17 October 2025
-
From the Principal
-
Acknowledgement to Country
-
Coming Events
-
Message from our Deputy Principals
-
Know your Road Rules? E-scooters and e-skateboards
-
STEM Academy News
-
Girls AFL Experience!
-
Year 12 Formal Information
-
P&C News
-
Intensive English Centre News
-
Link and Launch
-
School Facilities Upgrades
-
School Dental Van
-
Community News
From the Principal



Acknowledgement to Country
Townsville State High School acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we learn, work and play, the Wulgurukaba peoples and the Bindal people. We recognise the continuing connections to lands, waters and communities.
We pay our respects to the Elders, past, present and emerging for they hold the memories, the traditions, the culture and the hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Coming Events
Date | Event |
20th Oct – 24th Oct | Year 11 Exams |
21st Oct | P & C Meeting (second last for the year) |
27th Oct | Tropics Trials 7, 8, 9 |
27th Oct – 18th Nov | Year 12 External Exams |
29th Oct – 31st Oct | Year 11 Camp - Paluma |
29th Oct | Year 7 & 8 Leadership Nominations close |
31st Oct | Year 9, 10 & 11 Leadership Nominations close |
3rd Nov | Year 7 & 8 Leadership voting parade |
4th Nov | Melbourne Cup |
5th Nov | Year 9, 10 & 11 Leadership voting parade |
10th – 14th Nov | Geography Week |
10th Nov | Student Leadership Interviews commence |
11th Nov | Remembrance Day |
11th Nov | Inclusive Education Year 6 Transition Morning |
11th Nov | Junior School Captains Remembrance Day Service |
13th Nov | World Kindness Day1 |
Message from our Deputy Principals



As we near the end of Term 4, our focus remains firmly on consistent attendance and finishing the year strong. We’ve continued to speak with students about maintaining attendance above 95%, as there is clear evidence that students who attend regularly achieve more highly. Every lesson counts and every day at school helps set up success for 2026 and beyond.
For our senior students, attendance and engagement are especially important. Reduced attendance significantly impacts the likelihood of achieving a QCE, and we are working closely with all seniors to ensure they graduate equipped with the knowledge and skills they need for further study, training, or the workforce. Students at risk of not meeting QCE requirements are being case-managed by the Deputy Principal and Year Level Coordinator to ensure targeted support is in place. We appreciate the strong partnership between home and school and encourage families to reach out if additional supports or proactive planning are needed.
A reminder for all senior students: if you are absent on the day assessment is due, you must submit an AARA (Application for Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments) in line with QCAA requirements. This replaces the old extension process. Medical certificates must be provided to the front office on the day of absence to ensure we meet assessment integrity expectations. Please contact your DP or YLC if you need clarification about assessment procedures.
As the year draws to a close, we also encourage students to stay involved and celebrate the many opportunities available across the school, from sports and clubs to creative arts and leadership programs. These experiences enrich school life and help students build connections, confidence, and pride in themselves and our school community.
Homework Club continues to run in the library after school and is a great way to catch up on work, revise for exams, or get teacher assistance in a quiet, supportive space.
Let’s make these final weeks of the year count by showing up, putting in consistent effort, and finishing 2025 on a high note.
Ms Amanda Maynard
Deputy Principal
Know your Road Rules? E-scooters and e-skateboards

To ensure you and your child stay safe when using e-scooters or e-skateboards, please remember:
- Only those aged 16+ can ride e-scooters and e-skateboards unsupervised.
- Helmets must be worn with the straps properly fastened (bicycle or motorcycle helmets) and bells fitted for devices with handlebars.
- No passengers/doubling – only one person riding an e-scooter
- Speed limit of 12km/h on footpaths and shared paths
- Serious fines may apply to riders, and parents, if caught breaking the rules
StreetSmartsQld features educational videos and other helpful safety tips for riding e-scooters and e-skateboards
STEM Academy News

Launchbox by Fleet
During term 3, our year 7 and 8 STEM Academy students experienced the growing aerospace sector through a satellite engineering project, LaunchBox by Fleet. In teams, they completed real-world scenarios requiring planning, designing and building a fully functional and expedition-ready RASCube-LB cubesat satellite. The program was a collaboration between Fleet Space Technologies and Robinson Aerospace Systems, both Australian Aerospace companies.


STEM Racing State Finals
On 30th October, five teams from our year 9 STEM Academy will compete in the Queensland state final for STEM Racing at Kirwan SHS; an event where students design and build 3D printed F1 model cars and race for the fastest time down a 20m track. They also complete engineering drawings showing alignment with design specifications and a trade poster showing their design thinking process.
Best of luck to Donavision, Team CK, Mad Maxx, MILO Mustang and Team MC!


Girls AFL Experience!
On the holidays several of our awesome students had the privilege of having an all expenses paid trip to Melbourne for the AFL Grand final week.
They met and dined with Mason Cox and got to hear the stadium roar (from the outside). They played a game down there too, which they won against.
The girls had a wonderful experience. Photos are on the insta for Garbutt Magpies and the girls may also have some. Renny and Kyliah were also on Channel 7 News speaking as well as the rest in the footage.
The girls that went are: Ralcey, Alice, Renny-Mae, Kyliah, Janelle, Nancia, Tarnia and Larni.






Year 12 Formal Information
It is that time of year again! The 2025 Year 12 Cohort will be getting organised for their Formal. Held at The Ville Resort-Casino on November 18, the event will take place in Pavilion 1 and 2. Arrivals will begin approximately 5pm for a 6pm start. The photographer will be available also from 5pm.
Each student will initially be able to purchase two parent/guest tickets. Additional tickets will not be able to be calculated until all students have had the opportunity to purchase these. To attend this event, all outstanding school fees need to have been settled.
For more information please contact Year 12 Coordinator Mr Mike Aiello at mpaie0@eq.edu.au.

P&C News
Congratulations!
Congratulations to Robyn Eves for 10 years service and contribution in the TSHS Canteen! Your tireless efforts are much appreciated.
P & C Meeting
The next P and C Meeting will take place on Tuesday 21st October in the B9 meeting room at 6pm. All welcome!

Intensive English Centre News
What’s Been Happening in the Intensive English Centre (IEC)
Aitkenvale Enrolments
Last week, staff from Townsville State High School had the pleasure of visiting Aitkenvale to begin enrolments for Grade 6 students starting Year 7 in 2026. It was a wonderful opportunity to connect with families and begin building relationships with our future students.
During our visit, we spent time at the Community Hub, where we were warmly welcomed by many parents and carers—some of whom already have children attending TSHS. It was fantastic to see the strong sense of community and support surrounding our school.
We are thrilled to share that we enrolled 12 new students during the visit! It was a joy to meet each of them and their families, and we are very much looking forward to welcoming them to our school next year.
To our new students: we can’t wait to see you grow, learn, and thrive at TSHS. Welcome to our school community!



Lighthaus International
We were delighted to welcome Jack and Rob from LiteHaus International, along with Sandra and Tara from Queensland Gives, to our school recently. Their visit was part of an ongoing partnership that has seen LiteHaus generously donate laptops to our students over the past few years. Thanks to their support, many of our learners now have access to the digital tools they need to thrive in today’s tech-driven world. Through their Digital Inclusion Program, LiteHaus is helping bridge the digital divide for thousands of students across regional and remote Australia—especially those from First Nations communities, migrant and refugee backgrounds, and low-income families. We’re proud to be part of this incredible initiative that’s opening doors to education and opportunity.


STEM
It was truly inspiring to see our CALD girls grow in confidence as they presented their STEM Changemakers projects to an audience of peers, educators, and community members. Their creativity, teamwork, and passion for solving real-world problems shone through, and their ability to communicate their ideas with clarity and pride was nothing short of remarkable. This empowering experience couldn’t have happened without the incredible leadership of Ms Sarah Chapman, founder of STEM Changemakers, and our very own Ms Rhiannon Passfield, whose dedication and support helped guide our students every step of the way. We are proud of our students for stepping up, sharing their voices, and showing us all what changemakers look like.






Thank You, Football Queensland
We are thrilled to share the wonderful news that Football Queensland provided 70 participant bags—each containing a football and shin pads—for all our student participants this term. This thoughtful gesture has brought smiles to many faces and ensured that every student can enjoy playing at home as well.
We are very grateful for Football Queensland’s generosity and their commitment to supporting our students. Their partnership has made a real difference, not only by providing equipment but also by fostering a sense of inclusion and excitement around sport.
Football Queensland’s involvement doesn’t stop there! Moving forward, they will be offering refereeing and coaching instruction for our students, building on the fantastic games and activities they delivered this term. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to develop new skills, gain confidence, and deepen their love for the game. On behalf of all our students and staff, we extend a heartfelt thank you to Football Queensland for their ongoing support and dedication. We look forward to continuing this valuable partnership in the terms ahead!

Link and Launch



School Facilities Upgrades
Throughout 2025 Townsville State High School has undergone many much needed upgrades to our school. Most recently we came back from the September school holidays to new garden beds and astro turf between A block and B block.


The Strive Room was also completed and ready for learning.




The area at the front of the school has now commenced getting a much needed makeover, with black fencing already making it look much fresher!


More updates to come!
School Dental Van
Townsville State High School have had the privilege of Queensland Health School Dental Van visiting during Term 3 and will continue their visit through the end of Term 4 at this stage. TSHS is the only state high school in Townsville to have secured a visit by the dental van and over 50 students have accessed the service so far with many more on the waiting list. Thes students receive a FREE examination, Xrays, teeth clean and fluoride treatment by the two friendly and professional oral therapists Anastasia & Trinette.
A friendly reminder for parents; if you have received a text message or letter from the dental van advising that your child needs treatment, please contact dentists on 0427908711 to book in an appointment.



Community News
Charlie Bell Educational Scholarship
Have you been impacted by a serious illness during your years at school? Are you leaving school to go to university, or to complete an apprenticeship/vocational training next year? Then this scholarship could be for you!
A serious illness can make it very difficult for young people to continue their education and achieve their life goals. Our Charlie Bell Educational Scholarship will award grants of $5,000 to deserving young people to help them follow their career dreams. Ronald McDonald House Charities North Australia is here to help the recipients to succeed in their chosen career. The money can go towards university or VET fees, apprenticeship tools, books or supplies, etc.
Applications are now open for eligible young people:
- between 15 and 20 years old;
- who have suffered from a serious illness at some point during their schooling years; and
- who are leaving school and enrolling in a university or VET course for 2026.
The online application form requires you to supply:
- Educational information/history
- Relevant medical history
- An outline of your study aims, career pursuits, personal achievements, community involvement & goals for your future
- A written personal reference
- A written Education/Employer reference
- Signature of parent/guardian (if under 18 years)
Applications close 30th November 2025.
Apply online now at:
If you have any questions or would like further information, please feel welcome to contact us:
Belinda O’Neill
Education Services Manager
t. (07) 4775 5600
e. belinda.oneill@rmhc.org.au
Shakira Beale
Learning Program Coordinator
t. (07) 4775 5600 – Ext 201
e. shakira.beale@rmhc.org.au

Townsville Pizzeria Bar & Grill – Delicious Meals and Excellent Service
Townsville Pizzeria Bar & Grill, located on Palmer Street in Townsville is a local business, and offer exclusive dining deals for staff, students, and families.
The venue specializes in Authentic Pizzas and Mediterranean Cuisine – ideal for school events, staff gatherings, student celebrations, or take away dinners for busy families.
Attached you will find our menu and exclusive offers designed for you, including:
- Special group lunch/dinner packages
- School events
- Student celebrations
- Happy hour promotions for team gatherings
- Takeaway orders
Enjoy a 10% OFF special discount on all orders (dine-in, events, and takeaway). Please note: all orders must be pre-booked and pre-paid to qualify for the discount.
Our goal is to make dining with us a convenient and enjoyable experience for your team, while offering delicious meals and excellent service.


Michels Catering & Events Civic Theatre Café NOW OPEN!
Michels Catering & Events has opened at a brand-new spot at the Civic Theatre on Boundary Street.
- Grab & Go – Quick service with drive-up access for easy grab and go options
- Barista Coffee – Quality coffee, made fresh
- Michel’s Meals – Pick up your meals for the week or grab some elevated convenience for lunches
With options to make life a little easier (and tastier!) they are sure to have something for everyone!
Emergency Services, Defence and Senior Discounts available!




