Filter Content
- WHAT'S ON
- PRINCIPAL - Donna O'Keeffe
- DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - Matt Jones
- HEAD OF DEPARTMENT - CURRICULUM - Elise Debenham
- HEAD OF DEPARTMENT - French Bilingual Program - Emma Van Cuylenberg
- SPORTS NEWS
- ART FROM THE CLASSROOM
- TUCKSHOP & UNIFORM NEWS
- 2025 LITERARY COMPETITION
- P&C NEWS
- TERM 1 EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
- OSHC- CAMP AUSTRALIA
- COMMUNITY NEWS
Date Claimers – Term 1 2025
|
Event |
Date |
|
NAPLAN |
13 March – 21 March |
|
Prep 2026 – Parent/Carer Information Session and School Tour |
Tuesday – 18 March - (5:15 - 6:00pm) |
|
P&C Meeting |
Tuesday – 18 March - (6:30pm) |
|
French Film Festival Yr 4 - 6 |
Wednesday - 19 March |
|
Harmony Day World Down Syndrome Day |
Friday – 21 March |
|
Frozen Friday |
Friday 21 March |
|
Crazy Sock Day * |
Friday – 21 March |
|
Senior Cross Country |
Monday – 24 March -(9:00 - 11:00am) |
|
Junior Cross Country |
Monday – 24 March - (2:00 – 3:00pm) |
|
Yr 3 Excursion - Grow and Change |
Tuesday - 25 March and Wednesday - 26 March |
|
Breakfast Club |
Wednesday 26 March (8:15 - 8:45am) |
|
Ditto Show - Prep, 1 and 2 |
Wednesday - 26 March |
|
Yr 6 Excursion - Immigration |
Friday - 28 March |
|
Yr 5/6 Life Education sessions |
Monday -31 March and Tuesday - 1 April |
|
Parent/Teacher Interviews |
Tuesday - 1 April |
|
Easter Hat Parade (Prep & Yr 1) |
Friday – 4 April |
|
Last day of Term 1 |
Friday – 4 April |
* P&C - Year 6 Graduation fundraising
| P&C Movie Night postponed | New date - Friday 9 May |
School Improvement Agenda for 2025 will continue to focus on improving student outcomes:
Pedagogical Practices in mathematics
Whole-School Approach to Inclusion
Recovery for the Weather Event
I would like to acknowledge our community and what it has been through in the past week. A number of our families have been severely impacted by the event and have needed to relocate. We still have families without power. Our thoughts are with these families as they work on recovery. It has also been wonderful to hear stories of the community reaching out to support others, I truly appreciate our community and how we care for each other.
Despite the challenges of the past week, most students were back at school yesterday and they all appreciated reconnecting and having some routine back in their lives. If families need support to assist their children returning to school, please reach out, we are here to support you.
We are grateful for the minimal impact on the school allowing us to open shortly after the event. We still have some clean-up and repairs to complete at school, which will happen over the next few weeks.
Thank you to our clean up team who came in Tuesday afternoon to clear line-up areas and paths.




Harmony Day
Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.
Recognise our Harmony Day by wearing an orange shirt - Friday 21 March.
Our teachers will discuss Harmony Week messages with their students and have an opportunity to do some activities relating to Harmony Week and developing a school community sense of belonging.
World Down Syndrome Day
World Down Syndrome Day, 21 March 2025 (WDSD) is a worldwide event to raise awareness of Down Syndrome. This day has been officially recognised by the United Nations since 2012. On this day, people all around the world celebrate the lives and achievements of people with Down Syndrome and provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the rights and inclusion of people with Down Syndrome around the world. People around the world recognise this day by pulling up their socks and stepping out with a big message of support - one so bold and bright, it's hard to miss – Crazy Socks.
For further information please go to: https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/
Year 6 Graduation Fundraising
Each year the P & C Year 6 Graduation Committee fundraise to assist with the funding of the graduation ceremony at the end of the year. Next week on Friday 21 March, the committee are fundraising with a Crazy Sock Day. We all support the Year 6 students with this special event, as all our students will be in the same position one day and we appreciate support from our school community. Students can wear crazy socks on this day, for a gold coin donation.
This year students can also wear an orange shirt with their crazy socks.
This recognises Harmony Day and World Down Syndrome Day, as well as supporting our Year 6 students.
Friday 21 March 2025
Gold coin donation (will be collected by Year 6 student leaders from classrooms)
School Assembly – Student Awards
Our school assemblies give an opportunity to celebrate learning and share school community messages.
Our Student Awards are given to students who have demonstrated one of our Tingalpa State School Values and is shared each fortnight at the school assembly – 2:30pm in the hall.
Our CARE values are:
Cooperation – Work together and encourage others
Attitude - Be honest and act positively
Respect – Respect people, property and the environment
Effort – Do your best and be responsible for your actions
This fortnight the focus value is - Attitude
Kind regards,
Donna
Post Cyclone Alfred
Welcome back! We hope this message finds you safe and sound after the disruption caused by Cyclone Alfred. We understand the challenges and uncertainty that such events can bring, and we want to extend our heartfelt support to all of you as we return to our regular routines.
We are incredibly grateful for the resilience and strength shown by our entire community during the cyclone’s impact. We know that many of you faced difficult situations, and we’re so glad to see everyone returning to school with renewed energy.
As we move forward, we remain committed to supporting our students in every way we can, ensuring a smooth transition back to learning, and continuing to foster a positive, safe, and enriching environment for everyone.
If any families require additional support during this time, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the school. We are here to help in any way we can.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we worked to ensure it was safe to return to school. A special thank you goes to our dedicated staff and their families for all of their hard work in cleaning up the campus before the students returned. We appreciate all of your efforts in helping our school get back on track.
Let’s make the rest of the term a great one!
NAPLAN
With Cyclone Alfred’s visit, we have had to make adjustments to the NAPLAN schedule. In order to reduce the workload on students and provide teachers with the necessary time to support individual learning in the classroom, we have spaced out the testing.
Please note that the morning sessions will now begin at 9:05am. This change has been made to minimize the impact on regular classroom activities. To ensure your child is ready, please make sure they arrive at school with enough time if they have a morning test.
The NAPLAN timetable has been updated.
|
Week 7 Term 1 |
Wednesday 12 March
|
Thursday 13 March
Writing |
Friday 14 March
Reading |
|
Morning
9.05am |
Return to school from Cyclone Alfred.
|
3A & 3C 3/4B & 3/4D
|
5/6E & 5/6F 5/6B &4/5C 5/6D & 5/6E |
|
Middle
11.30am |
5/6E & 5/6F 5/6B &4/5C 5/6D & 5/6E |
3A & 3C 3/4B & 3/4D
|
|
|
Afternoon |
|
|
Catch up – Writing
|
|
Morning
9.05am |
4/5C & 5/6A 5/6B & 5/6D 5/6E & 5/6F |
Catch up if required |
Catch up if required |
Catch up if required |
|
|
Middle
11.30am |
3A & 3C 3/4B & 3/4D
|
5/6E & 5/6F 5/6B &4/5C 5/6D & 5/6E |
3A & 3C 3/4B & 3/4D
|
Catch up if required |
|
|
Afternoon |
Catch up – Writing & Reading |
Catch up – Reading, Conventions of Language |
Catch up –Maths, Conventions of Language and Reading |
||
Helpful Morning Routine Tips for Younger Students Before NAPLAN
- Wake Up Early
- Start the Day Calmly: Aim to wake up with enough time to get ready without rushing. A relaxed start to the day can help reduce nerves.
- Eat a Healthy Breakfast
- Brain Power Foods: Offer a nutritious breakfast that helps provide energy and focus for the test. A balanced meal will set a positive tone for the day.
- Pack Essentials
- Ready the Bag: Double-check that your child has all the necessary supplies like pencils, erasers, and a water bottle. Having everything prepared the night before can help avoid any last-minute stress.
- Stay Positive
- Encourage Calmness: Remind your child to stay calm and positive. A little deep breathing or a short morning chat can help them feel less anxious about the test.
- Review the Plan for the Day
- Quick Review: A short, relaxed look at what they’ll be doing during the test day is helpful. For example, "You’re going to take a break after the first test, and then do the next one."
- Be Ready to Go!
- Leave on Time: Make sure your child leaves for school with plenty of time to spare, avoiding any last-minute rushing or stress.
- Encourage Fun Breaks
- Light Physical Activity: A short walk, stretching, or a fun dance to their favourite song can help shake off any nerves and get them ready to focus.
- Positive Goodbye
- Wave off with Confidence: As they head off to school, give them an encouraging hug or high-five. Let them know you’re proud of them, no matter what!
Instrumental Music
Due to NAPLAN next Monday, instrumental music lessons will be held in the music room in K Block on Monday 17 March. Senior Band will be held in the hall as usual at 7:50am.
ANZAC Day
ANZAC Ceremony– Date Claimer. ANZAC Day has been remembered in Queensland state schools since 1916, the year following the landing at Gallipoli. We are proud to continue the remembrance of the ANZACs. The Tingalpa State School ANZAC Ceremony will be held on Thursday 24 April 2025 at 9:00am in the school hall.
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT - CURRICULUM - Elise Debenham
|
Excursion/Incursion |
Year Level |
Date |
|
Ditto Show |
Prep, 1, 2 |
26/3/25 |
|
Science: Grow and Change |
Year 3 |
25/3/25 and 26/3/25 |
|
HASS: Immigration |
Year 6 |
28/3/25 |
|
Life Education |
Year 5 and 6 |
31/3/25 and 1/4/25 |
|
Lemonade Kids |
Year 3 and 4 |
28/5/25 |
|
Mangroves & Environment |
Year 4 |
13/6/25 |
|
Habitat Heroes |
Year 1 |
20/6/25 |
|
Creative Dance |
Whole school |
Term 3 and 4 |
|
NAIDOC Excursion – Year 2, 5, 6 |
Year 2, 5, 6 |
17/7/25 |
|
NAIDOC Didjeribone |
Prep, 1, 3, 4 |
24/7/25 |
|
Camp |
Year 5 and 6 |
30/7/25-1/8/25 |
|
Daisy Hill Koala Centre |
Prep |
01/08/25 |
|
Street Science Incursion |
Year 5 |
11/9/25 |
| Wild Rangers Animal Incursion |
Prep |
12/09/25 |
|
Connect with Heritage |
Year 2 |
23/10/25 |
|
Swimming lessons |
Whole School |
24/11/25 - 1/12/25 |
|
Swimming Carnival 3 - 6 |
Year 3, 4, 5,6 |
2/12/25 |
|
Urban Extreme |
Year 6 |
11/12/25 |
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT - French Bilingual Program - Emma Van Cuylenberg
It was lovely to see everyone back on Wednesday after the weather event. The past week has definitely brought its own set of challenges and disruptions to our daily lives. I hope that as the sun comes back everyone is able to settle back into their routines. Our thoughts are with the families who have been most affected.
15 - 23 March is Francophonie Week, this year the theme is "Speak Up."
French Language and Francophonie Week is the ‘rendez-vous’ for word lovers. Every year in March, it is an essential cultural, educational, and festive time, open to all, during which French language becomes a vehicle for pleasure, inspiration, and dialogue around educational events and activities. In 2025, the theme "Speak Up!" chosen for this 30th edition encourages everyone to express themselves, create, appropriate, and play with words.
New resources
Thanks to your contributions through the French Bilingual Program voluntary contributions, our teachers were able to benefit from Le Van du Livre’s visit in Week 5 and purchase some resources for their classrooms.
Tingalpa State School Cross Country
The fun and exciting Inter-House Cross Country carnivals will be held at Tingalpa State School on Monday 24 March.
9:00 – 11:00am – Senior Cross Country Carnival – Year 3 – 6
2:00 – 3:00pm – Junior Cross Country Carnival – Prep – 2
The purpose of our carnivals is to determine which Sports House has the best participation and strongest spirit while providing a safe and fun environment for students to test their fitness. Students have an opportunity to run/walk individually or with a friend in order to finish the race.
Events:
- Prep – one lap of oval
- Year 1 and 2 – two laps of oval
- 8 year olds – 1km course (approximately)
- 9 and 10 year olds – 2km course (approximately)
- 11 and 12 year olds – 3km course (approximately)
It is important students bring their hat, water bottle and sunscreen on the day. Students need to wear their school sports uniform and appropriate shoes for running.
Carnivals provide a great opportunity for students to learn the importance of striving to do their best, even if they don’t receive a winning place. By joining in, students are showing team spirit and collecting points for their team, so we look forward to all our students participating.
In the lead up the Cross Country Carnivals, students have the opportunity to practice at lunch time and throughout the week with their classroom teachers. I am also offering training sessions for students in Years 3 – 6 on Tuesday at lunchtime on the bottom oval. Next week, all students will be allocated a time to walk / run the course, so they are familiar with the track.
Look forward to seeing you there to cheer on all of our runners!










We hope everyone is safe and had minimal damage to property following the rollercoaster of the past week with Cyclone Alfred.
Movie Night – Postponed - New date - Friday 9 May
Due to the ongoing effects of Cyclone Alfred, Movie Night has been postponed to Friday 9 May to ensure our oval is dry and ready for this fun community event. Save the date now! More details to come including confirmation of start time and food truck options.
Next P&C meeting – new members are welcome!
Week 8 = Tuesday 18 March.
Come along to have your say in fundraising events and supporting the school. 6:30pm start in the Administration block. Attend in person at school or online. Contact the P&C for any queries: enquiries@tingalpasspandc.com.au
Don’t forget Crazy Sock Day coming up on Friday 21 March. Bring your gold coin donation for the Year 6 graduation.
Stay up-to-date with our Facebook page:
Be sure to follow our Facebook page “Tingalpa State School P & C” to stay up to date with events and news!
Join Our P&C Volunteer Team
The P&C organises a number of events throughout the year, including Bastille Day, Mothers and Fathers day stall, Colour fun run and more.
We always need extra hands to keep our P&C events and fundraisers running smoothly, so check out our recent Facebook post calling for volunteers. Even if you can only spare an hour or help with one activity, your time will make a world of difference. Come join the fun, make new friends, and help make a positive impact in our school community! Please email: enquiries@tingalpasspandc.com.au to get involved today.
TERM 1 EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Below is a list of external providers for our extra-curricular activities for Term 1. If you wish to enrol your child in any of these activities please contact the provider directly.
Please note siblings are not to be left unsupervised whilst one child is engaged in an activity and children are not to access playgrounds, classrooms, hall foyer, staircases, library, OSHC activities whilst these programs are running.
Your cooperation in this manner is appreciated.
Speech and Drama.
Places exist for Term One. Prep – Year 6 – Two separate classes. FRIDAY 7.45am.
If your child loves to perform and you would like your child trained by qualified performing artists, this is the class for you. Held on Fridays 7:45am in the hall. Preps and Year 1s are escorted to class straight after the lesson.
A great program to help boost communication skills. This year our show is entitled Heroes and Villains.
All children this year receive a trophy, a professional headshot and will perform in December in their own show at Wynnum.
Enrol now – www.ltkspeechanddrama.com.au



















