Kruger State School eNewsletter

From the Principal – Maja Bogicevic

‘Education breeds confidence. Confidence breeds hope. Hope breeds peace.’

Confucius

The power of education to change a person’s life for the better cannot be overstated. At Kruger State School, we work proudly every day to ensure our students understand why learning is important, and what a huge positive difference it can make to their lives as adults. Our students’ response to this is wonderful – they are trying their hardest in all learning areas, participating in extra-curricular activities and volunteering to help others learn.

With such great engagement with learning, good results are sure to follow. I am so proud to inform you that our students achieved improved academic results across English, mathematics and science (focus areas identified in the Annual Implementation Plan) at the end of Term 1 compared to previous years. I hope that you can see these improvements in your student’s report card.

At this week’s assembly, I challenged the students to think about their achievement results at end of Term 1 and to talk to their teachers about how they could get even better results at the end of Semester 1. I encourage you as parents and carers to check your child’s report card with them and ask them why they got certain results and how that makes them feel. You could even set some goals with them for the next reporting period.

You will have a wonderful opportunity to meet with your child’s teachers at next week’s Parent-Teacher Interviews to discuss their effort, behaviour and learning engagement. This is also a time to plan out a couple of strategies that you can work on together to better support your child to experience success at school.

This term, we have invested in Head of Department – Student Engagement positions and their work is already making a positive difference to students and staff. Mr Jalloh and Ms Holt have embraced this work with such gusto and are working hard on identifying ways we can support our students even better.

In addition, further significant investments in human resources are evident in the support offered to Students with Disabilities at Kruger State School. We now have two inclusion teachers who work closely with Head of Special Education to support identified students and ensure they can access Australian Curriculum and demonstrate their learning regardless of the obstacles.

Your child’s learning is our priority. Thank you for being our partners in education.

Contact Email: mbogi4@eq.edu.au

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning - Elena Finlay

Welcome Back to Term 2!

Welcome back to Term 2! Even though we’ve had a few short weeks to start the term, students have quickly settled back into school life and are already well engaged in their learning.

The Curriculum Overviews will be sent home via email, please take the time to read and find out what each year level will be exploring this term.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher or specialist teacher.

Parent Teacher Interviews

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.

A sausage sizzle will be available during the interviews, so families are welcome to enjoy something to eat while they’re on site.

We look forward to seeing you.

Please use the link below to secure your interview time.

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

Contact Email: efinl9@eq.edu.au

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

Our school’s ANZAC commemorative service was a shining example of the strength of our school community and our shared commitment to honouring those who served. The service was a beautiful reflection of respect and remembrance. We would like to thank all parents and carers who attended this important event, honouring the men and women who have served this country, many of whom who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

We are very proud of our school captains and cultural captains who modelled excellent leadership skills. The choir, led by Mrs Plumridge and Mr Alcorn, sang beautifully and a special mention must also go to Mr Moran and his wonderful keyboard skills.

This term in Inclusion, we welcome Ms Sarah Hart as Inclusion teacher, who will join Mr Richard Chadwick to provide supports to our students with diverse needs. Mr Chadwick and Ms Hart will also take up case managing some of our students. If your child has a paediatric appointment pending, please advise the school so we can provide supporting documentation in a timely manner.

Contact Email: rbirc14@eq.edu.au.

Dear Kruger Families and Caregivers, Maroomba bigi!

I am delighted to introduce myself as one of the new Head of Department for Student Engagement at Kruger State School. With extensive experience in student engagement, Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL), and behaviour management across Prep to Year 6, I am excited to bring my expertise to our school community.

Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to fostering environments where students can thrive academically and socially. My passion lies in implementing consistent systems and processes that empower teachers to confidently step into their classrooms to teach; ensuring that every student has the opportunity to demonstrate their best learning. By creating consistent, structured and supportive learning environments, we can enhance student engagement and achievement.

I am particularly enthusiastic about collaborating with my colleague Miss Holt and you, parents and caregivers to further improve student engagement at Kruger State School. I believe that strong partnerships between home and school are essential for student success, and I look forward to working together to support our students' growth and development.

Thank you for welcoming me into the Kruger State School community. I am eager to contribute to our shared goal of providing the best possible educational experience for all students.

Warm regards,

Mr Ahmed Jalloh

Head of Department for Student Engagement

Kruger State School

Contact Email: asjal0@eq.edu.au.

Head of Department Student Engagement - Mathilda Holt

Hi everyone!

My name is Miss Holt, and I’m excited to be stepping into the role of one of the Heads of Department – Student Engagement at Kruger State School. I’ve been part of the Kruger community for almost seven years and have taught across Years 3 to 6 during that time.

In this new role, I’m looking forward to working in new and meaningful ways with students, staff, and families to support student wellbeing and engagement. I’m passionate about building strong relationships and creating a school environment where every student feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.

Together with my fellow Head of Department, I’m committed to supporting positive behaviour and helping all students reach their full potential. We’re excited to continue working alongside our dedicated staff and our wonderful Kruger families to make a positive impact every day.

I look forward to connecting with you throughout the year!

Contact Email: mxhol8@eq.edu.au.

Guidance Officer - Allen Weynberg

Kym at the Community Hub would like to welcome any parents to find out how to help their children with homework. Many parents and carers speak different languages, went to school a while ago or just need that extra support so that they, in turn, can help the children learn. Learning together with the support of others in the Kruger Community Hub will ensure students get the best possible help. Please see the flyer below for details.

Business Manager - Melissa Henderson

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

KEY MESSAGES FOR FAMILIES

Reminder Student Services Office is located at 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

Fire Ants
Fire ant nests were discovered on school grounds over the holidays. They have been treated and reported.
Bell and PA System
With the exception of Modular 6 (4C & 4D), functionality of the Bell and PA system has been restored. The overhead cabling connecting Mod 6 was removed to allow vehicle access to the Amenities block. It will be reconnected when the Amenities block project is completed.
Middle Amenities Project Update
The new Amenities block is starting to take shape and the laser cut crocodile on the screening is capturing the attention of staff and students alike. While the weather has improved, further inclement weather has pushed the practical completion date back again. The new practical completion date is 16 May 2025.
NEW Tuckshop Refurbishment Project
As the amenities project nears completion, Kruger SS is moving ahead with a new project - the Tuckshop Refurbishment project. Planning has commenced and will continue over the coming weeks.

Flexi Space - Jenni Atkinson

In FlexiSpace, we have started the term off really strong focusing on our reading and writing. The class is a great mix of year 4, 5 and 6 students that look forward to sharing their writing with each other. Many of our brain breaks are spent reading, as we enjoy exploring a variety of topics through books.

We are still focusing on using a Growth Mindset and love our classmate that helps us remember to use the word "YET" - when we come across something challenging or new we say - " I can't do that yet but will give it a go".

FlexiSpace Students

Guidance Officer Week

It’s Guidance Officer Week and we’re celebrating the invaluable contribution of our guidance officer Allen Weynberg.

Allen provides our students with educational, career, mental health and wellbeing support.

If you think your child could benefit from advice and support, please contact Allen via the school office on 3814 8333.

Visit the Education website for more information.

Teaching and Learning

Prep

Fun in Prep C and Prep D!

This term, Prep C and Prep D have been working collaboratively for some Science and Literacy lessons. Our focus has been learning about the difference between fiction and non-fiction texts. This term we have read fiction and non-fiction texts about chickens. We have looked at their life cycle and completed a fun art activity based around the story ‘Whitney and Britney Chicken Divas’.

Ms Diak and Mr Cross

Year 1

In 1A and 1B, students enjoyed learning all about the significance about ANZAC day. Students completed a range of learning activities focussed around ANZAC day. Both classes did a wonderful job in making their class wreaths and also created a Flanders field of red, purple and white poppies down at the hall. Amazing job students!

Year 2

Year 3

We began Term 2 by honouring ANZAC Day with a special class activity and participation in our school’s ANZAC parade. As a class, we made a wreath to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the freedoms we enjoy today in a democratic and equal society.

Miss Chen also attended the Dawn Service at ANZAC Square at 4:28 a.m. It was incredibly moving to see so many people gathered in the rain to show their respect. Lest we forget.

From Week 2, we will return to our regular routines, starting with students completing their weekly homework tasks. A reminder that our parent–teacher meetings will take place on Wednesday in Week 3—we look forward to seeing you there.

Wishing everyone a fantastic and productive term ahead!

From Year 3 Teachers

Year 4

This term in science, students will be exploring animals specifically their life cycle and how science is helping endangered species. As a tuning in activity, students were given the opportunity to demonstrate their background knowledge about the life cycle of an Emu. This photo demonstrates the knowledge that our wonderful year 4 students’ already have.

We look forward to sharing more with you across the term.

Year 5

Grade 5's are busy settling into Term 2 with new classroom communities and we are doing very well. In HASS we are researching and investigating the importance of rules and regulations in managing people and environments in Australian communities. In English we are reading and creating information reports. These two subject areas are working very well together to improve our reading skills and increase our knowledge about our own communities.

Year 6

During Term 2, our English and HASS units will be combined. We are studying Immigrants and Indigenous Australian Activists and their lasting effects and contributions that they have brought to Australia. At the end of the term students will be selecting one activist and will be writing a biography about them.

This week in particular we have enjoyed learning about Eddie Mabo and his contribution to Australia with the Native Land Titles.

In Maths this term, we are learning how to problem solve using the order of operations and how to identify the properties of prime, composite and square numbers. We study financial maths and create a budget to plan an event. Students are also learning how to read a timetable and schedule a trip. In Science, we are studying reversible and irreversible changes by conducting an investigation that identifies variables that affect the outcome of an experiment.

LOTE - Roberta Mango

Guten Tag! Here are some examples of student bookwork in German, including a title page with useful phrases and favourite activities across 6B.
There is also a display in 5B, showing the national flower of Germany, the cornflower, which symbolises hope, devotion, resilience and remembrance.

HPE - Orhan Memedovski and Lachlan Bowser

Year 5/6 HPE:

In Health this term, students will be learning about the importance of healthy drinks!
"What are you drinking?” will be the area of focus as students will be unpacking healthy and not so healthy drinks. They will also identify the contents of various drinks. Some questions to consider; what drinks energise us? What drinks contain a lot of sugar? What drinks do our bodies need to function? How much water should we be drinking?

In PE- students will be given the task to complete an Obstacle Course later in the term! This assessment will be comprised of various challenges of jumping, balancing, rolling, running, etc. leading up to the Obstacle course, students will be expected to compete in various relays, demonstrating their fitness, speed, agility and improved confidence.

Do you have what it takes to complete the Obstacle course? Will you show grit, agility and confidence? Are you ready to do YOUR best and support your team? We hope so!

Stayed turned for more information regarding the Obstacle course and all things Sport related.

Mr M and Mr Bowser

Prep Easter Bonnet Parade

Well done to our wonderful Prep students who did an amazing job leading the Easter Bonnet Parade at the end of last term! It was only their second parade for the week, and they handled it with such confidence and enthusiasm.

A huge thank you to the Prep staff and Ms Plumridge (Music Teacher) for their incredible support in helping the students prepare for and present their items. Thank you also to the Year 1, 2, and 3 staff for supporting their students to create such amazing bonnets for the parade. A big thank you as well to the staff of students in Years 4 to 6 for their encouragement and support of the younger students as they proudly paraded their bonnets.

A special shout-out to Roman and Elijah (middle and right below) from Prep D for leading the Acknowledgement of Country, and to Brenda (left) from Prep A who did a fantastic job presenting during the parade.

It was also wonderful to have the Community Hub playgroup attend the parade. Many thanks to Kym Alexander for facilitating this and helping to make the event even more special.

We are so proud of our youngest students for the way they represented themselves and our school community!

A big thank you to all the parents and carers who joined us for our Easter Bonnet Parade! Your presence made the day extra special for the children. Events like these are a reminder of the strong sense of community we share, and we are grateful for your continued support and enthusiasm. Thank you for helping to create such a joyful and memorable occasion for our students.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

The 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge will begin on Tuesday of Week 3!

We encourage all students to take part and complete the challenge. There are different targets depending on the year level:

Prep to Year 2: Read or experience 20 books
Year 3 and 4: Read 20 books (picture books or short chapter books)
Year 5 and 6: Read 15 chapter books

The challenge is a great way for students to build their reading stamina and work towards the goal of at least 15 minutes of reading each day. Each student will receive a Premier's Reading Challenge form to complete in class. However, if you would like your child to track their reading during home reading, forms are available for collection at the office.

Strong readers become strong learners – every page makes a difference.

Religious Instruction (RI) Lessons

Weekly Christian Religious Instruction (RI) classes began on Friday of Week 2. The program aims to introduce students to the basics of the Christian faith from a non-denominational perspective. In Years 1 and 2, students will be using the Beginning with God program, while students in Years 3-6 will engage with GodSpace. All students who were consented to participate in Christian RI last year will continue in the program this year. If you would like your child to participate in RI sessions, please contact the Office to complete a consent form.

Kruger Students Gearing Up for the Premier’s Reading Challenge

Excitement is building at Kruger as students get ready for the Premier’s Reading Challenge, officially kicking off this Tuesday! It’s been wonderful to see so many students visiting the library and book houses, diving into books, and borrowing in preparation.

Below are just some of the enthusiastic readers who stopped by the library this week.

A big shoutout to our dedicated Library Warriors, Emmi (6C) and Risha (6B), who have been busy helping their peers choose books and encouraging a love of reading. It was also fantastic to see Madhvi (6A) giving up her first break to support students with their reading.

Special thanks to Kynane (6C) for assisting students with borrowing and helping everyone get reading-ready.

We’d also like to recognise Heather (6A), one of Kruger’s School Captains, who generously gave up her first break to support students – thank you for being such a positive role model!

Keep up the fantastic work, Kruger readers – we’re excited to see how many books you’ll explore during the challenge!

Jaylen Ruska ~ Indigenous Community Coordinator

Hi, my name is Jaylen.

I'm proud to be the new Indigenous Community Coordinator here at Kruger, working alongside the team and students. I come from the Nunukul, Yuggera, and surrounding tribes, and I'm here to help embed First Nations culture and perspectives into our school community.

My goal is to make sure our kids feel seen, supported, and empowered both in the classroom and at home, so they can get the best education possible and also thrive in every way.

Amy Hedger ~ Social Worker

Hi everyone! My name is Amy Hedger, and I’m really excited to be joining the Kruger State School community as your new Social Worker. I’m deeply passionate about helping students feel safe, heard and empowered - both at school and in their everyday lives.

At school, my role is to help remove barriers to learning by working closely with students, families, teachers, and staff. Whether its providing individual or group support, helping with social skills, connecting families to community resources, or addressing challenges like attendance and behaviour, I’m here to make sure every student feels safe, supported and heard.

I look forward to building strong relationships and being a part of a school community that helps every student succeed.

Sophie Armitt ~ Teaching Student

My name is Sophie and I am an intern Turn To Teach student. I have been a mental health nurse for the last 30 years and decided to change careers to become a Primary teacher. I am a mum of three, married and have lived in four countries – Africa, UK, NZ and here now in Australia.

I really enjoy working with young curious minds, and I have a passion for Art, humour and learning about people – what ever their aga may be.

I am really looking forward to finishing off my training here at Kruger School.