Celebrating students and volunteers

By Steve Bennett, Principal, Rainbow Beach State School 

We have had a very busy start to term two, which has been amplified due to the number of long weekends.

It was wonderful to witness so many of our students marching with the school as part of the ANZAC Day Parade. I was so proud of the students for the way they represented our school, their families and themselves. I agree with the comments of Mr Greg Walker, President of the Rainbow Beach RSL, “the future is in safe hands”.

I want to give a couple of special mentions, firstly to Mrs Cherie Mason and her choir who performed beautifully at the School and Community Services. I continue to be amazed at the way Mrs Mason can bring the talents of our students to the fore.

Secondly, I would like to acknowledge the efforts of all those year six students that submitted entries in this year’s ANZAC Essay Competition.

Jordan Gough was voted to have been the winning entry in 2021 with an amazing essay that was both well written and insightful. Jordan did a tremendous job reading his essay to those assembled at the ANZAC Day service and was an absolute credit to himself, his family and his school.

We also have managed to host the School Inter-house Cross Country, where Fraser took the bragging rights for 2021. It was good to see so many students participating and putting in a great effort.

We had five students selected based on their competitive times, who travelled to Gympie to compete in the Gympie District Trials. Skye Hanlon, Sonny Bennett, James Bergin, Jordan and Teil Gough all displayed great athletic ability and were very competitive in these trials.

An amazing individual performance again by Jordan Gough saw him selected to compete at the next level of competition, Wide Bay Trials, for which Jordan is training hard for. We all wish him all the very best.

In keeping with the sporting theme, Sonny Bennett competed at the Wide Bay Carnival for Rugby League. He and his mates from the Gympie District team played some high quality and tough games against teams from across the Wide Bay.

They managed a draw against a strong Hervey Bay team, before really tough matches against Bundaberg and South Burnett. All of the boys did an amazing job and can hold their heads up high.

We were especially glad to see one of his team mates make it through to the Wide Bay Team, but hope to get a few more in the team next year.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who continue to support our great school. Can I give a special shout out to Mrs Cherie Mason, Mrs Therese Young, Mrs Sandra Lindenberg and Mrs Tyla Elmer. These ladies regularly donate their time, and their contributions to students improving and achieving cannot be underestimated.

I would also like to thank all of the people involved in making presents and running our P&C Mother’s Day stall fundraiser. I’m sure that all the mothers would agree that their gifts were sensational.

Finally, can I again thank all of our tireless P&C for their contributions and efforts in making Rainbow Beach State School the greatest school. It truly is a fantastic school with amazing opportunities and support!