Welcome back to the new school year. I hope you all had a wonderful summer break and had a wonderful start to the new year.

To those celebrating Lunar New Year and Chinese New Year, I wish you a joyful and prosperous year ahead. The Year of the Snake represents good luck, rebirth, and regality, which we hope will bring positive energy to our school community.

 

Year 12 Students – Your Final Year

To our Year 12 students, this is the final stretch of your school journey. Time will fly by, so it’s essential to stay focused and keep your eyes on the horizon. Remember, every day counts, and your presence and engagement in your learning are crucial.

Year 11 Students – The Final Phase of Senior School

As Year 11 students begin their final phase of senior school, now is the time to build the foundations for success. Stay motivated, stay organized, and continue to prioritise your studies. This phase is an important preparation for Year 12 and beyond.

Reflecting on 2024

I am proud to share that 100% of our 2024 cohort graduated with their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Additionally, 90.24% of students completed one or more VET certificates, with 23 students achieving their Diploma of Business. Those who completed their Diploma of Business earlier in the year received early offers through their QTAC applications.

A total of 27 students received an ATAR ranging from 99.95 to 65.50. We are also proud to announce that 44.82% of our graduates received their first preference through QTAC. Our students have chosen a variety of pathways post-graduation, including full-time apprenticeships, university, TAFE, private RTOs, work, and even gap years to travel. We wish all our graduates the very best as they embark on the next chapter of their lives.

Link and Launch

Our 2024 graduates (Year 13 students) now have access to the Link and Launch officer, Serena Camilleri, based at Yeronga State High School. Serena has been assisting students with their transition into post-schooling, and we encourage any Year 13 students needing support to contact her for appointments. She can help with university applications, job searches, and other post-school transitions.

Student Success

For Year 11 and 12 students, it is critical to make school your top priority. Achieving your QCE or ATAR requires dedication and a consistent effort in your studies. Students who excel academically often choose subjects they are passionate about, put in extra effort, and seek feedback from their teachers. If you're struggling, don't hesitate to ask for help—reach out to your teachers and support staff for assistance.

Senior Statement of Expectation

All Year 11 and 12 students, along with their parents or carers, would have received a Senior Statement of Expectation letter at the end of last year. This letter outlines the expectations for senior school events, which are by ‘invitation only’ from the Principal. Events include participation in extracurricular activities, wearing senior jerseys in Year 12, and attending the Year 12 formal and graduation.

To be eligible for these invitations, students must demonstrate a mature, self-motivated approach to their studies, uphold school values, and adhere to the Senior Statement of Educational Agreement. This includes:

• 95% or higher attendance (unless documented by a satisfactory explanation or medical certificate).

• Wearing the correct uniform with pride at all times.

• Timely completion of homework, assignments, and assessments, as per the school’s assessment policy.

• Preparedness with the necessary equipment, including a charged laptop.

• A diligent approach to studies, using available support services when needed, and maintaining effective study habits.

Students who are not meeting these expectations will need to address any areas of concern, including tardiness or detention, and commit to improving. The school will provide support and guidance where necessary.

Regular attendance is essential for successful completion of the Year 11 and 12 course of study and for earning credit on the Year 12 QCAA Senior Statement. Parents must seek permission from the Principal for any long-term absences due to non-medical reasons, such as holidays (Note: AARA will not be granted for assessments missed due to holidays). Absences supported by a medical certificate will always be accepted.

Please ensure the Senior Statement of Expectation is signed by both the student and parent/carer and returned to the Senior Schooling office. If you have not received the letter, please contact Ms. Roblin (Head of Senior Secondary) for a copy.

Attendance

Consistent school attendance is critical for academic and social success. If your child is absent, please notify the school as soon as possible, and provide a medical certificate when applicable. Frequent absences can negatively affect academic performance and social development. In cases of repeated absenteeism, students may face enrolment cancellation due to non-attendance.

All absences should be accompanied by appropriate documentation, such as a medical certificate, for verification.

Year 11 and 12 Assessment Planner and Applying for Access Arrangement and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA)

The Year 11 and 12 Assessment Planner will soon be available on the school website. Students and parents are encouraged to review it regularly to stay on top of deadlines and assignments.

Students must submit assignments on time unless they have applied for an extension. To apply for an extension or other accommodations, students must complete an AARA (Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments) application form, which can be downloaded from the QCAA website. Please submit the completed form, along with the necessary signatures and supporting documentation, to Ms. Truong or Ms. Taschke (Guidance Officer). For medical-related extensions, a doctor’s certificate must be submitted alongside the AARA application.

International Student Program

Our International Student Program continues to grow, with 55 international students enrolled at Yeronga this year. These students come from a diverse range of countries, including China, Taiwan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cameroon, Iran, Brazil, Sweden, and Japan. We are proud to welcome them into our school community.