Letter from The Principal
Welcome to the new Ipswich State High School fortnightly newsletter.
This newsletter has been redesigned to provide clear, timely information for families about what is happening across the school over the upcoming two weeks. Rather than focusing on past events, it will focus on key reminders, important updates and actions that support students and parents to stay informed and prepared.
Over the opening weeks of the year the school has already been a hive of activity. Students have participated in High Expectations and Junior and Senior Secondary Parades, the Year 7 Parent Evening, Swimming Carnival, Open Girls Rugby League Camp, the Ryda Program, our Valentine's Day fundraiser, the Josai Study Tour, the Semester 2 2025 Academic Awards Parade, School Photos, the ALC Meet and Greet and the Dance Sleepover. These experiences play an important role in building belonging and connection within our school community.
You may also notice our new security fencing now in place. This has been installed to further enhance safety for students and staff during the school day while still allowing our campus to remain welcoming and accessible to visitors through our front office.
This year we are also introducing the Ipswich Wellbeing Program (IWP) for all students in Years 7–12. The program focuses on developing wellbeing, resilience and self-efficacy so students are better equipped to manage challenges and engage positively in learning and relationships.
Looking ahead, NAPLAN Online for Year 7 and 9 students will commence in Week 7, with detailed information already emailed to parents and carers, and our SRC and Year 12 Induction Ceremony will be held on Friday 13 March.
We look forward to continuing to keep you informed through this new format.
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.
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.