16 June 2023

Principal

Zoe Smith

Hello,

One week to go until the Winter holiday break!

As you have heard, I am taking Long Service Leave for the first 5 weeks of Term 3. I will be travelling to Greenland, Iceland and Denmark. I can’t wait to fly out next Thursday! I will be back on Monday 14 August. There will be an Acting Principal in my absence. I will send an email home on Monday with the name of the person who will be replacing me.

Graceville’s Got Talent is next Wednesday night! Although the tickets for the show sold out quickly, we still have tickets for the Art Gallery and the Pre-show entertainment is free. The first part of the night starts at 4.30pm. For those who were lucky enough to get tickets to the actual show, we have a 5.50pm entry with a 6.05pm start to the show. All food needs to be pre-ordered on Qkr by Friday. I suggest building in time to eat at or before 5.30pm as no food or drinks (water in a water bottle is ok) can be taken into the hall. Hard copy tickets were not issued or numbered through Qkr and so we will have a list of names at the door to be crossed off as you enter. I suggest lining up early to get seats as close to the stage as possible.

Report Cards will be emailed home next Tuesday afternoon. Teachers will offer Parent Teacher Interviews for those parents who wish to discuss their child’s report, around week 3 next term.

Thankyou to all of the parents/carers who helped at the Athletics Carnival last week. It was a great day and we greatly appreciated your help. Congratulations to all of our students who participated and competed with good sportspersonship during the day.

As you may have heard we now have an Adopt-A-Cop. We welcomed Senior Constable Lisa into the school yesterday. Senior Constable Lisa will be a regular guest in the school and looks forward to working with our community.

I hope you have a great holiday!

See you later next term,

Zoe Smith

Newsletter Articles

Deputy Principal

Maree Hass

Under 8s Activity Morning

What a great time was had by all on Wednesday this week as we celebrated our prep to year 2 students! Thanks to the many parents who came along to support and join in the fun and the great efforts by staff in preparing and running the activities.

P-2 Assemblies for term 3

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

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

Please see attachment for information from Chelmer Station Community Kindy about a pre-kindy program for 2024.

Deputy Principal

Lisa McKeaten

School Photos Term 3

Please mark in your calendar or reminders – School Class photos and Year 6 School Leader Photos will be on next Term – Tuesday 8th August.

Students are to be dressed in their school uniform (only yellow shirts) with only blue or yellow hair accessories, no jewellery please.

Teachers will get a schedule once I have done it early next term so if you happen to have an appointment etc and can bring your child at the right time they won’t miss out. Obviously if they are sick and contagious you wouldn’t bring them that day.

For our Sports and Music photos we have moved it forward to be Thursday 5th October (Week 1 Term 4).

For 2024 we have locked in Tuesday 30th April for the main School Photos.

ICAS Assessments

Today was the final day for Expression of Interest forms for the competitions for Term 3. No more entries will be accepted after today.

Business Manager

Anne Nixon

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 to our Senior Choir students for sharing their songs at the full school assembly this week! We work hard at our rehearsals before school each week to prepare songs for this performance and it is always very enjoyable to share them with our school community. One of the songs we sang was about being a star in the spotlight which we sang for the students are performing at Graceville's Got Talent next week. We wish all of the performers well for their performances at the art show and the concert, as we know they have been working hard to prepare them. One of the words that students have used when we have discussed GGT in the music classroom is that the performers are very 'brave'. We all know it can be hard to perform in front of an audience, especially individually or as a small group, but it is also very rewarding. I am sure the audience will enjoy all of the performances on the evening, and I hope all of our performers enjoy this exciting experience!

Next week, our Junior Choir will be singing at the Junior Assembly on Tuesday 20 June at 2:15pm. The choir will be singing 2 songs at this performance. Families and members of the school community are welcome to attend this performance! Please note that there will be no Junior Choir rehearsal in week 10 due to the busy evening the night before, with the Graceville's Got Talent concert. The Senior Choir rehearsal will still be on next Tuesday morning.

All of our rehearsals will resume in week 1 of next term and we look forward to seeing students then after the holidays.

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.

We hope everyone has a relaxing and safe holiday!

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 - Intermediate 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

P&C

The P&C are hosting dinner and drinks before Graceville's Got Talent from 4.30pm to 6pm on Wednesday 21 June 2023. The tuckshop will be providing a special dinner menu to be purchased by parents and students, which must be preordered on Qkr! before the event. Juice, soft drink and alcohol can be purchased on the night (cashless).

Chappy’s Chat

Chappy’s Chat

With Graceville’s Got Talent not far away, we have many excited performers busy with rehearsals this week. Added to those performing, our stage hands and sound/tech crew are also busy honing their skills. It promises to be a magical night. I hope you have your tickets in readiness of a night of quality entertainment.

Last Saturday night, the glitz and glamour of Broadway arrived it its fullest splendour at the local football club, as the Graceville P & C Trivia night continued its wonderful tradition. Sadly, a positive Covid test result prevented me from being there and enjoying a great night. The photos look amazing, with those attending taking costumes and table settings to new heights. All accounts I have heard confirm this is a “Do not miss” on the school calendar. I can’t wait for next year.

Congratulations to Finders athletes, for their hard-fought victory at the school Athletics Carnival held last week. I also congratulate the Cook and Kennedy athletes, for pushing Flinders all the way and making them earn their success. Speaking with Mr Daunt, there was much enthusiasm and plenty of great performances on the day. I look forward to finding out who the age champions are.

With school holidays almost upon us, please spend a little time speaking about safety on the holidays. Whether its safe practices on a trip, in community spaces or in the fast-paced online world, open conversations can help us all protect those important to us. Whatever your holiday looks like, we want you returning safely to school next term. Never underestimate how precious you and your families are to us.

Have a wonderful week and an awesome break!

John Erichsen
(Chappy)

P&C News

Congratulations and a very special thanks to our Trivia team - Carrie, Prue, Jade & Jean, for pulling off yet another spectacular event for our P&C last Saturday night. The costumes were dramatic, and the decorated tables were amazing. So much effort & fun had by all!!! Thanks also to Mrs Smith, Mrs Martin, Chappy, our MC on the night Mark Bailey MP, Cr Nicole Johnson and several key sponsors who were also present.

The P&C are hosting dinner and drinks before Graceville's Got Talent and the Art Gallery from 4.30pm to 6pm on Wednesday 21 June 2023. You can collect your pre-ordered dinner from the tuckshop. Juice, soft drink and alcohol can be purchased on the night (cashless).

At the last P&C General Meeting held on Wednesday 7 June 2023, the P&C resolved to make a contribution of $15,000 to help the School purchase functional furniture for the Year 5 classrooms. Thank you very much for your efforts in raising these funds.

The Spring Fair

"The Spring Fair Committee is excited to announce that the 2023 Graceville State School Spring Fair will be held on Saturday 26 August 2023. Jam packed with all your favourite things from previous years – food, entertainment, rides and fireworks. Don’t forget to save the date! "

If you are interested in getting involved by running a stall, contributing your ideas or supporting in a role, please get in touch with our Spring Fair Convenor, Deepa. All ideas and enthusiasm are welcome! fete.convenor@gracevillepandc.org.au "

Tuckshop

We are so close to the end of term! We wish everyone a lovely mid year break with some downtime to rest, relax and recharge.

Tuckshop will be open the first day back at school, Monday the 10th July 2023.

GRACEVILLE’S GOT TALENT – PLEASE ORDER BY MIDDAY (12 o’clock) FRIDAY THROUGH QKR!

Have you ordered your food for Graceville’s Got Talent next Wednesday? A great menu has been put together for the night. You can order for the whole family and make a night of it!

Please if you can order under 1 name per family (including any performers on the night) to make it easy to pick up your order.

Food will be available for collection from the Tuckshop from 4.30pm

Graceville’s Got Talent Menu

Beef Lasagne $5.00
Chilli Con Carne $6.00
Garlic Bread $3.00
Sausage Roll $4.10
Small Beef Pie $3.00
Vegetable Lasagna $6.00
Macaroni and Cheese $6.00
Butter Chicken and Rice $6.00
Beer, Wine, Soft Drink and some snacks will be available on the night from the bar.

MENU NEWS

Mini Cheese and Spinach savoury rolls are replacing our spinach triangles on the menu.

Don’t forget we have Chilli Con carne available everyday – perfect for these colder days!

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.
• Sushi must be ordered by 11am Tuesday for Wednesday delivery.

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, most of us aren’t too scary. ;P

Emma, Alex, Edina, Annette and Becc
Team Tuckshop 2023

Uniform Shop

Hi all!

Welcome to week 9... there goes another term in the blink of an eye!

PLEASE NOTE

Our last open day for Term 2 will be in week 10 on Tuesday the 20th of June.

OHSC GREEN T FOR VACATION CARE

The shirts have arrived and all orders have been filled and sent to the classroom.

HOUSE SHIRTS

The new version of the House Shirts have arrived in limited sizes and quantities, so you’re welcome to jump online to purchase or buy in-store.

We also have a few of the old style shirts in stock.

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.

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.

There are also a small amount of long sleeve Flinders shirts available (see sizes on the online store) that are perfect for this cooler weather as well as great sun protection heading into the warmer months.

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

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

ONLINE STORE

The uniform shop has an online store, so if you already know your child’s sizes you can order and pay online and it will be passed on in the classroom.

PLEASE NOTE – When buying online please add your child’s FULL NAME and CLASS in the notes section.

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, in 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

School Plus

OSHC Update

Hello and welcome back to the OSHC Update!

We have been continuing our project where we have been learning about different cultures and countries through craft and games. This past fortnight we have been learning about Latvia, Denmark, America, and India. Passport Graceville

The children made flower crowns from paper to celebrate Latvia. The children learnt about how, in Latvia, people make special flower crowns for celebrations. Each flower has a special meaning such as good health or happiness and these are woven into the crown.

We also learnt about henna and how many countries use henna, but we focused on India. The children loved looking at photos of all the wedding henna and sarees. We then designed our own henna and the children enjoyed zooming in on tiny details on the photos of henna so they could add their own details like flowers and swirls.

We have also been getting active and enjoying time outside now that the days are cooler. The most popular games have been cricket, soccer, and volleyball. However, with the recent athletics carnival many children were keen to practice their running and athletics skills.

We have also been continuing our Bug Wall project, learning more about all different kinds of wonderful bugs. We’ve been learning about lady bugs, dragonflies, worms and more! The children have become more observant of the insects and wildlife they spot in their gardens and out on walks. They will often report back with a description of any exciting new bug they have spotted. It is great to see that curiosity and interest in the natural world.

Reminder: With the holiday break coming up we will begin taking bookings for Vacation Care. We will have a full program of fun activities, themed days, incursions, and excursions. Please pop us an email on graceville@schoolplus.com.au or come by and see us in the OSHC room if you’d like to start an enrol to ensure your child can come along to Vacation Care for all the fun events we have planned! Vacation Care program is out now, pop us an email if you would like a copy.

Thank you 😊

Tennis

TENNIS HOT SHOTS – ENROLMENTS NOW OPEN FOR TERM 3 2023!

Enrolments are now open for term 3 tennis coaching.

ENROL ONLINE at the link below:

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 3 WILL RECEIVE A FREE JUNIOR TENNIS RACQUET!

Tennis For Kids is a FairPlay activity provider and therefore can accept Government FairPlay Vouchers -

JUNE/JULY SCHOOL HOLIDAY TENNIS COACHING CLINICS

MONDAY 26th, TUESDAY 27TH, WEDNESDAY 28TH JUNE 2023

School Holiday Tennis Clinics are now open for enrolments.

Positions are available for all school students aged between 4-12 years.

Enrolments can be done online - https://tennisforkids.com.au/holiday-programs/programs/

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 just down the road 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 also be at Sherwood State School from 8.00-11.00am (3 hours)

Coaching clinics are suitable for EVERYONE as children are divided into groups according to both age and ability. Each session includes plenty of coaching and games, with coaches ensuring regular breaks and snack time, especially for the littlies!

Holiday Clinic positions are limited - so please enrol early to avoid disappointment!!

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

or contact Tennis For Kids at info@tennisforkids.com.au or on 0408 187 741