Newsletter 9 16 June 2025
From the Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
Congratulations to all our Budgie Cup teams on a fantastic touch football carnival on Friday. While we didn’t bring home any trophies this year, we are incredibly proud of the way our students competed—with heart, teamwork and great spirit.
A special shout-out to our Best and Fairest winners:
🏅 Hudson F.
🏅 Jack S.
🏅 Sophie L.
🏅 Alaska S.
Well done to each of you!
A big thank you to Mrs Nelson for organising this year’s Budgie Cup, and to Ms O'Dempsey, Ms Douglas, Ms Coutts, Ms Telford and David Nelson for their invaluable assistance with preparation and support on the day.
Next Tuesday, students in Years 4–6 will take part in field events in the lead-up to Sports Day. Our Track and Tabloids Sports Day will be held on Wednesday 25 June, and families are warmly invited to attend. Please take note of marked viewing areas on the day to ensure a safe and smooth event.
Many thanks to our P&C for their ongoing support and for running a BBQ and Home Bake stall on the day (Wednesday). The students always look forward to Sports Day, and we’re grateful to PE teacher Julie Wain for her work in organising it.
Also, this week, our Prep and Prep/1 classes will be heading off on an excursion to Downfall Creek on Thursday 19 June. It’s sure to be a wonderful learning experience.
As we approach the end of Term 2, I want to acknowledge that this is a particularly busy time in primary schools. Thank you for your continued support of our staff, who work incredibly hard to provide the best for your children.
A few important dates:
- Thursday 19 June – Prep and Prep/1 excursion to Downfall Creek
- Friday 20 June – Semester 1 reports will be emailed to families
- Wednesday 25 June – Track Sports Day (families welcome!)
- Friday 27 June – Last day of Term 2
- Monday 14 July – First day of Term 3
We're pleased to share that Mr Andrew Bryant is recovering well following a recent procedure and is expected to be back with us soon—wishing him all the best for a smooth recovery.
Thank you also for your cooperation with parent-teacher interviews next week. Your partnership in your child’s learning makes a real difference.
Enjoy the final couple of weeks of term and have a safe and refreshing winter break when it arrives.
Simon Vaseo - Principal
From the HOD-C
Axiom Holographics School Incursion P-6
In week 10 of term 2, on Thursday the 26th of 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. It 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.
Semester 1 Reporting
At Buranda we are implementing a staged transition to Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum. In 2025, Years 1-6 have been transitioning to the Australian Curriculum Version 9 for English and Mathematics. Further to this, Prep have transitioned to Version 9 of the Australian Curriculum in all learning areas.
Emailing Student Reports
Student reports will be emailed on Friday the 20th of June, after 3pm. If you have not received your student’s report on the evening of Friday the 20th of June, please check your spam email. If the report email is not there, please email admin@burandass.eq.edu.au and we will ensure that your student’s report is sent, when school returns the following week.
If you know your email address has changed in the last six months, please update your contact details with our office staff by emailing admin@burandass.eq.edu.au.
Parent Teacher Interviews Prep – Year 6
Parent teacher interviews are mandatory for all students in semester 1, and available for all students in semester 2. Teachers will have work samples and assessment for parents to view at parent teacher interviews.
Primary school assessment and reporting is an opportunity for everyone to understand a student’s achievements and celebrate successes and to identify areas for support, future practice, and learning. I would encourage everyone to remain curious, stay engaged and keep learning.
Rosie Scholl - HOD-C
From the Inclusion Teacher
The Courage to Set Boundaries: Why Being the “Nice Guy” Isn’t Always Enough
In previous articles, we’ve explored how a well-meaning focus on self-esteem—when not balanced with responsibility and limits—can quietly feed into patterns of entitlement. This month, we continue that thread by turning our attention to one of the most powerful (and sometimes uncomfortable) tools in a parent or teacher’s toolkit: boundaries.
Right now, the media is brimming with commentary on modern parenting—concerns about the lack of boundaries, the rise of “gentle” approaches that avoid discipline, and the increasing trend of parents trying to be their child’s best friend. Psychologists, educators, and even social commentators are raising the same flag: children need adults who are prepared to lead, not just please.
In many families, children are growing up surrounded by love and praise—but without consistent boundaries or consequences. Parents are quick to reward and encourage (which is important), but hesitant to discipline or correct in ways that cause discomfort. Time-outs, grounding, or loss of privileges are often avoided because they provoke tears, anger, or resentment. Understandably, many adults find it hard to see their children upset. But discomfort is not the same as harm.
Whether a child is neurotypical or neurodivergent, the fundamental requirement is the same: children thrive on predictability, clarity, and consistency. While some students may need different strategies or more support to meet expectations, they still need those expectations in place. Boundaries don’t have to be rigid to be firm—and firm boundaries are not unfair. In fact, they’re often the most reassuring thing we can provide.
The truth is, boundaries are not punitive—they’re protective. Children feel most secure when they know someone calm, confident, and consistent is in charge. Boundaries help children develop emotional regulation, self-discipline, and the ability to cope with frustration—all essential traits for adulthood. Without these lessons, children may grow into teens and adults who expect freedom without responsibility, and who struggle to manage disappointment or conflict.
We also need to reflect honestly on why boundary-setting has become so difficult for many. When parenting—or teaching—is driven by a desire to be liked at all costs, we risk losing sight of our primary purpose. That may feel good in the moment, but it doesn’t serve the child in the long run.
We’re in a cultural moment where many people are more focused on feeling good than doing good. But the role of a parent (and teacher) is to lead, not to be a constant source of affirmation. Like any good leader or manager, there will be times when the decisions you make are unpopular—and that’s okay. Good managers are occasionally not liked by their staff, especially when making the right but hard decisions. The same principle applies to raising or educating children.
If your focus is on always being the “nice guy,” you may be overlooking what your child actually needs. If your identity is caught up in your child’s approval, you may be making it about your own comfort rather than their development.
Children don’t need perfection—but they do need courage from the adults in their lives. They need someone who can love them deeply and say “no” when it matters. Someone who can sit with the discomfort of a tantrum or a slammed door, knowing that consistency and follow-through are acts of love.
The best relationships—whether with children, students, or colleagues—are not built on constant agreement, but on respect, safety, and trust. Boundaries are not the opposite of love; they are one of the clearest expressions of it.
Katherine Austin - Inclusion
Sports Day Timetable
Morning Session
Time | Event |
9am | Report to classrooms for rolls etc. |
9.10 | Welcome and Traditional Owners Acknowledgement March Past – Points awarded for best house. Children assemble in house teams at start of running tracks for March Past. |
9.30 | Sprints (heats and finals are necessary in some age groups) Preps to receive “I Ran” ribbon. All others to receive place ribbons for finals. NOTE: Years P-2 in year level Yrs 3-6 must be in year born |
10.25 | Long Distance Race – Prep 1 lap, Yr 1 – track plus 1 lap, Yr 2-3 track plus 2 laps, Yr 4-6 track plus 3 laps, 800Metre Race 4-6 800m runners track plus 6 laps. |
Tug-o-war will be run by teacher behind the tents when children have completed their sprints. | |
11.00 | First Lunch |
Middle Session
11.45 | 200m (2015, 2014, 2013 only) |
12.00 | Relays Prep – Year 6 (make even teams where possible and a mixed team to include all children) |
12.45 | Tug O War |
1.15 | Second Lunch |
Afternoon Session
1.45 | Tabloid Events Rotation through nine fun activities – One teacher to be based at each rotation for supervision. Year 6 students to run the Event. Year 5 students to move the group to each rotation. Whistle : Teams ready to start new activity. Bell : Start activity and continue for 3 1/2 minutes. Bell : Stop activity, move on to next activity with leaders at front. |
2.40 | Tug-o-war (yr 6’s v teachers & parents) |
2.50 | Clean up area and announce champion team. Presentation of Shield to winning House. |
Julie Wain - PE Teacher
BSS Philosothon Team Announced
The final audition session for this year’s Junior School Philosothon took place last week. We would like to acknowledge and congratulate all 21 students who participated in the Philosothon process. Their thoughtful contributions and enthusiasm for exploring big ideas were impressive, and we’re very proud of the way they represented our school values throughout.
We are pleased to announce the eight upper grade students who will be representing Buranda at the QLD Junior School Philosothon on Monday 23rd June.
Congratulations to:
Team 1 Ethan T Aarna S Henrietta G Stella G | Team 2 Libby W Sam P Annika P Josephine T |
We look forward to seeing them share their thinking, listen with curiosity, and respectfully challenge ideas in this exciting learning opportunity.
Desley Alexion - STLaN
From the Garden
Lots of great work and learning has been going on in the school gardens over the past few weeks. The students have been helping with mulching, enjoying extended learning in the areas of living things, ecosystems and space, and relaxing in the beautiful Spring weather.
I'd like to thank all of those who have rolled up their sleeves and helped with the weeding and mulching on Friday afternoons. The gardens are starting to look really nice again. Great thanks also to Stella's Dad, Davide, who very kindly took time out of his busy life to give me a masterclass in art of real, Italian pizza making, for our monthly, garden pizza afternoons. It was a true honour and pleasure. I'm just sorry that we couldn't actually do pizzas last week, because of the rain and a little health glitch for me. Just on that, I have to take a little time off, for running repairs on my old ticker. I'm looking forward to returning shortly though, better and stronger than ever.
I'd also like to thank all the students who put in so much effort to creating the wonderful posters for the Winter Solstice event. I couldn't believe my eyes when I was shown them. In the end I couldn’t really decide as I loved them all so much, so I had to pick out a few and pass them back to the P&C. I'm very happy with the winner they chose though great work everyone!
The winter Solstice approaches fast, I’m so excited I’m nearly wetting my plants! This year, the great cosmic event, that is celebrated in all cultures on Earth, takes place at 12:42pm local time, on Saturday the 2lst of June, the very day of the school's celebration this year! With any luck, I'll see you there, so until we meet again, may I wish one and all a very Happy Winter.
Mr. Bryant
Update from the P&C
Winter Solstice – Saturday 21st June, 4:30pm – 7:30pm
Our Winter Solstice is on this Saturday 21st June. We’re not doing the working bee this year so all the fun is kicking off at 4:30pm. As always, there will be delicious food, cold and hot drinks, snacks, performances by the school choir and Royal Existence Dance as well as the fabulous Tales of Strangers Band. All happening while everyone soaks up the beautiful bonfire. This is a great annual event and lots of fun for the kids and whole family.
We are still needing more volunteers, especially for the food and drinks so if you can volunteer for a small shift to help please sign up using this link Click on this link .
We’re also still looking for more donations for the Winter Solstice so if you can donate something small it would be awesome! Click on this link to register and drop off this week.
Sports Day – Wednesday 25th June
The P&C will be running a sausage sizzle at 1st break. Sausages need to be pre-ordered through QKR! by 8pm on Sunday 22nd June. Once students with pre-orders are served, sausages will be available to purchase on the day.
The P&C will also run a bake sale on the day (no pre-orders, bring cash on the day).
For the bake sale, we are asking parents for baked goods (no nuts, only home bakes please / no prepackaged). Cakes, slices, cupcakes, cookies, jelly cups in house colours, would all be great. Some gluten free and vegan options will be appreciated.
Baked goods will need to be dropped at the bake stall (covered area near the oval), from 8:15am, Wednesday 25th June.
List ingredients and clearly mark the containers with student’s name and class. Containers should be picked up at the end of the day.
Warm regards,
Adam Purdy
Buranda State School Parents and Citizens (P&C) President 2025
M: 0477 405 101
E: president@burandasspandc.org.au
From the Community
Sacrament of Confirmation Program 2025
Year 3 Sacrament of Confirmation Program for Children at St James Catholic Parish, Coorparoo.
Your children (8yrs or older) have already been baptised.
Phone 3397 1671