14 February 2020

From the Principal

Zoe Smith

Hello,

I hope you had a great week and your lawns and gardens are thriving after the rain! It is lovely to see green again as you drive through the suburb.

I would like to thank the children and families of Year 3 and 4 for their understanding as we created a new 3/4 class this week. It is hard on everyone to create a new class after Day 8 so we appreciate their understanding for the best situation in the long run, with all Year 3 and 4 classes at less than the average class size.

On Thursday we finalised all of our student leadership positions for 2020. As you may know we have created a new Cultural Ambassador position this year to reflect the changing nature of our school community which is becoming much more diverse. I would like to officially congratulate Alexandra H, for being selected for this role. In the next few weeks we will establish our Student Council, a way of ensuring student voice in our school.

I would like to congratulate the students who took part in the District Swimming Carnival on Wednesday. All of the students represented the school very well and we are proud of their efforts.

Thank you to all the volunteers who attended and helped out at the Movie Night on Saturday. It was a lovely night and we are grateful to Councillor Johnston and Brisbane City Council for organising the night. The feedback we received was positive with many families wondering if the school would consider another movie night in the future.

The Canberra trip is on! We have 90 students attending from Year 5 and 6. A letter will go home very soon with more details about the trip and when the next instalment for payment is due.

Finally, don’t forget the first Fete and P&C meetings are on Wednesday 26 February. The Fete meeting starts at 6.30pm, followed by the P&C meeting at 7.30pm.

Zoe Smith

Newsletter Articles

Deputy Principal

Maree Hass

Technology Updates for parents

We are very thankful for the portion of voluntary contributions that goes towards updating and increasing the numbers of iPads and laptops we have at school. Each year we have a budget and plan for purchases depending on contributions received at school. Of course this is a never-ending need as devices go out of warranty and new upgrades are released for different devices.

We would like to offer a meeting each term for parents to come along and hear about how technology is used within the school and also how devices are distributed and maintained. The first meeting this year will be on Wednesday April 1 at 8:00am in the Waratah room (upstairs from the office), everyone welcome to attend.

Waiting List for Prep for 2021 – opens first day of next term Monday April 20.

The waiting list for 2021 will open on Monday, 20th 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.

Mathletics for 2020

Some classes have already starting using the Mathletics program for this year. It is an online Mathematics program that is individually based and one that students can access at home as well as at school for all students in year 1 to year 6. The cost for Mathletics is $12 per student and an invoice will be emailed home once the ‘Intention to Participate’ form has been signed and returned. Your class teacher can inform you more fully about Mathletics and how your class will be using the program this year. Each student will then receive their own personal log on and password to access the program for both at school and at home.

Reading Eggs in Prep

We are using the program ‘Reading Eggs’ with our prep students. This online program is designed to motivate and excite students about reading and will be a useful addition to assist our classes in the reading process, which we view as one of the most important things for our preppies to learn as it unlocks all other areas in learning. Some families may already have a subscription, if you do please let your teacher know about this. School subscriptions are vastly cheaper for parents and students have access both at school and at home. Also with a school subscription, teachers can track student progress and achievement

Lower School Assemblies

Parents and care givers are all invited to join us for Junior Assemblies which will be held every second Tuesday afternoon from 2.15 in the hall. These assemblies will be for all Prep to Year 2 classes. Year 2 students have the opportunity to develop their skills of public speaking by taking turns in leading these assemblies and classes also take part presenting items for us all. We also like to recognise Birthdays and present awards to students from across all classes.

Below is the calendar for term 1 assemblies.

Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

The Enhancement Program & University of New South Wales Assessments 2020

This year our Enhancement application process will start in early Term 2 with an information session (date to be confirmed). This year there will not be any requirement to participate in any UNSW assessments as a prerequisite for the Enhancement applications. We will collect data on students in alternative ways this year.

With the University of New South Wales assessments this year, we will be participating in the Maths and Science only, the same as last year. This year they will run over a 5 day period each – Science: 17-21 August & Maths 31 August-4 September ($15.95 each comp)

Participation in these competitions is voluntary. Payment for these competitions will be through UNSW themselves, not the school. More information will be sent to parents early in Term 2. The deadline for payments will be the end of Term 2.

FairPlay vouchers, empowering students to move

FairPlay vouchers assist eligible students with membership fees to join a sport or physical activity. Those eligible can apply for a voucher valued up to $150. Applications are now open.

Does your child have a current health plan?

Students with health support needs should have a current health plan to enable their school to help them safely participate in all aspects of school life, including camps and excursions. Health plans should be reviewed annually. Speak to your school principal about health plans, including equipment, medication or consumables required to manage your child’s health conditions while at school. Principals will ensure school staff receive training to best support your child. Learn more about support for student health needs in schools.

Library News

Melanie Hutchinson

February is Library Lovers’ Month which is a perfect reason to recognize the value of school libraries and remind everyone how much the children of Graceville love our school library, and how important it is to their learning and wellbeing.

To celebrate this occasion the library decided to get in to the Valentine’s Day spirit with many students going on a Blind date with a Book.

They say you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover! So the library has tried to play matchmaker. Each blind date book was wrapped in ‘oh so secretive’ brown paper and students didn’t know the ‘identity’ of their blind book date until they got home. Was it fiction or non-fiction? An adventure or a mystery? Funny or inspirational?

With each book a 'Rate your Date' slip was placed inside – after reading the book students simply have to say what they liked (or didn’t like) about their book date (don’t worry you won't hurt our, or its, feelings!). Remember to return the book to the library when you finish reading it, and give your date slip to Mrs Hutchinson.

We know this is a great way for students to experience new authors and/or new genres, and certainly many new books to the library collection. Some students will be out of their reading comfort zone and will hopefully read something they may not normally borrow from the library. More importantly, we hope students may possibly find a wonderful book that will make them fall in love with reading all over again!

Music News

Naomi Lindh

We have had many enthusiastic instrumental and choral students attending lessons and rehearsals this week. We appreciate your assistance with ensuring your child arrives on time and is prepared for their lesson/rehearsal. If your child did not attend the first choir rehearsal this week, they are welcome to join next week (please find a link to the note attached). Our instrumental teachers have handed out/emailed timetables to parents and teachers, but if you have not received this or would like an electronic copy please contact your child's teacher (email contacts below).

Music Teacher Contact Details...

Mrs Ruth Prout - string teacher and conductor - Wednesdays and Thursdays - rprou5@eq.edu.au
Mr James Kukulies - band teacher and conductor - Thursdays and Fridays - jkuku2@eq.edu.au
Mrs Naomi Lindh - classroom music teacher and choir conductor - Mon - Fri - nclos1@eq.edu.au

Tuesday 7:45am - Senior Choir (starts week 3)
Wednesday 7:45am - Junior Choir (starts week 3)
Wednesday first break - Junior/Beg Strings (starts in May, date TBC)
Thursday 7:45am - Senior Strings (starts week 3)
Thursday 2:50 - 4pm - Senior Band (starts week 3)
Friday 7:45am - Junior Band (starts in May, date TBC)

Thank you for supporting your child's involvement in the music program!

Naomi Lindh
Classroom Music Teacher and Choral Conductor

P&C News

The P&C have been very busy over the school break and hopefully many of you have been able to enjoy the refreshed hall and refreshing hall air conditioning! We are going to be having another exciting year, but WE NEED YOUR HELP! The school tuckshop and uniform shop need a new batch of volunteers – grab a friend and head in there - it’s a great deal of fun and the kids love it. Please see the letter attached for more information on our work and the exciting times ahead.

Next meeting: 26 February 2020, 7:30pm
Annual General Meeting: 25 March 2020, 7:30pm

Uniform Shop

Michelle Fanning

Welcome to week 3 of the term. With all of this rain over the past couple of weeks people are starting to buy jumpers! We are quite low in stock of the polar fleece (who knew we would be selling them in summer?!) so I am ordering a few more to be on the safe side. We also stock Rugby jumpers and a light weight zip up jacket. We also have plenty of 2nd hand jumpers too at great prices!

We still have a few long sleeved rashies and swimming caps for swimming classes that have started back.

For those starting band or instruments, we sell band folders.

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

Year 6 Commemorative Shirts

All year 6 students are being given the opportunity to have a commemorative shirt. Gold polo shirts are screen printed with class lists on the back and house shirts can be printed for the house captains. You can purchase new gold shirts for $30 and house shirts for $35 from the uniform store or you can use your existing shirts but they have to be in good condition, no holes or pulls.

Printing costs are: $10 per gold polo and $15 per house captain shirt.

Special order forms went home last week. If you didn’t receive one, the order form is attached below or come and see us at the uniform shop. The cut off date for orders is Friday the 21st of February. No more orders will be taken after this date. The shirts will be ready by the end of March and will be handed out in the classroom, I will confirm the exact date later.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

Michelle

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. We do not accept items bought from other stores.

Tuckshop News

Hi Everyone

Roster for WEEK 21/02 and WEEK 28/02

Thank you to all the fantastic people that have answered our call for volunteers! But we are still in desperate need of your help.

Without volunteers the tuckshop cannot run and it may impact the service we provide or limit the days we are able to be open.

PLEASE LOG ON TO SCHOOL24 and VOLUNTEER THROUGH THE VOLUNTEER ROSTER LINK.

• No experience required
• Just one shift a month or appx 2 per 10-week term
• Only 3 hours out of your day from 8:30-11:30. Please note that we are still happy to have your help even if you might be late from reading groups, kindy drop off etc OR if you need to leave a bit early.

If you think you can manage even one shift a term please log in to your school24 account and just head to the volunteer roster section, here you can easily sign up for the exact days/dates that you would like to do. It’s that easy!! Not only would we be grateful, but your kids will love having you there.

Also, just a reminder of our specials throughout the week:

Tuesday – Napolitana Pasta
Wednesday- Sushi (needs to be ordered by 12 on Monday)
Thursday – Hamburgers
Friday – Ice cream (unfortunately not for our preps as it needs to be purchased at 1st break)

Finally just a quick thank you to Edina Symonds who is taking over from me (Alex) for the next few weeks while I pop away for a quick break – she has bravely taken on the job as casual convenor and is going to do a fantastic job! Thanks Edina and good luck!

Look forward to seeing you next week at Tuckshop

Alex and Emma
Tuckshop Convenors 2020
E: tuckshop.gss@gmail.com

School Plus

We’re back in the swing of things here at School Plus, full speed ahead as we finish off our second week back of the year. It’s been great having so many new faces with us this year, with our new Preps settling into our routines extraordinarily well! They are all smiles when they arrive to the service and can’t wait to play with their friends! Our turtle ‘Squirtle’ has been the centre of attention now that we are back at school and he is back from his vacation with one of our families! The children love watching him swim around in his tank and feeding him healthy snacks like cucumber. We’ve had a bit of a wet end to the week with the last few days of week 2 being wet weather play. The kids were very excited to go up and use the hall, with the new changes, including the air-conditioning and flooring. Our worm farm is still going strong, with the children using our morning fruit cuttings to feed them every day. Thank you to the families for remembering to renew your 2020 bookings! We look forward to seeing you all next week!

Term 1 Swim Program

Bookings are still being taken for the term 1 swimming program. All students who have participated in the swim program will begin the term in the SAME ABILITY LEVEL as term 4 unless told otherwise when rejoining the program this term. During the course of the term, the coach may move students to different levels where appropriate.

To join the entry group class of, "Beginner Stroke Development" (BSD), children must be in Year 1 or older and be able to swim 25m freestyle non-stop bi-lateral breathing [Breathing both sides]. Any children not of this age or ability may enrol in private lessons on offer Friday and Monday afternoons. If I have teachers and space in the pool available there is a chance you may be able to book a private lesson on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays after school as well. To help me make this schedule I need an hour’s time frame to work with. This program is from 3pm until 5:20 pm on Fridays and 3pm until 5pm on the other week days, so if you want a private 20 minute time slot you would let me know day/s you are available and a 1 hour time frame of availability ...[for example between 3pm and 4pm on Tuesday and Friday]. It is impossible for me to give everyone a lesson straight after school so if you live nearby , maybe it is best to go home after school and return for the 4pm until 5:20pm timeframe. The best response I can receive is that you are available ANYTIME.

Spaces are limited, so to avoid disappointment, respond to this message asap with your preferred days and available times. I am unable to respond to email queries over the next week but am able to answer any question by phone (ph: 0432407442). Talk to me...DO NOT TEXT ME. Call me to discuss all if you have any questions.

An attachment with the first draft of the schedule has been included in this message (you may need to scroll to the bottom). Information regarding the 3 levels of group/squad classes is contained in the attachment. The three group levels are Beginner Stroke development [BSD], followed by Advanced Stroke Development [ASD] and then Squad.

The scheduled program may change due to over demand or lack of demand for any particular class.

A terms and conditions agreement will be given to all the new students at their first lesson. This needs to be signed and returned no later than the second lesson. Those who have enrolled previously do not need to complete a new agreement as the terms and conditions are unchanged and it is an ongoing agreement whilst participating in my Graceville swim school. Please advise if you would like another copy of the T's and C'c. Parents will be invoiced for the term once the program is settled.

Please send me ALL YOUR AVAILABLE DAYS and times and also days and times you are DEFINITELY NOT AVAILABLE. You will receive an email regarding your booking which will need to be confirmed by you before you join the program. Please forward this email to any friends or family who would be interested in joining the program. High school students and adults may join the program. You do not have to attend Graceville State School to participate. Everyone is welcome.

I am always looking for swimming teachers. If you know any qualified teachers or know anyone who would be interested in becoming a swimming teacher please put them in touch with me.

See you at the pool.

Pete Geraghty
0432407442