Dear Yeronga SHS Community,

Welcome back to Term 2! After a strong and rewarding start to the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on all that we have achieved together and look ahead to the opportunities this term will bring.

In Term 1, we continued to elevate as a school in many ways. Our enrolments have grown beyond 1,000 students — a significant milestone that reflects the increasing interest in and reputation of Yeronga State High School. We are proud to be the school of choice in our community.

Our academic performance has also continued to climb. Term 1 interim reports reflected clear improvement in academic results, and we’re looking forward to formally recognising this at our Academic Awards Assembly on Wednesday 14 May. Congratulations to all students who have shown determination and excellence in their learning — your hard work is being noticed.

We’ve been especially pleased to welcome our new Year 7 students, who have quickly become an integral part of our Yeronga family. Their transition has been exceptional, and we’re proud to share that Year 7 had the highest attendance of any year level in Term 1. Overall, student attendance rose to just below 90% — a strong result we celebrated together, and one we’ll continue to build on. Every day counts, and we’re working closely with students and families to ensure that all students are supported to be at school, learning and growing.

The end of Term 1 was a whirlwind of activity. Our Open Day was the busiest we’ve ever had, with strong interest from future families. The Cross Country event brought the school together in a celebration of health, competition, and community spirit. And of course, Harmony Day was a highlight, culminating in our vibrant and delicious Taste of Harmony celebration, showcasing the diversity that makes Yeronga such a unique place to learn and thrive. We were also honoured to join with our community to commemorate ANZAC Day recently, reflecting on the service and sacrifice of those who have shaped our nation.

Looking forward, we continue to elevate our student opportunities through strategic partnerships. We’re excited to be finalising a Sister School partnership with a Spanish school, which will create amazing cross-cultural and language exchange experiences. We’ve also begun a new partnership with Athletix to further support our Athletes Academy, strengthening the pathway for students balancing elite sport and academic success.

In vocational education, Yeronga has been named a Building and Construction Gateway School, offering students direct access to real-world industry pathways. We are also proud to be part of the Australian-first "Construct Her Future" program, empowering female students through immersive experiences in civil construction.

On the national stage, Yeronga continues to lead. We have been recognised as a national finalist by the Australian Council for Student Voice, honouring the outstanding initiatives our students lead in voice, agency, and collaboration. This recognition reflects the heart of Yeronga — student-driven, future-focused, and deeply community-minded.

As we step into Term 2, there is plenty to look forward to, including the Athletics Carnival, and the launch of student interest for our 2026 Ski Trip — a much-anticipated event we know will be in high demand! This week, we’ve seen our Year 7 and Year 9 students head off on their camps — a fantastic opportunity for connection, growth, and learning beyond the classroom.

We also encourage all families to be part of our upcoming Parent Teacher Interviews. These are a key opportunity to connect with staff, celebrate progress, and partner together to support student success.

Wishing a happy and heartfelt Mother’s Day to all those who nurture, guide, and support our young people every day.

Year 7 Camp – Kindilan, Redland Bay

120 of our Year 7 students and 9 members of staff recently returned from an incredible three-day camp at Kindilan in Redland Bay – a stunning bushland location just outside Brisbane. The camp was a wonderful opportunity for students to build new friendships, challenge themselves, and grow in confidence as they took part in a range of exciting outdoor activities.

From high ropes and canoeing to archery and bushwalking, each experience was designed to promote teamwork, resilience, and communication. Evening sessions offered a chance to relax, reflect, and enjoy some fun and laughter together.

More than just an adventure, the Year 7 Camp plays a key role in supporting students’ transition into high school. It helps them form stronger connections with their peers and teachers and creates a sense of belonging that sets the tone for the year ahead.

We are incredibly proud of the way our students embraced the challenges and supported one another throughout the camp. Their energy, enthusiasm, and positive attitude made it a memorable and rewarding experience for all involved.

A big thank you to our staff for their dedication and care, and to Kindilan for providing such a safe and inspiring environment.

Parent/Teacher Interviews

Parent/Teacher Interviews are a vital part of the school–home partnership, providing an opportunity for open communication between families and teachers. These conversations help build a shared understanding of a student’s progress, strengths, and areas for improvement. They allow parents to ask questions, gain insight into classroom learning, and collaborate with teachers to support their child’s development. Regular interviews also strengthen relationships, ensuring that students are supported consistently at school and at home.

Our Parent/Teacher Evening is on Wednesday 14 May (2pm-6:30pm) and bookings are open via Compass. We encourage you to bring your student to the interview and be an active participant in their education.

Reconciliation Action Plan

Yeronga SHS is currently reviewing its RAP and we have formed a Staff Working Party. We look forward to sharing our updated commitments with our Yeronga community.

The Importance of Discussing Your Child’s Social Media Footprint

In today’s digital world, it’s essential for parents and carers to talk with their children about their social media footprint. Everything young people post, share, comment on, or are tagged in becomes part of their online identity—often staying visible long after it's forgotten. These digital footprints can shape future opportunities, including employment, education, and social connections.

By having open conversations at home, parents and carers can help children understand how to use social media responsibly and respectfully. Discussing privacy settings, appropriate content, and the long-term impact of online behaviour encourages thoughtful decision-making and supports safe, positive digital habits. Remember, we don't have to add everyone to our Snapchat contacts, and we don't have to remain in Snapchat Groups that make us feel uncomfortable.

Together, we can help our kids stay safe, kind, and confident as they explore the online world.

If a student feels uncomfortable, or faces bullying, please ask them to report it to their LAM and Deputy Principal for follow-up. If we are unaware of an issue, we are unable to address it. They can also use Stymie to report any issues.

Thank you.

At the start of Term 2 we welcomed 30 new families to Yeronga.  I hope that our community has also welcomed you and invite you and all parents to always contact the school if you have any concerns or questions about your child’s education.  Our Staff page on the school website has photos of our school leaders, Heads of Department, Learner Agency Mentors, and Guidance Officers.

Congratulations to all students who will receive their Term 1 Academic and Merit Award Ceremony next week.  Academic achievement and Academic progress are the key outcomes of what it means to be on a Quality Pathway to Success. We hope that the feedback from Parent Teacher Interviews next week along with your children’s personal goals for improvement give clear direction for improved learning processes to be implemented in Term 2. I look forward to seeing the growth in academic achievement in our Semester 1 report cards.

Celebrating 20 Years – Australian Business Communities Network.

Last week, ABCN marked 20 incredible years of work supporting students to connect with business networks. It was a night to reflect, to connect, and most importantly, to honour what makes ABCN truly special: the people involved. ABCN is a network that's built on shared purpose, generosity, and belief in the power of connection - It was humbling to hear the story of founder Michael Hawker, a CEO who wanted to make a difference, started small with 2 schools and now the vision supports over 200 schools across Australia.  Over the 20 years, the ABCN has created 600 000 mentoring opportunities for students. Yeronga SHS have been proud partners with the ABCN since their inception in QLD in 2007.  This year students will have an opportunity to participate in one of 5 mentoring programs aiming to develop personal and employability skills.  We are very proud of this long standing partnership and look forward to continuing this over the next 20+ years.

Year 10 – Careers and Senior Education and Training Planning (SET planning)

Over the course of this term Year 10 students will be exploring careers in preparation for SET planning in Ethics and Choices class time.  Next week students will participate in a seminar with QUT regarding pathways post school, and we will have a parent information session on Wednesday 14 May directly after Parent Teacher interviews in the Auditorium. 

Over the past 3 years, students have chosen Semester electives.  It is essential that you support your child in their engagement with the resources they explore in care class as their SET plans will support decisions for their subject selections for Years 11 and 12.  They will study the electives they choose at the SET plan interviews in August for the next 2 years.

Key dates in Terms 2 and 3 for SET PLANNING

Wednesday 14 May: 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.  Parent information session in the Auditorium.  In this session, the Guidance Officer and Deputy Principal of Senior School will explain the processes involved in calculating points towards the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) and the pathways we offer in Years 11 and 12.

Tuesday 20 and 27 May:  HODs will give information about subjects on offer to all Year 10s during Ethics and Choices classes (Period 3 on Tuesdays).

Term 2 Week 8 – Students will complete a Microsoft forms Survey indicating their top 4 preferences for electives in Years 11 and 12. Crucial information to develop a timetable that meets the needs of this cohort of students.

Term 3 Week 3: Subject Selection lines confirmed for students to select their 4 electives and 2 back up preferences in the OneSchool SET planning tool.

Term 3 Week 5 Tuesday 12 August:  SET planning day.  Parents and Carers will have an appointment with your child and their Care Teacher / School Leader where they will submit their Preferences considering the Pre-requisite subjects for courses they wish to pursue in Tertiary Study, or skills and Vocational qualifications that will prepare them for further training and employment.

Year 9 Camp

Many thanks the Mr Fan, Mr Lawson, Ms Hoffman, Mr Shipley, Mx Fitzpatrick and Mr Robinson for spending 4 days away from their families to facilitate the camp. 

Maroon Outdoor Education Centre is an outstanding venue with highly qualified outdoor education teachers that provided a different learning environment this week.  It was wonderful to spend some time with students this week.  Seeing the collaborative work in preparing for and completing the camp out night by organising the food and camping equipment amongst the groups is a great component of this camp.  I am looking forward to hearing more stories and seeing some pics of the cool camp out locations that each of the 4 activity groups spent their camp out night.

Report Cards 

Report cards were emailed to parents and carers at the end of last term. If you have not received your child’s report card, please contact the school to update your email address or other contact details. Once updated, we will resend the report.

It’s also important to inform the school of any changes to your visa status, as this helps the Senior School team provide accurate and relevant advice tailored to each student’s circumstances.

Uniform

It’s great to see the majority of our students wearing the correct school uniform each day. Students not in uniform must follow the school’s uniform policy.

As the weather cools, now is the perfect time to purchase a school jumper or jacket. The uniform shop is open daily, and orders can be placed via the Qkr! app and collected from the shop.

Attendance

Daily attendance is essential for success at school. Senior students are expected to maintain at least 95% attendance. Missing school can negatively affect both academic progress and social development. Research shows that absenteeism can lead to increased social isolation, reduced engagement, and potential emotional or behavioural challenges.

If a student is absent, parents or carers must notify the school and provide a reason. For senior students, a medical certificate is particularly important, as absences can affect assessment and QCE eligibility. Repeated unexplained absences may result in the cancellation of enrolment. Attending school every day matters.

Year 12 Formal & Year 11 Semi-Formal

To be eligible for an invitation to the Year 12 Formal or Year 11 Semi-Formal, students must meet the following criteria:

• Maintain a minimum 95% attendance

• Be on track to receive their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)

• Achieve a minimum ‘Satisfactory’ standard in Effort and Behaviour in all subjects

• Consistently wear the school uniform in line with the Dress Code Policy and Procedures

Students who are currently at risk of not meeting these expectations have been contacted at the start of Term 2. They have until the end of the term to demonstrate the required improvements in order to receive an invitation to these milestone events.

Hello parents, carers, volunteers, staff, and students.

On Monday, 24 March, the P and C held their AGM (annual general meeting).  The following people were voted onto the P and C Executive: Úna Harkin as President, Jacqi Bottger as Vice President, and Faith Hage as Vice President. We are still looking for a Secretary and a Treasurer to join the Executive, so if you are interested in either of these roles or would like more information about the roles, please email pandcyshs@gmail.com

The YSHS Open Day took place in early April, and the P and C would like to thank the school for providing the food for the BBQ, which was run by P and C volunteers and parents. Thank you to all the BBQ volunteers and a special mention to Liby Elcome who, organised and staffed the BBQ for many hours.

Also at the Open Day, the P and C fundraising raffle was drawn.  The first prize of a Vuly trampoline was won by YSHS parent Anna Rimpau, whose children, as you can see, are making the most of their award.

The P and C would also like to thank RACQ for the generous donation of $500 towards the raffle funds.

Our next P and C meeting will take place on Monday, 12 May 2025, at 6.30 pm in the Professional Lounge, on the top floor of the administrative building. 

Cross Country

Congratulations to all students who participated at our school Cross Country last term. Selected students went on to trial for the Eastern Taipans team last week. Congratulations to the following students who have now made the team:

Lily Fannin, Lala Fannin, Louie Fannin, Tom Gribble, Neve Hellowell, Aiden Hillhouse, Alfie Jonsson, Hunter Neil, Will Rimpau and Alisa Stewart. Senior students that have qualified for the regional trials include: Sofia Candaten, Clementine Townsend, Stephanie McGlashan, Beatrice Habia, Jackson Mugane and Sam Mayhew. All students will attend regional trials later this month, we wish them well.

Summer Gala Days

Both Junior and Senior teams competed against other schools in the West Brisbane district recently in a variety of summer sports. Whilst we didn’t bring home any pennants this time, all students displayed great sportsmanship and teamwork. Junior students have now chosen their Winter Gala Day sports and will begin training on Wednesday afternoons in period 4. Trials for the Senior Winter Gala Day will be held later this term.

Rock Climbing

Congratulations to Hamish Resetti and Jenna Duncan who are competing at the Australian Youth National Climbing Championships in Ballina next week. Both students are competing in boulder and lead disciplines and representing Queensland.

Hamish will be competing in the Youth A Male category and Jenna will be in the Youth B Female category. Jenna placed 3rd in the Queensland Youth Lead competition in October last year.

Eastern Taipans and Met West teams

Congratulations to the following students who were successful recently when trialling for Eastern Taipans teams:

The following students have successfully gone to the next level and made it into Met West teams, well done to all!

SET Plan Information Evening – Wednesday 14 May, 6:30–7:30pm | Auditorium

All Year 10 students and their families are invited to our SET Plan Information Evening on Wednesday 14 May in the auditorium, straight after Parent-Teacher Interviews.

This session will unpack the Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan process – what it is, why it matters, and how it supports your child to make informed subject and pathway decisions for Years 11 and 12.

We'll walk you through:

• How students explore career options and subject requirements

• What’s expected during the SET Plan interview

• How to support your child to choose a meaningful pathway through senior school

We know the process can feel overwhelming, so this session is designed to make it clear, accessible, and practical.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Considering a new ride or know someone who is? Exciting news! Yeronga SHS P&C is now a proud partner in a Community Program with Motorama Toyota Moorooka. When you purchase a vehicle and present our referral voucher, Yeronga SHS P&C receives $300 upon completion of the sale. Email us at PandCExecutiveTeam@yerongashs.eq.edu.au for more info. Your support drives our school forward!

Since stepping into their roles, our senior leaders and the SRC has been dedicated to both learning the ropes and building on the strong foundations laid by previous leaders. 

From setting up, timekeeping and showcasing unparalleled team spirit at the Swimming Carnival and Cross-country, to organising and baking up a storm for the spectacularly successful Flowers for Friends fundraiser, our YSHS leaders have been busy involving themselves in every aspect of school life.  

They supported the YSHS Wellbeing team’s annual Pancake Tuesday, serving our students a delicious array of pancakes and at one stage, due to its popularity, a line up at over 30 meters long. 

With week 8 being Harmony week, our staff and students enjoyed 5 days of a non-stop celebrations of cultural diversity, inclusivity, and discovering different cultures.  It was through our annual Taste of Harmony that we raised over $1500 for Doctor’s Without Boarders.

Students were also involved in both a Women’s and Men’s summits discussing a wide range of topics ranging from cultural opportunities, education on gender equality, learning to be more assertive, mental health education and themes around courage and empathy.

Term 2 is already looking like exciting and jam packed so stay tuned.

Mrs Middleton-Pol on behalf of YSHS SRC.

We are thrilled to announce that one of our talented year 12 students, Sally, has won the prestigious QTAC Cover Competition! Her outstanding artwork will feature on the cover of the 2026 QTAC Guide, which is distributed widely across Queensland and available online to thousands of students and families later this year.

This is an incredible achievement, recognising Sally's creativity, skill, and unique artistic vision. The QTAC Cover Competition is highly competitive, attracting entries from across the state, and it is a true honour for Yeronga to see one of our own students' work celebrated on such a large platform.

Sally's artwork beautifully captures the brief she was provided, reflecting not only her talent but also her capacity to demonstrate her readiness to launch into a career in graphic design.

QTAC competition brief:
Show us your interpretation of the concept “Choose the Future” or “50 Years of QTAC”, and your artwork could feature on the front cover of the 2026 QTAC Guide.

  

We congratulate Sally on this wonderful success and look forward to seeing her artwork inspire students across Queensland as they take the next steps in their educational journey.

Well done, Sally!

For students who have recently arrived in Australia and are learning English, starting school in Year 10 is a formidable challenge. The Australian Curriculum is designed for students who have English as their home language, and by Year 10, students are expected to demonstrate a wide range of vocabulary, grammar and text structures.

To support students who are developing their English language skills, we offer a Year 10 EAL/D Success Pathway, where students have the opportunity for double the number of English classes as well as targeted curriculum in other subject areas to prepare them for Senior schooling.

This term, like all Year 10 English students, the class is analysing the features of advertising, with a strong focus on the language of persuasion and the language of analysis. This includes nominal (noun) groups, so that students can describe the ad they will analyse, and then work on pronunciation and confidence in presenting in front of the class.

Celebrating Our Amazing Guidance Officers!

As Guidance Officer Week (28 April to 9 May) comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to recognise the incredible work of our own guidance officers, Nic Tashke, Nikki Shaw and Suzie Fullerton. From heart-to-heart chats to much-needed pep talks, they are always here to support our students’ educational journeys, career choices, and overall wellbeing.

If you think your child could benefit from advice or support, please get in touch with one of our Guidance Officers.

And don’t miss the awesome, feel-good video celebrating our guidance officers in action — it’s up now on our Facebook and Instagram pages!

For more information about the role of guidance officers, visit the Education website.

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Term 2 is in full swing, and there's a wealth of valuable information, opportunities, and upcoming events to support students in planning their future study and career paths.

 

QUT Developments and Events

QUT has announced Queensland’s first five-year undergraduate Doctor of Medicine program, commencing in 2027. This direct-entry medical pathway will allow eligible students to start studying medicine straight after Year 12, helping to address urgent healthcare workforce needs while reducing study-related debt.

The university is also revitalising its performing arts programs with a future-focused, industry-aligned curriculum. These updates will be discussed at QUT’s Guidance Officer Day on Friday 30 May, providing insights into how creative courses are evolving to meet the demands of a changing sector.

Parents and students can also explore study options at QUT’s interactive webinars and activities:

• QUT Open Pitch Night – 5 June: A platform for budding entrepreneurs to pitch ideas, seek feedback, or join a startup team.

UQ Highlights

Students interested in Western Civilisation and scholarship opportunities should register for the UQ Ramsay Undergraduate Scholarship webinar on 6 June (12:00–1:00pm). The scholarship offers up to $20,000 per year, plus additional financial support for regional or interstate students. It's open to current Year 12 students planning to commence humanities studies in 2026.

UniSQ Opportunities

Applications remain open for UniSQ’s Head Start Trimester 2 program, which begins Monday 26 May. Students can gain real university experience by enrolling in first-year subjects—free for the first course—boosting confidence and skills before graduation.

UniSQ is also hosting an online wellbeing workshop, Building Resilience for Success at University, on 27 May. This session, run by university counsellors, will support students in managing stress and maintaining mental wellness during tertiary study.

Important Deadlines

• Junior Physics Odyssey (UQ) – Applications close 9 May for the July event.

• UQ Skills Experience Day – Event on 16 May at Gatton for Years 9–12 students interested in hands-on vocational learning.

• Torrens University Pathways – Students without a Year 12 Certificate can explore diploma-entry options via Torrens' alternative pathways program.

Please share these opportunities with students and families. They provide excellent exposure to post-school options and help support confident decision-making.

National Careers Week

https://careersweek.com.au/

Mental Health and Wellbeing

The World Health Organisation report that one in seven 10–19-year-olds experience a mental health condition, with depression and anxiety amongst the leading cause of illness, impacting immensely on school attendance and learning. WHO further states that most adolescents struggling with their mental health receive no support or treatment through the illness.

With such significant statistics, I encourage you to take a fresh look at the resources that are available to provide support for mental health and wellbeing for young people. Some of these include:

www.Headspace.org.au offering great resources across a variety of topics to help you to support your family, including the opportunity to join a “Partners in Parenting” online program.

Qld Health also have a wonderful list of resources, apps, courses, and podcasts at https://www.mentalwellbeing.initiatives.qld.gov.au/resources

www.BeyondBlue.org.au is also a great reference resource, with links to other agencies that can help. If you are concerned about your young person, Beyond Blue suggests firstly checking in with them and asking if they’re okay, listening to them, and supporting them to find help. 

Within the school community, there are also many staff that are here to provide help and support. Please reach out and share your concerns.

Lunch Club

As part of the support I offer to the school community, I facilitate a lunch club during first break on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. It is held in an indoor space which is great for students who prefer a quieter environment. The attending students determine the activity, which could be individual or group fun, with board games, lego, or even just a conversation with friends while having lunch. A limited range of food is available if required.

Blessings, Chappy

Please email our Enrolment Officer at enrolments@yerongashs.eq.edu.au if you have any questions.

For enrolment interviews, please bring:

• Your child that is being enrolled
• Birth certificate/passport/travel documents
• Most recent school report card/NAPLAN reports
• Enrolment application documents

To watch the Yeronga State High Video, please click the link below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxI0tsaM6Ss&t=2s

To watch Y Yeronga (Why Yeronga Video) please click on the link below

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYNam89UzIY

Thank you.

May is Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month. This year’s theme is ‘Take positive action today to build a safer Queensland’. Our school is taking positive action by helping students learn about safe and respectful relationships, and assisting students and families impacted by DFV to access support. Visit the Queensland Government’s DFV prevention month web page to learn more about:

• DFV
• the support available
• how to help someone experiencing DFV
• the DFV prevention month activities taking place in our community.

Parentline service supporting parents and carers

Parentline is a free, confidential counselling service available for all Queensland parents and carers.

If you need support navigating challenging situations, Parentline offers qualified counsellors who can help with expert advice, emotional support and referrals when needed.

Parentline’s services include:

• practical parenting resources on their website

• live webchat with professional counsellors

• phone support for immediate assistance (1300 30 1300)

• the option to pre-book ongoing sessions with the same counsellor

• online counsellor-facilitated parenting forums for shared support

• referrals to other family support services when additional help is needed.

Visit their website (parentline.com.au) for more information today, or give them a call on 1300 30 1300.