MacGregor State School Newsletter 2024 Edition 4
From the Principal
Dear Parents & Caregivers,
In week 7 I had the enormous privilege of being invited to be a part of a school review at Annandale State School in Townsville. Annandale is a school of 700+ students situated in Bindal Country in Central Queensland.
The review team and I spent three days having conversations with staff, students and parents about their school improvement journey and everything great about their school.
Regular participation in school reviews is an important part of my professional development as an experienced senior principal and as such I try to participate in at least one review of another school per term. Next term I have been invited to participate in a review of Mooloolaba State School on the Sunshine Coast from 16th – 18th April. Mr Davey will be OIC in my absence.
Pictured below are myself, Damien Hoare (Internal Reviewer School and Regional Reviews) and external reviewer David Hinton at Annandale State School.
Deputies Gary, Julia, Diana and Sandi all participated in school review training as well in week 7 in preparation for MacGregor State School’s review which will take place in term 2 Tuesday April 30th – Friday 3rd May.
Yours in Equity & Excellence,
Mr. Lee Gerchow
Principal
Protocols for respectful communication with our staff
Recently we have had a number of instances where parents dropping children off at the classroom at the beginning of the school day wanting to have lengthy conversations with the teacher about their child’s progress.
At MacGregor State School we value the partnership between school and home and want to ensure that regular communication is supporting the needs of all students. Teachers have the duty of care for all of the students in their class from the moment they enter school at the beginning of the school day and we aim to commence instruction immediately after 9am, making it extremely difficult for the teacher to have anything more than a very brief conversation at this time with individual parents.
If you have a concern or something else you would like to discuss at length with the teacher, please arrange an appointment for a meeting outside of instruction time to ensure that the matter can be given the teacher’s full attention. Alternatively, please contact the relevant year-level deputy to arrange a meeting.
Right to disconnect
Our staff work diligently throughout the school day to support student well-being and learning and many of them also put in long hours in their own time planning and preparing for instruction. Staff members also have obligations to their own families and loved-ones as well as to their own well-being during their time outside of work and have the right to disconnect from electronic communication outside of working hours.
Whilst our staff will endeavour to address any concerns or questions emailed to them in a timely manner, please understand that they may be unable to respond to requests of information outside of working hours and that emails sent late at night or on weekends will be attended to on the following work day when time permits.
Please sign in
Parents wishing to see their children during the school day or volunteering in classrooms are required to sign in at administration before proceeds through the school. Please ensure students being dropped off late or departing early also report to student services to be signed in or out.
Principal Storytime
Last week I enjoyed reading to Prep E and talking to them the story ‘Giraffes Can’t Dance’. I really enjoy these classroom visits and they are a highlight of my week.
Prep and Year One
Welcome to Week 8!
It is so wonderful to be able to just walk in and join in the learning in the classrooms. These visits are always the highlights of my day! I would like to take this opportunity to commend our Early Years teachers and staff who deliberately, purposefully and thoughtfully make decisions in co-constructing learning environments that are motivating, engaging, flexible, inviting, challenging and supportive for our learners. The joy and excitement around learning in the classrooms are contagious and worth celebrating.
The current work in Prep and Year 1 sector evolves around Age-Appropriate Pedagogies to ensure the learning is hands-on, meaningful and closely connected to real-life situations.
We are looking for the opportunities to include students’ voices in their learning to ensure that their ideas and interests are acknowledged and valued. We are building our understanding and expertise around the learning environments to ensure they are responsive to the needs of our learners and provide a balance of structured and spontaneous, open-ended and specific tasks as well as the opportunities for our learners to collaboratively plan for, co-construct and reflect on their learning. We believe that these pedagogies and practices deliver increased outcomes from learning, and support future learning and development of our students.
EGG-citement in Prep!
Our Henny Penny Hatching program has commenced this week. The excitement and conversations around the life cycle of a chicken are priceless!
This activity will allow students to develop:
- skills in observing the hatchlings through the process of hatching, growth and development;
- their understanding of the Life Cycle of a chicken and that living things have basic needs;
- the knowledge and skills in responsibly caring for and handling animals.
During Henny Penny Hatching, we ensure that the program is run safely and responsibly, with utmost care taken to ensure the welfare of the chicks. The incubators will be checked each morning by the staff to ensure the baby chicks are well and healthy. However, there is a possibility that some eggs may not hatch or some chicks may not survive. Should any of these possibilities occur, we will sensitively discuss the situation with the students, in an age-appropriate manner.
Year Four and Five
As we get closer to our first set of holidays, please ensure you communicate with your classroom teacher if you are taking your child out of school early. As Term 1 is a non-reporting term, many teachers make use of the full term to teach and may not be ready to complete assessments until weeks 9 and 10.
News from Year 4D: Students have been conducting Science experiments around absorbing and repelling water and what a ‘fair test’ is.
Symmetry in 4C:
Visit from International Students:
On Monday and Tuesday we have 22 Students and 4 Teachers visiting us from a school in Shanghai. These students will join some of our Year 6 classrooms to see what a day is like in an Australian school and participate in some STEM activities.
The students were eager to help Mrs Keating at lunch time maintain our community garden.
Year Six
Welcome to Week 8 of Term 1 at MacGregor State School.
We continue to share messaging surrounding online safety at MacGregor State School.
This week, this messaging extends to appropriate use of digital devices whilst at school. Unfortunately, we are seeing an increase in students making the decision to access games and non-learning platforms during class time.
It is timely to remind students and families of the ICT Agreement all parents and students agree to as part of their enrolment at MacGregor State School.
Parents – thank you for ongoing conversations with your child about appropriate use of school devices so we can be united in our messaging.
Don’t forget to visit the eSafety Commissioner’s resource to support all families in keeping children safe on line – go to: https://www.esafety.gov.au/kids/i-want-help-with
The Queensland Police Service also provide very clear, succinct information for families in relation to online safety:
- Keep your computer in a family room, not in a bedroom;
- Understand parenting controls on your internet browser;
- Help your child understand that not everyone online is what or who they seem;
- Know who your child is talking to online and what websites or Apps they are using;
- Never allow your child to have an unsupervised meeting with anyone they meet online;
- Educate your child on the dangers of opening email attachments;
- Learn more about keeping your child safe online.
For more online safety resources, visit the QPS website: https://www.police.qld.gov.au/policelink-reporting/reporting-cybercrime/children-and-the-internet
In conjunction with MacGregor State High School and the Lion’s Club of Brisbane (MacGregor), one student in Year 6 will be the recipient of the Paula Davoren Bursary. Please visit our schools website to learn more about the application process – the bursary is open to any student who will be enrolling at MacGregor State High School for Year 7 in 2025. We will share more about this opporutnity in future communication including opening dates for applications.
School Captains Corner
Student Leader Profiles
This week, we’ll learn more Imogen and Hayely – two of our sporting house captains!
My name is Clement
My school leader position is Sports Captain - Macleod
I have been at MacGregor since Prep
My favourite activity outside of school is drawing
Something I love about MacGregor SS is that we have such a good sports program.
My favourite sport is touch football
In Year 6 I am most looking forward to is seeing my friends before going to high school
We can make our school a better place by not littering.
My name is Emmet
My school leader position is Sports Captain - Mackenzie
I have been at MacGregor since Year 2
My favourite sport is soccer
My favourite move is Harry Potter
Year 6 Teaching Team Update
Welcome to Miss Kate Hartley who has joined our Year 6 teaching team! Miss Hartley has transitioned into MacGregor SS with enthusiasm and love of all things Maths and Art. She is currently teaching 6E and has been a welcomed addition to our team.
H.O.D. Update
Last week we held our second Parent Learning Forum for 2024.
The session was run by our Head of Department-ICT and was on "Navigating the Digital Playground: iPad Use in Prep – Year 2". The workshop covered:
- the benefits of technology in early education,
- unpacking the apps used in our Prep – Yr. 2 classrooms.
- provide practical tips on setting screen time limits
- steps to ensure online safety.
It was great to see the parents who attended engaging in the use of different apps that our P-Yr. 2 students are using.
Our next parent workshop will be held on Tuesday 30th April, so keep your eye out in the newsletter for more information.
Learning Engagement Team Update
The Importance of sharing student diagnosis and medical information with your child’s school
Dear Parents/Guardians
It is critical for the school to have all information about our students in order to cater for their needs. This includes medical information, diagnosis of a disability, informing of going through the diagnosis process, NDIS plans and goals, access to allied health professionals such as psychologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and paediatrician. This information is essential for the recording of the National Collection of Disability Data which is utilised by the department to fund staffing to support adjustments for students. It is also extremely important in emergency situations to have all medical information up-to-date.
If your child has new information pertaining to any of the above, please contact the school to advise.
Thanking you.
Jessica Kanowski
Head of Special Education Services
Jkano6@eq.edu.au
Naplan
NAPLAN TESTING DATES
Year 3 | Writing | Wednesday 13th March 9am |
Reading | Monday 18th March 9am | |
Conventions of Language | Tuesday 19th March 9am | |
Numeracy | Wednesday 20th March 9am | |
Year 5 | Writing | Wednesday 13th March 9am |
Reading | Thursday 14th March 9am | |
Conventions of Language | Friday 15th March 9am | |
Numeracy | Friday 15th March 11.35am | |
Catch Up Days | Thursday 21st March | |
Friday 22nd March |
Sports Update
Congratulations to Jontae who has been selected in the U12 Mt Gravatt District Rugby League Team. Jontae will now prepare with his team for the Met East Trials to be held early next term.
Friday afternoon Inter/Intra School Sports
Registrations for the next Sharks Camp are open and filling up FAST!
Sharks Camp is a four-day volleyball camp designed to cater to athletes of all skill levels. With elite development opportunities available and pathways into club and state-level volleyball, this camp has something for everyone!
The Dates:
9th April | 10th April | 11th April | 12th April
4 Days. 300+ athletes. Heaps to learn.
Now available in Brisbane and the Gold Coast!
Check out our website for more information!
www.sharksvolleyball.com/sharks-camp
Message from The Guidance Officer
Dear Parents,
We are excited to invite you and your family to join us to celebrate Harmony Day.
Harmony Day is a special occasion that acknowledges and celebrates our diverse community, fostering inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for all Australians.
Date: Thursday 21st March 2023
Time: 8:00am – 8:40am
Location: Mac Place
What is happening?
- Come join for breakfast - we kindly ask for a gold coin donation
- Join in the fun with various games and activities
What to wear?
Please wear the colour orange to symbolise harmony and unity.
We look forward to seeing you there 😊
Megan (Guidance Officer), Sylvie (Social worker) and Boon (Chaplain).
Finance
The Finance Payment Window is open on Tuesday mornings from 8.00am - 9.45am. Cash and eftpos facilities available.
YEAR LEVEL | ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION | COST | FINAL PAYMENT |
Prep - Year 2 | Student Resource Scheme (SRS) | $ 200.00 | Overdue / Payment plan is offered, please contact school finance. |
Year 3 - Year 6 (non e-Learning laptop) | Student Resource Scheme (SRS) | $ 200.00 | Overdue / Payment plan is offered, please contact school finance. |
Year 3 - Year 6 (e-Learning laptop) | Student Resource Scheme (SRS) | $ 170.00 | Overdue / Payment plan is offered, please contact school finance. |
Year 6 | Canberra Trip | $ 1,400.00 | 23 April 2024 |
Year 4 - Year 6 | Semester 1 - Inter School Sport | $ 68.00 | 5 March 2024 |
Year 4 - Year 6 | MUSIC: Concert Band/Wind Ensemble/Wind Symphony | $ 160.00 | 26 March 2024 |
MUSIC: Additional fee for Instrument Hire (only if required) | $ 40.00 | ||
MUSIC: Additional fee for Music Folder (only if required) | $ 15.00 | ||
Prep - Year 6 | Extra - Curricular Activities Macgregor Dancers | $ 140.00 | Invoice will be sent after online consent has finalised. |
Year 2 - Year 6 | Extra - Curricular Activities Polynesian Dancing | $ 120.00 | Invoice will be sent after online consent has finalised. |
Year 1, 2, 3 and 6 | Extra - Curricular Activities Speech Choirs | $ 120.00 | Invoice will be sent after online consent has finalised. |
Year 2 | Extra - Curricular Activities Singing Choirs (Vocal Melody) | $ 120.00 | Invoice will be sent after online consent has finalised. |
Year 3 - Year 4 | Extra - Curricular Activities Singing Choirs (Vocal Harmony) | $ 120.00 | Invoice will be sent after online consent has finalised. |
Hello from our Chappy Mr T.
Hi parents and care givers
Hope you all have been well and now planning for the Easter school holidays less than 3 weeks away.
If you are out of ideas or looking for something affordable, Scripture Union will be running Day Camps during the holidays.
There's a local Day Camp running at Runcorn Heights State School over 3 days 3-5 April for $30 per student. They will participate in Games, Stories, Music, and Crafts.
Its open to Yr 3-6 boys and girls. Limited spots.
To register or find out more, please click on link below-
https://su.org.au/events/game-on-day-camp-2024/
There's also other Camps in and around Brisbane for different age groups.
https://su.org.au/events/?state=QLD
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/
Uniform Shop
Be ready for the cooler weather just around the corner with our new stock available instore or online at https://macgregorss.mystudentaccount.com/wp/Profile/SignIn
Now available:
- Grey long pants for boys' formal uniform
- Football / League socks and White Mesh Caps for Interschool Sport
- Performing Arts boys' white shirts, black long pants and black socks
- Performing Arts girls' long white socks, garter sets, tartan hair ribbon and white ties
- Microfibre Jackets and Microfibre Trackpants, Fleecy Pullovers, Fleecy Trackpants with extra knee support
- Green tights for girls' formal dress, Grey tights for girls' green shirt and grey culottes formal uniform.
More sizes are coming for Fleecy Jackets in week 9.
The Uniform Shop is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8am to 9am.
For the rest of Term 1, we are trialing an extra Wednesday afternoon opening time from 2.30 to 3.30pm.