2025 Term 2 Week 8
1. Welcome to Week 8
Principal's Message
Winter is here. This week, we had our first frost at school. The temperature has dropped dramatically since our last newsletter. Remember to stay warm!
Uniform Policy – Jumpers
As the colder temperatures set in, we are seeing a number of students keeping warm wearing jumpers at school. Can we please ensure that all jumpers are named so they don’t end up in lost property.
As part of Wallumbilla’s uniform code outlined in the student diaries, jumpers and tracksuits need to navy in colour (unless students have represented school district, regional or state sporting teams, they can wear representative jumpers and tracksuits). If a student comes to school with a jumper that doesn’t meet the uniform code, they will need to get their diary signed at the office.
Athletics Day
On Friday 20 June, Wallumbilla has its annual Athletics Carnival. An MGM has been sent out this week with the schedule for the events on the day (also attached to this newsletter). Students are reminded to wear their house colours on the day to support their teammates. Our official proceedings begin at 9am with our March Past. The tuckshop will be running for staff, parents and students who would like purchase food and beverages.
Premier’s Reading Challenge
Wallumbilla is currently participating in the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge. Students are invited to participate from 6 May to 22 August.
To complete the challenge this year at Wallumbilla State School:
- Prep to Year 2 must read or experience at least 20 books.
- Year 3 and 4 must read at least 20 books.
- Year 5 to 10 must read at least 15 books.
Every student who completes the challenge and returns the completed record reader form, will receive a Certificate of Achievement.
Under 8s Day
On Friday 27 June, Wallumbilla is holding its annual Under 8s Day. The event is running from 9am to 10:30am starting in the Primary undercover area. Students are encouraged to dress up in their favourite dress up costume or in whatever makes them happy! Morning tea will be provided. Non-school children will need to be under full parent/carer supervision.
Year 10 Work Experience – Week 10
In Week 10, our Year 10 students will be participating in Work Experience. This week gives the students an opportunity to trial working with an employer in their chosen field of interest. We look forward to hearing about their experiences when they return after the holidays. Hopefully it will cement their chosen career path or open new pathways for the future.
QParents – Report Cards
In Week 10, we will be rolling out our first QParents initiative with our academic reporting. All parents who have completed the set up process will be able to access their child/rens report cards through the app early on Wednesday 25 June.
Ben Meiklejohn - Acting Principal
Registering for QParents
QParents is a secure, online portal that has been created by the Department of Education to provide parents of Queensland state school students with 24-hour access to their child's information. The portal allows you to securely access information about your child and communicate directly with your child's school.
- Find out more about QParents and download the app today.
- Or send your enquiry to admin@wallumbillass.eq.edu.au, we are happy to assist!
2. Curriculum Corner
Primary Snapshot: Classroom Music
Students across the Primary school have been diving into the world of music by exploring beats with rhythm sticks!
Kindy/Prep and Year 1/2
Students in K/P are learning to keep time and understand the basics of rhythm through fun and engaging activities. It's wonderful to see their enthusiasm and joy as they discover the magic of music.
The Year 1/2 class is building strong musical foundations by using rhythm sticks to learn about beats and patterns. They are developing their listening skills and coordination while having a blast with interactive music games. These young musicians are making great strides in their musical journey!
Year 3/4
Our Year 3/4 students are mastering rhythm and beat with rhythm sticks in their Classroom Music sessions. They are learning to compose simple rhythms to accompany a known song and are performing these with a partner and a variety of instruments. It's inspiring to see their progress and dedication.
Year 5/6
The Year 5/6s are exploring music in films. They are composing their own musical scores to accompany silent films and are incorporating different tempos, styles and instruments. These budding musicians are truly shining in their Classroom Music lessons!
Secondary Snapshot
Year 10 Work Experience - Week 10
Our Year 10 students are getting ready for an exciting week of Work Experience in Week 10. This valuable program gives students a chance to explore different career paths, gain real-world skills, and build confidence in a workplace setting.
A special congratulations to Jorja, who has been accepted to complete her placement at Australia Zoo! We’re so proud of her and can’t wait to hear all about her experience working alongside wildlife professionals.
We wish all our Year 10 students the best as they prepare for this important step in their learning journey!
3. Health & Wellbeing Matters
Free vision and hearing screening
My name is Megan, and I’m a Registered Nurse (RN) based in Roma who does the Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program (PSNHRP) - vision and hearing screening. I travel through all the schools in the South West (SW) Region - from Yuleba in the east to Eromanga in the west.
I offer vision and hearing screening to all Prep children.
I offer hearing screening to all other school aged children. Unfortunately, vision screening is only for Prep children.
I see children 4 years and over only, and use play based audiology to complete my screening on the younger age ranges or case by case.
I can recommend specific services for children younger than 4 years of age.
How can your child see me?
I organise visits to each SW school, where I send out consent forms for both vision and hearing - unfortunately I can’t see the children without a consent. It also gives me valuable clinical history.
I offer the school to see any child outside the Prep cohort who teaching staff have identified might need a hearing screen i.e. learning difficulties, language delay, disruptive class behaviour, trouble making friends, notable hard of hearing etc
Anyone can refer to me- including teaching staff and parents. I get referrals from Speech pathologists, child and family health nurses and paediatricians as well.
What does the screening look like?
Vision - Distance vision test and photo screener (special camera)
Hearing - Otoscopy (looking in the ear), Tympanometry (looking at the middle ear) and a hearing test.
Outside of school visits, I see children @ Roma Hospital for 15min appointments for hearing screening only. Contact the Roma switch and ask for Roma referrals to organise an appointment.
Hearing = Learning
School Based Youth Health Nurse (SBYHN) News
Don’t forget, Emma is available as our School Based Youth Health Nurse to assist with any health concerns Secondary students have. Emma is a Registered Nurse employed by Queensland Health and provides whole of school health promotion, classroom education and individual student consultations that are confidential and voluntary within school hours. Emma visits Wallumbilla every 2 weeks during the school term.
Email: emma.Thompson5@health.qld.gov.au or text 0429894466 with your name and DOB.
Weekly Wellbeing Focus
As part of our Health and Wellbeing Program, each week in 2025 we have a school focus that is designed to optimise students’ learning and wellbeing. Our school diaries aren't just an important tool for communication and organisation, they also set out our weekly wellbeing focus in an age-appropriate way.
Each term we are using our diaries to explore the Berry Street Education Model wellbeing domains. In Term 1 our emphasis was on recognising and regulating stress responses in the body. In Term 2 our focus is one the importance of relationships to our wellbeing.
Term 1: 'Body'
In Term 1 our emphasis was on recognising and regulating stress responses in the body. Students explored how to maintain creativity, focus and motivation, and to stay "in the flow" during their learning.
They developed strategies to manage stress and improve their overall wellbeing, ensuring they’re ready to take on challenges with a positive mindset.
Term 2: 'Relationship', 'Body' and 'Stamina'
We started Term 2 by exploring relationships - developing positive, respectful relationships with peers, teachers, and the wider school community. By focusing on strategies to build trust, empathy, and effective communication, we aim to strengthen students' social-emotional skills and enhance their ability to collaborate and thrive in a supportive learning environment.
By the middle of the term, it was time to revisit the 'Body' domain by updating our 'Ready to Learn Plans' and adding some 'Mindfulness' strategies.
Now, as we head towards the end of a big Semester 1, it's time to investigate the 'Stamina' domain! In Week 8 we are investigating how to do things that 'fill' your own and others' 'buckets' as a way to build stamina.
Term 2 Weekly Topics
Not sure what week it is or what the topic's all about? Go to today's date in the school diary to find out!
Week 1 Relationship | Responding vs reacting | Sometimes, especially when we are tired or annoyed, our first reaction is not helpful. We might yell or snap, even if the other person did not mean to upset us. |
Week 2 Relationship | Personal power | You don't need to have personal power over someone else to be powerful. All you need to do is stay present and centred, breathe and consider your options, and then respond rather than react. |
Week 3 Relationship | Supporting friends by responding to good news | Active constructive responding means we show interest, enthusiasm and support for the interests of our friends and family. |
Week 4 Relationship | Looking after yourself | Are you getting enough sleep? |
Week 5 Body | Updating your Ready to Learn Plan | Revisiting plans and adding new strategies helps to keep Ready to Learn Plans working. |
Week 6 Body | Mindfulness | Paying full attention to what is going on in an open-minded and non-judgemental way, may not change or control what happens — but can help us deal with it. |
Week 7 Stamina | Mindsets | Being willing to make mistakes is essential for growth. |
Week 8 Stamina | Filling your bucket | Remember to do things that 'fill' your own and others' 'buckets'! |
Week 9 Stamina | Turning down the volume | One way to build stamina is to 'turn down the volume' on our emotions. |
Week 10 Stamina | Stamina thermometer | Tracking improvements in our learning stamina helps keep us motivated. |
4. Awards & Celebrations
Students of the Week in Week 7
Week 7 Reading Awards
Students of the Week in Week 8
Week 8 Reading Awards
Premier's Reading Challenge Progress
Whole Class Attendance Awards – Year 5/6 and Year 7
Primary End of Term Class Celebrations
As classes work toward achieving their whole class Dojo goal, they will be eligible to participate in the end of term class celebration. These will occur in Week 10 of the Term, with more information sent home closer to the date.
Class | Activity | What to Bring/Wear |
| Kindy/Prep | Movie and biscuit decorating | Students to wear their pyjamas to school |
| Year 1/2 | Movie, hot chocolate and show and share | Students to bring a favourite item or memory to share with the class (no pets) |
| Year 3/4 | Movie and snacks | Pyjamas and 1 of the following to lie on for movie: pillow/blanket/toy |
| Year 5/6 | Outdoor games and movie | Free dress and snacks |
5. Out and about...
You're Invited to Under 8s Day!
Join us for a morning of fun and celebration on the last day of Term 2 – Friday 27 June 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM.
We’ll be gathering under the Primary Building to enjoy a joyful event filled with play, creativity, and hands-on activities. Families, carers, and community members are warmly invited to come along and share in the fun.
🎭 Come dressed in your favourite costume or whatever makes you feel happy!
🎨 Activities include face painting, outdoor games, rocket making, sensory tubs, rock decorating, balloon tennis and more!
☕ Morning tea will be provided.
Please note: Non-school children must be supervised by a parent or carer at all times.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Senior Constable Matt Bedding
'One Punch' – Police Presentation
Last week, students from Year 5 to Year 10 attended an important presentation by the Queensland Police on the powerful message that One Punch Can Kill.
The session focused on raising awareness about the serious consequences of violence and the importance of making safe, respectful choices. Officers shared real-life stories and encouraged students to think carefully about their actions and how to resolve conflict peacefully.
It was a valuable and eye-opening experience that left a lasting impression on our students. We thank the Queensland Police for taking the time to educate and support our school community.
Thanks too for a great game of basketball after the event to help everyone unwind!
6. Student Council Notices
State of Origin Team Colours Day
Get ready to show your team spirit for the men's State of Origin II on Wednesday 18 June! The Student Council is hosting a Free Dress Day where you can wear the colours of your favourite team - as long as they are maroon or blue!
No matter who you're cheering for, let's fill the school with vibrant colours and excitement. It's a fantastic way to celebrate and showcase our school spirit. Remember, it's all about having fun and supporting your team, so wear your colours proudly. We can't wait to see everyone decked out in their State of Origin gear!
Go Maroons! Go Blues!
7. Arts & Cultural Activity
Drama Camp Adventures
In early May, Kevin and Trinity had the exciting opportunity to attend Drama Camp at the Columboola Environmental Education Centre. Surrounded by nature, they explored the environment and used their observations to create a unique performance inspired by the natural world. It was a fantastic chance to develop their creativity, teamwork, and confidence while connecting with the beauty of the outdoors.
Big thanks for a brilliant 2025 Book Fair
Thank you to all families who purchased books through Book Fair. We sold a total of $1921.85 in books. From these sales, the school earned $590.00 worth of books. We look forward to hosting an even bigger and better Book Fair in 2026.
Verse Speaking Workshops
Congratulations to the students who volunteered to attend the verse speaking workshops on Monday with Mrs Anita McVeigh. Primary school students had a great time working on Dad’s Pigeon and Bungee Jumping. Secondary students worked on the introductions to their persuasive speeches and took away tips to create an engaging “hook”.
8. Sports Report
Week 8 Sport Report
Congratulations to the following students for competing and being selected in representative school sport recently:
- Congratulations to Lauren H, Charleigh F, Will R and Carter P for representing R&D at the SW Touch Football Trials. Well done to Carter for making it into the South West team to compete at the State Championships in Roma in Term 3.
Well done to these students!
Important upcoming trials and events:
- Wallumbilla Athletics Carnival – Friday the 20 June (Week 9).
If you have not yet received information about these upcoming trials, please see Mr Macpherson or Ms Warren at school.
2025 Athletics Day Timetable
9. Parents & Citizens News
Tuckshop News
Our school tuckshop plays a vital role in supporting both our students and our wider school community. It provides convenient, healthy food options to help students stay focused and energised throughout the day. More importantly, it serves as a key fundraiser, with all profits going directly to the Parents and Citizens (P&C) Association to support school programs and improvements.
Please note that on tuckshop day, shop lunches are not available. This helps ensure the tuckshop remains financially viable and continues to benefit our school.
Tuckshop runs every Thursday, and we’re always looking for volunteers to lend a hand. If you’re available, even just once a term, we’d love to have you join us – it’s a great way to meet other families and support the school!
Thank you for your ongoing support!
10. Community Noticeboard
Newsletter Sponsors
