Caboolture SS Newsletter - Term 3 Week 8
Principal's News
Celebrating Success at Caboolture SS: Highlights from Our Critical Friend Network Visit
Last week, we proudly hosted a visit from the Critical Friend Network a group of educators from nearby schools who came to observe, celebrate, and support our teaching and learning practices.
We’re thrilled to share that the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Here are some of the key affirmations from our visitors:
- Calm and welcoming classrooms: Every room had a settled, focused atmosphere where students were engaged and eager to learn.
- Students who know their learning: Our students confidently explained what they were learning, why it mattered, and how they could improve.
- Strong use of learning walls: These classroom tools are helping students track their progress and access support independently.
- Visible student work and voice: Learning walls and classroom displays showcased student thinking and celebrated their efforts.
- Supportive school culture: Visitors noted the respectful, polite nature of our students and the strong relationships between staff and learners.
- Clear teaching practices: There was consistent evidence of high-quality teaching and a shared commitment to student success.
One visitor summed it up beautifully:
“The celebrations for the whole school are absolutely endless… This is a true celebration of the quality work and commitment to improving practice.”
Next Steps for Caboolture SS
While the feedback was glowing, we’re always looking to grow. Based on the recommendations from our visitors, our next steps include:
- Refining learning walls to include more student-friendly language and examples of quality work.
- Unpacking marking guides into “I can” statements so students clearly understand how to succeed.
- Celebrating and sharing great teaching practices across the school to ensure consistency and build collective expertise.
- Continuing to build student confidence in using feedback and learning tools to improve their work.
We’re incredibly proud of our students and staff for the way they represented our school. Thank you to all our teachers for their hard work and acceptance of visitors in their rooms.
CONGRATULATIONS!
Jaxon R-L attended the regional trials for the 200m on Thursday and has qualified for the state championships, which will be held in Townsville in October.
Recently we had our first student from Caboolture SS martial arts classes compete at the Australian MF Championships. Changa R received a medal in his first competition.
Congratulations to both of these students.
Year 6 Market Day
On Wednesday 10th of September - Year 6 are holding a Market Day.
During middle session, all classes will be invited to come and purchase from the range of yummy goodies for sale and fun games to play! We will be selling all kinds of yummy foods including ice-cream, a sausage sizzle, pancakes, milkshakes and lots more. Nothing will be priced more than $5. Please bring along some money to buy some yummy things and support our year 6 Market Day!

Have a great fortnight
Sam McGhie
Deputy Principal's News
Be Crocwise at Caboolture SS
Crocs usually hunt by staying submerged, patiently stalking or waiting for their prey to approach the water's edge. They are apex predators that capture their prey using stealth and camouflage. Unfortunately, we have had a few Croc sightings on the feet of children at school recently.
Just a little reminder that while Crocs are a great style choice at home or on the weekend (I'm a recent convert to the Croc community), they are not part of our school dress code and should not be worn to school. We are aiming for safe, supportive footwear that is suitable for all learning and play activities in a school day.
Caboolture SS is a Croc Free Zone!

None of these...

...or these should be sighted at school!
We had some visitors from other local schools last week, who provided some great feedback on the calm, inclusive and respectful environments in our classrooms. This week, our students have been looking at why this is important in our classrooms.
Here's some examples from 5A:
"So we can have a nice learning environment" - Madi
"So students can learn more calmly and respectfully" - Kawhia
"So we can learn in a quiet learning space and our minds are focused on one thing" - Daniela
"Because if it is too loud, kids can't concentrate" - Eli
"So you can have a great education and include people" - Lena
"So we can focus" - Kai

We recently had a group of students attend the District Intermediate Instrumental Music Workshop. We're so proud of their hard work and commitment to developing as musicians.
Happy Father's Day this weekend to all the dads out there!
Nick Walsh
News from the Head of Diverse Learning
Building Strong Relationships and Supporting Student Wellbeing
Last week, we welcomed visiting teachers from other schools, who were eager to learn more about the positive practices in our classrooms. One highlight of their feedback was how much they noticed the genuine relationships we have built with our students and their families. They commented on how well we know our students as individuals—their strengths, needs, and the strategies that best support them.
A big part of this success comes from how we help students regulate their emotions and calm their bodies, so they are ready to learn. Just as these strategies work well in the classroom, you can also use these strategies at home to support your children when they are feeling overwhelmed.
Here are some simple but effective strategies you might like to try:
- Get a drink of cold water – a refreshing reset.
- Push a wall – a safe way to release energy.
- Go for a walk and talk – movement combined with connection.
- Box breathing – inhale, hold, exhale, hold (each for 4 counts, repeat 4 times).
- Grounding 3-3-3-3 – ask your child to notice three things they can see, hear, feel, and smell.
Together, these strategies help create calm, supportive spaces for children to thrive.

News from our Guidance Officer
Brisbane North webinar: Supporting young people grieving Please find the flyer attached (with QR code) and registration details below for the headspace National Brisbane North Parent/Carer webinar - Supporting young people impacted by grief and loss next Thursday 04/09/25 at 6:30pm-7:30pm. This free online webinar aims to:
Please note: This is an online event for adults who are parents, carers, or community members who care for and support young people. These sessions are delivered by webinar and names, cameras, microphones, and the chat box are disabled for privacy and safety of those attending. Parents and carers can join and view the session anonymously. All participants must register to be able to attend and receive follow up help seeking information post session. |
Community News

Parent Carer Workshop: Managing Big Feelings and Behaviours
Please see the attached Flyer for Head to health Kids upcoming Managing Big Feelings and Behaviours workshop.
Head to Health Kids will be hosting this workshop at Caboolture State School on Thursday 18th September.
This group will be facilitated by Head to Health Kids, Speech Pathologist, Clinical Nurse, and Lived Experience Staff.
This group is open to all Caboolture State School community; you do not need to be a current H2HK client to attend.
Please register via the QR Code or this weblink – https://forms.office.com/r/yNRRJa0z87?origin=lprLink
