Term 1 – Week 8 – Tuesday 18th March 2025

Principal News

NAPLAN Weeks 7 and 8

The Year 3 and 5 students have started the NAPLAN assessments really well. At KKSS, NAPLAN is a vital tool we use to ensure students are making progress in line with schools across the country. We don’t labour on practice of NAPLAN, we don’t pressure students to “perform” on the test, we just implement it, and let our teaching and learning do the talking. The pattern in cohort data for challenges and strengths is used to ensure we respond to gaps in curriculum and support our students to be strong learners. I am sure that the students will do their very best when they complete the Conventions of Language, Writing, Reading and Numeracy tests.

I would also like to acknowledge Mr Shonhan’s work in leading the set-up, support and running of NAPLAN, now online.

📌 Parent Teacher Interviews 📌

Classroom teachers are currently inviting families for parent teacher interviews on Monday 24th March from 3.15pm to 5.00pm (Week 9) and Tuesday 1st April from 3.15pm to 5.00pm (Week 10).

 To make a booking, go to www.schoolinterviews.com.au and click on "Make a Booking" and enter the code tq7mq. If you have trouble making a booking, please contact your child's teacher. 

Parent Parking

Recently we have received increased communication from neighbouring houses around the school regarding the parking situation in our streets, particularly in the afternoons, but mornings also. Complaints and photos shared with us highlight instances of parents parking and leaving their cars across residential driveways and on street corners.

Understanding the high demand for parking, we must address this issue to ensure the safety of our students. It is crucial that we all contribute to maintaining a safe environment for everyone. We have encouraged our neighbours to contact the police in such instances, and we have also initiated contact with them to collaborate on ensuring a safe exit for all students and parents.

In light of this, we kindly request that you park legally and safely. Whilst we acknowledge the challenges of finding suitable parking, it is essential to prioritize the safety of our children. Being closer to the school does not justify illegal parking. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated.

Attendance

As you know, we need students at school every day that they are well so that they are able to participate in the full array of learning experiences. The catch phrase “every day’s a learning day” sees our school attendance goal at 94% - we are currently at 91%. If you are having any issues in getting your child to school it is important that you contact us early. Please feel free to contact the office, your child’s teacher, or our support staff for assistance. The school is bound by a policy where non-attendance needs to be enforced, and we would much prefer to engage and support families rather than refer them for refusal to attend.

Ensure the school has up-to-date Health or Action Plans for your Child

Schools can assist students with health support needs such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma and anaphylaxis. However, it is important to ensure they have an up-to-date copy of your child’s Health or Action Plans.

Speak to the school about how they can support your child. If needed, the school can access the State Schools Nursing Service for support to make sure your child is safe at school.

QParents

QParents  is a secure, online portal that has been created by the Department of Education to provide parents of Queensland State School students with 24-hour access to their child's information. The portal allows you to securely access information about your child and communicate directly with your child's school.

QParents provides secure, online access to student information such as:

• attendance details
• consent forms
• payment of invoices
• payment history
• behaviour
• report cards and assessment dates
• upcoming events
• timetables
• student photo

In addition to the information provided, it's important to note that the QParents portal only sends invoices to the parent/carer who is listed first. This means that if there are multiple parents or carers who share responsibility for payments, only one of them will receive the invoice through the portal. It is important for parents and carers to communicate and coordinate payment arrangements if they are sharing the responsibility for fees. 

The reality is that any family not connected on QParents runs the risk of not getting information as required.

We encourage you to register for QParents. To do this, simply express your interest by emailing nkenn81@eq.edu.au or by phoning (07) 4971 5111 and Mrs Kenny will email you an invitation to register (which includes your log-in code) and your child’s unique EQID number.

Goal: 90% of families signed up to QParents.
Current: 71.19% families signed up to QParents.

Current Percentages by Year Level

Deputy Principal (Prep to Year 2)

School Photos - MSP Photography News

Deputy Principal (Year 3 to Year 6)

NAPLAN 2025 - A Key Milestone for Our Students

As we enter the 2025 school year, one of the significant events on our academic calendar is the National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy, or NAPLAN. This important assessment plays a key role in helping us measure the literacy and numeracy skills of our students, and it is a crucial part of their learning journey.

The tests cover areas such as reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar, and punctuation), and numeracy, with the aim of providing a snapshot of each student's progress in these key areas.

While NAPLAN is a valuable tool for tracking progress at both the individual and school-wide levels, it is important to remember that it is just one part of the learning experience. Our teachers are committed to supporting students through their preparation, ensuring that they feel confident and well-prepared.

It is natural for students to feel a little nervous about the tests, but we encourage them to approach NAPLAN with a positive mindset. NAPLAN is designed to be a fair and supportive experience for all students. It provides valuable feedback to both students and teachers, helping us understand areas where students may need further support, and it highlights their strengths.

Parents and guardians play a crucial role in helping students feel calm and prepared. Encouraging a good night’s sleep, a healthy breakfast, and reminding students to do their best can make a big difference.

We are proud of our students' efforts and progress, and we look forward to seeing them continue to grow and thrive throughout this year’s NAPLAN testing. For more information or any questions about NAPLAN, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our school’s NAPLAN coordinator.

Good luck to all our students! We’re confident you’ll do your best!

The Importance of Regular School Attendance

At Kin Kora State School, we believe that every day of learning counts. Regular attendance plays a vital role in a student's academic success, social development, and overall well-being. We want to take a moment to highlight just how important it is for students to attend school consistently and the positive impact it can have on their future.

Why Attendance Matters

1. Academic Success
   Attending school regularly allows students to fully engage in lessons and activities. Each day provides new opportunities for learning, and missing out on lessons can create gaps in knowledge that may be difficult to catch up on later. The more students attend school, the more likely they are to develop a strong understanding of the curriculum and perform well academically.
2. Building Good Habits
   Regular school attendance helps students develop essential life skills, such as responsibility, time management, and self-discipline. These skills are not only valuable in the classroom but also in everyday life and future employment.
3. Social Development
   School is not only about academics—it's also a place where students learn to interact with peers and teachers, build friendships, and engage in extracurricular activities. Regular attendance gives students the chance to be part of their school community, creating a sense of belonging and helping them develop important social skills.
4. Predicting Future Success
   Studies show a strong link between regular attendance in school and success later in life. Students who consistently attend school are more likely to graduate, pursue higher education, and secure stable employment. On the other hand, frequent absences can hinder academic progress, leading to difficulties down the road.

What We Can Do Together

We understand that sometimes students may need to be absent due to illness, family circumstances, or other reasons. However, it’s essential to communicate with the school if your child will be absent so we can provide support and ensure they stay on track. If a student is struggling with regular attendance, please reach out to our staff - we are here to help and provide any assistance needed to improve attendance.

How You Can Help

• Set a Routine: Encourage your child to follow a consistent daily routine that includes enough time for rest, meals, and school preparation.
• Stay Involved: Keep in touch with teachers about any challenges your child may be facing. Being proactive can prevent absences from becoming a pattern.
• Praise Effort: Celebrate good attendance as an achievement and remind your child that their presence matters!

We appreciate the continued support of our students and families in ensuring that attendance remains a priority. Let’s work together to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed and make the most of their time in school.

Remember: Every Day Counts!

Guidance Gossip

eSafety Parent and Carer Webinars

Psychologist Information

Parent Info Session – Separation Anxiety

Is your child…
Refusing to go to school?
Complaining of feeling sick before school?
Worried you won’t be there to pick them up in the afternoon?
Getting very emotional in the morning when it’s time for you to leave?

This parent information session will help families to understand and manage separation anxiety in primary-school aged children. All Gladstone-region (and surrounds) families are welcome to register.

Register for the GWSS Session (April 2nd) HERE: https://forms.office.com/r/7USShyVNKz
Register for the KKSS Session (April 29th) HERE: https://forms.office.com/r/sk2Yd3nvXb

If any parents have questions about the session, please feel welcome to send them my way.

Kelsie Realf
Psychologist
Kin Kora State School - Tuesdays
CQ Region, Student Wellbeing Workforce

Welcome to the Kin Kora Arts Department

Instrumental Music

Ms Grace Rackemann, our new Strings instructor, will be teaching every Thursday afternoon and all-day Friday.

Beginner and Continuing Strings Lessons

Our lesson timetables are now displayed outside the Instrumental Music classroom. Students should also have a timetable attached to their desk, and their classroom teachers have also displayed a copy in their room. 

Orchestra

Junior Orchestra (for all 2025 recruits) rehearse at the beginning of 2^nd Break. Senior Orchestra rehearse every Friday morning at 7.45am.

Mr Chris Allen continues in 2025 for Brass, Woodwind and Percussion tuition. Mr Allen will be visiting Kin Kora State School every Tuesday all day, and Wednesday from midday.

2025 Choir Times

All Choirs rehearse FIRST BREAK - 11.00am to 11:40am. Students are welcome to bring their lunches to the Music Room.

Tuesday: 1 2 choir - started singing about Cinderella’s Party.

Wednesday: 5 6 choir – had four students singing loud and brave about Tearing an Old House Down!

Thursday: 3 4 choir – We are looking into a new song about picking up pizza for Friday nigh’ts tea!

Eisteddfod Dates and Information for 2025

Follow the link below for how to enter, copies of the Syllabi, and other important information.

Beginner String Orchestra

This group of budding enthusiastic students meet every Thursday at 2^nd break with Ms Rackemann. Well done everyone for giving up your lunchbreaks and making beauitful music!

Book Club – Term 1 Issue

Book Club orders close Friday 21^st March. This is a great way to get your child reading with a range of books and prices – some books are only $3.00!  

To Order: 

Download the “Loop Scholastic” app on your mobile phone OR log onto the Scholastic.com.au website and follow the instructions. Please note: No cash or cheque payments are taken at school. You can only order via the LOOP App.

You can look at the latest catalogues and order books online! Scholastic will give back 20 % of orders to our school for purchasing educational resources via the Scholastic Rewards program. 

P&C Operations

P&C would like to thank Side by Side for their continued partnership with our daily Breakfast Club in 2025. Their support helps us in providing access for our whole school to start the day on a full stomach and ready to learn. 

Annual General Meeting – Tuesday 18^th March 2025

Our AGM will be held this afternoon at 4.30pm in the Resource Centre and immediately be followed by a General Meeting. All parents, guardians and citizens welcome. All executive positions become vacant. You can nominate before or on the night and all new members are welcome. 

It is extremely important that positions are filled and members attend because without support our Uniform Shop and Tuckshop are all at risk of closing down. Our popular events like Fun Run, Disco, and Carols are at risk of not happening.

If you would like more information or to nominate. please contact us pandc@kinkorass.eq.edu.au 

Barbara Reid
Treasurer
Kin Kora State School​ P&C

Tuckshop:

The Tuckshop is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday for lunches and Tuesday 2nd Break for Iceblocks only. Flexischools can be used to order for both Breaks. Cut off is 8:40am on the day it is ordered for.

Uniform Shop:

Uniform Shop Open TUESDAY’S 8:30am – 10:00am              Cash / Eftpos / Flexischools available

(Please allow for 1 week turn-around on all Flexischool orders).

Email  uniformshop@kinkorass.eq.edu.au with any uniform shop related queries.

Nadia Horsten
Tuckshop/Uniform Coordinator
P & C Association

School Calendar – Term 1 – 2025

LOST PROPERTY BOX

The big red Lost Property box out the back of the Administration Building is overflowing with unclaimed property. Please come and check for your student’s missing items. We have shoes, socks, hats, shirts, pants, towels, swimming bags, water bottles, lunch boxes, plastic boxes, umbrellas, etc.

All unclaimed items will be disposed of at the end of Term 1 on Friday afternoon, 4^th April 2025.

GAPDL - Strong Communities Term 2 Parenting Support Programs

Circle of Security Parenting – Now Open for Registration

Our popular parenting program, Circle of Security Parenting, will be held in Gladstone in Term 2.
This program does fill fast, so please secure your spot ASAP by registering online now.

We create a safe and supportive space where you matter. Caregivers come together weekly to explore parenting in a non-judgemental space, supported by caring facilitators to share stories of your parenting successes or struggles, learn some new skills and increase your children’s self-esteem and self-worth. This program is evidenced based and focused on attachment theory, and we know when applied it will strengthen relationships.
 Mondays for 8 weeks, commencing 28th April 2025
 12.30pm to 2.30pm
 Gladstone, QLD

This program is fully sponsored by Gladstone Region Communities for Children, making it free for families to attend. There is limited childminding available, please register early to avoid missing out.

**Must be able to attend all 8 sessions**

How to register?
Register online: https://strongcommunities.org.au
Email: admin@strongcommunities.org.au
Call or SMS: 0433 019 172

If you have any questions or would like more information, please reach out to our friendly team

** We also have a Circle of Security program running in Calliope on Fridays in Term 2 ~ reach out if you would like more info ** 

Tuning in to Kids Parenting Program – Registrations Open Now

Tuning in to Kids is a parenting program that helps us to develop our child's emotional intelligence. Tuning into our children's emotions can help them to understand and process emotions in a healthy way. This can often reduce difficult behaviour, tantrums and create a calmer home environment with stronger and more meaningful connections. Emotionally intelligent children often do better at school, have longer lasting friendships and even have improved overall health and well-being.

Delivered over 6 x 2-hour sessions, in a non-judgmental environment with compassionate and trained facilitators.

Spaces are limited - please register to confirm your spot ASAP.
Starts Tuesday 29th April 2025
12.30pm – 2.30pm
Gladstone, QLD

**Must be able to attend all 6 sessions**

Register by emailing admin@strongcommunities.org.au or by calling/ texting 0433 019 172 or online here: www.strongcommunities.org.au

Limited child minding available, please register now to avoid missing out. This program is fully sponsored by Gladstone Region Communities for Children, making it free for families to attend.

If you have any questions or would like additional information, please reach out to our friendly team today. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to reach out.

Kind regards, 
Shakira Campbell
Communities for Children
Project Support Officer
(07) 4972 8203  http://www.gladstonec4c.com.au

GAPDL – Play and Social Groups Calendar

Gladstone Regional Council - Easter in Gladstone

There are a variety of free and ticketed events across the long weekend throughout the region. All event details can be found here: