STRATEGIC PLANNING

Next term I will be formally engaging with the development of our whole school Strategic Plan 2026-2029. We will be undertaking some surveys and parent forums to obtain feedback which we can then consider as we move forward into our next four-year cycle.

As always, we have to find the balance between school community, student and staff feedback and the strategic direction of the Department of Education which has mandatory requirements both at a state and federal government level.

This process will give us the opportunity to build on the five ‘touchstones’ we identified as being our key drivers into the future for the Milton school community, these being-

• Deep and Engaged Learning
• Innovative and Creative Teaching
• Active Global, Digital Citizens
• Culture of Wellbeing
• Community Collaboration and Partnerships

FOCUS IN 2025

The following three teaching & learning areas are our focus for 2025 across our school. In coming newsletters, I will be expanding further on each of these priority areas with the input from the key leaders in our school who are driving the development and professional learning for our teachers and staff. 

1. Deep Learning - 6C's - Character, Citizenship, Collaboration, Communication, Creativity and Critical Thinking integrated into units of work and teaching & learning practices (pedagogy)

2. English

• English - Spelling Focus
• P-6 Literacy Blocks
• Learning Walks focus in classrooms with teachers - Term 2

3. Mathematics

• Curriculum Planning Version 9 Australian Curriculum and alignment with Natural Maths
• Learning Walks focus in classrooms with teachers on Top 5 - Term 3

The focus targets for achievement in these areas are to increase the percentage of students attaining and A/B in English and Maths and increase the percentage attaining C standard (a C standard means a student is performing at year level expectations) or above in those subjects on their report cards. We are constantly striving to do better with all aspects of learning outcomes for our students.

Currently on average, we have 93% of students attaining a C standard or better in English and 96% in Maths, keeping in mind that a C standard means that a student is achieving at their expected year level standard, based on the Australian Curriculum.

For students attaining an A or B in English on average, we have some 62% and in Maths some 72%.

Thanks to the efforts of our teaching and teacher aide team for the work they do each and every day with all students across our school and to the many parents who support their children at home with homework or additional school work if and when necessary.

READING BOOK PRIZES

Each term, we award a book prize to a student from each class across the school. The criteria for this award are based simply on their love of reading, improvement in their reading or being an outstanding reader. Below are the students who were selected by their class teacher to receive the book prize. A very big thankyou to parents Thomas and Rhiannon Coussens from Place Real Estate who sponsor the purchase of these books each term.

Congratulations to all recipients and keep up the great reading!

EVIDENCE CONVERSATIONS

Over the coming weeks, all classroom teachers will be engaged in Evidence Conversations with members of the leadership team. These conversations are for an hour each and are centred on using the evidence (data) which has been collected regarding student academic, social and emotional growth and looking at trends and patterns in student learning. The evidence is comprehensive and it allows a teacher the time to reflect on the progress made by students over the course of the school year and celebrate achievements, whilst maintaining the focus on ‘what’s next’ for the students.  It also provides valuable information to support written report cards.

We look at the entire year level, class and individual student progress and then discuss the best way forward for learning, both with the students and the teacher. This process occurs twice a year and informs the teacher’s Professional Learning Plan, student learning and the school focus on teaching and learning.

We also undertake ‘learning walks’ in all classrooms, which involves the leadership team having conversations with individual students about what, why and how they are learning in their classrooms. This is then given as feedback to the class teacher, who can reflect on what is working well and where they may need to focus their energies in the classroom to make the learning meaningful and relevant for the students.

These practices, along with our parent/teacher meeting in term one, student led conference in term 3, a written report card at the end of both semester one and two and requested meetings by either the class teacher or parents about student learning on a needs basis, provides a comprehensive means by which we monitor student achievement and growth and provide information on progress.

These are just further examples of how our school and the teachers are focussed on putting their students at the centre of all they do.

CHANGE OF ASSEMBLY TIMES

Given the challenges we have in relation to many activities taking place each Friday with Gala Days and other special events, we are changing school assembly to a Monday afternoon.

All assemblies are held in the multipurpose area behind Block A and parents/ carers etc are always welcome to attend.

When it is a whole school assembly it will start at 2:15pm.

When it is a sector assembly ( P-2 or 3-6) it will begin at 2:30pm.

Below are our scheduled assemblies for this term - 

ENROLMENTS FOR 2026

Thanks to the many parents who have already submitted their EOI for enrolment of their child/ren in prep for 2026. At this stage we are accepting both in and out of catchment enrolments, until we have reached our threshold for out of catchments, which is getting close.

We now have close to 80 enrolments.

Please ensure that you have sent in the EOI to enrolments@miltonss.eq.edu.au as soon as possible and let anyone who may not be connected to the school as such, to apply quickly.

LEAVING IN 2026?

If you are not intending to have your child/ren enrolled at Milton in 2026, I would appreciate a quick email direct to me as we are beginning our process for determining resources, class numbers and staffing for next year.

This of course does not apply to any child in year 6 as we know they are moving on to secondary school, irrespective.

Even if moving is only a possibility at this stage, we appreciate the information as it allows me to accept potential enrolments on our waiting list for a variety of year levels.

No students will lose their enrolment place at the school if you have a change of plans.

REMEMBERING BERNIE

Just before the school holidays, we had Bernie Price’s daughter Chloe come in and donate this lovely seat with a beautiful plaque entitled Bernie’s Bench in memory of her mum.

For those who don’t know the story, Bernie was a teacher aide at Milton for many years and left us for a time to go and care for her dad in New Zealand.

During this time, Bernie was away on a holiday in Bali and sadly and suddenly passed away.

We have placed this bench at the first aide station outside the tuckshop, as Bernie spent many a playground duty there, patching up kids.

Ironically, Bernie was a nurse in a former life, so it is really befitting that this is where we commemorate her.

A lovely way to remember a lovely person!

Kind regards,
Paul Zernike
Principal
pzern1@eq.edu.au

City District Cross Country

This Friday 2nd May, we will have 33 of our talented distance runners, across the 9-12yo age groups, competing in the City District Cross Country at Brisbane Grammar Playing Fields. These students qualified by finishing in the top 5 at our district trials last term and have been training hard during, and after, the school holidays to prepare for the day.

We will be competing against over 30 other schools across the district and in the A division of schools for the A division trophy. Last year we finished a fantastic 2nd overall in the A division and against every school, based on our school numbers and results, we were crowned the OVERALL WINNERS on percentage! Good luck to all our runners on the day, we cannot wait to hear how you all go.

 Year 4 - 6 Gala Days

This term, coming up in weeks 5-8, our Year 4 – 6 students will be heading out to Gala Day Interschool Sport which forms part of our physical education & sport program. These days are always a great way to get our kids out and active playing sport, some new to them, and competing against schools within our district.

Gala Days are the following three Fridays of Term 2 on below dates, with one wet weather back up date:

Friday 23rd May

Friday 30th May

Friday 6th June                

*Wet weather day back up Friday 13th June

All our students will participate in one of the below sports for Inter-School sport with teams, and trials for A teams, still to be finalised.

Reminders ahead of time: students are required to bring morning tea, lunch and a water bottle/s for the days. Venues have either no tuckshop, limited tuckshops in operation or full tuckshops. These will be updated once known from venues.

Students MUST have and wear their school broad brimmed hats and sunscreen for sun safety for each day. Please label hats clearly. Students are to wear Milton SS uniform or Milton SS sports uniform - if supplied by coaches, and provide their own personal sports equipment required (e.g. mouthguards, shin guards etc.) on the days. No jewellery is to be worn, earrings are to be taped or removed.

For students that require medication such as Ventolin, and self-administer, please ensure Ventolins are packed with students for the day. EpiPens will be taken for specific children by coaches/teachers where necessary. For students that require medication during school, this will occur as per usual protocols and taken out by our teacher coaches on the days.

Venue Addresses & Sports Gear Required

Rugby League – Brothers Rugby League, Gibson Park, Stafford. Parking available on Theodore St & Lindley St. *All players must have & wear a mouthguard (compulsory), bring their own boots. School kit of rugby jerseys, shorts and socks will be provided. Headgear and shoulder pads can be worn.

Soccer - Girls play at Virginia United Soccer Club, 574 Nudgee Rd, Northgate. 

Boys play at Brisbane Boys Grammar Playing Fields, 771 Nudgee Rd, Northgate. 

*All players must have and wear shin guard’s compulsory. (Mouth guards are optional) A teams to have school kit of shirt, shorts & socks provided.

Netball – Downey Park, Cnr Northey St and Green Terrace, Windsor. 

*Bibs / dresses to be provided by the school for A/B teams. Please cut nails, band aid over earrings that can’t be taken out and no other jewellery, zippers or buckles in clothing.

Tag League – Valleys Hockey, Shaw Rd, Wooloowin.

*School sport shirts, belts and tags provided by the school.

Hockey – ­Valleys Hockey, Shaw Rd, Wooloowin. *All players must have and wear shin guards and mouthguards compulsory.

We look forward to our students enjoying successful days playing sport together in a friendly and positive way.

Permissions and draws will be circulated to parents once teams have been finalised at school level and district sport convenors completed the draws.

City District & Met North Sport

Congratulations to the following students who have recently been selected into City District and Met North sports teams. These selections are a strong reflection of the student’s overall ability in the sport as they have competed against the best students within our district in the sports, and or entire region, to make these teams and progress to participate at the next level. We wish them all the best as they progress to the next stage.

City District Football (Soccer) (Girls)

Caitlin M

Elsie J

City District Rugby League (Boys)

Flynn M

Metropolitan North AFL (Girls)

Edwina S

Elsie J

Thank you
Lachlan Sayer
HPE Teacher 
lsaye12@eq.edu.au

We currently have over 700 overdue books!   

Everyone can place their books in the return tubs before school Monday – Friday and during lunch times Monday to Thursday.  If your child has lost or misplaced a book, please let me know as soon as possible so I may search for it at school or organise for you to be invoiced the cost of the missing/lost book. 

A very big thank you to Prep H who only have 1 overdue books this week! 

3AL and 3M listened to the story The Anzac Billy and learnt how families provided loved ones at war with a billy can full of treats and messages from home.  The question was then asked, what would you put in a billy can today?  Students had to think of access to electricity and chargers before filling in their billy cans. 

Let me introduce you to our Hive Captain, Charlie: 

"Hi, I am Charlie, and I am one of the 2025 Hive Captains. My favourite book would be The Keeper of The Lost Cities. I think the Hive is a place for all to relax and do the things they love. I love helping at the library, so everything is able to be better for everyone. I really enjoy working alongside everyone in the library including my fellow Hive Captains and Ms Justine.

Thank you for listening. 

Hope you guys like it."

Scholastic Book Club

Book club orders are due Thursday 8 May. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to our library collection because of your participation in the Scholastic book club. 

The Hive Book Club 

I’m looking forward to discussing the next book, Pax by Sara Pennypacker at our next book club exclusive for year 5 and 6 students and a significant loved one. 

Date: Thursday 8 May 

Time: 6pm –8pm

Place: The Hive (library) 

RSVP: Friday 2 May, please let Justine know of any dietary requirements. 

Cost: $10 per family (please bring cash) 

Don’t forget your keep cup! 

Keen readers of the Mystery of Morrigan Crow series by local Sunshine Coast author Jessica Townsend will love to hear that her fourth book in the series is out now!  Join me at the launch of this fabulous new book! 

Happy Reading,
Justine
jcoop297@eq.edu.au

Next meeting - 20th May, 7pm

All are welcome to come along and learn about what's happening, provide input and enjoy some snacks, wine & beers. We meet in The Hive, or you are welcome to join virtually via Teams (link to be shared closer to the date). Whilst we have a core group that attend regularly, we'd love to see some fresh faces, hear new ideas and meet new people.

EVENTS & FUNDRAISING

Angelo’s Pasta Drive - is back for 2025!

Ordering - w/c 12th May for 2 weeks, via QKR

Delivery/Pickup - 10th June to school OR excitingly this year, we have negotiated you can go and pick up from Angelo's 11th-13th June between 8.30am-4.30pm

GET IN QUICK! Tickets are selling fast. Come along for a great day out with friends, drinks, AMAZING door prizes, music and food. 

Purchase here! https://events.humanitix.com/milton-ss-ladies-day

Mad Mia Sock Drive : 9-13 June

This year, we are launching a Mad Mia sock drive! It will run from 9-13 June, with the opportunity to purchase before & after school, and via Qkr. Your kids will be absolutely unmissable in wild & wacky designs like these!

We have also coordinated with the student council. so that Friday 13 June will be a crazy sock day, meaning if you’ve purchased Mad Mia socks, $1 will go towards the student council's fundraising too, and your child/ren will have an opportunity to show them off! (Note anyone who hasn’t purchased socks in the drive will be able to wear their own crazy socks for a gold coin donation on the day).

More info to follow in the coming weeks!

Parents social night - 9th August

Save the date! We will shortly send around a quick survey for you to have your say on the format of the evening, and would love to hear from you so that we can get as many of you involved as possible! 

Fair on the Green - 18th October

If you are keen to help out with sponsorships, are keen to be a sponsor or are interested generally in getting involved with the Fair, please reach out to Leah at faironthegreen@gmail.com. 

Containers for Change

A reminder that you can donate your 10c containers from home towards the P&C fund - simply mention this member number when you do your deposit.

A huge thank you to everyone who contributes towards the organisation of our events and fundraising - it is greatly appreciated and we couldn't do it without you! 

Thanks for your support, 
P&C Executive Committee

Thomas, Leah, Emma, Sarah & Ian
pandc@miltonss.eq.edu.au

Welcome back to Term 2, typically when the weather starts to cool down.

New fleece jackets are available in sizes 4 - 18.

Currently there is also a great selection of preloved jackets but @ $10 you really do need to get in early for the best selection.

Other Items Back in Stock:

House Polo Shirts

House Mesh Shorts 

House Bike shorts

53cm bucket hats

Volunteer @The Uniform Shop 

Looking to get more involved in the MSS school community , try volunteering at the uniform shop, the term 2 sign up sheet is now open.

Simply click on the following web link (or copy it into your web browser if clicking doesn't work) to go to the signup sheet:

volunteersignup.org/MXYM4

Just follow the instructions on the page....It only takes a few seconds.

The Uniform Shop is open each Tuesday & Friday morning, 8.30am – 9.30am during school terms.

If you can’t make it into the store, new items can be ordered online Via the Qkr App.

Your order is then delivered directly to your Child’s classroom, no pickup is required.

Pre-loved items cannot be ordered online, please visit the store to see what’s currently available.

Thank you,
Julie Rowlinson
Uniform Shop Convenor
Uniforms@miltonss.eq.edu.au