Filter Content
- Across the Principal's Desk ...
- Students Not Returning in 2026 - Action Required
- School Opinion Survey - Closes Tomorrow
- From the Deputy Principals
- Year 5 Reflections Anna-Lisa Mopio-Jane and Li Cunxin
- YEAR 6 Reflections - Li Cunxin
- A Musical Adventure Jr. TICKET SALES ARE OPEN
- Enrol Now for Prep 2026
- Term 3 Parent Teacher Meetings – Save the Date
- Teaching and Learning
- Student Executive Leadership Positions 2026- Year 5 Process
- Library News
- Ruby's Roundup
- The Sustainable Garden
- Windsor Week 5 Award Winners
- P AND C Events - Madagascar Candy Bar
- Upcoming Events for Our Awesome Dads!
- Parentline: Support and advice for all Queensland parents and carers
- Uniform Shop - Swimwear Sale!
- 5 Keys Collector Cards- Thank You and Congratulations
- ICAS Assessment Schedule- Registered Students
- Year 3-5 Camping Program
- Keepsake Photobooks-End of Year Preparations and Permissions
- Term 3 Pastoral Care Focus- “Confidence and Persistence”
- Casual Teacher Aides and Cleaners Wanted
- QACI Brilliant Futures
- Cyber Safety
- 2025- Positive Student Recognition
- QParents
- Consent to Administer Medication Forms
- YMCA Windsor OSHC
- “Return-It Recycling Program”
- Community Noticeboard
- P&C - Crown Hotel Partnership
Dear Windsor Community,
Many of your recent news feeds may have included opinions and statistics about educational outcomes, teachers in the state school system, and care of children. Some of these stories can be difficult or even discouraging to read.
As your principal I want my voice to be as loud as your newsfeed. And what I say evidenced through your children’s learning experiences at Windsor.
At our school, your local state school, we have teachers who arrive each day armed with professionalism, positivity and a work ethic that any principal would be proud of. Our teachers, teacher aides, admin and ancillary staff show up for your children but stay because of our strong school culture and community that has been established and maintained over many years. Regardless of measures, your child’s next step is our priority. We do very well but we always strive to do better.
We know that explicit instruction works and we know that relationships and a sense of belonging trump everything. We know that growing creativity and divergent thinking through the arts and languages matter. We know that playing structured and unstructured games and team sports matter. We know that dedicating time to teaching personalised and social behaviours is important and an ongoing nuanced piece of work for the developing child’s brain.
Why am I writing this? It is because I want a good news story out there about education, the teaching profession and the care of children and I believe that Windsor State School is a good news story!
I lead with optimism, believing that the more positive stories we tell about education and teaching, the more hopeful and secure our children will feel. Recently, I heard Owen Eastwood say, “Our classrooms are the last great place.” He shared this with the hope of inspiring schools and teachers to keep moving forward—and I think he’s right.
Thank you for trusting us with your child’s education. Our role is to provide seven years of learning, opportunity, and growth, alongside a strong connection to family, culture, and community. Together, that is what makes Windsor such a special place.
Inspiration for our students
Ongoingly at Windsor, we strive to offer our students opportunities. This week our Year 6 students were offered the rare opportunity to meet with and hear from Li Cunxin AO, author of Mao’s Last Dancer, and world-wide inspiration to many. Li’s story is one of adversity and inner strength, with his messaging to students a powerful one. Please read the year 6 students’ reflections further along in the newsletter to hear more
Our year 5 students, and future school leaders, also had the same opportunity to meet with Li Cunxin but also to hear from Mindset Coach, Speaker, Olympian (and Windsor mum), Anna-Liza Mopio Jane. https://www.annalizamopiojane.com/
Both speakers responded to some very well-prepared student questions and offered our students valued insights and advice. We are so lucky to have had this opportunity to meet both Li and Anna-Liza and to hear their perspective on leading and success. More photos and student thoughts are shared within the newsletter.
Yours in Education (..see you next week at the Musical!)
Shona
Thank you to those families who have already completed this survey which was emailed to you by the Department of Education. The higher the completion rate of this survey the more valid and helpful the data is towards our school improvement.
Year 6 Canberra Senior Trip- Thank You & PACER Rebate
Students from our school recently undertook an education tour of the national capital. Students were given the opportunity to participate in a variety of educational programs with a focus on Australia’s history, culture, heritage, and democracy. The Australian Government recognises the importance of all young Australians being able to visit the national capital as part of their Civics and Citizenship education. To assist families in meeting the cost of the excursion the Australian Government is contributing funding to our school in the amount of $90 per student under the Parliament and Civics Education Rebate program towards those costs. The rebate is paid directly to the school upon completion of the excursion. This is reduced from the overall price charged to parents and carers for the provision of the excursion.
A special thank you to all parents and carers who supported this trip as well as all of our dedicated staff who embarked on the journey. Amanda Vincenzi, Kellie Robertson, Scott Shearer, Stephanie Arthur, Nicole Dwan, Simon Kurtz, Tony Johnson and Shona Arneil were on hand to ensure that our students learned a lot and made memories that will last them a lifetime. These trips help strengthen our students, our school, our community and our national identify.
Listening to Li Cunxin and Anna-Liza Mopio-Jane’s talk about leadership to Year 5, made me realise that leadership is a privileged role that requires courage, confidence, teamwork, selflessness, and kindness. A true leader makes decisions based on what is best for the team, not just themselves, and is willing to step in when something isn’t right. Leadership also means having the courage to speak the hard truth, even when it makes you feel vulnerable. I learned that being a leader isn’t always easy—responsibilities and tough choices come with the role—but it is through these challenges that real leadership is shown.
Arlo C (5A), Jessa E (5B) and Leo S (5C)
Today Li Cunxin came and spoke to the year 6 cohort. He talked about his childhood as a little peasant boy and how he was always starving but his parent’s love is what kept him going. I learnt from him that you are the limit if you care enough and that you should always try to be the best. I was inspired by his determination to ballet dancer, since I also dance. My dream is to one day be a dancer at Queensland ballet and see him dance in real life. Nellie Year 6
Li Cunxin came to talk to the Year 6 students about his young, poverty life that he had and his story of becoming one of the best dancers in the world. What I learnt from him was that if you are going to chase your dreams you must try your hardest all the time and never give up. I was inspired by him because of how poor his family was growing up and then him never giving up later in his life becoming one of the greatest ballerinas in the world. What he said to us could help me by making sure that I never give up on my dreams. Cassius Year 6
My dream is to be a kind person and smart person. When I grow out of my childhood, I want to be successful and make my parents proud and happy by being a wonderful lawyer, a serious woman and help people. Kelzang Year 6
Reflection on Li Cunxin’s Visit
By Isabelle King 6D
Introduction
Ballet superstar and author Li Cunxin came to share his life story, explaining his motivation, struggles, and achievements. He spoke about his childhood, how his family often didn’t have enough food to eat, and how winters were so cold the temperature dropped below minus 20 degrees. He told us about his classroom teacher who gave him an opportunity that would change his life forever.
Li described how he endured a brutal trial session for the Beijing Dance Academy, driven by his determination to create a better life for himself and his family. Out of millions of children, he became one of only 44 selected to train in Beijing. At first, he couldn’t jump very well and was laughed at by his peers, but with hard work, he rose to the top of his class. This success led to even greater opportunities, including working in America, where he also fell in love with his first wife.
Since Li was still a Chinese citizen, he faced difficulties when he wanted to stay in America. At one point, he was tricked into entering a room controlled by the Chinese government. During the time he was held there, he felt that his life was at stake. Thankfully, the situation was eventually resolved between the two governments, and he was released.
What I Learned
I took away the message of never giving up and always striving to achieve your dreams. His story also made me think about how differently people experience the world, depending on their physical and mental environments. Something that stood out to me was when he said that just loving someone isn’t always enough to keep a relationship strong. I found this interesting, and it felt like he was giving us children some valuable life advice.
Personal Response
The talk made me feel a wide range of emotions: inspired, motivated, in awe, determined, and grateful for the life and opportunities I have. It made me realise how many things I, and many others, take for granted each day.
Impact and Application
Hearing what Li achieved makes me want to take every opportunity available to me and also help create opportunities for others. After this talk, I will remind myself to look at life from different perspectives and to always consider the difficulties that others may be going through.
Conclusion
This talk was very meaningful to me because it opened my eyes to different perspectives and showed me the importance of determination in striving for and achieving success in life.
Thank you so much, Li Cunxin, for visiting Windsor State School!
Reflection on Li Cunxin’s Visit
By Sam Theofanes 6D
Introduction
On the 20th of August, Li Cunxin visited Windsor State School to share his childhood experiences and his incredible life story. He reminded us how lucky we are and explained that the true key to success is working hard. He encouraged us to aim for excellence in everything we do now, so that the future we create for ourselves can be successful.
Key Messages I Learned
One of the biggest lessons I took away was that many of us don’t realise how fortunate we are. We often take our comfortable lives for granted, while Li had to endure extreme hardship to succeed. Things don’t just happen instantly—you have to work hard for them. For example, he stayed up late perfecting his dance moves and endured painful training sessions, like when his flexibility was tested so harshly that both his hamstrings tore. Yet he smiled and said it didn’t hurt, showing just how determined he was.
What stood out to me most was how his life completely changed because of his dedication to ballet—something he may never have imagined would happen. It made me appreciate how lucky I am to be born into a family with a safe home and enough food, things Li never had growing up.
Personal Response
Li Cunxin’s talk inspired me more than I can explain. I am in awe of his dedication to ballet and his willingness to endure such intense training while his love for dance only grew stronger. His story showed me that if you put your mind and time into something, and if it’s truly possible, you can achieve anything. It reminded me to never give up on my goals and to give my best effort in everything, whether it’s school, sport, or anything else I do.
I also realised that I want to improve myself in small but important ways—like helping more around the house and taking better care of my schoolwork. Meeting Li has motivated me to take his advice to heart and keep working towards my dream job. His words may not change everything about my future, but they will definitely help me focus and grow stronger now.
Conclusion
This talk was incredibly meaningful and an unforgettable experience. Li Cunxin is world famous, and meeting him might be one of the most inspiring moments of my life. His visit meant a lot to me because he is such a powerful role model, and I hope I can grow up to be as dedicated and hardworking as he is. I’m very grateful to Li Cunxin for visiting, and to Windsor State School for organising such an amazing opportunity.
A Speech Can Change Your Life
By Thomas Nguyen
On the 20th of August, Li Cunxin visited our class to share his life story and inspire us. He spoke about his childhood and what life was like when he was our age. After hearing his story, I felt lucky to live in Australia and to have the living conditions I do today.
The key message I took away from his talk was when he said, “hard work is the key ingredient in success.” Another important idea he shared was that inspiration doesn’t always have to come from your own background—you can also learn from the experiences of others. One story that really stood out to me was when he explained that between 35–40 million people died from hunger in China during the 1960s. That number is more than the entire population of Australia, which shocked me.
His speech inspired me to work harder and give everything I have to achieve my dream of becoming a professional footballer. I want to continue my brother’s path after he gave up his career. Li Cunxin’s words made me realise that I don’t always put in my best effort, especially in football, and I now want to change that. From now on, I will give 100% so that I can make it far in life.
I also felt that some of Li Cunxin’s childhood experiences reminded me of my own family’s history. His story seemed similar to my grandad’s generation, because they both lived through difficult times, even though my grandfather has passed away. Li taught me that no matter what life throws at you, you can overcome obstacles if you stay determined and keep chasing your dream.
Overall, Li Cunxin’s talk changed the way I think about the world and the way I want to work towards my goals. It was meaningful because it taught me to appreciate life, to understand what true success takes, and how to face hardships with courage. I am very thankful to Mr Li for spending his time with us and for sharing such powerful lessons that will help me in the future.
As you are aware, our Madagascar - A Musical Adventure Jr. cast and crew have been busy preparing for a wonderful three nights of performances!
This outstanding performance will be conducted in the school hall. Doors open at 6pm for a 6:30pm showtime start.
Tickets are just $15 per person.
The Arts Sub Committee in conjunction with the P&C will be selling light snacks and drinks prior to each performance.
Ticket sales are now open to everyone! Please note there is a different booking link for each performance evening.
Follow the links below to secure your tickets now.
Thursday 28th August 6.30pm
Click here to book tickets for the Thursday evening performance.
Friday 29th August 6.30pm
Click here to book tickets for the Friday evening performance.
Saturday 30th August 6.30pm
Click here to book tickets for the Saturday evening performance.
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Prep Enrolment Meetings
Our future preppies have been meeting Mrs O’Donoghue over the past few weeks as Prep Enrolment Meetings draw to a close. If you have not yet attended a Prep Enrolment Meeting, please contact the office to schedule a time. Transition opportunities have already started, so if you are a current Windsor SS family, or live in catchment, please ensure your paperwork is submitted ASAP.
https://windsorss.eq.edu.au/enrolments/enrolling-at-our-school
What’s going on in classrooms this week?
This week’s year level spotlight is going to shine on Year 5 and 6, so let’s have a look what they have been getting up to.
Year 5
Science
In Year 5 science, students are learning all about light and how it behaves. They study how light rays travel in straight lines and how these rays can reflect off shiny surfaces like mirrors, which means the light bounces back. They also learn about absorption, where some materials, like dark clothes or walls, absorb light instead of reflecting it, making them feel warmer. When light is blocked by an object, it creates a shadow, which is an area where the light rays cannot reach. Through experiments and activities, students explore how light interacts with different objects, helping them understand important concepts about how we see things around us.
English
In Year 5 English, students have been diving into Australian narrative poetry from the colonial period, linking closely with their HASS studies of the same era. They recently worked with the poem Fur and Feathers, first transforming it into a narrative and then creatively adapting it into a short comic strip that showcased humour and imagery. The Year 5 students did an amazing job!
Year 6
Camp
Term 3 in Year 6 has been both exciting and busy! Our Year 6 students recently returned from their long-awaited camp in Canberra. Below are some highlights and reflections from the trip, along with photos capturing the memorable experiences.
Last week, the Grade six’s had a great time exploring the wonders of Canberra, from Questacon to the AIS to the War memorial to Selwyn Ski Resort! Many of the students very much enjoyed the skiing at Selwyn as it was their first time seeing snow, while others loved the high paced energy of the AIS. Food was an important part of our trip, with meals such as butter chicken, burger and fries and so much more. Skiing was a popular favourite activity throughout the grade, despite the difficulties that attacked the beginners (it was soooo funny!) On our final day, we departed and stopped at Sydney for lunch and visited one Australia’s most iconic structures – the Opera House. It was magnificent!
By Thomas O and Bronson S
On our Canberra trip, I loved skiing — it was hilarious because I fell over so many times! I also had a great time throwing snowballs at everyone and building a snowman with Martha. I enjoyed hanging out with my friends, but I also liked getting to know other students I don’t usually spend much time with. Another highlight was the Pod Playground at the National Arboretum, with its giant acorns, it was so much fun chasing each other around there.
By Sarah S
Visiting Parliament House was an unforgettable experience. We stepped into both the Senate and the House of Representatives which was a first for most of us and even took part in a role-play debate on a bill, which was great fun. The paintings of former prime ministers were fascinating to see up close, and standing on the roof of Parliament House gave us stunning views, including a clear sight of the impressive Australian War Memorial. We were also fortunate enough to attend a Last Post Ceremony at the War Memorial, which was an incredibly moving experience.
By Jackson
On our trip, we attended the moving Last Post Ceremony at the War Memorial, visited the Royal Australian Mint to see Titan sorting coins and learnt how 1 and 2 cent coins were used for the 2000 Olympic bronze medals. At the AIS, we watched elite athletes train, including gymnast Georgia Godwin, before enjoying an interactive evening at Questacon and its giant slide. We also explored the National Museum of Australia’s Mr Squiggle display and Phar Lap’s heart, learnt about voting at the Electoral Commission, and toured Old Parliament House. We had so much fun exploring these places with our friends!
By Savanna and Charlotte R
As of Week 10 Term 3 (immediately upon their return from their Leadership Camp, our Year 5 Students will commence a ‘Student Leadership Application Process’.
Ahead of our Year 5 Students embarking on their Student Leadership Applications in Term 4 of 2025, we will be discussing and focusing on the following habits of mind at the Year 5 Leadership Camp to be held at Luther Heights Youth Camp (Coolum) in Week 9 of Term 3:
- Stepping Up
- Speaking Up
- Having a Go
- Showing the Way
- Thinking Team
These key messages will be delivered throughout the lead up to, and duration of the school camp. These key habits of mind and how students demonstrate them within our school and community context will be important elements of student applications for leadership positions.
The leadership positions that students may wish to apply for in 2026 are as follows:
Student Leadership Positions 2026
- School Captains (x2)
- School Vice Captains (x2)
- House Captains (4 Houses x2 Positions)
- Music Captains (x 6 Total – 2 x Band, x 2 Strings, x 2 Choir)
- Library Captains (x2)
Eligible and interested Year 5 students will receive a Student Leadership Booklet in Week 10 of Term 3. They will also receive a nomination form that they can complete and return to their classroom teacher, if they wish to be considered for a student leadership position in 2026.
For parents interested in supporting their student/s through the process, we will be providing access to the 2025 student leadership booklet in the next newsletter, before our students disembark for their leadership camp.
Book Week – what an ADVENTURE!
What a fantastic week it has been so far, celebrating Book Week. Students and staff looked amazing in their costumes at Monday’s assembly. It was great to see so many students bring along the book that inspired their costume.
Throughout the week, students enjoyed listening to some of shortlisted stories before completing activities in the Library that related to these. A big thank you to our Library Captains, Fern and Joshua and their Year 6 helpers for assisting in their lunchtimes to ensure these activities ran smoothly. We hope that Book Week has helped continue your child’s love of reading which in turn, promotes literacy skills and stimulates imagination and creativity. All of the CBCA shortlisted books are now available for students and staff to borrow.
Illustrator Visit
Students put pencil to paper and became illustrators for a day while Jonathan Bentley visited. Jonathan has illustrated many books and is also the author and illustrator of Bad Bunny series. In this interactive session, students helped Jonathan brainstorm and draw some missing elements for a new picture book. We’re keen to see the finished product in the near future.
Books Before Bedtime – Thank You!
A big thank you to Ms Arneil, Ms Fernie, Mrs Cooper, Ms Helm and Mrs Haas for their contributions to Books Before Bedtime. Students loved the excitement of finding out who was reading each night! There are two more books to be read, tonight and tomorrow night. These can be found on the Windsor State School Facebook page at 6pm each night. Tune in to finds out who is reading next.
Book Swap
Thank you for the generous donations for the Book Swap. Your child will bring home their ‘new’ book today or tomorrow.
Premier’s Reading Challenge Forms due
Please return any Reading Challenge forms as soon as possible in order to finalise certificates for students who have completed this challenge. It has been pleasing to see so many students participate. Hopefully it has inspired them to read some different texts and discover some new authors throughout the challenge.
Hi Everyone,
I have had a very busy two weeks. We finished my assessment videos and they are now off at Therapy Dogs Australia to be marked. Later I will go to Redcliffe to see the trainer Sam and she will check that I still have the right temperament for my job. Have you got tickets to watch Madagascar? My Mum has been very busy and last week all the cast and crew got to wear the shirts to school. I wore mine on Friday and everyone loved it. I have also been very busy for book week. My Mum recorded a story for Facebook and I had to do double duty at parade. Year 4 have read the story Runt and they borrowed me to walk with their Year Level and my Mum and I dressed up as the Year 3 story Kumiko and the Dragon. I got to be the dragon. I love seeing everyone dressed up. Take a look at the photos below.
Did you know? ...
Recently our garden took on something very special, cacao seeds! Mrs Free kindly donated to the garden club. Students were excited to see these unique pods and seeds and learn about where chocolate begins. Together, we carefully harvested the seeds out of the pods which took persistence as they were slippery. Student planted them in rich soil while talking about the warm, tropical conditions they need to grow. It will be quite some time before we see any pods but the process is a wonderful way to connect our learning about sustainability, global food systems, and patience in gardening. We can’t wait to watch our cacao seedlings sprout and share their progress with our school community.
Did you know? ...
Students at Garden Club had the chance to enjoy some delicious melons and then harvest the seeds to start the cycle again. They mixed up their own potting blend, filled seed containers, and carefully planted the seeds inside. With the warmer weather ahead, we’re excited to watch the melon vines sprout and spread, knowing that, in time, they’ll grow into juicy melons for us all to enjoy!
Have a Great 5Rs Week!
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Get ready for the show — and don’t forget to stop by the Madagascar Candy Bar! We’ll be selling delicious choc tops, fresh popcorn, and a variety of drinks to keep you refreshed and ready to move it, move it!
Every dollar you spend makes a difference — all proceeds go directly to the P&C Arts Supporters Committee, helping to fund and support all things arts.
Thank you for your support, and enjoy the show!
We Need Volunteers!
We’re still looking for friendly helpers to run the candy bar during our fabulous Madagascar Musical.
The show runs for three nights — from Thursday, 28 August to Saturday, 30 August.
It’s a fun and easy way to support the arts, meet other families, and soak up the show-night excitement!
Sign up here: https://signup.com/go/bkuTRRz
The P&C has an exciting events calendar for 2025! Save these dates in your calendar
Kind Regards,
Emma Osborne
WSS P&C Secretary
Father’s Day Stall
Let the kids pick out something special for Dad (or a loved one!) at our much-loved Father’s Day Stall. There’ll be affordable gifts, lovingly chosen — and maybe even gift-wrapped with care!
Date: Wednesday, 3 September
Location: Under G Block
Volunteers Needed!
We’re getting ready to celebrate all the amazing dads, grandads, and father figures in our school community — and we need your help to make it happen!
We’re looking for friendly volunteers to help set up and sell at the stall. It’s a fun and rewarding way to get involved, meet other parents, and help our kids find the perfect gift.
Can you spare an hour or two? We’d love your support! ? Sign up here
Windsor Dads' Social Event
A relaxed and fun afternoon for the dads (and father figures!) in our school community to connect, unwind, and enjoy some great company. Tickets are on sale now via Qkr!
Being a parent can be rewarding—but it can also be challenging. Whether you’re trying to support your child with school issues, friendship challenges, behaviour, or tough moments at home, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to do next.
Parentline is a free and confidential service available to all Queensland parents and carers. No problem is too big or too small—and reaching out early can make a real difference.
Parentline offers advice and support on a wide range of parenting topics, including:
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bullying and friendship issues
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parent–child relationships
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parenting strategies and behaviour management
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mental and emotional wellbeing—for both children and parents
You can speak with a trained professional by phone or webchat (6am-midnight), seven days a week.
An online bullying support forum is also available. This is a safe, moderated space to connect with others, ask questions, and share experiences.
Call 1300 30 1300
Visit parentline.com.au
Because parenting doesn’t come with a manual—but help is here when you need it.
Support for parents and carers
Worried about bullying or your child’s wellbeing? Parentline offers free, confidential support from trained counsellors on the phone or via webchat.
1300 30 1300 | www.parentline.com.au
#ParentSupport #Parentline #QLDFamilies
Bullying: hear from the experts
In this webinar specially designed for parents, carers and teachers, Parentline and Kids Helpline share their expertise on how to support a child or young person who is being bullied.
Parentline provides free, confidential counselling and support for parents and carers, helping them navigate complex issues such as bullying and support their child’s wellbeing.
Kids Helpline provides free counselling and support for children and young people for any reason (including bullying).
Watch the webinar now: https://parentline.com.au/issues/bullying-school#video
This webinar is packed with insights to help you support the young people in your life.
Read LessThere are boys and girls swimwear currently on clearance sale in the uniform shop. They are available for purchase in store on Fridays from 8:15am to 9:30am or QKR for delivery to the classroom on Fridays. As they are clearance items, all sales are final and returns cannot be accepted. Get in quick while stocks last!
Boys Jammers - $25 (originally $49)
Girls Knee Length Style - $30 (originally $65)
The Uniform Shop is open every Friday from 8:15am to 9:30am during the school term — and we’re looking for helpers!
If you're available on Friday mornings, we’d love your support.
Sign up here: https://signup.com/go/iJzkuNe
Thank you for helping us keep the Uniform Shop running smoothly!
We pass on a big congratulations to all students who received a “5 Keys Collector Card” during the course of the first half of Term 3. We love seeing celebration photos shared via the following email address:
5_Keys_Collector_Card_Celebrations@windsorss.eq.edu.au
We look forward to seeing students work towards their full-set of 5 Collector Cards during Semester 2, and maybe also picking up a much sought-after “Windsor Warrior Card” at different times of the term in line with special initiatives.
For parents and carers who have registered and paid for their child to participate in the upcoming Extension and Enrichment opportunity that ICAS Assessment provides, please seek to access the overview of the classrooms and staff allocated to undertake the assessments here: ICAS Assessment Schedule for Parents
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Year 3-5 Camping Program- QParents Permission and Payments Now Accessible and ready for completion before due date
We are greatly looking forward to taking our Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5 students away on their respective school camps during Semester 2. These sit alongside our Year 6 Senior Trip to Canberra annually as a great way to help us provide opportunities for social connection, learning, challenge and lifelong memories.
All parents in Years 3, Year 4 and Year 5 are asked to please login to their QParents accounts to complete their permissions and payments at their next opportunity.
As the QParents Permission forms contain a number of URLs (website addresses) that are unable to be hyperlinked in that statewide platform, we have summarised the key hyperlinks that apply to your camp permission forms below.
Year 3 Camp- Warawee (North Pine)
- Hard Copy Permission Forms (parents without QParent access)
- General Camp Warawee Location Information
- Year 3 Camp What to Bring List
- Providing Consent to Administer Medication
- Additional Considerations Student Support
Year 4 Camp- Mapleton (Sunshine Coast Hinterland)
- Hard Copy Permission Forms (parents without QParents access)
- General Camp Mapleton Location Information
- Year 4 Camp What to Bring List
- Providing Consent to Administer Medication
- Additional Considerations Student Support
Year 5 Camp- Luther Heights (Coolum)
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At the end of each year, we provide an optional opportunity for students to purchase a “photobook” as a keepsake memento of their year.
In order to provide permission for your child to have their photo taken for inclusion in their class’s photobook, please login to your QParents Account to complete your permission forms.
Families without QParents Accounts have been sent a hard-copy form via their student, however, additional hard-copy forms are available to be printed here.
During Term 3, each Thursday afternoon, our teachers will be conducting Pastoral Care lessons with students that focus on ‘Relationships’. Particularly, we will be looking at the social-emotional keys to success of ‘Confidence and Persistence”.
Parents and carers can support this focus at home by taking opportunities to discuss and teach students about the importance of:
- Accepting myself
- Taking calculated risks
- Being independent
- Having an ‘I can do it!’ attitude
- Giving effort
- Working tough
- Having a growth mindset
Thank you to those parents and carers who help promote ‘The Windsor Way’ with their students.
Taking Ownership- Helping students to develop their own internal locus of control
As adults, we’ve learned that to get the job done, we need to be self-motivated and put the effort in. Hopefully, we’ve learned by now that there’s little point in relying on luck, or the help of others, or waiting until the planets are aligned. Our kids are dependent on us as parents for much that happens in their life. But it’s important they learn to develop an early awareness that the ‘place’ where learning originates and is controlled is inside them. It’s called ‘internal locus of control’.....a big term for little kids....and us as parents...to find out more about how to help your children develop their own sense of ownership of their direction, please click here.
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
Continued Awareness- Repetition of Key Messages…
In our internet safety presentations so far this year, we have focused on some key messages for students, which we strongly encourage all parents to remind their students of at home:
- The internet is PUBLIC and PERMANENT
- I protect my personal details online
- People I only know on the internet are strangers
- We all have rules on the internet and computers
- I talk to a trusted person if I have an online problem
The 5 Key Principles that we have previously mentioned that enable parents to establish clear expectations regarding their student’s use of the internet at home:
- Set clear rules and boundaries
- You make the final decisions
- Use management controls
- Stay up to date with student’s usage
- Communicate with your kids regularly
Some of the key resources that the Education Queensland Cyber Safety Team would like to share with parents and our school community can be accessed at the hyperlinks below:
The Windsor Way & the revised Student Code of Conduct
The 2025-2028 Student Code of Conduct is available on our school website, here.
We would love to share some images of families celebrating students bringing home a card during the year by making a photo collage of celebrations, however they may look in your household. If you would ever like to share an image of either one-card coming home, or a completed set, we would love to see them shared via the below email address!
5_Keys_Collector_Card_Celebrations@windsorss.eq.edu.au
Please Check Accounts Weekly for Payments and Permissions
QParents is the main portal for school payments and for school event permissions. The first residential parent listed in One School is invited and the parent who nominated 100% responsibility for fees during enrolment will see any amounts outstanding in QParents (unless you have approached the school to request a split agreement, eg. 50-50 responsibility).
We greatly appreciate those parents who regularly check into their QParents accounts to provide any permissions outstanding and to address any invoices outstanding.
If you need help setting up your QParents Account, we are happy to assist at admin@windsorss.eq.edu.au
For assistance, go to: Q Parents help page: https://qparents.qld.edu.au/#/help or phone 13QGOV
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Please note, that if your child requires to have school staff administer medication for them whilst they are at school, you will be required to follow the processes embedded within the below hyperlink for each child and for each medication that requires administration:
An easy way for parents/carers & families to support our sustainable garden project
The new drive-through pick-up-zone on the old Officeworks site is in close proximity to the purple ‘Return It Container’ situated under the fig trees.
With this container now so accessible, we would love for parents and carers to support our developing sustainable garden project by donating any acceptable containers for change to our school.
If you are placing a bag inside the container, or wish to credit your returns to Windsor State School, you can simply add the Windsor State School code to the bag, and the recyclables within the bag will be credited to our P&C.
The Windsor State School Code is: C10158718
If you would like to learn more about the types of containers that can be recycled, please visit the following website: https://www.returnit.com.au/
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Support the school whilst having a meal at The Crown
The partnership for 2025 has been extended with The Crown Hotel for another year, which means the Windsor State School community can continue to wine and dine and support the school.
How does it work?
Simply order your food and drinks via the App, and ensure you have entered the code: WSS in the backend.
The app can be used at all Aus Venue Co locations and WSS will continue to earn money as part of the agreement. Other venues include Port Office Hotel, The Regatta, The Boundary Hotel, Everton Park Hotel, just to name a few...
App Rewards & Benefits
> $10 Welcome credit for all new members
> 10% off at The Crown Hotel
> Earn 10 points for every $1 spent on the app
> Earn 2000 points and convert for $20 credit
The best part is - every dollar you spend helps to support Windsor State School!
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