13 June 2025

Principal

Newsletter Term 2 Week 8

We have had such a busy term for school sport. Our Cross Country was completed in Week one with Burnett coming out victorious. Our Athletics days were successful with Paterson House winning the House Spirit trophy, and Flinders taking the overall Athletics Champions trophy. Congratulations to staff and students for making these days so successful. Well done to the following students who were named Age Champions at these events:

Report Cards will be sent home to parents at the end of this term on Friday 27^th June. Please do not hesitate to contact staff early in Term 3 should you wish to discuss your child’s results.

H2GP Race Day

A big congratulations to Mrs Thomas and Ms Roeger and our team the Biloela State High Hy-Drag-Ons.

In a pool of 22 high schools from all over the region, the Hy-Drag-Ons finished in 4th place behind three private schools. We were the highest placed state high school on the day, for the second year in a row, and we also clocked the fastest lap time of the day.

Well done to: Bridie, Tiffany, Harrison, Craig and Xavier.

Preparations for 2026 are under way.

Leadership Investiture

Our 25/26 school leaders will be celebrated next term – Monday July 28^th at 10.30am. A huge thank you to our current leaders for their leadership and dedication to our school over the past twelve months. I know that some students have made the most of their time as a leader in our school.

Why does school attendance matter?

I celebrated with our students at parade last Monday, that as a student body they have improved the whole school attendance by 8% - such an amazing effort!

Regular school attendance gives students a better chance at life. Students achieve better when they go to school all day, every school day because:

• they have increased access to learning opportunities
• they maintain friendships
• they stay connected to the curriculum progression
• they develop self-efficacy as a learner
• they have better long term life outcomes.

If for some reason your child is unable to attend school, please either contact the school or use the Compass app to give a reason for your child’s absence.

Reader’s Cup

Congratulations to the 14 students from Years 7-10 that participated in Reader’s Cup at Marist College in Emerald this week. Our students’ teams in Years 9 and 10 came 6^th and 8^th, and our Years 7 and 8 team came 3^rd. A great effort by all students involved. A huge thank you to parents who were able to assist with transportation.

QUT Future You Summit 2025

Congratulations to Shari and Amelie on being offered a place, from a pool of 541 applicants to attend this amazing event during the first week of the school holidays. During the four-day summit students will have the chance to:

• Immerse themselves in hands-on experiences inspired by QUT's undergraduate programs,
• Network with like-minded students, industry leaders, and QUT academics,
• Participate in interactive workshops and small group discussions to explore emerging career pathways.

The final day of the summit will feature an innovation and entrepreneurship workshop, where all students will collaborate to develop a concept and pitch their ideas at the Entrepreneurship Challenge—a unique opportunity to present to industry inventors and family members

Parents & Citizens Association

The dates for our Term 3 meetings are:

• Monday 21st July 
• Monday 1st September

Meetings commence at 5.30pm in the school Resource Centre. 

Our Biloela State High School P&C Association would like to support our students in Years 11 and 12 who may be wishing to attend Roadcraft this year. The P&C are committed to funding $50 towards student participation.

To be eligible, students must submit a letter of interest to the P&C, outlining their reasons for requiring the additional monetary support.

Applications are to be sent to: biloelastatehighschoolp.c.assn@outlook.com.au  with the Subject: Roadcraft Support.

Student Council

Student Council will be holding a movie night on Friday 20^th June from 5:30-8pm in the Resource Centre. The movie will be The Wild Robot (PG).

The cost to students will be $5 – which covers entry + sausage sizzle + soft drink.

Additional snacks can be purchased with cash only: lollies, chip, popcorn, soft drink

Students will need to collect a permission form from Mrs Moretti in the Resource Centre.

Winter Uniforms

As we are starting to experience some cooler weather, just a reminder of what is expected from our students.

Students may wear a school jumper or a school jacket – both of which can be purchased from Heillbron’s Mensland.  Students may also wear a plain royal blue jumper. Students are not permitted to wear coats / jackets of other colours, or hoodies of any kind.

Students are able to purchase the school trackpants from the office (Tuesday – Friday) for $30.

They may also wear black tracksuit pants (with no visible writing or logo) or black dress pants.

Students may NOT wear jeans, leggings, stockings, scarves, gloves or beanies

Year 12 students are able to wear their school jersey.

Teacher’s Titration Showdown

In a fun science lab challenge, staff competed to see who could best master titration—a method used to find the concentration of a solution. 

FYI- Ms Roach was unable to compete this year and definitely would have won.

Lunch Drop Offs

Just a reminder about dropping food off at the school for your children. Food such as hot chips, KFC, other fried foods and Powerade or energy drinks are not foods that we allow at school. If these foods are delivered to students, they are permitted to eat them in the parent foyer, but not out with other students.

Important Dates

Term One                        

Term Three                                    

Term Four                        

Christmas Holidays 

School Resumes Tuesday 27th January 2026 
* Please note these dates are subject to change without consultation.

Deputy Principal Years 7 and 8

Year 6 2026 Transition to Biloela State High School

Our first Information Evening for the 2026 Year 7 cohort was held last Thursday.  Thanks to our student leaders and staff who came along to welcome our new students and their families and carers.

Enrolment packs were released at this information evening.   For those unable to return, enrolment packs will be distributed to our feeder schools and you are also most welcome to contact our team in the office who will also be able to provide an enrolment pack to you.

Coming up next, are the following key events:

• Wednesday 6^th August: Transition Day One
• Wednesday 27^th August: Enrolment Interviews
• Monday 1^st September: Enrolment Interviews

Deputy Principal Years 9 and 10

Year 10 SET PLANNING 2025

To support career pathways and subject choices for Senior the Year 10 students have been developing their Senior Education & Training (SET) plans. Students work on this SET plan in their Wednesday CES class.

To facilitate a meeting with all Year 10 students and a parent/carer, all Year 10 students will be learning from home on Wednesday the 6th of August (Week 4 – Term 3).

Parents / carers will be provided with a booking process in Term 3 to select a meeting time to attend with your child.  The purpose of the meeting is to:

• Review the SET plan your child has completed at school
• Discuss possible subject pathways in Year 11 and 12
• Discuss possible career / tertiary aspirations after the completion of Year 11/12
• Discuss possible transition to the work force in 2026 or 2027
  

Deputy Principal Years 11 and 12

Year 10 into 11 Transition Program

On Monday 16^th June, students will attend sessions explaining each faculty’s subject offerings, the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) eligibility.  The sessions will be presented by the Heads of Department, Guidance Officer, Industry Liaison Officer and myself. 

Students will then participate in a subject selection session on Wednesday 18^th June to identify their current subject wishes for 2026/2027.  This provides me with information to assist in building the timetable and setting the lines for students to pick subjects from, during SET Plan interviews.  Please see Mr Hall’s section for more information on this.

Follow up information will be emailed to Students and Parents/Carers soon.

Year 11 Semester One reporting & subject changes

Teachers are busy preparing student’s semester one reports.  These will be emailed home to Parents/Carers on Friday 27^th June.  Please make sure you discuss this report with your child. 

I have been and will continue to speak to year 11 students about their current progress, especially where they have failed Unit 1 as this jeopardises their chance of achieving their QCE.

Year 11 students are currently completing Unit 1 or have started Unit 2 in each subject.  Students who wish to change subject will do so over the next two weeks.  No further changes will be permitted until the end of Unit 2 (October/November).

Year 12 Student Progress

All Year 12 Students set up their access to the QCAA Student Portal account early in Term 1.  This portal is where they can see:

• General and Applied subject results for Unit 1 and Unit 2 (from 2023)
• General subject results for the first summative internal assessment
• VET results for completed competencies and qualifications
• Projected QCE eligibility based on current enrolments.

They can also update personal details:

• Email
• Mobile phone number (the students not parents)
• Password

Later on in the year, they will be able to access:

• External assessment timetables
• Final subject results
• Results for recognised studies
• Final certificates

Please ask your child to show you the portal so that you can see their progress towards achieving their QCE and their latest results.

Mrs Hawkins, Guidance Officer, will be meeting with individual Year 12 student to discuss their future pathways.  Students should revisit their SET Plans and looking at the portal to assess their QCE progress.

ROADCRAFT

Year 11 & 12 Students have the amazing opportunity to undertake a Driver Awareness course due to the support of JBOYS.

This is a two-day course on Thursday 18^th & Friday 19^th September 2025 at Benaraby Driver Education Facility. Students will be transported by bus each day.

Cost $105/student non-refundable including bus travel.

If you wish to take up this opportunity, permission forms are available from the school office which has further information which are to be returned as soon as possible or before Monday 1^st September 2025.

Please be advised that there are only 24 places available these will be allocated on a first in basis as interest forms and payment/proof of payment sighted and received at the school office, providing all the criteria has been met, once course is filled a wait list will be formed.

Reminder 2026 Year 12 Ski Trip (Current Year 11 cohort)

2026 Year 12 Ski Trip forms and payment are due Monday 23^rd June 2025.

House Spirit Update – Term 2 Week 8

Our students can earn house spirit points in a variety of ways.

• Receiving a Positive Post Card from a teacher
• Attendance at or above 92% at the end of the Term
• Taking part in school competitions (Student Voice)
• Participating in sporting events (such as the Cross Country, Athletics Carnival)
• Fortnightly KAHOOT general knowledge quizzes held in Care Group
• Contribution to school service events (such as Clean Up Crew, Interact etc)
• Recycling Containers. Each container contributes a point to the house total.

Points are starting to come in for this Term. The winning house for each term receives a breakfast at the tuckshop. This Breakfast will take place on Friday the 18^th of July (Term 3 Week 1)

Some, but not including all, points that have been earned so far in Term 2 by each house:

2025 Notable House Achievements

House Cup Breakfast Winners Term 1: Burnett
Cross Country House Winner: Burnett
Athletics Carnival Winner: Flinders
Athletics Carnival Spirit Award: Paterson

Student Support

Guidance Officers 

 Students in Year 12 who are considering university for 2026 can start their application with QTAC as of Tuesday 5^th August.  Students also need to register to receive their ATAR.  Both of these processes can be done via the QTAC website.  The Guidance Officers will be meeting with Year 12 students individually to assist them with their transition to life after school and provide them with any career resources they may need to follow the path of their choice.  QTAC and ATAR sessions will also be scheduled for Term 3 before school to provide extra assistance to students with their application and we are looking to host an online TEAMS session for students and parents to provide detailed information about applying to university. 

We always encourage students and their families to keep doing their own research about universities and student accommodation.  Many universities will start having their open days in the next couple of months, which may be a great opportunity to attend and see what it will be like for students to live, study, and work in a different city. 

Youth Support Coordinator 

This year, we were excited to welcome Taini Brown as our new Food Coordinator, joining the dedicated breaky team. Taini brings a wealth of experience in catering, having spent many years involved in preparing meals for a variety of community events. Her passion for food and strong community spirit makes her a perfect fit for the role. We’re thrilled to have her on board and look forward to the fresh ideas and energy she brings to the team. 

The school year has so far seen continued growth of our breakfast club aided by the new equipment purchased, which was made possible through vital government funding we received as part of the food for schools program. Providing the opportunity to offer a wider variety of essential food items to better meet their nutritional needs. Thanks to this funding, we’ve been able to consistently provide a welcoming,  and tasty breaky to start each day for all students, helping to create a positive and inclusive school environment. 

We are is incredibly thankful for the continuous weekly financial support provided by the YMCA, which allows our school to purchase essential items needed for the breakfast program. Their generous contributions help us fill the gaps by funding the essentials and other necessities that ensure our students start the day with a nutritious meal. This consistent support not only strengthens our program but also reinforces a shared commitment to student well-being and community care.  

The combined support of donations each week to our breakfast program is generously supported by donations from Rise Bakery Biloela, Woolworths Biloela, and OzHarvest. Rise Bakery provides fresh bread that is always a welcome addition to our mornings. Woolworths contributes a range of fresh fruit each week free to the kids all week.  OzHarvest provides a tasty variety of goods to the high school. We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing community support, which makes a meaningful difference to all the students.

Chaplain 

The Chappy Shed is a fun and safe space for students to spend their lunch breaks. 

Under the supervision of Chappy James, the students have a variety of activities to take part in, including Pool, Table Tennis, or playing retro video games on the big screen.  

A major aspect of the shed is to reinforce a culture of sharing and consideration for others. It is an inclusive environment where bullying of any kind is not tolerated. 

The Chappy Shed is open every day at Break 3, excluding Wednesdays.

Business Manager

WE ARE HIRING
TEMPORARY PART-TIME CANTEEN ASSISTANT
FROM 14 JULY 2025 TO 19 SEPTEMBER 2025 (with possible extension)

Biloela State High School are looking for an enthusiastic staff member to join our team in the Tuckshop.

Our Tuckshop operates five days per week and provides a wide variety of healthy food options and weekly specials. 

The Tuckshop is run by the school who employ a Canteen Supervisor and Assistant who manage the day-to-day Tuckshop operations.   

Duties include a variety of catering and cleaning activities to ensure the effective operations of the kitchen/canteen and ensure adherence to the maintenance of safe and hygienic operations.

Mondays – 9:00am – 11:00am
Tuesdays – 9:00am – 2:00pm

In addition, there may be opportunities for casually backfilling absent staff.

You would work under the direction of the Tuckshop Convenor and School Business Manager. There will also be a requirement to complete a Food and Safety Handling Certificate once employed.

It is a mandatory requirement that you hold a current Blue Card and would be required to undertake a Criminal History Check prior to commencement.

Please contact the school for a full role description.

Applications close 3:00pm Wednesday 25^th June 2025.

Enquiries should be directed to Michele McMahon (Business Manager) on 07 4992 8666.

Applications can be emailed to mmcma25@eq.edu.au.

Industry Liaison Officer

Holiday Work Experience

Students who applied for work experience during the June/July holidays should now have their agreements. These must be taken to the Host Providers for authorisation. Students also need to obtain signed approval from their parent/carer and then Ms Roach, and return all forms ASAP.

Applications are now open for work experience in the September/October school holidays, and are due by Thursday 17th July. This will be the final opportunity for current Year 12 students to participate whilst still enrolled at school.

A reminder to all students and parents, work experience placements depend on the strong relationships Biloela State High School maintains with our Hosts, whether these are local businesses or organisations further afield. Non-compliance with agreements, policies, procedures, or late withdrawals can affect these relationships and may impact future opportunities for other students.

School-Based Apprenticeships

Congratulations to Brittney who has commenced a school-based diesel fitting apprenticeship with Lee Crane Hire.  Congratulations to Jamie who has completed her placement hours in her Cert III in Health Support Services. This is the first ever  School-Based Traineeship to be completed at Biloela Hospital through the Deadly Starters Program.

Students are encouraged to keep an eye on Compass for 2026 apprenticeship and traineeship intake advertisements. Several students have expressed the interest in commencing school-based traineeships and apprenticeship in Semester Two. If you are interested, please come and see me.

VET Courses

Congratulations to our senior students Elaina and Ella, who have recently completed their practical hours for their Cert III in Early Education Support through Distance Education. Elaina received a glowing review from her Supervising teacher at Biloela State School, the Brisbane School of Education featured the review in their newsletter. Congratulations.

Training

Our second round of training courses are scheduled. Year eleven and twelve students are able to complete a First Aid and CPR course. Year ten, eleven and twelve students are able to complete a White Card (General Construction Induction Training (GCIT) card) course. Students are required to have completed their onboarding and their online modules prior to due dates. These course have limited numbers and are often very popular, please monitor Compass for further details.

Out and About

Term two was quite busy, with the Annual Rotary Careers Market, ADF Trades Information Session, Transition days and the start of SET planning. I am available to help students develop resumes, cover letters and assist with application processes for employment. If students have any questions after Careers Market, they are able to contact me before school or during breaks.

Uniforms

Biloela State High School administration would greatly appreciate any donations of Senior Uniform shirts, especially in larger sizes.
We are specifically looking for sizes Adult 18 and above.

Your generous donations help us support students to feel confident and comfortable in their school uniform, enabling them to be their best.

Stymie

Biloela State High School is proud to be working with ‘Stymie’ to foster and empower students to further our school’s culture of care. Any student can make a notification about someone they believe is being bullied or harmed via the link below. This notification is automatically forwarded to the school, and managed by the appropriate, nominated members of staff.

Click on the link below to visit the Stymie Website.

We share the weekly Stymie focus each week, with teachers often referring to this in their lessons.

Tuckshop

Community