Ormeau Woods State High School eNewsletter

From the Principal's Desk

As we approach the close of Term 3, our focus remains on ensuring every student is receiving meaningful feedback to refine and submit their best work. I have asked our teaching team and Heads of Department to make contact with families to support students in finalising their assessment in preparation for Term 3 reporting.

Attendance has also been a strong focus. Over the past fortnight, we launched the Principal’s Attendance Challenge, with students in Years 7–12 measuring their attendance against staff and myself. The Week 9 results were:

Mr Silcock – 100%

Staff – 95.2%

Year 7 – 93.2%

Year 8 – 91.3%

Year 12 – 90.9%

Year 11 – 90%

Year 9 – 89.7%

Year 10 – 88.4%

It’s encouraging to see attendance lift with the improved weather, despite some illness still around. Congratulations to Year 7 who enjoyed a well-earned free dress day today. We look forward to seeing how the final week of Term 3 plays out.

As we move into this last week, we also begin to progressively say our goodbyes to our Year 12 students. Their official school walk out ceremony will be held on Friday 19 September. For me, this is always both a happy and sad occasion. Happy, as they step forward into their post-school endeavours with confidence and optimism. Sad, as we farewell students with whom we have built relationships and shared memories across their six-year journey. It will be with great pride that I address the Year 12 community next week, celebrating their achievements and looking ahead to the bright futures that await them.

Thank you for your continued support in ensuring our students finish the term strongly. I wish all families a safe, happy, and restful holiday break, and I look forward to welcoming everyone back refreshed for Term 4.

Warm Regards,
Matt Silcock - Principal

Sports Lunch Fundraiser

Only 2 Weeks to Go!

Our Inaugural Sports Lunch Fundraiser is almost here – and you don’t want to miss it!

Hosted by Ben Hannant, with special guests Allan “Alfie” Langer, Sam Thaiday, and cricket legend Greg Ritchie, it’s set to be an afternoon filled with laughs, sporting stories, and community spirit.

Enjoy a 3-course meal + 3-hour drinks package, plus exclusive auctions and raffle prizes, all while supporting our Academy of Sport Excellence athletes.

📅 Friday 26 September 2025
📍 Burleigh Bears Leagues Club
🕦 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

Key Contacts

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.

In the Woods - from our socials

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗮𝗹’𝘀 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀!

These outstanding students achieved straight A's across all subjects. A remarkable accomplishment that showcases their dedication, effort, and excellence.

A big thank you to Bendigo Bank for their ongoing support of our Principal’s Honours Breakfast. Their generosity allows us to bring together students, parents, and staff to celebrate these incredible achievements in a meaningful way.

We are so proud of our students and can’t wait to see what they achieve next!

𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗞𝗼𝗸𝗼𝗱𝗮 𝗝𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝘆

We gathered for a special breakfast this term to honour the incredible students, staff and parents who took part in this year’s Kokoda Challenge.

To our amazing parents who formed the support crews, you were the unsung heroes. From keeping spirits high to helping tired bodies push through when it felt impossible, you made sure our students could keep moving forward. Without you, this journey would not have been possible.

This year was also extra special as we celebrated some of our Year 12 students who have taken part in every Kokoda Challenge since starting at Ormeau Woods in Year 7. Their commitment, grit, and leadership are an inspiration to our entire school community.

A heartfelt thank you also goes to our P&C, whose generous financial support helped make this event possible. Your ongoing commitment ensures our students can continue to embrace these life-changing opportunities.

We are so proud of our students and deeply grateful to our parents for walking this journey alongside them. This experience will leave a mark on hearts long after the finish line.

𝗢𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘂 𝗦𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗣𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 – 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲

Recently, Ormeau Woods SHS partnered with the Ormeau Shearers for their annual Pink Round, celebrating the incredible contribution of women in league.

Each player proudly took to the field alongside an important woman in their life, a powerful reminder of the role women play both on and off the field.

It was also special to see our Ormeau Woods SHS academy players that were part of the Shearers team present Coaches Ben Hannant and Mr Galpin with a thank-you gift in appreciation for the school support.

Well done to all the boys for representing our school and their local team with pride and for being part of such a meaningful community event!

𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟳 𝗥𝘂𝗴𝗯𝘆 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗴𝘂𝗲

Our Year 7 Rugby League boys secured a hard-fought 12–10 victory over Coombabah SHS last Tuesday, booking their place in the semi-final against Caloundra SHS.

Ormeau came out firing with a 12-point lead at half time, before digging deep in defence to hold off a powerful Coombabah forward pack in the second half.

Post-match, the team wasted no time reviewing game footage, identifying areas to sharpen, and building on their momentum heading into the big clash.

Bring on the semi-final – let’s go Ormeau!

𝗜𝗦𝗦𝗔 𝗖𝘂𝗽 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿-𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗽

Last Thursday, our U14 Girls travelled to Toowoomba to take on Mary MacKillop Catholic College in the Quarter-final of the ISSA Cup.

Despite a strong effort, our girls bowed out against a very tough side. Reaching this stage was already an incredible achievement, especially as many of our team are still only U12 or U13 players, competing against older and more experienced opposition.

Congratulations to all the players on a fantastic run! You’ve shown resilience, teamwork, and determination every step of the way. The goal is already set for next year, and we know you’ll be back stronger than ever!

𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟭𝟮 𝗔𝗾𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 – 𝗥𝗼𝗱 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗷𝗲𝗰𝘁

Our Year 12 Aquatics Practices class has been hard at work on their IA4 assessment, building their very own carbon fibre fishing rods!

Students have had to ‘find the spine’ of the 2 pieces of their rod blank, build up arbors for their handles to be centred on the blanks, make up epoxy glue to secure the handles, attach the handle so the reel seat is aligned to the rod spine, attach the rod tip and align to the spine, prepare 6 guides by filing them down so their coloured wraps look amazing, measure the positions of the guides and then wrap with coloured wrapping twine to secure their guides in place and add a personal touch to their rods. These will then be fastened in place with another round of epoxy and spun overnight to end up with a smooth glossy finish over their guide wraps, thus finishing the rod, IA4 assessment and Year 12 Aquatics.

They will walk away with a rod they can be proud of and of a quality that surpasses that which is found in the shops!!!

COMMUNITY PILLAR FUNDRAISER

The Teacher's face the Pie fundraiser was an absolute hit! A huge thank you to our amazing staff and Arki (school captain) who bravely stepped up and took a pie to the face for a great cause.

Thanks to the efforts of Tayla and our Community Pillar team, they raised $360 for the Micah Foundation, helping support families and individuals in need.

Well done everyone – what a fun way to make a difference!

𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗵𝘀 & 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴!

Congratulations to Archie and Jed who recently completed the Australian Maths Trust’s “Computational and Algorithmic Thinking” competition.

This challenging exam gives students the opportunity to develop their algorithmic thinking through problem-solving. Working through 3-stage tasks that apply informal algorithms and applies them to data.

Both boys did an amazing job, with Archie earning a Credit award. We are so proud of you both for representing Ormeau Woods with your problem-solving skills and determination.

Well done, Archie and Jed – you’ve made the Woods proud!

𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟭𝟮 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 – 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗗𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲

Our Year 12 Hospitality students hosted their final fine dining service, wrapping up what has been an incredible year of learning and achievement.

From preparing, cooking, plating, decorating, and serving, students worked together like a professional team, each knowing their duties and keeping everything running smoothly to a high standard and tight schedule.

Serving their fellow students and teachers can sometimes be a challenge, but they rose to the occasion with confidence and skill. We are so proud of the professionalism, creativity, and teamwork they displayed, a true showcase of their growth this year.

Well done, Year 12 Hospitality!

𝗢𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗮𝘂 𝗪𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀 𝗦𝗛𝗦 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗰 𝗗𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗘𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗳𝗼𝗱!

We are incredibly proud of our talented ensembles for their outstanding performances and well-deserved recognition at this year’s Gold Coast Eisteddfod!

Concert Band – Silver Award & Third Place

Stage Band – Gold Award & Second Place

Drumline – Gold Award & Third Place String Ensemble – Bronze Award

These results are a testament to the dedication, passion, and teamwork of our amazing students and staff. Thank you to everyone who supported us along the way, your encouragement means the world!

𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀!!!

Our 7/8 Boys Team and 9/10 Boys Team both won their competitions in the annual 9v9 Pacific Pines Invitational on Tuesday.

Both teams went undefeated with the 9/10s winning every game.Special shout out to the below players who picked up the following individual awards:

Mitchell T - Golden Boot 7/8

Lyndon S - Golden Boot 9/10

Jai E - MVP 9/10

Another two trophies in the cabinet for the Academy. These victories are a reflection of the culture, high standards and excellent coaching in our Academy.

𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝟴 𝗛𝘂𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝗘𝘅𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗸 – 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 & 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲𝘀

Our Year 8XL students have been diving into the world of erosion and sand dune conservation as part of their Landforms and Landscapes unit.

For their extension task, students have been busy creating educational advertisements to highlight the importance of protecting dunes and the impacts of dune damage. From scripting and storyboarding to costumes and props, their creativity has been on full display!

Next, the editing process begins, where students will use green screens, effects, and music to bring their ads to life. We can’t wait to see their final projects!

𝗨𝗦𝗔 𝗡𝗔𝗦𝗔 𝗧𝗿𝗶𝗽 – 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆’𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝗳!

Today, 22 excited students and 4 staff departed for the adventure of a lifetime – the USA NASA Trip!

Their journey will include an incredible visit to NASA and also some fun downtime at Universal Studios and other tourist sites.

We wish them all safe travels and look forward to hearing all about their adventures when they return.

R U OK? Day

This week we were delighted to welcome back Old Macdonald's Travelling Farms Gold Coast , filling the school with the cutest baby animals. The joy and smiles they brought were a beautiful reminder of the importance of checking in on each other.

Our Canteen and Resource Centre also joined in, decorated with bright reminders that a simple conversation can make a big difference.

A huge thank you to Simon from the Health Hub for arranging such a fantastic activity for our students and staff, what a wonderful way to celebrate R U OK? Day together.

R U OK? Day is about connection, asking the question, really listening, and supporting our friends. Together, we can create a school community where everyone feels seen, supported, and valued.

At this point in the year, all Fees should be paid and finalised, or a payment plan currently in place to achieve this within the year.

If there are SRS or Subject Levy or Academy invoices still outstanding on your students account, please finalise these now. Non-payment may result in unwanted subject timetable changes for your student.

Non-payment of Student Resource Scheme means the school is unable to purchase and supply resources for your student. (Codes: 2025SRS07 / 2025SRS08 / 2025SRS09 / 2025SRS10 / 2025SRS11 / 2025SRS12)
Non-payment of Subject Levies means they are not eligible for levied subjects in future. (Code examples: Food Spec 2025SLTFD09 / Building 2025SLBSK10 / Hospitality 2025SLHPJ11 / Visual Art 2025SLVAP12)
Non-payment of Academy program fees will mean (as per your signed Academies Contract) your student is not guaranteed inclusion in the program. (Codes: Rugby League 2025SLARL / Soccer 2025SLASE / Dance 2025SLADI / Media 2025SLAMI / Academic 2025SLAAE)
Non-payment of above will result in your student not being eligible for extra-curricular events like the Year 10 Soiree, Senior Jersey, Year 12 Formal and excursions.

Payment can be made via BPoint (on Tax Invoice & Statements), or QParents.

Thank you to those families who are up to date with their school finances.

As always for any Finance queries, please make contact via finance@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au

P&C News

Hi Everyone

I am not sure why, but Term 3 sometimes seems the longest! Perhaps it is the long winter wait for Spring or the number of seasonal illnesses….

...whatever it is, Happy Spring!

Mel and the Canteen Team keep kicking goals! 2025 has been our biggest year yet. Our Canteen is renowned in the region, with much positive feedback about the quality of our food and our team. Further, we have taken on our next traineeship.

Key events coming up for the P&C are:

* Update on Queensland Train Manufacturing Program at our next P&C Meeting - Monday 15 September at 5pm for 5:30pm start, with a lite supper supplied.

* Sports Lunch - fund raiser for Sports Excellence Program, Friday 26 September.

A great opportunity to meet some NRL greats!

Book here: https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1438255

In other updates, the P&C has donated $20,000 towards installation of chilled water fountains, which should be in for October and the start of the hot months.

Term 4 is upon us. The P&C’s term 4 meetings will be 5pm for 5:30pm start on Mondays 20 October and 17 November. We hope to see you then.

As the Year 12's get ready for the end of school and families look forward Spring holidays, enjoy!

Have an Awesome Day!

Rob Newton

OWSHS - P&C President

Health Hub

School holiday programs and activities available for our high school students during the Sept 20 – Oct 6, 2025 break:

Loving Life Day Program (Nerang)

A structured, supportive daily program for NDIS teens (13–17)—running 22 Sep to 3 Oct. Includes life skills, creativity, and optional transport.Loving Life Support

City of Gold Coast Active & Healthy Calendar

Free or low-cost activities, from wellness sessions to nature workshops, open to ages 4–17.City of Gold Coast+1

Flipz Academy Day Camps (Southport)

Convenient holiday day programs in a familiar shopping centre location.Flipz

Code Camp / Creative Workshops

Hands-on STEM and creative tech programs across the Gold Coast.opencountryinternational.com School Holidays Gold Coast

Kings Christian College Seekers Festival

https://www.kings.org.au/events/

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

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 𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗔𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 - 𝗦𝗶𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘇 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝗘𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲

We’re excited to welcome back Julian Woehrle & Siebritz Real Estate, a long-time supporter of Ormeau Woods SHS!

Julian has always been a proud advocate for our school, and in 2025 he will be continuing his incredible support by sponsoring our Arts Department.

Community partnerships like this make a huge difference for our students, and we’re so grateful for Julian Woehrle & Siebritz Real Estate’s ongoing commitment to our school.

If you or your business would like to support Ormeau Woods SHS, please reach out to us at ormeaulinks@ormeauwoodsshs.eq.edu.au

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

From the Community

𝗟𝗢𝗚𝗔𝗡 𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗙𝗖 𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗔𝗟𝗦 | 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦

Logan Lightning FC is proud to deliver a FQ Gold Rated Academy, offering a professional football environment for players U9–U18. Built on “The Logan Way”, our Academy provides a structured and supportive program designed to challenge players to be their best.

The Academy creates a clear pathway from youth football into senior football and beyond, guided by accredited coaches and supported by a comprehensive development framework.

Expressions of Interest for 2026 trials are now open!
Spots are limited – register quickly to secure your place.
Register here: https://form.jotform.com/252388094683873

Trial dates are confirmed, and all details will be shared directly with registered players. This is a fantastic opportunity for motivated players to take the next step in their football journey and join Logan Lightning FC.

📅 Sign-On Day

Saturday 13th September | 8am–12 noon

Trevor Hammel Oval, 88 Alberton Road, Alberton

👉 Register online: https://www.playhq.com/cricket-australia/org/alberton-ormeau-cricket-club/1b01c8ba/register

👉 Claim the $200 State Government Play on Voucher: https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/playon

We are passionate about growing cricket participation in our local community and would love to see more young people from Ormeau and surrounding areas join the Hurricanes family.

Thank you so much for your support in helping us spread the word to your school families. Please also let us know if you ever need help with cricket school programs as well, we are lucky enough to have multiple synthetic and turf wickets at our club

O-News 12 September 2025