LSHS Newsletter October 2025

From the Principal's Desk

Celebrating World Teachers’ Day

This week, we proudly celebrate World Teachers’ Day, a special occasion to recognise the remarkable work of our teachers and the vital role they play in shaping the lives of young people.

At Laidley High, our teachers do far more than deliver lessons. Every day, they inspire curiosity, nurture confidence and help students be ambitious and see the potential within themselves. They are mentors, motivators, problem-solvers and lifelong learners who give their time and energy to ensure every student believes in themselves and can succeed.

The theme for this year’s World Teachers’ Day, “Hats off to Teachers!”, reminds us to pause and appreciate the dedication, creativity and empathy that teachers bring to their classrooms. Whether it’s through a kind word, an engaging lesson or the quiet encouragement that helps a student persevere, their influence extends well beyond the school gates.

On behalf of our entire school community, I extend heartfelt thanks and deep respect to our teachers for the difference they make every single day. We also thank our support staff who work alongside them to create a safe, caring and engaging environment for all students.

If you get the chance, please join us in saying thank you to a teacher who has made a positive impact - those simple words mean more than you might imagine.

Today, on World Teachers’ Day, we also took the opportunity to recognise and celebrate the outstanding dedication of our staff who have reached significant service milestones with the Department of Education. Each of these awards represents a deep and enduring commitment to the education and wellbeing of students over many years.

One of these milestones was particularly special. Today, we celebrated Mr Craig Barrett, who has completed an incredible 40 years of service as a teacher with the Department of Education.

Craig began his teaching career in 1985, spending his early years at Tara, Cunnamulla and Roma before transferring to Laidley State High School in 1988, where he has now taught for 38 years. Throughout this time, Craig has been a cornerstone of the school community, sharing his expertise and passion as an Industrial Design and Technology teacher and taking on a range of leadership roles.

Beyond the classroom, Craig’s commitment to service extends into the wider community. As Captain of the Laidley Rural Fire Brigade, he has led and supported countless fire, accident and rescue operations, embodying the values of courage, teamwork and community spirit.

On behalf of the entire school community, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Craig on this remarkable milestone and thank him for his exceptional contribution to education and to the Laidley community.

Mr Michael Clarkson
Principal

Senior School Report

Stepping into the Future

As Deputy Principal, it is my pleasure to share this special message as we transition from one academic landmark to the next, celebrating our achievements and looking ahead to what comes after.

To our Year 12 cohort: You are now entering the final stretch of your secondary schooling. The upcoming external examinations mark the culmination of your efforts and I have every confidence you will approach them with dedication and composure. As you complete your schooling, you are writing the final chapter of this journey at our school, one filled with challenge, growth, achievement and community.

In the coming weeks, we will also celebrate your graduation and Formal a significant milestone that recognise not only your academic achievements, but also the friendships, leadership and character you have demonstrated. Congratulations to each of you for reaching this point.

As you prepare for life beyond our school, whether that be tertiary study, vocational pathways, work, or travel - I wish you all the very best in your future endeavours. Take with you the skills, resilience and values you have developed here and remember that you always carry the spirit of our school community with you.

To our Year 11 students: Congratulations on working towards completing Unit 2, your first major step in the senior curriculum. This achievement forms a strong foundation for what lies ahead. As you transition into Year 12, you will step into greater responsibility, deeper learning and more leadership opportunities. This is an exciting time to build on your progress, set new goals and shape your final year with purpose and pride.

I am delighted to announce that our leadership elections have now concluded and our newly elected student leaders are ready to take up their roles. In particular, the school captain positions were announced on Awards Night a well-deserved recognition of those students who have demonstrated initiative, service, integrity and care for our school community. I look forward to working with our new captains and leadership team in the year ahead as we continue to foster a positive, inclusive and dynamic school culture.

A highlight of our recent Awards Night was celebrating the many achievements of students in Years 11 and 12. To all award recipients: congratulations. Your commitment, perseverance, talent and contributions have been recognised, and you should be very proud. Whether the awards were for academic excellence, improvement, service, leadership, or co-curricular involvement, each of you has made a positive mark on our school.

As one chapter ends and another begins, let us pause to celebrate how far we’ve come and lean in with optimism for what lies ahead. To Year 12: make the most of your remaining time at school, approach your exams with confidence and look ahead to new beginnings. To Year 11: embrace the journey into Year 12, set your sights high and support one another in making the most of next year. To our student leaders: thank you for stepping up, your efforts truly make a difference. To our broader school community - staff, families and peers, thank you for your ongoing support in fostering a vibrant and caring environment.

Wishing every member of our Year 11 and Year 12 cohorts' success, fulfilment and joy in the year ahead and beyond.

Mrs Kym Crosby
Deputy Principal - Year 11/12

Middle School Report

Welcome to Week 4 of Term 4!

This term is certainly flying by and our students and staff have been busier than ever.

Our Year 9 students have been working diligently on their goal setting and subject selections in OneSchool. All relevant details have been emailed to both parents and students. I encourage families to reach out to staff if they require any assistance or clarification during this process. Subject allocations will be finalised and communicated by the end of Week 6. Students who need to make any changes to their elective choices will be offered guidance and counselling to support their decision-making.

Our Year 10 students have now received their eligibility emails for the upcoming Year 10 Soirée. For students who are currently ineligible, please remember that support is available - simply speak with Ms Riddell or Mr Canavan to discuss what steps can be taken. Additionally, any Year 10 students who have not yet completed their Year 11 subject selections or who wish to make changes must book an appointment with Mrs Podlich as soon as possible.

This term, our Year 9 and 10 students have also been fortunate to engage in a range of enrichment opportunities provided by external organisations. The Fierce Females program has been inspiring our Year 8 to 10 girls while Top Blokes has delivered valuable workshops for our Year 10 and 11 boys. Meanwhile, several of our Year 9 and 10 students have participated in the DRUMBEAT program which has fostered teamwork, communication and self-confidence. These initiatives have had a positive impact on our young people and we are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from these organisations.

As always, thank you to our dedicated staff and supportive families for continuing to encourage our students to strive for their best. We look forward to another productive and rewarding few weeks ahead.

Mrs Kristie Podlich
Deputy Principal - Year 9/10

Junior School Report

Finishing Strong in Term 4

As we move through Term 4, we often experience a mix of excitement, celebration and challenges at school. Teachers and students are feeling the strain of a busy year, final assessments are due, the weather is warming up, but holidays are on the horizon and everyone can sense that end-of-year buzz. It’s a great time to reflect on how far students have come, but it’s also a time when they need to stay engaged and keep their standards high.

It’s important that all students continue to approach their learning with focus and determination. The positive habits and attitudes they demonstrate now will set them up for a successful end to 2025. Small things - arriving on time, completing work to the best of their ability and showing respect to staff and peers, make a big difference.
(Deputy Principals and Heads of Year are still making their lists and checking them twice!)

At times, we may find ourselves feeling stressed or a little hot and bothered. I encourage everyone to remain mindful of how they treat others. A kind word, a patient response or a simple act of helpfulness can turn someone’s day around. Our school is at its best when we’re polite, cooperative and respectful, even when we’re tired or looking forward to the break ahead.

It was wonderful to see so many of our Year 7 and 8 students recognised for their hard work and achievements at our 2025 Annual Awards Night last week. Their success reflects the ambition, self-belief, perseverance, integrity, respect and empathy we hope to see across our student body as we make a strong finish to the year. We look forward to celebrating even more student achievements at our Term 4 ASPIRE Awards in the coming weeks.

Students, keep striving to excel and then enjoy a well-earned holiday! Christmas is just around the corner… but that corner is still a few blocks down the road!

Happy days!

Mr Andrew Tarvit
Deputy Principal - Year 7/8

Business Manager Report

QParents and Payments Made Easy

As we move through the term, I’d like to share a few important updates and reminders regarding school accounts and permissions.

School Accounts
Statements have recently been posted home and we also email them out each month. If you have any questions about your account or need clarification, please don’t hesitate to contact the School Office - we’re always happy to help.

Student Privileges and Payments
Please note that students must meet certain criteria before receiving privileges such as Formal tickets, senior jerseys or jackets. To ensure your child can participate in these special opportunities, it’s important that accounts are up to date by the end of Term 3, particularly if you are on a payment plan. Keeping this in mind each year will help avoid any disappointment.

QParents Permissions
From the beginning of 2026, all school permission forms will be managed through QParents. If you’re already registered, this will make providing consent quick and easy, as approvals are sent instantly. Families not yet on QParents will still be able to submit physical permission forms via the office.

If you haven’t yet activated your QParents account, please action your invitation as soon as possible. You’ll need to provide 100 points of ID for verification. If you need assistance with registration, please contact the Enrolments Officer, on (07) 5466 8922 or email lbamb11@eq.edu.au. 

Thank you for your continued support in keeping school accounts and permissions running smoothly.

Ms Stephanie Hartas 
Business Manager

Annual Awards Ceremony

Celebrating Excellence: Awards Ceremony 2025

We were pleased to host our 2025 Annual Awards Presentation, celebrating the outstanding efforts and accomplishments of our students. Below is the list of award recipients.

DUX Award Winners

Year 7: Ayla Anderson
Year 8: Andrew Hadji
Year 9: Xyleigh Zischke
Year 10: Olivia Matthews, Angel Sharma, Allegra Zischke

Perpetual Trophies

• Ampol Best All-Rounder Award: MacKenzie Ilka

• Cultural Award: Haylie Morton

• Citizenship Award: Urwah Gul

• Student of the Year: Haylie Morton

Special Awards

• ADF Long Tan Youth Award – Year 10: Nikaylah Stokes
• ADF Long Tan Youth Award – Year 12: Urwah Gul
• Laidley Masonic Bursary: Ayla Anderson, Andrew Hadji, Xyleigh Zischke, Olivia Matthews, Angel Sharma, Allegra Zischke
• Jim Shannon English Award: Fabina Conte-Davenport
• Bill Bull Maths Award: Haylie Morton
• Gail Blumson History Award: Cadi-Rose Livingstone
• Lions Club of Laidley Bursary: Julina Watson, Chelsea Smidt
• Laidley Youth Service Vision & Determination Award: Ashley Hyde
• Michele Steward Resilience Award: Keira Jackwitz
• Dorothy Hickey Public Speaking Award: Urwah Gul
• Angie O’Toole “Strive to Excel” Award: Montannah Coleman
• Tabeel Community Service Award: Lina Truesdale, Phoenix Thompson, Mackenzie Ilka
• Alixe Dique Senior Music Award: Luis Chacon
• Joy Hughes Junior Music Award: Broc Fitton
• Yvonne Edyvean Hospitality Award: Keely Beer
• Lockyer Valley Art Society Senior Art Award: Annabelle Kaminski
• Tanya Luther Performing Arts Award: Wanisa (Opal) Sririsa
• Chapman Films Senior Film & Media Award: Lina Truesdale
• TAFE Queensland South West Award: Isabel Howie
• School-Based Apprentice/Trainee of the Year: Korbyn McDonald
• Kambu Award: Storm Hempleman
• Indigenous Student of the Year: Angus O’Connor Hughes
• QATSIF Young Indigenous Leader Award: Belle Roebig
• Student Council Award: Keira Jackwitz
• Junior ASPIRE Award: Archer Zischke
• Australian Olympic Change-Maker Award: Liam Jensen
• Junior Sportsperson: Xyleigh Zischke
• Senior Sportsperson: Marley Stokes
• Kieran Freeman Athletics Encouragement: Addison Zischke

As part of the evening, we also recognising Mr Michael Clarkson for 20 years of service as Principal at Laidley State High School. His leadership, commitment and dedication to the school community have made a lasting impact and we thank him sincerely for his remarkable contribution.

We also extend our heartfelt congratulations to all students for their achievements and thank our families, staff and guests for supporting our school and celebrating the success of our students.

Sport News

Congratulations to Our 2025 Sports Award Winners!

We are incredibly proud of all our talented athletes who have represented Laidley State High School with dedication, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout the year.

CISSSA Players’ Player Awards

• Liam Jensen – Open Boys Basketball

• Phlyn Taylor – 9/10 Boys Basketball

• Cooper Roberts – Mixed Boys Netball

• Lily Gusterson – Mixed Girls Netball

• Wanisa Srirasa – Open Girls Volleyball

• Aurora Manz – Open Girls Netball

• Fabianna Conte-Davenport – Open Girls Netball Coaches Award

• Olivia Matthews – 9/10 Girls Touch

• Huxley Golder – 9/10 Boys Touch

• Ainsley Bycroft – 7/8 Boys Touch

• Nathan Fadeyi – 7/8 Boys Basketball

• Olivia Wheeler – 9/10 Boys METRO Touch

QLD All Schools – Best and Fairest

• Keagan Wareham – 15 Years Boys Touch Football

• Lily Gusterson – 15 Years Girls Touch Football

• Kai Smith – Open Mixed Touch Football

Major Awards

• Kieran Freeman Award – Addison Zischke

• Junior ASPIRE Award – Archer Zischke

• Junior Sportsperson of the Year – Xyleigh Zischke

• Senior Sportsperson of the Year – Marley Stokes

• Australian Olympic Change-Maker Award – Liam Jensen

• Junior Touch Football Player of the Year – Xyleigh Zischke

• Senior Touch Football Player of the Year – Kai Smith

• Team of the Year – U15 Boys QLD All Schools Touch Team

A heartfelt thank you to our guest speaker, Karley Banks, for joining us and inspiring our students with her insights and experiences. Your message truly motivated our young athletes to continue striving for excellence both on and off the field.

Congratulations once again to all our award recipients - your hard work, spirit and commitment make Laidley State High School proud!

Mrs Kristy Kreis
Sports Coordinator

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Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Hub

Dance Troupe Shines at Kambu Gala Ball

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Dance Troupe had the honour of performing at the Kambu Gala Ball on Saturday, 11 October. This special invitation was a privilege and a wonderful celebration of culture, connection and community pride.

The performance showcased the incredible talent and dedication of our students, along with the commitment of staff who continue to create and support these opportunities.

We are also proud to share that the group was awarded a $2,000 bursary at the event, a fantastic recognition of their effort and passion. This bursary will go toward growing and supporting our Dance Troupe program in 2026, helping to expand opportunities for our students to celebrate and share their culture through dance.

Miss Sheovon Murray
Head of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Education

Kokoda Youth Foundation

Celebrating Our Kokoda Journey

Over the past three years, Laidley State High School has proudly partnered with the Kokoda Youth Foundation, giving our students an incredible opportunity to grow through the program’s four key pillars of Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice. Supported by our staff and youth leaders, the six-month journey challenges students to push their limits, develop resilience and discover their true potential.

This year, at the Kokoda Youth Foundation 20 Year Gala Ball held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, our school was honoured with the Distinguished School Award, a wonderful recognition of the dedication shown by our staff, students and families who work together to support this inspiring program.

A special congratulations goes to Krystal Chalker, who was the only student invited to speak on the evening. Krystal represented herself, her family and our community with confidence and pride, an outstanding achievement and a moment we’re all incredibly proud of.

Instrumental Music

P&C News

Join Us for Our Next P&C Meeting! 

We’re excited to invite all parents and community members to our next P&C Meeting on Tuesday, 11 November 2025 at 5:30pm in C4 (behind the Administration Building).

Our P&C is the heartbeat of Laidley State High School - helping to fund projects, improve resources and create opportunities that make our school an even better place for students to learn and thrive. 

Your ideas, energy and voice can make a real difference! Come along, get involved and see how you can help shape our school’s future.

Interested in volunteering or finding out more? Email us at pandc@laidleyshs.eq.edu.au we’d love to hear from you!

School Nurse

Community Noticeboard