5 November 2015

From the Principal

Zoe Smith

Hello,

It is hard to believe we are now half way through the term! Only 5 very busy weeks until the end of the school year.

Our Self Determined Review, using the Curiosity and Powerful Learning review tools, will take place next Monday and Tuesday. Over the course of two days, three reviewers will go into over half of our classrooms and meet with teachers, parents and students to find evidence of where are school currently sits within the Curiosity and Powerful Learning Framework. The evidence collected and collated, will provide the base line data required for the project. This information will be used to create a four year strategic plan for the school.

Our trip to Melbourne last week was extremely worthwhile. The school we visited was one of the schools that trialled aspects of the project as it was being developed. The principal and her staff talked us through their experience and we were able to see what curiosity and enquiry could look like at Graceville. I immediately sensed our students and teachers would love the curiosity aspect of the project. It will take a few years to bring the aspects of the project together however the teachers and I are very excited to start on our new Curiosity and Powerful Learning Journey!

After speaking with the P&C, it seems we are struggling to find the eight parents we need for the community consultation section of the review. I understand it is time intensive however am hoping we can find enough willing volunteers who can take part. At last count, I think we only had three or four parents. When we asked for volunteers I was worried we would have too many and have to turn people away. As a community of parents you have so much to offer. This is an amazing opportunity to be part of a new and exciting journey for the school. The questions will be focused to ensure we have a good understanding of parent perception on important aspects of the project. A process has been developed to ensure equity of voice. It is important to understand, we would not be entering the project if we did not believe we had much to gain from participating in the project. We know we have a lot to learn! We are genuinely interested to gain parental perception and ideas as we embark on our new and exciting path! I hope we can find a few more parents to take part. Please let the P&C know if you can spare the time next Tuesday from 8.50 – 12.30. I will make sure we have some tasty treats and decent tea and coffee for you!

I have been asked to Peer Review two other schools using the Curiosity and Powerful Learning review tools. I will be engaged in these reviews on 12 and 13 November and 16-18 November. I appreciate your understanding while I help, support and work with other schools who are on the same Curiosity and Powerful Learning journey as our school. Ms Hass and Mrs McKeaten will be available in my absence.

The School Captain Speeches were held on Thursday. This year four boys and six girls were shortlisted for consideration. On Friday, each of the shortlisted nominees will attend a 15 minute interview with myself and Ms Hass. The School Captains for 2016 will be announced on assembly on 12 November. After announcing the School Captains, we will announce the shortlisted students for Sports House Captains. The speeches and voting for Sports House Captains will take place on Friday 20 November. I wish all students the best of luck!

I hope you have a great week,

Newsletter Articles

From the Deputy Principal

Maree Hass

2015 Remembrance Day Service

Parents and friends are invited to join with us as we commemorate Remembrance Day next Wednesday November 11 with a full school assembly in the hall at 10.15am. Morning tea will follow for parents and invited guests.

Prep Profiles and interviews

I have met with nearly all families who have a preppie beginning in 2016. There are a few outstanding Profiles which do assist in the placement process and gaining a more in depth understanding of your child so I do encourage anyone who hasn’t dropped this at the office or don’t have a profile document to please come in as soon as you can.

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.

Reminder about special prep uniform selling afternoon still to come:

Wednesday November 11th from 3 – 6pm

As these afternoons are very busy, it would be great if current school families who are around mornings at drop off could choose a regular time to come and purchase their uniforms for 2016 preppies. The regular times are Mon, Tues and Fri mornings 8.15 – 9.00.

Thanks to Sue-Ellen and her band of volunteers who ‘man’ the shop during these times. You do a great job in preparing our students to become part of the Graceville community by wearing our uniform with pride.

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.

Term 4 Junior Assembly Calendar

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

Week	Date	Class Item
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

The QUT Health Clinics are conducting FREE back to school health checks for children on 12, 13 and 14 January 2016.

The clinic will be providing:

• foot checks (podiatry)
• vision screenings (optometry)
• nutrition assessments and dietary advice (nutrition and dietetics)
• educational and developmental assessments (psychology).

Parents are able to register their children for all four screenings in the one visit. Please find further information attached.

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 e.g. 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.

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

Chess Program for 2016

On Friday 13th November, we will be conducting a Chess workshop to all classes across Prep to year 6 in the school hall. We will be establishing a Chess program at Graceville State School in 2016 and will be sending home expression of interest notes later in the term after the workshop for student who would like to take part.

Money Matters

Roberta Haryicki

Thank you for the payments to date. Finalising all family accounts by 13 November would be much appreciated by our hard working office staff.

Please note, payments and permissions must be returned to the class teacher by given timelines to ensure your child’s attendance and participation in planned excursions.

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

BPoint is the preferred method of payment; Eftpos, Debit Cards: Visa/MasterCard, cheque or cash payments are accepted.

Music Notes

Naomi LINDH

Thank you to the students and families who have shown interest in our instrumental music program. We will be finalising offers for places within the next two weeks. If you receive an offer please send the return slip back as soon as possible to secure your child's place or to enable us to offer the instrument to another student. Please note that current students will remain in the instrumental program until the end of primary school.

All choir students and Senior Strings should have received a note of information and an invitation for guests for the Grandparents' Concert. Please ensure the slip is returned to the music room/office or send an email to nclos1@eq.edu.au with attendance information. If you have not received these letters you can send me an email (nclos1@eq.edu.au), or ask your child to come to the music room and we can provide them with one.

On 17 November the Senior Choir and selected Senior Strings will be attending the Oxley Senior Citizens' Concert. It is essential for all students attending to make sure they have given the permission slip to their conductor or handed it in to the music room as soon as possible. Permission slips must be received for students to be able to attend. Thank you for assisting your child with this process and supporting the concert and excursion. Please note: there has been a slight change to the departure time of the bus and students will now leave the school at 10:00am.

Evening Music Concert next Wednesday 11 November

All choral and instrumental students will perform at the Annual Music Concert on 11 November in the school hall at 6pm, in full school uniform. This concert will conclude by 7:30pm (or earlier) and involves all instrumental and choral students. This is always an enjoyable evening with every choir and ensemble sharing their music with families, staff and students. Families and members of the school community are invited to attend the concert and support our musicians. Please note, choir rehearsals will continue after this concert as we have additional concerts to prepare for, but we will cancel the Year 2 Choir rehearsal on Thursday 12 November due to the evening concert. The Year 2 Choir rehearsals will resume on Thursday 19 November. The Senior Strings rehearsal will still be on the morning of 11 November before school, but there will be no Senior Band rehearsal after school. There will also be no string lessons or rehearsals on Thursday 12 November. Some ensembles and the Year 2 Choir will have a rehearsal during the school day on Wednesday 11 November.

An outline of rehearsals and changes to lessons/rehearsals is listed below:

Wednesday 4 November - no brass lessons due to Year 3 instrumental recruitment
Friday 6 November - no woodwind or Junior Band due to Year 3 instrumental recruitment

Monday 9 November

7:45am Senior Choir (in the hall)

Tuesday 10 November

7:45am Year 3 Choir (in the hall)
10:45am Senior Choir (in the music room)

Wednesday 11 November (in the school hall) (These rehearsal times may be swapped if necessary)

11:25 - 12:25 Beginner and Junior Strings
12:30 - 1:00 Year 2 Choir (rehearsal cancelled for 12 November only)
1:15 - 2:00 Junior Band
1:50 - 2:50 Senior Band (after school rehearsal cancelled for 11 Nov)

Thursday 12 June

No Year 2 Choir rehearsal due to the evening concert
No strings lessons or rehearsals

Please assist your child and ensure they have their music and instrument for the rehearsals prior to the concert. Thank you for your understanding with these changes.

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

Library News

Melanie Hutchinson

Our annual library BOOK FAIR started this week and we are off to a great start!

We have created an enjoyable opportunity for your whole family to get excited about books and reading. Everyone will find wonderful books and other exciting products to purchase at the Fair.

There are also competitions students can enter to win book vouchers to spend at the book fair.

We hope you will attend.

Wednesday 28 October - Wednesday 4 November

Time:

Begins Wednesday afternoon 28th October at 3 – 4 pm, then each day
from 8 – 9 am, until Wednesday morning 4th November

Everyone is welcome! And remember all purchases benefit our school.

Active School Travel

TACO TUESDAY!
(Travel Actively Coming-to-school On)

Melbourne Cup Day – Decorate your school hats.

Thank you to all the students who took the time to decorate their school hats. We had some fabulous entries and it is wonderful to see everyone getting involved. Thanks to Cr Johnston for providing the school with breakfast and to Chappy for sweating it out at the BBQ.

Active School Travel Awards 2015

On Thursday 5th November the AST committee was invited to attend the 2015 Active Travel Awards at City Hall. This event is a lot of fun and a great opportunity to see what other schools, who participate in the program are doing at their schools to promote active travel.

This is the third year that we have attended. You may not know that in our first year of the BCC Active Travel Program we were runner up for the “School of the year” award. Last year we were nominated for School of Excellence and again this year…..third time lucky!!!???

Of course all this would not be possible without the AST committee, and the support of the student council who man the stamping station every Tuesday morning. We also need to thank all the students and parents who take the time to actively travel to school on TACO Tuesday. We have consistently over the last three years achieved a 65% rate of active travelling, which is fantastic given how many students we have at our school. So well done to everyone!

Keep reading the newsletters for more information on the program and for special stamping days. We are always looking for volunteers who can help organise events and competitions, market active travel at Graceville State School, lead walking groups to schools and enter data to record the AST stats. If you can spare a few hours a month and would like to get involved and be part of a fantastic program please contact Jo Richards at sajrichards@iinet.net.au. Our next meeting will be Thurs 4th Feb 2016.

Chappy’s Chat

John Erichsen

Last Friday we celebrated World Teachers’ Day and students ensured their teachers were not taken for granted. The teaching staff at Graceville State School do a fantastic job of journeying alongside students through their primary school years. Sometimes a thank you and a smile makes all the hard work worthwhile.

Our Wallabies fell a little short on the weekend in their quest to win the Rugby Union World Cup, but did themselves and their supporters very proud. Well done to the All Blacks for again showing the rugby world why they are the best team in the world!

Our interschool sport season concludes this Friday and hopefully our students will perform to their best, play well and accept victory or defeat in their final with grace and appreciation for the other team. Sometimes sport, like life, isn’t fair but it brings opportunity for individuals to grow and display the character that’s developing within. Good luck to all our students this Friday!

The Clowning for Chaplaincy event is almost upon us and while the focus at school is on the fun teachers and students can share together, there is an important need for fundraising. To maintain a fulltime chaplaincy service and gain the benefits that a fulltime service offers, a considerable amount of funds need to be raised, outside the Federal Government Funding. The National Schools Chaplaincy Program funding provides approximately 40% of the funding required for a fulltime chaplaincy service. The remaining 60% comes from Parents and Citizens contributions, individual and corporate donors and fundraising events such as Clowning for Chaplaincy and the Lapathon. The Chaplaincy Service appreciates the extremely generous support of Graceville State School families and endeavour to organise activities that students can enjoy participating in, regardless of financial contributions. The fundraising aspect is for those families who wish to support chaplaincy in its endeavour to operate fulltime in the school. Families are under no obligation to contribute if they choose not to. All students can participate in and enjoy whatever clowning-around activities their class and teacher have negotiated.

Have a wonderful week!

P & C NEWS

Upcoming Events

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

If you’re able to attend can you please register your interest by emailing the P&C email pandc@gracevilss.eq.edu.au

As with previous years light snacks and refreshments will be served at the end of the meeting for those able to attend.

From the P&C President - Derek Brown

Hi All,

I’m not sure if you've heard but recently our school has been accepted into the Curiosity and Powerful Learning Project.

As part of this project we are required to have a Self-Determined School Review where a parent forum provides valuable input into the process. The forum will require parents to participate in a half day feedback/community consultation process.

The P&C is looking for parents to represent each year level during this review session. The forum will start with a brief on Curiosity and Powerful learning and then move into approximately 4 focus questions to seek the information the school needs for its base line data. The questions will be around student engagement, curiosity etc.

Parents will be engaged in discussion in groups of two, four and then eight. The group of eight discussion will be moderated by the facilitator.

All participants need to understand that they will be involved in a great deal of discussion and willing to share thoughts and ideas. Only the commonly agreed ideas will make it into the school’s base line data for the project.

We need to find eight people who can take part for half a day on Tuesday 10 November from 9am – 12.30pm. It is important you can stay the whole time.

Please check your calendar and assist the P&C in representing your year level; it would be greatly appreciated.

School Community participation is greatly encouraged so please register your interest by emailing the P&C on pandc@gracevilss.eq.edu.au

Regards,

Derek Brown
Graceville State School
P&C President.

Grants Working Group

The P&C is looking for a small group of school supporters to monitor and manage Grants for which the school may be eligible. As I'm sure you're aware money, to provide improvements to and maintenance of facilities, is always in short supply. Every time we miss the opportunity to apply for a Grant it is a big loss to the school and the kids. In fact this occurred at the last P&C meeting and this is the reason for this call-out.

Grants generally come from specific sources - it just needs dedicated people to monitor these with the Facilities Improvements Plan in mind and then help with the submission/s. It will not be an onerous task particularly if there is more than one person - in fact it could be quite social) If you'd like to help please email pandc@gracevilss.eq.edu.au

Booklists 2016

The 2016 Graceville State School Booklist will soon be published. This booklist contains a list of required texts and workbooks and the necessary stationery needed for each individual year level.

Each year level has different requirements so to try and reduce some of the running around during school holidays, the P&C has once again worked closely with our recommended supplier Brodies.

Whilst you aren’t required to purchase your books from Brodies, the P&C receives a donation from Brodies for Graceville families who order their goods through their store and references Graceville State School.

If your child has progressed through the years at Graceville and has accumulated a number of pencils, erasers, glue sticks or crayons etc. you can reuse these for next year if they are of usable quality. It is up to you to decide which items you need to purchase or replace. Each year level has different text book and exercise book requirements, so these will usually need to be purchased. If you are unsure, please consult your teacher to discuss requirements.

For 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

Volunteers: We are desperate for volunteers for Tuesdays, please contact the Tuckshop if you are able to assist.

Volunteers for Week Commencing Monday, 9 November 2015

Monday, 9/11. Jennifer Loh
Tuesday 10/11. Hayley Smith and Kellie Steen
Wednesday, 11/11. Allison O'Keefe and Kate McIntyre
Thursday, 12/11. Kathy McPhie and Fiona Fryer
Friday, 13/11. Annie Madders and Bess Sellers and Marie Gjorgiosci and Anna Cottell

• Please note that the School24 Online Tuckshop ordering deadline is 8 am Monday to Friday. If you have missed this deadline and are in need of an emergency lunch, please order over the counter by 8.45am or call the school and ask to be forwarded to the Tuckshop.
• Tuckshop will not be open in the last week of school. The last day we are open for 2015 is Friday the 4th of December.
• The P&C is looking at going totally online with ordering for 2016. Do you prefer online ordering or what could we do to get you ordering online if you are not already doing so? Let us know your opinions by emailing the P&C at pandc@gracevilss.eq.edu.au

As always, if you need any help or have any queries, please come and see us, or email at the address below. If you should need to ring the Tuckshop, please ring via the school phone number and they will put you through to the Tuckshop. See you in the Tuckshop,

Amanda and Anne
tuckshop.gss@gmail.com

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

School Plus

We are now taking enrolments for 2016 and are looking forward to welcoming our new group of Prep students next year! Please go to schoolplus.com.au to enrol.

Last Wednesday we had a visitor from the RSPCA come to talk to us about their organisation. Our visitor, Darrell, explained how they help animals who are sick or injured and find them loving homes. Darrell spoke to us about keeping our waterways clear of rubbish to help protect our turtles and marine life.

The RSPCA have provided us with a Wishbone Christmas Tree which we will be using to make donations to their cause. Envelopes are hung on the tree with photographs and names of rescued animals in their care. The back of each envelope shows how much each donation can help the animals. We will be collecting donations for the RSPCA until the 11th of December.

Please visit us at OSHC to make a donation.

Community Notices

Activate Summer Clinic

Sherwood Girl Guides Celebrate 90 years!

What: A weekend of events and activities celebrating Sherwood Girl Guides 90th anniversary.
Where: Sherwood Guide Hut, 44 Thallon St, Sherwood
When: 7 & 8 November 2015.
Afternoon Tea Reunion, 3pm, Saturday 7 Nov
Campfire 5.30pm -8.30pm, Saturday 7 Nov
Community Day 10.00am-3.00pm, Sunday 8 Nov
Contact: RSVP or further details sherwoodgirlguides@gmail.com

For further information please contact Kylie Fry 0402 064779

School Holiday Cricket Clinics

HENSCHELL CRICKET ACADEMY PTY LTD will be conducting Cricket Coaching Clinics during the Summer school holidays. Girls and boys of all standards, 6 to 17, are welcome.

The December “Performance Improver” Clinic will concentrate on building skills whilst having fun and enjoying the game of cricket. The January “Season Preparation” Clinic will concentrate on preparing players for the Post Christmas Club and School cricket seasons.

Non cricketers, looking for something active to do during the school holidays or wanting to learn how to catch and throw properly, are very welcome at these Clinics.

Attendees will be arranged with others of like ability and age, in groups small enough to ensure individual tutelage is provided. A Cricket Australia accredited coach will be allocated to each group for the duration of the Clinic to enable a structured program to be delivered and a comprehensive written report will be provided post Clinic conclusion.

A Senior First Aid Officer will be in attendance in case of illness or injury.

At each Clinic, one lucky player will win a Gabba cricket bat valued up to $230.00 (depending on size) simply by attending!

Where: Fig Tree Pocket State School, Cubberla Street, Fig Tree Pocket
When: Week 1 - Monday 14 to Thursday 17 December 2015 inclusive
Week 2 - Monday 4 to Thursday 7 January 2016 inclusive
Time: 8:30am to 12:00pm each day
What to wear: White shirt, sunscreen and hat/cap
What to bring: Personal cricket gear (if owned), water, snack, positive attitude
Cost: $199.00 (Incl. GST) per Clinic (family rates available)

To book your place at these 4 day Clinics, or for further information, please contact Brett Henschell via email henschellcricket@bigpond.com or by mobile 0458 026 224.