MacGregor State School Newsletter 2025 - Edition 3

Out and about in classrooms

One of the things I most enjoy about my role is visiting classrooms to share in the learning and read to the students.  This past few weeks I have visited all P-1 classes and also spent a great afternoon with 5F who are learning how to write book reviews.  Here I am reading “The Pout-Pout Fish” to Year 1F. 

PHONES AND SMART WATCHES

We are seeing an increase in the number of students bringing phones and wearing smart watched to school.

It is a legislated non-negotiable requirement, that wearable devices (‘Smart Watches’) must be disabled during school hours and must not be used to make or receive calls, texts, take photographs or make recordings. 

Mobile phones should be handed in at the office before school. 

Parents will be contacted if incidents contravening this policy occur.

HOW EGG-Citing!

The excitement around our Henny Penny incursion in Prep continues to grow! Every day we are welcoming new little chicks and watching them grow and thrive. We hope that our little Preppies are sharing their new knowledge and experiences with their families at home, reflecting on what they have learned about hatching, life cycle and basic needs of living things.

Creating Language Rich Classrooms

Instructional Routines – Partner Talk or Turn &Talk

As part of our continuous focus on Age-Appropriate Pedagogies in early years, we have begun our journey creating language rich and dialogic classrooms. Our priority is to ensure that learning occurs in environments where rich language is modelled and employed by both children and educators, promoting strong oral language development, thinking, engagement and imagination.

Partner Talk or Turn & Talk is an instructional routine in which students use content knowledge during a brief conversation with a peer. Students are provided with a short prompt to discuss content or a skill. Students turn to their pre-determined partner and answer the prompt while their partner listens. Then, the partners switch roles to allow the second student to address the prompt.

Teaching students how to use any instructional routine requires careful teacher modelling and guided practice with feedback.

This week, our Inclusion Teacher - Miss Hannah Campbell - commenced Partner Talk lessons in our Prep classrooms to establish consistent, low-variance routine across all eight classrooms. Working collaboratively with the classroom teachers, Miss Campbell’s mission is to ensure that our little learners know and understand what the routine looks like and sounds like, establishing a clear process and expectations, e.g.:

• Tell your partner your answer in one to two sentences.
• Listen without interrupting while your partner tells you their answer.
• Be kind and supportive so everyone feels comfortable sharing their answers.

Year 2 Writers – whipping up a storm of stories!

I have been ABSOLUTELY overwhelmed by the amount of writing that the annoying Cyclone Alfred stirred up! I was hoping to receive 2 or 3 stories – I have over 25!!!!!

Unfortunately, I simply can not fit everyone into this weeks newsletter so I am planning a little surprise (HINT: when my surprise is ready, you will be able to borrow it from the library!).

Families, thank you so much for your encouragement. The common theme from students was that they missed their friends and teachers reflecting the very real importance of school as social development setting for our children.

The importance of home reading – supported by families to support our learners

If you are wondering how you can support your early years learner (Prep, Year 1 or Year 2) at home, the simple of act of reading them a picture book can not be underestimated.

The time quarantined to sit somewhere quiet and have a story read to you by an adult is a gift to every child regardless of how much they might read themselves. Modelling reading to your child tells them that being literate is important and this awareness is a big advantage for school-aged children. We encourage you to find at least 5 minutes a day to simple…..read to your child.

Keeping our kids safe online

Parents, we encourage you to visit the e-Safety Commissioner’s website as often as possible to access dedicated, age-appropriate and up-to-date information on keeping our kids safe on-line. With specific information to support parents in a wide range of languages, we fully endorse this resource for all of our families. This week, the focus is on digital health – is your child’s online activity having a negative impact on them?

Go to: https://www.esafety.gov.au/

Special School Events

MSP School Photos will be taken on Monday 31^st March and Tuesday 1^st April
Music Camp will be held from Sunday 23 March to Wednesday 26^th March
Cross Country events will be held on Thursday 3^rd April – Years 3 to 6 9am and Prep to Year 2 2pm
NAPLAN for Years 3 and 5 will be held from Wednesday 12^th March to Wednesday 19^th March
P&C School Disco – Friday 28^th March

ASSEMBLY YEARS 3 TO 6

Congratulations to the students who received an award on the Years 3 to 6 Assembly on Monday afternoon.  Parents are always welcome and encouraged to attend these assemblies to help celebrate the achievements of the students.

We are very proud of these students as they follow our school motto, ‘To the Stars!’

This week the students from Years 3 and 5 have been sitting the NAPLAN tests.

We recently posted and shared a letter regarding NAPLAN to the students on assembly.  It contains some important messages about NAPLAN.  We wish to extend a huge congratulations to the students for the way they have participated in the NAPLAN test this week.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Savoury Mighty Muffins
Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups self-raising flour
• 2 cups grated tasty cheese
• 100g mortadella, chopped
• 1 zucchini, grated
• 1/4 cup thinly sliced chives
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup fruit chutney

Method
Step 1 - Preheat oven to 200°C. Grease a 6 x 3/4-cup capacity Texas muffin pan. Line bases of holes with baking paper.
Step 2 - Sift flour into a large bowl. Add cheese, mortadella, zucchini and chives. Whisk milk, egg and chutney in a jug until well combined. Make a well in centre of dry ingredients. Pour in milk mixture. Using a large metal spoon, gently mix until just combined. Spoon into muffin holes.
Step 3 - Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean. Stand in pan for 3 minutes. Turn onto a wire rack to cool. Store in an airtight container at room temperature.

CYBERSAFETY

Our School is committed to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all children and young people in its community. We recognise the importance of teaching children to develop Cybersafe practices at a young age. As such, we recommend that parents familiarise themselves with practices that are safe, secure and conducive to a safe online environment. This will ensure that education of cybersafe practices is consistent between school and home life; which is essential for consolidation of understanding and skills.

CYBERSAFETY PROJECT 

Digital Discipline: Five Ways to Foster Healthy Tech Habits in Kids
In this digital age, the virtual landscape is as much a part of our children’s environment as the physical one. Just as we teach our kids to navigate the complexities of the real world, it is crucial we guide them in developing healthy digital habits. This guidance will help them harness the positive aspects of technology while safeguarding their mental and emotional wellbeing.

Tip 1: Set a Tech-Free Zone
One of the most effective strategies to foster healthy tech habits in our children is to establish tech-free zones and times. For example, make the dinner table a phone-free area to encourage conversation and connection. Also, ensure bedrooms are screen-free at least an hour before bedtime to promote better sleep. This not only helps in reducing screen time but also in reinforcing the value of personal interaction and the importance of rest. Tech-free zones also support cyber safety and help protect children against online abuse – reducing or eliminating spaces where children may interact online without a trusted adult nearby.

Tip 2: Be a Digital Role Model
Children imitate what they see. If they constantly observe their parents glued to screens, they are likely to emulate that behaviour. Make a conscious effort to put away your devices during family time, and engage in offline activities together. By showing them the joy of reading a book, taking a nature walk, or playing a board game, you reinforce the idea that life beyond screens is rich and fulfilling.

Tip 3: Engage in Digital Education
Use technology as a tool for education and creativity. Encourage your children to use their screen time to learn something new, like a language or a musical instrument, or to create something, such as digital art or coding projects. This will not only make their screen time more productive but also teach them to view digital devices as tools for personal growth rather than only for entertainment.

Tip 4: Cultivate Self-Regulation
Empower your children to build self-regulation skills in their digital engagement. Discuss with them the importance of self-awareness regarding their screen time and its impact on their mood and behaviour. Together, create a ‘Digital Use Agreement‘ that includes time limits, types of permissible content, and self-monitoring strategies. Encourage them to take breaks when they feel overwhelmed or after a set time. When they adhere to these guidelines, praise their discipline. Over time, they’ll learn to manage their digital consumption independently, making responsible choices that align with their wellbeing.

Tip 5: Promote Unplugged Time

Encourage your family to embrace ‘unplugged time‘, where everyone disconnects from their devices to engage with the world and each other. Whether it’s a designated evening each week or certain hours during the day, this practice helps children appreciate activities beyond the digital realm. You can fill this time with group activities like puzzles, outdoor adventures, or quiet reading sessions. This commitment to regular tech breaks will teach children the importance of balance and the joy of life’s non-digital pleasures.

A great place to start is Global Day of Unplugging. Join in as families across the world unplug from technology for up to 24 hours and take the opportunity to reconnect with the offline world instead. Feeling inspired to unplug to reconnect? You can find out more or sign up to participate below.

For further information please click on the link below.

https://www.esafety.gov.au/

On Thursday 20^th March, we held our 2^nd Maths night held by Mathnasium.  There were over 130 families who came along and participated in the various Maths activities over a 2.5hr time frame.  The aim of the event was to highlight that can be learnt through games and hands on activities.  At the end of the night we held the PI number challenge and most students who participated were able to recall at least 20 numbers and our winner recalling 109 digits.  The pizza was a great reward for all our families after all their participation.

ATTENDANCE – EVERY DAY COUNTS

As we work together to set our learners up for success this year, please review our State’s expectations around attendance outlined below along with some staggering figures showing just how impactful missing even 10 minutes a day can be on your child’s education. We are here to help, so please be sure to reach out to your child’s teacher or Deputy Principal if you require support in getting your child/ren to school on time each day.

Regular school attendance

Parents and caregivers must send children to school every school day under Queensland law unless there is an acceptable reason such as:

• illness
• doing work experience
• competing in school sporting events.

If your child is going to be absent from school, you must let the school know why the absence has occurred within two school days of their return. If possible, it is best to advise the school beforehand.

Avoid keeping your child away from school for reasons such as:

• birthdays
• shopping
• visiting family and friends
• if they sleep in
• looking after other children
• minor check ups or care, such as haircuts

Term 1 is nearly finished and school holidays is at our doorsteps.

Scripture Union has school holiday day camps in your area at a cheap price-

GAME ON DAY CAMP April 8-10 
9am-3pm
For Years 3-6
Venue- Runcorn Heights State School
COST- $30
Includes- games, activities, Bible stories, craft
To register or get more information, go to-
https://su.org.au/events/game-on-day-camp-2025/

MAX LIFE DAY CAMP April 8-10
9am-3pm
For Years 3-6
Venue- Forest Lake State High School
COST- $45 
Includes- laser tag, craft activities, sports challenges, Bible stories
To register or get more information, go to-
https://su.org.au/events/max-life-day-camp-2025/

For all other SU Camps, please visit-
https://su.org.au/events/?category=Camp&paged=1&state=QLD

We have implemented QParents for payment and consent for SRS, excursions, incursions, camps and extra-curricular activities.

• A consent will be loaded to Parent QParents account with a specific due date. If you do not have QParents, it is parent responsibility to contact administration to obtain a paper copy and complete/return.
• Parent will be notified of the SRS/excursion/incursion/camp/extra-curricular activity via email.
• On the consent due date, an invoice will be generated to Parent who has completed the consent, this will be sent via email.

Payment amount will also be loaded to QParents. If a consent is not received by due date, children will not be able to participate in the SRS/excursion/incursion/camp/extra-curricular activity and will not be invoiced.

• Payment will be due by a specific date which will be specified again on the invoice.
• If payment is not received by the due date, despite signing a consent, children will not be able to participate in the SRS/excursion/incursion/camp/extra-curricular activity.
• As a courtesy, generic reminders will be emailed to Parent prior to the due date.

If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please do not hesitate to contact the Finance office.

Stock

The Uniform & Stationery Shops have experienced bumper sales over the summer period and as such have currently run out of some stock.  We are working hard to replenish these items; however, they do attract a delay in delivery due to recent factory closures for Christmas and Chinese New Year holidays.

We are currently out of stock of Sports Shorts Sizes 8 & 10.  These are expected to be delivered by 23rd April 2025.

We are also running low on Sports Polos Size 12 & Sports Shorts Size 12.

We thank you for your understanding and co-operation while we work hard to resolve this issue.

Second-hand Uniform

Our second-hand uniform rail is looking a little sparse especially for Sports Polos & Shorts in all sizes.  If you have any donations that you would like us to have, please bring them along to the Uniform Shop on our open days (Mon, Weds & Fri 8:00-9:00am).

Interschool Sports

It's Interschool Sports season once again.  We have a full range of Football/Soccer socks in sizes 9-12 (kids), 2-7 (kids-adults) & 7-11 (adults) for $18.00 each.  We also sell the White Sports Mesh Cap for $20.00 each.

2025 Senior Shirts

Year 6 Senior Shirts have now been ordered and will hopefully arrive in early Term 2.  Once arrived, they will be distributed to each class.

Volunteers

We are always on the lookout for regular volunteers to help in the shop between 8:00-9:00am.  We are currently looking for a Friday volunteer (kids can sit in the back of the shop until school starts).  If you are able to help, contact me at the Uniform Shop or by emailing uniformshop@msspc.org.au.

These April school holidays we’re hosting six exciting clinics at Nissan Arena across three days — April 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th — running from 9 AM to 3 PM each day. These include three Woolworths NetSetGo Clinics for ages 5–10 and three Jump to Juniors Clinics for ages 9–12. Designed to be fun, social, and active, these clinics provide a safe environment where kids can develop their skills and confidence in netball.

Plus, we have some special guests! A few Queensland Firebirds players will be making an appearance during the clinics, giving participants an incredible chance to meet their netball idols. There will be signing sessions and Q&A opportunities, making this an unforgettable experience for young netballers!

About the Clinics:

• Woolworths NetSetGo is the perfect introduction to netball for 5–10-year-olds, catering to all abilities—no prior experience required! Kids will develop fundamental skills in a fun and inclusive setting.
• Jump to Juniors is ideal for 9–12-year-olds who are ready to transition to competitive rules, however no experience is needed! Led by trained coaches, sessions include skill-based activities, minor games, and modified match play.

Clinic Info & Registration Links:

📍 Nissan Arena, QLD

Netball QLD Clinics | Woolworths NetSetGo (Ages 5-10) – April 7 | Nissan Arena, QLD 

Netball QLD Clinics | Jump to Juniors (Ages 9-12) – April 7 | Nissan Arena, QLD 

Netball QLD Clinics | Woolworths NetSetGo (Ages 5-10) – April 8 | Nissan Arena, QLD  

Netball QLD Clinics | Jump to Juniors (Ages 9-12) – April 8 | Nissan Arena, QLD 

Netball QLD Clinics | Woolworths NetSetGo (Ages 5-10) – April 9 | Nissan Arena, QLD 

Netball QLD Clinics | Jump to Juniors (Ages 9-12) – April 9 | Nissan Arena, QLD 

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out. We’d love to see your families there! 😊

At the beginning of term 2, Runcorn High School will be running their Future Touch Stars program (every Monday starting 28^th April, subject to weather).

If you are interested in improving your touch skills under the guidance of some fantastic Touch Football coaches be sure to make contact with them and sign up.

Best of all its FREE.