21 August 2025

Principal’s Report

School Review

All Queensland state schools undergo a review at least once every 4 years. Schools are generally reviewed in the year that they are due to update their 4-year strategic plan. Review findings and feedback help to inform this planning process. Our School Review will be Tuesday 14^th October – Thursday 16^th October (Term 4 Week 2). The leadership team would like to gather input from parents and invite parents to attend a School Review Parent Session with the leadership team Wednesday 27th August from 9am-9.30am in the School Resource Centre/Library. Please RSVP to info@kuluinss.eq.edu.au We would love to gather parent input into our school and future direction planning.

Celebrating Our Support Staff and Teacher Aides

Over the past few weeks, we’ve proudly celebrated School Support Staff Week—a time to express our deep gratitude for the incredible people who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make Kuluin State School a welcoming, well-organised and safe environment for all.

We are especially thankful to Mrs. Sally O’Neal, Mrs. Karen Krutli, Miss. Tanja Boskov, Mr. Duncan Cutts, Mr. Murray Wilson and Mr. Ken Howes, whose friendly smiles and daily commitment ensure positive first impressions and seamless operations around the school in the front office and grounds and facilities. Mr. Shane Chapman, our dedicated Systems Technician, also plays a vital role in ensuring our digital infrastructure supports both learning and teaching. To acknowledge their contribution, our leadership team hosted a special lunch as a token of our appreciation.

Looking ahead, Teacher Aide Appreciation Week will be celebrated starting Monday 1st September. Our teacher aides are champions of student learning—supporting individuals, delivering targeted intervention, and assisting with our literacy and numeracy programs. Thank you to Ms. Leesa Brent, Mr. David Evans, Ms. Kylie Johnson, Ms. Jenny Grant, Mrs. Kath Hunt, Ms. Nan Sargood, Ms. Danya Schuler, Mrs. Denise Smart, Mrs. Kim Smith, Ms. Tenille Smith, Mrs. Michele Thompson, Ms. Gabby Hill and Mrs. Claire Toth. Across the Department of Education, this week recognises the essential role teacher aides play in helping students thrive both academically and socially. Their deep care, commitment, and strong knowledge of student needs enrich every classroom.

Reading Excellence at Kuluin
Our recent work in reading instruction has led to visits from other schools. We were delighted to host visiting staff from Kawana State College and Glenview State School, who came to observe our Daily Literacy Review and Reading Program. Mrs. Sammi Carvill and Ms. Shona Kallenbach’s classrooms provided a powerful example of what high-quality, explicit reading instruction looks like in action.

Through our whole-school approach to teaching reading, we have embedded consistent instructional routines across phonics, vocabulary, comprehension and fluency. This includes the use of decodable texts, and rich vocabulary instruction. Our collaborative work is grounded in the Australian Curriculum Version 9 and aligns with the Simple View of Reading. Staff receive regular feedback and coaching through our Collaborative Capability Development model to ensure consistency and continual growth with visits from the Leadership Team to celebrate outstanding teaching. Student growth is also celebrated with the students whilst looking for ways that we can continue to enhance our practice.  

At Kuluin, we are proud of the collective effort that goes into supporting every child, every day. Teachers in the Queensland Teachers Union (QTU) recently acted to further strengthen our profession. Thank you to our Kuluin community for your ongoing support of our exceptional teaching staff.

Kind Regards,
Corrie Connors
Principal

Deputy Principal’s Report

Prep to Year 2

When community comes together, the magic happens, from the joy of Under 8’s Day to the colour and excitement of our Book Week Parade (not even rain could put a dampener on the occasion), our school community has once again shown just how special it is. Parents, carers, and community members turned up in force — and the costumes were nothing short of incredible! From Minions to Minecraft, Chicken Jockeys to Potato Heads — the enthusiasm and support was truly inspiring. How lucky are we to be part of such an amazing school community!

Book Week Magic

Book Week was another highlight, reminding us all of the power of stories to bring people together. A huge thank you goes to Miss Claire and Miss Tenielle for the incredible behind-the-scenes work that goes into not only organising the parade but also filling the entire week with activities that brought joy and excitement to our students.

As Dr. Seuss reminds us, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Building a love of reading in our children is one of the greatest gifts we can give, and this week certainly inspired that love across the school.

Junior School Learning Highlights

It has been wonderful to visit classrooms and to see the engaging teaching and learning taking place every day. In English students have been:

• Prep – Discussing and describing events, with pirates taking over classrooms, teddy bear picnics, and plenty more fun still to come.
• Year 1 – Writing and retelling procedures while enjoying making fairy bread and teddy bear biscuits.
• Year 2 – Persuasive writing has been the focus, with a standout argument being: “We must go to the beach so we can bury the teacher’s legs in the glorious golden sand and then swim in the magical crystal-clear water!”

We may be past the halfway mark of the term, but in the junior years there is still so much learning and fun to be had.

Upcoming Events

• Prep Father’s Day Afternoon – Thursday 4th September, 2:15pm
• Prep Australia Zoo Excursion – Friday 29th August

Prep 2026 Enrolments

Do you have a child, or know a child, starting Prep in 2026? Our enrolment and transition process is already underway. Enrolment packs are available from the office, and we invite families to attend our Prep Open Morning on Saturday 23rd August, 9:00am – 11:00am.

Kind Regards,
Jess Thompson
Deputy Principal P-2

Year 3 to 5

As we head towards the end of another busy term, I would like to thank the Kuluin community for their continued support in making our school the amazing place it is.

Book Week

Fantastic effort from our amazing staff and students for the creative costumes showcased during our annual Book Week celebrations. It was great to see everyone enjoying the opportunity to relax and celebrate together.

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL)

Celebrations

This term, we have celebrated real improvements in behaviour across all areas of our school. We’ve seen a significant decrease in behaviour incidents during the first five weeks of Term 3, compared to the same timeframe in Term 2.

This reflects a reduction of:

• 72 minor behaviours
• 46 major behaviours

Behaviour Data Comparison

Congratulations, everyone!

 End-of-Term Focus – "Respect: Transitions"

While we have much to celebrate, we continue to look for areas to improve. The data indicates that transitions are a key focus area. We are now increasing our focus on ensuring students transition safely and respectfully.

What We’ve Noticed

Behaviour incidents are occurring frequently during transitions, such as:

• Moving between learning spaces
• Returning from breaks
• Arriving at or leaving school
• Moving between classes

What the Leadership Team Will Do

• Reinforce expected behaviours during high-risk times (e.g. lunch breaks, transitions, after specialist lessons).
• Increase the recording of positive behaviours to celebrate success and reinforce our school culture.
• Provide targeted support and re-teaching for recurring behaviours in identified hotspots.

What Staff Will Do

• Intentionally recognise and reinforce positive behaviours using Green Cards and Gula Gold—especially for "above and beyond" demonstrations of school rules.
• Use consistent language and strategies aligned with PBL expectations during all school routines.
• Actively supervise and engage with students in hotspot areas to maintain positive and safe play.

How Families and the Community Can Help

• Talk with your child about the importance of transitioning safely and respectfully—at school, in shopping centres, and in public places.
• Collaborate with school staff to support students who need additional guidance during transitions.

Thank you again for your ongoing support. Let’s continue working together to make our school a safe, respectful, and inspiring place to learn.

Kind Regards,
Pete Fittler
Deputy Principal 3-5

Year 6

Celebrating Year 6 Students
We’re proud to recognise the fantastic behaviour and learning achievements of our Year 6 students. Your dedication, teamwork, and commitment to our school values make us proud every day… keep up the great work!

Lockdown Drill Success
A big well done to all students and staff for the smooth and calm lockdown drill on Tuesday. Your cooperation and preparedness help keep our school safe.

Arthur Conlon Event
Our recent event with artist Arthur Conlon was a great success! Students produced impressive artworks and engaged in some very interesting learning experiences.

Transition to High School
Families of our Year 6 students, keep an eye out for important information from Maroochydore State High School about the transition to high school. Exciting opportunities are coming up, including the DRIVE Audition Days and the MSHS Writers in Residence celebration

Brainstorm Production – Zanna & The Lost Code: On Tuesday 26 August 2025 this exciting production follows the adventures of a young hero solving mysterious puzzles and uncovering hidden codes.

PBL 30 Green Card Morning Tea: On Wednesday 27 August, we celebrate students who have achieved 30 Green Cards… a fantastic milestone in demonstrating our school values.

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

Author Visit – Gregg Dreise

In week 10, Kuluin State School students will be fortunate enough to have a special visit from children’s author Gregg Dreise.  

Gregg Dreise is the author and illustrator of Silly Birds, Kookoo Kookaburra and Mad Magpie. These stories are about teaching morals. Silly Birds is based on the saying, “It’s hard to soar like an eagle when you are surrounded by turkeys”. Kookoo Kookaburra is based on the saying, “Kindness is like a boomerang - if you throw it often, it comes back often. If you never take the chance to throw it, it never comes back”. Mad Magpie is based on the words of wisdom, “Stay calm like the surface of the water, yet strong like its current. And know that there is a song out there for you.”

A selected group of students will also be offered to opportunity to participate in writing excellence workshops led by Gregg Dreise.

Those selected students will be presented with their excellence badge and certificate at the excellence parades this term.

• Prep-Year 2 in week 8
• Year 3 – Year 6 in week 9

Sports News

Grades 5 and 6 Interschool Sport

Last week our Grade 5 and 6 students had the opportunity to participate in interschool sport. The program is focused on participation and enjoyment rather than results. Students played AFL, oztag, netball and soccer against students from other local schools. Over 160 of our Grade 5 and 6 students chose to participate in the program. The next two rounds of competition are scheduled for Friday 29^th August and Friday 12^th September.

District Athletics Success

Last week Kuluin had 28 students attend the Nambour District Athletics Carnival. All students did a wonderful job both on and off the track. Many made finals and achieved personal bests on the day. A special mention to Archie K, Mitchell S, Lewis C, Beau S, Kody GB and Petra H who all earned ribbons on the day. Good luck to those selected in the district team to attend the regional carnival next week.

Lightning Cup

Our Grade 5 and 6 netball teams play in the Lightning Cup Netball Carnival this Friday. We have the maximum of 3 teams entered in this event again. A reminder that it is a very early start with warmups commencing at 7:30am. Good luck everyone!

Kind Regards,
Mitch Woods
HPE Teacher

Chappy Chatter

Please support the team running Bridge to Brisbane to help keep a Chappy at Kuluin.

Government funding only covers a Chappy for one day a week in a school. All additional funds need to be raised through ventures like this or generous donations by businesses or individuals.

If you are able to help, please reach out or if you just want to support our Bridge to Brisbane team please follow the link below.

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

Tuckshop menu

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. 

Road Safety

The Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR) Compliance Team will be visiting schools in the area over the coming weeks to address safety concerns around school zones, particularly focusing on parking. These visits are part of our ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of students, parents, and staff during school drop-off and pick-up times.

Child Protection Week

C&K Kuluin

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

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.

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