18 September 2025

FROM THE PRINCIPAL’S DESK

Term 3, Week 10

Dear Bli Bli Community,

I am pleased to share that my appointment as Principal here at Bli Bli State School has been extended until the end of the year. It continues to be both a privilege and an honour to lead such a wonderful school, and I am grateful for the support and warmth shown by staff, students, and families.

One of the things I value most about our school is the way we encourage and support students to be active. Research continues to show that children who engage in regular physical activity not only build healthy bodies but also develop stronger focus, resilience, and social connections. Active play also supports learning in the classroom, as movement is directly linked to improved cognitive development and emotional wellbeing.

We are fortunate to have great facilities, staff, and programs that promote physical activity every day. The government’s Play On vouchers have also been a fantastic initiative, giving families an extra opportunity to support their children in taking part in local sporting and recreational activities.  See the link and more information below. Whether it’s joining a new sport, trying a community program, or simply playing actively with friends, these experiences help children grow in confidence and develop lifelong healthy habits.

Another important focus for us this year is ensuring that every child develops strong foundations in literacy. At Bli Bli State School, our teaching is guided by the Science of Reading, a body of research that explains how children learn to read and what teaching practices support them best. We know that reading is not a natural process; it requires explicit teaching of skills like phonics, vocabulary, fluency, and comprehension. When these skills are taught systematically, students are much more likely to become confident, successful readers. Families can support this at home by reading regularly with children, talking about stories, and encouraging them to notice sounds and patterns in words.

At the same time, I know parenting can sometimes feel like a balancing act. While raising children is incredibly rewarding, it also comes with challenges, whether that’s school issues, friendship ups and downs, behaviour, or tricky moments at home. Please remember that support is available. Parentline is a free service offering advice and a listening ear for all Queensland parents and carers. Sometimes just talking things through can make a big difference.

As we move through the term, I encourage all families to make the most of these opportunities, whether that’s through Play On vouchers, active play, reading together at home, or reaching out for support when needed. Together, we can ensure our students are not only learning well but also thriving physically, socially, and emotionally.

It is also a great time of year for the sport lovers out there, spring is here so that means footy finals, all the best if your team is still alive and of course Go the Mighty Bulldogs!

Warm regards,

Steve Taylor
Acting Principal

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.

Play On! vouchers are here

From 4 August 2025, eligible Queensland families can apply for a $200 Play On! Sports Voucher for each child aged 5 to 17 years. The vouchers can be used to help cover the cost of approved sporting activities.

 Key dates:

• 4 August 2025: Round 1 opens for parents, carers or guardians to apply for vouchers
• 17 Dec 2025 5PM: applications close (or earlier if fully allocated)
• 19 Jun 2026: vouchers must be presented to an activity provider

Key information:

• Each voucher is valued at up to $200
• Vouchers will be released in two rounds to be used for summer or winter sports
• There is a limit of 1 voucher per child per financial year
• A dedicated allocation is available for children living in regional and remote Queensland
• More accessible sports will be available to give children of all abilities the opportunity to participate

Queensland celebrates 7 years until 2032 Games

Games On!

Over 100 community sports clubs across Queensland will be upgraded through the Games On! program as part of the 2032 Delivery Plan.

DEPUTY PRINCIPALS’ NEWS

Prep 2026

Do you have a younger one (or neighbour) coming to Prep in 2026??

At Bli Bli State School, enrolling in Prep for 2026 is just 5 easy steps:

Step 1: Enrol in a school tour. (if you haven’t already done a tour)

Do this via this link - 

Step 2: Check your email and follow us on Facebook

We will include you on an email list to keep you informed of enrolment events. Also don’t forget to also follow us on Facebook.

Step 3: Collect an enrolment pack

Enrolment packs can be accessed NOW from your Kindy Centre (Greenspace and Little Sprouts Centres) or from our school office counter.

Step 4: Enrol your child in our orientation events. (Starting Oct 20)

Do this via this link - 

Step 5: Book an enrolment interview with us. (Starting Oct 27)

Do this via this link - 

Class Allocation Process – Towards 2026!

The process for constructing classes at Bli Bli State School

Teachers use all available information to assist in deciding the best educational environment for their students as they progress to the next year level. They consider the educational, social-emotional and behavioural needs of each student and consult with fellow teachers, support staff, families and students to make decisions.

Early Term 4, teachers will collaborate within their year level to formulate classes for 2026. A key component of this class formulation process is the school’s commitment to ensuring that each child has at least one learning partner of their choice in their class.

Friend or Learning Partner?

• Teachers will be doing a lesson on what is a ‘Learning Partner’ before students draft their list of 5 students.
• Teachers will then consult with students and refine their list to the best choices for them.
• The list will then be signed off by your child and their teacher and then sent home for you to view. If you have concerns about the list, please contact your child’s teacher to discuss further. If not, sign and please return to your child’s teacher.

Important to remember:

• A ‘Friend’ and a ‘Learning Partner’ are not necessarily the same thing.
• Your child’s list of 5 ‘Learning Partners’ is not ranked or ordered, and they will not be placed in the same class as all 5 chosen students.
• We do not guarantee your child will be placed in a class with the first person on their list.
• Every effort will be made to have at least one child from your child’s ‘learning partner’ list in their new class. If this is not possible, families will be contacted.

Do you want input?

All of our teachers are highly trained professionals who are motivated and work in the best interests of all students, so requests for a particular teacher will not be considered as part of our class allocation process.

If parent/care givers would like to offer further information to the process, they should do this formally via email contact with Simone Hansen (Year 4 - 6) shans50@eq.edu.au  and Trevor Durbidge (Prep - Year 3) tdurb2@eq.edu.au.

Trevor Durbidge and Simone Hansen
Deputy Principals

OFFICE NEWS

Sign up for News!

Ensure you get all the latest news by following our facebook pages:

• Bli Bli State School
• Bli Bli State School P&C
• Bli Bli State School Tuckshop

QParents

Our permissions and payments are online with QParents. QParents is used by all state primary and high schools – registration process is below.

Please check your emails for the invite, and contact the office if you require the invite to be resent on email

P&C NEWS

Welcome to Spring BBSS!!

2025 seems to be flying past with our amazing P&C Disco and Father’s Day stall already this term. Shout out to our fabulous Fundraising Team for making both these events smooth, organised and so much FUN!!

A special shout out to our Executive Committee Jeremy Foster (President), Jaro Bauleka (Treasurer) and Kerry Stanley-Hunt (Secretary). We are still on the lookout for a Vice-President (please contact Donna if you are keen to help).

Our Tuckshop Team of Dee, Tracey, Annie, Susan, Lisa, and Toni, continue to be busy bees. With another successful Red Food Day held on Tuesday 9 September and our Sushi Thursdays off to a great start.

P&C Fundraising Team

Our P&C Fundraising Team are doing an amazing job, chaired by Marie MacKenzie.

Key event for the Fundraising Team for Term 4 is:

Family Photo Day

Bookings for Saturday 11 October & Sunday 19 October open (watch out for further available dates).

General P&C Events

Our Fundraising Team are always on the lookout for volunteers. Please join the Bli Bli State School Fundraising & Events page on Fb for all updates.

If you are keen to help us organise any events, please contact us at bliblipc@outlook.com.

Uniform Shop

Opening Hours:

8.30am - Tuesday
8.30am - Thursday

ALL dresses are marked down to $26 (sizes 4 to Size 12 available).

Polo Shirts pricing has gone up from $28.00 to $30.00.

ALL UNIFORMS to be ordered via School Shop Online and COLLECTED from the Uniform Shop (or delivered to classrooms) https://schoolshoponline.net.au/blibliss/index.aspx.

Please see below our new Price List.

Busy Bee Café

BUSY BEE CAFÉ HOURS for coffee/cake are 8.00am to 9.00am Monday to Friday.

Keep an eye out for our Spring/Summer Specials.

NO LUNCH ORDERS are to be taken over the counter (for Teachers or Students).

ALL orders must be completed online via School Shop Online at https://schoolshoponline.net.au/blibliss/index.aspx.

LATE LUNCH Orders to be placed by no later than 10am and consist of a Sandwich (Vegemite or Ham or Cheese) / Lucky Dip Muffin / Piece of seasonal fruit for $6.50. No other orders taken after 10am.

SUSHI THURSDAYS – back by popular demand! Get your Sushi orders in by 9am on Wednesday morning for delivery on Thursdays.

TUCKSHOP HELPERS – a reminder to all current Year 4 and Year 5 students, please put your name down to be a Tuckshop Helper in 2026. Training will commence in Term 4 (with Dee).

Follow the Tuckshop online at www.facebook.com/BliBliStateSchoolTuckshop.

Outside School Hours Care

It has been a busy Term 3. Get excited for our upcoming Term 4. Thank you to Tracey and Tarsh (and the OSHC team).

Bookings are now open in OWNA for families currently enrolled.

Not enrolled..? No worries. Enrol today via the website www.bliblioshc.com.au.
Please allow 1 to 2 business days for your enrolment to be processed.

Check out what is on the program for the September/October school holidays on the OSHC facebook page ‘Bli Bli Outside School Hours Care’, or on the OWNA app.

If you have any questions about the P&C and what we do, please feel free to get in contact via

E: bliblipc@outlook.com or follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/BliBliSSPandC

Donna Nacewa
Operations Manager
Bli Bli State School P&C

CLASSROOM NEWS

6A

Dear Parents and Guardians

Your children have been working very hard as we complete all of the assessment for this term.

This week in English, we focused on completing our short stories. I have been reading your children’s drafts and I am very impressed. We have been focusing on including language features into writing to increase its engagement with the reader.

Maths was very busy as we completed our final assessment for the term. This assessment was based upon students completing questions relating to angles. Students had to use the known angle to calculate the unknown angle.

In Science, we completed our Space Unit assessment. It was very good to see the children using scientific language and justification.

On the Tuesday of Week 8, all Year 6 staff met to plan the curriculum content. We have reviewed the units for next term and they are looking very interesting.

I would like to say thank you to all families for their efforts this term. It has been a big term and the children have put in a lot of effort into their work. I would also like to thank Mrs Kelly for teaching students HASS this term. She has done an excellent job in teaching your children that subject. A big thank you to Mr McClure for teaching the digital tech subject. I would like to thank Ms B for all her hard work. Ms B completes a lot of work in class that enables your child to have a more individual assistance with their work.

I wish all families a lovely holiday and I am looking forward to starting Term 4.

Nathan Capps
6A Teacher

MUSIC NEWS

Save The Date

End of year concert, NOVEMBER NOTES - 

Thursday 6 November, doors open at 5.30 (with pre-show entertainment by rock band), concert starts at 6pm

Jenny Aitken
Music Teacher

COMMUNITY NEWS

SportsX at Bli Bli SS

Bli Bli’s new CWA

Come join a community of like minded ladies who are setting up the Bli Bli Branch of the QCWA.

Happening on the first Thursday of the month at 11:30am at the Bli Bli Rural Fire Brigrade, corner of Lefoes and Sports Road Bli Bli.

People of all ages welcome. 

Please contact Lara on 0480 579 140 if interested.

Basketball Pre-Season

The Brisbane Bullets are playing a pre-season game on the Sunshine Coast Friday 12 September. This will be held at the UNISC Arena at 6:30pm.

Softball Sign-On

We’re excited to announce that the Suncoast Hinterland Softball Association’s 2025/26 Summer Season is just around the corner - and we’d love to welcome your students and families to join in the fun!

Softball is a game for everyone - boys and girls, men and women, ages 5 years and up. Whether you’re a beginner, returning after a break, or already love the sport, softball is all about fun, friendship, and teamwork.

Season Starts: Saturday 11 October 2025

Game Times: Juniors play in the mornings, Adults in the afternoons

A true family sport - kids, parents, and even grandparents can all get involved!

Softball is inclusive, active, and social; it’s the perfect way to keep kids moving, meet new friends, and build confidence, while also offering adults a chance to stay fit and be part of a welcoming community.

For more information or to register your interest, please contact us:

Email:  secretary@suncoasthinterlandsoftball.com
Phone:  0422 204 661
Website:  www.revolutionise.com.au/suncoastsoftball

Holiday Workshop – Girls Year 3 & 4

This workshop will empower your Tween to feel AMAZING about who she is! She will learn tips and tricks to boost her self-esteem and she will learn why comparisons are SO UNHELPFUL!

Plus, she will also learn what makes her amazing, unique and different to everyone else and why it's so important to just be herself. Register at the website: https://www.headstartpsychology.com.au/sunshinecoast-workshops

Aerial Catz

Basketball Scholarships