30 August 2024

Principal News

As we head into the last few weeks for term 3, I would like to acknowledge the dedication our staff and families have on ensuring our students are set up for success every day. Being at school on time and ready to learn is critical to student engagement. Our teachers ensure that all students are spending the first 15 minutes of their day welcomed into the classroom in a positive manner, spending time developing the necessary skills and wellbeing activities to set them up for a successful learning day. Families and carers can support this important transition by ensuring their child/children are at school at the start of the first bell.

Grand Avenue State School will be offering parent teacher meetings next week on Tuesday 3 September from 3:00pm to 7:00pm.

Our meetings will be offered in one forum this semester, face to face in the Auditorium or Library.

The meetings will be 10 minutes in duration. All our classroom teachers and our specialist teachers of the Japanese, Physical Education (PE) and Music will also be available for bookings.

Instructions on how to book for a meeting was sent to parents and carers on Monday 19 Augus. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have missed booking a time to meet.

We look forward to our school community taking this opportunity to meet the teachers looking after your child/children to share information and connect as a team for a positive school year.

We are excited to host the following events this term.

Student Free Day – Friday 30 August 2024
R U Okay Day -Thursday 12^th September
Grandparents and Friends Day – Friday 13^th September (more information to be shared)

Planning for 2025

The semester is already in full swing and planning for 2025 is also well begun.  As part of this process, we are asking parents/carers to notify the school if your child/ren will not be returning to Grand Avenue in 2025 or will be late to return due to an extended holiday, etc.  (Please note the return date is Tuesday, 28 January 2025).

It is very important that we have this information in writing as soon as possible as staffing levels and funding are determined by our enrolment numbers.

If you are planning to transfer your child/ren or they will return late, and have not already informed the school, please contact our Enrolment Officer at enrolments@grandavenuess.eq.edu.au or phone 3372 0555.

Your prompt assistance is appreciated.

Student Class Placement for 2025

Staff will begin working on class structures for 2025 early next term. As always, we invite parents to write an email outlining information that you may need to share. Please remember that you cannot request individual teachers, request notes are focussed on learning and social concerns that you may wish to be taken into consideration.

Parent requests are due by Monday 14^th October 2024 to allow time for classes to be compiled for 2024. Requests will be unable to be accepted after the 21^{st of} October. All requests must be in writing and submitted to Principal - Mrs Racheal Jones rjone233@eq.edu.au

Please note that if you have previously put in writing your requests in previous years. You will be required to do this every year.

Next week I will be joining a panel of professional educators around the state as a Peer Principal reviewer to conduct a school review at Chancellor State College. Schools’ reviews occur for all schools every 4 years. While I am not on school premises, I will be in contact with staff and operations of the school during this week. In my absence at school I have asked Ms Erin Strohfeldt (current DP) to be the Principal during this time. Replacing Ms Erin Strohfeldt will be Ms Ashleigh Granzin (current Guidance Officer).

Until next time,

PREP 2025 – ENROL NOW

Celebrating Speech Pathology Week at Grand Avenue SS

At Grand Avenue State School, we are proud to recognize and celebrate Speech Pathology Week, a time to acknowledge the crucial role Speech Pathologists play in our school community. Our Speech Pathologist, Erin Boreham, is a valued member of our team, contributing significantly to the success and development of our students. Erin’s dedication and expertise ensure that our students receive the support they need to thrive in their educational journey.

Speech Pathologists in schools like ours play an essential role in supporting students' communication skills, which are vital for learning and social interaction. They work closely with teachers to identify and address communication barriers, helping students to develop the language and speech skills necessary for success in the classroom. Whether it’s enhancing vocabulary through play experiences, supporting literacy development, or helping students with speech sound disorders, Speech Pathologists tailor their approaches to meet the unique needs of each student.

Erin’s work with our prep teaching team, for example, focuses on enhancing students’ vocabulary through play, with a special emphasis on developing maths and science vocabulary. This collaborative effort not only supports the academic growth of our students but also ensures that they are equipped with the communication skills needed for everyday interactions and future success.

This Speech Pathology Week, we extend our heartfelt thanks to Erin Boreham and all Speech Pathologists for their vital contributions to our school and the broader community.

Year 5 Leadership Nominations

Our year 5 students, have now completed their three days of leadership challenges. The challenges focused on teamwork, communication and understanding yourself as a leader. Their personal leadership project is due for submission Friday 6 September.

Student Council Mini-Olympics

In a burst of excitement and laughter, students took part in the student council Mini-Olympics this week, transforming the oval and the hall into a vibrant arena of friendly competition and joy. The week started with the teachers battling it out in the dodgeball arena. Students then participated in thong throwing, three-legged races and paper plane flying over the rest of the week.

Thong Throwing: A Surprising Hit

Kicking off the students’ festivities was the thong throwing competition, a quirky event that had students and teachers alike grinning from ear to ear. Armed with thongs, participants aimed to launch their footwear as far as possible across a designated area. The crowd cheered as students displayed impressive precision and creativity.

Three-Legged Races: Teamwork on Display

Next up, was the classic three-legged race, which proved to be a test of coordination and camaraderie. The sight of pairs working in unison, occasionally toppling over and getting back up with determined smiles, was both entertaining and heart-warming. The race not only showcased athletic skills but also highlighted the importance of teamwork and communication.

Paper Plane Flying: Soaring to New Heights

Students folded their paper creations with great care, designing and decorating their planes to ensure they’d soar impressively. With the help of a gentle breeze, the air was filled with planes gliding gracefully across the field. Cheers erupted as the longest-flying planes made their way through the sky, and students eagerly gathered to see whose design achieved the greatest distance.

PBL NEWS

Across the Desk of the Guidance Officer

Ashleigh Granzin
Guidance Officer

Outstanding Interest in Our 2025 Academic Excellence Program

Thank you for the incredible response to our 2025 Academic Excellence program! We are thrilled to have received over 100 expressions of interest from students and families eager to be part of this exciting inaugural year.

We opened expressions of interest to current Year 4 and 5 students for the 2025 Year 5 & 6 classes. Next Wednesday, we will be conducting a general ability assessment for those students who have nominated their interest. The assessment will take place in the Auditorium at 3:30pm and will last approximately one hour.

LIBRARY NEWS

Borrowing Bag

Students in Prep, Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3 are required to bring a bag for library borrowing.

One can be purchased from the uniform shop, but it does not have to be a Grand Avenue labelled bag. Please ensure it is sturdy enough to protect our books.

Borrowing Period

Books are loaned out to students for a one-week period. Students have the opportunity to borrow weekly during their library lesson and can also return and borrow books when the library is open during lunchtime play.

The borrowing limits are as follows:

• Prep and Year 1: 1 book
• Year 2: 2 books
• Year 3: 3 books
• Year 4 to 6: 4 books

Returning Books

Students must return their books before they are able to borrow new ones from the library. As they are a shared school resource, an overdue note will be provided for books that are not returned.

BOOK WEEK CELEBRATIONS

YEAR 5 NEWS

Exploring the Australian Gold Rush Through Drama

Over the past two weeks, our Year 5 students have been busy working on an exciting drama unit. Building on what they learned during our Gold Rush excursion and HASS lessons, students have been creating skits where they portray miners from the Australian Gold Rush.

This project has allowed the students to step into the shoes of those who lived through this important period in our history. They’ve been using empathy to imagine what life was like for the miners, considering the challenges and opportunities of the time.

Through their skits, students have been exploring the day-to-day experiences of the miners, from the excitement of finding gold to the difficulties they faced. It’s been a valuable opportunity for them to combine their understanding of history with creative expression.

We’re pleased with how engaged the students have been in this unit and the thoughtful way they’ve approached their roles. It’s been a great way for them to deepen their understanding of the Australian Gold Rush while developing their drama skills.

Book Week

The excitement was in the air as students dressed up as their favourite book characters, bringing the magic of stories to life. From fairies and superheroes to beloved storybook characters, it was wonderful to see the creativity and enthusiasm everyone brought to the day.

One of the highlights of the week was the "Guess the Staff Member" activity. Students were given pictures of staff members holding up their favourite books and had to guess who was behind the book. It was a fun and engaging way for the students to connect with the staff and discover new books to explore.

Book Week has been a great opportunity to encourage a love of reading and celebrate the joy that books bring to our lives. We’re thrilled with how much the students enjoyed the week’s activities and look forward to seeing them continue their reading adventures throughout the year.

YEAR 6 NEWS

6A

Year 6 had a busy Term 3, packed with memorable events like camp, dance performances, interschool sports and Book Week, along with their regular classroom studies.

As the term and their Year 6 journey at GASS comes to an end, 6A shares some reflections on their highlights this term….

This term I have enjoyed inter school sport because I got to meet a lot of people and interact with friends too and I also have enjoyed learning maths, especially area and perimeter.   Kitty

I enjoyed learning about news articles and the mini Olympics activities.   Lesa

This term I have enjoyed dance and all the fun dance competitions.   Isabella

This term I have enjoyed learning with Mrs Austen, meeting my new buddy, learning maths and just being here in particular.    Savanah

This term I have enjoyed maths and health. Saranya

This term I have enjoyed being with our Year 1 buddy's in the library.   Nhan

This term I enjoyed math, pe, camp and English.  Aryan

This term I have enjoyed having our buddy class together. I also liked how we have a lot of fun activities in class time. This term has been so fast that it's already going towards Term 4.  Paris

This term I enjoyed Maths.  David

This term I have enjoyed camp! It was the best camp I have ever been on. Elena

This Term I have enjoyed learning about different types of energy and light bulbs. Malachi

 What I have enjoyed this term? I enjoyed making new friends and achieving goals by having help. Chloe B

This Term I have enjoyed science. Blake

This term I have enjoyed camp.  Chloe N

This term I have enjoyed P.E ,camp, Maths, Japanese. Djiro

This term I have enjoyed doing P.E because we get to do a lot of activities. Jack

This Term I have enjoyed, doing P.E because we got to do basketball activities. Danyon

This term, I have enjoyed maths and having camp. Khang

This term I have enjoyed camp and book week. Alexandra

I have enjoyed this term doing math. Alexander

I enjoyed camp and the inter school sports. Abigail

Multicultural Week Celebrations

Students and staff at Grand Avenue SS come from diverse cultural backgrounds from all parts of the world, including the Pacific, Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East, as well as Indigenous Australia. Here at school, we are celebrating Multicultural Week over the next couple of weeks by doing a range of activities, both in class and in the library during the break times. There will also be an Indian Dance performance at the Senior Assembly in Week 9.

In Week 9 we will do a display with a Wall of Nations to show which countries and cultures are represented by our diverse community. Please feel free to take a look at the Wall when you visit the school – it will be in the MPA (the central play area opposite the library).

Louise Blair
EALD/Inclusion Teacher

Dance Moves

Meet our GASS 2024 Dance Captains

Name:  Amelia Clarke

My position at GASS is: Dance Captain

I have been at GASS for  7  years

My friends call me… Amelia or Milly

My favourite book is.. The Hunger Games

My favourite movie is… It’s ok not to be ok

My favourite activity outside school is….. dance and gymnastics

Something I love about GASS is… all of my  wonderful friends and teachers, plus the amazing dance program.

What I would like to do when I finish school is….. get a job as a choreographer

We can make the world a better place by… encouraging others, being honest, trying our best, being respectful and  be kind no matter who someone is, and always challenging ourselves and encouraging others to do the same.

We can make our school a better place by… making sure that everyone feels safe and included at our school, giving everyone an equal opportunity to strive for their goals no matter who they may be, and always being kind and respectful to teachers and students alike.

My favourite Primary School memory is…  just always spending time with my friends, whether that be hyping each other up backstage in our change rooms, before a dance performance, or at the giant hip hop circles at HOC or rumble, where we can all just have fun, or on stage performing together for the crowd.

I also just love spending time with my other friends, and having so much fun. So overall, my favourite primary school memories are when I am dancing and with my friends.

Dance Team

Music News

TERM 3 MUSIC EVENTS

Dates to Remember

This week, the Senior Choir participated in the Singfest concert.

We travelled to Brassall State School and spent the day rehearsing with 200 other primary school singers. It was a great day singing with other people, making friends with new singers and sharing our music together. The day finished with a concert for families and then the tired singers could all go home.

We can't wait to come back next year.

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

Term 3 – After School Activities

OSHC NEWS

OSHC have created a new programming wall.

Our programming wall is working well, showing our children what we are up to each day. We are also very apprecaiative to the families who have contributed books and recycling materials to assit us with our activities. Our staff are also working hard contributing to our activities each week.

We are preparing to follow the Para Olympics as we did a few weeks ago. Counting the medal tallies of several countries once again.

Pupil Free Day has been planned for this Friday, and we are currently taking bookings. We have planned a Fluro Day with various activities.

P&C NEWS