Week 11 Term 4 Newsletter

From the Principal – Maja Bogicevic

"We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count."
- Neal A. Maxwell

We have had two beautiful weeks of celebrations of our students’ achievements, their hard work in and out of the classroom, and kindness they show us and each other every day. Our blessings as teachers at Kruger State School include the privilege to teach our beautiful students and work with their parents to provide our students with the best opportunities to learn new things and enjoy their primary school experience.

As a mother myself, I know that our parents, carers and extended families who attended the Year 6 Graduation enjoyed seeing their children proudly receive their Graduation Certificates last Wednesday. The morning was filled with beautiful smiles, hugs and cheers for our Year 6 cohort. Our School Leaders delivered speeches of thanks to their families and teachers, and encouraged their peers to move bravely onto the next stage in their lives.

Awards Ceremony held in Week 9 was a great success. This year, we acknowledged our highest performing students and our best learners from each class. It was the first year, in a long time, that our Year 6 students received their awards in front of the whole school. We received great feedback from all students and teachers about this change, and are planning to continue to celebrate achievement in this way for years to come.

This week, we run an alternative schedule for our students and supervise them as they access a variety of different activities. These include: Indigenous Art with Aunty Marly, Storytime with Mrs Leo, Basketball Clinic and Hip Hop dance with external providers, and many more… Our teachers will have Planning and Preparation assigned each day so they can start preparing for next year.

Our students are with their 2025 teachers this week to build relationships with the teacher and each other. These connections will help immensely when we start 2025 and ensure a smoother transition to new school year. If you have any questions about the arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact the Office for more information.

I am pleased to inform you that we currently have 85 future Prep students enrolled at Kruger for 2025. If you have a child or know of a family who is still to enrol their children for next year, please encourage them to contact the school this week to collect enrolment paperwork. We are doing enrolment interviews every day this week.

Semester 2 report cards will be coming out this week. Staff will be available to answer any of your questions throughout this week.

Prep - Year 2 Deputy Principal - Amber Canestrini

As the year draws to an end, I would like to take the opportunity to let our wonderful community know that next Friday will be my last day at Kruger SS. As I sincerely hope it is widely known, I absolutely love being a part of the Kruger family and leaving is a very sad time for me. I am moving back to Western Australia to be with my family, a decision that I certainly didn’t make lightly. If I could pick up Kruger and take it with me, I would.

There are so many wonderful things that I will miss about my role at Kruger: daily chats about the tooth fairy, the shape of wombat poo, how earth worms are born and officiating a funeral service for a grasshopper ; working within a group of the most compassionate, patient and determined adults towards the 1 common goal of doing what it takes to get the best out of each and every child; connecting with families to ensure each child and family feels supported and that they belong; and of course, 1000 cuddles each day!

I feel very fortunate to have spent the last 4 years in such a culturally diverse community. The families here have taught me so much about the importance of strong, family values and the love and nurture, respect, protection and honour you give not only to your immediate family, but an entire community creates an ideal environment for children to thrive.

I will miss the staff and families here at Kruger SS, but most of all, the beautiful children who I got to support and celebrate each and every day.

Tofa

Year 3 & 4 Deputy Principal - Katie Robinson

What a fantastic End of Year Concert we had last Friday. Every year level brought their A game and there were many stand out performances. The three Kruger’s Got Talent Winners did an outstanding job showing off their musical talent. It was amazing to see so many families enjoying the performances. Great work to students and staff for helping bring this together. A big thank you to Miss Mathilda Holt for organising this event. On Monday we celebrated our End of Year Awards. Students were recognised in each class for the Snap Award and Academic Achievement award. My favourite part is watching the pride on their faces to receive the award and hearing the cheers from the families. We look forward to seeing who our winners will be at the end of 2025. Have a restful break and I look forward to welcoming everyone back in 2025.

Year 5 & 6 Deputy Principal - Peta Jackson

 Year 6 Enrolments and Transitions to High School

You still have this week to enrol in high school this week. It is important that your child is enrolled this week, this enables them to start on the first day of high school in 2025.

Year 6 Graduation

It was a great day celebrating the Year 6 students. I would like to thank the Year 6 teachers and staff for all their support before, during and after the Graduation Ceremony. Thank you to students and families for all their support throughout the year.

Head of Special Education Services - Regina Birchley

Medications

All medication must be collected by Friday, 13 December by a parent/caregiver. We cannot give medication to students to bring home. Please see the office staff to collect your child/ren’s medication.

In the 2025, we will require new forms to be completed along with mediation for the new school year. You should also check the expiry dates before bringing medications back to school after the holidays.

Doctor / Specialist reports

If your child has a paediatric or specialist visit during the holidays, please bring any documentation to school for us to keep a copy on file. This will allow us to look at strategies and supports best for your child. Also, please don’t hesitate to contact me if you feel your child needs support or extra strategies at school.

Finally, I wish all families a safe and happy holiday period and look forward to seeing you in the new year.

Warm regards,

Head of Department - Curriculum - Chloe Curry

As many of you may have already heard, I will be leaving Kruger State School at the end of this year to take on a new role as the Deputy Principal at Samford State School. While I am excited about this new opportunity, it is with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to the Kruger community that has been so supportive and welcoming to my professional journey.
Reflecting on my time as Head of Department - Curriculum (HOD-C), I am deeply grateful for the chance to work alongside such talented staff, passionate students, and our dedicated parents. The growth we have experienced together as a school, particularly in the areas of academic achievement and student well-being, has been a true privilege. 
I look forward to continuing my work in education in a new capacity and bringing the same passion and commitment to my new school. I hope to carry forward the strong relationships I've built here and continue to advocate for the success and well-being of every student.
Thank you once again for your trust and support during my time at Kruger. It has been a remarkable experience, and I will forever be proud to have been part of such a wonderful school.

Guidance Officer - Allen Weynberg

“Yay, the summer holidays are nearly here!  I’m sure many children and their families will enjoy a variety of activities, family time and celebrations.  The long days without school will also provide opportunities to go online – chatting, gaming and connecting with the world.  Please check out the attached flyer with the top five online safety tips for kids.  Allen, the Guidance Officer.”

Business Manager - Melissa Henderson

OFFICE CLOSURE

The Office will be closed from Mon 16^th December.

Office staff will return to work on Mon 20^th January however the Office may be closed at various times for staff Professional Development sessions. 

School resumes on Tuesday 28^th January.

MEDICATIONS

Please ensure that all medications including asthma puffers are collected from the Office before the end of Term. Medication will need to be returned when school resumes. 

In accordance with department policy, the medication you provide to school next year must be unexpired and have a pharmacy label with student name and the prescribing doctor’s information.  Please also check that Action Plans are current.  Parent / carer must also sign paperwork for the school to administer the medication.

SAFE AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS

On behalf of all the non-teaching staff here at Kruger SS, we would like to wish our families a Merry Christmas and a safe and happy New Year

Positive Behaviour Learning

As we come to the end of our school year, it’s a great time to reflect on the wonderful progress our students have made in being respectful, safe and honest learners. Throughout the year students engaged in weekly lessons that helped them understand and practice these values in both the classroom and throughout the school grounds.

We’d like to thank our parents and caregivers for their ongoing support and involvement in reinforcing these behaviours at home. Your partnership has been invaluable in creating a positive and inclusive school community where every child feels secure, safe and supported.

Finally, I want to express my heartfelt thanks and gratitude to the Kruger community for the past three wonderful years. As I embark on a new adventure up north, I will always carry with me fond memories of the students, carers, and staff I’ve had the privilege of working alongside. 

Message from Community Hub & Chaplain

Gratitude for Generous Donations to Support Kruger Families

In 2024, a number of wonderful companies have stepped forward with generous donations of food, products, and services, making a meaningful difference in the lives of Kruger families in need. While it's impossible to fully measure the impact of these gifts, the kindness shown has brought immeasurable relief and joy to many.

Fruit Box has been an incredible supporter, hand-delivering 15 food hampers each week, filled with fresh bread, fruits, and vegetables. For several weeks, we were also able to include bottles of milk, thanks to the generous contribution of IGA Supermarkets.

Additionally, Maleny Dairies has gone above and beyond, donating $1,000 worth of dairy products to ensure families have a special and nutritious treat just before the Christmas break.

We are deeply grateful to all the companies and individuals who have made these contributions possible. Their generosity has made a significant difference, and we are humbled by their support of our community.

Teaching and Learning

LOTE

Hallo! Did you know that Kruger State School has a long-standing history of learning German as a second language? My name is Frau Mango (Ms Mango) and I am the current Languages teacher in years five and six. Did you know that many German words are used in English today? Words like Kindergarten (a place where young students learn; literally meaning ‘children’s garden?’, Uber (from – to) and Fest (festival)?
Learning a Second language has many benefits including improving brain function and memory.
What do you know about Germany and the German language?

Year 5 

Year 5 attended Life Education learning about relate, respect, connect. Harold was off to visit his friends in Africa when he finishes at Kruger. 

Flexi Space

In Flexi Space we are very glad to have finished our assessments so we can spend more time with each other and doing great activities. We have been designing Christmas trees, there will be a prize for the winning entry. Last week we were able to cook our favourite recipes and share them with friends, Ms Jackson and Ms Mango.

Flexi Space Students

End of Year Concert

Things to do during the holidays!