From the Principal's desk
Dear Parents and Carers
Term 2 has provided many opportunities for our staff and students to learn, grow and achieve Success. Some highlights from the term include:0
Reconciliation Week
National Reconciliation Week (NRW) is a time for all Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures, and achievements, and to explore how each of us can contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
The 2025 theme, Bridging Now to Next, highlights the ongoing connection between past, present and future. It calls on us to move forward together, using the lessons of the past to guide our collective future.
On National Sorry Day, held on 26 May, we acknowledged and recognised the experiences of the Stolen Generations. Our student leaders shared this message at a recent school assembly and our staff facilitated class discussions to support learning and foster a positive school culture.
The Kokoda challenge is about Courage, Endurance, Mateship and Sacrifice
To all of walkers who embodied these values- we are so proud of you. A heartfelt thank you to the staff who coached, encouraged, guided, mentored and supported our teams while taking on their own physical and mental challenges. This year, eight teams participated, including two junior teams – a first for Beerwah SHS.
Congratulations on this incredible achievement.
Staff acknowledgement
I am incredibly proud of our dedicated staff and would like to acknowledge the vital contributions of our teachers, cleaners, teacher aides, cleaners, support staff and our school chaplain.
National Chaplaincy Week
Last week, we celebrated National Chaplaincy Week and took the opportunity to thank our wonderful chaplain, Mike, for the care, creativity and kindness he brings to our school. Whether it is through lunchtime activity, a thoughtful conversation or quiet support behind the scenes, Mike helps foster a culture of compassion and connection. We also held our annual Chaplaincy Support breakfast, welcoming over 40 community supporters to thank them for their ongoing encouragement. Our Hospitality staff and students provided a delicious breakfast – thank you!
Artificial Intelligence (AI) policies in schools
As AI technology evolves, we are beginning to explore how it can enhance teaching and learning. Some schools are currently trialling AI tools to mark drafts and provide feedback. In Beerwah SHS, we’re investigating how AI can benefits both staff and students and we will be developing a policy in the near future.
In the near future, we will be developing a policy around the use of AI in schools for both staff and students. Some schools are currently part of a trial program where teachers are using AI to mark drafts and provide feedback and we are investigating how AI can improve learning for students.
Recently, staff completed a survey on AI usage, and many are already integrating it in innovative ways:
- Creating lessons, spelling lists, and simplified activities
- Drafting emails and developing scaffolding for assessments
- Providing feedback, identifying errors, and differentiating tasks
- Summarising texts for presentations and creating resources
- Generating data sets and revision questions in science
- Rewording complex concepts for better understanding
- Writing exemplars and modifying texts for different reading levels
- Using AI tools like Canva to visualise student ideas in The Arts
- Supporting students with novels and assessments as a teacher aide
The right to disconnect and email etiquette
Work-life balance is important for everyone. Under the Fair Work Act 2009, most employees now have a formal right to disconnect. We kindly remind our community that our staff also deserve time on evenings and weekends to rest and recharge.
While it is reasonable to expect a response to emails, please understand that this may take a few days due to staff workload and commitments.
Parent and Community Code of Conduct
We ask that all parents and visitors uphold respectful communication and conduct at school and during school activities.
Grant Success
We’re excited to share that we’ve secured funding for a new shed on a concrete slab behind H Block for our ITD faculty. This new facility will allow for:
- Safe storage of construction materials
- New bins for separating materials, reducing waste and encouraging recycling
- A dedicated 3000L water tank and pressure pump to support sustainable water use
Thank you to all parents, carers, and our local community for your ongoing support. We are proud of what we have achieved together and look forward to even more growth ahead.
I hope the upcoming holiday break brings you joy, rest, time in nature, and moments of laughter with loved ones.
Together we Learn. Individually we Grow. Success for All.
Warm regards,
Lyn Thomas
Principal – Beerwah SHS