2025 Term 1 Week 3 Newsletter

Principal’s Report

We have had a whirlwind of a start to the 2025 school year, and I am excited to officially welcome all Coolum High families back for the school year. We’re looking forward to an incredibly exciting year ahead! 

An exciting part of the beginning of each school year, is confirmation of student enrolments at Day 8. In 2025, our enrolments have exceeded our expectations once again and according to the official ‘Day 8’ census by the Department of Education, we have just shy of 1,600 enrolled students. With the growth of school-aged children on the coast slowing down, this milestone reflects a strong endorsement of our school’s ability to deliver meaningful outcomes for our students.

With our biggest senior cohorts ever in Years 10, 11 and 12 totalling 47% of the entire school, these figures are a testament to our senior schooling team and their care and professionalism in creating excellence and meaningful pathways for our senior students. You may remember that in 2024, Coolum High, and in particular our senior schooling team, were acknowledged by the Queensland Education Department as the recipients of a Showcase Award for Excellence in senior student pathways.

For those who follow us on Facebook, you may have seen some of the outstanding results of Coolum High's 2025 Year 12 graduates, with 99.5% of these students receiving their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA). Additionally, our highest achieving student, Noah-Jay McArdle achieved an amazing ATAR score of 99.80, with 5 other students all of whom achieved an ATAR score over 99. These students in particular have given themselves every opportunity for a rewarding pathway that promises great things. These results place Coolum State High School as one of Queensland’s leading schools, consistently exceeding expectations.

We’ve had a smooth and positive start to the school year. Our staggered start helped students and teachers connect, with our Year 12s participating in engaging activities alongside our Year 7s. For our Year 7s, this marks the beginning of a significant journey - one filled with friendship, learning, extracurricular activities, and the building of lasting relationships. We can’t wait to see how their high school journey unfolds.

Becoming a teenager brings both excitement and challenges for students and their parents. Recently, I shared a message with parents about the challenges teenagers face with social media. Social media is a unique issue for both teens and parents, and I’ll be revisiting this topic throughout the year. As mentioned previously, I strongly encourage parents to set limits on their child’s social media use, especially by collecting devices in the evening and ensuring they are safely stored. Social media creators are experts at making us all addicted to our screens, but our hope is that students focus their time on homework, studying, sports, cultural activities, exercise, and in-person friendships. A “phones away” approach is an essential way to help students avoid mindlessly scrolling and to focus on more meaningful activities.

At the beginning of this school year, we have several opportunities for parents to meet their child’s teachers and begin forming the essential connections that support student learning, with the first event, Meet the Teacher, scheduled for Tuesday 18 February 3.30pm – 6.00pm. Information has been emailed to parents, and is also on the school’s Facebook page. I encourage all parents to attend these events, as they are a great way to become involved in the Coolum High community.

I look forward to seeing you at these events and other school activities, and I’m confident this will be our best year yet.

Troy Ascott
EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL

Deputy Principal – Year 7

What an amazing start to the 2025 school year for our Year 7 students!

It has been wonderful to see such eager and organised students, quickly settle into routines and establish high standards in terms of uniform and engagement. In a television news report showcasing the first day of school across the Sunshine Coast, it was a proud moment to see our school featured. It was even more special to witness a group of Coolum High Year 7 students speak so confidently when interviewed and make such positive comments about high school life and our school. Parents and caregivers should be very proud of how these young learners have seamlessly transitioned into high school.

Our Technicians have been busy onboarding your child’s device, visiting classes during the first two weeks. All students should now have access to an active EQ email address, Microsoft Teams, and have downloaded the NAPLAN Browser. The technicians will continue to support any students experiencing technical issues - these can be reported directly by students to the Technicians now. Your support in reinforcing organisational practices at home, such as charging devices, preparing books, and organising uniforms and equipment, is greatly appreciated. Starting a new school year is an important milestone for all families and can be particularly challenging for some students.

The recent Swimming Carnival, held on Friday 7 February, was a tremendous success, showcasing massive participation from our Year 7 students. It was fantastic to see an outstanding display of house spirit and wonderful sun-safe costumes. Your child's engagement in school events is crucial for building connections, and we encourage continued participation in upcoming activities, such as lunchtime House Cup events or Student Council fundraising and awareness-raising activities. The "Shave for a Cure" event is scheduled for Week 10 this term, where students can either donate or even participate. All these events help students enhance their high school journey.

All Year 7 parents will be invited to attend the upcoming Meet the Teacher event on Tuesday 18 February, from 3.30pm to 6.00pm. This event will offer a chance for simple introductions and quick chats with teachers, which is a fantastic way to foster positive attitudes toward education and learning in your child. We are looking forward to meeting you.

Finally, I encourage you to continue to actively engage with your child's social development by supporting them in making new friends and providing guidance on strategies to extend their friendships. We believe that fostering positive connections with a number of students will contribute significantly to a successful journey through their junior secondary years. Should you have any specific concerns, the Head of Year, Mr Billy Toll (Year 7), can be contacted.

Thank you for your continued support. I am excited to see what this cohort can achieve in 2025!

Lisa Fowler
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – YEAR 7

Deputy Principal – Years 8 and 9

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all parents, carers, and students of Years 8 and 9 to the start of 2024. I am delighted to report that our Year 8 and 9 students have maintained a cool and steady start with high levels of attendance, and are busy forging new relationships steeped in care and respect with their teachers and classmates.

I would like to welcome all our new students and families to our Coolum High community. It’s great to see so many new faces enjoying all aspects of school life here at Coolum State High School. I am enormously proud to work with Heads of Year, Mr Brad Ralph (Year 8), and Ms Poppy Benaud (Year 9), in supporting our students to continue to build on the solid start that they have made in the first weeks of the school year.

NAPLAN 2025

The countdown is on… only 4 weeks until NAPLAN 2025 is upon us.

As parents, carers and students of Year 7 and 9 will be aware, NAPLAN in 2025 will take place from Wednesday 12 March until Monday 24 March.

The sequence of testing is as follows:

So why do students do NAPLAN?

• NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national standards and over time.
• NAPLAN also provides schools, education authorities and governments with information about how education programs are working and whether young Australians are achieving important educational outcomes in literacy and numeracy.

Participation in NAPLAN?

• NAPLAN is for everyone. ACARA supports inclusive testing, so all students have the opportunity to participate in the national assessment program.
• Adjustments are available for students with disability who have diverse functional abilities and needs.

What can you do to support your child?

• Please ensure that your student has access to a device where possible. 
• Please ensure that the NAPLAN locked down browser is downloaded onto their device.
• Please reassure your student that NAPLAN is part of their school program, and we really just want everyone to do their very best.

Rebecca McCann
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - YEARS 8 AND 9

Deputy Principal – Years 10 and 11

Years 10 and 11 Attendance

As the Deputy Principal who works with Year 10 and 11 students, I am very interested in their attendance at school. Having excellent attendance means students are in a regular routine and never have the added stress and anxiety of catching up on missed work due to absences.

Year 10s and 11s have made a great start – but attendance is a long grind of almost 200 school days. I expect our Year 10 and 11 students to have attendance at 92% or higher. 

In speaking to many, many students with part-time jobs, they tell me they never miss a shift. School attendance must be no different! It is up to parents and schools to work together to get young people to school every single day.

Greater attendance every day at school gives students more opportunities to be successful in their learning, and their future destinations.

Year 11 Exam Block

In Week 7 this term (10 - 14 March), Year 11 students will be on Exam Block. This is an important time for Year 11 students as a strong start in their first assessment tasks can really set them up for a successful year of results.

During Exam Blocks, students only attend school to complete their scheduled assessment. More information about this will come out closer to the time.

Year 10 Work Experience

Each year, all Year 10 students undertake a week of Work Experience instead of attending school. In 2025, Year 10 Work Experience will occur during Week 7 (10 - 14 March). Coolum State High School is fortunate that so many local and community businesses provide such wonderful opportunities for our students. 

This is an important process as each student will be soon writing their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan in Term 2. 

The SET Plan clearly outlines what pathways students are wanting to follow once they finish Year 10. These pathways could include university study after Year 12, TAFE courses, apprenticeships, traineeships or entering the workforce. 

Individual SET Plan meetings happen with parents, students and staff in the middle of Term 3.

Mr Matt Winning (Head of Vocational Education) leads the Work Experience process and has already communicated with all Year 10 families regarding the completion of the required work experience paperwork. 

I am looking forward to hearing the students share their work experience stories when they return to school in Week 8.

Terry Proctor
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – YEARS 10 AND 11

Deputy Principal – Year 12

The Year 12 leaders started the year a little differently this year, with the Senior Retreat. On the first day of the school year; students, Year 12 Home Group Teachers, and the Year 12 Team worked alongside the cohort to help set the tone for the year. They heard from 2024 graduates, and were given some helpful tips to ‘survive’ the year, as well as participating in some team-building activities to make connections with their peers. 

Now, we are well and truly underway, with assessment coming in thick and fast. It is important for our Year 12 students to attend every day, not only to maintain attendance above 92%, but in order to be successful in their subjects. Frequent absences and late arrivals will be monitored by the Year 12 Team. Please do not book holidays during the school year. This year will fly past, and your child needs strong attendance to be successful. 

Our aim is to support all students to attain their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), and to assist your student to work towards their desired pathway. This in not only for students who are pursuing tertiary education, but those who may be seek full-time employment, apprenticeships or traineeships. The Senior Team meet each week and carefully track all Year 12 students. We will have conversation with students and families if we believe they are at risk of not graduating with a QCE. These are some useful links and information on the QCAA website, including the diagram below which outlines how students attain their (minimum) 20 QCE credits.

https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/senior/snr_new_qce_system_parent_guide.pdf

STUDENT DRIVING

Many of our students are reaching a milestone in their life and obtaining their Driver’s Licence, but with it comes a lot of responsibility. We are appealing to parents/carers to support our school community in encouraging safe driving in and around our community. We often communicate to our seniors about the unpredictable behaviour of some of our younger students, which is why we plead with drivers to drive slowly outside of the school gates. Unfortunately, we receive reports of students in uniform driving recklessly in our community. This behaviour is not acceptable and will be addressed by the Senior Team. In order to avoid any accidents or reports of reckless/dangerous behaviour, we will have representatives from Coolum Police to speak with the group to educate them about the risks of getting behind the wheel. Coolum Police also randomly patrol the school during peak times to ensure safe behaviours. We all want our students to be safe and look forward to working with our community to ensure this.

KEY EVENTS FOR 2025

Please mark the following key dates in your calendar. There will be more detailed information communicated with students and families closer to each event.

Wednesday 26 February

Year 12 Senior Investiture Ceremony

9.00am - 10.00am at Coolum State High School Hall

Parents and carers are welcome to attend.

Wednesday 2 April

Hello World Excursion

Monday 3 March - Friday 7 March

Exam Block

Attendance expected for scheduled exams and VET catch up sessions. 

Thursday 12 June

Midwinter Ball

Red Carpet Arrival at Coolum State High School, then students are transported to the Maroochy RSL.

There are set criteria** (highlighted below and communicated in a Schoolzine) in order for students to be eligible to attend.

Monday 8 September - Tuesday 16 September

Trial Exams

Attendance is expected for all scheduled exams and VET catch up sessions.                    

Wednesday 17 September

Celebration of Excellence event

Coolum State School Hall

Friday 17 October

Hawaiian Celebration Day

Monday 20 October - Friday 24 October

Swotvac Week

Student attendance not expected unless attending for study/finalisation of assessment/Certificates. 

Monday 27 October - Monday 17 November

External Exams

Students must attend all scheduled exams. All absences must be documented with medical documentation using an official QCAA Medical form. There are NO re-sits for any missed assessment.

Tuesday 18 November

Cap and Gown Graduation Ceremony

Coolum State School Hall

Thursday 20 November

Guard of Honour Ceremony

Coolum State High School

Friday 21 November

Final 'official' calendar day for Year 12 students

Attendance not expected.

Midwinter Ball

As communicated in a recent Schoolzine, the Year 12 Midwinter Ball will be held at the Maroochy RSL on Thursday 12 June. 

This is an opportunity for students and staff to celebrate in a formal setting, and recognise the hard work that has taken place up to this point in the year. Students who meet all of the following criteria will be invited to attend the Midwinter Ball. The criteria has to be discussed regularly with Year 12 students so they can ensure they are aware of the following: 

• Fees – all fees paid or payment plan in place, (fees will not be discussed directly with students), and
• On track for a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), and
• Appropriate behaviour (in school and on excursions, suspensions), and
• No reports of unsafe/dangerous driving near school grounds, and
• Attendance – 92% or higher. 

Students who do not currently meet the criteria will be informed by the end of Term 1. Students may follow an Appeal Process which will involve meeting with a Head of Year and Year 12 Deputy Principal early in Term 2, with the Principal determining the outcome of the appeal. 

Mentor teachers or a Head of Year may also be involved in assisting, supporting or advising the student during the appeal process. As the Midwinter Ball is an extracurricular, invitation-only event, the school’s decision will be final. 

We expect all Year 12 students to continue to meet these criteria and maintain high standards every day leading up to the event, and beyond.

Tickets prices will be determined by the end of Term 1 and communicated to parents.

If you would like further information or would like to contact a member of the Year 12 Team, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

We are looking forward to a memorable 2025!

Emma Curnow
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - SENIOR SECONDARY YEAR 12

Business Manager

FINANCE UPDATES

Statement of Accounts

Statements are issued multiple times throughout the school term. It is important to note that if your statement has a negative amount on it, this is an indication that you are in credit. Credits can be applied to any future invoice that you may be issued. If you receive your statement and you are unsure of anything that is on it, please email finance@coolumshs.eq.edu.au

2025 Student Resource Scheme

Thank you to all the families that have and continue to support Coolum State High School. Without your support we would not be able to continue to provide the quality resources to support the learning environment, providing necessary textbooks and associated learning materials at considerable savings to parents, through the school’s bulk purchasing processes. All families have now received the 2025 SRS invoice that is due by 4 April 2025. 

Year 10 2025 Subject Fees

Year 10 subject fees will be invoiced in Week 3. Please be advised that if you wish your child to remain in their fee-paying subjects all invoices are required to be paid or a payment plan in place by 4 April 2025. Failure to make payment may result in your child being removed from these subjects.

Financial Difficulty

If you are experiencing any difficulty in making payment now, the following options are available to assist you:

• BPOINT allows for automatic payments to the school from your nominated bank account over 30 payments,
• Centrepay Plan allows deductions from any Centrelink payments (if eligible), or
• A negotiated payment plan with the school, where you are responsible for ensuring payments are made as per the negotiated plan. 

If you would like to discuss financial support options or have any other enquiries around this, please contact before the due date on 5471 5333.

QParents Finance Portal

To keep up to date with invoices and payments, we recommend that you register for a QParents account, if you have not already done so. QParents is a secure online parent portal where you may access your child’s student information and stay connected to our school. The QParents web and mobile app provides a more convenient way for parents to interact with the school.  

Following registration, parents can access: 

• Attendance and absence details, as well as the ability to notify the school of an absence
• Academic report cards
• Class timetables
• Viewing unpaid invoice details, payment history and making payments online
• Viewing and updating personal student details, including medical conditions and address
• Enrolment details

Should you require any assistance when registering for QParents, please do not hesitate to email bsm@coolumshs.eq.edu.au or visit https://qparents.qld.edu.au/#/help

FACILITY UPDATES

Coolum High's P&C Association have actively been raising funds to improve and maintain school facilities. We have been very fortunate that the P&C have recently funded new chilled bubblers throughout the school. Without the P&C's contributions to the school, these projects would not happen – thank you.

Thank you for your support of our great school.

Sharyn O'Brien
BUSINESS MANAGER

Coolum SHS Academies

Coolum SHS Sport Academies: Kicking off a big year in 2025!

Netball Academy

Our Netball Academy teams have been selected and are gearing up for their Monday Night competition at Maroochydore, starting 17 February. Training is well underway under the expert guidance of coaches Lisa McHale, Miss Ellis, Miss Cassidy, Mrs Olsen, and Mrs Gundry. We can’t wait to see our 3 Junior, 2 Intermediate and 1 Senior team in action!

AFL Academy

Junior Boys in the AFL Academy are in their final trial phase this week, preparing for the upcoming Lightning Competition games held at Coolum SHS, kicking off in March on Monday afternoons. A huge thanks to coaches Miss Stewart, Mr Hon, Mr Musson, and Mr Ralph for their dedication to developing our young footballers.

Brahminy Kite Rugby League Program

Following their first training session last week, the Brahminy Kite Rugby League squad is set to hold trials in Week 3. With the Bush to Beach Competition on the horizon, we’re excited to see some thrilling matchups on our high school oval. Coaches Mr Biddle, Ms Gibbs, Miss Dennien, Mr Strachan, Mr Koch, and Steve Belsham, are eager to see their players shine, with a record number of students showing interest in the program this year.

Surfing Academy

Miss Dennien and her team are hitting the waves in Week 3! Early morning training sessions will take place on Thursdays and Fridays at Coolum, with support from Mr Lowther and Mr Kimber. We’re looking forward to seeing our surfers carve it up this season.

Dance Troupe

Our dedicated dancers have been putting in the early hours, refining their routines under the guidance of Mrs Ford and Ms Murphy. With upcoming competitions on the calendar, their hard work is sure to pay off in spectacular performances.

Basketball Academy

Mr Sinclair and his skilled coaching team - including Mr Allen, Mr Hughes, Mr Dixon, Mr Doevandans, and Mr Worthington - are finalising trial schedules for the Basketball Academy. Parents and carers of applicants can expect updates via email soon.

Cheerleading Academy

Exciting plans are in motion for our Cheerleading Academy, in collaboration with Ausfunk Director, Hayley Green. As Ausfunk transitions to a new training venue, final details will be communicated to parents and carers of applicants shortly. Stay tuned for more updates!

BEST OF LUCK!

Good luck to every athlete and coach as you embark on your 2025 sporting journey! The Coolum community is cheering you on and looking forward to celebrating your successes and sporting stories throughout the year. Let’s make this a year to remember! 

Courtney Goodacre
ACADEMIES MANAGER

Library News

Students are encouraged to register their interest for the 2025 Readers Cup, at the Library or they can email Ms Robertson at kxrob7@eq.edu.au.

Competition Details - Years 7 and 8

Thursday 5 June 2025, 6.00pm - 7.30pm

Baringa State Secondary College - 10 Griffith Place, Baringa

Competition Details - Years 9 and 10

Thursday 7 August 2025, 6.00pm - 7.30pm

Matthew Flinders Anglican College (Secondary Library) - 1-47 Stringybark Road, Buderim

Kerstin Robertson
LIBRARY TEACHER

International Student Program

Homestay Families for International Students

We welcome new host families into the Homestay Program on a regular basis. There are opportunities for short-term stays and long-term stays (3 - 12 months, or longer). Our host families accommodate our students in a safe, welcoming and friendly home situation that supports their personal and educational needs and in return, our International Students are expected to show host families respect, courtesy and consideration. Many of our host families form long-lasting friendships with students and their families all over the world. 

Host families in 2025 will receive $369 per week per student, to cover costs incurred in hosting. Diversity in our program is welcome - grandparents/retirees, families, singles or couples with or without kids are all invited to apply.

If you would like more information or have interested friends or family, please do not hesitate to contact Ruth Walsh on 07 5471 5305 or 0418 185 809, or email international@coolumshs.eq.edu.au.

Ruth Walsh
INTERNATIONAL HOMESTAY COORDINATOR

Dates for your diary: Term 1, 2025

Coolum SHS's Good News

Coolum High uses Instagram as another communication platform, alongside Facebook, newsletters, and school emails, to share good news stories and important information.

Account name: coolumstatehighschool 

If you're an Instagram user, please follow our page, and like and share our posts. We love sharing all the wonderful things happening here at Coolum State High School. 

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