5 May 2023

Principal

Zoe Smith

Hello,

We are now three weeks into the term, time is flying!

As you may be aware we are now in the planning stages of Graceville’s Got Talent. The children are very excited and there is a real buzz around the school. The buzz will only get bigger in weeks 5, 6 and the beginning of week 7 as we work through approximately 100 auditions for the performing arts component of Graceville’s Got Talent and 50 entries for the visual arts component for the Gallery. A letter will go home tomorrow, including an audition schedule, to all students who expressed an interest in Graceville’s Got Talent. Keep the night of Wednesday June 21 free from 4.30-8.15pm for a fun and entertaining evening showcasing the wonderful talents of our students. Tickets will go on sale for the show on Thursday 31 May and will be at a cost of $10 per person.

Keeping in the theme of Graceville’s Got Talent, our P&C are hoping to make the night more of a school community event by offering food and drinks from 4.30-6pm. During this time the Art Gallery will be open and we will have some Pre-show entertainment in the Quad. We hope this will encourage more families to attend as tickets to the actual show are limited due to how many seats we can fit in the hall. At 6pm, there will be a call for the show and those with tickets for the show will be required to take their seats. The P&C may also put a call out for helpers to decorate or make the area look more inviting for the night or to help with food stalls or serving of pre-ordered foods? Keep an eye out if you think you might be able to help.

In week 5 our usual Business Services Manager is planned to return after long service leave. I would like to thank Mrs Prior for her time acting in the role for the last 6 months. Mrs Prior’s last day is Friday.

Finally, the P&C meeting was held last night. There was a good roll up with around 20 parents/carers in attendance. The meeting was finished by 8.30pm and we had great participation from those who attended from both within the room and those joining on zoom. It was interesting to hear ideas from the community being put forward in the general business section of the meeting.

I hope you have a great week,

Zoe Smith

Newsletter Articles

Deputy Principal

Maree Hass

P-2 Assemblies for term 2

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

Under 8s Week – Date Claimer

We will be celebrating Under 8s Week this term on Wednesday June 14 with fun and activities on the oval for our prep to year 2 students, 9 – 10:30am and being outdoors hopefully in the sunshine, all parents are welcome to attend and join in the fun! A coffee van will be in attendance.

Preparing for Prep 2024

Our Prep waiting list for out of catchment has opened. The waiting list must be completed in person, no forms can be sent out or received by email.

Please visit the following link which provides information about the catchment area for Graceville State School:

In catchment families may now obtain enrolment forms from the office and commence this process. Remember that when returning these forms that 2 sets of ‘proof of residency’ documents will be required as well.

Prep Information evening for 2024 will be on Wednesday July 26 at 7pm in our school hall.

Prep interviews will then follow for the rest of term 3. Bookings will be online via a link to be given out through the Information session. 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

Families must RSVP for these sessions using our online booking system also which will be live from July 26.

Session 1: Tuesday Oct 17 OR Thursday Oct 19, 9 – 10:00am Focus on Fine Motor Skills
Session 2: Tuesday Oct. 31, 9 – 10:00 Speech and Language Development
Session 3: Monday Nov 13 OR Wednesday Nov 15, 9 – 10:00am Focus on Reading

Prep Orientation meetings: Thursday November 23

Meet the class session: Thursday November 30, 9 – 10am

Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

School Photos

This year we have School Photo Day for all classes on Tuesday 8th August. Information will come down in the next few weeks about ordering online.

The sports and Music photos are in Term 3, 24th October.

Acting Business Manager

Sue Prior

How to Make Payment at Graceville State School

DET Preferred Payment Method – Bpoint

Please use the CRN (Customer Reference Number) located on the bottom left hand side of your invoice. Payment can be made through the Payment Portal:

This is a secure site and receipts are issued immediately. Our records are updated within 24 hours.

Copies of invoices and receipts are available on your QParents Portal. Payments can also be made in QParents.

Payment Plan Via eDDR (Electronic Direct Debit Registration) Contact admin@gracevilless.eq.edu.au or please phone to speak to our Finance Team to discuss a payment plan.

By Phone with a Credit/Debit Card Please phone 1300 BPoint – 1300-631-073.

When making a payment please have your invoice ready as you will need your CRN (Customer Reference Number) and Invoice Number.

In Person at Graceville State School

Office Hours are Monday to Friday 8.00am to 3.30pm on school days. Payment can be made by EFTPOS. American Express not accepted.

CentrePay

Deductions Please contact our Finance Team to discuss this option

Music News

Naomi Lindh

Thank you for your understanding with the cancellation of choir rehearsals due to my illness this week. I am looking forward to seeing everyone back at our rehearsals next week!

All of our Beginner String students will be attending a String Extravaganza workshop at Sherwood State School on Wednesday 24 May. Mr Chin has sent out the permission fir for this excursion. Please ensure it is returned by 17 May.

If your child is experiencing any difficulties with 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 to families who have contacted our music teachers/conductors to let them know if their child is sick an unable to attend a rehearsal. Email addresses are below if any families need these contact details.

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

Music Rehearsals

Monday - Senior Band (Mr Kukulies) - 7:45am in the hall
Tuesday - Senior Choir (Mrs Lindh) - 7:45am in the music room - students from years 4 - 6 are welcome to join
Wednesday - Junior Strings (Mr Chin) - 7:45am in the hall
Thursday - Junior Choir (Mrs Lindh) - 7:45am in the music room
Senior Strings (Mr Chin) - 7:45am in the hall
Friday - Junior Band (Mr Kukulies) - 7:45am in the hall

Tuckshop

Tuckshop News 2023

It is getting colder and we are working on some great winter warmers for you this term.

Firstly, a big shout out to the new faces that have popped in to say hello and help us out over the last few weeks. We are so grateful for your support and help and the kids do love to see you as well.

When you drop by and give us 10mins – 1hr it really does make the day easier so don’t be scared…pop in and say hello, chop a carrot, bag an anzac, dry a dish, it all helps us sooooo much.

MENU NEWS

CHILLI CON CARNE AND RICE is now on the menu as our Monday Special! It’s delicious, Gluten Free, Dairy Free and we just know the kids will love it for only $6. Optional extras with the meal will be available as well so keep an eye out.

WEEKLY SPECIALS

MONDAY – CHILLI CON CARNE (GF and DF) and HOT CHICKEN WRAPS
TUESDAY – CHICKEN BURGERS AND GF HOT CHICKEN WRAPS
WEDNESDAY – SUSHI, RICE PAPER ROLLS AND BAHN MI (don’t forget to order these items by 11 on Tuesdays)
THURSDAY – BEEF BURGERS

REMINDERS

• Daily orders cut off at 8am
• If your child is away, please cancel the order in Qkr! before 8am or call us to arrange asap.

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.

Have a great break everyone and see you next term.

Emma and Alex
Tuckshop Conveners 2023

Uniform Shop

Hi all!

Welcome to week 3. We're really back into the swing of things now and it’s great to feel the weather cooling down too!

WINTER STOCK

I currently have a great size range of the winter gear in store. 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.

Don’t forget about our 2nd hand rack that is currently jam packed with winter gear!

HOUSE SHIRTS

Recently the motion to remove the house names and logos from the shirts was approved. The team colours will remain the same of Red, Blue and Green.

Children are of course still welcome to wear their current house shirts and the remaining stock can still be purchased as usual until completely sold out.

The new house shirts will arrive in a few weeks’ time.

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.

SWIM GEAR ON SALE

We are phasing out a few swimming items so the following are now on sale at 50% off

Swim shirts – were $38 now $19
Towels – were $18 now $9
Swim cap with stitching - were $10 now $5

STOCK IS LIMITED

Please note we will now only carry the silicone swim caps in store. No other swim items will be available due to price increases and unavailability with suppliers.

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 -

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.

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

ARTICLE HEADLINE: School Plus

OSHC Updates

Wow, Week 3 already! It has been quite a few weeks since the last OSHC Update in the school newsletter, because of the holidays. So, sit back, grab a coffee or tea, and read up on all things OSHC over the April holidays and the first two weeks back at school.

The April holidays may have been one of the shorter Vacation Care programs, due to Good Friday and Easter Monday making both weeks 4 days, but we still managed to pack a whole lot of fun into that time!

The highlight of the April program had to be the excursion to Queen’s Park nature reserve. An excursion is always an exciting time, and the children love the trips on the big coach bus. We were very lucky with our visit that all the animals were out and about, and we seemed to come at a perfect time to see even the more elusive critters, such as the quolls which will often be hiding out in their dark room. Not on our visit though, when we went by, we were able to see the quoll right up close, sleeping on a rock. It was very cute, and the children had many questions about the quoll.

Many had never heard of a quoll before, so they were very surprised to see that such a cute, fluffy animal could be aggressive especially because they look like sweet little kittens! Many of the children wanted to take the quoll home and keep it as a pet because it looked so sweet, curled up sleeping. They were surprised when we googled them and saw their big, sharp teeth!

The bilbies, on the other hand, were just as sweet as they looked. We watched as they curled up together in their dark den for a cosy sleep. Some of the children had been learning about bilbies at school and were keen to share facts. There were also many interesting facts about the bilbies on the cave wall in their enclosure. The children enjoyed reading all about the bilbies and observing them up close. We were very lucky to see the bilbies so close.

We also got to read the story of a very brave eagle, that was sadly shot down and injured. The eagle wouldn’t be able to return to the wild due to her injuries, but the children agreed that the eagle seemed very happy in her new home. The bilbies were also a favourite, as they were just so cute! We got to go into a dark cave-like structure to observe them in darkness, as they are nocturnal.

We were getting crafty with sustainable recycling craft, Easter craft and began working on our Ocean display wall. The Ocean Wall is a project that the children worked on for several weeks, once or twice a week adding a new creative and craft element. It had begun with a large paper chain octopus the children worked on together, but quickly little fish, submarines (complete with photos of children peering out the ‘windows’) and jellyfish were added. The children decided the display should, of course, be hung over the enclosure of our favourite OSHC resident, Squirtle the Turtle.

Squirtle was quite the celebrity the past couple of weeks this term, with the Preps taking on the role of feeding Squirtle in the mornings. This was a fun activity, and the Preps loved the responsibility. They took great pride in making sure they followed the instructions and reminded their friends of the rules such as making sure we don’t put our fingers into Squirtle’s tank and to stay quiet so we don’t frighten him.

We have also been learning about art from other cultures. We focused last week on Indigenous art and explored the works of Jimmy Pike. The children talked about why it was important to understand and celebrate Indigenous art both here in Australia and all around the world.

Community Notices