Killarney eNewsletter Term 2 - Week 10 | 2025

Acknowledgement of Country

We acknowledge the Githabul people as the  Traditional Owners of the sky,  waterways and land on which we learn and play. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present. We acknowledge the knowledge, memories, traditions and cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and commit to fostering a culture of learning in the spirit of togetherness.

We thank Githabul artist Nathan Charles for allowing us to publish his artwork. 

Date Claimers

EXPLICIT IMPROVEMENT AGENDA

From the Principal

Dear Parents, Carers and Community

Our school calendar has been absolutely filled with events and learning over the past five weeks, with students engaging in a wide range of academic, sporting and cultural activities that support their growth as learners.

As you read about the many wonderful experiences our students have enjoyed this term, I encourage you to remember that these opportunities are made possible thanks to the generous support of our P&C Association. Each year, the P&C contributes thousands of dollars to the school budget, which directly subsidises the cost of excursions and events. Every time a student boards a bus to head off on an excursion, families are paying far less than the full cost - because of this support. Every child at our school benefits from this funding, often multiple times a year. So, when the P&C calls for volunteers for the annual Trail Bike Ride, I urge you to say yes.

Year 5/6 Camp to Jacobs Well

A highlight for our Year 5/6 students was their annual camp at Jacobs Well Environmental Education Centre. This immersive learning experience provided students with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of Science and HASS through hands-on activities in and around Moreton Bay and Stradbroke Island. From marine studies to cultural learning, students enjoyed a memorable and educational adventure.

Sincere thanks go to Ms Genner, Mrs Brown, and Chappy Cel for giving up time with their own families to accompany our students on camp. Experiences like these simply could not happen without the commitment and generosity of our staff.

Instrumental Music Program

In week 10, our instrumental band students engaged in the Big Band Day, a wonderful initiative of Mr Eddiehausen to create an opportunity for students from Killarney, Murrays Bridge, Allora, and Warwick Central schools to come together for a day of workshops. The day culminated in a concert at Warwick Central School.

Year 3/4 Excursion to Brisbane

On Thursday of week 10, Mrs Bunday, Ms Brosnan and her Year 3/4 class travelled to Brisbane to visit the Queensland Museum to consolidate classroom learning in HASS, Science and Technologies: a great opportunity to bring classroom learning to life through real-world experiences.

Academic Reporting

Despite the many activities that have been happening, our core business of teaching and learning has remained strong, and teachers finalised academic reports. These reports provide a point-in-time summary of each student’s achievement and progress in the curriculum over the past two terms. Reports were sent home with students on Friday or posted if students were not at school. 

Academic reporting is an important tool for communication between school and home. We encourage all parents and carers to take the time to read the report with your child and have a conversation about their learning, behaviour, and effort. Research shows that positive, supportive conversations about school can contribute to improved outcomes for students. 

Year 10: Looking Ahead

The majority of our Year 10 students participated in the TAFE Trade Taster program at Warwick TAFE throughout this term. This initiative offered students the chance to explore pathways in electrical, automotive, carpentry, engineering and general construction. Experiences such as these help students begin to make informed decisions about their future.

As this was a one-day-per-week commitment, it is now essential that our Year 10s apply themselves fully in Term 3. They are nearing the end of their Junior Secondary phase, and the decisions they make now will influence their senior pathways. In Term 3, students will begin working with staff from Warwick State High School on Year 11 subject selection.

Over the past few weeks, Mrs Bartz, Mr Modra and I have been working with staff from Warwick State High School to align our practices and planning, ensuring a smooth and successful transition to senior schooling for our Year 10 students. It was once again reassuring to hear such positive feedback about how well-prepared Killarney students are—both in their approach to learning and their ability to meet Warwick State High School expectations. This is a direct reflection of the hard work and dedication of our staff, whose commitment to delivering a high-quality education continues to benefit every Killarney student.

Primary and Secondary Broncos

This term provided many sporting opportunities for students across both primary and secondary year levels. Our primary students participated in the Broncos Gala Day in Warwick, in rugby league, soccer, and netball. It was fantastic to see so many students trying their best, working as a team, and representing Killarney P-10 with pride. Our secondary students took part in the Broncos Challenge competitions in Goondiwindi and Warwick. I was very proud of all students for how the played with determination and encouragement for their team mates, and extra proud of the girls for bringing home the trophy!

Across all events, our students demonstrated outstanding sportsmanship and respectful behaviour. Thank you to Mr Bell, Ms Genner, Mrs Brown, and Chappy Cel for their efforts in preparing, supervising, and supporting our students during these important sporting events. I also appreciate the work of teachers from other school for co-ordinating the events and liaising with local clubs to use their facilities.  

Leadership Transition

This is my last newsletter before I begin my role as Acting Principal at Clifton State High School for Semester 2, and so I am writing with considerable sadness. I want to sincerely thank the students, staff, and community of Killarney P-10 State School for the opportunity to lead such a caring, proud, and committed school. It is an absolute privilege to serve as your principal. I am also grateful for the opportunity to work and learn in a larger school next semester, and I look forward to sharing those experiences with you in the future.

As previously advised, Leanne Kanowski has been appointed acting principal for Weeks 1 to 5 of Term 3.  Leanne’s permanent position is Head of Department Curriculum at Allora P-10 State School.  Leanne visited Killarney on Thursday to meet staff and students and for transition planning with me.

Ash Roediger, our School Supervisor, has commenced the recruitment and selection process for the principal vacancy for the remainder of Semester 2, 11 August to 12 December 2025, unless otherwise determined. This is a statewide recruitment process. The panel will consist of Ash Roediger as panel chair, a Department of Education representative and P&C President, Marissa Costello.

Wishing You a Restful Break

As we wrap up Semester 1, I want to acknowledge and thank every member of our school community for the role they play in making our school a great place to learn and grow. I wish all families and staff a safe and enjoyable school holiday.

Term 3 will commence on Monday, 14 July. I wish everyone a strong and successful second half of the year.

Kind Regards

Ros Hibberd

Principal

From the Head of Department

Attendance – Did you know that just one day off each week across a term (10 weeks) is the equivalent to missing 50 hours of learning = missing 2 weeks of curriculum engagement.

Pizzas – Thank you to all who were able to order ‘Bake at home Pizzas’ to support the Year 10 Fundraising for Canberra. We raised $140 to contribute to the

School Dress Code – JS staff have been in conversation with the JS students in regards to uniform expectations.  The School Dress Code is as follows:

 General Uniform

• Navy skorts or plain navy mid-thigh length shorts
• School polo shirt (KSS design)
• Mostly white or black sports shoes (not canvas slip ons)
• White, black or navy socks
• Undershirt if worn must be white or navy
• Plain navy track suit pants
• Choice of plain navy sweatshirt, KSS spray jacket

The P&C is currently searching for a reliable supplier for hats and are considering some great designs.  Until there is a supply available, students are encouraged to wear a navy hat, however we understand that without a supply to purchase one this may not be possible.

Curriculum:

Assessment and report cards - Wow, the first half of the year has flown by.  Teachers and students are busy compiling evidence and assessments for our Semester 1 Reporting Period.  Report cards will be handed to students in Week 10 and a Facebook notification will alert parents to this happening. 

Semester 2 JS Timetable – Starting in Semester 2 we have some staffing changes which makes a new timetable necessary.  Changes will be shared with students in Week 10. 

Killarney QCWA Scone Bake-Off– Thank you to the Killarney QCWA for hosting this wonderful event.  Students enjoyed the challenge and appreciated the opportunity to enter.

2025 Work Experience – What do we need to do? What options are available?  Have a think about the type of work you would like to experience.  Do you have any contacts?  For Year 9 students an expression of interest will be required by Friday, Week 2, Term 3 to ensure work experience timelines can be met.

Year 9 : 15 – 19/09/25 Week 10, Term 3 (5 days - while the Year 10 students are in Canberra)

Year 10 : 12 – 14/11/25 Week 6, Term 4 (3 days - while the Year 9 students are at Emu Gully)

JS Excursions/Camps

Year 7/8 : an overnight camp in the planning stages. Teachers will share more details before the break.

Year 9 Leadership Camp at Emu Gully : 12^th to 14^th November, 2025

Year 10 Canberra Trip 15^th to 19^th September, 2025

From The Support Teacher

SPORTS

2025 Athletics Carnival

School News

Year 1/2

Year 3/4 Queensland Museum Excursion

Year 5/6

5/6 Camp to Jacobs Well Environment Education Camp

Our 5/6 students attend an educational camp at Jacobs Well. This camp promised to be an exciting adventure filled with learning and exploration in the natural world, and certainly did deliver!

Camp Highlights

· Mangrove Exploration: Students had the opportunity to explore the unique mangrove ecosystems, learning about the importance of these environments and the diverse life they support.

· Boat Trip to South Stradbroke Island: A boat trip took us to South Stradbroke Island, where students had the chance to explore the island and its natural beauty.

· Marine Trawl Activity: Students trawled the bottom of the water to discover and learn about the marine life that dwells there. This hands-on activity helped them understand aquatic ecosystems.

· Low Ropes and Team Building: Through low ropes courses and team-building activities, students developed cooperation and leadership skills.

· Animal Trapping: Students engaged in safe and educational animal trapping exercises to learn about local wildlife.

· Freshwater Pond Study: At the freshwater pond, students caught, sorted, examined, identified, and classified small freshwater creatures, enhancing their scientific inquiry skills.

· Wildlife Observation: We visited the local animals in nesting boxes and a session in the reptile classroom provided students with a close-up look at the area's fauna.

These experiences greatly enriched students' understanding of environmental science and teamwork.

2025 School Calendar - Queensland State Schools

https://education.qld.gov.au/about/Documents/2025-school-calendar.pdf  

P&C News

Tuckshop Convenor

The P&C is looking for a parent or member of our community who would be interested in volunteering to be our Tuckshop Convenor. The opening times/day would be the choice of the new Convenor. The menu would also be the Tuckshop Convenor's choice, in negotiation with the school to comply with  Healthy Choices guidelines. Please contact the P&C for further information or to express your interest by emailing: pandc@killarness.eq.edu.au.

How to order School Uniforms

New stocks of polo shirts have arrived so we now have all sizes available. Parents may now place a uniform order via email and pay by direct deposit!  We hope this will make purchasing uniforms easier. Students can come and see Mrs Diete during break times to try on uniforms if they are unsure of sizes. 

Community News