Sarah Mewah 

Head of Department & Prep Deputy Principal

A Fantastic Start for Our Prep Students!

Our Prep students have had a wonderful start to 2025! Across every classroom, students are engaged in learning, forming beautiful new friendships, and independently following routines. We are incredibly proud of the effort they have put in over the past few weeks. A big thank you to our parents for ensuring their children arrive each day well-rested and ready to learn—it makes all the difference!

Prep English & Mathematics

In English, our Prep students have been exploring imaginative stories and learning to express their preferences by sharing what they like or dislike about the story.  They have been practising retelling events is stories, discussing characters, describing their appearance and actions, and developing early reading skills. It’s been wonderful to see their enthusiasm as they listen carefully and count the syllables in words! Keep an eye on Seesaw and Facebook to celebrate their learning successes.

In Mathematics, our Prep students have been introduced to the numbers 1, 2 and 3 while exploring concepts of more and less, as well as counting forwards and backwards to and from 10. Their confidence in these early numeracy skills is growing every day!

Wal’s Wows!

Our Preps have been working hard to earn Wal’s Wows by demonstrating Care, Cooperation, Courtesy and Common Sense. As students receive tickets for following the Four C’s, they track their progress towards in-class rewards—simple but highly motivating incentives!

Across Prep to Year 2, we are also collecting Wal’s Wows to reach a whole-cohort goal. Once we reach our target, we will be celebrating with a special visit from Wal the Frog and an extra-long playground break. What a fantastic way to recognise our students’ positive choices!

We can’t wait to see what the rest of Term 1 brings for our Preps!

Sarah Mewha – Head of Department-Prep

Sally Donohue
Deputy Principal

Geoff Habel
Deputy Principal

Years 5 and 6 Deputy Principal’s Report

Welcome from the Years 5&6 Deputy Principal

A very warm welcome to our 2025 prep students, to all of our new families and to returning families. We are already into Week 3 and we continue to note perfect uniform standards, excellent attitudes and an eagerness to quickly settle into a learning routine. It has been another great start to the year and a real pleasure walking around and talking to the students about their holiday adventures. It has also been a very settled start to the year and I am so proud of our teachers and the work they have put in prior to students starting school. This preparation goes such a long way in ensuring the best possible start for each and every student.

Year 6 Student Council

Congratulations to our year 6 Student Councillors. These students will meet weekly to organise fundraising and events, lead assemblies, support younger students, develop lunchtime clubs and to make improvements to our school. The students are busy preparing to support our new Wal’s Rangers Program that will begin in week 5.

2025 Leadership Investiture Year 6

To acknowledge the important leadership role the Year 6 students take on in our school, we will conduct our annual Year 6 Student Leaders’ Investiture Ceremony on Friday 21 February 2025 from 9.15am in the School Hall. 

During this ceremony, our elected School Leaders (School Captains, Captains, Student Council, & Sports Captains) will receive their leadership badges.

We invite you to join us to celebrate this special event for our school and our 2025 School Leaders.

GRIP Leadership Conference for Student Council Members and Sports Captains

To prepare students for their leadership role ahead we would like all Student Councillors and Sports Captains to attend the GRIP Leadership Conference.

All elected Student Councillors have been invited to attend a full day Leadership Conference. This conference will be held at Venue 114 (previously named Lake Kawana Community Centre) on Tuesday 25 February, 2025.

This conference will prepare our student leaders for their role ahead.

Does your child have a current health plan?

Students with health support needs should have a current health plan to enable their school to help them safely participate in all aspects of school life, including camps and excursions. Health plans should be reviewed annually. Speak to your School Principal, Deputy Principal or a staff member from the ihub about health plans, including equipment, medication or consumables required to manage your child’s health conditions while at school. Principals will ensure school staff receive training to best support your child. Learn more about support for student health needs in schools.

Emergency Evacuation Drill.

The safety of your child and all children in our school, as well as the safety of the school staff and support personnel is very important to us. In order to maintain a safe environment for our children to study and learn, it is necessary that we practice our emergency plans by having drills designed to exercise our procedures. Each term we practice these drills (evacuations and/or lockdowns) so that we have procedures in place to respond quickly and carefully to a variety of situations. Class teachers discuss with their classes the types of emergency drills and talk about what they will do as a class. The drills also include all staff and any visitors on site at the time of the drill.

Our evacuation drill will be held at the end of week 3 or early in week 4 (Weather permitting).  After we practice each drill, feedback is collected from staff to identify any issues with the procedure and improvements are made.

Keeping in touch with your child's teacher

The most positive outcomes are achieved through regular communication with your child’s class teacher. We encourage you to maintain contact with the teacher to stay informed about the curriculum, monitor your child’s progress, and explore ways to support their continued improvement.

Consider scheduling a time to meet after school or before the school day begins to discuss your child’s development.

Student Wellbeing

At Baringa SPS we believe that a well-rounded approach to wellbeing is essential for both students and staff. Supporting mental, physical, and emotional health helps everyone thrive, so here are some practical tips to help nurture wellbeing within our school community.

1. Mindfulness Practices for Students
   Mindfulness can be a great tool for helping students manage stress and stay focused. Encourage your child to try simple practices such as deep breathing, keeping a gratitude journal, or taking short breaks for quiet reflection. These practices can boost concentration and help students remain calm during busy school days.
2. Building Positive Relationships
   Developing strong, supportive relationships is key to emotional wellbeing. At school, we encourage kindness, empathy, and open communication. You can help at home by reinforcing these values and discussing the importance of positive friendships and effective communication skills.
3. Mental Health Resources
   We understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. If your child or family ever needs support, there are a range of resources available. Please reach out to the school, to trusted helplines or online support systems. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need further guidance.
4. Healthy Eating Tips
   What we eat has a direct impact on our mood and concentration. Encourage your child to bring healthy snacks to school, like fresh fruit, nuts, or whole grains, which provide energy and improve focus. A balanced diet is a foundation for good physical and mental health, both at school and at home.
5. Physical Activity and Wellbeing
   Regular physical activity is not only good for the body but also for the mind. It helps to boost mood, reduce stress, and improve sleep. We encourage students to take part in school sports or get active outside by walking, biking, or playing games. Exercise is a fun way to build resilience and confidence.
6. The Importance of Sleep
   Quality sleep is essential for growing bodies and minds. We recommend a regular bedtime routine for your child and limiting screen time before bed. A restful night helps improve mood, concentration, and overall health, making it an important part of their daily routine.
7. Building Resilience in Children
   Life presents challenges, but developing resilience helps children bounce back from setbacks. Encourage your child to set small goals, embrace positive self-talk, and learn from difficulties. These practices will help them build the confidence to overcome obstacles and thrive in both their studies and personal growth.
8. Celebrating Student Achievements
   At Baringa SPS, we love to celebrate our students’ successes! Whether it’s a great report, improved behaviour, or overcoming a personal challenge, every achievement matters. Recognising these efforts fosters a sense of pride and belonging, contributing to a positive and supportive school culture.
9. Family Wellbeing Tips
   As families, we play a key role in supporting each other’s wellbeing. Try to spend quality time together, maintain open lines of communication, and ensure your child has a balanced routine with time for schoolwork, play, and relaxation. Fostering a supportive home environment can greatly contribute to your child’s overall happiness and success.

Supporting Staff Wellbeing
The wellbeing of our staff is also a priority at Baringa SPS. We regularly offer wellness initiatives, team-building activities, and opportunities for self-care. Our dedicated teachers and staff work hard to create a positive learning environment for students, and we ensure they are supported in maintaining their own wellbeing.

Thank you for your patience as we continue the transition.

REMINDER - ACTION REQUIRED

As of term 3 2024, Baringa State Primary School will no longer be issuing paper permission notes for excursions.

All excursion/incursion permissions will be distributed digitally through Qparents.

What you need to know

• Paper permission forms will no longer be distributed for most school activities. 

Qparents is a quick easy way to navigate all school related information for you child. In Qparents you can

• Digtally consent to excursions 
• Pay Bills
• View Report Cards
• Change your address or phone number
• Notify absences   

What you need to do

• Sign up to Qparents today!!!
• Follow the simple steps in the ‘qparents registration for parents’ flyer below to sign up now 

Please contact the school directly for any further information. 

Kind Regards 

Melissa Black | Business Manager

Chappy Chat

Woohoo! The 2025 school year is here, and what better place to be than at the best school on the Sunshine Coast! At Baringa, kindness, inclusivity, and care aren’t just words—we live them every day, shaping the next generation into amazing humans!

What’s Happening in Chaplaincy?

Brekky Club – Free breakfast every Wednesday from 8am near the tuckshop! Because good food = good moods.

Chappy’s Corner – A safe and welcoming space during first break on Tuesdays & Wednesdays for chats, laughs, games and fun.

‘Chappy Chats’ – One-on-one and small group sessions where I support students through their challenges and dreams.

Fundraising Fun – Helping keep these services going (and maybe even adding some exciting extras along the way)!

Heart Hub – Here to Help!

Life can be tricky, and if your family is doing it tough, I might be able to assist with meals, school lunch supplies, and uniforms. Just reach out—I’m here to help.

Need a friendly ear or have questions about chaplaincy support? Let’s chat! You’ll find me at school on Tuesdays & Wednesdays, or you can email me at slitt145@eq.edu.au.

A HUGE shoutout to our incredible supporters—especially the P&C—for making all this possible. You guys rock!

Here’s to an exciting, joyful, and unforgettable 2025—the best is yet to come!

Chappy Sarah

Sleep problems are some of the most common issues faced by parents. When kids don’t get enough sleep over a period of time there can be behavioural, cognitive (mental) and emotional symptoms. 

What happens when your kids don’t get enough sleep?

The following can be symptoms of poor sleep:  

• Irritability and grumpiness
• Shorter attention span
• Lack of concentration and focus
• Reduced academic performance
• Difficulty learning new information
• Difficulty regulating emotions
• Reduced immune system
• Poorer memory
• Increased impulsivity

How much sleep is required?

School age children need around 9 to 11 hours of restful sleep per night. 

How to support healthy sleep habits

There are many things you can do to help your kids get good quality sleep as often as possible. Here are a few tips:

• Help your child make sleep a priority! Ensure they’re getting enough sleep for their age.
• Set up a regular bedtime and waking up time – and help your child stick with it!
• Develop a regular bedtime routine
• Talk to your child about their sleep to figure out what might be impacting on it
• Turn off devices at least 30 minutes before bed

Read more about sleep:

Curious Kids: What happens to your brain if you don’t get enough sleep?

https://theconversation.com/curious-kids-what-happens-if-you-dont-get-enough-sleep-201467

Kids Helpline:  What happens when your kids don’t get enough sleep?

https://kidshelpline.com.au/parents/issues/what-happens-when-your-kids-don%E2%80%99t-get-enough-sleep

Watch:

Science for kids | Body Parts - Science Of Sleep | Experiments for kids | Operation Ouch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sWEuvQujt_4&t=1s 

Warm Regards,

Samantha Pullen
Guidance Officer

Baringa State Primary School (Base)

Welcome back to 2025 We are thrilled to have our students back fresh and eager to learn.

SRS forms

To support your student's learning in the classroom please ensure that you have returned your Student Resource Scheme form. This will ensure that your student has access to all online platforms and resources form the start of the year.

Our lovely ladies in the office are working overtime, getting all our SRS data colated. If you have selected to pay via payment plan you will be contacted soon to complete the paperwork.

If you have elected to pay by installments, the installments for term 1 are due now.

And if you have already paid, Thank you!

QPARENTS

Just a reminder that all permission forms will be distributed by Qparents, if you don't already have Qparents please sign up asap to ensure your access. Invitation codes were sent out at the start of the year. If you haven't received yours check your junk mail and, if not there contact the school office.

We look forward to a fabulous 2025.

Discovery Centre News

Caring for Books

Students in all year levels have been doing a great job of bringing their Library bags and borrowing books. If your child has trouble remembering which day they come to the Discovery Centre to borrow, why not set up a reminder on the Calendar app on their iPad? 

We understand that sometimes accidents happen. So, if your child’s book becomes damaged, please return it to us as soon as possible so that we can repair it properly.  Library bags help to protect our beautiful books and these are available to purchase at School Locker.   

Please encourage your children to care for our resources.

Here are some ideas to help you out:

1. Always store your books in a Library bag or reading folder (Plastic bags are really handy and free)
2. Turn the pages of your book from the top or bottom corner.
3. Protect your books from the sun and rain.
4. Always remember to use a bookmark. No dog ears please!
5. We must have clean hands when using books.
6. Remember not to eat or drink while reading books.
7. Please don’t attempt to repair books yourself. Books don’t like sticky tape! Send them to the Discovery Centre to be repaired properly. 

We look forward to seeing our students borrow many beautiful books this year! 

Book Club

Thank you to everyone who supports our school Book Club. It is a fantastic way to put new and popular books into the hands of your children. Please remember that payments for Book Club are to be made online via ‘The Loop’ on the Scholastic website.  No cash payments will be accepted at school. Every purchase made through Book Club benefits our school, and I use the reward points to purchase more beautiful books for our Discovery Centre. 

Anzac Day is fast approaching and we will again be holding a commemoration service at the school. Last year, as part of the commemoration, we featured a video of ‘Our Baringa Heroes’. The video featured information and photos of our staff and students’ family members who have served in the armed forces. We acknowledge that we have many new families at Baringa, and would like to update our video. 

I invite you to send your pictures and information to my email address:  kdown36@eq.edu.au  by Friday, 28 March, 2025. 

Happy Reading!

Kylie Everett

Head of the Discovery Centre

Jo Klein 

Head of Curriculum

Welcome to another exciting school year! A special welcome to our new families joining us—we are thrilled to have you as part of our school community.

This year, our Explicit Improvement Agenda will have a strong focus on reading with the motto:

"Every Child Reading Every Single Day!"

To support this, we are embracing the Science of Reading—a research-based approach to how children learn to read. You may hear about Scarborough’s Reading Rope, which explains how different strands of literacy skills come together to develop skilled readers. In our classrooms this term, you’ll see a focus on fluency pairs, where students work together to build reading confidence and accuracy. Stay tuned for more details in our next newsletter!

Below, you’ll find Term Overviews outlining what students are learning this term in all subject areas, based on the Australian Curriculum.

We look forward to a fantastic year of learning and growth!

Jo Klein

Head of Curriculum

We are very excited to be back in Baringa Bytes preparing lunches and serving the students at break times.  

At the start of each year it is important to remember to update your Munch Monitor profile with the current class and a current photo; with the photo please ensure that it is a clear, current photo – think passport photo.

If you are new to Baringa, firstly welcome, you can set up a tuckshop account by heading to www.munchmonitor.com - School ID: baringasps Password: munch4551 

In addition to our online ordering, we also serve snacks and drinks over the counter, as we are cashless we use “Snack Money” which is set up under the student profile.

• In the Student Profile, tick YES in ALLOW SNACK MONEY
• If you selected DAILY ALLOWANCE, enter the daily amount and the days to use
• If you selected WEEKLY ALLOWANCE, enter the weekly amount
• Add a clear CURRENT PHOTO of your student to their profile so we can confirm account ownership at the time of purchase.

 The great thing with Baringa Bytes Snack Money is that you still have control, you can control the limit they can spend, the days they are allowed to spend it and can remove menu items from their availability by adding them to a banned list. 

Our tuckshop is a busy one, especially Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.  Volunteering in the tuckshop is a fantastic way to help out at your little one’s school, and a great way to meet other families.  If you help out at break times you become a bit of a rock star to your little one, they are beyond excited to see a familiar face behind the counter.  Helping out in the tuckshop is easy and no experience is necessary, in fact it is nothing more than you probably already do at home. The staff in the tuckshop love meeting new families and catching up with existing ones so please if you can help out once a week, once a month or even once a term we would love to hear from you, drop in and see us or email tuckshop@baringass.eq.edu.au to find out how to sign up. 

If you have any questions regarding the tuckshop please do not hesitate to contact me – tuckshop@baringass.eq.edu.au

Debbie Hardie

Tuckshop Convenor