19 July 2024

Dates to Remember

Principal News

Welcome back for the commencement of Semester 2. We are in full swing for the term already, with our student semester 1 report cards sent out to families on the last day of term 2.

Please ensure you share the report card and comments with your child, discussing their developmental and academic levels this year so far. It is also a great time to set new goals and work together with the classroom teacher as a team to ensure that every child has potential to be very successful in the future.

If you wish to discuss your child/children’s report card further, please contact the classroom teacher in writing via email asking to organise a suitable time. You may also contact the school, either by phone or at the Administration Office personally and arrange for a teacher to contact you to arrange a suitable meeting time.

Please note that Teachers are not usually available to respond to emails during teaching time or whilst on playground duty. Teachers will usually access their emails on their rostered scheduled daily. They will aim to respond to a parent or carer as soon a practical during the school week.

Please don’t seek to discuss in detail a student’s academic progress learning expectations or behavioural issues by email. These are best addressed in person or over the phone. Use email to arrange a suitable time with the teacher to discuss these matters.

When agreed between the teacher and the parent or carer (following a meeting or telephone conversation) email may be used as a form of ongoing communication.

We will offer parent teacher interviews at the end of this term – Tuesday 3 September in our Auditorium from 3pm to 6pm.

It is important that as a team we work together as parent and educator for the best outcomes for every child. Regular contact and communication are key to a successful relationship.

“It takes a whole village to raise a child”
African Proverb popularised by author Jan Cowen-Fletcher, 1994

School Opinion Survey

Thank you to all of those who have already completed the Parent/Caregiver Survey. If you have not had a chance to complete the survey yet, please note that the online surveys will remain open until Friday, 16 August 2023. This is your opportunity to provide feedback about what our school does well and how we can improve.

To have your say, check your email for an invitation from the Department of Education titled School Opinion Survey for parents and caregivers, 2024. 

Can’t find your invitation?  If your family has more than one parent/caregiver, check that they haven’t received the invitation and/or check your junk email folder.

Uniform Check

With the cooler weather upon us, it is a great time to check in around the requirements of our uniform expectations. Please see the pictures below of our Grand Avenue Uniform Policy. A reminder to label all children’s clothing so that they can be safely returned if lost.

STUDENT DRESS CODE

A uniform dress code reinforces in students a pride in their own appearance, instils recognition of

themselves as an integral part of the Grand Avenue State School community, and assists in developing pride in representing the school.

Issues of equality, health and safety, and expense are also factors that contribute to the establishment of the following Student Dress Code.

The aim is to:

• promote equality amongst all students;
• develop a sense of pride in, and identification with our school;
• provide durable clothing that is cost effective and practical for our school environment;
• maintain and enhance the positive image of the school in the community.

Grand Avenue State School believes as a school community that there are benefits in students following an agreed dress code. These benefits include:

• Appropriateness: Guarantee that all students are dressed appropriately for all school activities.
• Safety: Promote a safe environment for learning by enabling ready identification of our students in the school grounds; while travelling to and from school and on excursions.
• Equity: Promote an effective teaching and learning environment by eliminating the distraction of competition between students to wear more expensive or fashionable clothing, and avoid the pressure on parents to purchase fashionable clothing.
• Expense: To minimise the cost to families.

In line with the Education General Provisions Act 2006, staff and the Parents and Citizens’ Association of the Grand Avenue State School have endorsed the following Student Dress Code for all students.

Grand Avenue has a dress standard in relation to:

• Clothing worn by students, including headwear and footwear
• Students’ personal grooming and hygiene.

The Grand Avenue Student Dress Code reflects school community standards and is consistent with occupational health and safety and anti-discrimination legislation.

The Uniform Shop is on the Grand Avenue State School campus and all items are only available from school.

Until next time,

Go Blue Day – Thursday 25 July, 2024

You might not know that our school has students and staff living with type 1 diabetes. This is because they look like every other person, but they have an important difference. People living with type 1 diabetes have an autoimmune disease that means they cannot produce their own insulin.

You can’t catch type 1 diabetes and it’s not caused by lack of exercise or too much sugar. It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin. Everyone needs insulin to live.

People with type 1 diabetes require up to 6 insulin injections every day. They also need to check their blood glucose (sugar) levels up to 6 times a day (by way of a finger prick) and carefully monitor their food intake and exercise regime daily. If their blood glucose level drops too low (commonly referred to as a “hypo”) they require a quick dose of sugar to prevent them going so low they go into a coma.

Type 1 diabetes is difficult to manage. Around 11,000 kids in Australia have this form of diabetes, which accounts for around 10% of all people with diabetes. It is with you for life as there is currently no known cure. Every day 7 more Australians are diagnosed with this disease, most of them are children. There is no known way to prevent type 1 diabetes, but scientists are working on it. That’s where we come in!

JDRF Australia supports research to cure, treat and prevent T1D. They are working hard to find a cure, while also finding ways to improve the lives of people with T1D right now. Our school will be supporting JDRF and helping to deliver a better future for kids with type 1 diabetes. We are asking staff and students to wear blue and bring in a gold coin donation on Thursday 25 July, 2024 to support this cause.

STARTACULAR

Morning Tea with Startacular

Students can trade their STAR stamps in for a special morning tea with startacular.

This week, 3 students feasted on fresh fruit and sweets as they received a special visit from Startacular.

Students, don’t forget the PBL shop is open everyday at first break in the library.

Congratulations Isabella – Talent from GASS

Isabella competed in the Brisbane Regional Competition for highland dancing recently and for the first time in her highland dancing life, she achieved a clean sweep!

In her section (Novice 9 years and under) she placed 1st in all 6 dances she did, placed 1st in the “title” (best of 3 dances), 1st in the trophy dance & was awarded the “distinguished dancer” award which was given to only one dancer for their presentation & performance throughout the competition.

Well done Isabella!

The Daily Joy of Reading: Building a Habit of Three Books a Day with Your Child

In the fast-paced world we live in, finding moments of quiet connection with our children can be a challenge. Yet, amidst the busyness, one simple daily activity can foster both a deep bond and a love of learning: reading aloud to our children. Renowned children's author Mem Fox champions the practice of reading three books a day to children, a habit she believes can transform their future.

Mem Fox's Three Books a Day

Mem Fox, author of beloved books such as "Possum Magic" and "Where is the Green Sheep?", offers a compelling piece of advice to parents and caregivers: make it a routine to read three books a day to your child. This practice, she argues, does not require an extraordinary effort or a significant chunk of time. Reading before bed can become a comforting ritual that children look forward to and cherish.

The Benefits of Reading Aloud

Why is reading aloud to children so powerful? The benefits are numerous and profound, impacting various aspects of a child's development:

1. Language Development: Hearing words read aloud introduces children to the rhythm and melody of language. This auditory exposure helps them understand how sentences are structured, how words are pronounced, and how stories are told. It lays the groundwork for their own language skills.
2. Vocabulary Expansion: Books often contain a richer and more diverse vocabulary than everyday conversation. Through stories, children encounter new words in context, which helps them understand and remember them. This expanded vocabulary is crucial for their communication skills and academic success.
3. Reading Comprehension: Listening to stories helps children develop the ability to follow complex narratives and understand different perspectives. It builds their capacity for empathy and critical thinking, skills that are essential for reading comprehension and overall cognitive development.
4. Attention Span and Focus: Regular read-aloud sessions can enhance a child’s attention span and ability to concentrate. The act of listening to a story from beginning to end requires focus and patience, which are important skills for learning and daily life.
5. Emotional Bonding: Reading together provides a wonderful opportunity for emotional bonding. The shared experience of a story creates a special connection between parent and child, fostering a sense of security and love.

Making Reading a Habit

Integrating three books a day into your routine may seem daunting at first, but it’s entirely manageable with a bit of planning:

• Choose Age-Appropriate Books: Select books that match your child’s age and interests. For younger children, picture books with vibrant illustrations and simple text are ideal. Older children might enjoy chapter books or non-fiction topics that fascinate them.
• Create a Cosy Reading Space: Designate a comfortable, quiet spot in your home for reading. A cosy nook with cushions and soft lighting can make reading time a special, inviting part of the day.
• Involve Your Child: Let your child choose some of the books you read together. This encourages their interest and makes them feel involved in the process.
• Be Consistent: Consistency is key. Aim to make reading a non-negotiable part of your daily routine, just like mealtimes or bedtime.

A Lasting Impact

The habit of reading aloud to your child every day can have a lasting impact on their love for books and learning. Mem Fox’s advice to read three books a day isn’t just about the act of reading—it’s about creating a nurturing environment where stories become a treasured part of life. By committing to this daily ritual, you’re not only enhancing your child’s literacy and language skills but also building memories that will stay with them forever.

So, pick up that book, snuggle up with your little one, and let the magic of reading unfold. Your child's future self will thank you for it.

P-3 Cross Country

On Thursday, the P-3 Cross Country event was a resounding success, with students enjoying the day, despite the chilly weather. Enthusiasm and excitement filled the air as students took part in the races, showcasing their endurance and team spirit.

A very big thank you goes to Mr Shaw and Mr Franssen for their exceptional organisation and effort in making the day memorable for everyone involved. Their dedication ensured the event ran smoothly and provided a wonderful experience for all participants.

Important Information on NCCD Census Date

As we approach the NCCD (Nationally Consistent Collection of Data) census date in early August, it’s important to understand what this means for our school community. The NCCD helps ensure that all students requiring adjustments under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) receive the necessary adjustments for their learning needs.

Parents of students that meet the criteria for adjustments will receive an email informing them of the adjustments being implemented in the classroom. This communication aims to keep you informed about the support your child is receiving to support their access to the curriculum.

If your child has been recently diagnosed with a disability, please contact me as soon as possible. This will allow us to update our records and ensure that your learner receives the appropriate support and adjustments.

Until next time,

PBL NEWS

YEAR 2 NEWS

This term, Year 2 are learning how to write a literature review. They have been watching movies, listening to songs, and reading related texts, using a criteria to review them.

Writing literature reviews is a great skill to develop at an early age. It helps students learn to analyse content critically and express their thoughts clearly.

Class 2C created a 'Book Review Tree,' where their leaf signified the review of their favourite book. Keep up the good work, Year 2!

It's wonderful to see that they are engaging with various forms of media and using a structured approach to review them. Keep encouraging their creativity and analytical thinking!

Melissa McLennan 
Head of Department - Curriculum

YEAR 5 NEWS

YEAR 6 NEWS

Year 6

Our Year 6 students are excited to start a new unit on news and newspaper reports. During the term they will learn about different types of news stories and the structure of newspaper articles. Analysing real articles, they will identify key elements like headlines, images and the body of the text. This week they have been looking at bias and identifying the use of objective and subjective language.  

“In English we are learning about newspaper reports. We are also learning about objective and subjective language!”. Tanveer

“Learning about biased and unbiased in English is really interesting”. Ruby

CHESS NEWS

Dance News

This week 25 Grand Avenue students are participating in Creative Generation at South Bank.

After months of practices our students will shine on stage along with 2000 students from other State Schools. The show will be broadcast on Channel 9 later in the year. 

Congratulations to our featured dancers Amelia, Abby, Sebastian and Willow who will appear in hip hop crew, musical theatre and jazz items in this year's show. 

Sporting News

A huge congratulations to Marques Seumanutafa, Dalanzae Seumanutafa and Annison Seumanutafa for representing the metropolitan region at the State Rugby League Championships over the holidays.

We know the time effort and dedication these athletes put into their performance and development and could not be happier to see them win the State Championships.  

Their professional sport journeys are only just kicking off and it will be exciting to watch where they all take those skills of theirs!

Congratulations from the Grand Avenue State School community.

Siane Hombsch
P.E Teacher

Music News

TERM 3 MUSIC EVENTS

Dates to Remember

Alisen McLeod
Classroom Music Teacher | Instrumental Music Co-Ordinator
Experienced Senior Teacher | Grand Avenue State School

Term 3 – After School Activities

OSHC NEWS

OSHC is back to our BSC and ASC hours after a busy Vacation Care.

Children enjoyed a rock-climbing wall, Olympic dance off and an awesome carnival day throughout the vacation care period.

We watched Disney on Ice, WARU – story of a little turtle and our older children enjoyed the challenges of Jungle Adventure.

We finished off the fortnight with a very popular Pyjama day.

Many staff and children attended in their pyjamas and enjoyed pasta bolognaise for lunch and hot chocolates throughout the day.

We have started back in Term 3 celebrating NAIDOC week.

OSHC are happy to welcome our new cook to the team, Sita has joined our family and is baking and serving delicious breakfast and afternoon tea for our students. Children have been contributing to our menu ideas. 

We are also welcoming some new staff over the next few weeks. 

Community News

Stretton College Soccer Excellence Program Trials

Open to all 2025 Year 7 Students who are attending or planning on attending Stretton State College.

Please find the link to register below as well as the information for the trials attached.