16 May 2025

Year 11

From The Principal

Dear Families and Community,

As we continually look for ways to improve our operations and better support our staff, we’re making a few important changes to how we communicate with you.

At the end of this term, we will cease publishing this school newsletter. This decision is part of a broader move to reduce workload for our staff and align with how most schools—and indeed, most of our community—are now sharing information: through social media platforms like Facebook and LinkedIn.

Just as we once transitioned away from our website photo galleries, we’re finding that this newsletter is no longer serving its original purpose. With fewer readers engaging here and more of you following us online, social media has become our most effective and immediate communication tool.

We understand that some parts of the newsletter are still valued—such as messages from the principal and highlights of school life. As part of this transition, we are developing a new communication plan that will ensure key updates and community messages are still available, just in a more accessible and engaging format.

We're also mindful of preserving our school’s history. Since the yearbook and other archival projects have been phased out, we are actively looking for ways to maintain records and memories for reflection and legacy purposes.

To everyone who has read, clicked, and supported this newsletter over the years—thank you. Your engagement has meant a great deal. We look forward to continuing our connection with you on our social media channels. Be sure to follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn for all the latest news, stories, and celebrations from across our school community.

Thomas J. McKenna

From Deputy Principal Senior School

On Wednesday 14 May, our senior students had the opportunity to attend the Balonne Career Expo – an inspiring event that brought together a wide range of employers, industry representatives and education providers from across the region. Hosted at St Patrick’s School Hall, the expo provided a valuable space for students to explore future study, training and employment pathways in a hands-on and engaging environment.

Exhibitors represented a broad array of sectors including agriculture, resources, health, and emergency services. Among those in attendance were the Balonne Shire Council, Cotton Australia, Queensland Police and Ambulance Services, and South-West Regional Health. Students also had the chance to connect with leading universities such as the University of Southern Queensland, University of Queensland, Griffith University, and Queensland University of Technology. TAFE Queensland and a number of other registered training organisations were also present to showcase vocational options, apprenticeships and traineeships.

Our students made the most of this opportunity—engaging enthusiastically with stallholders, asking insightful questions, and collecting valuable information about future pathways. Staff from CUC Balonne and other organisers commented on how respectful, curious and well-mannered our students were throughout the event. It was a pleasure to see their confidence grow as they explored possibilities and discussed their ambitions with professionals from various fields.

For many, the expo broadened their understanding of the opportunities available within our own region and encouraged meaningful conversations about life after school. Events like this are a powerful reminder of the importance of career education in supporting students to dream big and make informed decisions about their future.

A sincere thank you goes to Balonne Shire Council, CUC Balonne, and all participating organisations for making this valuable learning experience possible.

Donna Potter

From Deputy Principal Junior School

As we reach the midpoint of Term 2, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible growth and achievements of our junior secondary students. Years 7, 8, and 9 are foundational years, and it’s been inspiring to see our students embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with high school life.

Year 7: Term 2 of High school

Our Year 7 students have made a fantastic transition into high school. From navigating new routines to building friendships and engaging in a wide range of subjects, they’ve shown resilience and enthusiasm. This term, students have changed electives to Technologies – Agriculture and Digital Technologies. These are great subjects that give students the chance to get outside and learn more about their computers.

Year 8: No longer their first year

Year 8 is a time for students to deepen their learning and begin to explore their interests more fully. This term, students’ electives have changed to Media Arts and Visual Art. There are also more lunch time clubs to be a part of, Lego, Sewing, Anime and soon to come will be eSports. These experiences are helping students develop confidence, teamwork, and a sense of belonging.

Year 9: Leading the Junior School

Our Year 9 students are stepping into leadership roles and setting a positive example for younger peers. Towards the end of this term, we will invite parents and guardians to come in and meet with members of the Year 9 team to discuss their Junior Education Plan and what students are planning on doing for Work Experience and also look at subjects for next year.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the second half of the term, I encourage all students to stay focused, ask for help when needed, and take pride in their efforts. Parent-teacher interviews have already taken place, however that doesn’t mean you’ve missed your chance, I urge families to take an opportunity to connect with teachers and celebrate progress.

Thank you for your ongoing support. Together, we are building a strong, caring, and high-achieving school community. For any questions or concerns you may have regarding your Senior Secondary students please email me at daddi4@eq.edu.au  or call 4620 8222.

Deborah Addison

From HOD Student Services

Spotlight on Flexi: Personalised Learning at St George State High School (SGSHS)

At St George State High School, we’re proud to offer the Flexi Program—a tailored learning pathway designed to support students in achieving their best, both academically and personally.  Now well underway in 2025, Flexi provides a supportive environment where students attend targeted lessons focused on core literacy, numeracy, and wellbeing goals. These sessions run alongside their regular classes, ensuring students stay connected with peers while receiving the additional support they need to succeed.

Each student in Flexi follows an individual plan and works closely with staff to build skills, confidence, and routines that promote classroom success. The program is already seeing strong results, with improved engagement, attendance, and progress in foundational skills.  The Flexi Program is just one way SGSHS is creating inclusive, responsive pathways to help every student thrive.

If you’d like to know more about Flexi or think it could benefit your child, please reach out to the school for a conversation.

Take Pride in SGSHS – Be ACE Every Day!

At St George State High School, every student plays a part in shaping the culture and spirit of our school. Whether you're in the classroom, on the sports field, or out in the community—how you represent yourself matters.

That’s why we encourage all students to live out our PBL (Positive Behaviour for Learning) expectations of being Accountable, Courteous, and Engaged — ACE.

• Accountable students own their actions, meet deadlines, wear their uniform with pride, and give their best effort in every lesson.
• Courteous students show kindness and respect to staff, peers, and visitors. They use manners, listen actively, and help create a safe and positive space for all.
• Engaged students are focused, curious, and involved. They ask questions, join in discussions, and make the most of every opportunity.

When you walk through our gates each day, you're not just a student—you're part of the SGSHS team. Taking pride in your learning, your behaviour, and your school helps build a place where everyone can succeed.

Let’s keep working together and show the community what it means to be ACE at St George State High School!

Peter Chandler

https://rafflelink.com.au/stgshspc2x1000

Past Student Story

No past student story this week.  If you know of a past student who would be willing to write their story, please contact Nichole Taylor ntayl253@eq.edu.au

Homework Club

GP’s In School

School Calendar Term 2

Community Notices