Caboolture Special School Week 5 Term 3, 2025

Principal News

Dear Caboolture Special School community members

What a great sports day!

It was fantastic to see such a large turn out from school community members on Thursday 14/08 and was another reminder of the amazing community spirit we have here. A big thank you to all involved, including sports days lead organiser Bridget and our team of school priority teachers.

Annual Implementation Plan (AIP)

A core priority of our 2025 Annual Implementation Plan is the implementation of the Australian Curriculum Version 9 across all learning areas. Our particular focus this year is on improving literacy and numeracy outcomes within safe, engaging, communicative, and learning-rich environments. These efforts are aimed at ensuring every student can access and succeed in a high-quality education.

Student Attendance

Our current student attendance rate is 84%. We continue to work in partnership with families to support regular attendance and engagement.

School Improvement – Planning and Next Steps

Following our recent school review, staff were invited to provide feedback on the key areas we should prioritise for school improvement. I’m pleased to report that the top five priorities identified by staff align closely with those recommended by the external review team. These are:

1. Strengthening support for students with complex behaviour and engagement needs, using multi-tiered approaches to ensure consistent and effective support across the school.
2. Clarifying staff roles and responsibilities, to ensure clear accountability and collaboration as we move forward with our improvement strategies.
3. Encouraging professional growth through modelling, observation, and feedback between staff to support best teaching practices.
4. Implementing a data-informed Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) that helps identify and provide targeted support to diverse learners.
5. Building assessment literacy among staff, so teachers can better monitor student progress and determine next learning steps.

I welcome school community member input on these proposed school improvement measures.  Feedback can be sent to sbola5@eq.edu.au 

School Opinion Survey

Families are encouraged to complete the School Opinion Survey, emailed to the school's family contact in late July. This survey provides valuable feedback on school performance and satisfaction. Thank you to those who have already participated.

Professional Development and Training

We’re proud to have a highly engaged team of educators who regularly lead and participate in professional learning opportunities on-site, helping to grow and share effective teaching practices across the school.

Navigator Project – School Enrolment Trial

Our school has been selected to participate in the Navigator Project, a Department of Education initiative aimed at improving enrolment processes in schools. We’re proud to contribute to this important trial that will support better outcomes for families across Queensland.

Year 6 Transition Visits

Visits for Year 6 students transitioning to Lee Street State Special School have commenced. These visits are an important step in ensuring a smooth and positive transition for students and families.

Assemblies – Term 3

Friday assemblies take place in the hall every week during the school term, beginning at 9:15am:

• Week 1 and Week 10 – Whole school assemblies
• Odd weeks (except Week 1) – Classes 1–16
• Even weeks (except Week 10) – Classes 17–37

Parents, carers and school community members are welcome to attend.

Key Dates

• What – Whole School Book Week Dress Up Parade

  When – 9:15 am Friday 22^nd August, 2025

  Where – Classes can join in the parade that will follow the path loop around J block play area, around the hall and J block classrooms. There will be music playing and class will do two laps of the circuit. Parents and school community members will be able to stand in the J Block play area and watch as the students parade past by in their costumes.

  Classes 1-16 will then return to class, while classes 17-37 will enter the hall for their usual assembly.

• Student Free Day – Friday 5 September (school closed to all students)
  

Community and Student Engagement Highlights

• On-Site Research – Classes 29–32 are currently participating in a physical activity study that contributes to broader educational research.
  
• New Playground Update – We have been successful in securing a $172 000 grant from the Queensland Government for a new P-6 playground.  This work will be completed by end of 25/26 financial year.

I would like to thank our school community for your continued support and collaboration. Together, we continue to work towards the most positive learning environment that supports strong student outcomes.

Best wishes

Sheldon Boland

(Always proud) Principal

Deputy Principal News

Prep Vision Screening

Families of Prep students will have received an email letting you know that the vision screening team will be at our school in week 7 on Thursday 28 August.

The Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program is a Queensland Government service that offers Free Vision Screening to all children enrolled in Prep.

If your child is in Prep and you would like their vision screened, please complete a consent form using the below link or QR code sent in my email on Tuesday.

https://visionscreening.health.qld.gov.au/ParentalConsent/1303DChX 

Fluoride Varnish Program

Next term the school dental team will be visiting our school to complete the free dental check at our school. Permission and consent forms will be sent home later this term.

Regards

Kerry Gilmore

Deputy Principal (Classes 1-16)

Deputy Principal News

On Wednesday 30th July, students engaged in a range of activities held on the oval to celebrate and explore indigenous culture. It was a great morning of activities including Indigenous games,  sand art, dancing and music. 

Children's Book Week - August 16 -22nd August 

We will be celebrating Book Week again this year. During this annual event reading will be celebrated by sharing books by Australian authors and illustrators. 
The week is always concluded with a Book Week Dress Up on Friday 22nd August, when students and staff come dressed up as a book character. 

Dress Up Parade - 

When - Friday 22nd August - 9:15 am 

Where - Classes will parade around the J Block playground. Parents and Carers are welcomed to attend and stand in the J Block play area to watch all the costumes parade past. 

Book Club Issue 6 will be sent home next week. Orders must be placed online by Wednesday 3rd September. 

Looking forward to many adventures during term 3! 

Katie Rogers 
Deputy Principal 
Classes 17 - 28

Deputy Principal News

It has been a wonderful and eventful few weeks!

We kicked off the term with our Year 6 high school transition visits. This is always an exciting time for our senior students as they begin to prepare for the next big step in their learning journey. While this transition can bring a mix of emotions, from excitement to nerves, we could not be prouder of how our students handled themselves. Those visiting Lee Street State Special School showed outstanding respect for themselves, their peers, and the visiting staff. They demonstrated courage, maturity, and growing independence – all signs that they are well on their way to becoming confident high school students. Taking that first step is never easy, but our students did so with pride, positivity and a willingness to embrace change.

This week, the energy across the school was electric as we celebrated our annual Sports Day. This much-loved event is always a highlight on our school calendar, and this year was no exception. It was heartwarming to see so many of our students and staff dressed proudly in their house colours – Mari (red), Wongai (green), Gulla (yellow) and Durra (blue) – creating a vibrant sea of colour across the parklands and the oval. The sense of school spirit and community was truly alive.

Students participated in a variety of fun activities throughout the day, including t-ball, skipping, basketball, soccer, and more. Each event encouraged teamwork, resilience, and above all, having a go – and it was wonderful to see students cheering one another on, celebrating efforts big and small.

After our sports rotations the excitement moved to the oval where our running races were held. The sound of cheers and clapping echoed across the field as every student was supported and encouraged by their classmates, teachers, and families.

Days like these remind us of what makes our Caboolture Special School community so special – a strong sense of belonging, encouragement, and shared joy. We are incredibly proud of all our students, not only for their efforts on the track and field but also for the way they supported one another throughout the day. It was a beautiful example of our school values in action.

As we move into the second half of the term, we are excited for what’s to come. There are still many wonderful learning opportunities, events, and celebrations ahead. We thank our staff, students, and families for their continued support and look forward to making the rest of Term 3 just as memorable.

Take Care

Bridget Abbott

Deputy Principal

Class 29 - Class 37

Business Manager News

Being Present: Making Every Moment Count as a School Employee

In the dynamic environment of a school, every moment offers an opportunity to make a difference. Whether you're in the classroom, the office, or supporting students behind the scenes, being present—fully engaged and attentive—can have a profound impact on the school community.

Presence goes beyond physical attendance. It means showing up with intention, listening actively, and responding thoughtfully. When school staff are present, they foster trust, build stronger relationships, and create a culture of care and respect. Students notice when adults are genuinely engaged, and it encourages them to do the same.

Making every moment count also means recognizing the value in everyday interactions. A warm greeting, a quick check-in, or a shared laugh can uplift a student or colleague and contribute to a positive school climate. These small gestures, when done consistently, build connection and morale.

For educators and support staff alike, being present helps reduce stress and improve focus. It allows us to respond to challenges with clarity and compassion, rather than reacting out of habit or distraction. It also reminds us of our purpose: to support learning, growth, and wellbeing.

In a busy school setting, it’s easy to get caught up in routines or feel overwhelmed by tasks. But when we pause, breathe, and bring our full attention to the moment, we find meaning in our work and strengthen our impact.

Let’s commit to being present—not just for our students, but for ourselves and each other. Because in education, every moment matters.

With gratitude,

Biddy Adams

Business Manager

Curriculum Corner

The past few weeks have been filled with exciting events and rich learning experiences across our school.

Our Sports Day was a great success, with students demonstrating teamwork, persistence, and sportsmanship. Participation in a variety of physical activities supported our Health and Physical Education curriculum, promoting movement skills, coordination, and confidence.

During NAIDOC Week, students engaged in meaningful learning about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and contributions. Through stories, art, music, and discussions, students explored the NAIDOC 2025 theme, deepening their understanding of cultural diversity and respect – key priorities within the Australian Curriculum.

Our dance workshops for upper school students were a highlight, combining creativity, expression, and physical movement. Students explored rhythm, coordination, and cultural dance forms, linking directly to The Arts curriculum and providing opportunities to develop social and collaborative skills.

The QLD Rail 'Rail Safety Day Out' was a real-life learning experience for our students in classes 31 and 35. Students received important information on platform safety, train etiquette, and what to do in an emergency situation. They also had the opportunity to meet station staff, security personnel, train drivers, and guards. 

Each of these events provided rich engagement opportunities and meaningful contexts for learning, ensuring our curriculum expectations were met while making learning active, enjoyable, and relevant.

We are proud of our students’ enthusiasm and the way they embraced these experiences, and we thank our staff, families, and community members who helped make them possible.      

Jody O’Shea & Chela Mega

The Curriculum Team

Bus Transport

Bus Transport is provided through the School Transport Assistance Program. This program is provided after assessments are completed considering reasons transport is requested and the availability of suitable bus runs.

Once transport is approved then the following responsibilities must be adhered to - 

• ONLY the child approved to travel on contract transport can do so
• a responsible adult (you or a person over the age of 18 with contact details provided to the operator) is ready to meet the transport driver at the specified time and place (AM and/or PM journey)
• provide any car seats or specialised equipment that your child requires to travel safely such as seatbelt harness, seatbelt buckle guards or other specialised seating. I
• immediately contact the transport operator AND school as early as possible when your child is going to be absent due to illness, holidays etc.

Are you changing address or needing to change trips?

It is important to get this information to us as soon as possible – even before you move!

Changes to bus transport takes 3 – 6 weeks to process. The process begins with forms signed by families at the school office; these are then sent to Regional Office for approval. The next step is Department of Transport and then the bus companies.

Bus companies cannot make changes through conversations with families. It is important to also note that once the forms are lodged the school office has no further responsibilities and only gets updated after parents are informed changes have been made.

If you have questions or need changes made to bus transport, please call in to the school office or email kroge30@eq.edu.au

P & C News

Dear Families,

So many exciting things we have happening in our school.

P&C is looking forward to:

• Sports Day 14/08/2025 – full of fun, friendly competition, and house spirit
• Father’s Day Stalls on the 3/09/25 and 4/09/25 - a chance to honour and thank the dads and father figures in our community

Fun fact:  Can you believe there is only 19 Saturdays left before Christmas

The holidays are just around the corner! So, enjoy every moment of this school year. This is a good reminder for families to plan for the fast-approaching holidays …

Stay Connected with our P&C

We love staying connected with our school community! If you’d like to keep up with what’s happening or have questions, ideas, or want to be more involved, here’s how you can reach us:

 Facebook: Caboolture special school P & C
 Email: cabspecspandc@gmail.com

Stay tuned for dates and further info early next term.

Regards,

Caboolture Special School

P&C Committee

Chaplaincy News

Hello Everyone!

Can you believe we are already halfway through this Term? I wanted to share a little update as well as some friendly thoughts on looking after ourselves during this flu season.

It was an absolute treasure being present for the Sports Day! Events like these are a wonderful reflection of important core values: teamwork, perseverance, and positivity. It was especially inspiring to see school spirit not just alive but absolutely thriving.

While the energy of sports day lifted all our spirits, we know this term hasn't been without its challenges. Many of us—students, parents and staff alike—have been struck down by illness, making it all the more meaningful to come together for a day filled with health, fun, and connection.

A few simple habits during this season go a long way—washing your hands regularly, covering coughs with your elbow or a tissue, and staying home if you’re feeling unwell to protect yourself and everyone else. Keeping hydrated, eating nourishing food, and getting plenty of rest are great for boosting your immune system.

And remember, little acts of kindness like asking a friend “you okay?” or offering a tissue can really brighten someone’s day and show you care!

Let’s keep that awesome spirit going. Be kind to yourselves, look out for each other, and let’s make the rest of the term just as great as the start.

Until next time,

Chappy Krystal

Star Students - Week 5, Term 3, 2025