Principal's Message
Principal’s Message
Welcome to Week 10!
Last Friday I had the pleasure of attending the Calliope Community Christmas Carols. Our students did a brilliant job of performing. A massive thank you to Jade Bell who has prepared, organised and supported each grade level for their performance. Thank you to our Instrumental Teachers, Grace Rackemann and Debbie Dingle for their work in teaching our Strings Ensemble and Concert Band who also performed on the night. Thank you to all the teachers who attended on the night to support the students and their performances. The Calliope Rotary Club also worked tirelessly to create and organise this family event.
Last week our students participated in their year level Swimming Carnivals. These were a great success and it was amazing to see the improvement in the swimming skills of our students after a term of lessons during PE. Thank you to Mrs Betts for her commitment and organisation of swimming.
On Monday night we farewelled our Year 6 cohort at their Graduation ceremony. It was a lovely night and an opportunity to celebrate the successes of the students. I wish them all the very best for the next step in their educational journey. Thank you to Mrs Christine Johnston and our Year 6 teachers, Mrs Smith-Ashton, Mr Brown and Ms Drury for their organisation of this event. Also thank you to the Calliope State School P and C for their contribution to the event.
Staff Goodbyes
As we say goodbye to the 2024 school year, it is also time to say goodbye to some of our wonderful staff who are starting new adventures in 2025. I would like to say a huge thank you to these staff who have made a positive impact on our school during their time here and will be missed.
Firstly, I have been seconded to Gladstone Regional Office in a curriculum capability role for 2025.
Thank you - Mr Vic Brown (6A), Mrs Jill Schulke (2/3D), Miss Desiree Philp (4/5D), Ms Becky Drury (6C), Miss Meaghan Pedler (1C) and Miss Courtney Green (3B).
Ms Day Diaz (3A) is taking leave for the start of 2025.
Ms Natasha Crookey (previous staff member), Mrs Casey Black and Mrs Paula Hallinan have all finished with the Department and we wish them all the best for their next career pathway and/or retirement.
2025 Class Transitions
During middle session on Wednesday December 4, students will be visiting their 2025 classrooms with their 2025 teacher. This is an opportunity for students to meet their new teacher and their fellow classmates.
We have new teachers joining us at Calliope State School in 2025, and some of these are unable to attend this transition session – rest assured these classes will work with one of our specialist teachers for this time. There will be no changes to class structures until Day 8 in 2025. Changes will be made, if necessary, early in the new year depending on enrolment numbers.
End of Term Parade – Thursday December 5
Our End of Term 4 Parade will be held on Thursday December 5.
All parents and caregivers are invited to share this special parade with us. It is our last one for 2024.
This is also our school break-up day, and students are encouraged to wear their favourite Christmas outfit.
Please ensure these outfits are appropriate and sun-safe.
Our wonderful P and C will be providing a sausage sizzle, fruit and a zooper dooper ice block for all students on Break Up Day. Students are encouraged to bring their own lunch for second break. There is no Tuckshop on this day. There will be NO shared food.
Report Cards
Report Cards will be sent home on Thursday, December 12th via email.
2024 Week 4 or Term 4, Week 11 (December 9 to 13)
Calliope State School will be open for all students in Week 41 (or Week 11 of Term 4), but we wanted you to be aware of some changes during this week.
In Week 11, from Monday 9th December, we will be taking this opportunity to have an enhanced focus on student wellbeing activities through alternate programs. It should be noted:
- Students may not necessarily be supervised by their regular teacher
- Students will be combined into diverse groups varying ages depending on the students who are present at school
- There will be no formal learning of the Australian Curriculum
- Activities will comprise of tasks that a multitude of age groups can participate in
- Groups of teachers will be taken offline to work on deep planning and preparations for 2025 in line with the Australian Curriculum
- Uniform is still expected to be worn each day
- Tuckshop will be open Tuesday to Thursday
Donation Drive
We are currently taking donations for uniforms and stationery (e.g., books, scrapbooks, pencils, pencil case, glue etc) supplies for the 2025 school year. If you have uniforms and stationery that are still in good condition and are no longer needed, please donate these at our front office, until December 13th and these will be used to ensure that all our students have everything they need, everyday.
We wish all the best to the families leaving Calliope State School and look forward to seeing everyone else on Tuesday 28th of January 2025 for Day 1. Have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy holiday.