O-News 11 December 2024

From the Principal's Desk

Hello Everyone,

As we finish off a successful 2024 school year, I would like to thank you for your support of our wonderful school and students. This year we have seen our students achieve the most successful academic results across the school since 2018. Our Head of School, Mr Silcock has showcased our success in his article this week, identifying our incredible growth in the percentage of students achieving an A, B or C in all of their subject areas. We have again achieved for the 5^th straight year, 100% of our Year 12 cohort achieving their Queensland Certificate of education (QCE). Our Year 12 students attaining an ATAR score is predicted to be our best year yet and I look forward to seeing the release of these results Friday afternoon.  Our strong focus on enhancing our curriculum and delivery of curriculum to better engage students this year has certainly had a positive impact on student outcomes. As the school principal I am ecstatic about the key programs and opportunities our students have, to develop in their learning and preparation for their inspiring career pathways. This year, through passionate staff and families, we have strengthened our international education program, enabling many schools to visit Ormeau Woods SHS, as well as building the number of full-time international students studying at our wonderful school. This year we have hosted 18 international schools and over 1000 students. Further to this, opportunities have been presented to students to travel abroad next year to Japan and the USA.

Next year we welcome new Year 7 students to OWSHS. It was excellent to see our new students who participated in an outstanding three-day transition program this term. Our transition days were strengthened this year with the addition of our new Excellence Academies. These programs for rugby league, soccer, the arts and academics are now fully planned and ready to commence at the start of next year. These academies will build on our students’ strengths and open the door for our students to participate in learning for a potential career pathway in their areas of passion and talents.

We also welcome many new students in other year levels for 2025, as well as new staff who will be joining the Ormeau Woods SHS family. Sadly though, we are saying goodbye to some of our families and staff as well. For those leaving us, I wish you the very best. I hope you enjoyed your time at Ormeau Woods SHS and that you will have lasting fond memories of the school, people and events.

I would like to wish everyone a safe and happy Christmas holiday and look forward to seeing returning families and staff back at Ormeau Woods SHS in the new year.

All the best,

Dan Murtas

Principal

Head of School Update

Dear Families,

As we reflect on the academic achievements of 2024, I am proud to share the incredible progress our school has made. This year’s results demonstrate the commitment of our students, staff, and families to excellence.

Whole School Academic Excellence

In Semester 2, our students achieved outstanding results across all year levels and learning areas:

• A grade 28.9%, exceeding our target of 20%.
• A-B grades 65.3%, surpassing our target of 55%.
• A-C grades 95%, well above our target of 92%.

These results highlight the strength of our teaching and learning programs and the determination of our students to achieve their best.

Outstanding Year Level Achievements

I am thrilled to announce that every year level exceeded our 2024 school targets of 20% for A, 55% for A–B, and 92% for A–C. Below is a breakdown of their exceptional performance:

These achievements reflect the dedication of our teachers to delivering high-quality education and the resilience of our students in striving for excellence.

Sustained Growth Since 2020

Our academic progress over the past four years has been extraordinary:

This sustained growth demonstrates the impact of our school’s focus on innovative teaching, personalised support, and fostering a culture of high expectations.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we celebrate these milestones, we remain committed to ongoing improvement. Our priorities for 2025 include:

• Deepening our teachers’ expertise in High Impact Teaching strategies to ensure every classroom delivers high-quality instruction.
• Expanding personalised support for students to continue lifting outcomes in all bands of achievement.
• Strengthening partnerships with families to enhance student success.

Gratitude and Celebration

These results would not have been possible without the dedication of our teachers, the resilience of our students, and the support of our families. Together, we have created a learning environment that inspires excellence and empowers every student to thrive.

Thank you for your ongoing support and trust in our school. We look forward to continuing this journey of excellence in 2025.

Warm Regards,

Matt Silcock

Head of School

Back to School 2025

Tuesday 28 January 2025  |  YEAR 7 and 12 only

Year 7 students will meet in the PAC (Performing Arts Centre) - where students will receive a copy of their Term 1 timetable.

Year 12 students will meet in the MPC (Multi-Purpose Centre).

Wednesday 29 January 2025  |  All Students Years 7-12 to Attend

8-12 Whole school timetables will be emailed to all students at 3.00pm, Friday 24 January – make sure you can access your email.

*PLEASE NOTE: 𝘵𝘪𝘮𝘦𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘴 𝘢𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘰𝘯 𝘖𝘯𝘦𝘚𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘕𝘖𝘛 𝘧𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦.

New students are to go to Administration to receive a copy of their timetable.

NOTE: If you are unable to access your emails or OneSchool to view your timetable because your password is needing to be reset, please head to the Resource Centre BEFORE 8.30am on your first day of school to have it reset.

Administration Hours

The Administration Office will re-open Tuesday 21 January 2025

From Tuesday 28 January 2025

Normal school term Office Hours 8.00am – 3.00pm | Phones 8.00am - 3.30pm

Office contact details: email - info@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au or phone- 07 5540 9222

_____________________________

The Finance Window will re-open Wednesday 22 January 2025 

Important start of 2025 Finance Dates to Remember:

Normal school term Finance Hours - Monday, Wednesday, Friday 8.00am - 11.00am

For any finance queries, please contact us on finance@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au

or 07 5540 9222 option 4 during school hours

Payment options can be found HERE

School hours can be found on the school website - https://ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au/our-school/school-hours

Splashfest - Swimming Carnival

Friday 7 February 2025

Competitors Only in Years 7-10, and All Years 11 & 12

Next year, we’re introducing an exciting new structure for the Swimming Carnival to make the day more streamlined.  To participate, all students will now need to nominate for the events they’d like to compete in.

Don’t miss out, register your interest HERE

Important Splashfest Details:

• Open to all Year 11 and Year 12 students, 
• Competitors only in Years 7 to 10.
• For students not attending the carnival, it will be a normal school day, and attendance is expected.​
  
• Invoices will be emailed home - payment due Monday 3 February ($15 per student)
  
• Permission notes will be available in Week 1, Term 1, 2025
  

We have also started our process for nominations to compete at the Pacific District level. If this is you, please get your ratified times in to Mrs Ludowici at jludo3@eq.edu.au to be eligible. 

We’re looking forward to an incredible day of fun, competition, and house spirit!

2025 School Calendar

Uniforms

Uniforms are to be purchased at School Locker - 3878 Pacific Highway, Loganholme Qld

Phone: 07 3440 9710 ~ www.theschoollocker.com.au 

For stock levels please contact School Locker directly

Secondhand uniforms can be found via a local facebook page - Ormeau/Norfolk Uniform Buy Swap And Sell. Queensland Australia

*Please look through the STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT online, which outlines correct uniforms, footwear, socks, shoes, hair styles and jewellery.

School Photos

Student school photographs will be taken for ALL year levels on Wednesday 5 February 2025. Should a student be absent on this day for any reason, there is a catch-up day on Wednesday 12 February 2025.

ALL students must be in FORMAL SCHOOL UNIFORM.  Photos are also used for their Student ID card, so each student needs a photo regardless of purchasing. 

Health Hub

As the festive season approaches, the Health Hub team wishes everyone a safe and joyful Christmas. While this time of year is filled with celebrations for many, we understand it can also be a challenging period for some families.

We want to remind you that you are not alone. Support is available, and reaching out can make a big difference. Please find contact details below for services that can provide assistance and a listening ear.

Take care of yourselves and one another this holiday season.

QParents

If you haven't already, download it now! It's a game changer for managing all your student/s school information.

Invitations will be sent to families at the start of 2025 who still need to set up their account.  This will have the unique access code required for setting up your account.

For more information about QParents and how it can save you time please visit HERE

*Please note - If you'd prefer not to upload documents for identification when setting up your account, simply visit our friendly staff in the Administration Building where they can verify your documents and confirm your account without the need to upload.

𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗗𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗤𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟𝗦 𝗔𝗣𝗣 (𝘕𝘖𝘛 𝘛𝘖 𝘉𝘌 𝘊𝘖𝘕𝘍𝘜𝘚𝘌𝘋 𝘞𝘐𝘛𝘏 𝘛𝘏𝘌 𝘘𝘗𝘈𝘙𝘌𝘕𝘛𝘚 𝘈𝘗𝘗)

The QSchools App is no longer supported by the Department of Education, and the information showing is outdated. We recommend you remove it from your devices to avoid confusion.  Please install QParents in it's place.

Every Day Counts

Early pick up Process

If you know you will be collecting your student/s up early, please arrange a Leave Request, or phone ahead to advise you are on your way to collect a student. This saves on waiting times and interruptions on class learning.

Leave Requests can be arranged at the office by both students and parents. Information needed is; the reason for the early pickup, and the time the student/s is/are needed at the office for collection.

We can then issue a 'Leave Request' pass.

(Note: if parents call or email, please remind your child to come to the Student Window to collect their Leave Request).

Students can then show their teacher the Leave Request, and at the nominated time come and wait at the office for your arrival.

Parents MUST still come to the office (Student Counter/Window at the back of Administration) and sign students out before they leave school grounds.

Please call (07) 5540 9222 or email info@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au if you have any questions

Bus Service Update

Kinetic Bus changes in 2025

The information currently available from Kinetic is:

What? All school bus departure times are changing

Why? To improve on network efficiency and on time running

When? From 28 January 2025 onwards

Details: All school run departure times have changed. Please ensure you check the Translink timetables for your new departure times.

Find out more: The revised timetable will be available on Translink's Journey Planner from 6 January

For all travel options, to and from school refer to the TransLink Journey Planner by visiting https://jp.translink.com.au/plan-your-journey/journey-planner or phone TransLink on 13 12 30

As information becomes available we will upload to the school website: https://ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au/our-school/maps-and-transport

Reminder:  The school does not run the bus services.  The two bus companies running in and out of the school are Kinetic - Phone: (07) 5552 2700 and Yatala Bus and Coach - Phone: (07) 3287 1427.  Please contact directly for more information.

Tutorials

Second Hand Uniform Donation

Do you have old uniforms that are just collecting dust? We're on the lookout for generous donations of uniforms to assist families and also to stock up our school's uniform room. Your support can make a significant impact!

Whether your children have outgrown their uniform, or perhaps finished their schooling journey, we'd be immensely grateful for your contribution.

We ask if you can drop off any donations to the main Administration Office when school returns next year.

Let's come together as a community and ensure every student has access to the uniforms they need. Thank you for making a difference!

Ormeau Links - Community Business Alliance

Thank you to the amazing businesses that supported Ormeau Woods SHS during 2024.

Ormeau Links has undergone an exciting revamp throughout 2024, and we are looking forward to building even stronger connections with local businesses in 2025.

If you are a business owner seeking opportunities to grow your brand, engage with local families, and build meaningful connections within the Ormeau community, we invite you to explore a partnership with us.

Together, we can create a mutually beneficial sponsorship arrangement that supports your business goals while enhancing educational outcomes for students at Ormeau Woods State High School.

Our Sponsorship Invitation outlines the impactful role our school plays in the community, our standout excellence programs, and how sponsors can integrate their brand with ours. This is an opportunity to grow your business and make a lasting connection with our students, their families, and the wider community.

For sponsorship enquiries please email ormeaulinks@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au to set up a meeting in 2025.

From the community