2 May 2025
Principal’s Update

Dear Parents,
We have had a great start to the term. This week we welcomed our new Deputy Principal for P-3, Mrs Jessica Lewis. She comes with a wealth of knowledge and experience in school leadership and has already established positive connections with students and staff alike.
This term teachers are lifting expectations for student engagement, behaviour and learning. Students are now very familiar with school and class routines and as a result we should see students stretching themselves with their learning and displaying greater levels of independence daily. Parents can help with this by encouraging children to have a go at solving problems independently and following a conversation with you on what they might do to solve the problem. For example, if your child is struggling to “step up” with their attention to homework tasks this year, and they are wanting you to do it for them, talk to them about ways in which they can organise themselves better at home so that homework isn’t a last-minute panic and then encourage them to attempt it by themselves before you lend them a hand. By term 4, you would expect that your child is able to organise themself and get homework done independently. What we are all aiming for across the year is a gradual release of responsibility from you/us to your child.
This term across the school, we are going to focus on how each of us show that we care through our words and actions. Specifically communicating with words that are helpful rather than words that are hurtful. On this week’s assembly I spoke to the students about how hurtful name calling is and how words can be more damaging than physical aggression. We are looking to see an improvement from all of our students in how they speak to and about each other in person and online.
QParent Reminder: We have had a number of families register for QParents and they now have active accounts allowing them to receive information about their child’s attendance, upcoming events, academic reporting, advise student absences and pay for excursions conveniently online. If you have not yet taken up the offer to register, have a look in your inbox for the invitation which was sent out to all of our families last term. Any questions regarding QParents can be emailed through to the front office.
Regards,
Robyn Taplin, Principal
Coaching Kids in Social Situations – Michael Grose
"Kids are born with L plates when it comes to social skills. Boys, in particular, need a little help and prompting about how to act appropriately around other kids."
A mum approached me after a recent seminar with an interesting question about her son’s behaviour amongst his peers. She said her son is lovely but loud. He was a little too enthusiastic with his friends. So much so, that his buddies felt downright uncomfortable around him and sometimes gave him the cold shoulder. He also liked to be the boss, and didn’t like being a follower in social situations.
Here was a perfect opportunity for this mum to do some coaching to help her son negotiate social situations.
Sure, it’s great to get excited but kids from 2 to twenty-two need to learn that they have to tone their enthusiasm down around certain people and in certain situations. That’s what the socialization process requires. Besides, popular children generally know when to follow the lead of others, how to share their possessions and that they won't always have their own way. This ability to share comes with maturity, but sometimes children need some gentle parental help in this area.
Here are three techniques to use to help your child to behave well around others and maintain friendships as well.
- Remind: Be pre-emptive with your teaching. Before they visit their friends give them a couple of pointers that are relevant to them about their behaviour. “Remember, to say hello quietly and ask them if they’d like to play with you.”
- Rehearse: It’s useful to practise with kids how they should act in social situations. “Okay, Jeremy tell me what you will say when you go to Grandma’s. Let’s practice saying hello.”
- Revisit: Give kids feedback after the event but keep it positive and upbeat. “That was great the way you let the other kids lead the way. Your friends love it when you let them be boss.” Kids benefit from being told what works well in terms of their social behaviours, even if their attempts at being good only approximate what you are after. It takes a little time for some kids to get things right!
Effective parents are teaching parents. A lot of the lessons kids pick up from their parents are through mimicry. That’s why modelling is one of your greatest allies. They need to spend some time with you so they can pick up good manners, the importance of sharing and other social niceties. Boys, in particular, need a little help and prompting about how to act appropriately around other kids.
There are times when parents need to make sure their lessons hit home and that includes when you coach kids how to be social and consider the needs of others.
Deputy Principal News

Hello Brightwater Community!
My name is Jessica Lewis, and I am excited to step into the P-3 Deputy Principal position at Brightwater State School this term.
I have been an educator for almost 18 years and have taught and led largely in 3 school communities in this time. I am deeply passionate about building genuine, purposeful relationships with learners, families and staff. Establishing and maintaining partnerships is crucial to our learners’ success at school. I am a champion of learner-centred pedagogy (the way we teach) that develops the character and competence of learners, preparing them to thrive in their school life and beyond. I am an advocate for intentional and rigorous inquiry-based learning and Agile practices in learning and have had the opportunity to learn, trial and lead innovative teaching practices in collaboration with industry and world experts, such as Kath Murdoch, Trevor MacKenzie, Ron Ritchhart, Lyn Sharratt and Thompson Morrison, in recent years. I am deeply interested in school and classroom culture and believe that the conscious curation of learning culture is imperative to learner success. I have shared many of the projects I’ve led in schools at Queensland Association of State School Principal’s (QASSP) conferences and within school networks, both in Australia and globally.
In my personal life, I have two delightful children, Bronte and Brooks, who light up my world and keep both myself and my partner, Mitchell, wonderfully busy. We have recently made the move to the beautiful Sunshine Coast from Brisbane and are enjoying every minute of our new adventure and being closer to our extended family.
I am thrilled to join the Brightwater team and have delighted in getting to know our learners, our staff and many of you during my first week on ground. Thank you for your warm welcome and kind support during my first week.
Looking forward to connecting and collaborating with you.
Have a wondrous weekend!
Regards,
Jessica Lewis, Acting Deputy Principal





Dear Parents and Caregivers,
Morning Tea with the Stars
On Friday we held our first 2025 Morning Tea with The STARs. Each term one student from each class is invited to attend a special morning tea with the Principal, Deputy Principals and Head of Student Services. A highlight of this session is a visit from STAR Man! This event is just one of the ways we celebrate the wonderful students who continuously show 5 STAR behaviours at school.


PBL STAR Value Behaviour Focus
This fortnight students will be reflecting and learning how they can show thoughtful behaviour. This ties in with Mrs Taplin’s Term 2 spotlight on ‘Caring’. We are actively encouraging students to think about how their words and actions impact others. Please take a moment to talk with your child about the importance of kindness and how they can show caring attitudes – whether it’s using kind words, helping a friend, or showing empathy at home and school. Thoughtful behaviour helps build a stronger, more supportive community for everyone.
Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing Survey
In Term 2, students in Years 4-6 will be asked to take part in the Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing (QEW) Survey.
We know that wellbeing and engagement are important parts of your child’s life at school. The QEW Survey is designed to measure how students view their wellbeing and engagement across different topics. The information we get from the survey helps us better understand and support our students.
An information letter will be sent out to parents and carers closer to the time. If you have any questions, please contact the school. If you would not like your child to participate, please inform your child’s class teacher.
More information, including FAQs, can be found on the Education website: (https://qed.qld.gov.au/publications/reports/statistics/schooling/students/queensland-engagement-wellbeing-survey).
Regards,
Jo Rothwell, Acting Deputy Principal
Sport News
District Cross Country
District Cross Country will be held at Maroochydore Multi-sports Complex (Fisherman’s Rd) on Wednesday 14 May. Good luck to all our Brightwater Students that are taking part in this event.
Senior Athletics Carnival
Our senior (Year 4-6) athletics carnival will be held on Tuesday 17 June from 11:15am to 2:40pm and Wednesday 18 June from 9am to 2:30pm (Week 9). This day is about house pride and the students having fun with participation as the focus. The carnival will run on rotations. Students that wish to qualify for District Trials will have the opportunity to do so over these two days. Parents are invited to come and cheer on their children and house teams. An information note with program of events and times will be sent out later in the term.
Junior Athletics Carnival
Our Brightwater Prep to Year 3 Athletics Carnival will be held on Thursday 26 of June (Week 10). Our Junior Athletics Day is about encouraging participation for all children with fun activities lead by our Teachers and Student Leaders. Students will start the event with a march past and sprint races then students will then participate in rotational activities. Parents are invited to come and cheer on their children and house teams. An information note with the program of events and times will be sent out later in the term.
Rugby League Program
The Brightwater State School’s Rugby League competitive team have been training in the lead up to the Mountain Creek State High School (MCSHS) Rugby League Carnival. This program was developed to build wider school relationships with the local Primary Schools in our Cluster, MCSH and Rugby League Sunshine Coast. We wish our team good luck for Wednesday 15 May as they compete against 6 other teams to regain the Primary school challenge shield.
There will also be another opportunity for boys to participate in the Steve Belsham Shield which is being held on Wednesday 11 June.
The program works to develop students that represent our school with pride, demonstrating 5-star behaviour, dedication to their learning, commitment to the program and sportsmanship. This is fundamental to the Brightwater State School Rugby Team.
This program would not be possible without the support and dedication of Mr Smith and Mr Neven as well as other associated school staff who donate large amounts of their personal time to make sure this program is a success. We would like to acknowledge the impact that they have made as the program is now in its 7th year and continues to grow.
Year 5 and 6 Girls Rugby League
This term our year 5 and 6 girls will be competing in the Karyn Murphy Challenge hosted by NRL at Coolum Rugby League Club on Monday 2 June. This is a friendly gala against local schools for Year 5/6 Girls and a great opportunity for them to watch players from Sunshine Coast High Schools compete for the Karyn Murphy Cup. The team will play in multiple games through the day with opportunities to watch and meet teams and coaches from our local high schools and maybe even some NRLW players.
Training for this event will be commencing on Mondays on the senior oval at first lunch break 10:30-11:00am.
Lightening Cup Preparation
The Lightening Cup Netball competition will take place in August 2025. All interested students in Year 5 and 6 will begin training on Tuesday mornings before school with Mrs Trapnell and team. We will hopefully be taking 3 teams to attend the competition and selection for these teams will be finalised by the end of term 2. Preference will be given to those that show dedication to training, skills and teamwork.
Soccer Morning Fitness Program Term 2
At Brightwater State School we provide our students with 5-star extra-curricular activities. During Term 2, we will be offering a Soccer Program before school. This program will be available for Year 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6. The sessions will be aimed at those who would like to give soccer a try and for those who already enjoy playing soccer.
Sessions will begin in Week 4 on Monday 12 May and will start promptly at 07:40am in the Central Covered Area (C.C.A) next to the café. The first session will be identifying your child’s personal best in a variety of areas.
Numbers will be limited to a maximum of 70 students. Preference will be based on the students who return their forms first to the office. Students should hand their form to the office staff who will record the time and date the form has been received. Successful participants will be notified on or before Thursday 8 May via email (please ensure your email is clearly legible on this form to ensure the email is successfully sent and received).
An email with this information and activity consent has been sent out to all parents in Year 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 during Week 2.
Students involved in the program must participate in all activities, be self-motivated and ensure that they are dedicated to the program. If your child attends before school care on their nominated day, they will be able to attend but will need to contact the coordinator of Camp Australia to ensure the correct forms are completed with them.
Your child must come dressed in their sports uniform with their runners (soccer boots will not be permitted), shin pads (must be worn) and socks on ready to start the session. Students will need to bring their school uniform and school shoes to change back into after each session. They are to bring their bag to the session and will need to bring along the following items:
- A towel
- A water bottle
- School uniform, a change of socks and school shoes
- Shin pads and socks that cover the shin pads (for safety)
If a session is going to be cancelled, you will be notified on the school Facebook page by 7:00am on the day and via email.
Session Dates
Week 4 Monday 12 May
Week 5 Monday 19 May
Week 6 Monday 26 May
Week 7 Monday 2 June
Week 8 Monday 9 June
Buntie Pettifer and Jade Harvie
HPE Teachers

School Messages
Brightwater State School Office team
This week we say a goodbye for now to Amy (Mrs Hansen) as she goes on maternity leave to have her first baby. We are all very excited for Amy however we will miss her very much. Best of luck Amy as you begin your new big adventure.

We welcome Yola (Mrs Heaver) to the office team, joining Bonnie (Mrs Holland), Juliette (Ms Beverley) and Cheryn (Miss Downing). Please make sure you come in and say hi next time you are in the school.
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 the BPoint system for making payments. This 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 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
P&C News
Greetings all Brightwater School parents, grandparents, guardians and carers,
The Mother’s Day Stall will be returning on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 May. Students will have the opportunity to visit the stall during school hours and choose a special gift for the wonderful person they’re celebrating. We’ll have a fantastic range of gifts available, priced between $2 and $10.
Teachers will be sending out reminders closer to the date, including the day your child’s class is scheduled to attend.
We’d love your help to make this event a success! If you can spare some time, please let us know your preferred day and time by signing up here: https://volunteersignup.org/DXPH9
Win a $220 Pamper Pack!
We're also running a Mother’s Day Raffle with a stunning pamper pack valued at $220, generously donated by Currimundi WholeLife Pharmacy & Healthfoods. Entry is just $2 and can be purchased next week from the Central Covered Area (CCA, near the cafe) between 8am-8:30am.
Under 8s Day
The school’s Under 8s Day is so much fun for the Prep-Year 2 students and the P&C’s sausage sizzle always a hit. If you can help out at this year’s Under 8s Day BBQ on the morning of Friday 23 May, please register here: http://volunteersignup.org/7WWYY.
We are hiring!
A casual Cafe Assistant position is available. We are advertising internally in our school community first, so if you are interested, please email me and I'll send you the position description. Applications due Friday 9 May.
Join the P&C
Being part of the P&C is a great way to give back to the school and connect with other parents. If you are not yet a member or are yet to renew for 2025, please pick up a 2025 application form from the front office.
Nicky Moffat
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
