11 August 2025
From the Principal
It’s hard to believe we’re almost at the halfway point of the term! This time of the year brings with it a steady rhythm of learning, extracurricular activities, and exciting opportunities for our students. As always, we’re proud of the continued effort and engagement shown across the school. In this edition, you’ll find important updates, highlights from recent events, and a look ahead at what’s coming up. Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our school community
Student Leadership Induction Ceremonies
Congratulations to all of our 2025/2026 Student Leaders who were officially presented with their badges at our recent Leadership Induction Ceremony. Thank you also to our outgoing 2024/2025 Student Leaders for all of their hard work, service, leadership and dedication. Particular thanks to Cr Greg Adermann, Dr Chistian Rowan MP, and the Rotary Club of Kenmore for your support of our students.
Pathways and Future Connections at Kenmore SHS
It’s a pivotal time for our senior students—particularly those in Year 10—as they begin making important decisions about subject selections and post-school pathways. This stage marks a major milestone in their high school journey, as they reflect on their interests, strengths, and aspirations for the future.
Over the past few weeks, students have been involved in a variety of information sessions, career planning activities, and one-on-one conversations designed to help them make informed choices for Years 11 and 12. These conversations are about more than just choosing subjects—they’re about exploring possibilities, setting meaningful goals, and beginning to shape their future beyond school.
We encourage families to stay actively engaged in this process by asking questions, discussing options, and supporting students as they consider the next steps in their learning journey. With the right guidance and encouragement, this can be an exciting and empowering time full of opportunity.
One of the highlights of this process is our upcoming Kenmore SHS Future Connections event, taking place on Thursday 21 August. This dynamic initiative supports students in Years 10, 11, and 12 as they explore career pathways and make informed decisions for their senior years. The event features industry mentors, keynote speakers, and pathways presentations that bring real-world insight into the classroom—helping students see the possibilities ahead and make confident, well-informed choices.
Year 10 ATAR and Scaling Information Workshop
Join us next Thursday 14 August from 5.30pm – 6.30pm in S Block for the Year 10 ATAR and scaling information workshop. Parents/Carers and students are welcome to attend.
Life is a Cabaret!
On Thursday 31 July and Friday 1 August, the Kenmore SHS community enjoyed the Cabaret performances, showcasing the incredible talent of our music, dance, and drama students. Guests were also treated to delicious pre-event canapés and a two-course meal served during the show, all prepared and delivered by our outstanding hospitality students under the expert guidance of Mr Buckingham.
Thank you to all the students who participated and contributed to making the evening such a memorable success. Special thanks to the Head of Arts, Ms Jo Willett, and her dedicated staff for their tireless efforts both during and outside of school hours. We also extend our gratitude to the families who supported the event, and to our parent-led Music Support Group for their invaluable assistance.
It was a wonderful celebration of creativity, dedication, and teamwork. Check out our Facebook page for more photos!
School Support Staff Recognition Week—from 4 to 8 August
Thank you to our school-based support staff for helping schools run smoothly and supporting student success. School-based support staff play a vital role in helping our schools run smoothly and supporting students to succeed. If you see one of the incredible Kenmore SHS support staff in your travels or are chatting over the phone, please take a moment to thank them for the important work they do for our school community each day.
National Tree Day
On As part of National Tree Day (Australia's largest community tree planting and nature care event), staff, students, parents and community members got their hands dirty to plant over 700 trees with guidance from Brisbane City Council. Thank you to Cr Greg Adermann and Elizabeth Watson-Brown MP for generously donating their time and resources! Thank you also to Sci-Fleet Toyota for your generous support each year.
Congratulations
Congratulations to one of our wonderful Pedagogy Coaches here at Kenmore SHS, Jacqui Vaughan. Jacqui has just received her Highly Accomplished Teacher (HAT) Certification. Jacqui is one of only approximately 150 teachers across the state to have achieved this certification. We are very lucky to have another HAT at Kenmore SHS – well done Jacqui!
Farewell Kakamihara!
On Friday 1 August we said farewell to our 11 Japanese students and 2 staff from our sister school in Japan, Kakamihara High School. This year’s visit brought new friendships, learning, and meaningful connections to our school community.
Throughout their stay, our Japanese guests participated in a range of classes and activities alongside our students, sharing aspects of their language, culture and traditions. From classroom collaboration and lunchtime conversations, the experience provided a valuable opportunity for cross-cultural learning and mutual understanding.
Our students gained a deeper appreciation for global perspectives, developed their intercultural communication skills, and formed lasting friendships. We thank the visiting students and their teachers for joining us, and also acknowledge the efforts of our host families and staff who made the exchange so welcoming and successful.
Opportunities like this remind us of the power of connection and the importance of embracing diversity in our ever-changing world.
Royal Queensland Show Holiday
A reminder that Wednesday 13 August is the Brisbane Ekka Show Holiday, and the school will be closed.
Mr Matthew McCarthy
Acting Executive Principal
Student Leaders Update
Academic
The Academic team hosted the Year 10 Subject Forum on Week 3 Monday. Thank you to all the Year 11's and 12's who gave up their time in P3 to answer all the questions of Year 10.
Community & Environment
Thank you to everyone who participated in Round 3 of Picture This – we've received over 200 incredible entries! Round 4, Pets, is open this week. Look out for upcoming updates on Daffodil Day (Thursday Week 6), our Cancer Council fundraiser.
Cultural
The Cultural team are hard at work planning KAN Week, which falls on Week 7 this year. Look forward to many exciting activities showing off the multicultural nature of our school.
Sport
The Basketball competition has had a great start with the Corey Woodheads winning their game against the Reverse Oreo, 21-20, on Thursday and The Bricklayers winning their game against The Rim Grazers, 39-28 on Friday. Thanks to all those that came down to watch and we hope to see you at the games to come.
Student Representative Council
The SRC ran Trivia Week in Week 4 which has been a huge success with over 50 care classes participating! The SRC's big event for the year, the Community Carnival, is coming up on Friday Week 7.
Carter Smith
Shadow Head of Year
Highlights from the Maths Department
The Maths Department has had an exciting and productive term so far, with students across all year levels engaging in challenges that test their problem-solving, reasoning, and analytical skills.
On August 5th, we saw a record-breaking 53 students take part in the Australian Mathematics Competition. This national event provides an excellent opportunity for students to extend themselves beyond the classroom and pit their skills against some of the best young mathematicians in the country. We eagerly await the results and are confident that our students’ hard work and talent will shine through.
Our Year 12 students are currently finalising their final internal assessment, the IA3, a major milestone in their senior studies. Once complete, the focus shifts to revision for the upcoming external exam, which represents the culmination of 12 years of mathematical learning. We wish them all the best as they prepare for this final challenge.
Meanwhile, Year 10 students are deep into their Problem Solving and Modelling Task (PSMT). These tasks give students the chance to apply mathematics to real-world problems, developing essential skills in mathematical modelling and critical thinking. As a key part of the senior syllabus, this experience is invaluable in preparing them for the rigours of Years 11 and 12.
The year levels of 7, 8 and 9 are tackling one of the most foundational yet challenging areas of maths: algebra. While algebra has a reputation for being tricky, we encourage all students to approach it with a willingness to engage and grow. Rather than viewing mathematical ability as fixed, we promote the belief that confidence and success in maths come through persistence and practice. With the right mindset, we’re excited to see students thrive—just as they did last year.
It’s been a big term so far, and we’re incredibly proud of the effort and enthusiasm our students are bringing to their mathematical journey. Keep up the great work!
The Mathematics Department
Bullying No Way: National Week of Action 11-15th August
Be bold. Be kind. Speak up.
Bullying is everyone's responsibility. It takes a community to be brave and address bullying behaviours, within and beyond the school gate.
This Bullying No Way Week, we're asking students, schools, families and communities to be bold and say something, be kind and support someone, and be proud to take a stand against bullying.
For more information, visit:
School Based Youth Health Nurse
Teen Mental Health Matters Webinar
We invite parents and caregivers to our Parent Information Evening on Tuesday 19 August from 5:30pm – 6:30pm. The topic of discussion will be mental health in adolescents presented by Black Dog Institute and will be hosted online through a webinar link however parents are able to join face to face at Kenmore State High School in the PLC. The Guidance Officers will then open the webinar link in the PLC. The session will be 60-70 minutes with time for questions at the end.
More information on the focus of the webinar can be found here:
When?
Tuesday 19 August 2025 from 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Where?
Join Online via this Link: Click Here
or
In person: Kenmore State High School’s PLC
60 Aberfeldy Street, Kenmore QLD 4069
Register via
Kenmore State High School look forward to welcoming parents and the community, and invite you to register at your earliest convenience.
Guidance Officers
Kenmore State High School
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
Finance
Upcoming Excursions - Payment is required 1 week prior to all excursions.
- ICAS Maths Exam $20.95 due 20 August
- GIEP Exchange 2025 $1500 Payment 4 due 12 August
Student Resource Scheme
Final payment for the Student Resource Scheme (SRS) was due by 28 February 2025. Non payment of SRS may result in access to resources being removed. 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
Invitations to attend the Year 11 Evening and order of Senior Jerseys will be issued to students whose attendance and achievement meets the expectations of the School in Term 4. The invitation is conditional on having no outstanding monies, and all school resources returned.
Year 12 Formal – November 2025
The Year 12 Formal is an invitation only event conditional on students having no outstanding monies owing and/or outstanding school resources. Students 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 19th August 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
Holiday Outdoor Experience Samford – Scouts Queensland
Newsletter Sponsors
