Support for Classroom Teachers

This week Bowen State School engaged our regional senior speech support officer Bella Ganko over three days.  Teachers were released for two-hour blocks to collaborate together with other cohort teachers and leaders to discuss the current unit of work and adjustments required for students to successfully access the task. This term all year levels are required to produce an oral presentation to their peers and persuade a choice of opinion. Bella’s knowledge and expertise has been a valuable addition to support the classroom teacher in providing the necessary adjustments for all students learning around this topic.

I was able to join the Year 2 session and was impressed with the rich conversations and outcomes for the learners in this year level. Investments such as this have reduced the workload for classroom teachers in understanding a brand-new curriculum that Education Queensland has rolled out this year. We will continue to engage with Bella each term to ensure we are opening up every opportunity for our students to achieve their best in English this year.

Welcome to our new Chaplain

I would like to welcome Billie Acreman our newly recruited School Chaplain to the Bowen State School community. Billie was the successful applicant during recent interviews and brings a wealth of experience and training to the role. Billie commences on Tuesday next week and will be working two days per week. We value the important, caring and supportive role a Chaplain delivers in our school and know the impact such a person has on our students at school. Billie will coordinate social activities, support the school lunch program and be available to check in with students where required. I welcome Billie and hope that she will enjoy her time at our great school. 

Strong Transitions to Prep

Can I thank the significant number of families who have been attending our fortnightly Practicing for Prep sessions. Over the last few weeks parents and students have enjoyed a range of interactive sessions for the whole family. These sessions will continue each fortnight until the end of the term and families may join in the sessions at any point. I believe these impactful opportunities allow our newest incoming students to feel safe, connected and supported on their journey to big school.

Principal

This term, in Design Science, Year 4's are learning about materials and the observable properties of materials and how they can then be used effectively. So far, 4A have created the fourth little pig's house out of paddlepop sticks, index cards or paper straws, that could not be huffed and puffed and blown down by the big bad wolf. By the end of this unit, students will be designing a safety device that prevents Humpty Dumpty from breaking when he falls off the wall. Watch this space!

Introducing our new School Chaplain

Hi BSS families,

I'm Billie, and I’m thrilled to be joining your school as the new School Chaplain. I’m excited and looking forward to becoming a part of your community and having some fun as we get to know each other better.

Having grown up in Bowen, I truly appreciate the strong sense of community that you all are a part of. We are indeed fortunate to live in such a wonderful place.

I have a passion for creativity, especially in hairdressing, which I've been involved in for many years. I also enjoy gardening and exploring new plants, particularly those that are low-maintenance. I love learning new things and hope we can engage in activities that challenge us and also help us grow.

Looking forward to meeting you all!

Billie Acreman

School Chaplain

Instrumental Music

At the end of last term, the instrumental music beginners had a taste of band with the workshops that happened in Bowen and Proserpine. It is an expectation of the instrumental music program that if you are learning an instrument at Bowen State School with me, that you are also coming to band rehearsals EVERY WEEK. These are held at First Break on Thursdays in the music hall. Band is an integral part of the instrumental music program and participation forms part of the assessment requirement for the subject.

Students who come to band rehearsals learn to read music faster and make more progress on their instruments. We also have a Spring Concert coming up in Week 9, and a possible trip to Townsville in Term 4.

Please encourage your young musicians to remember to come to band EVERY WEEK!

Amanda Mattiske

Instrumental Music Teacher

CASUAL CLEANER WANTED

Casual Cleaner wanted for Local Holiday Apartments.

Very flexible hours that would suit someone with kids at school.

Please contact Jackie on 0400 851 875.