Welcome to the final newsletter for Term 2, 2025. With this, we come to the end of Semester 1, and semester assessments are now complete. Please keep an eye out for report cards during the holiday break and take the opportunity to have a conversation with your student about their progress. Some students may need to use the upcoming two-week break to catch up on any incomplete or missed work.

For our Year 10 students, it's time to begin thinking seriously about subject selections for senior school in Years 11 and 12. Please note that low achievement levels may limit subject choices moving forward.

Year 11 students have now completed a quarter of their senior schooling. Every week counts, and any missed assessments could affect Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) points.

For Year 9 students transitioning into Year 10, lower levels of achievement might impact eligibility for certain subjects next year. It's important to stay focused.

Attendance Concerns

Attendance continues to be a significant concern, with our year-to-date average sitting at 84%. Students must attend school unless they are unwell. For senior students, medical certificates are required if assessments are missed due to illness.

A growing issue is lateness. Many students are arriving late, often without valid reasons, and some are repeatedly doing so. Starting in Term 3, students who arrive late without a note or explanation from a parent will receive a lunchtime detention. I will personally be overseeing the late arrival process, and parents may receive a phone call from me if the issue continues. The most common reasons given involve students going to the shops or socialising rather than heading straight to class. Our school policies exist to ensure fairness and minimise class disruption, and we ask for your support in reinforcing these expectations.

Mobile Phone Trial – Tuckshop Payments

In collaboration with the P&C, we will trial the use of mobile phones for tuckshop payments in Term 3. Strict rules will apply. Phones can only be taken out and used in the clearly marked payment line area. This initiative aims to teach responsible use of technology at school.

Please note that the state-wide “phones away for the day” policy remains in place for all other areas and times. Phones seen outside of the tuckshop payment zone will be confiscated.

Winter Uniform & Health

With winter upon us after the break, we encourage students to stay warm and well. Wilsonton SHS has a clear winter uniform policy, and we aim to support families while maintaining consistent expectations across the school. Our goal is to uphold fairness and ensure all students are following the same guidelines.

School Culture & Respect

My passion for educating our students continues to grow, especially as we navigate cultural shifts within our community. Our staff are dedicated professionals who strive to do what’s right. We are committed to working in partnership with students and parents, but we also ask to be treated with respect. Abuse, swearing, or arguments directed at staff are unacceptable. As mentioned in our previous newsletter, we follow the government’s standards for respectful communication and will continue to prioritise the wellbeing of all staff, students, and families.

Athletics Carnival

To finish the term on a positive and energetic note, we look forward to our Annual Athletics Carnival this Thursday and Friday. It’s always a fantastic event that showcases school spirit and encourages participation and teamwork.

Thank you for your continued support throughout the term. I wish you and your family a restful break.

Warm regards,
Lou Oberholzer
Principal
Wilsonton State High School