Friday Flash Term 4, Week 2 - 17th October, 2025
From the Principal
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Happy Week 2, everyone!
Last week, Miss Cave shared an important reminder about the power of reading for just 20 minutes every day. Reading continues to be a strong focus for us at Amberley District State School as we prepare for an enhanced whole-school reading program in 2026—an exciting step forward for our learners!
This week, it was wonderful to celebrate so many of our students who received awards for their participation in the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Congratulations to all our enthusiastic readers! Every student was encouraged to take part, and if you’d like to be involved next year, you can find more information at readingchallenge.education.qld.gov.au.
At Amberley, we encourage every child to read for 20 minutes each day—whether it’s a bedtime story, a comic, or a favourite chapter book. Please remember to record your child’s reading in their school diary. It’s a small daily habit that makes a big difference to their learning and love of reading.
To support families, I’ve attached some great activities and suggestions to help enhance reading and literacy at home—completely screen-free! Research continues to show that reducing screen time has a positive impact on children’s attention, creativity, and overall development, allowing more time for meaningful conversations, play, and connection.
As we move further into the term, we also ask all parents and caregivers to log in to QParents and check that your contact details are up to date. Keeping this information current ensures we can reach you quickly and share important updates about your child and school events.
🦅 2026 Student Leadership Process
Our 2026 student leadership process has now commenced, with our shortlisted Year 5 students participating in their panel interviews this week. The panel has been incredibly impressed with how well all students have presented themselves. Congratulations to our future leaders for demonstrating confidence, preparation, and school pride throughout this process!
👵 Grandparents Day
We’re looking forward to Grandparents Day next Friday afternoon!
If your child will be going home with their grandparents, please email your child’s teacher to let them know.
The tuckshop will operate from Base during the event, and children may accompany their grandparents to purchase a light refreshment. Students whose grandparents are not attending will remain with their class but can still order through QKR! and receive their items at second break.
Finally, a big thank you to Mrs Leisa Cave, who did a wonderful job as Acting Principal while I was on leave. Her leadership and care helped ensure a smooth start to the term for students and staff alike.
Have a great week, everyone!
Kelli Harvey
Principal
Wellbeing and Engagement
🌟 PBL Focus of the Week
We are LEARNERS when we achieve our individual learning goals.
Last week, students practised using the PAUSE process to stay calm, focused and ready to learn. This week, we are building on that skill by learning how to be learners who set and achieve their own individual learning goals.
Each term, students record their goals in their school diaries. Next week, they will be setting their new learning goals for Term 4 — thinking about what they want to get better at and how they’ll achieve it.
You can support your child at home by:
✅ Talking about what they might choose as their next learning goal.
✅ Asking how they use the PAUSE process to get ready to learn.
✅ Celebrating the effort they show when working towards their goals.
When students set goals, stay calm, and take ownership of their learning, they are showing what it means to be curious, courageous and self-managing learners at Amberley.
School Attendance
Our School attendance rate is currently 89.6%. Our goal is 95%.
🌞 Tips for Getting Kids to School on Time — All Day, Every Day!
Being at school on time every day helps children settle into routines, build friendships, and make the most of learning time. Here are some practical tips to make mornings smoother:
⏰ 1. Establish a Morning Routine
Set a regular wake-up time (even on weekends) to keep body clocks steady.
Lay out uniforms, pack lunches, and check bags the night before.
Create a simple checklist (get dressed ✅ eat breakfast ✅ brush teeth ✅ grab bag ✅).
💤 2. Prioritise a Good Night’s Sleep
Aim for 9–11 hours of sleep depending on your child’s age.
No screens in bedrooms — reading before bed helps calm busy minds.
Try to keep bedtime consistent, even during busy weeks.
🥣 3. Prep for Success
Keep quick breakfast options ready — think fruit, yoghurt, or toast.
Pack lunches and fill drink bottles the night before.
Place shoes and school bags by the door, ready to go.
🚗 4. Allow Extra Time
Aim to leave home 10–15 minutes earlier than you think you need to.
Have a “no last-minute TV or games” rule until everyone’s ready.
Use music or a morning playlist to keep the mood upbeat.
👩🏫 5. Talk About Why Attendance Matters
Explain that every day counts — each lesson builds on the last.
Celebrate streaks of great attendance (stickers, high-fives, or special breakfast).
Reinforce that being on time shows respect for teachers and classmates.
🤝 6. Ask for Support if Needed
If mornings are tricky, talk to your child’s teacher or the school.
We’re here to help with routines, wellbeing, or attendance challenges.
Unexplained absence letters are deployed twice a term. Soaring Attendance Certificates are given out at the end of term for children who achieve attendance of 95% or above! You can update attendance through the QParents app.
Payments Due
Save the Date
📅 Term 3 Key Dates
- 22 Oct – 🎶 Spooky Concert & 🎺 Year 3 Instrumental Music Recruitment
24 Oct – 👵👴 Grandparents Afternoon| 🏉 Interschool Sport
27 – 31 Oct – 🗳️ 2026 Student Leadership Voting
31 Oct – 🍎 World Teachers’ Day
6 Nov – 🏠 House Voting – 2026 Student Leadership
7 Nov – 🌿 Outdoor Classroom Day
11 Nov – 🌺 Remembrance Day – 1 Minute Silence
18 Nov – 🏊 Swimming (Years 4–6) Ipswich Swim Factory
20 Nov – 🏊 Swimming (Years 4–6) Ipswich Swim Factory
- 24 Nov - 🖤💛❤️ Deadly Awards
25 Nov – 🏊 Swimming (Years 4–6) Ipswich Swim Factory
27 Nov – 🏊 Swimming (Years 4–6) Ipswich Swim Factory
28 Nov – 🏊 Swimming (Years 4–6) Ipswich Swim Factory
4 Dec – 🚍 Year 4 Walloon Excursion | 🎉 School Disco
5 Dec – 🎓 High School Transition Day | 🤝 Transition Afternoon
8 Dec – 🏊 Swimming (Years 4–6)
9 Dec – 🎉 Year 6 Big Day Out | 🎄 Junior Christmas Concert
10 Dec – 🏆 Awards Presentations
11 Dec – 🎓 Year 6 Graduation | 🎊 Break Up Day
12 Dec – ✨ Last Day of Term 4
📌 Please note: Dates are subject to change. Keep an eye on school updates!
Tuckshop News
Library News
Flash's Favourites
Spooky Music
♻️ Support Our EcoMarines & Gumbuya Garden! 🌱
We encourage all Amberley families to get involved with Containers for Change. Every eligible container donated supports our student-led EcoMarines projects and helps grow our beautiful Gumbuya Garden.
It’s a small act that makes a big difference for our school and the environment! 🌏
Use the barcode below when returning your containers to support Amberley District State School:
📲 Scan this barcode at any Containers for Change drop-off point:
Thank you for making a difference!
Friendly Reminders
Community News
Bremer State High School Enrolments for 2026
Enrolments for 2026 at Bremer State High School are now open. Online applications are preferred, but paper copies are available if needed.
📅 Orientation Day: Friday, 5 December 2025
📝 You must be enrolled by Friday, 28 November 2025 to attend Orientation Day.
For more information, visit Bremer SHS Enrolments: https://bremershs.eq.edu.au/enrolments or contact the school office on 3810 9333.
