Term 2 Week 8 Newsletter

Acting Principal Report - Mrs Fiona Drew

As we wrap up another fun and productive term at St Stephen’s, it has been wonderful to think of the many achievements and moments of growth we’ve shared. From classroom and whole-school events, our students have continued to shine. Thank you to our dedicated staff, supportive families, and of course, our wonderful students for making this term so memorable. Term 2 has been a time of learning, celebration, and strong community spirit.

A few reminders for parents as we begin to prepare for Term Three.

Parent Code of Conduct

At St Stephen’s, we believe that a strong partnership between families and the school is essential to achieving our mission: “Strive for Success, Celebrate our Spirit.”

The Parent Engagement Charter outlines the mutual expectations between parents and the school. It serves as a guiding framework for collaboration, helping staff and families work together to provide the highest quality education for every student. Through this partnership, we aim to foster a community where everyone feels a sense of belonging, is respected, and is empowered to thrive.

The Parent Code of Conduct has been developed to ensure that all interactions within our school community—whether with staff, students, or other parents—are respectful, constructive, and aligned with the values of Toowoomba Catholic Schools. Adhering to this code is vital for maintaining a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment where all members of our community can feel safe, valued, and engaged.

Together, through shared commitment and mutual respect, we can create a nurturing and inspiring environment that supports the growth and success of every child.

School Uniforms

As per the Uniform Policy link and pictured further below, this year is the final year that students can wear the previous logo on their uniform.  I encourage all parents to read the Uniform Policy to ensure they are aware of the winter options for boys and girls, and also the expectations in regards to hair, shoes and jewellery.

Finally, a reminder that there is an expectation for students to wear their school uniform with pride at all times. This ensures our students are living out our vision,

‘To Know Jesus, To Inspire Learning and to Respect Each Other’.

Parent Communication

We understand and appreciate that many parents choose to create Facebook message groups to stay connected and support one another. These groups can be a great way to build community, share reminders, and offer encouragement. At St Stephen’s, we value the strong relationships among our families and encourage positive communication that enhances our shared experience.

However, we kindly remind families that Facebook groups are not the appropriate place to seek answers about school-related matters. For accurate and up-to-date information, we encourage parents to check the Parent Portal, newsletters or contact the school directly—either through the front office, by emailing, or by speaking with your child’s teacher. We are also now posting on the school Facebook page a ‘Week at a Glance’ to remind parents of events. This ensures that you receive the correct information and helps us maintain clear and consistent communication across our school community.

Wishing all our families a wonderful end to the term and a peaceful, refreshing school holiday break!

God Bless, Fiona Drew

Acting APMI - Miss Lucy Norman

End of Term Mass – Monday 23^rd June

Parents and friends are welcome to join the school community for our End of Term Mass on Monday, 23^rd June at 9 am at St Stephen’s Church, led by our Year 3 students. We have much to be thankful for, the wonderful term we have shared together.

Sacramental Program 2025

The Sacramental program for students completing their Confirmation and Holy Communion will begin in Term Three. The first lesson will begin on Wednesday, 23^rd July.

Confirmation – Friday 29^th August, 5 pm, St Stephen’s Church

Holy Communion – Sunday 31^st August 8.30 am St Stephen's Church

MacKillop Club visits Beauaraba

Last week, a group of our amazing MacKillop Club students brought joy, laughter, and connection to the residents of Beauaraba Living.

They spent time reading, chatting, and helping with puzzles, creating beautiful moments of companionship and care. To top it all off, they performed a dance and a song that had everyone smiling from ear to ear!

Our students truly upheld the values of the MacKillop Club and represented our school with pride, compassion, and enthusiasm. We couldn’t be prouder of the way they engaged with the community and made a difference in the lives of others. Well done, MacKillop Club!

National Diabetes Week 13^th – 19^th July

St Stephen’s will be recognising National Diabetes Week in Term 3. Keep an eye out for a jellybean guessing competition and a free dress day!

Pentecost

Pentecost, one of the most important events in the Church’s calendar. Pentecost marks the moment when the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, filling them with courage and wisdom to go out and share the Good News. It’s often called the “birthday of the Church” because it was the beginning of the apostles’ mission to spread Jesus’ message to the world. For our students, Pentecost is a powerful reminder of how the Holy Spirit continues to guide and inspire us in our daily lives. It encourages us to live with faith, kindness, and a sense of purpose, both in and beyond the classroom.

Middle Leader Report - Mrs Danielle Conway

Report Cards

Semester One report cards will be sent home in Week 10. This is a valuable opportunity to celebrate student achievements and reflect on progress made so far. Please take the time to review your child’s report and discuss their learning journey with them.

As per communication in the Term 1 Newsletter and at Parent Teacher Interviews, Toowoomba Catholic Schools has introduced a new A-E effort scale, which will be used to determine effort marks for each Key Learning Area. Student effort marks will be based on this clear, diocesan-wide criteria, which helps teachers consistently assess how students approach their learning. These marks are not about academic achievement, but rather about the attitude, commitment, and behaviours students show in the classroom.

These effort marks help highlight your child’s learning habits and can be a great conversation starter about how they approach school.

Building Stronger Readers and Thinkers: Our focus on Vocabulary

At St Stephen’s, we are placing a strong emphasis on the explicit teaching of vocabulary across all year levels. Why? Because a rich vocabulary is essential for students to understand what they read, express themselves clearly, and succeed across all learning areas.

What is explicit vocabulary teaching?
It means we don’t just hope students pick up new words—we intentionally teach them. Teachers introduce key words before reading, explore their meanings in context, and revisit them regularly through speaking, writing, and classroom activities.

Why it matters:

• Vocabulary is the foundation of reading comprehension.
• It helps students think critically and communicate effectively.
• A strong vocabulary supports success in all subjects, not just English.

You can support this at home by talking about new words, reading together, and encouraging your child to ask about words they don’t know.

Together, we’re helping students become confident, capable communicators—one word at a time!

Happy learning!

Learning Support News - Mrs Kristy Cameron

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) 

Please read the attached fact sheet with regard to The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). This data is used to fund further support for students with additional needs within our school. If you have any questions with regards to this collection of data please contact Kristy Cameron, our Learning Support Teacher, or your child's class teacher. 

Sport News - Mrs Jodie Ferguson

Sports News 2025 

Our annual Athletics Carnival will be held next week, from the 18-20th June.  Please see the below Parent Information letter outlining the schedule of events for both the Junior and Senior School.

Student Sporting Achievements 

Please feel free to send through any photos of students and their sporting achievements if you wish for them to be included in the school newsletter, attention to Mrs Ferguson. Jodie.ferguson@twb.catholic.edu.au 

Winter Uniforms

As of 2026, all student uniforms must bear the new school logo as below.  No other logo variations will be acceptable. St Stephen's School, Pittsworth has had a uniform transition period over the last 18 months, with no old logo uniforms to be worn after the end of 2025. 

 Attention St Stephen's Families! 

Join us for a fantastic evening at Club Pittsworth on Friday, 13th June! 

Book your table now and enjoy a night of fun, socialising, and community spirit. Raffles will be available, with proceeds going towards the Year 5 and 6 camp. It's a wonderful opportunity to support our students and connect with other families.

Don't miss out on this great night! See you there!

Prep News - Miss Lucy Norman

This term, our Prep students had an unforgettable time celebrating Under 8’s Day at Pittsworth State School! The day was filled with laughter, learning, and lots of hands-on fun as we explored a variety of exciting activities. One of the highlights was playing on the brand-new playground, where we climbed, slid, and ran with endless energy. We also had a blast with 10-pin bowling, cheering for our friends as we knocked down the pins.

Next, we joined the National Simultaneous Storytime and listened to the wonderful story of Truck Cat. It was so much fun to share the love of reading together! We got creative and made our own versions of Tinka the Cat, to take home. Our imaginative adventure continued with Axel the Ambulance, where we learned about emergency services, and at the Teddy Bear Hospital, where we took great care of our cuddly patients. Every activity was special, and our Prep students loved every moment of the day. We are very thankful to Pittsworth State School for hosting such an amazing event.

Back in the classroom we have been busy reading, writing and UFLI-ing as we learn more letter and sounds to help us read. We have also been counting, practicing writing our numbers, making number in various ways. In Religion, we have enjoyed exploring some parables and acting out those stories to help us understand them and reflect what that means for us now!

Prep / Year 1 News - Mrs Brittany Robinson

Hello from Prep / One, 

What a fantastic time we’ve had in Prep / One so far!

We started the term working on rhyme. Our nursery rhyme presentations were a huge success, with every child showing incredible bravery and confidence to present their favourite Nursery Rhyme to their classmates and parents. Whether it was reciting “Humpty Dumpty” or acting out “Mary Had a Little Lamb” each performance was filled with smiles, enthusiasm, and creativity.

For the last couple of weeks, we have been exploring procedures. We have been discussing what a procedure is and the key elements of a procedure. The students have loved the procedures based around food! (How to Make Jelly, How to make a Nesquik Milk).

The Preps and Year Ones have also continued building on their letter and sound knowledge by participating in daily UFLI lessons and guided reading sessions.

In maths, we’ve been working hard on our number skills and problem-solving through explicit lessons and maths games.

We are also in the process of designing and building a Gnome Village in Design with Mrs Craft. I can’t wait to see them when they are finished!

Enjoy the rest of your term,

Mrs Robinson

Year 1 / 2 News - Miss Sophie Shelton

Hello from Year 1 and 2!  

We are nearing the end of a very busy term and are looking forward to some rest over the Winter holidays!  

Below is a snapshot of what we have been up to:  

In English we have been continuing to learn about the structure and features of narratives. We explored hybrid texts (fiction and non-fiction in one story) and got to create our very own with the inclusion of some hilarious questions and animal facts. We then focused on the story Bowerbird Blues. We explored the rich vocabulary present within the text. We then created, and presented, our very own narrative about an animal that we found at school – incorporating our newly learned language features (alliteration and synonyms).  

In Maths, we have been focusing on so many fun and interesting topics! Year 1 have been learning about addition and subtraction, halves, and time duration. Year 2 have been learning about fractions (halves, quarters, eighths), mental addition and subtraction strategies, as well as multiplication.  

In Religion, we have been learning about aspects of God’s nature as revealed in the Bible.  We have been making connections between Jesus’ teachings and actions and the way members of our School and Church community live today.  

Wishing you all a great end of term!  

Sophie Shelton  

Year 2 News - Mrs Jacqueline McGlashan

Dear Families, 

It’s hard to believe how quickly the year is flying by—we are already approaching the end of Semester Two! 

This term, Year 2 students have engaged deeply with the texts  Can You Teach a Fish to Climb a Tree? and  Bowerbird Blues. In response to  Can You Teach a Fish to Climb a Tree?, students created imaginative hybrid texts that combined factual information and fiction based on an animal of their choice. Following our exploration of Bowerbird Blues, students participated in a nature walk around the school, observing animals, insects, and other living things. They then crafted creative narratives inspired by their chosen creatures and presented their stories through oral presentations, supported by visual materials. I was incredibly impressed with the effort students put into practicing their presentations and creating engaging, well-thought-out visuals to accompany their work. 

In Mathematics, we have been developing our understanding of fractions, multiplication, place value, and subtraction. We will continue to strengthen our skills in multiplication before moving into division in the coming weeks. 

A particular highlight this term has been the students’ work with Mrs. Craft on their gnome bridge construction projects. It was wonderful to see their creativity and problem-solving skills come to life as they designed and built their bridges with enthusiasm and care. 

Thank you all for your continued support and for helping make this semester such a positive and productive one. 

Kind regards, 
Jackie Klaassen 

Year 3 News - Ms Rebekah Bowdler

Hello from Year 3, 

What a wonderful term our learners have had! 

 In Religion, we have been learning about our parish and diocese.  We were very lucky to have Fr. Thomas come and visit and share lots of information with us about his role as parish priest.  We have now begun learning about the Sacraments of Initiation.  We are also looking forward to visiting Beauaraba on Friday and sharing mass with the residents.  

 We have enjoyed looking at a variety of quality picture books in English.  We have made connections between our own experiences and the experiences of the characters.  As well as this, we have identified and written a variety of sentence types.  The students have used a number of texts as inspiration for their own writing and adapted the characters and settings of these to create their own texts.  The students have also continued to improve their reading and comprehension skills.    

 Maths has seen us focus on the concepts of angles, fractions, and time.  We have also continued to improve our skills in multiplication and division.       

 In Science, we have been learning about the states of matter; solids, liquids, and gases.  The students have enjoyed participating in a variety of investigations to determine how each of these states of matter can be changed when heated or cooled.   

HASS has seen us continue on an adventure around Australia and our neighbouring countries, most recently discovering some of the natural, managed, and constructed landmarks that can be found.  

 Year 3 have continued to enjoy Music with Mrs Dennis, Design Technology with Mrs Craft, and Physical Education with Miss Norman.  These lessons are certainly a highlight for the students each week!   

 We are very proud of the growth that our Year 3 students have shown throughout the term and can’t wait to continue this great work next term.  

 Take care, 

Miss Rebekah Bowdler 

Year 4 News - Miss Tanya Hearne

What a whirlwind Term 2 has been! The weeks have flown by, but as they say—time flies when you’re having fun! And Year 4 has certainly been having a blast.

In English, our students have embarked on a fascinating exploration of the First Fleet, diving into rich texts that bring to life the experiences of convicts, settlers, and explorers. They’ve been honing their skills in structuring paragraphs and using text connectives to seamlessly link ideas in their writing. This also tied into our HASS unit, where we've been delving into the events and experiences of those involved in the journey of the First Fleet and the establishment of the first penal colony at Port Jackson. It’s been truly rewarding to see the students so engaged, making connections across subjects and immersing themselves in these important historical narratives.

In Maths, we’ve been diving into the world of numbers—exploring place value to tenths and hundredths, rounding with money, and measuring capacity, length, mass, and temperature. To bring learning to life, students have engaged in hands-on measuring activities, reinforcing their understanding in a practical and interactive way.

It has been an incredible term, full of learning, discovery, and enthusiasm. We can’t wait to see what the next one brings!

Tanya Hearne.

Year 5 News - Mr Benjamin Minnikin

It’s been a busy and exciting Term 2 in Year 5! The students have embraced new challenges across all learning areas, showing incredible curiosity, determination, and creativity along the way. 

In  Maths, we’ve explored the world of algebra and measurement. Students have been developing their confidence using symbols and equations to solve problems, and applying their knowledge of length, area, and perimeter to real-world tasks. It’s been fantastic to see their problem-solving skills grow as they tackle increasingly complex concepts. 

In English, our focus on Ned Kelly has sparked lively debate and deep thinking. Was he a hero or a villain? Each student has formed their own opinion based on evidence and persuasive writing techniques. It’s been a joy to watch them engage so passionately with Australian history and express their views through both written and spoken work. 

In HASS, our inquiry into bushfires and floods has taught students about the powerful forces of nature and how communities can prepare for and respond to them. Now, they’re taking on an exciting design challenge, constructing model homes that can withstand extreme weather conditions. This hands-on project combines research, creativity, and engineering thinking, and it will be great to see their final designs! 

In Science, students have been exploring the properties of solids, liquids and gases. Through a series of engaging investigations, they’ve been discovering how matter behaves under different conditions. It’s been a fun and fascinating way to deepen their understanding of the world around them. 

After a term full of deep thinking, hard work, and creative problem-solving, the students have truly earned their upcoming holiday. I hope that they enjoy a restful break, you can be sure they’ve worked for it! 

Year 6 News - Mrs Danielle Conway

It is hard to believe we are almost at the end of Term 2! As I reflect on our term so far, I am reminded of what a pleasure it is to be back in the classroom with this outstanding bunch of leaders. We have certainly been very busy with our learning…but we also love having a bit of fun when we can!  

Maths 

Students have been diving deep into a range of important concepts, building their confidence and problem-solving skills along the way. 

Order of Operations 
We’ve been learning how to apply the correct order of operations to solve complex number sentences. Students are becoming experts at knowing when to multiply, divide, add or subtract—and in what order! 

Balancing Equations & Finding Unknowns 
Students have been developing their algebraic thinking by solving equations and finding unknown values. They’ve learned how to keep both sides of an equation balanced and use logical reasoning to work out missing numbers in number patterns. 

Timetables and Real-Life Maths 
We’ve also explored how to read and interpret timetables—an essential life skill! Students practiced using bus, train, and school timetables to plan journeys and solve time-based problems. 

Area Calculations 
In geometry, we’ve been calculating the area of rectangles, triangles, and composite shapes. Students have enjoyed applying these skills to real-world contexts and solving measurement challenges. 

Data Analysis 
Finally, we’ve been comparing and interpreting data sets using graphs and charts. Students have learned how to draw conclusions, identify trends, and explain what the data is telling us. 

English: Powerful Stories and Persuasive Voices 

In our English unit this term, Year 6 students have been captivated by the novel Boy Overboard by Morris Gleitzman. The story of Jamal and Bibi has sparked deep discussions, empathy, and a strong connection to the characters’ experiences. It’s been heartening to see just how much students are enjoying the book—many have even been raiding the library shelves to find more of Gleitzman’s novels to read in their own time! 

From our exploration of Boy Overboard, students have been inspired to write persuasive texts on the topic: Why all children deserve access to education. Drawing on the challenges faced by the characters in the novel, students are learning how to structure arguments, use persuasive language, and write with purpose and passion. 

This unit has not only strengthened reading and writing skills but also encouraged students to think critically about global issues and the power of education. We’re incredibly proud of their thoughtful reflections and growing voices as young writers and advocates. 

Science Microbiology 

In our Science unit, we've been conducting hands-on experiments. First, we investigated water quality and its impact on plant growth, including an experiment growing beans. This helped us see how different water sources can affect the health and development of plants.  

Then, we turned our attention to yeast—an incredible living organism. We observed its activity firsthand as it released carbon dioxide gas, causing balloons to inflate. Our newest experiment we've set up an investigation into mould growth. Over time, we'll monitor how environmental factors influence mould development. This has led to discussions about the accidental discovery of penicillin by Alexander Fleming. His observation of mould growth changed medicine forever, and we are eager to see how our experiment unfolds!  

Creating Book Trailers with iMovie 

In Media Arts, students have taken on the challenge of planning and creating their very own book trailer for our class novel Boy Overboard.  Using the iMovie app, students are experimenting with visual effects, voiceovers, and music to enhance their storytelling. These trailers will not only showcase our class novel but also inspire others to dive into new literary adventures! 

Prep Buddy: Learning, Laughing and Leading 

One of the highlights of the week in Year 6 is Prep Buddy Time! Our Year 6 students love the opportunity to connect with their younger Prep buddies, offering support, encouragement, and friendship. 

Whether it’s reading together, helping with classroom activities, or simply sharing a smile, these sessions are a wonderful way for our senior students to develop leadership and empathy. For our Preps, it’s a chance to build confidence and feel supported by their “big school” friends. 

It’s been beautiful to watch these relationships grow—full of learning, laughter, and lots of high-fives! 

School Counsellor - Jayne Farquharson

Triple P Parenting Programs

We all know parenting has its challenges and can be tough at times, particularly if your child experiences social-emotional challenges and/or you have experienced family separation.  There’s no need to ‘go it alone’ when it comes to parenting – help that really works is available now.

The Triple P – Parenting Program is a free program designed to support parents, with tips and strategies to re-establish stability and routines, which supports your relationship and helps to create a closer bond with your child, which will help their development and wellbeing.

To register for free Triple P Online or Triple P seminars and sessions,

visit www.triplep-parenting.net

Wishing you and your family well,

Jayne Farquharson

School Counsellor

Piano Lessons with Mrs Ruth Shepherd

If you are interested in your child learning piano from a fully qualified teacher with 30 years of experience, contact Mrs Ruth Shepherd on 0427 910 303 for more information. 

It is essential that students have a piano/keyboard at home on which to do their practice.  Music is fun!

Outside Hours School Care News

Sentral Parent Portal

Reminder to all parents to access the Parent Portal.

The Parent Portal is used for absentees, newsletters, parent teacher interview bookings, report cards, NAPLAN results, calendar of events, notices and letters to parents.

If you are having difficulty with the Parent Portal please contact the School Office for assistance. The Parent Portal is the communication method used for the day to day running of the school.

Flexischools - Online Ordering System

Flexischools is an online ordering system that the school uses for the ordering of Tuckshop, Event Catering and Special Fundraising Food Days.

Tuckshop is open one day a week on a Thursday. Special Canteen days are also held sometimes throughout the year. This makes it easier for families and school staff.

Community News