Eumundi Voice Issue 114, 3 April 2025

YOUTH

Great teachers, friendly students and diversity

North Arm State School’s Captains Riley and Audrey are excited at being leaders and role models for 2025. Both 11yo’s expressed pride in being chosen by staff and students and have been enrolled at the school since Prep. Even after moving house to Burnside, Audrey chose to stay, preferring the small school community which offers so much diversity, warmth and “lots of good friends.”

Both students say the staff are “great and friendly.” With so many interesting lessons and extra activities such as the flourishing garden, choir and school bands, there is plenty to learn and enjoy.

Audrey plays flute and soccer in the school team. She loves Science and English and has a little sister called Bonnie who is in Yr2. She also has 2 dogs and 2 cats.

Riley has been working hard since Prep and enjoys English, Art and Maths. Brother Charlie is in Yr4.

Riley’s mum was also a North Arm School Captain.

At home he has 3 dogs, several cows, 2 Indian

Ringneck birds and enjoys soccer with friends. Riley especially loves helping at kindy and being able to organise and talk at parade. Audrey too looks forward to organising events and making visitors feel welcome.

Both are certain to be good role models and leaders for their much-loved school community. Eileen Walder

ESS P&C

Eumundi State School (ESS) are excited to announce their new P&C committee for 2025. The elected committee are Holly Walker (President), Nat Brewster (Vice President), and Farida Raines (Treasurer).

Business Manager

Sharon Devery said, “It is fantastic to have a group of dedicated community members prepared to support our wonderful school and students.”

The committee has participated in their first general meeting, and members are busy arranging activities for 2025. These include a Mother’s Day stall, Yr3-6 Sports Day sausage sizzle, Prep-Yr2 Sports Day bake sale and a Father’s Day stall. There will also be a major fundraising event later in the year.

The establishment of a committee has allowed the school to continue to support the students through the tuckshop and uniform shop, funding for a playground upgrade and continued support of the Environmental Centre.

From trash to treasure

The kindy children at Goodstart Eumundi have been diving deep into the world of recycling, discovering how small actions can create big waves for our planet. Through hands on activities such as removing rubbish from water and using recycled materials in craft and play experiences, the children were led to create a collaborative art project crafted entirely from recycled materials. A whale mural pieced together by the children not only showcases their creativity but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting our oceans. The blue whale was chosen to highlight the impact of pollution on ocean life.

As the children carefully placed bottle caps, newspaper and plastic, they discussed the importance of keeping plastic out of the sea and protecting marine animals. By repurposing everyday materials, the children have learned firsthand how recycling isn’t just about reducing waste, it’s about transforming the old into something new and meaningful. Cherie Dutra

Rite of passage

With the fleeting nature of time in parenting and the rapid pace at which children grow, childhood and adolescence can feel like a road trip without clear signposts, where milestones blur together, and key transitions may go unnoticed.

At Good Shepherd Lutheran College (GSLC), the Rite Journey program plays a vital role in guiding students through this transition, fostering selfawareness, responsibility, respect, resilience, and reflection. This pivotal shift from childhood to adolescence and young adulthood is not only acknowledged but meaningfully celebrated.

On 20 March over 100 Yr9 students and their families participated in the Calling and Departure Ceremony – a key milestone in the Rite Journey program. The scenic Noosa River mouth is the ceremony's setting – a meeting point of river and ocean, which perfectly symbolises the students’ transition into young adulthood.

The ‘calling’ encourages students to express gratitude for their childhood and embrace the journey to adulthood. The ‘departure’ invites parents, carers, and teachers to reflect alongside students as they prepare for the next chapter of their lives.