30 July 2025

Acting Principal’s Report

Welcome back to Hermit Park for what promises to be a vibrant and productive Term 3. We’ve launched straight into learning and community celebrations, and I’m delighted to share a few highlights from the past two weeks, and exciting events for the weeks ahead.

Celebrating NAIDOC Week 2025

Our school honoured NAIDOC Week under the national theme “The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy.” This theme recognises 50 years of NAIDOC celebrations while looking ahead to a future led by young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices rooted in culture, community, and a proud legacy of resilience.

Ms Goldburg guided students through rich cultural learning experiences and coordinated a beautiful school assembly. Thank you to every class for the respect and enthusiasm shown throughout the week.

Learning in Action

Prep “Camping” Classrooms – Our Prep spaces have been transformed into magical campsites complete with tents, fairy lights, and pretend campfires. The highlight so far? Students in Prep M proudly cooked “morning eggs” over their pretend fire for Ms Pecchiar during her visit-a perfect example of imaginative play sparking language and social skills.

Year 1 Fire Education – Students loved their sessions with our local firefighters, asking thoughtful questions and demonstrating exemplary behaviour. Our junior campus got a wonderful watering with the hose!

Block Sport & Representative Success

Block Sport relaunched with great energy. A special congratulations to Ms Balanzategui, who travelled to Brisbane to participate in the NQ Northern Sports trials-wonderful recognition of her dedication to school sport.

Bastille Day

Last week we celebrated Bastille Day with a wonderful morning of French-themed activities, music and delicious food. It was fantastic to see so many families joining in the festivities and sharing in the joy of the occasion. A HUGE thank you to all the families who came along to support the event – your involvement helps make these celebrations so special for our students.

Challenge Games

Our students had an incredible time participating in the Challenge Games last week! The event was filled with excitement, teamwork and plenty of smiles as students gave their best in a range of fun and engaging activities. It was wonderful to see the determination, resilience and sportsmanship on display throughout the day.

Another special part of the Challenge Games is reconnecting with past students who come back each year to join in the fun. The photo shows Ms Lehmann with some of our former students – a wonderful reminder of the lasting connections built through these events.

A huge thank you to our staff and families for their support in making this experience possible, whether it was cheering from the sidelines, helping with preparations or encouraging our students to give it a go.

Staffing Updates

We’re pleased to welcome Ms Billi-Jo Cooling to the Hermit Park team. Billi-Jo will be working in a support role this term, covering behind Mrs Smith, one of our valued teacher aides.

It is with huge congratulations and a touch of sadness for us that we farewell Ms Sheena Eather, who has been appointed Acting Deputy Principal at Annandale State School for Term 3. Sheena has been an incredible part of our team, and while we will miss her deeply, we are so proud to see her stepping into this well-deserved leadership opportunity. We know she’ll make a fantastic impact at Annandale SS.

Teaching and Learning

Our commitment to quality teaching and learning remains strong, with a particular focus on embedding the Reading Through the Curriculum across all classrooms. Staff are engaging in ongoing professional development to strengthen reading instruction, including leadership training through the Leading Reading program and continued preparation for our full implementation of the DIBELS reading assessment in 2026. Early adopters will soon be trialling the tools to support smooth transition and capability building across the school.

In line with recent national conversations about reading standards and phonics instruction, our Year 1 students recently completed the Year 1 Phonics Check – a short, simple assessment that helps teachers identify how well students can apply their phonics knowledge to decode unfamiliar words. The check, which includes both real and pseudo words, supports early identification of students who may benefit from additional support. The data from these checks is used alongside classroom observations and other assessments to inform our planning and ensure students receive the right support at the right time.

NAPLAN

Results have been released to schools, and individual results have been sent home to families. We are using this data, along with our LOA and reading assessments, to identify trends, strengths, and next steps for teaching and learning. Preliminary analysis of our Semester One LOA data, when triangulated with NAPLAN results, shows strong alignment. This indicates that our internal assessment practices are reliable and consistent, reflecting positively on our moderation processes and our teachers’ confidence and competence in using the achievement standards and marking guides aligned with the Version 9 Australian Curriculum.

Coming Soon: Democracy in a Box – National Launch at HP

I’m thrilled to announce Hermit Park has been chosen to host the national launch of “Democracy in a Box,” an innovative civics-and-citizenship learning kit designed by the Museum of Australian Democracy. The launch will take place in our Hall on Tuesday 5 August from 10-11am. You’re very welcome to come along to watch.

We’ll welcome an impressive line-up of guests, including:

• Barrie Cassidy (Chair of Board, Old Parliament House (OPH))
• Max Lenoy, Welcome to Country (Jirrbal/ Yalangi man. Curriculum Specialist, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures at ACARA)
• Dame Quentin Bryce AD CVO (Former Governor General of Australia)
• Hon Milton Dick MP (Speaker of the House of Representatives and Federal Member for Oxley, QLD)
• Tenason Stark (Local youth advocate)
• Dr Stephanie Smith
• Phillip Thompson OAM, MP (Federal Member for Herbert)
• Tim Fairfax AC and Gina Fairfax AC (Program supporters)

This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to see democracy in action and showcase Hermit Park on the national stage. More details will follow as planning progresses.

We Value Your Voice – School Opinion Survey

Families should have received an email with a link to the 2025 School Opinion Survey. This annual survey is a valuable way for us to hear directly from you about what’s working well and where we can improve.

Your feedback helps guide our planning and school improvement, and we deeply value your voice in shaping the future of Hermit Park. If you haven’t yet completed the survey, we encourage you to take a few minutes to share your thoughts.

Thank you for supporting our school and helping us grow.

Speaking of Voice… Our School Review is Approaching

In just a few weeks, we’ll be welcoming a team of School Reviewers from the Department of Education. Our official review will take place from Tuesday 12 August to Thursday 14 August.

You may notice reviewers out and about at the school gates, keen to speak with families. These visitors are highly experienced educators who are passionate about school improvement. They want to hear directly from you - what you love about Hermit Park, what’s working well, and any suggestions you may have for our next steps forward.

This process is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our strengths and refine our vision for the future. Your input matters, and we thank you in advance for the warm welcome and conversations you share with our review team.

At Hermit Park SS, we value strong partnerships between our school and our families. The Parent and Community Code of Conduct outlines the expectations for all parents, carers and visitors to help us maintain a safe, supportive and respectful environment for everyone.

By working together, modelling positive behaviours and using the school’s communication processes, we can continue to create a positive school culture where every student feels valued and ready to learn.

Thank you for supporting our school community by upholding these expectations.

Thank you, as always, for your partnership and support. Term 3 is off to a great start, and I look forward to celebrating many more successes with you in the weeks ahead.

Samara Koïdis
Acting Principal

Deputy Principal’s Report

Year 4&5 Life Education

Life Education Queensland will be presenting TALK ABOUT IT, an innovative program focusing on emotions and relationships, at Hermit Park State School next week. The program being delivered to our Year 4 cohort on Tuesday 5 August is called: Body Safety and will be presented by Samantha Scholl, Sexual Health and Relationships Educator.

The program being delivered to our Year 5 cohort on Wednesday 6 August & Thursday 7 August is called: Evolving Friendships and will be presented by Samantha Scholl, Sexual Health and Relationships Educator.

This program aligns with our school wellbeing program and is proudly supported by our wonderful P&C.

Sharon Pecchiar
Deputy Principal Year 3-6

Early Years Deputy Principal’s Report

Pre-Prep Transition

Our pre-prep transition is well and truly underway with the commencement of interviews and tours. We had an amazing turn-out of families at last week’s school tour. Rachel has been in contact this term to schedule future interviews. If you have a child who is eligible to start school in 2026, please see the office for an enrolment form.

Playgroup

Playgroup is on again this term 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

Sport Report

Term 2 wrapped up with a flurry of exciting events, including our Junior and Senior Athletics Carnivals, along with Netball and Rugby League Gala Days, Block Sport and Hockey Sporting  Schools. Well done to all students who participated and gave their best efforts!

This term, we look forward to the Interschool Athletics Carnival on Thursday 7 August, where 80 students will proudly represent Hermit Park State School. Best of luck to all competitors! Block Sport – Season 2 is underway and will continue until Week 7. The Rugby Union Development Officer will be visiting our school each Wednesday to assist in coaching our school Rugby Union team in preparation for their Friday games. It’s shaping up to be another big and active term of sport here at HPSS!

Interhouse Athletics

Congratulations to all Hermit Park State School students who participated in our Junior and Senior Interhouse Athletics Carnivals! It was wonderful to see everyone having fun, giving their best effort, and showing great sportsmanship across both big days of competition.

A special congratulations to our Individual Age Champions:
Harlen, Rafaela, Max, Kyla, Solo, Zara, Kai, Charlotte, Ziggy, and Ines. What an amazing achievement!

🏆 Spirit Trophy – Well done to Melton for showing a positive attitude, sportsmanship and team spirit!
🥇 House Points Trophy – Congratulations to Stanton for taking out the overall house win!

Interschool Athletics

The Hermit Park SS Athletics Team list is now displayed on the PE noticeboard near the Year 2 classrooms (F Block). Students have been encouraged to check their names and events. If any student is unable to attend, they must notify Mrs Stanieg as soon as possible. To participate, permission notes and payment must be returned to the school by the due date. Training sessions are being offered before school and during lunch breaks to help students prepare. We’re looking forward to a great team effort at the upcoming carnival!

Hermit Park SS Athletics Trainings

Trainings are being offered to those students who are representing Hermit Park SS at the Interschool Athletics Carnival.

Representative School Sport

Congratulations to Kai and his teammates in the Northern 10–11 Years Rugby League Team, who won gold at the 70th Vic Jensen Rugby League State Carnival! This is a truly historic achievement, as it marks the first time the Northern Region has ever won this prestigious trophy. Well done, Kai – what a fantastic accomplishment!

Weekend Warriors

Over the school holidays, Ziggy and Oskar travelled to New Zealand to compete in the Christchurch International Cup with their Football U12 team.

The boys did an outstanding job, finishing runners-up (2nd place overall) out of 16 teams after three days of tough competition – bringing home the Silver Cup!

Well done, Ziggy and Oskar – what an incredible experience and achievement on the international stage!

Mrs Tracey Stanieg

Music Notes

Choral Fanfare 2025

A huge congratulations to our Senior and Junior Choirs on their performances at Choral Fanfare last term!  If you haven’t already heard, our Senior Choir was awarded Gold for their performance and the Junior Choir was awarded Platinum and were invited to perform at the regional finals.  They received a Gold Award for their performance at the finals.

We are so proud of both our choirs who represented our school admirably.  Their musicianship, respect and love of singing and music shone through their performances and in the way they conducted themselves at this event.  Congratulations, and thank you for your hard work!

Instrumental Recruitment for 2026

Calling all budding instrumentalists!  Our teachers are about to start recruiting for our award-winning instrumental music program for 2026.  Our Year 2 and 3 students were treated to an instrumental demonstration on Tuesday 29July (Week 3).   

Applications will be sent home to all current Year 2 and 3 students following the demonstration.  Students in Year 3 in 2026 are eligible for the Strings program, and Students in Year 4 in 2026 can also apply for the Band program (Brass, Woodwind and Percussion).

Older students (in Years 5 and 6 in 2026) can still apply and will be considered if sufficient places are available. 

Choral Workshop with Odette Baxter

On Sunday 3August, our Junior and Senior Choirs will be working with Odette Baxter – teacher, composer and conductor of Pimlico Voices.  Mrs Baxter brings with her a wealth of expertise and creativity in music and choral conducting, and we can’t wait to sing and learn with her!  Please refer to the letter emailed home for further details. 

Music Calendar and Save the Dates on SZ app

We have a very busy second half of the year coming up, so please check our SZapp regularly for updates to our Music program events and dates throughout the term.  Our end of year Arts Showcase will be on Tuesday evening, 19November next term, commencing at 6pm.  Every student in our instrumental and choral program will participate in this performance which will be held at the Denise Glasgow Performing Arts Centre at Pimlico State High School.  It is a wonderful evening at which we celebrate all our wonderful performers. 

Please save the date in your calendars, as it is a very busy time of year.

2025 Music Performances and Events

SAVE THE DATES!

“There is music in every child.”    
                                          Frances Clark

Julie Sullivan
Music Teacher

Student Inclusion Report

Sound Scouts success!

In Term 2, the Inclusion team, supported by our Department of Education Speech Language Pathologist and Advisory Visiting Teacher for Deaf and Hard of Hearing to roll out free hearing screening for all 2025 Preps, Indigenous students and any extras identified by the Inclusion Support Team. We screened over 200 students and have valuable hearing results for all these students. Thank you to the team who made this happen – greatly appreciated! 

Challenge Games

Invited students and Inclusion staff were SO excited to participate in The Challenge Games last week on Wednesday and Thursday. We had two action packed days filled with fun, laughter and many special memories for the staff and students who attended.

 Supporting Every Student – NCCD 2025

Every year, schools across Australia take part in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) on students with disability. The NCCD helps us make sure that every student who needs support receives reasonable adjustments so they can access learning on the same basis as their peers.

This includes students with learning difficulties, chronic health conditions, or other diagnosed disabilities.

• No personal information is shared.
• Data helps guide funding and support across years Prep to 6.
• It’s about equity in education for all.

To learn more, check out the full parent fact sheet. You can also visit the NCCD Portal – https://www.nccd.edu.au/

Yours in Inclusion

4BR - Adopt a Cowboy

4BR had a fantastic morning with Tom Duffy, focusing on the themes of resilience and persistence and how these qualities contribute to success. Tom shared his valuable expertise and engaged with students in meaningful discussions and reflections. We then put our learning into action with some fun and energetic football skills sessions, making for a morning that was both insightful, memorable and enjoyable. We would like to thank Tom and the Cowboys’ team for their time in supporting the next generation, it certainly was a morning that they will remember.

Tom's dedication and his compassionate, supportive approach towards the students make him an asset that the Cowboys can take pride in.

Kind regards
Sammy Brooks

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.