2025 Kingaroy Highlights #1
Principal's Message
Hello, everyone. David Thomson, the very proud Principal of Kingaroy State High School.
Welcome to 2025! We're going to have another fabulous year, and our theme is building on our successes from previous years.
As you can see behind me, we've done some upgrades to the school. There's a new outdoor area for our students that we're really proud of, including new shade shelters, new gardens, and some green space in between our buildings. But that's just the start of the upgrades! We're also working on a new canteen, new staff spaces, and new sporting spaces to further enhance the school. We're very proud of this work, and we're doing it to ensure our students feel that they belong, that they are safe, and that they can learn and grow here at the school.
2025 is going to be a fabulous year. We’re building on great successes—A to C data is continuing to go from strength to strength, and that remains our aim: to continue that great success in student learning. We had fabulous Year 12 results last year, and we’re building on that while striving for success across all year levels and for every student.
Welcome to Kingaroy State High School! Stay tuned for the Kingaroy Highlights every fortnight. Our Facebook page, our website, and the QParents app are all great sources of information for you here at Kingaroy State High School.
Senior Schooling
Firstly, I would like to congratulate our 2024 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 2024, 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
Wednesday 12 -14 February Year 12 Leadership Camp
Monday 17 February – Biology Camp
Thursday 27February – Year 12 Parent Information Night
Year 12 Leadership Camp
If a student is not attending the Leadership Camp, there will be study classes at school for them to work on upcoming assessment.
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 halfway 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 Thursday, 20 February, starting at 6pm in KPAC. We look forward to seeing you there.
Assessment Calendars
We are finalising assessment calendars for all year levels and will be publishing them via the QParents app, during Week 3. Students will receive an individual copy in their form class.
AARA- Access Arrangement and Reasonable Adjustments
Every year, there are students undertaking senior school studies in Queensland who have a disability, impairment, medical condition or who experience other circumstances that may be a barrier to their performance in assessment. AARA are designed to assist these students.
There is a short video here explaining the AARA process.
https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/senior/assessment/aara/resources/understanding-aara
Please contact the school if you require more information about AARAs and what adjustments can be made.
Contacts
If you have any questions about Senior Schooling, please don’t hesitate to contact one of the following:
Andrew Maddern - Deputy Principal, Educational Achievement, Senior Secondary
Alysha Walker -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
Melissa Kempson – Senior Schooling Team
Alex Fredericks – Senior Schooling Team
Sean Wicks – Guidance Officer – Year 12
Rebecca Zischke – Guidance Officer – Year 11
Renee Feather- Link and Launch Coordinator
Regards
Andrew Maddern
Deputy Principal Educational Achievement, Senior Secondary
Wellbeing and Engagement
Welcome Back!
2025 promises to be a fantastic year for our Year 9 students. Ms Radunz and Ms Woodard are the Year 9 Engagement Heads of Department, supported by Year Level Coordinators Mrs McAnally and Mr Bunyoung.
Each week, students will have the opportunity to receive RRR Awards (Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience). At the end of each term, students will also be eligible for a PBL Reward.
An End-of-Year Trip is planned for students who maintain high standards in attendance, effort, and behaviour, with Year 9 students set to visit Bli Bli Water Park.
To qualify for these trips, students must meet the following criteria:
- Attendance at or above 90%
- No more than one suspension
- All assessments completed
- School fees up to date
Photo Day – Tuesday, February 25
With only three weeks until Photo Day, students must ensure they wear the correct uniform and adhere to the school's policies regarding jewellery, piercings, makeup, and hairstyles.
Personalised envelopes for ordering photos will be distributed soon. Each student will receive a unique barcode and online ordering code (shootkey).
Dress Code Reminder:
Students must be neatly dressed in accordance with the school’s uniform policy. Senior students are not permitted to wear senior jerseys for photos.
For clarification, please refer to page 8 of the Student Diary.
Jewellery
- Must be kept to a minimum to prevent loss or injury.
- Large or ornate jewellery, including large earrings (plastic or otherwise), is not allowed.
- For safety reasons, it is strongly recommended that students remove all jewellery while playing sport.
Piercings & Makeup
- Visible body piercings (face, mouth, eyebrows, nose, tongue, or neck) are not permitted at school.
- If a spacer is necessary, it must be clear in colour.
- One fine sleeper or stud per ear is acceptable.
- Decorative jewellery is not allowed.
- Makeup should be minimal and must not draw unnecessary attention.
Hairstyles
- Hair must be neat and simple, kept away from the eyes at all times.
- Long hair must be secured for practical activities.
- Hair colours that draw unnecessary attention are not permitted.
Steve Perrett
Deputy Principal – Wellbeing and Engagement
Year 7 Off to a Great Start!
What an amazing start to Year 7!
Our new students kicked off their secondary school journey with energy, enthusiasm, and a strong focus on our 3 Rs as the core values of Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience—the perfect foundation for a fantastic year ahead.
Respect was the theme of the week, as students learned to be kind, considerate, and thoughtful towards their classmates, teachers, and school environment. They embraced the importance of understanding and valuing each other’s differences, making sure everyone felt welcome and included.
Responsibility was also in full swing, as students took charge of their learning, their school diary and their role in the school community. From arriving to class on time to keeping track of their belongings, everyone quickly found ways to build strong habits that will carry them through the year.
With Resilience at the forefront, students faced new challenges during transition head-on.
Lunchtime was packed with fun and exciting activities, where students had the chance to bond with new friends and discover their hidden talents. Whether they were joining in on team games, attending the library, or participating in team-building challenges, everyone got involved and had a blast.
Year 7 students have set the bar high with their positive energy, commitment to learning, and determination to make the most of every moment. They’ve shown that with Respect, Responsibility, and Resilience, they’re ready for anything this year throws at them.
What a brilliant start—let’s keep the momentum going!
Amy Stevens
HOD Year 7 Engagement
2025 Trip to Fudouka Update!
Recently when I was holidaying in Japan, I visited our sister school, Fudouka High School in Kazo, Saitama. Although I have been involved in the exchange program for 10 years, it was the first time for me to visit the school. It was great to see some students I have hosted previously, to reunite with the friendly teachers and to see the impressive facilities. It made me super excited about the trip that we will be taking between September 18th and September 29th this year.
I have received a lot of interest for the trip, and it is closed to further applications. I will be communicating shortly with the applicants about what the next steps are. Applicants whose families have hosted previously and/or can commit to hosting a Fudouka student this year (July 25th to August 3rd) will be given first preference. There also may be some changes to the cost of the trip. Student applicants are to keep a close eye on the school notices for more information.
If there are any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Anna Vogelaar
Fudouka Exchange Program Coordinator
Swimming Carnival
What a fantastic day at the pool! Congratulations to Palmer House, our 2025 Swimming Carnival champions, finishing with an impressive 485 points!
Final House Points:
🥇 1st – Palmer (485)
🥈 2nd – Lavarack (403)
🥉 3rd – Youngman (352)
🏅 4th – Bradfield (279)
Age Champions
12 Years 13 Years
Susanna Cullen Emma Tones
Caleb Mayes Henry Ditchburn
14 Years 15 Years
Viana Emily Wheeler
Cooper Kruse Cameron McLeod
16 Years 17 Years
Saige Scott Callie Trace
Ryan Mollenhauer Harvey Sawtell
Multi-Class – Abbie Laherty
18 Years
Tasleigh Gangemi
Rory Crumpton
It was an exciting competition, with Lavarack leading at the halfway mark before Palmer surged ahead. A huge shoutout to all students for their enthusiasm and house spirit. Every participation event was filled, war cries were loud, colours were bright, and the energy, house spirit, and sportsmanship were outstanding!
Thank you to everyone who made the day a success. Now, bring on Cross Country! 🏃♂️🏃♀️
Annette Bales
Sport Coordinator
School Immunisation Program
Ozcare, the provider for School Immunisation Programs is moving to a Digital Consent Form system (Vitavo).
Vitavo will replace Paper Consent Forms previously used with a URL link (below.
Please read carefully the below information regarding the 2025 SIP Clinics:
- Kingaroy State High School URL Link
- Paper Consent Forms (Request from office Only)
Electronic Excursion Consent Forms
This year, we’ve moved to electronic excursion forms to make the process easier and more efficient for families. No more paper notes to get lost!
QParents Users: Parents using the QParents app will receive excursion consent notifications and can approve excursions directly in the app—it's that easy!
Non-QParents Users: If there isn’t a parent on QParents, the excursion form will be emailed as an editable PDF. Parents can complete and return it electronically or submit a hard copy to the office.
So far, we’ve already received over 100 consents through QParents this week alone—saving time and paper!
Need help setting up QParents? We’re here to assist! A staff member will be available at upcoming parent events to help set up your account—just bring your phone and 100 points of ID. You can also visit our office or Student Services for support.
Stay Connected! It’s important that we have your correct email address. If you haven’t received any correspondence from the school this year, please get in touch so we can update your details.
Thank you for helping us streamline communication and make school processes smoother!
Computer use at School
Kingaroy State High School has various programs and policies to support the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in the classroom. To help students develop these skills, the school offers three options: BYOD (Bring Your Own Device), participation in the One-to-One Device Scheme (yearly hire) or Daily Hire of a laptop from our iLibrary. Every student is expected to bring a device that meets the minimum specification to enhance their learning.
Families unable to provide a device are encouraged to schedule a meeting with the relevant Deputy Principal to explore available options. For more information, parents can email BYOD@kingaroyshs.eq.edu.au
P&C News
Welcome to a new school year! There are lots of changes happening, and we’re excited about the new canteen. In the meantime, we are operating a temporary canteen at the front of the Indoor Sports Centre.
A huge thank you to all the students who have visited us over the past two weeks—you have been amazing and incredibly patient as we navigate this transition together. I believe this is what they call resilience!
Our temporary canteen has a limited menu, but this week we’ve been introducing a Food of the Day:
- Monday: Chicken Burgers
- Tuesday: Pasta Dish
- Wednesday: Hot Dogs
- Thursday: Chicken Wraps
- Friday: Burgers
Once we find what works best, we’ll release a more permanent menu for the term.
A HUGE THANK YOU to Brett from Betta Electrical for generously donating the use of a freezer for our temporary canteen. Please support them and let their team know how much we appreciate it!
Upcoming Meetings
📅 Next P&C Meeting: Tuesday, 25 February, 6:00 pm in the Community Building.
(Regular meetings are held on the fourth Tuesday of each month, except during holidays.)
📅 AGM: Tuesday, 25 March.
We are seeking a Secretary and Treasurer—if you have the skills or are willing to help, we’d love to hear from you! Feel free to contact us or simply come along to the next meeting.
Email: pandc@kingaroyshs.eq.edu.au
P&C Conference 2025
Check out details for the P&Cs Qld 2025 State Conference on the Gold Coast, 6–7 June.
We look forward to a great year ahead!
Lois Blanch
P&C President
From the School Nurse
Sun Safety
More than 2 in 3 Australians will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime resulting in Australia having one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. Ultra Violet (UV) radiation, an invisible, high-energy radiation, is the main cause of skin cancer.
UV and temperatures are 2 different considerations with sun safety. UV can be high even on cool and cloudy days. UV and temperature usually peak at different times of the day. Which is why it is important to pay attention to the sun protection times based on the UV levels rather than relying on the temperature. When the UV level hits 3 (moderate) or above, cover up from UV and protect your skin.
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 30+ 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.
- Slide on sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV. 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.
While protecting your skin from UV radiation is the best defence against skin cancer, it is also important to regularly check your skin for new or changed spots. About 95% of skin cancers are treatable if found early.
Skin cancer can appear anywhere on your body, so it is essential to check your whole body, not just areas exposed to the sun. You can do your own skin check at home or ask your GP instead.
Skin cancers don’t all look the same, but there are signs to look out for, including:
- a spot that looks and feels different from other spots on your skin
- a spot that has changed size, shape, colour or texture
- a sore that doesn’t heal within a few weeks
- a sore that is itchy or bleeds.
For melanoma, the attached ABCDE guidelines can be helpful. Yes, to any of these can suggest it’s a melanoma and to get it checked by your GP or skin specialist.
For more information go to:
https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/cancer-prevention/screening/checking-for-skin-cancer/
Selena Stevens
School Based Youth Health Nurse
Upcoming Events
Community Notices
