Brookfield Banter 21/05/25

From the Principal - Leanne Duncan

It's Show Time!

We are so excited to be attending the Brookfield Show on Friday with our students, and I know many staff and families are intending to show their support by heading to the Show over the weekend.  The program is packed with lots of wonderful offerings from guinea pigs to cakes and wood cutting to the dog show - definitely something for everyone!

We really feel so fortunate to have the Brookfield Show as one of our key events in the yearly calendar, and it is a great reminder of the wonderful community our school enjoys.

If you are at the Show this year, be sure to keep an eye out for the Brookfield State School tent which will house a great display of our student's artwork, along with some enrolment packages and information about our beautiful school.

Also, we would be very grateful if you helped keep an eye on our school during the Show, and report any suspicious activity to School Watch phone - 13 17 88.

Important message from the Show Society

Brookfield Showgrounds is now a CONSTRUCTION ZONE Off-Limits to Pedestrians/Children Access

We would like to inform you that Wednesday 21 May and Thursday 22 May, there will be significant vehicle and heavy machinery movements occurring all day across the Brookfield Showgrounds site. For the safety of everyone, access will now be restricted to Show personnel only, and signs will be placed at all entry points (including Horse Parade) advising that no access is permitted during this time.

We kindly ask that you please take note of these changes and make any necessary adjustments to your usual travel or drop-off routines. Your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for all is greatly appreciated.

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Secretary, Brookfield Show Society Inc.

P&C Day - Friday 23 May

We would like to take this opportunity to thank our fantastic P&C for the work they do to support our school. We are fortunate to have an active and passionate parent body, represented by our P&C executive team. We are continually grateful for their input to the community connection we enjoy so much at our school, and also for the fundraising efforts made each year.  These funds are genuinely valued by our school body, and we know that our families appreciate the input these funds have to providing opportunities for our students including the provision of components of our Instrumental Music Program and the provision of access to Mathletics and Reading Eggs for each student in our school.

This Friday, on P&C Day, I want to take the opportunity to publicly thank and acknowledge our Brookfield P&C Executive and the many, many families who volunteer their time or support with events.  We truly value your support and know that our P&C is a key part of what makes our school community as wonderful as it is - so thank you!

Community Calendar - Term 2

From the Deputy Principal - Leah Cathcart

Our Rules

Follow directions straight away

Keep hands and feet to ourselves

Listen and speak in a friendly way

Be in the right place

Care for others, objects and the environment

Our Values

Respectful, Responsible, Safe

Our Mission

Belong, Strive, Succeed

This Week’s Focus: We are RESPECTFUL

At BSS, we are always striving to be RESPECTFUL. This week, we’re focusing on what it means to respect ourselves and others.

💡 What Does Respect Mean?

• Respect means you care enough to think about how you impact others.
• Respect is caring how your words and actions affect those around you.
• Respect begins with you – when you respect yourself, others are more likely to respect you.
• If you don’t respect yourself, it’s hard for others to show you respect.

🗣 In Our Classrooms

Our classes explored real-life examples of how we can show RESPECT every day:

✅ Following your teacher’s directions straight away shows you care about our school rules and expectations.

✅ Wearing the BSS uniform with pride shows respect for our school community.

✅ Working quietly in the classroom helps everyone learn without distractions – that’s respect in action!

✅ Using school equipment safely and correctly shows you care about others and their right to use it too.

✅ Listening carefully to parent helpers – especially during our visit to the Brookfield Show – is a respectful way to follow instructions and show gratitude.

🎯 Our Goal for the Week

After this week’s PBL focus lesson, each student set a personal goal:
👉 One way they will show RESPECT while visiting the Brookfield Show with their class on Friday.

We’re proud of how our students are learning to be responsible, thoughtful members of the BSS community.

Let’s keep showing RESPECT – to ourselves, to each other, and to our school. 

Prep 2026 – Offers of Enrolment

Is your child born between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021?

If so, they are eligible to start Prep in 2026 at Brookfield State School!

📩 Enrolment Offers

Prep 2026 enrolment offers will be emailed from Monday, 26 May 2025.

Make sure your child’s enrolment is complete to receive an offer.

📝 How to Enrol

✔ Collect an enrolment pack:

Pick one up from our Administration Office or access a digital version on our website:

🌐 https://brookfieldss.eq.edu.au

🏫 Enrolment Tours

Would you like to see our beautiful school in action?

We are currently taking bookings for enrolment tours every second Tuesday.

📞 Call us on 3374 7333

📧 Or email: admin@brookfieldss.eq.edu.au to make a booking.

We look forward to welcoming our newest BSS learners!

Under Eights Week Event 2025

Thank You for Celebrating Under Eights Week with Us!

A huge thank you to our special visitors who joined us for our annual Under Eights Week event!

Your time, energy, and enthusiasm made the day extra special for our youngest learners.

👏 A Shout-Out to:

🎭 Miss Prue from The Drama Workshop – for engaging our students in creative expression and fun!

🎾 Roanne from Brookfield Tennis Centre – for getting us moving and active on the court!

☕ Sean from The Rich Pour Espresso Bar – for keeping the adults caffeinated and cheerful!

🏏 The team from Queensland Cricket – for sharing your love of the game with our students!

🚒 The amazing crew from Pullenvale Fire Station – for your exciting and educational visit!

🤝 Kaila and the team from Helping Hands – for your continued support and involvement in our school community

Caring for Our Environment: A Proud Brookfield State School Tradition

At BSS, caring for our environment is a core value shared by our school and wider community. Our Environmental Captains have long championed sustainable initiatives, with a strong commitment to making a positive impact.

One of our most cherished partnerships is with Stationery Aid, a cause close to the heart of our school community. Since its inception, BSS has proudly supported their mission to reduce waste and promote sustainability by collecting and repurposing unused stationery for students in need.

We’re thrilled to share that our school recently joined Officeworks and Stationery Aid in launching the exciting new “Bring It Back” Program — a statewide initiative designed to make it easier than ever for families to donate unused stationery.

Our Environmental Captains were honoured to represent BSS at the media launch, joining Alison Schutt, Co-Founder of Stationery Aid, along with Officeworks representatives to celebrate this meaningful partnership.

Families can contribute by placing donations in the Stationery Aid collection box, conveniently located in the Administration Office.

We’re also incredibly proud of our students who were recently featured in The Daily Telegraph in the article “Generosity Keeps Kids on the Write Path” (Tuesday, 20th May 2025, page 15). Be sure to check it out!

To learn more about Stationery Aid, visit www.stationeryaid.org or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter: @stationeryaid.

Together, we continue to foster a culture of care, sustainability, and community spirit at BSS.

From the Deputy Principal - Katie Lewis

Cross Country - DONE!

After what felt like many, many reschedules, we were finally able to enjoy our Cross Country Carnival last week on Thursday, and what a carnival it was! With the Show being set up on the Showgrounds, and parts of our oval still resembling a marshy wetland, we created a course through the school which our students loved. 

Congratulations to all of the Brookie kids who ran their hearts out and showed their House Pride on the day. Mr Bidner will share results of Age Champions and the Overall House winner soon.

Huge shout out to Mr Bidner and Mrs Moore for their hard work in designing and setting up the course, along with the execution of the carnival on the day - we appreciate you both.

Cross Country Carnival

Gala Sports Day #1

Well done to our Year 5 and 6 Brookie students who represented our school with pride in their Gala Sports Day today. Students played either Netball or Soccer and competed against students from Kenmore South SS, Pullenvale SS and OLR. Thanks to the Year 5 and 6 teachers, and Mr Bidner for organising this event for our students.

Gala Sports Day #2 will take place on Wednesday 04 June with the same sports on offer.

Fanfare at Kenmore High - Thursday 29 May

Our Junior, Intermediate and Senior Choirs will perform as part of the Fanfare Competition at Kenmore State High School on Thursday 29 May (next week). Parents with students in the choir, please keep an eye out for communication from Mrs McMillan with the finer details of times and performance requirements.

We wish all of our students, Mrs McMillan and Mrs Kienzle all the best for their performances.

From the Head of Curriculum - Lisa McKay

Implementation of Version 9 of the Australian Mathematics Curriculum

This year, we are excited to implement Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum in Mathematics. To support this important transition, we established a dedicated Mathematics Working Group last year, comprised of passionate and experienced teachers. With my support, this team has been developing yearly overviews, establishing an assessment schedule, and ensuring that year-level units and assessments align with the expectations of Version 9. They also provide ongoing guidance and support to their year-level teaching teams. Well done to all the teachers who have adapted their teaching to meet the new curriculum changes this year.

MacqLit Update

We are pleased to announce that we are all set to begin MacqLit on Monday, 26th May. Mrs. Hook and Mrs. Bassett are looking forward to working with students next week. Thank you to both of them for their efforts in helping to prepare for the program.

Students have been grouped according to their current learning needs, and these groups will be closely monitored and adjusted as required. If you have any questions about MacqLit, please email me at lmcka51@eq.edu.au

Pullenvale Environmental Education Centre (PEEC)

Pullenvale Environmental Education Centre (PEEC) is an Education Queensland campus where primary students connect with the natural world through engaging, hands-on experiences. Their full-day programs are designed to nurture curious, confident, and connected learners.

Educators at PEEC use storytelling, inquiry, and creative performance to spark wonder and deepen students’ understanding of the environment. By exploring nature and learning from the knowledge of First Nations peoples, students develop a lasting appreciation for the land and the life it supports.

Next week, our Prep and Year 1 students will be visiting PEEC on various days. Teachers will, or may have already, sent home reminders with the details and requirements for the day. As an extra note, we kindly ask that you apply insect repellent to your child before they arrive at school, as mosquitoes have been active in the area recently.

We wish our Preps and Year 1s a wonderful adventure at PEEC!

From the Social Worker - Mrs D

Last week Triple P celebrated the National Family week. Triple P are calling on the community to embrace this year’s theme, ‘Lending a hand to thrive: Supporting each other’ to build strong, healthy families. I have witnessed some wonderful interactions between Brookie families during drop off, pick up and during Cross country!  What a treasure to have a community who knows how to look out for each other.

Triple P’s practical strategies to help families feel more confident, calm, and connected:

Find your support network: If you can, reach out to friends, family, or community groups (online or in-person) for support in a way that works best for your situation. Whether it’s swapping childcare duties, sharing advice, or chatting with a loved one, even a small amount of support can make challenges feel more manageable and help families cope.

Add small daily habits to boost wellbeing: Looking after yourself doesn’t have to be a huge investment in time, energy, and resources. Little changes every day can add up. Waking in the morning before the kids to have a hot drink or some time on your own. Listening to a podcast on the way to work or to do the school/childcare drop-offs. Reading a book or watching funny videos after the kids are asleep. Doing one small thing for yourself every day can make a difference to your mental health.

Set realistic expectations: Be gentle with yourself by having a realistic outlook for what you can achieve at home or work – no one is perfect, and no one day will go exactly as planned. Try to focus on what’s working versus what isn’t. Keep in mind that progress is more important than perfection.

Be grateful for the good: Appreciating what we have and focusing on the positives can improve wellbeing and help feelings of being overwhelmed. Take the time to celebrate small ‘wins’. Whether it’s a moment of connection with your child, or a successful family dinner, recognising your achievements helps build confidence and a positive family environment.

Schedule in family time: Spending time with our family can make us feel closer and more connected. Think quality over quantity. Just 10 minutes of focused attention on our kids can help them feel loved and cared for. Try to do something you all enjoy. This could be playing a card game after dinner (they might even let you win!) or going to the local park on the weekend.

Please reach out to the online support at triplep-parenting.net.au should you need a little extra support.

From the Inclusion Team

Why are the 'Early Years' Important?

It was very special to celebrate childhood with ‘Under 8’s Day’ last week! Events like this happen because we know that the early childhood years lay the foundation for all future development. Recent scientific evidence shows that early experiences shape our lives by affecting the way the young brain develops. What happens to us in the early years has a major effect on our health and social development through to adulthood. Therefore, we must ensure that children’s early experiences are positive and that children have a secure foundation for development.  Future development is based on the critical learning patterns laid down during this period.  The early years are also critical for the whole family. This is when families can best begin to learn how to support and nurture their child, how to meet their child’s needs, and how to adapt positively to any supports that are needed.

What is Early Childhood Intervention?

Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) is the process of providing specialised support and services for infants and young children with disability and/or developmental delay in one or multiple areas, and their families, in order to promote development, well-being and community participation. Tim Moore, leading expert in ECI, states that the overall aim of ECI is to ensure that the parents or other key caregivers are able to provide young children with experiences and opportunities that promote the children’s acquisition and use of competencies which enable the children to participate meaningfully in the key environments in their lives. ECI practitioners work in partnership with parents/caregivers, families and other significant stakeholders to enhance their knowledge, skills and supports to meet the needs of the child and optimise the child’s learning and development. This is a powerful partnership that can have a significant impact on outcomes.

Inclusion and engagement at Brookfield

In our primary school setting we refer to the Early Years as Prep – Year 2. This is for many reasons, but one defining reason is that we know children under the age of 9 respond best to an Early Years approach to teaching and learning. Strategies such as using concrete materials, incorporating multisensory experiences and planning learning that incorporates play, stories and imagination are most effective.  The learning that happens in the Early Years forms the foundational skills that are vital for building on in the upper primary years. Research tells us that seeking early supports such as, targeted teaching, early investigations with a paediatrician, working with a specialist teacher or engaging Allied Health professional such as occupational therapists and psychologist can make a powerful impact on a child’s journey and is a very normal and frequently occurring process at our school. At Brookfield we adopt a view that early supports are positive and essential. This lens allows us to work together with families to provide support to children within this critical neurodevelopmental stage. Please reach out to our inclusion team at any time if you have any questions.

Inclusion Team

Ben Williams (Years 4-6), Anna Vella (Years 1-3), Steph Weigel (Early Years)

inclusion@brookfieldss.eq.edu.au

Library News

National Simultaneous Storytime Event – Wednesday 21 May 12pm

Today we were excited to participate in National Simultaneous Storytime again! It is an annual campaign which aims to encourage more young Australians to enjoy reading. This year more than 2 million kids stopped and read the same book, `Truck Cat’, today at 12 midday all around the country.  More details - https://www.alia.org.au/nss

Next Week: Reconciliation Week Activities at BSS

P&C News

Volunteer Thanks

A huge thank you to all the volunteers at the various events over the last couple of weeks. The work and commitment of people who have coordinated and contributed to our events (including Mother's and Special Friends Day and Stall, Election BBQ, Cross-Country Cupcakes) as well as the running of the P&C is greatly appreciated. One of the priorities for the P&C Executive this year is supporting and fostering that spirit of engagement and volunteering, so we look forward to talking to you more about it this year. 

Bush Dance: Tickets Available and Early Bird Bonus Draw

Are you coming to the Bush Dance on Friday 6 June? 

Early Bird Bonus Draw

Get in early and you could WIN BACK the cost of your tickets! 🤩

Buy your Bush Dance entry tickets via Flexischools by 5:00PM on Friday 30 May, and you’ll automatically go in the draw to win a FULL REFUND of your ticket purchase (up to 6 tickets/max $42).

 50/50 RAFFLE 

Here’s your chance to WIN BIG while supporting our amazing school community! The 50/50 Raffle is also on for the Bush Dance. Tickets are just $2 each or 3 for $5 and 50% of all ticket sales go to ONE lucky winner – up to $1,000!

🎟️ Get your Bush Dance and raffle tickets now on Flexischools and don’t miss out!

Let’s dance, Brookfield! 🤠🌾

P&C Meeting Update

We had a positive P&C meeting last week. We discussed: 

• A proposed survey for the school community to inform and shape the P&C role and priorities this year- watch this space! 
• Engagement with the school and broader community, including positive engagement with Helping Hands
• Preparations for key upcoming events, including the Bushdance and a working bee
• We heard from the school leadership about the BSS Strategic Plan and important work underway in relation to student reading
• We welcomed Laura Jeffress as the new P&C Communications & Marketing Coordinator. 

Members of the school community are always welcome to attend meetings or contact the P&C Executive ahead of meetings to provide feedback and/or ideas. Feel free to join meetings virtually if you can't attend in person! 

Meet your P&C 

Who? Tess Stewart

Role: President

Children: Finn in 2B 

Day Job/Other Responsibilities:

• Project Manager in health & community services - I have worked for Stride Mental Health for the past 15 years! 
• Mum of two boys (Lee aged 4 attends Brookfield Early Childhood Centre across the road from BSS) and husband Nye. We live in the bush of beautiful Upper Brookfield on mountain goat country! Always plenty to do managing the property. 

Your Favourite Part about the BSS school and community: 

I have lots of favourite parts about BSS. To name a few: 

• Strong well-being focus supporting students (and staff) to achieve their own individual potential 
• Invested leadership team with presence throughout the school regularly 
• Passionate Teachers and P&C Committee which add great value & uniqueness to the children's learning experiences

Stay Connected and Get Involved

📣 Follow the Brookfield State School P&C page for all the latest updates:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/BrookfieldSSPandC

Have questions or ideas for the P&C? Have a special skill or some time and keen to contribute? We’d love to hear from you!

📧 pandc@brookfieldss.eq.edu.au

Thank you for your continued support – we look forward to seeing you at one of our upcoming events!

Tess, Amanda, Jill, David and Danette (P&C Executive Committee, Brookfield State School)

Helping Hands News

Extra-Curricular Calendar - Term 2

Office News

Office Hours

The office is open Monday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm, during the school term. 

If you have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact us at admin@brookfieldss.eq.edu.au

Payments Methods

The following are the payment methods available to you for your child/ren's invoices.

• BPoint
• EFTPOS
• Cash
• QParents
• Qkr

The link below will direct you to the BPoint payment system. This can also be found at the bottom of any invoice and statement. If you use the link provided below you will need to enter your details manually.

Absences

Reporting an absence

Parents can report their student's absence via the following options:

• QParents 
• Email - absences@brookfieldss.eq.edu.au
• Phone - 07 3374 7333 option 1

Any absence that is more than 10 consecutive school days must be requested via an exemption form to be approved by the principal prior to the absence. Please see the link below for more information about why an exemption is required from compulsory schooling 

Unexplained Absences

To avoid having unexplained absences listed on your child/rens school report, please ensure any unexplained absences are corrected by informing office staff on the day of absence. These can also be updated via the QParents app.

Late Arrival and Early Pick Up

We ask that all parents please bring their students via the office if arriving after 8:55am to ensure they are signed in, which will update their absence on the roll. Please note that even if you have emailed Admin advising your student/s will be late it is still mandatory that they are brought to the office to sign in.

If you need to collect your child/ren early (before 2:55pm) please ensure that you email both your class teacher and Admin.

Please note ALL STUDENTS must come to the main office to be collected prior to 2:55pm, unless confirmed otherwise by Admin.

Ensuring your student/s sign in and out of school correctly is for their safety. We thank you for your understanding.

2025 Term Dates

• Term 1: Tuesday 28 January to Friday 4 April—10 weeks.
• Term 2: Tuesday 22 April to Friday 27 June—10 weeks.
• Term 3: Monday 14 July to Friday 19 September—10 weeks.
• Term 4: Tuesday 7 October to Friday 12 December—10 weeks

Community News

Kenmore State High School 2025 Open Day and Enrolments for Year 7 in 2026

Kenmore State High School’s Open Day is on Saturday 24 May 2025 from 9:00am - 12:00pm.

We invite you to take the opportunity to experience life at Kenmore State High School and explore the school, hear from the Executive Principal, visit academic and extra-curricular interactive displays, learn more about our Programs of Excellence, enjoy performances and engage with our teachers, P&C and students.

To register to attend our 2025 Open Day, visit https://kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au/enrolments/open-days

Enrolment interviews for Year 7 in 2026 will occur only on Saturday 14 June 2025 - bookings are essential. For more information about enrolling at Kenmore SHS and applying for a Program of Excellence, visit www.kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au/enrolments/enrolling-at-our-school

Kenmore State High School – Year 7 Enrolments for 2026 open Monday May 26

Kenmore State High School's enrolment applications for Year 7 in 2026 open Monday May 26, 2025 including applications for limited places still available in our Programs of Excellence for 2026 only.

All students need to have an enrolment interview, as enrolment documentation for Year 7 in 2026 is to be submitted at enrolment interviews.

Enrolment interviews for Year 7 in 2026 will occur only on Saturday 14 June 2025 and bookings are essential. Online bookings close 7.00pm Wednesday 4 June, 2025.

Click here to learn how to book an enrolment interview and submit an enrolment application for Year 7 in 2026.

Applications are also open for 2026 Programs of Excellence including Ken-X, German Immersion and Extension (GIEP) and Music Extension (MEX) – for limited places still available.

Click here to learn more about the Programs of Excellence and how to apply.

Kenmore State High School plans for the success of every student they enrol and therefore have a range of processes and activities planned before the end of this year. Please help them to meet these commitments to you and your child by enrolling your child in line with the timelines. Kenmore SHS enrolment timelines can be found via the link below:

Click here to view more information.

Any enquires regarding enrolments should be directed to Kenmore State High School.

W: www.kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au

E: enrolments@kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au

P: (07) 3327 1555

Brookfield Tennis Centre

The Brookfield Tennis Centre are offering a free trial tennis lesson for all kids at the Brookfield State School courts or at the Brookfield Tennis Centre courts. Brookfield State School has a very proud tennis tradition with roughly half the school enrolled in tennis lessons at any point in time and we'd love your child to be a part of it. 

This a great way for your kids to make new friends, learn a great set of skills and a game for life and have a wonderful time in the process.  All kids that enrol into lessons will receive a free tennis racquet from the team at the Brookfield Tennis Centre to help them get going.

Their coaching staff will take good care of them during the session. They will walk your child up to their class after the lesson in time for the bell.

To register your child please email John and Roanne at tennis@brookfieldtennis.com.au.  Spaces are limited.

Brookfield Show Society 

SHOW TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

The Brookfield Show will run from Friday 23 May to Sunday 25 May 2025. You can purchase your tickets by using the QR code on the flyer below or by following the link provided.

SEEKING VOLUNTEERS FOR THE BROOKFIELD SHOW:

The Brookfield Show's success is only because we have community members kindly giving their time. If you would like to volunteer, please follow the link below.

2025 BROOKFIELD SHOW 23 24 25 MAY -HORTICULTURE JUNIOR COMPETITION

SECTION 8     JUNIOR FLORAL ART                                       Chief Steward: Lorrie Maher

Mobile:              0475 465 905

Under 6 Years of Age

Class 1    Miniature Garden in a Recycled Container (Max size 15cm x 15cm

           2    Vase of flowers (small)

           3    Group Entry: Miniature Fairy Garden Max size 30cm x 30cm (Accessories permitted)

6 Years to 9 Years of Age

Class 4   Flower Arrangement in a small pot

           5   Vegetable &/ or Fruit Sea Creature

10 Years to 14 Years of Age

Class 6   Vegetable &/ or Alien

           7   A dinner table Arrangement on a small desert plate/dish. (Max diameter 20cm)

First, Second and Third cards, ribbons and prizes awarded in all Junior Floral Art Classes except Class 3 where a first prize only is awarded. Highly Commended cards are awarded to all other entrants. Prizes can be collected on Sunday 25^h May 2025 and entries after 3pm Sunday 25th May and Monday 26th May 7am to 9am.

(Junior Floral Art Prizes are donated by Kenmore Garden Club and Indooroopilly Garden Club. The 1^st prize in Class 3, the Group entry, is the Convenor’s prize of $50 awarded to the Kindy/Child Care.)

Entries received at the Showground on Friday 23rd May 2pm to 5pm and Saturday 124th May 7.30am to 8.45am. Judging commences at 9.30am.

Entry Fee:  $1 per entry.

ONLY MINIMUM ACCESSORIES PERMITTED IN ALL CHILDREN’S CLASSES