2025 Term 2 Week 2
Welcome to Week 2
Principal's Message
Hello everyone and welcome back to Term 2! I am super excited to be Acting Principal in Term 2 at Wallumbilla State School. Over the next ten weeks, I look forward to meeting all the students and as many parents as possible.
During my first two weeks, it has been great to feel so welcomed by all the students, staff and parents. Walking around the school, I can see so much learning taking place, students taking responsibility for themselves and being kind to one another.
I can't wait to get out into the classrooms and see the amazing learning that takes place every day. I am especially excited to see how PLD is going in all our primary classes and hopefully I may be able to take a lesson or two. In the high school, I am looking forward to seeing some familiar faces and hopefully support a Maths lesson as well.
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new families that have joined the Wallumbilla State School community over the Easter holiday break.
A number of public holidays in the first week and another short week in Week 3 have made everyone feel the pressure of Term 2. In light of this, the weather has held off and we were able to hold our annual school Cross Country carnival between Bendemere and Maranoa houses. It was a fantastic day which finished with the smallest of margins. Only one point separated the two houses. Everyone who participated should be proud of their efforts, as they represented their house with pride. A massive congratulations needs to go to our 2025 Wallumbilla Cross Country Champions, Maranoa. Congratulations to all the students who represented Wallumbilla State School at the R&D Cross Country trials on Thursday in Week 2.
Term 2 is a busy term for all teachers as it is end of the Semester 1 reporting period. As staff work to finish and collate all the learning and assessing that has taken place this semester, it is important that your child/ren are at school every day, so they don't miss important content and assessments.
In the coming weeks, we will be sending out some information via email and letters around QParents. This semester, we will be using QParents as our reporting platform for parents to view their child/ren's report cards.
Our behaviour focus for this week was around our Personal Power. As humans, we are unable to control the behaviours or actions of others, however we are able to control our own actions. This week's behaviour focus looks at three key strategies:
- Remain present and centred
- Breathe and consider your options
- Respond rather than react.
I look forward sharing with you some of the amazing things that are happening at Wallumbilla State School in our next newsletter.
Thanks,
Ben Meiklejohn - Acting Principal
About PLD Literacy
PLD provides an Australian, evidence-based approach to Structured Synthetic Phonics (SSP) for primary school educators. Aligned with the Science of Reading, PLD’s SSP approach extends from the junior primary years through to upper primary years and thereby facilitating a whole school approach.
PLD’s method is derived from the disciplines of speech pathology, occupational therapy and education. As an Australian publisher and professional development provider, PLD advocates that literacy and learning outcomes are maximised for children when their Literacy, Oral Language and Movement & Motor skills are targeted.
https://pld-literacy.org/about-pld-literacy/
Weekly Wellbeing Focus
Using the Berry Street Education Model as our guide, we have as a whole school begun to explore 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.
If you would like further information, school diaries outline the schedule of topics and activities that will be completed throughout the year.
| Term 2 Weekly Wellbeing - Relationships | |
| Week 1 | 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 | 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 | 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 | Looking after yourself |
School Photographs
2025 Wallumbilla State School Photographs were taken on Tuesday 29 April 2025 (Term 2 Week 2). MSP Photography will deliver the photos to the school later in the year. More information can be found at MSP Photography https://www.msp.com.au/parents/.
In the community
Anzac Day
Wallumbilla students made our community proud on April 25, and their in-class exploration of the significance of the day was clearly evident.
Students' respectful participation in the events in Wallumbilla and Yuleba shows they are reflecting deeply on the sacrifices made by Australian and New Zealand service members. Thank you to the Wallumbilla and Yuleba communities for making the 2025 Anzac Day commemoration so meaningful.
Youth Week
Thanks to Maranoa Regional Council, Secondary Wallumbilla students enjoyed a talk from 2025 Youth Week Guest Speaker, Rachel Downie. 2020 Australian of the Year, Ms Downie is the founder of Stymie, an anonymous harm reporting tool used in schools in Australia and overseas. Through her advocacy, she aims to empower students to report harm safely and anonymously. https://about.stymie.com.au/
Queensland Youth Week (QYW) is an annual celebration that shines a spotlight on the talents, achievements, and contributions of young people to their communities, our state, and beyond. It provides a platform for young Queenslanders aged 12–25 to connect, express themselves, and engage with opportunities that help shape their futures.
Curriculum Corner
Primary Snapshot
Early Years Literacy
The Prep room has been a hive of activity in the first two weeks of Term 2. Students have been very excited to commence spelling and reading lessons every day.
Year 3/4 Science
In Year 3/4 this week, we have been investigating the earth and sun in Science. We constructed accurate models of the earth using different colours of playdough and discussed how the earth rotates on its axis to create day and night.
Year 5/6 Science
We have had an exciting start to Term 2 in Science with our Year 5/6 students diving into the fascinating world of energy! They explored light, heat, sound, movement, and electrical energy through engaging activities and lively discussions.
Secondary Snapshot
Year 10 English
Created by Jorja and Libby, this is an informative persuasive poster about digital technology in the future.
Out and about...
Year 3/4 Excursion to Miles Historical Village
Weekly Awards
Students of the Week in Week 2
Week 2 Reading Awards
Sports Spot
Cross Country
Congratulations to all students who participated in the cross country in Week 1, and to Maranoa for winning the carnival by 1 point!
Selections
Congratulations to the following students for competing and being selected in representative school sport recently:
- Mackenzie D, Lucy B, Lachie B, Hollie W, Hudson D, Carter P, Cailum L, Josie R, Ryon B, Will R, Lauren H, Sonny S, Lily S and Jorja T for making it onto the WSS Cross Country team competing at the upcoming R&D trials in Roma
- Thomas W for competing for R&D in the SW 11-12 Rugby League Trials and for making it into the possible and probables for the SW team.
Well done to these students!
Coming up
| Important upcoming trials and events: | ||
Week 3 | Tue 6 May | R&D Soccer trials |
| Week 4 | Wed 14 May | R&D 10-12 Cricket Trials |
Week 5 | Wed 21 May | R&D 12-14 Girls Rugby League trials |
If you have not yet received information about these upcoming trials, please see Mr Macpherson or Ms Warren at school.
Arts & Cultural Activity
Instrumental Music
Instrumental musicians continue to work hard, have fun and sound great! There will be a few disruptions to the program this term, mostly for Mr Cahill, who will be taking parenting leave in the first two weeks of May.
He'll be back in Week 5 for his usual lesson Wednesday lesson (21-May), but for the following two weeks he will visit on a Monday.
| Term 2 Instrumental Music | ||
| Week 3 | Wed 7 May | No lesson |
| Week 4 | Wed 14 May | No lesson |
Week 5 | Wed 21 May | Regular instrumental music lesson |
Week 6 | Mon 26 May | Wallumbilla Queensland Symphony Orchestra (QSO) Workshop (NO LESSON Wed 28 May) |
Week 7 | Mon 2 June | Instrumental music lesson (NO LESSON Wed 4 June) |
Week 8 | Wed 11 June | Regular instrumental music lesson |
Week 9 | Wed 18 June | Regular instrumental music lesson |
Week 10 | Wed 25 June | Regular instrumental music lesson |
Good luck for your performance at the Roma Show Trinity B!
26-30 May in the school library!
Student Council Notices
Do It For Dolly Day: Go BLUE on Thursday 8 May
Do It For Dolly Day is an annual day of awareness and action dedicated to spreading kindness and taking a stand against bullying. Usually on 9 May (Roma Show Holiday this year), the Student Council is calling on the Wallumbilla School Community to go BLUE on Thursday 8 May. Wear blue, and help support young people, their families, and the wider community in navigating bullying, online safety, and mental health challenges.
School Disco: Wear what makes you happy on Thursday 15 May
Parents & Citizens News
P&C Secretary needed
At this time, the P&C is still in need of a secretary to join the team and help support our efforts. If you’re interested in getting involved and making a difference, we invite you to step up and take on this important role. Your involvement is key to continuing the success of our P&C and supporting our school.
Tuckshop Helpers also 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.
Helper Ashleigh (left) with Tuckshop Convener Petrina (right) - many hands make light work!
Community Noticeboard
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