MacGregor State School eNewsletter

From the Principal

Dear parents & caregivers,

School Review 30^th April – 3^rd May.

I am very much looking forward to MacGregor State School having its School Review next week. The last school review at our school was in 2020 and has been crucial in informing our improvement agenda for the past four years.

Every Queensland state school undergoes a review at least once every 4 years. Schools are designated one of 2 types of review — either a school review, conducted by the School and Region Reviews (SRR) branch, or a school-led review. Our school will have a standard school review. The reviews play an important part in how the department supports school improvement.

Our school review team will consist of

**Mr. Trevor Buchanan (Review Chair, School & Regional Reviews)**

**Kelly Jeppesen – (Principal, School & Regional Reviews)**

**Daniel Hollis – Principal Peer Reviewer - Tropical North Learning Academy - Trinity Beach State School**

**Jenny Hart – External Reviewer – formerly a Senior Internal Reviewer SRR**

In the course of the review, the reviewers will speak with as many staff, students, parents and community members as possible to gain an insight into how our school is travelling.

Parents who drop their children off at school or are at school for pick up will probably have the opportunity to chat with a reviewer about how they think our school is going. If you would like to make an appointment to speak individually with a reviewer or would like to receive a phone call during the review, please email the office to be included in the review schedule. We welcome your feedback about what we are doing well and how we might do better.

Reviews provide schools with quality feedback, tailored to their context and needs. Principals use the review findings to work with their school community and school supervisor to develop clear actions to move the school forward. Review process Reviews are conducted by experienced educators trained in the use of the School Improvement Tool, a nationally-recognised framework for reviewing teaching and learning practices. Review teams generally consist of 2 to 4 reviewers, but the number of reviewers and length of each review depends upon a range of factors, including the size and context of the school.

Reviewers look closely at each school’s performance data and speak with a wide range of staff, students, parents and community members to get an accurate picture of the school. Unlike many other review systems, schools aren’t ranked or given a performance rating. Instead, the school is given a comprehensive report for consideration. The report details key findings and recommended improvement strategies to maximise student outcomes. The school publishes the executive summary or full report on its website. Principals are encouraged to share this information with their staff and school community to help shape the school’s strategic direction.

Yours in Equity & Excellence,

Mr. Lee Gerchow
Principal

Prep and Year One

Welcome back, everyone!

It is lovely to see all of our learners return to school relaxed, rested and ready for learning. We have a very exciting and busy term ahead.

UPCOMING EVENTS

On the 7^th and 8^th of May, our Prep learners will be going on their first excursion to Trevena Glen Farm. It is a wonderful day full of exciting learning about farm animals, their needs and how to care for them. Children with ride in a Tractor Wagon, participate in the Egg Exploration, Animal Feeding and Horse Riding.

Year 1 learners will be participating in the Wildlife Rangers incursion on the 23^rd of May. This activity will take place at school. Children will be exploring living things in a range of habitats. They will be investigating the differences between healthy and unhealthy habitats, how a habitat provides for the needs of living things and how animals have different external features that they use to protect themselves.

All families were sent an invitation to complete an online consent form, followed by the invoice. Unfortunately, if we do not receive the consent form, we are not able to take your child to the excursion or let them participate in the incursion. To avoid the disappointment, please ensure that you have completed the consent and paid the invoice by the due date. If you experience financial difficulties and require a payment plan, please contact Diana Ghusn, the Deputy Principal.

This year, the Under 8s Week is celebrated between 15-21 May.

Under Eights Week is a Queensland-based annual event that celebrates the first eight years of children’s lives, and encourages learning through play.

Primary schools, Early Years centres and local communities throughout Queensland usually all get involved in Under Eights Week every year, organising play-based events and activities that enable children to learn while having lots of fun.

The theme for Under Eights Week in 2024 is ‘Connecting to Culture through Play’. This is an exciting theme, as it highlights and celebrates the ability of play to break down barriers and bring children together, as well as helping them to understand more about themselves and each other.

Our school will celebrate Under 8s Day on Thursday, 16 May between 9-11am. This event is for children from Prep to Year 2. Students can wear a free dress and families are welcome to join us for this event.

Outdoor Classroom Day – 23 May

Outdoor Classroom Day is a global movement to inspire and celebrate outdoor play and learning, both at home and at school. Children are spending less and less time outdoors and this is affecting their healthy, wellbeing and love of the natural world. During this day, we will be celebrating learning and participating in learning outdoors.

Australian Early Development Census – data collection will take place between 21-30 May

The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) is a national census that builds a picture of how children have developed by the time they start their first year of full-time school. Every school has a vital role to play in helping our nation collect the information it needs to better understand and respond to the needs of children and their families.

Since 2009, communities, schools and governments across Australia have used AEDC results to help provide services, resources and supports that give our kids the best start in life.

From May 2024, teachers will complete the census for children in their first year of full-time school. AEDC results for individual children are not reported and individual children cannot be identified.

With the support of parents/carers and schools, we can build a more complete picture of early childhood development in Australia. If parents/carers consent to the collection of their child’s information they do not need to do anything. Parents/carers only need to contact the school if they do not consent to the collection of their child’s information.

To find out more about the AEDC and how schools, communities and governments are using the data to help children and families, visit www.aedc.gov.au

Age-Appropriate Pedagogies

At MacGregor State School, we value and acknowledge the belief that effective pedagogy is what engages, appropriately challenges and empowers children in their learning. Our teachers in Prep and Year 1 sector endlessly look for opportunities to implement and engage students in age-appropriate learning and play.

Our current focus is on one of the characteristics of Age-Appropriate pedagogies – Agentic, ensuring that children have voice in their learning. Their ideas and interests initiate, support and extend learning possibilities in order to build on their real-world understandings and experiences.

…All people however young, are entitled to be participants in their own lives, to influence what happens to them, to be involved in creating their own environments, to exercise choices and to have their views respected and valued… (Lansdown, G. (2005)

…. Developing a sense of agency in children means providing opportunities for children to make choices in their day-to-day environment, recognising and cultivating learning dispositions (such as curiosity and imagination) that support children to make autonomous choices, and supporting opportunities in the curriculum for inquiry, experimentation and investigation…. (Lansdown, G. (2005)

As you visit the classrooms, you may notice that our young learners have a say in planning the layout of furniture, seating arrangements, resources and materials; they are invited to contribute to displays and represent their ideas, access to classroom resources without having to always seek permission, and take responsibility for their decisions in a safe and supportive learning environment.

You are invited to come and learn about Age-Appropriate Pedagogies in the Early Years during our scheduled parent forum next week. Please click on the QR code to register your attendance.

Year Two and Three

HARMONY DAY

All the students at the end of last term participated in Harmony Day celebrations. It was great to see the students so engaged in learning about the importance of this special day.

Students from 2G got into the spirit of the day celebrating and supporting each other.

LEARNING IN 3D

Have you ever seen a human model for the structure of an Information Text? That’s how we started our learning in 3D. We became paragraphs, headings, contents pages and glossaries! We will be writing our own information texts later this term.

Great to see the students so actively engaged in their learning.

CREATIVE LEARNING IN 2A

This week, the students of 2A realised just how clever they are when they applied strategies that they had already learned to add more than two numbers. We love learning together too!

Year Four and Five

Welcome to Term 2!

Well done to Jasper in 4F for completing the Holiday Technology Challenge. If there are any other students who completed it, please come and see me.

Use of Laptops: As the new term started, we noticed a number of students coming to school without fully charged laptops. Whilst we don’t always use these devices for every lesson, they need to be charged as different programs drain the battery faster than others. We have also noticed a small increase in students using other programs during their learning time. Students will be issued a warning, however, if they are caught a second time, they will have their laptop removed for the day and parents will be communicated around the situation.

Year 4 Fast Forces Incursion: Online Consent has now closed and invoices were issued early week 2. If you missed the Online Consent, you will now need to complete a paper version of the consent form and hand in at the office. Once we have received this you will then be invoiced.

Year 5 Excursion to Nudgee Beach: Online Consent closed on Tuesday and invoices were issued on Wednesday. If you missed the Online Consent, you will now need to complete a paper version of the consent form and hand in at the office. Once we have received this you will then be invoiced.

Angus in 4A is loving their new English unit on Information Reports. He chose in his own time to write his own report on mariner 10 – an American Space Probe launched by NASA in 1973

Year Six

Welcome back to MacGregor State School, Term 2!

It has been great to see the Year 6 students transition back to learning with enthusiasm and dedication. Thank you parents for your support every day in ensuring our students are adhering to uniform and behaviour expectations as MacGregor State School students. Whilst we continue to provide reminders to some, overall, our Year 6 cohort are leading the way for our younger learners.

Is your child safe online? e-safety for parents

This week, we are sharing a document created by the e-safety Commissioner for parents to keep your family (and children) safe online.

The strategies shared can continue to build your awareness on how to keep your children safe.

Start the chat about online safety
Create a family technology agreement
Set up parent controls
Choose games and other apps carefully
Use digital technology together.

ANZAC Day 2024 – 109^th Anniversary of the ANZAC landing at Gallipoli

Sunnybank Sub-Branch Community Service

Early Thursday morning, over 30 students and their parents attended the Sunnybank Sub-Branch ANZAC Day Community Service. This was a fantastic turn-out with many of our Year 6 Captains making the commitment to march as part of their service to community.

Our students marched proudly with MacGregor State High School and were encouraged by applauding bystanders as they followed the march route.

Also in attendance with Mrs Keating and I was Mr Dean Grady, Miss Katelyn French, Ms Kimberly Reid, Ms Lisa Dawson, Mr Underwood and Ms Jacqi Paul.

A very special thank you also to Mrs Judy Patterson for the beautiful wreaths we were able to lay on this commemerative occasion.

It never ceases to amaze me how complete strangers can come together to pay respects to the fallen – with all in attendance, coming together as one to remember loved ones lost to the tragedy of war. This year was no different – Mr Hugh Polson, President of the Sunnybank RSL Sub-Branch led a very poignant ceremony and one that seems to be growing stronger in participation each year.

We hope to see the MacGregor State School ANZAC Day presence continue to grow also.

ICAS at Macgregor State School 2024

We will be providing our school community with an update on ICAS in our next newsletter!

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

This week we are profiling Bethany and Ishaan – two of our Sustainability Captains!

My name is Ishaan

My school leader position is Sustainability Captain

I have been at MacGregor since Prep

My friends call me Eyeshaan

Something I love about MacGregor SS is its cultural diversity and extra activities within the school.

What I’d like to do when I finish school…I want to become an engineer and explore the world.

In Year 6 I am most looking forward to helping younger students and going to camp!

We can make our world a better place by controlling emmissions and pollution.

My name is Bethany

My school leader position is Sustainability Captain

I have been at MacGregor since Prep!

My favourite activity outside of school is dancing and spending time with my pet dog.

Something I love the most about MacGregor SS all the extra-curricular activities and the friends that I have made at school.

What I’d like to do when I finish school is travel the world with my mum and experience different cultures before becoming a vet and have many animals.

My favourite sport is basketball.

In Year 6 I am most looking forward to the Canberra camp of course!

We can make the school a better place by motivating others to participate in school activities and working as a team to achieve our common goals.

My favourite movie is anything that involves animals.

Here’s what some of our captains think about learning to be leaders!

Last term our Year 6 captains attended the GRIP Student Leader Conference. This was a full day of learning, collaborating, sharing and growing both as a leader and a team. This week we are sharing with you some of their thinking about being leaders - how great are some of these responses?

One thing that stuck with me from GRIP was when we had to socialise and use teamwork to complete a task. I think its important to go out of your comfort zone and make new friends;
I learnt everyone can be a leader – you can make friends, work together and achieve a good, safe and happy environment;
I learnt to step up and to help others when needed and to make sacrifices for other people;
I learnt that anybody can be a great leader even if they don’t have a badge. We always need to step up when we see the need;
Something I learnt from GRIP is that learning from your mistakes and being resilient are good traits of a leader;
Being a leader is listening to my peers and working with to improve strategies;
I think being a leader means listening to peers and working together – not shouting or bossing people around;
I remember how taking action is a big part of being a leader. An example we saw was students planting trees to support koala populations;
I remembered that as a leader, you do need to make sacrifices;
Something I remember about GRIP is that everyone should have a voice when making decisions. Especially when the decision impacts them – it is important that their opinion is taken into consideration;
What I took away from GRIP was that you should step out and try new things so you can reach your full potential as a leader.

I will be meeting with all of our School Captains (all 28 of them) each Monday from 11.05am until 11.30am to discuss our assemblies, fundraising for graduation and of course, graduation planning.

Students who missed our meeting in Week 1 will have their leadership ideas shared in our next newsletter.

Religious Instruction

Religious Instruction – Term 2: Year 1 to Year 5

Religious Instruction (RI) is offered in Queensland state schools and, just like all schools in Queensland, we rely on available volunteers to facilitate RI.

This year, students in Years 1, 2 and 3 whose parents have opted in for Christianity will have their RI class each Tuesday afternoon starting Tuesday 23^rd April. This will occur for both Term 2 and Term 3.

Students in Year 1 through to Year 5 who have opted in for Hinduism will also have their RI session on a Tuesday afternoon. Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any other denominations due to a shortage of volunteers.

What if I want to add or remove my child from Religious Instruction?

As parents indicate their preferences on their child’s enrolment form, all requests to change your preferences must be made in writing to the office. This can include an email or letter sent to office@macgregorss.eq.edu.au

Student requests at time of RI will not be accepted. We can not remove or add students until we have received a formal request from parent or carer.

Thank you for your support and understanding here.

ANZAC Assemblies

This week we held two very special assemblies to commemorate ANZAC DAY. It was great watching the students at each assembly, listening intently to the messages being delivered in such a respectful way.

Students from MacGregor Voices and Wind Symphony performed, and Levi Wang played The Last Post.

Special mention to Mrs Judy Paterson who came in early to make the wreaths the Captains laid at each assembly and also the wreaths used at the Sunnybank RSL March on Thursday morning.

P&C MACGREGORTHON

The first fundraiser for the P&C is now underway. MacGregorthon 2024 will allow out whole school community to help raise funds to go towards enhancing digital technologies in our classrooms and also improve outdoor learning areas for the students.

Information was sent home earlier this week, and the official question day will be Monday 29^th April. Students should return their sponsor card on this day and their teacher will record the correct answers.

Good luck and let’s see if we can create a new record for funds raised.

HOD Update

Our Parent Learning Forums are continuing this term. The next workshop is being presented by our Prep and Year 1 DP, Mrs Diana Ghusn.

The session will be dedicated to understanding Age Appropriate Pedagogies (AAP) and its important role in laying a strong foundation for early learners.

A mix of research, hands on practical learning and an opportunity for Q&A will be available throughout the session.

Please scan the QR code or click on the link to register your interest in this event. Also, please note the change in day for our morning session.

We look forward to continue this learning opportunity with you.

Learning Engagement Team Update

Deadly Choices
Deadly Choices will commence on Thursday 2ⁿᵈ of May for Term 2 on a weekly basis in the Conference Room in The Learning Hub from 2:00pm to 3:00pm.

Sports Update

On Thursday 18^th we had a number of girls represent Mt Gravatt District at the Met East Girls AFL trial.

The students did an amazing job on the day and represented their school and district amazingly.

Well done also to Melody who made the Possible v Probable game.

Congratulations to Mila and Imogen who earnt selection in the Met East team to compete at the State Championships later this term.

Cross Country

On Tuesday 16^th we hosted our rescheduled cross country event. It was amazing to see so many kids excited to challenge themselves in the endurance event.

Well done to all students on their efforts.
Congratulations to our top 3 students in each event.

Top 3 per event Prep, Years 1-3

Prep Boys
1st - Ethan
2nd - Oliver
3rd - Kevin

Prep Girls
1st - Joella
2nd - Teewa
3rd - Taylor

Year 1 Boys
1st - Gabriel
2nd - Amos
3rd - Aveer

Year 1 Girls
1st - Gazelle
2nd - Yen
3rd - Ivy

Year 2 Boys
1st - Liam
2nd - Bruce
3rd - Joban

Year 2 Girls
1st - Angela
2nd - Dora
3rd - Ajin

Year 3 Boys
1st - Zayn
2nd - Oscar
3rd - Aiden

Year 3 Girls
1st - Olivia
2nd - Imogen
3rd - Jeannie

Trophies

Champion Prep Class – Prep B
Champion Year 1 Class – 1J
Champion Junior House (year 2/3) - MacQuarrie

10yr Girls
1^st – Sierra
2^nd – Anastasia
3^rd – Jesinta

10yr Boys
1^st – Aaron
2^nd – Wesley
3^rd – Aavik

11yr Girls
1^st – Zoe
2^nd – Evelyn
3^rd – Melody

11yr Boys
1^st – Boaz
2^nd – Clement
3^rd – Marcus

12yr Girls
1^st – Olivia
2^nd – Karen
3^rd – Queena

12yr Boys
1^st – Isaac
2^nd – Emmet
3^rd – Tian Cheng

The points earnt in this event are added to the long distance trophy which is present at the Track and Field Carnival at the end of term 2

Currently the standings are:
4^th – MacArthur, 3^rd – MacLeod, 2^nd – MacQuarrie, 1^st - MacKenzie

Performing Arts

MACGREGOR’S GOT TALENT

MacGregor’s Got Talent is happening again this year! Information about how to submit your video auditions will be sent home soon and will be due Friday 31st May. Start preparing your wonderful talents with your friends now!

PERFORMING ARTS DATE CLAIMERS

Kaboom Music Incursion – Monday 27th May (All year 3 and 6)
Instrumental Music FANFARE Competition – Tuesday 28th & Wednesday 29th May (String and Band groups)
SHEP South East Qld – 31st May -2nd June
MEX Recital – Thursday 6th June (MEX students)
ARTS WEEK – Monday 10th June – Friday 14th
MACFEST – Friday 14th June
QYO Concert – Sunday 16th June (Wind Symphony)
Play in a Day – June 13th (Dance Excellence)
MacGregor’s Got Talent – Monday 17th June
Smart Moves Dance Concerts – Friday 21st June
JAM Band Concert – Friday 21st June

CLASSROOM MUSIC

Kaboom Music Incursion

All year 3 and Year 6 students are attending the ‘Kaboom’ music incursion as part of their music units this term. During the incursion the students will watch an interactive performance from Kaboom Percussionists who use a variety of traditional and unconventional percussion instruments. If you would like a preview of the show please click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y6UIAvbUn4

The consent has been sent through Q parents and is due by Friday 3rd May. Please see below for any further details:

Date: Monday 27th May

Students involved: All Year 3 and 6 students (not just those in band or strings)

Venue: School Hall

Cost: $7 per student If you have any questions about the incursion, please contact Miss McIntyre (emmci0@eq.edu.au) or Miss Eadie (jeead0@eq.edu.au)

Message from The Guidance Officer

Welcome to Term 2 😊!

A warm welcome to the new families joining us this term. My name is Megan, and I am fortunate to support children's social and emotional wellbeing. If you observe your child's emotional wellbeing declining or if you require assistance within your home environment, please inform your year-level Deputy Principal and they will refer you to me.

Sharing a resource:

Do you have a child who finds it tough to cope with change or new situations? It's a common challenge for parents, and it can lead to feelings of overwhelm and anxiety for both children and yourselves.

One helpful tool in these situations is social stories. Social stories provide a structured way to introduce new concepts and situations in a reassuring format, helping children feel more prepared and less overwhelmed/anxious.

I've been using an app with children that you may like too! The social stories app is developed by a psychologist. It's designed for children aged 8 and under. What's great about this app is that it allows us to personalise stories to fit your child's needs.

You can customise features so that your child and their caregivers (parents, teachers, doctors, etc.) are at the centre of each story.

I hope each and every one of you have a lovely break with your littles ones. Thank you for a wonderful term 😊!

Click Here to View the APP

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
Prep	Trevena Glen	$ 50	30 April 2024
Year 6	Canberra Trip	$ 1,400.00	Overdue
Year 3 - Year 6	MUSIC: Junior Strings/Intermediate Strings/Senior Strings/MacGregor Strings	$ 160.00	Overdue
	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	Overdue
Year 2 - Year 6	Polynesian Dancing	$ 120.00	Overdue
Year 1 - Year 6	Speech Choirs	$ 120.00	Overdue
Year 2	Singing Choirs (Vocal Melody)	$ 120.00	Overdue
Year 3 - Year 4	Singing Choirs (Vocal Harmony)	$ 120.00	Overdue
Year 5 - Year 6	MacGregor Voice	$ 120.00	Overdue
Year 4	Fast Forces	$ 18.00	7 May 2024
Year 1	Wild Rangers – Wild Encounters	$ 15.00	14 May 2024
Year 5	Nudgee Beach EEC	$ 39.00	14 May 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.

Welcome back to Term 2

Hope everyone had a good break over Easter and your children ready for Term 2.

As we are moving into cooler and colder months ahead, parents have kindly donated pre-loved winter uniforms to the school. If you have any unwanted school uniforms- summer or winter, please leave at the school reception.

If you need school uniforms, we have pre-loved uniforms available to give to well deserved families in need. Sizes maybe limited.

Please contact myself - bthie14@eq.edu.au or your child's Deputy Principal.

Have a good Term 2.

MSP Photos

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

The Uniform Shop would like to share some exciting news with a new
convenor, Kathryn. Please welcome her to our school by popping in and saying hello.

The entire winter range is now available online and at the uniform shop. Our opening times are Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8am to 9am.

Online orders will be delivered to your child's classroom. To avoid the long lines the morning, online orders can be placed on: https://macgregorss.mystudentaccount.com

MacGregor State School Newsletter 2024 Edition 6