Brookfield Banter 17/09/25

From the Principal - Leanne Duncan

Reflecting on Term 3 – Celebrations of Growth, Learning, and Community

As Term 3 draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on the incredible growth and learning we have shared together. This term has been filled with opportunities for Brookie students to connect, celebrate, learn and grow!

Learning and Growing Together

Across every classroom, students have been developing new skills, deepening their understanding, and discovering who they are and how they learn! Parent–teacher interviews earlier this term provided a valuable opportunity to celebrate student progress and discuss the next steps for learning. In Year 4, students experienced the excitement of camp, building confidence, independence, and teamwork in a supportive environment.

Creativity, Sport, and Play

Our playgrounds and classrooms have been buzzing with achievements — from small wins in literacy and numeracy to big moments in sport and music. Our students have represented our school with pride, teamwork, and sportsmanship, and our music program has been nothing short of inspiring, linking with our local senior citizens concert and preparing for Grandparents Day performances.

Special Events and Experiences

This term we launched our Little Brookies Playgroup, welcoming our youngest community members for a morning of play, learning, and connection. Our Year 5 and 6 students hosted a STEM Fair this week, inspiring younger students with their creativity and problem-solving skills. Our Prep students also enjoyed visits from local kindergartens, helping make their transition to school a joyful one.

Book Week was another highlight, with students (and staff!) dressing up as their favourite characters and celebrating the joy of reading. We were also lucky to host author visits and incursions that encouraged students to see themselves as readers and writers.

As we head into the final term of the year, thank you to an absolutely wonderful staff, our supportive families, and our community partnerships that support our students to thrive!

Last week at Brookies Little Learners Play Group

🚜🐄 A Day on the Farm at Playgroup 🐑🌾

Thank you to all the friends who joined us at Brookie’s Little Learners playgroup today! We went off on a farm adventure, starting with the beautiful story My Farm by the wonderful author Alison Lester.

Our activities brought the farm to life:
✨ Playdough with animals – little hands got busy creating and imagining while building strength for early writing.
✨ Drawing cave – a cosy spot for creativity and practising those fine motor and hand–eye coordination skills.
✨ Animal footprint painting – messy, sensory fun while learning about patterns and the animals who make them.
✨ Duplo blocks – encouraging problem-solving and sharing as children built their own farm worlds.
✨ Home corner play – exploring caring roles, family routines, and social play with friends.

We finished off our morning together with a favourite – the Old MacDonald Had a Farm finger play 🎶 The smiles, singing, and actions were a perfect way to end our farm adventure.

All of these experiences connect with the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF) – children were:

• Building identity as they expressed themselves through play and imagination.
• Developing wellbeing by moving, creating, and enjoying sensory activities.
• Growing as confident learners as they experimented, problem-solved, and discovered.
• Communicating through songs, stories, and playful conversations with friends.

Playgroup is always such a special time to learn, play, and connect together. We can’t wait to see you all next week for another adventure 💛

This Week at Brookies Little Learners Play Group

It's not too late to join us on Thursday 18 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.

There will be no Play Groups over the school holidays. The QR code will become active closer to the start of Term 4. We look forward to seeing all of our friends back here for some fun and learning!

Spring is Here – Watch Out for Snakes!

As the weather warms up snakes become more active. Please watch where you are walking and stay on walkways where possible. They are out and about!

Snake Bite First Aid Kit Locations

Staff/Adult toilet blocks - Hall, near CPA2, near CPA3, Office, Helping Hands (OSHC)

Community Calendar - Term 4

The Term 4 Community Calendar will be emailed to families by the end of this week.

From the Deputy Principal - Leah Cathcart

PBL: Positive Behaviour for Learning

PBL Focus of the Week – Gratitude

Gratitude means noticing the good things in our lives and saying thank you for them. It’s about being thankful for people, things, and moments that make our lives better.

Across the school, students will explore what gratitude looks like, sounds like, and feels like. They will reflect on the people, places, and experiences they are thankful for and practise showing gratitude through their words and actions.

Classes will be creating “Gratitude Walls” and thank-you notes, as well as taking part in journaling and discussions about how we can show appreciation in our everyday lives.

At BSS, we connect gratitude with our Mission: Belong, Strive, Succeed. When we practise gratitude, we:

🤝 Belong – by recognising and appreciating others
📚 Strive – by valuing the learning opportunities we are given
🌟 Succeed – by building positive relationships that help us grow

Gratitude also strengthens our Values of being Respectful, Responsible and Safe. We show gratitude by respecting others, taking responsibility for our actions, and creating safe, caring spaces where everyone feels valued.

Success Criteria – How will you become successful at understanding what GRATITUDE is?

I will be successful when:

✅ I can explain what gratitude is in my own words.

✅ I can think of people or things I am grateful for.

✅ I can show gratitude through my words and actions.

✅ I can connect gratitude with our BSS Mission: Belong, Strive, Succeed.

✅ I can demonstrate gratitude with our BSS Values: Respectful, Responsible, Safe.

Together, let’s focus on gratitude this week and grow a culture of thankfulness and kindness at BSS.

💡 Family Conversation Starter

This week, we invite families to share in our PBL focus on Gratitude. At home, try asking your child:

• Who are you grateful for today?
• What is something you were thankful for this week?
• How can we show gratitude together at home or in our community?

These simple conversations help children practise gratitude in everyday life and strengthen our BSS Mission of Belong, Strive, Succeed.

Junior School Grandparent’s Day

What a joy it was to welcome so many grandparents and family members into our Junior School last Friday! The morning was filled with smiles, music, and special moments as our Prep–Year 2 students proudly shared their learning and performed for their loved ones.

A heartfelt thank you to:

🍎 Our dedicated teaching staff, who opened their classrooms and prepared meaningful activities for students to share with their grandparents.

🎶 Our talented Instrumental Music specialists, who supported the Junior Choir, Strings Ensemble, and Band in rehearsing and performing so beautifully.

🎤 Our inspiring Music Captains, who did a wonderful job welcoming guests and presenting throughout the performances.

☕🍪 The caring team from Helping Hands, who provided a delicious morning tea spread that our visitors so enjoyed.

👵👴 And most importantly, the many grandparents and family members who made the time to join us – your presence made the day truly special.

Grandparents’ Day continues to be one of the highlights of our school year, and it would not be possible without the efforts and support of our whole community. 🌟

Ready-Set-Prep 2026

We’re excited to welcome our 2026 Prep families with a range of activities to support a smooth and confident start to school life!

What’s coming up:

🌿 Prep visit to Brookfield EEC
🧑‍🏫 Staff visits to Kindy/Early Ed Centres
🎨 Stay & Play Mondays – Oct 13, 20, 27 & Nov 3, 10
🗣️ Chatting Children Fridays – Oct 17, 24, 31 & Nov 7, 14
👕 Uniform fittings – Term 4 (bookings via email)
🤝 Meet & Greet interviews – Nov 21 & 22
📬 Welcome Packs – December

Stay connected:

👍 Like the BSS & BSS P&C Facebook Pages
📑 Share your child’s Kindy Transition Statement
📩 Check emails for date claimers, updates & booking links

We look forward to partnering with you and your family on this exciting journey to Prep 2026!

From the Deputy Principal - Katie Lewis

Orange and Green Ball Tennis Teams

Congratulations to the following students who have been selected to represent our school at the upcoming Met West Competitions in October. Our Orange Ball Teams will play on Monday 13 October, and our Green Ball Teams will compete on Tuesday 14 October.  Once again, a huge shout out to Roanne and John Lemmon-Warde for their support of the tennis program at our school.

Orange Ball Team: Sebastian J, Fletcher O, Myles S, Freddie S, Declan R, Jack Mc, Will B

Green Ball Team: Arlo U, Ari L, Harper T, Victoria A, Will M, Dylan W, Oscar P, Soshiant E

Student Council Meeting

Last week, we held our Student Council Meeting on the topic of "Facilities and Resources". Class representatives shared their:

✨GLOWS - positive observations and reflections

GROWS - suggestions for improvement

I have worked with our School Captains to summarise the GLOWS & GROWS with three items to raise at the P&C Meeting:

Books - requests for more books in our library (they have genres and authors identified)

Bubblers - requests for clean, chilled water and bubblers at a height students can easily access

Outdoor Learning Environments - to be developed for use by our teachers and students

We look forward to sharing our Student's Voice and feeding back the outcome.

Leadership Lounge - Year 5 Students

We are very excited LAUNCH our Leadership Lounge in Week 1 of Term 4 with two key events. Year 5 families will be emailed more information over the coming weeks to support students with their involvement in the Leadership Lounge journey.

Year 6 Year Book

Year 6 parents recently received an email about the Year 6 Year Book. 

A reminder of the action items required is outlined again here. Perhaps a perfect thing to get done while sports have wrapped up for the term/on holidays in the coming weeks!

👧👦 What does my child need to do?

• 🏫 Students will work on their Year Book Student Page (and Captain Page) in class during Weeks 1 and 2 of Term 4
• 📸 Students will need to have their photos ready to insert on their page
• 💭 Students will need to consider what they’ll include on their page
• 🧑‍🏫 Teachers will provide time for completion of Year Book Student Page (and Captain Pages)
• 📂 Students will need to load their page/s into SharePoint for editing by Friday 17 October

👨‍👩‍👧 What do I need to do (as a parent)?

• 🤝 Help my child consider what photos they want to include in their Year Book Student Page (and Captain Pages)
• 🖼️ You will see from the sample pages (in the email), that the number of photos (type, style, format) can vary
• 📧 Email photos to my child’s EQ email address by Tuesday 07 October (first day of Term 4)

Year 6 Musical

It is with much excitement that we announce the Year 6 students will be performing the “Let Loose” Musical in Term 4.  We are working towards Wednesday 03 December as the performance date, just awaiting a few essentials to be locked in before we confirm.  There will be a Matinee Performance during the day for the whole school to enjoy and an Evening Performance at night. These performances take place in our BSS Hall.

Students have been busily rehearsing for parts in this production and have been allocated their roles.

To prepare for the Musical during Term 4, along with our fabulous team of Year 6 teachers, we have arranged for Miss Anwyn to support students.  Anwyn runs her own theatre company and has worked at BSS this year in a Teacher Aide role, perfect skill set to support our kids be ready for their big day/night!

Musical preparations will primarily take place on Fridays in Term 4 as follows:

• ⌚Friday 8:00am (Music Room) with Mrs McMillan
• 🎤Chorus Rehearsal
• 🎶All Cast Members
• ⌚Friday 9:30am to 11:30am (Classrooms) with Miss Anwyn
• 🎬Scene Rehearsals
• 📅Rotation managed by Miss Anwyn

Thank you, parents, for supporting your children to attend this before school rehearsal each week on Friday.

Sundae Funday - Term 4 - SAVE THE DATE!

🍦The final fundraiser for the Year 6 Graduation Committee - we would love your support of this event.

Screen Sanity Parent Workshop

Is your family in need of a little screen-life balance? Overwhelmed by tech battles at home? Save the date for our Screen Sanity Workshop, a powerful, practical evening to help raise resilient kids in a digital world.

From the Head of Curriculum - Lisa McKay

Prep Outside Play – A Vital Part of Our Program

Outside play is an important part of our Prep program, providing students with rich opportunities to learn, explore and grow. Through a wide variety of activities, children develop essential skills that support both their social and academic learning.

Some of the key aims and advantages of our Outside Play sessions include:

• Craft and creativity – encouraging imagination and hands-on problem solving.

• Socialising and friendships – giving children the chance to connect with peers and practise positive relationships.

• Role play and modelling scenarios – helping students explore real-world situations in fun, engaging ways.

• Cohort connections – allowing children to get to know the wider Prep group beyond their own class.

• Gross motor development – building strength, balance and coordination through active play.

• Music and movement – supporting rhythm, self-expression and confidence.

• Puzzles and problem-solving – fostering persistence and critical thinking.

• Quiet nooks and drawing spaces – providing areas for reflection, relaxation and self-directed learning.
  

These experiences create a balanced environment where our students can thrive socially, emotionally and physically, while developing a love of learning through play.

Here are some photos from Outside Play this week, where the Preps were creating external features to support their Science unit this term.

Curriculum and Assessment Planning (CAAP) Days

At Brookfield, we value the importance of working together to ensure every child receives a high-quality learning experience. Our Curriculum and Assessment Planning (CAAP) Days provide teachers with dedicated time to collaborate, review curriculum, and plan meaningful assessments.

During these days, teachers:

• Align teaching programs with the Australian Curriculum V9

• Plan and review assessment tasks for validity and consistency

• Use student data to inform teaching and learning adjustments

• Collaborate as year-level teams to share strategies and resources

Every year level team has had their CAAP Day this term, and it has been a very productive and worthwhile process. These planning sessions help create consistency across classrooms, strengthen professional collaboration, and ensure that teaching and assessment are purposeful, engaging, and responsive to student needs. 

From the Social Worker - Mrs D

PAUSE and look for the GLITTER

Rebecca Sparrow writes about the importance of “looking for the glitter.” It’s always there, but we have to pay attention to notice it. Often, we need to slow down and consciously search for those sparkling moments in our day. With the school holidays beginning, I encourage you to reflect on the glitter moments from the past term—and also to seek out those special, glittering moments amidst the chaos of the holidays.

So, what was the glitter in YOUR day today?

What worked out? What brought you joy?

My glitter this week was having time for a nighttime run through the quiet streets! 

Ps some days my glitter is “we’re all healthy and home safely” said through gritted teeth! 

Over to you.

Office News

QParents Announcements

Thank you to everyone who took part in our recent poll about the new QParents Announcements feature. We’re delighted to share that 78% of families found it helpful!

Based on your feedback, we will continue using Announcements to keep you updated with excursion and incursion reminders, as well as other important school information.

The Announcements feature allows us to share messages directly with class, year-level, and whole-school parent groups — making communication clearer and easier for everyone.

📲 Not on QParents yet? Sign up today and stay connected!

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

LOTE News

Oktoberfest is Germany’s largest folk festival and this year Brookfield SS will learn about its tradition in our very own Oktoberfest week in Term 4.

We are very fortunate that our application to the Growing Global Competence Fund, made available through the Department of Education International’s Global Competence Framework, was successful. The funding has made it possible to offer this Oktoberfest project to grow global competence within our school community by connecting the curriculum we teach in the German classroom with our wider school community.

Oktoberfest 2025 is Week 3, Term 4 at Brookfield SS.

• Tuesday 21 – German Food Day coordinated by the Tuckshop
• Wednesday 22 & Thursday 23 – German Dancing at break times & ‘Kinder’ kids’ colouring-in competition. 
• Friday 24 – German Oktoberfest activities for each year level
• Friday 24 - Family event Oktoberfest in the BSS Hall

The BSS family Oktoberfest event is gearing up to be loads of fun!

Supported by the BSS P&C, and attended by local VIPs, we encourage everyone to dress up and enjoy:

German food, drinks, LIVE GERMAN BAND, the Alpenrosen German bell ringing, German dances for everyone to join in … and more!

More details will be released in Term 4, but for now, here are a few items to consider:

• claim Friday 24 October in your calendar for Oktoberfest
• pre-purchase your tickets with the QR code in the P&C information
• plan your outfit: check out the high quality traditional German clothing from our kind supporter Schnucki Dirndl and Lederhosen (located in East Brisbane) or get creative and make your own

We are very grateful to host a wonderful event such as Oktoberfest, so do come and join in the fun.

If you would like to volunteer to help (set up, pack down, or on the night), please reach out to your P&C team PandC@brookfieldss.eq.edu.au or to Frau Raben lcrab10@eq.edu.au

Instrumental Music News

Happy Holidays to our Instrumental Students

As Term 3 draws to a close, we’d like to extend our warmest wishes to all our Instrumental students. You’ve worked so hard this term, filling our school with music and joy.

We hope you have a well-deserved break — may it be filled with rest, fun, and a little extra time to play the tunes you love. 🎵

We look forward to welcoming you back refreshed and ready for another exciting term of music-making in Term 4!

Damon Lougheed & Ellen Harle

P&C News

Oktoberfest 2025

Tickets are NOW OPEN for this fabulous upcoming event presented by the P&C in partnership with BSS. 

📍 School Hall | 🗓️ Friday 24 Oct | 🕔 5–8:30pm

Join us for a night of festive fun with traditional German food & drinks, live music, games, raffle prizes and more! Dress up in your best lederhosen or dirndls – kids too!

🎟️ Tickets: Eventbrite Link or via QR code on the poster.

🍻 Prost to good times & community spirit!

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.