Filter Content
- Lost Property
- Important Notices
- Medications at School 2025
- School Calendar
- Halloween Bake Sale
- Halloween Disco
- Principal
- Deputy Principal
- Head of Department - Curriculum
- Tree Planting - Arbor Day
- Student Departure
- Social Media Age Restrictions eSafety Forum with Madonna Jarrett at Kelvin Grove
- Halloween Disco & Bake Sale
- Christmas Colouring In
- Band 2026
- Guidance Officer
- Kingfishers Swim Club
- P&C
- 2026 Prep Enrolments
- School Crossing Supervisor EOI
- Kookie's Prep Playgroup
- All Girls Cricket
- Community News
|
Please notify the school by 8.00am if your child will be absent from school. Please advise child's name and class, date of absence and reason for absence. TO NOTIFY OF AN ABSENCE 1. Absence email: 2. QParents App: 3. Phone Student Absence Line: |
|
Uniform Shop 2025 Term 1 Open 8am - 9:30am Online ordering: School Locker |
|
Note: Information is sent from New Farm State School newfarmss@schoolzineplus.com To avoid missing these important emails, please add this email address to your inbox Favourites list. |
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:
- All medications must be in the original container and have clear chemist labels with the students name
- Any allergy/asthma/anaphylaxis plans must be completed and signed by a GP
- 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.
23
Thu
23 Oct 2025
24
Fri
24 Oct 2025
5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
24
Fri
24 Oct 2025
5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
24
Fri
24 Oct 2025
5:30 PM to 9:00 PM
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 is possible.
Parent Input Classes 2026
We are now in the process in forming classes for 2026. The collection of student voice (nominating friends they might like to work with in 2026) and parent input from the Forms survey is closing. If you haven’t already done so and wish to add pertinent information, please do so before the 17th of October. After this time, new information and or requests will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. We welcome your input via this form.
Mental Health Community Expo
Thanks to all who supported our Inaugural Mental Health Expo last Friday. It was a lovely opportunity to “Connect for Mental Health” and share the support available both in the school and in the wider community whilst enjoying coffee and some breakfast. We look forward to building on this event.
Emma Kemph
Message from the Acting Deputy
Usually, you’ll find me in the Year 4 classroom, but for the next three weeks, I’m excited to be stepping into the Acting Deputy Principal role, supporting Mrs Bradley while she is Principal. I’ve been part of the New Farm community for the past four years, and it truly is a special place, with dedicated teachers, wonderful students, and a supportive parent community. I’m looking forward to meeting many new families and working with our students in a different capacity during this time.
Drop Off / Pick Up Zone
To keep afternoon transitions running smoothly and safely, please ensure your child’s name is clearly displayed on your car visor. This allows staff to quickly identify vehicles, call for students, and help them move promptly to their car. If you need a name printout, please email administration@newfarmss.eq.edu.au or pop into the administration office.
Lost Property
With winter behind us, many school jumpers have been left behind at school, and the lost property pile is growing fast! If your child is missing a jumper, please encourage them to check the collection in the office area.
Curriculum and the Classroom
This term, in our English units, all students will have a focus on storytelling. Students will explore the structure of stories and their predictable characteristics, such as orientation, complication and resolution. While, junior year-levels will focus on retelling stories, upper grades will extend their knowledge and skills, analysing and incorporating literary features such as similes, metaphor and personification into their work. They will also investigate techniques such as foreshadowing, using language to develop characters and building tension to a climax.
The titles included in the units have come from a range of authors including Australian authors Phil Cummings, Briony Stewart, Emily Rodda and Kiah Thomas as well as some much loved and classics such as Michael Rosen’s “We’re Going on Bear Hunt”. Titles selected are hoped to bring a rich level of literary appreciation, engaging students with familiar and new texts, to expand their language and connections across texts.
All students will be engaged with reading, viewing and comprehending imaginative texts as well as,
- Prep and Yr 1 will retell familiar stories.
- Yr 2 – Write a story using a known character.
- Yr 3 – Write a story using ideas from familiar texts.
- Yr 4 – Write an adventure quest story.
- Yr 5 – Write a story with fantasy elements.
- Yr 6 – Write a story with sci-fi elements.
When reading with your child, to prompt conversations about the story, questions could include:
Before reading
- What do you think this book will be about based on the cover and title?
- What characters do you think will be in the story?
- What do you think the blurb (the writing on the back) is telling us?
During reading
- What do you predict will happen next?
- Why do you think that character did that?
- What would you have done if you were the character?
- How do you think the character feels?
- What is happening in this picture?
After reading
- What was your favourite part of the story, and why?
- Which character did you like the best? Why?
- Can you retell the story/chapter in your own words?
- Does this story remind you of anything that has happened to you or another book you've read?
- Were your predictions correct?
- Would you like to read another book by this author or about these characters? Why?
Tree Planting Ceremony: Arbor Day
Tuesday 14 October 2025
For our Year 4 Persuasive Texts unit, each student wrote a persuasive argument, establishing why trees are a vital contributor to the environment and why it is essential to plant and replace this vegetation as we use and lose them. Our focus centred on our local school community.
Students researched to discover why trees are valuable resources for us and our planet and how they are essential for life due to the symbiotic relationship between animals and plants.
Without trees to remove CO2 and other pollutants from the air, we doom natural ecosystems to eventual extinction.
What better way to celebrate the unit’s completion than on Arbor Day! Our local Councillor, Vicki Howard and staff member Robert Lamberth joined us for our tree planting ceremony.
Our thanks go to Ms Howard and Robert who organised a flourishing lemon myrtle tree to replace the jacaranda that was damaged by then removed after the inclement weather earlier this year. The lemon myrtle is an excellent choice as it is low-maintenance, drought resistant. It supports local wildlife, likes bees and birds, and is a natural pest control.
We hope this will become an annual event.
We hope this inspires you to support our planet’s survival.
Year 4, 2025
If your child will not be returning in 2026 please complete a Student Departure Advice, this does not include year 6 graduates.
NFSS Student Departure
Parents and carers are invited to attend an in-person forum on eSafety and the upcoming changes to Social Media age restrictions.
From 10 December 2025, age-restricted social media platforms will have to take reasonable steps to prevent Australians under the age of 16 from creating or keeping an account.
Madonna Jarrett, is hosting a discussion on these changes and what it means for families. She will be joined by representatives of the eSafety Commission, Grace Grace and Jonty Bush.
This event aims to update parents on what the new laws mean for them and their families.
Event details:
- Tuesday October 21
- 5:45pm arrival for 6pm start
- Kelvin Grove State College (school hall)
Tickets are FREE
Register your interest to attend and get more details here EVENT TICKETS
More information about the new laws is available here https://www.esafety.gov.au/about-us/industry-regulation/social-media-age-restrictions
Halloween Disco Reminder!
Get ready for a spooky night of fun at our Halloween Disco next Friday, 24th October from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM!
- Free Entry
- Kids Halloween Dress-Up (please keep costumes friendly and not too scary)
- Bar & Food Available
- All children must be supervised at all times
We’re looking for volunteers to help make the night a success!
Sign up here: https://legacy.signup.zone/dfStgr42ayRFzNGW9
Or contact Fiona at 0400 196 492
Halloween Bake Sale
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
Kingfisher Swim Club is Back!
We’re excited to let you know that the Kingfisher Swim Club will be back in Term 4, starting on the first Friday night October 10.
The club is a fun, family-friendly way for kids of all ages and abilities to enjoy swimming. If you can swim at least 10m with a kickboard, you’re welcome to join in! We run kickboard races, one- and two-lap races in all strokes, plus a medley, fun relays, and even a free swim at the end.
There’s no cost, no pre-registration, and no pressure—just turn up, have a go, and enjoy the atmosphere. The tuckshop will be open with sausages, chips, and drinks to keep everyone going.
Come along and be part of the chant: Kingfishers, Kingfishers… GO, GO, GO!
Thank You, NFSS Families!
A huge thanks to the parents who shared their thoughts in our recent volunteering survey. Your feedback helps us build a stronger, and more connected school community. Here’s the scoop:
What we learned:
- Only about 10% of families are currently volunteering – and it’s often the same few faces.
- The biggest barriers? Time, not knowing what’s needed, and how to sign up.
- Parents want flexible, bite-sized roles with clear info and plenty of notice.
- Over half of families would consider a donation instead of volunteering.
What’s changing:
- More flexible options – quick, one-off jobs, volunteer-from-home tasks, and weekend/evening slots.
- Clearer communication – easy sign-ups, advance notice, and role descriptions that make sense.
- A warmer welcome – especially for new families, dads, and multicultural groups.
- Recognition matters! Expect more thank-yous, shout-outs, and fun ways to celebrate our amazing volunteers.
The “So What”:
When more families join in, even just for an hour, we all win. Our kids see us engaged, our teachers feel supported, and our school community thrives.
Whether you can give time, skills, or a small donation, every contribution helps lighten the load and make NFSS shine.
Thank you for being part of this journey – and here’s to making volunteering even easier, friendlier, and more fun for everyone!
New Tuckshop Menu!
You can download the App and find registration and online ordering instructions below
POSITIONS VACANT
We are looking for School Crossing Supervisors in your area to help get our kids safely to and from school.
School Crossing Supervisors must be available for work in both morning and afternoon shifts on a rostered basis (in all weather conditions).
In return we offer the following:
- Casual pay-rate starting at $37.10 per hour
- Relief opportunities on your days off
- Long service leave entitlements
Commencement of employment for the successful applicant is dependent on:
- The favourable outcome of a pre-employment health assessment
- A Positive Notice Blue Card (you do not need to have a blue card to apply for the position)
If this sounds like something you would be interested in, give us a call on (07) 3863 9871 to speak with your local Road Safety Officer or email CSB.SEQN.RoadSafetyCarseldine@tmr.qld.gov.au for more information.
We’re excited to announce that New Farm State School has been selected to take part in a special Girls-Only Cricket Pilot Program, proudly delivered by Queensland Cricket.
This fun and inclusive 4-week program is designed to introduce girls to cricket in a supportive, all-girls environment. It’s open to all grades, with no experience or equipment needed — just a willingness to give it a go!
Program Highlights:
- Fun new games, music, and modified equipment
- Confidence-building skill sessions
- Delivered by accredited Queensland Cricket coaches
- It’s all about fun, friendship, learning new skills and of course good vibes!
- Starts: Wednesday, 22nd October (Week 3, Term 4)
- Open to girls from all grades
- Time: 7:30-8:30am
- Location: School Oval
- Cost: $59.00 (includes participant pack)
- Register here: https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/register/5e18c0
Stage61 After School Programs – Drama & Debating
Always wanted to perform or debate ?
Stage61 is bringing its exciting After School Programs to New Farm State School — designed to help students build confidence, creativity, and communication skills in a fun, supportive environment!
Intro to Drama – starts Monday, 27 October at 3:30 pm
Step into the spotlight with our Intro to Drama program at Newstead School, designed for Grades 3–6! This fun and engaging course introduces young performers to the exciting world of theatre, helping them build confidence, creativity, and teamwork through play, improvisation, and performance.
Debating Class – starts Wednesday, 29 October at 3:30 pm
Stage61’s Debating Program empowers students to discover their voice and the confidence to express it. Through structured debates, teamwork, and critical thinking activities, students learn to craft persuasive arguments, listen actively, and speak with clarity.
Build your voice, confidence, and creativity — and have fun along the way!
Enrol now at www.stage61.com.au/school-programs
or email info@stage61.com.au
