Brookfield Banter 06/08/25

From the Principal - Leanne Duncan

It's Support Staff Recognition Week!

Support staff are absolutely essential to our schools and to Queensland's Education System – without these essential staff, education wouldn’t happen!

This week is all about recognising, respecting and celebrating what you do to make schools accessible, safe, supportive and engaging places to learn.  You have done an amazing job of keeping schools running, learning continuing and keeping our community safe. It’s time to celebrate everything you do as Administration Officers (Christina and Crystal), Business Manager (Megan), Schools Officers (Dan), IT Officers (Lachlan), Speech Language Pathologists (Fiona), Social Workers (Niki D) and others.

Every single one of these amazing professional roles support world-class education in Queensland. It’s time to remind everyone just how important the work you do is!

Brookfield State School launches Playgroup onsite!!  

Interested?  Here is what you need to do!

Limited places available, as we commence the journey of Brookies Little Learners Playgroup here at Brookfield State School.

To attend our first teacher-led playgroup session on Thursday 28 August - 9.00-9.45am you will need to register via the QR Code below.

Further information will be emailed before attending.

If registrations become full for this session, please register your interest to attend future playgroup sessions below by clicking the link below!

Click Here

Community Calendar - Term 3 - Weeks 4 - 10

From the Deputy Principal - Leah Cathcart

This Week’s PBL Focus: Snake Safety

This week, we spent valuable time learning and discussing interesting facts about snakes — where they live, how they move, and how to stay safe around them. Did you know snakes don’t have legs, but they can move well? They don’t have ears like us — instead, they feel vibrations. And snakes only bite when they’re scared or trying to protect themselves.

Snake Fact: We’re most likely to spot snakes in spring and early summer, especially on warm mornings and late afternoons.

Our learning links closely with our school values:

• We BELONG when we recognise that all living things — including snakes and lizards — are part of our shared natural environment.
• We STRIVE to understand and appreciate the unique ecosystems we’re lucky to learn in.
• We SUCCEED when we are Responsible, Respectful, and Safe around all creatures.

Together, we care for our environment and everything in it.

Snake safety is important at our school, and we use the SHOUT steps to help us stay safe:

✅ S – SHOUT “Snake!” and point. Tell an adult right away. Don’t go near or try to scare the snake. If it’s inside, move away calmly.

✅ H – HELP Seek help from an adult. At Brookfield, staff on duty wear orange vests — let them know immediately so they can notify the office and observe the area safely.

✅ O – OUT Move OUT of the way slowly and calmly. Never try to touch or chase a snake, even if it’s small.

✅ U – UNDERSTAND that snakes don’t want to hurt us. They usually avoid people. It’s important to never touch or approach a snake.

✅ T – TRAINED professionals are the only people who should handle snakes. They’re protected under Queensland law and must not be harmed or removed from the wild.

Conversation Starter for Home:
Have a go at practising the SHOUT steps together as a family — what would you do if you saw a snake? Talk about what your family’s plan is at home or on the weekend if a snake is spotted nearby.

Prep Vision Screening

This week, we welcomed a Registered Nurse from the Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program, part of Children’s Health Queensland, to conduct Vision Screening for our Prep students.

At BSS, we recognise the importance of early intervention across all areas of development. We value the expertise of external specialists and are grateful for the opportunity to partner with programs like this to support the health and wellbeing of our students and families.

Well done to our Preppies who received compliments for their outstanding behaviour and positive interactions.

Supporting the Educators of Tomorrow

At BSS, we are proud to support the growth and development of future educators through our commitment to preservice teacher placements. We believe in nurturing the next generation of teachers by providing them with meaningful, real-world classroom experiences that align with our school values of respect, learning and community.

This term, we are delighted to host three preservice teachers from the University of Southern Queensland.

• Keyani Peace with Margie Dixon - Prep A
• Fiona Roma with Linzi Hogg - 1A
• Priyanka Roy with Kirsty Cunnington – 4C

These aspiring educators are actively learning alongside our students and staff, gaining hands-on experience that will shape their journey into the teaching profession.

We extend our sincere thanks to our skilled and dedicated teaching staff who generously mentor, guide and inspire these students throughout their placement. Their support is an essential part of the learning journey, ensuring preservice teachers feel welcomed, capable, and confident as they grow into the educators of the future.

From the Deputy Principal - Katie Lewis

Street Science

We have adjusted the Street Science schedule as follows:

Tuesday 05 August (CPA 3) = Year 1, Year 2 and Year 4

Thursday 07 August (CPA 3) = Prep and Year 3

Friday 08 August (Hall) = Prep to Year 2 Group Session; Year 3 to Year 6 Group Session; Year 5 and Year 6

Proudly supporting Bullying No Way: National Week of Action

This year Brookfield State School will be participating in the Bullying No Way: National Week of Action, 11 to 15 August 2025.

Bullying No Way Week is a commitment being made by thousands of schools and supporters across the country. It provides an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to bullying prevention. It gives us an opportunity to connect with students, staff and school communities to implement workable solutions to prevent bullying.

The theme for this year's campaign is Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.

It takes a community to be brave and address bullying behaviours, within and beyond the school gate.

Students can be bold, kind and speak up to support others being bullied. While trusted adults are there to support children and young people learn how to be kind to each other and report bullying.

This Bullying No Way Week, we’re asking you to be bold and say something, be kind and support someone and be proud to speak up against bullying.

At Brookfield, we will acknowledge and show our support on Friday 15 August by wearing FREE DRESS promoting PURPLE. We will also enjoy a WHOLE SCHOOL LUNCH on the JUNIOR OVAL.

Our students are going to commit their pledge to show how they will Be Bold - Be Kind - Speak Up - by making a note on a speech bubble for our school display against bullying.

For more information about Bullying No Way Week and bullying prevention, visit the Bullying No Way website.

From the Head of Curriculum - Lisa McKay

It has been wonderful to return to Brookfield State School this week after three weeks of long service leave. I was genuinely impressed by how calm, focused, and engaged the students were in their learning. It was a lovely reminder of how fortunate we are to be part of such a positive and respectful school community.

ICAS Assessment – English

The ICAS English assessment will take place next Monday, 11th August.

If you have registered your child for ICAS English, please ensure they:

• Arrive at school on time

• Unpack and check in with their classroom teacher

• Bring their fully charged device to B Block for a 9:00am start 

If you have any questions, please contact Mrs McKay at lmcka51@eq.edu.au 

Thank you for your support.

Street Science Visit

We were thrilled to welcome Street Science to our school today. Our Year 2, Year 1, and Year 4 students attended the sessions and were captivated by the spectacular demonstrations. The students were thoroughly engaged in the exciting world of science. Here are some photos of Year 2 learning about Push and Pull Forces and launching their rockets. 

Please note: Street Science will not be attending on Wednesday as originally scheduled. Instead, they will be extending their visit to attend longer days to ensure all students can take part as planned.

From the Social Worker - Mrs D

Ripples of Kindness  

On Monday I had the opportunity to speak with our year 5 classes about the importance of kindness. It is not just a nice idea but a powerful choice we make every day.  Like a stone dropped into a still pond, a single act of kindness sends ripples that spread far beyond its origin. Whether it’s holding the door for someone, offering a smile, helping a classmate with them with their schoolwork or including someone outside their friend group. These small yet powerful gestures create a wave of positivity that touches everyone.

Research shows that kindness boosts mental health, increases academic performance, and strengthens relationships. But beyond the science, we can feel the difference it makes to ourselves and others.

Let’s continue to plant seeds of kindness every day. All our words and actions have the power to create change. You never know who might need that smile, kind word, or small act of support — and how far your ripple will reach.

LOTE News

LTQ German Speech Contest

CONGRATULATIONS Brookfield SS students on your outstanding speeches at the LTQ German Speech Contest on Sunday.

The students' willingness to participate at Griffith Uni on a chilly Sunday morning was commendable and their dedication to rehearsing and taking on feedback makes Brookfield SS so proud of them.

Out of a very big section (Year 5 was the biggest year group with 20 competitors across 4 different schools!) and a very high standard, we are proud to announce that Giulia R took out 3^rd place!

We are delighted to announce that in the Year 4 section, our placegetters were:

1^st - Frankie L

2^nd - Amelia S

3^rd - Leo W and Heather M

All competitors will be recognised with special certificates in an upcoming Assembly presentation.

Library News

Book Week – Week 6 Wednesday 20 August

Book Week Parade – Dress as a Book Character. 

Junior Parade P-2           9:00am - 9:45am   

Senior Parade Yr 3-6       9:45am -10 :15am

Author Visit - Louise Park Tuesday 12 August

We are excited to welcome Louise Park as an award-winning and best-selling author of many very popular series in our library. These series include Boy Vs Beast, Zac Power, Star Girl, D-Bot Squad, Harriet Clare. She has written many more fiction and non-fiction books with her latest being ‘Last man out: A personal account of the Gallipoli Evacuation’. Louise will have a 45 min session with each class. Find out more here:  https://www.louisepark.com.au/

See the attached flyer or click here https://larrikinhouse.com.au/collections/author-louise-park to purchase a selection of her books which will be delivered to school for distribution.

Author Visit – Alison Lester Thursday 21 August

After the last 4 years of wonderful Book Week presentations to each class, the best-selling and highly celebrated Alison Lester will this year present in the form of writer’s workshops! Very exciting.

Premier’s Reading Challenge - Finishes Friday 22 August

Please send all yellow Reading Record forms to the office. Thanks for your support of our fabulous readers. Certificates from the Premier will be celebrated in November.

Helping Hands News

Extra-Curricular Calendar - Term 3

Office News

Office Hours

Please note the changes to the opening hours of our administration office below.

• Monday, 8:00am - 3:30pm
• Tuesday to Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm

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

Permissions and Payments

Below are past and upcoming excursions and incursions for 2025. Please take note of what your child has and will be participating in, and ensure all permissions and payments are made in a timely manner.

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 student/s 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

RHEE TAE KWON-DO BROOKFIELD BRANCH

THE FAMILY MARTIAL ART THAT HELPS FUTURE-PROOF YOUR FAMILY!

Would your family like to spend more time together, get fitter, develop important life & self-defence skills all whilst having fun? Well now you have more opportunity to do so.

Rhee Tae Kwon-Do is pleased to advise our new Branch will be conducting classes at Kenmore Brookfield Anglican Church Hall, across the road from Brookfield State School, from 5.30-6.30pm on Tuesday & Friday nights starting Tuesday August 5.

We would like to invite students of Brookfield State School to come & join us for an UNLIMITED FREE TRIAL.

Founded in 1970 by World Master Chong Chul Rhee, Rhee Tae Kwon-Do is Australia’s first, largest, and most respected Martial Arts Academy.

Rhee Tae Kwon-Do is a traditional & non-competitive martial art that anyone can learn, irrespective of age, level of fitness or experience. Our underlying message is to promote a Sound Body & a Sound Mind through practice, discipline & physical Activity.

Some of the benefits of training in Rhee Tae Kwon-Do are:

✅ Promoting a Sound Body & a Sound Mind – Through practice, discipline & physical activity.
✅ Confidence & Self-Belief – Empowering students to achieve their best
✅ Respect & Discipline – Helping students to build a strong character and leadership skills.
✅ Fitness & Self-Defence – Stay active while learning practical techniques
✅ Positive Community & Role Models – Surrounding students with supportive friends & Instructors.
✅ Focus & Perseverance – Aiding students to Excel in school, work, or in their daily life.
✅Indomitable Spirit – A never give up attitude.

If you are looking to take the first step in the journey to change your life, you can find details about the Brookfield Branch or any of our other local branches (Chapel Hill, Fig Tree Pocket, Kenmore South & Moggill) at www.rhee.com.au.

QASMT National Science Week Campus Tours

Join us during National Science Week for a guided tour of the Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT), a proud IB World School nurturing highly capable learners from Year 7 to Year 12.

📅 Tour Dates:

August 11th, 12th, 14th & 15th, 2025

These tours provide a valuable opportunity for families to explore our innovative learning spaces, gain insight into the International Baccalaureate curriculum, and see how students at QASMT are supported to flourish both academically and personally.

🔗 Bookings are essential. Reserve your place via: https://www.trybooking.com/DCNET

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.