31 July 2025

Principal’s Report

Dear Kuluin Families,

Welcome back to Term 3! I hope you had a restful and enjoyable break. It’s been pleasing to see our students return with such enthusiasm, ready to learn and grow. We are already off to a strong start, and there is much to celebrate together.

Celebrating Outstanding Success in 2025

In 2025, our Year 3 students achieved the highest NAPLAN results in Kuluin State School history. Year 3 students achieved above the nation in all 5 areas tests in NAPLAN.
Year 5 students achieved a strong result achieving above the nation in spelling, grammar and punctuation and numeracy.

This milestone reflects the incredible commitment of our staff and the collective effort of our entire school community.

Shared Success Across Our School

These outcomes are the result of contributions from:
- Our passionate classroom teachers delivering high-quality lessons
- Teacher aides and Kuluin families supporting targeted interventions
- Admin and support staff multitasking seamlessly
- P&C, OSHC, tuckshop, cleaning and grounds teams creating a safe and inviting environment

Culture First – The Kuluin Way

While NAPLAN provides useful data, it does not tell the whole story. At Kuluin, we believe that culture beats strategy. Our focus on staff wellbeing, Positive Behaviour for Learning, trauma-informed practices along with a fun, family atmosphere makes success possible.

A Literacy Journey Worth Celebrating

Our Year 3 students were the first cohort to experience our consistent, evidence-based reading instruction aligned with the Simple View of Reading. Since 2022, we have seen tremendous growth thanks to our daily reviews, teacher-led differentiation, and our whole school literacy focus now extending to Years 3–6.

Year 3 NAPLAN example

Have Your Say – 2025 School Opinion Survey

Parents and caregivers will soon receive a link to complete the annual School Opinion Survey. Your feedback is invaluable in helping us continue to grow and shape our school. Invitations will be emailed to parents/caregivers, students and staff from Monday 21 July 2025. Please keep an eye on your email and we thank you in advance for your contribution! The survey closes Friday 22 August 2025.

KEY DATES

21 July – 25 July   Invitations emailed to Parents / Caregivers, Students and Staff

28 July                   SOS 2025 - Survey period opens

22 August              SOS 2025 - Survey period closes

Kind Regards,
Corrie Connors
Principal

Deputy Principal’s Report

Prep to Year 2

Celebrations, Connections & Community

Dear Kuluin families,

It’s hard to believe we’re already nearly at Week 4!  This term has been packed with joyful celebrations and meaningful learning experiences—what a wonderful reminder of how special our school community truly is.

Under 8’s Day – A Day to Remember!

On Thursday we will be celebrating Under 8’s Day—a special event dedicated to the importance of early childhood education, play-based learning, and building strong community connections. The hall and oval will be brought to life through laughter, creativity, and hands-on activities.

A huge thank you to our passionate teachers for planning such exciting experiences for our youngest learners. Your efforts always create a magical morning of discovery and fun. A special shout-out to Mrs Hutchins for her incredible behind-the-scenes organisation—your commitment makes this day shine every single year.

100 Days of School

On Tuesday 22nd July, we marked the official 100th day of the 2025 school year, and what better way to celebrate than with Mrs Brinkman’s famous 100-candle cake! Her joyful traditions brought smiles to our Prep to Year 2 students as they joined in the fun.

Later that week, our Prep students held their own milestone celebration—dressing up as 100-year-olds on Friday. It was a delight to see our Prep area overtaken by wise little grandmas and grandpas, full of excitement, stories, and lots of giggles. It truly was a fun-filled day of celebration, marking 100 days smarter!

Prep Open Morning – Saturday 23rd August | 9:00–11:00am

We’re excited to welcome families to our Prep Open Morning on Saturday 23rd August. Whether you're already enrolled or still exploring your options, this is the perfect opportunity to:

• Tour our vibrant Prep classrooms
• Meet our friendly staff and leadership team
• Join in fun, hands-on learning activities
• Learn about our Prep routines and programs

Our Prep 2026 transition program is already in full swing, with staff visiting local Kindergartens to meet our future Kuluin Kids. We’re also running fortnightly Prep tours to give families a deeper insight into what makes Prep at Kuluin such a nurturing and engaging start to school life.

📌 Is your child eligible for Prep in 2026?
Children born between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021 can begin Prep in 2026.

📅 Book a tour: https://kuluinss.schoolzineplus.com/form/204
📄 Enrolment packs: Available from the office or online at www.kuluinss.eq.edu.au
📧 Enquiries or forms: info@kuluinss.eq.edu.au

Families currently attending Kuluin who have a 2026 Prep student are encouraged to reach out soon to complete the enrolment process.

Attendance Matters – Every Minute Counts

Did you know that being just 10 minutes late each day adds up to nearly 7 days of lost learning a year? Every minute really does matter!

(Source: Education Queensland)

Please help us give your child the best start each day by ensuring they arrive on time and ready to learn. If you need help with routines or morning challenges, we’re here to support you.

📎 Learn more: Every Day Counts – Education QLD

Thank you for being such a vital part of our school community. It’s the partnerships between home and school that help every child thrive and here at Kuluin we’re lucky to have such supportive families walking beside us.

Kind Regards,
Jess Thompson
Deputy Principal P-2

Year 3 to 5

Welcome back to Term 3! I hope you all had an amazing break. Term 3 is shaping up to be an event-filled term. I’m looking forward to continuing to work together to achieve the best outcomes for our kids.

Opti-MINDS

The Kuluin SS Opti-MINDS team is busy preparing for the first interschool competition, which will be held later this term. We’re excited to see our bright minds flex their skills! A huge thank you to the staff involved in planning, preparing, and supporting our students to engage in this fantastic opportunity.

PBL: Positive Behaviour for Learning

This term marks the beginning of reviewing and refining our PBL processes at Kuluin SS. While behaviour at Kuluin SS is of a high standard, there is always room for improvement in how we, as a community, prevent, teach, and reinforce our expectations.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the parents of the Kuluin State School community. Parents have the greatest impact on student behaviour. Thank you for the way you support our staff when issues arise, for engaging in problem-solving alongside our team, and for ensuring your student is school-ready.

Keep an eye out for upcoming refinements to our PBL processes.

Kind Regards,
Pete Fittler
Deputy Principal 3-5

Year 6

Welcome to Term 3 at Kuluin State School
Welcome back to what’s shaping up to be another term full of learning, connection and opportunity at Kuluin. We hope the break brought some well-deserved rest for students and families alike.

Postponed: Arthur Conlon NAIDOC Workshops
Due to a change in availability, our NAIDOC celebrations with Indigenous artist Arthur Conlon will now take place on 11–12 August. We're looking forward to his return and the chance to learn through art and storytelling that celebrates First Nations culture and heritage.

Australian Mathematics Competition
Best of luck to our invited students who will be participating in the Australian Mathematics Competition between 5–7 August. This is a fantastic opportunity to challenge your thinking and showcase your mathematical strengths. We’re proud of your efforts!

Year 6 – Leading the Way
A big ‘WELL DONE’ to our Year 6 students who have returned to Term 3 showing maturity, leadership and a strong focus on learning. This is a term where your actions shape the legacy you leave behind. Staying focused, showing kindness, and making the most of every opportunity will ensure you finish the year with pride.

As you look ahead to Term 4, the final term of your primary school journey, remember that success is built in the quiet moments: when you help a classmate, when you give your best in a tricky task, and when you choose to do the right thing even when it’s hard. Set your sights high, support each other, and enjoy the ride.

Keep Warm and Stay Connected
With the chilly mornings continuing, please make sure students are dressed warmly in either their school jumper or a plain jumper. Thank you for helping keep our learners cosy, comfortable and ready to engage.

As always, thank you for your ongoing support. We’re proud to partner with you in making Kuluin a fantastic place to learn and grow.

Kind Regards,
Benjamin Gaske
Deputy Principal 6

Curriculum News

Year 1 Phonics Check

With the strengthened focus on phonics in the updated curriculum, this term Kuluin State School will use the Year 1 Phonics Check as a universal screener to determine students’ phonic knowledge and phonemic awareness.

What is the Year 1 Phonics Check?

In Year 1, teachers are able to use the quick and easy Phonics Check to better understand the phonics knowledge of their students. The Check looks at how well your child can 'decode' written words. The teacher will listen to how the child sounds out the letter and letter groups and how they blend these sounds together from left to right to make words.

The Phonics Check helps your child's teacher and the school to confirm whether your child is making their expected progress in reading. Teachers and schools can then use this information to inform their teaching program.

How does the Phonics Check work?

• Your child will sit with a teacher and be asked to read up to 40 words aloud.
• These words are a mix of real words and made-up words (sometimes called 'pseudo words', 'non-words' or 'nonsense words').
• Your child may have read some of the words before, while others, like the made-up words will be completely new.
• The Phonics Check normally takes just a few minutes to complete and is carefully designed not to be stressful. There is no set time limit for it and if your child is struggling, the teacher will stop.

What words are in the Phonics Check?

The Phonics Check includes a mix of real words and non-words. The teacher will tell your child before the Phonics Check that there will be made-up words that they will not have seen before.

Non-words are important to include because words such as ‘vap' or ‘jound' are new to all children. Children cannot read the pseudo words by using their memory or vocabulary; they have to use their decoding skills. This is a fair way to assess their ability to decode.

After the Phonics Check

The check ensures that teachers understand which children need extra help with decoding. Your child’s progress in phonics, can be discussed during parent teacher interviews at the end of Term 3.

Remember that all children are individuals and develop at different rates.

If you require any further information, please discuss with your child’s teacher.

Sports News

Grades 5 and 6 Interschool Sport

During Term 3, all of our Grade 5 and 6 students have the opportunity to participate in interschool sport. The program is focused on participation and enjoyment rather than results. Students will play AFL, Oztag, netball and soccer against students from other local schools. Kuluin, Buderim Mountain, Mooloolaba, Stella Maris and Siena take part in this program. Interschool sport is scheduled for Friday 15^th August, Friday 29^th August and Friday 12^th September. A reminder that payment and permission is due 7^th August.

District Athletics

Kuluin has 29 students that have qualified to attend the Nambour District Athletics Carnival. This is scheduled for 13^th August at Sunshine Coast University. 20 local schools send their best track and field athletes to this competition, all hoping to be selected in the District Athletics Team. Good luck everyone!

Lightning Cup

Our Grade 5 and 6 netball teams have started training for the Lightning Cup. Kuluin will enter the maximum 3 teams into this event again. The Lightning Cup is scheduled for Friday 22^nd August.

Oztag QLD visit

All students have had a visit from Oztag QLD Development officers during recent PE lessons. Students practised dodging and evading components as well as specialised skills and rules. If your child enjoyed the experience, the local junior competition starts soon with information provided on the flyers students have taken home.

Paul Franklin Shield

Congratulations to our U12 rugby league team who recently won the district carnival. Our team won our first 3 matches against Yandina SS, Burnside SS and Buderim Mountain SS. In the semi-final we then beat Pacific Paradise SS. We played Stella Maris in the grand final who had won the competition for the previous 3 years. In a hard fought match Kuluin won 12-8 to be crowded district champions. We now progress and play the winning schools of our Sunshine Coast districts in the Regional finals. Great effort boys!

Kind Regards,
Mitch Woods
HPE Teacher

Support Services News

Gula HQ

At Kuluin, we acknowledge that some students require additional support to have positive play experiences. Gula HQ is a play and activity environment with increased supervision and structure for nominated students. By providing close supervision, support staff can cater for the individual needs of students and provide:

-              Sensory breaks and sensory input

-              Opportunities to explicitly teach social skills through play

-              Opportunities to develop friendships

-              Debriefing conversations around playground issues

Any student experiencing social and emotional difficulties in the playground are welcome to visit if nominated by their class teacher. Students can also ask their class teacher for a Gula HQ invitation card if they feel they need it. Students are always encouraged to bring along a friend. It is always a pleasure to see children playing at Gula HQ, whether they are creating in the sand pit, playing a game of Uno or engaging in many of the other activities available.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. Our school will complete this process in the next few weeks.

Information provided about Kuluin students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:

• year of schooling
• category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
• level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.

This information assists our school to:

• formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability
• consider how we can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools.

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.

The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured.

Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact your child’s class teacher or Minna Berry (Head of Special Education Services). 

Chappy Chatter

It’s on again.  Last year a few of our wonderful Kuluin teachers ran the Bridge to Brisbane to raise funds to support chaplaincy here at Kuluin.

As a chaplain my role is covered by the government for 1 day a week, meaning it is necessary to fundraise for any additional days.

This year I will be joining some of our teachers in this event by walking the 5kms.

I would love your support and encouragement by following the link below.

https://bridgetobrisbane.gofundraise.com.au/page/TeamKuluin

What Chappy’s do?

As school chaplain, my official job description is to provide social, emotional and general wellbeing support for staff, students and their families. What I tell the kids is that I am here for them to talk to.  Whether they are happy, sad, hungry, angry, scared or excited I want to hear about it.  I am also a listening ear for parents when things get tough at home, and I have access to resources that I can connect families to where appropriate. I work in the school two days a week and beside talking to students and adults I also provide support through games, school excursions, in classrooms, and a variety of other ways. No religious content is undertaken while working with students without prior written parental consent. 

If you would like to contact me, please email me on tracey.storey@suchaplaincy.org.au or call the school office

Book Week

With Term 3 in full swing, many exciting things are happening at Kuluin!

In Week 6, from the 18^th -22^nd of August, we have our much-anticipated Book Week, with this year’s theme being ‘Book an Adventure’. Here at Kuluin, we have many avid readers and it is thrilling to see the enthusiasm of the students, as they plot and plan their books and costumes of choice! Our school wide parade on Wednesday the 20th of August, at 9am in the hall.

This year’s theme, I find especially fitting as reading really does take you on a variety of adventures. Not only does it enhance language and communication skills – promoting a diverse vocabulary, but it also fuels imaginative play.

It is fun for our teachers also – who do indeed love a dress up event. Let us, and Mr Jardine, not forget the memorable Princess Peach costume of 2023.

What will this year bring?

Fun times are ahead!

Kind Regards,
Miss Claire
Teacher Aide

Bully Zero

A valuable opportunity is being provided to parents/carers of our schools within the region, to participate in a free face-to-face 1.5 hour workshop facilitated by Bully Zero, a leading bully prevention organisation.  The workshop Bully Zero, is designed to proactively support parents to understand what bullying is and what parents can do to support their children to be safe both online and when face to face with their peers. 

The attached flyer provides information regarding locations, inclusive of the online option and how to register for the workshops.  Participants must register for the workshops.

C&K Kuluin

Sports X

Bus Passes

Parents/Carers will not need to apply for a school bus pass if their students are already bus pass holders and are (a) staying at the same school and (b) residing at the same address.  Parents/Carers can apply for STAS online here www.qld.gov.au/schooltransportassistance
- One Form
- Up to Five Children
- Any Device

Please note if your student is not eligible for a school bus pass, you will need to obtain a Go Card online or from your closest retailer. For more information please visit https://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/go-card

Please visit our website below for school bus service information.
CDC Sunshine Coast https://cdcqueensland.com.au/bus-services/sunshine-coast-schools/
Phone: (07) 54766622

Email: info.sunshinecoast@cdcbus.com.au

Uniform Price List for 2025 - The School Locker Maroochydore

Kuluin State School uniforms are available from The School Locker Maroochydore, located in the Maroochydore Homemaker Centre at 11-55 Maroochy Blvd, Maroochydore. Uniforms can be purchased instore or online for collection or delivery. 

Regular School Attendance

Reminder school commences 8.50am

Time Out / Illness

Why do I need to keep my child at home? This is a common question many families ask us. Please see attached Time Out brochure and poster that provide information for parents about infectious diseases and exclusion periods in Queensland schools.

Tuckshop menu

Cybersafety

The Department of Education & Training (DET) Cybersafety Team have created an eSafety Guide to provide important information on how to protect your information and report inappropriate content when using the latest games, apps and social media.

Click here to visit The eSafety Guide:

Dates to Remember