Dear Parents and Carers
Term Four is now well underway. Welcome to our new families who have joined us over the last few weeks. We would also like to welcome two new staff members who have joined us in recent times, Mrs Karen Jeffery for Term 4 who is replacing Mrs Stewart in 3/4S while she is on leave and Mrs Hayley Fursman who has joined our LEAP team.
Dignity Machine: Over the September holidays we had a Dignity Machine installed. The Queensland Government has partnered with Share the Dignity to provide all Queensland State Schools, Outdoor and Environmental Education Centres, and student residential facilities with the opportunity to install Dignity Vending Machines (DVM) at their site, which will provide free period packs to students. Providing students with free access to period products at school will contribute to students' wellbeing and improve their readiness to engage at school. The initiative aims to contribute to positive educational outcomes and alleviate emotional distress for students by allowing them to focus on their education rather than on accessing supplies to manage their period. Each pack contains three sanitary pads. Class teachers will introduce this service to the students and discuss the guidelines for access and use.
MIni Lit: This term sixteen of our Year 1 and 2 students began working with Ms Burns four times a week on our Mini Lit program. This program is an evidence based, explicit and effective program for teaching reading skills for students who are not yet meeting the year level expectations in reading. We are looking forward to seeing these students grow and develop in their reading skills and abilities.
LEAP into PREP 2025: Our first round of LEAP into PREP sessions have begun. These sessions provide the opportunity for our new 2025 Prep students to come and have some fun in our Prep classrooms whilst getting to know our wonderful Prep teachers and aides. If you have or know of any children who are eligible for Prep in 2025 please see our office for an enrolment pack and book your child into LEAP into PREP!
Upcoming Events and Learning Opportunities.
Week 3: Monday 14th to Friday 18th October
Book Fair: Visit our Book Fair in the library each day this week. It is open from 8:15am to 3:45pm. There are hundreds of great books to encourage the reader in your children. Our school library benefits from each sale. Drop in and get an early start on Christmas shopping.
Talk About It: Life Education: Years 3 to 6 will all be having a visit from Liz our Life Education teacher to present the “Talk About It" Program. All families received an email last week with details of each session and times.
Talk About It, by Life Ed Qld is designed to help support students develop safe and respectful relationships, and understand and manage the physical and emotional changes that occur during puberty. Developed with the support of Queensland Health, Talk About It supports schools to deliver curriculum-aligned education in the areas of relationships, and puberty. More information: https://lifeeducationqld.org.au/our-programs/talk-about-it/
Liz held a parent information session on Thursday afternoon. If you missed this session and would like more information, Liz is happy for you to email her with any questions on ehills@lifeedqld.org.au
If you would like to withdraw your child/ren from these sessions please advise the school in writing via email to admin@emuparkss.eq.edu.au.
Bravehearts: Our Prep to Year 2 students will be participating in the Bravehearts' Ditto's Keep Safe Program. Families received an email last week detailing the session and times. Bravehearts, is designed to provide students with evidence-based and age-appropriate personal safety education. For over 25 years, Bravehearts has been making a positive difference in child protection using the 3 Piers to Prevention: Educate, Empower and Protect. More information: https://bravehearts.org.au/education/dittos-keep-safe-adventure-program/dittos-keep-safe-adventure-show/
If you would like to withdraw your child/ren from these sessions please advise the school in writing via email to admin@emuparkss.eq.edu.au.
Yeppoon High School Transition: The 2025 Year 7 Class Orientation Days begin this week. Families should have received an email from Yeppoon High informing them of your child's class for 2025 and which day they are invited to attend. Only students who have completed an enrolment can attend. If you have not completed an enrolment yet, please contact Yeppoon High as soon as possible so your child does not miss out on these valuable transition days.
Week 4: Monday 21st to Friday 25th October
Day for Daniel: Friday 25th October: Next Friday we invite all students to wear a red shirt and bring along a gold coin donation as we participate in Day for Daniel. This year marks the 20th year of the Daniel Morcombe Foundation. This foundation continues to inspire and educate young Australians to help make Australia a better and safer place.
AUSKICK: Thursday afternoon at 3:15pm the AFL Association will be holding its come and try Auskick session on the oval. Students were given a flyer providing you with the details and contact information for these sessions. Please direct any enquires to Scott Smithwick 0404 986 543.
Colour Fun Run: The fundraising component of our annual fun run has opened. Students who choose to raise funds have the opportunity to win and choose from hundreds of prizes. An email will all the information was sent to all families on Friday. We will hold the Fun Run on Thursday 5th December in Week 10.
Year 5 Leadership Day: Tuesday 22nd October our Year 5 students are going to the PCYC at Cooee Bay to challenge themselves with rock climbing, crate stacking and other team building activities. We look forward to seeing our students practice our habits in a fun but challenging environment. Students will also be discussing our Senior Leadership program and expectations in preparation for Year 6. We are excited to work with our students as they strive to become our school leaders for 2025.
World Teachers Day Friday 25th October: World Teachers' Day is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the immense effort and dedication that teachers put into their work.
There are many more activities and events happening this term. Please check on our website and notice board regularly for details. Some of the upcoming events are listed below.
Friday 25th October: October Aussie of the Month Assembly
Friday 1st November: Tuckshop Day - A day to thank our Tuckshop workers.
Tuesday 19th November: Solofest for instrumental Students
Friday 29th November: November Aussie of the Month Assembly
Tuesday 3rd December: Year 6 Graduation Ceremony.
Wednesday 4th December: School House and Music Captain speeches for 2025 positions.
Yeppoon High School Open Day for 2025 Year 7 students.
Thursday 5th December: Colour Fun Run
Friday 6th December: Diamond Awards Assembly
Did you know? Time spent playing with children is never wasted.
Have a great week
Ellen