Filter Content
It has been a very busy, fast paced and eventful ten weeks at Wilsonton SHS. With term one at an end, we are looking forward to the academic results of our students’ efforts in class. Parent teacher interview will be during week three, next term, on Tuesday 6th May to discuss support and academic standing. Please make sure to engage in this very important time to work together between teacher, parent and student for student improvements.
I am proud to be extended as the Principal of Wilsonton SHS for term two and will work with all staff and parents through data driven, composed support for improved outcomes to all students. I think this highlights the key work that is being done every day to drive the school’s strategic focus for 2025: Strong, Proud, Together, Through Equity and Excellence.
As you are aware two sporting events on our yearly calendar swimming and cross country had to be postponed and we are looking at the best way to place it into term two.
Week one, term two is a short week starting on Tuesday and ending on Thursday with our traditional ANZAC day commemoration parade.
Our school attendance could be improved, and I ask parents and students to follow the protocols in place when they are sick. Every day at school counts and every lesson not in class, is education and knowledge lost, no matter how large or small. Other students that have been in class move on with new work with the teacher. It is the student's accountability to work harder to catch up on the work lost.
There is a very large number of students coming late in the mornings and it disrupts the learning of others and the staff that has timed their lesson to accommodate the curriculum. Please make sure you send a note with your student for being late or send a text to confirm lateness. Please help by making sure students don’t go to the shops before school, but enter the school after drop off, straight from the bus or when walking from home. We have a 5 min warning bell every morning to alert students to move to class. No student should come to school after this time without a plausible explanation and note.
Term two is turning out to be just as busy and full of events. First day back Tuesday 22 April @ 8:45am, and every day at 8:45am.
I wish all staff and students a well-deserved break and hope we all travel safe and come back refreshed to improve in all aspects at Wilsonton SHS.
Yours in Education
Lou Oberholzer
Principal
Attendance
Attendance is a critical aspect to being successful in Senior Schooling. Time and time again, where a young person is not regularly engaged with learning, research will tell you that this has detrimental affects on the options after school.
Senior School is more than just the subjects students are undertaking in their learning program. It prepares students for good work ethic and habits that they will take with them, well after graduation.
Please be aware in some circumstances your child’s enrolment may be cancelled should it be deemed that their attendance is impacting on their program of studies. Like always, we have plenty of people here to assist in breaking the barriers to coming to school more. Ultimately though, a young person must be willing.
After the break, I will be discussing with individual students their attendance rate and their risk of cancellation, should it not improve. Please support your child in positive life long outcomes by having this conversation also at home.
Certificate II Sampling & Measurement
As part of the Senior Success Pathway Program, all students have the opportunity to access VETiS (Vocational Education and Training in Schools) Funding. VET is learning which is directly related to work. Nationally recognised qualifications are developed by industry to give people the knowledge and skills they need to work in a particular job.
Some students are studying subjects that have not spent their VETiS Funding and we are providing them the opportunity to engage and complete the Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement. More information regarding this certificate can be found here https://ledt.com.au/wp-content/uploads/MSL20118-GC.pdf
Students will be required to complete some pre online work (approximately 2 hours) and 4 days face to face training held at school in Week 7 of next term. Students will also be provided with appropriate Personal Protective Equipment for the duration of this course.
One of the biggest advantages to completing this course is not only the qualification but also banking 4 QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) Points which can become a major advantage as they complete their Senior Studies.
Students who have been selected to complete course have been notified this week. Should you have further questions about the course or the purpose of completing the course, please don’t hesitate in contacting me at the school.
Jacinta Alexander
Deputy Principal
Term 1 is nearly done and students have been working hard to complete their assessment as they begin their journey as the leaders of the junior school.
The school provides a variety of clubs and lunchtime activities ranging from Arts workshops, Anime clubs, Crafts, sports, weekly house competitions and the Fun-Zone and Drop-In Zone. There are always productive ways for students to spend their break times.
The weather can be unpredictable at this time of the year but in a few short months we will be in the thick of winter. Now is the time to assess your student’s uniform needs for the bitter cold Toowoomba can experience. Hoodies are simply not allowed. Students/carers can either purchase school designated warm attire or alternatives including plain black jumpers without logos. Students who continue to flout the rules around this will face consequences including possible lunchtime and/or afterschool detentions.
Year 9 Camp deposits will be finalised this week to determine the structure of the camp.
The Junior School Disco will be on Thursday Night – what a great way to finish the term and celebrate all those students who have been putting in the effort to achieve at the end of a great term. I know the Year 9s are excited about this and are ready to get their groove on.
Student Senate
On Wednesday May 2nd we will be holding our first Student Senate for 2025. The Student Senate is a fantastic opportunity for student voice to be heard within our school, helping shape future decisions and directions. I am really looking forward to hearing from our students on this day. Approximately 10 students from each year level will have their chance to have their say in the student leadership directions of the school.
Brayden Insley
Deputy Principal
During Week 7 and 8, our core value focus was Commitment with a behaviour focus of Set clear goals and strive to achieve them.
Commitment to school is key to achieving success and reaching long-term goals. It requires dedication, hard work, and resilience, even when challenges arise. Staying focused on tasks provided by teachers, managing time effectively, and setting clear goals help students stay on track. Consistency and effort lead to personal growth, improved skills, and greater opportunities in the future. By prioritizing education and maintaining commitment, students can overcome obstacles and achieve their academic and personal goals.
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 9 and 10 focus value is Respect and Everyone has the right to learn.
Congratulations to all our award recipients over the last two weeks who received value awards.
Kind regards,
Liz Szumowski
Behaviour Support Teacher
Harmony Week
Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds. It’s about inclusiveness, respect, and a sense of belonging for everyone. Wilsonton State High School students celebrated this during Week 9 (17th March – 21st March). This saw Wilsonton hold a number of activities including floristry, arts and crafts, orange pancakes at Breakfast Club, Maori games run by the seniors, cultural dances, and courtyard games run by the school chappie. The week was an incredible success.
Shave for a Cure
Senior students along with staff members were brave and shaved their heads for a great cause. The World’s Greatest Shave is a flagship fundraising initiative of the Leukaemia Foundation and Wilstonton State High School was excited to get involved. This iconic campaign helps fund health services for patients and their families, ground breaking research projects, and helps them campaign for real, tangible change. The members of our community should be proud of their efforts in bringing awareness to such a great cause. The seniors raised a total of $2,710. A massive thank you to Ada Muir and Yuluwirri Wightman for giving up their time to come shave the heads of the 3 staff members and 5 students.
Mayoral School Leaders Morning Tea
The Mayoral School Leaders Morning Teas are annual receptions for Secondary students across the Toowoomba Region in recognition of their roles as future leaders within the Toowoomba community. The event allowed leaders to have an opportunity to voice their stories and experiences, mix with peers and engage with community leaders. Young leaders had the prospect to meet the Mayor and Councillors, interact with one another and develop networks they can utilise in their future endeavours. Students also had the opportunity to hear inspirational talks from keynote speakers and have professional school photos taken with the Mayor and Councillors. It was a great morning that was attended by School Captains, Riley Becker, Aaron Lingwoodock, Ysabella Alger, Eli Dotea and Toowoomba Regional Leader Mahalia Jones.
On Saturday, March 15th, seven WSHS cattle show team students presented three led steers and one led heifer at the Oakey Show. This marked the first show of 2025 for the cattle club team, and the students did an outstanding job showcasing and fitting out their cattle.
For many team members, this was their very first competition, which brought a sense of excitement and anticipation to the day. The hard work paid off, as the team proudly walked away with the Reserve Champion Steer title!
Additionally, the students performed exceptionally well in the Young Paraders competition, with Tilly Ryan securing 3rd place in a highly competitive class of over 20 participants. This was also Tilly's first show with the cattle show team, making her achievement even more impressive.
A big congratulations to the entire team on a fantastic start to the season—well done, everyone!
Dear Parents and Carers,
As Term 1 comes to a close, I’d like to highlight some important events and initiatives that support the wellbeing of our students and community.
World Health Day – 7 April
This year, World Health Day focuses on "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures", emphasizing the importance of maternal and newborn health.
While this theme centres on early life stages, it serves as a reminder of the ongoing role parents play in supporting their children's health and development through adolescence.
Adolescence is a pivotal time, and parental guidance remains crucial. Here are some tips to support your teenager's wellbeing:
- Maintain Open Communication: Regular, judgment-free conversations can strengthen your relationship and provide insights into their experiences.
- Encourage Healthy Routines: Promote consistent sleep schedules, balanced nutrition, and physical activity to support overall health.
- Be Involved: Show interest in their academic and extracurricular activities, reinforcing the value of their pursuits.
- Model Self-Care: Demonstrate healthy habits and coping strategies, setting a positive example for managing stress and challenges.
Your continued engagement significantly influences your child's ability to navigate adolescence with resilience and confidence.
Queensland Youth Week – 10–18 April
Youth Week celebrates the contributions and achievements of young people in our community. Two local events to note:
- “We Are Not Alone Day” – Saturday 12 April, 10am–2pm, Toowoomba City Library
A youth-led event featuring art, music, workshops, and discussions focused on wellbeing. - ParkFest Meringandan – Saturday 12 April, 12–4pm, Lilyvale Oval
Enjoy live music, food stalls, games, and giveaways—a great opportunity for family fun and community engagement.
We encourage our students and families to participate in these events to celebrate and support our vibrant youth community.
And something I forgot to mention in the last newsletter…
'World Social Work Day', which was on 18th March 2025
This year’s global theme was “Buen Vivir: Shared Future for Transformative Change”, which celebrates the vital role of social work in building just, inclusive, and caring communities.
At Wilsonton SHS, we are incredibly fortunate to have Meaghan Robinson, our dedicated school social worker.
Meaghan provides compassionate support to students and families, helping them navigate challenges and build strong foundations for wellbeing.
Whether it’s offering one-on-one support, advocating for students, or linking families to community services, Meaghan’s work is deeply valued.
We celebrate Meaghan and social workers everywhere for the difference they make—quietly, consistently, and powerfully.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership in fostering the health and wellbeing of our students.
Warm regards,
Rick Masters
Guidance Officer
The term 1 Tuesday night volleyball competition was a great experience for our senior girls' volleyball teams. Each week, they focused on developing key skills like serving, passing, and setting, while also building teamwork and communication on the court. The girls were guided and encouraged each week, resulting in noticeable improvements in their individual and team performance. The teams participated in a series of exciting matches, where their teamwork and determination shone through. The season brought the teams closer together, fostering friendships and a strong sense of accomplishment. We ended the term feeling proud and excited to see what the year will bring.
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. We’re at the end of Term 1 and it’s time to enjoy the holidays.
Headspace has some great ways to support students during the holiday period.
- Encourage to stay connected – It’s okay to take time out for themselves, but it’s also important to keep in contact with friends over the holidays. Social relationships are important for general wellbeing. Whether it’s in person or a phone call, email, text message or with social media, it all helps with that connection.
- Encourage to stay involved – Being involved in hobbies, clubs, committees, volunteering or sports helps young people feel connected to their community. At home involving them in decisions such as what to have for dinner and helping to make it, helps identify and set realistic goals.
- Encourage physical activity – It’s important for everyone’s health and wellbeing. Even just walking around the block can help relieve stress and improve mood.
- Encourage a regular routine – Getting a good night’s sleep is important for young people to feel energised, focused and motivated. By waking up around the same time each day and going to bed around the same time each night helps maintain their “body clock “.
- Encourage healthy eating habits - Eating well helps reduce the risk of physical health problems, like heart disease and diabetes, it can also help with sleeping patterns, energy levels, mood, and general health and wellbeing. A good balanced diet with less junk food/ lots of sugars and more vegies, fruit, whole grains and plenty of water will ensure your young person has all of the vitamins and minerals to help their body and brain function well.
- Encourage to have fun - Making time to just have fun can help to recharge your young person’s battery, revitalise their social networks and reduce stress and anxiety.
For further information please see www.headspace.org.au and for activities within the region visit www.tr.qld.gov.au
Also don’t forget to be SUNSAFE, wear a hat and put on sunscreen and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Angela Kain
School Based Youth Health Nurse
Working Mon, Tues, Wed & every second Thursday 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 next P&C General Meeting, will be held on Tuesday 20th May, 2025 commencing at 5.00pm in the Auditorium Foyer. 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:
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:
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
