Keeping Our Students Safe

I’m sure you were as surprised and concerned as I was to hear about the incident that occurred last Friday afternoon at a nearby school. According to reports, a stranger managed to enter through a school gate and attempted to coerce a student towards their vehicle. Thankfully, the child sought help from others, but it was undoubtedly a distressing incident in a school setting.

At Warrigal Road State School, we take student safety seriously. Most of our gates are locked from 9:15am and reopened at 2:45pm. More recently, we have moved to closing all school gates from 9:15am. The hall gates remain closed but are not locked during the school day. This allows parents and other authorised visitors to access the school grounds via the hall gates between 9:15am and 2:45pm by opening and then securely closing the gate behind them.

On Monday morning, I spoke to our Prep to Year 2 students at assembly about the importance of stranger safety. I encourage you to continue these conversations at home and to reinforce your expectations around school pick-up and drop-off routines.

I also spoke more generally about safety at school. I’m sure you’ve seen members of our leadership team regularly visible around the school grounds. You may also notice us checking our phones from time to time. This is because we have an effective internal communication system that instantly alerts all members of the leadership team to any concerning situation. Our staff are also vigilant and quick to notify the office if they observe anything out of the ordinary. We pride ourselves on being proactive and responsive.

At 3pm we also have staff at every main pickup area (Warrigal Road, The Hall, Daw Road and Demigre Street) the staff remain at the gates until 3:30pm. At 3:30pm all uncollected students are to report to the school office so we can contact parents.

I want to reassure you that we have strong systems in place to respond to any issue that may arise. Please know that we are deeply aware that you entrust us with your most precious gift each day—your child—and we are committed to upholding that trust through our continued focus on safety and care.

Laying the Foundations for Literacy Success at Warrigal Road SS

At Warrigal Road State School, we are proud to be leading the way in evidence-based literacy instruction. Our commitment to the Science of Reading and the updated Version 9 (V9) of the Australian Curriculum: English ensures that every student builds strong foundations in reading, phonics, and spelling—key building blocks for future success.

As part of this journey, we have invested in every teacher by providing professional development in Sounds-Write, an evidence-based phonics program supported by SPELD. This high-impact training equips our teachers with the knowledge and tools to explicitly teach the relationships between sounds and letters, an essential step in learning to read and write fluently.

Currently, our teachers are showcasing the impact of this work in their classrooms, and the results are impressive. Students are more confident, engaged, and capable in their reading and spelling. Members of the leadership team are actively observing lessons to witness firsthand the excellence in teaching and student progress across the school.

We believe that these core literacy skills are major building blocks for excelling in English, and we're excited to see the growth our students are making each day.

Our School Supervisor Mr Hugh Goodfellow has heard of our work in this area and joined us on our walkthroughs on Tuesday. We strive to ensure every student at Warrigal Road SS has the skills and confidence to thrive. 
#excellingWRSS

Prep 2026 Enrolments Now Open!

Do you have a child starting Prep in 2026? Or know a family who does? Now is the time to submit your enrolment application for in catchment/sibling families or register for one of our upcoming Open Days at Warrigal Road State School.

Starting school is a big milestone, and we’re here to make that journey as smooth and exciting as possible. Our Open Days provide a great opportunity for families to:

• Explore our classrooms and learning spaces

• Meet our friendly Prep teachers and leadership team

• Learn more about our programs and what to expect in Prep

• Ask questions and get to know our school community

Open Day Dates and booking information are available on our school website.

To be eligible for Prep in 2026, children must be born between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021.

We encourage all families to enrol early to assist with planning and ensure a smooth transition for your child.

We can’t wait to welcome the next generation of learners to Warrigal Road SS!
#StartingStrongWRSS

TERM 2 ACTIVITIES

Qparents notification

STUDENT ABSENCE PHONE LINE - 33405360

EMAIL: absences@warrigalroadss.eq.edu.au

Absences from school for 11 days or more require an exemption application to be submitted with supporting documentation.  

Upcoming Eastern Taipans District School Sport Trials (10-12 years ONLY)

If you wish to nominate your child (born 2013-2015) in a particular sport, please email Miss Currie (scurr72@eq.edu.au) at least 3 weeks prior to the trial date (wherever possible). Each school is only allowed to send 2 students to trial. Only students displaying quality skill levels will be sent to trial. Most team selections pick one team which covers a 10-12yr age group bracket. There are not individual teams for each age group.

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES

EASTERN TAIPANS DISTRICT REPRESENTATIVES

Some of our 10-12 years students have been busy trialling for various district teams. I would like to congratulate the following students for being selected in the Eastern Taipans District Team.

• Football – Ryan T.
• Football – Myla S.
• Touch Football – Penny M.
• Touch Football – Shriyan K.
• Cross Country – Tiara B.
• Cross Country – Marc L.
• Cross Country – Gregorius B.

We wish these students all the very best at the upcoming Regional Trials.

GALA DAY

All Yr5/6 Gala Day students are to be at school by 8:30am this Friday. Students need to meet their coaches on the Rock Wall at the Senior Oval for roll marking before boarding buses. Be on time, so you don’t miss the bus!

Parents are welcome to attend Gala Days! Please see below venues and all equipment required for your sport. When students return to school, our Warrigal Tuckshop will be open to purchase ice blocks etc.

• Gala Day 2 –Friday 16 May (Week 4, Term 2)
• Gala Day 3 –Friday 23 May (Week 5, Term 2)

Playing Locations for Gala Day 2:

• Boys Soccer   - A Teams – Eight Mile Plains State School

  - B Teams – Yeronga State School

• Girls Soccer – Runcorn State High School.

Soccer requirements - Hats/Sunscreen, Water Bottles, Lunch, Shin pads, long socks, boots (optional)/joggers.

• Girls Basketball – Runcorn State High School
• Boys Basketball – Runcorn State High School

Basketball requirements - Hats/Sunscreen, Water Bottles, Lunch 

• Tee Ball – Indians Baseball Club, Wakerley Park, Runcorn

Tee Ball requirements - Hats/Sunscreen, Water Bottles, Lunch, Softball Gloves

• Rugby League – Souths Sports Club, Acacia Ridge, 174 Mortimer Rd, Acacia Ridge.

Rugby requirements - Hats/Sunscreen, Water Bottles, Lunch, Mouthguards (MUST HAVE OR CAN'T PLAY), boots (optional)/joggers.

DISTRICT CROSS COUNTRY TRIALS

On Tuesday, 30th April, our Warrigal Cross Country team proudly represented our school at the District Cross Country Trials. Competing in races with around 80–100 students each, our athletes showcased determination, perseverance, and sportsmanship throughout the event.

After weeks of dedicated training, our team delivered some outstanding results. A special congratulations goes to Tiara (1st), Marc (2nd), and Gregorius (3rd), who have qualified to represent our district as part of the Eastern Taipans District Cross Country Team. This is a fantastic achievement, and we are incredibly proud of their efforts.

We wish Tiara, Marc, and Gregorius all the best as they continue their training in preparation for the Regional Trials at the end of the month.

MISS SARAH CURRIE – SPORTS COORDINATOR

GALA RESULTS

Girls Soccer – A Teams

What an exciting start to Gala Days for our Senior A and Junior A Girls Soccer teams! With a big day ahead, both teams boarded the bus buzzing with excitement and smiles - and those smiles didn’t fade all day.

The camaraderie and team spirit were evident both on and off the field. The girls supported each other wholeheartedly, and their sportsmanship was a joy to witness. Their commitment to training each week, always eager to learn and give their best, clearly paid off on Gala Day 1.

The Senior A team showcased outstanding skill and teamwork, finishing the day undefeated with three wins and one draw. The Junior A team found their rhythm after a slow start, bouncing back from an initial loss to end with a draw and two impressive wins.

Well done to all the players, your hard work is showing! I'm looking forward to our next two Gala Days together.

McDonald's Awards: Congratulations to Hajira, Haneet, Myla, Harjap, and Verona for their outstanding efforts!

Miss Currie – Coach

Girls Basketball – Junior Teams

Junior Girls A Basketball – Gala Day 1 Recap

Our Junior Girls A basketball team showed great determination and teamwork during Gala Day 1. Despite a challenging start, the girls played with heart and perseverance across all three games.

In Game 1 against Yeronga A, the team went down 16–6, with baskets scored by Carter, Ruby, and Sophie. Game 2 saw Carter scoring both baskets in a 14–4 match against Runcorn Heights. In Game 3, the team put up a strong fight but were defeated 10–4 by Robertson A.

Well done to all players for their commitment and sportsmanship throughout the day – we’re proud of your team spirit!

Junior Girls B Basketball – Gala Day 1 Recap

Our Junior Girls B basketball team demonstrated resilience and teamwork during Gala Day 1. The girls gave their best effort across all three matches and continued to show great sportsmanship throughout the day.

In Game 1, the team faced Moorooka B and went down 18–2, with Diya scoring the team’s basket. Game 2 saw a stronger offensive effort, with Alex and Olivia P each scoring in a 14–4 loss to Robertson C. In Game 3, the girls played hard but were unable to get on the scoreboard, finishing with a 10–0 loss.

Well done to all players for representing the school with pride and determination!

Ms Mitchell – Coach

Thank you to the Chamber Choir students who performed We Will and Keep the Truth Alive at the P–2 Assembly this week. Your performance was much appreciated!

Thank you also to those who are reading the music notes and keeping up to date with performances. We have a busy term ahead, so it’s important that all choirs and ensembles know when to wear their performance uniform.

Please print out the Date Claimers, highlight the performances you are involved in, and place the sheet somewhere visible. This will help ensure you are in the correct uniform at the right time. While we do give verbal reminders, these can sometimes be forgotten—writing them down or adding them to a calendar is a helpful way to stay organised.

In Week 5, the Boys Chorus will perform their two pieces, Whisper and Travelling, at assembly. Boys will need to wear their performance uniform—white shirt, green shorts, white socks, and black leather shoes—to school on Monday, 19 May. You will meet Miss Courtice at the school hall at 8:30 a.m. for a stage rehearsal. Miss Lu will be accompanying you.

Also in Week 5, the Chamber Choir will perform their three pieces at QYMA on Monday, 19 May. Please note that there will be a change to rehearsals for this week only: Chamber Choir will rehearse on Monday morning, and Senior Choir will rehearse on Tuesday morning.

All choir members should be singing through their parts with recordings daily and must know all lyrics from memory. Memorising lyrics not only supports your performance but also builds confidence—a valuable skill that will benefit you in high school and in future professional settings.

Thomastik Orchestra will be participating in the Karawatha String Workshop on Thursday. I look forward to working with all the other students in our surrounding community and the concert in the evening. There are a lot of students participating this year.

Please refer to QPARENTS APP regarding granting permission and for payments and information about the excursion events.

Chamber Choir Performance at QYMA

Thomastik Orchestra at Karawatha Junior Strings Workshop Program 2025

Please meet Mrs. Kelly inside the large hall at Runcorn State High.

 CHORAL FANFARE at Mansfield SHS.

All emails are to be directed to the following address.

music1@warrigalroadss.eq.edu.au

In all emails, your child’s name and class will need to be included in the subject heading

Robyn Kelly, Director of Music

  As at 16 May 2025

A sincere heartfelt thank you to our wonderful school community for supporting the Student Council Mother's Day stall. Our students enjoyed selecting and purchasing their thoughtful gifts to show their appreciation for their special someone. A huge congratulations to our senior students for their success with organising, promoting and operating the stall. We hope everyone had a nice day celebrating on Sunday. 

Did you know MacGregor State High School offers scholarships to outstanding students starting Year 7?

Round 2 applications for Year 7 2026 are now open - don’t miss out! Applications close Friday, 13 June 2025.

They proudly offer scholarships in three key domains: Academic, Cultural (Dance, Drama, Media Arts, Music, Visual Arts), and Sport.

These scholarships recognise and support students with exceptional talents and achievements. Acceptance of applications are based on merit and various examination or audition processes. Students do not have to be in the MacGregor SHS catchment area to apply.

For full details and how to apply, visit their website or contact their Enrolments Officer, Angie Blanch:

Web: www.macg.link/scholarships        

Ph: 3347 3555

Email: enrolments@macgregorshs.eq.edu.au