Weeyal sculpture unveiled

Our Environmental Leaders proudly represented the school at the unveiling of Weeyal, a stunning sculpture carved from the stump of a tree that had become unsafe. Artist Shane Christensen used a chainsaw to create the piece, capturing the detail and spirit of the Glossy Black Cockatoo, known as Weeyal in the Gubbi Gubbi language.

Several of our classes gathered to watch the unveiling and listened attentively as Mrs Maguire gave an Acknowledgement of Country, followed by speeches from the artist and long-time volunteer Glossy Bob, who was honoured through the sculpture.

Our students showed genuine curiosity and respect, asking thoughtful questions and engaging deeply with the meaning of the event. Now proudly standing on our grounds, Weeyal has already become a symbol of community, creativity and connection to Country.

Old friends, new memories

Giulio, Ginevra and Mum Arianna are familiar faces at SBSS. The family has visited the school three times - 2016, 2017 and 2018, with each return visit a welcome chance to reconnect with teachers and students.

This visit is extra special as this time they return with younger sister Victoria who is here to experience the Sunshine Way in Prep this term. Vicky has settled in just as her siblings did with a big smile and lots of laughs, making friends and working alongside SBSS learners in English.

Mum Arianna has also reconnected with friends in Australia and as before is generously sharing her time as an active member of the school community volunteering in the tuckshop and supporting our learners in Italian class!

Giulio and Ginevra are now in Year 9 and settling into life at SBSHS. They’re adjusting to new routines and adventures, and enjoying the chance to reconnect with friends from their time at our school.

We are thrilled to have the family return, with many happy reunions and shared memories.

We wish Giulio, Ginevra, Victoria and Arianna all the best for a fabulous time in Australia and beyond.

Year 2 visit Caboolture Historical Village

As part of their upcoming HASS unit on the impacts of technology over time, our Year 2 students visited Caboolture Historical Village to experience life as it was over a century ago.

Students explored historic buildings, viewed demonstrations of whip cracking and blacksmithing and learned about traditional printing methods and early police work. They also enjoyed a ride on a vintage train and tried their hand at gemstone washing. What a day!

Growing a Greener Future National Tree Day

National Tree Day is a meaningful event at Sunshine Beach State School. It is a chance for students and staff to come together to care for Country, take real environmental action, and strengthen our connection to nature.

Our Environmental Leaders played a key role in this year’s activities. As Nakita shared, "For me, being a part of National Tree Day means that I get the opportunity to plant trees and shrubs, adding to the biodiversity of our school and improving the wellbeing and diversity of our natural environment." This year, students helped plant a range of native grasses and shrubs, choosing species that not only support local wildlife but also enhance the natural beauty of our school.

Lena asked, "What type of plants are we planting today? Where are they going and why?" Elsie was ready with the answer. "We are planting Lomandra, Kangaroo Grass and other small, low-lying native shrubs and grasses. We’ve chosen to plant them in front of our new Glossy Black Cockatoo sculpture as they will add to the area but not hide the lovely new feature."

Arkie raised an important question: "How does National Tree Day make a sustainable mark on the environment and the larger school community?" Gene stated that, "There are so many ways we can do that. We can make a mark and have an impact by planting new trees, supporting those we’ve already planted and even simply having conversations about the need for these important pieces of flora in our local areas. From our backyard, to our schools and in the broader community. It is a great change to be out in nature too.”

National Tree Day is more than just digging holes and planting seedlings. It’s a chance to grow our understanding of sustainability, to take pride in improving our natural spaces and spark discussions about our collective ‘green’ impact.