Celebrating Our Exceptional 2025 NAPLAN Results!

I am thrilled to share the outstanding results from this year's NAPLAN assessments, which showcase our students' hard work and the dedication of our teaching staff. Our school has once again demonstrated its commitment to academic excellence, with students performing exceptionally well across both year levels and domains. 

The 2025 NAPLAN results are particularly impressive as they confirm the significant progress our students have made. A large percentage of our students achieved results in the 'Exceeding' and 'Strong' proficiency levels, indicating they have a solid grasp of the literacy and numeracy skills expected for their age. Please refer to Mr Gordon’s section for specific data. 

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A Team Effort 

These fantastic results are a true reflection of a collaborative effort. I would like to sincerely thank our students for their focused effort and positive attitude during the tests. Their commitment to their learning journey is what makes our school community so successful. 

A huge thank you also goes to our incredible teachers, who work tirelessly to create engaging and supportive learning environments. Their expert instruction, data-driven teaching practices, and unwavering commitment to every student's success are the foundation of these results. 

Finally, thank you to our parents and carers for their ongoing support. Your partnership in your child's education is invaluable and contributes directly to their achievements. 

While NAPLAN is a snapshot of student performance, these results provide valuable data that we will use to further refine our teaching programs and support every student to reach their full potential. We look forward to continuing this journey of growth and achievement together. 

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Exciting New Partnerships: Connecting Robertson State School with Local High Schools and Griffith University! 

We're thrilled to announce a new initiative at Robertson State School aimed at strengthening our community ties and creating enriching opportunities for our students. We're actively building partnerships with local high schools and Griffith University, fostering a collaborative environment that will benefit our students, staff, and the wider community. 

These partnerships will open doors to a variety of exciting possibilities, including: 

• Enhanced Learning Experiences: Collaborations with local high schools could involve our students participating in taster days, accessing specialised facilities, or engaging in mentorship programs with older students. Similarly, Griffith University might offer workshops, access to their incredible resources, or even opportunities for our students to experience university life firsthand. 

• Professional Development for Staff: Our teachers will have opportunities to collaborate with educators from high schools and university academics, sharing best practices and staying abreast of the latest educational trends. This will directly translate into even more dynamic and effective teaching for our students. 

• Community Engagement: These partnerships will create a stronger network within our local educational landscape. We envision joint projects, shared events, and a more cohesive pathway for students as they transition from primary school to high school and beyond. 

• Inspiring Future Pathways: By exposing our students to high school and university environments early on, we hope to ignite their curiosity and inspire them to think about their future educational and career paths. 

We believe these new partnerships will be invaluable in providing our students with a well-rounded education, fostering a love of learning, and preparing them for future success. We're incredibly excited about the potential these collaborations hold and look forward to sharing more details as these partnerships develop. 

If you have any questions or ideas regarding these new community partnerships, please don't hesitate to contact the school office by emailing office@robertsonss.eq.edu.au. 

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Report Card Review 

In an endeavour to streamline our Robertson State School Report Card to make it more concise, the school has been consulting with the school P&C. Further consultation will continue at the next P&C meeting on Tuesday 9 September 2025. All parents are invited to attend. 

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Uniform Review 

The school is currently working with our Robertson State School (RSS) P&C, to review our School Uniform Policy to align it with the Human Rights Act 2019. If you would like to be involved in the consultation process, please attend the next RSS P&C meeting on Tuesday 9 September 2025. We are hopeful that our new RSS Uniform Policy will be endorsed by the P&C at the October meeting. 

Tyrone Bruce

Principal

NAPLAN Celebrations

Robertson State School has recorded outstanding results in NAPLAN in 2025 despite challenges. These included the second year of implementation of the new English v9 curriculum. Mathematics v9 is also in its implementation year in 2025 at Robertson State School. To add complexity schools had returned from Tropical Cyclone Alfred and many staff and students had returned from having no electricity. 

For us the celebrations were across the board. Highlights include: 

• Y3 Spelling EXCEEDING 40.3% (State 14.0%) / Reading EXCEEDING 42.9% (State 17.9%)  
• Y5 - Spelling EXCEEDING 51.5% (State 16.5%) / Reading EXCEEDING 37.9% (State 18.3% )
• Y3 Reading STRONG + EXCEEDING 84.0%  
• Y5 Reading STRONG + EXCEEDING 92.3% 

School Captains Day

On Thursday 7 August our school captains attended the Maximising Learning Precinct Team meeting at Mt Gravatt State High School. The Maximising Learning Precinct is an initiative to broaden and deepen the participating schools’ understanding and support of the whole student as they embark on transitions from Primary to Secondary campuses. This project is an attempt to enhance learning and wellbeing of students in both school settings through giving students voice, understanding their needs, increasing staff capacity, as well as sharing and streamlining resources. 
 

Queensland Road Safety Week

It is Queensland Road Safety Week and we are asking all Queenslanders to join us in support of this week. It is a chance for all of us to be involved in making our roads safer, including those around our schools, especially for our kids. 2025 marks the 11th celebration of Queensland Road Safety Week, running from 18 to 22 August. Our shared goal of making Queensland roads safer for all road users. 

This year’s theme is ‘We’re one team Queensland, Let’s Drive Like It’ 

Lets: 

• Put Road Safety first every day 
• Follow school zone speed limits 
• Obey parking signage, especially in drop off and pick up zones 
• Never double park 
• Obey the directions of school crossing supervisors at all times. 

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Parent Teacher Interviews

Link:https://robertsonss.schoolzineplus.com/view-session/40

Thank you everyone! 

Kerin Gordon

Deputy Principal

Excursions

Please be advised that invoices will only be issued to families who have submitted the required consent forms. To ensure you receive your invoice in a timely manner, we kindly ask that all consent forms are returned by the specified due date.

If your family is experiencing financial hardship, we encourage you to contact the school office as soon as possible. This will allow us to arrange a suitable payment plan and ensure that your child is not disadvantaged.

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Credit on account

If there is a credit on your family account, please email the office at office@robertsonss.eq.edu.au so that we can apply it accordingly. Please ensure that the remaining balance on the invoice is paid using the link on the invoice or on QParents after the credit has been applied. Kindly note that credits cannot be processed via QParents.

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Payment via the office

Please note that the school office is only able to process payments between 8:00am and 10:00am. If you wish to make a payment outside of this time, we recommend using either the payment link provided on your invoice or QParents for your convenience.

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Prep - Year 3 Swimming Program

We’re excited to announce that our swimming program will be taking place during September and October! Just a friendly reminder that payment for swimming is due by 1 September, which is just over a week away.

We kindly encourage you to use the convenient online options available:

• QParents
• Payment link at the bottom of the invoice issued (https://www.bpoint.com.au/payments/dete/)

Payment via the office: The office is open for payments between 8:00am and 10:00am only. Please note that payments are unable to be processed through the office outside of these hours.

Year 4 Art Incursion - Creative Kids

Get ready for a creative adventure! On Friday 17 October 2025, all Year 3 students will explore painting, pattern-making, and abstract art using materials like watercolours, oil pastels, and collage. They’ll learn how elements like colour, line, and shape can be used to express ideas in unique and creative ways.

The cost of the incursion is $8.00.

If you consent for your child to participate, an invoice will be sent to you.
Consent is due by 2 September 2025.

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Year 4 Science Incursion - Life Cycles

An exciting learning opportunity is coming up for all Year 4 students on Thursday 24 October 2025. Students will meet live marine animals and explore topics like marine life cycles, reproduction, and the differences between species in a fun and engaging way.

The cost of the incursion is $14.00.

If you consent for your child to participate, an invoice will be sent to you.
Consent is due by Wednesday, 4 September 2025.

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Year 5 Science Incursion - Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Our Year 5 students will be heading off on a excursion to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary on Monday, 13 October 2025! This full-day adventure supports the Australian Science Curriculum, focusing on animal adaptations and habitats. Students will take part in a hands-on investigation, working in teams to solve a wildlife mystery by examining clues about diets, habitats, and adaptations.

Students will travel by bus, departing from Robertson State School at 8:30am and returning by 3:00pm. The cost of the excursion is $41.00.

If you consent for your child to participate, an invoice will be sent to you.
Consent is due by 29 August 2025.

Does your child need to take medication at school? 

As we head into flu and cold season, it's important to work together to keep our school community healthy and safe. If your child is feeling unwell, please keep them home to rest and recover. We also understand that some students may need to take medication during the school day to manage ongoing or short-term health needs.

To keep your child safe, please follow these steps if they need to take medicine during school hours or at a school activity (e.g. excursion, camp). 

For all medication - What You Must Provide to the School 

For all medicine, you must give the school: 

• A completed Consent to Administer Medication form (find below, or visit the office for a copy) 
• The medicine in its original container (not removed from the box or bottle), with the pharmacy label showing your child’s name, the medicine name, dosage, and the doctor's name (not the pharmacist). 

Consent to administer medication form (required for all medication):

For All Medication: Consent to Administer Medication Form https://robertsonss.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/5725/consent_to_administer_medication_form.docx

 

If the Medicine Is Given at a Regular Time (e.g. Every Day at 11am) 

Please complete a Consent to Administer Medication form and provide the medicine in its original container with a pharmacy label. You do not need a letter from your doctor if ALL of the following are met: 

• The medicine is prescribed by a doctor or dentist. 
• The medicine is given at a routine time (e.g. Ritalin, antibiotics, eye/ear drops, enzyme tablets, or ointments). 
• The pharmacy label has all the correct information. 

 

You Need to Provide Extra Information from Your Doctor if your child: 

1. requires medication as an emergency response. Depending on your child’s health condition, your doctor will need to complete:
   1. an Asthma Action Plan and/or
   2. an Anaphylaxis Action Plan and/or
   3. written instructions if your child has more complex health needs.
2. requires insulin. Your doctor will need to complete a medication order for insulin.
3. requires medication ‘as-needed’ (but not as an emergency response). Your health practitioner will need to complete a Medication order to administer ‘as-needed’ medication at school (see below).
4. has their dosage changed from that on the pharmacy label. Your health practitioner will need to write a letter for the school explaining the changes. To assist the school in safely administering the medication to your child, you are encouraged to have your pharmacist update the pharmacy label attached to the medication with the new dosage as soon as possible.

 

Medication order to administer 'as-needed' medication at school:

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Medication order to administer ‘as-needed’ medication at school https://robertsonss.schoolzineplus.com/_file/media/5726/medication_order_to_administer_85_.docx

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Examples of Common Medication: 

All of the below medication require forms as well as a pharmacy label in order for the school to administer to your child. We kindly ask that you refrain from giving your child medication to bring to school without the correct forms being filled out prior.

	Panadol or Nurofen
	Lozenges or thorat sprays
	Antihistamines (Claratyne, Zyrtec)
	Eye or ear drops
	Ointments/creams (for eczema or skin infections)
	Antibiotics Cold & Flu Medicine

Please find a more comprehensive document on administering medication at school below:

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Information_for_parents_medication_.pdf

Information_for_parents_medication pdf 145.37 KB

Administration Office

Robertson State School

Last week, 8 Year 5 students from Robertson State School stepped into the shoes of real Members of Parliament as they took part in the Brisbane South Youth Parliament at Queensland’s Parliament House.

Hosted by the Queensland Parliamentary Service’s Education team, the event offered students a hands-on, immersive experience of Queensland’s democratic processes and how Parliament operates.

The Youth Parliament was officially opened by Mr Peter Russo MP (Member for Toohey), and throughout the day, several Members of Parliament shared the role of Youth Parliament Speaker, including Mr Russell Field MP (Member for Capalaba), Mr Joe Kelly (Member for Greenslopes), Ms Joan Pease (Member for Lytton), Mrs Melissa McMahon MP (Member for Macalister) and Dr Barbara O’Shea MP (Member for South Brisbane).

Students took part by delivering speeches as Youth Members or serving in key parliamentary roles, such as Youth Sergeant-at-Arms, who escorted the Acting Speakers into the Chamber with a life-sized replica of the ceremonial mace. The event was attended by teachers, parents, and carers who came to support the students.

The Youth Parliamentarians debated two motions: one aimed at enhancing primary school facilities across Queensland, and the other focused on environmental issues. They also spoke on issues they felt passionate about, sharing their ideas for change in their schools and communities.

Quote from the Member

Mr Peter Russo MP congratulated the students and their schools, describing the event as a powerful and inspiring display of civic engagement.

‘As a Member of Parliament, I know how important it is that young people have the opportunity to learn about our democratic system and feel encouraged to participate.

The Youth Members delivered thoughtful, well-researched speeches on topics that truly matter to them. Their confidence, passion, and teamwork throughout the day show they have what it takes to be the next generation of community leaders.’

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Jonathan Webb

Year 5 Teacher

Gala Day

It was a successful first Gala Day for our Robertson students, with everyone enjoying themselves and showing great sportsmanship throughout the day. Our Year 5 and 6 students proudly represented the school, taking part in touch football, netball, cricket and volleyball. We are proud of the effort, teamwork and encouragement they displayed, both on and off the field. A big thank you to the teachers, coaches and parents who supported the day. We are already looking forward to the next two Gala Days and the opportunities they will bring for our students. 

RESCHEDULED Junior Sports Day - Monday 1 September

We are excited to invite you to our Junior Sports Day on Monday 1 September, in Week 8 of this term.

The day will be packed with exciting activities, including an obstacle course, relay races with eggs and spoons, sack races, tug of war, long jump, ball games and parachute games.

All students will participate in running races, ensuring an atmosphere of excitement and cheers throughout the day.

The morning session will be a rotation of fun activities for the students and in the middle and last session students will be involved in their running races.  

Please refer to the attached timetable for the event schedule. Ensure your child wears their hat to school along with sunscreen and that they bring a water bottle. Students are encouraged to wear their house-coloured shirt on this day.  

We look forward to a fantastic day of fun and sportsmanship! 

Renee Montgomery and Chris Rostron

HPE Teachers

Instrumental Music Recruitment (current Year 2 and 3 parents) 

Thank you to all the interested parents who attended our Recruitment meeting last Monday night for strings (Year 3 2026) and band (Year 4 2026). If you were unable to attend the meeting and you wish for your child to be eligible for selection, please email Mrs Francis (hmfra0@eq.edu.au) to register that you were unable to attend.  

The surveys have been sent via email, and thank you to those parents who have already sent these back. If you have not received the survey via email, please check that the office has your current email address or check in your Junk Mail folder. Parents have until 3:00pm Monday 25 August to complete the survey. Late surveys may not be accepted. 

The Year 3s will take the Music Aptitude test in Music lessons over the next few weeks. We will then do any make up tests for students who were absent for the test. 

Here is the timeline: 

Heather Francis, Robyn Gray and Vivienne Thomas 

Music Team 

This week we are looking at bullying. 

Be respectful and safe: Bullying – NO WAY! 

Bullying – important conversations to have with your child. 

Robertson State School is proud to participate in the Bullying No Way! National Week of Action, taking place from 11 to 15 August 2025.

By working collaboratively within our community, we can collectively help reduce bullying. 

Families play an important role in helping children understand bullying and know how to respond to it. 

What is Bullying? 

Bullying is an ongoing misuse of power in relationships through repeated verbal, physical and/or social behaviour that causes physical and/or psychological harm.​ 

It can involve an individual or a group misusing their power over one or more persons. Bullying can happen in person or online, and it can be obvious (overt) or hidden (covert).​ 

If your child experiences the first two scenarios, please encourage them to Do the High Five. 

If your child tells you about things at school, or you observe something in public that involves conflict or bullying, take the opportunity to talk about what bullying is. You can learn more about what defines bullying at bullyingnoway.gov.au. 

Please refer to the Student Code of Conduct Document below to see the Bullying Response Flowchart for Robertson State School: 

Student Code of Contact Document 

Encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult and keep seeking support if needed. 

By promoting open communication, we empower children to stand up against bullying and create a safer environment where everyone can feel that they belong. 

For more information visit bullyingnoway.gov.au. 

Janine Muller

Classroom Teacher and PBL Communicator

From the Guidance Officers 

Robertson State School is serviced this semester by two Guidance Officers, Emma Yates (Years 3 – 6) and Donna Riches (Prep – Year 2). 

The Guidance Officer’s main services include:  

• Consultation/collaboration with parents, teachers and other relevant stakeholders to meet the needs of children 
• Assessing children – to give greater understanding of their abilities and educational program needs  
• Outside agency communication with GPs, Specialists (as supported by parents) 
• Counselling (initial/short term only and referral to outside services for ongoing support if needed)

Access to the Guidance Officer is by teacher referral through the Student Support Services Team (SSS). This team meets fortnightly to discuss referred students and prioritise based on their immediate needs and the workload of the Guidance Officers.  

Emma Yates Guidance Officer Years 3 - 6	Donna Riches Guidance Officer Prep - Year 2

Amanda Slinger

Head of Special Education - Inclusion

Robertson Chess Club

Does your child have a passion for pawns or a craving for checkmates? Students who are interested in learning and playing chess are invited to join the Robertson Chess Club.

When: Fridays - Second Break (1:30pm – 2:00pm)

Where: Library

Whether they’re a beginner or a seasoned player, everyone is welcome. Throughout the term, students will have the opportunity to build their skills, challenge their peers, and enjoy the game.

Each term, a Robertson Chess Team will be selected to compete in an Inter-school Chess Competition at a partnering school.

Selection is based on:

• Attendance at Chess Club
• Previous competition experience
• Chess ability
• Behaviour and sportsmanship

Come along, make your move, and join in the fun — we’re always looking for the next rookie of the year!

♟️

Mr Potts

Year 5 Classroom Teacher

Spring Fest countdown – Only 2 weeks to go!

Get excited—Spring Fest is nearly here, and this year it's bigger, better and more action-packed than ever before! Mark your calendars for Thursday 4th September and get ready for a night of thrills, fun and community celebration (more good news… the following Friday 5^th is a student-free day!)

NEW GAMES ALERT!

Get ready for even more fun at this year’s Spring Fest with brand-new games for the whole family! Try your luck scooping at Lucky Ducks, test your aim at the Football Shootout, or giggle your way through the Laughing Clowns. For something a little cheeky, don’t miss the hilarious Poo Toss!

Of course, we’ll also have our classic favourites like Ring Toss and Lob-a-choc, plus a range of exciting wooden games for all ages.

A big thank you to Fully Integrated Therapies for proudly sponsoring the games area. Come along, join the fun, and see if you can take home a prize!

DUNK TANK THE TEACHER (OR PRINCIPAL!)

Think you’ve got a strong arm and sharp aim? Step right up to the Dunk Tank and put your throwing skills to the test! Take your best shot and try to send one of our brave volunteers splashing into the water. The line-up includes none other than our Principals Mr Bruce and Mr Gordon, plus teachers Mr Rostron, Ms Serniak, Mr Galbraith, Mrs Isaksen and Mr Colston. Who will you dunk first? Come join the fun and find out!

PRE-ORDER ARM BANDS

Come along for the amazing rides, fun games, live entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks finale!

Pre-order your ride armbands & pony rides now on Flexischools to score the best deal—just $35 for UNLIMITED rides all night! (Price goes up to $40 on the night, $10 single ticket)

TOGETHER, LET’S MAKE THIS THE BEST NIGHT!

How can you get involved? We need your help!

• Volunteer your time: Thank you to the wonderful 120 people who have signed up, we appreciate you! We are still looking for 160 shifts to be filled. Choose your activity and time, have fun with a friend! Click here: https://volunteersignup.org/DLD3B
• Donate sweet treats for our always-popular cake stall
• Donate second-hand toys or games in great condition! Now’s the perfect time for a clean-out—please ensure items are clean, complete and in working order
• Contribute a raffle prize – we welcome donations of bikes, new toys and games, restaurant or experience vouchers, memberships, hampers of goodies, alcoholic beverages, or anything fun and fabulous you'd love to win yourself!
• Spread the word – tell all your friends, family, neighbours to come along and enjoy the fun… the more the merrier!

Keep an eye out for drop-off dates and details in upcoming newsletters and emails. Don’t forget to check your inbox for our fortnightly Spring Fest newsletter—the last one was sent out Friday 15th August.

The countdown is on… and together, let’s make this the BEST Spring Fest ever for our kids!

FATHER’S DAY STALL – Seeking Volunteers

We’re excited to announce our Father’s Day Stall will be held on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th August in Robbie’s Room! There will be lots of fun and thoughtful gifts for the kids to choose from to celebrate the amazing dads and father figures in their lives.

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We’re also seeking volunteers to help with the stall on both days, as well as for set-up on Wednesday 27th August. Kids absolutely love seeing their parents involved – and it’s such a fun and rewarding way to help out our little shoppers! The P&C will supply a light lunch for all volunteers at 11am.

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If you can spare some time, please sign up here: volunteersignup.org/AFT8P

Reminders for shopping day at the Fathers Day Stall:

• Bring cash in a labelled zip lock bag
• Don’t forget a bag from home for your child to carry their special purchases

Let’s make this a memorable celebration for all the wonderful dads in our community!

SAVE THE DATES – Exciting Events Ahead!

Mark your calendars – we’ve got two fantastic community events coming up that you won’t want to miss:

Inflatable Obstacle Course Fundraiser - Tuesday 28th October
Get ready for an afternoon of laughter, challenges, and bouncing fun! This year the kids will enjoy a Water and Bubble themed event (not cornflour)!

Outdoor Cinema & End-of-Year Party - Friday 21st November
Bring your picnic rugs and settle in under the stars for a magical night of movies, food, and celebrations to wrap up the school year.

So much fun is ahead for our Robertson community – we can’t wait to share more details closer to time!

Tuckshop Helpers Needed!

Our Tuckshop simply can't run without the help of amazing volunteers – and we’re always looking for more! Come and lend a hand to help feed our hungry kids and keep this much-loved service going strong.

Parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles – everyone’s welcome! It’s a great way to meet new people, or perhaps grab some friends for a fun morning? Your kids will LOVE seeing you ‘working’ at school. Plus, each volunteer (and their child) receives a free ice block or hot chocolate as a thank you.

Sign up here: https://volunteersignup.org/HCTXT

Sponsorship Opportunities

We're currently seeking business sponsors from within our community to support upcoming events and programs at the school. Gain meaningful exposure to our community as well as contribute to enhancing our school’s infrastructure and resources.

If you, or someone you know, owns a business that would like to get involved, please check out our Sponsorship Package at Robertson State School website (Follow to ‘Our Community’, then ‘P&C’) Sponsoring Robertson State School , or contact pcrobertsonss@gmail.com

Stay Connected with Us on Facebook!

We’d love for you to join our new Robertson State School P&C Association Facebook page! It’s the best place to stay updated on school events, P&C news and volunteer opportunities. Be part of our amazing community! Follow us: https://facebook.com/pcrobertsonss

Parents & Citizens Association

Robertson State School