Issue 7 – The Hall Happenings 14 May 2025

Principal’s Messages

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

At The Hall State School, we know that strong literacy skills form the foundation of every child’s learning journey. Research from the Science of Reading consistently shows that systematic, explicit instruction in reading is essential to help all students succeed—not just in English, but across every subject area. That’s why our first school priority for improvement is clear: Increasing achievement in English.

In 2025, we are deepening our commitment to high-impact literacy instruction by drawing on evidence-based programs like MultiLit’s InitiaLit and proven teaching techniques from Teach Like a Champion by Doug Lemov. These routines help create clear, consistent classroom environments where all students can access and engage with learning—aligned with our second school improvement priority: Access and engagement in learning. From daily reading routines to targeted phonics instruction and purposeful questioning, these strategies ensure students not only learn to read but read to learn.

We also know that literacy success is a shared effort between school and home. Thank you to all families who recently attended our parent-teacher interviews. Your engagement makes a real difference, and the conversations you shared with teachers contribute directly to improving learning outcomes. The home-school connection is a powerful partnership, and we’re grateful for your continued support as we work together to give every student the strongest start possible.

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to our dedicated school team for their outstanding work while I have been attending the Central Queensland Principal’s Connect and Business Days, as well as the State School Principal’s Conference. These events are valuable opportunities for school leaders to engage in life-long learning, stay connected with regional and state-wide priorities, and reflect on best practices to support student achievement. Embracing a growth mindset, both as educators and learners, is vital as we prepare for the next strategic steps in our school’s improvement journey. I’m incredibly proud of the professionalism and commitment of our staff and the way they continue to uphold high expectations for every learner, every day.

Kind regards,
Mrs Katie Bull
Principal

From The Deputy

Wellbeing Survey

We know that wellbeing and engagement are important parts of your child’s life at school. The department and your school are looking at ways to collect information on these topics so we can support our students in the best way possible. In Week Four students from Years Four, Five and Six participated in the Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing (QEW) Survey. This survey is designed to measure how state school students view their wellbeing and engagement.

Whilst student responses are deidentified, from this survey will tell us about students’ levels of wellbeing and engagement. This information will allow us to better support our students and meet their needs.

Parking

Student Safety is a key priority for all school stakeholders. It is a joint responsibility to ensure students are safe whilst not only at school, but travelling to and from.

The Hall State School continues to receive reports of unsafe driving practices on Bapaume Street. Please remember this is not a Stop Drop Go area. Please park your vehicle in a designated parking space before allowing your children out. Council have been informed by concerned community members about unsafe double parking, and a request Council Local Laws Officers to patrol the area has been made.

The attached Map titled “Parking Around Your School” details road rules and laws on roads surrounding The Hall State School. Whilst the map details Murray Street, the information pertains to all local roads.

Kind regards,
Mr Cameron Preston
Deputy Principal

General Messages

School Office opening hours

Please note: School Office opening hours are 8:15AM to 3:30PM

Upcoming Dates

Friday Sport commences this Friday 16^th May

Eisteddfod

Monday 19^th May     Senior Choir & Boys Choir - 9:00am - 11:00am
                                   Folk Group - 2:00pm - 3:00pm
Tuesday 20^th May     Junior Choir - 9:00am - 10:30am

Student of the Week

Congratulations to the following students who received Student of the Week awards.

Media News from 3S

This term, 3S have been diving into their Media Arts unit with enthusiasm and creativity. The class has been hard at work designing and producing TV-style advertisements to protect an imaginary place called The Rainbow Reef—a magical underwater world that brings life and magic to all the oceans of the world.

In this imaginative scenario, The Rainbow Reef is under threat from fishing boats and pollution. To raise awareness and inspire action, students have been working collaboratively in groups to plan, storyboard, film, and edit their own advertisements. Through this process, they’ve been learning about persuasive techniques, teamwork, and digital storytelling, all while exploring how media can be used to communicate important messages.

We can’t wait to see the final ads and the powerful messages they’ll share to protect this precious underwater world!

Eisteddfod Results

Congratulations to all students who performed in the Eisteddfod last week. Everyone played beautifully and we are proud of not only how well you played but how well you demonstrated our 4 school expectations.

The Senior String Ensemble played together extremely well and were unfortunately not awarded a place. There were 12 ensembles in their section. The other students were in the auditorium and were able to listen and cheer them on. Thank you Miss Dalglish, for preparing these students.

The Concert Band were awarded 2^nd place and played two contrasting pieces. Thank you to Mrs Holbeck for instilling the importance of regular practice and working together as a team.

The Recorder Ensemble were the only entry in their section and were awarded 1^st place and the Julie Bawden memorial trophy.

Congratulations to everyone involved.

Library News

Camp Australia OSHC

As Term 2 gets underway, we’d love to share some fantastic OSHC programs with our school community. From creativity and play to wellbeing and big competitions, there’s something for every child.

St Luke’s Garage Sale

Rockhampton State High School - Tuckshop Convenor Position

Central Queensland Athletics Club Inc.

Lifeline Bookfest

Lifeline is holding their annual Bookfest and $2 Clothing Sale on the 16th & 17th May 2025 at the Rockhampton Show Grounds.

The Lifeline Bookfest in Rockhampton is a second-hand book sale, with funds raised going toward our 13 11 14 Lifeline Crisis Support Line and added with the $2 clothing sale enables families to grab a great bargain and dress the whole family in quality clothing for as little as $2 an item. 

All monies raised from our events go directly to our 24 hour Crisis Telephone Counselling Service and helps provide services to the less fortunate within our community.