As we approach the end of this school term, you will hopefully notice your students working towards assessment completion in the coming weeks. For students and parents, it’s easy to feel pressure slip away when assignments and exams seem completed for the term, however there are no days worth missing learning. As soon students complete one unit, they move directly into the next. The early lessons of a unit are foundational to future student learning and successes and ensuring your attendance remains strong and focused after assessment is completed is vitally important. Good attendance all the time, regardless of where students are in the learning cycle, gives them the best opportunity to achieve at their personal best always.

Good luck to our Year 12s who began mock exams on Monday 8 September. This process of the mock examination period is a really important preparation piece for students who are working towards complete of QCEs and ATARs at the end of this year. Whilst the end is in sight for all year 12s, now is the real time to focus in on honing individual learning and revision strategies to ensure performance at the best levels for the scheduled external examinations later in the year.

Currently, we are undertaking our internal school processes to elect our 2026 student leadership team. I want to congratulate all applicants for the time, energy and effort they have put into this process thus far, we are spoilt for choice with our diversity and depth of applicants. In 2026, we will for the first time, introduce a First Nations Leader.  This leader will lead our First Nations Alliance and represent their voices and culture as part of the Student Council while building awareness and respect for First Nations perspectives across the school. I’m really excited about the addition of this position to our student leadership team and am looking forward the individual in this role taking on the cultural leadership of our First Nations students.

On Tuesday 2 September, we proudly hosted our very first Principal Improver Awards, a celebration of students across all year levels who have shown improvement this year in their attendance, engagement, or academic achievement. This event was proudly sponsored by David Pearce - Bayside Property Agents

Kind regards,

Sandra Quinn
Principal

Year 12 Mock Exam and Competency Completion

Over weeks 9 and 10 our Year 12 students will be sitting their mock examinations as part of their preparation for the upcoming QCAA external exams.

These practice exams provide students with an opportunity to experience exam-style conditions, refine their time management skills, and identify areas for improvement before their final assessments. The mocks are an important step in building both confidence and familiarity with the QCAA assessment processes.

Teachers will use the results from these exams to provide targeted feedback and support, helping students strengthen their understanding and strategies ahead of their final external assessments in Term 4.

We encourage students to approach these exams as a valuable learning experience and to take full advantage of the feedback provided. With continued effort and preparation, they will be well positioned to achieve their best in the QCAA external exams.

Over these two weeks students are also working on the successful completion of their Certificate II and Certificate III courses. Not only will the completion of their Certificate courses award them with nationally-recognised qualifications that will lead them to further employment and/or training, but they will also contribute to the gaining of their Queensland Certificate of Education.

We wish our Year 12 students every success as they take these important steps toward completing their senior studies.

Tenielle Lumsdale
Head of Department Student Services - Senior Schooling

Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement

This term, a group of Year 12 students successfully completed a Certificate II in Sampling and Measurement through Leichhardt Education and Training, gaining valuable skills and industry-recognised qualifications that will support their future career pathways.

The program introduced students to a range of practical and technical skills, including collecting and testing samples, recording data, following workplace health and safety procedures, and using specialised equipment. These skills are highly relevant across a variety of industries such as construction, engineering, mining, and laboratory sciences.

Participation in this course has not only broadened students’ knowledge but also provided them with a head start in understanding workplace expectations and technical processes. Many students commented on how much they enjoyed the hands-on learning and the opportunity to connect classroom learning with real-world applications.

We congratulate our students on their commitment and achievements in completing this nationally recognised qualification. A special thank you goes to Leichhardt Training for delivering the course and supporting our students in developing practical skills that will serve them well in their chosen career pathways.

First Aid and CPR Training

A number of Year 12 students, including the Certificate III in School Based Education Support class, recently completed a First Aid and CPR course delivered by Construction Skills Training Centre, equipping them with essential, life-saving skills that can be applied both in the workplace and the wider community.

Throughout the training, students learned how to respond effectively in emergency situations, administer CPR, manage injuries, and provide first aid care with confidence. The hands-on, practical nature of the course gave students the opportunity to practise scenarios in a supportive environment, helping them to build both knowledge and confidence.

Completing this nationally recognised training not only prepares students for future employment opportunities - particularly in industries where safety is a top priority - but also empowers them with the ability to assist family, friends, and members of the community in times of need.

We are incredibly proud of our Year 12 students for their dedication to developing these important skills. A sincere thank you goes to Construction Skills Training Centre for delivering such a valuable program that will benefit our students well beyond the classroom.

Tenielle Lumsdale
Head of Department Student Services - Senior Schooling

Certificate I in Furnishing

Year 10 students Luke B and Annika A proudly display their cabinet projects for their Certificate 1 in Furnishing.

Students this year have learnt to use a range of tools and techniques that are used in cabinet making, including different types of timber joinery, construction and finishing techniques. Well done Luke and Annika on showing pride and determination in completing your work!

Careal Lascelles
Furnishing Teacher

Student Trivia Night – By the students, for the students!  

Last week, the Student Council, proudly led by our four School Captains – Hannah, Isaac, Josh and Claude – hosted the Student Trivia Night. The event was a true celebration of student leadership and school spirit, bringing together eight enthusiastic teams of students and a brave team of teachers. 

The night featured four challenging rounds of trivia, with a hotly contested scoreboard keeping everyone on edge right until the final question. Laughter and friendly rivalry filled the room, as teams battled not only for trivia glory but also for the coveted Best Dressed prize. Creative themes lit up the evening, with teams arriving as “tradies,” “sleepover squads,” and more, showing off the fun and imagination of our students. 

Our captains worked tirelessly behind the scenes, securing fantastic prizes from local businesses and rallying community support. A special thank you goes to local MP Joan Pease and Councillor Alex Givney for their contributions and encouragement. 

The Trivia Night was more than just fun – it raised valuable funds for the Student Council, which will be reinvested into initiatives that enhance the school experience for all students. A huge congratulations to our captains, council members and all who joined in this memorable night of PROUD Wynnum spirit!

James Brewer
Head of Department Student Services - Middle Schooling

The most anticipated event of Book Week is the annual costume parade. We raised the stakes this year by making the Book Week costume parade the final event of the 2025 House Cup. It is always a hotly-contested event with students from all year levels and every house participating, representing literature from every walk of fiction.  A special mention goes this year to the large number of manga characters represented. Finally, we had the classics of Western Literature: Romeo and Juliet, and The Wizard of Oz on parade. 

A special event was the "Fave Teachers read their Fave Books". Mr Gaffel, Mr Barnes, Ms Mellor, Ms Hirunchai, Mr Cranitch and Ms Redsell all held captive audiences reading their favourite excerpts from books as wide-ranging as the high-literature: Terra Nullius by Claire G Coleman to the Dr Seuss classic: Oh the Places You’ll Go, and JK Rowling – master of the opening chapter: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

House Cup event: Book Week Costume Parade

The effort made by students and staff each year is always a PROUD moment. In including this event as the final event to score points toward the House Cup, the effort this year was a little bit extra!

The parade was ably judged by Chappie Greg, our librarian Ms Maddison, Peter and Larry. Congratulations go to Oxley House for winning the competition on the day.

Here’s the full list of winners:

Best Senior Costume:

1^st place: Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory paraded by Willow, Malae, Fin, Reuben & Erin.

2^nd place: The Rainbow Fish paraded by Chloe & Harper

3^rd place: Hamilton paraded by Alexia, Kaitlin & Peppa

Best Junior Costume

1^st place: Uzui Tengen from Demon Slayer manga paraded by Charlie

2^nd place: Gangsta Granny paraded by Emily

3^rd place: Bluey paraded by Kourtney

Best Staff Costume:

1^st place: Jadis, Queen White witch of Narnia paraded by Ms Trubuhovich

2^nd place: Oliver Twist paraded by Ms Sabri

3^rd place: 101 Dalmations paraded by Inclusion team

Best heads of house team:

Oxley House – who schooled everyone with their One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish ensemble.

Congratulations to all!

Book launch for novel: Never Truly Gone by Annabel Jackson

Book Week concluded with a rare event: a book launch for a Wynnum SHS student who has published a novel. An amazing achievement, Annabel Jackson last month released her debut novel: Never Truly Gone. This apocalyptic tale is set not far in the future and relates the story of teenage twins Linch and Arla, who look for safety and sanity – and each other - amid a meteor shower that will have long-term impacts for Earth.

A small book launch was held where Annabel, and cover designer Mars Bailey were interviewed about the project before Annabel read an excerpt.  A huge congratulations Annabel for this wonderful achievement! The novel is published by Amazon and copies can be purchased here. A book signing is to be held before the end of term. https://www.amazon.com/Never-Truly-Gone-AZ-Jackson/dp/B0FKT546DX?ref_=ast_author_mpb

Book Week 2025 was a wonderful celebration of literary adventures!

Cate Wilson
Head of Department - English

Visit from Iwatsuki High School

Wynnum High once again, warmly welcomed seventeen Iwatsuki High students for three days in September. Our Japanese language students engaged in a number of enriching activities with our guests.  The Year 7  Japanese students enjoyed rotational cultural activities such as wearing yukata, playing with traditional toys like Kendama, spin top, paper ball game and calligraphy and later conversation time, which was guided by the Iwatsuki students.

The Year 8 Japanese students opened their classroom doors to welcome the students in to play various language based activities.

Aussie snacks and slang was guided by the Year 9 Japanese students who tried their language skills in describing snacks such as Vegemite, Shapes and Caramello Koalas.

Some of the senior Japanese students volunteered as a ‘buddy’ and had the opportunity to develop firm friendships with their time together.

It’s always a pleasure to witness the enjoyment of all of our Wynnum students as they interact with our foreign guests during their stay.

Leanne Kruysmulder
Japanese Teacher

It's been a busy few weekends for our Instrumental Music students!

On Friday 29 August, the Big Band was invited to perform at Redlands Performing Arts Centre as a part of Generations & Jazz along with Cleveland State High School’s Jazz Collective and the Redland City Big Band. The show was open not just to families of the students and performers, but also to the wider community and we were very lucky excited to be performing to a sold-out audience! It was a great evening for the Big Band who did a great half hour set of swing, rock, funk and Latin jazz music.

On Sunday 31 August, both the Stage Band and Big Band performed at the annual Music By The Bay event held at the Manly Creative Markets. It was perfect weather to perform and both bands entertained a great crown of marketgoers for an hour. Well done to all of the Big Band and Stage Band students, amazing gigs which we are all proud of!

John Cosic
Instrumental Music teacher

Black Dog Institute

Webinar: Teen Mental Health Matters: For Parents and Carers

Join us for an insightful and empowering webinar focused on providing strategies and resources to help you in supporting your teen.

Delivered by a Clinical Psychologist facilitator, and Black Dog Institute lived experience presenter, we will explore:

 How to make sense of adolescence

• Identify signs of mental health struggles.
• Understand how to support your teen.
• Know where you and your teen can get support.
• This webinar is free and open to all parents, caregivers, and anyone interested in supporting the mental health of teens in their care.

Reserve your spot today and embark on a journey towards greater well-being for you and your family!

Thursday 11^th September 7pm register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_kCJsWR9iQT2rn-sEppj-Ng#/registration

Thursday 9^th October 7pm register here: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_o_wFBPdMT62BiMEo2-OGkw#/registration

Nine strategies to help you support your teen in an online world factsheet.

This Thursday 11 September, is R U OK? Day but we know that whether it’s a friend, family member, partner, or colleague , the people around us go through life’s ups and downs every day. That’s why we want everyone to feel confident to check in with the people they care about and Ask R U OK? Any Day. Regular, meaningful conversations with the people close to you can help prevent small things from becoming big things.  

How to ask:

Ask R U OK?

• Be relaxed, friendly and concerned in your approach. 
• Help them open up by asking questions like "How are you going?”
• Mention specific things that have made you concerned for them.

Listen with an open mind

• Take what they say seriously and don't interrupt or rush the conversation.
• Don’t judge their experiences or reactions but acknowledge that things seem tough for them.
• If they need time to think, sit patiently with the silence.

Encourage Action

• If they've been feeling down for more than 2 weeks, encourage them to see a health professional.
• Be positive about the role of professionals in getting through tough times. 
• Explore options for self-care and how you can be a supportive friend to them during hard times.

Check in

• Stay in touch and be there for them. Genuine care and concern can make a real difference. 

For more information visit: ruok.org.au

In the case of emergency please contact 000.

Other helpful contacts:

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800

e-Headspace: Connect with a mental health clinician 1-on-1 | headspace

Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636

Nadia Rainbird - School Nurse