Term 1

Notes from the Principal

BrisbaneSDE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land where we gather today and pay respects to elder’s past, present and emerging. We recognise their connection to Country and their role in maintaining and caring for Country over thousands of years. May their strength and wisdom be with us today.

Welcome to the 2025 school year although it seems a bit belated as we contemplate the upcoming Easter break. Cyclone Alfred has certainly impacted upon our operations – with the decision to close schools in Southeast Queensland and subsequent issues with power outages and connection problems. Fortunately, we were able to recommence lesson delivery by the Tuesday after the weather event. I appreciate that some families have been severely impacted. Please reach out if you require support.

Given that we have lost a number of days of teaching and learning some assessment and exam timelines will be adjusted. These changes will be communicated as soon as possible.

Given this is our first newsletter of the year, we welcome the following staff members to BrisbaneSDE.

• Marie Zitny Guidance Officer
• Tracy Findlay Guidance Officer
• Vicky Bardon Guidance Officer
• Janice Rees Teacher P-6
• Danielle Schneider Teacher ISS
• Raquel Toomey P-6
• Penny Millwood Teacher Aide P-6
• Talitha Follett Teacher Aide ISS
• Lynn Hughes Teacher Aide ISS
• Sorrell Cooper Teacher Aide P-6
• Louise Carters Exec Support/GO Admin
• Dawn Stanton eKindy Admin Support
  

In respect to our leadership, team Janelle Ambrose (on leave 2024), has returned to the Deputy Principal position. Anna Savage continues to act as Deputy Principal.  Di Bennett continues to act as Head of Department Pathways and Engagement.

We continue to operate under the uncertainty around our future location due to a possible move of East Brisbane State School as part of the original Olympics plan. At the conclusion of the state government’s review period in late March we expect a decision on the school’s location.

The significant change for our school community this year has been the implementation of Microsoft (MS) Teams as a teaching platform. This transition from Blackboard Collaborate is an Education Department decision which has seen all Queensland SDE’s teaching through the Teams platform. The change has been a significant challenge for staff as we have grappled with the new learning. Generally, the transition has been successful and relatively seamless. A number of staff have been outstanding in their leadership of this transition.

The school continues to deliver outstanding Year 12 results. Every student in our 2024 Senior Cohort achieved the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA) were strong allowing the majority of our students to gain tertiary entry to their preferred course. Particular congratulations to our 2024 Dux Melanie J.

The home school partnership is integral to the success of our young people. Critical in this partnership is the need for strong, two way and timely communication between home and school. The various parent information evenings that have run over the term have allowed us to highlight key messages that impact upon your child’s learning as well as allowing parents and students to pose questions to clarify understanding. Staff are very adept with following up with individual students and families through phone and email.  Please remember to regularly check your junk folders – we do have issues with some school emails ending up there. In addition, the school’s website is a great resource for finding out more about school events, policy and procedures.

Parents and Caregivers play an essential role in supporting learning particularly in the online environment. Student success here requires discipline. Parents and Caregivers can support in knowing what learning tasks students are undertaking and in ensuring that they maintain focus during lesson time. I often speak about the importance of routines in student success. Students should have allocated study time across the week to support their in-class learning.

In respect to this important partnership between home and school – we are planning our first “Picnic in the Park” for the year, March 21 in Toowoomba. The day provides us with the opportunity to meet parents and students face to face. The dialogue although informal, provides us with insight into what works and what needs to improve in our delivery. Our plan depending on interest in to hold similar event is other areas of Southeast Queensland over the year.

Improving student engagement continues to be key priority in 2025. We are focusing on active learning providing students with multiple opportunities in all lessons to demonstrate their learning rather than just being passive participants in class.

 There is strong evidence linking a sense of belonging to school and academic success. Similar links can be made around wellbeing and achievement. Our Connect program develops our student’s social and affective skills. The weekly lessons which are an evolution of our previous student wellbeing program, allow us to develop personal and social capabilities as outlined in the Australian Curriculum. Student involvement in school social activities such as clubs and social session will generally improve overall school engagement. Please encourage your students in being part of these activities.

John Brew
Executive Principal

Notes from our Executive Team

Stephen Warwick, Business Manager

We have concluded the official enrolment period for 2025 and submitted our “Day 20” enrolment data by which our school is resourced. Thank you to all families for your understanding during this extremely busy period. We will be conducting our 2025 enrolment processes review soon to ensure there is ongoing improvement in 2026. 

Our school budget has been finalised and approved. Team leaders and Head of Departments (HODs) have been spending, ensuring the resources are available to our students as early in the year as possible - our budget is aligned to our Annual Improvement Plan and is allocated to ensure each student is succeeding - it really is our focus to see you all have the best chance of success. The past 12 months we have introduced Wacom tablets for our teaching staff which assists teachers in providing even more dynamic lessons. We will continue this program in future budget cycles. 

Our first “Picnic in the Park” for 2025 will be in Toowoomba, and it will be a great success with many new families registering to attend. These events provide a great opportunity to meet fellow Distance Ed families and discuss tips and ideas on how best to succeed in our unique learning environment. Staff will be available to discuss any issues you may have. I will encourage you to attend these days, so keep an eye out for the next location. 

I hope you all have a safe Easter holiday, my team look forward to supporting you all in Term 2. 

Steve Warwick

Amy Wood, Deputy Principal, eKindy – Year 6

It has been an energetic start to the year for our eKindy and Prep to Year 6 community, with so many exciting opportunities for students to engage, learn, and grow. Our recent Online Connect Day, themed ‘My Favourite...’, was a fantastic celebration of learning. Students from Prep to Year 6 shared their favourite books, hobbies, and subjects, prioritising connection to each other and a joy of learning. Seeing students connect through their passions was a reminder of the power of curiosity and enthusiasm in the learning process.  It is possible that our staff enjoyed this even more – with colourful costumes on display!

Our eKindy Play Days have also been in full swing across various School of Distance Education (SDE) locations throughout Queensland. These events provide invaluable opportunities for our youngest learners to engage in play-based learning with their peers, strengthening foundational skills and social connections. Additionally, we are excited about the ongoing strength of our eKindy program, which remains closely aligned with the Queensland Kindergarten Learning Guidelines (QKLG). This ensures that our early learners receive high-quality educational experiences that prepare them for a confident transition into Prep and onwards.

NAPLAN Tests were delayed due to the weather event. Thank you again to Parents/Carers and students for your cooperation and understanding.  These tests provide valuable insights into student learning and development.  Students approach NAPLAN with confidence, focusing on doing their personal best.

In our classrooms, we have been emphasising the pedagogy of practice —understanding that mastery comes through repetition and refinement. Whether in literacy, numeracy, or technology, practicing skills consistently helps build confidence and capability. A great example of this is our students’ growing expertise in using Microsoft TEAMS. From engaging in lessons to submitting assignments, students are becoming proficient digital learners, an important skill at BrisbaneSDE!

Beyond the classroom, we encourage all students to explore their interests and get involved in our Student Clubs. These clubs offer a wonderful way to develop new skills, build friendships, and foster a sense of belonging in our learning community. Whether it’s a STEM club or participating in BrisbaneSDE’s Got Talent - there is something for everyone!

Finally, we remind all students that striving for excellence starts with small habits. The daily commitment to being organised, staying curious and putting in effort leads to long-term success. By taking small, intentional steps each day, our students are setting themselves up for achievement in all aspects of their learning journey.

Thank you to our students, teachers, and families for your continued dedication to making our school a thriving, supportive, and inspiring place to learn. Let’s continue to learn, grow, and strive for our best every day!

Regards,
Amy Wood

Anna Savage, Deputy Principal – Year 7 and 11

Creating a sense of belonging 

A sense of belonging in school is fundamental to students' academic and emotional success. According to Doug Fisher, an educator and researcher, when students feel that they belong in their learning environment, they are more likely to engage in their education, persevere through challenges, and achieve better academic outcomes. At BrisbaneSDE, we want that for your student! 

Encourage them to attend all lessons and make every day count 

Our students in the online setting, experience similar struggles adjusting to high school and new school settings. If parents are having struggles now their student is in high school, we encourage parents and carers to read through these resources.  

Connecting across campus 

We offer a wide range of experiences for students across year levels to mingle and connect both online and onsite.  Students are informed of these opportunities via Connect notices on Monday’s and in assemblies, which occur in Weeks 2 and 7 each term for Years 10 to 12 and Weeks 3 and 8 for Prep to Year 9.  

Camps, Connect days, excursions, Fun Run, Athletics Day and the Aquatics Carnival are just some of the opportunities your student has to connect face-to-face with other students. Online, students have already taken part in the Brainstorm Productions event at the start of the year together with start-up activities to get to know each other and the school. Student Clubs is a great space for like-minded students from across year levels to connect on-line.  

If you are interested in knowing more about these experiences, please keep checking out the school website and Facebook page. 

Communication 

Communication is extremely important in an online setting. We encourage Parents and Carers to talk with their student about attendance and participation in classes. Contacting the classroom teacher sooner rather than later will help your student access available supports and discuss appropriate support strategies that will help your student be better set for success. Each year level has a Year Coordinator, who can help with information that is year level specific, direct parents to the most appropriate supports and can support parents to communicate with teachers.  

Kind regards,
Anna Savage

Janelle Ambrose, Deputy Principal – Year 8

Welcome to the end of Term 1. I hope this was a successful term for your students and your family. If you are new to our online school, and have questions, please reach out for support, ideas or strategies to assist your child.

To support every student succeeding, BrisbaneSDE expects each student to attend every scheduled online lesson and to be actively engaged in purposeful learning.

It is important that students, staff and Parents/Carers have a shared understanding of the importance of attending school.

BrisbaneSDE:

• is committed to promoting the key messages of Every Day Counts
• believes all school aged students should be enrolled at school and attend all scheduled online lessons, every school day
• monitors, communicates and implements strategies to improve regular school attendance
• believes attendance at school improves engagement and outcomes for students both at school and into their future
• believes attendance at school is the responsibility of everyone in the community.

We are working across the school to support students through engaging lessons, keeping students informed of class and assessment expectations and providing a range of social opportunities outside class times through Connect activities and student clubs. If you are interested in knowing more about these experiences, please keep checking our school website and Facebook page.

Communication is extremely important. We encourage parents/care-givers to talk with their student about attendance and participation in classes.

There is a coordinator for each year level, who can help with information that is year level specific. This year Tara Norton is the Year 8 Coordinator. The Year 8 Guidance officer is Sarah Round. Both Tara and Sarah are experienced supporting students and are able to give specific and appropriate help and encouragement including communication with/to teachers. Please reach out to them for support if required.

Every term we hold a parent information night where a team from BrisbaneSDE discuss specific year levels, requirements and answer questions. These are informative nights and I hope we see you online at those events.

Wishing you all a relaxing Easter break,

Janelle Ambrose

Zoe Wilkins, Deputy Principal – Year 10

A very warm welcome to students in Year 10 whether you are continuing your learning with us or new to our online learning environment.  It was great to see many of you at our Year 10-12 Induction Day.

Congratulations to our Year 10 leaders, Harlow F and Zahrah K.  They have started their leadership roles by taking an active role in assemblies, supporting and being a champion for their peers.  Our Year 10 connect reps will be assisting them in this endeavour; Kiarni A, Henessey S, Khloe D, Bella L, Maaya B, Nikki R, Jethro B, Wesley C, Eadie M, Liam S, Mackenzie W, Hannah F, Levi R, Sheldon P, Lily M, Ava L, Ash B and Sevena F.  Together they will plan and implement initiatives, competitions and ways to support their peers. Congratulations also goes to Bella L, selected to be part of the 2025 Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council.

Year 10 is a big year for students as they prepare for their senior phase of learning.  During Term 2 students are supported to consider where they are now in their personal journey and to explore what their future may look like. Students in Queensland schools are required to develop a Senior Education and Training (SET) plan in consultation with their parents/carers. The SET plan maps out a plan of action for students to achieve their education goal or Intended Learning Option (ILO) and supports students to remain on track for success in senior secondary and meaningful post-school pathways.  Students will be guided and provided with information and resources for SET Planning. It is highly recommended for parents to attend Parent information sessions to learn more about SET Planning so they can support their students.  Our first Parent Information session in Term 2 will be Thursday May 8, 6.00 pm-7.00pm.  Keep an eye out also for information about our Career and Youth Support Expo onsite at BrisbaneSDE on Friday May 30, 9.00am-12.00pm.

Results in Year 10 do matter as Year 11 subjects have recommendations for success. Many Year 11 general subjects recommend either a B or above in either English or Maths in Year 10.   The Student Planner and Work Rate Calendars (WRC) for each subject are valuable resources to help students manage their learning.  Connect lessons each week provide students with continuing opportunities to explore learning strategies and well-being topics. 

Kind Regards,
Zoe Wilkins

Carolyn Burke, Deputy Principal – Year 12 and School-Based

Welcome back to our Year 12 students and a very warm welcome to those who have recently joined us here at BrisbaneSDE.  

100% of our students in the Class of 2024 achieved their certificate in either a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA), with many achieving additional VET qualifications in over 60 different fields. Students on an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) pathway also achieved impressive results. 

Special congratulations to Melanie J, our 2024 BrisbaneSDE Dux. 

We wish Melanie, as well as the class of 2024 every success in their future endeavours, and encourage them to stay in touch. We love to hear about their adventures. 

We have started the year with an Orientation Day for students in Years 10, 11 and 12.  This day was designed to support our seniors to quickly develop an understanding of strategies needed to succeed in our unique context as well as a deeper understanding of the requirements of learning in the senior phase. 

We are excited to be hosting our senior formal at The Marquee, Victoria Park on June 26, 2025. 

Please note, to attend the formal student need to be on track with their assessments, and up to date with payment of fees.  We hope Year 12s will also attend the school’s Athletics Carnival on June 27.  These whole school events create wonderful memories for our young people as they move into adulthood. 

Every student is important to us and each pathway is different. By now, all students should have been contacted by their teachers and should know their timetable. Please make immediate contact with the Pathways and Engagement team if you are having timetabling issues or the IT team if you are having technical difficulties, they are fantastic teams and look forward to supporting you. 

At BrisbaneSDE we believe in strong partnerships between home and school. We welcome and encourage parent/supervisor connections with the Senior Team. Our next online Information Session for Year 12 families is at 7.00pm on March 17. Parents and Caregivers will be sent a link.  We look forward to you joining us to keep up to date with key information for our Year 12s. 

Warm Regards
Carolyn Burke

Susan Monaghan, Deputy Principal – Inclusion and Student Support

At BrisbaneSDE, we value our students.  We know that when students have a deep interest in learning, feel more connected to their teachers, and wider school community, are involved in clubs and on-campus activities, they achieve better academically, and engage more meaningfully in their education.

BrisbaneSDE actively attempts to keep students engaged in lessons by embedding practice in every lesson every day.  Students practise their skills by participating in games, group discussions, adding to their Stile, OneNote or worksheets, and answering questions and quizzes.  Working together as a class also allows students to develop relationships and feel more connected to their fellow students and their teachers.  Additionally, teachers try to make learning relevant to the students by integrating student interests into tasks or by showing students how their lesson relates to the real world.

This year, we are working towards students turning their cameras on in lessons when appropriate.  We understand, of course, that some students are not at that stage, and may be working on communicating in the chat or privately to the teacher.  Our focus is on the individual student trying to continuously improve – both academically, but also in their communication and social emotional skills. 

Teachers are always looking to improve their pedagogy or teaching skills, especially with the introduction of Microsoft Teams to the school.  Just like with our students, our teachers also need to practise these skills to improve. Please be patient with them whilst they are on their improvement journey!  Teams gives us a great opportunity to prioritise student engagement in lessons. 

You can also support our students at home.  Encourage your student to talk about what they are learning.  Ask questions about lesson topics at the dinner table and speak about how you use these skills in your life.  This is also a great opportunity to talk about problem-solving, and being persistent when things get hard. Showing your children that you value education is important.

Thank you for partnering with us to make your students time at school meaningful and relevant. Together, we can inspire our students to succeed.

Susan Monaghan

Get connected, stay connected!

Regular parent and student communication to and from the school reflects engagement. In our school community it is a key function without which student success cannot be achieved – we cannot develop and grow without communication at all levels, students, their families, the wider community and staff. In general, communication is a means of connecting.

Student HUB

Whether you are new to BrisbaneSDE or returning, this is the page for you! We have used the data available to us and identified the information accessed by students on a regular basis and posted it on this page. Please let us know if we've missed something.

Communication

Remember, the most effective and timely way to communicate with us is email. You can email teachers directly, contact Heads of Department or if you are unsure which team can help you, email the Community and Engagement Team. If the team cannot help they will know who can.

Email issues

As mentioned previously in this newsletter, please check your junk mail folder. If there are any emails from a school email address (ending in ‘@eq.edu.au’) please mark them as being from a safe sender and move them to your inbox.

Student Notices

Please remember, students must check ‘Student Notices’ on our school website each morning before 8:00am to see if there are any changes to their day. You can contact us with any enquiries by email.

Facebook

Celebrate student achievement, access updates and importantly be a part of the BrisbaneSDE Facebook community!

Student ID Cards

2024 ID cards expire on 31 March, so it’s time to send us a new photo so that we can issue your 2025 student ID card.  

If you are in Year 11 or 12 you will need a student ID card when you attend exams. For all year levels, a student ID card gives you access to a range of discounts at retailers, movies, theatres, hairdressers etc, as well as on public transport.  

Please take a passport style photograph, attach it to an email and send it to reception@brisbanesde.eq.edu.au

In the body of the message, please include your full name and date of birth. 

Photo requirements: 

1. the student’s face must be clear.  
2. the student is not permitted to wear a hat or sunglasses.  
3. the photo should be taken against a plain, preferably white background. 
4. the student’s full name and date of birth must be in the email accompanying the photograph.  

External VET programs

Jill Toppenberg, External VET Coordinator

We have had a flying start to 2025 – in some cases literally! - with approximately 200 students enrolled in and attending an External VET course of study or School-based Apprenticeship/Traineeship. Some students head off to a campus one day a week, while others complete training online with perhaps some practical days required at certain stages. School-based apprenticeship/traineeship students enjoy being paid to attend the workplace one day a week. They receive workplace training through their employer as well as theory that is delivered through a Registered Training Organisation.   

If you are interested in receiving information on how you/your student can include an External VET option as a part of their Year 10 to 12 study, please read through the information in the External VET QLearn Course, After reading that, email VET@brisbanesde.eq.edu.au for questions and information specific to yourself/your student. 

Speaking of flying, here are some of our Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) students attending a ‘flying day’ out at Springfield. On top of learning the skills and knowledge involved in flying drones, these students get to enjoy the company of fellow BrisbaneSDE students on these days. That is what we call a ‘win–win’!  

Introducing a new member to the External VET Programs Team – Petrece Dyer! 

Alongside Jill Toppenberg, our External VET Coordinator, we now have Petrece Dyer who has joined our team in an industry liaison role. Petrece has been working with our VET Team for three years now, initially as our Teacher Aide for the VET and Business faculty and as our RTO administration officer. Petrece is now working in a more specialised position to support the External VET Programs. She is very much looking forward to working not only with our internal VET students, but also students who are enrolled in External VET or School-based apprenticeships/traineeships.  

Here’s a word from Petrece: 

“I have worked in Education QLD schools for the past 14 years in various roles. I came to BrisbaneSDE in 2022 to the VET Department and have loved every minute of helping our wonderful students achieve their VET goals. I am excited to move into my new role this year working with Jill to help the External VET and SAT students.” 

Current External VET Opportunities

Year 10 Students – TAFE TRADE TASTERS – Brisbane Region  

Applications open March 19 at 9:00am! 

If you are interested you’ll need to get your application in as soon as possible after 9:00 am on March 19. (In 2024 spaces filled by 9:25 am!)  

The Year 10 Trade Taster Program allows eligible high school students to try out a trade without needing to commit to a full qualification or apprenticeship. Students get to see if a trade is the right option for them or test out a potential career path.  

Please note: This program is subsidised by the Queensland Government and is offered at no cost.  

This program is only available to:  

• Year 10 students (regardless of age).  Students in other year levels are not eligible to undertake the program, regardless of their age; 
• students enrolled in a Queensland high school or enrolled with a registered home-schooling provider; 
• students who reside in Queensland; 
• students who are not currently enrolled into a VETiS funded qualification. (Note: While this program does not exhaust a student’s VETiS funding entitlement, Departmental funding rules exclude students who are currently enrolled into a VETiS funded qualification.) 

How to Apply:  

1. Go to com.
2. Enter the Brisbane application code: TQST25TT (the application code will not work until applications open at 9.0 am on Wednesday March 12). 
3. Enter all the required information. (For a list of information required, please open the “Trade Taster Application Questions” document, which is available on the External VET Programs QLearn Course Announcements page.   

TIP: Having this information ready, in advance, will enable students to submit their  application faster. 

School-based Apprenticeships/Traineeships  

Remember: There are also frequent School-based apprenticeships/traineeships being advertised through the External VET Programs QLearn Course.  Keep your eye out for these if you are interested.  The QLearn course contains links to ‘jobs boards’ which get updated regularly. 

School Holiday VET Opportunities 

• Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation – Easter School Holidays – Mooloolaba, Noosa, Yeppoon. Applications close March 20. See the External VET QLearn Course Announcements for information. 
• Certificate II in Health Support Services – Easter School Holidays + online self-paced work throughout Term 2. Available locations include: Cairns, Gold Coast, Mooloolaba, Rockhampton, Townsville, Brisbane and Emerald. See the External VET Programs QLearn Course Announcements for information. 

Any questions about External VET Programs – email VET@brisbanesde.eq.edu.au  

Celebrating student success

GRIP Leadership Conference

Our students recently attended the GRIP Leadership Conference, an event renowned for its focus on practical leadership training tailored to school students.  

They returned inspired and equipped with valuable strategies to enhance their leadership roles within our school community. The conference's engaging sessions and interactive approach have empowered our students to lead with confidence and integrity. 

Brainstorm Productions Theatre Performances 

To kick off the year, Brainstorm Productions delivered engaging Primary and Secondary performances, promoting online safety, wellbeing, and connection. Over 50 students gathered to watch the onsite performances, while another 800 tuned in via livestreams, making it a fantastic shared experience. The student leaders onsite were proudly presented with their student leader jackets. Alongside the performances, students, staff and parents, enjoyed lawn games and quality time together, strengthening our sense of community. A standout moment was Principal John Brew’s spectacular skittles shot, knocking over a pin in one go and drawing cheers that echoed across the school!