Thank You

As we move into the final term for the year, I wanted to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported me during my time as Deputy Principal. It has been an incredible journey filled with growth, challenges, and rewarding experiences.

A special thank you goes out to our wonderful school community whose collaboration have made this role so fulfilling. I would also like to extend my deepest appreciation to Donna O’Keeffe and Mel Loban for their unwavering support and guidance throughout this time.

For the remainder of the year I will be working within the SWAN role at the school.

WAMM (Wynnum and Manly Music) workshops

During Week 10 last term, our Year 5 and Year 6 Instrumental Music students had the exciting opportunity to attend the Wynnum and Manly Music (WAMM) workshops at Wynnum State High School. These workshops bring together cluster schools from across the Brisbane Metropolitan area for an extension program, offering students a unique ensemble experience alongside expert tuition from guest conductors and tutors. This year, the guest conductor was the talented Rachel Howley.

The Year 5 students—75 in total—participated in a one-day workshop where they learnt two brand-new pieces: The Forge of Vulcan and The Dragon at the Drawbridge. The Year 6 cohort, consisting of 120 students, engaged in an intensive two-day workshop. They focused on two new pieces, Night Fury and Clouds, rehearsing both as a full ensemble on stage and in smaller sectional groups based on their instrument.

A highlight of the Year 6 experience was a section of Clouds that included improvisation. Students listened carefully to the rest of the ensemble and used their instruments creatively to produce the sounds of a thunderstorm in the middle of the piece—an impressive moment that showcased their musical awareness and imagination.

I was lucky enough to attend the Year 6 concert on Thursday, and it was wonderful to witness the progress our students made throughout the workshops. The joy on their faces as they mastered challenging sections was truly inspiring.

Both concerts were a great success, drawing many proud families to cheer on our young musicians. A special thank you to Mrs Finlay and Miss Lisa for their support during these workshops.

Well done to all involved!

Year 4 Science: The Egg Drop Experiment

At the end of Term 3 our 4A students took part in an exciting hands-on science challenge—the Egg Drop Experiment! This activity tasked students with designing and building protective devices to keep a raw egg safe from cracking when dropped from the second story landing of the Prep building.

Students explored concepts of force, impact, and materials engineering as they worked in teams to brainstorm, create, and test their egg-protecting inventions. The challenge encouraged creativity, problem-solving, and teamwork.

It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and determination as students tested their designs and refined their strategies. Some of the eggs survived the drop unharmed, much to the delight of our young scientists!

This experiment not only deepened students’ understanding of physics but also sparked curiosity and innovation. A big thank you to Mrs Grimes for her teaching and guidance throughout this exciting project.

Well done, Year 4!

Students vs Teachers Soccer Match

The oval was buzzing with excitement during Week 10 of Term 3 as students and teachers faced off in the highly anticipated Students vs Teachers soccer match. This thrilling game was the culmination of the soccer competition that Mr Marty has been running all term on the lower oval.

The match was a competitive battle from start to finish, keeping everyone on the edge of their seats. In a nail-biting finish, the teachers clinched the win with a 2-1 victory thanks to a dramatic goal from Mrs Bailey in the final moments of the match. The energy and sportsmanship on display were fantastic to witness, making it a memorable event for all involved.

A huge thank you goes to Mr Marty for organising the competition throughout Term 3 and to all the staff who participated, making this event possible. The match was a perfect way to wrap up the term, with many students enthusiastically cheering on their classmates and teachers.