From The Principal
Welcome to our new Ipswich State High School fortnightly newsletter.
We have refreshed the newsletter to make it more useful for families, providing clear, timely information about what is happening across the school in the upcoming two weeks. Rather than reporting on past events, it will focus on reminders, updates and actions that help students and parents feel prepared and connected.
The start of the year has already been full of opportunities for students to engage in school life, including our High Expectations and Junior and Senior Secondary Parades, Year 7 Parent Evening, Swimming Carnival, Open Girls Rugby League Camp, Ryda Program, Valentine's Day fundraiser, Josai Study Tour, Academic Awards Parade, School Photos, ALC Meet and Greet and Dance Sleepover. These experiences play an important role in building belonging across our community.
You may also notice our new security fencing, installed to further enhance safety for students and staff during the school day.
We are also introducing the Ipswich Wellbeing Program (IWP) for students in Years 7–12 to support wellbeing, resilience and confidence.
Looking ahead, NAPLAN Online for Years 7 and 9 begins in Week 7 (information emailed to parents/carers) and the SRC and Year 12 Induction Ceremony will be held on Friday 13 March.
Kathryn Todd
Acting Principal
Looking Ahead
Upcoming Events
SRC & Senior Induction Ceremony
On Friday 13th March at 9.05am, we will come together for a special ceremony to officially induct our Senior cohort as the leaders of the school for 2026.
All Year 12 students will be presented with their “Senior 2026" badge on stage, have their names read aloud, and unite as a cohort to deliver the Senior Pledge. We will also formally acknowledge our SRC Captains across Years 8–12 for the important roles they play in representing and leading our school community.
Year 7 leaders will be inducted in Term 2 due to scheduling adjustments.
We look forward to celebrating this proud milestone with our students.
NAPLAN Testing
NAPLAN Online will commence on Wednesday 11th March for our Year 7 and Year 9 students.
Students will complete their tests on Wednesday 11th, Thursday 12th, Friday 13th and Monday 16th March, with catch up sessions scheduled for Tuesday 17th and Wednesday 18th March for any students who are absent on a scheduled test day.
We encourage all students to be present, well rested and prepared during this period. Further information will be provided directly to families prior to testing.
Year 7 Challenge Days Postponed
Due to recent inclement weather and in the interest of student safety, our Year 7 Challenge Day has been postponed.
Students will now attend Challenge Day at Walloon State School on Monday 30th March and Tuesday 31st March, departing at 8.30am.
This day is focused on building confidence, resilience and courage as our students step from their comfort zone into their courage zone. We are seeking 100% participation in Year 7.
All students will receive a letter home outlining the updated details.
Any concerns, please contact Mr Waugh at mwaug3@eq.edu.au
School-Based Vaccinations for Year 7 and Year 10 Students
Year 7 and Year 10 students are offered free school-based vaccinations as part of the National Immunisation Program. Clinics will be held on 22nd April 2026 for both year levels, with a follow up clinic for Year 10 students on 30th July 2026. Vaccinations protect young people from serious illnesses and are delivered at school for convenience. Consent forms will be sent home and must be returned, even if you choose not to vaccinate at school. Read more here
Security Fencing
A reminder to our community that our updated security fencing arrangements commenced on Monday.
Each school day, fencing is closed from 8.55am to 2.55pm to strengthen site security and support a safe, focused learning environment for all students.
Please refer to the map attached outlining fence lines and designated gate entry points.
Just a reminder:
• Anyone arriving late must enter via Reception to sign in.
• Carpark and pedestrian gates remain closed during the school day.
Thank you to our families and community for your continued support as we embed this important process.
Drop off and Parking Reminder
To help keep our students safe and traffic flowing smoothly, please refer to the map below when arriving on site.
Green Zones = Student Drop Off Areas
Red Zones = No Student Drop Off
The green areas along Vogel Road and Hunter Street are the designated drop off points for students before school.
The red shaded areas, including the Bus Turnaround Zone, Staff & Visitor Parking, and Staff Only areas, are not to be used for student drop off.
Visitors may park in designated visitor parks within the red areas if attending Reception or an appointment, however these areas must not be used for quick drop offs.
Thank you for helping us maintain a safe and efficient environment for all students, staff and visitors.
Anzac Day Family Portraits
As we prepare for our ANZAC Day Ceremony next term, we are asking our current ISHS students and parents to share their family defence story with us.
See our Deputy, Mrs Penny Worthington. Her submission is the example of what we are seeking.
If you have a family connection to the Air Force, Army or Navy, please send us a photo to be included in our ANZAC Day montage. This could be a photo with your family member, a service photo, or a photo of them in uniform.
Help us honour the service stories within our ISHS community.
Please email photos to:
Kayla Lawson – klaws100@eq.edu.au
Sabrina Goodingham – sgood192@eq.edu.au
Puzzle Club
Join us every Monday after school from 3.00pm to 4.00pm in the Library for a fun and welcoming session open to everyone. Work in teams, make new friends and build your problem solving skills in a relaxed environment. It is a great way to calm your mind, grow your confidence and even prepare to compete in speed puzzling competitions. Come along, get involved and enjoy the fun.
Fortnightly Focus
This fortnight, our focus was Responsibility.
At Ipswich State High School, being responsible means arriving at school on time, ready to learn and ready to contribute. Punctuality sets the tone for the day, supports positive routines, and shows respect for your learning and the learning of others.
Let's continue working together to build strong habits and uphold our shared values of Respect and Responsibility
Every day counts. Every minute matters.
Highlights of the Fortnight
Celebrating Success Angel Le
Congratulations to our 2025 graduate, Angel Le.
Angel achieved an exceptional ATAR of 98, earning straight A results across her senior studies, and has been accepted into the Bachelor of Medical Imaging (Honours) at Queensland University of Technology. This is an outstanding accomplishment and a reflection of her sustained commitment, focus and academic excellence throughout her time at Ipswich State High School.
We are incredibly proud of Angel's hard work and dedication, and we wish her every success as she begins this exciting next chapter.
We also acknowledge that earlier in the year we shared preliminary information regarding senior results. We appreciate our community's understanding as final confirmations were clarified. Celebrating the achievements of our students accurately and respectfully is always our priority.
Well done, Angel.
Josai Ikebukuro Junior High School
Over the past two weeks, Ipswich State High School has proudly hosted students from Josai Ikebukuro Junior High School, sharing in a rich and memorable Australian school experience. Our visitors immersed themselves in classes, sampled classic Aussie snacks, explored local history and deepened their understanding of First Nations culture, including learning about Indigenous life with RH Didgeridoos and Artifacts and trying their hand at boomerang throwing. Their curiosity, respect and willingness to embrace every opportunity made the exchange truly special.
There were many highlights along the way, from the ever competitive chocolate game, complete with dress ups and careful chocolate cutting, to powerful cultural exchanges where our boys performed a haka and our girls shared a Siva dance. Each visiting student also presented thoughtful comparisons between Japanese and Australian culture, strengthening mutual understanding and connection. The visit concluded with a heartfelt farewell ceremony and a classic Aussie BBQ prepared by our maintenance superhero, Craig, a fitting celebration of the friendships formed. We thank all staff, students and families who contributed to this incredible experience and wish our Josai friends a safe journey home.
School Photo Day
School Photos 2026 were a great success across both days. Students from all year levels conducted themselves with outstanding cooperation, patience and respect, and represented the school proudly in their uniforms. Thank you to our parents and carers for your preparation and support, which ensured everything ran smoothly and efficiently. We also acknowledge MSP Photography for coordinating the two days and keeping the schedule on track. Thank you to our entire school community for making School Photos 2026 such a success.
Semester 2, 2025 Academic Awards
We proudly celebrated our Semester 2, 2025 Academic Awards in the ISHS School Hall, recognising the outstanding achievement, dedication and perseverance of our students.
It was wonderful to see so many families join us as we acknowledged the hard work and commitment shown throughout Semester 2 last year. From consistent effort to academic excellence, each award recipient should feel incredibly proud of their accomplishments.
Congratulations to all students who were recognised. Their commitment to learning continues to make our school community proud.