‘Away for the day’ – mobile phones and wearable devices

On 6 July 2023, Minister Grace announced that all state school students will be required to keep their mobile phones ‘away for the day’ from the beginning of Term 1 2024. This announcement also extends to wearable devices like smartwatches, which can be worn, but must have notifications switched off, so that phone calls, messages and other notifications cannot be sent or received during school hours.

This will bring consistency across the nation, with all other states and territories agreeing to consistent restrictions on the use of mobile phones in government schools from the start of the school year.

From the beginning of 2024, all Queensland state school students will have their mobile phones switched off and ‘away for the day’.

'Away for the day' will support our school to maintain a strong focus on educational achievement, and student wellbeing and engagement by:

• providing optimal learning and teaching environments
• encouraging increased face-to-face social interactions between students
• promoting the health and wellbeing of students through increased physical activity at break times
• reducing the potential for students to be exposed to the negative impacts of the digital world, resulting from unsafe or inappropriate technology use.

For more information and frequently asked questions, visit the department’s website [link to: https://tinyurl.com/329kup6u]. As we receive more information we will update school policies.

In addition there has been media release about the change of school hours that you might have received. The position remains the same that Queensland State Schools are operational five days per week. Where flexible school hours are implemented, state schools continue to be operational five days per week. At this stage there is no request for Mudgeeraba Special School to offer alternatives.

We will discuss any further information at our final P&C meeting on 6 December.

Yours in Education

Colleen Hope

Principal

Proposed Date for Minister Grace Grace

to open our

Multi Storey Q Block Facility

on Wednesday 22 November

from 9.30 to 10.30 am

meeting in Multi Purpose Room Q Block

Please find attached a media release if the proposed date is confirmed and your young person is to be included in any media release opportunities.

Grandparents are such an important part of our young people’s life.  Thank you to all the grandparents that came to visit us on Friday 10 November.  We hope you enjoyed your afternoon team, watching the students’ writing samples, Mudgee Melodies performance and dance at Friday fest! 

Amidst a gentle rain and a serene evening sky, the excitement and anticipation were palpable. It was a night long-awaited by seven exceptional students, and a date marked with eagerness by their families, teachers, and friends. The event? The Mudgeeraba Special School Year 12 Graduation, a celebration of 12 years of dedication and the transition from adolescence to young adulthood.

The evening began at Mudgeeraba Special School, a familiar location for the students due to a last-minute change from the originally planned Emerald Lakes venue, courtesy of the rain. This unforeseen adjustment didn't dampen their spirits; instead, it added an element of adaptability to their celebration.

Amidst the school's familiar surroundings, the students and their families embarked on a heart-warming photoshoot, capturing cherished memories at their beloved school. The smiles, laughter, and joy were evident as they posed alongside their proud family members, preserving these precious moments.

Following the photoshoot, the graduates were escorted to the Muscle cars awaiting them. These powerful vehicles, generously donated by the Kustoms of Australia Muscle Car Association, symbolised excitement and adventure, ready to transport the graduates to a night filled with celebration and promise.

Dressed to the nines, the students exuded confidence and sophistication, setting the stage for the grand celebration at the Robina Events Centre's elegant Anna Rose Room. Their arrival, strutting down the red carpet, created an unforgettable entrance, showcasing their youthful exuberance and growth.

The eight graduates, Jay, Matthew, Cadence, Bryce, Chloe, Tahmin, Lleyton and Erin shone brightly on this special night. Meanwhile, Geromy, despite his absence, was also celebrated as a shining graduate. Their journey encompassed growth, challenges, and triumphs, transforming them from curious children into confident young adults, poised to embrace life's opportunities with the support of their families and the collective strength of the community in helping them to continue to shape their own ‘Quality World’.

The awards ceremony took centre stage, celebrating not only academic excellence but also the students' dedication, character, and contributions to the school community. Each students was honoured for their completion or partial completion of the Certificate 1 Courses offered at the school. Steve Dowlan presented the Recognition of Service Award on behalf of the Honourable Karen Andrews to Chloe, while Ros Bates MP awarded the Brandon Geyer Award to Bryce. Cr Glen Tozer presented the Ampol Allrounder Award to Jay, highlighting the graduates' exceptional achievements. The applause resounded like thunder as each recipient received their well-deserved accolades. Families beamed with pride, and teachers shared a sense of accomplishment for nurturing these young minds.

The evening reached its pinnacle as the graduates, teachers and their guests took to the dance floor. Laughter, joy, and carefree spirits enveloped everyone. As music played and the dance floor swayed, the graduates showcased their best moves, reminding all that life is best enjoyed when shared with loved ones.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the staff, volunteers, and individuals who contributed their time and equipment, ensuring the evening's success.

The Year 12 Graduation wasn't just an event; it was a commemoration of the past, a celebration of the present, and a send-off to a bright future. Each graduate now embarks on their unique path, armed with knowledge, experiences, and memories from their school years.

The year 2023 will forever hold a special place in their hearts as the year they stepped into adulthood. As they move forward, we wish them success, happiness, and the fulfillment of their dreams. These young adults have already achieved so much, and the world eagerly anticipates their next moves, just as we were thrilled to witness their best moves on the dance floor during their memorable night. Cheers to the Class of 2023!

We had a wonderful morning at our partnership breakfast on Wednesday 8 November. Our students showcased their amazing hospitality and vocational skills with the support of our dedicated and passionate staff. A huge thank you to all involved. Thank you to our guest speaker, Brenda Matthews, and her husband Mark. Thank you for sharing your story and helping us to understand and learn from the past, while looking forward with optimism and hope to a brighter future ahead. Brenda is the author and documentary creator of The Last Daughter.

TSS Sony Camp - Camper Application Form

Camp dates – 11^th– 13^th April 2024

Closing date for applications: 17^th November 2023

I travelled down to Lennox Heads for a short break in the last holidays. Early one morning I went down to the beach and was struck by how long the beach is and instantly understood why it is named Seven Mile beach. You look down in one direction and you can see Lennox headland. Look in the other direction and you see a place called Whitehead's beach. Between these points is just a long stretch of sand. Four-wheel drives are able to drive along it and many dogs walk it’s width and breadth in the in the morning.

The main headland Lennox Heads holds interesting memories for me. These memories are kind of nice but also kind of scary as the memories are now over four decades old dating back to when I was just a teenager younger than my son. Since then many experiences both positive and not so positive have occurred.

I saw a dog on the beach stubbornly refusing to obey its master, then I saw another dog not too far from me digging up a dead fish. Finally far in the distance down the beach I can see a 4-wheel drive going as fast as it can spinning its wheels and doing a few fish tails as it travels. There is a lot happening on the beach even though it is just six in the morning.

Then a thought occurs to me life is not defined by one event and life rarely stays the same for long. Those memories from the headland are nice but I can not return to change anything, though at times I wish I could. I am reminded of a man who initially complained about the length of life but then realised it was not the length of life but the width and breadth that matters. We all face challenges and regrets; sometimes we wish we could just be frozen in a moment; however, we should not let those things define our lives. Instead define it by how we face, and in time, defeat those challenges and by the way we try to make amazing memories that result in a better life for those both dear and near to us.

Life is a journey travel well.

Hi Mudgeeraba Special School Community,

Oh my goodness! It was Graduation night Friday night the 3 November and such a special night it was. A big shout out to all of our staff who made the night so perfect for us and our graduates.

To our Beautiful staff, I want you to know that I’m beyond grateful for all that you do on a daily basis not only for your students but also us as their parents.

You are all heart and your endless generosity never goes unnoticed and is always greatly appreciated.

Thank you Mudgee Special staff. I will be forever grateful for you and for the loving learning environment you provide for our kids. You’re a stunning team and you will always have a special place in my heart. Thank you.

Feel like a short break? I’m sure you’re aware that the P&C are running a Christmas raffle which is now live. So shout yourself some tickets for a chance to win some great prizes.

The major prize is worth $1020 featuring a 2 night stay in a 2 Bedroom apartment at The Peninsular in Mooloolaba, along with a $100 Gift Voucher for The Dock, Mooloolaba and also $100 Laserskin Specialist, Bundall voucher.

For further information, please go to Mudgee Special’s Facebook page : www.facebook.com/MudgeerabaSpecialSchool/

This coming Tuesday 14th November at My Time, Toni is hosting an art and craft session. So bring your crafting talent (or not, if you’re like me J) and enjoy a cuppa and a laugh.

Also, a reminder that Toni has started an adult’s library which can also be located in the living skills room. If you wish to add some unwanted books or have a browse, the library can be accessed during My Time on Tuesdays.

The next uniform shop day is also this coming Tuesday 14th November 8.30am-9.30am. If you have an used uniforms you want to donate for our Second Hand Uniform section of our shop please send them to me through the office.

Have a great weekend and take care everyone.

Paula

The Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program will be screening at your child’s school commencing on Thursday 30^th November 2023. We are a Queensland Government service that offers Free Vision Screening to all children enrolled in Prep.  If your child is in Prep and you would like their vision screened, you will need to complete a consent form. 

The following video explains the benefits of having your Prep child’s vision screened- “What is Prep Vision Screening?”

Please click on the following link to access the Online Consent Form and Parent Information Letter: https://visionscreening.health.qld.gov.au/ParentalConsent/0610qQzB

Please note: The consent form link will close on Wednesday 22^nd November 2023.