11 February 2022

From the Principal

Zoe Smith

Dear Parents,

Welcome back to school!

Thank you for working with us to make the start to the school year a smooth transition.

It was great to see the majority of our students return on Day 1. In fact, only a handful of children were away. We are very grateful to the families who are choosing to keep their children at home due to displaying signs of illness or following advice of Queensland Health. We encourage all families to follow their lead and please keep your child at home if they are displaying any signs of an illness.

Yesterday you will have received an email to make you aware of a COVID 19 case in our school. In our communication with you we will be as transparent as possible while still maintaining the right to privacy of affected school community members. Please understand our whole school communications will not disclose the class or names of affected community members to ensure their right to privacy. In the event of a positive COVID case in a class, we will contact the parents of the class directly via SMS text message first and advise them to check their inbox for an email from the school. We have made this decision so that those specific families know to closely monitor for any COVID symptoms. The health and safety of our children is paramount. We ask all families to trust in this process and understand we will communicate with you in a timely manner.

I am happy to confirm that we do have a supply of Rapid Antigen Tests (RAT) which can be used for staff or students who display symptoms while at school and are required to go home and take a test. It is important to understand we are not an official distributor of the RAT and can only provide tests to those children or staff as indicated above.

As you are aware masks were offered to children in Year 3-6 on Monday. Although mask wearing is encouraged in primary schools it is not mandated. Parents can advise their child to wear a mask while at school. The teachers have more masks to offer if students would like one. All they need to do is ask the class teacher.

As our P&C are aware, Graceville State School was the first school in QLD to be assessed for ventilation and air quality by the Department of Education in conjunction with the independent contractors. The school was offered the opportunity to be a test site for the secondary assessment process. Our school was selected as we had exceeded the first assessment and through that process it could be seen we had a range of building types and multiple options for ventilation which could be tested and explored through the process. The assessment took place on Wednesday. We were given some immediate feedback, which was very positive and we will be provided with a more in-depth analysis later next week. The assessors have left monitoring equipment in some of our classrooms to gather more data which will be considered as part of the final outcome. It is important to understand those classrooms exceed the ventilation requirements and are being used to help gather some longer-term data across a day/days which will be of benefit to not only our school but all schools in QLD. It is my understanding the results of our assessment will be shared with a prominent researcher in the field of ventilation at QUT and her advice sought if adjustments are required. This was a great opportunity for our school and a very interesting experience. I will keep you updated on this subject.

One area we would like to improve is the flow of children from school to home (if using the Drop and Go Zones) in the afternoon. We ask parents to have the family name visible in the front windscreen of your car. This gives us time to see you coming, call for the children and have them ready and waiting prior to you pulling up. Remember, children can only enter the vehicle in the first three cars for safety reasons. We appreciate your patience while waiting in the Drop and Go Zones.

Over the next two weeks our teachers will hold Parent Information Sessions via Zoom. The teacher will email the invitation home soon if they have not done so already. The sessions are 30 minutes in duration and will give you a chance to meet the teacher, listen to how the class will operate and hopefully a parent will volunteer to be the class rep!

Finally, some exciting non COVID related news!

On Monday 14 February, some of our students will appear on the Today show in a special segment called Love through the Ages. Tomorrow morning selected students will zoom with Ally from the Today show and engage in a light-hearted conversation parts of which will be aired on Monday. We wish our students the best of luck and I am sure they will have fun and do our school community proud!

I would like to thank you all for your support as we work through the start to school. We know there may be some unexpected bumps along the way and with your trust, partnership and support our children will have a great start to school this year.

Zoe Smith

Newsletter Articles

Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

Safety around our school

Please read the attachment about being safe around our school. Pedestrians and drivers need to follow the rules around the school to keep every person safe. Use the crossings, be patient and mindful of pedestrians especially our little people, be a good role model for safety to your children.

Swimming Year 1-6

Swimming commences next Monday. Years 1 & 2 children will swim Mondays (1) and Thursdays (2) with Phil Moore and his team. Parents need to provide the signed permission form prior to their child swimming. This was emailed and a hard copy given to students this week. Parent should have received the invoice, to be paid by next Friday 18th March.

Years 3-6 students will also commence swimming lessons with Mr Daunt from Monday. Class teachers will let you know what day.

Interschool sport

Interschool sport will commence on Friday 18th March for Years 5 & 6. Mr Daunt is starting the process for students to choose their sport in the coming week. A letter will come home to parents.

Naplan Year 3 & 5

Year 3 & 5 students will participate in Naplan testing online (except for the Year 3 Writing which will be on paper, handwritten).

All classes will participate in practice tests in the last couple of weeks of Term 1.

The actual Naplan tests will run over a 2-week period – 11-21 May.

For more information please have a look at the website:

Deputy Principal

Maree Hass

Welcome to new families and to returning families this year, we are off and flying, it is great to see so many happy faces and children link up with friends, new and old! Our school buddies are doing a great job at lower school second breaks in assisting our new preppies become comfortable and familiar with our school, thank you to them and their teachers.

School Sun Safety Policy

We have a new policy mandated by The Department of Education around sun safety for all on the school site. Year-round sun protection is important for all young people in Queensland as research demonstrates that high ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure in childhood and adolescence significantly increases the risk of developing skin cancer.

Our school aims to educate our students about being sun safe in order to develop important, life-long, healthy habits, and acknowledges the important role adults play during and outside school hours to reinforce sun safety with children.

In implementing this policy, our school and community recognise that:

• the policy applies to all school and school-related activities and events;
• the strategies are to be implemented during the whole school day and year-round; and
• a combination of sun safe strategies is more effective than a single approach.

Parents are asked to apply sunscreen before school and all teachers will provide an opportunity for students to reapply sunscreen while at school using school provided sunscreen which is Ultra Protect Vitamin E 50+ brand. If you do not wish for your child to use the school provided sunscreen please complete the ‘Non-consent’ form which is Appendix A of the attached policy.

Please take the time to read this policy and ask any questions at all about its contents. This policy was developed during term 4 last year in consultation with the parent community.

Prep Vision Screening

The Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program is coming to our school. It is a Queensland Government service that offers Free Vision Screening to all children enrolled in Prep.

Good vision is important for a child’s educational, physical and social development. Vision screening checks for common eye conditions that may impact your child’s ability to see and therefore impact their learning and development.

A Registered Nurse will be visiting our school between March 22 and March 25 to conduct vision screening for children in their prep year.

If your child’s vision is screened, you will be advised of the results in writing. If a vision concern is found, you will receive a phone call from the nurse to discuss referral to an eye health professional for further assessment. If a vision concern is identified and your child requires glasses, eligible health care card holders may be assisted with free basic glasses through the Spectacle Supply Scheme.

Participation in vision screening is not compulsory.

If you have any questions, please contact the Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program on 1800 687 372.

If your child is in Prep and you would like their vision screened, you will need to complete a consent form.

Please click on the following link to access the Online Consent Form and Parent Information Letter:

Alternatively you can scan the QR code below:

Please note: The consent form link will close on Friday 18th February 2022.

For further information, please see the attached FAQ’s.

P-2 Assemblies this term

We will be having our fortnightly junior assemblies this term, however these will be using zoom with classes in their own classroom so still great to get-together doing awards and class items, though remotely.

Business Manger

Anne Nixon

Student Resource Schemes (SRS) for 2022 are:

• Prep Requirements ($100)
• Reading Eggs (Prep & year 1) ($26)
• Instrumental Music Programs – Instrument Hire ($100), Percussion Maintenance ($50), Music Participation ($90) & Choir ($45)
• Mathletics On-line registration (Years 2, 3, 4 & 6) ($14)
• Mathseeds (Prep & year 1) $14
• Origo Maths (years Prep to 4) ($8)
• Year 5 maths levy ($10)
• ESmart Digital Licence Yr 5 ($11)
• Yr 1 to 6 requirements ($25)

Student Resource scheme forms have been sent home this week to students. Due to the delay in school starting, all forms need to be returned to the office by Friday 18th February 2022. Just a reminder to parents, that invoices cannot be raised until the forms are received.

Invoices for existing students will be generated from Thursday 17th February 2022. If you have not seen any invoices by Wednesday 23rd February 2022, please contact the office.

All excursions and events require payment and a permission form to be returned by the due date or your child will not be permitted to attend.

Credit in Account: Credits from 2021 rolled over to this year can 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 ticketed excursions are non-refundable.

Payment of account days:

8am-3.00pm - 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.

BPOINT User Information

For payment of multiple items on your statement/invoice, you will need to do a separate entry for each item, entering the invoice number and the corresponding payment amount for that item only e.g.

Separate Entries for each line must be done to ensure the payment is allocated to the correct Excursion/Resource Fee.

BPOINT payments must be processed in time to clear (usually 2-3 business days) before the Due Date for payment.

Music News

Naomi Lindh

I hope all of our students have settled into their classes for 2022. For the first 4 weeks of this term, there will be no music rehearsals. Please find information below about our choirs and instrumental rehearsal days.

Choir

Students who are in years 2 and 3 are welcome to join the Junior Choir and students who are in years 4 - 6 are welcome to join the Senior Choir. We share our songs at school events regularly throughout the year via performances or at times over the last couple of years, via recordings, depending on the restrictions and guidelines which are in place. This year, Junior Choir rehearsals will be held on Friday mornings at 7:45am (for interested students in years 2 and 3) and Senior Choir rehearsals will be held on Tuesday mornings at 7:45am (for interested students in years 4 - 6). There is an annual levy of $45 for choir members which will be invoiced once rehearsals have started. We will let you know the date of the first rehearsal for this term once plans are confirmed.

Instrumental Music

This year our IM teachers will be at school on the following days:

• Mr James Kukulies - band - Monday (all day) and Friday (morning/half day)
• Mr Alex Chin - strings - Wednesday (all Day) and Thursday (morning/half day)

Instrumental lessons will begin in week 2 of this term. This year all IM lessons will be in the Oxley Room this year. Our IM teachers have sent timetables to families via email. If you have not received this information from your child's instrumental teacher, please contact them. Contact details are listed below for all of our music teachers.

The music rehearsal schedule for 2022 (we will advise when these rehearsals will begin)

Monday 7:45am – Senior Band (in the school hall)
Tuesday 7:45am - Senior Choir (students in years 4 - 6)
Wednesday 7:45am - Junior Strings (in the school hall)
Thursday 7:45am – Senior Strings (in the school hall)
Friday 7:45am - Junior Choir
Friday 7:45am – Junior Band (starting in term 2 in May - in the school hall)

Music Teacher Contact Details

Alex Chin - Instrumental Music Teacher - Strings - Email: achin4@eq.edu.au
James Kukulies - Instrumental Music Teacher - Band - Email: jkuku2@eq.edu.au
Naomi Lindh - Classroom Music Teacher/Choir Conductor - Email: nclos1@eq.edu.au

Chappy’s Chat

John Erichsen

Welcome back everyone! It has been a somewhat strange beginning to the school year but this week, a little more normality has arrived. The beginning pf the school year is an exciting time with many new feelings and for some, more than a little uncertainty. The Chaplaincy Committee look forward to partnering with parents to ensure your school experience is the most positive one it can be.

For those new to the school, the Chaplaincy Service at Graceville State School is a three-day service, operating Wednesday – Friday. I work closely with teaching, administration and other support staff to provide emotional and social support to students and families. My duties see me active around most parts of the school and I am happy to assist wherever there is a need. If you would like to find out more about what chaplaincy at Graceville State School looks like on the ground, feel free to get in touch with me via the school office. The Chaplaincy Committee consists of school staff and parents, meeting once or twice per term to consider and prepare for events involving chaplaincy through the year. Under the guidance of the School Principal, Zoe Smith, the chaplaincy service is passionate about supporting all areas of school life, including P&C events, Active School Travel, Camps and excursions, Sporting events and Music events, just to name a few. Any parent wishing to be part of the Chaplaincy Committee would be most welcome.

I hope this first week has been a time of sharing exciting stories at the day’s end, where children recount all the interesting things they participated in that day. I trust new friendships have already started developing and for both children and parents, these friendships strengthen and flow through the school years and make your time with us at Graceville even more special.

Have a wonderful week!
John Erichsen
(Chappy)

Uniform Shop

Michelle Fanning

Hi all

Welcome back!!

Well 2022 has had an interesting start but I'm so happy to be back in the Uniform Shop seeing everyone again.

I hope you took time during the school holidays for a little R&R.

DONATIONS

I have been so grateful to receive so many donations over the past few weeks. It’s been really helpful considering the delays we have on stock at the moment, so thank you to those who have so generously given.

As a side note, could donations be given during opening hours only or handed in at the office if absolutely necessary. Please do not leave bags outside the uniform shop. Thank you.

LOW STOCK

As most of you know many of the popular sizes in our Gold Polo's have not been replenished due to fabric delays which has come from a knock on effect stemming from Covid.

We are also currently out of stock of Skorts in size 6 and a few sizes in House Polo Shirts.

I have of course ordered more, but giving time frames on arrival is almost impossible.

You are welcome to pre order any items that are currently out of stock. Please email uniformshop@gracevillepandc.org.au or make an appointment at the store on a Tuesday or Thursday morning from 8:15 – 10:15 to let us know how we can help.

DRESSES

Please note that due to fabric issues we now have limited stock in our dresses. We have now sold out of size 2’s and 4’s.

I will not be ordering any more in the near future so if you know you would like a dress, please don’t delay.

OPENING DAYS AND TIMES

We will remain appointment only as well as having the online store for easy ordering. The appointment days are Tuesday and Thursday of each week from 8:15am – 10:15am

For any reason you cannot make your appointment time, please cancel online asap so others don’t miss out. When visiting the store, it’s important to enter and exit the school grounds via the Oxley Road gate near the tennis courts. The uniform store is located just to the left of the courts.

ONLINE STORE

The uniform shop has an online store, so if you already know what your child needs you can order and pay online and it will be passed on to their teacher.

PLEASE NOTE – When buying online please add your child’s FULL NAME and CLASS on the FIRST page. Thank you.

The online store and appointment bookings can be made via the following link -

DONATIONS

We are always grateful for donations of 2nd hand uniforms that are in freshly washed, saleable condition with no tears or holes We also ask that donations are our SCHOOL BRANDED ITEMS ONLY, so no items from any outside stores. Thank you for your generosity and understanding.

PAYMENT

We encourage you to use Eftpos or credit cards when purchasing.

REFUNDS

Please be advised that refunds will only be given if you have the original receipt and items should not have been washed, worn and any tags should still be attached.

Email address for school uniform store is:

uniformshop@gracevillepandc.org

Thanks everyone!
Michelle

Tuckshop News

Tuckshop News 2022

Welcome back to school for 2022!!

We hope everyone had a great Christmas and New Year break. Hard to believe that we are back at the start of a new year, and we can’t wait to see all the familiar faces and introduce a lot of new faces to Tuckshop!

New parent/s to the school? Then before you place your first order you will need to download the Qkr! App for android or smartphone from your app store. Its very easy to install and use. Instructions on how to set up your account can be found at the end of this section. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call us at Tuckshop and we can walk you through the process.

All tuckshop orders are given out at first break so ensure you order enough to get your child through the day. We do not open second break for extra snacks etc.

With that we would love to see your face at Tuckshop this year. Volunteering has just become a whole lot easier. We now have a Volunteer Menu in the Qkr! App.

Make sure you pop your name in when you order Tuckshop. Whether you can do half an hour or 3 hours every little bit helps. Why not get a friend or two and make it a catch up? We would love your help if you can fit it into your day.

Continuing parent/s please be mindful that you will not be able to order until you update your child/rens details in the app. Without an updated class we can’t deliver their order.

Menu Changes

We have a few new menu items to choose from this term.

• Rice crackers with Cheese ($1.50), Hommus ($1.80) or Tzatziki ($1.80)
  - these are replacing the wheat crackers (Jatz) and are Gluten Free
• Mini muffins! Blueberry ($2.50) which are GF and Dairy Free and for a limited time, Banana/Vanilla mini muffins which are Vegan and GF

Unfortunately, we have had some slight price increases to a few items as well.

• Sausage rolls are going from $3.50 to $3.70
• Apple Mini Muffins are going from $2.20 to $2.50
• Bretzels are going from $1.50 to $1.60

If you can’t see one of your favourite items on the menu – don’t fret! We are having a few supply issues (like the rest of the world) and are working on finding new suppliers or bigger and better items to replace them. We will keep you posted!

Beginning of year Reminders

Please be mindful that

• Cut off time for ordering is 8am every morning
• Sushi orders must be in by 12pm Tuesday for Wednesday delivery (remember to order through the Sushi menu)
• If your child is sick please cancel the order before 8am on your app, if it is after that time please call us and we can help
• The Oops I forgot menu is not to be used for placing orders if you don’t make 8am cut off. We don’t always get the chance to check the menu in time before first break so your child might miss out. The menu is only to be used when life happens, and lunch gets left at home or unforeseen circumstances at school
• We still aren’t taking cash at the Tuckshop so please order all ice blocks through the app.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns and you’d like to speak with us please email tuckshop@gracevillepandc.org.au or pop in for a quick chat we’d love to hear from you.

Once again welcome back everyone and we will see you at Tuckshop!

Alex and Emma
Tuckshop Convenors 2022

School Plus

School has started back up and we are in full swing at School Plus Graceville! We hope everyone has had a fun, safe and restful extra-long Christmas break! We can’t wait to jump back into our routine at School Plus Graceville with fun, laughter, and learning.

We have lots to look forward to this term! Our ‘Homework Club’ will be starting up on Wednesday afternoons from week 4 (16/2/22). Our new seniors will be starting up their Senior Club soon too. They will be brainstorming what initiatives they would like to take part in throughout the year!

We of course also have our OSHC Program filled with lots of fun activities including science, sensory and so much more.

We are thrilled to have everyone back this term and can’t wait to see what fun the next few weeks hold. Contact us now to book for Before and After School Care!

Tennis

TENNIS HOT SHOTS –LIMITED PLACES STILL AVAILABLE FOR TERM 1!

Limited places are still available for term 1 tennis lessons.

ENROL ONLINE at:

PRIVATE AND SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.

Should you have any questions please contact Tennis for Kids on info@tennisforkids.com.au

or 0408 187 741.

ALL NEW CHILDREN ENROLLING IN TERM 1 WILL RECEIVE A FREE JUNIOR TENNIS RACQUET!

Community Notices