25 July 2025
From the Administration Team
The Principal – Mr Will Curthoys
Welcome to Term 3
Welcome back to Term 3! This term, we’ll be placing a strong focus on learning in our classrooms. As always, we continue to work with and promote our school values of Respect, Responsibility and Relationships in everything we do.
A key part of successful learning is being prepared. When students come to school ready to learn—with the right mindset, attitude, and equipment—they are giving themselves the best possible chance to succeed.
Can I kindly ask all families to support your child by ensuring they have everything they need each day. If, at any time, you need assistance with school supplies or equipment, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to help.
Thank you once again for your ongoing support as we work together to help every student achieve their best.
Deputy Principal – Mr Dan Finn
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to Term 3 As we begin the second half of the year, I want to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of our students in the first semester. Growth and success look different for each individual, and it's important to pause and reflect on everyone's efforts.
By now, you should have received your child's Semester 1 report card. This is one of two reports you will receive this year, detailing your child's current level of achievement, effort, and behaviour in each subject. Below is a summary for Year 10 and Year 9.
Year 10 Semester 1 2025 | A% | A/B% | A-C% |
Level of Achievement | 19 | 54 | 88 |
Effort | 44 | 69 | 92 |
Behaviour | 52 | 78 | 96 |
Year 9 Semester 1 2025 | A% | A/B% | A-C% |
Level of Achievement | 21 | 52 | 87 |
Effort | 40 | 64 | 88 |
Behaviour | 49 | 73 | 93 |
You are invited to attend Warwick State High School and meet with your child’s teachers in our final Parent Teacher Interviews for 2025.
When: July 28, 2025
Where: Warwick State High School U Block, entry via Victoria Street gate.
Interviews will commence from 3:30pm and finish at 5:45pm
Interview bookings open July 18, 2025, at 9:00am and can be made through SOBS by clicking here. Bookings will close on July 25, 2025, at 2:00pm. Should you be unable to complete your bookings please contact the school on 4666 9222 with your booking preferences.
Deputy Principal – Mrs Michelle Ferdinand
Principal Awards Semester 1 – 2025
It was a very proud moment for Warwick State High School when we celebrated the Principal Awards on Wednesday July 16. Congratulations to all students and parents who attended the ceremony. Over 600 people were present to acknowledge the excellent effort and behaviour of our wonderful students. These students have been issued an invitation to attend the Rewards trip to Brisbane to see the Broncos play Rugby League and Indooroopilly shopping centre. There are only 200 seats available, and it will be allocated on a first paid basis.
NAIDOC
On Tuesday July 15, our Whole School Assembly was opened with a dedication to NAIDOC with a clip showing the meaning of NAIDOC, an acknowledgement of country and an understanding of a Yarning circle.
On Thursday we celebrated NAIDOC with – Johnny cake making, mural painting, face painting, and rock art. We also had the pleasure of sharing a culinary delight for lunch, as well as the cutting of our NAIDOC cake.
Thank you to the lovely First Nation ladies Del, Morgan and Sarah from Goolburri, Clontarf staff (Matt the Chef and Wally the Artist) and the Wellbeing Team (Andrew, Travis, Tanya, Marie and Nikki) for working with our students.
Year 7
Our Year 7 girls were lucky enough to have the opportunity to engage with local Police late last term. The girls started the session with an impactful Cyber Safety talk. They then chose to participate in either Police Entry Fitness testing or a breathwork session at BTB Gym with personal trainer Lucas. The girls met back at the station and toured all of the facilities and chatted with a variety of officers in many different roles. We had a delicious BBQ lunch to finish our day off. It was a wonderful experience. A huge thanks to all involved!
Deputy Principal – Mr Daryl Thompson
Warwick State High School Digital Learning Update
Digital Learning and Device Access – Plans for 2026
Warwick State High is actively preparing for a dynamic and engaging digital future for our students and staff in 2026. Our aim is to provide the right tools and support for learning in a modern, technology-rich environment.
Planned Device Access for 2026:
- Year 7: Each student will have access to a dedicated school laptop, kept in their classroom. These devices will be used during lesson times and stored at school overnight for charging and maintenance.
- Years 8 to 10: Students will continue to use the school’s existing computer labs. Teachers will schedule lab access based on curriculum needs.
- Years 11 and 12: Students will be required to bring their own laptop as part of the school's BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) program. These devices will connect to the school’s network. In addition, students will have 24/7 access to curriculum content through the QLearn online platform.
Our teachers are also continuing to build their digital capabilities to ensure that the transition to a more digital learning environment supports the success of all students.
Deputy Principal – Mrs Tanya Wright
Welcome back to Term 3! I had the pleasure of finally moving our Relational Pedagogy work from the staff space into the student space on Tuesday this week. I presented a short introductory session during Whole School Assembly to outline what Relational Pedagogy was, and how we can all work together to improve engagement and outcomes. This work will continue with students and will continue to support Warwick State High School to be the best school, with the best students and the best staff. It will be focused around Curriculum (The What?), Learning (The How?) and the Learner (Students). As shared in a previous newsletter, we are honing in on 12 Look Fors (observable practices) that help teachers, help students to be successful learners. Please click on the link to see them in glorious colour with the definitions attached.
Senior Secondary News
Head of Department – Mr Cory Wren
Welcome Back
Welcome back for Term 3, the last full term of schooling for our graduating class of 2025!! Our Year 12 students will spend some time this term looking at future pathways, including QTAC application, Early Entry, Scholarships and other key processes for tertiary entry.
Work Experience
Term 3 also sees another round of bulk Work Experience opportunities for our senior students in Week 10. Work experience is a vital opportunity for students to experience workplaces and environments to help plan their senior studies and pathways beyond school.
Students interested in undertaking Work Experience this term are to collect and return an Expression of Interest Form by the end of Week 3.
Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways
Our Year 10 students have been busily working through the Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways, delivered under our Registered Training Organisation (RTO) Scope of Registration. This course has enabled the students to explore different pathways into the future and develop work readiness skills with the creation of a cover letter, resume and suitability statement. This term focuses on the final project, which enhances the student’s work-related numeracy skills. Upon the completion of the course, students will receive a Certificate II as well as four core points towards their Queensland Certificate of Education.
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The Arts News
Head of Department - Mr Ian Follett
Welcome everyone to Term 3!
There were some very exciting events occurring during the end of Term 2 in the Arts Faculty, and we have lots of events planned for Term 3 for the students involved in the Creative Arts programs.
Instrumental Music Mid-Year Concert 2025
On Wednesday June 18 Warwick State High School students presented an Instrumental Music Mid-Year Concert. This was an excellent opportunity for parents and friends to hear what the various Ensemble groups have been developing and rehearsing since the commencement of the school year. The ensemble groups that performed were the Wind Symphony Stage Band, ‘Cool School’ Jazz Ensemble and the String Ensemble. The concert provided the various ensemble groups an opportunity to perform to a large and enthusiastic audience, and for some students it was their first public performance as part of a Warwick State High School Instrumental Music ensemble. Thanks to all the families that attended the concert.
Queensland Youth Orchestra Workshop
Warwick State High School Instrumental Music students who are members of the Wind Symphony ensemble were very fortunate in hosting a visit from the Queensland Youth Orchestra on June 23, as part of their recent tour of regional Queensland.
Members from the Youth Orchestra gave small group instrumental tutorials with the Wind Symphony members before combining for a full band rehearsal in which they workshopped through some repertoire that the band has been working on.
The following Arts events are taking place during Term 3.
Instrumental Music Jumpers and Jazz Performances and Workshops:
- Cool School Jazz Ensemble Workshop with members of the University of Queensland Big Band – Friday July 18 in the Warwick State High School Music rooms
- Cool School Jazz Ensemble Performance with the UQ Big Band as part of the Jumpers and Jazz Festival on Saturday July 19 at the Town Hall
- Stage Band and Cool School Jazz Ensemble performances outside the Town Hall as part of the Jumpers and Jazz Festival on Wednesday July 23.
- Cool School Jazz Ensemble Performance at the Anzac Gates, Leslie Park as part of the Jumpers and Jazz Festival on Saturday July 26.
Senior Drama Excursion - Macbeth:
- Year 12 Drama students have the opportunity to attend a live theatre experience of the Shakespeare Drama ‘Macbeth’ at the Empire Theatre in Toowoomba on Thursday August 7. The students will need to provide their own transport to and from the venue and will meet their Drama teacher, Ms Ford, at the Empire Theatre.
Senior Visual Art Excursion – QAGOMA:
- Year 11 and 12 Visual Art and Visual Arts in Practice students will have the opportunity to visit the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art in the South Bank precinct on Thursday August 14. Arrangements are still being finalised, and students will receive more information through their regular Art classes at school when details are finalised.
Other workshop and/or 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.
English and Humanities News
Acting Head of Department – Mrs Kirsty Caterson
Welcome Back for Semester 2
The English, Humanities, and Languages Faculty warmly welcomes all students and families back for Semester 2.
This semester brings fresh opportunities for students to extend their learning, engage with new texts and topics, and continue building the skills they need to succeed. Our focus remains on supporting students to think critically, communicate effectively, and take pride in their progress.
We look forward to another great term of learning, creativity, and achievement across our classrooms.
Readers Cup Success!
On Monday June 10, four of our wonderful students — Jessica, Claire, Hallie, and Savannah — travelled to Highland Christian College in Toowoomba to represent Warwick State High School in the Annual Readers Cup Competition.
In preparation, the team read five novels and took part in a challenging quiz, answering detailed questions about each book. Competing against 19 other teams, our students showed incredible dedication, teamwork, and a passion for reading.
A huge congratulations to the team for their effort and for representing our school with pride — well done, girls! Thanks to Mrs Williams for supporting the team to participate in this competition.
Get Ready for Book Week – Week 6!
It’s that exciting time of year again when we come together to celebrate our love of books and reading — Book Week is just around the corner in Week 6!
This year’s theme is "Book an Adventure", inviting us all to dive into new stories, explore different worlds, and go on unforgettable journeys through reading.
Stay tuned for fun activities, competitions, and plenty of opportunities to share your favourite books. Let’s get ready to book an adventure together!
📚✨ Book Week Dress-Up Day is Coming! ✨📚
Get ready to unleash your imagination and celebrate the joy of reading! 📖🎉
🗓 Date: Friday, August 22 2025
🎭 Theme: Book an Adventure
👗 What to Wear: Come dressed as your favourite book character! Whether it's a daring explorer, a magical creature, or a beloved hero, let your costume reflect the adventure that books bring to life.
Please Remember:
- Ensure your costume is comfortable and suitable for a full day at school, including classes and breaks.
- Think creatively and have fun with your outfit!
We can't wait to see the incredible characters you'll bring to life. Let's make this Book Week Dress-Up Day an unforgettable adventure! 🌟📚
Technology News
Head of Department – Mr Bradley Hutchinson
The Technology faculty wishes to welcome students back for another exciting semester of work. Of particular note this term, a team of Year 9 students are undertaking the restoration of a motorbike in the Trade Training Centre. The bike was donated and will be auctioned off later in the year.
A reminder that some subjects have specific Personal Protective Equipment requirements and students are encouraged to bring their own for comfort and convenience. For instance, students engaged in cooking and engineering require shoes with impervious uppers. Senior engineering students are also encouraged to bring in a cotton-drill work shirt to protect their skin and school uniform. If you have questions or concerns, please get in touch with me or the classroom teacher.
Hospitality News
At the end of last term, our Year 11 Hospitality students took great pride in providing staff with a takeaway mocktail and charcuterie cup as part of their Bar & Barista Unit. Students worked in groups to determine a range of suitable menu items to serve to staff. They then sought feedback from their customers. The highlight for many of our students was producing the charcuterie cup to accompany the beverages, carefully selecting suitable ingredients and arranging them in an eye-catching manner. Congratulations students!
Early Childhood News
At the end of Semester 1, our Year 11 and 12 Early Childhood students concluded their Literacy & Numeracy unit. During Term 2, students worked on their reading skills in class to plan and implement an engaging read-aloud session with the Warwick Community Kindergarten and accompanied this with a literacy-based activity designed to help enhance literacy development. Our students thoroughly enjoyed their visits to the kindy and would like to thank Warwick Community Kindergarten for welcoming us into their space and providing opportunity for our students to learn!
Mathematics and Science News
Head of Department – Mr Brian Amedee
Welcome back to Term 3! There’s plenty on the horizon in Mathematics and Science, and we’re excited to share the highlights.
Maths tutorials resume next Tuesday, running 3:10 – 4:10 pm in S105. These sessions are open to all students who’d like extra practice, assessment feedback or simply a quiet place to study. Bring your questions—our teachers are ready to help.
In Science, classes will spend more time in the labs as we focus on practical investigations and skill‑building. Hands‑on work is a great way to deepen understanding, so please remind students to arrive prepared with closed‑in shoes and a keen sense of curiosity.
A special note: Science Week falls in Week 6. We’ve planned a series of lunchtime and class‑time activities across the school to celebrate scientific discovery. Keep an eye out for the full program and get involved—there’ll be something for everyone.
Meanwhile, Year 10 students have begun their elective pathways, and our staff are working hard to lay strong foundations for Senior Mathematics and Senior Science. Regular attendance, consistent effort and early help‑seeking remain the keys to success.
We’re proud of the enthusiasm students have shown already. Let’s keep the momentum going. Contact your child’s teacher if we can support their learning in any way.
🚀 STEM Fair is Back in Week 5! 🔬
Are you ready to take on a new challenge?
If you’re interested in participating in this year’s STEM Fair, start forming your team now!
Come and collect a permission and planning note from Mrs Lee in the S Block staffroom.
Last year’s teams impressed us with their amazing ideas and creativity — could your team take it even further this year?
🌟 Get involved, get creating, and show us what you’ve got!
Physical Education, Teaching and Learning News
Head of Department – Mrs Tanya Wright
Welcome back to Term 3! As we begin the new term, I’d like to remind parents and guardians of a few important expectations for Health and Physical Education (HPE) lessons. Please ensure your child:
- Brings a hat and water bottle for practical sessions
- Has pens or pencils ready for health lessons
- Is familiar with bell times and arrives promptly at designated meeting points
- Wears appropriate clothing for HPE activities
- Provides a note from home, contacts the school, or supplies a medical certificate if they are unable to participate in a practical class
Thank you for your continued support.
This term, Junior Health & Physical Education classes will be starting new units. To support your child’s learning, we encourage parents and guardians to engage in meaningful conversations about the health topics being explored in class. Many of the subjects covered this term are highly relevant and will likely have a significant impact on your child at various stages of their life.
Year | Practical | Health |
7 | Soccer & Tee-Ball | “Your Change” - focuses on physical, emotional, social and intellectual changes that occur during adolescence and how they impact on identity. |
8 | Touch Football | “Respectful Relationships” - Students will examine friendships by identifying issues such as power, consent & coercion & will apply communication methods & develop proactive strategies to scenarios. |
9 | “Fitness & Nutrition” - Integrated unit where students study fitness & nutrition, while analysing a range of sports through a fitness lens. | |
10 Coaching & Fitness | Students will practise planning and running basic coaching sessions, learn fitness principles, and explore how health, sport, and physical activity are shaped by social and cultural influences. | |
10 Physical Education | Students will learn how data can be used to improve performance in table tennis, futsal, and archery. Through these sports, they will practise and assess movement skills, techniques, and game strategies. They will also explore fitness, energy systems, and training methods to improve their health, fitness, and performance. | |
11/12 Sports Coaching | Project 3 – Sports Officiating students will learn how to conduct & efficiently run a sporting competition. Students will have many opportunities to demonstrate their skills in a range of officiating roles. | |
11 Physical Education | Unit 2: Topic 2 Access & Equity – students analyse how personal, social, cultural & environmental factors influence an individual’s involvement & participation in physical activity. Students analyse data to devise strategies & determine effective outcomes. | |
12 Physical Education | Unit 4: Topic 1 – Energy, fitness & training - Students will explore and critically analyse key concepts and principles related to energy systems, fitness, and training. They will apply this knowledge to the context of Touch Football and make connections to their own physical performance and development. | |
Brainstorm Productions
We are lucky enough to have Brainstorm Productions present to our Year 7 cohort again this year. This year’s performance is “Wired” where it explores cyberbullying and mental health, and provides strategies for resilience, help-seeking & positive relationships. If you would like to know more about the performance, please see view their website
Submitted by Michelle Byrne
Special Education Program News
Acting Head of Department – Ms Jacinta Boland
Photography project
Over the past month, some of our students have explored the world of digital photography as part of an ASDAN task. Armed with digital cameras, students explored our school grounds in search of interesting subjects to photograph. From close-ups of blooming flowers in the garden to wide shots of murals and interesting garden ornaments, the young photographers showed impressive creativity and a keen eye for detail. Under the guidance of their teachers, students learned the basics of camera operation, including focusing, adjusting lighting and framing their shots. After their photo sessions, students returned to the classroom to learn how to transfer their pictures from the camera to a computer. They imported their images and got to work on creating their own PowerPoint presentations. Each student selected their favourite photos, added captions, and practiced inserting text and transitions. It’s safe to say we may have a few future photographers in our midst!
Submitted by Deb Follett
What’s new at WSHS
📸 Warwick State High School is Now on Instagram!
We’re excited to announce that Warwick State High School has launched its official Instagram account! Follow us @warwick_shs to stay connected and experience our vibrant school community through photos, stories, and updates.
What to Expect:
- 🎓 Highlights from school events and activities
- 🏆 Celebrations of student achievements
- 🎭 Behind-the-scenes glimpses into school life
- 🗓️ Important announcements and reminders
Whether you're a current student, parent, alumni, or community member, our Instagram page is a great way to stay informed and engaged with everything happening at Warwick State High School.
Don't miss out—hit that follow button and join us on this exciting new journey! 📲
Student Council News
Student Council – Term Highlights
The first Student Representative meeting of the term was held today Friday, July 25. During the meeting, we welcomed the Semester Two representatives from each year level.
Other upcoming events include:
Committee | Event |
Community Service | Jeans for Genes Day – students encouraged to wear denim and bring a gold coin donation – Thursday July 31 |
Environmental | Jazz & Jumper tree – check it out in the town library carpark |
Fundraising | Cookie Dough Drive – orders close 31/7/25 and collection 18/8/25 |
Positive School Culture | Reward Days throughout the term Rewards trip – Gold Silver Bronze – Friday September 4 2025 |
Sports | Lunch time sports Competitions – details in the student notices |
QParents
Please note as from Term 3 all Consent Management will be generated through QParents. This is a simple process that enables parents to access, populate and submit digital consent forms requested by your student's school for Excursion Consent. When a new consent request has been created for your student, you will receive a notification email. A notification will also display in your QParents account on the consent requests.
Should you not be registered with QParents it will be the student's responsibility to ask the teacher for a paper copy of the consent and return to the office for each excursion.
Recently you would have received an invitation to register for QParents. Please see the attached document for further details.
Should you have any questions or need an invitation resent to you please do not hesitate to contact Jackie via email qparents@warwickshs.eq.edu.au or 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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