Milpera News - April 2025

Message from our Principal, Ms Julie Peel

We have had another incredibly busy term at Milpera. One of the most important programs in the school, our swimming safety program finished at the end of Week 6. Our students have learnt the importance of water safety and significantly increased their awareness of water and its dangers. Our program is run by our talented HPE teachers in collaboration with Aqua English. All are to be congratulated. This term many of our teachers completed professional development about the importance of belonging in schools. At Milpera, our students report very high levels of belonging. Belonging at school helps students to engage fully with learning and to feel settled into new lives in Australia.

This week at the Parent/Carer meetings we discussed the importance of student participation in all subjects and curriculum. In particular, attendance at camps and our swimming program are very important. Music and dance are equally as valuable, evidence suggest that music is highly valuable both cognitively and for well-being. Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you would like to discuss this further.

We also discussed the strategies parents could use to discuss the use of technology at home. Research tells us that technology needs to be limited because of the impact it has on growing brains. Please consider calling Jacki Howlett or Brad Milford to discuss any issues arising with this.

Finally, we must congratulate all of our students for completing their Milpera program. Next term our first group of students will commence Prep 2 at Kingston College. We are very excited about this opportunity. To the students returning - thank you for your kindness, respect and care of each other and of all the staff. Have a great holiday.

Message from our Deputy Principal, Mr Sam Dilly

As we head towards the Autumn break, I would like to congratulate all the students on their hard work to develop their English language skills this term. I am always amazed at how quickly our students grow their speaking and listening skills. We know that for many students, it can be harder to develop their reading and writing skills, and this can take more time to see improvement. I encourage students to borrow some books from the library and practise their reading over the holidays for 15 minutes each day. Every little bit makes a difference.

I hope everyone in the Milpera community has a safe and restful break. Congratulations to the exiting students.  We wish you the very best as you continue your education at your next school or TAFE.

Cyclone Alfred

Cyclone Alfred impacted schools across the southeastern region of Queensland in early March. The slow and erratic progress of the cyclone system meant schools, like Milpera, had ample time to prepare for the impact of heavy rainfall and possible flooding. The State government made the decision to close schools in parts of the southeast in the path of the cyclone. Unfortunately, this meant that our students lost valuable learning time in the lead up to, and in the aftermath of, the event. 

It was very pleasing to see the whole school community pull together to prepare the school, cleaning up school grounds and packing up the classrooms, to help minimise any damage from the cyclone. 

Whilst our school ultimately suffered minimal impact, some in our school community were impacted from flash flooding and property damage from falling trees. We hope that those families receive all the help and support they need to recover. 

Professional Development

The teachers of Milpera attended a Professional Development program led by Professor Margaret Kettle. Prof. Kettle presented on strategies for teaching reading to EAL/D learners with low literacy levels.

The program also included sessions led by Milpera teachers that focussed on engaging students in teamwork, dialogic talk and problem solving as soon as they enter the classroom, introduction to online learning with a nominal groups flavour and ways in which functional grammar is embedded in the Science curriculum.  Teachers also shared new and improved resources for the beloved Post Beginner narrative, Blue Water.

By fostering continuous growth, professional development helps teachers stay current with educational trends, improve student outcomes, and contribute to a positive learning environment. 

Well-being program - Yoga

Teachers who prioritize their own well-being and morale, create a positive and supportive environment that nurtures the well-being and success of their students.

Milpera teachers took some time off their busy schedule to find our zen and stretch together at the Yoga session on 25th March. it is hoped that these sessions become a regular occurrence to help promote teacher health and wellbeing.

Harmony Day

As part of Harmony Week, Milpera celebrated Harmony Day on 19^th March. Harmony Day is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.

 Students and teachers wore orange or colourful ethnic outfits to show their support.

Good Start Healthier Together Cooking Classes

The Healthier Together program is a Good Start initiative run by Children’s Health Queensland for Māori and Pacific Islander students.

In Term 1, students learnt new kitchen skills, how to make healthy and tasty meals/ snacks on a budget and about having a healthy lifestyle. By teaching students how to cook healthy meals for their families and friends, the program is empowering them to create a positive impact on their communities.

You can see some of Pacific Islander students enjoying a cooking lesson here and having a great time.

Homework Club

The Homework Club, run by dedicated teachers and teacher aides of Milpera , provides a supportive environment for students to complete their homework and receive any guidance that they require. Held between 8:00 - 8:30am on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays every week, the Club offers individualized attention and encouragement, helping students build confidence and develop essential study skills. By attending the Homework Club, students can clarify doubts, stay on top of classwork and achieve academic results.

Football Club

Playing football enhances self-confidence, concentration and enhances mental discipline, while teaching valuable life skills like sportsmanship and perseverance. Being part of a team fosters friendships, and a sense of belonging, helping students socially and emotionally.

Seen below are pictures of Milpera students during their football training on Wednesdays from 2:45 – 3:45pm.  A coach from Football Queensland runs the session along with a teacher from Milpera. There is no cost to students to participate in the program.

Ukulele Club

The Ukulele Club is a vibrant gathering of music enthusiasts, where students come to strum, sing and share the joy of music. With ukuleles in hand, students learn various chords, techniques and songs, developing their musical talents and confidence. The Club provides a welcoming space for students to express themselves creatively, make new friends who share their passion for music. 

The Ukulele Club meets on Mondays during lunch break in Room 22.

Out and around - Milpera Excursions

Camps and excursions offer students the chance to explore new environments with excitement, fostering personal growth, building teamwork, and creating unforgettable experiences that enhance their learning journey.

GOMA Excursion

On Tuesday 18 March, Room 6 and Room 11 students went on an excursion to the Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA). There was a special ‘Asia Pacific Triennial’ exhibit which was inspiring and uplifting. The students particularly enjoyed the hands-on creative opportunities in GOMA. It was a great opportunity to build community and practice English through meaningful experiences. The students used the events to write a recount as part of their Post Beginner English assessment.

Southbank

On Monday March 17th, Room 17 headed for a fun excursion to Southbank. This excursion provided a shared experience for students to practice recount writing. Murtaza from Room 17 demonstrates his skill in using sequencing words.

On Monday room 17 went to Southbank with Mr Ryan and Mr Abdul by train and by city cat.

First, I missed the excursion on Monday just I will ask all my classmates what happened on Monday.

First on Monday Room 17 and Mr Ryan waiting for me and two others my classmates. At 9:40 am Room 17 arrived to Chelmer station.

Room 17 caught the train to Toowong station. Then they caught the city cat to Southbank. Room 17 with Mr Ryan and Mr Abdul had breakfast at Southbank beach. After breakfast they were walking around the city. Room 17 with two teachers went to Queensland Museum and saw many animals and birds. Sadiq told me about all what happened in the museum. Room 17 saw peace pagoda at South bank. Next, they were waited for the lift and go to up. At the sky deck the looked at the view and took lots of photos.

Then they caught the City Cat to Toowong station. After that they got off the City Cat. They caught the train to Chelmer station and walked to Milpera.

Finally, they came back to Milpera. Sadiq he told me we were so tired.

It was a great day. We were so happy.

By Murtaza 

Toohey Forest

Students Explore Nature at Toohey Forest

On Wednesday, 19 March, 58 students from Rooms 4, 1, and 15 embarked on an exciting excursion to Toohey Forest, accompanied by their teachers and two teacher aides.

The day was filled with hands-on learning as students explored the local ecosystem. They were divided into two groups to participate in engaging science activities. One group began their experience at the Environmental Centre, using microscopes to examine tiny organisms and learning about food chains and webs. Meanwhile, the other group headed to the pond, where they collected samples of small aquatic creatures, observing firsthand the biodiversity of freshwater habitats.

After a relaxing lunch in the natural surroundings, the groups swapped activities, ensuring everyone had the chance to engage in both experiences. The students were fascinated by the incredible details they could see under the microscope and enjoyed discovering the hidden world of pond life.

Wednesday's excursion provided a valuable opportunity for students to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences in nature. It was a fantastic day of discovery, teamwork, and environmental education!

Stanley River Camp

This term, the Senior Prep 1 students embarked on an exciting journey to Stanley River Camp. Over the course of three days, they participated in outdoor activities such as canoeing and damper making. Along the way, they made new friendships and strengthened their connections with each other, the camp, and the school community.

The students and their families entrusted Milpera with their care during this adventure. We hope that, as new Australians, the experience helped them build greater confidence and a deeper sense of belonging.

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Mt Cootha

Room 16 embarked on an exciting excursion to Mt Coo-tha Lookout and Botanic Gardens on Monday 31st March. It was a day to celebrate students hard work and achievements this term but more importantly, it was a day to build on friendships, create unforgettable memories and have fun.

The students loved the city views, Japanese Gardens and sharing a snack with friends.

We are so proud of each and every one of our students for their dedication, kindness and enthusiasm.

Destination School Lunch

On Tuesday 21st March, exiting students of Milpera met representatives from their new school, to ensure a smooth transition between schools. Over lunch, students had the opportunity to connect with staff from their future school, alleviating anxieties and building excitement for the next chapter of their education journey. This program provides valuable insights, answers questions and fosters a sense of belonging, making the transition to the new school a positive and empowering experience. 

Parent-Teacher Meeting

In Week 10, parents were invited to meet with their children's teachers to discuss each student's progress at school. These meetings happen twice each year in Terms 1 and 3 and provide a very important opportunity for parents to discuss any concerns they may have about their child and their learning journey. Teachers also find it valuable to meet parents to gain an even better understanding of each students' background and circumstances. Of course, parents can communicate with their child's teachers at any time - by phone or email - to ask questions about any aspects of the curriculum or concerns about their child.

Kingston Transition Project

We are very excited to announce 'The Kingston Project', a collaboration between Milpera and Kingston State College. In Term 2, our Middle and Senior School Prep 1 Students who live in the Logan area will be able to complete their Prep 2 Program at Kingston State College.  This is a fabulous opportunity for students in the Middle and Senior School to complete Prep 2 at a school closer to their home.  The program will be delivered by teachers who have experience of the Milpera Program.

Milpera Principal, Ms Julie Peel, head of Student Services, Ms Jacki Howlett, and Ms Bethany Mahadeo, Art Therapist, met with the leadership team at Kingston College and toured the classrooms and facilities there. Milpera teacher, Tracy Modin-Mangone is looking forward to welcoming the first cohort of students into the program.

Kevin, the joey visits Milpera

Exiting students from Room 9 had a welcome visitor to the classroom last week. Miss Rosie brought in a joey kangaroo, called Kevin, to introduce to the class.

Kevin, the Kangaroo was found alone in a farm paddock earlier this year. Room 9 students had learned about marsupials in Prep 1 and understood that out of his mother’s pouch Kevin would not have survived. They enjoyed giving Kevin lots of pats and hearing how his carers give him bottles of milk every two hours and keep him snug and warm in his ‘basket pouch’! Kevin enjoyed visiting Milpera and Room 9 loved meeting him.

Exit assembly

Farewell to a chapter of growth, learning and memories

On 20th March, Milpera said goodbye to students from Rooms 8, 9, 20 and 22. The assembly was a vibrant celebration of achievements filled with captivating performances, heartfelt notes and emotional goodbyes. As graduating students received their certificates beaming with pride, the atmosphere was electric with a mix of joy, nostalgia and excitement about their future.  

 We wish our students the very best as they transition into High school or TAFE.

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Honouring our remarkable Maths educator: Mr. A

We would like to acknowledge the great passion Rasoul had for his work at Milpera. Sadly, Rasoul or Mr A passed away on the 11^th of February. Rasoul cared deeply for our students and attended many camps and extracurricular events without hesitation. Rasoul understood the experience of arriving in a new country and learning a new language, he had great empathy for our students, and he worked hard to empower their learning and growth at Milpera. I know many former students will miss Mr A and we pay tribute to all he did and all he gave to our special place Milpera.