Classroom Music Update – Semester Reflection
Gympie Special School – Term 2 Newsletter

Dear Families,

What a joyful and music-filled semester it has been! This semester, students at Gympie Special School have had the opportunity to explore the wonderful world of music in ways that were engaging, expressive, and most of all—fun!

From the very first week, we’ve enjoyed listening to a wide variety of songs and soundscapes. These sessions provided a great way for students to relax, connect, and express their preferences. It was particularly lovely getting to know each student better through their musical choices and observing how some children consistently selected the same favourite songs each week—clear signs of personal connection and growing musical identity.

Our classroom came alive with the sound of percussion instruments. Students experimented with a wide range of instruments including maracas, tambourines, djembes, and large hand drums. These hands-on sessions helped develop not only rhythm and motor skills but also gave students an outlet to express themselves through sound and movement.

A special highlight this term has been creating tailored resources for our non-verbal students. Choice boards, emotion cards, and sound symbols were introduced to help every learner engage in music-making. These tools allowed students to communicate what they liked, how they felt, and which instruments or songs they preferred. Watching students light up as they made musical choices independently was truly rewarding.

If your child particularly enjoyed using a choice board during music sessions and you’d like to have one at home, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We would be more than happy to send a copy home with your child.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm for our music program. We’re already looking forward to another exciting semester of sound, song, and self-expression!

Warm regards,
Debbie Kitchin, Declan Kenrick
Classroom Music Teacher
Gympie Special School