28 May 2025

Mitchell State School Our school purpose for 2025

To lift the WELLBEING and engagement of our school community, through inclusive practices, so that every student achieves equity and excellence.

No Excuse for Abuse

Principal News

We are heading towards the end of Term 2 and the staff and students are moving into the busy assessment period of the semester.

Show

The show was a lovely celebration of the wider community coming together to display talents and share creative abilities. Mitchell State School participated in displays of our students work and students also demonstrated skills they have worked on in Agricultural Science in the ring. All students did themselves proud and I want to thank staff and community who supported students in their presentations. In particular, big thanks go to Jeremy Heslop and Geoff Beatty for all the hours they put into helping students prepare and present. Thanks also to Carlie Hamilton and Aislinn Jones for their efforts with collating the presentation of student work in the pavilion.

Moderation

This year moderation is a focus of our Annual Implementation Plan. Moderation is a process where staff come together, and quality assure standards of teaching and assessment. In Term 1, thanks to the hard work of Jane Filan and staff at Injune we were able to come together with Injune State School and moderate students work together. This was a highly successful event with great conversations around assessment pieces. All of this assists’ schools to sharpen their understanding of curriculum to support students. We will continue moderation this term in week 8 with Injune State School. We look forward to expanding the process with other P-10 schools in the region next semester.

Wellbeing

We continue to look at ways we can understand and support the wellbeing of the whole school community. Currently we are in the process of seeking information from students, staff and community around Contextual Wellbeing and improvements we can make in this area. If you would like to have input into our focus groups as a parent or community member, please see Carlie Hamilton or Angela Crump. The school is eager to hear your views and work together to improve support for our students.

Diney Harty |  Principal |  Mitchell State School 

Deputy News

From the Deputy’s Desk

It is hard to believe that we are halfway through Term 2 already!  While the public holidays are great for rest and relaxation, they sometimes mean disruption to the school week, but we are now back on track.

It certainly was awesome to see our school’s contribution to the Mitchell Show this year.  Thank you to Mrs Jones and Mrs Hamilton for co-ordinating the show display and to the classes who spent time contributing quality work.  Thanks also to Mr Heslop and Mr Beatty for once again facilitating the showing of our cattle.  All students who participated represented our school with pride.

We have also had some special visitors to our school over the past few weeks.  In week 1, Rachel Downie, from Stymie came to speak with the Year 7-10 students about cyberbullying and the steps students can take to seek help.  In week 4 we had RACQ at school delivering the ‘Streets Ahead’ and “Streetwise’ program to all students from Prep-10.  In week 5, Des and Tenielle visited with the Gunggari Language Program and taught lessons in all classes of the school.  The Prep-6 students also continued their next lessons in the Rescue R000s program delivered by Miranda from the Queensland Ambulance Service.  I’m sure you would agree that we are extremely fortunate, as a rural and remote school, to have so many extra-curricular programs on offer for our students.

Our teachers are constantly engaging in professional development to maintain and improve their skills around pedagogy and curriculum.  We have two professional development opportunities coming up this term, where all our teachers will participate.  Our school has been on the ‘Teach Like a Champion’ (TLAC) journey for several years.  In Week 7, we will engage in a webinar with Christopher Thomas who will help us refine our practices around creating a culture that promotes learning.  Then in Week 8, all teachers will participate in Moderation with the teachers from Injune State School.  The moderation process allows teachers to confirm, with other schools, their judgement when marking assessment.  It is a great opportunity for collegial networking and cross checking that our marking judgements are consistent.

On Wednesday of Week 10 of this term we will have another Open Day, where we invite the community to see all the great things happening at Mitchell State School.  On this day, we will also be holding Under 8’s Day and NAIDOC activities.  We invite all parents, family and community members to attend.

Have a great term!

Kind regards,
Jane
JANE FILAN  |  Deputy Principal  |  Mitchell State School

PREP/1 – Miss Fisher

YEAR 1/2 - Miss Field

In Science, we have been exploring the needs of living things.  We have been conducting an investigation to explore what plants need to survive.  We have planted bean seeds into different types of soils.  The class is recoding the daily the changes to the beans as they grow.  In math we have been diving into the partitioning of numbers and money.  All the children are thoroughly enjoying the English unit this term.

YEAR 3/4 - Mrs Ok

YEAR 5 – Mrs Tracy

Year 5 News – Term 2 Highlights

A warm welcome to Term 2! How are we already in Week 4? It’s been a strong start for our Year 5s, and I’ve noticed a fantastic improvement in routines and expectations, allowing us to make the most of our learning time. We kicked off the term by creating beautiful “dreamy” displays for the Mitchell Show and heartfelt gifts for our mums, dads, and guardians.

We were also fortunate to take part in the RACQ Streets Ahead program, where students engaged in valuable road safety lessons. These sessions focused on how to be safe passengers and explored practical strategies for staying safe as pedestrians, bike riders, or scooter users—important skills both in and out of school.

We look forward to the remainder of the term and finishing Semester One off strong. As always, feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to connect.

YEAR 6 – Mrs Hamilton

BOOKCLUB

BOOKCLUB ORDERING

Book club catalogues will go home this week. Proceeds from Book club orders enables the school to update library books and purchase awards for Celebration Night.

CREDIT CARD – Visit scholastic.com.au/LOOP or download LOOP app.

Your order will be electronically linked to the rest of your school’s order. You do not need to complete the order form.

PLEASE DO NOT SEND CASH PAYMENTS

Mrs Jones

Year 7 & 8 Students Advocate for Change

In Term 2, our Year 7 & 8 English students are taking on an exciting and meaningful challenge — to become persuasive speakers and advocate for positive change on contemporary ethical issues. Students will create and deliver a 3–4-minute persuasive presentation aimed at a youth audience, encouraging action on a current ethical concern.

This task invites students to step into the role of youth influencers for the fictional organisation Quick Conscience. They will select an ethical issue — such as environmental responsibility, mental health, bullying, or Indigenous land rights — research it thoroughly, and develop a clear, well-supported argument. Using evidence, real-life examples, and persuasive techniques, students will craft a compelling message that aims to inspire their peers.

Throughout the process, students will refine their skills in speaking and listening, employing deliberate choices in structure, language, literary devices, and vocal delivery. They will also rehearse and edit their presentations to ensure clarity, impact, and engagement.

This task not only supports students’ communication skills but also empowers them to engage thoughtfully with real-world issues, fostering empathy, ethical reasoning, and critical thinking.

Year 9 & 10 Expose the Truth Behind The Social Dilemma

What really happens when we scroll, swipe, and like? Our Year 9 & 10 English students are diving into these questions as they tackle their latest assessment — a deep dive into the critically acclaimed documentary The Social Dilemma.

This thought-provoking film lifts the curtain on the hidden forces behind social media platforms, exposing how they influence our thoughts, feelings, and even behaviours. Students are exploring how the documentary represents people, places, events, and big ideas like manipulation, ethics, and mental health — and how these representations can shape the way viewers see the world.

Beyond just watching the film, students are unpacking the filmmakers’ powerful storytelling techniques — from dramatic music and expert interviews to shocking statistics and emotive personal stories. They’re learning how these features work together to make audiences feel, think, and question their digital lives.

This task isn’t just about writing an essay. It’s about becoming savvy, critical viewers who can see beyond the surface and challenge what they see online. Our students are already impressing us with their sharp observations, personal reflections, and thought-provoking analyses of The Social Dilemma.

We can’t wait to see their final responses — they’re sure to make us all think twice about our next scroll!

Mrs Chandler

Exciting Things are Happening in Secondary Science

As part of the secondary science classes in term two, students will be participating in the Wonder of Science program. The Wonder of Science program is hosted by the University of Queensland and fosters a STEM culture that empowers and increases capability for positive student and societal outcomes via access to high-quality, evidence-based STEM education. Specifically, a culture where all students, their teachers, parents and other community members understand and value the importance and potential of Science and STEM pathways and careers.

Throughout the term, the students will complete a challenge task that is aligned with the Australian curriculum. The Wonder of Science challenge tasks immerse students in authentic and collaborative inquiry. Students develop critical and creative thinking skills as they are challenged to develop a group response to a real-world problem or scenario. Representative teams are chosen to attend regional student conferences to present their response and showcase their work.

Our students will also receive 2 x in-person visits per class from a Young Science Ambassador. These ambassadors are passionate and knowledgeable STEM researchers who travel to schools across Queensland trained in STEM inquiry. Our first visit is Wednesday 21^st May, Week 5.

Japanese

Year 5 students are continuing to learn to speak about themselves in Japanese and are enjoying learning to write in Japanese script. Year 6 are looking forward to creating a powerpoint to talk about their daily routine in Japanese. Yr 7/8 students have been comparing changing verbs from present to past tense in English and Japanese. Ms Crump was very pleased when a number of students agreed that it is easier in Japanese!

Food Tech / Hospitality

Year 7 Food Tech are exploring a variety of baking techniques and are enjoying eating their baked goods to conduct a sensory analysis on their end product. 9/10 Hospitality students are preparing and serving simple dishes. Students put their skills to the test by helping the P&C prepare lunches for the recent car rally.

Maths

7/8 Maths students have had the pleasure of working with Ms Ralph for the first half of this term as she completes her final practicum for university. Year 7s are using mathematical processes to design and cost vegetable gardens. Year 8s are planning and costing pizzas.

Year 9/10 students are evaluating data in statistical reports and later this term will be investigating probability in games.

SPORTS NEWS

Sports Updates:

Rugby League- Well done to Chance and Jedd for making the SW Schoolboys Rugby League Team!

Cross Country: Well done to Lincoln Jones for finishing 10^th at South West Cross Country.

Soccer: Well done to all students who travelled to Chinchilla for SW soccer trials. Well done to Lola & Quinn for your selection in the South West Team.

Track and Field takes place in week 9. 1500m on Wednesday the 18^th, Triple & Javelin on Thursday 19^th and Sports Day on Friday 20^th of June. Keep an eye on the school Facebook page for further updates. Spectators welcome!

Guidance Officer

Guidance officers play an invaluable role in supporting students and school communities across Queensland. School staff play a vital role in recognising the early signs of students' stress or struggles. If you think a student may benefit from support, reach out to your school’s guidance officer.

Contextual Wellbeing

Ms Crump and Mrs Hamilton are looking forward to running a number of focus groups over the coming weeks with students, staff, parents and community. A parent and community group has been scheduled for Monday 26^th May, 5pm at the Spa. If you would like to be involved, it is not too late. Please contact the school to register your interest.

150-year planning meeting

Monday 4^th August 5pm in the School library.

Ag News

Ag News: Well done to all students who represented the school at the Roma and Mitchell Shows! You represented the school with pride and honour.

Our two Speckle Park Calves are now 1 month old and are yet to be named. They are two bull calves and are by the bull “Wattle Grove Jager Bomb”

If you have a great name suggestion pleased reach out to Mr Heslop. The black one will be open to all names. The white bull’s name must start with the letter ‘B’ as his mums name is Beryl.

Great Australian Charity Cattle Drive. Applications are open for students in years 7-10 to take part in the GACCD. Up to 10 students may be selection to partake in this once in a life time event which will occur on the 28/29^th of July.  Applications close 6^th of June.

School Based Nurse

I would like to introduce myself to those of you who are not familiar with the School Based Youth Health Nurse service or myself. I’m Emma (this is also what I ask the students to call me) and I have been a SBYHN for the two years, albeit a lot of my time has involved me being deployed with the Roma Hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic. The SBYHN service is available to all secondary students in state schools and supports social and emotional wellbeing. The SBYHN is a Registered Nurse employed by Queensland Health and provides whole of school health promotion, classroom education and individual student consultations that are confidential and voluntary within school hours. Students can self-refer, be referred by peers, school staff and parents. I can also provide resources and education to parents as requested. I have a Post Graduate Certificate in Paediatric, Child and Youth Health and am very passionate about encouraging adolescents and young adults within our communities to live happy, healthy lives. A new inclusion to the SBYHN service this year is the introduction of a virtual clinic. The process for referrals remains the same, but it gives students and staff greater access to the service and negates the challenges of travel. For more information about the virtual clinic, or any questions about the SBYHN service please contact SBYHN_Roma@health.qld.gov.au or ask school staff. If you have concerns or feel there is an issue within schools that requires attention, please let school staff or myself know.

Mitchell P&C

P & C News

Uniform Shop hours are the same as last year –
Monday 8.30am-9am & Friday 8.30am-9am. 

We would love to see new parents at our next meeting – to stay up to date or contact the P&C please follow us on our Facebook page.

MSS P&C Uniform Shop and Events

Want to help save paper?

Please advise the school if you would like to receive your newsletter via email! Let’s save paper

Pick up & drop off

A friendly reminder to all parents, carers and students that the main Warrego highway entry is not a drop off and pick up zone. Students are expected to arrive and depart from school using the Ann Street and Oxford Street entries ONLY. Students arriving and leaving on bikes and scooters must not use the main entry.

Office Notes

Update your contact details.

Does the office have your most current contact details? Please update your contact details with the admin staff, we’d hate to not be able to contact you in an emergency or to give you a call to tell you how wonderful your child is.

Signing in at the office.

Please ensure that if you are visiting our school that you have signed in at the office.

Please make sure if you are dropping lunch off for your child/children that this is done through the front office.

No entry to school before 8am

Please ensure NO students are on the grounds before 8 am. Children are encouraged to attend reading in the library from 8am however, accompanied or not, children are not to be in on school grounds before 8am.

Play equipment out of bounds before and after school.

Parents please do not linger around or on the play equipment before, after and during school as this is a Workplace Health and Safety concern.

If you have any concerns about this please contact our Principal, Cass Ahern.

PARKING/KINDY GATE

When entering the school grounds please ensure the gates from Kindy to the school are SHUT. It is very important these stay shut at all times.

School Uniforms

Students must be in uniform – school shirt and Royal BLUE shorts everyday – Please come to the office if you are unable to provide the correct uniform for your child.

School uniforms!
Please check that your child's uniforms, especially hats, are named!
Also, please check if your child's uniforms say M.S.S please give them back to the school as these are spares.

Uniform Shop

The uniform shop has now moved to the old tuckshop building/playgroup room under B Block.

From now on you can ONLY buy uniforms on Friday 8:30 – 9am.

UNIFORMS WILL NO LONGER BE AVAILABLE AT THE SCHOOOL OFFICE OR OUTSIDE OF THESE HOURS.

Thanks For Using DIRECT DEBIT to PAY For Uniforms.  

P and C Direct Debit Information
Account Name:  Mss p and c Association
BSB:  084 822
Account Number:  508856555
Include your SURNAME as the reference.

P&Cs Qld:  http://www.pandcsqld.com.au/

2025 Calendar of Events

Communication