1 September 2025

Acting Principal’s Report

Dear Families,

We’re now into Week 7 of what has been a vibrant and busy term, and I want to reflect on the wonderful opportunities and progress we’ve seen across our school in recent weeks.

Year 5 Camp – A Paluma Adventure

This week, I had the absolute pleasure of joining our Year 5 campers at Paluma Environmental and Education Centre for part of their camp experience. It was truly a privilege to see our students embrace challenge, build resilience, and support each other through bushwalks, group activities, and night adventures.

My sincere thanks to the staff who accompanied our students, taking time from their own lives to create unforgettable memories for our young people, and to the incredible staff at the Paluma centre, who helped make the experience safe, engaging, and full of learning. We are so fortunate to have access to such a unique educational experience.

A Shout-Out to Our P&C

Behind the scenes of every great school is a group of dedicated volunteers, and our P&C is no exception. I want to acknowledge and thank our P&C members who consistently give their time, energy, and ideas to help make Hermit Park SS the amazing place it is. Their conversations are always centred on student outcomes, community engagement, and how we can enrich the school experience for every family. From fundraising to community events to strategic planning, they are helping shape the future of our school in meaningful ways. Thank you all for the part you play in our community – whether you attend meetings, or you support initiatives through fundraisers and your positive discussions around our wonderful school.

A Reading Journey – Together

You may have seen in recent updates that our teachers are currently engaging in professional learning focused on evidence-based practices in the teaching of reading. Our goal remains clear: to ensure every student succeeds. We are committed to bringing families along on this journey, sharing strategies, resources, and insights to help you support your child at home.

The Australian Curriculum website offers excellent resources to help families with reading at home, spanning from early years, where children are learning to read, through to the later years, where they are reading to learn.

As a parent of a five-year-old myself, I completely understand that some days feel like an uphill push. Our children arrive home cognitively overloaded, and on those days, I often leave the books aside and meet my daughter in other ways. But most days, she’s eager to read, and we make it fun, flexible, and part of our routine.

Here are a few suggestions you might try at home:

• Read the same favourite book multiple times – repetition builds fluency.
• Take turns reading pages or lines – model expression and pacing.
• Ask questions like: “What do you think will happen next?” or “Why do you think the character did that?”
• Use environmental print – signs, labels, menus – to practise ‘real-world’ reading.
• Encourage your child to read to a pet, sibling, or even a favourite stuffed toy.
• Record your child reading and play it back for them - they love hearing themselves!
• Explore non-fiction books that align with their interests - dinosaurs, space, animals, sport, etc.

If you’d like access to the Australian Curriculum’s resources for families, visit:
🔗 https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/resources/parents-carers/

Reading is not just a school subject, it’s a lifelong gateway to imagination, learning, and confidence. Let’s keep finding ways, big and small, to nurture that love of reading every day.

Teacher Aide Appreciation Week 

This week we celebrate Teacher Aide Appreciation Week, a time to recognise the incredible impact our teacher aides have on the daily life of our school. Teacher aides are often the quiet champions of classrooms, supporting learning, encouraging students, and stepping in wherever they are needed. Their care, dedication, and adaptability help ensure that every child can thrive. On behalf of our whole school community, I want to thank our teacher aides for the many ways they make a difference each day. Your commitment to our students and staff is deeply valued, and we are so grateful to have you as part of our team.

Week 9 Parent-Teacher Conferences

A strong partnership between home and school plays a vital role in each child’s learning journey. In Week 9, we invite all families to attend our Parent-Teacher Conference Evening - an opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher, hear about their progress, celebrate their achievements, and discuss next steps for learning.

These conversations are not just about academic results. They’re a chance to talk about how your child is engaging in class, how they’re growing socially and emotionally, and what supports can be put in place to ensure continued success.

I encourage you to take this opportunity to meet with your child’s teacher and share in the joy of their learning.

Enjoy these last few weeks of term (and winter!) and remember that my door (and inbox) is always open for questions, comments and discussion.

Kind regards

Samara Koïdis
Acting Principal

Deputy Principal’s Report

Our Hermit Park State School AFL team has made it through to the finals in Maroochydore – an exciting achievement for our students! To help cover travel and accommodation costs, we are holding a Pie Drive Fundraiser in partnership with Mal’s Pies & Pastries!

This is a great opportunity to stock up your freezer with delicious family-sized pies, sausage rolls, and sweet treats – all while supporting our students.

Sharon Pecchiar
Deputy Principal Year 3-6

Early Years Deputy Principal’s Report

Week 7 already?! Where has the time gone? As we near the end of term I would just like to give a friendly reminder about the importance of attending school EVERY day. Our teachers have had a very busy term of planning, delivering and reflecting on a range of teaching and learning opportunities. They are now beginning to assess their students work so it is vital that every child attends every day. If your child/ren are unwell and need to stay home, please ensure you contact the office and class teacher. After three consecutive days of non-attendance a medical certificate is required.       

Prep Reading Groups

Every Thursday morning, I spend time with PYA, PYD, PYM and PYV. During this time, we are learning phonemes & graphemes, decoding skills (including segmenting & blending), introducing new vocabulary and building our comprehension skills. I am so proud of their love of reading, writing and spelling and how far they are progressing. I certainly am lucky to spend this time with our beautiful preppies.

Father’s Day Stall

Next week we will be holding our annual Father’s Day stall on both campuses. Communication will be sent home from both the school and your class teacher informing you of times that the stall will be available. Please only send a small amount of money (up to $5) in an envelope or a zip lock bag labelled with your child’s name. Our students are supported by their classroom teacher/s, our school leaders and the wonderful volunteers when deciding on items.

Parent-Teacher Conference

Parent-Teacher conferences are scheduled to occur in week 9 (Tuesday 9September) for Years 1-6 including Prep students of class PY1C. If you would like to speak with your teacher regarding your child’s progress, please select a suitable time once the on-line booking link opens on Monday 1 September. 

Prep teachers of PYA, PYD, PYM & PYV will send home further communication regarding times for Prep conferences. Prep interviews will occur Monday to Friday of week 9 in the Prep classroom.

Prep Paluma Visit

On the 7 August our inquisitive Prep students attended an incursion hosted by Paluma. The students were entertained by two teachers from Paluma and were able to participate in interactive activities involving all types of weather. This incursion linked directly to their science unit this term.

Year 1 Swimming

This term our wonderful Year 1 students attended swimming lessons on Fridays as a part of essential water safety skills. Teachers were very impressed with their behaviour, showing responsibility when travelling on the bus and being safe at the pool. Students told me they loved it and enjoyed swimming with their friends.

Year 2 Museum Excursion

On Monday 28 July our fabulous Year 2 students visited our local museum. This purpose of this visit was to help the students decide if the museum or the city library would be a better choice for an excursion. They then had to create a presentation to persuade their audience.

Junior Parade

This term Junior Parade (Prep – Yr2) will be held on the EYC, under the umbrellas.

Junior parade is an opportunity to discuss school expectations (i.e. rule of the week), reminders about upcoming events and to celebrate the achievements of our wonderful students. We are fortunate enough to have so many parents and families join us for parade. A friendly reminder that if you have younger children with you, to please remind and encourage them to stay with their caregiver and not to run around, so they don’t distract the students during the parade.

School Spirit Award

Students can be nominated by any staff member for outstanding behaviours that demonstrate our school values. Earlier this term Thea, 2F, received her award for showing kindness and responsibility and Bobby, PYM, received his award for always being a kind and caring friend.

Using School Crossings

There are still a few parents and children not crossing at the designated road crossing areas. Both morning and afternoons are very busy times with heavy traffic. I encourage you to model road safe behaviours and use our experienced crossing supervisors to cross the road safely.

Allocated Parking Spaces

A reminder to NOT park in the handicap space on McKimmin Road or inside the admin carpark. They are not a ‘drop and go’ or a ‘quick pick up’ option. We have several families who require this space for accessibility. I appreciate your support on this matter.

Prep Transition 2026

If your child is eligible for Prep in 2026, kindly reach out to me or the office staff for an enrolment form. It would be ideal if you could submit the form by the end of this term so we can arrange an interview at the earliest opportunity. Additionally, if you are aware of any new families residing in our catchment area, please urge them to enrol promptly. We are nearing full capacity for 2026.

Playgroup

Playgroup is this Friday 29August with Ms Cody and Mrs Goldburg.  It will be held on the EYC. Please phone the office to book your spot. Playgroup is an opportunity for families to build relationships within the community and become familiar with the school environment. We encourage all ages to attend, particularly those children who are entering Prep in 2026 to assist their transition into the school environment.

Yours in education

Jody Ross
Deputy Principal Prep – Year 2

Sport Report

Interschool Athletics Carnival

On Thursday 7 August, 77 of our Year 1–6 students proudly represented Hermit Park SS at the Townsville Interschool Athletics ‘B’ School Carnival.

Individual Results:
Congratulations to 8 of our HPSS students who have been selected to represent Townsville at the upcoming Northern Athletics Trials on Tuesday 2 September:

Kyla – High Jump (105cm)
Max – 100m & High Jump (112cm)
Solo – 100m (14.23 secs)
Kai – 100m (14.67sec)
Zara – High Jump (115cm) & 1500m
Ruby – 100m 
Charlotte – 100m (14.42 secs), Long Jump (400cm) & 200m (30.67 secs)
Alice – 1500m

A special mention to Solo, who broke the 10-year boys’ 100m record (previously set in 2006 at 14.27 seconds) with an outstanding time of 14.23 seconds and was given 2nd place. The first-place runner from Grammar was recorded at 13.99 seconds – an incredible effort!

Overall Results:

HPSS accumulated 742 points, placing second overall behind Belgian Gardens SS with 835 points.

Our boys’ team achieved 429 points, winning the Boys’ Aggregate Trophy over both Belgian Gardens SS and North Shore SS, who each scored 364 points.

Well done to all our athletes for their sportsmanship, effort, and school pride!

Representative School Sport

Congratulations to Nate, who has been selected to represent the Townsville District School Sport Cricket Team at the Northern Regional Cricket Trials. We wish Nate all the best as he competes at this next level of competition.

Weekend Warriors

Congratulations to Matilda and Lillianne, who recently travelled to Mackay to represent Townsville Hockey in the Under 11 Carnival. Their team played with great skill and determination, taking out 1st place in Division 2.

Well done, girls – what an outstanding achievement.

Congratulations to Ziggy, who achieved 1st place in the Under 12 category at the Outer Limits After Dark 6km Trail Run. The event was held on the challenging and rugged trails of Mt Louisa, making Zig’s win an outstanding accomplishment. Well done, Ziggy – a fantastic effort on such tough terrain.

Over the August weekend, HPSS teachers and students proudly took part in the Running Festival. Well done to everyone who participated, including those who joined the DonateLife team in the 5km Corporate Race.

A special congratulations to Estelle, who competed in the 2.5km race and finished 2nd out of 82 participants – an incredible effort!

Congratulations to Milani, Isabelle, and Summer, who are currently representing Townsville Basketball in the Flames U12 team in the North Queensland Junior Basketball Competition. The team is currently sitting 1st on the ladder and will compete again at the end of this month. The girls are training hard in preparation for the State Championships, which will be held at Northside, Brisbane in September. Best of luck girls.

Well done to some past and present HPSS students who participated in the Aquathon/Triathlon!
A special congratulations to Ziggy, who achieved an outstanding result, placing 2nd overall. We are proud of all our students for their effort and determination on the day.

During the school holidays, Ryder competed in his very first North Queensland Junior Ten Pin Bowling Championships and achieved an outstanding result, winning 1st place. We are incredibly proud of his effort and success and look forward to seeing his future achievements in the sport.

Mrs Tracey Stanieg

Music Notes

Townsville Eisteddfod

The Townsville Eisteddfod is now only a few weeks away, and students are working hard to prepare for their performances.  As all ensemble performances are a team effort, it is vital that students attend their weekly rehearsals to ensure they can contribute to their team performance.  Please notify your child’s ensemble director if they cannot attend a rehearsal for any reason. 

Notes and consent forms for the Townsville Eisteddfod have been sent home with students.  Details of travel arrangements and timings are included in the covering note.  Separate notes for each ensemble have been created due to the complexity of travel arrangements, dates and times.  Please ensure that payment and consent forms are returned to the school office by Monday 1  September. 

Session start times are advised below, together with an estimated Section start time.  Please note that as there are up to 5 sections within a session, the estimated sections start times are subject to change, based on the progress of each session.

Instrumental Recruitment for 2026

Instrumental applications have been collated and recorded for suitability testing which commences in Week 8.  Students who have applied for the 2026 program will attend a short session with our instrumental teachers to determine their suitability for the program and individual instruments.  Outcomes and notification of offers will be sent out in Week 4 next term.

If your child wishes to apply for the program but has not yet submitted an application form, please ensure that the form is sent into the office by the end of this week, and we will do our best to accommodate them in the testing schedule.

Marvellous Musicians

We’re Off to See the Wizard…..

What a talented bunch we have at HPSS!  Eliza, Charlie, Lottie and Maisie recently performed in the cast of Libretto Studio’s 2025 Musical production – The Wizard of Oz.  They did an amazing job on stage, and by all accounts had a fantastic time.  It’s so wonderful to see our students sharing and enjoying their love of music and the arts with the wider community.  Bravo girl!

“There is music in every child.”    
                                                         Frances Clark

Julie Sullivan
Music Teacher

Student Inclusion Report

This year we recognised 144 students at HPSS through our Nationally Consistent Collection of Data audit as having a disability or imputed disability. Our Inclusion team continues to support these, and many more students across Year Prep to 6, as well as supporting the classroom teachers to provide reasonable adjustments both in and out of the classroom. We have an incredible team of Inclusion Wonder Women – who always go above and beyond to support out school – a massive thank you to the team who work tirelessly to ensure HPSS is a great place to be.

R U OK Day – save the date! Thursday 11^th Sept

Free dress – yellow themed, gold coin donation – all monies raised will be donated directly to the R U OK Foundation.

Yours in Inclusion

First Nation News

NAIDOC Celebrations 2025

 The commencement of Term 3 saw our Hermit Park State School community celebrate NAIDOC Week which showcased the culture and traditions of our First Nations Peoples.

Our lunch time activities were run by our Year 6 leaders and included First Nations arts and craft, dancing and games and a free dress day. We held a whole school NAIDOC parade run by our cultural leaders. Our wonderful P&C funded our special performers the Komet Torres Strait Islanders Art & Culture Group who performed traditional Torres Strait Islander dances and songs. During the week Phillip Thompson OAM MP visited the school and spoke with our Year 6 students and donated First Nations books to our school library.

Thank you to all Year 6 leaders for running NAIDOC Week lunch time activities, our cultural leaders for our fantastic parade, Komet Torres Strait Islander Art & Culture Group for the wonderful performance, our P&C for funding the performance, Mr Phillip Thompson OAM MP for his donation of books to the school library and the National Indigenous Australians Agency for NAIDOC Week funding. 

Thank you to the P&C for funding new First Nations instruments for the music program. The P&C has purchased a new Warup and Lumut drum which will be used at the upcoming Eisteddfod.

Regards
Corrina

Environmental News

Our Friday environmental group have been busy around the school grounds, creating new garden spaces, working on new environmental projects, pouring the school honey and taking care of our chickens. All these students have been working extremely hard completing these environmental projects. Recently our students took part in Schools Tree Day. The activities included mulching the school grounds, planting new shrubs and gaining knowledge about significance of caring for Townsville's natural environment. We extend our gratitude to Townsville City Council for their support of Schools Tree Day.

Honey Label Competition

Christmas Honey Label Competition has opened. We are asking all students to design a colourful and creative label that celebrates our amazing school honey and hardworking bees. Please use the template attached to create your amazing drawing. Entries can be dropped off in the entry box in the library.

Egg-citing visit to the chickens

During our Book Week celebrations, the Year 6 environmental leaders held a read to the chickens’ session with our Prep students. A few of our preppies were lucky enough to come over and read The Funky Chicken to our school chickens. 

Regards
Corrina

P&C Report

Who can believe it’s almost the end of term 3!?

It’s been a busy term for all of us and the P&C have been working hard as we move towards the end of the year!

We’ve recently supported the purchase of 2 custom made Torres Strait Island Instruments, a Lumut and a Warup, for our music program. This request came from our music teacher, Julie Sullivan, who is preparing a performance for the upcoming Townsville Eisteddfod. The group are performing a musical arrangement from a Torres Strait Islander song and so wanted to use authentic instruments as a show of respect and acknowledgment of Torres Strait Island culture. 

This was something we were more than happy to support and are proud that our school is so proactive in ensuring our students understand the importance of recognising and celebrating the different cultures of our school community. 

We can’t wait to see the performance!

OSHC Service

One of the other things we’re incredibly proud of is our OSHC service. We are very fortunate to have an outstanding team who put so much time and effort into caring for our children, both before and after school and through our fantastic vacation care programs. The team provide the best service possible, always considering the wide and varied needs of our children and families, ensuring our programs are fun and engaging. 

We know we run an incredible service because of its popularity, unfortunately this also means that we aren’t always able to meet this high demand, and some families will miss out on spaces, both in and out of term.

We appreciate that this can be frustrating at times, but I would also like to highlight that the team does everything they can to support families, offer up spots as they become available and work in partnership to do the best they can.

It saddens me to say that there are times when these frustrations boil over and have led to our staff being on the receiving end of some unacceptable language and behaviour. 

I would like to remind everyone that the team is always doing their upmost to accommodate all our family’s needs and that they do not deserve to be spoken to in a threatening or aggressive manner. 

If you have concerns or frustrations, then please reach out to the P&C rather than take it out on our wonderful educators - it is not acceptable to treat the team aggressively or rudely and I would encourage you to think before acting with anything other than respect and kindness. 

Protected Industrial Action

I’d like to end with thanking everyone for the support they showed our teaching staff with the recent industrial action. It was amazing to see so many people show solidarity with our teachers by keeping students’ home on the day of the strike.

Whilst I understand that this isn’t an option for everyone, it was wonderful to hear of so many people doing what they could. I know that the snacks and treats that were sent in for our teacher aides and staff onsite were very much appreciated and were as important to the support as keeping children at home.

I also want to give a huge thank you for our Teacher Aides who were onsite throughout the day ensuring that the students who were at school had a great day - it also meant our teachers could participate in the action knowing that the school was in great hands!

Whilst the industrial action was a great start there is still a way to go to ensure our teachers get the resources and remuneration that they deserve. If you would like to do more to support this action and improving conditions for our wonderful staff, then you can follow the link below where you will find instructions on how to contact your local MP and state ministers to encourage them to do more to meet the requests of teachers across Queensland. You’ll find email templates and addresses and the more voices we can add to this, the more likely we are to see meaningful change come about. 

Thanks for your continued support for HPSS and as always, please reach out to the team if you have any questions, concerns or suggestions. 

PandC@hermitparkss.eq.edu.au  

Thanks
Al

P&C Uniform Shop

Free School Dental Services

The school dental van has arrived! Currently operating Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays with staffed hours being 8am - 4:30pm on these days. If you haven't already registered via email, then please sign up via the QR code.