2025 Term 3 Week 2
1. Welcome to Week 2
Principal's Message
Welcome to Term 3
I warmly welcome all families back to Term 3.
Students have settled well into their routines, and it is wonderful to observe them working collaboratively with their teachers and support staff to progress their learning.
To commence the term, we enjoyed the NAIDOC celebrations with rotational activities at school, including rock art, craft, and traditional games. Our students received wonderful feedback regarding their engagement in the activities on offer, with special mention of their excellent manners. Well done, students!
School Uniform
We have certainly had a cool start to Term 3.
A reminder that our winter uniform requirements are plain navy blue jumpers and long pants. A selection of jumpers with logos and long pants are also available for purchase from P&C through the school office.
At our school, we are proud to uphold the value "We are responsible"—and one way students can demonstrate this value each day is by wearing the school uniform with pride. The school uniform represents a shared identity, a sense of belonging, and a commitment to our school community. Wearing the uniform correctly also helps students develop important life skills such as self-discipline, personal responsibility, and organisation.
We thank families for supporting our uniform policy, and we encourage all students to continue showing pride in themselves and in our school. Together, let’s continue to model the value: We are responsible.
A copy of the school uniform policy is outlined in the student diary.
P&C Fundraiser
I’m delighted to support our wonderful P&C’s latest fundraiser - Picture Plates and Calendars! These keepsakes are not only a fun way to showcase your child’s creativity, but they’re also built to last. Mrs Cox still has her son Danny’s plate from 1989! Orders are due by 8 August, with items ready in early October, so don’t miss out. Every purchase helps raise funds for our school, and I encourage all families to get involved.
School Opinion Survey opens this week
Each year, the Department of Education invites families to participate in the School Opinion Survey - a valuable opportunity for you to share your thoughts on what our school is doing well and where we can improve.
Conducted every year in Term 3, the School Opinion Survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. Participation is voluntary, but every response helps us build a better school for our students and staff. The survey is anonymous, and the results are not reported in ways that an individual’s response can be identified by the school. Your confidential feedback is protected under the Information Privacy Act.
The survey gathers feedback from parents/caregivers, students (from Years 5, 6, 8 and 11), and staff across all Queensland state schools. For families, it focuses on your views about our school, your child’s learning, and their wellbeing. Your insights help us create a more supportive and effective learning environment for every student.
How to participate:
An invitation to complete the survey will be emailed to one parent/caregiver per family. This email will be titled School Opinion Survey for parents and caregivers, 2025 - please keep an eye on your inbox for this (and check your junk folder just in case).
The survey can be completed via computers, tablets or smart phones with an internet connection. School computers/tablets will be available for parents/caregivers who do not have access to the internet. If you experience any difficulties accessing the survey, you can request a new survey from the School Opinion Survey team via email schoolopinionsurvey@qed.qld.gov.au.
Survey results will be published in Term 4.
Thank you for taking the time to support our school community. We truly value your input.
Melissa Graham - Principal
2. Curriculum Corner
Primary Snapshot - Physical Education
It’s been an action-packed term in Primary PE, with students across all year levels developing a wide range of movement skills and having loads of fun along the way!
Kindy/Prep
Our enthusiastic Prep students have been focusing on mastering the basics. They’ve been learning how to perform underarm throws, two-handed catches, and working on dynamic partner balances using beanbags. These activities have helped build their coordination, balance and teamwork in fun and engaging ways.
Year 1/2
In Years 1 and 2, students have been developing their kicking and striking skills. They’ve been practicing instep passing, punt kicking, and using a one-hand strike to hit towards a target. These fundamental skills are essential for many sports and have been explored through a variety of games and challenges that keep everyone active and smiling.
Year 3/4
Our Year 3 and 4 students have been finishing off their entertainment unit, where they’ve been learning and refining juggling techniques. It’s been great to see their persistence and growth in this tricky but rewarding skill, as they worked on hand-eye coordination, rhythm, and performance confidence.
Year 5/6
Meanwhile, the Year 5 and 6 students have wrapped up their All Codes Football unit, where they’ve played a range of modified football games, including an exciting introduction to Gaelic football. This unit has given students a chance to explore different styles of gameplay, develop game sense, and work cooperatively in teams.
3. Health & Wellbeing Matters
School Based Youth Health Nurse News
In Term 3, I will be picking up where I left off and continue to facilitate classroom lessons for all secondary school students. Last term our focus was on being safe in the sun and recognising ways that we can all practice sun safety each day – even in winter. This term, the focus will be directly related to each year levels HPE unit and the health education will compliment what is occurring in the classroom. If you or your young person have any questions or queries following these sessions, please contact me and I am happy to discuss further and provide mythbusting as needed. My clinic days will remain the same this term with an in-person visit every second Wednesday (odd weeks) and students are able to message, email, phone or come and see me in person for an appointment. If you have a concern about your young person's health, social or emotional wellbeing, please feel free to contact myself (preferred) (or encourage your young person too) via the details below, or the school.
The SBYHN service is available to all secondary students in state schools and supports social and emotional wellbeing of students at Wallumbilla State School. The SBYHN 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. Students can self-refer, be referred by peers, school staff and parents. I can also provide resources and education to parents as requested. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns 😊
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. At the end of a big Semester 1, we began to investigate the 'Stamina' domain!
Term 3: 'Stamina', 'Body', and 'Engagement'
In Term 3, we begin by building Stamina through resilience—exploring what it means to learn from setbacks and how to reframe failure as a natural part of growth. Students reflect on the idea that “FAILure is the First Attempt In Learning” and practise letting go of negative thoughts by harnessing the power of positive thinking.
As the term progresses, we will revisit the Body domain with a focus on tools for both relaxation and regulation. Students experiment with using mandalas as calming tools, learn to recognise signs of escalation and de-escalation, and explore how movement, rhythm, and mindfulness support their learning and wellbeing.
In the second half of the term, we shift into the Engagement domain—highlighting how positive emotions help students stay engaged and find their flow. They will practise savouring what’s going well, seeking out “just right” challenges, and using strategies like brain breaks to stay present, centred, and grounded.
We finish the term by revising and updating our Ready to Learn strategies, making sure each student’s plan continues to support their growth and readiness for the final term of the year.
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!
Term 3 Weekly Topics
| Week 1 | S07 | Resilience | What does the phrase 'FAILure is the First Attempt In Learning' mean to you? |
| Week 2 | S08 | Letting go of negative thoughts | Use the power of positive thinking. |
| Week 3 | B15 | Mandalas | Tools for relaxation not just de-escalation. |
| Week 4 | B16 | Escalation/de-escalation | Knowing when to energise and when to relax. |
| Week 5 | E01 | Positive emotions | Using positive emotions to be engaged. |
| Week 6 | E02 | Flow | In the flow - finding challenges that are just right. |
| Week 7 | E03 | Savouring | Make the time to enjoy what's working! |
| Week 8 | E04 | Movement and rhythm for learning | Positive primers and brain breaks are great regulation strategies. |
| Week 9 | B17 | Present. Centred. Grounded. | There's a reason why it's called the 'present'. |
| Week 10 | B18 | Ready to Learn strategies (revision/additions) | Make sure plans stay relevant. |
4. Awards & Celebrations
Students of the Week in Week 10 (Term 2)
Week 10 (Term 2) Reading Awards
Students of the Week in Week 1
Week 1 Reading Awards
5. Out and about...
Under 8s Day
A big thank you to all the wonderful helpers who made Under 8s Day such a fun and memorable event. Your time, energy, and enthusiasm helped create a fantastic experience for our youngest students. We truly appreciate your support!
Year 9–10 STEM Incursion Sparks Innovation and Curiosity
In the first week of Term 3, our Year 9 and 10 students took part in an exciting STEM incursion that brought science, technology, engineering, and mathematics to life in new and engaging ways.
Hosted by a team of passionate educators and industry professionals, the incursion featured hands-on workshops that challenged students to think critically, solve real-world problems, and explore emerging technologies.
The incursion was a fantastic opportunity to ignite curiosity and build confidence in STEM subjects. We’re proud of our students for their enthusiasm and teamwork, and we look forward to seeing how this experience shapes their future learning.
Celebrating NAIDOC Week: A Powerful Start to Term 3
We kicked off Term 3 with a vibrant celebration of NAIDOC Week, honouring the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The theme for this year, "Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud", inspired a day filled with learning, reflection, and connection.
NAIDOC Week is more than a celebration—it’s a call to action for all Australians to listen, learn, and stand in solidarity. We’re proud of our students for embracing this spirit and look forward to continuing the conversation throughout the term.
6. Student Council Notices
7. Arts & Cultural Activity
Book Week
Make sure you are getting ready for Book Week 2025...
8. Sports Report
Congratulations to the following students for competing and being selected in representative school sport recently:
- Congratulations to Lachie B and Will R for representing R&D at the SW Cricket Trials in Chinchilla
- Congratulations to Carter P for representing South West at the State Cross Country Championships over the weekend in Brisbane. Carter came 54th in his 3km race.
- Good luck to the 24 Wallumbilla students competing at the R&D Athletics carnival in Roma this week.
Well done to these students!
Upcoming trials:
- R&D 13-15yrs Boys Cricket – Wednesday 6th of August
If you have not yet received information about these upcoming trials, please see Mr Macpherson or Ms Warren at school.
9. Parents & Citizens News
2025 P&C Executive
- PRESIDENT: Brendan Seawright
- VICE PRESIDENT: Renee Clarkson
- SECRETARY: Tammy Harland
- TREASURER: Lisa Bertolotti
Picture Plate and Calendar Fundraiser
🎨 Wallumbilla P&C Fundraiser – Picture Plates & Calendars! 📅
The Wallumbilla P&C is excited to invite you to raise money for end-of-term class celebrations with our PictureProducts fundraiser! Turn your child’s artwork into a cherished keepsake with a Picture Plate or Picture Calendar - perfect for gifts or treasured memories.
These high-quality products are made to last and they’re a wonderful way to celebrate your child’s creativity while supporting our school.
🖼️ Product Options & Prices:
- Picture Plate – $30
- Picture Calendar – $20
📅 Key Dates:
- Orders due: Thursday, 8 August
- Ready for collection: Approx. 2 October
Extra artwork templates and order forms are available from the school office. Let’s get creative and make something special - while raising funds for our wonderful school!
👉 Learn more at www.pictureproducts.com.au/products
Tuckshop Helpers needed
The P&C is also in need of helpers on a Thursday. Without a helper it's not possible to offer the full menu - so please, if you have the time, come along and give Petrina a hand. Thank you to those volunteers who have already agreed to pitch in this term!
10. Community Noticeboard
Newsletter Sponsors
