Dear Craigslea Community,

It was wonderful to return to school last week and reconnect with our students, hear their stories, and see the energy and enthusiasm that has launched us into Term 2. While I absolutely love travelling, there’s truly no place like home and there’s nowhere I’d rather be than back at Craigslea. I would like to sincerely thank our dedicated leadership team for their commitment and hard work during my absence. We are very fortunate to have them guiding our school.

Term 2 is always a busy and exciting time in the school year, and this one is shaping up to be no exception. I’m looking forward to the many adventures ahead, including the Year 6 camp, Gala Days, athletics carnivals, and much more.

Congratulations to our Cross Country Team
A huge congratulations to our District Cross Country runners who represented Craigslea with pride at the district carnival this week. I was disappointed we had to postpone our own school carnival due to the wet weather, but I’m very much looking forward to the rescheduled event in Term 3.

Mother’s & Others Day Stall
A heartfelt thank you to Emily and our wonderful team of volunteers for organising another fantastic Mother’s & Others Day Stall. This much-loved tradition brings so much joy to our students, who take such pride and care in choosing the perfect gift for their mum or special someone. Your time, effort, and support are truly appreciated.

Facilities Update
There is a real buzz in our early years precinct at the moment as several much anticipated construction projects are now underway. 

• Year 1 Playground Redevelopment 
  Work has officially started on the transformation of our Year 1 playground! We were excited to see the diggers arrive this week. This area will be completely redeveloped into a Year 1/2 play precinct. This incredible project has been made possible by the fundraising efforts of our P&C.  We very much appreciate their ongoing support.
  
  
• J Block Renovations
  Renovations have also begun in J Block, with plans to create modern, flexible learning spaces for our Year 1 students. As part of this process, all asbestos-containing materials will be professionally removed this weekend. Please note that no one will be permitted to access the site during this period.
  
  
• Stop, Drop and Go Zone
  Planning has commenced for the construction of a new Stop, Drop and Go zone. This is an exciting development that will enhance safety and ease of access during drop-off and pick-up times. I will keep you updated as plans are finalised, with a projected start to construction in Term 4.

Term 2 Coffee & Connect

Our next Coffee & Connect session will take place on Friday 16 May at 9:00am in the Sensitivity Unit. This is a valuable opportunity to hear your feedback on some of the new initiatives we’ve implemented this year and to continue strengthening our partnership with families. We’ll also be sharing the updated version of our Student Code of Conduct. I warmly invite you to join us for this conversation.

Uniform Reminders
As the weather cools, please ensure students are wearing school-coloured winter uniform items (jumpers, jackets, track pants and leggings). Your support in upholding our uniform expectations is greatly appreciated.

School Zone Parking – Safety Reminder
Craigslea has been included in the Brisbane City Council’s Safer Schools Program for Term 2. This initiative promotes safe parking practices around school zones to help protect our students and families.

Council has received an increase in reports of illegal parking near our school. As a result, Parking Compliance Officers will be patrolling the area throughout the term. These patrols may be on foot or in highly visible vehicles, using technology such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition and GPS to identify offences. Please remember that these officers are here to help keep our community safe—your courtesy is appreciated.

If you’re unsure about parking restrictions, you can visit the Brisbane City Council website and search “School Parking” for a guide to the most common signage.

“People working together in a strong community with a shared goal and a common purpose can make the impossible possible.”
— Tom Vilsack

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership as we work together to make Term 2 a positive and enriching experience for all students.

Yours in learning,
Melanie Rehm
Principal

Prep Open Morning – You're Invited!

We're excited to welcome new families to our second Prep Open Morning on Wednesday, May 14th at 9.30 AM. It's a great opportunity for prospective students and their families to tour our prep playground,  meet our fantastic teachers, and explore the engaging learning spaces that make our Prep program so special.

Please spread the word—registrations can be made through the following link - PLEASE CLICK HERE, website or the school office. We can't wait to meet our future little learners!

Thank you for you ongoing flexibility rerading our renovations. Just a reminder of the new before school and after school waiting areas for PRep and Year 1:

Prep - Please wait in the area in front of the sensitivity Unit

Year 1 - Please wait in the 2/3 CPA near the yr 2 and 3 classrooms

Yours in Learning,
Erin Wiles

APSMO Maths Explorers
On Wednesday 7th May a group of enthusiastic Year 3 and 4 students took part in the first contest paper of the APSMO Maths Explorer program. This exciting challenge encouraged students to work collaboratively, think creatively and apply problem-solving strategies in new and engaging ways. We are proud of their positive attitude and determination, and we look forward to seeing their mathematical thinking continue to grow throughout the year!

Middle School Problem Solving Challenge Day
We would like to wish our Year 5 team all the best as they head off to the Middle School Problem Solving Challenge Day next week. This event will give our students the chance to collaborate, think critically, and tackle a range of challenging maths problems. We know they’ll represent our school well through their teamwork. Good luck!

Open Rehearsals
This week, the Orchestra and Senior Choir invited parents and the Craigslea community to view how the teachers, Mrs Juliana Kim and Mrs Pauline Stockill conduct both of the String Orchestra and the Senior Choir. The orchestra have practiced multiple pieces for this visit to ensure the parents enjoyed the performance. The Choir have only practiced two of the songs once, yet they still managed to impress the parents with all their effort. We hope you enjoyed.

Signing off your 2025 Music Captains
Emmilea, Elsa and Georgia.

Junior Band
On Thursday morning, the Junior band had an open rehearsal in the music room, conducted by Mrs Andrews. The students were all very excited to come to Junior Band practise in the music room as it was their second practise. These very talented musical whizzes were learning a warming up scale. The parents were dazzled by how far these beginner musicans have come in such a short time. Thanks to parents for coming and our wonderful P&C for the Craigslea coffee cart to wake us all up.

Thanks Mrs Andrews for such a great way to start Thursday morning.

Senior Band
This morning the Senior Band enjoyed their open rehearsal. Thanks Mrs Owens for having our your musicians sounding so good this early in the year. It is wonderful to see the whole band attend and work as a team. Our parents were amazed by our Senior ensemble. We are looking forward to hearing you at our Music Gala coming up in June. Information notes will be handed out next week to all students involved.

Music Gala
Junior and Senior Band, Senior Choir and Senior Strings are all performing in our music Gala on the 13 June in our Hall. Notes will go out to the students involved next week.

Music Workshop
The music morkshop will be held during school time on the 11th of June in preparation for the music Gala. The ensembles listed above are involved in the workshop. Please ensure your child brings their instrument on the day.

Music 
Mrs Stockill

North District Cross Country
The North District Cross Country, held on Wednesday 7th May at Pine Rivers Park, was a great opportunity for our school to showcase its spirit, determination, and commitment to doing our best. All students from Craigslea State School represented us with pride, putting in strong efforts across all age groups and distances. The challenging course tested everyone's endurance, but our competitors rose to the occasion with resilience and great sportsmanship. We are proud of every runner for their effort and the way they represented Craigslea – well done!

To help promote reading and this lovely book please email Mrs Bryce tknig93@eq.edu.au a photo of your child reading with their pet so that we can add it to our display in the Library.

In this edition… 

• Trivia Night Saturday 24 May https://www.trybooking.com/DBALR 
• Bunnings BBQ 28June Volunteers needed. https://volunteersignup.org/ELBAJ 
• Bushdance Tickets available soon!

Also….

• A huge thankyou to all the wonderful volunteers for helping at the Mothers and Others Stall, it made the day so easy and fun for the students.
• Thank you to all the parents for supporting the Mothers and Others Stall.

Time to get excited! Trivia night is on 24 May

• Book you tickets here https://www.trybooking.com/DBALR 
• Click trivia night, select a table and purchase individual tickets or get a group together and book a whole table.

Bunnings BBQ 28 June

• Volunteers needed https://volunteersignup.org/ELBAJ
• Sign up for the day or just an hour.
• We need people to help with transport, cooking, serving, and packing up.

Bushdance, Tickets available soon

• Keep an eye out for more details in the newsletter and on our P&C facebook page.