Dear Mudgeeraba Special School Families,

Welcome to the next edition of the Mudgeeraba State Special School newsletter.

Last week our school was proud to participate in National Reconciliation Week, recognising and reflecting on the importance of building respectful relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians. Throughout the week, students engaged in a range of activities, including storytelling, art, music, and cultural learning experiences, to deepen their understanding of reconciliation and the shared history of our nation. We valued the opportunity to come together as a school community to reflect, learn, and strengthen our commitment to fostering respect, unity, and inclusivity for all.

In the same spirit of collaboration and shared learning that we embraced during National Reconciliation Week, teachers also actively engaged in the moderation process to ensure consistent and accurate assessment of student learning across all classes and year levels. Through collaborative discussions, sharing of evidence, and professional dialogue, teachers worked together to align their judgments with the school’s standards and curriculum expectations. This process not only helps to maintain fairness and consistency in grading but also promotes professional growth and strengthens a shared understanding of student achievement. We appreciate the dedication of our teaching staff in participating in this important process.

We understand that some of our families may have carers who are employed at the school in various roles. While we value the important work these carers do, we kindly remind parents and guardians to respect professional boundaries. Please ensure that any questions, concerns, or communications about your child’s progress or wellbeing are directed to the classroom teacher or a member of the school’s administration team. This ensures that we maintain clear and appropriate channels of communication, protecting both the privacy of students and the professionalism of our staff. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

The recruitment process for our Deputy Principal and Head of Department: Student Wellbeing and Engagement is now complete. We would like to congratulate our newly appointed Deputy Principal, Amy Williams, and Graeme Clancy, our new Head of Department: Student Wellbeing and Engagement! Their leadership, vision, and commitment will no doubt make a significant impact on our school community.

This Tuesday, is the Mudgeeraba Special School Positive Pathways Expo. This event is a wonderful opportunity for parents and carers to connect with various providers that offer support services for our students. All families and community members are welcome to attend the Expo.

Remember to stay connected with Mudgeeraba Special School on Facebook! Our page features frequent updates and posts highlighting school celebrations, important reminders, and upcoming events.

Yours Sincerely,

Renée Zhu

Principal

In Early Years 7 reading group, we enjoyed the book Where is the Green Sheep? Together, we explored print concepts and made predictions about the story. The students practiced fluency by echoing the teacher in reading the repeated phrase, “Here is the…” During rotations, they created their own green sheep and stamped the sight words “is” and “the.” They also used switches with recorded words, such as “Here is the” and “sheep,” to read the book independently.

Reading in my class has been a fun and rewarding experience. I have seen great progress in my students’ ability to recognize letters, use decoding and encoding strategies, and develop confidence and enjoyment during shared reading activities.

On Wednesday 21 May, our students participated in National Simultaneous Storytime (NSS). NSS is an Australia-wide group reading and literacy event, where schools gather children together to read the same chosen picture book at the same time around the country. This year the book was ‘The Truck Cat’. This is a touching tale of Tinka the cat journeying alongside his human companion, Yacoub, navigating themes of belonging, connection, and finding a place to call home.

On Monday 26 May, the students in Upper Middle had lots of fun at the Gold Coast Variety Abilities Unleashed Kids Program. Under the guidance of specialised coaches, the students we able to try a range of sports and activities including cricket, badminton, cycling and dance. Well done everyone, it looks like it was a lot of fun.

On Tuesday, our students were entertained by Tjupurru performing his Didjeribone show. It was an entertaining and spectacular concert linking music, science and indigenous culture. Thank you so much for visiting our school Tjupurru.

Not long until our Positive Pathways Expo. This free event gives ALL our families the opportunity to connect with a range of service providers. If you are after community access programs, day programs, therapy services, further education or employment opportunities, this expo will give you the chance to gather information, ask questions and start planning a positive pathway ahead for your young person.

Gold Coast Disability & WorkAbility Expo is on the 6 & 7 June 2025 at the Coomera Indoor Sports Centre. For more information visit: https://goldcoastdisabilityexpo.com.au/

Please find below information about Circus Quirkus at SOPO - Southport RSL Club on 6th July. The show is for local less fortunate children and their families and children & adults with additional needs and their carers. Tickets are completely free for those attending.

Circus Quirkus is a contemporary take on your favourite traditional circuses of ages past. Over the many years of touring, it has brought our audience a funny, hugely entertaining and sometimes death-defying mix of Circus acts, with international renowned clowns, jugglers, acrobats and magicians.

There are 2 shows available: Sunday 6th July: 11am & 2pm.

Tickets can be ordered at (07) 5522 1746 or circusquirkustickets@gmail.com. Just provide a return email address, the number of tickets required and the show you would like to attend. Please send your order ASAP to ensure your request can be fulfilled as tickets are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

It is with pleasure that we invite children between the ages of 5 - 14 to participate in our Sony Foundation Children’s Holiday Camp. 

There is no cost involved in participation.

The Camp is a three-day residential camp for children with intellectual and physical disabilities. It is to be held at Loreto College – 415 Cavendish Road, Coorparoo QLD  4151 on September 20-22 September 2025. Campers will meet at Loreto College, to a time conveyed closer to the camp.   

The Camp provides three days of care, friendship and entertainment for the children.  It also provides respite for families, as senior students, who have taken on training, volunteer to take on the role of Companions for the camp.  Each participating child (the camper) has two full time companions who are in turn supported by a team of staff, volunteers and medical facilitators. The Camp offers extensive on-site facilities, medical staff and care of the highest standard. 

For the children, the Camp is one of fun with a day at Dreamworld, art, cooking, musical activities and an outdoor adventure. 

If you know of children and families who would benefit from participation in the camp, could you please provide them with the enclosed information package. Alternatively, they could contact Mrs Kerri-Anne O’Neill on 30101115 or sonycampapplications@slc.qld.edu.au for an application package.