27 June 2025
Principal’s Update
Dear Parents/Caregivers,
This final newsletter edition for Semester 1 is a ‘Celebration Newsletter’ as we celebrate the many learning opportunities our students have experienced this year as well as school achievements thus far. Keep an eye out on for our end of Term 2 photo story coming out on Facebook, and showcasing the many experiences had by kids throughout the term.
We are very fortunate at Brightwater to have such a great school community who work together daily to ensure all of our students have an opportunity to try new things, make mistakes, learn at their own pace and succeed in a supportive and well-resourced environment. The success of a child’s education is dependent upon a team approach and I thank all parents, carers and grandparents who volunteer in the school and/or attend parent meetings in order to work with us to make learning great for all of our students.
Semester 1 Report Cards will by now have been emailed out to families. If you haven’t received your child’s, please check in your junk box, and then send us an email so that we can re-send in the first week back next term. If you are registered with QParents you can also access your child’s report card using the QParent portal.
The new Junior Playscape will be opened straight after the holidays. This is such great news and the Yr 1s and 2s are itching to get into the space and try out the new areas. Our P&C team will do an official “ribbon cutting” on Monday 14 just prior to first break. Without the P&C Association leading fundraising projects this new play area would not have happened. Thank you!
Enjoy the upcoming holidays and I look forward to seeing you all back for another awesome term.
Term 3 begins on Monday 14 July.
Regards,
Robyn Taplin, Principal
Parenting Tip
Let consequences do the talking – Michael Grose
Behavioural consequences are a parent’s best friends. When consistently applied, behavioural consequences will improve kids’ behaviour and increase personal responsibility.
Too often parents will over talk or repeat themselves to get cooperation from their kids. Too much talk and most kids tune out.
Alternatively, parents who protect their kids from the consequences of poor or selfish behaviour aren’t doing them any favours as they are robbing them of terrific learning opportunities.
I love the notion of behavioural consequences as they teach kids to take responsibility for their lives and to make smarter choices. They are also a non-punitive discipline measure, enabling kids to keep their dignity and ensuring that learning is maximised.
Parents can use two types of behavioural consequences: natural and logical.
Natural consequences
A natural consequence involves no adult interference. For instance, a child who leaves an excursion note at home will miss the excursion; a child who spends all his pocket money on the first day will have nothing for the weekend and a child who oversleeps and misses the bus walks to school. In these examples, children learn from the direct consequences of their own decisions and thus they are not protected from negative outcomes by their parents.
“It’s your fault, mum!”
Some kids are experts at manipulating their parents to rescue them from experiencing the consequences of their poor choices. They’ll blame their parents for not getting them out of bed on time, or for not reminding them about their responsibilities. It’s best to stand back and let the consequences work their magic!
NOTE: you shouldn’t use natural consequences when safety is an issue. Act decisively to ensure your child is safe.
Logical consequences
A logical consequence is used more frequently in family situations as it is the type of consequence that requires some form of adult intervention. A logical consequence is used when a child's behaviour disturbs other people, infringes on others' rights or is unsafe. A child who makes a noise in the family room is asked to leave; children who refuse to clean up their toys lose them for a period of time; a child who comes home late from a friend’s house loses the right to go out next time.
The 3 Rs of logical consequences
Consequences often involve the withdrawal of a privilege or a right. For example, a teenager who spends more time than agreed on Facebook may lose access to technology for a day or two.
Restitution, or making up to someone for unfair treatment or for loss of a possession, is another form of consequence. A child who wilfully breaks his sister’s toy may make full or part payment for a replacement. In both these examples the consequences are related to the child’s misdemeanours, are reasonable and are respectful of their dignity.
Here are four simple tips to help make sure your consequences are effective:
Tip 1: Set consequences “like whatever?”
Much of your success with the use of consequences lies in the manner with which they are issued. Issue a consequence using sarcasm or anger and your kids will be angry at you. Issue it free from emotion and without being heavy handed and your kids are more likely to be mad at themselves.
Tip 2: When possible, negotiate consequences
If a child is going to friend’s house for the first time at night, talk about their behaviour and home time. Also discuss the likely consequences if they don’t stick to the agreement. As a rule, kids are more likely to abide by consequences when they’ve had a say in deciding them.
Tip 3: Avoid life sentences
Ban a child from a going out for a few days rather than leaving the duration open ended. Set a time frame for the consequences and remember the second of the 3 Rs – reasonable – means that parents shouldn’t go overboard with consequences.
Tip 4: Don’t acquiesce to terrorism ... or guilt
If your child issues a threat saying something like, “There’s no way you can make me come home at six o’clock,” don’t rise to the bait. Deflect it by saying, “We’ll talk about this tomorrow.” Don’t give in to threats of running away or non-cooperation. “I hope you don’t run away. It's great having you at home. I want what is best for you.” Avoid stating what you would love to say, which may be something like, “Yeah, try running away. You wouldn’t last outside two days before you are back here begging for a good feed and comfortable bed!” Bite your tongue instead, and let the consequences do the teaching!
Kids in the early stages of adolescence draw strength from each other and rarely make parental challenges individually, or at least not without some back-up. “Everyone else is going...” “Bonnie’s mum is letting her go…” are the catchcries for this age group as they battle to get into the headspace of their parents. That’s why they gang up on parents. Not only is it more effective but working together gives them false bravado.
Deputy Principal News
Dear Parents and Caregivers,
P-3 Athletics Carnival
Congratulations to our P-3 learners for participating enthusiastically in our athletics carnival on Thursday. The sun was out, and we enjoyed a fantastic day together. A huge thanks to Ms Pettifer for her exemplary planning and organisation. Across the day our P-3’s rotated through a set of activities with their class group including ball games, long jump, vortex throwing and a Rob the Nest game. They also showed great Brightwater spirit in having-a-go at sprint races. We are so proud of the way our learners engaged with a sense of fun, teamwork and sportsmanship. It was wonderful to have so many family members join us on the day to cheer on our youngest Brightwater learners. Congratulations also to all our parent race winners!
Year 3 Excursion
On Tuesday our Year 3 learners had a fabulous excursion to Australia Zoo. This excursion was a wonderful culminating activity following our learning about various animals of personal interest this term in English and Science. During the day, our Year 3 learners enjoyed observing many of the animals they had studied up close and impressively shared the facts they had learnt about classification, appearance, diet, habitat, as well as interesting facts. A highlight of the day was participating in the Crocoseum Show as a cohort group. Thank you to our dedicated Year 3 teachers for their planning and organisation of such a fun learning opportunity. Many thanks also to our additional staff who attended and our parent helpers who assisted on the day.
Regards,
Jessica Lewis, Acting Deputy Principal
4 – 6 Sector News
As we come to the end of another busy and successful term, we take a moment to reflect on the incredible learning and growth we’ve seen across our school. From classroom lessons to extracurricular activities, our students have shown enthusiasm, persistence, and a real love of learning.
This term has been filled with exciting opportunities—whether it was exploring new concepts in maths and science, diving into rich texts in English, or engaging in creative arts and sports programs. Students have worked hard to develop their skills, collaborate with their peers, and set goals for their learning.
A big thank you to our dedicated teachers and staff, whose tireless effort and support have made this term such a success. We also extend our appreciation to our parent and carer community for the encouragement and partnership you provide every day.
As we head into the holidays, we congratulate all our students for their hard work and achievements this term. We hope everyone enjoys a well-earned break and we look forward to welcoming you back refreshed and ready for another exciting term ahead.
Wishing you all a safe and restful holiday!
Congratulations Athletics Age Champions
Well done to our senior athletics Age Champions:
- 2013 born students – Thomas C & Kenzie W
- 2014 born students – Carter S, Hunter T & Mia W
- 2015 born students – Gemma C & Ethan Y
Centaurus Wins!
Centaurus took out the House Points for the Senior Athletics Carnival closely followed by Pegasus, Draco and Phoenix. Well done on all students for putting in their best efforts.
Year 6 Queensland Parliament House Excursion
Our Year 6 students recently had the exciting opportunity to visit Queensland’s Parliament House in Brisbane as part of their HASS studies. The excursion brought classroom learning to life, giving students a firsthand look at how our state government operates. They saw parliament in action, learned about the roles of Members of Parliament, and even took part in a mock parliamentary debate. Students also visited the Cube in the grounds of QUT, having fun playing on the interactive screens and spent time strolling through the Brisbane City Botanic Gardens. It was a fantastic day filled with valuable insights, thoughtful questions, and lots of enthusiasm. A big thank you to our parent helpers and staff who made this enriching experience possible!
Regards,
Ian Marsden, Acting Deputy Principal
Sport News
As term 2 draws to a close, a big congratulations should be sent out to all students who have participated in the many different sporting events on offer at Brightwater State School. The students have had a variety of opportunities to participate in Morning Fitness Programs, School Sports, District, and Regional sports, Sports Carnivals and Cross-Country Events.
The past two weeks has seen Brightwater State School students engage in their Athletics Carnivals. The Seniors (Year 4-6) got to participate in a wide range of events such as high jump, discus, shot put, long jump, vortex, ball games and a range of running events at different distances. All students displayed their best effort, and some have qualified for District events next term. The Juniors enjoyed a fun, less competitive Carnival with long jump, vortex, ball games, team games, relays, and sprints. A huge thanks to all the staff that have supported in the set-up and running of the event.
Next term, Interschool Sports will be taking place for Year 5 and 6 during week 1, 3 and 4. All permission and payment should have now been made at the office or via the invoice received. There will also be opportunities for students in Year 5 and 6 to participate in the Lightning Netball Cup for Year 5 and 6. We are hoping to enter a boy and girl team in the AFL Schools competition, more information to come next term!
A busy Semester (Term 3 and 4) ahead for sport at Brightwater. Stay tuned for more information and we hope you enjoy a well-deserved break!
Thank you.
Buntie Pettifer and Jade Harvie
HPE Teachers
P&C News
Huge announcement – Motiv8 Sports’ Gr8 Race
On Friday 7 November 2025 Brightwater State School will host the GR8Race! The oval will be turned into a sports dreamworld comprising of multiple 'countries'. Each country is a unique, incredible activity or challenge, there will be lifesavers in Australia (slip and slide), a colour run in Cuba and Island hopping in Fiji - just to name a few!
And it's also a fundraiser! The more your child raises, the more tickets they'll earn for our amazing prize draws!
We’re seeking company sponsors and prize donations. If you or someone in our community owns a business or works for a company that might want to support this fantastic event, we’d love to hear from you.
Please get in touch and help to make this the best 'FUN'draiser of the year! pandc@brightwaterss.eq.edu.au
So many uniform donations – thank you!
Our generous community has donated many bags and boxes of good quality secondhand uniforms in recent weeks. They were greatly appreciated and have flown off the shelf, helping the P&C provide affordable options for parents and raise funds for the school.
Cafe update
Our heartfelt thanks to Nicola Allam who has moved on from her role as Cafe Assistant. Your warmth, dedication and the connection you had with the students will be sorely missed Nicola. Thank you!
Secretary position available
Our current P&C secretary Jacinta will be stepping down in Term 3 and is keen to train up anyone who is willing to give the role a go. You’ll be part of an inclusive, energetic team who value the role hugely. The main tasks of the BWSS P&C secretary at present are around managing meeting agendas and minutes, and keeping a register of our members. More information on the role is on P&Cs Queensland’s website here. For more information please get in touch with us via email: pandc@brightwaterss.eq.edu.au and one of the Exec team will give you a ring.
General meeting
The next general meeting of the P&C is at 6pm 23 July (Term 3, Week 2). The meeting is held in the school and online and all are welcome.
How to join the P&C
Being part of the P&C is a great way to give back to the school and be part of its diverse and skilled community. With a busy schedule of events in 2025, it’s busy and social, and if you don’t want to volunteer but like to keep in the loop by being a member and receiving email updates we welcome you, too!
If you are not yet a member or are yet to renew for 2025, please email pandc@brightwaterss.eq.edu.au.
Thank for all your support in Term 2 and have a great holiday!
Nicky, Caroline, Lisa, Jacinta and Josh
BWSS Parents & Citizens Association Executive
Contacting the P&C Association
Email: pandc@brightwaterss.eq.edu.au
Facebook: search Brightwater SS P&C Association or visit the link below.
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