2/5/2025

From Taylor Haley, Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers

Welcome back to what promises to be another exciting and productive term at Surfer Paradise SS. I hope all our students and families enjoyed a restful break and are feeling refreshed and ready for the term ahead.

Term 2 is always a busy one, filled with a wide range of learning opportunities, events, and extracurricular programs. From the launch of our Year 5 and 6 InterSchool Sport competition to class excursions, curriculum units, and special celebrations, there is so much to look forward to.

As always, our focus remains on supporting every student to grow academically, socially, and emotionally in a safe and inclusive environment. We’re proud of the strong partnerships we share with our families and encourage you to stay connected through all our communication avenues.

Let’s make Term 2 a term of curiosity, connection, and continued growth!

InterSchool Sports – Year 5 & Year 6

We’re excited that our Year 5 and Year 6 InterSchool Sport competition begins next week! This is a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage in competitive team sports, represent our school, and develop important life skills both on and off the field.

This program is an integral part of our Health and Physical Education (HPE) curriculum. It’s designed to give all students—not just the “sporty” ones—a chance to experience the many benefits of team sport. Participation supports physical health, builds confidence, encourages cooperation, and helps develop resilience and communication skills.

Importantly, Interschool Sport is about more than just winning. It’s about learning to be part of a team, supporting one another, and taking pride in doing your best—values that apply in all areas of life.

We encourage every student to get involved, try something new, and enjoy being active with their peers.

Standing Together Against Abuse: Queensland’s No Abuse Campaign

At Surfers Paradise State School we believe in fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for every student, staff member, and family. As part of our commitment to these values, we are proud to support the No Abuse Campaign, a state-wide initiative launched by the Queensland Government to address and eliminate abuse in all its forms — verbal, physical, emotional, and online.

The No Abuse Campaign sends a clear and powerful message: abuse is never acceptable. Whether it occurs at home, in schools, on the sports field, or in the digital world, everyone has a right to feel safe and respected.

This campaign highlights the importance of:

• Respectful communication in all school and community settings
• Zero tolerance for abusive behaviour towards teachers, school staff, students, and parents
• Empowering children and young people to speak up if they feel unsafe or mistreated
• Building strong partnerships between schools, families, and the wider community to promote positive behaviours

At our school, we are aligning with the campaign by reinforcing our behaviour expectations, conducting respectful relationships education, and ensuring that students know where and how to get help if they need it. We encourage all families to talk openly at home about respect, kindness, and seeking support when needed.

To learn more about the No Abuse Campaign and access resources, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/noabuse.

Let’s work together to create a culture where abuse is not tolerated and respect is the norm — in every classroom, playground, and conversation.  Together, we can make a difference.

New Staff

As we travel through a school calendar year, we are constantly welcoming new staff to our great school. This term is no different. We welcome Georgia Blackwell, School Psychologist and Shannon Keane Inclusion Teacher.

Hello Surfers Paradise School Community. My name is Georgia Blackwell and I am excited to join your school as your school Psychologist. I am also a teacher, and I bring with me a passion for child development, well-being and social and emotional learning. In my practice, my focus is on developing trusting relationships and I truly value connection with students, families, and staff. I believe that strong relationships are at the heart of meaningful support, helping children grow emotionally and academically. 

I chose Surfers Paradise SS because of its strong focus on wellbeing and inclusion, which aligns with my own values. I've also had a personal connection to the school and have heard many great things about the community. When I am not at school, I love relaxing with some country and western music, and enjoying the outdoors with my husband, children and our beautiful (and crazy) labradoodle. 

"I’m Shannon, I'm new to the school this term and will be working as an Inclusion Teacher across Year 1 and Year 4. I moved from Ireland to Australia just over two years ago. My teaching experience spans from the UK, Ireland, and now Australia. Teaching here in Australia has been both rewarding and enjoyable—not to mention the drastic improvement in weather! In addition to sharing my overseas teaching experience, I’ve also been learning a great deal about life "down under." When I’m not teaching the lovely children at Surfers Paradise State School, you’ll find me enjoying the gorgeous beaches we're spoiled with here on the Gold Coast!"

Kind regards, Taylor Haley

Calendar 2025 Term 2

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.

Student Photos

Student photos will take place on Wednesday 7/5/2025 and Thursday 8/5/2025.  Please check with your child’s teacher for the updated timetable and the uniform requirements.

Sibling photo order forms can be collected from the office as soon as possible.

The website is https://www.msp.com.au/parents/primary/ and to order photos, https://www.msp.com.au/photos/ 

Please make your payment online. Students should NOT bring cash to pay for photos.  A fee will be incurred for any late orders.

If you have any questions, please contact MSP direct on (07) 55202 999 or refer to their website.

Mothers Day Stall

Our P&C will run the stall on Thursday 8/5/2025 and classes will be timetabled to attend.

Cash and EFTPOS for purchases from $1 to $20. If you are able to provide a bag for your child, it will be appreciated.

Volunteers are needed and if you are able to assist, please email pandc@surfersparadisess.eq.edu.au

Immunosuppressed Student and Infections

Our school currently has a student who is immunosuppressed. The student is actively involved in the school community and recovering from treatment and their side effects. As this student has a compromised immune system and is more vulnerable to disease, it is important that you do not send your children to school if they are unwell. For example, if your child has an infectious disease (such as the measles, chickenpox, shingles, or flu), your child should stay at home until no longer contagious. For more information about how long an illness is contagious, contact your GP or visit the QLD Health website at:

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0022/426820/timeout_poster.pdf  

We would also appreciate it if you would notify the school immediately if your child has an infectious disease. This will allow us to notify the parents of the student who is immunosuppressed. We must reassure you that your child is not at risk because of this child. We appreciate your cooperation. Please do not hesitate to contact any of the Leadership Team if you have any questions.

This Term’s Learning Focus

Attached you’ll find an overview of what your child will be learning this term. As a school, we’re taking an exciting deep dive into informative texts, exploring fascinating topics such as animals, space, different countries, and notable individuals. The parent overviews also include key dates to remember—please be sure to mark these on your calendar.

Mobile Dental Van

The van will be located at our school this term.  Please telephone 1300 300 850 to book your child’s appointment.

Under 8’s Day

We invite parents and carers for our Prep to Year 2 students on Friday 16/5/2025 to the Under 8’s Day activities on our school oval and in the hall.

Sports Aerobics program

Saturday practice will go ahead this upcoming Saturday, 3^rd May from 12:30pm to 3:30pm in the school library and tuckshop area. 

For team members who signed and returned the form for a new team hoodie, you will be invoiced soon.  Please pay the invoice as soon as possible as we are unable to order the hoodies until all invoices are paid.  It takes 4 to 6 weeks for the hoodies to arrive after they have been ordered.

Information has been received regarding our upcoming Queensland State Qualifier (Regionals).  Attached above is a note specific to you and your daughter.  As well, TFT Sports and Events Management have provided information for you about the day.

If you have questions, please contact Ms Tickell via email.

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.

About Saver Plus

Saver Plus supports parents to save $50 per month for 10 months with online financial education workshops. The savings are then matched dollar-for-dollar, providing up to $500 extra for education-related costs*—potentially giving families $1,000 to help cover school camp fees.

Families can join anytime throughout the year and have funds ready to pay for camps or other education-related costs after completion of the program.

*Education-related costs include camps, laptops, school uniforms, stationery and more.

Eligibility criteria for parents include:

• Holding a Health Care or Pensioner Concession Card
• Receiving a Centrelink payment
• Having a regular income from employment, carer’s payment, or child support
• Have a child in school

To check eligibility families can visit our website or request a callback at 1300610355.