Newsletter - 25/06/2025

Principal News

As Term 2 draws to a close, it is a great time to reflect on everything that has occurred throughout the past ten weeks.

From the excitement of Under 8s Day and class excursions to visit chickens and explore historical Mackay to the artistic expression on display during our Cultural evening, Choral Fanfare, Wakakirri Recording Day, the curiosity sparked both inside and outside the classroom when learning, the athletic ability demonstrated during the athletics, sporting trials and as part of the John Papp Shield and the teamwork demonstrated in our Year 6 camp – our students have truly shone.

A special thank you to our dedicated staff, who work so hard to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment.

This week we say farewell to Helen Williams, our senior instrumental music teacher as she has received a promotion to work in Regional Office 3 days per week. Fortunately, Ms Kathie Holdsworth who is well known to our school and students will take on the one day per week that Mrs Williams will vacate. Mrs Holdsworth will take Beginner Brass, Woodwind, Percussion on Tuesdays and continuing Brass, Woodwind and Percussion students on Fridays.

Reporting will be finalised this week with report cards being emailed out on Friday afternoon. If you do not immediately see this, please look in your Junk or Spam folders. Please let the office know ahead of Friday if you do not have access to an email address so that a hard copy can be organised to be sent home. When looking at report cards, I would encourage families to celebrate the successes, look at their effort and acknowledge this. Talk about the results and possibly set some goals for next semester.

We have a busy week in the first week of school in Term 3 with Northern Suburbs on Tuesday for those selected, Year 4 – 6 students will be attending Whitsunday Voices on Thursday and then all students will participate in the NAIDOC celebrations on Friday.

As we head into the winter break, we encourage everyone to rest, recharge and enjoy some quality time with loved ones. Farewell to those families moving away from Fitzgerald, without exception, we have loved having you as part of our Fitzy community. We look to welcoming new and returning students back for Term 3 on Monday the 14^th of July, ready for another term of learning and fun.

Wishing you all a safe and happy holiday!

Tracey Adams
Principal

Heath & Physical Education

From the Guidance Officer

With school holidays approaching it is great to be mindful of the amount of screentime some children will be accessing. Do you want to press PAUSE on tech tantrums?  If so, read on…

PRESSING PAUSE ON TECH TANTRUMS: POSITIVE SWITCH-OFF STRATEGIES

Does managing screen time feel like a daily battle in your family? If so, you’re not alone. Many parents face frustration and pushback, but these challenges don’t mean you’re doing anything wrong.

The pull of screens is strong, and kids easily lose track of time: what feels like five minutes can turn into fifty. Many apps and games trigger dopamine responses, making it harder to step away. So when the screen goes off, children are not just pausing a game: they are abruptly ending something deeply absorbing and enjoyable.

But with the right tools and strategies, you can turn screen time struggles into opportunities for balance and connection, for any age group. By making screen time predictable, introducing engaging follow-on activities, using visual timers, and modelling calm responses to frustration, we can help kids navigate tech challenges with confidence.

Triple P’s latest article empowers parents and carers with straightforward information like this for a calm and positive approach to switching off screens.

For more tips and strategies to help you raise capable, confident kids, check out their free online programs via the link below.

Additionally, if you are looking for ideas for the holidays why not try some of the “Activities For When You’re Bored” from Frugal and Thriving - link below.

Alexia Wotherspoon
Guidance Officer

Positive Behaviour for Learning

Katelyn Sartor
Teacher 6C

Music & Instrumental

CHORAL NEWS

Overdue!!!

There are still several families with overdue choir levy payments.  Please check this and complete payment as soon as possible.

EISTEDDFOD  |  Choral & Instrumental

The following groups will be competing in the Mackay Eisteddfod in Term 3 (August):

Thursday 14^th August:
Year 3 Junior Choir
Folk Group
Senior Choir (Year 6 and under section)

Friday 15^th August:
Year 4 Junior Choir
Senior Choir (Novelty Section)

Monday 18^th August:
Beginner String Ensemble
Senior String Ensemble
Beginner Concert Band
Senior Concert Band

The Choral Eisteddfod note will be sent home this week to all students and emailed home to parents.  The Instrumental Eisteddfod note will be ready at the beginning of Term 3.  Please play close attention to dates, times and uniform requirements.

Linda Miller
Music Teacher / Instrumental Music Coordinator 

From the Arts

Samantha Scott-Girgenti
Dance / Drama Teacher

From the Library

Brittany Kendall          Jo Struthers
Teacher Librarian       Teacher Aide

NAIDOC Week | Mackay Community

As part of Mackay’s NAIDOC Week celebrations, we invite all students and their families to join us for the NAIDOC March 2025. This event is on the school holidays so students will be required to have supervision from their parents or guardians for this event, however Fitzgerald’s First Nations Teacher Aide (Taiya Thaiday) will be there to March with the students as well. Students are not required to wear their uniform but are advised to wear comfortable shoes to walk in and wear a hat. The information below gives details on the path that will be walked on this march, where to meet and the rough arrival time to Queen’s Park. Just a reminder this is not a school excursion and is on the school holidays, all supervision will need to be by parents/guardians.  Please click on the pictures below for further information.

Taiya Thaiday
First Nations Teacher Aide

Upcoming Events

PCYC Fitzgerald Fun Squad

JOIN THE FUN SQUAD AT PCYC FITZGERALD! 

Looking for a fun, active, and engaging way for your kids to burn energy, build confidence, and make new friends? Look no further than PCYC Fitzgerald’s Fun Squad – where every session is packed with excitement, movement, and unforgettable memories!

What’s Fun Squad all about?
It’s a high-energy program designed for primary school-aged kids who love to move, laugh, and try new things. Think obstacle courses, team games, creative challenges, and loads of surprises – all run by our friendly, experienced youth workers and coaches.

Why parents love it:
- Promotes healthy habits
- Builds teamwork and leadership
- Safe, inclusive, and supervised environment
- Helps kids unplug from screens and connect in real life!

Perfect for kids who:
- Have endless energy
- Need a confidence boost
- Want to make new friends
- Just love having FUN!

Sessions run before school, after school and on the holidays! Spots are filling fast – don’t miss out!

Visit the link below to enrol today.  Let your kids join the squad where fun is the goal, and every child is a star 🌟

P&C News

FITZY'S TUCKERBOX MENU

Community | School Holidays

For those families who wish to attend Circus Quirkus, please contact the office as we have been provided with limited tickets.

Community News