​​​​​Letter from The Principal

As we reach the end of Term 3, I would like to thank our students, staff, parents and carers for their continued contribution to the Ipswich State High School community.

This week, our focus has been on promoting positive mental health and wellbeing, with students participating in a range of presentations and activities connected with R U OK? Day. These activities remind us of the importance of checking in with one another, noticing when someone may be struggling and knowing where to turn for support.

For some young people, school holidays can be challenging as they are away from their usual routines, friends and school-based support networks. I encourage families to continue checking in with their young people over the break and remind them that support remains available:

• ICYS: 07 3812 1050 
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 — 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention
• 13YARN: 13 92 76 — 24/7 crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 — 24/7 counselling for young people aged 5–25
• Headspace: 1800 650 890 — support for young people aged 12–25
• Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 — 24/7 mental health support

As we finish another busy term, we wish everyone a safe and enjoyable spring vacation. Hopefully the warmer weather provides an opportunity to shake off the winter blues, slow down, recharge and enjoy some relaxing time with family and friends.

We look forward to welcoming all students back to school for Term 4 on Tuesday 6 October.

Kathryn Todd
Principal and Chief Executive 

Looking Ahead

Upcoming Events 

Moran Medal

Do you play, help, volunteer or officiate in community sport? Nominate yourself for the 2026 Moran Medal, recognising outstanding involvement in community sporting clubs.

All students are eligible. Nominations close Friday 11th September 2026, with the medal presented at the Sports Awards Ceremony in Week 3 of Term 4.

Nominate here or contact Miss Weier for more information.

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
• Fortnightly 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. 

Library Hours 

Our library opening arrangements have recently changed, including updated spaces and closing times.

Computer Area 1 is now the Senior Study Space.

Computer Area 2 is now the Junior Study Space.

The library will close at 3.00 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

On Tuesdays and Thursdays, tutoring is available in the library until 4.00 pm. Please note that tutoring is not available during Week 1 or Week 10 of each term. 

Sharks Camp

"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; we have 7 venues across Queensland. 

The Dates:

29th September | 30th September | 1st October | 2nd October 

Western Futsal

Western Futsal's Summer Junior Competition kicks off at Ipswich State High School on Saturday 10th October!

Games run on Saturdays between 8.30 am and 2.30 pm, with divisions for Under 8s, Under 10s, Under 12s and Under 14s.

Get involved and enjoy some futsal fun this summer! Register here. 

Play on Sports Vouchers

Eligible Queensland families can apply for a PlayOn! voucher worth up to $200 to help children aged 5 to 17 participate in sport, supporting their health, confidence and social connections.

Applications close on 18th December 2026, with one voucher available per child per financial year. Submit a separate application for each child and email vouchers to an approved activity provider by 18th June 2027.

Check eligibility and apply. 

Fortnightly Focus