Principal's News by Ange Padgett

Staffing

Babies are in the air at Mango Hill. At the end of this term we farewell Ms Stevie-Lee Vos, Ms Gin Balfe, Ms Sam Wray and Ms Tamara Wills, all of whom will be commencing maternity leave. We congratulate them and thank them for the work they have undertaken. We also farewell Ms Laura Maltaric who will be returning to her home town in Victoria. We will miss Ms Maltaric and thank her for her efforts whilst being part of Team Mango. Staffing behind these positions is almost finalised and will be communicated in the incoming weeks. We also welcome Ms Jo Bulger back to Mango. Ms Bulger has returned from a wonderful holiday. Ms Steph McEwan has been backfilling Ms Bulger and will continue her work at Mango in another year level. We also welcome Ms Megan Goodall, Ms Mel Edwards and Ms Junine Correlje of whom are returning from leave. We are very pleased to have them back as part of Team Mango.

Wakakirri

Our Wakakirri performed in the  Wakakirri State Finals.  Congratulations to our Wakakirri team, who have won a National Nomination. They were also awarded the Health/Wellbeing State Award. We are so proud of your commitment, talent and hard work, led by our fabulous dance teacher, Ms Glenda Kostaglou. Ms Kostaglou needs a well-earned rest. Thank you also to our Wakakirri parents for their ongoing support of the team. We appreciate all that you do.

RUOK Day

On Thursday, 11 September we’re supporting R U OK? to remind everyone to stay connected and make asking, ‘are you OK?’ a part of our everyday. That way if someone we know is struggling with something big or small they’ll know we care. When we genuinely ask, ‘are you OK?’ and are prepared to talk to them about how they’re feeling we can help someone who might be struggling, feel connected and supported. 

You don’t need to be an expert to ask someone, ‘are you OK?’. Try and make time for regular chats about life’s ups and downs so you can build trust.  That way when someone is struggling, they’ll know you care and will feel comfortable opening up to you. In care class we will be teaching the students when they might want to ask ‘are you OK?' and how to have that conversation.

The four steps to asking 'are you OK?’ are 

1. ASK
2. LISTEN 
3. ENCOURAGE ACTION 
4. CHECK IN

There is a range of free information and resources available on www.ruok.org.au to help you and your family ask, ‘are you OK?’ and meaningfully connect with the people in your world. If you need immediate crisis or emotional support, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Kids Help Line on 1800 551 800. 

Students are required to wear their full school uniform however all teachers and staff are encouraged to wear yellow and ask each other ‘are you OK?’.

Supporting school transitions

This week we are excited to share our whole school approach to supporting transitions. This refers to the process of preparing all our students for the move into their new year levels in 2026. It may seem early to be thinking about this however we understand that there are varying levels of need within this process and for some students, this process can require extra time. While we are approaching the planning phase for transitions, it is important for us to maintain the routines of our current school year to avoid any unnecessary distraction or worry.  If you have information you wish to be considered around class placement for 2026, remember to capture these in the class consideration form shared in last week's newsletter and below. If your child is identified for any additional support around transitions, you will be contacted by your Inclusive Learning Teacher or Deputy Principal.

Student Resource Scheme

The Student Resource Scheme (SRS) is a user-charging scheme operated by schools to provide access to individual students’ resources not funded by the government. Schools develop their SRS based on specific resources needed by their students and the programs they offer. The SRS fees and inclusions are endorsed annually by the school’s Parents and Citizens’ Association (P&C), and parents are provided with this information each year. Participation in the SRS is optional. Parents who opt out of the SRS are responsible for supplying the necessary resources for their child. The 2026 SRS proposal will be shared at the Term 4 P&C meeting on 13 October. We don’t envisage the fee will change greatly.

Term 4 Parent Overview

The Respect Program: Health Unit for Term 4

The Respect Program- What is being taught?

The Respect program is a teaching and learning resource developed by the Department of Education as part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to address domestic and family violence.

The Respect program takes a developmental approach to content and delivery. Over the years of schooling from Prep through to Year 12, students will be exposed to age-appropriate learning opportunities that help them build respectful relationships, understand consent and the reporting of sexual assault. In Term 4, we will begin the Respect program from Prep - Year 6.

By implementing the Respect program, schools will give students opportunities for social and emotional learning in self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationships, ethics, values, social norms, stereotypes, human rights, risk and responsible decision-making. A growing body of evidence shows that social and emotional learning of this nature leads to:

• improved social and emotional skills, self-concept, bonding to school and classroom behaviour
• less disruptive classroom behaviour, aggression, bullying and delinquent acts
• reduced emotional distress such as depression, stress or social withdrawal.

Prep to Year 2

Students develop the capacity to understand and self-regulate their emotions in ways that account for their feelings and the feelings of others. They also develop skills to initiate social interactions.

The content explores the people who are important to these young students and develops their capacity to initiate and maintain respectful relationships in different contexts, including at school, at home and in the classroom. Students explore their own sense of self and the factors that contribute to and influence their identities. They learn about emotions and how to enhance their interactions with others as they grow older, including seeking, giving and denying permission (consent).

Years 3 to 6

The Respect program's focus broadens to include the knowledge, understanding and skills required to support students' wellbeing and that of their family and friends. Personal and social skills take on an increasing importance as they look to family, peers and the community for role models. Students begin to explore personal and social factors that support and contribute to their identities, and assist in the management of emotional responses in a range of situations over time. Students develop knowledge, understanding and skills that help them build and maintain respectful relationships, including seeking, giving and denying permission (consent).

2026 Class Allocation - Parent Considerations

As we begin the complex process of class allocations for 2026, we warmly invite families to share information they would like us to consider when placing their child. We value your insights and understand that you may have perspectives that support your child’s learning, wellbeing, or social development. If you have considerations to share with us, please do so via the link or QR code below. 

We ask that you please note while all information received will be reviewed carefully, we may not be able to accommodate all requests. Class placement in a school of our size involves a wide range of considerations, including academic balance, social and emotional needs, support provisions, and staffing. 

Please submit any information that you wish us to consider fresh this year, as we do not carry over previous requests. This helps ensure that decisions are based on current and relevant context. 

Please also note that specific teacher requests will not be considered.

Submission of parent considerations is optional but must be submitted by Friday 12th September 2025. Late submissions will not be considered. We thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. 

https://forms.office.com/r/1GXi9uUkQZ

PACE Class Placements 2026

At Mango Hill State School, our PACE Program is designed to support students who demonstrate very high academic achievement across multiple learning areas. In PACE classrooms, students are taught the Australian Curriculum but may work at a faster pace, allowing students to engage in inquiry-based projects.

Each year, PACE class placements are carefully reviewed using a range of current student data sources. This ensures that placements reflect each child’s learning needs at that point in time. While there is one PACE class in each year level, places are limited, and decisions are made to ensure the best possible learning environment for all students across the school.

If you would like to discuss whether a PACE placement may be suitable for your child in 2026, we encourage you to reach out to your child’s class teacher or the Year Level Deputy Principal.

The images below provide an overview of the placement process for Prep and for Years 1–6.

Arts Fest

We are getting excited! Arts Fest is tomorrow. Please come along and join in the fun! 

Arts Fest at Mango Hill is not just a celebration of creativity, it's a special opportunity to spend time with family and enjoy the vibrant spirit of our community. With performances, displays, and hands-on activities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Come along on 11 September and join in the fun as we celebrate the talents of our students and the joy of coming together through the arts!

Thanks to Ray White North Lakes for sponsoring this event. REmember to bring cash for Henna and Year 6 market stall.

Arts Fest Catalogue 2025

Arts Fest Raffle

Diversity Day Parade

Diversity Day Parade – Friday 17 October (Week 2, Term 4)

We are very excited to be preparing for our upcoming Diversity Day Parade! We would love for this special event to showcase the many cultures and traditions that make up our school community, and we would love to highlight the unique heritage of our families.

There are many ways cultures can be represented – from traditional dress, music and dance to stories, artwork or special customs. Every contribution, big or small, helps to make our celebration more meaningful and reflective of our community.

If you would like to share an idea or be involved in any way, please get in touch with Mrs Burnett at jburn289@eq.edu.au. Together, we can create a colourful and memorable celebration that represents the wonderful diversity of our school.

• Parent Teacher Interviews
• MHHSSC half day transition
• AFLQ Schools Cup
• Bike Education - Year 4 4K
• Year 4 Italian Incursion
• Interschool Sports - Year 5 and 6

Mango Hill State School Coffee Cups