Principal
Dr Carmel McGrath
Term 4 Pillar Champion Awards
Each term we acknowledge and celebrate those staff, parents and students who have contributed to our pillars: Innovation, Inclusion, Well-Being and Curriculum. The people who receive the pillar awards will be acknowledged on our final assembly Wednesday 11 December.
Staffing Update
Merrilyn Krohn will continue in the role of Head of Department (HOD) for semester 1 2025 while Mel Norman is seconded to a Guidance Officer role. Kay Bradley will be A/Principal at Petrie Terrace SS for term 1 2025 and I am currently recruiting for the Deputy role. New teaching staff for 2025 include: Ms Sarah Hilton (Teacher), Mr Dion Cerreto (Teacher), and Emily Chen and Nups Patel (Education Support Officers). I am also currently recruiting for another classroom teacher. Staff have been allocated now and will be reviewed at our Day 8 census to confirm or alter class arrangements as per our Education Queensland staffing model.
P&C 2024
As we draw to the end of another very busy year, I wish to acknowledge the efforts of our P&C executive Rachel Frizzo President, Dahna Gallantree (Treasurer) and Katharine Lloyd (Secretary). It is always a pleasure working with our dedicated team of parents and I commend their enthusiasm and willingness to contribute so readily to the commitments throughout the year. This year the P&C have supported the implementation of the new adventure playground on James Street, organised numerous fundraisers and special events for our students and staff (including the Halloween Disco, Sports days, Science and Book Weeks), supported strategic planning and resourcing of school initiatives, as well as sharing information with both parents and the school. Thank you also to all subcommittees or working groups who have volunteered and supported the gardens, tuckshop and swim club.
Instrumental Music Annual Gala Performance
Congratulations to all instrumental students Years 4-6 who performed at last Tuesday’s Gala Performance. Many parents attended to watch the Junior and Senior Band and choirs perform under the instruction of Mr Colin McIntyre and Ms Rebekah Davis.
Reporting
Staff are currently finalising assessments and report cards for students. These will be distributed in week 11 of this term and parents should expect to receive reports from Thursday 12 December. Any issues regarding reports should be directed to admin@newfarmss.eq.edu.au
Year 6 Graduation Dinner and Ceremony
Thank you so much to all our parents and staff who have been organizing our Year 6 Graduation Dinner (Thursday 05th Dec) and special Graduation Assembly (Monday 09th Dec). Special thanks to our wonderful organising committee: Michelle Logan, Penny Glasson, Jenny Loi, Julie Robson, Anais Gould and Chloe Whitehouse. Thank you to Mr Fleming for once again taking on the role of MC for the event. Thank you also to staff Mr Jones, Ms Cuthbertson, Ms Fletcher and Ms Davis for helping prepare students for the Graduation Ceremony.
Dance Extravaganza
Thank you to our Dance teachers and Mrs Krohn for organising this week’s end of term P-2 dance performance. It is a wonderful showcase of their dance lessons for term 4 and a great fun event for our last week of school. Thank you again to our marvellous dance instructors.
2025 Class Allocations
Thank you to staff, who have worked tirelessly to ensure the complex task of organising students into their new classes has now been finalised. Students will receive a teacher postcard package to take home and most will meet their new teacher next week. If the class teacher is unable to attend due to commitments, an opportunity will be available ON 24TH of January 9-10am on Pupil Free Days. This is not compulsory but if your child is a little anxious, it can help prepare them by knowing where their classroom is located and who their teacher is.
Year 6 Final Roll Call
The last day of term 2024 is Friday 13 December. As part of our Year 6 tradition, we hold a very special final roll call for our Year 6 Graduates. Parents are very welcome.
- At 2:55 pm all classes assemble near A Block and around towards the Netball court. The students, staff and parents make a guard of honour for the Year 6 students.
- Parents are welcome to join the fun.
- Our Year 6 students line up on the A Block veranda.
- At 2:59 pm the school counts down from 10 to 1 and then the old school bell is rung.
- Then Year 6 students walk down the stairs and through a full school community guard of honour. The students receive high 5s and lots of applause as students, staff and parents to celebrate their final departure from New Farm SS.
Digital Teaching and Learning
We are thrilled to share an update on the exciting developments in our Digital Teaching and Learning program, designed to ensure every student at NFSS has access to equitable, innovative, and secure digital learning opportunities.
Key Update – No Device Purchases Required:
A key element of our updated strategy is the transition away from requiring parents to purchase iPads for students. Starting with Year 3 in 2025, the school will provide iPads for students as part of a school-owned device model. This change:
- Reduces financial pressure on families.
- Ensures a standardized and secure digital environment.
- Provides equitable access to technology for all students.
For families with students currently in Years 3–6 using personal devices, rest assured that our IT Support Plan will include measures to secure and manage both school-owned and BYOD devices to ensure safety and consistency across the board.
We are committed to supporting parents as digital learning partners, equipping you with tools and resources to foster a balanced and effective digital experience for your children.
We will continue to keep you updated as the program progresses. If you have any questions or feedback, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Important Dates and Events:
- LAST DAY 2024 – Friday 13 December 3pm
- 2025 Office Opens Monday 20 January
- 2025 Meet the Teacher and Visit Classrooms Session Friday 24 January 9-10am
- FIRST DAY 2025 -Tuesday 28 January 8:45am