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Dear Craigslea Community,
The first 3 weeks of term 3 are done and dusted. It has been a positive start to the term with our students settling in to focus on their learning. Principal Afternoon Tea’s kicked off in Week 1 and I have enjoyed getting to know students a little better and talking to them about what they are proud of in their learning. These afternoon teas will continue each Friday alternating between P-2 and 3 – 6. It is such a fabulous way to end our week.
Our Learning Focus in 2024
Quality teaching to implement the Australian Curriculum is a core priority for our work this year. A strategy we are enacting to build our knowledge and skill as leaders and teachers is working with the leaders and teachers of other state schools. I am pleased for our school to be working with Aspley East SS and Bulimba SS.
This week members of our leadership team visited Bulimba SS for a learning walk and talk focussing on how they are using learning walls as a teaching tool in English. Later this term a group of our teachers will join Bulimba teachers to see how they plan for student success and use learning walls to build student efficacy. This coalition is a great way for our teachers to collaborate and learn to enhance learning opportunities for our students.
2024 – 2027 Strategic Plan
At this week’s P&C meeting I was able to share the finalised priorities for the next 4 years at Craigslea. The staff and I are currently working to identify the success criteria to measure our progress towards these priorities and the data we will use to ensure we are having a positive impact on student learning.
I am excited to share with you the 4 priorities. I will unpack these further over the coming newsletters and the upcoming Coffee & Connect session.
Priority 1: Provision of quality learning experiences for all students through a deep understanding of the Australian Curriculum, a whole school approach to differentiated teaching and learning and precise pedagogical choices within engaged and connected learning environments.
Priority 2: Continuing to grow the strengths of our high performing teams through professional learning to develop individual and collective capacity across our school to improve student outcomes and meet the current and future challenges of teaching.
Priority 3: Foster the wellbeing of all students through a whole school approach to the explicit teaching of personal and social capabilities so that our students become resilient lifelong learners able to respond positively and confidently to their changing world.
Priority 4: Embrace the diversity of our school by providing welcoming, inclusive and accessible learning environments and inviting stakeholder voice and partnership into our school’s teaching, learning and ways of working.
SAVE THE DATE: Coffee & Connect Session
Our first Coffee & Connect session will be held on Wednesday 15 May at 2pm. This term’s discussion topic will be the 2024 – 2027 Strategic Plan. Come along to learn and discuss our next four years at Craigslea. To RSVP please CLICK HERE by Tuesday 14 May.
Term 1 Parent Teacher Interviews
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback on our Term 1 Parent Teacher format. The survey is now closed. We had 57 responses to the survey with the majority of these reporting a positive experience with the new format. The positives shared:
- the community feel
- streamlined approach to scheduling interviews
- opportunity to meet with specialist teachers
- ease of moving between interviews and accessibility
- interviews were on time
- opportunity to attend in the evening
- well organised
- interviews were all on one day
Some challenges that were consistently identified:
- noise making it difficult to hear
- time limits
- number of spaces available on the night
- privacy to discuss student information
Opportunities for next time shared:
- opportunity to meet with the TLTs
- split the event over 2 nights
- consider acoustic improvements to the hall
This feedback and the feedback from our teachers will be used to review and refine in preparation for Term 3 interviews.
Year 1/Infant Toilets Walkways
As part of our planned maintenance work the coverings for the walkways from the 2/3 CPA to the infants’ toilets and the year 1 building were replaced. This has really lifted this busy thoroughfare.
Prep Playground Upgrade
The demolition of the Prep playground commenced late this week. I know our Prep students will be excited to see the development of their new play space. Alternate play and eating spaces are currently being planned by Mrs Wiles and our Prep Teachers. I am looking forward to seeing this long-awaited project taking shape.
Travel Safe Committee
Last Thursday our P&C President and I met with representatives from the Department of Education, Queensland Transport, Brisbane City Council and Queensland Police to discuss opportunities to develop safe spaces for student drop off and pick up. These representatives were able to observe the challenges of student safety and traffic at the afternoon pick up. At the meeting ideas for safer alternatives were proposed and are currently being investigated. We will meet again in June.
ANZAC Day
It was wonderful to see so many of our students and families join us for the Kedron Wavell march and service on ANZAC day. I would like to thank Mrs Wiles and Mrs Marhinin for attending with the students. I am very much looking forward to being there in 2025.
Have a fabulous fortnight.
“We must seek to actively advance and promote students’ thinking if we are to produce students who are engaged learners and active thinkers able to communicate, innovate, collaborate and problem solve.” (Ron Ritchart, 2012)
Yours in Learning,
Melanie Rehm
Principal
Reading P-2
With our continued commitment to developing our teachers capability in the teaching of reading, our Prep and Year 1 teachers will be participating in Professional Development with our Speech Pathologist Bethwyn Campbell, over the coming weeks.
Prep Playground Development
Work has started on the construction of our Prep playground. The children have a great view of the diggers and construction machinery, inviting great conversaions and stimulus in the classroom. When the entire playground is impacted, the students will move to the Sensitivity Unit for breaks.
2025 Prep Open Days
Our first open day will be next Wednesday morning at 9.30am. Please spread the word for any friends in the community looking at starting a student at Craigslea for prep next year.
Celebrating Our Students
Over the last few weeks we’ve had a number of students trial for regional sport representation. We wish all these students the best of luck and hope they are able to fulfil their goals of representing our school and region in their chosen sport.
State Representatives
A very special mention to three of our students, Asher, Mischa and Tate who have recently participated at State Championships for their sports.
State Championships - Swimming:
Asher competed in 3 events and relays at the championships. He placed 9th in both the 200m individual medley and 100m backstroke.
Mischa competed in 5 events at the championships. Her top 3 results were: 14th in the 200m individual medley, 5th in the 100m breaststroke and 2nd in the 50m breaststroke. Her 2nd placing in the 50m breaststroke has qualified her to represent QLD at the National Swimming Championships in July – goodluck Mischa!!
State Championships – Gymnastics
Tate recently competed at the MAG 2024 QLD State Championships. Tate’s competition was over 2 days with Tate awarded State Champion (1st place) for Level 7, Under 13. Tate was also selected for the QLD State Team and will compete at the 2024 Australian Gymnastics Championships at the Gold Coast in a fortnight – goodluck Tate!!
We are all so incredibly proud of Asher, Mischa and Tate – they have set themselves a goal and with support from their families, coaches and friends, they have a plan for how they will achieve this and they are working very hard to do so. We look forward to hearing of their successes in the future, perhaps even Brisbane 2032!
Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing Survey
Next week, students in Years 4, 5 and 6 will be asked to take part in the Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing (QEW) Survey.
An information letter has been sent out to parents and carers. If you have any questions, please contact me on nmarh1@eq.edu.au. More information, including FAQs, can be found on the Department of Education website. Please let your child’s class teacher know if you do not want your child to participate.
Active School Travel
Walking Wheeling Wednesday’s
Wednesdays at Craigslea, are Walking Wheeling Wednesdays! Our school is a part of the Brisbane City Council initiative – Active School Travel.
As a part of our Active School Travel initiative, bring your Mum, Mates and Special Others, and come join us for another Park ‘n’ Stride event this Wednesday 8 May.
Meet the AST team at one of our 2 local parks (Huxtable Park or Frederick Annand Park) at 8:20am, to depart by 8:30am and arrive at school by 8:40am.
On arrival, courtesy of our wonderful P&C, our Mums and Special Others are welcome to grab a Coffee & Cake from our local vendors and have a chat together. Hope to see you there!
How will you actively travel to school next Wednesday?
P&C Mothers and Others Day Stall
Don’t forget the P&C are running their annual Mothers and Others Day stall on Friday 10 May in the school hall. Classes have been rostered to attend so no one will miss the opportunity. Gifts are priced from $1 - $10, cash only.
Have a fantastic fortnight of fun and learning,
Natalie
|
L.I.F.E. Awardees |
||
|
CLASS |
NAME |
REASON |
|
Prep C |
Maddison |
For being ready for learning and for trying her best in all class activities. |
|
Prep K |
Wiliam |
For approaching his learning with a positive attitude that helps all the learners around him. |
|
Prep N |
Tanjiro |
For being a creative learner who enjoys new challenges. |
|
Prep T |
Marlin |
For trying hard to complete all learning tasks independently. What a great learner! |
|
1B |
Jace |
For always starting an activity independently and being a collaborative group member. |
|
1C |
Marcela |
For coming back to Term 2 ready to be a learner and face challenges. |
|
1P |
Lydia |
For being a Learner by trying her best even when tasks are challenging. |
|
2B |
Bonnie |
For consistently being a thoughtful and caring class member helping members of her desk to complete learning task. |
|
2D |
Edward |
For always being an independent learner and being a considerate group member. |
|
2H |
Violet |
For being a Learner by giving her best effort in reading activities and contributing thoughtfully during class discussions. |
|
2S |
Asher |
For always demonstrating the school LIFE values and being a great role model to others! |
|
3DM |
Summer |
For always being respectful to her teacher and classmates and actively contributing to classroom discussions. |
|
3G |
Jeremy |
For consistently being a hardworking, thoughtful and polite class member. |
|
3H |
Nash |
For being a learner who takes on new challenges and uses his creative and critical thinking skills. |
|
3S |
Simran |
For consistently being a thoughtful and polite class member. |
|
4D |
Adam |
For consistently applying himself in all areas of learning and contributing to class discussions. |
|
4G |
Irene |
For always being an independent learner that listens to teachers and peers, sets goals for herself, and seeks feedback to improve her work. |
|
4M |
Annie |
For being a learner who accepts and uses feedback to improve her work in Mathematics. |
|
5B |
Leo |
For consistently displaying an excellent, responsible attitude to his learning and always being a helpful class member. |
|
5M |
Jack |
For applying himself wholeheartedly to his learning, trying his best in all subjects and being an active member of 5M. |
|
5SK |
Edith |
For working exceptionally hard in all areas of her schooling and always trying to improve her work through feedback. |
|
5/6K |
Chris |
For greater effort shown in task completion when working independently or within a team. |
|
6C |
Crystal |
For being a positive role model to others by always being respectful and helping others. |
|
6H |
Liliana |
For always setting a good example for others by being independent and respectful in the classroom and playground. |
|
6W |
Eli |
For being kind and courteous to other students and working hard to improve his focus during classroom activities. |
The focus for the fortnight is: Be Independent – We take turns and play by the rules.
This fortnight we're focusing on the art of taking turns and playing by the rules – otherwise known as fair play. These may seem like simple concepts, but they're crucial building blocks for social interaction and emotional development. By learning to take turns and following rules during playtime, children develop patience, empathy, and respect for others. These skills form the foundation for healthy relationships and successful teamwork in the future.
Playing fair is about learning and using the rules of the game and putting them into practice – whether they’re special family rules for card or board games, or the rules at Saturday sport. Fair play is also about learning social rules, like cooperating, taking turns, being polite, solving problems and being flexible. Playing fair helps children enjoy the experience of playing together. It’s also an important part of getting along with others. And when children get along well with others, it gives them a sense of belonging and helps them grow and thrive.
You can use the following tips to help children of any age learn about fair play and enjoying the game.
- Consider the age of your child: children can learn about fair play more easily when the game is suitable for their age. For example, children younger than 6-7 years find it hard to understand formal rules. Simple games that give each child a turn can work well for younger children – for example, ‘snakes and ladders’. Short waiting times can help too.
- Give your child the chance to play a variety of games: the more experience and practice the better. Try board and ball games, competitive games of skill like chess, competitive games of chance, and cooperative games like charades. Even make-believe games can help children practise taking turns.
- Find a range of playmates: it’s good for your child to play with children who are older or younger. For example, your child can look after younger children and show them the rules. Older children can also be good role models for younger children.
- Go over the rules of the game: before the game starts, make sure everyone knows what the rules are and how they make the game fair. You might also need to gently remind children of the rules as you play.
- Introduce some social rules: these could be rules about taking turns and congratulating other people when they win.
- Encourage children to have a say in the rules: if you’re playing a game with flexible or made-up rules, ask children what the rules should be. For example, ‘If the ball goes out of bounds, what do you think should happen?’ Children who feel they’ve had a say in the rules are more likely to follow them.
- Give feedback: praise your child for sharing, taking turns and other examples of playing fair. Point out what your child did well. For example, ‘I thought it was great the way you shook hands with the other team at the end of the game’.
At Craigslea SS: We choose a fair way to take turns. We negotiate the rules for the game. We make sure everyone agrees. We stick to the order and/or rules once decided. We wait patiently for our turn.
These apps are available to students whose families have paid the SRS contribution. Students who are not able to access the app will be provided with similar activities using hard copies or other apps that do not require student data. If your studnet does not have access please ensure consent and payment has been completed via QParents.
Prep – Year 2
- Students’ passwords are the same as 2023 (rolled over from last year)
- New students, teachers will share their password.
Year 3 – 6
- Yr 3 students can access this at school using the school iPads.
- Yr 4 – 6 students can download this app on their own device.
- Teachers will use these apps to directly complement their explicit teaching.
- Teachers will direct their students regarding the usage of the app.
Sharing Student Information:
From time-to-time parents ask us to provide information about their child to external medical and allied health professionals. When this happens, before we can complete any questionnaires, have a conversation and/or provide observations with their health professionals we need to have a completed consent to share information form signed by the parents.
If you wish for your child’s teaching team to provide information, please provide the following information for each professional that is working with your child and who you think we may need to liaise with over the year:
- Name of treating professional
- Role or position of professional
- Company/organisation/agency they are working for
- Contact details – phone and email
- Address (if possible)
- Date of next appointment or when information is required back to the practitioner.
This information is populated into a consent to share information form ready for parent signature/s. Once the form is returned signed, teaching staff will work on and providing the requested information.
Please note we require a minimum of 2 weeks notice for compiling any information or completing any questionnaires/ surveys.
In this edition…
- ‘Mother’s and Other’s Day’ Stall – Friday 10th May
- Rockaeoke (Adult only event) – Saturday 18th May
- OSHC Assessment and Rating result
Also….
- Sustainability team will be hosting their second sewing bee on Monday 6th May (public holiday) from 2pm in the OSHC building. No sewing experience necessary – everyone is welcome. Please bring along your sewing machine (if you have one), tape measure, other sewing supplies and any old uniforms.
- We had our April General Meeting on the Monday just gone. The three main take home messages from this meeting were:
- Fundraising – we have a lot of events this term. Please get involved and help promote our events.
- Grants – 6 new grant opportunities have been applied for since March!! Well done and congratulations to our new Grant Officer, Anthony Van Zwieten for his amazing hard work!
- Strategic Planning – Melanie Rehm provided an excellent update on the school’s strategic plan.
- Can you help? Volunteering opportunities available
- P&C Contacts – Get in touch
- Fundraising Opportunities
- ‘Mother and Other’s Day’ Stall – Friday 10th May
- By now you should have received a flyer with the details of our upcoming ‘Mother’s and Other’s Day’
- Please allow your child to bring a small amount of cash that day to spend at the stall. We will have gifts ranging from $1 - $10.
- We will need volunteers before, during and after the event to help. Please click on the volunteer link if you have some free time https://volunteersignup.org/WDHH3
- The sustainability club will be supplying some plants to sell – if you have any free small pots / containers please drop them off at the Greenhouse. Plant cuttings are also welcome – please get in touch with Jen if you have any questions sustainability@craigsleapandc.org.au
- Rockaoke – Saturday 18th May 7pm
- What is Rockaoke? It’s singing your favourite karaoke song whilst being backed by a live rock band!! The song list is available here http://tinyurl.com/CSSsecretplaylist
- If you don’t like to sing, that’s ok, we have an awesome band who will play some amazing covers between karaoke numbers. Just come along and enjoy the atmosphere.
- This is an adult only event for parents, carers, staff and the wider Craigslea community. Tickets are on sale here https://trybooking.com/1212833
- Ticket prices are $20 per ticket, or you can pay $30 and pre-buy your first drink (e.g. can of coke / beer / glass of wine) and snack (e.g. bag of chips).
- We are arranging for a food truck to be on site – more details to come soon.
- OSHC Assessment and Rating by the Department of Education
- Earlier this year our OSHC had it’s Assessment and Rating review by the Department of Education. This was last done 7yrs ago. We are so proud to announce that our service has been rated as “Meeting NQS” which is an improvement on their previous “Working Towards” rating. Most SEQ OSHC programs are in the “Working Towards” category so to receive a “Meeting NQS” rating is a great achievement. We would like to thank Kylie and all of her amazing OSHC staff for working so hard over the last few years to achieve this goal. Keep an eye on our Facebook page and Xplor noticeboard to read more details on how we have achieved this standard and how we will continue to work towards an “Exceeding NQS” at our next assessment.
Can You Help?
Help to make Craigslea State Primary School a better place by volunteering for these activities:
- Tuckshop – tuckshop are always after volunteers during the week. Even if you only have a short amount of free time please reach out and get in touch with Deb (see the P&C contacts below)
- Mother’s and Other’s Day stall (Friday 10th May) – If you like online shopping and would like to help find products for our upcoming Mother's and Other's fund raising stall please contact Emily at the uniform shop (see below for contact information). Here is the volunteer link if you can help out on the day https://volunteersignup.org/WDHH3
- Bunnings Sausage Sizzle – 22nd June 2024 – click on this link if you can help out https://volunteersignup.org/BJLF8
P&C Contacts
P&C Executive (Joel, Raechal, Sophie, Kate)
enquiries@craigsleapandc.org.au
https://www.facebook.com/CSSPandC
http://tinyurl.com/2xkuvtx9 (link to download P&C 2024 Calendar)
Tuckshop (Deb)
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
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 us via email enquiries@craigsleapandc.org.au . Our prices are currently half price whilst we wait for our sign to be fixed.
30 Jun 2025 - 11 Jul 2025 All day 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM All day 28 Jul 2025 - 29 Jul 2025 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM All day All day
School Holidays
School resumes
Assembly - NAIDOC
Eco Club - Term 3
Eco Club - Term 3
School Trees Day
2025 Life ED Talk About It
P&C General Meeting
OSHC Educators Day
Due (Consent & Payment) - 2025 Perform Education Year 1 and Year 2
Sounds too good to be true? Our chess classes are designed for children in Prep and above. We tailor our lessons to ensure that every student thrives in a supportive and fun environment!
Your child won't just feel the thrill of winning, but they'll also make friends and grow emotionally.
Secure your child's spot now for a journey of learning and fun! Please head to https://www.chessmates.com.au/contact and send us an email referencing a free trial lesson.
Chess Mates at Craigslea State School
Wednesdays from 8:00am to 8:45am
$17 Per Week
Location: The Lower H Block
