17 October 2025

Principal’s Update

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Welcome Back to Term 4!

I hope you all had a restful break and are excited to dive into the final term of 2025. As we settle back into positive school and learning routines, all students are encouraged to continue demonstrating being a Brightwater Star – Safe, Thoughtful, Active Learner, Responsible - both in the classroom and on the playground. Let’s aim to finish the year on a high note, strong and proud of our achievements!

I am pleased to share that I will be continuing in the role of Principal for the remainder of the year, following the recent Expression of Interest Selection and Recruitment process.

It continues to be a privilege to lead such a dedicated and passionate team who place our learners and their success at the heart of all that we do. I am deeply grateful for the ongoing support of our wonderful school community - staff, students, and families - which makes Brightwater such a special place to be.

I look forward to continuing the great work we have started together, maintaining our focus on high expectations, strong relationships, and making a positive impact for every learner, every day.

Shrek Jnr

This Saturday 18 October, our students will be transporting us to the magical world of Far Far away – a placed filled with humour, heart, and powerful messages about friendship, acceptance and the courage to be yourself. Each and every student who has contributed to this production should feel immensely proud. They have demonstrated dedication, creativity, teamwork, and perseverance – qualities that truly embody the Brightwater spirit.

To all staff members who have supported rehearsals, helped backstage, and encouraged students throughout the process – your collective creativity, leadership, teamwork, and unwavering commitment have brought this production from vision to reality.

Ms Vicki Cutter’s passion for the performing arts and belief in our students’ potential has ensured an exceptional production for our school and wider community to enjoy! Vicki’s leadership, guidance and expertise have been instrumental in its success.

To our families and wider community – thank you for your ongoing support. From helping with costumes to ensuring students arrived at rehearsals ready to shine on the night, your generosity and encouragement have played an essential role.

Gr8 Race

A reminder that in conjunction with the P & C, the school are hosting the Gr8 race on Friday 7 November. The event promises to be another great event so please ensure that you have registered your child/ren, paid the entrance fee and completed the Activity Consent form via QParents.

School Review

As part of the Department of Education’s continuous improvement cycle, all Queensland state schools undergo a review every four years. Reviews are scheduled to align with the renewal of each school’s four-year strategic plan, ensuring alignment between planning, implementation, and outcomes for students.

Our school review will take place from Tuesday 11 November to Thursday 13 November (Term 4, Week 6). During this time, members of the review team will be on site and will meet with staff, students, and community members. Parents are warmly invited to provide informal feedback at drop off and pick up times on the first two days of the review. In addition, the P&C Executive and OSHC representatives will be provided with a formal opportunity to share their perspectives

I encourage all families to engage with our P&C meetings, which are another valuable avenue for sharing feedback and ideas. The next P&C meeting will be held on Wednesday 22 October at 6:00pm in the Administration Building staffroom – all are welcome.

World Teachers' Day – Friday 31 October

On Friday 31 October we are ‘Tipping our Hats’ to celebrate the incredible work of our teachers! At Brightwater we are so fortunate to have such a passionate and dedicated teaching staff that provide our students with academic, behavioural and social / emotional support each day so that students can achieve to their fullest potential. Thank you to our teachers and school administration team for all that you do to inspire and guide our students.

2026 Enrolments Reminder

As we plan for 2026, we kindly remind parents to notify the school if your child will not be returning for the next school year. This will assist us in planning classes and resources for the year ahead.

Wishing all our families a fabulous week.

Regards,
Bec Hutton, Acting Principal

Deputy Principal News

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

Prep and Year 1 Swimming!

This week our Prep and Year One learners have enjoyed the opportunity to head to Mountain Creek Aquatic Centre each day for our Water Safety and Swimming Education program. Water safety is part of the Health and Physical Education curriculum. Our littlest learners have enjoyed learning and practising skills such as swimming, floating, treading water and safe water entry. They have also thoroughly enjoyed the bus ride! Thank you to Ms Pettifer, teachers, Teacher Aides and the Wrap Team for their organisation and for setting up our learners for successful participation.

Surf Life Savers

In Week 1 our Prep-5 learners were treated to an informative presentation from Surf Life Saving QLD. They discussed ways to be safe at the beach such as swimming between the flags, sun safety, what to do if they find themselves in uncertain or dangerous situations, and the people available to help at patrolled beaches. Thank you to Ms Pettifer for organising such an important, informative and engaging session for our young people – such a great opportunity to reinforce ways to be safe whilst having fun at the beautiful beaches we have around us.

Prep 2026

Our Prep transition program is well underway with many interviews taking place at the end of last term. Our three local kindergarten classes have been engaging in transition visits in our Prep classrooms, and these will continue across this term. Later in the term, we look forward to welcoming our 2026 Prep cohort to an Orientation Morning with their families. During this session, all 2026 learners will visit a Prep classroom to engage in some fun activities and meet school staff. Parents will have the opportunity to engage with school staff and build relationships with each other at the Hall during this time.

If you have a 2026 Brightwater Prep learner and are yet to enrol, please do so as soon as possible.

The Term Ahead – Wellbeing

Term 4 is an exciting yet busy term for children and adults alike. It’s important that we all make the time to consider how we can take care of ourselves and each other proactively to set ourselves up for success.

For learners, keeping routines familiar is a good place to start. We know that the morning and afternoon rush can be more difficult without known and practiced routines in place. Sometimes morning job charts or a simple hand-drawn poster can be helpful in supporting children to work towards getting ready for school with independence. Building in times for connection, rest and play before and after school can also be beneficial.

A family calendar with upcoming events noted can assist with creating certainty about the days and weeks ahead and any important changes to school routines. Please keep an eye out on our school Facebook page for event information and reminders.

Regards,
Jessica Lewis, Acting Deputy Principal

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

• Pick up and drop offs should occur in the designated spaces at our school. Reminder Holloway St (yellow lined area) is a no park/pick up area.

The following changes to school access points and the use of Holloway St became effective as of Monday 14 July 2025.

Holloway St school entry/exit is no longer available for use by parents and students: 

1. Gate #3 will be locked. Pedestrian access onto the campus from Holloway St will no longer be permitted.
2. Parents/visitors are not permitted to access the on-campus staff parking area at any time.
3. Students are not permitted to walk through the staff parking area at any time.

Access onto the school campus is via the following:

1. Dianella Drive Gate #1 – Main gate accessible via public car parks in front of the school and near sporting grounds
2. Dianella Drive Bike Access Gate – beside the Student Support Centre
3. Brightwater Bvd. Gate #2 – This will be the main access gate for bike riders coming from Kawana Island, Lark Circuit and Aldi directions.

• Range of activities coming up with the Musical on Saturday and the Gr8 race. There will be letters coming out shortly about end of year events such as the culminating swimming for 3-6, Yr 6 Beach Safe Skills and a Yr 4 Day Camp experience.
• The heat and humidity has built this week and a reminder for students to have their water bottles and hats each day. Please ensure your child's hat is marked with their name.
• Yr 6 Graduation will be held on the 3 December in week 9 (families please check your emails for a Microsoft Forms and your invitation sometimes we have 'bounced' emails so please ensure that your address is up-to-date with us).
• Social Media - it is that time of year again where the social media accounts seem to be quite active with comments etc. that affect others. We discuss appropriate use of media within the school context and remind people about being respectful online, please promote this also (until the government ban begins).
• Congratulations to all students/staff/volunteers involved in the Shrek Musical. What a massive commitment by all to provide this opportunity for our youngsters to thrive and perform for you all.

Yours in Education,
Phil Theofanes, 4-6 Deputy Principal

Sport News

Prep, Year 1 Swimming and Water Safety Program

The Prep and Year 1 Program is in progress this week and week 3. Students are participating in the program at Mountain Creek Aquatic Centre with the qualified swimming instructors from Alite Edvantage offering a Water Safety and Swimming Education program for the students at Brightwater State School.  This program focuses on water safety, with students being safe in and around the water including swimming, floating, treading water, and safe water entry.

Remaining session:         Week 3 – Monday 20 October

Students need to ensure that they have their own towel, swim hat/cap, goggles, sunscreen, and thongs. School shoes will be left at school, and students are not permitted to leave school grounds with bare feet. Please ensure all items are clearly labelled.

Beach Safe Program Year 6

The Beach Safe program is an essential component of our curriculum and is also part of the school’s swimming and water safety program. Learning about surf conditions is very important to children, especially when living on the coast. It is anticipated that all children will participate in this program. Lessons will be held at Mooloolaba Beach and will be conducted by qualified Surf Life Saving instructors. Students will travel to and from the lessons via bus. As part of this program students will be participating in activities and skill sessions including beach games, flags, sprints, wades, body surfing, bodyboarding, boards and swimming. Three Lessons will be held in weeks 7, 8 and 9 on Fridays of Term 4 with the day being split into 2 sessions. More information, activity consent and payment details will follow shortly via email to all Year 6 parents and carers.

Swimming Culminating Year 3 to 6 Event

Students in Year 3-6 will be attending the event held at the Mountain Creek Aquatic Centre. Students will travel by bus to and from the Centre travelling in class grouping. During the event students will participate in a variety of different swimming activities including races, relays including noodle and life jacket swimming. This event will also include time trials for the Brightwater Swim team in 2026. Each year level will attend one session with their Year level. Year 3 and 4 will attend on Tuesday 25November and Year 5 and 6 will attend on Wednesday 26November. Please keep an eye out for further details, permission forms and payment in the upcoming weeks.

Moses Mbye Year 3 and 4 Girls and Boys

The Rugby League competition that is offered to Year 3 and 4 boys and girls will be held this term on Friday 14 November at Beerwah Rugby Club.

This is a friendly gala with 3 divisions, experienced (currently play League or Union), new to the sport and Girls. For this event the school will not be providing transport and parents will need to transport your own child to and from the venue. The draw for this competition will be released the day before with teams playing multiple games through the day. The competition will start at 8:30am and finishing by 2:00pm. Students will need to arrive at the fields by 8:20am on the day and report to Mr Neven or Miss Pettifer and be collected by 2pm. This competition is run in conjunction with Sunshine Coast Rugby League under the Safe Play Code.

Training will be on during lunch breaks in lead up to the competition on the Senior Oval. Students will require a mouthguard, and it is highly recommended they use appropriate protective equipment for these sessions as contact may be involved. Mr Neven will be coordinating this event, and more information will be released shortly regarding event details.

We look forward to a day of Footy fun and a great opportunity for students to try out the sport who have never played before!

Surf Life Saving Talks

During week 1, Surf Life Saving Queensland visited the school to educate our students on beach and water safety. This informative and fun talk provided our Prep – Year 5 students with information on how to stay safe at the beach and in water ways. As summer is upon us, we hope that our students and families get out and enjoy the abundance of wonderful beaches and waterways the Sunshine Coast has to offer. Being aware of the dangers that the water pose, students will be able to remain safe and have fun.

Please visit https://lifesaving.com.au/safety-info/kids-safety-with-travis for further information to keep your child and family safe by the water this summer!

Queensland Schools Aquathon

On the Saturday 11 October, Gemma C competed in the Queensland Schools Aquathon at Lake Kawana. Competitors from all over the state attended and competed at this event. In Gemma’s age category of 10–11-year girls, she placed 2^nd in the Sunshine Coast region and 9^th overall. Yet another example of her dedication and commitment to sport. Congratulations Gemma this year on all your achievements and success. We look forward to watching you grow over the remaining couple of years of sport at Primary School.

Thank you.
Buntie Pettifer and Kate Bailey, HPE Teachers

Office Message

For our Prep to Year 5 families, are you leaving our school at the end of 2025?

To assist us with 2026 class construction and staffing, could you please advise us in writing via email to office@brightwaterss.eq.edu.au and we will forward a form for your completion.

It is important and helpful for us to have this information as soon as practicable.  Thank you.

 Messages for students

It is essential that teachers and children are able to work in class each day with minimal disruptions.  We request, where possible, parents please remind or advise your child before coming to school of any changes to their normal pick up routine.

Please also let your children know if you are not at your usual pick up location the best place to go is the front office. We usually have children wait for approximately 10 minutes for your arrival and if you don’t arrive at the office by then we will call you.

 Messages phoned in after 2:00pm are difficult to deliver especially during weeks when afternoon assembly is held. Whilst student safety is of paramount concern, unless the message is of an emergent situation that cannot be avoided, we are unable to ensure messages will be passed on. Please assist in this regard by only phoning in messages for students in an emergency.

 Office enquiries

Our school office is always a hive of activity with our busiest times being between 8am to approx. 9.15am and then again from around 2pm.  Ways to help us assist you quickly are:

• notifying student absences via QParents, our absence line or email office@brightwaterss.eq.edu.au
• utilising QParents or BPoint system for making payments. BPoint is a very easy system to use from your original invoice, click on the link at the bottom of your original invoice. You can check for current and outstanding invoices via QParents.
• checking your emails including junk mail for email communication sent home. Unfortunately sometimes our emails go to your junk mail.

 Please note:

• the email address for requests of our office staff is office@brightwaterss.eq.edu.au this includes student absence notifications.  If you are sending emails to an alternative email address, including admin@brightwaterss.eq.edu.au, these may not be received or actioned in a timely manner.  For example with student absences you may receive an absence text message if the office has not received notification of your child’s absence. 
• emails which require the attention of the Principal or Deputy Principals please send to admin@brightwaterss.eq.edu.au
• our finance hours are 8am to 10.30am.  The Department of Education is encouraging schools to move towards cashless payment therefore our preferred payment methods are online via QParents, BPoint or in person at the office using EFTPOS.

We do understand some parents prefer to come into the office to see us and we are always happy to see you 😊 We appreciate your patience when in the office during our busy times.

Please do not hesitate to contact us with your enquiries either via phone, email or in person. We are here to help you. We value your time and aim to assist you as quickly as possible. Thank you.

 Statements

Finance debtor statements were emailed out today. These statements show outstanding invoices. Please ensure all outstanding payments are made by the end of October. If you would like to discuss a payment plan please contact the office.

QParents

 What is QParents?

QParents is a user-friendly portal (accessible via app or web browser), that provides parents with secure online access to information about your child’s schooling.

 How will QParents help you?

QParents enables you to access and manage information about your child online.

 What information is available in QParents?

• view current and outstanding invoices
• make payments and view your payment history
• advise the school of student absences and view attendance details
• access report cards

 We are moving to online consent – you will be able to forget having to fill out and hand in a paper form. Instead, you will be able to provide consent for excursions using the QParents app.

 Currently online consent is being used for the P&C’s Gr8 Race! Don’t forget to provide consent via QParents no later than 5 November 2025.

P&C News

3 Weeks to Go – Have You Registered for the GR8 Race?

The countdown is on! With just three weeks to go until the GR8 Race. Now’s the time to get your child registered and ready for this year's exciting new whole school P&C fundraising event on:

Friday 7 November, sessions running:

• 11:15am - 12.45pm - Year 4, 5 and 6
• 1:15pm - 2.45pm - Prep, 1, 2 and 3

Have you completed all three steps?

To participate, families need to:

1. Register online: https://thegr8race.com.au/events/brightwater-state-school/Brightwater-state-school
2. Pay the $12 participation fee
3. Complete the permission form on your QParents app

If you’re having any issues with QParents, please contact the school office — they’ll be happy to assist. Any issues with registering online please contact the P&C.

Class Competition Alert!

The first class in each session group to have all students registered and paid online will win extra playtime, with the date and time chosen by the class teacher. Let’s get those registrations done ASAP!

What’s included in the $12 fee?

• Access to Motiv8sports GR8 Race activities
• Bonus prizes on the day for winning teams
• A refreshing icy pole for every participant at the end of their session

Plus – Prize Raffle!

Every student who raises just $10 in sponsorship will go into the draw to win some amazing prizes. Sponsorship links can be easily copied from your child's profile and sent to family and friends. 

For our competitive fundraisers — this one’s for you!

A Huge Thank You to Our Country Sponsors!

As well as all the incredible community support through our amazing prize donations, we also want to share some love for our Country Sponsors.

A big THANK YOU to all of you from the Brightwater P&C for your generosity and support. 

Volunteer Support Needed

We’re looking for parent/carer volunteers to help run the activity stations. It’s a fun and easy way to be part of the day. If you can help, please sign up here: https://volunteersignup.org/ADY4W

Uniform shop hours

We are now open Mondays and Thursdays around school drop 8.15-8.45. 

We’re always looking to grow our volunteer pool at the Uniform Shop. If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to let us know — you’re very welcome to pop in for a coffee and a chat!

Next P&C meeting: Wednesday 22 October 6pm at the school staff room

Final Meeting of the Year: Thursday 27 November 2025, 9:00am

Nicky, Caroline, Lisa, Llya and Josh

BWSS Parents & Citizens Association Executive

President@bwsspandc.org.au

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.

Contacting the P&C Association

Email: pandc@brightwaterss.eq.edu.au  

Facebook: search Brightwater SS P&C Association or visit the link below.  

Date Claimers

School Information