5 September 2025

DATES TO REMEMBER

PRINCIPAL NEWS

As we move into the final weeks of Term 3, I would like to thank our dedicated staff and supportive families for the important role you play in setting our students up for success each day. Arriving at school on time, ready to learn, is critical for student engagement.

The first 15 minutes of the day are carefully planned by our teachers to provide a warm welcome, develop essential skills, and support student wellbeing—helping every child begin their day positively. Families can assist by ensuring children are at school for the first bell, so they don’t miss this valuable transition time.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind families that every day counts when it comes to student learning. Consistent attendance ensures that children don’t miss out on key concepts, friendships, and experiences that support both academic and social growth. We encourage families to keep school a priority by scheduling holidays and appointments outside of school hours wherever possible. Together, we can make sure our students have every opportunity to thrive.

Next week, Parent–Teacher Meetings will be held on Tuesday 9 September, from 3:00pm–6:00pm.

These will be face-to-face in the Auditorium and Library, with each session lasting 10 minutes. Classroom teachers, as well as our specialist Japanese, PE, and Music teachers, will be available for bookings. Booking information was sent to families on Monday 25 August via email. If you missed this, please contact your child’s teacher directly to arrange a time.

• Year 1 to Year 6 teachers will be in the Auditorium.
• Prep and Specialist teachers will be in the Library.
• Some teachers will also be conducting interviews across a few mornings and afternoon sessions in week 9, held in classrooms.

These meetings are a wonderful opportunity to connect with your child’s teachers, share insights, and strengthen the partnership between home and school.

We also have some exciting events coming up:

• Student Free Day – Friday 5 September 2025
• R U Okay? Day – Thursday 11 September
• Grandparents and Friends Afternoon – Friday 24 October (Term 4)

Planning for 2026 is already underway. To assist us with accurate staffing and resourcing, please notify the school if your child/ren will not be returning in 2026, or if they will return late due to extended travel. (The first day of school next year is Tuesday 27 January 2026.) Please provide this information in writing by contacting our Enrolments Officer at enrolments@grandavenuess.eq.edu.au or by phoning 3372 0555.

The Prep enrolment process for 2026 has also commenced.

To enrol, children must be aged 5 by 30 June in the year they begin. This includes all children born between 1 July 2020 – 30 June 2021. In Queensland, it is compulsory for children to complete Prep before starting Year 1.

In addition, staff will begin working on student class placements for 2026 early next term. Parents are invited to share information relevant to their child’s learning and social needs. Please note that requests for individual teachers cannot be accommodated. Requests are due in writing by Monday 13 October 2025 to my email: Racheal Jones Principal@grandavenuess.eq.edu.au. Requests received after Monday 20 October 2025 cannot be considered.

A reminder that parent requests must be submitted each year if you wish them to be considered.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support of our school community. By working together, keeping attendance a priority, and staying connected, we continue to create the best learning environment for our students.

Until next time,

SCHOOL NEWS

As we approach the end of Term 3, it has been wonderful to reflect on the many achievements and exciting opportunities our students have engaged in this year. I would also like to share that I will be taking Long Service Leave with my family for a holiday in Europe. I will be away from Week 10 of this term and returning at the end of Week 2, Term 4. During this time, any queries will need to be directed through the school office.

Year 5 Leadership for 2026

Our Year 5 leadership process is now well underway. Students have been working hard to complete their leadership booklets, which form part of their shortlisting. Along with this, 40 students were selected by their class teachers to participate in the YLEAD program. This full-day experience educates and empowers students to be the best leaders they can be. Throughout the day students explore the acronym HEART in a series of fun challenges that summarise:

H elpful – looking out for everyday actions that enrich the lives of others.
E nergetic – promoting and sharing positive energy.
A ctive and Aware – becoming more aware of personal strengths and how they can be used to take positive action as a leader.
R esilient – the importance of having the courage to try new things, and learning to respond positively to challenging or difficult situations.
T eam player – the importance of working with others in an encouraging and supportive environment.

Following this program, Mrs Mason and I have been working closely with these students to further develop their leadership skills. In Week 2 of Term 4, I will be meeting with the Year 5 teaching team to shortlist candidates. Weeks 3 and 4 will then involve interviews, after which students will be selected to deliver speeches. These speeches will lead into a voting process.

Students who are not successful in being elected as school captains will still have the opportunity to apply for other leadership positions. These roles will also involve a short speech process with a smaller audience. All final leadership positions will be announced at a special assembly at the end of Term 4.

Year 6 Graduation and End-of-Year Activities

Save the date notices for our Year 6 Graduation have already been sent home. Please make sure to mark this important occasion in your calendars we look forward to celebrating this milestone with you.

In addition to graduation, our Year 6 students will also take part in a special end-of-year activity. The location is being kept a surprise for now, but I can confirm it will be a memorable way to celebrate their primary school journey.

To qualify for this excursion, students will receive a behaviour card in Week 1 of Term 4 outlining our STAR expectations. Each student will have six minor and three major behaviour opportunities. Once these are exhausted, unfortunately, they will not be eligible to attend. We kindly ask for your support in encouraging your child to uphold our school values so that all students can participate in this exciting event.

Student Talent Quest

During Weeks 8 and 9, one of our student leaders, Joshua Harris, approached me with the idea of hosting a talent quest. Together we designed promotional materials, collected nominations, and created a whole-school timetable. This week, we have enjoyed performances ranging from magic tricks to group dance routines and singing. Each performance has been wonderful to watch, and the support from the audience has been just as impressive. It has been a fantastic showcase of the creativity and confidence within our school community.

Wishing you all a safe and happy break, and I look forward to seeing everyone in Term 4.

Cara Middleton
Year 4, 5 & 6
Deputy Principal

2026 Prep Enrolments

Our Prep enrolments for 2026 are open. Families considering joining our school community are encouraged to submit their enrolment applications as soon as possible to secure a place for their child.

Starting school is an important milestone, and we are committed to making this transition as smooth and positive as possible. Our Prep Transition Program will begin in Week 2 of Term 4, offering a series of engaging sessions designed to help children and families become familiar with our classrooms, teachers, routines, and school environment.

This program provides children with the opportunity to build confidence, form friendships, and experience a sense of belonging before they begin their formal schooling journey. Parents will also have the chance to connect with staff, learn more about our curriculum, and ask any questions they may have.

If you would like further information about enrolments or our Little Stars Transition Program, please contact the school office. We look forward to welcoming our newest Preps and their families to our school community.

Teacher Aide Appreciation Week

At Grand Avenue, we are incredibly fortunate to have an outstanding team of teacher aides who play a vital role in supporting both students and teachers every day. Teacher Aide week was our chance to recognise and celebrate their hard work, dedication and the positive impact they have on our school community.

Our teacher aides go above and beyond, assisting in the classroom, helping students one-on-one, preparing resources and contributing to creating a nurturing learning environment. Grand Avenue decided to enjoy a lovely morning tea together to share our gratitude of the work our teacher aides do.

At Grand Avenue, We Love Reading!

At Grand Avenue, reading is at the heart of everything we do. We know that learning to read is one of the most important skills a child will ever develop—it opens doors to knowledge, creativity, and a lifetime of opportunities.

Each fortnight, we will be celebrating our Reading Superstars—students who are showing enthusiasm, growth, and persistence in their reading journey. Whether it’s sounding out tricky words, diving into a new story, or sharing a favourite book with a friend, every step counts.

Research shows that children who read regularly build stronger language skills, develop their imagination, and perform better across all areas of learning. Just 10–15 minutes of reading at home each day can make a huge difference.

We look forward to sharing tips, strategies, and insights along the way to support families in fostering a love of reading at home.

Two Weeks Remaining of Term 3 – Every Day Counts!

As we approach the final two weeks of Term 3, we want to remind families that every day counts. Our students will continue learning right up until the last day of term, and regular attendance is essential for their progress and success.

We also encourage families to continue supporting our Positive Behaviour Expectations. As the term moves on, students may need extra reminders about making positive choices in their learning and interactions with others. Talking with your child at home about how positive behaviour impacts their learning, relationships, and future success can make a big difference.

Thank you for your continued support in reinforcing both strong attendance and positive behaviour. Together, we can ensure a successful and settled finish to the term.

 Until next time,

Erin Strohfeldt

Prep - 1

Deputy Principal

SOCIAL WORK UPDATE

Supporting Sleep Through Mindfulness and Relaxation

Something I hear a lot from parents is how difficult sleep can be for their child. On top of having a strong night-time routine, engaging in relaxing activities at bedtime can help slow everything down and prepare both the body and mind for rest, making sleep easier. This is particularly helpful for neurodivergent children who often have challenges switching off their busy brain at night.

There are a range of apps that can take your child through guided meditations, visualisations or progressive muscle relaxations. On top of supporting relaxation, activities such as meditation and progressive muscle relaxation help develop body awareness, which is an essential part of emotion regulation. Progressive muscle relaxation is also a helpful strategy to move anxiety and stress out of the body. Below are some suggestions that you can download for free and start today.

Madi Tubus
Social Worker

THE RESILIENCE PROGRAM

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AT GASS

Reece Neyland
Student Enhancement Coach

YEAR 6 NEWS ARTICLE

Day in the life of a groundsman adventure

By Olivia Chiem

At Grand Avenue, two heroes work tirelessly to keep our school grounds safe, clean, and ready for both play and learning. Andrew and Dave begin their day early, making sure the playgrounds, sports fields, and gardens are inviting for everyone.

Their responsibilities cover a wide range of tasks: mowing the lawns, trimming hedges, tending to flower beds, and ensuring there are no hazards that could harm students. They also work closely with teachers and staff to set up for events, repair equipment, and respond quickly to any issues around the school.

Even during lunch, Andrew and Dave can be found lending a hand to students before taking a short break to recharge for the afternoon. One of their most unusual jobs is climbing ladders to retrieve soccer balls and volleyballs from the roof—something many students are very thankful for.

When asked how they prioritise their work, Andrew and Dave explained:
“If we see anything unsafe, we go straight to that job. If a teacher asks us to fix something like a leak, we do it right away because safety is our main priority.”

They also adapt their work depending on the season. “In summer the grass grows faster, so we mow more often to keep the grounds looking neat,” they shared.

Finally, when asked what one thing they would like from Grand Avenue students, they gave a clear answer:
“We’d like everyone to pick up their rubbish. It’s impossible for us to collect every single piece. If students helped, it would make a big difference.”

So next time you see Andrew or Dave, don’t forget to give them a high five or a thank you. They are the heroes who keep our school a safe and welcoming place for everyone.

HPE NEWS

Year 3 Learn to swim program begins Monday the 8^th of September. Year 3 students will attend six lessons over the course of two weeks to improve their swimming technique as well learning about pool and water safety.

CLASS          BUS TO POOL                   LESSON TIME                         RETURN TO SCHOOL

3A & 3B        9:00AM                            9:30AM – 10:15AM                     10:30AM

3C & 3D       10:AM                              10:30AM – 11:15AM                    11:30AM

3E & 3F         11:00AM                          11:30AM  – 12:15PM                  12:30PM

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

P&C NEWS

A big thank you to everyone who volunteered their time to help with our Father’s Day stall this week, and to OSHC for contributing some of the beautiful gifts. We hope all of our special father figures had a lovely Father’s Day celebration!

Upcoming Events

Next P&C Meeting – Tuesday 16 September at 6:30 PM

Please note that our next meeting will begin 30 minutes later than usual due to the Parent Information Session with Karen Young running from 5-6.30pm on 16 Sep.

The September P&C meeting will follow after the session, with pizza provided in the STEAM room from 6.30pm. Please email our P&C Secretary by 12pm on Tue 16 Sep for a survey link to place your pizza order!

We’ll also be making some decisions about funding SRS next year, so come join us to share your thoughts on what the P&C will fund. You don't need to be a member to come along and have a say - only members can vote but everyone can be heard!

Please also save the date for the following P&C meetings on 21 October and 18 November. 

Family Photos – 15 November [DETAILS HERE]

Tuckshop & Uniform Shop Reminders

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 is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Fridays from 8.15-9.30am. Orders can also be made on Flexischools daily. 

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.

Grand Avenue State School P&C

Jessica Watson
GASS P&C President

OSHC NEWS

It has been a busy and exciting time at OSHC! We have recently handed out our September/ October Vacation Care program, which is packed with fun and engaging activities for the upcoming holidays. Be sure to grab a copy and hand it back in if you haven’t already!

The children have been busy preparing for the Father’s Day Stall, creating colourful bookmarks and other special goodies to share. We’re also excited to share that we now have brand-new scooters for the children to enjoy. These have already become a favourite!

To keep us even more busy, we have welcomed an external hip-hop instructor who is running sessions on Wednesday mornings. This has been a fantastic new addition to our program, giving the children the chance to get moving, build confidence, and learn some new dance moves.

Regards
OSHC Team

QPARENTS

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