Issue 20 Friday 8 December 2023

School Watch

Look, Listen and Report any incidents.

Call School Watch on 13 17 88. If you see a crime in progress,

call Triple Zero (000).

We can all help to keep our schools safe. If you see or hear anything suspicious, call School Watch on 13 17 88 to report the incident, even if it appears to be minor. In an emergency or if you see a crime in progress dial Triple zero (000)

First day of school 2024

Principal Sonya Wilson

Dear Parents and Carers

As another eventful year draws to a close and we plan for 2024, I will share with you the staffing plan for 2024.

We farewell Mrs Klatt who is planning to retire in the New Year. Mrs  Klatt has taught at Carbrook State School for the last 21 years and seen many changes during that time. We thank Mrs Klatt for her contribution to Carbrook State School as a teacher, mentor to students and colleagues and for her leadership of the school’s PBL committee. I know that Mrs Klatt has provided support and friendship to colleagues and families and this has been reciprocated. We congratulate Mrs Klatt on her outstanding service to education and wish her all the best for the next exciting chapter of her life.

Mrs Shauna Goddard’s contract finishes this term but her association with Carbrook State School continues. Mrs Goddard has been a regular relief teacher at Carbrook State School and we look forward to her continuing in this role in 2024. Thank you, Mrs Goddard for your investment in 2/3SG this past six months.

Year 2 teacher Mrs Lauren Connolly’s contract finishes at the end of this term. We thank Mrs Connolly for her contribution this semester and wish her well in her continuing education journey. Inclusion teacher Sonia Gallagher's contact finishes at the end of this term. We thank her for her contributions to Carbrook State School. 

Kylie Smith Health Teacher will be on maternity leave in 2024. We extend our best wishes to her and her family. 

We welcome Mrs Kirsten Single to Carbrook State School. Mrs Single is a teacher transferring in from Springwood Central. Mrs Single has taught at Springwood Central for 19 years and is looking forward to this new adventure. She was able to attend the Step Up Day on Wednesday and has met her Year 4 students. Mrs Single has shared that she loves teaching English, Maths and Science and enjoys seeing kids strive and love learning. She enjoys going on holidays with her daughter and husband and playing indoor netball. She has said that she can't wait to get to  know her new students and see what fun they can have together.

Mrs Kerry-Ann Reese will be returning to Carbrook State School in 2024 in the role of Deputy Principal. Mrs Reese is familiar with Carbrook State School’s families, and the school’s processes and this will be a smooth transition for her.

We are fortunate to be able to retain the expertise of Mrs Cook who will remain at Carbrook State School in 2024 in the role of Head of Department Curriculum. Mrs Cook will continue to share her knowledge and experience to lead the curriculum implementation of Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum and support the school’s explicit improvement agenda of improved teacher capability in English in 2024 having focused on Mathematics in 2023.

A huge thank you to our amazing P & C
We have so appreciated the efforts of the P&C this year, organising events and fundraisers such as Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day stalls, Colour Run, Disco and Subway Meals.

It has been as a result of these fundraising efforts that all students have had the opportunity to engage with the Street Science Show and Life Education.

I am pleased to report that the monies raised from the Colour Run in 2022 to support the refurbishment of the Basketball Courts has finally commenced. We have had some pleasing news from Education Queensland’s Infrastructure Department advising that they will now cover the cost of the basketball court refurbishment. This means that P&C may now review where these funds are directed, and this will be considered in 2024.

The upgrade to the mural in the undercover area has commenced using funds raised from this year’s Colour Run. Initial consultation with the artist has been completed and concept drawings are expected at the beginning of 2024. The intention is that these plans will be shared with students and the community for their feedback prior to work being undertaken. In the new year the line-marking for handball courts, hopscotch and floor stencilling will be undertaken.

Thank you to our small but determined P&C team, President Laura Leigh, Vice President Jade Partridge, Treasurer Elisha Cooper, Secretary Jaimie Lynes. You have done a wonderful job and we thank you. I have appreciated working with the P&C committee of 2024 and also the dedicated committee of 2023 President Bec Allpress, Vice President Jade Partridge and Treasurer Melanie King. Thank you all and I wish our P&C well as they continue to support the school community.

Finally, many of you would know that I shared with you via email on Tuesday 5 December that I have accepted a relocation to Loganholme State School from January 2024.  While I am excited for the challenge, I will miss Carbrook State School community enormously.

I am immensely proud of all that the team have achieved in my time at Carbrook State School. Carbrook State School is so blessed to have a talented and dedicated staff who are committed to supporting one another. This has been most evident in the success of our Professional Learning Teams. In PLTs staff have come together fortnightly to plan learning experiences while reviewing students needs to tailor their teaching to differentiate with whole-class, small-group and individual learning options for engaging learners in multiple ways. It has been under the leadership of Liz Cook and her knowledge of the Australian Curriculum that the PLTs have developed teacher capability and supported teachers to plan how they will differentiate for the diverse learning needs in their class.

This differentiation has been made possible with the Inclusion Model adopted at Carbrook State School in 2023 and lead by Head of Inclusion Fiona Broquesa. Under the leadership of Mrs Broquesa, the Inclusion Teachers have supported not just the differentiated learning needs of their respective year levels but the social and emotional needs of students with social skills lessons aligned to the Personal and Social Continuum and personalised plans for individual students. This team of dedicated professionals have demonstrated their commitment to the teachers and students in their respective year levels to achieve outstanding success supporting students to acquire the behaviours to assist learning.

Positive Behaviour for Learning has continued to thrive at Carbrook State School under the leadership of PBL Coach Hayley Pattison and the dedicated team of Sheri Walls, Chloe McKenzie, Sarah Bingham, Craig Harvey, Fiona Broquesa, Sandie Howe and Camilla Davis. The fortnightly lessons designed to explicitly teach students the expected behaviours as well as model and reinforce them, have supported teachers and students. Looking forward to 2024, the PBL team have planned for Term 1 a focus on the Quality Habits – resilience, self-regulation, effective communication, problem solving and a growth mindset. This focus will commence with teachers as part of their professional learning on Student Free Days and include a performance on 14 February to coincide with Heart of Carbrook Day celebrations.

The establishment of the First Nations Committee and commencement of the Reconciliation Action Plan has been made possible by the committed staff of the First Nations Committee and under the leadership of Erica Witt. Ms Witt has been supported by Kat Boobyer, Julianne Lee, Sarah Bingham, Lara McDonald and Julie Ariel. They have taken the first steps this year and I know they are committed to continuing the work of embedding Indigenous Perspectives.

Students are always the focus of staff at Carbrook State School and the investment in student leadership begins with the Year 5 teachers Hayley Pattison, Sheri Walls, Julianne Lee and Caitlin Carolan preparing students for future leadership roles as they develop team work and effective communication. This is further developed in Year 6 through Student Council lead by Tegan Simone, leadership of assemblies supported by Peta Thomas and our highly valued Playground Rangers supported by Chloe McKenzie. The role of ICT/Library Captains has been greatly enhanced this year with the support of Julie Ariel. Julie Ariel and the dedicated teacher aides do a marvellous job running the library. The library has certainly become a dynamic place valued by staff and students.

Staff and students alike demonstrate their pride and commitment to Carbrook State School and it is through the combined efforts of many that Carbrook State School is able to shine - to become an outstanding school and community. Some of those staff are working behind the scenes to ensure that the grounds look amazing and that the school runs smoothly and efficiently. Thank you to our amazing Business Manager Teri Finnimore, and our front office staff Julie Liddell and Kathy Kelly. The school is well maintained and this is to the thanks of Schools Officer Aaron Gaunt, and our cleaners Rhys, Kym and Jack.

Thank you to the staff, students and families. I have valued my time at Carbrook State School and it is a community I will always hold in my heart.

Wishing you all health and happiness,

Sonya Wilson

Principal.

Awards Night 2023

Sunday 3 December the Year 6 Graduation Night was held at Fitzy’s Loganholme to celebrate the end of the cohort’s time at primary school. The students were dressed in their best and represented themselves and families with pride. The highlights of the night were the cohort performing together to the song “Best Day of My Life” by the American Authors and the dance party that followed the formalities of the night. Thank you to all the families and students who attended and made the night such a success. Congratulations Year 6 students for completing you final year of primary schooling.

Tuesday was the final parade for 2023 and a chance for the school community to bid farewell to the graduating cohort. The Year 6's Prep buddies made a guard of honour to send off the students as they entered the hall. Mrs Simone, Mrs Thomas and Mrs McKenzie delivered speeches dedicated to each class and their time through the year.

The Year 6 teacher's would like to wish all of the graduating class of 2023 all the best as they embark on their new journey.

Bert van Manen MP Outstanding Communtiy Award

Congratulations and thank you to Jade Partridge, who received the Bert van Manen Outstanding Community Service Award. Jade has been a long standing and dedicated member of our school's P&C.

Thank you P&C Members

Thank you to our amazing P&C for all of their amazing efforts at Carbrook this year. We appreciate the fantastic work you do for our school!                                                                                                                                 [Missing in the photo from the P&C Executive Team - Jaimie Lynes]

2024 School Leaders

As the Year 6 students handed over their leadership responsibilities, the Year 5 students have selected their leaders for 2024. We are proud to announce our new student leaders and look forward to viewing their accomplishments and achievements. Students will be inducted in a Badge Ceremony in February 2024. Families will be invited to attend this ceremony as part of our whole school assembly.

Congratulations to our Year 5 student leaders.  

Deputy Principal Liz Cook

As the school year for 2023 draws to a close, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Carbrook community for a fabulous and successful year.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my time as Deputy Principal over the last 12 months and I am looking forward to continuing the hard work that has been focussed on with teachers this year as I transition to be the Head of Department – Curriculum in 2024 with the return of Kerry–Ann Reese as Deputy Principal.

I would also like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, hoping your break is full of happiness, relaxation, and plenty of memories.

See you all in 2024!

Warm regards,

Liz Cook

Deputy Principal 2024 Kerry-Ann Reese

Dear Parents and Carers

I am delighted to share with you the exciting news that I will be returning to Carbrook State School in 2024. As some of you may know, I have had the privilege of working at Stretton State College this past year, which has been a valuable and enriching experience for me professionally.

While the experience at Stretton State College has been fulfilling, it has also reinforced the deep connection I have with Carbrook State School, where I have dedicated 22 wonderful years of my career. The decision to return to Carbrook was not made lightly, and it comes from a sincere desire to continue fostering the incredible work and relationships that I have had the privilege of building over the years at this outstanding school.

I am genuinely excited about the prospect of re-joining the Carbrook State School family and contributing to the continued growth and success of our school. The sense of community, dedication to excellence, and the collective commitment to creating an environment where students can learn and grow together makes Carbrook State School truly special.

I look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and working collaboratively with all of you in 2024. Together, let's continue to strive to make Carbrook State School an even greater place to learn and grow.

Regards

 Kerry-Ann Reese

School Uniform

Just a reminder to parents when purchasing school apparel for 2024 that the school uniform dress code requires

• black shoes and white socks
• black culottes or black shorts (knee length) or skirts/skorts

The length and standard of the shorts needs to be a consideration when purchasing. This does not include leggings. 

iHUB

During the first half of this term, students continued to develop their team building skills.  We discussed the importance of working together as a team and that everyone’s input must be valued.  We ended this focus with the students working in small groups to create a city.  The group had to design their city and then create it using the wooden blocks.  We are so proud of how well they worked together and everyone contribute to the building.

During the last half of the term, we visited a Year 1 classroom.  The students were super excited to see the classroom and we discussed what was the same as their current Prep classroom and what is different.

The students also went for a walk around the school to see where they will line up in the mornings to transition to class, eat their lunch during eating time and the areas they can play in next year.  The students are very excited to be able to access the Year 1 / 2 playground, quiet area, undercover area and library.

QParents

In today's digital age, staying informed and connected with your child's educational journey is more important than ever. This is where QParents, a convenient online platform, comes into play. As we come to the end of another school year, we want to remind all parents and guardians about the benefits of signing up for QParents and how it can enhance your involvement in your child's education.

What is QParents?

QParents is an innovative online portal designed for parents and guardians. It offers a secure and efficient way to access real-time information about your child's education and school life. This platform bridges the gap between home and school, allowing you to stay updated with your child's progress, attendance, report cards, and more.

Why Sign Up for QParents?

Instant Access to Student Information: QParents provides immediate access to your child's attendance records and grades.

Stay Updated on School Events: QParents is a one-stop shop for all school-related information, including upcoming events, newsletters, and important announcements.

Convenient and Secure: With robust security measures in place, QParents ensures that your child's information is protected. The convenience of accessing this information from any device, anytime, is an added advantage for parents on the go.

As we navigate a rapidly evolving educational landscape, staying engaged in our children's education is crucial. QParents is more than just a portal; it's a tool that empowers parents to be active participants in their child's learning journey. If you haven’t already, we strongly encourage you to sign up for QParents today. Embrace this opportunity to be a part of your child's educational experience in a more meaningful and informed way.

For any queries or assistance with signing up, please do not hesitate to contact Sheri Walls.

STEM Sheri Walls

Embracing Technology: Year 4's Exciting Leap into Digital Learning

As the eagerly anticipated arrival of new laptops for our Year 4 students approaches, our school community buzzes with excitement and preparation.

This program is an integral part of our commitment to providing a technologically advanced learning environment for our students. To ensure you are thoroughly informed about the C4S program, we will be distributing comprehensive documentation at the beginning of the school year. This packet will include detailed information about the program's objectives, benefits for students, and guidelines for use.

Moreover, we will be hosting an informative session about the C4S program during our upcoming Parent-Teacher Information Evening. This session is designed to give you a comprehensive overview of the program and answer any questions you might have. We believe that parent engagement is key to the success of our initiatives, and your understanding of the C4S program is vital.

Please mark your calendars for this important event. Further details about the date and time of the Parent-Teacher Information Evening will be communicated shortly.

We are excited about the opportunities that the C4S program will bring to our students and are eager to share more with you. Thank you for your continued support and partnership in your child’s education.

First Nations Committee

As the year closes, it is with a great sense of pride and appreciation that I thank on behalf of Principal Sonya Wilson and myself our fellow First Nation Committee members Tegan Simone, Sarah Bingham, Kat Boobyer, Julieanne Lee, Lara McDonald, Lauren Connelly, and Emma Olsen for their invaluable support in actioning the inaugural step towards Carbrook’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). A special mention is extended to outgoing member Geraldine Hunt and a warm welcome to Julie Ariel who will join the Committee in 2024.

Our vision is to build community capacity for recognition and understanding of the special place and culture of First Nations peoples. This is a progressive journey that requires community support and, as a school, we wish to reaffirm our commitment to respectfully acknowledging, fostering, and maintaining meaningful relationships.

If you would like to join our RAP Working Party, please do not hesitate to reach out to a member of the team for further information.  A RAP is the first step in taking meaningful action towards reconciliation.  We aim to achieve this by integrating First Nations knowledge, history, and culture throughout Carbrook’s ways of working and learning.  We look forward to embracing new opportunities in 2024 and invite you to join us on this exciting journey.

Erica Witt

FNC Team Leader First Nation 

Library

2023 saw the reintroduction of ‘Library Captain’ as an official School Leader position. It was no surprise that Jenna, Josh and Eddie applied for the position as they had been filling this role during 2022 as Year 5 students even when there wasn’t an official role to fill. They would sacrifice most second play breaks to help around the library with menial tasks including setting up displays and reshelving books to larger tasks involved with Book Fair and Book Week. They built on these skills and knowledge as they moved into Year 6 and have become a valued asset of the library team.

A farewell from the 2023 Library Captains:

I would like to thank the entire Carbrook Community for an outstanding year at the library. Most of you have contributed in some way to the library, like coming to our fantastic Book Fair or purchasing anything from the Book Club magazines. Even regularly borrowing and arriving at the library at second break to do our amazing activities helps.

It has been an honour for us to have been the very first official Library Captains at Carbrook State School and we hope you continue Reading books, Growing your mind and Inspiring other people for many years to come.

Enjoy your new Library Team next year and thank you for everything.

Josh, Jenna and Eddie.

Even though they will be hard shoes to fill, the 2024 Library Captains will be giving it their best shot. We welcome to the library team Harshaan, Lily, Soren and Sammy. They have completed their orientation with the 2023 Library Captains and are looking forward to their leadership role next year.

A greeting from the 2023 Library Captains:

As future library captains we each have different ideas of making the library a better place by:

• Sammy – “Helping with technology issues including fixing things and helping figure things out.”
• Harshaan – “Organising the library, sorting books and making the library BETTER.”
• Soren – “Asking students what books they would like to see in the library.”
• Lily – “Sharing the library news and helping with the activities in the library.”

Thanks for choosing us,

From the library captains of 2024.

This week saw another familiar face in the library. Oscar has been a regular helper in the library during 2023 and would never shy away from a difficult task. When the library was having a facelift with books constantly being moved from one shelf to another (and then often back again), Oscar was a reliable helper to get the job done without drawing attention to his achievements. This week saw Oscar reading to some younger students during Friday’s Storytime. The students thoroughly enjoyed listening to Oscar read Hurry, Santa by Julie Sykes and he was also available for question time afterwards.

Thank you Oscar.

Prep and Year 1 Colouring Competition

Last week the Loganholme Police Station offered to local schools in the area a colouring competition. Our Preps and Year 1 students participated in the competition and now their wonderful work is displayed around the Police  Station. 

Year 6

The Queensland Police Mounted Unit 

The Queensland Police Mounted Unit visited Carbrook Year 6 students last week and their presence sent an excitable vibe around the school. Idol and Stormy, accompanied by Sergeant Matt and Sergeant Rio, clip clopped their way through the school grounds and met the Year 6 students in the under cover area. Here, the police officers shared information about their role in the community and they answered curious questions about how the horses assist the officers in their job as well as information about their training and care. The horses, who stood 17 hands tall and weighed roughly 750kg each, stood quietly and patiently taking in their surrounds. Preppies peeped out of their classrooms and 2LC were spied making a strategic toilet trip to view the beautiful animals. Students were offered the opportunity to pat the horses, a highlight of the visit for many. This exciting opportunity enables positive community connections and got the students thinking about possible future career aspirations as they head in to their secondary schooling years.

First Aid

The Year 6s participated in CPR training on Wednesday 29 November. This opportunity was provided through Royal Lifesaving Queensland. Our instructor Sarah, was greeted with lots of keen and willing students. They were introduced to the acronym D R S A B C D as a way to recall the steps to respond to someone in an emergency situation. Each class participated in each step of the process, including checking someone for a response and putting a peer in the recovery roll. After all the student laughter settled down they were introduced to the First Aid mannequin, Franklyn. They practised chest compressions either on a lifesaving float or Franklyn and safe to say the students got a work out.

P&C

Congratulations to our P&C Christmas Raffle winners! Thank you families for your support and fundraising efforts

YMCA