22 November 2024

Dates to Remember

Principal News

As the end of the year approaches far too quickly, I would like to thank our Grand Avenue community for your strong support throughout 2024. As we near the finish line, it is always timely to anchor ourselves in reflection, gratitude and a tangible sense of excitement about what improvements lie ahead for our school community in 2025.

I was reminded of the countless opportunities our students are offered during their schooling years at Grand Avenue State School in order to achieve our school vision for each student to ‘Grow, Achieve, Succeed.’

This was very evident this fortnight when seeing our students perform through the Evenings of Music and the Dance Night. Our year 6 student leaders expressed through their speeches how much they have grown and developed confidence under the guidance and encouragement of their teachers and parents over the many years.

We are fortunate to have so many devoted families and staff who make this success and achievement occur for each and every one of our students.

This term we have seen an enormous growth in our attendance for term 2. We are currently achieving a 92.0% rate of attendance Prep to Year 6 for term 4. This is an outstanding result. I would like to thank all the parents, carers and teachers for their commitment to ensure all children are ready for learning each and every day. We look forward to continuing to work on increasing our attendance into 2025.

Semester 2 reports cards are being finalised and will be sent to families late next week. Our English academic results this term have seen a significant improvement in our A-C results. This is a credit to our students and their hard work and commitment to their learning and the brilliant work of our teachers and leaders in providing teaching and learning.

We are looking forward to continuing the celebrations our student’s achievements this year with the following events happening in the final week.

Academic Awards Celebrations, Bronze and Special Awards (Invitations to be sent early next week)
            Prep to Year 2 - Monday 2 December 12:00pm to 1:00pm
            Year 3 to Year 6 – Monday 2 December 1:45pm to 2:45pm

Academic Awards – Gold and Silver (Invitations to be sent early next week)
            Wednesday 4 December – 5:00pm

Year 6 Celebration Day and Guard of Honour
            Wednesday 4 December – all day and Guard of Honour (2:00pm)

Year 6 Graduation
             Nissan Arena – Thursday 5 December – 9:30am

Tickets can be purchased on the following link (tickets are unlimited)

As well as a variety of culminating events and activities happening around the school to highlight the wonderful learning and achievements that have occurred this year. Please make sure you have registered your correct email addresses with the administration office, so you receive these invitations and updates about these delightful celebrations.

Student Transitions to 2025 Classes

We will begin our student transitions next week, introducing the 2025 teachers with their students. Our students who require extra support for transitions will be involved in a process alongside our Head of Special Education, Inclusion Teachers, Deputy Principals and Guidance Officer.

On Friday 29 November our current Prep to Year 6 students visit their new 2025 classes. This will be for a session of the school day 11:45am to 1:00pm.

Year 6 students who are attending Forest Lake SHS in 2025 will do their transition day. Students not involved in transitions will be supervised by classroom teachers.

Teachers will take their new students to their 2025 classroom locations and begin a warm introduction to their class groupings. Each student will take home a letter to explain who their new class teacher is and where their classroom is located.

As I am sure you will appreciate, considerable planning goes into student class placement every year so we can ensure the best educational and social outcomes for our students.

For ease of commencement on the first day back at school, we would invite our families to drop in during the last day of the school holidays Friday 24 January between 9:00am to 9:45am to visit your child/children classroom and meet the teacher. 

Our uniform shop will be open for extended periods over the holidays for your convenience. Please check our Schools website https://grandavenuess.eq.edu.au/facilities/uniform-shop for the most up to date opening hours and uniform prices. This year we are doing all the hard work for you purchasing all stationery and booklist supplies as part of our 2025 School Resource Scheme. Details for this will be sent to families in separate email next week. Please look out for this important new information.

A reminder that Teaching and Learning will officially be completed in week 40 (2 December to 6 December 2024).

During week 41, students will be supervised, but not necessary by their current teacher/s. Students will engage in an alternative program of learning. There will be bring your own device required, please keep iPads at home during this week.

To assist us with our planning for week 41, we ask that you please complete the following survey

I look forward to seeing our school community at the up-and-coming events and celebrations.

Thank you for your cooperation and support of our school.

Until next time,

Across the Business Managers Desk

Due to the school’s high enrolment and poor parking options, traffic congestion at drop off and pickup times is a serious daily problem.  To relieve the frustrations faced by motorists with parking before and after school, we seek parent’s cooperation with the following procedures.

AT THE PUBLIC CAR PARK

AT DROP OFF ZONES

IN SCHOOL GROUNDS

OTHER ALTERNATIVES

There is no easy solution to solving the school’s traffic congestion problems.  But with all parents’ co-operation and adherence to the aforementioned procedures, there may be less frustration for motorists and greatly improved safety for students.

As always, your support and assistance is greatly appreciated.

QPARENTS

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

Australian Electoral Commission

PREP 2025 – ENROL NOW

DIGITAL DESIGNS

SPOTTED!

Look at these digital designs by Year 4.

As part of their English unit, where they view advertisements and discuss visual and language features that are persuasive. Students were able to use a medium of their choice to create their own cereal box with a digital advertisement, it is great to see the level of individuality with these pieces.

Managing device access

People usually know how to keep themselves safe offline, but it's not always the case when we go online. In eSafety’s initiative, they compare online safety to everyday objects that keep you safe – just like eSafety does when you go online.

When it comes to online safety, eSafety can help. It educates Australians about online safety risks and helps to remove harmful content such as cyberbullying of children and young people, adult cyber abuse, image-based abuse and illegal and restricted content.

The eSafety Commissioner can support with:

• Advice for parents, kids and young people on staying safe online
• Classroom materials and professional training on online safety for educators
• Resources to keep vulnerable communities safe

Investigating reports of serious online harm and help with removal of this content. Learn more here: eSafety

The following information can assist parents with utilising the built-in features of digital devices to help protect your children from accessing inappropriate content and manage screen time access.

Streaming Services: Setting Up Child Profiles and Managing Content:

(Netflix, Disney)

Create child profiles and set the range that matches your child’s maturity level. This ensures the content is appropriate for their age group.

In the profile settings, you can adjust the maturity level for content and even block specific titles by entering them in the "Title Restrictions" section. This feature is crucial for avoiding content that may be rated appropriately but still contains themes you don’t want your child exposed to.

YouTube Kids Setup: Download the YouTube Kids app and create a profile for your child. Choose content settings based on their age group: Preschool, Younger, or Older. This app provides a safer browsing environment, although it's still important to monitor content regularly.

Blocking Inappropriate Content: If you come across a video or channel that’s not appropriate, tap the three dots and select "Block." You can block by video or by channel, ensuring that similar content doesn’t appear in your child’s recommendations.

For apple devices:

Screen Time Setup:

Go to Settings > Screen Time and activate it for your child’s device for when it is used at home. Set it up as "This is My Child’s iPad/iPhone," and create a passcode to prevent changes.

App Limits:

You can set specific time limits for individual apps or categories like "Games" or "Entertainment." This feature allows you to control how long your child can use certain apps each day. NB Please do not set time limits on apps that are used at school – these can be managed via Focus settings.

Downtime:

Schedule downtime during which only allowed apps and phone calls are accessible (NB the Focus setting allows you to do this easily). This is especially useful for creating routines, like limiting device use before bedtime.

Content & Privacy Restrictions:

Within Screen Time, navigate to "Content & Privacy Restrictions." Here, you can block explicit content, restrict web browsing to only allowed sites, and prevent the installation of new apps or in-app purchases.

Melissa McLennanHOD-Curriulum (Prep-Yr2)

As we approach the end of the school year, we recognize that this is a significant time for our Year 6 students as they prepare for the exciting transition to high school. Transitioning to a new environment can be both an exciting and overwhelming experience for students and families. At Grand Avenue State School, we are committed to making this change as smooth as possible.

Supporting your child during transition

Parents and carers play a crucial role in ensuring their child feels confident and prepared for this next step. Here are some ways you can support your learner:

• Talk positively about high school
  Encourage your child to share their thoughts and expectations. Focus on the exciting opportunities and friendships that lie ahead.
• Develop routines early
  Begin practicing routines such as organizing a bag, managing time and visiting the high school to familiarise them with the environment. Each high school offers a transition day for your child to attend.
• Stay connected
  Keep an open line of communication with your child and their future school. Attend orientation events and connect with other families in the transition phase.
• Celebrate their journey
  Acknowledge and celebrate their achievements during primary school as they prepare to move forward.

If you have any questions about upcoming transition days, or require support, please reach out to your learner’s classroom teacher.

Year 6 Graduation

Graduation season is here, and I am thrilled to celebrate with our amazing Year 6 students. Invitations were sent out on Tuesday via Schoolzine, and families can now book their tickets via Ticketek. Please use the following link below to secure your spot:

I am looking forward to sharing this special occasion with our students and their families as we honor their achievements and reflect on their journey through primary school.

Until next time,

Across the Desk of the Guidance Officer

As the holiday season approaches, we want to highlight several online resources available to support your child's well-being.

1. Momentum: This newly established, free self-help program is designed for children and adolescents aged 7 to 17 who are facing challenges such as anxiety, sadness, sleep difficulties, and other lifestyle issues related to diet, screen time, and exercise. Momentum empowers young individuals to develop skills to manage these challenges and provides early intervention strategies for anxiety and depression.
   For more information about the program, please visit: Momentum Hub
2. The Brave Program: The Brave Program is an interactive and free online initiative aimed at preventing and treating anxiety in children and adolescents. You can try a quick 20-minute trial on the website before registering for an account. This program utilizes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques, allowing participants to work at their own pace.
   To learn more about the Brave Program, please visit: Brave Program

If you need further resources or assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact one of our Guidance Officers: Ashleigh Granzin at axgra3@eq.edu.au or Sabrina Blaas at sblaa4@eq.edu.au.

Ashleigh Granzin / Sabrina Blaas
Guidance Officers

HEAD OF CURRICULUM

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 sitefor the latest updates and requirements.
3. 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

Active School Travel News

As we approach the final week of Active School Travel (AST) for the year, we would like to thank our wonderful school community for embracing the program and supporting healthier, more sustainable travel options. Whether you’ve walked, cycled, carpooled, or used public transport, your efforts have made a significant difference. Together, we’ve reduced traffic congestion around the school and contributed to a cleaner environment!

Now, we need your valuable feedback. As part of our school’s participation in the AST program, Brisbane City Council is seeking parent insights about the program. Your feedback will help identify local infrastructure improvements that could make active travel even safer and easier for our students and families.

Please take five minutes to complete the Active School Travel Parent Survey by Friday, 29th November. You can access the survey at: https://ofpm.brisbane.qld.gov.au/site/wss/form/active-school-travel-parent-survey.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to making our school a healthier, more connected community. Let’s make this final week of Active School Travel our best one yet!

End-of-Year Report Cards Available Next Friday

We are pleased to announce that student end-of-year report cards will be available next Friday afternoon (29 November). This is a great opportunity to celebrate your child’s achievements and reflect on their growth over the year.

The easiest way to access report cards is via QParents.

With QParents, you can quickly and securely view your child’s report from the convenience of your smartphone or computer. If you haven’t signed up for QParents yet, there’s still time to do so before the end of the year! Further details are available on our school website:

We encourage all families to utilize this convenient tool to access report cards and stay connected with your child’s education. Thank you for your continued support in helping us make this process smooth and efficient.

Mark your calendars for next Friday, and let’s celebrate another fantastic year of learning and growth!

YEAR 1 NEWS

Mathematics: Learning to Tell Time

Grade 1 students have been busy mastering the skill of telling time on both analogue and digital clocks.

Using mathematical language like "half past" and "o'clock," they are learning how to read and understand time in a practical context. Through engaging activities like matching games and role-playing scenarios, they’re beginning to connect time-telling with daily routines.

To support their learning, encourage your child to practice telling time at home. Simple questions like, “What time is it now?” or “What time will it be in 30 minutes?” can reinforce their confidence and understanding.

Science: Crafting Musical Instruments

This term in Science, our young learners are combining creativity with scientific inquiry as they design and create their own musical instruments. Building on the skills they developed in Design and Technology last term, students are experimenting with materials to produce different sounds, exploring concepts like pitch, and volume.

From homemade drums to woodwind instruments, their creations showcase both imagination and problem-solving. Ask your child about their instrument and the science behind its sounds—they’ll be thrilled to share their discoveries!

These hands-on experiences are fostering practical skills and a love for learning in both Mathematics and Science.

Mrs. Hope Martin
Classroom Teacher
Year 1D

YEAR 5 NEWS

Wrapping Up a Stellar Year!

As the school year draws to a close, we are thrilled to share the fantastic progress our Year 5 students have made in their classwork and personal growth. Recently, the students completed a major assessment project—creating an informative and creative poster on the topic of space.

The students were given the freedom to explore any topic that captured their imagination within this broad theme, and the results were truly impressive. Some chose to investigate planets like Jupiter or Saturn, while others took a more creative route, researching unique topics such as famous cats that ventured into space.

The diversity of ideas and the enthusiasm students brought to their projects were a joy to witness.

Beyond creating the posters, the students were also tasked with presenting their work to the class. This provided an excellent opportunity for them to develop and refine their presentation skills, including public speaking, audience engagement, and explaining their research. It was wonderful to see their confidence grow as they shared their knowledge with their peers and answered questions about their chosen topics.

Looking ahead, the Year 5 cohort will spend the remaining weeks of term consolidating the key concepts we’ve covered throughout the year. This will ensure they feel well-prepared for the transition to Year 6 and the new challenges it will bring.

To celebrate the students’ hard work and achievements, we are excited to host a class party next week on Wednesday. This will be a great opportunity for students to reflect on their successes, bond with their peers, and celebrate the completion of a wonderful year together.

We are incredibly proud of all that the Year 5 students have accomplished and look forward to finishing the year on a high note. Thank you for your ongoing support—it has been instrumental in making this year such a success!

DANCE NEWS

HIP-HOP NEWS

The Avenue Crew: A Year of Outstanding Achievements!

We are thrilled to share the incredible accomplishments of our Avenue Crew, the school's hip-hop dance team, who have had a truly remarkable year!

From the very beginning of the year, our talented dancers have been working hard, showing dedication, creativity, and teamwork. Their efforts have paid off in a big way, with multiple first-place finishes and some impressive performances across a variety of competitions.

Here's a rundown of the Avenue Crew's fantastic results:

• 1st Place at Beenleigh Eisteddfod
• 1st Place at Dance X Regionals
• Highest scoring performance at Dance X Regionals
• School Spirit Award at Dance X Regionals
• 1st Place at Rumble
• 1st Place at Dance X State Finals
• 2nd Place at House of Champions
• Crowd Favourite at House of Champions
• Female Standout Dancer (Mia) at House of Champions
• Performing at FLSHS Night of Dance

These outstanding results are a testament to the hard work, discipline, and spirit that the Avenue Crew brings to every rehearsal and performance. The team has not only excelled on stage but also demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship and collaboration. We are so proud of their accomplishments!

A huge congratulations to all the dancers, and a special thank you to our wonderful choreographer Tia, for her ongoing support and guidance throughout the year. The Avenue Crew has truly made us all proud, and we can't wait to see what they will achieve in the future!

Keep shining, Avenue Crew! 🌟

GASS Sports Aerobics Showcase

On Friday, 15th November, our GASS aerobics students wowed the crowds at the Meg Ryan Sports Aerobics Showcase in Bulimba. The children danced their hearts out, showcasing their hard work and talent.

A big thank you to all the families who came along to support our performers.

Enrolments are now open for the 2025 GASS Sports Aerobics program.  Classes are on a Monday afternoon for Prep – 2 children 3-4pm. Grades 3 and above are invited to join the outside school club group from 4pm-5.30pm.  All classes are held on school site. For more information, please contact dance@grandavenuess.eq.edu.au

Mrs Austen

GASS Development Squad Program

Meg Ryan Sport Aerobics - Classes (classmanager.com)

Music News

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