The past two weeks have certainly been busy at Ipswich State High School, with our community celebrating National Science Week, Bullying No Way Week, Speech Pathology Week and Book Week.
Across these celebrations, staff have organised a wonderful range of activities designed to engage students, build connection and bring some extra fun into the school day. There have also been plenty of opportunities for both staff and students to dress up, get involved and perhaps not take ourselves quite so seriously! These weeks are an important reminder that while learning is serious business, it should also be enjoyable. Some of the best learning happens when we are curious, creative, connected and having fun together.
I would also like to ask for the support of families with an important reminder about student behaviour in our community. Recently, I have received several concerns from community members about the behaviour of some students while travelling to and from school.
We regularly remind students that when they are wearing the ISHS uniform, they are representing themselves, their families and our school. Our expectations of being Safe, Respectful and Responsible do not finish when students walk through the school gate. They apply on public transport, at shopping centres, on local streets and everywhere our students interact with members of the community.
I ask parents and carers to reinforce this message at home. Together, we can ensure our students understand the importance of making positive choices and demonstrating the values we expect at Ipswich State High School — both at school and in the wider community.
Looking Ahead
Upcoming Events
| Event | Date | Time | Who |
| Drama Club | 01/09/26 | 3.00pm – 4.00pm | Select Students |
| Ipswich Fresh Futures – Career Expo | 02/09/26 | All Day | Select Students |
| Gold Coast Dance Eisteddfod | 02/09/26 | All Day | Select Students |
| Dungeons & Dragons Club | 02/09/26 | 3.00pm – 4.00pm | All Welcome |
Brassall Retirement Village Visit
| 03/09/26 | 1.50pm – 3.00pm | Select Students |
| Student Free Day | 04/09/26 | All Day | All Students |
| Year 8,9 & 10 in 2027 RL Trials | 07/09/26 | All Day | Select Students |
| Year 10 Health Lifestyles Talk | 08/09/26 | 1.45pm – 2.55pm | Select Students |
| Junior RUOK Day Presentation | 08/09/26 | 2.00pm – 3.00pm | Select Students |
| Drama Club | 08/09/26 | 3.00pm – 4.00pm | Select Students |
| Dungeons & Dragons Club | 09/09/26 | 3.00pm – 4.00pm | All Welcome |
| Year 8 Challenge Day | 10/09/26 | All Day | Select Students |
| Year 12 Hospitality Lions Visit | 10/09/26 | 9.00am – 11.30am | Select Students |
| Year 11 & 12 in 2027 RL Trials | 10/09/26 | 10.00am – 1.00pm | Select Students |
| R U OK Day | 11/09/26 | All Day | All Welcome |
| Lockyer District Eisteddfod | 11/09/26 | All Day | Select Students |
| R U OK Day Presentation | 11/09/26 | 9.05am – 10.15am | Select Students |
| Year 10 Mashed Theatre Company Presentation | 11/09/26 | 9.05am – 10.15am | Select Students |
Save the Date – Academic Excellence Day and Night
Ipswich State High School will celebrate the outstanding achievements of our students at our Academic Excellence Day and Night on Wednesday 21st October 2026.
The day ceremony will begin at 10.00 am and recognise students receiving Bronze and Silver Awards. The evening ceremony will begin at 6.00 pm and recognise students receiving Gold and Major Awards.
Eligible students and their parents and caregivers will be notified by Week 2 of Term 4 and advised which ceremony to attend.
All award recipients must attend in full formal uniform. We look forward to celebrating the dedication, effort and academic achievements of our students.
School Choir
Find your voice with the ISHS Choir.
All students are welcome to join choir rehearsals every Tuesday morning from 8.00 am in the X Block Music Rooms.
Singing is a wonderful way to build confidence, connect with others and support mental wellbeing and overall health.
Singing lesson spaces will also become available in Term 4. Come along on Tuesday morning and discover what the ISHS Choir has to offer.
ISHS Hair Salon
Looking for a fresh cut or colour? Visit the Ipswich State High School Hair and Beauty Training Salon and support our students as they develop valuable industry skills.
Appointments are available during school terms on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. All style cuts are performed by a senior hairdresser, and all colour services use L'Oréal Professionnel products.
Appointments are essential. Call (07) 3813 4276 to book.
Full information can be found here: https://ipswichshs.eq.edu.au/curriculum/excellence-programs/hair-and-beauty-program-of-excellence
Homestay Opportunities
Have a spare room at home? Consider becoming a Homestay Host for international students studying at Ipswich State High School!
We're looking for friendly and welcoming families who can provide a supportive home environment for our visiting students.
Benefits include:
• Rewarding cultural exchange experiences
• Opportunities to build lifelong global friendships
• Weekly payments to assist with homestay expenses
If you're interested in hosting an international student, please contact our international team at international@ipswichshs.eq.edu.au for more information.
Sharks Camp 2026 - Spring School Holidays
Sharks Camp is a four-day volleyball camp designed to cater to students in grades 4 through 12 of all skill levels. With elite development opportunities available and pathways into club and state-level volleyball, this camp has something for everyone!
Find the location closest to you; they have 7 venues across Queensland.
The Dates: 29th September | 30th September | 1st October | 2nd October
Fortnightly Focus
As we move into a busy assessment period, our Focus of the Fortnight is Respect.
Students are encouraged to show respect for themselves, their learning and others by preparing carefully and doing their best in all exams and assessments.
Being organised, using class time effectively and asking for support when needed can make a real difference. We wish all students the very best with their upcoming assessment.
