T2_W3_Newsletter

** Acknowledgement of Country **

** Principal's Update **

Good evening parents and carers, 

By now, you would have seen the last update sent in regard to the upcoming Industrial Action, in which some teachers will be participating a 24-hour stop work action on Wednesday, 6 August 2025.

At this stage, it is unclear on how many teachers from Kingston State School will be participating in this industrial action. However, please be assured that the school will remain open during this time, though normal classes will be disrupted.  At the start of next week, I will provide information to families about our process for supervising students who are attending school on this day.

On Thursday 7th August, staff will be running an information session that will demonstrate how a phonics lessons is taught.  This session will give a practical demonstration of how students are taught and we invite all parents along!  The session will be held in FamilyLinQ.  A repeated session will be held on the 13th August.

I wish you all a lovely weekend ahead.

Robyn Marshall

Principal

** Deputy Principal Update **

School Opinion Survey

Just a reminder about this year’s School Opinion Survey runs from 28 July to 22 August 2025. Parents, caregivers and students are encouraged to participate. Your insights will help us know what our school does well and how we can improve. Participants will be emailed a link to access the survey the week before it opens. Survey responses are confidential. The survey usually takes less than 10 minutes to complete. More information can be found on the School Opinion Survey webpage or by contacting the school.

Student Wellbeing – Getting enough sleep

Getting enough sleep is vital for your child’s physical health, brain function, emotional wellbeing, safety, and ability to function day to day. Not having enough sleep or not sleeping well can affect how children learn and lead to mood swings and behavioural problems. Some things to consider if your child is having difficulties with sleep:

• Create a Routine: A consistent bedtime routine lets your child’s mind know that it’s time to settle down and prepare for sleep. The actual routine can be specific to your child, but it should last around 20 minutes and consist of three to four quiet, soothing activities such as putting on PJs, brushing teeth, a warm bath, and reading.
• Set a Bedtime: A sleep schedule works with your child’s natural biological clock to promote dozing off with regularity. Bedtimes are most useful when they’re consistent, so try to keep the same bedtime on weekends as on school nights. Altering bedtimes during the weekend will make it more difficult for kids to maintain their normal weekday schedules.
• Implement a Screen Curfew: Mobile devices, TVs, and tablets emit a type of blue light that suppresses melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. Children may be particularly vulnerable to the effects of light from screens. Screen time also stimulates the brain, making it harder to wind down for sleep. Electronic devices should be kept out of the bedroom and ideally not used within one hour of bedtime.
• Get Exercise: Physical activity is proven to help people of all ages fall asleep faster and stay asleep. Most children need at least one hour of exercise per day. Just make sure to avoid vigorous activity within two hours of bedtime. Otherwise, your child may feel wound-up and find it harder to fall asleep.
• Avoid Scary or Violent Content: Feeling scared or worried is a common reason kids can’t sleep. So, it’s no wonder that scary or violent movies, TV, video games, and even books in the evening are linked to sleep disturbances in children.
• Limit Caffeine: Caffeine is a stimulant that can both make it harder to fall asleep and reduce the quality of sleep. It can be found in soft drinks, energy drinks and chocolate. Even small amounts of caffeine can have a big impact on a little body. Don’t let your child consume caffeine within six hours of bedtime, or preferably, avoid it all together.

How much sleep do children need?

The amount of sleep we need changes with age. Everyone is different, but as a guide, children need the following amounts of sleep every night:

• ages 3 to 5: 10 to 13 hours
• ages 6 to 13: 9 to 11 hours
• ages 14 to 17: 8 to 10 hours

Sports Days

Last week the students participated in the annual sports days. The junior school competed in their sprints before partaking in various activities and games such as egg and spoon races, Gorri (Traditional Indigenous Game), jump the creek and rob the nest.  At the end of the day, Gowanda scoring the most points from their participation.

The Senior Sports Day was a little wet, however, this did not stop the students from trying each event and getting points for their houses. The winning houses and age champions will be announced in week 4.

Support Staff Appreciation Week 2025

Next week we will celebrate and acknowledge our support staff at Kingston State School. It is about recognising, respecting and celebrating what they do to make our school accessible, safe, supportive and engaging place to learn.  They do an amazing job of keeping our school running, learning continuing and keeping our community safe. It’s time to celebrate everything they do as Administration Officers, Business Managers, Cleaners, Groundsman, ICT Support, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, and FamilyLinQ – every single one of these amazing professional roles support education at Kingston State School. Without these essential staff, education wouldn’t happen!

Rachel Argue

Year 4-6 Deputy Principal

** Head of Department - Student Engagement Update **

** Prep Team Update **

Hello everyone, what a wonderful start to the term our prep students have all had.  The prep team are very proud of them all.  This term in English the preps will be learning to write a sentence about an animal. They have been using information books to find out real facts about Australian animals as well as practising using capital letters, finger spaces and full stops at the end of their sentences. 

In maths they have been practising addition and subtraction stories and learning all about equal sharing. In HASS they will be looking at the features of different places and comparing what is the same and different about them.  They will also be learning about taking care of special places, why it’s important that we care for them and what makes those places special.

In health the preps will be learning all about using medicines safely as well as how to swim safely.  In science they will be learning all about what plants need to grow and what animals need to stay alive. 

Just a reminder that we have some special events coming this term so be sure to keep checking the school newsletter, facebook as well as your emails for any important updates.  We are looking forward to a fun filled term 3.

The Prep Team.

** FamilyLinQ Update **

Circle of Security started this week at FamilyLinQ. This is a really great program that provides lots of valuable information on parenting. The program runs for 8 weeks so if you are interested, have a chat with a Community Connector here or turn up on the day – Wednesdays from 9am – 11am. 

Healthier Together cooking program also started this week. This is a group for Māori and Pasifika families where Pacifikai cook healthy, yummy, and budget friendly meals. Bonus is you get to sit and eat together. Children very welcome! If you are keen to join the group runs on Tuesday late afternoons from 4pm – 6pm. Limited spots available. 

Health Services: Did you know that we have a range of health services available for free to KSS families? This includes kids hearing checks, mental health / wellbeing for children, child health nurses, midwives and even paediatricians! Pop in and get connected – all onsite so you don’t need to travel to the hospital! 

Lots of other things happening at FamilyLinQ including playgroups, Kids Club, Financial Support, Employment support, and FamilyLinQ Feel-Good-Fits (yes, that is right – our own little op-shop!). 

See you at FamilyLinQ!