Newsletter - 28 November 2024

Principal's Report

It has been a very busy three weeks at Allora P-10 State School! We have farewelled the Year 10 class of 2024, celebrated the success of our secondary students at Awards Night and kept the teaching and learning occurring in every classroom all whilst planning an epic celebration day and Primary Awards & Concert.

Our 61^st Awards evening was a huge success. We were able to publicly acknowledge the students who have excelled in sports, academics and cultural pursuits. It was also an evening where we celebrated higher numbers of students being recognised for Academic Achievement with the introduction of Gold and Silver Academic Achievement Awards and Diligence Awards for 2024. Gold Academic Award recipients have achieved a grade point average between 4.5 – 5.0 across all of their subjects. Students receiving a Silver Academic Award have achieved a grade point average between 4 and 4.4 across all of their subjects. Students who were rewarded for their consistent, diligent approach to all their classes received a Diligence Award. I would like to express my gratitude to the school staff for their hard work in ensuring that the Awards Night went off without a hitch. Their behind-the-scenes organization, which often goes unnoticed, truly made a difference.  A thank you must also go to those guests who were in attendance and helped with the awards ceremony, namely Mrs Shirley Mason, Mrs Lesley Telford, Mrs Carla Pidgeon, Mr Doug Lansley and Mr Jordan Henry.

Last week, we farewelled the Year 10 class of 2024 and I am sure everyone will join with me in wishing them all the best with their future endeavours. All students in this class have either received traineeships and apprenticeships or are moving on to complete their secondary schooling at local high schools. Our guest speaker at awards night, Jordan Henry, spoke of the GRIT and determination that is required to move through life. This advice was well received by those in the audience and is a message we hope the Year 10 class will take with them beyond the gates of Allora P-10 State School. Mistakes are a part of life and a growth mindset to move through those mistakes, is a very valuable tool.

Our Primary Awards & Concert will have a new program for 2025. We will be starting the proceedings with student awards and acknowledgement of our Year 6 students completing primary schooling. This will be followed by a concert where each primary class will be presenting an item for your entertainment. Our students have been working hard on polishing their performances and we have also been invited to attend the Allora Community Circle’s Christmas to perform on Saturday 7 December.

This year, our staff and students are joining with Garry and Sheridan of Properties Ruhle, and the Salvation Army, to help spread some Christmas cheer for those less fortunate in the community. On Wednesday 4 December, students are asked to come in Christmas themed free dress and a donation of non-perishable food items or gifts will be the ‘fine’. Our donations will then be forwarded to the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal to make hampers. Thank you in advance for supporting this very important initiative of the Salvation Army.

In 2025, we will be implementing the Resilience Project for all students in Prep to Year 10. The Resilience Project program aims to build resilience and happiness. This program focuses on promoting positive emotion, specifically Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness (GEM), as well as emotional literacy. The program has a whole school approach, working with the school community including teachers, students and parents. The program is delivered through a series of digital presentations, webinars and a curriculum that is specifically aligned to the Australian Curriculum. The Resilience Project will be timetabled into our whole school timetables twice per week.  Parents and the community can find more information about the project at:

https://theresilienceproject.com.au/2025-school-wellbeing-program/

A huge congratulations to the ATSIAP team of Cammii, Fletcher and Rikaya who were awarded the State Champions at the Annual ATSIAP challenge held over Terms 3 and 4, culminating in the state conference hosted by Griffith University this week. Thank you to Mrs Sharman for her support and mentoring of these students.

As the year comes to a close, I would like to thank the staff for all their efforts this year to support our students as we move towards the implementation of Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum. While curriculum delivery is our core business, we are also supporting students to be successful socially and emotionally and, at times, this can be the hardest part of working in a school. Thank you to the whole staff who go above and beyond every day to provide this support.

Thank you to our amazing students who have worked hard this year in a variety of pursuits. We are proud of each and every one of you for the effort you have put in to your learning and school life. Thank you also to the families and community who support our school and the students. Our partnerships are valuable and we are blessed with a strong community who want the best for each student.

Wishing you all a peaceful and relaxing school holidays.

Megan

Calendar of Events

Casual Cleaner - Expressions of Interest

From time to time casual/relief positions become available at Allora P-10 State School to cater for permanent staff absences. We are currently seeking Expressions of Interest from people for the following category -

• Casual Cleaners

A current Blue Card is a mandatory requirement and it is also mandatory that a Criminal History Check be conducted prior to the commencement of any work.

Please submit your written Expression of Interest to the Business Manager, Deb Beveridge bsm@allorass.eq.edu.au and include details of any relevant experience.

School Terms - 2025

Term 1 2025

28 January to 4 April (includes 7 February Allora Show public holiday)

Term 2

(Easter 18-21 April)

22 April to 27 June (includes 25 April and 5 May public holidays)

Term 3

14 July to 19 September (includes 5 September Student Free Day)

Term 4

(6 October public holiday)

7 October to 12 December

Year 7 in 2025 Transition Day

End of Year Celebration

Student of the Week

Students were awarded certificates on assembly for demonstrating our school motto, “Always our Best”. Also, each week teachers nominate a student who has displayed our school values to go in the draw for a $5 tuckshop voucher (the golden ticket). Congratulations students!

Instrumental Music Performance

On 30 October, the combined Instrumental Music Bands from Allora P-10 SS, Killarney P-10 SS, Warwick Central SS and Murray’s Bridge SS treated us to an amazing musical performance. Mr Bruce Eddiehausen, Instrumental Music teacher, organised the tour that included whole band and solo performances. Thank you, Mr Eddiehausen and thank you musicians.

Sporting Dates for 2025

Interhouse Swimming Carnival – Friday 31 January – 9-16Yrs

Central Downs Swimming Carnival – 8-12Yrs – Tuesday 4 February (Allora Pool)

Border District Summer Trials – 13-19Yrs – Tuesday 11 February (touch and cricket) (Goondiwindi)

Border District Swimming Carnival – 13-19Yrs – Thursday 13 February (Stanthorpe Pool)

Border District Winter Trials – 13-19Yrs – Tuesday 18 February (basketball, soccer, netball, rugby league) (Warwick)

Southern Downs Swimming Carnival – 8-12 Yrs – Tuesday 25 February (Warwick Pool)

Interhouse Cross Country – Friday 21 March – whole school

Central Downs Gala Day – rugby league, soccer, netball – 9-12Yrs (primary) – Friday 16 and Friday 30 May

Broncos Secondary Competition (rugby league, netball) – Wednesday 21 May (Goondiwindi) and Thursday 29 May (Warwick)

Primary Broncos Competition – Friday 6 June (rugby league, netball, soccer, hockey)

Interhouse Track and Field – Thursday 19 and Friday 20 June – whole school

Well known teacher receives Darling Downs School Sport Life Membership

Congratulations to Barry Healy who received Life Membership of Darling Downs School Sport at their end of year function on Wednesday 20 November. It was a privilege to be present to see Barry honoured for his 27 years of dedication to the sporting lives of children at school, Central Downs, Southern Downs, Queensland and National levels. His recognition was richly deserved. Congratulations Mr Healy.

ROY NOTT

Library Books

I cannot believe how quickly this year has flown by. Thank you to all parents and students who have supported our school library this year with book club, dress up day or simply by borrowing a book.

Library books are to be returned to our school library NOW.  Please have a look under beds, in bookcases, in the car or even toy boxes for any lost library books.

During the holidays, students should still be able to access SORA on a device.  SORA is an excellent program that allows students to read not only books, but magazines (age appropriate) as well.

Have a wonderful summer holiday, keep safe and I look forward to seeing you all at the start of the new school year.

LEA-ANN WEIER

Secondary Awards Night

The 61^st annual Allora P-10 State School Awards Night was held on Tuesday 19 November, celebrating 157 years of local schooling. The evening celebrated the sporting, cultural and academic achievements of students from Years 7-10 and graduation of the Year 10 cohort of 2024.

Former student and successful local businessman, Mr Jordan Henry, was an entertaining guest speaker providing inspiration and valuable advice to the Year 10s as they transition to the next phase of their educational/vocational journey. Sporting awards were presented by Mrs Shirley Mason for whom the school’s tennis shield is named. Former student, talented musician and music teacher, Mrs Lesley Telford, presented Music Awards and Special awards were presented by former student Councillor Carla Pidgeon and RSL Vice President, Mr Doug Lansley. Our sincere appreciation is extended to these special guests for their time and support.

Allora P-10 SS is grateful for the wider community support and sponsorship that we receive each year. We also appreciate Julie Garton’s beautiful floral arrangements.

Congratulations to the following students on their achievements throughout the year.

SPORT

Medallions and Certificates were awarded to students who have won Age Champion in interhouse school sport: Ella 12 years swimming and track and field; Blake 13 years swimming and track and field; Rikaya 13 years swimming; Benjamin 14 years swimming; Claire 14 years swimming; Matilda 15/16 years swimming champion; Zac 15/16 years swimming and track and field champion; Christian 12 years cross country; Milo 13 years cross country; Caitlyn 13 years cross country; Zavier 14 years cross country and track and field; Teeah 15/16 years cross country and track and field; Will overall boys cross country champion for 13 – 15/16 years; Chaylah overall girls cross country champion for 13 – 15/16 years; Karleigh 14 years track and field; Lochlan 12 years track and field; Metice 13 years track and field.

Trophies were awarded to the following students: Tommy Rugby League A; William Rugby League B; Hannah Netball A; Ella Netball B; Orry Shirley Mason Tennis Shield.

The Gwynne Family Shield was awarded to most successful house in sport across our Interhouse carnivals: Gwynne.

Darling Downs representation at State Track and Field: Blake
Michael Butler Memorial Trophy for excellence in Track & Field: Blake
Sportsperson of the Year: Blake

MUSIC

Instrumental Music Service Award presented to the student whose attitude, musical proficiency and personal qualities made a significant contribution to the morale and esprit-de-corps of the student group: Eleanore

Music Achievement Award presented in appreciation and recognition of the dedicated service a student has made in giving their time and talents to instrumental music for a period of at least two years: Eleanore

Instrumental Music Conductor’s Award is presented to the student who has made an outstanding contribution to the instrumental music program: Milo

SPECIAL AWARDS

Community Service Certificates: Fletcher, Sophie, Alex

Community Service Medallion: Rhyanna, Eleanore, Carly, Brandon, Renee, Shakoba

Bob Deacon Trophy for Community Service (awarded to a secondary student who completes the most community service in the year): Jorja

Junior ATSIAP Cammii, Fletcher, Rikaya

Senior ATSIAP: Will, Rhyanna, Shakoba

Darwalla Work Traineeship Awards: Alex, Tommy, Anthony, Isaac

Allora SCOPE Club Food and Nutrition Award: Eleanore, Hannah

Paul Ashton and Associates Business Encouragement Award: Matilda

Humanitarian Award (awarded to a Year 10 student who demonstrates an attitude of tolerance and respect for others including their fellow students, teachers and other adults): Will

ADF Long Tan Award (awarded to a Year 10 student who demonstrate leadership and teamwork within both the school and the broader local community. At the same time, they recognise those who display strong values, such as doing one’s best, respect for others and “mateship”, characteristics that are integral to Australian society): Cash

Lex Ellwood Memorial Bursary (awarded to a Year 10 student who demonstrates scholastic achievements, community awareness and leadership qualities, to support their senior education): Cash

Mayor’s Medal (awarded to a Year 10 student who is the best 'all-rounder' in academic, sporting, cultural and school fields and has consistently achieved a very high level of effort in their subjects): Rhyanna

ACADEMIC AWARDS

Year 7 Diligence Awards: Luke, Lochlan, Ruby, Adam, Will, Christian, William, Kobe, Lola, Elijah, Jackson, Asher, Elijah, Riley, Charli

Year 7 Silver Academic Awards: Ella, Metice, Noah, Charlie, Logan, Molly

Year 7 Gold Academic Awards: Charlotte, Tristan, Milo, Blake

Year 8 Diligence Awards: Ella, Benjamin, Trixie, Blake, Aleah

Year 8 Silver Academic Awards: Dean, Fletcher, Rikaya, Sophie, Skye

Year 8 Gold Academic Awards: Isadore, Cooper, Caitlyn, Benjamin

Year 9 Diligence Awards: Luke, Grayson, Brandon, Chaylah, Belle, Harley, Chalia, Abigail, Dominic

Year 9 Silver Academic Awards: Karleigh, Orry, Slade

Year 9 Gold Academic Awards: Cammii, Claire, Teeah, Mischa, Renee, Matilda, Matilda

Year 10 Diligence Awards: Shakoba, Isaac

Year 10 Silver Academic Awards: Jorja, Rhyanna, Hannah

Year 10 Gold Academic Awards: Will, Eleanore, Carly, Cash, Callum

YEAR 10 SUBJECT AWARDS

Eleanore: English, Maths (tie), Science, HASS and Visual Arts 

Callum: Geography, Business and Media Arts

Rhyanna: Civics and Citizenship

Cash: HPE, Maths (tie), Food and Nutrition (tie)

Will: Languages, Food and Nutrition (tie)

Shakoba: Dance

Principal’s Award (recognizes a Year 10 student who has demonstrated a positive attitude and commitment to school life): Isaac

Pride of Achievement (presented to a Year 10 student who is consistent and persistent in effort across all subjects): Anthony

Award for Academic Excellence (Runner Up to Dux): Carly

The 2024 Dux: Eleanore

Above:  Eleanore - Dux, Isaac - Principal's Award, Anthony - Pride of Achievement (Diligence),
Carly (Academic Excellence - Runner Up to Dux)

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The above gallery are images of our Year 10 students who were able to attend our Awards night. Unfortunately, Lucas and Savannah were unable to attend to celebrate with their peers. We wish our Year 10 students all the very best for the future.

Above:  Blake (DD Rep Medallion, Michael Butler Award, Sportsperson of the Year),
Milo (Conductor's Award) and Orry (Tennis Shield)

Salvos Christmas Appeal

Classroom News

School Watch

If you see anything suspicious, please call the School Watch number – 13 1788. The School Watch Program is a partnership between Department of Education and Training, the Queensland Police Service and the State Government Protective Security Service. It aims to reduce vandalism, theft and arson in Queensland schools. If you do see something suspicious, please don’t attempt to intervene. Call the School Watch number and let the local  police  or  State  Government  Protective  Security  Service  deal  with  the matter. Keep the number handy – 13 1788 – and let’s work together to help create a safer school community.

School Crossings - Please be safe

Triple P Parenting Program