13 June 2025

From the Principal

I recently had the pleasure to interview the shortlisted Year 11 students for the incoming Captain roles. Joining me was Mr Daniel Downes, representing our Moggill State Member, Dr Christian Rowan and Mr Greg Adermann, local councillor for Pullenvale Ward, alongside Year 11 Head of Year (HOY), Mrs Sarah Graham and shadow HOY, Mr Carter Smith. This is following each student providing a leadership pitch to their peers, which was videoed and shared with staff to view, whereby students and staff then voted on their preferences.

We were inspired by each student’s capacity to articulate why they wanted to serve their peers, school and community, and the depth of service and leadership practices they have already delivered.

Currently interviews are taking place with Year 8 and Year 11 students for Prefect and House Captain positions. Following this process, student positions will be finalised and announced across a parade early in Term 3, whereby these leaders will be mentored by the current leaders, learning about their portfolio responsibilities, as well as undergoing both a well-documented handover of current activities associated with their portfolio and an ideation day where they start to structure their own ideas and concepts that they’d like to bring to the school.

Our student’s leadership roles evolve every year based on the vast input of the current leaders around “what works best” and “even better if…”

Our current structure provides for 2 school Captains and 2 Vice Captains, each attached to a portfolio of preference from:

• Academic
• Cultural
• Sporting
• Community and Environment.

This is the second year we have trialled a Student Council Representative Captain, whereby we have decided to officially create a Vice Captain role with this portfolio. These roles have been replicated in the Junior Secondary (Year 8 to Year 9) space. Stay tuned as there may be more “firsts” announced in this space for the coming leadership team.

Each of the Captains and Vice-Captains work with 2 prefects allocated to a specific portfolio. The prefect’s brief is to create, coordinate and run student activities within their portfolio, to help support our values of Belonging; Respect and Growth. The Captains guide and support their prefects.

We currently have 8 houses. Our House Captains role is to drive support and engagement in each of the school or student-run events, with participation resulting in House points going towards the “Ultimate House” award at the end of the year.

The Student Council Representative (SRC) Captain’s role is to collect student voice that shapes activities that the student’s and school will activate. Often this involves fundraising and supporting causes, other times it is to establish a “pulse check” of what these views are. Currently through the SRC and via SRC run activities, the SRC has provided advice on requested lunch-time seating and where this seating should be prioritised. Mr Hynes (DP) and Mrs Taylor (BM) are overseeing this initiative. The SRC Captain works through Year level representatives who also work with a representative from each CARE class.

Our student leaders inspire me. They are insightful, respectful of peers, their school and their community and are so giving of their time to give back to their school and value-add to what happens at our great school.

We are so fortunate!

I am so proud!

As this newsletter goes out, I will be taking some leave, travelling overseas. I will return in Week 5 of Term 3. During my time away, Mr Matthew McCarthy from Kelvin Grove State College will be acting Executive Principal. I look forward to hearing from him of what he learns about our great school. Please say hello when you meet him.

Mr Paul Robertson
Your proud Executive Principal

Real-World Maths in Action: PSMT Projects Across Years 7, 8 and 9

This term, students in Years 7, 8, and 9 have been hard at work on their Problem Solving and Modelling Tasks (PSMTs), bringing mathematics to life through real-world applications. These tasks give students the opportunity to apply their classroom learning to practical scenarios, develop problem-solving skills, and deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts.

Our Year 7 students took on the challenge of building catapults. This hands-on task required them to launch projectiles and then use statistics and probability to analyse the outcomes. By collecting data from their trials, students learned how to measure variability and likelihood, linking theory to practice in a fun and memorable way.

In Year 8, students explored a question close to many of their hearts: Should the tuckshop introduce a combo deal? To answer this, they conducted surveys, analysed the data, and presented their findings using statistical methods. Their recommendations were backed by data and demonstrated a practical understanding of how mathematics can support informed decision-making in everyday life.

Year 9 students turned their attention to sustainability, designing rainwater tanks to supply water for a school bathroom over the course of a year. This project combined geometric reasoning with volume calculations and introduced students to the realities of resource management and environmental considerations. Their solutions had to be both mathematically sound and practically feasible, encouraging a systems-thinking approach.

From flying projectiles to tuckshop negotiations and sustainable plumbing, it’s clear that maths this term has been anything but boring! We’re incredibly proud of the creativity, collaboration, and critical thinking our students have shown. Who knew maths could lead to so many engineering feats, food deals, and eco-friendly innovations? We can’t wait to see what numbers they'll crunch (or launch) next!

Sebastian Gowing
Shadow Head of Department – Mathematics

Darling Point Fun Run – Great Efforts All Round

The Darling Point Fun Run is an annual event hosted by Darling Point Special School, bringing together students, families and schools from across Brisbane, the Gold and Sunshine Coasts, and Toowoomba. Held along the scenic Manly foreshore, the day is all about inclusion, participation and having a go.

This year, our students did us proud. Congratulations to Christian, who placed 1st in the Under 12 Boys category – an outstanding effort. A big well done also to Nicholas, who received the Best Effort Award for his determination and positive attitude on the day.

Thanks to all students and staff who took part and supported the event. It was a great day of running, cheering and community spirit.

Jean-Maree Rapkins
Head of Department – Special Education Services

Humanities Update

Year 11 Geography Excursion

We are delighted to share with you the exciting educational experience that our Year 11 Geography students had on their recent excursion to the Fortitude Valley Precinct. This field trip was a fantastic opportunity for our students to explore urbanisation and investigate how governments work to gentrify areas. They collected primary data during the excursion, which will be used in their upcoming report.

The Fortitude Valley Precinct, located in the heart of Brisbane, provided an ideal setting for our students to observe firsthand the complexities of urbanisation and the impacts of gentrification. As part of their Geography curriculum, the students have been studying the process of urbanisation, examining how cities change and develop over time. It was absolutely fantastic to see our students using their curriculum knowledge out in a real-world scenario.  We are so proud of our students and the maturity they are showing in their studies.

Year 9 and 10 Business Enterprise

This year, our young entrepreneurs in Year 9 and 10 Business Enterprise will have the opportunity to dazzle and inspire at the Kenmore SHS Young Entrepreneur’s Challenge – to be held on Wednesday 18 June. In this exciting competition, students will work in groups to identify a market need, develop a product, and create compelling marketing strategies. The event kicks off with a vibrant Trade Show, where students will display their prototypes and marketing prowess. Visitors to the Trade Show can vote for their favourite entries, with the top 5 teams advancing to the intense Business Pitch round, reminiscent of the famed Shark Tank show.

Students will have a mere three minutes to pitch their products to a panel of expert judges, competing for the prestigious Kenmore Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.  Runners-up and the crowd’s favourite from the Trade Show will also receive special recognition and prizes.

Parents and family members of Year 9 and 10 Business Enterprise students are encouraged to come along, vote for their favourite groups and be in the audience for the business pitches and announcing of awards. 

In preparation for this event, all students had the opportunity to get some really important industry-advice.  Kate Clauson from Future Anything and Ally Fulton from Deloitte donated their time to speak to each group about their products and pitch.  Kate and Ally shared a wealth of knowledge about markets and entrepreneurial challenges that will no doubt help our students to fine tune their approach to this challenge. 

Thank you to Kate and Ally for supporting our students in their entrepreneurial endeavours.

Year 10 Students Awarded Honour

Huge shoutout to Year 10 legends Anvita and Alysha, who took out 1st place in the Showcase category of the 2024 Future Anything National Finals!

They were celebrated on Assembly recently and even got a visit from Kate Clauson from Future Anything, who dropped by to hand over the Perpetual Trophy—with Kenmore SHS now proudly engraved on it!

These two haven’t slowed down in 2025 either—jumping into YouthX programs and the BCC Youth Entrepreneurship Symposium. We have to also acknowledge the parents of these students who have supported them getting them to and from different events. 

Year 9 Geography Excursion

Recently our Year 9 Geography students went on an excursion.  Below is a student article about the experience:

In Year 9 Geography, our class caught the bus into the city for an exciting excursion. We visited King George Square and Post Office Square to collect data for our Geography assignment. It was a great opportunity to observe how public spaces are used and take notes on people’s activities, facilities, and the environment. Working in groups made the experience even more enjoyable, and being out in the city brought our classroom learning to life. We asked questions, took photos, and filled out our worksheets. Overall, it was a fun and engaging day that helped us understand geography in a real-world setting.

Troy Wheeler
Head of Department – Humanities

Homestay Opportunity

Got a spare room? Ever thought of being a Homestay host? Kenmore State High School is seeking homestay families!

Host an international high school student and contribute to the positive memories they will have of their education experience here in Queensland.

In particular Kenmore State High School are looking for families that would take male students.

Kim Lawrence
Homestay Coordinator & ISP Administration

Men’s Health Week 10-15th June

The School Based Youth Health Nurse talks about…Men’s Health Week

Men's Health Week focuses on not just physical health, but also men's mental health and emotional wellbeing with this year's theme being ‘See your GP’.

Around two thirds of Australian men delay seeing a doctor when they notice a problem, preferring to manage symptoms themselves or waiting until symptoms worsen. 50 Australian men a day die from preventable causes, which is around 18,000 men per year. 

This year, the Australian Men’s Health Forum (AMHF) are highlighting Men’s Health Promotion Toolkits through the Know Your Man Facts. There you can learn about different topics such as physical health checks, mental health, mateship, heart health, exercise, and diabetes.

👉 For more information, visit: Men's Health Week 2025 - AMHF - Australian Men's Health Forum

To make an appointment to see the nurse, students can:
👉 Email: nurse.kenmore@health.qld.gov.au
👉  Self-Refer via this link: School Based Youth Health Nurse - Young Person Self-Referral (Page 1 of 6) (office.com)
👉 Visit your School Based Youth Health Nurse office in A08 on Mondays
👉 For more information, visit https://bit.ly/chqSBYHN

Aggie
School Based Youth Health Nurse

Chaplaincy Fundraiser

KSHS has a great chaplaincy programme which has provided great encouragement and support to many students through the years.  The government do not fund the Chaplaincy programme though, so the P&C provide financial support, but further fundraising is also necessary.

Here is a great opportunity for the school community to get behind the chaplaincy programme and purchase a raffle ticket, as per the attached flyer.  To buy a ticket, just scan the QR code, then make sure you select Kenmore High service as the beneficiary of your ticket purchase. 

Finance

Upcoming Excursions – Payment is required 1 week prior to all excursions

• Year 11 Legal Court excursion – $49.00 payment due 17 July 2025
• Year 7 Ken-X BOP incursion - $50.00 payment due 27 June 2025
• Year 8 Ken-X BOP incursion - $50.00 payment due 17 July 2025
• Year 9 Ken-X BOP incursion - $50.00 payment due 27 June 2025
• Year 12 Vinnie’s Sleepout - $30.00 payment due by 19 June 2025
• ICAS Maths Exam - $20.95 payment due by 20 June 2025
• Australian Maths Competition - $9.00 payment due 20 June 2025
• Junior Winter Gala Day - $23.00 payment due 17 June 2025

Student Resource Scheme

Final payment for the Student Resource Scheme was 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  

Year 11 – Evening and Purchase of Senior Jerseys

Please note that at the end of 2025, Year 11 invitations to attend the Year 11 Evening and the ordering of Senior Jerseys will be issued to students whose attendance and achievement meets the expectations of the School.  Families are also reminded that attendance at this event and purchasing of the senior jersey is also conditional on ensuring that there is no outstanding money or school resources owing.

Year 12 Formal – November 2025

The Year 12 Formal is a non-curricular activity.  Students who have outstanding monies owing and/or outstanding school resources may not receive an invitation to attend the formal, or may have their invitation withdrawn if deemed necessary by administration.  Overdue invoices are managed under the Department of Education Debt Management Procedure. 

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

The next General Meeting of the P&C will be held next Tuesday 17^th June at 7.00pm in the PLC or via Teams. 

Sue Abbott
Community Liaison and Operations Officer
Building a stronger school community through parental involvement
Kenmore State High School P&C Association

Community Events

Scouts Qld – July Holiday Program