Newsletter 26th May 2025

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Dear Parents and Carers

Term 2 seems to be flying by, accelerated by four public holidays in the first five weeks, interspersed with a busy calendar of school events and activities.

ANZAC Day

During Week 1 ISHS staff and students remembered ANZAC Day.  On Wednesday 23 April we held the ISHS 2025 ANZAC Commemorative Service in the Hall. It was a truly special occasion, with outstanding attendance from VIP guests across all levels of government, members of the RSL, and both serving and former Defence Force personnel. The service was made even more memorable by the stirring presence of the bagpipes and a deeply moving address by our Defence Mentor, Ange Crighton, who shared a personal account of her time in the Army. Her story provided students with a powerful connection to the significance of ANZAC Day, 110 years after the landing at Gallipoli.

On ANZAC Day staff and students attended the RSL Railway Sub-branch service at the Qld Museum Railway Workshop.  It was another moving service and our School Captain, Elizabeth Hargraves, provided solo vocals to singing Abide with Me and the Australian and New Zealand Anthems.  Later on Friday, staff and students participate in the Ipswich RSL March and Ceremony.

I would like to extend special thanks to the many staff who contributed to making our commemorations so successful:

• Ange Crighton for leading the organisation of the ISHS ceremony and supporting the Brassall SS ceremony by coordinating and supporting our cadets to participate.
• The Hospitality staff, April Crawter and Tina Gilroy, and the Hospitality students for preparing a sumptuous morning tea for our invited guests.
• Sabrina Goodingham for creating a beautiful ANZAC video that highlighted the connections of ISHS staff and community members to past and present service men and women (https://www.facebook.com/IpswichSHS/videos/3140803322763362)
• Aaron Maile, Kelly Cox, and Tanya McKenna for representing ISHS at the Ipswich RSL March and supporting our students.

The collective efforts of staff and students ensured that the ISHS community honoured the ANZAC spirit with the respect and dignity it deserves.

Dance Excellence Program Shining

On Thursday 1 May, at Ipswich Combined Teachers Dance Festival, 80 Year 7-12 dancers led by Amy Ross and Hayley Else competed at the Ipswich Combined Teachers Dance Festival in 14 performances for their first competition of the year. In sections of up to 16 competitors they received three Highly Commended awards, one Very Highly Commended award and one 2nd place.

Our Senior Dancers (Years 10-12) received the Most Promising Group award.

In the presentation of awards at the end of the evening the convenors of the competition spoke extremely highly of the sportsmanship of the Ipswich State High School students and publicly recognised their polite and kind attitudes as well as their support for all the other teams competing.

Rugby League Program Launch Night

On Monday 12 May we hosted local members of parliament and council together with our highly valued sponsors to hold the 2025 Rugby League Program Season Launch.  Boys and Girls Program Coaches, Josh Bretherton and Alex Nicholson gave fantastic speeches to show case their Boys and Girls teams and programs.  Josh also did a fabulous job of interviewing our special guest and ex-student, Kulikefu Finefeuiaki.  The shining star for the night was Shane Harris who was brilliant as the MC for the event. 

Multicultural Night

The Annual Ipswich SHS Multicultural Night was held on Tuesday 20 May and it was a truly spectacular celebration of the rich cultural diversity that defines our school community. With over 40 cultural backgrounds represented in our school, the evening was filled with vibrant performances, heartfelt storytelling, and a strong sense of unity and pride. From traditional dances and music to delicious cultural cuisine, every element of the night showcased the incredible talent and spirit of our students. A sincere thank you goes to the dedicated staff who made the event possible—particularly Tash Anderson and the Indigenous Support Hub staff, Rosa Tuiga and Joseph Kaara —whose tireless efforts in preparing students and coordinating performances ensured the night was a resounding success. Your commitment and care helped create an unforgettable experience for all.

Respectful Communication with School Staff
At Ipswich State High School, we are committed to fostering a safe and respectful learning environment for all members of our school community. We remind parents and carers of the importance of engaging with our staff in a calm, courteous, and respectful manner at all times. In line with the Department of Education’s Parent and Community Code of Conduct, we expect all interactions to support a positive and productive school culture. Working together with mutual respect allows us to best support the wellbeing and success of every student. We thank our families for upholding these shared expectations.

Reporting Students Absences

Ensuring accurate attendance records helps us support every student’s learning and wellbeing. If your child is going to be absent, please notify the school before the absence using one of the following methods:

• the Daymap Parent App using the Messaging Function of the App
• by emailing absence@ipswichshs.eq.edu.au , or
• by calling our dedicated absence line on 3813 4401.

If you are notifying the school on or after the day of absence, you can simply respond to the absence SMS message sent by the school.

For instructions on how to download and use the Daymap App, please visit our website: https://ipswichshs.eq.edu.au/our-school/daymap .

Welcome to New Staff

We are excited to have a number of new and returning staff joining our team this term:

• Blair Young - returning as HOD Student Support Year 12
• Karen Polk – Acting HOD Student Support Year 8
• Maddy Tracey – HOD Student Support Year 11
• Fiona Brown – Case Manager Year 7
• Boney Nathan – Case Manager Year 10
• Dan Bazzana - Hum/Business Teacher
• Sarah Huig – Dance and FTV Teacher
• Ronald Amaladass - Trade Teacher Aide
• Jaida Perry-Gill – Temporary Chaplain, replacing Moses who is on leave during Term 2
• Gail Mollee - VET Coordinator and Industry Liaison

Facilities and School Improvements

Work continues on our toilet upgrades across A, B, and D Blocks the builders have confirmed it will be ready for student use by Term 3.

We are also excited to have recommenced discussions with the project managers responsible for the construction of the new Ipswich SHS Multipurpose Hall.  They are confident that construction will commence by mid-2026 with an expected finish date in mid-2027. 

Looking Ahead

There are still a number of major events coming up as we progress to the end of Term 2:

• Careers Expo – 3 June
• Korean Study Tour Yeong Wol – Week 7
• BPAC Dance Eistedfod – 4 – 5 June
• Variety Concert – 11 June
• Senior Athletics Day – 20 June
• Junior Athletics Day – 26 June
• Rewards Day – 27 June

We look forward to continuing our strong partnership throughout the remainder of Term 2 as we work together to provide quality learning experiences and positive outcomes for every student.

Kathryn Todd
Principal

ISHS UNIFORM REMINDERS

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As we move further into Term 2 and the weather continues to cool, we have noticed an increase in students wearing non-approved jumpers. We would like to take this opportunity to remind families of our uniform policy and the importance of students wearing the correct Ipswich State High School jumper.

Please note that wearing non-approved jumpers is a breach of our uniform policy and may result in a detention being issued.

To help reduce negative interactions and maintain positive relationships between staff and students, we kindly ask that you check your child’s uniform is complete and accessible each day.

Wearing the correct uniform fosters a sense of pride, belonging, and a consistent school identity. Approved school jumpers also provide students with a standard level of warmth and comfort during the colder months.

To support families, Ipswich State High School jumpers are available for purchase from the Uniform Shop during the following hours:

Uniform Shop Operating Hours
• Monday Tuesday: 8:15 am – 8:45 am
• Friday: 8:00 am – 9:00 am

Orders on QKR

Returning Borrowed Uniform Items
If your child has borrowed a uniform item (such as shorts) from Uniform Exchange, we ask that it be returned that day or the next morning. These items are limited and are provided on a short-term basis to support students in need. Prompt return ensures other students can also access this support when required.

We are sending out reminder messages to all parents/guardians whose students have outstanding loans from uniform exchange. Some students have more than 1 item unreturned. 

We appreciate your ongoing support in ensuring students wear the correct uniform each day. If you have any questions regarding uniform requirements, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Thank you for your cooperation in upholding our school expectations.

ISHS REMINDER SCHOOL DROP OFF’S

A reminder that for the safety of our students and staff, there are no before and after school drop-offs or pick-ups permitted within the school grounds, via the Hunter Street entrance or the back gate, unless there is an approved exemption is in place.

Students can be dropped off or picked up in the designated drop off zones in front of the school on either Hunter Street or Vogel Road. Parents visiting the school for an appointment are able to park in the designated visitor parking spots near the administration building.

Please DO NOT DRIVE THROUGH THE CARPARK to drop students off in front of the office.

We thank you for your assistance with this.

ISHS REMINDER EARLY DEPARTURES

A reminder that if you are wanting to collect your student from school early, please send your student with a signed note and have your student bring this to student services before school so it can be processed or alternatively if it is an unplanned departure call our student leave request line on 3813 4488 & select option 8. Your student should bring this note to the office so that a leave request can be issued.

P & C NEWS.

P & C Association Voluntary Contributions

Our P & C Association would like to invite all parents to come along to our monthly meetings.

We meet last Thursday of the month from 7.30am to 8.30am in the school administration with the Principal.

Our meetings are a great way to learn directly from the Principal about what is happening within the school.

The Committee gives valuable feedback on school policy including the Uniform policy, Student Resource Scheme fees and charges.

Last year we were successful in grant applications for additional school resources including musical instruments.

We invite members of our school community to join us in our fundraising activities – Election BBQ through serving or baking or perhaps assisting with our raffle at concerts throughout the year.

If you are unable to join us or assist in our fundraising activities, we would ask that you consider donating $20 to assist in our valuable work in 2025.

You will find on the QKR a P & C Donation option where you could make a payment.

Thank you for helping us to provide further resources for the school to benefit our children’s learning experience.

Secretary

Ipswich SHS P & C Assocation

We are pleased to announce our Executive P & C Team.

President: Tanya Hargreaves

Vice President: Danyelle Day

Treasurer: Susie Probert

Secretary: Jenny Shard

ISHS IS MAKING A CHANGE $$$

Recycling at ISHS – brings in the $$$

Students and Staff contribute to our recycling program each day by utilising specially marked recycle bins for our cans and containers.

Since we joined the recycling scheme in 2011 we have collected 194,222 containers which is staggering!!  

That is $19,422 in refunds!! Just an amazing effort all round ..

The funds raised  contribute towards our facility projects and at the moment we are focusing on Grassed Volleyball Courts for student lunch time activities.  

Watch this space for more news…

From 1/03/2025 to 31/03/2025 The Ipswich State High School has diverted 3,527 containers

from landfill and raised $352.70

BECOME A HOMESTAY HOST

Call and have a chat if you are interested in hosting an international student for long term or short term.  Earn up to $1400 a month.

CANTEEN NEWS

 We now have the following items in our new Gluten Free Friendly Menu.

GF Satay Chicken (not spicy) $7.50
GF Toasted ham, cheese, tomato wrap $6
GF Veggie Bake with mini Falafel Balls $7.50    
GF Fried Rice $5.50
GF BBQ Ham, Cheese , tomato Pizza (Wednesday only)
GF Chocolate Brownie $4.50

We also offer a Meat free Menu 

Veggie Bake with mini Falafel Balls $7.50
Garlic & Cheese Veggie Bake $6.50
Meatfree Fried Rice $5.50
Veggie Burger (Thursday only)

These can be easily ordered on the QKR app. 

CELEBRATING GUIDANCE OFFICERS WEEK

Over Weeks 2 and 3, we celebrated Guidance Week and shone a light on the amazing work our Guidance Officers do! At Ipswich SHS, we are incredibly lucky to have Kelly Cox, Cameron Turton, and Rebecca Gilmour supporting our students every day. Their dedication shapes futures, fosters wellbeing, and empowers every learner to thrive. We thank them for the incredible difference they make in the lives of our students and school community!

VARIETY CONCERT DATE CHANGE

Please note that the Variety Concert has been rescheduled to Wednesday, June 11!

Mark your calendars, tell your friends, and get ready for an amazing night of talent, music, and good vibes!

Stay tuned for more details coming soon!

ANZAC DAY HONOUR

Ipswich State High School proudly honours the ANZAC tradition by participating in commemorative ceremonies and community marches across Ipswich. Our students represent the school with pride and respect, paying tribute to the courage, sacrifice and service of past and present members of the Australian Defence Force. Their involvement reflects our school values of respect and responsibility, and our strong connection to the Ipswich community.

ANZAC DAY 2025

ANZAC DAY CATERING

As part of the schools Anzac Day Commemorations Hospitality students prepared a morning tea for staff and special guests.

A great effort by all students involved.

ISHS SENIOR DRAMA STUDENTS

On May 13th Our Senior Drama students took part in the Brisbane Youth Theatresports competition.

Theatresports is a performance based competition, where students must showcase an improvised performance with no prior rehearsal. Our students won the Ipswich Division of the competition and now move on to the 2nd round competing in Brisbane.

The seniors have trained for weeks to be ready for the comp, and won against more experienced private schools. A truly fantastic achievement for students who competed for the first time. Congratulations to Rocco Harder, Amber Braun, Chloe Domin, Dakota Hargreaves, Emily Paskell and Rhianna Turner. You were fantastic!

A special congratulations to Mr Acevedo who has worked hard with these students in preparation for the competition.

YEAR 7 HOME ECONOMICS CLASS

Mrs Gilroy’s year 7 home economics class completed their reusable sewing bags at the end of last term. Well done to all!

YEAR 7, 8 & 9’s STEM INCURSION.

On Monday 12^th of May, some of our Indigenous students from grades 7, 8 and 9 were invited to attend a STEM incursion provided by the Queensland Brain Institute and Synapse – Australia’s brain injury organisation.  This is part of an ongoing project between Ipswich High, Synapse and QBI which aims to give students a chance to interact with scientists, learn what scientists do, and appreciate how scientific discoveries help shape the world.  As part of this incursion, students got to investigate concussion by playing with jelly brains and make some ‘brain hats’

YEAR 7, 8 & 9’s STEM INCURSION

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HOSPITALITY STUDENTS

Hospitality Students ran their first Café this week which was a success. Cafes are running from Week 5 to Week 9 of this Term. Well done to staff and students who helped make the Café a success.

HOSPITALITY

ISHS 2025 AMAZING DANCERS

What a start to the 2025 Dance Season. ISH named as Most Promising High School Group! So proud of all performers who brought their best to the stage.

Silver in JNR Student Choreography

• VHC JNR Hip Hop
• HC JNR Jazz
• HC SNR Contemporary
• HC Girls Crew

Dance

ISHS 2025 ATHLETICS CARNIVAL

YEAR 7/8 MR SELF’S SOCCER CLASS

Mr Self’s Year 7 and 8 Soccer Excellence students worked hard on perfecting their throw-in technique! From mastering grip and foot placement to refining follow-through, they developed both accuracy and power. The best part? Putting their new skills to the test in gameplay! It was fantastic to see their confidence grow as they applied what they learned in fun, fast-paced matches.

YEAR 7/8 MR RENGIFO SOCCER CLASS

This semester, year 7/8 Students are learning to apply personal and social skills to establish and maintain respectful relationships and promote safety, fair play and inclusivity in their soccer class

GIRLS RUGBY LEAGUE PROGRAM STUDENTS WHO REPRESENTED MET WEST RUGBY LEAGUE

Congratulations to Ipswich State High School Girls Rugby League Program students who represented Met West Rugby League over the weekend at the State Champs. Collectively over the 15-16’s & 17-18’s, we had 25 girls proudly represent their region. The 17-18’s team won silver in a nail biting grand final and had 3 ISHS girls selected in the Queensland team.

Congrats to the following girls:

Congrats to our Queensland Representatives:

- Lishainah, Orianna & Pauline.

ISHS RUGBY LEAGUE BOYS IN REPRESENTIVE IN MET WEST GAMES

Congratulations to the Ipswich State High School Boys Rugby League Excellence Program students and staff who are participating at the QLD School Boys Rugby League Championship over the  weekend in Gladstone.

ISHS PAST STUDENT IN NRL DEBUT

2022 ISHS Graduate, Loko Jnr Pasifiki Tonga made his NRL debut for the St George Dragons.  He played around 31 minutes in their game against the Warriors and has received some positive feedback for his impact in his first game at the elite level.

ISHS GIRLS RUBGY LEAGUE YEAR 7/8 & YEAR 9/10 CUP DRAW

Please see the draw below for the upcoming round games.

Please note:
All games are subject to change at anytime. Please keep an eye out for notices leading up to games for any updates.

ISHS GIRLS RUGBY LEAUGE TITANS CUP DRAW

Please see below the draw for the Titans Cup games for the Year 9/10 & Opens teams.

ISHS JUNIOR BRONCOS CUP SEASONS GAMES

Please see below the draw for our Year 7, Year 8 & Year 9 ISHS rugby league Junior boys Broncos cup draw

RUBGY LEAGUE GIRLS YEAR 9 & 10 AND OPEN SPECIAL VISITORS

On the last Tuesday of term 1, our 9/10’s and Opens girls were humbled by the presence of Brisbane Broncos NRLW coach Scott Prince who taught some valuable lessons about competing at an NRLW level. We are thankful to have such a knowledgeable and decorated NRL player and coach supporting the growth of the women’s NRL pathway in our region! Thank you Princey and hope to see you again soon!

GP IN SCHOOL’S

Welcome to our GP Rooms 😊

Our Nurse Practitioner (NP) Shane Hourihan is available each Wednesday during the school term to assist our students with their health. NP Shane is passionate about breaking down barriers for youth that may otherwise struggle to access timely healthcare.

Visits with NP Shane can be for any physical health, oral health (NP Shane is a qualified Dentist), mental health, sexual health or reproductive health concerns a student may have.  There is nothing too big or small that NP Shane can’t help with.

Students can book themselves an appointment through their Student Intranet by clicking on the NP Appointment button and filling out the form.

If you would like to book an appointment for your student, simply phone the school on 3813 4488 and ask to speak to Miss Felicity or email GP_Admin@ipswichshs.eq.edu.au .

Our clinic is open each Wednesday during the school term, from 9am – 3pm. Miss Felicity is available in the GP Administration office from 8:30am. Administration is located at the front of the GP rooms, CS02

ISHS BYOX LAPTOPS -YEARS 10 – YEAR 12

If your student is in Year 10, 11 or 12  they need to supply their own laptop? See the attached minimum specifications that your student's digital device needs in order to support your student's learning for 2025.

ASSIGNED ISHS DEVICES

The following information outlines key responsibilities for students in Year and details of the parent-student agreement regarding the use of school laptops and chargers.

• Use of School-Issued Laptop Chargers at Home
  Please note that school-provided laptop chargers are used at home at the family's own responsibility. ISHS does not assume liability for their use outside school premises.
  It is generally accepted that devices connected via a Residual Current Device (RCD) are not required to be tagged and tested. However, if a student is using a charger at home without an RCD, it is strongly recommended that parents arrange for the charger to be tagged and tested by a qualified electrician on a regular basis, following their advice.
• Damage to School Devices
  A reminder that all damage to school-issued laptops or accessories must be reported to the school as soon as possible, in line with the Student Laptop Loan Agreement signed at enrolment.
  If assistance is needed, please contact Business Manager at the school.
• Daily Device Requirement for Years 7, 8, and 9
  All students in Years 7, 8, and 9 are required to bring their school-issued and owned devices to school every day. Devices must be ready for use to support learning, as teachers incorporate their use into daily lesson plans.

Q PARENTS

QParents can be used to provide excursion consent in a highly secure App on your phone. It can also be used see how much money is sitting on your student’s finance account. And it will be required for all students in 2025.

Register for QParents today. If you need your invitation code resent emailQparents@ipswichshs.eq.edu.au with your student’s name and we will reissue your code.

FINANCE NEWS MAY 2025

 Student Resource Scheme 2nd Instalment

If you have opted to pay the resource scheme in instalments, the 2nd instalment was due 28 March 2025.  Years 7-9 $125 and years 10-12 $75.  Please refer to the Finance Payment Options below or contact the finance team to start a payment plan.

Excursion Permissions and Payments

If your child is invited to attend an excursion that has a cost, we will only raise an invoice for the fee after a parent/caregiver has given their permission to their child participating.  Permission can be granted either online via QParents or by returning the signed paper permission form directly to the Finance office.  For convenience, the finance window is open every morning 8.00-9.00 to return permission forms and to make excursion payments.  You will still receive an invoice via your emails which show the amount is still due but we will apply the payment.  If you have used QParents to give your consent, invoices will be raised within 24 hours and you can make payment via one of our payment options listed below.

Finance Contact Options

Email is the preferred form of contact for the finance team.  Please email your query to finance@ipswichshs.eq.edu.au

Finance Payment Options
As we move closer to a full on-line payment system, parents/carers are requested to make payment using the online options of the BPoint link on your invoice or statement or by phoning 1300 631 073, the QKR app or by EFT to our bank account.

BSB:                                  064-460

Account Number:            10021215

Account Name:                 Ipswich State High School

Finance Office:                  Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8.00am-12.00pm

                                          Monday–Friday 8.00am–9.00am (Excursion permissions & payments only)

FACILITY HIRE AVAILABLE FOR COMMUNITY USE

Sharing our Facilities with our Community

The Ipswich SHS has a number of facilities available for hire for Community Use, either regular weekly use or one-off events.

Our facilities include a hall, ovals, performance and dance spaces, pool, meeting rooms and general classroom space.

We have disabled access to most areas and external lighting and parking for afterhours events.

Coming into swim season, we are seeking Learn to swim, Aqua aerobics or squad swim hirers to use our Solar Heated school pool. Please email us with your hire proposal.

Please contact facilities_hire@ipswichshs.eq.edu.au if you have any queries.

BANS ON MOBILE PHONE USE IN SCHOOL “AWAY FOR THE DAY”

Ipswich State High School has established an “Away for the Day” policy for mobile phones and other devices following decisions made by the Queensland Government, and supported by the Department of Education. 

‘Away for the Day’ aims to:

• provide optimal learning and teaching environments, free from the distractions caused by personal use of mobile phones and wearable devices
• support schools to create safe and supportive learning environments that prioritise student engagement and wellbeing
• encourage increased face-to-face social interactions between students
• promote the health and wellbeing of students by providing opportunities for social interaction and physical activity during break times, and
• reduce the potential for students to be exposed to the negative impacts of the digital world, resulting from unsafe or inappropriate use of technology, such as cyberbullying, distributing and/or accessing harmful content, or breaches of personal privacy.

At Ipswich State High School students need to put their phones away as soon as they enter the gates. It must remain away until they leave at the end of the day.

Exemptions

We acknowledge there are some circumstances where a student may require their devices during school time due to a medical condition that is monitored or supported using their device

• Parents or carers may apply on behalf of the student for an exemption to the “away for the day” policy and the student must only use their mobile phone or wearable device for the intended, Principal approved, purpose.

Please contact your year level deputy to discuss a potential exemption.

The full “ Away for the day” policy is published in the Ipswich State High School Student Code of Conduct.

https://ipswichshs.eq.edu.au/supportandresources/formsanddocuments/documents/2024%20ishs%20student%20code%20of%20conduct%20v2.2july.pdf

ISHS – SCHOOL BUS SERVICES REMINDERS

A reminder for all students who catch a school bus to and from school:
- All students who catch the school bus service need to have a valid pass
- No food or drink is to be consumed on buses
- Conduct should be respectful and responsible towards the driver and all other students who catch the bus at all times