Issue 9 5 June 2024

From the Principal's Desk

As we head into the last couple of weeks of school, can I again encourage full attendance where possible. Students are being assessed at this time, ready for Semester 1 report cards, so it goes without saying that to do this effectively, kids need to be at school. 

As most would be aware, one of our much loved staff members, Leanne Broadbent, tragically lost her parents and brother in a road accident recently. Our thoughts and prayers are with Leanne and her extended family and support network, which extends to many colleagues here at Kingaroy State School. Leanne will take some leave until the remainder of the term, ably replaced by Chantelle Small, her co-teacher in Prep B. 

Last week 27 May- June 3, we have acknowledged Reconciliation Week in our classes. Monday June 3 marked Mabo Day, a significant day in our history, especially for the Meriam nation of Mer Island and our first nations peoples right across Australia. I shared these videos last week with our staff. 

Juniors - https://youtu.be/hYWMkHP3N5o (first 2 mins only)

Seniors - https://youtu.be/JjLGVp6Yg5Y and https://www.britannica.com/video/191885/Mabo-Day-discussion-Eddie-decision-Torres-Strait

On 12 July we will celebrate NAIDOC here at KSS, with a concert and lots of fun activities across the day. This is Friday, Week 1 of next term - mark it in your calendar. 

This week we had our Athletics Carnival over three days, starting Tuesday. What a terrific event, super well-coordinated by our HPE teacher, Candice Humphries. Thank you parents for turning out to support your children, too. 

As the cold weather has definitely come to town, please ensure your little ones are adequately clothed to keep away the colds and flu. If your child does become unwell, please keep them home rather than send to school sick. 

From the Deputy Principal

It is Week 8 and our students are working hard to demonstrate what they have learnt this term. The Focus of the Fortnight is Calm Transitions, both in the classroom and the playground. We have been discussing that students, teachers, parents and our school community feel safe, happy and respected when we transition correctly throughout the day. This fortnight, students have been set the challenge of making a transition video, poster or PowerPoint about a successful transition their class does every day! This might be from the carpet to their desks or from eating to play. All classes caught successfully calmly transitioning have been awarded bonus peanuts!

A huge congratulations to 3M who made an amazing video of their beautiful transition from downstairs to their classroom.

WOWs – There are lots of WOWs available for students to sign up for over the next few weeks. Please discuss these with your children and encourage them to spend their well-earned Kingaroy Cash on a WOW of their choice. WOWs can be purchased by visiting our lovely office ladies and signing up.

The Resilience Project – As you are aware, throughout 2024 we will be working closely with The Resilience Project to support the wellbeing of our school community. The Resilience Project delivers emotionally engaging programs and provides evidence-based, practical strategies to build resilience.

The clip at the link below focuses on Gratitude. Gratitude is paying attention to the things that we have right now, and not worrying about what we don’t have. We practise this by noticing the positives that exist around us. Research shows that practicing gratitude rewires our brains to overcome the negativity bias (which can lead to anxiety and depression) and see the world for what we are thankful for. It is also shown to broaden thinking, and increase physical health through improved sleep and attitude to exercise. View the Gratitude clip here: https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2023-parent-carer-hub-inspire-hugh/

There are many ways in which you can practise gratitude, including starting a gratitude journal. You can simply use a notebook to list three things that went well for you each day.

Reflection Room - If your child receives Reflection Room for not upholding one of the Kingaroy State School Values, you will be notified via text message. The aim of Reflection Room is to provide a space for students to reflect on where things went wrong and to develop strategies to better cope should the situation arise in the future. If you have any questions or require further information, please don't hesitate to contact me. 

News from P/6C

A big thank you to ‘The Bike Bloke’ Ross.

We are so grateful for his availability to service and fix up our bikes for our P/6C class. We rely on these bikes as part of our program to help our students learn a variety of things like turn taking, balance, coordination, communication and most importantly it is fun!

Ross is head of the Wondai group Battlers Bikes. So, if you are looking for someone reliable to help you out to service your bike or advice on buying one, drop him a message on rossparks2022@outlook.com

Ross has committed to a regular service for our bikes which we really appreciate. Kingaroy SS thank you Ross.

News from P/6C

Recycling News and Student Council Update

We have had a great start to the Wave of Change Program (part of Containers for Change) where students take bags home and bring recycling into the school. We have saved over 10,000 containers from land fill whilst earning over $1000 for the school. Students from the Student Council have spoken to their peers and in our first meeting they decided on some areas they would like the money spent.

Many students asked for more sporting equipment which can be used during break times. We are having a Free Dress Day on Wednesday 12th June (Week 9).

The theme is Sporting Colours for Sport Equipment (please wear the colours of your favourite sporting team).

Please bring in a gold coin donation to add to the recycling money so we can make out first new purchase of spoting equipment for the playground (to be announced at our next raffle draw on 20 June).

When we recycle, we save energy, protect wildlife, and keep our air and oceans cleaner. By collecting bottles and cans at school and home, we're not only helping the planet, but we're also earning money that can make our school even better.

Recycling with Containers for Change isn't just about cleaning up—it's about making a positive impact. So, let's keep recycling, because together, we can make our world a better place.

Dates to Remember

Community News