The Gympie Show is on again after a few challenging years and many of our students are looking forward to the wonders and fun on offer. Unfortunately, the weather has prevented our Preps from visiting on Thursday, so our amazing team have planned a home grown ‘show’ for them to enjoy the fun of the fair.

I have been asked to provide a bee hive and honey display with a taste test of the honey comb. Tasting new and special treats is part of most peoples show experiences. Whether it is samples from local producers or exotic dishes these taste tests can introduce us to new delights .

King David from the Bible also wants people to consider a new experience too. In Psalm 34 he writes, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” You see, the world has plenty of exciting things on offer, but God is truly good and in Him we can be blessed. If you have not yet gotten to know Jesus, a great way to ‘taste test’ what He is offering, is to read the gospel of Mark in the New Testament.

Why?

We are stewards of the earth, and we have a responsibility to care for it. Picking up rubbish means we don’t attract vermin that carry disease. A clean and tidy area just looks better.

How can you encourage this at home?

"God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”" Genesis 1:28

Yesterday our Yr 3,5,7,9s began their NAPLAN tests smoothly. Thanks to families who have encouraged our students to give their best and approach the test sessions calmly.

We’re grateful to Mrs Birt and Mrs Baillie who are supervising each session and supporting our students through the NAPLAN season.

Special thanks to Mr Grogan, Mr Deagon and Mr Marrington who have ensured devices and wifi are ready and easily accessible.

We know our students have the best opportunities for success and confidence with this support available though NAPLAN. Thank you everyone!

Indigenous QATSIF Scholarships for 2023 are opening for new applicants, next Monday 16^th May. Please visit the website for more information.

Queensland Health has now updated its Guidelines for COVID-19 Close Contacts in Queensland.

Students who are close contacts, asymptomatic, and are unable to study from home must notify the school before returning.

Children over the age of 12 years who attend school while they are a close contact must wear a mask. Queensland Health recommends children under the age of 12 who are in close contacts to wear face masks where it is safe to do so.

We are advising that there have been positive COVID-19 cases confirmed in the College this week in both Primary and Secondary.

Please be assured, reflecting Queensland Health guidelines, our COVID Safe Management Plan continues to be enacted.

Under current Queensland Health guidelines there are no identified close contacts and all procedures have been followed to date.

We recommend that all children and families continue to monitor for symptoms and seek a testing facility if necessary.