26 April 2024

Dates to Remember

Principal News

A warm welcome back from the holidays, I trust you have had an enjoyable break and are ready for a busy term ahead.

This term we welcomed back Mrs Krystin Whitten to our school teaching a year 3 class.

Mr Jeremy Went has taken on a promotional position as an acting Principal for term 2 in the Brisbane North Region.  To support Mr Went’s leave, Mrs Erin Strohfeldt the current Head of Special Education will be the Deputy for year 2, year 3 and year 4. Mrs Amy Grimsey will then take on the role as the Head of Special Education.

We welcomed 28 new enrolments this term, with more still inquiring, bringing our total to 990 students. We have very full classes and teachers are being supported with additional non-contact to complete their administration work.

We have a busy term ahead – don’t forget we have Active School Travel Day – every Friday!

Term 2 Whole School Events

Whole School Assembly – Friday 3 May – 2:00pm Hall

Labour Day public holiday – Monday 6 May

P&C Mother’s Day Stall – Wednesday 8 May to Friday 10 May

Walk to School Safety Day – Active School Travel – Friday 10 May

Whole School Assembly – Friday 3 May – 2:00pm Hall

National Volunteers thank you day – Monday 20 May

P&C Day – Friday 24 May

Whole School Assembly – Friday 31 May – 2:00pm Hall

P&C Movie Night – 6:00pm – 8:00pm – Friday 31 May

National Reconciliation Week – Monday 27 May to Friday 31 May

School Support Staff Recognition Week – Monday 3 June to Friday 7 June

World Environment Day – Wednesday 5 June

Cross Country and Athletics Day – Prep and Year 1 – Wednesday 12 June

Evening of Music – Wednesday 12 June

Cross Country and Athletics Day – Year 2 and Year 3 – Thursday 13 June

Whole School Assembly –  Friday 14 June – 2pm Hall

Athletics Day – Year 4 to Year 6 – Friday 14 June

School Cleaners Day – Monday 17 June

Attendance Pizza Parties – Tuesday 18 June

Under 8’s Day – Friday 21 June

Did you know? Research shows that in Queensland, higher student attendance at school is associated, on average, with higher student achievement.

As we enter a new term we are focussing on engagement and attendance of every student, every day. We need parent, carers and family support to ensure all children are attending every day and on time. 

Our school lessons starts at 8:45am and conclude at 2:45pm.

Why is regular attendance at school important?

Regular school attendance will mean that your child gets a better chance at life. Your child will achieve better when they go to school all day, every school day:

• they learn better
• they make friends
• they are happier
• they have a brighter future.

Why must I send my child to school?

Under Queensland law, you must make sure your child of school age is enrolled and attends school all day, every school day unless they have a reasonable excuse. Illness, doing work experience, competing in a school sporting event or going on a school excursion are reasonable excuses for being absent from school.

Principals decide if the excuse given for your child’s absence is reasonable. Avoid keeping your child away from school for birthdays, shopping, visiting family and friends, if they sleep in, looking after other children, minor check-ups or care such as haircuts. Routine medical or other health appointments should be made either before or after school or during the school holidays. 

While it is a last resort, it is important to understand that you may be prosecuted if your child is not attending school regularly.

What should I do if our family is going on a holiday in school time?

You are encouraged not to schedule holidays during school time. If your family holiday is during school time, let the school know in advance and talk about what arrangements can be made for your child. Depending on the circumstances the school may be able to provide tasks for your child to complete while they are absent or assist you to organise an exemption from schooling.

Do I need to let the school know if my child has been away from school?

Yes. You must let the school know the reason why your child is absent from school – either beforehand, on the day of the absence, or as soon as practicable after your child’s return to school.

Having problems getting your child to school for some of these reasons?

• won’t get out of bed in the morning
• won’t go to bed at night
• can’t find their uniform, books, school bag …

Anxiety about going to school Regular school attendance

• slow to eat breakfast
• haven’t done their homework
• watching TV
• have a test or presentation to do, have an

assignment to hand in

• it’s their birthday.

A set routine can help

• have a set time to go to bed
• have a set time to get out of bed
• have uniform and school bag ready the night before
• have a set time for starting and finishing breakfast
• set a time for daily homework activities
• speak about school positively
• be firm, send your child to school every school day including their birthday and the last day of term!

What should I do if my child won’t go to school?

You should contact the school as soon as possible for advice and support. We have Guidance Officer who can assist with school refusal and support.

For more information around our attendance policy please see the links below

https://education.qld.gov.au/initiatives-and-strategies/initiatives/every-day-counts/for-parents-and-community

Student Safety

Due to the high safety risk of our students exiting the school grounds during learning time, we will be keeping the pedestrian gates entering the school grounds shut during school hours.

As of today 23 April 2024, we will be locking majority of our at-risk pedestrian entries around the school from 9:15am to 2:30pm.

Our main entry will be the gate near the administration building.

It is a reminder that all gates should be closed after entering them.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation.

Until next time,

From the Deputy Principals

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Welcome back to the first newsletter of Term 2. It is with great pleasure that I step into the Deputy Principal role while Mr Jeremy Went pursues a Principal role at another school. Mrs Amy Grimsey has taken on the HOSES role in my absence.

It has been a fantastic start to term and I have been thrilled to see our learners engaged in their classrooms and following our Grand Avenue STAR expectations over the last two weeks.

Year 4 Camp

From October 2 to October 4 , students in Year 4 will have the opportunity to attend Camp Kindilan. The camping experience offered by Camp Kindilan is designed with a blend of adventure and outdoor learning in mind. The camp will focus on the R.E.A.C.H framework that encompasses relationships, experiences, ability, character and health and wellbeing. An expression of interest will be sent home today. Please register your child’s interest via the survey link.   

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)

The NCCD is an annual collection of information from all Australian schools on the numbers of students with disability and the adjustments At Grand Avenue, our classroom and inclusion teachers play an active role in teaching and learning activities within the classroom allowing for greater flexibility in how all learners are engaged and supported within the classroom.

Our school support model is based on the National Consistent Collection of Data for Students with Disability (NCCD). Students who identify with specific needs, disability, and who require additional supports can be included within the NCCD. The NCCD recognises that some learners will need more adjustments than others and has four levels: quality differentiated teaching (sometimes), supplementary (often), substantial (most of the time), and extensive (all of the time). At a school level, any learner who is included within the NCCD has in place a Personal Learning Record which outlines specific areas of need and key reasonable adjustments in place.

Please don't hesitate to get in touch if your child has a new diagnosis so that we can discuss how to best support your child at school to enhance their educational outcomes.

ANZAC Day

Thank you to all the students and parents that supported Grand Avenue State School at the community march on Thursday 25 April and at our school ceremony on Wednesday 24 April. The students yesterday made us proud as they marched along to the boulevard and then participated in the ceremony by the lake. Jasper, Ethan and David laid a wreath at the memorial plaque and our senior students led us in the march. We are so lucky to be part of a wonderful community here in Forest Lake.

Nature Club has begun!

We were overwhelmed by the number of students that joined our parent volunteer Mrs Choudhury for Nature Club on Wednesday. The students are excited to participate in upcoming activities that will include gardening, observing nature, making signs and chatting with our groundsmen about the flora in our school. This week, we weeded the garden next to the M block driveway. All students are welcome to attend the group which takes place at first break every Wednesday from the STEAM room.

Chess News

ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day Ceremony 2024

P&C News

Welcome to the latest P & C News. The P & C Association held an online General Meeting on Tuesday 16^th of April.

We have been busy organising the Term 2 school disco, which will be held on Friday May 3^rd.  We’re also working on the finishing touches to the Mother’s Day stall, which will be held on May 8^th, 9^th and 10^th. Times and class schedules will be announced shortly. If you’re free to help out on any of those days, we’re looking for volunteers for both events. Your time is greatly appreciated, even if you can only spare a couple of hours! Other exciting events we’re looking forward to include our “Movie Under the Stars” night and Ekka Day festival. Preparations are under way now, and the posters are shared below so you can save the date!

P & C Day is 24^th May. To thank all teachers, parents and volunteers for their support, we will be providing a coffee van. This will be commencing at 7:45am for school staff and for parents from 8:15am until 9:30am.

If you're interested in joining the P&C, please reach out to us. We all know that many hands make light work, and it's also a fantastic opportunity to join a great group of people who strive to increase community participation and support our school.

Thanks for your ongoing support of the P&C Association!

NOTE:

• Families are able to book the same session if they have more then one child in multiple year levels
• Ticket sales will only be available on the night, if venue capacity numbers are not exceeded on the Try Booking sales

Volunteer opportunities for our Term 2 Disco are now open.

Please click on the following web link (or copy it into your web browser if clicking doesn't work) to go to the signup sheet: volunteersignup.org/FFXQK

Volunteer opportunities for "2024 Mother’s Day Stall" are now open.

Please click on the following web link (or copy it into your web browser if clicking doesn't work) to go to the signup sheet: volunteersignup.org/D7A3M

Facebook:  

Like and follow our Facebook Page to keep updated with information on upcoming events. Feel free to share this with family and friends and others in our Grand Avenue Community.   https://www.facebook.com/gasspandc  

Next Meetings:  

All are welcome to attend our General Meetings. They are held the third Tuesday of the month during school term. If you would like items added to the agenda, please email p&cSecretary@grandavenuess.eq.edu.au. Want to become a member? Membership Forms can be found on the School Website or email the Secretary above for a form.

Community Notices

2025 Year 7 Enrolments at Forest Lake SHS 

Forest Lake SHS will be showcasing their fabulous school on Thursday 16 May with tours leaving every 15 minutes between 3.30pm and 5.30pm.  You'll visit their Year 7 classrooms, the Library and Performing Arts Centre; their Sports Hall, Playgrounds and Science Labs.  2025 Enrolment packs will be available from our administration office from 1 May.

All students are also invited to try out for their Programs of Excellence - Academic, Dance, Esports, Instrumental Music and Rugby League - with information