9 May 2025
- A Message from Our Principal
- 3C Priority Update: Culture – Safe, Supportive, Collaborative
- 3C Priority Update: Classrooms – Effective Teaching and Learning
- 3C Priority Update: Curriculum - Guaranteed and Viable, Data and Differentiation
- Bright Spots - The Shailer Way in Practice
- How to Get in Touch
- P&C Updates
A Message from Our Principal
3C Priority Update: Culture – Safe, Supportive, Collaborative
Respectful Relationships Curriculum As a parent or carer, you have a primary role in teaching your child the importance of respect and how to build the skills they need to establish safe and healthy relationships.
Children and young people who are well informed about relationships and sexuality are less likely to feel guilty or shameful about their bodies or their thoughts. They will understand their feelings and know what is and is not ok for them. This in turn will help protect them from exploitation and abuse.
They are also less likely to be bystanders of unacceptable behaviours. Young people will be empowered to call out unacceptable behaviour they see at school, at a party, in a workplace or in the community.
By having regular conversations about what positive, happy and equal relationships look like, you help your child build self-respect and learn to be respectful to others. These conversations will assist in building your child's social-emotional skills so they can successfully:
- engage positively with others
- develop a positive sense of self and resilience
- identify and respond appropriately to their own emotions and those of others
- accept and resolve differences respectfully
- challenge stereotypes
- understand consent and know how to seek help
- be confident in challenging unacceptable behaviours they see
- build relationships that are based on equality and respect.
By building these personal and social skills and creating a culture of respect, issues such as domestic, family and sexual violence and all forms of violence or abuse, discrimination and harassment are less likely to occur.
Resources for Parents
Student Support Spotlight From our Guidance Officers
Thank you to Shailer Park State High School for their recent posts on social media to celebrate National Guidance Officer Week last week. The posts highlighted and recognised the work we do in providing counselling and guidance on academic, career, wellbeing and personal matters for all our students and families Guidance Officer sessions vary and may be a single session to work through a concern, or a series of regular sessions with the student.
For students and families who may not have engaged with a Guidance Officer before, there are several ways for the connection to occur.
Self-Referral - Students can self-refer by asking at Student Services Reception; asking a teacher or Head of House to refer them; or emailing a Guidance Officer directly.
Family Referral - Parents & Carers can refer their student for Guidance support by contacting Student Services, Head of House or Guidance Officers directly.
Staff Referral - Teachers, Heads of House and Executive Leaders also refer students to Guidance Officers for support
Targeted Wellbeing Programs – Junior School
It is our aim that every student has the opportunity to engage in a Targeted Wellbeing Program whilst in Junior School at SPSHS. Our targeted wellbeing programs provide the opportunity for smaller groups of students to receive additional wellbeing information, to that provided by the Australian Curriculum, with an experienced facilitator of wellbeing group discussions and activities and who has currency with evolving situations affecting our students and young people.
This term we have continued with the Top Blokes Foundation, with Top Blokes Junior offered to male students in Years 7 and 8 for one lesson per week. SPSHS has engaged with the Top Blokes Foundation for several years and consistently receive positive feedback from the students who complete the program. Facilitators Z and Sasha from Top Blokes are in each Friday afternoon and are popular members of our external staffing network. Next semester, Top Blokes Senior, for students in Years 9, 10 & 11 will run for the full semester. Students and Families can self-refer for next semesters program at Student Services.
This term we are also excited by the commencement of the Love Bites Junior program at SPSHS offered to our female students in Years 7, 8 and 9. The Love Bites Junior program is facilitated by Ms Jenna from Bridges Reconnect. In Term 1, Ms Jenna facilitated the Feeling Fantastic program with our students across Years 7, 8, 9 & 10. We are currently reviewing the programs that will be offered next semester and there will be more information in future newsletters.
The Targeted Wellbeing Programs offered at SPSHS have been developed in the principles of positive psychology and a strengths’ focus on thoughts, feelings and behaviours to build self-esteem, confidence, communication, emotional regulation and practising gratitude. Please reach out with any questions.
Guidance Officers
Mandy Ross - Wellbeing Workforce & Junior School
Elle Williams - Senior School
Student Voice
A Message from Our School Captains
Each of our captains leads a unique area of school life—whether it’s Academics, Sporting, Community or Cultural. Our captains bring their own strengths to support and inspire our community.
Hello to all, my name is Tara McVeigh, and I am 2025 Academic School Captain. We have an amazing student leadership team this year, working hard to bring our school community together with events and celebrations that feature all walks of life, including Valentine's Day, ANZAC Day and Harmony Week. Our vision this year focuses on empowering, encouraging and elevating our school and everyone in it. I believe learning doesn’t just occur in the classroom, but through life experiences, and so one of the many exciting events our team has been working to bring our school and community is our annual participation in The Push-Up Challenge. The Push for Better Foundation runs a yearly event throughout June to encourage and support conversation around mental health and suicide prevention, a cause close the hearts of our team this year, so keep your eyes peeled for more information coming very soon!
Hi everyone, I'm Lochie, the School Sport Captain for this year. It's been a great start to the term for the Sporting Pillar of the student leadership team. Right now, we're focusing on promoting and fundraising for the upcoming Colour Run, which is set to be a fun event for our whole school community. We're also starting to plan for the Athletics Carnival happening later this term-stay tuned for more details.
Hi everyone, my name is Joan James and there have been some very exciting events happening within the cultural pillar of our school. A yarning circle is currently being built to promote engagement in Indigenous culture! This will allow all students to appreciate and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customs and allow First Nations students a place to connect with their culture. Excitingly, this space is on track to be unveiled early Term 3! A ceremony will take place to open this space up to the school, so be sure to keep an eye out for more details!
Hello, my name is Lorelei Ryan and I'm the 2025 Community Captain. I have been working closely with our Academic and Sporting Captain for the Push-Up Challange and Colour Run. With this planning, I have mainly been gathering community feedback for how we have been planning so far - especially with awareness around events - in hopes to continuously improve as we are planning to provide the best experiences for our school community.
3C Priority Update: Classrooms – Effective Teaching and Learning
Teaching and Learning in Action
Junior Schooling Update: It is with great pleasure that I officially welcome all new Junior School families to Shailer Park State High School. It has been a wonderful start to the year, and I am proud to share that our junior students have settled in with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a strong commitment to their learning.
Last term, our Year 7 and Year 9 students completed their NAPLAN assessments with maturity and focus. We commend them for their positive attitude and resilience throughout the testing process. Beyond the classroom, many students across Years 7 to 9 have engaged in our Academies programs, extending themselves through exciting enrichment opportunities in sport, culture and academics. As part of our RISE curriculum, students have engaged with Shake and Stir, Griffith University and the Queensland Police Service to deepen learning and build a strong, connected school culture.
Looking ahead, we are excited for our upcoming Year 7 Camp at the Runaway Bay Sport and Leadership Centre—an opportunity for students to build friendships, confidence, and leadership skills. Planning has also commenced for our annual Education and Career Planning Day next term, which will see all students in our school engage in rigorous conversations about their academic progress and future pathways.
A sincere thank you to our passionate staff and supportive families for all you do to ensure our students thrive. I look forward to sharing more information and highlights from the Junior School as the year progresses.
Shae Sawdy
Head of Teaching and Learning – Junior School
Senior Schooling Update: Tracking Success and Future Pathways Shailer Park State High School’s senior students have been actively engaging in their educational and future planning journeys. In recent weeks, all Year 11 and 12 students attended dedicated QCE tracking meetings with Senior Schooling staff to review their progress toward attaining their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). These conversations ensure every student is supported on their path to graduation and is aware of the necessary milestones. Year 10 and 12 students also had the opportunity to attend the Gold Coast Careers Festival, where they explored a wide range of industries, training providers, universities, and employment opportunities. This experience was instrumental in helping students make informed decisions about their post-school pathways. In addition, Year 10 students have officially commenced the QCAA Career Education Short Course. This course is a key part of our transition-to-senior program, helping students develop personal learning goals, understand senior schooling requirements, and explore career options aligned to their skills and interests. We are proud of the maturity and enthusiasm our students are demonstrating as they prepare for their futures. With tailored support, meaningful experiences, and clear planning, our senior learners are well on their way to success.
Luke Simpson
Head of Teaching and Learning – Senior School
3C Priority Update: Curriculum - Guaranteed and Viable, Data and Differentiation
Curriculum and Policy Updates Parents play a key role in nurturing a love for learning by showing interest in what their child is studying, celebrating their efforts and helping them see mistakes as opportunities to grow and learn. Establishing consistent routines for homework, reading and study time reinforces the importance of learning and helps children build confidence in their abilities.
Bright Spots - The Shailer Way in Practice
We love to acknowledge and celebrate achievement at Shailer Park State High School, particularly when our students “make their mark!” Some wonderful Bright Spots in 2025 are seen below. Follow our Facebook and Instagram pages for regular celebrations of our staff and students.
Student Spotlight
How to Get in Touch
At Shailer Park State High School, we believe in the power of partnerships with our community to achieve "Excellence in Learning and Life." Collaborating with parents and families is vital to enhancing educational outcomes for our students. We recognise that each family has unique needs, and our approach to engagement is flexible and responsive to individual circumstances.
General Enquires Phone (07) 3451 2777 or email office@shailerparkshs.eq.edu.au
Absences, Late Arrivals & Early Departures Phone (07) 3451 2745 or email studentabsences@shailerparkshs.eq.edu.au
Finance Enquires Phone (07) 3451 2703 or email finance@shailerparkshs.eq.edu.au
Enrolment Enquires Phone (07) 3451 2720 or email enrolments@shailerparkshs.eq.edu.au
P&C Updates
We would like to introduce you to our new incoming P&C Executive Committee for 2025;
President - Verity Commons-Fidge
Vice President - Ineke McGuire
Treasurer – Tina Menadue
Secretary – Kris Whitman
The P&C is excited to be increasing our engagement with the school community, through hosting regular BBQ Fundraisers, assisting different school cohorts to raise funds for their respective activities, throughout the 2025 school year. In March 2025, the P&C worked with the Kokoda Challenge Expedition Team to raise funds toward the costs to send four teams to the challenge in July this year. The P&C together with the Basketball Academy teachers, students and parents hosted the Election Day Democracy BBQ on May 3rd. The proceeds from this BBQ activity will go towards supporting transportation and administration costs for the SPSHS Basketball Team attending inter-school and Qld State competitions.
The P&C together with the Student Leadership Council will be hosting a Bunnings BBQ on the 14th June, to raise funds towards the Year 12 Legacy Project. We encourage all members of the school community to volunteer to support these fundraising activities, supporting the students to have the best possible learning experiences.
The P&C is currently conducting a Raffle for Mother’s Day and we encourage the whole community to get involved in treating their mothers and themselves, to a chance at winning one of eleven fantastic prize packages. These great gift ideas have been kindly donated by 31 local businesses across the community, providing great gifts to many Mums on Mother’s Day. You can purchase your Mother’s Day Raffle tickets via the following Raffle Link below.
New members are welcome to join us in our mission to support the school in delivering Excellence in Learning and Life for the students. We run virtual meetings in the third and ninth week of each school term. The meeting link is emailed to all members and pending members prior to each meeting. Please email us on: PandC@shailerparkshs.eq.edu.au if you are interested in becoming a member.
The next P&C Meeting is being held in Week 9 – 17th June 2025 and we look forward to connecting with our community then.
Noticeboard
21 May 2025 - 3:00 PM to 4:15 PM
Netball Academy Weekly Training Snr Y10-12
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