Principal's News - 6th August

Dear Queenscliff Parents and Carers,

Welcome back to Term 3! I hope all of our students, parents and carers had a relaxing Winter holiday break and are feeling refreshed for the exciting term ahead. In Week 1, families received the Term Ahead curriculum overviews outlining key learning areas and content that will be explored in your child’s classroom throughout the term as well as a Term 3 Calendar. I encourage families to display the calendar somewhere visible at home so that you can keep up to date with school activities.

Term 3 Parent Teacher Interviews

Thank you to parents and carers who met with your child’s class teacher last week for Parent Teacher Interviews. It was wonderful to see our school buzzing with parents in classrooms engaging in deep conversations about their child’s progress, achievements and next steps with our teachers.

Division T-Ball

On Wednesday 30 July, our Year 5/6 had an exciting day at BioLab in Geelong. BioLab is a unique science and sports discovery centre that brings learning to life through hands-on experiments and real-world applications. Throughout the day, students explored how science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) connect to the world of elite sports and human performance. They participated in engaging workshops and experiments that tested reaction time, heart rate, strength, balance, and more. The experience not only deepened their understanding of biological sciences but also sparked curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.

Principal’s Day

Last Friday, Melissa Fitzgerald and I were overwhelmed with the generosity, thoughts and acts of kindness shown by our students, staff and families for Principal’s Day. We were given beautiful cards and handmade gifts from students and our staff put on a special morning tea. Our school leaders went above and beyond writing a special speech that they read aloud over the loudspeaker. Thank you to the parents and carers who wrote thoughtful emails and shared words of appreciation, support and encouragement. Thank you!

Book Week

In Week 5, our school will be celebrating Book Week. Book Week will commence on Monday 18 August and conclude on Friday 22 August. Throughout the week, students will participate in a range of exciting activities celebrating good literature and a love of reading.

We will be hosting our Book Week Parade on Monday 18 August from 9am on the hardcourt. Students, staff and parents/carers are invited to dress up as a character from a book. The Book Week Parade is always a highlight in our school calendar and brings a great deal of excitement, creativity and energy to our school.

Queenscliff Bookshop will be hosting a Book Fair in the school office on Monday 18 August, Tuesday 19 August and Wednesday 20 August from 3pm until 4pm. Students will be given an opportunity to purchase books from the fair in the afternoon following school. Queenscliff Bookshop has kindly offered to donate a percentage of profits made from the Book Fair to our school, similar to our former Scholastic Book Fairs.

Throughout Book Week, students will have opportunities to engage in author workshops and explore The Children’s Book Council of Australia shortlisted books for 2025.

Prep Butleigh Farm Excursion

This Friday 8 August, our Prep class will be venturing to Butleigh Farm to explore how produce and food is created as part of their Integrated Studies unit. Unfortunately, they will need to depart early for the excursion, so they will not be attending our school assembly.

Year 5/6 Kaboom Concert

Our Year 5/6 students were treated to an unforgettable musical experience at the Kaboom Percussion concert on Friday 1 August. This high-energy performance combined rhythm, creativity, and comedy, captivating students from start to finish.

Using everyday objects like buckets, pipes, and bins, the talented Kaboom duo showcased how music can be made anywhere with a bit of imagination. Students were up on their feet clapping, stomping, and joining in the fun, learning about the science of sound, beat, and rhythm in an engaging and interactive way.

The concert was not only entertaining but also inspiring, leaving many students buzzing with ideas and a newfound appreciation for the world of percussion!

District Athletics

Next Monday 11 August, our Year 4-6 students will travel to Landy Field to compete in Division Athletics and will have the opportunity to compete against other schools on the Bellarine. Students are to wear their QPS school uniform and runners to school on the day (not their House uniforms). We are seeking parent volunteers to assist on the day. If you are available, please email Melissa Fitzgerald at melissa.fitzgerald2@education.vic.gov.au .


Book Covering Working Bee - Parent Volunteers Needed

This Friday 8 August, we are hosting a Book Covering Working Bee in the staffroom from 9:45-11:00am following assembly. Parents and carers are invited to come along to connect with other parents, enjoy morning tea and a good chat whilst covering books.

Chess Club

Thank you to the parents and carers who registered interest in their child participating in Chess Club. Due to Chess for Schools having limited availability of staff during Term 3 to run the club after hours, we will look to explore this opportunity for Term 4. Chess for Schools will be running a free incursion on Thursday 11 September at lunchtime to gauge student interest.

Year 3/4 Camp

Our Year 3/4 students are gearing up for their exciting camp experience at Sovereign Hill from Wednesday 20 August to Friday 22 August. A Camp Webinar was provided by our staff on Wednesday 23 July and a recording of the webinar has been posted to Compass for families to review. I encourage families to take time to review this webinar as it has useful information about the camp and valuable strategies to support your child's preparation for camp.

This week students and families will receive a copy of the itinerary for the camp and an outline of items to pack. We encourage students to pack their own bags in preparation for camp, so that they know exactly where all of their belongings are located. Also, it is always helpful to have your child practise unrolling and rolling up their own sleeping bag at home in preparation for camp.


Lost Property

Recently we have had an influx of lost property with no student names or labels to our school office, including jumpers, jackets and beanies. We encourage families to take time to ensure all of their child’s clothing items are labelled with their name or initials, so that it can be returned promptly.

OSHC - TheirCare in Term 4

TheirCare will commence OSHC service at our school in Term 4 from Monday 6 October. TheirCare is hosting a Parent Information Webinar on Wednesday 27 August from 6:30-7:30pm. Please see below registration details.

TheirCare staff will be attending our school assemblies on Friday 29 August and Friday 19 September. This will be a wonderful opportunity for families and students to meet TheirCare staff and learn more about their OSHC program.

School Volunteer Training

Our school is hosting School Volunteer Training on Monday 25 August from 3:15-4:15pm. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and assisting in our Prep to Year 2 classrooms, please save the date and look out for registration details in our next newsletter edition.

Kelly Club

Kelly Club who has offered an after school sports program to our school over the past year on Wednesday afternoons will conclude at the end of Term 3. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Kelly Club staff for all of their enthusiasm, passion and expertise they have brought to creating valuable sporting experiences for our students.

Assembly

Our next assembly will be held on this Friday 8 August at 9am. Parents, carers and community members are invited to join us for this special celebration whereby we will have 3/4R, Year 1, 5/6T and Science showcasing their learning.

School Council

On Monday 4 August, our School Council met to discuss school operations and financial planning. At school council the following items were discussed:

  • Term 3 Fundraising Initiatives

  • Term 4 OSHC

  • Year 6 Graduation

  • Year 3/4 Camp

  • Chess Club

  • Footy Day

  • Year 3-6 Nippers Program

  • School Uniform

If you have correspondence or feedback you would like to provide to the School Council, parents and carers are invited to email our School Council President, Daniela Sayegh at daniela.sayegh@education.vic.gov.au .

Nyatne baa Gobata

(Thank you and take care)

Mat McRae

Principal



Class News

Celebrating Our School Leaders on Principals’ Day

Last Friday, 1st August, our school came together to celebrate Principals’ Day, a special occasion to recognise and thank our incredible school leaders, Principal Mat McRae and Assistant Principal Melissa Fitzgerald.

Mat and Melissa work tirelessly every day to make our school a safe, inclusive and inspiring place for all students, staff and families. Whether it’s leading whole-school events, supporting classrooms, or simply taking the time to check in with students in the yard, they lead with kindness, integrity and a deep passion for education.

We thank both Mat and Melissa for their outstanding leadership and the countless ways they go above and beyond for our school community. Happy Principals’ Day!

Grade 2 Vegetable Garden Problem

You have been chosen to create a new vegetable garden for the community, but they need your help to find out how many vegetables will fit. Your design must incorporate a minimum of 5 different vegetables, but you need to fit in as many different vegetables as you can. Each vegetable needs a different array. Develop a plan illustrating the layout of the garden, and keep track of your plan using the recording sheet.

Grade 2 - Multiplication in Maths

Key Concepts and Skills:

  • Students have learnt how to draw arrays as an area model using grid paper.
  • Students have learnt about doubles, skip counting and repeated addition.
  • Students have learnt about making arrays using counters; rows are horizontal, and columns are vertical.

5/6C News

This term in 5/6C we have enjoyed reading our class novel, The Last Bear by Hannah Gold. The Last Bear is about a girl, April, and her dad who go to live on Bear Island, a deserted island in the Arctic region. Upon arriving on Bear Island, April discovers that they are sharing the island with a polar bear who is hungry, lonely and a long way from home. April develops an unlikely bond with the polar bear and does everything in her power to save her new friend. Students in 5/6C completed an art activity based on The Last Bear, drawing a polar bear silhouette against a backdrop of Northern Lights. We hope you enjoy our work!

Community News

Lunch orders cafe 3225

A note from Cafe 3225 regarding lunch orders

Thank you so much for your support so far for Term 3! Lunch orders will continue every week as per usual, however as Jess and Massy are going away, any concerns/questions/ cancellations need to be directed to the shop directly on 0477452813 between 7.30am-2pm. Jess or Massy's personal numbers are not available whilst overseas and will likely miss messages. Once we’re back at the end of August contact us however you like!

Thanks again for your support, we love making these kids smile!

Our mission at Bellarine Performing Arts is to enrich the lives of young performers in a fun, safe and creative environment. Whether it’s expanding abilities or building confidence, we are here to enhance our community by providing theatre arts education, dance, musical theatre, vocal training and performance opportunities. For more information and enrolments visit our website at: www.bellarineperformingarts.com.au

QPS Newsletter WK 2 T3 - 06 Aug 2025

Class News

Celebrating Our School Leaders on Principals’ Day

Last Friday, 1st August, our school came together to celebrate Principals’ Day, a special occasion to recognise and thank our incredible school leaders, Principal Mat McRae and Assistant Principal Melissa Fitzgerald.

Mat and Melissa work tirelessly every day to make our school a safe, inclusive and inspiring place for all students, staff and families. Whether it’s leading whole-school events, supporting classrooms, or simply taking the time to check in with students in the yard, they lead with kindness, integrity and a deep passion for education.

We thank both Mat and Melissa for their outstanding leadership and the countless ways they go above and beyond for our school community. Happy Principals’ Day!

Grade 2 Vegetable Garden Problem

You have been chosen to create a new vegetable garden for the community, but they need your help to find out how many vegetables will fit. Your design must incorporate a minimum of 5 different vegetables, but you need to fit in as many different vegetables as you can. Each vegetable needs a different array. Develop a plan illustrating the layout of the garden, and keep track of your plan using the recording sheet.

Grade 2 - Multiplication in Maths

Key Concepts and Skills:

  • Students have learnt how to draw arrays as an area model using grid paper.
  • Students have learnt about doubles, skip counting and repeated addition.
  • Students have learnt about making arrays using counters; rows are horizontal, and columns are vertical.

5/6C News

This term in 5/6C we have enjoyed reading our class novel, The Last Bear by Hannah Gold. The Last Bear is about a girl, April, and her dad who go to live on Bear Island, a deserted island in the Arctic region. Upon arriving on Bear Island, April discovers that they are sharing the island with a polar bear who is hungry, lonely and a long way from home. April develops an unlikely bond with the polar bear and does everything in her power to save her new friend. Students in 5/6C completed an art activity based on The Last Bear, drawing a polar bear silhouette against a backdrop of Northern Lights. We hope you enjoy our work!

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