Depot Hill State School

07/10/2026

07/10/2026

This term, we are learning all about procedural writing and how to write clear, detailed instructions that others can easily follow. What better way to put this into practice than with a fun, hands-on activity making oobleck!
Students explored this fascinating substance while learning how to sequence steps, use precise language and explain instructions clearly. There were plenty of curious minds, messy hands and lots of “How does it do that?!” moments! 🤔
Check the comments for some videos of it in action!

07/10/2026

Communication 📣
With Mrs Elizabeth Jacobson teaching the Year 2/3 class from Monday to Thursday this term, she may not be as readily available to chat with parents and carers during the school day. If you need to speak with Mrs Jacobson about something that requires more than a quick chat, please see Mrs Laidlaw to arrange a suitable time so she can give you her full attention. Alternatively, families are welcome to email [email protected] to arrange a meeting. Thank you for your understanding and support.

06/10/2026

⛺ Year 4/5/6 Camp – Newsletter Correction
Correction: Please note that there was an error in our recent newsletter regarding the cost of the Year 4/5/6 Camp. The total cost of camp is $60 per student.

For just $60 in total, our students will enjoy an incredible three day camp experience filled with fun, adventure, new experiences and plenty of wonderful memories with their friends. We’re so pleased to be able to offer our students such a fantastic opportunity at such a small cost to families. 💚

📅 Camp dates: 21st, 22nd & 23rd October

Please remember to return permission forms and finalise payment by this Friday.

We can’t wait! ⛺🌿✨

06/10/2026

Newsletter: Week 1, Term 4

06/10/2026

Year 4/5/6 Camp

The countdown is on! 🏕️

Our Year 4/5/6 Camp is coming up on 21st, 22nd and 23rd October. A big thank you to everyone who has already returned their permission forms.

We kindly ask that all permission forms are returned and the $60 camp fee is paid by this Friday.

We’re looking forward to a fantastic few days of fun, adventure and making great memories together!

05/10/2026

Outdoor Play and Learning: Loose Parts Play

Outdoor play is so much more than playtime. It is an important part of how children learn, develop and grow.

When children climb, dig, build, explore and use loose parts such as ropes, pipes, boxes, fabric and natural materials, they are developing valuable skills. They learn to problem solve, use their imagination, take appropriate risks, work together, communicate and build confidence and independence.

This term, we are excited to continue our Outdoor Play and Learning journey at Depot Hill State School.

This Friday, we will welcome Angus Gorrie, an experienced Playworker and Play Consultant and Managing Director of The Outsiders Play Advocates. All students will have the opportunity to work with Angus and our school staff on pallet building in a safe and supported environment.

**We need your help with pallets!**

To make Friday's activity possible, we are hoping to source at least 20 pallets. If you have suitable pallets you are able to donate to the school, please let us know. We would greatly appreciate the support.

On Saturday, some of our staff will also participate in a Professional Development Day with Angus. We will be joined by staff from other schools across the Rockhampton Region as we begin a Collaborative Learning Community focused on the value of Outdoor Play and Learning.

We are looking forward to seeing where our students' creativity, curiosity and imagination take them.

05/10/2026

School Swimming Lessons will begin on Friday of Week 2.

Permission notes were completed in Term 1, so families only need to complete a permission form if their child has joined Depot Hill State School since Term 1.

Swimming lesson times are:

1:00pm to 1:30pm Year 4/5/6
1:30pm to 2:00pm Year 2/3
2:00pm to 2:30pm Prep/1/2

We are looking forward to another great term of swimming lessons for our students.

05/10/2026

**Term 4 Staffing Update**

We have a few staffing changes to share with our Depot Hill State School community as we begin Term 4.

Mrs Erin Lawton will be taking leave for Term 4. During this time, Mrs Elizabeth Jacobson will teach the Year 2/3 class from Monday to Thursday, with Mrs Gardiner continuing to teach the class on Fridays. Ms Bidenko will also be teaching on Thursday mornings.

We would like to thank Mrs Lawton for the wonderful effort, enthusiasm and care she has brought to the Year 2/3 class over the past two years. Her kind and caring approach has been greatly valued by our students and families, and she will certainly be missed.

A big thank you also to Mrs Paula Hall for acting in my place during my absence. Your efforts were greatly appreciated.

We also have some big news to share. After more than 15 years at Depot Hill State School, our Business Manager, Mrs Cindy Laidlaw, will be retiring at the end of this year. It truly is the end of an era. We are incredibly grateful for everything Cindy has contributed to our school community over the years.

The Business Manager position at Depot Hill is now advertised on SmartJobs. If you know someone who may be interested in joining our wonderful little school, please feel free to share the opportunity.

Next week, we are excited to welcome Miss Regan Broomhall, who will be joining us as a Prac Teacher in our Year 4/5/6 classroom from Weeks 2 to 5. Regan met with Mrs Jacobson and Miss Karthik during the holidays and is very excited to join us at Depot Hill.

Please join us in welcoming Regan, wishing Mrs Lawton all the best for her leave, and congratulating Mrs Laidlaw as she prepares for her well earned retirement.

05/10/2026

We hope all of our students and families have enjoyed a wonderful break and are feeling refreshed and ready for Term 4! 🌟

We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back through the gates tomorrow for another fantastic term of learning, friendship and fun.

🎒 Bags packed
👟 Shoes ready
⏰ Alarms set

See you tomorrow Depot Hill! 💚💛

Term 4, 2026: Tuesday 6th October - Friday 11th December