Travel in and around our school

As a parent, one of the most important responsibilities you have is to ensure the safety of your children. This is especially true when it comes to driving around schools. With children walking, biking, and crossing the street near schools, it is crucial that parents follow safe driving practices to reduce the risk of accidents and protect the well-being of our future generation.

Over 1160 students come to Warrigal Road every day and they all leave at 3:00pm. We need drivers around our school to be especially careful, model the way and observe the road rules because we want to:

Reduce the Risk of Accidents: Children are often unpredictable, and their movements can be quick and unexpected. By driving slowly and carefully around schools, parents can reduce the risk of accidents, such as collisions with pedestrians, bicycles, or other vehicles.

Increase Visibility: Schools are often busy places, with a large number of children, teachers, and vehicles. To reduce the risk of accidents, it is important to be extra aware of your surroundings and maintain good visibility at all times. This means avoiding distractions such as texting or eating while driving, and taking your time to ensure you are aware of your surroundings.

Set a Good Example: As parents, we are the role models for our children. By driving safely around schools, we can set a good example for our children and teach them the importance of road safety. Children are more likely to follow safe driving practices when they see their parents do the same. Be very mindful of yellow lines. You can not block driveways or stop where yellow lines are painted.

Protect Children's Health and Safety: The health and safety of our children should always be a top priority. By driving safely around schools, parents can help to ensure that children are protected from the dangers of traffic accidents, such as serious injury or death.

Driving safely around schools is an important responsibility for all parents. By being aware of our surroundings, avoiding distractions, and setting a good example, we can help to protect the well-being of our children and ensure that they arrive at school safely every day.

IF YOU ARE PARKED IN THE DROP OFF ZONES STAY WITH YOUR VEHICLE!

Best Parking:

The best place for drop-off and pick-up is at Runcorn Plaza—our preferred spot for parents and carers to park. The wonderful management at Runcorn Plaza kindly allows us to use the northern end (closest to the school) for this purpose. Plus, with so many delicious restaurants nearby, why not grab dinner while you're there and get those 10,000 steps in? More often than not, it's quicker than waiting in the long line of cars backed up on Warrigal Road!

NAPLAN 2025 – Supporting Our Students

In Week 7 and 8 of Term 1 (12-21 March), our Year 3 and Year 5 students will sit their NAPLAN assessments. NAPLAN is an important national test that provides valuable insights into student learning and progress in literacy and numeracy. At our school, we have been preparing our students for NAPLAN since their very first day of Prep—not through practice tests, but by providing high-quality teaching and fostering strong wellbeing. Confident, engaged learners always perform their best!

What is involved in NAPLAN 2025?
NAPLAN assesses key skills in:
✅ Writing – a single extended response task
✅ Reading – comprehension of a range of texts
✅ Conventions of Language – spelling, grammar, and punctuation
✅ Numeracy – problem-solving and mathematical reasoning

These tests are completed online (except for Year 3 Writing, which remains on paper) over a two-week period. The online format tailors some questions to a student’s ability level, providing a more accurate understanding of their learning.

How can you support your child?
The best way to help your child succeed is to ensure they are well-rested, relaxed, and ready to learn. In the lead-up to NAPLAN:

Encourage a good night’s sleep
Ensure they eat a healthy breakfast
Keep mornings calm and positive

NAPLAN is just one part of your child’s learning journey. We are proud of how well our students perform, and we know they will do their best with the strong foundation of learning they receive every day. If you have any questions, please reach out to your child’s teacher.

Berry Street Training – Supporting Student Wellbeing and Engagement

Last week, 30 of our dedicated staff members participated in Berry Street Education Model (BSEM) training, a professional development program focused on trauma-informed, evidence-based strategies to support student wellbeing and engagement in learning.

The Berry Street approach equips educators with practical strategies to help students develop resilience, emotional regulation, and strong learning habits. By understanding how a student’s experiences impact their ability to engage in the classroom, our teachers can create learning environments where all students feel safe, supported, and ready to achieve their best.

The training covered key areas such as:
✅ Body – helping students regulate their energy and emotions
✅ Relationships – building strong, positive connections in the classroom
✅ Stamina – fostering persistence and a growth mindset in learning
✅ Engagement – creating a culture of curiosity and participation
✅ Character – developing student strengths and values for lifelong success

By embedding these strategies into our classrooms, we continue to ensure that every child is supported not only academically but also socially and emotionally. We are excited to implement our learnings from Berry Street to enhance student wellbeing and engagement across our school.

If you’d like to learn more about the Berry Street Education Model, feel free to reach out or visit Berry Street’s website.

TERM 1 ACTIVITIES

Year Level	Excursion	Cost	Payments (QParents)	Permission (QParents)	Due Date
Prep & Yr 3	Student Resource Scheme	$200	Required	Required	OVERDUE
Yrs 1, 2, 4, 5 & 6	Student Resource Scheme	$230	Required	Required	OVERDUE
Prep	Making Friends Incursion – 28/2/25	$6	Required	Not Required	21/2/25
Year 3	Botanic Gardens Excursion – 26 & 27/3/25	$32	Required	Required	19/3/25
Year 4	Wildlife Rangers Incursion – 10 & 11/3/25	$15	Required	Not Required	3/3/25
Year 4	Ngutana-Lui Excursion – 7 & 8/5/24	$20	Required	Required	30/4/25
Year 6	Street Science Incursion – 5/3/25	$18	Required	Not Required	26/2/25
Year 6	Cairns Tour 18 – 22/8/25 (Spaces still available)	$1600	Required	Required	See Schedule on Consent Form
Music	Music Resource Scheme	Various	Required	Required – for students new to Music Program	28/2/25

It is critical that payments are made and consent granted via QParents by the due date, which is a week earlier than the event itself. The school needs this time to finalise arrangements for buses, venues, etc and ensure that teachers are provided with accurate lists of participating students. Requests for late payments cannot be accommodated, so please make sure that you have responded by the due date.

We have a number of payment arrangements available which can help make payments more manageable. We have many families currently taking advantage of these arrangements. If you would like further information, please contact the Business Manager.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office.

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.

28 February	Eastern Taipans Squash – Boys and Girls (Paper Nominations)
3 March	Eastern Taipans Basketball – Girls
5 March	Eastern Taipans Rugby League – Boys and Girls (10-11yrs & 11-12yrs)
6 March	Eastern Taipans Basketball – Boys
12 March	Eastern Taipans AFL – Boys
14 March	Eastern Taipans Golf – Boys and Girls (Paper Nominations)
14 March	Eastern Taipans Hockey – Boys and Girls (Paper Nominations)
24 April	Eastern Taipans Football – Girls
24 & 29 April	Eastern Taipans Football – Boys

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES

26 February	Regional Swimming Trials (Selected students only)
21 March	P-6 Cross Country Carnival
28 March	Gala Day 1
30 April	Eastern Taipans District Cross Country Trial (Selected students only)
2 May	Gala Day 2
16 May	Gala Day 3

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.

Netball – Aishlinn O.
Netball – Emma P.
Swimming – Sofia C.
Swimming – David C.

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

EASTERN TAIPANS DISTRICT - SWIMMING

Last week, 7 Warrigal students, represented our school at the Eastern Taipans District Swimming Carnival. Throughout the day, all 7 students displayed quality swimming and some came away with Personal Best times. Congratulations to Sofia and David who have gained selection in the Eastern Taipans District Swimming Team.

I wish these students the best of luck and I look forward to watching them shine at the Met West Swimming Trials next week. Do us proud Sofia and David!

GALA DAY

Our Year 5 & 6 Gala Day teams are currently being finalised. Once this is complete, permission forms will be sent to parents of successful students via QParents. Expect these to come sometime next week. Once received, please pay and tick QParent Permission by the due date or your child will miss the opportunity to attend Gala Day 1. No late payments will be accepted.

Parents are welcome to attend Gala Days!

Gala Day 1 - Friday 28 March (Week 9, Term 1)
Gala Day 2 – Friday 2 May (Week 2, Term 2)
Gala Day 3 – Friday 16 May (Week 4, Term 2)

Playing Locations for Gala Day 1:

Boys Soccer - A Teams – TBC
B Teams – TBC

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.

MISS SARAH CURRIE – SPORTS COORDINATOR

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Music Department Update

It's been another wonderful week in the Music Department! Instrumental music lessons are in full swing, and students have received their music folders.

Band Students: You can download music tracks from the Standard of Excellence Tutor Book and play along with them.

String Students: Utilize your Essential Elements Tutor Book and access www.myeelibrary.com. Enter the code from inside the book to access your tracks. We hope you enjoy this interactive approach to playing your instrument.

Instrument Hire: If your child is hiring a school instrument and has returned their loan form, they may take the instrument home. They should bring it to school for rehearsals and lessons and are expected to take it home each afternoon to practice.

Year 2 Singing Club Sign-Up: Yesterday, Tuesday, 18th February, during 1st break at 11:00 am. Students met Mrs. Libby Courtice at Modular D to sign up and receive a letter to take home. Parents, please read, sign, and return the letter to the box outside the Music Block. Refer to the rehearsal schedule for Choir Rehearsal times. If your child forgot or was absent from school to attend the sign up day, they can ask Mrs. Kelly for a form during their music lesson. Year 2 Singing Club will begin next Tuesday 25^th.

Instrument Labelling:
Please ensure your child's instrument is clearly labelled with a luggage tag that includes their name and class. This will help them easily identify and pick up their own instrument. I've noticed that some students' instrument cases are missing labels, and it can be quite challenging to locate them without proper identification. Thank you for your cooperation in making this process smoother!

Instrument Drop-Off and Collection: Parents should wait outside when students drop off and collect their instruments from the music block or band room (except for double bass). For larger instruments, trolleys and straps can be purchased. However, instruments should always be stored properly when not in use. Please do not stand cellos and double basses upright. Always place them on their side, with the bridge preferably facing the wall. Proper care is essential, as these instruments are expensive to repair and replace.

Daily Practice: Please remember to practice daily, as this will help you improve.

Reference Letters for Current 2025 Year 6 Instrumental/Choir Students Only:
I would like to begin working on reference letters for students applying to high school. These letters take time to prepare as I need to speak with instrumental staff and get approval from administration for each one.

Information you will need to provide:

Your child’s name & class (2025) and current ensemble/choir/leadership role
Year of entry into the WRSS Music Program
Ensembles/choir groups your child has participated in previously
If you have a cut-off date for submission, please include that as well

NB: Requests for references will only be accepted until Friday, 28th February. Reference letters will be processed in the order of receipt and completed by the last week of Term 1 (unless requested earlier). Please note that we will not be writing references after Term 1.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

TERM 1	TIME	EVENT	PARTICIPANTS
Week 6 – 8	8:00-8:45am	White Shirts distribution and black pants sale	All instrumental and Choir groups (not junior choir, Yr2/3 Singing clubs)
Week 10 Friday 4^th April	9.00 to 10.00am Hall	Easter Bonnet Parade	TBC

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

TERM 1: 2025 INSTRUMENTAL & CHOIR REHEARSALS
*ENSEMBLES*	*CONDUCTOR*	*REHEARSAL TIMES*
Senior Choir	Robyn Kelly & Miss Lu	Normal Weekly Rehearsal Week 5 Monday 24^th February 7:30am arrival at the Music Block
Chamber Choir	Robyn Kelly & Miss Lu	Normal Weekly Rehearsal Week 5 Tuesday 25^th February 7:30am arrival at the Music Block
Boys Chorus	Libby Courtice & Miss Lu	Normal Weekly Rehearsal Week 5 Tuesday 25^th February 8:15am arrival at the Modular D
Year 3 Singing Club	Robyn Kelly	Normal Weekly Rehearsal Week 5 Tuesday 25^th February at 1^st break at the Music Block. Bring your lunch, no Tuckshop please.
Year 2 Singing Club	Libby Courtice	Weekly Rehearsal to begin Week 5 Tuesday 25^th February at 1^st break in Modular D
Wind Ensemble	Catherine Venn	Normal Rehearsal Week 5 Wednesday 26^th February 7.30am arrival at the Modular D.
Chamber Orchestra	Daniel Holloway	Normal Rehearsal Week 5 Wednesday 26^th February 7.30am arrival at the Music Block.
Junior Choir	Robyn Kelly	Normal Rehearsal Week 5 Wednesday 26^th February at 1^st break at the Music Block. Bring your lunch, no Tuckshop please.
Corelli Orchestra	Daniel Holloway	Normal Rehearsal Week 4 Thursday 20^th February 7.30am arrival at the Music Block. Week 5 Thursday 27^th February 7:30am arrival a the Music Bock.
Symphonic Band	Catherine Venn	Normal Rehearsal Week 4 Thursday 20^th February 7.30am arrival at Modular D. Week 5 Thursday 27^th February 7:30am arrival at Modular D.
Concert Winds	TBA	NO REHEARSAL YET NO REHEARSAL UNTIL STUDENTS CAN PLAY A FEW NOTES ON THEIR INSTRUMENT. Rehearsals commence beginning of Term 2 Day to be finalized possibly a Friday TBC
Thomastik Orchestra	Daniel Holloway	Norma Rehearsal Week 4 Friday 21^st February 7.30am arrival at the Music Block. Week 5 Friday 28^th February 7:30am arrival at the Music Block.
Junior Strings	Daniel Holloway	NO REHEARSAL YET NO REHEARSAL UNTIL STUDENTS CAN PLAY A FEW NOTES ON THEIR INSTRUMENT Rehearsals commence beginning or end of Term 2 every Friday 1^st Break at the Music Block.

As at 14^th February 2025

Robyn Kelly, Director of Music

Want to be a part of our school community?

The WRSS Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, 5th March at 6 PM. You can attend either via TEAMS or in person at the Green House.

As a requirement each year, you must complete a Membership Application Form, which will be accepted during the AGM. Please submit your form by emailing cmull195@eq.edu.au or dropping it off at my office, or leaving it at the front office. See form attached.

More details will be shared as the date approaches.

Let me know if you have any questions!

2025Application_for_P_C_Membership_with_Code_of_Conduct.pdf

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Kind Regards,

Miss Christine Muller

Community Engagement Officer

Warrigal Road State School

P_C_Newsletter_2025_Term_1_Issue_2_19Feb _pdf 801.59 KB

With Ramadan fast approaching, please inform your child that a prayer room has been set up in MOD C, next to HASS. The room will be open from 1:30 PM to 1:45 PM as of Monday 3rd March. Additionally, a dedicated space has been arranged for Muslim students who are fasting, ANZAC COVE, providing them with a quiet area away from those who are eating to support them during their fast.

Should you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me on cmull195@eq.edu.au.

Kind Regards

Miss Muller