17 February 2025

Principal’s Message

Congratulations on your response to the donation drive for the Cardwell State School community. Leading up and during the drive, I have been speaking regularly with Anita.  She has shared many examples of the impact of the floods and the responses of the people in the community. During one of my calls, Anita shared a story of a little girl who turned up to the first day the school was open after the flooding. Her dad explained that they had lost everything in the house. Noticing that the girl was wearing a school uniform, she asked how it was that she was able to have a clean uniform. The girl’s father explained that it was the single piece of clothing that was saved as it had been on the wooden table that had floated as the water rose and fell as it receded. In another story, Anita explained how a worker at the local opportunity shop helped her by opening the shop despite managing water inundation in her own home. She explained that because Anita was helping her school community, she was happy to assist. These stories are among thousands across North Queensland. Like you, they are proud people who help one another when faced with challenges. Your contributions in the form of donations last week will be gratefully received. I extend thanks to Jessica and the team of volunteers for the logistics associated with the collection and transportation.

Day 8 census concluded with 1181 students counted. This number includes:

• 188 students with a disability (as recognised by national criteria)
• 382 for whom English is a second language or dialect
• 32 First Nations students
• 25 International students
• 2 in out of home care
• 223 students for whom this is their first year at Broadbeach (includes 149 Prep)

Another interesting fact is that students emanate from 49 nations outside Australia. This rich tapestry of language and culture is a welcome addition to our school.

Pushbikes, scooters and skateboards (including motorised versions) have become more popular modes of transport for delivering and collecting students to and from our school. Given the traffic congestion this is understandable. The riding of these on school grounds however, is not permitted primarily due to the threat to safety of students and members of the community. Additionally, our students have been instructed to walk devices along footpaths where people are congregated. Our students have demonstrated their understanding of these expectations however there have been poor examples recently by adults. I thank you in anticipation for your adherence to these expectations.

In closing, I wish to commend the drivers for the courtesy and respect extended during collections after school. With the help of the supervising team members, we are observing increased efficiency each day. It is apparent that the established protocols make a difference.

Stay safe and keep smiling
Bruce

DEPUTY PRINCIPALS

From the Deputy’s Desk – Peta White

PREP – YEAR 2

Before School

• Well done to all our Year 1 and Year 2 students who wait in the Under Cover Area before school and walk independently to class, when the duty teachers release them at 8.30am.
• Thank you to our Prep parents for doing such a quick separation at the classroom door. Prep students are also welcome to wait in the Undercover Area from 8:15am. Parents can wait with their child, until they feel confident enough to stay with the teachers on duty.

After School

• A big improvement this week with so many students, independently leaving their classrooms and meeting their families at the Kiss ‘n’ Go or prearranged location.
• Thank you for your understanding and for reminding your child that the playgrounds are out of bounds after school.

Religious Instruction or Values Lessons

Queensland state schools embrace a multitude of cultural, religious and non-religious beliefs. Under the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, schools are to provide Religious Instruction (RI).

Participation in RI is not compulsory.  Students in Years 1-6 will attend either Religious Instruction run by volunteers from a local faith group or Values lessons taught by our class teachers.  Lessons will commence from Week Four, Wednesday 19February, and are scheduled for 30-minute sessions every Wednesday.

Students are allocated to RI based on information provided by parents on enrolment. Further information is located on our website under Religious Instruction. If you wish to make a change to this information, please do so in writing at admin@broadbeachss.eq.edu.au

From the Deputy’s Desk – Kristi Klarenbeck

DanceXcel

Our programs have commenced, excluding our Prep program. Term 1 dance concludes at the end of Week 9 for most groups, however, the Year 6 Troupes have a catch up lesson in Week 10 due to missing their lesson whilst at camp.

Prep EOIs open towards the end of Term 1. Please keep an eye out in the mid/late Term 1 newsletters for how to register your Prep child’s interest.

Healthy Minds

Students at Broadbeach are taught the four categories of emotions, otherwise known as the Zones of Regulation as part of our Healthy Minds social-emotional learning program. The ‘Zones’ are:

Students are taught tools for calming when approaching the Yellow and Red Zones, as well as tools for alerting when in the Blue Zone. Ultimately, students who present in the Green Zone are happy, calm and ready to learn.

Tools for calming can include the ‘Figure 8 Breathing’ strategy, counting down, ‘The 6 sides of Breathing’ or ‘Tense and Relax’ strategy.

Ask your child to demonstrate to you at home. Is this a strategy you could implement with your child at home when things are approaching Yellow or Red?

Playgrounds before and after school

Playgrounds are strictly out of bounds before and after school. Workplace Health and Safety protocols are in place permitting the use of playgrounds during school hours only, and only when supervised by staff members. Your cooperation in keeping your child/ren off the playgrounds before and after school is appreciated.

Uniform Policy Reminders

• Plain Black sneakers only. Minimal white is acceptable, however, Converse high tops, boots and sandals are not accepted.
• Plain white
• Decorative jewellery / wristbands are not permitted at school. Please be aware that items worn around the neck and/or wrist present a possible safety risk in the playground and/or Physical Education lessons. The full Uniform Policy is available on the school website under Facilities – Uniform Shop tab.
• Hair accessories are to be kept to a minimum. A simple ribbon or scrunchie in the hair is permitted so long as it is black, purple or white. Large bows and coloured unicorn braids are not permitted.

Parent Teacher Interviews

Now that our information sessions are almost complete (Year Six and 4H to take place today) we look forward to our Parent Teacher Interviews in Week Six.

Prep – Year Two plus 3K interviews will take place on Tuesday 4 March and Year Three to Year Six interviews on Wednesday 5 March. 4C and Prep M Interviews will take place on Tuesday 25 February and Thursday 27 February. These bookings strictly close on Friday 21 February.

You will receive an SMS with instructions on how to book an appointment with your child/ren’s classroom teacher today. The focus for these interviews is to see how your child has settled into their new class, discuss their participation, effort and behaviour.

 Online bookings strictly close on Friday 28 February (except for 4C and Prep M). Please note, office staff do not have access to the booking system. As such to inquire as to any spare slots or to negotiate an alternate time after the closing date, please make direct contact with your child's class teacher.

From the Deputy’s Desk – Matt O’Brien

NAPLAN

Planning is well underway for our Year 3 and Year 5 students as they prepare for their upcoming NAPLAN assessments. At Broadbeach State School, the testing window has been set for Wednesday, 12 March to Friday, 21 March.

In the lead-up to NAPLAN, teachers will be reviewing test requirements, guiding students through key skills for navigating the online platform, and ensuring they feel confident and well-prepared.

Now that the dates are confirmed, we kindly ask for your support in avoiding out-of-school appointments during this period wherever possible.

We look forward to seeing our students demonstrate the skills and knowledge we are so proud of at Broadbeach State School.

2025 Student Leader Ceremony

Our 2025 Student Leader Ceremony will be held on Monday 24 February at 9.00am in The James Centre.

Student Leaders, Class Representatives, House Captains, Band, Strings, Dance, Choir and Japanese Captains will receive their badges.

SMS invitation will be released later this week.

2026 High School Transition

The move from primary to high school is an exciting milestone, but it can also bring challenges for both students and parents. With new experiences, opportunities, and adjustments ahead, a smooth transition requires planning and support from families, schools, and students alike.

For families with children in Year 6 in 2025, it’s important to be aware that the high school transition process begins very soon—if it hasn’t already. Many local high schools, including our catchment schools, Merrimac and Miami State High Schools, will be hosting High School Transition Information Sessions in the coming weeks. These sessions offer valuable insights into high school life, academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, and support services available.

Attending these sessions can help ease any concerns, answer key questions, and assist you in making informed decisions about the best high school fit for your child.

If you are considering enrolling your child in a high school outside your catchment area, please be aware that most schools require entry through specialised programs or scholarships. Each school has specific application timelines and selection processes, so it’s essential to research these early.

To stay informed about upcoming information sessions, we encourage you to visit the websites of the high schools you are considering or contact them directly. Being proactive now will help ensure a smooth and confident transition for your child as they prepare for high school in 2026.

From the Special Education Team

External Therapist/ Medical Interventions

Our school values the relationships and support offered by NDIS therapist and all external specialist. We frequently receive request for therapy at school. As we are a large school, with limited facilities, at this point in time, we are unable to accommodate the space and mandated supervision requirements needed for therapy sessions at school.

We encourage students to continue with their external therapies and maintain specialist support outside of school hours. If needed, special consideration can be made for a child to attend therapy in clinic during school hours.

Parents/carers are encouraged to provide a copy of any medical or specialist reports to the school. These reports can be directly emailed to the classroom teacher. These reports help our school team make the right adjustments for a student’s learning. If you require the school team to share information or discuss your child’s current therapy, a consent to share information with third parties will need to be completed.

Classroom teachers are always your first point of contact and we encourage you to:

• develop personalised learning goals in partnership with teachers and the support team
• provide updates on your child's wellbeing
• discuss plans for major transitions such as enrolment at a new school, starting a new school year or change of teacher

From the Guidance Officer

Managing Big Emotions: Triple P Parenting Tips 

Children experience a range of emotions as they grow and learn. Sometimes, tantrums or aggressive behaviour such as hitting, kicking or biting are a way to express strong feelings like frustration or anger.

It’s helpful to know tantrums are a normal and expected part of a young child's development. As the emotional centre of their brain develops, they may react intensely when things don't go as they want or expect.

Dealing with aggressive behaviour is a common challenge for parents and carers too, as children learn to communicate their needs, express themselves, and get along with others.

It can help to teach kids about feelings, notice and encourage their positive behaviour, and set a calm and consistent example.

Although it's normal to raise your voice occasionally, getting angry or yelling can escalate a situation. It can also teach kids that yelling is appropriate, or create a cycle where getting children to cooperate becomes increasingly tricky.

Calmness is a parenting superpower. It can diffuse difficult situations and help children learn important life skills like self-regulation. Keeping a check on your emotional response and managing your stress can make a positive difference.

To learn more, read Triple P's helpful articles on tantrums, children's aggression and yelling.

The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program® can help you handle the ups and downs of parenting more calmly and confidently.

Information from: Triple P

From the Psychologist

The Raising Children Network is an Australian Government-funded initiative that provides free, evidence-based information and resources to support parents and carers in raising children from pregnancy through to 18 years of age. This resource covers topics such as managing difficult behaviour, supporting children after separation, managing anxiety, supporting emotional literacy and many more topics. Parenting doesn’t come with a handbook there are resources available if you need some tips.

From the PE Department

 HPE News

• Students born in 2015, 2014 and 2013 recently had the opportunity to attend an information session on District and Regional sport pathways for this year.  Students demonstrating a high level of competency in a sport have added their name to an Expression Of Interest 
• Please see the attached information letter about qualification pathways in District School Sport.  It is very strict, and for most sports we are able to send only 3 students. 
• Students will be notified about Oceanic District trials through STUDENT NOTICES.
• Good luck to our swimming superstars heading off to Oceanic Swimming trials on February 20.
• CROSS COUNTRY is in the final week of Term 1.  Prep - Year 3 cross country is on Tuesday 1 April.  Year 4-6 cross country is on Wednesday 2 April.  The top six runners across the line will be going to Oceanic District cross country trials (students born in 2015, 2014 and 2013 only).

Oceanic

• Students born in 2013, 2014 and 2015 are able to trial for Oceanic District sports.
• You will qualify for swimming, cross country and track and field at our school carnivals.
• ALL announcements are made through STUDENT NOTICES so please make sure you read them each day.
• There is a calendar of Oceanic sports and dates on the HPE staffroom door. Dates are subject to change though.
• Team sports will only have 3 Broadbeach students allowed to attend. If more than 3 students are interested, we will hold a school trial with multiple staff selecting the best 3 players to attend.
• If you are selected for a South Coast team at an Oceanic trial you MUST report this to HPE staff as soon as you return to school.
• Oceanic trial notes will be sent home with students who are trialling and all information regarding the trial is on this. The Oceanic permission booklet must be completed online, then printed out and taken to each trial.  The link to this booklet will be on the trial note that goes home.
• There is no cost for Oceanic District trials, however students must have parent transport to and from the trial. Most team sports are held after school. 

Congratulations

Congratulations to Elsie on her amazing achievement at the Queensland Aquathlon Trials in Hervey Bay on the weekend.  Good luck at the Australian Championships in Western Australia next month!

From the Music Department

Choir!

Rehearsal times are as follows: -
Junior Voices (years 1 and 2) Wednesday 1^st Break in the music room
Intermediate Excellence Choir Thursday morning 7.40am -8.30am
Senior Excellence Choir Monday morning 7.40am -8.30am

Band and Strings!

Lessons are in full swing! Rehearsals will commence in Week 3 for Senior and Beginner Strings, Senior Band and Year 5 band. Beginner Band will commence in Week 7 or 8. 

Strings Ensemble Times:

Beginner Strings Monday Morning 7.30am
Senior Strings Tuesday Morning 7.30am

Band Times:

Senior Band ensemble will be held on Wednesday mornings at 7.15am (3rd year learners)
Year 5 Band ensemble will be held on Thursday mornings at 7.15am (2nd year learners)
Beginner Band ensemble will be held on Friday mornings at 7.15am. (1st year learners)

Aladdin Jr!

Aladdin Junior main cast rehearsals will start in the James Centre on Mondays from 3.15pm-5.00pm from 3 February. Please make sure your musical payment is complete by the 28 February. We would love to get our musical shirts sorted and start collecting our props and costumes.

Backstage helpers will not be needed until term 2 and Miss Brookfield’s ‘One Jump’ Chorus will start rehearsing during a lunch time very soon. Watch the student notices for more information.

From the Japanese Department

Japanese Club

Setsubun is a festival celebrated in Japan to mark the change of seasons between winter and spring.

Oni (monsters), representing bad luck, are chased out of homes by the throwing of roasted soybeans while good luck is ushered in. Students helped celebrate Setsubun by making their own oni masks.

Shiba inu Valentine’s Day cards were made in Japanese Club this week. Traditionally in Japan, Valentine’s Day sees only the women demonstrating their love, often giving handmade chocolates to their colleagues and friends too. One month later, on White Day, the 14March, men then reciprocate the gesture.

A new activity, based on Japanese language and culture, will be shared with students each week. Japanese Club is held during second break each Wednesday in the Japanese room and all students are welcome.

Finance 2025

OUTSTANDING fees.

Please check your QParents account to view invoices due.

2025 SRS (Student Resource Scheme)

The 2025 SRS invoices were emailed to families on 27 November 2024 to your nominated email address.  2025 SRS fees are $280.00, payable by BPoint.

Important Dates

The Broadie Bite & Uniform Shop

Check out our menu on Flexischools to see what’s on offer from our tuck shop. Lunch orders can be purchased online, and ahead of time, to be delivered during the first break. Daily cut-off time is 8.30 am.

We also offer food items that can be purchased over the counter for breakfast (8.00am - 8.30am) and light snacks (first and second break). As per our school’s policy, students are only permitted to pay by cash over the counter.

P & C Uniform Shop

Shop online

Do you need more uniforms but can’t make it into the school? We have an easy solution for you - simply purchase what you need online via Flexischools and we will deliver orders straight to your student’s class within two business days.

You can access Flexischools via their app or at www.flexischools.com.au

Second Hand Uniform Sale

Date: Friday 21 February 2025
Time: 8.00 am - 9.00 am
Venue: The James Centre

Volunteers needed: Please sign up via the link below if you can help out on the day

All profits from the sale will go directly back to helping support our school. As items are second hand they are sold as is with no returns or exchanges available. Buyers are responsible for checking items carefully before purchasing to ensure they are happy with the item's condition.

Important Uniform Update

At our recent P & C Meeting it was proposed that the committee endorse the uniform shop to cease selling the formal (checkered) uniform items, once existing stock has sold out. Examples of why this was put forward include:

• Decreasing sales and less interest by families for the formal items in recent years, this is reflected daily with a majority of students now wearing the polo option, particularly from year 2 onwards.
• Will improve the day-to-day appearance of the school uniform with all students eventually wearing the same uniform (formal items to continue being part of uniform policy)
• From an operational perspective, it will allow the business unit to operate more efficiently in relation to stock management and long-term sustainability (profits go to supporting our school)

Important: The ceasing of selling the formal items will not change the current inclusion of these items in our school uniform policy - this means students can continue to wear any of the formal items they already own or purchase prior to current stock being sold out.

A motion to endorse this uniform change will be made at an upcoming P & C meeting. If you would like more information about this change, please register your interest here for an informal information session at 5.30pm on Tuesday 25 March 2025.

P & C Community updates

Important dates

Join the team

Executive Committee:

Our Executive committee is made up of several volunteer leadership positions. These executive members are responsible for overseeing the functions of your school P & C. Filling these roles at our upcoming AGM is essential to ensure our P & C can continue into 2025.

2025 Executive positions:

• President
• Treasurer
• Secretary
• Vice President - General support
• Vice President - Events

If you would like more information about these roles, please contact us directly at pandc@broadbeachss.eq.edu.au for more info.

2025 P & C Nomination forms can be downloaded here:

General Membership:

Everyone in our school community is encouraged to become a general P & C member. This is a great way to keep up to date about important events, discussions, and changes at our school.

All current memberships expire at our 2025 AGM. If you want to renew your membership or join as a new member, please download a 2025 membership form below:

Annual General Meeting (AGM)

Date: Tuesday 11 March 2025
Time: 5.30 pm start
Venue: The James Centre
RSVP link: https://forms.gle/jKmecsqmHhMcGcvX9

Some of the agenda items:

• Approve general P & C membership applications
• Elect 2025 P & C Executive Team (more info below)
• Endorse 2025 P & C budget
• Endorse 2025 P & C policies
• Endorse 2025 annual school donations (ongoing commitments)

Give back to our school community

Together we can make a difference. Here at Broadbeach, it’s easy to get involved without too much commitment. Simply click the link below and check out what your family can do:

P & C Events and Fundraisers

2025 Prep Picnic

Date: Friday 21 February 2025
Time: 3.15 pm start
Venue: The Peace Garden (outside the Tuck Shop)
RSVP: Click here to RSVP

All prep families are welcome to join us for a “fantastic” afternoon. It’s a great way to get to meet other prep families just like you and help build a sense of community for our kids.

Important: Please note as this is an after-school hours activity hosted by the P & C Association there will be no teacher supervision available at this event. All children must be supervised by an adult at all times.

If you have any queries, please contact us at pandc@broadbeachss.eq.edu.au 

Mother’s Day Stall

It’s that time of year where we need four people to start planning our annual Mother’s Day Stall. If you are able to help behind the scenes to help organise gifts, organise stock, and set up the afternoon/night before please sign up via the link below:

Once we have a confirmed date for the stall, we will do a call out for volunteers to assist on the day.

If you have any queries, please contact us at pandc@broadbeachss.eq.edu.au 

After school care

P C Y C Gold Coast at Broadbeach State School

0417 754 241

KDV
After school kids club at KDV Sports
info@kdvsport.com
(07) 5596 0404

After school programs – External facilitators

A range of after school programs exist to support families. In many cases, school facilities are hired to support these offerings. Families opting to participate in the programs do so under the conditions outlined by the providers. Broadbeach State School recognises that many of the programs have been well-received by parents, however, cannot and does not endorse them or those employed to deliver them.

TERM 1 2025

Sports X
SOCCER
Day: Friday 3.00 – 4: 00 pm
Where: Oval
Ages: Prep – Year 6
Register:  www.sports-x.com.au

BASKETBALL X
Day: Thursday 7.30 – 8:30 am
Where: Basketball Courts
Ages: Prep – Year 6
Register:  www.sports-x.com.au

PTS Multi Sport (Different sport each week)
Day: Wednesday 3.00– 4.00 pm
Where: Oval
Ages: Prep – Year 6
Register:  www.sports-x.com.au

The Chroma Club
Day: Wednesday 3.00 – 4.15 pm
         Thursday 7.30 – 8.30am
Where: Science Room
Ages: 6 -12 years
Register: www.thechromaclub.com

Junior Engineers
Day: Monday  
Time: 3.05 – 4.15pm
Where: Science Room
Ages: Year 2 - 6
Register: https://www.juniorengineers.com.au/

Taso’s Music School  
Day: Monday - Instrumental Room
Day: Tuesday - Music Room
Register: www.tasosmusicschool.com

National Taekwondo
Day: Monday 5.30 to 6.30pm
Contact: 0423 349 742
www.nationaltaekwondo.net 

Little Alphas Robotics 2025
Day: Tuesdays and Thursday
Time: 3.00 – 4.10 pm
Where: Art/Science Room
Ages: Prep - 6
Register: https://littlealphas.com.au/online-registration

Fitness World
Days: Monday
Time:  3.10-4.00pm
Age: Prep to Year 6  
Registration:

Community Notices

2025 Back to School Road Safety Reminder

City of Gold Coast Safe Parking Around Schools

School zones can be busy places, especially during the start and end of the school day. Pick-up and drop-off are the busiest times outside a school. With an increased number of pedestrians and vehicles around, motorists need to take care when parking to keep the roads safe for everyone.

For more information click on the link https://www.goldcoast.qld.gov.au/Services/Roads-transport-parking/Parking/Safe-legal-parking

KINETIC Term 1, 2025 School Service Change Notification – All School Buses

Visit us at the Mobile Dental Clinic

Come and visit Do & Andy at The Mobile Dental Clinic for FREE* dental treatment at Broadbeach from Friday 15 November.

Year 7 2026 Enrolment Evening Miami State High School

Merrimac State High School

Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads Construction lookahead

Hooker Boulevard, Broadbeach to Dawn Parade, Miami Commencing Tuesday 28 January 2025

Click the links below to find out more about construction impacts, traffic changes and other details, or visit the current works map. While every effort is made to reduce impacts, residents and businesses can expect an increase in construction activity including noticeable noise, vibration, and vehicle movements. Visit the managing construction page to find out more.

Please drive to the conditions, follow the signs and obey traffic controller directions. Slowing from 60km/h to 40km/h through a 1km work zone adds just 30 seconds to your trip and ensures everyone gets home safely.

Are You A Parent of a Child Between 0 to 12 Years Old?

Researchers from the University of Southern Queensland and The University of Queensland, are conducting research into parents’ opinions about parenting and climate change.

If you are a parent (18+ years) of a child aged 0 to 12 years and live in Australia, we would love to hear your views. You will need to complete a short online survey. To find out more or to participate, please visit https://tinyurl.com/4e3mmrjc

This research has been approved by the UniSQ Human Research Ethics Committee (ETH2024-0126)

Take Action

Does your child feel overly fearful, anxious, or worried in certain situations?

To find out more information and register to complete an initial assessment over the phone, please email us at cadrp@griffith.edu.au.

Saver Plus

What is Saver Plus?

Saver Plus is a program for people on lower incomes. It’s about bolstering their financial skills, so they can develop (and keep) good savings habits.  Since 2003, Saver Plus has supported more than 62,000 people to start saving.

It’s helped overcome the barriers around education expenses. And it’s set them up for a brighter future.

What are the eligible savings goals?

Eligible savings goals are education related products or services that:​

• Assist a primary or secondary school student’s education;

Teen Triple P

Online program is available free to all parents in Qld with children aged 10 to 16 years.

Wing Chun Martial Art - community self-defence classes

Community self-defence training* in the Broadbeach State School Hall. For more information and booking, please contact Arthur by calling 0420 975 075 or emailing abatakin@hotmail.com, as availability may be limited. 

1. Children Wing Chun/self-defence training - Wednesday 5.30pm - 6.15pm (45 min) - no charge, admin fee only ($20 per person per term, non-refundable).
2. Women's self-defence training - Wednesday 6.20pm - 7.20pm (60 min)- no charge, admin fee only ($20 per person per term, non-refundable).
3. Adult's Wing Chun/self-defence training - Wednesday 7.30pm - 8.30pm (60 min)- no charge (basic to intermediate level), admin fee only ($20 per person per term, non-refundable)

*Conditions apply.

ZIG ZAG Theatre

ZigZag Theatre is offering free drama classes in Term 1.
www.zigzagtheatre.com