Newsletter - 6 March 2025
Principal's Report
Welcome to the half-way point of Term 1. We have been kept very busy here with sports trials, classroom teaching and learning and the visit from the school review team.
We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the members of the community who engaged with the Review Team. Over the course of the review, the team spoke with 175 individuals, including students, staff, families and community partners, to gather valuable insights into the successes of our school. We appreciate the feedback provided on both our strengths and areas for improvement, as we continue to focus on enhancing student success. The final report will be delivered to the school within the next 2-3 weeks. Upon receipt, the executive summary will be made available to the community via the school’s website and newsletters. In addition, we will be collaborating with staff to develop a strategic plan for implementing the Review Team’s recommendations over the next four years.
This year, NAPLAN testing will be held in weeks 7 and 8 of the term. Mrs Kanowski and our Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 teachers have been working with our students on the finer details of the online testing and preparation for routines and expectations. This year, the Department and P&Cs Queensland are hosting a NAPLAN readiness twilight webinar for parents and carers on Thursday 6 March at 6pm. To register, please click on the link:
A friendly reminder that on Tuesdays and Thursdays Chappy Bernard and his group of helpers serve Breakfast Club for our students. This includes toast, fruit and a warm milo. We are very lucky to have this service available to our students and thank Chappy, the Chaplaincy Committee and volunteers for providing Breakfast Club each week.
Reading Through the Curriculum
With the implementation of Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum, the Department is focusing on supporting schools to teach reading effectively. At Allora P-10 State School, reading will be taught through all learning areas and subjects using the evidence informed practice The Simple View of Reading. Throughout the year, all school staff will be accessing the latest professional development opportunities and Reading Masterclasses. We have also been invited to participate in a Collaborative Learning Community (CLC) to support the implementation of Reading at Allora P-10 State School. This CLC will be led by staff from the Education Futures Institute and ensure that all staff at Allora P-10 State School have the skills to implement the current reading practices.
Tropical Cyclone Alfred
As you would be aware, severe weather conditions are predicted to affect parts of our community over the coming days. This weather system is forecast to bring heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding. While Allora P-10 State School remains open at this time, we are closely monitoring the situation and will act in accordance with advice from emergency services and Darling Downs Regional Office. The safety of our students, staff, and community is always our priority. It is important that we remain alert to changing conditions and be prepared to act if necessary. Up-to-date school closure information is available at closures.qld.edu.au. Please also listen to local ABC Radio and check the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services social media channels for weather updates. Live weather updates can be found on the Bureau of Meteorology website at www.bom.gov.au.
The safety and wellbeing of the whole school community is very important to us and to ensure all measures are in place, we have made the decision to postpone the 2025 Student Leaders’ Ceremony, with the new date to be confirmed.
We hope that the impact of this weather event remains minimal.
Kind regards
Megan
Calendar of Events
School Photos - Wednesday 23 April 2025
Please see the information flyer on how to purchase/order school photos. We encourage the use of the online ordering option. When ordering online, use the access key listed below (3FV NFL XJA). Photo day is in the first week of Term Two, just after Easter. As usual, it is expected that all students will be neatly presented and dressed in full school uniform for the photos. Please feel free to contact the school if you have any questions or concerns. More information and payment options will be available in the near future.
Tuckshop - Helpers Wanted
Can you help us out by volunteering some time at the tuckshop? We would appreciate volunteers every day tuckshop operates (Monday, Wednesday, Friday). PLEASE HELP US OUT! We currently have NO volunteers to help Karissa out. Do you know anyone who may be able to come in for an hour or so? Contact the school office if you are willing to help.
Sports Report
Border District Winter Trials – A group of secondary students attended the Border District Winter Trials held in Warwick, on Tuesday 17 February. Students trialled in Soccer, Netball and Rugby League. Soccer Lochlan, Milo; Netball Ruby, Claire, Millie, Kelsie, Mia and Matilda; Rugby League Ben, Will, William, Zavier and Noah. All students performed quite well at these trials.
Central Downs Sporting Trials – During Week 4, students trialled in tennis, netball, soccer and rugby league. Well done to the following students on their sportsmanship at their respective sports: Tennis at Clifton on Wednesday 19 February – Will and Aydan; Netball at St Patrick’s, Allora on Friday 21 February – Bailey, Grace, Kyah, Chelsea and Ellie; Soccer at Clifton on Friday 21 February – Jesse, Ruby, Mitchell, Koda, Graysen, Malakai, Tyson and Timmy; Rugby League also at Clifton on Friday 21 February – Blake, Evan, Will and Aydan.
The following students will now represent Central Downs at the Southern Downs trials – Rugby League (5 March) Aydan, Will, Blake and Evan; Netball (5 March) Kyah, Ellie, Bailey and Chelsea and Soccer (2 May) Graysen, Ruby, Jesse and Tyson.
Warwick All Schools Swimming – Only four secondary students competed at the Warwick All Schools Swimming Carnival on 19 February – Blake, Benjamin, Tristan and Jackson. Congratulations to Blake who was named 14 Years Age Champion, and Benjamin who was Runner-Up Age Champion in the 15 Years age group. Allora came second in the Under 15 Boys Points Trophy on the night. Well done, boys.
Darling Downs Rugby League Gala Day Selection Trials – Zavier attended these trials, also during Week 4, participating well and enjoying the experience.
Southern Downs Swimming Carnival – held in Warwick on Tuesday 25 February. Six Allora students represented Central Downs at these trials – Kyah, Chelsea, Anabel, Keighley, Cody and Aydan. Congratulations on your effort and participation at this carnival.
Darling Downs Swimming Trials – Gatton – Congratulations to Blake who attended the Darling Downs Swimming Trials in Gatton on Tuesday. Blake competed in all four strokes coming 4th in breaststroke, 5th in backstroke, 6th in freestyle and 7th in butterfly, swimming three PBs. Well done, Blake.
Interhouse Cross Country – Will be held at the Allora Golf Course on Friday 21 March. This will involve all students from Prep to Year 10. More information and permission/consent will be sent home shortly.
Library News
Book Club has been handed out to students and must be returned to school no later than 14 March. Parents, you are able to order online. Please go to scholastic.com.au/LOOP
It’s wonderful to see so many students using the SORA app on their device. There are lots of great books to read as well as audio books and magazines.
Have a wonderful week.
Lea-ann Weier
Classroom News
Community News
