2025 Term 3 Week 10

1. Welcome to Week 10

Principal's Message

Where does the time go? I can’t believe it is the end of Term 3 already.

As we look back on the term, we have had some amazing experiences. This term had a focus on reading with the Premier’s Reading Challenge and Book Week. It was great to see a love for reading throughout the school. In Week 6, we had the Australian Defence Force visit the high school students and do a presentation on careers in the defence force. Our Year 5/6 students participated in a STEM Industry Day with STEMPunks where they designed and built a Mars Rover that they had to remotely control. The instrumental music students were involved in a QSO Workshop in Roma with schools from Roma and the surrounds participating.

In Term 4, we have a few staffing changes.

· Mrs Graham has extended her leave for the remainder of the year. Mr Meiklejohn will continue in the role of Principal at Wallumbilla State School for Term 4.

· Ms Jeffrey has accepted a Principal position at Bymount East State School for the first four weeks of Term 4.

· In Ms Jeffrey’s absence, Miss Babarovich will be filling in as Secondary Coordinator.

· Miss Steel will be taking off Term 4 on Maternity Leave.

· Mrs Bates will be working 2 days a week in the high school.

Attendance

Our current attendance rate for the whole is 82.7%. By the end of the year, we set the target of 90% attendance across the school. 90% attendance equates to only 1 day away a fortnight. Currently we are closer to every student on average having 1 day away a week.

I wanted to take this time to celebrate the students who have 90% attendance or greater for the year so far.

Congratulations to all of the following students: Fletcher G, Ronald G, Jorja T, Levi K, Ollie P, Mya F, Zara F, Winifred G, Mayson H, Tilly F, Levi F, Lauren H, Isabella M, George R, Isabell S, Ella B, Mick C, Oliver F, Kallie H, Elsie L, Carter P, Thomas S, Aylah S, Toretto S, Flynn S, Trinity B, Elsie F, Georgia H, Will S, Clay S, Summer C, Amelia C, Gracie F, Elle T, Felicity Y, Oscar Y, Mitchell B, Oscar B, Tessa C, Joshua F, Charlotte F, Jordan G, Rikki S, Nixon S, Henry F, Chase B, Kevin C, Rory F, Chase G, Lily G, Frank R, William R and Sonny S.

I would like to wish everyone a safe and relaxing holiday. We all look forward to seeing you back in Term 4.

Mr Meiklejohn 

2. Curriculum Corner

Primary Snapshot

Kindy/Prep

In preparation for Grandparents Day, the Kindy and Prep students have been learning a few different dances. They have been busily learning the Australian classic 'The Nutbush' and also 'The Hokey Pokey'. We sure have had a lot of fun learning, and even Ms. Duncan has gotten involved!

Year 1/2 

The Year 1/2 Students have been learning about the ways different places are used, and what people do in different places. We walked through the school and looked at different classrooms, offices, and outdoor areas and discussed who used the different areas, how they are used, how often they are used, and what they are used for. When visiting the ITD room, some of the kids were very excited to eventually be in high school and do woodwork!

Year 3/4 Media Arts Showcase

During Term 3, the 3/4 students have been learning about persuasive ads in our media. They created TV style ads persuading the audience to protect an endangered animal. This week, we invited family members into school to watch all their adds. They had a great time showing off their work, and even got to treat our principal 'like a king

3. Health & Wellbeing Matters

School Based Youth Health Nurse News

The SBYHN service is available to all secondary students in state schools and supports social and emotional wellbeing. Wallumbilla's SBYHN, 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. Students can self-refer, be referred by peers, school staff and parents. She can also provide resources and education to parents as requested.

If you have concerns or feel there is an issue within schools that requires attention, please let school staff or Emma know. Emma visits Wallumbilla every two weeks during the school term. Don’t hesitate to contact her 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 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

4. Awards & Celebrations

Students of the Week in Week 9

Week 9 Reading Awards

5. Out and about...

Year 5/6 Digital HASS Incursion 

The Year 5/6 Students participated in a Digital Incursion through the Museum of Australian Democracy in Canberra. The program showed us through Old Parliament House, and spoke about the importance of democratic decision making, and the role the Senate, House of Representatives and the Australian Government play in our democratic society."

6. Student Council Notices

7. Sports Report

Year 7–9 Students Show Impressive Growth in Netball

This week, students from Years 7 to 9 took to the netball courts after school, demonstrating incredible resilience and perseverance as they continue developing their skills.

Since Week 4, these students have shown remarkable progress, embracing every challenge with enthusiasm and determination. They’ve had the opportunity to try out all positions on the court, gaining valuable experience and a deeper understanding of the game.

We’re proud of their dedication and look forward to supporting their continued growth in netball throughout the rest of the year.

Congratulations to the following students for competing and being selected in representative school sport recently:

• Good luck to Charleigh F and Lauren H for representing South West at the State Rugby League Championships in Townsville this week.
• Congratulations to Carter P for being selected in the SW Athletics team to compete at the State Championships next term in Townsville. Carter also won the SW School Sport Track and Field Age Champion for his age group. Congratulations Carter!
  

Well done to these students!

8. Parents & Citizens News

Tuckshop Helpers needed

Tuckshop will commence first week next term and helpers will be needed on a Thursday. Without a helper it's not possible to offer the full menu.  Parents will be notified by a mess.  Please give Petrina a call or the school office if you can help out

9. Community Noticeboard