7 March 2025

From the Principal

Just over half way through our first term and our teachers have intentionally planned creating strong relationships with their students and built classroom environments with high expectations for learning. We are now entering phases of gathering formative assessment on the quality of students’ learning.

If you’ve been with our school for a while, you’ll know that each lesson has a learning goal or goals and associated criteria deriving relative information for success. The learning goal outlines what each student needs to know or do, i.e.  the knowledge and skills. The learning goal can occur across more than one lesson and is directly from the curriculum syllabus. Each learning goal has success criteria attached to it which enables our students, and their teacher, to track their progress of learning against it. These are available within each student’s class One Note.

If you, as a parent, would like to also track your student’s progress within their class, you can ask your young person to show you their One Note and refer to their learning goal and ask them where they are in their learning. They should be able to refer to their success criteria and provide you with evidence of their work (learning) against the success criteria.

All staff leaders within the school visit classes to ask these 5 Questions of selected students:

1. What are you learning? (Learning goals)
2. How are you going? (Evidence against success criteria)
3. How do you know? (How students get feedback on learning progress?)
4. How can you improve? (How do they monitor their learning?)
5. Where can you go for help? (How do they problem solve? “Where to next?)

Our best learners develop skills to know what they need to learn and develop self-regulation to deepen their abilities to problem-solve and move through levels of their success criteria, without the sole reliance on their teacher. Our teachers provide the foundations for learning. Our students build upon these by developing their individual learning skills. Building these skills is critical to their future success at school and beyond.

As parents, you can ask these questions of your young person and work with us to develop their skills to progress through levels of learning, across the duration of their subjects and across their learning pathway years at Kenmore SHS.

5 Questions for parents/carers:

1. What are you learning?
2. How is my child progressing or achieving?
3. How do I know?
4. How can I assist my child to improve?
5. Where/who can they go to for help?

Being aware of their greater abilities to be self-directed learners will assist you to know that they truly are on a journey that forges their future in the world of work beyond school.

In the next article we will talk about how we gather and share feedback.

Junior Secondary (Years 7, 8 & 9) Parent-Teacher Breakfast, 12^th February

It was great to have the chance to connect with many of the parents of our Junior Secondary students, and especially those new to Kenmore SHS, at the Junior Secondary Parent-Teacher Breakfast. I took the opportunity to share some of our most recent student academic successes; our directions, purposes, vision and values; and highlight some of our upcoming parent forums. Most importantly, our parents were able to connect with the teachers of their young adults and discuss the most important partnership we share…the education, nurturing and growth of our students.

Thanks to all of my fantastic staff who coordinated and supported the event and a special thanks to our wonderful parents, who turned up in their droves. A great cultural opportunity.

Parent-Teacher Interviews, Thursday, 20^th March 2025

Off the back of our parent-teacher breakfast in week 4, we’ve scheduled our parent-teacher interviews in week 8, so that we can keep you abreast of how your young person is tracking. I encourage you to meet with their teachers to get a greater understanding of how they are tracking in their learning and how you can best partner with us to support their learning.

Mr Paul Robertson
Your proud Executive Principal

Future Connections Convention

Kenmore recently hosted the Future Connections Industry Mentor event, inviting 40 industry professional sin to our school to present to our senior school students about their occupations and share personal stories of their career pathways. We would like to extend our warm gratitude for the careful preparation, time and willingness these school partners donated to share their experiences with our students. There were many great moments for our rapt audiences.  

Our Future Connections programme is positioning Kenmore State High School to become a genuine community hub in our part of Brisbane to connect with industries. As a school we are always looking to build our base of community partners to share their insights with our students. We hope to hear from some more parents at our next call-out for speakers.

Drew Jell
Deputy Principal – Senior Schooling

Year 9 Update

The Year 9 students have settled into the routine of school. This year we continue to explore the PERMAH Pillars to support student’s wellbeing. The Term1 PERMAH Pillar for Yr. 7- 9 is the R in PERMAH - Relationships. This pillar highlights the need for students to have solid relationships with self and others. Having solid, dependable relationships and social connected is important to Year 9 students. This is connected to the character strength of Kindness and Self-regulation. 

Homework Club

Homework club is up and running and it has been wonderful to see our Year 9’s in attendance!

Our Junior and Senior students can access support on a Monday and Thursday afternoon to enhance their academic outcomes. The sessions are coordinated by a member of our Student Support Team with the assistance of past student tutors who are on hand to support students. These tutors have recently graduated from the new QCE with outstanding results. This program will appeal to student who appreciate structure and routine with the opportunity to collaborate with fellow students in a supportive environment. Students should come prepared with their homework, study or assessment. Light refreshments are provided. 

When: Monday 2:15pm – 4:15pm, Thursday 3.00pm – 5.00pm 
Where: Library  

Attendance

If your student is late or absent for any reason – please contact the school absences via phone call, email, SMS or the Q Parent App on the day of your student’s absence.

When we do not have a contact from parents, Heads of Year will follow up with the student. However, we do need parents to explain the absence. If your student is sick for three or more days, please provide a medical certificate.

Uniform

The Year 9 students’ uniform is very good. All Year 9 students know which days students are wearing the formal day uniform and the sports uniform. If a student is in the wrong uniform for the day (even with a note) or they have an injury preventing them from wearing the correct uniform, students need to go to A23 to get the uniform item(s) rectified or get a uniform pass for the day before CARE.

Student Support

If your student is feeling overwhelmed about catching up with work or assessment please contact John Bevis – Head of Year 9. We can assist in facilitating extensions across subjects or look at other options to support your student.

Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me (jebev0@eq.edu.au).

John Bevis
Head of Year 9

Year 10: Exploring Subjects, Career Education and Preparing for Year 11 and 12

Our Year 10 students have been busy engaging in a range of new subjects this year. We have emphasised the importance of exposure to a variety of subjects, helping students discover not only what they enjoy but also what may not be the right fit for them. This exploration is a vital part of their academic journey, allowing them to make informed decisions about their future pathways.

Career Education and Future Connections Event

Students have been actively participating in our Career Education program, where they have been identifying their strengths, positive attributes, and essential 21st-century skills. Career education plays a crucial role in helping students explore different career pathways, understand their interests, and make informed decisions about their futures.

A highlight of this term was our Future Connections Event held on Monday the 3^rd of March, where we were fortunate to welcome over 40 guest speakers to the school. Students had the opportunity to select sessions based on their interests and hear firsthand from professionals across various industries. In the session I attended, students learned that “you don’t get a second chance at a first impression.” The feedback from students has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are incredibly grateful to the members of our community who took time out of their busy schedules to inspire and inform our students.

Preparing for Senior School

The transition to senior school is an important milestone, and we are supporting our Year 10 students in developing strong study habits, organisational skills, and a proactive approach to their learning. We have spoken with them about time management strategies, including the use of spaced practice and assessment planners, to help them stay on top of their studies.

It is important to note that prerequisites for Year 11 subjects will be based on students' Semester 1 Year 10 results. The Year 11 prerequisites are available on our website, and we will continue discussing this with students over the next two terms to ensure they are making informed subject selections.

The Importance of Attendance

Regular attendance is fundamental to academic success. Students who consistently attend school build stronger relationships with teachers and peers, maintain a better understanding of their lessons, and develop essential study habits. Even missing a few days can create learning gaps that make it challenging to keep up. We have reinforced this message in assemblies and through email communication, emphasising the importance of attending school as much as possible.

Exciting Opportunities Ahead

It has been fantastic to see our Year 10 students so engaged in their first term of Senior School. Keep an eye on emails for some exciting opportunities coming up, including TAFE taster programs over the next couple of weeks. We look forward to supporting our students as they continue their journey through Year 10.

Elise Jacoby
Head of Year 10

Mathematics News: A Year of Growth and Challenge

As we kick off the year, the Mathematics Department is excited to support our students through a variety of number-based topics and assessments. This year, we're focusing on developing key skills that will build strong foundations for more advanced learning, while also ensuring students are well-prepared for their assessments.

Years 7-9: Mastering the Basics of Numbers

Across Years 7, 8, and 9, students are focusing on number concepts, each year building upon the last to develop a deeper understanding:

1. Year 7 students will work on prime factorisation, square roots, integer operations, and using fractions, decimals, and percentages in problem-solving.
2. Year 8 students will extend their knowledge to irrational numbers, exponent laws, and more complex operations with integers and rational numbers, using mathematical modelling for practical problems involving ratios, percentages, and rates.
3. Year 9 students will deepen their understanding by applying exponent laws to variables, factorising binomials, and working with scientific notation. They'll also use linear functions for modelling real-world problems and solve more complex financial and applied problems.

The goal for Years 7-9 is to provide students with a solid grasp of number concepts, while also encouraging them to reflect on their progress and identify areas for improvement.

Year 10: Number and Algebra

Year 10 will focus on number and algebra, giving students the tools they need to solve problems involving equations, algebraic expressions, and real-world applications. Students will work on simplifying expressions, solving linear and quadratic equations, and exploring how algebra is used to model and solve real-life situations. This unit sets the stage for more advanced mathematical concepts in the future.

Year 11: Problem-Solving and Modelling Tasks

Year 11 students have recently chosen their stream of study, whether it be specialist mathematics, mathematical methods, general mathematics, or essential mathematics. Depending on their choice, students will either be preparing for an upcoming exam or tackling their first Problem Solving and Modelling Task (PSMT).

Year 12: Preparing for ATAR Exams

For Year 12 students, the focus is on preparing for their first ATAR exam, which will contribute to their final results. This exam covers a range of topics and will test students’ understanding and application of mathematical principles. Year 12 students will be refining their knowledge, practising exam techniques, and reviewing key concepts in preparation for this important assessment.

Encouraging Reflection and Growth

Across all year levels, students are encouraged to regularly reflect on their learning. By considering what they are learning, how they are going, how they know this, how they can improve and where they can seek help, students are able to take ownership of their learning journey. Whether it's through formative assessments, feedback from teachers or peer discussions, students have many opportunities to build confidence and improve their skills.

We are excited to see all our students grow in their mathematical abilities and achieve success in their assessments this year. Here's to a year of learning, growth, and challenge in Mathematics!

Sebastian Gowing
Shadow Head of Department – Mathematics

Humanities Update

Year 12 Geography Excursion

Earlier this term, our Year 12 Geography students headed to Bunyaville Conservation Park for their annual fieldwork excursion. The goal? To compare an undisturbed forest site with an area that has been transformed by human activity. 

Armed with an array of fieldwork tools—including dataloggers, densitometers, height gauges, quadrats, and soil testing kits—students collected both abiotic and biotic data to assess biodiversity and the presence of invasive species. They measured factors like moisture levels, temperature, canopy coverage, tree heights, and species diversity, gaining firsthand insight into how ecosystems respond to environmental change. 

It was fantastic to see the students out in nature observing, recording, and analysing data to better understand the delicate balance of our natural landscapes. Their findings will form the foundation of their upcoming assignments, where they’ll delve deeper into the impact of land transformation on local biodiversity. 

Troy Wheeler
Head of Department – Humanities

2025 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey

All Year 12 completers from last year will soon receive an invitation to participate in the Next Step survey. This is their chance to help our school to understand the different pathways of the 2024 Year 12 students and to improve our senior programs and supports for future students. The survey only takes five minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school.

As a thank you for participating, Year 12 completers who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win a MacBook Air.

We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. If their contact details have changed, please assist survey interviewers by providing their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone.

For more information about Next Step, including previous results, visit http://www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.

Finance

Statements

Statements have been emailed to parents.  Payment is due now for invoices shown on your statement, and 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 for any future excursions, sport, or fees.

Parents/Carers experiencing financial difficulties can contact finance to discuss payment options on (07) 3327 1503 or at finance@kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au

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).  Parents/Carers experiencing financial difficulties can contact finance to discuss payment options on (07) 3327 1503 or at finance@kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au

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 7 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.   

• 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 8 GIEP Camp – $260.00 payment due by 16 February 2025
• Year 9 GIEP Camp - $285.00 payment due by 21 February 2025
• Kaboom Drumming - $9.00 payment due by 28 February 2025
• Tasmania Music Study Tour - $1955.00 due by 4 April 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

NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

The Kenmore State School P&C Association’s Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 18 March 2025, commencing at 7pm. This year the AGM will be held in the Professional Learning Centre.  This meeting will also be followed by our March General Meeting.

We encourage all parents to join our P&C – as they say, many hand make light work! Simply download the membership form, complete and return addressed to the P&C either to the school’s office administration, or via email at pandc@kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au (both scanned versions and photos of the completed form will be accepted).

At the AGM all Executive positions will be declared vacant, and nominations for the 2025 Executive Committee will be tabled for election. These positions are President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.

 Key membership information:

• Being a P&C member does not mean that you must attend all meetings. We understand families have busy schedules and sometimes it is physically impossible to commit to attending. We just ask for you to volunteer when and where you can.
• You do not need to attend a meeting to become a member of the P&C. Simply complete the membership form and either return it to the office or email a copy to pandc@kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au.
• Parents are not required to hold a volunteer blue card in order to volunteer at their child’s school, however to ensure we do not have any disqualified persons volunteering we do ask that all volunteers do acquire a blue card and we can assist with that process which is free.  Any other family member that is not a parent is required to hold a volunteer blue card and again the P&C are happy to assist with applications.
• All volunteers of the school (including P&C) are required to complete the mandatory volunteer induction training as per Department of Education requirements. This is to ensure that all volunteers are covered under the P&Cs Personal Accident Insurance Policy. This training is conducted at the start of the year by the school and is also available at school administration. This takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
• Remember, the P&C is made up of parents just like you! The primary goal of the P&C is to enhance the educational opportunities for the students at our school. But along with that, it is also a great platform to –
• Build lifelong friendships with other like-minded parents.
• Enhance your skill set.
• Become more informed on important school matters and policies and provide parent input.
• Give back to our wonderful school community.
• And most importantly, have fun!

If there any questions regarding our upcoming AGM or how to become involved with our P&C, please don't hesitate to contact us at pandc@kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au. We look forward to seeing you all at the AGM!

Tuckshop Volunteers still Urgently Needed

The P&C operates a busy canteen that serves breakfast, morning tea and lunch, five days per week.  Volunteers play a vital role in the running of the tuckshop and we would value your contribution if you could spare a little time to help out, it can be as little as few hours here or there, or as much as a day a month, fortnight or week – any assistance is valuable.  We are currently in need of about 10 extra volunteers.  For the rest of the term I am needing volunteers on Wednesday 12^th March, Monday 24^th March, Tuesday 25^th March, Wednesday 26^th March, Wednesday 2^nd April.  Why not give it a go – it’s a busy but fun day and the tasks are not difficult – you don’t need to have any experience to join the team.  If you could help out please email Sue Abbott at  tuckshop@kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au.

We are also looking particularly for someone who would like to help making sushi on Monday mornings from about 7.30 – 8.00am until 9.30am.  We have been making our own sushi for the last few years and it is proving to be very popular, but this is only viable if we have volunteer help, so if you would like to help out with this fun task and notch up another skill, please also email tuckshop@kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au. 

Uniform Shop

We are pleased to announce the arrival of a new uniform item that we now have available.  We have had many comments that the sports jacket is not always warm enough, so we are now stocking this warmer soft shell jacket as well – price is $60.  The uniform shop is open Mondays and Thursdays 7.30-10.30am.  You can order uniforms online via the QKR payment app.

Environment Group Working Bee

Sunday morning, 23 March is the date for the next formal Environment Group working bee, 8.30am till lunch time.  We’d love to see as many students, parents, sibling as possible support Bruce Dymock and Jeff Wilmer in the amazing work they do in planting, watering, weeding and generally caring for the school environment.  On this Sunday you will be working on maintaining existing plantings and extending them where possible. Please wear suitable older clothes, closed-in shoes and bring a hat and sun-screen.  A light morning tea will be provided.  Hope you can make it!!

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

Community Events

Scout Queensland Outdoor Experience