Hello Everyone,

Positive Behaviour for Learning: Moving Safely and Respectfully

At our school, we are proud of the positive behaviour our students show every day — especially how they move safely and respectfully around the school and in the wider community. Whether in the classroom corridors, playgrounds, or on excursions, students are encouraged to walk calmly, follow instructions, and demonstrate kindness to others. This not only keeps everyone safe but also reflects our shared values of respect and responsibility.

Thank You to Our Support Staff

A huge thank you to our amazing support staff! Your dedication behind the scenes — from assisting teachers to supporting students — makes a world of difference. The entire school community appreciates your hard work, kindness, and commitment, which help create a positive learning environment for everyone.

School Opinion Survey 2025 – Have Your Say!

Each year, the Department of Education conducts the School Opinion Surveys to gather feedback from families, staff, and students (Years 5, 6, 8 and 11) about their school experience.

Your feedback helps us celebrate what we’re doing well and identify areas for improvement.

• Survey invitations were emailed in the week beginning 21 July, titled: “School Opinion Survey for parents and caregivers, 2025.”
• Each school family will receive one email invitation to complete the Parent/Caregiver Survey.
• The survey is anonymous, and responses are not identifiable at an individual level.
• It can be completed on computers, tablets, or smartphones with internet access.
• For technical difficulties or if you can’t find your email, you can request a new survey via: schoolopinionsurvey@qed.qld.gov.au

We strongly encourage all parents and caregivers to take part. The more responses we receive, the more accurate and useful the feedback will be.

Tip: If your family has more than one parent/caregiver, check whether they received the invitation, and don’t forget to check your junk/spam folder.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:

• year of schooling
• category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional
• level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.

This information assists schools to:

• formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools
• consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools
• develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.

The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy).

Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).

Yours in Learning,

Aspiring Leaders

At our Junior Assembly last week, we welcomed some aspiring leaders in Year 5 who were selected to assist with running our assembly while our Year 6 Leaders were away on school camp. Students were asked to put in an expression of interest to Mrs Brunetto for this process. We had over 15 students apply for the opportunity and 8 students were selected to lead the assembly. Congratulations to the students who were selected as it took a great deal of courage to stand up in front of our large audience to lead the assembly. You all did a wonderful job and demonstrated excellent leadership qualities.

School Support Staff Recognition Week (4-9^th August)

This week we acknowledge and thank our school-based support staff. School-based support staff play a vital role in helping our school run smoothly and supporting all of our students to succeed.

During School Support Staff Recognition Week (4–9 August), our students from the RAK Club and our Wellbeing Team have thanked and acknowledged the support staff in our school for the important work they do each day.

School support staff include the following at Freshwater: 

• Schools Officers (grounds/gardens) – Chris and Graham
• Administration Officers – Lexie, Abby, Natasha and Sam
• Library Officer - Amanda
• Business Manager - Sahn
• Psychologist - Kym
• Speech Language Pathologist - Emily

RAK Club

This past fortnight in our Random of Acts of Kindness Club, we have been making handmade cards. Students were taught how to use scrapbooking equipment to emboss and cut out shapes using a ‘Big Shot’ machine and how to stamp cards using various coloured inks and stamps onto cardstock. Students really enjoyed exploring the various tools and paper punches available to tinker with to create some very beautiful and original cards. These cards will be presented to our School Support Staff to acknowledge the work they do in the background to ensure our school runs smoothly and efficiently.

Thank you

A huge thank you to all of the students who contributed to writing a note for the giant heart and card I received last week at World Principal Day. It was so lovely to read all the kind messages that were attached to the giant heart and card. It took a while, however I have managed to read each and every one of your personal messages (and there were lots)!

Class Highlight – Spreading Kindness in 2CG

This past fortnight, 2CG have been working hard to demonstrate kindness in the classroom and outside in the community. Students have been working hard to get as many post – it notes on their RAK poster in the classroom as possible. Students were so eager and excited to share their experiences with spreading kindness and the reactions they have received as a result. Keep up the great work 2CG with spreading kindness in the classroom, playground and at home with your family and friends.

Check out this video from students in 2CG sharing their random acts of kindness.

A Brilliant Year 6 Camp at Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre

Last week, our Year 6 students returned from what can only be described as a truly memorable camp at Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre (TEEC). Over four days they embraced challenges, built friendships and created memories that will stay with them for life. Not many schools commit to taking students on camp anymore, but we know our students and families value the experience and we have continued to offer this wonderful experience to our year 6 students.

From the moment we arrived on the buses, the sense of excitement was palpable. Students threw themselves into the wide range of activities on offer. Some tested their courage and teamwork on the Vertical Challenge and zip line, flying through the treetops with sounds of laughter and screams from themselves and their classmates. So much fun! Others scrambled up the bouldering wall while others waded at the lake’s edge, scoop-netting small creatures from under the water. Kayaking on the dam was a definite highlight, albeit with some groups enduring the cold and rain.  Despite the wet, the everyone was determined to get the most out of the experiences on offer.

Evenings were just as special. Night-time walks with torches revealed the bush in a completely new light and the crisp, clear nights gave us a spectacular view of the stars. Back in the dorms, students bunked with friends, sharing stories and laughter well into the night before finally going to sleep with much ‘direct encouragement’ from our very patient teachers!!

The meals were a big hit with the students and there was certainly no shortage of food. Breakfasts of bacon, pancakes, berries with compote, cream, yoghurt, toast, and cereal set us up for action-packed days and there were always plenty of seconds! But the runaway favourite was the steamed chocolate pudding with ice cream, a dessert that had everyone asking for more. I’m not sure about you, but I don’t remember gourmet meals like that at camp - baked beans and toast with a weet-bix and cornflakes being the most sophisticated of offerings on the menu. Great to see things have improved for our kids.

Beyond the fun and adventure, camp gave our Year 6s a wonderful opportunity to connect more deeply with their teachers and for us, as staff, to get to know them beyond the classroom. The teamwork, resilience and kindness they displayed made us incredibly proud.

A huge thank you goes to our dedicated teaching team for the time, energy and planning that went into making camp such a success and to the Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre staff for their expertise and warm hospitality. A special thanks for Mrs Huxham for taking on the role of camp organiser. We really appreciate the extra time and effort you dedicated to making sure everything and everyone was organised and ready to enjoy the experience. Thankyou to Mrs Landsberg, Mr Tan, Mrs Buttenshaw, Mrs Coverdale, Mrs Roxby and Mrs Thimios.  Troy Sullivan, Tayte’s dad, also volunteered to help at camp which was a great help to us. Thanks Troy!

Year 6 camp wasn’t just a few days away from school, it was a chance for our students to grow, laugh, challenge themselves and make lifelong memories. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience.

Kind regards,

Open Times

A friendly reminder that our office is open on school days from 8.15am and closes at 3.30pm. Prior to 8.15am our team are busy getting everything ready for the day. Our office does close at 3.30pm. If you are experiencing any difficulty collecting your child prior to 3.10pm on a regular basis, please keep in mind our OSHC does have some availability. OSHC Administration general inquiries:

OSHC Office Mobile: 0491 202 342 (9:15am - 3:15pm)

After Hours Mobile: 0400 905 502 (6am - 6pm)

Email: oshcbookingfreshwaterpandcccomm.au

Invoices 

Please be reminded to pay any outstanding invoices, our preferred payment method is BPOINT. There are still a large number of unpaid Student Resource Scheme Fees including Instrumental Music, invoiced at the start of the year.

In Week 6, without payment or payment plan, Instrumental Music lessons will be affected. Similarly, items under the Student Resources Scheme will need to be supplied by parents. Please ensure all outstanding invoices are paid or a payment plan is set up by the end of Week 5.

If you would like to set up a payment plan please complete the below payment plan  and return to the office or email ayoun401@eq.edu.au. If you require copies of any outstanding invoices please check on QParents or contact our office on 4058 9222 or via email. 

Student of the Week (2)

Student of the Week (3)

Abby, Lexi, Natasha & Sam

Administration Team

Nature Playground Update: Improvements Underway

You may have noticed our Nature Playground has been temporarily closed. This pause has given us an important opportunity to enhance the space for long-term safety and enjoyment.

After some potential hazards were identified by our staff, we brought in a certified play safety inspector to guide a thoughtful review and improvement plan. We are pleased to share that the school will be financing the repairs of approximately $18,000 and Phase 1 of the repair work is scheduled to begin within the next two weeks.

We’re fortunate to be working with members of the original installation team, who will be removing worn elements, reducing trip hazards and ensuring the longevity of our space. Once this phase is complete and equipment is cleared, we’re aiming to reopen the playground for play and exploration.

Looking ahead, a larger project is planned for the slide mound area which will stay flagged off, where some weather-related wear will be addressed to ensure safety and sustainability into the future.

Thank you for your support as we continue to care for this special space! 

Respecting Our Gardens: A PBL Focus 

Our school gardens are a beautiful part of our environment, designed to be enjoyed, cared for, and explored respectfully. To help protect these special spaces, we’re re-introducing a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) focus: “Mulch is Lava!”

This idea reminds students that garden beds are for looking at and caring for — not for walking or climbing through. Unfortunately, we’ve noticed some damage to our gardens recently, so this focus is all about encouraging everyone to tread carefully and respect the natural spaces around us.

We’re excited to support students in building a stronger connection with their environment, and learning how small actions can make a big difference. Thank you for helping reinforce this message at home too!

This term, on Friday 5th September, there will be a Student Free Day. 

Freshie’s Got Talent Show

Well done to all of the Freshwater students who prepared and participated in our Freshie’s Got Talent Auditions in Weeks 1 and 2.  We were blown away by the amazing talent we have witnessed across the school from Years 1 to Year 6 and applaud the effort of all of the students who tried out.  We would like to congratulate the following students for making it to the finals of our show and will be performing on stage for our school community on Friday 15^th August at the Freshie Fete: The talent show begins at 4:00pm in the Junior Under Cover Area.  We look forward to seeing you there!

Yours in Music,

Book Week Celebrations

Students have been busy perusing our selection of nominated books, deciding who they think will win Book of the Year.

Our Writing and Colouring/Drawing Competitions have began. Please see below flyers with more information. All students are encouraged to participate, our winners will be announced at the Book Week Dress Up as A Book Character Parade, Friday 22nd August, 9am.

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During week 6, we will celebrate the official week with our annual Lunchtime Stories. First Break, each day, 18th till 22nd  August, the Library will have many a tale told!

Ride Tickets

To pre-purchase ride tickets, scan the below QR code or online at https://www.trybooking.com/DDXRQ

Thank You to Our Sponsers

Looking forward to another great Freshie Fete!

Sarah Weiss & the Fundraising Team

fundraising@freshwaterpandc.com.au

0404 001 340

An Update From Your P&C

Wow, there is so much happening in our school community at the moment!  Our P&C members have been incredibly busy volunteering their time to support many events at the school, including both our junior and senior athletics days and the colour run.  Thanks to everyone who came along and supported our kids and families with food and drinks! 

OSHC Update

Big things have also been happening at our OSHC centre.  Our OSHC has been participating in an Assessment and Rating process that reviews the level of service provided by our centre. While the final outcome from the review hasn’t been received yet, initial results are extremely positive.  We’ll share those results once we have them, but for now the P&C Executive and members want to acknowledge the amazing work of our OSHC staff in providing our children and community with such a high standard of care and service.  We particularly want to acknowledge the efforts of our Operations Manager Alana, who has gone above and beyond to prepare and support the OSHC during this Assessment and Rating Review.  Fantastic work by our OSHC team!   

On a sadder note, we have had to say goodbye to David our biodiversity educator and much loved OSHC team member who has recently left us after 6 years of service to our school community.  While he was with us, David led a number of sustainability initiatives that have really exemplified and helped to shape our OSHC program.  He will be deeply  missed by our staff and children.

OSHC enrolments

We are happy to advise that we do have space for new enrolments in our OSHC program.  Please check online for applications or pop into the centre to find out how to apply.

It’s Fete Time!!!!

Finally, the Freshie Fete is only a week away! 

Our Fete organising committee continue to work tirelessly on last minute details for the Fete.  Classrooms have been allocated to stalls for the Fete.  Parent assistance on stalls helps to ensure the success of our Fete so please help out if and where you can.

Wristbands for rides can be pre-purchased: please check facebook posts and newsletter updates to see how.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THE TUCKSHOP WILL BE CLOSED ON FRIDAY 15 AUGUST TO ALLOW FOR FETE PREPARATIONS.

Michelle Ibbett

P & C President

Spaces Available for the Remaining of 2025 & Prep 2026!

Freshwater OSHC still has available spots for the rest of 2025 – and we’re now taking 2026 Prep enrolments too!

Looking for a safe, fun, and nurturing space for your child before and after school? Freshwater OSHC is still taking enrolments for 2025 and 2026! Our inclusive and thoughtful program is the perfect place for your child to learn, grow, and thrive outside school hours.

Enrol here:
https://prodadmin.myxplor.com/enrollment_v2/centre/gALTsRytI7EQx5Rt2l3mIQ

You can also visit the school website for more information.

Parent Information Session

Join us to learn more about the program, the enrolment process, understand Bookings etc, and ask questions!

Date: 12^th August 2025 & 12^th September 2025
Time: 4pm for both sessions

Location: Freshwater State School Conference Room next to the Library.

Whether you're a new family or returning, we can't wait to meet you and share what makes Freshwater OSHC such a special place to be.

Tuckshop Closed Fete Day

Gabby, Mel, Tomo, Gale and Kat

Tuckshop 

T2T_PosterA3_2025.pdf

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Play On! Sports Vouchers are here!

Queensland’s brand-new $200 Play On! Sports Voucher program is now open – and it’s all about helping more kids get active, stay healthy, and be part of their local sporting community.

Whether you're a family, a club, an activity provider or a referral agent — there’s something for everyone in the Play On! Sports Vouchers program.

Families — apply now!

Parents and carers of eligible children aged 5–17 can now apply for a $200 voucher.
Make sure you have:
• An Enquire account
• Your child’s Medicare card
• A valid Health Care Card (HCC) or Pensioner Concession Card (PCC) if applicable

Apply here: qld.gov.au/playon

Activity Providers — check your details

If you were former provider of previous Queensland Government voucher programs, you’re already in the Play On! system, but there’s four quick steps to make sure you can accept sports vouchers:

1. Log in to your Enquire profile
2. Select the Activity Provider Application and complete the requested information.
3. Tick the box to accept the new Play On! Sports Vouchers terms and conditions.
4. Click Save — that’s it!

New activity providers can also sign up to become a Play On! Sports Voucher activity provider NOW!

Want to know more? Visit LINK

Together, we’re helping more Queensland kids get active, included and involved in sport. Let’s Play On!