Malanda State High School eNewsletter

News from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carer/s,

Once more I want to thank parents for their patience as yet again over the last fortnight we have had communication interruptions due to the ongoing Telstra outages. I, like most in the community, hope that we are coming to the end of the outages with systems back up and running as much as possible.

For this fortnight’s edition, I wish to extend my sincerest congratulations to Heidi on being accepted to attend the JCU health experience and to Yza who has been accepted to a QUT future You Summit in the school holidays. Both girls had to apply for these experiences and have been successful candidates from large pools of applicants; well done, we are so proud of you both!

Aside from these two fantastic young people, our very own Mrs Ainsley Lebner had the honour of being selected to chaperone the STEM Girls Power camp alongside our very own Amelie for the entirety of last week. Whilst both ladies acknowledged the packed agenda, they appreciated the experience and had a great time indulging in all things STEM related.

As usual this fortnight we have had several students achieve well in the sporting arena. In sport we congratulate our female cross-country runners who recently participated in the peninsula trials with Erika placing 1^st, Olivia placing 6^th and Indi placing 7^th, while in the male races Khy placed 6^th. Well done to all students who participated and represented our district also. Congratulations is also extended to Miles and Patrick for their recent accomplishment in baseball, as well as Myles for being called up for basketball too, we are so proud of you both!

Apart from the school-based sports, we also acknowledge Eva and her older sister, who just went on a ten-day journey south with two horses, where Eva worked night and day looking after and competing on her two horses. She came home with many champions and won supreme Junior rider, supreme pony hack and also supreme rider against everyone at the show. Congratulations Eva!

Last Friday night, our senior students attended the Semi Formal. Thanks to all the staff for organising and supporting our students. They all looked fabulous and behaved exceptionally.

In school news and updates, our school will be having some workplace health and safety works being carried out in the next while, in the form of removal of some of the pine trees from the front entrance of the school. The regional Workplace Health and Safety advisors have been working with us as these trees have been dropping branches for years, either directly onto staff and student cars, or into the carpark near the hall. As they are a hazard, approximately 25 trees will be removed near the hall to ensure the area, both inside and outside of the school, is safe for all to access. This has been a long process with P&C endorsing this work approximately one year ago, and re-endorsed this year. Alongside this, the remaining trees will have a bit of a ‘haircut’ with the tops and sides trimmed at the same time. I am working with our Business Manager to ensure that once these are removed we will replace these with native, yet smaller plants, to ensure the area is not an eyesore, and also so the foliage is suitable for local wildlife as well as suiting school purposes. As there is not yet an exact date for this to occur, please keep an eye out on the school’s Facebook page for updates in relation to this.

In other facilities news, our school tuckshop will have its extension work commence from the last week of this term and will carry into term three. It will be at this point that the P&C will hand over the tuckshop to the school, and so very soon we will be recruiting for a tuckshop convenor to take on this role when the tuckshop is back up and running. To finish out this term, P&C are generously donating products for our touch football academy students to fundraise with on the Monday and Tuesday, and then P&C will run a canteen for Athletics Carnival on the Wednesday and Thursday of week ten this term. Again, we will advertise this information via Facebook as the dates draw closer.

In terms of learning, over the last two weeks I have engaged with a school improvement coach to undertake walkthroughs in our year seven English classes, with a focus on how we are explicitly teaching students how they can achieve to the best of their ability. I have been blown away with the work that our year seven students are producing in these classes and have enjoyed hearing about the work they have been undertaking to be in control of their own learning. These walkthroughs have also been undertaken by our Deputy Principal, Mrs Leeden, as well as our English/Humanities Head of Department, Ms Mather. I look forward to continuing this work into next term with the team already engaging in how to improve practice and try different strategies in these classes, and eventually this will roll out into other faculties.

Although it sounds strange to say, this week we began surveying our year 10 students about the subjects they would like to undertake in 2026 (it seems bizarre to even say that!). This is so we have an accurate snapshot of the subjects our students are interested in, ready to develop the 2026 timetable and ensure staffing for the next school year is underway. Alongside this, early next term we will also conclude the bulk of our school’s transition program for our feeder primary schools. In a change from the past, we have decided that we will host our year 6 into 7 and year 10 into 11 information evenings on the same night, being Tuesday 22^nd July. More information pertaining to these information sessions will be forthcoming before the end of the term, as well as enrolment packs being made available at the school office by the end of the term.

I also wish to share with the community a few staffing movements as a result of the recent statewide selection process that was undertaken. Congratulations is extended to Ms Lydia Leeden who was successful in securing the Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning role for the remainder of the year, as well as Mrs Jasmine Cousins who will move into the Head of Mathematics and Science. I thank Mrs Toni Williams for her work in this space since the start of the year and also wish her well as she has made the decision to leave Malanda towards the end of the term.

Before the end of the term, I will also be sending home information to all families in regard to an alternate learning day on the last Friday of school, the 27^th June. This is in response to our community as I acknowledge this is the first day of the Malanda Show, as well as the moderation day for the local primary school with many families either attending the show or keeping the older siblings from our school at home to care for the younger siblings from the primary school. As a result, we will be offering an alternate program on the last day of this term with no new learning occurring on this day. Supervision will be provided for students on this day who attend school, and when the information comes directly to families, I will ask for information pertaining to attendance on this day for school planning and operational purposes.

Wishing everyone an excellent fortnight ahead.

Yours in learning,

Natasha Lyndon

Principal

QPARENTS

Parents and Carers,

Malanda State High School is moving to online consent via QParents for all excursions, this will commence at the beginning of Term 3, 2025.

Parents/Carers will be able to grant consent for excursions via the Department of Education-QParents, if you have not already singed up for QParents an invitation will be sent to the nominated student/s Parents or Carers (Invitation will come via email).

I have attached the QParents Registration Process to assist, for parents/carers who have already sign up- please ensure you login to make sure your student/s are linked and re-set any password if unable to login.

If parents and carers do not wish to sign-up for QParents, you will be able to visit the front office to obtain the students excursion letter and sign the consent form. Unfortunately we will no longer be sending home hard copies.

All QParents enquiries can be emailed to bsm@malandashs.eq.edu.au

We look forward to introducing this new process to assist with future excursions at Malanda State High School.

Kind Regards,

Sharon Brown

P&C News

Parent Talk - https://view.publitas.com/p-cs-qld/parent-talk_term_2_2025/page/1

News from the Arts Department

Drama Club News

The Drama Club is off to a fantastic start! We've had four lively meetings so far, and it's been wonderful to see so many enthusiastic students getting involved. We’ve been exploring acting, singing and dancing activities to build our confidence and creativity.

A special shoutout to the students who signed up for lighting! They had the opportunity to work with Mr Axford on the setup for last Friday’s semi-formal, gaining some real hands-on experience!

If you’re still thinking about joining, it’s not too late!! Come along and be part of the fun.

Also, come and support some of our talented students and staff at our local Malanda Theatre this June as they take to the stage in the Malanda Theatre Company’s production of Oliver! from the 11^th-22^nd. Head to malandatheatre.org to grab your tickets.

Stay creative,

Mrs Day

News from the Japanese Department

Expressions of Interest are now open for students interested in the 2026 Japan Trip! There will be a Parent Information Session on Tuesday 10 June at 6pm in T Block. Expression of Interest forms can be collected from Ms Arnold.

The trip will include travel to Osaka, Matsuyama, Hiroshima and Shirahama. Students will visit parts of city and rural Japan, experience school life and travel on Shinkansen trains! Students studying Japanese in year 8-11 (2025) are eligible. Limited to 24 students.

News from the Science/Maths Department

STEM Girl Power on Show in Brisbane

In Week 5, Year 10 student Amelie and Science teacher Mrs Lebner had the incredible opportunity to represent our school at the prestigious STEM Girl Power Camp in Brisbane. Selected as one of only six students from Far North Queensland, Amelie joined a group of like-minded young women passionate about exploring careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The camp is part of a year-long program designed to support and inspire young women to develop leadership skills and explore the endless possibilities of a STEM future.

Their adventure began with a three-hour delay at Cairns Airport, but this gave Amelie the perfect chance to connect with the other FNQ representatives. By the time they touched down in Brisbane and settled into camp, new friendships were already forming. The opening ceremony kicked off the program with a warm welcome and an outline of the exciting days ahead.

Day Two focused on workshops in STEM teaching, communication and leadership, with both students and teachers gaining valuable insights and skills. Later in the day, participants were inspired by a panel of four remarkable women working in STEM industries, who generously shared their experiences, challenges and advice. The day concluded with a jaw-dropping visit to the Integrated Pathology Learning Centre, where students got an up-close look at preserved human organs, followed by a night under the stars at the Sir Thomas Brisbane Planetarium.

Day Three was packed with hands-on learning as the group visited both the University of Queensland and Queensland University of Technology. Students participated in workshops on Quantum Technologies, Biochemistry, Maths and Coding using Raspberry Pi. The learning didn’t stop there—after a visit to SparkLab at the Queensland Museum, the students attended a unique networking session on the Wheel of Brisbane, chatting with university students, PhD candidates, and women working across the STEM field—all while completing laps of the giant observation wheel!

The final day began with Amelie and her peers leading fun STEM workshops with local primary students, sharing their enthusiasm and knowledge. The group then toured the Translational Research Institute, exploring sterile clean rooms and meeting researchers involved in cutting-edge work, including a chemistry lab experience where students worked with cancer cells to understand real-world applications of science in healthcare.

The camp concluded with a special 10th anniversary closing ceremony, attended by program alumni and VIP guests, celebrating a decade of inspiring young women through STEM Girl Power.

Both Amelie and Mrs Lebner described the experience as life-changing, and they are looking forward to continuing their STEM journeys with newfound knowledge and motivation.

Mrs Lebner will be sharing upcoming exciting opportunities for students in Years 10–12 who are interested in STEM careers. Keep an eye on student notices this week and don’t miss out—your STEM journey could be just beginning!

Current Year 9 girls are also encouraged to keep an eye out later in the year for the chance to apply for next year’s STEM Girl Power Program. This is a fantastic opportunity to be inspired, meet other passionate students from across the state, and explore what a future in STEM could look like. Watch this space!

News from the Sports Department

Year 8 Dance went old school this week with the Pride of Erin and then the Boston two step. This is a great introduction to these dances, which they will perform in Year 12 at their own graduation.

Attention parents of Year 8 students

Year 8s are entering the practical assessment period for their current movement unit. In order to provide opportunity for unique responses, as well as student interest, some students have administration approval to use their phones for music during HPE lessons in weeks 6-8. Only one student per group is required to have their phone. Misuse of phone during the lesson, or use outside of the lesson, will result in loss of phone use privilege.

If you are unsure, or would like further clarification, please feel free to contact your child’s HPE teacher or

Mrs Harding shard124@eq.edu.au

Year 9 Volleyball

🎉 Congratulations to Eva! 🎉

We are incredibly proud of Eva, who recently returned from a massive 10-day journey down south with her older sister and two horses. It was a huge effort—working night and day to care for and compete with her horses, and her dedication truly paid off!

Eva came home with an impressive list of achievements, including:
🏆 Supreme Junior Rider
🏆 Supreme Pony Hack
🏆 Supreme Rider—against all competitors at the show!

Her commitment to horse riding, especially while on the road, is nothing short of inspiring. Well done, Eva! 🐎👏

🏏 Cricket Success 🏏 Huge congratulations to our Malanda SHS cricket teams at the recent StreetSmart Schools Competition! Our girls team went undefeated, and the boys lost only one game – an outstanding effort all round! A big thank you to Anita, Bec, and Cian for accompanying and supporting our teams.

News from the Agriculture Department

Action from the Ag World

Cattle Handling last weekend, for more photos see Show Society’s Facebook page. Huge thankyou to Mr Kilpatrick and Mr Mallyon for their time and effort over the three days. These are such valuable experiences for the students.

Certificate II in Agriculture had students checking mower and whipper snipper functionality, the donning their PPE for garden maintenance. The old school push mower was a real favourite.

👏 Our Year 9 students at Malanda State High School have been busy creating products using industrial materials, building valuable skills in manufacturing. They’ve also been introduced to the graphics involved in producing their projects, gaining a well-rounded understanding of the process. Great work, future innovators! 🔧🎨

💈SHAVE the DATE! ✂️

Students at Malanda High are participating in this years' World's Greatest Shave!

Students will be bravely shaving (or cutting) their hair to raise funds for the Leukemia Foundation.

Please support our students in their efforts to raise funds for this valuable cause!

You can make a donation to the Malanda High Team Fundraiser by following the link or the QR Code.

On Wednesday 11 June all students are encouraged to come to school dressed in bright colours and get their hair coloured for a gold coin donation. Also 5 girls will be CHOPPING their ponytails so come and watch these superstars!

On Thursday 12 June, 12 students will be SHAVING their heads! Come down to E-block for a hair-larious time!

📅 Date: Wednesday/Thursday (11-12 June - Week 8)

🕗 Time: Lunchtimes both days

📍Location: Outside tuckshop - Wednesday 1^st Break, E-block - Cutting and Shaving hair

follow me!: https://www.worldsgreatestshave.com/fundraisers/malandashs

Worlds_greatest_shave_Newsletter_2025.pdf

Semi formal

🚴‍♂️ Cycle for Hope – Let’s Back Phil! 💙

Our very own Mr Kohlhardt is taking on the Cycle for Hope – a charity bike ride from Redlynch to Port Douglas via the ranges – to raise awareness and vital funds for SU QLD’s Chaplaincy Service in the Far North Queensland region.

This epic ride supports the amazing work chaplains do in our schools, providing care, connection, and support to students when they need it most. 🙌

Let’s get behind Phil and help him make a difference!
👉 Donate or follow his journey here: https://fundraise.su.org.au/s/1167/2489

#CycleForHope #SupportPhil #SUChaplaincy #FNQSchools #MalandaSHS

News from the Support Staff

May is Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month. This year’s theme is ‘Take positive action today to build a safer Queensland’. Our school is taking positive action by helping students learn about safe and respectful relationships, and assisting students and families impacted by DFV to access support. Visit the Queensland Government’s DFV prevention month web page to learn more about: