2025 Term 1 - Vol 1

From the Principal's Desk

Welcome to the 2025 School Year!

Welcome back to another exciting academic year! A special welcome to our Prep students and all families joining our school community for the first time in 2025. It has been a vibrant start to the year, with classrooms buzzing as routines are established and connections are formed.

A big thank you to our families for preparing so well for the year ahead. The high standard of uniforms and adherence to our dress code has been outstanding. Your support in upholding these expectations fosters a strong sense of pride and belonging both within our school and in the wider community.

Staff Professional Learning

Before welcoming students back, our staff engaged in three days of professional learning focused on enhancing teaching and learning. Sessions included:

• Whole school pedagogical approach
• Curriculum development
• Staff wellbeing with Tim Jack Adams (Green X7)
• School culture with Simon Fletcher (Leading Teams)
• First Nations perspectives with Lalania Wilmajane Tusa Fa’Aaefili 
• The Resilience Project (TRP)
• Whole School Approach to Reading
• DoE Mandatory Training
• Fire Safety
• First Aid and CPR (Allen’s Training)

The Resilience Project – Growing Wellbeing Together

We are excited to launch our partnership with The Resilience Project (TRP) this year, strengthening our commitment to student and community wellbeing. TRP is a nationally recognised and evidence-based program that helps young people develop positive mental health habits through Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness (GEM), and Emotional Literacy.

Every class across our school will engage in dedicated TRP lessons, designed to build resilience and wellbeing through evidence-based strategies. Students will participate in hands-on activities that encourage:
✔ Recognizing and appreciating the positives in their lives (Gratitude)
✔ Understanding and sharing the feelings of others (Empathy)
✔ Being present in the moment and reducing stress (Mindfulness)
✔ Identifying, understanding, and managing emotions (Emotional Literacy)

But TRP isn’t just for students—it’s a whole-school approach! Our staff and families will also have opportunities to learn and apply TRP principles. Throughout the year, we will be sharing wellbeing strategies via:
📢 Social media updates featuring GEM activities you can try at home
🏡 TRP@Home activities designed for families to build resilience together
🎤 Parent information sessions to explore how we can support student wellbeing

We encourage you to engage with this fantastic initiative and look forward to seeing the positive impact TRP will have on our students, staff, and school community. Together, we can nurture a culture of resilience, kindness, and emotional strength!

Parent Information Sessions in Week 3

Parent information sessions are scheduled for each year level as listed below. These sessions will be held in your child's classroom and offer valuable insights into classroom routines, learning expectations and provide an opportunity to meet your child’s teacher.

• Monday 10/02 – 3:00 pm | Prep
• Tuesday 11/02 – 3:00 pm | Year 1
• Tuesday 11/02 – 3:30 pm | Year 3
• Tuesday 11/02 – 4:00 pm | Year 2
• Tuesday 11/02 – 4:30 pm | Year 4
• Wednesday 12/02 – 3:30 pm | Year 5
• Thursday 13/02 – 3:30 pm | Year 6

‘Away for the Day’ – Mobile Phones and Smartwatches

As we enter the second year of Queensland’s ‘Away for the Day’ policy, we remind families that students are required to hand mobile phones in to the attendance window before classes begin and collect after dismissed for the day.

Smartwatches can be worn, but notifications must be turned off so that messages, calls, and alerts cannot be received during the day. If the smart watch can not have mobile functions disabled they are to be handed in to the attendance window at the beginning of the day. This policy supports student learning, social interactions, and overall wellbeing by:
✅ Creating an optimal learning environment
✅ Encouraging face-to-face social connections
✅ Promoting student health and physical activity
✅ Reducing exposure to digital distractions and risks

Parents and carers play a vital role in reinforcing these expectations at home. We encourage you to:

• Talk with your child about the ‘Away for the Day’ policy
• Use the school office to contact your child during the school day
• Remind your child to seek support from staff if they need help during school hours
• Establish routines to help balance screen time at home

Staying Connected

Our newsletter will continue to be published in Weeks 1, 4, 7, and 10 each term. For more frequent updates and celebrations, be sure to follow our social media channels.

We look forward to another fantastic year of learning, growth, and community collaboration in 2025!

Kind Regards
Ben
Ben Morris - Principal

Strings Program Starts Week 3- Last chance to join!

 Year 3 and 4 Students - we want you! Are you ready to make 2025 your most exciting year yet?  If you've ever dreamed of playing an instrument or growing your musical talents, the Strings Program offers the perfect opportunity to explore the world of music in a fun and inspiring way. Whether you're a beginner with no experience or you have dabbled in the world of music before, we welcome you to try out for next year's Strings Program.

Learning an instrument offers some fantastic benefits, including:-

Develop Your Musical Mastery

Imagine the thrill of learning to play the violin, cello, or viola!  With our expert teacher guiding you as you learn, the Strings Program will help you build strong foundational skills and techniques. You'll learn to read music, master rhythms, and express yourself through beautiful melodies. 

Boost Your Brain Power

Playing an instrument isn't just fun – it's scientifically proven to enhance cognitive abilities! Studies show that learning music strengthens memory, sharpens concentration, and improves problem-solving skills. Whatever  you're juggling, the Strings Program will give your brain a workout, helping you stay sharp in all areas of life.

Experience the Joy of Performing

There's nothing like the thrill of performing live! The Strings Program offers chances to showcase your talents in concerts and recitals and the experience of sharing your music with an audience will bring you immense pride and joy.

Why Wait? Make 2025 Your Year of Music!

To register your expression of interest, please complete the EOI form below and email to Strings Teacher Mrs Kylie Krick kkric1@eq.edu.au by Wednesday 5th February 2025.

Whether you’re seeking to develop new skills, challenge yourself, or simply have fun, this program offers endless possibilities. Don't let this opportunity pass you by! 

Warm regards
Kylie Krick
Strings Teacher

Your P & C - Tuckshop Volunteers Needed

🌟 Calling all helpers! 🌟

Are you looking for a fun way to give back to the community? The Tuckshop is on the lookout for amazing volunteers to lend a hand! Whether you have a few hours to spare, a day every fortnight, or even just half a day once a month, ANY help is truly appreciated!

Your support will make a BIG difference for both the children and our Tuckshop staff. So if you’re interested in making a positive impact while having a great time, we'd love to have you on board!

Feel free to reach out to our lovely tuckshop convenor, Ms Adrienne at astru37@eq.edu.au or drop by the Tuckshop and see Ms Adrienne in person— we can’t wait to hear from you! 💖👩‍🍳👨‍🍳 #TuckshopHeroes

Kind regards
P&C Committee

Finance Matters

A friendly reminder that 2025 Student Resource Scheme (SRS) Fees are due in full by Friday 7th March 2025. 

Payment can be made via the BPOINT link provided on the invoice or through the QParents app.  QParent invitations for families starting in 2025 were issued in December 2024. 

If you require assistance with a payment plan, kindly reach out to us via email at finance@mudgeerabacreekss.eq.edu.au.

 Kind regards
Finance Team

Important Reminders

Important Contact Information

Use of Student Toilets

Please note that parents and other visitors to the school are not permitted to enter and/or use student amenities. We invite you to use the staff toilets, which are located in each undercover area and the administration block.

To ensure the safety of all students and families during drop-off and pick-up times, we kindly remind you of the following parking guidelines:

**Bus Zone**  Please do not park in the designated bus zone. This area is essential for the safe arrival and departure of school buses.

**Stop, Drop, and Go Lane**  This lane is intended for quick drop-offs and pick-ups only. Do not leave your vehicle unattended in this lane to keep traffic flowing smoothly.

**Boom Gates**  Our boom gates control access to the staff carpark, allowing entry only to those with explicit permission. The gates will be closed from 7:30 am and will reopen at 3:45 pm. During school hours, community members are not permitted to drive into the staff carpark unless they have a disability parking permit or are picking up a student with a mobility or health concern. All other visitors should park in the front carpark and access the school via the front stairs. When picking up your child from Camp Australia, please note that only family-sized vehicles are permitted to access the staff car park. Larger vehicles, such as buses, trucks, or other oversized vehicles, pose a safety hazard by obstructing parking and line-of-sight visibility. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

**Obey Traffic Rules**  Adherence to all traffic rules and regulations while on school premises is crucial. This includes observing speed limits, pedestrian crossings, and parking restrictions.

We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring the safety of our students, families, and staff members. Following these guidelines is vital for the smooth operation of our school's transportation systems.

Staff Spotlight

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