Brookfield Banter 10/09/25

From the Principal - Leanne Duncan

Brookie's Little Learners Playgroup

It's not too late to join us on Thursday 11 September! Just let us know your child/ren's age by clicking the link below!  Brookie's Little Learners also has an email address for any general enquiries you may have. Please note that this mailbox is not monitored daily, however certainly during the week.

📧Email:  playgroup@brookfieldss.eq.edu.au 
🍃Playgroup starts at 9am - 9:45am in B Block and is facilitated by Mrs Linzi Hogg

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.

🚗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.

State Achievement - Congratulations to Mia and Sam!

A huge congratulations to our two outstanding young athletes, Sam and Mia, who proudly represented our school at the State Cross Country Championships. Against the very best in Queensland, they pushed themselves to the limit and came away with silver medals – a superb achievement!

Their efforts paid off on the day, and we could not be prouder of the way they ran with determination and represented our community with pride. To place on the state podium is no small feat!  Well done champions – you’ve inspired all of us!

School Crossing Safety Message

Since January 2023, we have had a supervised school crossing zone on Brookfield Road. Recently, there has been reports that students in our Brookfield State School uniform are crossing the road in unsafe places to be picked up. Please support our community and students to demonstrate safe behaviours when crossing the road. Wait for the crossing supervisor’s signal before stepping onto the road and remind children to walk—not run—across.

Together, we can keep our students safe.

Important Information for Families

The Queensland Department of Education are talking about changes on the way for how young Australian use social media. From December media platforms will restrict access for users under 16.

eSafety Commissioner has all the info you need to understand these changes and how to get your family ready. 👇
🔗 To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/4oXnLZc 

From the Deputy Principal - Leah Cathcart

PBL: Positive Behaviour for Learning

PBL Focus of the Week – End of Term Reflections and Celebrations

This week, our focus for Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) at Brookfield State School was on End of Term Reflections and Celebrations.

In our classes, students reflected on how they demonstrate our school mission to Belong, Strive, and Succeed at BSS. They shared the many ways they had worked towards these values during the term – from building friendships and showing kindness, to working hard towards learning goals and celebrating achievements.

Students also reflected on times when they have been Respectful, Responsible and Safe, sharing examples with classmates of how they demonstrate our BSS values each day.

This week we also conducted our 3rd Class Meeting. The focus was on Resources (classroom readers, library books etc.) and Facilities (music room, outdoor learning areas etc.).

• Prep–Year 2 classes:

• Completed their Glows and Grows
• School Captains collected forms and will share this feedback at the Student Council Meeting

• Years 3–6 classes:

• Completed their Glows and Grows
• Teachers identified two student representatives
• Representatives will share class feedback at the Student Council Meeting

During these discussions, classes worked through the ‘Have Your Say’ template by identifying:

• Glows: Positive aspects, strengths, and things students enjoy and look forward to
• Grows: Areas for improvement, experiences to explore further, or things to work on

All of our ideas will be taken to the Student Council to:

• Enable Student Voice
• Strengthen Student Connections
• Enhance Student Leadership

Our Term 3 Student Council Meeting will be held on Friday 19 September at 11.45am, with representatives from Years 3–6 and our School Captains in attendance. Captains will also share the Prep–2 Glows and Grows feedback.

Junior School Grandparent’s Day

🌟 Prep – Year 2 Families – Only 2 More Sleeps! 🌟

Junior School Grandparents’ Day
📅 Friday 12 September 2025
⏰ 9:00 – 11:00am
👵👴 Grandparents of Prep – Year 2 students

Our students are bursting with excitement as we get ready to welcome grandparents to this very special celebration of love, wisdom, and support. 💛

Morning Program

🏫Classroom visits – sharing learning and special activities
🎶 Performances in the Hall – Junior Choir, Junior Strings Ensemble, Junior Band & Prep–Year 2 students
☕🍪 Light refreshments for grandparents

Practical Reminders for Families

✔️ Please let your child’s grandparents/visitors know which class they are visiting.
✔️ Our School Captains will be at the front entrance near the administration building to welcome visitors and guide them to classrooms.
✔️ For smoother access and parking, please encourage visitors to arrive after 8:50am.

We can’t wait to see our Prep–2 classrooms filled with smiles and to celebrate our wonderful grandparents together! 🌟

Ready-Set-Prep 2026!

We are excited to share the wonderful opportunities planned for our Ready, Set, Prep Transition Program in Term 4. These activities are designed to support your child’s smooth and confident start to school life.

📧 Please keep an eye on your emails throughout Term 4 for lots of updates and invitations. Each Stay & Play Monday and Chatting Children Friday event will be shared with you along with a booking link to RSVP. In addition, bookings for Uniform Shop Fittings and Meet & Greet Interviews will be emailed for you to choose a specific appointment date and time for you and your child.

Here’s what’s coming up:

🌿 Prep classes visit Brookfield EEC

🧑‍🏫Team members visiting your child’s Kindy or Early Education Centre during Term 4

🎨 Stay & Play Mondays – play-based sessions for children – Term 4 check email for booking details – October 13/20/27 & November 3/10

🗣️ Chatting Children Fridays – fun sessions focused on communication – Term 4 check email for booking details – October 17/24/31 & November 7/14

👕 Uniform Shop fittings to get ready for 2026 – Term 4 dates and booking platform to be emailed

🤝 Meet & Greet one-on-one interviews with teachers – 21/22 November 2025

📬 Welcome Packs arriving in the mail from your child’s teacher – December 2025

What else can you do to stay informed and updated?

👍 Like the BSS Facebook Page

👍 Like the BSS P&C Facebook Page

📑 Share your child’s Kindy Transition Statement with us

📩Check your email for date claimers, booking links and information updates

We look forward to partnering with you and your family as we prepare your child for this exciting next step in their learning journey.

From the Deputy Principal - Katie Lewis

R U OK? - Thursday 11 September

Our National Day of Action, R U OK?Day, is the second Thursday in September each year but we know that life happens every day which is why we encourage everyone to Ask R U OK? Any Day.

R U OK? releases new and updated resources including posters, conversation resources, presentation decks, digital assets and activity templates. All of these are free to download from www.ruok.org.au.

We will acknowledge RU OK? Day tomorrow Thursday 11 September here at Brookfield State School.

Year 4 Camp - Monday 15 and Tuesday 16 September

Year 4 students are excited to attend the Year 4 Camp at the Runaway Bay Sport and Leadership Excellence Centre (RBSLEC) from Monday 15 to Tuesday 16 September.  The camp helps to build friendship, teamwork and leadership skills. Students will engage in a range of activities including archery, stand up paddle boarding and team-building activities.  Evening activities will include a DJ/Disco night.

📅 Monday 15 to Tuesday 16 September, 2025

🚌 Monday: 8:00am for an 8:30am departure from school

🚌Tuesday: 2:30pm return to school

🏫 Runaway Bay Sport and Leadership Excellence Centre (RBSLEC)

👕 Packing List below:

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) - Year 3 in 2026

Students in Year 3 have the option of being involved in our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program.  Year 2 families have been sent an email this week with additional information and related documents. 

What is the BYOD Program?

At Brookfield, students are invited to participate in the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program from Year 3 onwards. This is optional for parents to engage with, and we also have school devices in each classroom for students to access if required. We have sent our BYOD Parent Information for Year 3 2026 to support parents with more information around the overview of the BYOD Program along with the finer details related to the devices we encourage and support for student use.  Further information on how students are encouraged to use the device, along with school parameters can be found on our website. 

How/Where/When Do I Purchase a Device?

To assist with purchase of a device, we have again worked with JB HiFi to create a purchasing portal for parents to access if they choose to do so.  This portal includes two devices with related accessories for purchase, along with warranty and insurance options. 

If you wish to purchase your child’s device through the JB HiFi Portal, please visit this link: Education - JB Hi-Fi Education and enter the code: Brookfield2025. If you are intending to buy your child a device, we encourage you to place your order early, due to potential device shortages. 

Which Device Do I Purchase?

Many parents take up the JB HiFi option, and some choose to arrange their own purchase. Either way is fine, as long as the device meets our specifications:

Minimum Specifications:

• Operating System: Windows 11 Home/Pro
• Processor: Ryzen 3 or Intel i3
• Memory: 8gb RAM
• Storage: 128gb SSD
• Screen size: 13”

Preferred Specifications (longevity):

• Operating System: Windows 11 Home/Pro
• Processor: Ryzen 5 or Intel i5
• Memory: 16gb RAM
• Storage: 256gb SSD
• Screen size: 13"

Crazy Hair Day - Thursday 18 September

🪮Get your goodies sorted this weekend for some fun and crazy hair styles next week!

💰Don't forget to also grab some gold coins from the money box to bring along.

🙏Year 6 are grateful for the support of their fundraiser.

From the Head of Curriculum - Lisa McKay

Staff Twilight Meeting – Focus on Reading

Last week, our teaching staff came together for a twilight meeting to reflect on and strengthen our shared approach to the teaching of reading. The session focused on the evidence-based practices we are using across the school to ensure every student develops strong literacy skills.

Together, we reviewed the key areas that underpin our reading program, including:

• Developing vocabulary and fluency

• Systematic phonics and spelling instruction

• Monitoring reading progress and providing targeted, evidence-based intervention

• Enhancing comprehension

• Strengthening explicit instruction 

• Building engagement between school and community
  

These discussions reaffirmed our collective commitment to a consistent and research-informed approach to teaching reading, supporting all students on their learning journey.

E-Scooter and E-Bike Safety

E-scooters, e-skateboards, and solo wheels have a separate set of rules to e-bikes. Here in Queensland, riders of legal e-bikes must follow the same rules as standard bicycles.

E-scooters rules

To ensure you and your child know the rules to stay as safe as possible when using e-scooters or e-skateboards, visit StreetSmarts Qld for a quick and easy to understand listing of the rules and fines. Most importantly, remember:

• Only those aged 16+ can ride e-scooters and e-skateboards unsupervised.
• Helmets must be worn with the straps properly fastened (bicycle or motorcycle helmets) and bells fitted for devices with handlebars.
• No passengers/doubling – only one person riding an e-scooter.
• Speed limit of 12km/h on footpaths and shared paths.
• Serious fines may apply to riders, and parents, if caught breaking the rules.

StreetSmartsQld also features educational videos and other helpful safety tips for riding e-scooters and e-skateboards.

E-bike rules

Beware that some e-bikes are illegal. In order to legally ride an e-bike on public roads and footpaths, it must comply with the following:

There has been a huge increase in devices that are thought to be e-bikes but are in fact illegal motorbikes. They are banned from use and riders (or parents) can face significant penalties totalling more than $1,640.

You can’t ride your device on a path or road if it has any of these:

Already have one of these devices in your home, or considering buying one? Visit Electric Bikes | StreetSmarts - Queensland Government to find out more about the rules for legal devices as well as the rules for riding.

From the Social Worker - Mrs D

Taking Care of Yourself Matters Too

The change of season, especially spring, is a time for reflection and renewal. With winter behind us and the sun shining brighter, it’s the perfect opportunity to think about how we can do things better and embrace fresh possibilities.

As parents, it’s easy to put everyone else’s needs first — from school lunches to bedtime routines, your focus is always on your children. But your mental health is just as important as theirs. When you take care of yourself, you’re not only improving your own well-being, but you’re also modelling healthy habits for your kids.

Even small actions can make a big difference. Try carving out a few minutes each day for something you enjoy, whether it’s reading, going for a walk, or simply taking a few deep breaths. Reach out to friends or family when you need support, and don’t hesitate to seek professional help if stress or anxiety feels overwhelming.

Remember, looking after yourself isn’t selfish — it’s essential. A calmer, happier parent creates a calmer, happier home. Your well-being matters, and your children benefit when you thrive.

Music News

Instrumental Program 2026

All Year 2 and 3 families have received an email with information and a link for submitting an Expression of Interest to have their child join either our Strings or Band Program in 2026. Thank you to all the parents who attended our information session last night. The EOI submissions are due back by this Friday, September 12. If you did not receive your email and link, and would like to submit an EOI, please contact Melissa McMillan (Yr3 for Band in 2026 – mmcmi10@eq.edu.au) or Ellen Harle (Yr 2 for Strings in 2026 – mehar0@eq.edu.au) to be sent this information.

No Intermediate Choir next week.

With our Year 4 students heading off to camp on Monday. There will be no Intermediate Choir rehearsal for all students. Rehearsals start back on Monday Oct 13 (Week 2 - The King’s Birthday public holiday is Monday Oct 6.)

Band Program News

Senior Band

Our final rehearsal for Third term next week16.9.25 at 8:00 am. All students are performing well. We are now working towards our end of year concert so keep the practise going and let's have 100% attendance next week.

Junior Band

We are progressing well on our 3 pieces and are looking forward to our first performance at Grandparents Day on Friday 12 September 2025. Please bring your instruments and music folders Thursday and Friday. Everyone has a role to play.

All the best.

Mr Damon Lougheed
Instrumental Music Instructor

Strings Program News

Junior String Ensemble

Today the Junior String Ensemble took a little walk down to the Brookfield Early Childhood centre to perform for the Kindy students there. They played very well, and the Kindy students recognised the songs we played! 

This Friday, they will be performing at Grandparents' Day, so please remember to bring your instruments and music on Friday! We will meet in the instrumental music room at 9:30am to set up and tune, then head to the hall to perform. At home this week, in honour of Grandparents' Day, try #80 in your Essential Elements books (on page 23).

Senior String Ensemble

Most of our Senior String Ensemble was away at Gala Day today, but the Grade 4 students enjoyed some quality time on their own. This week I ask students to continue working on "Teeth" and "High Seas Adventure".

Selection for 2026

Parents of interested Year 2 students, this Friday is the last day to complete the expression of interest form! You can follow this link to access the form. I will begin instrument testing early next term.

Thank you,
Mrs. Ellen Harle
Strings Teacher

Office News

New Blue Card Laws for Schools

Volunteer parent exemption

From 20 September 2025, parents volunteering for an activity their child participates in generally will not need a Blue Card. This exemption will be standardised across all child-related employment activities. It allows parents to continue to participate in activities with their children.

It will not apply to parents volunteering for activities not involving their own child; overnight excursions or camps; if their volunteering includes close personal contact with another child; or if the parent is a restricted person.

If you are a parent and have been relying on the volunteer parent exemption for any activities not covered by the new exemption rules, you must obtain a Blue Card that is linked to your organisation by 20 September 2025. If you do not, you will need to stop immediately and cannot resume until you do.

CLICK HERE to apply for a Volunteer Blue Card.

2026 Enrolment Data Collection Reminder

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 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

Library News

eBooks – Yr3-6

All year 3 - 6 students are registered to access State Schools digital library which includes over 80,000 eBooks, audiobooks, read-along books and magazines. The eBooks Digital Library is available 24/7 at home, at school, on a laptop or mobile device.  To access eBooks, students visit the Sora website or download the free Sora app on a mobile device, search for the school: Education Queensland, and log in using their department username (MIS ID). Parents can access more FAQs on eResource Services OnePortal page. Currently on the Sora homepage the featured books relate to R U OK? Day and Roald Dahl's birthday this week. Happy Reading!

5/6 at Moggill Creek

The 5/6 class have been busy as Moggill Creek Macroinvertebrate and Animal Detectives!

Maths with Prep B

This term Prep B have been learning about capacity in maths. They have been enjoying learning about what full, half and empty looks like.

Helping Hands News

Extra-Curricular Calendar - Term 3

Community News

Brookfield Tennis Centre

SEPTEMBER HOLIDAY CLINIC

During the first week of the SEPTEMBER school holidays coach Bruno will be hosting another fun Holiday Clinic. 

WHEN:

• Monday 22 September to Friday 26th September
• RED BALL 8am - 11am
• ORANGE BALL 8am - 11am 
• GREEN BALL / YELLOW BALL 2pm-5pm

WHO CAN ENROL:

• Registrations are open to current students of the Brookfield Tennis Centre first.  
• Given that numbers are limited, the registrations will be handled on a first come first serve basis via the online link.

Cost per child is $280.

Register Here

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.