12 May 2025

Principal News

2026 Prep enrolments

If your child will be turning 5 by June 30 2026, they are eligible to enrol in Prep next year. To help support families and children entering Prep we have the following events:

• Prep Parent Information Session - Wednesday 18 June in the hall
• Individual Prep children and parent interviews – Term 3
• Prep Orientation Day – Wednesday 5 November
• Meet the Teacher Day – Monday 8 December
• Other transition support – On request

Please contact the office to place your child’s name on our “Expression of Interest” list, even if you already have a child attending Morningside State School so that we can keep you informed and help provide a positive and successful transition to Prep for your child.

Nationally consistent collection of data (NCCD)

The Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD) takes place every year in August. The NCCD is a collection that counts:

• the number of school students receiving an adjustment or ‘help’ due to disability.
• the level of adjustment they are receiving to access education on the same basis as other students.

Students are counted in the NCCD if they receive ongoing adjustments at school due to disability. This ‘help’ allows them to access education on the same basis as a child without disability. The NCCD uses the definition of disability in the Disability Discrimination Act 1992.

Schools identify which students will be counted in the NCCD. They base their decisions on the following:

• adjustments provided for the student.
• the school team’s observations and professional judgements.
• any medical or other professional diagnoses.
• other relevant information.

Protecting the privacy and confidentiality of all students is an essential part of the NCCD. Personal details, such as student names or student identifiers, are not provided to education authorities. Schools are currently collecting data to provide this information to education authorities in August. Learn more about the NCCD via this parent fact sheet.

Under Eight’s Day

This year Under Eight’s Week will be celebrated from the 19 – 23 May and Morningside State School will be celebrating on Friday 23 May from 9am – 10.30am. The theme this year is “Unleashing Scientific Thinking through Play” and this aligns with the United Nations’ declaration that 2025 is the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.

We look forward to celebrating and supporting our children to observe, make predictions, explore, test theories and uncover concepts through child-led play.

School Environment Team

Twice a term our Environment Team meets to plan and discuss how we are implementing Sustainability at our school. Our School Environment Captains also join these meetings to ensure we involve student voice in our planning. This year our aims are:

1. Gardens and grounds – support biodiversity, involve students in gardening and land care activities.
2. Waste management – improve recycling, food waste composting and continue to support and use our school recycling station.
3. Environmental Awareness – raise awareness of sustainability issues through events and ongoing initiatives.

School uniform

As we start to move into the cooler months, we would like to remind children and parents about the current uniform policy which has been endorsed by the P&C. In winter, children can wear the current summer uniform with / or:

• Royal blue or black tights
• Royal blue tracksuit pants
• Royal blue fleecy jumper/jacket or school microfibre jacket.
• Long, grey pants

Other items or colours are not permitted unless it is a free dress day.

Please remember to label all items and when items come home, especially hats, please check the name inside to ensure it belongs to your child.

Have a fantastic fortnight!

Kind Regards,
Sheryl Kennedy
Principal

Deputy News

Class Captains Term 2

PBL Update

Throughout the term we will be looking into the zones of regulation – “Regulation is something everyone continually works on whether we are aware of it or not. We all encounter trying circumstances that can test our limits. If we can recognize when we are becoming less regulated, we are able to do something about it to manage our feelings and get ourselves to a healthy place. This comes more naturally for some, but for others it is a skill that needs more attention and practice. This is the goal of The Zones of Regulation​.” (https://zonesofregulation.com/)

The Zones of Regulation is a great way for students to:

• Develop increased self-awareness and social and emotional skills.
• Use and understand a common language for communication, problem solving, and emotional understanding.

Zones of Regulation also works well alongside our PBL framework.

In the first 3 weeks of Term 2 students have received 225 postcards. Great work MSS!

ICAS Tests

Morningside will again be offering the option for interested students to participate in the ICAS tests. There are several tests across a range of subjects for students in Years 2 to 6. Sign up and payment details are below.

Parents of Year 6 students please note: Camp is on from Tuesday 5 August - Friday 8 August. Any student wishing to participate in the Digital Technologies or Writing tests will sit these on Monday 4 August.

What is ICAS?  

ICAS is an online academic competition that gives students the opportunity to challenge their higher order thinking and problem-solving skills in English, Mathematics, Science, Writing, Spelling Bee, and Digital Technologies.

Every student who participates is celebrated and recognised with a printed certificate in each subject area and an online results report to track development each year. Top performers are eligible for one of the highly coveted ICAS medals.

To learn more about this year’s exciting ICAS competition, visit: (icasassessments.com/products-icas/)

How to participate in ICAS  

If you wish for your child to participate in ICAS this year, please go to the Parent Portal to sign up to your chosen subject areas using the link and code below.  

Registration for all subject areas closes on Monday 28 July at 11:59pm.

This year, our students can elect to sit the following assessments:

Please note, we cannot facilitate refunds or make alterations as all money is paid directly to ICAS Assessments.

Read the terms and conditions here: (icasassessments.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/2023-ICAS-Assessments-Schools-TsCs_S2023.V6-1.pdf). 

Adam Gilmore
Deputy Principal

Dates to Remember

Administration

Student Resource Scheme, Camps and Excursion Payment Reminder

Payment reminder:

Payments to Morningside Stat School can be made as follows:

• Selecting the payment link at the bottom of your invoice
• BPoint - the Bpoint code is 1002534
• QParents
• Direct deposit (BSB 064136, Account 00090111, Account Name Morningside State School) – please note student’s full name
• Credit card payment over phone via a secure BPoint number on 1300 631 073
• Directly at office
• Centrepay – Centrepay is a voluntary bill-paying service which is free for Service Australia customers. Use Centrepay to arrange regular deductions from your Services Australia payment.  You can start or change a deduction at any time. The quickest way to do it is through your Services Australia account online. Go to servicesaustralia.gov.au/Centrepay for more information.

Year 6 Cairns camp

In August our Year 6 students have the opportunity to travel to Cairns for their camp experience.
We have been travelling to Cairns since Covid and have continued to head north as the feedback from staff and students is that they have a wonderful and exciting time visiting many attractions including the Cairns Aquarium, the Australian Butterfly Sanctuary, and a crocodile sanctuary. They also take a trip on the Kuranda Scenic Railway and most exciting of all is a full day visit to the Great Barrier Reef including snorkelling and marine biology talks.
To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion, the Queensland Government, through the Great Barrier Reef Education Experience Program, has provided a subsidy to the school of $150.00 for each student who attends.

We are confident that once again, our students who travel to Cairns will thoroughly enjoy the trip.

Ruth Warren
Business Manager

Sports and PE

District Sport

Well done to all our students who competed at the recent Lytton District and Metro Regional carnivals. Congratulations to Savannah S. who was selected to play in the Lytton District Football team later this term and Archie A. who was selected to play in the Metro East Regional Australian Rules Football team also later this term. We wish these students the best of luck.

Save the dates

• Yr3 - 6 Athletics Carnival. Friday 20 June; Venue: Balmoral State High School.
• Prep - Yr2 Athletics Carnival. Tuesday 3 June; Venue: School oval and courts.

Yr3 - 6 Athletics Carnival information

This year, just like last year, students can sign up to each athletic event as one of two options – Competition or Participation. These options will allow a more streamlined recording process and give students the opportunity to compete in a more serious or more relaxed format. Students will remain in age groups but will compete in separate formats. Students can pick and choose formats for various events. Events options include the 100m, 200m, long jump, high jump and shot put. Students will have until the end of Week 6 to nominate for their format in their classes. Each format is explained below:

Competition – A bit more serious. Involves heats and finals for sprinting. Involves measurements and more attention on rules for field events. Opportunity to compete for ribbons, house points, age group champion medals and selections in the Lytton Athletics Carnival (10-12yrs only).

Participation – Focuses on ‘having a go’ and participation while taking the competitive stress away. No measurements in field events and only straight finals for sprints. House points can be awarded but there will be no ribbons or age group champion points. No selection for Lytton District Athletics Carnival (10-12yrs only).

• Discus will not be conducted at school this year. Students who have experience in this event and wish to nominate for Lytton District Athletics will need to speak with Mr Nolan.
• The 800m will be conducted at the school oval on a Tuesday afternoon (2.15pm) of Week 7 and 8.
• More information regarding the Athletics carnival will be available in the coming weeks including the official timetable. If you require further clarification, please contact Mr Nolan via email jlnol0@eq.edu.au.
• If there are any parents/carers who are able to volunteer/assist could you please email Mr Nolan.

Prep - Yr2 Athletics Carnival information

The Prep - Yr2 (Junior) Athletics will be held at school on the oval and multi-purpose courts. Students will rotate around in year level groups and will compete in three events – sprints, throws and long jump. These events will be conducted throughout the morning session beginning at 8.45am and will finish at 10.45am.

Our focus is on participation and receiving house points for effort. Each student receives a participation ribbon for ‘having a go’. More information will be available in the coming weeks. A draft copy of the timetable (subject to possible change) is below:

• Parents/carers are welcome to spectate! Please stay within the designated spectating areas.
• Event times are approximate and some events may finish before the end of the session.
• The focus for our events is having fun and participating to the best of your ability.
• Students are to wear school uniform and appropriate footwear.

At this stage, if you require further information, please contact Mr Nolan via email on jlnol0@eq.edu.au.

Josh Nolan
Morningside State School
PE Teacher – Sports Coordinator

Environment Club News

Visiting Northey Street City Farm

Year 6 students were fortunate to attend the Northey Street City Farm in Windsor at the end of last term thanks to the Environmental Team’s Pick of the Crop grant funding through Metro South Health. Their visit to the farm was designed to develop their understanding of permaculture and sustainability practices.

During the excursion, guides took student groups around the site to teach them about native plants and foods. Students sampled different types of berries and experienced the scent of fragrant plant leaves. A highlight for students was meeting Bob, a regular volunteer at the farm, who demonstrated a range of art works he had made using natural materials. He taught students that they do not need to spend any money to have fun, because with a few skills they can find all the fun they need thanks to Mother Nature.

Students can attend the farm with their families during open days throughout the year, including the Sunday Market. More information can be found on the website:

Kirsty Cranitch and Sharon Wetzig

Chappy News

Chappy Vlad

OSHC News

This term, our Grade 4 - 6 children have been participating in OzHarvest’s FEAST program where they will learn to cook and discover the impact of food waste in the community. During this program, the children will grow their knowledge and life skills while learning recipes. By the end of the program the children will work together to create two recipes and then make these recipes following their ingredients and steps. At the end of the program, the children will have also produced their own recipe book. So far, we have made Bircher Muesli with Apples and Banana and Peach Parfait. Our next lesson will be learning how to pickle!

Morningside State School - Outside School Hours Care
oshc@msspandc.com.au
0403 631 230

Tuckshop

Please ensure that your students' class is updated on QKR.

Adults will be able to purchase the items below on Under 8's Day from the Snack Shack from 8.30am. We will be offering the following two meal deals for this day, please see the flyer below.

These meal deals will be the only lunch items available on this day along with the normal ice age and drink menu. Please order via QKR.
The Snack Shack team along with the P&C thank you for your support.

June Burfoot
Convenor

Community News

Shake N Stir

Hampton Swim School

As the cooler months are approaching, we wanted to reassure you that we swim all year round, our pool is the warmest place to be during the autumn and winter months.
We keep our swimmers cosy and warm during their classes and they still get to breathe in that beautiful fresh air.
If your child would like to boost their confidence and water safety ready for school swimming, we offer additional learn to swim lessons from the pool at Morningside State School, and at a venue in Cannon Hill. We pride ourselves on a gentle and nurturing approach to learning with our fun, friendly and much-loved teachers, who are trained in our unique Hampton teaching philosophies and methods.
We are delighted to offer 50% off your first month for new families joining us. To find out more, please give our friendly team a call on (07) 3399 2004 or email enrol@hamptonswimschool.com.au.

To find out more about our swim program and swim levels, please visit hamptonswimschool.com.au

Brisbane School Handball Competition

Balmoral State High School

AFL AusKick

Di Farmer MP