The Rainforest School has been successful

THE Rainforest School has successfully secured an 'Engaging Science Grant', proudly supported by the Queensland Government. The Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist offers these grants to increase participation in sciencebased activities and engagement between scientists and the community.

The students of The Rainforest School will be working on a project called 'Sea Turtles and our Changing Ocean', where they will learn about sea turtles and how they can be protected.

The 'Engaging Science Grant' enables them to work on a science project with local marine biologists and community groups to understand turtle life cycles and humans' impact on ocean ecosystems.

Different aspects of reef and turtle health will be researched, and students will be allowed to get close to living marine animals.

They will also investigate the impact of plastic pollution on marine life in general and marine turtles in particular and devise solutions to solve this problem.

The Rainforest School is an independent, government accredited primary school located in the hinterlands of Mission Beach. For more information, please visit www.trs. qld.edu.au

More information about the recipients of the 'Engaging Science Grant' can be found here: https:// www.chiefscientist.qld.gov.au/sciencecomms/engaging-science-grants/ recipients/recipients-2023 excited to incorporate new regionally supported reading resources and strategies and the newly launched 'Story Dogs' program in the lower school.

SSS has maintained an unbeatable teacher/student ratio again in 2023, with an average of one teacher or teacher aide to five students, which ensures every student can achieve their best. Every family remains well-informed and connected with the school.

SSS offers everything from core learning areas (English, Maths, Science and HASS) to The Arts (Music and Dance).

In 2022, the school's exterior and facilities received a clean-up and painting, while the Prep - Year 3 building installed new carpet and lighting.

SSS purchased new laptops this year, and the tuckshop will receive an upgrade courtesy of government-funded grants and P&C contributions.

The school community has a visiting chaplain Billi Wright from Innisfail, who continues to conduct the Resilience Project, which promotes gratitude, empathy and mindfulness.

SSS offers homework and reading check-ins to every student and daily physical activity/games to Year 4-6 students before school.

Captains: Nikita and Silas

Ellison sports house captain: Dylan Barnard sports house captain: Zachary

All Year 4 - 6 students are members of the Student Council, which meets monthly.

A free Breakfast club, run by teacher aides, Chappy Billi and parent volunteers, operates three days per week.

Giggly Friends Playgroup operates each Monday morning and has proven extremely popular with solid numbers.

The P&C Association plays an integral role and provide consultation on all school policy and procedures.

The group significantly contributes to the school's ability to offer essential programs, such as swimming and resources (laptops and IT), free to all students.

The P&C also runs the uniform shop and organises raffles and stalls annually. Students strive to live by the school's motto of 'Keep on Keeping On,' and rules centred around the pillars of Safety, Respect and Learning.

Enrollments are open from Prep to Year 6, and further information is available by contacting the school office.