29 July 2022

Principal

Zoe Smith

Hello,

I would like to start the newsletter by thanking the P&C and those individual parent/community members who have reached out to congratulate me on being awarded the Metropolitan Region winner of the Jack Pizzey Award for School Leadership. It was a lovely surprise as I did not even know I had been nominated! I feel very humbled that our Region considered me for the award and have made it very clear our success as a school is a team effort. This award reflects the work we have done as a community over many years to ensure an excellent education for our children. Well done to our students for coming to school each day ready to engage in learning, our teachers for caring for and educating our learners and our support staff (TA’s, admin, leadership, cleaners, schools officer) for all doing their part to supporting student learning and doing their best to make our school great!

The Prep Enrolments for In Catchment families has now started. If you have a child entering Prep in 2023 please enrol now. Ms Hass has started the Prep enrolment interviews and we have set and advertised the times for our Get Set for Prep sessions and orientation days. Please contact the office to find out more as needed.

The Spring Fair is fast approaching and the committee are working hard to make the day a fun community-oriented event. It would be wonderful to have as many people as possible sign up to volunteer on the day. Many hands make light work as they say and so please consider how you can help in the lead up to, or on the actual day. I love the fair especially the fireworks which I have heard will be a bigger and better show than last year.

School Photos are this term. On 9 August, children will need to come dressed in full school uniform. Even Vegemite, our Assistance Dog in training will feature in a class photo this year. I have heard he has booked a time at the groomers to make sure his fur is looking its best for the day!

Don’t forget there is a public holiday on Wednesday 10 August. Children do not come to school that day.

Finally, Report Cards went home earlier this week. The Parent Teacher Interviews this term are set aside specifically for those parents who would like to discuss aspects of the actual Report Card. Parents at our school are continually in and out of the school and communicating with teachers via many methods of communication as they need and so these particular Parent Teacher Interviews are set aside for parents who have specific questions in relation to the Report Card.

I hope you have a great week,

Zoe

Newsletter Articles

Deputy Principal

Maree Hass

Preparing for Prep 2023

In catchment families - please obtain enrolment forms from the office and commence this process now. Remember that when returning these forms that 2 sets of ‘proof of residency’ documents will be required as well if you aren’t already a school family.

Prep interviews are happening now during term 3. Bookings can be made via the link below.

These meetings will be face to face at school for 30 minutes, please bring your child to this meeting. Completed enrolment forms and Prep Profile will be required at the interview.

Term 4

Get Set for Prep proposed sessions

At this stage we will plan to proceed with face to face sessions although we will have to wait and see health and safety directives to come. Families must RSVP for these sessions using our online booking system also which will be live from October 4.

Session 1: Tuesday Oct 18 OR Thursday Oct 20, 9 – 10:00am Focus on Fine Motor Skills
Session 2: Tuesday Nov 1, 9 – 10:00 Speech and Language Development
Session 3: Monday Nov 14 OR Wednesday Nov 16, 9 – 10:00am Focus on Reading

Prep Orientation meetings: Thursday November 24

Meet the class session: Thursday December 1, 9 – 10am

P-2 Assemblies this term

Assemblies are now in the hall starting at 2:15 each fortnight. Parents of students who are doing a class item and parents of year 2 presenters are invited to attend these assemblies.

Term 3 Calendar for P-2 Assemblies

SunSafety

Even though cooler days are upon us it is still important for us to be sun safe. Please remember to send your child to school with sunscreen applied. All classes will also provide an opportunity through each school day to reapply sunscreen.

Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

School Photos 9th August

Music News

Naomi Lindh

This week has been busy for our IM teachers with the West Cent camps! A small number of our IM students and students from a number of other schools are attending these camps this week. There are three schools which are being used as venues for this event and this year our school is one them. Thank you to our students and staff for their understanding of this event. We hope everyone has enjoyed listening to the string students who have attended our hall for the workshop. Due to this event, there will be no IM rehearsals this week (but choir rehearsals will be on).

Next week on 4 and 5 August all of the students in our instrumental program will be attending a two day IM workshop, culminating with a concert. This is our annual instrumental workshop which provides students with an opportunity to work in small groups as well as rehearse with their ensemble. The workshop will take place in the normal school times on those days. Please download the workshop letter for further information.

We are currently planning for musical performances from our instrumental ensembles and choirs at the Spring Fair. This year our students will be able to perform in the hall. We will let you know the timetable once performance times have been confirmed.

The Junior Choir will be singing at a Junior Assembly in week 6. Parents will be invited to attend this event. We have a large group of keen singers in the Junior Choir who are looking forward to sharing their songs with everyone!

It is exciting to have lots of musical events and performances happening this term. I know our families, teachers and students are excited about them too. Please ensure that your child attends rehearsals/lessons regularly and contact your child's conductor if they are unable to attend due to illness or another commitment. We appreciate your assistance with ensuring this consistency as we work towards performances this term.

Thank you for supporting your child's involvement in the music program!

The music rehearsal schedule for 2022

Monday 7:45am – Senior Band (in the school hall)
Tuesday 7:45am - Senior Choir (interested students in years 4 - 6 - in the music room)
Wednesday 7:45am - Junior Strings (in the school hall)
Thursday 7:45am – Senior Strings (in the school hall)
Friday 7:45am - Junior Choir (interested students in years 2 - 3 - in the music room)
Friday 7:45am – Junior Band

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

Uniform Shop

Michelle Fanning

Hi all

Welcome to week 3!

SCHOOL PHOTOS

If you’re thinking you will need a fresh Gold Polo for the upcoming school photos on the 9th of August please come and see me as I am well stocked in all sizes.

Also please remember the only shirt allowed to be worn on photo day is the Gold Polo.

DRESSES

Please note we have very limited stock in our dresses. We now only have small quantities of sizes 1, 8, 12, 14 and 16 left in stock. I also currently have 2nd hand dresses in size 2, 4 and 6.

I will not be ordering more so if you’re a new family and you would like a dress for Prep 2023 please don’t delay.

PRICE INCREASES

Due to price rises in fabric our supplier has increased the cost of our Polar Fleece jackets and Sports/Track jacket. Sadly we cannot absorb this cost so both jackets are now selling for $38 each.

HAIR ACCESSORIES

The wait is over and our range of ever popular hair accessories are back! Yes that includes our best selling headbands too!

LONG SLEEVE GOLD POLOS

Last summer we introduced the long sleeve Gold polo to our range as a sun safe option. Now that winter is here these shirts are also perfect for the cooler months and layering under our winter jackets on those extra chilly days. We are well stocked and the size ranges from 4 to 16.

2nd HAND WINTER STOCK

Why not look at our 2nd hand rack that is overflowing with Polar fleeces, Rugby shirts, Track pants and Leisure pants. Items start at just $5 and are always marked at 50% off or less! Pop by the store on a Tuesday or Thursday morning for a look or send me an email with what you’re after so I can help.

DONATIONS

Could donations please 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.

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 via your pc or laptop, please add your child’s FULL NAME and CLASS in the notes section. If ordering via your mobile device, please add your child’s details beside yours. 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.au

Thanks everyone!

Michelle

Tuckshop News

Hope everyone is back into routine and staying healthy! We have lots of great meals for this cold weather at Tuckshop this term so if you haven’t looked at the menu for awhile give it a go!

We have hit the ground running! Numbers are busy Monday – Friday and unfortunately, we Tuckshop convenors aren’t immune to all winter colds and the like that are around so please pop your name in the roster. We can stay open if one of us is here and we have help!

Remember we love a drop in visit before and/or after reading groups to help out. You would be surprised just how much 10 minutes of your time can help us with the morning.

Just follow the steps below to sign up in QKR! Or pop in and we can put your name down for you.

Thank you to all those volunteers that pop in regularly to see if we need help and a big shout out to the volunteers that pop in EVERY week to give us hand – we couldn’t do it without you!

New Menu Item

Just in time for this cold weather we have introduced Butter Chicken served with rice as our Monday Special.

Gluten Free, Dairy Free but tasty!

Its $6.00 a serve and is sure to please even the fussiest of eaters.

Also, we are sad to announce that Jelly Joys will be phased out over the next few weeks. Our supplier is no longer stocking the item and we cannot source them elsewhere. Keep an eye out for something new to replace them soon.

In the meantime, try our new Lemon Sorbet! For $2.00 each it’s a great alternative to Ice Cream.

Reminders

Please be mindful that

• Cutoff 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

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.

See you at Tuckshop!

Alex and Emma
Tuckshop Convenors 2022

Spring Fair

It’s now just one month until Spring Fair Day. Look out for our 2nd Spring Fair Newsletter which is out now (hyperlink) and provides all the information you need to be event-day ready. Some of the headlines include:

• Pre-purchase your Ride Bands via Qkr now. Pre-purchase sales close on 17th August. Ride Bands and single tickets can be purchased on event day.
• The Online Raffle is live now, with a range of incredible prizes up for grabs - Click on this link to buy your tickets now!
• The next Free Dress Day is Friday 12th August (donate a family block of chocolate)
• Liaise with your class reps to volunteer for the Spring Fair – whether it be manning your class stall, helping to set up/pack up on event day or to bake for the cake and lolly stall. Check out your class ‘signup’ sheet.

Chappy’s Chat

John Erichsen

Last week, our District Athletic representatives performed well against very strong competition, with many making it to finals and some qualifying for the District team, to compete at the Regional Carnival. It was wonderful to witness the efforts of Graceville State School students and see the encouragement they gave each other. Thank you to all who competed and we wish those moving on to Regionals, the best of luck.

Last Saturday week, the Sherwood Football Club came alive with colour, costumes and creativity with the P & C Trivia Night experience. So much work goes into this event, which raises important funds for the school and also provides a brilliant opportunity for parents to have a tremendously fun night, while strengthening friendships. Trivia Night is a great opportunity to get together and appreciate the strengths of the Graceville State School community. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this evening such a success.

On Tuesday, our year 5 cohort were tested in a variety of ways as they undertook the Kokoda challenge. This is a big day, with lots of physical demands, taking students outside their comfort zones and reveals much with regards to leadership traits. Traits like resilience, teamwork, initiative and effective communication, which are important later in the year when school leadership roles are offered, often shine like a beacon during the day at Kokoda. This is a day where everyone leaves feeling stretched and weary, but with a greater understanding of who they are and what they are capable of.

Last Wednesday evening, the school held a Prep parent information session, which was well attended by a mix of existing school parents and parents who will have a child in Prep in 2023. Lots of information was provided during the evening, with focuses on curriculum, the Learning Assets, the role of our school P & C, and services offered by School Plus, our Outside Hours School Care provider. This night is the start of a very exciting time for new families as they become more familiar with our school through our interview process and Getting to Know Prep orientation days later in the year. Often the most reassuring thing new parents can hear, is the positive experience of existing families, so please take the opportunity, if it arises, to share when you see these parents and children on the school grounds.

Enjoy your week!
John Erichsen
(Chappy)

P&C News

Spring Fair

The Spring Fair committee is in full flight as we prepare for our 2022 event on 27th August. If you haven’t read the first Spring Fair Newsletter click  here . Two more dedicated newsletters will be issued prior to event day including a full event programme. We have also created a printable ‘Countdown Calendar’ to stick on your fridge and a Spring Fair ride information flyer with instructions about pre-purchasing ride bands.  Both flyers will also be emailed out very soon.

In the meantime, here are some useful dates:

• Ride Bands are now available for sale via the  Qkr!  App until Wednesday 17th August
• Bring in large moccona-style glass jars for sweets stall - Friday 12th August
• Free Dress Day - Friday 12th August (donate a family block of chocolate for lob-a-choc)

Calling all volunteers! There are many ways you can support the Fair, so please speak to your class reps who are coordinating our parent volunteer crew (thank you class reps!). We are still specifically looking for an MC, raffle convenors, a volunteer auctioneer and performers. Also, if you are part of a business/service and willing to donate sponsorship, time, services and/or goods we would love to hear from you!

Feel free to get in touch with any questions or feedback, by email at fete.convenor@gracevillepandc.org.au or fair.co-convenor@gracevillepandc.or.au. Please also follow our Facebook page for up-to-date information:

Thanks and kind regards,

Faith Studd (Fair Convenor) and Deepa Dasari (Fair Co-Convenor)
Graceville State School Spring Fair 2022

School Plus

Newsletter Term 3 - Week 1 & 2

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the year, but we’re already in the third week of term. We’ve been very busy here at OSHC with so many different activities. We’ve been immersing ourselves in culture this term by learning new games from all over the world – from India to the Torres Strait to China. We’ve also been doing some new crafts focused on different cultures – the children particularly loved the bright and beautiful colours of our crafts inspired by India. Children are naturally inquisitive, and they love to find out more about different things. They were very interested in how detailed and beautiful the patterns were in Rangoli Art and trying to replicate those designs themselves. There were many children who were very familiar with the Rangoli Art and were so excited to share their knowledge, explaining to both children and staff how Rangoli Art is used to good luck to a house.

The children have loved learning about new cultures, but also being able to share their own knowledge of culture. We are so lucky to live in such a diverse community and we’ve been having so much fun celebrating our community.

Sensory has also been incredibly popular as we’ve been making so many different types of slimes and fake snow to celebrate winter. The children love these kinds of activities and enjoy the process of making and perfecting slime. The older children enjoy guiding the younger students through giving instructions to create the perfect slime.

We even made some snowmen from our fake snow!

The children have also had a lot of fun in craft with roleplay-based crafts. The children loved making crowns and tiaras, cardboard box fish tanks (complete with fish, mermaids and more!), using their imagination to turn plain, old boxes into hotels for bugs, the world’s fastest car, computers, and some entirely new inventions!

We’ve also been enjoying some of our menu specials – like a delicious pumpkin soup on a cold, winters day or some new menu items like peacamole (guacamole made from peas!) and broccoli cheese biscuits. The children love getting involved in afternoon tea – whether it’s helping to prepare afternoon tea, organising area buckets, writing the afternoon tea chalkboard signs. We also have our Recipe of the Week so that children and families can make their favourite (and new) OSHC recipes at home. On that topic, Educator Addy will again be running the incredibly popular cooking club program. It is always a sell out and we can’t wait to see what the children make this time! It’s sure to be a great time with lots of tasty treats!

Robotics Program