Brookfield Banter 30/10/25
From the Principal - Leanne Duncan
The Old Fig Tree
Who would have thought that this week was going to be the week that was!!
The storm hit fast and furiously, and I am thankfully that our families, students and staff stayed safe.
It certainly takes a village!
The storm on Sunday night reminded us just how strong and connected our Brookfield community truly is. We are deeply grateful to everyone who supported our school and families in the days that followed.
A special thank you goes to Dr Christian Rowan and his office for their incredible support. Hearing from Dr Rowan in the early hours after the storm and knowing he supported our school and community is appreciated.
Our gratitude also goes to the Energex crews on Boscombe Road, who truly were legends! Working through the night in the rain alongside multiple teams, they ensured our school would have power for Wednesday. They even had a generator on standby at the top of the hill, just in case—an amazing effort and a testament to their dedication.
Thank you to Mr Mathews and Mrs Clark for their support Monday morning as the assessment and planning for cleaning was initiated. The QBuild Team were also out in the rain, assessing the grounds and beginning what will be about a week’s worth of clean-up and repair work.
A heartfelt thank you to our P&C, who kept in touch and Thank you to the P&C for their initiative in wanting to use ALL the mulch around our school gardens. Thank you to the many parents who have reached out offering help. Your generosity and community spirit are so valued.
To my Leadership Team and all staff—thank you for your teamwork, positivity and care in ensuring our school could reopen safely, even as many of you only had power restored the night before. Your commitment to our students and families never goes unnoticed.
Times like these remind us of the strength and resilience of the Brookfield State School community. We are so grateful for everyone’s cooperation, kindness and care as we recover together. The true power of community lies in understanding and supporting one another. There were many families and staff who were sharing charging phones, a meal and hot water!
And finally, to our curious learners—you have been amazing! The questions, reflections and learning shared this week have been thoughtful and full of heart. Students have adapted well, playing in slightly modified spaces and showing such understanding and care for one another. We’ve even received some delightful thank-you notes from students for those working hard during the recovery.
A group of our students are already working with Mrs Clark, Mr Mathers and I to find a way to preserve memories of our beloved Fig Tree—a beautiful project that will help us remember this moment in our school’s story.
It truly does take a village, and we couldn’t be prouder of ours.
What is your favourite memory of the old Fig Tree?
Octoberfest Fun!!!!
Last week there was so much Octoberfest fun and German Food Day from our Tuckshop too! Thankyou Frau Raben, our Staff and Students enjoyed the culture, fun and food!
🎶Last Friday Night🎶.......What a fantastic night of community and culture for our students, staff and families! Thank you to Frau Raben, Brookfield State SchoolP &C, our Tuckshop (Sue and Vicki!) and all the volunteers for such a wonderful Octoberfest week culminating in a vibrant first Oktoberfest night!
Thank you again, Dr Christian Rowan MP and Councillor Cr Greg Adermann for coming along and supporting our school and the kind words and stories you shared!
🌏 Celebrating World Teachers’ Day at Brookfield State School!
On Friday, October 25, Brookfield State School proudly celebrated World Teachers’ Day — a special occasion to recognise and thank our amazing teachers for everything they do.
From early morning greetings to the final school bell, our teachers show dedication, patience, and creativity in helping our students to learn and grow.
Dr Christian Rowan also again showed his support of our School and teachers! The P&C has organised a special hand delivered treat for our teaching staff!
World Teachers’ Day reminds us how important it is to thank those who inspire us to learn, dream, and achieve.
Thank you Brookie Teachers!
From the Deputy Principal - Leah Cathcart
PBL: Positive Behaviour for Learning
How We Act in Public – Respect, Safety & School Pride
This week our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) focus is “How We Act in Public: Respect, Safety & School Pride.” As our students participate in the swimming program and our Year 6 students prepare for their Canberra adventure, we are highlighting what it means to represent Brookfield respectfully and safely in the community.
During this week’s PBL lesson, students discussed how our Brookfield values guide the way we act when we’re out in public — whether we’re at the pool, on an excursion, travelling on a bus, or exploring Canberra!
They explored examples of:
- Respect in Public: Using kind and polite language, following instructions from adults, and showing good manners when interacting with others.
- Safety in Public: Staying with your group, following road and pool safety rules, wearing seatbelts on buses, and keeping hands and belongings to yourself.
- Respecting Privacy and Personal Space: Understanding that everyone’s body and swimwear are different — it’s never okay to comment on someone else’s appearance. Students were reminded to be respectful in change rooms and to speak with a trusted adult if something makes them feel uncomfortable.
- School Pride: Wearing the Brookfield uniform with pride, showing care for our environment and equipment, and representing our school values wherever we go.
Our students are learning that being a Brookfield learner doesn’t stop at the school gate — it’s about being a safe, respectful, and proud member of the community.
Thank you for supporting these important conversations at home and reinforcing our PBL expectations as our students continue to learn, grow, and represent Brookfield with pride – in green and gold!
Ready-Set-Prep 2026 – Building Big Beginnings!
Our Ready-Set-Prep 2026 transition program continues to go from strength to strength!
Last week’s “Chatting Children” session was, once again, wonderfully attended and a great success, with lots of smiles, singing, and growing confidence as our future Preppies joined in group time, listened to a story, and explored the Prep classrooms.
We sincerely appreciate the patience and understanding of our kindy friends and families following the cancellation of Monday’s “Stay & Play” due to the impact of the recent weather event. We’re so grateful for everyone’s flexibility and support, and we look forward to welcoming you back for our next session. Our Year 4 Buddies of 2026 are eager to reconnect and continue helping our future Preppies feel right at home. 💚💛
We are absolutely delighted with the ongoing support for our Ready-Set-Prep 2026 transition opportunities as our kindy friends and families continue taking these exciting first steps into big school life. 💚💛💚
👋 “Stay & Play” (9:00–9:30am) – 3, 10 November
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.
👉 CLICK HERE to indicate your attendance at next week’s session.
🗣️ “Chatting Children” (9:00–9:30am) – 7, 14 November
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.
👉 CLICK HERE to indicate your attendance at next week’s session.
We can’t wait to see everyone again this Friday for another fun Chatting Children session!
Prep C Visits Our Kindy Friends
Last week, Prep C had the wonderful opportunity to visit our kindy friends at Brookfield Early Childhood Centre. It was a fantastic chance for our students to connect with local friends and educators within our community.
The visit sparked magic and valuable connections between the children, with exciting moments seeing siblings, neighbours, and friends, while also creating opportunities for new friendships to blossom.
This experience is a treasured and important part of our Ready-Set-Prep transition program for 2026, helping students feel confident and connected as they prepare for their first year at BSS.
A big thank you to our Prep C students for being positive role models and wonderful representatives of BSS!
From the Deputy Principal - Katie Lewis
Leadership Lounge
We continued our Leadership Lounge Lunchtime Sessions last week, with a visit from our second guest speaker, Councillor Greg Adermann.
After discussing his journey to becoming a local community leader, and linking his journey to our school value of BELONG, Cr Adermann was interested to hear about our student’s interest in becoming part of our school’s leadership group next year and answer any questions they had about the responsibilities involved and how best they undertake those and conduct themselves. Cr Adermann reminded students that this is only the beginning of their journey and that there will be challenges and opportunities in the years to come for them to demonstrate their leadership attributes.
Cr Adermann shared some key pieces of advice with our students, namely around the importance of being willing to consult with others, to accept advice, and most importantly to listen to others. Cr Adermann also gave our students some top tips for public speaking, telling them to make sure they practice, practice, practice and not to fear public speaking, to embrace it and just give it a go!
Tomorrow, we will be joined by Prue Cooper-White from the Drama Workshop who will run an interactive session for our students and encourage them to learn and grow into the space for being a strong and confident leader.
Gala Sports Day - Year 5 and 6 - Wednesday 05 November
Our Year 5 and 6 students will take part in Gala Sports Day #4 on Wednesday 5 November, right in the middle of Swimming Week. We know this creates a busy schedule, and we sincerely appreciate your support in helping students manage the week smoothly.
Students will participate in either 🏀 Basketball or 🏉 Touch Football. Please review the details for your child’s sport below.
🏀 BASKETBALL
📅 Date: Wednesday 5 November 2025
📍 Venue: Ambiwerra Sporting Complex, Corinda
🚌 Transport: All students must travel by bus.
⏰ Schedule
Arrive at school by 7:45am
Bus departs at 8:00am
Students meet near the Music Room (via path and steps)
Return to school by 2:55pm
(Updates via SMS/email/Facebook if times change)
🎒 What to Bring
Lunch and water bottle
Full school uniform (Interschool Sports Friday shirt) + hat
Sunscreen applied before leaving home
Phones left in lock boxes at school
🏉 TOUCH FOOTBALL
📅 Date: Wednesday 5 November 2025
📍 Venue: Akuna Oval, Kenmore
🚌 Transport: All students must travel by bus.
⏰ Schedule
Arrive at school by 8:00am
Bus departs at 8:15am
Students meet near the Music Room
Return to school by 2:55pm
(Updates via SMS/email/Facebook if times change)
🎒 What to Bring
Lunch and water bottle
Full school uniform (Interschool Sports Friday shirt) + hat
Moulded tags may be worn
Sunscreen applied before leaving home
Phones left in lock boxes at school
🌟 Sportsmanship Matters
We have spoken with students about the importance of showing positive behaviour and strong sportsmanship while representing our school. Thank you for your support at home in reviewing the Code of Behaviour.
👨👩👧👦 Parent Attendance
Parents are welcome to come along to watch the Gala Day events.
To help students stay focused, we ask that families please set up slightly away from the school tent areas so students can remain with their teams and ready for teacher instructions.
Swimming - Years 4, 5 and 6 - Week 5
Students in Years 4, 5 and 6 will participate in Swimming Lessons on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday next week. There will be no lessons on Wednesday due to Gala Day for Year 5 and 6 students. See Mr Bidner's article for more information.
It might be a good idea to check your swimming caps - they may have perished since last year's lessons (yes, this may be speaking from personal experience!!).
From the Head of Curriculum - Lisa McKay
2026 Booklists Now Available
It’s hard to believe we’ve reached this time of year already! The 2026 booklists are now ready. From the 21st of November, class teachers will send home any unused stationery. If you’d like to order sooner, please use the details below to place your order online.
Day for Daniel – Thursday 31 October 2025 – Students Wear Red
Tomorrow our school will join the nation in recognising Day for Daniel, a day that helps children learn about personal safety and how to seek help if they ever feel unsure or unsafe.
Across all year levels, students will take part in age-appropriate lessons linked to the Australian Curriculum Version 9 Health.
These lessons will include:
• Identifying and labelling body parts using correct names
• Understanding feelings and body clues that help us recognise when something doesn’t feel right
• Identifying trusted adults (safety helpers) they can talk to if they need help
Students will also watch Australia’s Biggest Safety Lesson, which reinforces key personal safety messages:
• Everyone has the right to feel safe all the time
• Recognise – notice body clues and feelings that tell us something isn’t right
• React – say “Stop, I don’t like it!”, move away, or find help
• Report – talk to a trusted adult or safety helper
• Keep telling until someone helps
• Kids Helpline is available on 1800 55 1800
• It is never a child’s fault if they feel unsafe
These lessons help children build confidence, recognise their own feelings, and understand that there are always safe people they can turn to for support.
Your child may come home and wish to discuss some of the topics covered in the lessons or have questions about what they have learnt.
As always, your child’s teacher is available to answer any questions if needed.
All the resources are available at https://danielmorcombe.com.au/keeping-kids-safe-resources/
What's on in Week 5 Term 4
Term 4 is shaping up to be a very busy term! Keep an eye on Facebook at the beginning of each week for a weekly calendar of what's happening at Brookfield SS!
Office News
Remembrance Day
In commemoration of Remembrance Day on Tuesday 11 November, we have poppies, badges, students remember ribbons and pens for sale in the office! Please note that we can only accept cash for these items.
Leaving Students
Planning for 2026 is already underway! If your child will be leaving our school at the end of this year (and isn’t a Year 6 student heading to high school), we kindly ask that you complete our Student Exit Form below to help us keep our records up to date.
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.
| Excursion/ Incursion | Date | Permission Due Date | Permission Status | Amount | Payment Due Date | Payment Status | |
| Year 6 Canberra Trip | 10/11 - 14/11/2025 | 30/04/2025 | Completed | $357.50 | 4th - 25/07/2025 | Overdue | |
| Ocean Life | 18/09/2025 | 12/09/2025 | Completed | $13.00 | 11/09/2025 | Overdue | |
| All Schools Touch | 27/10/2025 | 29/10/2025 | Overdue | $42.00 | 27/10/2025 | Overdue | |
| Year 4, 5 & 6 Swimming | 03/11 - 07/11/2025 (Excluding Wednesday) | 27/10/2025 | Overdue | $40.00 | 27/10/2025 | Overdue | |
| Gala Day: Touch and Basketball | 05/11/2025 | 31/10/2025 | Active | $15.00 | 29/10/2025 | Overdue | |
| Year 1, 2 & 3 Swimming | 10/11 - 14/11/2025 | 3/11/2025 | Active | $53.00 | 3/11/2025 | Active | |
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
From the Social Worker - Mrs D
Helping Children Build Resilience During Natural Disasters
When natural disasters strike, whether it’s storms, floods, or fires, children may feel uncertain and anxious. As parents, the most powerful thing we can offer is calm connection. Your reassurance and steadiness help them feel safe, even when the world feels unpredictable.
Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and let them know it’s okay to feel scared or sad. Keep routines where possible — consistency brings comfort. Involve them in small acts of helping, like checking on neighbours or caring for pets, to restore a sense of control and purpose.
Most importantly, remind them that while we can’t control the weather, we can control how we respond. Together, with courage, care, and hope.
Resilience grows when children see that even after the storm, they’re not alone. They are surrounded by love, support, and community.
Below are some wonderful resources from Queensland health about building resilience during natural disasters.
Inclusion News
Inclusion Spotlight
In October we proudly shine a light on Dyslexia awareness month. Dyslexia is a language-based reading disorder that shape the way many children learn, think and thrive. Students with dyslexia often have difficulty learning to read accurately and fluently, and to spell. They have unexpected difficulties with the sound structure (phonology) of language. Dyslexia affects between 10-20% of the population.
Dyslexia in the classroom
Students with dyslexia have many strengths but may experience a range of difficulties in the classroom.
Students with dyslexia may:
- have difficulty learning letter-sound relationships
- read more slowly than their peers
- find that reading takes a lot of effort and energy
- make more mistakes when spelling
- avoid reading and writing tasks
- guess words instead of using their sound awareness skills to read them.
Identifying reading and spelling difficulties and disorders
At the beginning of formal schooling, students begin to learn to read and spell. For some students, reading doesn’t come easily. For these students, the educational team works together to gather information about each student’s strengths and challenges in order to plan, deliver and monitor support.
A formal diagnosis of dyslexia or specific learning disorder – impairment in reading is not required in state schools. Schools will support students with reading and spelling difficulties and disorders regardless of diagnosis.
The importance of early identification
Early identification of risk factors associated with reading and writing difficulties, including dyslexia, can improve outcomes. For example, early intervention can reduce the severity of reading problems and associated negative consequences (National Reading Panel 2000).
Without intervention, children who have reading and spelling difficulties early in their schooling will likely continue to have difficulty into adolescence and beyond.
When challenges are identified early, school teams are also able to adjust learning to make sure students experience reading success, which maintains their motivation to read and supports engagement and wellbeing.
Learning to read and spell for students with dyslexia
Most students with dyslexia have an underlying difficulty with the sound structure of language (phonological component of language) that affects their ability to learn to read and spell words. They may have more difficulty learning phonological awareness skills and may need extra teaching and practice to learn to read and spell. Children with reading disorders such as dyslexia benefit from word-reading instruction as well as support to develop underlying skills, such as phonological skills and sound-spelling relationships.
Systematic synthetic phonics
As for all students, systematic synthetic phonics is an important part of reading instruction for students with dyslexia. The difference may be that these students require more time and repetition to learn the skills needed for reading and spelling.
- Systematic: Letters and sounds are taught in a planned order.
- Synthetic: Words are segmented into sounds. Sounds are blended into words.
- Phonics: Letters and letter combinations represent sounds.
Some students with reading and spelling difficulties will respond very quickly to targeted support. For other students, it may take longer. It is important that additional teaching and intervention provided to students with dyslexia is designed to meet their area of need.
Reasonable adjustments
Reasonable adjustments help to reduce the barriers to learning. For students who are experiencing difficulties learning to read, reasonable adjustments allow students to participate in the curriculum alongside their peers, while they continue to build their reading and writing skills. The types of reasonable adjustments required are different for each student and may change over time.
Student wellbeing
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of students with reading and spelling difficulties is very important. People with dyslexia are more likely to experience mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression.
There are several protective factors that can lower the risk of mental health challenges in students experiencing reading difficulties, including supporting engagement and motivation to read, and ensuring that students feel empowered to have a voice in their education.
(Reference: The State of Queensland -Department of Education 2025)
The Inclusion Team – Ben Williams, Anna Vella & Steph Weigel
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!
