MacGregor State School Newsletter 2023 Edition 10
From the Principal
Dear Parents & Caregivers,
Congratulations Mrs. Keating!
I am pleased to inform the community that Mrs. Sandi Keating who has been acting in her role for the past 12+ months has now been appointed permanently. This marks the first time in many years where the majority of the senior leadership of the school are substantive in their roles. This of course has positive implications for the future stability and sustainability of our school’s improvement agenda. Please join me in congratulating Sandi.
Your Child’s Safety Online
With the holidays almost upon us, I urge parents to be vigilant in monitoring their child’s online activity.
Once again, we have been alerted to inappropriate activity with a group of MacGregor State School Year 5 students using the online chat platform, DISCORD outside of school hours and sometimes late at night. We also have evidence of students downloading a virtual private network (VPN) called Psiphon Data Engine to circumvent department security settings, allowing them to use a school device to access inappropriate content.
To understand more about DISCORD, please visit the Australian Government endorsed e-Safety Commissioner’s website:
- About DISCORD: https://www.esafety.gov.au/key-issues/esafety-guide/discord
- About Cyberbullying: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/issues-and-advice/cyberbullying
As a school, we have limited control to intervene with this chat group but we are asking parents to please monitor and be vigilant about how your child interacts with these types of social communication tools in your home.
You may find that students are indicating to you that the platform is for school use, however, please note that there are no approved chat forums approved for curriculum teaching and learning at MacGregor SS.
We ask you to speak with your child and reinforce the safe use of online communication and social media in a positive and supportive way as children of this age are still learning and therefore not always aware of how their choices may constitute cyberbullying or inappropriate behaviour. They will benefit from knowing that they can talk to you safely as online chats are significantly different to talking face-to-face as we know.
https://www.esafety.gov.au/ is educative for both parents and children and are a great reference point for families who may not know how to start the conversation about safe online use.
Support for all families: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents/resources/online-safety-for-every-family allows you to select your first Language allowing this information to be more accessible to our broader community.
Recent research into this area indicates that the average age that children are exposed to explicit online content is 11 years. As parents I am sure this statistic alarms you as much as it does us. Some tips around monitoring your child’s online activity include:
- Ensuring that devices are accessed where you can see the screen, for example at the kitchen table or at a workstation located in the main part of the home and not behind a closed bedroom door.
- Be suspicious if your child quickly shuts down programs on the screen when you are watching. Ask to check the browser history.
- Establishing strict bedtime routines such as limiting access to all devices after a certain time in the afternoon or evening or switching off Wi-Fi access after a certain time.
- Research from the National Sleep Foundations indicates that screentime (on laptops, iPads and cell phones) should end at least thirty minutes before bed.
At MacGregor State School we place a high priority on ensuring that our students are safe at all times. In order to do this, we need to work closely with our families to ensure that this protection is provided outside of school hours as well. The school will have no choice but to limit online device access and apply serious disciplinary consequences for students repeatedly breaching the ICT regulations in the Student Code of Conduct.
Yours in equity and excellence,
Mr. Lee Gerchow
Prep and Year One
Welcome to Week 8!
As we approach the final stretch with just a little over two weeks remaining, it is amazing how quickly this year has passed. I am so proud of the progress and growth of each and every one of our young learners, and cannot wait to celebrate their achievements and hard work next week during our upcoming Prep Graduation Ceremony and Year 1 Academic Awards. I also feel incredibly fortunate to be surrounded by a team of educators who are truly committed to the success and wellbeing of our students, working tirelessly to ensure that every learner has the opportunity to reach their full potential and thrive in all aspects of their lives – academically, physically, socially and emotionally.
Last week, at our Prep to Year 1 assembly, we celebrated the amazing learning in Prep D. By using Age-Appropriate Pedagogies and connecting learning to real-life experiences to explore how objects move, to investigate the capacity of the containers to see which ones hold more or less and learn about the concept of addition by putting two parts together to make a whole, we strive to make learning not only enjoyable, but also deeply meaningful for our students.
Our learners in 1D, created characters to fit into Bluey episodes. They interviewed each other about their cool and interesting characters, putting their communication skills to the test.
In Science, 1D have been busy planning, designing and creating habitat dioramas. They made rainforests, oceans and deserts, and proudly show-cased their work to peers.
Year Four and Five
As we close in on the end of the year, we still have many assemblies and events to get through. In Week 8 we celebrated the achievements of our students across the school for Performing Arts and Sports Awards and in Week 9 on Thursday 30th November we have our Year 4, 5 and 6 Academic Awards. Please remember we ask all students wear their Formal Uniform (Monday Uniform) to these assemblies unless they are performing and then they require Performing Arts uniform.
With the business of the end of the school year, it is important to remind our students of following our rules and ensuring they are Being Safe, Responsible and Respectful at all times.
Year 4
Year 4 have been learning about persuasive writing for their Term 4 English Unit. The Students have created a cereal advertisement and created their own Cereal box as part of their learning.
Year 5
In 5AB, the class collaborated in small groups to create these kindness bingo sheets. As someone practises one of the kindness ideas, they write their initials next to the awesome act!
New from 5E: Our Science experiments
We had to present our findings about factors affecting evaporation of a liquid to the class at the end of the unit/assessment.
Puzzle Challenge
In 5C, each group was given the same size puzzle and theteam who placed all the pieces together first winds. 3 Rounds with 3 different puzzles. Happy National Games and Puzzle Week!
Opening of the Garden Patch
On Thursday 30th November from 3.30pm the MacGregor School Community are invited to the Grand Opening of our new Garden Patch. Come along to hear all the exciting ideas we have for our Garden Patch and how you can support us in joining our new adventure.
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Year Six
It really is exciting times at MacGregor State School at this time of the year. Plans are close to finalising for our very first Year 6 Graduation off-site at Nissan Arena and this will be a night not to be missed! We are so pleased to share that we have sold over 500 tickets to this event! There is still time to make sure you don't miss out - please access the link below by Friday 1st December!
We invite any interested members of our school community to celebrate our wonderful Year 6 students as they farewell primary school and begin their new adventures in Junior Secondary. Tickets are now available to any families, relatives or guests who would like to be a part of this very special occasion.
Our venue, Nissan Arena, has ample and accessible parking, food huts will be open to enable the purchase of food and drinks and MSP Photographers will be there to capture every exciting moment. And of course, the stars of the show, our Year 6 Graduating students, will be there.
Tickets can be purchased via https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=MCGRAD23 or by simply heading to the Ticketek website and typing MacGregor into their Search bar. We hope to see as many of our school community there as possible!
Wet + Wild Excursion
Thank you to the families who have finalised all aspects of the Wet and Wild Excursion. This will be a fantastic day out for our Year 6 students – a tradition of celebrating the end of Primary school with their very last excursion together.
Wet + Wild Parent Volunteer Meeting/ Induction
Please note that there will be compulsory Parent Volunteer Meeting before this event.
We are offering an early morning session or an afternoon session:
Monday 27th November: 5pm in the Administration Building
Tuesday 28th November: 7.45am in the Administration Building
Community Partnerships – MacGregor State High School Year 12 Graduation Ceremony
On the 16th November, I was fortunate enough to attend the Year 12 Graduation Ceremony at MacGregor State High School. This event was held in the morning in their Hall and I have to say it was outstanding.
The most notable aspect was the manner in which, the just over 200, Year 12 students presented themselves across the flawless ceremony. The cohort of students were proud in their demeanour and uniform. It was visible that this was a milestone day for them – friendships formed over the course of the past 6 years now forged through the ritual of Year 12 graduation. The Clan Teachers each shared a speech of their time with their students – many of which they’ve had over the past 6 years. These speeches clearly reflected a fondness, dedication and commitment to each and every student.
The instrumental pieces that formed part of the ceremony were of the highest calibre – pitch and performance perfect. Robyn Rosewarne and Haddon Mosley leading these pieces further showcasing their passion for seeing students of all ages excel in their chosen
I left this event with a reminder of why we do the work we do as educators. Seeing the full circle at the MacGregor State High School Year 12 Graduation affirms the hope and optimism I have for the future with these fine young adults taking their next steps towards a brighter future.
A whole school goodbye to our Year 6 students - Thursday 7th December
Families are welcome to join us on the oval from 2pm on Thursday 7th December as we say goodbye to our graduating Year 6 students. This event will include all children from Prep to Year 5 and all staff who are present on this day.
Come along and be part of this school-based celebration of our wonderful Year 6 students.
Finally, as we plan to farewell our Year 6 students, we plan to welcome our newest learners here at MacGregor State School. With Prep Orientation today, it was lovely to see some of our captains out and about welcoming new families to MacGregor State School. Thank you Athene and Seerit!
H.O.D. Update
During Week 6, we held our first Parent Learning Forum.
It was great to have parents and carers join us from all year levels as we explored the topic for this workshop: Unlocking 21st Century Minds: Nurturing Creative Thinkers and Growth Mindsets in Children.
In today's fast-paced and ever-changing world, our children are growing up in an environment that demands a different set of skills and competencies than ever before. The traditional methods of rote memorization and textbook learning are evolving with a focus on critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and a growth mindset. These are the skills that will not only prepare our children for the future but also empower them to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape.
21st-century learning is designed to prepare students for the demands of the modern world. These skills include critical thinking, creative thinking, communication, collaboration, adaptability, and digital literacy. It promotes problem-solving, innovation, and a deeper understanding of real-world issues.
During the session we depended our understanding of critical thinking and creative thinking and explored what it means to have a growth mindset. We participated in some activities that could be shared at home and identified the power of the word ‘YET’.
I can’t do that- ends a story.
I can’t do that YET-
Means ANYTHING is possible!
We have more parent learning forums scheduled for 2024, so keep an eye out for information in Term One. We hope you will be able to join us on the journey.
Learning Engagement Team Update
Sports Update
On Thursday we wrapped up or sports program with our annual sports assembly. What a wonderful opportunity to recognise out amazing students and their efforts during the year.
Congratulations to all the award winners during the ceremony.
Awards were presented for:
Best and Fairest each sports team
Premiership team
ACE Awards
Intra School Sport
Representative Students
Congratulations to Brandon on being awarded the Sporting Excellence Award.
We also had the please to induct three more students into the MacGregor Sporting Hall of Fame
Well done to Louis, Brandon and Zoe.
Message from The Guidance Officer
Hello from our Chappy Mr T.
Hi Macgregor State School community
As we are closing quickly to the end of 2023, I'm planning for 2024.
Looking for volunteers to help out during Breakfast Club on Thursday mornings to help out and supervise the Yr 5/Yr6 in the kitchen at MacPlace. We mainly prepare and serve the cheese toasties, toast with jam, cereal and milk, and hand out yoghurt and fruit.
If you are available from 8am-8.45am on a Thursday, please reach out to me via email on bthie14@eq.edu.au
Hope to hear from you 🙂
Citipointe Community Care has a small range of children's gifts for primary age children (while stocks last). Contact 3347 5835. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 9.30am-12.30pm (Carindale only).
Local Salvation Army Churches are providing Christmas Gifts for children in need this year. Go to www.salvationarmy.org.au/locations to find your local church and register. You can also call Salvos on 3001 6288 for Coles and Woolies vouchers that can be used for children's gifts.
MacGregor State School Peace Code
Recognising and resolving conflict:
- Stop and think before reacting
- Recognising body cues
- Actively listen to all perspectives
- Walk away
Sustainability Captains
On November 9th the Sustainability Captains embarked on their end of year celebration with the Tangalooma Eco Marines. “The Wave” is a celebration where all Eco Marines from all over Queensland come to share stories and celebrate all the growth that each school had. We were very excited to share our $50,000 new Sustainable Garden that will have a grand opening at the end of the month. To assist in raising money for the veggies, the Captains sold plants and home made bookmarks and made over $250.
We look forward to inviting everyone to the grand opening.
Finance Update
Student Resource Scheme 2024
The Student Resource Scheme Booklet for 2024 will be emailed to all families this week. As we have moved to the Consent Management module in QParent we request that all parents please complete the SRS Participation Agreement Form in the QParent App by 22 January 2024.
Please email enrolment@macgregorss.eq.edu.au if you require support to set up the App.
The cost is as follows :-
- Prep - Year 2 (including iPad classes) $200
Year 3 – Year 6 (non E-Learning) $200
- Year 3 – Year 6 E-Learning (laptop classes) $170
The SRS invoices will be emailed in 2024 and can be paid in full, or in 3 instalment amounts due in Term 1, Term 2 and Term 3.
Mac Shack News
Volunteers Needed
The Mac Snack Shack needs your help to keep our tuckshop running smoothly and efficiently. We are looking for volunteers who can spare a few hours a week to assist in the tuckshop. No experience necessary, just a friendly smile and a willingness to learn. Please follow this link to sign up – https://msspc.org.au/tuck-shop/
Online Ordering
Flexischools continues to be the fastest and easiest way to place orders. You can sign up online at https://flexischools.com.au/parents or download the Flexischools app. Orders must be placed before 8.30am for same day orders. Alternatively, you can order up to a month in advance.
Summer Menu
The summer menu runs for term 4 2023 and term 1 2024. The tuckshop will continue to make our most popular daily specials, Pasta and our Bento Box. New daily specials will be available, as well as some new items added to our regular menu. Check out the new menu here https://msspc.org.au/tuck-shop/
Uniform Shop
UNIFORM & STATIONERY SHOP OPENING HOURS
**** EXTENDED TRADING DAYS ****
MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY - 8:00am to 9:00am
Contact Email Address: uniformshop@msspc.org.au
ONLINE ORDERING AVAILABLE: https://macgregorss.mystudentaccount.com
Online orders are delivered to your child’s classroom.
VOLUNTEERS
With next year’s booklists soon to be released, the Uniform and Stationery Shop is requiring volunteers to assist with book packing. We are looking for parent volunteers who can assist in book packing from 27th Nov – 8th December 9am – 1pm.
If you could spare any time once booklists are released to help, please contact Winnie on 3323 4412 or email uniformshop@msspc.org.au. Your support to our school will be very much appreciated.
2024 BOOKLISTS
2024 booklists will be emailed to families Friday 17th November 2023. Booklists will be sent to the email address that has been provided to the school for correspondence.
We recommend placing your booklist and uniform requirements online with My Student Account (https://macgregorss.mystudentaccount.com). Orders placed online are given priority and will be packed before orders placed over the counter at the Uniform Shop.
Please ensure your account is updated with your child’s 2023 class.
For parents travelling overseas during the school holidays, orders can be placed online, using My Student Account, whilst away from home and your order will be ready for collection from the Uniform & Stationery shop the week commencing 15th January 2024.
All orders placed prior to Monday 4th December 2023 will be delivered to your child’s classroom, unless otherwise arranged. We can’t guarantee delivery by the end of term if your order is placed after this date.
Any orders not delivered by the end of term will be held at the Uniform & Stationery Shop awaiting collection when the shop reopens Monday 15th January 2024.
Please ensure that your book pack is checked and notify the Uniform & Stationery shop as soon as possible if any packing errors. Retain your receipt as proof of purchase.
PREP PARENTS
A reminder to current Prep parents that your child requires a green hat for Year 1. Green legionnaire caps $12 and bucket hats $14.00. They are available for online ordering or in purchase in Uniform & Stationery Shop.
Also, stationery requirements for Year 1 are not shared like in Prep. You are required to order your individual stationery requirements and ensure all items are labelled and books are covered ready for Day 1 2024.