21 February 2025

From The Principal

As I reflect going into my third year as Principal of St George State High School, I am filled with immense pride in the progress we have made. Each year, we have held our students to higher and higher expectations, and the results are evident. Our academic performance in English, Maths, and Science continues to show an upward trajectory, and our NAPLAN results have also improved, a testament to the dedication of both our students and staff.

A significant part of this progress is thanks to the hard work of our local primary schools, which lay a solid foundation, ensuring that our students are fully prepared when they arrive at high school. We are incredibly grateful for the partnership we share with them.

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is about student behaviour at the school. I am proud to report that the data on behaviour incidents has steadily decreased over the past three years. While, like any school, we still face some challenges, the vast majority of incidents are minor, and we work hard to address them promptly. We believe in re-engaging all students in the learning process, particularly when issues arise. However, I must emphasise that maintaining a safe and respectful school environment remains our number one priority.

As Principal, I have four non-negotiables that I consistently reinforce at parades:

1. No physical violence
2. No swearing or derogatory comments directed at staff
3. No vaping 
4. No entering classrooms which aren’t your own

Any violation of these expectations results in an immediate suspension from school. For a more comprehensive understanding of expected behaviours and their consequences, I encourage you to read our Student Code of Conduct.

Setting high behaviour expectations and ensuring safety is our number one priority. This foundation is essential for learning to take place and is directly attributed to the improved academic results we have seen. It is a testament to the hard work of our staff, who continually respond to and work with students to create and maintain a safe school environment. Our strong collaboration with families and the wider community also plays a key role in this success. Together, we achieve. Thank you for your ongoing support.

Yours in education,
Thomas J McKenna

From Deputy Principal Junior School

I cannot believe we are close to half way through the term. Students are busy working and assessment calendars are now available through QParents.  I had the pleasure of showing off the junior classes to eight QUT Preservice teachers this week. They came out to see what teaching in a rural town is really like and their feedback was overwhelmingly positive.  I always love to see how our students react with visitors in their classes and they showed their best ACE self.

Important dates coming up for Junior school

NAPLAN

With NAPLAN being all online we will be using student’s laptops to complete the tests in the first lesson of the morning from Wednesday 12 March to Monday 17 March. We will have the Year 9s over in the Skills Centre where they can leave their laptops on charge overnight.  Year 7s will complete their tests in their normal rooms in G block. There will be breakfast club on each morning so that students can ensure they are fuelled and ready to go.

Year 7 camp

The information has gone out and we have had many responses on QParents. The forms that have been sent home with students are for the campsite to ensure all goes well.  Please remember that a $100 deposit is due by Friday 28 February.  For any questions or concerns you may have regarding your students please email me at daddi4@eq.edu.au or call 46208222. 

Deb Addison

Student Council

Our first event of the year, the Valentine’s Day Sale, was a huge success! Students purchased a large number of balloons and flowers, which were delivered on Friday morning, spreading love and joy across the school. It was amazing to see so many people participating and sharing smiles throughout the day. Thanks to everyone's support, we raised $192!

Head of Special Education Services (HoSES)

Welcome to the 2025 school year! I am excited to be stepping into a new role this year as Acting Head of Special Education Services for the Balonne Cluster. After being a classroom teacher at St George State School for the past three years, I'm excited for new learning, to connect with services in the community and with families to support our students to 'grow, learn and be their best'. If you have any questions please don't hesitate to contact me by either ringing the school (4620 8222) or emailing (ogske0@eq.edu.au).

Olivia Skea
Acting Head of Special Education Services (Balonne Cluster)

Sport

Congratulations to the following students on their selection in the Balonne team for the following:-

Swimming – Elizabeth Benn, Stella Acton, Sam Small, Claire Stenhouse, Isaac McNamara, Josie Small, Lillian Stenhouse, Georgie Nelson.

Basketball – Harry Saal, Levi Riley, Jai’Koby Weatherall, Mason Curtis.

Qld Health Dental Van

Qld Health will be contacting parents/guardians to offer dental services for any high school student.  The Qld Health dental van will be at STGSHS from 26 February until all appointments have been delivered.  To make contact Ph 0437 412 841 or 1300 215 659.

Immunisation Clinic

St George Community & Allied Health Team are providing free vaccinations for all Year 7 and Year 10 students on 11/03/2025 & 13/05/2025 as part of Queensland Health’s annual School Immunisation Program.  All Year 7 and Year 10 students are being offered free vaccinations to protect against vaccine preventable diseases. Year 7 students will be offered a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and a combined diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) vaccine. Year 10 students will be offered vaccination against meningococcal disease.

The vaccinations will be conducted by a team of authorised registered nurses and/or a medical

practitioner.  Our school contact person for this program is Sally Kennedy.  All queries regarding clinic dates or consent cards should be directed to Sophie or Ellie at St George Community & Allied Health 0746202265. For more information about diseases, vaccines or the School Immunisation Program, visit www.qld.gov.au/health/conditions/immunisation/adolescents  or https://www.health.qld.gov.au/public-health/topics/immunisation

School Photos 26 February

P&C News

Welcome to our two canteen assistants Karizma Philip and Charlee Shearer who have hit the ground running joining our canteen convenor Amy Mutch providing tuckshop five days a week.  The students love home bake and fruit if you are in a position to donate to the tuckshop.

Hope everyone that attended the Chill & Grill afternoon had a lovely time.  It was great seeing so many staff and families attend this evening.  Thank you to Sonny Cross for cooking the BBQ and then taking over the serving as well. 

My New Gallery

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 9

Next

No Past Student Story This Week

If you have a story or know of someone and would like more details, please contact Nichole Taylor ntayl253@eq.edu.au 

School Calendar

Community Notices