Term 4 Week 2 Newsletter 15 October 2025
From our Principal
It was wonderful to see the students return to school happy to see their friends and ready to learn. We look forward to a busy term with plenty of educational experiences.
This week our 5 and 6 students are away on Brisbane Camp. Keep on eye on our Facebook page to keep up to date with their adventures.
Have a wonderful week.
Fiona
Attendance
At Thangool we are passionate about building lifelong learners who have the best chance of success. In order to do this good student attendance is essential.
Why does school attendance matter?
Regular school attendance gives students a better chance at life. Students achieve better when they go to school all day, every school day because:
- They have increased access to learning opportunities
- They maintain friendships
- They stay connected to the curriculum progression
- They develop self-efficacy as a learner
- They have better long-term life outcomes.
Our attendance rate to date is 90.6% below our target of 94%. Children should be at school every day they are well. If your child is having difficulty attending, please discuss their needs with your child’s teacher. I am also always happy to assist, so please let us know if you need support.
Planning for 2026
In term 4, we will be busy planning resources and staffing for the 2026 school year. We would appreciate you keep in contact with the administration team about your child’s enrolment (if changing) for 2026.
If you know anyone who is wishing to enrol or thinking about enrolling and would like a tour please encourage them to contact our school as soon as possible.
This information ensures our planning and resourcing of staff is as accurate as possible for 2026.
To support our students with our transition program within our school, we will be releasing our classroom teachers for 2026 (subject to change as dependant on day 8 numbers) in week 5.
Capable Learner
The start of a new term is always a great time to revisit our expectations ensuring clarity and consistency.
Our Thangool Capable Learner relates to the classroom and in the playground. By consistently emphasising our school rules, dispositions, values and holding high expectations, we ensure that all students are kept safe and are able to learn to the best of their ability. Our capable learner framework is built on key foundations and surrounded by ensuring we are inclusive, focus on wellbeing and provide feedback using our language of good, better, how. Please consider discussing our capable learner framework with your child/ren at home.
Technology
In week 3 we have Damien Kees here for the day working with a variety of students. Thank you to our P&C for supporting us to get visiting specialists in to work with our students.
Playground
After some hiccups with the construction of the playground we are back on track and it is scheduled to be finished by week 6 so time for students to get to play and experience it.
HOC News
Curriculum
This term, our English focus is on narrative texts. Using the Australian Curriculum Version 9, the students will understand that the purpose of narratives is to entertain us and to feel emotions. They will be engaging with a range of texts to understand and create imaginative stories using characters, settings, and events. The students will be learning to plan, draft, and edit narratives with clear structure, language features, and visual elements. They will be expressing their ideas, sequencing events logically, and engaging audiences through vocabulary, dialogue, and cohesive storytelling.
Reading
Thank you for your continued support of our school reading program. Your encouragement at home makes a real difference in your child’s learning journey. By reading together, discussing stories, and fostering a love of books, you help build confidence, comprehension, and curiosity. We truly appreciate your partnership in nurturing lifelong readers and learners.
Transitions
Throughout this term, students will begin transitions to their 2026 learning environments. Our transition program at Thangool involves making connections to our Kindy families, practising and familiarising ourselves with our new teachers (where possible) as well as visits for our Year 6 students to the local High Schools.
TIPS FOR PARENTS
- Keep a positive attitude and model excitement
- Watch for signs of anxiety or stress
- Talk about their new routines
- Listen to your child and ask open ended questions
- Encourage peer relationships that are kind, supportive and loyal
- Encourage your child to participate in new activities
- Show support and seek advice if needed
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Brisbane Trip - As you read this newsletter, our year 5 and 6 students returning from their Brisbane camp. The camp offers numerous benefits for students. Firstly, it is an opportunity to learn beyond the traditional classroom setting, encapsulating almost 7 years of learning. It broadens their experiences and perspectives as they gain exposure to diverse cultures, urban environments, and new learning opportunities. It is an opportunity to build independence, confidence, social skills, and appreciation for different lifestyles and community connections.
Dr Damien Kee – Next week Dr Damien Kee will be visiting to work with some students to use and create with different technologies including coding tinkercad circuits, coding/microbits and Lego robotics. The workshops will foster problem solving skills, encourage teamwork, cooperation and build digital literacy knowledge.
Mud Pit - Playing in the mud pit is a joyful and memorable experience, especially for our students as it offers a range of physical, sensory, and developmental benefits. Regardless of age, the mud pit also provides sensory stimulation, allowing children to explore different textures, temperatures, and sensations, which can contribute to their cognitive and sensory development. It is a great outdoor activity that encourages kids to disconnect from screens and connect with nature. Aside from the educational and physical benefits, playing in a mud pit is simply pure fun. It fosters a sense of freedom, encourages laughter, and creates cherished childhood memories.
Day for Daniel
Day for Daniel is Australia’s largest child safety education and awareness day. Its aim is to educate children and young people about how to stay safe in physical and online environments and to support young victims of crime. This year it will be held on Friday, 31st October and honours the memory of Daniel Morcombe who was last seen in 2003 waiting for a bus on his way to buy Christmas presents for his family.
This day provides us with us all (parents carers and educators) with an opportunity to start a conversation with children and young people about personal safety. If you require information or support to begin a conversation, resources are available on the Daniel Morcombe website. https://danielmorcombe.com.au/keeping-kids-safe-resources/
During that week, teachers will be engaging in age-appropriate discussions about personal safety with their class.
Remembrance Day – Remembrance Day holds immense significance as a day of commemoration and reflection. It honours the sacrifices of servicemen and women who fought and died in armed conflicts. It serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war, fostering empathy and gratitude for those who gave their lives for freedom and peace. The Preps will be hosting the service in front of the flagpoles on Tuesday, 11th November. We will begin at 10:50 and conclude at 11:05. Families are invited to join us for the commemoration.
SEL - It's Your Move -
Welcome Back to Term 4!
We’re so excited to kick off Term 4 at Thangool State School! This term we are continuing our focus on two key areas: attendance and gratitude.
- Attendance matters: Regular attendance helps students build strong routines, friendships, and confidence in their learning.
- Gratitude grows happiness: Focusing on what we’re thankful for strengthens empathy, builds positive relationships, and helps students bounce back when things don’t go to plan.
- Together they build success: When students show up, engage, and practice gratitude, they’re setting themselves up for both academic and emotional growth.
In Week 5, we’ll be holding our Attendance Game. This is a fun school-wide celebration to recognise students who show up each day. The teachers are excited to take on our students!
When Absence is Unavoidable
Sometimes children need to stay home, especially if they’re unwell. These moments can become teaching opportunities about resilience and adapting to challenges. You might explain it like this:
“Even professional athletes, who train every day, sometimes get injured or sick. They have to rest, recover, and then return stronger. What matters most is how they respond to the challenge.” By framing it this way, children learn that setbacks are normal and that bouncing back is part of growth.
Our teachers are also continuing with their VIP Seat each week, recognising students who have worked hard to attend regularly.
Brisbane Camp – Our Year 5 and 6 students are also looking forward to their exciting camp experience in Brisbane! Camps are such an important part of learning beyond the classroom as they help students build independence, strengthen friendships, develop teamwork, and gain confidence as they explore new environments and challenges. We can’t wait to share all about their adventures when they return!
Throughout the term, we’ll also be sharing some of the learning happening in our Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons around conflict, friendships and our brains — keep an eye out for these highlights on our school platforms!
Here’s to a fantastic Term 4 full of learning, gratitude, great attendance, and adventure!
Sport's News
Our Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday 21st November 2025, using the 25m pool. Nomination forms will be sent home at the beginning of Week 3.
Please watch our Facebook page for further updates on the Swimming Carnival.
Date Claimers
Please see our Term 4 Date Claimers *subject to change
P&C News
Please see the attached newsletter from our P&C.
Community Flyers
