5 September 2025
From the Principal
After an extended period of long service leave visiting much of Europe, it’s great to be back in the best school in Queensland.
I was proud to hear that our Semester 1 A-C data was the best it has ever been in the history of our 52-year-old school. In fact, our Semester 1 A-B data (74%) and our A-C data (95.1%) has improved year on year for the past seven (7) years, whilst our A data has significantly improved by 4% to 36.9% this year.
Whilst academic results are a great sign of a flourishing school, Kenmore’s focus and results come from more than an unrelenting priority on curriculum. Our school staff work hard to create a supportive environment based on a sense of belonging within each class and across the school. In fact, our “every day interactions are focussed on the learning and wellbeing of students and on continually improving the school’s ability to meet the needs of all our students.” (Kenmore Explicit Improved Agenda (EIA) Plan 2025 – “Culture” Goal).
Our staff are focussed on high expectations with high support guided by our Explicit Improvement Agenda (EIA) planning, where staff undertake professional learning and work collegially and collaboratively in teams on our Culture, Visible Engagement and Growth for all of our students.
Our 2025 Culture (first) priority is focussed on:
- Effective Classroom Management and Climate:
- reinforcing and sustaining school-wide routines and strengthening relationships.
- broadening the implementation of “Restorative Practices”.
- building connections to our new vision and values.
Our Visible Engagement Goal is that:
“Every lesson is universally designed with an explicit purpose, deliberatively planned and enacted Effective Lesson Design and Structure to engage and grow our students”, characterised by:
- Effective Lesson Design and Structure:
- Clarifying and prioritising the effective application of our agreed lesson design, with considerations to Universal Design for learning (UDL) and continued focus on feedback.
Our Growth goal is that in:
“Every lesson teachers use key impact strategies that are responsive to evidence of students needs for impact on student learning.” This is achieved by:
- Effective Instructional Practices through:
- Enhancing Teacher Collaboration Time (TCT) processes to increase the use of Key Impact Strategies in response to evidence of learning.
- Enacting differentiated coaching practices to support implementation of high impact teaching practices.
The point I want to make is that the gains made in student academic performance stem from the deliberate and intentional instructional practices of our staff. These instructional practices are created by each and every staff member based on what they know and what they continue to learn. They espouse and model the life-long learning practices that we want our students to develop and demonstrate.
Our Explicit Improvement Agenda is developed and enacted in consultation with our staff and based on our students’ needs and input. Each year we grow each individual within our school a little more through professional knowledge, learnings and practice that accounts for our students’ personal and academic growth.
The role of our leaders and the positions and programs we have created to support staff to achieve these incremental improvements are instrumental in guiding Kenmore SHS to continued success. By collaboratively creating our purpose and our plans, our leaders continue to use their expertise and knowledge of their teams to focus in on what will support the best learning for our staff to deliver the best outcomes for our students. Through trust, empowerment, capacity building and high expectations our leadership team of Deputies, HODs, HOYs, GOs and Coaches continue to create a Culture of Visible Engagement and for Growth in our students and staff, and for that…I couldn’t be prouder.
I’d like to acknowledge and thank Mr Matthew McCarthy for looking after Kenmore SHS in my absence.
Exam Block
Our Year 12s enter a period of Mock exams to mirror their upcoming External exams. Following the “mocks” our teachers will provide our students with focussed feedback on the gaps in their knowledge and skills and individualised student preparation for them to prioritise for their upcoming study time. After a period back in classes, students will have access to their teachers, prior to their external exam, to check-in on what they may need further clarification on.
Our students are well-prepared.
Our Year 11 students simultaneously enter an exam block to complete their internal assessments.
Senior Education and Training Plans (SETPs), Monday 8th September
Our Year 10 phase students and their family meet with a staff member to coordinate a SETP. This plan supports their next two (2) years of senior schooling and is based on:
- Preferred pathway post-schooling
- Current student academic outcomes
- Required/preferred subject choices
Following this meeting we are able to best map the pathway to success for our students…
All our practices are deliberate to support each student because… Your future matters (KSHS Vision)
Your proud Executive Principal
Paul Robertson
Student Leaders Update
Academic
Thank you to everyone who participated in our Book Week celebrations in Week 6 - it was a big success! We had many enthusiastic students attend beaded bookmark making, as well as answer our character themed and CBCA shortlisted book riddles. Thanks again for all the support!!
Community & Environment
The community and environment portfolio had a very eventful past few weeks, with events like Daffodil Day, and Picture-This, being a great success! From Daffodil Day we raised over $250 for the cancer council by selling daffodils and yellow ribbons. And Picture-This was also a very popular community building event with over 800 entries.
Cultural
Kenmore All Nations Week celebrates all of the cultures that make up our community. This year KAN Week in Week 7 was a megahit! We had a pretzel stand, all sold out; European Handball, which was a smashing success; cultural music, from all around the world. Origami which unfolded really well. Finally there was Taiko drumming which was a huge hit.
Sport
The Sport portfolio has been busy with the Senior Basketball competition finishing up this week, stay tuned on social media for results!
Student Representative Council
In Week 4, the SRC held its first Trivia Week, with themed trivia bringing energy and enthusiasm across CARE classes — we’re thrilled everyone enjoyed it! Recently, last Friday’s SRC Community Carnival celebrated Wear It Purple Day alongside food stalls, raffles, club activities, and music — a true celebration of community!
Carter Smith
Shadow Head of Year
Languages Update
Grade 8 German Immersion Camp
Grade 8 German Immersion Camp was an amazing experience. For starters, the bus ride to camp was an experience on its own. We feel very grateful for the bus driver who had to put up with us and our terrible singing. The camp itself had so many fun activities that included, caving, team building, rock climbing, the giant swing, and body boarding. All of the activities where so much fun to do with our classmates. Our night activity was karaoke/Just dance and it's safe to say we all lost our voices by morning. It was a great bonding experience and we're all closer because of it, we hope to be able to go on similar camps in the future!
Ms Engelbrecht
International Study Tour
On the 19th and 20th of August, KSHS welcomed the Sannou Gakuin study tour from Japan. The two day visit was an amazing experience for the 16 Japanese students and their teachers as well for our KSHS students who volunteered to be their buddies. We only wished they could have stayed longer. All students enjoyed the time spent in the classroom, learning English and Japanese and especially the singing at the Farewell Ceremony. Until next time…Thank you to the Kenmore State High School buddies you were fantastic.
Chrissie Geuthner
Head of Department – Languages & International
A Visit to Remember – Our Sister School, Kakamihara High
We’ve just wrapped up a truly memorable visit from our sister school, Kakamihara High in Japan – and what an incredible experience it’s been for everyone involved.
In such a short time, the exchange has made a lasting impact on our students. It’s experiences like these – the shared laughter, cultural discoveries, and new friendships – that stay with us for life.
We’re confident that some life-long friendships were formed during this visit, and who knows where those connections might lead in the future? One of the most touching moments came when one of the Kakamihara student, Sae shared that she chose to attend Kakamihara High because she dreamed of visiting Kenmore High through this very program – just like her mother did years ago. It’s a powerful reminder of the legacy and lasting value of these international connections.
A heartfelt thank you to all the students, staff, and host families who made this visit so special. Your generosity, hospitality, and support made all the difference.
And now, it’s our turn! 🎌
In 2026, students in Year 10 and above studying Japanese will have the opportunity to travel to Japan and continue this amazing exchange. Stay tuned – more details are coming soon!
Rita Liu
International Update
On Friday of Week 1, we had the privilege to experience the magic of the Australian Outback Spectacular - an action-packed show celebrating the spirit, history, and heart of rural Australia. From breathtaking horsemanship and dazzling special effects to powerful storytelling, the performance captured the resilience and mateship that define life in the Outback. The three-course meal was absolutely delicious. It was an amazing and memorable experience! Angela Dong, 12D.
On the 20th August our group of seven Nauruan students from KSHS attended the Nauruan Intergenerational Trust Fund meeting with the Nauruan President and his stakeholders. We learnt a lot about our country's future and target goals. It was an interesting day. Shanita and Erue.
Rachel Chitoni
International Student Coordinator
The Arts Update
Year 12 Art Showcase
Early in term 3, our gallery came to life with the incredible work of our talented Year 12 Visual Art students. With over 50 attendees, it was wonderful to see students proudly presenting their artwork to family and friends.
The evening had a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, featuring beautiful live music from a string quartet, delicious refreshments, and of course, stunning visual art on display.
A huge thank you to everyone who helped bring this celebration of creativity to life. Events like this truly showcase the spirit and talent of the Kenmore community!
Dance Troupes
What an incredible start to our Eisteddfod season at Dancelife Unite!
We were so proud to see our students light up the stage with 11 stunning routines across 5 dance troupes—performed by 70 dedicated dancers. Huge thanks to our amazing choreographers, Georgia Lear and Johnathan Vongdara, for creating such captivating pieces and bringing out the best in our performers.
We’re thrilled to share that we placed 2nd in Hip Hop, 4th in Junior Musical Theatre and 4th in Junior Jazz, with Highly Commended awards in both Hip Hop and Senior Lyrical. What a fantastic effort from all involved!
Here’s to an exciting season ahead—let’s keep the momentum going!
Instrumental Music
Congratulations to our Instrumental Music ensembles on their outstanding participation in Music Fest over the past few weeks – an annual event that celebrates excellence in performance and music education. Each group performed for a panel of adjudicators, showcasing their talents against set criteria. Following each performance, students benefited from a workshop with the adjudicators, who provided practical and valuable feedback.
Across the festival, our ensembles achieved fantastic results: 3 Silver Awards, 2 Gold Awards, and 2 Platinum Awards. A huge well done to all students involved, and sincere thanks to our conductors for their dedication and preparation leading up to this event.
2025 Enoggera Eisteddfod Instrumental Trophy
Congratulations to Year 12 music student, Manling, who recently won the Enoggera Eisteddfod Instrumental Trophy for her cello performance. Her achievement was for the highest combined mark across all instrumental sections (including strings, wind, and brass) - a fantastic achievement, and well deserved!
Australian Honours Ensemble Program
Congratulations to Elizabeth Blackler who recently secured a position in representing the school at Australian Honours Ensemble Program in their Symphony Orchestra Viola section for the upcoming September holidays at the Queensland Conservatorium!
Jo Willett
Head of Department – The Arts
Science Update
National Science Week
This term the science faculty celebrated our favourite week of the year! We were delighted to have our very own National Science Week Ambassador Charvee Anand (Year 12) come up with a range of activities linking to the theme of “Decoding the Universe”. Charvee designed DNA code bracelet making, sessions with microscopes and designing an alien activity. We would like to showcase the work from two students.
Eleanor Dowson (year 10) used her incredible artistic flair to create not only an alien, but also considered the planet and what life would be like on Vortiga.
Sydney Lewis designed an alien for the mythical planet of Aquarion – another exceptional example of our talented students!
During National Science Week, Education Perfect runs a science competition and we are excited to announce that Danial Wang from 7E won a Gold Award! Daniel Answered 4948 questions over the 4 days and placed him in the top 2% of competitors from around the world. This is an incredible achievement!
Year 8 Science
Our year 8s have been working hard on utilising feedback strategies in class to be improving their assessments prior to submission. We’ve seen a big increase in students understanding the assessment criteria better. Our lesson pedagogy has focused on breaking down each assessable element and then providing multiple ways that students can self-assess their work, and then have their peers provide feedback as well.
Next up for year 8s is the Cells and Body systems unit. Check out the creative plasticine cells our students made in class this week!
Leisha Richardson
Head of Department – Science
Staff Awards
Nominations are now open for the 2025 Teaching & Learning Award and Support Staff Excellence Award for Service. These awards will be presented at the school's Premier Awards Evening in November.
This is a great opportunity to publicly recognise our teachers and support staff, and thank them for their contribution to the school community. We know there are many deserving candidates and as the years pass we can recognise a depth and breadth of people from our school.
For more information about each award and how to nominate, visit https://kenmoreshs.eq.edu.au/our-school/staff-awards.
Nominations close Friday 19 September 2025.
Women's Health Week
This week is dedicated to the health and wellbeing of all women, girls and gender-diverse people. This year, we’re encouraging everyone to ‘Say yes to you’ — to speak up, check in, and prioritise their health and wellbeing.
Every day during women’s health week there is a different health focus:
- Every check matters
- Take the lead
- Heart smart
- Pain to power
- Be kind to your mind
This Women’s Health Week, it’s time to reclaim your health care by prioritising yourself - because when women thrive, everyone around us also benefits
For more information, visit:
School Based Youth Health Nurse
R U OK? Day
Ask R U OK? Any day because life happens every day
R U OK? Day is our National Day of Action, but we encourage you to ask “R U OK?” any day of the year because a conversation could change a life.
Whether it’s your friend, family member, partner, or teammate, the people you care about go through life’s ups and downs every day.
By having regular, meaningful conversations, you build trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on, so when the people in your world find themselves struggling, they know you’re someone they can talk to.
For more information, visit
School Based Youth Health Nurse
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.
- Art Stimulus excursion - $53.00 payment due 10 September
- RYDA Year 11 (Driver Awareness) excursion - $10.00 payment due 12 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 – End of Year Clearance forms
End of Year Clearance forms were distributed to Year 11 students in Care Class on 2 September 2025. Students who were absent may collect their form from Student Services in the Library. Resources/Finance listed on the Clearance forms must be returned/paid, the relevant Department will then sign the form to confirm. All completed forms are to be returned to the Finance Payment Desk in the Office by Friday, 16 September 2025.
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.
- 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 September 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
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.
Newsletter Sponsors
