22 August 2025

From the Principal

As my time at Kenmore SHS draws to a close, I want to extend my gratitude to the school community for the warm welcome and support I have received. It has been a privilege to work alongside such dedicated staff, engaged students, and supportive families.

Over the past term, I have been continually impressed by the focus on learning across the school and the vibrant energy that makes Kenmore SHS so special. Walking through classrooms, seeing students’ curiosity in action, hearing the passion of our staff, and experiencing the richness of school life has been a highlight of my time here.

As we welcome back Executive Principal Paul Robertson, I leave with a deep appreciation for the passion and commitment of everyone who contributes to making Kenmore SHS a thriving place of learning.

Supporting the profession – pre service teacher

Kenmore SHS is delighted to welcome our pre-service teachers from UQ, QUT, Griffith and UniSQ as they begin their practicum with us this term. Under the guidance of their supervising teachers, they will gain valuable classroom experience, develop their teaching practice, and deepen their understanding of the profession. We extend our thanks to Amy Scott-Preimonas, our Pre-Service Teacher Coordinator, for her organisation and support in ensuring a rich and rewarding learning experience for both our visitors and their mentors

Mr Matthew McCarthy
Acting Executive Principal

Student Leaders Update

Academic

The incoming Academic Portfolio students have organised a week full of activities for Book Week in Week 6, including riddle competitions about popular books and book characters, bookmark making, golden tickets for our most active book borrowers, and more.

Community & Environment

The photography competition Picture This is coming to a close having close to 1000 submissions over all of the categories! Finalists for our Pets category have recently been sent out, and we will be showcasing all of our winners at the SRC Community Carnival, as well as voting for our overall winner.

Cultural

The incoming Cultural Portfolio students have been hard at work organising KAN Week for Week 6. Kenmore All Nations Week celebrates all of the cultures that make up our community. Check your students' emails, school notices and social media for the full week of activities.

Sport

Our two sporting competitions are in full swing! Our Junior Soccer competition and Senior Basketball competition are both attracting big crowds at lunch. Our finals will be coming up soon, who will take out the honours?

Student Representative Council

The Student Council's Community Carnival is one of the highlights of the event calendar on Friday Week 7. This is an event where the whole school comes together to celebrate our community, featuring games, competitions, food stalls, show bags, and more!

Carter Smith
Shadow Head of Year

Student Achievement

Lyds Dunne

Congratulations Lyds Dunne who recently secured the role of Dorothy in Redcliffe Musical Theatres upcoming production of the iconic ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

Year 7 Update

100 day of Year 7

On Thursday 17th July, our wonderful Year 7 students hit a very special milestone with achieving 100 days of high school! Their journey of embracing new challenges and supporting one another reflects our values of Growth and Belonging.

To mark the occasion, we embraced the sunshine and fresh air with picnic blankets and snacks under S block. Dessert was served to celebrate our newcomers from Term 1 to confident Kenmore students thus far.

Here is to the next chapter of their high school adventure. I am so proud of you, Year 7s.

Celebrating Growth as one of our school values

On Thursday 5^th August, we had a pizza party for those who demonstrated Growth in their Grade Point Average (GPA)/ Effort Point Average (EPA) or Attendance from Term 1 to Term 2. Whether it was mastering Maths PSMT or simply giving their personal best in learning behaviours, these students showed that resilience is the key to Growth.

Attendance

Attendance is a key indicator in student’s being successful at school. At Kenmore we aim for our student attendance to be at least 92%. Parents and students received an attendance summary to let you both know how your young person’s attendance is tracking.

If your student is late or absent for any reason, please contact the school absences via the Q Parent App, send a text message: 0427 061 838, Leave a voice message on the 24/7 absence line: (07) 3327 1577 or email: absence@kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au. If you can kindly contact us 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.

Extension Requests & Assessment Support

As we move further into the assessment calendar, please note that extensions can only be granted when valid supporting evidence is provided, such as a medical certificate or formal documentation. Extensions cannot be approved simply due to feeling behind or overwhelmed. However, we strongly encourage students to reach out for support early if they are struggling. Single subject extensions are requested through the relevant Head of Department while multiple subject extensions are requested through the Head of Year.

Let us continue to be in partnerships to support your young person in finding their rhythm, setting meaningful goals, and creating a balanced and positive Year 7 journey.

Homework Club

Homework Club is a great opportunity for students to get extra help with homework and assessment.  We have recent graduates on hand at each session to assist students with class work, homework and assessment.  Students can come after school whilst they wait for the late bus, for a 1 hour or for the full session.

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

Daljit Kaur Singh
Head of Year 7

Highlights from the HPE Department

Year 8 HPE Update

Year 8 students have been exploring the exciting world of fitness by learning about different training methods and the key principles of training. They have also developed skills to design their own training programs, focusing on how to balance frequency, intensity, time, and type of exercise. This unit encourages students to see fitness as a lifelong journey, helping them build knowledge and routines that support their health, wellbeing, and active lifestyles now and into the future.

Year 11 Sport and Rec

Year 11 Sport and Recreation students have been busy developing their leadership and organisational skills by designing and planning a sporting event. This project gives students hands-on experience in areas such as teamwork, communication, event management, and risk assessment. By learning how to create safe, inclusive, and engaging activities, students are building the skills needed to confidently run community sports programs in the future, preparing them to contribute positively to local clubs, schools, and organisations.

District Athletics

Recently, Kenmore SHS sent a team of athletes of to compete at the district athletics meeting. Kenmore students performed exceptionally well and have since gained selection in the district team to compete at the regional athletics meet in September. Kenmore even had a couple of students set new district records – keep an eye on our social media posts for these announcements.

Brisbane All Schools Touch Football

Our open mixed touch football team recently participated in the Brisbane All Schools Touch Football competition. It was a busy 3 day carnival with the team winning 8 out of 9 games in the pool stage to qualify in 2^nd position. After winning their semi-final, the team narrowly lost 5-6 in the grand final. Big thanks to Miss Sarah Brockett for all her work coaching the team for this event, and the students for their performance and behaviour across the 3 days.

Soccer – ISSA Cup

Our under 14 girls team is looking forward to their quarter final match this Friday against Livingstone Christian College. The team qualified in 1^st place after the group stage and are looking to continue the momentum into the quarter finals.

Futsal – Veto School Futsal League

Our under 14s boys and girls teams, along with our under 16s boys team, are currently playing their 3^rd round of gala days with a view to progressing through to the championship days. All 3 teams are well positioned to progress to the Championship Day help in term 4. We continue to thank Brad French from UQFC for all his work in providing quality coaching and resources for our students to experience the joys of sport! Thanks for all the time and effort you are providing Brad!

Pat Garner
Head of Department - HPE

Year 7 2027 Programs of Excellence Information Evening

Prospective families of current Year 5 students are invited to Kenmore State high School's Year 7 2027 Programs of Excellence Information Evening to be held on Tuesday 9 September 2025. The evening offers an information session about each of the programs including Ken-X, Music Extension (MEX) and German Immersion (GIEP). It's a great opportunity to learn more about the selective-entry programs and application process.

German Immersion: 5:00pm-5:30pm
Music Extension: 5:30pm-6:00pm
Ken-X: 6:00pm-6:30pm

Booking Opens: Monday 25 August 2025
RSVP by: Friday 5 September 2025
Where: S Block, Kenmore State High School
Register for sessions at: https://www.trybooking.com/DEIIL

Important Dates: Programs of Excellence Year 5 process for Year 7, 2027

In 2022, we updated the application processes for the Programs of Excellence including Ken-X, German Immersion and Music Extension to occur when students are in Year 5, to enable us to work with them in Year 6 to successfully transition to high school.

Current Year 5 families applying for Year 7 in 2026 in one of the school’s Programs of Excellence are required to complete an expression of interest form and entrance examination (Ken-X & GIEP) or audition (MEX).

Expressions of interest open: Wednesday 10 September 2025
Expressions of interest close: Friday 10 October 2025
Entrance Examinations and Mex Auditions will take place on: Saturday 1 November 2025
Test Bookings open: Friday 17 October 2025 9:00am
Test Booking close: Monday 27 October 2025 3:00pm

After you have submitted your expression of interest, you will receive an email closer to the test bookings date with more information on how to book a test.

Daffodil Day 21st August 2025

For all that cancer takes, give all that you can this Daffodil Day

Cancer Council has funded lifesaving breakthroughs in cancer research over the years. This research wouldn't be possible without the support of thousands of donors

How to support Daffodil Day

• Donate to cancer research
• Dress in yellow or buy daffodils
• Host an event to raise funds
• Get involved in an event in your community

For more information, visit: https://www.daffodilday.com.au/

School Based Youth Health Nurse

BodyKind August

BodyKind August is Butterfly’s annual awareness celebration encouraging everyone to be kind to their own and all bodies.

BodyKind August encourages everyone to be kinder in the way they move, nourish and nurture their body and in the way they speak about their own and other peoples’ bodies.

Below are some ways to be bodykind this August.

School Chaplaincy Fundraiser

School 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. 

State School Leavers Survey

The Department of Education is keen to hear from Year 10, 11 and 12 students who left school during 2024, before completing Year 12. 

Eligible students will shortly receive a letter with a personalised link to complete a 5-minute survey. Students may also be contacted by email or phone and have the chance to win an iPad Air for participating.

The results will help us improve learning experiences and supports for future students. We ask that parents and carers please encourage them to take part.

For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep/ or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.

Finance

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

• Regional Athletics Carnival $10.00 payment due 29 August
• Art Stimulus excursion - $53.00 payment due 10 September
• Year 7 Ken-X Character Builders incursion $15.00 payment due 19 September
• Year 8 Ken-X Character Builders incursion $33.00 payment due 19 September
• GIEP Exchange 2025 $1500 Payment 5 due 9 September

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 16th August at 7.00pm in the PLC or via Teams.

Environment Group Working Bee

The Environment Group Working Bee for Term 3 will be held Sunday 31^st August, from 8.30am until midday at the northern end of the oval.  Why not make it a family outing and get behind the great work that Bruce Dymock and Jeff Wilmer do in improving the school’s environment.  If you are able to come, please go to the oval to the west of S Block at any time between those hours and stay for as long as is suitable for you.  A light morning tea will be provided. 

Below is a report from Bruce Dymock on recent work that he and Jeff Wilmer have carried out on the school grounds:

Since the last working bee, Jeff Willmer has kept himself busy with six trips to the School to plant further plants (especially in the area near McKay Brook) and to maintain existing plantings, with myself assisting him on one occasion in late June.  During these activities, he and I spent 15 hours at the School and planted a further 27 advanced plants, most of them along the flats on the western side of McKay Brook, the others on the slope between S Block and the oval and on the Creek bank in that area. The species planted in this time varied from three different types of Fig to various other native species.  All recent plantings would normally have been required to be regularly watered since planting although, fortunately, nature has given us a hand in this regard through regular showers so watering needs have been reduced.

Our big activity in recent months (and over the whole of the year) has been our National Tree Day planting activity on Friday morning, 25 July.  A total of 97 students participated - 65 KSHS and 32 German exchange students - and they planted almost 800 plants on the flats to the north of the tennis/basketball courts.  730 of these were purchased through funding provided by our long-term sponsors Toyota Australia and Sci-Fleet Toyota whilst Councillor Greg Adermann donated 15 advanced plants and Elizabeth Watson-Brown, MP for Ryan, also provided a tray of plants.  We are again very appreciative of this support without which we could not have undertaken this very successful planting.  I also mention the backing provided by the P&C who funded the preparatory work on the site undertaken over the last several months by Damien Egan and the School through Executive Business Manager Julie Taylor who generously dipped into the School funds to meet the purchase of mulch for the site.  Without all of these partners, co-ordinated by teacher Tom McNicol, this achievement would not have been possible.  Our sincere thanks go to Tom and all the teaching and other staff involved, the sponsors as mentioned above, Damien and, of course, the students without whom this would not have been possible.  We will have to maintain this site over the coming months and ensure that the plants receive watering as required and weeding as necessary.

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

RSPCA QLD Family Fun Day

Sponsored by Clare May Real Estate

Sunday 21st September | 9:30am–2pm
RSPCA Brisbane, Wacol

Join us for a fun family day out with food trucks, entertainment, kids’ activities, face painting, pet enrichment stations, and the chance to meet our adoption pets.

Tour the brand-new Clare May Real Estate Adoption House, enjoy giveaways, and receive 20% off World For Pets and RSPCA Op Shops.

Redcliffe Musical Theatre production of the Wizard of Oz

Redcliffe Musical Theare are thrilled to bring you the iconic Wizard of Oz, to Redcliffe Entertainment Centre August 29^th to September 7^th. If you want to see KSHS student Lyds Dunne playing the role of Dorothy her shows are on Saturday 30^th August at 7:30pm, Friday 5^th September at 7:30pm and Saturday 6^th September at 2pm. Tickets are flying out the door, book here: