KSS_W9T2_Newsletter
** Principal's Update **
Good evening parents and carers,
During our recent school review, parents and carers highlighted staff members’ dedication to supporting their child to achieve, and recognise this commitment drives positive student outcomes. Not only are our staff dedicated, so are the members of the P and C. Members of our P and C are working on generating so many amazing ideas to improve student outcomes through parental engagement. Please ensure that you follow the Kingston SS Facebook page for updates on what the P and C is working towards and feel free to share your voice. Keep an eye out for opportunities to engage and connect with the P and C. Thank you as well to our P and C who have generously volunteered their time to open the tuckshop this week. We are all so appreciative of your efforts.
Throughout our Term 3 newsletter editions, I will be sharing information on ways in which we can continue to build on feedback received from parents and celebrate our ways of working together as we support our students to thrive.
** Deputy Principal's Update **
Reading through the Australian Curriculum at home and school
In previous newsletter articles I have provided information about reading at home with students. When reading at home with early readers that are developing their word reading skills, it can be useful to use the following prompts that we use at school to help children to decode (segment and blend) words.
We encourage families to practice reading at home as homework each week. Your child will bring home a book and/or a list of words that they are learning to read. It is not an expectation that your child remembers these words by sight but rather that they practise the decoding strategy they are learning at school. In Prep to Year 2 students are encouraged to break an unknown word into its sounds (phonemes) and then blend the sounds together to read the unknown word (as shown above).
Student Celebration
Congratulations to all our students who received Student of the Week certificates this term and those who will be recognised for their efforts at the Principal’s Parade in week 10.
Kara Steers
Deputy Principal
** Year 3 Update **
** Family Linq Update **
Wow! What a wonderful week we have had here at FamilyLinQ! On Monday we welcomed Jessica Quarton to the team. Jess is our new Senior Community Connector who will work Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Jess is here to support families to connect to the services that they are interested in or needing. Please come in and say hello to Jess and make her feel welcome. Many families will recognise Jess from her time working at Kingston State school last year!
We started up our Birthday Club recently where we celebrated all the May and June birthdays. Some of our mums made birthday cupcakes and others brought in hot goodies and sandwiches. There was much excitement by kids and adults as we sang happy birthday and celebrated our FamilyLinQ birthday people.
Thanks everyone for a great term together. We have enjoyed a range of activities including playgroups, financial support, links to health services, and Kids’ Club. We are looking forward to the new term and hope to have some new programs starting, including a gardening group and Crafty Catchups!
Kingston State School families are very welcome so pop in to check out what is happening and don’t forget to like our page on Facebook where you can keep up to date on what is happening.
Safe holidays – see you in term 3!
** Community Update **
All Queensland homes, including caravans and motorhomes, must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms by 1 January 2027. These alarms are faster at detecting fires and when one goes off, they all do, giving you more time to escape.
It’s also important to create and practise a fire escape plan with your family. It only takes a few minutes and could save lives.
Learn more at qld.gov.au/HomeFireSafety
Time is running out! Applications for Global Engagement programs and prizes are closing soon. Don’t miss your chance to expand your global outlook through exciting opportunities for students, educators, and schools in 2025. Head to the Global Engagement web portal to discover the fully funded programs and prizes available next year.
Our opportunities span online, domestic and outbound and inbound immersions that are designed to create meaningful and lasting experiences that go beyond a one-time program.
Subscribe to Global Engagement News to keep up to date with opportunities, Let’s get global!
Parentline service supporting parents and carers
Parentline is a free, confidential counselling service available for all Queensland parents and carers.
If you need support navigating challenging situations, Parentline offers qualified counsellors who can help with expert advice, emotional support and referrals when needed.
Parentline’s services include:
practical parenting resources on their website
live webchat with professional counsellors
phone support for immediate assistance (1300 30 1300)
the option to pre-book ongoing sessions with the same counsellor
online counsellor-facilitated parenting forums for shared support
referrals to other family support services when additional help is needed.
Visit their website (parentline.com.au) for more information today, or give them a call on 1300 30 1300.