It is with great pleasure that I announce and congratulate our 2025 Student Leaders. These students have undergone a rigorous recruitment process including a student vote, staff feedback and an interview. I look forward to working with them to lead the school. 

School photos will take place on Wednesday 19 and Thursday 20 February. There will be an additional catch-up day on Friday 28 February.

Subject changes for individual students should be minimal and must take into account the following imperatives: 

•  Year 7 and 8 – No subject changes required. Subjects are programmed by the school for the two-year cycle to meet the requirements of the Australian Curriculum.  

• Year 9 and 10 – No subject changes required. Elective subjects run for one semester and students are to remain in the subject for the duration. 

• Year 11 – Subject changes can only occur in Week 1 of Term 1 or at the end of Unit 1 or 2 for General and Applied subjects or by the end of Week 4 for VET subjects. In exceptional circumstances, students who are changing from a General or Applied subject to a VET subject may be able to change prior to the completion of the unit. Students must make an appointment with a Guidance Officer or Year 11 Deputy Principal. 

• Year 12 - Subject changes are only permitted in exceptional circumstances. Students must make an appointment with a Guidance Officer or the Year 12 Deputy Principal. 

Late Arrivals: Students arriving after the bell signalling the end of HGR must report to the Rolls Office in Administration to receive a late slip. If a student is late, a note of explanation from the student’s parent/guardian must be presented to Rolls Office on arrival. If a student arrives late without a note, a first break detention may be issued.

Absence: If a student is marked absent from HGR and the parent/guardian has not notified the school, they will receive an automated text message by 10.30am. If you receive one of these text messages, please reply via SMS to explain your student’s absence.

To inform the school of your child’s absence from school please either call the Absence Line on 47738 108 or email absences@kirwanshs.eq.edu.au

YEAR 7 DISCO

YEAR 7 CAMP

Year 7 Camp will be held in Week 7 of Term 2. Students on a Green Level of Engagement have the opportunity to attend a 3-day Camp on Magnetic Island.

The camp allows students to take part in curriculum-related activities outside of their normal school routine. It provides practical experiences that extend learning whilst fostering confidence and igniting creativity and problem solving. Students will be provided with elements of adventure that encourage social interaction and team building as well as developing independence. Further details will be provided in Term 1.

Students that do not attend the camp will attend normal curriculum lessons at school.

YEAR 8 & 9 DISCO

GRIP STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (YEAR 9)

The GRIP Leadership Program is a transformative initiative designed for student leaders, focusing on developing key leadership skills such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. Through engaging workshops and activities, participants will build self-confidence and learn to effectively lead teams. The program helps foster leadership qualities that benefit both personal growth and future success. It is an excellent opportunity for our students to engage in to cultivate resilience, teamwork, and leadership abilities that will serve them throughout their lives.

The GRIP Student Leadership Program will take place on Tuesday 11 February at Mercure Townsville.

YEAR 8 & 9 DISCO                                            

STUDENT LEADERSHIP INDUCTION

YEAR 10 & 11 LUAI

YEAR 10 & 11 LUAI

STUDENT LEADERSHIP INDUCTION

$5 FORMAL

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC SIGN ON

Instrumental Music sign on will occur in Week 1 on Friday 31 January. Students are invited to attend a parade during Period 4 in the Performing Arts block to register their interest in learning an instrument in 2025. Parents/Carers will then receive the necessary documentation. An annual program fee of $200 must be paid prior to students starting lessons. Loan instruments are available for an additional $100 fee that covers instrument cleaning and maintenance.  

PIRATES OF PENZANCE MUSICAL ENSEMBLE AUDITIONS

In 2025, the school is producing the musical Pirates of Penzance.  Ensemble auditions will be held in Week 3 on Thursday 13 February 3:00pm-5:00pm in the Performing Art block. More information will be provided to students in Week 1 through Student Notices.

CREATIVE ARTS ACADEMY LAUNCH

Students, Parents and Carers are invited to attend the Creative Arts Academy launch on Wednesday 13 February at 5:30pm in the Performing Arts block. This is an opportunity to meet the Creative Arts staff and learn about the wonderful opportunities available to students through the Academy in 2025.  

CREATIVE ARTS ACADEMY SUPPORT GROUP

Our P&C facilitates two subgroups to support the Creative Arts Academy and Sports Academy.  

The Creative Arts Academy Support Group meet on the second Monday of every month in the Music Block at 5:00pm.  

The meetings for 2025 are scheduled as follows.  

• Term 1 Week 3 – Monday 10 February 

• Term 1 Week 7 – Monday 10 March – Annual General Meeting  

• Term 2 Week 4 – Monday 12 May 

• Term 2 Week 8 – Monday 9 June 

• Term 3 Week 5 – Monday 11 August 

• Term 3 Week 9 – Monday 8 September 

• Term 4 Week 2 – Monday 11 October 

• Term 4 Week 6 – Monday 10 November  

YEAR 10 CUBS TRIAL

If you have any questions, please contact Mitch Wells - mwell165@eq.edu.au.

Year 7 SPORTS ACADEMY PARENT INFORMATION NIGHT

We invite the parents and carers of our Year 7 Sports Academy to join us for an information night on Thursday 6 February.

Through the evening, we will discuss the Year 7 Sports Academy structure, expectations and you will have the opportunity to meet our Sports Academy teachers and coaches.

SPORTS ACADEMY SUPPORT GROUP MEETING

Our P&C facilitates two subgroups to support the Creative Arts Academy and Sports Academy.  

The Sports Academy Support Group meet on the second Monday of every month in the Futures Centre of Neptune at 6:00pm. 

The meetings for 2025 are scheduled as follows.  

• Term 1 Week 3 – Monday 10 February 

• Term 1 Week 7 – Monday 10 March – Annual General Meeting  

• Term 2 Week 4 – Monday 12 May 

• Term 2 Week 8 – Monday 9 June 

• Term 3 Week 5 – Monday 11 August 

• Term 3 Week 9 – Monday 8 September 

• Term 4 Week 2 – Monday 11 October 
• Term 4 Week 6 – Monday 10 November  

SWIMMING CARNIVAL

STUDENT RESOURCE SCHEME

The Student Resource Scheme has many benefits for both students and parents/caregivers.  Families who choose to become members of the Student Resource Scheme (SRS) will have access to textbooks and some consumables within Technologies and The Arts subjects from the beginning of the school year.  Students will also have access to a wide range of supplementary resources not possible without the Student Resource Scheme. 

The school operates a Student Resource Scheme under Education Queensland guidelines.  The scheme aims to provide all students with the necessary basic textbooks and associated learning materials at considerable savings to parents. 

Participants will be required to pay $300 per annum.   See all payment options below.  

The Student Resource Scheme is a co-operative fund generated by the funds received from    parents/caregivers.  A Government Textbook Resource Allowance (TRA) is received by the school.  

For Year 7-10 students $160 and for Year 11 – 12 students $348.   The SRS and subject fees have been offset by the TRA. 

ACADEMY FEES - CREATIVE ARTS, SPORTS AND STEM

Payment of Academy fees is required upon submission of an Expression of Interest, a Subject Selection form or subject change request.   For those students wishing to continue in the Academies for the following year, a pre-payment is required prior to 31st October of the current year to secure your child’s place in the Academy. 

SUBJECT FEES

For some elective subjects, fees will apply.  All subjects attracting a fee are listed on the Subject Selection forms and in Subject books. Subject fees are not included in the SRS. 

FINANCIAL DIFFICULTY

If you are experiencing financial difficulty, please contact the school to arrange an appointment to discuss options and apply for a payment plan. Any information that you provide will be confidential.  Our Accounts Administrator can be contacted on 47738107 or email accounts@kirwanshs.eq.edu.au. 

PAYMENT OPTIONS

BPoint is the school preferred payment method. The link is shown on your invoice, or you can type https://www.BPOINT.com.au/ payments/dete into your web browser. The web link will open up a new secure window. Enter the payment information into the fields, CRN, invoice number, student name and amount. This information can be found on the invoice/statement provided to you by the school.  

Qkr! By MasterCard, the secure and easy way to pay for school items from your phone at a time and place that suits you. Download Qkr! Register and find Kirwan State High School, add a profile then make payment. 

Direct Deposit - To perform a direct deposit into the school account please contact the school for our Bank Account Details on 47 738 107.   

In Person - Payment by cash or EFTPOS (includes Visa or MasterCard) at the office from 8:00am until 4:00pm.  

Centrepay Deductions - Payments by Centrepay deductions can be arranged through the school office from 8:00am until 4:00pm.