9 June 2025

Principal’s Message

I have had to deal with many challenges as a principal over the years and sometimes just when you think that you have seen it all you come across something new. This is what happened this week when we had to communicate to the community the closing down of Margaret Street so that a crane could lift another crane on top of a building. I would like to extend my gratitude to the community who made alternative arrangements, demonstrated patience and assisted staff to ensure that all 1200 students made their way home safely. Of course, what goes up must come down and so at some stage we may need to repeat the process for the crane to be removed.

This week I had the privilege of showing our local Gold Coast City Councillor Mr Nick Marshall around our amazing school. He commented on the well-kept grounds, the positive behaviour of the students and the settled classrooms. I have also been in and out of classrooms more as I get to know the lay of the land. I was pleasantly surprised to find a hidden pathway that led to some classrooms opening up a whole new world!

Bullying is a word that is used all of the time in many situations. The problem with over using a word is that over time the actual, real definition can be lost. In the school’s Student Code of Conduct the following is written:

Bullying

The agreed national definition for Australian schools describes bullying as:

• ongoing and deliberate misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that intends to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm;
• involving an individual or a group misusing their power, or perceived power, over one or more persons who feel unable to stop it from happening;
• happening in person or online, via various digital platforms and devices and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert). Bullying behaviour is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time (for example, through sharing of digital records);
• having immediate, medium and long-term effects on those involved, including bystanders. Single incidents and conflict or fights between equals, whether in person or online, are not defined as bullying.

Behaviours that do not constitute bullying include:

• mutual arguments and disagreements (where there is no power imbalance)
• not liking someone or a single act of social rejection
• one-off acts of meanness or spite
• isolated incidents of aggression, intimidation or violence.

However, these conflicts are still considered serious and need to be addressed and resolved.  At Broadbeach State School our staff will work to quickly respond to any matters raised of this nature in collaboration with students and parents. 

As strategies we teach our students how to use the Hi Five strategy:

1. Ignore
2. Walk Away
3. Talk Friendly
4. Talk firmly
5. Report

We also have a child friendly understanding of what Bullying is and is not.

When someone says or does something unintentionally hurtful, and they do it once – That’s Rude!

When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful, and they do it once – That’s Mean!

When someone says or does something intentionally hurtful, and they keep doing it even when you tell them to stop or show them that you’re upset – That’s Bullying!

Below is a link to the e-safety commission that provides more information and resources to families.

Have a great week,
See you near the beach!

DEPUTY PRINCIPALS

From the Deputy’s Desk – Peta White

Prep Information Session - Broadbeach State School

Thursday 24 July – 5.30pm – 6.30pm

This information session will provide you with:

• an overview about Broadbeach State School and specifically about starting Prep 2026;
• the chance to connect with the professionals supporting your child’s transition to school;
• key information from the Principal and the Prep Leadership Team;
• the chance to pick up your enrolment pack.

The information session will take place in the James Centre. Please enter from Old Burleigh Road.  This session is directed at parents, so we encourage you to find care arrangements for your children.

BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL

Enrol your child for Prep 2026

• We look forward to helping you and your child to be ‘school ready’
• To be eligible you must be living within our school catchment area (evidence required).
• Enrolment packs are available at the office, or by completing the enrolment enquiry form.
• Further information regarding Prep can be found on our Prep page on our website. 

If you know of any other family that has a child due to start Prep, please share this information.

From the Deputy’s Desk – Kristi Klarenbeck

ICAS 2025

All 2025 ICAS assessments will once again be online. Our school has signed up for the ICAS Assessments parent payment system (PPS). Through this system, parents pay for ICAS directly online while tests will still be held at our school. To assist the school develop an assessment, staffing and room schedule, we seek your assistance in finalising all ICAS entries by Friday 18 July. To purchase ICAS assessments click here and enter the school ACCESS CODE - UXI174.

Choral Fanfare

On Friday 30 May, our choirs performed at the biannual Choral Fanfare, this year held at Merrimac SS.

Results:

Junior Voices – Silver Award
Intermediate Excellence Choir – Silver Award
Senior Excellence Choir – Gold Award

I am excited to announce that our Senior Excellence Choir have advanced to the Regional Finals, which is an outstanding achievement. Information pertaining to the Regional Final to follow.

DanceXcel

Term Two dance concludes at the end of Week 9, with the exception of our Friday classes (Senior Hip Hop Boys, Year 3 and Year 6B Troupes) who have a catch up lesson due to ANZAC Day public holiday falling on their scheduled Week 1 lesson.

Term Three is a busy term as we film our Eisteddfod submissions and prepare for the upcoming Arts Gala. Term Three invoices will arrive via email in the coming week. A reminder that a strict NO PAY, NO DANCE policy applies.

Aladdin Jnr Musical

Broadbeach State School presents Disney’s Aladdin Jnr. Tickets are now on sale for a fun night of entertainment. There are four shows being held in The James Centre with Adult tickets $20 and Non-performing Child $15.

• Thursday 19 June, 6.00pm-7.30pm
• Friday 20 June, 6.00pm-7.30pm
• Saturday 21 June, 4.00pm – 5.30pm
• Saturday 21 June, 6.00pm-7.30pm

Tickets can only be purchased via Humanitix https://events.humanitix.com/broadbeach-state-school-s-aladdin-jr

We would love a big audience to each show to support our talented students and the hard-working and dedicated staff who’ve put it all together!

Regional Primary Music Camp

Congratulations to the following 25 students from Broadbeach State School have been accepted to attend this year’s 2025 Regional Primary Music Camp to be held from Monday – Thursday of Week 10 this term. Regional Primary Music Camp is offered to high performing Primary Music students who demonstrate excellent ensemble skills within their school Choir and /or Instrumental Music programs.

Chess Tournament Term 2

Chess Tournament will be held on Wednesday 11 June in The James Centre.  An Expression of Interest (EOI) has been sent out via SMS to chess participants please click I ALLOW or I DECLINE before Monday 09 June. 

Details are as follows:

• Chess Tournament in the James Centre
• 11 June 2025
• Sausage Sizzle for Participating Students
• Tournament (3.15pm – 4.45pm)
  • Junior rotation (Years 1-3)
  • Senior rotation (Years 4-6)
• Presentations held at 4.30pm

The tournament is open to all students who have participated in chess classes during Term 2.

Any queries please contact chess@broadbeachss.eq.edu.au.

Uniform

We take great pride in how our students are presented in the community therefore, our Uniform Policy must be followed.

With the cooler mornings now upon us, please ensure your child is wearing the following approved attire to school.

• School jumper purchased from our uniform shop or a plain blackjumper (No hoods or         logos). These can be purchased at many department stores.
• Hooded jumpers are not permitted as they breach Work Place Health and Safety requirements in the school grounds.
• Plain black long pants (no logos or jeans) are acceptable during cooler months.
• Leggings / Opaque coloured stockings must only be worn under skirts / skorts.

Broadbeach State School students impress with who they are and what they do, not with which they adorn their bodies. In particular, the following are applicable:

• Hair extensions, severe head shaving, partial head shaving, severe undercutting, streaking, other than natural colours, hair dying of unnatural, bright or fluorescent colours are not acceptable.
• Medium to long hair must be tied up.
• Smallpurple, black or white hair accessories are permitted.
• Your support in helping us keep our standards high is appreciated.

From the Deputy’s Desk – Matt O’Brien

Early pick up of students

We understand that there are times when early collection from school is necessary due to appointments or family commitments. To ensure a smooth process for everyone, we kindly ask families to assist us by following a few simple protocols.

If you know your child will need to be collected early from school, please contact the school office in the morning. This allows us to add your child’s name to our Early Pick-Up List, which is shared with classroom teachers. When we have this information in advance, we can ensure your child is ready to leave on time without unnecessary delays or disruptions to learning and your time.

Please also note our break times:

During these times, students are outside and often in various locations across the school grounds. Tracking down students during breaks can significantly delay your child’s collection. Advance notice allows us to ensure they are notified ahead of time and brought to the office promptly.

Another ongoing challenge is the high volume of last-minute calls to the office after 2:55pm to pass on messages about 3:00pm pick-up changes or meeting points. While we understand that unexpected situations can arise, we encourage all families to establish a consistent end-of-day plan with their child each morning to help avoid repeated occurances. A quick conversation before school can reduce confusion and minimise last-minute stress. Recently, multiple attempts were needed to locate a class for an early collection, and unfortunately, the message didn’t reach the student in time. With a little extra planning, we can work together to ensure smoother, more timely pick-ups for everyone.

Supporting our administration staff by following these protocols—and understanding that they are doing their best to manage these situations—is greatly appreciated. Thank you for your continued support as we work together to keep pick-ups smooth, efficient, and stress-free for everyone.

Assessment Week – Term 2

As we approach Week 8 of Term 2, I would like to remind families of our upcoming Assessment Week, scheduled for June 9 to June 13, 2025. Throughout the term, our teachers have been gathering ongoing assessment data through observations, tasks, and class activities. However, this dedicated week is particularly important, as it provides students with the opportunity to demonstrate their learning in a structured and focused environment.

The information collected during this time allows us to make informed, evidence-based judgments on each student’s progress against the achievement standards. These assessments also play a critical role in shaping the Semester 1 report cards, which will be distributed to families at the end of this term. Additionally, the outcomes help us identify next steps for teaching and learning as we plan for Term 3.

We want to reassure families that we do not approach this testing with students as a high-stakes experience, but more importantly as a supported and calm experience. Thanks to the regular assessment practices embedded throughout the term, our students are well-prepared and familiar with a variety of task types and formats. The structured and systematic approach we take means our students build strong assessment stamina and develop a high level of assessment literacy.

Assessment literacy involves equipping students with the skills and knowledge to understand and engage with assessment effectively. It enables them to monitor their own learning, understand feedback in relation to learning goals, and actively participate in the evaluation of their progress. This empowers students to take ownership of their learning and feel confident during assessment tasks.

We ask that all students are present during this week so they can complete their tasks in a calm and familiar setting. Being in their regular classroom with trusted peers and teachers ensures they feel supported and confident.

How you can help at home:

• Encourage healthy habits – Adequate sleep, a nutritious breakfast, and regular physical activity all contribute to better concentration and emotional regulation.
• Build confidence – Remind your child that assessments are a way to show what they know and to celebrate their growth. Encourage them to try their best and reassure them that it’s okay to feel a little nervous.

Thank you for your continued partnership in your child’s learning journey. We’re proud of the progress they have made and look forward to seeing their efforts reflected in their results and reports.

From the Special Education Team

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD)

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) provides important information to all Australian schools, education authorities, and the broader community. It highlights how many students are receiving educational adjustments due to disability, and the types of support being provided to help these students take part in learning on the same basis as their peers.

The NCCD recognises a wide range of disabilities, including:

• Physical disabilities such as anaphylaxis, diabetes, cerebral palsy, childhood cancer, spina bifida, scoliosis or other medical conditions
• Cognitive disabilities such as dyslexia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), developmental language delays, cognitive impairments or Down syndrome
• Social-emotional disabilities such as anxiety, eating disorders or ASD
• Sensory disabilities such as vision impairment, low vision, hearing loss, or being deaf or hard of hearing

This work is guided by the Disability Discrimination Act 1992, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to learn and thrive in an inclusive environment.

For more information, visit: https://www.nccd.edu.au/for-parents-guardians-and-carers

Please find information from Mr Josey about Broadbeach State School’s upcoming NCCD Collection

From the Guidance Officer

Build resilience in children and help them break free from anxiety

The Fear-Less Triple P Program is part of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. Fear-Less isn’t about eliminating fear altogether — sometimes, fear protects us. Instead, it’s about giving your family a toolbox of strategies, skills, and knowledge to build resilience in children, manage anxious feelings and stop unnecessary worrying. Fear-Less Triple P is based on extensive research with families of anxious children by clinical psychologists. It can work for you too — and now it’s online! Help your child manage anxiety and become more emotionally resilient. This full toolkit of tips and ideas really works!

• Get a better understanding of anxiety and fear and what can be done about it
• Know what to do when your child is anxious or upset
• A whole range of tools and strategies based on proven principles
• Australian program, university-developed by child psychologists
• You choose what works for you – adapt to suit your family, your values
• Videos and fun interactive learning on your phone, tablet or computer
• 24/7 online, at your place, at your pace

If you are interested in registering for this free online course, click here.

Adapted from Triple P

From the Psychologist

Triple P Parenting Tips: Fears

More information on the Triple P website: https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/qld-en/triple-p/

Experiencing fear is a normal part of growing up. Many children are scared of things like the dark, heights, being alone, imaginary monsters and many more. However, when these fears begin to get in the way of daily life they can become a problem. Fear of certain things can be learnt through observation from adults in the child’s lives, unpleasant previous experiences or even accidental rewards where a child gains something from showing fear (e.g. showing fear of the dark when a parent rewards this fear through extra attention and later bedtime).

Childhood fears can be challenging for families and are often stressful for all involved. Below are some strategies that may help address these fears.

• Have a discussion with your child: Validate their feelings and let them know that you understand they are scared. Reassure them that everyone, including yourself, gets scared sometimes and consider sharing a time when you overcame fear.
• Set a good example: Try and keep your own fears under control and not show overt fear when faced with non-threatening situations.

• Teach your child coping strategies:
  • Deep ‘belly breathing’ is a helpful tool where the child breathes in through their nose and out through their mouth whilst making sure their belly expands when they breath in and goes ‘deflates’ when they breathe out
  • Relaxation tools like going floppy like a rag doll to relax the muscles can be effective
  • Imagination and self-talk involve pre-determined coping statements and envisioning comforting places or memories

• Encourage your child to face their fears gradually: Set small manageable goals and, while using coping strategies, work up to more feared situations. Rewards for meeting each goal can be helpful.
• Remain calm while your child is scared: Over-reassuring may have the opposite effect and confirm to the child that they cannot cope on their own.
• Praise your child for facing their fears: Use descriptive praise when they achieve their goal.
• Encourage your child to try new things: Introduce new situations gradually and with warnings.
• Help your child face things they must do: Avoidance of situations often worsens fears. Discussing what will happen during the situation, deciding on coping strategies to use and using descriptive praise once they have faced their fears can help build confidence.
• Talk to your child about dangerous situation: Some children’s fears are in response to a real risk. Talking about ways to keep themselves safe is important.
• Get help from other children. Doing feared situations with a buddy of around the same age can make situations seem less daunting.

From the PE Department

HPE News

Congratulations

Congratulations to Jimmy S, Elsie H, Elsie S and Ethan J for their fantastic effort at South Coast Cross country trials.

Year 5 and 6 Gala Day

Year 5 and 6 Gala Day notes will be sent digitally through Q-Parents soon.  Please register with Q-Parents if you are yet to do so.

Sports Day

It's time to get your sports house colours ready for SPORTS DAY!

• PREP Sports Day is Monday 23 June
• Year 1-2 Sports Day is Thursday 26 June
• Year 3-4 Sports Day is Wednesday 18 June
• Year 5-6 Sports Day is Tuesday 17 June
• Year 4-6 field event finals are being held on Monday 16 June (qualifying students will be listed in the James Centre once all trials have been completed).

From the Library

Book Review

Djinang Bonar Seeing seasons by Ebony Froome

Djinang Bonar takes readers through the seasons of the Noongar calendar, exploring different seasonal indicators to increase readers' awareness of the environment around them and their knowledge of Noongar language. Noongar country is portrayed in spectacular detail with gorgeous illustrations of the plants and animals typically seen in each season of the year.

Book Club issue #4 closes Friday June 13

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Thank you for continuing to return lost readers and library books back to us.

If your book is damaged or not returned you will receive an invoice from our finance office payable by BPoint.

Thank you
Happy reading!

From the Music Department

Congratulations

Congratulations to all the choir children who represented the school at Choral Fanfare last week.

Ms Scott was very proud of all the choirs! So well done team Broadie!

The groups were awarded the following; Junior Voices – Silver Award, Intermediate Excellence Choir – Silver Award and the Senior Excellence Choir – Gold Award. The Senior group have also been asked to sing at the Regional Finals, which is an amazing effort. If they win this section then the choir could be off to sing at the Brisbane Conservatorium of Music! How exciting!

Aladdin

Aladdin Jr, is getting close! The performances are on the nights of Thursday 19, Friday 20 and Saturday 21 June. We are also doing a matinee on Saturday for those who cannot come during the night. Please purchase your tickets and come and support the schools first whole school musical. All the teachers and children involved have been working so hard to get the production up and running. Look out the link in this newsletter and the posters around the school to get your tickets!

From the Japanese Department

Japanese

During Japanese Club this term, we have celebrated Hanami (cherry blossom season), Haru (spring) and our wonderful Mums and Mother figures in our lives by creating a special paper-craft gifts for them. We also put our creative art skills to the test and drew kawaii (cute) sushi and Pokémon.

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.

Summer, one of our Japanese Leaders has created a Japanese Phrase of the Week. This week’s phrase is ‘Tanjyoubi Omedetou!” which means “Happy Birthday!”. Be sure to ask your child what the weekly phrase is and try to use it in your daily life.

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 – due date was 03 April 2025.

SRS fees which have not been finalised may impact on your child’s participation in future activities including incursions, excursions and camps. 

Parents’ Experiencing financial hardship

Parents experiencing financial hardship who are currently participating in the SRS should contact the school to discuss options.

Payment Plans

Please email  finance@broadbeachss.eq.edu.au if you would like information on Payment Plans available at Broadbeach SS.  

Important Dates

The Broadie Bite

Weekday Specials

Monday: BBQ Pulled Chicken with Ranch Slaw Roll
Tuesday: Sushi (Tuna, Chicken Teriyaki, Chicken avocado)
Wednesday: Teriyaki Chicken or Tofu Bowl
Thursday: 6” Focaccia Pizza
Friday: Mexican Chicken Wrap

Order online via Flexischools before 8.30 am daily. Orders can also be placed well ahead of time to make your mornings a little easier.

Important updates

Flexischools cancellations: If your student is going to be absent from school please remember to cancel via the Flexischools app before 8.30 am. We may not be able to refund your order after this time due to our preparation schedule.

Price increases: Please note, due to increasing operational costs the P & C committee has endorsed (at GM 2) the price increase for selected items in the tuck shop - effective from term three. We understand the impact rising costs also has on our Broadbeach families so we will be keeping these increases as minimal as possible.

P & C Uniform Shop

Pre-order House Accessories

Sports Day is just around the corner. Show your house spirit by adding some flair with house colour accessories. Pre-order now through Flexischools, and your items will be delivered directly to your child's classroom the day before their sports day.

Cut off times for pre-ordering via Flexischools:

Years 5 & 6: 8.30 am, Friday 13 June
Years 3 & 4: 8.30 am, Monday 16 June
Prep: 8.30 am, Friday 20 June
Year 1 & 2: 8.30 am, Tuesday 24 June

Clearance sale: Formal/checkered items

The remaining stock is now available on Flexischools, order online and we will deliver it straight to your student’s class. Limited sizes available, once sold out we will not be restocking these items.

At the time of writing the newsletter we still have the following items available:

• Blouses: sizes 4 to 14, limited quantities of size 6 & 8
• Dresses: sizes 4 to 14, limited quantities of size 6
• Shirts: sizes 4 to 14, limited quantities of size 10

Please note due to these items now being discontinued, they are not eligible for a refund. Exchanges will be permitted on a case by case basis pending size availability. As per previous newsletter updates, the formal uniform (checkered items) are still permitted to be worn as part of our current school uniform policy.

P & C Community updates

Important dates

Student Representative Support

Our P & C committee, at its discretion, offers financial support to its students who participate at a state, national and international level in Queensland Department of Education sanctioned events.

If you would like to submit an application in writing for Student Representative Support, you can download an application form here. If you have any queries, please email us directly at pandc@broadbeachss.eq.edu.au . All applications will be reviewed and endorsed/declined by the P & C committee at a general meeting.

Getting involved

Keen to help out but not sure where to start? Getting involved with the P & C is easier than you think. Whether you’ve got an hour to spare or just want to stay informed, there are plenty of ways to contribute and no long-term commitment needed. From volunteering at events to sharing ideas, every bit counts.

Please email us at pandc@broadbeachss.eq.edu.au — we’d love to hear from you.

Stay Connected

Regular updates from the P & C can be found on our Instagram and Facebook pages.

P & C Events and Fundraisers

Broadbeach Presents Disney’s Aladdin Jr 

We are still looking for a team to help the Musical Production Crew.

Whether you're great with props, costumes, set painting or backstage help, there’s a role for everyone. No experience needed — just a can-do attitude. This is a general sign-up, and we’ll be in touch soon with more info.

We’re also on the lookout for specific decor items:

• Persian rugs
• Ottomans

Can you help or lend something? Please register via Sign Up

Sponsorship - Expressions of Interest

Coming Soon – Community Partnership Program.

We're launching an exciting new opportunity for local businesses to support our school by partnering with the P & C through sponsorship or in-kind donations (services or products).

As this is our first year, spots are limited.

If you own or know a local business that would love to get involved, please get in touch with Clara 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 2 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: Tuesday
Time: 3.00 – 4.10 pm
Where: Art/Science Room
Ages: Prep – Year 6

Day: Thursday
Time: 3.00 – 4.10 pm
Where: Visual Art/Science Room
Ages: Year 4 - 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

CON-EXT

CON-EXT is an anxiety treatment study for 7 – 12 year olds. This study (CON-EXT) will determine whether our CON-EXT computer task can predict treatment outcomes for anxious children based on their treatment response style. Anxiety is defined as feelings of nervousness, worry and fear that is usually brought on by seeing or experiencing certain triggers or events, and/or by the expectation that this is too frightening or difficult to cope with. Anxiety can be helpful when dealing with new challenges and novel situations. However, if it occurs too often or too strongly, it can lead to children not coping in many situations. For many children and their parents, anxiety can be highly disruptive and prevent children from doing things that other children their age can do.  

For more information click on the following links:

Merrimac State High School

Gold Coast Marathon

Griffith University - What helps and hinders school attendance?

A team of researchers from Griffith University are interested in understanding what helps and hinders young people in attending and participating in school.

We know that non-attendance is higher for autistic students than non-autistic students, with previous research suggesting that autistic children, on average, miss a third of their schooling. It’s important that we begin to find out what helps and hinders autistic young people in attending school, so we can begin to provide supports and interventions to students who wish to attend school but can’t.

We have previously interviewed members of the Australian autism community, including teachers, autistic adults and parents of autistic young people, who support autistic students who are experiencing school non-attendance. Now we need to hear from autistic young people about what makes it hard for them to get to school and compare this to otherwise neurodivergent children, and also neurotypical children.

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.

Saver Plus is a program designed to help eligible families develop essential financial skills and build savings for education costs.

If parents commit to saving up to $50 a month for 10 months, ANZ will match their savings up to $500 for education costs, such as school uniforms, stationery, textbooks, computers.

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.