Term 2 - 2025 Week 8 Newsletter

Message from our Principal Dr. Mark Ionn

The Big Transition

As part of our recent reconfiguration of two distinct precincts, Year 3 students transition into the senior school halfway through the year, intentionally integrating Year 3 students into the older cohort early on, easing the transition and helping students feel part of a larger, supportive community.

Celebrating the transition for the Junior School, Prep to Year 2 students created a guard of honour. Ushering these students into the senior cohort, students used the school’s proud tradition of the Wynnum War Cry as a powerful tool to foster connection, confidence, and community. This strategy aligns closely with educator Doug Fisher’s influential work on belonging and its impact on student engagement and success.

Central to this integration is the Wynnum War Cry—a spirited chant that embodies the school’s values, pride, and unity. Year 3 students join the upper primary students in learning and performing the War Cry, an experience that goes beyond ritual:

• Shared Identity: Participating in the transition gives Year 3 students a sense of belonging to the whole school community, symbolizing their entry into the upper primary ‘family.’
• Building Relationships: Through joint rehearsals and performances, younger students form friendships and mentorships with older peers.
• Fostering Pride and Confidence: The collective energy and tradition reinforce students’ self-esteem and motivation.

This shared experience creates a bridge between cohorts, making the transition less daunting and more celebratory.

Community Safety

I want to make you aware of a recent incident reported in our broader school community involving an adult reportedly following a student from another local school. While this did not directly involve a student from our school, we take this matter very seriously and are working closely with police to ensure the safety of all students in our community.

As always, student safety is our highest priority. We are reminding our staff and students to remain vigilant, and we encourage all families to review personal safety practices with their children, especially when walking to and from school. Please remind your children to:

· Travel in groups when possible.

· Avoid talking to strangers or accepting rides from anyone they do not know.

· Report any suspicious behaviour to a trusted adult immediately.

We will continue to monitor the situation and share any updates as appropriate. If you or your child sees anything concerning, please report it to the school office or directly to police.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership in keeping our school community safe.

PBL Focus Week 9&10

Wynnum State School’s weeks 9 & 10 PBL focus is ‘We are safe when we keep our hands and feet to ourselves.’

Prep - Year 3 Celebration of Learning

Library Matters with Mrs Sutton & the Library Team

Readers’ Cup Challenge Update

In less than a week, our two very well-prepared Year 5 and Year 6 teams, contest alongside other schools in our region, for the highly prized Reader’s Cup.  This year the event is being held at Manly SS on Thursday the 19th of June.  We wish our Wynnum Warriors well and look forward to sharing news of their experience in our final newsletter of the term.

Wynnum Library holiday fun…

On Saturday 28 June 2025, Brisbane City Council Libraries are commencing the Gold Star Reading Club for children aged 6-12 and for our little ones, a companion program, the Little Stars Reading Club will also be running from 28 June for children aged 0-5.

The Gold Star Reading Club program is designed to encourage and develop reading and literacy skills in children. Brisbane City Council Libraries Gold Star Reading Club

The Gold Star Reading Club is designed to encourage and develop reading and literacy skills in children.

There are four great reasons for children to get involved in the 2025 Gold Star Reading Club.

1. Membership to the Gold Star Reading Club is FREE!
2. The Gold Star Reading Club can help children improve their reading and literacy skills.
3. Children will be rewarded for their reading efforts with a medallion and certificate of achievement.
4. It’s FUN! Children will have fun sharing their reading experiences with family and friends.

How the program works – it’s easy and free!

• The Gold Star Reading Club is a 2-month program for children aged 6-12 years.
• From 28 June, register for the Gold Star Reading Club online at brisbane.qld.gov.au/libraries or at your local library. Your child must be a library member to join Gold Star – signing up for library membership only takes a couple of minutes and is free. Each child’s parent or guardian must bring photo identification or proof of signature and proof of their address to any Council library, and you and your child can become library members in a matter of minutes. It’s that easy.
• From 28 June 2025, Gold Star members can visit their local library to collect a Gold Star Reading Club reading map.
• By reading for just 10 minutes each day and completing the 10 reading challenges (you’ll receive a gold star for every challenge you complete!), you will earn a medallion and certificate of achievement to be awarded at your local Gold Star Reading Club awards ceremony.

For more information about the Gold Star Reading Club, visit your local library or call Council on (07) 3403 8888.

You may also be interested in booking for the last week of school or the school holidays, tickets to the live show of the book ‘Imagine’ by Alison Lester.  Suitable for ages 4-12, the show is being performed at the Redland Performing Arts Centre.

Just keep reading…

P-3 Science with Mrs Crowe

Year Two and Three students are currently learning about the properties of solids and liquids. They explored changes that occur when substances are combined in mixtures (Year Two) or go through a melting or freezing process (Year Three).

Year Three observed and recorded changes after melting candle wax, chocolate and ice. Year Two investigated ‘Cornflour Dough’. This acts like a solid and liquid at the same time! You can hit it quickly and it is hard as a rock but touch it slowly and it feels and acts just like water. So much questioning and problem-solving and scientific thinking was activated by simply putting hands into this mixture in different ways!

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Preps investigated “waterproof or absorbent” as they observed a variety of materials being exposed to water. Our little scientists eagerly made predictions about which material would be ‘absorbent’ or ‘waterproof’.

Happy sounds of wonderment and awe were bouncing off the walls of the Science Lab as blue water was sprayed over their chosen items! Materials were matched to word cards ‘absorbent’ and ‘waterproof’ when tested in two ways. Extremely important for young scientists to use and see actual scientific words in print.

‘Minds (and Hands) On’ investigations are vitally important for children from Prep to Year Three. Using every sense throughout learning investigations provides very powerful stimulation for the brain. Strong connections are built in the brain which enables children to retain more of all their learning.

The P-3 Science Lab is a weekly investigative ‘Minds On’ interactive time that builds your child’s brain connections which supports the learning in their home class.

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Senior Athletics Carnival (Years 4-6) - Tuesday 17 June

Please see the schedule below for our upcoming Senior Athletics Carnival!

Families are welcome to come along and cheer on our Wynnum Warriors!

Please note: Schedule times are approximate and may be subject to change throughout the day.

Junior Athletics Carnival (Years Prep-3) - Friday 20 June

Please see the schedule below for our upcoming Junior Athletics Carnival!

Families are welcome to come along and cheer on our Wynnum Warriors!

Please note: Schedule times are approximate and may be subject to change throughout the day.

PBL Token Rewards in Action!

You may have heard our Wynnum Warriors excitedly chatting about tokens lately! Our whole school Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) token system is in full swing, and staff are on the lookout for students showing our school expectations: Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be Responsible. 

Students earn tokens for positive behaviour, which are collected in class.  Individual students receive a special reward when they receive 20 tokens, and classes earn a group reward when they fill their token container. During our student-led PBL assemblies, certificates are awarded to students who consistently demonstrate the fortnightly focus. These students are nominated and voted for by their classmates, making the recognition especially meaningful.

This week, our focus is on Being Safe when we transition quietly, safely and promptly. Staff are always watching for Wynnum Warriors who are demonstrating this throughout the day.

Keep up the great work!

Sports Report with Mr Blair

Congratulations to Evie D who competed in the state trials for AFL. Her team competed in seven separate games and played in the bronze medal match ultimately finishing 4^th. Congratulations to you Evie!

Recently at the Regionals Futsal competition, Wynnum State School sent two teams: One U12 boys and one U12 girls to compete in Nissan Arena.

There was fierce competition, and both teams did very well – trying hard in all their games. But notably the girls' teams went one step further, winning their semi-final and qualifying for the grand final! They fought long and hard but eventually lost but did themselves proud. See them pictured with their runners up medal. We will hear about their next steps as they have qualified for the next stage in the competition so training will re-start leading up to July.  

A special thanks to Shannon Cousins who helped oversee the organisation of this event giving our Wynnum warriors lasting memories. 

Guidance Officer Message with Nathaly Manning

Dear Families,

We’d like to take a moment to remind our school community about the importance of personal safety, following a recent incident reported in the broader school area involving a concerning situation where a student from another local school was followed by an unknown adult.

Student safety and wellbeing remains at the heart of everything we do. We work alongside local authorities and continue to remind students to stay aware of their surroundings, particularly when travelling to and from school. Families play a key role in these conversations, and we encourage you to revisit personal safety strategies with your child at home.

Here are some practical ways you can help your child feel more confident and prepared when they’re out and about:

• Talk about staying close to friends or siblings, especially when travelling to and from school.
• Help them plan safe routes and identify places they can go if they need help (e.g., a shop, school, or known neighbour).
• Remind them to trust their instincts—if something feels wrong or uncomfortable, it probably is.
• Make it clear they should never go anywhere with someone they don’t know, even if the person seems friendly.
• Reinforce that they can always come to you or another trusted adult if they see or hear anything that makes them feel uneasy.

This is also a timely opportunity to have conversations with your child about protective behaviours. These are everyday skills that help children understand their right to feel safe, how to identify when something feels wrong or uncomfortable, and what they can do to get help. Teaching children that they can say no, trust their feelings, and seek support is a powerful way to build confidence and resilience.

If you or your child ever sees or hears something that doesn’t feel right, please don’t hesitate to reach out – either to our school team or directly to the police.

As always, if your child or family needs support, below are some services to keep in your contact list should you need support at home:

• Police / Ambulance – 000 (emergency)
• Lifeline provides 24hr telephone counselling for people in crisis or emotional distress on 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline is a free 24hr counselling service for Australian kids and young people 1800 55 1800
• Parentline provides confidential counselling for parents, from 8am-10pm, 7 days a week 1300 301 300

Take care,

Nathaly Manning

(Guidance Officer)

Wellbeing Connection Term 3

In Term 3, all students in Years 4, 5 and 6 will take part in our Wellbeing Connection program, held every Friday afternoon from Week 5 to Week 10. This five-week program is a wonderful opportunity for students to take responsible risks, apply past knowledge to new situations, and think independently while engaging in a range of fun and meaningful activities.

Each student will be asked to select three preferred activities and will be placed into one of them based on availability.   It is the student’s responsibility to come home and discuss their preferences with you. Some activities are free, while others involve a cost. Invoices for paid activities need to be settled prior to the program commencing.  

Please see activities below & their approximate cost:

Toilet Use Reminder

We kindly ask for your support in reminding students about respectful behaviour when using the school toilets. Unfortunately, we’ve noticed an increase in mess and misuse of the facilities. Please talk with your child about the importance of leaving the toilets clean and tidy for others and using them in a respectful and responsible way.

Thank you for helping us keep our school a clean and safe environment for everyone.

School Jumper Reminder

As the cooler months settle in, we’ve noticed an increase in students wearing non-uniform jumpers to school. We would like like to remind families that students are required to wear the official Wynnum State School jumper as part of the uniform policy.

Wearing the correct uniform helps promote a sense of belonging, pride, and equality among students. It also ensures consistency and supports the standards we set as a school community.

If your child has misplaced or outgrown their school jumper, please contact the uniform shop as soon as possible to arrange a replacement. 

Thank you for helping us uphold our uniform expectations.

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

In August every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005.

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability. This data will inform the resourcing provided to schools to support children with disabilities.

The data collection process will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured.

Further information about the NCCD can be found at https://www.nccd.edu.au/wider-support-materials/what-nccd

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the school.

Psychology Support Available – GRIFFTH UNIVERSITY

The Griffith University Psychology Clinic located at Mt Gravatt is currently taking on new clients for Therapy, Assessments and Group programs. 

Families would have access to affordable services provided by provisionally registered psychologists working under supervised practice. 

There is no need to have a doctor's referral to access services, simply contact the clinic via phone 1800 188 295, email psych-clinic@griffith.edu.au or online enquiry form Griffith Health Clinics - bookings and enquiry form.

Upper Precinct Assembly Snaps

Wynnum Idol - Grand Final

Get dressed in your comfy PJs for the most incredible performances at Wynnum Idol 2025! On Friday, 27 June, Wynnum Idol finalists will get to share their amazing talents with the whole school! 

Student Council are running a raffle, where students can win VIP seating for the entire performance.  There will be 3 winners drawn and each winner can pick 1 friend each to join them in the VIP area. Students can purchase tickets in MEGA from Week 9.  Tickets only cost $0.50 each or 3 tickets for $1.

Parents and families are welcome to join us in MEGA from 11.15am - 12.45pm.

Best of luck to all finalists!

Annabelle, Keeyo and Sammie

Student Council

Pyjama Day 2025

Pyjama Day is coming up very soon. On the last day of Term 2, Friday 27 June, we will be having the most comfortable end of term of the year. All teachers and students are invited to come to school in their coziest pyjamas, onesies or oodies. Not only do we get to watch the amazing finalists of Wynnum Idol, we get to watch them in our nighties!

For all the fun, it costs only a single gold coin donation! The raised money gets donated to the Pyjama Day Foundation, which was founded in 2004 to provide children in care with a world full of unlimited opportunity. The foundation gives children another chance in life, they help raise funds and awareness for children in foster care.

We hope to see you all in your wonderful pyjamas.

Gabby, Zoe, Thomas, James, Michael, Billy and Jake

(on behalf of Student Council)

Student News

On Wednesday, 18 June (Week 9), the Student Council will be hosting a fundraiser called ‘The Decider’. 

The date coincides with the second game of State of Origin and students are invited to dress up. But not just in their State of Origin uniforms, students can dress up in any of their favourite sport/code uniforms, including e-sports. 

All that is required is that students bring a gold coin donation and that the clothes are sun safe. 

Monies raised will go towards our end of year Give Back Day/Gift to the School.  

David 

On behalf of Student Council 

2026 Prep Enrolment's Open Now!

P&C News

🐬🐙 Calling all Sea Scholars - Under the Sea Trivia awaits! Our BIGGEST Fundraising event of the year. Let's the games be-gill ✨🌊🦑

https://events.humanitix.com/wss-trivia-night-2025-under-the-sea?fbclid=IwY2xjawK8X6VleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHh4-hYWLA6lquENz5eGihUidyG1bYHwykkzcPX5Mcw1UTQJsW5PDT9_INaPz_aem_DdMVk9WaQcsTmMyjYRWZ-w

From our PCYC

Qparents

Have you downloaded the Qparents app?

QParents is a secure, online portal that has been created to provide parents/carers of Queensland state school students with 24-hour access to their child's information.

Qparents allows you to securely access information about your child and communicate directly with your child's school.

Features of Qparents:

• attendance details
• report cards
• invoices
• payment history
• excursion permissions

Currently we have roughly 80 percent of parents/carers on Qparents. If you haven’t already made an account with Qparents, new invitation codes have been emailed home this week. 

For any additional questions, feel free to contact the school office at 3893 5111 or visit our administrative team in person, who will be happy to assist you with the setup.

School Facebook Page

Please visit the page via this link https://www.facebook.com/WynnumStateSchool  and click Like!

School Bus Services

Reminder that we have a bus service that runs from Wynnum State School. Below is a link to both services.

https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/timetables/bus/T/815

https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/timetables/bus/t/819/outbound/2022-05-31

A Go Card will need to be purchased to be able to utilise this Translink bus service. The following link lists retail outlets of where to purchase a Go card https://translink.com.au/tickets-and-fares/go-card/locations 

Community News