From the Principal

Welcome to May

Welcome back to a new term.  We have had lots of long weekends to start the term, but they are now all over.  Term 2 is busy with lots of wonderful things happening.

We've had our ANZAC day service at school and marched in Laidley, where our school captains laid a wreath.

We celebrate our wonderful mothers this weekend and he P&C have organised an outstanding stall, cupcake sale & raffle to help our students recognise the impact and special role mothers have in our lives.

NAPLAN starts next week for Year 3 & Year 5 students.  Mrs McDougall has sent correspondence home on Dojo to families of these year levels regarding this testing and the schedule.

Premier's Reading Challenge starts on Monday 9th

Mrs Allison is the school contact for this challenge, she will coordinate reading forms and registration of the event.

Investiture Assembly

Our school leaders will finally be presented with their badges on the 16th May.  This has been such a long time coming, with all the challenges we have had last term I am really looking forward to handing these out.  Jim McDonald will be joining us for this special assembly.  Parents are also invited to be part of this celebration.

Under 8's Day

We will celebrate this day on Wednesday  25th May.  Staff will have activities that families and students will engage in for the morning.  The theme this year is Play in a Changing World.  Please keep an eye out on Dojo or our FaceBook page for more information.

This day is a busy day - our school will also engage in National Simultaneous Story time.

Mrs D's Memorial Garden

The end of Under 8's Day we will hold a special ceremony in the memory of Mrs Sarah Donaldson.  We have a special garden with trees she loved.  The P&C have organised a plaque and special seats so we can sit with Sarah in a beautiful garden and acknowledge the amazing contributes she made to our school and the education of young people, which was her passion.  Invitations to this event will follow on FaceBook & Dojo.

School payments

Please continue to make payments for student resources and camp, regular payments help to make a different to your amounts owed.  End of term statements will follow as we progress through the term.

Get involved in National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements. NRW, which is held from 27 May to 3 June, provides an opportunity for all of us to explore how we can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia. This year’s theme is: “Be Brave. Make Change”, which presents a challenge to all Australians to tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation for the benefit of all Australians. The dates for NRW commemorate two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey: the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision, respectively. For more information and some great resources, head to the NRW website.

Help choose Queensland's fossil emblem

Did you know that Queensland already has 9 official state flags, emblems and icons? They help unite people and embody pride, patriotism and passion in our towns, cities and state. It’s time for you to help select our 10th official emblem — Queensland’s new State fossil emblem! There are 12 fossils on the website for you to read about. Head over there to view their drawings, descriptions, where they roamed or swam, how big they were and take a few minutes to make your selection. After you’ve done that, simply cast your nomination for your favourite! www.qld.gov.au/fossilemblem

Anxiety doesn't have to be something to worry about.

Anxiety in children and teenagers can start out small, but may end up affecting their daily lives. When overly worried, some kids don’t talk about it. They may even seem angry or irritable, rather than anxious or they may get frequent stress headaches or stomach aches.But with parents’ help, children can learn how to reduce their own anxious feelings.The new Fear-Less Triple P Online program has practical Triple P – Positive Parenting Program tips and ideas – and it’s free, thanks to the Queensland Government.Learning more about coping with uncomfortable emotions can help you use positive methods to respond to child and teenage anxiety.Read more about this hot parenting topic here or for more free Triple P programs, go to: www.triplep-parenting.net.

If your family is going through tough times, contact Family and Child Connect for free, unlimited, confidential advice. They are there to listen and connect you with practical support. Access to interpreters is also available. A range of Family and Child Connect resources are available, including information in other languages.

It's Guidance Officer Week

From Monday 2 to Friday 13 May, we’re celebrating Guidance Officer Week and the amazing work of our school’s guidance officer Mrs Linda Bartlett. t’s been a tough start to the year with the floods and continuing pandemic, but we’re all in this together and support is available at our school. If you notice changes in your child’s behaviour, or think something is troubling them, Mrs Bartlett is here to help on Tuesdays. Talk to your child’s teacher or Mrs Bartlett if you are concerned.

We the Differents - Growth Mindset

Grovers have a growth mindset - we believe in the power of yet!

Want your child to feel like they can accomplish anything? A growth mindset allows them to believe they are capable of achieving their goals. Help them develop a growth mindset by encouraging them to check out the support and tips available on the We the Differents website.

Flu season is here - are you prepared?

The flu is a serious illness for everyone, and while people with underlying health problems are at a higher risk of complications, healthy individuals can get really sick, too. It is not possible to predict how severe the 2022 season will be, however, a low incidence of flu in one year could result in a severe season for those who haven’t been vaccinated or had natural exposure to flu viruses previously. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent both children and adults from getting the flu, becoming seriously ill from the flu, or passing it on to others. For more information visit, https://tinyurl.com/9h7ebhu2.

Sporting Achievements

We are so proud to have many of our students represent our school in the sporting arena! Recently, our sporting stars have trialed for the zone team in the sports of Rugby League and Soccer. Congratulations to Zayden, Brock and Joshua for their selection in the Lockyer Rugby League team. A special mention goes to Joshua who achieved further selection into the Western Ranges team and competed at Regional trials.

Early this term our Cross Country stars attended the zone carnival at Fernvale. Thank you to our wonderful GGSS representatives, Seth, Kai, William, Marcus, Myles, Jax, Ben and Emily. Myles successfully qualified to compete at districts and will be running later this term at the Met West carnival. Amazing effort Myles & we wish you the best of luck at the next stage! 

Before & after school

Just a quick reminder that our duty of care does not start until 8:45am, when the first bell rings. We roster a Teacher Aide on from 8:15am for extra supervision in the undercover area in front of the library. Students should not be dropped off before this time without an arrangement made with the principal. 

Also, there have been some safety concerns about children playing on school grounds after school hours. Access to school facilities outside of school hours (8:45am – 2:45pm) needs to be done with principal approval. We encourage a strong sense of community within our school, however if you chose to stay and chat before or after school, please ensure your children are supervised at all times, and are being respectful to other families, staff and to our school grounds. It can become quite hard for staff supervising students  at pick up with other students running around.  Before and after school is also a time that staff are working quietly preparing for learning and marking student work.

Thank you for your care and understanding.