Mareeba State High School Newsletter

Principal Update

Dear Mareeba State High School Community, 

Welcome to the first newsletter for 2025. The newsletter will be published (when possible) in weeks 3, 6 and 10. I have enjoyed the start of 2025 and have enjoyed meeting parents, students and staff. The first three weeks have seen many events and in week 4 we have our meet the teacher BBQ and I would like to extend an invitation to you to attend.

Year 7 Awards

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the following year 7 award recipients:

To our sponsors, thank-you for your commitment to our community and your belief in the potential of these young people. These awards represent more than just financial assistance; they are an investment. An investment in the future, not only of these individual students, but of our entire community. They are a tangible demonstration of your belief in the power of education to transform lives, to open doors, and to shape a brighter tomorrow.

As the saying goes, "It takes a village to raise a child." And in the context of education, that village includes not only families and teachers, but also forward-thinking individuals and organisations like yourselves. Your support empowers these students to focus on their studies, to explore their passions, and to reach their full potential.

P and C Meeting

The P and C are a vital part of Mareeba SHS and it provides an opportunity for parents to hear first hand critical school updates and for the P and C to give vital feedback. The AGM and first P and C Meeting was held on February 11. Congratulations to:

President – Sharelle France

Treasurer - Jessica Fealy

The secretary position is currently vacant and the P and C would like to extend and invitation to the community to fill this role.

Even if the vacant position is not appealing to you, please consider attending the P and C meetings. The next meeting will be held on March 11, 2025.

Year 12 Senior Induction

It was an absolute privilege to present leadership badges to all senior students last night and to celebrate those elected to leadership positions at Mareeba SHS.

Many people think of leadership as a badge, a title, or a position of authority. But true leadership is so much more than that. As John C. Maxwell, one of the world's foremost experts on leadership, once said, "Leadership is not about titles, positions, or flowcharts. It is about one life influencing another".

Leadership is about influence. It's about the ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve a common goal. It's about making a positive impact on the lives of those around you. Maxwell also said, "A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way". This means that a true leader leads by example. They don't just tell others what to do; they show them how to do it through their actions.

I am looking forward to witnessing leadership in action, as you the seniors of 2025 lead Mareeba State High School into its next chapter.

Congratulations to the following leadership position holders for 2025:

SCHOOL CAPTAINS              Velenia Musso-Tatti              Toby Fealy

VICE SCHOOL CAPTAINS   Jillahkull McInnes                  Keoni Whiteside

STUDENT COUNCIL

                                                        President                                Rebecca Quintieri

                                                        Vice President                      Tashi Maxwell

                                                        Secretary                                 Aimee Seddon

                                                         Treasurer                                Zahra Boldero

INDIGENOUS LEADERS        Harry Sullivan                       Velma Budby

                                                         Winnie Foley                          Freya Gutchen

                                                          Jahmarl Grogan                   Daniel Morris

SPORTS CAPTAINS                  Captains                                 Vice Captains

                   Gregory                     Chloe Mackenzie                  Jessica Saker

                                                         Harry Sullivan                        James Dickinson

                   Kennedy                   Ashton Martin                        Raychelle Srhoj

                                                         Jaclyn France                          Emily Curcio

                   Leichhardt               Chloe Fink                              Te-Ondra Luff

                                                         Zayne Wilkinson                   Winnie Foley

                 McKinlay                   Angelina Tulloch                   Jade Breed                                                                                                    

                                                        Esther Cousley                       Charlee Croucher

ACADEMIC HOUSE CAPTAINS

                    Gregory                     Sam Hollins                            Ruth Searle

                   Kennedy                    Olivia Nicholls                        Lara Martin

                 Leichhardt                 Hamish Buckle                       Alyssa Camp

                  McKinlay                   Samantha Ward                     Thomas Wigman

INTER-YEAR LEADERS

                                                        Chloe Mackenzie                    Samantha Cuzzubbo

                                                        Genie Brewer                           Zoe Brady

                                                        Zayne Wilkinson                    Lucy McIntyre

                                                        Sam Hollins                              Jill McInness

                                                        Velenia Musso-Tatti            Rebecca Quintieri

                                                        Keoni Whiteside                    Tashi Maxwell

                                                        Toby Fealy                                Sammie Ward 

                                                       Emily Curcio

Senior DUX 2024

One of the roles as Principal is to officially announce the 2024 Senior Dux. Our Senior Dux is awarded to the top academic student in the Year 12 cohort.

The Dux is awarded based on the results awarded once the results from the external exams is announced and ATAR results are issued by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority.

The Dux award is sponsored by Howe Farming and Bob Katter MP.  We thank them for their generous support of our students.

It is with great pleasure that I announce the 2024 Senior Dux as

Leo Balzarolo 

Leo achieved and ATAR result of 97.65 which places him the top 10% of the state. 

Congratulations Leo all the very best in your future studies.

School Dress Code - The Importance of School Uniforms and Meeting Uniform Expectations

As we continue to foster a positive and inclusive learning environment at our school, it's important to reflect on the role that school uniforms play in achieving this goal. School uniforms are more than just a dress code; they are a symbol of our community, our values, and our commitment to excellence.

Promoting Equality and Reducing Distractions

One of the primary benefits of school uniforms is that they promote equality among students. When everyone wears the same attire, it minimizes the social and economic differences that can sometimes create divisions. This sense of equality helps to create a more inclusive environment where students can focus on their studies and personal growth rather than on fashion trends or peer pressure.

Fostering a Sense of Belonging

Wearing a school uniform instils a sense of pride and belonging. It reminds students that they are part of a larger community with shared values and goals. This sense of belonging can enhance school spirit and encourage students to take pride in their school and their achievements.

Encouraging Discipline and Responsibility

Meeting uniform expectations teaches students the importance of discipline and responsibility. Adhering to a dress code requires students to pay attention to details and follow guidelines, which are valuable skills that will serve them well in all areas of life. It also prepares them for future professional environments where dress codes are often required.

The Mareeba State High School Dress Code is attached to this newsletter.

Year 12 Senior Induction Photos 2025

Deputy Principal Senior Pathways Update

Greetings everyone,

What a whirlwind return to the Senior Pathways Deputy role for 2025.  I enjoyed a wonderful break of travelling and part time teaching.  A thank-you to Mr Nav Singh who replaced me for that time.

It is with great pleasure that I congratulate the Seniors of 2025 for their Induction Ceremony held on Thursday 13^th February.  I’d like to acknowledge the work of Ms Stankovich and all staff who pulled this evening together.  I am looking forward to witnessing and support this group of Seniors leave an enduring legacy for our school.

One key initiative that is now in its second year of implementation is Senior Pathways Day. Pathways day allows Year 11 and 12 students to engage in alternate learning pathways that include Certificate Level Course, School of Distance Education, School Based Traineeships and Apprenticeships, online courses, work placement and unique tailored learning programs.  All Year 11 and 12 are required to be engaged in their learning pathway choice for Fridays.  If your student has not yet made their selection for their Pathways Day please contact Pammy Collett-Dyer HOD of Senior School or Kellie Doeblien VET Coordinator here at school.

Driving to school is a privilege that our Year 12 students experience as they transition to adulthood.  It is wonderful to see our year 11 and 12 students gain their independence, however, with this privilege comes responsibility.  Arriving on time to school and remaining at school for the day is an expectation of all students.   I would like to remind all Senior students who drive to school that school starts at 8.45am and is complete at 3pm.  Leaving the school grounds for any reason must be approved by the Principal and or Deputy Principal even to ‘grab something from my car’.  Leaving the school grounds to pick up lunch in town is not permitted.  Senior students are also not permitted to drive themselves to school excursions.  We do have a driving to school permission note that needs to be signed by parents and these are available at Q block office for any student or parent to pick up. I am very happy to discussed these expectations with students and parents if any clarification is needed and I thank Year 12 students for meeting these expectations.

Once again it is wonderful to be back and I look forward to a positive and productive year ahead.

Ms Moro

Deputy Principal Senior Pathways

Year 12 Senior Induction continued

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Deputy Principal Junior Pathways Update

Hello Mareeba State High School Community, 

Year 7 Award Recipients for 2025 Celebrated at School Parade

It was with great pride and excitement that we had the honour of acknowledging our Year 7 award recipients during a whole-school parade. These exceptional students have been recognized for their dedication and hard work in their chosen fields, demonstrating a clear desire to expand their knowledge and skills here at Mareeba State High School.

The following students were celebrated for their outstanding achievements:

• Community Spirit Award – Jesse Coyle
• English Award – Eric Sellars
• Mathematics Award – Sommer Santa Cruz
• Sports, Health and Physical Education Award – Sienna Squillari
• Science Award – Samuel Edoni
• Instrumental Music Award – Eric Sellars, Lynx Inglis, Ruby Cameron, Sienna Squillari
• Visual Art Award – Lillian Gale

We would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the generous sponsors who support our students’ growth and future opportunities:

• MS Kylie Lambert – HOD of Arts
• Dr Murray Towne
• Sundance Veterinary Services
• FGF Bitumen
• FGF Developments
• FlexiChoice

Thank you to the students, parents and carers and sponsors who attended our year 7 awards. 

Positive Behaviour for Learning Focus: We are Respectful

At Mareeba State High School, we proudly uphold our core values through the Positive Behaviour for Learning program, which is taught and celebrated every fortnight. For Weeks 3 and 4, we focus on the value of We are Respectful, encouraging students to show pride in our school and represent it positively.

Our school captains reinforced this message during the parade, speaking about the importance of respecting our environment—whether it's disposing of rubbish properly, maintaining our classrooms, or treating school property with care. These positive behaviours are continuously reinforced by care teachers across the school during care classes and Wellbeing and Mindfulness lessons.

As an added incentive, students who demonstrate our core values can be rewarded with ROLSTARS. These can be redeemed for exciting prizes from our ROLSTAR Bank, with new rewards coming soon, so keep an eye out!

We look forward to continuing to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our students and fostering a respectful and supportive school community.

Daniel Roos
Deputy Principal – Junior Pathways

Deputy Principal Educational Achievement

Hi everyone,

I would like to introduce myself as the Deputy Principal of Educational Achievement. I’m looking forward to getting to know members of the school community and working together to make the school a better place to learn.

As the Deputy Principal of Educational Achievement, my main focus is the alignment of our curriculum to the new Australian Curriculum version 9. The Australian Curriculum sets the expectations for what all students should be taught in every state in the learning areas of English, Maths, Science, Technologies, HPE, Languages, the Arts, and Humanities. The implementation of the version 9 curriculum is well under way at Mareeba SHS. If you are interested in learning more about the Australian Curriculum version 9, please see the link below.

A large part of my role is also ensuring our curriculum and assessment is accessible, engaging, relevant and meets the learning needs of all students. I am looking forward to bringing my experience to this role and work alongside our Heads of Departments, teachers, staff and community to help every student thrive.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or ideas you’d like to share.

Kind Regards 

Krista Inglis

Deputy Principal Educational Services

Welcome to Term 1, 2025.

I hope everyone had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday with family and friends. The students have returned to school excited and happy to be back, and to hear some of their holiday stories has been fun. Holidays are a wonderful time to connect with the people we love and recharge our energy for the following year.

It is with anticipation that I write in the first newsletter of Mareeba State High School as Deputy Principal of Education Support Services. I am honoured and humbled to lead a team of experienced educators to support our young people in their education and wellbeing. I would like to acknowledge the work of the previous Deputy Principal of Education Support Services, Michelle Eriksson who left this role at the end of 2024. Her dedication and support to both her team and students was exceptional, and she will be missed by both Staff and Students.

I have been dedicated to the field of education for more than twenty years. I have worked with a variety of students from early years, to teaching Adult Literacy and Numeracy. I served in the Leadership roles of both Principal and Deputy Principal in the Northern Territory, and have a real passion for supporting students with additional needs. However, this is not a role that can be done by one person and I am privileged to work with a team of very experienced teachers and support staff.

There is a number of new teachers and existing teachers. Reegan Mason has been at Mareeba High School both as a T/A and now as a teacher for a number of years. Kirsty Shakespeare has joined the team from Mareeba Primary School and was also employed at Saint Stevens previously. Louise Geitz joins us from Thursday Island, and teaches our senior grades along with Linda Weber, who was previously at Caboolture High School. We are also fortunate to have a Rapid Response Team teacher Tamara Bailey from Balmoral High School.

Alongside our Teaching Staff, is our dedicated team of T/As and Educational Interpreters who bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the unit having worked with many of our students throughout their educational journey for many years.

I will work hard to continue the legacy of success established by Mareeba State High School by building strong relationships with parents, students and the wider community. We will focus on character education initiatives, developing literacy and numeracy, the use of data to drive instruction, and support and provide consistent implementation of the curriculum in a rigorous manner so that we can increase our students’ achievements.

As your new Deputy Principal, it is important to me that everyone who steps through our doors -teachers, support staff and students are excited to be here. This attitude will enable us to meet the challenges of academic excellence in a positive, fun and nurturing environment. My door is always open and I welcome your input. Please feel free to call or email to discuss any concerns you may have throughout the year.

I look forward to working in a true and meaningful partnership to achieve a successful school year.

Yours kindly,

Ann-Maree Fewtrell.

Upcoming Events - save the date

• Monday, 17 February – Tablelands District Volleyball
• Monday, 17 February - Gregory House Handball Tournament 
• Tuesday, 18 February – BBQ Meet and Greet
• Thursday, 20 February – MSHS Swimming Carnival
• Friday, 21 February -Tablelands District Basketball
• Saturday, 1 March - Mareeba Lions Club - Youth of the Year 
• Wednesday, 5 March – Tablelands District Cluster Day 2
• Wednesday, 12 March – Tablelands District Touch Football
• Thursday, 13 March – Tablelands District Basketball
• Thursday, 3 April – MSHS Cross Country
• Friday, 4 April – Last day term one

School News

Year 7 and 10 Tablelands Immunisation Program envelops have been issued to students. Please return completed forms to Q Block by Friday 28 February 2025. The program will visit the school on the below dates: 

Visit 1:    Monday 12/05/2025
Visit 2:    Monday 28/07/2025
Visit 3:    Monday 20/10/2025

Our Gregory House Captains have been eagerly planning the first of many 'mini events' that will occur throughout the year to get house spirit up across the entire school.

Gregory House will be coordinating an Ultimate Handball Tournament on Monday 17^th Feb in Recess 1 under D and E Blocks.

School Information

Photos! Good News and Our Achievements

Aiden Russo and Ryan Casey from Ryan Casey Constructions. 

Aiden signed up to his school base apprenticeship in Carpentry.

Congratulations Aiden! 

School Parades

Community News

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