Woree Highlights - End of Term 2 Newsletter - June - 2025

From the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Term 2 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.

Congratulations Kathryn Todd

I am pleased to announce that, following a thorough recruitment process, Kathryn Todd has been successfully appointed to the temporary position of Principal at Ipswich State High School for Semester 2.

What a fantastic achievement for Kathryn! It’s always wonderful to see educators recognised for their hard work and dedication. Wishing her every success in her temporary position at Ipswich State High School.

I will stay in the role as Woree State High School Principal in Term 3 until a recruitment process is completed. 

Staff Movements

We bid some of our great staff farewell at the end of Term 2.

Joel and Kasey Casey will be leaving Woree for the big smoke of Bundaberg to be closer to family.  They have been great teachers at our school, and we wish them all the best in their new school.

James Lu leaves Woree to head back to NSW.  He and his family will be looking to spend more time with family after spending years apart.  James has been a solid performer in the classroom, and we wish him and his family all the best.

Rewards Tickets

That’s such a heartwarming initiative! Recognising students for their positivity and effort not only boosts their morale but also fosters a supportive and encouraging school environment. It’s clear that your approach is making a meaningful impact at Woree State High School.

This semester, staff have given positive rewards by handing out 8069 tickets valued at $1613 to students

Each one of my tickets has its very own special number, and at the end of the term, they’re all entered into an exciting prize draw! This term, four lucky numbers were drawn, and we have some amazing students to celebrate for their outstanding contributions to our school community. But here’s the fun part—I’m still waiting for three of our lucky ticket holders to come forward and claim their prizes! So, if you’ve got a ticket, make sure you check it carefully—you could be one of our winners! Don’t miss out!

Looking ahead to Semester 2, I want to remind all students to hold onto their tickets. You never know when your lucky number might be drawn next!

Keep up the amazing work, Woree State High School—you’re all doing an incredible job!

Athletics Carnival

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 all those who placed every success at the Trinity Coast South Cross Country as they represent Woree State High with pride.

The staff and students had a very special day filled of fun, games and plenty of excitement.  Some of the drone footage from far and above is just amazing.

I was very impressed by the attendance on the day.  Students make the carnival, and they came in high numbers.  Well done to all students.

Holidays

A huge shoutout to the amazing Woree State High School community for such a fantastic term! It’s been an absolute joy to be part of such a vibrant and supportive school, and I’m so proud of everything we’ve achieved together. You’ve all been absolute standouts—students, staff, and everyone in between!

As we head into the holiday break, it’s time to hit pause, kick back, and enjoy some well-deserved rest. Whether it’s sleeping in, binge-watching your favourite shows, or just soaking up some sunshine, make sure you take this time to recharge those batteries. You’ve earned it!

Have a safe, relaxing, and fun holiday, and I can’t wait to see all your smiling faces back here for Semester 2.  Let’s come back ready to smash it out of the park! Take care and enjoy every moment!

Kind regards,

Maurice Andrejic

Principal

Deputy Principal Inclusion

Supporting Students with Disability & Celebrating Inclusion

As parents, guardians, and carers, you play an essential role in your child’s education. Working collaboratively with the school ensures that we understand your child’s unique needs and can make appropriate adjustments to enable their full access to education. Together, we can create a supportive environment that fosters engagement and success in learning.

Under the Disability Discrimination Act (1992) and the Disability Standards for Education (2005), schools have a legal obligation to ensure that students with disability can access and participate in school on the same basis as their peers. To meet this obligation, students with disability may receive adjustments or support tailored to their functional needs. These adjustments are designed to enable equitable access to education and participation in school activities.

At our school, staff use their professional judgement to determine the level of adjustment required and the broad category of disability for students who meet the eligibility criteria for the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD).

Throughout the year, our school staff collect information about students with disability, including the adjustments provided to support their learning.  In Term 3, we will moderate and finalise our NCCD data. This process ensures that the information we submit is accurate and reflective of the support provided to our students. An important part of this process is sharing information about the NCCD with our families.

Upcoming Event: Griffith University Cairns Community Workshop – Autistic Well-being and Sensory Experiences

We are pleased to share an exciting opportunity for families in our community. Griffith University is hosting a Community Workshop on Autistic Well-being and Sensory Experiences on Monday, 28 July 2025, in Cairns.

This workshop is designed to provide valuable insights into the sensory experiences of autistic individuals and how these experiences impact well-being. It will also explore practical strategies to support autistic children and young people in various settings, including at home and school.

Workshop details:

• Date: Monday, 28 July 2025
• Location: Cairns Colonial Club, Behan St Entrance
• Time: 1pm – 3pm

This is a fantastic opportunity for parents, carers, and educators to deepen their understanding of autism and learn ways to create supportive environments that enhance well-being and engagement.

Upcoming Event: Wear It Purple Day – Friday, 29 August 2025

We are excited to announce that our school will be celebrating Wear It Purple Day on Friday, 29 August 2025. This annual event is a wonderful opportunity to promote inclusion, celebrate diversity, and show our support for young people in the LGBTQIA+ community.

The theme for this year’s Wear It Purple Day is "Bold Voices, Bright Futures", which aligns beautifully with our school’s commitment to fostering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all students.

To mark the occasion, we invite all students and staff to wear a touch of purple on the day. There will also be activities and discussions in classrooms to raise awareness about the importance of acceptance and belonging.

We encourage families to join us in celebrating this day by having conversations at home about the importance of inclusion and respect for diversity. Together, we can create a school community where every student feels valued and supported.

Thank you for your ongoing partnership and commitment to your child’s education.

Kind regards,

Samantha Ilic, Deputy Principal, Inclusion

Good News Stories 1 - Chess Competition

Battle of the Boards

The Woree Chess Team recently delved into Round 2 of the FNQ Interschool Chess Championships. 

For 4 of our 6 competitors this was their first tournament, and with over 500 competitors, a daunting task! Indeed, this is the largest chess tournament in all of Queensland. As usual, our students represented the school with pride, with several strong wins recorded over the day.

Dexter (Year 9) won 6 out of his 7 games, continuing his extraordinary journey through the chess ranks. Dexter achieved a bronze individual medal in the A-grade competition, showing how tight it is at the top! Dexter is currently ranked the 2nd highest student in FNQ chess rankings.

We would love to double our numbers for the Term 3 competition. Chess Club is every Thursday first lunch in the library. All are welcome.

Michael Stephens

Chess Club Coordinator / Humanities Teacher

Good News Stories 2 - Woree's First Chess Tournament

History has been made! In Week 10 of Term 2, Woree SHS, had its first ever Chess Tournament where 25 students competed in a 4 round event. Congratulations to Zyon (Year 12) and Leon (Year 8) who were joint winners of the tournament.

A huge thank-you to Mr Patrick Williams from Trinity Anglican School who gave up a half day of his holidays to help us run the event. Thank-you as well to Dexter (Year 9) for volunteering to be an adjudicator, and finally to Head Teacher-Librarian Mrs Larraine Mosley for hosting the event, and her ongoing support of Chess Club.

There is one more Interschool Chess Tournament in Term 3 (September 4). Any interested student is to contact Mr Stephens to get a permission form.

It is great to see chess culture strong at Woree.

Michael Stephens, Chess Coordinator

Good News Stories 2 - Art Award

Receive and Respond

A big congratulations to Sasharna for being selected for Receive and Respond. 

For Sasharna, this is a prestigious acknowledgement of her talent and commitment to her art practice as she is one of a small group of selected students from the Cairns district.

Her two lino prints (see below) will be on display in Tank 4 of the Tanks Art Centre from:

THU 29 MAY - THU 26 JUN

Mary Provan, Art Teacher

Year Coordinator - 8

Term 2 News

Year 8s have continued to work hard in Term 2 to be safe learners and to build firm, respectful friendships.

This term has seen the formation of the Year 8 Fundraising Team, who have worked tirelessly to plan exciting events to fundraise for the upcoming Year 8 camp. The fundraising team is excited to present the upcoming ‘Wear Your Pyjamas to School Day’ and sausage sizzle. 

8E have continued to dominate in the form Kahoot challenge. Their dominance was rewarded with an ice cream party, while envious friends watched from the windows.

Term 2 saw WSHS enter an all-girls team to compete in The Great Wheelbarrow Race – a gruelling 140km charity race from Mareeba to Chillagoe, run over three days…all while pushing a wheelbarrow! Florrie was the youngest team member and only Year 8 girl to compete. A powerhouse, Florrie ran hard and fast, leading her team on the final day. Well done, Florrie!

Year 8s continue to uphold WSHS’s values, waiting patiently for the release of the chosen 60 students of good standing to attend the annual Year 8 camp in Tinaroo.

As Year Coordinator, I am constantly impressed by this cohort’s achievements and growing maturity.

Belinda Smith, Year 8 Coordinator

Year Coordinator - 9

Year 9 Students Shine Through Positivity, Purpose, and Participation

The Year 9 cohort continues to impress, maintaining a strong positive-to-negative behaviour ratio this term. Their consistent demonstration of respect, responsibility and resilience is evident in both the classroom and the wider school environment. Staff across all faculties have recognised the students’ efforts to stay engaged, work collaboratively, and contribute positively to our school culture.

First Careers Expo: Building Pathways

This term, our Year 9 students had the opportunity to attend their first Careers Expo held on campus. This experience opened their eyes to a range of vocational and academic pathways, with representatives from local businesses, TAFE, universities, and community services providing valuable insights into future possibilities.

Students asked thoughtful questions, took notes, and participated in mini-workshops and demonstrations. It was wonderful to see their curiosity sparked and conversations begin around goals, interests, and future opportunities. This event marks an exciting milestone as they begin to consider life beyond school and how their passions can shape their journey.

Athletics Carnival: Energy, Effort, and Enthusiasm

Adding to a big few weeks, the Year 9 students also participated enthusiastically in the School Athletics Carnival. The spirit was alive and well, with colourful house uniforms, cheering from the sidelines, and many students stepping out of their comfort zones to compete in both track and field events. In a humorous and unexpected show of support, a group of students even brought along an American flag featuring Mr Ballantine’s face, adding to the fun and vibrant atmosphere of the day. Their participation reflected not only physical effort but also camaraderie, encouragement, and positive sportsmanship. Whether it was sprinting for the finish line, volunteering for team relays, or cheering peers from the tents, the Year 9s made their presence felt in all the right ways.

A Cohort to Celebrate

This term’s highlights behavioural consistency, forward-thinking at the Careers Expo, and vibrant involvement in the Athletics Carnival, showcase the well-rounded growth of our Year 9 students. They are not only learning in the classroom but also stepping into new spaces with confidence and curiosity.

We look forward to seeing them continue to grow as active, engaged, and positive contributors to our school community.

Zac Ballantine, Year 9 Coordinator

Year Coordinator - 10

Term 2 Highlights

Term 2 has been full of exciting opportunities and achievements for our students.

Year 10 is a vibrant and deeply connected cohort, developing not only in academic achievement but also in character strengths and resilience. Through every challenge and trial, they embraced the journey of learning, knowing that the strongest values are forged in moments of adversity and growth.

Access Education Presentation

The presentation focused on the importance of developing effective study skills and using positive self-talk. These skills are essential for developing a growth mindset, excelling and building confidence as students navigate through high school education.

CQU Excursion

One of the term’s highlights was the excursion to CQU university. Students explored post-school pathway options. It included hands-on activities in two course areas, campus tour, and insights from current students, offering a wholistic experience of university life, whether studying online or on campus.

PBL ad Character Strength

Our Positive Behaviour for Learning program focused on respect and safety. Students have been educated about the importance of wearing the correct school uniform and following safety rules while at school. These collective efforts helped create a safe, respectful, and welcoming environment for everyone.

The term also saw enthusiastic participation in Athletics Day, where students showed great teamwork and house spirit.

Most students have maintained excellent attendance and completed their assessments on time, which is a fantastic achievement. As part of Year 10 Rewards, the class with the most correct alphabetical seating during parades and assemblies will receive KFC lunch and the fewest behaviour incidents, and at least 85% attendance were invited to a Disco party as a reward on Friday of Week 10.

A huge thank you to all Year 10 teachers, parents and students for their dedication and hard work this term, we are indeed a wonderful community. “Teamwork makes dream work.” -John C. Maxwell. Have a well-deserved relaxing holiday.

Hazel Ashley

Year 10 Coordinator

Year Coordinator - 12

Fa'asega, Year 12 student

As Term 2 winds down it’s hard to believe we only have a few more weeks left until graduation! It’s been an unforgettable term filled with memories and milestones. It’s all starting to feel very real, but also exciting. Let’s make the most of these last moments together!

One of the highlights this term has to be the ongoing challenge between form classes. From trivia battles to mini games and creative media tasks. It has been all about fun, teamwork, and a bit of healthy competition. The energy has been high and the rivalries friendly. Congratulations to all that got involved, particularly 12A who came out on top and celebrated with a catered lunch.

Also, this term, we have had the privilege of taking part in many different presentations including Elevate Education, CQU and RACQ car safety program where guest speakers from universities, various career people, and support services have come in to guide us through our next steps after graduation. It’s been an eye-opening experience that’s helped many of us feel more prepared and even excited for what comes after school life.

IRONMAN Cairns

During this term a group of Year 12 students and teachers volunteered at the Cairns Airport Ironman Cairns over two massive days. It involved 3am alarms for some, setting up early and guiding athletes, along with packing down and cheering at the sidelines, it was an unforgettable experience filled with energy, teamwork and community spirit. Not only did we have an awesome time getting involved in such a huge community event, but we also had the opportunity to raise funds for our Year 12 Legacy Project. It felt great knowing our efforts were going towards something meaningful that will leave a mark even after we graduate. Big shoutout to Ms Parsons who made it all happen - it was definitely a highlight of the term.

Athletics Carnival🏃🏽‍♀️‍➡️

The Athletics Carnival was another standout moment this term, held right here at school. Despite the weather threatening to rain all day, it held up long enough for everyone to enjoy. We ran a fun senior stall with drinks, slushies, face painting and more which was a big hit. It was great to see everyone getting into the spirit, dressed up in house colours and costumes, bringing the energy and good vibes all day long. A huge shoutout to all the athletes who competed and gave it their all, and a big thank you to the teachers who made it possible for us to enjoy our final Athletics Carnival as Year 12s. Congratulations to all the age champions, and of course, to Wari Wari for taking out the win! 🏆

Events and Special Days 1 - State of Origin

Our school was alive with State of Origin excitement as staff and students wore their favourite team colours - Maroon for Queensland and blue for NSW. A fun survey sparked debate over who would win, while the Tuckshop sold 112 maroon and blue cupcakes - which disappeared in no time. Thanks to everyone for showing their team spirit and making the day a winner.

Editor

Events and Special Days 2 - Athletics Carnival

🏃‍♀️ Woree Athletics Day: A Showcase of Strength, Spirit & Sportsmanship 🏃‍♂️

📍 17^th June 📌On Campus

Energy was high and spirits even higher as students from across all year levels laced up their shoes and donned their house colours for this year’s much-anticipated Athletics Day!

🥇 Highlights from the Day

100m & 200m Sprints – Fast finishes and photo finishes stole the show on the track. We had a U16 photo finish race that was almost too close to call- well done boys!

Participation – Points were up for grabs in every race and field event, encouraging every student to give it a go.

🏆 House Results

After a day of fierce but friendly competition, it was WARI WARI that came out on top.

📸 Student Voice & Spirit

“The atmosphere was electric – our whole house was cheering each other on.” – House Captain, Wari Wari.

🎉 A Big Thank You

Thank you to all the staff, student leaders, PE department, grounds staff, and Engagement team for making the day such a success. Your organisation and support helped everything run smoothly.

Athletics Day isn’t just about winning – it’s about giving it your best, supporting your mates, and having fun in the sunshine. Bring on next year!

Zoe Boxall, Sports Coordinator

ARTS / IT

Digital Technology - Drones and Robots

Year 7 High Achievers Take to the Skies

On Monday 23 June, two lucky groups of Year 7 high achievers swapped their usual classrooms for coding and drones, thanks to an exciting workshop run by Jameson from Red Dirt Robotics, who travelled all the way from Victoria, and Mr. Lewis. The workshop was a fantastic reward for students’ hard work and academic success.

Over two action-packed hours, students explored the world of robotics and drone technology. First up: drones! Students learned how to fly safely and use Scratch coding to complete drone challenges – from taking off to flying autonomously.

Next, it was time to hit the ground with the Micromelon Rover robots. Teams coded their robots to complete tricky missions, learning how to problem-solve and think like real engineers.

It was a hands-on STEM adventure that had everyone buzzing with ideas. The future of tech innovation is looking bright at Woree!

Thanks to Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Kasey, Mr. Ryan, Ms. Gawne, and Mr. Wass for organising the event.

Joshua Wass

Head of Department – Digital Technologies and the Arts 

Year 8 Art

Question: What can you do with a pile of rubbish?

Answer: that is easy, if you are a Year 8 student at Woree State High School you can make a creative and amazing futuristic plant or creature.

Using a motto of reuse, rethink and repurpose students have created fabulous sculptures this term. You never know where they might pop up so keep an eye out at the Cairns Show and Cairns City Councils, Trash to Treasure event. 

Jacinta Kirkpatrick, Art Teacher

Year 12 VAP at Ecofiesta

Cairns Regional Council invited Woree State High School to be part of the Ecofiesta community, educating students and Cairns's locals on sustainability initiatives and raising awareness of ethically sustainable products and produce.

The Ecofiesta at Munro Martin Park was a splendid event. The Year 12 VAP class showcased their creativity by using recycled waste to create eco-friendly artworks that aligned with the Ecofiesta theme. Students who attended were Hayley, Tayler, Rhys, Jaylene, Ella, Sasharna, Chantel, Kelsie and Virginia along with Mrs Provan and Miss Gawne to showcase their artwork  on display.

Some of our students had some fantastic things to say:

“The festival was full of energetic and supportive communities. It was inspiring to see a variety of sustainable waste turned into treasure.” Kelsie.

“It was great to see kids coming to view all the artworks, and Ms Gawne painting young kids’ faces. It was also wonderful to see people buying our bookmarks.” Chantel.

“During the time I was there, it was amazing to see other students’ creative artworks. It was truly inspiring.” Rhys.

“It was great to be there amongst people who are passionate about environmental matters and progressive ideas. The event inspired me to reflect on some changes I can make for future causes.” Mrs Provan

The Ecofiesta was an exciting experience for both students and teachers, showcasing the incredible artworks created by our year 12 Visual art in Practice students, so, next time you hear about Ecofiesta, make sure you come along to this wonderful event and be part of the Ecofiesta community!

Virginia Xiong

Year 12 Visual Art in Practice student

Dance

It’s been a busy term, full of WSHS dance fun. The Year 7, 8 and 9 dance subjects have been working towards some awesome performance and education goals. The dance excellence students, our WYP girls, are achieving amazing things. I will share some reflections on our term 2 events:

Dress Rehearsal – St. Andrew’s Catholic College Theatre

WYP dance excellence students had a recent stage and dress rehearsal. Their 2025 dance costume represents WSHS school colours. For some of our Woree dance students, this is the first time they have ever danced onstage in a theatre setting. This planned rehearsal was all about building confidence and teamwork.

The WYP dancers have been training after school or during lunch times with Ms. Sands to create a beautiful dance piece celebrating diversity. This routine will soon be showcased at upcoming school events and local competitions. Thank you to all the WYP dance families for their support.

Well done to these students on their hard work, extra effort and commitment to their school dance subject! You are all amazing. The future of dance at WSHS is bright!

Pink Day Anti-Bullying Celebration

The WYP dance eisteddfod girls were invited to perform at Woree State School’s annual Pink Day. Pink Day is a celebration of kindness and inclusivity, with a message of anti-bullying. Woree primary students arrive to school wearing pink! The WYP dancers enjoyed visiting Woree school and performing for the primary students, parents and teachers. Our WYP eisteddfod dance has a strong meaning of being proud of yourself, your culture and speaking up, which suited this event beautifully. Well done WYP dancers!

Junior Years WSS Performance

 The WYP dancers were invited once again to Woree State School to perform for prep, year 1, 2 and 3 students. This performance was about celebrating First Nations culture and the learning these primary students have investigated in their music subject. The WYP girls enjoyed visiting Woree State School and dancing for the littlest members of our Woree school community, representing their families, culture and our high school. Congratulations WYP!

Creative Generation

I had the fortunate opportunity to be flown to Brisbane for more travel out to Brisbane, Murgon and Toowoomba state schools. At these schools, I was teaching nearly one hundred First Nations dancers who will take part in the First Nations dance ensemble for Creative Generation. This workshop also included finding advanced dancers to perform in the small, elite First Nations dance company. The routines I taught for Creative Generation were choreographed by myself and Year 7 student, Lolarose. Larina represented a proud WSHS family as an assistant teacher with me for this trip.

In Term 3, Lolarose (Year 7), Zariah (Year 8), Alani (Year 11) and myself will travel to Brisbane for a week of intense rehearsals and performances as part of Creative Generation 2025. Creative Generation. Lolarose and Zariah will feature as First Nations Dance Company members and Division A dancers, which is a major achievement in the dance subject. These girls have been working extremely hard to prepare for this major state showcase.

These students and I would like to sincerely thank Mr. Andrejic, Mrs. Krause, Mr. Starr, Mr. Toohey and Mr. Wass for their strong support of our trip to Creative Generation. Thank you to the Marlins Coast Lions club, to Lisa Lillie, to our community and the Corporate and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Services for their practical support in assisting our students’ trip to Brisbane.

Thank you, Woree State High School, for allowing me to share my passion for dance education and performance. I look forward to finishing off our 2025 year strong in our dance subject and WYP dance program! Keep up the fantastic work.

Ms Sands, Dance Teacher

Music

Rock Band “Fly on the Wall”

Rock Band Music Students Shine with Lunchtime Performance 

Our talented Music students took centre stage during lunch break, delivering an incredible performance that left the audience thoroughly impressed. 

The student band, “Fly on the Wall”, captivated everyone with their dynamic set, showcasing not only their musical skills but also their creativity and passion for performance. Their dedication and hard work were evident in every note, and their energy was infectious, drawing a crowd of enthusiastic supporters. 

A huge congratulations to all the performers involved! Your commitment to excellence and love for music truly shone through, and we couldn’t be prouder of your efforts. Keep up the fantastic work – we can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve next! 

Stay tuned for more updates on upcoming performances and events from our talented students.

Year 11/12 Music in Practice Special School Performance

Our Year 11 and 12 Music in Practice students recently had the wonderful opportunity to perform at Cairns State Special School as part of their assessment. The visit was a resounding success, filled with music, fun, and connection. 

The students performed three fantastic numbers: “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” from Encanto, “Love Is an Open Door” from Frozen, and the iconic “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. Their lively and engaging performances brought smiles to the faces of students and staff alike, creating a memorable experience for everyone involved. 

This visit was not only a chance for our students to showcase their musical talents but also an opportunity to share the joy of music with others. The positive energy and enthusiasm in the room were truly heart-warming, and it was clear that both performers and audience members had a wonderful time. 

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ll be returning next term for another performance, which will also include a workshop. This will allow our students to further connect with the Cairns State Special School community and continue spreading the magic of music. 

A big congratulations to our Music in Practice students for their hard work and dedication – you’ve made us all proud! We can’t wait to see what you’ll achieve in your next visit.

Mrs Morgan Clifford

Music Teacher and Diverse Learning Faculty

Diverse Learning Faculty

Scarecrow Stars Strike a Chord at the Cairns Show

This term, the DLF students have been working hard at creating something special for the Cairns Show – our very own scarecrows – Rockstar Bob and Miss String! Being the coordinator for this project, it’s been an exciting and rewarding experience, not just for the students but also for myself, especially since this is my first time making a scarecrow. 

What makes this project particularly special is how it highlights the inclusive environment at our school. Our scarecrows stand as a representation of teamwork, creativity, and above all, community. From brainstorming designs to assembling scarecrows, the students have truly embraced the process with enthusiasm and teamwork. It has been inspiring to see them transform donated materials into imaginative and colorful creations, ready to be showcased at the event. Thank you for our team – Josiah (7A), Ethan (9A), Jerakye (9CL), Timothy (9CL), Lily McCabe (9A), Michael (9F), Michaela (9A), Maria (9D), Zoe (10A).

None of this would have been possible without the generosity of our school community. I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed in so many ways—whether by donating old clothing, shoes, pillows or other materials, or simply offering words of encouragement along the way. Your support has been invaluable and has helped bring this project to life. Thank you for all HODs, teachers, maintenance department, cleaners, and all DLF staff.

We’re all excited to see our scarecrows on display at the Cairns Show and to share the creativity and hard work of our students with the wider community. This has been such a rewarding experience, and I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved together. Thank you again to everyone who made this possible – we couldn’t have done it without you!

Kay Au-Yeung, Teacher Aide

English Department - Year 7 and Year 8

Year 7

This term in English, students have been flexing their persuasive muscles — and our juniors have excelled yet again.

In Year 7, students created board games and persuasive pitches designed to inspire urgent action against environmental crises, such as the putrid plastic pollution threatening the Great Barrier Reef.

Meanwhile, our Year 8 students explored powerful graphic novels and stepped into character, writing persuasive courtroom monologues to justify a controversial decision made by their chosen character.

Please enjoy the impressive work of Alicia in Year 7 and Tiana in Year 8.

Year 8

📢🎭 COURT IN SESSION!

Our Year 8 students delivered powerful persuasive monologues as characters from Percy Jackson, standing before a court of their peers to defend bold and controversial choices.

With emotional appeals, confident delivery, and some seriously impressive arguments, these speeches showed just how deeply students connected with their characters.

Mr Taylor was genuinely impressed by the courage, creativity and conviction on display!

Belinda Smith, English Teacher

Home Economics - Year 7 Food Technology

Our Year 7 Food Technology students recently completed their assessment by baking delicious ABCD Muffins - Apple, Banana, Coconut, and Date muffins. They showed great skill and creativity while following the recipe carefully. Throughout the process, students demonstrated excellent food safety and hygiene practices, ensuring a clean and safe cooking environment. Their dedication and attention to detail resulted in tasty and well-presented muffins. Well done to all Year 7 students for their hard work and high standards in this assessment. We look forward to seeing more fantastic culinary creations in the future, keep up the great work!

Mrs Hazel Ashley, Food Technology Teacher

Home Economics - Year 9, Food Technology

Year 9 Food Technology students have recently completed their Market Stall assessment, showcasing both their culinary talents and their commitment to high standards in the kitchen. As part of the task, students prepared a batch of delicious jam drops, demonstrating not only creativity but also strong technical skills.

Throughout the assessment, students followed their recipes with care and precision, ensuring their final products were both tasty and well-presented. Their ability to balance working hygienically, safely and, and great visual appeal was truly commendable. In addition to their culinary achievements, students displayed excellent food safety and hygiene practices, maintaining a clean and organised workspace at all times.

We look forward to seeing more exciting and innovative creations in the coming terms. Well done and keep up the fantastic work!

Mrs Hazel Ashley, F

Home Economics - Year 10 Hospitality

Down the Rabbit Hole - A Magical High Tea Experience

On Tuesday June 10, the hospitality kitchen was turned into a whimsical wonderland as Mr Cecchi’s Food Specialisation class hosted an Alice in Wonderland High Tea event. Students, parents and staff were invited to step into the magical world of Lewis Carroll where they were treated to a delectable spread of bite size scones, cakes, slices and sandwiches; all carefully prepared by his students. Accompanying the delicious treats were crafted barista coffee and mocktails, ensuring everyone felt indulged. Setting the scene, the room and tables were adorned with themed décor - playing cards, artworks and whimsical floral centrepieces helped bring the Alice in Wonderland story to life, and some students and staff embraced the theme by dressing in costume.

This High Tea was not only a testament to the students’ culinary skills, but a testament to their teamwork, creativity and dedication. Congratulations to Mr Cecchi and the Year 10 Food Specialisation class for hosting such a delightful and successful event.  I look forward to receiving an invitation in 2026!

Editor

HPE

TERM 2

All Year 7-10 HPE classes participated in athletics during their curriculum learning this term. This culminated with the whole school athletics day. 

Year 11 and 12 PED, Fitness and Sport and Recreation students were provided the opportunity to participate in Interactive Tech Activities delivered by QUT and their Sport Tech Van. Students spent the workshop immersed in:

Sports Analytics: Gymaware (Velocity Based Training), StalkerPro 3 Radar Gun, and precision Swift G4 timing gates enable detailed performance analysis in strength, agility, and biomechanics, promoting data literacy and sports science insights.

Esports: Safe and ethical gaming environments with governance practices and career mentorship.

Titles include Rocket League, NBA2K, and Just Dance. Reaction Training: Blaze Pods enhance neuromuscular responses, cognitive processing, and agility with light-based reflex tools.

Virtual Cycling and Rowing: Platforms like Zwift and Xer simulate dynamic, data-driven fitness activities, integrating STEM with physical education.

Year 10 IPE students created sports tournaments for junior classes to participate in. This was part of their major assessment task.

Year 11 and 12 Health students attended the PARTY program at the hospital. Prevention against alcohol road trauma in youth. Throughout the day, students learned life-saving strategies to help prevent road trauma and gained first-hand insight into real-life consequences of risky behaviours. The students toured ICU, Emergency department, rehabilitation war, where they engaged with trauma survivors and health care professionals. The program was very hands on wit students participating in activities such as an emergency admittance into hospital as a result of road trauma.

Trish Goodwin, HOD, HPE

Humanities - Year 8 History

Japan Goes Social!

This term in Ms Jodi’s Year 8 History class, students journeyed back in time to explore Japan Under the Shoguns. After completing their exam, students wrapped up the unit with a creative and engaging task - designing Instagram posts from the perspective of someone living in feudal Japan.

Each student took on a historical role, such as a peasant, artisan, merchant, or samurai, and used their knowledge of Edo-period life to create posts that reflected their character’s daily experiences, challenges, and values. Whether it was a samurai upholding the code of bushido, a merchant flaunting their handmade goods, or a farmer commenting on their hard day’s work, the results were both thoughtful and entertaining.

The Instagram activity allowed students to demonstrate their understanding of the strict social hierarchy and lifestyle of the time while using a platform they know well in a meaningful and educational way. It was a fun and creative end to a term of deep historical learning!

Jodi Shepherd, Humanities Teacher

Humanities - Year 9 History

Stepping into World War 1

In Week 10, Ms Jodi’s Year 9 History class launched into an exciting new unit on World War 1. To introduce the topic, students participated in an engaging station activity where they explored six key aspects of the war through a variety of historical sources.

Each station focused on a different element of the conflict:

• The causes of World War I
• Life in the trenches and the realities of trench warfare
• The advancements in weaponry and how the Industrial Revolution influenced the scale and style of warfare
• America’s initial neutrality, eventual involvement, and its impact
• And finally, the Treaty of Versailles and its implications

Students rotated through each station, analysing texts, images, and excerpts. At each stop, they answered three thought-provoking questions, encouraging them to critically engage with the content and draw meaningful connections across different themes.

The class showed strong curiosity and focus throughout the activity, setting a great tone for the rest of the unit. We look forward to diving deeper into this significant period of global history in the weeks to come.

Jodie Shepherd, Humanities Teacher

Library Blog

Henny Penny and Betty's Library Blog

Sorry folks, but Vikki and Terri had to head back to the wild so us girls stepped in to take over the blog!

CBCA Notables Challenge

Congratulations to Sierra who completed our CBCA notables challenge to read some of the books listed in the notable's book list provided in the lead up to the CBCA book of the year awards. Sierra read 18 books.

Well done Sierra and the others who also participated but never returned their challenge forms. 

Stay tuned for our "House Cup Reading Challenge" next term!

Bedtime Stories in the library

On Pyjama Day, students could cuddle up with a chicken (or gecko), a book and a blanket and read. 

Return Semester 1 books

Don't forget to get your Semester 1 textbooks and library books returned as soon as possible. These will be invoiced if they don't wander their way back to the library. Students can check on Accessit to see what loans they have and when they are due back to the library. Students have been emailed their log in details to get access to this.

New Wellbeing Dashboard: -

Accessible to all students and parents on Accessit, providing information about what our J space team are available for as well as links to some of our wellbeing books available from the library.

Go to https://au.accessit.online/WRS01/#!dashboard

Select "dashboards" on the top right hand side

Choose "Wellbeing" 

SchoolTech

The SchoolTech program continues to prove itself as a launchpad for young talent, with several of our dedicated students now achieving significant milestones most significantly several of our students being signed up as school-based apprentices!

Congratulations to all our new apprentices we look forward to following your journeys and celebrating the continued success that lies ahead as you grow into confident, capable young tradies.

Harrison Dodd - HOD, SchoolTech

Science - Year 7

This term our Year 7 students studied the relationship between our Sun, Moon and Earth. These relationships cause day and night, the tides and our seasons. Students were able to use their creative abilities to describe these relationships. Here are a few examples of their stellar creativity!

Sarah Anning, Science Teacher

Science - Aquatic Practices - Year 10

Year 10, Marine and Aquatic Practices

This term a new unit was introduced to the students in which we looked into the structure and functions of different types of boats. With this knowledge, students were able to design their own vessels from recycled materials. We compared the buoyancy between cardboard and plastic/tin boats by adding weight until the vessels sank. A special Thank You to everyone who kindly donated their recycled goods! WSHS has some creative students, with great ingenuity! 

During the term, students were able to hear about the boat building industry from the professionals at BME NQ marine fabricators. BME NQ lads even had a look and gave some helpful feedback on the student vessels!

Sarah Anning, Aquatic Practices Teacher

Student Services - Student Support Officer

Congratulations to our Year 7 Girls – Inner Girls Glow Program

We are proud to celebrate the fantastic efforts of our Year 7 girls who participated in the Inner Girls Glow Program with Ms. Jami this term. Throughout Term 2, the girls embraced new challenges, learned valuable skills, and confidently navigated the exciting transition into Year 7. Their growth, resilience, and enthusiasm has been inspiring to witness. Well done to all involved – keep shining and glowing!

Miss Jami, SSO 🌟

School Based Youth Health Nurse

Pelvic Pain Presentation

This month, Woree State High School welcomed representatives from the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia to speak with our Year 9 students. The Foundation delivered its Periods, Pain and Endometriosis (PPEP) Talk, an educational initiative designed to raise awareness about pelvic pain and endometriosis among adolescents. This nationally recognised program is funded by the Australian Government and supported by various state and territory governments.

Endometriosis and pelvic pain affect approximately 1 in 7 females during their teenage years and early adulthood. Given its prevalence, it is essential to engage in open conversations about these conditions and explore effective management strategies. The PPEP Talk directly supports the number one priority of the National Action Plan for Endometriosis: education and awareness.

As Australia’s largest pain education program for students, the PPEP Talk plays a vital role in helping young people understand the difference between normal and abnormal pain, recognise symptoms, learn practical techniques to reduce discomfort, and know when and how to seek further support. The presentation empowers students to better manage their health and participate more fully in school and everyday life.

The session also provided take-home resources for students to share with their parents and carers, fostering continued discussion and support beyond the classroom. With a focus on early intervention, the program benefits students, families, and schools by addressing a common cause of school absenteeism. The presentation was highly informative and well received by the entire Year 9 cohort.

Belinda Simpson

SBHN

School Based Youth Health Nurse - Head Lice

Headlice have been detected in the school recently. Please see information below on how to treat your children.

What are head lice?

Head lice are small, wingless insects that live in the hair on your head and can be challenging to eradicate. They can only survive in human hair, need to feed from the scalp several times a day and can only survive up to two days off the person’s head. Though not dangerous, head lice are a common problem for children between the ages of 3 and 11 and have nothing to do with personal hygiene or cleanliness and do not carry disease.

Head lice can crawl onto your scalp when your head touches the head of someone with head lice and, although rare, they can be transferred through a hairbrush or hat.

Lice eggs are called nits and are about the size of a small flake of dandruff but cannot be easily shaken off or brushed out. Lice lay their nits on hair shafts close to the scalp and rely on the warmth of the head to hatch. Nits hatch within one to two weeks of being laid and once hatched, the shell looks white or clear and stays firmly attached to the hair shaft. If lice are not treated, this process repeats itself about every 3 weeks.

What are the signs?

The first signs that your child may have head lice is a tickling feeling in the hair, frequent scalp itchiness or sores/scabs on the scalp from scratching. It is important to be aware that the itching may not be immediate, and, in some cases, it can take weeks before your child starts to complain.

Although very small, a single adult louse can be seen and is about the size of a sesame seed. They usually look like tan or brown dots.

Unless the infestation is heavy, it is more likely that you will see nits in your child’s hair, rather than lice crawling around. A good method of checking your child’s head is by parting the hair in small sections and checking for lice and nits with a fine-tooth comb close to the scalp, behind the ears, and around the nape of the neck. Good lighting and a magnifying glass may help this process. If you are still unsure, and your child is constantly itching and complaining, speak to your health care provider or pharmacist.

What is the treatment?

Treatment should only be applied when live lice are found on the head. If more than one person in your family has been infested, treatment should be applied at the same time to break the cycle.

There are two methods of treatment:

1. Conditioner and combing technique (non-insecticidal treatment)

Conditioner stuns lice and blocks their breathing pores. This, together with the slippery effect of the conditioner, makes it easier to mechanically remove the lice. This treatment method is equally as effective as insecticidal or other chemical treatments but generally requires longer treatment times. However, it may be preferred as a cheaper alternative to insecticidal or other chemical treatments.

Step 1: Generously apply conditioner to dry hair to cover the scalp and the full length of the hair.

Step 2: Untangle the hair with a wide-toothed comb.

Step 3: Place a fine-toothed headlice comb flat against the scalp and draw the comb through each section of hair from the roots to the ends.

Step 4: Wipe the comb after each stroke onto a tissue or paper towel, checking each time for head lice and nits.

Step 5: Comb each section of hair at least five times.

Step 6: Wash the hair as normal.

Step 7: Scrub both combs with an old toothbrush to remove any eggs or lice that may be present.

Repeat the conditioner and combing method every second day to remove young lice as they hatch. Continue for ten or so consecutive days until no lice are found.

1. Treatment with synthetic or natural insecticides or other chemicals

There are different forms of treatment which you can get from the chemist without prescription. All preparations must be applied strictly according to the manufacturer’s instructions and none of them should be used on children under two years of age, except on medical advice. If a product doesn’t seem to work, speak with your chemist about a product with a different active ingredient.

• No chemical treatment kills all the eggs.
• A second treatment should be applied 7-10 days after the initial treatment to kill the young lice that have hatched from the eggs remaining from the first treatment.
• Do not apply the treatment more than once per week as more frequent applications could lead to scalp problems and have little or no effect.

Nits are the most difficult to kill. The most effective way to remove eggs is to actually pull them off the hair using your fingernails.

Prevent reinfestation

There is no need to use pesticides around your home, as lice cannot survive more than a day or two away from the scalp. The following recommendations will help to prevent reinfestation:

• Regularly check your child’s scalp for signs of lice.
• Teach your child to avoid head-to-head contact during play and other activities

Woree Youth Advisory Committee

The Proposal

Students Lead the Charge for Safer Pathway Access

Two years ago, Woree State High School student and Woree Youth Advisory Committee (WYAC) member Claudia noticed something many of us overlook — the daily foot traffic of students, families, and community members walking through the area behind the school to access shops, bus stops, and local amenities.

Since then, Claudia has been advocating for a simple yet powerful solution: a dedicated footpath at the drive-in development behind the school. With the support of WYAC, she has brought this issue to the forefront once again — and this time, with the backing of more than 200 signatures on a petition circulating throughout the school.

“Before construction began, this route was heavily used every day by people of all ages — from students to elderly residents,” Claudia said during her recent proposal speech to WYAC. “Now that access is blocked off, many are forced to walk through school grounds, which raises real concerns around student safety, school security, and accessibility.”

Google Earth images clearly show how frequently this route has been used in the past. Without a formalised pathway, people are resorting to cutting across the oval — an area that becomes waterlogged and hazardous during the wet season.

Claudia’s proposal includes the creation of a clearly marked and well-lit footpath — highlighted in pink on the site plan — that would allow community members to move safely around the school perimeter without disrupting school operations or placing anyone at risk.

“A dedicated footpath would not only improve safety and reduce damage to school grounds, but it would also reflect our values as a community — that we prioritise accessibility, safety, and smart infrastructure planning,” Claudia explained.

This student-led initiative is a fantastic example of youth voice in action, and a reminder of how real change can begin with a simple observation and the courage to speak up.

Woree SHS and WYAC would like to thank all those who have supported the petition so far, and we look forward to working with local stakeholders to turn this long-standing proposal into reality.

Jodi Shepherd

Teacher | WYAC, 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

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