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Thriving in ’25 – Leading the Teaching and Learning at Pumicestone State School
Last week we welcomed visitors from the Education Futures Institute, Leadership teasm from Palmview and Baringa to Pumicestone to see first-hand the great work our leadership team and staff are doing to lead teaching and learning across the school.
They saw in action the strong, clear structures that keep us all focused on what matters most — student learning. Our learning walls give students clear goals and help them track their own progress, while also guiding teachers in delivering targeted lessons.
They observed how we invest in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) by providing funding and release time for staff to collaborate, share practice, and improve learning outcomes. They also joined in data discussions, seeing how we use evidence to make informed teaching decisions.
Our staff meetings are purposeful and directly connected to our Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) creating a clear line of sight from our strategic planning to the learning happening in every classroom.
This work is driven by myself and leadership team, whose commitment ensures we meet the key attributes of strong instructional leadership:
- Staying focused on student outcomes
- Working together as a collaborative team
- Making decisions based on evidence
- Keeping learning at the centre of all we do
Our visitors left impressed with the quality of leadership and teamwork at Pumicestone, noting that we are not only meeting these attributes but truly thriving in ’25 — with passionate staff, strong leadership and a shared vision for every student’s success.
Looking ahead, we’re excited for the learning opportunities in Term 3. Parent-Teacher Conferences will be held in Week 6 on Tuesday 19 August – an important time to connect and discuss your child’s progress and goals for the remainder of the year.
Kind regards
Angelique Kropp
What's happening in Prep?Questions to ask us.
What is a spoken text?
What does retell mean?
What experience could we retell? Sports day, NAIDOC, our weekend.
We can.
Here is an example using a picture book.
Parentline: Support and advice for all Queensland parents and carers
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:
- bullying and friendship issues
- parent–child relationships
- parenting strategies and behaviour management
- 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.
Australian of the Year Awards
Nominations are open for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards. These national awards celebrate people making a real difference in their communities. Categories include Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia's Local Hero. Nominate someone inspiring in your school community or beyond who deserves recognition. Nominations close at midnight, Thursday 31 July.
Learn more or nominate now: https://australianoftheyear.org.au.
Yours in education,
Ashleigh Woods
Deputy Principal
In LOTE learning, Pumicestone students have been focusing on different aspects of Mandarin Chinese language. Year 2 are building on their understanding of Chinese counting along with writing the Hanzi characters, pinyin words and have even completed some work using Chinese numerical language to solve simple addition and subtraction challenges. Years 3 and 4 are using Chinese language to identify places in their house and common items that may be found in different rooms. They are comparing this to Chinese culture and differences in environments. Years 5 and 6 have been reviewing Chinese language structure with a focus on vocabulary, tones and using language to share and gather information about themselves and other people. This week we used Chinese vocabulary cards to create familiar words by identifying the ‘initial’ and ‘final’ sounds that create the syllables.
Volunteers needed!
Hi Pumicestone Community,
It's that time of the year where our P&C team are calling on our community for volunteers. We need your help!
Our Father's Day stall is just around the corner and to ensure all our wonderful students get the opportunity to shop for their amazing Dads/Grandads/father figures, we are seeking donations and volunteers to supervise our stall from the 1st -3rd of September, during school times. This will ensure our students all have a positive shopping experience. Any hours are appreciated, many hands make light work!
A blue card is required but can be organised free of charge for any volunteer.
QKR is live and purchases of $10 per child will be available until the 30th of August until11:59pm, or cash on the day is also accepted.
Please remember to send a shopping bag with your child on the day of their visit.
Please email us at pandc@pumicestoness.eq.edu.au
For any enquires or questions.
Farren Humble
President
Pumicestone State School
P&C Association
Introducing the Dignity Vending Machine
Pumicestone State School has now had installed a Dignity Vending Machine (DVM) through the Share the Dignity in Queensland Schools initiative.
The DVM will be a valuable resource providing all students with access to free period products when they need them.
Why are we installing a Dignity Vending Machine?
The purpose of the initiative is to support students’ wellbeing and engagement, ensuring access to period products is not a barrier to student attendance and learning at school. The installation of a DVM is just one way our school is supporting students’ positive engagement.
Will there be a cost for students or families?
Installation, ongoing stock, and maintenance of the DVM is funded through the Share the Dignity in Queensland Schools initiative as part of the Queensland Government’s commitment to supporting students’ wellbeing and engagement. This means students have access to period products through the DVM at no cost to them, their families or the school.
Discover a one-stop-shop for your school uniforms, school footwear, stationery, technology, musical instruments, sports equipment and more, at School Locker North Lakes.
Online Uniform Shop
Discover a one-stop-shop for your school uniforms, school footwear, stationery, technology, musical instruments, sports equipment and more, at School Locker North Lakes.
Student Advantage Membership
In addition to 6 days a week in store shopping, your uniforms will also be available online. The new online uniform shop offers a convenient way to purchase school uniforms whenever you need them. You will have the option to enjoy home-delivery or click-and-collect your uniform purchases from the School Locker North Lakes store.
Shop for Uniforms at School Locker
4-6 Burke Crescent North Lakes
Phone 3490 1400
Monday to Friday 8:30am-5:00pm & Saturday 9:00am-3:00pm
Caboolture Library is thrilled to announce their lineup of exciting activitie continues. These events offer a wonderful mix of fun, creativity, and learning, providing great opportunities for students to engage with their peers and explore new interests.
Don’t forget to check out our upcoming School Holiday events. Bookings open at 4PM on Thursday 4th September.
Here’s a snapshot of the upcoming children’s events happening in August:
- Story Dogs
TUES 26 AUG | 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
When children read to a dog, the outcomes are amazing! With their calm and loving nature dogs provide a magical environment that helps children relax, improve their literacy skills, and confidence. - Minecraft club (Tuesdays 6-17 years) - Caboolture - Moreton Bay Libraries
Every Tuesday | 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Join our Minecraft Club to complete challenges and learn new skills while connecting with other crafters online and in person. - LEGO Engineers Club
WED 13 AUG | 03:30 PM - 04:30 PM
Develop design thinking and engineering skills as you build and create with LEGO® bricks. Meet other brick fans and complete challenges, group builds, and more!
Please feel free to discover more library events at What's on - Moreton Bay Libraries and check out our latest arrivals in the Junior Fiction Collection.
For more details, students and parents can visit the Moreton Bay Library website or pick up a What’s On magazine from the library.
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.
- Sign in to your Express Plus Centrelink mobile app.
- Select More to access the full menu.
- Select Deductions.
- Select Centrepay Deductions.
Alternativly complete and return the below Centerpay deduction form to bsm@pumicestoness.eq.edu.au
Payment Plans via PumicestoneSS Payment Plan
Complete the Payment Plan form below and email it to bsm@pumicestoness.eq.edu.au
Please be mindful that we cannot allow credits to accumulate to a large amount. If your account grows into a substantial credit, we will contact you regarding stopping your payments.
Hardship
If you are experiencing financial hardship, please contact the Business Manager to discuss your situation.
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
- Display your name tag clearly.
- Queue and remain in your vehicle.
- Move forward safely when directed.
- 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.