Filter Content
- Prayer
- Acknowledgement of Country
- From our Principal, Mr. David Graham
- From our APRE, Mrs. Hannah Coburn
- From Mrs. Karen Zabel, Leader of Learning and Teaching
- From Mrs. Peta Mawn, Leader of Diversity
- From Waiben Prep, Mrs. Alex Peacocke
- From Waiben Year 1, Mrs. Briohny Jones
- From Waiben Year 2, Ms. Katherine Presley
- From Waiben Year 3, Mrs. Luella Tyler
- From Waiben Year 4, Mrs. Renate Bates
- From Waiben Year 5, Mr. Jake Nelson
- From Waiben Year 6, Ms. Judy Hart
- From Sports & Science with Mr. Lochie Dunford
- From the Library, Mrs. Christine Bell
- From the Hub & Life Skills, Mr. Jonathan Beales
- From our Guidance Counsellor, Ms. Tosca Grainger-Dee
- Reminders, Events & Safety notices
so we can share kindness and hope with everyone around us.
spreading joy and peace in our school, our families, and our world.
In this special Jubilee year, may we walk together as pilgrims of hope, trusting in your love and looking forward to a future filled with your light.
Sew Ngapa. Maiem. Welcome!
We acknowledge God our Father, and give thanks for the blessings He showers on our community. We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Waiben and Kirriri, the Kaurareg Nation. We pay our respects to elders - past, present and emerging. We commit ourselves to providing our students with a world class Catholic education so they may live life to the full.
From our Principal, Mr. David Graham
Dear Families and Friends,
What an exciting start to the term! I'm both proud and grateful for the efforts of our entire team as we begin this journey together. It’s been wonderful to see our students settling into the new term with enthusiasm and focus. Classes are calm, engaged, and positive energy is evident across our school.
St. Augustine, one of the most influential Christian thinkers after St. Paul, once wrote:
"The higher the structure is to be, the deeper must be its foundation." (Confessions, IV.12)
This is a powerful reminder that, like a great building, a life of purpose and achievement requires effort, discipline, and commitment. Every lesson learned, every challenge faced, and every moment of perseverance helps lay the foundation for future success. Whether in academics, relationships, or faith, strong foundations set the stage for greatness.
As we begin Term One, there is still much to come, and I’m pleased to report that the changes we’ve made are already showing positive results. Our students are finding their rhythm, and the improvements in our learning environments are helping create a more focused and supportive atmosphere.
As parents and teachers, we share the important responsibility of guiding our young people through life’s challenges. Perseverance brings its own reward and the effort our children put in now, through their studies, engagement in lessons, and personal growth, will serve them well in the weeks ahead. Mistakes are opportunities to learn, and supporting one another is one of the greatest gifts we can help foster.
As we move through the coming weeks, I encourage our families to partner with us in fostering resilience, knowledge, and character, qualities that will empower our students throughout their lives. Whether it’s building a strong rapport with your child's teacher, engaging in conversations about their day, or encouraging them to push their boundaries and expand their knowledge, together we can continue to build a solid foundation for their success, one that reflects the great love that defines our community
Best regards,
Mr. David Graham
Principal
From our APRE, Mrs. Hannah Coburn
It has been an exciting and meaningful start to the school year here at Sacred Heart. We began our journey together with a beautiful Opening School Mass, where we were honoured to welcome Bishop Joseph Caddy, who celebrated with us and blessed our community for the year ahead. His inspiring words reminded us to embrace our faith and the values that guide our school community.
Our student leaders also received a special moment in the spotlight during the Commissioning Ceremony. These leaders, who have shown great enthusiasm and commitment, gathered for a Leadership Day with me that focussed on Servant Leadership. They learned the importance of leading with humility, compassion and service to others, ensuring they are ready to make a positive difference in our school and wider community. It was such a wonderful day and it reinforced to me that our future is in great hands!
I am also pleased to announce that the Sacramental Program for students in Year 4 and above has officially begun. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to deepen their faith and prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, Eucharist and Confirmation. These sessions are running on Mondays at 3:15pm in the School Library and there is still time to register for this important journey in faith.
We look forward to a year full of growth, service and spiritual development.
Yours in faith,
Mrs. Hannah Coburn
Assistant Principal Religious Education














From Mrs. Karen Zabel, Leader of Learning and Teaching
A warm welcome to all our students, families, and staff as we get into another school year. It has been a fantastic start, with students settling back into routines quickly and showing enthusiasm for their learning.
We are incredibly lucky to have such a hardworking and dedicated team of teachers. Their passion for education is evident in the way they create engaging lessons, support individual student needs, and foster a love of learning in every classroom. They go above and beyond to ensure students feel challenged, supported, and excited about coming to school each day.
This year marks the full implementation of Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum across all grades for Sacred Heart. Prep – Year 2 transitioned last year, and now Years 3 – 6 have joined them this year. Teachers have been working hard to refine their pedagogy, align their teaching with the updated curriculum, and ensure students are supported through these changes. New assessments have been created and moderation of these continue to be a priority as we make this transition as smooth and effective as possible.
Our Professional Learning Teams (PLTs) are continuing this year after being a key part of our practice in 2024. These sessions have already begun, with teachers bringing student work samples and data to discuss strategies for improving learning outcomes. It has been wonderful to see the progress some students have already made this year, particularly in literacy.
This year, we have also expanded our Language lessons. While Prep – Year 2 and Years 5 – 6 have been participating for some time, we’re excited to now include Years 3 – 4, meaning every student in the school will have the opportunity to build their Language skills as they move up the school.
Our new teacher librarian Ms Chris, who many will know from last year’s Year 3 classroom, has already made a great impact. She spends an hour with each class, focusing on comprehension skills and helping students develop a deeper love of reading.
With such a strong team of teachers and an enthusiastic group of students, 2025 is shaping up to be a fantastic year. We can’t wait to see what’s ahead!
Kind Regards,
Mrs. Karen Zabel
Leader of Learning & Teaching
NAPLAN
As the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) approaches, I wanted to take a moment to share our perspective on the importance of these assessment and offer some tips on how to support your child.
At our school, we view NAPLAN as a team effort, with all of us working together to support our students and give them the best possible chance for success. Our teachers are working hard to ensure that our students are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to tackle the tests. We also understand that this can be a stressful time for students and parents alike, so we want to do everything we can to support you.
We encourage parents and guardians to play an active role in the lead-up to NAPLAN. This might involve talking with your child about what to expect, ensuring they get plenty of rest, eat healthy in the lead-up to the tests, and being there to offer emotional support and encouragement.
I would like to remind you that NAPLAN is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to assessing your child's progress. Our teachers are constantly working to track student progress and adjust their teaching accordingly, ensuring that every student is given the best possible chance to succeed.
I am proud of all our students and the hard work they have already be putting in, and I know that they will give their best effort when the time comes.
NAPLAN will be held from the 12th- 24th of March.
NAPLAN Test Schedule
|
Monday the 10th of March |
Tuesday the 11th of March |
Wednesday the 12th of March |
Thursday the 13th of March |
Friday the 14th of March |
Year 3 |
|
|
9:40 start
Writing 40 minutes. Completed on paper. |
9:40 start
Reading 45 minutes. Completed online. |
No Testing Catch up if required |
Year 5 |
|
|
9:00 start
Writing 42 minutes. Completed online. |
9:00 start
Reading 50 minutes. Completed online. |
No Testing Catch up if required |
|
Monday the 17th of March |
Tuesday the 18th of March |
Wednesday the 19th of March |
Thursday the 20th of March |
Friday the 21st of March |
Year 3 |
No Testing Catch up if required |
9:40 start
Conventions of Language 45 minutes. Completed online. |
No Testing Catch up if required |
9:40 start
Numeracy 45 minutes. Completed online. |
No Testing Catch up if required |
Year 5 |
No Testing Catch up if required |
9:00 start
Conventions of Language 45 minutes. Completed online. |
No Testing Catch up if required |
9:00 start
Numeracy 50 minutes. Completed online. |
No Testing Catch up if required |
Missed a test?
Catch-up tests will be arranged and administered according to the designated testing order. Please note that the Year 3 writing test may only be rescheduled between March 13th and 17th. As for all other Year 3 and Year 5 tests (including the Year 5 writing), they can be taken from March 13th to 24th.
Withdrawal
If you would like your student withdrawn from NAPLAN please email kzabel@cns.catholic.edu.au or pmawn@cns.catholic.edu.au. This request must be made in writing.
Concerns
If you have any concerns, or need more information please contact Karen Zabel at kzabel@cns.catholic.edu.au, or the school.
From Mrs. Peta Mawn, Leader of Diversity

Hello! My name is Peta Mawn and I am the Leader of Diversity at Sacred Heart. I am very passionate about inclusion and valuing each student’s gifts and talents. At our school, inclusive education lies at the heart of everything we do. We are dedicated to creating an environment where every student feels valued, respected, and supported.
Our Lady of the Sacred Heart School is committed to providing a supportive and positive learning environment in which every child's individual needs, skills and talents can be identified and nurtured so that they have a sense of belonging, a love of learning, and respect for themselves and each other.
Diverse Learning Opportunities
One of the pivotal programs we offer is the HUB program, designed to cater to the needs of diverse learners. In the HUB, students participate in small group activities outside of the traditional classroom setting, focusing on readiness to learn, social and emotional development, as well as fine and gross motor skill enhancement through engaging activities like sensory paths and active brain breaks. Currently there is a junior group from P-4 and a senior group from Year 4-6. This is a fluid program; students may join and return to classroom lessons when they have developed skills and are ready to learn.
Students are selected to participate through a detailed and inclusive process. Teachers request support on Engage, the Diverse Learning Team meets and discusses student need and possible benefits of participating, documentation and data is analysed and specialists consulted. Parent communication is also an important aspect of participation, parental consent must be received.
Hub sessions occur from 8.45am-9.40am, Monday to Friday.
Life Skills and Hands on Learning Program
The HUB extends its support beyond academic domains through a life skills program, scheduled three times a week from 2:00 to 3:00 pm. These sessions are tailored around student interests and engagement, encompassing activities such as cooking, music, drumbeats, and learning about the world around them'. Students actively participate in planning, learning, and integrating culture and languages, while also gaining essential life skills such as financial literacy through excursions to local stores and visits from special guests and community elders.
We plan this to relate to relevant curriculum descriptors and also links to personal and social capabilities. Mr Jonathan runs this program and will connect with classroom teachers about student progress. Students' participation within this program is also dependent on teacher voice and parent permission.
Life skills sessions will occur three times per week- Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday 2-3pm.
High Potential Learners
In 2024 we began our High Potential Learners Program with wonderful success. In 2025, these sessions will run with Miss Hannah. The High Potential Learners Program aims to follow an inquiry-based learning approach with focus around STEM and language and culture. Student participation begins with teacher conferencing and permission will be gained from families. More information will come out about this program as it commences.
Specialist Support Staff
At Sacred Heart, we are committed to providing comprehensive support to ensure the well-being and academic success of every student. We are fortunate to have a team of specialist professionals who visit each term to offer their expertise. These include, but are not limited to:
- Psychologists
- Speech Language Pathologists
- Occupational Therapists
- Hearing Specialists
- Physiotherapists
- Inclusion, diversity and student engagement consultants
These specialists and consultants can work closely with our students and staff to address various needs. Additionally, we collaborate with external services such as Queensland Health and the NDIS to provide the best possible support. If you have any questions about your child's academic progress, well-being, or social skill development, the first step is to book a meeting with their class teacher.
NAPLAN National Testing
NAPLAN testing is an important assessment for our students, and it will take place in Weeks 7 and 8. All students are expected to participate unless a written request is made to withdraw your child. If you have any concerns or questions about NAPLAN, please speak to your child's teacher. Miss Zabel has also posted further information regarding NAPLAN testing within this newsletter.
Sound Scouts Hearing Screening
We are pleased to offer Sound Scouts testing for all new students and all Prep students. This screening tool helps assess students' hearing and identify if there may be a need for further testing by an audiologist. Ensuring good hearing is crucial for effective learning and development.
We are here to support you and your child in every way possible. If you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to reach out.
If you have questions about your child’s learning and progress or would like more support around academic progress, attendance, well-being and/or social skills please contact me and we can discuss this further. Pop into the office and book a meeting, see-saw message or email me: pmawn@cns.catholic.edu.au
Thank you for entrusting us to help your child to learn and grow.
Mrs. Peta Mawn
Leader of Diversity
From Waiben Prep, Mrs. Alex Peacocke
What a brilliant start to 2025 for a bright and sparkling group of preps! We have 11 students in our 2025 prep class, and they are all enthusiastic learners who love coming to school and learning new things every day. Over the past month, we have begun to get to know one another and get to know the Heart Way – where we all strive to be kind, safe, responsible and respectful. The preps manage to do this AND have a lot of fun every day. Swimming lessons with Mr Lochie have been a highlight of our term and so has time with our grade 6 buddies.
We have also been having some special parties to celebrate learning our letters and sounds. We have a secret code to get in (say the letter sound and write down the letter), and can only eat, drink and do things that begin with the letter when we get inside. At the M party, milo and muffins were on the menu, while we played with the marble run and magnetic blocks, coloured in mermaids and watched Moana! We have also been learning all about our family tree and have created a family forest with all our new friends in our class. I can’t wait to see how these 11 students continue to grow this year!
Mrs. Alex Peacocke












From Waiben Year 1, Mrs. Briohny Jones
In Grade 1, we have been focusing on:
- Developing whole-body listening skills.
- Understanding how God celebrates and adores each of us, while embracing the importance of being proud of who we are.
- Writing simple sentences that include details about who did what, when, and where, while logically sequencing events.
- Familiarising ourselves with literacy group routines and expectations to ensure everyone can learn effectively.
- Connecting number names, numerals, and quantities, as well as ordering numbers up to at least 60.
We were excited to have swimming lessons with Mr. Lochie and have also been exploring exciting science experiments. One of the highlights was the "magic milk" experiment, where we observed various chemical reactions. We've enjoyed getting to know our Grade 5 buddies and our library lessons with Ms. Chris.
Looking ahead, we are excited to learn more about Shrove Tuesday and Ash Wednesday to deepen our understanding of their significance within our community.
As we continue through this school term, I look forward to working together to create a positive and memorable experience for your child. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
Warm regards,
Mrs. Briohny Jones


































From Waiben Year 2, Ms. Katherine Presley
Sew ngapa to Grade 2, 2025!
We have had a fantastic start to the year with lots of learning and adventures already. In English we are reading Frog and Toad stories. We have used adjectives to describe Frog and Toad and made predictions about how their adventures will end. Last week we discovered Toad’s fishing bag with lots of Band-Aids and tissues. We had very excited discussions about how it got there, why Toad was bleeding and what happened to him after he left our school. This week we found Toad’s camp. It did not look like he had enjoyed his camping trip: his toast was burnt, his tea was spilt, and we don’t think he had a tent! Poor Toad.
We have been learning about what The Heart Way looks like and how we can show it each and every day. We learnt what the Fruit of the Spirit are and discovered which Fruit other people think we show. We also chose one Fruit that we’re going to try and grow. Please ask your child to show you our Fruit of the Spirit Tree. We’re also reading Bible Stories which are helping us learn the importance of forgiveness and saying sorry.
We had a great excursion to the Boardwalk where we read and drew pictures about important people and events in Torres Strait history. We used this information to make a time-line.
In Maths we have been reminding ourselves of place value, how to tell if a number is odd or even and discovering growing patterns. We love using concrete materials as well as 100’s charts to help us solve problems. We also love practising our skills on IXL.
It has been lovely to have some parents join us in our classroom for Maths and English games before school. It’s a fun way to spend time with your child and everyone is always welcome.
Blessings,
Miss Presley






From Waiben Year 3, Mrs. Luella Tyler
Week 5 has arrived so quickly and we are half way through Term 1!
Class has become settled into a routine and students should be proud that they are working well and generally making the most of every minute of learning time.
A highlight of this term is our HASS learning about community groups and people who make a difference to the quality of lives of people in the community. We are enjoying a number of visits from community members. On Thursday we had Miss Dora visit to talk about water on Hammond Island when she was a little girl and how it changed since 2000 and the building of the underwater pipeline.
Next week we will have a visit from Mr Warren Entch, Miss Chi and Dr Marlow who will talk about government information, the pearling industry, and the hospital in the Torres Strait. We are hoping to have visitors from the council, from Ergon and Star of the Sea.
Our class wishes to thank Mrs Benjamin for organising our visitors and visits to community places.
We have been learning to do slide show presentations in class and to use Reading Express and Essential Assessment on the laptops. The children are doing well with logging in and caring for their individual computers in preparation for NAPLAN in March.
We are doing a novel study on ‘Bad Guys 1” which the children really like.
Thank you for organising students for both the library and swimming each week. Thank you for your communications with me. Students are on assembly presentation on the 7th March. They will have practice NAPLAN on the 3 and 5th March. Naplan will be held from March 12th .
Each year I think I have the best singers in the world and yet every year it gets better and better. I love prayer time when the children’s voices are so beautiful. I was so moved at the opening mass by the sounds of the voices of all of the children and believe that Bishop Joe will never forget it either.
We have enjoyed working with Miss Hayley, Miss Teesh, Ms Kathryn and Ms Margaret and Miss Carla this term and thank them for their help with everything.
Best Regards,
Mrs. Luella Tyler






From Waiben Year 4, Mrs. Renate Bates
What a fantastic start to the year we’ve had in Year 4! Our classroom has been filled with learning, laughter, and plenty of opportunities to build a strong and supportive community.
We began by unpacking our school prayer and Acknowledgement of Country, reflecting on their meaning and importance in our daily lives. As a class, we collaborated to create our own set of classroom rules, ensuring that everyone has a voice in shaping our learning environment. Strengthening our routines has also been a big focus, helping us to feel confident and ready to learn each day.
One of the highlights of our mornings has been our Focus Students activity. Each day, two students take the spotlight, sharing a little about themselves, their interests, and experiences. This has been a wonderful way to strengthen our sense of belonging and get to know each other on a deeper level.
Another valuable part of our mornings has been Partner Chat. Each student is paired with a buddy to discuss our Quote of the Day, which is centred around building positive self-esteem and attitude. These thoughtful conversations have encouraged students to reflect on their own strengths and perspectives, while also listening and learning from their peers.
Our class novel, The Wild Robot, has been a big hit! The students have been captivated by the story and have loved engaging in discussions and activities around it.
Creativity has also been shining in our classroom. We love arts and crafts and have been exploring the themes of identity and place through various artistic projects. It’s been incredible to see the students express themselves through their artwork.
Of course, we couldn’t let National Hot Chocolate Day pass us by! We enjoyed a delicious treat together, making for a cozy and joyful experience.
We are excited for the rest of the term and all the learning adventures ahead! Thank you for your support in making our classroom such a wonderful place to be.
Mrs. Renate Bates










From Waiben Year 5, Mr. Jake Nelson
What an incredible start to the year we’ve had in Year 5! It has been fantastic to get to know all of the students and our classroom has come together wonderfully.
Our Year 5 students have been deeply engaged in reading Wonder by R.J. Palacio, a heartwarming novel that encourages empathy, kindness, and understanding. Through this text, students have explored the themes of resilience, friendship, and acceptance, sparking meaningful discussions about how we treat others. Beyond reading, they have been creating their own pieces of writing inspired by the novel, including diary entries from different characters’ perspectives and chapter summaries. This immersive approach to literature has helped students strengthen their comprehension and writing skills while connecting deeply with the story’s powerful message.
As we approach NAPLAN, our Year 5 students have been revisiting key mathematical concepts to strengthen their understanding and confidence. We have focused on place value, fractions, and measurement, ensuring students can apply these skills in problem-solving scenarios. Engaging activities, hands-on learning, and collaborative discussions have helped reinforce these foundational topics, setting them up for success.
With the liturgical season of Lent approaching, our students have been learning about its significance in the Christian faith. Through discussions and activities, they have explored the themes of reflection, prayer, and giving to others. We also celebrated Shrove Tuesday, learning about its traditions and connection to Lent. Students enjoyed understanding the meaning behind making and eating pancakes, symbolising a time of preparation and self-discipline. These lessons have helped deepen their understanding of faith and the importance of kindness, generosity, and spiritual growth during this season.
We look forward to the exciting learning experiences ahead and appreciate your support in creating a positive and engaging classroom environment!
Best Regards,
Mr. Jake Nelson










From Waiben Year 6, Ms. Judy Hart
Year 6 Milestones and Celebrations
This start of the term has been a remarkable one for our Year 6 class, filled with special milestones and joyous celebrations. During a memorable school mass, Bishop Joseph Caddy and Fr. Michael joined us to award Leadership Badges to our dedicated students. The event was a heartwarming occasion, with staff and families coming together to celebrate our new School Captains, Madoc Sloss and Areti Jeffrey, and Vice Captains, Ryanjade Pedro and Esta-Ann Stuart. Congratulations to all our Year 6 students who received their Leadership Badges!
Our wonderful Year 6 class has truly stepped up to model our school values. They have embraced their new roles as assembly presenters and icy-cup makers, fundraising for our school camp and graduation. Their efforts are not only commendable but also inspiring.
In addition to their leadership roles, our Year 6 students have been fantastic mentors to our younger Prep students. With guiding hearts, they have helped the Preps settle into their new school environment, sharing the joy of reading, crafting, and painting beautiful book covers together.
The Year 6 class has also settled into their routines, enjoying a variety of activities such as Math games, visual art designing, writing great stories, and interviewing adults to learn about newspaper articles. Some students have volunteered for the Reader's Cup, while others have been nominated for STEM and Science activities.
Overall, it has been a great start to our school year. We are incredibly proud of our Year 6 class and look forward to seeing them continue to shine.
Miss Judy































From Sports & Science with Mr. Lochie Dunford

This Term, we have commenced our swimming lessons, and all students have now participated in at least one session. The students have embraced the opportunity with great enthusiasm, demonstrating excitement and a willingness to develop their water skills. For many, these lessons have been a chance to refine their swimming techniques, build confidence in the water, and improve their overall fitness. Throughout the sessions, students have been practising a variety of essential swimming strokes, including freestyle, backstroke, and breaststroke, while also focusing on correct body positioning and breathing techniques.
In addition to stroke development, students are also learning about water safety, including how to safely enter and exit the pool, floating techniques, and the importance of being aware of their surroundings when in or near water. These skills are not only crucial for swimming lessons but also play an important role in their overall safety and well-being. The lessons are also preparing students for the upcoming swimming carnival, which will take place on Friday in Week 9. As the event approaches, students will continue to refine their skills, building strength and endurance while having fun in the process. It has been fantastic to see their confidence grow, and we look forward to watching their progress in the coming weeks.
Our science lessons have been a highlight for many students this term. Science has been particularly engaging for our younger students, who have thoroughly enjoyed conducting experiments. They have been learning how to make predictions about what they think will happen and then testing their ideas through hands-on investigations. Watching their curiosity and excitement grow as they observe real-life scientific concepts in action has been wonderful.
In addition to their experiments, students have had the opportunity to explore different forms of technology, including our light-sensing robots and programmable coding robots. These activities have allowed them to develop problem-solving skills, experiment with digital technologies, and apply their learning in creative and interactive ways. Their enthusiasm for both science and technology has been evident, and they have shown great persistence and teamwork when tackling new challenges.
Our upper-year students have also been engaging in a range of STEM-based activities that challenge their creativity and critical thinking. Year 4 students are designing and constructing huts using different materials, carefully considering the properties of each material and justifying their choices based on factors such as strength, durability, and insulation. Year 5 students are constructing balloon-powered carts to explore how gases can be used to propel objects while also gaining a deeper understanding of the movement of particles in solids, liquids, and gases. Year 6 students are conducting various experiments to investigate reversible and irreversible changes, exploring how different materials react under different conditions.
These hands-on STEM activities are not only deepening students' understanding of scientific concepts but also encouraging collaboration, problem-solving, and creativity. It has been fantastic to see their ideas come to life as they work through the design, testing, and refinement processes. We are excited to see how they continue to develop their skills and apply their learning in meaningful ways throughout the remainder of the term.
Mr. Lochie Dunford










From the Library, Mrs. Christine Bell

Many children are enjoying visiting the library at both breaks where they can enjoy a variety of activities. Reading favourite books, creating stories or cards, constructing, Lego, jigsaw puzzles and chess.
Each class is attending library lessons to discover a love of reading through the exploration of various authors and illustrators. Learning what is the difference between a fiction and non-fiction books. Through these different texts and articles, they discuss the author’s purpose and how illustrators help to add meaning to the text and find answers to questions.
In Week 3 we celebrated World Read Aloud Day. A big Thank you to all our new school representatives who read aloud before school/ during break times and any time that they were needed. They did an amazing job promoting reading to all children.
At the moment, a group of children are busy reading to be chosen to be members of this year's Reader’s Cup.
Ms. Chris
From the Hub & Life Skills, Mr. Jonathan Beales
Life Skills
This year, we are once again running a hands-on learning program with a select group of students. This term, we’ve chosen a cooking theme as our vehicle to learning. Our focus is on Japan and its historical connection to Thursday Island (TI) through the migration of Japanese pearl divers in the early 20th century. We’ve explored the similarities and differences between life on TI, in Australia, and in Japan, with particular emphasis on food – how it’s prepared, served, and its cultural significance.
The students have already made sushi, tried miso soup, and will soon be making rice balls and Bento boxes. As part of our study, we also visited the local cemetery to explore the Japanese section. The students were intrigued by the sheer number of graves—approximately 700—and enjoyed examining the headstones. Among the discoveries, they found one dating back to 1898 and another of a man who lived to 107 years old.
In addition to these activities, the students have practiced origami, learned some Japanese words, and created bookmarks featuring their names written in Japanese characters. This unit has been both enjoyable and enlightening, providing students with valuable insights into their local community and Japan’s rich cultural history.
















The Hub
We are thrilled to announce the continuation of our learning programs in The Hub this year. Building upon the remarkable student growth we observed last year; we are now running two groups simultaneously.
The first group comprises Year 2-4 students, led by Mr. Jonathan. In this group, we are implementing our "Learning to Learn" program, which helps students focus their bodies and minds, listen to and follow instructions, and adhere to daily routines. Additionally, this group is developing skills such taking responsibility and being a team leader.
The senior group, led by Miss Peta, caters to Year 5 and 6 students who participated in our program last year. These students are now ready to focus on more academic skills. We have already observed significant improvements in their social, academic, and classroom work abilities from their previous attendance in The Hub. We are now consolidating and building upon these skills.
Best Regards,
Mr. Jonathan Beales
From our Guidance Counsellor, Ms. Tosca Grainger-Dee
- Tune into cues - Sometimes feelings can be hard to identify. Tune into your child’s feelings by looking at their body language, listening to what they’re saying and observing their behaviour. Figuring out what they feel and why means you can help them identify, express and manage those feelings better.
- Behind every behaviour is a feeling - Try to understand the meaning and feeling behind your child’s behaviour. You can help your child find other ways to express that feeling once you know what is driving the behaviour.
- Name the feeling - Help your child name their feelings by giving them a label. Naming feelings is the first step in helping kids learn to identify them. It allows your child to develop an emotional vocabulary so they can talk about their feelings.
- Identify feelings in others – Provide lots of opportunities to identify feelings in others. You might ask your child to reflect on what someone else may be feeling. Cartoons or picture books are a great way discuss feelings and helps kids learn how to recognise other people’s feelings through facial expressions.
- Be a role model - Kids learn about feelings and how to express them appropriately by watching others. Show your child how you’re feeling about different situations and how you deal with those feelings.
- Encourage with praise - Praise your child when they talk about their feelings or express them in an appropriate way. Not only does it show that feelings are normal and it’s ok to talk about them, it reinforces the behaviour so they are likely to repeat it.
- Listen to your child’s feelings - Stay present and resist the urge to make your child’s bad feelings go away. Support your child to identify and express their feelings so they are heard. When feelings are minimised or dismissed, they will often be expressed in unhealthy ways.
Tosca
Reminders, Events & Safety notices
Parent Calendar
Tuckshop Menu
In 2025 our tuckshop is open both lunches! Make sure you download the flexischools app to order today!
Sign In/Out
To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all students it is a requirement that all visitors sign in & out when visiting the school. Parents needing to collect their child during the day must inform and sign out their child at administration.

Safety reminders - Food allergies, helmets and shoes
Food allergies - We are an allergy-aware school. To support childern with various food allergies, we have a no-food sharing policy. We also provide non-allergen alternatives in the tuckshop. As some children can have severe allergic reactions to even contact traces of peanuts, we ask that parents avoid sending foods containing peanuts or peanut butter to school. Thank you for your support.




Helmets - Any students who ride a bike or scooter to school must wear a helmet. Even though we live on a remote island, the Queensland Road rules still apply. Helmets save lives and seriously reduce the risk of brain injury in the event of an accident. Students must dismount their bike and walk it along the footpath when entering the school.
Shoes - We wear shoes to school every day. Sometimes shoes become too wet to wear. It may be more suitable to wear sandals during wet weather. If a child must wear thongs for the entire day (e.g. due to injury), they may not be able to fully participate in sport or play due to safety reasons.