Welcome back to what is always a busy and exciting final term of the year! There’s so much to look forward to over the coming weeks — celebrations, excursions, performances, and of course, the final term of primary school for our wonderful Year 6 students. With Christmas just around the corner, it’s sure to be a special and memorable time for everyone.

And how good was that NRL Grand Final — what an incredible achievement by the mighty Brisbane Broncos, with both the men’s and women’s teams taking home the premiership!

Staffing Term 4

We are also delighted to welcome several new and returning staff members to our school community this term:

Krista I’Anson – Deputy Principal (Years 4–6)
Ann Cleal – Business Manager
Ashleigh Forsyth – Languages (Auslan)
Kate O’Shea – Year 2A
Vienna Toohill – Year 1F (Monday–Thursday)
Biancca Corpus-Wynn – Year 1Z
Caitlin Harvey – Prep PE (Thursday) and Year 4R (Wednesday)

We look forward to the wonderful contributions each will make to our school this term.

Respectful Interactions with Staff and Students

At Palm Beach State School, we are committed to maintaining a safe, supportive, and respectful environment for all members of our community. Unfortunately, we have recently experienced a few instances where interactions with staff have not met the standards of respect and courtesy expected within our school. I want to remind all parents and carers that respectful communication with staff is a non-negotiable expectation, as outlined in the Department of Education’s Respectful Behaviour – When Dealing with School Staff policy. Aggressive, intimidating, or disrespectful behaviour towards staff or students will not be tolerated.

Additionally, it is not appropriate for parents to approach or speak directly to other students regarding issues involving their own child. The correct process is to raise any concerns respectfully with your child’s classroom teacher in the first instance, so matters can be appropriately managed through the school. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in ensuring our school remains a positive and respectful place for all.

School Representation

We wish all our school teams the very best in their upcoming sporting and cultural events! Our Dance Club will be performing at The Star Casino in partnership with Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, our Touch Football teams will compete in the All Schools Touch Competition, and our Surfing Team will take part in the Frother’s Cup on the Sunshine Coast.

I know they will represent our school with pride, compete hard, and display outstanding sportsmanship. A huge thank you to the coaches and staff who have dedicated their time and effort to prepare our students and support them at these events.

Staff Appreciation Day

Last week we celebrated Staff Appreciation Day with a special breakfast to thank our dedicated staff for everything they do for our students and school community. A big thank you to our wonderful P&C for funding this event and helping us show our gratitude. We are so fortunate to have such an amazing, caring, and committed team here at our school.

Blue Cards

Blue card requirements have now changed.

These changes include:

parent volunteers will require blue cards if:
- services or activities do not include their own child
- they attend overnight excursions or camps
- close personal contact may occur with another child (such as assisting with toileting, bathing or dressing).
external businesses providing services in schools or to children will need a blue card.

For more information about the upcoming changes, visit the Queensland Government website: https://www.qld.gov.au/law/laws-regulated-industries-and-accountability/queensland-laws-and-regulations/regulated-industries-and-licensing/blue-card-system-changes

Uniform

School Expectations – Term 4 At Palm Beach State School, we take great pride in our school and the way our students represent it each day. The expectations that guide our school community remain the same for Term 4. One of these key expectations is the wearing of the full school uniform, which reflects the pride and respect we hold for our school. Wearing the uniform consistently promotes a sense of belonging and upholds the high standards expected of all Palm Beach State School students. Thank you to our parents and carers for your continued support in maintaining these standards.

The below is from PBSS Dress Code and Appearance Policy.

All students are required to wear fully enclosed black shoes, preferably black jogger style shoes with black laces and white socks. Due to Workplace Health and Safety, thongs or sandals are not permitted.

• ALL students are required to wear the uniform correctly, are encouraged to take pride in their appearance and to keep their uniform clean, neat and tidy

• Underwear, sport underwear e.g skins, t shirts (long sleeve and short) are not permitted to be worn if observable and showing from under the uniform

• Hair must be clean, neat and tidy. Styles and colour should be appropriate for school.

- Mohawks, spiked multi-coloured/coloured hair, rats tails, tracks, razor cuts are not permitted.

- Students with long hair are required to have it tied back.

- Ribbons, clips, scrunchies and headbands etc are to be in school uniform colours blue, white, black or natural hair colours.

• JEWELLERY is not appropriate at school and is not permitted. Students may wear a watch.

Students with pierced ears may wear gold or silver studs or sleepers. No other facial piercings are permitted. During sport, for safety, only studs may be worn and watches need to be removed.

• MAKE-UP and coloured finger nail polish are not appropriate at school and are not permitted.

Playgrounds Before and After School

A friendly reminder that our school playgrounds are out of bounds before and after school for both students and siblings. This expectation has been shared many times, and we kindly ask for ongoing parent support to ensure it is followed. Student safety is our highest priority, and we appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe and supervised environment.

Staying at School in the Mornings

Once students arrive at school in the morning, they are not permitted to leave the school grounds. This is an important part of keeping all students safe and accounted for. Please remind your child that once they enter the school gates, they must remain at school until the end of the day unless signed out through the office.

The Palmy Press