The Bee's Knees, Term 4, Week 2 2025
Save the Date
Student of the Week Awards
From the Junior School Principal
Gratitude and the Gift of Slowing Down
Over the break, I was fortunate to have an extra week of holidays at the beach, a rare opportunity to slow down, breathe deeply, and let the days unfold at their own pace. That time reminded me how important it is to rest and reconnect with the people and places that restore us. Research in wellbeing consistently shows that periods of recovery improve focus, emotional balance, and our ability to be present for others. Taking time to pause isn’t indulgent, it’s essential. As we move into the final term, I’m grateful for the chance to reset and ready to finish the year well with our students, staff, and families.
Welcoming Ms Renee Brecknell
We are delighted to welcome Ms Renee Brecknell to Kelvin Grove State College as our new Deputy Principal for Prep – Year 2. Renee brings a wealth of experience in early years education and a deep commitment to evidence-informed practice and positive relationships. Her calm leadership style and passion for nurturing strong foundations in literacy, numeracy, and wellbeing will be a wonderful addition to our Junior School team. I know our students, staff, and families will join me in warmly welcoming Renee as she becomes part of our school community. We thank Mrs Sasha Hemsworth for her time in the Junior School and wish her all the best as she awaits the birth of her first child.
Welcoming Our 2026 Preps
This term we continue our 2026 Prep enrolment meetings and begin our 2026 Prep Orientation days, one of the most exciting rites of passage in our Junior School calendar. Transitioning to school is a major milestone in a child’s life, and research highlights that strong transition programs can significantly enhance a child’s sense of belonging, confidence, and readiness to learn. Our team takes great care to ensure each family feels supported, informed, and connected during this process. The aim is to build bridges, not just between early learning and school, but between children, families, and our community.
While our youngest learners are preparing to begin their schooling journey, our Year 5 students are preparing for their own important transition, moving towards the leadership and independence that comes with Year 6. This period is a time of growth and self-discovery. Helping students navigate these shifts smoothly, both socially and academically, supports their confidence and strengthens the sense of continuity that underpins wellbeing and success.
A Busy Term Ahead
Term 4 always brings a buzz of excitement and a full calendar! To help families stay organised, we’ll be releasing a “Save the Date” poster each month. This will be a handy visual to print and pop on the fridge or pinboard at home, ensuring key events are easy to keep track of and celebrate together.
Later this term we’ll celebrate World Teachers’ Day, a wonderful opportunity to thank the incredible educators who make Kelvin Grove such a special place to learn. Our teachers are not only skilled and dedicated, but deeply caring — they embody what it means to nurture curiosity and confidence every day. We encourage families to join us in expressing gratitude and appreciation for our staff. You’ll also find details in this newsletter about our Teacher Request Process, which provides guidance for families wishing to share information for 2026 class placements.
Finishing the Year Strong
As we move through the final term, it’s important we continue to honour the routines and expectations established at the beginning of the year. These consistent structures — from morning routines to learning habits — give students stability and a clear sense of purpose. By keeping things consistent and steady, we ensure students finish the year feeling proud, connected, and ready for what comes next.
I’m very much looking forward to celebrating our students’ achievements throughout the term, the effort, growth, and joy that shines through in classrooms, on the stage, and across the playground. It’s a privilege to witness their journey and to share these moments with our dedicated staff and families who make the Junior School such a vibrant, caring community.
Have a great term,
Jordan Burke
Principal
From The Deputy Principal Prep - 2
I’m excited to introduce myself as the new Deputy Principal for our P-2 students here at Kelvin Grove. My name is Renee Brecknell and I’m thrilled to be part of this impressive school community that has such a long standing reputation for excellence.
I come with many years of experience in primary education with my most recent role being that of a small school principal. I have had the privilege of meeting many of your amazing children both in their classrooms and out at lunchtimes and have witnessed the expert teaching and learning that they receive here at Kelvin Grove. I am so grateful to have this opportunity to be a part of your child’s life journey and to be leading such an incredible team of skilled practitioners.
I am known for being a leader who listens with empathy and creates a school culture where everyone feels seen and supported. I like to see the best in people and believe that if we can be anything in this world, it should be kind. I was fortunate enough to have access to an education where I could achieve academic success, and I am driven to provide that very same opportunity for all learners. I also have a strong belief that the best student outcomes are produced when school teams and families support each other and work together. I always encourage and actively seek to develop school communities where a positive school climate is built and our students feel that there is a constructive and respectful bridge of communication between school and home.
I look forward to meeting you all and being a part of the wonderful things happening here at Kelvin Grove. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or ideas you’d like to share. I’m always here to help.
What We Are Learning In Term 4!
Prep
Our learners in prep are practising their writing of sentences which include capitals letters, full stops and spaces between words. They will be retelling familiar stories too.
Year 1
Our year 1 learners will be reading and writing procedures this term and will continue practising how to listen to their peers and share their ideas.
Year 2
Our year 2 learners will be exploring narrative texts and comparing them to other text types. They will be practising how the use language features to give descriptions of characters, settings and events. Look at (insert description of picture below).
Ms Brecknell’s Buzz
Learning about our brain and how it works has always fascinated me and is an interest I have always pursued during my career in education. It is so powerful and transformative when we become aware of our cognitive limitations and potential and even more so when we use these to grow and learn. That is why I thought I would share one interesting “brain fact” in each Bees Knees article.
The brain isn’t fixed once childhood is over. As people learn new skills or information, the physical connections between neurons (synapses) are changed. New connections can form; weak ones may be pruned away; existing connections can strengthen. This process is often called experience‑dependent neuroplasticity. Because of plasticity, learners can improve through effort and proper instruction, even later in life (great news for us as adults because there is ALWAYS something new to learn! 😊). Repeated practice, varied tasks, and feedback are important. They help strengthen synaptic connections (reinforce learning) which is why they form such an important part of teaching and learning.
References:
EdCan Network. (2020). The brain, learning and teaching. EdCan.ca.
British Psychological Society. (n.d.). Understanding neuroplasticity. Psych Hub, BPS.
Renee Brecknell
Deputy Principal
From The Deputy Principal Year 3-5
Welcome to Term 4. I hope everyone has had great break and managed to spend some quality time with family and friends.
This Term we have some very exciting events happening and I am looking forward to seeing our students grab all the opportunities that are on offer.
Year 4 Leadership
All Year 4 students will have the opportunity to be involved in a whole day leadership development program run by a company called Character Builders. This program will focus on leadership, teamwork, collaboration, patience, resilience, process over prize and creativity.
Please check your emails for the QParents permission form that needs to be completed prior to the Character Builders Day. If you do not have a QParents account, please contact the office.
Students will also be involved in writing their applications for School Captain and House Captain and all Year 4 families should have received a letter outlining the process for this. Teachers will work on this in class time and students are encouraged to practice their speeches at home.
Year 5
During the week I had the pleasure of watching our Yr 5 Captains deliver their speech to schools in the district about their Leadership Legacy Project. Our KG Kids did a fantastic job presenting their project plan and the events that happened along the way to create their project.
Legacy Project Group 1- Buddy Bench
Legacy Project Group 2- Wall and Ground Murals
There are several photos included below that showcase these projects.
Well done students, Miss Fair and Mrs Gough.
Reminders
Semester 2 Report Cards will go home in the last week of school
Students MUST be in full school uniform right up to the end of the year
Years 3-5 Swimming Carnival will be this Term. Date and venue to be confirmed.
Looking forward to a great final Term for 2025.
Allan Tharenou
Deputy Principal
Choir for "The Arts Jam"
Students wishing to perform in the Choir at the upcoming event are asked to notify the school by emailing our music teacher Megan Grimmer This will ensure they are included on the permissions list, which is essential for participation.
An inclusive Big Uke Band will accompany one of the choir songs. Family members, teachers, and students interested in joining the band are encouraged to express their interest in the same email.
Once interest is confirmed, further information regarding the song, group practice opportunities, and a practice link will be provided.
For any questions, please contact Megan Grimmer via email.
2026 CLASS REQUESTS
Each year the teachers and the leadership team undertake the complex task of forming classes for the following year. Great care and consideration is taken in this process, in which teachers apply their extensive knowledge of the students to ensure that the classes for the following year are balanced.
Following this process our inclusion team run through the proposed classes and apply their knowledge of individual student needs and adjustments to make any changes that may be required.
Finally, the leadership team review the classes to ensure any additional considerations are taken into account including complexity or circumstances that may be of a sensitive nature.
This year the parent request process will be a little more specific than in previous years. With the acknowledgement of the professionalism of our teachers and their knowledge of what will be the best balance of student placement, teachers have already taken into account academic, social emotional, friendship groups and other needs.
Parent requests that will be considered should focus on informing the school of needs that fall outside of the criteria teachers have already taken into consideration or information the school may be unaware of. Requests should provide all relevant information and reasoning.
Please note, a parent request is not guaranteed, and on the occasion where a parent request conflicts with the professional judgement of staff, the judgement of staff will be prioritised. Parents requests should not focus on requests for specific teachers.
Parent requests will be accepted via email (JSClassRequest@kelvingrovesc.eq.edu.au) from today until Friday 31st, October 2025.
We look forward to releasing the class allocations on Thursday 11th December.
From the Head of Department - Curriculum
Term 4 Curriculum Overviews
Our Junior School Curriculum Overviews for Term 4 have been sent to families via Schoolzine. These overviews show you what your child is learning in each subject this term.
They are a great way to:
- Know what’s happening in the classroom
- Chat with your child about their learning
- Find fun ways to explore topics at home
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s learning!
Term 4 Important Dates
Term 4 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting times of the year at our school! With so many wonderful events, celebrations and learning opportunities planned, there is something for everyone to look forward to. From academic milestones and cultural showcases to end of year performances and community celebrations, this term is all about connection, achievement and celebration.
Below you will find a list of key events happening across the term.
Week 2
- Year 1 Sparklab Excursion – Tuesday 14 October
- Year 5 Volleyball Cup – Thursday 16 October
- Year 5 City District Gala Days – Friday 17 October
Week 3
- Prep to Year 2 Swimming Lessons
- Year 1, Year 2 and Year 5 Street Science Live Shows – Wednesday 22 October
- Year 5 City District Gala Days – Friday 24 October
Week 4
- Prep to Year 2 Swimming Lessons
- Starlight Christmas Appeal Commences (website to go live)
- Year 1 to Year 4 Zeno Sworder Author Visit – Monday 27 October
Week 5
- Prep to Year 2 Swimming Lessons
- Year 4 Character Builders Incursion – Tuesday 4 November
Week 6
- Prep to Year 2 Swimming Lessons
- Year 2 to Year 5 Lingo Fest – Wednesday 12 November
- Junior School The Arts Jam – Friday 14 November
Week 7
- Prep to Year 2 Swimming Lessons
Week 8
- Year 3 to Year 5 Swimming Carnival – Monday 24 November
- Year 3 Dance Performance – Tuesday 25 November (TBC)
Week 9
- Trackdance Rehearsals – Tuesday 2 December
- Year 3 to Year 5 Trackdance: 3–9 Steps Forward Performance – Wednesday 3 December
- Junior School Free Dress Day and Starlight Assembly – Friday 5 December
Week 10
- Year 5 Transition to Year 6 Day – Monday 8 December
- Prep End of Year Performance – Tuesday 9 December
- Year 1 Teddy Bears’ Picnic – Week 10 (TBC)
- Year 5 Graduation – Wednesday 10 December
- Prep to Year 5 Reports Emailed – Wednesday 10 December
- Year 1 to Year 4 Transition Morning – Thursday 11 December (TBC)
- Year 5 Taylor Range Excursion – Thursday 11 December
- Last Day of Term – Friday 12 December
Amie Smith
HOD - C
From The Junior School P & C
Recently, I underwent spinal surgery—a challenging experience that reminded me of the true meaning of community. During my recovery, I was deeply moved by the outpouring of support from our KGSC community. From kind messages and offers of help to words of encouragement, every gesture made a world of difference.
Moments like these remind us why we do what we do. The work of our P&C isn’t just about fundraising or meetings—it’s about people looking out for one another, ensuring every family feels connected and cared for. It’s about showing up, lending a hand, and being there.
My hope is that everyone in our community experiences the same warmth and support that I did. When we stand together, we show our children what true community spirit looks like and why kindness matters.
On that note, a huge thank you to everyone who participated in and supported our recent Lapathon! It was a fantastic day filled with energy, enthusiasm, and community spirit. Thanks to your generosity and involvement, we raised $34,390.00 to support school initiatives and rebuilding our tuckshop. Your contribution helped make it a resounding success.
📅 Upcoming P&C Meetings – Term 4
- Week 2: Monday, 14 October 2025
- Week 7: Monday, 11 November 2025
We’d love to see you there—everyone is welcome!
David Tran
Junior School P & C Chairperson
Newsletter Sponsors
