Caboolture Special School Week 10, Term 1, 2025
Principal News
Dear Caboolture Special School community members
Term 1 in our growing school has been very positive, with students achieving success both in and out of the classroom. Our recruitment and retention of committed, capable and compassionate staff and the upskilling of these staff will continue as we collectively strive for the strongest outcomes for students, moving forward. In the P&C space, it has been wonderful building a working relationship with Diana in her new role as P&C President, capably supported by committed P&C stakeholders.
Year 6 Senior Shirt Presentation Event
What a wonderful experience! Congratulations to the Year 6 students and thank you P&C and community members for your unwavering support.
Student attendance
DID YOU KNOW? In recent years, Caboolture Special School has maintained a ‘top 2’ position with regards student attendance figures for Queensland Special Schools? Positive home and school partnerships support strong whole school student attendance, in the manner possible for individual students, noting that there will always be legitimate (and school supported) reasons for a student’s non-attendance at school eg sickness. Thank you.
Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) - click here for more information
AIP priority = Implementation of Australian Curriculum (Version 9) across learning areas, with a focus on literacy and numeracy within safe, engaging, communicative and learning enriched environments.
Recent Severe Weather Event
The spirit of our school community was on show during the recent severe weather event, with people all around assisting one another as required. I’ve said it before and will continue to say it again; we are part of a wonderful school community here. This school community spirit is very much appreciated and valued.
School Review
State Schools in Queensland takes part in a School Review every four years. Our school review will occur in Term 2, Week 4, 13-15 May and is a wonderful opportunity for us to celebrate shared achievements and to identify opportunities for improvement. Staff and school community representation will occur during the School Review.
Avocado Drive staff carpark
Work is underway on this staff carpark and this work is expected to be completed early in Term 2. All stakeholders will benefit from this infrastructure improvement as it will alleviate current car parking demands elsewhere around the school eg Adelaide Drive.
More school shade
Approval has been given for additional school shade in areas including Swings (Parklands), Spinner (Parklands) and Sandpit (Oval).
Deputy Principal (DP) x 2 selection procedures
Congratulations go to Bridget Abbott and Katie Rogers on being successful applicants following the recent Deputy Principal selection procedures. From start of Term 2, our student numbers means we will have three Deputy Principals on site. Kerry Gilmore will continue her work as Deputy Principal alongside Bridget and Katie.
New Chaplain
We welcome Krystal West as our new School Chaplain. Krystal will be on site most Tuesdays and Wednesdays and will occupy the room to the right as you walk into the main entry of C Block.
Ongoing Improvement
As part of our ongoing commitment to improvement, our Classroom Observation and Feedback (COAF) processes occur every term, enabling school leaders to connect with educators in classrooms environments, learning with and from each other, for the benefit of our students.
Assistant Director General x 2 Visit to Caboolture Special School
Hayley Stevenson (AD/G – Strategic Engagement) and Chris Lassig (A/DG – Reviews, Curriculum, Teaching and Learning) will be visiting our school on Thursday 22/05 from 9.30-11.30am. We look forward to welcoming them both on site.
I wish all school community members a safe and happy holiday break. See you all back when school resumes for Term 2 on Tuesday 22/04.
Regards
Sheldon Boland
(Always proud) Principal
Deputy Principal News
Term One has been a very busy term for Classes 1-19!
We have welcomed over 45 new students into this section of the school, and we continue to see more new enrolments each week.
Our classes have been learning from the Prep and Lower years curriculum this term.
Enjoy the picture galleries below showcasing work from some of our classes this term!
Prep Curriculum
In English, our Prep students have been exploring stories - Students will listen to and view a range of stories and explore ways they can express a preference, likes and dislikes.
In Maths, our Prep students have been exploring numeral recognition and identification - Students will explore familiar number names and numerals such as those associated with age or within the class context.
Prep Year
Lower Years Curriculum
In English, students have been exploring 'Story Time' - Students will explore how language can be used for appreciating texts and providing reasons for preferences. Students will identify features of literary texts, such as characters and settings, and give reasons for personal preferences.
In Maths, students have been exploring Number and Space - Explore numbers by counting, naming, recognising, representing and ordering them using physical and virtual materials, numerals and number lines. Students will explore by sorting, naming and creating familiar shapes; recognise and describe familiar shapes within objects in the environment, giving reasons communicating reasoning.
In Science, students have been exploring Biological Science - Students will explore the basic needs of plants and animals, including air, water, food or shelter, and how the places they live meet those needs.
Lower Years Curriculum
Have an enjoyable and safe Easter Holiday break and we look forward to seeing everyone back next term!
Regards
Kerry Gilmore
Deputy Principal
Deputy Principal News
It has been a great start to the year. Students have settled into new routines and engaging every day in a range of learning experiences.
Last week we had the milestone presentation of the Year 6 Senior Shirts. Thank you to the P&C for providing these for our Year 6 students. It was lovely to see so many families and Mr Terry Young MP in attendance to present certificates to our school leaders also.
We also had a visit from local Fire Fighters to share how they keep our community safe.
Classes have been exploring light and shadow. These learning investigations have been so engaging and fun.
In English this term classes have been exploring fact and fiction text. Students have been sorting illustrations into real and not real.
Looking forward to the adventures in term 2.
Enjoy the break with your families,
Regards,
Katie Rogers
Acting Deputy Principal
Class 20-36
Deputy Principal / PBL Lead Teacher
End of Term 1 – What a Fantastic Start to the Year!
It’s hard to believe we’ve already reached the end of Term 1! What a fantastic term it has been, filled with achievements, learning and growth for our students. As we head into the holidays, we want to celebrate the progress our students have made and acknowledge the hard work of our staff and families in supporting them.
Our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) focus leading into the holidays is Respect for Learning: We Ask for Help. Encouraging students to ask for help is essential for their development, and this fortnight, we’ve been focusing on why this skill is so important.
The Importance of Teaching Children to Ask for Help
Asking for help is not always easy. It can make students feel vulnerable or even embarrassed, and research shows that children as young as seven can experience these emotions. However, learning to ask for help is a crucial skill that fosters independence, confidence and resilience.
How Asking for Help Benefits Children
- Seeking help is a sign of strength. It takes courage to admit when you don’t know something and to reach out for support. Teaching children that seeking help is a strength, not a weakness, empowers them to take charge of their learning.
- It teaches problem-solving skills. When children ask for help, they are taking the first step in problem-solving—recognising the challenge, identifying who can assist and finding solutions. This builds critical thinking and resilience.
- It builds confidence. Knowing they have support allows children to take ownership of their learning and develop the confidence to tackle challenges.
- It helps build trust and relationships. Asking for help strengthens connections between students, teachers and peers. It reassures children that they are not alone and that their school community is there to support them.
- It fosters self-advocacy. Self-advocacy is a vital life skill. By teaching children how to articulate their needs, we prepare them for future challenges in school and beyond.
- It encourages empathy. Understanding the importance of asking for help also teaches children to be empathetic towards others. They learn to respect the needs of their peers and offer support when needed.
A Well-Deserved Break
As we wrap up Term 1, we encourage our students to keep practising asking for help and solving problems over the holidays. These skills will support their growth and confidence.
Thank you to our amazing students, staff and families for a successful term. Enjoy a well-deserved break, stay safe, and we look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for Term 2!
Have a wonderful holiday!
We ask for Help
Bridget Abbott
Deputy Principal/ PBL Lead Teacher
Business Manager News
Exciting Holiday Projects Ahead!
As we approach the holiday season, we are excited to share some fantastic news about the upcoming improvements to our environment. Over the break, we will be undertaking nine projects that include plumbing, playground rejuvenation, and landscaping. These efforts are aimed at enhancing our safe, engaging, communicative, and learning enriched environment.
Plumbing Upgrades: Our plumbing systems will be receiving upgrades to ensure they are efficient and reliable. These improvements will help maintain a clean and hygienic environment for everyone.
Playground Rejuvenation: Our Early Learning playground will undergo a transformation to create more engaging and fun spaces for our children and make playtime even more enjoyable and safe.
Landscaping Enhancements: We will be rejuvenating our outdoor spaces to enhance the aesthetic appeal of our surroundings and also provide serene spots for relaxation and learning.
These projects are part of our ongoing commitment to creating an environment where everyone feels safe, engaged, and inspired to learn and communicate. We believe these improvements will significantly contribute to the overall well-being and development of our school and its community.
When we return from the holidays, I invite you to join me in a game of 'Spot the Difference'! Take a stroll around our refreshed and rejuvenated grounds and see if you can identify all the new changes and improvements. It’s a wonderful way to reconnect with our community and appreciate the efforts made to enhance our environment.
I look forward to welcoming you back, refreshed and rejuvenated, ready to enjoy the new and improved spaces. Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm.
With gratitude
Biddy Adams
Business Manager
Curriculum Corner
What an amazing term one we have had here at Caboolture Special School. Our students have settled into their classes and have been engaging in exciting curriculum-based activities and experiences.
Linking into our HPE unit, we had the privilege of a visit from two-time Olympian weightlifter Deborah Lovely-Acason, as part of the Olympics Unleashed program. Deborah spoke to our students about always trying to ‘Do their best’ at school, home and within their local community. She shared mementos from her competitions and the students were all suitably impressed with her gold Commonwealth Games medal.
We also enjoyed a visit from some fire fighters complimenting student learning around Emergency Services and how they support our local community.
All our teachers are working hard in implementing suitable content through pedagogical practices that set our students up for success in their engagement in the Australian Curriculum. We can see this learning as we look around at classroom displays throughout the school (some examples shared below).
Enjoy a safe and happy holiday break and we look forward to working with you in term two.
Jody O'Shea and Laura Baily
Curriculum Team
Guidance Officer News
Take care over the holidays
Asha Kumar
Guidance Officer
P & C News
This term has truly been a fantastic one!
A big Congratulations to our year 6 students, who have shown remarkable growth, not only academically but in their creativity, teamwork, and enthusiasm for learning. P&C team would like to wish them all the best in their new adventure’s ahead.
As we look ahead to Term 2, we are filled with anticipation. New goals, exciting events like Mother’s Day stalls, and many more opportunities that await. We are especially looking forward to working together in many events and support our school's community.
A very special Thanks to all P&C volunteers, school Teachers, all administrative staff and our school Principal, for all the hard work that makes our school better every day.
Thank you to all our students, and families for your support in making this term so successful. We’re excited for what lies ahead and are confident that Term 2 will be just as, if not more, exciting!
P&C
Diana
Star Students - Week 10, Term 1, 2025
Name | Class | Award |
Sylvia | Class 12 | Bronze |
Sammie | Class 32 | Bronze |
Ruby | Class 32 | Bronze |
Aneet | Class 32 | Bronze |
Zoe | Class 32 | Bronze |
Yazmine | Class 32 | Bronze |
Hudson | Class 24 | Bronze |
Maddison | Class 28 | Bronze |
Samuel | Class 28 | Bronze |
Jandamarra | Class 33 | Bronze |
Aimee-Lee | Class 34 | Bronze |
Isaac | Class 34 | Bronze |
Elle | Class 33 | Bronze |
Ayla | Class 33 | Bronze |
Noah T | Class 33 | Bronze |
Christopher | Class 25 | Bronze |
Kyle | Class 25 | Bronze |
Myra | Class 17 | Bronze |
Xius | Class 7 | Bronze |
Carter | Class 4 | Bronze |
Aycer | Class 4 | Bronze |
Kinza | Class 4 | Bronze |
Maverick | Class 7 | Bronze |
Sabrina | Class 7 | Bronze |
Rose | Class 7 | Bronze |
Joshua | Class 9 | Bronze |
Kody | Class 9 | Bronze |
Theodore | Class 9 | Bronze |
Isaiah | Class 13 | Bronze |
Seraphim | Class 17 | Bronze |
Hunter H | Class 28 | Bronze |
Latarna | Class 34 | Bronze |
Casey | Class 29 | Bronze |
Blade | Class 29 | Bronze |
Niko | Class 31 | Bronze |
Lizzie | Class 34 | Bronze |
Zavier C | Class 36 | Bronze |
Dexter | Class 36 | Bronze |
Tristan | Class 34 | Bronze |
Carolina | Class 23 | Bronze |
Thomas | Class 36 | Bronze |
Harrison B | Class 30 | Bronze |
Marcus | Class 30 | Bronze |
Liam | Class 28 | Bronze |
Mia-Clover | Class 26 | Bronze |
Elliot | Class 26 | Bronze |
Jaxson | Class 26 | Bronze |
Ryan | Class 24 | Bronze |
Kyrin | Class 17 | Bronze |
Huntah | Class 18 | Bronze |
Micah | Class 18 | Bronze |
Bryley | Class 18 | Bronze |
Matilda | Class 8 | Bronze |
Oliver W | Class 13 | Bronze |
Billy | Class 13 | Bronze |
Dylan | Class 9 | Bronze |
Nathan | Class 30 | Bronze |
Alex | Class 12 | Bronze |
Xavier | Class 17 | Bronze |
Leon | Class 8 | Bronze |
Harrison L | Class 13 | Bronze |
Dominic P | Class 7 | Bronze |
Nathan G-M | Class 30 | Bronze |
Noah A | Class 36 | Bronze |
Kynan | Class 35 | Bronze |
Hunter B | Class 35 | Bronze |
Jared | Class 35 | Bronze |
Cooper R | Class 36 | Bronze |
Indy-Lee | Class 30 | Bronze |
Noah M | Class 35 | Bronze |
William D | Class 34 | Bronze |
Noah L | Class 28 | Bronze |
Scarlett | Class 31 | Bronze |
Lola | Class 31 | Bronze |
Skylah | Class 31 | Bronze |
Trinitea | Class 30 | Bronze |
Mervielle | Class 30 | Bronze |
Imogen | Class 25 | Bronze |
Tynan | Class 25 | Bronze |
Millie | Class 20 | Bronze |
Abel | Class 11 | Bronze |
Everleigh | Class 11 | Bronze |
Ayla | Class 11 | Bronze |
Scarlett | Class 11 | Bronze |
Shepherd | Class 11 | Bronze |
Evie | Class 13 | Bronze |
Halia | Class 10 | Bronze |
Juancho | Class 18 | Bronze |
Cayden | Class 10 | Bronze |
Macky | Class 10 | Bronze |
Blayr | Class 19 | Bronze |
Paytenn | Class 13 | Bronze |
Malu | Class 5 | Bronze |
Charlotte | Class 8 | Bronze |
Miran | Class 10 | Bronze |
Dallas R | Class 6 | Bronze |
Daniella | Class 6 | Bronze |
Luna | Class 3 | Bronze |
Alexander | Class 5 | Bronze |
Xavier S | Class 17 | Bronze |
Matty | Class 9 | Bronze |
Oscar | Class 9 | Bronze |
Leo V | Class 5 | Bronze |
Assistive Ware
To mark Autism Acceptance Month, Assistive Ware are offering a 50% discount on selected communication apps between 2 and 9 April 2025.
This includes Proloquo2Go the symbol-based AAC app that we use in our classrooms.
