20 October 2025

From the Principal

Welcome to the final term of the 2025 school year!

Get Ready Queensland!

We began the term by hosting the Get Ready Queensland (GRQ) campaign team, which included representatives from various Emergency Services, Dr Christian Rowan MP, Hon Ann Leahy MP, and former NRL legend and Queensland Maroons star, Johnathan Thurston, serving as the GRQ Ambassador. The event kicked off on our oval with displays from each of the Emergency Services, engaging student activities, and classroom visits by Johnathan Thurston — all of which were enthusiastically received by our students.

Get Ready Queensland is a Queensland Government Program established to prepare Queensland for the unpredictable yet potential weather vents that traditionally occur across our summer months. Our state is the most impacted across Australia and we were chosen partially because we are an exceptional and reliable school and also because our school has been impacted by these weather events.

As always, our students were exceptional ambassadors and this was reflected in the comments we received from the visitors to our site.

I had the opportunity to talk with Minister Leahy, minister for local government and water and minister for Fire Disaster Recovery and Volunteers. Minister Leahy extended an opportunity to contact her office, should the facilities repairs from Cyclone Alfred not meet our needs or time frames.

Year 12, Ready for External Exams

This term is busy as we enter external exams and farewell our year 12s. It also is the accumulation of a year’s worth of learning in each subject against annual increments of achievement standards for that year level. These are realised in end-of-year results for our students that reward the focus and efforts of our staff in classrooms and support roles.

As we move our year 12s towards the end of their school year, it’s important to keep to routines and practices as much as possible. We’ll be ensuring that our students remain focussed on the right work. This work is highlighted from their mock exams around what they “don’t yet know or can do”. By narrowing their focus onto this, rather than all of their subject content, we decrease their anxiety in the lead-up to their externals. When their anxiety is lower and they’re focussed on targeted work that meets their needs, they worry less and perform best.  I’m already hearing from our students how they are receiving individualised feedback and being engaged and focussed on what they need to work on.

Thank you to our parents for your support of our students as you ride the roller-coaster of emotions with your child towards the culmination of their schooling. We are in this together and working towards ensuring that we create the brightest future possible for them, because “their future matters”.

Mr Fozard, Head of year for Year 12, has worked with our student leaders to schedule a “spirit week” that reflects their ideas and allows them to celebrate their final classroom week in a respectful and dignified manner. The message to our staff, students and parents is we keep to our normal classroom routines, and we incorporate the activities of the week around these classroom practices.

Our students are respectful of others and appreciate the choices and opportunities afforded them across this week to celebrate their schooling, but they are not finished yet and we will continue to support them past the compulsory classroom times.

We soon enter a period of time prior to their external exams where they can choose to attend and work with their teacher or study from home… their choice to best support their needs. The culture of practices we expect and create builds the culture of expectations for the future years…High expectations and high support.

A Year’s worth of Learning

As we near the end of the year our focus is for each student to achieve an A-C.

Each individual’s starting point for a year’s worth of success was set at the end of last year. Reaching or improving on this grade is the growth (one of our values) benchmark we are targeting for each student. Across the year, where an increasing depth of knowledge and skills are undertaken within their classroom, students move along the continuum within the achievement standards (benchmarks for achievement grades). Traditionally Kenmore SHS has done well at lifting students to a C level… a worthy and inspiring challenge. Over the past 7 years, year-on-year, the percentage of students receiving an A has increased with B standards maintaining. This can only be attributed to the focussed work undertaken in classrooms which, in turn, has come from the focussed work undertaken in faculty, Monday afternoon Teacher Collaboration Time (TCT) and staff meetings. I commend our staff on this work and admire the pride they take in supporting our students’ growth and successes.  I look forward to seeing our continued successes as we reach another end of a year’s worth of learning and see our Award recipients at parades and our Premier Awards Evening.

Staff News

I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Jo Paratore (HOD Maths) & Michelle Wilson (HOD English) to the DP roles while Karina Cole and Drew Jell are on long service leave. We will welcome Julie Savage (Guidance Officer) later in the term to this role as they share the duties across Karina & Drew’s absences.

I’d like to welcome back from maternity leave, Jo Morrelli (3 days per week), Head of Special Education Service (HOSES), and thank Jean Rapkins who will continue as HOSES for the other 2 days per week. Jean will also backfill 2 days per week behind John Bevis who is also working 3 days per week this term. I’d also like to thank Leisha Richardson, HOD Science, for her many years of service to Kenmore SHS. Leisha has relocated to a new role (likely to become permanent) much closer to home. We’ll miss her.

Your proud Executive Principal
Paul Robertson

Student Achievement

Bella Steff – Year 8

Bella attends Active 8 weekly and has been part of the program since she was three years old. She takes part in All Abilities Cheer, the Dance Troupe, and Jazz classes. Bella also participates in Jujitsu.

Recently, Bella and her team took out 1st place in the AASCF competition for both Hip Hop and Jazz, making them state champions in All Abilities. Their next goal is Nationals in November.

Year 7 Update

Assessment Planners

Please encourage your young person to refer to their Assessment Planners (emailed to them) for due dates to plan their time. I would suggest getting them to share their planners with you (if they have not already) so you can see what they have coming up and if required assist them with managing their time over the remaining weeks.

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.

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.

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

HPE Update

Football update

Congratulations to our under 14 Girls who took out the ISSA (Independent Schools Soccer Association) Cup at the end of term 3. After finishing top of their pool in the group stage, the girls progressed through to the final without conceding a goal. The girls then went on to play Mary MacKillop Catholic College in the grand final where they won 2-0. Kenmore SHS became only the 3rd state school to win the trophy in the competitions 30-year history. A fantastic effort. A special thanks to Miss Wright for coaching the girls throughout the tournament.

Futsal Update

Best of luck to our under 14 boys and girls team, along with our under 16 boys team who are competing in the championship and shield finals day this week. The under 14 girls finished top of their group, winning the Western Conference of the #AlwaysVeto Queensland School Futsal League. We look forward to hearing their results.

Rowing Update 

Congratulations to the below students on their recent efforts at the School State Championships in September.

Josh Bradbury - Silver Yr 10 single scull
Josh Bradbury - Gold MetWest Representative U17 Quad scull
Mattia Rostagno - Silver Yr 11 single scull
Josh Bradbury and Mattia Rostagno - Gold Yr 11 Double Scull (by a considerable margin too!).
Special mention to Sophie Robertson, Finn Robertson and Isla Etchells.

Thank you to Mr De Jong, Miss Cornish and Centenary Rowing Club for all their support.

Athletics

Huge congratulations to Will Law who won the U15 Boys 2000m Steeplechase at the recent QLD All Schools Track and Field Championships. Will ran 6:43.44, finishing an impressive 10 seconds ahead of 2nd place.

Best of luck to our Met West athletes, Azzy Mitchell, Will Law, Braxton Mitchel and Liam Sheehan who are competing up in Townsville this week at the State Championships. Shout out to Ms Dunne who is the Met West Athletics manager looking after the entire squad.

Year 11 Sport and Rec

Year 11 Sport and Recreation students have been busy planning and running our annual school Cross Country event. As part of their assessment, students took on key organisational roles, including course setup, marshalling, timekeeping, and recording results. Their teamwork and leadership ensured the day ran smoothly and successfully. This hands-on experience allowed students to apply event management and communication skills while contributing to a fun and active school community event. Well done to all involved!

Year 11 Physical Education

Year 11 Physical Education students have begun their senior PE journey by participating in a unit on badminton, focusing on developing tactical awareness and game strategy. Students are learning how to anticipate opponents’ movements, use space effectively, and apply decision-making skills in gameplay. This unit marks their first step into senior schooling.

Pat Garner
Head of Department - HPE

Success at the FIRST LEGO League Tournament

Kenmore SHS Robotics Team Wins Brisbane Regional FIRST LEGO League Tournament

Kenmore State High School is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievement of students Daniel Beasley, Melanja Saunders, and Kiki Saunders, who won the Brisbane Regional FIRST LEGO League Tournament held on October 11th.

The team impressed judges with their innovative robot design, coding precision, and collaborative problem-solving skills, securing first place among a highly competitive field of schools from across the region. Their success now earns them a place at the Queensland State Championships later this year, where they will compete against the best teams from across the state.

FIRST LEGO League challenges students to apply STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) principles to real-world problems through hands-on learning. Participants design, build, and program LEGO-based robots to complete a series of themed missions while also developing a project that addresses a contemporary global issue.

Kenmore SHS is proud to see our students embracing innovation, teamwork, and critical thinking — skills that are at the heart of 21st-century learning. We wish Daniel, Melanja, and Kiki the very best as they prepare for the upcoming State Championships.

Daniel Robins
Head of Department – Technologies and Ken-X

Brisbane Writers Festival 2025 at the Powerhouse

This year an eager bunch of Readers and Writers (RAW students) ventured to the Powerhouse to participate in the Schools Program : Brisbane Writers Festival.

The students attended three author sessions and had time to browse the book shop, purchase books, chat to authors and have their books signed.

The sessions that students attended included:

Isobelle Carmody: Comes the Night

Isobelle Carmody began Obernewtyn, the first in her much-loved Obernewtyn Chronicles, which has sold over 230,000 copies. Her fourth novel, The Gathering, was joint winner of the 1993 Children’s Literature Peace Prize and the 1994 CBCA Book of the Year Award, and she won Book of the Year for the second time with The Red Wind, the first in another series, which she also illustrated. This year, she has been shortlisted again for the CBC Book of the Year for her new novel, Comes the Night.

Steph Tisdell: The Skin I’m In

Actress, screenwriter and proud Ydinji woman Steph Tisdell’s star is so on the rise, this might be your last chance to see her in this galaxy. She’s already a TV mainstay and one of the most recognisable voices in Australian comedy – and with The Skin I’m In, Tisdell announces herself as an important new voice in literature, rendering a young woman’s coming of age into ‘vibrant, fearless, and unpretentious YA fiction’ (Nine Newspaper)

Amie Kaufman: Everyday Magic

 Journey inside a writer’s mind with bestselling author Amie Kaufman. Drawing on her experience writing more than 20 science fiction and fantasy novels, Amie will share how she finds the magic in life’s everyday details and will teach students to transform the way they see the world around them. They’ll leave ready to turn their experiences into storytelling magic

Students shared their thoughts about the day:

 “ I enjoyed Aimee Kaufman’s session the most because it really went into what inspired her in life  and how that influenced to her writing.”

“ Steph Tisdell spoke from the heart about her loss of connection with her culture  and provided insights into her experiences as an Indigenous woman. She was a favourite with the crowd as she explained she wanted to have her message heard and believed the best way to do this was through comedy.”

“ Isobelle Carmody made it very clear that if you want to be a writer that you need to listen to others  and realise that  experiences shape us and what is important to us.  Everyone has a story.”

Peta-Marie Teale & Liz McKewin
English

Premier Awards Evening Save the Date

Save the Date!

Kenmore State High Schools Premier Awards Evening will be held on Monday, 17th November starting at 6:00pm.

Invitations will be sent out by end of week 4 to the parents of award recipients. Please keep an eye out on your emails for your invitation.

Dress Code Survey

Kenmore State High School is currently undertaking a review of some aspects of the school dress code. We are surveying parents and carers, students and staff.

We would like to hear your opinion on the school dress code regarding hair, makeup, tattoos, facial hair, facial and body piercings and jewellery.

Why are we seeking feedback?

We care about our students, their safety and image in the community and believe that student appearance is a very significant and visible communicator about our students and our school.  We also know dress standards and fashions are evolving in contemporary times and there is a diversity of opinion on what is acceptable and what is not. Before we make any changes, if any, to the school’s dress code we would like to canvass the thoughts of Kenmore State High School parents/carers, staff and students. We want our dress code to reflect the images expected by our stakeholders of the school where their students attend. Your view will shape our expectations now and into the future.

The survey should take 5 - 10 minutes.

You will receive an email invitation to participate in Week 3 with a unique link to enable you to submit.

This survey will remain open until Friday November 7. Please submit your response before then.

Craig Hynes
Deputy Principal - Junior Secondary Year 9

Down Syndrome Awareness Month

October is Down Syndrome Awareness month which promotes understanding, inclusion, and celebrating the abilities of individuals with Down syndrome.

You can find out more here: www.downsyndrome.org.au 

How to have a great conversation with teenagers

Sometimes communicating with teenagers can be tricky.

The following tips might help you to keep the channels of communication open with your child:

• Make time and space to talk, remove distractions, and have eye contact. These all signal that you are present, you want to listen, and you are ‘there for them’.
• You don't need to fix their problem or make them feel better; you just need to listen. Try not to judge what they are saying. This will let them know that you're listening positively and will encourage them to keep talking.
• Be empathetic. Demonstrating empathy where you are able to understand your child’s perspective and making it clear that you are on their side, even if they’ve made a mistake.
• Talk often. Take the opportunity to really check in with your child every day about the little things that are going on in their life. By remaining positively engaged in their life, it will be easier to have difficult conversations when the need arises.

For more information, visit:

• https://parents.au.reachout.com/parenting-skills/effective-communication/how-to-have-a-great-conversation
• https://bit.ly/chqSBYHN

School Based Youth Health Nurse

Finance

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

• Year 10 Geography Gold Coast excursion – $47.00 payment due 17 October
• Stop Motion incursion - $29.00 payment due 17 October
• Year 12 Valedictory - $42.50 payment due 24 October
• Year 12 Formal - $120.00 payment due 24 October

2026 Fees

Invoices for the 2026 Student Resource Scheme, Service Guarantee Fees, Instrumental and Vocal Ensembles, and Certificate courses are being prepared to be emailed to parents at the end of October.

Please ensure all current invoices on your student’s account are paid immediately (unless on an approved Payment Plan).

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 – End of Year Clearance forms

End of Year Clearance forms will be distributed to Year 12 students on 16 September 2025.  Overdue Resources/Finance listed on the Clearance forms must be returned/paid, the relevant Department will then sign the form to confirm.  This must be completed prior to receiving an invoice for the Year 12 Formal.  All completed forms are to be returned to the Finance Payment Desk in the Office by Friday, 14 November 2025.

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. 
• 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 P&C meeting will be held at 7.00 pm Tuesday 21^st October, either via Teams or in person in the Professional Learning Centre.

Tuckshop

Our Term 4 menu is attached – there’s not many changes but with the skyrocketing price of chocolate and cocoa we have had to increase prices on Mr T’s brownies to $3.50, and Lynda’s choc chip oat biscuits to $2.00, and we have also just made a couple of menu changes for the term. We do thank you for your continued support of the tuckshop.  We have a fabulous team of staff and volunteers (parent and student) that work tirelessly to bring the great variety and quality food that is available each day.

Uniform Shop – Uniform Recall

We would like to inform you that earlier this year, we received a shipment of track pants with a defect in the leg zipper. If you have bought uniform track pants from The Uniform Company in sizes small, medium, or large, and the leg zipper resembles the image provided, please feel free to return them to the Uniform Shop for a replacement. Our Uniform Shop is open on Monday and Thursday from 7:30am-10:30am. We kindly ask that all returns be submitted by the end of this term.

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

Community Events

Saver Plus

Kenmore Hills Early Learning Halloween Event

THE GREAT PUMPKIN MYSTERY ADVENTURE 

You're invited to Kenmore Hills Early Learning Centre's LEGENDARY Halloween Celebration!

• Saturday, November 1, 2025
• 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
• Kenmore Hills Early Learning Centre, 82 Brookfield Road, Kenmore Hills
• FREE EVENT - Open to All Families & Friends!

Our much-loved Halloween Carnival is back – and this year, it’s bigger, spookier, and more magical than ever!

Step into Halloween Town (aka Kenmore Hills Early Learning!) for an immersive community open day filled with adventure, mystery, and fang-tastic family fun!

The Great Pumpkin has gone missing from Halloween Town… and without it, the magic of Halloween is fading!
Your mission? Become a Junior Halloween Detective, solve clues, complete magical challenges, and help us restore Halloween magic before it’s too late.

• There’s something for everyone:
• Halloween Photo Booth – capture your spook-tacular snaps
• Jumping Castle – bounce, play, and giggle the day away
• Coffee Van – grab your favourite brew while the kids play
• Mystery Guests – expect magical surprises!
• Plus, delicious food, creative activities, and plenty of eerie entertainment!

We can’t wait to see you all for a frightfully fun day in Halloween Town!

UQ Research Project