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
- NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS STORYTIME
- AUSTRALIA'S BIGGEST MORNING TEA
- LUNCH TIME ACTIVITIES - COLOURING AND CRAFT
- UNDER 8s DAY
- TUCKSHOP & UNIFORM NEWS
- P&C NEWS
- OSHC- CAMP AUSTRALIA
- COMMUNITY NEWS
Date Claimers – Term 2 2025
|
Event |
Date |
|
Under 8’s Event – 9:00 - 11:00am |
23 May 2025 |
|
National Sorry Day |
26 May 2025 |
|
Lemonade Kids session – Year 3 and 4 |
28 May 2025 |
|
1, 2, 3 Magic Parent Program 9:00 - 10:30am |
4 June 2025 11 June 2025 25 June 2025 |
|
P&C Meeting 6:30pm |
10 June 2025 |
|
Monty's Colour Fun Run |
13 June 2025 |
|
Senior Athletics Day |
18 June 2025 |
|
Year 4 excursion - Mangroves |
19 June 2025 |
|
Year 1 excursion - Habitat Heroes |
20 June 2025 |
|
Frozen Friday - P&C Year 6 Graduation fundraising |
20 June 2025 |
|
Junior Athletics Event 9:00 – 11:00am |
24 June 2025 |
|
Report Cards emailed |
24 June 2025 |
|
Crazy Hair Day - P&C Year 6 Graduation fundraising |
27 June 2025 |
|
Last day of Term 2 |
27 June 2025 |
It is hard to believe we are half way through our term. The community enjoyed the Family Movie Night on the 9 May and I would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the P&C for organising this event. It was great to see so many families come along and the weather was kind to us with the rain holding off until near the end. Thank you also for the Mother's Day stall and Democracy Sausage BBQ volunteers. We appreciate all the P&C do for us as we approach National P&C Day.
We are now looking forward to Monty’s Colour Fun Run on the 13 June. The school community have been doing an outstanding job with fundraising so far and are ensuring the completion of our playground development.
Thank you to everyone for your patience and support with the changes to movement around the school during the playground construction.




The sandstone blocks were delivered this afternoon and all the topsoil has been removed from site in preparation for the start of construction.
School Jumpers
The cooler mornings have started. Please ensure your children are wearing correct jumpers or jackets at school, royal blue without any print. Please also ensure your child’s name is on their jumper, so it can be returned if lost.
National Sorry Day – 26 May 2025
Every year on 26 May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’.
National Sorry Day is a day to acknowledge the strength of Stolen Generations Survivors and reflect on how we can all play a part in the healing process for our people and nation. While this date carries great significance for the Stolen Generations and other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, it is also commemorated by Australians right around the country.
Today, twenty-three years after the Bringing Them Home report and twelve years since the National Apology, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children are still 10.6 times more likely than non-Indigenous children to be removed from their families.
We cannot begin to fix the problems of the present without accepting the truth of our history. Sorry Day asks us to acknowledge the Stolen Generations, and in doing so, reminds us that historical injustice is still an ongoing source of intergenerational trauma for Aboriginal and Torres Islander families, communities, and peoples.
For more information on National Sorry Day, go to the Healing Foundation website or at the Reconciliation Australia website.
P & C Day
P & C Day occurs each year during National Volunteer Week 19 – 25 May.
P & C Day is time for our school community to celebrate the incredible contribution of parents/carers and community volunteers that make up Tingalpa State School P & C.
We encourage everyone to recognise the effort, time and energy parents and carers put into enriching and benefitting students' lives and school environments. Their achievements over the last year include:
- Community communication through the Tingalpa State School P & C Facebook page and school newsletter
- Family Movie Night
- Containers for Change
- Bastille Day Breakfast
- Mother’s and Father’s Day stalls
- Assisting the school to upgrade playgrounds
- Supporting families in need
- Supporting school extra-curricular activities and
- and many more amazing supports for our school community.
P&C Day provides an opportunity to celebrate these outstanding contributions and say thank you for the value you add to the Tingalpa State School community.
Chappy Week 2025
This year, National Chaplaincy Week will be held 1 – 8 June 2025. This is an annual event, hosted by SU Australia, to celebrate and thank school chaplains, and to raise awareness of their work and the support they provide to students and schools.
More than 1,029 schools across Australia have a school chaplain by choice. There are chaplains working in primary schools, secondary schools, special schools, early childhood, and universities across the country.
All chaplains are trained to the government’s required standard of a Certificate IV in Youth Work or similar. However, 79% of chaplains hold higher qualifications in diplomas, bachelors and postgraduate degrees.
We are fortunate to have Chappy Lynda at our school and would like to recognise the positive and powerful difference she makes in the lives of so many of our students and their families. Thank you Chappy Lynda.
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 - Cooperation and Effort
Kind regards,
Donna
Requests for School to Complete Paperwork for External Services
When families engage with external services, they may request that school staff—often classroom teachers—complete paperwork or provide observation notes. While our school is committed to supporting students and families, we kindly ask that families are mindful of the time required to fulfill these requests.
Please note:
The school's policy is to require a minimum of four weeks’ notice for the completion of any paperwork or observation notes by school staff. This timeframe allows us to give each request the attention and accuracy it deserves. These tasks are carried out, outside of regular teaching hours and often involve collaboration between multiple staff members.
To support the process, please ensure that when you submit a request, you include the relevant line manager for your student:
- Prep & Years 5–6: Jane Klose — jklos3@eq.edu.au
- Years 1–2: Denise Poplawski — dpopl2@eq.edu.au
- Years 3–4: Jessica Murray — jhang9@eq.edu.au
School Process for Completing External Paperwork or Observation Requests:
- Initial review by the Student Support Team.
- Allocated time for staff to complete the request.
- Collaboration between classroom teachers and support staff (after initial documentation is prepared).
- Final review by the leadership team.
- Release of documentation to families.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. This process ensures high-quality, accurate information is provided in support of your child’s needs, while also respecting the workload and responsibilities of our teaching staff.
Report Cards
Report Cards will be emailed home on Tuesday 24 June 2025. Emailing report cards has a significant impact on the environmental footprint of the school by reducing printing and paper usage.
To ensure that parents/carers receive their child’s report card we need to update family contact details. If your contact details have changed, please contact the school office. Where students reside in two homes, it is important that all family members have the correct information listed with the school, so both parents/carers will receive a report card via email.
To ensure you receive your child’s report card, please add the following email to your safe senders list so the report card email isn’t sent to your Junk folder.
Application.ONESCHOOL@dete.qld.gov.au
Wynnum and Manly Music Workshop (WAMM)
On Thursday, 15 May, our junior instrumental students attended the annual WAMM Mini Workshop hosted at Wynnum State High School, alongside students from Lota and Wondall Heights schools.
The day began with all students learning and singing the WAMM song, followed by a range of engaging activities including conducting practice and a creative twist on audience etiquette—applauding with their feet, since many hands were busy holding instruments! Each section of the band was supported by a specialist tutor, providing students with valuable guidance and expert instruction.
Throughout the day, students worked on their musical literacy, technique, and performance etiquette. They also had the chance to connect with peers, forging new friendships as they collaborated with the student beside them.
The workshop was led by the dynamic conductor Rachel Howley, who motivated the group with energy and humour—offering “eternal glory” and even extra movie time as a reward for keeping time. The Star Theatre erupted with cheers when the extra movie time was won! Due to the wet condition of the oval, students were treated to Minions 4 during breaks, which added a fun and relaxed touch to the day.
Over the course of the workshop, students learned, rehearsed, and performed four different pieces of music. The event concluded with a concert that included a special performance by the Wynnum State High School junior band—many of whom are proud WAMM alumni.
Congratulations to our junior band students for their enthusiasm, hard work, and wonderful performance. The smiles and applause from the audience reflected the pride of many families in attendance.
A heartfelt thank you to Mrs Finlay and Miss Lisa for accompanying and supporting our young musicians throughout the day.



















Brisbane Bayside State College Arts Excellence Day
Brisbane Bayside State College will be hosting its annual Arts Excellence Day on Wednesday, 28 May 2025.
Students were invited to apply for this exciting opportunity by collecting a flyer from the office or by having their parents complete the online form linked in a previous newsletter. During the day, participating students will engage in one discipline within The Arts that they are passionate about, choosing from:
- Visual Art
- Dance
- Drama
- Instrumental Music
The program will run from 9:00am to 3:30pm, with a special showcase at 3:00pm where families are warmly invited to attend and see what students have learned and created throughout the day.
Please note: This is a Brisbane Bayside State College-run event. Families are responsible for both drop-off and pick-up of students at the college campus. Students will be supervised and supported by Bayside staff throughout the day.
If you have any questions regarding the program, please contact:
Richard Maher - rhmah0@eq.edu.au
Acting Head of Department – The Arts
The Premier's Reading Challenge
The Premier's Reading Challenge is not a competition but a way to encourage students to develop a love of reading for life. Through the challenge children and students are given an opportunity to develop their appreciation of the English language and additional languages and are encouraged to explore and enjoy a wide range of literary texts.
Children and students can participate in the challenge within their school, early childhood centre or as individual readers (home-educated students, students whose schools are not participating in the program or children who are not enrolled in an early childhood centre).
School and individual readers (Prep to Year 9)
For a student to successfully complete the Premier's Reading Challenge they are required to read or experience the number of books indicated below:
- Prep to Year 2—read or experience 20 books.
- Years 3 to 4—read 20 books.
- Years 5 to 9—read 15 books.
Experiencing a book includes classroom or at home activities such as shared reading, listening and reading along with a book, or being read to.
The requirement for Year 5 through to Year 9 students to read 15 books rather than 20 books acknowledges that older students are likely to select longer, more complex books that may take them longer to read.
Students are encouraged to select a range of fiction and non-fiction books suited to their reading ability. While there is no compulsory reading list for the challenge, book lists are available to help
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT - CURRICULUM - Elise Debenham

National Reconciliation Week
Reconciliation Week is held annually from May 27 to June 3, immediately after National Sorry Day. It aims to promote the inclusivity of all our nation's peoples and celebrate the culture of our First Nations people. This year's theme for Reconciliation Week is ‘Bridging Now to Next’. The 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. Bridging Now to Next calls on all Australians to step forward together, to look ahead and continue the push forward as past lessons guide us.
In the National Reconciliation Week 2025 theme, artwork created by Kalkadoon woman Bree Buttenshaw, native plants − which are known for regenerating after fire and thriving through adversity − symbolise our collective strength and the possibilities of renewal. This is a time for growth, reflection, and commitment to walking together.
Activities, which are age-appropriate, have been sent to teachers to complete in classrooms over the coming week. If you would like any further information on National Reconciliation Week 2025, please click on the link provided - https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/
PLD in the upper school
After our Year 3 - 6 teachers attended their PLD (Promoting Literacy Development) training at the beginning of the term, it has been amazing to see how each of our classrooms have been embedding PLD into their daily routines. Students are working on high frequency words, dictation passages, vocabulary, word meanings, spelling rules and syllabification of words.
The high frequency words are taught through an evidence-based approach, aligned with the Science of Reading, which sequences these words and also teaches irregular high frequency words using the heart word method. As you can see in the photos, each sound of the irregular words is taught to students through a precise teaching method to ensure understanding.












Year 1C Math
Throughout the term so far, students in 1C have been demonstrating how one and two-digit numbers can be partitioned in different ways. The students have been using real world examples including animal legs to work on calculating the number of legs and then demonstrating their knowledge of standard and non-standard partitioning. Georgia and Edward were very proud to share their standard and non-standard partitioning with me.










Year 4/5 English
This term our 4/5 students are creating digital news reports or podcasts to review different books they are reading in class. Students have been reading texts by Jackie French including Flood, Cyclone and Fire. They are learning to interact with others and listen to and create podcasts or news reports for their peers. As you can see in the images below, students have started writing their own scripts to review a given text.











Prep/1A Media
Students in Prep/1A are learning about the fundamental skills of using technology and safe internet procedures. They are learning to logon, access online interactives to develop safe online practices and learn basic computer skills including click, double click, scroll, drag and drop and creating sound. Today when I visited, it was amazing to see the students using their mouse to scroll, click and drag and drop to play multiple games working on both their fine motor skills as well as their technology skills.








Term 3 Excursions and Incursions
|
Under 8’s Day |
Friday 23 May |
|
Lemonade Kids (Year 3 and 4) |
Wednesday 28 May |
|
Mangroves & Environment (Year 4) |
Thursday 19 June |
|
Readers Cup |
Thursday 19 June |
|
Habitat Heroes (Year 1) |
Friday 20 June |
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT - French Bilingual Program - Emma Van Cuylenberg
AAFEBS reading competition – Leve ta voix
Congratulations to Elya, Gabriel and Nina who will be participating in the “Leve ta voix” finale for their category next Thursday 29 May.
New resources
We have just received the new resources below which were purchased thanks to the voluntary contributions towards the French Bilingual Program.
From the classrooms
Combining art and French
In 3C, students are reading texts regarding the ocean and created a giant octopus earlier in the term, which they then orally described to the class. A fun project combining art with the learning of new vocabulary and oral presentation skills.




This term the Year 4s are working on their oral presentation skills in French. As part of the project, students researched a famous woman/person, collated the information onto a poster and will do a presentation to the class. I have loved seeing the range of different people students have chosen and look forward to hearing about the presentations.










French Theatre
The Brisbane French Theatre has a new play coming this winter!
“Big news—Brisbane French Theatre is making its long-awaited return!
Mark your calendars for 19, 20, and 21 June 2025 for a full-scale theatre production performed entirely in French, with English subtitles projected above the stage: Du foie gras sous le sapin (“Eat your heart out”)
It’s been nearly three years since our last big show, and we’re beyond excited to bring you an unforgettable night of French theatre.”
More info and bookings on their website: https://brisbanefrenchtheatre.org/whats-on/
NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS STORYTIME
Mrs Pop had a captive audience in the library yesterday, Wednesday 21 May for the reading of The Truck Cat during the National Simultaneous Storytime event.
Every year a picture book, written and illustrated by an Australian author and illustrator, is read simultaneously in libraries, schools, pre-schools, childcare centres, family homes, bookshops and many other places around the country. Now in its 25th successful year, it is a colourful, vibrant, fun event that aims to promote the value of reading and literacy, using an Australian children's book that explores age-appropriate themes, and addresses key learning areas of the National Curriculum for Foundation to Year 6.
AUSTRALIA'S BIGGEST MORNING TEA
Thank you to Mrs Carr for organising our annual Australia's Biggest Morning Tea again this year. This is the eighth year that Tingalpa State School has participated in the event. Every year staff get together to share morning tea and to raise money for a cause close to all our hearts. In conjunction with the morning tea, Mrs Grimes has hosted the Clothes Swap again this year. The Cre8 Centre, during lunch breaks, this week has been transformed into a space where staff have donated clothes, swapped clothes or 'bought' clothes. The funds raised will be donated to the Cancer Council. This year we raised $636.
Every day, we support people impacted by cancer when they need it most, speak out on behalf of the community on cancer issues, empower people to reduce their cancer risk, and find new ways to better detect and treat cancer.
The Cancer Council is the largest non-government funder of cancer research in the country, and thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, we have been able to invest almost $250 million in Australian cancer research in the past 5 years alone.
Investment in research has helped increase cancer survival rates from 49% in the 1980s to 71% today. Because of research, more people are surviving cancer than ever before. And every day, brilliant Australian researchers are working to unlock more of cancer’s secrets.




LUNCH TIME ACTIVITIES - COLOURING AND CRAFT
This week, at colouring and craft students dove into a delightful art project inspired by The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister. Using simple paper plates, our young artists transformed everyday materials into bright, colourful, underwater masterpieces!








How exciting, another Breakfast Club is on the way! On Wednesday 28 May from 8:15am to 8:45am we will be serving fresh cut apples and cheesy scones. Please remember all students must be accompanied by an adult before 8:30am. We are also seeking some volunteers to assist with serving the students. Please contact Say in the tuckshop if you are available to assist.
Please remember to update your child’s class on munch monitor before you place an order. In the tuckshop we cannot easily access the student’s information to find out what class they are currently in. A pop-up box will appear as soon as you log in, instead of pressing cancel, update and press accept.
Sadly, we will no longer be stocking fruit salads or veggie sticks with hummus. We have not been selling enough of these items for them to be a viable option and have seen too much waste. We will perhaps trial again in the warmer months.
What a week! A few thank you’s!
A big thank you to all our volunteers and supporters involved in Movie Night, Mother's Day stall and the Democracy Sausage BBQ.
These P&C events support our school community and raise money for important projects, such as the new playground, cold water bubblers, and school equipment.
We hope all the Mothers and Mother figures enjoyed their special gifts chosen with care by the children at the Mothers Day Stall.
Another round of applause and thank you to our Platinum Sponsor for Movie Night Scott Auer Real Estate. Scott’s continued support of our school, and Movie Night means we can host free events like movie night for the whole community to enjoy. Thank you for the raffle prizes Scott – there were a couple of very happy children and adults who won Jungle passes, a Lemoni restaurant voucher or a bottle of Veuve Clicquot.
Thank you also to our two GOLD sponsors for movie night
https://www.onelittleday.com.au
and Pendergast Architects











Monty’s Colour Fun Run
Friday 13 June 1:50 - 3:00pm
Our fundraising goal this year is $64, 286. We have raised $12 083 so far.
Every time we reach a new milestone of funds raised, another teacher or staff member will be on the list to be Slimed! Mrs Grimes and Miss I are first up with another teacher to be slimed at $20 000. Watch this space!!
All funds raised from this event are going to the creation of the amazing new Junior Playground. In addition, students can choose between supporting a Care for a Cause, or Incentive Prizes.














Bastille Day
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Champion de la Communication
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Prepare and send coms ahead of and after the event
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Prepare event posters and presentation for the event
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Prepare thank yous and post event communication/recap
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Responsable sponsors - Sponsorship
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Source prizes and donations from potential sponsors (we have a list to help)
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Organise raffle online on Raffletix
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Organise prize draws during the event
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Distribute prizes after the event
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Activites et divertissement - Entertainment Extraordinaire
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Establish a theme for the event
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Coordinate with school decorations and activities based on the theme for all classes to participate ahead of the event
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Depending on sponsorship sourced see what entertainment and other contents can be delivered during the event
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Coordinate activities on the day for the community - French photobooth, Kids costume parade, Decorations, prizes, etc
SPOTLIGHT on the P&C
This new segment will introduce you to our P&C executive, P&C members and our superstar volunteers. Each newsletter we will introduce you to a different person.
This week is our superstar volunteer: Cécile Beugnot
Name: Cécile Beugnot
Volunteer Role/s: Coordinator of the Mother’s & Father’s Day Stalls
Why I decided to volunteer: I first helped out at the 2024 Mother’s Day Stall, just for a couple of hours – and honestly, I was blown away. Seeing the kids' faces light up as they carefully chose gifts for their loved ones and proudly handled their money, completely independently ... it was just adorable! It was such a beautiful, feel-good event. When I heard help was needed to coordinate these events moving forward, I was just happy to contribute.
Children at Tingalpa: A bubbly little girl in 1D!
When I’m not volunteering: Head of Operations in the airlines catering industry; Mom of two energetic girls (aged 3 and 6). The rest of the time? Trying to survive with a smile!
Fun Fact: You’ll probably spot me dancing or singing in my car at the drop-off area – feel free to wave or join in. Adding a bit of fun to the chaos – it’s how I stay sane!
Want to get involved?? Contact secretary@tingalpasspandc.com.au
Next P&C meeting – new members are welcome!
Term 2 Week 8 = Tuesday 10 June
Come along to have your say in fundraising events and supporting the school. 6:30pm start. Attend in person at school or online. Contact the P&C for any queries: enquiries@tingalpasspandc.com.au
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!
Speech and Drama - Vacancies available Term 2
Friday classes 7:45am in the hall.
2 spots left for this year.
Our show this year is about Super Heroes.
If your child loves performing, or if you wish to build up your child’s confidence this is your class.
Two age appropriate classes taught by Speech and Drama teachers.
Trafficquiz
Trafficquiz.com is a free-to use website developed with the aim of spreading awareness regarding traffic rules and road safety rules. Through trafficquiz.com, students can learn and test their knowledge about traffic and road safety rules in an entertaining way, i.e., by playing quizzes. Teachers and parents can also use trafficquiz.com regularly to refresh their knowledge about traffic, road safety, and child safety rules. School bus drivers can also regularly use it to learn and be conscious about following traffic rules. The benefit of being online is that trafficquiz.com can be used anytime, anywhere, on any device.
The links are as follows:
1. For Age group (5 to 9 years):
https://trafficquiz.com/road-safety-quiz-junior-level-1/
2. For Age group (10 to 15 years):


























