10 February 2025

From the Principal

Welcome back to Kenmore SHS and for those new to Kenmore, a sincere welcome to your new school.

We have welcomed our newest student cohort, Year 7, and they are well underway in our transition program getting to know each other, our school staff and routines, as well as their new subjects. All of this is under the guidance of their Head of Year, Mrs Daljit Singh, who has done a wonderful job and is also new to our school this year. Welcome Year 7 and Mrs Singh.

A warm welcome to our new students and their families and our continuing students and their families.

On Tuesday, 4^th February, we welcomed back some of our highest achieving ATAR students from 2024. It was great for so many of our students to catch up with their proud parents and teachers. We shared some of our 2024 year 12 highlights with them.

• 100% QCE & QCIA Attainment
• 92.4% of students exited with a VET Qualification of a Cert I or higher
• 31.8% received ‘A’ results across all of their subjects
• 97% A-C results across all subjects
• 22 of our students received a range of academic commendations from QCAA for receiving at least 6 x A’s on their final statement of attainment
• 9 students received 100% overall across their subjects which included internal and external assessments and received a Subject Achievement Commendation for being the top student across the state
• 39.5% students received an ATAR greater than 90.00
• and the Highest Achiever in the Liberal Arts from all students across QLD (to be presented at QCAA state wide QCE Achievement Awards) was - Parmida Darouei, our Vice-Captain.

From this remarkable Year 12 Cohort, 186 ATAR eligible students consented to share their ATAR, with 76 students achieving a ATAR of over 90!

Congratulations to Bobby Du and Annelise Whitbread, who both scored the highest ATAR of 99.45!

I’d also like to share some of our ongoing data which is moving from strength to strength. As the graph shows over the years our students results have seen significant shifts of C to B and B to As.

Term 4 A-C Results Over Time

The school is recognised for exceptional academic outcomes, with our students usually achieving around 75% A and Bs and well above State and International means in standardised tests. We have a number of excellence programs that offer specialist opportunities complementing academic programs including German Immersion, Music Extension and KEN-X programs.

The school has a strong direction focussed on our vision of “Your Future Matters”.

“At Kenmore State High School learning, life skills and a real sense of belonging are built on a foundation of acceptance giving students support to follow their own path and encouragement to keep evolving, growing and achieving their goals now and in the future.”

Our vision that is underpinned by three core values of Respect, Belonging and Growth.

• Respect – We are committed to being considerate of those around us, demonstrating kindness, empathy and understanding of others’ differences.
• Belonging – We promote an accepting environment where everyone feels valued, comfortable and confident.
• Growth – We foster an environment where everyone is empowered to create their own path and goals, supported by opportunities to explore, evolve and achieve.

We believe that every student has the ability to learn and an expectation that each person will strive for their personal best. In order to achieve this, we create a learning environment that provides multiple opportunities for every student to experience success and to build on their successes. This success is vital in them thriving in a moving and changing world. Our students experience learning that is based on their future, is enterprising and therefore transferable to the range of situations that will emerge in their lifetime, now and in their future.

As a result of their experiences at Kenmore SHS, our students have access to a range of options designed to create a quality of life. This enables them to graduate as great citizens, good human beings with a deep social conscience and a very real commitment to humanity. This is forged through a strong the partnership between students, staff, parents and the wider community. This partnership enables us to remain at the leading edge of learning outcomes and to enable our students to live out our values and our commitment to create a future that matters for each and every student.

As our motto says, “An education for life.”

We're delighted to be able to share our school with you.

Mr Paul Robertson
Your proud Executive Principal

Welcome to the 2025 School Year!

We are delighted to welcome all our new and returning students and families to the 2025 school year! It has been a fantastic start, and we are excited about the journey ahead. A special welcome to our new students and their families—we are thrilled to have you join our school community and look forward to supporting you throughout the year.

This year, we are also pleased to welcome new staff members to our dedicated team. Their enthusiasm and commitment to student success will undoubtedly contribute positively to our school.

Welcome back to Jacinta Sengstock and Rachel Chitoni and welcome to our new staff:

• Dal Singh – Head of Year 7
• Cory Jago
• Rick Butlin
• Calum Livingstone
• Margaret Kemp
• Andrew King
• Shona Bailey
• Jo Sowden
• Hayley Williams
• Kristin Dunn
• Nerida Currey
• Keith Frost
• Mark Sandilands
• Angela Prescott
• Isabella Mazzer
• Jane Panetta
• Joanne Sleep (TA TALS)

Sarah Wedgewood has moved to Admin Officer – Senior School and Transitions.

Natalie Arnold has moved to Admin Officer – Languages.

A Smooth Start to the Year

We are proud to report that the 2025 school year has commenced smoothly. A big thank you to our students for their positive attitude, punctuality, and adherence to uniform and mobile phone expectations. Your commitment to being prepared for learning Every Lesson, Every Day sets a great foundation for success!

Appreciation for Our Dedicated Staff

Behind the scenes, our incredible staff have worked tirelessly to ensure a seamless start to the year. A special thank you to:

• Facilities and Grounds Team – Kevin, Darren, Ross, and our dedicated team of cleaners for ensuring our school is clean, safe, and welcoming.
• Tuckshop Team – Mr. T, Lynda Watson, Jenny Harvey, Trazel Teh, Harry Watson, along with our wonderful parent and student volunteers for providing nutritious meals and snacks to our students.
• IT Team – Led by Jon Frew, Andrew Cooke, Alex Cheng and James Parkinson who have expertly supported our 350 Year 7 students in getting their devices connected and ready for learning.
• Enrolments Officer – Robyn, for her diligent work in assisting new families with a smooth transition into our school.
• Student Services Admin Team – Jenny, Deb, Tina, Wilma, and Leanne for their genuine care and support of students with almost everything including uniforms, GO/HOY appointments and timetables.

Student Support Services – Key Contacts for 2025

We understand the importance of a strong support system for our students. Our Student Support Services team is here to provide guidance and assistance throughout the year.

Key Contacts

Our Explicit Improvement Agenda for improved student outcomes will focus on three key areas:

• Every day interactions are focused on the learning and wellbeing of students and on continually improving the school’s ability to meet the needs of all students.
• Every lesson is universally designed with an explicit purpose, deliberately planned and enacted to engage and grow our students.
• Every day interactions are focused on the learning and wellbeing of students and on continually improving the school’s ability to meet the needs of all students.

Our dedicated teaching staff have participated in professional learning during our recent staff professional development days to support achievement of these three strategic goals:

• Culture – Four Dimensions by Dr Caroline Blackley; Restorative Practices by Adam Voigt from Real Schools; and our new Vision and Values
• Engagement and Growth – Visible Learning by Professor John Hattie

We will share more information about how we will get there and how we are going with our Explicit Improvement Agenda goals in future newsletters.

We are looking forward to an exciting and productive year ahead. Thank you for your ongoing support in making our school a positive and nurturing environment for all students.

Kaye Corcoran
Associate Principal

Welcome from Year 7 Head of Year

My name is Daljit Kaur Singh and I am incredibly excited to write to you as the Head of Year 7 to the Class of 2030 and a new staff member of the Kenmore’s teaching community.

About me:

This is my 15th year in education and I have taught in Singapore, Vietnam and Brisbane. I am a Biology and Junior Maths and Science teacher. What brought me into education and kept me going has been having stellar teachers as a student and witnessing the growth of my students, and them unlocking their potential. I have a 4-year-old son who keeps me on my toes and it has been interesting learning about myself as a parent to a pre-schooler.

My hobbies:

Travelling, enjoying beautiful scenery, spending time with family and friends, and learning about new cultures!

A fantastic start to the year for Year 7s, Class of 2030:

It has been an absolute pleasure meeting all of our new Year 7 students this week. Starting high school is a big step and I am proud to see how most of them have settled, connected and are ready to learn. For others, it may take longer, and that is absolutely okay. You are still in the learning pit! The staff at Kenmore are here to support them and help them settle into their new learning routines. I am looking forward to getting to know each student better over the coming weeks.

One of the key goals of Week 1 was to help our Year 7 students feel at home. It has been a whirlwind of activity, with students adjusting to their new timetables, meeting new teachers, and finding their way around the school. We have Year 11 Peer Mentors who have been running activities during care class with the Year 7 care teachers to help everyone get to know each other. It has been wonderful to watch them connect and start building a sense of community. We are also focusing on familiarising everyone with our school values of Respect, Belong and Growth and routines, which will set a positive tone for the year.

I would like to encourage our Year 7s to use their laptops as devices for learning only. Games and social media should be separate to this device so they do not cause unnecessary distraction. Well-done to those students who I see socialising and connecting with their peers during lunch-this social time is an important part of school.

Finally, I would like to encourage our Year 7s to take some time this week to thank anyone in the Kenmore community or parents/guardians/sibling/neighbour who have help with their transition to high school. Do no forget to give yourself a big pat on the back too!

Be kind, and happy!

Daljit Kaur Singh
Head of Year 7

1-to-1 Technology Program

Each year in January, our school’s highly regarded CYOD model for student access to technology sees a large number of new laptops delivered to students and this year was no different. Yr7 and Yr10 CYOD ‘new laptop days’ were held in week one and it was pleasing to see so many smiling faces as students prepared for 21st century learning at our school. Remaining devices including those for other cohorts are made available over the counter at the ICT Helpdesk in the school Library once payment and all paperwork is confirmed.

Students are asked to visit the ICT Helpdesk in the Library for support before school from 8am, during breaks, and after school until 4pm.

For any questions or concerns regarding laptops please contact HelpdeskSupport@kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au and consult the Computer and Internet page on the school website at: https://kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au/extra-curricular/computer-and-internet.

Online Services

The success of our school’s 1-to-1 Technology Program over the last decade has been in the enablement of the range of modern learning experiences that 1-to-1 access to technology brings. Our school uses tools and resources to support student learning, including third-party (non-departmental) online services hosted and managed outside of the Department of Education network.

We are asking all families with Year 7, Year 10 and new students to our school in other year levels to complete applicable forms as a high priority using QParents at this time.

For any questions or concerns regarding QParents please contact QParents@kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au and consult the QParents page on our school website at: https://kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au/support-and-resources/parent-resources/qparents.

For any questions or concerns regarding Online Services please contact OnlineServices@kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au and consult the Third party online service providers page on the school website at: https://kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au/extra-curricular/computer-and-internet/third-party-online-service-providers.

Jon Frew
Manager – IT

Homework & Assessment Tutoring Support Club

The Homework Club has resumed this week and will take place every Monday from 2:15 PM to 4:15 PM and Thursday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

Junior and senior students are welcome to seek support on Monday and Thursday afternoons to improve their academic outcomes. Sessions are led by a staff member along with the assistance of recent graduate tutors who have achieved impressive ATAR results.

This program is ideal for students who value structure and routine while also enjoying the chance to collaborate with peers in a supportive environment. Students are encouraged to arrive with their homework, study materials, or assessments. Light refreshments will be provided.

When: Monday 2:15 PM – 4:15 PM, Thursday 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: Library

Are you interest in Rowing?

Are you looking for a new sport? Rowing is open to all year levels and is located at Centenary Rowing club, Sumners Road, Riverhills.

Our first Learn to Row course will run for 6 weeks.  You will start off in crew boats, alongside experienced rowers, and then move into a single scull.

You will then be able to join the Kenmore rowing squad to train and row for fun and fitness, and compete in rowing regattas.

The cost of Learn to Row is $166.64 and will commence on Saturday, 15 February 2025 at 7.30-9.30am, and will run for the next 6 weeks in this same timeslot.

To register your interest, please contact Liam de Jong (ldejo13@eq.edu.au).

Liam de Jong

Brisbane City Council School Zone Parking Compliance Program

Brisbane City Council is committed to pedestrian and child safety around schools. Brisbane City Council’s Parking Compliance Officers will be actively patrolling the streets surrounding Kenmore SHS over the coming term to encourage safe parking behaviours. These patrols will be conducted in a Mobile Enforcement Vehicle, or by an officer on foot.

 As you are aware, child safety and illegal parking around school zones remains a concern for parents, children, local residents and schools alike. Parking spaces during pick up and set down times are at a premium and subsequently, competition for these spaces can lead to poor driver behaviour and potentially dangerous parking practices. The attached factsheet ‘Introducing mobile enforcement technology to school zones’ may assist further in understanding the technology being used in our trial.

While it is certainly not Council’s intention to make parking near schools an overly onerous task, regulating parking activities is necessary to promote safe driving during pick up and drop off times.

For more information on parking near schools, please visit Council’s website www.brisbane.qld.gov.au and search ‘School parking’ or ‘Safe roads around schools’.

Thank you and let’s work together to increase the safety at our schools for everyone.

Finance

2025 FEES

Fees for the 2025 Student Resource Scheme, CYOD and BYOD Service Guarantee Fees, Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles, and Certificate courses have been invoiced.  

Statements are emailed to parents at the end of each month.  Please make sure all invoices on your student’s account are paid by the due date.  Payment may be made using one of the methods below.  Please do not make payment on any negative amount (e.g. -$20.00) this is a credit on the account that may be used to reduce the amount paid on existing invoices or for any future fees. 

CYOD/BYOD

Final payments for the CYOD laptops, CYOD and BYOD Service Guarantee Fees were due by 28 January 2025.  Payment must be received prior to student collection/connection.

Student Resource Scheme

Final payment for the Student Resource Scheme is due by 28 February 2025.  Alternatively, if you choose to pay in Term Instalments, a minimum $100.00 deposit is required now, with the final instalment payment due by 18 July 2025 (Week 1, Term 3).

2025 Music Ensemble Fees

Invoices for the 2025 Music Ensemble fees have been emailed to parents.  Final payment for the 2025 Instrumental / Vocal Music Program is due by 6 March 2025 (If Instalment Payments have been selected on the agreement form, payment of the final instalment is due by 18 July 2025).

Upcoming Excursions - Payment is required 1 week prior to all excursions.   

• JMI Jazz Workshop - $15.00 due by 7 February 2025
• Year 11 Convention - $24.00 due by 7 February 2025
• Northern Eagles District Swimming Carnival $5.00 due by 9 February 2025
• Year 8 Ken-X BOP incursion - $50.00 due by 14 February 2025
• Year 7 Ken-X Future Anything incursion - $50.00 due by 26 February 2025
• Year 11 Health Camp - $269.00 due by 26 February 2025
• Year 12 Geogaphy Field Studies - $56.00 due by 13 February 2025
• Year 12 Biology Toohey Forest - $62.00 due by 7 February 2025
• Year 8 GIEP Camp – $260.00 payment due by 16 February 2025
• Year 9 GIEP Camp - $285.00 payment due by 21 February 2025

Methods of payment are:

• BPoint (click link in BPOINT box to make payment for individual invoice) *Preferred Method*
• QParent
• Qkr! App
• EFT - using Student ID as reference.  If payment is made via the internet, please ensure relevant forms are sent in to the school office, via email to finance@kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au.  The school bank details are as follows:

BSB:                      064-152
Account No:       00090103
Account Name: Kenmore SHS
Reference:         Student EQ ID             

• In person at the office using EFTPOS from 8.00am to 1.50pm
• Phone payment using credit/debit card via BPOINT 1300 631 073.  Please quote CRN and invoice number from the BPOINT box on the left of the statement.
• Please contact the school if interested in starting a payment plan

Please contact the finance team if you have any queries regarding these matters on 3327 1503, or via email to finance@kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au

Julie Taylor
Business Manager

From the P&C Association

Welcome to the 2025 school year.  We would like to take this opportunity to welcome new parents to the school and encourage you that joining the P&C gives you a great opportunity to participate in the ongoing development and direction of this great school.  The P&C meets at 7.00pm in the PLC (or via Teams) on the 3^rd Tuesday of the month unless it falls in school holidays.  An application form to join the P&C is attached. 

It is now time for current members to consider renewing your P&C membership as all memberships lapse at the AGM in March.  All applications received before the AGM can be automatically accepted at the AGM whether you attend or not.  

The first meeting of the P&C this year will be on Tuesday 18th February.

The Annual General Meeting will be held on Tuesday 18^th March.

Tuckshop – Volunteers Urgently Needed

The P&C operates a busy canteen that serves breakfast, morning tea and lunch, five days per week, and the term one menu is attached.  We have a great team of employees, headed up by Tavita Roma (Mr T), assisted by Lynda Watson, Jenny Harvey, Trazel Teh and Harry Watson.  We also have a great team of parent and student volunteers who play a vital role in the running of the tuckshop.  With inflation running rampant, the best way for us to keep prices at the tuckshop as low as possible is to have the invaluable assistance of parent volunteers.  We would encourage as many parents/carers (or even grandparents) as possible to consider making this meaningful contribution to the school by being a tuckshop volunteer.  It can be for as little as few hours here or there, or as much as a day a month, fortnight or week – any assistance is valuable.  If you would like to join our tuckshop team please email: tuckshop@kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au.

We are also looking particularly for anyone that could help out making sushi on a Monday or Thursday morning.  We have been with making our own sushi now for a few years and it very popular, but it is only viable if we have volunteer help with it. The task involves being at the tuckshop by 8.00 am (or 7.30am if possible) until about 9.00-9.30 on either a Monday or Thursday morning.   It is an easy task that you can learn on the job – no prior experience necessary.  If you would like to help out with this, please email tuckshop@kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au. 

Uniform Shop

Our Uniform Shop is run by Allyson Williams who is just clocking up 10 years as our Convenor, and she is assisted by the very capable Danni Williams.  The uniform shop is open Mondays (or Tuesday if Monday is a public holiday) and Thursdays 7.30-10.30am.  You can order uniforms online via the QKR payment app.  More information is available on the Website.

Sue Abbott
Community Liaison and Operations Officer
Building a stronger school community through parental involvement

Community Events

South West United Hockey Club

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