Ormeau Woods State High School eNewsletter

From the Principal's Desk

Hello Everyone,

As we come to the end of the first term, I am excited to reflect on the wonderful events that have taken place at our school over the past month. In addition to the successful Open Evening, we also had a fantastic Harmony Day celebration last week that truly showcased the diversity and unity within our school community.

Last week, our students came together to celebrate Harmony Day by embracing and sharing the rich tapestry of cultures that make up our school. It was a joy to see students from different backgrounds come together to celebrate diversity through food and culture. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to all the students, teachers, and staff who worked together to make our Harmony Day celebration a resounding success.

I am delighted to share with you the success of our recent Open Evening event. Last week, we opened our doors to the community for a night filled with student learning demonstrations, performances, and engaging activities that truly showed what Ormeau Woods State High School is all about. The Open Evening was not only a great opportunity for our students to demonstrate their learning and skills, but it was also a wonderful chance for our community to come together and experience the vibrant and dynamic environment that is Ormeau Woods State High School. I extend my thanks to all the students, teachers, and staff who worked tirelessly to make the Open Evening a huge success.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to Ormeau Woods State High School. Have a great holiday break and I look forward to sharing further progress and success with you next term.

Warmest Regards,

Dan Murtas
Principal

Head of School Update

Dear Families,

In my wrap, Term 1 article, I broach two items for reflection

Attendance
Quality Teaching & Learning

Attendance

Earlier this term, Principal Dan Murtas analysed attendance trends from Monday to Friday, identifying key patterns across the term. Aligned with the Education Department’s Everyday Counts initiative, his focus was on attendance deficits, particularly the ongoing challenge of lower attendance on Fridays.

The year-level trends below highlight this concern. As a school, our target is 88% attendance or greater, and maintaining consistent attendance is essential for student success. Through our year-level teams, we will continue to work closely with families to maximise face-to-face learning time. This is especially critical as we provide students with regular feedback on their progress, ensuring their learning remains aligned with success criteria.

Quality Learning

Our school improvement priority for 2025 is a firm commitment to ensuring our teachers have the capacity to implement effective, evidence-based strategies in their classrooms, maximising student success.

This year, we are strengthening our focus on providing timely and specific feedback to students about their learning. In Term 2, we will continue supporting students in developing a clear understanding of assessment expectations and success criteria, empowering them to:
✅ Recognise their current progress
✅ Understand how they know they are progressing
✅ Identify what steps they need to take to improve

In collaboration with Deputy Principal Nicole Norfolk, we have seen a strong commitment from staff in enhancing their feedback practices. We look forward to further strengthening this capability through our professional learning plan for 2025.

We greatly value your feedback on how your child is progressing in their learning and encourage open communication between home and school.

Regards,

Matt Silcock

Head of School

Key Contacts

In the Woods - from our socials

𝗧𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗦 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗘

Our Year 7/8 team Rugby League team took on Pimpama State Secondary College as part of the rain effected week in the Titans Challenge, and what a performance it was!

The team showed incredible discipline, sticking to the training they’ve been working on, and their fitness was next level.

With a dominant 68-4 victory, it’s clear we’re heading in the right direction with our program.

Well done, Eagles!

𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝘆 𝗼𝗳 𝗥𝘂𝗴𝗯𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲 𝗚𝗶𝗿𝗹𝘀 – 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗴𝗮𝗺𝗲!

Our girls took to the field for their first game yesterday, and while the scoreboard didn’t show a win, their determination, grit, and teamwork were undeniable. They ran with purpose, gave it their all, and never gave up. Every game is an opportunity for them to learn, grow, and improve. This is just the beginning of an exciting season, and we know this team will continue to develop with each match.

We’re incredibly proud of their effort and can’t wait to see their progress as the season unfolds. Onward and upward!

𝗬𝗘𝗔𝗥 𝟭𝟮 𝗛𝗢𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗜𝗡 𝗔𝗖𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡!

Our Year 12 Hospitality students have been hard at work, cooking up a storm as part of their Street Food unit that was sold during Harmony Day! From sizzling flavors to delicious aromas, they put their skills to the test, creating an incredible feast for the celebrations.

𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗢𝗡𝗬 𝗗𝗔𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗙𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗔𝗟

The school came together to celebrate Harmony Day. The atmosphere was buzzing as students and staff embraced the spirit of diversity, inclusion, and belonging.

The Food Festival was an absolute hit! With a delicious selection of dishes from around the world, students had the chance to experience new flavours and celebrate the many cultures that make up our school community.

A huge shout-out to our Year 12 Hospitality students, the Lincs Leos, and the Student Leadership Council for their hard work in preparing and running the stalls, you absolutely smashed it!

Thank you to everyone who contributed, participated, and made the day such a success. Let’s continue to celebrate diversity every day because everyone belongs!

𝗪𝗘 𝗔𝗥𝗘 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗢 𝗞𝗔𝗥𝗧 𝗚𝗢𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗢𝗟 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦!

The Ormeau Woods Eagles raced their way to victory at the Mario Kart Gold Coast Tournament on Wednesday, claiming the Championship title!

Competing against 10 schools and 40 talented racers from Years 9-12, our team faced fierce competition, including last year’s senior champion. Ty and Megan gave it their all but were knocked out in the time trial round. Charlie, last year’s junior champion, and Reid both battled their way to the grand final.

In an intense championship race, Charlie and Reid went head-to-head, trading leads in an electrifying showdown. In the end, Reid crossed the finish line first, securing the trophy and the title of 2025 Gold Coast Senior Champion!

Reid will now go on to represent Ormeau Woods at the State Championships later this year. Stay tuned as we continue our journey to the top!

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝘁𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘀!

A huge shoutout to all five of our Futsal teams who have qualified for the Brisbane Metro School Futsal Titles Finals Day! Each player gave 100% effort, taking on strong opposition and achieving some fantastic results.

One of the biggest highlights of the day was seeing every team execute their tactical focus from training while supporting and uplifting each other throughout the competition.

A massive thank you to our AoFX community for your ongoing support, and an extra special shoutout to our amazing coaches for their exceptional leadership, dedication, and motivation. Your guidance and passion continue to inspire our players to grow and succeed!

This is another big step forward for our AoFX program, we can’t wait to see what’s next!

𝗧𝘂 𝗧𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗽 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘀 𝗝𝗼𝘆 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘆 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸!

Our incredible Tu Tangata Cultural Group had the honour of performing at Carrington Aged Care in Parkinson last week as part of Harmony Week celebrations.

Through music, dance, and storytelling, our students shared the beauty of cultural diversity, bringing smiles and joy to the residents. It was a heartwarming experience and a wonderful reminder of the power of connection through culture.

A huge thank you for welcoming us, we loved every moment!

𝗥𝗨𝗡 𝗜𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗦𝗨𝗡… 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗥𝗔𝗜𝗡!

Even with the rain, our competitive runners showed up and gave it their all!

While the weather meant we had to postpone the Colour Run to later in the year and make it a competitors-only event, our runners embraced the modified track, making the most of the conditions and keeping the spirit alive!

A huge thank you to everyone who participated, especially those who rocked their fantastic costumes on the day, making it an unforgettable event!

𝗥𝗘𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗪𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦 𝗔𝗧 𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗜𝗙𝗜𝗖 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗧𝗦

A huge congratulations to our incredible students who secured a spot in Pacific District teams across various sports this term!

With their sights set on South Coast and beyond, we’re excited to follow their journey and celebrate their achievements.

Well done, team!

Ormeau Woods State High School is excited to welcome back Nara Gakuen High School in term 2, and we are looking for host families to give these visiting students an unforgettable experience!

Tuesday, 27 May – Friday, 6 June 2025 (10 nights)

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲𝗱?

Provide a friendly home, including:

• Transport to/from school

• Three meals a day

• A welcoming experience with your family and friends on the weekend

Families will host two students and receive $1300.

Assistance with Blue Card applications is available.

Hosting is a rewarding and enriching experience, if you're interested, please contact Susannah on 0415 721 328 for more information or to arrange an interview.

Finance News

Curriculum invoices:

*SRS/Student Resource Scheme – 5 weeks Overdue

*Academy Program Fees – 5 weeks Overdue

*Subject Levies – Overdue

Curriculum invoices are to be paid or on a registered payment plan with the Finance Office, prior to eligibility for Extra-Curricular activities.

Extra-Curricular invoices for upcoming events:

XL Camp on Wed 7–Fri 9 May | $481 | Due by Fri 4 April

U15B & Open FQSC Futsal on Tue 6 May | $27.50 | Due by Tue 29 April

U13B/G FQSC Futsal on Thu 8 May | $27.50 | Due by Thu 1 May

Art of the Score / QSO Concert on Fri 23 May | $35 | Due by Fri 16 May

Wildcard Basketball Challenge on Tue 20/Wed 21 May | $60 | Due by Wed 14 May

___________

iPads

2023-2025 iPad Purchase Program – SRS and iPad final instalments Overdue

2024-2026 iPad Purchase Program – SRS and iPad annual instalments Overdue

2025-2026 iPad Purchase Program – SRS Overdue

___________

QParents

QParents is a wonderful way to keep an eye on all things finance with your student’s school account. If you haven’t already, I strongly encourage families to sign up for QParents as soon as possible, to be well informed of invoices, credits, due dates and more. Invoices remain accessible on QParents until paid – once paid, the invoices will no longer show on the app.

With all payments, preferred method is BPOINT, using the individual Invoice Number and Parent CRN Number – www.bpoint.com.au/payments/dete . For easy access, you can click on the link at the bottom left of all invoices.

Further queries regarding Finance? Please make contact via finance@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au

IT Department Update

IT Department - Important Message: Student VPN Usage

A reminder to all students that VPN usage is NOT ALLOWED on the school network. As per the ICT/BYOD Agreement, seeking access to any blocked applications or attempting to bypass websites by bypassing the Department of Education’s Proxy Filtering system by using hotspots or VPNs is prohibited.

As a result of this, any students detected using a VPN on the school network will lose access to all ICT resources, including school emails, WiFi, and computer logons. The incident will be logged on their OneSchool record and may receive additional disciplinary action.

We are constantly monitoring the school network regarding the online security and safety of students and the learning environment.

Health Hub

Did you know….the Health Hub can help families in need. We have a school chaplain, Rachael, who can assist families with food vouchers and hampers as well as referrals to support agencies. We can also help with uniform items, ipad loans and help with other costs for struggling families. If you would like to know more, please contact the school Chaplain Rachael or one of the Guidance officers: Ruby Farley (Years 7, 9, 11) or Phillippa Proctor (Years 8, 10, 12).

Support programs

Next term, the Health Hub will be running programs to help students improve their self awareness, self confidence and decision making ability.

Chase the Sun is a yoga based program facilitated for one lesson each week that helps Year 9 and 10 female students who are anxious at school and have difficulty navigating the challenges at school.

Train the Talk is a program aimed to help guide Year 9 and 10 boys by addressing topics such as communication skills, considering other perspectives, accountability and encouragement while using physical activity as a tool to help them engage in the sessions.

Stepping Up is a mentoring program for Year 7 boys for one lesson per week working on issues like peer pressure, anger management, relationship building with peers and teachers, online space and teamwork.

If you feel that your child is struggling at school with social emotional or behavioural issues and could benefit from participating in a group program or you would like to access individual support for them, please contact the school and ask for the Guidance officer Phillippa Proctor (Years 8, 10, 12) or Ruby Farley (Years 7, 9, 11).

Community services that can help:

Academy Applications NOW OPEN

Applications for all our 2026 Excellence Academies are now open!

Don't miss the opportunity to be part of one of our outstanding programs.

Visit our website for program information and download your application form.
https://ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au/curriculum/excellence-programs

For further enquiries, please contact the Excellence Academies email: academies@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au

Applications close 3.00pm Friday, 25 April – be sure to submit yours on time!

P&C News

Hello from the P&C,

The P&C hopes that all families were safe and have now recovered from ex-TC Alfred. Hopefully no more cyclones for another 50 years! ...and Easter is already upon us. All the best for time off after a very wet Term 1. Our school was quite lucky with only minor damage. In particular, the Canteen was not damaged and there was no significant power loss, meaning no food spoilage over the down time. Thank you to Mel and the Canteen Team for great work preparing beforehand and getting back on deck promptly.

Unfortunately, Term 1 overseas visitors had to be cancelled due to ex-TC Alfred. We look forward to those visits to resume in Term 2.

The P&C has a plan and a budget and already we have had some great proposals. So far this year, the P&C has provided funding for:

Running Club – club hats for sun protection
Music Department – standardised uniforms
Staff Wellbeing – contributions to support our staff throughout the year

We will have many more ideas come to us this year to help deliver on our why. We would love your participation in creating and selecting the best proposals for 2025.

The AGM was held Monday 31 March at 5.30pm in the Resource Centre. We had a great turn out and shared a light supper before getting down to business. We were sad to see Neil retire after 8 years on P&C and wish him well. I am pleased to announce your new P&C Executive Team as follows:

President – Rob Newton

Vice President – Matt Smith

Vice President – Matt Silcock

Treasurer – Ellen Cox

Secretary – Afra Durance

A reminder about the P&C Sports Travel support program. The P&C offers support for students who participate in state level sport. Opportunities are limited. Please see the form here: https://ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au/our-community/pandc and arrange to get the form into Mr Murtas for review. All the best in your chosen sport!

A reminder that our next meeting is on Monday 28 April at 5.30pm in the Administration Building. We hope to see you there. On going meetings will be every third Monday of the month.

The meetings are scheduled as follows:

Monday 28 April
Monday 19 May
Monday 16 June
Monday 21 July
Monday 18 August
Monday 15 September
Monday 20 October
Monday 17 November (last meeting of the year)

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Have an Awesome Day!

Rob Newton

OWSHS - P&C President

Every Day Counts

Please take a moment to review our Attendance Policy within the Student Code of Conduct and follow the correct procedures at all times, including when arriving late to school.

If a student will be absent or late for any reason, a parent or guardian must notify the school using one of the following methods:

📞 Call the Absence Line: (07) 5540 9266
📲 Send a Text Message: 0427 248 087
📧 Email: absences@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au

If a student is absent without prior notification, a text message will be sent to parents/guardians. If you receive this message, please respond directly with the student’s name, and reason for the absence.

Your cooperation helps us maintain accurate attendance records.

https://ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au/our-school/policies

QParents

QParents, download it now!

As well as tracking payments, absences, report cards and timetables we will be introducing online consent forms via QParents. Please make sure you sign up so you don't miss any excursions information or other consent forms when we make the change to digital consent forms only.

If you require and invitation to be sent with your unique access code pleae email qparents@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au to have it sent.

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

*Please note - If you would 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.

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

Tutorials

iPad Purchase Program

https://ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au/curriculum/bring-your-own-device

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 simply ask that you drop off any donations to the main Administration Office.

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

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 arrange a meeting.

O-News 4 April 2025