Woree Highlights - End of Term 1 Newsletter - April - 2025

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Term 1 has come and gone very quickly with many events bringing the Woree State High School community together.  The last 5 weeks have been very busy.

Harmony Week

Harmony Week was amazing with a series of fun events bringing the WSHS community closer.  All the events were student driven and supported by enthusiastic students.

Students made affirmations on our walkways for others to read and although the rain tried to wash them away, the messages still got across to everyone.  Some are still there for people to see.

The Cultural Dance performances were just incredible.  I knew our students were great, but this took it to the next level.  We have great cultural diversity at Woree, and it was pleasing to see so many of our students putting their culture on display through dance.  We will be reviewing the size of the dance performances for 2026 as it has outgrown a lunch break time slot and will need more time to give it the justice it deserves.

To get on board and see Woree SHS in the spotlight, simply sign up for our School Facebook and Instagram pages, so you can enjoy our great posts.  I would encourage you to follow these pages, so you are kept up to date about the amazing adventures and achievements of Woree SHS happenings on a daily basis.  Follow the link below.

https://www.facebook.com/WoreeSHS https://www.instagram.com/woreeshs/

Rewards Tickets

During Term 1, I have been giving students rewards tickets for doing great things at school.  Most students who welcomed me with a warm greeting received a ticket (if I had them on me).  Students working in class and explaining to me what they were learning was very rewarding – they too received tickets.

My tickets are all numbered individually and go into a special draw at the end of term for a reward prize.  Two, well deserving students are rewarded for their efforts in being a part of the great Woree SHS.  I am still waiting for the lucky ticket holders to collect their reward.

All students need to remember to keep their tickets in Term 2.  

Remarkable Sporting Achievement

Congratulations to Sunny K, Year 7 Woree SHS student.

Sunny represented the Peninsula swimming team in Brisbane at the Queensland School State Sport Championships 2025, from March 26-28, earning a total of 5 Gold medals and 1 Silver medal.

Here are some of his results below.

Boys 13yr 200m Individual medley - 1^st, Gold Medal
Boys 13yr 400m Individual medley- 1^st, Gold Medal
Boys 13yr 50m Breaststroke - 1^st, Gold Medal
Boys 13yr 100m Breaststroke - 1^st, Gold Medal
Boys 13yr 200m Breaststroke- 1^st, Gold Medal
Boys 13yr 100m Butterfly - 2^nd, Silver Medal

What an amazing effort – congratulations Sunny!

Senior Leaders

The Senior Leaders for 2025, have been doing a great job leading various events to continue to make Woree State High School the best school in Cairns.  The Leaders continue to meet with myself and the Year 12 Coordinator, Cody-Lee Parsons every Monday to discuss issues and prepare for upcoming events.  ANZAC Day will be the first major school event in the first week of Term 2. 

Cross Country

A great event with students self-nominating to race.  The enthusiasm and athleticism were great to witness as students put their all into each race.  I wish success for all those who placed at the Trinity Coast South Cross Country as they represent Woree SHS with pride.

Easter Holidays

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the Woree State High School community for their warm welcome this term.  I will continue to support the school community in the future so all our fantastic young people have the opportunity to achieve the best they can.

Please stay safe over the holiday break.  Staff and students need to take the time to rest and replenish your energy stocks in readiness for Term 2.

I look forward in continuing working at Woree State High School in Term 2.

Kind regards,

Maurice Andrejic

Principal

Good News Stories

CHESS SUCCESS!

Dexter (Year 9) recently won Round 1 of the FNQ Interschool Chess Championships! This is an extraordinary effort, making Dexter currently the highest ranked student from ANY school in FNQ!

Dexter is hoping more Woree students will join Chess Club so that we can enter full teams of 4 in the upcoming Rounds 2 and 3 of the championships.

Chess Club is on during every 1^st lunch on Thursdays in the library.

Michael Stephens

Experienced Senior Teacher, Chess Coordinator

Wildlife Saviours

It was gratifying to witness two of our Year 8 students showing kindness to a fallen fledgling. Chyna and Tramaicia found the young bird during lunchtime, they placed it back under a tree in the hope that its mother may find it.

Well done girls for showing compassion to a vulnerable creature.

Editor

Year Coordinator Reports

Year 7

End of Term Trip - Good Standing at Sugarworld

Our Year 7 (and Year 8 and 9) students headed to Sugarworld on the last Friday of term for a fun-filled end-of-term trip! It was a fantastic way to celebrate the end of a busy and successful term. Forty-three students, who had over 95% attendance, no major and no more than 2 minor behaviours, enjoyed a day of outdoor activities, fun with friends, and a well-deserved break before the commencement of the holidays. It was a memorable experience for all!

Easter Biscuit Decorating – For Students with 85%+ Attendance

In the spirit of Easter, Thursday lunch was a special Easter Biscuit Decorating event for students who have maintained an attendance of 85% or higher throughout the term. This fun activity allows students to get creative, decorate their biscuits, and enjoy a tasty treat! Keep up the great attendance!

11-4-7’s Disco and Easter Art – Wednesday Afternoon in Period 4

In the final week of term on Wednesday afternoon during Period 4, Year 7 students had the chance to join in a Disco and Easter Art activity! Showing off their best dance moves, enjoying the music, and letting their creativity shine in the art activities.

Looking Forward to Term 2

It’s been a busy and productive Term 1, and we’re proud of everything our Year 7 students have achieved so far. After the Term 1 holidays, we’re excited to dive into more learning opportunities, events, and adventures. We hope everyone enjoys the break and comes back ready for even more growth and fun in Term 2.

Wishing all our Year 7 students and families a wonderful and restful holiday. See you back in Term 2.

Happy Easter and Enjoy the Break! 🐣🎉

 Kasey Casey

Year 7 Coordinator

Year 9

The Year 9 students have set a brilliant example in Term 1, demonstrating excellent behaviour, commitment to learning, and strong participation in school activities. As the term comes to an end, we want to recognise and reward their efforts!

NAPLAN

A huge congratulations to all Year 9s for completing their final NAPLAN ever! Their focus and effort during NAPLAN were noticed by all teachers involved. Completing these tests can be very stressful, but our students showed resilience and determination.

School Events

A huge shout-out to the Year 9 students who participated in Cross Country and Harmony Day activities! It’s fantastic to see them stepping up and leading the way for the Junior school.

End-of-Term Rewards

To celebrate their hard work, students had the chance to enjoy some well-deserved rewards in Week 10:

Ice Cream Party – Thursday, Week 10

• Students who have achieved 85% or higher attendance and positive behaviour were treated to an ice cream party as a special thank-you for their efforts!

Sugarworld Trip – Friday, Week 10

• The top attendees in Year 9 with no behaviour incidents finished the term with an exciting day at Sugarworld. What better way to wrap up Term 1 than a fun day out with friends!

A massive well done to all Year 9 students for their commitment to making this term a success. Keep up the fantastic work, and let’s continue this positive behaviour into Term 2. Hope you all have a safe and eventful holiday!

Zac Ballantine

Year 9 Coordinator

Year 10

Year 10 End of Term Highlights

As we wrap up another fantastic term, it’s time to reflect and celebrate on the achievements and memorable moments that made Term 1 so special for our Year 10 students. From academic accomplishments to exciting extracurricular activities, this term has been filled with growth, learning, and community spirit.

Successful Completion of Assessments
Our Year 10 students demonstrated dedication and perseverance in successfully completing their assessments this term. Their hard work and commitment to their studies are commendable, and we are proud of the progress they have made. The effort put into each subject has set a strong foundation for the coming terms, preparing students for future academic outcomes.

Harmony Day Celebration
This was a standout event, bringing together students and staff to celebrate diversity and inclusivity. Through engaging activities, colourful cultural outfits, dance performances, and shared meals, our school community embraced the message of unity in diversity and respect for all cultures. It was heart-warming to see everyone participate with enthusiasm, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and included.

Tradie Taster Program Enrolment
A number of our students have taken the exciting step of enrolling in the Tradie Taster Program, providing them with hands-on experience in various trades. This initiative was a great opportunity to consider new pathways for students interested in vocational education, giving them the opportunity to explore different career options within trades and develop practical skills that will be invaluable for their futures.

Japanese Student Visit

Humanities students had an exciting opportunity to participate in cultural exchange activities with visiting students from JTA Tokyo Shoyo High School. The event fostered cross-cultural understanding and collaboration through a range of interactive activities.

Clontarf Camp

Clontarf boys embarked on a three-day camping trip at Etty Bay Surf Club in Week 6. During the trip, they visited Bunnings Warehouse worksite in Innisfail, where they received a tour of the store and learned about the various tasks involved in daily operations of the business. In addition to the worksite visit, the boys enjoyed some fishing and successfully caught a few good fish. They spent quality time by the sea, sharing laughs and stories. To cool off, they took a refreshing swim in the famous Harvey Creek. Overall, the boys had an unforgettable camp experience, making great memories along the way.

Health Expo Show Bags
Students interested in the area of Health and Wellbeing received informative and fun show bags filled with useful resources which were both educational and enjoyable, emphasising the importance of pathways in Health and well-being sectors.

As we head into the break, we encourage students to take time to relax and recharge, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities of the next term. Once again, a huge congratulations to all Year 10 students for their achievements this term, with excitement we look forward to seeing what the rest of the year holds!

Hazel Ashley

Year 10 Coordinator

Senior Teacher – Design & Technologies

Events and Special Days

HARMONY DAY

Celebrating Harmony Cultural Dance at Woree High School

A Celebration of Culture and Unity

The recent Harmony Dance celebration at Woree SHS was a truly special occasion, one that filled the school with vibrant energy and an incredible sense of unity. This event provided an amazing opportunity for our students to come together and proudly showcase their diverse cultural backgrounds, creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere that truly highlighted the beauty of each culture.

As the performances unfolded, it was clear just how much effort and passion went into each dance. From traditional moves to modern expressions, each performance was a testament to the richness of the students' heritage. It was both heartwarming and inspiring to witness our students embrace their cultural identities, whilst also sharing them with the wider school community.

The Harmony Dance was more than just a celebration of movement; it was a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity, respect, and cultural appreciation. It showed us how much we can learn from one another when we take the time to honour and appreciate the traditions and experiences that make us unique.

A big thank you to everyone who participated and supported this incredible event. We look forward to more moments like these that continue to bring us together and remind us of the strengths found in our diversity here at Woree State High School. 

Ulu Tautu

YSC

International School Visit

Woree SHS Welcomes Tokyo Shoyo High School

Woree State High School was delighted to welcome students and teachers from Tokyo Shoyo High School for a special cultural and educational exchange last week. The visit created meaningful connections and unforgettable memories between the visiting students and our Woree community.

One of the highlights of the visit was a collaborative session with our Year 10 History class, where students explored the end of World War II together. Through respectful discussion and shared learning, both groups deepened their understanding of this significant moment in history. To symbolise peace and reconciliation, students made peace doves – delicate and hopeful creations as a reminder of friendship and harmony.

The cultural exchange continued as the Japanese students and their Year 10 buddies worked side by side on Aboriginal Art projects. These collaborative artworks reflected the vibrant colours and storytelling traditions of First Nations peoples and offered a hands-on way to learn more about Australia’s rich cultural heritage.

The visiting students also joined Mrs Beggs’ Year 7 History class, where they took part in a creative workshop making Torres Strait Islander outrigger canoes. This activity was linked to the class’s exploration of Australia’s Deep Time History, providing a tangible connection to the traditions and innovations of the Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Throughout the visit, all students involved were exceptional ambassadors for their schools. Their enthusiasm, curiosity, and respectful engagement were evident in every activity. A special mention goes to Bayden R, who delivered a heartfelt and articulate farewell speech on behalf of the Woree students, leaving a strong impression on our guests.

The Tokyo Shoyo students and staff shared that they had a wonderful time and expressed their wish to return next year for another visit – a sentiment warmly shared by Woree staff and students. As a token of their appreciation, our guests presented us with a beautiful traditional Japanese fan, which is now proudly on display in the school library.

We thank Tokyo Shoyo High School for an inspiring and joyful visit. It was a true celebration of learning, culture, and international friendship.

Gail Beggs

Humanities Teacher

ARTS / IT

Term 1 of 2025 has brought an eventful start to the year for the Arts and IT Department of Woree State High School with numerous successful events already undertaken.

Claire Williams, our long-standing Drama teacher, is leaving us after 12 years of dedicated service. She joined our faculty as a Music teacher with an aspiration to successfully drive Drama at Woree SHS to new heights. This is certainly an achievement that she can be extremely proud of because it is through her passion for drama and her devotion to performance that Woree SHS can reflect on some wonderful major school productions of which Claire directed, “Children of the Black Skirt,” "Scattered Lives, "Romeo & Juliet" and “When I was Little”.

As the curtains fall on this chapter of our journey, we find ourselves filled with gratitude and admiration for everything you've done.  Through seeing the production, “When I was Little,” you have ignited a passion for storytelling in each of us, pushing us to discover parts of ourselves we never knew existed.

It is with mixed emotions that I write this message as we bid farewell to an exceptional member of our Arts/IT faculty. Your time with us has been nothing short of remarkable, and the impact you've had on both students and colleagues will be felt for many years to come.

As a drama teacher, you have not only imparted knowledge and skills but have also inspired creativity, confidence, and a deep love for the performing arts. Your ability to bring out the best in each student, to challenge them, and to make them believe in themselves is a rare gift. The performances you've nurtured, the lessons you've taught, and the enthusiasm you've brought to the classroom will resonate long after your departure.

On behalf of the entire Arts department, I want to thank you for your dedication, passion, and commitment. You have played an integral role in shaping our vibrant drama program, and your legacy will continue through the many students whose lives you have touched.

While we will miss your presence, we wish you all the best in your next chapter. May your future endeavours bring you as much joy and fulfillment as you’ve brought to us during your time here.

With deepest gratitude and best wishes,

Mary Provan

Acting HOD, Arts / IT

Year 8 Art

Inspired by famous Australian artists like Namatjira; Streeton and Mc Cubbin the Year 8 students have been studying the features of landscape painting. The students have shown such amazing talent and replicated some local and national landscapes on a canvas. These artworks will be part of an exhibition in early Term 2 at Woree SHS in the Murdoch Gallery, G Block.

Ms Kirkpatrick

Art Teacher

Year 9 Art

This term, students have been collecting nostalgic items that have sentimental value to them during, “Object of my Affection”. Working with mix media life such as charcoal, soft pastel, water colour and oil pastel to bring their objects to life.

Ms Kirkpatrick

Art Teacher

Dance

Hi everyone! Thank you for the warm welcome in my first term at Woree SHS. Dance has really taken off at our school, with so many awesome achievements and fun moments already had with even more events to come.

Year 7, 8 and 9 Dance

Junior Secondary students have been working hard and achieving great results in the dance subject this term. We hope to showcase our efforts with an upcoming dance concert in Term 2. Stay tuned for more information.

WYP Dance

The WYP Dance Excellence students have built strong foundations this term which will no doubt set this group up for success in 2025. WYP dancers have been training at lunch and after school for upcoming Eisteddfods and competitions. These dancers are wonderful leaders in the arts and are getting ready to fiercely compete against other high schools in Cairns!

Creative Generation

Creative Generation is a major showcase in Brisbane which selects the best arts talent in Queensland to take part. Congratulations to Lolarose (Year 7) and Zariah (Year 8) for making the First Nations Dance Ensemble and Division. A jazz dance for Creative Generation from hundreds of auditions across the state. Alani (Year 11) will also perform as a First Nations Ensemble dancer.

Early in the term, Lolarose and Zariah faced a difficult audition process where they were given a dance routine to learn, record themselves performing and send their video to Brisbane show producers, all within thirty hours. It is a major achievement to successfully become a Division A dancer for Creative Generation. Well done girls!

Harmony Day: Performance at Goodstart Kindy, Junior Explorers Kindy & WSHS

Goodstart Forest Gardens, invited the First Nations WYP dancers to perform routines as part of Harmony Week celebrations. This was a lovely morning with the kindy children. The dancers then returned to school to perform once more for the cultural food activity at WSHS.

First Nations WYP dancers, and other keen Indigenous students collaborated to perform at the cultural dance activity for Harmony Week. Students had to be organised, ready and brave as they performed for the whole school audience. Well done First Nations dancers.

The dancers were then invited to perform for Junior Explorers kindy, which was another lovely morning with the little children in our community, celebrating diversity.

Thank you to Ms Wone, Ms Wray and Miss Ulu for their ongoing support for the dance subject as part of our school community. Thank you Goodstart and Junior Explorers for the special invitations to represent. Everyone belongs!

Cairns Health Careers Expo

First Nations WYP dancers were given a special invitation to open the Cairns Health Careers Expo with their dance performance representing culture. This was for an important audience of dignitaries across Queensland. Lolarose (Year 7) also gave a very meaningful Welcome to Country speech as part of this event. Congratulations WYP!

Term 2, Key Dates

• Term 2, Saturday 24 May at St. Andrew’s Catholic College – dress rehearsal for WYP dance competitive team
• Term 2, WSHS Dance Night, Week 8 at Q-block (TBA) – WYP and dance electives to perform
• Term 2, last week of school: Cairns Eisteddfod at Cairns Performing Arts Centre - WYP
• Term 3, Saturday 23 August: Dance X competition at St. Andrew’s Catholic College - WYP

More information to come – parents/caregivers please regularly check QParents for all the information.

Thank you everyone for your support, especially to WYP and dance elective students and their families.

Caitlin Sands

Dance Teacher

Drama - "Stories from a Suitcase"

On March 10, in the theatre after school, our Year 10/11 Drama students created a hard hitting and meaningful performance about the plight of refugees who flee their homes and come to Australia to find a new life.

Claire Williams

Drama Teacher

Diverse Learning Faculty (DLF)

Thank you to all staff and students who have so warmly welcomed me to Woree State High School as Acting Deputy Principal Inclusion.  Every day I see students who are focussed and ready to learn and this is evident in their work and behaviour.   

We value culture and inclusion at Woree State High School and know that partnerships between school and parents/carers, community organisations and regional staff help us to identify and implement reasonable adjustments for students with disability and additional needs at our school.  

In Term 1 staff members in the Diverse Learning Faculty have met with regional therapists and disability advisors to ensure every student is able to realise their potential.  Regional staff and advisors provide our school with specialist advice and recommendations about reasonable adjustments to enable students to access and fully participate in learning on the same basis as their peers.

In Term 2, we will continue to review our case management processes and supports for students at school in readiness for the annual Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD) process that at all Australian schools contribute to in August each year.

Please say hello if you see me out and about at school or in the community, I would love to discuss ways in which we can work together to support diverse learners at Woree State High School.

Samantha Ilic

Deputy Principal, Inclusion

A massive WELCOME to Samantha Ilic, our new Deputy Principal Inclusion. Samantha brings a wealth of knowledge from years of experience as HOSES at Trinity Beach State School and her work as Regional Councillor for QASEL. We are all very excited to have Sam join our team!

Our team of dedicated Diverse Learning Teachers this year includes Jas Singh, Shanil Moreau, Sarah-Jane Noonan, and Morgan Harrison. In addition, we also have a multi-talented team of teacher-aides who are out and about in classrooms doing great things. We are a passionate team who enjoy seeing all students have a successful and inclusive time at school.

This term, we have been busy transitioning our new Year 7s to settle into high school working, as well as planning with our Advisory Visiting Teachers and Specialists to plan our targeted work for the year. We are particularly looking forward to developing our students’ skills to navigate assistive technology which helps students with literacy, physical and other challenges to compose texts for a variety of purposes, including assessments.

Looking forward to a positive 2025!

Jodie Ball

HOD Inclusion

Engagement Programes

Engage. Empower. Learn. (EEL)

Engage, Empower, Learn: A Term of Fitness and Fun!

This term in Year 8 Engage, Empower, Learn, students have been putting in the hard work and having a great time with a focus on fitness and teamwork. With the guidance of Mr Cayden and Mr Jeremy, our sessions have been packed with fun activities designed to build strength, endurance, and confidence.

From high-energy circuits to team challenges, students have been pushing themselves, supporting each other, and enjoying the chance to get active. Many have discovered new skills and improved their fitness levels while having a laugh along the way.

It’s been fantastic to see everyone giving it their best effort and embracing the challenges. A big thank you to Mr Cayden and Mr Jeremy for leading such engaging sessions!

We look forward to keeping the energy up and seeing what the rest of the year brings.

Jodi Shepherd

Teacher / Engagement / English / Humanities

Shine Program

This term, Woree SHS Youth Support Coordinator Michelle and Chappy Kelly facilitated a Shine program for a group of Year 7 and 8 students.

“Shine on the Inside,” is a School based program for students that support students to build communication skills, improve self – esteem, make values-based decisions and shine on the Inside.

Students enjoyed learning a range of topics such as identifying personal strengths, positive body image, nourishing your body, self-esteem and resilience and reflecting in journals, and were encouraged each week to present their big brag of something they are proud of.

Well done to all the girls that showed courage in positively participating and engaging with the activities and others in the group.  

Michelle Edwards

Youth Support Coordinator/ Wellness Coordinator

English Department

Our English term saw the Brisbane based Mashed Theatre Company present two shows for Years 8 and 9 students.

Bully, was the thought-provoking production of the intricate dynamics of bullying, resilience and self-discovery of two teenagers. Like all teenagers, it addresses the challenges that young people face and how they navigate the realities of high school.

Bully explored the insecurities of identity, and the inner strength needed to confront adversity.

The audience, our young people, were captivated and engaged with the immediacy of live theatre and hopefully took away some gleanings from the performance.

To end our term, our Year 10 classes, who read George Orwell’s Animal Farm written in 1945, and published a speech addressing a local issue, through the characters of Animal Farm.

The themes of social and political inequality and the concept of a social revolution to promote and encourage change, Orwell’s book was embraced by our young people as they took to the front lawns of the school, waving banners, slogans and their voices for change!

Never been involved in any protest, they embraced the experience with fervour and sincerity which brought their learning and understanding to the fore.

Our Principle, Maurice Andrejic, participated in the concept of bringing assessment to ‘life’ and the students were thrilled as they shouted “Some animals are more equal than others”! A perfect way to show equity and excellence at Woree High.

What a great way to end our first term of 2025!

Melinda Geyle

HOD, English

Year 8 English

Year 8 English students were totally engaged in the Mashed Theatre Company visit.

HPE / Sports

Term 1 has been a very busy yet exciting term for our senior HPE students.

Year 11 & 12 Health attended the Health Expo held at the Cairns Convention Centre.

Year 11 Health – Had to mask up for an incursion on Infection Control and

Year 12 PED – Participated in the Equity and Barriers and Enablers to sport program.

Trish Goodwin

HOD, HPE

Humanities/ Economics

Tuckshop Challenge

Year 9 $5 Tuckshop Challenge – Jacket Potatoes for the Win!

As part of Year 9 Economics and Business, students took on the $5 Tuckshop Challenge—tasked with designing a budget-friendly, tasty, and profitable tuckshop item. After brainstorming ideas, the class put Cooper’s plan to the test, making jacket potatoes in the air fryer.

Not only were they quick, delicious, and easy to prepare, but according to Cooper’s calculations, each serve cost under $4.00 - well within budget! The students considered factors like ingredient costs, preparation time, and customer appeal, making this a real-world business exercise in action.

Now, we want to know - should jacket potatoes be on the tuckshop menu? Would you buy one? Let us know your thoughts!

This challenge was a great way for students to develop their financial literacy, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking - and, of course, enjoy a tasty reward for their efforts!

Jodi Shepherd

Teacher | Engagement, Humanities and English

INTAD / Home Economics

Year 9 FoodTech

Year 9 Food Tech Students did an excellent job with their Practical Cooking Assessment. They prepared Chicken Stir-fry following safe food handling and hygiene practices. Well done students.

Hazel Ashley

Year 10 Coordinator

Senior Teacher – Design & Technologies

Library

Terri and Vikki’s Library Blog

Hello Woree community

If you happen to be in the wonderful school grounds, then please come and check out the poignant ANZAC display in the library. Also, whilst here, check out our new magical friends, the delightfully cheeky unicorn and the bold, fearless dragon. They are yet to be named so kindly share with the library staff any suggestions you or your student may have, and the big question is, do you prefer dragons or unicorns?

Coming up in Term 2 is our Reading Challenge. Please encourage your student/s to select and read from The CBCA Noteables, students can go in the draw to win fabulous prizes by reading one of these books which are available as print and/or digital format. The Reading Challenge ends in Week 8 of Term 2.

'til next term, happy school holidays.

Terri and Vikki

SchoolTech

Trades Lady Day

This term marked the initiation of our SchoolTech Lady Tradie mentoring program, featuring women from the industry who shared their experiences during their apprenticeships and beyond. Throughout the year, we have a variety of activities and experiences planned to support and motivate all of our ladies as they pursue their aspirations of becoming qualified tradespeople.

Harrison Dodd

Head of Department SchoolTech

Science Faculty

Aquatic and Marine Practices

MRN and AQP – Term 1 2025

If you heard a flare in the Woree area on Friday, it may have been us! Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) made a visit to demonstrate various aspects of boating safety to our Year 10 Marine and Year 12 Aquatic Practices students. They brought in required safety equipment including a variety of lifejackets, EPRIBs and - a favourite amongst students - flares. Students got the opportunity to try on different types of lifejackets including those which inflate after the tab has been pulled. MSQ also discussed important rules of boating which will prove beneficial for our Year 12 AQP students going after their boat licence next term. With recreational boating such a fun and easily accessible activity in FNQ, a big thank you to MSQ for their time ensuring our students are safe and informed!

Sarah Anning

Aquatic Practices Teacher

Marine Science

On the 14 March, the Year 12 Marine Science class visited the outer barrier reef for the last time to collect data for IA2. This excursion has allowed us to have data eye on the reef data for Saxon and North Hastings reef for three years running. This will allow students a wide range of choice in building their student experiment.

Conditions in the water were good but a little bit rainy out of the water. The water temperature was 29 degrees which according to DUDC staff has come down from 30.5 in December and January. This would explain the severe thermal stress at Saxon reef. The topic for the student experiment is changes on the reef, so this unfortunate event has certainly provided some data for that.

Jodie Keirle

Marine Science Teacher

Woree Youth Advisory Committee

WYAC Meeting – Week 6

Student Voices Making a Difference!

The Woree Youth Advisory Committee (WYAC) had a highly productive meeting in Week 6, welcoming special guests State MP Terry James, Councillor Cathy Zeiger, and Luke from Cairns Regional Council, who oversees playgrounds.

Students took this opportunity to raise key issues affecting our school and community, leading to some fantastic outcomes:

✅ Pezutti Park Update: WYAC received the latest news on upcoming improvements to this important community space.

✅ Footpath connection between Woree SHS and the service road: Students highlighted the need for a safer and more accessible footpath. As a result, a developer will visit Woree next term to discuss plans for this much-needed connection.

✅ Bus shelter concerns: With limited shade and protection at some stops, students raised their concerns about Sunbus shelters. Councillor Cathy Zeiger has taken this issue to the Cairns Regional Council meeting, ensuring it gets the attention it deserves.

✅ New playground for Junior Secondary students: A proposal for a dedicated playground space was met with strong support, with State MP Terry James backing the project and helping drive it forward.

This meeting was a great success, showing once again that WYAC is a powerful platform for student voices. We look forward to continuing these conversations next term and seeing these projects come to life!

Jodi Shepherd

Teacher | Engagement, Humanities and English

Woree's All-Girls Wheelbarrow Race Team is ‘On a Roll’!

The countdown is on! Woree SHS all-girls Wheelbarrow Race team, ‘Girls on a Roll,’ is in training and gearing up for the challenge of a lifetime—the Great Wheelbarrow Race from 9 - 11 May 2025.

This incredible endurance event will see our students push themselves physically and mentally as they take on the legendary outback route, covering over 140km across three days. Through their participation, the team is raising funds for the Woree Youth Advisory Committee (WYAC), supporting student-led initiatives that make a real difference in our school and community.

The team has been hard at work, training to build their strength, stamina, and teamwork in preparation for the race. Now, we need your support!

Every contribution to our GoFundMe page will go directly towards covering essential costs such as transport, camping equipment, and race supplies. No donation is too small—every dollar helps!

📢 Support ‘Girls on a Roll’ and donate today: https://gofund.me/4abbb329

Let’s get behind these incredible students as they push the limits and race for a cause! 

🏃‍♀️🏋️‍♀️Wheelbarrow Race training is on at 7:50am every Thursday in the hall. Any females are welcome to join whether you are in the race or not. Join us for some fun and fitness! 

A big thank you to our sponsors for their fabulous support; Mc Donalds, Queensland Rural, Bingle Bay Beef, Innate Natural Health, Feathers and Scales Freight and LSKD.

Jodi Shepherd

Teacher | Engagement, Humanities and English

From the Business Manager

School Fees and Financial Support Options 

We understand that some families may face financial difficulties, and we are here to help. If you are experiencing challenges with school fees, we may be able to offer support or arrange a flexible payment plan. Please don't hesitate to reach out for a confidential discussion. You can contact me directly at bm@woreeshs.eq.edu.au or call 4081 5222. Your situation will be handled with care and discretion, as we aim to ensure every student has access to the best education possible

General Information

Student Absences

When a student is absent from school, arrives late or departs early, parents/carers are required to supply information to document the absence and encouraged to contact the school in advance or on the same day via:

Late arrivals - When a student arrives late to school, parents/carers are required to supply information to document the reason. The student must report to the Student Attendance Office and will be provided with a LATE Note and then attend their scheduled lesson.

Early Departures – If your student needs to leave school early during the school day for an appointment prior notice for Parents/Carers is required. Students must come to the office to sign out before leaving the school grounds.  

Are Your Contact Details Up to date?

Communication between parents/carers and Woree State High School staff relies on your contact details/postal address, home/work/mobile phone numbers and email addresses being up to date.

If you have changed your postal address, phone number/s, email address or emergency contacts recently, please log into QParents App and update or alternatively email enrolments@woreeshs.eq.edu.au with details to be updated. 

Safety Awareness 

Important Times and Dates

School Term Dates - 2025

Class Times, Semester 1 - 2025

Have you Downloaded the QParents App Yet?

Invitations to the App are emailed to the Primary and Secondary residential caregiver registered with the school. Please check your emails and follow the instructions. If you have not received an invite of wish to have one resent, please email BSM@woreeshs.eq.edu.au  

TuckShop

WARI JIGUUL TUCKSHOP – PROTOCOLS

ORDERING

• All students and staff are encouraged to order through the Flexischools app with ALL LUNCH ORDERS BEING PLACED BY 8:45am.
• To download the app please search Flexischools and then set up a login profile. You will need to link an eftpos card or set up the wallet where parents can control how much money is attached to their child’s account.
• The tuckshop will be available in the mornings from 8:00am - 8:45am for students to order their lunch via cash or Eftpos.
  

LUNCH

3 windows will be open 1^st and 2^nd  lunch where students will line up to receive their lunch orders

1. Years 7 to 10 Students who have pre ordered their lunch 
2. Years 11 & 12 Students and Staff who have pre ordered their lunch 
3. All Students and Staff who have not pre ordered (Cash and Eftpos sales, no phone payments please) 

• It is really important that all students line up in the correct line as the orders will be placed in year group baskets at the corresponding window and will allow for timely service.
• We will be using a traffic light system in that red lines indicate the boundary lines in which only students purchasing from the tuckshop should enter. Orange lines indicate where students are to line up and green squares are where students pick up or purchase their items. 
• Students MUST line up in single file. If a student who is not lined up and pushes in or asks a friend to purchase an item they will be asked to go to the back of the line. It is important that students do not gather in the tuckshop lines and keep the lines moving quickly and efficiently. STUDENTS NOT PURCHASING ITEMS MUST WAIT OUTSIDE THE RED LINES
• Students who line up in the wrong line they will be asked to go to the back of their correct line.
• Students MUST only pick up their own lunch order. If a student forgets to pick up their order it will be repacked for the 2^nd break, after that if the student still does not pick up their order, they will forfeit their lunch order. 
  
• Students are not to walk through the tuckshop area i.e. inside the red lines. Please walk around the outside of the red lines.
  

Uniform Shop

The Uniform Shop is open every Monday and Thursday  between 8:00 – 9:30 am.

Pre ordering for collection on these days can be ordered via the Flexi Schools app. 

Cash and Eftpos Facilities are available for purchases during open times. 

A limited range of second-hand uniforms are available for purchase. Any donations of good quality used uniforms are welcomed. 

Special Interest

Are you looking for some new things to try? Below are some activities that may be of interest to you..