16 October 2025

Principal’s News

There is an energy in the school at the moment with learning in action across our classrooms . Over the past couple of weeks we have welcomed our 2026 Prep families to the school for Transition Days. We look forward to having both existing and new families join us in the new year. These days have also provided a great moment to reflect on the many varied activities our school offers, and the wonderful learning opportunities provided to our students. With six weeks to go, we call on students and families to make the most of this key learning and consolidation time of the year.

School Opinion Survey

We recently received our School Opinion Survey results for 2026 and are happy to celebrate the following highlights:

Parent Agreement

• Teachers at this school expect my child to do their best. 98.1%
• This school fosters respectful relationships among all students. 98.1%
• My child feels safe at this school. 97.6%
• This is a good school 97.5%
• Teachers at this school are interested in my child's wellbeing. 97%
• Student behaviour is well managed at this school 96.9%

Student Agreement

• My teachers expect me to do my best. 96.4%
• I can access computers and other technologies at my school for learning. 95.1%
• The expectations and rules are clear at my school. 92.9%
• I feel safe undertaking online activities using my school’s internet. 91.7%

Staff Agreement

• This is a good school. 100%
• I use the Australian Curriculum (P-10) and/or Queensland senior syllabuses (11-12) for planning teaching, learning and assessment. 100%
• This school is well maintained. 100%
• I enjoy working at this school. 98.3%
• The expectations and rules are clear at this school. 98.3%
• This school keeps me well informed about things that are important to my work. 98.3%
• This school has an inclusive culture where diversity is valued and respected. 96.6%

Our whole school community should be proud!

World Teacher’s Day

This week we acknowledge World Teacher’s Day. World Teachers’ Day is a special opportunity to celebrate the dedication, creativity, and care our teachers bring to the classroom every day. At Kenmore South State School, we recognise and thank our wonderful teachers for their hard work in nurturing curiosity, inspiring learning, and helping every child reach their potential. Their passion and commitment make our school community a place where students feel valued, supported, and excited to learn. We are deeply grateful for all they do and I also wish to thank our Parent Reps for their contribution to our World Teachers Day breakfast on Friday. 

Senior Years Deputy Principal News - Natalie Thomas

2025 Student Leadership Process

The Year 5 students have received their Student Leadership booklets and it’s exciting to see their applications rolling in. Please remember that they are due to the office by 9am on Monday 3 November (Week 5).

Junior Rotary Evening

Last Tuesday evening Kenmore South hosted the annual Junior Rotary Evening organised by the Rotary Club of Kenmore. Students, staff and families representing Ironside State School and Our Lady of the Rosary also attended the evening. Kenmore South had its largest student participation in recent years with a whopping 36 Year 6 students engaging in this worthwhile endeavour. Students spoke about the wonderful skills they developed and experiences they shared while competing their Junior Rotary Award. A huge thanks to the Rotary Club of Kenmore and, in particular, Mrs Janelle Bodman, for championing this marvellous opportunity for our senior students. Special thanks also go to the incredible Miss Georgia McLean, who so skilfully supported the students throughout the past six months to produce their best efforts.

RI Concert

Religious Instruction is wrapping up for the year with the annual Christmas Assembly to be held next week on Thursday 6 November (Week 5) at 2:10pm in the school hall.

All students in Years 1-6 are welcome to attend the assembly, however, students who do not already participate in RI classes will require written consent to attend, prior to the day of the assembly - (please provide consent in writing to the school office, email admin@kenmoresouthss.eq.edu.au).  Parents are also welcome to join us for the assembly. There will be opportunity to meet the instructors who have worked with your children during the year after the assembly.

Warm regards,

Nat Thomas

End of Year School Awards

The following end of year awards are determined by class teachers:

Awards per class as follows:

Academic award/s:

Awarded to students who receive an:

• A in English and Maths and two other subjects in both semesters

(awarded to relevant students in Years 3-6)

Most improved Award

Awarded to students for improvement in behaviour, effort, or achievement - or a combination of these. (2 awards per class awarded in Prep to Year 6)

Citizenship Award

Awarded to a student who displays outstanding conduct and the following traits:

• Consideration for others
• Helpful to teacher, parents and fellow pupils
• A model of conduct to others
• Responsible attitude towards school work and behaviour
• Unselfish in nature and actions

(2 awards per class awarded in Prep to Year 6) 

PAL Award

Awarded to a student who consistently displays the traits of a positive agile learner (PAL). This may include effort, taking a risk, innovating, performing or reflecting, growth mindset, an inquiry mindset, etc

(2 awards per class awarded in Prep to Year 6) 

Junior Years Deputy Principal News - Andrew Sellick

Prep 2026 Transition Day 1- that’s a wrap

Last week we welcomed our 2026 Prep students for their very first transition day and what a wonderful start it was! The feedback from both staff and families was overwhelmingly positive. Our teachers were especially delighted by how settled, confident, and engaged our new Preps were throughout the morning.

It was also fantastic to connect with our future Prep parents for the first time and share a morning tea with our students and families to finish the morning.

We’re already looking forward to welcoming everyone back for our second transition day next week on Wednesday 5 November. Our key speakers will include our Head of Inclusion, Caitlin Donaghey, School Guidance Officer Margi Graham, and P&C President Gemma Kent as well as myself and our Head of Dept. Curriculum, Cath Schulz.

P–6 Swimming Block Commences Next Week (Week 5)

Next week marks the start of our P–6 Swimming Block, which will run for three weeks across Weeks 5, 6, and 7. Each class will participate in two 40-minute swimming lessons per week.

The purpose of our swimming block is to provide all students with the opportunity to engage in appropriate water safety and learn-to-swim lessons, a Queensland Government initiative for all state schools. This program aims to ensure every student develops foundational water safety and survival skills.

Consent forms are available on QParents and are due today, Thursday, 30 October.

iLearn Parent Information Night

We invite all current Year 1 families to join us next Monday evening in the K Block STEM Room for our iLearn Parent Information Night. This session will introduce families to our Kenmore South SS BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Program and explain how digital technology is embedded in teaching and learning at Kenmore South.

We are particularly hoping for a strong turnout from our current Year 1 families, as Year 2 is when our BYOD program begins. However, anyone can come along. You will hear from myself, our STEM Teacher Michael Allardice and Tech Support guru Chad Waugh.

Year 5 & 6 Term 4 Gala Day

Next Wednesday, our Year 5 and 6 students are looking forward to participating in their Term 4 Gala Day. Students will be competing in Touch Football at Akuna Oval, Kenmore, or Basketball at St Aidan’s, Corinda. We wish all our teams the best of luck and know they will represent our school with pride, teamwork, and great sportsmanship!

Consent through QParents was due in Friday 31 October, so please priorities this if you haven’t already.

Have a wonderful end to your week, everyone!

Kind regards,

Andrew

Head of Curriculum - Catherine Schulz

Upcoming: Scholastic Book Fair – Week 6

A reminder that the Scholastic Book Fair will be held in the library during Week 6 (Monday 10 November – Friday 14 November). In the days leading up to the event, the Scholastic team will be setting up, and classes will have the opportunity to visit and complete their wish lists. Please see below for Book Fair flyer and ordering information.

A flyer will also be sent home with a QR code for online browsing and ordering. The Book Fair will be open before and after school each day throughout Week 6.

We warmly welcome ‘Thirty-Eight Drip’ Speciality Coffee Trailer, who will be selling coffee, tea and other drinks on the Friday morning of the Book Fair- please come along and join our community for a well-deserved morning coffee and a browse around the book fair!

We will again be using Schoolstuff this year for the supply of all student booklists. Orders can be placed online at www.schoolstuff.com.au at any time and will be delivered directly to your nominated address. To ensure delivery before the new school year, it is recommended you place your order by 30th December 2025. Ordering through Schoolstuff guarantees that you will receive all the items requested by teachers, ready for the start of term. Instructions and the booklists are on our Kenmore South State School website here

Environment Club News

The student Environmental Club will meet on Wednesdays in 1B for the rest of the year. We thought these ideas from Clean Up Australia were good to share with everyone, and they can be used for any celebration!

Sporting News

Principal Lunch

Prep: Jasper W
Year 1: Riley W
Year 2: Ishaan P
Year 3: Joseph P
Year 4: Aeryn S
Year 5: Away on camp
Year 6: Abigail T

Student of the Week Awards

Prep A: Mia J & James S
Prep B: Freya P
Prep C: Vidhaan V & Elsa B
Prep D: Rodveen S & Jonty H
1A: Ruby I, Alexander B & Amelia W
1B: Luna P
1C: Amari C & Otto M
1D: Gloria M & Alice J
2A: Theo C & Max A
2B: Isabella P & Jem O
2C: Conor F & Greta J
2D: Jess S, Archira P, Charlie S
3A: Jaimie R
3B: Liam S & Charlton J
3C: Maya R-B
3D: Eloise H & Oscar J
3E: Kennedy W
4B: Sina V
4D: Grace R
4E: Faris G & Sophie G
5A: Miley V-N
5B: Harrison J
5D: Theodore A & Macy H
6B: Laado C
6C: Shaarvari M & Mya S
6D: Grace L

Each week, Student of the Week Awards are handed out in class by our Junior and Senior Deputy Principal's. The awards recognise a student from each class from the previous week. 

Aussie of the Month

The Aussie of the Month Awards are awarded each month to students who demonstrate exemplary character, a fair go, mateship, respect and inclusion.

As well as this, these students have been recognised for showing pride in our school, concern for others and good manners.

4E: Anna P
6D: Isabelle T
1D: Thea C O

Hiring: School Cleaners at Kenmore South

We have 2 School Cleaning roles available at Kenmore South!

The department employs over 5,900 cleaners in schools across Queensland.

School cleaners play an important role in maintaining high standards of cleanliness in our schools and limiting the risks of infection and disease.

Kenmore South State School are currently looking to employ 1 casual cleaner and another on a temporary full-time contract. A Current Paid Working with Children Blue card is required, prior to employment.

Casual/Relief hours vary between 4.30am and 6.00pm as required – available immediately. The successful applicant will then also have access to shifts at other local Schools, via the casual cleaning staff pool.

The Temporary Contract hours will be weekdays - split shift 4.30am to 8.30am and 2.30pm to 6.00pm – commencing 27 October until 12 December 2025 with the opportunity for extension. There is also opportunity to negotiate these hours.

Working with us

Some of the duties cleaners perform at State Schools include:

• cleaning windows, pictures, doorknobs, taps, sinks, drinking fountains, lavatory basins, glassware, glass doors and cupboards
• cleaning and sanitising toilet facilities and sick bays
• cleaning and maintaining equipment
• cobweb and mildew control, utilising extendable equipment as necessary
• cleaning of concrete, bitumen, asphalt and paved surfaces
• disposal of rubbish and litter control including removal of material from drains and gutters between and/or surrounding buildings
• dusting including student and office furniture, equipment and fans
• hosing
• removal of graffiti
• sweeping and vacuuming
• vinyl/timber floor maintenance including buffing, stripping and polishing
• other appropriate cleaning duties as directed by the principal/business manager.

Benefits and incentives

As a state school employee, you’ll have access to great benefits and conditions such as:

• casual or permanent employment
• a competitive salary or wage (casual rate from $35.98 to $38.91 per hour or permanent rate of $58,015 to $62,729 per annum)
• 12.75% superannuation contribution, plus 5% employee contribution
• 4 weeks annual leave for permanent employees (pro-rates for part-time)
• sick leave for permanent employees
• paid parental leave
• flexible working arrangements
• a diverse work culture
• professional development opportunities
• access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Fitness Passport.

Please send your resume attention to Juliette Franks, Business Manager at:

admin@kenmoresouthss.eq.edu.au

Upcoming Blue Card Changes

Blue card changes are coming from 20 September.

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  

P & C News

Disco Safety

Once students are in the hall for their disco, they will not be able to leave until it finishes or if an adult comes to collect them. All students, Prep - 6, must be collected in the hall by an adult at the conclusion of their disco. Students will not be allowed to leave the hall and walk to pick up zones on their own. 

K-Pop Disco!

Date: Friday 14^th November

Time: P-3 5pm-6.30pm

      Y4-6 6.45- 8.15 pm

Theme: Kpop/Pop

Cost: $8 entry with a popper and a snack size bag of Vege Crisps

Food Addon: 2 slices of pizza ($4) OR 4 slices of pizza ($8)

Food must be preordered there will be no door sales on the night

Music:  Dj Dad!

Song Selection : Pre request your favourite songs via: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe3Gxpv7fsPr65DcRvrzSL77I9u_A7m2UGNWF4zXXXY94BxIw/viewform

How to purchase: Via QKR Only – No door purchases.

How to help out: We would love some extra hands on the night to assist. Please sign up here: https://volunteersignup.org/89BF9

Special Thanks:  Special thanks to Vege Crisps - “Snack on the Lite Side with Vege Chips who have kindly donated 300 snack packets of crisps for the night”, as well as our very own DJ Dad for volunteering to run the music. Thank you!

Onwards to 2026

2026 Trivia Night
Ellie S is leading the charge for our 2026 Trivia night! She’s looking for helpers- Join the fun and be part of the team! Contact us on pandc_secretary@kenmoresouthss.eq.edu.au to connect and be involved!

Date Claimers:

We are pleased to share our event plans for 2026. If you would love to help us coordinate or assist with an event, please reach out via pandc_secretary@kenmoresouthss.eq.edu.au

***Fete news and updates will commence later this term- Stay Tuned***

Looking Ahead to 2026 – P&C AGM

As we approach 2026, we’d like to remind our school community that our P&C Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held on 10^th March 2026. At the AGM, all executive positions will be declared vacant and open for nominations.

Serving on the P&C executive is a fantastic way to support our school, meet new people, and help make decisions that benefit our students. The positions which will be open for nomination are:

• President – Provides leadership to the P&C, chairs meetings, and represents the P&C at school and community events.
• Vice-President – Supports the President and the executive team, steps into chair meetings as required.
• Secretary – Manages meeting agendas, minutes, and correspondence, helping to keep communication clear and organised.
• Treasurer – Oversees finances, presents reports, and ensures the P&C’s funds are managed responsibly.

We encourage anyone who is interested in getting more involved in our school community to consider nominating for one of these roles. No previous experience is necessary — just enthusiasm and a willingness to contribute.

Gemma Kent
P&C President

Our General P&C Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month, starting promptly at 7:00pm in the school staffroom. 

Next Meeting:   

Tuesday 11th November 7:00pm in the staffroom 

Come along, have your say, and get involved! 

Contact Us 

Follow Us on Facebook: If you’re not already in the group, here’s the link to join: https://www.facebook.com/share/1AXuyTbXjL/?mibextid=wwXIfr  

P&C Contact Emails:  

President – Gemma Kent: pandc_president@kenmoresouthss.eq.edu.au
Vice President – Laura Tromans: pandc_vice_president@kenmoresouthss.eq.edu.au
Treasurer – Lezanne Van Der Vyver: pandc_treasurer@kenmoresouthss.eq.edu.au
Secretary – Clemence Ville: pandc_secretary@kenmoresouthss.eq.edu.au   

Term 4 Lunchbox Volunteers

Please sign up at https://volunteersignup.org/LYCLR?classic or get in touch with us via pandc_lunchbox@kenmoresouthss.eq.edu.au to find out more.

Contact us:

Lunchbox: pandc_lunchbox@kenmoresouthss.eq.edu.au
Uniform Shop: pandc_uniform_shop@kenmoresouthss.eq.edu.au 

Term Dates 2025

Term 1: 28 January to 4 April 2025
Term 2: 22 April to 27 June 2025
Term 3: 14 July to 19 September 2025
Term 4: 7 October to 12 December 2025

Upcoming Dates

Wednesday 29 October to Friday 31 October: Year 5 Camp Tallebudgera
Friday 31 October: World Teachers Day Breakfast
Monday 3 November: Prep to 6 Swimming Lessons Commence
Monday 3 November: Year 1 iLearn Parent Information Night 6pm (K Block STEM Room)
Wednesday 5 November: Year 5-6 Gala Day
Wednesday 5 November: Prep Transition Day 9-11am
Thursday 6 November: RI Christmas Concert 2:10-3:00pm
Monday 10 November to Friday 14 November: Book Fair (Library)
Tuesday 11 November: P&C Meeting 7:00pm
Thursday 4 December: Junior End of Year Awards at 9:00am, Senior End of Year Awards at 10:00am

School Communication and Publicity

All requests for articles or information to be placed in the school’s newsletter, Facebook Page or school website are to be directed to Publicity@kenmoresouthss.eq.edu.au Deadline for the school newsletter is the Friday prior to distribution. Newsletters are sent out on the Thursday of every even week during the term. File types submitted are requested to be in .jpg format for photos and Word format for text.

Inclusive Education Workshops for Families

Bright Beginnings: Planning a happy and inclusive start to school

"The workshop was great, thank you so much, I found the session so informative and it's always a great thing to have all of the correct and up to date information to help along our path of advocating for our son." ~ previous 'Bright Beginnings'  workshop participant ~

In this online workshop parents will learn practical ways to start school with a strong partnership, and set their child up for belonging and success. This workshop is most suitable for parents of children with disability who will be starting school in 2026 or 2027. Parents whose children have started school in 2025 are also welcome to attend to learn, build their confidence, and meet other parents of young children. 

For more information and to register for this free online workshop, please click here 
To view and share on FB, please click here

Taking Stock and Aiming High: Planning for the 2026 school year

"You have provided great resources and links to plan for the school year ahead, thank you!" " Don't be afraid to ask but prepare for the conversation, be confident and ask in the right way." ~ 'Taking Stock' 2024 workshop participants~

Online

This workshop will help parents to revise goals, note helpful adjustments, prioritise what is most important and to prepare for important communication with their child’s teacher/s for the 2026 school year. This workshop is most suitable for parents and carers of school-aged children (Prep to Year 12) with disability. Parents and carers of younger children who are starting to think about/prepare for the school years are also most welcome to attend.

For more information and to register for this free online workshop, please click here  

 LAST Face-to-Face Workshop for 2025

Inclusion and Belonging at the Local School: The Parent Advocacy Toolkit

"Absolutely fantastic workshop. I feel so empowered and full of knowledge. I am so grateful for the opportunity to participate today and hope more parents get to do this wonderful workshop." ~ 2025 workshop participant ~

Carina, Brisbane  

This workshop is designed to give parents/carers of children with disability the information they need to feel informed about inclusive education for their child. It aims to equip family members with confidence to have conversations with their child’s current or prospective school, about the supports and adjustments their child needs for school inclusion.

Please click here for more information and to register.  

Community News