8 November 2024

Dates to Remember

Principal News

QParents

We are moving to QParents in 2025. 

Many parents have already registered and have an active QParents account. They are now enjoying the benefits that QParents offer and do not need to do anything further.

The QParents web and mobile application provides a more convenient, easier way for parents and legal guardians of Queensland state school students to interact with their child's school. Parents will have secure, online access to their child's student information, anytime, anywhere, through a smartphone, tablet or computer.

PLEASE NOTE THAT INITIAL REGISTRATION MUST BE COMPLETED ON A PERSONAL COMPUTOR – NOT A MOBILE DEVICE

QParents allows parents to connect instantly with their child's school to access and manage their child's student information, including:

• Attendance and absence details, as well as the ability to notify the school of an absence
• Excursion, Incursion and Camp Consent and Permission Forms
• Academic report cards
• Viewing unpaid invoice details, payment history, and making payments online
• Viewing and updating personal student details, including medical conditions and address
• Enrolment details updated and changes

We will be hosting a drop in session for parents/carers to register/sign up and get their identification verification fast tracked. Our QParent’s hot desk will be in the Library from Monday 11 November to Friday 15 November 2024 from 8:00am to 9:00am and 2:00pm to 3:30pm.

QParents will assist both staff and parents in sharing and responding to information in an efficient and effective way.

It won't replace the traditional ways you communicate with our school, but it will provide another way to communicate with us.

The benefits of QParents

Convenience and time savings for parents

• Parents can view or update their child's details, pay invoices and report absences without having to call the school or come into the office.
• Secure 24/7 online access.
• Available anytime, anywhere — access QParents on your smart phone, tablet or computer on a web browser or using the app (iPhone or Android).

Greater transparency of information

• Improves accountability between parents and schools by providing parents with timely access to their child's information online.
• Allows parents to engage more deeply in their child's schooling.

Improved administration efficiencies for schools

• Allows schools to streamline their administrative processes and cut down on printing.

What is a QParents Account Owner (QPAO)?

The school will nominate parents or legal guardians for each student to be QParents Account Owners (QPAOs). QPAOs will be able to register for QParents to access and manage the student's information online, view the student's information and submit requests to update some of the student's details.

QPAOs will also be able to invite other people (such as another family member), to view the student's information. Once invited, these people can register for QParents as “delegated viewers". A delegated viewer can see the student's details, but cannot make updates.

Registering for QParents

You will receive an invitation email or letter from us containing your unique invitation code.  Simply follow the instructions in that email or letter to complete the QParents account registration process. Initial registration and addition of students to your account must be done on a desktop or laptop computer. Once registered, you will then be able to access QParents using your mobile device (via web browser or by downloading the iPhone or Android App).

If you do not want to register, you may advise us not to send you any more invitations, and your child's student information will not be available to anyone through QParents. Or, if you want another parent to be the QPAO, you can advise us and we will send them an invitation email or letter with their own unique invitation code.

Identity verification

To obtain full access to student information, as part of their QParents registration users must complete an identity verification process. QParents offers two options for identity verification – online and offline.

For fully online verification (the fastest option), you will need to verify 100 points of the following identity documents online:

If you cannot verify 100 points of the above ID documents online, you may still register for QParents, but you will need to attend the school to verify documentation in person after you have registered online.

Full instructions on how to verify your documents and what you may need to bring to the school will be provided as part of the invitation and registration process.

If you don't have sufficient documents, or are unsure, you may still be able to register. Please contact the school or 13 QGOV to discuss your options.

For more information regarding the online identity verification process, see: https://qparents.qld.edu.au/#/identityInformation External link .

Please note that QParents does not maintain copies or records of any identity documents used for account verification, either online or offline.

Where does the information about my child come from?

All of the information that is presented in QParents comes from the IT system that is used by all Queensland state schools.  Schools will continue to manage student information in this system, and this information will be extracted and presented in QParents.

Will my child's information be secure?

Yes. QParents is a secure portal that meets strict industry standards. Only people with the right to access information about their child will be given an account; no one else.

If you don't want to register for QParents, your account will not be created and your child's information will not be made available through QParents.

Help and contact information

For more information see https://qparents.qld.edu.au/#/about External link

For help, visit https://qparents.qld.edu.au/#/help External link or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

Thank you for your cooperation and support of our school.

Until next time,

Across the Business Managers Desk

EVACUATION/LOCKDOWN PROCEDURES – GENERAL REMINDER – SCHEDULED DRILLS – TERM 4

Format for Drills - Term 4 – Unannounced;  during lunch break

Due to a range of potential risks from within and outside our school, it is necessary for the protection and safety of students that Grand Avenue has well-advertised and rehearsed Lockdown and Evacuation Procedures.  Although the purpose of the procedures are shared and practiced with students regularly, it is important that parents are aware of, and also discuss the procedures with their children.  For your information, details of the procedures are:-

Lockdown – students are to be seated on the floor out of line of sight of any external door or window while windows and doors are secured by school staff.  Students and staff need to be protected from various situations, aggressive intruders (eg: estranged adult, large dogs etc) and environmental mishaps (eg: dangerous chemical spill).  A broken siren wail signals lockdown (SHORT SIREN – STAY).

Evacuation – students and staff must be able to evacuate buildings quickly in the case of fire or bomb threat.  A continuous siren signals evacuation (LONG SIREN – LEAVE). The evacuation assembly area (EAA) is the school oval on the other side of the cricket pitch.

Should the school be without power, members of the school leadership team are allocated various teaching blocks to sound an evacuation alarm.  This will be two short bursts of a whistle, followed by the words ‘EVACUATION” and two more short bursts of a whistle.  They will then move onto their next allocated building.

Practices must occur at least once per term.  Generally, practices happen during class time and lunchtime breaks.  The school may also have a practice before school or on the afternoon dismiss bell as potentially an incident could occur during the short time before classes begin for the day or at the end of the day.  In the event of a lockdown before school, parents who are waiting with their children outside classrooms can enter the classroom.

During the school day unless volunteering in classrooms, adults who are not staff members will NOT be admitted to any classroom during a lockdown.  At all times parents and visitors are asked to follow the directions of staff members.  Visitors/volunteers should not leave the school grounds during an evacuation but accompany the class/group they are with to the Emergency Evacuation Area.

For any reason, should parents arrive at school during an evacuation or lockdown procedure, for your safety you are asked to remain in the public car park.

In the event of a real situation, school staff and the public will be directed by Queensland Police and Emergency Services.

Teachers will be discussing our procedures with their class during this week.  Some teachers will also have a walk through with their class on the route that they will need to take to the EAA. 

Thank you for your interest and cooperation.

Information for Parents and Carers via the Department Website

You may be aware that the Department of Education website has a page specifically designed for Parents and Carers.  The website includes valuable information, FAQ on various topics, parent resources and links to, and contact details for, many outside organisations.

A new page for parents and carers regarding school fees and charges has been recently added. 

QPARENTS

Do you know how amazing the QParents App is? Stay Connected and setup your account now !!

PREP 2025 – ENROL NOW

As we approach the end of the year, I would like to remind parents and caregivers of the importance of supervising children’s use of digital devices.

At school, students do not have access to non-educational games, social media, or inappropriate websites. We have systems in place to block unsuitable content, helping to create a safe online environment. However, at home, children may have access to a wider range of websites and apps, and it’s essential that parents supervise their use.

Sometimes, children can be unaware of the impact their online interactions may have on others. When issues arise outside of school, they can often carry over into the school environment and affect relationships and student wellbeing.

I would like to also highlight the recent government announcement recommending that children under the age of 16 should not access social media platforms. This guidance is part of the broader efforts to protect young people from potential risks associated with social media use, including exposure to inappropriate content, online bullying and privacy concerns. I encourage you to consider this when setting boundaries around device and social media use at home.

We intend to spend time with the community to provide education and support to parents/carers on how to manage the use of devices at home as we have done previously through Cybersafety courses etc. Digital technology is an essential part of education in our contemporary world particularly given that secondary schools deliver almost all aspects of the curriculum digitally. However, it is essential there is a gradual release of responsibility to children at home as occurs at school.

Parents and carers with children in primary school should feel empowered to manage their child's access to digital devices and sites very carefully.

I recommend the site Common Sense Mediahttps://www.commonsensemedia.org as it provides very detailed reviews on games, movies, series, books, sites so that parents and carers have information on what their child is accessing and whether it is appropriate for their age. Another useful site with a wealth of information for parents and kids is the website of the eSafety Commissioner. 

Until next time,

Across the Desk of the Guidance Officer

Ashleigh Granzin / Sabrina Blaas
Guidance Officers

Active School Travel

Year 3 Parents – Are you ready for Year 4?

In 2025, your child will be entering Year 4 and participating in our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) iPad Program, which runs through Years 4, 5, and 6. To help you prepare, we would like to share some key information and resources.

1. BYOD Handbook
   Our comprehensive BYOD Handbook provides essential details about the iPad requirements, program goals, and how devices are used for learning at Grand Avenue. You can access the handbook here.
2. School Website Resources
   The school website also offers in-depth information on the BYOD program, including iPad specifications and purchasing links if needed. Please visit our site for the latest updates and requirements.
3. Information Session
   We invite you to join an information session at school on Wednesday, 13 November, at 3:30 pm. This session will cover program expectations and answer any questions you may have. To register, please click here.
4. Drop-In Support Session
   For any final assistance with iPad setup, we will hold a Drop-In session the week before school resumes in 2025. Specific details on timing and location will be shared closer to the end of term.

Thank you for your support as we prepare for a successful transition to Year 4. We look forward to a productive year ahead with you and your child.

Expressions of Interest are open! Global Passport: Explore the world in 5 days

The Department of Education International (DEi) in partnership with Griffith University is pleased to offer a 5-day online program during the January school holidays, designed to build global competence and bring the world to Queensland students from the comfort of their home.

Specifically aimed at Years 4 to 6 students in Queensland, this immersive opportunity will provide students with the chance to virtually 'travel' to different countries. Each day, students will experience different cultures through interactive activities, basic language learning, and the exploration of diverse topics, including food, art, daily life, cultural traditions and landmarks.

Program details

Dates: 13-17 January 2025
Years: 4 - 6
Delivery mode: Online via Microsoft Teams
Time: Sessions run for a duration of 1.5 hours daily over 5 consecutive days*
Application closing date: 6 December 2024

Please see the Expression of Interest Form for further information, including eligibility and registration requirements.

Expression of Interest Forms must be submitted to Global Engagement via global.engagement@qed.qld.gov.au

David Robertson
HOD-Curriculum (Yr3-Yr6)

PBL NEWS

YEAR 1 NEWS

English: Retelling Cultural Stories

In English this term, Year 1 students are being introduced to a variety of cultural stories. They are learning how to retell these stories in their own words, using both writing and multimedia. Using iPads and the Book Creator app, students are creating engaging multimodal retells, combining text, images, and voice recordings to share these stories in a creative way.

Science: Exploring Light and Sound

Year 1 students are busy exploring the fascinating world of light and sound. This hands-on unit allows students to design, plan, and create their own musical instruments. They are learning how to manipulate pitch, volume, and sound duration by experimenting with high and low-pitched sounds, short and long notes, and soft and loud noises. It’s been a fun and interactive way to understand how sound works!

Maths: Addition, Subtraction, and Time

In Maths this term, Year 1 students are building their skills in addition and subtraction. They are solving a variety of problems, using a number of practical strategies to work out sums and differences. Students are also developing an understanding of time, learning to identify the duration of events and practice telling time. These skills are vital as they apply their learning to real-life situations.

Drama: Puppet Shows and Theatre

Drama this term is filled with creativity and imagination! Year 1 students are bringing the cultural stories that they are retelling in English to life through puppet and theatre shows. They are creating their own props, including puppets and masks, to use in their performances. This unit is a wonderful way to blend storytelling with dramatic arts, helping students to engage in the characters and themes they are learning about in English.

It’s been a busy and exciting Term 4 for Year 1 students! We can’t wait to see what they create next!

Hope Martin
Yr 1D Teacher

YEAR 2 NEWS

YEAR 5 NEWS

Term 4 is flying by in year 5. We’re just over halfway through, and it’s already been a busy and exciting term!

In English, we’ve been diving into informative texts, and our students have been hard at work researching and crafting their own multimodal projects. It’s been wonderful to see them explore space-related topics that they’re passionate about, especially as it ties in with our science unit on the solar system.

In Mathematics, we’ve tackled a few exciting areas. Recently, we explored chance and probability, using fun games to help students learn about outcomes and represent them using fractions. We’ve also focused on time, calculating elapsed time and converting between 12-hour and 24-hour time formats.

To share in the experience, here are some of our students' thoughts on the term so far!

Ellie: I really liked learning about the solar system and writing an information report about black holes.
Cooper: I loved going to South bank for water safety this term!
Armani: I have enjoyed learning about elapsed time in maths.
Abithra: I liked learning about democracy in HASS and understanding the democratic voting process.
Carter: I have enjoyed science because we are learning about space, including the ISS, black holes, moons and the whole solar system.
Isabella: I have enjoyed learning how to use clocks properly, as well as convert between 12- and 24-hour time!
Michelle: I enjoyed learning 24-hour time!
Chloe: I enjoyed science because we learnt about planets and stars. Space is such an interesting place!

It’s been a fantastic term so far, with plenty of learning and fun! We’re looking forward to what’s still to come.

Tahlia Frater
Teacher – 5E

DANCE NEWS

Our recent Dance Showcase on October 25th was a memorable evening, featuring captivating performances from all our school dance programs alongside a special guest performance from Forest Lake High School.

A huge thank you goes to our dedicated choreographers, Meg, Caitlin and Tia for their hard work and commitment throughout the year. Expressions of Interest for the 2025 dance season will be available soon, and we encourage all aspiring dancers to get involved!

Dance Team

GASS Development Squad Program

Music News

Evening of Music

” Evening of Music concert is 6pm Wednesday 13 November. All Choir, Strings, Band students are expected to attend.”

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

Term 4 – After School Activities

OSHC NEWS

P&C NEWS

COMMUNITY NEWS

Forest Lake SHS - 2025 Year 7 - BYOD Information Session💻💻💻

SAVE THE DATE - 2 December @ 4pm
Their Head of Digital Technologies Mr Raatz will outline...

• The requirements for laptop purchase,
• Information about software,  
• How to connect to their systems...AND...
• Why IPADs CANNOT BE USED📱📱📱

Logan West Upgrade Project