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WEATHER EVENTS
I would like to thank you for your patience and understanding during the recent weather events.
I would like to take this opportunity to clarify some processes around decision making and inform you all of a new school process to assist in collecting students during an event.
Communication
During weather events, the school may lose power and/or our internet servers may be disconnected remotely. In addition to this, we may not be on site at the time due to it being out of hours or the school being closed. This makes communicating via email and text message very difficult.
I can assure you that we communicate as soon as we have information and the ability to do so.
Facebook is often the easiest way for us to communicate at this time. I strongly encourage students and families to like and follow the school Facebook page. We will endeavour to follow up a Facebook post with a text or email where possible.
Bus Transport
The school does not contribute to, or make any decisions about bus transport. This is the sole responsibility of the bus company. If you have any concerns about this, please contact the bus company directly.
School Closure
The Executive Principal does not make decisions about closing the school. The Department of Education works collaboratively with government and emergency services to make decisions in the interests of student, staff and community safety.
Before re-opening a school after a closure, an assessment of all school buildings needs to be completed by QBuild. As you can imagine, this organisation is extremely busy at this time and they work very hard to bring all government organisations back online as soon as possible.
Wet Weather Shoes
The school will advise families via Facebook and text message if approval is given for students to wear alternative closed in shoes to school. Please note, shoes like thongs and crocs are not permitted.
Phone Calls
There are a limited number of phone lines into the school. The system does not manage large volumes of calls, so a call will most likely go unanswered during an event. If you would like to collect your student/s from school early, please attend the school where possible. If you are attending the school, please do not call ahead.
Updating Contacts
I encourage parents/carers to review the contacts they have listed with the school for their student/s and include anyone who may collect your students/s as an emergency contact.
If the individual collecting your student/s is not a contact, we cannot allow them to leave with this person without parent/carer permission.
Collecting students from school
Last Friday afternoon was a challenging experience for everyone. Over 650 students were signed out early before the end of day.
We have reviewed our school processes regarding the collection of students from school during an event.
Hudson Street and Thuringowa Drive do flood during heavy downpours of rain. As quickly as they water rises, it also goes down. I would encourage parents/carers not to drive through flood waters.
Please see below the process for collecting student/s early from school during an event.
During class time
- The Administration car park will be closed.
- Parents/carers/individuals will need to enter the school through the gate on Hudson Street and go to the EC (large school hall near the oval) to register their student/s for collection. A staff member will be at the gate to provide instructions and directions.
- If the person attending the school is collecting student/s for a family member/friend and they are not listed as a contact for that student/s, we will need to seek permission from a contact before we can release the student/s into their care.
- When the student/s attends the EC, the parent/carer/individual can sign the student/s out.
- The student/s will be given an exit pass which they need to show to the staff member at the gate. The staff member will collect this pass.
- Students and parent/carer/individuals exit the school through the gate on Hudson Street.
- Student/s will not be allowed to exit the gate if they are not under the supervision of an adult and do not have an exit pass.
During lunch time
- The Executive Principal will announce to students that they are permitted to turn on their mobile phones and answer phone calls from parents/carers.
- The Administration car park will be closed.
- Parents/carers/individuals will need to enter the school through the gate on Hudson Street and go to the EC to register their child for collection. A staff member will be at the gate to provide instructions and directions.
- Parents/carers/individuals can call the student/s on their phone and request they attend the EC.
- If the person attending the school is collecting student/s for a family member/friend and they are not listed as a contact for that student/s, we will need to seek permission from a contact before we can release the student/s into their care.
- When the student/s attends the EC, the parent/carer/individual can sign the student/s out.
- The student/s will be given an exit pass which they need to show to the staff member at the gate. The staff member will collect this pass.
- Students and parent/carer/individuals exit the school through the gate on Hudson Street.
- Student/s will not be allowed to exit the gate if they are not under the supervision of an adult and do not have an exit pass.
Administration Car Park
The Administration car park at the front of the school is not a drop off and pick up zone. Please refrain from using this area for these purposes.
The volume of vehicles currently accessing this area is creating safety concerns for students and staff.
If this behaviour continues, we will close the gate every morning and afternoon to prohibit access for vehicles.
Illegal Stopping and Parking - Bus Zone and No Standing Zones
An increasing number of vehicles are parking/stopping illegally in ‘bus’ and ‘no standing’ zones around the school. This is creating significant safety concerns for students, particularly during morning drop off and afternoon pick up.
The Queensland Police Service have been patrolling the area and fining drivers for this behaviour.
Please ensure that you follow the road rules for the safety of students.
2025 SCHOOL CALENDAR
2025 P&C MEETING
Our P&C meets on the second Tuesday of every month in the Futures Centre on Neptune Road at 6:00pm.
The meetings for 2025 are scheduled as follows.
- Term 1 Week 3 – Tuesday 11 February
- Term 1 Week 7 – Tuesday 11 March – Annual General Meeting
- Term 2 Week 4 – Tuesday 13 May
- Term 2 Week 8 – Tuesday 10 June
- Term 3 Week 5 – Tuesday 12 August
- Term 3 Week 9 – Tuesday 9 September
- Term 4 Week 2 – Tuesday 12 October
- Term 4 Week 6 – Tuesday 11 November
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 Sports Academy Support Group meet on the second Monday of every month in the Futures Centre on Neptune Road 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
2025 SCHOOL PHOTOS
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
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.
2025 CAR WASHES
STUDENT SERVICES
YEAR 7
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
YEAR 8 & 9 DISCO
YEAR 9
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
YEAR 10 & 11 LUAU
YEAR 11
YEAR 10 & 11 LUAU
YEAR 12
STUDENT LEADERSHIP INDUCTION
$5 FORMAL
GRIP STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM (YEAR 12)
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.
CREATIVE ARTS ACADEMY
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 Excelsior Centre. 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 Excelsior Centre. 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
SPORTS ACADEMY
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
2025 TOWNSVILLE AND NQ SCHOOL SPORT TRIAL DATES
Please see the upcoming dates for the 2025 Townsville and NQ School Sport trial dates here.
SPORT
SWIMMING CARNIVAL
FINANCE
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.
Heather Murry
Executive Principal
