Monday 16th February 2026
This school year our school and staff have two major focus areas that form our School Annual Implementation Plan, this was shared with our P&C at Tuesday night’s meeting.
Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) – 2026 Focus Areas:
Our Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) outlines our strategic priorities for the year.
In 2026, our two key focus areas are:
Priority 1: Improving Reading Across the School
We are committed to strengthening reading outcomes for all students. During our student-free days, staff engaged in professional learning focused on our whole-school reading approach. This work is in its early developmental stages and will be a five-year journey, grounded in the Simple View of Reading and aligned with the Queensland Department of Education’s evidence-based reading research. We are very excited about this important work, which will ensure a consistent, high-quality approach to reading instruction across the school.
Priority 2: Student Engagement Through a Social and Emotional Lens
Staff also completed a full day of professional learning in the Berry Street Education Model, which is a trauma-informed approach that supports student engagement, emotional regulation and wellbeing. This training consists of four full days of training, and as a whole staff we have completed Day One. This program will strengthen our collective capacity to create supportive, engaging and inclusive learning environments for all students. Together, these two priorities provide a strong foundation for improving student learning, wellbeing and engagement through consistency of practice across our school.
NAPLAN
Parents and carers of Students in Year 3 and 5 this year please see the attached NAPLAN information brochure.
Student Absence Notification Process
Please advise the school via one of the following for all student absences:
To ensure the absence is recorded correctly, when contacting the absentee line or emailing the office, please provide:
- Your child’s name, class, absence reason and the commencement & end date of the absence.
If your child does not return to school by the end date provided by you, please contact the school to update the absence details.
Before School procedures
To support a calm and consistent start to each school day, we ask families to please reinforce our before-school routines with their children. Students should not arrive at school before 8:30am unless they are participating in a supervised before-school program, such as choir, band or other approved activities.
From 8:30am onwards, students are asked to proceed directly to their designated before-school area:
- Years 4–6: Seated in the Senior Learning Centre (SLC)
- Prep–Year 3: Seated in the Central Undercover Area (CUA)
Parents of students in Prep–Year 3 are welcome to sit with their child in the CUA during this time to support a settled and positive transition into the school day.
Staff supervision is in place in both areas from 8:30am until the morning bell, ensuring students are safe, supported and ready for learning.
We appreciate your support in helping us maintain consistent routines across the school, which contribute to a smooth and positive start for all students each morning.
Thursday Morning Breakfast Club
We are pleased to offer a free before-school breakfast every Thursday morning, served from the canteen at the hall. This wonderful initiative is funded through a government grant and the generous support of the Coomera Rotary Club.
Our Breakfast Club is proudly coordinated and prepared by our amazing wellbeing team — Guidance Officer Mrs Lisa Armitage, School Social Worker Ms Gabby Rodriguez and Chaplain Mrs Kirsten Forbes. Their dedication ensures our students start the day nourished, settled and ready to learn.
All students are welcome to attend, and we encourage families to take advantage of this fantastic opportunity. A healthy breakfast helps set students up for a positive and productive school day.
New Digital School Sign
Our new digital school sign is now complete! We are currently learning how to use the program and its many features, and families should start to see more messages displayed as we explore all its capabilities. This will be a valuable communication tool for celebrating achievements, sharing reminders and promoting key events.
Sun Smart
As part of our Sun Smart Policy, students are required to wear their school hat every day. If students do not have their hat, they will be required to play in the shade. Classrooms have sunscreen available, and students are encouraged to apply this before going outdoors. We ask families to please reinforce this important message at home and, where possible, apply sunscreen before school each morning. Education and prevention are vital in developing lifelong sun-safe habits, particularly in Queensland’s climate.
P&C Update
Our first P&C meeting for the year was held on Tuesday, 10 February, and I would like to sincerely thank our P&C for their continued support and dedication to our school community.
This term, the P&C will be running a chocolate drive fundraiser, with all funds raised dedicated to the installation of chilled water bubblers — a fantastic initiative that will benefit all students.
Our 2026 P&C Executive Team:
President: Tanya Cherry
Vice Presidents: Jade Alderson & Thalia Alsop
Treasurer: Sarah Roelofs
Assistant Treasurers: Thomas Lynch & Kieren Barnett
Our next P&C meeting will be held on Tuesday, 10 March at 5:30pm, which will also serve as the Annual General Meeting (AGM). All families are warmly invited to attend.
Stormwater Drainage Improvement Works – Facilities Upgrade
We are pleased to inform our school community that the Queensland Department of Education has approved and commenced a significant facilities upgrade focused on improving stormwater drainage across key areas of our school grounds.
These works are being undertaken to address ongoing stormwater erosion and water flow issues along the Highland Way fence line, as well as behind the school hall and the demountable classrooms 4D and 5C. The upgrade will provide a long-term solution to improve drainage, reduce erosion, and enhance safety and usability of these areas.
Throughout the project (until the end of term 1), safety fencing and signage will be in place, and some areas may be temporarily restricted from student access. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as these important works are completed.
We thank the Queensland Department of Education for their investment in our school facilities and their commitment to maintaining a safe and sustainable learning environment for our students. We will continue to keep families informed as the project progresses.
Stay Connected
Thank you, as always, for your continued support.
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Monday 2nd February 2026
Principal message
Welcome back to another school year at Highland Reserve State School. It has been a pleasure to welcome students, staff, and families back to our school community, and I am delighted with how settled and positive the first week has been.
Transitions across all year levels have been smooth, with students demonstrating confidence, independence, and readiness to learn. It has been wonderful to see students arriving each day in full school uniform, prepared and enthusiastic for the year ahead.
With the current hot weather, we kindly remind families to ensure students bring a named water bottle and wear a hat every day. Staying hydrated and sun-safe is essential, particularly during outdoor learning and play.
School Assemblies
School assemblies will be held on Friday mornings at 9:15am in the Hall.
- Senior Assembly (Years 3–6) will take place on odd weeks
- Junior Assembly (Prep–Year 2) will occur on even weeks
This year, Year 3 students have been incorporated into the Senior Assembly, aligning with the Queensland Department of Education’s Education Strategy and supporting student leadership, engagement, and connection.
School Calendar
Our full school calendar is currently being finalised and will be shared in the next school newsletter. In the meantime, I have included a few upcoming key dates below to assist with planning.
Thank you for your continued support as we begin what promises to be a positive and productive year. I look forward to working closely with our students, staff, and families throughout 2026.
Upcoming event dates:
- P&C Meeting Tuesday Feb 10 5:30pm in the Staffroom
- Broadwater Swimming trials Wednesday Feb 18
- 2026 Student Leadership Badge ceremony Friday Feb 27
Deputy Principal’s message
It has been lovely to reconnect with families before and after school. Welcome back.
Students are being reminded of before and after school expectations in class and at assemblies.
- For safety reasons, all playgrounds are out of bounds before and after school.
- Students arriving between 8:30–8:55 are to sit quietly in the Central Undercover Area (CUA) (P–3) or Senior Learning Centre (SLC) (4–6) until the bell. Parents may sit in these areas if they wish. Outside of classrooms is also an out of bounds area, before 8:55am.
- Should a meeting be pre-arranged, parents are welcomed to be outside of rooms, waiting for the teacher.
- Students should keep all belongings with them until the bell. No bags on bag racks until 8:55am.
Thank you for reinforcing our consistent expectations and for your continued support.
ROCK SCHOOL – Lunchtime Club Auditions!
Calling all Year 5 & 6 musos!
If you already receive instrumental or vocal tuition (in or out of school), you can AUDITION for Rock School and learn to play in a rock/pop band at lunchtime.
Where: Central Music Room
When: Monday 2 February and Tuesday 3 February
Time: 1st & 2nd breaks
Bring your skills, bring your confidence, and come rock out with us.
We’re starting the year strong at Highland Reserve State School!
Coming to school helps students develop a love of learning and is important for social connection and wellbeing.
Setting a good weekday routine can help support students with school attendance.
Try to:
- have a set bedtime
- have a set time to get out of bed in the morning
- have their uniform and school bag ready the night before
- speak positively about school.
Back to School Boost to commence in Term 1, 2026
The Back-to-School Boost provides a $100 credit for each primary school student from the start of the 2026 school year.
This credit will be automatically applied to the account of all students enrolled in Prep to Year 6 and may be used at any point across 2026 to support school costs, including:
- Student Resource Scheme (SRS)
- Excursions
- Camps
- Extra-curricular activities
Please note:
- The Back-to-School Boost cannot be used for reimbursement of items purchased at external stores.
- It cannot be provided as cash to families or students.
NAPLAN 2026 Be there. Be Ready.
Encourage your students to try their best but don’t stress about NAPLAN, that’s the message for 2026. NAPLAN helps track strengths and identify areas that may need improvement. We want all our students to turn up and be ready to participate in NAPLAN. NAPLAN 2026 will be held from 11-23 March.
Tackle Bullying campaign
The Queensland Government is giving parents and caregivers more ways to tackle bullying. The Tackle Bullying campaign highlights new and expanded supports and tools, including:
- a 7-day-a-week parent HOTLINE with trained counsellors
- more on the ground support from chaplains and dedicated wellbeing staff
- rapid support teams into bullying hotspots.
Ready to spark your child’s global curiosity?
Beginner Language Experience is a fully funded online program for Queensland state school students in Years 4–6, designed to develop language skills in a fun and engaging way!
Over five days during the April school holidays, students will:
🎓 Connect with experienced university tutors
✋ Take part in interactive activities and lessons
🗺️ Build cultural awareness and global competence
Languages on offer are Japanese and Spanish.
📢 Expressions of interest close 5:00pm, Friday 20 February 2026.
Safer Internet Day is Tuesday 10 February 2026
We encourage families to visit eSafety.gov.au/SID for practical tips on creating a safer online environment, including guidance on how to recognise, prevent, and report online abuse.
Throughout the year, the eSafety Commissioner offers free webinars for parents and carers to register. These sessions are an excellent way to stay informed about current online trends and safety strategies.
Thank you for being part of our wonderful school community.