17 October 2025
From the Administration Team
The Principal – Mr Will Curthoys
Welcome to Term 4 at Warwick State High School. This term is an especially significant one as our Year 12 students approach the end of their schooling journey. As I have reminded them throughout the year, if they need any assistance or guidance in preparing for their next steps, please encourage them to reach out. While students may leave the school, they will always remain part of the Warwick High family. Our support continues beyond graduation, and we are here to help in any way we can.
Our focus this term remains firmly on learning. This is reflected in the meaningful engagement between our teachers and students. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher. We value open and honest communication to ensure every student receives the support they need to succeed.
Thank you for your continued trust and support in Warwick State High School as we work together to provide the best possible education for your child.
Deputy Principal – Mr Dan Finn
Dear Parents, Carers, and Students,
As we begin another exciting term at Warwick State High School, I want to take a moment to share a message that lies at the heart of every student's success: every day counts, and every effort matters.
We all want the very best outcomes for our young people. Whether it's academic achievement, developing confidence, or preparing for future pathways, one key factor remains constant – being present and giving your best effort each day.
Attendance is more than just turning up. It's about being mentally present and engaged in learning. Each day missed is a missed opportunity to connect with teachers, classmates, and learning experiences that build over time.
This term, we are focusing as a school community on celebrating consistent attendance and sustained effort. Small actions—getting to school on time, arriving on time with materials, contributing in class—accumulate into big results.
To our students: your future is being built one lesson and one day at a time.
To our parents and carers: thank you for your ongoing support in setting expectations for attendance, effort, and persistence.
Let’s make this term count—together.
Deputy Principal – Mrs Michelle Ferdinand
On September 11 the school was decorated in yellow to support RUOK day at Warwick State High School. The day was a success with students coming together to enjoy a delicious lunch kindly provided by the Rapid Relief Team. The Wellbeing Team and students created a RUOK day banner and had some fun with some facepainting.
The school was lucky to have MP Member for Southern Downs James Lister, Councillor Russell Wantling and Councillor Sarah Deane join us for the lunchtime activities. We appreciate their attendance and interest in our school. We would especially like to thank the Rapid Relief Team for the delicious lunch and RUOK cupcakes they provided for the students and staff.
RUOK day is a very important day, but it is just as important to ask your mates if they are ok every day. This week was Wellbeing Week where the students participated in a variety of activities including battle of the bands and touch football (staff vs students). This showcased to the students the importance of wellbeing and how easy it is to incorporate into their everyday lives.
Taylah Broomhall
School-Based Youth Health Nurse
Deputy Principal – Mr Daryl Thompson
Exciting Plans for Digital Learning in 2026
While laptops and other digital devices aren’t a replacement for great teaching, they are powerful tools that can support and enhance student learning. We’re excited to share some of the ways students at our school will be using digital technology in 2026:
- Year 7 students will have access to a school-provided laptop in the classroom through a 1:1 program.
- Years 8 to 10 will continue to benefit from our many computer labs and pods throughout the school.
- Years 11 and 12 students will be required to bring their own laptop to support their senior studies.
We’ll be sharing more details about this exciting direction in future newsletters, so stay tuned! If you have any questions in the meantime, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. I’m more than happy to help.
Deputy Principal – Mrs Tanya Wright
Relational Pedagogy
Last newsletter I highlighted our second Look For Safe Learning Environment – and published the observable traits we hope to see students demonstrate if they are operating in a supportive, and safe, learning space. Our third Look For is Presence. I’m sure that we’ve all been in classrooms or presentations with people who had “presence.” They walked into the room, and they were the centre of attention. People listened to them – they remembered what was said. People hung back afterwards to learn more about whatever they were talking about or to give feedback. Therefore, it is important that educators foster student engagement, through their classroom presence.
When teachers have ‘presence’ this is what we should see students do in response:
- Acknowledge the teacher when entering and exiting the classroom
- Be focused and give the teacher their full attention when the teacher requires it
- Seek the teacher’s attention respectfully
Senior Secondary News
Head of Department – Mr Cory Wren
Week 10 of Term 3 was a big one!
Twenty-three of our students took part in work experience across a wide range of industries — from childcare and hospitality to trades and community services. Each student had the opportunity to explore potential career pathways, gain valuable hands-on experience, and build confidence in real workplace settings.
We’re incredibly proud of their enthusiasm, professionalism, and the fantastic feedback we received from employers.
A huge thank you to all the businesses who generously gave their time to mentor, guide, and support our students — your involvement plays such an important role in helping them prepare for life beyond school.
Work Experience is offered in Term 1 and Term 3 each year for students in Years 10 to 12. We highly encourage every student to take part in at least one of these valuable learning opportunities.
Calling All Local Businesses: Support the Next Generation of Talent!
We’re reaching out to our vibrant Warwick business community to partner with us in shaping the future workforce. If your business offers traineeships, apprenticeships, or can provide work experience placements, we’d love to connect with you!
Why Get Involved?
- Nurture Emerging Talent: Help students develop practical skills and gain invaluable workplace experience.
- Strengthen Your Workforce: Identify and mentor potential future employees.
- Give Back to the Community: Play a pivotal role in supporting local education and career development.
Interested? Here’s How to Connect:
📧 Contact Ana, our Industry Liaison Officer, at SATs@warwickshs.eq.edu.au to discuss how we can collaborate.
All student opportunities are managed in line with Queensland Department of Education guidelines and policies.
Let’s work together to provide meaningful opportunities for our students and contribute to a thriving local economy.
Year 12 – The Final Stretch! 🎓
We’re officially on the home run for our Year 12 students as they prepare to complete their external exams and celebrate the end of their school journey. This is such a special time, filled with a mix of excitement, reflection, and anticipation for the next chapter ahead.
Our students have shown incredible dedication and resilience throughout their senior years, and we couldn’t be prouder of how far they’ve come. The weeks ahead will be busy as they focus on revision, exams, and preparing for their well-deserved celebrations.
More information about graduation events and final details will be sent out soon, so please keep an eye on your emails.
We can’t wait to celebrate the achievements of the Class of 2025! 🎉 Below are some important upcoming dates to note:
- External Exam Schedule – Monday 27 October to Tuesday November 18
- Graduation Ceremony – Thursday 20 November
- Formal – Friday 21 November
- QCAA Release of QCE and Subject Results – Wednesday December 17
The Arts News
Head of Department - Mr Ian Follett
Welcome to Term 4!
We had some very exciting events occurring during the end of Term 3 in the Arts Faculty, and we still have a few events planned for Term 4 for the students involved in Creative Arts programs.
InSight 8
Our 2025 InSight 8 art exhibition, displaying works from students in Years 7 to 12, opened Friday in the last week of term 3 with so many attending that for the first time we had to move the formal part of the proceedings outside. Attended by students, teachers, family members, councillors and friends it was an evening of wandering around and discovering the art on display. The students are to be commended for their efforts. The exhibition is always noted on the gallery calendar as a highlight and this year has been no exception. The Year 7 clay heads have been particularly well received and the WHArchie portraits from Year 8 have been judged. All results will be announced on a Whole School Assembly once the exhibition closes and the gallery voting for People’s Choice has been decided. Please note you can vote for the People’s Choice Award winner for the WHArchies in person at the gallery or online here: https://www.warwickartgallery.com.au/blog
The middle school and senior student artworks engaged viewers as they ‘read’ the intent and meaning in their works – from the literal translation of what people, places or objects looked like, to the more stylised, abstract and conceptual pieces.
We are thankful for the support and encouragement offered by Gallery Director Karina Devine, the staff at the Warwick Art Gallery and their Management Committee. It is a wonderful, enriching opportunity which our students benefit from as they see their works on display in a public gallery, Karina informs me that the Director of the Queensland Art Gallery came through on the holidays with his family and viewed the exhibition! Congratulations to you all!
The Art Department would also like to thank the music students Cadence, Eleonore, Haylie and Jess B for their beautiful playing throughout the evening – it was an added delight for the senses and wonderful to see that they were all art students as well! It was Haylie’s painted image of Michelangelo’s ‘David’ which was used on our exhibition invitation.
If you haven’t had a chance yet to view the exhibition, it is open until Saturday from 10am – 4pm and is free. Please take the time to visit and see what our students are capable of.
Stage Band Lunchtime Concerts
The Warwick State High School Stage Band provided two ‘pop-up’ Lunchtime concerts in the C-Block quadrangle on Wednesday September 1. The Band have been rehearsing every week and have built up an impressive collection of pieces for performance. The Stage Band provided two extremely energetic lunch time concerts in both breaks, featuring heaps of contemporary Pop, Rock Funk and Hip-Hop hits, that drew a massive crowd and had students and staff singing along and dancing.
Term 4 Outline:
The following Arts events are taking place during Term 4.
- Instrumental Music End of Year Concert:
This will be held on the Wednesday October 15, commencing at 7.00pm in The Performing Arts Centre (TPAC). All student Ensemble groups will be performing a program of pieces, and this is an excellent opportunity to hear what the students have achieved throughout the year. Entry is free.
- Stage Band’ performance:
The ‘Stage Band’ will be performing outside the Warwick Town Hall on Saturday October 18 between 10.00am and 12.00 noon.
- ‘Cool School Jazz Ensemble’ performance:
The ‘Cool School Jazz Ensemble’ will be performing at the Belle Vue Café on Saturday November 15 between 9.15am and 1.00pm.
- Warwick State High School Awards Night:
Students who are members of the Singing Group and the Wind Symphony will be performing at the Warwick State High School Annual Awards Night ceremony for Years 7-12 students on Tuesday November 18 at the Warwick State High School Performing Arts Centre (TPAC).
Other performance opportunities may develop throughout the term, so I’ll keep you updated of future developments in the next edition of this Newsletter.
Hope to see you at these exciting opportunities for our students.
Ian Follett – HOD The Arts.
English and Humanities News
Acting Head of Department – Mrs Kirsty Caterson
Welcome Back to Term 4
The English, Humanities, and Language Faculty is pleased to welcome all students and families back for the final term of the year. Term 4 is an important time, with students consolidating their learning, completing final assessment pieces, and reflecting on their growth across 2025.
In English, students will continue to engage with a wide variety of texts, building both their analytical and creative skills. Assessment tasks this term will provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their ability to communicate ideas with clarity and confidence.
In Humanities, students will further develop their knowledge and skills across subjects such as History, Geography, Legal Studies, Economics and Business, Tourism, and Social and Community Studies. These studies encourage critical thinking and problem-solving, helping students make sense of the world around them.
In Languages, our Japanese students will continue to strengthen their speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills, while deepening their understanding of Japanese culture.
We especially wish our Year 12 students the very best of luck as they prepare for and complete their External Exams from Week 4. This is a significant milestone, and we congratulate them on their efforts leading up to this point.
For all year levels, we encourage students to give their best effort throughout Term 4 as we move towards the end-of-year reporting period. Consistent focus, organisation, and persistence will help ensure strong results and a successful finish to the school year.
We look forward to celebrating student achievements together in the weeks ahead.
The English, Humanities & Languages Faculty
Technology News
Head of Department – Mr Bradley Hutchinson
The Technology faculty wishes to welcome students back for a final term of fun in the kitchens, textile rooms and workshops. Safety is our number one priority, so please speak with your students about the importance of following staff instructions, asking questions to improve understanding and using equipment safely.
As part of our Year 11 program students can take part in a Certificate II in Engineering Pathways and be able to participate in a Formula Student track day at Lakeside Raceway. This week students will have the opportunity to drive the car they have helped construct on a raceway with other students. Thanks to Bec Tapscott (Teacher) and Jaiden Hoffman (Teacher Aide) for accompanying the students.
Build-Your-Own Burger Bash
Congratulations to the Year 10 Hospitality students for putting together an amazing Burger Bash in the last week of Term 3. The term’s practical and theoretical learning came together with a finely tuned whole-class team working to host an extremely successful event. Ms Norgaard and Miss Tammy were so proud of how the students worked autonomously in their small groups with little to no intervention required to solve problems or to keep students on track.
Congratulations also goes to the fifty highest PSC points recipients who were our guests.
Will S deserves special mention as he was not only an outstanding Hospitality team member but had also qualified as the PSC highest points recipient.
Mathematics and Science News
Head of Department – Mr Brian Amedee
Math & Science Faculty Update – Term 4
Welcome to the final term of the year! Energy is high across our classrooms as teachers and students lean into relational pedagogy—building strong connections, setting clear expectations, and celebrating effort. These relationships are translating into confident learners, calmer rooms, and steady growth.
STEM opportunities continue to expand.
STEM Club runs at lunchtimes every second Thursday—drop in to explore quick builds, micro-experiments, and problem-solving challenges with friends.
After-school tutorials operate on Tuesdays in S105 from 3:15–4:15pm; all students are welcome for targeted help, revision support, or quiet study with a teacher on hand.
Our STEM Crew is also hosting a Year 4/5 Mathematics Challenge with cluster schools in TPAC. It’s a great chance for emerging mathematicians to collaborate, think aloud, and test their reasoning under friendly time pressure. Thank you to staff and student volunteers making this event possible.
Behind the scenes, our teachers are working incredibly hard to design quality learning activities and provide actionable, timely feedback. The focus remains on clarity of success criteria, purposeful practice, and responsive teaching. Please encourage students to attend tutorials, join STEM Club, and speak with their teachers—small, consistent habits now will pay off at assessment time.
Physical Education, Teaching and Learning News
Head of Department – Mrs Tanya Wright
Term 4 HPE
Welcome back to term 4. As a new term begins, I would like to remind parents of the requirements for HPE lessons. Please ensure your child:
- has a hat and a water bottle for practical classes
- has pens/pencils for health lessons
- is aware of bell times and gets to the allocated meeting points on time
- has on appropriate clothing for HPE
- brings a note from home, rings the school, or has a medical certificate if he/she cannot participate in a practical lesson
Junior Health and Physical Education classes are beginning new units this term. Parents are encouraged to have meaningful conversations with their children about what they are learning in Health, as many of the topics explored will be relevant and important throughout their lives. Below are details of each year level:
Year | Practical | Health |
7 | Modified/Inclusive games – including indigenous games | “Game Changer” – Students explore: · How physical activities can be adapted to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate and experience success. · Ways to modify rules, equipment, and scoring systems to promote inclusion, fairness, and teamwork across a range of movement contexts. |
8 | Recreational Pursuits | “eSafety”- Students learn: · the impact of their digital brand and online behaviour. · how what they post and share can affect their relationships, safety, and wellbeing now and in the future. · how to create a positive online presence, safely manage what they share, and use strategies to protect themselves and seek help when needed online. |
9 | Striking Sports – Softball/Cricket/Tennis OR Badminton/Volleyball | "Respectful Relationships" – Students learn: · their rights and responsibilities in building respectful relationships. · how to manage emotions, show respect for others, and understand the importance of gender equality in preventing violence. · how respect, empathy, and power affect relationships and discuss ways to challenge stereotypes and promote inclusion. · how communication, consent, and expressing opinions help create healthy, respectful relationships, including sexual ones. |
10 | Coaching & Fitness | Last term, students developed their coaching and fitness skills through a range of class activities. Working in pairs, they planned a group fitness workout or sport-specific coaching session designed to improve the health and fitness of a classmate. This term, students will put their plans into action by delivering their sessions to the class. We look forward to seeing their coaching skills in action! (see pictures) |
10 | Introduction to Senior PE | Students will investigate motor learning concepts integrated with futsal and archery. Students will investigate a constraints-led approach to learning by identifying constrains and rate limiters affecting individual performance. |
11/12 | Sports Coaching | Project 4 – First Aid and Responding to emergency situations |
11 | Physical Education | Continuing with Sports Psychology concepts |
12 | Physical Education | Preparation for External Exams |
Submitted by Michelle Byrne
Special Education Program News
Acting Head of Department – Ms Jacinta Boland
Culinary Creation Impresses in Design Technology Task
In our ASDAN class, Jayden undertook a challenge to design, make, test and evaluate a product of his own choosing. Jayden decided to focus on food technology by developing a rice-based dish that was not only delicious but also nutritionally balanced and visually appealing. After thoughtful planning and research into flavours and presentation, Jayden designed a meal that combined steamed rice, soy sauce and tuna, garnished beautifully with shallots, avocado and sesame seeds.
Once the final recipe was decided, Jayden moved on to the making stage, handling each step with precision and care. The final product not only met the design brief but exceeded expectations in both taste and presentation. Photos of the dish showed a high-quality meal and classmates who sampled the creation gave it glowing reviews.
In the evaluation stage, Jayden reflected thoughtfully on what went well and what could be improved.
This project was a wonderful example of creativity, critical thinking and practical skill coming together. Jayden’s passion for cooking and willingness to try something different resulted in a very successfully completed ASDAN challenge.
Submitted by Deb Follett
Sporting News
Mr Nathan Rogers
End of Term 3 Sport Wrap up.
3v3 Basketball
Wally from Clontarf with the assistance of the House Captains ran a very successful single elimination knockout 3 on 3 Basketball tournament in the hall. The grand final match was between Year 10 boys Tyson Pavey, Khitz Alonzo and Lyncoln Bryant and Year 12 boys Percy Manfield, Harry Newton and Max Bryant. After 14mins of game time the scores were tied taking the game to a shootout. The senior boys eventually taking the win.
Interhouse GIFT
The interhouse GIFT was run second break on the last Thursday of Term 3. Two hundred and seventy-five spectators cheered on the twelve runners. In what was an extremely close race, Max Bryant in the last 15 metres secured victory.
Results:
- 1st Place Max Bryant
- 2nd Place, Alyssa Blanch
- 3rd Place Jordan Lee.
Danny Lyons $200 Shoe voucher winner was awarded to Leo.
State Athletics training
Denovan Oloman, Ty Cranna, Ali Himstedt, Elisha James and Blake Harch have had specialist track and field training Wednesdays on a lesson 4 for the past five weeks. The students have been refining their event skills and working on peaking their physical conditioning. They compete Week 2 in Townsville.
Term 4 Key Dates and Competitions
Senior Basketball
On Wednesday lesson 4, week 3 there will be a senior basketball game in TPAC against Clifton State High School. Year 11 and 12 study sport students will be offered the opportunity to watch and support our students’ last game.
State Futsal Champs.
Mason Davey is currently competing in the QLD schools State Futsal Championships at Nissan Arena Brisbane. Mason has a deadly left foot kick and was selected in the Darling Downs team as a utility Pivot / Flank. We wish him all the best.
U19 Boys Border Cricket trials
U19 Boys cricket trials for 2026 will not be run due to timetabling clashes. Students interested in attending Darling Downs cricket trials will need to see Mr Rogers in the HPE staffroom.
Student Council News
As the finish line comes into sight for our current Year 12 students, the journey toward leadership begins for our Year 11 students. Students are now nominating for the 2026 Leadership positions, an exciting new chapter for our senior cohort.
Below is a clear outline of the nomination process and key timelines.
We wish all nominees the very best, and look forward to seeing the vision, enthusiasm, and direction our new leadership team will bring to the year ahead.
Community Service Committee
This term the Community Service Committee will be running Bandanna Day on Friday October 17. We will be selling bandannas before school and at 1st and 2nd break next Friday for $7 each.
All the funds raised will go towards the Canteen Foundation which is a not-for-profit organisation that works to support young people impacted by cancer.
I know many of us don’t like to think about it, but cancer doesn’t just affect older people, it effects young people too, people our age. This is the Community Service committee’s last event of the year, and we would love to finish 2025 with a strong event. So please, get involved and donate to this amazing cause. A link to support this event can be found on the Warwick State High School Facebook page.
Charlotte Goodwin (Community Service Leader)
QParents
From Term 3, all Excursion Consent Forms have been managed digitally through QParents. This simple process allows parents/caregivers to easily access, complete and submit consent forms online.
When a new consent request is created for your student, you will receive a notification email. A notification will also appear in your QParents account under Consent Requests.
If you are not registered with QParents, it will be your student’s responsibility to collect a paper copy of the consent form from their teacher and return it to the office for each excursion.
Recently, you should have received an invitation to register for QParents. Please see the attached document for further details.
If you have any questions, or need your invitation resent, please contact Jackie at:
📧 qparents@warwickshs.eq.edu.au
📞 4666 9280
Office News
Contact Details
Keeping parent and emergency contact details up-to-date is very important so that we can contact you if your student is unwell or requires urgent medical attention. Attached is a “Change of Details” form for your convenience so that, if necessary, this can be completed and returned to the school.
Leave Passes
In summary:
- All students leaving the school during the day, MUST be signed out of the school by a parent/caregiver, this must be done via the Main Office. After showing their Student ID card, they will be issued with a Leave Pass.
- Students are NOT permitted to sign out of the school unless a parent/caregiver (or another adult nominated by the parent in writing) is present. Students must present this Leave Pass, as requested, to teachers or police officers when outside the school grounds.
- All students returning to school must do so via the Main Office with a parent/caregiver present. After showing their Student ID card, they will receive a Returning Pass, which must be shown to their class teacher.
- Students who are registered to drive to school do not need a parent/caregiver to be present to sign out. However, parental permission to leave must be obtained by the school in writing from parent/caregiver.
Messages to Students
Messages to students will be taken and delivered only in an emergency. Whilst every effort is made to deliver these messages, please note that classrooms do not have telephones.
Student Resource Scheme
The Student Resource Scheme fee for 2025 is $195.00. To ensure your student is able to participate in extra-curricular activities now is the time to start discussing your payment options with us.
We have options available for payment: Cash, Cheque, Eftpos, Payment Plans and Centrepay.
If you are currently receiving Centrelink payments, we can set up Centrepay or if not, we can set up a Payment Plan where you can make direct deposits into our bank account to make regular payments for your fees.
Please contact Paula in the Main Office on 4666 9232 for assistance.
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