It is hard to believe that we are almost at the end of the school year. A reminder that this Term has eleven weeks, so that last day school is Friday 13 December.

Welcome Back Mrs Driver

On Monday 2nd December we welcomed back Mrs Deborah Driver. It has been a long recovery for Mrs Driver following her car accident, so she will be gradually returning to fulltime work.

To support her return, I have been asked to continue as Principal until the end of the school year. As Principal, I will continue to lead the school and manage any operational matters as they arrive. On the days that Mrs Driver is at school she will using this time to reconnect with staff and families, as well reviewing our plans for 2025 and other departmental changes. Having two Principals will be a bonus for the school and will ensure a smooth leadership transition and a speedy yet safe return to work for Mrs Driver.

Mrs Driver and myself are looking forward working together in preparation for 2025, when Mrs Driver will return full time as Principal and I will return to my substantive role as Deputy Principal on the Junior Campus. For the last two weeks of school, Mrs Genevieve Clark will continue as Deputy Principal on the Junior Campus.

On behalf of Mrs Driver and myself we would like to thank you all for your understanding and continual support.

2025 Classes

Based on the number of students we are expecting to start the 2025 school year we will be allocated 32 class teachers. This means we will have a total of 20 classes in Prep-Year 3 and 12 classes in Year 4-6. Currently we have planned for five classes in each year level from Prep – Year 3, four Year 4 classes, three classes each in Year 5-6, one Year 4/5 composite class, and one Year 5/6 composite class. Teachers are taking extra care in creating the right mix in all classes but in particular with the composite classes. It is a great opportunity for students to be in a composite class.

Research by Profession John Hattie into the effect sizes of factors that influence achievement show that composite classes make no difference to the academic outcomes of students learning (when comparing to students in straight classes). Additionally, research (by Hattie and other educational experts) concluded that composite classes can actually enhance development; students becoming more confident and assertive, and learn to operate as part of a group while bolstering independent learning skills.

Research also indicates that students can benefit enormously socially from being in a composite class. These benefits include:
• Having friends outside of their year group allows them to develop a wider group of friends which gives them more options in the playground, and greater connections across the school
• Students form wider friendship groups than would normally occur in a straight class.
• Learning to build long- term social skills while also assisting in building resiliency

Our Head of Department – Curriculum, Mrs Vokes will be working closely with the teachers of these classes to ensure the students have a quality curriculum program based on Australian Curriculum for their Year Level and their individual needs. The teachers of these classes will ensure the students receive similar enrichment experiences as the other students in the same Year Levels.

Strategic Planning – 2025

We had a very productive day planning for 2025. A review of our school data, including our recent School Opinion Survey, our NAPLAN results and students’ level of achievement, indicate that generally as a school community we are doing a great job. The question now is, how can we do better?

At this stage we have identified the following goals for our 2025 Annual Implementation Plan:
- Embed a positive and producative disposition through the implementation of Australian Curriculum Mathematics version 9 and signature practices.
- Continue to foster a whole school approach to Respectful Relationships through the development and implemenation of consistent and transparent protocols and processes.

These goals are a starting point for further consultation, which will involve staff, parents and members of our wider school community. I look forward to having your input, early next year, into our Annual Implementation Plan, so that we can achieve better together.

Kind regards,

Jane Tuckett

School Principal

KEEP CHILDREN AT HOME IF SICK

We ask that you keep your child home if they are sick as this will help prevent the spread of any virus etc and reduce any pain or illness your child might be experiencing.

We have recently had a number of students who have come to the office sick (often crying, some even vomiting) and tell us they were sick at home in the morning. This can be very upsetting and stressful for the sick students and their caring friends. Unfortunately we do not have the facilities nor qualified staff to care for sick children at school, so when students are sick (or tell us they are sick) we have no other option but to send them home.

Most of us are working parents too and understand how difficult it can be to get a call to come and collect a sick child. On behalf of our staff I would like to take this opportunity to thank the parents who are understanding and supportive when we phone them.

Navigating Key Online Milestones - Are They Old Enough?

As parents and carers, we play a vital role in guiding our children through their first experiences online. Whilst the digital world offers exciting opportunities for learning, socialising, and exploration, it also presents risks that need to be carefully managed. Knowing when your child is ready to take their first steps into this world can be a difficult decision, especially when it comes to smartphones, online games and social media. The most important question to ask is “Do you know what your child is doing whilst on their device?”

When is the Right Time?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to when your child is ready for online interactions. Each child is different, and their ability to manage online interactions safely and responsibly depends on their maturity, emotional development, and understanding of the online environment. Whatever their age, a general guide for parents and carers includes: Don’t assume, Check, Monitor and keep asking the above question “Do you know what your child is doing whilst on their device?”

Additionally, the eSafety Commissioner provides general guidelines to support parents:
• Under 5 years: Children at this age may benefit from supervised and limited access to the internet, focusing on educational games, interactive learning, and family-friendly platforms. Parental involvement is key.

• 5 to 9 years: Children may begin to explore more independently, but it’s still crucial for parents to closely monitor their activities and set boundaries. Ensure any online play is safe, positive, age-appropriate and most importantly, be involved and monitor.

• 10 to 12 years: As your child becomes more curious about social interactions online, it's important to have open discussions about online safety, privacy, and respectful behaviour. At this age, they may start to ask for particular games they can play with their friends online or for messaging platforms or social media accounts. Many online platforms have age restrictions and the Australian Government plans to require Social Media users to be aged 16 or older. However, reaching a particular age does not necessarily determine readiness. Parents should still assess whether their child can understand the responsibilities that come with online gaming and messaging platforms, including managing friendships, handling conflicts, and maintaining their own privacy. We should not expect that our children automatically know how to do this and remember we can say ‘No, not yet’.

In addition to “Do you know what your child is doing whilst on their device?” it may be helpful to ask yourself the following key questions:

• Does your child know how to handle negative experiences? If your child is likely to be deeply upset by online negativity, they may need more guidance before navigating these online platforms. Review games/messaging platforms together, discuss online behaviour, and teach them how to block or report abusive interactions.

• Do they understand personal information protection? It's essential your child grasps what personal information is—such as phone numbers, addresses, photos, and even the name of their school—and why sharing these details online can be risky.

• Do they know how to manage privacy settings? Explain why you've set particular privacy settings on your own accounts and how those choices protect personal data. Explain why you have set certain parental controls on their devices.

• Do they understand safe sharing practices? Discuss the risks of checking in to locations, tagging people, sharing personal images, or meeting online friends. Check and supervise what they are doing.

• Do they know how to report cyberbullying and abusive content? We know social media and other online platforms can expose children to cyberbullying or other harmful content. Walk through safety tools on each platform, including how to report and block users, and be sure they understand the steps to handle these situations.

• Are they open to establishing rules and being supervised? Set clear guidelines with your child, such as screen time limits and online behaviour expectations. It’s important to have these conversations early, especially with tweens, to maintain trust and open lines of communication.

For Further information:
https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

https://www.esafety.gov.au/sites/default/files/2019-06/EC-ESP-screen-time-tips-flyer_0.pdf?v=1731297465679

https://childrenandmedia.org.au/

https://drkristygoodwin.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Dr-Kristy_ParentSeminarPDF_2022-1.pdf

https://screenstrong.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/ScreenStrong-Prevention-Guide-1.pdf

Students Exiting at the End of 2024

If you have not done so already, please inform our administration team via eamil if your child will not be returning for 2025.

Updating Student Information

During the school year, there can be occasions when it is important that we make immediate contact with parents. We are unable to do this if our information is not current. Please help us to provide care and consideration for your child by updating your family records whenever a change occurs.

• If there is a change in your emergency contact phone number, email, or other emergency contact persons details.
• If you change your address.
• If any significant changes occur with regard to your child/children's health or medical details e.g. Health Plan or medication.
• If there are any changes regarding custody or access to your child/children.
• If you feel we should know of any other changes which relate to your child.

Reporting Absent Student

It is important that you contact the school before 9:30 am if your child is absent for any reason or will be late to school. This includes absences for a school event where the students make their own way to the event.

QParents

Website: Our School > Absences

email admin: admin@camphillipss.eq.edu.au 

Please state your child's name, class, the date and the reason for the absence.

For families of students who store medications at the school, please be aware at the end of the school year, parents/carers are required to collect all unused medication.  The unused medication will be returned to the parent/carer of the student in its original container. All unclaimed medications will be taken to a pharmacy to be disposed of if not collected.

At the beginning of the school year, parents/carers are required to complete the 2025 Administration of Medication forms.  At this time, parents are also requested to provide current/new Action Plans. Both medical forms and medication for 2025 can be dropped off at the Junior and Senior offices on Monday 20^th to Wednesday the 22^nd between 9am and 3pm the week before school resumes.   

Be aware you may drop this off on the first day of school,  however there may be delays.

This term, the students in all classes across the school have been showcasing their creativity and developing their narrative writing skills in English. It's been fantastic to see students experiment with descriptive language, structure, and dialogue to bring their stories to life. I would like to celebrate some of this wonderful writing by sharing excerpts from student’s writing from various classes.

Excerpt from The Alien King by Asher O - 3A
Smartie woke up in what seemed to be an abandoned temple. But when he heard footsteps, he knew that someone was here. But what Smartie wondered the most was why he was trapped, and what lies before him in this CRAZY universe. As Smartie struggled to escape from his chains, he could hear the footsteps getting closer and closer and felt worried. “Well, well, well, what do we have here”. Standing in front of Smartie was a figure with green skin but he couldn’t quite make out what it was. But it had blood red eyes, a long shaggy beard, and a crown shimmering like diamonds. All Smartie could hear was the jabbering of a vast crowd, as far as the eye could see. Floating right above Smartie was Zoro, the toxic virus. He had to battle his way to freedom.

Excerpt from My Spirits by Cecilia M - 3A
Suddenly something burst out of her! The creature was an incredible pale blue. Blue almost as light as snow! The creature had long messy fur, sharp teeth, a long fluffy tail, and huge ears. "YOU!" It said in a terrifying growl. "Have you seen a girl with blond hair, blue eyes, and is she smart she is also called Zoe?" Zoe stopped on the last words it had said. The creature was a wolf she realized as she started to calm down. "I'm Zoe." She said in a nervous quiet voice. A wave of fear hit Zoe like a rocket taking off. "I'm one of your spirits." This news hit Zoe like a tornado. A tornado that went into her head and went round and round with her thoughts. "I'm Twighlight." she said in an airy voice. Zoe immediately realised Twighlight started gaining colour blues, purples, yellows, pinks, and hints of gold on her tail. She was a truly amazing sight. Another spirit exploded out of her this time a dragon. "That's Ash short for Ashley." Whispered Twighlight.

Excerpt from Adventure Narrative by Max O - 4B
The jungle changed to forest, and the forest changed to bush. The landscape became drier and colder. One day they were walking past a ravine when Jonn slipped and dropped his compass into a ravine. "No! Jonn gasped. "My compass! My most prized possession! My-"

"Relax, Jonn," soothed Allun. "We still have the map, and if we need, the sun. It will be alright"

"But-but-, if you say so, Allun." It began to get cloudier the higher they climbed, and colder and darker. The sun was all but gone now. As they settled down for the night, they watched in dismay as the last clump of clouds rolled across the last rays of sun before the three drowsy questers fell into deep slumbers.

Excerpt from Adventure Narrative by Martin M - 4B
After an hour’s walk, they saw a huge forest. It was so incredibly big they couldn't see the end. They walked onward for multiple hours until they entered the forest. As they walked through the forest it felt extremely eerie as if someone was watching them.
As they treaded through the forest they approached a clearing. "We should set up camp here." announced Strong Jonn.

"Agreed." replied Marlie.

"Something doesn't feel right about this place." quivered Rowan.

As soon as he finished speaking suddenly, a Tree grew almost instantly behind him tugging the map off his belt. The trees were closing them in continuously making the clearing smaller.

Adventure Narrative by Greta C - 4B
They strode across the sunny path when they reached a DEEP, DARK, HAUNTED valley. Rowan tried to go back but an invisible barrier stopped him! Strong Jonn was shocked. "Rowan stop playing!" thundered Strong Jonn.

"I-I'm not!" stammered Rowan. Strong Jonn regained his energy and started running as fast as he could... BOOM! Strong Jonn fell back onto his back. He screamed in pain. Rowan helped him up. "We have no choice but to go on!" whined Rowan, "We can't get through!"

Excerpt from Mulga Bill’s Bicycle by Maria - 5B
Mulga Bill pushed his unhappy horse into the small stable and slammed the wooden gate forcefully. He sauntered out of the stable with his head held high squinting in the bright morning sunlight as he hurried off to town to buy a bicycle. Mulga Bill opened the newly polished door and strode purposely into the gleaming shop. Grinning, he plonked his bag of money on the table, frowning sightly as he saw the monstrous price that the big bicycle cost. He began to wheel the heavy grey bicycle down the large steps. But just as he reached the last stair an amused voice sounded behind him, “Excuse me, can you ride?"

With a frustrated grunt Mulga Bill swung around to face the shop keeper, almost toppling under the weight of his new bicycle. The shop keeper smirked at him. Mulga Bill advanced up the steps his chest puffed out “Look here young man. I can ride anything that is what everybody knows. There is nothing that I can’t ride whether it be a horse, bull or this strange metal contraption here, I will ride mere bicycle out of your sight”. The tall girls on the street beside him exchanged small smiles and rolled their eyes. With a parting wave to the girls and a fierce glare at the shop keeper, he mounted his bicycle swiftly and sped away.

Camp Hill State Infants and Primary School is seeking Expressions of Interest from qualified Dance Teachers with a current Blue Card to be part of the school’s Dance Program in 2025. Applicants must be skilled in choreographing routines for small and large teams across different genres.

Training may take place before and after school, with the potential for some Sunday or holiday training sessions leading up to eisteddfods. Eisteddfod dates are yet to be confirmed.

Please submit your application, including current Blue Card information, teaching qualifications and experience by close of business Monday, December 9 to:

Mrs Dionne Scott
Dance Program Co-ordinator
dxsco2@eq.edu.au

E Koalas

We would like to give a big thanks to the Year 5 and 6 children who have worked tirelessly each week in our environmental group, the E Koalas.

These children give up one of their lunch-breaks each week to keep on top of all things ‘environmental’.

Some of the jobs they do are:
• Composting the senior school scraps
• Cleaning out the compost buckets
• Scrubbing and filling the animal water trays
• Picking up rubbish
• Watering plants
• Collecting and emptying the green bins

The green bins are a new initiative this year that we have taken on. It is not a pleasant job, as the children have to sort through smelly containers and bottles and take out rubbish and straws that were thrown in.

If you visit the school, please take extra care NOT to throw in rubbish or coffee cups. We also would appreciate if you could empty your container before you put it in the green bins.

Next year, we are looking forward to continuing the wonderful work around the school and we also can’t wait to extend our garden by adding a “Bush Tucker” garden. We will be using the funds donated to us by Steve Mininkin this year.

We would like to extend a special thank you to our Environmental Captains of 2024 – Olivia Gazeley and Naiya Sangha.

Katie Barry and Natalie Baker

PREP – YEAR 2

RESILIENCE

Here are some of the words from the song ‘Brilliant Resilience’. 

“WHEN I START TO SPIN RIGHT OUT WHEN I WANT TO SCREAM AND SHOUT,
I WON’T LET MY ANGER GET ON TOP OF ME.
I DON’T HAVE TO GIVE UP HOPE, ‘CAUSE I KNOW HOW TO COPE,
I’VE GOT BRILLIANT RESILIENCE IN ME.”

These words emphasise to the children the importance of managing strong feelings and emotions. The words suggest ways of calming down as we try to manage anger.
We try not to let anger win, rather, we try to win by being resilient.

We can count to 10, take deep breaths, walk away or talk to an adult.

Examples of resilience for children to practice………

Select two or three examples of resilient behaviour that you want your child to practice.

You could make up some or select a few from the following list.

*Not getting extremely angry and fighting when someone is mean or acts unfairly.

*Trying not to worry too much about taking a test.

*Not getting extremely down after receiving a bad mark or if someone is mean or excludes you.

*Calming down quickly when upset.

*Bouncing back to work or play after having been very upset.

Learning to read and write is a difficult and slow process but has many great rewards for persistence and hard work. Here are some interesting thoughts from David Crystal about how our English language developed and how we can always learn more about our language, at any age. 

https://www.candokidsacademy.com/

“Holidays are Coming”… 2024 P&C Christmas Raffle

Make sure you get your tickets for our fabulous Christmas raffle… $1,000 cash is our first prize, thanks to our Major Sponsor, Jag Singh from Ray White Carina.

$1,000 cash to be won, along with an additional 33 hampers designed to bring cheers of delight into any household.

What will your hamper include?? You must be in to win!

Click here to purchase your tickets online:
https://rafflelink.com.au/xmasraffle24

Each classroom has a basket ready for your themed donations for collection. This year is a little different, each year level has a theme, not per class, and still including a Money Tree… which along with all the others, will be shared amongst all the hampers.

Colour Run4Fun Prizes are coming

Prizes will be delivered to students before the end of the term. They are coming.
Please note, on top of Australian Fundraising reminders, we also emailed, we had notices in the CPR emails, and we have contacted the teachers to remind those students in their classes that still had to select prizes. Those who did not select prizes have been donated to the Charities that were able to be selected, and we cannot change this.

Holiday Program with NumberWorks’nWords

Looking for something for your child to ease them back into the school year for 2025. Our supporting sponsor has a fabulous program in the last week of the holidays.

A big thank you to everybody who has helped in the Tuckshop this year. Lisa and I appreciate the help very much. We still have a couple of weeks left so there are still some days to help.

Croissants have been such a hit this Term that they will be placed on our menu as a permanent option in the Sandwich Bar Menu on Flexischools for next year.

The Year 2 visits have been a huge success. The children have all known what they have wanted to buy when arriving at the counter with their money clutched tightly in their hands. They made their selection then moved off to the playground with big smiles on their faces.

At the end of this year the tuckshop family are saying goodbye to 2 of our regular volunteers. Ursula and Kirsty have been helping in the Tuckshop every 2nd Wednesday and Thursday for 7 years. Where did that time go? It has been an absolute joy getting to know you and your children. We had a lot of laughs and told lots of stories over that time. We will miss you greatly. Best of luck as your children move onto High School and don't be strangers.

Click the link below to sign up.
https://volunteersignup.org/444JA

Sharyn – Tuckshop Convenor
Tel: 07 3900 9429 Email: tuckshop@camphillpandc.com.au

Prep Uniform Fittings

If you have a little person who has been offered a place in Prep at our school for 2025 you have been advised that the bookings are now open for uniform shop fitting appointments.

This is a one-on-one chance to help your little person (and yourself!) get all organised to start their new schooling adventure. These appointments are available until the end of the term including a Saturday and again in late January just before school starts. These appointments are needed as fittings cannot be accommodated in normal uniform shop opening hours at an already busy time of the year. Purchasing hats and bags only however is possible.

Please note that the uniform shop will be open additional hours:

EXTENDED OPENING HOURS for 2024/2025

Prep Uniform Fittings must have an appointment.

The link below is to be used for appointment bookings

https://camphillipss.eq.edu.au/calendar-and-news/news/prep-2025-uniform-bookings 

Extended Trading hours for 2024 & 2025 are as follows

2024

Saturday 7th December - by appointment only (above)

Monday 9th December – Thursday 12th December Counter Sales 8:15am - 10:00am (each day)

Friday 13th December – closed 

2025

Wednesday 22nd - Friday 24th January - by appointment (ideal for fittings)

Thursday 23rd - Friday 24th January - Counter Sales 8:30am - 12:00pm (each day)

There will be no Saturday Open Day in January, due to the long weekend.

Tuesday 28th January to Friday 31st January (each day) Counter Sales 8:15 - 10:00am 

Resumes normal trading hours & days from Week 2

Tuesday 4th February & Thursday 6th February 2025

2025 online orders are available for pick up only. 

Deliveries to classes begin Week 3.

www.schoolshoponline.net.au/camphillipss

 NORMAL UNIFORM SHOP TRADING HOURS
Tuesday and Thursday:  8:15 – 9:30 am
(under D Block, Senior Campus)

 Kerri Rook - Uniform Shop Convenor

uniforms@camphillpandc.com.au

www.schoolshoponline.net.au/camphillipss

NORMAL UNIFORM SHOP TRADING HOURS

Tuesday and Thursday:  8:15 – 9:30 am
(under D Block, Senior Campus)

Kerri Rook - Uniform Shop Convenor
Tel: 07 3900 9328
Email: uniforms@camphillpandc.com.au 

We wanted to let families from OSHC and the broader school Ccommunity know that we are doing a toy and food drive at OSHC as part of our Christmas Toy Drive. We welcome all community members, who are able to, to please donate toys and food to go towards two amazing charities that will hopefully make some families Christmas amazing. If you would like to donate, please see the Camp Hill OSHC Facebook page for further information or email us at oshcmanagement@camphillpandc.com.au.

We also welcome enrolled OSHC families to book in for the OSHC Christmas Breakfast on Thursday the 5th of December from 7am to 8:15am. Please ensure your child is booked in for this morning to experience a bit of Christmas fun before the long holiday break.

Thanks, from your team at OSHC

Please note Meal Deal Orders for the Senior School (Year 3-6) Swim Carnival close on Monday 2 December at 12 noon (no late orders will be accepted). The order link is https://schoolshoponline.net.au/camphillipss/camphillipss/index.aspx once logged in please click on Events, then the Swim Meal Deal. The Meal Deal is open to all Year 3 - 6 students, Staff and Spectators.

Can you assist during the day with home bake, set up, cooking and/or serving all the students, spectators and staff? Our Volunteer sign up is now open here https://volunteersignup.org/BPA43 thank you.

Other News

This week (week 10), Friday 6 December will be the last Club Night this Term. We will resume Club Nights in Week 1 of Term 1.

Nominations close at 430pm today as usual for Club Night tonight www.camphillswim.club/swim_meets or via the Swimtopia App.

The Crocs swished down the pool in the torrential rain a couple of weeks ago for the Principals Cup Carnival at Marshall Road SS. The Crocs came in a close second to the Marlins with the Rochedale Rays coming in third after many of their families were flooded into their properties and couldn’t make the carnival. Great work Crocs!

TENNIS HOT SHOTS – ENROLMENTS NOW OPEN FOR TERM 1 2025!

Enrolments are now open for term 1 tennis coaching.

ENROL ONLINE at www.tennisforkids.com.au 

PRIVATE AND SEMI-PRIVATE LESSONS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Should you have any questions please contact Tennis for Kids on info@tennisforkids.com.au or 0408 187 741.

ALL NEW CHILDREN ENROLLING IN TERM 1 WILL RECEIVE A FREE JUNIOR TENNIS RACQUET!

Tennis For Kids is a FairPlay activity provider and therefore can accept Government FairPlay Vouchers - www.qld.gov.au/fairplayvouchers - please email us if you wish to use your voucher towards enrolment.

PICKLEBALL SESSIONS AVAILABLE FROM NEXT YEAR

We are excited to announce that from 2025 Pickleball sessions will be offered at some school venues. Social play sessions are available for both adults and children. Children and parents from all schools are welcome to attend any of the sessions listed online.

CHRISTMAS SCHOOL HOLIDAY TENNIS COACHING CLINICS

MONDAY 16TH, TUESDAY 17TH, WEDNESDAY 18TH DECEMBER 2024
MONDAY 20TH, TUESDAY 21ST, WEDNESDAY 22ND JANUARY 2025

Enrolments are now open for the Christmas School Holiday Tennis Clinics as well as special discounted holiday pri-vate coaching sessions.

Positions are available for all school students between the ages of 4-15 years but please note timings will differ depending upon your child's age and experience. Children from all schools are invited to attend any clinic.

For further details or to enrol, please click this link

https://tennisforkids.com.au/holiday-programs/programs/ 

Holiday Clinic positions are limited - so please enrol early to avoid disappointment!!