Welcome back to Term 2 – a busy and exciting time in our school calendar. I trust you and your families enjoyed a restful break and are ready for the term ahead, filled with many opportunities for learning, connection, and growth.

 

This term, Benowa SHS has participated in our scheduled School Review. Conducted by the Department of Education, the review provides us with valuable feedback about our teaching, leadership, and school practices. The focus is on how we can continue to improve student outcomes, ensuring every learner is supported to achieve success. Thank you to all parents, students, staff and community members who engaged in this process, helping us to shape the future direction of our school.

 

One of the highlights this term is our upcoming Parent-Teacher Interviews on Wednesday 14 May, which provide an important opportunity to gain insights into your child’s academic progress and development. These conversations help strengthen the partnership between home and school and support the shared goal of student success. To support these discussions, Term 1 report cards have been released for Years 7-11, offering meaningful feedback to both students and parents.

 

We are looking forward to the Year 10 Subject Expo happening on Wednesday 28 May. This is a key event for students and families as they prepare to enter the senior phase of learning. Making informed decisions about subjects and pathways is vital, and this evening will provide the guidance needed to support each student’s unique journey through senior schooling.

 

As always, our school values of Respect and Integrity remain central to everything we do. I remind all students of the importance of displaying these values both inside and outside the school grounds. This includes being mindful of our neighbours when moving through the surrounding streets and showing care for our school environment by using bathrooms and other shared facilities responsibly. These small acts reflect the pride we have in our school and ourselves.

 

We are proud to offer meaningful ways for our community to be involved in school life. This term, we will host two Redback Roundtables (27 May and 17 June), giving parents and students a platform to engage in conversations around school decision-making and future directions. We also look forward to the Beyond Benowa Business Breakfast (Friday 13 June), an excellent opportunity to connect with local businesses, alumni, and our wider community as we support our students to find Many Pathways ~ No Limits.

 

Thank you for your ongoing support of Benowa State High School.

This term our school community gathered to honour the sacrifices made by those who served in conflicts past and present. Together our students, staff and distinguised guests commemorated those who made the ultimate sacrifice in conflicts throughout Australia's history.

 

We paid tribute to the ANZACs, reflecting on their courage and the freedoms they fought to protect with our cadets, pipes and drums, our band and singers, through the laying of wreathes, the sharing of stories and the Last Post. The stories shared by staff and students about relatives who served in Gallipoli reminded us of the deep personal connections many still hold.

 

Our staff and students also attended various community services to pay tribute to those that have fought to provide the freedoms we have and cherish. 

On Wednesday 28 May we will hold our second, even bigger Year 10 Subject Selection Expo. The Expo starts at 10am and finishes at 5pm.

 

All of our amazing Senior Subjects will be on display, with expert teachers and students who are currently enrolled in them present to tell future students and their parents all about the opportunities each subject offers. We will explain to everyone the details of the QCE, what an ATAR is, and when you need one, the other or BOTH!

 

Also at the event will be outside providers who offer our students opportunities to engage in courses beyond the regular school subjects, TAFE, GESS,

 

Experience Gold Coast, Attwood Marshall Lawyers, Southern Cross University, Bond University have all indicated they will be there to provide information about the programs and opportunities in their various fields. There are other organisations also keen to take part - it will be a great day!

 

Year 10 students will be free to attend, preferably with a parent/carer at any point during the day, there will be no classes for them on that day! Students will need to wear formal school uniform, and sign in on entry so we know you were there. Year 9 students will have an opportunity to visit the Expo too and their parents are welcome also.

 

The event will be in the Sports Hall and we look forward to welcoming everyone with an interest in the exciting pathways available at Benowa SHS.

If you've were not able to book an appointment time but wish to speak to your student's teacher please contact them directly. You can do this via Compass

Our young adults in Year 11 and 12, are reaching an exciting milestone—earning their driver’s license. This new freedom brings a world of opportunities, but it also carries serious responsibilities. It’s important to remember that the choices we make behind the wheel don’t just affect us—they affect our friends, our family, and the wider community.

 

Unfortunately, there has been growing concern about reckless driving, hooning, and littering in our local area. These behaviours not only put lives at risk, but they also damage the reputation of our school and its students. Hooning—speeding, doing burnouts, and dangerous driving—might seem thrilling in the moment, but the consequences can be life-altering. There is simply no place for it on our roads or in our community.

 

We all share the responsibility of making our streets safer and cleaner. Whether you're driving through a neighbourhood, parking near local shops, or pulling up at school, think about the people who live, work, and walk nearby. Show respect by driving safely and courteously. That means keeping to speed limits, avoiding loud revving or sudden braking, and never using your car to show off.

 

The same goes for littering. Throwing rubbish out the window or leaving food packaging behind shows a lack of respect—not just for the environment, but for everyone who has to deal with the mess. Our local parks, streets, and school grounds deserve better. Let’s take pride in where we live and study.

 

Being a good driver isn’t just about knowing the road rules. It’s about character. It’s about being mature, thoughtful, and respectful. So whether you’re driving to school, a part-time job, or just hanging out with friends, remember: your actions speak volumes.

 

Let’s lead by example and show our community that we care.

Our own Redback Riyo competed Squash Australia Junior Open in Melbourne over the Easter break. This tournament is the highest level of international junior competition.

Despite battling illness Riyo overcame the Chinese #3 to advance to the quarter finals and where she defeated a Malaysian competitor she's played before. Then she won the semi finals against the Australian #2.

 

Riyo played the final against the Pakistan #1 player. She played brilliantly and was even ahead at one point but lost in the end - securing the silver medal. She now heads into the rest of the squash year keeping her position as the Australian #1 U13 girl. We can't wait to see how she does over the rest of the year.

 

We are proud to announce that Sport Excellence students, Jake and Chevrolet, made their respective 12 Boys/Girls South Coast AFL teams. They will both complete in the State Championships in June. 

 

The Benowa SHS Redbacks rugby league team has made everyone sit up and take notice after they finished 4th of 10 schools in the southern conference of the Titans Challenge competition.

 

With a very short preparation time and an inexperienced team, Benowa struggled in their first match, a loss to St Michaels. Valuable lessons were learned in this and the boys worked really hard at their Thursday morning training sessions to develop the skill sets needed to succeed.

 

A narrow 2 point loss to Kings College in the second match showed that they were the big improvers of the competition. Benowa put the much fancied Kings team under constant pressure and were leading mid-way through the second half.

 

Rain then played its part and games were consistently washed out and rescheduled. The Redbacks remained highly motivated throughout this period and even trained during the school holidays. This commitment was rewarded when they finally got back on the field, beating Coombabah SHS 62-0.

 

With the match against Varsity not being rescheduled, Benowa were to face off against a powerful Nerang SHS in their final match. Playing their best football of the year the boys got into an arm wrestle and a see sawing, high quality encounter remained 0-0 at half time. The deadlock was quickly broken by Nerang just after half time, however this served only to spur the Redbacks on to greater heights, hitting back immediately with two quick tries which was the match winning lead.

 

Unfortunately we picked up a few injuries in this match and we wish Tyler and Cayden, two of our stars, speedy recoveries.

 

All boys improved both individually and as a team throughout the campaign and all contributed to the success of the team.  The TGI Friday’s man of the match award winners were Brady Williams, Tyler Gambling, Steel Holt, Casey Lester and Tyler Hilton.

 

Are you coming along to our All Bands Concert? It's a free event!!

 

Mark your calendar for Thursday 8 May! We kick things off in K5 at 6pm with our fabulous strings ensembles and then move to our band groups at 7pm.

 

We are lucky to have such talented student muscians. This concert promises to be an unforgettable experience. See you there! 

Are you finishing school and unsure what’s next? Do you enjoy working with people, have strong communication skills, and want a career where you can make a real impact? Whitefox Recruitment, the Gold Coast’s number one recruitment agency, is currently seeking entry-level staff who are ready to kick start their career in the professional world of recruitment.

This is an ideal opportunity for school leavers who are eager to break into the workforce, gain corporate experience, and learn from an award-winning team. You don't need prior experience — just a great attitude, a willingness to learn, and a genuine interest in helping others find meaningful employment.

 

Our supportive team will provide full training, mentorship, and career development pathways for the right candidates.

 

If you or someone you know is ready to take the leap into a rewarding career, email your interest to: luke.hemmings@whitefoxrecruitment.com.au 

 

We'd love to hear from enthusiastic and driven individuals who are ready to start their journey in recruitment.

NOW HIRING: Cave Divers (School Casuals)
Looking for a fun, hands-on first job? City Cave Southport is hiring Cave Divers – energetic and reliable casual staff aged 14–17 who help keep our wellness centre clean, calm, and running smoothly.

 

Perfect for high school students looking for a unique and rewarding casual job.

Apply now: southport@citycave.com.au Or drop your resume at reception

Start your working journey with us – dive into something different!

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsor