School Newsletter, Term 3, Week 10, 2025

From the School Principal

A Term Full of Achievement, Growth, and Connection at Holland Park SHS

As Term 3 draws to a close, it’s great to take a moment to celebrate the amazing work of our school community. It has truly been a jam-packed term filled with achievements, growth, and connection.

Our students have continued to shine in so many areas. Our senior students proudly represented Holland Park SHS with a visit to Queensland Parliament House, while our Year 10 students completed their SET Plans, confirming their senior pathways and preparing for their futures with confidence and clarity. A particular highlight was our students excelling in the QUT Mooting Competition, finishing as runners-up and making history as the first public school to ever reach the final. Our Instrumental Music students also impressed, bringing home a swag of awards from MusicFest, and our volleyball program thrived with clinics at local primary schools as well as strong representation at the Queensland Senior Schools Cup.

Our staff have also been busy strengthening professional practice, engaging in a cross-school Quality Assurance process with colleagues from Sunnybank SHS, Whites Hill SSC, Brisbane South SSC, and Brisbane State High School. They have participated in cross-cultural professional learning, explored accessible assessment practices, and taken part in student agency workshops. Staff are also leading the way in implementing the ethical use of generative AI and co-intelligence with students. These experiences highlight the power of collaboration and reflect our shared commitment to excellence in teaching and learning.

The wider school community has come together through a number of vibrant events and celebrations. The Festival of Creativity filled our campus with colour, performance, and innovation, while Seniors Week brought plenty of fun and laughter. Our Bunkasai Japanese Festival enriched our community with cultural activities and performances, and our Parent Information Evenings and many 2027 enrolment interviews helped strengthen our partnership with families and future students.

We also took time this term to recognise excellence through our Academic Awards Ceremony, celebrating a record number of outstanding academic and attendance achievements. Importantly, our School Review provided an invaluable opportunity to reflect on the fantastic work happening every day at Holland Park SHS. Once the report is finalised, it will be shared on our website and will help shape our next Strategic Plan (2026–2029). Parents and carers will also have opportunities to contribute to this important work, as your voice is a vital part of our future direction.

As we look ahead, we take a moment to acknowledge change within our leadership team. This term we farewell Sonya Tremeer, who has been such an important part of the culture at HP for many years. Sonya will be stepping into her next leadership role as Deputy Principal at Cavendish Road SHS, and we thank her for her enormous contribution to our school and the positive impact she has had on so many young people. In Term 4, Leann Nichol will be taking some well-deserved leave. During this time, Mr Greg Reinke will step into the role of Senior Schooling Deputy Principal and Mr Graham Lobegeiger will take on the Junior School Deputy Principal role. We know they will do an excellent job and encourage families to reach out to them as needed.

What an incredible term it has been at Holland Park SHS. We are proud of the achievements, growth, and connection shown by our students and staff and look forward to finishing the year strong together.

Bindi Lodge,
School Principal

From the Deputy Principal, Year 7-9

Holland Park SHS Core Values: Learning, Respect, Kindness, and Perseverance

At Holland Park State High School, we strive to honour each day the core values: Learning, Respect, Kindness, and Perseverance. These values not only shape an academic journey but also help individual growth and build a community.

Learning

Learning is more than just absorbing facts; it’s about curiosity, problem-solving, and the courage to ask questions. It’s about developing skills to be better thinkers. Students are encouraged to stay curious, embrace new challenges, and approach every subject with an open mind.

Respect

Respect means listening to others, valuing diverse perspectives, and treating each person with dignity. In our school, respect goes beyond mere politeness; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels heard, understood, and valued. Respect for one another also means taking responsibility for our actions and considering how they affect the larger community.

Kindness

Kindness is the simple gestures—the smile offered to a friend, the compliment given to a classmate, the support provided to someone in need. Kindness is about choosing to treat others the way you would want to be treated. Each day offers countless opportunities to practice kindness, and the more we do, the more we create a positive, welcoming space for everyone.

Perseverance

Perseverance is the grit to keep moving forward, even when the path gets tough. It’s about resilience—standing up after setbacks, learning from mistakes, and never giving up. At our school, we celebrate perseverance by supporting one another through difficulties, whether it’s in academics or personal life.

Bringing It All Together

Learning, respect, kindness, and perseverance are the building blocks of our school community. By holding ourselves and each other to these standards, we make our school a place where everyone can succeed, grow, and feel valued.

Leann Nichol,
Deputy Principal, Year 7-9

From the Dean- Junior School

As Term 3 comes to a close, we proudly celebrate the growth, resilience, and achievements of our Year 7 and 8 students at Holland Park State High School. This term has been defined by perseverance, respectful relationships, and a strong commitment to learning.

Students have embraced challenges through Strive lessons, exploring motivation, personal values, and the power of persistence. These sessions have helped students understand that success comes from consistent effort, learning from setbacks, and believing in their ability to improve.

NAIDOC Week was a highlight, with students reflecting on the theme of “Legacy.” Through stories of young leaders, they considered how resilience shapes the impact they can have on others and the kind of legacy they want to leave. Our Week 5 Junior Assembly reinforced key messages: every student can succeed, and every day is a chance to grow. We celebrated progress across all subjects and encouraged students to aim for personal excellence, maintain strong attendance, and support one another. Beyond the classroom, events like the Bunkasai Festival and Ekka Show Holiday brought joy and connection, reminding us of the importance of wellbeing and community spirit.

As we wrap up the term, we’ve seen students rise to challenges—whether preparing for assessments, engaging in cultural activities, or showing kindness and resilience in daily interactions. Their efforts reflect a growing maturity and a commitment to our school values.

Thank you to our dedicated staff and supportive families for encouraging perseverance and celebrating progress. Together, we’re building a learning community where every student is empowered to strive, reflect, and succeed.

Wishing all our Junior School families a safe and restful break.

Michael Jesberg,
Dean of Junior School

From the Dean-Middle School

It has been a busy and exciting term for our Middle School students, with plenty of opportunities to engage in learning, future planning, and wellbeing initiatives.

Year 9 Updates

Our Year 9 students have had a full program of activities this term. Recently, they and their families attended the Subject Information Evening, which gave insight into our spiralling curriculum and helped students prepare for Year 10 subject selections. Families appreciated the chance to speak directly with teachers at subject displays and gain clarity about future learning pathways.

On Wednesday, Year 9s took part in Subject Taster Day, where they rotated through a variety of senior subjects, gaining first-hand experience of what Year 10 will be like. This complements the information evening by allowing students to “try before they choose” as they think about their strengths, interests, and goals.

In Strive, students participated in a HALT Program workshop, led by Dave Kramer, ambassador for Small Steps 4 Hannah. This powerful session encouraged empathy, resilience, and respect, while equipping students with strategies to build safe and inclusive relationships.

Students have also engaged with our School Nurse, Mel, on healthy habits and the importance of sleep – see the newsletter article on ‘Sleep’ for more information on supporting your child to build successful sleep routines.

Our Year 9s who have been involved in our Strength, Shine, and TeamUp wellbeing programs will celebrate their final week together in Week 10, with a new group preparing to begin the programs in Term 4.

Year 10 Updates

Year 10 students have been busily preparing for their upcoming work experience placements. They have secured opportunities across a range of industries where they will gain both industry-specific and transferable skills. Work experience helps students grow in confidence, develop responsibility, and practise the skills that will serve them well in their futures.

Many Year 10s have also participated in Trade Tasters, exploring pathways in electrical, automotive, and construction. Alongside this, students and their families are working through SET Plan interviews, subject selections, and conversations about next steps. These experiences ensure our students feel supported as they transition into their senior years.

myfuture.com.au – Australia’s National Career Information Service

Wellbeing Tip

As assessment deadlines and exams approach, my advice is simple: start early, plan ahead, and look after yourself. Break larger tasks into smaller steps, set aside regular time for revision, and balance study with rest, exercise, and healthy routines. Small, consistent effort now will reduce stress and set you up for success.

Exploring Genetics at University of Queensland

At the start of Term 3, our Year 12 Biology students visited the University of Queensland for the Experience Genetics program with Mr Chang and Ms Colston. Students used university labs to complete advanced activities such as DNA extraction, PCR, and gel electrophoresis—directly linking to their Unit 4 studies.

Our group represented the school beautifully, showing great enthusiasm, teamwork, and skill. Adding to the excitement, past student Samara was our tutor for the day—what luck! Her guidance and encouragement made the experience even more memorable.

Thank you to UQ for an engaging, hands-on day that inspired our budding scientists!

Jess Colston,
Dean of Middle School

From the Deputy Principal- Year 10-12

Goodbye from Ms Tremeer

To the dear Holland Park High School Community,

I have had the privilege of being a member of our amazing school for quite a few years. I first arrived at HP as the Head of Department for English way back in 2000. Since then, I have embraced a number of opportunities in other schools and the corporate sector to gain experience and new learnings, but have always found my way back home, to HP.

My current chapter at our school is closing on Friday the 19^th of September as I have taken on a new challenge to be a Deputy Principal at our near neighbour, Cavendish Road SHS. I start at Cav next term.

One important factor in deciding to seek another school was that I want my own children to benefit from the incredible dedication and hard work of the teaching team at Holland Park High. My youngest daughter will join our year 7 cohort in 2026 and I know that she and all of our children are getting the best possible education. Our school’s commitment to creating a safe and engaging environment is the foundation of the excellent results of our students. Mrs Lodge and the school’s Leadership Team are on a journey of continuous improvement, we want every student to succeed and to have pathways through and beyond school.

While I’ll no longer be a Deputy at HP I will enjoy my role of being a parent in this wonderful community and I look forward to maintaining the many friendships that I have built here.

Warm regards,
Sonya Tremeer
Deputy Principal, Year 10-12

From the Dean-Senior School

Senior Schooling Update 

Congratulations to our Year 12 students that have recently completed their Trial Exams.  These examinations were an important opportunity for the students to test their knowledge and skills relating to the content learnt to date and to assist them in refining their study focus for Term 4. It is an important opportunity to identify strengths and weakness in the understanding of subject matter, to seek feedback on the ability to respond to the cognition and assessment requirements, and to guide further learning and preparation for the external examinations.

It is now over to our Year 11 students that are beginning their end of Unit 2 assessment period with a short exam block in week 10 of this term.  We wish them all the best and remind them to maintain a balanced routine of study, rest and wellbeing.

Studying doesn’t have to feel like a chore. By gamifying your routine, you can make learning more engaging, motivating, and even fun. Gamification involves turning your study tasks into a game, complete with goals, challenges, and rewards. It’s a great way to stay motivated and tackle your workload with enthusiasm.

Create a Reward System

Rewards are a simple yet powerful motivator. Set up a system where you earn points for completing tasks, and exchange those points for rewards. For example:

• 5 points for finishing a Maths worksheet.
• 10 points for revising a chapter.
• 20 points for acing a practice test.

Once you accumulate enough points, ‘unlock’ a reward, such as:

• Watching an episode of your favourite show.
• Enjoying a treat like your favourite snack.
• Taking a guilt-free break to play a game or chat with friends.

Make It Competitive

If you thrive on competition, gamify your studies with a friend or sibling. Set shared goals, such as completing a certain number of practice questions or memorising key terms, and see who finishes first. You could even create mini prizes for the winner.

Use Digital Study Games and Apps

Technology makes gamifying your study routine easier than ever. Many apps are designed with game-like features to make learning more enjoyable. Here are some popular options:

• Kahoot: Create interactive quizzes and play against friends.
• Quizlet: Use flashcards and test yourself with timed challenges.
• Habitica: Turn your to-do list into a role-playing game where you earn rewards for completing tasks.

Gamifying your study routine transforms studying into an interactive and rewarding experience. By creating a reward system, introducing friendly competition, and using study apps, you can stay motivated and even have fun while working toward your academic goals. Give it a try—you might just find yourself looking forward to your next study session!

Year 12 Updates:

Students should now have had access to purchase both a Formal Ticket and the 2025 Year 12 Yearbook.  Both of these items are very much in keeping with the message of “Make some Memories”.  This has been a consistent theme across the year.  Dates to keep an eye out for are:

• Year 12 External Exams – Begins 27/10/2025
• Year 12 Formal – 18/11/2025
• Year 12 Graduation – 20/11/2025

Year 11 Updates:

The 2026 Senior Jersey is now available to purchase via the Struddys Online shop.  This online shop will only be open until the 8/10/2025.  There will unfortunately be no access to purchase jerseys after this date.

Graham Lobegeiger,
Dean of Senior School

From Our Finance Team

As we soon begin Term 4 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.

As we approach Interschool Sport for Term 4, any outstanding fee's that are not finalised by the end of Term 3 will result in your student being ineligible to participate in interschool sport and only be eligible for intra-school sport options for Term 4.

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.

Account Statements

Detailed statements are emailed on the 15th of each month, outlining outstanding 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.

From Our Library

The Premier's Reading Challenge (PRC) is an annual statewide initiative for Queensland schools and home-educated students from Prep to Year 9. The PRC aims to improve literacy and encourage children to read for pleasure and learning.  This year we have had three students at Holland Park SHS complete the challenge by reading 15 books during the reading period from May to August.  Congratulations to Leonie, Marvyn and Madeleine who will each receive a certificate and 15 house points.

Our P&C

Tuckshop Supervisor Wanted – Join Our School Community!

Holland Park SHS P&C is looking for a friendly, reliable Tuckshop Supervisor for Term 4 (possible extension). Lead our Tuckshop, support staff and volunteers, and serve fresh, healthy food to students. See our flyer attached blow for more information.

From Our Community