Term 2 Week 2 Newsletter

From the Principal - Mrs Walsh

Everyday Counts!

At our school, we know that every day counts when it comes to your child’s learning and wellbeing. Regular school attendance lays the foundation for academic success, strong friendships, and positive routines that support lifelong learning. When students attend consistently, they are more likely to feel connected, confident, and capable in the classroom.

We understand, however, that some families face challenges that make daily attendance difficult. Whether it’s transport issues, family responsibilities, or a child experiencing school-related anxiety or what some may describe as “school can’t,” please know that we are here to help.

If getting to school is a struggle, we encourage you to reach out. We can work together to explore solutions, whether that means connecting you with local support services, helping to establish consistent morning routines, or creating a personalised plan to support your child’s return to school.

Our goal is always to work in partnership with families to ensure that every child feels safe, supported, and ready to learn. No concern is too small, and we appreciate your openness in letting us know when something isn’t working.

If you would like to have a confidential conversation about how we can support your family with attendance, please don’t hesitate to contact the school office to make a time to speak with me or a member of our wellbeing team.

Together, we can ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive.

2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge

I am delighted to invite all Eight Mile Plains State School students to join in the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC).

The PRC is not a competition but a way to encourage students to develop a love of reading for life. Students are encouraged to select a range of fiction and non-fiction books suited to their reading ability and record books read during the reading period, from 6 May to 22 August. Enclosed is a reader record form to tally book read throughout the challenge.

To complete the challenge:

• Prep to Year 2 must read or experience at least 20 books
• Years 3 and 4 must read at least 20 books
• Years 5 to 9 must read at least 15 books.

Experiencing books can include shared reading, listening to stories, or reading picture books. The aim for the 2025 challenge is to encourage students to make time to read. Last year saw more than 216,000 children from around the state participate.

Book suggestions are available on the PRC website:

https://prc.median.com.au/BookList

Every student who completes the challenge, and returns the completed record reader form, will receive a Certificate of Achievement. Every student that returns a completed record will also go in the draw to win a book prize. I look forward to seeing as many of our students as possible take part in the 2025 Premier’s Reading Challenge.

If your child wishes to participate in the PRC, please return the completed record reader form to your child’s teacher by 25 August 2025.

From the Deputy Principal - Mr Horridge

Eight Mile Plains State School ANZAC service

Our school community came together last week to commemorate ANZAC Day with a respectful and moving service. Students demonstrated great reverence as we paused to honour the courage, sacrifice, and service of our veterans and current Defence personnel.

We were privileged to welcome The Honourable Mr Peter Russo, Member for Toohey, and Mr Warwick Chettle from the Springwood Tri Services RSL Sub Branch. We sincerely thank them for their meaningful words and continued support of our school.

The service was thoughtfully led by our School Captains, Ameena and Oscar, who spoke with clarity and poise. Our student representatives also did a wonderful job laying a wreath on behalf of each class, acknowledging the significance of the day with dignity and respect.

Lest we forget.

EMPSS Anzac Service

2025 ANZAC Commemoration School Service

The 2025 ANZAC Commemoration School Service, held at Anzac Square in Brisbane, brought together schools from across South-East Queensland in a moving tribute to the men and women who have served Australia from World War I to the present day. This annual service is a powerful opportunity for students to honour our defence personnel and deepen their understanding of the ANZAC Spirit and its ongoing relevance to our nation’s story.

I had the privilege of attending this important event with our Eight Mile Plains State School student leaders, who represented our school with pride and respect. Together, we listened to heartfelt reflections from military leaders, community representatives, Queensland Premier David Crisafulli, and Her Excellency, the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young, who all spoke about the meaning of ANZAC and the sacrifices made by those who serve. A shared message resonated throughout their addresses — that the courage, resilience, and selflessness of our Defence Force personnel, both past and present, have shaped the freedoms we enjoy today.

The ceremony featured stirring performances by the Australian Army Band and the combined choirs of Brisbane Boys’ College and Clayfield College. We were deeply moved by the powerful recitations of poems and personal stories. The solemn mounting of the catafalque party around the Shrine of Remembrance was a poignant and symbolic moment.

Our student leaders were exemplary in their conduct, remaining respectful and engaged throughout the ceremony. A highlight of the morning was witnessing Ameena and Oscar lay a wreath on behalf of the Eight Mile Plains State School community — a proud and meaningful gesture of remembrance.

Lest we forget.

2025 Anzac Day Commemoration School Service

Cross Country Carnival 2025

After a few weather-related postponements, it was fantastic to finally hold our Cross Country Carnival on Monday 28 April. The event was a wonderful celebration of student commitment, house spirit, and community.

Congratulations to all students who participated! It was inspiring to see such determination and pride across all year levels. A big thank you to our students and staff who proudly wore their house colours and cheered each other on throughout the day.

Special congratulations to those students who have qualified to represent our school at the District Cross Country on Tuesday 6 May. We wish them all the best as they aim for selection in the regional team.

Thank you also to the families who came along to support – your presence added to the vibrant atmosphere of the day.

House Results:
🏆 1st – Juwehrr: 184 points
🥈 2nd – Powai: 159 points
🥉 3rd – Mirri: 146 points  

Well done, everyone, on a memorable day!

From Head of Cirriculum - Mrs Simpson

Curriculum Newsletters

Welcome back! I hope that all of our EMP families have had an enjoyable holiday break. It has been a busy start to the term with students engaging in new learning, and new units of work.

This week, teachers have sent out information to families, outlining the Curriculum Intent for Term 2. I would like to encourage you talk with your child about their learning and what they have enjoyed most about their day.

Professional Learning and Collaboration - Moderation

Next Tuesday afternoon, our teachers will travel to various schools in our local community to engage in a Cluster Moderation process.

Cluster Moderation is a process where EMP staff come together with teachers from other schools, to share work samples, teaching practice and expertise. Tuesday’s meeting will provide an opportunity for our teachers to connect with others and engage in professional conversations about aspects of the Australian Curriculum. This opportunity will be beneficial to all involved, as we continue to reflect on, and plan learning experiences for, our students using the new Australian Curriculum.

If you would like further information regarding the Australian Curriculum V9.0, please click the link below:

https://v9.australiancurriculum.edu.au/resources/parent-information 

News from 3B - Mrs N

3B is off to a great start in Term 2

3B students have started reading the novel 'Kumiko and the Dragon' by Briony Stewart for our literacy unit. So far we have enjoyed the descriptive language she has used including similes. In daily writing this week, students had a go of writing from the main character's perspective with the goal of writing like Briony Stewart. Here are some of our paragraphs:

The Beginning by Thea

I slowly tip-toed up the long, wooden stairs to my dark, scary bedroom. My heart was beating, my body was shaking in fear and my face was pale with goosebumps all over me. My room was dark and full of horror. I ran to my bed, jumped over the toys and hid under the covers while breathing heavily. Sadly, the safety of the kitchen light did not make it to my bedroom. All of a sudden, a creature came closer to the window. It had scales like crystals. Its tail was hitting the ground and its wings were as long as a kimono. It growled and hissed as smoke came out of its nose. The dragon was back.

The Beginning by Alex

I dragged myself up the creaky stairs to my bedroom. My heart was pounding, I was pale and I had goosebumps. I could see the darkness from my room getting closer and closer. Then I ran as fast as I could past my stack of toys and covered my blanket on top of me. Just then, a creature with wings as big as the roof of my house, rough scales and claws as sharp as a brand new knife landed on my roof. I saw a hiss of smoke come from its nose and heard a low growl. The dragon was back.

The Beginning by Sara

I quietly trudged  up the wooden stairs, trying to be brave. My heart was pounding, my palms were sweaty and my skin turned white. I felt the darkness of my bedroom creeping closer towards me. I opened my door and bolted like there was lava on the floor, past my toys and into my bed pulling the covers to the top of my nose. Out of the corner of my eye, a creature with wings as big as sails of a boat, scales that were shimmering gold and a tail that swung like a red ribbon, landed on my roof. The dangerous dragon was back.

We also participated in the ANZAC Day Commemoration Parade where our April class leaders placed a wreath at the EMPSS Anzac Monument. Each student also made their own poppy to 'plant' at home to remember those who have fallen and served for their country. 

News from Year 4 - Mrs Allen & Mr Lim

News from 5A - Mr Gibson

Welcome to Term 2

I hope you all had a contemplative weekend as we remembered our ANZACs.  ANZAC Day is an important day of the year as we remember their sacrifice. 

Anzac Day Ceremony

Cross Country Carnival 

Cross Country Carnival

After many postponements, we completed the cross country on Monday.  Thanks to all the competitors who ran. 

Gala Day is on this Friday.  Students should have their numbered jersey. 

Please look after your jersey and return it back to school office after Gala Day 3. 

News from 5B - Mrs Sipos

Welcome to Term 2!

We are off to a busy start and have been learning the time in 24 hours. This has been a little bit tricky for the children; however, they are progressing well and persevering through the challenges. 

After many rainy days, Cross Country finally went ahead on Monday. Congratulations to Aryan, Zoe and Enkhlen who came 3^rd in their races. Cross Country was a fun morning, and 5B are very thankful to Mr Minchin for organising the event. 

Gala Day is this Friday!

We have many year 5 and 6 students participating and we wish them the very best of luck. Remember, if you're playing soccer, you need shin pads!

EVERYDAY COUNTS! 

The large number of public holidays this term mean we have less time to meet our learning goals. Please ensure you are sending your child to school every day, unless they are unwell. 

Finally, camp deposits are due this Friday (May 2nd). Please ensure you have paid the $100 deposit by then. We would hate for your child to miss out on all of the fun! More information regarding future payments will be sent home over the coming weeks. 

Lets have a great Term!

Love Mrs Sipos

News from Mrs Harvey - 6A

🌟 Preparing for High School: The Power of Positive Friendships

As our Year 6 students look ahead to high school, many emotions can come with the transition — excitement, nervousness, curiosity, and sometimes uncertainty. One of the most important areas we can focus on to help set our children up for success is teaching them how to build and maintain positive, healthy friendships.

High school brings a whole new social environment, and knowing how to form strong, respectful connections with others is a life skill that will serve our children well — both in and outside the classroom.

One incredible voice in this space is Rebecca Sparrow. For over 20 years, Rebecca has been working closely with tweens and teens — writing books, presenting at schools, and creating engaging content through podcasts and webinars. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to help young people understand what it takes to build strong, authentic friendships and to navigate the often complex social world of school life with confidence and kindness.

Her work speaks directly to the challenges and experiences our children face, including how to:

• Be a good friend
• Recognise red flags in friendships
• Set boundaries
• Handle peer pressure
• Stay true to themselves

We highly encourage you and your family to explore Rebecca Sparrow’s resources. Whether through her books, online webinars, or social media, her insights can be a wonderful support as your child prepares to take this exciting next step.

As always, we’re here to support both you and your child through the transition to high school. Let’s continue working together to build not just strong learners, but kind, confident, and resilient young people.

Love, Mrs Lauren Harvey

Lxpor1@eq.edu.au

News from - Chappy Sonia

Chappy News

Welcome back to Term 2. I enjoyed the break over the holidays, but I genuinely missed seeing everyone. And it’s also great to see the sunshine!

Lunchtimes

We are having lots of fun during our lunchtimes, playing ball games and now skipping. Some of our preps are getting much better at jumping with the skipping rope. I also want to thank our wonderful boys and girls who help me turn the skipping rope for the other students.  We still will be having our Calm Colouring at 2^nd break on every second Thursday. We have some very artistic young people at our school.

Breaky Club

Breakfast Club has started back again this week. A big shout out to the families who have generously donated spreads for the toast. It is gratefully received by the staff and students.  We have plenty of donated honey and vegemite.  If you are thinking of donating items, we are always in need of the Coles and Woolworths brand 1kg margarine tubs and strawberry jam. We seem to go through them a lot quicker.

Upcoming Events

“Family Connect Craft Evening”

In week 6, on Friday the 30^thof May, myself and some amazing volunteers will be hosting a “Family Connect Evening” in the library from 6:45pm until 8/8:30pm. The aim of the night is to allow parents and their children have some quality time together without the digital distractions of the TV, phone/tablets. Each parent, with up to two children with them, will choose from several simple craft activities and enjoy doing it together with their parent/caregiver. There will be limited places for the evening. I will send out a flyer with a QR code to register your place in the coming weeks.

There will be an entry fee that will include the craft supplies and a delicious supper as well.

More information to come. Keep the date free: Friday 30^th May.

Hope to see you there. ( If your child gets “bored “with doing craft, we will also have a variety of board games you can play together. )

Subway Meal Deal

We will be running Subway meal deal on Tuesday the 3^rd of June, in week 7. More information closer to the date.    

Much thanks, Chappy Sonia.

News from EMPSS P&C

Calling All Superheroes! 

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and we need YOUR help to make this year's stall a huge success!  

Want to take a break from work and contribute to something rewarding?

Or maybe you're looking for a way to give back to the school and support our amazing students and families?

We’re looking for volunteers to help set up, run, and pack up the Mother’s and Special Other's Day stall. Whether you're a Mum, Dad, Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle or a community caregiver, if you’ve got an hour to spare or can help for a longer shift, we want you. Every bit counts! 

Date: Wed 7th May - 7am-2pm & Thursday 8th May 7:30am - 9:30am Location: EMPSS - Under A Block 
 

Help out while supporting the EMPSS P&C  Create an unforgettable shopping experience for the kids  Spend some time connecting with fellow parents and teachers.

Register via the QR Code or below link:https://volunteersignup.org/EFHMH 

Rochedale State High School Year 7 Enrolment for 2026

Astronomy Night at Rochedale State High School

2025 Uniform Shop Hours

Uniform shop hours are every Thursday from 8am - 9am for all of your school uniform needs.