19 September 2025

ADMIN NEWS

As we draw Term 3 to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what has been a wonderfully busy and productive ten weeks at Pomona State School.

Our classrooms have been full of energy, with students engaging in fantastic learning achievements across all year levels. Whether it has been writing, reading, mathematics, or creative projects, our students have shown persistence, enthusiasm, and a real pride in their work. The progress we are seeing is a credit to their effort, our dedicated staff, and the strong support of families.

Beyond the classroom, our students have embraced every opportunity to grow. School camps have been a highlight of the term, giving students the chance to build independence, resilience, and teamwork skills while creating memories that will last a lifetime. On the sporting field, our students have represented Pomona with pride and sportsmanship across a range of events. We are so proud of their achievements and the way they conduct themselves as ambassadors of our school.

Looking ahead, Term 4 is shaping up to be an exciting finish to the year. With warmer weather arriving, school swimming lessons will commence in Week 1 on Wednesday and Thursday. These lessons are a vital part of building water confidence and safety for all students.

We also have some very special community events on the horizon. We are delighted to invite you to our Spring Fair on Saturday 18th October, a day that promises fun, food, entertainment, and an opportunity to celebrate together as a school community. Later in the term, we will gather again for our End of Year Concert on the evening of Thursday 27th November, where our students will showcase their talents and we will celebrate the achievements of the year together. Both events will be wonderful opportunities to connect and share in the spirit of our Pomona community.

Thank you for your ongoing support and encouragement throughout Term 3. Together we have achieved so much, and I am looking forward to seeing our students return refreshed and ready for the final stage of the school year.

I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable holiday break.

Alyson Covey
Principal

2026 PREP ENROLMENTS

A friendly reminder that if you have younger children who will be enrolling in Prep 2026, we ask that all enrolment papers are completed and returned to the office as soon as possible.

This helps us with planning for classes and ensures that siblings are included in our enrolment process early.

Thank you for your cooperation and support.

Upcoming blue card system changes

Blue card changes are coming from 20 September including:

• parent volunteers will require blue cards if:

• services or activities do not include their own child
• they attend overnight excursions or camps
• close personal contact may occur with another child (such as assisting with toileting, bathing or dressing)

• external businesses, such as those providing services in schools or to children, will need a blue card.

DATE CLAIMERS

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AMAZING STUDENTS OF THE WEEK

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC “SCIMEP” WORKSHOPS:

A number of instrumental music students from Pomona were involved in regional workshops held in week 7 of term at Venue 114 (Lake Kawana). Students were required to audition, and three students attended the workshops on various days.  These students were Madeleine, April and Thomas.

The workshops were a chance for these students to rehearse and perform with students from other schools in a much larger ensemble, learning new repertoire and aiming to perform at a higher level. Caregivers and relatives were invited to a special concert highlighting all the hard work that the students had put in with guest conductors, Claire Petherick (band) and Timo Jarvela (strings). The SCIMEP workshops (“Sunshine Coast Instrumental Music Excellence Program”) are run over four separate days and are a yearly feature of the instrumental music calendar. They are designed to challenge students who are progressing well in their second or third year of playing. As you can see the students had a blast!

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC AT POMONA 2026

Did you know that group lessons in orchestral instruments are available at the school, free of charge, apart from a yearly resource fee and maintenance levy? Instruction is available in flute, clarinet, bass clarinet, saxophone, trumpet, trombone, euphonium, and percussion. Students are admitted to the program based on suitability testing, academic results and behaviour, and subject to an instrument and place being available. The school has instruments available for beginners wishing to start next year.  

There is conclusive evidence that the study of a musical instrument can improve academic performance, fine motor skills and self-discipline. Most importantly, it fosters a lifelong interest in music and provides an avenue for self-expression, a sense of teamwork and accomplishment. Regular practice and commitment to ensemble rehearsals and performances is required. Please note that lessons in guitar, keyboard or voice are not provided as part of the program and that students must be in year four or above to be able to join the program.

If you are interested in having your child tested for the program and have not yet obtained an application form, please ask for an “Instrumental Music Expression of Interest form” from the office and return it by the middle of term 4. 

Neil Heymink
Instrumental Music Teacher

MUSO’S CORNER

Choir

🎶 Students Rock the Stage at the Noosa Show! 🎤

The Noosa Showgrounds came alive with the sound of music over the weekend as the Pomona State School Rock Bands and Choir took to the stage, delivering show-stopping performances that had the crowd clapping, cheering and dancing along.

Our school was lucky enough to showcase our incredible musical talent, with students from Years 3 through 6 performing a mix of classic rock hits, contemporary favourites, and uplifting choral pieces. The atmosphere was electric as young musicians and singers brought energy, enthusiasm, and undeniable talent to one of the region’s most beloved community events.

Always some spectacular ‘DIS’ moments happening around the HUB and our new GEM HUB in the library.  The GEM HUB is the home of LEGO central where learning and fun meet.  Ms Catherine works with small groups to create a positive, structured, child centred social development program that engages students in a play-based learning environment.  It aims to stimulate children’s natural curiosity to explore together and learn through play and provides beginning pathways for young minds to take their first steps into science and technology.   The process supports children in social skill development such as taking turns, supporting teammates, making friends, sharing, listening, problem solving, general dexterity, fine motor co-ordination and general positive engagements.

BILLY MOORE - YEAR 6

Our Year 6 rugby league team proudly represented Pomona State School at the Billy Moore Gala Day, showing determination, teamwork, and great sportsmanship. The team played with spirit across the day, taking on some tough competition while displaying strong defence, clever attacking plays, and plenty of resilience. The students supported each other on and off the field, reflecting the values we encourage at school. Coaches and supporters were impressed by their effort and growth throughout the carnival. A big thank you to families who came along to cheer – it made the day even more special for our players.

TERM 4 - SWIM PROGRAM

We are excited to announce that our Swimming Program will commence at the Pomona pool in Term 4. All students from Prep to Year 6 will participate in lessons delivered by accredited Swim Australia teachers. The program will focus on water safety, stroke development, and survival skills, ensuring every child builds confidence and essential swimming ability.

Please ensure students bring their swimmers, towel, rash shirt, cap, and sunscreen on their swimming day. Notes with class schedules and further details will be sent home shortly. We look forward to a safe, fun, and rewarding program in the pool this term!

🌊🏹⛺ YEAR 4 CAMP AT CURRIMUNDI – WHAT A WEEK!

Our Year 4s have returned from an unforgettable adventure at the Currimundi Outdoor Education Centre, and what a mix of laughter, teamwork, and life lessons it was!

From conquering the high ropes (with a few wobbly knees and lots of cheering) to diving into beach games and a free swim in the pool, our campers embraced every challenge with courage. The fun continued with indoor padded archery (where teachers and students couldn’t resist a little cheeky fun aiming for each other!), indoor caving, and canoeing on Currimundi Lake. Canoeing was a true test of teamwork – students quickly discovered that paddling in different directions led to chaos, while working as one finally got them moving forward and even “rafting up” together out on the water. Left and right turns began as uncoordinated zig-zags but soon turned into something resembling teamwork and skill!

Evenings were filled with camp classics – a movie night watching “Cool Runnings”, and of course, the ever-popular bingo for lolly snakes!

✨ Life Skills in Action
Camp also delivered some priceless “life lessons.” Students bravely tried different foods in the dining hall (with some surprising discoveries about what they actually liked!). They learned to carry their full dinner plates with two hands, weaving their way back to their tables without spilling – most of the time! And when spills did happen, they rolled up their sleeves to clean up split drinks and wipe down tables so the dining hall sparkled for the next meal.

Back in the cabins, we witnessed the epic battle of students versus fitted sheets, the mystery of wet swimmers that never dry in a pile, and the occasional shock of having to put those same wet swimmers back on the next day.

And then there were the mornings… 🌅 my 5:00am “Rise and Shine!” wake-up call (complete with lights on) sent us all marching or jogging to the beach for sunrise walks and runs. Some might call it early character building… the students might call it something else! 😉

Most of all, we’re so proud of the resilience, teamwork, and positivity our Year 4s showed throughout camp. They came home tired, sandy, and maybe just a little wiser – with memories that will last a lifetime. 💛Thank you to our students for bringing the fun, adventure, and laughter – what a great group of young people! We hope they enjoyed themselves, learnt some new skills, and most importantly, formed stronger friendships that will last well beyond camp. 💛

MUDDY, MIGHTY AND MARVELLOUS – YEAR 5 CAMP ADVENTURES!

During Week 8, the Year 5 students had the wonderful opportunity to attend Mapleton CCC Camp. The students had a fantastic, action-packed three days enjoying challenging, stimulating and highly enjoyable activities on offer. In fact, the students were busy from the minute they arrived!

Our first activity was the Mud Challenge, officially called the Journey to the Bunya Mud Challenge run in partnership with the Triballink Centre. This is a rich cultural and physical challenge that blends Indigenous culture, natural environment, and teamwork.

The Mud Challenge consisted of exciting activities including the Mary River Crossing, Bridge Building, Obstacle Course, Spear Throwing, the Big Mud Challenge, and a thrilling Giant Slide. Students were quick to jump in, work together, and get very muddy!

That evening, after a well-earned shower to wash the sticky mud off, we wound down with some fun and laughter during round robin games, which had everyone joining in and cheering for their classmates.

Wednesday was even more action-packed, kicking off with archery, where students learnt how to carefully draw a bow and aim for the target, and the crate climb, a team challenge where students stacked and climbed crates as high as they dared while being safely harnessed. Later in the day, we enjoyed canoeing, paddling across the dam and learning how to steer and balance the boats. Along the way, we spotted plenty of wildlife, including ducks, cormorants, herons, and turtles bobbing to the surface of the water. Canoeing ended with lots of laughter as a few canoes capsized, giving us an unexpected but refreshing swim! As night fell, the fun continued with glow rockets, where students designed and launched glowing projectiles high into the night sky.

On our final day, we tested ourselves on the climbing wall, using strength and strategy to reach the top, and the giant swing — a whopping 15 metres high! With an initial free-fall drop before swooping out in a huge arc, this was without doubt one of the most thrilling highlights of camp.

Student comments from the various activities:

Mud Challenge – Tackling muddy obstacles and sliding into the fun.

“We got so muddy but it was the best fun ever!”

Archery – Aiming carefully and hitting the target.

“I actually hit the target — I felt like Robin Hood!”

Crate Climb – Stacking crates and climbing higher with each wobble.

“The crates wobbled but my friends cheered me on to go higher.”

Canoeing – Spotting ducks, herons, cormorants and turtles and playing games… before capsizing for a swim!

“We saw turtles popping up… and then tipped over and went for a swim!”

Glow Rockets – Launching glowing projectiles into the night sky.

 “Watching our rockets light up the night sky was amazing.”

Climbing Wall – Using strength and strategy to reach the top.

“It was tough, but we tried to make it all the way to the top!”

Giant Swing – Soaring 15 metres high with an exhilarating free-fall drop.

“My stomach dropped — but it was so thrilling!”

Overall, Year 5 Camp was a wonderful experience. Students learnt the value of teamwork, courage, resilience, and supporting one another in every challenge. They also discovered new skills, overcame fears, and grew in confidence. We returned home tired but proud, carrying memories that will stay with us for years to come.

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 24

Next

YEAR 6 CAMP

Year 6 camp was an unforgettable Hero’s journey filled with lasting memories. From kayaking, body boarding, flying on a tube to solving puzzles in the escape room, every challenge brought them closer together.  Guardian activities tested their teamwork, the magic show enthralled them nearly as much as the whale sightings! Sharing a sunrise on the last day completed an epic experience.

EXCITING NEWS FROM JAPANESE!

The Japanese Cooking Experience Term 3 winner is 6LW, and the Grade 5 students from 4/5CB tied for first place — the first tie in five years! Last week of term, the Grade 5 students had a blast enjoying delicious Japanese curry rice, and 6LW is gearing up for their cooking day in Week 1 of Term 4. Want to try making Japanese curry rice at home? Give it a go this holiday and bring some tasty fun to your kitchen!

PLEASE SUPPORT THESE AWESOME LOCAL BUSINESSES WHO ARE SO GENEROUSLY SUPPORTING US

CAMP AUSTRALIA NEWSLETTER

6 WEEK LEAGUE STARS PROGRAM:

Venue- Pomona State School
Time - 3pm to 4pm
Start- Wednesday 22^nd October 
Finish - Wednesday 26^th November 

Play League Stars at Pomona State School! League Stars is a non-contact, all fun, active and inclusive program.

This program caters for all ability levels and is perfect for everyone, whether you've never touched a footy before, or if you have played since u6’s. Program details –

Location: Pomona State School : 3:00pm – 4:00pm (1 hour session)

Weeks: 6-week program (run once a week)                                      

Starting: Wednesday 22nd October -Finishing: Wednesday 26th November2025

League Stars Pack: Each registered participant receives a League Stars pack that is delivered straight to your registered address. Items included in this pack are- Football, ball pump and a choice of backpack, shirt or lunch cooler.

TEAM SIMPSON

The Simpson kids had a successful season in speedway. Mercury placed 1st overall and Daytona 3rd in their Junior Quarter Midgets and Montoya come in 2nd in her first season of Junior Sedans. The next speedway season is just about to kick off. You can watch the kids race locally at Gympie Speedway, or follow Team Simpson on Facebook and Instagram to keep up with all the results!!

FREE SCHOOL HOLIDAY BASKETBALL IN POMONA

LITTLE ATHLETICS QLD AT POMONA SS

OZ TAG IN COORAN

NOOSA COUNCIL SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES