Brookfield Banter 5/11/25

From the Principal - Leanne Duncan

Five Weeks to Go – A Busy and Exciting End to Term!

It’s hard to believe there are only five weeks left of the school year! The end of term is always filled with special events, celebrations and learning opportunities, and this term is no exception. There’s so much happening across the school — and plenty to look forward to!

Our swimming program is underway, and students are loving their time in the pool. It’s a great chance for everyone to build confidence, learn new skills and practise water safety. 

Excitement is building for our Year 6 Canberra trip! This is always a highlight of the year, giving students the chance to visit Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial and other important sites. It’s a wonderful way for our senior students to connect their learning to real-life experiences. Thank you to staff and parent volunteers taking time out of their busy lives and families for our Year 6's to experience this opportunity!

The next five weeks will be full of learning, laughter and memories as we wrap up a wonderful year. Thank you to our families for your ongoing support — it makes such a difference in helping our students thrive. Let’s make these final weeks of the term the best yet!

Towards 2026...

Staffing and classes are also being finalised.  State Schools allocation of staff and resourcing is based on enrolments. 

Every year our Teachers and Admin work hard to ensure that the placement of students is done in a very considered way. There are many factors that goes into making up classes.

Celebrating Ms Fiona Allison! 

After a fulfilling and successful career of 40 years and 10 months with the Department of Education, we are now wishing Ms Allison a fabulous adventure in retirement from teaching. Ms Allison has shared she is excited about pursuing her creative passion as an artist!  

For many years, Ms Fiona Allison has been at the heart of Brookfield State School Library — as our teacher librarian and colleague to our staff past and present.  Her passion for books, literacy, and lifelong learning has made the library one of the most loved places for students.

Fiona first joined Brookfield State School 15 years ago, bringing with her a deep love of reading and a belief that every child can find joy in stories. Under her care, the library has become far more than a collection of books. It’s a vibrant hub of creativity, curiosity, and connection. Whether she’s teaching ICT lessons in the lab, leading Makerspace, guiding students to discover their first favourite picture book or supporting older students with leadership roles or hosting school wide literacy events, we have loved having Ms Allison and her energy for all things learning!

Over the years, Fiona has led countless initiatives to promote reading — from Book Week celebrations and author visits to lunchtime clubs and reading challenges. Her innovative ideas have inspired students and see the library as a welcoming space where imagination thrives.

The students will say their farewell to Ms Allison on the following assemblies. Please feel free to come along.

🎉Junior assembly on the 19 November
🎉Senior assembly on the 27 of November

From the Deputy Principal - Leah Cathcart

PBL: Positive Behaviour for Learning

💻 PBL Focus: We are eSafe when using the Internet 🌐

This week’s PBL lesson encourages all students to reflect on what it means to be eSafe — both at school and at home.

Being eSafe means being smart, respectful, and responsible when using any electronic device — computers, tablets, phones, or gaming consoles. All of these have one thing in common: they connect us to others and require safe, thoughtful choices.

At Brookfield, we Belong, Strive, and Succeed by showing our school values online too — being Respectful, Responsible, and Safe digital citizens.

Students explored what eSafety looks like in action and discussed how to protect their privacy, use kind words, and seek help from trusted adults if something online doesn’t feel right.

Student Reflection Prompts:

1. What does being eSafe when using the Internet mean?
2. Why do we need to be eSafe?
3.  List three ways you can be safer when using the Internet.

Students set themselves a goal for the week:

What is one way you can be safer while using the Internet?

Together, we can all help make our online spaces positive, respectful, and safe — every click, every chat, every time. 💚💛

Ready-Set-Prep 2026 – Setting up for a Strong Start

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, filled with smiles, singing, and growing confidence as our future Preppies joined in group time, listened to a story, and explored the Prep classrooms.

We were delighted to have our Kindy friends and families back onsite this week to re-engage with our Stay & Play session after the earlier weather interruption. It was heart-warming to see everyone reconnect, explore, and enjoy the morning together. Our Year 4 Buddies of 2026 were excited to join in and continue helping our future Preppies feel right at home. 💚💛

Next week marks our final Chatting Children and Stay & Play sessions for 2025! If you have the time, we warmly encourage you to come along and join us. It’s a wonderful opportunity for you and your child to interact with future friends and peers, and to become even more familiar with our school environment.

We are absolutely thrilled with the continued support for our Ready-Set-Prep 2026 transition opportunities as our Kindy friends and families take these exciting first steps into big school life. 💚💛💚

👋 “Stay & Play” (9:00–9:30am) – 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) – 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!

Meet & Greet – Prep 2026 Interviews

We’re excited to invite our Prep 2026 families to our Meet & Greet Interviews, taking place on Thursday 20 and Friday 21 November.

Bookings will open this Friday, 7 November at 9:00am via the Schools Interview platform. A link and booking code will be emailed to all families on the 2026 Prep enrolment list.

This is a wonderful opportunity to bring your child along to meet a member of our Prep team, make a personal connection, and start building that sense of belonging to our school community. Parents will also have the chance to share individual information to help us best support your child’s transition into Prep.

We look forward to meeting each of our future Preppies and families very soon! 💚💛

Event code: hnxgr

From the Deputy Principal - Katie Lewis

Leadership Lounge

Thanks to Prue Cooper-White from The Drama Workshop Brisbane for presenting our Lunchtime Leadership Lounge session last week. Prue worked with our students around how to be a unique, brave and confident leader through a series of interactive and hands on learning opportunities. This was a very fun session for our students, and I am confident they would have taken away tips and strategies to support them as they grow further into young leaders.

Our next session is scheduled for Thursday 06 November at 1pm (please note updated date) and will be with myself and the Year 5 teachers.  At this session, students will summarise learning from guest presenters and finalise leadership applications. Students will have the chance to discuss their application and complete their Expression of Interest and Student Leader Statement, including obtain any remaining signatures from school staff.  Expression of Interest form was sent home with students last week in hard copy.

Parents, please note - Expressions of Interest and Student Leader Statements are DUE to the Office by 3pm Friday 07 November. Students can begin working on these now that our Lunchtime sessions are completed.  We have spoken with them about seeking endorsement signatures related to the roles they are applying for, thank you for supporting your child to seek these signatures over the coming days.

Thanks again for your support on this part of their journey. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any queries.

All Schools Touch Football

Brookfield State School represented PROUDLY at the recent Queensland All Schools Touch Football Tournament with seven teams taking the field over three days! Well done to our Year 6 Boys, Year 5/6 Girls, Year 5 Boys, Junior Girls, Junior Boys A, B and C teams for the grit you showed on the field along with being fantastic sports, well behaved and passionate about the games you played.

Congratulations to our Junior Boys A team who took away the Junior Boys Bowl Winning Team award!

Huge SHOUT OUT to Mrs Lizel Moore and Mr Bidner for supporting our teams over the weekend and a MASSIVE THANK YOU to the parents who pitched in and supported our teams both on and off the field (including in the pouring rain!). It is events like these that remind me how lucky we are to have such a supportive and engaged parent body - thank you for all that you do for your children and for our school community. Special mention and huge thank you to those parents who stepped in to support with organisation (draw interpretation 😉), warm-ups, coaching and sub support over the weekend - Katrina, Talia, Vicki, Will, John, Amanda, Cherie, Vic, Rachel and Felicity.

Results:

• Year 6 Boys – Round of 16 Open Boys Plate Division
• Year 5/6 Girls - Competitive Rounds 
• Year 5 Boys - Round of 16 Open Boys Shield Division
• Junior Girls – Quarter Finals Junior Girls Plate Division
• Junior Boys A – Winners Junior Boys Bowl Division 
• Junior Boys B – Round of 16 Champ Division
• Junior Boys C - Competitive Rounds 

From the organisers and worthy of a mention: Congratulations to all 2025 participants! You showed incredible grit and perseverance in some tough weather conditions. Your sportsmanship and respect for officials were outstanding, a true credit to you and your teams.

 Thanks to Lizel for supporting teams over the entire weekend, including taking some fantastic photos of our students in action. A few of those are included here:

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Year 6 Canberra Camp

Our Year 6 students are bursting with excitement to head off to Canberra on Monday next week for their week long Canberra Camp experience. Parents have been provided with required forms and information, along with email reminders of requirements for the camp.

A brief summary of last-minute reminders is included below, if you have any queries, please reach out to your child's teacher.

Canberra "Last-Minute" Reminders:

⏰Arrive 5:30am at school on Monday morning

🚌Departing at 6:00am sharp to head to airport

🥪Pack morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea

💵$10 for pizza lunch on Monday to Mrs Cathcart (optional)

🏥Medication sorted to office by COB Thurs 06 Nov

👕Pack according to Gear List – including SENIOR SHIRTS

Year 6 End of Year Events

We love to ensure that the culmination of primary school, is a memorable experience for our Brookie kids, with lots of opportunities to celebrate their primary schooling years with their families, their teachers and their friends.

Most of the graduation events take place in Weeks 9 and 10 as outlined in the graphic below. More information on these events has been emailed to families this week also.

From the Head of Curriculum - Lisa McKay

Booklists for 2026 – Reminder

It’s that time of year again. The 2026 booklists are now available online. From Thursday 21 November, class teachers will begin sending home any unused stationery items. Families wishing to order earlier are welcome to do so using the online ordering details provided below. Alternatively, you can click on the following hyperlink  Schoolstuff - Order Booklists

HPE - Swimming Update

This week we have seen our Year 4, 5 and 6 students attend their swimming lessons at the Bellbowrie Pool. It has been wonderful to hear about students building confidence in the water and demonstrating their growing swimming skills.

As we are implementing Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum: Health this year, we have undertaken a review of our approach to assessing swimming. From this year onward, teachers will use the Sequence of Competency document (see below) to record whether students are meeting the required swimming competencies. These competencies will be recorded and will not be reflected in the HPE end-of-semester result. 

You can find further information by clicking on the following documents: 

https://education.qld.gov.au/curriculums/Documents/water-safety-expectations.pdf

If you have any questions, please contact our Curriculum Coordinator, Lisa McKay, at lmcka51@eq.edu.au.

Office News

Grounds Update

Q Build have been methodical in arranging contractors to undertake repairs to damage around the school caused by the storm.

Multiple trees fell during the storm and the arborists are progressing with the clean up and mulching of these trees.

On Saturday the clean up of the fallen Fig tree on the junior oval will commence. There has been a number of suggestions around how we can acknowledge and remember our beautiful Fig tree and what will go in its place. Our arborist has offered to cut some discs of the limbs of the tree that we can put aside for an art project. We will keep you updated around this.

Uniform Shop Closed in Week 6

Please note that the Uniform Shop will be closed next week, Tuesday 11 November.

Thank you 5A

A very big thank you to our wonderful 5A students that created cards of appreciation to the office and grounds staff after the storm. We appreciate your kindness.

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.

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

Community Calendar - Term 4

Inclusion News

Inclusion Spotlight  

What is Dysgraphia?  

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that effects a person’s ability with forming letters, spelling, punctuation and written expression (including grammar). There are 2 types of dysgraphia: 

• motor-based—people have difficulties with the mechanics of writing including an awkward pencil grip, forming letters, slow handwriting, becoming tired when handwriting or experience physical pain 

• language-based—people have difficulties with processing and sequencing ideas when writing, often displaying higher level verbal skills. 

Dysgraphia is a learning disability that might occur by itself or with other disabilities such as dyslexia. 

Information on the Speld Website outlines some of the common things that your child may have difficulties with at different stages of their schooling if they have dysgraphia. 

Early identification of your child's strengths and difficulties is important so that support can be provided and reasonable adjustments made. 

With targeted instruction and intervention, your child can still learn to spell and express themselves in the written form. A range of organisations can provide other support services, assessments and advice if your child has, or you are concerned that they have, dysgraphia.  

What is Dyscalculia? 

Dyscalculia is a learning disability that effects a person’s ability to do mathematical tasks and understand mathematical concepts. Many students have difficulties with mathematics but those with dyscalculia will continue to have difficulties throughout their development and after intervention. 

Information on the Speld Website outlines some of the common things that your child may have difficulties with at different stages of their schooling if they have dyscalculia. 

Early identification of your child's strengths and difficulties is important so that support can be provided and reasonable adjustments made. 

With targeted instruction and intervention, your child can still learn to perform mathematical tasks.A range of organisations can provide other support services, screening, assessments and advice if your child has, or you think that they have, dyscalculia. 

(Reference: https://education.qld.gov.au/students/students-with-disability/supports-for-students-with-disability/learning-disabilities) 

The Inclusion Team – Ben Williams, Anna Vella & Steph Weigel  

German News

Reflecting upon Oktoberfest week at Brookfield SS is joyful! It was a project made possible by the Dept. Ed. Qld Global Engagement Growing Global Competence Grant Funding that I applied for in April this year to enhance students’ development in becoming a global citizen.

With the funding, I was able to resource and provide a German Oktoberfest-inspired lesson to every class in the school, including a story, a song, an integrated German language lesson and a craft activity. Furthermore, I had the pleasure to work alongside the Brookfield SS P&C to set up the fantastic evening Family Event in an authentic Oktoberfest style.

German Oktoberfest activities for each year level took place on Friday, 24^th Oktober and brought much joy to our students.

P-3 heard the fairy tale story about Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese and agreed that giving hearts and eating pretzels is a great way to celebrate the royal wedding!

I was delighted with the engagement and enthusiasm of the younger students, whose thirst for learning some new words in German is infectious!

The day finished with the years 4-6 party games on the Junior Oval – the last event in history to take place under the beautiful shade of the fig tree that we lost to the storm last weekend. Student helpers from Kenmore SHS were on hand to support the activities and share their love of learning German with the Brookfield students.

The evening Family Oktoberfest P&C event was an absolute blast. The band was sensational, the dancing and entertainment was fun and the Alpenrosen dancers performed spectacular bell-ringing and dance demonstrations. We now know 

who has the strongest arm in the school community by way of the stein-holding competition! The food trucks sold us German food, the energy and feedback was positive.

I was delighted to have student artwork from almost every student in the school on display in the Hall. Winners of the Colouring Competition were: Ryder in 6A, Estelle in 3C and Noah in Prep B. A number of Highly Commended places have also been awarded.

Six ‘generations’ of Languages Captains dropped in for a photo – a proud moment for a Languages Teacher!

Finally, huge thanks to the many, many people who helped make the project a success. All BSS Staff were supportive in so many ways, from preparing their students so beautifully for the activities for the week, to selling gingerbread hearts on the night! Thanks to the P&C and their volunteers who helped bring the immersive language and cultural experience to life and to the BSS families who came to the evening event. Together, we’re helping raise the global citizens of the future!

Music News

Metropolitan Region’s Honours Choral Program

Recently, five of our talented Year 6 Senior Choir students were selected to attend Metropolitan Region’s Honours Choral Program, held at the Old Museum site. Students from across Brisbane were chosen to participate, with 150 attending in total. During their three days there, our students learned seven new (and difficult!) songs, under the direction of Mr Josh Clifford and Ms Kate Littlewood, to perform at the culminating concert for parents and friends. It was exhausting and exhilarating, all at once. Congratulations to Imani, Sophia, Layla, Amelia and Ewan for the way in which they represented Brookfield SS at this event. They really should be proud of what they have achieved.

Date Claimer - End of Year Music Concert

Our annual end of year Music department concert will be held on Tuesday Nov 25 in the school hall. The Junior section of the night (involving Jnr Choir, Jnr Band, Intermediate Choir and Year 3 Strings) starts at 5:45pm, whilst the Seniors part (Senior Choir, Senior Band, Senior Strings, Yrs 5&6 Marimba groups) kicks off at 6:30. We will also be presenting our most outstanding musicians and dedicated ensemble members with awards for each group. Keep an eye out for details coming to you via email soon.

From the Social Worker - Mrs D

The Power of “Sorry”

Saying sorry might be a small word, but it carries big weight. Teaching children how to make a meaningful apology helps them take responsibility, repair relationships, and build empathy.

It’s not just about mumbling “sorry” and moving on — it’s about helping kids understand why their actions hurt someone and how they can make things right. Try using this simple structure:

1. I am sorry for…”
2. It was wrong because…
3. Next time I will….

A heartfelt “sorry” can turn a tough moment into a powerful lesson in kindness and connection.

Strings Program News

Senior String Ensemble

We had a small rehearsal with Year 4 students this morning while the Year 5 and 6 students were at Gala Day. We enjoy having extra time and attention to help the youngest members of the Senior String Ensemble! Students should keep working on Jumpin' Jelly Beans, High Seas Adventure and Teeth in preparation for our upcoming end of year concerts.

Junior String Ensemble

The Junior String Ensemble started a new song today called Back Street Boogie! This one is going to be great for our concert. 

Year 3 students will still have a lesson next week, and I will work around swimming lessons, so please bring instruments next Wednesday.  

We are also talking and making plans for next year. Students are revising their bow holds and posture, so we can be great examples for the younger students when they join us next year. I am looking for a great name for our new ensemble when the Year 3 and 4 students join together in 2026 - we aren't all beginners, but we aren't all intermediate students either. What should we be called? 

Ellen Harle 

String Teacher

mehar0@eq.edu.au 

Library News

This week in the makerspace we have been having fun appreciating our wonderful Sue in the tuckshop and the super parents who make our delicious tuckshop food with thank you cards, bunting, play money and play dough food in Shopkins baskets.

The marvellous new books and series on display continue to be released each week!

Helping Hands News

Extra-Curricular Calendar - Term 4

Community News