Buddina State School
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Cnr Iluka Ave and Tumut St
Buddina QLD 4575
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Email: info@buddinass.eq.edu.au
Phone: 07 5477 8888

Principal's Update

Mr Russell Thompson l Principal

Thompson, Russell

Term 1 is always a busy and exciting time as staff and students settle into the new school year. Our Prep students are adjusting to new routines and are understandably a little tired. Across the school, our calendars quickly fill with activities and events, making the term fly by.


Thank you for your continued support in checking the Parent Update emailed each Sunday afternoon, as well as our website calendar for important dates. We are committed to locking in key dates as early as possible to support your planning—both in terms of time and finances. If you require any assistance with payments, please make an appointment to meet with Danielle, our Business Manager. Payment plans are available and can be easily arranged.

Term 1 Highlights and Successes
We've had a fantastic start to the year, filled with meaningful experiences and achievements:

  • Our student leaders received their badges at the Investiture ceremony.
  • Students have embraced new opportunities through our expanding Chess Club and skateboarding lessons.
  • Auditions were held for our Surf Academy and Dance Excellence programs, which will see students compete in carnivals and eisteddfods throughout the year.
  • Selected students from our school Chess team proudly represented our school at an inter-school competition.
  • Many students trialled for representative pathways in their chosen sports.
  • Our beach fun run was a great success.
  • Families joined us at the Meet the Teacher afternoon and again later in the term for parent interviews.
  • We celebrated National Ride2School Day and Harmony Day.
  • Our Prep to Year 2 students enjoyed the Bonnet Parade and proudly displayed their decorated hats.

Our P&C has also been active, hosting their AGM, organising a movie night and sausage sizzle at Meet the Teacher, and continuing their coordination of the after-school art classes. Their contributions to our community are greatly appreciated.

School Improvement Agenda – Achievements

Our focus remains on ensuring every child is succeeding and included. We continue to work toward three key improvement priorities:

Belonging table

Term 1 Celebration Snapshots
Belonging (Student Zones of Regulation Survey)
• 90.7% of students feel they have a range of strengths
• 91.2% of students respect and accept people who think differently about things to themselves
• 75.6% of students feel comfortable using a strategy to help calm themselves down when angry

Engagement
• 93.3% average attendance
• 4 major incidents per week
• 4.1 minor incidents per week

Learning (Student Voice Data)
• 97% of students can articulate what they are learning
• 75% of students can explain how they’re progressing

We love hearing directly from our students about their learning experiences. One Year 3 student shared:

“I used exaggeration in my persuasive letter to convince Mum and Dad to take me to the ANZAC Day march. I wrote that it would be the most important day of my entire life!” — Year 3 Student

Attendance Matters
Every day counts. Our school attendance target is 93%. We understand students may be absent due to illness or weather events; however, regular attendance is essential for learning progress.

Our current overall attendance is 92.2%. Below is our weekly attendance snapshot (from Week 1 to Week 9):

Screenshot 2025-04-02 130937

Date Saver – ANZAC Day March (Friday 25 April)
Our school has been invited to participate in the ANZAC Day community march with Kawana RSL on Friday 25 April (Week 1, Term 2).  Details are still being confirmed, but we expect to meet near the Kawana Surf Club at approximately 10:25am, with the march starting around 10:35am.  Students will be asked to wear full school uniform, bring a hat and water bottle. Further information will be shared early in Term 2.

Looking Ahead – Term 2 and Holidays

As we wrap up a productive Term 1, we encourage all students and families to take time to rest and recharge over the upcoming Easter break. The holidays are a chance to reconnect, reflect, and return refreshed for another exciting term of learning.

  • Public Holiday (Easter Monday): Monday, April 22
  • Term 2 Begins: Tuesday, April 22
  • Public Holiday (ANZAC DAY): Friday, April 25 


On behalf of the entire staff, I wish you a safe and enjoyable holiday break. We look forward to seeing everyone back, energised and ready for Term 2.