Julie West (music teacher) who has secured a permanent full time job – we love Julie’s passion for music and wish her the best of luck in her new school
• Mr Alex Grodecki and Mr Steve Stiller (Instrumental music teachers) who have been assigned to other schools – we will miss their fun loving attitude and the wonderful relationships they have built with the students
• Mrs Tammy McNeil (Prep teacher) who will be working at Yeronga State School in 2020 – we have appreciated and learned a great deal from Tammy due to her experience from Kindy – we wish her the best of luck
• Mrs Elise Trapp (admin) who will be leaving her position to have a wonderful year at home as a new mother – we can’t wait for her to pop in next year and introduce us to her bub!

Although returning to the school in the future, Mrs Caton has decided to take a year’s leave in 2020. Mrs Caton may pop in to do some supply work for us during the year.

The last week of term is a big one so please see some reminders below:

Monday – Upper School Swimming Carnival
Tuesday – Lower School Swimming Carnival, Report Cards emailed, Class Placement letters come home
Wednesday – Meet the teacher afternoon for students from 2.00pm, Graduation Night for Year 6 students
Thursday – Leaders for 2020 Badge Ceremony and Farewell Assembly for our Year 6 students from 9-10am and Class parties
Friday – Last day of term, clean up, students can wear free dress. 3pm – it is the holidays – Woohoo!

At the P&C meeting on Wednesday night, the expenditure was finally approved for funds to air-condition the hall and increase the solar panels in the school. It is also likely some funds will be used to upgrade other aspects of the hall. The P&C hope to have all upgrades to the hall completed as soon as possible.

Each year the Year 6 students provide a parting gift to the school. This year, the Year 6 students, with some help from the P&C, have gifted fairy lights for the beautiful tree in the wonder garden. The lights were tested on Wednesday night and will have their official first event on Graduation night. We got an excellent deal on the lights and installation with the overall costs much cheaper than expected and they are energy efficient for Fairy Lights. A timer has been installed to ensure the use of the lights has been pre-planned and time of use managed. The lights will not be on every night, a schedule of days aligned to school activities or events will be established for 2020.

Finally, an exciting new opportunity is likely to be available for Year 5 and 6 students in 2020. For a number of years parents and students have been asking if the school would consider taking students on a Canberra Trip. A number of staff have now offered to volunteer to attend a trip to Canberra and so we are looking for expressions of interest from Year 5 and 6 students for 2020. At this stage, we can accommodate 60 students, for a 6 day trip in the last week of Term 3, at a cost of approximately $1200 per student. If successful, the trip is likely to be a Bi-annual Trip in the off years of our overseas Study Tour to Taiwan (which is usually the same time of year). If you are interested, we are collecting Expressions of Interest to see if the trip is worth the school pursuing. Although a short time turn around, we would like to know by the last day of this term if you are interested in taking up the opportunity. There is no obligation, just an expression of interest that would be followed up in week 1 next year. If there is enough interest, we will move quickly in week 2 next year, to secure a deposit so we can make bookings.

On behalf of the staff I would like to thank you for supporting the school this year.

School resumes on Tuesday the 28th of January 2020.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Have a safe and enjoyable holiday season,

Zoe Smith

Newsletter Articles

Deputy Principal

Maree Hass

Robotics Challenge

We enjoyed a stimulating and suspenseful demonstration by our Robotics Club students yesterday. I would like to thank Mr and Mrs Wei for their support each Friday morning along with Mrs Chudasko who supported the Robotics Club with volunteering her time each Friday morning too. I am sure the students developed greatly in their coding skills and enjoyed the fruits of their labours in watching their products go through their paces in a variety of challenges.

Prep uniform selling: Wednesday January 22nd 2020 3-6pm

We have our final junior assembly for the year on December 9, commencing at 2.15, all welcome to attend.

Finally, I hope you all have a great holiday and enjoy the festive season with your family.

See you in 2020!

Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

A few reminders for Parents and families:

• In the afternoons after school there have been quite a few children climbing trees on the oval. Even though parents are there supervising we do not allow students to climb trees on school grounds. We don’t want any accidents to occur.
• Please make sure the rules at the crossing and in the 2 minute zones are followed. The feedback from the crossing supervisors is that there has been an increase in people not being safe in those areas.
• Another reminder about not parking on the yellow lines around the school. This can incur a fine!
• We have also had an increase in students ‘hanging around’ in the school grounds after school. At this time of year we particularly have an increase of this type of thing especially amongst our Year 6 cohort. I have given them plenty of reminders about leaving the grounds straight after school and going home.

At this time of the year we are all tired and very busy so it is more important that we keep to a good routine at home with eating healthy meals, getting adequate sleep and encouraging our children to be organised for the day ahead. This will help your children to come to school settled and ready for the day. Some students, at this time of the year get a bit anxious in regards to the transition to either a New Year level and teacher or with the huge transition to high school. Please help during this time by staying positive and when things get really busy consider the wellbeing of your family. Sometimes there can be too much on and we, as parents, just need to make sure that we are not doing too much.

Finance News

Anne Nixon

Just a reminder no payments can be taken at the Office after Friday 6th December.

Music News

Naomi Lindh

We have had a very busy term for instrumental music, with our last choral performance for the year on Saturday night. We had a combined choir of Senior and Junior Choir students who were able to attend the Christian Riverside Church Community Carols and sing some Christmas songs together at the beginning of the evening. Thank you to the students and families who were able to attend this performance. I would also like to thank all of our instrumental and choral students for their commitment to the program this year, including regularly attending rehearsals, performing at concerts and learning music together. We hope you have had a fabulous year of making and sharing music! We wish our graduating year 6 students well during their graduation next week and hope you continue to enjoy, learn and perform music in and beyond high school. Thank you to all of our hard working teaching staff for their time and efforts throughout the year. It is greatly appreciated by our students and school community.

Next year there will be a number of changes to our staffing within the music program. We will have one IM teacher for all band instruments and ensembles which will be Mr Kukulies and one IM teacher for all string students and ensembles which will be Mrs Prout. This change means that some of our current IM staff will not be at our school next year. Mr Stiller has been teaching at Graceville SS for over 20 years and has also conducted the Senior Band. We would like to thank him for his commitment to our school and passion for music which he has shared with great enthusiasm over the years and he will be missed by many. Mr Grodecki has taught brass and woodwind at our school as well as the Junior Band in some previous years. We greatly appreciate the dedication and skills he has brought to our school. We will be thanking and acknowledging Mr Stiller and Mr Grodecki's contribution to our students and our school as a staff at the end of the year. I would also like to thank Mr Adeney who has stepped in to replace Mrs Prout from week 3 this term. The last term of the year is always a busy one with reports, recruitment, concerts and the instrumental stocktake and he has been a great asset to our school during this time. At the moment we are finalising the timetable for our IM lessons and rehearsals in 2020 and we will confirm them at the beginning of next year. If your child still has a school instrument or any music could they please return it to the music room ASAP.

Instrumental recruitment for 2020 has been finalised and letters will be sent home this week. We understand this can be a difficult time for our students as unfortunately due to our allocated teaching time, we are not able to offer every student who is interested in learning instruments a place. If your child received an offer, please return the slip ASAP as we have a number of keen students on our waiting list who may be able to take the place if your child does not accept it.

At the beginning of next year we will include information in the Newsletter about which days the choirs and instrumental ensembles will be rehearsing and having lessons and which week they will begin.

Thank you again to all of our students for their commitment, energy, enthusiasm and the willingness to share their music throughout this year. It has been a fabulous year of music making!

Music teacher contact details...

Alex Grodecki - agrod3@eq.edu.au (at Graceville Thursdays)
Thomas Adeney - taden3@eq.edu.au (at Graceville Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
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)

Chappy’s Chat

John Erichsen

As we draw near to end of another school year, I thought it might be timely to remind parents, grand-parents and care-givers of the great resources found on the eSafety website. The link is

It is easy to navigate this website. It has been updated and all content is accessible in three “clicks”. There is some invaluable information to be found to support students and families. Having done some study with the eSafety commission, I can confirm they have plenty of clout with social media platforms and move swiftly to assist in keeping children, young people and families safe from the dangers online. On this website, there are clear processes for reporting and lots of strategies to aid in preventing online incidents. Please check this website out as information is power. Sometimes, situations can feel overwhelming and hopeless. As a parent I found myself leaving the website feeling empowered and that there is hope that help can be found, if it is ever needed.

I would like to take this opportunity to send a huge thank you to the Graceville State School community for the support given to the Chaplaincy Service and to me, personally. It is a wonderful privilege to be part of such an amazing school community, to work with such professional, caring people to support student learning and social development. Thank you for the year that was. Have a fantastic holiday break and stay safe. I look forward to partnering with you again in 2020.

Have a very Merry Christmas and may 2020 be the year dreams become reality.

John Erichsen
(Chappy)

Creative Generation

Miss Nicholls and Ms Cousins

Graceville State School has participated in Creative Generation since 2013. It is open to all students who will be in Year 3-Year 6 in 2020. We will be participating in the Junior Massed Dance section. If your child/ren are interested in participating please fill in the forms attached and return them to the school office. If you have any further questions please send an email to me and I will answer any questions you have.

Each year, the most talented dancers, singers, musicians and actors from Queensland State Schools come together to stage one of the state’s largest performing arts events. More than 1500 student performers will come together to showcase their talent by starring in the professionally produced show alongside some of Queensland’s leading professional artists.

Creative Generation–State Schools On Stage continues to give students, teachers and school communities the opportunity to be involved in a large-scale, award-winning event. Student Performers will come together to rehearse items covering a wide range of musical genres. CGEN is much more than a musical extravaganza. It is a journey of self-confidence for the talented students who take part.

Applications have been extended to Monday 9th December.

Miss Nicholls and Ms Cousins

Tuckshop News

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

To all our volunteers for 2019!

Tuckshop will be closed next week the last week of school so if you haven’t placed your order by Midday Thursday 5th December then that’s it until 2020!

To all the families leaving at the end of this year we thank you for your support of the Tuckshop and for giving up your time if you were a volunteer. We wish you, your families and of course your child all the best for what lies ahead. WE WILL MISS YOU!

Families no longer at the school from 2020 please ensure you close off your School24 account by:

1. Emailing Tuckshop tuckshop.gss@gmail.com
2. If you have a balance on your account please inform us if
   a. You would like a Refund - please provide exact refund amount along with your BSB and Account number
   b. You would like to Donate the balance to the P&C

On behalf of the school community and all its smiling faces, Emma and I would like to say a very heartfelt thank you to Anne Canalese and Amanda Carpenter for their service to Tuckshop.

These two ladies have not only put smiles on faces when selling iceblocks but have tirelessly worked to ensure that we offer a healthy service to the school community that’s available 5 days a week.

Without their love and passion for what they do Tuckshop wouldn’t be around today –Emma and I are grateful for their support and guidance they have given us and wish them all the best for their new adventures!

Finally, don’t forget our “Thank You Dinner” for all our Volunteers has been scheduled to take place on Thursday, 12 December. Drop us a line at tuckshop.gss@gmail.com if interested.

We hope everyone has a restful and enjoyable Christmas/ New Year break and wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

We look forward to your continued support in 2020 when Tuckshop reopens the first Friday back in week 1.

See you in 2020!

Uniform Shop

Fiona Fryer

This is my final newsletter as uniform convenor as my time at Graceville State School is coming to an end as my youngest heads off to high school next year. I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who has volunteered their time in the uniform store this year, it has been an absolute pleasure getting to know you and working in the store with you all each week.

I would also like to say an even bigger thank you to Michelle Kimber Fanning who will be taking over as convenor next year, I wish her all the best and I hope she enjoys it as much as I have.

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Fiona x

Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Friday 8.15am - 9.00am

The last day to purchase uniforms this year will be Monday 9th December.

Prep Selling Day

Wednesday January 22nd 2020 3-6pm

Families that are already at Graceville State School are encouraged to come during normal uniform store hours as the prep selling days are much busier than usual.

We desperately need new volunteers in the store for next year as most of this year’s volunteers are leaving, it only requires you to be there from 8.15 to 9am once or twice a fortnight (depending how many new volunteers we get). If you are able to help please send an email or come and see me in store. Without your help the store cannot be open as often as it is, hopefully see you soon!

Uniform Roster

Term 4

Stock Update

We have great quality swimming bags for $12 and swimming caps for $10 in various colours.

We have a lightweight microfibre jacket in royal blue and gold for $33. Size 6 microfibre jackets are now out of stock until next year.

Size 8 dresses are back in stock.

School colour hair accessories are available, there are headbands, hair ties, bows and clips.

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:

gracevillessuniform@gmail.com

Holiday Swim Clinics

Bookings are now being taken for the two holiday swim clinics being held at the Graceville school pool this Christmas holiday. The first will be run from Monday December 16th until Friday December 20th and the second from Monday January 20th until Friday January 24th. All ability levels are catered for with learn to swim, stroke correction and squad classes on offer. You do not need to attend everyday of the clinic as long as you mention your availability when enrolling. Children in holiday school care may also join the program as staff are able to bring students to the pool and pick them up after their lesson. You will need to do some paper work with school care if this is the case. The number of sign ons for the group lessons will determine the start time of the private one on one lessons. As a rough guide squad will start at 8am followed by Advanced Stroke Development at 9 am and then Beginner stroke development at 9:30 am. I will then have teachers on hand for the one on one program from about 9am. The one on one lessons will be available at this stage from 9 am onwards everyday of the week. When booking please state which hour you are available eg. between 10 am and 11 am. To really help me with making the schedule the best response is available 'anytime'. See you at the pool...

Pete Geraghty
Ph 0432407442

School Plus

There is much excitement at School Plus as we approach the final weeks of the school year! The week began with some enthusiastic chefs who helped with afternoon tea prep all morning at BSC!

An exciting discovery this week occurred as well, whilst the children were feeding the worms. One of our wonderful children came up with the fantastic idea of utilizing the worm juice and selling it. He worked very hard and did lots of research to educate and learn more about the benefits of worm juice. A gold coin donation for 2L of worm juice was decided, with the funds raised going back into gardening resources. The worms are well fed, looked after and loved by different children each day. If you would like to support a great cause come on down to School Plus for some worm juice!

Week 8 prep transitions have also been going well! The preps have been doing a fantastic job meeting at the prep/1 eating area at ASC. In week 10 the children will be well and truly ready to independently travel to and from their classes from School Plus.

Just a reminder that our Vacation Care program is out for these holidays so be sure to book and secure your spot!

Tennis

TENNIS HOT SHOTS – ENROLMENTS FOR TERM 1 2020 NOW OPEN!

Enrolments are now open for term 1 tennis coaching.

ENROL ONLINE via the link below.

PRIVATE AND SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.

Should you have any questions please contact Tennis for Kids on info@tennisforkids.com.au or 0408 187 741.

ALL NEW CHILDREN ENROLLING IN TERM 1 WILL RECEIVE A FREE JUNIOR TENNIS RACQUET!

*************************************

CHRISTMAS SCHOOL HOLIDAY TENNIS COACHING CLINICS

MONDAY 16th, TUESDAY 17TH, WEDNESDAY 18TH DECEMBER, AND

MONDAY 20th, TUESDAY 21TH, WEDNESDAY 22TH JANUARY

Christmas School Holiday Tennis Clinics are now open for enrolments. Positions are available for all school students aged between 4-9 years.

DECEMBER HOLIDAY CLINIC - RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN 4-9 YEARS OF AGE
8am – 10.30am at Graceville State Primary School (Oxley Road, Graceville)

JANUARY HOLIDAY CLINIC - RECOMMENDED FOR CHILDREN 4-9 YEARS OF AGE
8am-10:30am at Graceville State Primary School (Oxley Road, Graceville)

Coaching clinics are suitable for everyone as children are divided into groups according to both age and ability. Each session includes plenty of coaching and games, with coaches ensuring regular breaks and snack time, especially for the littlies!

Holiday Clinic positions are limited - Our last school holiday program booked out well before the end of term so please enrol early to avoid disappointment!!

For further details or to enrol, please click on the link below or contact Tennis For Kids at info@tennisforkids.com.au or on 0408 187 741

Community Notices