Dear Parent/Caregiver

 

We are now past the halfway point of term 1. I trust that the term has been engaging and seamless for your child/ren. As we commence Week 8 we have a busy schedule ahead with assessment due dates, sporting commitments and many other exciting opportunities. Please see a list of key dates below. I have also provided several reminders around key topics that are currently a focus at school for you to discuss at home with your child so we can ensure that we finish as successfully as we have started. 

 

Key Dates:               

Term 1 concludes:                   Thursday 2 April 2026

Term 2 resumes:                      Monday 20 April 2026

E‑bikes are becoming a popular way for students to travel to and from school, but it’s important that everyone understands the safety rules and legal requirements that apply in Queensland.

Under Queensland legislation, electric bikes must meet the following standards:

Any device that goes beyond these limits is considered a motor vehicle. This means it requires registration, licensing, and cannot be ridden on bike paths, footpaths, or by unlicensed riders. Most high‑powered or throttle‑operated e‑bikes and scooters fall into this category and are illegal for student use.

At Benowa State High School, the safety of our students and broader community is a priority. Students who continue to ride illegal or non‑compliant devices to school may face consequences under our Student Code of Conduct, and Queensland Police may be notified if required.

Students riding any type of bike or scooter must also:

By following these rules, students help keep our school a safe place for everyone.

 

At Benowa State High School, our uniform is more than just clothing it represents our school values, our culture of excellence, and the pride we take in being part of the Benowa community. Wearing the correct uniform helps students feel prepared for learning and contributes to a respectful and positive school environment. We are noticing several students that are not adhering to the policy particularly around shoes and jewellery.

We encourage all students to take pride in presenting themselves neatly and in full uniform each day. Your support in reinforcing these expectations at home helps keep our school safe, consistent, and focused on learning.

 

You can read the full Benowa SHS Uniform Policy here: CLICK HERE

 

We have two accessible car parking spaces available from Gate 11 entry; these spaces are reserved exclusively for individuals displaying a valid disability parking permit. These spaces must remain available for community members who rely on them for safe and equitable access.

Parking without a valid permit in an accessible bay may constitute a breach of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 (Cth), which requires organisations to ensure equal access to facilities for people with disabilities. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us meet these obligations.

 

Gate 11 is open for:

The best parking options for our school:

Thank you for your understanding and support in maintaining fair access for everyone.

 

To help protect student information and maintain the security of your Compass account, we encourage all parents and carers to ensure their Compass accounts remain secure. Please make sure you are using a strong password and consider updating it regularly. It’s also important not to share your login details with others.

Taking a few simple steps to keep your account secure helps protect your family’s information and supports the safety of our school community.

 

I wish everyone a successful end to Term 1 and thank the community for the genuine welcome to this thriving school community. Please enjoy the upcoming break and use this time to reconnect with family and friends. 

 

All the very best. 

Every day counts has been a Department of Education initiative aiming to assist in improving student attendance in all Queensland state schools through a shared commitment by students, parents, caregivers, schools and the community.  As a school, we consistently communicate with students about the importance of attendance daily and the links to student achievement.

 

Our 2026 Annual Improvement Plan promotes this initiative with some lofty attendance targets for all students.  I am very pleased to communicate with our community our attendance as at 11 March 2026.

With many students about to undertake their end of term assessment it is imperative that students are attending school daily to ensure they are on-track for success for a positive Term 1, 2026 report.

Year 10 is an exciting year for students. They are able to access TAFE courses, School based apprenticeships and traineeships, as well as work experience and begin their ATAR studies. Some of our year 10s this year have commenced a Diploma of Business as one of their subjects.

 

Throughout the year our PDP classes feature information on pathways into senior schooling, and our Faculty HoDs will soon be presenting the options for study in the Senior School at assemblies.

 

The SETP- Secondary Education and Training Plan is also prepared in Term 3 of Year 10. This is the opportunity for students and their family to sit down and discuss the options and pathways they wish to pursue over their final years of school.

 

Prior to SET Planning Benowa SHS will hold our Senior Subject Expo. This will take place in the Sports Hall on Wednesday July 23rd. More information on this to follow!

In term 2, Year 10 students can attend the Gold Coast Careers Expo, and we are providing bus transport from school for this- Guidance Officer Chanel Morrison has been promoting this- there are still places available. The Expo is worth visiting, and if you cannot come with Benowa you can go with family any time during over the two days - I recommend it to every year 10 student.

 

Term 1 has been busy, and students are now working on assessment, preparing for exams, and looking at draft feedback in preparation for final submission! I have met many of the year 10s, and the Year 10 Team- Mr Anderson, Ms Mackay, and myself are thrilled to be working in the most important year of a student’s schooling so far- the year the world of choice really opens up for students- it is our job to support students to find their pathway- and there are many available to them!

With many students about to undertake their end of term assessment it is imperative that students are attending school daily to ensure they are on-track for success for a positive Term 1, 2026 report.

Our annual Swimming Carnival was a fantastic day filled with house pride, participation and outstanding effort from students across the school. With this year’s tropical theme adding to the atmosphere, students embraced the spirit of the carnival while representing their houses with enthusiasm, teamwork and respect.

 

A special thank you goes to our Sport Captains, House Prefects, staff and students whose leadership and organisation helped ensure the day ran smoothly.

 

Congratulations to Solaris, who took out the overall win, followed closely by Zephyr, Gaia and Torrent. Well done to all students who participated and contributed to such an enjoyable day for the Benowa community.

Benowa State High School recently hosted its Beyond Benowa International Women’s Day Breakfast, bringing together students, staff, community members and guest speakers for a morning of inspiring conversation and connection.

 

The event featured keynote speaker our sponsor, Lauren Hall from Loan Market, who spoke about housing affordability and navigating the property market, followed by an engaging panel discussion with Karen Phillips, Sarah Megginson and Chanelle Morris. Each speaker shared personal reflections on leadership, resilience, self-belief and determination, offering valuable insights and encouragement for our students.

 

Throughout the morning, speakers highlighted the importance of supporting one another, embracing challenges and believing in what can be achieved through confidence and perseverance.

 

We extend our sincere thanks to our guest speakers for generously sharing their experiences, and to everyone who joined us for what was a truly memorable Beyond Benowa event.

 

For the second year in a row, Benowa State High School has been recognised as Griffith University’s STEM Ambassador School of the Year, as well as receiving the Community Partnership Award.

 

These awards recognise the school’s continued commitment to innovation, leadership and excellence in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The achievement is particularly significant as the program includes 35 secondary schools from across Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

 

This recognition reflects the dedication and initiative of our STEM Ambassador students from Years 8–12, who continue to represent Benowa with curiosity, collaboration and a passion for learning.

 

Through the Griffith Sciences STEM Ambassador Schools Program, Benowa works closely with Griffith University to develop a strategic STEM plan tailored to our school community, strengthening connections between education, industry and future opportunities.

We are incredibly proud of our students and staff who continue to lead the way in STEM learning.

Our library continues to be a vibrant hub of activity and connection for students across the school. Recently, the library hosted a range of engaging displays and activities celebrating Valentine’s Day, International Women’s Day, and a special Manga feature, showcasing the diverse stories and genres available for students to explore.

The library team also continues to promote the school Book Club, which meets every Tuesday at first break. Book Club is a welcoming space where students can share their favourite reads, discover new stories, enjoy some snacks and connect with other students who love books.

We encourage all students who enjoy reading, storytelling and discovering new worlds through books to come along and be part of the growing Book Club community.

Our library continues to be a vibrant hub of activity and connection for students across the school. Recently, the library hosted a range of engaging displays and activities celebrating Valentine’s Day, International Women’s Day, and a special Manga feature, showcasing the diverse stories and genres available for students to explore.

The library team also continues to promote the school Book Club, which meets every Tuesday at first break. Book Club is a welcoming space where students can share their favourite reads, discover new stories, enjoy some snacks and connect with other students who love books.

We encourage all students who enjoy reading, storytelling and discovering new worlds through books to come along and be part of the growing Book Club community.

Our library continues to be a vibrant hub of activity and connection for students across the school. Recently, the library hosted a range of engaging displays and activities celebrating Valentine’s Day, International Women’s Day, and a special Manga feature, showcasing the diverse stories and genres available for students to explore.

The library team also continues to promote the school Book Club, which meets every Tuesday at first break. Book Club is a welcoming space where students can share their favourite reads, discover new stories, enjoy some snacks and connect with other students who love books.

We encourage all students who enjoy reading, storytelling and discovering new worlds through books to come along and be part of the growing Book Club community.

Come along to hear directly from the Principal, who provides an update on the school results and shares insights into the school’s priorities for 2026. 

You don’t have to be a member to attend guests are always welcome.

 

 

For more information email P&C@benowashs.eq.edu.au or come along to one of our meetings for a chat.

You're invited to join our sponsor Kieser at their National Open Day this weekend.

📅 Date: Saturday 14 March

⏰ Time: 8 am – 3 pm
📍 Address: 106 Bundall Road

Know someone who needs Kieser? Bring them along to learn about the power of strength training for every body, at any age and with any condition at Kieser.

What’s happening on the day

💠 Clinic tours with our university-qualified team
💠 Trials of our Swiss-engineered strength machines
💠 Plus plenty more at each clinic – check in with your local Kieser clinic for details

Free health presentations

💠 10 am: Back pain – building strength, confidence and mobility
💠 11 am: Strength training – building health and longevity
💠 12 pm: Osteoporosis and bone health – protecting strength and independence

Register your interest online and go in the draw to win a 12-week membership*.

 

PCYC Queensland is offering a one-day Introduction to Sports Coaching course during the upcoming school holidays for students aged 15 years and over who love sport and are interested in starting their coaching journey. Participants will learn the basics of coaching, leadership and communication while gaining practical experience supporting younger children in sport. The course may also provide an employment pathway into assistant coaching opportunities within PCYC’s recreational gymnastics programs at local PCYC clubs across the Gold Coast.

 

Places are limited.

 

For more information or to register your interest below

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