Dear Parents/Carers,

Our priorities for 2020 are:

• Implementation of the Literacy Block with a particular focus on writing.
• Establish year level targeted learning teams to meet fortnightly to plan for the learning needs of all students within a full model of inclusion.
• Improve parent and community engagement in the school.

Please see the Craigslea State School Strategic Plan attached (click here), which outlines our plan for the next four years. This was developed throughout Term 4 last year,  in consultation with staff, students and parents. We are currently working on the school budget and Annual Implementation Plan to ensure we continue to work steadily towards the achievement of our four year goals for the academic and social welfare of students in our school.

The enrolment count has been submitted and it is fortunate that we don’t need to reshuffle classes. Parent Information Nights were well attended and it was great to see the enthusiasm of staff in sharing information about their plans for classrooms this year. Many parents still came out despite the torrential rain which was much appreciated.

Once again the much-welcomed rain has ensured the cancelling of the P and C Welcome BBQ. The P and C is currently considering the option of having a replacement event when the new oval is open in Term 2. Students have unfortunately spent a bit more time than usual indoors and it looks like the completion of the oval is delayed for three weeks. All of these are first world problems and it is wonderful that this rain has been drought breaking for some communities.

School Leader Induction

Our School Captains, Vice Captains, House Captains, Music Captains and Tech Crew received their badges surrounded by their families last Tuesday. We wish them a warm congratulations in this new exciting phase of their schooling. I had the pleasure of attending Craigslea State High School’s Leader Induction yesterday and it was wonderful to see so many Craigslea students receiving badges for leadership during their high schooling. Fun fact: Mrs Canavan’s first Year Six group when she arrived at Craigslea is now in Year 11!!!!!! Student Councillors for each class for Semester 1 will receive their badges on assembly on February 25.

Carpark Etiquette

Parent Carpark next to pool: NO right hand turns onto Hamilton Road in the afternoon.  There were four drivers who were turning right yesterday afternoon and it took twenty minutes for those behind them to get out of the carpark.  

Smoking Around Schools

It is illegal to smoke on land within 5 metres beyond the boundary of a school facility.

It is illegal to smoke within 10 metres of children’s outdoor playground equipment.

Have a good week,

Kathy
Principal

Religious Instruction

This year, the Bridgeman Baptist Community Church is able to provide a second instructor on a Tuesday afternoon.  Therefore, we are able to offer Religious Instruction to Years 1, 2 and 3 this year.  You have the option of having your child receive RI, or not, by indicating on a slip that will come home this week.  Please look for it in your child’s bag and return it by Friday 14 February.  More details to assist you in making a decision are below:

• Is taught by a volunteer of the Bridgeman Downs Baptist Church.  A teacher always accompanies the children throughout the lesson.
• Lessons are 30 minutes and take place on a Tuesday afternoon.  Students do not miss assembly if they attend RI.
• Students who do not attend RI are undertaking social-emotional learning through Bridge Builders online.
• Parents are required to purchase a student workbook at an approximate cost of $6:00.  The school organises the ordering and issue of these to students once paid.
• We ask all parents to indicate their preference as to whether or not they wish to have their child participate.
• We hope to get the first lesson of the year underway by Tuesday 25 February.

Peer Mediators              

Our 2020 group of applicants undergo their peer mediator training next week.  I expect the successful trainees will be in the playground by week 5.  The peer mediators (often referred to as Bridge Builders) are highly valued by students and staff on duty.  They will be rostered on to mingle in the Prep, Year 1 and 2 play areas to support the younger students in resolving their own (small) issues.

Parent Information Sessions

It was heartwarming to see the parent turn-out for the information evenings this week.  I trust you now have a feel for your child’s classroom and know that the staff are committed to your child’s learning progress.                   

Positive Recognition Strategy

Teachers are in the thick of acknowledging children as they make strong independent decisions in the classroom.  The first Happy Call recipients are just starting to come in.  So to keep it manageable, we will only send Happy Call certificates home if we don’t manage to connect with parents at the time of call.  This is rare but we understand that it is not always possible to answer the phone when your child is with us.

Social Emotional Learning – Clean up after yourself

VOLUNTARY HELPERS

In recent times, numerous educationalists have determined that a school, if it is to play an effective role in the education of a child, can no longer be an isolated institution.  In the teaching of a young child, it is this school's firm belief that a cooperative teacher-parent relationship is not only desirable but essential. Indeed, because of the predominant influence of the home on the course of a child's development, education must become a three-way communication process, involving teacher, parent and child. Interested parents and grandparents are always welcome at our school. In fact many mothers, fathers and grandparents enjoy helping at the school. These people help teachers with preparation of materials, assisting with small groups of children, and sharing their special skills and abilities.

If you feel you would like to assist the school in this way, please contact your child's teacher.  You will also need to complete the Key Messages Guide at the beginning of each year before volunteering and supply the office with a Record of Completion.  Whenever you come to school to help as a volunteer, please report to the office, sign the register and put on a volunteer badge.

Helpers without a child in the school, including grandparents, will require a Blue Card before volunteering in classrooms or swimming.  Please see the school office to complete the required paperwork.  Please note there is around a 6-8 week turnaround for Blue Cards.

We require a Parent Representative for each year level in the school. Please email

Kathy Canavan on kcana2@eq.edu.au if you are interested in the role. It would 

require the compilation of a weekly email of events for your child's year level. 

Narelle Green

Deputy Principal

Book Club

Book Club Issue 1 catalogues were sent home during Week 1 of this term. All ordering and payments will now be completed online using the Scholastic Book Club LOOP Platform. Register at www.scholastic.com.au/LOOP and place your Book Club order by February 17. 

Before School Reading Club

Before School Reading Club has already received excellent attendance this term. Students can visit the Library between 8:30am and 8:50am Monday - Thursday to particpate. Our goal is for students to read 20 books each during the term!

Borrowing & Overdue Book Notices

Students may borrow 2 books from the Library for a 14 day period. After 14 days the book is tagged as being an 'Overdue Book' and needs to be returned or reborrowed. Overdue Book Notices will be delivered to classrooms in Week 4 - please support your student to respect their Library books and return Overdue Books. 

Tess Bryce
Librarian 

Running Club incorporating cross country training commences Tuesday and Thursday week 4 8.15-8.35. Please wear appropriate footwear, hat and a water bottle if required.

Volleyball

After school volleyball practise week 4 for years 4-6 commences - Boys - Tuesday afternoon 3-4pm and Girls - Wednesday 3-4pm. Please bring appropriate footwear and water bottle. If you are interested and wish to get a form please see Mr H at school.

Interschool Sport 

Interschool sport electives for years 5 & 6 were held Friday week 2 and will continue during the subsequent Fridays. Further information letter will come home as numbers, venues, administration and transport costs are finalised.

David Heidrich
PE Teacher

Hello Everyone and welcome back,

Here is some important information to start the year....

Performance Choir

The Performance Choir is an audition choir for students in year 4-6.  Auditions will be held tomorrow, Friday 14th February, at second break.  Would love to see you there. 

The performance choir is looking for a accompanying piano player to play and attend weekly practises.  We need the pianist to be at a high level of playing. At least AMEB level 5.  Please contact Pauline Stockill (pstok8@eq.edu.au) if you can help.

Inclusive Choir

All students from year 2-6 are welcome to join the Inclusive Choir.  The Inclusive Choir practises on Mondays at first break, which have already begun this week.  Come along and join in the fun!!

Senior Band

All of Mr Schick and Miss Owens students in year 5-6 (continuing students), need to attend a weekly band practise in the music room at 7:45am on Fridays.

Instrumental Music Lessons 

Miss Owen and Mr Schick lessons have begun, with Miss Owens being held on Fridays and Mr Schick on Wednesdays.  
Miss Jerram Strings lessons for Beginners have commenced with continuing students first lesson being held on Tuesday 18/2.

Senior String Orchestra will begin 18/2 8:00am

Please ensure that you bring all instruments, and accessories needed to start your lessons.

If you are unsure please email me and I am happy to help.

Pauline Stockill
Music Teacher

We are seeking cardboard box donations for construction projects in the Kubbi. Please drop off boxes to G Block.

Sarah Abdy
Head of Inclusion 

We hope all the students and families have settled into the school year.  We unfortunately cancelled our welcome BBQ due to weather concerns. This event will be rolled into a whole school event to celebrate the opening of the new top oval space early in Term 2.

Last Monday we had our first P&C meeting for the year and there were some new faces which was great to see. This meeting was the last for Matthew Kuhr in his role as P&C President. He has made a great contribution to the P&C and wider school community over the past three years and the Executive thank him for being their leader.

• The next meeting Monday, 09 March will be our AGM starting at 6:30pm. All are welcome to attend and find out more about how we support the school.
  
• We are conducting a survey about the Tuckshop and welcome your feedback.
  
  
• The P&C is running a working bee to assist with keeping the grounds in good order, please see below for details.
  
  
• Also please note the life line bins on Hamilton Road will soon be removed and we ask that people do not leave items in the area once they are gone.

Tuckshop

Tuckshop orders to be placed online by 9.00am and over the counter orders by 9.10am.
Tuckshop – If you do not advise that your child is away, we cannot roll the order over for the next day.
Have you updated your child’s class for 2020?

We would love to hear your opinions with regards to our Tuckshop.  Please find attached a survey (click here) for completion and return by Friday, 28 February.  There is also a link with Survey Monkey should you prefer. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/L78BQ2Q

 

OSHC

We have spaces available both morning and afternoon.
Please contact Kylie on 3256 3688 or craigslea.oshc@bigpond.com to secure a place.

We also would like to invite all parents interested in OSHC to come along to our BBQ on Wednesday, 19 February from 5.00 – 6.00pm and have a chat with staff and see our Centre.

 

School Working Bee – Saturday, 07 March – 7.00am to 11.00am

Bring hedge trimmers and secateurs if you have them.   

We are cleaning up the hedges and gardens around Prep and the back path of the Sensitivity Unit.

Please RSVP to Carol on 3350 8741 or operations@craigsleapandc.org.au by Wednesday, 04 March.

 

Uniforms

We will be open every morning from 8.30am to 9.30am every week.

Uniform orders can always be placed online - https://schoolshoponline.net.au///index.aspx with deliveries being made as soon as we can to your child’s class.  Ensure you have updated your child’s class for 2020.

 

School Banking

Every Wednesday. Happy Banking! 

Please remember to drop your banking in the banking box at the front of the Uniform Shop every Wednesday before school in the morning.  Have you updated your child’s class for 2020?

 

Swimming Club

Swimming has started.  Every Friday from 6.00pm.  For more information email info@craigsleaswimming.com

 

School Sign – Electronic

We currently have spaces available for advertising on our electronic school sign at the front of the school.  Should you be interested, please contact Carol on either 3350 8741 or operations@craigsleapandc.org.au

The Lifeline bins out the front of the parent carpark are being removed.  Once these have been removed can you please ensure no more items are dropped off in this space.

 

The P&C are looking for our amazing parents that can help us in a variety of ways, ie. Graphic designer, printing, event convening, online communications etc.  Working groups – mother’s / father’s day spreadsheets, stock etc

 

Carol, our P & C Operations Manager is always more than happy for anyone to come and say hello at The Hub or should you wish to contact Carol direct you can do so on either 3350 8741 or operations@craigsleapandc.org.au