Woree Highlights - End of Term 3 Newsletter - September - 2025

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

The last five weeks of Term 3 at Woree State High School have been nothing short of extraordinary! As we approach the final stretch of the term, we reflect on the incredible energy, dedication, and achievements that have defined this period. From exciting events to outstanding efforts across all areas of school life, our community continues to shine brightly. With just a few weeks remaining, we’re looking forward to maintaining this momentum and finishing the term on a high note!

Australian Ballet!

Woree SHS was privileged to host The Australian Ballet recently, where they conducted workshops and performed for our students. A highlight of the visit was a dramatic performance by two talented young Indigenous female dancers who were completing a 16-week tenure as part of the Indigenous outreach program with the Australian Ballet.

One of these remarkable dancers, Karlie Van Motman, has a special connection to our community. A former student of Mr Andrejic’s previous school, Redlynch State College, Karlie was also an Indigenous leader during her time there. Watching her perform was an absolute pleasure, and it was inspiring to see her continuing to pursue her passion in the performing arts field.

It’s always heartening to witness young people thriving after school, and Karlie’s journey is a testament to the power of dedication and determination. Her success serves as a wonderful example for our students, showing them what’s possible when you follow your dreams.

Well done to Miss Caitlin Sands for coordinating the visit.  It was a great experience for our students and community.

🌟 NAIDOC Week at Woree State School 🌟

I had the privilege of attending the Woree State School NAIDOC activities, and what an incredible experience it was! The morning was filled with vibrant celebrations, meaningful connections, and a deep appreciation for the richness of First Nations cultures. To top it all off, everyone had the opportunity to enjoy delicious cultural food, which truly brought the celebration of these rich traditions to life.

The event was a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and significance of First Nations cultures within our school and the wider community. A huge congratulations to everyone at the primary school involved in making this day so special – it was a celebration to be truly proud of! ✨👏 #NAIDOC2025

Year 10 Work Experience

In Week 10, all our Year 10 students had the fantastic opportunity to participate in work experience. This was an invaluable chance for them to "taste test" potential employment opportunities and gain real-world insights into various industries.

We’re confident this experience will inspire our students and provide them with a clearer vision of their future pathways. We look forward to welcoming them back in Term 4 with a renewed enthusiasm to finish Year 10 strong and prepare for the exciting challenges of Year 11. Well done to all the students who embraced this opportunity!

PBL Focus: Respect, Safety and Learning 

During the last five weeks of Term 3, Woree SHS has continued to place a strong emphasis on embedding our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) values: Respect, Safety, and Learning. These values are not just words on a page—they are actively lived, demonstrated, and reinforced every single day. Our aim is to equip students with essential life skills that will serve them well both within and beyond the school environment.

What makes this initiative truly special is the authenticity and commitment shown by our entire school community. Staff across all areas consistently deliver clear and unified messages, ensuring these values are upheld at every level. The approach is also deeply personal, with students engaging in meaningful discussions to reflect on and unpack the importance of respect and safety—not only for themselves but also for their peers and as valued members of the Woree SHS community. These conversations have been rich, thought-provoking, and transformative.

Adding an extra layer of excitement to our PBL efforts is the highly coveted Principal’s Tickets. Students who earn these awards are recognised for their positive contributions and have the chance to win fantastic prizes in our end-of-term prize draw. If you’ve received one, make sure to keep it safe—it could be your lucky ticket!

We are incredibly proud of the welcoming and supportive culture at Woree SHS and the enthusiasm our students and staff have shown throughout the term. As we look ahead, we’re excited to meet our future students during enrolment interviews and welcome them into the Woree SHS family. Together, we will continue to build on our strong foundation of Respect, Safety, and Learning.

JCU & CQU Visits

Woree SHS was fortunate to host students from James Cook University (JCU) and Central Queensland University (CQU), who shared valuable insights about future opportunities in the tertiary education space. Our students were an absolute credit to the school, demonstrating exemplary behaviour and eagerly soaking up all the information presented to them. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to explore potential pathways and broaden their horizons for life after school.

A particularly special moment was reconnecting with Dash Kenny, a 2nd-year medical student at JCU, who was one of the presenters. Dash and I share a connection from my time at Redlynch State College, where he served as School Captain in 2023. Dash is an exceptional young man who not only excelled academically but also shone in the performing arts field during his school years. It was heartwarming to see him thriving and hear about his university adventures. He even made the time to seek me out for a chat, which was a wonderful reminder of the strong bonds formed during his school journey.

Dash’s story is yet another inspiring example of a young person excelling after school, and it serves as a powerful motivator for our current students. We are so proud to see former students like Dash making their mark in the world and pursuing their passions with such determination and success.

Final Words from the Principal

This term has been filled with so many moments to celebrate—not only through academic accomplishments but also in the way our culture of respect, resilience, and striving for excellence continues to thrive. Woree’s story is one of growth, progress, and success, and it’s being written by all of us together as a strong and united community. Let’s keep building on this momentum, working hand in hand, and taking pride in every achievement we share along the way!

👍📱 Stay connected. Follow @WoreeSHS via:

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

Kind regards,

Maurice Andrejic

Principal

Good News Stories 1

Celebrating Shaun’s Success in Work Experience

During a recent professional development session, I had the pleasure of crossing paths with Shaun K (Year 12), who is currently undertaking work experience with a carpenter. Shaun has been contributing to the hospital expansion and refurbishment project, focusing on metal wall framing. It was fantastic to hear that Shaun’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. The head project manager not only knew Shaun by name but also praised his strong work effort and the positive impression he made on the team. I was equally impressed with his confidence and dedication to the trade. Well done, Shaun, your hard work is paving the way for a bright future as a carpenter.

Ramon Affleck, INTAD Teacher

Good News Stories 2 - Year 7 Student in the Spotlight

In the upcoming school holidays (26-28 September), Sellania (Year 7), will be representing Woree SHS at the 2025 Judo Australia National Open School Championships. The event is held in Brisbane at the Chandler Arena.

Congratulations, Sellania, Woree is fully behind you.

Brooke Byars, HOD Humanities/Business

Year Coordinator - 8

It’s been a huge and exciting term for our Year 8s!

Earlier this term we headed off to the Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre for a three-day camp. Students challenged themselves on the high ropes course, showed their teamwork during raft building and canoeing, and even got up close with four snakes! In between the outdoor adventures, we played fun games, learned how to clean the kitchen and dining area like absolute pros, and a few students even had a taste of “boot camp” – all part of the fun and learning.

Back at school, Year 8s have continued to make us proud. Students from our cohort won naming rights for the big red crane on the neighbouring construction site. Thanks to the creativity of Teliah and Mika, “Lightning McCrane” now stands tall and proud as a reminder of our Year 8 spirit.

On top of these achievements, our Year 8s are continuing to excel academically. We are delighted to share an example of outstanding A+ work from Xylia in this edition. Inspired by the John Boyne novel, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, Xylia’s work is a wonderful demonstration of the effort and talent shining through our cohort.

Well done, Year 8s, for another fantastic term of learning, growth and fun!

Belinda Smith, Year 8 Coordinator

Year Coordinator - 10

 Term 2 Highlights

Perseverance, Engagement, and Success

The Year 10 cohort has shown an impressive level of dedication and resilience throughout Term 3, working hard across all subjects and achieving commendable results. Their positive behaviour for learning has been a real strength, creating an environment where students support one another and remain focused on their goals. Alongside their academic achievements, the cohort also prioritised wellbeing, with all students receiving their second dose of the meningococcal vaccination.

The term was filled with exciting opportunities and celebrations as students attended the BLA Career Expo, gaining valuable insights into future career options and exploring potential pathways beyond school. In addition, a Women in Construction incursion provided students with the chance to learn about the importance of diversity in the workforce and opportunities in career pathways.

A highlight of the term was a STEM-focused visit from Sharna Willi, the Academic Coordinator for the Young Indigenous Women’s STEM Academy in Brisbane. During her visit, she met with Isabella, setting study goals and further encouraging Isabella to engage in science and technology pathways.

All Year 10 students were encouraged to engage in the Work Experience program during Week 10.

To celebrate and acknowledge student progress, Term 3 rewards include a KFC lunch to well-deserved students for their consistent efforts in attendance and behaviour.

I wish all students and their families a safe and restful spring break.

Hazel Ashley, Senior teacher, Year 10 Coordinator

Year 12 Student Report

Term 3. It's a Wrap!

As we finish up our final full 10-week term, there’s been a real sense of excitement in the air. To mark the milestone, we celebrated with fun games and cupcakes for our “25 days to go” countdown till the big graduation day. One of the special highlights for this term has been our annual Teachers vs Students showdown. So far, the teachers have somehow managed to take the lead in the first three games of netball, basketball, and AFL. Though the scores have been close! The competition isn’t over yet, with more matches lined up for next term, including soccer, touch rugby, volleyball and dodgeball. The rivalry is just heating up, and the spirit on both sides has been incredible. Alongside the fun, we’ve also been preparing for an important event. Formal dance practices have been in full swing with everyone looking forward to showcasing their moves on the night. At the same time, the serious side of the term has us seniors tackling mock exam preparations happening in Week 10, to prepare us for the all-important QCAA block exams next term.

It’s been a term full of memories, challenges, studying, and plenty of laughs. With graduation right around the corner, we’re ready to finish strong and step confidently into the next chapter.

written by Fa’asega, Year 12 student

Year 12 Timeline

Events and Special Days 1 - Celebrating Diversity: Wear it Purple Day

Woree State High School turned purple with pride as students and staff celebrated Wear It Purple Day! The day kicked off with a delicious breakfast of purple pancakes, bringing everyone together to start the celebrations. Lunchtime was packed with fun activities, including hair braiding, face painting, beading and creative pavement chalk drawing. The school was alive with colour, laughter, and a strong sense of community, showing that Woree is a place where everyone belongs.

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and made the day so special. Wear It Purple Day wasn’t just a celebration – it was a powerful reminder of the importance of unity, acceptance, and pride!

Editor

Events and Special Days 2 - R U Okay Day

RU OK?

A CONVERSATION COULD CHANGE A LIFE

Once again Woree High Schools Student Support and Engagement teams hosted a range of activities to raise awareness of RUOK? Day 2025, in partnership with Ed-LINQ and Headspace Cairns.   

Students and staff were treated to a morning tea of scones and smoothies and lots of activities throughout the lunch break including games, RUOK themed colouring, word search, origami and chatterboxes, and topped off with an ice-cream van that all contributed toward a great vibe.  

Thanks to all those involved in supporting and creating this memorable event. 

Michelle Edwards, Youth Support Coordinator/ Wellness Coordinator

Events and Special Days 3 - Justice Crew Drops the Vibe at Woree

Woree was absolutely buzzing when the legendary Justice Crew hit the stage! Their epic dance moves, killer beats, and uplifting vibes had the whole school hyped and vibing along. It was an awesome reminder of how passion and hard work can create something truly inspiring. Massive thanks to Justice Crew for bringing the energy and making it a day to remember – Woree was definitely the place to be!

Editor

ARTS / IT - Year 12 Visual Art

What a busy term we have had for Visual Art.

Today, creativity is a skill that’s more important than ever. Visual art encourages students to think outside the box, solve problems creatively, and approach challenges with an open mind. It’s not just about creating something beautiful; it’s about learning to see the world from different perspectives.

Art also provides a unique outlet for self-expression, Cultural Awareness and Inclusivity: Visual art allows students to explore different cultures, histories, and perspectives. It fosters empathy and understanding, helping to create a more inclusive school environment. Our school is proud to offer a vibrant visual art program that caters to all skill levels. From beginner workshops to advanced classes, there’s something for everyone. Students have access to experienced teachers, and opportunities to showcase their work through exhibitions in our very own Lesley Murdoch Gallery.

Save the date, 23rd October when our Arts Showcase presents the most talented artists and performers of Woree.

We also celebrate the role of art in our community. The 2025 Energy Exhibition currently on at the Tanks Art Centre showcases the most talented of our visual Art students from this region. I am very proud to share with you our five extraordinary artists to be exhibiting in this prestigious and professionally curated event.

Year 12

Chantel – Energy & CGEN

Zyon – Energy & CGEN

Jorja – Energy & CGEN

Virginia – Energy

Year 10

Bluebell – Energy

This annual art show is a highlight of the school calendar, bringing together students, parents, staff and community to celebrate creativity and talent.

Come along to the opening night at The Tanks on Friday 19 September if you can. It is a fantastic acknowledgement of their talent and dedication, and they love to show off their work to the community.

Mary Provan, Art Teacher

Digital Solutions - Year 11 / 12

CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL CODERS 📣

Our Year 11 and Year 12 Digital Solutions students jumped into the WiseTech Global Programming Competition during Week 8, ready to put their coding skills to the test.

For 100 minutes, students tackled 5–7 brain-stretching Python coding challenges drawn from the Grok website. The problems grew harder as they went, demanding sharp logic, creativity, and plenty of persistence.

This competition wasn’t just about solving problems — it also came with some serious rewards. Competitors were in the running for big cash prizes, a behind-the-scenes tour of WiseTech Global, and even the chance to gain access to the exclusive WiseTech Earn & Learn program.

Well done to our Digital Solutions students for taking on the challenge and representing Woree SHS — we can’t wait to find out how everyone went!

Joshua Wass, HOD, Digital Technologies and the Arts

Dance

Hi everyone,

What a term it has been for dance. Off the back of our incredible trip to Brisbane with Creative Generation and our performances here at school, we have more highlights to share in the dance subject.

SURGE Dance Day: Year 8, 9 and WYP Dance

We put forward our first ever SURGE DANCE DAY, incorporating the routines from Year 8 and 9 dance elective students alongside our WYP competition girls. Over 60 students presented an array of hip hop, musical theatre, contemporary and jazz dances. It was a fun day with some stand-out stars paired with some unforgettable music. I am so proud of all our Woree SHS dance students! Thank you to Ms Clifford and Ms Greaves for coming along to support.

Dance X Competition x WYP

After extra training after school with me for over 25 weeks this year, our WYP dancers hit the stage for the Dance X Competition in August. The girls performed bravely, delivering a strong message of legacy, pride and strength through dance. The teamwork and bond these girls have built together from scratch, is a beautiful sight to see. This effort earned a SECOND-place silver award for our WYP troupe in their junior contemporary section. Congratulations to our Woree dancers and well done to all our competitors!

The Australian Ballet – Workshop & Performance: Year 8, 9 & WYP

The Australian Ballet contacted me about making a special visit to Woree SHS to present a workshop and their latest work, ‘From the Gahdu’ by First Nations creator, Ella Havelka. This is an extremely fortunate opportunity for our Woree SHS students to learn from our national ballet company. Students absolutely loved learning about a story of respecting elders and country.

Thank you to The Australian Ballet for visiting our school and teaching our amazing dance students.

Community Events: First Nations WYP

Congratulations to Lolarose and Zariah, two of our best WYP dancers, for performing at White Rock SHS NAIDOC parade, Gordonvale SHS NAIDOC dinner, at the Yarrabah Music & Cultural Festival, representing in the Cairns Festival parade and at the AFLW professional game at Cazalys. These girls are such strong emerging leaders in arts and culture. Well done girls!

Key Dates (please check QParents or get a form from Ms. Sands in Q-block):

9 October, Q3 – Phluxus2 Workshop: Year 8, 9 and WYP

22 October, Q3 – Arts Showcase: WYP

Thank you so much to my dance students, their families and our school admin for helping me to launch this subject here at Woree SHS. Our journey has just begun!

Ms Sands, Dance Teacher

Drama - Year 8 / 10 / 11

Year 8 Drama: Spooky Fun at Camp!

This term, Year 8 Drama students dived into a thrilling process drama set at a mysterious camp with a chilling past.

Students worked in small groups to create performances that were a fantastic mix of eerie suspense and laugh-out-loud moments, showcasing the students’ creativity, teamwork, and growing confidence on stage. Well done to all our budding performers for an unforgettable show!

Year 10 Drama

This term, our Year 10 and 11 Drama students have been hard at work exploring Juice by Stephen Davis. In preparation for their live performance next term in Week 7, they’ve been filming interviews to feature as part of the production.

These interviews add a creative multimedia element to the performance, showcasing the students’ innovation and storytelling skills. Their dedication and collaboration have been inspiring, and we’re excited to see it all come together on stage. Be sure to mark Week 7 in your calendar—it’s a show not to be missed!

Ms Kim Greaves, Drama Teacher

Music

At Woree SHS, Year 7 students rotate through electives each term over the year and this term saw 7D enjoy learning Music. They, and Miss Morton who was new to the school, hit the ground running and we made our way through learning about the elements of music, as well as how to read basic music notation and play simple melodies on a keyboard. To complete the unit, students were assessed by playing "When the Saints Go Marching In," and a written theory task. 

7D really loved learning how to play the keyboard and many students went above and beyond and wanting to learn more challenging songs as well as learning how to play basic acoustic guitar. 

Year 9 Music have completed a unit on Film Music, which saw students use their new knowledge about leitmotifs and compose their own leitmotif for a character that they had created. Furthermore, students had to notate their melody, using skills they may or may not have already known, depending on how they wrote their motif. It was safe to say, they really enjoyed this unit and being creative with melody writing.

Year 10 Music have completed their Classical Music unit and have been in awe of the simple yet elegant music of the era. They completed a listening and theory assessment task this term, however, they also learned many classical pieces on a guitar or keyboard, such as Haydn's Surprise Symphony, Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata, Ode to Joy, Beethoven's 5th Symphony and Fur Elise just to name a few! Next term's unit will see them discover a plethora of genres of Australian Music as well as performance techniques and styles.

Thank you to 7D and my Year 9 and 10 Music classes for helping me have such a fabulous start at Woree SHS.

Chantelle Morton, Music Teacher

NOTE: The following students' compositions were awarded an A grade. 

eSports - EsportsAble

EsportsAble at Woree High

Woree State High School is excited to welcome the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) team as they deliver their EsportsAble program to our students.

EsportsAble is a free, safe and inclusive esports initiative for high school students under 18. Led by QUT with support from the Commonwealth Department of Social Services, it helps young people build teamwork, communication and strategic thinking skills while exploring real-world career pathways in esports and the digital industries. Participants also gain access to coaching, tips and videos to improve their gameplay ahead of regional tournaments.

This program gives students a positive, supervised alternative to unmoderated online gaming, promotes social connection and supports wellbeing. All sessions are run by trained QUT staff and partners who hold Blue Cards.

Woree students can register to compete, spectate or volunteer at the regional tournament at JCU Smithfield on Saturday 25 – Sunday 26 October 2025, featuring Marvel Rivals and Rocket League heats, XR technology, parent/community info sessions, finals and a fan art competition.

Andrew Lewis, Digital Technologies / Humanities Teacher

Diverse Learning Faculty

DLF Teacher Aide Selected into Flagship Program

What a thrill it was to recently be accepted into Cohort 2 of the Flagship Teacher Aide Program. This prestigious 12-month program represents an exciting milestone in my professional journey, and I am eager to embrace the opportunities for learning and growth it provides. 

The program officially commenced in August with a two-day intensive workshop at the Education Futures Institute (EFI) in Brisbane. This event brought together 120 Teacher Aides from across Queensland, offering a valuable opportunity to connect, collaborate, and share experiences with colleagues from across the region. Throughout the program we engaged in high-quality, tailored professional learning, focusing on key areas such as student support, classroom management strategies, and inclusive education for students with diverse needs. The Flagship presenters shared innovative ideas and practical strategies that I am excited to implement in my role. 

Over the coming months, as I continue this journey, I look forward to developing new skills and deepening my understanding of how I can contribute to a more inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. 

I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my supervisors for their support and for making this incredible opportunity possible. 

Norijah Hardaker, Diverse Learning Faculty - Teacher Aide

English Department - Year 8

Exploring Stories Through Song

This term in Year 8 English, Ms Jodi’s class has been diving into the world of songs and their meanings. Students have been investigating lyrics, exploring figurative language, and using songs as inspiration for their own creative writing.

The main focus has been Tracy Chapman’s iconic song Fast Car. For their assessment, students were asked to retell the story of the song from a different point of view. They could choose to write from the perspective of a workmate, a sibling, or the partner in the story. If students had another idea for a perspective, they first had to seek teacher approval.

Before writing, students analysed the figurative language in the lyrics and discussed how the imagery and emotion shaped the meaning of the song. They then completed detailed planning documents to help them organise their ideas before drafting their stories.

Please enjoy the story below, written by Cherianne, which showcases the creativity and insight students have brought to this task.

Jodi Shepherd, English Teacher

Home Economics - Year 9 Food Technology

Year 9 Food Tech students made Chicken Sushi in class. The class enjoyed the process of producing the dish using safe and hygienic food handling techniques. Well done students.

Hazel Ashley, Food Technology Teacher

Home Economics - Year 12 Hospitality

SIP. SIP. HOORAY. Mocktail Madness - A Sweet Success.

This term, Year 12 Hospitality students brought some extra flavour to lunchtimes with their Mocktail Madness event - and it was a huge hit!

Staff and students lined up to enjoy a variety of refreshing, non-alcoholic mocktails and smoothies, all expertly crafted by our talented Year 12s. From taking orders, processing payments and making the refreshments the students showcased their hospitality skills with professionalism and flair.

Check out the comments below from those who enjoyed a refreshing mocktail – the feedback means the world to our Year 12s.

Chantal Bennet, HOD INTAD/ HEC

HPE / Sports

Term 3 in Action: Woree HPE Team Leading the Way

In the following images, the HPE faculty showcases the boundless energy and teamwork of their department. During Term 3, students dived into an exciting mix of activities that inspired both students and staff to embrace health and physical education. Well done students on what was a very busy term.

Trish Goodwin, HOD, HPE

Humanities - Year 9 / 10 Geography

Year 9 & 10 GEOGRAPHY FIELD TRIP

On August 20, students from Year 9 & Year 10 Geography conducted field research in conjunction with the Wet Tropics Authority. Our target was Yellow Crazy Ants – an invasive species that the Australian Government is attempting to eradicate. Our sample target area was Jeff Pezzutti Park, opposite Woree SHS. Our students laid over 2000 baits (cat food and honey!) and marked each bait with a flag marker and it’s GPS location. Ants that were attracted to the bait were examined, and any suspicious looking yellow ants captured for analysis in a lab.

Our students were exceptional, adding to the scientific research of the Australian community, right here in Woree.

Michael Stephens and Zoe Boxsell, Humanities Teachers

Geography - Year 8

Getting to the Root of the Oval’s Issues

Ms Jodi invited Miss B’s class to join in a hands-on Geography lesson exploring the Woree SHS oval. Students surveyed the field to investigate weathering and compaction and quickly noticed some key patterns. For example, the drain running through the middle of the oval had more lush grass and less compaction compared to the rest of the field.

Out on the oval, students identified issues such as soil compaction, erosion around the goal posts, and weeds in the back spoon drain blocking water flow. They then worked together to suggest practical solutions, including aerating the soil, planting trees and shrubs near the drain to slow water and improve soil health, and adding soil or sand to level the oval and reduce potholes.

Miss B noted that all students were engaged in the task and enjoyed putting their learning into practice through surveying the oval and designing solutions.

Jodi Shepherd, Teacher | Engagement, Humanities and English

Library Blog

Terri and Vikki's Library Blog

🎉 Introducing Our New Tuckshop Vouchers! 🎉

Make snack time easier and tastier with our brand-new vouchers — perfect for every appetite!

🥪 Snack Attack Alert! 🍏
We know price rises can sting, but now you’ll have extra cash to splash. Whether you’re after a quick snack or a hearty meal, our vouchers are your ticket to the tuckshop without the fuss.

✨ $6 Voucher (25 tickets) – Grab your favourite quick bites & treats!
✨ $15 Voucher (70 tickets) – Perfect for a full meal or even sharing with friends!

No more scrambling for coins or missing out on your favourites. 🍔🍩🍎

💸 Coins are out, vouchers are in!

🍔 Swipe a voucher, score a snack.

🎉 Tuckshop made easy — no change, no hassle.

🥪 Lunch goals? Sorted with vouchers.

🍏 From bites to big meals — vouchers have you covered.

🥤 Pocket-friendly. Snack-ready.

Ms Maclachlan’s Book Club has been buzzing with excitement this term!

Students have dived into some fantastic themes, including:
🌍 Around the World
✨ Magic, Myths & the Supernatural
💭 Books That Made You Think

It’s been wonderful to see more juniors joining in the fun and discovering new favourites.

🚨 BREAKING NEWS! 🚨

The Readers Cup is coming in 2026!
This flagship event of the Children’s Book Council of Australia – Queensland is a state-wide competition where teams of students read a set of books and then compete in quiz-style challenges.

📖 Winners from each regional round go on to represent their area at the State Final.

Mrs Humphreys is calling all keen readers — we need to form two teams of 4 students:

• Years 7 & 8
• Years 9 & 10

This is a first for Woree! We’ve never competed before, so our teams will be making history. 🏆 Stay tuned for more details soon.

😂 Library Laughs
Q: Where does the library keep books about Bigfoot?
A: In the large-print section.

Library - Book Week - 2025

“Book an Adventure”

This year’s Book Week theme, “Book an Adventure,” brought a spark of creativity to our school. While only a few students and staff dressed up, those who did shone brightly. The Humanities team stole the show, dressing as characters from Indiana Jones, complete with fedoras, whips, treasure and adventurous flair!

The theme reminded us of the power of books to inspire and connect. Here’s to even more participation next year—start planning your costume now!

Library - Interschool Chess

Round 3 saw 9 Woree students participate in this hotly contested competition. Captain Dexter won all of his 7 games, winning the individual medal for Open Secondary A Division. All players recorded at least one win, with several new players shining with 4 or more wins.

Dexter     7 wins

Isaiah     4 wins

Zyon         3 wins

Xavier      3 wins

Ila              4 wins

Adrian     1 win, 1 draw

Ryder       1 win, 1 draw

DJ               3 wins

Rajpreet    4 wins

That concludes Chess Club for 2025, look out for Chess Club 2026!

Michael Stephens, Chess Coordinator

Science - Aquatic Practices - Year 12

Let’s go fishing!

This term our Year 12 Aquatic Practices students went fishing for the day at Holloway’s Beach Environmental Education Centre. They designed and 3D printed their lures and tested them on the beach. The tide was very low, so we only caught a few crabs, but it was still a great day out!

Sarah Anning, Science Teacher

Student Support Services - Chappy

Hello parents/carers 😊

Just wanted to make you all aware of a new addition that will sometimes be outside of J Space.

We have a surplus of lost property that hasn’t been claimed, op shop bargains I keep finding and second-hand uniforms that have been donated back to us.

I’ve created a little ‘FREE’ display that will be out there when I can supervise it.

So far – the students have been very thankful - some even knocking on the window to say/express appreciation.

Hopefully, we can support some Reduce. Reuse. and Recycle ways. 😊 You are also welcome to donate. Please leave any clean uniforms at the school admin office and they will be passed onto me for students use.

Chappy Kelly

School Based Youth Health Nurse - Mental Health Week

Woree will be celebrating Mental Health Week in Week 2, Term 4. It is normally run as per dates on the web page - but we will celebrate a week later (Week 2).

About QMHW

Queensland Mental Health Week (QMHW) is an annual awareness week that aims to shine a spotlight on individual and community mental health and wellbeing.

Funded by the Queensland Government through the Queensland Mental Health Commission, Queensland Mental Health Week is coordinated by CheckUP and delivered through strong cross-sector collaboration.

The initiative is linked to World Mental Health Day, which is held on 10 October every year.

Queensland Mental Health Week encourages all of us to think about our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of whether we may have a lived experience of mental illness or not, and encourages help seeking behaviours, when needed.

The week also gives us the opportunity to understand the importance of mental health in our everyday lives. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices.

Each year, people across Queensland come together during QMHW through local events, conversations and activities to raise awareness of the importance of positive mental health and wellbeing.

This is the link - https://www.qldmentalhealthweek.org.au/ - this is what the week is looking like so far.

We will be doing an afternoon tea for all staff as well. 

Belinda Simpson, School Based Youth Health Nurse.

School Based Youth Health Nurse - Free Sports Vouchers

Play On Sports

The Play On! Sports Vouchers program is designed to help more young people get involved in organised physical activity. By reducing the cost of participation, Play On! Sports Vouchers make it easier for families to support their children in joining local clubs, trying new sports, and staying active in their communities.

From 4 August 2025, eligible Queensland families can apply for a $200 Play On! Sports Voucher for each child aged 5 to 17 years. The vouchers can be used to help cover the cost of approved sporting activities.

This is the link - https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/playon/about

Families can have a look here Find a provider to see what local clubs in Cairns accept these vouchers. There is a wide variety of organisations which will accept these vouchers - even Cairns Wake Park. 

Woree Youth Advisory Committee

Week 8 Meeting – Shade and Seating

In Week 8, the Woree Youth Advisory Committee (WYAC) met to focus on an important topic for our school community – shade and seating. Students shared their ideas by marking up a school map with suggestions for where new shade and seating could go.

They explored a range of options, including trees with seating, built structures with seating, or a mix of both. Students also discussed the idea of adding decking around trees to reduce trip hazards while still creating shaded areas.

This process gave everyone a chance to contribute their vision for making our school grounds more comfortable and welcoming. Moving forward, Ms Jodi will take these student ideas to the school executive team for consideration. WYAC looks forward to seeing how these discussions may lead to improvements across our school.

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 2 - 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  

Special Interest

What's on in Cairns