2024 Kingaroy Highlights #1
Principal's Message
Senior School News
Firstly, I would like to congratulate our 2023 cohort for their amazing results. We had outstanding ATAR results, and 100% QCE/ QCIA attainment. Many of our students have accepted University offers, gained apprenticeships and traineeships, or been employed in a variety of areas. We wish them well in their chosen career paths.
Year 12
Year 12s return having completed 8 weeks of Unit 3 in 2023, and are already working on, or towards, assessment tasks. All assessment in Units 3 and 4 are summative, contribute towards the ATAR score (if applicable), and both need to be passed to receive the 2 points towards their QCE. A reminder that a non-submission for an assessment task in either Unit 3 or 4 will result in an N for that subject at exit.
Year 12 is a significant step in their academic journey, and it's critical to approach it with a positive mindset and effective strategies. To be successful in Year 12:
- Stay organised
- Implement effective time management skills
- Seek help when needed
- Maintain a balance between academic and personal life
- Maintain a consistent study routine
- Every day counts
Upcoming events
Tuesday, 6 February-Phluxus Dance Workshop, Road Safety Expo
Wednesday, 7 February – Swimming Carnival
Thursday 8 February- South Burnett Trials
Year 11
We have discussed with the Year 11 cohort the importance of a strong start from Day 1 and the need to STEP UP in terms of academic expectations and personal development. Some key advice for Year 11:
- Increased academic rigour - embrace the academic challenges as they are the basis of your future success
- Set goals and manage your time effectively. Have a study plan from Day 1
- Every day counts
- Year 11 is a time of growing independence. Take responsibility for your studies and decisions as your choices will shape your post school pathways.
Year 11 students had until today to change their timetabled subjects, with many students taking this opportunity. After today, students will have the opportunity to change at the end of Unit 1, about half way through Term 2, and again at the end of Unit 2 at the end of Term 3.
This week, a large number of our Year 11 and 12 students began a variety of Vocational Education and Training certificates at TAFE. These certificates will assist them with their post school pathways.
We are pleased to host a Year 11 Parent Information Evening on Tuesday, 6 February, starting at 6pm in KPAC. We look forward to seeing you there.
Upcoming events
Tuesday, 6 February-Phluxus Dance Workshop, Road Safety Expo, Parent Information evening
Wednesday, 7 February – Swimming Carnival
Thursday 8 February- South Burnett Trials
Contacts
If you have any questions about Senior Schooling, please don’t hesitate to contact one of the following:
Leanne Krosch-A/Deputy Principal, Educational Achievement, Senior Secondary
Melissa Kempson-A/Head of Department, Senior Schooling and Year 10 Engagement
Rob Turner- Head of Department, Health and Physical Education
Helen Beresford – Deputy Principal, Culture and Inclusion
Krysty Connelly- Year Level Coordinator - Year 12
Nerissa Maudsley- Year Level Coordinator - Year 11
Robyn Hourn- Senior Schooling Administration
Alysha Walker - Year Level Coordinator - Year 10
Sue Reddacliff - Year Level Coordinator - Year 10
Renee Feather- Link and Launch Coordinator
Regards
Leanne Krosch
A/Deputy Principal Educational Achievement, Senior Secondary
Middle School News
2024 promises to be a great year for our Year 9s and 10s. Ms Radunz and Ms Woodard are the Year 9 Engagement Heads of Department, ably supported by Year Level Coordinators, Ms Potter and Ms Stumm. The Year 10 Engagement HOD is Mrs Kempson, who is assisted by her Year Level Coordinators, Mrs Walker and Mrs Reddacliff. These ladies are an absolute pleasure to work with, and are dedicated to assisting with your child’s schooling.
RRR Awards (Respect, Responsibility and Resilience) will be presented weekly on Year Level Assemblies, and at the end of each term there will be a PBL Reward on offer. Pencilled in are End of Year Trips to reward students who maintain their attendance, effort and behaviour. Year 9 will visit Bli Bli Water Park and Year 10 will visit Dreamworld.
The criteria to attend these trips are as follows:
- Attendance at or above 90%
- No more than one suspension
- All assessment completed
- All school fees up to date
Kingaroy SHS is committed to rewarding positive student behaviour.
Have a Great 2024
Steve Perrett
Deputy Principal Wellbeing and Engagement
Welcome Year 7s
Welcome to all our families of Year 7 students to Kingaroy SHS. The Year 7s have been investigating the world of high school, and from their feedback to us, finding their rooms and making friends are the two hot topics. My random questioning of most enjoyable subjects have HPE leading, but English, History, Manual Arts and Science were also mentioned. I am sure that this will change as the students become more familiar with the content and skills.
On Day 2, we held the Induction Day which was a fabulous opportunity for the students to get to know their peers (from over ten different schools) and their form teacher as well as a great chance for staff to learn names and get to know your students. This is a crucial element of ensuring success for students as they navigate the next 6 years.
As an early heads up, we are keen to meet you at the first Parent-Teacher Interviews on 4 March. It would be great for each family to come along to meet with their student’s class teachers so that we can continue to work on making Year 7 successful in every way.
Some key messages we have been sharing with Year 7:
- Get involved in the activities that are on offer (signing up for sports teams and trials, dance or choir, using the facilities such as the library or the Sports Hall on Mondays first break)
- For the first five weeks at this stage, Year 7 students must remain under U block both before school and during both breaks, unless going directly to and from the canteen or toilets, or to an organised activity. Likewise their siblings/friends/neighbours who are in any other year level cannot be in this area.
- Bring only the books for the subjects they have that day (organise, repack each day)
- Homework every night (either what the teacher has set, or doing their own revision from the lessons that day and soon they will have assessment to work towards)
- Physical action or reaction is NOT okay and will have consequences. At all times students must keep their hands/feet/body to themselves.
- Report any ongoing issues or inappropriate behaviours of other students to staff IMMEDIATELY.
Who to contact? This is a general guide:
Subject question – the class teacher, or Head of Department for that subject (see below)
General wellbeing or absence issue – form teacher or Year Level Coordinator (Mrs Cass Broomhall, Mr Dan Rujak)
Longer term absence or engagement issues – Head of Department Year 7 – Mrs Jade Cluff
Subject Heads of Department (HODs)
English & Japanese/German – Mr Paul Hutton
History – Mr Don Mengel
Science – Mr Steve Langton
Maths – Mr Jeff Hicks (acting)
Technologies – Mr Andrew Maddern
HPE – Mr Rob Turner
Arts – Ms Kathryn Radunz
Please make contact sooner rather than later if there are issues impacting your student’s success at school. We will continue to inform you of any relevant information.
Ms Helen Maudsley
Deputy Principal
From the Business Manager
Welcome to the 2024 school year and a warm welcome to both our new and returning families.
2024 is already shaping up to be a year full of exciting opportunities for our students to be involved in - the best way to keep an eye on what’s on offer is via our Facebook page. We aim to keep our page as a space to share our school news and celebrate our wonderful students.
Thank you to all our families who are busily returning all the permission notes relating to various activities – I know there are lots and as a parent it can feel like you’re forever signing these, but they are really important so please keep them coming in. We are continuing to work on the consent management platform that will allow permissions to be given electronically – keep an eye out for this as the year goes on.
In the coming weeks we will be invoicing for the Student Resource Scheme, subject electives and the One-to-One program. You can pay these in full or by a payment plan. If you are wanting to arrange a payment plan, please make contact with the school to arrange this.
As always, if you have any questions about our school or school processes etc, please don’t hesitate to give us a call - we have a team of friendly and helpful office staff who are able to assist you.
Gabby Flanigan
Business Manager
Netball Trials Underway
For the Kingaroy SHS netball players, the year has started already with trials to see who will attend South Burnett 13-15 and 16-19 years netball trials in Week 3.
There has been a lot of interest from about 45 girls to make the final team in both age groups. Trials were held over first breaks so that girls could show their game and strategic skills.
Congratulations to the following girls who were selected:
13-15 years
Aaliah S
Charlotte M
Allison B
Clare P
Amy S
Siage S
Jayla S
Maddy C
Tulliah M
Chloe R
16-19 years
Charlie B
Hana S
Sophie V
Indi S
Casey S
Tenley C
Belle F
Sarah P
Gabbi H
Tasleigh G
Abbie S
The good news is that there are more opportunities available for all age groups and boys teams throughout 2024. Shortly, the Year 7 and 8 students will be invited to some training (anyone who would like to come along in those year levels) before school so that they can develop their skills and get some game play. We are also hoping to facilitate some training and games for Years 9-12, too.
Throughout the year, there will be opportunities for all age groups in the Bjelke-Petersen Shield, and in Country Cup competitions in Terms 2, 3 and 4.
Boys who want a chance to trial at the representative level please see Ms Maudsley at the Admin building to find out more information.
Students need to check Student Notices each day to hear about the various trainings and competitions.
Helen Maudsley, Emily Hough, Hayley McAnally, Nerissa Maudsley, Kate Rosengreen & Tanya Wakefield
Coaches
Swimming Carnival
On Wednesday 7 February, we will be holding our annual Interhouse swimming carnival. This year, the carnival will be split into two sessions to encourage maximum pariticipation. Students will attend school as normal for two periods and will also spend two periods at the pool.
Details:
• Swimming carnival (50m freestyle, backstroke, breastroke, butterfly, house participation event)
• Year 7 – 9 during Form, Period 1 and 2, returning to school during Break 1
• Year 7-9 attend normal classes in Period 3 and 4
• Year 10 – 12 swim during the last part of Break 1, Period 3, Break 2 and Period 4, then will return to school by 3.05pm
• Students will meet at the Indoor Sports Centre at the beginning of their session, where they will attend an assembly and then be escorted to (and from) the swimming pool
• Students wear full school uniform on the day at school, including school bucket hat
• Year 7- 9 students may arrive at school in their house colours/ clothing with swimwear underneath
• Year 10 -12 students change into house colours/ clothing and swimming attire at Break 1
• Approved swimming attire (girls full piece, rashie/tshirt covering a two piece, boys swim togs or shorts and preferably a rashie as well)
• Follow Student Code of Conduct
• Reminder to bring personal sunscreen (there will also be some available), hat, water bottle and food
• In line with Education Queensland’s phone policy; NO phones are permitted
• Due to pool regulations; NO zinc, body paint or streamers
• No cost to students for pool entry
Students who wish to swim at the carnival must complete the HPE Consent Form and return it to the front office at school.
Annette Bales
Sport Coordinator
Health News
I am the School Based Youth Health Nurse (SBYHN) for Kingaroy State High School and will be available at school Tuesdays to Fridays.
My role as a SBYHN is to provide:
- Private and confidential health advice and information for secondary students, staff, and families.
- Referrals and help to access external support.
- Classroom education and health promotion activities.
Where to get help …
I am always happy to assist with providing support in finding where to get help from, and to discuss and complete referrals to services that you may need. If you do not want to discuss your concerns with me then a good starting point would be to contact:
- Kids Helpline - ph: 1800 55 1800 or visit https://kidshelpline.com.au
- Kids Helpline are available for young persons to the age of 25 as well as parents.
- Headspace – ph: 1800 650 890 or visit https://headspace.org.au
- Headspace is available for mental health and wellbeing support
- Your local GP
Australia and New Zealand have the highest rates of melanoma in the world. Melanoma is the second most common cancer in men and the third most common cancer in women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancers).
More than 95% of skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV radiation. UV radiation most often comes from the sun, but it can also come from artificial sources such as arc welders, glue curing lights for artificial nails, and solariums.
If unprotected skin is exposed to the sun when the UV index is 3 or above, or to other UV radiation, damage to the skin occurs, and the damage builds up every time a person spends time unprotected in the sun. This UV exposure can change the structure and behaviour of the cells putting you at risk of getting skin cancer.
To protect your skin from sun damage and reduce the risk of skin cancer, follow these five steps:
- Slip on clothing that will cover your skin and create a barrier between your skin and the UV radiation from the sun. A shirt with a collar will protect your neck. If you can see through the fabric or if it’s stretched, UV can get in and cause damage.
- Slop on some sunscreen. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen 20 minutes before you go outside and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming or excessive sweating. Apply sunscreen first and then your makeup, even if your makeup has SPF, as this often doesn’t provide enough cover.
- Slap on a hat that has a wide brim.
- Seek shade to create an extra barrier between you and UV radiation.
- Slide on sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV radiation. Check the tag to make sure the Australian Standard for eye protection is category 2 or higher (there are 5 categories of sun protection), and an EPF rating of 9 or 10 is excellent protection. Polarised sunglasses reduce glare from the sun but doesn’t increase the level of UV protection.
Selena Stevens
School Based Youth Health Nurse
Upcoming Events
Community News
