Term 3, Week 8 Newsletter

Principal - Cassandra Clarke

What a busy fortnight!

With so much happening in our school it is exciting and rewarding to be a part of all the excitement. With 2 weeks of school left, and the weather starting to warm up we will all be looking forward to having a holiday to rest and get ready for Term 4, again another busy term!

150^th Spectacular

Great job everyone for your contributions to the 150^th. The P&C had spent so much time and effort putting our Spectacular together, it wouldn’t have happened without their tenacity. Another special mention to Jenny Gilmour for her organising of the memorabilia display. The high tea and memorabilia areas were a big hit with our past students. It was a privilege to meet The Honourable John-Paul Langbroek MP, Minister for Education and the Arts, and also have him acknowledge Jenny’s dedicated work to the school. It was so exciting to see so many of our families attend the day. Our choirs sang beautiful, and our new School Song was sung with pride.

Our new school song has now been added to the 3:00pm home bell. Keep an ear out for it!

Finally, a Happy Father’s Day to our Dads, Grandpas and all Father figures. I hope that you all have a great day, and your football team wins!!

Have a great fortnight!

Take care,

Cassandra Clarke

Deputy Principal - Nikolas Taufatofua

Dear Families,

What an incredible celebration we shared last week as we marked our school’s 150th anniversary! It was a truly memorable occasion that showcased the heart and spirit of our school community. I would like to extend my deepest thanks to our wonderful P&C, dedicated staff, enthusiastic students and our honoured guests for making the event such a success. Your contributions, big and small, helped create a day that reflected the pride we all feel in our school.

A special highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of our new school song. The lyrics speak beautifully of the meeting of the rivers—a powerful symbol of our diverse backgrounds and the strength we gain when we come together. It was moving to hear our students sing with such pride and unity.

We also celebrate the fantastic achievement of our students in the recent mathematics competition, where our team placed second! Congratulations to all participants and a heartfelt thank you to Mrs Hansen and Ms Dreghorn for their tireless work in preparing and supporting our students.

As we return to our regular routines, I kindly remind families to aim to leave the school grounds by 3:15pm each day. While we love the sense of community, this is an important part of our commitment to student safety, helping us ensure that all children are accounted for and that the grounds are clear for after-school supervision and activities.

Finally, I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at next Wednesday evening’s parent-teacher interviews. These conversations are a valuable opportunity to strengthen the partnership between home and school, and to support every child’s learning journey.

Warm regards,
Nikolas Taufatofua
Deputy Principal

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Head Of Curriculum - Maureen Kelly

ICAS Assessments

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 are now complete.

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 to parent after purchase and emailed again when results are released, along with a link to view the results online
• on request via this form. 
• Certificates will be distributed by the school when received.

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

New Court

It is so exciting to see the digging up of the old bitumen courts by the excavator. It has been a bit noisy, and a bit dusty but it will be worth it in the end! We will have a ¾ size basketball/ netball court for our students to access at lunch times and before and after school.    

Next Friday after the ground has been prepared, the concrete slab will be poured. This will take about 3 weeks to cure and set ready for the next stage.

Please note that next Friday the concrete trucks will be occupying Gate 6, so all this area will be closed off for pick up and drop off. Entry will be through Gate 7 and/ or the top Gate near Our Patch.

Parent Teacher Meetings

An invitation was sent out last week regarding Parent Teacher Meetings. An online booking system is available for parents to book a time on Wednesday 10 September to meet with your child’s teacher and discuss your child’s learning.

From 5:30pm – 6:00pm our staff will be taking a 30min break to have a meal break. Please respect this time.

Online bookings close Monday 8 September.

Meeting Locations:

Staff Updates

• Mrs Nida Mateen, our Admin Officer, has been successful in a Business Manager position at Hilder Road State School, starting in Term 4. We wish you good luck in your new job.
• Thank you to Ms Casey Chen who has been taking Prep D as Mrs Gloria Chan has been away with illness.

Advertisement of Positions

We currently have 2 expressions of interests for positions available in the school.

1. Administration Officer – 52 hours per fortnight.

https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-MNR658544-25E

1. Schools Officer: Grounds and Facilities – Full time hours

https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobtools/jncustomsearch.viewFullSingle?in_organid=14904&in_jnCounter=223055766

Instrumental Music Teacher - Colin McIntyre

Let the music making begin!

Each year we complete a recruiting process for positions in the departments instrumental music band program delivered here at BCSS.

Parents/caregivers of students currently in year 3 only are invited to express their interest now for their student to apply for a position in this program from 2026.

Please complete the survey using the link below or ask at the office for a paper copy to complete and return and if possible please email me to let me know if you are completing a paper copy. 

LINK TO BAND EOI APPLICATION

For any questions please contact Mr Colin McIntyre on email cmcin13@eq.edu.au

2026 Enrolments

Enrolments for the 2026 Prep Program are Now Open
I am encouraging all Brisbane Central families who have children who are age appropriate for the Prep program next year to complete their application package to allow us to commence planning for the 2026 school year as early as possible.
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 Rainworth 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

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.

Prep Vision Screening

The Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program is coming to Brisbane Central State school. We are a Queensland Government service that offers Free Vision Screening to all children enrolled in Prep. If your child is in Prep and you would like their vision screened, please complete a consent form using the below link or QR code.

The following video explains the benefits of having your Prep child’s vision screened – “What is Prep Vision Screening?”

Screening commencement date: Wednesday, 5 November, 2025

Link and QR code will close on Sunday, 7 September, 2025

https://visionscreening.health.qld.gov.au/ParentalConsent/2811bM2v

Maths Tournament - Anita Hansen

On Monday the 1 September Shreehan, Anna, Erika, Melissa, Bron, Ayaan and Yahyaa competed in a Maths Tournament held at Patricks Road State School. One of our teams received second place in the competition. This team included, Shreehan, Melissa and Bron. 

Congratulations to all the students who competed.

QDU DEBATING NEWS

All debating teams engaged successfully in their first QDU debate of the season a few weeks back, at St Joseph’s Gregory Terrace.

Coaches were extremely proud of the effort and engagement of all students in our 3 teams. The topic debated was that “All children’s media should have a happy ending”.

Team 6.1 argued the negative case, and had a convincing win against Gregory Terrace. Well done to Aditi, Shreehan, Hanvitha and Harsha! All teams engaged at a high level and eagerly sought and received feedback from the adjudicators to hone their skills, ready for the next competition night, next Thursday, September 11. Our next topic is “That we should reduce school holidays.”

Debaters are working hard to build their arguments, prepare their rebuttals and practise their speeches. Keep up the excellent work debaters!

Also, a reminder we have 2 more after-school, online training sessions with QDU, upcoming, for round 3 on Tuesday September 16^th and for Round 4 on Tuesday October 21^st.

Thanks to all parents also for continuing to support our star debaters.

Ms Culverhouse, Miss Everingham, Mr McKee and Mrs Kelly

BCSS Debating Coaches

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.

Code Camp

Mustachery on Brunswick

Chess Club