Term 3 Week 10 Newsletter

Principal's Report

Dear Stafford Heights Families, 

Welcome to another week of news. Our school has once again been a hive of activity as we move towards the September holidays. This term has been filled with wonderful experiences and rich learning opportunities for our students. I would like to congratulate both staff and students on their efforts and thank everyone for their commitment to learning. It’s hard to believe that Term 4 is already just around the corner

Year 5/6 Camp

The Year 5/6 camp was an unforgettable experience, offering students the chance to learn and grow beyond the classroom. The days were filled with challenges, excitement, and plenty of new adventures. Students embraced activities that stretched them out of their comfort zones, from navigating high ropes to working together in team challenges and even adapting to new surroundings.

Each activity brought its own obstacles and rewards, helping students to build resilience, confidence, and problem-solving skills. Most importantly, the camp fostered a wonderful sense of camaraderie, as students encouraged one another and built friendships that will be remembered for years to come. 

Looking Ahead to Term 4

Term 4 promises to be a busy and exciting time as we celebrate learning achievements and bring the school year to a close. Highlights will include Grandparents’ Day, P&C Trivia Night, End of Year Awards assembly, Year 6 Graduation that showcase student talent and growth. We will also continue our strong focus on learning, encouraging students to set high goals and finish the year with pride.

After such a busy term, a well-earned rest is ahead. Thank you to our dedicated staff and supportive families for working together to ensure the very best for our students. We look forward to returning on Tuesday 7th October, refreshed and ready for another exciting chapter of learning.

Sarah Abdy

Principal 

Head of Curriculum

Head of Inclusion

R U OK Day

This is an annual event to encourage people to connect and ask each other, “Are you okay?” It serves as a reminder to start conversations about mental health and wellbeing. To promote a culture of open conversations and to support this event, classes engaged in discussions and activities that culminated in our Sunflower Garden display. This beautiful array of flowers brightened everyone’s day as they joined our morning greeting last Friday. The sunflowers created identified what we can do to make us feel better, reminded us of what we are grateful for which can promote positivity and identified ways we can help and check in on others by asking gently and genuinely, “Are you okay?”

Fun fact: Sunflowers turn towards the light, following the sun. This represents resilience and positivity. Empowering uniqueness and beauty to shine bright in all of us.

Esafety

Many of our children engage in technology for learning and playing online. The digital world is rapidly changing, and it is important to recognise risks and promote positive online behaviours.  Esafety awareness helps us all to educate our children and may assist in the following ways:

• prevention of cyber bullying
• protection of personal information
• understanding of respect in digital interactions
• educating on online appropriate/ inappropriate behaviours
• encouraging help seeking when encountering online issues

Attached is a link to the ESafety commission website that shares short videos, easy-to-read advice sheets and conversation starters to assist with conversation around ESafety with your child. 

ECDP News

Throughout this year we have seen growth in student numbers with families of children 0-5years seeking support from our wonderful Early Development Education Program [ECDP]. The ECDP supports children with disability to develop the skills they need to start school. The program aligns to the Belonging, Being and Becoming Early Years Learning Framework for Australia. Offering an array of program opportunities including Playgroup, Centre-based programs and Outreach Program support. This term we have been successful in approval to extend our program across the week. Centred based programs are now conducted on a Monday through to Thursday. Please contact the school if you have any inquiries regarding this program. 

Shelley Kemp

Head of Inclusion

Enrolments

What to Include in an Enrolment Application

• Proof of address and residency documents
• State School Consent and school permission forms
• original birth certificate for each child
• passport and visa for any children born overseas
• recent report card
• Any relevant medical information and health action plans.
• Any current court orders or custody details related to the enrolling child/ren
• Any other information that you consider important for us to know about your child/ren.
• For students with an international passport and an Australian visa the following are also required: 
• visa grant notice from the Department of Home Affairs. Please note, a VIVO check does not provide details necessary for school enrolment.
• passport photo page.
• An official, English translation of their birth certificate may be requested.
• An Authority to Enrol in a Queensland State School is required for all subclass TR500 visas and is arranged by contacting Education Queensland International External link External link.
• All temporary visa holders should refer to Education Queensland International  External link External link to determine if an Authority to Enrol is required for their visa subclass.

Once you have completed the necessary forms, please return them (along with the necessary documents) to admin@staffordheightsss.eq.edu.au or alternatively contact Sonia Yates our enrolments Officer directly.

Leaving Stafford Heights in 2026

This term we commence planning for the 2026 school year.  If your family is planning to leave Stafford Heights at the end of the 2025 school year, could you please notify the office by email - admin@staffordheightsss.eq.edu.au

If you know of families wishing to join our Stafford Heights community, please encourage them to also contact the school office by email - admin@staffordheightsss.eq.edu.au 

Pre Prep News

PREP 2026 Enrolment Interviews

To our Prep Parents of 2026,
Please find below information regarding the prep interviews which will be held in group form on Thursday 9^th October. Bookings are placed through SOBS (information on how to set up for SOBS is included) and are now open.

PREP ENROLMENTS FOR 2026

Applications for Prep 2026 are now being accepted.

If you have a sibling that is due to start in 2026 please make sure you come and see us in the office to receive an enrolment pack.

Please visit our school website at: https://staffordheightsss.eq.edu.au/enrolments to download our enrolment forms or alternatively collect from administration.

Please note: Our school is now catchment managed therefore we require the following documents to be sent through with the enrolment forms and permission forms.

The right age for Prep 2026 is for all children born between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021. Our Prep program is planned and designed to cater for all children at all levels of development who are born in this 12 month period

General School Information

Term 3 Calendar of Events

Office Reminders

• Office Hours – 8.15am-3.15pm

• No Hat No Play Outside

* Student Birthday’s

If your child is celebrating a birthday and would like to bring cake to school to celebrate with the class please make sure that you contact the teacher or the office to ask how many students are in the class. We ask that you bring in something that can be easily given out to students for eg: cupcakes, freddo frogs and zooper doopers. (Please note: no full sized cakes as classrooms do not have the facilities to cut up slices to hand out)

• Students with Long Hair - All students with long hair should tie their hair back with a blue hair tie while at school (as 
per the Stafford Heights SS Student Dress Code)

• Early Pick Up of Students - If you need to pick up your child early throughout the day please come up to the 
office and sign your child out on the IPad.

• Family Holiday’s during School Term – if your family is going on a holiday during the school term, please email the office to inform them of the dates so that we know why your child will be absent from school. If the time away from school 10 school days or more the office will require you to fill out a specific form.

• Students Late to School – if your child is late to school (arrive after 9am), please make sure you come to the office first to receive a late slip to hand to their teacher. 

• Animals on School Premises – Please note that no animals are to enter school grounds at all as per the signs on each of our school fences.

Book Swap

Cultural Connections Corner

First Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group Meeting – Monday, 13th October

As previously mentioned, we are developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to strengthen relationships, respect, and opportunities with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

We’re inviting parents, carers, and families to join our RAP Working Group. This group will play a vital role in guiding our school’s journey towards reconciliation and making sure community voices are heard and valued.

Our first RAP Working Group meeting will be held on Monday, 13th October at 8:00 AM in the School Library.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact me at kmaya2@eq.edu.au or on

07 3621 2333.

Together, we can make reconciliation a living and meaningful part of our school community. 🖤💛❤️

School Holiday performances 

Looking for something fun to do with the kids these school holidays? Aunty Sharron, who visited our school a few years ago for NAIDOC Week celebrations, will be doing free performances — details below:

Student Lunches

We have two lunch breaks a day that are:

FIRST BREAK 11:00 am – 11:40 am and SECOND BREAK 1:10 am – 1:40 pm

We have noticed that quite a number of students eat all of their lunch at first break therefore have nothing to eat at second break. Please ensure that you remind your child to not eat all of their food at first break so that they have food to eat second break as well.

School Lunchbox Ideas

First Break Eating - This is our biggest break for eating so it's suggested that this is when students should eat their main items such as: Sandwich, Yoghurt, Veggie Sticks (carrots, celery, cucumber etc)

Second Break Eating - This break should be items that are non-perishable, this is a short eating break, so it's suggested to have snacks such as: Fruit, Savoury Muffins, Crisp breads, Popcorn

Tip: please make sure you pack items that your child likes 

Medication at School

If your child requires medication at school, please bring the medication in the original 
packaging with a label from the chemist along with a letter from the Doctor stating the child’s name, medication, dosage and time to administer. You will then be required to fill out forms to give us permission to administer this medication during school hours.

Please note: where the dosage of a medication requires tables to be halved, we have to request that parents/carers supply a pill cutter, labelled with your child’s name.

If medication supply is running low, you will receive a phone call to bring more tablets to the office. Please DO NOT send tablets in a zip lock bag with your child to hand to the office, we require a parent/carer to come to the office to give the extra tablets.

Student Absences

Even though you may have notified your child's teacher we still require you to inform the office when your child is away from school. Please note: all Unexplained absences are noted in a child’s Report card.

1. Leave a message on 3621 2333 OR
2. SMS: 0426 305 697 OR
3. QParents App – Submit Absence OR
4. Email: admin@staffordheightsss.eq.edu.au

Even though absences may result in missed learning opportunities, the main reason we ask that you notify us when your child is away is so we are made aware that your child is SAFE.

QParents - ALL Excursion Consent Forms will be on QParents only from Term 1 2026

We are trying to reduce our carbon footprint and streamline our office processes, so for this reason as from Term 1 2026 ALL excursion consent forms will be on QParents ONLY, there will be no physical copies handed out to students. If you are not signed up for Qparents please email admin on: admin@staffordheightsss.eq.edu.au so that we can send through an invite to sign up for Qparents TODAY.

Benefits of QParents

It’s a user-friendly portal which provides secure online access to information about your child’s schooling including attendance, report cards, excursion consent forms, invoices and payment history. QParents also provides ease of viewing and updating your child’s details (including address and medical conditions) and helps both schools and parents through improved administration efficiencies and reduced printing and mail-outs. Please see the QParents Fact Sheet below for details about how to sign up.

PBL News! - "Communicate Respectfully"

Our PBL focus for this week is to Communicate respectfully which falls under Respect for Others and the Staffie Life Skill of Perseverance.

As we are at the end of the term and the students are tired, we start to see an increase in frustrated language towards other students and sometimes, staff members. At school we will be discussing the ‘crossroad’ point with this focus – we all get to a point where we can choose to let out our verbal snap reaction or we could choose the stronger path; either to say the same thing in a kinder way or say nothing at all and ask for help if required.

We will also take the opportunity to discuss the difference tone makes with this focus; how you can say the exact same words but the way you say them can make all the difference to someone and we have a choice as to which tone we choose to use.

At home, you might like to discuss some strategies that your student could use if they feel like they are approaching the point of using disrespectful language. For example, taking several deep breaths before speaking, they could Stop, Hold and then Select the stronger option, or they might choose to walk away and ask for help before they say something they don’t mean.

Health & Physical Education

With holidays only a couple of days away it’s time to thank everyone who participated in the various sporting activities in Term 3 and we look forward to a very busy sporting term in Term 4.  Please, enjoy a safe and happy break while you recharge for ready for Term 4.  

Volleyball Cup

Plans are coming together for another day where students who signed up for volleyball will be able to participate in games with another school towards the end of term 4. Full details will be shared with students and families in early Term 4.  Payments made for the bus and carnival will be available for a credit to students accounts or a refund.  Details will be send directly to families.

Term 4 Gala Sport

Permission forms for those who have indicated they are interested in participating in Cricket will be sent home early in Term 4.

Swimming

Swimming will commence in Week 2 of Term 4. Notes have been sent home to families reminding them of gear that is required for swimming and timetables of when it will be needed at school.  We look forward to getting back into the pool in early October.

Mrs Jardine

HPE Teacher.

Arts News (Dance, Drama, Music)

Last week on assembly the Choir performed Tim Michin’s ‘When I Grow Up’ and did an outstanding job.   If you happened to miss their performance, they will be doing a spectacular second showing for Grandparents Day on Friday 17^th October.  Dance Troupe will also be debuting their performance for this special assembly as well.

Choir

Spotlight on Year 2

Over the term Year 2 has been engaging in lots of different activities to develop voice and movement skills in Drama.  We have been focusing on expression, posture and action to convey different emotions and different characters.  In pairs, they have been working together to devise a series of freeze frames to perform a drama about memory with family and friends. Next term they will add to this piece with voice and movement to develop their roles and present their work to the class.

The year 2s have really engaged well in the lessons. Check out the photos below.

My New Gallery

Class News - Prep A & Prep B

In Prep this term we have been talking to our classmates about special events. We have had picnics, made and flew kites, participated in NAIDOC week and enjoyed a fun filled Book Week. Sadly, our Nudgee Beach excursion was postponed due to poor weather but we look forward to visiting next term! In Maths we have continued to count to 20, use addition and subtraction and investigated 2D shapes and measurement. The Prep cohort are a delight to teach and Term 3 is always a pleasure to witness the academic growth and ‘school people’ maturity. Bring on Term 4 😊  

Instrumental News

Beginner Band Blitz Workshop - SHSS

On Monday, 1^st September, our beginner instrumental students had the exciting opportunity to take part in the Northside Beginner Band Blitz Workshop at Earnshaw State College. They were joined by students from Ascot SS, Earnshaw SC, Hamilton SS, Somerset Hills SS, Stafford SS, Wavell Heights SS, and Zillmere SS—bringing together around 85 young musicians, all in their first year of learning an instrument.

Throughout the day, students rehearsed three ensemble pieces: Gallant March, Taking It All In, and Koo Koo Cha-Cha. For many, it was their first experience playing in a full band setting, and the collaboration, focus, and enthusiasm were truly impressive.

The day concluded with a performance for parents and friends, showcasing the incredible progress made in just one day of focused rehearsals. Events like these provide a fantastic opportunity for students to develop essential musical skills—such as listening, playing in time, understanding dynamics, and learning musical terminology—all while experiencing the joy of performing as part of a concert band.

Congratulations to all the students who participated, and a heartfelt thank you to the families who supported them and made their attendance possible!

Expressions of Interest Instrumental Program 2026

Please find form below regarding Expressions of Interest for your child to participate in the Instrumental program in 2026. 
If your child is interested in participating in the instrumental program in 2026, please fill out the form and return it the office if you can't attend. Please note if your child already participates in the Instrumental program they should have received a letter on Monday to fill out and hand back to the office.

Library News

Rules for Borrowing:

* You must always have a Library Bag with you to borrow a book from the library (no exceptions)

* You may borrow one (1) book for the week (prep to Year 3)

* Remember always keep your book safe by placing the book back into your Library bag when not reading it.

* Always bring your returning Library Book and bag back to school on borrowing day.

* If you misplace your library book, or the book has been damaged beyond repair, the school's policy requires replacement or reimbursement for that resource.

Creative Hanzi Art Competition

Student Awards

Student of the Week - Week 9

Respect Award - Week 9

Staffie's Got Talent

P&C

Dear Parents and Carers,
As our P&C Executive team has recently transitioned, we’re taking a moment to finalize and confirm our current membership list. To ensure everyone who intended to join this year is included, we kindly ask that you complete and return the attached P&C membership form if you believe you have already signed up.
We sincerely apologise to those who have already submitted a membership form this year and appreciate your patience. To guarantee that every member is correctly registered, we kindly ask that you complete and return the attached P&C membership form if you have enrolled in 2025. If possible, please note on the form the date you believe you initially joined, so we can update this on the register.
Official membership will be confirmed once we receive your completed form. You can email your form to staffordheightspandc@gmail.com or deliver it in person to the school office. Your support means a great deal to us, and these steps help us keep our records accurate as we plan upcoming events and initiatives.
If you have any questions about the membership process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at staffordheightspandc@gmail.com.
Thank you for your ongoing support.

Kind regards,
The Stafford Heights P&C Executive Team

🎉 Trivia Night Tickets Are Now LIVE! 🎉Get ready for a fantastic evening—tickets for the SHSS P&C Trivia Night on the 18th of October are officially on sale!Head over to School24 to purchase your ticket, pre order pizza and buy raffle tickets. This year, we’re putting together year-level tables, giving you a great opportunity to meet and connect with other families in your child’s grade. If you have more than one child at SHSS, simply select the child whose year level you'd prefer to sit with when booking.Want to sit with a group of friends? Make your own table of 6–8 people, purchase your tickets individually, then email staffordheightspandc@gmail.com with your group details so we can seat you together.Come along for a fun-filled night and enjoy a great evening out with the SHSS community.

We can't wait to see you there!

Thank you, Charmaine!

We extend a huge thanks to Charmaine, one of our dedicated Vice Presidents who has resigned from her position. We thank her for her service to the P&C and to our school!

Grandparents Day Breakfast

We’re looking forward to celebrating Grandparents Day with a special bbq breakfast on Friday 17 October. This is always a wonderful community event and a chance for students to share the morning with their grandparents and special friends.

Grade 2 parents will be coordinating this. More information to come soon – we hope you can join us!

Swimming Program Update

Swimming offered through the Community Ed program is currently paused. We would like to give a heartfelt thank you to Jo Jardine for her incredible commitment and dedication in running the program over so many years.

Recognising Our OSHC Staff

A huge thank you to Jacob and his team for all the wonderful work they’ve done this term. They’ve hit the ground running, building strong relationships with students, parents and guardians alike.

We’d also like to thank Corbett and Claude for helping us celebrate these champions with a well-deserved pizza treat.

A Heap of Thanks

Thank you to all the wonderful helpers who supported our Father’s Day Stall - we appreciate you!

A big thank you as well to everyone who baked or donated something delicious for last week’s Bake Sale. Together we raised over $700 for our school!

Community News

APPLY NOW for QACI Brilliant Futures  - a two-year selective-entry preparation program for student participation in Year 7 and Year 8. Current Year 6 students are welcome to APPLY NOW. QACI Brilliant Futures provides impactful, collaborative extra-curricular learning experiences aligned with the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile, including inquiry, critical thinking and reflection.

"Sharks Camp 2025 - September/October. GET IN QUICK LIMITED SPOTS AVAILABLE!! Sharks Camp is a four-day volleyball camp designed to cater to athletes of all skill levels. With elite development opportunities available and pathways into club and state-level volleyball, this camp has something for everyone!

The Dates:

30th September | 1st October | 2nd October | 3rd October

We usually hit capacity pretty quickly, so if you're interested sign up today to secure your spot!!

YEAHHHH SHARKS!!

Visit our website for more information https://sharksvolleyball.com/sharks-camp."