Welcome back

Welcome back to our existing families, and a very warm welcome to the many new families who have made Whites Hill State College their school of choice for their child’s education.  Like any new start to the school year, we are all keen to create and renew those quality relationships, which are so important for learning to take place.

We are now at the halfway point of Term 1, and it has been wonderful to see our students settling into their routines, embracing new challenges, and demonstrating a strong commitment to their learning. Classrooms are buzzing with curiosity, teamwork, and enthusiasm, and it’s been fantastic to witness the many ways students are engaging both academically and socially.

As we move further into the term, we have many exciting events ahead, providing opportunities for students to showcase their talents, build connections, and celebrate their achievements. We encourage families to stay connected and informed by keeping an eye on school communications and participating in upcoming activities.

Over these past few weeks, I have had the pleasure of walking around the school visiting classrooms and continue to be impressed with the experience and dedication of the staff, the passion and community spirit of the parents and the confidence, intelligence and manners of the children. It is these collective partnerships that enable us to provide the very best education for every child at Whites Hill.

A heartfelt thank you to our families for your ongoing support. Your involvement plays a crucial role in making our school a thriving, inclusive, and dynamic community, and we look forward to sharing another great half of the term together!

A few reminders about school procedures:

• The first bell rings at 8:40am – this is a time for our students to transition to classrooms.
• The school day (instruction) begins at 8:45am.   
• If your child is late, please present at the main office where you will receive a late slip.
• Parents can inform us of student absences in the following ways: Email: admin@whiteshillsc.eq.edu.au; Student Absence Text: 0428 632 704; Telephone: 3900 8370
• When possible, please inform the school of student absences prior to 8:45am.
• School uniform. We are a uniform school.  Please support your child to wear the uniform correctly. Uniform Shop information   

School focus and vision for 2025

Moving Forward Together: Achieving Our School Priorities

As we embark on this journey together, we are guided by a shared commitment to excellence, inclusion, and wellbeing. Our school priorities—Educational Achievement, Wellbeing and Engagement, and Culture and Inclusion — are not just aspirations; they are the foundation of our collective growth.

By working together, we can turn these priorities into meaningful action.

School priority 1: Educational Achievement – Curriculum

How We Move Forward Together:

• Strengthening teacher expertise through professional collaboration and ongoing learning
• Engaging in reflective practice and professional dialogue to refine curriculum delivery
• Implementing the v.9 Australian Curriculum with a focus on deep learning and student success

Our Roles:

Staff: Collaborate, innovate, and share best practices.

Students: Engage in learning with curiosity and commitment.

Families: Support learning at home and foster a culture of lifelong education.

School priority 2: Wellbeing and Engagement – Pedagogy

How We Move Forward Together:

• Implementing differentiated, high-impact teaching strategies that cater to all learners
• Fostering positive relationships to enhance student engagement and motivation
• Embedding wellbeing into the learning experience to support holistic growth

Our Roles:

Staff: Deliver engaging and inclusive lessons that connect with students.

Students: Take ownership of learning and seek support when needed.

Families: Encourage resilience and a growth mindset at home.

School priority 3: Culture and Inclusion – Case Management

How We Move Forward Together:

• Building an inclusive learning environment where every student feels valued and supported
• Ensuring tailored support structures to enable all learners to thrive
• Embracing diversity and strengthening inclusive practices across the school community

Our Roles:

Staff: Advocate for and implement inclusive teaching practices.

Students: Show kindness, empathy, and respect for all.

Families: Engage with school initiatives that promote equity and inclusion.

Our Collective Commitment

Moving forward together means creating an environment where every student can succeed, where we empower each other as colleagues, and every family feels connected. By embracing these priorities as a community, we strengthen the foundations of learning, wellbeing, and belonging.

Together, we shape a future where success is shared, and every step forward is a step forward for all.

P&C Easter Raffle – Donations Due Soon!

A friendly reminder that Easter Raffle chocolate donations are due by Friday 28 February. Thank you to everyone who has already contributed! The funds raised will support some fantastic school projects, including:

• A student-run coffee cart
• Upgrades to the tennis courts
• Improvements to the primary play areas

Class Challenge: The class that donates the most chocolate will win a hot chip party!

Key Dates:

• Friday 28 February – Donations Due (via your child’s classroom / CARES class)
• Friday 7 March – Raffle Launch
• Wednesday 1 April – Raffle Draw

School zone parking and pick-up

We have had some concerns regarding the driving behaviour of some of our families.  A reminder that school zones exist to keep our children, parents and carers safe and to minimise speed and traffic jams around schools.

Drop-off, pick-up and parking rules

Parking rules apply around schools, especially around school entrances.

In a school zone:

• parking restrictions may be stricter than normal
• there may be a pick-up and drop-off area where parking is not allowed—but where you can collect your children in a fast and safe way.

Parking

Schools are busy areas, where there are often lots of children—who do not always understand the danger of roads and vehicles. Make sure to take extra care when parking on school grounds and on the roads and streets around the school and follow the signed parking rules at all times. 

Parking & Consideration for Our Neighbours

A reminder to please be mindful when parking around the school during busy drop-off and pick-up times. To ensure a safe and respectful environment for everyone:

• Use designated parking areas and avoid blocking driveways.
• Keep clear of no-stopping zones and pedestrian crossings.
• Drive slowly and safely, especially where children are walking or riding.
• Show courtesy to our neighbours by parking responsibly.

Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school and community safe and respectful.

Reporting parked vehicles

If someone parks a vehicle illegally or dangerously, they can be given a fine and their vehicle may be towed. You can help keep our school zone safe by reporting badly parked vehicles. Contact your council to report an illegally or dangerously parked vehicle.

Drop-off and pick-up areas

Drop-off and pick-up areas, where you can quickly set down and pick up your children, create a safe environment for children and keep traffic moving. Drop-off and pick-up areas are signed with passenger loading zone signs or 2-minute parking signs. These signs mean you have a maximum of 2 minutes to drop off or collect your children.

How they work

There can often be queues at drop-off and pick-up areas outside schools.

When using a drop-off and pick-up area you:

• must use the area like a quick moving taxi rank
• need to move forward in the queue of vehicles to the signed area
• can get out of your vehicle to quickly help your children get in and out safely (once in the signed area)—however you must not walk away from your vehicle
• are only allowed 2 minutes in the signed area (if you take any longer you can be fined)—if your children are not ready to get straight into your vehicle at pick-up time, you will need to drive round the block and queue to enter the area again
• should only let your children out once you have pulled into the signed area (it is dangerous to let them out while waiting in a queue)
• should teach your children to look out for your vehicle and to get in quickly when you pull up
• must enter front in (never reverse).

As we move in to the second half of our term, I look forward to working with everyone in our school community to further enhance our college’s reputation and to provide your children with the knowledge and skills necessary to participate fully in further education and beyond.   I hope that your children come home this week buzzing with excitement for the year ahead!

Richenda Wagener
College Principal