Newsletter 7 19 May 2025
From the Principal
Dear Buranda SS Community,
This week, our teaching staff are engaging in behaviour training through the Reboot program. This professional learning supports our ongoing focus on fostering safe, supportive, and emotionally intelligent classrooms. We look forward to seeing how this training enriches our school-wide practices and benefits all our learners.
Next Monday, 26 May, is National Sorry Day—a time to reflect on the hurt caused to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by past policies and to commit to building a culture of respect, healing and reconciliation. We will be acknowledging this important day with age-appropriate learning activities across the school.
Thank you for your continued cooperation with our drop-off and pick-up routines. We know these times can be busy, and we appreciate the efforts of families to keep things safe and efficient. The Brisbane City Council has been working closely with us to help improve traffic flow, including providing new signage on Martin Street—our thanks to them for their support. If you notice any traffic or parking issues, please report them to the council on 3403 8888.
This week, we are sending flyers to our local early childhood networks to raise awareness of Prep enrolments for 2026. We expect to offer a small number of out-of-catchment places, depending on capacity. If you have a child starting Prep in 2026 and live in-catchment or have siblings currently enrolled, please ensure you’ve registered your details with our office staff as soon as possible.
We value open and respectful parent/carer communication, to support your child’s learning and engagement. Guidelines are now available to help parents/carers understand the types of information they can expect to receive from state schools and appropriate contact channels. Find out more about these guidelines in Queensland state schools: https://education.qld.gov.au/parents-and-carers/positive-school-culture
Enrolments for Year 7 2026 are open at Brisbane South State Secondary College!
Brisbane South State Secondary College 2026 enrolments are open. Families can access full details, including the electronic application process on the college website. For more information, visit the website or contact their Enrolments Team. Secure your student’s place at one of Brisbane’s most innovative secondary schools!
Wishing everyone a great week ahead.
Kind regards
Simon Vaseo - Principal
From the HOD-C
National Simultaneous Storytime Day
This week, on Wednesday the 21st May, it is National Simultaneous Storytime Day. Teachers have access to the link and materials. PB and P1T students will have a visit from the Stones Corner Librarian to read them the story. You might also like to join in at home with your toddlers or look for events at BCC libraries.
Reboot Training
On Thursday and Friday this week, 22nd and 23rd May, a number of teachers are completing the 2-day Reboot Training with Sarah Ralston. The Reboot website has a section for Parenting which may be of interest to you.
Axiom Holographics School Incursion P-6
In week 10 of term 2, on Thursday the 26th June, Axiom Holographics will provide presentations for all students at school (P-6) in the school resource centre.
The presentation students will be shown is about the Hologram Zoo Science Center in Brisbane. The presentation is free for all students. Staff from Axiom Holographics will give an interactive presentation about how 3D and holograms are made in the context of zoo animals. Each student will receive a free pair of red-and-blue 3D glasses and a small 3D projection box to take home. The presentation lasts about 45 minutes.
An Axiom Holographics school incursion aligns with the Australian National Curriculum Version 9 by engaging students in interactive learning across Science and Technologies. In Science, it supports understanding of light, vision, and depth perception, linking to Physical Sciences by exploring how two eyes create 3D vision and how animals perceive depth. The program also introduces the history of 3D and the brain’s role in processing holograms, enhancing students’ knowledge of biological and physical sciences. In Technologies, the incursion connects to Digital and Design Technologies by demonstrating how holograms are created and used, fostering digital literacy and innovation. With hands-on puzzles, real-world applications, and a free projector gram for each student, the program is adapted for all age groups, making complex concepts accessible and engaging while meeting key curriculum objectives.
Mrs Wain will speak with the students about this incursion in their Technologies lessons, as the event draws closer.
Rosie Scholl - HOD-C
Parent-Teacher Interviews
You will soon receive an email from your child’s teacher with details about booking a Parent–Teacher Interview online. These interviews will take place in Week 10, from Monday, 23 June to Friday, 27 June. This is a valuable opportunity to connect with your child’s teacher and discuss their progress and goals.
From the Inclusion Teacher
🍌 The Banana Trick—Have You Tried It?
We’re currently investigating a rather silly (but surprisingly entertaining) concept known as “the banana trick.” The idea? Peel your banana upside down— from the non-stalk end. Apparently, it’s how monkeys do it, and it’s meant to eliminate those pesky stringy bits. Is it effective? Charlie F. thinks so. Does it change your banana-eating life? We're not sure—but we’re collecting data just because!!!
Have a go at home. If you’re up for some fun, feel free to video your attempt and bring it to school on a USB for our upcoming assemblies (all USBs to go to Ms Austin). There’s no pressure—it’s all in good fun. Just be careful not to slip up... we wouldn’t want this turning into a real banana drama!
🎶 ‘Flip It’—Our Devo-Inspired Parody Project
Parody work continues in full swing! This term, we’re diving into the 80s classic ‘Whip It’ by Devo as the musical base for our parody song ‘Flip It.’ Why ‘Flip It’? Because it perfectly ties into our goal of flipping our perspective—from focusing on deficits to celebrating strengths. This strength-based approach underpins much of what we’re working towards with our students.
The original song’s structure makes it easy and fun to adapt. That said, a quick note: while we do encourage you to listen to the original track with your child, please be aware that the music video may not be suitable for younger students. We suggest giving it a preview before viewing together.
🌱 Building Resilience Through Experience
As always, we encourage families to support their children not only in celebrating successes, but also in navigating the moments that don’t go to plan. Allowing children to experience both the highs and the lows helps build the kind of resilience and self-awareness that lasts a lifetime. Whether it’s a banana that doesn’t behave or a lyric that won’t quite rhyme, every attempt is a chance to grow.
With thanks,
Katherine Austin - Inclusion Teacher