Welcome to the start of Term 4, a busy term as we wrap up the year, with a great deal happening. 

All the very best wishes for Year 12 as they commence their exams next week and I look forward to working alongside staff and students as we close the year out.

A Safety Message:

'Stranger danger' used to mean warning kids not to talk to unfamiliar people on the way home from school. Today, those strangers are just a click away.

In this Online Safety Advisory:

What are random chat apps and what are the risks?

Why it matters now

What is eSafety doing?

What parents and carers can do

Further resources and reading

What are random chat apps and what are the risks?

Strangers can appear on screen in real time through anonymous chat platforms that pair users randomly for video or text conversations.

Today, those strangers are just a click away – often appearing on screen in real time, through anonymous chat platforms that pair users randomly for video or text conversations.

But for children and young people, they can quickly become gateways to inappropriate content, manipulation, and sexual exploitation.  

The risks are not hypothetical – they are happening now, and they are serious.

In this online safety advisory, we examine the unique dangers of anonymous chat platforms and offer parents and carers guidance on how to protect those most at risk. 

The safety issue: Hidden dangers of anonymous chat apps

Anonymous chat platforms let people connect with strangers instantly. Often, there are limited registration and age check requirements.  

Sometimes, this is by design.

For children, what sounds like off-the-cuff fun is also a perfect storm for potential contact and abuse by adult predators. Here's why:

If there is no age checking: Children can slip into adult spaces with ease.

Random pairing: Users are matched with strangers, often without filters.

Live video: Inappropriate content can appear in seconds, without warning.

Anonymity: Predators can hide their identity and intentions.

Recording risks: Conversations can be saved and misused without consent.

Why it matters now

The problem isn't new – but it’s getting worse.

Increased access: Kids now carry video-enabled devices everywhere.

Pandemic habits: Lockdowns pushed more young people online, often unsupervised.

Tech evolution: AI and real-time video make interactions faster and more difficult to moderate.

Legal pressure: Platforms are facing lawsuits and public scrutiny, but many still operate with minimal safeguards.

What is eSafety doing?

eSafety is taking a leading role to tackle online harms – in Australia and worldwide – including those linked to anonymous random chat platforms.

Legal powers under the Online Safety Act

The Online Safety Act 2021 gives eSafety the authority to:

improve transparency and hold platforms to account through the Basic Online Safety Expectations

require companies to build in safety by design features, have effective moderation tools, dedicate enough resources, and act on user reports

order the removal of unlawful content, with action required within 24 hours.

Spotlight on randomised communication

eSafety's guidance is clear: online anonymity can fuel abuse. Platforms must stop predators from hiding behind fake identities.

Education and resources

From parent guides to school toolkits, eSafety offers practical advice on:

talking to kids about online chat

recognising grooming behaviour

reporting and blocking abusive users.

Raising public awareness  

eSafety communicates through this website and through traditional and social media to highlight the risks of sextortion, grooming, and exposure to harmful content – especially through online spaces such as anonymous chat platforms.

What parents and carers can do

You don't need to be a tech expert to protect your kids. Here's what works:

Use parental controls

Set up device restrictions with tools such as Apple Screen Time or Google Family Link.

Block high-risk sites for children such as OmeTV and Chatroulette (also known as 'Chatruletka'). Even these apps say they are not for under 18s.

Use parental control apps like Bark or Qustodio to help keep an eye on online activity.

Talk early and often

Ask open-ended questions such as 'Have you ever chatted with someone you haven't met face-to-face?'

Tell kids they should never meet someone in person if they have only spoken online – especially not in a private place.

Avoid shame – make it safe for kids to share uncomfortable experiences.

Role-play scenarios with your children to build confidence and awareness.

Teach digital boundaries

Reinforce rules about sharing personal info.

Encourage caution and privacy when using device cameras.

Show how to block and report users.

Build critical thinking

Help kids spot manipulation tactics.

Discuss why some people hide their identity online.

Encourage scepticism and self-protection.

What the tech industry should do

The responsibility for safety should not fall on families alone. Platforms must step up by:

Implementing effective age assurance: Go beyond simple age gates and use tools that accurately establish a user's age.

Resourcing safety teams properly: Especially for moderating live video content.

Using AI responsibly: To detect and block harmful behaviour in real time.

Designing with safety in mind: Only enable anonymity and random pairing when strong safeguards are in place.

Being transparent: Publish safety practices and abuse statistics.

Protecting childhood starts here

Anonymous chat platforms may seem like harmless digital playgrounds. However, for children and young people, they can become like online quicksand – pulling them into unsafe interactions before anyone realises.  

The risks are real and the consequences are serious. The solutions demand a united effort from parents and carers, educators, tech companies, and regulators.

True online safety is much more than blocking harmful content. It means building trust, teaching resilience, and designing digital environments that put children's wellbeing first.

Further resources and reading

eSafety Commissioner 

Online chat and video chat safety

Anonymous communication guidance

The hard-to-have conversations

Child grooming and unwanted contact

Online safety basics 

Common Sense Media – parent reviews of chat platforms 

www.commonsensemedia.orgExternal link

Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) 

www.accce.gov.auExternal link

External Exams

The first round of Senior External Exams begin on Monday 27th October. The exam block is devised by the QCAA and schedules exams across a four-week period from October 27 to November 18. Under this system, all students in Queensland studying a particular subject will sit the same assessment, at the same time, under the same conditions.  Exams for subjects studied by students at Wilsonton SHS will finish on Friday November 14.

Morning exam sessions will commence at 8:45am and afternoon sessions at 12:15pm. Students are therefore advised to be at their scheduled exam 30 minutes prior to the start time.

It is a student’s responsibility to:

• Be aware of when exams are scheduled.
• To be on time for each exam session.
• To have the required equipment for the exam.

To inform students the QCAA has developed a number of publications:

• External Exam Directions for Students

• External Exams Equipment List

• External Exam Timetable

Release of Year 12 results and ATARs

Students' final subject results, Senior statements and QCEs will be released in the Student Portal on the myQCE website on Wednesday 17 December 2025. ATARs will be available via QTAC's ATAR Portal  on Thursday 18 December 2025 for eligible students.  Students must sign up to the ATAR Portal to access their ATARs.  For more information, visit the QTAC website.

My QCE

All students in Year 12 are reminded of the importance of activating their myQCE account. This QCAA initiative allows students to plan a pathway for QCE attainment by the end of year 12. It also provides information about:

• Subjects and courses
• VET
• Study Tips
• Assessment & Results
• ATAR & Tertiary entrance
• Jobs & careers

Year 11 Performance Interviews:

Following the recent Unit 2 reports students in year 11 whose academic attainment has been below par will be being interviewed about options moving forward.

In some cases, this will entail subject changes and course restructures and this will be the last opportunity for students to restructure their course of study. There will be no changes once students have commenced Unit 3. For others, particularly those at risk of not attaining a QCE, there will be some hard conversations as to exactly what they need to do to improve their performance so as to reclaim the opportunity to graduate with a QCE.

Also, unfortunately, it will mean that some students who have not been attending school with the required regularity and/or whose report card shows failing grades coupled with unacceptable effort and behaviour outcomes, will be required to show cause as to why their enrolment should not be cancelled. Transitional opportunities will be offered to any students who find themselves in the situation of having their enrolment cancelled.

Jacinta Alexender
Deputy Principal

Congratulations to our Year 11 students on their effort and dedication through the application process for 2026 student leadership positions. We would like to officially acknowledge our 2026 school captains John Lloyd, Sienna Radke, Arlia Schefe and Luke Miller. We would also like to congratulate our 2026 Prefects, First Nations Leader, Sports House Captains, Arts Captains and Arts Ambassadors.

Prefects: Jordy F, Eli G, Tanisha P, Daniel P, Patrick R, Jorja H, Mia M, Elizabeth R, Sienna M, Charli C, Lane R, Sarah-Joy F, Abby W, Jai G, Elijah R. Missing: Pluto W

First Nations Leader: Kalinda S

School Captains: Luke M, John L, Arlia S, Sienna R

Arts Captains and Ambassadors:  Jordy F, Tanisha P, Mia M, Sienna M, Aviendha M, Bailey H, Jai G, Ella M

House Captains: Tanisha, P, Eli G, Jorja H, Ella M

Our 2026 Leadership Group spent last Friday participating in a Peer Power seminar, where they collaborated to explore the theme of “Leading a Legacy.” Throughout the day, our student leaders reflected on their personal goals and developed shared aspirations for the year ahead. We look forward to seeing the strong relationships they build and the positive impact they will make within our school community.

The last day of term 3 saw our school’s Colour Run along with Wilsonton’s Got Talent competition to inspire our students and finish the term off strong.

The event was a great success and highlights the spirit of our school standing together.

On Tuesday the 14^th of October 14 students were lucky enough to go on an excursion to the Novus Precast Solutions Warehouse and the John Holland Construction Site where the new Toowoomba Hospital is being built.

The students experienced firsthand what Novus is and what they do. Novus builds precast concrete slabs and have designed a unique connection system that is a global success. Novus joins 4 precast panels together to make a concrete box that will be the staircase walls, this box weighing 90 tonne and costing over 250k each (51 in total to be made). Students explored this facility and gained valuable insight into another avenue for employment in the construction industry.

We then went to the construction site of the new hospital which is run by John Holland. Here students witnessed cranes operating, concrete pumps pumping, scaffolders working and also walked through and saw the organisation and planning that goes into a billion-dollar project. This was an amazing opportunity for our students that would not have been possible without the help from one of our school partnerships CSQ (Construction Skills Queensland) who organised everything to give our students this awesome experience. So thankyou CSQ, Novus, and John Holland.

Acknowledging the excellent work of students receiving gold, silver and attendance awards in semester 2 is an important focus for the end of the school year. The year level coordinator team is currently investigating options available for students to celebrate their achievements.

Term 3 reporting data will be used to determine student eligibility and invitations for upcoming Rewards Trips in Week 8 (Senior) and Week 10 (Junior). This will include their attendance, effort and behaviour, and in some instances their results may be taken into account. Before these trips occur, teachers will also provide feedback on behaviour and effort for Term 4, which may impact student eligibility should there be large differences in effort and behaviour.

Reward options currently being investigated for students include:

• Day trip to Movie World on the Gold Coast, approx. cost $40, approx. (early start and late finish out of school hours TBA)
• Other local Toowoomba options ranging from with a cost TBA

If your student is away for the day, it easy to explain why via the text message, email or calling the school.  If they are away for 3 days or more, a medical certificate is required.

This will help your student in their efforts not only academically, but also in being invited to attend our rewards days, application for senior jersey & formal and other extra-curricular activities.

On the 17^th of September the Hydrogen Grand Prix Team visited Forma3D as part of our research, development and industry connections. During this visit, the Industrial Designers and Engineers at Forma3D demonstrated how they utilise a range of modern technology to design and manufacture parts for clients. This included the use of an innovative 3D scanner, which their team used to scan the WSHS Willpower R/C car. The speed of the 3D scanner to record and communicate the real-life model to the computer was mind-blowing. Evidently, the importance of efficiency and accuracy in the design and manufacturing process was highlighted as this eliminated the need to get out measuring tools and start a CAD model from scratch. The ideas from the Willpower team instantly started to brew as they discussed how to integrate this tech into their development process to improve the Hydrogen powered R/C car.

As the team progressed through the workshop, they were shown a range of cutting-edge additive manufacturing technology. The additive manufacturing industry in Australia and across the globe is rapidly expanding, with many businesses such as Forma3D adding new machinery and tech to become leaders in creating high-quality parts for clients. Forma3D showed a range of additive machines, including metal, ceramic and carbon-fibre printers. Students were able to compare materials and parts produced in different formats. They began to discuss and determine when selected materials could be preferred across a range of different contexts, such as an off-road vehicle, as compared to a race car. 

The visit to Forma3D exposed just how rapidly the design and technology industry is developing and how we can utilise this tech to enhance and benefit our design experience. The WSHS Hydrogen Grand Prix team will continue to collaborate with Forma3D on the project as they develop their R/C car.

Mr Daniel Flood

As the School Based Youth Health Nurse, I work with the school community to promote health and wellbeing, create a supportive, healthy school environment and connect people with other support services.  

Being Sun Smart

The end of October brings the start of extreme heat alerts and extreme UV index. It’s a reminder to be Sun Smart especially at school. The UV index is highest during school time (9am-3pm). Ultraviolet (UV) radiation damage accumulated during childhood and adolescence is strongly associated with an increased risk of skin cancer later in life. Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two in three Australians developing some form of skin cancer before age 70. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable cancers.

• Slip on loose protective clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
• Slop on 30+ sunscreen remembering to reapply regularly
• Slap on a hat
• Seek shade
• Slide on sunglasses

You can download the SunSmart app for free which provides the times recommended to use sun protection and also gives the highest UV rating for the day.

Pathways to Cessation

The Pathways to Cessation program is delivered by health professionals at the Queensland Quitline service and combines information and counselling support with a free 12-week supply of nicotine replacement products such as patches, gum, and lozenges. A reminder here at Wilsonton SHS we are working in partnership with Queensland Health, so members of our school community can access a free quit support program for parents, carers, siblings.

There will be further information on the school website on how to access this program shortly. If you’d like to find out ‘what to expect from Quitline’ visit the QuitHQ website via this link https://www.quithq.initiatives.qld.gov.au/how-to-quit/get-help-from-quitline

Angela Kain- School Based Youth Health Nurse
Working Mon, Tues, Wed & (on odd weeks) Thurs based in the Support Hub.

WSHS P&C Executive:

President – Janelle Collins                                                 Secretary – Brenda Steger     

Vice President – Brenda Steger                                        Treasurer – Sonya Trim

Contact for the WSHS P&C Association

Operations Manager – Narelle Maynard   email: nmayn12@eq.edu.au

Notice of AGM & General Meeting

The P&C Association has held the final meeting for 2025.

The P&C Annual General Meeting – will be held on Tuesday 17^th February, 2026 commencing at 5.00pm and followed by the P&C General Meeting – which will be held in the Conference Room (Administration Building).                New members are very welcome!

Uniform Shop

All Uniform Items can be purchased from the School Uniform Shop which is opened each school day 7.30am until 8.45am.  For all enquiries after 8.45am is by request of appointment time ONLY, please contact the Uniform Shop (Ph: 46 390408) to book a time.  Second-Hand uniform items are also available (selected stock only). 

By supporting the P&C Uniform Shop, assists the P&C to make contributions back to the school and supporting Students.  Hannas is also an outlet for the school uniform items.  The Uniform Price list can be found on the school website by clicking on the following link:

Uniform Price List

Canteen Volunteers Needed!

If you can spare a couple of hours a week, fortnight or month, please consider volunteering in our school canteen. The School is growing. The canteen is getting busier. We are looking for and welcome new volunteers – all help is appreciated.  If you would like to “give it a go”, please call in to see Kim at the Canteen or phone 46390408 or email nmayn12@eq.edu.au

Canteen

Pre-ordering of lunches can be made by completing an order request form at the Canteen prior to school day commencing (ordering available 7.30am up to 8.45am each school day).

The Canteen Menu can be found on the school website by clicking on the following link:

Canteen menu

Both Cash and EFTPOS facilities are available at the Canteen and Uniform Shop.

Flexischools

Online ordering for the Canteen and Uniform shop is possible through Flexischools.

Go to www.flexishools.com.au  to register for Wilsonton State High School!!!

The daily cut-off time for canteen orders is 8.30am.

Canteen items can be ordered for 1st and/or 2nd Break.

Uniform items ordered can be collected by students the following day.

 P&C’s QLD

If you would like any general information about P&C Associations please go to: www.pandcsqld.com.au