2025 Term 3 - Week 8

From the Principal's Desk

Hello Mudgeeraba Creek Community

As we move into Week 8 of Term 3, it’s wonderful to see our school community buzzing with learning, connection, and achievement. The past few weeks have been filled with rich opportunities for students to grow – both in and out of the classroom – and I’m so proud of the way our students continue to embody our school values of Friendship, Achievement, and Respect. With only a few weeks left in the term, we’re looking forward to even more exciting events and experiences that bring our community together and celebrate the talents of our young learners. 

 Colour Run Splatacular - Monday 8 September

Our biannual Colour Run Splatacular is nearly here! Only a few days away! Please be advised that the event will commence at 12.40pm once all year levels are present on the oval.  The activities will take place as soon as classes have settled. 

Students are not required to wear school uniform to school on Monday. Only students who have returned their permission slip will be running in the event and those who do not have consent to participate in the Fun Run are still invited to come dressed as outlined below. Have you returned your permission slip to your class teacher?

  What to wear: 

• White shirt – if your child is to be sprayed with coloured water 

• Black shirt- if your child is not be sprayed with coloured water 

• Non-school shorts (ie board shorts) 

• Old joggers or sand shoes that are ok to get wet/coloured 

• Sun-safe school hat 

All shirts must be sun safe (no singlets or spaghetti straps). 

 What to bring: 

• A spare change of clothes and shoes to change into if being sprayed with water 
• Towel 

Tuckshop will only be operating for first break orders on the day of the colour run.

Year levels will proceed to run one by one throughout the afternoon with teachers getting slimed/splatted at various intervals. 

Preps, Year 1 and Year 2 will enjoy the Splatacular first as they finish school earlier than the others. Specific times are hard to gauge however it will be in the order of Preps, Year 1s and then Year 2s. 

Years 3-6 will enjoy the event after the Juniors have completed their races as they can stay until 3pm if time is running out. Students will be taking their bags to the oval so parents are welcome to sign their child out there (at the designated sign-out table) once their event is over.  

P-2 parents are welcome to stay until 3pm with their child if they wish to see the whole event. The parent/carer must supervise the P-2 child. All other P-2 children will be dismissed from the oval at their usual finishing time. Any concerns or specific instructions for dismissal, please email your class teacher. 

Families are very much invited to join us for this wonderful event. Please note however that younger siblings (or siblings enrolled at other schools) and parents are not permitted to participate in the Fun Run due to workplace health and safety restrictions. 

CLAIMER: the coloured water may stain your child’s clothing. 

Kids Tribe Live 2025 – A Night to Remember! 

Kids Tribe Live 2025 was an incredible celebration of community spirit and shared purpose. Now in its third year, this event continues to unite families, schools, and local leaders around a common goal: raising happy, healthy, and resilient children – our most precious resource. It was fantastic to see so many Mudgee Creek families there, supporting this important initiative! 

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Cr Glenn Tozer, Cr Dan Doran, and the P&C Associations of the Greenheart Cluster schools for their steadfast support. Your collaboration not only makes this event possible but ensures its positive impact is felt well beyond one evening. 

We are also deeply grateful to Dr Justin Coulson for returning to share his wisdom, humour, and passion for positive parenting. His inspiring message reminded us that resilience is not about doing things for our children but walking alongside them as they learn to overcome life’s challenges. 

Kids Tribe is a testament to the strength of community. When schools, families, and local leaders join forces, we create stronger foundations for every child to thrive. 

A special thank you to our Kids Tribe schools: 

• Mudgeeraba Creek State School 

• Mudgeeraba State School 

• Robina State High School 

• Robina State School 

• Mudgeeraba State Special School 

• Clover Hill State School 

Exploring Alignment of School Bell Times 

At our most recent P&C meeting, we began discussing a proposal to align our school bell times so that all year levels would start the school day at 9:00 am and finish at 3:00 pm. 

Currently, our staggered bell times have remained in place since COVID and to a degree help manage transitions at the beginning and end of the school day; however, aligning the start and finish times for all students may provide opportunities to streamline routines, enhance consistency for families with siblings in multiple year levels, increase student safety, be more financially viable for school staffing and create a smoother flow to the school day. 

We value the perspectives of our families and staff and would love to hear your thoughts on this proposal. Your feedback will play an important role in shaping any future decisions. 

Please share your views by completing the poll below or emailing us at admin@mudgeerabacreekss.eq.edu.au

__________________________________________________________

I support the alignment of our school bell times so that all year levels would start the school day at 9:00 am and finish at 3:00 pm. (Select one option only)

Yes

No

Other

Vote

Thank you

Laver Scholarship 

We are delighted to announce that The Laver Family Scholarship will be offered again by the Laver Family this year for students who will graduate in 2025 to High School next year.  The scholarship will be for a total amount of $3500.00 and it will be awarded in two instalments, the first $1,750 will initially be payable in 2025 at graduation and the second $1,750 in late 2026. 

The scholarship became possible as a result of the generosity of the Laver Family and is managed by a Board of Trustees.  The board will determine when a scholarship is to be awarded and it will also appoint a selection panel to formalise the allocation of the award. Please note that this is a process and offering that is arranged by a trust that exists and operates external to our school.  

So that you have some information regarding the Laver Family and their history in the Mudgeeraba area I have outlined below a brief resume of the Laver Family and their involvement in Mudgeeraba. 

The successful student will receive one instalment at the end of the year in which the scholarship is offered.  This will be for an amount of $1,750.00.  The balance $1,750.00 will be awarded at the end of Year 7 on the recommendation of the Principal of the secondary school that the child is attending. 

Eligible candidates 

In order to be eligible children must be enrolled in Year 7 and have been a student here for at least the past three years consecutively. 

 Making application 

The applicant must complete the application form and all selection criteria as determined by the Board of Trustees.  I will provide advice to children who are applying once I’m aware who will be applicants for the scholarship.  Most criteria will be completed by the student but the child’s teacher will be required to provide some information on two selection criteria while the selection panel will complete selection criterion six at the interview, should the student be short-listed for interview.  The application should be supported by appropriate documentation.  Photocopies of originals will be sufficient.  

Only a short list will be interviewed by the Panel in November. 

 Application forms 

Application forms are available below or from our school office and are required to be returned to the office once completed. 

 Closing date 

Applications will close at 4.00pm on 8 October 2025. Children and parents need to be aware that late applications cannot be accepted. 

While this exciting opportunity is provided by the Laver Family, I will be providing two sessions to provide some guidance to interested students and offer suggestions for them to consider when they are completing their applications. Students will be made aware of the sessions and choose to attend or not. 

 Good luck to all candidates in their bid to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity. 

Kind regards
Ben Morris
Principal

Senior School

Year 5 Camp

Last week our Year 5 students went to the Tallebudgera Gold Coast Recreational Camp where they participated in resilience-based activities.

Students faced their fears of heights, where they swung from a giant swing and climbed extreme heights on the high ropes course. The weather was stunning and made the body boarding and team building beach games memorable.

I would like to also extend a huge thank you to all the staff who gave up their time away from their families to make this camp possible.  Well done year 5’s.

Kind regards
Tim Thompson
Deputy Principal

Junior School

As our Prep students prepare to transition to Year 1 it is time to align the before school processes in Prep with what happens in Year One.  Throughout the rest of the school, students who arrive early to school are required to sit in undercover areas where they are supervised before being sent to classes.  From the start of Week 9 (8/9) Prep students are asked to sit in the undercover area outside of the Prep P/H classrooms or in the undercover area outside of the Prep A/B classrooms.  Staff will be on duty to supervise the students from 8:15am until classes commence at 8:30am.  Older siblings are asked to drop younger siblings off at the Prep waiting area and move to their own year level waiting area for school to commence.  Parents who wish to wait with their child are asked to please sit in the undercover areas and refrain from using playgrounds before school.

When Prep finishes at 2:30pm parents can either collect their child from the classroom or bus shelter.  Staff will walk students to the bus shelter if parents are not waiting at the door to collect their child.  Prep families are welcome to utilise the kiss and go section of the carpark during pick up and drop off times. 

2026 Prep Enrolments

If you have a child starting Prep next year and you have not already completed enrolment paperwork,  please submit the enrolment application or contact the office so that we can count your child in for 2026.

Please remember the original birth certificate must be presented for verification when submitting your paperwork.

For further information or to request an enrolment pack, please contact our Enrolments Officer, Rachel Dever, at enrolment@mudgeerabacreekss.eq.edu.au 

Kind regards
Lesley Dekker
Deputy Principal

IDEAs

Strong Bodies, Strong Minds: Why Motor Skills Matter in Primary School

Did you know that your child’s physical development plays a big part in their success at school?  Alongside reading, writing, and maths, children are also building the motor skills that help them learn, play, and feel confident every day.

Gross motor skills are the “big muscle” skills – running, jumping, climbing, catching, and balancing.  These help children play sport, join in games at lunchtime, and move around the playground safely. They also support stamina in the classroom – strong core muscles make it easier for children to sit up straight, concentrate, and stay focused.

Fine motor skills are the “small muscle” skills – using hands and fingers for tasks like writing, cutting, colouring, or doing up buttons. These skills are important for handwriting, opening lunchboxes, using scissors, and even typing on a keyboard. When children have good fine motor skills, everyday school tasks become easier and less frustrating.

Visual motor integration (VMI) is the ability to coordinate what the eyes see with what the hands do. It helps children copy from the board, draw shapes, space out writing, and catch or hit a ball. Strong visual motor integration skills allow children to take in visual information and turn it into accurate movements, which is essential for both classroom learning and play.

Bilateral coordination is another key area – it means being able to use both sides of the body together in a smooth and controlled way. Children need this for cutting with scissors (one hand cutting, the other holding paper), riding a bike, catching and throwing, tying shoelaces, and even handwriting (one hand writes while the other holds the page steady). Good bilateral coordination supports balance, rhythm, and independence with many school and self-care tasks.

The great news is that building these skills doesn’t have to feel like hard work – it can be fun and part of your normal family routine! Here are some simple ways to help at home:

• For gross motor skills: bike riding, kicking a ball in the backyard, playing chase, climbing at the park or skipping with a rope.
• For fine motor skills: Lego or block building, drawing, cutting out pictures, threading beads or helping in the kitchen with stirring and pouring.
• For visual motor integration: puzzles, dot-to-dot books, tracing shapes, colouring inside the lines, catching balls or copying patterns with blocks or Lego.
• For bilateral coordination: clapping games, riding a scooter, playing musical instruments, cutting with scissors, playing “pat-a-cake” or swimming.
• Everyday life counts too! Encourage your child to zip their own bag, tie shoelaces, help hang the washing or set the table – these little moments all build strength and coordination.

By encouraging plenty of movement and hands-on activities, you’re giving your child the tools to feel confident, capable, and ready to learn. Strong bodies really do help build strong minds!

Warm regards
Pamela Lidstone
Head of Student Services

Maestro Magic

2025 Eisteddfod - Senior Choir

Miss Gray and Ms Barrett were BEYOND proud of how well our Senior Choir performed at Eisteddfod this year! While we didn't place, students gave a great performance and received a Silver ranking and some wonderful feedback from the adjudicator, as well as from other music teachers in the section. Students enjoyed the experience of performing in the competition and watching other choirs perform. We were also proud of how students represented Mudgee Creek in such a respectful and enthusiastic way, conducting themselves with impressive audience manners and congratulating other choirs on their achievements.

Post Eisteddfod, we are excited to welcome a few new members and get stuck into our new songs for end of year performances - watch this space! 

Kind Regards
Miss Gray & Ms Barrett
Music Teachers

2026 String Program

Expressions of Interest For Students Entering Year 3 in 2026 Only

The String Program at Mudgeeraba Creek State School is currently recruiting new students entering Year 3 in 2026. Only students who will be in Year 3 in 2026 are eligible to audition for a position in the Program.

Classes for Year 3 students (2026) will be available for the following instruments:

• VIOLIN and VIOLA – Students may either purchase their own instrument or hire a school instrument.

• CELLO – Students may either purchase their own instrument or hire a school instrument.

• DOUBLE BASS – School instruments are available for hire.

If your child will be in Year 3 in 2026 and you would like them to participate in further testing for entry into the String Program, please complete Expression of Interest form (below) and return it to the Office by Tuesday 9th September. To request a digital or hard copy of the form, please email admin@mudgeerabacreekss.eq.edu.au 

There is no commitment required at this stage.

Before submitting the form, please consider your child’s current extra-curricular commitments. Participation in the String Program involves a time commitment, and students will be expected to practice at home each week if accepted.

We look forward to welcoming a new group of enthusiastic young musicians to our vibrant String Program in 2026!

Kind Regards
Ms Krick
String Teacher

Finance Matters

Student Resource Scheme Fees

As we near the final term of the year, we’d like to remind everyone to please finalise any outstanding invoices on your accounts.

You’ll receive a monthly statement detailing any invoices due, and if you need up-to-date account information at any time, feel free to reach out to us via phone or email at finance@mudgeerabacreekss.eq.edu.au

For your convenience, we offer QParents or BPOINT payment options. 

Thank you for your cooperation, and we’re here to help if you have any questions!

QPARENTS: Now even EASIER to register with just a Driver's Licence and Medicare Card!

QParents identification requirements have been updated and registration is now easier than ever! You can now sign up using just your driver’s licence and Medicare card.

Check out the flyer below for full details on the updated identification points system.

Identification Requirements - Low Doc Approvals

For those without 100 points of identification, you are still able to register for QParents using the low document option (where only 60-90 points are required), however, you will need to attend the school for a further check to finalise your registration. 

Please contact us to discuss what documentation will be needed to finalise your registration. 

Warm regards
Finance Team

Your P & C

Monty’s Colour Fun Run is coming - 8 September 2025!  
11 days left to fun-raise

Don’t forget to jump online and create your profile page if you haven’t already! Share your profile page to family and friends to receive any last-minute donations. 

Fundraise with Monty the Monstar and collect some of the unique items up for grabs!

• Monty Handball: Collect all of Monty’s online virtual badges.
• Champions Medallion: The highest fundraising student in our school.
• Online Golden Coins – complete online tasks to redeem up to an extra $75 towards your prize credit.

Register now at www.myprofilepage.com.au and start fundraising today!

Get Prepared!

On the day...remember to bring a white shirt and wear enclosed shoes for the event as you will be covered from head to toe in coloured powder!  We can’t wait to get colourful!

Father's Day Stall - 3 & 4 September

🍎 Tuckshop Volunteers Needed 🍔

Do you have a little time to spare? Want to make a big difference in our school community? The tuckshop needs you!

We’re calling for volunteers - whether it’s once a week, once a month, or just whenever you can—every little bit helps. By lending a hand in the tuckshop, you’re not only supporting our students and staff, but helping to keep lunch costs low for families.

No experience? No problem! We’ll show you the ropes, and you’ll be part of a friendly, fun team that keeps the tuckshop ticking. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, carer or community member, your time is truly valuable.

Join us and be a lunchtime legend!
Contact our pandcexecutive@mudgeerabacreekss.eq.edu.au or drop in and see our lovely Tuckshop Convenor, Ms Adrienne, to get started. 🍽️

Warm Regards,
P & C Committee

Another fabulous Book Fair Celebration!

What a fantastic time we had at our recent Book Fair! The school was buzzing with excitement as students, staff, and families came together to celebrate a love of reading in style.

One of the highlights of the week was our Dress-Up Day, where students stepped into the shoes of their favourite book characters. From adventurous explorers and magical wizards to mischievous animals and beloved storybook heroes, the creativity on display was truly amazing! The joy and enthusiasm in every classroom were a testament to how stories continue to inspire and ignite young imaginations.

Another crowd favourite was our "Guess How Many Gems in the Jar" competition. Students lined up with big smiles, trying their luck and putting their estimation skills to the test. We’re thrilled to announce that several clever students guessed very close to the correct number — and their prize? A book of their choice from the incredible selection at the Book Fair! What a wonderful way to celebrate both curiosity and reading.

Kind Regards
Lisa Perkins
Library Teacher Aide

Parentline - Support and Advice for Parents

Being a parent can be rewarding—but it can also be challenging. Whether you’re trying to support your child with school issues, friendship challenges, behaviour, or tough moments at home, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to do next.

Parentline is a free and confidential service available to all Queensland parents and carers. No problem is too big or too small—and reaching out early can make a real difference.

Parentline offers advice and support on a wide range of parenting topics, including:

• bullying and friendship issues

• parent–child relationships

• parenting strategies and behaviour management

• mental and emotional wellbeing—for both children and parents

You can speak with a trained professional by phone or webchat (6am-midnight), seven days a week.

An online bullying support forum is also available. This is a safe, moderated space to connect with others, ask questions, and share experiences.

📞 Call 1300 301 300

💬 Visit parentline.com.au

Because parenting doesn’t come with a manual—but help is here when you need it.

Important Reminders

SCHOOL PHOTOS -  9 & 10 SEPTEMBER

School Photo Day is scheduled for Tuesday the 9^th and Wednesday the 10^th of September, and we are looking forward to capturing these special memories of our students.

To ensure our photos look their best, we kindly ask that all students:

• Wear their full formal school uniform
• Ensure hair is neat and tidy
• Follow any specific uniform guidelines, including correct fully black shoes and accessories (hair ties, socks etc)

We appreciate your cooperation and look forward to seeing all students looking smart and photo-ready.

Year 6 Graduation Ceremony

CLOSING SOON for the YEAR
REQUESTS FOR STUDENT INFORMATION
FROM THIRD PARTIES 

As we begin to undertake our end of year processes next term, such as reporting and assessing for teachers and end of year closing off for the administration staff, we wish to advise that the final date for parents/providers to lodge any requests for information or completion of questionnaires/assessments for students is 17 October 2025 (Friday Week 2, Term 4)

This is to ensure that we are able to provide the response by the end of Term 4.

Following this date, any requests received will not be processed until the new school year.

MCSS Assembly – Wet Weather Plan

In the event of wet weather, our Mudgeeraba Creek State School assembly will be held in the Main Under Cover Area (The below post will be uploaded on our social media platforms the morning of the assembly). All Merit Award and FAR Award recipients will still be recognised, and awards will be presented by the Leadership Team in front of family members. Parents and carers are warmly invited to attend and celebrate these achievements with us. While we may not gather as a whole school in the hall, we remain committed to acknowledging and celebrating student success. Important school notices and our PBL messages will be shared with classroom teachers to deliver directly to students throughout the day.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding. Rain or shine, we look forward to celebrating the outstanding efforts of our students together.

School Locker - Pricing Changes from 1 October 2025

What's On @ The Creek

Community Notice - Bonogin Valley Bulls - Junior Sign On Day

Cricket season is almost back! Contact The Bonogin Valley Bulls if you are interested in signing on! 

School Watch: Look - Listen - Report