Filter Content
- Principal's Report
- Prep Deputy Principal Report
- Year 1 & 2 Deputy Principal Report
- Year 3 & 4 Deputy Principal Report
- Year 5 & 6 Deputy Principal Report
- Chappy Chat
- Dance Party - Fundraiser for Chappy Sarah
- A message from our Guidance Officer
- Student Resource Scheme
- Discovery Centre News
- Curriculum News - Naplan
- QParents
- Cricket Blast
- MF Martial Arts
Dear Parent/Caregiver,
It appears that thankfully the Aura Community and the school were generally spared from the effects of Tropical Cyclone Alfred last week. My thanks to parents for their understanding of the school closures. Our thoughts are with those who have been impacted on the Gold Coast and Northern NSW. A reminder that if you have been impacted in any way that the school has support services and policies in place – reach out - we are here to help.
Phone Policy Reminder
As we move further into the school year, I would like to remind parents and students of our “Phones Away for the Day” approach. During school hours, students are asked to keep their phones safely put away so they can focus on learning, building friendships, and being fully present when at school. Students should not have phones out at school. They should be kept in their bags out of sight.
This helps reduce distractions and ensures students get the most out of their time at school. Please discuss this policy with your child. Together we can make this year a positive and productive one without the interference of Tik Tok and other social media influences on our children.
NAPLAN Testing
The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) is a literacy and numeracy assessment that students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 sit each year. NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national proficiency standards. NAPLAN will commence on 12 March 2025, in Term 1. Visit nap.edu.au for more information.
NAPLAN testing commences this week for students in years 3 and 5 from this Wednesday to Friday with limited makeup days available for students who are absent on these days. Parents are reminded to please ensure that their child is at school by 8.40am on these days to ensure that they are fully prepared for these tests.
Last year the school showed positive progress on these tests and I am looking forward to sharing our results again with parents later in the year.
International Women’s Day
The female school captains and school admin reps were fortunate to attend the Baringa SSC International Women’s Day (IWD) assembly last week. This day celebrates the progress made and recognises the work yet to come to achieve gender equality. This year’s theme is a call to action to March Forward for a gender equal future.
To find out more about IWD, visit https://education.qld.gov.au/about-us/events-awards/events/international-womens-day
Thanks to Matt and the team at Baringa High for inviting us to be a part of this important day.
Attendance
Attendance reminder communications were distributed last week to parents whose children’s attendance was sitting below 85%.
Reminder to all parents that regular attendance is really important for all students to achieve their potential. This includes ensuring the children arrive at school prior to 8.45am each morning ready to learn. The school’s attendance focus will be maintained into Term 2 so please ensure that if you have any concerns with your child’s engagement with school that you report these concerns directly to your child’s Deputy Principal or myself so that we can be proactive in this space.
Baringa Elite Minds Academy
Last week we saw the first of our BEMA Days take place at Baringa SSC as a part of our excellence and extension program the school for identified students in year 5 and 6. The first of these days had a heavy focus on STEM, robotics and digital technologies and the kids had a wonderful day exploring the high school, working together to solve problems and coding mini robots to perform certain tasks. My thanks to Matt and Fiona at Baringa SSC for supporting our attendance at the high school and providing the resources both human and physical to make the day such a great success. Feedback from the students who attended was very positive with lots of fun and learning.
The focus for the BEMA in term 2 will be science. Looking forward to seeing which students will be invited to attend this day.
Year 6 Camp
The term certainly is flying by now and it is not long until the Year 6 students and staff attend the Year 6 camp at Mapleton. We wish all year 6 students participating a fun and safe camp. Lots of great memories and new friendships to be made, I am sure. My thanks to the Yr 6 teaching team for giving up their personal time to support the camps success.
Enjoy Week 7.
Mick
Sarah Mewah
Head of Department & Prep Deputy Principal
Prep Learning Update
Over the past three weeks, our Prep students have been busy exploring imaginative stories, expanding their vocabulary, and learning how to describe characters by their appearance, actions, and feelings. They have also been making personal connections to characters' emotions and ordering events in stories.
During literacy rotations, our Preps have been actively developing their early reading skills by:
- Learning about syllables in words and breaking words into beats
- Identifying initial sounds in words to strengthen their phonemic awareness
- Exploring onset and rhyme, by identifying words that rhyme with a given word
- Blending CVC words—and some of our Preps are already mastering this skill, which is wonderful progress
Mathematics in Prep
In Mathematics, students have been:
- Exploring shapes—naming, creating, sorting, and explaining their reasoning
- Recognising patterns—copying and continuing simple patterns
- Developing confidence with numbers to 10—making connections between number names, numerals, and their order in a sequence
Tadpoles Pre-Prep Playgroup
We are thrilled to announce that our Pre-Prep Playgroup for 2025 has officially launched. Playgroup runs every Friday morning from 9:00 am, starting with free play on the Prep playground before moving into the classroom at 9:30 am for hands-on learning, engaging activities, and story time.
This is a fantastic opportunity for children aged 3–5 years to build confidence, make new friends, and become familiar with our school in a fun and supportive environment. Our playgroup is led by one of our experienced Prep teachers and supported by our wonderful Prep team, ensuring a warm and welcoming experience for all families.
We invite current, future, and local families to join us. To stay updated, follow our Tadpoles Pre-Prep Facebook page or contact our admin team for more information.
Save the Date
- Parent-Teacher Interviews (Prep – Year 6): Monday, 31 March
- Easter Hat Parade (Prep – Year 2): Friday, 4 April
We look forward to seeing you at these upcoming events.
Year 2 Incursion ‘Step into History’
On Monday, 18th February, our Year 2 students stepped back in time with a fascinating incursion, exploring technology, games and household items from the past. The interactive session allowed students to experience how much technology and entertainment have evolved over the years.
Through a variety of hands-on activities, students examined and compared objects from different eras, including telephones, cameras, typewriters, toilet pans, milk bottles, makeup, shaving equipment, children’s toys and games, cooking utensils and irons from days gone by. The experience sparked curiosity and excitement as students made connections between the past and present, gaining a new appreciation for how everyday life has changed.
This incursion was an engaging way to enhance their historical understanding and bring learning to life in a meaningful way!
Making a Splash: Year 2 & 4 Swimming Lessons Begin!
Last week, students in Years 2 and 4 kicked off their swimming sessions at John Wallace Swim School with great success! The lessons provide an excellent opportunity for students to build water confidence and develop essential swimming skills in a fun and supportive environment.
A friendly reminder to parents: Please ensure your child brings their togs, goggles, swim cap, towel and easy footwear such as thongs for each session.
We look forward to seeing our young swimmers continue to grow in confidence and skill over the coming weeks!
Fluency Pairs
Congratulations to our Year 1 and 2 students on their fantastic work with fluency pairs! This reading strategy helps students build confidence, improve fluency, and develop expressive reading skills.
In fluency pairs, two students take turns reading to each other. One student reads while their partner listens and provides support if needed. Then, they switch roles. This teamwork approach encourages both students to become stronger readers!
The "Buddy B" role is especially important, as they act as the coach, helping their partner by pointing out missed or unknown words. If their buddy struggles, they guide them to S-T-R-E-T-C-H and blend the word.
Well done to all our young readers for their dedication and teamwork! Keep up the great work!
RideScore Active Schools
- Do you live close to school?
- Does your child have a bike or scooter?
- Would you like your child to get an active, healthy and fun start to the day?
- Would you like more time in your day, and avoid the traffic queue at the school drop-off and pick-up?
- Would you like to receive confirmation that your child has arrived or departed school safely?
If you answered YES to these questions, then RideScore is for you!
We are one of 11 Sunshine Coast schools that are enjoying RideScore Active Schools Program funded by councils Transport Levy.
What is RideScore?
RideScore is an incentive-based program delivered by Sunshine Coast Council and We Ride Australia to increase active travel to and from school. The program is open to students who are able to ride a bicycle or scooter to school.
Participating students receive a beacon to attach to their bicycle or scooter. The school bicycle storage facility has a Bluetooth reader that detects the signal from the beacon and sends a notification to the nominated contact, via the RideScore app, to inform them that the student has arrived at/or departed the school.
Each trip is recorded by the RideScore app, providing incentives when the students reach their milestones. Students are able to earn great prizes at the following milestones:
- 20 Trips – Mystery prize
- 70 Trips – Movie ticket
- 120 Trips – Bli Bli Aqua Park voucher.
Activities will be planned throughout the school year to promote and encourage riding and scooting, including fun events and bicycle skills classes for all year 4 students.
How do I register?
Step 1 - Download the app (search ‘RideScore’), complete your registration.
Step 2 – Receive your starter pack (posted within one week) that will include:
- Your child’s beacon & instructions on how to pair and fit
- A scorecard for the fridge (your app will also keep a live score)
Step 3 – Start riding and scooting!
Visit the RideScore website for more information, great resources and safety tips.
RideScore is proudly funded by Sunshine Coast Council’s Transport Levy
Easter Bonnet Parade
Get ready for an egg-straordinary event!
Hop on over and join us for our Easter Bonnet Parade, a fun-filled celebration of creativity, laughter, and Easter joy!
✨ Event Details: ✨
Date: Friday, 4th April (Last Day of Term 1)
Where: School Hall
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM
Students Involved: Prep, Year 1 and Year 2 students
We invite all Prep, Year 1, and Year 2 students to craft their own fabulous Easter Bonnet at home and wear it proudly during the parade! Think big bows, fluffy chicks, colourful eggs and lots of sparkle!
Parents and caregivers, don’t miss out on this egg-citing event! Come along, cheer for the little ones, and enjoy a morning filled with music, fun and festive cheer.
Let’s make this Easter Parade the most egg-stra special one yet!
We can’t wait to see all the fantastic bonnets and celebrate with you!
Sally Donohue
Deputy Principal
Year 3/4 Deputy Principal
Swimming Years 2&4
Our Year 4 students began swimming last week. Unfortunately, Cyclone Alfred has had an impact on the program and a make up lesson will need to be had for 4E, 4F and 2C. This will happen on Friday 28th March.
NAPLAN
Next Wednesday, our Year 3&5 students will be participating in the NAPLAN tests. Please make sure students have had a nutritious breakfast and come to school with iPads fully charged on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. If for some reason your student is away on any of these days, there will be opportunities to do catch up tests on the following Monday and Tuesday.
For further information see the NAPLAN schedule in Mrs Klein’s section of this newsletter.
Jiu Jitsu
Some of our Year 3 students have been involved in a martial arts program: Jiu Jitsu, for the last 2 weeks. I was lucky enough to assist some of the students with sparring. This program is an opportunity for students to learn some strategies for self-regulation and discipline.
Indigenous Cultural Activities Committee Meeting
We’re forming a committee to support Indigenous cultural activities for students at Baringa SPS. The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, 2nd April at 8:00 AM.
If you're interested in helping and can commit to attending one meeting per term, please join us and share your ideas.
Please RSVP by emailing: admin@baringass.eq.edu.au, so we can plan for numbers.
Sally Donohue
3/4 Deputy Principal
Geoff Habel
Deputy Principal
Years 5 and 6 Deputy Principal’s Report
Last Thursday was a day to remember as 23 of our student leaders embarked on an unforgettable journey at Venue 114 in Kawana for the annual GRIP Leadership Conference. The energy was electric as our students immersed themselves in a day filled with inspiration and insights on how to become impactful leaders not just for today, but for the future of 2025 and beyond.
From dynamic workshops to engaging activities, our students soaked up every moment, discovering how they can make a real difference and leave a lasting mark in their roles. As we reflect on the invaluable lessons learned, I'm thrilled to announce that our 2025 Student Councillors are primed and ready to take on new challenges and lead with passion and purpose.
Join me in eagerly anticipating the incredible leadership journey ahead as we stand behind our Student Councillors and offer unwavering support in their quest to lead with excellence.
2023 Leadership Investiture - Year 6
Congratulations to our elected School Leaders (School Captains, Arts Captain, Student Council, Sports Captains) who received their leadership badges at our Leadership Investiture Ceremony on Friday 16 February. 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 already busy participating in our HOP (Help our Preps) Program and organising our first fundraiser for the 2024 school year.
Student Council News – Join the Containers for Change Initiative!
The Student Council is buzzing with excitement as we gear up for a series of thrilling events throughout the school. Just last week, we kicked off our latest endeavour: the recycling project! We're encouraging students from Years 1 to 6 to get involved by placing their 10c poppers and plastic drink bottles into our specially designated Green and White containers for change bins.
But here's the best part: every Friday, Containers for Change will swing by to collect our filled bins. In return, we'll receive funds to fuel the Student Council's various projects and initiatives. And that's not all – once we're fully operational, we'll be opening up opportunities for families to join in the fun by dropping off bottles, cans, and poppers from home to support our cause.
Get ready to make a difference while having a blast with the Student Council's Containers for Change initiative! Stay tuned for more updates and ways to get involved.
Let's make a positive impact together!
Student Council News – Easter Raffle
Get ready for some egg-citing fun with the Student Council Easter Raffle!
This Easter, the Student Council is bringing you an egg-stravaganza of prizes with our amazing Easter Raffle! There are three baskets full of chocolates to be won!
Support your student council and grab your tickets for a chance to win egg-cellent prizes while contributing to exciting initiatives and projects led by the Student Council.
Raffle tickets will be on sale for $1 each starting Monday morning from 8.15am. We will sell the tickets each morning up until the 4th of April, and the 3 winning tickets will be drawn after our Easter Bonnet Parade.
Students will be selling tickets at two locations - the main school entry (near the Admin building) and also the Edwards Terrace school entry (opposite the IGA).
Chappy Chat
Can you believe it's already week six? I hope both you and your students are feeling settled and excited for the year ahead. There's so much to look forward to here at Baringa!
Chappy's Corner has been a hit this term, with many Year 1 students bringing a friend to join in the fun. Thanks to some generous donations, we now have new board games and colouring sheets that the students are really enjoying. Everyone is welcome to visit Chappy’s Corner, located near the tuckshop and learning kitchen, during 1st breaks on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Chappy’s Breakfast is going strong in 2025, with about 200 students attending each week, and the numbers continue to grow! If you’re available to help out occasionally when extra hands are needed, I’d love to hear from you. You don’t need to commit to every week, and it usually takes less than 90 minutes. If you’re interested, please contact me via email at slitt145@eq.edu.au or call the front office.
A big thank you to Open Road Beach Church for partnering with me to provide Woolworths gift cards to families in need. We all need a bit of support from time to time, and if that’s you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m here to help!
Heart Hub – If your family is going through a tough time, please feel free to contact me. We have a range of resources available, including meals, school lunch supplies, and uniforms, to help support you.
If you ever need a listening ear or have any questions about the support I offer to the school community, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Chappy Sarah
We all need a little help sometimes.
Here are some local support services available at the Caloundra Community Centre.
Warm Regards,
Samantha Pullen
Guidance Officer
Baringa State Primary School (Base)
SRS forms
We still have around 60 families who have not returned the Student Resource Scheme participation form. 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.
Discovery Centre News
Every year as part of our ANZAC Day commemorations, we like to recognise staff and students’ family members who have served in the armed forces, past and present. This year, we will be sharing ‘Our Baringa Heroes’ video at the ANZAC Day ceremony held in our hall and online via Facebook as part of our commemorations. We acknowledge that we have many new families at Baringa, and would like to update our video. You can watch last year’s video here: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=search&v=7502976846428581&external_log_id=5107961d-5e82-499b-979c-01c9d0adef0d&q=baringa%20state%20primary%20school
I invite you to send your pictures and information to my email address: kdown36@eq.edu.au by 29 March, 2025.
If you are looking for information about a relative who served, a great place to start is the Australian War Memorial website. Click on the link below to search their database.
https://www.awm.gov.au/advanced-search/people
Information held can include photographs, rank, unit, conflict served in, fate and when their name will be displayed on the Roll of Honour Name Projections. Each evening between sunset and sunrise up to 1,200 names from the Roll of Honour are projected onto the façade of the Hall of Memory. The daily commemorative event includes the names of all Australians who have died during or as a result of war service and whose names appear on the Roll of Honour.
Library Bags
Please continue to encourage your child to bring their library bags every week so that they can borrow. We love to see our students borrowing and reading their books each week. Please make some time to sit with younger children to read their book to them. This is such a special time spent together. It especially important to protect our resources with a good library bag so that all children can enjoy our beautiful books. Library bags are available for purchase at the School Locker.
Happy Reading!
Kylie Everett
Head of the Discovery Centre
Jo Klein
Head of Curriculum
NAPLAN 2025
NAPLAN testing for Year 3 and 5 students will take place from Wednesday 12th March to Friday 14 March with catch up tests also being held on Monday 17th to Tuesday 18th March. The purpose of NAPLAN is to assess the literacy and numeracy skills your child is already learning at school. It also helps track their learning progress and identify areas for future growth.
Please note changes to previously advised scheduled dates below:
- Wednesday 12th March – Year 3 Writing (Paper) and Year 5 Writing (iPads) – Morning Session
- Wednesday 12th March – Year 3 and Year 5 Reading - Middle Session
- Thursday 13th March – Year 3 and 5 Language Conventions Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling - Middle Session
- Thursday 13th March - Catch up writing tests (Year 3 and Year 5)
- Friday 14th March – Year 3 and Year 5 Numeracy – Morning Session
- Monday – Tuesday 18th March – Catch up tests
All NAPLAN tests will be completed on iPads, except for the Year 3 writing assessment, which will be done on paper. To help your child be prepared for each NAPLAN day, please ensure they:
✅ Bring a fully charged iPad with the NAP app installed.
✅ Have a working pair of headphones (preferably not Bluetooth).
✅ Have a good breakfast and arrive at school on time.
More information about NAPLAN and how you can support your child for NAPLAN is available on the attached information brochure.
If you have any questions or concerns about NAPLAN, please don’t hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or make contact with me via the admin@baringass.eq.edu.au email address.
Jo Klein
Head of Curriculum
Thank you to all our families who have signed up for Qparents we have had a huge uptake since the start of term.
If you are unable to provide 100 points of ID to register please bring your ID documents to the office and we can verify and get you connected.
Also remember to check your junk or spam emails for invitation emails.
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
