Senior Schooling News

Our Year 11 and 12 students have had a busy start to Term 1, settling into their senior studies and participating in a range of school events. As they navigate this important stage of their education, the Senior Schooling Team is committed to building strong relationships with students and supporting their post-school pathways. We encourage parents to stay involved by discussing study goals, exploring future opportunities together, and reaching out to our team for guidance.

Supporting Our Year 12 Students through QCE/Pathways Interviews

Recently, our Year 12 students completed their first QCE/PATHWAYS interview with their selected mentors from the Senior Schooling Team. These one-on-one sessions provided valuable opportunities for students to discuss their progress toward QCE or QCIA attainment, ATAR eligibility (if applicable), achievements, challenges, and post-school plans.

It was fantastic to see some parents attending these interviews to support their child’s journey. Your involvement plays a crucial role in helping students stay motivated and focused on their goals.

A second interview will take place in Term 3, with a stronger focus on refining post-school pathways and future opportunities. We are pleased to report most of our Year 12 students are on track to attain their QCE, with many also gaining valuable qualifications through VET and Short Courses.

We appreciate your continued support as we guide our students through their final year of high school!

All students must set up a QCAA Student Portal account to track their learning progress and access their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) in December. This portal is an essential tool for managing their academic records and ensuring they stay informed about their achievements.

When creating an account, students must use a personal email address (not a school email) to ensure continued access after graduation. We encourage all students to complete this setup as soon as possible to stay on top of their educational journey.

To register please go to

https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/student/home/landing/#/:/register

For more information about QCE – please go to https://myqce.qcaa.qld.edu.au/your-qce-pathway/about-the-qce

Attendance Matters

In Senior Schooling, we set a goal for all Year 11 and 12 students to maintain a school attendance rate of 90% or higher. Regular attendance is essential for success, ensuring students stay engaged in their learning and are well-prepared for life beyond school. Attending every day, unless unwell, helps students keep up with lessons and develop strong habits for the workforce.

So far this term, 85% of our Year 11 and 12 students have met this goal—a fantastic achievement! To recognize this commitment, we recently celebrated with an Attendance Sausage Sizzle, and we’re excited to announce that another one will be happening in Week 9 on Friday.

To be in the running for the next celebration, make sure you’re attending school every day. Let’s keep up the great work and aim even higher!

Formal Fridays

To promote school pride, respect for the uniform, and prepare our students for the world of work, we are introducing Formal Fridays! We have been thrilled to see our students wearing their formal uniforms with pride and demonstrating their commitment to excellence.

As a celebration, every student who wears their full formal uniform on a Friday will receive a free Zooper Dooper treat!

Let’s continue to set high standards and take pride in our presentation. Keep striving for excellence, Seniors!

Year 11 First Nations Welcome to Senior Ceremony

Last week, our Year 11 First Nations students were formally welcomed into their Senior Phase of Learning in a meaningful ceremony celebrating their journey ahead. As part of this special occasion, students were presented with their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander badges, symbolising their pride, identity, and deep connection to their cultural heritage.

We were honoured to have Darumbal Elder, Uncle Wade Mann, deliver a heartfelt Welcome to Country, setting the tone for this significant milestone. Special guests Brendan Stanley and Lee Bob from Darumbal Community Youth Services Inc. (DCYSI) also joined us, sharing invaluable words of encouragement to inspire and support our students as they embrace their senior studies.

This event was a powerful reminder of the strength, resilience, and leadership of our First Nations students, and we look forward to supporting them on their journey.

You Choose Road Safety

Last week, our Year 12 students participated in the YOUCHOOSE Road Safety program, an innovative initiative designed to promote wellbeing, responsibility, and safe decision-making on the road.

This program takes a unique approach to pastoral care, helping teenagers understand the impact of their choices and how to protect themselves, their peers, and their families from preventable harm, crime, and trauma. The session focused on passenger and driver responsibilities, encouraging students to reflect on real-life consequences and develop strategies to stay safe and intentional when traveling.

We are proud of our students for engaging in these important discussions and taking proactive steps toward safer road practices.

For more information, please go to https://www.youchooseyrs.org.au/

WORK EXPERIENCE

10 Reasons to do Work Experience!

Career Exploration: Discover different career paths and industries to help you make informed decisions about your future.

Personal Growth: Develop a sense of responsibility, independence, and work ethic that will benefit you in all areas of your life.

Confidence Building: Gain confidence by experiencing a professional environment and understanding workplace expectations.

Skill Development: Develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving that will benefit you in any career.

Networking: Start building a network of contacts in your field of interest who can provide advice, mentorship, and future opportunities.

Resume Building: Add valuable experience to your resume, making you a stronger candidate for future jobs.

Practical Application: Apply what you've learned in school to real-world scenarios, enhancing your understanding and retention of the material.

Workplace Readiness: Learn about workplace etiquette, culture, and expectations, helping you transition smoothly into future roles.

Time Management: Improve your ability to manage time and prioritize tasks, which is crucial for both academic and professional success.

Goal Setting: Experience setting and achieving goals in a professional context, fostering a sense of accomplishment and motivation.

KEY DATES

Cross Country – Friday 4^th April

ANZAC Day Parade – Thursday 24^th April

Athletics Carnival – Friday 13^th June

Year 11 Camp – Term 3 30^th July to 1^st Aug

Mock Exams – 8^th October to 25^th October

External Exams – 27^th October – 18^th November

First Nations Senior Celebration – 12^th November

Formal – Wednesday 19^th November

Graduation Ceremony – Friday 21^st November

The Senior schooling team wishes all of our students a productive rest of term. If you have any queries, please contact our team as per the following: 

Leah Vea Vea

HOD Senior School