Warwick State High School eNewsletter

From the Administration Team

The Principal – Mr Will Curthoys

As we come to the end of Term 3, I want to sincerely thank you for your continued support of Warwick State High School. Your involvement and encouragement play an important role in the success of our students and our school community.

Looking ahead to Term 4, I will be inviting our community to share feedback on how we bring Positive School Culture to life at Warwick State High School. This will include reflections on the way both staff and students contribute to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for learning.

We’ll be presenting this work through our P&C meetings and warmly welcome your thoughts and ideas. If you’re interested in being part of these conversations, please join us.

Term 4 P&C Meetings
📅 Wednesday 22 October @ 6:00pm
📅 Wednesday 26 November @ 6:00pm

Deputy Principal – Mr Dan Finn

Good morning Parents and Carers,

During the term, I had the opportunity to meet with Centre Manager, Alyce Lotz, and Student Services Coordinator, Lorna Moore, from the newly established Country Universities Centre (CUC) Southern Downs.

Both Alyce and Lorna were incredibly generous with their time and are deeply committed to expanding opportunities for the Warwick community, including students at Warwick State High School.

The CUC Southern Downs is a newly opened Regional University Study Hub, co-located with TAFE Queensland on the Warwick campus. It provides free access to study spaces, technology, and academic support for students undertaking university or VET courses—allowing them to pursue further education without leaving their local area.

The centre is available to anyone studying at a university or completing a Certificate III or higher. For further information about eligibility or services, please contact Alyce or Lorna directly.

Deputy Principal – Mrs Tanya Wright

Academy Classes 2026: Years 8 – 10

Warwick High Academy Classes aim to provide students with a challenging, academically rich environment that provides extensive opportunities for students to learn. The aim of these classes is to develop higher order and critically creative thinking amongst like-minded students with the curriculum being delivered at a faster pace. As was the case this year, student application forms are not required, with decisions on class inclusion based on up to date subject data, and teacher recommendations for Maths, Science and English. If your child is interested in being in the Academy Class/es for 2026, please ask them to see their teacher to highlight this. Please contact the relevant subject Head of Department If you would like further information.

Relational Pedagogy:

Last newsletter I highlighted our first Look For – Connection and published the observable traits we hope to see in students if they have developed it with their teacher. Our second Look For is Safe Learning Environment. When students are operating within a safe learning environment this is what we should see them do:

Demonstrate a sense of safety and belonging by engaging in routines and displaying PSC expectations
Follow teacher instructions and transitions smoothly
Demonstrate readiness for learning and strives for excellence in behaviour and effort
Engage with equipment and materials responsibly and safely

PSC REWARDS TRIP

It was my privilege to attend the Rewards Trip last Thursday with 200 students from Years 7 – 12. It was a great afternoon of shopping at Indooroopilly that culminated with a superb Broncos win at Suncorp Stadium (Rhys Walsh was electric!) A big thank you also goes to all the teachers who gave up their time to organise and attend the excursion. It really is a mammoth effort. I would also like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the families for your continued support of our Positive School Culture expectations. Having the opportunity to reward students for their behaviour and effort choices is such a lovely way to celebrate them, and their continued contributions to our school community.

Senior Secondary News

Head of Department – Mr Cory Wren

Hope4Health Workshop – Friday 29 August

Twenty of our students recently had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the Hope4Health workshop, run by Griffith University Health students.

The session gave students the chance to explore different areas of health, ask valuable questions, and learn about the many pathways into medicine and other health careers. It was inspiring to hear how diverse and unique each student’s journey into medicine has been.

Some of the stories shared included:

Nick – Chose Pharmacology as a back-up after not achieving the ATAR for direct entry into medicine. He highlighted how this pathway is also a great bridge into pharmacy.
Tia – Studied Biomedical Science, following her love of science despite not knowing exactly where it would lead.
Melinda – Completed studies in both Science and Art before pursuing a Master of Orthoptics, and then moving into medicine.
Tara – Originally studied Business and considered a career in Finance before changing direction. She entered medicine through the Rural Priority Entry Scheme and the Bonded Medical Program.
Lexie – Began her career pathway with Nursing before studying medicine. She grew up in a rural area and attended Clifton SHS.
Jack – Studied Paramedicine, which he enjoyed and considered a strong back-up plan if medicine wasn’t an option.
Eileen – Once interested in Interior Design, but ultimately followed her passion and pursued medicine through Biomedical Science.

Students walked away with fresh perspectives, a deeper understanding of health careers, and reassurance that there is no single “right” journey into medicine.

A sincere thank you to Griffith University and Hope4Health for making this valuable experience possible.

Aspire2Health Workshop – Tuesday 3 September

Ten of our students recently participated in the Aspire2Health workshop at the Griffith Clinical Training Centre, Warwick Hospital.

Aspire2Health is a highly interactive, hands-on program designed to give students a realistic insight into the day-to-day lives of health professionals. Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to:

Discover the wide range of careers available in the health sector
Learn what different health professionals do, in their roles
Explore the education and training pathways to health careers
Experience the fun and rewarding aspects of working in health

Our students represented the school with pride, and were commended by presenters for their excellent behaviour, willingness to listen, and eagerness to learn and ask questions.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to Griffith University, UniSQ, Southern Downs Rural Health, Rural Medical Education, PHN Darling Downs and West Moreton, and TSBE Toowoomba Surat Basin Enterprise for making this invaluable learning experience possible.

The Arts News

Head of Department - Mr Ian Follett

It has been a very busy couple of weeks with many exciting events occurring in the Arts Faculty.

Visiting Artist Inspires Our Drama Students

We were delighted to welcome acclaimed theatre artist Clint Bolster to our school for a day of creative exploration. Students immersed themselves in learning how to devise and promote theatre ideas, gaining hands-on skills and fresh perspectives.

Clint Bolster is a Clown, Physical Actor, Producer, and Teaching Artist based in Brisbane, Queensland. With more than 22 years of professional experience, he has dedicated his career to creating original theatrical works and training artists across multiple disciplines. He has performed extensively throughout the United Kingdom, Europe, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Japan—including over 900 solo shows at Universal Studios Japan, Osaka. Clint has also toured more than 500 primary and secondary schools across Australia. Most recently, he performed in the 2022/2023 Australian tour of Slava’s Snow Show and was accepted into the Cirque du Soleil database of Clowns.

The workshop was filled with laughter, teamwork, and big ideas as students collaborated in imaginative and dynamic ways. Clint’s energy, expertise, and passion for the performing arts left a lasting impression, and we sincerely thank him for inspiring our young performers.

Leisa Ford
Drama Teacher.

🎭 Student Voices
“It was so much fun! I learned how to work with others to build a story.” — Year 11 Drama Student

“Clint showed us that theatre can be anything you want it to be—it made me want to try more creative ideas.” — Year 12 Drama Student

‘Wonderstruck’

You should not judge artworks by what you see in books, on postcards, photos or on TV. Your perception of the works and response to them changes when you can walk around them, see them from different angles and see all of the details not evident in copies of them. There is nothing like standing in front of an enormous hyperrealist sculpture over 6m long x 4m wide and nearly 2m high to make your problems seem insignificant. Unless it is when you move in close to peer at the small exquisite landscape scenes constructed inside snow globes.Or maybe it is the joy when you get to add more stickers to Yayoi Kusama’s Obliteration Room…..

Art students from Year 9 to 12 had just this opportunity a few weeks ago when we visited the ‘Wonderstruck’ and ‘Creative Generations’ exhibitions at the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane. We saw works by many artists we have studied in class across the years: Ron Mueck and Patricia Piccinini to name just a couple. The Horn of Africa by Michael Parekowhai was a favourite, whilst adding stickers to Yayoi Kusama’s Obliteration Room was a chance to contribute to the artwork. Viewing the ‘Creative Generation’ Exhibition showing artworks completed by high school students across the state in 2024 was both inspiring and comforting in its familiarity. It triggered questions about what we could achieve as part of our course within class time, but also showed artwork which we could easily relate to and decipher.

It was a long day, but well worth doing. Opening student eyes to ‘real art’ can only better inform their practice and make their lives the richer for it. Thank you to all of the students for making the day such a rewarding experience.

Tracey Pope
Visual Art Teacher.

Art students from Year 7 to 12 have been working on pieces all year for submission into our annual Warwick High Art Exhibition, InSight. A free exhibition, held at the Warwick Art Gallery from September 18 until October 24, gives our students a chance to see their artwork presented professionally in a public space. Please check out the details on the invitation attached and take some time to pop in and wander through the space to see what talented students we have! If you are able to attend the opening on Thursday September 18, please remember to RSVP the gallery (as per the invitation details). See you there!

Thanks to all the students who participated in Creative Arts activities and events throughout Term 3.

What’s Coming up in the Arts Faculty in Term Four:

Warwick State High School Instrumental Music End of Year concert – October 15

Thank you.
Ian Follett – HOD The Arts.

English and Humanities News

Acting Head of Department – Mrs Kirsty Caterson

English, Humanities & Languages – End of Term Update

As Term 3 comes to a close, we celebrate the achievements of our students across the English, Humanities, and Languages Faculty. It has been a busy term filled with creativity, critical thinking, and determination, and we are proud of the progress students have made.

In English, students have demonstrated their ability to respond thoughtfully to a wide range of texts and tasks. From imaginative writing to persuasive arguments and analytical essays, the effort shown has resulted in some impressive outcomes. Students are developing stronger communication skills and growing confidence in expressing their ideas.

In Humanities, students have explored diverse topics across History, Geography, Legal Studies, Economics and Business, Tourism, and Social and Community Studies. Their ability to question, research, and make connections to the world around them has been evident in class discussions and assessment pieces. These subjects continue to help students become informed and active citizens.

In Languages, our Japanese students have continued to build their skills, showing increasing confidence in speaking, writing, and understanding cultural practices. Their persistence and enthusiasm have been encouraging to see, and many have made excellent progress this term.

We congratulate all students on their hard work and achievements throughout the term. Thank you also to families for your ongoing support—it plays an important role in helping our young people succeed.

We wish everyone a safe and restful holiday break and look forward to welcoming students back for another successful term of learning.

The English, Humanities & Languages Faculty

🌟 Storytelling Day Success! 🌟

A huge thank you to all our Warwick SHS students who volunteered their time today to help welcome and entertain over 300 Kindy to Year 3 students from our local schools.

Our visitors enjoyed stories, laughter, and plenty of magical moments thanks to the enthusiasm and energy of our student helpers. It was wonderful to see our school community come together to inspire a love of reading in our youngest learners.

Well done to everyone involved — you made the day one to remember! 📚✨

A huge thank you to all the students and teachers who participated in our Book Week Dress-Up Day on Friday, 22nd August.

It was wonderful to see so many creative and colourful costumes bringing our theme, “Book an Adventure”, to life. Your enthusiasm and effort made the day such a success and helped celebrate the joy of reading in a fun and memorable way.

🎉 Congratulations to our winners:

Best Individual: Corran
Best Duo: Phoebe and Matilda
Best Group: The Lorax

Well done, everyone, for making this year’s Book Week one to remember!

🌟 Book Week Door Decorating Competition 🌟

A huge thank you to all classes who took part in our Book an Adventure Door Decorating Competition! 🚪📚✈️

We were blown away by the creativity, colour, and effort that went into every design. It was fantastic to see so many imaginative adventures brought to life and the teamwork behind each door.

7C – Winner
7D – Highly Commended
7E – Highly Commended
7F – Highly Commended
SEU and Support – Highly Commended

Congratulations to everyone involved – your hard work truly made Book Week special!

Our Year 7 students have been busy designing book covers for a hypothetical novel, using their creativity and artistic skills to produce beautifully presented and engaging visual texts. The standard of work was outstanding, and students should be very proud of their efforts.

🎉 Congratulations to our winners:

1st Place: Lucas H (7E)
2nd Place: Clare B (7A)
3rd Place: Casey K (7A)

👏 Highly Commended:

Zara S (7A)
Isabel R (7B)
Layla O (7C)
Jax T (7D)
Dasten S (7E)
Laylah R (7F)
Nicholas W (7G)

Well done to all students for their creativity and effort in this unit — your designs were truly impressive!

Head of Department – Mr Bradley Hutchinson

It’s been a productive and exciting Term 3 in the Technologies Faculty at Warwick State High School. Students in Year 9 have been restoring a motorbike with the help and guidance of the local Police. These students will have the opportunity next term to attend local businesses and gain valuable hands-on experience alongside tradespeople. Our Year 10 students are also nearing completion of their workshop stools, a project that highlights their growing skills and craftsmanship. A reminder that junior students will be rotating between timber and metalwork; those undertaking metalwork may wish to wear an apron to help protect clothing.

Meanwhile, our Year 11 and 12 students are busy finalising their major projects across woodwork, metalwork, cooking, and textiles. These projects are a true showcase of their technical ability, creativity, and attention to detail, with many fantastic, finished pieces soon making their way home.

We are incredibly proud of the effort and dedication students have demonstrated throughout the term and look forward to seeing more outstanding achievements in the final part of the year.

Mathematics and Science News

Acting Head of Department – Mr Nathan Rogers

A big thank you to all of our Warwick High Science Fair competitors for their creativity and enthusiasm. Congratulations to our Science Week winners, Sophie and Will Day, with their impressive project Sour Dough Ratios. In second place were Jessica Beh, Harrison Buckmaster, and Adrianne Buckmaster with their project Rocket Distance. Well done to both teams on their fantastic efforts!

We also congratulate Liam Wren, Harrison Buckmaster, Jessica Beh, and Carter Goodwin, who were recognised by the Queensland Virtual STEM Academy for their participation in the Advanced Scientific Inquiry Online Course during Terms 2 and 3.

As the term comes to a close, I encourage all students to stay focused and committed to their studies. For our senior students, this time is especially important as they prepare for external examinations. Junior students are reminded to value their assessment tasks and maintain consistent effort. Finally, a sincere thank you to our dedicated teachers for their hard work and professionalism in guiding students through this busy assessment period.

Physical Education, Teaching and Learning News

Acting Head of Department – Mrs Michelle Byrne

The HPE department has had a productive and exciting term. Staff have been working hard to bring the V9 curriculum into our Year 7 to 10 programs, which has led to a noticeable lift in student engagement. Our Year 12 Physical Education students are also preparing for their external exams with great enthusiasm, especially as they deepen their understanding of fitness program design. Certificate II in Sports Coaching students are on their way to gaining competency as they complete practical & theoretical components of Project 3 Sports Officiating.

Year 10 HPE – Semester 2

In Semester 2, Year 10 students participated in “taster” subjects to help prepare them for their senior school years. These units are designed to build the skills needed for Senior PE, Certificate III in Fitness and Certificate II in Sports Coaching. In the Physical Education Taster (PET) subject, students explored performance analysis, motor learning concepts, and video technology through the sport of table tennis. Using digital video, they were able to closely examine specialised movement sequences and strategies, collect data, and identify their personal strengths and areas for improvement. It has been fantastic to see the depth of analysis and reflection students have achieved through this unit. Within the Coaching and Fitness (COF) subject, students are refining foundational coaching and training skills, including session planning, communication strategies, and leadership techniques. They are developing a broader understanding of the role that physical activity, coaching, and fitness training play in enhancing both individual wellbeing and the health of the wider community.

Year 11 Certificate III in Fitness

This term, our Certificate III in Fitness students have upped the game with their programming and delivery, with a cardiovascular focus. The students completed pre-tests at the beginning of term with the aim of improving our cardiovascular fitness by the end of the term. The students programmed and delivered Group Fitness sessions for the class, with field activities and running being the major focus. The students reviewed their performance and were able to implement changes for the next session. The students culminating task for the term is the delivery of 3 x one-one-one cardio programs, which are tailored to the goals of their student client. We have completed the 2 of these sessions so far and the standard has been exemplary. This particular cohort of Cert III students go above and beyond in their effort, each and every lesson.

One of the most exciting parts of this term was finally receiving our much cherished official “Cert III in Fitness” polo shirt. It is great to see our class wearing these shirts with pride for our in-class workouts.

Acting Head of Department – Ms Jacinta Boland

Mexican Celebration

This term, Poppy completed an engaging ASDAN task focused on the vibrant traditions of a Mexican fiesta celebration. As part of the project, Poppy researched the significance of the fiesta and its key elements, including making traditional Mexican burgers. These burgers were a fantastic, flavour-filled dish and were a great way to include everyone in the celebration—vegetarians and meat-eaters alike!

A highlight of the Mexican celebration task was creating an authentic piñata—a colourful, decorated container traditionally filled with lollies. Poppy carefully crafted the star-shaped piñata, using papier-mâché techniques, demonstrating creativity and patience throughout the process. Once the piñata was ready and filled with a carefully curated selection of wrapped lollies, it was time for the best part - smashing it open! With cheers and laughter all around, students in the ASDAN class assisted Poppy in taking turns to “gently” break open the piñata, while eagerly collecting the sweet treats that tumbled out. This hands-on activity was a wonderful way to celebrate other cultures, creativity and to connect with real-world traditions.

Submitted by Deb Follett

RACQ Local Giving Program

Earlier this term, SEP staff and students excitedly greeted the arrival of the new tricycle purchased to replace the one on loan from Warwick West State School. This was a substantial investment by the school, so we were grateful when RACQ generously contributed $500.00 to the project through their Local Giving program.

On Thursday 14^th August, local RACQ staff member Tori, came to the high school to present the symbolic cheque to the students. Tori was pleased to see the grant so appreciated.

Tori appears in the photo along with Thomas, Taylor, Evie, Jayden, Blayze and Ashlee.

Warwick State High School Class of 75

Warwick State High School's class of '75 relived their former glory days at their 50-year reunion on Saturday.

Temperatures were low but spirits were high when 33 former Warwick State High School students returned to their home town at the weekend to mark 50 years since finishing school.

The group, mainly graduates of 1975 but including others who had been part of that cohort since Year 8 in 1971, shared dinner and memories at the Warwick Condamine Sports Club.

Most are now retired from fulltime work but have had active lives working across the Education, Healthcare, Retail, Military, Media, Administration and Trade sectors.

While talk quickly turned to the heydays of AC-DC, Neil Diamond, long hair and short skirts, it also turned back to the children, grandchildren and families now more important to the Class of ‘75.

A number of students met for coffee on Saturday afternoon after stopping off at the High School for a photo opportunity outside the same front door that had been the backdrop for class photos half a century ago and more.

The reunion drew visitors from Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, Toowoomba. They were joined by those who had stayed in or returned to Warwick as well.

Submitted by Elizabeth Duncan

Sporting News

Mr Nathan Rogers

Representative Sport News

Ariona and Xanthin Laws participated in the QLD state schools Orienteering championships. The championships were held in the bush around the Kingaroy region. Xanthin and Ariona competed in both the sprint and Hagaby events and both finished within the top 10 for both events.
Calum Oloman, Denovan Oloman and Davey Landon Davey competed at St Pauls Brisbane in the QLD State Cross Country Championships. All three boys finished in the top 30 out of fields nearing 100 runners.
Hailey Leeson was selected in the Southwest QLD schools U14 Girls Rugby League team.
Max Bryant was selected in the Darling Downs Under 19 Boys Hockey team alongside brothers Mal and Lincoln. The boys competed well at the state championships and the team were awarded the bronze medal winning their finals playoff match against 4^th In addition to playing, Max was awarded a spot on the QLD schools boys hockey team as a referee. Max refereed many games at the Australian School Boy Championships in Canberra earlier this term including the national bronze medal match. He was awarded the opportunity to referee national finals due to his incredibly consistent and accurate read of the game as a referee.

Track & Field News

The Warwick High athletics team had a very successful Border District Athletics Carnival:

Runners up: Elisha James, Blake Harch and Xanelle Van Dyk.
Age Champions: Alyssa Blanch.
Warwick High won the Boys Aggregate trophy and the overall champion school.

The Warwick High athletics team also had a very successful Warwick All-Schools Carnival:

Runners up: Jaxon Dyball, Lucas McMahon, Lincoln Bryant and Ayva Sharman.
Age Champions: Fred Ajaku, Blake Harch and Lily Sharman
Overall junior girls’ champions, overall Junior Boys Champions, overall Senior Boys Champions.

Southern Downs athletics results

Chelsea Smith made the Southern Downs athletics team for the “Multi”, consisting of the 100m, 800m, Long Jump and Shot Put.
Felicia Durrington made the Southern Downs team for winning the U12 Girls shot Put and 4^th in the discus.
The secondary Darling Downs track and field championships were held in August in Toowoomba at the tartan Glennie school track and at O’Quinn Darling Downs Athletics Field. Twenty-nine athletes from Warwick High were selected to compete. Of them, twelve were medallists.

Our medal tally for the championships were:

3 Gold
8 Silver
9 Bronze.

Ty Cranna, Ali Himstedt, Denovan Oloman, Blake Harch, Piper Atkinson, Calum Oloman and Elisha James were selected in the Darling Downs team to compete at the state championships in Townsville early in Term 4.

Student Council News

On Tuesday September 2, members of the Community Service Committee volunteered their time to serve the Seniors of Warwick at their monthly morning tea. Miss Mitchell’s Year 11 Hospitality class prepared the food as a part of their assessment, which was then thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended. Many compliments were received about the presentation and manners of the student volunteers and the quality and taste of the morning tea. The students enjoyed talking, dancing and sharing stories throughout the morning. Thanks, should be given to Miss Mitchell’s Hospitality class, Alyssa Blanch and Lauren Strom (Community Service Committee Junior Leaders), Lincoln Bryant, Pepper Wickham, Aylisa Fraser and Xanelle van Dyk for their efforts.

QParents

From Term 3, all Excursion Consent Forms will be 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

✨ Holiday Break Wishes from Warwick State High School ✨

Warwick State High School would like to wish all students and their parents/caregivers a safe, happy, and relaxing holiday break! 🌟

Please note:
📅 The main school office will close on Friday 19 September 2025
📅 It will re-open on Tuesday 7 October 2025 at 8:00am

We look forward to welcoming everyone back, refreshed and ready for Term 4!

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.

Click here to download the Change of Details form

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.

Click here to download the Participation Agreement Form a

Click here to download the Payment Arrangement Form

Click here to download the 2025 srs annual parent information letter

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19 September 2025