16 October 2015

From the Principal

Zoe Smith

Hello,

As you were driving to work last Wednesday you may have seen parents, teachers and children Actively Travelling to school. Last Wednesday was International Walk to School Day. There were many interesting designs in the ‘Bling Your Bag’ competition so we thank families for taking the time to take part. I would like to thank Councillor Nicole Johnston and our Active Travel Committee for the continuing enthusiasm they show in supporting Active Travel.

This week our staff had the opportunity to take part in CPR, Asthma and Anaphylactic training. Over sixty members of staff attended the training on Wednesday afternoon. We also have a continual three year cycle of general First Aid Training to ensure we have as many staff members with up to date First Aid qualifications as possible.

In week six (9-13 November) our school will be taking part in a School Review. Our school has been selected as a Self-Determined Review School, meaning we have the opportunity to select the method, content and structure of our review. As our school has engaged in the Curiosity and Powerful Learning Project for the next 3-5 years, we have decided to structure our review in a way that supports a school improvement pathway aligned to Curiosity and Powerful Learning. The director of the Curiosity and Powerful Learning project has agreed to lead our review along with two of the principals involved in the project. It is important to note this review may look different to those the school has participated in the past. As in previous reviews, a representative/s of the school community will have the opportunity to take part. I am attending a range of learning events over the next two weeks to prepare for the review. On Friday 23 October, I will be attending a Community Consultation Course which will assist us to establish a process of consultation for the review. On 30 October Ms Hass, Mrs Martin and I will be travelling to Melbourne to spend the day in one of the pilot Curiosity and Powerful learning schools. Our staff will also be involved in a Self-Assessment process prior to the review. I will work with the P&C to establish the numbers of parents and method of consultation to be used. We are very thankful to DET for trusting the leadership of the school to establish a review process which will directly meet the unique needs of our school for the next 3-5 years.

This term we have our final fundraiser for Chaplaincy. After consultation with staff and the Chaplaincy Committee, it has been decided to run ‘Clowning Around for Chaplaincy’ again this year. Despite being rushed in our communication about the fundraiser last year, the event was great fun and very successful. We are holding ‘Clowning Around for Chaplaincy’ in weeks 8 and 9 this term. The focus is at a class and sub school level, with classes working towards being the highest fundraiser in their year level and ultimately sub school. Teachers will build in a series of fun activities over the course of the two weeks as their classes reach negotiated fundraising levels and the event will culminate with a whole school assembly where a number of staff and I will have something ‘clownish’ done to us! I had my hair sprayed different colours last year so it will be something different this year, the bet at the moment is for my face to be painted like that of a clown so it might be an interesting drive home that day! The highest fund raising classes from each sub school will also be rewarded with a pool party.

This term we will be celebrating two important events. World Teachers Day and Day for Daniel. Both events happen on 30 October. We encourage all staff and students to wear red on Day for Daniel.

Finally a couple of quick reminders:

• Leadership forms are due Friday, 16 October, 4pm.
• Enhancement Nomination Forms (only for those who expressed an interest earlier this year) due Tuesday, 20 October, 4pm.
• Please note NO late applications will be accepted for either process

Don’t forget Monday 19th is a Pupil Free Day!

Have a great week,
Zoe Smith

Newsletter Articles

From the Deputy Principal

Maree Hass

Date Claimer: 2016 Prep Orientation visits

Tuesday, November 24 will be Prep Orientation meetings for 2016 students and parents. Information regarding classes and when and where to come will be mailed home to families before this occasion.

Waiting List for Prep for 2016

Our waiting list for families who reside outside of our geographical catchment area but are interested in a place at our school, has opened now. Please let any interested people know that forms and information can be gained from our school office.

Graceville State School recognises the provision of access to an appropriate educational service for students residing within this community as defined by its local catchment area as its prime obligation.

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 the remainder of term 4 assemblies. All parents are welcome to attend. These assemblies begin at 2.15pm

Term 4 Junior Assembly Calendar

Week	Date	Class Item
3	October 20	1R
4	October 27	Prep C
5	November 3	No assembly
6	November 10	Prep K
7	November 17	Prep R
8	November 24
9	December 1	Prep S
10	December 8	Prep T

From the Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

Sun Safety & Staying Well Hydrated

Just a reminder about sun safety & keeping well hydrated. Please ensure that your children have sunscreen on before they leave home in the morning and are wearing their hats if they are in the sun coming to school eg. walking. Try to encourage your children to take a water bottle with them and have it at school. We are expecting a hot summer and these good habits are important for long term wellbeing.

Safety warning for Parents – Asbestos in children’s crayons

Children's Crayon Recall

The Australian Government has issued an alert regarding the sale of crayons within Australia that have been found to contain trace amounts of asbestos.

Trace amounts of asbestos have been detected in some brands of children's crayons that have been imported into Australia. The crayon products in which asbestos has been identified are as follows:

• Dora the Explorer Personalized 32 pack crayons
• Dora the Explorer Jumbo crayons
• Arti Crafti 16 piece crayons
• Peppa Pig 8 wax crayons
• Disney 'Frozen' Jumbo crayons
• Disney 'Mickey Mouse and Friends' crayons

Information regarding these products and what to do if you have purchased them can be found at

Enter the 2016 Premier’s Anzac Prize to win a firsthand Anzac experience

Applications for the 2016 Premier’s Anzac Prize are open until 30 October 2015. The successful applicants will travel to Gallipoli and the Western Front to experience the dawn service and visit other historic locations.

To enter, students are required to submit an application form along with a two to five minute multimedia presentation reflecting on how the Anzac tradition has shaped our nation and why it is important for future generations to keep the tradition alive.

Visit www.education.qld.gov.au/anzac-prize for more information.

Positive Parenting Program

Parents and carers of children up to 16 years old can now access the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program for free! Learn new skills and build the confidence you need to raise happy, healthy children and teenagers. Find out more and register for free at www.qld.gov.au/triplep

Grandparents Day

Grandparents Day is coming up on Sunday 25 October. For some free resources and activity ideas visit www.qld.gov.au/grandparentsday

Find out what STEM is

Heard about STEM, but not too sure what it’s about? Find out what it is, where it can take you and why it’s important to our future.

Money Matters

Roberta Haryicki

Thank you for your payments to date. The preferred method of payments by BPoint is certainly making it easier for parents and staff to administer. Voluntary Parent Contributions of $60 single student and $115 for two or more in the family is still very welcomed – it’s not too late! Your valuable contributions go towards 2015 Learning Targets set by the school and P&C each year.

Statements will be sent out this week.

Credit in Account: These will 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 ticketing excursions are non-refundable.

Payment of account days:

8am-3.15pm - Monday to Wednesday
8am-12pm - Thursday and Friday

Eftpos, Debit Cards: Visa/Mastercard, cheque or cash payments are accepted.

Chappy’s Chat

John Erichsen

The final term for 2015 is already underway and there are still plenty of important events ahead of us. World Teachers Day, Day for Daniel, Junior Sports Day, Sport and Music Photos and end of year concerts are just some of the events still to come.

Last week saw our year six students participate in a LOTE cultural excursion. This experience gave our students an opportunity to learn more about Chinese culture by visiting a Buddhist temple. The symbolism and architecture are always a talking point, as there is such a difference to western styles. The serenity and tranquillity of the setting alone is very different to the hustle and bustle of the school environment for the students. I am sure all students are a little richer for the experience.

Many footy fans this side of the border are still basking in the glow of an NRL Grand Final which has been described as one of the greatest of all time. Personally, I wasn’t surprised that the game was so entertaining, as the two Queensland teams play creative, attacking football. For any NSW club fans, I know it has been a particularly tough year and I hope you find some comfort in knowing that things could be worse.

Friday night swim club is up and running and it is a fantastic night, not just for the children, but for parents as well. Check it out if you have Friday evenings free and think your children could benefit from some competitive swimming in a very friendly atmosphere.

Later this term there may some weird and wonderful sights around the school as students and teachers again enjoy the fun and frivolity of the Clowning for Chaplaincy fundraising activity. Classes will negotiate with their teachers, levels and rewards for the two week event, more information will follow. The ideas can be quite creative and some of the teaching staff embrace the concept with a great deal of enthusiasm. I wonder if the school will reach the goal that results in Mrs Smith having her face painted. I also wonder what design will be chosen for her, if that goal is reached. Feel free to contact me with suggestions.

Have a fantastic week!

Music Notes

Naomi LINDH

We have begun the Instrumental music recruitment process for places in the program for 2016. Last Thursday a note was sent home with all year 2 and 3 students who are not currently learning an instrument at school, about the program. I took this note around to students in classes to ensure all students received one and gave extras for students who were away, but if you have not received this at home, please send me an email ASAP and I will send it to you. The return slips should be sent back to the music room or office by the end of this week if your child is interested in learning an instrument next year. It is important to note that there will be a recruitment process involving a number of considerations as well as limits on student numbers due to the allocation of instrumental music teachers to our school. Students are not able to swap instruments once they have accepted a place in the program. Current students will remain in the Instrumental program until the end of primary school.

Term 4 Performances

11 November - Annual Music Concert - 6pm in the hall - all choral and instrumental students - full school uniform

17 November - Oxley Senior Citizens Concert - Senior Choir and selected Senior Strings (during school day)

25 November - 10am - Grandparents' Concert - all choral students and selected Senior Strings

December - choral students are usually invited to perform in the Community Carols evening

P & C NEWS

Upcoming Events

• Final meeting for 2015 - Wednesday 2nd of December 7.30pm;

Tennis Court Hire

It is perfect weather for a game of tennis! Why not take advantage of our tennis courts for some social tennis.

Our hire rates are very competitive - $7.00 per hour daytime, $10.00 per hour night time

Please contact Brian on 0415 287 078 for bookings.

If you would like any further information regarding the P&C or its activities, please contact the P&C at email:

pandc@gracevilss.eq.edu.au or visit the school website at

TUCKSHOP NEWS

Volunteers for Week Commencing Monday, 19-10-15

Monday, 19-10. - Pupil free day

Tuesday,20-10. - Trish Hinds and Hayley Smith

Wednesday, 21-10. - Sasha Griggs and Rebecca Sinfield

Thursday, 22-10. - Fiona Fryer and Leanne Gordan

Friday, 23-10. - Yasmin McNally, Liz Fourie, Shonna Luke and Simone Braithwaite

Please note there will be no sushi the week of the Pupil Free Day (19th-22nd October)

See you in the Tuckshop.

Amanda and Anne
tuckshop.gss@gmail.com

School24 has just upgraded their website to improve access in the busy peak periods. If you have had trouble ordering in the past, why not give School24 another try? To start using School24 to order your children's tuckshop go to https://www.school24.com.au/ps_parent.asp to create an account.

Graceville's school ID is 25314963. Then follow the instructions. If you have any problems, please check out the school website for more information or email us at the tuckshop on the above email address.

SCHOOL BANKING

Sam Kennedy

Reminder

1. If you are requesting a reward, a Gold Coin must be provided OR you are about to receive a Gold Coin.
2. You have to fill in the deposit slip. If you don't fill in the deposit slip we can't process your deposit.
3. You can come to the Canteen between 8-9am on Wednesday to look at the rewards and chose one.

This Terms Rewards

Volunteers are:

Monika Kim
Linda Vigara
Sonia Reis
Rachel Rillie

8am onwards in the Hall Canteen.

Sam Kennedy
Graceville School Banking Co-ordinator
Parent/Volunteer
gracevillessbanking@gmail.com
0431 447 372

UNIFORM AND STATIONERY STORE

Sue-Ellen Lockwood

**2ND HAND SALE**

We have good 2nd hand jumpers, shirts (sports and gold), dresses and culottes in stock. 2nd hand items are always being received. 2nd hand stock sale - culottes, jumpers and long pants $8 each; gold shirts $5.

All sizes of house shirts and Friday sports shirts are in stock.

Swimming caps, towels, bags and goggles in stock all year round.

PRICE INCREASE 1ST NOVEMBER 2015

Gold shirts increasing to $30 each from 1 November 2015.

Order forms are available on the School website. If you email the order, the items will be sent to the classroom.

Email address for school uniform store is: uniformstore@gracevilss.eq.edu.au.

Community Notices

Craft Market and Car boot Sale

WHEN: Oct 25th 2015
TIME: Sale 7:00am – 12noon
WHERE: Oxley State School Oval, Oxley Road
FREE ENTRY for shoppers!
More information Narelle 0412 240 503

Over 60 garage sales in one great location.

Hot and cold food and drinks available.

This event features a wide range of stalls offering arts and crafts, trash and treasure, furniture, collectables, plants, fruit and veg, new and used toys, books, clothes, shoes and lots more.

West Brisbane Region Asperger Support Group Meeting

Please see details for our next West Brisbane Region Asperger Support Group Meeting

Date: Thursday, October 15th
Time: 7pm - 9pm (Please arrive ready to start the meeting at 7pm)
Venue: St Mathew’s Church Hall ( cnr. Oxley and Sherwood Rds. Sherwood)
Speaker: Bernadette Beasley - Autism Education Specialist
Topic: “Understand Me”- How we are teaching schools to acknowledge the strengths and challenges each individual with autism has and how to use this knowledge to get the best possible educational outcome for the child, family and school.
Cost: Gold coin appreciated

Places You’ll Go Autism Education Specialists

Places You'll Go Autism Education Specialists focuses on all development stages of Autism.

We provide case management services to families with a member who has a diagnosis (or suspects) of Autism. We ensure our families have a holistic approach to their early intervention plans by providing a comprehensive intake interview, face to face consultation and report with recommendations and strategies moving forward.

We provide educational assistance in planning and assessing a child's needs in their educational setting. This includes proactive and reactive school meetings and family advocacy for suspension re-entry, environmental and functional behaviour assessments. We teach families about reasonable educational adjustments and how best to work with a school to ensure their child is able to receive the education they deserve.

We provide community connections by developing and assisting to run external programs such as Queensland's first Autism specific Auskick program in conjunction with AFLQ. We run workshops for schools, families and members who have Autism. We are also developing certificate qualifications for carers and young adults on the spectrum.

Bernadette Beasley

Bernadette is a Vocational Education professional who enjoys inspiring young minds. A trainer/speaker/ teacher who engages well with teachers, families and professionals alike.

Keen to share her diverse experiences, she has always been looking for the next inspiring project!

This came in late 2012 when her youngest child was diagnosed with Autism at 3 years of age. Bernadette began studying her Masters in Autism Studies at Griffith University. She soon discovered a gap in service delivery between families and schools when navigating the tough education journey for students with Autism. Working with colleagues, in particular her mentor Dr. Amanda Webster, the program co-ordinator of the Autism Studies post-graduate programs at Griffith University, Bernadette established her business in the field of Autism Education and family support.

Places You'll Go Autism Education Specialists was born in late 2014. Her aim is for her team to be advocates for parents to get the best possible Educational outcomes for their children with Autism and as educators for other teachers and schools in how best to create outstanding learning and life opportunities for children with Autism. Offering the role for newly diagnosed parents of a coach and mentor on their journey into the often mind numbing world of Autism is also at the core of her business, employing other parents of children with ASD as guides and personal supports for these families.

Her ultimate goal is to combine her expert knowledge of Vocational Education and Training with developing positive training and career options for Secondary students with Autism.

In April this year Bernadette was the winner of the Autism Spectrum Australia (ASPECT) National award for “Above and Beyond” for her significant contribution to the autism community.

We look forward to seeing you.

Kind regards

Jane and Ruth

Jane Leonforte
ASA Group Coordinator
0448 909 863

Corinda State High School – Golden Opportunity Learning Days

The final primary school student workshop hosted at Corinda SHS is fast approaching!

This event is called, ‘The City of Tomorrow’ and it involves the development of a city model over a period of two days with our internationally recognised model expert – Mr Stephen Thrum. Mr Thrum, recently returned from NASA with Corinda SHS students, will guide your child through the process of model design and construction skills to culminate in the development of a full city model at the completion of the two days.

Date: Thursday 5th and Friday 6th of November 2015, 8.30am to 2.50pm
Place: Corinda SHS
Cost: $40 to cover materials

For more information and to register: Erin Hudson, echud0@eq.edu.au or 33790214