21 February 2025

Executive Principal News

A very warm welcome back to another amazing year at Stretton in 2025!  With a current enrolment of 3527 we are excited to be able to offer our students every learning and co-curricular experience possible to ensure that they lead flourishing lives. A particular welcome to all new parents and new families to our Stretton community. 

This year we have welcomed over 25 new members of staff across both Campuses.  These new staff are an amazing mix of talent and knowledge across the breadth of education, including new graduates, teachers who are turning to teach after a different career pathway, and experienced teachers who have been transferred into our wonderful College.  We welcome them all and know that they will all make a great contribution to the fabric and tapestry of our school community.

A huge thank you to all parents and caregivers for sending your children back to school with all the essentials they need for learning and wearing the correct uniform.  It was great to see them all coming back on Day 1 with smiling faces!  We have missed them all! 

We know that young people are best inspired in communities where they feel connected to something larger than themselves.  This is why we have such a rich tapestry of experience to offer our children.  Whether cheering on their classmates at the Swimming Carnival, participating in a Musical, or joining one of our strong Sport Excellence Academies, students at Stretton support one another on their journey from Prep to Year 12 through these 13 transformational years, and leave with lifelong friendships forged.

This week we held our annual Leadership Induction Ceremony, where we presented our student leaders with their Badges, Certificates and Blazers of office.  It was wonderful to see so many parents and grandparents in attendance at this proud ceremony.  During the ceremony, I spoke about the important role of student leaders in our College community.  We have chosen our student leaders through a rigorous process with a lot of care and thought because people believed in their ability to exemplify our Stretton SPIRIT values and to add quality to our already great school.

I encouraged our student leaders to speak and influence others, as they have the greatest power and influence to promote mental wellness and cultural change within our school environment.  As Albert Einstein once said, the world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing. 

We want our student leaders to be ‘that’ person who goes out of their way to talk to someone sitting by themselves; to give a smile to someone who looks lonely or lost, to be ‘that’ person who is ready to listen to others in a way which makes people believe they truly matter. I reminded our students that leadership is about making good things happen for others, and about having the courage to speak up and share their ideas, even if they’re different from everyone else.  This is an important part of teamwork in any organization large or small.

I have great confidence that our student leaders will be an inspiring and dynamic team who will leave a legacy of service, kindness and humility to our College for years to come.

2025 College Captains – Harnoop Gill, Omar Farooq, Parineet Kaur, Annabelle Ryan.

2025 Junior Secondary Captains – Addison Stewart, Riona Joseph, Jacinta Tran, Emily Hansen.

2025 Gowan School Captains – Luca Amaya, Erin Park, Yani Thakkar, Kunal Khatri.]

Until next time,
Jan Maresca
Executive Principal

Illaweena Campus Principal News

Each year, we welcome students back to the Illaweena Campus, and 2025 is no different. Students have settled into the school year and are well and truly settled into their learning. Over the last few weeks, I have been able to get into various classrooms across the campus and I have been so pleased to see how the students have engaged in their learning. The campus has also been a busy over the last four weeks with the Illaweena Swimming Carnival, celebrating Valentine’s Day, Rugby League Academy camp, and the Student Leadership Induction Ceremony. Coming up later this term are some more Academy camps, Year 7 camp, NAPLAN, Cross Country and Harmony Week. 

I would like to take the opportunity to again congratulate the Class of 2024 on their outstanding successes. Whilst we had great ATAR results, success is not always defined by a number. Stretton students have been successful in attaining entry into chosen university degrees, with many students receiving early entry offers, or offers into their first preference courses. We certainly look forward to hearing further success stories of our Stretton Alumni.

The start of the year is also a great time to remind students about regular attendance at school. Research shows that positive school attendance can also lead to positive outcomes, which includes:

• Greater academic achievement across subjects studied
• Greater opportunities for students to engage in school activities
• Leaving school with a meaningful pathway
• And developing a greater sense of belonging.

When I discuss attendance, I often reference the following table of attendance percentages. Students who have an attendance rate of 75% actually miss an entire term of school, which research suggests is detrimental to the learning potential of students.

The success of our students highlights the importance of establishing learning goals and routines, and the start of a school year is a perfect time for all students to establish these.  The learning behaviours of students can pave the way for the development of skills to be ready for the future. In the climate of the 21^st Century this is an important concept as freelance and contract work are among the fastest growing jobs on the market.

Known as the gig economy, workplaces now exist in a system where independent workers engage in short-term work arrangements. So, whether students intend to be fully self-employed or start a side business, those who enter the gig economy need to be adaptable. Where students previously could specialise in one academic area and apply that specific skillset throughout their careers, students now need to “continually build, expand, and refresh their skills in order to stay competitive.”

Setting learning goals can be of benefit to all students. The following quote from Mind Tools captures the way in which setting goals can help with motivation:

“Top-level athletes, successful business people and achievers in all fields all set goals. Setting goals gives you long-term vision and short-term motivation.” (From Mind Tools)

Setting up routines is a great way for students to be able to achieve their goals. Here are four ideas to help develop effective routines.

1. Start small – Spend some time thinking about the single, simple routine you wish to establish.
2. Make effective reminders – The most common issue with establishing new routines is simply remembering to do them at the appropriate time.
3. Repeat until it is natural – Starting a new routine, or replacing one routine with another can sometimes take up to a month.
4. Add one new piece at a time – once a routine has been established, add another one. This may include adding new knowledge, skills or processes.

I truly believe that Stretton is a great school and I am looking forward to another great year where as a College community we can celebrate our students and their collective successes. I also look forward to connecting with our parent community throughout the year.

Brad Stewart
Illaweena Campus Principal

Senior School Deputy Principal

The Year 12s have made a fantastic start to the school year.  Students have been well-behaved, well-dressed and focused on their learning.  Unfortunately, Year 12 assessment starts early in the term, and it has been pleasing to see everyone’s commitment and determination to achieve in their subjects.  I would like to congratulate the Year 12s on their self-regulation, love of learning and creative spirit to stay focussed and on track this term.  It has been very pleasing to see so many Senior School students engaging with their teachers positively, and displaying resilience and a growth mindset as they complete their first set of assessments for the year.

The Year 12s really embraced the SRC fundraiser for Valentine’s Day this year, delivering roses and serenading teachers and students across the College.  I would like to congratulate everyone who was involved.

As we progress towards the end of the term, can I please remind you all that students are expected to be here every day, and engaged in their learning.  Senior assessment timelines are very different from Junior, and the end of the term does not mean we decrease the amount of work or commitment form our students.  It is important that if you know of any absences ahead of time, that you inform me and the Senior Guidance Officers as soon as you can using the AARA email address: aara@strettonsc.eq.edu.au.   We cannot make adjustments for any assessments without notification, and any family trips do not qualify for reason for extension.

There are ways we can support your student if they have a medical condition, or other condition that prevented them from accessing the exams to the best  of their ability; the AARA process.  If you believe your young person is eligible for an AARA, please make contact with me or your Year Level Guidance Officer to make the necessary arrangements. Some possible arrangements that can be made if your child qualifies for an AARA are: extra time, rest breaks, use of computer, assistance in the exam and out of order seating to name a few. We want our students to be doing the best they can on their assessments, and if an adjustment would support your student’s success, then we would like to make sure that happens.

Year 10/11 Deputy Principal

Welcome back students and families to another fantastic year at Stretton.

There are some amazing opportunities coming up to help expand your knowledge about careers and pathways. Please use the links below if you are interested in any of the following opportunities.

PATHWAY AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Queensland Police Service Recruiting Seminar – Brisbane

Organisation: Queensland Police Service

Location: Queensland Police Headquarters

Date: February 24, 2025

With the Queensland Police Service, you can have one career that has endless possibilities. The Queensland Police Service is recruiting real life experience, to make a real difference.

Not sure:

• If you meet the requirements?
• If you're the right person for the job?
• If you get paid as a police recruit?
• How you progress in the QPS?
• What is expected during the recruiting process and the cost involved?

These and many more questions will be answered during this Recruiting Information Session.

This session will be conducted by experienced, serving Queensland police officers. They will explain the requirements for entry and may also give you an insight into their own experiences.

STEM + X: Science

Organisation: Careers with STEM

Location: Online

Date: February 26, 2025

Join Careers with STEM for a free STEM + X career webinar, supported by QUT, to hear from STEM superstars who took a passion for science into their studies and are now saving the environment, advocating for women in STEM, investigating super massive black holes, and even presenting on TV.

Medicine Information Evening

Organisation: University of Queensland

Location: UQ St Lucia Campus & Online

Date: March 18 to March 19, 2025

Attend our information session to learn about studying medicine at The University of Queensland (UQ).

Hear from UQ Medical School staff, UQ alumni and current students on the changing medical climate, how to apply for medicine at UQ, and tips for success.

• Explore the current climate and magnitude of medicine.
• Learn how to apply for our Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.
• Discover our multiple entry routes and partnerships with CQUniversity and UniSQ.
• Get advice from recent graduates and current students.
• Engage in an interactive Q&A panel with alumni and current students.
• Network with current medical students.

Intro to Engineering – Year 9 and 10

Organisation: The Engineering Link Group
Location: QUT Gardens Point Campus
Date: March 22, 2025

We are proud to continue to be associated with QUT, Engineers Australia, and the Queensland Government and are excited to present the 2025 QUT Introduction to Engineering. This is a one-day event for Year 9 and 10 students interested in discovering what engineering is all about!

Students will participate in two hands-on workshops in different engineering disciplines. Each workshop is designed to challenge creativity and knowledge of maths and science and introduce middle years students to the engineering paradigm.

Engineering Link Project – Year 11 and 12

Organisation: The Engineering Link Group

Location: QUT Gardens Point Campus

Date: March 22, 2025

We are proud to continue to be associated with QUT, Engineers Australia, and The Queensland Government, and are excited to present the Engineering Link Project for 2025. The Engineering Link Project is a one-day event for Year 11 and 12 students interested in discovering what engineering really is!

Students will participate in two hands-on workshops in different engineering disciplines. Each workshop will challenge your creativity and knowledge of maths and science and introduce you to the engineering paradigm.

UQ Career Pulse

Organisation: University of Queensland

Location: UQ St Lucia Campus

Date: April 24, 2025

Explore the exciting career paths open to you at UQ’s free, career-focused event for high school students.

• Hear from academic staff, industry professionals, UQ graduates and current students.
• Identify your strengths and interests and match these with future career opportunities.
• See UQ’s beautiful St Lucia campus and check out our state-of-the-art facilities.  

You can nominate to attend up to 3 career-focused sessions out of our exciting and diverse program, with themes covering:

• Sustainability   
• Innovation  
• Technology   
• Leadership   
• Human connection  

MONEY, MONEY, MONEY

If you're planning on tertiary education next year, Study, Work, Grow have put together 5 reasons why you should apply for scholarships - there are lots of benefits you could enjoy.

Ease the financial burden

Of course, the financial benefits of scholarships are one of the top reasons students apply. They’re a great way to help you pay for your education and leave you with less debt once you graduate. Look at applying for scholarships as an investment in yourself and your future.

Scholarships could cover the costs of one or many things, such as:

• Tuition fees
• Accommodation or other living expenses
• Books, technology, and other essential supplies
• Travel

Plus, you won’t have to pay the money back (unlike other financial support options like student loans).

Remember to always check the terms and conditions before signing up. You may have to fulfil certain obligations, such as maintaining a certain grade point average (GPA), writing a letter of thanks, or participating in certain programs. But otherwise, the money you receive is all yours.

Boost your study experience

There are academic benefits associated with many of the scholarships you could earn, especially the really prestigious ones. These are open things like mentoring or access to educational programs, which could help you achieve and maintain a higher GPA.

Some scholarships also include access to internships or other work experience programs, or even the chance to travel and study overseas. Any opportunities to expand your knowledge and experience beyond the classroom could help you to get the most out of your university experience (and boost your resume too).

The financial benefits of receiving a scholarship may mean you wouldn’t have to get a part time job to support you while you study, or that you’d need to work fewer hours. This means you can dedicate more time to studying, writing assignments, signing up for additional programs, or looking for extracurricular opportunities.

Get an edge in the job market

The fact that you’ve applied for scholarships could show that you’re forward thinking and proactive - two skills that are highly sought after by employers. Listing that you were the beneficiary of a scholarship on your resume could help to make you a more appealing candidate for potential employers too.

Scholarships that provide you with specific skills through some form of work experience, such as an internship, could make you a particularly desirable employee. If you’re lucky and put in 100% during your internship, you could even be rewarded with a job offer from the company.

Scholarships can also be a really great way to meet professionals and network with people already working in the field you’re interested in. Spending time with industry leaders could even lead to a job offer or other opportunities.

Learn to believe in yourself and your abilities

Completing scholarship applications is a great exercise in developing an appreciation of your strengths and qualities, as well as teaching you how to sell yourself. It's a good opportunity to look back on all the great things you've done and achieved over the years and remind yourself of your capabilities.

By the time you’ve completed and submitted a few scholarship applications, you’ll probably know yourself a lot better, and hopefully value yourself a whole lot more too.

Not all scholarships are based academic merit

There are literally thousands of scholarships on offer. While some of them are offered to students with outstanding academic achievements, there are plenty of other scholarships for different criteria such as:

• Elite athletes or performers
• Community service
• Leadership potential
• Disability
• Family/domestic violence
• Financial disadvantage
• First nations students
• LGBTQIA+
• Refugees
• Rural students
• Women

Don’t let the misconception that scholarships are only for the academically gifted put you off finding and applying for scholarships - there are opportunities out there for everyone.

You have nothing to lose

Yes, applying for scholarships requires some of your valuable time and a bit of effort. But the rewards could make it all worthwhile; and if you don’t apply, you’ll never know if you could have been successful.

Plus, remember all the benefits associated with just applying:

• Learn (and appreciate) more about yourself
• Improve your researching skills
• Hone the art of creating great applications
• Practise skills that will be useful when applying for jobs

When you look at it that way, surely it's worth spending some time looking into your options or putting together some applications, right?

Are you thinking of a career in Medicine?

Some of the most popular and visible careers throughout our childhood tend to be in health-related fields. We've all visited the doctor and dentist at some point - some of us may have even spent time in hospital, either as a patient or a visitor. And lots of people have relatives and friends who work as health professionals. So, it's understandable why for many students, one of the most appealing and impactful fields to explore is medicine. The prospect of improving people’s lives through healthcare is both inspiring and rewarding. However, the path to a career in medicine can be competitive and complex, requiring some careful planning and foresight.

Embracing the competitive nature of medicine

Universities and medical schools around the world have rigorous selection processes, with limited spots available each year. Admission requirements typically include excellent academic performance, especially in science subjects, a passion for helping others, and extracurricular activities that demonstrate your dedication, leadership, and ability to work in a team.

In many countries, such as the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, prospective medical students are often required to take entrance exams like the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) or UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test), in addition to maintaining a high GPA. Furthermore, medical schools often look for students with clinical experience, volunteer work, or research projects that show your commitment to the field.

Sounds tough, right? And it can be. But with some hard work and commitment to your dream, it's definitely achievable.

How to start preparing in high school

University might still seem like it's ages away, but having a solid foundation of skills and experiences early can be incredibly helpful. Here are some things you can do right now to start planning for a future in medicine:

Focus on your grades

The foundation of your application will be your academic performance. High school subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics are crucial for pursuing a career in medicine. Aim to push yourself in these areas and seek extra help if you need it, as they will not only help you meet prerequisites, but also prepare you for the rigorous coursework in medical school.

Get involved in extracurricular activities

Medical schools look for well-rounded students, not just those with book smarts. So in addition to your academics, it's essential to get involved in extracurricular activities that can set you apart from other applicants. Consider volunteering at hospitals, clinics, or local health organisations. These experiences will give you valuable insight into the medical field and help you develop the communication and interpersonal skills that are vital for a career in medicine.

Prepare for the additional testing and interviews

Many universities require standardised entrance exams or testing for medical school applicants, so start familiarising yourself with these exams early. Take practice tests, review study materials, and consider enrolling in prep courses to help you build the skills necessary to succeed. You could also start practicing for the interviews that are often part of the application process. By planning ahead, you can reduce stress and give yourself ample time to improve in areas where you may be weaker.

Build strong relationships with mentors

Throughout your high school years, it’s important to build relationships with your careers advisors, counsellors, teachers, and (if possible) professionals in the medical field who can guide you in your career path.

Heather Boreland
Deputy Principal – Year 10/11

Year 9 Deputy Principal

Starting Strong

Hello Year 9s!

As you step into Year 9, it’s important to approach the year with a strong mindset, good habits, and a positive attitude. This year is a big one—it’s all about setting the stage for the years ahead, including the path toward your senior studies and beyond. Let’s make sure you’re starting on the right foot!

1. Set Clear Goals
   One of the first steps to success is knowing what you're aiming for. Start by setting some personal and academic goals for the year. Think about what you want to achieve in each subject, and break it down into smaller, manageable steps. Whether it’s improving your math skills, getting involved in a new extracurricular activity, or simply staying more organized, having a clear goal can help keep you focused and motivated.
2. Habit Stack
   Year 9 can be a busy time, with different subjects, assignments, and extracurricular activities to juggle. A great way to keep everything under control is by combining simple habits together. For example, the use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of important dates like assignments, tests, and school events. Staying on top of your work will reduce stress and help you stay focused on what matters most.
3. Get Involved
   This year you get to experience a whole new level of things, whether it’s joining a club, participating in a sport, or taking part in school activities. The culture of Stretton runs deep with many different opportunities and as you have grown into the leadership of the junior school, don’t miss the opportunity to get involved.
4. Stay Positive and Resilient
   Challenges are a part of school life. Whether you’re struggling with a tough subject or facing personal obstacles, it’s important to stay positive and resilient. Remember, setbacks are not failures; they are opportunities to learn and grow. When things get tough, reach out to a teacher, family member, or friend for support. Remember to reach out to your team of Mr Holliday, Mr Graham and Mrs Briffa to support you.

Let’s make 2025 a year to remember—start strong and stay focused! You've got this!

Josh Holliday
Deputy Principal Year 9

Year 8 Deputy Principal News

Welcome to an exciting 2025 for our Year 8 families! As we begin this new school year together, we wanted to share our approach to supporting the learning and engagement of our Year 8 students. For 2025 our Year 8 team will be:

Dean of Students: Mrs Rhiannon Edgecomb

At the heart of our approach is a simple yet powerful belief: every student has the potential to grow and flourish. Just as a plant thrives in the right environment—with healthy soil, water, and sunlight—our students too need the right conditions to truly thrive: trust, support, and a culture that fosters curiosity and connection.

Our goal is to provide a space where your child feels supported in both their academic and personal development. Together, we will help them grow, learn, and flourish in ways that are meaningful to them and their learning journey. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns—we are here to support you and your child every step of the way.

Kindness and Consent in the Digital World

As we journey through the school year, one thing is certain: the digital world will be an ever-present part of our students’ lives. For students in the Junior Secondary years, this period is filled with new opportunities to connect, explore, and learn. However, it also comes with its own challenges. That's why it’s so important for us to support our students to understand and practice safe, respectful, and kind online behaviours—behaviours that align with our Stretton SPIRIT values. A little kindness can go a long way online.

Although our students at Stretton are not permitted to use their mobile phones during the school day, we often see that their online experiences move seamlessly between school and home, and so we ask for your support in a whole community approach to keeping our students safe online.

Last week our Year 8 students were lucky to have the opportunity to learn more about consent in the online world in an informative presentation delivered by Consent Labs. Students heard that consent online means asking for permission before sharing something personal—whether it’s a photo, a message, or a post. It also means being aware that someone may not want their information or images shared, even if it's with friends or people they trust.

Students also heard that it’s important to respect someone’s boundaries in online conversations. If someone doesn't respond to a message or asks you to stop, it’s crucial that you respect their wishes. Online communication should always be voluntary and mutually respectful.

If you would like to learn more about what you can do to help keep your child safe online, you can access some useful information from the Department at this link, which explains cybersafety and cyberbullying for families:

Online awareness: Information for parents and caregivers - 

The Office of the eSafety Commissioner also provides very helpful resources (including online courses) created specifically for families, to help children have safer and more positive experiences online. You can access them on the Parent page at this link: https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

As always, if you have any questions or queries, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our Year 8 Team at any time.

Sasha McDonald
Deputy Principal – Year 8

Year 7 Deputy Principal News

As we start the new school year a very big welcome to all of our new Year 7 students for 2025. This is a very exciting time for these students as they navigate through a year of ‘firsts.’ With many of these students joining us from other schools, the start of the year can be a daunting time for students. We have over 360 Year 7 Students in our cohort for 2025 and this makes us the largest cohort of our school. It has been wonderful meeting these students during lunch breaks and in their classrooms and I am certainly looking forward to what they can achieve over the next year.

The Year 7 team along with their teachers is as follows:

Guidance Officer – Mrs Briffa
Dean of Students – Mr Collins
Deputy Principal – Mr Hornagold

We are all here to support our students in any way we can. If your child has questions, they need answering, uniform issues, friendship or well-being issues, they can speak to us about this and more.

As I mentioned above, the start of the year can be a daunting time, but it can also be a time of opportunity. There is no better time than the start of the year to set some goals and make changes so we can succeed and achieve our best. Our younger students are still developing their skills around time management and will need our help and advice on how to best manage their time. They will often look to us as role models and notice our habits (both positive and negative) as to how we manage ourselves when we are stressed and busy. A simple check-in in the car on the way home may be enough for some students whereas others may require a lengthier conversation on how to allocate time to what is needed to be done.

We can help our students with some simple measures that can set them up for success when it comes to completing schoolwork at home:

• If possible, create a quiet space that is free from distractions like televisions, mobile phones and loud music. If this is for more than one child you may need two separate spaces, so they are not distracting each other.
• Assist them by having stationery and other equipment at close proximity. When our students don’t have the equipment they need, they may use this as an excuse to not complete the task.
• Create a schedule. Having a schedule for students provides structure – kids tend to thrive in a structured environment. By having all of their activities (including free time) scheduled – sport training, music practice etc. – they will have an expectation that the time must be used purposefully.

Other ways that we can set our students up for success during this exciting time is by ensuring that:

• They are prepared with all equipment ready for the school day.
• A nutritious breakfast and enough lunch to get through the day.
• Correct uniforms ready for the correct days that they need them.
• Speak with them about what work/events they have coming up and if there is a way you can assist them to be successful.

While all of these points are relatively simple things, they can often be overlooked in the busy lives that families have. If all of these points may be tricky to implement with your child, perhaps choose one or two points and focus on them to begin with.

Year 7 Camp

This year our Year 7 students will once again be invited to attend Year 7 at Camp Warrawee, northwest of Brisbane. This camp will be a wonderful opportunity for students to develop and build strong relationships with students and teachers. Students will have the opportunity to experience a wide range of adventure activities in a picturesque setting. The camp will be from Tuesday 4 March to Friday 7 March (week 6). If you have any questions about the camp please email our Year 7 Dean of Students, Mr Collins at gcoll63@eq.edu.au.

NAPLAN

In 2025, the NAPLAN tests will be completed online and will be conducted from 12-24^th March. Students in years 3, 5, 7 & 9 will engage in four tests across the test window; Language Conventions, Writing, Reading and Numeracy.

In preparation for this test, we kindly ask families to install the NAP locked down browser application (app) onto your child’s device.  This app is available for free from iTunes for iPad users or from this link for laptop users.  We ask that families please install this by Friday 14 February so we can test the accessibility for all students involved. Students will also require a set of headphones to complete the testing.  We ask that all students bring a set of headphones to school during the testing window.

Adam Hornagold
Deputy Principal – Year 7

Gowan Principal News

 We have a had wonderful start to 2025 on Gowan. Our year has started with an excited sense of calm and organisation with our teachers and students focussing on building relationships and establishing our Stretton SPIRIT for the year ahead. We sincerely thank our families for all of your support in ensuring that your children have returned set-up for success, your efforts have not gone unnoticed and have helped ensure our 2025 classrooms are settled and focused.

To all of the new families to our College, welcome! Rest assured that you have made the very best decision for the education of child/ren.

New Staff on Gowan

As well as welcoming a number of new students and families to the Stretton State College Community this term, we also welcome for the first time the following new staff to the Gowan Campus:

Year 2 – Caitlin Gates
Year 5 – Gabrielle Weir
Year 6 – Marie Chambers, Gemai Reynolds & Alex Dart
Student Support – Chris Jones, Xanthe Perez & Nour Al Hilali
HPE – Joel Aston
Italian – Adriana Morgante
Instrumental Music – Melonie Taylor

Our 2025 Gowan Administration Team

Gowan Campus Principal – Judy Rose-Cooper
Deputy Principal of Prep & Year 1 – Terra-Lee Peters
Deputy Principal Year 2 & Year 3 – Rebecca Solomon
Deputy Principal Year 4 & Year 5 – Lauren Highman
Deputy Principal Year 6 – Emma Webber
Deputy Principal of Inclusion Prep-3 – Louise Klarwein
Deputy Principal of Inclusion Year 4-6 – Natasha Bowyer
Head of Department of Prep & Year 1 – Kate Daly
Head of Department of Year 2 & Year 3 – Nancy Singh
Head of Department of Year 4 & Year 5 – Nicole Hary
Head of Department of Year 6 – Sally Everton
Head of Department eLearning and Technologies Prep to Year 6 – Luke Fleming
Guidance Officer Prep to Year 6 – Clara Bush
Guidance Officer – Student Wellbeing Prep to Year 6 - Bonnie Wilde & Leisa Hayes

We all look forward to working with you to ensure a happy and successful year for our students.

ATTENDANCE – EVERY DAY COUNTS

As we work together to set our learners up for success this year, please review our State’s expectations around attendance outlined below along with some staggering figures showing just how impactful missing even 10 minutes a day can be on your child’s education. We are here to help, so please be sure to reach out to your child’s teacher or Deputy Principal if your require support in getting your child/ren to school on time each day.

Regular school attendance

Parents and caregivers must send children to school every school day under Queensland law unless there is an acceptable reason such as:

• illness
• doing work experience
• competing in school sporting events.

If your child is going to be absent from school, you must let the school know why the absence has occurred within two school days of their return. If possible, it is best to advise the school beforehand.

Avoid keeping your child away from school for reasons such as:

• birthdays
• shopping
• visiting family and friends
• if they sleep in
• looking after other children
• minor check ups or care, such as hair cuts.

Routine medical or other health appointments should be made either before or after school or during the school holidays.

Establishing good routines around school can assist with regular school attendance. These include:

• have a set time to go to bed
• have a set time to get out of bed
• have uniform and school bag ready the night before
• have a set time for starting and finishing breakfast
• set a time for daily homework activities
• speak about school positively
• send your child to school every school day including their birthday and the last day of term from Prep.

Research shows:

• Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year.
• Poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of Year 3
• When students improve their attendance rates, they improve their academic prospects and chances for graduating.
• Students with chronic absenteeism are more likely to drop out of school and experience poorer long-term health and social outcomes.

Let’s make every minute of every day count for every learner to ensure they are successful at school and in their lives ahead.

PICK-UP REMINDER

A timely reminder to drivers as we set up car park processes for the year ahead, to please adhere to the lane markings as you enter the carpark and our Stop, Drop & Go lanes. If used correctly, drivers should not need to change lanes as they enter or while in the lanes moving through the carpark. This will prevent our lanes from becoming a dangerous situation for other drivers and our students, your children.

Please be aware when drivers enter the carpark, the inside lane is to continue through to the front Stop, Drop & Go. If entering via the outside lane, you are to continue through to the middle pick-up area or the carpark (see photo). Please plan your trip with your preferred lane in mind as it may be safer to approach from up Gowan Road rather than from the Illaweena Street end. I remind parents that our staff are on hand each afternoon until 3:15pm to assist students to cross to the middle lane safely, so being in the front lane is not your only option.

When exiting our Gowan carpark, please ensure you do not drive through the red light at the Gowan Road crossing. Very concerningly, I frequently field reports from our staff on duty of near misses caused by our own community members.

In being great role models for your children, I ask that parents observe the Stretton SPIRIT when using the car park and pick up zones. Our car park is a very busy place, but with cooperation and respect of the traffic rules, this can be a safe and respectful area for all students and parents to arrive and leave school each day.

Further to our College reminders, we have been informed by the Brisbane City Council’s Parking Compliance Team that we have been included in their Safer Schools Program for Term 1. They have provided the following reminder regarding School Zone Parking for all drivers:

School Zone Parking

Parking in accordance with all road rules and signage is important to keep our children and other road users safe. Unfortunately, Brisbane City Council has received an increase in the number of reports of illegal parking around Stretton State College. As a result, your school has been added to Council’s Safer Schools Program this term.

What does this mean?

Brisbane City Council’s Parking Compliance Officers will be actively patrolling the streets surrounding your school over the coming term to encourage safer parking behaviours. These patrols will be conducted on foot and in highly visible Community Safety and Regulation vehicles that can identify alleged offences using Automatic Number Plate Recognition and GPS software. Please be kind – they have a job to do.

What are the common parking signs around schools?

A guide to common parking signs around school zones can be found on Council’s website - 

Judy Rose-Cooper
Gowan Campus Principal

Year 6 Deputy Principal News

Welcome back to 2025! A special welcome to our new families joining the Stretton State College community. This year, Mrs Sally Everton (Year 6 HOD) and I are excited to support our Year 6 students on their final year at Gowan. It has been wonderful to see them leading with pride and demonstrating the Stretton SPIRIT, setting a positive example for their younger peers. This year promises to be filled with engaging learning experiences, and we are already off to an exciting start, particularly in Science!

Eco Explorers in Action!

This term, our Year 6 students have taken on the role of Eco Explorers, engaging in hands-on scientific inquiry. They are investigating how changes in physical conditions impact living organisms, using the Gowan Environmental Learning Area (ELA) as their outdoor classroom. To begin their explorations, students have utilised the See, Think, Wonder thinking routine, leading to diverse research topics centered on the conditions that support life in our local environment.

To enhance their data collection, Mr Luke Fleming (HOD) has set up motion cameras to capture wildlife activity, offering valuable insights into the species inhabiting our learning area. Additionally, students are using the iNaturalist app to document the rich biodiversity within the ELA, identifying various plant and animal species in real time.

It has been inspiring to witness the enthusiasm and curiosity of our Year 6 students as they explore the ELA! The photos below showcase 6H’s investigations over the past fortnight.

We look forward to sharing our students' findings and discoveries throughout the term. Thank you for your continued support in fostering a love of learning and curiosity. Here’s to a fantastic year ahead!

Emma Webber
Deputy Principal – Years 6

Year 4-5 Deputy Principal News

Welcome Back to the 2025 School Year!

As the 2025 school year begins, we are delighted to see how smoothly the Year 4 and 5 students have settled into their new classrooms. Their enthusiasm and positive attitudes have made the transition seamless, and it’s clear that they are already developing a strong sense of community within their learning environments. Teachers have been impressed with the students' eagerness to establish connections with their peers and embrace their classroom spaces, setting the stage for a successful year ahead.

At this early stage, our focus has been on building solid routines and fostering an environment where students feel confident and ready to engage in their learning. Classroom procedures are being practiced daily, helping students feel more comfortable navigating their academic responsibilities. As the students grow accustomed to these routines, we are beginning to dive into more structured learning experiences that challenge them to think critically and creatively. It’s been a fantastic start, and we look forward to watching the students continue to thrive as they settle further into their educational journey.

Spotlight on Learning

This term in Year 4 English, our learners will read a Roald Dahl narrative and examine and analyse the language features and techniques used by the author. They will create an imaginative adaptation for an audience of their peers. Students will use comprehension strategies to understand literal and implied meaning in the text identifying and explaining the use of language features and how this effects the reader.

In Year 5 English this term, students will listen to, read and interpret Deltora Quest from the fantasy genre showing understanding of character development in relation to plot and setting. They will analyse the development of a main character through a written multimodal response. Students will create a fantasy narrative, depicting contrasting fantasy characters in relation to setting and plot.

Lauren Highman
Deputy Principal- Year 4/5

Year 2-3 Deputy Principal News

I would like to extend a warm welcome to all of our new and returning families to the 2025 school year. Together with our Head of Department, Mrs Nancy Singh, I am looking forward to working with our Year 2 and 3 students, teachers and families to see that 2025 is another amazing year of learning. The partnership between families and school staff is an extremely important part of ensuring student engagement and success during their schooling. Our wonderful teachers are knowledgeable, approachable and only too happy to work with you to support your child. If would you like to discuss specific concerns regarding your student or their learning, please ensure that you contact your child’s class teacher and arrange an appointment.

When visiting classrooms throughout, it has been pleasing to see settled learning environments where students have been getting to know their new teachers and classmates. I have enjoyed hearing students talk about the Stretton SPIRIT as they work together build their classroom culture. Students and teachers have been building a shared understanding of our SPIRIT values and have identified how specific values can be enacted in their class, school and wider community. The language of the Stretton SPIRIT underpins all that we do in our community of learners at the College. It is impressive to see such a deep understanding of our values at such a young age.

Year 2

Year 2 students are exploring their wonderings about space and objects found in the sky. 2C and D have posed big questions that they would like to investigate throughout the unit of work. Student will look to the sky and observe celestial objects, make predictions and explain how and why these changes occur.

Year 3

Year 3 students are exploring how and why people contribute to their communities as part of their Humanities and Social Sciences (HASS) learning.

3I and 3J has invited some visitors into their classroom to hear first-hand of their experience working in the community. Mr Khuu spoke about how he helped initiate the rugby league community here at Stretton. Mr Khuu spoke about his passion for NRL and how he loves seeing children flourish outside of the classroom. We were able to ask Mr Khuu some open-ended questions to find out more about his participation in this growing community. Our teacher, Miss McGrath, also reached out to the Irish Australian Support Association Queensland (IASAQ) as one she feels very close to. This community support Irish people living in Queensland. Sandra for IASAQ also visited the class and brought in photographs and talked the different people they support through events, meet-ups, and fundraising for people in need.

It was wonderful to hear from two very different community members about the important work they do to support others. Both of our visitors spoke strongly about their values and passions, and how these keep them coming back to contribute to their communities.

Bec Solomon
Deputy Principal – Years 2 and 3

Prep/Year 1 Deputy Principal News

Prep/1 News

Our Prep students continue to settle into ‘big school’ routines and transition activities.   It was exciting to visit our classrooms to observe students engaged in a range of activities to support perseverance, responsibility and inclusivity.  Students are gaining greater independence with taking turns, following instructions and developing friendships.  These routines are very different from being at Early Childhood centres:

• Students have 2 opportunities to eat following time to play. Parents are encouraged to communicate with their child’s teacher should there be issues with eating.  It is important to note that classroom teachers do not supervise their individual class during eating break.
• Play break includes areas such as: playground, climbing wall, sandpit, nature play, gross motor obstacle course and grass games.  All students must wear the SSC hat – NO HAT NO PLAY.
• Toilet facilities look very different. Children are reminded to access toilets and water breaks throughout the day, either in small groups or with a partner.  These are supervised by a staff member.  There are doors on the toilets for health and safety.  This is a very different environment than at Kindy. A reminder that parents/community are not to access our student toilet facilities.

Our Year 1 students have had a strong start to school!  They have displayed wonderful Stretton SPIRIT learning new routines and building greater independence in the classrooms and with their learning. This has included Sounds-Write lessons, Handwriting and Maths rotations. Students in Year 1 are asked to line up at their classrooms by 8:30 a.m. and be ready to listen and learn.  Classes located in our ELC building level 1 are asked to line up in the undercover area and walk up to their classrooms when the bell signals.  We ask that parents exit the campus at this time and refrain from accessing level 1 classrooms.  

Our Early Years staff value partnerships with families to support engagement in learning.  Transition to school and adjusting to new routines and environments may not always be easy. Many children may display new behaviours during this time.  This may be reluctance to come to school, separation anxiety, change in moods or emotions, changes in sleeping routines and increased tiredness.  We encourage parents to contact their child’s teacher should they continue to display concerning behaviours.

Consider your afternoon routine.  How busy are your afternoons with activities?  What time is bedtime?  Talk about school and the new routine in positive ways.  Take time to talk to your child about their day.  Try Conversation starters such as:

• What was your favourite activity?
• Who did you play with today?
• What was something new you learned today?
• What made you laugh?
• Who can you ask for help?
• What made you feel happy?

Prep Coffee chats are coming soon!!!  Families will receive details regarding the workshops this week via email. These sessions support strong partnerships with families.  We will share more about the first term of school, our regulation strategies and discuss ways to support your child at home.  Sessions are on Mondays at 2:00 p.m. in the ELC Level 1.  Registration is essential.  Please email our Transition Teacher, Mrs Aimee Keylar, athom406@eq.edu.au .

Terra-Lee Peters
Deputy Principal – Prep & Year 1

2025 Leadership Induction Ceremony

Earlier this week we hosted our 2025 Student Leadership Induction Ceremony, where parents, guardians, and special guests had the opportunity to witness this meaningful event. The ceremony highlighted the importance and value of leadership within our college community.

This year in celebration of their achievement, our Captains selected a teacher who has played a significant role in their leadership journey to present them with their blazers.

We also recognised our 2024 Year 12 Graduates who have achieved extremely high ATAR scores, received an Academic Commendation from the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority for receiving six A’s in General subjects.

The recipient of our 2024 Stretton State College Dux was King Ching NG with an ATAR of 99.40. King Ching is studying a Bachelor of Medical Imaging at QUT.

Following the ceremony, our parents are guests enjoyed a delightful morning tea hosted by our Year 11 and Year 12 hospitality students, alongside their amazing teachers, Ms. Sandra Watson and Ms Alyssa Thompson.

We would like to thank the following organisations for their sponsorship and continued support of our college:

Stretton State College P&C Association – Captains’ Blazers
Calamvale Lions Club – Student Leaders Badges
Mr James Martin MP – State Member for Stretton
Cr Emily Kim – Councillor for Calamvale Ward
Dr Jim Chalmers – Federal Member for Rankin
Mrs Sally Eeles – School Chair Council

Please see below our Stretton State College Leaders for 2025.

Friendly advice from Stella to our Year 7 Students

Are you a Parent of a student new to High School? Are you new to Stretton State College?  Do you have lots of questions about Year 7?

Learning new routines, being on a new campus and sorting out how things work can be tricky! 

What I will say is … it does get easier!

Some hot tips for you to consider in the first term of High School:

1. Is your email set up? Folders, alerts, reminders, etc?
2. Can you access the SSC Student Intranet to stay up to date with messages, events and assessment timelines?
3. Do you use the STICKY NOTES app to organise your assignments and timelines for projects or tests?
4. Do you have a way to organise your time – a study buddy? Revision timetable? Planner?  Did you know that the library offers homework hour afterschool 3pm – 4pm?
5. Do you take time to have fun on the weekend? Spend time with your family, do something with your friends, watch a favourite movie?
6. Do you know where and how to contact your teachers? Emails, and staffroom?

Our Care Teachers can help with your timetable, finding your classes or answering questions about what’s coming up.  Don’t forget to make contact with them.

Don’t forget – have a positive mindset, ask for help and remember you are not alone!

Stella Peters
Year 11

(For other great ideas to support transition to high school, I recommend Hello High School and The Organised Teenager by Claire Eaton)

Senior Schooling

Senior Schooling:

It has been wonderful to see so many students coming through Senior Schooling and making appointments to discuss their pathways and options post schooling. There are plenty of opportunities available for students and I encourage all students to start to look at work experience to help them with their pathways.

Shine the light:

We have some wonderful outcomes for students who have started to take those steps towards their pathways. Congratulations to Bethany Kissell (Yr 12) who has been invited to take part in the National World Skills competition to showcase her outstanding skills in her chosen trade of Plumbing. Bethany won a Silver Medal at the Regional Skills Competition last year and will take part in the National Competition in June. What an achievement and we look forward to seeing her take on the nation!

TAFE have been holding their graduation ceremonies for students who have completed their qualifications at the end of last year. Congratulation as well to Jarrod Cooper (Yr 12) who has graduated TAFE with a Certificate III Screen and Media and to Sierra Gray who has graduated with a Certificate III in Beauty Therapies. This is a fantastic opportunity for students to start their careers early while still studying at school!

Just a reminder that TAFE courses are now closed for students. The next intake will be mid-year where some limited courses will be available. Information for 2026 courses will be released at the end of term 2 for applications early term 3.

Year 10:

It has been wonderful to see so many Year 10 students making appointments to come and discuss their pathways and options. This year we have a number of students starting the year already going to TAFE and looking at work experience or school-based placements. I encourage students to book an appointment to discuss these. A reminder that Year 10 is part of senior Schooling and students should be making sure that they are doing their best to attempt all tasks and meet all deadlines this year to support them in their subject choices for their SET Planning later in the year.

Year 11:

Year 11 subject changes have closed as we now work towards the first piece of assessment. Students are reminded that they need to be committed to their studies and attend all classes, complete all tasks and make sure that they are stepping up with the workload for their subjects. Students will now need to complete their Unit 1 requirements before subject changes are available again at the end of the unit. Please be aware that changes are a request and will only apply if there is availability.

Year 12:

Year 12’s have been undertaking their assessment towards their final certification. A reminder that students need to submit all drafts and meet all requirements to be on track for their QCE. This includes students undertaking VET courses. All students should be up to date to be able to access all the extra curricula opportunities for Year 12’s this year.

The Year 12 Mentoring Program is underway for those students who volunteered to have a mentor teacher. It was wonderful to see 25 staff members put up their hands to be a mentor for our year 12 in their final year to help with the pressures and stress of their final leg of their school journey. Students are still able to see Ms Garvie if they did not sign up for a mentor but have now decided to have one.

A reminder to students that there are so many ways to obtain your post schooling pathways- come down to Senior Schooling and have a chat about yours!

Dean of Students (Year 11 & 12)

Dean of Students – Gavin Chant gchan10@eq.edu.au

Hello to all Year 11 & 12 families for 2025!!

I am delighted to introduce myself as the Dean of Year 11 and 12 students. My role is to support and guide our senior students through their final years of schooling, ensuring they are well-prepared for their future endeavours. I am committed to fostering a positive and inclusive environment where students feel motivated to achieve their best academically and personally.  My goal is to provide strong leadership, mentorship, and encouragement as they come across challenges, build resilience, and develop the skills needed for post Year 12. I look forward to working closely with students, parents, and staff to create a supportive and enriching senior school experience and please don’t hesitate to call the school or send me an email if you need to contact me for any questions or concerns you or your student may have.  Below are some of the major dates however keep a look out for the assessment calendars which students should have access to.  Let’s have an awesome 2025!

Illaweena School Council

On 14th February, we kicked off the year with our first Student Council event—a Valentine’s Day celebration to remember! The day was filled with excitement as our Cupid Couriers made their way around the school, delivering roses, lollipops, and heartfelt messages to students and staff.

Adding to the fun, our Serenade Squad surprised lucky recipients, including Mrs Maresca and Mr Stewart, with musical performances, bringing plenty of laughter, joy, and perhaps even a few blushes! Whether it was a heartfelt dedication to a friend or a cheeky surprise for a secret admirer, the serenades created a warm and joyful atmosphere that truly captured the spirit of Valentine's Day.

Of course, no celebration is complete without delicious treats! Students lined up to enjoy waffles and ice cream, making the day even sweeter. The energy around the event was contagious, as students embraced the opportunity to spread kindness, appreciation, and a little bit of love.

A huge thank you to our Student Representative Council members and all the staff who helped make this event possible. The day was a huge success, creating a fun and memorable experience for everyone.

This event was just the beginning—we can’t wait to bring you more exciting events throughout the year!

Library News

Gowan Library

Welcome to another exciting year in the Gowan library. We have a variety of inspiring books for students to borrow, come read a book from our Back to School, or New Book displays! One very important item that all students need in order to borrow is a library bag. Without a bag, students are unable to borrow. Library bags are available to purchase from the uniform shop on Illaweena campus.

Year levels are welcome to come and participate in our activities at 1^st break after eating time on the following days:
Year 1-3: Monday- Tuesday
Years 4-6: Wednesday- Friday

All year levels are welcome to borrow books at first break each day.

Library Monitors

Our 2025 Library Monitors have started their role and settled in nicely. They have been doing a wonderful job assisting in setting up games, drawing and shelving books.

Congratulations to our 2025 Library Monitors:

Gabrielle Smart
Jessica Zou
Miranda Tse
Anna Zhu
Nehmat Devgan
Esther Vibin
Siyana Saneesh
Anna Lu
Avni Gatla
Sophia Bodetti
Ahmed Kotb
Jared Cheong
Fariba Ahmadi
Parkramuir Dhillon
Aaron Augustine

These students will receive their badges on the Years 3-6 Assembly in Week 7. Parents are welcome to attend.

Year 5-6 Library Passport Program

Students from grades 5-6 are invited to collect a Library Passport and complete each of the reading related tasks over the course of the year. Students can collect a passport from Illaweena Library. Bring your passport to the library each time an activity is completed to be stamped.
Books on your passport must be books that are borrowed from our Stretton State College Library that you have not read before. Once all of the tasks have been completed, our lucky students will get to select a book prize!

Year 5-6 Readers Cup Competition

Mrs Hary and I have started with our Grade 5/6 Stretton Readers Cup competition. Students will be nominated from each class and will be reading a collection of books. At the end of the term students will work in teams to answer a variety of questions about each book. We look forward to encouraging a love of reading while working with these students.

Library Gotchas

This year we will be continuing with our ‘Library Gotcha’ incentive program this year, which acknowledges students for showing the Stretton SPIRIT during their library lessons. I am excited to see which students will be lucky enough to be awarded with a book prize at the end of the term.

Happy reading,
Sara Effron
Teacher Librarian

Illaweena Library

The Illaweena library is bursting with fantastic books for all ages, from gripping novels to exciting new releases and must-have study guides. Illaweena students can access the library collection anytime through OLIVER, and for digital resources, we offer Campion MyConnect for easy eBook access. Whether you are after a great read, research materials, or textbooks, we’ve got you covered! The Illaweena library is open before school, at breaks, and after school—so there’s always time to discover something new.

Year 7-8 Library Passport Program

Students from grades 7-8 are invited to collect a Library Passport and complete each of the reading related tasks over the course of the year. Students can collect a passport from Illaweena Library. Bring your passport to the library each time an activity is completed to be stamped. Books on your passport must be books that are borrowed from our Stretton State College Library that you have not read before. Once all of the tasks have been completed, our lucky students will get to select a book prize!

Outstanding Loans

Students are reminded to return all textbooks from 2024 as soon as possible. Failure to return outstanding resources will result in borrowing restrictions for 2025. If you are unsure what you currently have on loan, please see Mrs Norman in the library.

Kelly Norman
Illaweena Librarian

Illaweena Music

THE BEAT IS BACK! INSTURMENTAL MUSIC LESSONS AND REHEARSALS HAVE STARTED!

Drumroll, please… It’s that time of the year we have all been waiting for! Our instrumental music lessons and rehearsals are officially in full swing, and we couldn’t be more excited for what’s to come! The air is electric as our talented musicians embark on their journey toward a year filled with fun, growth and unforgettable performances. This year promises to be extra special, with endless opportunities to dazzle on stage or in the community.

But wait, there’s more! We’re gearing up for an epic Blitz Day, where our new Year 4 musicians will join the fun. Plus, we have an incredible camp lined up, where our Instrumental Music Team will bond, learn and create musical magic together.

So, get ready to embrace the music, make new memories, and let the rhythm carry us through a fantastic year ahead! Stay tuned for more updates, and mark your calendars for those big performance dates. Have a spectacular term 1. Let’s make some noise!

From your 2025 Illaweena Instrumental Leaders,
Jannvi, Josh, Liam, Lara, and Andriana

Gowan Music

CHOIR REHEARSALS – REHEARSAL DAYS

Choirs

On Gowan, we have 4 choirs in our ever-growing choral program. Choir is a chance for students to sing songs with their peers, in a friendly environment while still aiming for excellence. Each choir performs multiple times throughout the year, and the Senior Choir also performs for important school events such as ANZAC Day ceremonies and Night of Stars.

This year, the choirs are:

Year 2 Choir, conducted by Mrs Hornagold. This choir will start rehearsing in Term 2
Year 3 Choir, conducted by Miss Sandilands. They will rehearse on Fridays
Year 4 Choir, conducted by Miss Sandilands. They will rehearse on Thursdays
Senior Choir (Years 5-6), conducted by Mrs Hornagold. They will rehearse on Wednesdays.

If your child is in Year 3-6, you should have received information about the choirs including when rehearsals start. If you have any questions about choir, please contact the relevant choir teacher via email – chorn63@eq.edu.au for Mrs Claire Hornagold, and tsand162@eq.edu.au for Miss Tia Sandilands.

Yours in music,
Mrs Claire Hornagold and Miss Tia Sandilands

Science Department Illaweena

At Stretton State College the Science Department’s ongoing goal is to provide students with curricular and extracurricular opportunities to work collaboratively, problem solve and have fun with Science!

SCIENCE and ENGINEERING CHALLENGE

On Friday 14^th February, Mr Eugene Cafun and Mr Nick Jensen teamed up once again to offer our students the opportunity to participate in the Science and Engineering Challenge held at the Queensland University of Technology. This year we've had the largest number of participants, with twenty-eight students from grade 8, 9 and 10. Students teamed up and carried out a variety of STEM Challenges throughout the day, culminating in a bridge building challenge where they had to showcase their innovative design in front of a large audience. Overall, we came away with fourth place! Great effort everyone.        

UQ SCIENCE AMBASSADOR PROGRAM GOES FROM STRENGTH to STRENGTH

Following on from our 2024 UQ Science Ambassador Program success and incredibly successful Year 6 into 7 'Science Alliance' Laboratory immersion program, we are very excited to announce that this year our program continues to grow. Once again, we are overwhelmed with the calibre of applicants.  I would like to formally congratulate Shiprah Allu, Steve Antony, Olivia Chen, Ruqaiya Dawood, Elyssa Day, Sharon Emmanuel, Lana Hanh, Ria Jani, Niya Jiss, Dhaaneya Jiwakumar, Monique Joaquin, Santriya Jose, Hamna Kashif, Kripa Kaur, Raeesah Latif, Jasmine Lee, Misty, Lee-Nair, Alisha Nair, Ami Patel, Jiya Patel, Sandra Puthussery, Nissa Robin, Erika Rodrigues, Anissa Scutts, Ayana Sen, Ishrat Sidhu and Tamanna Singh for their successful acceptance into the program.

We eagerly await the exciting activities that they will be running this year. The purpose of being a Science Ambassador at Stretton is to build our awareness of Scientific Inquiry and showcase the amazing nature of science for all students. Continuing to build our P-12 connection with the Gowan Campus is an ongoing priority and once again this year we will be offering days of excellence, Science Festivals and the Year 6 into 7 Science Alliance.

Bianca Hastings-Ison
Teacher- Maths and Science Department

Gowan eLearning

Sora eBook Library:

All students Prep to Year 6 have been enrolled in our eBook Library.

This eBook library gives you access to thousands of up-to-date titles that can be read anywhere on almost any device. Sora allows eBooks to be downloaded to your device, and books can be read without an internet connection. Feedback from our students is overwhelmingly positive and our College has consistently been the top borrower in the State!

To get started, install the Sora app on your device. Search for 'Education Queensland' when Sora asks you for your school and then log in with your school MIS ID. 

Prep to Year 2 parents, if you are unsure of your student's login then please email ictinfo@strettonsc.eq.edu.au

The Sora app is free and can be downloaded for iOS devices here: App Store link for Apple devices

And Android devices here: Play Store link for Android based devices

BYOD Morning Routine

All students will now be familiar with our BYOD Morning Routine.

This routine sets students up for success in the class by minimising the distraction from their devices.

We want our students to be the “master of” and not “slave to” their devices.

We use our iPads when they are the best tool for an activity and where they provide unique learning opportunities not otherwise available.

For more information on how we use our iPads please click on the following link:

First Nations Students

This year we look forward to a range of opportunities for our First Nations students. If your family is new to Stretton State College or you have a continuing student that did not originally indicate that they were of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander heritage during enrolment, we warmly encourage you to let Admin know. This ensures that students and families are included in correspondence, opportunities, and events throughout the year to help foster cultural connection, learning, and community engagement.

Alexis Turner
Technologies & English Teacher

School Based Youth Health Nurse

 Jo is at Stretton on Mondays and Tuesdays. To book an appointment:

• Send me an email:
  nurse.stretton@health.qld.gov.au 
• Ask teacher/guidance officer
• Visit my office- Level 1 SL Block
• Scan QR code

2025 Queensland Pedal Prix Super Series

Get Ready for the 2025 Queensland Pedal Prix Super Series! 

Our team is gearing up for an action-packed season in the Queensland Pedal Prix Super Series! With five exciting races across the state, we’ll be pushing our limits, refining our teamwork, and striving for the podium.

Upcoming Races:

🔹 Gold Coast - Nerang Criterium | 22nd March | 4 x 1.5h Quad
🔹 Toowoomba - Peter Watts | 29th March | 4 x 1.5h Quad
🔹 Ipswich Criterium Track | 10th May | 6hr Sprint
🔹 Brisbane - Murarrie or Ipswich Cycle Park (TBC) | 30-31 August | 16hr Enduro (Overnight) - Final Race & Trophies

From short, high-intensity sprints to endurance challenges, these races will test our speed, strategy, and teamwork. The season will culminate in an epic 16-hour overnight enduro in Brisbane, where we’ll give it our all to finish strong and bring home some silverware!

Sign-Up Information

This opportunity is open to both new and returning students in Years 7 to 12 who are keen to take on the challenge. With our first two races in Term 1, Weeks 8 and 9, details will be sent out via email for students to sign up. Keep an eye on your inbox so you don’t miss the chance to be part of the action!

Stay tuned for updates, and let’s pedal hard!

Jonathon Jones
Applied Technology Teacher

Uniform Shop

Books for Babies Information

Commenced in 2009, the Stretton State College Books for Babies program plays an

important role, as it continues to support and develop our school community.

When a school family has a new baby, we invite them to attend the school parade where the family are presented a book pack containing two books. The two books are a young reader’s book for the child and a book for the parents – Mem Fox – Reading Magic.

We believe that this is not just a memento of the occasion, but demonstrates that we are a Stretton Family Community, and that each new member of our community is just as important as any other. It also sends a clear and strong message that reading to children regardless of age is imperative for a strong educational literacy journey.

Our Books for Babies program is supported by our P and C Association.

If you have had a new baby recently, please send me an email. I will then contact  your family  to arrange a parade date that suits the family.

Jocelyn Marentis  jmare44@eq.edu.au
Books for Babies Coordinator

Advertisement for School Crossing Supervisor

CASUAL POSITION VACANT

A casual position exists for a School Crossing Supervisor at Stretton State College.  

The hours of work for the School Crossing Supervisor may be up to 1.5 hours on any school day (Monday- Friday) in all weather conditions.

Commencement of work for the successful applicant is dependent on:

• The favourable outcome of a health assessment carried out by a qualified Medical Practitioner according to the guidelines in the “Notes for Medical Practitioner” on the School Crossing Supervisor Scheme - Health Assessment Form.

• The applicant must either hold a current Blue Card or be eligible to apply for a Blue Card to the Commission for Blue Card Services.  An applicant will not be employed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads unless they meet this criterion.

Please Note – The Department of Transport and Main Roads will organise and pay for both the Medical Assessment and Blue Card for the successful applicant.

Interested applicants should send their resume to ipswichroadsafety@tmr.qld.gov.au or contact Caitlin Harvey, Road Safety Officer on 0427 927 636.

Sports News – Football Academy

Welcome to the Stretton State College Football Academy – 2025!

This year is set to be our biggest yet, with a record number of students competing in a diverse range of indoor and outdoor tournaments across South East Queensland.

In Term 1, our Illaweena students will kick off their Queensland Football Schools League campaign and head to the Gold Coast Performance Centre for an action-packed Football Camp. Meanwhile, our Gowan students will take on the challenge of the first round of the Australian Futsal Association Titles.

We’re also excited to welcome two outstanding new coaches to our Football Family—Mr. Moore and Mr. Murphy. Mr. Moore brings a wealth of experience as the current Goalkeeper Coach for Broadbeach FC, while Mr. Murphy has an impressive background in sports science, having worked with the Brisbane Roar. Their expertise will be invaluable in developing our players both on and off the field.

With so many exciting opportunities ahead, we can’t wait to see our players grow, compete, and make 2025 a year to remember!

Douglas Neill
Head Coach – Football

Sports News – Volleyball Academy

Stretton Storm Volleyball Academy Makes History

Stretton breaks into the top 10 schools in Australia for their Volleyball Academy performances at the Australian Volleyball Schools Cup at the Gold Coast in December last year. Stretton SC had 7 teams representing the college and all teams played some great volleyball across the week to secure 8^th position overall in the Australian Schools Championship Rankings. Some notable results included our Year 9 Girls team finishing division 1 with Gold. Our Year 7 Girls Division 1 finishing with Silver and our Year 11 Girls Honours team also finishing with Silver. With training in 2025 already underway, we look forward to seeing what this year has in stall for these athletes and their coaches. The sky is the limit!

Domnic Aguiar
Head Coach - Volleyball

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