News from our Year Level Co-ordinators
Mrs Tanya Hamilton - Year 7
As assessment is now here and Term 1 will be coming to a quick close it has been an enjoyable journey getting to know students this term, and it is lovely to see lots of new friendships developing and respectful language towards myself, Miss Stevens, Mrs Perret and other teachers and students in the school. The Year 7 areas and handball courts have provided some healthy competition in handball which has allowed students to work on their resilience, persistence and learn fair play whilst giving them a break before learning begins in the classroom.
Congratulations to our new group of Student Councillors. This group of students will represent the 2025 Year 7 Cohort. I'm sure these students will demonstrate a commitment to improving and supporting their cohort at school council events and and initiatives throughout the year.
Form Focus - the form teachers have been delivering important lessons about ‘What is Bullying?’ and ‘How to be safe when using social media?’ and students are encouraged daily to keep following respectful, healthy friendships, and just remembering that kindness towards someone else can go a long way. These Year 7s are our next adults-in-training – they need the experience of independently handling their own friendships, with family and school staff as a support and guidance backstage, to become a healthy and successful adults.
Uniform – Well done!! To the students that are now frequently wearing formal uniform to whole school parades. Also as the weather gets cooler, please make sure jumpers and jackets are labelled. Non-uniform jackets are not permitted, and students will need to go to the office to get a uniform slip. If you require any help with purchasing a jumper / jacket please let me know.
During and after the holidays, it is important to ensure we’re using social media and email programs safely and respectfully. For many students they are now beginning to explore social media and chat groups this can be a means to connect with friends and keep up to date, but it can also mean big-time distractions. In conjunction with Year 7 form teachers, we will all be guiding students on how they can safely engage with their technology devices further next term. The iPad is not a device that should be receiving social notifications from chat groups, especially in school time. Reminder to students that iPads must be used correctly in class time. If you have concerns about your child and ICT devices, please let me know so we can support them together.
Just a reminder that we have Cross Country Friday 28th March week 10.
I’d like to wish parents and students a safe and restful holiday. If you have any concerns, questions or other wellbeing matters, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Tanya Hamilton and Stephanie Stevens
Tanya Hamilton Email: thami105@eq.edu.au
Stephanie Stevens Email: sstev255@eq.edu.au
Ph: 4681 5888
Ms Leigh Cusack - Year 8
REP Cards
Many students collect their filled REP cards over the year to use for a $50 discount at the end of the year. To streamline this process, students should bring 1-2 cards to the Library as they are filled, so they can be recorded.
This is a change, as we noticed some students lost cards, or handed them in all at once which caused a backlog for administration staff, leading to delays in students being able to apply their discount.
Students are still able to use their REP cards directly, for small purchases at the canteen.
Harding Miller Scholarship 2025
Parents of girls in Year 8 are encouraged to consider this $20,000 scholarship to help students fulfil their potential for tertiary study. Designed to assist financially and academically, to help your daughter achieve her best at school in Yrs. 8-12.
For more details: Harding Miller Scholarship 2025
Uniforms : Coming into winter
I have been encouraging Year 8 to collect their lost property, (mostly school hoodies) for the last few weeks, as we will return to Term 2 with cooler weather.
Students have also been reminded they will need a note/phone call from a parent/guardian, if they are unable to wear a school jumper at school for a day or 2. Be aware that being out of uniform, without a note, will result in a HOD detention the next day.
If your student has outgrown or worn out their uniform, the Uniform shop is open Mon 8am-12pm and Thursday 8am-12pm. Staff can even ‘name’ the items you buy, reducing the chances of lost belongings.
For parents without the Flexischools app: a price list is on school website SSHS Uniform Shop, were the order form is second on the right hand menu. For families needing further assistance, the Yr 8 YLC can provide uniforms.
School photo day and our induction assembly provided the Year 8s with a chance to shine with their uniform, and they rose to the challenge! Thank you for supporting students to wear correct uniform.
Representative Sport
Two Year 8 students are representing our school at sporting events. Congratulations to Siena B (Darling Downs Soccer) and Bonnie K (Darling Downs Orienteering). We are wishing them all the best with upcoming trials and commitments.
Next Term
Week 1 of next term has 2 public holidays. Monday and Friday students will not be required at school. The first day back will be Tuesday, 22 April. Term 1 Reports will be emailed home early in the Term, with parent Teacher interviews to follow in Week 5, (mid-May).
Keep up-to-date with the Stanthorpe State High School Facebook page. Great for the latest news, picture and videos and parenting resources.
Safe and happy holidays,
email: lcusa9@eq.edu.au ph: 4681 5888
Mr James Killer - Year 9
As we approach the final week of term, I want to take a moment to thank you for your ongoing support throughout Term 1. Term 1 has been a busy term for our Year 9 students with events such as swimming carnival, the PEER Power incursion day, and NAPLAN. The Easter holiday period will provide a well-earned break for our Year 9 students.
To finish off Term 1, on the final school day of the term (04/04/25) we will be holding our annual cross-country event. All students are required to attend and participate via running, jogging, or walking as this is still a compulsory day of school and are encouraged to wear their house colours and cheer others along.
Additionally, I would like to remind everyone to take note of the first-day of our next school term (22/04/25) and ensure students are ready for with the necessary school supplies and uniforms.
On one final note, with Year 9 camp quickly approaching (12/05/25 – 14/05/25) please ensure any medical information is up to date with the school by contacting our admin team, and that all necessary fees have been paid.
Enjoy the holiday break.
If you have any issues or concerns please make contact
Ms Kate Dearden - Year 10
And here we are in Week 9 after a manic term which flew by at a crazy pace. Some cracks are appearing as students struggle to complete assessment and the end-of-term fatigue kicks in.
Unfortunately, Year 10 have featured in behaviour reports too much in the past weeks so it's important that we revisit our REP expectations to finish the term: Respectful, Engaged, Prepared. Reinforcement of these principles from parents is vital to ensure that all students are adhering to school expectations.
With only days till the end of term there are still some important activities for students to engage with.
Elevate Study Skills - this Friday 28 March Period 1. Students have been advised of those attending to learn valuable skills to improve their academic performance now and into their Senior studies. Elevate employs successful school leavers attending university who are fantastic at inspiring our students to develop and improve their study skills.
White Card - students who missed out on completing their White Card (required for working on a building site) in Week 7 have another opportunity next Wednesday 2 April. Students should see Mrs Middleton to ensure they are on the list.
PPEP - all girls will be attending the Period Pain and Endometriosis Presentation next Thursday (27 March) in P.1. This is a vital opportunity to increase understanding of the symptoms and impacts of severe period pain and endometriosis. Please ensure your student is present for this vital information.
Cross Country - this will take place on Friday 28 March to finish the term. As usual, this is a regular school day so attendance is expected. Please ensure your student is present to support their House and enjoy some physical activity.
University of Queensland Young Achievers Program - just an early heads up for those planning to attend university. This scholarship provides camps, mentoring, financial support and other benefits for deserving students (eligibility criteria apply). The application process will begin in late Term 2 and will incorporate Semester 1 results so I encourage students to ensure they are achieving to their potential to give themselves the best opportunity.
It's no time at all till the end of term so I wish all students and their families a fun Easter holiday. And as we've discussed earlier in the term, let's aim for full attendance in Term 2.
As always, if you have any issues or concerns please make contact:
email: kdear13@eq.edu.au Ph: 07 4681 5888
Mrs Josephine Rogers - Year 11
This term’s form lessons have prompted students to consider their role and responsibilities as leaders in the senior school.
Students will undertake a Term 1 reflection and ask themselves:
- What is something that happened this term that you will remember for the rest of your life?
- What is something you accomplished this term that you are proud of?
- What was the nicest thing someone did for you this term?
- What was the most challenging part of this term for you?
- If you could change one thing that happened this term, what would it be?
- What are three things you did this term to help your classmates?
ASSESSMENT
Year 11s have undertaken their first assessment tasks and I congratulate students that apply feedback and actively participate in class in order to achieve well. For ATAR students, Year 11 is an opportunity to develop the skills required for Year 12 assessment. VET Students are reminded to check competency requirements and ensure tasks are completed as required to ensure Certificate eligibility.
RSA
50 Year 11 students recently completed a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) qualification. Staff from CTA Training Specialists delivered the course on Friday 14 March, at school. Local police officers attended and reinforced student learning. Thanks to Paul and Elle for their time.
The RSA course was sponsored by the Stanthorpe RSL Service Club; therefore, there was no cost for students. Students and staff thank the RSL for their very generous support and the provision of this opportunity.
CROSS COUNTRY
The school Cross Country carnival will be held on Friday of Week 10 and all Year 11s are expected to be in attendance and participate - running, jogging or even walking the course. If your student has school leadership aspirations, participation in such school events is recommended.
CAMP
The Year 11 Future Pathways Excursion will occur in Term 3 Week 10. Students will visit many locations including Southbank TAFE, QUT and the Port of Brisbane. The trip will provide many fabulous opportunities and experiences for students - I remind all to begin saving!
SCHOOL EXPECTATIONS
Please remind your student that mobile phones are to be off and away, only school jumpers must be worn and gum is not allowed. In general, students have been respectful, engaged and prepared.
My role as Year Level Coordinator is to support your student’s engagement at school and to ensure that attendance, appropriate behaviour and school rules are adhered to. Please get in touch with queries or concerns.
email: jroge3@eq.edu.au ph: 4681 5888
Miss Meghann Wear - Year 12
Elevate
Students who are undertaking study in a General subject have the opportunity to complete two sessions with Elevate during 2025. These sessions are designed to support students in their academic studies and support them in preparing for external exams which will take place in October this year. The first of these sessions being 'Ace Your Exams' which took place today 28th March.
Form
This term Year 12 have been completing a range of activities to develop their own understanding of the workplace and the skills that are needed as an employee. They have ended the term exploring potential careers, their pathways and expectations. This work will be reflected in their SET plan review which they will complete before the end of term.
Uniform
As the weather cools down, students are reminded to wear the correct Stanthorpe State High School track pants and jumpers. If there are any problems accessing the correct uniform please get in contact with me for support.
UQ Colleges Visit
Students who are considering attending University in Brisbane in 2026 are invited to an information session on Thursday 3rd April during form. Representative from Leos College and Womens College will be here to discuss all things uni and will be happy to answer any questions.
ANZAC Day
Term 2 will start off with our ANZAC Day Full School Assembly on Tuesday 22nd April. This is a formal event so all students are expected to be in their full formal uniform. If there are any problems accessing this uniform please contact me ASAP so I can support your student.
It would also be great to see as many Year 12s as possible represent our school at the march as well as the many services which take place on the Granite Belt and beyond.
If you have any queries please don't hesitate to get in contact via email: mwear8@eq.edu.au