Attendance Cup and end of term pizza party criteria
At Beaudesert State School, we recognise and celebrate classes with outstanding attendance each week because we know that every day at school matters. Regular attendance supports academic achievement, builds positive friendships and helps students feel connected to their learning and school community.
While we encourage students to attend school every day they are well, we also recognise the importance of keeping children at home when they are unwell. This helps support their recovery and prevents illness from spreading to other students and staff.
Our weekly attendance award is about promoting the importance of regular attendance when students are healthy and able to learn.
HOW ARE FREE DRESS DAYS SELECTED?
At the beginning of each year, our Student Leadership Team works with me to plan a range of fun events for the school calendar, including Free Dress Days. Students select from a bank of themed dress-up days, with the leadership team determining the order throughout the year. A long-standing school tradition is dressing in our favourite State of Origin colours for Game 1 of the State of Origin series.
WHAT ARE GOLD COIN DONATIONS USED FOR?
Each year we hold a Year 6 Social as a farewell celebration for our graduating students. This event is separate from the Year 6 Awards and Graduation Ceremony. Funds raised through Free Dress Days, together with the generous support of our P&C, help offset costs and keep the event affordable for families.
WHAT SPORTING EVENTS DO EACH YEAR LEVEL PARTICIPATE IN?
Prep to Year 2 students participate in our Prep–Year 2 Sports Day, which includes a 50-metre sprint, house ball games and a lap-a-thon. The lap-a-thon is our junior version of Cross Country and includes a range of fun obstacles designed to combine physical activity with enjoyment.
Students in Years 3–6 participate in our annual Cross Country Carnival and Athletics Carnival. Athletics events are organised by students' age groups rather than year levels, meaning students may compete alongside peers from different year levels.
Our Swimming Carnival is traditionally held later in the year. As this falls during storm season, weather conditions occasionally impact the event. If the carnival cannot proceed, students are able to submit qualifying times directly to our HPE teacher.
These events form part of our school's 'Big Three' sporting carnivals: Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country. Eligible students from each carnival may be selected to represent Beaudesert State School at Pacific District events.
WHAT REPRESENTATIVE SPORTING OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE TO STUDENTS?
Throughout the year, our HPE teacher, Mr Ed Brimelow, shares representative sporting trial information and age eligibility requirements via Audiri. Parents can then contact Mr Brimelow directly for nomination details and further information.
Our school participates in the annual Kingfisher Cup interschool sporting competition for Year 5 and 6 students. Sports currently include Rugby League and Netball, with teams being co-educational. As representative sport is a non-curricular activity, students are expected to meet behaviour and attendance expectations to be eligible for participation.
This year, Beaudesert State School also hosted a Year 3 and 4 Soccer Carnival involving local schools. The same behaviour and attendance expectations applied, with the majority of interested students meeting the criteria and participating.
Towards the end of Term 3, we will conduct school-based trials in partnership with Australian Futsal for Under 9, Under 10, Under 11 and Under 12 teams to compete in the inaugural Scenic Rim Country School Cup on 10–11 November at Mt Warren Park Indoor Sports Centre. Mr Brimelow and I will work alongside students to prepare for this competition, with further information about trials to be shared later this term.
WHY ARE SPORTING EVENTS HELD AT CERTAIN TIMES OF THE YEAR?
School sporting events are scheduled to align with the Pacific District calendar. This allows eligible students to progress through district, regional, state and, potentially, national representative pathways.
WHY DOES THE SCHOOL INVEST IN BEFORE-SCHOOL SPORTING PROGRAMS?
Our school has strong partnerships with NRL, AFL and Brisbane Roar, as well as a developing partnership with Australian Futsal. These partnerships provide additional opportunities for students from Prep to Year 6 to participate in organised sport before school.
Participation in these programs can also lead to unique experiences, including opportunities to accompany professional teams onto the field or participate in halftime activities at major sporting venues. Families involved in these programs are often among the first to hear about such opportunities.
Every three years, communities across Australia participate in the Australian Early Development Census (AEDC). This data helps schools and communities understand how children are developing before commencing formal schooling. The most recent AEDC results identified Physical Health and Wellbeing as an area requiring additional support within our local community. This is one of the reasons Beaudesert State School continues to invest in quality sporting programs, physical activity opportunities and healthy lifestyle initiatives.
WHAT ABOUT THE ARTS AND LANGUAGES?
Each year, our Arts teacher leads a whole-school Arts Showcase during Term 3. This year we are aiming to align the event with Parent-Teacher Interviews to provide greater convenience for working families. Further details will be shared next term.
Our Instrumental Music teachers also host concerts throughout the year to showcase the talents of our students. Semester 2 concert dates will be released shortly.
This year, we are also working with Kyoai Gakuen Junior High School from Japan on a study tour to Beaudesert. Students will have opportunities to host visiting students in their classrooms and learn more about Japanese culture. Later in the year, our Year 6 students will participate in our annual Japanese Day, celebrating their years of learning with Sensei Becerra.
CAN WE HAVE A TINA STREET PARENT DROP-OFF ZONE?
Our P&C is currently working with local council representatives and parliamentary members to advocate for funding for a dedicated Tina Street drop-off zone. As this project requires external funding and approvals, it is a lengthy process. Updates are regularly discussed at P&C meetings, and all families are welcome to attend and support this initiative.
WHEN CAN THE ARTHUR STREET PARENT CAR PARK BE UPGRADED?
I have been advocating for improvements to this space with our South East Regional Facilities team for several years. Ultimately, any upgrade is dependent on external funding. I will continue to work with regional teams and advocate alongside our community for improvements to this area.
HOW CAN WE GET A HIGHER BOUNDARY FENCE?
Over the past 12 months, I have continued to work with the School Security Team to report and monitor unauthorised access to our site. Decisions regarding school security infrastructure are based on assessed risk levels across the state. We will continue to document and report incidents while advocating for the needs of our school community.
I'D LIKE TO SEE ADDITIONAL FUNDRAISING EVENTS. HOW CAN THIS HAPPEN?
Outside of major Chappy fundraising events, our P&C coordinates fundraising initiatives including Easter and Christmas raffles, Subway Days, Mother's Day and Father's Day stalls, and this year's pie drive.
These events require significant volunteer support, and we are fortunate to have a small but highly dedicated P&C working hard for our students. If you would like to see additional fundraising opportunities, I encourage you to attend a P&C meeting and become involved in helping bring new ideas to life.