21 February 2025

From Taylor Haley, Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers

The first month of 2025 has certainly flown by. I’ve been lucky enough to spend lots of time walking the classrooms over the first few weeks and I’m proud to say, all classes and year levels are deep into important curriculum learning.

One of the struggles I know all parents have at this time of year is creating a really strong and sustainable ‘Daily Routine’.  A structured daily routine helps children develop good habits and a sense of security. When children know what to expect, they are more confident and better prepared to learn.

Here are some key elements of a strong routine:
✔ Adequate Sleep – A well-rested child is more attentive and ready to learn. Try to set a consistent bedtime and wake-up time each day.
✔ Healthy Breakfast – A nutritious breakfast fuels the brain and provides the energy needed for the school day.
✔ Punctuality – Arriving on time ensures students start the day with their classmates and do not miss important instructions.
✔ Homework Time – Set aside a quiet, dedicated space for homework and reading every evening.
✔ Screen-Free Time – Encourage activities like outdoor play, family discussions, or creative hobbies instead of excessive screen time.

By reinforcing these habits at home, we can help students succeed at school!

2025 Annual Implementation Plan (AIP)

This week I had the pleasure of presenting our AIP at our first P&C meeting for 2025. The 2025 Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) for Surfers Paradise State School focuses on three key priorities:

• Structured Literacy
• Whole School Approach to Pedagogy
• Inclusion and Wellbeing

The school aims to improve literacy outcomes by ensuring students use word study knowledge in reading and writing, while teachers implement explicit teaching and structured instructional routines. Leaders will support this through professional learning, data tracking, and resource allocation. A shared understanding of literacy principles, phonics instruction, and text selection will be reinforced across all year levels.

The Whole School Approach to Pedagogy ensures that students take ownership of their learning, set goals, and engage in self-assessment. Teachers will focus on curriculum understanding, high-impact teaching strategies, and co-construction of learning tools. Leaders will act as instructional mentors, guiding professional learning teams (PLTs) and data cycles. Key strategies include refining planning processes, strengthening links between curriculum and pedagogy, and implementing rigorous assessment practices to enhance student learning outcomes.

Inclusion and Wellbeing remain essential to fostering a positive and supportive school culture. Students will be encouraged to engage in safe learning environments while actively supporting their peers. Teachers will work closely with the inclusion team to implement a multi-tiered support system, ensuring equitable learning opportunities for all. Leaders will focus on allocating resources effectively, strengthening transition programs for new and leaving students, and embedding social-emotional learning strategies. The school also aims to enhance staff and student wellbeing through a collaborative Reconciliation Action Plan and a strong Positive Behaviour for Learning framework.

Once again Surfers Paradise State School will aim to lead the state and region in academic results, ensuring every student reaches their potential.

School student broadband initiative (SSBI) – resources for schools

Do you qualify for free home internet to support your child’s education? To ensure all students have equal opportunity for online learning, the Australian Government has extended the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI) to continue free NBN broadband access until 30 June 2028.  There are limited places available nationally. For more information or to check your eligibility, please contact the National Referral Centre on 1800 954 610 or visit http://www.anglicarevic.org.au/student-internet.

Kind regards
Taylor Haley

Calendar 2025 Term 1

This calendar is for reference only and is subject to change. Please check with your child’s class newsletter for any changes to times and dates. If you are unsure, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or the school office during business hours.

Helping your children to stay safe online

The eSafety Commissioner provides practical advice and support for parents and families in relation to online safety. Their website contains excellent free webinars, resources and tips and includes ways in which you can talk to your children about sensitive topics.

Swimming timetable term 1

Year 6 Camp

Year 6 camp will be held from Wednesday 12/3/2025 and students will return to school on Friday afternoon 14/3/2025 at approximately 2.30pm.

Cost is $315 and payment is due by Wednesday 26/2/2025 together with the permission form.

The information letter has been given to students to take home to families and includes the packing list.

Music Ensembles 2025

Our music program includes choir, strings and band. 

Please refer to details below for the current timetable.

From the Music Team
Mrs Kelly, Classroom music teacher and choir
Mrs Cardno, Strings year 5 and 6 (Monday afternoon)
Mrs Hampson, Strings year 3 and 4 (Wednesday)
Mr Strand, Band

Birthday Club

“Many happy returns” to the following students who have donated a ‘Birthday Book’ for our school library:  

Reading in Action - class 2B

We welcomed back our lovely QuoCKa reading volunteers this week.  QuoCKa kindly donated books to both our school library and for our students in year 2.  Thank you for supporting our school!

My New Gallery

Chess Club

Chess Club with Gardiner Chess is starting a second session, Tuesdays from 7.45am to 8.45am in 6W classroom (red block downstairs) and will start on Tuesday 25 February 2025.

Our first inter-school Chess Tournament for 2025 will be here at SPSS in Week 9.

Any enquiries to Mrs B in the library. Everyone is welcome!

Tuckshop Volunteers Needed

Tuckshop is looking for some parents to volunteer their time once per week from 9am to 11.45am on Mondays and Thursdays.

If you'd like to become a much valued volunteer and help out, please see the Tuckshop any morning from 8.15am to discuss your availability with Ali, Kris or Sachiko. It's fun and rewarding and your kids will love seeing you behind the counter! 

Student details update

Please let our office staff know if you have any new information to share eg. home address, phone numbers or parenting arrangement.

Details can be emailed to admin@surfersparadisess.eq.edu.au or please visit the office.

Bus Service Changes

School bus timetables have been updated for 2025.  Please refer to the journey planner for school services.

Website for journey planner:  

Merrimac State High School – 2026 year 7 enrolments

Keebra State High School Year 7 Enrolment Information Evening

Current Year 6 students interested in enrolling at Keebra Park for Year 7 in 2026 are invited to attend our Enrolment Information Evening on Tuesday 25 February 2025, beginning at 6pm. Please register your attendance via the link below:

Out of Catchment form:

Enrolment form:

Scholarship Application form:

Community Notice Board

The school is happy to advertise some local events and business ventures. However, we do not necessarily endorse them to you. It is the responsibility of individual parents/caregivers to ensure that they themselves are satisfied with all services offered before they involve their children.