13/6/2025

From Taylor Haley, Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers

As we come to the end of Week 8, it's hard to believe how quickly the term is progressing. With only a few weeks remaining until the holidays, our classrooms remain full of energy and purposeful learning. There’s a definite sense of momentum as students work towards finishing units, demonstrating their learning, and celebrating the growth they’ve achieved so far this term.

The shift in seasons has certainly made itself known, the mornings are crisp, and the school jumpers have well and truly come out of hibernation. As winter settles in, we encourage families to ensure students are dressed warmly and arrive at school ready to learn. Please remember to label winter items like jackets and jumpers, as they tend to migrate easily during the day!

Thank you for your continued support as we move through this final stretch of Term 2 together. There’s still much to look forward to in the coming weeks, from excursions and assessments to Winterfest, and Sports Carnivals and Celebrations of Learning days.

Every Day Counts: The Importance of Attendance

At Surfers Paradise State School, we know that regular attendance is key to student success; academically, socially, and emotionally. That’s why we set a whole-school attendance target of 94% this year.

At the moment, we’re tracking at around 92%. We’re close — but there’s still some work to do to reach our goal. Every day counts. Even missing one day a fortnight adds up to four full weeks of learning lost over a year. That’s why we encourage every student to be at school, on time, every day, unless they’re genuinely unwell.

Together, we can build strong attendance habits that support every child to reach their full potential. Let’s keep working as a community to close that small gap and finish the term strong!

Regional Cross Country Champions

Last week, three of our outstanding students proudly represented Surfers Paradise State School at the Regional Cross Country Championships — Jaxon, Laisha, and Jaela.

Competing against the best runners from across the region, all three students showed incredible determination, resilience, and school spirit. We are so proud of how they conducted themselves on and off the course — true ambassadors for our school.

Congratulations, Jaxon, Laisha, and Jaela! Your hard work and commitment to training has paid off, and we can’t wait to see what you achieve next.

Semester 1 Report Cards

Semester 1 student report cards will be distributed to families on Thursday of Week 10. These reports provide a clear summary of your child’s achievement, effort, and progress across learning areas during the first half of the year.

You may notice a slight change in how the report looks this semester. The Department of Education has made some updates to the format to better align with statewide reporting expectations. While the content and grading remain consistent, the updated layout is designed to make the information easier to understand for families. Reports will be sent electronically via email, so it’s essential that we have your most up-to-date email contact details on file. If your email has recently changed, please contact the school office as soon as possible.

We’re incredibly proud of the growth our students have shown this semester and look forward to sharing these achievements with you.

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.

From Our Psychologist

Why Connection Matters: A Note for Parents, Carers and Adults

At school, one of the most important things we focus on—alongside reading, writing, maths and all the rest—is helping students feel safe, valued, and connected. When children feel that strong sense of connection, they’re more likely to enjoy school, engage in learning, and feel confident asking for help when they need it.

This isn’t just a school thing. The relationships children have with the adults in their lives—especially parents and carers—are the most powerful protective factor for their well-being.

The good news? Building connection doesn’t mean doing something extra or perfect. It’s often the little things that count most: a shared laugh, a hug, a moment of undivided attention.

Fun fact from brain science: When a child feels connected to a caring adult, their brain releases oxytocin—a hormone that helps reduce stress and builds trust (Siegel, 2012). These moments help your child feel safe and emotionally ready to learn and grow.

One easy daily tip: Take two minutes a day to connect with your child without any distractions—no phone, no agenda. Just sit, chat, play, or ask them something fun like, “What made you smile today?” or “What’s something you’re looking forward to?”.

If you're curious to read more, check out this resource - https://drdansiegel.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/POSU-Refrigerator-Sheet.pdf

Kind regards, Georgia

Thank you to Quota Gold Coast Inc

We are delighted to extend our heartfelt thanks to the members of the Quota Gold Coast Inc for their generous donation of a Phonak DigiMaster soundfield system to our school. This wonderful gift will make a lasting difference in the classroom for some of our students and teachers.

My New Gallery

The Phonak DigiMaster is a state-of-the-art sound field system that enhances speech clarity throughout the room, ensuring that all students, especially those with hearing challenges, can hear instructions and participate fully in learning. Its use has been shown to improve focus, reduce listening fatigue, and support academic performance across all subjects for students.

Thanks to the support of Quota Gold Coast Inc, we are now better equipped to create an inclusive and accessible learning environment. This donation reflects not only a commitment to education but also to equity and opportunity for all learners.

On behalf of our school community, thank you once again to Quota Gold Coast Inc for your generosity and dedication to making a difference.

Tuckshop Volunteers Please

Our tuckshop urgently needs volunteers on Mondays and Wednesdays. Please visit tuckshop or school office; or email admin@surfersparadisess.eq.edu.au if you are available.

Chess Club

Chess Club students represented our school proudly on Tuesday at the Interschool Chess Tournament.

Congratulations to all students who represented SPSS:

Birthday Book Club

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

Music – Choral Fanfare

Congratulations to our students who participated in Choral Fanfare.

My New Gallery

Culture Day – A Wonderful Success!

On Friday 23rd May, our school community came together to recognise and celebrate the rich cultural diversity that makes our school such a special place. Celebrate Your Culture Day was a vibrant and joyful event, and we are thrilled to announce that we raised just over $344 to go towards updating our Indigenous resources in classrooms across the school.

Students and staff were invited to dress in traditional or cultural attire, and the response was incredible! From colourful clothing and accessories to meaningful symbols and patterns, it was truly heartwarming to see everyone embracing the opportunity to share and honour their backgrounds.

We extend a huge thank you to all families for your generous donations and enthusiastic participation. Your support will help us continue to build inclusive learning spaces that reflect and respect the many cultures within our school community, especially our connection to First Nations peoples.

The day was not only fun and festive but also served as an important reminder of the value of cultural understanding and respect. We look forward to continuing to celebrate the diversity and unity that makes our school community so unique.

Thank you again for making the day such a meaningful success!

My New Gallery

X Dance Competition Winner

Our year 5 student Magda Bohacik participated in the X Dance Competition representing Surfers Paradise State School on Sunday 1/6/2025.

My New Gallery

Magda won the from 9 dancers and qualified for the Queensland state final on the Sunshine Coast in October 2025.

She is training in the elite ballet school, Amanda Bollinger Dance Academy, and training every afternoon until late in the evening.

Magda’s family are very proud of her achievement!

Student Absences

Please contact our school to report your child’s absence.

If your child arrives late to school, please have them come directly to the office for a late slip.

Lost Property

There are MANY school jackets in lost property. Always ensure your child’s belongings are labelled so they can be returned.

Year 5 and 6 students – Dance Festival at Merrimac SHS

Merrimac State High School is excited to extend an invitation to our Year 5 and 6 students to attend the 2025 Dance Festival in July 2025.

This exciting full-day event is a fantastic opportunity for students to experience the world of dance through hands-on workshops delivered by industry professionals. Styles covered will include Lyrical, Hip Hop, and Musical Theatre.

At 2:15 pm, families are warmly invited to enjoy a Student Showcase performance, celebrating the skills developed throughout the day.

Who Can Attend?
This event is open to all Year 5 and 6 primary school students who are interested in exploring dance and potentially joining Merrimac’s renowned Dance Summit and or Tripple Threat Program in the future.

How to Register:
Please refer to the attached flyer and use the QR code to complete registration.

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.