22 August 2025
From the Administration Team
The Principal – Mr Will Curthoys
In our last newsletter I wrote about the importance of learning. School benefits us in so many ways but learning needs to be at the core of what we do.
High school is not just about completing assignments or passing exams — it’s about developing the skills, knowledge, and mindset needed for future success.
Learning equips students with:
- critical thinking skills
- problem-solving skills
- communication skills
- opportunities for further study
- discovering passions
- building confidence
- understanding the world around us.
It is through learning that students can achieve their goals, contribute positively to their community, and prepare for an ever-changing future. That’s why learning is the most important part of being at Warwick State High School.
Deputy Principal – Mr Dan Finn
Dear Parents and Carers,
Over the past 5 weeks I have been fortunate enough to visit a large number of classes across the Junior School, the majority of students are engaged in meaningful work under the guidance and support of teachers and teacher aides. Lessons in the past weeks have provided opportunities for them to reinforce key concepts and apply theory in practice as they work with each other to troubleshoot tasks and provide peer feedback. It has been a busy term with some notable highlights including Warwick Careers Expo, Principal Awards, NAIDOC week, Jumpers and Jazz, Ag inspirations tour, Parent Teacher Interviews, Jeans for Genes Day, Japanese partner, Kumiyama school visit and Science Week.
As we approach the end of the term, our Year 9 and 10 students are completing and/ or preparing for their assessment. These assessments are a crucial part of their Semester 2 report, and as parents and carers, your support and guidance play a significant role in helping them succeed. Should your child need support please contact us for assistance.
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 and I look forward to a strong finish for Term 3.
Warm regards,
Mr Dan Finn
Deputy Principal – Mrs Michelle Ferdinand
From our Wellbeing team
“Say NO to Bullying”
Week 5 aligned with the national “Say NO to Bullying” week. The school ran some great activities for the students on Monday August 11 looking at coming together, identifying and working towards stamping out bullying. The students were shown clips each day that highlighted the school values of RESPECT, RESPONSIBILITY and RELATIONSHIPS and how focusing on these values would go a long way to effectively targeting bullying. The students were also presented with the clips attached to the national “Say NO to Bullying website – looking at the themes of “Challenging Stereotypes, Promoting Empathy, Embracing Diversity, Building Positive Relationships and Providing Support.
From our Wellbeing team
Deputy Principal – Mrs Tanya Wright
Relational Pedagogy Update:
As previously communicated, we are continuing our work on embedding our 12 Look Fors in classrooms and throughout the teaching and learning cycle. With each newsletter I will share the observable characteristics we can see with students if the teacher is demonstrating a particular Look For. If you want to know if something is really happening, you can’t just watch the teacher, you have to watch the students too! The first Look For is Connection.
Students:
- Acknowledge teachers and greet them
- Speak kindly and respectfully
- Work together as a part of a team
- Use emotional regulation by staying calm and polite
Senior Secondary News
Head of Department – Mr Cory Wren
Year 12 – 50 Days Remaining
This term our Graduating Class of 2025 celebrated “50 Days of School Left” with a cake and other activities organised by Year Level Coordinator Mr Cody Grubb. The remaining time will go quickly, and we are looking forward to end of year celebrations of the Graduation Ceremony, final Whole School Assembly and Formal.
Year 12 External Exam Schedule
Our Year 12 students are busily preparing for the External Assessments in Term 4. Earlier in the year, our students participated in an “Ace your Exams” session with Elevate Education and students are recommended to review the strategies covered. This includes effective ways of preparing, both before and during exam sessions.
It is also important for students and families to be aware of when their exams are. Students must sit the exam for each General Subject they study at the set time in the schedule. Please see the attached External Exam Schedule from QCAA – students were provided with a copy of this schedule late Term 2.
Any questions regarding the External Exam Schedule and/or processes, please contact Mr Cory Wren, Head of Senior Secondary (cwren3@eq.edu.au)
Community Relationships
Throughout this term, our senior students will have the opportunity to participate in a range of experiences made possible through our relationships with the wider community. From the Virtual Reality Day provided by Construction Skills Queensland to Aspire2Health and Hope4Health coordinated by the Griffith University students at the Warwick Hospital, our students are very fortunate to have access to real world learning.
We are always grateful to the wider community for the opportunities they provide our school and look forward to these strengthening into the future.
The Arts News
Head of Department - Mr Ian Follett
It has again been a very busy couple of weeks with many exciting events occurring in the Arts Faculty.
Jumpers & Jazz Festival – Instrumental Music
Warwick State High School Instrumental Music Ensembles had a busy performance schedule as part of 21st year Celebrations for the Warwick Annual Jumpers & Jazz Festival. The ‘Cool School’ Jazz Ensemble Participated in a Workshop on Friday July 20 with members of the Queensland University Big Band, who were in Warwick as one of the headline musical acts for the opening weekend of the festival. This then culminated in a performance with the UQ Big Band on the main stage in the Art Gallery precinct on Saturday July 19. This was a fantastic opportunity as our students were introduced as featured soloists and vocalists and managed to hold their own with the very professional UQ Big Band.
The Stage Band and the ‘Cool School’ Jazz Ensemble performed for a full day outside the Town Hall on Wednesday July 23. Finally, on Saturday July 26 the ‘Cool School’ Jazz Ensemble performed at the footpath corner (because it was raining) as part of the ‘Suitcase Rummage’ markets.
The student’s performances impressed many of the visitors who were in Warwick for the festival and drew large crowds. It is a fantastic achievement for the Warwick High School Instrumental music program to feature so prominently in this exciting community event. We have been a part of this festival every year since its inception – the only ensemble to do so! Thanks again to the event organisers for giving our music students the opportunity to perform.
Ian Follett – HOD The Arts.
Year 11 & 12 Students attend Live Performance of Macbeth
On Thursday August 14, fifteen enthusiastic Year 11 and 12 students attended a live performance of Shakespeare’s Macbeth at Toowoomba’s Empire Theatre, presented by the acclaimed Sydney theatre company, Sport for Jove. This opportunity was initiated by student interest, and it was wonderful to see such motivation for engaging with classic literature in a live setting. The performance was powerful and thought-provoking, and the students’ maturity, insight, and enthusiasm made the experience truly memorable. It was an absolute pleasure to accompany this outstanding group—I'd attend the theatre with them again in a heartbeat!
Leisa Ford
Drama Teacher.
The following Arts events are taking place over the next 4 weeks:
- Visual Art Excursion:
On Wednesday August 14 Year 9-12 Visual Art and Year 11 and 12 Arts in Practice students had an opportunity to view several art exhibitions at the Gallery of Modern Art and the QLD Art Gallery at South Bank, Brisbane.
- Noosa Film Academy Workshop:
Students who study Arts in Practice in Year 11 and 12 will have the opportunity to participate in this workshop on August 27 during regular school hours.
- Noosa Film Academy – Community Public Screening:
A free event that will show the short films that Warwick State High School students and other Schools who also participated in a Workshop with the Noosa Film Academy. Will be held in TPAC at Warwick State High School on August 27, start time is 6.00pm.
English and Humanities News
Acting Head of Department – Mrs Kirsty Caterson
English, Humanities & Languages –Update
We are now well into Term 3, and it has been a busy and productive start across our English, Humanities, and Languages classrooms. Students have settled into their new units of work and are engaging with a wide variety of topics and skills.
In English, students are exploring new texts, from novels and films to non-literary materials, and responding through creative, analytical, and oral assessment tasks. We are seeing students develop greater confidence in expressing ideas clearly, thinking critically about themes and issues, and refining their written and spoken communication.
In Humanities, students are continuing their studies in History, Geography, Legal Studies, Economics and Business, Tourism, and Social and Community Studies. These subjects encourage students to connect classroom learning to real-world events and issues, developing informed perspectives and problem-solving skills that will serve them well beyond school.
In Languages, our Japanese students are expanding their vocabulary, improving their sentence structures, and gaining deeper insight into Japanese culture. Regular practice and participation have helped many students show strong improvement in both written and spoken communication.
As we head into the second half of the term, the focus will shift towards preparation for assessment. We encourage all students to maintain consistent effort, seek feedback from their teachers, and manage their time effectively to produce their best work.
We’re proud of the focus and commitment our students have shown so far and look forward to celebrating their achievements at the end of the term.
Welcoming Our Friends from Kumiyama Junior High
Last week, we had the pleasure of hosting students and teachers from our sister school in Japan, Kumiyama Junior High. Their visit was a fantastic cultural exchange that brought plenty of smiles, new friendships, and unforgettable experiences.
The students stayed with generous host families who made them feel right at home. Throughout the week, they participated in a wide range of school activities that gave them a taste of Aussie life.
With Mrs. Woodford, they learned how to cook some Aussie classics — a hands-on, delicious highlight of their visit. She also organised a special surprise: a visit from a local wildlife carer! The students were thrilled to meet and even hold a joey — an experience they’ll never forget.
They also got their groove on with Mrs. Wright, learning a dance number from the school musical, and got their hands dirty in an Agriculture lesson with Ms Spenceley and Ms Coy. Their very busy week also included P.E., Art, a visit to Central State School, and a trip to the Council Chambers where they met the Mayor and learned about local government.
The Kumiyama staff were kept busy visiting a local winery with Mrs. Boland, dinner with some of our staff members, driving in the countryside with Takei Sensei, and an afternoon of golf with Mr Finn, Glenn O’Brien and Mr. Jones.
We’d like to extend a huge thank you to our incredible host buddies and families for making this visit such a success. The connection between our schools continues to grow stronger, and we look forward to more exchanges in the future.
Mrs Sharyn Fujie
Japanese Teacher
Year 5/6 Reader’s Challenge 2025
Our annual Year 5/6 Reader’s Challenge was a huge success!
Team West State School 1 was successful in taking out 1st place with a score of 30.5, closely followed by Clifton State School 1 and East State School 1.
All 17 teams from our local schools, displayed wonderful dedication to reading the allocated books. The enthusiasm in TPAC was palpable! Excitement grew as students answered 4 rounds of questions related to the chosen books. The end of each round saw teams receiving ribbons to acknowldge their round-winning efforts. In the end, West SS 1 was the team to beat, with fantastic accuracy and understanding of all books they had studied. This team received the Reader’s Challenge trophy that they can now proudly display at their school until next year. All team members of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place teams received medallions to acknowledge this achievement. Congratulations to all!
Thank you to our wonderful teachers, Mrs Caterson, Mrs Hausfeld, Miss Harrison, Mrs Burrill and Mrs Gale for their assistance on the evening with judging. Also, thanks to Mr Ian Follett for being the MC at the event.
Thanks must also go to our Year 8 and 9 student representatives who displayed great responsibility and dedication when assisting our visiting primary school students. We thank you for the time you sacrificed to help set up and support teachers and students.
Well done to all involved, and we look forward to seeing some of the visiting students at WSHS in the coming years!
Mrs Thomson
English Teacher and Readers Challenge coordinator
Year 9 Students Recreate WWI Trenches in the Classroom
Year 9 students at Warwick State High School brought history to life last week by transforming their classroom into a World War I trench system—using nothing more than desks, chairs, and a little imagination.
As part of their study of the Great War, students rearranged furniture to create narrow, winding “trench” passages, complete with makeshift lookout points and “dugouts.” They then took part in a series of role-play scenarios designed to simulate the pressures and dangers faced by soldiers on the Western Front.
The activities included responding to scenarios, enduring paper weapon bombardments, managing supply shortages, and navigating the cramped, uncomfortable space.
The exercise was about developing empathy as well as historical knowledge. “This gives students an active, physical sense of trench conditions—limited space, poor visibility, and constant challenges,” commented class teachers, “It’s a safe but powerful way to understand what soldiers went through.”
By the end of the lesson, the Year 9 students had not only learned about trench warfare but also experienced a glimpse of its physical and emotional strain.
By Bronwyn Sloan and Ashleigh Williams
Technology News
Head of Department – Mr Bradley Hutchinson
We’re halfway through Term 3, and it’s been a hands-on and productive time across Woodwork, Metalwork, Textiles, and Hospitality. Students are reminded to wear all required PPE in practical classes, including safety glasses and closed in shoes. Aprons are encouraged but not compulsory. We also encourage students using welders to wear cotton work shirts.
A big thank you to Windles Engine Rebuilders for hosting our Year 9 students at their workshop — a great opportunity to see real-world technical work in action. We also appreciate their generous support in performing engine work on our project motorbike.
Looking ahead, our Senior Hospitality students will be visiting the local Senior Citizens on September 2 to serve lunch — a great opportunity to give back to the community and showcase their skills.
Beautiful Breakfasts
Nutrition information changes over time as research discovers new facts. However, one nutrition fact hasn’t changed; a nutritious breakfast remains a vitally important meal for growing adolescents.
The Year 8 Food Technology course introduces students to the 3-out-of-5 Healthy Breakfast model which advises students to eat a breakfast that includes a food from the Grains/Cereals food group, a food from either the Vegetables or Fruit Group and a food from either the Milk/Yoghurt/Cheese or Lean Protein Food Group. It also encourages students to choose wisely, to avoid foods that contain large amounts of sugar, salt and fat.
The students in 8E have been preparing some quick-and-easy, nutritious breakfast options in the hope that the breakfast skippers in the class become breakfast eaters and that all students choose healthy options.
Looking forward to a strong finish to the term!
Year 10 Hospitality
Year 10 Hospitality is a brand-new course. It has been designed to provide Year 10 students with an opportunity to experience Hospitality Practices, a Senior subject.
The students have been learning correct industry knife techniques – breaking old habits has been quite a challenge. Students have been preparing soup, salads and sandwiches of various styles and will show off their refined skills when they host a Build-Your-Own-Burger Bash in Week 9 as a Positive School Culture reward event.
It was lovely to have Tsumugi, from our Japanese sister school, join us for one of the lessons.
Mathematics and Science News
Head of Department – Mr Brian Amedee
Mathematics & Science Faculty Update
After-School Tutoring (Students)
- When: Tuesdays, 3:15–4:15 pm
- Where: S Block
- Who: All year levels welcome. Please encourage students who need consolidation and assistance with homework to attend.
STEM Week — Snapshot & Thanks
A huge thank you to Anneke Lee for coordinating a smooth, engaging STEM Week, and to all our wonderful guest presenters who gave their time and expertise (see photos).
Highlights:
- Lunch time visit with Men’s Shed Warwick
- Showcasing at the farm, involving our students with the STEM side of Agriculture
- Guest Talks: Industry speakers sharing real-world pathways in STEM.
- Showcase: Student prototypes, posters, and experiment write-ups on display—great peer-to-peer learning moments.
Shout-Out to Senior Maths & Science Teachers
A sincere thank you to our senior teams for the heavy lifting with marking and the high-quality feedback you’re giving students. Your timely, targeted comments are clearly helping them refine techniques, deepen explanations, and lift outcomes. Please take this as recognition of the long nights, consistency, and professional care that sits behind those improvements.
Physical Education, Teaching and Learning News
Acting Head of Department – Mrs Michelle Byrne
Year 8 HPE – Challenge Activities
This term, Year 8 students are working through the Challenge Activities unit—designed to push them physically, socially, and behaviourally. Working as a whole class, in small groups, and individually, they practise goal‑setting, communication, negotiation, and teamwork skills.
Highlights include games like “Traffic Jam” (a clever logic‑puzzle requiring strategy and collaboration), fun circus‑style tasks like juggling, hooping, and balance drills, the floor is lava, blaze of glory (skipping challenge) and many other inventive challenges. These activities are designed to build confidence, resilience, communication skills and creativity.
Year 9 HPE – Nutrition & Fitness
Nutrition & Fitness unit sees students diving into the world of training for performance. Students have investigated a range of fitness concepts and principles including fitness components, training principles and methods through a range of sports.
Each student has selected one fitness component to focus on and is now completing a personalised training program under teacher guidance. Their progress is being tracked through weekly fitness testing.
Students also delved into nutrition’s role in physical activity, examining how fuel and diet support performance, recovery, and overall wellness. They learnt that good nutrition is vital—especially the right blend of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and hydration before and after exercise.
Year 11/12 Certificate II in Sports Coaching
Project 3: Officiating in Action
In Project 3, Certificate II in Sports Coaching students have learnt to officiate and manage sporting events. Through both practical and classroom sessions, they’ve explored the key roles and responsibilities involved in running sporting clubs and tournaments—including organising, policies & procedures, umpiring, timekeeping, and scorekeeping.
Officiating demands a blend of confidence, focus, timely decision‑making, ethical conduct, and strong communication skills—all essential for fair, smooth, and respectful gameplay.
Next up: each class will put their skills to the test by hosting their own tournament:
- Mr Rowling’s class will conduct a Tchoukball tournament with Year 5/6 students at Central State School.
- Mrs Byrne’s class will run a combined soccer and t‑ball tournament with Warwick State High School Year 7 students across three lessons in Week 9.
- Mr Tucker’s class will organise the ball‑games tournament at East State School.
It’s been fantastic to see our students stepping into these roles with confidence and teamwork—gaining firsthand experience in what it takes to keep sports fair, fun, and well-managed.
Special Education Program News
Acting Head of Department – Ms Jacinta Boland
Book Week Display Encourages Students to "Read S’more"
This year’s Book Week theme, “Book an Adventure,” has sparked imaginations all around the school – and nowhere more than in our ASDAN class, who created a cozy, creative and captivating display titled “Camp Out With a Good Book.”
Stepping into the H Block courtyard feels like wandering into a peaceful forest campsite. A starry night, a tent set amongst some trees, a faux campfire made of cellophane flames and logs set the scene for a perfect literary getaway. Camping chairs invite students to settle in and get lost in a story.
But the real highlight? A sign that reads: "Read S’more!" — a clever pun reminding everyone that reading isn’t just fun, it’s something you’ll always want more of (especially with a marshmallow in hand!).
The project not only celebrates the joy of reading but also the creativity and collaboration of the ASDAN class. It’s been a popular stop for students and staff alike all week and has already inspired many campers—young and old—to grab a book and head off on their own story-filled journey.
So, if you're looking for your next great escape, head to H Block and camp out with a good book!
Submitted by Deb Follett
Year 11 SEP Furniture Making
Year 11 SEP students continued to develop their furnishing skills in Semester 1 by making a pot plant stand. Students showed their safe work practices using a variety of power tools including the drum sander, bandsaw, orbital sander and cordless drill. They assembled their stands using Kreg screws.
Evie chose to finish her stand with white paint while Jayden and Poppy chose oil. They were all extremely proud of their finished stands.
Submitted by Janelle Constable
Sporting News
Mr Nathan Rogers
Congratulation to Ariona and Xanthin Laws on their participation in the QLD state schools Orienteering championships. Calum Oloman, Denovan Oloman and Davey Landon. Davey all competed at St Pauls Brisbane for the State Cross Country championships. All three boys finished in the top 30 out of fields nearing 100 runners. Congratulations to Hailey Leeson on her selection in the Southwest QLD schools U14 Girls Rugby League team to compete later this term.
Congratulations to Warwick High students on a very successful Border district athletics carnival.
- Runners up: Elisha James, Blake Harch, Xanelle Van Dyk.
- Age Champions: Alyssa Blanch.
- Warwick High won the Boys Aggregate trophy and the Overall Champion School.
Congratulations to Warwick High students also on a very successful Warwick All-Schools carnival.
- Runners up: Jaxon Dyball, Lucas McMahon, Lincoln Bryant, Ayva Sharman.
- Age Champions: Fred Ajaku, Blake Harch, Lily Sharman.
- Overall Junior Girls’ Champions, Overall Junior Boys’ Champions, Overall Senior Boys’ Champions.
Congratulations to:
- Chelsea Smith on her selection in the Southern Downs athletics team for the “Multi”, consisting of the 100m, 800m, Long Jump and Shot Put.
- Felicia Durrington on her selection in the Southern Downs team for winning the U12 Girls shot put and placing 4th in the discus.
Coming up:
Darling Downs 13-19 years Track & Field trials, August 20 - 22
- Pre-events: 300m, 5000m & Hammer (Wednesday August 20)
- Track day: The Glennie School (August 21)
- Field day: O’Quinn St, Toowoomba.
Darling Downs 10-12 years Track & Field trials, September 1 and 2
- Track day: The Glennie School (Monday September 1)
- Field day: O’Quinn St, Toowoomba. (Tuesday September 2)
Interhouse Gift
- Fastest runners of all boys and girls ages from the Warwick High Interhouse Carnival.
- Six Girls six boys.
- Last year’s winner, Ali Himstedt
- Date TBA (likely week 9 / 10)
Student Council News
Jeans for Genes Day
On Thursday, Week 3, Warwick State High School participated in Jeans for Genes Day. This fundraiser raised money for the awareness of the daily activities many people who live with a genetic condition struggle with. The $508 raised went directly towards the Children’s Medical Research Institute. It was great to see so many people wearing jeans to school to support this event and thank you to everyone who participated in the activities under the dome.
Lauren Strom & Alyssa Blanch.
Southern Downs Regional Youth Council
On August 7 Southern Downs Regional Youth Council Representatives, Mary and Bonnie, attended a youth planning meeting alongside representatives from St Joseph’s and Warwick Christian College. In this meeting we discussed planning regarding the Councils budget moving forward, infrastructure development in the Southern Downs Region and engagement in future generations. The meeting was concluded with trivia about the region, with representatives from TAFE, the local University organisation and council members joining in. It was an eye-opening experience, and we recommend being a part of what the council have to offer in the region.
Mary and Bonnie
Vietnam Veterans Day Commemorative Service
Warwick State High School was proudly represented at the Vietnam Veterans Day Commemorative Service on Monday August 18. A special acknowledgment goes to Piper Atkinson, who delivered a thoughtful address on the importance of remembering, learning from, and honouring those who served through positive action. Alyssa Blanch gave a moving performance of the Last Post and Rouse, while Ashley Petersen sang the National Anthem with pride. Recognition is also due to the many Cadets who carried out their official duties with distinction.
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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