8 August 2025

Principal News

Dear Kimberley Park State School parents and carers,

We have had such an action-packed term; so many opportunities for children to learn and thrive.

Wondrously Wonka Musical

Musical celebration and songs of praise have been heard from far and wide. We acknowledge the dedication and creativity of many staff that gave up hours of their personal time, for such an event to happen. A special shout out to Bridgette Bird who wrote, designed, led and directed this year’s musical. Thank you to Karin Laubscher for co directing and assisting production. Other staff that also supported over many weeks were Andrew Blyth with the choir, lead singing & musical production, Natania Gent with choreography, Karen Guy leading stage production, Kathryn Way providing props and spotlight and Chelsea Sandham, dancing support. Guest chorographer Charlize Bird led senior dancers over many weeks for rehearsals. Athena Wszola designed our Wondrously Wonka poster. Our Year 4 – 6 classroom teachers, inclusive education teachers and teacher aides supported their classroom dancers with rehearsals and performance. Staff that volunteered with production and costume changes for the matinee and evening performances were Julie George, Deanna Morgan, Krystal Green, Cathy Day, Robyn Slater, Janelle Ireland and Sian Haywood.  

• The musical organisation began in Semester 2, 2024 and has involved every member of staff at different stages. A whole school event.  We are so grateful to have such an exceptional staff and school ‘friends’ that are always willing to provide opportunities for children to learn from.
• Our 2023 and 2025 musicals were professionally photographed by Megan Leete, Megan Leete Photography, info@meganleetephotography.com at no cost.  We are so grateful for this service to our community. The photos will be available to the community on a closed platform when ready.  Thank you, Megan!
• Thank you to our P&C for their help with ticket sales and performance facilitation, as well as dressing up to sell snacks.  Our P&C are exceptional in their support for the school.
• Congratulations to the Prep, 1, 2 and 3 teams for their student’s brilliant contribution as an audience to the matinee.
• Congratulations to our performers in Year 4, 5 & 6 and all the staff that supported them.  You gave it everything and entertained us.
• Our Dance Troupes were so extraordinary to watch. We were all enthralled at their talent and exquisiteness.
• To have a choir perform in a musical is unique. They did a magnificent job and added texture to a regular musical format.
• All students have had the opportunity to watch the musical at school and delight in being a part of the final product.

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 20

Next

Community Support for Future Education

Thank you to our school community for supporting teachers and the school on Wednesday during industrial action. For children to have great teachers, we all need to respect and cherish the skill set they uniquely provide. Teachers work tirelessly at preparing for and teaching children.

We must join together so that teachers are valued for their professionalism. Community kindness through generous actions is vital. We have a crisis with young adults not wanting to be teachers due to the present conditions. Schools desperately need parents to support them with student behaviour, by being part of the solution, not adding to the burden. KP is such a wonderful community and experiencing the support of our families, through the action of keeping children home, was felt deeply by all of us. Thank you, Kimberley Park State School parents and community, for all you do to partner with us.

Why NAPLAN Doesn’t Show the Whole Picture

As parents, it’s natural to want to understand how your child is doing at school. While NAPLAN can give an insight into their literacy and numeracy skills, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t show the full picture of your child’s learning.

NAPLAN is a test taken on one or two days every couple of years. It uses multiple choice to measure knowledge and understanding. Research clearly states that the skills required to decipher multiple choice, tests more about a child’s personality type than their knowledge and understanding. Children have good days and bad days — feeling sick, tired, or nervous can also affect their performance. It doesn’t reflect their everyday effort, growth, or classroom achievements.

 NAPLAN focuses only on reading, writing, spelling, grammar, and maths.
It doesn’t measure creativity curiosity, problem-solving, social skills or effort and growth. Your child is learning and knows so much more than what this test can show.

Children learn and show their strengths in different ways. NAPLAN may not be the best fit for diverse learning styles, when English is a second language, performance under pressure and if a child doesn’t use fact patterns to think.

 Learning is more than a score. NAPLAN doesn’t measure kindness, confidence, persistence or a love of learning.

Your child’s teachers work with them every day. They see how they learn, grow, and contribute to the class. Talking to your child’s teacher provides a full picture of their progress — not just a test result. Our Parent Teacher Conversations are an excellent way to do this.

Semester 2, Staffing

From Week 1, Term 3

• Sally Turner will teach Prep Adventure II
• Meagan Sikimeti returns from maternity leave, to work part time as a teacher for Middle Curiosity II with Nicole Beck
• Kim Hurren returns part time from leave, as an Inclusive Education teacher
• Kym Mirabito will work part time on the Inclusion Team

From Week 4, Term 3

• Anne Purdy will be trialling part time work, working Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday as HOSES
• Stephanie Vella will be Acting HOSES, Thursday and Friday; working Tuesday and Wednesday as Year 1 Inclusion Teacher

Growing Brains and Medication

Here’sa researched and balanced overview of current medication use and its effects on children's developing brains as of mid-2025. This includes common medications prescribed for mental health, neurological, and behavioural conditions, along with what science currently understands about their impact on brain.

Children’s Brain Development Basics

The brain continues to develop into the mid-20s, with rapid changes occurring in early childhood and adolescence. This includes:

• Neuroplasticity: High adaptability of the brain.
• Synaptic pruning: The brain strengthens useful connections and eliminates others.
• Prefrontal cortex development: Involved in decision-making, impulse control, and reasoning. The brain matures last.

Medications that affect neurotransmitters during this time can alter how brain circuits form and function, for better or worse.

Common Medications and Their Impact

1. Stimulants (e.g. Ritalin, Concerta, Adderall)

• Used for: ADHD.
• Mechanism: Increase dopamine and norepinephrine in the brain.
• Effects:
• Short-term: Improves focus, impulse control, and academic performance.
• Long-term: Research suggests safe and effective use when monitored but may slightly affect growth (height/weight) and emotional regulation.
• No current evidence of structural brain damage; some studies suggest they may normalize atypical brain activity in ADHD.

2. SSRIs (e.g. Prozac, Zoloft)

• Used for: Depression, anxiety, OCD.
• Mechanism: Increase serotonin levels.
• Effects:
• Can be effective and lifesaving for severe depression/anxiety.
• Some studies suggest early exposure could impact emotional development or increase risk of emotional blunting.
• Generally considered safe when prescribed cautiously and monitored.

3. Antipsychotics (e.g. Risperdal, Abilify)

• Used for: Severe behavioural disorders, autism-related irritability.
• Mechanism: Affect dopamine and serotonin.
• Effects:
• Can help manage aggression and self-harm.
• Risk of weight gain, sedation, hormonal changes (e.g., prolactin increase), and potential long-term effects on brain metabolism.
• Use is generally reserved for severe cases and under strict supervision.

4. Mood Stabilizers (e.g. lithium, valproate)

• Used for: Bipolar-Disorder.
• Mechanism: Modulate neurotransmitters and stabilize electrical activity.
• Effects:
• Can reduce manic/depressive episodes.
• May affect cognitive functions and have side effects including liver or kidney strain.
• Lithium, when carefully monitored, has shown protective effects against suicide.

5. Melatonin

• Used for: Sleep issues, often in children with ADHD or autism.
• Effects:
• Generally safe short-term.
• Long-term effects on puberty and natural melatonin production still being studied.

  What Does Current Research Say?

• Monitoring is critical: The most significant risk is from unmonitored or unnecessary use.
• Early intervention can help: For serious conditions, untreated mental illness can be more harmful to development than medication side effects.
• Brain scans show mixed results: Some suggest medication helps normalize activity in affected areas, while others show altered growth patterns in specific regions.
• Use behavioural therapy first when possible: Especially for ADHD, anxiety, and mild depression.
• Monitor side effects carefully: Weight, sleep, mood, and behaviour.
• Involve professionals: Paediatricians, psychiatrists, and psychologists should work together.

Areas of Ongoing Research (2025)

• Long-term effects of SSRIs and antipsychotics on emotional resilience.
• The role of gut-brain interaction and how medication influences microbiota.
• Digital therapeutics as alternatives or supplements to medication.
• Genetic testing to guide personalized medicine in paediatric psychiatry.

Community Events

Week 5

• EKKA Holiday, Monday
• Science Week
• Science on the Go Incursion, Tuesday
• Under 8’s Day, Wednesday
• Surf Life Saving Visit, Wednesday
• P & C Meeting, Wednesday 6.30pm
• Staff Bring a Plate, Thursday
• Golden Ticket Assembly – Communication, Thursday 2.20pm
• Electives, Year 5 & 6 Friday

Week 6

• Book Week
• Wakakirri Heat, Logan Entertainment Centre, Tuesday
• Year 3 & 4 STEM Incursion, Rochdale SHS, Wednesday
• WH & S Meeting15pm, Wednesday
• Book Week Character Parade, Thursday, 9 – 10am
• Premiers Reading Challenge Ends, Friday
• Electives, Year 5 & 6 Friday

Week 7

• Year 6 Planning, Monday
• LCC Meeting Tuesday, 8am Libby’s Office
• Year 2 Planning, Tuesday
• Year 1 Fire Talks, Tuesday
• Year 1 Planning, Thursday

Week 8

• Prep Pullenvale Excursions, Monday – Thursday
• Year 4 Planning, Tuesday
• Year 5 Planning, Thursday
• Father’s Day Stall, Thursday
• Student Free Day, Friday

Week 9

• Celebration of Learning Week 1
• Golden Ticket Assembly, 2.20pm Monday
• Prep Planning, Tuesday
• Strings Workshop Level 3 & 4, Beenleigh SS, Wednesday & Thursday
• P & C Meeting, 6.30pm, Wednesday
• Year 3 Planning, Thursday

Week 10

• Celebration of Learning, Week 2
• Springwood Writer’s Workshop, Wednesday - Friday
• GALA day, Shailer Park SHS, Thursday
• Free Dress Day, Friday
• Spring Fair, Friday, 3 – 7pm

Libby Jordan
Principal

Prep - Year 2 Deputy News

At Kimberley Park State School we support and promote the safety of students.  The following information has been provided to the school from our Logan Based Police team to share with families regarding the new legislation for e-scooters and e-bikes.

Below is the following information provided to the school from this team that we urge you to read and discuss with your child.

Janelle Ireland
Deputy Principal, Prep - Year 2

Year 3 - 6 Deputy News

Social Media Legislation

In an article by the ABC, they have shared the information below. It is in response to the Australian federal government passing a law which bans social media use for children under 16.  This legislation is due to come into effect in December 2025. While it has now been written into law, it remains unclear how it will look in practice.

The legislation defines an "age-restricted social media platform" as including services where:

1. The sole purpose, or a significant purpose, is to enable online social interaction between people.
2. People can link to or interact with others on the service.
3. People can post material; or
4. The service falls under other conditions as outlined in the legislation.

At present, it’s still unknown which social media platforms will be affected. There have been no official announcements regarding which apps will be restricted. While it remains unclear exactly which platforms will be subject to the ban, those that are will face fines of up to $50 million if they fail to take “reasonable steps” to prevent under-16s from creating accounts.

This law clearly shifts the responsibility for safe social media use from parents and schools to the businesses themselves. It is no longer up to families and teachers to manage the turbulent impact of widespread social media use among young people. It finally feels like we have an ally.

That said, it has been reported that YouTube will likely remain accessible, and children will still be able to watch any videos they choose—including content that may be highly inappropriate for their age. Since they won’t need an account to view videos, this seems to present a significant loophole. I wonder whether this legislation has gone far enough.

The YouTube algorithm is unquestionably part of the problem. Many parents at the two other schools where I’ve worked since the rise of social media have shared their concerns about this too. As a parent of three, I completely agree. Once a young person watches just one inappropriate video, YouTube often suggests others—sometimes even more inappropriate than the first.

So, what will actually change?

One possibility is that children will need a Digital Identity to access social media. This, in turn, raises a raft of new concerns. Other proposals include requiring an adult with a credit card to create the account and verify the child's age. Another idea is the use of facial recognition software—again, a less-than-ideal option.

Of course, there’s always the option to do nothing—to simply not have social media. A tempting idea for someone who has spent the past 16 years of her career untangling the social fallout among young people who lack the skills to use these platforms safely.

I also recently came across a wonderful article suggesting that, with all their newly “free time” from being off social media, children might rediscover the joy of reading. What a magical thought—children reading more, worrying less about trends or online drama, and simply enjoying stories. A world full of possibilities. A childhood free from one of the greatest drains on time and joy.

Here is the article I mentioned:
Social media ban the perfect impetus to get young people reading – Education HQ**

Farewell TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube Shorts.
We won’t miss the impact you’ve had on our children.

St Helena Island Excursion

At the end of Term 3 our Year 4 students went on an excursion to St Helena Island.  They came back with stories of a gory past and had learned lots of historical information. Students travelled by boat to explore this unique island and learn about its important role in Queensland’s history. Once a high-security prison in the 1800s, St Helena Island is now a National Park where visitors can walk through the old ruins, hear tales of the prisoners, and imagine what life was like long ago. This special trip helped students step back in time and connect with Australia’s colonial past in a hands-on and exciting way.

Sian Haywood
Deputy Principal, Year 3 - Year 6

Inclusion News

Variety Australia – Children’s Christmas Party Brisbane

Welcome to the first newsletter of Term 3. Students are settled, classrooms are buzzing and amazing learning opportunities are in place across the school. Before we know it…the festive season will be upon us! I have actually already noticed the first festive grocery items displayed in supermarkets!

While, in reality, Christmas is still nearly five months away, Variety Australia is already planning and requesting expressions of interest for their annual Children’s Christmas Party in Brisbane. This party is specifically for children with disabilities and/or complex needs, who are eligible for funding under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) and are under 12 years of age.

This year’s Children’s Christmas Party will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday 22 November. There will be a three-hour stage show, lots of rides, face painting, activities, yummy food and, of course, Santa will be making a special appearance providing each child with a gift or three!

As you will understand, this party is an invitation only event. One invitation entitles one child plus parent / caregiver to attend the day (the accompanying adult does not require an invitation). Please note that siblings without a disability or NDIS eligibility will not be invited to attend.

If you would like more information about this event, please feel free to visit the following website: www.sccpau.com.au 

If you have any further questions about the event, you may visit: www.sccpau.com.au/faqparents 

 If you are interested in your child attending this year’s party, please request a form by emailing Anne Purdy: apurd3@eq.edu.au. Once I receive the completed form, I will get in touch with the organisers of the Christmas Party to register your interest and, hopefully, you will be lucky enough to receive an invitation! I will need to receive the completed form before the end of August.

While you consider the exciting opportunity above, please make sure you enjoy each and every day of the second half of 2025 before the festive season is genuinely upon us.

Anne Purdy
Head of Inclusive Learning

Curriculum News

KP Camping Program – More Than Just Staying Overnight with Friends!

Term Four is when the adventure begins for our Year 4, 5 and 6 students as they are invited to participate in our Overnight Camping Program.

The range and duration of Camps offered are:   

• Year 4 – Runaway Bay Camp: Monday 17 November - Wednesday 19 November
• Year 5 – Emu Gully Camp: Wednesday 29 October – Friday 31 October
• Year 6 – Fraser Coast Camp: Tuesday 4 November – Friday 7 November

Our school camping program has been carefully designed to offer a wide range of benefits for students including building self-confidence, resilience, and emotional regulation, developing independence, fostering social skills, relationships, and teamwork, promoting technology free time, and learning in a unique environment.

Building Self Confidence, Resilience and Emotional Regulation  

School camps give students an opportunity to try new and different activities. Each new activity is a new challenge, a new opportunity to succeed, to learn, or to overcome a fear, and sometimes fail, all within a safe environment with qualified instructors and teachers. Situations that challenge help students to build resilience and learn to manage their emotions in a supportive setting. Students walk away with a great sense of achievement when they complete new experiences and at the same time receive affirmation from instructors, teachers, and peers for what they have achieved. 

Developing Independence 

A school camp could be the first time a child has gone away from home without a parent or family member. Students on camp must adapt and manage themselves within the camp rules, completing tasks that they may not be responsible for at home. They may have to manage their own time to ensure their teeth get brushed, and make sure they choose to eat the right foods (and not only dessert!). A student must also make sure they look after their belongings they take with them to camp. 

Teamwork and Leadership Development 

A school camping experience is unique in that it allows students to interact with a range of peers who they may not usually choose to connect with at school. Activities are often designed specifically to promote teamwork, where it is simply not possible to get through the activity without help from others. This is where whole groups are engaged and responsible for each other.  Promoting concern, welfare for others, and of course ‘mateship’. Activities are also designed to develop leadership skills teaching students how to take initiative, guide others and model positive behaviours. It is often the positive relationships built and the supportive community experience that ends up being a fantastic and lasting memory of a school camp.

Stronger Student-Teacher Relationships

Camps offer students and teachers a unique opportunity to build stronger connections outside of the traditional classroom setting, fostering stronger relationships and a deeper understanding of their individual preferences and strengths.

Technology Free Time 

Camps allow students to disconnect from technology for a few days. Instead of computer games, campers are playing outdoor games or board games or real group games with real people. Camps break the cycle of dependence children may have on their devices and provide plenty of healthy and safe distractions that help them take a break from those devices. 

At Kimberley Park State School, our goal is for school camps to be enjoyable and memorable experiences. Students are encouraged to create positive relationships with peers and teachers, fostering a sensor of belonging, learning about themselves, and connecting to learning in an unfamiliar and unique environment. 

Our wish for our students is that school camps provide them with positive, fun, and lasting memories! 

Past Kimberley Park Camps

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 13

Next

Cathy Day
Head of Curriculum

Dates to Remember

Term 3

Administration News

Payment Reminders:

P&C News - Spring Fair

Thank You to Our 40th Anniversary Spring Fair Sponsors! 

The Kimberley Park State School P&C and school leadership would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the generous sponsors who have stepped up to support our 40th Anniversary Spring Fair. Your contributions are helping us bring this milestone celebration to life for our students, families, and wider community.

We are incredibly grateful for your support and belief in our school. Thanks to you, our students are set to enjoy an unforgettable afternoon filled with fun, community spirit, and lasting memories.

From all of us at KPSS – thank you! 

Gold Sponsors

HPC Planning

https://www.hpcplanning.com.au/

Camp Australia

https://campaustralia.com.au/school/?accessCode=9801

Bronze Sponsors

Aquatic Achievers

https://aquaticachievers.com.au/aquatic-achievers-loganholme/

The Real Estate Firm

https://therealestatefirm.com.au/

Nadine Noble, The Mark Coleman Team - Re/Max

https://www.facebook.com/themarkcolemanteam/

The School Locker

https://theschoollocker.com.au/schools/kimberley-park-state-school

Mr Rowan Holzberger MP, Member for Forde

https://www.alp.org.au/our-people/our-people/rowan-holzberger/

Petting Zoo Sponsor

RTC Industries 

Printing Partner

Printing Brisbane

https://printingbrisbane.com.au/

Major Raffle Partner

Nadine Noble, The Mark Coleman Team - Re/Max

https://www.facebook.com/themarkcolemanteam/

If you would like to sponsor the fair or get involved in other ways, please email Nat at kpss.fundraising@gmail.com

Nat Turner
P&C Vise President

Tuckshop News

Community News

Shailer Park State School - Academy Trials

Join Us for Round 2 of Shailer Park State High School’s Academy Trials!

Is your child passionate about sport, creative arts, or academic excellence? Shailer Park State High School is hosting Round 2 of our Academy Trials – an exciting opportunity for future Year 7 students to showcase their talents and explore our Excellence Programs for 2026.

Please register your student's expression of interest via the links below. (Students may register their interest for more than one academy) 

Academic Academies - https://forms.office.com/r/iw1ZasXr7v

    📅 Tuesday 19 August 2025 from 3:15 to 4:45 pm

Dance Academies - https://forms.office.com/r/apZYtaagmM

    📅 Wednesday 20 August 2025 from 3:30 to 4:30 pm

Sporting Academies - https://forms.office.com/r/aVk28nSDcH

    📅 Thursday 21 August 2025 from 3:15 to 4:15 pm

School Crossing Supervisor Position

Triforce - https://triforceelectrical.com.au/

Alichia's Dance Academy

Australian Defensive Tactics