Dear Parents/Carers,

50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

A wonderful celebration of the school's 50th Anniversary of the Official Opening was had in the hall on Friday April 22. 

We were joined by past and present parents, students and staff. A special moment for us all was when former Principal Pat Franks rang the old school bell for the cutting of the cake. Anika Wells and Bart Mellish shared a few words and former student and parent of Craigslea Stirling Hinchliffe (Minister for Tourism Industry Development and Innovation and Minister for Sport) spoke of his treasured days at Craigslea over the many years of his schooling and parental involvement. Sincere thanks to former student, parent and staff member Sharlene Emmanuel,
P and C Vice-President Sarah Hands and P and C Operations Manager Carol Mokrzecki for all the organisation which went behind this wonderful event. Prep to 6 students sat for a long time and listened to community members speak of their memories of the school. The adults were highly impressed by the behaviour of the students. As I have said many times, you often hear adults say that "Children aren't what they used to be"  I disagree. These adults haven't spent much time with our students at Craigslea.

We have held an Art Competition for the 50th Anniversary. The work of the winners will form the basis of our mural which will go on the wall as you enter the school and opposite the Tuckshop.  The title of the art work was Craigslea State School-50 years-Learn for Life. The winners were judged by the Senior Leadership Team and it was difficult to make these decisions. Those who captured Craigslea in the past and present in their artwork were at a distinct advantage in this competiton. However, all students in our school will have the opportunity to contribute to the mural which will be unveiled at the 50th Anniversary Celebration in September.

Congratulations to:

Prep D: Hudson

Prep T: Danila 

Prek K: Nuh (Overall Prep Winner)

Prep C: Mileena

1R: Ashdeep (Overall Year 1 Winner)

1S: Rebecca

1H: Emma

1C: Ivy

2C:Mikaela

2H:Malia (Overall Year 2 Winner)

2G: Florence

3M: Harry

3HD: Elsa

3K: Maryam

3H: Leo (Overall Year 3 winner)

4Y: Oscar

4J: Joyce

4W: Nicholas (Overall Year 4 Winner)

4D: Crystal

5M: Jay (Overall Year 5 Winner)

5C: Jewel

5J: Chloe

6K: Daniel

6H: Sugar

6W: Olivia (Overall Year 6 Winner)

6M: Darius

ANZAC DAY

Thanks to Mrs Stockill and Mr Kirby for their contributions to our school's moving Anzac Day Service. This was once again a digital service given the preparations were needed to be done well in advance of what we knew was going to happen with COVID. We look forward to 2023 where we can once again engage in "live" ceremonies at school and at Kedron Wavell RSL. 

SCHOOL SUPPORT STAFF DAY 

Our school is truly blessed with support staff that are clever, hard-working and are connected to our students. Last week we celebrated them in a staff morning tea. Thankyou to Gena (Business Manager), Courtney, Deb and Julie (Admin Officers) and Jay (Grounds/Faciltiies) for all that you do for students, staff and families which always goes beyond what is expected. 

As I write this, the school is in the midst of Prep 2023 information sessions, Mothers Day Stall and next week NAPLAN for students in Years 3 and 5.  I will hear about these from afar as I will be at Patricks Rd until May 20th returning to Craigslea in the second half of the following week after I travel to Mackay to undertake a school review on behalf of Education Queensland.

I would like to sincerely welcome Abi Hurdley from Stafford Heights State School who will take over from me during this period. Abi, I am sure that you will love your time at our wonderful school. 

I look forward to seeing everyone on my return. Until then I wish all the special Mums at Craigslea, a wonderful Mothers Day with their families.

Kathy