Week 3 DP Newsletter

Yr. 1 Fire Safety Visit Sparks Excitement and Learning

In the last week of Term Two, students in Yr. 1 had a valuable opportunity to learn about fire safety during a special visit from the local fire brigade. As part of the session, students were taught important safety protocols, including how to create a safety plan in the event of a house fire.

One of the highlights of the visit was the chance to explore a real fire truck. Students walked around the truck, examining the buttons, tools and equipment used by firefighters during emergencies. There was plenty of excitement as each student got a turn to use the fire hose under the guidance of the firefighters.

The visit also included a Q&A session, where students had the chance to ask thoughtful questions and deepen their understanding of fire safety and the vital role firefighters play in our community.

It was an engaging and educational experience that left students better equipped and more aware of how to respond in an emergency. Thanks to the fantastic members of the Fire Department for their time!

 Yr. 1 & 2 A Fantastic Finish: Level 1 Reward Day Celebration

What a fantastic Level 1 Reward Day we had on Wednesday in the final week of school! To celebrate students outstanding behaviour and effort this term, all students on Level 1 were treated to a special movie morning featuring The Secret Life of Pets.

To make the experience even more memorable, students arrived in style—walking down a red carpet just like at a real movie premiere! Excitement was high as students settled in to enjoy the fun-filled film with their friends.

It was a well-deserved reward for a great term, and a wonderful way to wrap up the school term.

Year 1 Parent Celebration Afternoon

On Tuesday of Week 10, our Year 1 classrooms were filled with excitement and pride as students welcomed their families for a special Parent Celebration Afternoon. The focus of the event was to showcase the students' incredible writing about sea creatures, developed through their learning this term.

From fierce sharks to graceful seahorses, students confidently shared their detailed knowledge and beautifully written pieces. Each classroom was buzzing with enthusiasm as parents read and listened to the children’s work, which reflected creativity, effort, and a strong understanding of marine life.

The quality of the writing was truly outstanding, and it was wonderful to see students taking such pride in their achievements. Congratulations to all our talented Year 1 writers!

 Year 2 Parent Celebration Afternoon

On Thursday of Week 10, Year 2 students proudly welcomed their parents into their classrooms for a special celebration of learning. The afternoon was a wonderful opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge and understanding of this term’s Science unit, which focused on space — particularly the Earth, Moon and Sun.

Classrooms were transformed into mini space exhibits, with students enthusiastically sharing facts, models, diagrams, and written work about our solar system. From explaining the phases of the Moon to describing how the Earth rotates and revolves around the Sun, students impressed parents with their detailed explanations and enthusiasm for learning.

The afternoon was a fantastic way to celebrate all that has been achieved this term. Well done to all our curious and knowledgeable Year 2 students!

Semester Two Parent-Teacher Interviews
The Semester Two Parent-Teacher Interviews will be held on Monday, 1 September, between 3:00pm and 7:30pm. Further information, including booking instructions, will be provided closer to the date.

Arts Week 2025 at Baringa State Primary School

Starting Monday, 4 August, Baringa SPS will come alive with colour, sound, and creativity as we celebrate Arts Week 2025!

WALA – Spirit of Ghana

We are excited to welcome WALA – Spirit of Ghana for three energetic performances. This captivating group delivers a dynamic fusion of drumming, dance, percussion, and soaring vocal harmonies. Featuring 15 hand-made African drums, flutes, vibrant costumes, and a joyful celebration of Ghanaian culture, students will experience:

• Call-and-response singing
• Hands-on drumming and instrument demonstrations
• Audience participation in dance

WALA’s name means “life” in their local language – and their performance is exactly that: a vibrant, living celebration of music and tradition.

Reminder: Payment cut off dates have passed.

Instrumental Music Showcase Assembly

As part of Arts Week, we warmly invite parents and caregivers of Instrumental Music students to a special assembly on:

Tuesday, 5 August
1:50pm
School Hall

This event will feature performances by:

• Beginner & Senior String Ensembles
• Concert Band

Come along and celebrate the incredible progress and talent of our young musicians!

Reminders for Students:

• Bring your musical instrument to school on the day
• Year 5 & 6 students are to wear their formal school uniform

For more information, please contact your child’s Instrumental Music Teacher:

• Mr Nathan Hill – nhill37@eq.edu.au
• Mrs Sarah Pritchard – sprit28@eq.edu.au

Year 6 Deputy Principal’s Report  

Year 6 Interschool Sport 

As part of our Physical Education program, Year 6 students are given the opportunity to participate in the Coastal District Interschool Sport Competition. A detailed list of sports offered can be found in the table below. Students will choose two preferences for the sports they wish to participate in. Every effort will be made to ensure students will be allocated to one of their preferences. Students will travel to and from school via Glasshouse Country Coaches. The school will supply the equipment needed in order for students to participate.

Please note that the excursion is non-refundable for any student absences on the day of the activity.

Students are asked to ensure they are in school uniform and have a wide-brimmed hat, water bottle and lunch. We also recommend students pack sunscreen for regular application. Where available students will be given a uniform to wear. 

Year 5 Camp update

All Year 5 parents will have now received a permission form (electronically) for camp, along with the packing list and medical forms. If you haven’t seen this email, please check your junk messages (or you can contact the office for another copy). A payment invoice, will be sent out when the camp consent has been returned. A medical form will also be sent out to all students attending and will need to be returned prior to camp.

If your child will be taking any medication while on camp, please ensure these forms are returned to  firstaid@baringass.eq.edu.au

If Panadol, Nurofen or any other over the counter drugs are to be given to students during camp, then you must get a label from the doctor/pharmacist with dosage to be given, attached to the original packaging.

Friday - September 5 - upcoming alert.

An early reminder that Friday 5th September is a student free day, regular classes will not be held on this day and the school will be closed.

High School Transition Day - Year 6

Congratulations to our Year 6 students who attended the High School Transition Day at local state high schools in week 10 of last term. The students experienced a day in the life of a high schooler! Students participated in a variety of activities including: Drama, PE, Science, Music and History. The day was thoroughly enjoyed by all students and staff. Students will attend an additional transition day in late Term 4.

Baringa State Secondary College Arts Transition Program – “What About Us”

We are thrilled to congratulate the Year 5 and 6 students who participated in the recent Arts Transition Program at Baringa State Secondary College. These young artists demonstrated exceptional creativity, enthusiasm, and dedication throughout the program, showcasing their talents in various art forms.

The Arts Transition Program aims to bridge the gap between primary and secondary education by immersing students in a rich and diverse artistic environment. During week two of this term, our budding artists engaged in workshops ranging from visual arts, drama, music, and dance. They worked closely with our talented faculty members, along with high school students, whilst gaining new skills and confidence in their artistic abilities.

Highlights of the program included:

• Visual Arts Exhibition: Students displayed their stunning artwork, impressing everyone with their creativity and technical skills.
• Drama Performances: Our young actors took to the stage with captivating performances, demonstrating their growing confidence and teamwork.
• Music Recitals: The musical talent of our students was on full display as they performed beautifully arranged pieces.
• Dance Showcases: Energetic and graceful dance routines wowed audiences, reflecting the students’ hard work and passion.

We are incredibly proud of each student for their achievements and contributions. Their participation not only highlights their individual talents but also fosters a sense of community and collaboration among peers. Special thanks to the teachers, staff, and volunteers who made this program a success. Your dedication and support have been invaluable in nurturing the artistic potential of these young minds.

Year 6 Graduation: Prep Photos

As part of our Year 6 Graduation Ceremony, we are requesting that all Year 6 families provide a prep photo of their child. The photo will be used during the Graduation Ceremony later in the school year.  We have all students who enrolled at Baringa SPS in Prep.

Please forward all electronic photos to graduation@baringass.eq.edu.au  Alternatively, all hard copy photos can be brought into the school office.

Thank you to those parents who have already sent in their photos from Prep.

Family and Child Connect Support

Family and Child Connect provides families free, unlimited and confidential advice. They can connect you to local services that help with: 

• building better family relationships
• managing child behaviour
• healthcare
• housing.

If your family is going through tough times, call them today at 13 FAMILY (13 32 64) or visit familychildconnect.org.au.

Parentline service supporting parents and carers

Parentline is a free, confidential counselling service available for all Queensland parents and carers.

If you need support navigating challenging situations, Parentline offers qualified counsellors who can help with expert advice, emotional support and referrals when needed.

Parentline’s services include:

• practical parenting resources on their website
• live webchat with professional counsellors
• phone support for immediate assistance (1300 30 1300)
• the option to pre-book ongoing sessions with the same counsellor
• online counsellor-facilitated parenting forums for shared support
• referrals to other family support services when additional help is needed.

Visit their website (parentline.com.au) for more information today, or give them a call on 1300 30 1300.

Nominations are open for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.

These national awards celebrate people making a real difference in their communities. Categories include Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero. Nominate someone inspiring in your school community or beyond who deserves recognition. Nominations close at midnight, Thursday 31 July.

Learn more or nominate now: https://australianoftheyear.org.au.

School Opinion Survey

This year’s School Opinion Survey runs from 28 July to 22 August. Parents, carers, students in selected year levels, and staff have been emailed a link to participate. Your feedback will help us understand our school’s strengths and areas for improvement. Survey responses are confidential. Find out more on the School Opinion Survey webpage or contact school administration.

Is a career in teaching something your child is considering?

The Department of Education’s Teach Queensland team is hosting an online information session for secondary students who are interested in finding out about the rewarding personal and professional opportunities a teaching career can provide.

Learn about teaching as a career: Advice for high school students 

Wednesday 20 August | 12 pm to 1 pm | Online

Secondary students (and their parents/carers) can join this online session.

Learn more about teaching as a career and register to attend the Live Chat on the Teach Queensland website.

School Pick Up / Drop Off Zone

The safety of our students, staff and community members is paramount. We would like to remind all members of our school community to adhere to the road rules and parking signage, particularly during drop off and pick up times.

• Reminder that drop off time is from 8:15am, and pick up time is 2.45pm – 3.00pm. Helping Hands can assist any parents that require supervision outside these times. 

A recent Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing Survey (QEW Survey) completed with our Years 2 to 6 students revealed only 40% of students indicating that they rarely or sometimes get enough sleep. Additionally, over 60% of students surveyed indicated that they use an electronic device before they go to sleep.

A Good Night’s Sleep is vital for children’s success at school.

Children who sleep well are:
• More focused and ready to learn
• Better at regulating their emotions
• More likely to enjoy school and succeed socially
• Less likely to feel anxious or overwhelmed

 What’s needed?

-Lights out at 8pm, or earlier for younger students

-Primary school children need 9-11 hours sleep per night

-Leave electronic devises outside the bedroom at bedtime

-Start a new health sleep habit today

Parents and carers — consistent routines at home help set your child up for success at school. Let’s work together to give them the best start to every day!