Mr Justin Kuskie Principal	Mrs Chandell Pole Deputy Principal Senior School	Mr Daniel Ward Deputy Principal Junior School

Congratulations to everyone for what has been, with still one week left, a highly successful term. Reviewing our school Facebook, the Schoolzine App and/or email communication provides a small snapshot of Term 1; what we have been engaged in, what we have been focussing on and the great achievements of our students.

On Saturday 15 March our P&C community introduced the Tastes & Tunes event, which for the first attempt was a fantastic success and a credit to everyone who contributed and assisted. It is planned to be held every second year, opposite to the Apple & Grape Festival, which will be another brilliant addition to the calendar.

Interim report cards for Year 11 and 12 students will be emailed out to Parents/Carers this week. We anticipate that report cards for years 7 – 10 students will be sent out in Term 2 Week 2. Please ensure you add the email address, Application.ONESCHOOL@qed.qld.gov.au, to your list of safe senders to ensure report card emails are not sent to your junk folder. Parent/Carers are asked to contact the school by phoning the Administration Office on 4681 5888 if they wish to check or update their email address. Otherwise, report cards are also accessable via the QParents app anytime.

Of course, our term is not yet complete with final plans for our annual cross country being put in place and the last of Term 1 assessments being undertaken. When the Easter break arrives, I hope everyone has a refreshing and enjoyable holiday with Term 2 shaping up to be again full of amazing opportunities, in an out of the classroom.

Thank You

The Admin Team.

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 28^th 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

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.

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:

1. What is something that happened this term that you will remember for the rest of your life?
2. What is something you accomplished this term that you are proud of?
3. What was the nicest thing someone did for you this term?
4. What was the most challenging part of this term for you?
5. If you could change one thing that happened this term, what would it be?
6. 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

Stanthorpe State High School will be using Flexischools to make over-the-counter purchases at our school from 25/03/2025. Australia's #1 school ordering solution, Flexischools, operates in more than 1700 schools across Australia, enabling parents and students to order and pay for school lunches, uniform shop items, and school community events online or via the Flexischools app.

Flexischools App 

Parents simply download the Flexischools app from the Apple or Google store and follow the prompts to create an account. You can download the App and find registration and online ordering instructions here.

Parents can set daily spend limits and keep an eye on what they’re buying via your Flexischools app. In the future, you will be able to add access for your child to use the App, enabling them to place online orders themselves - great for growing independence.

If you already have a Flexischools account for another family member then just select the Profile icon on the app and +Add New Student. 

Student Cards 

Students will be able to make over-the-counter canteen purchases with their existing student ID card by linking their card to their profile in the Flexischools App.  

Here’s how to link your child’s student card to your Flexischools account for cash-free spending at school. 

• Register a Flexischools account and create a student 
• Select Stanthorpe State High School from drop down list 
• Under Settings, enter the Student ID number located on the front of your student card

Mrs Jenny McCarthy - Behaviour Support Teacher (Learning and Engagement)

Student Council

This term the Student Council have met during weeks 3, 5 & 8 to discuss the 2025-year calendar of events and suggestions from the student body to improve school culture and facilities.

 Thank you to all the representatives that have turned up to each meeting, your commitment to the Student Council is appreciated.

This term we have actioned beautifying notice boards, researched water cooling stations and provided SDRC ideas for a student friendly area for next year's Apple and Grape.

Next term events include: Do it for Dolly Day, Show your Colours Day, REP Card Swap and Just Dance.

We have also welcomed our Year 7 representatives during our Week 9 Whole School Assembly - Welcome to 2025 Student Council.

Do it for Dolly Day - Week 3 - Friday 9th May. All students welcome to give a Gold Coin donation on the day in period 1 and leading up to the day and take your chance at guessing "How many lollies in the Jar" to raise funds for Dolly's Dream.

STUDENT COUNCIL HELP OUT: Gardening Club have been supported by Student Council funds to provide for potting mix, plants and flowers for new pots that will beautify K Block Cafe area. 

REP CARD SWAP DAY - Popcorn Mania!

Thank you to all the Student Council volunteers that helped out on the day.  A big thank you also to Lilly in Year 12 Kitchen Operations for cooking the bulk of the popcorn.

Behaviour Expectation Analysis Team (BEAT) Meeting:

Each week we explicitly discuss and teach a behaviour focus to highlight our expectations at Stanthorpe State High School. At this week's Behaviour Expectations Analysis Team (BEAT) meeting, behaviour data was reviewed and discussed for week 1-5 of Term 2.

The team also reviewed the: The Behaviour / Attendance Criteria for non-curricular events and activities this week.  Being a committed member of our school is both in and outside the classroom.  With upcoming opportunities for students to participate in non-curricular events and activities, student must consider if they are being part of the learning team at Stanthopre State High School - which means following REP expectations and attending school. 

SSHS_Behaviour_Criteria_Representing_the_School_V4.pdf

SSHS_Behaviour_Criteria_Representing_the_School_V4 _pdf 129.78 KB

This information has been shared with student through assemblies and if you would like a copy of the document, please contact the office. 

REP Behaviour Focus:

Week 9: Prepared – Right place, Right time! – Being in class ready to learn will improve your outcomes.  

Week 10: Engaged - Act in a safe manner. (School, home, community during the holidays.) 

Term 2 Week 1: Respect – Respect Others – This week we will be acknowledging the ANZAC’s that fought for us all to have rights and live with freedom.

Term 2 Week 2: Respect/Prepared – Respect your property (bring subject equipment to class), others property, the school and your environment.

email:  jmcca398@eq.edu.au Phone: 4681 5888

Annual General Meeting

Greg Keith, our President since 2021 was thanked for his dedication to the role.  Over the past four years Greg has led the P&C as it:

• Reviewed Canteen Operations in 2021 and appointed a new Canteen Coordinator
• Changed banking from Commonwealth to Bendigo for streamlined banking operations
• Contributed finances to improvements in the school including Bells and PA, CCTV, top dressing the oval and made improvements to the canteen
• Finalising P&C Strategic Plan and draft Operational Plan
• Facilitating the construction of new honour boards for School Captains and Dux
• Participated on the Behaviour Expectation and Analysis Team Committee
• Initiated Uniform Review
• Donated money to Student Council through fundraising on Show and Apple & Grape Gate operations
• Advocated and worked with the school administration for a return to regular school functions and working to improve school culture and spirit from the disruption of Covid 19 in 2020 and 2021.

The 2025 P&C Executive Committee were voted in:

President – Cameron Gow

Vice President – Liza Cannavo

Treasurer – Cathy Halliday

Secretary – Melinda Toms

Liza and Cathy are new to our P&C Exec but have years of experience on primary school P&C’s.

If you would like to be kept in the loop with P&C please email me for a membership form.  You do not have to come to meetings to be a member.

Tastes and Tunes

The weather was perfect, the food was delicious, and the entertainment was awesome. 452 people attended including 118 dedicated volunteers from our school, primary school P&C’s and local community groups.

The Stanthorpe State High School P&C are grateful so many people came along to share our vision of creating a community event to celebrate the skills,creativity and spirit of our local schools, service groups and community organizations.  

Thank you to:

State School P&C’s - Dalveen, Severnlea, Ballandean, Greenlands and The Summit

Community Groups - Lions, ABA, Rotary Satellite, Stanthorpe Ag Society Wine Subcommittee, SES and Stanthorpe Blue Light for loaning us the very popular gaming trailer supervised by Mr James Killer.

Bite the Bean Coffee Co and Giorgio’s Mobile Chef

Music - Stanthorpe State High School String Ensemble, Nine Year Sister, Mitch King and The Cole Train

Site Planner – Michael B

Logo and Poster design - Shyla

Set Up – Narelle, Steve, Michael S and Paula from the Stanthorpe Ag Society, Mr Smith, Mr Killer, Bruce and Dougal.

Volunteer Coordinators – Mrs Killer and Ms Dearden.

Ticket Gate – Margaret, Tanya, Kristi, Lucy and Rose

Can Bar – Scott, Katie, Rosa, Rita, Jess, Kylie, Peta and Vicki

Money Counters – Mr Killer and Cathy

Pack Up – Mr & Mrs Killer, Mr Smith, Peta, Ellice, Bruce, Jasper and Miles.

A huge thank you to Mr Kuskie and the many school staff and students who volunteered their time and supported the event.  The P&C could not have done it without you.

We would also like to thank our generous sponsors - Stanthorpe Vet Care, Australian Vinegar, Featherstone Bobcat Hire, Sams Farm Fresh, James Lister MP, Water Benders, Kent Saddlery, Ensbey Electrical, Granite Belt Fruit Freighters, Stanthorpe Satellite Rotary, Stanthorpe Workwear and Embroidery, Favero Motors, Stanthorpe Aerated Waters and Kool Country Packing Sheds.

Finally thank you to our Tastes and Tunes committee.  Many hours of work were put in by a small group of volunteers, Greg, Cameron, Nicole, Liza, our staff representative Mrs Phoebe Killer and our Can Bar coordinator Mr Sav Giametti.  I can’t possibly list all the duties performed but I can say it was a pleasure to work with them and to be the glue that held the team together. 

Melinda Toms

P&C Secretary

sshspcsecretary@gmail.com