Dear Parents and Carers

We have now reached the midpoint of Term 2, and it’s been fantastic to see the energy and focus across our classrooms. Assessment is well underway, and students are engaging thoughtfully with their learning, demonstrating the skills and knowledge they have built over the term. Teachers are working hard to support every learner, and it is evident that great progress is being made. We are proud of the consistent effort and positive attitude shown by our students - a testament to the strong learning culture we are building together.

National Volunteer Week

This week, we recognise National Volunteer Week, Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering. At Gumdale State School, we are fortunate to have a dedicated community of volunteers who give their time and energy to support our students and staff. Whether it’s helping in the tuckshop, supporting reading programs or contributing through the P&C Association, your efforts help create a warm, inclusive and thriving school environment.

Volunteering is more than just giving time, it’s about connecting communities, building friendships and making a lasting impact. Let’s take this opportunity to thank our volunteers for the difference they make each day in building a stronger Gumdale community.

ANZAC Day

Earlier this term, we held a moving ANZAC Day Commemoration, honouring the sacrifices of those who served. A highlight was a special address by Mr Steve Madsen, P&C President and ADF member, who shared the story of Australia's connection to Villers-Bretonneux.

We are incredibly proud of our students, whose respectful and dignified behaviour reflected the values instilled by our dedicated staff. Our School Captains, student councillors, class representatives, honoured guests and musicians all contributed meaningfully to the ceremony.

Students also represented our school with pride at three community services, including the Brisbane ANZAC Day Ceremony, the Manly/Lota RSL Parade, and the Queensland Rifle Association Service, where they laid wreaths on behalf of Gumdale. Thank you to all students, parents, and staff who participated so respectfully in these important events.

ANZAC Day 2025

Premier's Visit

On the first day of Term 2, Gumdale played host to Premier of Queensland David Crisafulli MP and John-Paul Langbroek, Minister for Education and the Arts. Our School Captains had the privilege of meeting the dignitaries who were announcing new initiatives which will provide support to schools to prevent, respond to and reduce bullying. As part of their visit, our GROW Well program was on display with the dignitaries adding a heart to our GROW Well octopus!

Premier's Visit

Guest Speaker

Thanks to the generous support of New Day Church, we invite our parent community to a special free session with Michelle Mitchell on Tuesday 10 June at 6:30pm in Hollis Hall.

Michelle Mitchell is an author and speaker, sought after for her compassionate and grounded advice for parenting tweens and teens. She will be sharing her wisdom on the subject 'Tweens: What Kids Need Now Before the Teenage Years'. Tickets for this special GROW Well event are now available via Trybooking at no charge: https://www.trybooking.com/DAOOI 

We hope to see you there. 

School Review

Our school is scheduled for a review from 17-20 June 2025. You can read more about this further down the newsletter, but let me encourage anyone who is interested to have their say. The review team would like to hear from the school community, as your feedback will help us continue to deliver a great education for students. Please contact Marissa Bowen on mbowe79@eq.edu.au if you are interested in speaking to a reviewer.

Always our best,

Phil Savill, Principal
Gumdale State School

Always our Best - Weeks 1-5

As we approach the midpoint of 2025, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the vibrant and enriching experiences enjoyed by our students from Prep to Year 6 at Gumdale State School.

Our youngest learners in Prep have settled in confidently and embraced school life with enthusiasm. Through hands-on learning experiences that nurture curiosity and creativity, they’ve formed strong relationships with their peers and teachers and are thriving in their new environment.

Students in Years 1 and 2 have actively participated in our fortnightly assemblies, with Year 2 leading the National Anthem and Year 1 delivering the Acknowledgement of Country - beautifully demonstrating their leadership and pride in our school community. These year levels have also enjoyed exciting incursions, including the engaging Ditto Show, a visit from Kamilaroi author and illustrator Greg Dreise, and a memorable visit from our local firefighters.

Our Year 3 to 6 students have taken part in a wide range of enrichment programs, including lunchtime clubs and extracurricular activities that extend their learning beyond the classroom. Year 5 and 6 students have also participated in leadership events and workshops focused on leading with kindness and positive influence -important qualities that we are proud to foster at Gumdale.

Across the school, we’ve come together as a community to celebrate several major events. The Swimming and Cross Country Carnivals highlighted our students' athletic talents and strong school spirit. Our recent Art Show was a vibrant showcase of student creativity.

We are proud of the growth and achievements of our students so far this year, and we look forward to an exciting and productive second half of 2025.

National Reconciliation Week

National Reconciliation Week is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements. The theme for 2025, Bridging Now to Next, urges us to look ahead and continue to push forward as past lessons guide us. It also calls for Australians to step forward together. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.

Students will be participating in classroom activities and a whole school creative installation in Yinnell Place.

Child Safety Review

The safety, health and wellbeing of all children who attend education and care services is a priority. Now is the time to have your say on options to improve child safety in the education and care sector. Consultation is open until 11 June 2025.

Everyone is encouraged to give feedback, especially educators, staff and volunteers, as well as families, parents and carers (and their children). Click here for the parent, carer and family survey.

Visit https://content.deloitte.com.au/ChildSafetyReview for more information.

Finance FAQs for Parents

Why is there a negative amount on my invoice?

A negative amount means your child’s account is in credit. No payment is required when your invoice shows a negative figure. You are already ahead!

Why can’t I use the credit showing on QParents?

All credits need to be manually applied by our finance team. If you would like to use your credit towards a current invoice, please:

• Pay the invoice amount, minus the credit (we will adjust it accordingly), or
• Call us: (07) 3902 8333 (press option #2), or
• Email us: kyan4@eq.edu.au with your child’s full name, or
• Visit Student Services

We will take care of it from there!

I just paid, why does QParents still show it as unpaid?

QParents has a processing delay of 1–2 days. Our school system also updates the following day. Payments made before noon are visible to us the next morning.

If you made a last-minute payment and want to double-check it’s been received, you are welcome to send us a screenshot or proof of payment. We are always happy to confirm.

Still have questions? Send us an email at kyan4@eq.edu.au 

Our school administration office is streamlining its processes, and we are no longer using the email address info@gumdaless.eq.edu.au.

Please take a moment to update your contacts for Gumdale State School as follows:

A reminder that QParents is the easiest was to notify of absences, provide consent for activities and make payments. If you don’t have access to QParents, absences can be sent to admin@gumdaless.eq.edu.au or by phoning the Student Absence Line on 3902 8399.

Prep Enrolment

To enrol your child for Prep 2026 at Gumdale State School, please complete the enrolment form available on our school website and submit to our Administration Office or email to enrolments@gumdaless.eq.edu.au.

The transition to school is an opportunity for families and prior-to-school and school educators, to work together to make school (including the environment and the expectations) comfortable and familiar for the incoming Prep children.

Throughout this term, we’ve welcomed visits from several of our local kindergartens as part of our school transition program. Each Kindy has been invited to participate in three engaging sessions designed to introduce children to various aspects of school life. These sessions include:

• READ Well – exploring stories and developing early literacy with Mrs Whitby
• Music – singing, movement, and rhythm with Mrs Maddigan,
• Perceptual Motor Program (PMP) – fun, physical activities that build coordination and confidence, led by Mrs Nash.

It’s been wonderful to see the children growing in confidence and beginning to understand the routines, expectations, and spaces of our school. Their smiles say it all—they’re having fun while getting ready for ‘big school’!

To support early literacy beyond the classroom, we’ve refreshed and delivered new Roving Libraries to three of our local Kindy centres. These mini-libraries contain books from Gumdale State School that can be borrowed by Kindy families or shared by Educators in their daily programs. It’s one more way we’re encouraging a love of reading and helping children connect with our school before they even start.

Looking ahead, we’re excited to welcome our local Kindy communities again at our upcoming Under 8s Day—a celebration of early childhood with plenty of fun activities planned to round out the term.

Together, we’re building strong foundations for a successful start to school!

Prep Transitions Program

This year, Gumdale State School will celebrate turning 90 years old! To commemorate this special milestone, we invited former students of Gumdale State School to participate in a short survey answering the question: Where are you now?

Here are a few of their stories!

Barbara Harris, attended in 1966-1968

Barbara is a past student, and a current grandparent of Gumdale students. She has plenty of fond memories of her time at Gumdale in the mid 1960s, and recalls what a long walk it was from her home on Boston Road to school each day! 

Barabara has kindly provided 2 class photos taken in front of A or B Block, one from 1966 and the other from 1967. Thank you for sharing with us, Barbara!

Seona Walker (nee Smith), Class of 1986

As School Captain, Dux and Sports Captain, Seona certainly demonstrated Always our Best in the early 1980s! 

As a much smaller school with around 130 students, Seona loved the sense of community and recalls a time capsule being buried in 1985 - to be opened in 2035!

She lists a raft of memories that have stayed with her - playing recorder on morning parade, cross country through the back bush and playing with kids of all ages and backgrounds.

Seona has gone on to become a mum and a musician, and offers this advice to current Gumdale students: These Gumdale years are magic, enjoy them! There are so many more exciting chapters ahead!

Current Parent, Class of 2006

It's a full circle moment for one 2006 graduate whose child attends Prep at Gumdale! Now working as a teacher, she said that her time at Gumdale gave her the best foundations for her learning. Her favourite memories include sports days filled with support and cheer and she is still in touch touch with some of her classmates.

Abbey, Class of 2016

Many Gumdale families might know Abbey as their local babysitter, and she credits the caring Gumdale State School environment for helping guide her into her career as a nanny and disability support worker. Abbey's favourite memories include playing basketball with her friends at lunchtime in the hall and doing Just Dance before school.

Abbey's advice to current Gumdale students? Be kind and honest, and push through to high school because primary school are the best years of your life.

S. Ramanathan, Class of 2020

This former student said her time at Gumdale helped her find her passion for science. She particularly loved the music program and was in the choir and band - but made the most of all the opportunities offered, including the Science Fair, Art Show and playing interschool volleyball. Her claim to fame was winning the sailing race in Year 6, and wants to encourage all Gumdale students to enjoy and have fun. 

We want to hear from you!

Thank you to all those who have completed the survey so far; more responses will be shared in future editions.  If you are a former student, we would love to hear from you here: Where are you now?

At Gumdale State School, your child participates and engages with, meaningful and memorable English lessons. Our READ Well approach to English teaching is Researched to ensure students are taught in ways that allow for children to make deep connections within the concepts of reading and writing. This is performed through Explicit lessons where the teacher clearly models and explains a concept through child friendly terms and a gradual release of important information. From here, Authentic learning experiences are met as the students utilise the information taught by the teacher in their writing or speech and continue the collation and connection of information throughout their learning journey. Our teachers continue to support children through Differentiated support strategies that cater for all learners within a class. This creates a safe and supportive classroom culture where students: ask impactful questions, take risks and obtain success as they continue to try their best!

During Week 4, the Preps participated in the Science incursion ‘What’s it made from?’ They participated in a hands-on workshop where they investigated materials. The students explored the materials that familiar objects are made from and the properties of those materials. Some of the highlights included exploring magnets and finding objects around the room that were magnetic. The Prep students loved exploring a wide range of objects with different observable properties. They showcased their scientific knowledge by sorting a range of objects by their properties. The Little Prep Scientists had a fantastic time!

Prep Science Incursion

Year 2 Explores Poetry and the Wonders of Water

This term in Year 2, we’ve been diving into two exciting areas of learning—poetry and water science! In English, we’ve been exploring the wonderful world of poetry, focusing on the tools that poets use to make their writing come alive. We’ve looked at rhyme, rhythm, repetition, similes, alliteration, and the use of vivid descriptive language. Students have had a fantastic time experimenting with these features in their own writing, and we’ve especially enjoyed creating our own sensory poems.

In Science, our focus has been on understanding the different sources of water and how we access clean water in our daily lives. We’ve discussed the journey water takes before it reaches our taps. One of our students, Arlo, went above and beyond by creating an incredible diorama that showed the various sources of water in a detailed and creative way—it even included miniature trees and flowing rivers! To wrap up our unit, we’re excited to attend the Go With the Flow excursion to consolidate our learning through fun, hands-on activities!

It’s been a busy and rewarding term filled with creativity, curiosity, and lots of learning!

Year 2 in Focus

Last Thursday, our Year 5 students participated in the Aspire Higher Student Leadership Incursion – a full-day workshop facilitated by the experienced UPP team. The day was designed to engage, unite, and empower our senior students to step up as leaders and make a positive impact in our school community.

Throughout the day, students explored the A.S.P.I.R.E. leadership framework:

A – Action: Take initiative and have a go.
S – Serve: Be kind and give others a chance.
P – Persist: Keep going, even when it gets tough.
I – Influence: Lead by example and positively impact others.
R – Respect: Show care for people, teams, and equipment.
E – Encourage: Lift others up with positive words and support.

Students worked together in a variety of interactive sessions, including The Epic Race – a fast-paced outdoor team challenge that required collaboration, problem-solving, and a whole lot of energy! They also engaged in reflective activities, such as Knowing Me, Growing Me, where they identified their personal strengths and learnt to appreciate the strengths of others.

It was fantastic to see our Year 5 students supporting one another, stepping out of their comfort zones, and embracing what it means to be a leader – with or without a badge. We are so proud of their efforts and the teamwork, positivity, and leadership they demonstrated throughout the day.

Year 5 UPP Incursion

This term, students in Years 1, 3, and 5 participated in engaging Cybersafety sessions led by expert presenter Brett Lee. These workshops were designed to equip students with the tools they need to use technology safely and responsibly, while also helping them understand the impact of their actions online.

Each year level explored age-appropriate themes to build confidence and awareness in the digital space:

Year 1

• The internet connects us to real people
• Technology should make us feel good
• If something goes wrong online, tell a trusted adult

Year 3

• Keep personal information private
• People met online are still strangers
• Online activities come with rules
• Talk to a trusted adult about any online concerns

Year 5

• The internet is public and permanent
• Personal details must be protected
• Online strangers are still strangers
• Rules apply to all online behaviour
• Always speak to a trusted adult if something doesn’t feel right
   

We encourage families to continue these important conversations at home and reinforce safe online behaviours together. To support you in this, all parents and carers now have access to our new Cyber Safety Hub, provided by Internet Safe Education (ISE)—a Trusted Provider with the Office of the eSafety Commissioner.

This 24/7 online hub is an exclusive resource for our school community, offering expert guidance, practical tools, and up-to-date information to help you confidently navigate the digital world with your child. It includes free access to webinars, downloadable resources, app updates, parent courses, and more—designed to support families with school-aged children of all ages.

Details on how to access the Cyber Safety Hub were emailed to all families this week. We encourage you to explore the Hub and make the most of this valuable support. It’s available on any device and has been carefully created to give you everything you need (and nothing you don’t) to help your child stay safe, informed, and empowered online.

Cybersafety Presentations

Year 1

We have been exploring balanced eating and designing healthy snacks. Students have also considered what materials and technologies they would need to make their designs. We have been practicing drawing and labelling our designs and justifying our choices. Students have been doing a great job balancing food groups and we have been using Seesaw to draw, label and share our designs.

Year 1 Technology

Year 3

Students have been learning how to create an interactive Keynote quiz using links. They are also learning about the processes and technologies involved in common food production. They have been formatting their slides and embedding links to guide their quiz taker through their questions considering how readable their text is. Students have been highly engaged and having a great time learning these new skills.

Year 3 Technology

Year 5

We have been exploring the functions of a range of digital devices, the components who allow them to process information and ways they connect to each other. Direction of information through input and output devices has also been discussed, experienced and represented in a flow chart. Students have also been investigating ways in which resources including food and fibre are managed in Australia considering factors such as climate, space and terrain. Students have been asking thoughtful questions and clarifying their own understanding in lessons.

Year 5 Technology

Bonjour tout le monde (Hello everyone),

This term in French, Year 6 students are exploring the question “What do my interests say about me?”

They are discussing their leisure activities and personal interests, while also discovering the favourite pastimes of children in French-speaking countries. Whether it’s playing pétanque in the park, sketching scenes of the Seine, or chatting about tasty French snacks, students will compare these hobbies with their own—like backyard cricket matches or beach adventures.

This rich cultural comparison helps students sharpen their critical thinking and communication skills, while fostering empathy and respect for different ways of life. Through this cross-cultural exchange, our young learners begin to recognise shared human experiences and celebrate the uniqueness of diverse communities.

Through engaging with international interests in this way, students develop a stronger sense of global awareness, curiosity about new traditions, and an appreciation for cultural diversity. They learn to value their own identities while respecting and celebrating the uniqueness of others, building the foundation for thoughtful, open-minded global citizens.

Amities,

Monsieur John Kato
LOTE Teacher

Gumdale State Schools Sporting Opportunities

At Gumdale State School, we take great pride in the range of sporting opportunities available to our students. From elite programs like sailing, to fun and inclusive activities such as Run Club, we aim to provide a well-rounded experience that encourages all students to get involved. The positive attitude, behaviour, and sportsmanship displayed by our students continue to shine and we are thrilled by their achievements in both school and external sporting events. Their commitment and hard work are an inspiration to us all, and we look forward to supporting them as they continue to excel and grow in their sporting journeys.

Touch Football

Congratulations to the students from Years 5 and 6 that have been selected for the touch football squads.  Teams will be chosen from the squads to compete in the All Schools and Blues touch competitions later in the year.  Training is held on Friday mornings at 8:00am before school and commenced in Week 4.  All squad members are strongly encouraged to attend the Wednesday morning run club to improve their running technique and overall fitness.

Touch Football

Elite Sailing

The blue and red Elite Sailing Squads have continued Friday afternoon sailing at RQYS under the instruction of a club coach. These students choose to participate in the program to develop their sailing skills beyond what they learn in school sailing. The goal for these students is to sail a boat independently under a wide range of conditions and continue on to racing at club level or in a high school program.

Elite Sailing

School Sailing

Year 4 and 456B students are undertaking sailing lessons as their physical education program in Term 2.  The students have been learning in a fun, hands-on approach that develops their teamwork, resilience, problem solving and communication skills.  Students have learnt to paddle and steer boats and are now progressing to sailing boats independently in the harbour and on the bay.

Year 4 and 456B Sailing

Run Club

Run Club is held every Wednesday at 8:00am on Paul Green Oval. The focus this term has been on cross country running to build up endurance for our students that have been competing in regional cross-country events.  As we close in on the athletics carnival the running program will concentrate more on sprinting events.

Auskick Program

The AFL Auskick program is back at Gumdale this term.  The AFL team kicked off with a one-week program in the school in which the students were very fortunate to play games with two Brisbane Lions players.  The Auskick program for 5 to 7 year olds and new Superkick program for 7 to 12 year olds has been a popular choice for our students on a Tuesday and Wednesday afternoon.

Auskick

Swimming

The Gumdale Swim Squad takes place each week on a Tuesday and Wednesday from 7:00am to 8:00am at the Sleeman Sports Complex.  Squad swimmers are working with their coaches to develop their racing skills for all four competition strokes and to build their swimming fitness.  The swimmer of the term award goes to Melissa O for applying herself with a positive attitude to swim training.

Swim Squad

Netball

Netball trials were recently held after school to slelect two teams.  We wish the netball players all the very best for when they compete in the Primary Schools Gala on 11 August and the Vicki Wilson Primary Cup on 4 September. Weekly training will commence in Week 6 at 8:00am on Thursday mornings on the multi-purpose courts beside Paul Green Oval.

Physical Education: Athletics

In preparation for the Gumdale Athletics carnival in Week 1 of Term 3, students from Years 1 to 6 are learning and consolidating on athletics skills this term.  Skills are being taught for the athletic events of sprinting, shot put, long jump and high jump.

Athletics

Osprey Cup Volleyball

Late last term, Gumdale State students participated in the Osprey Volleyball Cup at Wellington Point State High School. Both teams made it through to the quarterfinals, showcasing incredible enthusiasm and exemplary sportsmanship throughout the event. Congratulations to Jess, Chase, and Lainey for being named Best and Fairest, as voted by the event organizers. Thank you to Wellington Point State High School for hosting an outstanding event and not letting the weather stand in their way!

Osprey Cup Volleyball

Basketball

Basketball trials for Year 5 and 6 students are currently being undertaken in lunch breaks. The teams will be announced in Week 6.  Training will begin soon in preparation for the Osprey Basketball Cup at Wellington Point High School in Term 3.

Cross Country

On the last day of Term 1, we held our whole school Cross Country Carnival. Despite the wet weather, students gave their absolute best on the adjusted course and made the most of the competition and team spirit. The annual treat of ZooperDoopers thanks to Steve Minnikin MP was a highlight for all participants!

The perpetual shield was presented after the carnival to this year's winning house: Minjerribah!

Age Champions 2025
12 year	Tobin S and Maddison H
11 year	Diogo D and Annelies A
10 year	Baxter B and Annabel C
9 year	Isaac M and Evie W
8 year	Ollie O and Imogen W

Well done everyone!

Gumdale Cross Country

Gumdale State School students demonstrated their determination and sportsmanship at the recent Bayside Cross Country event.  The outstanding efforts of all students competing on the day earned the school an impressive 3rd place overall out of 39 schools. Well done to each runner for giving your best on the day!

Age Champions were – Annabel 1st, Diogo 2nd, Annelise 2nd, Isla 5th, Cooper 9th, Baxter 5th.

These students will now trial for Met East at John Paul College on Tuesday 27 May.

Bayside Cross Country

Interschool Sport

Interschool sport has commenced in Term 2 with competitions against other schools in our area. Gumdale students in Year 5 and 6 compete in sports including touch football, netball, volleyball and soccer.  A special thank you to our amazing grounds staff that have the Paul Green Oval looking spectacular each week for the Netball competition.

Signature Sport

Signature Programs for students in Years 4-6 will commence at the beginning of Term 3. This year Futsal and Active Sprint Target have been added to the range of sporting and creative options available to the students. We look forwarding to seeing students displaying enthusiasm and eagerness with their chosen activities. 

Nomination links are below, please complete these no later than Monday 26 May at 9:00am.

Year 4 Signature Programs Nominations https://survey.qed.qld.gov.au/n/aO7hMDJ

Year 5-6 Signature Programs Nominations https://survey.qed.qld.gov.au/n/ej2hV4L

2025 Camps 

School camps for 2025 are as follows:

Keep moving!

The Arts at Gumdale encompasses several specialties - Music, Dance, Drama, Performing Arts and Visual Arts. Here's what students have been learning so far this term.

Year 1 - The Arts

Year 1 students have been exploring Drama and Media Arts, using facial expressions, body movements and voice to bring their very own superhero characters to life. They’ve also been developing their media skills by learning how to take clear photos and videos of their friends and using the Clips app. Excitingly, they’ll soon be working towards using green screen and iMovie to bring their superhero stories to life in short videos—combining creativity with technology in an engaging way.

Year 2 - Visual Arts

This term, our Year 2 students continued their exploration of the art element texture. They experimented with texture rubbings using texture plates and crayons, discovering how different surfaces can create exciting patterns and effects.

Next students learned how to use their collagraph plate to create prints using gelli plates – an exciting and hands-on process! They used their earlier texture rubbings to create vibrant backgrounds, then layered their own prints on top by cutting and gluing them onto the textured surfaces.

This project involved many steps and techniques, but the results were well worth the effort. Students were proud of their final artworks – especially their imaginative "wild things" creations – and loved seeing how all the layers and textures came together in the end.

Year 2 - Visual Arts

Year 2 - The Arts

Meanwhile, Year 2 have been stepping back in time, exploring dance crazes from the past. They’ve been learning about the key elements of dance—space, time and dynamics—and using this knowledge to work collaboratively and choreograph their very own group dance routines.

It’s been fantastic to see so much confidence, imagination and teamwork across both year levels!

Year 2 The Arts

Year 3 - The Arts

Year 3 students are wowing their teachers, friends and families with their musical abilities on ukulele and piano during their Performing Arts lessons. Community songs such as The Wellerman, Iko Iko (my bestie and your bestie), La Bamba, and He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands have been classroom favourites and have demonstrated the musical talents of our Gumdale students.

Year 3 The Arts

Year 4 - Visual Arts

Year 4 are now completing both their practical and written art assessments.

Year 4 Visual Arts

Year 4 - The Arts

The Year 4 students are eagerly creating and exploring different sounds and instruments to create entertaining music to accompany silent films during The Arts. Students have enjoyed using virtual apps and websites along with classroom instruments to accompany silent clips such as Mario Super Kart, a Kung Fu animation and a futuristic sci-fi animation.

Year 4 The Arts

Year 5 - The Arts

Year 5 students are well underway in their planning and filming for their Melodrama silent film during The Arts. Students are using team work to create a short ‘Charlie Chaplin Style’ film demonstrating the classic characters of Heroes, Villains and Damsels.

Year 5 The Arts

Year 6 - Visual Arts

Year 6 are a week away from completing their weaving project and we will explore the art of wet felting in the coming weeks as well as completing a written assessment task.

Year 6 Visual Arts

The instrumental music program has seen much activity over the first half of Term 2.

A big thank you to the Year 6 students who participated in the ANZAC Day ceremony playing Abide With Me to accompany the wreath laying. Your efforts were wonderful!

Junior band students had the opportunity to participate in WAMM Mini. Students were given the opportunity to play in a large ensemble for the first time and learned very important skills such as blending their sound and following the conductor. All students participated fantastically!

WAMM Mini

Jazz band has commenced this term. Rehearsals are Wednesdays at 7:30am. This ensemble is purely voluntary, and students are able to learn more popular tunes in a smaller ensemble context. If your child is in Combined Band and interested in joining, please do not hesitate to contact Mr Cipollone on rcipo1@eq.edu.au. 

Students have volunteered to perform at a pop-up concert in Week 4. This involves students rehearsing a solo and then performing it to fellow students during the lunch break. More pop-up concerts will be scheduled for later this term.

Combined Band will perform on the Week 8 assembly, Monday 9 June. All are welcome to attend this performance!

Junior band will have the opportunity to participate in the Junior band afternoon tea at the end of this term. Students will showcase their skills to parents in a relaxed performing environment.  

This term, students have been exploring the character strength of Bravery. Being brave isn’t the absence of fear, but rather facing fears you may have. Bravery allows us to take on new challenges and try new things. Feeling scared, uncomfortable or unsure when doing something for the first time is normal, but fear can make us not take the opportunity. Bravery helps us to take opportunities that come our way and expand our knowledge, skills and friendships. See the fact sheet below for more information about Bravery.

At Gumdale State School, we are incredibly fortunate to have Millie, our much-loved therapy dog, visit us each week. Millie plays a special role in recognising and rewarding students who embody our Grow Well Values - being a great learner, organised, respectful, and working together safely.

Each week, Millie visits classrooms across the school, offering her calm and friendly presence to students from Prep through to Year 6. Her visits are a highlight for many children, particularly those who have shown positive behaviour, effort, and commitment to our school values. For these students, time with Millie is a well-earned reward - whether it’s a quiet pat, a cuddle, or simply sitting beside her during a lesson.

A special focus for Millie this year has been helping our youngest learners in Prep. She has become a comforting and familiar face at drop-off times, helping ease separation and create a calm, welcoming start to the day. Whether it's a gentle nuzzle, a tail wag, or walking alongside a student to their classroom, Millie’s presence helps students begin their day feeling safe and settled.

Every morning, it's heart-warming to see students light up as Millie arrives - with smiles, waves, and eager voices calling out her name. Her visits not only bring joy but help reinforce the positive behaviours we value at Gumdale.

We are so grateful to have Millie as part of our school community. She has truly made a difference in the lives of our students, and it’s clear from her wagging tail that Millie loves her time at Gumdale just as much as we love having her! 

Keep growing well, Gumdale!

Millie the Therapy Dog

To help resolve connection and login issues on your student’s iPad at school, we kindly ask for your support in following the steps below each morning before school or before going to bed:

1. Close all internet browsers.

Some students access YouTube, which is blocked by the Department. If YouTube is open — either in a browser or via the app — it can cause the internet to stop working altogether. Please ensure all browser tabs are closed.

Close all Safari tabs on all iPads:

1. Open the Safari app.
2. Tap and hold the tab icon (two overlapping squares) in the top-right corner.
3. Select “Close All [X] Tabs” from the menu.
4. Confirm if prompted.

2. Close all unnecessary apps

Swipe all apps off the screen using the App Switcher. This ensures apps such as games or chat platforms (e.g., Roblox — which is blocked) don’t interfere with your child’s network connectivity.

How to close all apps:

For iPads without a Home Button (Face ID models):

1. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen and pause in the middle.
2. The App Switcher will appear showing all open apps.
3. Swipe up on each app preview to close them.

For iPads with a Home Button:

1. Double-click the Home Button.
2. Swipe up on each app to close it.

3. Shut down the iPad

Please fully power off the iPad after completing the steps above. Students will turn their iPads back on during their first session in class.

Thank you for your cooperation and support. 

Student Council have had a wonderful term so far. Our application for the $500 Eco Grant funds was successful and our student councillors have decided that we will use the money to plan for a seating area in the retreat. 

Also, on the first week back, student councillors sold Anzac Day stickers. Our school Anzac Day ceremony was perfect and even Mr Savill was impressed with everyone’s behaviour.  We are looking forward to seeing a wonderful second half of the term. 

Written by Hudson T and Quentin Q

Save the Date!

With the support of our local IGA Gumdale, Student Council is once again holding a fundraising day for the Mark Hughes Foundation 'Beanie for Brain Cancer' campaign.

On Monday 23 June (Week 10), students are invited to wear a 'Beanie for Brain Cancer'. Simply wear a beanie and bring a gold coin donation - all proceeds are going to support the Mark Hughes Foundation.

Thank you for helping us support this great cause!

Choirs

The Senior Choir has been singing goals with a busy start to the year performing for our ANZAC ceremony and finishing off Term 1 at the Arts Show. 

The Junior Choir has had a quiet start to the year with a performance on assembly in Term 1 to celebrate our Easter Holidays.

Both Senior and Junior Choir will be rehearsing enthusiastically during Term 2 in preparing for Creative Generation’s Choral Fanfare.

Junior and Senior Choirs

Kitchen Garden Club

Junior Kitchen Garden has grown and a band of willing gardeners regularly attend during lunch time on Tuesdays. Students planned out the plantings when it was too wet to garden. Their designs included planting strawberries. Now we have planted them we are looking forward to creating a sweet fresh dessert.

Junior Kitchen Garden Club

The Senior Kitchen Garden team are enjoying the cooler days even though it has been quite soggy! The rain has given us a great crop of snow peas that we enjoy eating raw each week. We made sweet potato brownies and we are keeping our eye out for our first strawberries and bush lemons. The beds near Yinnel Place are our next project.

Senior Kitchen Garden Club

Junior Art Club

This term in Junior Art Club, our young artists have been exploring the exciting world of printmaking! Using foam sheets, students carefully drew their own creative designs using lines and shapes.

Once their foam plates were ready, they added vibrant colour using felt tip pens. Then came the magic – by pressing their inked foam plates onto lightly moistened paper, they were able to transfer their designs and reveal beautiful, one-of-a-kind prints!

It was a fun and hands-on process that encouraged creativity, patience, and attention to detail – and the results were fantastic!

Junior Art Club

Senior Art Club

Senior Art Club have completed their plaster pets and have now begun a water colour budgie in the style of artist Lotti Grotti.

Senior Art Club

Drama Club

During Term 1, the Year 5 Drama Club created a dramatic movement performance to share their thoughts around self-regulation. Students, along with Mrs Maddigan, discussed feelings of disconnection and loneliness using mask work. The Drama Club performed to the school cohort in the last week of Term 1 and the start of Term 2 aiming to share with their fellow students the value of love, family, friendship and caring.

Drama Club

Mindfulness Club

Every Thursday, a small group of students gathers to practice mindfulness together. They engage in quiet, calming activities such as body scans, meditation, LEGO building and colouring. These sessions leave us feeling refreshed, centred and ready to return to the classroom with renewed focus and energy.

Mindfulness Club

Hearing plays a big role in how children learn to speak, understand others, and succeed in the classroom. From the earliest babbles to building full sentences, a child’s ability to hear clearly helps shape their language and learning. That’s why monitoring your child’s hearing is just as important as tracking their speech development.

What is Hearing?

Put simply, hearing is how we listen to and make sense of the sounds around us. When sound travels through the ear, it sends messages to the brain that help us understand what we hear. For children, hearing speech sounds is key to learning how to say them. According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA), hearing is the foundation for learning language. When children can hear well, they’re more likely to speak clearly, follow instructions, and join in conversations confidently!

How Hearing Impacts Speech

Even a mild or temporary hearing loss (e.g., from an ear infection) can affect a child’s speech and language development. If a child can’t hear certain speech sounds clearly, it becomes harder to:

• Learn new words
• Understand what others are saying
• Say words correctly
• Follow directions at home or school

This can lead to children feeling frustrated, especially if they can’t keep up with conversations in class or during play.

Signs and Symptoms

There are several common warning signs that may indicate your child is struggling with hearing. These include: 

• Not responding to their name or loud sounds
• Often turning up the volume on the TV or iPad
• Delayed or unintelligible speech
• Frequently asking you to repeat yourself
• Difficulty controlling the volume when talking
• Recurring ear infections, or complaints of ear pain

Early identification can be highly beneficial for children with hearing difficulties. If you notice any of these symptoms, don’t wait to investigate!

Helpful Resources

There are lots of useful resources which can provide additional information about hearing. If you’d like to learn more, check out the sites below:

Where Next?

If you’re concerned (or even curious) about your child’s hearing abilities, there are lots of professionals who are here to help! Seeking advice from a GP, local audiologist, or Hearing Australia Clinician can make a world of difference for your child!

Anastasia Byrne and Carmody Sweeney
2nd Year Speech Pathology Students, Australian Catholic University          

Bridget Harvey
Speech Language Pathologist, Professional Practice Educator

Gumdale State School is turning 90 this year and to celebrate we are holding an art competition. The theme of the competition is -

Gumdale – Past, Present, Future – 90 years of 'Always Our Best'

Students are invited to submit an art piece that best reflects this theme. It can be a painting, drawing or multi modal in A3 size (no bigger or smaller). Each piece submitted needs to be accompanied by an artist’s statement (click here for the template) that explains the concept, process and materials used. It must be the artist's own work.

Submissions will be judged and the winning piece (or elements of it) will be produced into a promotional image for 90th birthday celebrations.

Please submit all artwork to the Art Room for judging no later than 3:00pm Tuesday 27 May. The winner will be announced on Friday 30 May. 

Please contact Mrs McCredie with any queries or for help with writing your statement: tmccr1@eq.edu.au or in the Q Block Art Room (Mon & Tue). 

Our school is scheduled for a review from 17-20 June 2025.

The Department of Education regularly reviews the teaching and learning practices of Queensland state schools. The reviews are conducted by the department’s Education Improvement Branch. The reviews do not rate or compare schools, but provide us with independent feedback so we can continue to improve learning outcomes for students. All schools have a review at least once every four years. Key findings from the review will be made available to parents and the community on our school website.

The review team would like to hear from the school community and we encourage anyone who is interested to have their say. Your feedback is important and will help us continue to deliver a great education for students. Feedback can be provided to the review team by phone or in person. All feedback remains confidential.

Please contact Marissa Bowen on mbowe79@eq.edu.au if you are interested in speaking to a reviewer.

More information about the review process is available from the department’s website at www.schoolreviews.education.qld.gov.au.

Did you know?

Gumdale State School has a Community Support Program to assist families within our school who are facing a severe family trauma. This support is offered in a highly confidential and sensitive manner.

Support is provided by way of food hampers, lunches for students and assistance with costs related to uniforms, school supplies and excursions/school activities.

How can you help?

Hampers rely heavily on support from families within our community, and we are very grateful for any donations of gift cards and non-perishable items (food, toiletries, books, games, toys). Donations can be left in the collection box in Student Services.

Read more about the Community Support Program.

Please contact deputy.principal@gumdaless.eq.edu.au with any queries. Thank you for your valued support.

Gumdale State School is pleased to have the support of businesses in our local and nearby community by way of sponsorship.  Each year, our school resources are enriched courtesy of members in our Community Business Network. 

More details regarding our program and the packages available can be found on our school website or by contacting Marissa Bowen, Executive Assistant.

Phone: 3902 8333 Email: mbowe79@eq.edu.au​

Platinum Sponsor

Todd Gerhardt Realty goes above and beyond for his clients. Todd has broken countless street records, priding himself on getting the best possible price for his vendors. Todd Gerhardt is considered a real sellers agent, but he is equally devoted to his buyers and he knows how to close the deal leaving both parties more than satisfied (which in today's market cannot always be the case).

Todd leaves no stone unturned in the search for the right buyer for your home. It is Todd's mission to offer the best real estate experience you can get.

Call Todd on 0419 941 315.

Gold Sponsors

Evans Properties specialises in real estate across the wider Brisbane region. Every property they list embraces the landscape and offers their clients the opportunity to indulge in an incredible lifestyle.

Their philosophy is to share knowledge, connect people with property and build lasting relationships. Call Evans Properties on 0411 700 708.

Aquatic Achievers is Australia’s favourite swim school, creating safe and confident Little Achievers for over 30 years. 

Learn to swim & launch a lifelong love for water.   

At Aquatic Achievers, we strongly believe that every Aussie child should learn to swim at a young age. A reputable swim school will provide your child with the fundamental water safety awareness and skills to enjoy one of Australia’s most popular pastimes. 

We are passionate about creating confident little swimmers and helping to foster a deep love for the water. Whether you’re in Queensland, Victoria, New South Wales, or ACT – our specialist swimming lessons will ensure you and your family can truly enjoy a trip to the beach, or a day at the pool. 

IGA Gumdale has a fantastic team of staff willing to provide sensational customer service. IGA Gumdale is a full-range supermarket offering value for money with every day low prices on Fresh Produce, Meat, Deli and Groceries. We also have hundreds of weekly specials available. We also price match the big chains on hundreds of items with our price match promise. For more information visit the IGA website.

We are here for the community and love to support the local charities and community groups through our community chest program. We are open 6am - 10pm every day of the year so we would love to see you soon!

Sponsor

At Gumdale OSHC (GOSHC) we are committed to providing children with quality learning opportunities, delivered in a safe, secure and stimulating environment, while aspiring to deliver the highest standard of care. All our endeavours support the values and mission of Gumdale State School benefiting the educational experience of all students.

GOSHC is owned and operated by the Gumdale State School P&C Association. To enrol your child/ren please visit the website to complete an enrolment form. Call us on 3890 2539.

Uniform Policy

Gumdale State School P&C supports wearing a school uniform to help provide a safe and supportive teaching and learning environment. Wearing a uniform helps to:

• readily identify students and non-students at school
• eliminate competition in dress and fashion at school
• foster a sense of belonging
• develop mutual respect among students by
• minimising visible evidence of economic or social differences

More information and a detailed description of the Uniform Policy can be found on the Gumdale State School website.

Size charts, returns policy, and pricing can be found via the GSS website.

The Gumtree Eatery

We love our volunteers! Our tuckshop wouldn't be the same without the help of our amazing parents, grandparents, and community members.

A special thank you to Sylvia S, Dorothy D, Theresa S, Pauline P, Katherine B, Hayley F, and Shera D for generously giving their time so far this term.

Your support is truly appreciated!

If you would like to lend a hand in the tuckshop, even for just an hour or two, we would love to have you! Please sign up via the Volunteer Register on the School24 App.

Tuckshop Opening Hours – The Gumtree Eatery

The tuckshop is open Monday to Friday each week. Please note: On Mondays, the tuckshop is open for First Break only, and we are unable to hold items for Second Break on any day.

Opening Schedule:

• Monday: First Break only
• Tuesday – Friday: First & Second Break

Gumdale Outside School Hours Care

Over the past five weeks, our Outside School Hours Care program has embraced the importance of outdoor play, creating inclusive and engaging environments that support children’s wellbeing, exploration, and sense of agency.

Through a variety of outdoor activities - including soccer, AFL, and building blocks - children have been provided with opportunities to actively engage with their surroundings, challenge their physical skills, and build positive relationships through shared play.

In line with Quality Area 3 of the National Quality Framework, our educators have thoughtfully arranged and utilised outdoor spaces to promote safety, support physical development, and encourage collaborative interactions. These experiences allow children to take increasing responsibility for their health, build resilience, and develop a sense of belonging through active participation in group games.

The outdoor environment continues to be a dynamic and vital part of our program, enabling children to explore, connect, and thrive.

Follow GSS P&C on Facebook and Instagram.

Jo Thompson, P&C Operations Manager

Thanks to the generous support of New Day Church, we invite our parent community to a special free session with Michelle Mitchell on Tuesday 10 June at 6:30pm in Hollis Hall.

Michelle Mitchell is an author and speaker, sought after for her compassionate and grounded advice for parenting tweens and teens. She will be sharing her wisdom on the subject 'Tweens: What Kids Need Now Before the Teenage Years'.

Michelle has been termed the ‘teenage expert’ by the media and her innovative work has been featured on countless television shows, radio programs, podcasts and in print media. Her best-selling parenting and children’s resources, including the highly popular Everyday Resilience Journal, have sold over 100,000 copies worldwide and have been translated into several languages.

Michelle began as a classroom teacher but soon found a special interest in wellbeing. In 2000 she left teaching to establish a health promotion charity and psychology clinic - The Youth Excel Centre - which delivered life skills programs and psychological services to thousands of young people and their families each year. 

Today she uses her experience to write and speak in schools, community events and through media, with the core of her work helping parents be the trusted, leadership presence that their growing kids need.

Tickets for this special GROW Well event are now available via Trybooking at no charge: https://www.trybooking.com/DAOOI 

We hope to see you there.