LSHS Newsletter March 2025

From the Principal's Desk

Cyclone and Flood Impacts

Last fortnight saw our community again impacted by the effects of weather with flooding of many of our local communities.

While the pictures on the television and social media were confronting, I am pleased that very few of our staff and families have reported been significantly impacted by this flood event.  The early warning of the cyclone and the frequency of previous flood events have allowed us all to be better prepared than ever to remain safe and to minimise the impacts of these types of weather events on ourselves and our property.

Of course, if your family has been impacted in a significant way, our school is here to help in whatever way we can. Please contact us if you or your child needs any support and we can either assist you directly or connect you with an agency that can support you.

Our school was again used as a place of safe refuge by members of the community during this flood event.  We are proud and pleased to be able to provide this service to our community. We have a strong working relationship with the Local Disaster Management Group and the Lockyer Valley Regional Council and we have refined our processes to streamline the preparations and operations of this centre during emergency events.

I trust that the communication from the school during this event kept you up to date with the school closure and re-opening decisions and other relevant information associated with this weather event. 

Attendance: Everyday Counts

Our school is focused on improving the attendance rate of students this year.  We have set a target of maintaining 90% attendance throughout the year (up from 78.7% in 2024).

Currently our attendance rate is sitting at 84.0%.

This means that, on average, every student in the school is having approximately 32 days off during a regular school year of 200 school days. Of course, some students are performing well above this attendance benchmark and others are having significantly more days away from school. 

There is a clear link between students having high levels of attendance at school and performing strongly in their academic and vocational studies. Similarly, academic engagement and results decline when students have low school attendance.

As parents, one of the best things that you can do for your child’s future is to support and encourage good attendance habits at school.  This will usually have a significant influence on their attendance patterns at work in the future.

Parents are asked to think strategically and act decisively to set a clear standard on school attendance for your children.  Some tips include:

• Make school attendance non-negotiable. Set a high standard and expect that your child will attend school every day. When you relent and allow your child to stay home from school on some days (i.e. sports days, the last day of school or when they have an assignment due etc.), your teenage child will quickly learn to keep asking you to have other days off school as well. As a parent, it then becomes harder to say no and to justify why they cannot stay home on other school days.

• Make medical appointments in the early morning or late afternoon wherever possible to minimise the time away from school. Send your child to school in the morning and pick them up for the appointment, or alternatively, return them to school after the appointment.  This shows your child that you place a high value on them attending school.

• Outline the implications of being sick and not being able to attend school. If a child is too sick to attend school, help them to understand the natural implications of this decision including:
  • Limited or no phone, TV or technology during the day. If you are home sick, then you're focused on resting and sleeping to get better.
  • If you are sick, you will need to go to bed earlier than normal to catch up on sleep.
  • If you are sick, you are not allowed to go to sports training or have friends come and visit that afternoon/evening as you need to rest.

• Stay away from school if you are sick until you are well enough to return without infecting others. Seek medical treatment early to improve your recovery and support an earlier return to school.

• If you have a problem at school, raise the issue with the school early and work with the school to implement the recommended strategies. If your child is emotional or upset about something happening at school, make an appointment to meet with the school to discuss the issue. Do not allow a problem to continue unresolved as it will often fester and become a bigger issue over time.

Regular and consistent attendance is a critical habit that young people need to master to be successful in their education and employment.  Parents play a critical role in helping young people to form good attendance habits. I encourage parents to make proactive decisions that help their children to develop positive attendance habits that will help them to have a successful future.  

Mr Michael Clarkson
Principal 

Senior School Report

Hello, Laidley State High School Community!

I’m Kerrie Gray, the Head of Year 11 and 12 at Laidley State High School. With extensive experience supporting senior students in their schooling journey, I am passionate about helping students navigate their pathways in senior school and successfully transition into their future.

At Laidley State High School, my focus is on student wellbeing and engagement. I work alongside a fantastic team to support students in overcoming barriers to their education, understanding their QCE and QCIA pathways, and setting meaningful goals for their future success. I have an open-door policy and encourage all senior students to come and see me with any questions or concerns about their schooling journey.

I look forward to working with our senior students and supporting them on their journey towards achieving their aspirations!

Mrs Kerrie Gray
Head of Year 11/12

Middle School Report

A Warm Welcome to Our Year 9 Students!

I’m excited to welcome all Year 9 students, parents, and caregivers to what promises to be a fantastic year at Laidley State High School. My name is Alex Ward, and this is my first year at Laidley after spending six years teaching at Oakey State High School. I’m looking forward to getting to know our Year 9 students and helping them navigate the challenges and opportunities that come with this important stage of high school.

As we settle into the year, it’s essential that we build good habits from the start. A few key things to remember:

• Wearing the correct uniform – Black shoes, white socks, and the right uniform on the right days:
• Sports uniform – Monday, Wednesday, Friday
• Formal uniform – Tuesday, Thursday

If this can't be achieved, students need to bring a note from home or change into a borrowed uniform.

• Technology policy – Phones and earphones must be away during the school day to support focused and engaged learning.
• Be ready to learn – Having the right materials (books, pens, and a fully charged laptop) every day makes a huge difference.

This year is all about stepping up, embracing new opportunities, and striving to do our best. There’s plenty to look forward to, from engaging lessons to exciting school events, and I can’t wait to see what we achieve together. If you require any support as the year moves on, please don't hesitate to reach out to me here at the school

Looking forward to a great year ahead!

Mr Alex Ward
Head of Year 9

Year 10: What a whirlwind start to the year!

It’s been fantastic to see our Year 10 students settling back into the routine and familiarity of school.

This year marks an important step in their journey as they begin to explore their future pathways in a more meaningful way. We will start the SET Plan process, which will continue through Term 2. This process helps students reflect on their strengths, weaknesses, and interests as they consider their career options. For some, this means choosing the right subjects to complete Year 11 and 12. For others, it may involve preparing for employment or vocational training at the end of this year. It’s an exciting time, and we often see increased engagement as students start to visualise their futures.

As Head of Year, my role is to support students' social and emotional wellbeing—monitoring attendance, behaviour, uniform, peer relationships, and future pathways while staying connected with you, their parents and carers. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s engagement with their education, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

I’m looking forward to working with the Year 10 students through what promises to be a dynamic and important year!

Mrs Jessica Lalic
Head of Year 10

Junior School Report

Year 7 Kicks Off the Year with Exciting Activities!

Our Year 7 students have had a fantastic start to the school year! In Week 1, they participated in a full-day workshop run by Character Builders, designed to help them develop new skills, build friendships, and engage in fun, activity-based challenges. The day was a resounding success, with students embracing the opportunity to connect and grow in a supportive environment.

Looking ahead, the next major event for our cohort is the Year 7 & 8 Camp at CYC Burleigh, scheduled for the beginning of Term 2. Due to high demand, we have been able to open additional spots for students on the waiting list. However, these places are extremely limited. If your child is interested in attending but has not yet secured a place with a deposit, we encourage you to do so as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Transitioning from Primary to Secondary School can be a big adjustment for both students and parents. If you have any concerns or require support, please don't hesitate to reach out—I’m here to help!

We look forward to an exciting and rewarding year ahead for our Year 7 students!

Mr Michael Armstrong
Head of Year 7

Welcome to Year 8, 2025!

As we kick off a new school year, I’m excited to introduce myself as the Head of Year 8. My name is Cahtya Pitty, and I’ve been teaching at Laidley for five years. After working as a Year Coordinator, I’m looking forward to stepping into this role and supporting our Year 8 students as they take on new challenges, build strong routines, and make the most of the opportunities ahead.

To set ourselves up for success, it is important that we get the basics right from day one. That means:

• Wearing the correct uniform – Black shoes, white socks, and the right uniform on the right days:
• Sports uniform – Monday, Wednesday, Friday
• Formal uniform – Tuesday, Thursday
• Being prepared for learning – Make sure students have their books, pens, and a fully charged laptop every day.
• Following the technology policy – Phones and earphones must be away for the day. Let’s stay focused and engaged in the classroom.

This term is all about building strong routines, making the most of opportunities, and striving to be our best. There is plenty to look forward to—engaging lessons, exciting activities, and a few surprises along the way.

Looking forward to an incredible term ahead!

Mrs Cahtya Pitty
Head of Year 8

Business Manager Report

Time is flying here in Administration, and we are getting into the rhythm now.

Invoicing and Payments

Invoicing for the Student Resource Scheme, including laptops, has now been completed over the past two weeks. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact either myself or the Resource Centre.

For those receiving Centrelink payments, CentrePay is available to assist with school fee payments. This service ensures that payments are fully settled by the end of Term 3. Please note that CentrePay cannot be used for items such as senior jerseys, excursions etc unless prior approval has been obtained from the Business Manager. To set up fortnightly deductions, please visit or contact the school office to complete the necessary form.

Updated statements will be issued at the end of the month, providing a clear overview of any outstanding balances. Should you have any questions regarding payment of school fees or would like to discuss alternative payment arrangements please email - bsm@laidleyshs.eq.edu.au.

QParents

QParents has now been activated, and invitations have been sent. If you need to add a student after your account has been approved, please use the EQID from the student invoice to do so.

We are excited to be moving towards electronic consent, which will streamline the permission process and reduce the need for paper-based approvals. This new system will benefit students, teachers, and administrative staff by saving time and improving efficiency. Implementation will take place this year.

If you require assistance with QParents, please contact the office or reach out to our Enrolments Officer for support.

Ms Stephanie Hartas 
Business Manager

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Hub

Welcome to 2025!

We are excited to welcome you and your children to the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Hub, where we are committed to providing quality cultural education and support for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Our team is passionate about creating an inclusive and empowering space for our students to thrive.

Meet Our Team:

• Head of Department (HOD): Chloe Park
• Community Education Counsellor (CEC): Karen Day
• Teacher Aides: Toni Trusz & Janaya Burchell

Our mission is to provide engaging cultural learning experiences through our Deadly Mob program, ensuring students have the opportunity to connect with and celebrate their culture.

Additionally, we support our students in various ways, including:

• Health Checks – We facilitate access to essential health checks to promote overall well-being.
• In-Class Support – Our dedicated teacher aides provide assistance to enhance learning experiences.
• Well-Being Support – We offer guidance and support outside of class to ensure students feel safe, valued, and supported.

Throughout the year, we celebrate important events such as Close the Gap Day, Reconciliation Week, and NAIDOC Week recognising the significance of these occasions in fostering awareness, unity, and cultural pride.

Our junior programs include CPD and are referred to as the Deadly Mob, which focuses on culture through art, dance and language and connection through the tree of life program; Kambu Health Checks to support student well-being; the Deadly Choices Program, which promotes healthy lifestyles; and the East Tigers Rising Community Program, which builds leadership and resilience.

We look forward to working with you and your children this year! If you have any questions or would like to get involved, please don't hesitate to reach out to our team.

Mrs Chloe Park  
Head of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Peoples Education

PBL

Introducing the PBL Passport

At Laidley State High School, we are excited to launch the PBL Passport in 2025! This system is designed to recognise and reward students who consistently demonstrate our school’s Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) principles: Be a Learner, Be Safe, Be Responsible, and Be Respectful.

The PBL Passport allows students to participate in excursions, camps, leadership roles, end-of-year trips, and reward activities based on their attendance, effort, behaviour, and adherence to the school’s uniform policy. By meeting these expectations, students will have access to a range of exciting opportunities throughout the year.

We encourage all students to strive to excel in their learning and conduct so they can take full advantage of these rewards. 

Let’s celebrate positive behaviour and effort at Laidley State High School!

Mr Shane Canavan
PBL Leader

Student Council

Student Council Initiatives: Making a Difference in Our School Community

Our Student Council has been working tirelessly to create a positive and inclusive school environment through a range of exciting initiatives. Their passion and dedication to giving back to the school and wider community have been truly inspiring. Here’s a look at some of the fantastic events they have organised so far this year.

Swimming Carnival Sausage Sizzle

Thanks to the generosity of our school community, the Swimming Carnival Sausage Sizzle was a huge success! The funds raised have been put straight back into the school, helping to fix and service the cold-water bubblers, ensuring students have access to refreshing hydration throughout the day.

Valentine’s Day Chocolate Drive

Love was certainly in the air this Valentine’s Day, with students spreading joy and generosity throughout the school. Through the chocolate drive, an incredible $400 was raised and donated to the Heart Foundation, supporting vital research and initiatives for heart health.

Harmony Day – March 21^st

To celebrate our wonderfully diverse school community, students took part in a Free Dress Day, wearing cultural attire or orange to show their support. A gold coin donation was collected, with all proceeds going towards Multicultural Australia and their initiatives that promote inclusivity and multiculturalism.

World’s Greatest Shave – March 25^th

Braving the clippers for an incredible cause, students and teachers will be participating in the World’s Greatest Shave to raise awareness and funds for the Leukaemia Foundation. Students are also encouraged to get involved by wearing Crazy Hair for the day with a gold coin donation. Families who wish to contribute further can donate directly to the school team using the QR code or link provided.

A heartfelt thank you to all the students who have contributed their time, effort, and enthusiasm to making these events such a success. It is truly inspiring to see the school come together to support meaningful causes and build a strong, caring community. I can’t wait to see what the Student Council achieves next!

Miss Emma George
Student Leader Coordinator

Valentine’s Day Chocolate Drive

Sport News

Touch Academy - Notes can be collected from HPE staffroom.

• Level 1 touch refereeing course is being offered to interested students. Friday, 28 March 12pm - 2.55pm.  Notes and payment of $44 to the office.
• Gym Club and Running Club will kick off soon, so collect your note and return it to Mrs. Kreis as soon as possible. Tuesday and Friday mornings for gym club.

Western Ranges trials - put your name down on Mrs. Kreis's desk

• Golf - 10-19 years Boys and Girls - Monday, 31 March (must have a golf link number and handicap)
• Touch - Boys and Girls - Wednesday, 26 March
• Soccer - 12 years Boys and Girls - LOCKYER ZONE TRIAL FIRST
• Union - 12 years & 14-15 years - Wednesday, 30 April

Cross Country - Thursday 3^rd April - 12.30pm

• Fast approaching so start your running training now!

Mrs Kristy Kreis
Sports Coordinator 

HASS

It has been a busy start to the year in the world of HASS!

Students have hit the ground running with our students studying various Humanities subjects and topics across years 7 – 12. 

In the Year 7 and 8 space, students are engaging with Civics & Citizenship, looking at Australian Government, the legal system, identity and diversity. Both cohorts have had a fantastic start to the year and are working towards end of term exams.

Our Year 9 and 10 cohorts have both started the year off in History! Year 9 are investigating ‘Making and Transforming the Australian Nation’ and Year 10 students are focusing on World War II. Both groups of students have been highly engaged and refining their historical skills.

The seniors are working on various subjects, following their passions. Students in Early Childhood have participated in a sensory experience, investigating the power of touch and smell and the impact it can have on the development and early learning of children. They have also participated in fine motor activities, demonstrating simple activities that can be completed with younger children to build fine motor skills! Ancient History students have donned their Archaeologist hats and participated in a simulated historical dig. Using choc-chip cookies (representing the land and artefacts) and armed with their toothpicks (excavation tools), students set out to carefully extract their artefacts. This was an exciting and engaging way to start the term for both groups of students, capturing their interest for the following learning.

Students are reminded to be prepared for learning by bringing along: writing equipment, a notebook, water bottle and charged laptop to every lesson.

Miss Sheovon Murray
Head of HASS & Diverse Learners

Instrumental Music

What a term we are having in Instrumental Music!

Our collaboration day went off without a hitch last Tuesday. We met at school bright and early, then picked up the Lockyer kids before heading out to Toogoolawah to play our hearts out in our 60+ piece band! We worked on “Frozen: A Medley” and “The Greatest Showman: Hits” for the day – both pieces are challenging but with practice Mrs Logan has confidence we can pull them off at Battle of the Bands.

Remember, Battle of the Bands is Thursday, 29 May so keep it free and get ready to rock out!!

Instrumental Music Tour is also fast approaching - we have an absolutely packed bus with 55 students heading out West in the first week of June. Further details as to final costings will be provided very soon.

As always if anyone would like to join the Instrumental Program, please see a staff member in N Block for a note. No prior experience is required, and we still have a limited number of school instruments for hire.

Mrs Jessica Logan
Instrumental Music Teacher

Wellbeing Hub

News from the School Nurse

P&C News

P&C AGM Association Meeting

The next P&C Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 25 March 2025 at 5:30pm in C4 behind the Administration Building. All parents and members of our school community are invited to join us.

The P&C plays a crucial role in providing resources to support and improve outcomes at Laidley State High School. Your involvement is highly valued and can make a meaningful difference.

Please consider volunteering for the P&C by emailing pandc@laidleyshs.eq.edu.au 

School Dental Van

The School Dental Service has returned to Laidley State High School, FREE dental health appointments
are available.

Strong, healthy teeth are important for a child’s health and wellbeing. Poor oral care can result in health problems that go beyond the mouth. It’s important that children receive regular dental health check-ups and seek urgent dental care if there is a problem or pain.

Community Noticeboard