We are half way through Term 2 and things are starting to ramp up in terms of reporting, assessments and events.  We have had a very busy start to Term 2 and look forward to all the other things that we will be doing over the term including Reconciliation Week and Interschool Sport Competitions.

Camp Programs

At our school we run camp programs for students in Year 3-6.  In order for these camps to operate we need to have a suitable number of students in attendance as it requires a huge staffing commitment.  We try to keep the costs at a minimum by find the best price for buses and by trying to find the most cost effective camps available.  Some camps are more popular than others and can be difficult to book up to 2 years in advance.  All of our camps provide students with an opportunity to try some adventures that they would not normally experience.  All camps have highly experienced and qualified staff who ensure children are safe and fed child friendly and nutritious meals.  Our students stay in cabins that usually have bunk beds and are often self contained with a bathroom.  All students are supervised throughout the day and have a wonderful experience whilst on camp.  We know that some of the costs for these camps seem high for 2 nights, but we assure you that we do not and are not allowed to make a profit from these activities.  Many parents are given money through the School Bonus this year and their CSEF payments to pay for such events, so it is usually quite an affordable thing to do if you have access to these funds.  We encourage as many students as possible to attend camp.  We currently have many students wanting to go to camp, but we would like more to take up the opportunity.  We are also able to organise payment plans for those who may need it.  Feel free to speak with your child’s teacher or the office if you need more information.

After school programs

There are a number of after school programs that run on our school grounds.  Please ensure you are using these options if you would like your children to participate in sport or these options may disappear.  All of these programs are a user pays setup and we have allowed these groups to use our spaces so that your children have things to do and remain active after school.  We are at risk of losing a couple of them at the moment due to people not showing up or numbers dwindling.

Uniform

Please ensure your children are in full school uniform each day at school.  All of our jumpers and polo tops need to have our school logo on them, but skorts, shorts and pants can be from other outlets.  Our school colour is navy blue and not black.  Many students are wearing random pieces of clothing either under their clothes or over the top.  This is not part of our uniform and children may be asked to take it off.  Please see our wellbeing staff if you need assistance with uniform.  We would also ask that you write your child’s name clearly on any uniform items.  Warm jackets worn over the top of clothing do not need to be school items.

Have a great weekend.

Darryl Spiteri

Principal

Congratulations to 1A who achieved the highest attendance

for the week ending 16th May.

Congratulations t

Congratulations to 2C who achieved the highest attendance

for the week ending 23rd May.

PRIMARY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education. Students learn new things at school every day – missing school puts them behind.

If your child is sick or absent, you are required to notify school as soon as possible on the day of absence using one of the following methods:

1. Online: log the absence directly using Compass.
2. Telephone: the school office and let the staff know your child’s name, class, date of absences and reason.

Notifying the school of your child’s absence either prior to, or on the day that they will be away, helps ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and will fulfil your legal responsibility.

Why do I need to notify the school if my child is absent?

Schools need to know when and why a child is absent and you need to know if your child isn’t at school.

If your child is absent on a particular day and you have not contacted the school to explain why, the absence will be marked as unexplained.

This system also promotes daily school attendance. Going to school every day is the single most important part of your child’s education, they learn new things every day – missing school puts them behind.

What is your responsibility?

You are legally required to ensure your child attends school every day or you must provide an explanation for their absence. You should let the school know in advance of any upcoming absences or let them know in the morning if your child won’t be at school. Avoid making routine medical and dental appointments during the school day or planning family holidays during the term.

Recognising great attendance and punctuality.

Our attendance target is 96%.  Each week, we reward the class with the highest attendance (which includes getting to school on time!), with our school mascot, Ripwell in their classroom for the week.

Student Appointments / Arrival / Departures

We would like to make families aware of our pick up procedures for collecting students early.

If your child has an appointment and is arriving late, or departing early, or has an appointment during the term, please let your child(s) classroom teacher know via Class Dojo.

When your child is leaving early, please wait at the school office.  Office staff will call your child’s classroom/exit your child, and then your child will be brought to the office, to minimise disruptions.

Please also be mindful that it is difficult for children to hear announcements whilst out in the playground enjoying themselves, should you need to collect them during break times it may take us quite a bit longer.  Break times are 10.50am – 11.20am and 1:30pm – 2.00pm.

Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF)

Applications are open for the Camps, Sports and Excursions Fund (CSEF) to help eligible families cover the costs of school trips, camps and sporting activities.

Schools must submit completed application forms through the CSEF system by the end of Term 2, 2025 (Monday 30th June 2025).

Art – Preps

In Art, Preps have been learning painting techniques using water colours. They learnt how to hold a paintbrush correctly, how to brush the water to activate the paints, and how to paint in a sweeping motion. “Swish, swish, from side to side.” They painted these adorable “sleepy bears”, which will be their first art portfolio task to be uploaded next week.

They are also learning how to cut using scissors. They learnt how to hold scissors correctly and safely, and how to carefully follow the lines when cutting. They coloured in and cut out these sweet little stars and moons.

Art – Year 1 & 2

In Art, year 1 and 2 students have been learning about lines and patterns. They learnt about different types of lines, an important element in art. They created a design including curved, wavy, loopy, dotted, dashed, zigzagged, straight and swirly lines. To follow this initial design work, they used water colours to paint a variety of colours from the top to the bottom of the page. They look wonderful!

NATIONAL FAMILIES WEEK

In celebration of NATIONAL FAMILIES WEEK 12-18^th May 2025 our wellbeing team organised a special breakfast club morning on Wednesday 14^th May with a photobooth of some amazing photos of families from our school community.

Lending a hand to thrive: Supporting each other is the theme for National Families Week 2025.

The aim of National Families Week is to not only celebrate the vital role that families play in Australian society, but to also reflect on the critical role that families play in teaching, supporting and nurturing children as they grow.

The theme highlights the importance of connection, care, and resilience within families.

It’s an opportunity to reflect on the strength of family bonds, reconnect with loved ones, and embrace activities that bring us together.

No matter what family looks like for you, let’s celebrate the power of support and the difference we can make for each other.

In National Families Week 2025 we encourage you to celebrate this time with your family. And, to celebrate the commonalities and differences between your family and other families. This year National Families Week will be celebrated from 12-18 May 2025.

Please feel free to utilise some useful links below, in celebration of National Families Week;

Healthy and Active Children

Healthy and active children provide free advice on safe exercise for children, and more.

https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/healthy-and-active-children

Raising Children Network

This is a website for Australian mothers, fathers, grandparents, and anyone else who has responsibility for the care of children. On the website, parents will find reliable, scientifically validated information and resources to support them in the day-to-day work of raising children and looking after their own needs. The website is growing all the time and covers a broad range of up-to-date parenting topics.

https://raisingchildren.net.au/

ReachOut.com

ReachOut provides online mental health organisation for young people and their parents. Practical support, tools, and tips help young people get through anything from everyday issues to tough times. Information is provided for young people, parents, and schools.

https://au.reachout.com/

BREAKFAST CLUB Update

Breakfast Club continues to run twice a week on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings.

On average we have 100 plus students access this vital support each week and is a great way to engage with the school community before the start of the day.

At this stage we have the following food options to choose from as a ‘Grab & Go’ with fruit cups, milk, tuna bowl, apples & cereals.

Congratulations to the following students who received awards during our assemblies!

Keep up the great work!

Students of the Week – Ending 16th May

Students of the Week – Ending 23rd May

Congratulations to the following students who are celebrating a birthday in May!

We hope you had a lovely day!

Anna PH

Jeenawab 2E

Kingston Henry 34E

Jamiela Alyza PA

Melaine 1C

Shobhit 1D

Joshua 34A

Deep 1G

Avleen 1B

Ella 1G

Shekinah 56A

Nina PA

Viktoria 2A

Muhammed PG

Kai 1B

Arvin 1B

Guntaj 34D

Kirylls 34D

Arora 2B

Abbas 34B

Arok 1E

Franchesca 34C

Drae 2B

Eman 34F

Muhammad 34H

Kyro PB

Saira 1F

Lineesh 2A

Ashmin 34B

*Please note that birthdays are only published up until the date of publication.  

Important Dates – Term 2

• Monday 9th June – King’s Birthday Public Holiday
• Wednesday 11th June – Year 5 & 6 Soccer (selected students only)
• Thursday 12th June – 2026 Prep Tours & Information Session
• Friday 13th June – Winter Sport Lightning Cup (selected students only)
• Thursday 19th June – Respectful Relationships Information Session from 3.15pm
• Friday 20th June – 2026 Prep Tours & Information Session
• Monday 23rd June – 2026 Prep Tours & Information Session
• Friday 4th July –  Term 2 ends @ 2.30pm

Come along and try Karate! Increase your confidence, learn new physical skills and have FUN in a safe and nurturing environment.

THORNHILL PARK PRIMARY SCHOOL GYM – WEDNESDAYS 4PM (AGES 4+)

To register for 2 FREE SESSIONS, please call 0407320333 or visit our website www.artofdefence.com.au