24 February 2023

Principal

Zoe Smith

Hello,

It is amazing to think but we are now half way through the term!

I had the privilege of attending the Young Leaders Day with our School leaders on Monday. We all had a great day. A DJ was the MC and I have never been part of such a high energy, engaging day of learning about leadership! With a DJ as MC dancing was mandatory even for the adults who attended and I realised my dance moves are a bit rusty! The children loved the speakers who were a great mix from sport, humanities and The Arts. The leaders will share their reflections of the day at an assembly in the coming weeks.

We were very lucky to have a dance taster day with Ezra, our Term 2 dance instructor this week. Ezra makes dancing modern, engaging and fun for children. He even has a dance the children learn called ‘Learning is Fun” with accompanying dance moves!

The P&C meeting was held on Wednesday night. There were 48 parents/carers in attendance including zoom and in person. As you know the P&C held a survey at the end of last year inviting parents to share their perceptions on the P&C and more broadly how they would like to see the school improved. The P&C were also interested to hear the staff and student voice in relation to what they would like to see improved about the school. Due to this, over the past few weeks, the staff and students were given the opportunity to share their perceptions. The ideas for each stakeholder group were collated and narrowed down to four to seven common priorities. The priorities were presented alongside the parent priorities at the P&C meeting on Wednesday night. Although all of the student priorities were shared at the P&C meeting, if you did not make it to the meeting, I am happy to share the top priorities from students were flexible furniture and spaces to support flexible learning, more iPads/Laptops and playground and adventure playground equipment upgrades. A very exciting part of the night was the motion by the P&C to fund furniture for flexible learning for our new Year 1 classrooms. Our Year 1 teachers will be over the moon when we tell them. We will order the furniture ASAP so that it is here when the children move into their re-furbished building!

I would like to thank the parents and carers who have noticed the improvements to the school facilities so far. The pool fence looks great, the adventure playground has been tidied up and we have dates now for the start of the Tennis Court Upgrade. The work on the Tennis Court fence and lights starts on March 3. The Year 1 building re-furnishment may be a few weeks late but fingers crossed we will still be in the classrooms to start Term 2. We are still waiting on dates for the painting of D and F block.

As we head towards the second half of the term keep your eye out for our Harmony Day plans. Harmony Day is on Tuesday 21 March and we will observe the day by all wearing orange. We will have a special assembly on Friday 24 March to celebrate the day as all of our students will be in school. Year 6 camp is the beginning of that week and we need our school leaders to help with our celebrations.

Finally, we are in desperate need of a crossing supervisor. Ms Hass, Mrs McKeaten, Chappy and I are doing our best to voluntarily man the crossing each day to keep our children and families safe.

Have a great week,
Zoe

Newsletter Articles

Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

National Young Leaders Day

On Monday Zoe and I had the privilege of taking 22 of our school leaders to the Brisbane Convention Centre to participate in an inspiring day of leadership development run by the halogen Foundation.

We all had an exciting day of music, dance and hearing from some very inspirational speakers:

1. Anthony Carroll (Bondi Rescue);
2. Hilary Rogers (Children’s author & publisher)
3. Bryson Klein (Ninji Warrior)
4. Gretel Bueta (Australian netball player)

Common themes of resilience, persistence, taking risks, dealing with setbacks and how important support from family and friends, was great for us to make connections to our learning at Graceville.

The students will be sharing what they have learnt with the rest of the Year 6 cohort.

Deputy Principal

Maree Hass

Prep Vision Screening by Registered Nurse - March 20 – 22

A Registered Nurse will be visiting the school on Monday 20th through to Wednesday 22nd March 2023 to conduct vision screening for children in their prep year.

P-2 Assemblies this term

All parents are welcome to attend these assemblies starting at 2:15 each fortnight.

School Sun Safety Policy

Last year was the first year of implementation of our Sun Safety Policy. 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.

Music News

Naomi Lindh

This week our Junior Choir rehearsals have started. These started a little later this term due to some long service leave I had last week. It was lovely to see lots of enthusiastic students at our rehearsal. I am aware that there are some year 2 students participating in STEM workshops on Thursday mornings this term. If any of these students would like to join the Junior Choir, they are welcome to come to rehearsals from the beginning of next term. Please see the choir note (link below) for further information about the choirs.

Due to some family commitments and long service leave days I am taking this term, please note that there will be no Senior Choir rehearsal on Tuesday 7 March (week 7) as I will be on long service leave. (I will be back at school on Thursday 9 March for the Junior Choir rehearsal.) Thank you for your understanding with this.

If your child is experiencing any difficulties with starting their instrumental lessons or engaging in their lessons/practice, please contact their IM teacher so they can work through this with you and your child to support their involvement in the IM program.

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

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

Tuckshop

Congratulations! We’ve made it halfway through Term1! Can you believe it?!

Tuckshop is gaining momentum and getting busier every week. Pop in and lend a hand – we love to see new and familiar faces.

A BIG BIG THANK YOU to the Delaney Family who donated items to the Tuckshop Pantry in lieu of being able to volunteer – we are so incredibly grateful for your donation.

We completely understand that life is busy – so if donating items is something you would like to do, please drop us a line or pop in for a chat!

Friendly Reminders:

• You must download the Qkr! app to order – even for Ice blocks
• Please CHECK YOUR CHILDS CLASS IS CORRECT in your profile – a few lunches are still going missing as the class is incorrect on their order
• Orders cut off at 8AM
     o If your child is sick the day they have Tuckshop please cancel the order before 8AM in the Qkr! App. After 8AM please call the Tuckshop.

If you have any menu questions or concerns or would like any information on how the Tuckshop runs, please pop in and have a chat with us – we’d love to see you. We look forward to catching up with familiar faces this term and making new friends!

Emma and Alex
Tuckshop Conveners 2023

Uniform Shop

Hi all!

Welcome to week 5. How are we already half way through the term? Time flies!

Year 6 Commemorative Shirts

Year 6 students are given the opportunity to purchase a Commemorative Shirt to celebrate their final year of Primary School. Gold Polos, long sleeve Gold Polos or Rugby Shirts are screen printed with the class lists on the back. House shirts (for House Captains only) are able to have their shirts printed with “House Captain.”

Gold Polos can be purchased for $30, l/s Gold Polos $35 Rugby Shirts $35 and House Shirts $39. Existing Gold/House polos and Rugby shirts that are in excellent condition with no holes, pulls or stains can also be used for printing.

Printing costs:

$10 per item on Gold Polos, l/s Gold Polos and Rugby Shirts
$15 for “House Captain” printed on House Shirt

The best way to order is through our online store via the link below. Remember to also purchase printing costs as well as the shirt. When ordering via your mobile phone, please add your child’s details next to your name.

You're also welcome to make an appointment on a Tuesday or Thursday and pay in person.

ALL ORDERS MUST BE MADE BY FRIDAY THE 10th OF MARCH

Should you have any queries please email the following address

uniformshop@gracevillepandc.org.au

VACATION CARE GREEN TEE SHIRT

As you know children are asked to wear a green tee shirt for vacation care. After some feedback from parents, we have decided to order some to make life a little easier.

These will be available to order for $10 for a limited time, so if you’re interested head to the Uniform Shop online store to purchase. Please remember to include your child’s name and class so your order can be passed on in the classroom.

The final day for ordering is -

FRIDAY THE 10TH OF MARCH

WINTER STOCK

Considering the humid days we've been having I know it sounds crazy to talk about winter uniform. I currently have a decent size range of most of the winter range in store so if you’re super organised you're welcome to make an appointment and try on our long sleeve gold polos, fleece jackets, sports jackets, rugby jumpers, track pants and leisure pants.

HAIR ACCESSORIES

Our ever popular hair accessories are all back in stock with a couple of new additions to the range. All items are hand made in Brisbane and start at just $3.

OUT OF STOCK

We are currently out of stock of the following -
Gold Polo size 8 and 10
Cook House Shirt size 8
Flinders House Shirt size 6
Kennedy House Shirt size 6
Long Sleeve Gold Polo size 8
Library Bags

Gold polos and library bags have been re ordered and will be back in store in the next few weeks. House shirts will be back next term.

RETURNS/REFUNDS

Please be advised that refunds will only be given if you have your receipt which will be sent to you via email or text message. Items should be in perfect condition so should not have been worn or washed and any original tags should still be attached. You have 60 days for returns and refunds.

CASHLESS STORE

We are now a cashless store so will only be accepting payment by Eftpos card or credit card when purchasing at the store.

2nd HAND STOCK

Why not look at our 2nd hand rack. 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.

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 – 10:00am

LINK FOR BOOKING APPOINTMENTS

For any reason you cannot make your appointment time, please cancel online asap so others don’t miss out.

LOCATION

When visiting the store 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. Please do not leave donations at the uniform shop when it is closed. Thank you for your generosity and understanding.

Email address for school uniform store is:

uniformshop@gracevillepandc.org.au

Thanks everyone!

Michelle

P&C News

Thank you so much to everyone who came or ‘Zoomed’ in for last night’s first P&C meeting of the year – we had a staggering 43 people in attendance which must be a record!

Of course, the stars of last nights meeting were our 4 Student Leaders who attended and provided us with a fabulous presentation and information that the Student Council has obtained from the students regarding their views and wishes on what needs improvements in the school.

As you may be aware, we are compiling this along with the feedback from last year’s survey, along with feedback Mrs Smith has obtained from the GSS staff and are incorporating this into a P&C Strategic Plan which will help to inform our next 3-5 years of P&C projects and priorities. The plan will be presented at next month’s AGM happening on Wed 29th March 2023 at 7.00pm at the school.

As you may have heard already, our current President and Vice President are stepping down this year and we need to fill these vital roles.

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The president and vice-president roles are critical to form a P&C executive committee. Without a president, we will not be able to have any P&C related initiatives such as the tuckshop, uniform shop, and fundraising events like the Trivia night, Spring Fair or be able to complete our planned major projects such as the Tuckshop refurbishment or make contributions to the school etc).

You will receive ample support to perform your role and we promise the workload will be divided amongst all executive committee members. So please spread the word amongst other fellow parents / carers.

If you are interested in becoming involved in the P&C or would like to help out with any of our 2023 events, grant applications or are interested in a role, then please get in contact with us ( exec@gracevillepandc.org.au )

We are also looking for other volunteers to help with a range of projects and needs:

• HR management for tuckshop & uniform shop (VP role)
• Project manager for Tuckshop refurbishment project (VP role)
• Community engagement / coordination of Class Reps (VP or Assistant VP role)
• IT support for the P&C – set up & management of Office profiles/ website/ etc
• Social Media / Marketing – managing P&C Facebook Page
• Grant/ funding applications
• Coordination of a Movie Night fundraiser

If you have any experience or interest in any of these roles or can provide support, we would love to hear from you via exec@gracevillepandc.org.au.

We have also provided our 2023 membership form below. All current and new members need to re-join the P&C again each year and need to provide the forms before the Annual General Meeting commences. They can also be scanned and returned to secretary@gracevillepandc.org.au. or dropped into the P&C mailbox at the school office. Being a member doesn’t mean you have to attend every meeting; it just means you will be on the list to receive agendas and minutes and have voting rights at the meetings you do attend.

Thank you to our Class Reps who have stepped up and we have already been in contact with. We still have vacancies for classes 4J, 5C, 5B & 6G - so if you are a parent in one of these & would consider ‘doubling up’ or have friends in these classes, please can you help us fill these spots???

Sponsorship for upcoming events

Our Trivia and Spring Fair teams are looking for people to join a fundraising/ sponsorship committee to help with sourcing donations etc for Trivia & Fair. If you have a business or know of a business who would like to sponsor any part of the event, please reach out via trivia@gracevillepandc.org.au and fete.convenor@gracevillepandc.org.au.

P&C Website

We have officially launched the P&C website! Visit our new Graceville State School P&C Website which will provide more information about who we are and what we do, our events, businesses, etc!

School Plus

OSHC Newsletter Weeks 4 & 5

Between the incredibly hot, sunny days and the sudden downpours of rain we’ve spent a bit more time indoors than usual the past couple of weeks at OSHC but that hasn’t slowed the children down at all. We’ve still been very busy with so many different craft, games, and activities.

Cardboard boxes were turned into everything from cameras to Minecraft Creepers, rockets and planes, trains and monsters. It’s fantastic to see the children take a simple box that would have been tossed out and let their imagination run wild to turn it into something amazing! It’s always interesting to see what the children make from a box.

Camera craft box creations were very popular and the children really enjoyed not only making these fun creations, but also playing with them afterwards using them to ‘snap photos’ with friends. Some children even added details like a little film strip complete with photos! It was funny to try to explain the concept of a film camera to the children, who were simply perplexed by the idea of having to put film into a camera, then having to wait days for the photos but they found it very interesting. We even had an old film camera lying about in storage and the children were so interested to open it up and investigate it.

This week for Cultural Celebration we looked at Japan. We did karaoke, made origami, learnt how to write our names in Katakana, which is the Japanese alphabet used for writing foreign (non-Japanese) words such as our non-Japanese names or words borrowed from other languages. We played Japanese games like Hanetsuki and Keidoro and for craft we made Koinobori. Koinobori are Japanese koi fish, which are very significant to Japanese culture and represent strength, beauty, perseverance and more.

The children really enjoyed learning about Japanese culture, and many were keen to share their own knowledge of the country. Next week we’re off to learn all about the Philippines and look forward to sharing what we learn and create.

Out on the oval the children have really been enjoying playing some Indigenous games. The Australian Sports Commission has a whole range of different Indigenous games on their website, why not try checking out sportaus.gov.au/yulunga before your next trip to the park. You might just find your new favourite family game! This week the children enjoyed Edor, which is a chasing-and-tagging game originates in the Aurukun Aboriginal community.

Paper Planes have also been very popular with our resident Paper Plane Experts giving the other children all their tips and tricks to get their paper plane to fly the highest, fastest, farthest or just to do cool loop-de-loops.

Tennis for Kids

EASTER SCHOOL HOLIDAY TENNIS COACHING CLINICS

MONDAY 3RD, TUESDAY 4TH, WEDNESDAY 5TH APRIL 2023

Enrolments are now open for the upcoming School Holiday Tennis Clinics as well as special discounted holiday private coaching sessions. Positions are available for all school students between the ages of 4-15 years but please note timings will differ depending upon your child's age and experience.

Holiday clinics are being held at Graceville and Sherwood State Schools - Children from all schools are invited to attend any clinic.

For further details or to enrol, please click this link -

CLINIC 1 - RECOMMENDED FOR RED BALL CHILDREN 4-7 YEARS OF AGE
Red Ball students will be at Graceville State School from 8.15-10.45am (2½ hours)

CLINIC 2 - RECOMMENDED FOR ORANGE BALL CHILDREN 7-10 YEARS OF AGE
Orange Ball students will be at Sherwood State School from 8.00-11.00am (3 hours)

CLINIC 3 - RECOMMENDED FOR GREEN BALL CHILDREN 9-12 YEARS OF AGE
Green Ball students will be at Sherwood State School from 8.00-11.00am (3 hours)

We have staggered the drop off and pick up times so parents can comfortably drop siblings to both venues as they are less than a 5 minute drive from each other.

For further details or to enrol, please click this link -

THE TENNIS FOR KIDS PARENT & CHILD TENNIS EVENT, SPONSORED BY BURRITO BAR - SUNDAY 12TH MARCH AT THE QUEENSLAND TENNIS CENTRE

LIMITED RED BALL POSITIONS ONLY REMAIN (recommended ages 5-7 years)

A fun filled 2 hours of match play – Parents enter with their child and play together as a doubles team!

Parents, you do not need to be a good tennis player or even a regular tennis player to play! As with all our Tennis For Kids Programs, the primary goals for this event will be participation and fun - A unique opportunity for parents and children to get on the court and play together as a family!

This event will be held at the Queensland Tennis Centre from 3-6pm on Sunday 12th March.

For further details or to enrol -

Community Notices