30 May 2025

From the Administration Team

The Principal – Mr Will Curthoys

Welcome to mid-term 2, We are currently either in assessment or setting up for assessment for Semester 1.  This can be a very busy time for students and we try and guide them through this assessment time by assisting with routines.  Please contact the school if you would like some more information regarding this.

At the end of this term, we have our annual Athletics Carnival.  Visitors are most welcome, but this year we will only be allowing those people who are part of our student’s contacts.  If you know of a family member wanting to attend that is not one of your child’s contacts with the school, please contact the school with their name and the name of your student.  We can then be sure that all visitors are accounted for. 

Thank you all
Will

Deputy Principal – Mr Dan Finn

Dear Parents and Carers,

Thank you for such a positive response to our first Parent Teacher Interviews for the year, these discussions allowed parents and teachers to exchange insights, address concerns, and share goals regarding the child's academic progress and well-being.

Later this term you will receive additional feedback on your child’s progress with the Semester 1 Academic Report. This will include a Level of Achievement (LOA) for each subject studied in the first 6 months of 2025. To assist your child in the weeks ahead, here are some strategies for consideration:

1. Time Management: Assist your child to create a study schedule that allows for balanced revision and breaks. Effective time management can reduce stress and improve focus during assessments.
2. Find a comfortable study environment: Encourage your child to find a quiet, well-lit space for studying. Minimize distractions and maintain a clutter-free workspace.
3. Revise class work: Encourage your child to go over class notes, textbooks, and any additional materials. Focusing on understanding the key concepts and skills.
4. Support healthy habits: A balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep are essential for your child to maintain focus and energy levels as they complete their assessment and revision.

Students remember, assessments are opportunities for you to demonstrate your learning and growth. While it's important to strive for good grades, the ultimate goal is to give your very best effort in what you do. Wishing all the students best of luck in their term assessments.

Warm regards,
Mr Dan Finn

Deputy Principal – Mrs Michelle Ferdinand

School-Based Youth Health Nurse News

Tips on how to help keep our students safe online

In a World where technology is everywhere it is hard to stop children accessing it, however we can try and keep them safe when using technology. It is sometimes hard to understand what risks are associated with some of the platforms the students are accessing and using daily. One website that is beneficial for parents/carers is the Carly Ryan Foundation. The Carly Ryan Foundation, founded in 2010, is a harm-prevention charity recognised nationally to try and keep our children safe online. The organisation provides a range of services and support in the areas of internet safety and crime, cyberbullying, connection to resources, counselling and contributing to law and policy reform.

The Carly Ryan Foundation was founded by Sonya Ryan (Carly’s mother), after Carly’s tragic murder. Carly was the first victim of a violent crime that was perpetrated through the internet in Australia. Sonya has since dedicated her life to the protection of children, ensuing their online experiences are positive and safe.

The Carly Ryan Foundation website has great resources available to students, parents and carers that help to keep children safe online. The App fact sheets in particular are very informative on how the below platforms work including privacy settings, reporting issues and much more.

• Discord
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Roblox
• Snapchat
• Tik Tok
• Twitch
• YouTube

Please follow the hyperlink to the free resources available to help keep your children safe online 

Immunisation Reminder

Our school is participating in Queensland Health’s annual School Immunisation Program. All Year 10 students will be offered free vaccinations to protect against vaccine preventable diseases. The Year 10 students who had their first Meningococcal immunisation (MenB) last term will receive their final Men B immunisation on June 3.

OZcare is the provider for Warwick State High Schools free immunisation program. In 2025 the paper forms were replaced by a digital online program (Vitavo). Only students with a signed and completed consent, indicating ‘Yes to Vaccination’ will be vaccinated. This form was to be completed at the beginning of the school year.

Taylah Broomhall
School-Based Youth Health Nurse

Deputy Principal – Mr Daryl Thompson

Free internet for students

The Australian Government has established the School Student Broadband Initiative External link (SSBI) to provide free home internet until 30 June 2028 for up to 30,000 unconnected families across Australia with school aged students. The National Referral Centre (NRC) has been established to allow families to self-nominate for the SSBI and can also provide families assistance with nomination details and contacting and arranging a service provider if required.

To be eligible for the SSBI, a family must:

• have a child living at home that is enrolled in a Queensland school (Prep to Year 12)
• have no active broadband service over the NBN network—having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility
• live in a premises that can access a standard NBN service
• not have had an active NBN connection during the previous 14 days
• have their suitability determined via an assessment conducted by the NRC.

To apply, families can directly contact the NRC or be referred by a participating nominating organisation. Nominations will remain open until the 30,000 national cap is reached.

How to apply:

Families should be encouraged to contact the NRC on 1800 954 610 (Monday to Friday, 10am–6pm AEDT). Call-back and webchat functions are also available via the NRC website. The NRC team will assess a family’s eligibility by checking their residential address and asking some questions to determine if they meet the government’s eligibility criteria.

If eligible, families will be issued a voucher which can be redeemed at any of the participating SSBI retail service providers. The NRC will also be available to assist with contacting a family’s SSBI internet service provider of choice or providing follow-up support.

Deputy Principal – Mrs Tanya Wright

Building a positive school culture to enable all students to reach their potential is the driving force behind our decisions here at Warwick State High School. Our aim is to develop relationships with the Curriculum, the Learning and the Learner to increase student engagement and outcomes. Over the past few years, we have been working towards developing a set of signature observable ‘Look Fors’ that indicate high quality Relational Pedagogy (teaching and learning). It is with great pride and pleasure that we present the following document to parents and the community that outlines what those ‘Look Fors’ are:

Over the coming newsletters, I will be sharing more information about Relational Pedagogy and our 12 ‘Look Fors’. Stay tuned!

Senior Secondary News

Head of Department – Mr Cory Wren

Exploring the Benefits of Work Experience While at School

In today’s rapidly evolving world, gaining practical experience is more crucial than ever. For students, participating in work experience during school offers invaluable insights into the professional realm, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world application.

1. Building Essential Life Skills

Engaging in work experience allows students to develop key life skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management. These competencies are highly valued by employers and can significantly enhance a student's employability and confidence in various situations.

2. Gaining Industry Insights

Work placements provide students with firsthand exposure to different industries, helping them understand the day-to-day operations and challenges professionals face. This exposure can assist students in making informed decisions about their future career paths and educational choices.

3. Enhancing Academic Motivation

Experiencing the relevance of their studies in a real-world context can motivate students to engage more deeply with their academic work. Understanding how classroom knowledge applies to actual job scenarios can foster a greater appreciation for their education.

4. Expanding Professional Networks

During work experience, students have the opportunity to build professional relationships with mentors, colleagues, and industry professionals. These connections can be valuable for future job opportunities, references, and career guidance.

5. Improving Career Readiness

Participating in work experience equips students with a clearer understanding of workplace expectations, including professionalism, punctuality, and responsibility. This preparation can ease the transition from school to full-time employment or further education.

Unlocking Career Pathways: The Power of School-Based Traineeships and Apprenticeships

In today's rapidly evolving job market, traditional academic routes may not be the only pathway to success. School-based traineeships and apprenticeships offer students a unique opportunity to gain practical experience, earn an income, and set the foundation for a successful career—all while completing their secondary education.

What Are School-Based Traineeships and Apprenticeships?

These programs allow students to work part-time in a real-world setting, combining on-the-job training with classroom learning. Students can pursue various qualifications, such as certificates in business, early childhood education, automotive trades, and more.

Key Benefits:

1. Earn While You Learn: Students receive a wage for their work, providing financial independence
2. Gain Practical Experience: Hands-on training in a real work environment enhances skills and employability
3. Accelerate Career Progression: Completing a qualification during school can fast-track entry into the workforce or further education
4. Build Professional Networks: Early exposure to industry professionals can open doors to future job opportunities
5. Boost Academic Engagement: Students often find their academic studies more relevant and engaging when linked to real-world applications.

School-based traineeships and apprenticeships provide students with a practical, hands-on approach to learning that can lead to rewarding careers. By integrating work experience with education, these programs empower students to make informed decisions about their futures and equip them with the skills needed to succeed in the workforce.

Why Every Student Needs a Unique Student Identifier (USI)

In Australia, the Unique Student Identifier (USI) is more than just a number—it's your lifelong educational passport. Whether you're pursuing vocational education and training (VET) or higher education, having a USI is essential.

What Is a USI?

A USI is a 10-character alphanumeric code that uniquely identifies you within the Australian education system. It's issued by the Australian Government and remains with you for life.

Why Is a USI Important?

1. Centralised Record-Keeping
   Your USI creates a government-authenticated record of your training achievements, making it easier to track and manage your educational history
2. Access to Financial Assistance
   To apply for VET Student Loans or higher education HELP loans, a USI is mandatory. Without it, you may be required to pay full fees for your course
3. Streamlined Enrolment Process
   Institutions require your USI to finalise your enrolment and issue qualifications. It simplifies administrative processes for both students and providers
4. Enhanced Data Integrity
   A USI helps reduce data manipulation and misreporting, ensuring accurate tracking of student information across the education system
5. Lifelong Access to Records
   Your USI allows you to access your training records online at any time, providing a convenient way to keep track of your educational achievements.

 How to Create a USI

Creating a USI is free and straightforward. Visit the official USI website at usi.gov.au to get started. You'll need to provide a valid form of identification, such as a passport, Medicare or driver's licence.

Empowering Students with Industry-Ready Skills: RSA Certification Course at Our School

On Friday, 23 June, our school had the privilege of hosting Aurora Training Institute for an on-site Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course, attended by 21 enthusiastic students. This initiative aimed to equip students with essential skills for the hospitality industry, enhancing their employability and understanding of responsible alcohol service.

About the RSA Course

The RSA course, officially known as SITSS00071 – Responsible Service of Alcohol Skill Set, is a nationally recognised certification in Australia. It covers critical topics such as legal responsibilities, identifying intoxication, and strategies for refusing service when necessary. Aurora Training Institute offered this course through a single three-hour classroom session.

Student Participation and Outcomes

The 21 participating students engaged actively in the session, demonstrating a keen interest in the subject matter. Upon successful completion, each student will receive a nationally accredited Statement of Attainment, a credential that remains valid indefinitely and is essential for anyone seeking employment in licensed venues across Queensland.

Looking Ahead

This training not only provides immediate benefits in terms of job readiness but also lays the foundation for responsible practices in the hospitality sector. We commend our students for their commitment to professional development and thank Aurora Training Institute for delivering such a valuable program.

The Arts News

Head of Department - Mr Ian Follett

The next few weeks are going to be very exciting for students, with lots of fantastic events occurring in the Arts faculty.

Concert and Workshop with The Royal Australian Artillery Band

Warwick State High School was very fortunate to be able to host a visit from the Royal Australian Artillery Band on Tuesday May 20. The Band are currently on a tour and were excited to include us in their program again after an enjoyable visit in 2024. The Royal Australian Artillery Band provided two extremely energetic lunch time concerts in both breaks, featuring heaps of contemporary Pop, Rock Funk and Hip-Hop hits. They drew a massive crowd and had students and staff singing along and dancing. Warwick State High Schools Instrumental Music students were then lucky enough to participate in a Stage Band workshop with the Artillery Band members to fine tune their musical skills in preparation for the upcoming mid-year Instrumental Music Concert.

Many thanks to the members of The Royal Australian Artillery Band for offering us the opportunity to participate in their Touring program.

School Musical Production 2025
‘Disco InFERNO’

It’s nearly here – only a few weeks to go!

Synopsis

The story of Faust is brought to life in an explosion of hit songs, high energy dance routines and glitter-ball spinning action. Get, ready to hit that floor and burn, baby, burn... in ‘Disco Inferno’ 

It’s the summer of 1976. Outside, the weather is as hot as the fashion and passion are on the dance floor and Jack is about to celebrate a 21st birthday he’ll never forget. Working late in a London Dance Club, ‘Disco Inferno’, Jack meets Lady Marmalade – the devil’s right-hand lady. Dreaming of becoming successful, he makes a Faustian pact with her trading his soul to fulfil his wildest fantasies. Sound like an ideal bargain? Think again. He becomes an instant international success (even making an appearance on Countdown with a bumbling Molly Meldrum). However, success proves hollow. Jack has fame and fortune but is losing his girlfriend, Jane.  If only he could turn back time and make one more trade, trading all he has for something far more important... love.

The ‘Disco Inferno’ combines a hilarious script, fantastic characters and a score of hits from an unforgettable era of mirror balls, flares and platform shoes.

‘Disco Inferno’ is a high energy musical from a sensational era, that promises to be ‘A night to remember’.

Musical tickets on sale now!
Warwick State High School presents “DISCO INFERNO”
By Jai Sepple
By arrangement with David Spicer Productions
Additional material by David Spicer
 Thursday 5, Friday 6 and Saturday 7June - 7pm.
Warwick State High School Performing Arts Centre (TPAC)
Book Online at:
https://www.trybooking.com/DBOMU
Tickets :  Adults $20   Concession $15

Instrumental Music Mid-Year Concert

The Instrumental Music mid-year concert will be held on Wednesday evening June 18 at 7:00pm in TPAC at Warwick State High School. The Concert is one of the major events for the Instrumental Music Program this term and will feature the Wind Symphony, Jazz Ensemble, String Ensemble and the Stage Band performing. This is an excellent opportunity for parents and friends to see the results of the hard work that the instrumental music students have been doing in rehearsals since the beginning of the year. In previous years the concert has been very enjoyable, and it would be fantastic to see all parents of students involved there.  Students will be required to wear their Formal Uniform. Entry is free.

What else??

There are some other events also planned to take place this Term, please mark these on your calendars:

• Warwick State High School String Ensemble participating in the Stanthorpe Border District Eisteddfod - Wednesday May 28.
• Queensland Chamber Orchestra Concert in TPAC for Instrumental Music Students –June 11
• Queensland Youth Orchestra Workshop for Instrumental Music students at Warwick State High School – June 16.

Thank you.
Ian Follett – HOD The Arts.

English and Humanities News

Acting Head of Department – Mrs Kirsty Caterson

We’re now well into Term 2, and it’s been a busy and productive start across the English, Humanities, and Language’s classrooms. Students have settled into their new units of work and are now shifting their focus towards upcoming assessment tasks as we move into the second half of the term.

English – Building Confidence Through Communication

Students across all year levels are engaging with a wide range of texts and developing their skills in reading, writing, and speaking. Whether it’s crafting imaginative pieces, analysing themes and characters, or preparing persuasive speeches, the focus now turns to applying their learning in structured assessment tasks. Teachers are supporting students to refine their ideas, plan effectively, and respond with clarity and purpose.

Humanities – Thinking Critically About Our World

In Humanities, students continue to explore key concepts in History, Geography, Legal Studies, Economics and Business, and other disciplines. With assessment approaching, students are working hard to apply critical thinking and research skills to real-world contexts. Our goal is to help students make meaningful connections between the content they’re studying and the issues that shape their communities and futures.

Languages – Communicating with Confidence

Japanese language students are deepening their understanding of vocabulary, sentence structure, and cultural practices. As they prepare for end-of-term assessments, they’re being encouraged to practise their skills regularly—both in and out of the classroom—and to take pride in their growing ability to communicate in another language.

As we head towards the end of Semester 1, we’re encouraging all students to stay focused, ask for help when they need it, and take pride in their learning. Revision, planning, and persistence will be key to achieving strong results.

Families can support this by checking in on assessment calendars, encouraging healthy study habits, and maintaining open communication with classroom teachers.

We’re proud of the hard work already shown this term and look forward to celebrating student achievements as the semester draws to a close.

Celebrating Our Outstanding Readers – Term 1

At Warwick State High School, we believe that reading is not only a key to academic success but also a lifelong source of enjoyment and learning. Last Term, a number of students from Years 7 and 8 went above and beyond in their borrowing and reading habits.

We are proud to acknowledge the recipients of the Outstanding Reader Award for Term 1. These students have shown dedication to reading, regularly borrowing books and engaging with a wide range of texts. Their enthusiasm is inspiring and sets a great example for their peers.

Congratulations to:

Year 7:

William B (7A), Xanthin L (7B), Liam M (7C), Braxton H (7D), Bridie P (7E), Oliver L (7F), Stella H(7G)

Year 8:

Ella T (8A), Isabella M (8B), Charley T (8C), Declan M (8D), Abby M (8E), Hannah P (8F), Kahn H (8G)

Well done, readers! Keep turning those pages.

Year 9 Students Become Authors and Illustrators

Our talented Year 9 students have been hard at work crafting their own speculative fiction short stories, which they then transformed into graphic and picture books. This creative English task challenged students to not only write original narratives, but also to bring their stories to life through illustration and design — just like real authors and illustrators!

The final results were nothing short of magical. As the pictures show, the creativity, imagination, and effort on display were outstanding. Well done to all Year 9 students for their dedication and storytelling flair — your work is something to be proud of!

Technology News

Head of Department – Mr Bradley Hutchinson

The first five weeks of term have been a busy and productive time across our practical subjects.

Year 8 students have been designing and constructing their own lamps in woodwork, developing valuable skills in design and craftsmanship. Meanwhile, Year 9 students have tackled tin carry-alls in metalwork, demonstrating precision and creativity in their builds. Our Early Childhood students have enjoyed weekly visits to the local kindergarten, gaining hands-on experience and building confidence in real-world early learning settings. In Hospitality, students have been honing their culinary skills through a range of cooking activities. We remind parents to please monitor communications and ensure students are bringing the required ingredients to class. We’d also like to reinforce the importance of regular attendance—particularly in practical subjects, where ongoing participation is the key to skill development and success.

Mathematics and Science News

Head of Department – Mr Brian Amedee

Our Mathematics and Science community has experienced a highly productive and engaging term.

A group of students represented Warwick State High School at the Science and Engineering Challenge in Toowoomba. They worked in teams to design bridges, power grids, and other STEM builds, learning real-world problem-solving along the way.

Four junior student leaders visited Wheatvale State School to run hands-on STEM activities with primary classes. Their clear instructions and positive attitude made the sessions a standout success, and the younger students felt inspired.

Many senior classes have now completed the latest round of unit assessments. Results have been strong, reflecting careful preparation by teachers and consistent effort from students. Congratulations to all involved.

In the labs, junior Science classes are running practical investigations aligned with current topics. Students are following safety procedures, using equipment correctly, and recording results with care—skills that set the foundation for future study.

Thank you to staff, students, and families for supporting these initiatives. We look forward to keeping the momentum going through the rest of the term.

Physical Education, Teaching and Learning News

Head of Department – Mrs Tanya Wright

Thank you for continuing to support your student to engage in HPE at Warwick State High School.  Supporting students to make informed decisions about their health, wellbeing, safety and physical activity participation is a part of our ongoing work. There are 12 focus areas in the HPE curriculum including the following:

• Alcohol and other drugs
• Food and nutrition
• Health benefits of physical activity
• Mental health and wellbeing
• Relationships and sexuality
• Safety
• Active play and minor games
• Challenge and adventure activities
• Fundamental movement skills
• Games and sports
• Lifelong physical activities
• Rhythmic and expressive activities

Please click on the links below to browse through some of the parent information and resources that help support our delivery of some of the focus areas listed above.

Year 8 HPE

Year 8 HPE are just about to kick off their Softball Competition. Students will manage and participate in a Softball tournament, where they will get a chance to build skills in sports careers such as coaching, content creation, umpiring and management. All students will both fill a job role, and participate in the competition. So far students have completed their pre-season training with teachers, played pre-season trial games, completed job training, designed the competition format and built their teams.

Special Education Program News

Acting Head of Department – Ms Jacinta Boland

Darling Downs Zoo Excursion

Last Monday, our students had the exciting opportunity to visit the Darling Downs Zoo for a fun and educational excursion. From lions and meerkats to snakes and giraffes, students were able to observe a wide variety of animals up close, deepening their understanding of wildlife and conservation. The trip complemented their classroom learning and sparked great discussions about animal habitats, adaptation, and biodiversity. Students also had the chance to attend an educational talk by zookeepers, where they learned about the importance of protecting endangered species and the daily care involved in looking after exotic animals. It was a fantastic day out filled with curiosity, discovery, and plenty of photo opportunities. Our sincere thanks to BP West Warwick for their very generous support of this excursion. We’re proud of how engaged and respectful our students were throughout the day, and we look forward to more excursions that bring learning to life beyond the classroom!

Submitted by Deb Follett

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 12

Next

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! 📲

Library News

Student Council News

Student Representative Update – Term Highlights

The first Student Representative meeting of the term was held on Friday, May 16. During the meeting, planning began for WhooSH Week which is a variety of fun activities run by the Student Council. Whoosh weeks will be scheduled for Week 9 and 10 of this term. All students are encouraged to get involved in the WhooSH Week activities—whether by assisting with event coordination or by simply joining in the fun. It's a great opportunity to make the most of your time at Warwick State High School! Further details about WhooSH Week will be available in the Daily Student Notices.

Other upcoming events include:

Student Council ‘WhooSH’ week Activities:

QParents

Current Job Vacancies

Do you have a passion for helping students to achieve their personal best?

Warwick State High School is looking for dynamic team players to join our pool of casual teacher aides, to support our students when casual vacancies arise.

If this sounds like you, please email your CV to principal@warwickshs.eq.edu.au

Duties will be consistent with the Department of Education’s Teacher Aide role description (attached).

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.