Congratulations Future School Leaders

Last week I had the pleasure to interview ten amazing year 5 students and listen to their in-depth responses to the selection criteria in the questions provided. I was amazed and proud how well they all performed. I would also like to congratulate the parents in supporting these young people throughout the recruitment process. Last week, on Friday students, parents and staff were treated to the confident and unique speeches that were carefully prepared by the future leaders for all to hear. It was clear to see the effort and preparation the students had rehearsed into polished and professional presentations. Well done students! The new school captains for 2022 will be announced next Friday at our awards parade.

Finalising classes for 2022

As we approach the end of the term we have been working hard to ensure the classes for 2022 are completed. These will remain in draft mode until the 8^th day of the term 1 next year. During the last week of the term students will have the opportunity in the last session on Monday 6th December to visit their new rooms and meet their new teachers. Please note there will be another opportunity on Friday 21st January where students are welcome to drop off all their supplies, meet and chat with their new teacher anytime from 8am -10am.

COVID readiness

Last week I attended the regional briefing where we again revisited the NQ regions plan and school expectations around snap lock downs and school closures. This is aligned to the fact that shortly boarders are opening and restrictions are being eased across the country. We have worked through with staff at Bowen State School with our COVID readiness plan and have considered the scenarios to support our students remotely. As I have mentioned previously we will communicate with families via our various platforms if the need arises and will keep our families informed and up to date as decisions are made and information is required to be shared. Our staff are ready and prepared for the Christmas holiday period and will return to school knowing we have a plan in place to support you and your children.

Looking forward to sharing more great stories around the teaching and learning this term. Until next fortnight, have a great couple of weeks.

The Year that was in Attendance

As the year is coming to a wrap, now is the perfect time to reflect on some of the great successes we have had in the ‘improving attendance’ space in 2021.

Our Attendance Task Force team have been working hard in decreasing the number of students attending school less than 85% of the time. Intaking a supporting role and providing individualised intervention I am happy to announce that we have improved from last year with a decrease of 5% of students at high risk.

The team has also had a major impact in getting our indigenous students to school with again less students having a poor attendance rate. This year we have managed to decrease the number of indigenous students with less than 85% attendance by 7.2%!

Although we do have a task force targeted attendance, improving attendance is really a whole school effort. Teachers have been working hard in making school more engaging for students and using a range of strategies to encourage students to attend. I am pleased to announce that attendance as a school has improved this year by 1% to 90.1%.

An amazing effort by all has been accomplished this year, but as always there’s still more work to be done. Thank you to all parents and caregivers who have worked with us here at school to encourage your children to prioritise their education and attend school every day.

Jeremy Callaghan                                                                                                                           

Deputy Principal                                                                                                                   

COWBOYS SIGNED JERSEY UP FOR AUCTION

We have a Cowboys signed jersey up for auction and our current bid sits at $500.00. The biding will be closing on Friday the 10^th December 2021. All proceeds will be going to Bowen State School.

 SO LETS GET BIDING!