Dear Parents and Carers,

As Term 3 draws to a close, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the incredible efforts and achievements of our students, staff and families. This term has been filled with rich learning experiences, exciting events, and meaningful connections that continue to strengthen our school community. It has been inspiring to see our students demonstrate resilience, creativity and collaboration in all they do.

Our 90th Anniversary Celebration Day was a wonderful success and set the tone for many memorable events for the second half of this term. From  Over 8’s Day and the Prep – Year 2 Book Character Parade, to strong performances at MET East Athletics and Music by the Bay, our students have embraced every opportunity. Year 4 students challenged themselves and built lasting friendships at Camp Currimundi. Our Year 5–6 students enjoyed participating in musical activities and performances at WAMM Camp. We also took time to recognise the valuable work of our Teacher Aides with a lunch, and supported the Indigenous Literacy Foundation through the Great Book Swap. A notable moment this term was Kayleen Britton shaving her head to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The P&C Black Tie Gala was a memorable evening, enjoyed by staff and parents. I thank everyone who contributed to making these events successful and for continuing to support our school community. 

Looking ahead to Term 4, we are excited for the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead. It is a time for reflection, goal-setting and renewed focus as we prepare for the final stretch of the school year. Leadership procedures will also commence for our Year 5 students, as they begin the important process of applying for student leadership roles for 2026. We look forward to supporting them as they take this next step in their personal and leadership development.

I encourage all families to remain engaged and involved as your support is vital to your child’s ongoing growth and success. Thank you for partnering with us throughout this term. I wish everyone a happy and safe holiday.

Always our best,

Phil Savill, Principal
Gumdale State School

Always our Best - Weeks 6-10

Term 3 has been filled with memorable moments and wonderful growth across all year levels.

This term we celebrated Gumdale’s 90th anniversary as a whole school community. It was inspiring to see students from Prep to Year 6 participating with pride and a strong sense of belonging. Prep students also marked 100 Days of Prep with colourful outfits and themed activities, recognising just how far they have come in their learning, friendships and independence. Students in Years 3 to 6 enjoyed Over 8’s Day, taking part in activities that encouraged teamwork, creativity and fun. Our Year 6 students were also fortunate to take part in the Parliament Roadshow, led by Kara Cook MP and Milton Dick MP, which included the unveiling of the Australian flag.

Year 5 students finished the term with their sailing program, building confidence and teamwork on the water. Across all year levels, we also celebrated great sporting success, with students showing determination, skill and sportsmanship in a range of events.

Alongside these celebrations, we have continued to focus on building independence, maintaining strong attendance and encouraging learning at home. Reading together daily, writing for real purposes such as journals or shopping lists, and supporting children to manage their own belongings are just some of the simple ways families can make a difference.

Most importantly, our students continue to live out Gumdale’s values each day by showing respect, kindness and care for others while growing into confident and capable learners. We are proud of all they have achieved this term and look forward to the exciting learning ahead in Term 4.

Prep 

Our Prep students recently reached an exciting milestone, 100 days of learning. To mark this special occasion, students took part in a variety of fun and creative activities to celebrate all they have achieved so far this year.

From counting and sorting collections of 100 objects to creating colourful 100th Day drawings, the children explored numbers, patterns, and their own creativity. Many students also reflected on what they have learned since the start of the year, proudly sharing their favourite moments with their classmates.

Congratulations to all our Prep students on reaching this fantastic milestone. We look forward to seeing what the rest of the year brings.

Prep 100 Days Brighter

Year 1

Year 1 students enjoyed a day of outdoor learning at Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary, perfectly complementing their English unit on describing animal characteristics, habitats, and interesting facts. Seeing koalas, kangaroos, and other native animals up close provided rich inspiration for their upcoming information reports. The day also linked to science (living and non-living things) and HASS (natural, managed, and constructed environments) - all while creating lasting memories and sparking curiosity, excitement, and wonder.

Year 1 Lone Pine

Year 2

In Week Two, Year 2 students stepped back in time at the Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum as part of their English and HASS studies. They experienced a day in the life of a Brisbane schoolchild from 100 years ago - attending lessons, playing games, completing chores, and exploring historic buildings and memorabilia.

Year 2 Beenleigh Historical Village and Museum

Year 2 had an out-of-this-world experience during our Rocket Science incursion! Linking perfectly with our Science unit on forces, students explored fair testing, gravity, and how rockets launch. The highlight of the day was, of course, blasting our very own rockets high into the sky. It was a hands-on, exciting way to see science in action and left everyone buzzing with enthusiasm!

Year 2 Rocket Incursion

Thank You to Our Helpers

A huge thank you to our staff, parents, grandparents, and carers who supported the Year 1 and Year 2 excursions. Your time and assistance ensure these days run smoothly and create rich, memorable learning experiences for our students.

Year 3

This term in Science, our Year 3 students learned all about the day and night. To consolidate their classroom learning, the students enjoyed a special excursion to the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.

During the visit, Dr. Eileen welcomed the group and gave an engaging presentation about the planets in our solar system. The highlight of the day was watching the night sky projected inside the dome of the planetarium, students were amazed to see the stars, constellations, and planets up close.

The experience sparked lots of curiosity and great questions from the students, who left the planetarium inspired and eager to continue their learning about space and our place in the universe.

Year 3 Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium

NASA correspondent Glen Nagle joined our Year 3 students via zoom, sharing his wisdom of the universe and sparking endless curiosity about space. Dressed in his spacesuit, he captivated the children by answering their many questions and inspiring them to dream beyond the stars.

Year 4

Our Year 4 students set off to Camp Currimundi for a fun filled overnight adventure by the beach.

They took part in a range of activities including archery, team building games, bodyboarding and swimming. There was plenty of laughter, learning and encouragement as students tried new things and worked together.

In between activities, there was lots of time to relax, chat and enjoy each other's company. Camp was a great chance to build friendships and make lasting memories.

A big thank you to the staff and helpers who made the camp possible, and to our Year 4 students for making it such a positive experience.

Year 4 Camp Currimundi

Year 5

Our Year 5 students recently finished an exciting series of sailing lessons at the Royal Queensland Yacht Squadron. This week, they even learnt about capsizing and how to safely recover their boats.

It was wonderful to see students building confidence on the water, working together, and enjoying this hands-on learning experience. Congratulations to all Year 5 students for embracing every challenge and making the most of their sailing adventure.

Year 5 Sailing

Year 6

On Thursday 18 September, our Year 6 students were fortunate to take part in the Parliament in Schools Roadshow, held in our school hall.

We were honoured to welcome Kara Cook MP and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Milton Dick MP, who led the program and spoke with students about the importance of leadership, decision-making and having a voice in our community. A highlight of the event was the unveiling of the Australian flag, the third largest in the world.

Another special moment came when Mr Savill and four of our school captains signed the official guest book, which will be displayed in Parliament House. Our school was also recognised as the 200th school to take part in the Roadshow, a milestone that added to the sense of occasion.

The program was a valuable opportunity for our senior students to build their understanding of parliament and leadership.

Year 6 Parliament Roadshow

Homestay Program - Japanese Students

We are excited to welcome Japanese students to our school from 10 November to 15 November as part of our international homestay program. These students are looking for welcoming local families to host them during their visit.

Hosting a student is a wonderful opportunity to share your culture, build lasting friendships, and give students a home-away-from-home experience. Families provide meals, a place to sleep, and a supportive environment, while students bring curiosity, enthusiasm, and a chance to learn more about Japanese language and culture.

If your family is interested in hosting a student, please click here. Your support helps make this cultural exchange program a memorable and meaningful experience for everyone involved.

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.

Notify us for 2026

To assist us with our planning, please complete the 2026 Notification about Enrolment form if your child/ren will not be attending Gumdale State School next year.

The Gumdale State School, School Council met for the third time in 2025 at the Wynnum Manly Leagues Club on Friday 29 August. Chairperson, Shonel Balsillie, opened the meeting and acknowledged the traditional owners of the land.

Phil Savill presented his Principal's report in which he acknowledged:

90 Years celebration – The growth of Gumdale State School

• The school’s anniversary to be celebrated annually towards the 100th birthday

School Review Report highlighting key improvement strategies:

• Driving an explicit improvement agenda. Deputies are visible in classrooms daily and are conducting student lead walk throughs in Prep – 6 to maintain lines of sight over priorities.
• Analysing and discussing data. Teams across the school are looking at how data is gathered to ensure it is purposeful. Systematic approaches are in play across all year levels to monitor learning and measure the impact of initiatives and interventions.
• Leading systematic curriculum implementation. Collaborative opportunities to strengthen the alignment between planning, teaching, learning and assessment to continue with Head of Curriculum, Learning Area Managers, Teachers and Deputy Principals.

Jess Mawn delivered the updates for all working parties action plans during the Term 3 School Council meeting.

School Based Initiatives to note/ Sporting Opportunities

Our Athletics carnivals were held earlier in the term. Year 4 students are participating in swimming lessons and year 5’s are sailing as part of their PE program. Met East Athletics was held with 5 Gumdale students participating.

Semester 2 Signature programs are currently underway. We competed in the Primary School and Met East Netball Galas.

Our Instrumental groups have held pop up concerts around the school, performed at the Manly Markets and will be attending the annual WAMM camp in week 10.  Our Junior choir performed at the 90th Assembly.

Education Links to note/Camps/ School Connections

We have hosted 23 Short Term cultural students from Prep – Yr 6 this term. Incursions and Excursions have included visits to Beenleigh’s Historical Village, Lone Pine and the Planetarium, Internet Safe Education, How Things Move, Rocket Science and True Relationships. Student Council are running an Over 8’s day to celebrate the school’s 90th birthday. The Year 6 students enjoyed their camp to Sydney & Canberra and Year 4 students are off to Currimundi next week for an overnight stay. READ Well have held a Book Fair to raise funds for the library and the Annual Book Week Parade was held and the Premier’s Reading Challenge was a great success. Our ATSI working party will be holding a Great Book Swap for Indigenous Literacy.

Business

Superior Cranes are our newest sponsors.

Community Organisations

GOSHC hosted a lunch for all staff celebrating Principal’s Day. We celebrated the school’s 90th Anniversary with a Gala Ball, School Assembly and Fun Day. The P&C Association’s Father’s Day stall is being held in week 8.

Celebration of Staff Excellence

Congratulations to Olivia Knipe and Helena Little for being nominated by their peers for the staff recognition award.

Professional Development

Staff attended a day trip to Minjerribah, coordinated by our ATSI Working Party.

Wellbeing

Gumdale Connect have held coffee mornings at the Gumdale Eatery and they will be celebrating Teacher Aide’s with a morning tea in week 9.

Chairperson, S Balsillie, updated the School Council:

The Term 4 2025 meeting of the Gumdale State School, School Council is scheduled for Friday 21 November.

Honouring Our Past, Celebrating Our Present, Inspiring Our Future

On Tuesday 26 August, Gumdale State School proudly marked a major milestone: 90 years of learning, growing, and community spirit.

Our celebrations began with a special whole school assembly, where we reflected on the school's incredible journey over the past nine decades. Ms Claire Chester, a current teacher, gave a beautiful speech about her passion for teaching and being part of the Gumdale community.We were also honoured to welcome Ms Shonel Balsillie, a proud past student, former teacher and current Chairperson of the Gumdale State School Student Council. Ms Balsillie delivered a speech about school life in the past and how it differs today, offering a fascinating glimpse into Gumdale’s history and evolution.

If you’d like to read the speeches shared during the assembly, you can access them here:
Read Ms Claire Chester's speech
Read Ms Shonel Balsillie's speech

After the formalities, the fun really kicked off with our Colour & Slime Fun Run. Students burst through clouds of colour and slime with big smiles and unstoppable energy. It was a messy, memorable event that brought joy to all who participated and watched. Thanks to our incredible community, we also raised an amazing $53,609.72 through the Fun Run! These funds will go directly towards the development of a new playground for our students to enjoy for years to come.

The excitement continued with our 90th Anniversary Disco, where the school hall lit up with music, laughter and dancing. Students sang and danced their hearts out, making it a day to remember.

We’d like to extend a huge thank you to all our special guests, including past teachers, local members, past students and our generous sponsors. Your presence and support helped make this milestone unforgettable.

Thank you to our P&C for organising such a fantastic Black Tie Gala. The night was elegant, seamless, and a true celebration of our school community. We appreciate everything you do to support our school.

Here’s to 90 amazing years, and the many more still to come! 

As we continue to celebrate Gumdale State School's 90th Anniversary, we will be holding School Tours followed by morning tea for community members during Term 4. We welcome past students, former staff members and valued community supporters back to the school to celebrate 90 proud years of learning, growth and community spirit. We look forward to celebrating the legacy and future of Gumdale together.

Please book via Try Booking here to secure your spot.  

Dates include: 
Wednesday 15 October 9.00am
Tuesday 28 October 9.00am
Wednesday 12 November 9.00am

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?

A sincere thank you to everyone who submitted a response to the survey!

Barbara Harris, Attended 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!

Denise Halfpapp, Class of 1967

Now a proud grandmother of a current and future Gumdale student, Denise reflects fondly on her time at Gumdale.

A retired business owner, she remembers the joy of being included in sports teams regardless of skill level, and the strong sense of community that inspired her love of learning.

If there were a Gumdale Hall of Fame, she’d be known for simply being 'happy'. Her advice to students: Enjoy every day, listen to your teachers and work hard.

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!

Jesse, Class of 1998

Now a parent of two current students, Jesse’s ties to Gumdale run deep—his mother was also a Teacher Aide at the school.

Still close with several classmates, Jesse credits Gumdale State School for setting him up for success. Today, he works as a Principal Treasury Analyst for the Queensland Government.

His advice to students? Listen to your teachers and enjoy your time at school.

Anonymous, Class of 1999

Now a parent to sons and a nephew at Gumdale, this past student fondly remembers Mr Harris as a teacher and has stayed in touch with classmates over the years.

Grateful for the amazing teachers at Gumdale, they credit those early influences for shaping the educator they are today.

Phoebe Macintosh, Class of 2002

Now a General Manager in the energy sector, Phoebe fondly remembers the vibrant community spirit of Gumdale in the '90s.

While her career path took a different direction, inspiring teachers at Gumdale sparked her lifelong interest in ancient cultures and art. Known back then as a bit of a 'goody two shoes', Phoebe’s favourite memories include the school fetes—craft stalls, tombola and parents getting into the fun.

Her advice to students? Work hard and be nice!

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.

Anonymous, Class of 2007

We heard from one past student who says their experience at Gumdale inspired them to become a teacher - and they are now teaching overseas in Tokyo! 

A core memory of this particular alumni is of performing in Drama classes and shows with their friends, and of drama teacher Helen Goleby, saying it really helped them to come out of their shell and build their self confidence.

Still connected to Gumdale through family, this past student encourages current students to try anything that the school has to offer.

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. 

Layla, Class of 2020

Layla still keeps in touch with a few friends from her Gumdale days and fondly remembers playing handball at school.

Now working at a cinema, she offers this simple but meaningful advice to current students: Listen and learn.

Bethany, Class of 2020

Bethany remembers Gumdale as the place that helped build her confidence and shaped her caring nature—she’d be known in the Hall of Fame for “thinking of others.”

Her favourite memories include playing tag and touch on the oval, and her advice to current students is simple: Just have fun and enjoy it.  She adds, Thank you Gumdale for being the best primary school.

Phillip, Class of 2005

Now a Mechanical Engineer, Phillip credits Gumdale with encouraging his love of learning.

As Fraser House Captain, one of his proudest memories was winning the Cross Country.  If there were a Hall of Fame, he’d be remembered for his leadership and team spirit.

His advice to current students: Embrace learning and develop friendships.

Lance Edie, Class of 1970

Now retired, Lance remembers his Gumdale teachers as strong role models who helped shape his path.

Known for his love of sport, he fondly recalls athletic activities more than academics.
If there were a Hall of Fame, he’d be recognised for his sporting spirit.

His advice to students: Keep up your studies for your future—and enjoy your education and friends.

Liam, Class of 2019

Currently a student with plans to study psychology, Liam credits Gumdale with helping shape his values and development—especially through the guidance of Mr Savill and the school’s supportive structure.

Known for his cricket skills, one of his favourite memories is winning the local Rugby League premiership in 2018 and progressing through district games.

He’s still in touch with classmates and shares this advice: Take all of the opportunities you can—Gumdale offers so much, and it’s a blessing to be part of such a great school.

A. Ful, Class of 2020

Now a Year 11 student at Brisbane Girls Grammar School, A. Ful reflects on her time at Gumdale as deeply formative—thanks to nurturing teachers and meaningful friendships.

She fondly remembers sailing lessons as a standout experience, and says she’d be known in the Hall of Fame for being one of the few Chinese students at the time.

Her advice to current students: Enjoy your primary school years—they fly by! Try new things, spend less time on devices, and have lots of fun every day. Gumdale has had a lasting impact on both my education and personal growth. I strongly recommend it!

Kirra Rankin, Class of 1991

Now living in Canberra, Kirra is an Exercise Physiologist and business owner of Capital Hydrotherapy. She still keeps in touch with a couple of close friends from her Gumdale days.

As 1991 House Captain and a cross-country record holder, she’d be known in the Hall of Fame for her athletic achievements—and she still runs today!

Her fondest memories include PE with Mr Foster, buying 5-cent red frogs with friends, and catching the local school bus with Les.

Her advice to students: Dream big, stay humble and kind—and limit your screen time!

Tamarin Chandler, Class of 1986

Still living in Gumdale, Tamarin is now a solicitor and proud Gumdale parent—her eldest graduated in 2022, her middle child is in Grade 2, and her youngest is set to start Prep in 2026.

She remembers being encouraged to be creative and strive for success, and would be known in the Hall of Fame for being “super friendly.”
One of her fondest memories? Wearing an ice cream container hat during cross country to avoid swooping from “Mad Max” the magpie!

Her advice to students: Get involved—there’s something for everyone at Gumdale!  It’s lovely to see the community spirit is just as strong today as it was when I was a child.

Harley Malpass, Graduated in 2016

Still living in Wynnum, Harley is now a tennis coach and cricket player.
He left Gumdale in 2016, but still keeps in touch with classmates and teachers.

Harley says learning to connect with different people from a young age helped him thrive in team environments and high-performance settings, and he would be known for being a cricket player.

His fondest memories? School discos, Friday interschool competitions, and athletics days.

His advice to students: Get involved with as many things as you possibly can. Try new things - you never know what skills you might discover and where they could lead you. Always have a go!  Gumdale gave me the confidence to meet new people and build friendships that still matter today.

Zara Schmidt, Class of 2016

Now a university student and working in OSHC, this 2016 Gumdale graduate still lives locally and has a nephew currently attending the school.

She says she loverd her teachers and that their influence led her to pursue teaching at university.

Zara would be known for her studious nature and she fondly remembers the friendships and people who made her time at Gumdale special

Her advice to students: Keep having fun and find a good group of friends who encourage you to be the best version of yourself.

Ian King, Teacher 1976-1989

A former teacher at Gumdale from 1976 to 1989, Ian now lives in Manly West and is enjoying retirement. After officially leaving Gumdale, he returned for supply work over a five-year period from 2008, reconnecting with familiar faces and fond memories.

He still keeps in touch with former colleagues and remembers the early days of teaching at Gumdale when the school had just seven classes, including the principal teaching one of them. “I would have been happy to stay at Gumdale,” Ian recalls, “but the Education Department had other ideas and transferred me to Camp Hill.”

When Ian heard about the upcoming anniversary, he pulled out his old class photos and memorabilia. “The Gumdale Hall of Fame should include some of the students I taught and coached - like Paul Green and Boden Hansen,” he says.

Ian’s memories of Gumdale include coaching Rugby League, Soccer, Australian Football, Cricket, and Athletics, and organising Sports Days where every child took part in athletics and ball games. He remembers the house teams (Apollo and Mars) and the school motto at the time: Always our best.  “That should apply to academic work, sport, and of course how we treat others - and ourselves.”

His hope for the future?  That the caring, family nature of the school I knew in the ’70s and ’80s doesn’t change - even as the ‘family’ grows.

Tammy, Class of 2005

Tammy is currently one of our dedicated cleaning team at Gumdale, helping keep our school tidy and ready for learning each day.

Her fondest memory from Gumdale is the Country Fair that used to be held every year which brought the whole community together.

Tammy says to current students: Make the most of your time in Primary School as these are the memories you’ll look back on when you’re older.

Nathan Sharrock, Class of 2003 

Now living between Hobart, Nathan is the General Manager of the Royal Hobart Golf Club. He stays connected with classmates mostly through social media. 

Reflecting on his time at Gumdale, he says the school was a place that supported each child’s unique path, helping guide the many different directions they all took.

If Gumdale had a Hall of Fame, he believes he’d be known for nurturing the differences in everyone.

One of his fondest memories is reading time after lunch in the old double-story building, feeling the breeze flowing through on a hot day. His advice to current students: Be yourself and try your hardest.

Jess Bertolone, Class of 2012

Jess is now living in Perth and working as a Material Logistics Officer and Service Technician in the Pilbara mines. Thanks to social media, Jess stays connected with a few classmates and teachers, keeping those Gumdale friendships alive.

One of Jess’ fondest memories is the old Country Fairs — events that brought the community together and made school life so memorable.

Jess’ advice to current students is simple: Listen, learn, and do things you’re passionate about.

Joanne Peters, Class of 1985

Joanne Peters, Class of 1985, is back living in Gumdale and proud to have her son finishing his final year at GSS. A Registered Nurse and admin for her family’s business, Joanne knew from Grade 3 she wanted to be a nurse—thanks to her time at Gumdale. She fondly remembers playing handball under A Block, performing “God Save the Queen” on recorder at assembly, and representing QLD in softball after being selected through GSS sports pathways.

Joanne’s advice? Give every opportunity a go—you never know where it might lead you.

Lisa Frampton, Class of 1985

Meet a proud alum from the Class of 1985, Lisa Frampton. Now living in Beaudesert and working in administration, Lisa is still in touch with some of her classmates and cherishes the memories made at school.

The friends I made continued into high school. Sports Days were great fun—and who could forget the tables set out when the ladies were making lamingtons!

If there were a Gumdale Hall of Fame, she’d be known for always trying her best. 

Matty & Cooper, Class of 2019

From being part of Gumdale State School’s district-winning rugby league team in 2018, to leading the charge at Iona College in 2025—Matty and Cooper are still playing together and still great friends.

Matty, who was 2019 School Captain at Gumdale, is now Rugby Union Captain at Iona. Cooper, 2019 Minjerribah House Captain, is now Iona’s Rugby League Captain. They will graduate later this year. From handshakes at Gumdale to tackles at Iona—some teams are built to last.

Our school recently partnered with the Queensland Museum to respectfully return items of cultural significance to their rightful place. After identifying several Aboriginal items that had been held at the school, our staff contacted museum staff to initiate the repatriation process. This week, Daniel and Lowarna from the museum visited the school to assess and collect the items. We are proud to have supported this important process, ensuring the items were treated with the respect and dignity they deserve. This work reflects our school’s ongoing commitment to building respectful relationships with Aboriginal community members and to acknowledging and valuing culture and history within our learning community.

Over 8's Day

How much fun was Over 8’s Day? We’ve been wanting an Over 8’s Day for years and it finally happened on the year of our school’s 90th birthday.  Lots of effort was put in to organising this fun event.  Students and teachers had one of the best school days of their lives. It was a memorable day for all involved with a range of activities for everyone to enjoy.  Some of the favourites were the coloured hairspray, facepainting, the photobooth, dodgeball, the STEM activities, the disco and the activity stations on the oval.

Written by Charlotte R, Ruby C, Hudson T and Mason A.

Over 8's Day

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.

Prep

This term our Prep students have been focusing on drama skills. They have engaged in many different games that have allowed them the opportunity to explore using their voice, facial expressions and body language. The students have enjoyed listening to stories and using finger puppets to role play the characters and retell the story.

Prep Drama

Year 1

In The Arts, Year 1 students have been developing their skills on the xylophone. They have been learning correct playing technique while exploring musical elements such as high and low pitch, tempo, and rhythm. A highlight has been performing Hot Cross Buns in a variety of ways, experimenting with different tempos and styles.

Year 2

Year 2 students have been exploring performing arts from around the world, with a focus on the importance of cultural experiences in the arts. They have learned First Nations songs such as Inanay and Pitjantjatjara, while also exploring body percussion and rhythm patterns. They are now combining a four-beat rhythm ostinato with one of the songs to create exciting group performances.

Year 3

Our Year 3 students have had a wonderful time in Performing Arts with Mrs Maddigan. They’ve been exploring cultural dance, including the powerful Māori Haka and the expressive movements from Thomas E. S. Kelly’s Shake a Leg, which draws on First Nations storytelling and dance traditions. It’s been a fantastic opportunity for students to appreciate and celebrate diverse cultures through movement.

Year 3 Dance

Year 4

Year 4 students have been diving into the world of Dance and Drama. They’re exploring different styles of theatre, including the ancient traditions of Greek Theatre, the expressive art of Mime, and the creativity of Mask work. Students are learning how storytelling can come alive in many forms and styles.

Year 4 Dance and Drama

Year 6 

In Year 6, students have been examining how media can be used to communicate messages, particularly in advertising. After completing their assessment on the persuasive techniques used in commercials, they’ve been getting creative with GarageBand music, green screen technology, and drama scripts to produce their own fun and imaginative commercials.

Year 6 Media

Drama Club

The Drama Club has been buzzing with creativity! Students have been developing video content to promote the GROW Well program and are preparing a special performance for early Term 4. This "Kindness" themed presentation will be showcased at assembly and will feature the use of expressive masks. We can’t wait to see their hard work come to life on stage.

Drama Club

Visual Arts

Prep 

Preps read the wonderful book, Dot! Scribble! Go! by Herve Tullet which shows the endless creative possibilities of dots, lines and scribbles. Students learned about primary colours as they made their own dots, lines and scribbles which they carefully cut out and turned into gorgeous dragonflies.

Prep Art

Year 1 

This term we have welcomed Year 1 to the Art Room for the first time. Students have been focusing on the elements of line and shape to create some amazing artworks. First, they drew different lines and shapes to create their own unique robot before adding some wooden cogs and buttons and painting it silver. Next the students listened to the story, The Eagle Inside and were inspired by the beautiful illustrations to draw and paint a simple landscape that they decorated with colourful liquid watercolour and paint pens.

For our last project of the term, students looked at the artworks of contemporary Australian artist Kayla Henley. Her Silly Chooks paintings gave the students creative ideas for their own art works. After using templates to draw chickens in different positions the students painted their drawings and added patterns. They practised their scissor skills to cut their gorgeous chooks out and arranged them on their background paper. The joy and enthusiasm in our Visual Art lessons has been wonderful to see.

 Year 1 Art

Year 3

Year 3 students have begun working on their Jessica Wood inspired flower pots, which will be completed next term. These colourful and creative designs are already showing great promise.

Earlier this term, classes 3CR and 3Y completed vibrant painted paper birds, inspired by Australian artist Pete Cromer. As an extension, 3CR created beautiful watercolour paintings of their birds, while 3Y produced detailed drawing versions. The students have enjoyed exploring different techniques and expressing their creativity through a variety of materials.

Year 3 Bird Art

Year 5

Year 5 students have been exploring one-point perspective in Visual Arts. Using this technique, they are creating dynamic cityscape artworks that show depth and dimension.

Year 5 Cityscapes

Year 5 and Year 3 have both completed their clay work and are eagerly awaiting their return from being fired.

Year 3 and 5 Clay Work

Year 5-6 Visual Arts Signature Program

Our Signature Art students have spent the term working on their first project, Painting in the Negative. They learnt about positive and negative space in artworks and began painting their canvas with colours they like and used stencils to add patterns in contrasting colours. After choosing an image of an animal or character they used carbon paper to transfer their image onto their canvas and outlined their image with a black paint pen. Finally, students painted the negative space around their image with one colour and added extra details. There were many steps to the process, but our finished artworks look amazing and were worth all the effort. Keep a look out for them displayed in the library.

Y5-6 Art-Signature Program

WAMM Camp 

This week, our Intermediate and Senior Band students had a fantastic time at WAMM Camp, where they honed their musical skills and formed new friendships. The workshop offered valuable ensemble experience and expert instruction from guest conductors and tutors. The camp concluded on a high note with a special performance, showcasing the students' hard work and musical growth.

Y5-6 Band Students

On 18 August, we awarded the annual Paul Green Sporting Bursary in partnership with the Green family. Amanda Green presented the perpetual trophy and $500.00 bursary to the 2025 recipient, Annelies from 6W. Congratulations, Annelies!

Paul Green, a past student of Gumdale State School, was a former NRL player, and coached the North QLD Cowboys to an NRL premiership and was the former QLD State of Origin Coach. The Paul Green Oval was named in his honour. The bursary is awarded to a student for sporting excellence, recognised potential and outstanding sportsmanship in their chosen sport. This student always upholds the Gumdale State School value of Always Our Best.

Thank you to the Green family for their generous sponsorship of this annual award. We look forward to hearing about Annelies's future athletic achievements.

We are incredibly proud to share that ten talented teams from Gumdale qualified for the National Championships in Sports Aerobics this term. A fantastic achievement that reflects the dedication and hard work of our students. Congratulations to the Golden Fireflies, Gold Stars, Groovey Movers, Grace and Lily, Glow, Galaxy, Gumball Rockets, Gladiators, G-Unit, and G-Force, who all represented our school with pride and enthusiasm at the competition held on the Gold Coast in late August.

Every athlete gave their absolute best, showing great sportsmanship, team spirit and determination. Their commitment and energy were truly inspiring, and they did Gumdale proud!  A special shout-out to the following teams who earned a place on the podium in their respective categories:

• Grace and Lily – 1st Place
• Gold Stars – 2nd Place
• Glow – 3rd Place

Well done to all our competitors, we look forward to seeing what you achieve next!

Sports Aerobics 

Culminating Activity

As part of our 90^th Birthday celebrations this term, each student created their own ‘bright spot’ from their time at Gumdale State School. We used these to create a huge ‘GROW’ on the back wall of the hall in our GROW Well colours. These bright spots included so many wonderful experiences that have been had at our great school; from sailing lessons to signature programs to lunchtime clubs to achieving learning goals to favourite teachers to camps to best friends. There is so much to celebrate and it is so inspiring to see all the great memories and experiences our students gather being a part of our school.

On Monday 15 September at our whole school assembly, our school community witnessed an inspiring act of courage and compassion. Kayleen Britton shaved her head to raise funds for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, showing incredible strength and solidarity for our much-loved Sharlene Johnson.

This meaningful gesture has touched the hearts of many and highlighted the importance of standing together to support those in our community. We are very proud of Kayleen for her generosity and commitment to making a difference.

Thank you to everyone who has already donated. If you would still like to support Kayleen’s fundraising, contributions can be made here.

In August we celebrated Speech Pathology Week. We acknowledged the wonderful

Australian Speech Pathologists who work with the more than 1.2 million Australians with communication and swallowing support needs. Effective communication is key to building connections and understanding. Thank you Bridget and Seline!

This year's theme, 'Imapact Through Communication' highlights how speech pathologists enable individuals to connect, understand, and express themselves, fostering independence and improving quality of life across all ages. 

What Does A Speech-Language Pathologist Do in Our School?

Written by Breanna Storey and Niamh Dredge
2nd Year Speech Pathology Student
Australian Catholic University                                                     

Have you ever wondered who helps children say their first words or supports students struggling with their communication in the classroom? Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) are highly trained professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat communication and swallowing disorders across all age groups. In schools, they play a vital role in helping students succeed socially and academically by supporting their communication skills.

What is a Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)?

Speech-Language Pathologists are university-educated health professionals who work in schools, hospitals, and clinics. In schools, they help students who have difficulty speaking clearly, understanding language, reading, writing, or even swallowing safely. Their support enables students participate more fully in learning and social activities.  

Why It Matters for Students

Communication is the foundation of learning. When students struggle to express themselves or understand others, it can affect their confidence, friendships, and academic progress. SLPs help bridge these gaps so every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Key Roles and Responsibilities of SLPs in Schools:

1. Assessment and Diagnosis – SLPs evaluate students for speech, language, communication, and swallowing disorders to determine eligibility for services.
2. Intervention and Therapy – They develop and implement individualised therapy plans to address speech and language goals.
3. Collaboration with Educators – SLPs work closely with teachers, the student support team, and other school staff to support academic achievement and classroom participation.
4. Support for Literacy and Language Development – They assist in developing students’ phonological awareness, vocabulary, and comprehension skills, which are essential for reading and writing.
5. Promoting Inclusive Education – They help schools embed support strategies into teaching practices to meet diverse communication needs.
6. Providing Resources and Training – SLPs train teachers and teacher aides in effective communication support strategies.

Where to Learn More

If you have concerns about your child’s communication development, talk to your classroom teacher. Early support can make a big difference in your child’s confidence and success at school. For more information about speech and language development, here are some links for families:

• Speech Pathology Australia https://www.speechpathologyaustralia.org.au/ : learn more about the role of speech pathologists, how they can help, and how to find one near you.
• Raising Children Network https://raisingchildren.net.au/guides/a-z-health-reference/speech-pathologist : a parent-friendly guide to understanding speech and language milestones, with practical tips and expert advice. 

Is Your Child’s Speech on Track?

Written by Maddison Knott and Liam Thirlwall                                 
2nd Year Speech Pathology Students                       
Australian Catholic University

A Parent’s Guide to Understanding Speech Sound Disorders

 Clear speech is a vital part of how children connect with the world around them. But what happens when a child struggles to pronounce words or sounds correctly? This could be a sign of a Speech Sound Disorder (SSD) – a common but often misunderstood challenge in early childhood development.

What is a Speech Sound Disorder (SSD)?

A Speech Sound Disorder refers to difficulties children may have with producing speech sounds clearly and accurately. This can affect how they say words, form sentences, and use the rhythm and tone of speech. As a result, their speech may be hard for others to understand.

What Does It Look Like?

• Children with speech sound disorders might:
• Struggle to make certain sounds.
• Be difficult to understand, even by familiar people.
• Speak less clearly than other children their age.
• Miss typical speech milestones.
• These challenges can persist into the school years if not addressed early.

When Should Sounds Develop?

It’s helpful to know what’s typical. Children usually master different sounds at different ages. If your child isn’t meeting expected milestones, it may be time to seek support.

Why Speech Matters

Speech is more than just talking – it’s how children:

• Share ideas and feelings.
• Build friendships.
• Participate in class. 
• Gain confidence.

When speech is unclear, it can lead to frustration, social withdrawal, or academic struggles. But with the right support, children can thrive.

Who Can help?

If you’re concerned about your child’s speech, don’t wait. Early support makes a big difference. Talk to:

• A Speech-Language Pathologist
• Your General Practitioner
• Your child’s teacher
• An Audiologist (to check hearing)  

Bridget Harvey
Speech Language Pathologist, Professional Practice Educator 

Kitchen Garden Club

Kitchen Garden students have enjoyed a productive term in the garden. We had some great cooking sessions using lots of our fresh produce. Lemons became lemonade, tomatoes were made into sauce and beetroot turned into delicious hummus. We are waiting to dig up our potato crop and pick ripe mulberries next term. The companion  planting of edible flowers and summer vegies has kept us busy recently. Bring on the warmer seasons!

Kitchen Garden Club

Senior Art Club

The Year 3-6 Tuesday Art Club has been buzzing with creativity this term. Students have recently completed their two-way pictures, exploring visual illusions and clever design techniques. They are now diving into a new project, creating imaginative paper construction creatures.

Next term promises to be just as busy and creative.

Senior Art Club

Junior Art Club 

Junior Art Club has continued to meet this term but unfortunately with many events falling on Wednesday not as often as we would have liked. The students looked at the colourful and happy heart artworks of American street artist Chris Uphues. They then drew a range of different sized hearts and added fun cartoon eyes and mouths. To finish off the students used felt tips to ‘paint’ their hearts and created a colourful background with watercolours.

Some students also helped paint some signs for the recent Great Book Swap. They painted an eagle, a pig, a dugong and a whale working carefully to match colours, shapes and lines to an image.

Junior Art Club

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.

We are excited to announce that Lachlan from 5W is the winner of the 2026 Senior Shirt Design Competition. Lachlan’s creative design impressed both staff and students, capturing the spirit of our school and the pride our seniors feel as they move into their final year.

Congratulations again to Lachlan for his fantastic effort and achievement. We can’t wait to see the 2026 seniors wearing your design with pride!

The winning design is now available to preorder on School24 Events. All orders will close at 5pm on Friday the 14 November and will be delivered to students classrooms Week 1, Term 1 2026.

2026 Senior Shirt

To celebrate the 10 year partnership between our school and RQYS, we are pleased to offer a limited edition polo shirt for students from Prep to Year 6. This exclusive shirt can be worn on most school days, with the exception of Mondays, school photo days, excursions, assemblies, and other special events.

Shirt Sizing

To help you choose the right fit, please refer to the shirt size chart here under the RQYS Commemorative Shirts section. Please note that all orders are NON-REFUNDABLE, so please double-check the size before placing your order.

Important Dates and Pricing:

Orders open on 6 October 2025 and close on 24 November 2025
Delivery will be in Term 1, Week 3 2026
Shirts will cost $45

Additional Information

Current Year 6 students are welcome to purchase; however, shirts will need to be picked up from school or can be dropped off to a sibling’s class.
Payments and orders must be made via School24 under ‘Events’ only. Please order any other uniform items separately.