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WHAT A WONDERFUL TERM!
I have officially been at Wondall for just over a term, and I can confidently say that this is an incredible school community. It truly does take a village to raise a child - and Wondall embodies this every single day.
KAREN YOUNG PRESENTATION
A big thank you to the families who joined us for Karen Young’s parent presentation last week on anxiety and supporting children through uncomfortable feelings. Her messages were powerful, practical, and relevant across all ages and settings. Karen shared insights into how the brain works, how our understanding of psychology has evolved, and strategies to help young people become the best versions of themselves. You can explore more of her work at http://heysigmund.com
We are exploring the possibility of inviting Karen back, as the feedback from both parents and staff was outstanding. Did you know that the staff session ran for two hours? Even though it was scheduled for one, our teachers were so engaged that they chose to stay on. This is a wonderful reflection of the commitment and dedication of our staff to learning how to best support every child.
LEARNING CELEBRATIONS
Thank you to everyone who joined us for Learning Celebrations last Friday. Our students and staff were so proud to showcase the incredible learning happening across classrooms. Moments like these remind us how powerful it is when students can share their achievements with families - it builds confidence, pride, and a shared joy in learning.
PARENT-TEACHER INTERVIEWS
We were delighted by the strong turnout at Parent-Teacher Interviews. These meetings are such an important part of the home-school partnership, giving families and staff the chance to connect around each child’s progress and goals. Our teachers are deeply committed to improving outcomes for every student - both academically and personally - and these conversations are a key part of that shared commitment.
FAREWELLS
As the term ends, we also say farewell and best wishes to several valued staff members. Leanne McPherson begins her maternity leave and we wish her all the best for this exciting next chapter. Rachel Ash, one of our Inclusion Teachers, is heading to a new role at another school. Jess Carmichael, one of our Prep Teacher Aides, is relocating closer to home after making a big impact with our youngest learners. And Sam Cosgrove, who has supported us as both a Teacher Aide and in Administration, is moving on to pursue opportunities outside of education.
We thank each of them for the positive contributions they have made to Wondall and wish them every success for the future.
OUTDOOR LEARNING UPDATE
Our new Outdoor Learning Area (OLA), located beside the library, is really starting to take shape. Construction has progressed well this term, and if everything goes to plan, the project will be completed shortly after the holidays.
This space will provide wonderful opportunities for hands-on, flexible learning experiences for all students across the school. A heartfelt thank you to our P&C for their significant contribution to this project — their support ensures that our students continue to enjoy high-quality facilities that enrich both learning and play.
WISHING YOU A SAFE AND RELAXING BREAK
As we wrap up the term, I want to thank every member of our Wondall community for your support. Together, we are creating the village that helps raise and nurture every child.
I wish you and your families a safe, restful, and happy break.
Jonas Shantz
Principal
2026 SCHOOL INTENTIONS- please notify the office ASAP if your child is not returning in 2026.
TERM 4 SWIMMING- Swimming starts Week 2, Term 4… please sign up now to volunteer to assist with supervision.
EVENT RECAP- a busy final fortnight in the school
2026 STUDENT LEADERSHIP- Applications are now open.INTERSCHOOL SPORT SURVEY FEEDBACK- Sharing back the thoughts with the community.
UPCOMING DATE CLAIMERS- we have lots of events to round out the term!
PREP ENROLMENT INFORMATION- Enrol now, formal prep transition events have already begun with Orientation Sessions coming up in Week 2 of Term 4 by invite only!
2026 SCHOOL INTENTIONS
We are commencing our planning for 2026 classes and it is appreciated if you can notify the office ASAP if your family is NOT returning to Wondall in 2026 (current Prep-Year 5 students only). 3906 6444 or admin@wondallheightsss.eq.edu.au
Our waitlist is open with some availability across year levels, so please let your friends know if they are looking at Wondall for 2026, to make contact now!
TERM 4 SWIMMING
Water safety lessons will commence next term for all Prep-Year 6 students, during your child’s HPE Lesson. Each class will swim for 4 weeks (1hr per session). Please note water safety lessons are part of the school curriculum and as a result all students are expected to participate fully in these lessons. If your child is unable to swim for a lesson, a note explaining student’s absence is required. Students who this applies to, will then be directed to another classroom for supervision during the pool lesson. It is important that your child attends their scheduled swimming time, so we can best support water competence and safety for all. The school pool is heated, so the water temperature will always be comfortable for swimming, enabling for an enjoyable experience for your child.
Now would also be a great time to check that your child has the required equipment for lessons:
- Swimmers (1 piece for girls, half tight/full tight/shorts for boys), sun shirt (short or long sleeve), swimming cap (red – these may be purchased from the School Uniform Shop) Please avoid dark coloured/blue items of clothing for the pool- the brighter the better! Please clearly name all gear.
These lessons will be led by Mrs B (HPE Teacher) and supported by our school staff. Volunteers are most welcome to assist too. All volunteers will be required to complete the MAST induction, if they have not already done so. If not a parent, in addition to this you will also require a blue card. Recommended attire for helpers, long sleeve shirt, shorts over togs, hats and lots of sunscreen.
Please note that active supervision of our swimmers will be required at all times. Unfortunately, this means that younger siblings will not be permitted to attend. Only children who are scheduled for their lesson will be allowed to enter the pool. We appreciate your understanding with this request.
If you are able to assist, please register through the SOBS booking system on our school website. Spots are limited, so please register early, so you don’t miss out. Please see below the schedule where help is required.
Thank you for your support and cooperation. We look forward to a wonderful term of swimming.
EVENT RECAP
R U OK? Day
Thanks to all who participated in our Walk to School event and wore yellow last Thursday for R U OK? DAY.
For more information, please access the website: https://www.ruok.org.au/
2026 STUDENT LEADERSHIP APPLICATIONS:
Applications for 2026 Student Leadership positions have been released to interested Year 5 students. Year 5 students who are ACE students (have high attendance, confident and engaged learners) are encouraged to apply! These applications for all leadership positions are due back to Mrs Cocciolone Term 4, Friday Week 1.
INTERSCHOOL SPORT SURVEY FEEDBACK:
Earlier in the term our Leadership team wanted to hear back from the parents regarding interschool sport and the process. The main points and patterns that arose from that feedback was:
*Half of the parent body wish to keep the model the way it is. Just less than half are open to see Gala Days or Multiple Gala days trialled to maximise playing time.
*Parents agree the time – value is of concern, (The amount of time spent in travel/ waiting times vs the actual time spent playing a game).
*A huge majority are looking forward to Term 4- High Interest Sports being run again.
Mrs Butterworth will use these responses and share this feedback with cluster schools to inform future Interschool Sport Models. Thank you for your contribution in these surveys, we value your time completing them.
SAVE THE DATES
SAVE THE DATE- YEAR 6 GRADUATION
NEWS FROM 2B
In 2B, we have been exploring the many different ways we can use our voices and words. Students have been learning that the way we speak, the vocabulary we choose, and how we engage with others can make a big difference in how our message is received.
In English, we have been working on writing and presenting speeches. The students are learning how to use their voices to persuade, share preferences, and capture an audience’s attention by changing their tone, expression and word choice. It has been wonderful to see their confidence grow as they practise presenting in front of their classmates.
We also came together to celebrate R U OK? Day. As a class, we discussed the power of words and how they can both hurt and heal. Students reflected on the importance of kindness, listening, and knowing when to check in with friends and family to ask, “Are you OK?”
Do you have a younger sibling ready to start Prep next year?
or
Do you know of family/friends/neighbours that have children who live in the Wondall Heights SS school catchment zone ready to start Prep in 2026?
If you do… we are putting a call out to enrol your child at Wondall Heights State School ASAP so they don’t miss out on invitations to our exciting transition events, which have now commenced.
Call the office now on 3906 6444.
PBL- WEEKS 1 & 2 RESET AND RECONNECT
Wondall staff spend the first 2 weeks of each term re-teaching the expected behaviours and routines for our students. We remind them of what being safe, respectful and responsible looks like across all areas of the school. Our PBL Captains will be out and about taking videos and interviewing students about everything PBL over the next week and into next term.
We look forward to seeing our students reach their next Dougie Stamp reward and we are so close to hitting out whole school Dougie Dollar Target!
Our Dougie shop (Relocated to outside music room) is open every Friday at 1st break for students to collect their vouchers.
BOOK FAIR
Book Fair is coming again in Term 4!
This is always an exciting time in our school for our students as they get to browse and purchase from a great range of books to engage young readers. Our school benefits from Book Fair each year, as proceeds from this fundraising activity are used to build on our Library collection for all students to borrow.
Book Fair will be in our Library over Weeks 2 and 3 – look out for a flyer coming home after the holidays.
| Excursion | Consent Due | Payment Due | Cost |
| Year 1Habitat Heroes | 9 October | $ 45.00 | |
| Prep Pevan & Sarah | 21 October | $ 35.00 |
Reminder:
Consent must be given before an invoice is issued for payment. Payment plans are available, please contact Business Manager. Ph: 39066444 for any questions.
TERM 4 (PREP-YEAR 6 SWIMMING LESSONS)
Water safety lessons will commence next term for all Prep-Year 6 students, during your child’s HPE Lesson. Each class will swim for 4 weeks (1hr per session). Please note watersafety lessons are part of the school curriculum and as a result all students are expectedto participate fully in these lessons. If your child is unable to swim for a lesson, a note explaining student’s absence is required. Students who this applies to, will then be directed to another classroom for supervision during the pool lesson. It is important thatyour child attends their scheduled swimming time, so we can best support water competence and safety for all. The school pool is heated, so the water temperature will always be comfortable for swimming, enabling for an enjoyable experience for your child.
Now would also be a great time to check that your child has the required equipment for lessons:
· Swimmers (1 piece for girls, half tight/full tight/shorts for boys), sun shirt (short or long sleeve), swimming cap (red – these may be purchased from the School Uniform Shop) Please avoid dark coloured/blue items of clothing for the pool- thebrighter the better! Please clearly name all gear.
These lessons will be led by Mrs B (HPE Teacher) and supported by our school staff. Volunteers are most welcome to assist too. All volunteers will be required to complete the MAST induction, if they have not already done so. If not a parent, in addition to this you will also require a blue card. Recommended attire for helpers, long sleeve shirt, shorts over togs, hats and lots of sunscreen.
Please note that active supervision of our swimmers will be required at all times. Unfortunately, this means that younger siblings will not be permitted to attend. Only children who are scheduled for their lesson will be allowed to enter the pool. We appreciate your understanding with this request.
If you are able to assist, please register through the SOBS booking system on our school website. Spots are limited, so please register early, so you don’t miss out. Please see below the schedule where help is required.
Thank you for your support and cooperation. We look forward to a wonderful term of swimming.
WELCOME BACK JOSHUA!
Welcome back to Joshua B! We hope you had an amazing experience playing tennis in the States. It’s great to have you back! Congratulations on the opportunity and being selected to play tennis in the US. The top 64 male & female 2014 born tennis players in the country were invited to attend this 5 day camp. Some of Australia’s former best tennis players like Pat Rafter and Lleyton Hewitt were involved with these selections. Thank you, Joshua for sharing some of your experiences with us, such as playing tennis with the Bryan brothers, receiving a personal brick with your name on it which was laid in the Internation Tennis Hall of Fame by Chris Evert Lloyd and sitting next to Billy Jean King in the VIP Box at the US. Open. Joshua we are very proud of your achievements and you have a very bright future ahead in tennis.
Parentline: Support and advice for all Queensland parents and carers
Being a parent can be rewarding—but it can also be challenging. Whether you’re trying to support your child with school issues, friendship challenges, behaviour, or tough moments at home, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to do next.
Parentline is a free and confidential service available to all Queensland parents and carers. No problem is too big or too small—and reaching out early can make a real difference.
Parentline offers advice and support on a wide range of parenting topics, including:
- bullying and friendship issues
- parent–child relationships
- parenting strategies and behaviour management
- mental and emotional wellbeing—for both children and parents
You can speak with a trained professional by phone or webchat (6am-midnight), seven days a week.
An online bullying support forum is also available. This is a safe, moderated space to connect with others, ask questions, and share experiences.
? Call 1300 30 1300
? Visit parentline.com.au
Because parenting doesn’t come with a manual—but help is here when you need it.
Parents and Community are able to use our scheme ID to donate funds to the school.
Our Scheme ID is C11011831
