Camp

The kids had an awesome time at Woorabinda Camp! From the moment they arrived, there was plenty of laughter, excitement, and energy as they explored new activities and made the most of their time away. It was a great chance for everyone to try something different, step outside their comfort zones, and just enjoy being together in such a fun environment.

One of the best parts of camp was seeing new friendships form. Students mixed with kids they might not usually hang out with, and by the end of the week, there were so many new connections made. Whether it was cheering each other on during activities or chatting and laughing at mealtimes, everyone found ways to support and encourage one another.

There were also plenty of moments where the kids showed real courage and resilience. For some, it was tackling a tricky activity or speaking up in front of others, and for others, it was simply being away from home for a few nights. No matter the challenge, each student gave things a go and showed just how brave and capable they are.

Overall, Woorabinda Camp was filled with fun, friendship, and lots of personal achievements. The kids came home tired but proud, with plenty of great stories and memories to share.

Lion's Public Speaking Event

The Lion’s Club Public Speaking event was such a special experience for our students. In the lead-up, there was plenty of excitement and lots of dedication as they worked hard on their speeches. They practiced, encouraged each other, and pushed through their nerves, all in preparation for standing up in front of a big crowd. It takes real courage to speak in front of so many people, and every student showed bravery and pride on the day.

When it came time to present, they all spoke so well. Each speech was thoughtful and unique, and it was amazing to see the kids using their voices with confidence. Just as wonderful was the way they supported one another, sharing smiles, clapping for their peers, and celebrating each other’s efforts. And once it was all over, the room was full of relief, laughter, and plenty of proud grins.

As a teacher, moments like these really do mean the world. Some days in this job can be hard, but then you get to witness something as inspiring as this; students stepping up, showing courage, and lifting each other up. It’s in those moments that you’re reminded just how lucky you are to do this work.

Social and Emotional Learning

We are beginning the Respectful Relationship Topics 7 & 8- Gender and Identity this term. I have endeavoured to update families on Compass about the content of these lessons and will continue to do so, but I would also like to give you an outline of the sequence of lessons for the remainder of the term so that our community stays well- informed.

Week	Content
7	Students will recognise changes that occur for male and females during puberty. Students will be able to identify changes that they would expect to experience to their own bodies.
8	Students will develop an understanding of body autonomy, early warning signs and personal safety networks. Students will understand the term 'consent' and how to give it.
9	Students understand that families can be made up of different personnel. Students will think about what constitutes a family as these can be different for everyone.

Research from ANROWS shows that when schools teach about respect and relationships, students are less likely to bully others, and they feel more confident in themselves and their friendships. What this tells us is simple; starting these conversations early really matters. In Grades 3–6, children are curious, open, and still shaping their ideas about how to treat others. By gently introducing concepts like kindness, boundaries, and respect at this stage, we give them tools they’ll carry into their teenage years and beyond. It’s a small step in the classroom that can make a big difference in creating safer, more caring communities as our children grow.

MARC Van