7 March 2025

From The Principal

Hello St George SHS Community

Curriculum Update

This year, all Year 7 and Year 8 students will be learning from the Australian National Curriculum Version 9 (ACARA V9) across all subjects. This updated curriculum emphasises critical thinking, creativity, and real-world problem-solving, skills that are essential for success in today’s world. We are excited about the opportunities this curriculum presents for creating a more engaging and relevant learning experience for our students.

As part of this rollout, electives have also transitioned to Version 9. This shift was necessary as many educational publishers have ceased producing materials based on Version 8.4. The move to Version 9 ensures that our students have access to the most current and comprehensive resources available, further supporting their learning and exploration of new areas of interest.

1:1 Laptop Program and QLearn Integration

This year marks the full implementation of our 1:1 laptop program for all students in Years 7-12. Every student now has access to their own device, ensuring they are equipped with the tools necessary for modern learning. Some parents have elected for the laptop to stay at school to be checked in and out.  Year 7 and 8 have their own laptops in their rooms.

To support this digital shift, we have integrated QLearn, our new digital learning platform. Through QLearn, students can access learning materials, collaborate with peers, track their progress, and manage assignments and assessments—all in one central location. Most work will be on QLearn/OneNote for students. So if your student is sick or not in school for any reason, tell them to check online!

Alongside our digital pedagogy, for the first time ever we are offering both digital and print textbooks to cater to diverse learning preferences, ensuring that students have the flexibility to choose the format that works best for them.

Instructional Rounds – Enhancing Teaching and Learning

To ensure we are constantly improving our teaching practices, I have initiated a process known locally as Instructional Rounds, working closely with members of the leadership team. This process involves visiting classrooms to observe teaching and learning in action. By closely monitoring student engagement and interactions, we can identify areas for growth and develop strategies for enhancing the impact in the classroom.

Our Instructional Rounds process began in Week 2 of this year, and we are already seeing an impressive level of student engagement and enthusiasm in the classroom. The leaders are also expressing an appreciation of this process. Instructional rounds will continue throughout the year, and we will expand it further to ensure ongoing improvements in teaching and learning across the school.

We encourage you to take an active part in your student’s learning by asking them what they are learning and staying in contact with teachers.

Yours in education,
Thomas J McKenna

From Deputy Principal Junior School

Information about NAPLAN

This March, students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 will take part in NAPLAN testing. NAPLAN assesses the skills of all students in reading, writing, spelling, grammar, punctuation and numeracy. We have attached our school’s testing schedule to this newsletter.

NAPLAN tests help you to understand how your child is progressing in the fundamental skills of literacy and numeracy. NAPLAN is also an important tool in helping us to identify how our education programs are working and what needs to improve.

You might hear your child talking about NAPLAN.

When your child comes home from school, they might mention NAPLAN. They might talk about NAPLAN activities they have done in class, including practice tests.

Students don’t need to practise for NAPLAN. But we do want your child to be familiar with:

• the online test environment
• the device they’ll use during the test
• the different kinds of questions, how they use their time and how they check their work.

So when your child talks about practice tests, they’re talking about resources like the NAPLAN public demonstration site. This site helps students to become familiar with the different kinds of questions they will see in a real NAPLAN test.

Your child’s welfare is the most important thing.

We do these activities to help your child feel safe, confident and capable. They will know what to expect and what they have to do. Students do not need to stress about NAPLAN. It’s just one part of their school program, and we simply encourage students to do the best they can.

NAPLAN is for everyone.

Across the country, students in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9 participate in NAPLAN. The online tests have many features to enhance the test experience for students with and without disability. We also provide adjustments and alternative test formats to allow students with disability to access the tests and show what they know and can do. All children are expected to participate unless they are exempt or withdrawn by their parents. Parents can withdraw their child/children from the test by notifying the school in writing. If you decide to withdraw your child from NAPLAN testing, please collect a Record of parent/carer withdrawal form from the office. This form will need to be completed and returned to the office by Monday (10 March). For more information you can visit nap.edu.au

Have a go at the test yourself and contact us if you need to know more.

See what NAPLAN will be like for your child by visiting the public demonstration site. Find out more by visiting the department’s NAPLAN page for parents and carers.

ACARA’s student privacy notice on the collection of student information for NAPLAN is also available.

If you have any other questions about NAPLAN, please contact Mrs Deborah Addison on daddi4@eq.edu.au

We are excited that your child gets the chance to show their learning in NAPLAN this year.

Deb Addison

From HOD English & Humanities

2025 Lions Youth of the Year

The central focus of Lions Youth of the Year is to give students an opportunity to develop confidence in their ability to talk to community leaders and present themselves as a confident young person worth considering for any position, in any field of interest, in the future. This also includes being able to speak confidently to an audience on subject of their choosing.

Congratulations to our St George State High School students, Josie Small, Lillian Stenhouse, Harry Coltzau, Laura Scriven and Sigrid McCosker who attended their LYOTY panel interview on Sunday afternoon with the panel judges. The second stage of this process, Lions Youth of the Year public speaking event, will now be held this Friday evening, with students presenting a prepared speech and responding to impromptu questions.

The winner of the LYOTY event, announced tonight, will then attend the Regionals in Stanthorpe later in March.

Thanks to the Lions Club for hosting this event and supporting our students in their academic endeavours. Thanks also to the Toastmasters Zenda, Paula and Wendy for their judging of Lions Youth of the Year.

Tickets for Friday nights event are available here:

From HOD Maths & Science

As many of our classes have moved into the assessment period, we want to remind everyone of the importance of preparation and support to ensure the best possible outcomes for our students.

Our teachers are committed to supporting students in the lead-up to assessments. If students need additional help or clarification on any topics, they are encouraged to seek assistance with respect and professionalism. Also, remember that Homework Club runs every Monday and Thursday.

Key Tips to be an ACE student:

Accountable - We bring all required equipment to class.
Be accountable by bringing all required equipment, including calculators for Maths, to class. If misplaced, calculators can be purchased from the school office. Stay prepared!

Courteous – We show consideration for learning of others.
Avoid distractions, listen attentively, and create a positive environment. Supporting classmates fosters mutual growth and helps everyone succeed together.

Engaged – We ask questions when we need support.
Stay engaged by asking questions when you need support. Seeking help shows initiative and ensures you're prepared, confident, and on track to succeed in your studies.

UQ Science Ambassador Program

We are looking for Year 10 students who wish to develop leadership and communication skills through project management, planning, and teamwork. Ambassadors will champion science at SGSHS by developing and delivering events, including National Science Week activities, and encouraging other senior science students to share their science journeys with students in all year groups.

Nominations close at the end of March. More information can be found using the following link: UQ Science Ambassador Program

Young Future Shapers

Students in Years 7 to 10 who are interested in building their confidence, capability, and connection with Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM) are encouraged to nominate for the Young Future Shapers Program.

Who are our Young Future Shapers?

Nominees do not need to be at the top of their class. We are looking for students who have an interest in STEM that we can help to nurture and develop further.  Girls, Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander students, those from regional areas, or lower ICSEA schools are underrepresented in STEM. We prioritise opportunities for nominees that identify as at least one of these groups.  The Future Shapers Program is not designed for students who have access to additional STEM learning support and resources, such as specialist projects, competitions or awards.

For more information about the program, follow this link: Young Future Shapers Program
Nominations close at 11:59 pm on 16 March.

Angela Campbell

From HOD HPE & Strive

HPE

Students have made it through the first half of Term 1 and engaged in several practical activities so far. The students in Years 11/12 have been busy planning and presenting their recreational activities at locations around the community. This week they participated in a golf session as one of their leisure activities.

STRIVE

There are several programs running in STRIVE this term with plenty of hands on group activities for students. The Year 8 and 12 buddies are going to help the tuckshop by cooking some home bake and meals together. Later in the term they will also do their bit to clean up the St George River Walk by picking up any rubbish while walking with their buddies and improving their step count for the day. The Year 9s have been participating in the Love Bites program with our very own program facilitator, Nicole Kemp. Students have been working together to investigate respectful relationships and strategies for maintaining and creating safe relationships with others. The Year 10s have spent some time in the hall with Chappy Sam who has been facilitating the Rock & Water program to help students build resilience and team work skills. Students will rotate through these programs next term so that each year level has the opportunity to experience each topic before the end of the year.

April McLaren

Past Student Story Leanne Taylor (2003)

Hi, my name is Leanne Taylor-Draper, formerly Leanne Taylor. I am a proud Mandandanji/Yuwaalaraay woman from St George. I completed all of my schooling in St George. Primary schooling at St George State School and graduated from St George State High School in 2003.

My journey since high school has been - children and life experiences first, career second. My children coming along lit a fire in my belly and I knew that I could live a more fulfilling life.  I enrolled in the Remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Teacher Education Program (RATEP) and completed my diploma of education through Cairns TAFE QLD. I then, continued with RATEP and studied the bachelor of primary education externally through James Cook University. I worked full time and studied full time. Then, in 2019, I was the first person in my family to be a university graduate with a bachelor’s degree.

I started teaching in my home community at St Patrick’s school in St George. I taught Year 1 there for two years, before moving to Chinchilla. This is my 5^th year in Chinchilla. I have taught Year 4, Year 1 and Year 6 and have been the Learning Support Teacher at St Joseph’s School in Chinchilla so far. This year, I am the Years 3-6 Learning Support Teacher and the Well-being and Engagement Officer. In 2021, I attained a continuing position and am taking on the new leadership roles appointed to me, which have included Acting Deputy Principal on several occasions.

Today my family, my job and my culture are my backbone. I am instilling that pride and ambition in my sons and the students that I work with. I am deeply thankful for my education at St George State High School. My five years there are filled with cherished memories. I encourage all students, especially First Nations students, to set goals, dream big, and believe in your ability to achieve them.

Chappy News

Get Involved in the Moonie River Beef Challenge 2025!

The Moonie River Beef Challenge is back, and you’re invited to be part of this fantastic event supporting local students and celebrating our agricultural community! The challenge kicks off with Steer Selection Day on April 5, 2025, followed by a 100-day grain-fed trial. The journey culminates at the Balonne Gala Dinner on September 6, where we’ll celebrate the winners and the vital role school chaplains play in supporting students across the Balonne region.

This event is about more than cattle—it's about community! Proceeds go directly to funding school chaplaincy programs, helping students receive valuable guidance and support. Whether you sponsor a steer, join a syndicate, or simply attend the Gala Dinner, your contribution makes a real difference.

For more details or to get involved, email challenge@moonieriverbeef.com.au or visit the Balonne Cluster Chaplaincy Facebook page. Let's make the 2025 Moonie River Beef Challenge the best one yet!

Cheers :)
Samuel Waters
Chaplain

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.

School Calendar

Community Notices