Debbie Spanner Principal principal@indooroopillyss.eq.edu.au

School House System – 2026

We are excited to announce that there will be some changes to our school house system next year. Part of the change is the addition of two more houses, and the opportunity for students to participate in house competitions outside of sporting events.

Spreading students across five houses rather than three means fewer students in each house, thus allowing students to be able to connect more meaningfully with their house peers. Giving the opportunity to participate in varied events recognises the vast array of strengths our students have and provides the chance for more students to actively contribute to their house

This has been a carefully considered move, taking into account the feedback from our parents, students and staff. The existing house names will be retired and farewelled at our Term 4 Values parade, with the swimming carnivals in Term 4 being the last events under our current house system and names. There will be celebratory events in Week 10 of Term 4 to introduce the new house names.

We look forward to sharing more information with you over the coming weeks, in readiness for this progressive and responsive transformation.

The Resilience Project Survey

Each year the Year 3-6 students participate in the Resilience Project survey, helping us monitor student well-being and make adjustments as appropriate. This week the results of the survey were shared with staff at the staff meeting. Some points to note:

• Our children are aligned with the national school participating in the Resilience Project Survey, in most measures.
• A majority children report having 8 hours sleep each night. It is noted that primary school students should be having 10-12 hours sleep. Lack of sleep has major impacts on wellbeing and healthy growing.
• 80% of older students report having an adult in their life they can talk to. This means 1 in 5 older students are saying they don’t have an adult they can talk to about things that upset them. Staff will be looking at the `helping hand’ activity, where children identify 5 adults, at home or school, who are safe adults for them to talk to about their concerns. I encourage you to talk to them at home and discuss something similar. Often children will not tell adults about their worries because they don’t want to disappoint or worry us. Actively encouraging them to discuss concerns with safe adults helps children feel more confident and safe.

Prep 2026

If you have submitted a complete Enrolment Pack for Prep 2025 you will receive information next week for booking enrolment interviews.

If you reside within our catchment area and your child is ready for Prep (born between 1 July 2020 and 30 June 2021) our Enrolment Pack can be downloaded from our website. We continue to accept concurrent sibling enrolments ie if an older sibling will still be attending ISS in 2026.

If you prefer a printed copy this can be collected from our office which is located inside the Taringa Parade gates. We’re open to the public 8:00am – 3:30pm on school days. For current ISS families, please email jtalt8@eq.edu.au if you would like a printed Enrolment Pack to be sent home with an older ISS sibling.

Litterbusters are back!

Litterbusters is back on Fridays, from 8:00 – 8:30am. Meet on Singleton Oval, beside J Block. This initiative aims to blitz our school grounds to collect any stray rubbish and promote recycling, composting and the minimisation of waste. Parent volunteers are always welcome to walk with the children. We do have some re-useable gloves to borrow; please feel free to bring your own. If you are passionate about the environment, this group may be for you!

IOSHC Subcommittee Meeting

All parents and carers are invited to the upcoming IOSHC sub-committee meeting. Please RSVP by 15/06/2025 to president@isspandc.org.au 

When: 16 June, 6:30pm start

Where: K block IOSHC room

Why: to have value input into how IOSHC runs

Tennis Court Tender

To balance community use of our tennis courts for recreational tennis and coaching we intend to assign 1 court for each purpose and execute a tender process for parties interested in using the tennis court for coaching. To participate in the tender process please complete the following documents and submit via email to tlowe79@eq.edu.au by 5:00pm Friday 20/06/2025.

Sascha Rogers Head of Curriculum sroge95@eq.edu.au

Cassie Boin Acting Head of Curriculum ceboi0@eq.edu.au

Changes to Reading Expectations – What Parents Need to Know

With the implementation of the new Australian Curriculum, schools now have greater clarity around how Reading and Viewing is assessed in English. It is important for families to understand how this affects the way reading is approached in classrooms and during assessments.

When reporting on your child’s progress in English, teachers make on-balance judgements across all three strands: Speaking and listening, Reading and Viewing, and Writing and Creating. Each of these areas is equally important and carries the same weight when determining overall achievement.

A key change under the updated curriculum is that students are now expected to read independently during summative assessments related to the Reading and viewing element. This means that students must be able to both decode and comprehend age-appropriate texts provided in these assessment tasks.

It’s important to note that reading the text to a student changes the nature of the task. It alters the complexity, the level of thinking required, and shifts the focus from Reading and Viewing to Listening, which is a separate assessable element.

We understand that reading ability can vary widely among students. Some may experience ‘gaps’ in their phonological knowledge, while a small number may have persistent challenges or diagnosed reading disorders. Regardless of where a student is, it is vital that the information we gather reflects what they can do independently. This helps us design effective teaching approaches and provide the right support to ensure every student can achieve success in English.

We appreciate your support in helping your child become a confident, independent reader.

Kyle Walters Digital Coach kgwal0@eq.edu.au

STEM Girl Power

In the past week, 20 girls from year 5-6 who are curious about the field of STEM were able to attend a morning of workshops and experiments. Their mentors, from all across Queensland, were Grade 10 Girls from the 10th Annual STEM GIRL POWER Camp at Brookfield Conference Centre.

If you are interested in your child participating in STEM activities, please keep an eye out for news of a Term 3 STEM challenge.

Think you Know Parent Presentations

We are pleased to invite you to an upcoming ThinkUKnow presentation, delivered in partnership with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Queensland Police Service (QPS).

ThinkUKnow is an evidence-based program that provides important insights into the online world young people experience today. This session will cover how to help your child stay safe online, recognize potential risks, and respond effectively to online challenges.

Date: 30/07/2025
Time: 6:00pm
Location: Library, Indooroopilly SS

This is a valuable opportunity to hear directly from law enforcement professionals about current trends and practical strategies for supporting your child’s digital safety.

Please Register your interest with the Eventbrite link below. We look forward to seeing you there!

Premier’s Coding Challenge

The Premier's Coding Challenge is an annual, statewide initiative for all Queensland students in Year 3 to Year 10. The Premier's Coding Challenge aims to encourage an interest in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Queensland students.

Find out more here https://education.qld.gov.au/about-us/events-awards/awards-competitions/premiers-coding-challenge 

Julie Bliss Deputy Principal, Years 3 & 6 jmbli0@eq.edu.au

Year 6 Unleashing Personal Potential

Last week Year 6 students participated in a leadership workshop - Unleashing Personal Potential (UPP). The interactive presentation focused on building stronger relationships, bullying and the science of kindness. Students learnt about the potential impacts of bullying and kindness on others and on themselves. The focus was also how to resolve conflict through being assertive. It was great to see the fantastic teamwork and interactions among the students. We thank the team from UPP for providing the workshop that has empowered our Year 6 students to be great leaders within the ISS community.

3C – Goal setting

This term in Writing, Year 3 students have been focusing on information reports. As part of the learning process, 3C has been self-assessing their work using student marking guides and setting achievable goals for improvement.

Students have been learning about the structure of information reports, including the introduction, body paragraphs with factual information, and a conclusion, as well as key language features such as technical vocabulary, noun groups and present tense. They have also explored the use of visual features like headings, diagrams, and captions to support their writing.

In 3C, we like to refer to our co-constructed learning wall as ‘the third teacher,’ and it has been wonderful to see students consistently using it to refine their writing as they strive for success!

Steve Box Acting Deputy Principal, Years 4 & 5 sbox6@eq.edu.au

5F – Bushfires & Erosion

This term, 5F students have been learning about Bushfires and Erosion. In Science, students have been researching erosion and its effect on world heritage sites such as Uluru and The Great Barrier Reef. The Great Barrier Reef is in trouble! The water is getting warmer, which is hurting the coral. When coral gets too hot, it turns white in a process called bleaching—and if it stays that way, it can die. The reef is home to thousands of sea creatures, so this is a big deal. Even Uluru, the huge red rock in the middle of Australia, is being affected. The land around it is changing because of different rain patterns and rising temperatures.

In English, students were given the task of writing a news report about a fictitious bushfire at Mt Coot-tha. Students used sources to create the multimodal report. In Australia, bushfires are happening more often and burning for longer, which is bad news for animals, plants and people.

Year 4G – Around the Classroom.

Maths

In Maths this term we have done a lot of work on timetables, division, time and when to round up to 10, 100, or 1000. Now we know that division is the opposite of multiplication we also have been learning about converting seconds into minutes or minutes in hours. We also have learnt how to use a number line to solve time problems, we also use time charts to solve time problems. By Ellie.

Science

This term for science, 4G is learning about ecosystems, organisms, food chains, producers, consumers, and decomposers. We have learned what roles organisms have in ecosystems and what balances and unbalances abiotic and biotic things.

Our Big Science Question:

How do organisms in an ecosystem depend on each other for survival? The big science question can be split up into Science Fertile Questions, like What are producers, consumers, and decomposers?

MRS GREN:

M movement

R respiration

S sensitivity

G growth

R reproduction

E excretion

N nutrition

Mrs Gren helps us remember what qualities a thing needs to be a living thing. By Nina

English

This term in English 4G is learning how to write and deliver an explanatory paragraph about an organism.

Our big question is “How do I write and deliver an explanatory paragraph?” We have 5 fertile questions. We learnt about the difference between an explanatory paragraph and a descriptive paragraph.

On the 9th,16th and 29th of May we went to an incursion to learn more about ecosystems. We saw lots of animals and learned more about their ecosystems and learned about their habitats.

We had fun activities, such as picking up litter around Moore Park and our school (ISS). During this time, we also learnt about producers, consumers and decomposers (scavengers) and found out what the purpose of having producers, consumers and decomposers. By Sophie and Emilia

HASS

Captain James Cook

In HASS this term we have done a lot of work on captain James Cook and how he colonised Australia (or New Holland.) He claimed the land for England. Originally his plan was to sail with scientists and go to Tahiti. Instead, after he sailed to Tahiti, he mapped the east coast of New Zealand and anchored in Botany Bay.

This picture is show-casing the ship captain James Cook sailed on:

Life as a convict

As a convict life on the Lady Penryhn or the Scarborough was tough, because all the convicts were squished together on the ship. In England and in Australia. Some things were the same and some things were different for example:

In Australia they had opportunities.

In England and in Australia they were still treated poorly.

In England they worked inside houses or factories.

Thank you for reading my page for 4G’s Hass lessons. By Matilda. D

Wendy Fender Deputy Principal, Years 1 & 2 wfend1@eq.edu.au

Year 2 Planetarium Excursion (2D)

Last Friday, our Year 2 students embarked on a fantastic excursion to the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium and the Mount Coot-tha Botanical Gardens. The day was filled with discovery and wonder as students wandered through the lush gardens, taking special delight in the peaceful beauty of the Japanese Gardens and the intricate bonsai trees on display. A highlight of the morning was the fun and interactive Hide and Seek Trail, where students eagerly searched for hidden animal sculptures nestled among the plants. In the afternoon, excitement grew as we entered the incredible planetarium. Students were captivated by a fascinating show all about space, sparking curiosity and awe as they learned about stars, planets, and our solar system.

Year 1 Reptile Visit

Last week all year one classes had a visit from some awesome reptiles. We met a bearded dragon, a frilled neck lizard, a turtle, some frogs and a couple of amazing snakes. The children learnt heaps about each reptile and their habitat and even got to touch the reptiles as they viewed them closeup. Gallery 4 images in Year 1 folder

Lorenzo Guglielmino

Cecylia Garcia

Allie Masuch

Junior Carnival (Years 3 & 4) – Thursday 12th June

Senior Carnival (Years 5 & 6) – Friday 13th June

The Athletics Carnivals will take place at Moore Park in Week 8. Students will walk to Moore Park in their class groups and participate in a variety of events during the day. Parents are most welcome to attend.

There are two main objectives for our carnivals:

• Participation and having fun. We want all students to come and give it a go. Although there will be some ‘racing,’ at the novelty/participation events with no official winners, all students will receive a point for their house for each event that they participate in.
• Provide a competitive environment for our top 10 athletes from each age group and gender to compete in straight finals for Running (100m, 200m and 800m), High Jump and Shot Put events. The result of these events will get our age champions and give the opportunity to our best athletes to represent Indooroopilly State School at the district Track & Field trials in July (students born in 2012/2013, 2014, and 2015 ONLY).

Age Champion Points System: Students that have been selected to compete in Division 1 events, will have the opportunity to claim an Age Champion medal for each age group and gender. Competitors that place between 1st to 5th will receive points. Students who have collected most points across all disciplines, including Running events (100m, 200m and 800m), High Jump and Shot Put, will become Age Champions for the 2025 carnival’s edition.

Division 1 Events: On the week of the carnivals, we will share with all classroom teachers the list with all the competitors for Division 1 Finals for High Jump, Shot Put and 100m & 200m sprints. Teachers will notify all the children from their classes if they appear on any of these lists before the events.

Message to the students – Reminder about 800m Races:

Any students who wish to compete in the 800m, needs to get their name marked off before 8.50am with their class teacher and then meet at Sandstone Steps on the morning of the event.

You should only nominate for the 800m if you know that you:

Ran in the competitive race at Cross Country.

Ran the whole way without stopping or walking.

Know that you are a strong long-distance runner.

This event is not a participation event. Only the top 5 runners in each race score points for their house and for the Age Champion contestants.

Wristbands and ID numbers:

On the week of the carnival, all students will receive a coloured wristband depending on their year of birth, so everyone knows where to go during each rotation of activities. Classroom teachers will ensure each student have the correct wristband for their participation.

We have asked that ONLY competitive students (Division 1 events) write their ID number on the wristbands to facilitate the recording of the results throughout the day.

Parents volunteers: We are still seeking parent volunteers to assist these carnivals, particularly individuals with experience in athletic events. Any parents who are interested in contributing their time and expertise are encouraged to contact us via email – Thanks to those parents who have already contacted us!

Filming/Photos at the carnival:

Parents please we aware that the school has a strict policy for students’ privacy protection. We kindly ask you to be respectful with our request that parents do not film and/or take photos where other children are identifiable. Thank you.

Dates and Carnival Programs

Please note all times listed above are approximate. Rotations will take approximately 45 minutes. An announcement will be made when students need to move to their next rotation.

Junior Carnival - Thursday 12 June

Senior Carnival - Friday 13 June

Moore Park Map

Track & Field District Nominations – Northern Eagles Trials (23rd and 24th July)

As mentioned before, we are in the process of having trials at school for our athletics carnivals for shot put, running and high jump events.

Once our athletics carnivals have concluded, the top 3 boys and girls from the following age groups: 2012/13, 2014 and 2015, will be able to be nominated to represent Indooroopilly State School as the the district track & field trials in July.

Long jump trials will be ONLY over Weeks 9 and 10 this term during PE lessons. We will give an opportunity to students to trial for this event at the end of the term. The top 3 students for each age group and gender that meet the highest district qualifying distance will be nominated to compete at the district track & field trials for this discipline.

Long Jump Trials: Only for students born in 2012/13, 2014 and 2015 at school during weeks 9 and 10. Students interested in trailing for long jump should contact our PE teachers before Monday 23rd June.

Nominations for all other disciplines will be based on 2025 ISS athletics carnival results and compared to the district qualification marks accordingly. Parents from students that are nominated for any track and field district trials events, will receive an email with all the information/paperwork after our athletics carnivals. These documents will have to be return to the PE team by Monday 23rd June to be able to nominate your child in time.

Discus paper nomination: If students wish to be nominated for discus, parents need to email our PE Team with their PB and a letter from coach attached. Nominations are due by Monday 23rd June.

If you have any questions about the district nomination process, please do not hesitate to contact us by email.

Interschool Sport

Unfortunately, the backup day for sports on Friday 30th May was also cancel due to wet weather. We thank all teachers from Years 5 and 6 involved in supervising students, organizing teams, and refereeing games!

We hope to have nicer weather next term when the second season of sports starts again in Week 5. We will share more information about this at the beginning of Term 3.

Celebrating success in sport

We are proud to congratulate the following students who have been selected to represent our school in District, Regional and State sports teams:

Gordon P (6I) was selected to join the Metropolitan West School Sport Tennis (10-12 years) team and compete at the QRSS State Championship at Cairns International Tennis Centre, Cairns North in August.

Leo H (6I) has been selected to participate at the 12 - 14 Years Baseball Regional Trial.

Boys selected for Cricket District trials: Hudson G (6C), Rowan M (6I), Srinish M (6G) and Lakshya S (6I).

Being chosen at these levels is a significant accomplishment, reflecting both outstanding ability and commitment. This is a remarkable honour that highlights their exceptional talent, dedication, and passion for their sport. We look forward to watching these students excel on a larger stage.

St Lucia Kindergarten

Sherwood Arboretum

Little Athletics Holiday Program

Little Athletics Queensland is proud to present a special NAIDOC Week School Holiday Athletics Program—a fun, inclusive, and educational experience designed to engage young people aged 8–11 in the world of athletics while celebrating and honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.

Program Details
Dates: 10/07/2025
Location: QSAC (Queensland Sports and Athletics Centre) – SAF Stadium, Kessels Road, Nathan QLD 4111
Ages: 8–11 years
Cost: $50

What's included:

• Hands-on coaching in running, jumping, and throwing events
• Cultural activities celebrating NAIDOC Week
• Fun games and teamwork challenges
• Opportunities to meet experienced coaches and role models

This program is open to all ability levels and aims to foster a love of sport, cultural awareness, and personal growth in a supportive and welcoming environment.

Register now: https://laq.sport80.com/public/wizard/e/6/home 

More information: Contact Larissa Chambers – l.chambers@laq.org.au 

QACI Brilliant Futures

APPLY NOW for QACI Brilliant Futures - a two-year selective-entry preparation program for student participation in Year 7 and Year 8. Current Year 6 students are welcome to APPLY NOW.

QACI Brilliant Futures provides impactful, collaborative extra-curricular learning experiences aligned with the International Baccalaureate Learner Profile, including inquiry, critical thinking and reflection.

Learn more: https://qaci.eq.edu.au/enrolments/brilliant-futures-brisbane-program 

St Lucia Bible Church holiday activities

Holiday Kids' Club is again on June 30 - July 1. This is for children in the community aged Prep - Year 6, held at St Peter's P&F Centre in Indooroopilly. More information here: https://www.stluciabiblechurch.org/hkc