Welcome to the first newsletter for 2025

Welcome to all new families and students of Year 7, as well as all other year levels. Our numbers are stable between 950 to 980 on our official day 8 student numbers. A testament to our growth is the great work of all staff and the achievements of our students.

A 'Meet the Teacher' evening will be on Tuesday 18^th February between 5pm and 6pm for Year 7, but all are welcome.

Our attendance goal is 92% attendance in all year levels. This is a challenge with already on average between 150 to 190 students away per day. This brings us to an 89.6 % attendance for the year, so unfortunately not tracking too well, so far.   

We are in a process of formulating a updated policy for students late to school and as principal, I will make contact with parents of repeat offenders. School starts every day at 8:45am with the first warning bell and students need to be standing in front of your class on the second bell at 8:50am, ready to step into class. Students missing lesson time will have to make up the time or have a consequence for not following school processes.

We had a very successful start after the three student free days.  The staff are busy teaching and preparing for Naplan through teaching of reading and writing in the classrooms for Year 7 and 9. Naplan will take place at the end this term.

Wilsonton SHS is a school for the community. Reflecting on the achievements of our Senior 2024 cohort shows that our program and curriculum delivery by very passionate and qualified teachers is working. This year, our senior student numbers have also grown.  We welcome new staff members to our school community.

Our 2024 senior cohort were very successful, achieving 100% QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) attainments. VET course students were successful in achieving competencies resulting in Certificate III and Certificate II qualifications to support them in future pathways.  The ATAR score was on the predicted mark with students doing well in their personal scores. Some student attained a score above 90, showing again that Wilsonton SHS can compete with any other school with the right student attitude towards learning.

Academically, Wilsonton SHS is very much on par with other schools, even those larger than us. At Wilsonton SHS successes are attributed to three factors working in partnership together. The student, teacher and parent have each got a role to play and a vested interest in the student's outcome and future.

An old African proverb says –It takes a village to bring up a child.

Lets work in this three-way partnership, to guarantee our student successes and not work against the corners of the triangle. 

Enjoy the rest of the articles.

Lou Oberholzer
Principal

SCHOOL PHOTO DAY 

Wilsonton State High School

Day of Photography

Tuesday 18th February 2025

1. Please wear your full school uniform
2. Please place your order online before the day of photography
   - Go to www.advancedlife.com.au and enter this code:
                                        
                                          QQD NKM T3X

3. Payment can be made using Visa, Mastercard or PayPal
4. If you are unable to order online, please hand your completed order envelope directly to the photographers on the day of photography

Senior Pathways and Transitions

Welcome back for what will be another big and exciting year in Senior Secondary.  We look forward to building on the successes of previous cohorts and urge the new Seniors to embrace the values and cultures of what it means to be a Senior Student in our school community.

Senior students have already begun participating in the large range of opportunities we provide at Wilsonton SHS:

• Students who have selected a TAFE subject as one of their subjects have started attending TAFE for Certificate II in Manufacturing Technology, Certificate II in Automotive Preparation and Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics. TAFE teachers have begun teaching Certificate II in Rural Operation and Certificate II in Salon Assistant using our wonderful facilities here at school.
• An information session about the Head Start program for our high achieving academic students and their parents has been held.
• Students on a QCIA pathway have begun the work experience program.
• A number of selected Year 11 and 12 students attending the P.A.R.T.Y (Preventing Alcohol and Risk Related Trauma in Youth) program at Toowoomba Hospital last Friday.
• Year 12 students on an ATAR pathway have attended the University Roadshow this week.

Subject Changes

The opportunity to change subjects has now passed.  The expectation for all Year 11 students is that there will be no more changes until the end of Unit 1 in mid-May. Year 12 students are unable to make any changes this year due to course requirements.  Year 10 students will be expected to remain committed to their current selections until the end of the first reporting period.

QCE Attainment

The Queensland Certificate of Education is one of the key indicators of success for any Year 12 student. One hundred percent of our 2024 Year 12’s achieved either their QCE or QCIA and it is an expectation that every student in our current Year 12 cohort will apply themselves to their studies with the necessary dedication to attain this qualification by the end of their Senior Schooling.

It is a qualification worth having.

In essence to secure a QCE students are required to:

1. Secure a total of at least 20 points, usually by passing each of their subjects and completing each of their VET qualifications. Each subject attracts 1 point per semester studied, providing the students maintains a passing grade. VET qualifications offer between 2 and 8 points depending upon their complexity.
2. Pass their English subject.
3. Pass their Maths subject.
4. Not make more than 2 changes of subject over years 11 and 12.

After reviewing some Year 12 students, some students have been identified as being at risk for either not having yet achieved their literacy and/or numeracy tick while others have a significant point deficit. In the coming weeks these students will be interviewed and a support plan enacted.  It is really critical that students embrace the plans put in place for them to provide the best chance of success for the achievement of the Queensland Certificate of Education.

The essential message to all students is that to secure a QCE they need to apply themselves wholeheartedly to passing every subject and attaining every VET qualification they are enrolled in.

Year 12 Formal Eligibility

The Year 12 Formal will be held on Thursday November 20 (note the day change to previous years). Attending the formal is a privilege not a right.  Attendance is by invitation only and rewards the high level of commitment, responsibility, resilience and respect expected of and demonstrated by students. A student will receive an invitation to the formal if s/he has:

1. An attendance level above 92% (Special circumstances will be considered by the Principal).
2. Completed all components of their assessment program, including VET.
3. Successfully attained a Queensland Certificate of Education.(QCE)
4. A history of respect for and compliance with the expectations of their Senior Accountability Agreement and the Student Code of Conduct.
5. No outstanding financial obligations to the school e.g. Student Resource Scheme or outstanding subject fees.
6. Returned, or replaced all school resources issued to them.

A similar set of expectations exists for Year 11 students to be eligible to purchase a school jersey at the end of the year.

Year 12 Assessment Calendar

A reminder that students are expected to provide a medical certificate when absent due to illness on exams dates.  Failure to follow the assessment policy around submission of satisfactory assessment tasks and attendance at exams will impact on a student’s result and therefore eligibility for a QCE and the associated rewards such as formal and graduation.

Uniform Requirements

It is timely to remind everyone of the school uniform policy.  Students are required to wear their uniform in the way in which it was intended on the following days.

• Sports Uniform – Monday, Wednesday & Friday
• Formal Uniform – Tuesday & Thursday

In addition, many students are undertaking a variety of Vocational Certificates, both at school and at TAFE. Unforms for these will be subject specific but will include particular clothing and shoes and in some cases eye protection.

Jacinta Alexander
Deputy Principal - Years 10, 11 & 12

Academy ONE Program

Wilsonton State High School’s belief in every student achieving ensures that a pathway is provided for every student to reach their full potential.

Our Academy ONE Program is an extension opportunity for invited bright minded students. To be eligible for the program in Year 7, students need to display high Academic Achievement in English, Maths, Science and Humanities. Students remain in the same class for all subjects.

For students in Year 8 and Year 9, decisions for Academy ONE class allocation will be made by individual Heads of Departments for their individual subjects. This will facilitate a more targeted approach for students with particular strength in each of the learning areas. We anticipate that the majority of these classes will have very similar students, but it will enable other students’ access to their particular area of strength hence broadening the program delivery.

It is expected that Behaviour and Effort results are maintained to a high standard and meet the high expectations of the school community. Good attendance will also contribute to success in the program.

Information for eligible students will be provided in the coming days.

Reading Program

Reading has the power to change lives. It plays an essential role in learning, securing a job and being an active and engaged member of society. Reading provides us with information, knowledge, and makes us aware of people and places beyond our immediate circles. Learning foundational reading skills supports wellbeing and can translate to a love of reading and literature. As so much of our world rapidly changes around us, learning to read remains one of the most essential outcomes of schooling.

In Queensland state schools, reading is taught across all learning areas of the Australian Curriculum using evidence-informed teaching practices. To support implementation of the updated curriculum, the Department of Education in collaboration with P&Cs Queensland provided an online reading session for parents and carers to support reading at home.

A recording of the Twilight Reading Session for Parents and Carers is now available for school use.

Karen Sheales
Deputy Principal

A very warm welcome to 2025 to those students, parents and families who are beginning their Wilsonton High journey this year and those continuing. I am excited by the opportunity to work alongside the Year 9 cohort and look forward to working in partnership with you to enrich the lives of your children.

It’s a busy start to the year with the swimming carnival right around the corner, Elevate sessions for Academy students, school photos, Harmony Week, NAPLAN and Cross Country carnival are just some of the highlights in this jam packed term.

The school year has kicked off with 158 Year 9s enrolled at our great school. Mrs Caitie Dieters and Mrs Ronell Naude continue on as Year Co-ordinators.  I have been very impressed in not only the strong relationships they have fostered with students but also the engagement students show during whole school and year level assemblies. They are very much looking forward to assisting every Year 9 student to have a successful year. We meet regularly to discuss student welfare, with a particular focus on attendance and our four encompassing core values, respect, resilience, commitment and responsibility.

Subject Selection: The opportunity to change subjects has now passed. In Year 9 students have the chance to explore four elective subjects, completing two per semester. These subjects include Agriculture, Art, Business, Dance, Design Technology, Digital Technology, Drama, Home Economics, Industrial Technology, Japanese, Legal Studies and Music. Year 9 is a great opportunity for students to experience different areas of study, helping discover their strengths and interests.

Behavioural Expectations: All staff are currently teaching our school mandated behaviour expectations for students before, during and exiting from class. All classes have had inductions to ensure every student knows what is expected of them within classrooms and in the playground. We remind our students continually about our expectations of every student learning and every teacher teaching. If students are unable to follow these expectations each day, they can expect potential consequences which range from lunch-time detentions through to a Saturday detention.

Our behaviour team monitor students closely and make every attempt to work in partnership with parents and staff to intervene with students engaging in poor behaviour choices in an effort to support students on their path to success whilst at school. We have regularly made it clear that we have high expectations and we will continue to work with students to help them understand how they can meet these, just as we work with staff to build on a range of strategies that support increased engagement. We expect calm and orderly classrooms and we expect our teachers to teach and students to learn without disrespect or disruption. All school staff seek opportunities to praise those students who are upholding our school values through the Peggy system as well as communicating success to students and to parents/ carers through phone calls, text messages or even emails.

Mobile Phone Policy: In 2024 the Queensland State Government banned mobile phones in their ‘Off and Away for the Day’ policy.  Phones are to be away from the first bell at 8:45 am until the last bell of the day at 2:55 pm.

Bullying: Recently we have seen in the media the harmful and serious effects bullying can have on young people. Wilsonton State High School is committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students and does not tolerate bullying in any shape or form. As a school we guarantee to investigate and follow-up on every incident reported no matter how trivial one may think it is. In an effort to support this process we have activated an online anonymous reporting process called Stymie. Stymie is an external web-based application that allows students, parents and members of the community to report any type of bullying or harmful behaviour that they may see or observe. Stymie can be accessed via the internet from any browser and allows instant, anonymous reporting of poor behaviour or harm to the school. Screen shots from social media, photos and the like can be added to the report and it allows the school to quickly and effectively deal with situations before they escalate. For further information or to make a report please visit the Stymie website via the link below.

http://www.stymie.com.au

I’m looking forward to the year ahead and all that it brings. If you have any concerns or I can be of assistance in supporting your child’s educational journey, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school.

Matt Buchanan
Deputy Principal –Year 9

Second year of secondary school - our Year 8s have started well. 191 students started in 2025 who are supported by all their teachers including Mrs Fudge and Mrs Yamasito as Year Level Coordinators and myself as Deputy Principal.

I am looking forward to a productive and positive year working alongside the Year 8 cohort and look forward to working in partnership with you to enrich the lives of your children. We look for respect, resilience, commitment and responsibility and impress these values on the students as a way of setting them up for the best in themselves.

A punctual start, especially at the beginning of the school day will set up all students for a successful day and I appreciate your support in this. Please ensure that you send a note along with your child if they have a valid reason for their delayed arrival.

Here at Wilsonton SHS, we believe in fostering a sense of belonging and community which is emphasised by our focus on our school uniforms. All students were reminded of our expectations and we cherish your support. We do understand that there are times when things do not go according to plans and only ask that you to let us know so we can best support your child.

To our Year 8:
Continue to embrace opportunities. Strive to be the best you can be and then aim a little higher. Ask for help when you need it.

To our all parents and guardians … thank you for entrusting us with your child's education. We value the input and partnership and encourage open communication throughout the year.

There will be many challenges this year sporting, academic and emotional and we work towards an engaging learning journey and continuous improvement for all students – please do not hesitate to contact us with any queries, concerns or suggestions you may have to make this year a successful, engaging year for all our Year 8 students.

Michael Pflaum
Deputy Principal - Year 8

I hope this message finds you well and filled with excitement for the journey ahead. As Deputy Principal, I am delighted to extend a heartfelt welcome to all our Year 7 students as they begin this new chapter in their education. Alongside Year Level Co-ordinators, Mr. Johansen and Mrs. Nelmes, we are incredibly proud of the way the Year 7 cohort has embraced the transition into high school with enthusiasm, resilience, and a commitment to learning.

Starting high school is a significant milestone, marking a time of growth, new experiences, and endless opportunities. We are honoured to be part of this journey with you and your child. At Wilsonton SHS, our dedicated team of teachers and teacher’s aides is committed to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and enriching environment where every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

At Wilsonton SHS, we hold the values of Respect, Responsibility, Resilience, and Commitment at the heart of everything we do. These values shape our school culture and guide our students as they embark on their high school journey:

• Respect – We encourage our students to value themselves and others, embracing diversity and treating everyone with kindness and understanding.
• Responsibility – We support students in taking ownership of their learning, actions, and goals, setting a strong foundation for success.
• Resilience – Challenges are a natural part of growth, and we empower students to persevere, learn from setbacks, and develop confidence in their abilities.
• Commitment – Excellence is achieved through dedication. We encourage every student to engage fully, set goals, and strive to reach their full potential.

To Our Year 7 Students:

Maturity comes when you stop making excuses and start making changes! Embrace every opportunity with curiosity and confidence. Challenge yourself, step outside your comfort zone, and never be afraid to ask for help. High school is a time for discovery, learning, and self-expression, and we are here to support you every step of the way.

To Our Parents and Guardians:

Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. We deeply value the partnership between home and school and encourage open communication and collaboration throughout the year. Together, we can ensure that your child receives the guidance, encouragement, and support they need to thrive.

As we embark on this journey together, let’s celebrate the beginning of a bright new chapter filled with endless possibilities. I have no doubt that our Year 7 students will rise to every challenge, demonstrate resilience, and make us all proud. I look forward to witnessing their growth, achievements, and successes in the years to come.

Welcome to Year 7! Let’s make this a year to remember—one of growth, learning, and success! We look forward to meeting you at the Meet the Teacher evening on Tuesday, 18 February, where we can further strengthen our partnership in learning.

Mr Jarroush

Year 7 Deputy Principal

Just a reminder to all parents/carers, please ensure you have downloaded the Compass and QParents apps, to ensure you are able to maintain communication with the school, as well as returning Software Consent and iPad forms along with payment for the iPad so we are able to issue your child with their iPad in a timely manner. Please contact school if you have any issues with any of these requests.

 

NAPLAN News – Year 7 and Year 9

As children progress through their school years, it is very important that checks are made along the way to see how well they are learning the essential skills of reading, writing and mathematics – skills that will set them upon the path to success as adults.

The NAPLAN schedule for Wilsonton State High School is below:

NAPLAN is a point-in-time assessment that allows parents and carers to see how their child is progressing in literacy and numeracy against the national standard and compared with their peers throughout Australia. At the classroom level, NAPLAN provides additional information to support teachers’ professional judgement about student progress.

NAPLAN online is a tailored test that adapts to student responses, providing better assessment and more precise results.

For many children, online NAPLAN tests will be more engaging.

Support your child to understand that the questions they attempt will be more suited to their ability, relieving any concerns they may have, along with the fact that they will be using a computer or device.

NAPLAN Online tailored test design starts with a standard set of questions, then as your child responds to questions, moves to questions that are suited to their ability.

Visit ACARA's NAPLAN website, particularly the frequently asked questions, to find out more about NAPLAN Online.

Advice for parents and caregivers about NAPLAN in general is also available.

More information will be released as we move closer to the testing dates.

During Week 1 and 2, our core value focus was Respect

Being respectful at school is crucial because it fosters a positive and safe learning environment for everyone. When students show respect towards teachers, peers, and staff, it promotes effective communication, collaboration, and mutual understanding. Respectful behaviour helps to prevent conflicts, reduces bullying, and creates an atmosphere of trust and kindness. It also sets a good example for others, encouraging a culture of empathy and inclusivity. Additionally, showing respect helps students build strong relationships, develop better social skills, and enhances their academic performance by allowing them to focus on learning without distractions or tension.

Each fortnight the Behaviour Team will be focusing on a specific school value (Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Commitment). Students who display the focus value will have the opportunity to be nominated for value awards. Week 3 and 4 focus value is Responsibility.

Week 1 and 2 Respect awards.

Congratulations to all students who have received an award. Week 3 and 4 focus value is Responsibility

Kind regards,

Mrs Liz Szumowski
Behaviour Support Teacher

Hi, my name is Meaghan and I am your school’s Student Wellbeing Social Worker, here on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays.

What is the Student Wellbeing program?   

It is an initiative that sees Social Workers employed in schools to provide emotional support, counselling and skill building with children and young people. 

What can a Student Wellbeing Social Worker do? 

A Student Wellbeing Social Worker can work with young people who experience social and emotional challenges that might interfere with their learning in the classroom or their relationships at school.   

Some common issues I see include anxiety, self-esteem issues, fears, relationship challenges, difficulties with managing emotions, low mood (sadness) or any issue that might be causing a student distress or problems.  Our goal is to help students, and families, create fulfilling and rich lives for themselves, now and in the future. 

How can you arrange to see me? 

If your child would like to see me, or you think it would be helpful, please speak with the school admin or contact me directly.

Meaghan Robinson
Mfedd0@eq.edu.au

Hi, I’m Angela 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

This time of year, brings 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 also 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. I update the times and UV rating every day for students on the board outside of the Canteen.

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 that we are working in partnership with Queensland Health, so members of our school community can access a free quit support program for parents, carers and siblings.

If you’d like to find out ‘what to expect from Quitline’ or request a call visit the QuitHQ website at https://www.quithq.initiatives.qld.gov.au/how-to-quit/get-help-from-quitline. Students can access the program by calling Quitline directly.

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

Senior Girls – Green Team

The Senior Girls Green team had a strong start to their TVA season. With some new girls in the mix, they didn’t take long to find their feet, securing a 25-9 win in the first set against Concordia. The girls did a great job of getting some quick points while also getting their passes into the right spots. They won the next two sets 25-16, 17-4. It was an excellent first up win. Despite the win, the girls still have room for improvement which has provided everyone with a strong sense of optimism for the rest of the season. Well done girls!

Senior Girls – Purple Team

The Senior Girls Purple Volleyball team had an encouraging start to the season against Downlands College at Harristown SHS. In the opening set, the team came out hitting strong, with Abby hitting precision serves to get the points rolling in. Plenty of positivity and fantastic teamwork saw us win the first set with some great shots made. The team of 9 girls rotated through different positions, taking turns to give it their best in the following sets. Despite their best efforts in hard rallies, unfortunately we were defeated. Both returning players and debutants put in a fantastic effort for a very exciting opening match!

WSHS P&C Executive:

President – Janelle Collins                                                 Secretary – Brenda Steger     

Vice President – Amanda Becker                                       Treasurer – Cindy Stehbens

Contact for the WSHS P&C Association

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

Notice of AGM & General Meeting

The P&C Annual General Meeting, will be held on Tuesday 25^th February, 2025 commencing at 5.00pm in the Auditorium Foyer.  This will be combined meetings with the first General Meeting scheduled for 2025 to follow the conclusion of the AGM.            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 at the end of 2nd Break 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