School Newsletter, Term 1 2025

From the Principal

Welcome to our exciting new newsletter platform! We’re thrilled to introduce this fresh way to stay connected and celebrate our school community. Newsletters will continue to be published in Weeks 4 and 8 each term, providing highlights of student achievements and keeping you up to date on upcoming events and priorities.

Term 1 has been a vibrant and busy start to the school year. We began with the induction of our senior leaders, welcoming our Year 12 students into their final year of high school. This ceremony also acknowledged those students who have taken on official leadership roles. It was a wonderful opportunity to talk about the importance of “leading without a badge” and to remind all students that leadership comes in many forms, and everyone has a role to play in shaping our school culture.

This term has been filled with memorable experiences. We held a hugely successful Swimming Carnival and were proud to welcome our bright and enthusiastic new Year 7 cohort, who are already thriving in our school community. Their recent camp to Maroon Outdoor Education Centre was a highlight, filled with fun, learning, and connection.  We also had the pleasure of hosting visiting students from our sister school in Tennoji, Japan—a valuable cultural exchange for both our students and staff. We also faced an unexpected challenge with a brief school closure due to Cyclone Alfred, and we thank our resilient community for your understanding and flexibility during this time.  A huge shout out to our amazing staff who worked very hard to reopen the school quickly and make our environment safe and inviting for our students.

Our Year 7 and 9 students successfully completed NAPLAN testing this week, and we welcomed over 40 families to our first Principal’s Tour of the year—an incredible turnout and a testament to our school’s strong reputation and welcoming spirit.  Our senior students are working hard, having completed their first internal assessments and they’re demonstrating a real commitment to excellence setting the tone for another successful academic year.

Each year schools are asked to create an Annual Implementation Plan (AIP), which outlines the strategic direction for 2025. This year, Holland Park SHS are driven by two key priorities:

Teaching and Learning Excellence

We are committed to ensuring that teaching at Holland Park SHS is research-informed, data-driven, and inclusive. Every student deserves access to high-quality, targeted instruction and a clear 

understanding of their learning progress. Student agency and ownership of learning are key pillars of this priority.

Promoting a Culture of Learning

At the heart of our school is a belief in every student’s potential. We strive to foster a strong sense of belonging, where all students are invited to engage with learning and where it’s never too late to grow. Our culture is grounded in unconditional positive regard, inclusivity, and the celebration of diversity.

We’ve set some clear and aspirational goals for 2025:

• 100% of students achieving a C or above in all subjects
• 60% of students achieving an A or B in all subjects
• 100% of students achieving a C or above for behaviour and effort
• 60% of students achieving an A or B above for behaviour and effort
• Median ATAR of 80+
• Maintain 100% QCE & QCIA attainment
• 100% student engagement in work, training, or study after graduating
• Whole school attendance rate of 90% or higher
• 100% of students maintaining at least 85% attendance

Our current student attendance rate is sitting at a very strong 92%—a fantastic start to the year. Consistent attendance is the foundation of student success, and every day at school matters. Unless students are unwell, it’s essential they attend each day to fully engage in their learning and make the most of every opportunity.

We have some exciting new curriculum offerings in the senior space in 2025. This year sees the introduction of General Engineering for Years 10 and 11—a fantastic opportunity for students passionate about maths, physics, and pathways to engineering tertiary studies. Through a partnership with Brisbane State High School, we’ve also introduced Literature and Psychology to our Year 11 curriculum, expanding options for students to explore their academic interests.

Learn more about Engineering General Syllabus HERE Literature General Syllabus HERE and Psychology General Syllabus HERE.

Our Career Connect Program is also new this year, a vocational education initiative led by Mr Bretherton (HOD Technologies) and Mrs Cameron (HOD Senior Schooling). This program is already making a significant impact, supporting students undertaking school-based apprenticeships and certificate courses. These students are demonstrating outstanding dedication and currently boast the highest attendance rate in the school—a true reflection of their commitment and engagement. Their success highlights the power of real-world, future-focused learning, with students sharing that they value the program’s “personalised learning that supports their career path.”

In 2025 we are beginning of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) journey. This important initiative is being approached with care and authenticity. Staff and students are engaged in the initial stages, and we look forward to inviting our broader community to be an active part of this journey. We are honoured to be working with First Nations artist Jennifer Kent, who has begun planning a collaborative community artwork that will reflect the values, culture, and spirit of our school and our deep connection to land and people.  Watch this space for more information of how to be involved in our RAP.  To have a look at Jen’s previous work with school we invite you to take a look at her website https://www.manamanadreaming.com/about-us

Bindi Lodge,
Principal

Introducing Our School Captain's

Hi everyone! My name is Anastasia, and I’m really excited to be one of your School Captains for 2025. Holland Park is such a great school, and what I love most about it is the people — our school community is always so supportive and welcoming.

My favourite subject is HPE because I love being active. I also enjoy playing Oztag and rugby union, but outside of school I love reading — it’s a great way to relax.

This year, I’m looking forward to working with Bella and Evan to make 2025 a great year for everyone.

G’day! I’m Evan, one of your School Captains for 2025, and here is a bit about me:
I’m passionate about learning and strive to immerse myself in it whenever I can. My favourite subjects at school are English, Modern History, and Graphics. My favourite thing about Holland Park is the warm and welcoming community fostered by both the staff and students – it’s a place where everyone can feel truly at home. I feel fortunate to witness the strengths of my peers and colleagues through the many opportunities at HP – from the experiences inside and outside the classroom to our exciting school camps and extracurricular activities, like the Kokoda Challenge. Outside of school I love to absorb myself in the world of history, learning how our world has been shaped to the way it is today.
I can’t wait to see how our school and community develops throughout this coming year, and I am thrilled to be a part of HP’s amazing student leadership team. I sincerely look forward to working alongside the many bright minds at our school. Special shoutout to my Co-Captains Ana and Bella who I have the pleasure to stand beside.

May 2025 bring good fortune to us all!

Hey everyone!

My name is Bella, and I am honoured to be one of your school captains for 2025. As we embark on this exciting year, I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself before we dive into the full swing of things.

I’ve always loved school life. Whether it be learning something new content in Biology, doing the Push-Up Challenge in June or even just meeting new people in the student council, I love having the opportunity to be involved and learn something new. My favourite subject is HPE followed closely by English and Chemistry, but the real highlight of school life for me is being in such an engaging and community-focused leadership team. This year, I’m so excited to be working our community, striving towards a great year and a better tomorrow. I’m also excited to be participating in this year’s musical, staff vs students’ games, going to Japan later in the year and most importantly watching Gordon take out the win for 2025.

Ana, Evan and I are so excited to see where our final year takes us and are so pleased that you all are on this crazy journey with us. Cheers to many adventures and good times in 2025!

From the Deputy Principal, Years 7-9

Welcome

A warm welcome to the families of our Year 7 students! Starting high school marks an exciting new chapter in your child's educational journey, and we are delighted to have you as part of our school community.

To families of year 8 & 9 students, welcome back and thank you for returning for another exciting year at HPSHS.

High school is a time of discovery and personal growth, and we are dedicated to helping every student realise their full potential. From academic challenges to extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, and personal development - this is a time for exploration and self-discovery. Students will have the chance to engage in a variety of subjects, electives, sports, and other experiences that will shape their high school experience.

We believe that success is not just about what happens in the classroom, but also in the connections that students build with peers, teachers, and the wider community. Our staff are here to support your child through every challenge and celebrate every success.

A strong partnership between the school and families is essential to student success. We also encourage open communication with our staff - never hesitate to contact your child’s teachers with any questions.

It would be appreciated if you can assist you child to make good choices regarding the wearing of the school uniform including jewellery, skirts, make up.

Students in year 7 & 8 are well supported by Mr Michael Jesberg (Junior School Dean) and students in year 9 are well supported by Ms Jess Colston (Middle School Dean).

Year 7 Camp

The Year 7 cohort have enjoyed an exciting time at Camp. Students were challenged through a variety of activities including an overnight campout.  A huge shoutout to the HP School Staff and the Maroon Outdoor Education Staff who worked with the students.

NAPLAN testing for year 7 & 9 students occurred this week. Thank you to the students for their cooperation and to the teachers who supervised the testing.

Students are currently completing assessment. Please check in with your child to ensure they are aware of due dates and have completed the necessary requirements. All students in years 7 – 9 have received a copy of their assessment calendar which they can use to ensure deadlines are met.

Thank you for choosing to be a part of the HPSHS community.

Leann Nichol

Deputy Principal

From the Dean- Junior School

The Junior School have had a fun and exciting start to the school year! Firstly, we have welcomed our Year 7 cohort to HP who have already demonstrated clear willingness to listen, learn and achieve. The Year 7’s have been overwhelmingly supported by their care class teachers, who have been unwavering in guiding them each and every day. Also, a big thanks to the subject teachers for the Year 7 students who have been instrumental in helping them adjust to the academic expectations of secondary education. A highlight for the Year 7 students was the camp held at Maroon Outdoor Education Centre, 25/2/25 to 28/2/25. Students had a blast rock-climbing, camping, canoeing, orienteering and bushwalking at the scenic Lake Maroon dam over 4 days and 3 nights. The group learned the importance of teamwork, leadership, perseverance and resilience.

Our Year 8 students have also had a successful start to the year, beginning with a very strong representation at the swimming carnival - a lot of points were gained for Gordon, Marshall, Toohey and Weller. They have also demonstrated a commitment to their subjects, with a clear focus on diligently participating in every class, every day. They have been strongly supported by their care class and subject teachers, who have helped guide them over the course of the term. Students in the Junior School clearly show the HP values of learning, respect, kindness and perseverance. 

Michael Jesberg

Dean, Years 7 & 8

Engaging our Year 7 Students

Hey everyone! Tom and Bella here, your Senior Sports Captain and School Captain for 2025.

When we were given the task of engaging the Year 7 students, fostering friendships, and encouraging teamwork within their houses, one idea stood out: a round-robin competition. This exciting event is designed to help students form strong connections with their peers before embarking on their first high school camp. Over the course of several weeks, students took part in three exciting games — Granny’s House, Bang!, and Capture the Flag — each promoting teamwork, strategy, and plenty of laughter. The enthusiasm was evident as students cheered each other on, embraced friendly competition, and fully immersed themselves in the fun. A special thank you to the senior house captains for their dedication in organising, planning, setting up, and even participating in the games, which made the event a tremendous success. Our gratitude also goes to Mr Lane for his support in assisting the senior leaders and supervising the event. Most importantly, a huge thank you to the Year 7 students! Your enthusiasm and engagement over the past few weeks have been truly appreciated. We hope you had a fantastic time and enjoyed getting to know us as much as we enjoyed getting to know you.

From the Dean- Middle School

Our Middle School students have jumped into 2025 with a renewed sense of confidence and determination to succeed, handling our wild weather disruption with grace and calm to persevere with their studies. This term, it’s been wonderful to see our students taking advantage of leadership opportunities, developing their skills, and looking to the future. I look forward to another great year ahead with this cohort.

Jess Colston
Dean of Middle School

Year 9 Leaders Collaborate at Leadership Conference

This term, some of our Year 9 Student Leaders had to opportunity to go to Queensland University of Technology with Ms Colston and engage with Student Leaders from all around South-East Queensland. Students engaged in workshops that inspired them to lead with creativity, confidence and purpose. Skye, Esther, Sylvester and Eden worked together to develop ideas to bring to Student Council so they can positively impact the school culture.

Career Curriculum in Full Swing for Year 10s

Year 10 students have been diligently engaged in identifying their strengths, interests, and potential career paths as we delve into the possibilities that await them when they finish school. This year, our Year 10 students will work with teachers to develop their direction forward, and they will take advantage of opportunities such as the visiting the Career Expo and undertaking Work Experience. Our Career Curriculum is encouraging students to consider their futures, and those futures are looking bright.

Holland Park SHS Represented at the Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council

Congratulations to Bridie Shaw, who has been selected as a delegate to represent our school and local community on the Lord Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council (LMYAC). This position allows Bridie to work with a group of dedicated students from many schools across Brisbane, identifying issues that affect young people, generating and sharing ideas for initiatives, and providing feedback on policies, laws, services and programs that affect young people.

Recently, Bridie attended the LMYAC induction meeting. Throughout the day, she and other students learnt valuable skills in leadership and teamwork while having fun and learning about local government. The Australian School of Entrepreneurship ran a workshop on public speaking, and each group of students had the opportunity to pitch an idea of how to make Brisbane better. We know Bridie will do an excellent job advocating for young people in our city and look forward to hearing more about her work with the LMYAC.

From the Deputy Principal, Years 10-12

Supporting Students

To support your students’ success in their studies we highly recommend the development of a visual assessment planner. Being able to see when assessments are due is critical in developing effective time management and organisational skills.  
All students have been provided with a blank year calendar where they are encouraged to map out their assessment for the year. A blank copy is also available in the newsletter for your use.

All students have been provided with a paper copy of their assessment calendars, and they are also available via their OneSchool home page. To access their assessment calendars, students need to locate OneSchool on the HPSHS Intranet home page and log in. In the dropdown menu select, Student Course Planner.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your student’s assessment, please reach out to your student’s teacher first. If you have any further questions, the relevant Head of Department will be able to assist you.

Across the year minor changes to the final due dates for assessment pieces are likely to occur. These adjustments happen to support students due to events that impact the teaching and learning sequence. The point of truth for all due dates remains the assessment task sheets which are provided to students at the commencement of all assessment tasks.

The Holland Park High Student Council

Our amazing and active Student Council continues to add value to the inclusive culture of Holland Park State High. Comprised of students from Years 7-12, they have already made a fantastic impact this year. On February 14^th we celebrated Valentine's Day and this week, a dedicated team of students prepared a delicious breakfast of hot pancakes for our Year 7 and Year 9 students who completed their NAPLAN papers. Their delicious efforts were appreciated by our test takers.

Exciting plans are underway for Harmony Day on April 2, a special event that celebrates the rich cultural diversity of Holland Park State High School. Did you know that our school community includes families from 40 different countries who speak 35 different languages?

Guided by our core values of Respect and Kindness, this event embraces inclusivity and unity. The Student Council invites the entire school community to get involved! Students are encouraged to wear traditional cultural attire during the lunch break and take part in the fun activities, performances, and delicious food on offer.

Join us in celebrating the vibrant cultures that are at the heart of our school.

Kind regards,

Sonya Tremeer

Deputy Principal – Senior School

From the Dean- Senior School

Academic Achievements

In Week 3, we had the privilege of celebrating the academic achievements of our 2024 Year 12 graduates. We invited some high-performing past students back to the school to honour their outstanding accomplishments. This event also recognised the 2025 Student Leaders and our Senior cohort. Each student was awarded a badge, marking a significant rite of passage in their educational journey. The badge symbolises the growth, perseverance, and resilience these students have demonstrated throughout their 13 years of schooling.

It was a meaningful occasion that connected the current students’ ongoing journey with the achievements of last year’s cohort. This also highlighted that the journey doesn’t end with the completion of high school; rather, it’s an ongoing process driven by the pursuit of dreams, knowledge, and personal growth, all while creating lasting memories along the way.

The Year 12’s are also quickly moving through their first assessment block. They have completed exams, submitted drafts, and are nearly finished assignments. It is important to remember that there is no magic switch - good study habits and effective time management are the key to succeeding at school. During STRIVE, we recently explored the concept of Academic Integrity, with every Year 11 and 12 student completing a course developed by the QCAA. Additionally, students filled out a personal planner to assess the amount of time they’re dedicating to schoolwork and developed their first Learning Plan. These Learning Plans are an important piece of work that frames our Academic Coaching, Pathway Planning and Year 13 (post high school) focus.

Year 11 students have also been working hard in the preparation of their subject specific curriculum knowledge in the lead up to their first round of assessment.  They also completed the Academic Integrity Course, personal time management planner and have completed their Learning Plans.  It is great to see how dedicated our Senior Students are in the completion of their studies.

Graham Lobegeiger

Dean of Senior School

School Musical

The Wedding Singer – The Musical!

Get ready for big hair, big dreams, and even bigger laughs as Holland Park State High School brings The Wedding Singer to the stage! This high-energy, feel-good musical is packed with catchy tunes, hilarious moments, and all the iconic 80s vibes you love.

Synopsis
The Wedding Singer takes us back to a time when hair was big, greed was good, collars were up and a wedding singer might just be the coolest guy in the room. Based on the hit Adam Sandler movie, The Wedding Singer's sparkling new score does for the '80s what Hairspray did for the '60s. Just say yes to the most romantic musical in twenty years.

It's 1985, and rock star wannabe, Robbie Hart, is New Jersey's favourite wedding singer. He's the life of the party until his own fiancée leaves him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie makes every wedding as disastrous as his own. Enter Julia, a winsome waitress who wins his affection. As luck would have it, Julia is about to be married to a Wall Street shark, and, unless Robbie can pull off the performance of a decade, the girl of his dreams will be gone forever.

📅 SHOW DATES:
🎟 Tuesday, May 13 – 7:00pm
🎟 Wednesday, May 14 – 6:15pm (Family-friendly early start!)
🎟 Thursday, May 15 – 7:00pm

💰 TICKET PRICES:
🎫 $20 per ticket
🎫 $65 for a group of 4

🔗 Get your tickets now: https://www.trybooking.com/CZQVW

With only 1,200 tickets available, and our last production a sell-out, you won’t want to miss out! Grab your best 80s outfit, bring your friends, and join us for a spectacular night of music, romance, and rock ‘n’ roll!

See you at the show!

Representative Sport

South District Swimming

We’re celebrating the achievements of our talented student and swimmer, Mason (Year 10)! After his stellar performance at the South District Swimming trials, he has qualified to attend the Met East Swimming trials, as member of the South District Swimming team. Best of luck to Mason as he dives into the next level of competition. Let’s cheer him on as he represents our school with pride. Go, team!

South District Volleyball

We’re thrilled to share the results of the recent South District Volleyball trials. A big round of applause to our talented students who’ve made it to the next level! Selected for the Met East Trials as members of the South District team:

Congratulations to all of our students! Let’s continue to cheer them on and show our support. Go HP!

Met East Swimming

A huge congratulations are in order for our talented year 10 swimmer, Mason! He’s officially made it onto the Met East swimming team and is gearing up to represent us at the State Championships later this month. Best of luck in your events, Mason. We’re cheering you on every stroke of the way!

Met East Volleyball

A huge round of applause for Zara and Harrison for making it onto the 13-15 years Girls and 16-19 years Boys Met East Volleyball teams, respectively! Their hard work and dedication at the recent trials have paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder. These talented athletes will be representing our school at the State Championships later in the year. Let’s show them our full support as they embark on this exciting journey. Good luck, team!

Ainslee Joss
Sports Coordinator – Representative Sport

Staff v Student Volleyball

Holland Park held their very first Teachers vs Students game of the year. Our senior students challenged the teachers in our school's favourite sport - volleyball. 

The volleyball match was intense and thrilling to watch, filled with incredible plays and long rallies that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Both teams showed off their impressive skills, with the teachers narrowly winning the first set 26-24, only for the students to bounce back in the second set with a dominant 24-11 win. 

In the end, the teachers took the win. The senior students fell short by not winning the second set despite dominating with 48 points in comparisons to the teachers, 37 points.

Our senior students are now demanding a rematch later in the year - be ready teachers!

A special congratulations to all teachers who participated for their outstanding performance and the senior students for their fantastic contributions to the game!

Vanessa Lam
Toohey House Captain

Interschool Sport

A Strong Start to the Season

Holland Park State High School’s Interschool Sport teams have made an impressive start to the season, demonstrating skill, teamwork, and determination across multiple competitions. With three rounds completed, our students have shown outstanding sportsmanship and competitive spirit.

Round 1 Highlights

Our Year 8 Girls Volleyball team set the tone for the season with a commanding performance against Whites Hill State College, securing both sets with scores of 25-5 and 17-6. Annabell Stoffels played a key role in this victory, being awarded MVP of the match. In Touch Football, the Year 8 Boys team battled hard against Whites Hill State College, resulting in a closely contested 5-5 draw, with Jayden Stream making significant contributions. Meanwhile, the Year 9 Boys Futsal team faced a strong Cavendish Road State High School side, finishing with a 4-2 loss despite a determined effort led by Emmet Cunningham.

Round 2 Highlights

The Year 8 Boys Touch Football team bounced back with an impressive 4-1 victory over Citipointe Christian College, with Liam Perry standing out as a key player. Our Year 10 Boys Volleyball team delivered an exciting performance against Cavendish Road State High School, winning the first set 25-17. Though the second set ended in a close 10-9 loss, the overall match win was secured, thanks to the leadership of Seff Henry.

Round 3 Highlights

The Year 8 Girls Volleyball team continued their dominance, securing another strong win against Rochedale State High School. With set scores of 25-20 and 9-8, the team demonstrated resilience and teamwork, with Georgie Tarte playing a pivotal role in their success.

Congratulations to all our teams for their efforts so far! We look forward to more exciting matches and continued success throughout the season.

Our Language Department

Sister School – Tennoji High School visit

Our Sister School, Osaka Prefectural Tennoji High School大阪府立天王寺高等学校 has returned to Holland Park! This year marks the 24^th Sister School Anniversary. Mr Masaya Kawamoto and Tennoji High School students (Mai, Mao, Fuka, Kanna and Kodai) enjoyed their stay as they shadowed their Holland Park Senior Japanese class buddies (Shiona, Natalie, Alivia, Claire, Bella and Declan) and experienced the Australian Curriculum. Tennoji students also had a taste of our HP Program through Music, Art, Volleyball, Hospitality and Technologies Workshops. Even with Cyclone Alfred, it did not dampen their spirits; Tennoji students still visited Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary and took some precious ‘Koala Moment’ photos. To mark our 24th Anniversary, Mr. Masaya Kawamoto, on behalf of Tennoji High School, accepted our gift to the school – a piece of First Nations textile art. In return, Tennoji gifted our school with traditional dolls and a modernistic Gundam Robot figurine, carefully chosen by Tennoji High School teachers to add to our Gundam collection. A huge thank you to all the host families, staff, and students who organised and supported our Tennoji visitors during their two-week stay at Holland Park. They have loved every bit of their stay and look forward to continuing our sister school relations.

Seijo Gakuen Virtual Tour

We had our first connection via Virtual Tour with Seijo Gakuen成城学園中学校高等学校on Friday March 14^th, prior to their 1-week visit - March 24^th to March 31^st Our Year 9 and 10 Japanese students showcased our school, our city and Australian culture. Seijo Gakuen had a great time interacting with our HP students in English, learning about Australia, and they can’t wait to meet their HP Buddies in person!

We look forward to meeting Seijo Gakuen on Monday March 24^th at HP!

International Student Program

Welcome to the Year of Snake!  The start of 2025 has seen a great increase in our international student enrolments - both short term and long term. So far, 9 international students from Japan, Bhutan, Vietnam, China, Spain and Germany have arrived in Term 1.  

Two study tour groups from Japan will be arriving at Holland Park State High School from the start of March till the end of March, including our sister school - Tennoji High School with their annual visit at HPSHS from Sunday March 2^nd to Saturday March 15^th.  Three other study tour groups from Taiwan and Japan will join us later - June to August.

Exciting times with study tour groups at HPSHS indeed!

Host Families needed

We are seeking your support to become a host family for these young people. If you have a spare room in your home and would like to experience other cultures, sharing your traditions, trying different foods, or even learning another language, we would love you to become a part of our HP Homestay Program. The benefits of hosting an international student in your home could potentially be a life-changing endeavour.

A reimbursement for costs incurred whilst hosting a student, which will more than covers living expenses and outings. Please contact Rebecca Blemings rblem0@eq.edu.au 0409 685 311 for further information.  

For a generous reimbursement, you will need to provide:

• A separate bedroom with bed and desk
• Three meals a day plus morning and afternoon tea
• Internet access to meet study requirements
• A friendly, supportive family environment
  

Comments from our host families:

“Our family explored parts of our State and country we didn’t know existed”
“We have made life-long friendships with our student and their overseas family”
“We loved learning about other customs and traditions”
“It encouraged our family to do more things together”
“Our children found it a great learning experience”

Lucy Shiau                                                                      Rebecca Blemings                                              

International / EALD Coordinator                                 Homestay Coordinator          

Curriculum

Writer’s Tool Box

One of our whole school priorities at Holland Park is the improvement of writing. To enable our students to become better writers, we have embedded in the Junior Secondary curriculum Dr Ian Hunter’s writing tools – 12 ways to write a sentence. Students in Year 7 – 10 have their very own online writing accounts, where they can construct any writing for any subject and receive immediate feedback for improvement.

To help understand what the program provides, there are some instructional videos on the Holland Park High School website located under Junior Curriculum to help parents and students access this program at home. Click on the link – Writer's Tool Box to get started.

Regards

Elizabeth Lloyd

HOD Teaching & Learning

Writers Tool Box Tips

 As part of our school initiative on the improvement of writing, each fortnight I will be sharing some of Dr Ian Hunter’s 12 ways to cast a sentence. Here’s the first three to try: The Adverb & W start and the Power Sentence.

The Adverb Start Sentence is a sentence that starts with an adverb. Adverbs are all the words ending with -ly in English.  Words like Cleverly, Usefully, Firstly, Brilliantly, Sneakily, Importantly, Subsequently, Similarly, Finally, ect.

THE RULE - in the Adverb Start Sentence is this:

When you start your sentence with an adverb, you place a comma after the adverb then write the rest of the sentence.

EXAMPLE

-           Subsequently, traces of sulphur were detected in the final product.

-           Fortunately, the volleyball player was able to return the ball and win the game.

-           Interestingly, many migrants settled in Brisbane instead.

Start a sentence with an adverb; it adds interest and intrigue.

QParents

We are excited that most families now have a QParents account and have downloaded the app on their phone. If you have have not yet set up an account and need help, please call out Administration. Alternatively, this guide has useful information.

https://education.qld.gov.au/parents-and-carers/school-information/qparents/student-information#attendance

QParents provides secure, online access to student information such as:

Log Absences

You can log on to QParents at any time of the day to notify us of a current, future, or past absence, a late arrival or early departure for your child, or check their attendance at school.

To log an absence

1. Within the individual student profile, select attendance. This screen displays absence history information for your child for the current calendar year.
2. From this screen, you can submit reasons for unexplained past absences or notify the school of new absences for the student by completing the required detail and selecting submit.
3. From this screen, you can submit reasons for unexplained past absences or notify the school of new absences for the student by completing the required detail and selecting submit. The details will be sent to the school to review and you will receive an email notification once the school has confirmed the absence detail.

Pay invoices

You can view invoices with outstanding payments as well as details of paid invoices and receipts for your child on the payments screen within the individual student profile.

You can also make online payments against outstanding invoices with Visa or MasterCard. These payments are processed through the Commonwealth Bank's BPOINT facility. It is possible to make partial payments or to pay multiple invoices for a student at the same time.

To view payment information

1. Select the to pay checkbox next to any invoice to make a payment.
2. If you are viewing the payments screen within the combined student view (accessed through the payments tile on your home screen), select the student’s name to navigate to the individual student profile where you can make a payment.

Academic information

You will be able to view and download your students' Academic Reports, timetables and other year level related data.

Assessment Calendars in QParents and OneSchool

QParents is becoming an even more useful tool now that Assessment Calendars for all students Years 7 – 12 are available.  To locate your student’s assessment calendar log into QParents and locate Upcoming Events:

From Our P&C

HPSHS P&C AGM Meeting 

Our Annual General Meeting will be held next Thursday 27 March 2025, 6:30pm

The meeting will be held in the conference room in the Admin Building.

We encourage all parents to join our P&C – as they say, many hands make light work! You can sign up for P&C membership at the meeting. If you require any information on vacant executive roles before the meeting, please reach out.

Key membership information:

• Being a P&C member does not mean that you must attend all meetings. We understand families have busy schedules and sometimes it is physically impossible to commit to attending. We just ask for you to volunteer when and where you can.
• Parents are not required to hold a volunteer blue card in order to volunteer at their child’s school. Any other family member that is not a parent is required to hold a volunteer blue card, in which the P&C is happy to assist with applications.
• Remember, the P&C is made up of parents... just like you! The primary goal of the P&C is to enhance the educational opportunities for the students at our school. But along with that, it is also a great platform to –

o Build lifelong friendships with other like-minded parents.
o Enhance your skill set.
o Become more informed on important school matters and policies and provide parent input.
o Give back to our wonderful school community.
o And most importantly, have fun!

If there are any questions regarding our upcoming AGM or how to become involved with our P&C, please don't hesitate to contact us at PandC@hollandparkshs.eq.edu.au. We look forward to seeing you all at the AGM!

Leah Williamson

P&C President

Music Bingo

Get ready to relive the ultimate decade of fun at our '80s Bingo Night! On Friday 6th June at 6pm, join us for a neon-drenched evening filled with classic tunes and tons of Bingo excitement in the school hall.  Dust off your leg warmers, hype up your team and prepare for a blast from the past.

Pick the Hit Entertainment will be providing the entertainment as you guess the song from the 80's and mark it off on your Bingo card, throw in some 80's trivia, jokes, tributes and dance offs and we have ourselves a "fun" Fundraiser.

Doors open from 6.00pm with Bingo starting at 6.30pm. Prizes for best dressed, best decorated table, best group and dance off champion.

Tickets are $30 + Booking Fees

Get together for a table of 10 for a discounted rate of $280 + booking fees

Each entry ticket will receive 1 x Bingo Cards but if you require more, please purchase extra.

Community Notices