27 June 2025

DATES TO REMEMBER

PRINCIPAL NEWS

 In Mrs Jones’ Absence-

As we come to the end of what has been an exciting and productive term, I’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on all that has been achieved across our school. In Mrs Jones’ absence, it has been a privilege to serve as Acting Principal, and I’ve been incredibly proud of our school community as a whole.

This term has been packed with memorable events. Our Easter Hat Parade brought colour and creativity, while our ANZAC Day commemorations were marked by a strong sense of respect and understanding from our students. We celebrated our youngest learners during Under 8s Day, where we were fortunate to welcome Cricket Australia, AFL Queensland, and Lions FC coaches to run fun and engaging activities—an absolute highlight for many of our students. Our Night of Music showcased the incredible talent of our young performers, and our Dance Team lit up the stage, achieving fantastic results at recent competitions. Meanwhile, our strategic thinkers represented us with pride in various chess tournaments, displaying focus and resilience.

I’m also pleased to share that M Block will reopen next term following extensive repairs. The refreshed space will not only support high-quality learning but also welcome back our Wellbeing and Inclusion Teams into their space.

Thank you to our wonderful students, dedicated staff, and supportive families for making this term such a success. I wish you all a safe, relaxing, and well-earned holiday break.

Until next time,

MIDDLE YEARS NEWS

Holiday Habits for Happy Kids: Reading, Routines & Responsibility

Dear Parents and Carers,

As the holidays begin, it’s the perfect time to pause, reconnect as a family, and create simple routines that support your child’s growth and wellbeing. For our Year 2 and 3 students, consistency and structure—even during the break—can make a big difference when Term 3 rolls around.

Here are a few ways you can help your child enjoy their break while staying grounded in healthy, positive habits:

Keep Reading Front and Centre

Reading every day—even just 15 to 20 minutes—helps your child grow their vocabulary, build comprehension skills, and become more confident learners. Reading isn’t just schoolwork—it’s a life skill, and the holidays are a great chance to make it fun.

Try this:

• Visit your local library and let your child choose books that spark curiosity (fact books, comics, or favourite series like Dog Man or Rangers Apprentice).
• Set up a family reading time where everyone reads quietly together.
• Encourage your child to read aloud to a sibling, or even a pet.

Set Clear Boundaries Around Technology

We all know screens can quickly become the centre of the day. While it’s okay to enjoy a bit of downtime, setting tech boundaries early makes a huge difference—and saves everyone from tough negotiations later.

Helpful ideas:

• Set a “tech only after reading and chores” rule.
• Keep screen time to one or two short sessions a day (with a timer).
• Have tech-free times and spaces (like the dinner table, bedrooms, or before 9 am).

Stick Close to School Routines

While it’s great to enjoy a slower start, keeping some routines in place makes the return to school far easier. Getting back into school rhythms can be tricky—especially with late nights and too much screen time.

Helpful routines to keep:

• A consistent bedtime and wake-up time (within 30–60 minutes of school time)
• Breakfast, reading, and movement as part of the daily rhythm
• Clear expectations for behaviour and tech use—even during the holidays

What You Set Now Is Easier to Keep Later

Creating healthy routines during the holidays is a gift to your future self—and your child. It’s much harder to undo two weeks of no limits than it is to gently keep boundaries ticking along.

These simple habits will help your child return to school feeling confident, capable, and ready to learn.

Wishing your family a safe break filled with stories.

SENIOR YEARS NEWS

As we reach the end of a busy and productive Term 2, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the incredible work happening across our school. It has been a term filled with growth, resilience, and community spirit.

This term, both our Heads of Curriculum, Ms Erin Strohfeldt and I had the opportunity to attend professional development that focussed on explicit reading instruction, aligned with the Queensland Department of Education’s Reading Framework. The framework reinforces the importance of systematic, evidence-informed practices for teaching reading, including phonics, vocabulary, fluency, comprehension, and oral language. It also supports the department’s renewed focus on lifting literacy outcomes through clarity, consistency, and high-impact teaching strategies across all schools.

We’re excited to bring this learning back to our school community and will continue working with staff to ensure our reading practices are purposeful, explicit, and inclusive providing every student with the foundations they need to become successful readers.

Our students have continued to engage positively with their learning, showing perseverance and enthusiasm across all areas. Staff have also been working collaboratively through professional learning and data discussions to ensure every child is supported and challenged. I’m proud of the commitment our teachers show daily to providing high-quality learning experiences for our students.

Thank you to our families for your ongoing partnership. Whether through supporting home learning, attending interviews, or simply encouraging your child each day. You are a vital part of their success.

Wishing all our families a safe and restful break. We look forward to welcoming everyone back for an exciting Term 3.

Warm regards,

THE DAY THAT HAD IT ALL: Speed, Sprint, and Sunshine! by Isla Foster – 6E

The Day That Had It All: Speed, Sprint, and Sunshine!

On Wednesday, the 18^th of June students from grades 4-6 gathered on the oval for our sports carnival. Everyone was wearing their house colours ready to sing their house chant loud and proud to get the day started.

The day felt cold in the morning but as the day progressed it got warmer, and that made most kids a bit crazy throughout the day.

Throughout the day there were many activities the students could take part in, like sprints (100m, 200m), high jump in the hall, long jump on the oval, ball games, tug of war, and shot put.

The sprints had plenty of speed with the students running the track as fast as they could in the 100- and 200-meter races. If you win top 3 you got a ribbon that you get to keep, blue for first, red for second and green for third. There were lots of smiles and cheering from the ball games and the tug of war was a challenge of strength and determination. Each house showed great teamwork to try and get the other house over the line.

At the end of the day there was a race called the legends race where all the fastest boys and girls from each grade race to see who is the fastest in the school. This is always a great way to end the day with all the students cheering from the sidelines. Marco from grade 6 was the winner this year.

Written by Isla Foster – 6E

The Day Had It All: Speed, Sprint, and Sunshine!

ACROSS THE DESK OF THE GUIDANCE OFFICER

The Power of Reducing iPad Time at Home

In our increasingly digital world, it’s easy for iPads and other devices to become a constant presence in children’s daily lives. While technology offers many educational and entertainment benefits, it’s important for families to be aware of the impact too much screen time can have on children’s brain development and attention span — and how we can create healthy habits at home.

The Impact on Brain Development and Attention Span

Research shows that excessive screen time, particularly on tablets and similar devices, can affect the developing brain in several ways. Prolonged use may limit opportunities for critical activities such as imaginative play, problem-solving, face-to-face interactions, and physical activity — all of which are essential for healthy cognitive, emotional, and social growth.

When children spend too much time on iPads, they may also experience difficulties with sustained attention. Fast-moving, highly stimulating content can make it harder for young brains to focus on slower-paced, real-world tasks like reading, writing, or listening in class. Over time, this can contribute to reduced patience, increased frustration, and difficulties regulating emotions.

Ways to Reduce iPad Time at Home

The good news is that small, consistent changes can make a big difference. Here are some practical tips to reduce screen time at home:

• Set clear and consistent limits on daily iPad use. Let children know the expectations in advance.
• Create screen-free zones such as bedrooms and the dinner table, where family time and rest are prioritised.
• Offer engaging alternatives like board games, puzzles, art supplies, or outdoor play to encourage creativity and movement.
• Model healthy device habits by limiting your own screen time and showing how to balance technology use with other activities.
• Use technology together where appropriate — watching a show or playing a game as a family allows for discussion and connection.

Recommended Screen Time Limits

The Australian Department of Health and the World Health Organisation suggest:

• Children aged 2–5 years: No more than 1 hour per day of supervised, high-quality programming.
• Children aged 5–12 years: Aim for no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time per day (not including school-related use).

By working together to set boundaries and provide alternatives, we can support our children’s wellbeing and help them develop lifelong healthy habits around technology use.

SOCIAL WORK UPDATE

HEAD OF CURRICULUM

Active School Travel

Let’s Keep Moving: Active Travel in Semester 2!

A big thank you to our wonderful school community for supporting active school travel throughout Semester 1! We’re thrilled to share that 36.6% of our students are now actively travelling to school each Friday. This includes 23.4% walking, 3.2% riding, 2.8% scooting or skating, 2.6% using public transport, and 4.6% carpooling. Every step, pedal, and shared trip helps reduce traffic congestion, promotes healthy habits, and contributes to a more sustainable future.

While we’re proud of this fantastic progress, our goal is to reach 50% active travel each Friday—and with your support, we know we can get there in Semester 2!

Active travel doesn’t have to be complicated. If you live too far to walk or ride all the way, consider parking a few blocks from school and walking the rest. Or why not organise a “walking bus” with neighbours and friends? Small changes can make a big impact, and it’s a great way to connect with others and start the day in a positive, energising way.

We also encourage students and families to think about using public transport, or carpooling with another family in your area to reduce the number of cars at drop-off and pick-up times.

Let’s continue building a healthy, active and environmentally-friendly school culture. After the holidays, let’s step it up and work together to hit that 50% target. Every active traveller counts—let’s make Semester 2 our best yet!

HOSES NEWS

Individual Curriculum Plans

Class and Inclusion teachers have commenced reviewing Individual Curriculum Plans and will be in touch with relevant parents early next term to discuss plans for semester two.

Below is information provided for students, parents and families from the Department of Education.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:

• year of schooling
• category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
• level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.

This information assists schools to:

• formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
• consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
• develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.

The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy).

Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact me on lleeg1@eq.edu.au

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AT GASS

Grand Avenue Student Champions – On the Board and in the Yard!

It’s been a big term for student leadership and enrichment opportunities at Grand Avenue, and we’re excited to share some wonderful highlights from across our school community.

Grand Avenue Shines at Inter-School Chess!

Congratulations to our talented Chess students who recently represented Grand Avenue at the Term 2 Brisbane West Primary Schools Inter-School Chess Tournament held in Fernvale.

Our students showed outstanding resilience, perseverance, and sportsmanship throughout the day. A huge shoutout to Naksh, who placed 2nd overall, and to our brilliant team of Naksh, Reuban, Vedang, and Joshua, who took out 1st place in the Teams event! What an incredible achievement – well done to all involved! A big thank-you to our Teacher-Aide Laila Rizk who was there with our team to provide valuable support and guidance throughout the day. 

Afterschool Chess – Term 3 Enrolments Open Now!

With the end of term fast approaching, we’re excited to announce that our Afterschool Chess Program will continue in Term 3. Chess Club will run from Week 1 to Week 10 – every Wednesday, starting 16th July through to 17th September, held in the school library. See the attached flyer for full details and enrolment information.

Games Rangers Program Launched!

This term also saw the exciting launch of our Games Rangers Program. Our dedicated Student Council members have been out in the playground supporting our younger students by promoting positive, inclusive, and safe play. Through organised games and peer support, our student leaders are making a real difference – modelling respectful behaviour and helping others build social confidence.
A big thank you to our Student Council members for stepping up as role models and making our playgrounds a more engaging and welcoming space for everyone.

Games Rangers Program Launched!

YEAR 3

Dear Families,

This term in 3E we have had an awesome time and done lots of learning. Some of our favourite memories have been dancing the night away at the school disco, partaking in Monday’s sporting schools program, getting our hands dirty while completing our art project, getting free time on the iPad, and we went and screamed our voices hoarse cheering on the Year 4’s at cross country. Some of us got to sing for our families in the auditorium as part of choir night, dance in the Ipswich eisteddfod, and play our instruments  at music night! We have had a massive term and it’s time for a well-deserved break!

Love,
3E

Year 3

MUSIC NEWS

Well done to all our Senior Strings players who completed workshops this week. The days were a lot of fun, with our students learning new music and meeting new friends from other schools. Spending the whole day playing your instrument is a great way to end the term! Thanks to Jen Hemmings for organising and conducting everyone.

Thanks for a great Term 2 everyone. The Music Team is looking forward to more great events after the holidays.

Alisen McLeod
Class Music Teacher
Instrumental Music Coordinator

P&C NEWS

P&C Updates

We are still seeking a Vice President to join our executive committee. The P&C Vice President oversees executive minutes, summarises discussions, and ensures necessary agenda items are presented at general meetings. This role also requires stepping in for the President when needed.

Please reach out to P&C President Jessica Watson if you’re interested in this role.

Upcoming Events

Next P&C Meeting – Tuesday 15 July at 6:00 PM

Our next meeting will include a 30-minute parent information session on the Life Education lessons that will be provided to students in August. Please save the date for the following P&C meetings on 19 August and 16 September.

Ekka Day – 13 August

If you haven’t already signed up to help, we would like to invite our Grand Avenue community to get involved [HERE]. Volunteer opportunities on the day include setting up, distributing wristbands, ticket and wristband sales, and packing up. We’d also love some help distributing flyers to our neighbours to let them know about the fireworks show. This exciting event is held on our school grounds and is a great opportunity to get involved with fundraising and community awareness.

Outdoor Movie Night – Date to be confirmed

Father’s Day Stall – 2-4 September

Family Photos – 15 November

Tuckshop & Uniform Shop Reminders

Tuckshop – Flexischools remains our preferred payment method. We have observed an increase in over-the-counter purchases, requiring students to queue before school from 8:30 AM. If you need assistance with Flexischools, please let us know.

Uniform Shop – The uniform shop is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 8.15-9.30am. Orders can also be made on Flexischools daily.

Thank You!
We sincerely appreciate the ongoing support of our wonderful parents, carers, and volunteers. Your contributions, whether big or small, help make Grand Avenue a fantastic place for our children.

For any questions, suggestions, or if you’d like to get involved, please contact us at pandc@grandavenuess.eq.edu.au or stay updated via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gasspandc.

Grand Avenue State School P&C
Jessica Watson
GASS P&C President

OSHC NEWS

As we approach the end of the term, things have been far from slowing down at OSHC! We’ve been keeping the morning and afternoons fun, active, and full of variety. The children have been involved in a variety of activities – from cooking and creative craft sessions to exciting outdoor games, group challenges, and calming mindfulness activities during our Wellness Wednesdays.

We’re also thrilled to welcome some fresh faces to our team! Rahma, Hugo, and Oliver have all taken their training with great enthusiasm and have already begun building strong connections with the children. Each of them brings a unique energy, creativity, and a positive attitude, and we’re so happy to have them join our OSHC family!

To encourage child and family voice, we’ve recently introduced a suggestion box located in our parent information area. This is a space where both children and families can share feedback or ideas. We’re always looking for ways to enhance our program.

A friendly reminder that our Vacation Care program has been sent out, and spots for excursions and incursions are filling up quickly. If you haven’t yet, be sure to return your booking forms either via email or by handing them into the office before the end of term.

Regards
OSHC Team

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