08 August 2025

Principal's Report

With winter having its full impact in August our students have been enjoying their time out in the sunshine in our grounds during curricular and extracurricular programs as well as during meal breaks.

Thank you to all families for ensuring that your child has the appropriate clothing for the weather. I must say that I have been delighted with how much less we have in our Lost Property baskets on both campuses this term.

Australian Curriculum version 9 (ACv9)

As we progress into the year the school is reviewing our implementation of the (new) Australian Curriculum version 9 (ACv9). The new curriculum has a staged implementation plan – that includes:

2024 - English

2025 - Mathematics

2026 – Health and Physical Education (HPE)/ Technologies/ Science

2027 – Humanities and social sciences (HASS)/ The Arts/ Chinese

There are a number of excellent resources available to parents who may wish to have a deeper understanding of what is being taught to students in key learning areas – The Australian Curriculum Website has particularly helpful information for parents in the “resources” section. https://www.australiancurriculum.edu.au/

Camp Hill has a well-developed plan for supporting the implementation of the new curriculum, which includes Year level Champions (a teacher who leads the focus) in each year level for the key learning areas of: English, Mathematics, Literacy and Health (in particular Respectful Relationships). The year level champions work with our Head of Department/Curriculum (Mrs Nicole Vokes) and Key Teacher Pedagogy (Mrs Jacqui Hallinan) to develop both teacher knowledge and understanding and units of work in each year level. This has created a rich resource for our staff and ensures that there are many experts leading this rollout.

Teaching of Reading

Families would be aware that the Department of Education has identified the teaching of Reading as a priority this year, which includes the introduction of a compulsory Phonics Test in Year 1. The data gathered from this assessment will lead to ‘next step’ in the teaching of Reading for each child. I am delighted to say that Camp Hill has been proactive in focusing on the teaching of Reading over a number of years and this has included training a considerable number of teachers on the Junior Campus in the highly regarded Sounds-Write program, as well as in a suite of assessment practices now recommended by the department. The professional development of our staff continues to be a priority for the school. I am delighted to see the impact of these practices across the campus. I would encourage families interested in this key learning area to refer to https://det-school.eq.edu.au/reading as it has a suite of exceptional resources.

2025 NAPLAN data

I would like to share an update regarding our school’s recent NAPLAN results. Students in both Year 3 and Year 5 have performed above the regional, state, and national averages across all assessed areas – Reading, Writing, Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation, and Numeracy.

These results reflect the ongoing efforts of our school community and our commitment to maintaining consistent and high-quality teaching and learning. The outcomes are a result of evidence-based teaching practices, targeted support, and the structured delivery of our curriculum.

We acknowledge the professionalism and dedication of our teaching staff, whose work continues to support student learning. We also recognise the role of parents and carers in contributing to a positive learning environment through their support and engagement.

Most importantly, we commend our students for the effort they have shown. These results are a reflection of their consistent application and resilience.

We will continue to build on this foundation, focusing on collaboration, effective teaching strategies, and a shared focus on student growth.

Queensland Wellbeing Survey

Recently the school conducted the (anonymous) Queensland Wellbeing Survey for students in Years 2 and 3 (not reported upon as it is a trial year this year) and Years 4 – 6. Although this survey is not compulsory, our school has undertaken it since it was introduced to Queensland State schools.

The preliminary 2025 data indicates that our students are reporting Similar to Higher scores in comparison to other QEW respondents in all assessed areas. In Year 6 students identified Higher scores in: Personal social capabilities; Overall health and sleep; Resilience; Future outlooks and aspirations; Peer relationships; Relationships at home; Sense of belonging at school; School climate (all domains); Motivation and perseverance and Academic self-concept. As a school we use this data across a number of areas in the school – curricular and extracurricular.

Support at Camp Hill

As a school we are fortunate to have the professional support of both a Guidance Officer (Ms Donna Lipyeat) and Child Psychologist (Ms Emma Moore). Both Donna and Emma are active participants in our Student Wellbeing and Welfare Committee that oversees support for students from Prep to Year 6. Our school Chaplain, Chappy Mal, is currently on leave.

Facilities update

Parents on the Junior campus would be aware that the upgrades to facilities to include Access for All have been completed. Classes have already moved to accommodate the new facilities and the feedback I have received has been excellent.

The school is currently working with the Metropolitan South Region Infrastructure branch as we develop a plan for the upgrades to the Senior campus administration (including access) from monies allocated in 2024 State budget. It is certainly an exciting time. Once the final plans have been developed, I will share them with our school community.

I must say I have enjoyed numerous chats with students over the first few weeks of term, sharing their interests and ideas for the school.

Take care

Deborah Driver

Date Claimers

Finance News

Hi Everyone

Please see below for upcoming payments.

Administration Processes

Reporting Absences

It is important that you contact the school administration before 9:30am.

If your child is absent for any reason or will be late to school.

This includes absences for a school event.

All absences can be reported via the QParents app

How do you register for QParents?

• Locate the invitation email sent to you with your unique invitation code.
• Download the app on your device or visit https://qparents.qld.edu.au/
• Register as a parent or caregiver.
• Locate your child/children using their EQ ID number (this can be found on any invoice or past report) and request access from the school.

Or by emailing admin@camphillipss.eq.edu.au (Please state your child's name, class, the date and the reason for the absence.)

Curriculum

Curriculum Matters – Term 3, Week 4

Explicit Instruction

In the principal’s report this week, Mrs Driver’s has highlighted our school’s ongoing commitment to ensure the teaching of reading and writing aligns with evidence informed best practice.  This semester teachers are further refining how we teach literacy skills, as we know that these skills are essential for equipping students to access learning in all other parts of the curriculum.   During staff meetings and the September student free day we will focus on explicit instruction—a proven, effective approach to teaching Reading and Writing.

What Is Explicit Instruction?

Explicit instruction means teaching specific skills in a clear, direct, and structured way. Teachers break down complex tasks—like decoding words, understanding sentence structure, or identifying main ideas—into manageable steps. They model the skill, guide students through practice, and provide feedback before students try it independently.

Why It’s Effective:

• Clear Expectations: Students know exactly what they are learning.
• Step-by-Step Support: Skills build in a logical sequence, preventing gaps in understanding.
• Immediate Feedback: Teachers can quickly correct misunderstandings.
• Greater Confidence: Students feel more successful when they know what to do and how to do it.

Research shows that explicit instruction is especially important for early literacy development, helping all learners—and especially those who may struggle—develop strong reading and writing foundations.

At home, you can support this approach by talking with your child about what they’re learning, asking them to explain how they use certain reading or writing strategies, and reading together regularly.

Thank you for being a vital partner in your child’s literacy journey!

Nicole Vokes
Head of Department - Curriculum

QParents

Thank you to all the parents who have registered for QParents and are now taking advantage of the convenience it offers:

• Secure sign in
• Inform the school of absences
• View your invoices
• Make payments online
• View academic reports
• Update student details

Coming in Term 4 - online excursion and incursion consent.

Not yet registered?

• Locate the invitation email sent to you with your unique invitation code.
• Download the app on your device or visit https://qparents.qld.edu.au/
• Register as a parent or caregiver.
• Locate your child/children using their EQ ID number (this can be found on any invoice or past report) and request access from the school.

Further information

Admin@camphillipss.eq.edu.au  (for any enquiries that are not answered by the above information)

School Opinion Survey

Thank you to all of those who have already completed the Parent/Caregiver Survey. If you have not had a chance to complete the survey yet, please note that the online surveys will remain open until Friday, 22 August 2025. This is your opportunity to provide feedback about what our school does well and how we can improve. The survey is anonymous, and the results are not reported in ways that an individual’s response can be identified by the school. To have your say, check your email for an invitation from the Department of Education titled School Opinion Survey for parents and caregivers, 2025.

Can’t find your invitation? If your family has more than one parent/caregiver, check that they haven’t received the invitation and/or check your junk email folder.

You Can Do It

PREP

PERSISTENCE

Persistence means trying hard to do your best and not giving up when something feels like it is too difficult or boring. Examples of persistent behaviour are continuing to try even when schoolwork is hard, not being distracted by others and checking work when it is finished to make sure that it is correct.

It is about SAYNG ‘I CAN DO IT’, GIVING EFFORT, SETTING GOALS AND WORKING TOUGH.

These concepts are re-enforced in Pete Persistence’s song: -

Verse 1

I’m Pete Persistence, I never give up.

I just keep going like a garbage truck.

I’ve got lots of work to do.

It feels really great when I see a job through.

I see a job through.

Chorus

I’m Pete Persistence. I never, ever, ever give up.

I’m Pete Persistence.

I keep going like a garbage truck.

Verse 2

I’m learning how to read and how to write.

I’m even learning how to hold my pencil tight.

I try really hard that’s what I do.

It feels really great when I see a job through.

I see a job through.

Chorus

Pete Persistence and Penny Persistence talk about not procrastinating and not being distracted, as we strive to give it our all.

The children in have been learning about what it means when we PROCRASTINATE. 

We give it our best shot, try not to be quitters and stay focused on our goals.

About You Can Do It! Education

Founded in the mid-1980s by Michael and Patricia Bernard, YCDI! has become Australia’s leading and widely respected most school-home collaborative program pioneering social and emotional learning (SEL) in Australia and overseas. Over 1,000,000 young people—from early learning centres to primary and secondary schools—have participated in YCDI’s evidence-based programs. The development of YCDI’s resources has been shaped by the valuable input of educators who have supported the development of creative, practical student-teacher friendly materials.

YCDI!’s programs are unique in its dual focus – supporting both student mental health/wellbeing and academic success. YCDI! remains proud of the recognition it has received from organisations such as Beyond Blue.

Library News

CBCA 80^th Book Week theme – Book an Adventure

Who doesn’t have a favourite storybook character? A childhood memory of a favourite book, or an adventure that can never be erased. Reading can take you to some amazing places – anything can happen in a book! An adventure down a rabbit hole, on a treasure island or lands far away…. Reading really is your passport to the world, and books are the ticket!

CBCA Book Week 16^th - 23^rd August

Our annual Book Week character parade for Years P-2 will be held on Wednesday 20^th August. The Children’s Book Council of Australia (CBCA) theme for this year is “Book an Adventure”. This is the 80^th anniversary year for the Children’s Book Council of Australia promoting quality children’s literature. Our Reader’s Cup team has been invited to Brisbane City Hall to participate in the 80^th Birthday party to celebrate this CBCA milestone.

Book Parade Times - Wednesday 20^th August

Prep classes – 9:00am- 10:00am

Year 1 classes – 10:00am- 11:00am

Year 2 classes – 12:00 noon - 1:00pm

Parents are welcome to join us in the Multi-purpose hall on Ferguson Rd to view the parades at the above times. Remember social distancing protocols, and please stay home if you are unwell.

All students will parade with their class, then individually walk across our small stage and down the catwalk. Ideally students will know the name of their character and the title of the book. If you have the copy of the book, or can borrow it from the library, it is a great prompt to carry it with them. If you cannot locate a copy of the book, a printed copy of the front cover is allowed for educational purposes. Making a lanyard of book cover to hang around their neck is also helpful when hands are full!

Please feel free to take a photograph of your child in their Book Week costume but remember to not take or share photos of other students, especially on social media.

We look forward to you sharing our celebration of reading, books and adventures!

Years 3-6 students will be participating in a Book Character Free Dress Day. No coin required.

Reading Explorers Book Club brochures have been sent home to all students in Week 3. There are some amazing books including some from Book Week shortlists. All books in this catalogue are discounted below RRP. Some by up to 80%! Orders are due online by 24^th August, to be delivered in September. Maybe some Christmas or birthday presents could be ordered? All sales benefit our school.

Link to Reading Explorers https://readingexplorers.com.au/

Happy Reading,

Peta de San Miguel
Teacher Librarian

Music

The Musical: Seussical Jr

What a wonderful cast and crew!

Things are moving along with Seussical rehearsals.  We've started working with our talented principals and are looking forward to seeing what magic they can produce in the next few months.  Choreography is progressing too.  If you're part of the musical Facebook group, look there for videos, so that your Seussical cast member can rehearse their routines at home.

Also, make sure, if you're not getting bulk musical emails (there haven't been many lately) that you let Philip Griffin (pjgri1@eq.edu.au) know.  If you're not sure whether you're on the list on not, you can email and ask him to check.

Choral Honours 2025

From October 21-23, the following six Year 6 CHSI&PS students will be attending the Choral Honours workshop:

• Emily C
• Eloise F
• Arabella J
• Adelaide K
• Poppy O'F
• Taliesin S

Congratulations to them, and we know it'll be a wonderful three days of high-level choral music.

The Adventures of Figaro - Opera Queensland CHSI&PS (incursion)

Opera Queensland and Shake & Stir Theatre brought their latest school production, The Adventures of Figaro to our school recently.  Based on Rossini's The Barber of Seville, (you'd be excused if you assumed it was based on Mozart's The Marriage of Figaro) the performers were yet again struck by the sophistication of the student audience, and their willingness to listen carefully to the performance.  Here are some student thoughts on the production.

In the beginning, Opera Queensland had provided a trailer of what we were about to experience in this performance as well as some background information about the story of Figaro. The overall performance was an amazing performance and experience for students who may have not seen an Opera performance in the past before.  Shaynna S – 6C

The opera Queensland Figaro performance was very interesting and talented. Firstly, the beautiful opera singing was one of my favourite parts as well as the funny story that was told. Secondly, I really loved how the girl's dad popped up on the screen which felt like he was calling the girl on the phone. Thirdly, the background music and sounds allowed the performance to be even more entertaining.   Lisha C - 6C

I loved Figaro because of the unusual singing that they did and how they made up songs and didn't do already made ones. Another thing I loved about it was the humour that they used like when Figaro was giving the father a shave and he sometimes stuck his bum out and did a little wiggle. Or when they said a certain thing and they did a dance and rock music came on every time.  Taliesin S – 6C

I liked how the people all sang different songs in all different voices and some voices made me laugh. It was a lot more fun with all the scenes that were in the background and how there were all the different hair products on the wall in the background like the clippers and the cream. When they made funny voices and amusing expressions it made the whole audience laugh which made it more exciting.  Sophia G - 6C

I thought that there were some very hard notes that they sang, and they hit them perfectly. I enjoyed it very much and I hope they will come again for the next years to enjoy, just like I did!  

April le C - 6C

I liked how they made it entertaining by telling a story through opera and acting and letting us engage and really get into the story. I loved the performance and think we should definitely have more incursions like the Opera Queensland.  Arabella J - 6C

Choirs

Junior Choir

The Junior Choir will resume as normal this term and will be performing at week 5 Junior Campus Parade.

Senior Choir and Intermediate Choir

The Intermediate and Senior Choirs will also resume this week, with both groups focusing primarily on songs from the musical. In addition, the Senior Choir will be rehearsing pieces for Singfest, while both choirs will prepare for the Celebration of Music.

Strings and Band

Important reminder: Instrument Care and Labelling

Spare luggage-style tags are available in the Senior Campus Music Room. Please encourage your child to collect one if they need it.

Thank you for helping us keep instruments safe and easily identifiable!

Important dates for 2025

Please mark the following dates in your calendars:

• Instrumental Music Information Session– August date tbc (for parents whose child/children are interested in being part of the Instrumental Program in 2026)
• SingFest– Monday 1^st September (for Senior Choir)
• Southside Senior Music Camp– Tuesday 9^th - Thursday 11^th September (Selected Year 6 String and Year 5-6 Band students)
• Celebration of Music ConcertWednesday 17^th September (all performance groups)
• Choral Honours CampTuesday 21^st - Thursday 23^rd October (for selected Year 6 choir students)
• The Musical – Seussical Jr. - Thursday 13^th November (6.30pm), Saturday 15^th November (1.30 Matinee & 6.30pm) and Sunday, 16^th November (6.30pm)
• Chaplaincy Carols Night– Tuesday 2^nd December (all choirs) – NOTE date change from December 9^th
• Qld Symphony Orchestra Mentorship(date to be confirmed) – String Orchestra and Concert Band

P & C News

Family, Friends & Community Volunteer Information Morning Tea

How they can help and Volunteer for our school community.

Monday 11^th August 9.30am – Outside the Tuckshop

The P&C & Tuckshop are hosting a special information and morning tea for anyone who has family or friends who would like to volunteer in our school community.

How does it work, what you can do and how important that time is to the smooth running of our services, feeding our student and helping in our school.

We will have information sheets, Blue Card applications (free for volunteers) and we can assist you on all those levels.

Movies on the Oval – Paddington 3

Our long-awaited rescheduled Movies on the Oval is coming up. 

Keep September 13^th free….  Pizza van is booked, and we are delighted to bring this evening to you free of charge thanks to the wonderful sponsorship of MyAgent Aus.

Register for your chance to win a wonderful Hamper kindly donated by Cr Fiona Cunningham

Tuckshop

GRANDPARENTS AND FRIENDS MORNING TEA  

MONDAY 11TH AUGUST 9.30AM

Tuckshop, along with the wonderful P&C, will be hosting an information morning for those grandparents or friends that would like to volunteer in our school community. 

Sharyn and Lee-Anne will have fliers with information on how you can achieve that, as well as helping them acquire their Blue Card (Working with Children).  

Please come to the Multipurpose Hall on Monday 11th August 9.30am and become part of the Camp Hill School Family.

Sharyn – Tuckshop Convenor

Tel: 07 3900 9429      Email: tuckshop@camphillpandc.com.au

Uniforms

Can our school community help each other?   

Do you have School Logo Winter Uniform Items (School Official Jacket or Pants) sitting in your cupboards and wardrobes that are in great condition but no longer fit your little people??

We have families looking for these items in these colder months so please drop them in to the Uniform Shop (with your details) and we can sell them on your behalf. 

Please email or pop in to see me if you have any questions.

Kerri – Uniform Shop Convenor
http://www.schoolshoponline.net.au/camphillipss 

NORMAL UNIFORM SHOP TRADING HOURS
Tuesday and Thursday:  8:15 – 9:30 am

OSHC

Winter Appeal:

A big thank you to our amazing Community Liaison staff Analiese Graham for organising our Community Winter Appeal drive.  A massive thank you to families and our community for your wonderful donations. We received so many wonderful donations, all of which will make a difference in the lives of people in our community who need it most. 

Play Memories:

We sent out an email a few months ago asking for play memories. Thanks to those who have already sent some through. However, we are looking for more!! We’d love for you to share a childhood play memory with us! 

Why?

• Helps adults understand the value, complexity, and importance of play.
• Encourages broader thinking beyond just safety and rules.
• Builds stronger connections among staff and families. 

What to Do:

• Write a short story about a childhood play experience.
• Send to: oshcmanagement@camphillpandc.com.au
• Can be anonymous or named.

What to Include (optional prompts):

• Where did the play happen?
• Any objects, toys or loose parts involved?
• Any risk? How was it managed?
• Were adults involved?
• Any other important details?

What We’ll Do:

• Display stories at OSHC for children, families, and staff to enjoy. Thank you for being part of this! We’re excited to read your stories. 

Community News

Tennis for Kids