Term 3 Week 6 Newsletter

Principal's Report

Dear Parents and Carers, 

This Friday, we will celebrate one of my favourite school events, Book Week, a time to honour the joy of reading and quality children’s literature. This year’s theme is “Book an Adventure.” To start the day the P&C are selling Bacon and Egg Burgers for $5 from 8am and there will also be a coffee van onsite. Our parade will begin at 9:15 am in the hall.  Families are welcome to join us in the hall for our Book Week parade.

New Student Leader Initiative – SHSS Book Swap

Starting next Wednesday 27 August, at 8:30 am in the Blue Area, our student leaders are launching the SHSS Book Swap.
Students can:

• Take a book
• Leave a book
• Swap a book

If you have books you would like to donate, they can be brought in each Wednesday.

SCHOOL REVIEW EXECUTIVE SUMMARY REPORT

The report from our recent school review has now been finalised. Thank you to all the parents and community members who contributed by meeting with the review team. In total, 191 people were interviewed, including 31 parents and carers.

The Executive Summary is available in the PDF below and can also be accessed on our school website.

There is much to celebrate about our school. The report highlights that parents value staff members’ commitment to students’ learning and wellbeing, and describe our school as a safe, nurturing and respectful environment. We are very proud of this recognition.

In Term 4, the school community will be invited to contribute to the development of our new four-year Strategic Plan.

Thank you again for your contributions and ongoing support of our school.

Sarah Abdy

Principal

Head of Curriculum

Book Week 

This week Stafford Heights celebrated Book Week.  The theme for this year is “Book an Adventure”.  Book Week is an annual celebration of reading for pleasure for children of primary school age. 

On Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, 6 students were chosen to read a book to the whole school over Teams Meetings.  The books read were from the Shortlisted Books in the Early Childhood Category. The books and readers were:-

Max T (5/6B) read How to move a Zoo by Kate Simpson

Tom (4B) read The wobbly bike by Darren McCallum

Dorian (4A) read One little dung beetle by Heather Potter and Mark Jackson

Siena (5/6A) read Don’t worry Felix by Johann Devezy and Katharine Alice

Jo-Di (5/6C) read We live in a bus by Dave Petzold

Annie (4C) read Spiro by Anna McGregor

The students all did a fantastic job of reading and bringing each book to the whole school. 

On Friday we will be holding the Book Character Parade.  The day will start with a P&C Breakfast followed by the Parade which will be a fun, exciting and excellent way to finish off our Book Week Celebrations.  

Majella Cooper

Head of Curriculum

Book Week Readers

Parentline: Support and advice for all Queensland parents and carers

Being a parent can be rewarding—but it can also be challenging. Whether you’re trying to support your child with school issues, friendship challenges, behaviour, or tough moments at home, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to do next.

Parentline is a free and confidential service available to all Queensland parents and carers. No problem is too big or too small—and reaching out early can make a real difference.

Parentline offers advice and support on a wide range of parenting topics, including:

• bullying and friendship issues
• parent–child relationships
• parenting strategies and behaviour management
• mental and emotional wellbeing—for both children and parents

You can speak with a trained professional by phone or webchat (6am-midnight), seven days a week.

An online bullying support forum is also available. This is a safe, moderated space to connect with others, ask questions, and share experiences.

📞 Call 1300 30 1300

💬 Visit parentline.com.au

Because parenting doesn’t come with a manual—but help is here when you need it.

Head of Inclusion

This term our wonderful community garden has grown into an abundance of colour showcasing a huge display of produce from all the care provided by Mrs Tukuafu, staff and students involved in the program. The students have been building upon their skills in the area of Personal and Social Capabilities whist building knowledge and understanding of gardening and sustainability concepts. Enjoy the beautiful photographs as we celebrate the success of this project. Amazing work team!

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 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

Book Week - "Book an Adventure"

Jeans for Genes Day - THANK YOU

A big THANK YOU to our school community for donating funds to this important cause. Many brave kids and their families are so grateful for your support. Your generosity is giving them hope for a brighter future and bringing us closer to advancements in genetic research.

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.

Cultural Connections Corner

Introducing Our Indigenous Cultural Connections Officer 

I am excited to be back at Stafford Heights State School as the Indigenous Cultural Connections Officer. I will be working with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, families, and staff to strengthen cultural connections, embed Indigenous perspectives in our learning, and support cultural events across the school. I am looking forward to meeting families and working together to celebrate culture, share stories, and create strong connections across our school community. I will be working every Tuesday and you can get in touch with me 07 3621 2333 or  email  kmaya2@eq.edu.au.

 Kym Mayall

Indigenous Cultural Connections Officer

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.

2025 Premier's Reading Challenge

Final days to hand in forms - 22nd August 

QParents

We’re streamlining our office processes by making the most of QParents and encourage all parents to create an account. It’s a user-friendly portal which provides secure online access to information about your child’s schooling including attendance, report cards, 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 Resilience.

As we get towards the middle of the term and the students begin to become 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

Athletics

Well done to the students who participated at the North District Track and Field on Thursday 7^th and Friday 8^th August. We had some wonderful results, and you should all be proud of yourself. 

Congratulations go to Chukwuka, who qualified for the Metropolitan North Carnival and will be competing in High Jump at QSAC on Tuesday 26^th August.  All the best Chuka!

Special thanks also go to Gabbi for volunteering her time to help our runners improve their techniques.  I know this was really appreciated by the students.

Term 3 – Before School Activity.

We will continue with skipping on Monday Mornings at 8.30 and running on Wednesday Mornings at 8.30 this term weather permitting and staff availability.  

Students are to wait in the blue area on both mornings to be collected by the relevant staff member.  Remember, you must have a hat and be wearing it to participate.

Volleyball Cup

Unfortunately, the tough call was made on Tuesday afternoon by Volleyball Queensland to postpone the Volleyball Cup event at Craigslea on Thursday 21^st August due to the expected weather conditions.  Another date was scheduled in October which unfortunately clashes with another scheduled event for the year 5 & 6 cohort, which means we will be unable to attend the carnival this year.  We are currently working on an alternative for those students to demonstrate their Volleyball skills and will advise the outcome in due course.

Term 4 Gala Sport

Planning is about to commence for Term 4 Gala Sport.  Stafford Heights will again host the Cricket and be offering the students the opportunity to participate in teams.  Students will nominate their interest in coming days so teams can be arranged.  More details will be advised as information is provided by the district.

Mrs Jardine

HPE Teacher.

North District Track and Field - August 7th and 8th.

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Arts News (Dance, Drama, Music)

The Dance Troupe have been working hard over the past fortnight to learn their choreography. They are extremely excited to perform the dance on our Grandparents Day assembly, Term 4 week 2. Choir have been doing some beautiful singing in groups, the altos and sopranos are learning to harmonise together. It is remarkable to see their growth in just a few weeks.

Spotlight on Year 1

Over the past fortnight in Drama, Year 1 have been enjoying reading and dramatising a new story- Journey by Aaron Becker. Through pictures only, Journey tells the story of a bored and lonely child who transports themselves to a new world with a magical crayon. Whilst there, the child rescues an exotic bird from the castle guards, escapes capture and makes their way back home. Year 1 have been very engaged in the story drama by expressively acting out scenes from the book. It is great to see their imagination in action as we innovate on the story by drawing our own ideas with the magical red crayon.

In Music, Year 1 are exploring sound stories with musical instruments and body percussion. They are learning dynamics, loud and soft, tempo, fast and slow and pitch, high and low as we create each story.  Last week they told the story of the Tortoise and the Hare with drums and shakers to represent the two animals and their movements. Check out the photos below.

Dance Troupe and Year 1

Class News - 5/6A & 4C

4C Classroom News

This term in Science, 4C has been exploring the exciting world of forces through hands-on games and activities. We have learned how to draw simple force diagrams to show pushes, pulls, gravity and friction at work during our games. After collecting data, we even graphed our results and analysed patterns—becoming true young scientists!

In English, we have started reading Rowan of Rin and are hooked on the story. Students have loved writing chapter summaries and bringing the characters to life with their own creative illustrations. We can’t wait to see what adventures unfold next!

5/6A Classroom News

In Science this term, Year 5/6A have been learning about how light travels. We have investigated how light moves in straight lines, how it reflects off surfaces, and how it can pass through transparent, translucent, and opaque materials. Through hands-on experiments using torches, mirrors, and everyday objects, students have tested their ideas and discussed their results. This unit has helped us to think like scientists as we explore the important role light plays in our world.

Student Council

The Student Council is excited to share some wonderful news with our school community! At the School Disco last Friday, the lolly stall was a huge hit, raising an amazing total of $244.45. A huge thank you goes out to everyone who supported the stall – from those who helped prepare the lolly bags, to the students and families who made purchases on the night.

The council has been working hard on ways to improve our school and is aiming towards a big goal – purchasing new soccer goals for the oval. Each set of goals costs around $950, and ideally, we would like to buy four. As we’re not quite there yet, the council has been brainstorming some creative ways to make the money grow!

Two exciting ideas are on the table:

• Holding a big raffle at our next school event by using the funds to purchase raffle prizes.
• Hiring a qualified gymnastics instructor to run sessions at break times, giving students a fun and healthy activity.

The council will be discussing these options further and would love feedback from our school community. We look forward to sharing more updates soon – thank you for your continued support in helping us make our school an even better place!

Instrumental News

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.

Student Awards

Student of the Week - Week 4

Respect Award - Week 4

Staffie's Got Talent

P&C

Oh what a night!

Thank you to everyone who came to the disco on Friday 8 August (special shout out to our mascot Staffie for making a brief appearance). Together we raised $1500 towards the nature play area. We are especially thankful to our volunteers!

Mark your calendar

Book Week BBQ brekkie is this Friday 22 August starting at 8am. $5 per Bacon & egg roll. Bring your appetites!

Father’s Day is next month! The Father’s Day stall will be open during school hours Wednesday 3 and Thursday 4 September. Could you help make this a success by volunteering?

Indulge your sweet tooth. Bake Sale is coming Friday 12 September at 8am. Drop off donations to tuckshop on Thursday 11 September.

Our ‘Night in nature’ Quiz Night is coming up on Saturday 18 October in the school hall. We’ll be continuing to raise money to buy an established fig tree for our nature play area. Mark it in your calendar, form your teams and we’ll see you there for the biggest fundraiser of the year! Do you run a business or know someone who does? We’d love donations towards our raffle.

If you can help or have any questions email staffordheightspandc@gmail.com

Good news!

We are delighted to announce we’ve received a 2024-25 Volunteer Grant from Anika Wells. We are excited to use these funds to positively impact our school community.

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.