2025 Term 2 Week 3 Newsletter

Principal’s Report

It’s great to be back!

With Term Two in full swing, we are hard at work at Coolum High as we build into a very important term in the school year. The recent release of our Term One reports showed the exceptional good health of our school, with many students setting personal bests, a record number of A grades awarded, and large numbers of students on a noticeable journey of improvement and growth.

The recent ANZAC Day services at our school and the Coolum-Peregian RSL Dawn Service, reminded us how fortunate we are to live in a time of peace, and was a time to remember and honour all of those who have served defending our nation. It was a reminder of a core set of values that have helped bind our nation, and of how selfless people can be in times of great need. Our students always respond wonderfully at ANZAC Day – they are reverent, thoughtful, respectful and caring. Our students have a great respect for those who served in the past, including the veterans represented by the Coolum-Peregian RSL. I was very proud of how our students responded to ANZAC Day, including the wonderful speeches delivered by our School Captains, Ben Samson and Harpa Johnson, at the Dawn Service. 

At Coolum State High School we recently revelled in the incredible achievement of our past student, Isabella Nichols, who won the WSL Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach against the best surfers in the world. Alongside being one of the best surfers in the world, Isabella is also a champion scholar and a kind, resourceful and respectful person. She represents all the best values of Coolum State High School and she takes those values throughout the world. We congratulate Isabella on this phenomenal achievement, and we will watch her upcoming performances with pride as she goes from strength-to-strength. Isabella is a role-model and inspiration for all our students and we wish her the very best for her upcoming competitions.

As we focus on achievement, we know that the key biggest single thing that makes a difference to a student’s outcomes is attendance at school each and every day. The link between attendance and achievement is undeniable. Our highest achieving students always have excellent attendance, as well as being respectful to all staff and their peers. We are looking forward to seeing our students at school each and every day.

Recently, we welcomed Darren Percival to our school who will be working on a range of vocal programs with our students. Darren finished runner-up on the first season of The Voice and has an amazing singing voice. To have someone of Darren’s calibre working with our students is remarkable. In a very short time, Darren has already been drawing out wonderful performances from our students. I can’t wait to hear more wonderful music being made by our students. Music sits at the heart of our school and is something of which our whole school community can rightfully be very proud.

Troy Ascott
EXECUTIVE PRINCIPAL

Deputy Principal – Year 7

Celebrating Success

Congratulations to our Year 7 cohort, whose Report Cards reflect a consistent commitment to academic achievement. In particular, I would like to acknowledge the fifteen Year 7 students who achieved A’s in all subjects, as well as over 70 students who earned all A’s for their effort and behaviour. For many students, a single A is a cause for celebration and I extend my congratulations to all those students who have worked hard to achieve success in their first year of high school. Our upcoming parent-teacher interviews are a vital way to connect with teachers and will form a key aspect of your child’s learning journey. I encourage families to make an appointment to discuss your child’s education.

ANZAC Day

This term we were inspired by our ANZAC Day commemorations. Hosted by senior leaders and attended by a host of local dignitaries, this formal parade was dedicated to the ANZAC spirit. Our Year 7 students were outstanding in the way they respectfully remembered those who have made sacrifices for our nation. The Coolum-Peregian RSL reported the large attendance from Coolum High students at the Dawn Service, despite the challenging weather – it was a very moving ceremony. Thank you to all the committed parents and carers who woke at the crack of dawn to ensure their child's participation in this important event. 

House Cup

Many Year 7's have been revelling in the lunchtime House Cup games. Yuroka home groups won the first round of Ida cup played out on the oval. Most recently, rotating teams have been dunking hoops in champion ball games to score more house points, with the basketball round resulting in Yuroka and Carcoola winning. Cheered on by peers, there is always a mountain of encouragement and spectators. House spirit is strong in the Year 7's! 

Being Prepared

It is essential that all students bring their laptop to school each and every day. Developing productive routines around charging devices overnight, so that they are ready for each new day, helps to provide a good foundation for success in the classroom. Quite simply, bringing charged laptops helps reduce stress and maximises learning potential. Similarly, parental support to ensure your child brings their YONDR pouch to school each day creates a learning focus that is free from the distractions of social media and games. 

Lisa Fowler
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – YEAR 7

Deputy Principal – Years 8 and 9

The Importance of School Routines for Junior Secondary Students

For students in Years 8 and 9, they are on a journey of transition further into their secondary schooling and as such it marks a significant shift in academic expectations, social dynamics, and personal responsibility. At this critical stage, establishing and maintaining consistent school routines plays a vital role in helping students manage the growing demands of their education while promoting overall wellbeing.

A structured school routine offers clear expectations for students, allowing them to manage their time more effectively. As subjects become more diverse and academic intensity increases, a routine helps students stay organised becomes more important. When students know what to expect each day – when to wake up, study, exercise, and relax – they are more likely to complete tasks on time and feel in control of their schedules. This predictability reduces stress and fosters a sense of achievement, which is especially beneficial as Years 8 and 9 students begin to develop independent learning habits.

Routines also reinforce good study habits. Allocating regular time for homework and revision builds discipline and helps students absorb content more deeply. It creates an environment where learning is prioritised, without constant last-minute cramming or avoidance.

Beyond academics, routines play a crucial role in supporting mental health and emotional stability. Adolescence is a time of significant change, both physically and emotionally. A consistent routine can offer a grounding influence, reducing anxiety and helping students feel secure. Predictable routines support healthy sleep patterns, proper nutrition, and regular physical activity – each of which is essential for cognitive functioning and emotional resilience.

Socially, routines also help students manage their responsibilities and leisure time. By balancing study with extracurricular activities and social interactions, students learn how to prioritise and set boundaries. At CSHS, where students often have access to a variety of sports and age-appropriate social activities, having a routine ensures these enriching opportunities are not neglected in favour of screen time or procrastination.

At CSHS we encourage parents of students in Year 8 and 9 to establish and maintain school routines as it can be one of the most effective ways to support long-term academic success and personal development. Simple strategies such as setting regular bedtimes, using planners, and reviewing schedules weekly can make a substantial difference.

Ultimately, the habits formed during these middle years of secondary school can shape a student’s approach to learning, health, and time management well into adulthood. A strong school routine lays the foundation for success not just in the classroom, but in life beyond.

Rebecca McCann
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - YEARS 8 AND 9

Deputy Principal – Years 10 and 11

Parent-Teacher Interviews

A reminder that parent-teacher interviews are from 3.00pm - 6.30pm on Tuesday 13 May. Please refer to the communication from the school regarding the online process for making bookings with teachers.

These interviews are a great opportunity to discuss the progress and next steps in every students’ education.

Year 11 2026

I would like to advise all families of current Year 10 students that the school will be running an information evening regarding Year 11, 2026 later this term. This will be held from 5.30pm - 6.30pm on Wednesday 4 June in the PA theatre.

This information session will cover a variety of topics including expectations in post-compulsory education, senior pathway options, subject selection processes and details about Senior Education and Training (SET) Planning. 

By the end of this term, Year 10 students will have started working on 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.

Senior Subject Information Books for 2026 are planned to be available at the end of this term in Week 10 – just in time to have a look over during the holidays. This is a great opportunity to continue discussions about the best pathways to success for your child and what subjects are necessary to achieve those goals.

SET Plan meetings with families are occurring in Term 3 on 13 and 14 August (Week 5). Further information about SET Planning and booking a meeting time will come out early in Term 3.

Terry Proctor
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL – YEARS 10 AND 11

Deputy Principal – Year 12

Welcome to Term 2!

This term is full of learning, handball, House Cup and of course… the Midwinter Ball.

Information will be communicated directly to Year 12 parents via Schoolzine regarding ticket payments. Tickets are $145 per student and are exclusively for Year 12 students at Coolum SHS only.

There will be a red carpet arrival from 4.30pm on Thursday 12 June which will allow the community to greet our glitzy students. MSP Photography will be on site at school to allow an opportunity for families and friends to get some professional photographs together. These can be purchased directly through MSP after the event. Students will then be transported by coach to the Maroochy RSL Ballroom. They will feast in a three course meal and dance the night away… well, at least until we return by coach by 10.00pm. 

Assessment

Your child was provided with an assessment calendar at the start of the school year, and it would be a good time to revisit this. Assessment will be ongoing throughout this term and there are no exam blocks.

If they are absent on a due date, medical documentation needs to be provided, and please communicate with the school in all instances.

Late Arrivals and Attendance

The end of each week marks one less week that our Year 12 have at high school. When we say everyday counts, in Year 12 we really mean every minute counts! We would appreciate parent support in helping students get to school on time. We understand that occasionally things happen in the morning to cause a delay, however students need to organise their day so they arrive on time. They will need to factor in traffic or possibly sleeping through a first (or second) alarm.

KEY DATES FOR 2025

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** (stated above) 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.

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.

Emma Curnow
DEPUTY PRINCIPAL - SENIOR SECONDARY YEAR 12

Business Manager

Student Resource Scheme

Statement of Accounts

This year the Student Resource Scheme (SRS) is $315. All families received their invoices that were due by the end of Term 1, 2025, and are now overdue.

The 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.

QParents

Coolum State High School is encouraging all parents to register and actively use QParents.

The app has the ability for you to see all your student information in one place. Later in the year, QParents will be used to gain parent consent for activities that your child may want to participate in. It is a simple way of giving consent by the due date, in the same app that payment for the activity can be made, without the need for a paper signature that has to make its way back to the office.

To keep up-to-date with invoices and payments, we also 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 admin@coolumshs.eq.edu.au or visit https://qparents.qld.edu.au/#/help

Positions Vacant

Schools across the Sunshine Coast are always in need of ancillary staff.  In particular at Coolum SHS, we would like to increase our relief list for cleaners.

If you are available either 5.00am - 8.00am and/or 2.30pm - 5.30pm, and are able to obtain a Blue Card (working with children), please contact me on 07 5471 5333. 

Thank you for your support of our great school.

Sharyn O'Brien
BUSINESS MANAGER

Academy News

Coolum SHS Sport Academies: Term 1 Highlights & Term 2 Heat-up!

The Coolum State High School Sport Academies have been on fire this year!

From netball courts to the dance stage, our talented athletes are turning heads across the Sunshine Coast. Here’s a wrap-up of Term 1 triumphs and a sneak peek at what’s to come in Term 2!

Netball Academy: Aiming High and Shooting Higher

Our Netball Academy teams have been smashing it on Monday nights in the Sunshine Coast Schools Netball Competition. Four of our six teams are sitting pretty in the top three of their divisions – and the rest are hustling hard to climb the ranks.

Coming up in Week 4, we’ve got four teams taking on the Sunshine Coast Division of the Vicki Wilson Cup. Even more exciting – our first-ever boys netball team is stepping up! They’ve been putting in extra lunchtime training and are ready to make history for Coolum SHS. Go team!

AFL Academy: Kicking Goals and Taking Names

Huge shoutout to the Junior Boys AFL team for scoring 2nd place in the Lightning Competition finals! They’re not slowing down either, with the AFL Q Cup in their sights in Week 4.

This term, our girls and intermediate boys are lacing up their boots and getting ready to bring their A-game in upcoming competitions. It’s shaping up to be a busy and exciting term for AFL. Let’s go Coolum!

Brahminy Kite Rugby League Academy: Flying High

Our Year 7/8 boys made us proud in the Term 1 Bush to Beach Comp, taking out the North-side draw before narrowly falling to a strong Siena team in wet conditions. Their reward? A legendary tour of the Broncos’ training facilities and a match against the Bulldogs!

Term 2 and 3 will see the girls and Year 9/10 boys get their shot in the spotlight with Bush to Beach, 9s, and one-day comps. We can’t wait to see the Brahminy Kites soar again!

Surfing Academy: Early Risers, Epic Riders

Our surfing squad has been catching waves at dawn with their Thursday and Friday training sessions down at Coolum. Now, they’re getting ready to compete in the School District Trials and the Australian Interschool Surfing Tournament.

Best of luck to our surfers – we’re stoked to see how you go!

Dance Academy: Stealing the Spotlight

The Dance Troupe wowed the crowd at the Noosa Spring Dance Festival with sharp moves and serious style. They brought home two second-place finishes and a highly commended – an incredible achievement and a testament to their dedication.

With more performances lined up this term, we know this talented crew will keep on shining!

Basketball Academy: Game on for 2025

Our Basketball Academy teams are set for the 2025 season, and the action starts now! Wild Card Competitions kicked off this week for our Open Boys and Girls teams.

All teams will train hard this year, gearing up for their respective Sunshine Coast School Basketball Tournament. Let’s dribble, dunk, and dominate!

Cheerleading Academy: Ready, Set, Sparkle!

Our Cheerleading Academy, working with Ausfunk Director Hayley Green, is tumbling into action! With weekly Friday sessions, the squad is sharpening their skills and preparing for 2025 competitions.

We can’t wait to see their routines light up the stage!

Good Luck to all our Coolum Champions!

Here’s to another fantastic term of training, teamwork, and triumph! Best of luck to every athlete, coach, and supporter. We’re proud of everything you’ve already achieved – and we can’t wait to see what’s next.

Let’s go Coolum SHS – 2025 is YOUR year! 

Ms Courtney Goodacre
HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Creative Arts News

Ms Tara Gundry
CREATIVE ARTS HOD

Cross Country & Lap-a-thon

Coolum State High School was buzzing with energy and House pride last week, as students took part in both the competitive Cross Country and the always-popular Lap-a-thon House Challenge. The combination of fierce competition, school spirit, and whole-school community involvement made it one of the most memorable events of the year.

Yuroka House took the top spot in the overall house points tally with an impressive 4,436 points, followed closely by Carcoola on 4,144. In an incredibly close race, only eight points separated 3rd and 4th, with Binyama scoring 4,137 and Warringa 4,129 – a testament to how every lap and every runner made a difference!

The atmosphere on the day was electric, with war cries echoing across the school grounds and students in House colours cheering each other on with unmatched enthusiasm. From elite cross-country runners to spirited lap-a-thon participants, everyone gave it their all. It wasn’t just about speed – it was about heart, unity, and House pride.

Congratulations to all students and staff involved in making the day such a success. With such tight scores, the race for Champion House is more exciting than ever! Let the rivalry continue!

Congratulations also to our Competitive Cross Country runners who placed in the top 3 in their age groups:

Ms Tamika Megawatt
HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION HOD

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

NextStep Survey

The NextStep Survey is now open!

Do you want to go in the draw to win a MacBook Air? It is an simple as completing the NextStep survey.

Each year, the Department of Education contacts graduates to find out what ‘Year 13’ looks like for them. Collecting this information allows schools to understand the different pathways of the 2024 Year 12 students and to improve our senior programs and supports for future students. The survey only takes five minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school.

What is even better is that graduates that complete the survey go into a draw to win a MacBook Air.

If your graduate student receives an invitation by mail, email or phone, the Senior Team is asking that you encourage them to complete the survey. We are very grateful for your input to this survey so that we can help other students as they move from secondary education onto other pathways.

Dates for your diary: Term 2, 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.