Newsletter Term 1 Week 10
Principal's Pen
Newsletter – Term 1 Week 10 2024 – Principal’s Pen
As we end Term 1 for 2024, I am delighted to pause and reflect on the remarkable sense of community that defines our school. At Bellevue Park State School, our commitment to fostering strong bonds among students, parents, teachers, and staff is at the heart of everything we do.
Community engagement is more than just a phrase; it's a lived reality here at BPSS. One of the most inspiring aspects of our community is the active involvement of our parents. Your unwavering support, whether through volunteering, attending school events, or simply being present in your child's educational journey, is invaluable. Your engagement not only strengthens the bond between home and school but also demonstrates to our students the importance of collaboration and commitment.
It was heart-warming to see how many parents came to one of our Volunteer Induction sessions this term, particularly the one immediately before our Easter Hat making session earlier this week. We also loved seeing how many parents came in for a Parent-Teacher Interview this week to discuss your child’s progress with their classroom teacher. In the coming weeks and months, I encourage each of you to explore ways to further deepen your engagement with our school community. Whether it's joining the P&C, participating in a school fundraiser, or simply reaching out to a fellow parent or staff member, your contributions are invaluable.
Primary school students and social media
In accordance with Australian laws, it's essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of our children in their online activities. We'd like to remind you that social media platforms typically require users to be at least 13 years old to create an account, as stipulated by Australian regulations and the terms of service of these platforms. These age restrictions are designed to protect children from potential online risks and ensure their experiences are suitable for their age. This means that no primary school aged children should be using any social media platforms, including Tik Tok, Facebook or Instagram. We encourage you to engage in open conversations with your children about safe internet usage and to explore alternative online activities that are appropriate for their age group. By working together, we can create a digital environment where our children can thrive while staying safe and secure. For more information or assistance, you can visit: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents
Supporting your child at school
As partners in your child's education, we value your input and support immensely. However, it is crucial that we address issues constructively and respectfully. Ideally, we want to partner with you and we all want the same thing – for your child to be safe, happy and well educated here at school. We kindly ask that any concerns or issues be communicated to us politely and without attack or anger. Let's work together to create a safe, nurturing environment where every child can thrive, supported by our collective efforts and mutual respect.
Belly Spirit Award winners – Term 1
This week we again acknowledged our ‘Belly Spirit Award’ winners with a delicious morning tea with the Principal and Deputy Principals. Our winners also got to spend some special one-on-one time with Belly as well. This term’s winners were nominated by their classroom teacher consistently exemplifying and following our 4 school values:
- I am Safe
- I am Considerate
- I am Respectful
- I am a Learner
We’d like to congratulate all our Term 1 winners and thank them for being such incredible role models for their peers.
Term 1 Belly Spirit Winners
PA: Eleanor L |
PB: Mehrad S |
PC: Skyla R |
PD: Macy P |
PE: Arianna V |
1A: Oliver P |
1B: Sophie M |
1C: Zahli J |
1D: Esther S |
HPE: Julia Z |
1E: Adeline L |
2A: Willa T |
2B: Isaiah T |
2C: Amber N |
2D: Leonardo C |
2/3E: Lunar N |
3A: Sara B |
3B: Florence F |
3C: Mia L |
3D: Nivona L |
LOTE: Callie C |
STEM: Aria R |
4A: Omari M |
4B: Mai-Lee B |
4C: Esme P |
DANCE: Indigo S |
4D: Tilly M |
5A: Rio H |
5B: Elora M |
5C: Elizabeth T |
5/6D: Olivia L |
HPE: Jack S |
6A: Scout D |
6B: Sharli B |
6C: Trixie B |
MUSIC: Bella M |
Indigenous Mural – P&C donation
We liked to thank our P&C for their generous donation towards repainting the Indigenous Mural in the undercover area near the tuckshop. Our new mural was painted by Chloe Saddler, a descendant of the Wiradjuri tribe. The new mural incorporates our 7 totems, each representing a year level, and the journey our students take through their schooling here at Bellevue Park State School. Stop by and see it next time you are at school. It looks incredible!
Birthday Books
We are starting a new initiative next term, to help boost the books available to borrow in our school library. As an alternative to our popular Birthday Buckets of quelch ice blocks, the ‘Birthday Book’ will offer your child the opportunity to choose a book to donate to the school library (from a set selection). The chosen book will have a dedication inside it, advising that your child donated that book for their birthday this year. Your child will then also be offered the chance to hire out that book first, once it has been covered and put into circulation. More information will be available on QKR next term.
Guess the Eggs competition
A huge thank you to our Student Council for organising and running this fun competition this week and congratulations to our winners – Celeste (PB), Sofia (3A) and Chanel (6B)
P&C Easter Raffle Winners
We are very proud to announce the lucky winners of our P&C Easter Raffle winners. A massive thank you to everyone who donated a prize to make up the fantastic hampers on offer. This was our most successful raffle yet, raising a total of $1492 for our P&C to put towards future school improvement projects!
Congratulations to:
- Mr Mathew Young
- Willa T - 2A
- Lucas B - PD
- Mrs Bree Eve
- Huxley O - 2A
- Lucy S - 5B
- Hunter R - 3D
- Skyla R - PC
Deputy Principal Prep to Year 2 News
Belly’s Puppies Playgroup
I am excited to announce that next term we will be trialling a community playgroup called, Belly’s Puppies, next term each Friday morning from 9.00 – 10.00am. We will be starting in Week 2 (26 April) and having our last session in Week 9 (14 June). Use the QR code to show your interest and to ensure that you receive the enrolment form required prior to starting. Be quick as there are limited spaces.
Prep Vision Screening
The Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program will be screening at Bellevue starting on Wednesday 17th April 2024. This is a Queensland Government service that offers Free Vision Screening to all children enrolled in Prep. If your child is in Prep and you would like their vision screened, you will need to complete a consent form.
The following video explains the benefits of having your Prep child’s vision screened – “What is Prep Vision Screening?”
Screening date from: Wednesday 17 April 2024
Link and QR code will close: Sunday, 14 April 2024
https://visionscreening.health.qld.gov.au/ParentalConsent/2310uVdw
Prep Australian Early Development Census
If you are a Prep parent, you will have received an email about the nationwide census. The Australian Early Development Census (AEDC) is a national census that builds a picture of how children have developed by the time they start their first year of full-time school. The teachers will be administering the census with your child next term, results for individual children are not reported and children cannot be identified. If you do not want your child to participate, please inform your classroom teacher before Friday 19 April 2024.
To find out more about the AEDC and how it is being used to help children and families visit: www.aedc.gov.au.
Prep Celebrating Celebrations!
The Prep students have been learning about families, culture and traditions for History and Social Studies (HASS).
They held a ‘Day of Celebrations’ event. The students were invited to dress in attire fit for a celebration and the children were immersed in a variety of different activities including birthday celebration games, lantern construction for Lunar New Year, New Year’s Eve fireworks painting, Rangoli decorations for Diwali and exploring symbols and dot paintings acknowledging First Nations peoples.
This term we have had a wonderful time learning more about our classmates and celebrating our diverse community.
Belly Gate Crashes the Year 1 Teddy Bear’s Picnic!
The Year 1 students used a fun group activity as inspiration and motivation for some of their writing. Of course, Belly can always sniff out a fun time, and as usual, got involved in the experience! Back in the classrooms, the students did some amazing recount writing. Being able to chat about the same experience as a class really supports the writing process.
Year 2 Cooking to Inspire Writing!
The students in Year 2 read the amazing story, The Stone Lion. As a follow up to this story, the students designed and then made some cookies. This cooking activity was the basis of their writing for the week. Lucky kids!
Story Dogs Sharing the Love of Reading!
Here at Bellevue, we are so lucky as we have two story dogs supporting our students with reading. Linda and Murphy (dog) are reading with students in Year 3 and Roz and Ruby (dog) are working with students in Year 2. This certainly looks like a cosy fun time!
Religious Education Concert
The students who participate in Religious Instruction were able to attend an Easter Quiz Worx performance in the hall. They shared their message about Jesus through puppets, songs and drama. It certainly looked like everyone had a good time!
Eggcellent Easter Celebrations!
Thank you so much to all the parents and carers that came to school to help make an Easter bonnet with their child for their performance. It has been wonderful to see so many parents joining in with the fun and learning. The students have worked so hard all term on their dances. We are so proud of them! As usual, My Young and Mrs Theuerkauf have put hours into supporting the students and we love them for it!
Deputy Principal Year 3 to 6 News
PBL News
Over the past 3 weeks since out last edition of the newsletter we have been focussing on refining our skills within the following expectations:
We are respectful – THINK before we speak
We are respectful- Bathroom etiquette
We are safe- stay in boundaries of supervised year level areas
Yr 3 & 5 NAPLAN
NAPLAN is now completed for our Year 3 and 5 students. Well done to all students and an enormous thank you to the staff at BPSS for helping this National assessment period run so smoothly! A special THANK YOU to Woolworths Ashmore for their kind donation of some fruit which students were able to enjoy prior to the morning session testing periods. A big shout out also to our P&C president Mr Mark Sala for picking up this kind donation for us.
Parents, the results will be available later in the year and we will forward your child’s individual results to you as soon as they arrive.
Yr 6 Leaders
On Wednesday our Year 6 School Leaders travelled to Brisbane to be part of the Primary Dream & Lead Conference.
The conference is an opportunity for the students to further refine their leadership potential and provided them with activities to develop problem solving skills and increase confidence and independence.
Parent Calendar
Preparations for Term 2 are well underway. A copy of the Term 2 School Calendar will be emailed out to families prior to the commencement of the school holidays (so please ensure you have provided your updated email address).You can also find attached a copy of the Extra Curricular activities on offer in Term 2 below.
The most up to date Term 2 calendar can also be found on our Bellevue Park State School website: https://bellevueparkss.eq.edu.au/calendar-and-news
Finance News
Guidance Officer News
HARMONY WEEK
Our staff and students had a lot of fun earlier this week with a free dress day to promote inclusion and diversity. How fabulous do they look!
SCHOOL GARDENING VOLUNTEERS
Expressions of interest are being requested for family members who would like to donate an hour of their time, once a week, to help in the school gardens. If you are keen to help out, we would love for you to join us between 2 and 3pm on Thursday afternoon. To be able to attend you will need to have completed the volunteer’s induction prior the day. Please call the office if you have any questions.
We will start on Thursday 23rd April at 2pm, and continue with weekly gardening jobs every Thursday in term 2. Please email myself at jhunt50@eq.edu.au
Thankyou for your support
MINDFULNESS & EDUCATION
A great strategy to assist in overall wellbeing is to include mindfulness practices and encourage self-awareness in daily activities. Smiling Mind is a free and useful resource that can be accessed easily on your phone or iPad. Students at Bellevue have some understanding and experience with practising mindfulness and you can build on this knowledge and support your child’s wellbeing by incorporating this into daily life. Here is some information and links from Smiling Mind.
The free Smiling Mind app can help with daily mindfulness activites.
https://www.smilingmind.com.au/
Performing Arts News
2024 Bellevue Park State School’s ANZAC Day Services
We would like to formally invite our Bellevue community to attend Bellevue Park State School’s 2024 ANZAC Day Services.
This service will be led by the 2024 School Captains and will commemorate ANZAC Day by acknowledging past and serving members of the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces.
Date: Wednesday 24 April 2024
Times: Y3 – Y6: 9:30am – 10:15am (including 2/3E)
Prep – Y2: 11:45am – 12:10pm
Location: Bellevue Park State School Hall
2024 PREP – YEAR 6 PERFORMING ARTS SHOW – LET’S DANCE & GROOVE
Get ready to dance and groove like never before! Introducing the Prep to Year 6 show: Let's Dance & Groove!
Join us for an unforgettable evening filled with great music and entertaining performances that will leave you wanting more.
Mark your calendars because tickets for this spectacular event go on sale in Term 2 via Try Booking.
Don't miss out on the chance to witness the talent and energy of our students as they take the stage and captivate audiences with their incredible moves.
Let's Dance & Groove - where rhythm meets excitement! Get your tickets soon and prepare to be dazzled!
More information will be advised regarding the basic costume items (black clothing) parents and carers will need to provide their child for the performance.
All others costume items provided.
Tickets are $6.00 per person and will be available for purchase via TRY BOOKING.
Please note: Tickets are non-refundable.
The performances have been moved forward to the end of Term 2, due to hall roof replacement to take place this year.
See flyer for more details!
*Please note that there is a seating capacity and there is a possibility that tickets may sell out.
TICKET SALES OPEN 9:00am WEDNESDAY 1 MAY 2024.
Sports News
Sofia in Grade 4 competed in the Australian National Karate Championship over 5 days in March. She now holds the title of Australian National Champion in U150 Kata and Kumite. There were competitors from Japan, NZ and all over Australia. She trains at Central Gold Coasts Takano Dojo in Benowa of which her junior coaches are Kye and Rick Nishi (both ex Bellevue Park SS students) and Rick being the current U18 World title holder. They will be in the squad representing Australia in the world titles in London his year.
Congratulations Sofia!!!
Broadwater Sports
*Amarli G from 6A, was also selected for the Broadwater 10-12yrs Girls Hockey team. She will represent the Broadwater District at the South Coast Regional trial in April.
Surf Lifesaving State Championships
Jack S (5/6D) and Pippen M (5A) took part in the Surf Lifesaving Queensland State Championships last week. They participated in the under 11-year-old boys events, competing against competitors from the Gold Coast to Far North Queensland. They did extremely well, partaking and placing in multiple events over the course of the weekend.
Cross Country
Get ready to lace up your running shoes!
Cross Country is coming up next term, first week back at school on Tuesday 16th April 2024. Students are able to wear their house colours (red, green, yellow) and running shoes on the day if they wish. Students will need to ensure they bring their hat and a water bottle on the day to make sure they are hydrated and sun smart. Parents and Caregivers are more than welcome to come along, please just make sure to stay in the parent/caregiver area to ensure that the running course is clear.
Times:
Prep to Year 2 will be running with their classes and starting from 11:40am onwards.
Years 3-6 will be running in their age category and starting from 9:10am onwards.
Map:
Please see the map below for the course and Parent/Guardian Section.
Prep- Year 1 students will run 1 lap around the junior and senior oval.
Year 2- Year 3 students will be running 1 lap around the whole school.
Year 4/5/6 students will be running either 1 or 2 laps around the whole school depending on the year they were born.
Library News
Exciting News 🥁
The Scholastic BOOK FAIR is coming to Bellevue Park library this May 📚
The book Fair will run from Monday 20th May - Friday 24th May (more details to come). The same week we are partaking in National Simultaneous Storytime – Wednesday 22nd May @ 11am. This is where school across Australia & New Zealand stop and read the same book at the same time. The book that has been selected for National Simultaneous Storytime 2024 is Bowerbird Blues by an Australian author and illustrator Aura Parker.
I hope you pick something challenging and interesting to read this break,
Happy Reading.
Community News
Dear parents, teachers, and students,
Here's a glimpse of just some of the impactful initiatives funded by the P&C in 2023:
School Honour Boards: Thanks to the P&C, our school honour boards received much-needed updates, ensuring that the achievements of our students and staff are celebrated and preserved.
Gazebo Donation: The P&C organised a donation by Mr Rob Molhoek (MP, State Member for Southport) of 2 gazebos to be used for school and community events.
Contribution towards supply and Installation of ceiling fan in hall: One-third of the funding for the supply and installation of large ceiling fan was provided by the P&C, creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
Year 6 Graduation Medallions: The P&C funded Year 6 graduation medallions, symbolizing the culmination of our students' primary school journey and commemorating their achievements.
Staff Appreciation Lunch: Our dedicated staff were treated to a special appreciation lunch, organized and funded by the P&C, as a token of gratitude for their hard work and commitment to our school community.
Easter Eggs: To spread joy and cheer during the Easter season, the P&C provided Easter eggs for students, adding a touch of sweetness to their holiday celebrations.
BPSS 40th Birthday Celebrations: The P&C played a pivotal role in organizing and funding the BPSS 40th Birthday Big Bash and Bellevue Ball.
Holiday and Seasonal Raffles: Throughout the year, the P&C organized various raffles, including Easter, Mother's Day, and Christmas raffles, bringing the community together while raising funds to support school programs and activities.
Parent's Day Stalls: Mother's and Father's Day stalls were organized by the P&C, providing students with the opportunity to express their love and appreciation for their parents through thoughtful gifts and tokens.
Referendum Vote Sausage Sizzle BBQ: During important events such as the referendum vote, the P&C organized a sausage sizzle BBQ, fostering community engagement while raising funds for school projects.
Sports Day Refreshments: The P&C ensured students stayed refreshed during Sports Day by providing drinks and quelches, supporting our athletes as they showcased their talents and sportsmanship.
School Hats Donation: Recognizing the importance of sun safety, the P&C donated 20 school hats to families in need, ensuring that all students have access to protective gear for outdoor activities.
Share the Dignity: Through the Share the Dignity initiative, the P&C assembled over 50 bags, providing essential items and support to those in need within our community.
Life Education Sessions: The P&C sponsored life education sessions for Year 5 students in 2023, empowering them with valuable life skills and knowledge to navigate the challenges of adolescence.
Previous contributions
Wall Dividers in Classrooms: The installation of wall dividers in classrooms has provided our teachers with greater flexibility in organising instructional spaces. These dividers have allowed for more versatile classroom layouts, facilitating collaborative activities and small group work while optimizing the use of available space.
Sporting House Flags: These flags proudly represent the spirit and camaraderie of our sporting house teams, fostering a sense of pride and unity among students, staff, and supporters during sports events and competitions.
Sound System in the Hall: (There was not one in there before. I believe it cost around $10 000) The sound system installed in the school hall has significantly enhanced the audio experience during assemblies, performances, and special events. (FACT CHECK)
Additional Stage Lighting in Hall: The ambiance and visual appeal of our school hall has been enhanced by adding supplementary stage lighting.
Assisting with Weekly Breakfast Club: The P&C Committee has been instrumental in supporting our weekly Breakfast Club, ensuring that all students have access to a nutritious meal to start their day. Through volunteer efforts, fundraising initiatives, and community partnerships, we have been able to sustain and expand this essential program, promoting student well-being and academic success.
These initiatives highlight the unwavering commitment and community spirit of our P&C. Together, we continue to enrich the educational experience and foster a sense of belonging within our school community.
Recommended Exclusion Periods
Recommended minimum periods of exclusion can be found by visiting www.health.qld.gov.au/publichealthact/contagious or by scanning this QR Code to access an electronic copy of the Time Out poster.
Introducing our new Long sleeve school shirt option - Available Now! 🌞 ☀️
Exciting news for our students and parents! We're thrilled to announce the launch of our new long sleeve shirt option, designed to provide additional sun protection all year long.
Available for purchase on the QKR app or purchase at the uniform shop, this versatile shirt is perfect for those sunny days or cooler weather when extra coverage is needed.
Parent review on the BPSS Long Sleeve Uniform Shirt:
Just wanted to let you know the shirts a look fantastic! They are lightweight and breathable, and most importantly, sun smart.
Felicity
Want to give your child the gift of confidence?
🎾🌟 Exciting Update for Term 2 Tennis Enthusiasts! 🌟🎾
Hey Parents! 🌈👨👩👧👦
We're thrilled to continue the momentum of our successful Term 1 with an even more exciting Term 2 tennis program! 🎾✨
🗓 Date & Time: Every Wednesday & Thursday afternoon during school terms 🕒 Time: 3:00 pm - 3:50 pm 🏫 Location: Bellevue Primary School Tennis Courts
🤩 This beginner tennis class remains open to all grades, offering your kids the opportunity to further develop their tennis skills, forge new friendships, and have a blast on the court!
🎾 What's Included:
- Quality Racquets
- Tennis Balls
- Enthusiastic and Experienced Coaches
💰 Cost: $15 per class
📝 How to Sign Up: Registering your child is as easy as smashing a winner! Just click on the following link to secure their spot: Registration Link
🚀 Don't let your kids miss out on this fantastic opportunity to embrace the joys of tennis! 🌟 Feel free to tag and share with other parents who might want to serve up some fun for their little ones.
Let's keep acing this tennis journey together! 🎾🌟 #JuniorTennis #TennisForKids #HealthyActiveKids
Kind Regards,
Rehana