19 September 2025

DATES TO REMEMBER

PRINCIPAL NEWS

As we finalise the term, I would like to take the opportunity to wish all students a restful and safe vacation. A huge thank you goes to our staff, students, P&C team and families for helping to make this such a successful term.

Our students have been involved in a wide variety of learning opportunities both inside and outside the classroom, including incursions, excursions, community events, competitions and sporting activities. These experiences create some of the most memorable moments of school life while also helping students develop positive life skills that support their personal growth and academic success.

I would like to sincerely thank families and the P&C Team for their ongoing support of our school, as well as our dedicated staff who always put students first—often giving their own time to create these wonderful experiences.

I am excited to see what further community events and opportunities lie ahead as we move towards the end of the school year. It is wonderful to see our community spirit continue to thrive following the challenges of the pandemic.

Next term, we look forward to sharing more ways families and carers can be involved in supporting and participating in our school.

This week, we welcomed families and carers into the school for parent–teacher meetings, where teachers and parents worked together to discuss student learning and goal setting. If you did not have an opportunity to meet, please contact your child’s teacher to request a time. Thank you to all who attended.

Suggestions for Parents and Carers Following Parent–Teacher Meetings:

• Make a plan: Write down the actions that you and the teacher will each take to support your child. Include details about what will be done, when, and how often. Plan to check in with the teacher in the coming months.
• Schedule another time to talk: Communication is two-way. Discuss the best way to stay in touch—whether in person, by phone, notes, or email. Make a plan that works for both you and the teacher and schedule at least one more check-in this year.
• Talk to your child: Share what you learned in the meeting and explain how you will support their learning at home. Encourage your child to share their own ideas too.

Strong partnerships between parents, carers and staff are essential for student learning and wellbeing. Learning extends well beyond the classroom, and the beliefs, expectations and support of families have a powerful impact on student achievement. Together, we can foster a holistic learning environment that supports every child.

School Culture

Respectful relationships between the school, students, parents and the community are vital. By nurturing a culture that values diversity and inclusion, we create a supportive environment for all families. Parent and community participation not only enriches the school experience but also sends students a clear message about the importance of education.

School Attendance – Every Day Counts

Research consistently shows that higher attendance leads to stronger achievement. For example, missing just four days of school can lower a student’s NAPLAN score by around 10 points. Regular attendance ensures that students stay on track with learning and avoid gaps that may affect their progress now and into high school.

Missing just one day each week adds up to around eight weeks a year—nearly a full term of lost learning. Under Queensland law, children of school age must attend every school day unless there is an acceptable reason such as illness or participation in a school sporting event. Principals determine whether an absence is acceptable.

Parents are asked to avoid absences for reasons such as birthdays, shopping trips, minor appointments or holidays during school time. Routine appointments should be scheduled outside school hours wherever possible.

Late Arrivals

It is equally important that students arrive at school on time each day. Arriving late can disrupt learning and means your child misses vital instruction at the start of lessons.

Every day, and every moment at school, counts. Together, we can provide our children with the best opportunities to learn, grow and succeed.

Planning for 2026

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.

Thank you for your cooperation and support of our school.

Until next time,

JUNIOR YEARS NEWS

ACROSS THE DESK OF THE GUIDANCE OFFICER

Grand Avenue Student Support Services (SSS)

At Grand Avenue, we are proud to offer a multi-disciplinary Student Support Services team dedicated to ensuring every student can thrive. The team includes our Deputy Principal, Head of Curriculum, Guidance Officer, Social Worker, Speech Language Pathologist, Student Engagement Coach, and Head of Special Education Services.

Teachers collect five weeks of evidence of adjustments before making a referral to the SSS team. Parents are always consulted as part of this process. The purpose of the SSS is to identify additional supports that can be put in place to help students succeed.

After the team meets, an allocated member will personally contact parents to discuss outcomes and next steps.

Supporting Children’s Mental Health in Brisbane West

At Grand Avenue State School, we are committed to working alongside families to support every student’s mental health and wellbeing. We understand that sometimes children need additional support, and there are a number of services available both at school and in the wider community.

Support at School

As the Guidance Officer, I am available to work with students and families to provide support, strategies, and referrals where needed. Families are encouraged to reach out if they would like to discuss their child’s wellbeing or seek guidance on accessing external services.

Child and Youth Mental Health Service (CYMHS)

CYMHS provides support for children and young people with more complex mental health needs. Referrals are usually made through your General Practitioner (GP). For older children and young people (12+), referrals can also be made through Headspace.

Other Local Therapeutic Services

In addition to CYMHS, families can access:

• Private psychologists and counsellors – available with a referral from a GP under a Mental Health Care Plan (Medicare rebates may apply).
• Child-focused therapy services in the Brisbane West region, such as play therapy and family counselling.
• Community organisations like Wesley Mission and Head to Health Kids, which provide accessible programs for children and families.

Where to Start

If you’re concerned about your child’s wellbeing, the best first step is to talk with your GP or connect with myself, Ashleigh. Together, we can provide guidance, make referrals, and help you connect with the right supports for your child.

Ashleigh Granzin
Guidance Officer

HEAD OF CURRICULUM

HEAD OF CURRICULUM / LIBRARY NEWS

Daniela Mason
HOD-Curriulum (Prep-Yr2)

HOSES NEWS

High School Enrolments

Our catchment high schools have started communication regarding enrolment and transition programs. The move from primary to high school can be a time of excitement and new experiences. It can also be challenging or worrying for some students.

The first step to supporting children prepare for high school is to ensure that they are enrolled. Please contact your catchment school to organise enrolment paperwork and meetings as early as possible.

If you, or your child, have concerns about the transition from primary to secondary schooling please contact me (lleeg1@eq.edu.au) or Mrs Middleton as most of our high schools offer transition supports for students with additional learning needs.

Further suggestions for supporting your child with the transition to secondary school can be found here-

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AT GASS

End of Term Wrap Up

As we come to the end of another busy and rewarding term, I would like to thank our wonderful school community for the role you play in reinforcing our PBL expectations at home.

When students see the same positive behaviour expectations encouraged both at school and at home, it creates a powerful and united approach to helping shape the young people of the future. Our school behaviour lessons are also linked to community expectations and standards. Your support makes a real difference, and we truly appreciate it.

This term, students have been actively engaging with our PBL focus areas and earning STAR tickets for demonstrating our school expectations. To celebrate, we are excited to share that one of the special rewards on offer through the STAR Shop is a Morning Tea with STARTACULAR.

This will occur early next term, but it might be a good opportunity to discuss this opportunity with your child. Please see the flyer below for details — it’s a fantastic opportunity for our students to enjoy a well-deserved treat and recognition for their positive choices throughout the term.

Thank you again for your ongoing support, and we look forward to continuing to work together next term to reinforce the positive behaviours that help our students thrive.

FLEXISPACE NEWS

Growing Gratitude, Empathy & Mindfulness 💜

This term, our students have been busy learning through The Resilience Project (TRP). Each week, they’ve explored ways to practise Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM) — both in their classrooms and in their daily lives.

It has been wonderful to see our students share what they are grateful for, show kindness to one another, and use calming strategies to help with big feelings. These small moments are making a big difference in creating a positive and caring school culture. 🌱✨

We’re excited to continue this journey in Term 4, with more TRP lessons and activities planned. Families can continue to support at home over the holidays by chatting about GEM moments together — asking questions like “What’s something you’re grateful for today?” or “How did you show kindness to someone?”

Together, we can keep building a community that values wellbeing, resilience, and connection. 💫

YEAR 2 NEWS

In Year 2 students have been busy working hard on completing all of their assessments for the term. In Science students have been learning about force and motion. Student have constructed vehicles which they have tested using push or pull in a race against their friends.

RUMBLE NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!

I am incredibly proud to announce that The Avenue Crew are the 2025 RUMBLE National Champions!

The girls have worked incredibly hard over the past few months, putting in countless hours of rehearsal to perfect their routine. Their performance was outstanding, full of energy, precision and passion. They represented our school beautifully through the way they supported each other and conducted themselves throughout the day.

A big thank you to Tia for her amazing choreography, encouragement and support. We are so lucky to have her guiding and inspiring our dancers.

Thank you also to our parents for everything you do behind the scenes, and to the staff who came along to cheer the girls on, your support means so much.

I am beyond proud of this achievement, and I am already looking forward to seeing what the girls will bring to their next competition in October!

Ellie Beech
Hip-Hop Coordinator

MUSIC NEWS

Bandtastic 2025

On August 27 and 28^th, students from across the Forest Lake area joined together at Grand Avenue SS for the very first Bandtastic Music Workshop in this region. This workshop allows for students to extend their musical abilities beyond regular rehearsals and band programs.

80 Instrumental students formed one giant ensemble with only a day and a half to learn four brand new band songs and a choir song. They ended the workshop with a performance for family, friends, and students.

When not in rehearsals, we saw many impromptu games of ‘keepy-uppy’, paper plane flying competitions, and paper ball volleyball. It was wonderful seeing the students making positive connections with the other musicians in our area.

The first of a new annual tradition of spirited collaboration and teamwork.  

Cason MacKenzie
Instrumental Music Teacher
Instrumental Music Coordinator

SPORTING NEWS

What a fantastic day we had at Junior Sports Day!

All students gave their best efforts and showed wonderful sportsmanship throughout the events. It was great to see everyone supporting each other and having fun while staying active.

Thank you to all the parents for your encouragement and support—it truly made the day special for our young athletes!”

Regards
Glenn Shaw
PE Teacher  

GALA SPORT

Amanda Brown
Volleyball Coach

P&C NEWS

Our next P&C meeting will be an important one for making decisions about the 2026 budget, so please join us on 21 October. You don't need to be a member to come along and have a say - only members can vote, but everyone can be heard!

So far in 2025, the P&C has provided the following financial support:

• SRS Online Subscription Support $20,000
• School contributions $60,000
• Life Education $10,000
• Resilience Program $10,000
• Dance Levy Support $5,000
• Music Levy Support $5,000
• Game Ranger Program $1,700
• Attendance Pizza Parties $1,000
• Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Program $823
• 1-2-3 Magic & Emotion Coaching Workshop $300

We have also contributed to the new M Block playground, which will begin construction in Term 4.

Please be aware that Blue Card Services is in the process of updating their rules for parent volunteers. You can find out about the changes [HERE].

We hope everyone has a safe and relaxing break. See you in Term 4!

Upcoming Events

Next P&C Meeting – Tuesday 21 October at 6pm

Please also save the date for our final P&C meeting for 2025 on 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.

Jessica Watson
GASS P&C President

Volunteering at GASS

OSHC NEWS

Last week at OSHC we took the time to acknowledge RUOK? Day. The children engaged in meaningful conversations about kindness and looking out for each other while creating different crafts to mark the day.

We made posters, check in cards, and RUOK? Hands. It was a great way to reflect on the importance of checking in with friends and family.

Vacation Care is just around the corner – starting in only a week! We have a jam-packed program ready, filled with exciting incursions, fun excursions, creative crafts, and plenty of activities to keep everyone busy and entertained through the holidays.

Alongside our holiday planning, the children have also been enjoying their afternoons with outdoor games, baking, and construction challenges in the centre. Our morning dance sessions and weekly special activities have been a big hit as well.

Regards
OSHC Team

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