Brookfield Banter 27/08/25

From the Principal - Leanne Duncan

Joining Generations at Brookfield State School - The Power of Intergenerational Connection

At our school, learning isn’t just about books and classrooms—it’s about connection. Events like the Joining Generations Concert bring together grandparents, great-grandparents, great aunties, parents and those in our wider community, such as Blue Care Kenmore and Carinity Brookfield Green.

Why does this matter? Because when children share songs, stories, and smiles with older generations, everyone benefits. Our students gain wisdom, empathy, and a sense of belonging beyond their immediate families. Older community members experience joy, purpose, and the knowledge that their stories and presence truly matter.

Intergenerational opportunities help children see themselves as part of a bigger story, fostering respect, compassion, and understanding. They build community ties that last well beyond the school gates and create moments that can light up someone’s day—or even their year.  By celebrating and connecting across generations, we nurture hearts as well as minds. And that’s something worth singing about!  Thank you to all involved in making this happen - there was so much gratitude shown! 

Playgroup - Thursday 28 August 9-9.45am!

It's not too late to join us on Thursday 28 August! Just let us know your child/ren's age by clicking the link below!

https://forms.office.com/r/Z37vC25zft

🍃Playgroup starts at 9am - 9:45am in B Block and is facilitated by Mrs Linzi Hogg

🚗Parking is available in the visitors and family carpark through Gate 1.
🚼Toilets and baby change facilities are available onsite, however no nappy disposal service is available.

🍃Meet Brookie’s Little Learners Playgroup Facilitator, Mrs Linzi Hogg!

I have been an Early Years Educator for 18 years before moving into the school setting, where I am now in my seventh year of teaching. I’ve been a proud member of the Brookfield community for 23 years, and I am passionate about the early years of learning and the power of rich play-based experiences in supporting children’s growth and development. I am currently teaching Year 1 and love creating engaging, meaningful learning opportunities that nurture curiosity, creativity, and confidence.

🍃Sign in at the Brookfield State School Administration Building.

A staff member will direct you to B Block and the Circle and Sail area.  On arrival at B Block, there will be a QR Code to check in with using your phone.

🍃Further Information

Brookies Little Learners (0-5 years old) is an affiliate member of Play Matters and is free to attend when registering with Play Matters!

Our Aim is to provide:

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

Term 3 Community Calendar - Week 7 to 10

From the Deputy Principal - Leah Cathcart

PBL Focus – Eating and Playing Safely

This week we are focussing on how to eat and play respectfully, responsibly and safely.

⭐ Rules for Eating Areas ⭐

• Sit down and chat quietly with friends 🪑🗣️
• Eat your own lunch 🥗
• Put rubbish in the bin 🗑️
• Ask before going to the toilet or getting a drink 🚻💧
• Listen for instructions from the duty teacher about when to:
  • Pick up your rubbish 🧹
  • Pack up your lunchbox 🎒
  • Go to the tuckshop 🏪
  • Move to your play area 🏃

                                                   💡 Eating time = Sit, Eat, Chat, Tidy, Listen ✅

⭐ Playtime Expectations ⭐

• Listen and follow directions straight away 👂
• Play by the school rules 🏫
• Be kind, fair and safe with everyone 🤝

🚦 If we forget the rules 🚦

1️⃣First reminder – show the positive choice 👍
2️⃣Second reminder – 5 minutes time-out ⏳
3️⃣Third reminder – 10 minutes time-out ⏰

⛔ If time-out doesn’t help, teachers may ask us to:

• Walk with a teacher 🚶
• Sit out for the rest of play 🪑
• Visit the office 🏢
• Talk with parents or go to Reflection Room 📝

💡 Playtime = Be Safe, Be Fair, Be Friendly 🌟

💡 Our job is to enjoy play and eating time AND let our friends do the same! 🌟

 ⭐ Where Can I Play? ⭐

• P1 Area (Junior Playground & Oval) – Preps & Year 1 🌱
• P2 Area + Circle & Sail Lawn – Year 1 & Year 2 🌈
• P3 Area – Year 2–6 🌟
• Senior Play Area – Year 4–6 (check roster) 🏀
• Oval Activities/Courts – Year 2–6 ⚽🏐
• Library (1st Break) – Prep–Year 6 📚
• Library Veranda (Quiet Space) – Prep–Year 6 🤫

✨ Second Break – Prep & Year 1 Playtime Rules ✨

👌 We CAN play:

• ⚽ Soccer
• 🏖️ In the sandpit
• 🔗 With skipping ropes
• 🛝 On the playground equipment
• 🤾🏼Handball in CPA2

🚫 We CANNOT play:

• 🏃 Pop-up tiggy
• 🚨 Red Rover
• 🏷️ Tag games

💡 Our job is to play safely, fairly, and include others 🌟

👩‍🎓👨‍🎓 This week our Senior Leaders reminded us of the Out of Bounds Areas 🚫🪧
👩‍🎓👨‍🎓 They identified the areas and introduced us to the NEW SIGNS 🚫🪧

🌿 Oval Update – Back to Full Capacity! 🌿

We are very fortunate here at BSS to have such wide-open spaces for our students to enjoy during the school day. We are excited to share that our oval is now back to full playtime capacity following repairs and returfing after Tropical Cyclone Alfred and the lengthy wet weather that followed.

To make sure everyone can enjoy the oval safely and fairly, we have created designated spaces for each year level to access the soccer goals during playtimes. Students have been explicitly taught and shown where their year level spaces are, and they will be redirected if needed, in line with our Playground Behaviour Flowchart.

💡 Our oval is a space for fun, fairness, and safe play – thank you to everyone for following the rules and taking care of our school grounds! 🌟

⚽ Year 2 – Year 6 Soccer Rules & Expectations ⚽

💡 Our Goal: Play Fair, Play Safe, Play Together! 🌟

Junior School Grandparent’s Day

Prep -Year 2 families have you saved the date? We are thrilled to welcome our wonderful grandparents for a very special morning with our Junior School students!

On Friday, 12 September 2025, grandparents of 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 in the Hall, featuring our Junior Choir, Junior Strings Ensemble, Junior Band, and Prep–Year 2 students. After the performances, students will farewell their grandparents, while grandparents are warmly invited to enjoy light refreshments.

Grandparents’ Day is always a highlight of our school calendar, offering a wonderful opportunity for students to connect with and honour the important role grandparents play in their lives.

We can’t wait to celebrate together and extend a heartfelt thank you to our grandparents for the love, wisdom, and support they share every day.

Vote for Jan – Stationery Aid Local Hero!

As a school community who has generously supported Stationery Aid from when it was founded, we are thrilled to share that Jan Schutt, co-founder and volunteer of Stationery Aid, is a finalist in the Westfield Local Heroes 2025 awards at Westfield Chermside!

If Jan receives the most community votes, Stationery Aid will be awarded a $20,000 grant to continue their amazing work – collecting unused school stationery and delivering it to students who need it most.

So far, Stationery Aid has saved over 60 tonnes of stationery from landfill and supported thousands of students with essential school supplies.

Let’s get behind Jan and show our support!
👉 Vote here by 8 September 2025.

Together, we can help Stationery Aid change lives and protect our planet.

From the Deputy Principal - Katie Lewis

💛💚Buddies at Brookie 💛💚

We love our Buddy Program here at Brookfield, it is a great opportunity for our older students to support younger students. Each year we kick this off with our "Buddies in Training" - our Year 3 Students - who learn how to be buddies by supporting our incoming Preppies for the following year. Last week, each of our Year 3 classes had the opportunity to visit our local Brookfield Kindergarten and read stories to the Kindy Kids.  They also took the opportunity to play, and shared how much Kindy has changed since they were all there (not that many years ago!). This will continue next term, as our Year 3 students support our incoming Preppies when they visit for Chatting Children and Stay and Play Time.

The beginnings of some lovely connections between our Brookie kids, and such a treasured part of our transition opportunities.

Red Ball Tennis - Tennis Qld Primary Schools Cup

Congratulations to our students who represented Brookfield State School on Monday and Tuesday at the Queensland Tennis Centre as part of the Tennis Queensland Primary Schools Cup. Our students played so well, and received many compliments from officials and other schools.

Overall results from Monday:

• Girls A Team – 1^st
• Girls B Team – 2^nd
• Boys Team – 2^nd

Well done!! What an epic result for our kids.  Huge thank you to Roanne and Darren from the Tennis Centre and also to Ari, in his role as Tennis Captain, for supporting our students there on court.

Year 6 Graduation Fundraising

We value the support of our school community in assisting our Year 6 students with their Graduation fundraising ventures. Two opportunities to show support in coming weeks include Music Bingo and Crazy Hair Day.

Maths Tournament - Monday 01 September

Mr Williams will accompany 4 teams of Brookfield Mathematicians to Fig Tree Pocket State School on Monday 01 September as they participate in the 2025 Maths Tournament.

The aims of the Maths Tournament are to: stimulate interest in mathematics; to provide an activity of intellectual fun in a scholarly atmosphere and to foster interest in creative problem solving.

Students compete in teams of 5 across two events - the TEAM event and the RELAY event. There is skill in team work as well as in the mathematical problem solving.

We wish all the best to our students who are participating. 

Year 6 Team Members: Ashden F, Michael J, Ettie K, Vicky A, Hugo W, Dylan W, Soshiant E, Ari L, Ewan W, Seb N.

Year 5 Team Members: Declan R, Elena B, Castiel K, Zach H, Emily W, Tertius W, Fletcher O, Will D, Shaurya M, George J

Leadership Lounge

We are getting excited! It is almost time for the launch of Leadership Lounge with our Year 5 students. This is a great opportunity for our young leaders to begin to prepare for their potential leadership roles in Year 6. Over coming weeks, more information will be shared with students and families.

From the Head of Curriculum - Lisa McKay

ICAS Assessments

This week we have the final ICAS assessment, with only four students left to complete the last test. The make-up assessment will take place on Friday morning at 9am in B Block. You will be notified when results become available. Certificates and detailed reports will also be distributed once all results have been finalised.

DIBELS - Dynamic Indicator of Basic Early Literacy Skills

Teachers are currently undertaking the DIBELS reading assessment with students (other than Year 1, due to the Phonics Check) to provide a clear picture of their early reading development. DIBELS is an evidence-based, norm-referenced assessment that enables teachers to identify any emerging reading difficulties at an early stage, allowing for timely and targeted support. The data collected helps to identify students who may benefit from intervention programs such as MiniLit or MacqLit. These decisions are always considered alongside teacher professional judgment, classroom performance, and student grades to ensure that support is accurately matched to individual learning needs. Teachers will communicate individual results and next steps with parents as appropriate.

Book Week 

Book Week was a wonderful celebration across our school last week, with students and staff alike embracing the joy of reading and creativity in their costumes. The Junior Parade was an enjoyable part of the day, and we are pleased to share some more photos of this event below.

From the Social Worker - Mrs D

Stepping away from the Friendship fire

Conflict between friends is inevitable and, in many ways, healthy. When kids are authentic, disagreements and flare-ups will happen. These moments are valuable opportunities to guide students in conflict resolution and emotional understanding.

But “friendship fires” are something else entirely.

What starts as a small flare-up can quickly become a full-blown firestorm — especially at school, where conflicts often escalate with each side pulling in friends to take their part, adding fuel and oxygen to the flames.

Kids get drawn into these conflicts for many reasons such as boredom, desire to belong, peer pressure and a strong sense of justice.

If we can teach children to step away from the fire rather than throw on more fuel—by not sending mean messages, avoiding taking sides, or spreading gossip—and instead, distracting others from meanness and choosing empathy, we could dramatically reduce the drama in many schools. Let’s encourage our children to choose kindness over chaos.

From the Inclusion Team

Supporting Students with Sensory Needs

Our senses help us understand and respond to the world around us. In addition to the five well-known senses—sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch—there are also three lesser-known ones:

• Vestibular (balance and movement)
• Proprioceptive (body awareness)
• Interoceptive (internal sensations like hunger, pain, and tiredness)

Every child experiences and responds to sensory input differently. For some, sensory differences can impact their ability to focus, learn, or participate in daily school activities. These students may need extra support to manage their sensory needs.

As part of our inclusive approach, we use a variety of strategies to support students with sensory differences. One of these is the use of fidget tools, which can help some children regulate their focus and emotions in the classroom. We will be speaking with students about using fidget tools respectfully, and we appreciate your support in promoting understanding and inclusion.

Fidget tools are just one option. We’re committed to working closely with families and teachers to find what works best for each child.

If you believe your child may benefit from sensory support, please speak with your child’s teacher before sending any equipment to school. This helps us create a well-planned approach that supports your child while maintaining a productive learning environment for everyone.

Some strategies can benefit all students, but children with more specific sensory needs may require personalised supports to fully engage in school life.

If you would like any further information or assistance please contact your class teacher, the Inclusion Team or you can read further on the Department’s website: https://intranet.qed.qld.gov.au/Students/LearningandDisabilitySupport/therapy-and-nursing-services/Pages/supporting-students-with-sensory-needs.aspx

Music News

Joining Generations Concert

Wow – what a fabulous morning we had at our Joining Generations concert and morning tea and what a wonderful community we have here at Brookfield. Our students put on a great show, with many groups performing different pieces from the midyear concert that was held just 5 weeks ago – an amazing effort! The glowing feedback from guests has been overwhelming. One group from a local retirement facility has decided that they want to attend this event every week. (They had to be let down gently and told we only hold it once a year!)

Huge (huge!) thanks go to our army of parent and student helpers. I can’t mention them all because I know that I will miss someone out. We had table setters, coffee makers, tea pourers, cake cutters, teacup washers, platter bearers, biscuit makers, flower arrangers and water carriers. Of course, overseeing it all was the amazing Julia (mum of Ebony). Thank you to Julia for putting your hand up as coordinator. We couldn’t have done it without you.

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Instrumental Program 2026

In the next week, parents of Year 2 and 3 students will receive information via email on how to apply for a position in our 2026 Instrumental Program for their child. We are also holding a Parent Information session on Tuesday 9 September, in tandem with our Parent Teacher Interviews. This is a great opportunity for parents to hear how the program is structured, how students are selected to participate and also to meet our Music staff. The evening starts at 6pm in E Block Instrumental Room (beside the library) and we would like to encourage all interested parents to attend. In the meantime, keep an eye on your email inbox for more information coming soon.

Strings Program News

Senior String Ensemble

Senior Strings performed admirably at Tuesday's Joining Generations concert - well done! We are now starting a pop song that we hope to perform at the end of year concert. 

Junior String Ensemble

Our youngest players are learning how to play notes on their A strings, which allows us to play many famous melodies. Last week we worked on learning a version of "Twinkle, Twinkle". They are also preparing for a Junior Assembly performance, and an upcoming excursion to perform for our local kindy. Keep practicing - aim to play a little bit every day! 

Selection for 2026

Parents of interested Year 2 students, keep your eyes open for information coming next week of how students can apply to try out for next year's strings program! 

Mrs. Ellen Harle
String Teacher
mehar0@eq.edu.au

Band Program News

Senior Band

Our final rehearsal for Tuesday's Joining Generations concert was on Tuesday 26^th August, at 8.00 am . All students performed well. We are now working towards our end of year concert.

Junior Band

We are progressing well on our 3 pieces. Please bring your instruments for lessons and rehearsal next week, so we can keep progressing as a whole group. Everyone has a role to play.

Mr Damon Lougheed
Band Teacher
dloug4@eq.edu.au

Library News

Author / Illustrator Visit – Alison Lester

The amazing Alison Lester came to our school last week from Victoria to spend wonderful workshop sessions with some of our Yr 2-4 students. They created beautiful illustrations and writing to result in a big book about endangered animals and a mural for our school. Thanks so much, Alison, we loved having you!  https://alisonlester.com/ 

Premier’s Reading Challenge is Now Finished.

All yellow Reading Record forms should be at the office. Thank you for your support of your child’s reading through this meaningful recognition and reward of their wonderful reading efforts! 

Kenmore SHS Year 6 Uniform Fittings

A reminder that Kenmore SHS will be holding uniform fittings on Wednesday 26 November 2025.

Please note that some bookings have already been made — the earliest available time is now 11:45am – 12:00pm and the last is 1:00pm – 1:15pm.

Fittings are scheduled in 15-minute intervals, and spaces are limited.

To secure your spot, please contact the Brookfield SS office to make a booking.

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.