2025 Kingaroy Highlights #12
Principal's Message
Hello everyone, David Thomson, the very proud Principal of Kingaroy State High School. Welcome to another Kingaroy Highlight.
We've had, obviously, a number of really key things, but I do want to do a big shout-out to our community sponsors — so many to mention. Check out our website and our Facebook page for the amazing array of support we've got for our H2GP team.
Our H2GP team is going to the World Championships for the second year in a row — over to Germany in just a few weeks' time.
Also, we've had our Fudooka sister school visit this last week, and we have just been so overwhelmed with our connection with the Fudooka school in Japan, the legacy since 1996, and the impact that it's had here on our students and our staff. There were actually tears when the Fudooka students were departing, and the connections internationally they make from that program are just profound.
I just want to do a big shout-out to the community. I'm just taking a little bit of leave as my daughter gets married next week, and I'm spending some family time. So, Ms Maudsley will be in charge of this fantastic school for the next couple of weeks, and I'll be back in about four weeks' time.
In the meantime, I look forward to keeping an eye on all of the great things that are happening at this wonderful school. And that is another Kingaroy Highlight.
Senior School News
Year 12
Year 12 students are well through Unit 4 and are busy with assessment tasks at the moment. We are moving towards the mock external exam block in Weeks 9 and 10 of this term and Week 1 of Term 4. All students remain at school for this time and leave their classes to sit the mock exams.
The timetable for these exams will be distributed to students shortly.
The purpose of the mock block exam is to provide students with the opportunity of seeing how they manage such an intense period of assessment, with a number of students having 11 exams.
A few hints:
1. Get plenty of sleep - 8 hours minimum
2. Manage part time work commitments - allow time to get your schoolwork and study done
3. Eat well - a good breakfast containing protein
4. Limit caffeine and sugar intake through coffee or high energy drinks
5. Surround yourself with other students who are calm and collected - avoid the student who tends to panic
6. Be organised - calculator, pens/pencils, clear water bottle and ruler etc.
Year 11
Year 11 students are now over halfway through Unit 2. A large amount of assessment is happening at the moment, and we are working towards a large block exam period at the end of this term.
A reminder that students MUST submit final copies of assessment tasks to ensure an 'N' rating is not awarded.
Year 11 students participated in a fantastic day on Tuesday with the UPP leadership team, marking the first stage of the school’s leadership process as they transition to Year 12. All students have had the opportunity of taking a Leadership Certificate Guideline which outlines the processes and timelines in detail, along with the Leadership Certificate form that allows students to be awarded a 2026 Senior badge and an invitation to attend the Leadership Camp in 2026.
Academic Integrity
Another reminder that all work submitted by students MUST be their own work and appropriately referenced. For more detailed information please refer to the KSHS Assessment Policy which includes guidelines on Academic Integrity and the KSHS Referencing Policy
The Senior Schooling Team
Mr Andrew Maddern - DP Senior Schooling
Mrs Alysha Walker - HOD Senior Schooling
Mrs Krysty Connelly - Year Level Coordinator
Mr Rob Turner - Academic Coach
Mrs Mel Kempson - Academic Coach
Mrs Alex Fredricks – Academic Coach
Mrs Helen Beresford - DP Inclusion
Mrs Cath Glenny – HOD Differentiation
Mrs Robyn Hourn -Senior Schooling Administration
Mr Andrew Maddern
Deputy Principal, Educational Achievement - Senior Secondary
Wellbeing and Engagement
The annual School Opinion Survey is now open for parents and caregivers. This is a valuable opportunity to share your thoughts on what our school is doing well and where we can improve.
🔹 The survey link was emailed during the week of 21 July with the subject line: School Opinion Survey for parents and caregivers, 2025.
🔹 Each family receives one anonymous survey link from the Department of Education.
🔹 It can be completed on any device with internet access.
If you haven’t received the invitation, please check your junk folder or with the other caregiver in your household. Devices are also available at school if needed.
Let’s ensure every voice is heard—your feedback matters!
📧 For help accessing the survey: schoolopinionsurvey@qed.qld.gov.au
Mr Steve Perrett
Deputy Principal, Wellbeing and Engagement
Bangarra Dance Theatre Excursion
The Indigenous Girls Dance group embarked on an inspiring journey to explore their future pathways with a special tour of Griffith University on Wednesday. They learnt about educational opportunities and connected with Indigenous staff and students. As part of this empowering experience, the group also attend a powerful performance by the renowned Bangarra Dance Theatre at QPAC, celebrating culture, identity, and storytelling through contemporary Indigenous dance. This meaningful excursion supports the girls in dreaming big, staying connected to culture, and envisioning bright futures.
Thank you to Stanwell for providing the funding to support these girls in exploring opportunities.
Ms Melissa Furtado
Teacher
Year 12 Visual Arts in Practice Students Create Vibrant Mural Tribute
Year 12 Visual Arts in Practice students are leaving their mark - literally - on the school grounds with a bold and colourful mural currently taking shape at the end of the Visual Arts block, on the caged area.
This exciting project is a collaborative effort, with each student contributing to both the planning and painting stages. From the early design discussions to the first brush strokes, the mural has been a true team effort that showcases the creativity and unity of the 2025 Year Visual Arts in Practice students.
The mural is progressing beautifully, with vibrant colours and imaginative designs already bringing new life to the space. It's more than just art - it's a tribute to the spirit and identity of this year's graduating class.
As the project ramps-up, students, staff, and visitors are encouraged to watch this space - something special is coming, and it’s a celebration of talent, teamwork, and the lasting legacy of the Class of 2025.
Ms Carissa Sempf
A/HOD Technology - Design and Digital
Mountain Bike Racing
Building on their recent achievements at the Sunshine Coast Schools MTB Competition, Amy Sempf (Year 11) and Soren Turton (Year 9) continued to impress over the weekend at the local round of the SEQ Winter Cross Country MTB Series, held at the Gordonbrook MTB Trails.
Competing in the challenging A Grade Women’s division – and braving some icy winter conditions – both riders delivered outstanding performances. Soren powered to an incredible first place, with Amy close behind in second.
Congratulations to both students on another fantastic result!
Ms Hanna Newton
Teacher
FLAIR
Ahoy!
Auditions are officially overboard—the talent is locked in, the line-up is sizzling, and now it’s time to get hyped as we cruise toward the most iconic event of the year:
FLAIR is docking on Friday, 19th September!
We might still be a few nautical miles away, but the countdown has begun, and the vibes are already at tropical levels.
Here’s what’s on the cruise itinerary:
- Day Show (Periods 3 & 4): Escape the classroom and sail into a showcase of school talent that’ll blow your bucket hat off
- Evening Show (7 PM): Bring the fam, the friends, and maybe even a flotation device—this one’s going to make waves
Get ready to board. Get ready to cheer. Get ready to FLAIR.
With sea-salty excitement,
Your School Captains.
From the School Nurse
Bullying No Way
Bullying is when people deliberately use words or actions repeatedly against an individual or a group to cause physical, social and/or psychological harm. They usually want to make the person feel less powerful or helpless.
Bullying can happen anywhere — at school, at work, at home, online, or by text messaging or email. Bullying can come in different forms, all of which cause distress and pain for the person who is being bullied.
Bullying affects everyone differently, but if you’re being bullied you may feel:
- guilty because you think it’s your fault
- hopeless because you don’t know how to get out of the situation
- alone, with no one to help you
- depressed and rejected by others
- unsafe and afraid
- confused and stressed
- ashamed that it’s happening to you
Experiencing bullying can increase the risk that someone will develop depression, anxiety and other mental health concerns.
The theme for this year's Bullying No Way campaign is Be Bold. Be Kind. Speak Up.
Bullying No Way Week is asking you to be bold and say something, be kind and support someone and be proud to speak up against bullying.
By working together within our community, we can help reduce bullying.
Families play an important role in helping children understand bullying and know how to respond to it.
Remind your child that bullying is never okay and discuss how they can respond safely if they experience or witness it.
Encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult and keep seeking support if needed.
By promoting open communication, we empower children to stand up against bullying and create a safer environment where everyone can feel that they belong.
For more information visit:
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bullying
https://au.reachout.com/bullying/about-bullying/a-practical-guide-to-dealing-with-bullying
Selena Stevens
School Based Youth Health Nurse
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