https://www.brischool.com.au/blog daily 0.75 2021-11-12 https://www.brischool.com.au/blog/blog-post-four-8wecw monthly 0.5 2019-08-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cdb0b54755be25d5d92bfb3/1565794519920-7ZV3FNWJON04K3BSJK6A/download.jpeg Blog - Blog Post Four https://www.brischool.com.au/blog/blog-post-three-drkyf monthly 0.5 2019-08-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cdb0b54755be25d5d92bfb3/1565794488032-9XBL84FW5EFN7IJBCXN9/download+%281%29.jpeg Blog - Blog Post Three https://www.brischool.com.au/blog/blog-post-two-6gdfy monthly 0.5 2019-08-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cdb0b54755be25d5d92bfb3/1565794203166-HK9O5SMXBCPW1RHBM3V5/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Blog Post Two https://www.brischool.com.au/blog/blog-post-one-w6ewr monthly 0.5 2019-08-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5cdb0b54755be25d5d92bfb3/1565794043606-FK1PV2DOU30VI46WWL09/justice-rising-ECHO-AND-EARL-3.jpg Blog - Blog Post One https://www.brischool.com.au/events daily 0.75 2023-02-15 https://www.brischool.com.au/events/primary-beach-skills-day monthly 0.5 2023-02-15 https://www.brischool.com.au/events/pf-meeting-zoom monthly 0.5 2023-02-15 https://www.brischool.com.au/events/family-working-bee monthly 0.5 2023-02-15 https://www.brischool.com.au/events/family-working-bee-hhr3y monthly 0.5 2023-02-15 https://www.brischool.com.au/events/term-4-ends-last-day-of-school monthly 0.5 2021-12-07 https://www.brischool.com.au/events/term-4-commences monthly 0.5 2021-12-07 https://www.brischool.com.au/events/term-3-ends-last-day-of-school monthly 0.5 2021-12-07 https://www.brischool.com.au/events/term-3-commences monthly 0.5 2021-12-07 https://www.brischool.com.au/events/term-2-ends-last-day-of-school monthly 0.5 2021-12-07 https://www.brischool.com.au/events/term-1-ends-last-day-school monthly 0.5 2021-12-07 https://www.brischool.com.au/events/term-2-commences monthly 0.5 2021-12-07 https://www.brischool.com.au/events/term-1-commences-all-students-return monthly 0.5 2021-12-07 https://www.brischool.com.au/events/term-4-last-day monthly 0.5 2021-11-12 https://www.brischool.com.au/events/working-bee monthly 0.5 2021-11-12 https://www.brischool.com.au/school-news daily 0.75 2024-07-06 https://www.brischool.com.au/home daily 1.0 2025-03-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1636533763823-W6BELNF3YN9102L6WD4Y/3.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1636534119718-6Z8I4CPQ1EAAOUI0QXQY/4-2.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1636680098613-VTWH8UAWE2EO336B4IMO/Wunya+Ngulum-2.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1636680131975-DBM32USH1HZFYGVMJKCH/7-2.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1636680157190-MFOYSY9YGRL9OLABRXE3/8-2.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1636680193803-GCOTQAXOG407IA53W0R2/9-2.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/5169720e-10c9-4c28-8334-2e4884de554d/BRIS+Logo+Transparent+-+Tree+Only+Smaller-2.png Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/fa0b2934-6af5-49f2-8b78-08e54fa8e28d/Tree-in-Courtyard-2.jpg Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/7fa9b9d2-bf79-426e-8084-7fd9ce246582/Preps-in-the-Garden-2-2.jpg Home - Child-Centred Approach to Learning Blackall Range Independent School (BRIS) is a school community in which student-centred education is the goal rather than a label. BRIS uses a ‘child centred’ approach to learning, a way of working with each student in conjunction with parents and teachers. Our goal is to provide education in a sustainable environment that is caring, welcoming and understanding. It allows exploration of individual interests and considers the role of the school in society – a way of extending the school’s human dimension. New learning is presented in many aspects, rather than linear sequence through the integration of broadly-based flexible programs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/e4dbfcfe-552a-47e9-9eb1-2f1f8e38ca48/Preps-with-Rach-in-Classroom-3.jpg Home - Let us Learn Our curriculum is aligned with and meets the requirements of, the Australian National Curriculum. The school aims to provide skills and subjects reflecting the needs, interests and experiences of the children and their parents. Emphasis is on experiential learning situations, where teachers facilitate learning. BRIS participates in several programs to enhance its goal of providing authentic, genuine learning experiences. https://www.brischool.com.au/school-model daily 0.75 2025-03-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1636523013885-T3638UC7509C5T5I8DNR/Puggles.png School Model https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1636523059015-X6948UB24ZKEERD093BU/Possums.png School Model https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1636523529862-GSFWNSHICSCX7K17ZHIT/Lorrikeet.png School Model https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1637049722415-NL0Y3A3E92BA8CHD9AV3/unsplash-image-2slBHG3HtdA.jpg School Model https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/85a621bb-0cf2-4758-b462-324e15cf209f/image-asset.jpg School Model https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/5ed1cb63-1c0d-413d-9316-3c16ff5d0a17/image-asset.jpg School Model https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1692759958221-7MKW63Q97FC7941HZ378/image-asset.jpeg School Model https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/01d6bc8d-cc07-4439-90a7-4ea43453aed6/Playground-Oval-Chicken-Coop-2.jpg School Model - Our School Blackall Range Independent School is set amongst the green, rolling pastures of the Blackall Ranges. The school grounds provide an idyllic setting for learning and have been carefully designed and created to enhance the educational experience at BRIS. The main learning groups are housed in four separate buildings. There is also a library, art room, music room, tuck shop kitchen, garden, playground and large, grassy oval. There is also an undercover play area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/517afe55-b9cb-4f20-b479-e0c0d2e579cd/School-Courtyard-with-Students-2.jpg School Model https://www.brischool.com.au/teachers-staff daily 0.75 2025-03-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1707858401499-EW5S5GH39OYO0RME3UJ4/Treena.jpg Staff Treena Jordan- Teacher Aide & Kitchen Garden Coordinator https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/6d8222dd-6075-407a-a206-50f61ffc8fd2/Eva.png Staff Eva Carless, Principal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1712202206128-XEBRTM313TYXIGYOEH33/BRIS%2BLOGO%2BCIRCLE.jpg Staff Adele Rowe - Administration Officer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/8cea8bbf-b998-4278-b63c-488dc90be553/Tracey+Sims.png Staff Tracey Sims- Teacher Aide https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1712202206128-XEBRTM313TYXIGYOEH33/BRIS%2BLOGO%2BCIRCLE.jpg Staff Samantha Green- Accounts & Payroll Officer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/7f413def-dde2-4894-bb1f-57f0513884c6/5.png Staff Alethea Bain - Prep Teacher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1712202206128-XEBRTM313TYXIGYOEH33/BRIS%2BLOGO%2BCIRCLE.jpg Staff Jen Orlando - Creative Arts Teacher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/fe32e7ca-a168-4a27-b169-9e6884448597/Peter.png Staff Peter Bowers- Bus Driver https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1712202206128-XEBRTM313TYXIGYOEH33/BRIS%2BLOGO%2BCIRCLE.jpg Staff Georgie Rae - Creative Arts Teacher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1692762815659-0VWEQQJ9P29UN5LU8A54/Amy.jpg Staff Amy Brough, Yrs 1-2 Teacher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/e7f02c21-0bab-47a2-afe9-5fcaeff06bef/Julia.png Staff Julia Jennings, Yrs Yrs 1-2 Teacher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/2a2d062a-e891-40d7-8995-5e41a843c2fd/Rachel.png Staff Rachel Stirling -Bus Driver https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1712202206128-XEBRTM313TYXIGYOEH33/BRIS%2BLOGO%2BCIRCLE.jpg Staff Laura Tierney - Inclusion Officer & NCCD https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1712202206128-XEBRTM313TYXIGYOEH33/BRIS%2BLOGO%2BCIRCLE.jpg Staff Thys Matthews - HPE Teacher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/45a16677-6586-4857-82fb-bef2aa28ad50/Danielle.png Staff Danielle Hicks, Yrs 3-4 Teacher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1712202206128-XEBRTM313TYXIGYOEH33/BRIS%2BLOGO%2BCIRCLE.jpg Staff Caroline Kofler - Teacher Aide https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/ddd8efaa-5716-4564-a77c-17c6fd938248/Ryan+V.png Staff Ryan Vermeulen, Yrs 5 & 6 Teacher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/f7d9c0ce-f392-4173-966c-e3f6a608cdb8/BRIS+LOGO+CIRCLE.jpg Staff Tania Tucker - Teacher Aide https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/f22043a0-12e5-49cb-accb-281916fae755/Colleen.png Staff Colleen Carter, Secondary Teacher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/3633b345-e8e3-42af-9b1f-20c74f0615cb/BRIS+LOGO+CIRCLE.jpg Staff James Ward - Teacher Aide https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/a086c534-7027-47f1-90ea-21dd08046de4/6.png Staff Gil Hatcher - Secondary Teacher https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/690b26d1-664e-4834-b538-3e0beef582d1/Jane+Hold.png Staff Jane Hold, Secondary Teacher https://www.brischool.com.au/julia-jennings daily 0.75 2025-03-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/e7f02c21-0bab-47a2-afe9-5fcaeff06bef/Julia.png Julia Jennings - Julia Jennings, Lower Primary Years 1/2 Teacher My name is Julia and I am extremely excited about teaching in the 1/2 Possum classroom this year! I grew up in the beautiful Airlie Beach in the Whitsundays and spent much of my childhood sailing on boats. After a few years of travelling, I moved to Melbourne and called that amazing city home for 10 years. I came to the Sunshine Coast from Melbourne 5 years ago to visit family and then never left! It is such a beautiful place with lots of opportunities to be in nature which I adore. My teaching experience is shared between Melbourne, Victoria and the Sunshine Coast. I completed a Bachelor of Arts in 1999 and then went exploring the world. While travelling through South East Asia I began teaching English in Cambodia and there discovered a love of teaching and working with children. When I returned to Australia, I went on to complete a Masters of Teaching at the University of Melbourne in 2007. I am passionate about education and understanding each individual student and inspiring their curiosity and creativity. I have taught from prep-4 and have enjoyed sharing in the students learning journey as they move through the primary years. For the past 3 years, I have taught in a multi-age 2/3/4 classroom and look forward to working in a multi-age 1/2 classroom this year. Outside of school, I love doing yoga, going to the beach and curling up with a really good book. I also love to cook and sharing time with friends and family. I have been lucky enough to travel to many different parts of the world including Scotland, Morocco, Spain, India, Thailand, Laos, Prague and many more. I feel very lucky to now call Peregian Beach home. The BRIS community are extremely welcoming! I look forward to getting to know everyone at BRIS this year and being part of such a wonderful school community. https://www.brischool.com.au/danielle-hicks daily 0.75 2025-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/45a16677-6586-4857-82fb-bef2aa28ad50/Danielle.png Danielle Hicks - Danielle Hicks, Primary Years 3/4 Teacher I grew up in Toowoomba in South East Queensland and completed a Bachelor of Nursing at the University of Southern Queensland. I practiced as a registered nurse in many areas of the hospital in Australia and England, but my favourite area and the place I spent the most time, was paediatrics. This is where I discovered my love for working with children. Their courage, honesty, optimism and sense of humour is truly inspirational and left me with some amazing memories. When I saw an ad for a nursing job that involved teaching and mentoring graduate nurses, I knew the next challenge in my career had just arrived. I was successful in gaining this position and enjoyed every minute I was in this role. The experience I gained educating nurses helped me to transition into a health promotion position in high schools (teaching about issues affecting teenagers as well as one on one consultation for kids that needed more time.) We moved from Toowoomba to the Sunshine Coast around about the same time as I had my first child. Now I have 4 beautiful children ranging in age from 8-15. While at home on maternity leave, I decided that my love for working with children, education and young people could be combined into teaching. I enrolled and completed my Graduate Diploma of Education in 2010. I love teaching at BRIS. I love the rural surroundings, the peaceful environment, and the caring community of both staff and parents. I love that everyone works together to make sure that all the children are nurtured, supported and challenged. I truly believe that establishing quality relationships with the children is the first step to successful teaching and learning. We know all the children here at BRIS and love them all like an extended family. https://www.brischool.com.au/eva-carless daily 0.75 2024-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/bd046040-439d-4fd3-9383-3dc910dcae01/Eva.png Eva Carless - Eva Carless, Principal & Sports Co-ordinator I was born on the Sunshine Coast but moved to Mt Isa while young. I spent 14 years out in Mt Isa, before my family and I moved back to the Sunshine Coast. As soon as I graduated school in 2012, I began working as a teacher’s aide within special education at Nambour High. I then moved into disability support work where I assisted adults with disabilities, teaching technology skills, work experience and running gym and physical activity programs. My journey as an educator at BRIS has been one of joy and delight. I joined the BRIS team in 2015 as a Teacher Aide within the Primary section, and at the time I was studying a Bachelor of Primary Education. When I finished my studies in 2018, I was given the opportunity to take on a new role at BRIS, teaching Year 6/7 and coordinating sports and recreation programs. In 2022, I have been given the privilege of becoming Acting Principal and working alongside the Executive Committee. I have a passion for sports and outside of school, you can probably find me at a sports event somewhere. My softball career has allowed me to travel all of Australia and Overseas. I was able to represent my state for years and was honoured with the opportunity to play for my country as a junior player. Of recent times I have been on the footy field, running around playing and travelling with Regional School Sport as a trainer and coach within Girls’ Rugby League. I am always grateful to call BRIS home and love that I have been able to have the opportunity to be a part of this wonderful community. I am excited to be in this new role and can’t wait to see what the future holds! https://www.brischool.com.au/jane-hold daily 0.75 2021-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/690b26d1-664e-4834-b538-3e0beef582d1/Jane+Hold.png Jane Hold - Jane Hold, Senior Mathematics & Science Years 10-12 Teacher I am a former Toowoomba girl but have loved living on the Sunshine Coast for the last ten years. I adore the area both for its beautiful environment and the laid back holiday atmosphere. I have three grown children and I can honestly say that I enjoyed them best when they were teenagers! I truly like the company of young people and I miss the days that my home was filled with the joy and laughter of my children and their friends. I currently have a Mexican exchange student living with me and this is one way I fill the silence in my home! I am a recent mature age graduate of the University of the Sunshine Coast where I initially began studying Dietetics and Nutrition. A few months into my degree I knew I truly wanted to teach. I changed my course and several years later here I am! As part of my studies, I was lucky enough to spend some time here at BRIS where I fell in love with the campus, the students and the way the school embraces a diverse range of learners. I am looking forward to getting to know each child at BRIS which is one brilliant advantage of working in a small school. I am teaching Senior Mathematics and Science and hope to teach your children resilience and determination, qualities that are beneficial with math as well as awaken their curiosity as they explore real-life scientific concepts. Personally, I have three children aged 28, 24 and 20 and am engaged to be married in 2018 to the best home cook on the coast who has two grown children of his own and a 12-year-old son who it is my privilege to love and help raise. https://www.brischool.com.au/gil-hatcher daily 0.75 2021-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/b1e79ef4-4d71-4284-90f0-aed5f6bfb823/Gil.png GiL Hatcher - Gil Hatcher, Secondary English and HASS Teacher I’m Gilroy Hatcher or Gil and I am part of the High School team here at the school. I’m so happy to be here in this unique environment providing a very individualised educational environment for our students. I’m a family man and my wife and two young daughters are loving living up in the Sunshine Coast region. We love the beach and the mountains so living at Mt Coolum with our dog is pretty perfect for us. I love music especially Funk and R & B, and even sing and play a little when I get a chance, but I haven’t done nearly enough of it lately. My mum is Tongan and my dad was born in Fiji and I enjoy travelling overseas and experiencing different cultures as often as I can. I have a pretty varied educational background, studying History and English during my teaching degree but have also studied Engineering, Religion and Indigenous Studies. I have worked in both the Independent and State school systems and have been lucky enough to teach at an international school in China. I have an interest in pathways post-school and partnerships with Employers and other training groups while students are still at school. Outside of the school setting, I have experience in building and construction, hospitality and tourism as well as marketing and promotions. I try to bring as much practical understanding of the ‘real world’ into the school setting as I can. https://www.brischool.com.au/treena-jordon daily 0.75 2021-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/45eac805-8212-4c1c-bd87-c2bda4e01282/Treena.png Treena Jordon - Treena Jordan, Kitchen Garden Coordinator/Teacher’s Aide My involvement with BRIS started at the beginning of 2017 and I haven’t looked back. I began by being the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden Program Kitchen Specialist, a program that I had long been involved with as a volunteer at Montville State School. In this program, I guide students of varying ages of Prep to grade 12 in pleasurable food education which teaches positive food habits through fun, hands-on learning. I have over 20 years of experience in hospitality as a qualified chef, waitress, and assistant manager. In 2016 I completed my certificate IV in education support and have had the enjoyment of using this knowledge as a teacher aide here at BRIS since mid-2017. I am a Sunny Coast kid myself and now I am lucky enough to have my two children having the benefits of living here on the Blackall Range. I feel very fortunate to be able to assist with the learning of the amazing students we have here at BRIS. Being part of the BRIS community brings much joy to my life. https://www.brischool.com.au/shelly-tome daily 0.75 2021-12-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1a3286fe-68c1-466b-9cd6-20e51540db64/Shelly.png Shelly Tomé - Shelly Tomé, Business Services Manager/HR I have been employed at BRIS since January 2014. I live locally in the hinterland, with my family on acreage, enjoying the wonderful environment and lifestyle that we have here. We have horses (both large & miniature) and like to show them, participate at Pony Club and also ride for recreation. I have come from an Early Childhood background, having worked in a variety of early childhood centres across NSW, QLD & the Northern Territory for over 20 years. I have also managed childcare centres and have experienced and related to, the community-minded not-for-profit philosophy at BRIS! I feel very much at home at BRIS, working with and alongside the wonderful mix of staff. https://www.brischool.com.au/history daily 0.75 2021-11-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/19b475ff-d196-47a8-8545-c05529846aea/75-2-1-smaller-2.jpg History - Learning was originally carried out in a fairly free atmosphere based on child-centred activities. These days the teaching is more formalised and parent involvement continues to play a vital part in the successful running of the school. Over the years, the school has attracted families from all over the Sunshine Coast. Teacher & Students at Blackall Range Independent in 1975 https://www.brischool.com.au/curriculum daily 0.75 2024-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/ae88fe51-ad07-4fa3-829c-3ae88eedc77c/Early-Years-Art-on-Wall-4-2.jpg Curriculum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/dfc27a4d-7bca-4946-8120-49dd200d7e1c/Preps-with-Rach-in-Classroom-4-2.jpg Curriculum https://www.brischool.com.au/governance-and-policy daily 0.75 2026-01-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1637049281949-TUHDMYQID0CY17VFK0GP/unsplash-image-DNkoNXQti3c.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/b7813a2d-b9a4-4e17-a3b6-e7774aefc691/Tree-Mural--2.jpg Governance and Policy - Governance The School Management Board undertakes a cyclical review of all school policies to ensure relevant governance and compliance requirements of the school are being met. Consultation and communication with the whole school community is incorporated into this process. Our Constitution Annual Report Policies Privacy Policy Executive Code of Conduct policy Executive Conflict of Interest Policy Child Protection Policy Child Risk Management Policy Dispute Resolution Policy Family Law Policy Complaints Handling WHS Policy Financial Hardship Application https://www.brischool.com.au/early-years daily 0.75 2025-01-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/9c6d9d1f-cd4f-4cf0-954a-bebd51f14e79/Abs2KAGSBMLBPV-2.jpeg Early Years - Play-Based, Fun, Interactive Learning in a warm and inviting space that feels just like home. This group is our Prep group. Alethea Bain teaches in the Early Years classroom. The Early Years Program engages students in meaningful, authentic learning experiences. Children learn best when they are actively involved in their learning – learning experiences are hands-on, creative and concrete. The teaching is intentional and planned to reflect individual interests and needs. There is a balance between teacher-directed and child-directed activities which encourages children to develop their social, emotional and cognitive abilities in a supportive, stimulating environment. https://www.brischool.com.au/primary-years daily 0.75 2025-01-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/484318bd-2bd0-4ff5-8271-7a0aa7177cbd/WOL9DzpsgHYBRO-2.jpeg Primary Years - Collaborative, Project-Based, Passionate Learning This group is for children whose levels range from Grade 1 to Grade 2. Amy Brough and Julia Jennings teaches in the Possum Posse classroom. In the 1/2 classroom, you will find an environment that is flexible to include indoor work areas along with outdoor locations. Our multi-aged classroom is enhanced by access to peers with differing skills, strengths and ability levels. Therefore, our curriculum is sequenced according to developmental needs of the student. Our learning environment is fluid and dynamic that changes as the students’ needs change. Group projects as well as individual projects, explorations and investigations occurring over the course of the year is encouraged and students have the opportunity to explore interests in an integrated, in-depth way. All students are encouraged to work with each other and to provide peer support which helps support positive relationships. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/ed08b9e9-eed6-4d81-8a06-0c3bddc60cea/lofthouse2+%281%29.jpeg Primary Years - Self Discovery, Exploration, and Enthusiasm for Learning This group is for children whose levels range from Grade 3 to Grade 4. Danielle Hicks teaches in the Lorikeet Legends classroom. In the 3/4 classroom, we believe that children learn best when they are happy, relaxed and engaged. Students work at their own level and are treated as unique individuals with their own needs, interests and ways of learning. Each child's abilities are extended in a warm, friendly and supportive environment. Children work across curriculum areas to develop their literacy and numeracy skills, express themselves creatively in art and music, participate in fun and engaging physical activities and also be equipped with practical IT skills utilising our 1:1 laptop and iPad program. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/8a4c111e-71c2-463f-bc0c-9319ffada567/warbu+%281%29.jpeg Primary Years - Making Connections, Critical Thinking & Adventure This group is for children whose levels range from Grade 5 and Grade 6 . Ryan Vermeulen teaches in the Warbu Warriors classroom. The Upper Primary learning environment allows students freedom within the curriculum to work at a comfortable pace and have some input into the direction their learning takes. Students are allowed the space to work on topics they are interested in and are encouraged to become critical learners. It is understood everyone’s learning journey is unique. https://www.brischool.com.au/high-school-years daily 0.75 2025-01-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/a7ce3231-9c87-4d73-99ec-d1fcc6d31217/yr8+%281%29.jpeg High School Years - Exploration, and Enthusiasm for Learning This group is for children whose levels range from Grade 7 and Grade 8. Colleen Carter, Jane Hold & Gil Hatcher teach in the Kureelpa Crew classroom. Junior High School is the first step in the High School journey, and an opportunity for students to transition into the High School sector. In Junior High School students are immersed in inquiry-based learning where they will be guided in becoming critical and creative thinkers. Using this approach, students are encouraged to use their problem-solving skills to explore real-world issues through learning how to ask relevant questions, interpret evidence and share their learning. Inquiry-based learning encourages communication between peers and their teachers and provides a safe environment for students to engage in discussions and debates centred on real-world topics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/18267793-e407-46e1-8409-2a92279d342e/9-10+%281%29.jpeg High School Years - Self Discovery This group is for children whose levels range from Grade 9. Colleen Carter, Jane Hold & Gil Hatcher teach in the Gulla Gang classroom. In Middle High School, students use inquiry-based learning to strengthen their critical and creative thinking skills as well as enhancing their problem solving abilities. This approach is student centred and when being global citizens, they develop skills essential to being a 21st century learner. Through planning, organising, processing, and designing, students use a cross-curricula approach to produce authentic bodies of work demonstrating a deep understanding of real-world issues. https://www.brischool.com.au/senior-years daily 0.75 2023-08-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/17bdfce1-e4ff-4927-9a88-91c31f75a1a4/Greenhouse.jpeg Senior Years - Real-World Experiences, Full of Possibilities This group is for children whose levels range from Grade 10 to Grade 12. Jane Hold, Colleen Carter & Gil Hatcher teaches in the Mari Mob classroom Senior students now have the opportunity to complete their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) at Blackall Range Independent School (BRIS) and it is both an exciting time and a time of great change as students move from the freedom of primary and middle school where a lot of the curriculum and tasks can be negotiated to having fairly set requirements for each subject. As students progress from the middle school to Year 10, they have the opportunity to explore many different work occupations to try and find a field they are interested in through the provision of one week of work experience in the third term of the year. To obtain their QCE, students are required to obtain 20 credit points. These can be completed by the end of Year 12, or up to 7 years after school. In 2023, students in the Senior School will have access and opportunities to participate in school subjects, QCAA short courses and vocational education and training opportunities. School Subjects include: Essential English (4 QCE points) Essential Mathematics (4 QCE points) Social and Community Studies (4 QCE points) Science in Practice (4 QCE points) Visual Arts in Practice (4 QCE points) Recreational Studies (4 QCE points) Short Courses include: Literacy Short Course (1 QCE Point) Numeracy Short Course (1 QCE Point) Career Education Short Course (1 QCE Point) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Languages Short Course (1 QCE point) Vocational Education and Training opportunities include: Participation in VET courses (on-site and off-site) Tafe Queensland courses Securing School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships. Headstart Program with the University of the Sunshine Coast. NOTE: There is currently no option for students to complete an academic pathway and obtain an ATAR score. However, students can enrol in up to two general subjects through Brisbane School of Distance Education, and these subjects count towards an ATAR score. Students can take up to 5 years to complete the requirements for an ATAR score. Students who want to obtain entry to university from year 12 are encouraged to enrol in the University of the Sunshine Coast’s Head Start programme as part of their senior learning at BRIS, as well as completing the Tertiary Preparation Pathway programme at USC once they finish year 12. (We review our Senior Pathway options each year) There is an option, where students who are finding a full-time workload too difficult, to negotiate an individual pathway with BRIS about what their senior schooling will include. This is done in consultation with the student, parents and teacher to ensure everyone is aware of the path they are choosing. Assessment is non-competitive and continuous. Many learning experiences are conducted beyond the classroom including excursions, camps, special events, and cultural performances. https://www.brischool.com.au/ethos daily 0.75 2025-01-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/7fa9b9d2-bf79-426e-8084-7fd9ce246582/Preps-in-the-Garden-2-2.jpg Ethos - ETHOS The Blackall Range Independent School strives to create a community of active learners. We encourage awareness and respect for self, others and the environment, a willingness to act and the desire to achieve. Our ethos is the empowerment of our students and our community through celebration of difference and embracing the diversity of all learners. https://www.brischool.com.au/enrol daily 0.75 2025-06-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1618497259178-6XJGK9GR6YAVBQL5L519/20140301_Trade-151_012-2.jpg Enrol https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694583486-2PQT0LQ193RL7MCB6DX4/20140228_Trade+151_0046.jpg Enrol https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1607694644871-IC85FNH781UNZSZEGHDR/Aro+Ha_0428.jpg Enrol https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1636692693355-HS9G805RFGHX4D7GTFBE/Tree-in-Courtyard.jpg Enrol https://www.brischool.com.au/contact-us daily 0.75 2024-02-13 https://www.brischool.com.au/parents-and-friends-committee daily 0.75 2021-11-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/1636694799513-0Y1T97JGH6NG7XLDTOFB/unsplash-image-9QTQFihyles.jpg Parents and Friends Committee - Parents and Friends Committee (P&F) Mission Statement: The BRIS Parents and Friends Committee actively supports BRIS students, parents, teachers, staff and the wider community to nurture brilliant, resilient, innovative, self-motivated students. We do this voluntarily with energy, commitment, love and a positive, can-do attitude because we believe in BRIS and the difference it makes in building our amazing, free-thinking children. https://www.brischool.com.au/school-calendar daily 0.75 2026-01-22 https://www.brischool.com.au/working-bees daily 0.75 2021-11-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/caeea76b-491f-4742-8a42-e5c170c8ce50/Independent-School-Sign.jpg Working Bees - Working Bees WORKING BEES: Regular facility and grounds maintenance is a necessity for our school. Working Bees are an opportunity for parents and students to come together as a community and work collectively on general school maintenance, grounds clean-up and other projects which enhance our school’s physical environment. Attendance at one day per term will see your Term’s School Community Levy reversed from your invoice for that term. Please check the school calendar for upcoming dates. https://www.brischool.com.au/tuckshop daily 0.75 2025-06-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/b0d6f9f7-727b-498e-afeb-dcfead2947c4/Tuck-Shop-Lunch-1024x633-2.jpg Tuckshop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/3f69b991-3131-46d0-b8fa-3259f27f8628/Meal-Sharing-Deck-2.jpg Tuckshop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/d9b31b27-9e06-46cb-816d-f3a7cb5d1c6c/ROw-N9ctEVyLOA+%281%29.jpeg Tuckshop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/6c86f1c3-92d6-445c-b2b5-47c1e3f010ae/ofVh__ICWOTZcl+%281%29.jpeg Tuckshop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/83690edc-acc5-4e33-8a00-561695500b2b/hpjaty5dRFZQ08+%281%29.jpeg Tuckshop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/88164cd1-d9e0-4506-bea4-474a4227f261/DJbeq-QpDYVdZi+%281%29.jpeg Tuckshop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/41ccac42-d8c0-4045-8bc2-2a7a0c14ccea/FmArzWMrYQP-jQ+%281%29.jpeg Tuckshop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/dd943351-f4e3-4569-81e2-160b9fc06a7d/6FoMDanbacnJ_y+%281%29.jpeg Tuckshop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/2a6333e6-0a8f-4f8d-8cc6-d4dcfd9910c4/SKrQhzz5n8eSCQ+%281%29.jpeg Tuckshop https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/dd943351-f4e3-4569-81e2-160b9fc06a7d/6FoMDanbacnJ_y+%281%29.jpeg Tuckshop - Tuckshop The tuck shop is a regular program at our school, dishing out group made lunches to our community twice a week. Vegetarian meals are made with the help of students and healthy choices are prepared using ingredients from the school’s garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/8ee2853b-86cb-4ffe-a01f-caaa3d2b97a8/Tuckshop+Menu+1.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/d1f8d40d-9234-4135-8c57-4a588c9b5dfa/Tuckshop+Menu+2.jpg https://www.brischool.com.au/newsletters daily 0.75 2021-12-08 https://www.brischool.com.au/ryan-vermeulen daily 0.75 2025-03-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/890de71d-5992-4771-8206-871c8cab09d2/Ryan+V.png Ryan Vermeulen - Ryan Vermeulen, Primary Years 5 & 6 Teacher I’m delighted to find myself here at BRIS and am enormously looking forward to working with the students this year. Upon finishing my own schooling I followed my passion for history and completed an honours degree in history at La Trobe University. When it hit me that my degree was coming to an end and I still didn’t really know what I wanted to be ‘when I grew up’ the most natural fit seemed to be primary teaching. This came largely from such warm and positive memories of my own primary school experience and my appreciation of the role one of my teachers played in opening my mind to the wonders of history. The thought of having that kind of impact and sharing my own passions with young people was enough for me to undertake my Graduate Diploma in Education. I began my teaching journey in 2007 at a progressive, student-centred state school in Melbourne’s inner northwest where I worked for over a decade before taking a leap of faith and teaching for several years at Dili International School in beautiful Timor-Leste. What an amazing experience! Unfortunately, the pandemic forced us home and led us to making our next exciting move happen - and here we are. Together with my wife - who grew up in Queensland - and our 5-year-old son we have recently moved to the Sunshine Coast and it has been lovely to be welcomed so warmly into the BRIS family. My son is equally excited to be starting his schooling here at BRIS with me and in such a beautiful location. I am passionate about music and have been an active member of the Melbourne music scene since about the age of 20 - playing drums in a range of bands and releasing several albums. The rest of my spare time is spent following the fortunes of my favourite soccer teams and playing lots of Lego at home on the floor with my son. https://www.brischool.com.au/colleen-carter daily 0.75 2025-03-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/618b15053dea45515d0cb1fb/df708730-6c58-4431-aa73-6b6e4fe5355a/Colleen.png Colleen Carter - Colleen Carter, Senior Years, Secondary English, Film & Television Teacher I’m Colleen Carter, also known as Col, and I have the privilege of joining BRIS as part of the High School Team teaching Secondary English and Film and Television. My husband and I have two adult children and a gorgeous spoodle named Roxy. We recently made the permanent move back home to the Sunshine Coast Hinterland to be closer to family after living away for the past 18 years. In my spare time I love spending time with family, listening to a variety of music genres and catching up with friends. My educational background began in 1998 studying early childhood and I have continued to further my education throughout the years. In 2007 I graduated from the University of Tasmania with a Bachelor of Education (Primary) and in 2013 I successfully completed a Master of Education (Specialising in Educational Technologies) at Monash University in Melbourne. I have a real passion for discovering new learnings and challenging myself in all aspects of my life, professionally and personally. I am a dedicated educator who is committed to being a caring and compassionate mentor to those I have the honour of teaching. I’m excited for the opportunity to be welcomed into the BRIS family and looking forward to what future brings. https://www.brischool.com.au/new-page daily 0.75 2025-01-29