Nirimba State Primary School eNewsletter

Principal News

Dear Parents, carers and members of the community,

We have come to the end of another great year of learning and fun at Nirimba State Primary School. What a great year it has been as we finish the year as a school of over 600 students. Professionally and personally, I have thoroughly enjoyed this year. As we continue to grow as a school community it presents both challenges but most importantly opportunities. This year we have managed to partner more with external organisations and with other state schools in the community and I am looking forward to working with Baringa SPS and Baringa SSC to leverage amazing learning and engagement opportunities in the coming months and years.

Reviewing the preliminary whole-school academic data there are significantly more students getting an A or B in English and Mathematics this semester in comparison to last semester. The incredible improvement in results is testament to teachers tailoring the curriculum to suit their students, students working hard and trying their best. I am proud of every student’s achievement this year and congratulate students on all of their personal achievements in the classroom, on the stage and in the sporting arena. Well done!

Looking ahead to 2025 there is so much to look forward to as we continue to build upon the solid teaching, learning and student services foundations. Some of the new work we will be focusing on for next year includes:

Implementation Australian Curriculum, Version 9 - English
Whole-school reading approach aligned to researched best practice and state-wide expectations.
Implementing the Resilience Project. A social-emotional programme that focuses on teaching students gratitude, empathy and mindfulness
Enhancing our Positive Behaviour for Learning initiatives.

We will also be welcoming eleven new teaching staff as well three new inclusion teachers to the team next year and I am excited by the experience and expertise coming into our school. There have been some last-minute staffing changes which equates to an additional layer of support for students in Semester 1 initially. In addition to recent staffing announcements, Mr Perrin will be joining the Student Services team as the Engagement and Wellbeing teacher working alongside Mrs McKenna. In addition to this role, Alicia Cumming will be working one day a week as the Prep – Year 2 Reading Coach and Liam Roberts will be working one day a week as the eLearning Coach in Term 1. Mrs Cumming will share her class with Tania Chirnside and Mr Roberts will share his class with Vicki Stevenson.

Thank you to our wonderful P&C committee who have done an incredible job in supporting the school and families throughout the year. I would like to say a special and sincere thanks to Shauntay Malkind, who has been Vice-President of the P&C for approximately two years. The Malkinds are leaving the community to move south at the end of the year. Shauntay has been huge advocate for the school and has contributed positively to P&C, the school and the community. Thank you Shantay and I wish you and your family all the best of the future.

We sincerely hope students and families have enjoyed all of the ceremonies and festivities as we close off what has been a very successful year for our school. Thank you to all Nirimba SPS student and families for making our school a great place to be. From the Nirimba SPS family to yours, we wish you all the best over the holiday period and we look forward to seeing you all again in 2025.

Yours in Education,

Steven Moore

Principal

Deputy Principal News

Dear Parents and Carers,

What an amazing year it has been! I have thoroughly enjoyed celebrating our students achievements over the past few weeks. We have celebrated our Prep students finishing their first formal year of schooling along with our Year 6 students completing their final year of primary school. We have also celebrated the many academic, arts, cultural and sporting achievements of our students from Prep through to Year 6. This is such a wonderful time of year to reflect on the incredible progress our students have made since January.

Our Christmas Concert on Wednesday night was a wonderful event and all of our students shined on the stage! Thank you to our teachers and students for organising and practicing their performances – each and every act was a big hit. A huge thank you to all of our teachers, teacher aides and support staff for volunteering their time last night to make our 3^rd (and by far the biggest!) Christmas Concert a success.

We are busy planning for 2025 and are looking forward to welcoming all of our new families in January. As is tradition, we will have an open afternoon on Friday, 24^th January between 12.30pm and 2pm. You are welcome to bring your children’s book packs to their new classroom and meet their new teacher. This is a very informal open afternoon and a wonderful opportunity for our students to feel a little more familiar with their learning environment for 2025.

Finally, I would like to wish all of our families a very happy and safe holiday break. Travel safe and take care. I look forward to seeing you all either at our open afternoon, or on Tuesday, 28^th January for our first day of the 2025 school year.

Yours in Education,

Elise Maguire

Deputy Principal

Guidance Officer News

As we come to the end of another school year, it’s a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the growth and achievements of our students this year. For many families, it has been a year filled with both challenges and accomplishments. I’m so proud of the resilience, determination, and kindness that has been displayed by our school community throughout the year.

This year, I have had the privilege of working collaboratively with Mrs McKenna (Head of Department – Student Services) and Ms Lammi (Head of Inclusion) to support our students. It has been wonderful to see students take part in various programs (Rock and Water, MPower Girls, Taming Anger, Think You Know) to increase self-awareness, conflict resolution, effective communication skills, emotional regulation and online safety. Students have also been well-supported by the Inclusion Teachers and teacher aides across the school. Together we have created a positive, inclusive environment where all students feel safe and supported at Nirimba State Primary School.

As we head into the holidays, I encourage families to take time to recharge and reflect and enjoy this special time together. It’s also a perfect opportunity to set goals for the new year and come back next year with renewed energy and focus for 2025. If you need any additional assistance during the holidays, please reach out to the support services who will be able to assist.

For those students are transitioning to high school or a new school next year, I wish you all the best for your new adventure. I look forward to working with the students, staff and families at Nirimba again next year.

Wishing everyone a relaxing and safe holiday.

See you in 2025.

Take care,

Michelle

Head of Department (Student Services) News

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the achievements and growth of our Nirimba State Primary School community. Student Services has played a pivotal role in supporting our students to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.

Highlights of the Year

This year, our dedicated team worked tirelessly to foster a positive and inclusive school culture guided by our core values: Being a Learner, Being Safe and Being Respectful. Here are just a few highlights of our achievements in 2024:

Wellbeing Initiatives: We introduced a range of programs aimed at promoting mental health and resilience. From mindfulness activities to wellbeing check-ins, students were encouraged to build skills that supported their emotional balance. Looking ahead to 2025, we are thrilled to announce the inclusion of The Resilience Project, a program focused on developing Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness. This exciting addition will further enhance our efforts to support student wellbeing.
Social Skills Programs: Our tailored programs supported students in building communication, teamwork and leadership skills. Highlights included MPower Girls, an empowering program designed to strengthen confidence and self-awareness among girls and Rock & Water, which combined physical activities with emotional resilience training to promote self-regulation and respectful relationships. These initiatives have significantly enriched our students' social-emotional learning.
End-of-Year Awards Ceremonies: We celebrated the hard work and dedication of our students in both junior and senior cohorts through our annual awards ceremonies. These events highlighted achievements across a wide range of areas, including academic excellence, leadership and demonstrating our school values. A special thank you to our awards sponsors for their incredible support: Kendall Morton LNP MP, MF Martial Arts, the P&C Association, Mortgage Choice Currimundi, Dance Energy, NRL QLD, RSL Caloundra and our major sponsor, PCYC. Your generosity helped make these ceremonies a memorable and meaningful celebration of student success.
School-Wide Positive Behaviours Support (SWPBS): This initiative reinforced our school values through clear expectations and positive reinforcement, contributing to a safe and respectful learning environment for all.

A Thank You to Our Community

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our staff, students and families for their unwavering commitment to making Nirimba a safe and inspiring place to learn and grow. Your partnership has been invaluable in supporting the whole child and we are very proud of what we’ve achieved together.

Looking Ahead

As we prepare for the new year, Student Services will continue to focus on enhancing wellbeing, fostering inclusivity, enhancing PBL practices and empowering every student to succeed. With the introduction of The Resilience Project, 2025 promises to be an exciting year of learning and growth.

Wishing you all a joyful and restful holiday season. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year, ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities.

Warm regards,
Kylie McKenna
HOD (Student Services)

Head of Department (Curriculum) News

As we come to the end of a fantastic year of learning, it’s worth celebrating the incredible progress our students have made. This year, many students have demonstrated improved academic results and a deeper understanding of key concepts, particularly in the updated V9 Mathematics curriculum. Their commitment to learning has been truly inspiring.

Preparing for V9 English

Our dedicated staff are already hard at work planning for the implementation of the V9 English curriculum in 2025. This updated curriculum places a stronger emphasis on decoding, Systematic Synthetic Phonics and enhancing students' speaking and listening skills. We are excited to see how these changes will further support our students’ literacy development in the years to come.

Exciting Opportunities Ahead in 2025

Looking forward, we have an array of exciting clubs and curriculum connections planned for 2025, designed to enrich our students’ learning experiences:

The Resilience Project: Our health curriculum will be linked to this program, focusing on gratitude, empathy and mindfulness. We will be sharing information with our families at the start of 2025 on how you can also support students in this space.
Lunchtime Clubs with a Digital Twist: We’ll be incorporating ESports and Gaming into our lunchtime clubs, promoting positive online behaviours, teamwork and problem-solving skills. We are also engaging with the FUSE Cup, with 4 students selected each term to represent our school with the chance of competing at the National Titles on the Gold Coast for their selected games!
Coding and Robotics: Students will have opportunities to participate in competitions and extension activities, further developing their digital and critical thinking skills.
High School Experience Days: Dedicated experience days at Baringa State Secondary College will allow our students to explore offerings in Technology, The Arts, Science and Sports. This new initiative as part of The Aura Alliance will help them prepare for future educational opportunities and pathways.

These initiatives reflect our commitment to providing diverse and engaging opportunities that nurture our students’ talents and interests, both inside and outside the classroom.

Be on the lookout for student reports that will be sent from 2pm today. Reports are being delivered by email and through QParents for 2024. From 2025 onwards, all student academic reports will be delivered through QParents.

Thank you for your ongoing support throughout the year. Together, we have achieved so much and I look forward to seeing what 2025 brings for our wonderful school community.

Warm regards,
Corey Kolanowski

Sports Desk

School Swimming:

School swimming has come and gone for 2024. A big thank you to all Nirimba students and families for ensuring all the students were given the chance to develop and extend their swimming skills and abilities. It was so pleasing and rewarding to see the students grow in confidence and continue to develop and refine their stroke techniques over their swimming block.

Not only did the students do a wonderful job in the water but they also set a wonderful example for our school. WELL DONE NIRIMBA!!!

A selected group of students then participated in our school’s swimming selection trials for 2024. These students raced against each other to be named Age Champion for their age group and to also register their fastest possible times to be eligible for our swimming team to compete at the Glasshouse District Carnival in early 2025.

Beach Safe Surf Skills Program:

In Week 6, on the 4^th, 5^th, 6^th and 7th of November, students in Years 4 – 6 (as well as a small group of Year 3 students) headed to the Mooloolaba Spit to participate in Surf Lifesaving Queensland’s Beach Safe & Surf Skills Program. This was a great opportunity for our middle and upper school students to participate in some really fun beach activities, learn about the surf and how to keep themselves and others safe. The students were a credit to themselves and the school by participating in the best Nirimba way!

PE/Sport in 2025:

With 2024 coming to an end, I would just like to extend a very big THANK YOU to every Nirimba family or community member who supported our students throughout the year. Whether it was simply coming along to support the kids on carnival days, transporting students to District Carnivals as well as assisting in various other ways, it was very much appreciated.

As our school continues to rapidly grow, there will be many more sporting opportunities for our students to participate in and I am already looking forward to making some of those available to the kids in 2025. With the rapid growth of the school, Mrs Williams will also be joining the HPE team two days a week in 2025 which I’m sure will be a valuable asset to our school. With Mrs Williams jumping aboard, we sadly say goodbye to Mr Boon who worked with us on a Tuesday this year. Mr Boon will be working 5 days a week at his base school next year and will be missed. Thanks for everything, Mr Boon!

I’d just like to take this final opportunity to wish all our departing Year 6 students the very best with their new adventures in High School and wish all Nirimba families a very happy holidays and I look forward to seeing you all again in 2025!

Thanks, Mr C

Arts Club

This term has been an incredible journey of creativity and expression, filled with vibrant art creations. Our talented students explored the world of drawing, painting, and character design, experimenting with mediums like watercolour, acrylic paint, oil pastels and more.

Their dedication and imagination have brought their artworks to life in truly inspiring ways. We can't wait to see the amazing pieces that 2025 will bring! Here's to another year of creativity and artistic growth!

Japanese

みなさん、こんにちは。

Wow, what a term in the world of にほんご. Selected students from Year 4, 5 and 6 were invited to the inaugural Japanese cultural afternoon at Baringa SHS. Our students participated in learning a traditional Japanese おどり that they presented to their families at the end of the event. They also made (and ate!) sushi together.

Our Year 5 students learned about たいいくのひ in Japan and the team spirit that is a huge part of these days, making はちまき to symbolise this.

Our Year 6 students finished their にほんご lessons at Nirimba by learning about and making キャラべん, using tools from Japan to make these very かわいい.

We wish all Nirimba families あけましておめでとうございます。See you in the year of the へび。

Words from this newsletter：

みなさん (minasan) Everyone

こんにちは (konnichiwa) Hello

おどり　（odori) Dance

たいいくのひ (taiiku no hi) Sports Day

はちまき　(hachimaki) Headband

にほんご　(nihongo) Japanese

キャラべん (kyaraben) Character Obento/lunchbox

かわいい (kawaii) Cute

あけましておめでとうございます (akemashite omedetou gozaimasu) Happy New Year!

へび Snake

By Kellie Ogawa and Deanna Hatcher

Text to be added.

Prep

As we approach the end of Term 4, we reflect on a fantastic term filled with exciting learning experiences and special events. The students have not only grown in size but have developed as engaged learners. We are so proud of them!

This term, the students participated in a week of swimming lessons with the skilled instructors from John Wallace Swim School at Baringa Pool. They practiced water safety, built confidence in the water, and had lots of fun developing their swimming skills. The joy on their faces as they splashed, floated and swam was a highlight of the term!

Our budding digital artists explored their creative side through Media Arts. Using Keynote, the students designed futuristic art pieces. After creating their masterpieces, they engaged in discussions to compare their work with their peers, fostering collaboration and critical thinking. The creativity and imagination on display were truly inspiring!

In English, the students delved into the art of letter writing. They wrote letters to known characters, practicing how to ask interesting questions and make thoughtful suggestions. This activity helped them improve their writing skills while sparking their imagination and connection with familiar stories.

It has been an incredible term of learning, growth and achievement. Thank you for your continued support throughout the year. We are so proud of everything the Prep students have accomplished and look forward to finishing the year strong.

Year 1

This term in Visual Arts, Year 1 students embarked on a creative journey to explore the representation of emotions in portraiture. Using their portrait drawing skills, students focused on capturing different emotions through facial expressions. They then paired these emotions with colours from our Zones of Regulation, creating vibrant, expressive artworks.

In addition to facial expressions and colour choices, some classes also incorporated lines and patterns that reflected the emotions they chose. This allowed students to deepen their understanding of how art can communicate feelings in unique ways.

Well done, Year 1, for your fantastic efforts and creativity in bringing emotion to life through your portraits! Keep up the great work!

This term, our Year 2 classes took on an exciting STEAM challenge: designing and creating a lunchbox capable of carrying a sandwich and an orange over a 5-metre distance! As budding engineers, they explored the purposes and properties of different materials, selecting those that would best suit the task. They carefully considered factors like strength, durability, and water resistance, even conducting experiments to test how well materials could keep their lunch safe and dry. After lots of creative thinking, problem-solving and hands-on testing, our young designers showcased some truly innovative solutions. What an incredible effort, Year 2!

Year 3

As we draw the curtain on another incredible year, we are filled with pride and gratitude for the journey Year 3 has undertaken. With boundless enthusiasm and curiosity, our students embraced diverse learning opportunities, demonstrating their growing independence, creativity and love for learning.

Exploring Stories and Poetry

This year, our English lessons were a celebration of imagination and expression. In Term 3, students delved into captivating stories from different cultures, unravelling their unique structures, vivid language and visual elements. Their creativity took centre stage as they brought these tales to life through their own multimodal narratives. In Term 4, we shifted focus to Australian poetry, where students analysed poetic techniques and reimagined their own versions. Watching them perform with confidence and flair was truly a highlight.

Mathematical Milestones

Mathematics became an exciting adventure as students tackled challenges with determination. During Term 3, they explored practical problems using multiplication, division and fractions, while developing measurement and classification skills. Term 4 encouraged them to apply strategies to larger numbers, investigate patterns and experiment with chance. Through collaborative, hands-on activities, they not only honed their skills but also strengthened their teamwork and problem-solving abilities.

Science Sparks Curiosity

In Science, curiosity came alive as students explored heat energy. In Term 3, they conducted experiments to understand heat transfer, making detailed observations and sharing their findings. In Term 4, the focus shifted to changes of state and the everyday impact of heat on materials. Incorporating First Nations’ knowledge deepened their understanding of Science in real-world contexts. Their questions, predictions and investigations reflected the minds of young scientists in action.

Discovering Places and Rules

Through the inquiry, “How and why are places similar and different?”, students in HASS explored the connections between people and local spaces. They examined how rules shape communities, participated in thoughtful discussions and suggested creative solutions for democratic issues. Their insights and engagement were inspiring to witness.

Digital and Media Creations

This year’s Technology lessons brought innovation and collaboration to the forefront. Students designed interactive guessing games using coding skills, while Media Arts saw them crafting persuasive video advertisements to protect imaginative places. Their ability to weave technical expertise with creative storytelling was impressive and heartening.

Acknowledgements and Farewell

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Mrs Vicki Stevenson for joining our Year 3 teaching team in Term 4. Her kindness and dedication enriched our classroom, leaving a lasting impression.

To our amazing Year 3 students: your enthusiasm, resilience and growth have been inspiring. As you move forward, may your curiosity and determination continue to lead you to new discoveries. We’re so proud of you all and wish you every success in the year ahead!

Here’s to more adventures in learning!

As we wrap up another fantastic year in Year 4, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible determination and achievements of our students. This term has been packed with learning, creativity and unforgettable memories and we couldn’t be prouder of how hard everyone has worked.

This term, our budding scientists enjoyed exploring the fascinating world of states of matter through hands-on experiments. From observing water freeze into ice and chocolate melt, learning has never been so tasty. It was wonderful to see students so engaged and excited about learning.

Our trip to Mooloolaba Beach was another highlight of the term. Students had the chance to develop their surf skills, learning the importance of safety, balance and perseverance while enjoying the stunning natural environment. The smiles and laughter shared on the beach made these sessions truly unforgettable.

In English and Media Arts, students enjoyed showcasing their creativity by designing advertisements. They explored persuasive language, visual storytelling and digital media to craft compelling campaigns. The results were both impressive and imaginative, highlighting their developing confidence in communication skills.

To mark the conclusion of a successful year, students participated in a range of enjoyable activities and events that provided opportunities to relax and reflect on their achievements. Highlights included the lively Christmas concert dances, where their energy and creativity shone and the much-anticipated Rewards Day featuring exciting water slides. Their hard work and dedication throughout the year were truly deserving of such memorable celebrations.

As we look ahead to the holidays, we encourage everyone to take time to rest, recharge and enjoy quality moments with loved ones. The Year 4 team wishes all our families a joyful and safe holiday season. We look forward to welcoming you back in the new year, ready for the exciting adventures that 2025 will bring!

Happy holidays and thank you for being part of such a wonderful school community.

Year 5

5A

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the incredible journey of 5A this year. It has been an absolute privilege to teach such a vibrant, resilient and hardworking group of students.

Although I was unable to attend due to the birth of our daughter Skyla, one of the highlights for 5A this year was the school camp. The feedback I received was overwhelmingly positive. Students demonstrated teamwork, bravery and a willingness to step outside their comfort zones. Whether it was navigating group activities, supporting each other during challenges, or simply sharing laughs around the campfire, 5A made lasting memories and grew stronger as a group.

This year, I have been incredibly proud to watch 5A flourish, not just academically but also socially. It has been wonderful to see how far they have come as individuals and as a class. From navigating changes in friendship dynamics to showing leadership in various settings, 5A has embraced the learning process of life. I am particularly proud of our many school leaders, including our next school captain, which comes as no surprise given the strong examples of leadership I have witnessed both in and out of the classroom.

Academically, students have excelled in tackling challenges, whether it was percentages and fractions in Mathematics, exploring electrical energy and circuits in science, or crafting thoughtful and creative writing pieces. Each student has given their individual best effort, and the results have been truly amazing to see.

Thank you, 5A, for an unforgettable year. You have made me so proud, and I wish you all the very best for the future.

Warm regards,
Mr. Spencer

4/5A

Wow! It has been an absolute delight to be part of the learning journey for these very special humans and there will be teacher tears on Friday.

Throughout the year, students have been challenged to take risks, use mistakes to better their learning and believe that, with persistence and effort they CAN do it. I have not been disappointed. Students have taken on new challenges head-on, from maths to sports to social relationships and grown as a result.

This term has been very special for classmates who attended Year 5 Camp at Mothar Mountain. Watching students as they faced their fears with different activities and succeed. It was also amazing to see them enjoying each other’s company and working as a team.

Term 4 also saw 4/5A students take on the role of online game designer in Digital Technology, film and novel critic in English and ‘eco warriors’ or business consultants in HASS. They have worked hard this year and should be proud of their achievements.

Thank you for the privilege of teaching your children in 2024, they brightened my every day.

Year 6

In Year 6 Media Arts this term, students have been diving into the exciting world of music videos! They’ve explored the purpose of music videos, learning how these creative pieces of art serve to entertain, promote songs, tell stories and connect with audiences. By working collaboratively, students have had the opportunity to create their own music videos, applying what they've learned about visual storytelling and production techniques.

Students have been busy analysing how music video techniques—such as camera angles, lighting, editing and choreography and how these are used to shape meaning and influence how we interpret the music. They’ve also developed an understanding of how points of view, ideas and stories are portrayed, exploring how different elements combine to create a unique message for viewers.

This hands-on project has given Year 6 students the chance to apply their creativity, problem-solving skills and teamwork as they create their own music videos—helping them develop a deeper understanding of both the art and technique behind this influential form of media!

As Term 4 comes to a close next week, our primary students are reflecting on the many enriching experiences they’ve enjoyed, building their skills, confidence, and friendships in preparation for their next steps. This term, we proudly highlight two impactful programs: Rock and Water for boys and MPower for girls.

The Rock and Water program has helped our boys develop self-awareness, confidence and social skills through physical activities and thoughtful discussions. This foundation supports them in managing emotions, making thoughtful decisions and forming positive connections. MPower similarly provided our girls with tools to better handle relationships and navigate school’s social challenges with confidence and resilience, fostering empathy, communication, and strength.

This term also included swimming lessons, enhancing water safety and fitness—vital for Queensland life and Surf Skills sessions at Mooloolaba, where students learned ocean safety amidst sunny days in our community. The Boulder Creek camp added adventure, teamwork and unforgettable memories to the year that was 2024.

As the school year wraps up, our Year 6 students have participated in or are preparing for important milestones: graduation, rewards day, the last primary school lessons, final assessments and time with friends. These are cherished moments of reflection and celebration.

To our Year 6 families, we send our warmest wishes for a joyful holiday season and a smooth transition to high school. Thank you for being part of our community and for supporting your children’s growth.

Nirimba State Primary School Newsletter Final Issue 2024