2025 Kingaroy Highlights #5
Principal's Message
Hello everyone, David Thomson, the proud principal of Kingaroy State High School.
We've got a fantastic program we started a couple of years ago called the Kingaroy Merit Points, or KMPs. Part of that is that students have to receive points for our three Rs—Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience.
As part of the program, they have to reach a milestone in a term—135 Kingaroy Merit Points. When we started the program, about 66%, or two-thirds, of the students received the prize. And now, what we've got is that here, we've got the Year 12s sitting with their prize at the moment—a pizza from Domino's.
We had over 90% of our Year 12s receive this prize, and overall, 85% of our students are now receiving the KMPs for their fantastic work. We love rewarding good behaviour here at Kingaroy State High School, and we're so proud of the work they've done this term—Term 1, 2025. That's another Kingaroy Highlight!
Senior School
Term 1 in Review
Both Year 11 and 12 students certainly hit the ground running this year.
By the time you read this, both year levels will have just finished their block exams.
Year 12 will have finished almost all Unit 3 assessment and will be reported on early next term.
Year 11 are two thirds of the way through Unit 1 and will also be reported on based on this assessment early next term.
I ask parents and caregivers to take particular note of their student's results for Effort on these report cards. Anything below a 'Satisfactory' in this area should certainly result in a conversation at home around how the student is engaging with that subject and what needs to be improved.
Looking ahead to Term 2 - Year 12 students will be completing their First Aid course practical component in Week 2 - students MUST have completed their theory component before they can engage with the practical.
Year 11 students will be working towards another block exam period occurring in Week 5 which will be the end of Unit 1. Students will be able to change subjects between Unit 1 and 2, class sizes permitting.
ATTENDANCE
Year 12 attendance is sitting at just over 90% and Year 11 at just under.
Please keep in mind that our philosophy on this is that students come to school when they are well, which for most students is most of the time. If a Senior student is ill on the day of an exam, an AARA form is required to be completed by a medical professional, or if a student is ill for a number of days, a Medical Certificate should be provided.
Some important advice from QCAA for senior students:
Looking after your mental health
Taking time out for you is important. There are lots of things you can do to maintain a positive outlook and look after yourself.
Queensland Health notes there are six different areas of mental wellbeing:
Get healthy
Keep learning
Show kindness
Connect more
Take notice
Embrace nature
You can find out more about them here https://www.mentalwellbeing.initiatives.qld.gov.au/the-building-blocks
Top 10 tips for looking after your mental health
- Make time — dedicate some time each day to doing something you enjoy.
- Get active — exercise makes your brain release feel-good endorphins.
- Connect with others — spending time with others can energise you and means there’s always someone to listen if you’re struggling.
- Use stress-management — use strategies like breathing exercises, meditation or creative outlets to boost your mood.
- Set goals — setting small goals and sticking to them can give you a boost.
- Balance your schedule — build some ‘me time’ into your study schedule.
- Limit social media — try to switch off from time to time. While social media has loads of positives, it can impact your mental health.
- Manage academic pressure — organise yourself and your workload and remember your grades don’t define you.
- Be grateful — look at all of the positives in your life and make a list of things you have to be grateful for.
- Educate yourself — learn about dealing with stress and anxiety, mental health conditions and symptoms, and when you may need to get support.
https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/get-motivated/get-healthy-and-happy
Finally, have a fantastic holiday and I look forward to seeing you all refreshed next term.
Mr Andrew Maddern
A/Deputy Principal, Educational Achievement - Senior Secondary
Year 8 Geography
In Year 8 Geography this term, we have been understanding landforms and landscapes. From volcanic eruptions to coastal management, students have worked hard to understand the processes that shape Earth. Our class created their own composite volcanoes and used bicarb, vinegar, food dye and dishwashing liquid to make them erupt! A fun and hands-on way to celebrate the end of term.
Miss Rosie Pyke
Teacher
Year 7s Experience "Rock and Water"
The Rock and Water program is a dynamic and engaging course designed for primary and high school students. Delivered over several lessons, it combines physical activities, games, and self-reflection exercises to help students build confidence and develop important social and emotional skills.
Many of the games have their origins in martial arts and are especially appealing to students who enjoy active, hands-on learning. Throughout the program, students learn to stand strong, use effective verbal strategies—either "rock" (firm) or "water" (flexible)—to negotiate challenges, walk away from conflict, consider non-aggressive responses, and reflect on their identity, feelings, and future direction.
At Kingaroy State High School, the program will be delivered to all Year 7 students throughout the year during extended Form lessons. This marks the second year the Rock and Water program has been implemented at our school, continuing our commitment to supporting student wellbeing and resilience.
Ms Carmen Peddle
Teacher
Interhouse Cross Country 24 April
Our annual Cross Country event is fast approaching! This year, the course will feature 3km, 4km, and 6km (two laps of the 3km route) distances, winding through the school grounds, including the oval, agricultural paddocks, and primary oval.
Parents are welcome to attend; however, we kindly ask that you follow school protocols by remaining in the designated spectator area on the oval near the finish line. We also ask that you refrain from sharing photographs of students other than your own on social media.
Approximate event times:
🏃6km – 1:15pm (16-19 Boys, 18 Girls)
🏃♀️ 4km – 1:45pm (14/15 Boys, 14-17 Girls)
🏃 3km – 2:05pm (12, 13 Boys & Girls)
See maps below for course details. Students may wear their house colours or full school uniform but must be in full uniform for their Period 1 and 2 lessons. We look forward to an exciting day of racing!
Mrs Annette Bales
Sports Coordinator
We Love Year 7!
The first term of high school has been an exciting and memorable experience for Year 7! We’ve quickly adjusted to the new routine, made lots of new friends, and started to feel more comfortable in our school environment. Our teachers have been fantastic, making lessons fun and interactive, which has made learning even more enjoyable. From English and Science to Maths, every subject has been interesting, and we’re excited to dive deeper into them in the coming terms.
Lunchtime activities have been a big hit! Whether it’s joining in on sports games, participating in friendly challenges, or simply hanging out with friends, there's always something fun to do. We’ve also had opportunities to explore new hobbies, interests or clubs, making these lunch breaks a time to relax and unwind.
The first term has definitely been a great start to our high school journey, and we can’t wait for the next chapter of our Year 7 adventure!
Year 7 Student.
The teachers and I are incredibly proud of our Year 7 students for their outstanding adjustment to high school life. They have embraced the transition with enthusiasm and a positive attitude, truly embodying our school’s 3 Rs – Responsibility, Resilience, and Respect. They have taken responsibility for their learning, shown resilience when faced with challenges, and demonstrated respect for their teachers, peers, and the school community. It’s been a pleasure watching them grow and thrive in their first term, and I look forward to supporting them as they continue to develop throughout the year.
Mrs Amy Stevens
Head of Department, Year 7 Engagement
Year 9 Business and Economics Market Day
The market day was hectic but fun. Experiencing it as the person that has to create the stall is so different to just showing up to buy stuff. The profit that was made was phenomenal, and I still cannot believe how far we got and the achievement of donating over $1,400 to the RSPCA. The stalls that were in the market day were the Burger Joint, Prize Pong, the Diabetes Stand, lolly bags and brownies, Games R Us, and the Squares Board. I want to thank the helpers that gave their time to help and the teachers that also helped with the stalls.
Mackenzie Cluff
Student
P&C News
A big thank you to all staff and students who have supported our temporary canteen throughout the term — your help has been greatly appreciated!
The P&C will be running a canteen during the upcoming Kingaroy Dance Groups Eisteddfod, and we’re calling on our wonderful school community to lend a hand.
We’re seeking volunteers to assist on:
Saturday 26 April, from 8:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday 27 April, from 8:00am to 4:00pm
Email PandC@kingaroyshs.eq.edu.au if you are available to help.
Please also note that our next P&C meeting has been postponed from Tuesday 22 April (due to the short week) and will now be held on Tuesday 29 April at 6pm.
Thanks again for your continued support!
Lois Blanch
P&C President
Health News
Sleep
One third of a human’s life is spent sleeping. Sleep is essential for growth, immunity, learning and memory and is important for helping a child heal and recover. Healthy sleep means a good quantity and quality of sleep, with regular sleep routines.
Sleep is a natural state of relaxation. It helps the mind and body restore and replenish themselves by suppressing muscle movement and other unused body senses. There are several phases of sleep, each with a distinct role. The disruption of any one of these phases can lead to body and/or mental ailments that affect every part of life, including:
- Difficulties with concentration
- Difficulties with memory
- Difficulty regulating their emotions
- Difficulty organising tasks & creative thinking
- Easily distracted
- Irritable
- Disruptive
- Generally hyperactive
- Restless
- Mental health problems
- Poor growth
- Excessive weight gain
- Reduced school performance
As your age changes, you have different needs of sleep. If you are not meeting these needs then sleep deprivation occurs. The most evident signs of sleep deprivation include:
- Red eyes
- Constant yawning
- Dozing off
- Poor concentration
- Mood swings
As a guide for length of sleep you require at each stage of life, see the attached image.
The Resilience Project shares a model (10-3-2-1) that addresses factors that are proven to negatively impact sleep and provides simple steps to help you fall asleep and stay asleep all night...
- 10 hours before bed: Cut out the caffeine. Caffeine has a half life of 4-6 hours, meaning that half the caffeine you consume is still present in your body up to 6 hours after.
- 3 hours before bed: Stop eating. This can help reduce symptoms of reflux or digestive issues that impair your natural sleep cycle.
- 2 hours before bed: Wrap up work. Focus should be on winding down and relaxing your brain.
- 1 hour before bed: Switch off screens. The blue light that our screens emit confuses your brain into thinking it’s daytime and inhibits the hormones your body uses to prepare for bed. The issue with devices is not only the blue light stimulation, but also the influx of information your brain receives and is stimulated by when you are scrolling.
For more information, go to:
https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/health-a-to-z/healthy-sleep
https://nationaltoday.com/world-sleep-day/
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/sleep
https://theresilienceproject.com.au/at-home/wellbeing-hub/how-to-get-a-better-nights-sleep/
Selena Stevens
School Based Youth Health Nurse
Link and Launch
Hi there, my name is Renee Feather and I am the Link and Launch Coordinator for the South Burnett. I can’t believe we are at the end of Term 1 already! It’s better late than never to introduce myself, right? My role at Kingaroy State High School is to offer support to Year 12 completers to help them explore their options and pathways after finishing school. So far this term, I have spoken to and met with quite a few 2024 graduates and heard about all the wonderful things they are up to this year. I will be continuing to contact past students throughout Term 2.
As well as this, part of my role includes interacting with the current Year 12s while they’re at school, to get to know them and find out a little more about what their plans are for next year. I have attended some events here at school this term but the formal introductions to the current Year 12s will mostly happen during Term 2 and 3, with presentations and mini interviews planned throughout this time.
More information about the Link and Launch program can be found online here. If you know of a young person who has graduated in the last few years and would like support figuring things out, please reach out to me. I can be contacted directly on 0460 010 431, rfeat6@eq.edu.au or by filling out an expression of interest form here: https://forms.office.com/r/K8Ky2133Ge.
Thanks for reading!
Take care, Renee
Upcoming Events
Community News
