School Newsletter Term 2, Week 4, 2025

From the Principal

Welcome back to Term 2! I hope the break offered you a chance to rest, recharge, and spend quality time with family and friends. This term promises to be both busy and rewarding, with a number of exciting events on the horizon including our school musical The Wedding Singer, the Intermediate Schools Cup for Volleyball, Reconciliation and NAIDOC Week, the Kokoda Challenge, and our Athletics Carnival, just to name a few.

As we begin the term, I’m proud to share our Learning@HP Pedagogical Approach – a key framework that shapes how we teach, how students learn, and how we grow together as a learning community.  This framework brings clarity and cohesion to how we work together as a school community to ensure every student is known, challenged, and supported to succeed.

Learning@HP starts with a strong Culture of Learning that is lived by every member of our community – students, staff, and families. It’s a culture built on high expectations, positive relationships, and shared values that shape the way we learn, teach, and grow together. We encourage all members of our community to be prepared, curious, collaborative, reflective, and responsible.

Expert Staff

What this means: Teachers design challenging and engaging lessons that meet individual needs and help students reach their full potential. They reflect on their practice, share expertise, and continually strive to improve outcomes for students.

Expert Students

What this means: Students are active participants – reflecting, striving for growth, and becoming more independent and motivated in their learning.

Purposeful Curriculum

What this means: Students engage with a curriculum that ignites a passion for learning while preparing them for future study, work, and life – and families can feel confident that learning is both meaningful and future-focused.

Underpinning Learning@HP are our shared values: learning, respect, kindness, and perseverance.  These values guide our everyday interactions, shape our learning environment, and help students grow not just academically, but as thoughtful, respectful, and resilient individuals.

Together, these elements form a shared language and understanding of great teaching and learning at HP. We look forward to continuing to work with our community to bring this approach to life in every classroom, every day.

Bindi Lodge,
Principal

From the Deputy Principal, Years 7-9

As we begin Term 2, I extend a warm welcome back to our school community. I hope the recent break provided everyone with a chance to rest and recharge.

This term, students in Years 7 to 9 will explore their subjects in a deeper way, building upon the foundations laid in Term 1. Our dedicated teachers are committed to supporting every student through this critical phase of learning.

Every lesson, Every day presents unique learning opportunities that build upon previous lessons. Regular attendance ensures that students stay engaged with the curriculum, participate in collaborative activities, and receive timely support from teachers. Frequent absences can disrupt this continuity, making it challenging for students to keep up with their peers and potentially impacting their academic performance. Let’s all work hard to build regular and consistent attendance in Term 2.

Regular attendance also supports the wellbeing of our students. A student's sense of belonging within the school environment plays a pivotal role in their motivation and overall wellbeing. When students feel connected to their peers and teachers, they are more likely to participate actively in class, seek help when needed, and exhibit positive attitudes toward learning. This connection also contributes to the development of social skills and emotional resilience.

Support at home reinforces the value of education and encourages a positive attitude toward learning. Practical ways to support learning at home can include:

• Setting regular times for homework, meals, and sleep to provide structure and stability.
• Designating a quiet, well-lit space for study, free from distractions.
• Discussing daily school experiences, upcoming assessment, and subjects of interest
• Promoting reading for pleasure
• Ensuring that screen time is balanced and that online activities support educational goals.

We value open communication between home and school. Please feel free to reach out to teachers or school staff with any questions or concerns. Your insights and feedback are vital in creating a supportive learning environment for all students.

Congratulations to all students for their efforts and achievements in their Term 1 reports.  These excellent results teamed with outstanding attendance ensure that students have the best opportunity to be successful.

Leann Nichol,

Deputy Principal

From the Dean- Junior School

Junior School Update

Term 2 is progressing quickly, and our Junior School students are continually displaying the Holland Park SHS values with their impressive focus and determination every day. We had our Parent/Teacher Interviews in Week 3 and it was fantastic to see so many parents meeting Teachers across a broad range of subjects. I was fortunate enough to speak with parents on the night who commented on how much they appreciate the effort and care by HP Staff. Parents were also thankful for the well supported transition their child has made into Year 7.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

Holland Park SHS is taking part in the Premier’s Reading Challenge, years 7-9. The PRC is not a competition but a way to encourage students to develop a love of reading for life. Students are encouraged to select a range of fiction and non-fiction books suited to their reading ability and record books read during the reading period, from 6 May to 22 August. A reader record form is used to tally books read throughout the challenge (an attachment will be provided in Care).  Hard copies of the reader record form can also be collected from the library.

To complete the challenge:

• Years 7 to 9 must read at least 15 books.

Experiencing books can include independent reading, shared reading, ebooks, graphic novels and listening to stories on audio books. The aim for the 2025 challenge is to encourage students to make time to read. Last year saw more than 216,000 children from around the state participate. This will be actively promoted in Care, Strive and English classes.

Attendance – Weeks 4 to 10, Term 2

Students are to check their attendance on Day Map regularly to ensure that they are above 95%. Attendance in every lesson every day for the remainder of Term 2 is crucial to their performance. Assessment will be commencing in some subjects this week and being present in class is critical for students achieving their very best outcomes. 

Michael Jesberg,
Dean of Years 7 & 8

Art by Year 9 Students

Year 9 Marbled Paper Landscape Collage

In Year 9, Term 1, students explored how two Australian landscape artists capture the significance of place through their work. Inspired by these artists, students created their own marbled papers and layered them to design vibrant collages of their favourite places, locations they feel personally connected to and inspired by. We are proud to share one outstanding student's work, showcasing her connection to her favourite place.

"Dragons Bay" Artist: Evie Tran 

"Dragons Bay" is a marbled paper collage inspired by the breathtaking scenery of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. Drawing from the works of Kate Shaw and Lin Onus, the piece captures the bay’s towering limestone formations through swirling marbled textures and layered paper, creating depth and movement. The vibrant, flowing colours mimic the shifting waters and misty atmosphere, while the layered elements add a sense of dimension, much like Onus’s signature reflections. 

The name Ha Long means "descending dragon," and the bay’s dramatic peaks rising from the sea resemble a dragon’s back. This natural wonder, which I visited as a child, left a lasting impression, inspiring the dynamic composition of Dragons Bay. The rich, earthy marbled tones contrast with the bright blues of the sea, taking cues from Shaw’s use of colour to evoke energy and fluidity. The layered paper technique further enhances the sense of depth, much like the way reflections shift on water. 

Through marbled textures, layered composition, and reflective symmetry, Dragons Bay brings to life the movement and atmosphere of this stunning landscape, celebrating its beauty and ever-changing nature. 

Year 9 Still Life Artwork

This term, our Year 9 students have been building their skills in still life drawing and watercolour painting. As part of their learning, they created flower-in-vase artworks to recognise and appreciate the important mother-figures in their lives, whether that be a mother, grandmother, carer or another supportive figure. Students demonstrated creativity throughout the process and should be proud of their thoughtful artworks that they will gift to someone for Mother’s Day.

From the Deputy Principal, Years 10-12

Senior School Update

Term two is a very busy time for Senior Students with our focus being very much on academic engagement. Students should have by now established effective study plans where they have mapped out how they can best use their time to meet not only their academic commitments but also to balance the rest of their time between extra-curricular activities, part-time work and family life. Students have all been provided with their assessment planner for the year and parents can access it through the QParents app.

If your young person is struggle with how to study below are three highly efficient technique to support deep engagement with learning.

The Pomodoro Technique – A solution for procrastination!

Often a young person sets out to complete a large chunk of study, but they find themselves procrastinating or doing something else altogether. Mobile phones should also be well out of reach as they are the ultimate distraction. A simple strategy to enable focused concentration is the Pomodoro Technique. Quite simply the technique is 20 -25 minutes of intense deliberate concentration and then a reward of a 5 – 10 mins break. Repeat. Repeat. This technique breaks the study session in manageable chunks and has rewards built in. Used consistently it creates excellent study habits and assists in moving information from short to long term memory.

Spaced Repetition: Moving learning from short to long term memory

This concept won’t be unfamiliar to our senior students as their teachers are already using it in lessons as preparation for the external exams. Spaced Repetition is where students review new materials initially every day and then begin to extend the time between reviews.  For example, review the concepts every second day, then twice a week, once a week, once a month etc. Over a long course of study this allows information to make the transition from short to long term memory.

Retrieval Practice

Put away your class material and write or sketch everything you know. Be as thorough as possible. Now go back and check your class work for accuracy.  Retrieval is not just about recalling words and definitions. It’s about recalling the main ideas and how concepts are related to different from one another. Repeat. Repeat until the knowledge is easily accessible.

For more highly effective study time I would encourage students and parents to visit the Learning Scientists website: https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2016/8/18-1

Year 10 & 11 Parent Information Evening – Rescheduled!

After being washed out due to cyclone Alfred we have reschedule our Year 10 & 11 Parent Information Evening for Tuesday the 3^rd of June. The program for the evening is:

Year 10 Families: 5:15 – 5:45 pm

Topics covered include:

• Senior Schooling
• Career Planning
• Work Experience
• Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR)

Year 11 Families: 6:00 – 6:45pm

Topics covered include:

• Refining Pathway planning
• Success in Senior
• Breakout sessions (select two)
• Wellbeing
• ATARs and External Assessment
• Vocational Training & Career Connect
• Pathways

All session will occur in D block and a registration link will be sent to families. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Sonya Tremeer,
Deputy Principal, Senior School

From the Dean- Senior School

Senior School update

Wow.  Almost halfway through Term 2 already.  I know everyone is busy both at school and at home.  Can I encourage everyone to take some time, breathe and reset for the second half of the term.

We have some exciting events coming up in the Senior School:

• Year 11 RYDA (Rotary Youth Driver Awareness) Excursion
• Year 11 Leadership Day Incursion
• Year 12 Pathways Interviews
• Year 12 RACQ Driver Awareness Presentation
• Peer Mentoring
• Track and Field Carnival
• Academic Coaching

Uniform

As we move into the winter months, we’d like to remind our school community of the expectations regarding winter uniform options at Holland Park SHS.

We expect all students to wear the school uniform with pride and uphold our standards at all times. All approved items are available for purchase at the uniform shop.  We currently permit students to wear their Senior Jersey as part of both the Formal and Sports Uniform in Year 12.

If your child attends school without the correct uniform, they may visit the office to borrow the item they are missing. This may include a school jumper, sports uniform, formal shirt, skirt, pants, shorts, or shoes. Please note that students who do not have a note from parents will receive a lunchtime detention and are still required to change into correct uniform.

Some common uniform considerations are:

• Jewellery – two earrings in each ear are allowed. Hoops that are large enough for a finger to fit through, do not meet workplace health and safety requirements. Sleepers and studs are allowed. A watch is also allowed. All other jewellery must be away.
• Hair that touches your collar must be tied back.

Student Attendance

As we are now in the Senior years, your child’s attendance at school every day is more important than ever. To give our students the best possible chance of reaching their potential, students need to be in class as much as possible.

Year 11 Events

The RYDA excursion is scheduled for the 5^th of June.  This is a whole of cohort excursion to Mt Gravatt TAFE to participate in Australia’s largest and only national road safety education program.  It is designed to create knowledge, develop practical skills and accessible strategies to help young drivers manage this complex new situation.  Permission notes have been distributed via QParents.

The Year 11 Leadership Day is another full day event scheduled in Week 10 of term.  This program has been specifically created for our school.  Past students always speak about how motivating it is.  They also mention that it empowers all attendees to lead, either through self-leadership, group leadership or even to apply for the leadership program here at Holland Park.

Year 12 Events

This year I have made a real point about driver safety.  We have enlisted the RACQ to run a couple of programs and our Year 12 students will experience their Driver IQ program.  This fast-paced presentation explores student knowledge and tries to emphasise the importance of driving safely.

In the coming STRIVE program Staff Leaders will engage with the Year 12’s as part of their Academic Coaching in some Pathways Interviews.  These meetings will explore post schooling pathways and leads into the successful Career and Pathways Day scheduled for Term 3.  Students will have the opportunity to hear some presentations from Universities, TAFE, and employment agencies before attending a careers expo and hearing to some real-world panel discussions.

Maintaining Healthy Habits

The final years of schooling can challenge any young person’s ability in time management. When things get busy, often it can be the simple things that we lose focus on. Sleep and physical activity are often those that are the first to go downhill.  Within our STRIVE program we have explored the topics of: the importance of sleep, the benefits of physical activity and have attempted some practical examples of how Time Management can aid in maintaining a balanced approach to the stressors that occur at this time in a young person’s life.  If you need to contact myself, I can be reached via phone or email (globe1@eq.edu.au).  I wish you a safe and successful Term 2.

Graham Lobeiger

Dean of Senior School

Finance News

As we approach the midpoint of Term 2, we kindly remind you to review and settle any outstanding balances on your child’s student account. Keeping accounts up to date allows us to continue providing high-quality educational services and resources for all students.

Account Statements
Detailed statements were sent at the end of Term 1, outlining SRS fees, subject levies, sporting fees, and any additional excursion charges incurred during the term. If you need a copy of your statement, please don't hesitate to contact our Finance Office.

Payment Options
We offer a variety of payment options to suit your needs. Should you require assistance or have any questions regarding payment arrangements, our Finance Department is happy to help. Your prompt attention to this matter is greatly appreciated.

Follow-Up Communication
Any unpaid invoices will be handled in accordance with the department’s Debt Management Procedure.

Important Notice for Year 12 Families
Please be aware that all outstanding fees for Year 12 students must be fully paid prior to attending the Year 12 Formal. This is an important milestone, and we want every eligible student to have the opportunity to celebrate. Your prompt attention to this matter will ensure all students can participate without issue.

Debbie Watkin

Business Manager

Interschool Sport

Round 6-8

After a short pause due to Cyclone Alfred, interschool sport has resumed with renewed energy, and our teams have wasted no time getting back into the swing of things. The past few rounds have seen some impressive performances, great sportsmanship, and plenty of school spirit.

In Round 6, our juniors faced off against St James College, producing some outstanding results. The Year 9 Boys Volleyball team delivered a dominant performance, winning in straight sets 2–0. Jacob Deveson stood out with a fantastic game, showing not only skill but also commendable school pride. The Year 9 Girls Volleyball team also claimed victory in a competitive 2–1 match. Ola Kedzia was instrumental in key moments, helping her team across the line. One of the most remarkable highlights from the round came from the Year 10 Boys Volleyball team, who managed to defeat Rochedale State High School 2–1 despite playing with only four players. Seff Henry described it as one of his favourite games to date, and the team’s resilience and determination were on full display.

Round 7 brought equally close contests against Mount Gravatt State High School. The Year 8 Boys Basketball team fought hard and led for much of the game, displaying impressive teamwork and coordination. Unfortunately, they were narrowly defeated 40–45 in a tight finish. Lucas Randall was named the most valuable player for his outstanding contribution. The Year 8 Girls Touch Football team also had a closely contested match, staying level with their opponents for much of the game before finishing with a 3–5 loss. Kadeesh Nali continued her strong form, scoring a try and once again proving to be a reliable presence on the field.

In Round 8, our Senior Boys Volleyball team continued their winning streak with a hard-fought 2–1 win over Mount Gravatt State High. The team’s combinations and grit were evident throughout the match, and Ethan James was a standout performer, contributing significantly to the team's success.

Representative Sport

Mt Gravatt District Cross Country Trials

Earlier this team, two of our 12-year-old students, Vedran and Abbie, were nominated to participate in the Mt Gravatt District Cross Country trials. Despite the unfortunate cancellation of our own Interhouse Cross Country Carnival, they showcased their talents with remarkable dedication and effort. Congratulations to Vedran and Abbie for their outstanding participation!

South District AFL

Congratulations, Charlie! We’re excited to announce that Year 11 student Charlie has been selected for the South District AFL team! Best of luck to Charlie as he heads to the Met East AFL trials. Go, Charlie!

Met East Golf

Well done, Hennessy! Year 10 student Hennessy has once again been selected for the Met Est Golf team. We are incredibly proud of his consistent achievements and dedication. Congratulations, Hennessy, and best of luck at the State Championships in June! Go HP!

Met East Swimming

Earlier this year, Year 10 student Mason showcased his swimming prowess at the Queensland School Sport Swimming Championships. He excelled in his heats for the 50m freestyle, backstroke, and butterfly, as well as the 100m freestyle events. Mason achieved a personal best and came within 0.5 seconds of his PB in two other events. His outstanding performance earned him a spot in the 200m medley relay, where he swam the butterfly leg, and the 200m freestyle relay. Mason and his teammates secured an impressive 3rd place in the state for the 200m freestyle relay. This is a remarkable achievement for Mason, and we extend our genuine congratulations to him!

Met East Volleyball

We have some exciting Volleyball news to share! Congratulations to Year 10 student Zara, who attended the Queensland School Sport Volleyball Championships in Caloundra as a member of the 13-15 years girls Met East team. Zara and her team performed outstandingly, progressing to the Bronze medal match where they defeated Met West to secure 3^rd place. Zara displayed her dominance as a pass hitter throughout the tournament and was rewarded for her efforts by being selected for the State team! This is a fantastic achievement, and we wish Zara all the best at the School Sport Australia Volleyball Championships in June. Excellent work, Zara – well done!

Ainslee Joss
Sports Coordinator – Representative Sport

Kokoda Challenge 2025

🚶‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Our Biggest Team Yet! 🏃‍♀️🚶‍♂️

We’re incredibly proud to have 34 students and 8 staff representing our school in this year’s Kokoda Challenge – our biggest team ever! 💪

The Kokoda Challenge is a 48km endurance trek through rugged bushland, inspired by the Kokoda Track and the values of courage, endurance, mateship, and sacrifice. It’s a huge test of determination, teamwork, and grit – and our students are ready to take it on!

This event also raises funds for the Kokoda Youth Foundation, which supports young Australians through leadership and resilience-building programs. You can read more about the foundation here:
👉 https://www.kokodachallenge.com/what-we-do

Our teams are fundraising as part of their journey – and we’d love your support! Donate to any of the teams below to help them reach their goal:

🟡 Beef

https://www.kokodachallenge.com/fundraisers/beef

🔵 Niche

https://www.kokodachallenge.com/fundraisers/niche

🟢 HP Sloths

https://www.kokodachallenge.com/fundraisers/hpsloths

🔴 Stigmas

https://www.kokodachallenge.com/fundraisers/stigmas

🟣 Holland Park Moths

https://www.kokodachallenge.com/fundraisers/hollandparkmoths

🟠 HP Zoom Zoom

https://www.kokodachallenge.com/fundraisers/hpzoomzoom

🟤 All About the Green

https://www.kokodachallenge.com/fundraisers/allaboutthegreen

Every donation helps support a fantastic cause and motivates our students as they prepare for this incredible challenge. Thank you for cheering them on! 🥾💛

#KokodaChallenge #KokodaSpirit #EnduranceMateshipCourageSacrifice #ProudSchoolCommunity

QParents for Report Cards

School Report Cards on QParents

Semester 1, 2025 School Report Cards will be distributed at the start of Term 3. All Parents will be able to gain access to their students report card via the QParent App. If you have not yet set up your account, we encourage you to do so now before the report cards are published.

How do I get access?

To start using QParents, download the app on your preferred device or visit the QParents website External link and follow the instructions.

Where can I find help using QParents?

 If you need assistance using QParents, you can:

 ▪ call 13 QGOV (13 74 68)

 ▪ contact the school

Features of QParents

QParents is a free and secure online application available for all Queensland state schools. It enables schools to provide parents with digital access to various student data and administrative functions, including:

• access and provide digital consent
  
• view and update attendance details (including future absences)
• view and pay invoices
  
• access report cards and assessment planners
  

You are also able to update your child's details including address and medical conditions.

Premier's Reading Challenge

This year we are inviting all students in years 7, 8 and 9 to take part in the Premier's Reading Challenge.  This is not a competition but a way to encourage students to develop a love of reading for life.  There are many benefits to reading including improving spelling and vocabulary, developing empathy and expanding general knowledge.  It is also a great way to relax and reduce stress. The aim of the 2025 challenge is to encourage students to make time to read.

To complete the challenge students in years 7 to 9 must read or listen to at least 15 books.  Students are encouraged to select a range of fiction and non-fiction books suited to their reading ability and record books read during the reading period, from 6th May to 22nd August.  A copy of the reader record form is attached, and hard copies are available from the school library.  Every student who completes the challenge and returns the reader record form to Mrs Winfield by the 30th of August, will receive a Certificate of Achievement.

Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing Survey

On Monday 12 May, students at Holland Park State High School will be asked to take part in the Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing (QEW) Survey.

We know that wellbeing and engagement are important parts of your child’s life at school. The QEW Survey is designed to measure how students view their wellbeing and engagement across different topics. The information we get from the survey helps us better understand and support our students.

Additional information regarding the survey is attached. If you have any questions, please contact the school. More information, including FAQs, can be found on the Education website: (https://qed.qld.gov.au/publications/reports/statistics/schooling/students/queensland-engagement-wellbeing-survey).

Why are we doing the survey?

We know that wellbeing and engagement are important parts of your child’s life at school. The department and your school are looking at ways to collect information on these topics so we can support our students in the best way possible.

The Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing (QEW) Survey is designed to measure how state school students view their wellbeing and engagement.

Results from this survey will tell us about students’ levels of wellbeing and engagement. This information will allow us to better support our students and meet their needs.

When will the survey take place?

The QEW Survey is run in Weeks 1 to 4 of Term 2 each year.

What is the survey about?

The survey measures many aspects of students’ wellbeing, engagement, and experience at school.

 What is involved in participation?

Teachers will arrange for students to take part in the Survey online during class time. It will take about 30 minutes to complete. If your child requires additional assistance, teachers and/or support people are able to help them.

Does your child have to participate?

Participation in the survey is voluntary. Choosing not to participate will not affect your child’s education in any way.

Your child will also be asked if they would like to participate before starting the survey. They will be free to stop or withdraw at any time.

If you do not wish for your child to participate in the QEW Survey, please contact your school and inform your child.

Your child will still get a link to the survey in their email even if you opt out, please talk to your child about not using this link. Schools will provide an alternative activity for your child on the day when the survey is done in class.

How will your child’s information be kept confidential?

The information collected through the survey will be kept confidential. No personal information will be shared with anyone outside of the Queensland Department of Education. The Queensland Department of Education will store the data according to strict guidelines. The collection of information is in line with the Educational General Provisions Act (2006) and the Information Privacy Act (2009).

How will your child’s responses be reported?

Student’s answers will be de-identified. They will only be reported back to the school as part of their year levels’ results. No one at your child’s school will be able to see their individual responses.

Where can I get more information?

More information, including FAQs, can be found on the Education website: https://qed.qld.gov.au/publications/reports/statistics/schooling/students/queensland-engagement-wellbeing-survey

You can contact the QEW Survey team by email: QEWSurvey@qed.qld.gov.au

Supporting Our Community