FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Term 3 Wrap-Up
As Term 3 draws to a close, we can look back with pride on what has been an energetic, rewarding, and memorable term at Whites Hill State College. Across our Prep to Year 12 community, students, staff, and families have worked together to create an environment where learning is celebrated, opportunities are embraced, and every young person is supported to thrive.
This term began with our School Review, a milestone that provided us with valuable insights. The review affirmed the many strengths of our College, including our strong culture of care, the commitment of our staff, and the pride our students take in their learning. It also gave us clear recommendations to guide our next steps as we continue to grow and improve together.
Throughout Term 3, our students have been involved in a wide range of experiences both in and beyond the classroom. Some of the many highlights have included:
- Book Week celebrations, where creativity and imagination were on full display in classrooms and capped off with our colourful whole-college parades. It was a joy to see families, staff, and students alike join in the fun and celebrate a love of reading together.
- Our Secondary Academic Coaching and Conversations, which provided a chance for students and teachers to reflect on learning progress, celebrate successes, and plan for the journey ahead. These personalised conversations remind us that education is not only about outcomes, but about supporting each student on their unique pathway.
- The Year 8 Camp, an unforgettable week of challenge, adventure, teamwork, and laughter. Camps are powerful learning opportunities, and we thank the staff who gave their time and energy to make this such a valuable experience.
- Sporting achievements across a variety of disciplines, where students have represented WHSC with pride, teamwork, and determination.
- Creative Arts and cultural experiences that have showcased the diverse talents of our students. From music and performance to visual art, our students continue to inspire us with their creativity.
- The dedicated work of our P&C and parent community, who have continued to provide strong support through events such as the Father’s Day Stall, Bastille Day Breakfast and ongoing fundraising initiatives.
Our three key priorities — improving student learning and achievement, strengthening wellbeing and engagement, and building consistent teaching and learning practices — have guided our focus across the term. Every initiative, every event, and every classroom moment has been shaped by this shared vision of ensuring success and belonging for every student.
We also acknowledge the effort and resilience of our students during assessment and exam periods. These times can bring pressure, but they also highlight the determination of our learners and the vital role families play in supporting them. Whether it’s helping students manage routines, encouraging healthy habits, or simply offering reassurance, we know that home and school together create the strongest foundation for success.
Looking ahead, Term 4 promises to be just as exciting and rewarding. Some key events include:
- Year 12 Graduation and Formal, a milestone celebration of our senior students as they prepare for life beyond WHSC.
- Prep Transition (Prep Explorers) visits for our incoming 2026 Prep students, beginning their journey into our wonderful community.
- End-of-year concerts (Miracle on Samuel Street) and celebrations, where we will come together as a community to celebrate learning and achievement.
- Year 6 Graduation and transition activities, marking the important step into secondary schooling.
- Continued opportunities across sport, the Arts, academic programs, and student leadership.
As we bring Term 3 to a close, I extend my thanks to our staff for their tireless commitment, to our students for their energy, effort, and enthusiasm, and to our families for their ongoing partnership.
Together, we continue to build a community where every student is known, supported, and inspired to succeed.
College Calendar
We encourage families to visit our College Events Calendar, available on our school website. This calendar is linked directly to each newsletter and can also be found under the “Contact the School” and “Newsletter Archive” tabs.
We understand the busy schedules of families, and we’re working to make planning and engagement easier. By keeping the college calendar accessible online, we hope to provide a central reference point for upcoming activities. While the calendar is updated regularly, and some event details may change, we strive to keep it as accurate and up-to-date as possible to support your forward planning.
Finance and Outstanding Payment Reminders
As part of updated Department of Education policies, families are advised that any outstanding invoices will now be issued monthly, in addition to the regular statements already being sent. Please note that these invoices will be issued per individual student, not per family.
If you are not currently on a payment plan and have any overdue amounts, we encourage you to contact the school office to arrange a suitable plan. We appreciate your cooperation and support in meeting financial obligations, which assist us in continuing to provide high-quality resources and opportunities for all students.
Wishing all families a safe and restful break and look forward to welcoming everyone back on Tuesday 7 October, refreshed and ready, for the final term of 2025.
Richenda Wagener
College Principal