Hello Fernbrooke Community,

Thank you to all the parents and caregivers who have been responding to the unexplained absence letters we send home each week. As mentioned in previous newsletters, schools are required to have a valid reason for any student absence. Another round of unexplained absence letters will be sent home this week, and we appreciate your prompt responses in helping us update our records.

Pupil Free Day – Friday 5 September

A reminder that Friday 5th September is a pupil free day for many schools across the state, including Fernbrooke State School. On this day, the school will be closed, and no staff will be on site. We thank you for your understanding.

Enrolling for High School – Year 6 Students

We encourage all parents and caregivers of Year 6 students to contact Redbank Plains State High School or your preferred high school to begin the enrolment process for 2026.

High schools are currently holding enrolment information sessions and are aiming to finalise student numbers by the end of this term. If you have any questions about enrolling your child for high school, please don’t hesitate to contact our office. We are happy to support you through this important transition.

Learning to Read at Fernbrooke SS

It has been wonderful to visit our early years classrooms over the past fortnight and observe the incredible progress students are making in phonics. Their growing knowledge is playing a key role in developing essential reading and writing skills. Congratulations to both students and teachers for your hard work and dedication! I look forward to visiting our Year 3 and 4 phonics lessons in the coming weeks.

Have a great fortnight,

Scott

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.

Dear Families,

It has been a wonderful fortnight in our Early Years juncture with lots of exciting learning and special events filling our classrooms. Our first-time swimmers have done swimmingly — our Preps are absolutely loving their lessons and we are already seeing them grow in confidence in the water. What an amazing life skill to begin building so early!

Although our Year 1 Fire Education visit needed to be postponed on Monday (our amazing Fire Fighters were called away to a real emergency — who would have thought it!) we are delighted that they will be back next Monday, 1 September to share this important program with our students.

Teddy Bears’ Picnic — Monday, 1 September
Students are invited to bring along a teddy bear or soft toy to school. Together we will be going on a bear hunt adventure, finishing with a special Teddy Bears’ Picnic.
Please ensure your child’s teddy or soft toy is clearly labelled so it can make its way safely back home.
We are looking forward to a day full of fun, laughter, and furry friends!

Prep vision screening was postponed this week due to the Qld Health staff illness. This will be rescheduled later this term. As you are aware, Vision Screening is ensures our youngest learners are ready to access their learning. Our Life Education program has also started across Prep–Year 2 and students are already engaging with important messages about healthy choices.

With the warmer weather settling in during the day, please ensure children are dressed in layers. Jumpers should be clearly named so that they can be returned to the right owner when removed.

A reminder that our Parent Teacher Interviews will be held next Monday. This is a wonderful opportunity to sit with your child’s teacher, celebrate the progress your child has made and discuss the next steps in their learning journey.

Our P&C are busy preparing for the Father’s Day Stall on Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 September. Please keep an eye out for information about money and times. In addition, our Prep fathers and father figures are warmly invited to attend the Prep Father’s Day Afternoon on Thursday 4 September at 1:35pm in the Prep precinct.

We are also excited that our 2026 Prep Transition sessions are now well underway. If you have a child starting Prep in 2026, please contact the office for an enrolment package and to book into one of these sessions.

We are very proud that our Prep teaching team will be attending the Play, Wonder and Learn Early Phase Conference on Saturday 30 August. This is a wonderful opportunity for our teachers to strengthen their professional practice and bring fresh ideas back into our classrooms.

As we move further into the term, it is important to remember that there is still a lot of learning to complete. The second half of Term 3 is always busy and teachers are working hard to ensure that all students are set up for success. With your support we know our children will continue to grow, shine and achieve amazing things in their learning.

Attendance plays a big part in this success — every day counts. We encourage families to make sure children are here from the first bell to the last bell as every minute of learning makes a difference. When absences do occur, families may receive an Unexplained Absence Letter. These letters are an important part of keeping our records accurate and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all students. Please return them promptly to your child’s classroom teacher so we can finalise our records.

Finally, please remember that next Friday, 5 September, is a pupil free day.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership. Together we are making these Early Years a special and successful start to school life for all our learners. Enjoy the fortnight ahead!

Warm regards
Theresa Parker
Early Years Deputy Principal

Every Day Counts – Especially During Assessment Time

As we approach the end of term, our classes are busy completing important assessments in each of their subject areas. These tasks give teachers a clear picture of each child’s academic progress and help us plan for future learning and of course, reporting. Every single day matters to your child’s education, especially during this crucial assessment time with attendance being a full school day from the first bell to the last bell.  When students aren’t at school, they can miss essential lessons or assessment opportunities, which may impact their results. By attending on-time, every day, your child is giving themselves the best chance to show what they know without feeling lost or disconnected from the learning.

Parent-Teacher Interviews – Building Strong Partnerships

We believe that education is a team effort, and parent-teacher interviews are a fantastic way to strengthen that partnership. These meetings allow you to hear about your child’s learning achievements, discuss any concerns, and work together on next steps. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher and share any insights from home. When school and families work together, students thrive. Our parent-teacher interviews are scheduled for this coming Monday afternoon/ evening as per the booking correspondence already sent home. If you are yet to book an interview, please contact your child’s teacher to negotiate a time slot for Monday the 1^st of September as soon as possible.

Important Date – Pupil Free Day

Please remember that next Friday, 5th September, is a Pupil Free Day. This means there will be no school for students on that day and you should make alternative arrangements for your child’s care if needed.

Thank you for your continued support in helping us make Fernbrooke State School a place where every student succeeds.

See you on the crossing.

Shane

Absence

Due to some ongoing medical issues related to a recent injury I will be taking some leave during the upcoming weeks.  If you have any enquiries, please do not hesitate to contact our Administration staff who will redirect you your question to the appropriate staff member.

Parent Teacher Interviews – 1^st Sept 2025

Parent-teacher interviews are a valuable opportunity for open communication between teachers and families, which help to build a strong partnership that supports student learning. These meetings allow parents to gain insight into their child’s academic progress, strengths, and areas for improvement, while also sharing important information that may affect learning. By working together, teachers and parents can create consistent support systems at home and in the classroom, ultimately fostering student confidence, motivation, and success. If you have not already booked an interview time please reach out to your classroom teacher.

Gala Sports

Fernbrooke students have made a strong start in this term’s Gala Sports competition. Unfortunately, Week 2 of Gala was washed out by the rain so there will be a catch-up day on Friday August 12.  We wish our sporting students all the best.

Year 6 Camp               PERMISSION/CONSENT AND PAYMENT DUE Friday September 19^th

Have you enrolled your Year 6 child at their high school?

Thank you to all the parents who have completed the High School survey.  Many of your response indicated that families are yet to begin the enrolment process.  With the end of the term fast approaching, it is timely to remind parents of Year 6 students to enrol your child in high school for 2026. Thank you to those parents who have already completed this process. If you need assistance with this, please do not hesitate to contact the high school of your choice or myself. Each of our local high schools will conduct transition next term for students who have been enrolled in Year 7. Students who have not been enrolled are UNABLE to attend these transition days. We will inform parents of the dates for these transition days as they are determined.

Week 6 & 7 PBL Focus: Safe – We use our high five and calming strategies to solve problems.

2D can use the ‘High Five’ Well done, 2D!

Attendance – from the first bell to the last bell.

Getting Ready for Prep – Building Independence and Positive Behaviours

Starting Prep is such an exciting milestone for your child! One of the best ways to help them feel confident and ready is by building independence and supporting positive behaviour at home. Here are some simple ways you can help your child transition smoothly:

• Practise independence with belongings – encourage your child to put on their shoes, hat and bag on their own.
• Following instructions – support your child to practise listening carefully and following simple directions the first time.
• Social skills – encourage taking turns, sharing and waiting patiently when playing with others.
• Calm goodbyes – practise short separations so your child learns to feel settled and confident when saying goodbye.
• Problem-solving – give your child small opportunities to manage challenges, like finding their belongings or asking politely for help.

By building these everyday skills, you’re helping your child take those important first steps towards feeling confident, capable and happy at school.

Congratulations to Prep D who won lunch with Mr Medford after spinning the Attendance Wheel!

As part of the Ipswich City Library’s Book Week program, our Year 6 students were fortunate to enjoy a special visit from local author Charlie Thomson, writer of In The Deep End.

Charlie captivated the students with his engaging presentation and shared insights into his creative process. He worked closely with our Year 6 cohort on exploring rhythm and rhyme, sparking creativity and inspiring budding writers. The highlight of the session was a lively performance where Charlie teamed up with Ms Brett and Tyson to deliver a fun and energetic rap, much to the delight of the students!

This memorable experience not only supported our Book Week celebrations but also encouraged our students to find joy in language, writing, and performance.

P&C News 

We will be holding our Father's Day stall on Monday 1 and Tuesday 2 September.

If we have left over stock we will be open Wednesday 3 September, lunch time only, for students to buy. 

Gifts will range in price from $1.00-$5.00 (cash only)

To help keep things flowing smoothly small notes and coins only please. 

If you are able to volunteer for the Father's Day stall on any day for any amount of time please message the Fernbrooke P&C Facebook page. 

Thank you

Michelle Luscombe 

President Fernbrooke P&C