MacGregor State School eNewsletter

From the Principal

Dear Parents & Caregivers,

Student Safety

At MacGregor State School we place a very high priority in ensuring the safety of every student in our care.

In recent weeks we have had an increase in students arriving very early at school and not being collected from school or from after-school extra-curricular activities on time.

Before and after school

Students should not be dropped at school before 8am. Students can wait in either Harmony Place or the tuckshop covered area as these areas are supervised from 8.15am until the 8.30 bell. If for some reason you need to drop your children earlier than this you should book them in at MOSHC so that they are correctly supervised until school begins.

Please ensure that your child knows where you will be picking them up each day. School finishes at 3pm and parents should endeavour to collect their children before 3.30pm. Please notify the office if you are running late. If your child is attending after school extra curricula activities please ensure that you collect them as soon as the activity finishes as the school is unable to provide supervision if you are running late.

Students must not be asked to wait for you in the adjacent shopping centres as these places are not safe places for unsupervised children to wait in. Furthermore, please do not ask younger children to cross busy McCullough St or Mains Road to meet you at Sunnybank Plaza or Market Square. Just because there are a lot of people around in these areas does not indicate they are safe places for unsupervised children to wait for you.

If we work in partnership between home and school was can ensure that our students are happy and safe at school.

Yours in equity & excellence,

Mr. Lee Gerchow

Prep and Year One

I cannot believe that we are already in Week 4 of Term 3! It is absolutely wonderful to see our learners so excited and engaged in learning. The buzz and enthusiasm is felt in every classroom during my walkthroughs. Children are able to share their new learning and identify what they have done well in their work. They surely appreciate being recognised for their hard work and achievements.

You may have noticed our “Celebrating Learning’” display in the tuckshop area. Each class in Prep and Year 1 cohorts has the opportunity to share and showcase their learning with our school community. The children love seeing their work displayed and I often see them showing the display to their friends and families. Please take the time to stop by and celebrate the work of our wonderful young learners.

2024 Prep Information session

On Tuesday, 25 July, we held our 2024 Prep School Tour, followed by a Prep Information session. More than 70 families responded and we had around 180 people in attendance on the day. We enjoyed meeting new families who are joining us next year, and the little people were just delightful! Special thank you to Ros Vevers (Uniform shop), Amanda (MOSHC) and MOSHC Educators who supported us during the event, allowing us to deliver information while the little people were busy with fun activities.

We are starting the first round of Prep Enrolment interviews this week and urge all eligible families, who reside in the catchment area or have siblings at the school, to submit the enrolment applications now. It is important that you secure a place in Prep for 2024, allowing us to start planning classes and staffing. Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Year Four and Five

As always at MacGregor we have so many activities and events happening.

It was great to see so many of the Year 4 students attending the excursion to Lone Pine and comments from the staff on the day on how well they represented the school.

Year 5 have shown a great commitment to their leadership journey starting their programs this week with zest and enthusiasm!

Rowan of Rin

4A have been reading the text Rowan of Rin in which they have totally immersed themselves. They had fun making the paper to create their own maps for their journey and demonstrated their artistic skills in creating village scenes of what they imagined the village would look like.

Lone Pine Excursion

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Year 4 Students participated in their excursion to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary.

Student Feedback

"It was really fun and I'd like to go again. The animals were interesting and my favourite animals were the kangaroos."

"I had a lot of fun because I got to see the koalas and we learnt about endangered species. I got to feed the kangeroos."

"I saw koalas and lots of different animals. It was a really fun day. The kangaroos are really chill and really love food and even stole my food from me. The best part was seeing the kangaroos."

"Today we went to Lone Pine and we learnt a lot. We visited many endangered animals and the best was when we visited the kangaroos. The kangaroos were really cute and sleepy."

" I really enjoyed going to Lone Pine because we got to see koalas. We got to hold them and feed them."

Students in Year 5 begin their Leadership Projects this week. They have all identified an activity they will lead for the following 4 weeks and are very excited to be participating. Towards the end of the term we will send out further information around the process for applying for School Leader roles.

Year 5 Uniforms

We have noticed some students wearing MacGregor High jumpers and hats.

This is not part of our Primary Uniform as the Logo is different.

The students are expected to wear a green jumper if they do not have a MacGregor Primary Jumper.

At lunch times they are to wear the school hat – white sport hats are only for sports training and Friday sport.

Stop Motion Incursion

Permission notes and invoices have been sent out for this incursion. This incursion will support the students in their Technology Curriculum for this semester.

Year Six

The focus of my message this week is on our core values of care, compassion and respect.

As we now are well over half way through the year, the reality of finishing primary school for our seniors is becoming clearer. All of a sudden they are taller, more confident, and cementing strong friendship groups that will likely become firm and favourite memories as they transition into the next phase of their education.

In light of this, they are continuing to learn how to interact appropriately with others, how to communicate their needs in a respectful way and how to respect the differences of others. We will continue to provide guidance and learning opportunities for our senior students right up until their departure from MacGregor State School. Thank you for the part you play as parents and carers in ensuring that your child/ children uphold the MacGregor State School values. Every student at our school has the right to feel safe and supported academically, socially, emotionally and physically. We all have a responsibility to support our young people so that they can shine.

Year 6 Camp Mapleton and Australia Zoo

All students in Year 6 who were present early this week were provided with medical and dietary notes in readiness for our upcoming Camp in Week 7. Thank you to parents for ensuring all notes are read, understood and completed and returned to the class teacher by Friday 4^th August.

We are really looking forward to this Camp – your support in ensuring your child’s personal information is provided will ensure the safe and smooth running of our three days away.

If you have any questions about Camp, please direct your inquiry to Ms Bailey jbail154@eq.edu.au or your child’s teacher.

Share the Dignity in Queensland Schools -

Year 6 Educational Workshops

Ms Bailey and Miss Megan will be inviting all students in Year 6 to a series of educational workshops to support students in understanding more about their physical health.

Accessing the fantastic resources provided by the Queensland Government, Period Talk is a resource created to ensure we have a generation of children and young people who are informed and at ease talking about periods. Our Year 6 students will engage in an educational program led by Ms Bailey and Miss Megan – please keep an eye out for information coming home so that parents are aware of these sessions and, what we will be sharing.

The program has been written in line with the Australian Curriculum, with input from HPE teachers from around Australia and endorsed by the University of Western Sydney.

For more information, go to:

https://education.qld.gov.au/students/student-health-safety-wellbeing/student-health/share-the-dignity

Respectful Behaviour

We continue to support our Year 6 students as they navigate the reality of the on-line world. Whilst we do have very clear expectations regarding technology use at school and for educational purposes, we are also providing support for our students as they learn how to engage online respectfully – towards themselves and towards others.

Click here for a copy of the Australian Government’s e-safety Commissioner’s webinar resources for parents. These webinars give parents and carers the knowledge, skills and tools to support their children to have safe online experiences. From Term 3, the webinars include a broad range of topics that are delivered by their education and training team.

Our Guidance Officer, Megan Brodie and I will be participating in educator webinars so that we can ensure we are using the right language and supports when our students are faced with challenges when interacting online.

Thank you to the families who have registered for ICAS 2023!

With registrations now closed, we are excited to share that from Year 2 through to Year 6, we have 325 students registered for English, 339 students registered for Mathematics and 292 students registered for Science.

Now we have finalised participants, we will formulate a timetable that will be distributed to class teachers and to our parent community.

H.O.D. Update

PARENT LEARNING FORUMS

Thank you to all the parents who have completed the Parent Learning Forums survey sent out by email last week.

We are looking to provide some opportunities for parents to engage in sessions focussed on the curriculum and processes at MacGregor State School and would value your feedback.

If you haven’t yet completed the survey, please use the QR code to share your thoughts.

Learning Engagement Team Update

Tips for Managing Regulation of Children

(Source: Tony Attwood and Michelle Garnett)

Link: https://attwoodandgarnettevents.com/tips-for-managing-a-meltdown/

When your child is dysregulated, it can be frustrating and scary. Sometimes as adults we need to ‘Stop – take a breath, Calm – regulate ourselves, then Respond – assist our child to co-regulate’. The key word here is to RESPOND – Not React. Reactions can lead to making situations more intense and escalate the child and yourself. Below are some helpful tips on what to DO to assist your child if they are having difficulty self-regulating.

DO

Have one person take control of the situation.
Stay calm, be assertive, and feel confident. Remember to keep the role of the adult, be firm and in control.
Use a slow, low tone of voice, and clear, simple, minimal words.
When speaking to your child, sit to the side and look away from their face (i.e., mid-distance, to side, and down).
Keep your body language calm, not imposing.
When giving directions acknowledge the emotions, give the reason for a direction then give a direction (for e.g., “I can see you are feeling really worried. You need a break. Sit on this bean bag.”)
As soon as your child starts to calm down provide praise and encouragement (for e.g., “that was the smart and the right thing to do”).
Keep your child safe by removing anything that your child might hurt herself on and anyone who is not needed.
Ask your child to sit down.
Give your child as much solitude as possible by giving her/him/them an area to herself that is quiet. If possible, create a permanent, quiet, calm space and call it a name like “Calm Space.” Ensure your child understands this space is not a punishment place like the “Naughty Corner,” or “Time Out.” I.e., use different spaces for these.
Appeal to your child’s special interest (for e.g., start a discussion or have your child make a list, or sort their collection).
Give your child an emergency/calming-down box (for e.g., a box filled with twiddly toys, puzzles, trucks, catalogues, radio to listen to, stress balls, or spinning things).
Give a compliment (for e.g. “You are a very intelligent girl”).

DON’T

Don’t touch your child, unless it is a protective action to stop violence or you know it helps them.
Don’t match your child’s mood with your speech, (i.e., stay low and slow.)
Don’t threaten or use punishment.
Don’t try to turn the situation into a lesson, your child’s mind is not available for verbal teaching whilst in a meltdown.
Don’t say “No.”
Don’t talk about consequences

Performing Arts

Performing Arts Photos

It was wonderful to see everybody participate in the performing arts photos last week. Here are some snapshots of some music groups having fun while waiting for their photo.

Students who were present for the photos will receive an order form from MSP this term.

Combined Schools Wind Ensemble

MacGregor SS Wind Ensemble welcomed band students from Year 5 from Sunnybank Hills SS and Robertson SS last Wednesday for a day full of music, more music, and some fun. It was lovely to see all the students making new friends while learning lots of new music with their 3 conductors, Mr Mossley, Mrs Rosewarne and Mrs Thomas. Thank you to all staff involved in running a fabulous day of music making for our students.

Sports Update

We are excited to announce the start of Inter and Intra-Sport next week, where our students will come together to compete in a range of sporting activities.

The links below provide research that highlights the incredible benefits of sports and its positive impact on the lives of young athletes.

Through teamwork, dedication, and the joy of competition, they'll not only grow as athletes but also as well-rounded individuals ready to conquer life's challenges.

Remember to stay tuned for updates and highlights from the upcoming Inter and Intra-Sport events.

Benefits of Team Sports

Positive Effects of Competitive Sport

Message from The Guidance Officer

On Friday 18^th August it is National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA). The NDA is an opportunity for schools to deliver the powerful message that bullying is never ok.

As educators and parents, we all play a vital role in creating a safe and supportive environment for our children. Bullying can have long-lasting effects on a child's mental and emotional well-being, so it is imperative that we come together to address this issue.

What is the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence?

The NDA provides us with an opportunity to unite as a community and raise awareness about the importance of preventing bullying. It serves as a reminder that by working together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of our learners.

What is Bullying?

Bullying is an ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening (NDA, 2023).

This year's theme is "Growing Connections." Fostering positive connections among students, parents, teachers, and the broader community is a powerful way to prevent bullying and promote a culture of empathy and kindness. Research has shown that a sense of connection to school supports the development of positive social behaviours and decreases the likelihood and negative impacts of bullying.

What are we doing to raise awareness?

On Friday 18^th August our goal is to engage students in meaningful activities and discussions that foster understanding and empathy.

On NDA from 8:00am we will be hosting an event as a way of growing connections. More information to come.
Students will engage in learning that address bullying, empathy, and the importance of kindness. These activities will help students understand the different forms of bullying and the role they can play in preventing it.
Students are encouraged to wear the colour orange

Parents are essential in promoting a culture of kindness and respect. Here's how we can grow connections and work together to prevent bullying:

Building Resilience: Help your child develop resilience and coping skills to navigate challenging situations. A strong sense of self-confidence and emotional resilience can empower them to handle bullying effectively.
Educate and Empower: Talk to your child about what constitutes bullying and the impact it can have on others. Empower them to stand up against bullying.
Create Safe Spaces: Encourage inclusivity and acceptance at home and in your community. By creating safe spaces where children feel supported, they are more likely to feel comfortable seeking help if they encounter bullying.
Promote Kindness: Encourage acts of kindness and empathy. Small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect, promoting a positive and caring atmosphere in our schools and communities.

Together, we can create a safe and nurturing environment our learners, where they can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. It is our collective responsibility to address this issue and create a safe and inclusive environment for all students.

Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the well-being of students at MacGregor State School.

Hello from our Chappy Mr T.

Last Thursday was a great turnout for Breakfast Club. And everyone that came, even the late ones, all had something to eat.

Besides the staple cheese toastie, there was normal toast and raisin toast with margarine, jam and Vegemite. In addition, we also had bananas, milk and cornflakes.

The kids loved the choices available to them and we had many fantastic helpers to prepare and give out the food. Final tally, 180 cheese toasties, 5 loaves of bread, 2 bunches of bananas, one box of cornflakes, one tub of margarine and 2L milk.

All food is donated by Eat Up and YMCA Breakfast Club.

A huge thank you to Mr Davey who turns up early to get everything cooking and our Year 6 helpers who turn up to help serve.

Each Thursday morning students are welcome to come to Mac Place FROM 8am to have a free breakfast.

Finance Update

If you would like to apply a credit to a current/future Invoice please contact the Finance office via email finance@macgregorss.eq.edu.au.

EXCURSION/ACTIVITY PAYMENTS
PAYMENT OPTIONS QParents and BPoint: (online card payment option) Available 24hrs a day, seven days a week – make payment no later than 4:30pm on the final payment date) Payment Window: Open on Tuesday from 8:00am to 9:30am (No change available if paying by cash)
YEAR LEVEL	ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION	COST	FINAL PAYMENT DATE
Prep – Year 6	Student Resource Scheme	$178	Due Now
Year 4 – Year 6 E-Learning	Student Resource Scheme	$148	Due Now
Extra-Curricular Activities	Dance Groups	$120	Due Now
Extra-Curricular Activities	Choirs	$100	Due Now
Selected Students	Touch Football/Touch Jersey	$70/$39	29 August 2023
Selected Students	Inter School Sport	$68.00	15 August 2023
Prep	Pirate Show	$8	Due Now
Year 1	Planetarium and Botanic Gardens	$34	Due Now
Year 2	Author Visit	$5.50	29 August 2023
Year 2	Step into History	$11	8 August 2023
Prep, Years 3 & 5	Smart Moves Dance	$30	Due Now
Year 6	2024 Canberra Camp Deposit	$200	11 August 2023

NO LATE PAYMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR EXCURSIONS OR INCURSIONS

Please contact our office if you require assistance setting up your Qparents account.

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.

Winter Menu

The winter menu runs for term 2 and term 3. The new winter daily specials have been very popular amongst the students. Follow this link and take a look at the menu - https://msspc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/Winter-2023-3.pdf

Uniform Shop

MacGregor Peace Code

Week 4 - Finding Help

This week the sub theme for our topic is ways to ask for help.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Performing Arts Success

Congratulations to:

Solomon K for receiving Honours for his Grade 3 Saxophone exam.

Evelyn C for receiving Honours for her Grade 5 Flute exam.

Annabelle Y for receiving 2^nd place in the Beenleigh Eisteddfod Gr 7 Piano repertoire section.

Shen K for receiving the following awards:

10 & 11 years - Classical solo – Any instrument: 1^st place

10 & 11 years – Romantic solo – Any instrument: 1^stplace

10 & 11 years – 20^thCentury solo – Any instrument: 2^nd place

10 & 11 years –Baroque solo – Any instrument: 3^rd place

10 & 11 years – Violin/Viola/Cello/Double Bass: Highly Commended

Congratulations to Louis B. on his outstanding achievement at the 2023 Brisbane Junior Short Course Championships held at the end of July at Chandler.

Gold for 50m Butterfly

Silver for 50m backstroke, 100 IM and 100m freestyle

Bronze for 50m freestyle, 50m breastroke

4th for 200 freestyle

Congratulations to Ellie L. who recently participated in the Quota Beenleight Eisteddfod and received the following awards:

1st place - Violin Grade 3 Solo Section
2nd Place - 8-9 years - Piano Solo Section
2nd Place - 8-9 years - Piano Memorised Section

MacGregor State School Newsletter 2023 Edition 3