LSHS Newsletter August 2025

From the Principal's Desk

Strong Progress Towards Our 2025 Targets

I am very pleased to share with you some excellent news about our school’s progress towards the performance targets set in our Strategic Plan. As we reach the midpoint of the school year, the data from Semester 1 2025 shows that we are continuing to make strong improvements across all key areas of student learning, engagement and wellbeing.

Our students have demonstrated meaningful gains in academic performance with A-B academic results improving by 5.4% (from 33.2% in Semester 1 2024 to 38.6% in 2025) and A-C academic results increasing by 6.3% (from 73.1% to 79.4%).

Behaviour and effort data also show positive trends with A-B behaviour results up by 6.2% and A-C results up by 2.4%.  Effort results have also increase by 6.4% for A-B results and by 6.0% for A-C results.

We have also seen notable reductions in negative behaviour incidents with a 26% decrease in minor incidents and a 20% decrease in major incidents being reported by teachers.  Our short-term suspensions have reduced by 34% and long-term suspensions are also down by 11%.

Our whole-school attendance rate has improved by 3.3%, rising from 78.7% in 2024 to 82.0% in 2025. This reflects a stronger school culture and a renewed commitment to learning.  While this improvement in attendance is pleasing, there is more work to do between parents and the school to make further improvements in student attendance patterns.

What’s Driving This Improvement?

These achievements are no accident. They reflect the strength of our school strategy, the professionalism of our staff and the ongoing commitment to doing what’s best for students. Key factors contributing to our success include:

• Clear and consistent curriculum planning and delivery
• A strong and shared pedagogy framework
• A well-established Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) program
• Consistent implementation of the 4 Dimensions framework with teacher
• Improved student management and case management processes
• The success of our new Wellbeing Hub as a support space for students
• Stronger systems to support students with disability
• A culture of collegiality and support across all teams during year of staffing challenges
• Countless other contributions made every day by our dedicated staff

Looking Ahead

While these results are something to be proud of, our journey is not yet complete. We have not yet reached the stretch targets outlined in our 2025 – 2028 Strategic Plan and our students deserve nothing less than our best. That means continuing to raise expectations, demand more from our learners and ensure every student is supported to achieve their personal best.

Thank you to all staff, students and families who are helping drive these improvements. Together, we’re building a stronger, more supportive and more successful school community.

Mr Michael Clarkson
Principal

Senior School Report

Preparing for the Future

As the end of the year approaches, we are entering a critical time for our Year 12 students. This period marks important milestones as they prepare for life beyond school. Recent QTAC presentations have provided valuable information on university application processes, while TAFE representatives and Open Day events are offering alternative pathways and firsthand insights into post-school opportunities. We encourage all senior students to take full advantage of these events to make informed decisions about their next steps.

For Year 11 students, the completion of QCE reviews at the end of Unit 1 is a key achievement. It’s important to reflect on your progress and set clear goals for the remainder of the year to stay on track for successful QCE completion.

A gentle reminder to all senior students: maintaining an attendance rate of at least 90% is crucial for your academic success and eligibility for many post-school options. Wearing your uniform with pride and actively engaging in all learning and extracurricular opportunities will not only enhance your school experience but also help build the skills and character needed for life beyond the classroom.

Let’s finish the year strong by staying focused, engaged and committed to making the most of every opportunity. Together, we can support our senior students to achieve their goals and prepare confidently for the exciting chapters ahead.

If you have any questions or concerns about senior schooling, please reach out to the Senior Schooling Team:

• Mrs Crosby – Deputy Principal
• Mrs Gray – Head of Year
• Mrs Jackwitz – Youth Support Coordinator
• Mrs King – TAFE/School-based Apprenticeships and Traineeships
• Ms McPhillips – Data Entry

Mrs Kym Crosby
Deputy Principal - Year 11/12

Middle School Report

Celebrating Opportunities & Preparing for What’s Ahead

The past few weeks have been both exciting and productive for our Middle School students, with a wide range of programs, experiences and achievements to acknowledge.

We are proud to congratulate Leilani Dunbar, Angel Sharma and Shaziya Zakir Ali on their acceptance into the prestigious QUT Young Accelerators Program (YAP). This initiative offers students the chance to explore future pathways and develop valuable skills for university and beyond.

On Tuesday, all Year 10 students participated in the Life Choices presentation with Andrew Fisher, gaining important insights into making positive life decisions, along with the thrill of seeing his V8 Supercar up close.

A new group of Year 10 students has also commenced the Top Blokes program, which focuses on leadership, resilience and respectful relationships. These opportunities, alongside other initiatives running throughout the term, are designed to ensure students make the most of their secondary school experience.

Looking ahead, our Year 10 students will begin their work experience in Week 6, commencing Monday 18 August and will also start their PBL Passport analysis in preparation for the end-of-semester Soirée Evening.

In the Arts, a number of Year 9 and 10 students are contributing to this year’s Theatre Restaurant, working alongside our senior students to learn the skills and traditions that will keep this much-loved event thriving into the future.

Year 9 students also recently took part in the UQ Outreach “Know Your Strengths” workshop, an engaging program designed to help students identify their personal strengths and understand how to apply them in learning, relationships and future career planning.

It is inspiring to see so many students embracing opportunities that build their skills, confidence and aspirations. We look forward to celebrating their continued achievements in the months ahead.

Mrs Kristie Podlich
Deputy Principal - Year 9/10

Junior School Report

Parent-Teacher Interviews – Thank You

A sincere thank you to all the parents and caregivers who attended our Parent-Teacher Interviews last week. It was lovely to catch up with so many of you and to see such strong support from our school community.

These interviews are always a valuable opportunity for parents and teachers to connect and collaborate in support of each student’s learning journey. We greatly appreciate the time and effort you took to engage in thoughtful conversations about your child’s progress, strengths and areas for growth.

Your presence not only reinforces the importance of education but also shows our students that their learning matters, both at school and at home. When families and teachers work together, we can ensure every child receives the support they need to grow into healthy, happy and capable adults.

Free Vision Testing for Year 7 Students

We are pleased to inform families that Laidley State High School’s School-Based Youth Health Nurse, will be offering free basic distance vision tests to all Year 7 students during Term 3.

This service is an important step in identifying any potential vision issues that may impact learning. If a concern is detected during testing, families will receive a recommendation for further evaluation.

More detailed information and a consent form will be sent home shortly. In the meantime, if you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the School-Based Youth Health Nurse at: nurse.laidley@health.qld.gov.au

Enrolment Applications for 2026 Year 7 Students

A friendly reminder to families with current Year 6 students: enrolment applications for Year 7 in 2026 at Laidley State High School are now due. We encourage you to return completed enrolment forms to the school office as soon as possible.

Our first enrolment interviews will take place on Monday, 18 August. These interviews are an important part of the transition process and help us get to know our future students and their families.

We are looking forward to welcoming our new students and working together to ensure their transition to high school is smooth, positive and well-supported.

Mr Andrew Tarvit
Deputy Principal - Year 7/8

Business Manager Report

QParents 

We are pleased to share that Laidley State High School will continue to offer access to QParents, a free and secure online platform provided by the Queensland Government.

QParents allows families to easily manage key aspects of their child’s education and stay informed about important school matters, including attendance, behaviour and payments.

Through QParents, you can:

• View report cards, timetables and upcoming events

• Access and provide digital consent for excursions and school activities

• View and update attendance records, including reporting future absences

• Access behaviour information

• Make payments and view payment history

As we move toward fully digital communication, all parents will be required to have a QParents account by 2026. This will ensure you can continue to access information and provide consent for your child’s excursions and other permissions.

Please refer to the attached information sheet for help with registration. If you need assistance or would like to book a time with our Enrolments Officer, please contact the office on (07) 5466 8922 or email lbamb11@eq.edu.au.

Finalising Payments for End-of-Year Activities

As we enter the second half of the school year, we kindly remind families to ensure that student accounts are paid off by the end of Term 3. This is important for student eligibility to participate in a range of exciting end-of-year events, such as:

• End-of-year celebrations and excursions

• Senior jersey or jacket orders

• Graduation and milestone events

Being up to date with school fees also helps us with smooth planning and ensures no student misses out on important opportunities.

We understand that personal circumstances can change. If you are experiencing financial difficulty or need extra time, please don’t hesitate to contact the school. We’re more than happy to arrange a confidential payment plan that keeps your child fully involved in school life.

Thank you for your ongoing support in ensuring all students can enjoy a positive and inclusive school experience.

Ms Stephanie Hartas 
Business Manager

Wellbeing Hub

Support from the Laidley Lions Club

The Wellbeing Team has been incredibly fortunate to receive generous donations from the local Laidley Lions Club, enabling us to purchase a range of essential items for students who may need a little extra support.

We would like to extend a special thank you to Leanne and Gary for coordinating and delivering the donations. Your time and effort are truly appreciated. Our heartfelt gratitude also goes to the entire team at the Laidley Lions Club for your continued support of our school community.

We look forward to continuing our partnership to support both our students and our valued local organisations.

Special Education Services

Annual NCCD Data Collection 

As a school, we are currently undertaking our annual data collection on students with a disability as part of the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data (NCCD). This is a national process undertaken by all Australian schools each year. It plays a vital role in recognising and supporting students with disability in our schools.

What is the NCCD?

The NCCD collects information about how schools support students with disability. This includes:

• The student’s year level
• The category of disability (physical, cognitive, sensory, or social/emotional)
• The level of adjustment provided to support access and participation (ranging from quality differentiated teaching practice to extensive adjustments)

This information is based on evidence already gathered by the school as part of everyday teaching and support practices. No additional testing or assessments are required and students are not individually identified in the data sent to the Australian Government.

Why is this important?

The NCCD allows schools to:

• Formally recognise the adjustments and supports being provided to students with disability
• Reflect on and improve practices that support inclusive education
• Develop shared strategies among staff to review and enhance learning programs
• Improve educational outcomes for all students

At a national level, the data helps state and federal governments plan for future resourcing and support for students with disability.

How does the NCCD relate to funding?

In Queensland, the information collected through the NCCD plays an important role in ensuring that schools receive appropriate resourcing to meet the needs of students with disability.

While the NCCD is not directly linked to individual student funding, the data helps the Queensland Department of Education and the Australian Government, understand school-wide needs and allocate resources accordingly. This supports the provision of adjustments such as:

• Teacher aide support
• Access to specialist staff
• Assistive technology
• Professional development for teachers and support staff

All of this helps ensure that every student has access to a high-quality, inclusive education.

What about privacy?

NCCD data is submitted in a non-identifiable format. No individual student can be identified in the information provided. All data is protected under strict privacy and confidentiality laws.

You can learn more about how your data is handled in the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy and find additional information about the NCCD via the links below.

If you have any questions about the NCCD or how it is implemented at our school, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Mrs Tayla Black-Read 
Head of Special Education Services

Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Hub

The Next Generation – Strength, Vision & Legacy

This year, our school came together to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2025, guided by the theme: “The Next Generation – Strength, Vision & Legacy.” This theme honours the strength of past generations while empowering our youth to carry forward a proud and resilient legacy.

We kicked off the celebrations with a whole-school BBQ, where students sampled traditional bush foods including kangaroo and crocodile, a delicious and engaging way to connect with culture. For many students, this was a first-time experience!

At our whole-school and community parade, we proudly acknowledged our senior QATSIF scholarship recipients, as well as recipients from visiting schools, for their dedication to both education and culture. The parade celebrated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and included a formal Lighting of the Candles to welcome guests and commence the event, performances by our Deadly Mob Dance Troupe and opportunities for students to yarn with local Elders.

Throughout the week, students participated in cultural art sessions, exploring identity and storytelling through traditional techniques and symbols. Engagement was high and it was fantastic to hear students having meaningful conversations about their designs.

Following our school-based NAIDOC Week events, our Deadly Mob Dance Troupe was invited to perform at the Toowoomba QATSIF Graduation Ceremony, where our Year 12 recipients were recognised for their commitment and success.

Although our Traditional Games Day was postponed due to weather, we are working to confirm a new date so that invited students can still enjoy this exciting event.

NAIDOC Week was a powerful time for our entire school community to reflect, celebrate and support the next generation of strong and proud leaders in our community.

Miss Sheovon Murray
Head of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education

Kokoda Challenge

96km Kokoda Challenge

At 7:00 AM on Saturday, 19 July, a team of our remarkable students and staff set off on the 96km Kokoda Challenge, trekking through the rugged terrain of the Gold Coast Hinterland, from Mudgeeraba to Nerang.

After months of dedicated training and fundraising, the team crossed the finish line in an impressive 31 hours and 36 minutes, a powerful display of endurance, resilience and teamwork.

Throughout the challenge, the group supported each other every step of the way, embodying the true Kokoda spirit. Their determination and unity were nothing short of inspiring.

A huge thank you to everyone who played a part, whether you joined the official support crew, contributed to fundraising, or offered words of encouragement, your support meant the world.

This outstanding achievement would not have been possible without the incredible strength and backing of our school community. 

Miss Adelaide Carey 
KOKODA Challenge Coordinator

On the Right Track – 48km Challenge 

Our incredible OTRT students have truly shown their strength and commitment by completing the gruelling 48km overnight challenge!

Kicking off at 12:00 PM on Saturday and finishing around 2:30 AM Sunday, students walked with determination through the night, taking only two 20-minute breaks along the way.

This year marked a record milestone, Laidley SHS is the first OTRT school to have 12 participants show up to take on the 48km challenge! Even though one student was unable to complete the walk due to injury, they stayed involved throughout, supporting their team at the start line, checkpoints and at the finish.

With the hiking phase now successfully completed, our students move into the community service stage of the program, continuing to develop resilience, teamwork and leadership.

Well done to all involved, you are most certainly on the right track!

Mr Matthew Maticic
KOKODA OTRT Coordinator 

Sport News

2025 Interhouse Athletics Carnival Recap

Over the two action-packed days of our 2025 Interhouse Athletics Carnival, students gave it their all, whether they were chasing the title of Age Champion or simply competing for house points. The energy around the oval was electric, with incredible house spirit on display through creative dress-ups, enthusiastic participation in novelty events and the constant encouragement shared between competitors. This is the true spirit of Laidley State High School.

While every house gave a tremendous effort, there could only be one overall winner. Once again, it came down to a tight contest between two fierce rivals. With around 300 points separating them, Wundurra emerged victorious with a total of 1945 points, bumping 2024 winner, Boomori out of first place.

Congratulations, Wundurra – 2025 Interhouse Athletics Champions!

Also, a huge congratulations must go to the age champions who participated in every event to earn themselves points for the age champion title.

Your huge efforts did not go unnoticed.

Western Ranges Athletics

Dates: Thursday, 14 & Friday, 15 August
Location: UQ St Lucia

All Schools Games & Carnivals

Preliminary Game vs Lockyer District High
📍 Laidley Recreation Grounds
🗓 Wednesday, 3 September
🕒 3:15 PM – 5:30 PM

Kings Cup Competition

• Monday, 15 September – U15 Girls & Mixed Teams
• Tuesday, 16 September – U15 Boys & U13 Boys

Qld All Schools Competition

• U15 Boys: Wednesday, 8 & Thursday, 9 October (Times to be advised)
• U15 Girls: Wednesday, 8 - Friday, 10 October (Times to be advised)
  🔹 Note: Bus transport provided for Wednesday and Thursday. Students will need to arrange their own transport for Friday morning's game.
• Open Mixed: Friday, 10 & Saturday, 11 October (Times to be advised)

Year 7/8 Cluster Day

🗓 Thursday, 18 September
📍 Laidley Recreation Grounds
Students will walk to the venue during school hours.
Year 9–12 students may be involved in officiating or assisting with organisation.

 Sports Awards Night

🗓 Thursday, 16 October
🕡 6:15 PM
🔹 Invitation Only

Mrs Kristy Kreis
Sports Coordinator

Instrumental Music

Science

Laidley Students Shine at Local Shows 

Students from Laidley State High School proudly represented the school at both the Laidley and Kilcoy Shows recently, participating in the popular donkey showing events. Their hard work, dedication and care for their animals were evident in the ring and behind the scenes and they should be commended for their enthusiasm and sportsmanship.

Laidley Show Results 

🥈 Reserve Champion Performance Donkey
🏆 Grand Champion Exhibition of Show

Kilcoy Show Results 

🥇 Champion Performance Donkey
🥈 Reserve Champion Performance Donkey
🏆 Grand Champion Exhibition of Show

The 2025 show season has now wrapped up and we extend our sincere thanks to Dr Reece Wells, the program leader, for his time, expertise and unwavering commitment to delivering this unique and valuable opportunity to our students.

Well done to all involved!

Mrs Amy Moore 
Head of Science and HPE

P&C News

P&C Meeting

The next P&C Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, 19 August 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 Nurse