NewsBites - Term 1, Week 8, 2025

Learning from Faith

Across the country, we’re seeing more and more schools reaching out, seeking new ways to meet the needs of students in a world that is changing fast.

We regularly welcome educators and school leaders from every corner of Australia who are eager to understand the contemporary learning model we’ve developed here at Faith.

What draws them here is simple - the recognition that the current education system isn’t working for every student. They come looking for something different, something better.

Contemporary learning is often misunderstood by those who haven’t experienced it. It’s sometimes seen as alternative, even experimental, but the reality is very different.

The approach we’ve built at Faith is grounded in research, shaped by data, and driven by a deep sense of responsibility to do what’s right for young people today.

At the heart of our model is a belief that aligns with our Christian values: that every student is made in the image of God - not broken, not needing to be ‘fixed’ - but full of purpose, potential, and promise.

Our job as a school is to create the kind of environment where that potential can flourish.

We’re still early in our journey. There’s much more to do as we continue to shape a school experience that awakens potential and empowers learners for purposeful lives through Christ. But we are proud of what’s been built so far - and we’re incredibly grateful for the support of our community.

Thank you for walking this journey with us. Your trust and belief in what we’re doing matters deeply.

Together, we’re creating something that truly makes a difference - not just for today, but for the future.

Yours in Christ,
Doug Braiden
College Principal

Enrolments Update for Faith Families

Are you planning for younger members of your family to join Faith?

If so, here is an update on what year levels they are eligible to join us:

Year Level in 2025	Eligible to start at Faith
Prep	Year 3 in 2028
Year 1	Year 4 in 2028
Year 2	Year 5 in 2028
Year 3	Year 5 in 2027
Year 4	Year 6 in 2027
Year 5	Year 7 in 2027
Year 6	Year 7 in 2026

Families are strongly encouraged to submit an application form for their future siblings sooner rather than later to ensure your child's name is on the list.

We will be finalising Year 7 enrolments for 2026 in Term 2 and will be commencing the enrolments process for Year 7, 2027. Now is definitely the time to submit an application if you haven't already done so. Use the below button to submit an application.

If you are considering Faith's primary school, you may be interested in our Primary School Twilight Tours taking place in Term 2. The booking link can be found below.

Apply Now Primary Twilight Tour Primary School Info

If you have any questions regarding enrolments, please contact us at enrolment@faithlcs.qld.edu.au.

Bianca Coleborn
Director of Marketing

Intergenerational Project 2025

Collection notice for parents/guardians - 2025 Student residential address and other information

The Australian Government Department of Education (the department) would like to notify you that we have requested for your child’s school to provide residential address and other information.

Under the Australian Education Regulations 2023, the school is required to provide the department with the following information about each student at the school:

names and residential addresses of the student’s parent(s) and/or guardian(s)
student residential address (excluding student names)
whether the student is a primary or secondary student (education level)
whether the student is boarding or a day student (boarding status).

The school collects the above information by generating a unique and unidentifiable student reference number (SRN) for each student record. The school only uses the SRN for this collection. The SRN cannot be used for any other purpose. The number only indicates to the department that each record provided is for one student.

Click here to learn more about the purpose, use and disclosure of this information.

Building Resilience and Friendships in the Foundation Phase

At Faith, we are committed to supporting the wellbeing and development of our students. As part of this commitment, we have introduced The Resilience Project (TRP) into our Foundation Phase. This evidence-based program equips students with essential tools to build resilience, improve emotional wellbeing, and enhance their ability to learn effectively.

Why Focus on Resilience and Wellbeing?
Research consistently shows a direct link between wellbeing and academic success. When students experience high levels of stress or anxiety, the part of the brain responsible for learning does not function effectively. However, when children feel calm and emotionally secure, they can focus better, retain information, and engage in meaningful learning experiences. Resilience plays a critical role in this, enabling students to take safe risks, learn from mistakes, and develop perseverance in the face of challenges.

Unfortunately, mental ill health among young people is rising, with its onset occurring at increasingly younger ages. Prevention is key, and fostering resilience from an early stage helps equip our students with lifelong strategies for maintaining positive mental health.

What Does The Resilience Project Look Like in the Classroom?
Students in the Foundation Phase participate in engaging activities centred around The Resilience Project’s key principles: Gratitude, Empathy, Mindfulness, and Emotional Literacy. These activities encourage students to:

Recognise and appreciate the positives in their lives (Gratitude)
Show kindness and understanding toward others (Empathy)
Develop skills to remain present and manage emotions (Mindfulness)
Express and understand their own emotions and those of others (Emotional Literacy)

Through individual and group activities, students are encouraged to practise these concepts regularly, both within and beyond the classroom, helping them form strong wellbeing habits for life.

The Importance of Friendships and School Attendance
Resilience is not only about managing emotions but also about forming meaningful relationships. Friendships play a vital role in a child’s social and emotional development. However, strong, lasting friendships take time to build. Consistent positive interactions with peers help children develop trust, empathy, and social skills, all of which are crucial for personal growth and wellbeing.

Regular school attendance is essential in nurturing these friendships. When students attend school consistently, they have more opportunities to engage in shared experiences, develop connections, and feel a strong sense of belonging within their peer groups. Missing school frequently can disrupt these connections, making it harder for students to build and maintain friendships.

At Faith, we encourage all families to prioritise school attendance as a key factor in both academic success and social development. By fostering resilience, supporting friendships, and promoting regular attendance, we aim to create an environment where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive.

Thank you for partnering with us in this journey towards resilience and wellbeing.

Try these G.E.M. chats with your family today!

James Hallas
Head of Wellbeing - Foundation Phase (8)

NAPLAN
NAPLAN has come and gone for another year. We would like to sincerely thank the whole Faith community for supporting our first year Exploration Phase students in completing the four tests this week. Specifically thank you to Mr Dale Beckett for organising and running the testing as without his diligence it wouldn’t have moved so smoothly.

Another thank you goes out to our wonderful Exploration Phase teachers who, although losing lessons to Cyclone Alfred and now NAPLAN, have been flexible, adapting their teaching and assessment to support our students and ensure they are not disadvantaged by the missed time.

Finally, a big thank you to the students. This NAPLAN has been the most well attended to date, and all our Year 9 students engaged with the test with outstanding maturity. Well done!

Phase Coach Focus: Digital Literacy & Online Safety
This term in Phase Coach, our focus is Digital Literacy & Online Safety, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to navigate the online world responsibly. Today, students are learning about digital footprints and online privacy, exploring how their online actions can shape their future opportunities and digital reputation.

As parents, you play a crucial role in supporting your child's online safety. One of the most effective ways to do this is through education and open conversation. The team at Real Talk recommends a layered approach to online safety, known as the e-safety onion, which includes:

Educating yourself and your child about online risks and safe practices
Having regular conversations about responsible online behaviour, privacy, and digital reputation
Enabling restrictions on apps, devices, and search engines to limit exposure to harmful content

To help guide these conversations, we invite you to watch this short Real Talk video.

It covers practical steps to safeguard your child online and highlights the importance of open dialogue.

Additionally, as part of our school’s subscription to the Real Talk Parent Portal, you have access to valuable resources on e-safety, social media use, and digital wellbeing.

Together, we can empower our young people to be safe, responsible, and informed digital citizens.

Jabez Castray
Head of Learning - Exploration Phase

Preparing for Success: Exam Tips for Graduate Phase Students

We hope that our students, families, and staff are well into the recovery stage following Cyclone Alfred. We understand that the recent weather event may have added extra challenges for many in our community.

If you are still struggling or need assistance in any way, please don’t hesitate to reach out - we are here to support you.

As we now turn our focus to the upcoming exam block, it’s important for our Graduate Phase students to feel confident and prepared - not just academically, but also in terms of their wellbeing. Parents and students have already received key information, including the exam schedule and some wellbeing strategies.

Here, we’d like to share some additional tips to support students in making the most of their study time while maintaining balance.

Academic Preparation Tips

📚 Create a Study Plan – Break subjects into manageable sections and set realistic goals for each study session. Prioritise areas that need the most attention.

✍️ Use Active Study Techniques – Rather than just reading notes, try summarising information, teaching concepts to someone else, making mind maps, or using flashcards.

🕒 Practice Under Exam Conditions – Attempt past papers or sample questions within a time limit to build confidence and improve time management.

🔄 Space Out Revision – Short, regular study sessions are far more effective than last-minute cramming.

🎯 Clarify Doubts Early – Encourage students to reach out to their teachers if they need help - don’t wait until the last minute!

Wellbeing & Stress Management

😴 Prioritise Sleep – A well-rested mind retains information better and performs more effectively. Aim for 8+ hours of sleep each night.

🥗 Eat Brain-Boosting Foods – A balanced diet with plenty of water, fruit, vegetables, and protein will keep energy levels steady.

🚶 Take Regular Breaks – Short breaks between study sessions (such as a quick walk or stretching) help maintain focus and prevent burnout.

💆 Stay Positive – Encourage students to replace negative thoughts (“I can’t do this”) with positive affirmations (“I am prepared, and I will try my best”).

👨‍👩‍👧 Lean on Support Networks – Parents, siblings, and friends can be great sources of encouragement. A quick chat or some quality downtime with family can be refreshing.

As the exam block approaches, we encourage students to prepare thoroughly, maintain a healthy balance, and approach their assessments with confidence. Your best effort is enough, and every challenge is an opportunity for growth!

The Graduate Phase team wishes all our students success in their upcoming exams.

Kevin Abraham
Head of Learning - Graduate Phase