19 November 2015

From the Principal

Zoe Smith

Hello,

The clock is really counting down to the end of the school year now. Four weeks to go!

As you may know, most classes are currently involved in Semester two assessment pieces. We hope you can understand our teacher’s attention, outside of school hours, will be focused on writing report cards. Many teachers choose to do this work in peace and quiet of their own homes so please be aware they may arrive a little later or leave a little earlier than usual over the next few weeks.

Last Wednesday night I had the pleasure of attending the music concert. It was wonderful to see so many parents, families and friends supporting the children. The choirs, string ensembles and concert bands entertained us with their performances. I would like to thank the classroom music and instrumental music teachers for their enthusiasm, hard work and dedication to our music program.

On Thursday night I had the opportunity to attend a special dinner to help celebrate the achievements of the Year 6 students who were part of the Rotary Awards. Each year our students are given the opportunity to take part in a community based project run by the local Rotary club. The students take part in a range of community based activities and volunteering opportunities in order to receive the Rotary Award. I was very proud of all of our students and would like to congratulate them all for their achievements. I would especially like to thank Max S, who prepared and presented a speech on behalf of the Year 6 group. Well done to you all!

As you may be aware, I have been out of the school most of this week peer reviewing three schools who are part of the Curiosity and Powerful Learning Project. The experience has been highly valuable, helping me to gain a deeper understanding of the Theories of Action that underpin the project. From next week, we will start our future planning for Curiosity and Powerful learning. On Tuesday we will have an expert from the project spending a day with us in the school. He will help us to understand the outcomes of our school review and will work with us to create the plan for how to roll out the project in our school. This will be an exciting week as it will provide the direction we have been waiting for! As a staff, we are very excited about entering the Curiosity and Powerful Learning project. It may feel a bit like going back to university for us as we will be involved in deep and continual learning for the next few years. I believe we are ready and up for the challenge!

The voting process for Sports House Captains will take place on Friday. I wish all candidates the best of luck in the process.

Finally, please be aware parking around the school at drop off time next Thursday will be very hard to find. The school is hosting a regional Assessment and Reporting Forum which starts at 7.30am and will be finished by 11.30am. There will be close to 100 educators attending the forum. We have suggested the use of public transport or carpooling if possible. I apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause. Please use the drop and go zones unless you need to come into the school Thursday.

Have a great week.

Newsletter Articles

From the Deputy Principal

Maree Hass

2016 Prep Orientation visits

Information regarding prep classes and about our orientation morning next Tuesday has now been sent out to families. We look forward to welcoming new families to our school next week as we prepare these new students to become part of our school.

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
8	November 24	No class item this week
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 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.

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.

Money Matters

Roberta Haryicki

Thank you to the families who have settled their accounts from the reminder statements sent home. To follow-up, staff will be calling families in regards to accounts not yet finalised. Please treat these overdue account with your immediate attention.

2016 Student Resource Schemes (SRS) for:

• Prep Requirements ($60)
• Instrumental Music Programs (Various)
• Mathletics On-Line Registrations ($10)
• Religious Education Resources ($10)

will be issued this term in readiness for 2016.

The completion and return of these forms this year, will allow office staff to invoice at the commencement of 2016.

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 Ms West, Mrs Prout, our Senior Choir and selected Senior Strings students who attended the Oxley Senior Citizens' concert this week! We really appreciate your efforts in organising this excursion and performance as well as supporting our local community. Thanks also to Chappy who attended as a supervising teacher!

We hope to finalise offers for instrumental music places for 2016, this week. 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.

On Wednesday November 25 at 10am we will be hosting the Grandparents' Concert involving our choral and students in Senior Strings. 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.

Thank you for supporting our music program!

Term 4 Performances

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

Clowning Around for Chaplaincy

The final fundraising event for Chaplaincy will take place between 20 November and 3 December. After the success and fun of last year, we have decided to continue ‘Clowning Around For Chaplaincy’ in 2015.

Clowning Around for Chaplaincy is a 10 day school event which sees classes having fun with their teachers while trying to raise money for Chaplaincy. After a long and hard year of teaching and learning, this fundraising event not only helps to raise funds, but aims to help celebrate the success of the year that has passed.

Each class will work with their teacher to create a plan of how they will celebrate over the 10 day period. The class will decide on the fundraising milestones for their class, with fun activities built in to celebrate at those junctures. Some examples of the fun activities from 2014 are: the class being allowed to wear coloured shoe laces or socks one day, having their teacher or whole class dress up like a clown. These are just a few fun ways to create a light hearted atmosphere that lifts spirits and is appreciated by both staff and students at the end of a long school year. It is important to note, this is a class, not individual fundraiser. All children, regardless if they donate to the fundraiser or not, will be able to take part in the fun activities with their class.

Each class will have a thermometer to keep tally of how much their class has raised. The school will also offer the highest fundraising class in both the junior (P-2) and senior school (3-6) a pool party.

As a side event, Mr Daunt has offered to supervise a lunchtime swim during this 10 day period. A gold coin donation on entry applies. Children will be able to put their name on a list and have a swim in the pool that day. More information will be provided in the coming weeks.

The finale of Clowning around for Chaplaincy will be held at assembly on Thursday 3rd December, 2:15pm. The winning classes of the pool party in junior and senior school will be announced and Mrs Smith and other members of staff may even have their faces painted! This will make for an interesting drive home that day!

Chaplaincy provides a much needed service to the members of our school community. All funds we can raise to help support Chaplaincy to offer services to our students and families is greatly appreciated. I hope you support this worthy fundraising event.

Those families who wish to donate electronically and receive a receipt for tax deduction can follow this link.

CREDIT CARD PAYMENT LINK DETAILS electronic link http://g.suqld.org.au/1o8bGx0

Donation Amount $........................ E-Receipt No.: …………………….

Name of child:……………………………………………………Class: ………………………………………

Please fill in and return to your child (ren’s) class(es) so the teacher can add this amount to the class tally.

Thank you for your generous support of Chaplaincy.

Evonne Beruldsen (on behalf of the Chaplaincy Committee)

Active School Travel

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

The year is flying by and before we know it the school holidays will be here. While walking (riding, rolling or scooting) is a great way to get school every day (or as often as you can), it is also important to remember to keep active on the school holidays. Walk to the park (or ride your bike) instead of taking the car. Catch up with friends for a bike ride or take public transport to reduce congestion on the roads. It is also important to stay safe and remember to actively travel safely.

Benefits of walking

• Keeps your children healthy (it helps to prevent chronic disease)
• Supports children’s sense of independent mobility
• Improves children’s mood and wellbeing
• Reduces air pollution, noise pollution, traffic and our reliance on fossil fuels
• Is free.

Safety tips for walking

If your child is in primary school, walk with them until they are confident. Once they feel confident and safe, try to find a friend from their school they can walk with.

Teach your child:

• The safest route to school (for example, through suburban streets)
• What to be cautious of on their journey (such as blind intersections)
• To only cross the street on the green ‘walk’ traffic sign or at a pedestrian crossing
• To always walk on the footpath or nature strip, or if that’s not possible, on the road facing the oncoming traffic
• How to look for vehicles when crossing a street, road or driveway (look right, left, then right again)
• Not to play with toys or sports equipment while they walk (in case items fall, bounce or roll onto the road)
• To listen to the school crossing supervisor
• What to do in an emergency—it’s a good idea to have them carry a mobile with emergency numbers on speed dial
• To wear a hat, sunscreen and comfortable, supportive shoes.

Remember to… STOP LOOK LISTEN THINK!

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.

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.

Honour Avenue Street Improvement

You may have noticed that work has begun on the Honour Avenue Suburban Centre Improvement Project (SCIP). Council and local businesses are pumping $3.75 million into the street scape over the next six months. Work around the Bank Road shops parking areas has caused short term parking problems over the last week or so. All businesses will remain open during this time. It is important that we as a school community continue to support these local businesses through this trying time as these businesses are such strong supporters of the school.

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 the 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, 23rd November 2015

Monday, 23/11 Juanita Holland
Tuesday 24/11 Rachel Rillie
Wednesday, 25/11 Sasha Griggs and Rebecca Sinfield
Thursday, 26/11 Michael Willimott and Nell McKay
Friday, 27/11 Trudy Burge, Monica Kim, Rowanne Wright and Lyn Griffiths

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

UNIFORM AND STATIONERY STORE

Sue-Ellen Lockwood

The uniform store will be 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 very busy.

The 2nd hand sale continues, with all 2nd hand gold shirts $5 each and all 2nd 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 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.

The uniform store will be closed the last Friday of the school year.

Order forms are available on the School website. New prices started from 1 November so 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 in 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

Community Notices

AUSSIE OPEN - TENNIS COACHING CLINIC

DATE – MON 18TH – WED 20TH JANUARY 2016
8:30AM – 12:00PM EACH DAY
COST $135.00
BEGINNERS TO ADVANCED (AGES 6 & UP)

THESE CLINICS ARE OFTEN BOOKED OUT, SO PLEASE BOOK EARLY TO ENSURE A PLACE

CLINIC IS HELD AT WEST BRIS TENNIS CENTRE
227 Archerfield Rd, Richlands

COACHING AND COMPETITIONS
TOURNAMENTS AND TROPHIES

ENQUIRIES CONTACT
SARAH - 0412 725 994

To enter clinic please phone the above number or email jim@westbrisbanetennis.com.au

School Tennis Coaching

I'd personally like to thank all the children and their parents for their support during the year. It's been another great year of tennis coaching with record numbers of kids playing in a couple of terms this year. It was especially satisfying to see so many Grade 1 & 2's starting for the first time in the very successful lunchtime lessons. Also, I'd like to thank the staff in the office & the other coaches this year Lauren, Max, Ash & Raine.

1ST TERM School Tennis Coaching 2016

Due to the short first week back after the holidays & first term only being a 9 week term, in order to fit our 8 lessons into Term 1, we may have to overlap into Term 2 which is an 11 week term.

Enrolment forms will go out during the first week of Term 1, they will also be available for downloading from the School Newsletter.

Holiday Tennis Clinic

We will be running a Tennis clinic at West Brisbane Tennis Centre from Monday 18th January to Wednesday 20th January 2016.

Time: 8.30am -12 noon each day
Cost: $135

Enquiries & Bookings jim@westbrisbanetennis.com.au Phone 0417 771022

Wishing everyone a very merry festive season & a great new year.

Thanks Jim

Musical Instruments for sale:

Jupiter JAS 769 Alto Saxophone, with excellent custom fit “wheelie” case. Professionally cleaned & serviced. $1000 ono.

Yamaha 250 Student Clarinet, including standard hard case. Professionally cleaned & serviced. $400 ono.

Please contact Justin on 0448 989 441 or Averil on 0419 868 831

FREE SEMINAR