Pelican Brief Issue 1, Term 3, 2025
From Mrs Birchley
Dear Birdsville Community,
After sharing this update with our families and staff earlier in the term, I now want to extend it to the wider community, because my time here has always been about more than just the school. It has been about all of you.
With a full heart and after many conversations with my family, colleagues, community members and friends, I have made the difficult decision to finish up my time at Birdsville State School. After 2.5 incredibly rewarding years, I’ve accepted a teaching role in Toowoomba, beginning in Week 6. My last day will be Friday the 8th of August.
This decision has not come easily. Birdsville is not just a place I’ve worked; it’s a community that welcomed me, challenged me, taught me, and supported me. You’ve shaped me in ways I never expected, both professionally and personally. This town has become a part of my family’s story, and saying goodbye is no small thing.
While I always knew this role wouldn’t be forever, I never imagined how hard it would be to leave. But after deep reflection, I know it’s time to be with Isaac, Bruce and Elle in a more present and everyday way. Being away from them during these early years has been one of the toughest parts of the role, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to them, while continuing to do what I love - teaching.
This community, with its rich culture, spirit, and resilience, helped me grow into this role and showed me the power of small schools, strong connections, and values-driven leadership. You've shown me that leadership is about people, relationships, and purpose.
To everyone in this town who shared a conversation, offered support, waved from the street, came to a school event, or simply made me feel at home: thank you. You’ve helped make this time unforgettable. Birdsville has a way of wrapping around people, and I feel so lucky to have been part of its fabric.
I don’t yet know who will be stepping in as acting principal for the rest of Term 3, but I will ensure they’re well supported and well prepared to continue the work we’ve started, both within the school and across our connections with the wider community. Our shared focus has always been the children, and that will remain unchanged.
This isn’t goodbye forever. Birdsville will always be part of me and my family, and I hope to return someday. Until then, thank you for letting me be a part of your town, your lives, and your community.
With kindest regards,
Harriet Birchley
School Review – Our Community Shines
We recently welcomed our school reviewer, Darren, as part of our official School Review. He spent time speaking with students, staff, families and community members, and was absolutely blown away by the visible community involvement and support.
Darren described Birdsville State School as “the hub of the community,” which is something we’re incredibly proud of.
The review celebrated our strong relationships, inclusive environment, and the way we prioritise student wellbeing and learning.
A huge thank you to everyone who contributed. This review confirmed what we already know: when our community comes together, amazing things happen.
I have added a copy below of the Report and Executive Summary; however you can also find this on our school website.
From Miss Liv
We’ve had a fantastic start to Term 3, filled with exciting learning experiences and plenty of smiles in the classroom.
Last week, we celebrated NAIDOC Week by listening to Dreaming stories, creating beautiful artwork inspired by Indigenous culture, and having thoughtful discussions about what NAIDOC Week means to our community.
In HPE, students have been practising their running, jumping, and discus skills as we prepare for the Athletics Carnival. In Science, we’ve begun exploring heat through hands-on experiments, while in Arts, students are learning about Asian Pacific art and using digital technologies to bring their creations to life.
Our Kindy students have been busy with painting, crafts, developing their letter recognition, and practising counting through games and songs on the interactive screen. They’ve also begun an exciting project, creating a Zog and the Flying Doctors classroom display as part of their role‑play interest.
It’s shaping up to be an exciting term, and I’m really looking forward to our Shake & Stir Theatre visit and the Book Week celebrations coming up soon.
Thank you for your continued support.
Miss Liv
Updated Term 3 Calendar
Celebrate NAIDOC 2025
From 6 to 13 July, we are celebrating NAIDOC Week and recognising the enduring strength, leadership and cultural pride of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year marks 50 years of NAIDOC Week! Let’s reflect on the importance of truth-telling, cultural pride and legacy. We’re coming together to celebrate culture, Country and community in our classrooms.
Parentline service supporting parents and carers
Parentline is a free, confidential counselling service available for all Queensland parents and carers.
If you need support navigating challenging situations, Parentline offers qualified counsellors who can help with expert advice, emotional support and referrals when needed.
Parentline’s services include:
practical parenting resources on their website
live webchat with professional counsellors
phone support for immediate assistance (1300 30 1300)
the option to pre-book ongoing sessions with the same counsellor
online counsellor-facilitated parenting forums for shared support
referrals to other family support services when additional help is needed.
Visit their website (parentline.com.au) for more information today, or give them a call on 1300 30 1300.
School Opinion Survey
This year’s School Opinion Survey runs from 28 July to 22 August. Parents, carers, students in selected year levels, and staff have been emailed a link to participate. Your feedback will help us understand our school’s strengths and areas for improvement. Survey responses are confidential. Find out more on the School Opinion Survey webpage or contact school administration.
2026 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.
Home fire safety - mandatory
All Queensland homes, including caravans and motorhomes, must have interconnected photoelectric smoke alarms by 1 January 2027. These alarms are faster at detecting fires and when one goes off, they all do, giving you more time to escape.
It’s also important to create and practise a fire escape plan with your family. It only takes a few minutes and could save lives.
Learn more at qld.gov.au/HomeFireSafety