Dear Craigslea Community,

Welcome to the 2024 school year. It was wonderful to welcome our students and their families back to school on Monday.  We have had a very positive and settled start despite the challenges of the hot weather at the beginning of the week.  During my visits to classrooms this week students have expressed excitement at being back with their teachers and friends. 

I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our new families, who have joined the Craigslea school community this year. We are looking forward to getting to know you.  Thank you for choosing this great school, you have joined an amazing community.  

Thank yous

I would like to acknowledge our fabulous Craigslea staff and families for their support in ensuring a smooth transition back to school.  I would also like to thank the volunteers who supported our Schools Officer to get the grounds ready for the students return this week.


Our 2024 Priorities

Last week our teaching team spent Wednesday to Friday engaging in professional learning.  This year our learning included looking at our key priorities for 2024 so that we continue to provide quality educational experiences for our students.  This year we will be focussing on:

Educational Achievement

• Quality teaching - making learning visible to our students using Learning Walls as tools for teaching and learning.
• Deep understanding of the Australian Curriculum to ensure we are designing learning that supports and challenges our students.

Wellbeing & Engagement

• Enhancing student wellbeing through the development of a school wide approach to building social and emotional skills in our students.
• Creating highly engaging learning environments for our students.

Culture & Inclusion

• Enhancing our inclusive practices across the school to cultivate learning environments that promote high expectations and success for every student.

Parent Information Evenings:  Tuesday 6 and Wednesday 7 February

Our class information sessions will be held across 2 nights with Prep – Year 2 Tuesday 6 February and Year 3 – 6 Wednesday 7 February.  Both nights will run from 5pm – 6pm.  I encourage all parents to attend these evenings.  The strong and positive connections between home and school are critical in ensuring high levels of student engagement in school.

Topics covered include:

• School expectations and procedures
• Class procedures and routines
• Class timetable and overview of the curriculum that will be taught
• Homework
• Specialist lessons
• NAPLAN (Years 3/5)
• Communication between school and home

Coffee & Connect

The partnership between home and school is critical for student success.  We value the connections we have with our families and wider community and the important role they play in contributing to our school.  Coffee & Connect sessions are informal opportunities for the leadership team to share the great work we are doing at Craigslea and seek feedback and ideas from our parents and carers to contribute to the school’s direction.  We will host our first Coffee & Connect session next Friday.  At this session you will meet the leadership team and discuss future plans for Craigslea.  Please CLICK HERE to rsvp.

Principal’s Afternoon Tea

This term I will begin hosting afternoon teas with students.  One student from each class will be invited by their class teacher to attend the afternoon tea.  Teachers will nominate students based on their efforts in learning throughout the week.  Students attending the afternoon tea will be asked to share what they are most proud of in their learning from that week. 

I have hosted Principal afternoon teas for many years and it is the most rewarding part of my week.  It affords me the opportunity to listen to and talk with students about their learning. Giving students opportunities to talk about what they are learning helps them to see themselves as learners, building their self efficacy. I will host Principal’s Afternoon Teas for P-2 and 3 – 6 fortnightly.

It has been a busy but fabulous first week at Craigslea.  I have enjoyed meeting students and families.  I am very much looking forward to leading the Craigslea community in 2024. 

As our first week of learning for the year comes to an end, I would like to leave you with a thought from Carol Dweck:

“If we want to give children a gift, the best thing we can do is to teach children to love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy effort, and keep on learning.”

Yours in Learning,

Melanie Rehm

Principal

Welcome to all our new and returning students. It has been an exciting start to 2024. In our Prep classrooms we have been focusing on transitions into the classrooms and knowing where our belongings are. Year 1 and 2 students have settled straight into classroom activities, developing the skills of a self-manager by carrying their own bags, putting their lunch away and being in the right place at the right time. Parents, just a reminder that before school the waiting area for Preps and Year 1 is the undercover area in the year 1 playground. Year 2 students are to wait in the year 2 and 3 CPA (covered play area). For those families entering the school via the Ballinger St gate, can you please use the new black gate which was erected late last year.

Erin Wiles

Deputy Principal Prep to Year 2

Welcome to the 2024 school year!

Welcome back to our existing families and a big welcome to our new families who have joined us from all parts of the world. We look forward to educating your child and making you welcome in our Craigslea community. Congratulations to everyone for a great start on Monday. The excitement, and a few nerves of students (parents and staff too), have quickly settled as classes began and everyone started this year’s learning journey. The atmosphere of our first day was calm and purposeful and classes were active in learning from the very start. The first week is spent teaching the routines and transitions necessary to set our students up for a successful year ahead. Fostering strong, caring and inclusive relationships is also an important goal of the first few weeks, as teachers seek to create an optimal learning environment for all.

Student Leadership Assembly

Our Student Leadership Assembly is being held on Thursday 8 February from 2:00pm in the Hall. During the assembly, elected students will be presented with their leadership badges and will be recognised for their commitment to serving the school throughout 2024.

Before School Reminder

Every morning before school, all students should be in their respective undercover areas.

For Year 3, this is the 2/3 Covered Play Area (CPA).

Years 4-6 wait in the Year 6 Covered Play Area (CPA).

Students who arrive before 8:40am are expected to sit quietly with their bags in their areas. Students, even with their parents, should not be outside classrooms (unless waiting for a pre-arranged meeting with a teacher) or playing.

At 8:40am a bell rings, which is a signal to students that they may move about in their area and complete any tasks – place a tuckshop order, hand in notes at the office, hand in mobile phone, go to the bathroom.

Year 3s, may move about the 2/3CPA and may play hand ball or other games that do not require equipment or running around.

Years 4-6s, may move about the 6CPA or on the Cool Courts and play hand ball or other games that do not require equipment or running around.

Students move to classrooms at the 8:55am bell.

Thank you for your help and support reinforcing these expectations.

Active School Travel

Wednesdays at Craigslea SS are Walking, Wheeling Wednesdays and they’re back for 2024!!! Walking, Wheeling, Wednesdays are our day to actively travel to school to help increase physical activity for kids as well as reduce congestion on the roads around our school. This is a part of the Brisbane City Council’s initiative – Active School Travel or AST for short.

Next Wednesday, 31 January, will be the first Walking Wheeling Wednesday for 2024. Embark on a memorable journey to promote active travel at our "Where's Wally? Walk" event. We will be walking from one of our two local parks to school! Join us in fostering a culture of health and well-being by choosing sustainable travel options. Revel in the joy of walking alongside friends while searching for Wally along the way. You never know, Wally may have a special surprise for the first person to find him. Let's make this event a celebration of fitness, friendship, and a greener tomorrow – lace up your sneakers and be part of the movement!

Where: Meet at either Huxtable Park or Frederick Annand Park.

When: 8:30am meet up, 8:40am leave, 8:50am arrive at school

How will you actively travel on Wednesdays? #activeschooltravel

Have an amazing fortnight of fun and learning,

Natalie Marhinin

Deputy Principal Year 3 to Year 6

Lynley Williams

Head of Curriculum 

Classroom Entries – The Threshold! ^{TLAC #45}

In 2022/3, our school started looking at a teaching approach that set out particular techniques and strategies for teachers to use, with the central aim of increasing motivation and engagement within the classroom. This program is called Teach Like a Campion (TLAC).

A small band of teachers took on the task of implementing between 5-10 out of 62 techniques into their daily class routines during this period.

One such technique is called ‘Threshold’. This technique is about meeting students individually at the door, and setting and reinforcing positive expectations before learners enter. This is one of the most important moments in the school day, that builds a positive classroom culture. It gives teachers the opportunity to greet each student by name, undertake a visual check-in to see how students are, and reinforces the connection teachers need to have with all students. It’s a quick, simple and effective moment when teachers establish those connections through a brief check-in.

During the Threshold, teachers may give students a high-5, special handshake, or even just a special greeting as a way of building that connection.

The Threshold is often seen as the most beneficial moment in the day and all teachers are expected to use the Threshold each morning to check-in with their learners. Posters are the visual reminders about this technique, and are displayed on the front door of every classroom.

Concurrently with this, teachers may choose to have a second or third Threshold at the beginning of Session 2 and 3 that simply could be a question posed like ‘Name an Australian animal.’

In 2024, the Threshold will be reinforced across the school as a way of building positive connections with learners each and every day.

Further TLAC techniques will be shared throughout the year.

Anthony J Kleidon

Pedagogy Coach

What is PBL? PBL stands for Positive Behaviour for Learning.

Positive Behaviour for Learning is an evidence-based whole school approach to establish and sustain the social culture needed for schools to be effective learning environments.

It is a school-wide approach to help support, define, teach and reinforce positive behaviours of ALL students. This school-wide approach focuses on building a safe and positive environment in which all students can learn. Staff take a positive, proactive and preventative approach to ensure that all students receive appropriate levels of support to be successful at school. Student outcomes are monitored so that identified students receive additional supports when needed, and a small portion of students access intensive supports to enable them to engage successfully at school.

PBL at Craigslea

Craigslea SS has a set of four LIFE expectations to assist students to manage their own behaviour.

L - be a Learner,

I - be Independent,

F - be Friendly and

E - be Safe in all Environments.

This week students have been unpacking each expectation. They have taken tours around the school to understand how the LIFE expectations apply in different contexts. There have been great discussions in classrooms about how the LIFE expectations can help us to work together as we build and strengthen our connections, and work towards being the best version of ourselves.

What is Social Emotional Learning (SEL)? “Social and emotional learning (SEL) is the process through which children and adults acquire and effectively apply the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to understand and manage emotions, set and achieve positive goals, feel and show empathy for others, establish and maintain positive relationships, and make responsible decisions” (CASEL Fundamentals of SEL).

Social emotional learning provides a foundation for students to understand themselves and others, and navigate their relationships, lives, work and learning. Students with well-developed social and emotional skills find it easier to manage themselves, relate to others, collaborate, develop empathy, set goals and resolve conflict. They feel positive about themselves and the world around them.

Social emotional learning supports students to build their ability to regulate their thoughts, emotions and behaviours. This ability assists students to effectively engage with new ways of thinking, knowing and doing in an increasingly demanding and diverse global society.

At Craigslea SS, building the social and emotional skills of our students is a priority to enhance their wellbeing.

Reconnecting with your child at the end of the school day is a valuable opportunity to strengthen your bond and gain insights into their experiences. Rather than asking the generic question, "How was your day?" try asking more specific questions that encourage detailed responses. For example, inquire about the most exciting thing that happened or a specific activity they enjoyed.   

Other ideas to promote conversations about the day are:

• Initiate the conversation by sharing details about your own day. By being open about your experiences, you create a more inviting atmosphere for your child to reciprocate. This sets the stage for a more open and collaborative conversation. 
• Incorporating creativity can also be beneficial. Encourage your child to express their day through drawing or writing. This alternative method can provide a comfortable outlet for communication. 
• Consider turning the conversation into a game or activity. Engaging in a storytelling session where both you and your child take turns sharing interesting aspects of your respective days can make the interaction more enjoyable and less formal. 
• Establishing a routine for sharing highlights or challenges at a specific time each day can also contribute to a more consistent and open line of communication. Additionally, be patient and understand that some children may need time to process their day before opening up. 
• Lastly, ensure that the environment is comfortable and safe for your child to share. A non-judgmental and supportive atmosphere encourages trust and facilitates meaningful conversations. Tailor these suggestions to suit your child's personality and preferences, and remember that building a routine of open communication takes time and patience.

Renee McGregor

Head of Inclusion

P&C News

In this edition…

1. Welcome back to school Movie Night and BBQ, Saturday 3^rd February
2. Five cent February
3. P&C Meeting - Monday 5^th February 2024 7pm via Teams and in-person

 Also….

• A big thank you to our December Bunnings BBQ Volunteers – we sold 1100 delicious sausages that day resulting in nearly $3000 raised for our cold water coolers.
• Another big thank you to the families and friends who came and assisted in the working bee over the holidays. The garden beds around the school were completely overgrown thanks to all of our recent rain. It has made such a big difference to the appearance of the school and we sincerely thank you for your hard work.
• It was lovely to meet so many new families and catch up with families that we know at our Tea ‘N Tissues event on the first day back at school. We hope everyone had a great first day! Thank you as always to our wonderful OSHC for hosting this event.
• Munch Monitors – have you updated your child’s class on Munch Monitors yet? Simply log in, click My Account, Profile and then edit your child’s profile.
• A quick reminder in this heat that children from years 1 to 6 must go to the Tuckshop to collect their ice blocks orders for 2^nd Ice blocks for Prep children will be collected by staff alongside any other 2^nd break orders.
• Unfortunately the pool is out of action at the moment due to maintenance which will impact Friday Night Swim Club. More information will be sent out to Swim Club members as it becomes available.
• The P&C have lots of events planned for 2024. While the SchoolZine calendar is the source of truth, we have made things easier for those families who use electronic calendars! Simply click on the following link to download the P&C calendar file and save this to your personal calendar: http://tinyurl.com/2xkuvtx9.
• Can you help? Volunteering opportunities available
• P&C Contacts – Get in touch
• Fundraising Opportunities

1. Welcome back to school Movie Night and BBQ – Saturday 3^rd February.

• We are super excited to promote the first whole-of-school event for 2024 – a welcome back to school movie night and BBQ!
• Attendance at this event is free, and there will be snacks, drinks and BBQ available for purchase, with all funds raised going towards cold water coolers for the school.
• Make sure to warm up your vocal cords before the event, as the movie for the night is SING!
• We have wet weather plans just in case so this event will be going ahead rain or not so be sure to put this on your family calendar.
• Thank you to our sponsor Bart Mellish MP for supporting this event.

2. Five cent February

• Our next fundraiser for 2024 is ‘Five Cent February’. Running for the entire month of February please collect and donate any pesky 5c coins you find lying around your home, in the car, or at your neighbours house! For the first time we are also trialling the option to donate via Munch Monitors – more information coming soon.
• The classroom who raises the largest amount will win a special prize (more information to be sent out in the final week of February).

3. P&C Meeting - Monday 5th February 7pm via Teams and in-person

• The meeting will be held in-person (OSHC Building) and online via Teams (link in the SchoolZine Calendar)
• Please note that you do not have to be a member to attend – why not come along and see what happens at these meetings. We would love to see! By becoming a member you can then vote on any motions that are raised.
• To become a member of the P&C, please complete the online application form: https://forms.office.com/r/ywNJVsDq8d.
• We’re looking to run the meetings “paper free”, so please use an electronic device instead of printing.

Can You Help?

Help to make Craigslea State Primary School a better place by volunteering for these activities:

1. Craigslea State School sustainability working group (please join our Facebook group for information on how to assist with sustainability at our school).
2. Tuckshop (please contact Deb if you wish to volunteer at our amazing tuckshop!)

P&C Contacts

The Hub (Carol)

3350 8741 or operations@craigsleapandc.org.au

Tuckshop (Deb, Jolei, and Emily)

3350 8744 or tuckshop@craigsleapandc.org.au

Bookshop and Uniform Shop (Emily)

3350 8741 or uniforms@craigsleapandc.org.au

Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) (Kylie)

3350 8724 / 3256 3688 or oshc@craigsleapandc.org.au

Sustainability Group (Jen)

sustainability@craigsleapandc.org.au

https://www.facebook.com/groups/223902536111469/

Swim Club (Andrew)

info@craigsleaswimming.com

Fundraising Opportunities

• Entertainment Books: Craigslea State School link - https://au.entdigital.net/orderbooks/225332?utm_campaign=2021-130521
• We currently have spaces available for advertising on our electronic school sign at the front of the school.  Should you be interested, please contact the P&C on either 3350 8741 or operations@craigsleapandc.org.au