Brookfield Banter 20/08/2025

From the Principal - Leanne Duncan

Last week, many of us were shaken—literally—by the unexpected earthquake that was reported through our state. While earthquakes are rare in Australia, the experience does remind us how suddenly the unexpected can happen. I would not have thought I would be reflecting on an Earthquake this week, when I was writing last week's Banter!  For children, these events can feel confusing or create chatter, if they don’t fully understand what is going on.  

Resilience means bouncing back from challenges and learning that even in tough times, we can cope and grow stronger. Families can encourage resilience by:

• Celebrating problem-solving – Notice when your child finds solutions, even to small problems, and praise their effort.
• Practising coping skills – Breathing exercises, drawing, or talking to a trusted adult all help children manage stress.
• Highlighting helpers – Pointing out the way neighbours, emergency services, and communities help one another builds children’s sense of safety and community.

We can’t always predict when unexpected events (little or big!) will occur, but we can prepare our children to face them with courage and resilience.  By supporting them with reassurance, honest conversations, and coping tools, we help them feel safe and capable—even when the ground beneath us may have felt uncertain.

There are many times in the school day, and I imagine your home life there are changes to routines for many reasons. We had such wonderful feedback this last week from Ms Noonan, regarding our year 6's, in terms of rolling on with their day with unexpected late change. They displayed a maturity, the ability to pivot and adapt to show all the qualities we expect in our leaders! Well Done Year 6 - you are showing such readiness for the high school journey!   

Brookies Little Learners Playgroup - 0–5-year-olds!
Have you registered?

Brookfield State School has become an affiliate member of Play Matters. This means we are able to run a playgroup for our community.

Our Aim is to:

*Provide a teacher led literacy experience
*Provide quality play experiences for Little Learners from 0-5
*Build connection with our school community and families.

We are excited and getting ready for Brookies Little Learners next Thursday 28 August! There is play experiences for 0–5-year-olds. Can you make it? Register below. 

Can't make it on Thursday 28 August?  Registrations full? 

Please register you interest below so that we can keep you informed of weekly play experiences!

If registrations become full for the 28 August, please register your interest to attend future playgroup sessions and information below by clicking the link below!

School Opinion Survey closes on Friday 22 August

This week is the last chance to complete the school opinion survey sent to you with an individual link.  Your thoughts are important to us. 

Book Week Magic!

It was a wonderful Book Week Parade this morning! We appreciate the time that was given by all who could attend!  There was such creativity and joy in seeing students with their book of choice! Beaming Smiles! Thankyou as always Mrs Allison! If you have the chance to check out the fabulous classroom doors and the office! They are great!  It was also great to see, those who could, come up to B Block to hear and chat with Mrs McKay about Reading at Brookfield!

Community Calendar - Term 3

From the Deputy Principal - Leah Cathcart

PBL: Positive Behaviour for Learning

This week, our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) focus is on how we use our Classroom Behaviour Flowchart. Students are reflecting on what positive behaviour looks like across different learning spaces, as well as revisiting expectations for using ICTs with our ICT Behaviour Flowchart.

📚 At BSS, a “classroom” can be anywhere we are learning, including:

🏫 Your class learning space

📖 Library / Resource Centre

🎶🇩🇪 Music or German rooms

❤️ Health room

🎻 Instrumental Music room

🏐 Oval or Hall for PE

🪑 Tables or seats in undercover areas

⭐At BSS, no matter where our classroom is, we remember to:

✅ Follow directions straight away

✋👣 Keep our hands and feet to ourselves

👂🗣️ Listen and speak in a friendly way

📍 Be in the right place

💕🌏 Care for others, objects and the environment

If students are not able to follow directions and rules, teachers will use the Classroom Behaviour Flowchart:

1. Practice / First Warning
2. Name on clipboard
3. 5 minutes time-out
4. 10 minutes time-out
5. 15 minutes time away class
6. Office referral / Parent informed

Students have also discussed where the time away class is located.

If a quiet and calm “time-out” to reflect has not been successful, and inappropriate behaviour continues, consequences may include:

• Office referral
• Parent contact
• Reflection Room

Major inappropriate behaviour that stops the learning or involves physical behaviour will result in immediate:

• Time-out
• Office referral
• Parent contact
• Reflection Room

At BSS, your teachers include not only your class teacher but also all specialist teachers, teacher-aides, Mrs McMillan, Mrs Allison, Frau Raben, Mr Bidner, Mr & Mrs Moore, Mr Lougheed, Mrs Harle, Mrs Duncan, Mrs Lewis, Mrs Cathcart, as well as visiting relief-teachers and program presenters (Life Ed, Street Science and others).

Teachers will be discussing with students what it looks, sounds and feels to:

• Practice positive behaviour or following a direction
• Receive a warning
• Have your name added to the clipboard
• Have a 5-minute time-out
• Have a 10-minute time-out
• Have a 15-minute time away class
• Receive an office referral

By practising these steps together, we ensure that all learning spaces at BSS are safe, respectful, and supportive environments.

This week we are also reflecting on how our Behaviour Flowchart supports the respectful, responsible and safe use of ICTs at BSS.

At BSS, ICTs include phones, smartwatches, laptops and devices. Just like in the classroom, if we are not able to follow directions or school rules when using technology, the Behaviour Flowchart applies.

Phones - First Warning

• Phone handed to teacher for the lock-box
• Parent contact (phone call/email)

Smartwatches - First Warning - if not on School Mode

• Parent contact (phone call/email)
• Second Warning – Smartwatch placed on teacher’s desk or at the office
• Parent contact (phone call/email)

Devices / Laptops - First Warning (when used before/after school or outside of learning time)

• Name on clipboard
• 5 minutes off device
• 10 minutes off device

Cyberbullying – #endcyberbullying

Cyberbullying is bullying conducted with the use of technology, like mobile phones or the internet.

At BSS, we are respectful, responsible and safe when we:

• Report it
• Block it
• Support others being bullied

👉 Learn more about reporting cyberbullying at eSafety.gov.au

Did you know that peers are present in 85% of bullying interactions? The #endcyberbullying campaign empowers Queensland students to act and support each other.

What Can You Do?

Step 1. Collect Evidence

Don’t delete the harmful content straight away. First, take screenshots or record:

• The harmful content (what it says/shows)
• The profile of the person who shared it
• The date, time and platform/app
• The link/URL

Step 2. Report Harmful Content

• Report directly to the app, game or site – often the fastest way to remove it
• If not resolved, report to the eSafety Commissioner with your evidence
• If serious threats are made, contact the police

Step 3. Prevent Further Contact

• Don’t respond or retaliate
• Use “block,” “mute” or “ignore” features in apps
• Change your privacy settings if needed

Step 4. Get More Help

Cyberbullying can feel hurtful, embarrassing, or scary. Always talk to a trusted adult (parent, carer, or teacher).
You can also reach out to Kids Helpline (5–25 years) by phone or online chat – it’s free and confidential.

By practising respectful, responsible and safe use of ICTs, and supporting one another online, we can all play a part in making BSS a safe learning community — both at school and beyond.

Junior School Grandparent’s Day

We are excited to welcome our wonderful grandparents to share in a very special morning with our Junior School students!

On Friday, 12 September 2025, grandparents of our Prep to Year 2 students are invited to join us from 9:00 – 11:00am for a joyful celebration of learning, music, and community.

The morning will begin with classroom visits, followed by a program of delightful performances from our Junior Choir, Junior Strings Ensemble, Junior Band, and Prep–Year 2 students in the Hall. After performances, students will farewell their grandparents before returning to class, while grandparents are warmly invited to enjoy light refreshments.

This event is always a highlight on our school calendar and a wonderful way for students to connect with and honour the important role grandparents play in their lives.

We look forward to celebrating together and saying a heartfelt thank you to our grandparents for the love, wisdom, and support they share each day.

Save the Date - Parent Teacher Interviews

This term we look forward to welcoming you during our scheduled Parent-Teacher Interviews.

Parent-Teacher Interviews are a great opportunity to meet with your child/ren’s teacher/s, discuss their progress, and explore ways to work together to support their development and learning.

Year 2-6 Interviews will be held in the school HALL on Monday 8 September and Tuesday 9 September, from 3:15pm to 7:00pm. The link and QR code below will become active as of Friday 22 August, 4:00pm.

Prep-Year 1 Interviews will be held in your child’s CLASSROOM and will be scheduled across Weeks 9 and 10, days/dates/times will be shared by your classroom teacher. The link and QR code below will become active as of Friday 22 August, 4:00pm.

From the Deputy Principal - Katie Lewis

Congratulations Mr Bidner

We are delighted to share the news of Mr Bidner's newest family member. No doubt the family are learning to navigate life as a family of four, with all the joys a newborn brings to that mix! Looking forward to hearing more about Theo's first few weeks when Mr Bidner returns from leave in Week 9.

Red Ball Tennis - Monday 25 August and Tuesday 26 August

We are excited for our teams who will be representing Brookfield State School at the upcoming Tennis Queensland Primary Schools Cup. There will be two teams of girls and one team of boys on Monday 25 August and one team of boys on Tuesday 26 August. 

Parents are reminded to arrange private transport for their children to the Queensland Tennis Centre.  More information is contained in the email and on QParents.

Senior Assembly - Wednesday 27 August

We will be having our Senior Assembly on Wednesday 27 August at 1.50pm in the Hall.  It has been many weeks since we have had an assembly - we are very much looking forward to coming together and recognising our students for their achievements over the past few weeks. As always, families are welcome to join us.

Instrumental Music Parent Information Evening - Tuesday 09 September

Parents of current Year 2 and Year 3 students who are interested in their child joining our Instrumental Music Program in 2026, are invited to come along to our Instrumental Music Parent Information Evening to hear more about our program offerings and enrolment processes. Students in Year 3 in 2026 are eligible to join our Strings Program and students in Year 4 in 2026 are eligible to join our Band Program.

Our Instrumental Music Parent Information Evening will be held on Tuesday 09 September at 6:00pm in E Block. Yes! This is the same night as Parent Teacher Interviews and the P&C Meeting, we are hoping this supports parents to make as many appointments happen on the one evening.

Music Bingo - Year 6 Graduation Fundraiser - Saturday 13 September

Excitement is building as we prepare for our Music Bingo evening.

Parents are encouraged to go onto Flexi Schools to:

• Sponsor a Song:
  • $10 for a song to be played as part of the BINGO event
• Buy a Ticket:
  • $10 entry fee per person, includes a BINGO card to play
• Buy a Nibbles Platter:
  • $45 to feed four people

From the Head of Curriculum - Lisa McKay

Year 1 Phonics Check

From 2026, all Queensland state schools will implement the Year 1 Phonics Check, with a full trial taking place in 2025. This quick and simple assessment has been designed to help teachers gain valuable insight into students’ ability to decode words.

The Phonics Check is:

• Free to administer

• Conveniently scheduled during Term 3

• Short in duration, taking approximately 5–7 minutes per student

With updated curriculum placing a stronger emphasis on phonics, this assessment will be used as a universal screening tool across all state schools. It will provide a clear picture of students’ phonic knowledge and phonemic awareness.

While the Year 1 Phonics Check is an important tool, it is designed primarily for screening purposes. At Brookfield we will continue to track student progress through our school phonics scope and sequence.

ICAS Assessment – Mathematics

The ICAS Mathematics assessment will take place next Monday, 25th August.

If you have registered your child for ICAS Mathematics, 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.

Reading Information Session

Thank you to the parents who attended today’s Reading Information Session at 10am. It was wonderful to see families engaged in their child’s learning. We hope you left with some useful tips and had your questions answered. Your support and partnership are truly valued as we work together to help every child succeed.

From the Social Worker - Mrs D

Being safe online

In today’s digital world, our children are growing up surrounded by technology. While the internet offers countless learning opportunities, it also comes with risks that parents can't afford to ignore. From exposure to inappropriate content to online predators and cyberbullying, the digital landscape presents real challenges for young users.

That’s why teaching online safety, creating screen time boundaries and setting up parental controls are some of the ways to support our children with online safety.

In Raising Tech-Healthy Humans, Daniel Sih delivers a timely and deeply practical guide for parents navigating the complex world of kids and technology. With alarming trends surrounding screen time, digital dependence, and the erosion of childhood play, this book offers more than just warnings—it provides a hopeful, research-backed path forward.

https://raisinghumans.au/

Instrumental Music

Senior String Ensemble

Thank you to all the students who turned up bright and early today for rehearsal! There were many wonderful costumes ready for the book week parade, even at 7:30am in the morning!

Our final rehearsal for Tuesday's Joining Generations concert will be this coming Monday 25^ August, at 11:45am after morning tea. Please remember to pack your instrument and music!

Junior String Ensemble

Please bring your instruments for lessons and rehearsal next week, so we can prepare together for an upcoming string excursion to the kindy!

Congratulations

A big congratulations to Imani N, Oliver R, Sophia R and Felix W who attended the Western Strings Collective Scherzo Workshop in week three. They, along with students from nine other local state schools, rehearsed for two days before presenting an exciting concert program to parents and friends. They have brought back quite a few suggestions of songs we can play here at Brookfield SS! 

Mrs. Ellen Harle

String Teacher

mehar0@eq.edu.au

Music News

Joining Generations

Our Joining Generations concert and morning tea is coming up next Tuesday, August 26, starting at 10:00am. We have sent out invitations to some local retirement facilities and have received a positive (but not yet confirmed!) response from them. Please invite your families and friends to come along and be a part of this morning. This concert is a wonderful way of bringing together our young and not-so-young community members together over music and a chat with a cup of tea.

Families of our Senior Band, Senior Strings, Senior Choir, Intermediate Choir and Yr 6 Marimba group should have received an email with details about this event. Also included in that email was a link to a parent survey that helps us to be able to plan for a successful morning. This survey will take less than 2 minutes to complete and asks for the following information:

• Can you help with set up/ serving/ clearing up the morning tea?
• Can you send along a plate of food for our guests for morning tea?
• How many guests are you planning to bring?

Huge thanks to Julia Cretchley (mum of Ebony) for putting her hand up to be our morning tea co-ordinator for the morning. Of course, she can’t do it all by herself, so all offers to help - no matter how short a time – are appreciated.

We are also asking all Year 5&6 students to bring along a plate of food to share with our guests. Please let us know in the survey if you are able to help with this. Any queries can be directed to Melissa McMillan at mmcmi10@eq.edu.au.

Library News

Book Week - We got excited!

The Book Week Parade today was another big success this year with the whole school dressing as wonderful book characters! A big thank you to parents for your wonderful costume efforts and for so many of you coming along to share in the fun.  

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Author/Illustrator Visit – Alison Lester Thursday August 21

The amazing Alison Lester is one of Australia's most beloved and bestselling authors and illustrators of children's books. Her beautiful stories mix imaginary worlds with everyday life, encouraging children to believe in themselves and celebrate the differences that make them special. She will be coming in person to share her writing knowledge and skills with some Yr 2-4 students in small workshops to create a mural and big book for our school! https://alisonlester.com/  

Students should look out for the makerspace activities, buddy class reading, shortlisted books and fabulously decorated classroom doors in Book Week too!

Premier’s Reading Challenge - Finishes this Friday August 22

Please send all yellow Reading Record forms to the office by this date. Thanks for your support of our fabulous readers!

Helping Hands News

Extra-Curricular Calendar - Term 3

Office News

2026 Enrolment Data Collection

In order to commence planning for 2026 staffing and classes, we are requesting that families notify our administration team if they are planning on leaving Brookfield State School in 2025/2026. If you are aware that your child/ren will not be returning, please complete the Student Exit form below and return to the office. A forms link titled ‘2026 Enrolment Data Collection’ has been sent out to families this week.

We kindly ask that families complete this form if you are:

• Returning to Brookfield State School in the new year but AFTER Thursday 5/02/2026 – this data is for our Day 8 numbers
• NOT returning to Brookfield State School
• Have a year 6 student - this data is used to exit students at the end of the year.

Please complete the 2026 Enrolment Data Collection form below by Friday 19/09/2025 

Please DO NOT complete this form if you child/ren will be returning to Brookfield State School on Tuesday 27/01/2026 or BEFORE Thursday 5/02/2026.

Thank you for your assistance.

Office Hours

• 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 is a list of past and upcoming excursions and incursions for 2025. We have noticed a number of outstanding invoices. If your child has participated in any of the activities listed and you are unsure whether payment has been made, you can:

• Log in to your QParents account (if you are the financial account holder) to check
• Contact the office on (07) 3374 7333 to confirm your account balance
• Email the office requesting an account statement
• Visit the office in person to make payment

Please note, in line with Education Queensland guidelines, payments cannot be processed over the phone. Account statements are emailed fortnightly to the financial account holder.

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

2026 Term Dates

• Term 1: Tuesday 27 January to Thursday 2 April—10 weeks
• Term 2: Monday 20 April to Friday 26 June—10 weeks
• Term 3: Monday 13 July to Friday 18 September—10 weeks
• Term 4: Tuesday 6 October to Friday 11 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.

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.