MacGregor State School Newsletter 2025 - Edition 5

ANZAC Day Commemorations

Last week we observed the ANZAC traditions recognising the contributions of Australians who have served in conflicts overseas to protect our way of life and that of our allies.

At school we were privileged to host Captain Martin Wiltshire from Enoggera Barracks who spoke to the students about the ANZAC legacy and shared with me that our observance ceremony was one of the most professional and moving he had ever been part of.  Please enjoy some of the images from the ceremony and the subsequent march at Sunnybank last Friday. 

Huge thank you to Gary and other staff members who helped make these events and to our amazing School Captains who shone in their first official duties in the role.

World’s Greatest Shave

My wife and I will be travelling to Egypt and South Africa later this term and before I go I will need a haircut, and this time I’m going to make it count!  Currently donations sit at $1834 with a target of $3500 which I’m hoping to exceed. 

EVER WONDERED WHAT I WOULD LOOK LIKE WITHOUT HAIR? WELL HERE IS YOUR CHANCE TO FIND OUT!

Help me take a stand against blood cancer. If we raise enough money, on the 13th June I will be shaving my hair off in front of the whole school.

Right now, over 150,000 Australians are facing the devastating impact of blood cancer, and 17 lose their life every single day.

That’s why I will be taking on the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave. By donating to my page, you’ll help me raise funds and awareness for blood cancer, and fuel life-changing research projects and support services for patients and their families.

Any amount – big or small – will make a real, tangible difference.

Click on the link below to donate.

https://www.worldsgreatestshave.com/fundr.../leegerchow/2025

Outdoor Classroom Day – 8 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 health, wellbeing and love of the natural world. During this day, we will be celebrating learning and participating in learning outdoors.

This year, the Under 8s Week is celebrated between 19-23 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 2025 is ‘Unleashing Scientific Thinking through Play’, which casts a spotlight on the importance of early STEM education and the development of children’s foundational skills like critical thinking and problem-solving.

Our school will celebrate Under 8s Day on Thursday, 22 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.

Prep Vision Screening

The Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program, a Queensland Government service that offers Free Vision Screening to all children enrolled in Prep, is coming to our school in Week 4.

It’s better to find out early if your child has a problem with their eyesight. Some conditions can lead to blindness if they’re not treated early.

It’s also important for your child’s learning and development. When children can’t see properly, they may have difficulty with

• their behaviour
• their concentration and coordination
• things that need distance or close vision like sports or reading.

They may also get sore eyes, headaches and feel tired.

It’s a good idea to have the screening even if your child has had their 4-to-5-year development check. The Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program uses a vision screener that can pick up problems that may be missed in a health check.

All Prep families were provided with the link to complete consent forms. If you have not completed the form, please contact the office for further information.

We have started the week with an exciting incursion in Year 1.

The children had a wonderful time learning about Australian animals and their habitats. They got to meet a number of interesting animals including Snickers - the shingle-back lizard, Hercules - the bearded dragon, Blossom - the possum/squirrel glider, Xena - a black-headed python, Sheldon - the long-neck turtle, Freddy - the tawny frogmouth and Chomp - the saltwater crocodile. Children had an opportunity to touch and pat the animals as they learned about their habitats and adaptive skills to survive in their environment. We hope you heard all about it at home as well.

Tub Time Talk from Year Two!

This week we are sharing how Year 2’s have started to experiment with Tub Time as a strategy to support curiosity, independence and stamina in our young learners.

Currently in Tub Time training mode, I asked the students from both 2F (Mrs Weldon) and 2C (Miss Scrogings) what they thought about Tub Time. For context, we didn’t focus on their favourite activity, we focused on why they enjoyed it. Here’s what they said:

‘During Tub Time……’

Just look at those smiles, concentration and focus!

Term 2 Religious Instruction – Resuming Week 4, Term 2

In Term 2 we will be offering Religious Instruction to Years 1, 2 and 3 for Christianity and Years 1 to Year 5 for Hindu. For Religious Instruction to be viable, Queensland State Schools rely on volunteers and each year we are fortunate to be supported by a small team of dedicated volunteers for the two denominations we offer.

Our volunteers are required to attend a Mandatory Training session before they begin in addition to an induction each year. They are also easily identifiable wearing a personalised lanyard whilst they are at MacGregor State School.

What do parents need to do?

Every child enrolled at MacGregor State School has a parent or carer that as completed an Enrolment Form. Parents are asked to select whether they would like their child to participate in Religious Instruction and from these responses, we create a list of students who have permission to attend.

How long is a Religious Instruction lesson?

Each lesson is for 30 minutes once per week in Term 2, Term 3 and partially into Term 4.

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

If parents wish add their child to a Religious Instruction session, they are required to do so in writing as this is considered an amendment to the enrolment form. Once we receive your written communication, we are required to update your child’s enrolment form to reflect the correct information.

For any adjustments or changes to Religious Instruction, please email: office@macgregorss.eq.edu.au

Is Religious Instruction free?

Parents will be invoiced to cover the cost of a learning booklet that will be used during the Religious Instruction lesson for Christianity. There are no other costs.

If my child is not attending Religious Instruction, what do they do?

As all lessons are held in classrooms, we create a timetable for class teachers that reflect Religious Instruction classes and non-Religious Instruction classes. Children not attending Religious Instruction will be guided by the class teacher that is supervising them. No new learning content is to be introduced during this time.

Toohey Forest Update

We continue to work with the team at Toohey Forest to ensure our planned excursion can proceed. Thank you to our Year 2 parents for your patience as we navigate this excursion for 200 students in amongst other school bookings that have been made at the venue.

As soon as we have an update, we will communicate with all families.

Learning to Read in the Early Years

This week, we are sharing with you the importance of shared reading at home along with a resource published by the Department of Education that parents can use at home when reading to their children (Supporting your beginning reader). We always want the experience of reading or being read to, to be positive and enjoyable for children to emphasise the notion that reading is a life-long skill.

What books have you got at home that support positive and enjoyable reading rituals with your young reader?

We are always happy to support you if you have any questions about reading at home with your child – please reach out to your teacher or one of the Deputy Principals.

4C Science

Year 4 scientists investigated the effects different surfaces and heights have on how fast a car rolls.  The students set up their experiment using different objects and at different heights and then measures how far their car rolled.  They then completed their experiment by recording their measurements on their laptops.

4F Maths

This term in Maths, 4F explored the concept of fractions in the most delicious way possible — by becoming mini pizza chefs! 

Students created their own pizzas using halves, quarters, eighths and more to show their understanding of fractions. From 1/2 pepperoni to 3/8 mushroom and 1/4 pineapple, we saw some very creative combinations — and lots of hungry mathematicians! 

It was a hands-on and enjoyable experience that brought mathematical concepts to life — proving that learning fractions can be both fun and meaningful.

3F have been enjoying the outdoors while combining maths with movement! During our active maths rotations, students explored addition through bean bag throws, estimated how many times they could complete a circuit in 3 minutes, measured length with standing jumps, practised counting through skipping challenges, and tackled multiplication by rolling dice and matching exercises to times tables. Back in the classroom, everyone adds up their results and looked for efficient strategies to calculate their totals. A fun and energetic way to learn!

MacGregorthon

In week 3, students will come home with their list of questions and answers for their MacGregorthon as well as a sponsorship card.  They will then have 2 weeks to learn the answers and collect sponsors.  On the quiz day, they are to return their sponsor card but no money.  After the quiz, the students will return home with their sponsor card to collect their donations.

Walking safely to school day

On Friday 16^th May we are participating in ‘Walking safely to school day’.  Students can arrive at D.M Henderson Park (Granadilla St) between 8.15am and 8.25am.  We will be departing the park at 8.25am to walk up Carnaby St to school.  Parents are welcome to join us on the walk but staff will be supervising.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Savoury muffins:
Ingredients:
140g Self Raising Flour
Pinch of saltPinch of pepper
1/4 cup refined oil
3 tablespoons milk
2 eggs

Filling:
Any finely chopped/grated vegetables the children like (carrots, spinach, corn, zucchini, capsicum, onion)
¼ cup shredded cheese

Method:

1. Heat a frying pan with 1 tablespoon oil and lightly fry any ingredients to soften. Remove from heat and let cool.
2. Pre-heat oven to 175 degrees and muffin trays.
3. Sift Flour, salt and pepper into a bowl.
4. In a different, bowl whisk eggs, milk and oil.
5. Gently fold egg mixture into the dry ingredients and then gently fold in the cooked vegetables.
6. Spoon mixture into Patty cases and sprinkle cheddar cheese on top.

Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20min.

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 too 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/

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.

Uniform Shop Update

We’re pleased to let you know that the 2025 Senior Shirts have arrived and have been distributed to those who placed orders earlier in the year. A small number of shirts are still available in limited sizes for anyone who missed out—please see Kathryn at the shop if you’d like to purchase one.

Due to an unprecedented rush on uniforms this Term 2, some specific items and sizes are currently out of stock. We appreciate your patience while we work hard to replenish our supplies. The good news is that we’ve received a large delivery this week, so please check back regularly to see if the item you’re after has arrived.

For reference, we stock uniforms in sizes 2–26 and have recently expanded our range to include larger sizes to ensure every student is supported.

If you have any questions about available stock, Kathryn and her team of wonderful volunteers are here to help. The Uniform Shop is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00–9:00am. Appointments for fittings outside of these hours can be arranged by emailing Kathryn at uniformshop@msspc.org.au.

A big thank you to all the families who have donated gently used uniforms this term. Your generosity supports both our school community and sustainability by helping reduce landfill. Pre-loved items are available to purchase from the rack in front of the shop—please pop by and take a look!

Welcoming Our New 2025 P&C Community Partner – S.A.M & S.A.E (Seriously Addictive Mathematics & English)

We’re thrilled to introduce a new Community Partner joining our P&C in 2025 – S.A.M (Seriously Addictive Mathematics) and S.A.E (Seriously Addictive English), a locally owned and operated education centre dedicated to helping students strengthen their skills in both Maths and English.

S.A.M & S.A.E have generously partnered with us to support our Term 2 fundraiser, the MacGregorthon, by donating Pizza Parties for the classes with the highest participation, and an iPad prize for one lucky student—thank you to this amazing team!

These programs stand out by going beyond rote learning to develop critical thinking, problem solving skills and a deep understanding of core academic concepts:

S.A.M (Seriously Addictive Mathematics

Designed to nurture a love for mathematics, S.A.M uses a proven two-pronged approach:

• Classroom Experience – In small, interactive sessions led by certified trainers, students engage with math concepts through the Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract (CPA) method. This three-step process helps students build conceptual understanding, develop logical reasoning, and tackle problems with confidence.
• Worksheet Experience –  With access to over 30,000 thoughtfully designed worksheets, students progress through a structured step-up approach that gradually challenges them to apply their knowledge in increasingly complex ways — sharpening their analytical and problem-solving abilities.

S.A.E (Seriously Addictive English):

• S.A.E provides a comprehensive English learning journey that builds a solid foundation in grammar, reading comprehension, vocabulary, and writing. The curriculum is carefully aligned to each student’s age and skill level, helping them grow into confident and articulate communicators.

Both S.A.M and S.A.E are personalised to meet individual learning needs, delivered in an engaging and interactive environment that fosters motivation and self-assurance. Whether your child needs support in revisiting challenging topics or is ready to accelerate ahead, these programs provide the structure and encouragement to help them succeed — not just academically, but as independent, critical thinkers prepared for future challenges.

In addition to backing the P&C through their generous prize donations, they’re also offering an exclusive special offer for MacGregor families. Please see the flyer below for more information, and consider reaching out to learn more about how these programs can support your child’s learning journey.

We’re proud to partner with S.A.M & S.A.E and thank them for supporting our school community!

If you have a business or know a local business that would like to be a MSS P&C Community Partner please email us at operations@msspc.org.au to find out more.

Mother’s Day Stall – Volunteers & Support Needed

Our annual Mother’s Day Stall is just around the corner, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for students to choose something special for Mum, Grandma, or another loved one—all while supporting our school!

This event is a P&C fundraiser, with 100% of profits going directly back into supporting our students and school community. Your purchases help fund valuable programs and resources that make a real difference in our children’s education.

A heartfelt thank you to the amazing parents and grandparents who have already signed up to volunteer—we couldn’t do it without you! If you’d like to lend a hand, we’d love to have you. Click here to sign up and be part of this fun and rewarding event.

Thank you for supporting the stall, our school, and our students’ success!

Join Us for the Next P&C Meeting – 13 May 2025

Our next P&C meeting will be held on Tuesday, 13 May 2025 at 6:30pm at MOSHC.

We warmly invite all interested parents, carers, and community members to come along, share ideas, and get involved in supporting our school. Whether you’re keen to help out with events, contribute to discussions, or just stay informed, your voice and involvement are always welcome.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Discover MacGregor Outside School Hours Care (MOSHC)

Did you know that MacGregor Outside School Hours Care (MOSHC) is a not-for-profit service operated by the MacGregor Primary P&C Association? Located at the rear of the school grounds on the MacGregor State School campus, MOSHC offers a high-quality, convenient care option exclusively for students enrolled at our school.

We’re proud to share that MOSHC has consistently been recognised as “Exceeding the Standard” under the National Quality Framework Assessment and Rating—a testament to the dedication and care provided by our team.

MOSHC operates year-round, closing only for three weeks over the Christmas and New Year period. We currently have vacancies for some afternoons in After School Care (ASC) and all mornings for Before School Care (BSC).

If you're interested in learning more about our program or would like to book a tour, please contact us at macgregoroshc@gmail.com or call (07) 3349 4836.

You can also check out our latest weekly newsletter, MOSHC Times, to get a closer look at our engaging program: LINK HERE