7 September 2023

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, P&C team and families for a successful term. Our students have all been involved in so many learning opportunities both inside and outside of the classroom including incursion, excursions, community events, competitions and sporting events. 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 and the P&C Team 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.

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

This 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 them. Share with your child what you learned. Show them how you will help with learning at home. Ask for their suggestions.

Quality partnerships require a reciprocal commitment from staff and parents to work together to improve student learning and wellbeing.

Learning is not limited to the classroom. The beliefs, expectations and experience of parents are powerful determinants in students' achievement. Effective partnerships can help to raise parents' awareness of their ability to improve their children's learning and wellbeing. Understanding the school, home and community contribution to student learning helps cultivate a holistic learning environment.

School culture Respectful relationships between the school, students, parents and the school community need to be actively cultivated and valued. Nurturing a culture that respects and values difference amongst the whole school community is vital in supporting the inclusive engagement of all families. Parent and community participation in student learning and the school community should be acknowledged and recognised. This involvement sends a clear signal to students about the value of education.

Planning for 2024

The semester is already in full swing and planning for 2024 is also well begun.  As part of this process, we are asking parents/carers to notify the school if your child/ren will not be returning to Grand Avenue in 2024 or will be late to return due to an extended holiday, etc.  (Please note the return date is Monday, 22 January 2024).

It is very important that we have this information in writing as soon as possible as staffing levels and funding are determined by our enrolment numbers.

If you are planning to transfer your child/ren or they will return late, and have not already informed the school, please contact our Enrolment Officer at enrolments@grandavenuess.eq.edu.au or phone 3372 0555.

Your prompt assistance is appreciated.

Student Class Placement for 2024

Staff will begin working on class structures for 2024 early next term. As always, we invite parents to write an email outlining information that you may need to share. Please remember that you cannot request individual teachers, request notes are focussed on learning and social concerns that you may wish to be taken into consideration. Parent requests are due by Monday 16 October 2023 to allow time for classes to be compiled for 2024. Requests will be unable to be accepted after the 23^rd of October. All requests must be in writing and submitted to Principal - Mrs Racheal Jones rjone233@eq.edu.au

Please note that if you have previously put in writing your requests in previous years. You will be required to do this every year.

Semester 2 Attendance Rewards

School Attendance – Everyday Counts

Did you know?

Research consistently shows that higher student attendance at school is associated with higher student achievement, a recent statement suggested that for every 4 days a student is absent from school that they score 10 points less in their next NAPLAN test. 

So regular attendance at school is very important and will mean that your child has a better chance in life. Your child will achieve better when they go to school all day, every school day. Children who regularly miss days of school risk missing important learning concepts which in turn can mean that they have gaps in their learning. Sometimes these learning gaps have an immediate effect of a child’s learning and achievement. While some children the effects are not evident until they reach high school.

Not attending school one day a week might not be seem much, but missing one day each week means that a child misses out on about two weeks of lessons each term. This would amount to eight weeks a year, almost an entire term of learning would be missed.

Under Queensland law, you must ensure your child of school age is enrolled and school all day, every school day unless they have and acceptable reason, illness, or competing in a school sporting event, etc. are acceptable reasons for being absent from school. School Principals decide if the reason given for your child’s absence is acceptable.

Parents should avoid keeping children away from school for birthdays, shopping, holidays, visiting families and friends, if they sleep in, looking after other children, minor check-ups or care such as haircuts. Routine medical or other medical appointments should be made either before or after school or during the school holidays.

Every day does count. Providing our children with every opportunity to learn and succeed is important and one-way parents do this is by ensuring that their children attend school regularly.

Late arrivals

It is also very important for students to be at school on time every day.

Thank you for your cooperation and support of our school.

Until next time,

Year 3 & 4 News

Year 3 wraps up an exciting Term 3 before the school holidays!

As we approach the end of Term 3, we can't help but reflect on all the incredible moments and achievements that have filled our classrooms. Let's take a moment to celebrate the last week of school before the much-anticipated holiday break.

The last week of Term 3 is a time to acknowledge the hard work and progress made by our amazing Year 3 students. Teachers take this opportunity to provide individual feedback to both students, parents, carers and families during the parent-teacher interviews and celebrate the achievements of each student. It is a joy to witness the smiles of pride as students received their well-deserved recognition.

With the holiday break just around the corner, Year 3 students are eagerly anticipating the chance to unwind, recharge, and spend quality time with their loved ones. The holidays offer an opportunity for them to pursue their passions, explore new hobbies, and create lasting memories with family and friends.

Wishing you all a restful and joyful holiday break in preparation for the exciting Term 4 ahead. 

Year 3 have been hard at work repurposing recycled clothes to make various items including bags and pillows!

Year 5 & 6 News

Delving into Australia's Gold Rush Era: Year 5's Unforgettable Excursion 

Venturing into the past, the Year 5 students embarked on an extraordinary excursion that offered them a captivating window into Australia's historical Gold Rush era. Departing on Tuesday 22^nd or Wednesday 23^rd August, the journey transported them back in time to the vibrant 1850s. The excitement was palpable as a cowboy-clad figure, Trooper Johnston, on horseback chased down their bus, igniting curiosity and anticipation among the students. What followed was an engaging and immersive experience that left a lasting impression.

Upon arriving at a rustic paddock, the students were greeted by an enigmatic bushranger, who seemingly appeared out of thin air, on the hunt for gold. A student, holding a bag of gold, saw her treasure swiftly detected and confiscated by the bushranger. The intervention of Trooper Johnston, accompanied by his equine companion Captain Justice, added a dramatic flair to the unfolding scene.

The excursion seamlessly blended education with enjoyment, as the students delved into the intricacies of the Australian Gold Rush—an event that shaped the nation's history and culture during the 1850s and 1860s. Engaging in a variety of activities, the students gained valuable insights into this transformative period.

Exploring Mining Techniques: The students delved into the mining techniques of the Gold Rush era, including panning, cradling, and employing sluice boxes. These methods were not only fascinating to learn about but also revealed the environmental impact they had. The experience of gold panning, a common practice among diggers of the time, was both exhilarating and rewarding. As they sifted through sediment and water, small nuggets and particles of gold emerged, accompanied by triumphant cries of "Eureka!"

Step into the Past through Role-Playing: Through role-playing activities, the students embodied characters from the Gold Rush era, such as shopkeepers and prospectors in need of supplies. Ms. Dorothy guided the students through the nuances of bartering and "handling," shedding light on the art of negotiation and the necessity of strategic pricing. The lessons learned extended beyond the classroom, offering a glimpse into the challenges faced by both traders and those seeking provisions in a time when resources were scarce and prices steep.

In conclusion, the immersive activities undertaken during this excursion not only enriched the Year 5 students' understanding of history but also transported them into the bustling and transformative world of the Gold Rush era in Australia. The combination of historical learning, hands-on experiences, and role-playing provided a multi-dimensional perspective on a significant period in the nation's past. As the students returned to the present day, they carried with them not just knowledge but also a sense of connection to the past that will undoubtedly shape their appreciation for history and heritage.

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Year 6 News

In a vibrant celebration of culture, creativity, and self-expression, the Year 6 students at Grand Avenue State School are embarking on an extraordinary journey that spans continents and centuries. The project, centered around exploring masks from diverse cultures around the world and subsequently crafting masks that represented elements of themselves, has left students and staff alike in awe of the talent and imagination that flourishes within our young learners.

Through engaging lessons, students gained an understanding of the cultural significance behind a variety of masks. This not only expanded their knowledge but also fostered a deep appreciation for diversity and the power of art to convey emotions and stories.

As the students absorbed the rich history of masks, they were encouraged to reflect on their own identities and the aspects of themselves they wished to express. They engaged in exercises aimed at exploring their personalities, interests, and experiences. From these introspective moments emerged the ideas and concepts that would shape their individual masks.

The creation of these wonderful masks have started this week and the Year 6 students can’t wait to share with you the finished products next term.

Music News

We want to say a big 'Thank You' to Heritage Bank for their recent support in purchasing a new electronic piano for our Instrumental Music teaching space. Here is Olivia from Year 6, testing it out. We'll be using it to enrich our small group band and strings lessons. 

Student Council

Chess News

On Tuesday 5 September, 22 students from Grand Avenue State School travelled by bus to Ipswich Grammar School to compete in the Brisbane West Interschool Chess Tournament. There were a record 172 students from state and private primary schools in our region playing across three divisions. Fantastic sportsmanship and comradery were demonstrated by our students throughout the day. For many students, this was their first tournament experience. After 7 rounds of chess, Naksh, Winston and Blake finished with merit awards (4.5+ wins out of 7 games). Team 1 (Jethro, Vonal, Blake and Winston) placed second in the Premier Division, securing an invitation to State Finals in October. Jethro Chen won 7 out of 7 games earning him first place for Chair 1 in the Premier Division. An absolutely commendable achievement and the result of his tenacity for improving in chess. 

Thank you to our wonderful parent volunteers, Annie Chang and Elizabeth Jose, who supported our students all day. We really appreciate your time.

For all the results from the event, go to the Gardiner Chess website.

We look forward to the State Finals on October 7^th and 8^th at St Joseph's Gregory Terrace. 

Dance News

Hip Hop Crew Perform at Rumble

On Saturday 2^nd of September, students in The Avenue Hip Hop Crew had the opportunity to compete at Rumble, a hip hop competition being held at ERPAC at St Laurence’s College. The students performed with loads of enthusiasm and showed their fierce hip hop faces! We were so excited to be awarded 3^rd Place! Congratulations The Avenue Crew!

Students were also given the opportunity to watch the high schools perform, and eagerly cheered and supported the other schools. It was a really fun day!

Guidance Officer News

Triple P - Positive Parenting Program 

More and more parents understand that it’s okay to ask for help and, in Queensland, positive parenting support to suit every family is free for any parent or carer of a child up to 16 years old.

Triple P makes it easier to manage the common day-to-day challenges of parenting by offering practical skills and tools to help parents:

• develop positive relationships so you can get along well with your kids and argue less
• effectively set family routines and rules that work
• manage problem behaviour and support positive behaviour
• raise well-adjusted, emotionally resilient children
• balance work and family with less stress
• create a happier, safer, more supportive family so you can be the parent you want to be.

There's also a new program specifically to help with supporting children's anxiety management skills.

To complete the free online parenting program please go to: https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/qld-en/triple-p/

P&C News

Term 4 - Planning:

Family Portraits: 10 & 11 November

Disco Under the Sun: 25 November

Meal Deal Day: Date TBA

Father’s Day Stall

A massive thank you to our volunteers who helped out at the Father’s Day stall. We hope the fathers and special people enjoyed the gifts that were selected. Thanks to all families who supported the stall and to teachers and school staff that helped the stall run smoothly.

Term 4 Plans:

Facebook:  

Like and Follow our Facebook Page to keep updated with information on upcoming events. Feel free to share this with family and friends and others in our Grand Avenue Community.   https://www.facebook.com/gasspandc  

Tell us what you think:  

We are starting to plan 2024… we’d love to get your feedback on what you have enjoyed so far in 2023 and what you’d like to see in 2024. Last week we organised a coffee van donated by Bank of Qld Forest Lake, is that something you’d like to see again? School discos, movie night, stalls etc. You might have a suggestion for an event or activity that you’d like to see at Grand Avenue.  All feedback will be considered so please email  p&cSecretary@grandavenuess.eq.edu.au

Next General Meeting:  

All are welcome to attend our General Meetings. They are held the third Tuesday of the month during school term. If you would like items added to the agenda, please email p&csecretary@grandavenuess.eq.edu.au. Want to become a member? Membership forms can be found on the school website of email the Secretary above for a form. 

OSHC News

SEPTEMBER VACATION CARE:

The Vacation Care Program, booking and permission forms are now available on the iParent Portal and at the centre. Copies have been emailed to all current families.

Please complete and return via email oshcbookings@grandavenuess.eq.edu.au or drop to the OSHC Centre.

Please note bookings cannot be made on the iParent Portal.  We are CLOSED on Monday 2 October for the Public Holiday.

Thanks! 

Community Notices

Sharks Camp 2023 - September. GET IN QUICK LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!! 
Sharks Camp is a four-day volleyball camp designed to cater to athletes of all skill levels. With elite development opportunities available and pathways into club and state-level volleyball, this camp has something for everyone!

The Dates:
26th September | 27th September | 28th September | 29th September
We usually hit capacity pretty quickly, so if you're interested sign up today to secure your spot!! 

YEAHHHH SHARKS!!! 

Visit our website for more information www.sharksvolleyball.com/sharks-camp.