Please click the link for responses to frequently asked questions. 

https://bellmeress.eq.edu.au/Ourschool/Contactus/Pages/FAQs.aspx

Dear Parents/Carers,

CYCLONE ALFRED

As you are all aware we are all preparing for when Cyclone Alfred makes landfall. We are all in the same situation and waiting for constant updates from the QLD Government.

At the time of writing this newsletter (10 am), we have had no indication when there will be possible school closures. The most important thing in these situations is to keep updated from reliable sources.

The communication we have received from the Department of Education is that the school will be notified the day before any school closure. This will be communicated via email and through Facebook. We will also communicate the day prior to when the school reopens. The most important aspect in every decision is that we keep the safety of children, staff and parents at the forefront of any decision.

EARLY PICK UP SIGN OUT PROCESS

We will continue the same sign out process for when children are leaving school early. Parents will need to come to the office, sign their children out on the iPad in the reception area. Parents will receive a printed slip which they will show the office staff who will let them through the office door. Parents will then go to the child’s classroom, give the printed slip to the teacher and collect the child. At break times the child will be called over the load speaker as it is difficult to locate the child during break times.

There will be a specialist timetable on the wall near the iPad so parents can see where their child is located in the school. Also, teachers will have a notice on their door to indicate where the class is. Eg STEM, MUSIC, PE, Library.

Steps to sign children out early:

1. Sign your child out on the ipad in the foyer.
2. Collect the printed sign out ticket.
3. Show the office staff the ticket, they will let you into the school.
4. Walk to your child’s classroom.
5. Give the printed ticket to the classroom teacher.
6. Collect your child and exit via the office administration.

Regards

Jamie Tactor

Principal

Happy Week 6 to our Bellmere Community,

Prep Vision Screening

If your child is in Prep and you would like their vision screened, please complete a consent form using the below link or QR code. This service is delivered by the Primary School Nurse Health Readiness Program that is coming to Bellmere State School and is run by the Queensland Government offering free Vision Screening to all students enrolled in Prep.

Link and QR code will close: Thursday, 27 March, 2025

Screening commencement date: Thursday, 15 May, 2025

Greetings to our Bellmere Community,

We are certainly fortunate at Bellmere to have the support from our families and volunteers.  I have now opened up another Volunteer Induction for Term 2 as well.  Please note our next two sessions are:

1. Wednesday 12 March, 9:00
2. Wednesday 30 April, 9:00

If you are looking to volunteer in 2025 and have not completed a Volunteer Induction, please complete the booking link in this newsletter to register your participation. The session normally takes about 45 minutes.  Thank you for your support to our school community.  Your contribution is valued. 

Date Saver – Open Afternoon Thursday 3 April 2:00-3:00. 

Please pencil in our Term 1 Open Afternoon from 2:00.  We welcome families and caregivers at this time to visit the classroom.  It is a lovely way for your child/ren to proudly share their learning from Term 1.  Looking forward to seeing many families in attendance.

Date Saver – Term 2 Parent Teacher Interviews, 28 April from 3:15.

More information to follow. 

Yours in Education,

Tanya Lyons

STUDENT RESOURCE SCHEME PAYMENTS

Thank you to all parents who have made payments towards the Student Resource Scheme for 2025.

Payments can be made at anytime using the invoice BPoint link (amount can be changed to suit), via the QKR! App, direct deposit into the school bank account (BSB- 064-405  ACC – 10700604 using surname and SRS as reference) or by EFT in the office. If you made an instalment arrangement, the 3rd and final payment was due back in Week 10 of Term 2.

We are happy to arrange alternative payment plans or Centrepay deductions if this method is not possible. Please email Sue Taylor, Business Manager, on stayl375@eq.edu.au or admin@bellmeress.eq.edu.au to arrange this. Students will be able to receive their resources once a payment has been made.

QPARENTS

QParents  links directly with One School, the program used by the school to store student information including personal details, absences, all report cards and finance information. Registration will need to be completed on a computer and then all further interactions can be done through the App on a phone or tablet. New parents will receive a QParents invitation code in the next week or two and current parents should already have received theirs previously. This link will guide you through the registration process. The fact sheet is provided for your information. If you cannot find your invitation email please send a request to admin@bellmeress.eq.edu and a new email will be sent to you. Your child’s EQ id is on the invoices we send you, directly below the address box at the top left of the invoice.

SIGN OUT PROCESS

We will continue the same sign out process for when children are leaving school early. Parents will need to come to the office, sign their children out on the iPad in the reception area. Parents will receive a printed slip which they will show the office staff who will let them through the office door. Parents will then go to the child’s classroom, give the printed slip to the teacher and collect the child. At break times the child will be called over the load speaker as it is difficult to locate the child during break times.

There will be a specialist timetable on the wall near the iPad so parents can see where their child is located in the school. Also, teachers will have a notice on their door to indicate where the class is. Eg STEM, MUSIC, PE, Library.

Steps to sign children out early:

1. Sign your child out on the ipad in the foyer.
2. Collect the printed sign out ticket.
3. Show the office staff the ticket, they will let you into the school.
4. Walk to your child’s classroom.
5. Give the printed ticket to the classroom teacher.
6. Collect your child and exit via the office administration.

It is very important that the school is notified of any student absences.  The Department of Education requires a reason for each and every absence.

The methods for advising absences are as follows:

By email - admin@bellmeress.eq.edu.au

By telephone - 5498 0666 - there is a dedicated absentee line where you can leave a message 24 hours per day.

Q Parents - if you have registered for the Q Parents app, you can advise absences this way

The uniform shop will be open after school on Tuesday’s from 3:00-3.30pm.

However, QKR! ordering will remain the same and orders will still be delivered to your child’s class on Monday’s, Wednesday’s & Friday’s.

Thank you.

Good morning families of Bellmere State School

The purpose of this communication is to advise our local school community that we are monitoring the progress of TC Alfred and the potential impact this will have if it crosses the coast as predicted in SE Queensland.

We understand that our community has concerns about potential school closures and things that will impact our local area. This is the site to check for school closures as they are advised https://closures.qld.edu.au/

Please note that our biggest priority is the safety of all of our students, staff and the wider community.

We will continue to stay informed via the Department of Education communications and via the weather bureau and we will communicate with our school community via email and Facebook.

Please keep a watch for our communication via these channels.  There is no need for you to contact the school. 

Remember to keep yourself and your family safe.  There is very good advice and suggestions that can be found on the website below.

https://www.getready.qld.gov.au/news/tropical-cyclone-alfred-march-2025

Kind regards

Jamie Tactor

Principal

Our KindyLinQ sessions are full of playing, learning and lots of fun. The kids participated in a range of fun activities which incorporated fine and gross motor skills, sensory play and balance. Our KindyLinQ kids participated in magnetic fishing which is great for hand and eye coordination.  They squished and squashed colourful spaghetti while searching for sea creatures, and had fun making arts and crafts with sticker/dabber dots and sea life animals. 

Did you know our KindyLinQ kids love science and experimenting? By using vinegar, frozen toy animals and bi carb. Everyone watched in awe as the vinegar made contact with the bi-carb and fizzed and bubbled. Such a fun activity to try at home!  

For more information about KindyLinQ contact 07 5498 0666 or admin@bellmeress.eq.edu.au

Boosting the financial security of Australians doing it tough


The Albanese Labor Government is strengthening the financial futures of Australia’s most vulnerable people.
 
We’re investing $51.5 million to ensure the successful Saver Plus program continues to support Australians experiencing disadvantage to improve their financial literacy and better navigate financial crises.

Under Saver Plus, lower-income families also receive matched savings of up to $500 for education costs for themselves or their children.
 
Brotherhood of St. Laurence, in partnership with ANZ and supported by The Smith Family and Berry Street, will continue to deliver Saver Plus until 2030 under the new funding agreement.
 
Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth said the investment reflects the Government’s commitment to supporting Australians most at risk of financial disadvantage. 

“The Albanese Labor Government is doing more than ever to help Australians experiencing financial stress,” Minister Rishworth said.

“We’ve reformed our Financial Wellbeing and Capability programs – providing Australians with a clearer pathway away from the financial cliff and Saver Plus is a big part of that story.

“This funding is vital for those who need help to manage their finances, navigate financial crises and build a stronger, more secure future.

“We are proud to continue our partnership with Brotherhood of St. Laurence over the next five years, ensuring this important program continues to deliver excellent outcomes for Australians and empower them to take control of their finances.”

More than 64,000 vulnerable Australians have collectively saved over $30 million since Brotherhood of St. Laurence launched Saver Plus in 2003. ANZ matches savings up to $500.

A recent survey of past participants also found: 

• 84 per cent are still saving more than seven years after completing the program;
• 85 per cent agreed they are better able to provide for their families; and
• 52 per cent were meeting bill and credit commitments ‘without any difficulty’ up from 15 per cent before participating in the program.

The critical funding is part of our Financial Wellbeing and Capability Activity which helps people build their financial resilience and navigate financial stress.

The Government invests around $150 million a year into Financial Wellbeing and Capability programs, enabling organisations to deliver critical services to Australians in financial hardship. 

This is another way Labor is helping with cost of living pressures. It follows our Government’s tax cuts, energy rebates and cheaper medicines, along with increasing maximum rates of Commonwealth Rent Assistance by 45 per cent.

Brotherhood of St. Laurence Executive Director Travers McLeod said: “Working in partnership with the Federal Government, ANZ and our delivery partners The Smith Family and Berry St, we’re incredibly proud of the positive difference Saver Plus has made over the past 21 years. It provides life changing support and critical education that improves financial wellbeing, reduces household stress and builds the confidence of so many Australians.

“As cost of living weighs heavily on the minds of all Australians – especially at this time of year with back-to-school costs – we’re delighted Saver Plus will be able to provide much-needed financial relief and support during 2025 and beyond. We thank the Government and our partners for continuing to support this critical program,” Mr McLeod said.

ANZ CEO Shayne Elliott said: “We appreciate the ongoing support from the Federal Government and are proud that Saver Plus has been acknowledged for its significant impact on the long-term financial wellbeing of Australian individuals, families and communities.

“This additional funding will enable us to expand the Saver Plus program and assist more Australians to improve their financial literacy. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Federal Government and our community partners to support better outcomes for many Australians,” Mr Elliot said.

More information about Saver Plus is available on the Brotherhood of St. Laurence website.

Further information on financial services, including how to find financial wellbeing providers, is available on the Department of Social Services website