4 April 2025

Dates to Remember

Principal News

As we finalise the term, I would like to take the opportunity to wish all the students a restful and safe vacation. I would like also like to say a huge thank you to staff, students and families for a successful start to the year. Our students have all been involved in so many learning opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom including incursion, excursions and competitions. These opportunities provide some of the most memorable days of school life and also create experiences that help students develop and apply positive life skills. I have a strong belief that positive impact on school engagement and maximising academic success. I would like to thank families for their support of our school and our wonderful staff who put our students first at all times at times giving up time from their personal lives to make wonderful memories for our students.

Last fortnight, we celebrated Harmony Week, which is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together students within our school community from all different backgrounds. Harmony Week is a time for everyone to celebrate the enormous benefits of multiculturalism. The message of Harmony Day/Week is social cohesion and racial harmony and is expressed through community participation, inclusiveness, the celebration of diversity, respect, belonging, and primarily the unity and togetherness of the numerous nationalities residing within the community. Our students participated in lot of fun activities including colouring and creating posters about the messages from our students and staff about respecting and valuing one another.

It has been rewarding to see the improvement with our student attendance. We are currently seeing on average 93% of students attending daily. Well done teachers, students and parents/carers for making this a priority. We are now working on getting 95%s students at school every day and on time to begin learning day.

I am excited to see what other community events and opportunities we will have this year, as the community spirit is alive and well. Next term, we look forward to sharing more about how families and carers can support and participating in our wonderful school.

P&C Update

I would like to say a big thank you to the 2024 P&C Executive Committee and Congratulations on the following community members being re-elected for another school year.

President – Jessica Watson and Treasurer – Melissa Meitzler

However, we are still looking for additional members to join our executive committee. We are particularly seeking:

o Minute Secretary – Responsible for compiling the monthly minutes and distributing reports to members.

o General Secretary – Assisting with emails and communications between meetings.

o Vice President – Managing executive minutes, summarising discussions between meetings, and tabling necessary items at general meetings. This role also involves stepping in if the president is unable to chair a meeting.

Please reach out if you can assist us or have any questions.

Along with our P&C Executives, we also have these wonderful volunteers joining our P&C Sub Committees: (Chair, an executive committee member)

If you would like to join as a member, it is not too late. Please see our school website below for a membership form.

To find out more about events happening in the school community, please join the P&C Grand Avenue Facebook page

The next General P&C meeting will be held on 20 May 2025 at 6:00pm with the option of attending the school or online.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Last week we opened our school to families and carers to meet with teachers to discuss student learning and goal setting. If you did not get an opportunity, please contact your child/children’s teachers for a meeting request. Thank you to the families and carer who attended. Please consider the following suggestions for a further follow up to your meeting.

After Parent Teacher Meeting suggestions for Parents and Carers

• Make a plan. Write down the things that you and the teacher will each do to support your child. You can do this during the conference or after. Write down what you will do, when, and how often. Make plans to check in with the teacher in the coming months.

• Schedule another time to talk. Communication should go both ways. Ask how you can contact the teacher. And don’t forget to ask how the teacher will contact you too. There are many ways to communicate—in person, by phone, notes, email. Make a plan that works for both of you. Be sure to schedule at least one more time to talk in the next few months.

• Talk to your child. The parent–teacher conference is all about your child, so don’t forget to include him or her. Share with your child what you learned. Show him or her how you will help with learning at home. Ask for his or her suggestions.

Happy Holidays

I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy break. See you all back for a busy term 2.

Until next time,

QPARENTS

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

JUNIOR YEARS NEWS

End of Term 1 Wrap-Up & Friendly Carpark Reminders

As we come to the end of Term 1, I’d like to begin with a couple of important carpark reminders to ensure everyone’s safety. I noticed on Friday that some families were not parking properly, and learners were entering cars from the road. Just a friendly reminder that the carpark in front of our school is not a pick-up zone. We completely understand that the pick-up times can be busy, but our students' safety is always our top priority. Your support in following the carpark guidelines helps ensure everyone stays safe.

Also, a gentle reminder that school supervision finishes at 3:15 PM each day. If you’re unable to make it to school by that time, we encourage you to consider enrolling your child in our OSCH program. This ensures that they are well looked after until you can pick them u

Now, turning to the end of a fantastic term – can you believe it's been 10 weeks already? It’s been such a joy to watch our newest students in Prep thrive and grow, while our Grade 1s have taken wonderful steps in becoming more responsible and independent learners. What a term it’s been!

We also made it through some unexpected events, including Cyclone Alfred, and I’m so proud of how our school community worked together through that time.

Looking ahead to Term 2, we have plenty to look forward to! Our Easter Hat Parade and ANZAC Day commemorations in Week 1 will be wonderful events to kick off the term.

Thank you for your ongoing support this term – it truly makes a difference. Wishing you and your family a relaxing and enjoyable Easter break, and we look forward to seeing you in Term 2!

Until next time,

MIDDLE YEARS NEWS

What’s your family’s plan for tech use these holidays?

Helping Kids Use Devices Wisely: Modelling Positive Habits at Home

Devices are fantastic tools for learning when used with purpose, but balance is key. By modelling good habits and encouraging kids to use screens productively, we help them build healthy habits for life. This Easter, focus on developing routines where the kids help around the house, and screen time is balanced with developing responsibility and meaningful connections.

Be Intentional with Our Own Device Use

Kids learn more from what we do than what we say. If we’re always on our phones, checking emails, or scrolling social media, they think that’s the norm. Try setting some boundaries around your own screen time:

• Create Tech-Free Zones: Keep mealtimes, family outings, and bedtime screen-free.
• Explain Your Screen Use: Say, “I’m checking the weather” or “I’m looking up a recipe” to show your device use has a purpose.
• Limit Mindless Scrolling: Show kids that devices should be used with intention, not just out of habit.

Encourage Purposeful Device Use for Kids

Instead of banning devices, help kids use them in ways that add value:

• Digital Journals & Blogs: Encourage kids to capture their holidays with videos, voice recordings, or written reflections.
• Online Skill-Building: Support learning something new like coding, music production, or digital art.
• Family Screen Time Together: Watch educational videos, TED Talks, or documentaries and have a chat about them.
• Creative Challenges:Start a family podcast, try stop-motion animation, or research and plan a fun DIY project.

Set Clear Limits & Expectations

Holidays can quickly turn into a screen-time marathon without some structure. Try these strategies:

• ‘Earn Your Screen Time’ Approach: Screen time comes after outdoor play, reading, or creative activities.
• Screen Time for Chores & Responsibilities:Allow screen time after helping around the house, assisting with meals, or finishing homework.
• Tech-Free Mornings & Evenings: Keep the first and last hour of the day free from screens.
• Device-Free Socialising: When mates come over, encourage active play and conversation instead of gaming or watching videos.
• Encourage Other Fun: Board games, outdoor adventures, cooking challenges, and arts and crafts are great screen-free alternatives.

Final Thoughts

Devices are fantastic tools when used with purpose, but balance is key. By modelling good habits and encouraging kids to use screens productively, we help them build healthy habits for life. This Easter, focus on meaningful connections, creativity, and a healthy mix of screen time and real-world fun.

SENIOR YEARS NEWS

As we approach the end of term, it’s wonderful to reflect on the progress and achievements of our Year 4-6 students.

This term has been filled with moments of growth, learning, and collaboration, as students have continued to demonstrate their commitment to leading with kindness in everything they do.

Their engagement in both classwork and extracurricular activities has been inspiring, and it’s clear that they are not only developing academically but also growing into thoughtful, responsible young people.

As we head into the final week of the term, we look forward to celebrating their continued efforts and successes.

Looking forward to what’s ahead

Think U Know – Term 2

It’s never too early to start learning about basic online safety concepts. Age-appropriate conversations are essential when discussing online safety with children. To support this effort, in-school presentations, delivered by State and Territory police, help build positive engagement between children, young people, and police. These sessions equip students with the knowledge and skills to take actionable steps to maintain their safety at all times.

The ThinkUKnow presentation will aim to educate us on what children and young people will SEE, SAY, and DO online, the challenges they may face, and how to overcome them. It will be a valuable opportunity to gain insight into the online world young people will navigate, and how, as parents and educators, we can help them become safe and responsible technology users.

The key message from the session will be to ‘chase the conversation’—starting early, setting boundaries, and showing an active interest in your child’s technology habits.

As part of this ongoing effort, Sergeant Danielle Bright will be visiting our Years 5 and 6 students early Term 2 to discuss strategies for keeping them safe online.

EMPOWERING STUDENTS AS READERS

At Grand Avenue State School, we are committed to providing every child with the tools they need to become confident and skilled readers. This year, we are continuing to strengthen our reading approach by using strategies based on the “science of reading”—research-supported methods that help all students learn to read successfully.

The science of reading draws from decades of research in education, psychology, and neuroscience. It teaches us that learning to read doesn't come naturally; it requires explicit instruction in key skills like phonemic awareness (the ability to recognize and manipulate sounds in words), phonics (understanding the connection between sounds and letters), vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension.

As parents, you can support your child’s reading journey by reading together at home, discussing stories, and fostering a curiosity about words and language.

Learning to read is a step-by-step process that requires explicit teaching and plenty of practice, both at school and at home. Unlike walking or talking, reading is not something we naturally learn—everyone needs to be taught how to read.

Reading involves two key skills:

1. Decoding – the ability to read the words on the page.
2. Making meaning – understanding the words, sentences, and paragraphs that are read.

To decode words, children need to understand how sounds and letters work together. They are taught that:

• Words can be broken down into individual sounds. For example, the word ‘cat’ has three sounds: c-a-t.
• Sounds can be blended together to form words. For instance, when you blend the sounds c-a-t, you get the word ‘cat’.
• The sounds in words are represented by letters or combinations of letters.

This approach ensures that children build a solid foundation for reading, both in terms of recognizing words and understanding what they mean.

Across the Desk of the Guidance Officer

It has been a busy and exciting few weeks at our school, and I wanted to take a moment to celebrate everything we’ve achieved together. From new initiatives to wonderful community events, there is so much to be proud of.

Breakfast Club – Now 5 Days a Week!

We are thrilled to announce that our Breakfast Club is now running five days a week! This initiative has already made a positive impact on so many students, offering them a nutritious start to the day. A huge thank you goes out to the amazing volunteers who have stepped up to make this possible. Your dedication ensures that our students have the energy they need to focus and thrive. If you’re interested in helping out or want to learn more, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Harmony Day Celebration

In true spirit of inclusivity, we held a wonderful Harmony Day celebration that brought our school community together. The day was filled with activities that promoted respect, understanding, and appreciation of our diverse backgrounds. It was a joy to see students and staff engage in meaningful conversations, participate in cultural workshops, and enjoy delicious food from different cultures. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this event such a success.

The Resilience Project – Building Strong Foundations

We’ve also kicked off The Resilience Project in our school, a fantastic program focused on teaching students valuable skills for mental wellbeing. Through a combination of mindfulness, gratitude, and empathy, we are equipping our students with tools they can use to navigate the ups and downs of life. The feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive, and we’re excited to continue this journey of building resilience in our school community.

NAPLAN Special Breakfast

A special mention goes to the students who participated in NAPLAN testing this year. We wanted to acknowledge their hard work and dedication with a special breakfast, which provided a calm and supportive environment before the exams. It’s always wonderful to see how our students rise to the occasion, and we hope this small gesture helped them feel confident and ready to do their best.

Thank You to Our Volunteers

None of this would be possible without the incredible support of our volunteers. Your time, energy, and kindness make a real difference in our school. Whether you’ve helped with Breakfast Club, Harmony Day, or other school activities, your contributions are deeply appreciated. On behalf of the entire school community, thank you for everything you do.

Thank you again for being such an integral part of our school community. As we continue to work together, we look forward to even more exciting initiatives and celebrations in the future.

Ashleigh Granzin
Guidance Officer

SOCIAL WORK UPDATE

HEAD OF CURRICULUM

HEAD OF CURRICULUM / Library News

Melissa McLennan
HOD-Curriulum (Prep-Yr2)

HOSES NEWS

We have had a very busy start to the year with many new experiences, spaces and people. While most of us look forward to the break that school holidays provide, they can present a challenge for some children with disabilities or additional support needs. Here are a few school holiday tips that may be of use.

In Term 2 the inclusion support team and Kids’ Space will be temporarily moving to W block due to construction works being completed in M block. We will support students who regularly access this service to transition to the new space during week 10. Please reach out if you have any questions.

I hope everyone has an enjoyable break. We look forward to seeing everybody back in Term 2!

EAL/D (English as an Additional Language/Dialect) and First Nations update

 It is hard to believe that this is week 10.

During Term One I have been gathering a lot of data on our EAL/D and First Nations students in order to provide effective support to our learners. 

We have 37 different cultural backgrounds at Grand Avenue State School which contributes to our rich and diverse student population.  I am excited to get to know the students and enhance their sense of belonging. 

I look forward to sharing the work being done in this space.

Until next time,
Rebecca Carruth
Deputy Principal
EAL/D and First Nations Student

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AT GASS

Celebrating a Successful First Term – Thank You for Your Support!

As we wrap up Term 1, the PBL team would like to take a moment to extend our gratitude to all our families for your ongoing support and partnership in reinforcing our school-wide Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) focus each week. Your involvement plays a vital role in helping our students understand and apply these important messages both in and out of the classroom.

Throughout the term, our students have been engaged in meaningful discussions and activities that promote positive behaviours for learning, safety, respect, and responsibility. The reinforcement of these expectations at home has been invaluable in creating a consistent and supportive learning environment for all. It is through this strong home-school connection that we see the greatest impact on student growth and success.

As we move into Term 2, we look forward to continuing this journey together, building on the progress we have made and further embedding the PBL framework into our daily school culture. We appreciate your commitment to working alongside us to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Thank you once again for your ongoing partnership. Wishing all our families a restful and enjoyable break, and we look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for another fantastic term ahead!

PBL Focus of the Week: Take Responsibility – Be Organised and Ready for the Lesson

At Grand Avenue State School, we empower students to take responsibility for their learning by being organised and prepared. This week, our PBL (Positive Behaviour for Learning) focus is:

Take Responsibility – Be Organised and Ready for the Lesson.

When students arrive prepared, they set themselves up for success. Being organised helps them feel confident, stay focused, and make the most of their learning time. Simple habits like bringing the right materials, listening to instructions, and starting tasks promptly contribute to a positive learning experience.

How You Can Support at Home

Families play a crucial role in helping students build strong organisational habits. Here are some practical ways to support your child:

✅ Establish a Routine: Set regular times for packing school bags, completing homework, and getting ready each morning.
✅ Encourage Independence: Guide your child to check pack what they need for the next day.
✅ Use Checklists: A simple checklist can help students remember key items like books, iPads – charged and messages turned off, lunch, water bottles, and hats.
✅ Talk About Responsibility: Discuss how being prepared helps them feel confident and ready to learn.

By fostering these habits, we can help our students take ownership of their learning and develop valuable life skills.

Thank you for your support—we look forward to a fantastic end to Term 1!

Regards,

MUSIC NEWS

The Music Department has had a good start to the year so we thought we’d recap the events that have happened so far.

February = Senior Choir sang at the Year 6 Badge Ceremony

March = Harmony Day in the MPA
March = Junior Choir performed on Assembly
March = Junior Band Parent Info Night (see the photos)

Next term, we have Easter Concerts and ANZAC Day ceremonies in week 1. Our music students have been preparing all term to perform at these important events. Later in the term we will have a Music Day of Excellence, where year 5 and 6 students are invited to Forest Lake State High School for a day of music making with the high school team. There will be Strings workshops in June and Term 2 finishes with our Evening of Music concert on 4 June. Please mark the date in your diary, letters will be sent out after the holidays. Have a great break and see you all in 2 weeks.

Alisen McLeod
Class Music Teacher
Instrumental Music Coordinator

SPORTING NEWS

I hope you all had a relaxing and rewarding fortnight with family and friends.

A Big thanks to our teachers, teacher aides and our HPE team for supporting our focus this term. There have been some great cultural and physical outcomes.

Cross Country

Good weather for ducks but not for Cross Country running. We are aiming to hold our Senior Cross Country (4-6) on Wednesday 23 April, week 1-term 2. Please find Cross Country blurb attached. 

Gala Sports

Next term we will be working with Pallara SS and Forest Lake SS on Friday 16 May and Friday 23 May. More information will come out early in term 2. The interschool sports will be-Netball, Rugby League, and Soccer. Students staying back at school will participate in round robin activities like art and craft, just dance, ball games, design, board games, movement games, Stem and other activities.

Enjoy the fitness season.

Yours in sport,

Regards,
Dave Johnson / Hailinn Diola / Glenn Shaw
HPE Department

OSHC NEWS

As the term comes to an end, OSHC has still been having plenty of fun, while preparing for Vacation Care!

At 8:15am our Before School Care children have been enjoying some organised activities ran by our Educators. The year 2’s, 3’s, 4’s, 5’s and 6’s have been getting involved in some dance parties, Zumba, bullrush, skipping, running races and team building games.

The preps and year 1’s, have been engaging in activities like Minecraft and Disney yoga, running races and musical statues.

Our OSHC team are excited for all the excursions, incursions, and activities planned for this Vacation Care. Families can still fill out Vacation Care forms that were sent via email or can be picked up at the Centre.

We hope our families enjoy the last week of term!

Regards
OSHC Team

P&C NEWS

P&C Updates

AGM Wrap-Up & Volunteer Opportunities

On 18 March, we held our Annual General Meeting (AGM) with an excellent turnout. We extend our gratitude to the many parents who have stepped forward to take on various roles within our subcommittees and working groups. However, we are still seeking additional members to join our executive committee. The following positions remain open:

• Minute Secretary – Responsible for recording and distributing monthly meeting minutes and reports.
• General Secretary – Assists with email correspondence and communications between meetings.
• Vice President – Oversees executive minutes, summarises discussions, and ensures necessary agenda items are presented at general meetings. This role also requires stepping in for the President when needed.

If you are interested in any of these roles, please reach out to us—we would love to have you on board!

Upcoming Events

Mother’s Day Stall – 6-8 May. Sign up [here] to volunteer and help with set up and selling items.

Next P&C Meeting – 20 May 2025 at 6:00 PM in the STEAM Room
We encourage all parents and carers to attend and participate in discussions that shape our school community.

School Disco – Friday 23 May. Sign up [here] to help with various roles on the night of the event, including check-in, first aid, drink and glow stick sales, and cleaning up.

Outdoor Movie Night – Date to be confirmed

Ekka Day – 13 August

Father’s Day Stall – 2-4 September

Family Photos – 15 November

Tuckshop & Uniform Shop Updates

• Tuckshop – Flexischools remains our preferred payment method. We have observed an increase in over-the-counter purchases, requiring students to queue before school from 8:30 AM. If you need assistance with Flexischools, please let us know.
• Uniform Shop – The uniform shop will remain closed for over-the-counter sales for the rest of the term. However, Flexischools orders can still be placed, with deliveries made directly to students. If you need to try on uniforms or require assistance, please visit the canteen, where Jen will be happy to help.

Thank You!

We sincerely appreciate the ongoing support of our wonderful parents, carers, and volunteers. Your contributions, whether big or small, help make Grand Avenue a fantastic place for our children.

For any questions, suggestions, or if you’d like to get involved, please contact us at pandc@grandavenuess.eq.edu.au or stay updated via our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/gasspandc.

Looking forward to another fantastic term ahead!

Grand Avenue State School P&C

Jessica Watson
GASS P&C President