2025 Term 3 Week 3 Newsletter

Principal’s Report

Welcome to what is already shaping up to be a very busy and exciting Term 3!

I trust that all Coolum High families had a great chance to relax and unwind over the winter break, and spend some quality family time together. I would like to issue a warm welcome back to all our families. 

The Coolum Kite Athletics Carnival in Week 1 really set us up for a fantastic start to the term, with huge student participation! The carnival was incredibly well organised by the HPE faculty, and as always, supported by every member of staff. There were activities for every student, not just those who have a competitive nature.

Semester 1 reports once again showed that students are achieving very highly, with skilled teachers, and that Coolum High continues to lead the way in our region, with the Year 12 cohort delivering some incredible academic performances:

• 40.19% of the cohort has earned a Gold Award – the highest percentage ever achieved, eclipsing the previous record of 34.05% (set in 2023).

• A record-breaking 56.46% of students received either a Gold or Silver Award, meaning over half of the entire cohort were recognised for academic excellence – an extraordinary milestone.
• 29 students achieved straight A grades, setting a new school record for the highest number of top academic performers in a single Year 12 group.

This cohort’s success is not only remarkable in its own right but also significant in its historical context. They began their journey in Year 7 2020 – the first year the ATAR system applied to Year 12 – and have now become the first group to be tracked under our current awards framework all the way from Year 7 through to graduation. Their results reflect six years of consistent effort, growth, and commitment.

Our Year 8 students have also made their mark, setting two new school records:

• 27.52% of the cohort achieved Gold, surpassing the previous best of 26.57% (2024).
• 44.61% received either a Gold or Silver Award, exceeding last year’s record of 40.22%.

Year 11 has followed suit, achieving their own best-ever results:

• 24.15% of students earned Gold Awards, nudging ahead of the previous record of 23.95% (2024).
• A total of 41.53% received a Gold or Silver Award, surpassing the 2024 record of 37.39%.

The excellent results of our students are a source of great pride in our community as we continue to go from strength to strength.  At Coolum High, our aim is that all students live a life of choice by using their education as a springboard to their future.  We are looking forward to a very strong Semester 2.

These very talented students will be presented with their awards at the Celebration of Excellence on Wednesday 17 September, and we ask our parent community to keep this date clear on their calendars. The Celebration of Excellence is the most prestigious on the school calendar and is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate all of our amazing students who have achieved excellence in the academic, sporting, arts, and vocational education arenas, with extraordinary musical performances by our students.

During Week 5, our Year 10 students have been involved in the all-important mandatory Senior Education and Training (SET) Planning process, to select their subjects for Years 11 and 12. Over two days, each student and their parents and carers will meet with a Head of Department or Deputy Principal to discuss the student’s possible career choice, and choose subjects which best align.  Detailed information about this process will be forwarded to parents in the coming days.

We look forward to working with all parents and carers who support their child through this process and look forward to working with them for the remainder of their student's schooling at Coolum High.

Troy Ascott
EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL

Deputy Principal – Year 7

Welcome to Semester 2

Firstly, I would like to celebrate the impressive academic achievements of our Year 7 students, who achieved an outstanding 98% average A – C result across all faculties. Semester 1 report cards reflected exceptional student effort, consistent family support, and inspirational teaching.

Special congratulations go to our top 15 students who achieved straight A grades – they will receive personal recognition this term. Congratulations also to all students who earned a combination of A's and B's. It is a privilege to work in such an academically supportive community. These results are a reflection of hard work and consistent practice – well done to all!

Year 7 students began the semester with excellent awareness of classroom routines as they commenced their first full week. Teachers have overwhelmingly commented on the positive learning environments created when students arrive prepared with the correct equipment. Students in Years 7 and 8 continue to secure their phones in YONDR pouches each morning and display them during Home Group. Charging devices, ensuring calculators are working, and keeping pencil cases fully stocked all help set the tone for a productive day. Together, we can continue to foster a learning-focused environment that supports excellent academic outcomes. Parent support in maintaining these routines and habits is essential at this age.

Professor Mike Nagel recently treated parents to an informative session on the impact of digital devices on adolescent brains. Our resident neuroscientist shared his latest insights into how games, social media, and digital devices influence children’s thinking and brain development. Speaking to a large audience of engaged parents, Professor Nagel outlined practical strategies for balancing screen time with social connection and family engagement. Your continued efforts in this space are greatly appreciated as we work together to support our teenagers through this critical stage of development.

Lastly, a special welcome goes out to our future Year 7 students, as both Coolum and Peregian Springs State Schools recently attended a High School Experience Day. All students enjoyed a variety of engaging sample lessons, which were met with excitement and enthusiasm. It gives us a moment to reflect on how far our current Year 7s have come in their development as a cohesive and capable cohort. We look forward to welcoming the Year 6 students again next term.

Lisa Fowler
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – YEAR 7

Deputy Principal – Years 8 and 9

Year 8 JET Planning

The start of Term 3 marks an exciting milestone for our Year 8 students as they begin making some of their first real decisions about their educational journey. Students have now received the Year 9 Subject Handbook for 2026, along with the necessary subject selection forms, to guide them in choosing their elective subjects for next year.

They will have the opportunity to select from a wide range of engaging subjects across the Arts, Technologies, and Languages. When making these choices, students are encouraged to consider subjects that genuinely interest them and that they may wish to pursue further in the senior years.

To finalise the process, students are required to return their signed subject selection forms by Wednesday 13 August 2025. On this date, they will also attend a short interview with the Head of Year 8, during which the forms will be collected and any final questions can be addressed.

We look forward to supporting our Year 8 students as they begin to make more informed and personalised decisions about the next stage of their learning journey.

Attendance

Coolum State High school has developed a range of strong processes that are resulting in the highest levels of students succeeding than ever before. As is widely communicated to students and parents our message that everyday counts, and high levels of attendance can be attributed to higher levels of success for students at school. At Coolum State High School our target attendance rate is 92%, and whilst we have many students exceeding this rate of attendance, we would like to see all of our students reaching for this target.

It is important to acknowledge the old saying ‘that it takes a village to raise a child’ so it is important to recognise the work and commitment of those who help prepare our students every morning for their day of learning. Whether it be making lunches, arranging transport to and from school, or coordinating their extra-curricular activities – we thank you.

We are so proud of our students who come to school each day; ready to learn, achieve their best and wear their uniform with pride. We believe we can reach our target attendance of 92% for all our students, and we look forward to working with parents and caregivers to ensure that together, we give all of our students the greatest chance of success by attending school every day.

Rebecca McCann
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - YEARS 8 AND 9

Deputy Principal – Years 10 and 11

Year 11 2026 - SET Plan Meetings

Year 10 students have been working towards completing their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan. The SET Plan outlines students’ goals and career interests, as well as courses, qualifications or degrees related to those careers. Please ask your child about this and get them to log in to show you what they have included.

The Senior Subject Information Book for 2026/27 has been sent to all families at the end of Term 2. It will also be made available on our school’s website. Please discuss subject options with your child to ensure you are well-planned which will enable the SET Plan meeting to run efficiently.

SET Plan meetings with families are occurring on 13 and 14 August. Further information about SET Planning, subject selections and booking a meeting time will come out very soon.

Attendance, Uniforms and Mobile Phones

I would like to thank all parents and carers for their support in ensuring that your child is adhering to these three basic school expectations. 

It is expected that all students, especially students in the senior school, are always meeting these requirements. Getting the simple things right and maintaining high standards enables students to build onto bigger and better things.

2026 Senior Jerseys

This term, Year 11 students will continue to engage in the senior jersey process.

As previously advised, all of the following criteria must be met in order to be invited to receive a senior jersey:

1. 92% (or better) attendance at school. Students are frequently reminded of the requirement to attend school every single day.
2. On track to successfully complete their academic studies to obtain their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE or QCIA).
3. Satisfactory (or better) behaviour and effort, as indicated by student report cards or other school records.
4. All fees have been paid or a payment plan is in place and up to date.

Where any of the first three criteria are not met, students will be invited to submit a written response detailing the reasons for not meeting these standards and outlining a plan to do so. This information will then be considered in the decision-making process by the Head of Year and Deputy Principal in a meeting with the student. Parents are asked to contact the school directly to resolve matters relating to fees.

These standards are also required to be met in order to be invited to the Midwinter Ball in Year 12.

Terry Proctor
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – YEARS 10 AND 11

Deputy Principal – Year 12

Welcome to Term 3

As we march towards the end of Year 12, it often becomes a challenge to focus and push through final assessments, however it is important to finish strong. Whether you are focusing on final assessment and study leading into External Exams, completion of Certificate courses, or submission of Applied assessment, we need all students to remain focused and do their best. This includes attending every day in order to seek help from teachers, and engage in classroom activities. We know that this is a marathon, not a sprint. The Year 12 team are always on hand to support your child every step of the way.

As Mr Ascott has recently communicated, we are seeking support from our school community in the following areas:

1. Punctuality – Being at School by 8:20am
   Arriving on time each morning ensures students are calm, organised, and ready to learn. The first 10 minutes of the school day matter. Please support us by ensuring your child aims to be at school no later than 8:20am each day. This routine builds discipline, reduces stress, and reflects the expectations they will face beyond school.
2. Safe Driving Around the School Precinct
   We are seeing more of our seniors behind the wheel, and while this is a sign of independence, it also carries serious responsibility. Parents, I ask you to regularly speak with your child about safe driving habits—especially around our school grounds. Speed, distraction, and risk-taking can have lifelong consequences.  Coolum High is a special place that we need to ensure is safe for all our students and staff.
3. Uniform
   As leaders of our school, students are expected to wear the uniform correctly including wearing a shirt and tie under their Senior Jersey, and the correct skirt, shorts or long pants. Students have been informed about maintaining high standards until the end of the school year, which includes only wearing the school approved pants and skirt. Should students arrive at school out of uniform, they will be required to change into the correct uniform.
4. Attendance
   As we transition into the final semester of high school, every day really does count! This is the final stretch and there is key teaching and learning taking place which will put your child in a strong position heading into final exams and assessment. Please do not plan for holidays or extended leave during the remainder of the school terms as this may significantly impact your student's success. Attendance expectations are 92% or higher. If your child is sick on assessment dates, a medical certificate is required and contact to be made to the school.

EXAM BLOCK and KEY DATES FOR 2025

Key dates to be marked on the calendar:

TRIAL EXAM BLOCK:

Monday 8 September (Week 9) - Tuesday 16 September (Week 10)

All students will be provided with an individual Exam Schedule. This will also include any student who has not completed relevant Certificate course work or has outstanding assessment.

TERM 4 - WEEK 1 & 2

Classes as normal.         

TERM 4 - WEEK 3

SWOT Vac week. Students can come in to school to seek final assistance from their teachers. Teachers will be available during their usual lesson times in their usual timetabled rooms. Full uniform is to be worn and they need to enter and exit school without disrupting the learning of other year levels. 

EXTERNAL EXAM BLOCK

Begins Monday 27 October (Week 3, Term 4) until Monday 17 November (Week &, Term 4). 

You can find relevant information on the QCAA website including key dates, forms and other information.  

Students will be provided with their individual exam timetable for the External Exam block closer to the time, as some may have a clash which means they need to be arranged at a different time. This is an approved process only and is communicated by Mr Sweeney. Student attendance is expected at all exams unless there is suitable reason.

Note, students CANNOT re-sit External exams. There is only one opportunity to complete an External Exam therefore it is absolutely important, if your child is absent for an exam, for a QCAA Illness and Misadventure form to be completed and submitted within a reasonable timeframe after the scheduled exam date.

QCAA Handbook   6.5.4 Supporting documentation

To make an informed decision about an illness and misadventure application for medical reasons, the QCAA requires a report from an independent health professional that includes the following details:

• the illness, condition or event (including details of a diagnosis, where applicable)
• date of diagnosis, onset or occurrence
• treatment or course of action related to the condition or event
• explanation of the probable effect of the illness, condition or event on the student’s participation in the assessment.

Illness and misadventure applications for non-medical reasons require written evidence from a relevant independent professional or other independent third party, such as a social worker, member of the clergy, police officer, solicitor or funeral director.

In all circumstances, the person providing the supporting documentation must have specific knowledge of the illness, injury, personal trauma or serious intervening event, and must not have a close personal relationship with, or be related to, the student.

We will continue to communicate information about the events taking place in Semester 2.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.

Emma Curnow
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - SENIOR SECONDARY YEAR 12

Business Manager

Celebrate Support Staff Recognition Week

Monday 4 August - Friday 8 August

The Support Staff of Coolum High are absolutely essential to our school and to Queensland's Education System - without these essential staff, education wouldn't happen! 

This week is all about recognition, respecting and celebrating what our Support Staff do to make our school accessible, safe, supportive, and an engaging place to learn. They do an amazing job of ensuring that Coolum High is able to provide a world-class education. It's time to remind everyone how important their work is! 

Student Resource Scheme

The Student Resource Scheme (SRS) is a user-charging scheme operated by schools to provide parents access to individual student resources not funded by the government. Schools develop their SRS based on specific resources needed by their students and the programs they offer. The SRS fees and inclusions are endorsed annually by the school’s Parents and Citizens’ Association (P&C), and parents are provided with this information each year. Participation in the SRS is optional. Parents who opt out of the SRS are responsible for supplying the necessary resources for their child. This information is available on the school website.

Coolum State High School encourages all parents to register for, and actively use QParents

Each Friday, a QParents invitation is sent to your email address. To register, simply follow the 9-step process outlined in the registration flyer.

QParents allows you to view all your child’s school information in one convenient location. Later in the year, it will also be used to provide consent for school activities your child may wish to join. This digital process makes it easy to give consent by the due date and even make payments for activities - all within the same app - eliminating the need for paper forms to be returned to the office.

To stay up-to-date with invoices and payments, we strongly recommend setting up your QParents account if you haven’t done so already. QParents is a secure online portal that helps you stay connected with your child’s education and with our school. The web and mobile app offer a more convenient and efficient way to manage school-related tasks.

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 admin@coolumshs.eq.edu.au or visit https://qparents.qld.edu.au/#/help.

Thank you for your support of our great school.

Sharyn O'Brien
BUSINESS MANAGER

Diverse Learners News

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD)

Every year, all schools in Australia participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability (NCCD). The NCCD process requires schools to identify information already available in the school about supports provided to students with disability. These relate to legislative requirements under the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005, in line with the NCCD guidelines (2019).

Information provided about students to the Australian Government for the NCCD includes:

• year of schooling

• category of disability: physical, cognitive, sensory or social/emotional

• level of adjustment provided: support provided within quality differentiated teaching practice, supplementary, substantial or extensive.
  

• formally recognise the supports and adjustments provided to students with disability in schools

• consider how they can strengthen the support of students with disability in schools

• develop shared practices so that they can review their learning programs in order to improve educational outcomes for students with disability.

The NCCD provides state and federal governments with the information they need to plan more broadly for the support of students with disability.

The NCCD will have no direct impact on your child and your child will not be involved in any testing process. The school will provide data to the Australian Government in such a way that no individual student will be able to be identified – the privacy and confidentiality of all students is ensured. All information is protected by privacy laws that regulate the collection, storage and disclosure of personal information. To find out more about these matters, please refer to the Australian Government’s Privacy Policy (https://www.education.gov.au/privacy-policy). Further information about the NCCD can be found on the NCCD Portal (https://www.nccd.edu.au).

If you have any questions about the NCCD, please contact the school.

Ms Bec Gould
DIVERSE LEARNERS HOD

Indigenous Program News

On Thursday, 17 July, our Indigenous students had the privilege of attending a NAIDOC Week celebration hosted by Sunshine Beach State High School.

The day began with a powerful Welcome to Country, followed by a morning tea held at the Wan’din’y (yarning circle). This was a special opportunity for students to connect with fellow Indigenous students from across various Sunshine Coast primary and high schools, building community and shared understanding.

A highlight of the day was a performance by the UNDUMBI dancers—Undumbi meaning “salt and freshwater people.” Their performance shared rich storylines from the Kabi Kabi nation, offering a window into the traditions and culture of the local land.

After lunch, students watched the truth-telling documentary The Last Daughter, which shares Brenda Matthews’ deeply personal story of her experience as part of the Stolen Generations. The screening was followed by a Q&A session with Aunty Brenda herself. One of our own students, Casey Sinn, asked particularly thoughtful questions about reconciliation, prompting a moving and heartfelt conversation. There wasn’t a dry eye in the room!

It was a truly meaningful day, and our students walked away with deeper cultural insight and stronger connections within the broader community.

As Aunty Brenda shared so beautifully:
“We can’t change the past, nor do I want others to feel guilty for what has happened. I share this story out of love and forgiveness, which my mother and father have taught me from both sides.”

Ms Brianna Newton
INDIGENOUS PROGRAM CO-ORDINATOR 

Athletics Carnival

Coolum Kite Athletics Carnival 2025 – A Day to Remember!

The Coolum Kite Athletics Carnival was an unforgettable celebration of school spirit, house pride, and energetic fun! With the sun shining down on a picture-perfect day, students and staff turned out in record-breaking numbers — the largest attendance ever for an athletics carnival in school history.

House spirit was on full display, with students donning creative and colourful costumes that lit up the oval. This year, the 80s crew stole the show, just edging out the 90s with their iconic leg warmers, mullets, and neon brights. The war cries echoed across the grounds with powerful passion, setting the tone for a day of fierce competition.

Athletes pushed their limits, smashing goals at the competitive events while embodying sportsmanship and determination. The inflatable novelty races added an extra layer of laughter and fun, with students of all abilities joining in the action. The atmosphere was electric, buzzing with cheers and high-fives.

While all houses showed incredible energy and pride, it was Yuroka who dominated on the day, taking out the overall win. Their unity, athleticism, and vocal war cry efforts were unmatched.

From start to finish, the carnival was a vibrant showcase of everything that makes Coolum SHS such a special place — inclusion, spirit, and determination. Bring on next year!

Ms Tamika Megawatt
HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION HOD

International Student Program

Homestay Families Needed 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

E-scooter and E-bike Rules

E-scooters, e-skateboards, and solo wheels have a separate set of rules to e-bikes. Here in Queensland, riders of legal e-bikes must follow the same rules as standard bicycles.

E-bike rules

Beware that some e-bikes are illegal. In order to legally ride an e-bike on public roads and footpaths, it must comply with the following:

There has been a huge increase in devices that are thought to be e-bikes but are in fact illegal motorbikes. They are banned from use and riders (or parents) can face significant penalties totalling more than $1,640.

You can’t ride your device on a path or road if it has any of these:

Already have one of these devices in your home, or considering buying one? Visit Electric Bikes | StreetSmarts - Queensland Government to find out more about the rules for legal devices as well as the rules for riding. 

E-scooters rules

To ensure you and your child know the rules to stay as safe as possible when using e-scooters or e-skateboards, visit StreetSmarts Qld for a quick and easy to understand listing of the rules and fines. Most importantly, remember:

• Only those aged 16+ can ride e-scooters and e-skateboards unsupervised.
• Helmets must be worn with the straps properly fastened (bicycle or motorcycle helmets) and bells fitted for devices with handlebars.
• No passengers/doubling – only one person riding an e-scooter.
• Speed limit of 12km/h on footpaths and shared paths.
• Serious fines may apply to riders, and parents, if caught breaking the rules.

StreetSmartsQld also features educational videos and other helpful safety tips for riding e-scooters and e-skateboards.

Dates for your diary: Term 3, 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. 

Sponsorship News

In exciting news, we are proud to announce that local business, Eastell and Co, has partnered with Coolum State High School to support and enhance the development of extracurricular activities for our students.