O-News 22 August 2025

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we move through Term 3, I am pleased to share with you some of the wonderful learning, sporting, cultural, and community experiences our students and staff have been engaged in, as well as some of the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Academic Excellence

This term has seen strong academic engagement across the school. Our Parent Teacher Evening provided families with an invaluable opportunity to connect with teachers, reflect on student progress, and set clear goals for the remainder of the year. In addition, our Year 10 students and families have participated in SET Planning, ensuring each young person is well-supported in making informed subject selections and career pathway decisions as they prepare for their senior years.

Our Heads of Department have also been leading faculty goal setting, sharpening their focus on curriculum delivery, pedagogy, and assessment. Students have recently undertaken Academic Reviews for IA3, with teachers working closely to ensure feedback is purposeful and aligned to improvement goals.

Sporting Achievements

Sport continues to be a strong pillar at our school. This term, our athletes showcased their talent at the District Athletics Carnival, with a number of students excelling in their events and now progressing through to the Regional Championships. We are incredibly proud of their efforts and look forward to seeing them compete at the next level.

Looking ahead, our Academy Rugby League and Academy Soccer teams will be representing the school in the Struddys Cup Finals and Metro Finals respectively. Both programs have continued to grow in strength and reputation, and these finals appearances are testament to the hard work and dedication of our students and coaches.

Community Connections

Our school continues to strengthen its bonds with the local and international community. We were delighted to host visiting delegations from Kobe Koryo Senior High School, Ikeda High School, and Showa Daiichi High School in Japan. These visits not only celebrated cultural exchange but also offered our students the chance to build friendships and deepen their understanding of global perspectives.

Closer to home, our Primary Partner STEM Activity brought together students from our feeder schools for an engaging day of problem-solving and innovation. Activities such as these play a vital role in building positive transitions from primary to secondary schooling and spark a passion for learning in exciting fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

We are also preparing for upcoming Primary Partner Picnics, with students and staff visiting:

• Ormeau SS – Wednesday 3 September (Week 8)
• Norfolk Village SS – Monday 8 September (Week 9)
• Woongoolba SS – Tuesday 9 September (Week 9)

These events are wonderful opportunities to celebrate partnerships with our local schools and to warmly welcome future students and families into our community.

Cultural Engagement

The cultural life of our school has been thriving. Students had the opportunity to attend the EKKA, engaging with Queensland’s agricultural heritage, displays, and interactive learning experiences. A special highlight was the Fusion Dance Workshop, a cross-school partnership with SER schools, where young dancers collaborated and performed together. Events such as these enrich student creativity, build confidence, and foster teamwork.

Looking ahead, we are eagerly preparing for our Arts Graduate Showcase on Thursday 11 September. This event is always a highlight of our cultural calendar, offering a platform for our graduating students to share their talents in the visual and performing arts. It is an evening that celebrates creativity, dedication, and achievement.

Looking Ahead

In the weeks ahead, we also have some important whole-school opportunities. Our students will be taking part in a NASA Trip Saturday 13 - Monday 22 September, an inspiring experience that connects classroom learning to real-world innovation in science and space exploration.

We are also partnering with the Commonwealth Bank to conduct 2026 Leadership Interviews, ensuring our student leadership program continues to attract and develop exceptional young leaders.

Finally, on Thursday 5 September (SFD), all staff will participate in our Professional Development Day, focusing on refining practice, collaboration, and enhancing learning outcomes for our students.

I want to thank our staff, students, and families for their ongoing support and commitment to our school. The breadth of opportunities available whether in academic achievement, sporting excellence, community partnerships, or cultural enrichment is a reflection of the strength of our school community.

Warm Regards,
Matt Silcock - Principal

Key Contacts

Sports Lunch Fundraiser

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗨𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻 𝗨𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗔𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗼𝗼𝗻!

Ormeau Woods SHS Academy of Sport Excellence, in conjunction with the OWSHS P&C, is proud to host their inaugural Sports Lunch Fundraiser, an afternoon filled with sporting stories, laughs, and community spirit.

𝗛𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆: Former NRL star, media personality & our very own Head Coach Ben Hannant

𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗚𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝘀: Broncos legends Allan “Alfie” Langer & Sam Thaiday, plus cricket great Greg Ritchie

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁’𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗱:

3-course meal

3-hour drinks package

Exclusive auctions & raffles with amazing prizes

Stories you’ll never forget!

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗻: Friday 26 September 2025

𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: Burleigh Bears Leagues Club

𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲: 11.30am - 4.00pm

This is your chance to be part of something special while supporting our young athletes as they strive for sporting excellence.

Seats are limited, so be sure to secure your ticket today!

https://www.trybooking.com/DDVPN

Community Pillar Fundraiser

𝗣𝗶𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗧𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗙𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲𝗿!

Our Community Pillar is hosting a fundraiser in support of the Micah Foundation, an organisation dedicated to tackling the housing crisis, rising cost of living, domestic violence, and challenges in the public health system. Their mission is to help individuals and families move beyond survival to enjoy the quality of life we all deserve in Australia.

When: Lunch 1 - Wednesday 3 September (Week 8)

Where: in the MPC

Cost: $4 per pie (cash only on the day)

And the brave volunteers stepping up for a pie to the face are…

Mr Jenner

Mr Morrison

Mr Pjetri

Mr Stegman

 Mr Dyer

Miss Clearwater

AND our very own School Captain, Arki!

Don’t miss the chance to pie your favourite teachers (and captain!) for a great cause!

In the Woods - from our socials

𝗕𝗲𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗔𝗢𝗠𝗜!

We’ve been working on something super cool in Year 7–8 Academy of Media Industries - shooting a 2026 Calendar for the Chevrolet Car Club of QLD’s 50th Anniversary!

Over three days, 12 amazing cars rolled into our school, and we got to photograph them, experimenting with lighting, angles, and composition. Then, we jumped into Adobe Photoshop to create new backgrounds and make each car really pop.

It’s been intense, with a Week 10 deadline, we’ve been learning what it’s like to work under real-world pressure and get professional work done on time. But it’s so exciting to see our photos coming together, and we can’t wait for the calendar to hit print for 2026!

𝗔𝗰𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗶𝗰 𝗣𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗿 𝗝𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘆 𝗛𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲!

The Academic Pillar team hosted a fun-filled Jeopardy House Challenge during Lunch 1. With Charlie doing an amazing job as host, our houses went head-to-head in the ultimate quiz showdown.

It was a close battle, but once again Zambuca took the crown, followed closely by Roxinho in second and Yabara in third.

A huge well done to all students who jumped in and tested their knowledge, and congratulations to those who scored a canteen voucher prize!

𝗔𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗘𝗞𝗞𝗔 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

Our incredible Aspire Award recipients were treated to a well-deserved day out at the Brisbane EKKA!

These students were recognised and rewarded for their effort and behaviour on their last report card, and this special day was the perfect way to celebrate their achievements.

From showbags to rides, animals to exhibitions, our students made the most of every moment and had an unforgettable time.

Well done to all of our Aspire students, you’ve truly earned it!

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𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟭𝟭 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 – 𝗝𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘂 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲

The Year 11 Aquatics students took their learning outdoors with a visit to Jabiru Island on the Gold Coast Broadwater.

Fifty students explored the rich flora and fauna of the area, rotating through three study zones, the mangroves, the beach, and the rock wall, before finishing with a much-anticipated hour of fishing.

The enthusiasm was infectious, with plenty of “this is awesome!” heard throughout the day. Ely H was first to reel in a bream, but in true determined fashion, Lily N refused to leave without a catch. With just minutes to spare, she cast one final line under the bridge… and hooked the biggest fish of the day! What a way to end an amazing day of science, sunshine, and fishing fun!

A huge thank you to Mr Bryan, Ms Ulcoq, and Mr Norris for making this incredible learning experience possible.

𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟴 𝗦𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 – 𝗘𝗻𝗲𝗿𝗴𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻!

Year 8 Science students are currently investigating energy transfers and transformations, learning to identify and categorise kinetic and potential energy. A simple task was created to assess their understanding of this content, transport a cherry tomato as far as possible with the only input energy being the height they chose to release it from.

Students were stressed on their understanding of the science concept as well as implementation of simple machines such as ramps and pulleys. The assessment this term will task students to design, plan, and construct a Rube Goldberg machine and incorporate elements of scientific investigations and calculating energy quantities in various locations.

𝗢𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘂 𝗘𝗮𝗴𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗲𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘀 𝗪𝗿𝗮𝗽-𝗨𝗽

It’s been a massive term so far for our Ormeau Eagles eSports teams, with competitions across Just Dance, Smash Bros., and Rocket League, and our players have absolutely done us proud!

Just Dance

Three of our talented Eagles took to the stage against schools from across the Gold Coast, bringing big energy and even bigger smiles. The girls supported each other every step of the way, showing what true team spirit looks like. One dancer powered through the heats to reach the quarter finals, before bowing out against some very tough competition. We’re so proud of their performance, positivity, and the way they represented our school.

Smash Bros.

With 40 fierce competitors, including the defending national champion, this was no easy bracket! The Ormeau Eagles brought their A-game, with one of our players battling through the heats to reach the quarter finals before being knocked out in a tough match.The day was filled with epic plays, great teamwork, and plenty of laughs – a perfect example of why we love competing together.Well played to everyone who entered, and congrats to the winners! GGs all around!

Rocket League @ Ekka

Our 3v3 Rocket League squad battled it out at the Ekka in Brisbane against schools from across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.

We dominated in the heats, winning 5 out of 6 matches, and pushed through to the semi-finals. Down 0–2, the Eagles rallied with incredible teamwork to tie the set 2–2 and force a nail-biting Game 5. In the end, we were edged out in a heart-stopping finish on the main stage.

While the scoreboard didn’t go our way, the team showed outstanding skill, making our school proud on and off the field. GGs to all the competitors, we’ll be back next year, stronger than ever!

Across all events, our Eagles showed skill, resilience, sportsmanship, and school spirit, proving once again that eSports at Ormeau Woods SHS is going from strength to strength.

NVSS STEM Expo

Last week, 8 of our Year 10XL Science students volunteered their time to help at the Norfolk Village State School STEM Expo, supporting a range of exciting hands-on activities for primary students.

From getting messy with oobleck and snow at the chemistry station, to peering at insects under the microscope at biology, exploring electrical energies at physics, and programming sphero robots to navigate tricky courses, our students were all-in and doing an amazing job guiding the younger learners.

A clear crowd favourite? Water rocket launches on the oval, along with the spectacular elephant’s toothpaste and iodine clock reaction demonstrations, which had everyone captivated. Well done to our students for representing Ormeau Woods SHS with enthusiasm, knowledge, and leadership and thank you to the staff that supported them on the day.

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱 𝗦𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘 𝗖𝗨𝗣 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦

After three epic sports, countless players, and plenty of fun, Zambuca has been crowned the 2025 House Cup Champions!

It all kicked off with Volleyball, where six houses battled it out until only four remained. Next came Netball, with Yabara taking on Tintara and Zambuca facing Bundari. After some close and exciting competition, it came down to a Tintara vs Zambuca final in Futsal.

In a tough, high-energy match, Zambuca came out on top with a 6–1 victory, securing the championship title. Congratulations to everyone who got involved and brought the house spirit alive! And a huge thank you to our Sports Pillar Leaders for putting together such an awesome event.

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Finance News

As we rapidly approach the end of Term 3 in 2025 (where did that time go?), now is the time to finalise any and all curriculum invoices with the school.  Resources have been supplied to your child/ren through the Student Resource Scheme and Subject Levies, so please ensure these are paid in full, or on a payment plan to be finalised within a reasonable timeframe.

~ BPoint is our Preferred Payment Method ~

Queries regarding finance at OWSHS?  Please make contact with us on finance@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au

P&C News

Hello to all Students, Parents, Teachers and Canteen!

Hard to believe Spring is nearly here. The P&C have lots on the go for the remainder of the term and are on task and on budget. At our recent meeting held on Monday 18 August, some things discussed included:

• The funds promised at the last state election for shade and seating update – with completion on track for April 2026
• Water fountains – progressing this with the aim of having these installed by summer.
• Building relationships with our local primary schools P&C teams – I’ve been lucky to have had the opportunity to meet with some of these teams already.
• Opportunities to celebrate the success of our students – so many ways our students are successful!

Kokoda celebration

Students, team leaders and support teams were celebrated this week with an early morning breakfast. The breakfast was to recognise the incredible teamwork, perseverance, encouragement and leadership demonstrated throughout the experience. Consider being a part of the OWSHS Kokoda experience for 2026 – information will start coming out later this year. It is an extremely rewarding experience for students, teachers and families alike and is another way we build our school community spirit!

Canteen news

Mel and the team have been working hard to ensure students are served as fast as possible by a warm and welcoming team. Recent improvements to payment options have proved successful. Both students and teachers are enjoying the benefits of being served quickly and having plenty of time to enjoy eating the canteen’s delicious food!

A big shout out to our Canteen Convenor Mel who celebrated her birthday this week and to Katelyn who celebrated a year of service with our amazing Canteen team - supporting kids and school alike. Thank you!

An invitation

Finally, I invite you to consider joining us at one of our meetings. We are made stronger by a diversity of members. I hope to see you at our next meeting 5:30pm Monday 15 September (the third Monday of the month).

Have an Awesome Day!

Rob Newton

OWSHS - P&C President

Health Hub

This year Ormeau Woods State High School offered the ‘Train & Talk’ program to selected male Year 9 students. Facilitated by ‘Blokes2Blokes Foundation’, the workshops aim to improve the health and well-being of young males through building resilience, empathy and respect for self and others.   

‘Train &Talk’ brings together professional group counselling and physical activity which was over 8-weeks, and each session started off with a group workout suitable for all fitness levels. After getting the students bodies moving and the blood flowing, the students then dived into group discussions on topics that matter to young men, all facilitated and directed by an experienced counsellor & P.T. instructor, Andy Clement plus the OWSHS Student Support Officer.

The program is designed for the students to explore relevant subjects in a way that resonates with them in a comfortable space. ‘Train &Talk’ topics cover social issues that may impact young men’s health including, Value Based Decision Making, Effective Communication & Conflict Resolution, Identifying Limiting Beliefs, Purpose in Life Direction, Online Safety, Building Positive Habits, Healthy Relationships & Boundaries. 

The students successfully completed the program and have shown positive signs towards their learning since completing the program, OWSHS is looking forward to running the program again next year.

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:

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

All parents must sign up to QParents

In 2026 QParents will be the ONLY platform for submitting all school permission forms – no more paper! To receive and complete these digital forms, you'll need to be registered with QParents as we move away from paper-based permissions.

What You Need to Get Started:

Get your unique access code (email qparents@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au if you need it re-sent)

Just your Drivers Licence and Medicare Card to verify your account

Register easily on any device – setup is now simpler than ever!  Don’t miss out on this convenient way to stay connected with your child’s education at OWSHS.

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

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.

2025 School Calendar