Brookfield Banter 8/10/25

From the Principal - Leanne Duncan

Welcome Back to our final term of 2025!

Welcome back to our final term of the school year! We hope everyone enjoyed a restful break from school routine and found time to relax, recharge, and connect with family and friends. Term 4 is always an exciting and busy time in the school calendar, filled with celebrations of learning, end-of-year events, and opportunities to reflect on the growth and achievements of our students.

Over the coming weeks, our focus will be on consolidating learning, setting students up for a strong finish to the year, and preparing for the transition into their next stage of schooling. As we welcome our incoming 2026 Prep students through our transition program starting next week, we’re also walking alongside our Year 6 students as they create their final Primary School memories before beginning their high school journey.

There are many highlights ahead — for all of our Brookie students, from swimming lessons, swimming carnival, excursions, Yr 6 Canberra trip, music concerts, and graduation events to name a few! We encourage families to stay up to date through the BANTER newsletters, class communications, and the school calendar, as Term 4 always moves quickly! 

We are looking forward to our P&C's first Oktoberfest family event alongside Frau Raben's, Oktoberfest food day and activities made possible by the Global Grant! Thank you for your continued partnership and support. Together, we’ll make this final term one of celebration, learning, and lasting memories. 

Here’s to a fantastic Term 4! 🌟

Brookies Little Learners Playgroup Recommences - 16 October!

Do you have a Playgroup question?

Feel free to email playgroup@brookfieldss.eq.edu.au if you have any questions! Please note that this mailbox is not monitored daily, however certainly during the week. 

Community Calendar - Term 4

From the Deputy Principal - Leah Cathcart

PBL: Positive Behaviour for Learning

PBL Focus: Road Safety – Crossing the Road on the Way to and From School

How can we keep ourselves and others safe when crossing the road on the way to and from school?

This week, our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) focus reminds us to stay safe around roads and crossings. We’re learning how to make smart choices when walking to and from school — especially when there isn’t a crossing supervisor or pedestrian lights.

💛 Belong: We care for ourselves and others by being safe around roads.

💪 Strive: We learn and practise the rules to make safe choices.

🏆 Succeed: We share our safety messages to help keep our whole community safe.

PREP

Learning Intention:

I can show how to cross the road safely.

Success Criteria:

• I stop, look, listen and think before crossing.
• I hold an adult’s hand when near roads.

Key Teaching Point:

🚸 “When there’s no crossing, we only cross with an adult, at a safe, clear place where we can see both ways.”

YEAR 1 and 2

Learning Intention:

I can explain and practise safe road crossing behaviours.

Success Criteria:

• I can say the steps for safe crossing.
• I know what to do if there is no pedestrian crossing.

Key Teaching Point:

🚦 “If there’s no crossing, choose a safe place where you can see clearly, wait until it’s safe, and cross quickly and straight across.”

YEAR 3 and 4

Learning Intention:

I can identify risks and explain strategies for safe road crossing.

Success Criteria:

• I can describe why some crossing places are unsafe.
• I can demonstrate the correct way to cross when there is no crossing.

Key Teaching Point:

🚲 “If there’s no crossing, avoid bends, hills, and parked cars. Stop back from the kerb, wait until it’s clear, and keep looking and listening as you cross.”

YEAR 5 and 6

Learning Intention:

I can evaluate risks and promote safe strategies for road crossing in my community.

Success Criteria:

• I can explain what makes a road crossing unsafe.
• I can model safe road crossing behaviour and teach it to others.
• I can create a message to share with the community.

Key Teaching Point:

🚌 “When no crossing is available, assess the environment: choose a straight, visible spot away from traffic hazards and parked cars, wait until both directions are clear, and keep alert while crossing.”

How to cross safely instructions STOP, LOOK, LISTEN, THINK

🚸 PBL Focus: Road Safety – Helping Your Child Learn to Cross the Road Safely

This week’s PBL focus reminds us that being safe around roads helps us to Belong, Strive and Succeed. Families play an important role in teaching and modelling safe behaviours every day.

Work through these important safety tips with your child to help them learn how to cross the road safely:

👣 Walk safely – Always use the footpath or grass verge rather than the road.

🧍‍♂️ Stay on the safe side – When walking on the footpath, an adult should be between the road and the child to keep them as far from traffic as possible.

🤝 Hold hands – Children should hold an adult’s hand when walking near roads or crossing the street.

🛑 Stop, Look, Listen, Think – Before crossing, always stop at the edge, look both ways, listen for traffic, and think before stepping out.

🚦 Use crossings when possible – Cross at pedestrian crossings, traffic lights, or zebra crossings, and always wait for cars to come to a complete stop before crossing.

➡️ No crossing available? – Choose a straight section of road with a clear view in both directions, and only cross when it’s safe.

🚗 Avoid hidden dangers – Never cross between parked cars or call your child over from the opposite side of the street. Always meet them and cross together safely.

🚶‍♀️ Walk, don’t run – Always walk sensibly and stay calm while crossing.

🎧📱 Stay alert – Take out headphones and put down devices. Keep full attention on the road and traffic around you.

Together, we can help our children build safe habits that last a lifetime! 💛

Ready-Set-Prep 2026

We are looking forward to welcoming our kindy friends and parents as they join us for two exciting Ready-Set-Prep 2026 events!

👋 Monday 13 October – “Stay & Play” (9:00–9:30am)

Where: Junior Playground
On arrival, please enter via the main entrance near the office.

• Follow the coloured arrows to the junior playground to sign in, meet our staff and the Year 4 Buddies of 2026.
• Children are encouraged to wear a hat and bring a small snack to enjoy in the Prep Shed.
• “Stay & Play” dates: 13, 20, 27 October; 3, 10 November

👉 Please Click Here to indicate your attendance at next week’s sessions.

🗣️ Friday 17 October – “Chatting Children” (9:00–9:30am)

Where: CPA2 Undercover Play Area & Prep Classroom
On arrival, please enter via the main entrance near the office.

• Follow the coloured arrows to the undercover play area (in front of the tuckshop) to sign in, meet our staff and the Year 4 Buddies of 2026.
• “Chatting Children” dates: 17, 24, 31 October; 7, 14 November

👉 Please Click Here to indicate your attendance at next week’s sessions.

We can’t wait to begin this exciting journey as our future Preppies take their first steps into big school life!

What’s coming up:

🌿 Prep C visit to Brookfield EEC (date tbc)
🧑‍🏫 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 welcoming our 2026 students and families next week!

From the Deputy Principal - Katie Lewis

Screen Sanity - Parent Presentation

We look forward to welcoming parents to our upcoming Parent Presentation focused around use of digital technologies and supports for families in this space.

The session is being presented by Mackenzie Forrester from Screen Sanity at 6pm on Tuesday 28 October.  This will either take place in the Hall or B Block (pending numbers).

To register your interest, please use the QR code below.

Leadership Lounge - Launched!

We were excited to LAUNCH Leadership Lounge on Tuesday this week with our introductory session. Students in Year 5 were highly engaged in hearing what is ahead for them as they begin their Leadership Journey. 

The next session will take place on Friday at 2pm with our current Student Captains sharing an overview of their role and opening the floor for a Q&A Session with our Year 5 students.

Year 5 families will have received an email with further information.

Good Luck - Table Tennis and Tennis Players

All Schools Table Tennis - Friday 10 October

Good luck to our 15 Brookie students who will represent our school at the Queensland All Schools Table Tennis Championships this Friday. We can't wait to hear the results after the tournament.

Students participating include: David C, George J, Arlo L, Ari L, Will M, Seb N, Hamish P, Bodhi S, Alfred S, Boston T, Harper T, Arlo U, Azta U, Owen W, Tom D.

Orange Ball and Green Ball Tennis - Monday 13 and Tuesday 14 October

Good luck to our Brookie students representing our school at the Tennis Queensland Primary Schools Cup Orange and Green Ball events on Monday and Tuesday next week respectively. Students will be supported by staff from the Brookfield Tennis Centre, and we are, as always, grateful for this support.

Students participating include:

ORANGE BALL: Will B, Seb J, Jack M, Fletcher O, Declan R, Myles S, Freddie S.

GREEN BALL: Victoria A, Soshiant E, Ari L, Will M, Oscar P, Harper T, Arlo U, Dylan W.

Year 6 Musical

Parents have been emailed the final Cast List and Costume Ideas for our Year 6 Musical.

Musical preparations will begin this week and carry on each Friday 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, and for supporting your child to learn their lines, and source their costumes.

Sundae Funday - ORDER NOW!

Thank you for your support of the final Year 6 Fundraiser for the year!

Senior Band Update

There will be NO SENIOR BAND on Tuesday 14 October as Mr Lougheed will be away.

From the Head of Curriculum - Lisa McKay

Welcome Back to Term 4

Welcome back to what promises to be an exciting and productive Term 4! It has been wonderful visiting classrooms and seeing students so engaged in their learning.

Term 4 is always a busy one, with a number of special events, assessments, and written reports being finalised towards the end of the term. By this stage of the year, students and teachers know each other well and have established strong routines, which helps make this term especially rewarding.

In English, teachers will be focusing on Close Reads. A Close Read typically takes place over two or more lessons and involves students exploring a text in depth, examining the author’s purpose, the language used, and the deeper meaning behind the text. This approach supports the development of strong comprehension skills and helps students become thoughtful, confident readers.

During a Close Read, students work closely with their teacher to:

• Orient themselves to the book or passage and discuss vocabulary

• Read sections together, identifying interesting words and phrases

• Analyse key questions about the text and author

• Revisit the text for fluency and understanding

• Discuss themes, messages, and important moments in the story

Close Reading is one of the many ways we help our students develop a love of reading and deepen their understanding of texts here at Brookfield.

Office News

New Blue Card Laws for Schools

Volunteer parent exemption

As of 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.

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

German News

Oktoberfest Week 2025

Coming up in Week 3 is our German Oktoberfest week at Brookfield SS.

We are looking forward to a celebration of German language and culture.

Here are the events planned for the week:

Tuesday 21 October – German Food Day coordinated by the Tuckshop – Flexi Schools - coming soon!

• Colouring-in comp (winners announced at 8pm on Friday 24 October)

Wednesday 22 & Thursday 23 October – German dancing at break times

Friday 24 October – German Oktoberfest activities for each year level

• 10:15-11:00am Prep & Year 1 Oktoberfest activity
• 11:45am-1:15pm Years 2&3 Oktoberfest activity
• 1:50-2:50pm Years 4-6 Oktober FESTIVITIES

Friday 24 October - family event Oktoberfest in the BSS Hall 5:00 - 8:30pm

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!

To plan your outfit for the event, get creative and make your own or check out the high quality traditional German clothing from our kind supporter Schnucki Dirndl and Lederhosen (located in East Brisbane) and their special discount code for the BSS community in their ad below.

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. 

Band Program News

Welcome back to Term 4! 

A reminder that there will be no band lessons with me next Tuesday 14 October. Normal lessons will recommence in week 3.

Strings Program News

Senior String Ensemble

After an interrupted term in term 3 we are all looking forward to a strong term 4! Please help students to arrive to rehearsal ready with instruments and music by 7:45am so we can do our best work together! This week I ask students to continue working on "Teeth" and "High Seas Adventure", we will start a new piece next rehearsal.

Junior String Ensemble

Our Junior Strings are preparing for assessment next week! We worked hard today so we are ready to play #64 D major scale and Twinkle, Twinkle (or Little Star in your folders, or Mozart Melody in your books - it is all the same piece!) next week.

Selection for 2026

I have spoken to all students who are registered to try out for the string program. Over the coming weeks we will participate in a listening test, and physical testing on all four orchestral string instruments - violin, viola, cello and double bass. This will be done over a few weeks before selection is finalised, and all families receive a letter. I look forward to getting to know these students better in the coming weeks.

Library News

ICT News

1^st Breaks Library Computer Lab - The library computer lab is open to students at lunchtime with rotational activities.

P- 3 Makerspace Lunchtimes

This week’s STEAM challenges include making paddle pop stick catapults, paper plane design and puppet design! Go Brookfield makers!

P&C News

Welcome back! We hope everyone had a wonderful and safe holiday and is ready for a big Term 4!  We have a few key dates and events coming up including: 

• 13 October: Sunday Fundae (Grade 6 Fundraiser)  
• Week of 20 October: German/Oktoberfest week, including German Food Day (21 October) and Oktoberfest (24 October)! 
• 10 December: Grade 6 Graduation

P&C Priorities

As part of continuing to inform the P&C work and priorities, we worked with the school leadership to incorporate student voice into our recent community survey process. A huge thanks to the students for participating and clearly highlighting their priorities which are:

1. New and more books for the school library 
2. New bubblers (that are lower and more environmentally friendly with shut off)
3. Outdoor learning spaces/environments 

These are being incorporated with school community survey so we can be clear about the P&C priorities for fundraising, events and the focus of our work. 

Oktoberfest 2025

Tickets are on sale now for this fabulous upcoming event presented by the P&C in partnership with BSS. 

We welcome all members of the Brookfield community to join in the festivities! Don’t miss out – Secure your tickets now, and invite your extended family, friends and neighbours to come too!  

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

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

Thanks to our Sponsor – Schnucki.com.au - The Brookfield School Community can enjoy a 10% discount on their traditional Bavarian costume (use the special code BSS025 at checkout)!   

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

🍻 Prost to good times & community spirit!

Thank You Corner

A thank you to all those involved in organising the amazing Music Bingo event last term! 

A thank you to Trish (P&C Sustainability Coordinator) who in addition to coordinating the very successful working bee earlier in the year, is now working on a project to update and replace the possum boxes around the school. She brings a positive attitude to everything she does and in addition to her sustainability role, is always the first to jump in and lend a hand at other P&C events! 

P&C Meetings

We are working to make P&C meetings more accessible, shorter and fun!  At our recent P&C meeting we discussed: 

• Ongoing work by the P&C Executive to improve systems, processes and transparency in relation to P&C work, IT and finances. 
• Ways to provide information to new families for 2026, including through the Prep Pack that gets sent to all families 
• The potential for a new cool room
• Upcoming Term 4 events, including Oktoberfest
• Installation of new possum boxes 

The next P&C meeting will be held on Tuesday 14 October at 7pm in B Block so please join us virtually or in person! 

Stay Connected and Get Involved

📣 Follow the Brookfield State School P&C page for all the latest updates:
👉 https://www.facebook.com/BrookfieldSSPandC

Have questions or ideas for the P&C? Have a special skill or some time and keen to contribute? We’d love to hear from you!

📧 pandc@brookfieldss.eq.edu.au

Thank you for your continued support! 

Tess, Amanda, Jill, David and Danette (P&C Executive Committee, Brookfield State School)

Helping Hands News

Extra-Curricular Calendar - Term 4

Community News

Rhee Tae Kwon-Do

Exciting news! Rhee Tae Kwon-Do is offering an exclusive 50% discount on October fees for Brookfield SS families! Don’t miss out on this amazing offer — simply scan the QR code on the flyer to sign up today!