Term 1 Week 8

From the Principal

Equity and Excellence

Through the Alice Springs (Mparntwe) Education Declaration External link, we, as a nation are committed to equity and excellence in education – that all children and young people are confident, creative lifelong learners, active in their community. Achieving our vision requires a collective understanding of what we all stand for and how we will make it a reality.  Excellence cannot be achieved without equity.

Equity and Excellence: realising the potential of every student renews our focus on empowering our teachers and school leaders, investing in digital innovation, school performance, fostering collaboration between schools and community and delivering sustainable investment in schools for the future.

How Equity and Excellence was developed

Education changes lives. Around the world, the undeniable case for better educational outcomes is increasingly recognised as the driver of economic and social outcomes. By leveraging the collective strengths of communities, families and cross-agency collaboration, we are working together to improve the lives of young people. We have a rare privilege and responsibility – the better job we do, the better someone’s life.

In 2022, the Department of Education undertook extensive research into the factors that lift school and system wide performance and equity, partnering with educational experts to undertake literature reviews and jurisdictional scans and commissioning market research into factors that influence school choice for parents and carers.

The Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing launched targeted consultation on the new Education Strategy at the 2022 Principals’ Conference and Business Day. System leaders, including Queensland’s state school principals and key stakeholders, informed finalisation of the strategy and implementation design.

Education system leaders resoundingly support the vision of Equity and Excellence and a focus on educational achievement, wellbeing and engagement, and culture and inclusion to deliver a holistic approach to student learning throughout schooling.

Overwhelmingly, principals showed strong support for the strategic direction and focus on collaborative effort across the state schooling system and with other government agencies.

School priorities

Every Queensland state school will focus on key points in each student’s learning journey to set them on a path to lifelong success. Each priority will have specific focus on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student potential. We know that connections to culture enrich the learning of every student and strengthens all of our work.

There are four key area as part of Equity and Excellence:

• Starting Strong- Prep to Year 2
• Building Success- Years 3 to 6
• On track for success- Years 7 to 9
• Ready for the future- Years 10 to 12

Our priorities at Mapleton State School are Starting Strong and Building Success.

Starting strong- Strengthening protective factors in the early years to improve outcomes and make a positive impact on young people’s lives.

Our school priorities for Kindy to Year 2:

• knowing each child and student’s needs to support positive and confident transitions into and through school
• achievement in English and Mathematics
• maximising learning days

We will monitor:

• proportion of students achieving C and above in English and Mathematics
• proportion of students achieving A or B in English and Mathematics
• attendance
• School Disciplinary Absences

Building on foundations- Consolidating strong foundations for lifelong learning and nurturing confidence of students to thrive in their future schooling years.

Our school priorities in primary Years 3 to 6 are:

• knowing each student’s needs through upper primary and as they prepare to transition to junior secondary
• achievement in English and Mathematics
• maximising learning days

We will monitor:

• proportion of students achieving C and above in English and Mathematics
• proportion of students achieving A or B in English and Mathematics
• attendance
• School Disciplinary Absences

Equity and Excellence at Mapleton State School

While Equity and Excellence is being finalised, we decided that we would start to align all Mapleton State School future planning and school improvement strategies with the new strategic plan. Our 2023 Annual Improvement Plan (AIP) has three key priorities:

Educational Achievement- students will achieve one year of learning growth each year, and the school resources are aligned to support this goal.

Wellbeing and Engagement- a clear focus on the wellbeing of all staff and students to create a sense of belonging and a positive learning environment.

Culture and Inclusion- value culture and inclusive teaching and learning environments to drive equity and excellence across our school.

To track this, we have set goals/targets that will be measured at 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and at the end of the school year. The goals/targets have been spilt into three areas: students, teachers and our leadership team.

NAPLAN

Our Year 3 and 5 students have had a busy three days completing the 2023 NAPLAN Tests. Students have completed the Writing, Reading and Language Conventions tests. Next Monday, students will sit the final test, which is Numeracy. With the exception of Year 3 Writing, all test are completed on line. While the results won’t be released until later in the year, I would like to acknowledge the way our students conducted themselves and followed the Mapleton Way. A huge thank you to all our teachers, in particular Mrs Page and Mrs Longhurst, who have taken on the roles of NAPLAN Co-originators this year.

School Review 2023

School Review 29/5 to 31/5/2023

The dates have been set for our 2023 School review: 29/5 to 31/5/2023. Every Queensland state school is reviewed by the School and Region Reviews (SRR) branch at least once every 4 years. The reviews play an important part in how the department supports school improvement. The reviews provide schools with independent feedback to help them continue to improve learning outcomes for students. They are not used to compare schools or to rate the performance of staff. Schools are generally reviewed in the year that they are due to update their 4-year strategic plan. The findings and feedback from the review helps to inform this planning process.

Review process- Reviews are conducted by experienced educators trained in the use of the National School Improvement Tool, a nationally recognised framework for reviewing teaching and learning practices. Review teams generally consist of 2 to 4 reviewers, but the number of reviewers and length of each review depends upon a range of factors, including the size and context of the school. Reviewers look closely at each school’s performance data and speak with a wide range of staff, students, parents and community members to get an accurate picture of the school. Unlike many other review systems, schools aren’t ranked or given a performance rating. Instead, the school is given a comprehensive report for consideration. The report details key findings and recommended improvement strategies to maximise student outcomes. The school publishes the executive summary or full report on its website. Principals are encouraged to share this information with their staff and school community to help shape the school’s strategic direction.

We will provide further information on the review process next term.

Staffing Update

Our Guidance Officer Leanne Harvey will be on leave for Term Two. A familiar face at Mapleton State School, Ngaire Wood will be taking on the roll. Ngaire has recently completed her studies as a Guidance Officer. While new to the role, Ngaire knows our students and  understands the way we work at Mapleton.

OSHC

Great news! Outside School Hours Care, has ticked all the boxes and is in the final stages of preparation, to be ready to open on Monday 17 April 2023.

We have started discussing what the official opening could look like. While not required to open OSHC, the school will be installing a reverse cycle air-conditioning unit in the space during Week 1 of the holidays.

Harmony Week- 20^th of March to the 26^th of March

Mapleton State School will celebrate Harmony Week during Week 9. Harmony Week is celebrated throughout Australia in a week-long celebration of cultural diversity. Since first held in 1999, Harmony Week has grown to become a significant time for Australians to come together and celebrate our nation's cultural diversity. Harmony Week is a week to celebrate Australian multiculturalism, based on the successful integration of migrants into our community. It is an opportunity for all Australians to embrace cultural diversity and to share what we have in common. Multiculturalism is in Australia's national interest. It is about inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural or linguistic background, united by a set of core Australian values. Australia is one of the most successful multicultural countries in the world and we should celebrate this and work to maintain it. Our cultural diversity is one of our greatest strengths and is at the heart of who we are. An integrated multicultural Australia is an integral part of our nation's history and character.

School Watch

We love our school and want to come back after the holidays knowing that our school is safe and ready for learning.

During this period empty schools provide an opportunity for criminal activity, becoming targets for unlawful entry, arson, stealing, graffiti and property damage – all of which become a cost to the community.

The School Watch Program is a partnership between Education Queensland, the Queensland Police Service and the State Government Protective Security Service.  It aims to reduce criminal activity in Queensland schools and encourages everyone to look out for after-hours crime in our schools.  If you see anything suspicious, please don’t attempt to intervene.

Call the School Watch number – 13 17 88

Let’s work together to help create safer school communities.

Curriculum Corner

As our Head of Department-Curriculum, my job is to support our school to implement the curriculum. I work together with our teachers and support staff to ensure we deliver the curriculum and adapt it to our context.

Starting next week, each teacher will be released from class for a whole day to do collaborative curriculum planning with me. During these sessions, we work together to ensure that we are covering the Australian Curriculum. The Australian Curriculum has clear expectations around what needs to be taught across each year level.

There are also clear ‘Achievement Standards’ which outline what the students should be demonstrating. During curriculum planning days, we work together to identify the achievement standards we are working towards in each learning area. We also discuss what student work would look like if they were working ‘at’ the expected standard, and even ‘above’ or ‘below’ the standard. Making time to clarify these expectations, means that teachers can plan more effectively to help kids reach them. It also helps teachers to clearly explain the expectations to the students. You may see an example of this in the classroom on the ‘Learning Wall’, where teachers clearly outline what students have to do to reach a ‘C’ standard or how to ‘bump up’ their work to make it even better. Research has shown that giving students clear expectations helps them to improve.

We also look at ways we can adapt the teaching and learning experiences to best meet the needs of our students. We see every child as an individual and spend a great deal of time planning to support their individual needs. One of the things I love about working at Mapleton, is that our teachers really care about the kids and their learning and this always comes across during planning meetings.

Moderation

Every school is expected to participate in moderation. This means to have professional discussions about student learning, task expectations and achievement. At Mapleton, we have moderation meetings regularly throughout the year. This is a chance for teachers to get together and look at student work and decide on the grade it should be given based on the achievement standards for that year level. These conversations ensure that our professional judgement is consistent and comparable across the school and against the Australian Curriculum standards.

Have a lovely week,

Tia Page

Year 1 News

We have been learning about teen numbers. Look at how clever we are. We can represent a teen number in many ways.

2/3 News

The teachers and students at Mapleton are lucky to have helpful Teacher Aides and Support Staff to assist them with their teaching and learning.  Look who has been spotted in the 2/3 classroom!

Year 5/6 News

Visual Arts

For Visual Arts, Term One and Two the 4/5 and 5/6 classes are building “Birdhides”, these are being build down at Baxter Creek. Last Week the students from both classes ventured to Baxter Creek to look at what natural materials are available. The students are enjoying this activity.

Chappy's Chat

Food for Thought

Wow! We are nearly at the end of term 1 already.  How did that time get away from us?  As we approach the end of term with all the busyness of life the people at school tend to get tired.  This includes students, staff and even chaplains.  As parents/care givers we can also feel worn down with the pace of life and trying to balance it all.  We want to give our children the best start in life and that takes effort.

  At Mapleton State School we have many things to enhance the wellbeing of our students.  They are being taught skills and practices to deal with uncomfortable emotions in health.  We have a beautiful enriching school grounds full of natural wonders. The students have opportunities to pursue their personal gifts and talents through sport, music, language and visual arts. Every day the students get to play with friends. 

How are we as adults at balance though?  As life gets busier moving into the year are we finding time to balance work with play?  Are we balancing time for ourselves with time for others?  This balance can be hard to find sometimes and it is different for every person.  However, can I encourage you to find something that brings you joy and incorporate it into your week.  It might be socialising, exercise, a hobby or volunteering.  You, like me, might need some time alone to recharge your batteries.  There is a strong correlation between proper rest and productivity.  What is stopping you.  Make a plan to recharge today!

OSCH-Kidz Mob

Hello Mapleton SS families! We would like to introduce ourselves; we are Kidz Mob! We are a family and community-based childcare business striving to nurture the next generation. We are owned by Charlotte and Charlie, who live on the Sunshine Coast, have a young daughter, and have 8+ years of combined experience within the outside hours care and childcare industry.

Charlotte is the current Coordinator of Palmwoods Kids Club OSHC, based down the road at Palmwoods State School, the service is a pivotal part of the local community, and the Vacation Care program is renowned across the Sunshine Coast. Charlotte is eager to transfer all of these skills and fun educational programming strategies to the Kidz Mob Mapleton OSHC. Charlie is an Aboriginal man of the Gubbi Gubbi and Gunggari people, meaning that Kidz Mob identifies as an Indigenous business, and we are passionate and committed to creating an environment that embraces unity between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, and other Australians, and a culture that fosters equality, and equity.

Kidz Mob will be officially opening on 17^th April 2023 (Day 1 of Term 2). We were hoping to be open for the Autumn school holidays, but due to delays in approval processes beyond our control, it will be Week 1 of Term 2. We apologise for any inconvenience to families.

We are going to host an ‘Open Afternoon’ for Kidz Mob on Tuesday 28^th March from 3.00 – 4.00pm in the A Block building at Mapleton State School. The Open Afternoon will be an opportunity for families to come and meet the Kidz Mob team and have a look around the service. Families will have the opportunity to ask questions, receive enrolment information, enjoy some complimentary baked goods, and children will have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities, and receive a goody bag! We hope to see you all there!

Who's Who at Mapleton

        Karen Lynch

Where did you grow up?  Lots of different places, but predominantly on the Sunshine Coast and in Stanthorpe.

How long have you been at Mapleton? As a parent -16 years & as a staff member - 12 years.

What’s the best part of your job? Relationships with wonderful staff and families + seeing a year’s worth of learning in Prep – it’s amazing and so rewarding!

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? Having the most wonderful 10 years off raising my children.

Do you have any career highlights? Every time you see the lightbulb come on for a child and they go “ooohh…I get it now!”

Do you have a favourite sports team?     Nambour Blue Demons Hockey Club!! 

What lights up your world?  Family, faith, friends, my garden, good food and a good book

    Michelle Moore

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Sydney – Sutherland Shire

How long have you been at Mapleton? Just the beginning of this year.

What’s the best part of your job? Getting to know the students and watching them achieve their goals. Building good relationships.

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? I was teaching at Caloundra State School, Alpha State School, Birdsville State School, Tin Can Bay State School and Beerwah State School.

Do you have any career highlights? Going out to Birdsville and teaching at two remote schools (flying in between) getting to know the communities and making a difference to the kids.

What’s the best place you’ve travelled to? Why?  Easy – Italy. The best food, the nicest people and beautiful scenery.

What is the best concert you have been to? Angus and Julia Stone / Oka

What is your favourite season? Why? Autumn because I love to wear my boots and jeans and it’s a beautiful time with great colours in the garden.

What is your favourite movie? The Holiday /Dances with Wolves

What lights up your world? My family and friends, my fur babies and the peace of paradise I call home.

    Mike Price

Where did you grow up? Brisbane

How long have you been at Mapleton? 23 years

What’s the best part of your job? The great staff and the behaviour of the students

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? Maryborough, Cairns, Weipa.

Do you have any career highlights? 23 years at Mapleton SS.

What was your favourite tv show growing up? MASH

What’s the best place you’ve travelled to? Why? Tasmania. Beautiful landscapes and it is cold

What is your favourite season? Why? Winter because it is cold.

What is your favourite movie or song? Top Gun / Top Gun Maverick.

    Fiona Longhurst

Where did you grow up?  I grew up in Aspley, Brisbane.  I attended Aspley East SS and Aspley SHS. My Mum and Dad lived in our family home for over 50 years.

How long have you been at Mapleton?  I have been at Mapleton SS for 12 months.

What’s the best part of your job?  The best part of my job is knowing I am coming to work in an environment filled with fun and laughter.  Mapleton is a welcoming community, and it is a pleasure to drive up the mountain from my Buddina home each day.

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? Before Mapleton SS I worked at Maroochydore SS.

Do you have any career highlights? Life has taken me all over the state. My husband and I have lived in Cloncurry, Warwick and Roma. I held various roles in these country towns but my highlight was being able to give up work to raise my two sons until they started school. I have been back in the workforce as a contract/supply teacher for about 6 years.

What’s the best place you’ve travelled to? Why? The Orkney islands at the top of Scotland has been the best place I have travelled to as that is where my Mum’s family originated from.  Fascinating history, spectacular landscapes and interesting food.  Not sure I will ever appreciate the taste of Black Pudding!

What lights up your world? My world lights up when I spend time with my family and friends.  I also volunteer with TurtleCare and watching hatchlings emerge also lights up my world.

    Paul Kuronya

Where did you grow up? On the lands of the Wangal Clan of the Eora Nation- Sydney

How long have you been at Mapleton? Nine-months.

What’s the best part of your job? Seeing the smiles on not just the faces of our students, but our staff and school community. I enjoy walking around and seeing the difference we are all making on many different levels. 

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? I have been working at Burnside State School since 2014, both as the Deputy Principal and Acting Principal. 

Do you have any career highlights? Working in the Torres Straits for 5 years. I was fortunate to live in two different communities: Saibai Island, which is 3km off the coast of Papua New Guinea, and Mer Island, the birthplace of Eddie Mabo. Learning and performing traditional dances and opening a new school on Mer are some of my fondest memories. 

What is your favourite season? Why? I love autumn. The weather cools a bit, and the winds are turning more South-Easterly. Wonderful time for sailing.

What lights up your world? Apart from spending time with the grandkids, sailing and hiking. 

    Sarah Harold

Where did you grow up? I was born interstate, however my family relocated to Noosa when I was 2 years of age which is where I call home.

How long have you been at Mapleton? I have had the privilege of working at Mapleton for quite some time now, starting here in 2016 full-time as the Year 1 Teacher. Late 2021, we welcomed our first son into the world and I took a leave of absence in 2022 returning at the beginning of this year part-time in the 2/3 class.

What’s the best part of your job? There are so many reasons why I became a teacher but the number one reason is because I enjoy working and learning with and alongside students, cliché I know. However, over my years at Mapleton, I have become very fond of our smalls school community.

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? I worked in a rural country town in South West Queensland before transferring back to the Sunshine Coast.

Do you have any career highlights? Working and living rurally in a small country town. It was the most amazing, life changing experience, something that I will never forget.

What’s the best place you’ve travelled to? Travelling through Europe. I enjoyed travelling around and delving into Europe’s famous history and rich culture. Visiting places such as the Colosseum, Louvre Museum, Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Eiffel Tower were definite highlights.

Vicki Eland (Chappy)

Where did you grow up? I moved around a bit as a child. Places I lived as are a child are Southport, Stanthorpe, Chinchilla and finally Mapleton.

How long have you been at Mapleton? 11 amazing years working as a Chappy.

What’s the best part of your job? I love using creative, fun ways to support children. There is nothing more satisfying than seeing students learn a new social/emotional skill while having fun.

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? I worked as an outdoor educator at Q.C.C.C. Mapleton

Do you have any career highlights? I have had a few careers in my life but to be honest the job I have at the moment has been my favourite.  Spending my days supporting our school community is awesome!

What was your favourite tv show growing up? I remember sitting giggling at “Pinky and the Brain” with my sister.

What lights up your world? My faith in God is a hugely important part of my life.  I get much joy and fulfillment from my relationship with God.

   Shane Davis

Where did you grow up? Paddington

How long have you been at Mapleton? Four years

What’s the best part of your job? Working out doors.

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? Self employed.

What was your favourite tv show growing up? The Jetson

What’s the best place you’ve travelled to? Why? Sicily

What is the best concert you have been to? AC/DC

Do you have a favourite sports team? South Sydney

What is your favourite season? Why? Autum – nice weather

What is your favourite movie or song? Pulp Fiction

What lights up your world? Grandkids

    Lois Staier

Where did you grow up? South Burnett and Sunshine Coast

How long have you been at Mapleton? Two years next month

What’s the best part of your job? Improvements in facilities and the interactions I have with students during the day.

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? Burnside State School

Do you have any career highlights? International Student Coordinator – creating engaging timetables and organising home stay family’s for Study Tour Groups from mainly Japan.

What is your favourite season? Why? Winter.  I love wearing coats, scarves and boots and  the smell of wood fires burning.

What lights up your world? Time with family and friends.

    Renee Donaldson

Where did you grow up? Grew up in Esk and mostly Yarraman. I did live in Stanthorpe for a few years as well.

How long have you been at Mapleton? Started placement in 2013 and have been here ever since. 

What’s the best part of your job? Working with the children and watching them grow and achieve success.

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? Tutored in Child Studies at Bremer Tafe Ipswich. Worked across a few Child Care/kindergartens on the Sunshine Coast.

Do you have any career highlights? Keep working as a Teacher Aide until retirement.

What’s the best place you’ve travelled to? Why? Darwin – loved the casualness.

What is the best concert you have been to? Bob the Builder with my boys when they were little. Loved seeing the awesomeness on their faces.

What is your favourite season? Why? Summer –  Christmas, holidays and like having longer days.

What is your favourite movie or song? How Great Thou Art by Chris Rice

    Susan Xavier

Where did you grow up? Sunshine Coast (Gubbie Gubbie land I think)

How long have you been at Mapleton? 7 years as a parent helping out with excursions,incursions and class activities  then a little while after that about 6 years on staff

What’s the best part of your job? Being part of Preppies first, very wobbly, reading steps and seeing  how excited they and their parents get.

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton?  Lots of helping out, family business, school, unwell parents and then before that  working in Pre Schools in Cairns Weipa and Brisbane.

Do you have any career highlights? Working in Weipa where the kids brought in things like turtles and baby crocs for show and tell and we visited local aboriginal communities for special  events like under8's. Played a lot of very amateur golf, fished for barramundi , rode bikes everywhere and visited Thursday Is., a bit further north. Another standout for me has been the PLD learning journey with Karen where I was absolutely blown away with the children's success with with beginning reading using this approach.  

What’s the best place you’ve travelled to? Why? Islands off the coast of North QLD where I got to camp, swim and scuba dive while I was working in Cairns.

What lights up your world ? My family and camping, hiking, beaches and swimming, a few favourites, Carnarvon Gorge, Lake Mckenzie, Cylinder Beach.

     Jessica Ward

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Western Sydney.

How long have you been at Mapleton? This is my first year at Mapleton State School.

What’s the best part of your job? I enjoy seeing all students succeed in their learning.

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? I was working in Moura in Central QLD.

Do you have any career highlights? In Moura, I enjoyed starting up a school garden and coaching students in shot put and discus for regional carnivals.

Do you have a favourite sports team? Penrith Panthers

What lights up your world? My favourite thing is being outside, in nature, with my camera.

   Tim Woolner

Where did you grow up? Sunshine Coast, primarily Buderim.

How long have you been at Mapleton? 8 weeks.

What’s the best part of your job? Opening shiny new technology stuff.

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? I was at Beerwah High School fulltime.

Do you have any career highlights? Working with Certified IT was a great experience

What was your favourite tv show growing up? The Simpsons.

What lights up your world?  Helping students.

Nick Young

Where did you grow up? Adelaide (Australia) / Penang (Malaysia)

How long have you been at Mapleton? Started in 2023

What’s the best part of your job? Being outdoors and improving students’ skills in a range of different sports.

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? Currently teaching PE at North Arm SS / Previously taught HPE and History at Murgon SHS.

Do you have any career highlights? Coaching the Wide Bay U12 Girls Soccer Team at the State Championships in 2020 to 3^rd Working at Murgon SHS and providing a real difference in the lives of indigenous students in a complex environment.

What’s the best place you’ve travelled to? Why? South Africa, Safari!

What is the best concert you have been to? Future Music Festival 2010

Do you have a favourite sports team? Manchester United and Adelaide Crows

What is your favourite season? Why? Summer, Why? Because it’s the summer of cricket!

What lights up your world? Surfing! / Enjoying the weekends with my wife, 2 young boys and dog!

Lee Falvey

Where did you grow up? I grew up in Brisbane but also spent time living in Nagoya, Japan.

How long have you been at Mapleton? Since 2020 – and I have loved every minute of it!

What’s the best part of your job? It’s all amazing – but seeing the students’ learning journey first-hand is really rewarding .

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? I was an interpreter and Senior Business Advisor for the ANZ Bank before managing legal firms. As far as teaching goes, I have also worked at the Glass House Mountains.

Do you have any career highlights? I love listening to our students speak and seeing them write in Japanese. It astounds me how well they can learn a completely new language!

Do you have a favourite sports team? I actually have two – the Brisbane Lions in the AFL and the NQ Cowboys in the NRL.

What lights up your world? My family and my job. I consider myself very lucky!

    Julie Jones

Where did you grow up? Townsville 

How long have you been at Mapleton? Nearly 2 years

What’s the best part of your job? Seeing the kids eyes light up when they learn something new.

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? I was at Woombye and Palmwoods mainly doing contracts.  Before that, I was learning support teqcher for indigenous kids in Ayr (North Queensland) for 6 years.

Do you have any career highlights? I did really enjoy working with the indigenous kids. They really progressed with the individual support. 

What was your favourite tv show growing up? Smurfs, Alf, Young Talent Time.... so many.

What’s the best place you’ve travelled to? Why? I really loved Rome. The sites, atmosphere, the lifestyle was just fascinating.

What is the best concert you have been to? Oh again, so many to pick from! I've been to Pink, Madonna, Ed Sheeran, Bruno Mars, Tina Turner, Bryan Adams, Micheal Jackson...just to name a few and is too hard to pick which is my favourite. They were all awesome in their own right.

Do you have a favourite sports team? Cowboys of course!

What is your favourite season? Why? I think Spring. After a long winter, it's lovely to get warm again.

What is your favourite movie or song? Movie - The Proposal or Just Go With It. Song - enjoying the Hamilton album after seeing it for the 2nd time.

What lights up your world? Seeing my own children succeeding and enjoying their life, through high school and beyond.

    Nat Proellocks

Where did you grow up? I was born in Mount Isa but I spent my primary school years in Maryborough. My family then moved to Clifton during my early high school years and then we moved once more to Toowoomba, where I finished my senior years at high school.

How long have you been at Mapleton? Ten years - I started teaching at Mapleton in 2013.

What’s the best part of your job? I really enjoy being able to work with every student in the school.

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? I started my teaching career at Taranganba State School in 2011, then I taught at Emu Park State School in 2012. Previous to that, I was in The Australian Army Band Brisbane.

Do you have any career highlights? One of things I love the most is our end of year concert. Just seeing the excitement and enthusiasm in all of the students when they perform and the enjoyment that their families experience when watching their children up on stage having fun.

What is the best concert you have been to? My husband and I took our daughters to Los Angeles to see KISS. It was the most amazing experience!

What is your favourite season? Why? I love winter because I love the cold weather. I love travelling during the cooler time of the year. I would love to live somewhere where it snows.

What lights up your world? I love hanging out with my daughters. They are the coolest chicks.

       Tia Page

Where did you grow up? I was born in New Zealand. I moved here when I was a baby and grew up in Queensland.

How long have you been at Mapleton? Eight years

What’s the best part of your job? I love watching the faces of kids light up when they ‘get something’ or when they feel proud of themselves.

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? I worked in Central Queensland as a ‘Pedagogy Coach’. I got to travel to lots of different schools and help teachers work on improving their skills.

Do you have any career highlights? Last week, a Year 2 student gave me a huge smile and told me “You’re the best teacher of Health ever!’. I’ll take that as a career highlight!

I am passionate about research and the neuroscience behind how our brains learn. I enjoy sharing this learning with other teachers and working together to improve our teaching, so kids can improve their learning.

What’s the best place you’ve travelled to? Why? I loved Spain! The landscape, the culture, the food and drinks and the fact that the restaurants are open late at night!

What is the best concert you have been to?  Oh, that is tough because I’ve been to so many great concerts! Recently I saw Nick Cave at the Sydney Opera House and it was amazing.

What is your favourite song?  Another hard one! I love music and I have a pretty eclectic taste, so my favourite changes a lot based on my mood. At the moment, it would have to be ‘This mess we’re in’ by PJ Harvey and Thom Yorke.

What lights up your world? My family, nature, art (especially sculpture) and helping people.

    Louise Bentley

Where did you grow up?  I grew up in a Brisbane suburb called Carindale.

How long have you been at Mapleton? I began at Mapleton in April 2022. Almost 1 year ago.

What’s the best part of your job? The best part of my job is being greeted by 24 little, smiling faces who are ready and willing to learn. I love watching the growth throughout the year, knowing that I have supported and guided them all along the way.

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? The first term in 2022 prior to arriving at Mapleton I was working at Palmwoods in a year 6 class and previous to that I had been teaching year 6 at Mountain Creek SS for a number of years.

Do you have any career highlights? My first year of teaching was a memorable year. My mentor was lovely and I cherish the valuable knowledge she passed on to me during that year.

What is the best concert you have been to? Definitely P!NK. I have been to three of her concerts already and I have tickets to see her in February 2024.

What lights up your world? My children and partner! Yoga and Pilates! Walking my dog!

    Jackie Shillig

Where did you grow up? Fraser Coast

How long have you been at Mapleton? This is my 6^th Year

What’s the best part of your job? Kids!!! Seeing the distance kids can ‘travel’ during a year. Witnessing their ‘arhhh/lightbulb’ moments.  Day to day conversations can be so entertaining, purely honest and hilarious. Kids make the best humans!

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? Talara Primary College, Mount Isa Central State School, Doomadgee State School and Nhulunbuy Primary N.T

Do you have any career highlights?  Every time compliments and kind words walk through the door.

 What was your favourite tv show growing up? Jetsons

What’s the best place you’ve travelled to? Why? Nepal Trekking, people, all that walking and views that go forever. 

What is the best concert you have been to? When I was 8 my Mum took me 4 hours by bus to Brisbane to see Billy Joel.  Straight off the ‘farm’ to the city, very memorable.

What is your favourite season? Why? All seasons, I love the change, each season offers something different.

What is your favourite movie or song? Red Hot Chilli Peppers (anything) or Sia.

Leesa Dean

Where did you grow up? Bundaberg

How long have you been at Mapleton? One year

What’s the best part of your job? The privilege of nurturing the incredible musical talents of our young musicians at Mapleton SS

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton? Head of Woodwind & Director of Bands at Westbourne Grammar School - Melbourne

Do you have any career highlights? Spending six months in Beijing performing with the China National Symphony and training the woodwind section of the orchestra.

What lights up your world? My family, particularly my first grandchild (five-week-old MylesJ)

    Sheila Maclachlan 

Where did you grow up?  Born in Venezuela, school in England and Brisbane

How long have you been at Mapleton? 43 years

What’s the best part of your job?  People

Where were you working before you started at Mapleton?  Nambour Library

Do you have any career highlights? Nursing in the Highlands of Scotland

What’s the best place you’ve travelled to? Why?  Greece. The sea.

What is the best concert you have been to?  So many!! My first was Frank Zappa

What is your favourite movie or song?  (Changes every week) This is the Day (song by The The)

What lights up your world?  Laughter, sincerity, friends and of course, family

SORA - The Student Reading App

To log in, students can visit the Sora website, or download the free Sora app on a mobile device, find the school ‘Education Queensland’, and log in with their MIS ID. 

Registered users can access over 80,000 eBooks, audiobooks, read-along books and  magazines.

The eBooks Digital Library is available 24/7 at home, at school, on your PC, laptop or mobile device.

Night-time reading

Lighting settings for eBooks can be adjusted for night-time reading. Open an eBook in Sora and tap the screen. Tap on ‘A’ in the top menu, and scroll down to ‘Lighting’. Choose ‘Dark’ (white text on a black background) for night-time reading.

Most devices now have low-light reading options for night-reading to reduce eye-strain. The articles below contain information on how to enable these features:

• How to read at night on your tablet, iPad or smartphone
• How to use Night Shift on your iPhone or iPad
• The five best night mode apps for Android to filter blue light

Fun Holiday Activities