20 February 2025

FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Welcome back to 2025. I would like to welcome all of our new families to the Flagstone SCC. It has been wonderful to start to meet and get to know the new students in our community, particularly our incoming year 7 students.

Senior Investiture

On Tuesday morning we had the pleasure of coming together as a school community to acknowledge and recognise our Year 12 cohort inducting them into their role as leaders of the school. In this formal parade, students received certificates, their senior jersey and pledged an oath to guide them in setting positive and strong examples for our community.

This ceremony also saw the swearing in and public introduction of our Student Executive Council. These students have been elected by their peers to represent them, garnering their voice and perspectives, leading the design and delivery of activities and practices that engage learners and promote a culture of belonging, and most importantly set the example around our desired and accepted behaviours. We are excited about the impact and influence these young people will have over the next 12mths and look forward to working closely with them to achieve their goals.

Showing Respect: Wearing our Uniform with Pride

School photos are scheduled for Wednesday of Week 6, the 5^th of March. All students are to present in their formal dress uniform for this occasion. Whilst students are free to choose whether they wear the dress or sports uniform to school on most days, on set occasions we request students to wear a particular uniform. As such, please ensure your student has both a sports uniform and dress uniform for the 2025 school year. There are numerous occasions in which the formal uniform is required, including excursions and some incursions, formal assemblies, awards night, school performances, and in this presence of distinguished invited guests.

It has been wonderful to see our seniors in their formal uniform on Tuesday, and the general high standards of presentation and conformity to our uniform expectations by students thus far in 2025. Please note we are a black sock school, and students require all black impervious shoes ( leather or leatherette)

P&C AGM

All parents and citizens are invited to our P&C AGM scheduled for 11 March

Mirvac – Monarch Glen Estate Community Meetings

Mirvac are leading the development into the new suburb of Monarch Glen located behind Flagstone. They are seeking to engage with members of our community hosting several town hall information sessions on Tuesday 11^th March, Thursday 13^th March and Saturday 15^th of March in Flagstone SCC sports hall. All are welcome to attend.

Julie Strong
Principal

FROM THE SENIOR DP DESK

Welcome back to 2025.  I am excited to once again be working in the senior school, and look forward to seeing some successful outcomes for both our 11 and 12 students.

I would like to recognise Ms Anstey, who is the new year 11 and 12 coordinator.  She has hit the ground running with high expectations, and planning for major activities within the two cohorts.

This year we have a couple of new courses running, and these have been organised through external providers.  The first is an 18 month course in cert 2 in plumbing, with an embedded cert 2 in construction.  This officially started this week, and with the links to industry, it plans to have all of these students employed in the industry at the end of next year or when they graduate high school.  Added to that is two six month cert 2 in automotive courses, which will see two cohorts completed by the end of this year.  Both of these courses operate one full day a week, on different days, using our trade training centre, and students turn up ready for work – high vis, work boots – and participate in alternative lunchtimes.  I’m excited to see the outcomes of this course.

The goal of senior schooling at Flagstone is around successful pathways.  Our model looks like this, with students effectively gearing towards, by the end of year 12, the world of work, trades/TAFE, or university. 

We work with students the following way:

• Reinforcing messages around pathways at all times
• Mentoring and goal setting in form classes and at end of assessment
• Case management for at risk students (at risk may be because of attendance, behaviour, effort or social and emotional concerns), and
• Data walls – where Heads of Department and the Senior schooling team monitor student progress.

These four pillars work together to support students achieving their best outcomes.  If you have any questions about these pillars, or would like support for your student, please have no hesitation in contacting me at gcole6@eq.edu.au

Greg Coleman
Deputy Principal
Year 11 & 12

NEWS FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL YEAR 9 & 10

Welcome to 2025.  Our year 9 and 10 students are entering important years for their studies.  I have never been the biggest fan of ‘luck’, if you are prepared and you are in the right place at the right time you can take advantage of the opportunity presented.  Doing your best at school, being on time and engaged in your lessons, prepares you for the opportunity’s that you will meet along the way.

I have started academic review meetings with families of students who have not had success with their studies at Flagstone.  These will continue through out the year.  Academic review meetings are about discussing and implementing plans to support students who struggle with their school studies.  These can include engagement with additional school resources or beginning the process of engagement with external agencies.  These meetings are initially led by the student and if the students’ results do not improve, parents and school staff work together to look at alternate options.

We will be holding some community consultation sessions regarding our ‘Phones away for the Day’ policy.  These sessions will start with a short information session for parents and the community about our current policy and then there will be an opportunity to give feedback and ideas regarding how we implement the legal requirements around the use of mobile phones in schools.  We will run an online session in the afternoon for parents and then a morning face-to-face session with light refreshments.  These sessions will be advertised through our Facebook page. 

Norm Tregea
Deputy Principal
Year 9 & 10

NEWS FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL YEAR 7 AND 8

Welcome to the 2025 School Year!

We’ve rolled out the red carpet for an incredible start to the year! Our ‘O’ Week was a great success, and our Year 7 and 8 students are settling in beautifully. It was wonderful to see our junior school students looking smart in their uniforms on their first day, and they thoroughly enjoyed the activities throughout the week.

In addition to welcoming our Year 7s, we also greeted many new students in Year 8. It’s been inspiring to see how quickly they’ve adapted to life at Flagstone SCC—navigating the school with confidence and settling into routines with ease.

Our ‘O’ Week wrapped up with our most successful swimming carnival yet! The whole school joined in, the weather was perfect, and the atmosphere was electric. Students and staff alike had an absolute blast!

This week, we also had Brainstorm Productions perform for our Year 7-9 students. The actors delivered an engaging and thought-provoking performance that truly resonated with our students. Many shared how much they enjoyed it (and not just because it meant a break from regular classes!).

We’ve hit the ground running with our technology setup, ensuring all student laptops are onboarded and ready for learning. Our Year 7s have already completed their English testing, with Maths testing scheduled for next week. Reading assessments will continue throughout the term, helping us tailor classroom learning to student needs.

A key focus for Term 1 is ensuring students bring their laptops to school every day so they’re Ready to Learn! Laptops are part of our BIG FOUR—the essentials every student needs daily: a book, a pen, a laptop, and a diary.

Excitingly, we’re also preparing for the Year 7 camp in Term 2! Keep an eye on our Facebook page for details. Invoices should have reached you, and spots are limited, so be sure to secure your place soon.

In the classroom, we’re reinforcing our LEAD process—lining up, entering classrooms in an orderly manner, actively listening to instructions, and staying focused on learning. Teachers are also working with their learning walls, setting clear expectations and learning intentions for the term.

For parents and caregivers, don’t forget that assessment calendars are available on our website. These are a great tool to keep on the fridge and track important due dates for assignments and exams.

Finally, preparations for NAPLAN are underway, with testing beginning in Week 7.

We’re looking forward to an exciting and productive Term 1!

Eileen Baillie
Deputy Principal
Year 7 and 8

SENIOR SCHOOLING NEWS

Welcome to all our Year 10, 11 and 12s to the Senior School.  My role as Head of Senior Schooling is to ensure that every student achieves success in their chosen pathway.  I speak to students about their progress and their future study or work options.  This may be their study plan to graduate from high school including School Based Apprenticeships, Traineeships, TAFE at school and outside courses; or their ability to pass the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).  Or it may be talking to students about how their results will impact their ATAR and their QTAC applications.  I make myself available to all senior students to discuss any issues they have in their schooling.

Career Education

Parents are a student’s first example of career pathways.  Talking to your student about career pathways supports students and schools to link learning to post-school pathways. Knowing how their education can link to their future pathways can increase student engagement and productivity to support the achievement of academic success. 

Parents and carers can be a major influence on students when choosing a career.  When is a good time for parents/carers to talk to students about careers?  Anytime is a good time to talk about careers. Talk to your students about how specific skills and abilities will help build their ability to gain a job. Make suggestions and offer advice.  Use free online tools to explore career options.

Year 12s

The year 12s are now working hard to pass all their subjects to gain the valuable QCE credits to pass their final year of schooling.  The Queensland Certificate is undertaken over the two years of year 11 and 12 and every subject passed at a C or higher per unit, adds credits.  Every student needs to gain a total of at least 20 credit points, with at least one semester passed in English and Maths.  Subjects studied for the entire 2 years and Certificate II or IIIs add to the completed core requirements of 12 credits.  In my conversations with students, I tell them to aim at over 26 points, which will give them a little breathing room if they do not pass one of their subjects at the end.  I continuously re-calculate every year 12 student’s points based their results and will be notifying parents and students if I feel intervention is needed.  Success Every Day means seeing all our students succeeding in their chosen pathway.

This term in the Future Pathway Options weekly lessons on Tuesday Period 4 will focus on students finishing the Certificate II in Skills for Work they were working on in year 11 and catching up on outstanding work.  In addition, students will be provided with workshops to help them achieve in their senior studies, help them with exam preparation and guide them through their QTAC applications for 2025.  Workshop timetables have been sent out to all parents and students so they are aware of when they are required at school.

All students need to commit to every lesson through 100% attendance. Past history, year after year shows that the highest achievers attended every lesson and did an average minimum of five hours home-work/study per day every day. High achievers do NOT miss lessons to study. Study is always in addition to lessons!! Year 12 is a marathon and as such, students need to maintain a healthy lifestyle and work life balance.  Part time jobs should be in addition to studies but not at the expense of study or sleep time.

Year 11s

The year 11s have settled well in their subjects and are enjoying the new challenges that the 2 years of the QCE brings.  Students now need to strive to pass in all their subjects to ensure they can gain that first QCE credit for each subject at the end of unit 1 as well as their literacy and numeracy ticks by passing English and Maths. 

We will begin reviewing every year 11 student’s progress towards learning goals, pathway alignment and QCE attainment and will be notifying parents and students if I feel intervention is needed.

In Year 11 Future Pathway Options, students will be undertaking the Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways, which will secure them an extra 4 QCE credits before the end of this year, outside of those they gain from their subjects.  Headspace are coming to our school to visit all the Year 11 classes to discuss strategies to help them during Senior School.

Year 11s will also begin the Brake Driver Awareness program later this term. BRAKE focuses on developing good decision-making skills whilst using our roads, including risk assessment, peer pressure, cognitive skills, and passengers' responsibilities.  BRAKE uses fact-based teaching resources without confrontational or fear-based material using a six-part training program.  Your child's participation in this program will benefit them and contribute to our community's safety.

Year 10

Year 10s will be preparing for Work Experience early this year.  Every Year 10 student needs to participate in structured work experience to enable them to make better decisions around their pathways in years 11 and 12.

All work experience documentation needs to come back to the school as soon as possible so we can ensure students are covered by insurance when they go to the work place.

In addition, Year 10s have been placed in classes that will reflect what senior subject offerings look like.  Students are encouraged to work with their teachers to ensure they are prepared for Senior Subject Selections in Term 3.  This includes knowing what is involved in Year 11 and 12 studies, what skills they will need to be successfully in Year 11 and 12 and knowing what pathway they wish to be skilled for post school.

NEWS FROM THE ARTS DEPARTMENT

Welcome back to Term 1, and a warm welcome to all new students joining our college

Extracurricular activities have commenced, and it’s exciting to see the enthusiasm and participation from our students. For those interested in joining any of our arts programs, please visit Staff Centre 2 and speak with one of our Arts teachers. We’ve already heard many delightful stories from Drama Club members!

Below is an overview of the available programs:

• Show Choir: Mr. Bahr
• Dance Troupe: Ms. Hafsteins
• Drama Club: Ms. Dowden
• Tech Crew: Mr. Sopher
• Art Club: Ms. Halsall & Ms. Abbott
• Media Arts Club: Ms. Morris
• Instrumental Music Program: Ms. Collins and Miss Eastman - and a warm welcome to Mr. Campbell, who joins our college this year!

Students interested in signing up for the Instrumental Music Program, please see Ms. Collins (bcoll108@eq.edu.au) or Miss Sung (dsung5@eq.edu.au in Staff Centre 2. Alternatively, you can scan the QR Code on the poster below:

We look forward to another exciting year in the Arts!

Doris Sung
HOD – The Arts & Languages

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

Instrumental Music is Back!

We’re thrilled to welcome our talented Instrumental Music students back for another exciting year of music-making! Lessons and rehearsals are now in full swing, and it’s wonderful to see students enjoying their instruments and making great progress already.

This year, our program continues under the guidance of Mrs. Collins and we would like to welcome the maestro and legend himself Mr. Campbell to the team! Miss Eastman is leading our strings students, who have all started their lessons.

Whether you're a returning musician or just beginning your journey, we’re looking forward to a fantastic year of performing, and having fun with music!

If you have any questions about the program, please reach out—we can’t wait to see what our young musicians achieve this year!

Bronwyn Collins
Instrumental and Classroom Music Teacher

NEWS FROM THE HEAD OF INCLUSION

Welcome to a new year to all our wonderful families and a special welcome to all our new families. It is wonderful to have you with us. We have hit the ground running this year and are gradually getting to know our new students also finding out about what our years 8-12 did over the break.

Inclusion Case Managers are beginning to contact parents to introduce themselves. Your Case Manager will be your first point of contact for both you and your student. If your child has previously had an ICP, we will be looking into this and ensuring that they are working at the correct level. We will do this in conjunction with the class teacher, the parent, and the student.

If you have received any student consent forms for services, can you please return them as soon as possible.

The year 7’s are settling in well and making new friends. The swimming carnival was a great success and attended by many students who had the chance to get to know our staff.

We look forward to catching up with you all in the near future.

Our Inclusion team for 2025

Cathy Selby
Head of Inclusion

FROM OUR YEAR 9 & 10 YEAR-COORDINATOR

Welcome back to another school year at Flagstone. A special welcome to our new families joining the school community—I hope you are settling in well and feeling supported as you begin your journey with us.

As the Year 9 & 10 Coordinator, my role is to support students’ wellbeing, engagement, and overall success at school. This includes overseeing attendance, celebrating achievements, and being the first point of contact for any concerns regarding bullying or other student issues. I also assist students who may need temporary uniform items and can support families in obtaining the correct uniform and essential school equipment where financial barriers exist.

It has been great to see students settling into their routines, wearing the correct uniform with pride, and demonstrating our school values. Many students have already earned Culture of Learning points for their positive contributions in class, showing great enthusiasm and engagement in their learning.

We love celebrating student success, both inside and outside of school. If your child has recently achieved something in sport, the arts, community service, or another area, please let me know so we can recognise their efforts at our year-level parades.

I look forward to working with you and supporting your child throughout the year. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or need assistance.

Joshua Sopher
Year Coordinator Years 9 & 10

NEWS FROM OUR HPE DEPARTMENT

School Swimming Carnival: A Day of Fun in the Sun!

The sun was shining, the water was sparkling, and the excitement was high as students and staff gathered for our annual Flagstone SSC Swimming Carnival! It was a day filled with exciting races, house spirit, and lots of fun under the summer sun.

From the very first splash to the final race, our students gave it their all, showing great skill, determination, and sportsmanship. House colours were on full display with green, red, blue and yellow. Whether competing in serious races or just enjoying a novelty race between students and teachers everyone contributed to the electric atmosphere that made the day so fun!

Congratulations to all the winners and competitors who put in an amazing effort throughout the day listed below. Your dedication and enthusiasm were inspiring! An extra big congrats to the School Swimming Champion, Gabi Snow-Meredith. All winners will represent Flagstone SSC  Week 5 Thursday 27 February, at Brisbane Aquatic Centre.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible support of our teachers and staff, who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything ran smoothly. From organising races to keeping everyone hydrated and sun-safe, their efforts were greatly appreciated.

The Swimming Carnival was more than just a competition—it was a celebration of our school spirit, resilience, and camaraderie. We can’t wait to dive in again next year for another fantastic day in the pool! Go Foxes!

Steve Harris
HPE Teacher

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