Friday 22nd August 2025

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

We’ve now passed the halfway point of the term, and it’s amazing to reflect on how much has already been accomplished. There is still plenty ahead, and we’re excited to see what the rest of the term has on offer.

National Day of Action Against Bullying and Violence

Last week at Musgrave Hill, we joined schools across Australia in recognising the National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA). It was wonderful to see some many students and staff wearing Purple last Friday to show our support of the wonderful initiative. This reminds us that creating safe, positive and supportive school environments requires a whole-school approach – involving students, staff, parents and carers working together.

The national definition of bullying highlights three key characteristics that set it apart from other negative behaviours. Bullying involves:

1. a power imbalance,
2. a deliberate intent to cause harm, and
3. ongoing and repeated behaviour.

It is also important to note that not all negative behaviours are bullying. While the following are not considered bullying, they can still be serious and may need attention at home or at school:

• arguments or disagreements where there is no power imbalance,
• single acts of social rejection or unkindness, and
• one-off incidents of aggression, intimidation or violence.

By understanding what bullying is – and what it isn’t – our whole school community can better identify situations and respond in the most effective way. More information, including the full national definition, can be found on the Bullying… No Way! website.

Gold Coast Show and Student Free Day

Reminder to parents that Friday 29^th August is the Gold Coast Show Public Holiday plus the following Friday 5^th September is a Student Free Day.

Speech Pathology Week 24^th August to 30^th August

This year, the theme for Speech Pathology Week is 'Impact through Communication' We aim to highlight the vital role speech pathologists play in supporting quality of life across the lifespan.

• Connection through Communication- Exploring how communication builds and sustains relationships and strong communities.
• Confidence through Communication- Celebrating the power of clear, proud self-expression.
• Inclusion through Communication-Promoting accessible and diverse communication for everyone.
• Empowerment through Communication- Supporting individuals to self-advocate and share their needs.
• Opportunity through Communication-Creating pathways in education, employment, and community life.
• Wellbeing through Communication- Recognising the vital link between communication and emotional, mental, and social wellbeing.
• Independence through Communication-Encouraging autonomy and self-expression across all stages of life.

Together, these dot points highlight the depth and diversity of the profession, showing the many ways speech pathologists create lasting impact. A big thank you to the Speech Therapists who support not just Musgrave but all the Queensland schools.

School Disco

Julie-Anne McGuinness – Principal

A WORD FROM OUR DEPUTY PRINCIPALS

NAPLAN 2025

Ms O’Loughlan – Deputy Principal

Prep 2026 Enrolments

Prep 2026 enrolments are now open and filling fast. If you have a child eligible to start school next year, or know of a family who does, please collect an enrolment pack from our school office.

Ms Zielke – Deputy Principal

READING AT MUSGRAVE

Principal’s Reading Challenge

I am delighted to invite all Musgrave Hill State School students to join in our second MHSS’s Principal’s Reading Challenge.

This is not a competition but a way to encourage students to develop a love of reading for life. Students are encouraged to select a range of fiction and non-fiction books suited to their reading ability and record books read during the reading period, between 22^nd August and 5^th of September. 

Reader record forms will be sent home with your child, please return it to your child’s class teacher by Friday 12^th of September.

To complete the challenge:

• Prep to Year 2 must read or experience at least 20 books.
• Years 3 and 4 must read at least 20 books.
• Years 5 and 6 must read at least 15 books.

Experiencing books can include shared reading, listening to stories, or reading picture books.

Every student who completes the challenge, and returns the completed record reader form by the due date will receive a Certificate of Achievement signed by Ms McGuinness. We look forward to seeing as many of our students as possible take part in the challenge.

Miss Ellen Hahn – Deputy Principal

A WORD FROM OUR HEAD OF WELLBEING

Ms Katie Halsall – Head of Wellbeing

PRIMARY SCHOOLS NETBALL GALA

On Monday 11th of August, ten Year 4 and 5 students proudly represented Musgrave at the Primary Schools Netball Gala in Pimpama. The day was filled with energy and sportsmanship as our players showcased the skills they have been developing over the past 10 weeks. 

In the lead-up to the carnival, the girls were lucky enough to take part in a special training session with Elsa Sandholt from the Queensland Firebirds, gaining netball tips from a professional player. They dedicated lunchtimes and before school time to training sessions.

From the very first whistle, the girls showed determination and a positive attitude both on and off the court. Their passing, attacking and defensive efforts impressed spectators, while their encouragement of one another reflected the true Musgrave spirit.

It was a fantastic opportunity for the team to compete against other schools, build their confidence, and strengthen friendships. The pride they took in representing Musgrave was clear and we congratulate them on their hard work and commitment. Well done to all the girls, you made us proud!

Miss Tahlia Adams - Teacher

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Save the Date – Wednesday 10^th September

GOLD TOKEN CHALLENGE

MATHLETICS

ASSEMBLY AWARDS

Week 4 - 8^th August 2025

Week 5 - 15^th August 2025

MIND MATTERS

Circle of Control

Sometimes kids (and adults!) spend a lot of energy worrying about things they can’t change such as the weather, other people’s choices, or what might happen tomorrow. This can leave them feeling frustrated or powerless.

Learning to focus on what is in their control, like their own actions, words, effort, and attitude, helps children feel calmer, more confident, and capable. It gives them a sense of agency, even when life feels unpredictable.

Talking about “what I can control vs. what I can’t control” helps kids build resilience and problem-solving skills. Instead of getting stuck in worries, they can put their energy toward making positive choices in the areas they do have power.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Gold Coast Suns AFLW Girls Community Centre

Gold Coast Libraries

UPCOMING EVENTS