6 February 2025

From The Principal

Dear Parents, Students and Staff,

Welcome to the 2025 school year! We are excited to see both familiar faces returning and new members joining our school community. Welcome to Year 7s, all new students and the following teachers: TJ Barnes, Savanna De Bruno Austin, Bailey Young and welcome back (permanently) Laura Sherriff.

Our 4-year strategic priorities remain focused on Culture, Curriculum, Pedagogy, and Community. In 2025, we are placing a particular emphasis on Culture, Curriculum, and Pedagogy. Our explicit improvement agenda (EIA) (AKA our big focus) this year is the effective implementation of reading through the Australian Curriculum. To achieve this, we are prioritising the explicit teaching of vocabulary in every lesson across all year levels and subjects. This will ensure that students build strong literacy skills that will support their learning across all areas.

School-Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship (SBA/T) Program

We’ve received a few questions about our School-Based Apprenticeship/Traineeship (SBA/T) program, and we’d like to clarify some key points:

While the school supports students in signing up for an SBA/T, it is ultimately the employer who selects students for placements. This means that not every student will be able to secure a position in their preferred field, as availability depends on industry demand. Some students/families have sought their own SBA/T and we have signed off, while others we have sourced.

Students and families must remember that academic progress, attendance, and behaviour requirements must still be met while participating in an SBA/T. If a student is not meeting these expectations at school, we may need to adjust their SBA/T schedule or, in some cases, cancel school-based days to ensure they remain on track for their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

Infrastructure Updates

We know many of you have questions about ongoing infrastructure projects at the school. Here’s the latest:

• We are currently waiting on Central Office to conduct another defect walk of the new Ag and Engineering buildings. We hope to have these spaces fully available soon.
• While we are eager to begin using the Multi-Purpose Hall with chairs, it has been determined that due to floor material and lack of air conditioning, the space may be unsuitable during the hotter months with larger crowds. We will provide further updates as we explore solutions.
• We originally planned for our new school sign to be operational by Day 1 of Term 1. However, after beginning the installation, electrical upgrades were identified as necessary before it can be activated. We have been working on this since last year and will continue to push for a solution as soon as possible.

Who to Contact at St George State High School

For our returning families and those new to our school, here’s a quick introduction to our leadership team:

• Deputy Principal (Years 10-12): Donna Potter
• Deputy Principal (Years 7-9): Deb Addison
• Head of Department (Maths/Science) - Angela Campbell
• Head of Department (English/Humanities) - Jess Murray
• Head of Department (HPE/STRIVE) - April McLaren
• Head of Department (Agriculture/Arts/Technology) - Caitlin Crowe
• Head of Student Services (Flexi) - Peter Chandler
• Head of Special Education Services – Olivia Skea

• For details on staff roles and who to contact for specific questions, please visit our school website (https://stgeorgeshs.eq.edu.au/our-school/staff-roles), which we continue to update as our primary source of information.
• If you have any questions or find any errors on our website, please e-mail principal@stgeorgeshs.eq.edu.au
• Our Facebook page remains our celebration site and a platform for sharing key updates with our school community.
• Q-Parents is how you log absences, get information regarding course planners and assessment tasks as well as give permission for excursions. Call the office if you are having trouble logging in.

“Coming together is a beginning; keeping together is progress; working together is success” (Edward Everett Hale) - Together, we achieve!

Thomas J. McKenna
Principal

From Deputy Principal Senior School

Our Year 12 students have made a fantastic start to the year, setting a great example for younger students. Wednesday 5 February, we celebrated our leadership induction ceremony, where Year 12 students received their badges and jerseys. The ceremony was led by our school captains, Josie Small and Lillian Stenhouse and our vice captains, Penny Wilkinson and Adrian Turnbull. The Year 12 leaders took charge of the event, showcasing their dedication and teamwork for the year ahead.

We also proudly announced our house captains: Leichhardt - Hayley Riley and Jack Kirby, Mitchell - Danii-Elle Mellifont and Sienna Beardmore, and Nixon - Forrest Lamb and Eben Herbst. Our House Captains play a vital role in fostering school spirit, supporting their peers, and encouraging everyone to strive for their best. They will lead by example, whether in sports, academics, or everyday school life, showing resilience, kindness, and commitment. We look forward to the house spirit they will bring to the sporting events this year – starting with swimming carnival this Friday!

Additionally, our Student Representative Council was commemorated today. Playing an essential role in our school community over the past two years, the student council provides students with a platform to share their voices, represent their peers, and collaborate with school leadership. The following students have put up their hands to perform this role in the school. President: Penny Wilkinson, Vice President: Josie Small, Treasurer: Patrick Olive, Secretary: Hayley Riley. Well done also to student representatives: Lillian Stenhouse, Adrian Turnbull, Joel Dodd, Camille Horsburgh, Sigrid McCosker, Eben Herbst and Chase Waters.

We also proudly announced our 2024 DUX, Alex Cawaon. Alex displayed incredible resilience and school pride, overcoming numerous obstacles, including detours around flooded areas, to attend the ceremony. We are immensely proud of both his achievements and his commitment to being with us for the ceremony. You are an inspiration to our current student body. We know you will make St George proud of you and your achievements at university and beyond.

Here’s to a successful and inspiring year ahead!

Donna Potter

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 10

Next

From Deputy Principal Junior School

Welcome back to another exciting year! I hope you all had a restful break and are ready for the opportunities that lie ahead. As we settle back into our routines, I want to remind our Year 7, 8, and 9 students of the high expectations we hold for them at school.

We encourage all students to embody our core values of being Accountable, Courteous, and Engaged in everything they do. Being Accountable means taking responsibility for their learning, behaviour, and personal growth. Being Courteous ensures a respectful and positive school environment where everyone feels valued. And being Engaged means actively participating in lessons, asking questions, and striving to do their best every day.

I urge all students to start this term with enthusiasm and a commitment to these values. Let’s make this a term filled with learning, success, and personal achievement!

Important dates coming up for Junior school

NAPLAN for Year 7 and 9 students will happen from Wednesday March 12. This year with the use of laptops we will have a couple of practice runs beforehand. The Year 9s will complete their testing in the Skills Centre and will be asked to leave their laptops in the building so they are charged and ready to use. 

Year 7 parents and guardians are reminded that camp is in Week 9 this term 24 to 28 March. Forms will be out to you at the start of next week. 

For any questions or concerns you may have regarding your Junior Secondary students please email me at daddi4@eq.edu.au or call 4620 8222. 

Mrs Deborah Addison, Year 7, 8 & 9 Deputy Principal

Past Student Story Kylie King (1993)

Kylie’s Journey 

When I look back on my time at St George High School (1989–1993), I can’t say I was the most academic student. Subjects like maths and science weren’t really my thing, but I showed up every day for one reason—sport. Netball was my passion, and I excelled at it to the point where I even considered repeating Year 12 just to continue playing at rep level.

I was, however accepted into the South Queensland Institute of TAFE, where I studied an Associate Diploma in Photography—combining my love for the arts and creativity. Moving to Toowoomba, I shared a house with fellow St George High graduate Melissa Pohlner. While studying, I continued playing netball, earning a spot in the Toowoomba and District Netball Club’s representative team and making it to the Toowoomba All Stars and also made the State League team competing in Brisbane.  But my journey was cut short by a serious injury. Handing over my uniform was devastating.  I remember they even took my socks !  But when one door closes, another opens.

Despite my netball dreams ending, my love for horses remained. Somehow, I managed to move them from St George to Toowoomba, making the long drive to them twice (sometimes three times) a day. After completing my photography course, I worked in the industry for several years before transferring to Melbourne—despite never having been there before. To me, Melbourne was the entertainment capital of Australia, and that was where I wanted to be.  

I arrived with my horse float full of furniture but no horses!  They had to wait back in Toowoomba for me.  With no place to live, I moved from motel to motel with my little dog Kayla, until I finally secured a rental. A friend invited me to play netball again, which helped me reconnect socially. While chatting, I mentioned how much I missed my horses, and she introduced me to someone looking for a flatmate—on a property with stables. Within a week, I had moved in, and my horses were on their way from Toowoomba. I was living my dream—horses, netball, and even performing in a band.

From photography, I briefly transitioned into real estate photography, where I met a flight attendant who encouraged me to apply for the airlines. I got accepted and spent years traveling across Australia, earning a great living while still performing with my band on weekends and competing my horses. Life was good. And if there’s such a thing as icing on the cake, I had met the love of my life. I had traveled from St George to Melbourne thinking I needed to escape country boys—only to marry the biggest country boy imaginable. We built a life together, and today, we have three incredible children, Jack 18, Honor 16 and Hilton 13. We live in a beautiful home on 100 acres on the outskirts of Melbourne.  

A New Path Begins

About five years ago, my life took an unexpected turn. It started with small things—changes in my netball game, a decline in my writing, a limp when I walked. At first, I ignored them, but soon, people started noticing. Then COVID hit, and while many struggled with lockdowns, I welcomed the isolation. It meant I didn’t have to explain what was happening to me. But my horse-riding instructor saw what I was trying to hide. She sat me down and urged me to see a doctor, believing I had a neurological condition.

I started googling my symptoms, and one answer kept appearing—early-onset Parkinson’s disease. I kept rewording my searches, hoping for a different result, but it was always the same. I promised my instructor I’d see a doctor. The GP referred me to a neurologist, but COVID delays meant waiting three months for an urgent appointment. A nurse friend stepped in and said, “Pack your bags, I’m taking you to the hospital. You need answers now.”

Within an hour of arriving, I had my diagnosis: early-onset Parkinson’s disease. “It won’t kill you,” the neurologist said, “but it will make life challenging.” My response? “Okay, well, I’m going to ride Para.”

He had no idea what I meant, but I did. Through my children’s Pony Club, I had met a young woman with cerebral palsy who competed in Para-equestrian events at an international level. I had always admired her resilience and, in a strange way, had wished I had something that would allow me to compete in that space. Now, my wish had come true—just not in the way I expected. Be careful what you wish for!

I just needed a horse quality enough.  Then, I call it serendipity, Oscar (Belaire Cannavaro) came into my life.  He had just retired from Grand Prix level and was to make the perfect Horse for Para. And from there we entered the world of Para-equestrian. We achieved incredible milestones—securing a scholarship with the Victorian Institute of Sport, being named a High-Performance Team member for the Australian Institute of Sport, and achieving a world ranking of 21, with my goal for 2025 set on breaking it into the top 10. In 2023, Oscar and I won the Australian Grade IV Para Championships and become National Champions and were longlisted for the Paris 2024 Paralympics.

But Oscar was 22 years old, and I knew I couldn’t ask him to endure international travel and competition at that level. Even though I knew he was up for the challenge.  It was time to find my next partner.

Chasing the Olympic Dream

In early 2024, I traveled to the Netherlands to find my new horse, as I had exhausted every option here in Australia, eventually choosing Ivan Carlos—a stunning black gelding. Rather than flying him to Australia and back again for Paris, I made the bold decision to relocate to Europe and train there. My family supported me, and the plan was set.

Then life intervened. My dad fell critically ill, and I refused to leave until he was out of his coma and stable.  When he woke, he told me, “You have to go. You have to do this.” So I did.

I arrived in England 2 months later than planned ready to train—only to receive devastating news: Ivan was severely lame. No one knew how it happened, but it meant six weeks of complete box rest, rehab and lost time. I had already lost so much time.  Despite everything, I was determined to ride. With just one week of walking-only training, we entered our first competition in Europe. We performed beyond expectation for the time we had had together , but with too little time left to qualify for Paris.

Fighting for a Cure

With my Parkinson’s progressing, I had to step away from my job of Office Manager for our Company and was unable to go back to flying.  But I wasn’t about to sit still and do nothing. Instead, I threw myself into fundraising for the Shake It Up Foundation, an Australian Parkinson’s disease charity dedicated to finding a cure.  This is more than just a cause for me- it’s my mission. One of my proudest initiatives is the Annual Shake it Up round - An event I am working tirelessly to establish as a Nationally recognised event across AFL, NRL and  Netball Leagues. By 2030, I want to see this round on the official calendar - a time where every club , every team and every fan unites to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research. 

Right now, I’m working with St George Rugby League club to organise a Shake it Up round in the name of John Barrett, who not only is an amazing human in his own right, He’s also done amazing things for town and those in it.  My hope is that the entire St George community gets behind this event—because together, we can make a difference in the fight against this disease.  In late 2024, I underwent Deep Brain Stimulation Surgery ( DBS) to help minimise the symptoms of my Parkinson’s, which had become progressively worse to a debilitating point   I have documented my entire journey on Instagram ( @kyliechristianofficial) in the hope that it helps answer questions about Parkinson’s, DBS or anything else related to the disease.  If I can inspire at least one person to chase their dreams despite their challenges no matter what they are, and never give up then it was all worth it.

Looking Ahead to LA 2028

We may have missed Paris, but my journey is far from over. I have proven my determination, resilience, and will to win. My focus is now set on Los Angeles 2028. I am continuing to train, compete, and push towards representing Australia on the world stage in LA.

Meanwhile, Oscar has stepped back from international competition, but he isn’t fully retired. My daughter now rides him, learning the high-level movements, and together, they’re excelling. I hope to enter a few more competitions with him here in Australia before finally taking the saddle off for good and letting him enjoy the parks of retirement.  

Life doesn’t always go the way we plan, but sometimes, the unexpected path leads to something even greater than we ever imagined.  If you embrace the journey, you might just find yourself exactly where you were meant to be.  

I credit St George High School for shaping the determination and grit that have carried me through the toughest years of my life. It prepared me well.  

Thank you St George High. 

My New Gallery

From HOD English & Humanities

Hello students, parents, and community and welcome back to St George SHS for 2025! 

I would like to start the year by introducing you to our fantastic English & Humanities Faculty.

Please find our faculty contact emails and a little bit about us below.

Favourite Book: Dracula by Bram Stoker—nothing beats a good gothic classic.
Most Fascinating Historical Era: The Baroque era—when art, music, and poetry were extra dramatic (and I love it!).
Hidden Talent: I can roller skate—I can go backwards, do jumps, I have a few other tricks up my sleeve.
A Good Day at School: When the class gets into a great discussion, and we all walk away thinking about things in a new way.
Go-To Tuckshop Order: Something icy cold to keep me going!
Signature Dish: I make a mean chicken burrito bowl—big flavours, fresh ingredients, always a crowd-pleaser.

Favourite book: 'To Kill a Mockingbird’
Most interesting historical era: American Civil War era
Hidden talent: I can say the alphabet backwards.
What makes a good day at school: Students being ACES...or the swimming carnival!
Favourite tuckshop order: Home bake
Your signature dish: Gingerbread, chocolate chip biscuits, monte carlos. I see a pattern!

Favourite book: See Me by Nicholas Sparks
Most interesting historical era: Anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, 1948–1991
Hidden talent: Falling over absolutely nothing, it's my only talent. 
What makes a good day at school: Productivity in classes, with a side of giggles and fun. 
Favourite tuckshop order: Chicken Salad
Your signature dish: Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff

Favourite book: Any non-fiction book. I love to read biographies and autobiographies.
Most interesting historical era: The Stone Age. I would love to be able to travel back in time and live in the Stone Age for a month or two. Just imagine what life was like.
Hidden talent: I can make the sound of a zebra.
What makes a good day at school: Any day can be a great day. You have the choice and power to make it great!
Your signature dish: Spaghetti bolognaise or a vegetable curry.

Favourite book: Honeybee by Craig Silvey
Most interesting historical era: The Holocaust
Hidden talent: I can do the worm
What makes a good school day: Kids enjoying their learning and having fun
Favourite tuckshop order: Beef burger
Signature dish: Carbonara

Favourite book: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty - It's an adventure of the mind, and I love the blend of fantasy with reality. It’s about stepping out of your comfort zone, which fits perfectly with my passion for teaching and learning.
Most interesting historical era: The Industrial Revolution - It changed the world in so many ways, shaping pretty much everything around us in the modern world. Plus, the stories of how it impacted society are really interesting.
Hidden talent: I can play the trombone and a bit of piano.
What makes a good day at school: A good day is when students are engaged in what they're learning whilst learning something new, and of course having fun!
Favourite tuckshop order: For me it's got to be a classic chicken burger - so simple and satisfying.
Favourite holiday destination: I love going to Moreton Island - taking the 4X4, going with friends and being able to escape to that oasis is absolute paradise for me.
Most surprising thing: Back in the summer of 2019, I competed in the Cherub Nationals sailing competition down at Wynnum in Brisbane.

Favourite Book: Anything and everything written by Liane Moriarty.
Hidden Talent:
A Good Day at School: When it feels as though the students have learnt something new and interesting, they have left class happy and engaged – and I have too.
Signature Dish: I am an expert rice paper roller- yum!
Favourite Text to Teach: I love the Macbeth unit in Year 12 General English.

From HOD Maths & Science

Welcome to the New School Year!

We are excited to welcome our families and students to the new school year! After a refreshing break, we are looking forward to another year of growth, learning, and community at our school. This year promises to be filled with exciting challenges and achievements, and we’re thrilled to be back together, ready to support all our students as they continue their educational journey.

We are delighted to introduce Miss Savanna De Bruno Austin, our new Year 10 Maths teacher. Miss Austin is eager to inspire our Year 10 students in their mathematical studies. We know she will be an excellent addition to our teaching team, and we are excited for her to begin working with our students.

Our 2025 Maths and Science Team

We are incredibly fortunate to have a team of highly capable and dedicated educators who are committed to providing our students with a first-class education in both Maths and Science. Here's a quick look at our outstanding team for this year:

Maths and Science Competitions

We are also excited to announce that this year we will be entering more students into various Maths and Science competitions. These competitions provide an excellent opportunity for students to challenge themselves, apply their knowledge, and engage with peers from other schools. We encourage all interested students to get involved!

We are looking forward to a fantastic year ahead, filled with academic success, personal growth, and new opportunities. As always, we welcome your support and involvement throughout the year.

Angela Campbell

From HOD Art & Technologies

Welcome back to 2025! I hope everyone had a safe and restful Christmas break.

The Agriculture, Technologies and Arts faculty staff have working hard over the holidays to plan a range of engaging practical learning opportunities for our students this year. We are very fortunate to have such passionate and skilled teachers in our elective subjects. 

The AWE(Agriculture, Water and Environment) Immersion program was very successful last year with 86 students engaging in the Career Education Immersion camp. This year we will continue to build on the program, running 7 immersion camps and continuing with the Bluelight Shearing camps. There have been many success stories from these programs such as students gaining employment or a School based Apprenticeships and Traineeships following attendance at these programs. As always, programs such as these would not be possible without our local industry so we are looking forward to another year of collaboration with the community. 

Caitlin Crowe

From HPE & Strive

Welcome back to 2025! We have some new and old faces in the HPE department this year. Please see the table below for which teachers are in each classroom.

There are lots of sports coming up this term. Keep up to date by checking the Balonne District sports calendar and referring to the Facebook page for trials or date changes.

Students in Year 11 and 12 have already been out and about in the community as part of their Sport, Fitness and Recreation Certificate studies. Their topic this term is Recreational Activities. To explore this, they visited the St George Park Run course and were lead by the St George Park Run director Mrs Jessica Murray. Students will plan, deliver and reflect on their own community recreation event this term.

From HOD Student Services

Welcome to 2025 at St. George State High School

Dear SGSHS Community,

Welcome to the 2025 school year! I hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable break, and I look forward to another exciting year of learning and growth.  At St. George State High School, we are committed to ensuring that every student has access to the curriculum and the support they need to achieve. Whether it’s academic assistance, well-being support, or guidance on learning pathways, our team is here to help.

If you have any questions or require support, please contact the school office. Our staff will connect you with the right person to assist you.

Wishing all our students a fantastic year ahead!

Flexi is Back in 2025!

Great news—Flexi will be running again this year! This program supports students in accessing their learning in a flexible way while staying connected with their peers and regular classes.

Watch this space for more details coming soon!

Peter Chandler
Head of Department – Student Services

Guidance Officer News

Welcome back to another school year and we especially welcome the new Year 7 students and those that are enrolling in St George SHS in other year levels this year.

Starting a new school year can be daunting. We have a great support team that meet regularly to discuss supports and interventions for students. If you are concerned about your young person’s social and emotional wellbeing, academic achievement or post schooling options. We encourage you to contact the guidance officers to discuss your concerns. We work closely with teachers and other school staff as a team to support student’s needs.

Kidshelpline 1800551800 is a terrific support for young people and have a telephone counselling line available 24/7. They have trained counsellors who can support students with many and varied concerns, starting the school year is one of them.

Welcome to Miss Ellie Clark who joins the support team. Current Guidance Officer, Mrs Annette McLean, will be talking some leave and Miss Ellie will be here on the days Mrs McLean is on leave. Miss Ellie will be familiar face as she joins us from St George State School.

From House Leaders

Welcome back, students, families and community!

We have an exciting year ahead at St George State High! This year, house leaders will continue to support student wellbeing and success. We are a friendly face to come to when students are seeking guidance, help locating uniforms or navigating high school life.

House leaders will not only lead their houses on sports carnival days but also help strengthen our school spirit through the House Championship cup.

The House Championship Cup competition designed to bring students together, building a positive school culture.

Students can earn points for their house by:

✅ Taking part in weekly lunch challenges
✅ Participating in Gundi Group activities
✅ Attending school daily
✅ Participating in school sport classes competing against other houses

At the end of year, the leading house will win the House Championship Shield!

Every student has a chance to contribute—let’s make this a fantastic year of connection, community, and school pride.

Miss Herrmann, Mr Flanigan & Mr Z

P&C News

Don’t forget to order through Flexischool app for all our uniform and tuckshop orders.  Ordering through Flexischools means there is no line up to receive you tuckshop orders with our tuckshop ladies having it already for you to collect.  Tuckshop is now 5 days a week!  How good is that!  Next newsletter we will introduce our 2 new tuckshop assistants who will work along side Mrs Amy Mutch.

School Calendar

Community Notices