2025 Newsletter Term 1 Week 10

From the Principal – Maja Bogicevic

We are all different, which is great because we are all unique. Without diversity, life would be very boring.

Catherine Pulsifer

We finish Term 1 with a strong sense of achievement and pride in all the work our students and staff have done. We spent the last week celebrating students’ academic successes, their engagement with learning and our cultural diversity. Thank you to all the parents, carers and families who joined us for Pride of Kruger Celebration, Harmony Day Assembly and Easter Bonnet Parade, and made each event even more special with your presence.

I would like to make a special mention of our Student Leaders who were formally recognised in Week 9 and then presented at Week 10 assemblies with such confidence and pride. Their attitude and effort were exceptional. We are all so proud of them.

Term 1 Report Cards were emailed this week to all parents and carers. I am delighted to inform you that we have made great improvements in our English and mathematics data this term. Our students’ results improved by 4% in English, 6% in mathematics and 2% in science.

This achievement can be contributed to the wonderful work our teachers are doing to support students’ reading skills across all learning areas. Last week, we had visitors from two primary schools in Ipswich and Regional staff who observed some of the reading practices in the classrooms. Our teachers received a lot of praise for the way in which they engaged students with reading using explicit teaching strategies. I would like to acknowledge our teachers: Jonnae Downing, Rebekah Waters and Kirsten Pitcairn, for welcoming our guests into their classrooms and showing what excellence in teaching of reading looks like.

I know that our academic successes would not have been possible without your support. Thank you for being our partners in education. I hope your children enjoy the holidays and we all return safely to Kruger on Tuesday 22 April.

Contact Email: mbogi4@eq.edu.au

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning - Elena Finlay

Term 1 Interim Reports and Parent-Teacher Interviews

Term 1 Interim Reports were emailed to families on Wednesday, providing an overview of your child’s progress so far this year.

Parent-Teacher Interviews will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday 7 May, offering a valuable opportunity to discuss your child’s learning, strengths, and areas for growth. We encourage all parents and carers to book a time with their child’s teacher to support their learning journey.

Please use the link below to secure your appointment. We look forward to seeing you!

 https://eq.sobs.com.au/pt3/parent.php?schoolid=70296

Contact Email: efinl9@eq.edu.au

On Monday afternoon of Week 10, Kruger State School came together to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students. Each class proudly recognised two students—one receiving the Academic Excellence Award, and the other receiving the SNAP Award, which honours a student who consistently demonstrated Kruger’s four school expectations throughout the term: We are Learners. We are Respectful. We are Safe. We are Honest.

This special parade was filled with exciting firsts! It was the first time our School Leaders took charge of running a parade, confidently showcasing their leadership skills. It was also the first time our Prep students attended Parade, marking an important milestone in their school journey. Both groups did an incredible job, making the event truly memorable.

At the halfway point of the ceremony, the audience enjoyed a delightful musical interlude, with Mrs Plumridge leading the singers and Mr Alcorn accompanying on percussion. Their performance added an uplifting energy to the celebration, making the occasion even more special.

The parade concluded with a powerful Haka, led by Maaola (6D). This traditional performance was a moving tribute to the success of their fellow students, symbolising the unity, strength, and might of Kruger State School.

Congratulations to all our award recipients, and a huge well done to everyone involved in making this event a success!

The day concluded with a Celebration of Learning, where parents and carers visited classrooms to see their children's work. This was followed by the Pride of Kruger BBQ. Thank you to all the parents and carers who attended, and a special thank you to the staff for their efforts in preparing and supporting at this event.

Prep Award Recipients

Year 1 Award Recipients

Year 2 Award Recipients

Year 3 Award Recipients

Year 4 Award Recipients

Year 5 Award Recipients

Year 6 Award Recipients

Deputy Principal Student Engagement - Peta Jackson

This year’s Student Leader Investiture ceremony was held on 24 March 2025, and it was a moment of pride and excitement for our entire school community. The event brought together students, parents, teachers, and staff to celebrate the achievements of our newly elected student leaders. Each of these individuals has shown exceptional qualities of leadership and a genuine passion for making a positive impact within our school.

In the upcoming terms, our leaders will focus on achieving key goals, including promoting inclusivity, organizing events and enhancing school spirit. We look forward to supporting our student leaders in their initiatives this year. Congratulations to all of our new leaders, and we look forward to seeing the great things you will accomplish!

Thank you all for your support of our students, your children, this term and I look forward to working with you in Term 2. Wishing you all a safe, restful break and all the best over Easter.

Contact Email: pmjac0@eq.edu.au

Acting Deputy Principal and Head of Special Education Services - Regina Birchley

It is hard to believe how quickly this term has passed. Whilst no two days are ever the same, we are grateful for your trust and support and look forward to working with you again next term. Thank you to parents and carers who attended our Pride of Kruger parade on Monday afternoon. It was lovely to see so many happy families enjoying classroom visits as well as the celebration BBQ afterwards.

We will hit the ground running on Tuesday 22 April. The first week of term 2 will be a very short week with three school days. On Thursday 24 April at 9:00am, Kruger State School will hold a commemorative ANZAC parade to show our respects to those who served in conflicts, wars and peace operations. It is also a time to remember those who lost their lives whilst serving. 

As always, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries or suggestions throughout the year. You are welcome to drop in, call or send an email to rbirc14@eq.edu.au.

Guidance Officer - Allen Weynberg

As we work our way through the last week of term, I began to think about the holiday coming up and how important it is for students, families and staff.  Dr Jane Genovese, a teacher from WA, has some excellent ideas about studying and the importance of holidays.  Her work has inspired the top tips I share with you here. If you miss out on regular holidays and rest you may experience burnout, be less productive and find it hard to concentrate when you need to – this is as true for students as it is for adults. 

Here are the ingredients for a nourishing break this April:

Relaxation – spend time in nature and do things that take very little effort. Detach from work and study – write down any work worries in a list and attend to them later (after the holidays), students should read books they enjoy.  

Have a sense of control – plan some holiday activities together so all the family have an input. 

Take on a challenge that isn’t school/work related – physical exercise, learning a new skill or helping out in the community.

School holidays last for just over two weeks but many busy families have different amounts of time off together.  Please take whatever time you get to have a good break.

See you next term, Allen.

Business Manager - Melissa Henderson

Thank you for taking the time to read the key messages below and keeping informed.

KEY MESSAGES FOR FAMILIES

*NEW* Student Services Office – Block 2

Reminder, for all student matters including late slips, picking up students early from school etc please proceed to the Student Services Office located at Block 2.  Follow the green painted line on the concrete from the Main Office.

The Office in the Admin Building continues to be staffed for all non-student enquiries. 

Please see below for services offered at each location.

Facilities Updates – Work over School Holidays

• Bell and PA System
  Contractors will be working over the holidays to restore the functionality of the Bell and PA system.
• Middle Amenities Project Update
  Unsurprisingly, the weather events in March, and continuing rains have caused delays in the expected completion date for the Amenities Building. Works will continue over the holidays with a view to completing the project by the 12th.
• Asbestos Removal – Monday 7 April and Tuesday 8 April

The remaining mushroom headed downpipes in the school are being replaced in the first week of the school holidays.  No school staff will be on site during the asbestos removal stage, but other contractors are permitted.

• C&K Kindy Playground Upgrade 7 April – 12 May

The Kindy is having an upgrade to their playground facilities. 
They will be accessing their site via the bottom school gates.

• Construction Works and Allowable Noise Levels
  For those families who live near the school, please be assured that Council’s noise level guidelines are being adhered to. As a quick reference for your information, allowable noise limits are permitted as follows:
  • Building and Construction works
    Monday to Saturday 6:30am to 6:30pm
    Sundays and Public Holidays – no audible noise permitted
  • Machinery Power Tools and Gardening Equipment
    Monday to Saturday 7:00am to 7:00pm
    Sundays and Public Holidays 8:00am to 7:00pm

Contact Email: admin@krugerss.eq.edu.au

Reading is Everywhere and Everyone's Business at Kruger!

At Kruger, a love for reading is shining bright! It’s inspiring to see students choosing to read before school—whether reviewing their homework, crafting their own stories, or simply enjoying a good book during break times. Reading truly is everywhere at Kruger! 

Left to Right: David (1C) reviewing homework, Antin (4B) illustrating his book, Jessica (4D).

Left to Right: Antin (4B) the completed work, Izabel (3C), Kynane (6C).

This passion for literacy was also evident in the recent Year 5 and 6 HPE unit, where students explored the importance of sun safety. Their learning extended beyond discussions and research, as they created informative and eye-catching sun safety posters, now proudly displayed at Block 7. A special mention to Jude (5B), who enthusiastically shared his insights from the unit, reinforcing the message for all students as they walk and play in the area.

Mr. Bowser and Mr. M proudly showcasing the sun safety posters from the Year 5 and 6 HPE Unit of work! ☀️🧢😎 #SunSmart #StaySafe

Jude (5B) sharing his learnings on sun safety.

With the holidays upon us, we encourage everyone to keep reading! Reading is a skill that grows with practise, and it can be found in so many aspects of daily life—from novels and magazines to recipes, signs, and even conversations. Encourage your child to dive into new adventures through books, revisit old favourites, and share their reading experiences with family and friends.

A fantastic way to maintain the reading habit over the break is to visit the local library, swap books with friends, or explore audiobooks. Reading together as a family can also be a fun and engaging way to foster a lifelong love of stories.

We can't wait to hear about all the wonderful books our students have discovered when we return! Happy reading! 📚✨

Teaching and Learning

Prep

Prep D Term 1 Wrap-Up: Celebrating Growth and Collaboration!

As we wrap up an exciting and productive term, we want to take a moment to celebrate the incredible progress of our Preps. It's been a joy watching them grow, not just academically, but also in confidence and enthusiasm. Their curiosity and determination are truly inspiring!

The past couple of weeks, our Preps have had the wonderful opportunity to work collaboratively with the Grade 3 students. The bond between the two groups was evident as they engaged in a variety of activities, from craft for Harmony Day, PLD lessons and making Easter Bonnets. The older students acted as mentors, guiding and supporting the Preps. It was a fantastic example of teamwork, kindness, and shared learning, which perfectly reflects our school's values of community and collaboration.

We couldn't be prouder of how our Preps have embraced their learning this term, and we're looking forward to even more learning and collaboration next term!

Ms Diak, Mrs A and Mrs Brown

Year 1

These are some of Kruger’s fabulous 1C students, they worked together to tell stories for part of our literacy lessons.

Year 2

Year 3

We have had a fantastic term in Year 3! Our students have worked hard, and we are proud to share some exciting updates.

Our spelling tests are complete, and the results have been amazing! Well done to all the students for their dedication and effort. In addition, our assessments across all learning areas have shown significant improvement compared to last year’s data. This is a wonderful achievement, and we appreciate the support from home in reinforcing learning.

Week 10 will be our busiest and most exciting week yet! We will be celebrating Harmony Week and Easter together. The children will have the opportunity to create their own Easter bunnies and decorate Easter eggs—activities that promise to be both fun and creative!

As we approach the school holidays, we encourage everyone to enjoy their break and stay safe. Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to another great term ahead!

From Year 3 Teachers

Year 4

Rules and Laws. What is the difference? 

Students have continued to develop their understanding of what it means to be a citizen. They have explored the concept of how rules can be made by any person or group in the community, based on a set of expectations (like in our classrooms), but laws can only be made through the parliamentary process. Students have shown their understanding that laws, like speed limits, are created to protect the public from harm. They also know that different people can have distinct perspectives about the same law. Despite this, they must all follow the law in the same way to avoid consequences enforced by the police and courts. 

As we close the term, the learning continues. Year 4 students have been developing their understanding of data collection and its purpose. Students learned key terms such as survey, data display and data category. Through using think-pair-share, students were able to conclude how effective it was to use tally marks and g pictographs to represent the same data and why one method may be more effective than the other. We made links between position and direction, and drawing column graphs when using the x-axis and the y-axis to display the data collected. Students also learned how data analysis can have real world applications like the census being used to improve housing infrastructure.

Year 5

As part of our Harmony Week celebrations, 5A created a siapo (or tapa) - one of the oldest Samoan cultural art forms.

Translation of the words on the siapo: “We are from different parts of the forest but connected in one cause”

We learnt about the Māori Creation Story of Ranginui and Papatūānuku, and painted a display across our classroom windows.

And we coloured a collaborative picture of The Rainbow Serpent - a powerful spirit and force of nature in Aboriginal Australian culture.

Jodie To'o

Kia ora Kruger,

In 5C, we have been learning about Aotearoa (New Zealand) as part of Harmony Week. We designed a Marae and explored its significance and rules. We can now introduce ourselves in Te Reo Māori using our Pepeha and confidently engage in conversations, asking and responding to questions like “What is your name?” and “How are you?”.

We also learned about pounamu, discovering that each shape and design carries a unique meaning. After selecting a pounamu that best represents us, we reflected on the reasons behind why we chose that pounamu.

We have all really enjoyed learning about Aotearoa and its language. From 5C to you all… “Haere rā!” (Goodbye)

Mafi Taufa

Year 6

6A and 6B decorated Easter hats to support the junior students on their big day. Here some proud 6B students showing off their handiwork.

Hola, buenos días.

For the last two weeks, students from 6A and 6B have been learning about Chile for Harmony Week. Chile is a country in South America where people speak Spanish. As part of our learning, we had a special guest speaker—Karina, a parent of a former Kruger student. Karina shared about the country where she was born, painting a vivid picture of Chile. Students engaged wonderfully and were able to try on clothes from the culture.

Student Snapshots

Celebrating Our Teachers

My name is Imogen Frangou and I teach Visual and Media Arts at Kruger State School. I love working with kids and watching them delight in the joy of making art, whilst pushing them to think outside the box. I aim to create a space where kids feel comfortable making mistakes and learn to view them as opportunities, to help them build resilience, emotional intelligence, problem solving skills and self-esteem. Art has the power to change the world, and every day I witness how much it means to the children of our school. 

As a practising artist myself I try to draw every day without judgement. I love being a part of the Kruger Family. ❤️😁

Kia ora, Mālō e lelei,

Kō Mafi Taufa toku ingoa. I am a proud kiwi from Auckland, Aotearoa (New Zealand). As Māori and Tongan I deeply value my culture, beliefs and traditions. You will find me teaching grade 5 in 5C... cheehoooo!!! I’m passionate about building strong relationships, fostering a safe and enjoyable learning environment and ensuring every student feels a sense of belonging to help them become lifelong learners. In my free time, I love hitting the gym, spending time with family and friends and cheering on the NZ Warriors. Up the Wahs!

Hi there! My name is Alexandra Duro, and I am one of the Year 3 teachers at Kruger. I love reading and I believe books have the potential to transport us to different worlds, spark creativity, and help us learn new things. I hope to inspire students to discover the joy of reading, whether it's diving into an exciting topic, learning about different cultures, or simply escaping into a good story. I hope to support every child in making reading a fun part of their daily life. 

I'm thrilled to be part of the Kruger community this year and look forward to working alongside students and families in 2025.

Hi! My name is Nick Versic and I’m excited to be a part of the Kruger SS community as a Speech Pathologist this year. Through this role, I will work with students with communication and reading difficulties, as well as their teachers, to support success in the classroom and beyond! I am passionate about working to creating an inclusive environment in which every student can grow in their skills and confidence.

Meet Kylie Scott: A Glimpse into Who I Am

Hello everyone! My name is Ms. Scott, and I’m delighted to share a bit about myself in this week’s school newsletter.

I am passionate about teaching reading and inspiring future scientists. You’ll often find me gardening or spending time with my family on our farm.

One of my favourite things about school is getting to know students and seeing them succeed. It excites me because every child has so much potential.

When I’m not at school, I enjoy creating mosaics for my garden.

One unique aspect of my background is that I was once an architectural draftsperson.

Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit about me—I hope you enjoyed reading!

Staff Across the School

What's coming up at Kruger!

The Community Hub - Kym Alexander

This week, our only formal activity will be the Wednesday Playgroup, which will be themed around ANZAC and Easter.

Due to the short week, hampers will be distributed on Thursday.

Stay tuned for more updates and enjoy the festivities!

Community Information

These April school holidays Netball Queensland are hosting six exciting clinics at Nissan Arena across three days — 7, 8, 9 April — running from 9.00am to 3.00pm each day. These include three Woolworths NetSetGo Clinics for ages 5–10 and three Jump to Juniors Clinics for ages 9–12. Designed to be fun, social, and active, these clinics provide a safe environment where kids can develop their skills and confidence in netball.

Plus, they have some special guests! A few Queensland Firebirds players will be making an appearance during the clinics, giving participants an incredible chance to meet their netball idols. There will be signing sessions and Q&A opportunities, making this an unforgettable experience for young netballers!

About the Clinics:

• Woolworths NetSetGo is the perfect introduction to netball for 5–10-year-olds, catering to all abilities—no prior experience required! Kids will develop fundamental skills in a fun and inclusive setting.
• Jump to Juniors is ideal for 9–12-year-olds who are ready to transition to competitive rules, however no experience is needed! Led by trained coaches, sessions include skill-based activities, minor games, and modified match play.

Clinic Info & Registration Links:

📍 Nissan Arena, 590 Mains Road, Nathan Qld 4111

Netball QLD Clinics | Woolworths NetSetGo (Ages 5-10) – April 7 | Nissan Arena, QLD 

Netball QLD Clinics | Jump to Juniors (Ages 9-12) – April 7 | Nissan Arena, QLD 

Netball QLD Clinics | Woolworths NetSetGo (Ages 5-10) – April 8 | Nissan Arena, QLD 

Netball QLD Clinics | Jump to Juniors (Ages 9-12) – April 8 | Nissan Arena, QLD 

Netball QLD Clinics | Woolworths NetSetGo (Ages 5-10) – April 9 | Nissan Arena, QLD 

Netball QLD Clinics | Jump to Juniors (Ages 9-12) – April 9 | Nissan Arena, QLD