Term 3, Week 4 Newsletter

Principal - Cassandra Clarke

Welcome to this week’s edition of our school newsletter.

It has certainly been an unusual week with the recent Industrial Action, and I’d like to take a moment to sincerely thank our school community for the ongoing support you’ve shown to our staff during this time.

Our teachers at BCSS are truly remarkable. Each day, they go above and beyond in their commitment to your children – demonstrating not only professionalism and dedication, but genuine care and kindness. Whether it's refining their teaching practice or seeking new ways to support student learning, their passion for education shines through in all they do.

Thank you again for standing with them, and with us, as we continue working together to create the best possible learning environment for your children.

Have a great fortnight!

Mrs Clarke

Deputy Principal - Nikolas Taufatofua

Dear Families,

This term, we were fortunate to welcome Rhan Hooper to our school to help us mark NAIDOC Week in a meaningful and engaging way. Although NAIDOC Week fell during the holidays this year, we took the opportunity early this term to come together and celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Rhan’s sessions were both informative and inspiring, providing students with a deeper understanding of First Nations perspectives through story, music and interactive discussion. It was a special time for our school community to reflect, learn and connect.

Excitement is building as preparations continue for our 150th celebration. Staff, students and volunteers are working behind the scenes to ensure this milestone is a memorable one. We look forward to sharing more details soon and encourage everyone to be part of what promises to be a fantastic community event. A Working Bee will be held at the school on Wednesday, 13 August 2025, from 9am to 3pm. If you're available to lend a hand, even for a short time, please respond to the P&C team via the WhatsApp group.

Later this term, our Year 5 students will head off to camp – a highlight on the calendar and a wonderful opportunity for them to develop independence, teamwork and leadership. Planning is well underway and we know the experience will be both fun and rewarding.

Finally, we wish all families a safe and enjoyable break over next Wednesday’s Ekka public holiday. For those who will not be at the Working Bee, we hope it provides a well-earned rest and a chance to recharge.

Warm regards,
Nikolas Taufatofua
Deputy Principal

ICAS Assessment

Each year, at Brisbane Central State School, we offer parents the opportunity for their children to sit the International Competitions and Assessments for Schools (ICAS) tests.  The ICAS Assessment registrations are now closed and the testing period has begun. 

• Students to bring pencil and eraser (for working out) and line up outside the front entrance to the library just after 9:00am. 
• Class teachers have this information and the list of students sitting the ICAS Assessments.  The test supervisor will also actively follow up on all registered students.

Students’ results and certificates are received in schools approximately four weeks after the end of the test week, except for writing.  Writing certificates are received approximately eight weeks after the official sitting window has closed due to the writing being manually marked.  The school will distribute the certificates when available. 

Online access to results is available about a week after the end of the test week except for writing.  Parents have online access to their child’s ICAS 2025 result via the Results Portal using the TAP ID and PIN.  The TAP ID and PIN are available:

• on the reverse side of the certificates from previous years
• in the confirmation email after purchase and emailed again when results are released, along with a link to view the results online
• on request via this form. 

If you have any questions please feel free to email Maureen Kelly, mkell83@eq.edu.au.    

School Photo

School photos were taken today. It was lovely to see our students wearing their uniform with pride. The catch-up day on 28 August, will only be used if necessary.  We will let you know if this is going ahead closer to the day.

New playground

We’re thrilled to share some exciting news about upcoming projects that will enhance our school environment and provide more opportunities for active play and sports.

Starting in September, construction will begin on a brand-new playground specifically designed for our Year 4 and 5 students. This smaller, purpose-built play space will offer a fun and engaging option during lunch breaks, featuring climbing frames, ropes, and a mini climbing wall—perfect for building confidence, coordination, and creativity.

At almost the same time, work will commence on a new basketball/netball court, located on the site of the old car park, near the PE room. The current bitumen will be removed and replaced with a specialised rebound surface, making it safer and more enjoyable for students to play. While it won’t be full-sized, it will offer a fantastic new area for lunchtime play, and provide our netball teams with a great space to train ahead of Gala Days and interschool competitions.

We’re looking forward to seeing these new facilities take shape and can’t wait for our students to enjoy them!

Gardening Group

We’d like to send a huge shoutout to Mr Kleidon for his initiative in establishing our very own Gardening Club here at school!

Until recently, the four above-ground garden beds near the oval had become overgrown with weeds and were in need of some TLC. Thanks to Mr Kleidon's hard work—and a productive trip to Bunnings—those gardens have now been completely transformed. With fresh mulch, topsoil, and a variety of new plants, the space is looking vibrant and full of life.

This wonderful project comes just in time for our 150th Celebration, and we’re so proud that visitors will be greeted by beautiful, well-tended gardens that reflect the pride we take in our school.

Mr Kleidon and his enthusiastic team of student helpers will continue caring for the other garden beds, keeping everything watered—and hopefully keeping the possums at bay!

Well done and thank you to the whole Gardening Club team for your efforts and commitment. What a fantastic example of school pride in action!

2026 Enrolments

Get Set for Prep in 2026
Prep attendance is compulsory in all Queensland schools. Enrolment and Information Packages are available from our Office. If your child/ren turn five by 30 June next year, he/she is eligible. Enrolments are being taken for Prep Year students for 2026, born between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021.  The table below is a guide to assist families to determine their child/ren’s Prep eligibility.

For more information and Enrolment Packages, please visit or call our Office on 32304333 or simply go to our website to download an Enrolment Form and other materials. Please note that we must sight the original birth certificate/ passport with the enrolment.

Out of Catchment Enrolment

In accordance with the Brisbane Central State School Enrolment Management Plan, priority enrolment is given to families who reside within our community catchment and siblings. This allows for managed and considered use of school facilities and resources.

Contingent to enrolment numbers and school capacity allows the Principal the right to offer ‘out of catchment enrolments’ to students with an active enrolment application.

Enrolment applications can be made through the school office in person or by emailing - admin@brisbanecentralss.eq.edu.au

2025 School Opinion Survey

Last week you would have received an email with a link inviting you to complete our annual School Opinion Survey. This email is not distributed by Brisbane Central State School but rather generated externally by the Department of Education. The survey period will be open from Monday 28 July until Friday 22 August.

The survey is an opportunity for families to provide feedback for our school. All feedback is valuable as we acknowledge and create the best schooling experience for your child. I do encourage families to complete the survey as the higher the rate of completion, the more credible and useful the data received will be.

This survey will also be completed by Year 5 & 6 students, as student voice is another important aspect of our ongoing improvement plan.

The information received from families allows us to reflect and continue to refine and grow our school. The time you generously give to complete the survey is appreciated.

The survey can be completed via computers, tablets or smart phones with an internet connection. For parents/caregivers who do not have access to the internet school computers/tablets will be available upon request. Parents/caregivers who experience difficulties accessing the survey can request a new survey from the School Opinion Survey team via email schoolopinionsurvey@qed.qld.gov.au.

Please also check your junk email folder if this email cannot be found.

Upcoming Events

Year 6 Team - Canberra Trip

We’re thrilled that our students have recently returned from an unforgettable educational adventure to our nation’s capital, Canberra! This once-in-a-lifetime experience gave students the chance to explore some of Australia’s most important historical and cultural landmarks while deepening their understanding of our nation’s heritage and democracy through fun, hands-on learning. During the trip, students had the incredible opportunity to meet the Honourable Madonna Jarrett, Federal Member for Brisbane, at Parliament House. She even joined us as we explored the Lego Parliament House exhibit — a definite highlight for many! We also had the unforgettable experience of waving to the Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms. Sam Mostyn AC, as she passed by. The adventure didn’t stop there — at Questacon, students braved the Free Fall slide, with many saying it felt like their stomachs were left behind at the top! We also met Titan the coin robot at the Royal Australian Mint and watched him dance multiple times. At Parliament House, students stepped into the shoes of our nation’s leaders during an exciting role play, bringing the democratic process to life. The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $90.00 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate (PACER) program. This rebate is paid directly to the school once the excursion has been completed. We’re so proud to have provided this exciting learning opportunity and are grateful for the support that helped make it possible!

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HPE News - Ruby Wylie

Gala- Summer years 5 and 6 only

Sporting Options

Baseball

Touch football

Cricket

Key Dates-

Training at school- week 9 and 10

Attend Gala- Term 4- weeks 1, 2 and 3.

This round of Gala will only be offered to students in years 5 and 6.

In week 5, students in years 5 and 6 will be given the option to select the sport they will participate in at Gala. This process will be done in class with their teacher. The options are baseball, touch football, cricket. Parents/carers are encouraged to talk with their child/ren before this.

Teams will begin training in weeks 9 and 10 with their coach. Big thank you to the teachers who will be taking on the role as coach. Training will prepare them for Gala days.

Once the permission form is released, more information will be outlined.  

Queensland Government Sports Vouchers

Applying for and using Play On sports vouchers

If you’re a Queensland parent, carer or guardian, you can apply for a voucher of up to $200 for your child to use for sporting memberships, registration or participation fees with a registered activity provider.

Key dates

• 4 August 2025:  Round 1 opens for parents, carers or guardians to apply for vouchers
• 17 Dec 2025 5PM: applications close (or earlier if fully allocated)
• 19 Jun 2026: vouchers must be presented to an activity provider

For more information visit

https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/playon/apply

Miss Wylie

Health and Physical Education Specialist

Book Parade

Library News

BOOK CLUB ISSUE 5

Is now closed

Scholastic bulk delivers the books to school after the book club issue closing date.

Books will be delivered to your child/ren by their class teacher.

Student Exemptions

If your child needs to be away from school for 10 or more school days in a row—due to illness, travel, or another valid reason—you can apply for an exemption from school attendance. This helps make sure you're not breaking any rules and that the school understands and supports your family’s situation. The process is simple: just talk to your school, fill out a form, and include any documents that explain why your child can’t attend (like a medical certificate or return plane travel tickets). Once approved, the exemption gives you peace of mind knowing your child’s absence is officially recognised. It’s all about working together to do what’s best for your child.

P&C News

QACI

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.

Learn more: https://qaci.eq.edu.au/enrolments/brilliant-futures-brisbane-program

Chess club

Mustachery on Brunswick

Redsox Softball