Learning Through Play

We’ve all asked the question “What did you do today at school?” and got the answer “Nothing”, or maybe “Played”.  Well, I can confidently say that something always happens at Pumicestone State School every day… and some days, that thing is play!

Research has shown that actively engaging students through purposeful, playful learning experiences in the early years of learning, enhances student learning outcomes and builds a positive disposition towards learning.  Across Years 1 and 2 this term, our small world play is supporting our learners in all things mini-beasts and Australian animals, as we learn to create informative texts about a familiar topic.  Our small world play is consolidating the investigating and research our students have undertaken, looking at habitats, diet and appearance of mini-beasts and Australian animals, and will form the basis of the informative texts that our students will create.

Below: Getting ready to write as we describe the appearances of mini-beasts and other animals in 1B. Reccreating what we’ve learnt about the habitat of bees in 1F and consolidating what we know and have learnt about koalas and other Australian animals in 2C, before starting to create our informative texts.

Attendance Matters!

Lost Property

As the cooler weather starts to set in, jumpers and even track suit pants start to become part of our schoolwear.  To make sure these additional items of clothing find their way home, please ensure your child’s name is marked on each piece.  We appreciate your support in helping us return jumpers etc left in classrooms and playgrounds to their rightful owners.

What a day! Thank you so much to all who participated and helped to make our Monty’s Colour Fun Run a huge success!

There were lots of smiles to be seen and colour everywhere! Thank you to all our staffprinicpal and the staff who helped make this day happen.

The monies raised will go towards new shade tents and additional library resources.

This Sunday, we take a special moment to celebrate and thank the incredible mothers, grandmothers, carers, and mother figures in our lives.

At Pumicestone State School we recognise and appreciate the love, care, encouragement, and strength you show each day — not only within your families but also across our broader school community. 

Whether you are a mum, step-mum, foster mum, grandmother, aunty, sister, or someone who takes on a mothering role, your contributions help shape our students into the kind, capable, and resilient young people we are so proud of.

Thank you for all that you do, seen and unseen. 

We hope you feel celebrated and cherished this Mother’s Day and that you enjoy a restful and joyful day surrounded by those you love. 

Happy Mother’s Day!

SRS Fees

A friendly reminder that your SRS fees are now overdue.  Unless you have a current Centrepay in place, please make your final payment via, BPoint, QParents, or EFTPOS.

If you have concerns or would like to discuss the SRS scheme, please send an email to our Business Manager at bsm@pumicestoness.eq.edu.au

Payment Plans via Centrelink

Did you know we accept Centerpay. Make sure your SRS fees are paid on time SET & FORGET! 

Did you know once your fees are paid, your account will go into credit. You can then use this credit to pay for School Camps and Excursions. 

Mobile Phones

It is assumed that any child bringing a mobile phone to school needs it for safety when travelling to and from home, but not during the school day.

Therefore:

• Phones are to be turned off and submitted to the office on arrival at school where they are checked in via a register
• They are to be collected and signed out at the end of the school day
• No student mobile phones are permitted to camp or on excursion as students are in the direct care of Teacher

Student Break Times

Office staff are unable to locate students during break times. Should you need to collect students during breaks, please ensure you have pre-arranged this with the office.

First Break: 10:30am - 11:05am

Second Break: 1:05pm -1:40pm

Thank you for your understanding.

Scooters & Skateboards

We kindly request that you remind your children that scooters and skateboards are not permitted on school property and not an acceptable mode of transport for school.  Please ensure that your child is aware of this policy and refrains from bringing scooters or skateboards to school.

Bikes

We kindly remind those students who ride bikes to school, to bring a bike lock each day. This helps ensure the security of their bicycles while on campus. Thank you for your attention to this matter and for supporting a safe school environment.

Car Park Feedback

As our carpark falls under the management of the Moreton Bay Council, we encourage you to reach out to the council with any complaints or suggestions you may have, as they are best equipped to address and resolve such issues effectively.

Pumicestone State School has implemented the "Look Out" program to reduce congestion at the Cottrill Road Loading Zone.

Our aim is to enhance safety for all students and parents using the car park. Community cooperation is vital for the smooth operation of this initiative, ensuring hassle-free school pickups. 

Program Overview

School finishes at 2:30 pm. In the afternoon, staff supervise the loading zone on Cottrill Road. They monitor and prevent unsafe practices such as: 

• Children loading into double-parked cars,
• Loading from the driver's side of vehicles,
• Vehicles idling for more than 2 minutes in the zone,
• Queuing that obstructs the school crossing.

Registration and Participation

Parents will receive a registration link via email in the coming days.

Once registered, you'll receive a name tag for your sun visor which will be sent home with students.   

Process at the Loading Zone

Upon arrival, staff will call for waiting children. The first three vehicles in line can load and depart before the next set of vehicles.

If your child isn't present when your vehicle reaches the front, please proceed and re-join the end of the queue, or park in the car park.

Only cars with name tag on the passenger side sun visor to use the pick-up zone. 

Non-Compliance 

Vehicles not adhering to rules or engaged in unsafe practices will be reported to Police Link and/or Moreton Bay Regional Council.  

Parent Responsibilities

• Arrive at the loading zone during monitored times 2:30pm to 2:45pm
• Display the name tag on the passenger side sun visor for staff to identify.
• Stay in your vehicle; do not exit.
• Ensure adequate space for children inside the vehicle. 

Encouragement for Children

• Arrive promptly at the loading zone as close to 2:30 pm when school finishes.
• Be seated in your house group with your family members and listen for their name to be called.
• Be prepared with school bags and belongings to quickly, yet safely, enter vehicles. 

Key Actions for the Look Out Program

1. Display your name tag clearly.
2. Queue and remain in your vehicle.
3. Move forward safely when directed.
4. Load your children promptly and depart. 

 Please support the program as it is designed to assist all famiies to pick up their children promptly and safely.