Term 3, Week 10 Newsletter - Copy

Principal - Cassandra Clarke

Each time I speak about Brisbane Central State School, I speak about how much we have to be proud of at our school, and how important it is to pause and celebrate those achievements together. We should all be congratulated for our collective commitment to ensuring the very best outcomes for our students. It is through this shared dedication that we are reminded of what makes our school such a special place: our passionate and skilled staff, supportive families and the tireless work of our P&C, and of course, our learning culture. Thank you to everyone who plays a part in bringing this vision to life.

Take care,

Cassandra Clarke

Deputy Principal - Nikolas Taufatofua

Dear Families,

This week’s Year 5 camp was a wonderful experience. We were blessed with great weather, a wide range of engaging activities and plenty of opportunities for students to grow in confidence, independence and teamwork. I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with our Year 5s and getting to know them better – they demonstrated maturity, resilience and the kind of qualities we hope to see in our future leaders.

Our student leadership selection process for Year 5 students has now begun. Students have been sent home with an information booklet, the application process and a letter to parents outlining the steps ahead. We encourage families to take the time to discuss what leadership at our school looks like and what it means with your child. Please note key dates and encourage your child to apply for a role. If you have any questions or need further information, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Culverhouse, Mr Darke and Mrs Emery for their organisation, care and commitment in making camp such a success. Thank you also to parents for supporting your children to attend. It was an experience that will be remembered fondly by both students and staff.

As we move towards the school holidays, I wish all families a safe and enjoyable break. I look forward to seeing everyone refreshed and ready for the exciting term ahead.

Warm regards,
Nikolas Taufatofua
Deputy Principal

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.

Science, Mathematics and English results have been released.

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

R U OK?

Last week we acknowledged R U OK? Day on 11 September. There are 4 steps to help check that one of your friends or family members is ok?

Thanks to Lend Lease, Justin Davies, Executive Director Lendlease, who officially presented a new R U OK? Bench, located near the library, to the School Community. Thank you for your kind donation.

Staff Changes

• Welcome back to Mrs Gloria Chan
• Mrs Karen O’Connell will be on leave for 4 weeks – Replaced by Ms Casey Chen
• Mrs Ally Stainer will be on leave for 2 weeks- Replaced by Mr Denis Fuelling
• Mrs Jane Culverhouse will be on leave for 1 week – Replaced by Mr Ben Snaith

We will also be welcoming Ms Amy Manu to our front desk staff. Welcome Amy!

Debating

Last Thursday night debating students argued tough points with 2 teams bringing home wins!  All teams keenly chased feedback after their debates, from the adjudicators, to refine their skills. Well done to all students, the coaches are very proud of your passion and commitment to working collaboratively to form and build persuasive debates. Keep up the great work!

Class Solver

This year BCSS will be using the Class Solver program to help place students into their 2026 classes. This is an online system that seamlessly adapts to our school’s previous approach to class placement.
It allows us to construct balanced classes taking into account individual student needs with more precision.

Teachers will be uploading student friendships that will be written onto a Class Placement Slip, and with their knowledge of their students into the Class Solver tool. Thank you to everyone who gave consent for us to use this program.

Class Placement Slips

Next term we will commence the process of allocating students into class groups for the 2026 school year. Teachers use their professional knowledge and skills to form class groups while considering a range of factors such as

• Gender mix… girls and boys across the class group and across the year level
• Students requiring learning support / extension                           
• Social / emotional support needs / skills                                   
• Behavioural support required       
• Students who do not learn well together                                   
• Maturity, independence, responsibility
• Friendships                                                                                                                              
• A range of abilities across each class

At the start of Term 4, Teachers and students will record 5 names of who they would work with best on the Class Placement Slip. In Week 2 of Term 4, the slip will then be sent home for parental input. Please see instructions below:

• The Class Placement slip gives the opportunity for all students to be placed with a peer with whom they learn best
• Teachers and Administration put a great deal of effort and time into ensuring classes are balanced
• Teachers will use their professional knowledge of the students to form class groups
• All students will be placed with at least 1 peer from the list on the reverse side
• Teachers and students have discussed the 5 names at school for 2026 and the names have been recorded on the reverse side
• Parents and child/ren will then discuss the 5 names at home and make any changes on the Class Placement Slip (a ü if agree or x and adjust with different name & initial any changes)
• Class Placement slips need to be returned to the classroom teacher by Friday 24 October
• We ask parents to please initial any changes made.

Please note:

• The final decision regarding student placement rests with the Principal and consideration is based on the needs across the entire school.
• All Class Placement Slips must be returned by: 3pm Friday 24 October 2025 (Friday of Week 3 Term 4). 
• Late submissions will not be accepted or considered.

Students will be advised of their 2026 Classroom Teacher prior to the Pupil Free Days in January 2026.

The Class Placement slip will look like this:

Cyber Safety

Recently several parents have come to see me about issues they are having at home with devices, and strangers trying to access their children’s games and chat rooms. As Parents we need to be aware of when our children are online? What are they doing on line? And, who they are talking to?

Here are some hints as to how to spot a stranger online:

• Do you know their real name? or do they only use an online name e.g. ghost62
• Have you met them in real -life?
• Do you parents know them in real-life?

If the answer is no, then most likely they will be a stranger.

Preparing your child – what would they do if a ‘new’ person wants to join in their chat?  Practice with scenarios. Reassure them to talk to you, as they won’t get into trouble and together you can solve any issues.

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

Beginner Band Blitz success!

26 of our year band students had a great day of music making on Wednesday the 3^rd September at the Northside Beginner band Blitz. The day of musical  learning culminated in a very well received, standing room only, concert performance by the 144 piece concert band made up of year 4 band students form 8 local state schools. 

Congratulations to all who participated on their musical efforts and attitude. 

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.

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

Year 4 City Hall Excursion

On Tuesday, our Year 4 students visited Brisbane City Hall as part of their HASS unit on local government. Students were given a behind-the-scenes tour of this historic building and were lucky enough to explore the Council Chambers.

A highlight of the day was meeting Councillor Vicki Howard, who guided the students through the chambers and answered their thoughtful questions about decision-making and community services. Students also had the privilege of meeting Councillor Sandy Landers, the Chair of Council, who shared her role in leading meetings and ensuring that all councillors have a voice.

The excursion gave students a real-world understanding of how local representatives are elected, how community members contribute to decisions, and how services are delivered across Brisbane. It was an engaging and memorable experience that brought their classroom learning to life.

Father’s Day

On Thursday the 4 September, year 3H invited their dads into their classroom to do a STEM activity. The children had to build a tall tower using spaghetti and 10 marshmallow’s. 

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.

We can all help to keep our schools safe

We can all help keep our schools safe. The responsibility rests with all of us. 

If you see something suspicious, look, listen, and report.

Contact School Watch on 13 17 88 to report any incidents you see or hear, even if they seem minor. 

In an emergency or if you see a crime in progress dial Triple Zero (000).

Have a great holiday! See you in Term 4!

Mustachery on Brunswick

Chess Club

Cricket Club

September Holiday Camp

Summer Sixes

Speak Up