MacGregor State School Newsletter 2024 Edition 5
From the Principal
Dear parents & caregivers,
Music Camp
Last week I have the enormous privilege of attending Music Camp with our wonderful Performing Arts Team and nearly 200 of our supremely talented students.
Music Camp is an important part of our annual calendar as it kick-starts our renowned instrumental and choral programs with teachers and students powering through about five weeks’ worth of intense practice crammed into three-and-a-half action-packed days.
Many thanks to Mr Davey and the dedicated teachers who volunteered their time to support this fabulous event. I’m sure that the students have enjoyed sharing with you their wonderful camp experience!
Our Learning
Year 5 & 6 Students have been hard at work with their end of term assessments. It was great to return to work on Thursday and see them showing excitement in talking about the things they have learned this term in science studying bending light with mirrors and some really gross mouldy bread experiments.
International Study Tour
On Monday and Tuesday we welcomed 22 Students and 3 adults from Dongtan School in Shanghai to our school. They worked in Year 6 to gain an understanding of what school looks like in Australia with a focus on science. Thank you to Mrs Keating and Mrs Ghusn for co-ordinating this visit with EQI.
Yours in Equity & Excellence,
Mr. Lee Gerchow
Principal
Prep and Year One
Welcome to Week 10!
It is hard to believe that we have reached the end of the term already. I am very proud of how well our little learners have settled in and it has been such a joy to see how much they have grown and learned in such a short time.
Thank you to all the families for your ongoing support during the term. I wish you a safe, relaxing and peaceful Easter break.
We wrapped up the term on a high note with a fantastic Easter Hat Parade, showcasing the creativity and imagination.
Staffing Update
As you may be aware, Mrs Amber Daniel is about to embark on a very exciting journey of welcoming her second baby. She is due to commence her leave from the beginning of Term 2. I would like to sincerely thank Mrs Daniel for her wonderful work settling and teaching Prep A in Term 1. We wish her all the very best for the exciting times ahead.
We are excited to welcome Mr Liam McDonnell back to MacGregor State School after his injury. Mr McDonnell will commence teaching Prep D from the beginning of Term 2. Mrs Lee will continue to support Prep D for the rest of the year.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank Miss Kristina Katsoufros for stepping in, supporting and teaching Prep D during Mr McDonnell’s recovery. We are pleased to be able to offer Miss Katsoufros a further contract at MacGregor State School, teaching Prep A on Thursdays and Fridays.
We are thrilled to welcome Mrs Kiri Aloizos back to MacGregor State School. Mrs Aloizos is returning from her maternity leave and will be teaching Prep A on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Ms Murphy will continue to support Prep A for the rest of the year.
Our 2025 Prep enrolments will open on 16 April at 9:30am. If your child was born between 1 July 2019 and 30 June 2020, they are eligible to commence Prep in 2025. Existing MacGregor SS families and families who reside in the catchment are encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible to assist us with the enrolment process. Please refer to our website for the information about the enrolment process.
Year Two and Three
Learning in 3G-Integrating Movement into Maths:
It has been well documented that physical activity improves students focus, retention, memory consolidation, creativity and mood. A single movement break can improve a student’s ability to focus on a task for up to two hours.
In 3G, we have been incorporating movement breaks into our maths curriculum. These breaks not only reenergize our students but also enhance their cognitive engagement.
Math Activities Enhanced by Movement:
Addition & Subtraction:
Cones game: Students engage in a game involving flipping cones over while solving addition and subtraction problems.
Dice and exercise: By rolling dice and performing corresponding exercises, students practise their addition skills in a fun and active manner.
Beanbag toss: Incorporating the bean bag toss fosters physical activity while reinforcing mathematical concepts of addition.
Finding the missing number in Rob the nest: promotes the collaborative problem solving in finding the missing number using addition and subtraction
Patterns:
Using the hundreds board in the year 1 eating area: Students practice identifying patterns by jumping, hopping, or leaping every 2, 3, or 5 numbers, thereby reinforcing their understanding of numerical sequences.
Chance:
Hoops-scissors, paper, rock game: Students explore concepts of probability and chance while engaging in physical activity.
According to the Department of Health guidelines, children and young people should strive to achieve a balance of high levels of physical activity, minimal sedentary behaviour, and adequate sleep each day to optimize their health and well-being.
For more information on the benefits of movement and health guidelines, please visit the following link.
Learning in 2G & 2H
2G and 2H have been collaborating for technology.
We’ve been working with a partner and developing our communication and iPad skills with Book Creator and Poplet.
Year Four and Five
Wow, we have reached the end of Term 1 already – time flies when you're having fun. To end the term, this week I attended the United Leaders Union Conference. School Leaders from all parts of Queensland were in attendance, and it was an inspiring 2 days to sit with other leaders all knowing that we all want our students to be successful learners.
Mrs Keating’s Challenge: Do you choose to accept it???
Over the break will be a great chance to help support your children to disconnect from technology and find other activities to do – jigsaw puzzles, find-a-words, lego, drawing. Whilst we have all become reliant on devices, sometimes a reset and break is required to ensure we are making safe and sensible choices.
Challenge: Keep a diary each day of the holidays of at least 3 activities you have completed each day, that does not require a technology device (iPad, Laptop/computer, phone, gaming device). Send some of your photo’s to Mrs Keating at skeat33@eq.edu.au. During the first week, come and show Mrs Keating your diary of other activities for a reward.
5AB: In recognition of Harmony Day last week, 5AB worked together to create Harmony Hearts.
Science/Easter fun in 4A:
Students have been busy constructing their Easter Egg zipline for testing on Thursday. The students have to build a carriage to transport their easter egg from the top of the zipline to the bottom.
International Study Tour
On Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th March, we welcomed 22 Students and their teachers to our school. Over the two days, these students joined our Year 6 students to explore and understand what school is like in Australia. We also let them explore what we eat here in Australia by catering with lamingtons, muffins, pies, sausage rolls and hamburgers which was all enthusiastically consumed. A huge thank you to Mr Grady, Mrs Harvey, Miss Yip, Mr McNab and Miss Hartley for providing such a welcoming experience. Thank you to Mr Holloway for supporting Mrs Ghusn and Mrs Keating in IT aspects such as setting our visitors up with internet access, and supporting us with our assemblies and finally a thank you the tuckshop ladies for supporting us with the catering.
On Wednesday 27th March, 41 of our Year 3-6 students travelled to Yugumbir State School to participate in the Inter-School Chess Tournament. There were some great results including 3rd place overall, and one of our students winning all 7 rounds. Mrs O’Brien was really proud of the team effort displayed by our MacGregor students. A big thank you to Ivy and Jessy for going along for the day to help with supervision and organisation.
Year Six
As we wrap up the last day of Term 1, I’d like to extend a warm thank you to our Year 6 parents for your support this term. We recognise and value the role that you play every day and hope that you have a wonderful break with your families and loved ones.
Please know that if you have any feedback about classroom learning, communication or anything Year 6 related, I am always open to hearing from you. You can email me at jbail154@eq.edu.au
Enjoy the break – we have a very busy Term 2 lined up – see you then!
I will continue to share messaging surrounding online safety at MacGregor State School as this agenda will always be something we need to be vigilant about – especially as we move into the holidays.
Did you know that the e-Safety Commissioner’s website translates important online safety laws into many different languages?
Go to https://www.esafety.gov.au/whats-on/online-safety/languages for specific information
As a reminder, the Queensland Police Service messages 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 via early Term 2 communication including opening dates for applications.
School Captains Corner
Student Leader Profiles
Our final two captains for this term are Queena and Sehajdeep! We’ll be sharing more captains profiles next term.
My name is Queena
My school leader position is Band Captain
I have been at MacGregor since Prep
Something I love about MacGregor SS is its variety of programs/activites to choose from and particpate in.
A charity that I think we should fundraise for is the Indigenous Literacy Foundation because everyone deserves an education.
My favourite sport is netball since you have to work as a team to win.
In Year 6 I am most looking forward to is being a leader and helping other if needed. Aslo setting examples for younger grades.
We can make our school a better place by trying to use less plastic as a school to help slow down/ stop plastic pollution.
My name is Sehajdeep
My school leader position is Library Captain
I have been at MacGregor since Prep!
My friends call me Sehaj or Sehjy
Something I love the most about MacGregor SS is wonderful teachers, friendly students and a clean and safe environment.
My favourite sports are netball and volleyball.
In Year 6 I am most looking forward to making MacGregor SS a better place for everyone.
We can make the world a better place by picking up at least one piece of rubbish each day.
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
Sports Update
The inter school girls touch football teams have spent some time at training the last couple of weeks practicing their diving skills. It is hoped that by developing these skills the girls will build confidence to use them in a game and create more opportunities to score and save tries.
We look forward to seeing the girls diving around the fields at Whites Hill each week.
Performing Arts
Music Camp
Our annual Music Camp saw 200 students and 12 teachers head off for four days of fun and adventure to the Alexandra Park Conference Centre from 17th to 20th March. These four days away allow the students to get a great head start on their repertoire for the year.
I must acknowledge the dedication and commitment of the teachers who attended camp this year. They give their time freely, time away from their families to ensure that the four days of camp goes extremely well. Teachers who attended this years camp were:
Miss Jane Eadie, Miss Eloise McIntyre, Mrs Robyn Rosewarne, Miss You-Jin Hong, Mr Haddon Mossley, Mr Michael Sukkar, Miss Katelyn French, Mrs Memy Chiang, Mrs Sarah-Richard-Preston, Miss Min-Jin, Miss Colliope, Mr Lee Gerchow and Mr Gary Davey. Thank you from the whole MacGregor Community.
Music Camp Concert
On Wednesday evening the students who attended camp performed a concert for family and friends in the Assembly Hall. The hall was packed of very supportive family members, who were keen to hear what the students had been working on whilst away at camp.
Thank you to the students and parents for your ongoing commitment and support.
Message from The Guidance Officer
To Parents & Carers,
Recently we celebrated Harmony Day, it was heart-warming to see so many smiling faces! Harmony Day is a special occasion that celebrates our diversity and brings together Australians from various backgrounds. It emphasises inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone in our community.
I hope each and every one of you have a lovely break with your littles ones. Thank you for a wonderful term 😊!
Please see below a holiday activity run by Chaplains.
Game On Day Camp 2024 - Easter Holiday Activity run by Chaplains
Date: 3rd – 5th April 2024 Time: 9:00 am – 3:30 pm
Who: Grade 3 – 6 students
What's happening?
Three fun-filled days where children can participate in Games, Stories, Music, and Crafts held during the Easter School Holidays.
What do children need?
Children will need to bring their own morning tea and lunch, a water bottle, a hat, closed-in shoes, and sunscreen for each day.
On the last day, they are hosting a BBQ with parents.
Cost: $30 If you wish to register, please do so via this link: https://su.org.au/events/game-on-day-camp-2024/
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 | Payment plans are available. Please contact our finance officer to discuss. Overdue invoices will be cancelled in Term 2 and your child will no longer be able to participate. |
Year 3 - Year 6 (non e-Learning laptop) | Student Resource Scheme (SRS) | $ 200.00 | |
Year 3 - Year 6 (e-Learning laptop) | Student Resource Scheme (SRS) | $ 170.00 | |
Year 4 - Year 6 | Semester 1 - Inter School Sport | $ 68.00 | |
Year 4 - Year 6 | MUSIC: Concert Band/Wind Ensemble/Wind Symphony | $ 160.00 | |
MUSIC: Additional fee for Instrument Hire (only if required) | $ 40.00 | ||
MUSIC: Additional fee for Music Folder (only if required) | $ 15.00 | ||
Year 6 | Canberra Trip | $ 1,400.00 | 23 April 2024 |
Year 3 - Year 6 | MUSIC: Junior Strings/Intermediate Strings/Senior Strings/MacGregor Strings | $ 160.00 | 23 April 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 | MacGregor Dancers | $ 140.00 | 23 April 2024 |
Year 2 - Year 6 | Polynesian Dancing | $ 120.00 | 23 April 2024 |
Year 1 - Year 6 | Speech Choirs | $ 120.00 | 23 April 2024 |
Year 2 | Singing Choirs (Vocal Melody) | $ 120.00 | 23 April 2024 |
Year 3 - Year 4 | Singing Choirs (Vocal Harmony) | $ 120.00 | 23 April 2024 |
Year 5 - Year 6 | MacGregor Voice | $ 120.00 | 23 April 2024 |
Prep - Year 6 | 2024 Year Book | $ 29.00 | 23 July 2024 |
Please be noted: The only way to secure a copy of year book is by ordering in advance. Payment is required before the due date. There will be no further copies for purchase once the ordering process closes on 23 July 2024. If you do not wish to order a year book, please do not pay / invoice will be removed from your account on 24 July 2024. | |||
Hello from our Chappy Mr T.
We've made it through Term 1 and Easter is at our doorstep. Congratulations to all parents for getting their children through the first 10 weeks of school and now for a well earned break for the students and quality family time.
The highlight for me is meeting the new faces at school and helping to transition them to the school environment. And its been fruitful work and good outcomes.
During these holidays, if you need help, there are support services at your fingertips.
www.askizzy.org.au is a website with all the support services listed from food, housing services, domestic and family violence, counselling and everyday needs.
Happy Easter and safe holidays. See you all refreshed and ready to go in Term 2.
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 Two Menu 2024
There is a new menu for term 2 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. Take a look at the new menu here https://msspc.org.au/tuck-shop/
Uniform Shop
Fleecy Jackets have now arrived so please come to purchase from our shop or online to avoid disappointment. Please ensure you clearly label all items to ensure it can easily be returned.
Our entire Autumn/Winter range is now available:
Grey long pants (boys' formal uniform), green tights (girls' formal uniform - tartan dress), grey tights (girls' formal uniform - blouse & culottes), microfibre jacket, microfibre trackpants, fleecy pullover and fleecy trackpants.
Our opening times are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8am - 9am
Student Achievements
On 27th of March, there were over 40 students represented MacGregor State School competing at Brisbane Primary Logan Term 1 Inter-School Chess tournament.
Team 1 Austin, Emma, Martin and Queena won the 3rd place in Division A.
Team 3 Gabriel, Haoxuan, Pragya and Eugene won 2nd place in Division B.
Team 10 Aanand, Zi-rui, Tianyu and Jay won 3rd place in Division D.
Tianyu got a perfect score winning all seven rounds and won the 1st place for individual in Division D.
Mark also won the 1st place for individual in Division B. Big
Congratulations to all of them.
Thanks Mrs O'Brien organising and supporting all the students along the way to ensure all of them had great fun engaging in the chess games.
Congratulations to Louis and Laynie on their efforts at the State Swimming Championships during the week. It is an amazing effort to compete against the best swimmers in QLD.
Massive shout out to Louis. Over the duration of the Championships Louis has won 5 State Titles and 2 silver medals in relays.
We are very proud of both their efforts.
