12 November 2015

From the Principal

Zoe Smith

This week has been a blur with our Curiosity and Powerful Learning Review taking place.

Curiosity and Powerful Learning is a new project the school is entering into from 2016. Our school will use the information from the review to help shape the school direction for the next four years. The reviewers sought evidence of our school's current practice in what is called the 'Theories of Action' that underpin the project. One of the reviewers focused on the student, teacher and parent consultation process. The focus of the consultation for all groups was around how engaged our students are, how curious our students and school community are and what kind of expectations our community have of student learning. The other two reviewers spent their time in classrooms looking for evidence of the six Theories of Action that are specific to teacher practice in the classrooms (learning intentions, narrative and pace, challenging learning tasks, assessment for learning, connecting feedback to data, higher order questions and cooperative groups). We entered the project as we believed our school could improve student learning even further, if we as a teaching team, can become more consistent in using these high yield Theories of Action in our classrooms on a daily basis. We are committed to providing the best education and the highest quality teaching at Graceville State School. The last piece of the review puzzle will take place on November 24 when one of the directors of the project will spend a day with us in the school, help us to analyse the results of the review and create our plan for how to roll out the Theories of Action over the next 3-5 years. Once our plans are complete, I will share them at a P&C meeting. This may be early next year at this stage as the time frame to complete the process prior to our next P&C meeting is limited. Finally, I would like to thank the parents who volunteered to take part in the community consultation part of the review. We greatly appreciate the time and ideas you were able to provide to form the basis of parental perception. We enjoyed hearing them as part of the review report that was fed back to the whole staff at the end of the day.

I will be out of the school Thursday, Friday and most of next week. I will be acting as a peer reviewer, using the Curiosity and Powerful Learning Review Tools for two other schools in the project. It will be a great learning opportunity and will give me a chance to gain a greater depth of knowledge about the Theories of Action. Mrs McKeaten and Ms Hass will be here in my absence and available to meet with you if you need to see a member of the school leadership team.

I would like to congratulate Ilani S and Samuel D for being elected as Graceville School Captains for 2016. After much discussion, we also made the decision, based on the density of leadership talent amongst our students, to elect Vice Captains. This will be a change in our policy from now onwards. I would like to congratulate Lily C and Toby M for being elected as Vice Captains!

The short listed candidates for Sports House Captains were announced on assembly today. The Sport House Captain nominees will be campaigning next week prior to the vote next Friday. The Sports House Captains will be announced on assembly on Thursday 26 November.

Finally, on Wednesday we observed Remembrance Day. I would like to thank the community members and special guests who attended the ceremony and Ms O'Brien for organising the Remembrance Day service.

Have a great week

Newsletter Articles

From the Deputy Principal

Maree Hass

Spotlight on learning in the early years:

Fine motor sessions

Fine motor activities for year 1 students have commenced mornings before school in our student services room. Thanks to Mrs Lambkin and Mrs Malcolm for running these rotations of activities and assisting some of our students in their fine motor development and preparedness for class in the morning. Below are some photos of the students enjoying these experiences.

Prep T and Prep R learning about other countries and cultures

I enjoyed visiting these two classes on Tuesday this week as they shared food and knowledge about other countries of the world as part of their diversity learning in prep this term. I was amazed at how adventurous the students were in tasting food from other nations. Good job to the parents who supported this activity by cooking some specialities and sending in the variety of food on offer. Here are some photos of the tasting experiences. The children also had to colour the countries on their map as they travelled around the world tasting different delicacies.

2015 Remembrance Day Service

Thank you to Ms O'Brien and school leaders for the selling of poppies and organisation of our Remembrance Day assembly on Wednesday this week. It is one of Graceville's traditions that gives our students a broader understanding of our country's history and historical events that have shaped our society and way of life today.

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 in the coming days before this event.

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
7	November 17	Prep R
8	November 24
9	December 1	Prep S
10	December 8	Prep T

From the Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

Students at school after 2.50pm

Just a reminder to parents that 2.50pm is our school finishing time. All students are expected to leave the school grounds or go to After School Care at this time. Students waiting at the front or back gate for pick up are supervised until 3.10pm. They should be picked up by this time. In the event that you are unable to pick them up by that time, due to some unexpected delay, the students will be taken to the school office for pick up. Please remind your children that if you are picking them up and you are delayed, they MUST come to the school office. We have had the odd occasion when students are found at various areas around the school late in the afternoon, waiting for pick up by parents. It is very important that the message to all children is clear – 'For their own safety they must be supervised at the office if parents are delayed.'

Quite often after school we see students playing in the school grounds. We are happy for parents to remain in the school grounds, however, close supervision must occur. Parents should be within 'earshot' and eye sight of their children, monitoring their behaviour.

Finally, we have had several issues lately with students playing after school, unsupervised, who are supposed to be walking or riding home. Our message is very clear for all students– 'If you are expected to ride or walk home then you need to leave after school finishes'. We encourage you to reinforce this at home.

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.

Updating Medical and other student details

As it is nearing the end of the school year it is a good time to update any personal details at the office, if anything has changed. It is also very important to update medications and Action Plans (if relevant) for any students. If your child has a medical condition which requires an Action Plan or specific medication, we will be contacting you shortly to update.

New start date for the 2016 Queensland school year

A new start date for Term 1 of the 2016 school year will see Queensland students return to the classroom on Wednesday 27 January 2016 - the day after the Australia Day public holiday.

The previous start date of Monday 25 January 2016 will become a flexible professional development day for school staff.

Money Matters

Roberta Haryicki

Reminder statements will be distributed this week. Finalising all accounts by Friday 13 November 2015 would be most appreciated.

Payments and permissions for all excursions must be returned to the class teacher by given timelines to ensure your child's attendance and participation.

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

We have had a fabulous week in the music department with rehearsals and the annual evening music concert on Wednesday night! It takes commitment from students, teachers and families to have successful bands, choirs and orchestras and we really appreciate the efforts of our students and families throughout the year. Thank you for supporting our music program and your child's musical development!

Over the next week or two we will be finalising places for the instrumental music program. This is a very difficult process as there are many factors to be considered by the music staff and a limited number of places for our eligible students. 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.

We have the Oxley Senior Citizens' concert next week for the Senior Choir and selected Senior Strings. Please ensure permission slips have been returned for this and note the new departure date from the school of 10am. The Grandparents' Concert is scheduled for Wednesday 25 November at 10am. If you are able to assist with setting up platters and serving tea/coffee, please let me know (via email or the return slip on the note). If you have not received the relevant letters for the excursion/concert 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.

Students in the choirs will soon be canvassed about possible involvement in the Community Carols evening via a letter with a return slip, as this year the event is scheduled for 13 December which is at the beginning of the school holidays. Once we know the number of students who are able to commit to attend, we will meet with the Principal and make a decision about whether we can perform.

Thanks again for a fabulous week of music!

Term 4 Performances

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

13 December - choral students may perform at the Community Carols evening - participation to be advised

Library News

Melanie Hutchinson

A big THANK YOU to our wonderful school community for your fantastic support of our annual LIBRARY BOOK FAIR! This year's event was great fun and a terrific success!

The students and their families enjoyed the opportunity to buy books for themselves, their families and the school.

We earned a huge amount of commission to help purchase wonderful NEW books and many essential educational resources for the library collection as well as classroom resources. It was a tremendous effort from everyone!

A special thanks to our outstanding parent volunteers as well as our amazing teacher aides - whose assistance at this great school event was most appreciated.

Congratulations also to our competition winners – Sahan, Harry, Ryleigh and Jasper.

Active School Travel

TACO TUESDAY!

(Travel Actively Coming-to-school On)

YELLOW LINES

Once again we would like to bring this matter to the attention of the parents, and care givers who park along Richardson Street and Park Road, that completely IGNORE the yellow lines. It seems that it is the same cars, on most days who park on these YELLOW LINES and continue to put other motorists and pedestrians at risk by doing so. Yellow lines are there for a good reason! Please be aware that the council does regular inspections around the school and if you are parked on a yellow line, you will be fined.

"The law is clear. A driver must not stop at the side of a road marked with a continuous yellow edge line. An edge line means, a line marked along the road at or near the far left or the far right hand side of the road. There does not need to be a sign accompanying the yellow line. The fact that there is a yellow line there creates the offence.

The fact remains, unless there is an extraordinary emergency occurring at the time, excuses for parking there won't stand up to scrutiny. You can expect to receive a penalty notice"

Can you help???

We are looking for parents / caregivers to join our committee next year. If you can spare a few hours a month to help with event organisation, fundraising, newsletter writing, or research this would be fantastic! We are also looking for people with bike knowledge or with a fitness interest to help us keep the students engaged in the program, and help the school community to keep up its fantastic level of activity. If you would like further information please contact Jo Richards at sajrichards@iinet.net.au. Our next meeting will be Thurs 4th Feb 2016.

Keep reading the newsletters for more information on the program and for special stamping days.

Chappy's Chat

John Erichsen

As we move into the second half of term 4 and with many activities still ahead of us, our attention is drawn to our year 6 students. Their final weeks of primary school are upon them and accompanying much excitement will be some uncertainty and perhaps a little anxiety about next year. Changing schools, leaving friends after being together for years and the continuing search to find identity and a sense of belonging, makes this transition into secondary school really important. For many students, the excitement and adventure of something new overrides any uncertainty, but for some this change from the very familiar setting and processes to something completely different can seem too hard. Parents and care-givers are often the collateral damage for students struggling to manage or control their emotions at this time. One of the strengths of Graceville State School is the strong sense of community and I hope families can find the support needed to ease the burden this experience may bring. If parents and care-givers have concerns about a child's secondary school transition, or if the start of next year brings unexpected drama, I am available to journey with families to try and smooth the way. I can be contacted via the school office if required.

With our 2016 School Captain candidates delivering their speeches on last week's assembly and the Interview process taking place last Friday, I am certain of two things. Firstly, Graceville State School is assured of having great school captains next year and secondly, Mrs Smith and Ms Hass have an extremely difficult job, choosing between so many excellent candidates. All of the students short-listed for School Captain should be very proud of their efforts and all will make high quality leaders in 2016. Well done, everyone!

At this time of the year, I am often at the pool assisting with swimming and it's great to see our students educated in life saving skills. With so much access to water and the outdoor lifestyle we enjoy in this part of world, giving students skills and instruction in this area has the potential to make their world a much safer place. Thank you Mr Daunt!

End of year Music Concerts are fast approaching and I am fortunate to witness the students' progress throughout the year. It's an incredible journey and they travel so far in a relatively short period of time. Students should feel very proud of their efforts and development as young musicians and our music teachers should be applauded for the excellent work they do. Check the calendar for dates and come and celebrate the students' musical endeavours with us.

The Clowning for Chaplaincy fundraising event draws ever closer and the chaplaincy service hopes teachers and students can discover some fun and engaging ways to celebrate all they have achieved together this year. I am looking forward to seeing bright coloured socks, funny ties completing the school uniform and even teachers dressed in full clown attire. Some classes may find celebration in extra computer time or outdoor games at the end of the day. It will be interesting watching the creative and diverse methods found during this two week celebration. Thank you to the school community for the fantastic support Chaplaincy receives. It's a privilege to partner with you in supporting the students at Graceville State School.

Have a fantastic 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.

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, to source the relevant items for Graceville State School students.

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 a 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

• 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.
• If you need to cancel an order, please ring the school as soon as possible and ask to be put through to Tuckshop or come and see us. We may be able to cancel your order if you call early enough.
• 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.

Volunteers for Week Commencing Monday, 16th November 2015

Monday, 16/11. Volunteer welcome
Tuesday 17/11. Kelly Steen
Wednesday, 18/11. Evie Askew and Sara Williams
Thursday, 19/11. Fiona Fryer and Elise Allison
Friday, 20/11. Yasmin McNally and Liz Fourie and Shonna Luke and Simone Braithwaite

• In 2016 the Tuckshop will streamline to online ordering only for first break lunches. Students will still be able to cash purchase ice blocks and packaged foods over the counter at 11am. Why not be prepared and get yourself registered and online now! If you need help transitioning to online ordering, click the following link to learn how to register for School24.

We will always help students who have forgotten lunches or missed the deadline for ordering, so please work with us while we try to get your orders out on time. Graceville Tuckshop is one of the few "five day a week" tuckshops open in primary schools and online ordering is the only way we can keep this commitment.

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.

UNIFORM AND STATIONERY STORE

Sue-Ellen Lockwood

We have had our two prep selling days. The uniform store will also open on the orientation morning on 24th November. Families already at Graceville School are encouraged to come during normal uniform store hours for their prep needs due to these selling days usually being busy days.

The second hand sale continues, with all second hand gold shirts $5 each and all second hand jumpers, culottes and long pants $8 each.

Tis the season to buy cookbooks. Cookbooks are in stock $10 each, once they are gone they will not be reprinted. A free packet of Christmas cards comes with each cookbook sold.

Christmas cards with students' adorable artwork also for sale $2 for 10 cards and $3 for 20 cards.

We sell swimming caps, goggles, towels, swim bags and limited rashies and boy briefs.

House shirts for years 3 to 6 are available for the swimming carnival in early December.

Order forms are available on the School website. New prices started from 1 November so please download the new form. If you have trouble making it in to school, complete the order form and email it. The completed order will go to your child's classroom.

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

School Banking – Wednesday

Calling for School Banking Co-ordinator and volunteers

I will not be available to do the School banking next year and the program requires a volunteer School Banking Co-ordinator to facilitate the banking and distribution of School Banking rewards. This only takes a small amount of your time one day a week and the Commonwealth Bank will provide support in how to run the program. Your help with the program will greatly benefit students as they develop vital saving skills and also helps our school with fundraising.

There will be no School Banking on the last week of School.

Next week volunteers are:

Monika
Linda
Sonia
Anita
An
Rachel

8am onwards in the Hall Canteen.

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

School Plus

OSHC have had an exciting and adventurous week 6, with more funds being raised for our furry friends at the RSPCA and a dinosaur island been built for the children to play and develop over the next few weeks.

The RSPCA Wishbone Christmas Tree has been a huge success, with the children raising over $150 so far. The RSPCA visit has been an insightful experience for everyone at the centre, as we are continuing to understand the importance of taking care of our environment around us and how to help animals in different ways. If you wish to make a donation, please visit us at OSHC!

Over the last few weeks, the children have expressed their strong interest in dinosaurs and wanted to learn more about their lives before extinction. The educators and children worked together and have now created an amazing life like Dinosaur Island for our centre! The island has become extremely popular amongst everyone and more ideas have been raised to improve it. One of the ideas was to create an erupting volcano. Therefore this Friday, the children will be using science to build a volcano to place on the island.

It has been a fantastic week for everyone at OSHC and we are excited to further our ideas for our Dinosaur Island and continue to improve our knowledge on the safety and lives of animals with the RSPCA.

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.

Community Notices

Activate Summer Clinic

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.