Attendance FAQ's

What if my student is unwell?

Any child who is showing signs of illness or feeling unwell, should stay at home.
If a child is showing signs of illness at school, the school will contact the parent or carer to collect the child.

Does School Plus automatically know we are away?

No. If you have a regular booking with School Plus Outside School Hours Care, it is your responsibility to notify them directly if you need to cancel or amend a booking, will be away or if your student is absent due to illness.
Please phone 0458 052 153 or email newfarm@schoolplus.com.au 
If you fail to notify School Plus of an absence Police may be notified in accordance with the 'Missing Child Policy'.

What if my student is attending a school activity somewhere else?

If the school transports students to an activity via bus or walking groups, the school will mark a roll and account for the students.

If you transport your student to the activity, please notify the school they have arrived and are participating in the activity. 
To advise of an off campus activity, you can:
1. email absences@newfarmss.eq.edu.au 
2. phone student absence line (07) 3358 7333 option 1
3. QParents app via 'Notify Absences' tab

How does the Absence SMS from school work?

If your student is not present at 9am roll marking and the office has not been notified they would be away, an SMS is generated and sent to parents. You are able to reply text to this SMS. 

If your child/ren have a medical condition requiring regular or emergency administration of medication, please make sure you have supplied school with the following:

1. All medications must be in the original container and have clear chemist labels with the students name
2. Any allergy/asthma/anaphylaxis plans must be completed and signed by a GP
3. All parents must also complete a consent to administer form that aligns with the GP directed plan - there must be a form completed for each medication

IF YOUR CHILD/REN SELF ADMINISTER THEIR MEDICATION THIS NEEDS TO BE CLEARLY DISPLAYED IN BOTH THE LETTER FROM THE DOCTOR AND IN THE ACTION PLAN

Parents are also required to provide a letter detailing their consent for their child/ren to administer their own medication.

Parents are welcome to drop medication to the Admin Office between 9am – 3pm daily.

Students are not permitted to transport their own medication. An adult must attend and provide medication and complete any require consents.

For all emergency medication, once it has been received and recorded by administration, all medication (e.g. asthma medication, anaphylaxis medication) will be put into a labelled box and stored in the administration building First Aid Room.

If your child/ren’s medical status changes (e.g. asthma action plan no longer relevant, allergy severity decreased etc) please let the school know via email through firstaid@newfarmss.eq.edu.au so that we may update our systems.

Dr Carmel McGrath

Pupil Free Day – Friday 05 September

A reminder to parents that this Friday is a state-wide pupil free day. Students do not attend school on this day as no staff will be on site for supervision.

World Teacher Aide’s Day - Friday 05 September

This week we celebrated the professional team of Education Support Officers (previously known as Teachers Aides) who work in our school supporting our students and teachers. Thanks to these hard-working dedicated staff members we can provide valuable programs and adjustments for students needing additional support, care and extensions. Our teacher aides are caring, dedicated and always strive to do deliver high quality programs for our students. They are a valued part of our school team, and we hope they enjoyed all their special treats this week.

2026 Student Leadership Selection Process

In the last week of term 3 I will provide details on our 2026 Student Leadership Selection process which involves our Year 5s applying for various leadership roles for next year. The students who are interested in becoming a Leader (e.g. School Captain, House Captain or Project Captain) will nominate this term and then speeches, voting and interviews are conducted in term 4. It is an exciting time coming up for our Year 5s. More information to come.

Enrolment Information Evening

Wednesday 03 September 5-6pm – E Block – all prospective parents and families are welcome to attend. Thanks to teachers for opening classrooms and for Pillar Leaders Ms Krohn, Mr Curby, Ms Bradley and Ms Holness for providing information and displays for visitors to view as we showcase our school and our priorities of Inclusion, Innovation, Curriculum and Well-Being. 

Fete

Thank you so much to all our parents and staff who attended last Saturday’s bi-annual fete. Was a glorious day and wonderful to see everyone supporting our school community. I would like to add a special acknowledgement to Convenor Sally Falkinder, P&C President Rachael Frizzo, Treasurer Baden Marino-Hall, Organisers Vina Hess, Louise Grant and Rachael Archer, Event Organisers Les Chin and Daniel Sweeting, Tea Towel organiser Annalisa Toole, and staff - Grounds support Tony Ware, Administration and Communication Stan Williams and Olivia Morrish, Band performance Colin McIntrye and Choir Bek Davis. A huge thanks to all class or year level parent helpers for all their work. It was such a huge team effort. 

Transition After School

Whilst after school is a time for some parents to catch up, before heading home, it is appreciated if you can begin to move off the school grounds as soon as possible. Students should not be beginning games of soccer, tag or handball at this transition time.

We have quite a few students not being where they need to be e.g. Pick Up Zone, Schools Plus or walking home, due to the appeal of extra less supervised playtime.

We ask for your cooperation in ensuring the transition time from 3 p.m. goes smoothly and that the school is handed over to School Plus and teachers for preparation time as soon after 3 p.m. as possible.

Mental Health Mini Expo

This year we will be holding our inaugural Mental Health Community Expo on Friday the 10th of October. We are excited to welcome representatives from community mental health groups onto our school grounds for an afternoon event.

If you know of any organisations that would be interested in taking part, please contact us at administration@newfarmss.eq.edu.au

Business Manager 

Casual Teacher Aide Opportunities – New Farm State School

Brisbane, QLD | TAO02

New Farm State School is seeking caring and enthusiastic Teacher Aides to join our casual pool. This role supports teachers and students in the classroom, playground, and beyond — making a real difference every day.

What you’ll do:

• Support teachers with classroom activities and learning resources
• Provide literacy and numeracy assistance to small groups or individuals
• Help with excursions, sport, and supervision duties
• Assist students with additional needs and promote wellbeing

Requirements:

• Current Blue Card (Working with Children Check)
• Willingness to complete/maintain First Aid certification
• Strong communication, teamwork, and a genuine interest in supporting student learning

How to apply:
Send your cover letter and resume to:
Stan Williams – Business Manager
Email: businessmanager@newfarmss.eq.edu.au

Join our supportive school community and help our students thrive!

Celebrating Our Dads and Father Figures of our Community

At New Farm State School, we’re proud to recognise the incredible fathers and father figures who support our students and help shape our vibrant school community. 

Father’s Day Breakfast – Thursday 4 September, 8:00am Join us for a morning of celebration. Our P&C will be firing up the BBQ for a delicious breakfast, and a coffee cart will be available for those in need of a morning pick-me-up. Come along, purchase some brekky, and help us celebrate the dads of our community.

Parentline: Support and advice for all Queensland parents and carers

Being a parent can be rewarding—but it can also be challenging. Whether you’re trying to support your child with school issues, friendship challenges, behaviour, or tough moments at home, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to do next.

Parentline is a free and confidential service available to all Queensland parents and carers. No problem is too big or too small—and reaching out early can make a real difference.

Parentline offers advice and support on a wide range of parenting topics, including:

• bullying and friendship issues

• parent–child relationships

• parenting strategies and behaviour management

• mental and emotional wellbeing—for both children and parents

You can speak with a trained professional by phone or webchat (6am-midnight), seven days a week.

An online bullying support forum is also available. This is a safe, moderated space to connect with others, ask questions, and share experiences.

Call 1300 30 1300

Visit parentline.com.au

Because parenting doesn’t come with a manual - but help is here when you need it.

BAND INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC RECRUITING FOR 2026

Let the music making begin!

Each year we complete a recruiting process for positions in the departments instrumental music band program delivered here at NFSS.

Parents/caregivers of students currently in year 3 only are invited to express their interest now for their student to apply for a position in this program from 2026.

Please complete the survey using the link below or ask at the office for a paper copy to complete and return and if possible please email me to let me know if you are completing a paper copy. 

For any questions please contact Mr Colin McIntyre on email cmcin13@eq.edu.au

Mr McIntyre