23 October 2024
Principal News
Dear Kimberley Park State School parents and carers,
Thank you to our P&C
- OSHC Building support has been HUGE!
- Sport Shed on the oval
- Shade sails on the oval
- Upgrade of Multi-Purpose Courts
- 2025 Prep & Year 1 Home Readers
2025 Staffing Update
- 27 classroom teachers
- 7 Inclusion teachers plus Head of Inclusive Education
- 3 new part-time teachers to support our permanent part-time teacher needs
- 9 General Teacher Aides = 261 hours per week
- 12 Inclusion Teacher Aides = 267.75 hours per week
- 3 composite classes, 1/2 (mainly Year 2); 2/3 (mainly Year 3); 5/6 (equal numbers situated in Year 6)
- Specialist classes:
- P.E., 5 days PW, P – 6
- Music, 4 days PW, P - 6
- STEM, 3 days PW, 4 – 6
- Digi Technology, 2 days PW, P - 6
- Robotics, 1 day PW, Year 6
- Japanese, 3 days PW, P - 6
- Dance, 4 days PW, P - 6
- Drama, 4 days PW, 4 - 6
- Visual Art, 3 days PW, P - 6
- Design Technology, 3 days PW, P - 6
- Mentors for Reading, Writing, Mathematics, Early Years & enrolments
- School funded Head of Curriculum & half Deputy Principal
Facilities Update
- September Holidays
- Gutters cleaned
- All carpets cleaned
- Pest control throughout the school
- Internal Painting – Infinity toilets
- Dead trees removed around the school and some trimming
- All air conditioners serviced
- Japanese Block stairs replaced
- Rebuilt Prep Block demountable retaining wall
- Hall floor – repaired, cleaned, sealed and relined
- September holidays commenced and to be completed during Term 4
- P.E. Shed Installation $35,000
- Oval Shade Sails $30,000 (Extra digging $2,400)
- Inspire roofing fixed
- Completion before school commences 2025
- Administration female toilet flooring replaced
- School Wi-Fi Switch upgrade $60,000
- Tuckshop undercover pole cover
- Classroom blinds for lockdown safety
- 2025 Year 1 classroom furniture
- Pathways high pressure cleaning
- All lino floors deep cleaned – school cleaning team
School Data Update
- Data for English, Mathematics A – E reporting against like schools across the state:
- dark blue boxes indicate above
- light blue indicates equal
- peach indicates below
- The School Opinion Survey outcome for 2025 is not available yet.
- Bank balance is too fluid to be accurate.
- 2024 NAPLAN, Reading Year 3 above State & Region & Year 5 above Nation, State & Region.
- 2024 NAPLAN, Writing Year 3 above State & Region & Year 5 above Nation, State & Region.
- 2024 NAPLAN, Numeracy Year 3 above State & Region & Year 5 above State & Region.
Tuckshop Appreciation Day
Celebrate Tuckshop Day with us this year on Friday 1 November! Each year Tuckshop Day is our opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of our school’s tuckshop staff and volunteers. We invite you to join us in showing your appreciation for these important members of our school community.
Libby Jordan
Principal
Year 4 - 6 Deputy News
Triple P - Positive Parenting Program
Following on from the last newsletter I found this free parenting program which some families might find useful. If you are noticing that your child is showing behaviours that are tricky to navigate or that you have been surprised by then the following link might have some good information. The program is free and available entirely online. Delivery of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program® to parents and carers of children in Australia is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care under the Parenting Education and Support Program.
https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/qld-en/free-parenting-courses/triple-p-online-under-12/
Year 6 Graduation
Year 5 Camp
Sian Haywood
Deputy Principal, Year 4 - Year 6
Prep - Year 3 Deputy News
As you are aware, our dedicated staff plan, prepare, deliver and assess our Key Learning Areas of English, Math, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences, Health and Physical Education, Music, Japanese, Design Technology, Digital Technology, Visual Arts and Dance and Drama. In addition, they are also committed to explicitly teaching and building students’ Social Competencies.
Social competence enables children to navigate their social world, to positively interact with peers and adults, to form friendships, and to understand the needs of others. Lisa Fichou, our Learning Engagement teacher, works tirelessly to create resources and lessons for staff and support the diverse range of student needs.
A variety of visual supports are used to help students understand themselves, others and their relationships. A combination of simple images and captions help to simplify complex concepts. Social conflict involves emotions, perspectives and actions that can be difficult for children to grasp. Visuals break down abstract ideas into easy-to-understand steps. As primary students benefit from repetition, our visuals are reviewed and referenced regularly.
Below are examples of a few of the visuals we use on a regular basis across the school to support all students in developing awareness.
‘Power Over’ and ‘Power With’ highlights expected and unexpected behaviours forming a framework that promotes a shared understanding between children, teachers and parents.
Tools like these aid communication and support language development. They prompt children to reflect on their emotions and actions whilst encouraging self-review and assessment. For example, the Catastrophe scale helps children to regulate their emotions and assess whether the size of their reaction matched the size of the problem typically experienced in a school context.
Visual supports enhance comprehension, they effectively teach children about their role during conflict and how their emotions sometimes drive actions. In addition, they can help students gain more independence and problem solve.
Our High 5 strategy provides some measures that could be taken when interacting with a peer in a proactive and empowering way.
As a parent myself, I understand the challenges faced when trying to support our children to build their social capabilities and independence. We hope that these resources offer you guidance during conversations with your child at home. As educators we’re focused on “Every Child Is Successful, Ready For The Future”. We thank you for your support and value our partnership in achieving this goal.
Janelle Ireland
Deputy Principal, Prep - Year 3
Inclusion News
Transitions
Transitions happen across all aspects of our lives. A transition can involve moving from one activity to the next or from one setting to another. Transitions can be daunting for some people, especially those who experience anxiety, rigid thinking or are perhaps on the autism spectrum.
As we move towards the end of 2024, I’m sure many parents are thinking ahead to 2025 which includes upcoming changes for children to a new year level, class and teacher and, for some families, the transition to high school. Transitioning into any new environment can be stressful, however, pre-warning and preparation for the change can relieve some of this stress. This can also help to make a new setting more predictable and familiar.
Strategies at Kimberley Park SS
At KP, staff are already planning for upcoming changes in 2025.
For our continuing students we are:
- ensuring students’ information on OneSchool is up to date so next year’s KP teacher or, of course, high school teachers get to know their students before Day 1
- embedding conversations about the upcoming move to ‘Year X’ in everyday discussions
- planning a ‘handover’ of information from the 2024 teachers to the 2025 teachers
- running our ‘Meet and Greet’ session on 4 December, where students meet and spend time with their 2025 teacher in their 2025 classroom
- planning additional ‘visits’ for some students who require repeated visits to their future classroom and/or teacher
- compiling illustrated transition booklets to a small number of students who require additional supports and visual reminders of next year’s classroom and teacher.
For students new to Kimberley Park, we are:
- meeting with parents/caregivers to gain an understanding of each and every child
- running the yearly Comets program where our amazing Mrs Whitman and helpers provide an exciting introduction to Prep at KP
- organising our yearly ‘Welcome BBQ’ for all new families on the 5 November
- running our ‘Meet and Greet’ session for all new and existing students on 4 December, where they meet and spend time with their 2025 teacher in their 2025 classroom.
For students moving to high school we are:
- meeting with high school staff to personally discuss the strengths and possible supports required for each and every student already enrolled at the high school
- liaising with high schools who offer additional visit days to ensure identified students visit in small, personalised groups before the whole school ‘Orientation Day/s’ in November
- encouraging all Year 6 students to attend their destination high school’s upcoming Orientation Days.
Let’s remember to celebrate and talk positively about change to ensure our children are settled, well informed and looking forward to what the next adventure holds. If you have any particular queries or requests with respect to your children’s transition to the next year level, or of course high school, please don’t hesitate to contact your Class Teacher or Inclusion Staff.
Anne Purdy
Head of Inclusive Learning
Curriculum News
Celebrating Students – The Kimberley Park Way!
‘Like stars are to the sky, so are children to our world. They deserve to shine!’
(Chinonye J. Chidloe)
Throughout the year our students have many occasions to shine. We offer a wide range of opportunities for students to find their fit and shine in their own classrooms, dance groups, choir, Rock Band, Robotics and STEM. Students are also publicly acknowledged and celebrated in receiving Student of the Week Awards, Golden Ticket Awards and Academic Awards. Our Year Six students also experience their special ‘shining moment’ as they graduate primary school at their very own unique ‘Year Six Graduation’ event.
Our Semester Two Academic Assembly is being held on Monday, 25th November. We have two award ceremonies, Prep – Year 3 is held from 9:00am-10:00am and Year 4 – Year 6 is held from 10:00am-11:00am. These Assemblies are occasions where academic and cultural achievements are celebrated and students shine.
During these assemblies, students from Year 1 – Year 6 may attain the following awards:
- Academic Excellence Awards in English, Maths and Science – the highest achieving student in their class in each of these subject areas; and
- Academic Achievement Awards – students who have achieved at least 2 x A and 1 x B across English, Maths, Science or HASS.
These assemblies also celebrate cultural achievements through the following awards:
- Character Award
- Citizenship Award
- Strives for Success Award
** For further details of all of the academic and cultural awards, please see the attached Academic Awards Information Sheet.
Families are welcome to attend the upcoming Semester Two Academic Assemblies. Save the Date flyers will be emailed home shortly. If your child is receiving an award during these assemblies, you will be notified in advance of the event.
We are so very proud of each of our students at Kimberley Park State School and are privileged to watch them shine on a daily basis as they engage in their learning and build on their skills in their own classrooms. We also love to celebrate their successes throughout the year and believe that each student is on their own personal learning journey and will shine when the time is just right for them!
Cathy Day
Head of Curriculum
From the Mentors
Success for our Year 6 maths Olympiad Team
The Australian Problem-Solving Mathematical Olympiads (APSMO) is an organisation that offers a range of mathematical competitions aligned with the Australian curriculum. The aim of APSMO is to improve maths problem solving skills, encourage creativity and collaboration and stimulate enthusiasm and enjoyment of mathematics amongst students in primary schools across Australia and New Zealand.
This year, I am delighted to announce that our Year 6 Olympiad Team placed in the top 20% of schools, which is a wonderful achievement. Five of our students, - Allen, Reon, Charlie, Lewis and Liam - scored in the top 10% of competitors, and Anton, Jett, Harrison, Hayden and Jakob scored in the top 25%. Our other dedicated competitors were Jamie, Eli, Mason, Timon, Clay, Hunter, James, Shinji, Dexter T, Rhys, Dexter O, Bodhi, Mannix, Julio, Jack, Hannah and Zayden.
My sincere congratulations go to all students who participated in the competition, and I hope that they will continue to enjoy and succeed in mathematics, as they move onto their high school phase of learning.
Robyn Slater
Maths Mentor
STARR Secret Santa Appeal
Reading Dogs
Book Covering Volunteers
Julie George
Mentor Coordinator
Dates to Remember
Term 4
Administration News
QParents
QParents is a free online app that allows parents to better manage a range of school information.
Parents have 24/7 online access to:
- Receiving and responding to consent requests and automated reminders
- Receiving and paying invoices
- Viewing attendance records and providing absentee notifications
- Academic reporting data
This means:
- no more paper copies of excursion consents!
- no missed payments!
- easy access to report cards!
- no unexplained absences!
Signing up to QParents is easy – click on the emailed invitation link, provide 100 points of ID and you are ready to go.
As QParents is such an efficient way of sharing and receiving information, we strongly encourage all parents to sign up.
From 2025, consent for excursions/incursions/camps will be sent via QParents only.
Paper copies of consent forms will no longer be sent home with hard copies only available by prior arrangement. This is to help reduce paper wastage and improve management of student information.
If you need any help signing up, Bec in the office is more than happy to assist you – she is available during office hours, Monday through Thursday in person, via phone or email. DON’T DELAY, SIGN UP NOW!
Payment Reminders:
| Activity | Payment Due Date |
| Prep Water Safety and Swimming Program | $62 due 11/11/2024 |
| Year 4 - 6 Swimming Carnival | $13 due 11/11/2024 |
| Year 1 Water Safety and Swimming Program | $62 due 18/11/2024 |
Payments can be made as follows:
- QParents App
- Selecting the payment link at the bottom of your invoice
- Direct deposit (BSB 064 401), Account 00090295, Account Name Kimberley Park State School General Account) – please note student’s full name
- Centrepay – Centrepay is a voluntary bill-paying service which is free for Service Australia customers. Use Centrepay to arrange regular deductions from your Services Australia payment. You can start or change a deduction at any time. The quickest way to do it is through your Services Australia account online. Go to servicesaustralia.gov.au/Centrepay for more information.
Medication in Schools
Students may require medication to manage ongoing health disorders or conditions, short-term illnesses or in a medical emergency.
If students need to take medication during school time, parents/guardians are asked to follow these Department Policy Guidelines:
1. Parent / guardian must complete an authority form for medication to be administered. These forms are
available at the school office.
2. The medication (in its original packaging) with a completed current pharmacy label (that indicates that it is prescribed medication), and/or other written authorisation signed by the prescribing health practitioner.
3. Over the counter medications e.g. ‘Panadol’, cough mixture etc. needs to be prescribed by a medical practitioner (doctor, dentist, optometrist, nurse practitioner) and labelled by a pharmacy with both the student’s and prescribing medical practitioner’s names and dosage amount. At no time must any medication be kept in student bags.
4. All doses given will be recorded by the person responsible for giving medication.
All medication will be administered from Administration where it is stored securely along with the paperwork provided by the parents regarding this. The only exception to this is Asthma medications, EpiPens and medication associated with diabetes. Please provide the school with a copy of your child’s Health Plan and ensure it is regularly updated by your child’s health professional.
Dance News
2025 Enrolments
Prep 2025 Enrolments
Enquiries to enrolments@kimberleyparkss.eq.edu.au
Are you leaving Kimberley Park SS in 2025?
If your child will not be returning to Kimberley Park SS in 2025 (excluding 2024 year 6 students) could you, please complete the attached form and email it to the office.
Community News
Shailer Park State High School Christmas Market
Saver Plus Program
Reset Dance Studio
Alichia's Dance Academy
GKR Karate
Smart Tennis Academy
Australian Defensive Tactics
