Hello Fernbrooke Community,

Over the last fortnight, I have continued getting into the classrooms each day. Students are settled and engaged in their learning. Special mention to the students in years 3 and 4 for having me at your assembly last week. Students in this sector showed pride in how they sang the National Anthem and were patient and respectful throughout the assembly. Great job years 3 and 4.

Enrolment numbers

Each year all state schools complete a process known as the ‘Day 8’ student count. On this day we finalise the number of students who have started the school year with us. This student count is essential in assisting the Department of Education with finalising the initial resource allocation for the school year. This year, we have started with 1001 students. As a result of this, we will continue with our current 42 classes. Thank you to those parents who responded to our request to confirm student enrolments. Your assistance was greatly appreciated by the administration team at FSS.  

Attendance

A key component for achieving success at school is attending school every day. Every day on the school calendar matters both in terms of academic achievement and social development. Over the next two weeks, we want to work on ‘Being at school on time for learning’.

Currently, Prep and Year 1 students need to be at school for 8:20am and in class learning by 8:25am. Year 2 to 6 need to be at school ready to enter class at 8:25am and seated and learning for 8:30am.

If your child is experiencing challenges being ready for school or is reluctant in wanting to attend, I ask that you please reach out to your classroom teacher and as staff we will look at how we can support you in this challenge. 

Communication expectations

Fostering a partnership between the school and parent provides students with a strong support network in their education. With the ever-changing workforce and rules associated with employment conditions, it is sometimes challenging to engage in communication in what is deemed a timely manner.

Teachers are required to be focused on teaching and learning at FSS from 8:20am to 2:30pm. I ask that if you would like to have a one-on-one conversation with your child’s teacher, please contact the school office or email the teacher to make an appointment.

Regarding responding to emails, teachers will respond to your emails in work time within a 24-hour window of receiving your email. The exception to this 24-hour window is on weekends, where no teacher will engage in work-related correspondence. If this does not occur, please be mindful that the teacher may not be working that day due to personal reasons. If you have not heard back within 24 hours, please ring the office, and we will support you with your inquiry.

Road Safety around Fernbrooke SS

It has been reported to the school that some reckless driving has been occurring on roads surrounding our facilities. I ask that all members of our school community continue to be vigilant in matters of road safety, abide by the speed limits during school hours and be mindful that we all need to share a space in a safe and thoughtful manner.

Have a great fortnight,

Scott

Principal

Fernbrooke State School STARS awards are handed to students by their class teacher and acknowledged at their assembly. Students are nominated by their class teacher. Each week Fernbrooke STARS recipients are shared in the newsletter. All Fernbrooke students are STARS because they are Safe, are Thinkers, Attend school, are Respectful and Successful learners.  As a community, we congratulate all these students in their efforts to Exceed Expectations.

Payment window/Uniform Shop open daily from 8.00am – 10.00am.

If paying with cash, please have the correct amount.  No cash is kept on site.

If you haven’t signed up for QParents Consent, please chat with the Office staff to assist with having this set up for your child/ren.  This is the preferred way of receiving permission to attend excursions etc.

Please note that payment for an excursion does not count as permission to attend. Education Queensland requires caregiver approval, which must be given either through QParents or a paper permission form.

Statements are sent at the beginning of each month.  A statement is a list of invoices or credits on your child’s school account.  A minus indicates a credit  eg. -20.00

Parents and visitors must use the front door to access the Office.  The back door is for students and staff only

If your child is absent, please use the absence line (38197466) rather than tying up the phone line. 

For early pick ups, students must be collected either side of the break times which are –

10.30am – 11.15am

1.00pm – 1.30pm

 Welcome to Fernbrooke State School – Early Years (Prep to Year 2)

A very warm welcome to all of our families as we start another exciting year at Fernbrooke State School. My name is Theresa Parker, and I am thrilled to introduce myself as the Deputy Principal of the Early Years – Prep to Year 2.

We are lucky to have a large team of exceptionally talented staff who are eager to work with all of our students this year. Together, we are committed to providing a positive and engaging learning environment where each child can grow and flourish. The first two weeks of the school year have been a wonderful success, with students from Prep to Year Two settling in smoothly. I’d like to thank the staff for making the students feel so welcome.

Our Preps are already beginning their English unit on sharing preferences for familiar stories. You are encouraged to ask your child about their favourite story they have read in class and why they like it. You can help by asking questions like, What do you like about that story? or What part of the story is your favourite? These conversations will reinforce their learning and help them express their ideas with confidence.

Our Year 1 students will be attending our Step into History Incursion in week 5 and swimming starts for students in Years 1 & 2 in week 7. Be on the lookout for correspondence regarding these events.

Our Fernbrooke Star students are also working hard on important classroom expectations. Our aim is to create an environment where everyone can participate and learn successfully. This includes:

• Sitting in SHELL (sitting up straight with hands in laps) and tracking the speaker, whether it’s the teacher or another student.
• Raising our hands to contribute to discussions.
• Avoiding distractions by listening carefully when the teacher is speaking.

It’s been a pleasure to see so many parents around the school, and we hope to continue this throughout the year. Your involvement plays such a key role in your child's success, and we appreciate the support you give.

As the weeks progress, our students will be fully engaged in their learning. We look forward to a wonderful year together, and thank you for your continued support.

Warm regards
Theresa Parker
Deputy Principal – Early Years

I am pleased to report that the Middle School is off and racing as the children adjust into their new classes and routines after their summer break from learning. Each new school year takes a few weeks for the dust to settle and things appear to be progressing very smoothly to date. My name is Shane Hancock, and I am proud to be the Deputy Principal of the Middle Years – Years 3 & 4. As I have been in the school for a number of years, the children are already very familiar with who I am, especially the Year 4’s as I was their Deputy Principal in Year 2.

Our Years 3 and 4 teaching teams have a wealth of knowledge and are committed to creating an engaging learning environment that encourages a growth mindset for academic and personal improvement. I’d like to welcome our new staff for 2025 to Fernbrooke State School being, Yathu Chandra, Sarah Richards, and Stephanie Taylor.

Year 3 have their Street Science incursion (means that it happens at school and not offsite which is an excursion) coming up on the 6^th of March. Permission and payment information has been sent home last week. If you haven’t seen anything come home or in your nominated email address as yet, please contact the front office. If you wish for your child to participate in this activity, you will need to grant permission via QParents, which is our preferred method. Should you not know about QParents or how to access it, the office staff are only too willing to help. Please note that no late payments will be accepted from Monday 24th February 2025.

Year 3 are sitting their NAPLAN tests from the 12^th of March. They will begin to start preparations very shortly to understand how the test works and how to read the questions for understanding. More information about this will be available soon. If you have any concerns or curiosities about NAPLAN then feel free to make contact with your teacher or myself.

Year 4 swimming is coming up in Weeks 7, 8 and 9. A note will go home shortly if they haven’t done so already from our HPE teachers.

Parent Teacher Interviews are coming up on the 17^th of March for the whole school. Please take the time to come and meet your child’s teacher to learn about your child’s school experience and development. It is a great opportunity to show your child that you are familiar with their teacher, classroom and learning/ social behaviours.

Warm regards
Shane Hancock
Deputy Principal – Middle Years

What a great start to the year we have had in the Upper Years.  My name is Kerry Alberts and this year I am the Deputy Principal for Years 5 & 6.  While I am new to the upper school at this school, this is my sixth year at Fernbrooke and stepping into this role has given me an opportunity to see how my Preps and Year 1 students from 2020 have transformed into the capable young leaders we see in the upper school precinct.

The staff have shared with me how impressed they have been with the students who have settled quickly into learning this year.  I want to acknowledge and thank all the staff in the upper school precinct because it is their work that has made this transition so smooth.  I have been given an opportunity to see firsthand their dedication, hard work, and knowledge as they have worked during the last two weeks to build strong relationships and provide each child with a safe, positive, and engaging learning environment. When learners feel safe, they are more likely to engage deeply, and collaborate, leading to better academic and personal development, and I can already see that our Year 5 & 6 students are exemplifying what a SUCCESSFUL Fernbrooke student is.

This year we are welcoming some new faces to our team; Jessie George, Lyn Howell and Angus Ellard and we also say hello to some returning staff; Kirsten Eriksson and Lisa O’Loghlen. I would like to thank Jillian Vincent who so capably started the year with 6A before commencing her leave. You can find the full list of the upper school team below.

Starlab - Year 5 have their Starlab incursion on Wednesday 26^th February 2025.  The cost of this incursion is $9.00.  This is an interactive experience enabling the students to participate by asking questions and making observations about space. This program is based on the Australian Curriculum: Science and will explore the Solar System and Earth’s rotation around the sun.

Permission and payment information was sent home last week. If you haven’t received this note or received an email yet, please contact the front office. If you wish for your child to participate in this activity, you will need to grant permission via Q Parents, which is our preferred method. Should you not know about QParents or how to access it, the office staff are only too willing to help. Please note that no late payments will be accepted from Friday, February 21.

NAPLAN - Year 5 students will be sitting their NAPLAN tests from Wednesday, March 12 to Friday, March 21. Our students will begin to start preparations very shortly to ensure they understand the online platform and to become familiar with the test formats. If you have any questions about NAPLAN please make contact with your child’s teacher or myself.

Swimming - Year 6 swimming will occur in Weeks 7, 8 and 9. A note has been sent home with the details of these lessons and the timetable will be finalised once we have identified the number of students attending. Lessons will be conducted at Goodna Aquatic Centre. Travel to the pool will be by a seat belted bus under teacher supervision.

The cost of swimming will be $12.00, which will cover the cost for the swimming lessons and the bus.  Once again, please use Q Parents to grant permission for your child to take part in the swimming program. Please note that no late payments will be accepted from Wednesday, March 5.

Parent Teacher Interviews – These meetings, which are an invaluable way to connect with your child’s teacher, will be conducted across all year levels on Monday, March 17. Please take the time to come and meet your child’s teacher to learn about your child’s school experience and development.

Year 6 Camp – A note was sent home with the Year 6 students on Monday, offering another opportunity to secure a place at the Year 6 camp which will be held from October 20 – October 22 this year.  A deposit of $50 can be made to the office by Friday, March 21.  If you have previously paid this deposit, there is no further action to take until invoices are sent out.  Once the invoices have been issued, you can contact the office to organise a payment plan should you wish to pay off the total amount over a period of time.  

I am looking forward to sharing with you a year filled with success, new experiences, and achievements. 

Kerry Alberts

Year 3 Street Science Incursion: Hardcore Heat Workshop & Signature Science Show!

Get ready, scientists! Year 3 students at Fernbrooke State School are about to experience the explosive power of science with an exciting Street Science incursion. This engaging and interactive event will spark curiosity and inspire young minds as they dive into the fascinating world of heat, energy, and chemical reactions.

Hardcore Heat Workshop

In the Hardcore Heat Workshop, students will explore the science of heat and combustion, witnessing fiery experiments and discovering how different materials react to extreme temperatures. Through hands-on investigations, students will gain a deeper understanding of thermal energy, chemical changes, and the role of heat in our everyday lives.

Signature Science Show

The fun doesn’t stop there! Students will also enjoy the Signature Science Show, a high-energy performance packed with jaw-dropping demonstrations. From smoke, sparks, and flames to fascinating science concepts brought to life, this show is sure to leave students amazed and eager to learn more.

Key Details:

• Incursion Date: Thursday, 6 March 2025
• Cost: $18.00
• Payment & Permission Due: PAYMENTS HAVE BEEN CLOSED

This is a fantastic opportunity for Year 3 students to experience real-world science in action and develop a love for STEM learning. The Street Science team are experts at bringing science to life in a fun and engaging way, making this incursion an unmissable event!

Parents, please ensure permission forms and payment are submitted by the due date to secure your child’s participation in this exciting learning experience. We can’t wait to see our young scientists ignite their passion for discovery!

Year 5 STARLAB Planetarium Incursion – A Journey Through Space!

Fernbrooke State School’s Year 5 students are in for an out-of-this-world learning experience with the STARLAB Planetarium Incursion! This exciting opportunity will bring the wonders of space and astronomy right into the classroom, immersing students in an interactive and engaging journey through the cosmos.

Inside the STARLAB Planetarium, students will experience the night sky like never before, exploring planets, constellations, and the vast universe beyond Earth. This hands-on incursion aligns perfectly with their Science curriculum, helping them develop a deeper understanding of space, the solar system, and astronomical phenomena.

Key Details:

• Incursion Date: Wednesday, 26 February 2025
• Cost: $9.00
• Permission & Payment Due: Friday, 21 February 2025

Information has been sent home with all Year 5 students. To ensure your child doesn’t miss this exciting space adventure, please submit payment and permission forms by the due date.

We can’t wait for our students to experience the magic of space exploration in a way that’s both fun and educational!

Students in Years 3 and 5 at Fernbrooke State School will complete the NAPLAN assessments online in 2025. The NAPLAN Testing period is from Wednesday 12 – Friday 24 March 2025. The timetable for NAPLAN assessments at Fernbrooke is below. 

NAPLAN Online is a tailored test that adapts to student responses, presenting students with questions that may be more or less difficult – resulting in better assessment and more precise results. The assessments will run through a real-time internet connection or onscreen without an internet connection. 

If you have any questions regarding your child’s participation in NAPLAN, please contact your year level Deputy Principal:  Shane Hancock (Year 3) or Kerry Alberts (Year 5).

What is NAPLAN?

NAPLAN is a nationwide measure through which parents, teachers, schools, education authorities, governments and the broader community can determine how well young Australians are developing the literacy and numeracy skills that provide the critical foundation for other learning and for their productive and rewarding participation in the community. 

• NAPLAN tests are one aspect of each school’s assessment and reporting process. NAPLAN does not replace the extensive, ongoing assessments made by teachers about each student’s performance. A child’s teacher will have the best insight into the child’s educational progress. NAPLAN results do not measure overall school quality.
• NAPLAN assesses literacy and numeracy skills that students are already learning through the school curriculum. Children can prepare for NAPLAN through learning the curriculum. On its own, NAPLAN is not a test that can be studied for, and students are not expected to do so. 
• The assessments allow parents to see how their child is progressing against national standards in literacy and numeracy and over time. Along with other school assessment reports, NAPLAN supports parents in discussing with teachers their child’s strengths and areas for improvement.  
• NAPLAN results can assist teachers by providing additional information to support their professional judgement about students’ levels of literacy and numeracy attainment and progress. 
• NAPLAN can support school improvement by enabling teachers to monitor their students’ progress over time against the national measure, to identify strengths and areas to improve in teaching programs, and to set goals in literacy and numeracy.
• Both paper-based NAPLAN and NAPLAN Online test the same range of skills in literacy and numeracy taught through curriculum content. Student results continue to be measured against the one NAPLAN assessment scale, and students answer the same number of questions in both NAPLAN tests – paper and online. 
• Students and parents wishing to familiarise themselves with NAPLAN Online can visit the public demonstration site on the NAP website. Some past NAPLAN papers are also available. 
• The number of adjustments available aim to encourage participation in NAPLAN Online for as many students as possible.

If you would like to learn more about NAPLAN Online, you can visit Fernbrooke State School or NAPLAN Online.

Privacy

Hi Fernbrooke families,

Welcome back to a brand new school year! 

The Fernbrooke community hub serves as a gateway to connect families with each other, our school and external services. We provide a welcoming, inclusive and interactive space that is centered around early learning for young children and authentic engagement with parents. Community hubs are a great introduction to school for young children and help to build a sense of belonging for families in the area. Activities include , Access Support, and social activities such as friendship group (sewing & craft) & yoga or just drop in for a cuppa and a chat. The hub also provides playgroup every Monday and Wednesday morning for families and children aged 0-5. Timetable may change from Term to Term so please keep an eye out for updated activities in the school newsletter, school’s Facebook page and the Community Hubs Ipswich Facebook page. The community Hub is located in the school in Q building and is open Monday to Thursday during the school term. All our activities are free and open to everyone in the community. 

If you would like more information about the hub or would like to volunteer please contact Kerry Asquith, our Community Hub Leader. Email kasqu2@eq.edu.au  Phone 07 3819 7444  We look forward to seeing you.

Week 3 PBL Focus: Safe – We use our equipment appropriately.

Week 4 PBL Focus: Safe – We are in the right place at the right time.

What is PBL?

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) is an approach used in schools to encourage and reinforce positive actions, attitudes, and behaviours that enhance learning. PBL focuses on creating a supportive environment where students are motivated to succeed academically and socially. It emphasizes respect, responsibility, and kindness, helping children develop skills for self-regulation and cooperation.

As parents, you play a crucial role in supporting this approach at home. Here are some ways to foster positive behaviour:

1. Set Clear Expectations: Clearly communicate your expectations for behaviour. Consistency between home and school routines helps children understand what is expected of them.
2. Encourage Positive Communication: Foster open conversations about feelings, challenges, and achievements. Praise effort, not just results, to help build self-esteem and resilience.
3. Reinforce Good Behaviour: Recognize and reward positive actions, whether through praise, extra playtime, or a favourite activity. Positive reinforcement encourages children to repeat these behaviours.
4. Model Respect and Responsibility: Children often learn by example. Demonstrating respectful communication, empathy, and responsibility in your own actions helps children understand how to apply these qualities in their own lives.
5. Create a Structured Environment: Providing routines and setting boundaries helps children feel secure and understand the importance of making good choices.

By working together with teachers, parents can create a seamless learning experience that fosters positive behaviours both at school and at home, setting children up for success now and in the future.

Notices: This week, we have our first Marketplace open day for 2025! Students have been working hard to follow the expectations in the classroom and playground, which earns them Perry Points! When students have 50 points, they can visit Perry’s Marketplace to purchase a variety of different items! Ask your student what they might be saving up for this term.

In years Prep to Year 2, students are learning about dance. They are learning about locomotive and non-locomotive movements as well as other concepts associated with dance.  The students have been working hard on completing dances in class as well as writing in their books about where they dance. Here is a sample of work from Prep and Year 1.

Looking forwards lots more dancing fun.

Mrs Richards and Mrs Walker

We understand that school goodbyes can be tough, both on kids and parents. It is common for children to be clingy, especially during transitions like starting school, changing schools, or moving up a level. To help, we wanted to share with you the latest article from the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program. It has some practical, proven to work ideas that you can try to help children cope and settle well at school, keeping in mind that you know best what might make goodbyes easier. Read more at: triplep-parenting.net.au

https://www.triplep-parenting.net.au/au/articles-and-news/post/no-more-tears-parenting-tips-for-easier-drop-offs/

Positive Partnerships is a national project funded by the Australian Government Department of Education and they work in partnership with families, educators and communities to strengthen positive outcomes for autistic young people. They create connections and opportunities for an inclusive culture where autistic students belong and thrive.

Positive Partnerships deliver high quality professional learning and resources through workshops, webinars and online modules for parents, carers and school staff.  These resources strengthen parent and teacher capacity to support and advocate for autistic young people.

If you would like to learn more about this organisation please click below and work your way through the site as they have a lot of workshops that you can attend or link online.

https://www.positivepartnerships.com.au/