5 June 2024

Principal News

Dear Kimberley Park State School parents and carers,

Winter has arrived. We recognise that there are significant pressures on families.

We all play a part in the well being of a community. As a school, we work hard to problem solve circumstances as they arise. We send information regularly through email and Facebook to keep everyone up to date. All community members, including school staff, need encouragement to be balanced with complaint.

We sincerely appreciate the generosity of our community members that work along side us, recognising that we can have different perspectives, whilst still barracking for the same team – the children.

A Thoughtful and Compassionate Community

We are diverse in how we look, what we experience, how we behave and what we feel. We all want to belong. Our compassion with each other grows when we see inside others’ lives.

Our school has children and families with diverse physical, emotional and developmental needs. This diversity helps all of us have rich lives, through experience. It is vital, that we all demonstrate sensitivity, in how we welcome everyone, by what we say and do.  Inclusive language and behaviour does not focus on difference, but acknowledges strengths and celebrations.  When adults model this, children follow.

At Kimberley Park State School, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students. We encourage students, parents and staff to work together to foster a community of respect and kindness. We ask all families to have a conversation about the importance of acceptance and understanding how hurtful actions can affect someone.  Let’s work together to ensure our school remains a place where everyone feels safe and valued.

Semester One Student Reports

Semester One student reports will be emailed to families at the end of Term 2. The reports are a celebration of the partnership between students, teachers and families. Teacher planning which engages students is key to their outcomes; student dedication to their learning is acknowledged and celebrated in this process.

Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week

We acknowledged the significance of this time for our First Nations Peoples with a Sorry Day Assembly and Reconciliation Week activities at play time. Thank you to our teachers Rachael Wilkinson and Karin Laubscher for facilitating all of these events to such a high quality.

As Australians, we have many parts to our history, one part includes injustice and mistreatment of the First Nations people. We acknowledge the harm that was done to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by the government policies of the past, including the forced removal of children from their families.

We say sorry for the hurt, the pain, and the trauma that was caused. We acknowledge the ongoing impact of these actions and we commit ourselves to reconciliation, respect and healing.

Sports Days

Our annual Junior and Senior Sport Days were a celebration of student teaming and community spirit. Students genuinely celebrated each other’s accomplishments and efforts throughout the days. Parents and community members mingled with the students; it was evident what a great community this is. A huge congratulations to Mr E. who did an excellent job of organising all facets of both Sports Days. Thank you to all the staff who worked tirelessly on both days to ensure everyone was ready and able to give it their best.

Stand Alone OSHC Building: Where is this project up to?

Recap:

Mick de Brenni MP visited KPSS on Friday 8th March at 4:30pm, to talk about the future of the OSHC building at KPSS, to get feedback from the community and to let us know about the plans that are in place.

In response to extensive feedback from our school community, the KPSS P&C Association has advocated for a NEW stand-alone OSHC building to replace the one taken in the State Government's Renewal Program last year. Our OSHC is now co-located with our Inclusion Centre and this is not a viable long-term solution.

The two phases were agreed at the meeting: 

1. Right Now - Kym Clements, Policy Advisor for Hon. Di  Farmer, Minister for Education and Minister for Youth Justice

2. Within Two Years – A Stand Alone OSHC Building – Mick de Brenni, Member for Springwood

Our Minister for Education provided the school with $100,000 to support the current circumstance, whilst waiting for the stand alone OSHC building.  It is a temporary support measure.  The community audience at the 8^th March meeting, were assured that the temporary support opportunity would not influence the future of our much-needed stand alone OSHC building project.

It was understood that the $100,000 must be used to support our Inclusive Education program and the OSHC program.

We have received and used the funds to:

• Enclose the four-handball courts undercover shelter, which is identified as a red X on the map, close to the Inclusion Centre up the top.
• This area is divided into two, separated by a wall in the middle:

Side One

• An airconditioned, carpeted, windowed, two door access, furnished, learning, quiet space for the Inclusive Education program when required for student support

Side Two

• A roller door storage space for the OSHC program
  

We have completed the temporary building:

• The Inclusive Education Program will access:
  • The side of the Inclusion Centre they currently use
  • The full storage room in the Inclusion Centre
  • The additional Side One space which has just been built
• The OSHC program will access:
  • The room they currently share in the Inclusion Centre, as the sole user
  • The kitchen in the Inclusion Centre
  • The Side Two space to store all items not needed in their room in the Inclusion Centre.  This space will be used by Camp Australia during Term 2 to store equipment in preparation for their commencement in Term 3
  • The storage room at the end of the senior amenities block which is currently used

Within Two Years - A Stand Alone OSHC Building

Hon. Mick de Brenni is committed to this project. It will be a new, purpose built demountable which will sit next to the Inclusion Centre (in the grassed spaced in the photo).

When this building is installed:

• It will independently house our OSHC program needs
  • The building plans have storage space, kitchen, a veranda, lots of room
• The Inclusive Education program will have exclusive use of the Inclusion Centre and the additional benefit of the Side One space.

Loose Parts Play News

Our 2023 Year 5 Change Makers have trained our 2024 Year 5 Change Makers to facilitate Loose Parts Play every Wednesday across both play breaks.

Students across the school rewatched the training video in preparation for our first Loose Parts Play.

We Aim For Completey NUDE FOOD

Imagine a world with less waste, rubbish and pollution. Every action does count 😊 Our Environmental Captains are leading us towards change that matters.  Thank you for your tremendous support.

Student Birthday Celebrations - Agreement with P&C

There has been some confusion around children celebrating their birthdays at school. Teachers discussed over a series of meetings what would work best. It was agreed across the teaching staff and P & C that:

• Individual teachers can decide which of the following they would like to facilitate:
  1. No birthday food from home for their class
  2. Birthday celebrations can be ice block or fruit (allergies and other restrictions are catered for)

PLUS/OR

• Birthday celebrations can be a book from the birthday student brought to school and read as a class, then donated to the class.

Photographing Children at School Events

We all want to ensure that the children in our community are safe. Some children in our community have permission for their photo/video to be taken and others do not.  During community events Dance Showcase, Sports Day, Under 8’s Day, Awards Ceremonies etc, it is vital that we all respect the right of every family to determine, if their child can be photographed/filmed.

For this to be genuine, we ask that all adults do not take of photos/videos of other people’s children at events unless you are sure that their parents give permission.

It is not OK to take photos/videos and say you ‘will delete the other children’ or only ‘put them on your private socials’.

If we join together in this commitment for children, we can all enjoy the events together.

National Teacher Shortage

There is a significant and worrying shortage of school teachers throughout Australia. We have not avoided this dilemma as a school.

Our focus with staffing, will always be to work tirelessly to secure teachers that are experienced, love children and are dedicated to every child reaching their potential. To achieve this, we are employing staff from far and wide, as well as problem solving our complexities of many permanent staff members being on extended, long and short leave for a variety of reasons.

At this stage, we are securing experienced, excellent teachers.  The shortage does mean, that in some classes, they may have more than one teacher this year.

There are days when there are no teachers available for a class. In these unusual circumstances, we will split the class to be as close as possible to their same age peers. Whenever possible the Mentors and Leadership Team will take classes.

With parents and carers, we would very much prefer this to not be the case, however we will do absolutely everything to secure the best fit teacher for your children.

We count on our community for support.

Facilities, Holiday Projects

• Painting around the school touch ups
• Stage in the hall is being painted
• Under cover eating areas across the school are being professionally cleaned
• Concrete pathway which are trip hazards are being ground back
• Year 2 bifold doors are being installed

Libby Jordan 

Principal

Dates to Remember

Term 2

Administration News

QParents App

From Term 3 all excursion, incursion and camp permission forms will be sent via the QParents App.  If you haven't already, sign up to QParents by following the steps in the Invitation email sent to all families.  If you need this to be re-sent, or have any questions regarding the sign up process, please contact admin.

Payment Reminders:

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.

Lost Property

Our lost property is overflowing with mostly winter jumpers and jackets.  Please check to see if any of them belong to your child.  Lost Property is located next to the front office windows. 

Change Makers

Free Dress Day

On the last day of Term 2 (Friday 21st June) is a Free Dress Day for all students.  Gold coin donation, with all proceeds being donated to the RSPCA. 

Containers For Change

Pyjama Day - Term 3

On Friday 19th July (Term 3) we will be holding a Pyjama Day! You can wear Pyjamas of your choice, but it has to be sun safe and appropriate.  Normal school shoes need to be worn. Please bring a gold coin donation.  The money raised will go towards the Pyjama Foundation which helps kids in care.  Get your pjs ready and your gold coin for Term 3.  Thank you 

ICAS

ICAS stands for International Competitions and Assessments for Schools and is an annual online academic competition that is offered to students in Year 3 – Year 6 across Australia.  ICAS is optional for families and is run by the University of Sydney.  Please read the document below carefully to see if this online academic competition is suitable for your child.  Registrations and payments are made through an online portal, and close on Monday, 15 July 2024. 

STEM News

Design Make & Create Faire Information 

We are very excited to announce that in Term 3 our school will have a “Design, Make & Create Faire’. This event will be in the hall at KP on Thursday 27 August, 4pm to 6pm. 

The “Design, Make & Create Faire’ will be showcasing student creativity across the school. On this special evening you will see Choir, Strings, Band, Dance and Robotic performances. There will be Japanese, Visual Arts, Design Technologies, STEM installations and all P-6 classes will have a class display. There will also be a guest appearance from local superstars KP Rock Band. 

Food and drink will be available at the event. Details available prior to the event. 

But wait there is more….To celebrate this special event we have three family design challenges. 

• Design and build a Rube Goldberg Machine with an end result that is able to pop a balloon or feed an animal. 
• Design and create an outfit using recycled materials. 
• Design and build a maze for a marble including challenges such as turns, tunnels and dead ends. 

Students can complete these challenges with family members, including and not limited to parents, grandparents and relatives. Entry forms with details can be collected from the school office or the STEM room. The entry and drawn design will be displayed at the Design, Make and Create Faire. Judging and notification of prize-winners will take place at this event. If you have any further questions about this event or challenges, please email at bbird31@eq.edu.au

Japanese News

Sports News

Senior Sports Day

The Big Red machine wins out…… Again!

The red of Aranda prevailed for the 2^nd consecutive year at last Thursday’s Senior Sports Carnival.  In amassing a whopping 1123 points they were a clear winner from Kalkadoon on 988 in 2^nd and Jagera on 972 in 3^rd. Mooloola, winners in 2022, had to settle for 4^th with 923 points.

There were a couple of outstanding performances with Harrison C making it a clean sweep of all 5 events in 2013 boys age group. Marlie K in 2015 girls with four 1^st placings and a 2^nd in the 800m was the other dominant age champion.

The other age groups saw some tight results with most coming down to the final event which was the 100m sprints.

A fantastic day was had by all. Students were impeccably behaved and the day went so well we were ahead of time we even managed to have a couple of crab races at the end.

A team of 32 (2012 -2014) will now represent the school at the Beenleigh Zone trials in week 9. We wish these students all the best at this event.

Below is a list of the 2024 Age champions.

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Junior Sports Day

Prep -  Year 6 Fun Run

Dance

P & C News

Tuckshop

Community News

Smart Tennis Academy

Australian Goju Kai Karate

Reset Dance Studio

Alichia's DanceAcademy

Sharks Volleyball Camp

Sharks Camp July registrations are now open!

Join us and our team of talented coaches for a four-day volleyball camp designed to cater to athletes of all skill levels. The camp includes opportunities for new players to find a love for the sport and pathways for elite development for experienced players looking to get into club and state-level teams.

About the Camp

The Dates:
2nd July | 3rd July | 4th July | 5th July

Location:  South Brisbane - Mansfield, 4122

                  Gold Coast - Southport, 4215

Age Group: Grade 4 - 12 students

Time: 9.00am to 4.30pm!
4 Days. 300+ athletes. Heaps to learn. 

Check out our website for more information! 
www.sharksvolleyball.com/sharks-camp

Online Parenting Survey - Parenting in a Stereotyped World

Parents of children aged 0 to 5 years - We would like to invite you to share your parenting experience in an online survey. You will have the chance to win a $20 gift card for your time.

This survey is part of a research project funded by the Parenting and Family Support Centre at the University of Queensland.  

Scan the UQ code or head to https://exp.psy.uq.edu.au/parentattitudes to find out more.