21 March 2025

IMPORTANT DATES

We have a number of events scheduled for the rest of the term to add to your diaries:

Monday, March 24 – School Sausage Sizzle (Student Council)

Monday, March 31 – Free Dress Day (Unthemed)

Tuesday, April 1 – Cross Country (Yrs4-6)

Friday, April 4 - Prep - Year 2 Easter Hat Parade

Friday, April 4 – Easter Raffle drawn

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

In the wake of ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred, our community has faced challenges that tested our patience, resilience, and strength. From being stranded at home and unable to visit friends and family, to the frustration of losing electricity and telecommunications, and even the heartbreak of damage to homes and personal belongings. It was a difficult few days for many and it continues to be for some. I sincerely hope you are doing well.

At Browns Plains State School, we understand that school closures can be difficult for families. We appreciate the patience and understanding of our parents and caregivers as we worked to ensure a safe return to learning. As we move forward, it’s important to help our children recognise what they have accomplished. They came through something difficult. While there may have been times when they would have felt worried or uncertain, they got through it and that is something to be proud of. This experience has shown them that even when things are tough, they have the strength to face challenges and come out the other side. This is a powerful lesson they can carry with them. The next time they feel anxious about something like a new challenge, or an unexpected change, they can remind themselves: I have faced hard things before, and I got through them.

If you are still experiencing difficulties in relation to the cyclone, our State Government has support available, including financial assistance for those affected by this event in eligible areas. https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/money-finance/eligibility-apply/tc-alfred-march-2025

Student Assessment

As we are now coming to the end of the term, students will be working on finalising their assessment tasks. Ensuring that students attend every day, unless they are ill, is always beneficial but especially at this point in time. Attending school every day means that students can calmly and methodically complete what is required without additional stress.

Student Leader Induction

Our school leaders were inducted into their positions and received their leadership badges at our Year 6 Student Leader Induction. It was fantastic to celebrate this significant achievement with parents. During my speech, I congratulated our 2025 Student Leaders and reminded them of their significant opportunity to continue to make our school ‘A Better Place to be”. I spoke about the need to lead by example and check in on and support others. Student Leaders have made a positive start to 2025 by driving an ambitious Student Council agenda. You will see a number of their initiatives in the school events listed below.

School Priorities

Every year, schools prioritise one to three specific areas to focus on over the course of a year. In 2025, our 3 priorities are:

1. Staff and Student Wellbeing
2. English – Structured Literacy
3. Mathematics

These priorities build upon our work over the past two years and align with Department of Education priorities. We believe that as we continue to focus on these priority areas, we will continue to see positive gains in learning and wellbeing outcomes for students.

All the best!

Mr Poulter

FROM THE DEPUTY

Easter Bonnet Parade 

On the last day of the term (Friday, 4th April) at 2:10pm, Prep to Year 2 students will take part in an Easter Bonnet Parade. 

Students will parade through the school wearing bonnets made in class and meet at the hall for an afternoon of singing and dancing as classes present an Easter song. Parents may even be asked to join in! 

All are welcome. We look forward to seeing you then. 

Save the date  

Please save the date for our ANZAC Day Commemoration Service to be held in Week 1 of Term 2. 

Date: Thursday, 24th April at 10a.m. 

Place: Hall 

We look forward to joining with our community for this important occasion. 

Leesa Warwick
Deputy Principal

FROM THE DEPUTY

Halogen Leaders Conference

On Monday 24th of February, our school captains and vice-captains, Logan, Solhee, Kriti and Neciforo; travelled to the Brisbane convention Centre to attend a Leadership Conference hosted by the Halogen organisation.

The first speaker was the Governor General of Australia, Ms Sam Mostyn. The Governor General is the King’s representative in Australia and endorses all Acts of Parliament on his behalf. She spoke about the need for all people to be leaders not just those with a badge or title after their name. Ms Mostyn also congratulated all those that were attending today and urged us to make the most of this opportunity.

Kasey Rainbow, an artist, author and mental health advocate was next to speak. Kasey was visibly upset at having speak in front of so many people, as she suffered from anxiety but this just added to her powerful message. She had been bullied throughout high school and in later years struggled to find her place in the world. Kasey’s story of overcoming obstacles and searching for purpose in life was really inspiring. Her unique perspective and talents encouraged the audience to lead with confidence and commitment to compassion and inclusivity. Kasey believed everyone’s story is important and worth telling.

This bought us to morning tea which was held in the Great Hall and we managed to get a photograph with the Governor General.

Next to speak was Lion’s premiership winning player and ex-club captain, Dayne Zorko. He related his experiences and challenges as he worked to reach the elite standard of his sport in the AFL. Dayne spoke about students embracing their potential and taking the initiative in shaping their own future and giving back to the community.

The last speaker was Todd Hazelwood, professional race car driver and winner of 2024 Bathurst race. His incredible story of perseverance began in the 2010 season when Todd drove in the South Australian State Series where he finished 2nd on debut. Todd came from working-class family who had little money, so he sold all kinds of foods, drink, snacks, to support his family and his racing career. He kept persevering, bouncing back and showing resilience, especially when things got tough. Todd’s story shows that you always need to work hard and keep bouncing back because that is the only way you’ll achieve your dreams.

To conclude, we got to listen to four inspiring and amazing stories of superstars: the Governor General Ms Sam Mostyn, Kasey Rainbow, Dayne Zorko and Todd Hazelwood. We enjoyed the trip immensely and learned a lot of precious leadership and life lessons.

Written by Solhee, Kriti, Nece an Logan.

FROM THE HEAD OF DEPT - STUDENT SERVICES

Positive Acknowledgment System

It’s Week 8 and many students are tracking to receive their yellow certificate and an ice block this week! Anaya in Prep was very pleased to show that she had reached Level 4 a couple of weeks ago! Well done to all of our students who are consistently upholding the school values.

Jessica Galbraith
Head of Departmen - Student Services

Attendance

Attendance continues to remain a focus at our school. Our attendance target is 90% and there are many students well on track to achieve this. Mondays and Fridays are the days we find that our attendance dips so please ensure that your children are attending each school day.

Congratulations to the classes listed below for their attendance over the weeks 4 - 5. There are a number of classes in the running to win the pizza party for Best Attendance for Term 1.

Please ensure your children are at school every day if they are well. If your child is absent from school, provide a reason for their absence using one of the methods listed below.

• Phone: 07 3809 6222
• Reply to the text message sent by the school on the day of your child’s absence
• Return the Unexplained Absence letter with a reason and signature

Unexplained Absence letters are generated and distributed to students each fortnight. These letters provide dates of your child’s absences which have not already been explained. If you receive one please fill in the reason/s for your child's absence/s, sign and have your child return it to their class teacher. Please work with us to reduce the number of unexplained absences in 2025!

Second Hand Uniform Stall

We intend to hold a Second Hand Uniform Stall at the beginning of Term 2. If you have any uniforms that your children have outgrown and you would like to donate please drop them off at the office.

FROM THE HEAD OF DEPARTMENT CURRICULUM

Casey Consiglio

Head of Department - Curriculum