KSS_Newsletter_W7T4
Principal Update
We have a very busy end to the school year approaching, with many events occurring throughout the next four weeks. To support families with these events, can I please ask you to keep an eye out for information in our newsletters, Facebook, and also in your emails.
This term is an eleven week term across Queensland, meaning that the last day of term will be Friday 13th December. During the last week of school, students will be involved in a range of student engagement, cultural and wellbeing activities through alternative programs. During this time, your child may not be with class teacher, and, may not be in their own classrooms.
As we approach 2025, we will be ensuring that all 'Start of the year processes' will be shared prior to the end of the 2024 school year. This will include 2025 booklists along with procedures for dropping off book packs at the start of the year and uniform shop opening times.
Thank you,
Deputy Principal Update
Powering into Prep
Prep enrolments continue for 2025. If you have a child born between July 2019-June 2020 they are eligible to enrol for Prep for next year.
Enrol before the end of the year to receive a free school polo shirt.
Don’t forget to attend the PIP orientation sessions that run each Thursday from 9-10am.
Parents are to wait with their child/ren in the undercover Prep area to be collected by a Prep teacher at 9am.
Parent Teacher Interviews
It was great to see parents and caregivers at our Parent Teacher Interviews. Our teachers enjoyed sharing their observations with you about your child’s academic, social and emotional development and the next steps in their learning journey. If you missed the opportunity and would like to connect with your child’s teacher, please make contact.
Behaviour focus
Our current behaviour focus, be respectful, has a specific focus on integrity- doing the right thing even when no one is watching. Demonstrating this behaviour supports students to make honest and responsible choices. This focus provides an opportunity for families to discuss integrity at home and at school and how demonstrating these behaviours shows we have respect for ourselves and others.
Guidance Officer Update
Respectful Conversations
From time to time, our children require reminders about speaking respectfully while at school. Year 5 and 6 students are in the age range that brings many social challenges, as our children begin to seek their independence. It is also a time when our children may begin to test the boundaries and begin to experiment with the expectations around their relationships with peers. Please continue to work with us to have conversations at home and provide reminders about kind and respectful relationships, language and behaviour choices when speaking with peers. We will also continue to have these conversations at school. At present, we are finding some students who are accessing social media or inappropriate internet content, are then bringing these concepts, behaviours or language to school. Currently, the age limit for social media platforms is 13, meaning that none of our students should be on these platforms.
Do you know what social media sites your child is accessing?
We cannot assume that our child is not accessing Snapchat, Instagram, Tik Tok or other social media apps/sites. Often, children are setting up accounts without their parents’ knowledge. We urge you to check your child’s devices to see what social media sites they are accessing. You may need to investigate if there are age restrictions on the apps or programs your child is active on. Kingston State School does not endorse or support students under the age of 13 accessing Social Media. In the words of Dr Michael Carr ‘they do not have the neurological maturity to manage their digital footprint’. Please note the age restrictions for Tik Tok, Snapchat and Instagram.
Parents should follow the following tips:
- Know which social media your child uses.
- Discuss with your child who their online friends and followers are. Only be friends with people online who you know in the real world.
- Take a proactive approach and establish clear and agreed rules for your child’s internet use.
- Devices should not be in bedrooms.
More information can be found at the Office of the Children’s E Safety Commissioner at: https://www.esafety.gov.au/
You may be interested in accessing the links below on Cybersafety:
High School Transitions
Departmental Update
Do you know a child ready for an incredible adventure that opens up the world, without leaving home? The fully funded, Global Passport: Explore the world in 5 days program takes young adventurers on an unforgettable virtual journey across the globe!
During the January school holidays, Years 4–6 students will immerse themselves in vibrant cultures and exciting languages from different corners of the world through interactive online lessons. From cultural discoveries to unique experiences, this program is an exciting way to grow global competence and broaden their horizons!
Expressions of interest are open now! To learn more, visit: https://education.qld.gov.au/schools-educators/international/global-opportunities/opportunities-online/opportunities-for-students