Killarney SS P-10 Newsletter Term 4 - Week 3 | 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's desk

As we wrap up Week 3 of this final term of the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the positive and purposeful energy in our classrooms and across the school grounds. It is clear that both students and staff are fully engaged in learning, and it’s a joy to see our school values – Learning, Respect, and Community – being lived out every day.

By this point in the term, our school routines are well established. These routines are not only important for creating a calm and focused environment, but they also help students to thrive academically and socially. When expectations are clear and consistent, everyone can give their best.

Over the past 7 weeks since my arrival, we have seen many opportunities for our young people to showcase that they are all Killarney Strong! The Year 10 cohort had an unforgettable Canberra trip, we witnessed Year 7 and 8 students take off on an exciting Arts camp, whilst Year 9 students experienced the wonderful world of work. Swimming lessons have begun in earnest, and every day we have exciting and engaging lessons for all. I was also proud to hear that Emalee Sakrewski, one of our school captains, proudly represented Killarney P-10 State School at the Southern Downs Youth Council. These are exciting times for all.

A key driver of our success this year has been our Annual Implementation Plan, which outlines our school-wide priorities and goals. One of our most important areas of focus has been ensuring that every student is a literate learner. Through a consistent and evidence-based approach to reading and writing across the primary and junior secondary years, we are seeing real and measurable growth in student outcomes. Our emphasis on low-variance routines and explicit instruction in reading has strengthened teaching practice and provided all students with the tools they need to confidently engage with texts across all subject areas. 

We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our school community for the outstanding response to this year’s School Opinion Survey. We had a record number of parent responses, and the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Your continued support and partnership are what help make Killarney SS P-10 not only the best school in the Darling Downs, but a school that rivals the best in the state. We are proud to be a true community school, and your input and feedback are part of what makes this place so special. Please note that I will share some of the data from this survey at the next P&C meeting on Tuesday the 28^th of October.

Term 4 is always a special one – not only because it’s our final chance to consolidate the year’s learning, but because it’s also a time to celebrate achievements and milestones. Later this term, we look forward to our annual Awards Night, a highlight of our calendar where we honour student effort, progress and excellence. We also prepare to farewell our wonderful Year 10 students as they take the next step in their journey. This is a significant time for them, and we are proud of all they have achieved during their time with us.

Each week on parade, I take great pleasure in announcing our Students of the Week – those who have demonstrated a strong commitment to learning. Recognising students who embody our value of Learning helps us reinforce the message that effort and attitude matter just as much as achievement. Congratulations to all those who have been acknowledged so far this term and last.

Let’s continue Term 4 with determination, pride, and a shared commitment to finishing the year strong. There is much to look forward to, and much to be proud of already.

From the Head of Department

School News

2025 School Calendar - Queensland State Schools

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

Parent Tips

Screen Time - eSafety Parents

Sports

Year 9/10 HPE

Water Polo unit for Term 4 

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