Term 4, Week 2

News from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to the final term of the school year, and what an eventful, fun-filled term it is shaping up to be.

I must say, I am very proud of our students and staff particularly at this time of the year where we start to see the hard work of 13 years of schooling being wrapped up and students transitioning to life post school. So far, we have had six students accepted into early offers at university and two students being accepted to commence fulltime apprenticeships as soon as they finish school – well done to Ayesha, Rachel, Tessa, Carly, Elektra, Heidi, Jared and Lachlan!

Last week our school hosted the Tablelands Japanese Speaking competition, organised and coordinated by our very own Ms Inge Arnold. Congratulations to all schools who sent students and well done to those students who achieved a placing at this competition. Thank you to Ms Arnold and all Malanda High staff who volunteered on the day to make this event run smoothly.

Our students have continued to shine in the sporting fields, and last week we hosted our first Super Series comprising of Volleyball and Touch Football competitions. We welcomed schools from Cairns, Cassowary Coast and the Tablelands, and whilst the weather was not kind to us, students continued the competition and by all reports had a wonderful day. Congratulations to Ms Shana Backshall and the sports team who planned and coordinated this event for schools across the Far North.

Over the break, our students also participated at Queensland Athletics with the following results:

Congratulations goes to Miles and Erika for qualifying for the National All Schools Athletics championships in Melbourne later this year. Well done to all on your outstanding representation of Malanda SHS!

Last week we also hosted events to highlight Mental Health Week. I am very proud of our student council who donated funds raised throughout the year to head space and encouraged Crazy Sock Day on Friday, which staff and students participated in. I sincerely thank all the local businesses and support agencies that came and contributed to these activities throughout the week.

As well as this, I would like to pass on my thanks to all who volunteered at the recent Bull ride. Our P&C work the gates at this event for two reasons; one to obviously help in the community, but secondly as it is one of the main fundraisers for the association.

In terms of school operational news, last week I spoke with the junior students about uniform as we have seen the creeping in of more extracurricular uniforms (such as Peninsula and school based team shirts), non-school uniform items and excessive jewellery. Whilst we are proud of all our students and their achievements, the wearing of uniforms from Peninsula and other cultural/academic pursuits means that on any given day our student body may not all be in our school uniform. We are a uniform school, as it helps us create our sense of belonging and foster safety within the grounds. I have told students that any other extra curricula uniforms can be worn on a Friday with the regular school uniform being worn Monday through Thursday. Aside from this we are also continuing subject selection information for 2026 and some changes in the timetable structure to better support student pathways, as well as being able to continue to allocate resources in an effective manner. More information about subject selections will come to parents for our junior students in the near future.

As we are finalising our plans for 2026, we encourage families who are yet to enrol students into the school to do so as soon as possible. This will allow us to make class composition decisions ahead of the commencement of the new school year and be able to have supports in place for those students who require it.

Looking forward, this week we commence the student leadership process to elect our 2026 school leaders. I have been impressed when meeting with these students this week and wish them the best of luck for their speeches and election process which will occur next week.

Wishing everyone well for the fortnight ahead.

Yours in learning,
Natasha Lyndon
Principal

Term 3 Key dates

Mental Health Week

Last week our school came together to celebrate Mental Health Week, and what an incredible week it was! Students and staff took part in a variety of activities designed to strengthen connection, raise awareness, and encourage positive conversations about mental wellbeing.

Each activity highlighted the importance of connecting with ourselves, with others, and with nature – and reminded us that looking after our mental health is just as important as looking after our physical health.

A huge thank you goes out to all the staff, student leaders, and community members who made the week possible. Your enthusiasm and support helped create a positive atmosphere across the school and reminded us all that it’s okay to reach out, to talk, and to take time for our wellbeing.

At Malanda State High School, we are proud to continue building a culture where Learning, Safety, and Respect extend to looking after each other’s mental health.

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 16

Next

P&C News

Every Day counts - Attendance matters

At Malanda State High School, we know that every single school day matters. Missing even one or two days each week may not seem like much, but it can quickly add up to weeks – and even years – of lost learning time over the course of schooling.

Regular attendance helps students stay connected with their learning, build strong friendships, and develop the habits and routines that set them up for success – both at school and in life.

We encourage families to prioritise school attendance wherever possible. If challenges arise that impact your child’s ability to attend regularly, please reach out – we’re here to support you. Together, we can ensure that every day still counts for every student.

Exciting Opportunity!

🌿 Escape the hustle and experience life in the heart of the Atherton Tablelands! Malanda SHS offers the perfect balance of a welcoming rural community, incredible natural beauty, and opportunities right at your doorstep — with the Great Barrier Reef, Cairns, and world-heritage rainforests only a short drive away.

If you’re a secondary teacher looking for your next adventure, we have exciting opportunities available now:

2026 Vacancies:
🔢 Mathematics
🔬 Science (Senior)
🛠️ Manual Arts (Industrial Technology & Design) for Term 4

Join our supportive team where students, staff, and community work together to create a place to excel.

📅 Applications open now – don’t miss your chance to make the move and be part of something special.

Please email principal@malandashs.eq.edu.au

News from the Arts Department

Malanda School Celebrates Year 12 Visual Arts Stars at Prestigious Energy Awards

We are thrilled to congratulate our Year 12 students, Lauren Dickson and Codie Durich, who recently had the incredible honour of having their lino prints selected and exhibited at the prestigious Energy Awards held at The Tanks in Cairns.

The Energy Awards is a celebrated annual exhibition that showcases outstanding visual art from senior students across Far North Queensland. This vibrant event highlights the creativity, skill, and diverse perspectives of young artists, providing them with a platform to present their work to the wider community and industry professionals. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate artistic talent and innovation in the region.

Lauren and Codie’s lino prints stood out among a highly competitive field of works submitted by Visual Arts students from schools across the Far North Queensland region. Their exceptional creativity and technical skill truly shone through, reflecting both their dedication and passion for the arts.

We are especially proud to announce that Codie Durich was awarded an Excellence Award by the Peninsula Arts Education Association (PAEA), recognising her outstanding contribution to the exhibition. This prestigious accolade speaks volumes about Codie’s talent and the high regard in which her work is held by art educators and industry leaders.

We would also like to extend our congratulations to all Visual Arts students from across Far North Queensland who participated in this year’s Energy Awards. Your commitment to excellence continues to inspire us all.

Well done, Lauren and Codie! The Malanda School community is incredibly proud of your achievements and looks forward to seeing where your artistic journeys take you next.

Support Our Malanda Creative Students at the Upcoming CYC Exhibition!

We are excited to invite the Malanda school community to the upcoming CYC Exhibition opening this Saturday, October 18 at 10:30 AM, held at the Old Post Office Gallery in Atherton.

This wonderful exhibition showcases the diverse and imaginative work of our creative students, offering a fantastic opportunity to celebrate their artistic talents and hard work. We encourage everyone to come along, show your support, and experience the inspiring pieces on display.

The exhibition will be open until November 29, so there’s plenty of time to visit and appreciate the vibrant creativity emerging from Malanda and the wider region.

Don’t miss this chance to celebrate the artistic achievements.

Tablelands Japanese Speaking Competition

Over 100 students from 14 schools attended the Tablelands Japanese Speaking Competition at Malanda High School in week 1. Students presented speeches prepared in Japanese to a panel of judges. Judges included Consul/Director Mr Higashimoto from the Japanese Consulate Office in Cairns. Malanda students had put many weeks of preparation into their speeches and their hard work paid off!

Results:

Year 7

1^st  McKinlay 

2^nd Alice 

3^rd Kade 

Year 8

1^st Isabella 

2^nd Darcie 

Year 8 Background Speaker

1^st Maya 

Year 9

1^st Chelsea 

2^nd Kayla

3^rd Temuchin 

Year 10

1^st Aidan 

2^nd Naomi

3^rd Issabella 

Year 12

1^st Flynn 

Lots of students took home Special and Excellence Awards too.

Special Awards: Charlotte Nagy, McKinlay Nightingale, Liam Rothwell, Maya Terkelsen, Jack Turner, Isabella Woods, Chelsea Grainer, Bella Poulos, Flynn Studd

Excellence Awards: Koharu Arai, Sienna Todd

Tuckshop Update

We want to hear from you!

We want to hear YOUR good news! 

Do you know of a Malanda SHS student doing something amazing inside or outside of school? Whether it’s sporting achievements, community service, creative talents, or academic successes – we’d love to celebrate it! 

📸 Please send photos or information to:
📧 executivesecretary@malandashs.eq.edu.au

Let’s shine a light on the wonderful things our students are achieving! 

Current year 12 students

Year 12 students, please check that your contact details are correct in your learning account with the QCAA student portal. In March 2026, you will receive a letter from the Minister for Education and the Arts inviting you to participate in the Next Step Year 12 Completers survey, following up on your activities after graduating. You may also receive an email or phone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Your feedback helps our school improve services for future students, and you can win a laptop for participating. For more information visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.

News from the Support Staff

💬 Are you worried about a friend? Not sure what to do or who to turn to?
Our Guidance Officer, Mrs Nielsen, is here to support, guide and inspire. 🌟

Whether it’s stress, friendships, study pressures, or if you’re worried about someone else, remember—you don’t have to go through it alone. 💙

📍 Find Mrs Nielsen in I Block
📧 Email: rniel6@eq.edu.au

Sometimes the bravest step is simply starting the conversation. 💭

Parentline

Parentline: Support and advice for all Queensland parents and carers

Being a parent can be rewarding—but it can also be challenging. Whether you’re trying to support your child with school issues, friendship challenges, behaviour, or tough moments at home, it’s completely normal to feel unsure about what to do next.

Parentline is a free and confidential service available to all Queensland parents and carers. No problem is too big or too small—and reaching out early can make a real difference.

Parentline offers advice and support on a wide range of parenting topics, including:

• bullying and friendship issues

• parent–child relationships

• parenting strategies and behaviour management

• mental and emotional wellbeing—for both children and parents

You can speak with a trained professional by phone or webchat (6am-midnight), seven days a week.

An online bullying support forum is also available. This is a safe, moderated space to connect with others, ask questions, and share experiences.

📞 Call 1300 30 1300

💬 Visit parentline.com.au

Because parenting doesn’t come with a manual—but help is here when you need it.

Buying a car? How safe is it?

If your child is looking for their first car, safety should come first. Cars with a 4 or 5-star safety rating offer better protection in a crash. The free Safe Cars QLD search tool makes it easy to compare vehicles by price, make and model, type, or even number plate. You can also filter for P-plater approved options.

Before buying, check the safety rating, the more stars, the safer they’ll be. Start here: www.qld.gov.au/safecars

Parents/Guardians/Staff/Student additional information

Community Notices

⚡️ Get ready, Malanda! ⚡️

This week is Get Ready Queensland Week, a perfect time for our community to pause and prepare for extreme weather and disaster events. 🌪️🌧️

It’s not just about having a plan — it’s about being proactive. Here’s how we can all take action:
• Know your risks (floods, storms, cyclones)
• Make or update your household emergency plan
• Pack an emergency kit with essentials
• Talk with your family and neighbours about what to do if disaster strikes

Let’s look after what matters most — our homes, our loved ones, and our sense of community.

#GetReadyQldWeek #BePrepared #MalandaSHS #ResilientCommunity

.

🐦 Attention All Keen Scientists!

Would you like to take part in some Citizen Science and help BirdLife Australia with their Great Aussie Bird Count?

This exciting nationwide event runs from 20th – 26th October, and anyone can join in! Simply download the free app, head outside, and let it help you identify the birds you see.

👉 Check out all the details here: aussiebirdcount.org.au
👉 Or catch up with Mrs Lebner in the A Block staffroom if you’d like more information.

Get involved, have fun, and help contribute to important research while enjoying the beauty of our feathered friends!

Students aged 16-17 years in August 2026 should apply online before 21 November to participate in the National Youth Parliament which brings together 150 students, each representing one of Australia’s federal electorates, for an immersive five-day experience in Canberra free of charge. It’s a unique opportunity for them to engage directly in our democracy and learn about parliamentary processes, including how bills are drafted, debated and passed into law.