12 September 2025

Principal’s Messages

End of Term Newsletter – A Celebration of Learning and Fun!

As we wrap up another exciting term, we’re proud to reflect on the many wonderful experiences and achievements across our school community.

Year 5 Camp was a standout success, with students embracing new challenges, building friendships, and creating lasting memories. Their enthusiasm and teamwork were truly inspiring!

Years 2–4 enjoyed a variety of engaging incursions, sparking curiosity and creativity in the classroom. These hands-on experiences enriched their learning and brought smiles all around.

Year 1 had a thrilling visit from the fire brigade, where they learned about fire safety and explored the fascinating world of our local heroes. The excitement was palpable!

Year 6 students have been showing great spirit and sportsmanship during volleyball sessions at the High School, which have been a hit with everyone involved. It’s been fantastic to see their skills and confidence grow.

We’re now halfway through our swimming program, and students are making great progress in the pool. It’s wonderful to see their determination and enjoyment as they develop this important life skill.

Looking ahead to next week, we’re excited to celebrate Bonanza Day, recognising students who consistently demonstrate our OnTrack behaviour expectations. It promises to be a joyful and rewarding event for all.

As we prepare for Term 4, our Year 5 students will begin preparing for 2026 leadership roles, while our Year 6’s start their transition journey toward high school. We’re confident they’ll rise to these new challenges with maturity and pride.

Thank you for your continued support throughout the term. We wish all families a safe and restful break and look forward to another term of growth, learning, and celebration.

Warm regards,
Kelly Roberts
P&C – A Valued Part of Our School Community

Our P&C Committee plays a vital role in supporting our school, and we deeply appreciate their ongoing efforts. While the committee is small, they are always welcoming new faces and seeking parent volunteers. Whether it’s lending an hour on tuckshop days or helping out at a BBQ during school events, every contribution—no matter how small—makes a big difference. If you're interested, please don’t hesitate to chat with one of our P&C Executives; they’d love to hear from you!

With this in mind, we’d like to acknowledge Trish, our dedicated tuckshop convenor, who often runs the tuckshop solo. To help her manage the workload and ensure all student orders are prepared on time, the tuckshop ordering cut-off time will change starting next term. Orders must now be placed online or by phone by 8:35am. Trish continues to provide exceptional service, but without additional helpers, this earlier cut-off is necessary.

Student Council – Student-Led Initiatives Making a Difference

Our Student Council continues to be a strong voice for our student body, showing leadership, initiative, and a commitment to making our school a better place. This term, council members have successfully organised PJ Day and continue with the Containers for Change initiative to raise funds for new games to enjoy during wet weather playtimes. We’re thrilled to announce that the order has been placed, and we can’t wait to get our 'game-on' once the new resources arrive! A big thank you to our Student Council for their creativity and dedication.

New Office Hours

Commencing Term 4, the office hours will change to the following:

Office Open     8:15am to 3:15pm

                          (30min before/after school)  

Phone Line      8:00am – 3:30pm
                        Ph: 5441 0888
                        Voicemail 24/7 – responded to during office hours.

Blue card changes are coming from 20 September.

These changes include:

• parent volunteers will requireblue cards if:
  • services or activities do not include their own child
  • they attend overnight excursions or camps
  • close personal contact may occur with another child may occur (such as assisting with toileting, bathing or dressing).
• external businesses providing services in schools or to children will need a blue card.

For more information about the upcoming changes, visit the Queensland Government website: https://www.qld.gov.au/law/laws-regulated-industries-and-accountability/queensland-laws-and-regulations/regulated-industries-and-licensing/blue-card-system-changes  

2026 Enrolments now Open!

Do you have younger siblings or family friends keen to join the Burnside State School community in 2026? We’d love to welcome them! Please encourage their families to contact our office to collect an enrolment pack and book an interview appointment.

Also, if your child (excluding Year 6 students) will be moving and not returning to Burnside next year, please let our office know. This will help us plan ahead when creating class lists for 2026.

Are you considering a career change, and a ‘turn to teaching’?

We’re seeking career changers to bring their skills and experience into Queensland classrooms. If you or someone you know is thinking about a career change and interested in starting a Master of Teaching in 2026, consider our Turn to Teaching Internship Program. This two-year supported pathway will help you enter the classroom in just 12 months, with a $20,000 scholarship and a paid internship teaching position while studying, plus a guaranteed permanent teaching position on program completion. Applications are now open! 

Applications close 21 September. Discover more and apply.

Deputy News

P-2 Sports Day

We are excited to be having our P-2 Sports Day on Wednesday 17^th October 2025.  This will run from approximately 8.45- 12 noon. The aim of the day is to have fun, work as a team, and have a go at all the activities.  The below timetable is a guide only and is subject to change if required.  Normal lunch breaks will still be observed during this morning.  If students have a parents or guardian present – they are permitted to eat lunch down on the oval, however no play on equipment or the oval will be permitted during this time as the oval will be considered closed for the break.  

Our Tuckshop/ P and C will be advertising a meal deal in the coming week that will be available for next Wednesday for Sports Day.   Students are permitted to leave at the conclusion of the Sports Day (if parents/ guardians wish to do so) students will just be required to be  signed out  - there will be sign out sheets available down on the oval.  

Please ensure your P-2 students are dressed in:

Blaxland  - Blue
Carter - Yellow
Windsor  - Red

Surf awareness SLSQ – Year 6 students

Our year 6 students will be participating in Surf Awareness early next term with Surf Life Saving Queensland.  This will involve each Wednesday from week 3 travelling to the beach.  This will run for around 5 weeks.  This is a wonderful opportunity for students to learn important surf skills in a beach context. 

Student teachers on Prac - 

Some of our amazing teachers will be hosting student teachers completing their practicums for their University degree.  We will be hosting student teachers from University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) and University of Southern Queensland (USQ and even the University of South Australia.   These student teachers range from the 1^st year of their degree to the 4^th year of their degree.   Please make them feel welcome at beautiful Burnside SS. 

Work experience

We will be hosting Work experience students (from Year 10) in week 10 this term, from Burnside State High School.   Students will be assisting within predominantly P-2 classrooms and with P-2 Sports Day and Bonanza Day.  This is one important part of a close working partnership with BSHS.  We are very excited and look forward to their arrival and thank them for their support. 

Transition sessions for 2026 Preps

Prep transitions will begin in Term 4, they will occur in Weeks 2,4,and 6. Children benefit from attending transition sessions so they feel happy and safe which eases the transition from Kindy to formal schooling in Prep.  Please book in for these sessions in the office or email admin@burnsidess@eq.edu.au

Week 2 Tuesday 14-October -9-10am

Week 4 Wednesday 29^th October 9-10.30am

Week 6 Monday 13^th November 8.45-10.45         

Please bring at hat and a fruit snack. 

BASES news

🎉 Celebrating Excellence: Burnside Bonanza Day Is Coming! 🎉

Throughout Term 3, our Burnside students have been shining bright—earning TRACK Points by consistently demonstrating our core On TRACK values: being thoughtful, respectful, accountable, cooperation, and kind. Whether in the classroom, during outdoor play, or in specialist lessons, student’s positive contributions have helped build a vibrant, inclusive school community which we’re proud to celebrate.

Students who have earned 15 acknowledgements (3 in each TRACK value) across these areas will be invited to join us for the highly anticipated Burnside Bonanza Day—a joyful celebration of their efforts and the incredible term we’ve shared together.

🌟 Bonanza Day Highlights – Week 10, Friday Morning

Get ready for a morning packed with fun, laughter, and unforgettable memories! Bonanza Day will kick off with a special parade, followed by a spectacular lineup of student-choice activities, including:

• Egg & spoon races
• Sack races and ball games
• Carnival-style challenges
• Tenpin bowling

- monster munch

- octopus ring toss

- Mural Painting 

• STEAM adventures
• Minute-to-win-it games
• Dress-ups, dancing, and creative construction zones
• And what may just be Australia’s greatest mini golf course!

After first break, most students will return to class to continue their learning journey. Meanwhile, a select group of Bonanza Bonus students—those who’ve gone above and beyond in earning extra acknowledgements—will enjoy a well-deserved movie and popcorn session in the hall.

💛 At Burnside, we believe in celebrating the everyday greatness of our learners. Bonanza Day is a chance to honour the kindness, effort, and school spirit that make our community so special. We can’t wait to hear the buzz of excitement as students share their Bonanza adventures!

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Sports News

Hinterland League Tag competition was held at Nirimba sports grounds last month. A few successful wins for the day, representing our school well.

Maddi represented the Nambour District regional trials where she threw 8.25m in the shot put event. She’s now heading to Townsville for State trials.

Luca and Tully competed in the National Mixed Martial Arts event. Earning 2^nd and 1^st!

Well done boys!

Junior Sports Day – Week 10

Our Prep to Year 2 students are looking forward to their very own Junior Sports Day in Week 10! In the lead-up to this exciting event, students will be practising their athletic events during PE lessons, including sprints, high jump, long jump and novelty events. It’s sure to be a fun-filled day of active participation and school spirit.

We’re proud of all our students for giving their best in PE, showing school spirit, and embracing these opportunities to stay active, build friendships, and challenge themselves. Let’s make Term 3 a memorable one for sport!

What’s On At Burnside – Term 3

Chappy Chat

What an amazing term it has been! I’ve really enjoyed getting around to numerous classes this term, supporting students and being part of their school journey.

We also kicked off our lunchtime Garden Club, and with the generous help of Mr Greg, we’ve been able to repurpose some old raised garden beds. Already we’ve planted snow peas, Thai basil, and marigolds, and we’re propagating seedlings of tomatoes, capsicums, spring onions, jalapeños, coriander, thyme, and even watermelons. It’s been fantastic to see students get their hands dirty, learn about growing food, and take pride in something we are creating together.

Another exciting highlight has been the launch of our annual School Colour Fun Run fundraising campaign. This is always a huge event in our school calendar, and we can’t wait to see as many students and families as possible jump on board to support it. There are lots of fun challenges, prizes, and milestone moments to celebrate along the way—including the very popular teacher slimings!

As we wrap up the term, I hope and pray you all enjoy a safe and restful school break. May it be filled with fun, laughter, and plenty of recharging activities.

Love & Peace
Chappy Paul

P&C News

Let’s get excited Burnsiders, we are hosting our very 1st Movie night under the stars
Gates open at 5pm
Burnside Broadway performing at 5:45pm
Movie starts at 6pm
Food and drinks will be available on the night
Vendors to be confirmed
Pre-purchase your tickets early so you don’t miss out !
Tickets are available via school shop on Munch Monitor or at the Tuckshop.
Adults $5
Kids $3

Wrist bands will be issued closer to the date; these must be shown on entry

Bring the whole family for a fun-filled night & bring a picnic rug!

Thank you for supporting our Loved One’s Stall – where we celebrated all the dad’s and father figures in our students lives. We hope all the dad’s had a wonderful day and enjoyed all the presents they received.

Why Join the School P&C?
Joining the P&C (Parents and Citizens Association) is a great way to have a real say in your child’s education and school experience. It’s a chance to collaborate with other parents, support school initiatives, and help make decisions that directly impact students. Whether you have a little time or a lot, your voice and involvement can make a meaningful difference—plus, it’s a great way to stay connected and build a stronger school community.

Tuckshop and Uniform Shop News

How quickly has this term gone! Or is that just how we feel, you know the saying “Time flies when you’re having fun”.

Our new 2^nd Break Menu is proving to be popular! The scrolls seem to be a big hit, in particular the cinnamon scroll. Orders can be placed via Munch Monitor or over the counter for our 2^nd break menu.

Why Volunteer in the School Tuckshop?

Volunteering in the school tuckshop is a fantastic way to get involved in the school community. It’s a fun, social environment where you can meet other parents, support the staff, and help provide nutritious food options for students. Just a few hours of your time can make a big difference—and kids love seeing friendly, familiar faces behind the counter!

The P&C currently only employ one employee to run our tuckshop – this helps us keep costs down so tuckshop is affordable for families. In saying that we appreciate any help that parents/ grandparents can offer and is often needed between the hours of 8:45am until 10:45am – Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Can’t physically come in and help, perhaps you can donate items like plain flour, tuna in springwater, caster sugar etc.

Uniforms

If anyone needs any second-hand uniforms, we have a stock pile that we’d love to start clearing. You are welcome to come in and have a rummage through.

OSHC Holiday Program

Community News

Sunshine Coast Police Blog