2 February 2024

Dates to Remember

Principal News

Welcome back to Grand Avenue in 2024,

I hope you have had an enjoyable and restful end of year break. A special welcome is extended to our new students, preppies, and families. At Grand Avenue State School, we create a culture of high expectations and a sense of belonging for our students and staff to grow, achieve and succeed. We want students to feel good about who they are as key members of our school community, build their love of learning and thrive as active participants in learning and achieving.

Our students, your children, are our number one priority. We have been working very hard over the past week to ensure a smooth start for all students. We have well developed, strong systems and organisational processes in place for the start of our 2024 school year, with close to 970 children. Key to this success will be patience and communication for all of us particularly at key drop off and pick up times. I encourage you to join our wonderful P and C Association in an effort to truly build a connected community for 2024.

The first meeting for the year will be held on Tuesday 20 February at 7:00pm in the Administration Building. At this meeting we would like to take the opportunity to review and confirm the current Grand Avenue SS Uniform policy and expectations. To do this we would like to hear your feedback prior to this meeting. Please see our current Uniform Policy and expectations on our website below and provide feedback to the P&C via email on P&C@grandavenuess.eq.edu.au or myself on  Principal@grandavenuess.eq.edu.au.

Grand Avenue State School uniform was developed in consultation with parents, students, the P & C Association and the wider community.  The school community strongly values and supports the wearing of the school uniform, and it is expected that students wear the uniform correctly and with pride. 

The reasons for a School Uniform are:

Student safety - it identifies those students attending Grand Avenue State School, allowing us to quickly identify those persons in the school grounds who may not have good reasons for being there.

A sense of pride - students develop a sense of pride in being associated with a school that has a reputation of excellence in the educational, sporting, cultural and social development of all students.

On Tuesday 19 March at 6:00pm will host the Annual General Meeting (AGM).  You will find all the relevant forms for membership for 2024 school year on our website below.

Together with our leadership team and all of our dedicated staff, we warmly welcome you to 2024.

Together, we make the difference in our school community.

Our focus for this year is ensuring all students can achieve success at school, by attending everyday and engaging in their learning to achieve success. Please see below our 2024 Annual Improvement Plan.

Until next time,

Playgroup

New School Mascot

Welcome to the 2024 school year! We are so excited to start our year with our new school mascot, STARTACULAR! Startacular is part of our school’s positive behaviour for learning framework.

Each Monday every student at Grand Avenue State School participates in a lesson that teaches skills of positive behaviour. These all centre around our school values of Successful Learners, Take Responsibility, Act Safely and Respect Everyone. Here is our lesson schedule for Term 1.

We have also changed our positive acknowledgement system this year.

Students receive stamps when they are displaying positive behaviour and collect them on their STAR chart. Any staff member around the school can give STAR stamps to any student. Students can then spend their stars at the PBL shop.

Students this week were introduced to the star shop menu and are very excited to spend their stars on items like; use the teacher’s chair, a gold badge or free play on the oval. More information about PBL and items in the STAR shop will be shared in our newsletter.

STARTACULAR is looking forward to meeting you around the school soon!

Welcome to the 2024 school year. I am very excited to be supporting our senior students this year as they engage in their final years of primary school learning.

This year our learners will develop their qualities of enquiry, curiosity, creativity, exploration and sense of fun! I look forward to supporting our students, teachers and families along this journey.

I will be communicating with families regularly regarding senior student leadership opportunities, positive behaviour for learning activities and events such as NAPLAN. Please feel free to drop by the office or email me at twall167@eq.edu.au should you have any questions or concerns.

Across the Deputy Desk

My name is Louise Vickers and I am your new Deputy Principal of Prep and Year One at Grand Avenue SS.

Please introduce yourself if you see me in the morning, as I am often floating between the Prep and Year One classrooms.

A little bit about me: I am married with two children aged 17 and 15. I have two very spoilt cavaliers that think they are also my children. In my spare time I love to run and listen to podcasts. I am thrilled to join this fabulous school community and I can’t wait to meet all my little people and their families in the coming weeks.

Louise Vickers
Deputy Principal (Prep & Yr1)

Hi Grand Avenue. My name is Jeremy Went and I am excited to be a part of this vibrant learning community as the Year 2,3,4 Deputy Principal for 2024. My passion lies in working with parents and teachers in fostering the growth of curious and creative individuals who are eager to shape a better world.

At our school, we believe in providing an engaging and challenging curriculum that not only stimulates intellectual curiosity but also encourages students to think beyond the ordinary. I am committed to creating an environment where kindness and respect are the foundation of our interactions, promoting a sense of community and collaboration.

I look forward to working together to support your child's educational journey and inspire them to become thoughtful, innovative contributors to the world around them.

Kind regards
Jeremy Went
Deputy Principal (Yr2,3,4)

HOD News

My name is David Robertson and I am the Head of Curriculum in the years 3-6 juncture. I first joined the Grand Avenue team in 2019 before moving to another school for the 2023 year. I am excited to be returning for 2024. In addition to my work in the curriculum space I will also be teaching in 5D each Friday.

My belief is that the most important work in a school is to help children develop into confident and creative individuals, and that this will look different for everyone. I aim to develop opportunities within out school that will allow children to share their growth with our community.

If you have children in the years 3 to 6 space and are interesting in discussing opportunities that will help our students to grow, please feel welcome to email me: dxrob6@eq.edu.au

My name is Melisa McLennan, Head of Department – Curriculum for Prep-year 2. I was new to Grand Avenue last year and have enjoyed working with all of the staff and students since that time. This year you will see me in the library, working in classrooms and also teaching across Prep-Year 3.

As an Educator and Leader, being in the industry for the past twenty years, I have taught from the Early years through to young adults training to be Educators and Teachers. I am actively working to drive improvement and ensure the best learning opportunities for all students, by leading the teams around the Australian Curriculum.

My role in building the curriculum, teaching and learning capabilities of individuals and teams in the school settings, has allowed me to successfully establish cooperative, professional relationships with parents, staff and administration with emphasis on developing a cohesive and nurturing learning environment for all students. I look forward to seeing all of the Grand Avenue students this year.

Active School Travel

In 2024 Grand Avenue State School will be participating in Brisbane City Council’s Active School Travel (AST) program. The AST program runs throughout the year, and the school will have access to a range of resources as part of our involvement.

The vision of the program, and our involvement in it, is to create healthier, more active students and families, increase road safety awareness, make safer streets, and continue to tackle traffic congestion; by promoting travel options such as walking, riding, scootering, carpooling and the use of public transport. As part of our participation in AST we are regularly collecting information about how students are travelling to school, and our goal is to see an increase in the safe, sustainable and healthy options for getting to school on time, every day.

More information about the program can be found on the Brisbane City Council website, or you can click here.

To begin our involvement in the program we are forming an Active School Travel committee which may include local councillors, Grand Avenue staff and students, and members of our community. We are asking for parent representatives to be a part of this community.

If you are interested in contributing to the safety, wellbeing and health of our school community we would love to have you as a member of our committee. Please don’t hesitate to contact David Robertson (dxrob6@eq.edu.au) to discuss your involvement.

Student Resource Scheme

As per Education (General Provisions) Act 2006 (Qld) a parent is directly responsible for providing textbooks and other resources for a student’s use while attending school.

The objective of the Student Resource Scheme is to offer parents an economic alternative to the purchase of school resources and textbooks and to enhance and maximise resources available for student learning.  While membership of this Scheme is not compulsory, the school strongly encourages your participation.

SRS Years 1 – 6   The Student Resource Scheme for 2024 remains at $40.00.  This equates to $1.00 per school week.

Major Benefits Enjoyed by joining the Scheme

• Reproduced class workbooks and worksheets
• Specialist materials & consumables for practical studies eg science
• Mathletics Subscription
• Student reference material
• Student material used for classroom projects
• Administration of Scheme

Conditions of the Resource Scheme

• Students will supply their own personal requirements – as outlined in the Stationery List
• Books issued to students are to be kept in good condition
• Students are responsible for up to the full cost of books that are negligently damaged or lost before any further issues can be made
• All resources provided under the Scheme remain the property of the Scheme and must be returned when a student leaves or at the end of the school year
• If a student enrols during the year, the fee is calculated on a pro-rata basis
• If a student leaves during the year, a pro-rata refund will be made. The refund is based on the parent/caregiver charge, less the cost of consumed materials and/or the cost of replacing lost or damaged resources
• Books and resources provided under the Scheme cannot be issued to students whose parents/caregivers choose not to participate

This scheme does not cover items listed on the stationery list, excursions/incursions or camps.

SRS Prep – In 2024 we are continuing with  the introduction of including stationery items in the Student Resource Scheme.  The cost for 2024 for Prep SRS will be $75.00.  This equates to less than $2.00 per school week.

Full payment for the SRS is due Friday 15 March 2024

SRS - INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PROGRAM  $80/$80    (Students selected to participate in the Instrumental Program Only)

Students who participate in the school’s Instrumental Music Program are required to pay a levy of $80 per year to cover costs incurred in running this program.  In addition, a hire fee of $80 is also charged to those students who utilise school purchased instruments.

SRS – CHOIR $15  (Students selected to participate in the Choir)

Parent Funded Extra Curricular Activities

At Grand Avenue we endeavour to add value to students’ class learning experiences through participation in extra curricular activities.  It is only after a great deal of careful planning and discussion that teachers select parent funded activities to complement classroom programs and enhance students’ learning outcomes

The school recognises that there is an organisational efficiency for parents in making payments in advance to avoid their child missing out due to unpaid invoices by the date of the closing deadline.  All parent funded activities are invoiced separately and the due date included on each invoice.  On the bottom left hand corner is the link for payments by BPOINT which is the preferred method of payment.  BPOINT issues you a receipt immediately.

QParents is another option for making payments.  If you are not registered for QParents, please contact the office.

The process of the school invoices parents for parent funded activities has not changed for many years – a separate invoice is issued for each activity. OneSchool emails each invoice out to parents responsible for payment who have an email address registered.

We do appreciate that the multiple invoices may clog up your email inbox, but in order to make parents aware of the final date for payment for incursions (1 week prior to event) each activity needs to be invoiced individually.  Also, this gives parents the opt-in or out for each incursion and excursion.  If you choose to make payments closer to the event, flagging this email will remind you later.

A Statement will be sent home at the beginning of each month to alert parents to unpaid invoices.

REFUND POLICY

Please note the school’s refund policy as per DoE guidelines. The full Refund Guidelines for Excursions and Camps is available on the school website.

As the school budget cannot meet any shortfalls in funding for an extra-curricular activity due to the subsequent non-participation of a student who had previously indicated attendance of the activity, fees already paid for an extra-curricular activity may be refunded in full or in part or not at all, having regard to the associated expenses incurred and the circumstances of the non-participation.

If a parent wishes to apply for a refund due to their child’s non-participation in an extra-curricular activity, they may do so by completing a Request for Refund Form available from the school office. Where possible, the request should include the original receipt relating to the payment for which a refund is being sought.

• All applications for refunds must be made on the Application for Refund Form available at the administration office.
• If payment in advance is made by the school to a venue, or is conditional on the cost of transport then no refund will be made.
• Cancellation Fees charged by venues will be passed on to the parent

This policy was supported and approved after consultation with the Parents and Citizens Association.

CREDIT POLICY

Should financial hardship exist parents are asked to contact the office so that special arrangements can be made for the payment of activities. Please note that all discussions will be held in confidence.

When these arrangements have been made, regular payments or payment by the agreed date is expected.  Should this not occur, students then become ineligible to participate in future parent-funded activities for this year and future years, or until outstanding debts have been cleared.

SCHOOL CROSSING – OPERATIONAL TIMES

For the continued safety of students travelling to and from school, please note that these are the only times that the two crossings are supervised.

Centennial Way                   morning   8.05 – 8.50 am   afternoon   2.40 – 3.10 pm
Grand Avenue                     morning   8.00 – 9.00 am   afternoon   2.40 – 3.10 pm.

UPDATING STUDENT DETAILS

We are currently updating school records, therefore we are asking parents to please update their student and their own personal details that may have changed.  Please pay particular attention to any changes of:

• Current Address
• Contact telephone Numbers
• Emergency Contacts, and
• Medical Conditions

If changes are required please contact the school office at your earliest convenience – email : office@grandavenuess.eq.edu.au.  Alternatively you may phone 3372 0555.

ADULT UNI-SEX AMENITIES

Parents are asked not to use students’ toilets.  Adult Amenities are located at each undercover area and are well signed.

Year 1 News

Year 2 News

We have had a wonderful start to the year and here are thoughts from 2B students on their favourite thing about year 2 so far:-

•  My favourite thing in year 2 is Maths.   Nishith
•  My favourite thing in year 2 is using my highlighters.  Annie
•  What I love about year 2 is eating time.  Josiah
•  What I love about year 2 is playing in the year 2 playground.  Michelle
•  My favourite thing in year 2 is my alphabet chart.  Akudzwe
•  What I love about year 2 is seeing Mrs Turner and having a different playground.  Selene
•  What I love about year 2 is my stationery and my desk.  Chelsea
•  What I love about year 2 is writing.  Alice
•  What I love about year 2 is dance.  Luci
•  My favourite thing is year 2 is playing on the year 2 playground.  Nate
•  My favourite thing in year 2 is Maths.  Hanson
•  What I love about year 2 is going to break and playing with my friends and I love reading books and doing lots of learning.  Timmy
•  My favourite thing in year 2 is that we can play in the hall at second break.  Ethan
•  What I love about year 2 is learning lots and lots.  Rory
•  My favourite thing in year 2 is going to the library.  Alicia
•  I love year 2 because I love learning new things.  Kolton
•  My favourite thing in year 2 is playing.   Shriya
•  What I love about year 2 is the year 2 playground.  Rhythm
•  My favourite thing in year 2 is I like to play with my friends in the playground.  Selena
•  My favourite thing in year 2 is I have a good teacher.  She is nice and I like my stationery.  Tanisha
•  My favourite thing in year 2 is having lunch near the year 4 students.  Archie

Guidance & Chaplaincy News

Dear Grand Avenue Families,

Welcome back!

We're excited for this year and have some great programs lined up for your children, including Peaceful Kids, Seasons for Growth, and Rock and Water.

Our new full-time Guidance Officer, Ashleigh Granzin, is here to support kids in P-6. Sabrina continues part-time, and we welcome Scott Reid as our Chaplain on Wednesdays. Sophie remains in Chaplaincy on Thursdays and Fridays.

If you're interested in any of our programs or services, including lunchtime activities and the breakfast club, please contact the office. For individual counselling, discuss with your child's teacher or Year Level Deputy.

We're here to ensure a positive and nurturing environment for every student. Thank you for your continued support!

Best regards,
Student Services Team
Grand Avenue State School

Music News

Welcome back to Music @ GASS. This week our Band (Mo & We) and Strings (Tu & We) lessons started again and we welcomed our new permanent Strings teacher, Mrs Jennifer Hemmings. Band is in the same room as last year but Strings have moved over to N Block, across from 6A classroom.

Next week our morning rehearsals start, please see the image for details of your child’s ensemble. Senior Choir starts on Friday 2^nd February and we are looking forward to seeing lots of new people come along for a sing. Ms McLeod will be teaching Junior Choir this year (Year 2 & 3 students) and the rehearsals are now on Tuesday mornings at 7:45am. Please come along and try it out, if you are interested.

The Music teachers are all excited to see our students again this year and get stuck into some fabulous new music. See you at a rehearsal soon!

Ms Alisen McLeod
Classroom Music Teacher | Instrumental Music Co-Ordinator

Library News

Chess News

OSHC News

Boom Gate: To improve security and safety at Grand Avenue State School, a boom gate is installed at the Centennial Way staff and OSHC entrance (Gate 2). The boom gate will again be operational (school has ordered a replacement for existing one) between 7.30am and 3.30pm on school days.

To enter the school grounds during these times, drivers will need an access card issued by the School. NB: OSHC does not issue these cards and parents will only be eligible in exceptional circumstances on a case by case basis.

PLEASE DO NOT TAIL GATE OTHER VEHICLES WHO HAVE ACCESS TO GAIN ENTRY.

The boom gate will not impact on parents who deliver students to OSHC before 8.00am or collect after 4.00pm. When exiting, the boom gate will open automatically for any vehicle at any time.

Speed limit: The speed limit on school grounds is 10 Km/hr at all times. (This includes dropping off and picking up your children from OSHC before school and after school finishes).

If you are recorded as speeding on school grounds you will be reported to the Principal. The Principal has the authority to stop parents entering school grounds if deemed necessary.

We have almost reached our capacity for most sessions of care. We stress the importance that you to call or email if you need care and not just turn up, as we may not have any available spots due to approved spaces and staff ratio requirements.

Just a reminder to all parents about OSHC’s ‘cancellation’ and ‘changes to booking’ policy. Grand Avenue OSHC requires all cancellations for bookings to be made prior to the date in mention with 12 hours notice. This includes permanent and casual bookings.

We understand that children sometimes wake up sick. Unfortunately you will be charged absent for the morning care and we will remove the charge for ASC providing you have called before the school day beings (8.45am).
During vacation care, 24 hours’ notice is required for cancellations.

Booking changes/cancellations can be made by sending an email to oshcbookings@grandavenuess.eq.edu.au or via the iParent Portal (Kidsoft App).  This is to ensure that we have staffed appropriately for the session.

During the financial year each child is only allowed up to 42 absences, after that full fees will be charged for the extra absent days.

We encourage all our families to check their bookings and absences (shown on statement) to date.  Please contact us if you require further information. 

Outside School Hours Care:  Prep and Grade One pick up and drop off:

Starting a new prep/school year is a major milestone in a child’s and parents’ learning journey. It may be a new experience leaving your child in Outside School Hours Care however, our skilled Educators are here to make that transition smooth. During pick up and drop off periods, students will be walked to and from their classroom by OSHC Educators who are clearly identified by their navy shirts and red hats.

Drop Off: Students are escorted from the centre and walked up with Educators at 8:35am. On arrival at their classroom Educators help students unpack what they need for the day before being walked into the classroom.

Pick up: Educators arrive at students’ classrooms at 2:35pm. Students are collected from their classroom and assembled at a meeting point. When checked off against the roll, students are walked down to the centre where they are offered afternoon tea.

At the beginning of the school year, the Prep children are grouped together to support social interactions and build friendships.  There is a range of fun activities available each day and students are integrated at their own pace, into the multi age program.

If you have any questions, please contact the centre on oshc@grandavenuess.eq.edu.au.

P&C News

Community News