28 May 2025

Principal News

Social media and E-Safety

In our new social media world, it can be very confusing for parents to know when it is appropriate for their children to start to use online apps such as TikTok, Snapchat etc.

Australia has recently passed legislation to ban children under 16 from using social media, to protect young users from online harm.

Key Details of the Ban

• Legislation Passed: The Australian Parliament approved the Online Safety Amendment (social media Minimum Age) Bill 2024, which prohibits individuals under the age of 16 from creating accounts on certain social media platforms. This law is set to take effect by December 2025.

• Platforms Affected: While the specific platforms that will be banned have not been officially confirmed, it is expected to include popular sites like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat. It should be noted that many of these sites already have a minimum age limit of 13 years for users to access.

Parents who are looking for information to support online safety for their children at home can access the resources on the eSafety Commissioner website.

The site contains advice, videos and webinars for parents to view. The 2025 free webinar schedule for parents is also attached here.

We encourage parents to monitor and have conversations with their children regarding their online usage and footprint especially with the legal implications coming into effect soon.

Reconciliation Week

At assembly on Monday, we acknowledged National Sorry Day and Reconciliation Week.

Every year on 26 May, National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were removed from their families and communities, which we now know as ‘The Stolen Generations’. Acknowledging Sorry Day is important because -

1. It supports truth-telling
2. It shows respect
3. It models empathy
4. It contributes to reconciliation.

Reconciliation Week is from May 27th – June 3^rd . The National Reconciliation Week 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future. National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.

During Reconciliation Week, classes have access to a range of resources to support learning about reconciliation and this year's theme. Parents can also engage with the resources.  Head to https://www.reconciliation.org.au/our-work/national-reconciliation-week/ to learn more.

Class engagement continuum

This year one of our school priorities is “Positive engagement in learning and whole school well-being”. In staff meetings teachers have been exploring the work of international educator Doug Fisher and his work around positive engagement.

Why do we need to teach students about class engagement?

• It promotes a sense of belonging.
• Allows students to define and practice the mindset to monitor their own engagement levels and take responsibility for their learning.

Fisher explains that within the classroom student engagement in an activity or with their peers can be described on a continuum. Through class discussions, each class has developed their own engagement continuum. An example is given below.

Our students have been able to identify their individual class engagement on the continuum and set goals for growth. Well done, Morningside.

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 6pm 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 plan for your child.

Under Eight’s Day

This week we celebrated “Under Eight’s Day” with the theme, “Unleashing Scientific Thinking through Play”.

Thank you to all the volunteers who supported our day. Thank you also to our Year 6 student leaders who did a fantastic job in supporting our Prep – Year 2 students. It was certainly a fun day!

Have a fantastic fortnight!

Kind Regards,

Sheryl Kennedy
Principal

Deputy News

PBL Reward Day and PBL Update

In Week 4 and 5 our wonderful students received 223 postcards! Great effort MSS!

ICAS Tests

Reminder, Morningside is 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 to 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 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

Curriculum News

Academic Reporting in 2025

As you may or may not be aware, the Australian Curriculum has been updated and we have begun our implementation of English and Maths for version 9 of the national curriculum at Morningside. With the updated curricula, there have been some changes to how Queensland schools report achievement to parents at the end of each semester.

For our Prep families, this may be the first time you have received a report card, while many of you will already be familiar with receiving report cards for your student/s. Here’s a few things to remember about report cards in general:

• Reports cards are just one of the ways that we communicate student achievement and progress across the year. Parents also have opportunities for formal, face to face interviews each semester, as well as informal discussions as required.
• Academic reports provide point in time information about achievement at the end of each reporting period. An achievement rating is based on demonstrations of learning within the class program for the relevant focus that semester.
• While some areas of the class program continue to be built across the year (e.g. literacy skills), some learning areas have a focus for each term or semester (e.g. Humanities may have a geography focus in the first half of the year, then move to a history focus in second semester.)
• Report cards communicate the curriculum provided during the semester, the student’s achievement against expected standards and how well the student is engaging with the expected learning. This also includes learning and demonstration of behaviour and effort in line with the school’s Student Code of Conduct.
• A Working With or C rating is the expected level of achievement in Queensland.
• We send student report cards directly to your email inbox, so it vitally important that we have an accurate and up to date email address within our OneSchool system. Please ensure that you notify us of any changes to your family’s email address since commencing at Morningside.
• Emails will be generated with an address that your inbox may not be familiar with. Sometimes messages are sent to a Junk or Quarantine file. Emails for report cards will come from: Application@oneschool.eq.edu.au

As Queensland state schools implement Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum, the Department of Education Queensland has updated the K–12 Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Framework to enhance how we report student progress. In 2025, there are some changes that all families should be aware of when reading a student’s report.

Key updates to reporting

1. Streamlined achievement scales

To ensure consistency across all year levels, the reporting scales have been updated:

• Prep to Year 2: A new five-point scale replaces the previous system.

• Years 3 to 6: The traditional A–E grading scale continues to be used.

Occasionally there are times when there is insufficient evidence to assess a student’s level of achievement. This can occur for a number of reasons. If this is the case for your student, an N rating is given.

2. Consistent reporting of behaviour and effort

In 2025 there is a focus on using a consistent language and scale across all year levels to report on learning behaviours.

• In Prep–Year 6, effort results appear for every subject and behaviour is displayed as an overall result.

At Morningside, we are dedicated to providing you with meaningful and clear information about your child’s learning journey. We know that working together as a school community helps every child thrive, and we look forward to continuing that partnership with you. If you have any questions or would like further information about these changes, please don't hesitate to contact your child's teacher.

Michelle Hanrahan
Head of Department - Curriculum

Administration

Student Resource Scheme, Camps and Excursion Payment Reminder

Payment reminder:

Payments 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.

Japanese News

日本語の教室から

Minato Preliminary Visit

Mr Gilmore and l met with Minato prefecture dignitary Mr Takuya Hanai, earlier this week to show off our beautiful school and discuss the upcoming student tour in Term 3, Week 5.  Again, we have many exciting activities planned and opportunities for interactions as we pair up our 20 visitors with our MSS buddies from year 4 to 6.  Mr Hanai was very impressed with our school grounds and thinks the carefully selected 20 students will be very happy for their first visit to an Australian school.  Minato is a small prefecture right in the heart of Tokyo so the students there do not have the opportunity to see such a large oval space, multipurpose courts, and other green spaces that we have on offer here.  It will be lovely to see how the experience our school.

8 more homestay families needed

We are seeking 8 more MSS families to step up and open their homes for 6 nights/5 days to support this first tour to our school.  This is a short tour and a wonderful introduction to home stays. See below a wonderful testimonial from a MSS family.

We've had Japanese students stay with us twice now, and have had fantastic experiences as a host family. During the week days we kept our usual routine which the kids slotted into easily; everything from AFL practice to homework, and helping prepare dinner. We were lucky enough to be treated to some delicious food that the students taught us how to make, so we now have Okonomiyaki and pork Tonkatsu on our family dinner rotations! An evening walk along the river or around the oval with an ice cream from Oxford Street, and the school week passes quickly!

During the weekends we explored a bit further - Southbank was a hit, as was shopping (everything from Woolies to Queen Street Mall was new & interesting for the kids) and we also went down to the Gold Coast to enjoy a bit of beach time. Playing at Wynnum Foreshore was fun too, topped off with some Fish & Chips which everyone enjoyed!

In terms of logistics, the students are normally placed in pairs so we found it easiest to have them set up in the same bedroom - a mattress/trundle on the floor for one and a regular bed for the other; you don't need to have loads of spare room. 

What we've found is that the kids are very happy and keen to experience new things, which for us as a family was fun and really rewarding. By the end of each stay friendships had been forged and there were even a few tears on the goodbye's... from all of us :) After one of the stays we received a lovely letter from one of the fathers, thanking us for having his daughter to stay, expressing how much she'd grown in confidence since her visit which was wonderful to hear!

Family McKay - Kirsty, Scott, William (aged 8) & Maximus the Labrador

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Japanese Learning update

Preps have just completed their annual koi kite run to honour and celebrate the Japanese Kodomo no Hi (Children’s Day) that occurs on the 5^th of May each year.  We learned that the koi fish is ‘strong’ and ‘brave’ and ‘never gives up’ just what we hope for our children.  I heard lots of squealing with delight and cries of ‘best day ever!!’ which was pure magic.  We are now busily practising how to say our age in Japanese and practising our kanji numbers.

Year 1s and 2s have loved thinking about Seasons and Fashion.  They have shown sensei their amazing Japanese writing and are gearing up to show off and describe their favourite items of clothing to show their amazing pronunciation skills.  Look out for a note home in the near future to support this little ‘fashion show’ project.

Year 3s and 4s are in the process of planning and thinking about language they can use to describe their mythical creature.  We are waiting for the plasticine to arrive but we are super excited about the opportunity to create and show off our Japanese writing and speaking knowledge.

Year 6s are working hard on getting ready to have a conversation in Japanese discussing family members including names, grade, age, job, personality and other details. They are also creating a written profile to demonstrate their script understanding.   Amazing work.

J, H and K clubs continue to be a hit and we loved making our Japanese flower arrangements last week.  We are so creative and loved learning about the importance of different heights, angles and leaving room for butterflies. 

Insert pictures here

Pictures say a thousand words.  Thank you for your continued support. Any questions, do not hesitate to contact me on jkwal0@eq.edu.au

シルビ先生（silby sensei）
Japanese Language Teacher

‘To learn a language is to have one more window from which to look at the world.’ – Chinese proverb

シルビ先生（silby sensei）

Japanese Language Teacher
(jkwal@eq.edu.au)

Sports news

District Sport

Lytton District Cross Country trials –

Congratulations to all of our students who competed at the recent Lytton District XC trials at Villanova Park. There were some massive efforts on a tough course and some fantastic results. Well done to Henry, Noua, Eliza, Samara, Savannah, Hamish, Frankie, Leah, Hannah, Mason, Kajetan, Zoe, Isabelle and Erin.

Special mentions to go our students who finished in the top 10 placings and have earnt a nomination to the upcoming Metro East Region trials:

Henry D – 4^th, 12yr boys 3km.
Savannah S – 6^th, 12yr girls 3km.
Hamish E – 10^th, 11yr boys 3km.

We wish these students the best of luck at the next round!

Yr 3-6 Athletics Carnival information - 20 June at Balmoral State High School

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 8 and 9. Points from this event will contribute towards the age group champion and Lytton District qualifications for 1^st and 2^nd place in each group/gender from 10-12yrs.
  *Yr 3 & 4 Week 8 @ 2.15pm on our school oval.
  *Yr 5 & 6 Week 9 @ 2.15pm on our school oval.
• If there are any parents/carers who are able to volunteer/assist could you please email Mr Nolan.
• Lytton District Qualification standards for field events can be obtained by contacting Mr Nolan. For students to qualify in track events they need to finish 1^st or 2^nd in the final for that track event (10-12yrs).
• Parents who wish to take students home early from the Athletics carnival will need to sign them out via the information tent before departure. Students will not be permitted to leave the grounds without parents or carers.

Prep-Yr 2 Athletics Carnival information - 3 June at Morningside State School

The Prep-Yr 2 (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’. A copy of the timetable is below:

Throws: Students will carry a ball on a spoon and walk towards a target. Students then throw the ball at the target and get points for their house. Next person in team does the same.

Sprints: Heats and final on a 60m track on our school oval

Long Jump: Jumping in the sand pit at the bottom end of our school oval. The further a student jumps the more points they get for their house.

• 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.

Josh Nolan
Morningside State School
PE Teacher – Sports Coordinator

Environment News

World Environment and World Oceans Day

On Thursday 5 June MSS will once again be joining in the UN global awareness days for World Environment Day and World Oceans Day. The theme this year is "End Plastic Pollution".

Everyone has a part to play in ending plastic pollution – from reducing our reliance on single-use plastic, to improving recycling and supporting policies that make packaging more sustainable. At school, we can aim for a wrapper-free lunchbox and bring a reusable water bottle. By working together, we can protect health, wildlife, and our planet’s future.

Our amazing Environment Captains have organised a free-dress day where students can dress in their favourite animal costume or just wear green for the day. A gold coin donation for the EcoMarine Foundation will be collected on the day, or families can donate online at this link: https://www.ecomarines.org/donate

Sharon Wetzig
MSS Sustainability Partner

Chappy News

Chappy Vlad

OSHC News

Quack (Hello)!

Our current interest at OSHC has been ducks. The kids have created some fantastic duck artwork, including using water paints, origami, modelling clay and paper mâché. This is an extension from our overall theme this term of flora and fauna. We can't wait to see what our artists make next!

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

Tuckshop

Please make sure that you have updated your child’s class on QKR.

June Burfoot
Convenor

Community News

Shake N Stir

Hampton Swim School

Bookings are now open for our most beloved promotion of the year: TWO lessons for the price of one! Our 2-4-1 special runs throughout June, July & Aug and offers the perfect opportunity for your child(ren) to practice and improve their swimming skills, and to get some extra exercise for a stronger immune system and happy mind during the slower months.

Only available for learn 2 swim levels not Team Accelerate (squad) and 2-4-1 is a free second lesson applied to an enrolled child.

Secure your spot now for June/July/Aug and book your (first and) second lesson:
💦 email to support@hamptonswimschool.com.au, or
💦 call 07 3399 2004.

Did you know that during the cooler months, our pool is the warmest place to be? We raise the pool temperature to 33 degrees, have hot showers and heated changing rooms. We also adjust our lesson format to make sure your child stays warm throughout their classes.

Tennis for Kids

Brisbane State High School

Brisbane State High School | Year 7, 2027, Academic Selective Entry Test Day

Brisbane State High School is a public school that is committed to providing opportunity for students. For students who are out-of-catchment, this opportunity comes in the form of selective entry places. We proudly uphold the best of public education values; opportunities to excel regardless of personal circumstance. We believe that partnerships across the whole state school sector provide a network of support and bring richness to the school experience. Selective entry opportunities allow students from a range of disciplines to further develop and grow these talents at our state high school.

Enrolment opportunities are now available for current Year 5 students for Year 7, 2027 Academic Selective Entry. Applications close at 4:00pm on Monday 16 June 2025. Please refer to the attached flyer for further details. Information is also available on our school website – www.statehigh.com.au.

QUT FREE Health Checks for Kids - Kelvin Grove

Di Farmer

Whites Hill State College – 2025 Twilight Expo flyer