Hello Everyone,

As we wrap up Term 3, we’d like to acknowledge the outstanding efforts of our students. It has been excellent to see the calibre of student work produced this term. Students have exceeded our expectations in both their application and the quality of their work — a true credit to their dedication and hard work.  Our staff at Freshwater State School, are a credit to our profession, not only creating and implementing appropriate curriculum, but also building positive relationships with our students.

We’d also like to update you on the nature playground. Repairs are currently underway, but unfortunately, progress has been delayed due to the recent inclement weather. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to complete this project as soon as conditions allow.  

Kym Henry, our dedicated school psychologist, will be moving on to an exciting new role in the private sector. Mrs Nicole Buttenshaw will soon begin maternity leave, with Carlie Schmitt stepping into her role during her absence. Additionally, Mrs Maree Harris, our Deputy Principal (Years 4–6/Inclusion), will be taking on the position of Acting Principal at Isabella State School.

We extend our sincere thanks to Kym, Nicole, and Maree for their hard work, compassion, and the meaningful contributions they have made to our school community. We wish them all the very best in their new roles—and in Nicole’s case, on the wonderful journey of motherhood. May the next chapter bring each of them great joy and fulfilment.

We would also like to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of our NAIDOC team for their thoughtful organisation of our recent NAIDOC celebrations. A special thank you to Miss Kitty and Miss Jacqui from Parramatta State School for accompanying their wonderful Torres Strait Islander dancers and helping us to honour and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of our First Nations peoples.

As we head into the holiday break, we’d like to extend our best wishes to all our families and staff. Please take care and stay safe over the holidays, especially with the current weather conditions.

Thank you all for a fantastic Term 3 — we look forward to welcoming everyone back in Term 4!

Yours in Learning,

Prep Stay and Play Event 2025

A big thank you to all our new and returning families who joined us for our Prep Stay and Play event! It was a fantastic session filled with fun ice-breaker activities, giving everyone a chance to mingle, connect, and start building new friendships. We were lucky to enjoy beautiful weather, which made our indoor/outdoor program even more special. Our soon-to-be Prep students had a wonderful time exploring the playground and getting hands-on with the classroom activities. 

We also extend our thanks to Paul Andrews, Vice President of the P&C, for attending our information session and warmly welcoming families. The P&C shared helpful insights about the Freshie Uniform Shop, Outside School Hours Care, and the Tuckshop. Our dedicated Prep team provided an overview of the Prep curriculum and what life in Prep will look like, helping families feel informed and confident about the journey ahead. 

We’re excited to welcome everyone back in Term 4 for more transition opportunities as we continue to support our 2026 Prep students in getting ready for their big start!

200 Nights of Reading in the Lower School

Congratulations to the following students for achieving 200 nights of reading this term. Your determination and reading stamina is outstanding to achieve this milestone. Well done and keep reading.  These students all received the special 200 nights of reading certificate and a new book to enjoy reading! 

• Franklin M
• Sienna A
• Thomas G
• Kiera T
• Olivia W

Thank You to Our Wonderful Dads and Special Guests

A heartfelt thank you to all the fathers, uncles, grandfathers, and special family members who joined us for our Prep Afternoon Tea. It was such a joy to see the smiles, laughter, and meaningful moments shared throughout the afternoon.

From playing games and enjoying a bit of friendly competition on the sports field, to simply sitting down and sharing afternoon tea, the event was a beautiful celebration of connection and the important role you play in your children’s lives.

Thank you for making the time to be with us—we know it meant a lot to the children, and to us as well. We look forward to creating more special memories with you in the future! 

Thank You for Embracing the Fun!

A big thank you to all staff who took part in our scavenger hunt on the recent student-free day! It was fantastic to see everyone getting involved, working together, and bringing such great energy and enthusiasm to the activity to work out each of the clues.

The scavenger hunt wasn’t just about finding clues—it was about promoting wellbeing, building connections, and sharing a few laughs along the way. Your participation helped create a positive and collegial atmosphere, reminding us all of the strength of our team spirit at Freshie. 

We appreciate your openness to engaging in activities that support both personal and collective wellbeing. Here's to continuing to nurture a supportive, connected, and vibrant staff community!

Year 2 Excursion to Kuranda

Last week, I had the pleasure of joining our Year 2 students on their much-anticipated excursion to Kuranda—and what a fantastic day it was! The excitement was already buzzing on the winding bus ride up the Kuranda Range, as students chatted about the adventures that lay ahead. 

We kicked off the day with a morning tea break in Centenary Park, giving everyone a chance to stretch their legs and take in the fresh mountain air. Our first stop was the Kuranda Koala Gardens, where students were fascinated by the variety of native animals—from sleepy koalas and bounding wallabies to wombats, snakes, gliders, and even freshwater crocodiles! The learning continued at the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, where we explored the life cycle of butterflies and were mesmerised by the colourful flurry of wings in the enclosure.

Throughout the day, our students displayed wonderful behaviour, curiosity, and respect—true ambassadors of Freshwater. A big thank you to Mrs Boyle for her outstanding organisation and coordination, and to our parent helpers who gave their time to support this memorable learning experience.

Spreading Kindness, One Poster at a Time

To wrap up Term 3, our final session of the Random Acts of Kindness Club was a creative one! Students worked in small groups to design and collage A3 posters filled with positive messages to help spread kindness throughout the school. It was heartwarming to see such fantastic teamwork, sharing, and thoughtful collaboration as they carefully planned the layout of their images for maximum impact. 

Once completed, we proudly placed the posters around key areas of the school so that other students could enjoy them during transitions. It’s been inspiring to watch our Kindness Club members take such pride in making a difference in our school community. 

A very special thank you goes to Mrs Mellick, who has generously volunteered her time every Monday and Tuesday this term to support both the club and our Prep classrooms. Your dedication has made a huge difference, and we are truly grateful for your kindness and support. 

We’re excited to continue the Kindness Club in Term 4, with plenty of new ideas already brewing thanks to student suggestions. If your child hasn’t joined us yet, we’d love for them to come along—because kindness really is contagious, and we're seeing its ripple effects every day around the school!

NAIDOC Assembly

Thank you to Miss Kitty and the Paramatta dance troupe for visiting Freshwater for our very special NAIDOC assembly. We really enjoyed your performance and felt very privileged to see you perform.

Congratulations to our colouring in competition winners. You did a superb job with these winning entries!

Kind regards,

What a wonderful Term 3 it has been! We’ve had so many things to celebrate and I’d like to take a moment to reflect on all the achievements and highlights.

Over the past few weeks, our students have worked very hard on their assessments and should be very proud of their efforts. Parent/teacher interviews were also a great success. Thank you to all families who attended. It’s always valuable to have those conversations about learning. As always, please remember you are welcome to contact your child’s teacher at any time if you have any concerns. Our teachers do an excellent job communicating with families and supporting students’ learning.

This week we are enjoying swimming lessons, which will conclude with our Swimming Carnival on Friday. The carnival is always a fun way to celebrate the term together. To ensure the day runs smoothly, please remember that students will need rashies, hats, sunscreen, water bottles and all items clearly labelled. A reminder too that students will not be able to access the canteen at the pool.

We would also like to wish Ms Buttenshaw all the very best for the exciting arrival of her baby next term. She has done a fantastic job this year, and we will all miss her very much. Good luck Ms Buttenshaw!

Another exciting event currently underway is the process for selecting our 2026 student leaders. Students who have been successful in the first round will move through to the next stage this week. Parents will be notified on Friday so students have time to prepare their two-minute speeches. It is always inspiring to see our young leaders step up to these opportunities. We have some very talented students in our school.

Finally, a personal note, I would like to share that this Friday will be my last day at our school for a little while, as I will be taking on an Acting Principal position at Isabella State School next term. I look forward to returning in 2026 and continuing our journey of learning together. For those attending the Year 6 Presentation Night, I look forward to seeing you there.

Thank you all for such a wonderful term. I wish you a safe and happy holiday break and I look forward to hearing all about the exciting things ahead for 2026.

Warm regards,

Transport & Excursions

Consent forms and invoices for Prep Pevan and Sarah and the Instrumental Strings and Percussion Band Camps have been sent to families. Please log on to QParents to give consent and arrange payment.

Before and After School Procedures

A reminder to all families that our school day runs from 8:50am to 2:50pm.

If your child arrives at school before 8:00am or remains on school grounds after 3:15pm on a regular basis, we kindly ask that you consider enrolling them in our Outside School Hours Care (OSHC) service for their safety and supervision.

In the afternoons, all students are expected to go to Stop, Drop and Go first. After that, any remaining students will be directed to wait outside the school office.
Students should not go directly to the office area at the end of the day unless directed by staff.

We appreciate your support in ensuring all students are safe and accounted for during pick-up times. Please aim to collect your child by 3:15pm, as staff supervision is limited after school hours.

Thank you for helping us keep our school community safe and organised.

Lost Property

A reminder to regularly check our Lost Property, located outside the Office area, for missing items.

Pre Prep Transition Sessions

Kind regards,

Abby, Lexi, Sam and Natasha

Administration Team

An Exciting Day of Learning in Year 2 Beyond the Classroom!

On Monday, September 8^th, our Year 2 students embarked on an exciting and educational day up in Kuranda, visiting the Butterfly Sanctuary and Koala Gardens, to continue their Science learning around animal life cycles. It was a day packed with fascinating exhibits, a variety of different animals and lots of new information!

The students explored the butterfly gardens and viewed a wide variety of butterflies and moths. Highlights included seeing the new butterflies that had just emerged drying their wings; getting ready to enter their new environment and also having lots of butterflies land on them.

Students also visited the Koala Gardens and saw a range of animals from freshwater crocodiles to wombats and the students were lucky enough to see one of the Koalas awake and walking around.

After a busy morning exploring both venues, the students enjoyed a picnic lunch and enjoyed the lovely weather. The day provided plenty of learning and fun!

Kind regards,

Year Two Teaching Team

Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival Friday 19 September

We look forward to seeing you all at Smithfield Pool from 9.15am on Friday for the Year 3-6 Swimming Carnival. 

9:15am              Welcome, Expectations, War Cries, March Past!

9:30am              THE BIG SWIM

Crocs – Lane 1 and 4, Eagles – Lane 2 and 5, Marlins – Lane 3 and 7, Taipans – Lane 6 and 8

9.50am              RELAYS 

Up to 8 x 25m Freestyle mixed (2012/2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017)

Up to 8 x 25m Noodle relay mixed (2012/2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017)

10:50am            Lunch

11.20am            50m Freestyle (2012/13 girls/boys, 2014 girls/boys)

25m Freestyle (2015 girls/boys, 2016 girls/boys, 2017 girls/boys)        

12:10pm           50m Breaststroke (2012/13 girls/boys, 2014 girls/boys)

25m Breaststroke (2015 girls/boys, 2016 girls/boys, 2017 girls/boys)

1.15pm              50m Butterfly   (2013, 2014,2015 girls/boys) nomination only

1:30pm              Teacher/Sports Captains Relay

1:45pm              PRESENTATION

2.00pm              Depart Smithfield Pool

Tuckshop List for Swimming Carnival

Sausage in bread $3.00

Chocolate Brownie $2.00

Watermelon Cups $2.00

Water small $1.50

Juice poppers $2.50

Football Queensland and Brisbane Roar After School Program

“Freshwater State School is excited to announce that the Football Queensland & Brisbane Roar After School Program is coming to our school starting on Thursday 16 October for 4 weeks after school from 3.00pm – 4.00pm

Key program details can be found in the attached flyer using the QR code. All participants must be registered prior to the clinic starting, using the link below.

Register here: https://registration.squadi.com/userRegistration?organisationId=0f742cbf-573b-412e-8006-8af2cdaf3e83&competitionId=d410fada-b2d1-4be0-9cd8-d82879ba08a2

TCN

For 2013 born girls. Please contact Mrs Knight for information and paperwork.

Thank you,

2026 Music Captain Recruitment Process

In Week 1 of Term 4, we will be opening nominations for the school leadership role of Music Captain.  If your child is currently in Year 5 and a member of one of the following musical ensembles:   Choir, String Orchestra, Concert Band; and regularly participates, then they are eligible to apply.

We are seeking students who are committed to sustaining their efforts in the following areas: 

• Following school expectations and having a positive attitude to learning 
• Commitment to regular practice of their instrument/voice. 
• Being punctual and committed to regular attendance to all practices and performances at school and public events. 

• Assisting with set up and pack up of equipment for rehearsals and events. 
• Public speaking and introducing musical items at special events. 

Please see the timeline below for this process to occur.  

Rehearsal Reminder Week 1 Term 4

Due to the public holiday on Monday 6^th October,  Junior choir will resume rehearsals on Monday 13^th October at 8:00am in the music room.  Senior Choir will commence on Friday 10^th October at 8:00am in the music room.  All other ensembles will resume rehearsals on their usual days/times in Week 1 of Term 4.

Kind regards,

Book Fair – Week 3 Next Term

Save up your pocket money, Book Fair will be at Freshwater State School week 3, next term. Looking for Christmas gifts, then our Book Fair is the best place to find them!

Monday 20th until Friday 24th October, the Library will be open for our Book Fair. Please note that the Fair will close at 12 noon on Friday 24^th.

For Online Orders, Book Fair Flyers will go home at the beginning of Term 4, please follow all instructions on the flyer.

Each class will have the opportunity to visit the Book Fair, with students completing their Wish List. If you would like to purchase items from your student’s Wish List, payment may be made via the Online Order Form, cash or card in person. Parents are welcome before and after school, while students are able to make purchases during First and Second Break as well.

With every purchase, you go into the draw to win a $15 book voucher to spend at the Fair. A winner will be drawn each day of our Fair.

Book Fair is the Library’s Annual fundraiser. Last year we raised just under $3 000, which went towards our new resources.

Yours in literary adventures,

Amanda Glaspy

Library Officer

Spaces Available for the Remainder 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: 7th October at 6pm and 21st October at 6pm in the OSHC main building.

Location: OSHC main building.

Access: Please use the OSHC black gate on Corkill street (Near stop, drop & go) for entry and exit for parent information sessions as the school office gates will be locked at these times. 

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.

Freshwater State School P&C Association
E:oshc@freshwaterpandc.com.au
P: 0400 905 502