MacGregor State School Newsletter 2023 Edition 11
From the Principal
Dear Parents & Caregivers,
Throughout this year, we’ve seen our MacGregor family ‘reaching for the stars’ in everything we do. Our motto, ‘To the Stars’ embodies our shared spirit of aiming high, dreaming big, and embracing the endless possibilities our world has to offer. Let’s keep that spark alive as we dive into the holiday season!
May these holidays be a time of laughter, love and treasured moments with family and friends. Take the chance to recharge, reflect and cherish the bonds that make our community so incredibly special.
To our amazing students, dedicated staff and supportive families - thank you for making this year an incredible success. Your enthusiasm and dedication are the stars that light up our sky!
Here’s to a season filled with joy, warmth and peace. May you all have a wonderful time and return refreshed and ready to reach for even greater heights in the New Year.
Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Yours in equity and excellence,
Mr. Lee Gerchow
Prep and Year One
Welcome to the final week of the school year!
It was so wonderful to be able to celebrate the achievements and efforts of our Prep and Year 1 learners at Prep Graduation and Year 1 Academic Awards. They all worked very hard during the year and their efforts have paid off. As I mentioned during the awards ceremony, learning is not just about receiving high grades and awards. It is about curiosity, creativity and the willingness to take risks. I am very proud of each and every young learner who have shown us time and time again that they are not afraid to ask questions, embrace new challenges and think outside the box. Congratulations to all our amazing learners!
None of this would have been possible without the incredible support and dedication of the team of Teachers and Teacher Aides. Their passion, patience and belief in our students have been the driving force behind this remarkable success. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to work alongside such a committed group of educators who consistently go above and beyond to ensure that every learner reaches their full potential.
To the amazing families I had the privilege to work with, I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the support and care you have shown throughout the year. Your dedication and encouragement have made a huge difference in the schooling life of our little learners.
As we approach the holiday season, I would like to wish you all a Merry Christmas, filled with joy, laughter, peace and precious moments with your loved ones. May this festive season bring you an abundance of happiness, a well-deserved rest, and ample opportunities to reconnect, recharge, and restore.
I look forward to working with you all in 2024, as we strive to create an even more enriching and inspiring learning environment for our wonderful learners.
Year Four and Five
As the 2023 school year comes to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the Year 4 and 5 families for their ongoing support. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and that your we see your smiling faces back at school in 2024.
News from Year 4
As assessments have been completed, Students in 4E have been using their time by being creative with beautiful poinsettia Art. The students followed instructions by Ms Meinicke and created stunning portraits.
News from Year 5
After several weeks, our Leadership process in selecting our 2024 School Leaders has been finalised. We started with 130 students wanting to take part in the Leadership projects to 88 students applying for a Captain’s role. Whilst we only had 28 positions, the depth of quality leaders made for some very difficult decisions needing to be made. Congratulations to our 2024 Leaders, but I also want to thank all of the students and their families for the time the put into giving their child the best chance.
School Captain | Evelyn Chen |
Isara Dewadasa | |
Emily Hermawan | |
Isabella Shih | |
MacKenzie House | Zoe Henderson |
Emmet McKechnie | |
MacQuarrie House | Royce Chen |
Imogen Meale | |
MacLeod House | Hayley To |
Clement Tiong | |
McArthur House | Inba Asir |
Mila Exelby | |
Band | Patrick Chen |
Queena Chu | |
Strings | Ethan Kok |
Katherine Cao | |
Choral | Maria Birbilis |
Melody Hodas | |
Dance | Tina Wang |
Katie Chu | |
Library | Safwan Dewan |
Sehajdeep Panjetta | |
ICT | Jash Bharambe |
Joseph Zhao | |
Sustainability | Bethany Chan |
Claire Ma | |
Ishaan Malde | |
Sarah Shih |
5C enjoyed an activity of Paint and Snack this week. They were given a portrait of a llama and got busy creating their own little portrait.
Year Six
Good Luck and Farewell to our Year 6 Class of 2023
Wow! What a fantastic Graduation event we had on Tuesday night!
Thank you to all of our families who supported this event – we could not have done it without you.
The young people we have departing us on Friday have been shaped and guided by you as their parents….their first teachers. You are the unsung heroes here and therefore I’d like to sincerely thank you for your part in creating such incredible humans.
Thank you to the staff present and past who have taken time out of their busy schedules to support the end of the primary for our Year 6 students. You have watched them grow and have been their cheerleaders for many years – thank you for your support of our lovely event.
Year 6 Parent Planning Committee
A deep sense of gratitude and thanks must go to the fantastic parent committee of 7:
- Yvonne Chen
- Angie Deng
- Jacqui Paul
- Lillian Luo
- Amanda Li
- Yeni Amin
- Jenny Scott
This term we have met many times after school, (and into the evening) on Saturday mornings, we have visited the venue twice, met over Teams Meetings and chatted on our dedicated WhatsApp Chat group almost on a daily basis.
We have attended a P&C Meeting together and we have collectively sought donations, decided on how to how to allocate funds and had some robust and agreeable conversations all in between.
The drive and passion you all have for your school and our students is truly inspiring. Thank you for your advocacy across parent communication lines and mostly, thank you for your contribution in bringing our wonderful graduation together.
It has been an absolute privilege working with each one of you – thank you.
Thank you to our P&C who donated funds to support our event this year. We’ll look forward to future planning of events with your ongoing support and endorsement of large-scale events such as our Graduation.
And finally, Mr Gerchow – thank you for your ongoing support of a new look Graduation at MacGregor SS. I recall having a conversation with you late last year and it was a green light from then. None of this would have been possible without your vision and your willingness to take a risk with something new. Thank you.
To our Year 6 Class of 2023
Having first met this group of wonderful young people in Term 4 last year, I very quickly identified them as a shining light for our future. They are intelligent, driven, they speak up, they have a strong sense of what is right and just and they are learners.
It has become very clear to me as a newcomer to this great school that they have been nurtured in the wonderful setting that is MacGregor SS.
A nursery of sorts where our future leaders, game changers, sports people and performing arts stars are wrapped in the support of the dedicated adults around them. Teachers, specialists, Teacher Aides and our Administration staff.
MacGregor SS has offered you all outstanding opportunities over the past seven years and believe us when we say, these will be the days, the routines, the discipline and the friendships that will stay with you for a long time.
Today is not an ending….it is the beginning of something new and exciting. You will always be a part of MacGregor SS as you step out into the world on your next journey.
On behalf the leadership team, congratulations on reaching this milestone – we wish you all the best for your future.
Believe that you are unstoppable in all of your future endeavours.
As we transition to 2024, I will be inviting interested Year 6 parents to join our planning committee for Graduation 2024. Keep an eye out for more details when we return to school after the summer break.
Have a safe and restorative break and all the very best for your graduating Year 6 students.
What a fantastic way to end the afternoon!
A whole school Guard of Honour – every student from Prep to Year 5 farewelling our Year 6’s and our departing staff.
Goodbye and Farewell to our wonderful Year 6 cohort….we will miss you!
H.O.D. Update
It is hard to believe we are already at the end of another school year.
2023 has been full of exciting learning opportunities for our students. We have had some wonderful excursions and incursions to support the learning that has been taking place in our classrooms.
Other fabulous events have included Under 8’s day, Outdoor Learning Day our Naidoc Week celebrations as well as Say No to Bullying Day, Book Week and Book Fair just to name a few.
Our MacGregor students have truly embraced the spirit of curiosity and discovery throughout the year. From the wonders of science experiments to the magic of storytelling, each classroom has been a hub of inquisitive minds eager to uncover the secrets of the world. Whether it's the excitement of solving a challenging math problem or the joy of creating a masterpiece in art or music, our students have shown us that learning is an adventure worth embarking upon. From outstanding performances in class projects to triumphs on the sports field, each success is a reminder of the limitless potential that resides within each student.
We look forward with anticipation to see what unfolds as we embark on the MacGregor learning journey in 2024.
We hope you all have a wonderful holiday break and enjoy time with family and friends.
Peter and Alison
Learning Engagement Team Update
This year, Queensland Disability Action Week was held from 25 November to 2 December, concluding with International Day of People with Disability being held on 3 December, 2023.
International Day of People with Disability aims to improve community awareness by recognising the positive contribution people with disability make to society, and build confidence in the community to work and engage with people with disability.
This year's theme asked everyone to work together to make the world better and fairer for people with disability.
At Macgregor State School we strive through Equity and Excellence to work towards an inclusive education system that supports the success and wellbeing of every student through each stage of their learning. It is important for our students, staff and wider community to recognise and support our diverse range of persons in our classrooms and school communities each and every day.
Please see the link below to the online ABC Story on Boccia as an inclusive sport at Macgregor State School.
Sports Update
This week we hosted our annual inter house swimming carnivals. The days included lots of fun and splashing with a few water guns to cool the crowd.
Congratulations to MacLeod who have been crowned champions for 2023.
Shout out to the swimmers that had success on our signature events, the king, queen, prince and princess of the pool.
Angela – Princess
Isaac – Prince
Laynie – Queen
Sion – King
IMPORTANT
Our selection process for the school swimming team (students turning 10-11-12 in 2024) will be occurring in the first week back in 2024. Students wanting to be selected will need to meet the Mt Gravatt District qualifying times to be selected. More information will be sent to families at the start of the year.
Message from The Guidance Officer
As we conclude the school year, I want to thank you for your continuous support and collaboration in ensuring each child reaches their fullest potential. It has been a year filled with growth, learning and countless memorable moments.
To the Grade 6 families, as your child embarks on the next chapter of their educational journey, I want to extend my warmest wishes for success and happiness in their future endeavours. The resilience and determination they've shown this year have been truly inspiring. Congratulations on reaching this milestone. I look forward to hearing about their future accomplishments.
As we all prepare to enjoy a well-deserved break, I hope you find time to relax and rejuvenate with your loved ones, spending it in whatever way brings you joy and fulfillment.
Have a wonderful break with your family. I look forward to seeing you in Term 1, 2024.
Hello from our Chappy Mr T.
End of Year and Happy Holidays
Breakfast Club finished for the year in Week 9. I would like to thank all parent volunteers, students and staff for helping out throughout 2023.
On some occasions, we were blessed when volunteers came out of nowhere to assist when we were short.
A special shout out to Yuri and Athene for their hard work and dedication to serving the school breakfast. Yuri was the first one to arrive in the morning and help to prep food and organise student helpers. Athene was the last to leave whilst serving toast and jam to late coming students or until everyone in line had something to eat.
You will be missed!
Have a good and safe holiday. Looking forward to 2024.
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.
Term One Menu 2024
There is a new menu for term 1 2024. The tuckshop will continue to make our most popular daily specials. New daily specials are available, as well as new items added to our regular menu. Check out the new menu here https://msspc.org.au/tuck-shop/
Thank you for your continued support this year and look forward to seeing you all in 2024!
Uniform Shop
UNIFORM & STATIONERY SHOP OPENING HOURS
**** EXTENDED TRADING DAYS ****
15th January to 19th January 2024
MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY & FRIDAY - 8:00am to 9:00am
Contact Email Address: uniformshop@msspc.org.au
2024 BOOKLISTS
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.
For parents travelling overseas dur ing 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..
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 2019.
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.
VOLUNTEERS
If you could spare any time to help, please contact Winnie on 3323 4412 or email uniformshop@msspc.org.au Your help will be very much appreciated.
BACK TO SCHOOL / HOLIDAY TRADING HOURS
The Uniform and Stationery Shop will be open on the following dates during the upcoming school holidays.
MONDAY 15 JANUARY 2024 9:00AM TO 12 NOON
TUESDAY 16 JANUARY 2024 9:00AM TO 12 NOON
WEDNESDAY 17 JANUARY 2024 9:00AM TO 12 NOON
THURSDAY 18 JANUARY 2024 9:00AM TO 12 NOON
FRIDAY 19 JANUARY 2024 9:00AM TO 12 NOON
SATURDAY 20 JANUARY 2024 9:00AM TO 12 NOON
Student Achievements
Congratulations to Jayden from 2E who was awarded first prize by Mr Russo as the winner of the Annual Christmas Card design competition. Jayden proudly wore his Macgregor State School Uniform to receive the award.