Educational Achievement 

Reading

Just like learning to play a sport or an instrument, reading gets better with practice! At school, our teachers explicitly teach students the skills they need to become successful readers, but regular reading at home is an important part of helping these skills become automatic and building confidence.

There are lots of simple ways families can support reading at home:

• Read every day. Even 10–15 minutes of reading makes a difference.
• Let your child choose books. Reading something they are interested in helps build motivation and enjoyment.
• Listen to your child read. Encourage them to sound out unfamiliar words and reread sentences if needed.
• Talk about the book. Ask questions such as “What was the most interesting part?”, “Why did that happen?” or “What do you think will happen next?”
• Build vocabulary. If you come across an unfamiliar word, stop and talk about what it means. Try using the new word in another sentence.
• Read aloud to your child. Even older children benefit from hearing fluent reading and being exposed to books and vocabulary that may be above their independent reading level.
• Reread favourite books. Reading a familiar text multiple times helps children develop fluency, expression and confidence.
• Make reading part of everyday life. Menus, recipes, signs, instructions, sports information, comics and online articles all provide opportunities to practise reading.
• Celebrate effort and progress. Encourage your child when they persevere with a tricky word or text. Becoming a confident reader takes time!
• Most importantly, keep reading enjoyable. A few minutes of positive reading each day can have a lasting impact. Every page, conversation and new word helps our students become stronger, more confident readers.

Parent teacher interviews

It was fantastic to see so many parents take the opportunity to attend Parent Teacher Interviews last week. These conversations are a valuable opportunity to celebrate your child’s progress, discuss their learning goals and identify their next steps. If you were unable to attend, please contact your child’s teacher to arrange a suitable time to catch up and discuss how we can work together to ensure your child makes the most of the remainder of the school year.

Music

Instrumental Music

Congratulations to all of our talented instrumental music students on their outstanding performances at the 2026 Eisteddfod! 🎶🎉

🏆 2026 Eisteddfod Results – Instrumental Music

 Instrumental Ensemble Primary (Large Ensembles – No Vocals)

🥇 1st – GSPS String Orchestra (88 points)

🥈 2nd – GSPS Concert Band (87 points)

🥉 3rd – GSPS Beginner Concert Band (86 points)

⭐ Highly Commended – GSPS Beginner String Orchestra (82 points)

Instrumental Ensemble Primary (Small Ensemble – 5–8 Members)

🥇 1st – GSPS Senior Multi Ensemble (90 points)

🥈 2nd – GSPS Intermediate String Ensemble (83 points)

 Trios & Quartets – Instrumental Ensemble Primary

🥇 1st – Riley P, Tessa S, RJ B & Blake L (88 points)

🥈 2nd – Elliott M, Elsie B, Lilah W & Lucy T (85 points)

🥉 Equal 3rd – Thomas G, Shurym S & Ellie R (83 points)

🥉 Equal 3rd – Theo A, Cooper A, Nathan W & William J (83 points)

⭐ Highly Commended – Avery J, Ranz H & Frankie D (82 points)

🎶👏 A huge thank you to Mrs Brown, without your dedication, passion and expertise, these results would not be possible! 👏🎶

Classroom Music

Last week was all about the Eisteddfod! Both choirs achieved fantastic results with the Goondiwindi Junior Voices awarded four first places and one second place for their five pieces. 

Goondiwindi Senior Voices were awarded four first places and one second place for their five pieces. This choir also received the trophy for the Champion Primary School Choir as an overall award. The students have worked extremely hard at lunchtimes during Semester 1 and I am very proud of them.

Thank you to all the parents who came along to the Eisteddfod to support the choirs and help with the shirts etc. Your help is much appreciated.

During Semester 2, both choirs will begin learning some new repertoire, perform in the Music Showcase Concert and perhaps perform at both Oaktree and Kaloma.

We will also be joined by some Year 1 students in the Junior choir who will be invited to give GJV a go. Other students in years 4, 5 and 6 who would like to try choir this semester, are welcome to come along from Week 7. 

News from the Library

It's a busy Term with lots of focus on our reading.

We will be hosting another Bookfair in the Library from the 17th-21st August - a great opportunity to purchase your own books for home.

The following week is our annual Book Character Dress up day on Monday 24th August, with a wonderful parade of favourite characters at our morning assembly. Students have already been discussing their costumes and characters and it is always a memorable day.

This is also the start of the (CBCA) Children's Bookweek  Council of Australia's National Book Week, 22nd - 28th August The announcement of the National winning book titles is announced and we will have all the shortlisted books on display in our library.

On Friday 28th August, all outstanding Premier's Reading Challenge sheets are due back to the library. We have received quite a few and there is still time to finish. The Premier will then forward Certificates of Completion to be awarded in Term 4.