Message from Anthony Swan - Principal 

Welcome back to Term 4! We hope everyone had a restful and enjoyable break. As we enter the final term of the year, we look forward to the love of learning, student achievement and celebrations. Term 4 is always a special time at Sunshine Beach SHS, as we wrap up the academic year and celebrate the many accomplishments of our students.

Senior Students – A very important term.

The first three weeks of Term 4 are especially important for our Year 12 students as they prepare for their external exams. This period sets the tone for success, and being well-prepared is essential. We encourage all senior students to attend every class, revise consistently, and seek support when needed. Teachers are here to guide and assist, and we urge families to help students maintain a balanced routine that includes study, rest, and wellbeing. These exams are a culmination of years of hard work, and we are confident our students are ready.

New Outdoor Gym Opens!

We are excited to announce the opening of our brand-new outdoor gym located in the Year 9 and 10 eating area. This high-quality, park-style fitness space is designed to promote health and wellbeing across the school. Students can enjoy the equipment during break times, and our senior students will also use the gym as part of their fitness classes, engaging in outdoor circuit training and practical learning. It’s a fantastic addition to our campus and supports our commitment to active lifestyles and outdoor learning.

Term 4 Events and Celebrations

Term 4 is packed with exciting events that showcase the talents, leadership, and achievements of our students. Please mark your calendars for the following highlights:

• 10 October – Race Day
• 14 October – Percussion Showcase
• 16 October – Dance Showcase
• 21 October – Student Leader Investiture
• 21 October – ‘Sunscreen’ Film Showcase
• 22 October – Sports Awards
• 23 October – Arts Extravaganza
• 17 November – Music Showcase
• 19 November – Awards Day/Night
• 20 November – Year 12 Graduation & Formal Dinner

These events are wonderful opportunities to come together as a community and celebrate the diverse strengths of our students. We look forward to seeing you there!

Keep Your Contact Details Up to Date

Please ensure that the school office is informed if there are any updates or changes to your contact details, addresses, or emergency contacts. Keeping this information current is crucial for effective communication and the safety of your child.

Attendance Matters

We would like to emphasize the importance of daily attendance for all students. Our goal is for every student to achieve a 92% or better attendance rate for the term. Regular attendance is essential for academic success and helps students stay engaged with their learning. Everyday counts!

Thank you for your continued support. Let’s make Term 4 a memorable and successful conclusion to the school year!

Welcome to the Awards Season!   This term is extremely busy, and I am looking forward to seeing the achievements of our wonderful students at events such as Dance Night, Music Showcase, the Percussion performance evening, Arts Extravaganza, or at one of the awards evenings.   I particularly wish to pass on my congratulations to our year 12 students, who we will be farewelling in only a few weeks’ time. 

NAPLAN

Results have now arrived for students in Grades 7 & 9, and, once again, Sunshine Beach State High School has recorded strong NAPLAN results.   Looking across not only individual student results but as a whole school, we are proud to see that we are one of the top performing state high schools in the Sunshine Coast region.

SBSHS 2025 results show:

Though these results are for the whole cohort; some children may have achieved above or below. Please remember this is just ONE data source we can adapt and use to best support your child. This national data, along with individual report cards, short term testing, academic competitions, and formative and summation assessment help us to provide teaching and learning opportunities better matched to your child.

Academic Award Celebrations

Congratulations to all students who are receiving invitations to our Academic Award Celebrations on Wednesday, 19 November (the day before Year 12 Graduation).

We will hold two ceremonies:

• Years 7–9 Ceremony

Rehearsal: 10:30 am

Ceremony: 11:50 am – 1:00 pm (during the school day)

• Years 10–12 Ceremony

Rehearsal: 8:20 am – 10:00 am

Ceremony: 6:00 pm (evening event for academic achievers and special award winners)

Please check your email for your invitation.  If your child is unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible.

The list of awards and criteria is below. 

I look forward to seeing you all over the next few weeks at one or more of our school celebrations.

Message from Jo Kearney - DP - Junior School

Languages (Italian) Faculty

From fashion and art to culture and history, students in Italian classes wrapped up Term 3 by investigating the lives and legacies of iconic Italian figures. Through research and creative presentations using platforms such as Canva, they developed biographies highlighting the achievements of renowned individuals including Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Marco Polo, and Giorgio Armani (to name just a few).

Students also created vibrant classroom posters featuring key Italian words and phrases which not only brighten the Italian classrooms but also support language comprehension for all learners.

As Term 4 begins, the Italian classrooms are looking more welcoming than ever. Students are excited to start the units of work for term 4, which include: 

• Year 7 students will explore a unit that teaches them to describe themselves and others in Italian.
• Year 8 students will investigate Italian culture, focusing on regional differences, food, and products.
• Year 9 students are examining the European Union and its impact.
• Year 11 students have commenced Unit 3 and are working towards completing their IA1 task.

We look forward to showcasing more of their incredible work in the weeks ahead!

International

At the start of Term 4, we welcomed four new international students to our school community, joining us from Chile, Italy, and Switzerland. They are part of our broader international cohort participating in study abroad programs ranging from 3 to 12 months.

While studying at Sunshine Beach SHS, our international students learn about Australian culture, strengthen their English language skills, form life-long friendships, and experience some of South-East Queensland’s most iconic attractions — including Tangalooma, K’Gari, Australia Zoo, and the Great Barrier Reef.

Our international students bring a wealth of cultural diversity and global perspectives to our school. Later this term, they will collaborate with our Year 7 students to share elements of their home cultures and explore the similarities and differences between Australia and their countries of origin.

We look forward to the enriching experiences and connections this cultural exchange will bring to our school community.

Host Families Needed for 2026

Sunshine Beach SHS has proudly been hosting international students for over 17-years. To continue the success of this valuable program, we are seeking host families for both long and short term stays in 2026 and beyond.

About our Programs

We run two types of international student programs:

• Study abroad programs: students stay for 3, 6 or 12 months.
• Study tours: students stay for 2-weeks.

We welcome new study abroad students each school term, with larger groups arriving in January and July. We are also excited to host our first study tour for 2026 in March from Takamatsu.

What’s involved in hosting?

Hosting a student requires:

• A spare room with a bed
• Three meals a day
• A warm, welcoming and supportive home environment

Why host an international student?

Hosting is a rewarding experience that offers:

• A change to shar the Sunshine Coast lifestyle
• Opportunities to learn about new cultures
• The joy of forming life-long friendships and global connections

All hosting families receive generous financial reimbursement to cover associated costs.

How do I find out more?

To find our more, contact our International Student Coordinator, Sharon Forbes at sforb23@eq,edu.au or 5440 4294. Further information can be found on the EQI website https://eqi.com.au/agents-partners/host-an-international-student.

Design & Technology - Photo Celebration

 
Message from Justin Wilkie - DP - Middle School

Science 

Our Science Department has been buzzing with excitement as students dive into a variety of hands-on experimental investigations! From launching bottle rockets to peering through microscopes, our young scientists are exploring the wonders of navigation, coral reef ecosystems, pH chemistry, and innovative boat designs. These practical experiences are not only sparking curiosity but also deepening their understanding of core scientific concepts.

As we look ahead, our Year 12 students are gearing up for their external exams starting Week 4 — a crucial time where their hard work and dedication will shine. Meanwhile, Year 11 students have begun Unit 3, tackling biology, physics, and marine science, with upcoming Data Tests later this term to assess their progress.

We’re proud of the enthusiasm and commitment shown by all our budding scientists and encourage you to support them as they prepare for this important phase.

Thank you for being part of this exciting learning journey!

Middle School

Experience UniSC Event – 30th October

On 30th October, our Year 10 students will have the fantastic opportunity to attend the Experience UniSC event at the University of the Sunshine Coast. This event provides valuable insights into university life and courses, helping students explore their future study options and career paths. It’s a great chance to experience campus life and get inspired about what comes next after high school.

Year 10 Work Experience – Week 8

Work Experience Week is coming up in Week 8! This is an important opportunity for Year 10 students to gain real-world experience in a workplace, develop new skills, and explore different career options.

Important reminder: All students must return their completed work experience forms to Kellie Walker in the Uluwatu staff room as soon as possible to secure their placement.

If you have any questions about work experience, please contact Kellie Walker.

HPE

We’re looking forward to celebrating our students’ outstanding achievements at the 2025 Sports Awards Luncheon on Wednesday 22 October, 11:00am, at the Sunshine Beach Surf Lifesaving Club.

Students who excel in other sports (outside school sport pathways) will be acknowledged on year-level parades throughout the term.

 
Message from Emma Wilson - DP - Senior School

Senior School

Sunshine Beach SHS continues to strive for constant improvement. Over the past two years, we’ve intentionally raised the bar — not just with academic improvement, but also through ensuring students are engaged in successful pathways. Sunshine Beach State High School currently has the highest number of senior students engaged in a school-based traineeship or apprenticeship in the North Coast region. Our goal remains for every student to achieve their potential and leave school with qualifications that open doors — whether that’s an ATAR of worth, a QCE, or a Vocational Certificate II or higher.

Currently, all Year 11 and 12 students are undergoing a detailed review process of their academic progress. This includes individual meetings ranging from formal performance interviews with the Deputy Principal Senior Schooling, the Head of Senior School, or a Head of Year.

Our Year 12 cohort is nearing the end of their schooling journey and preparing to step into the world with confidence. Students have been completing QTAC applications and finalising resumes as they look toward university, training, or employment opportunities. The school’s Graduation Ceremony and Formal will be held on Thursday, 20 November.

As we enter the four-week external exam block from 20 October to 18 November, we wish all students focus, resilience, and belief in themselves. On behalf of the Sunshine Beach SHS community, congratulations to the graduating class of 2025 — we are proud of you and wish you every success in the years ahead.

Year 11 Visual Art Students Find Inspiration at the Big Pineapple

Our Year 11 Visual Art students recently enjoyed an inspiring and creative day at the Big Pineapple, gathering stimulus for their upcoming Year 12 IA1 assessment task. The day began with a briefing before students boarded the iconic Pineapple Train, travelling past the zoo and through the surrounding fields to collect visual inspiration from the unique local environment.

Students then took part in a series of art workshop rotations, where they experimented with new techniques and produced a range of beautiful and imaginative artworks. A highlight of the day was a visit to the Lifeline Thrift Store, where students sourced objects and materials to use in their future folio pieces.

It was a fantastic day filled with creativity, collaboration, and discovery — a perfect start to their journey toward senior Visual Art.

 
Message from Anne-Marie Hodgkinson - Business Manager

2026 Fees

These will be invoiced this term in week 9 for YR08-YR12. Please keep an eye out for these in your emails.

Student Resource Scheme

I wanted to provide information on the Student Resource Scheme so parents/carers understand the purpose of this fee.

The scheme ensures that students have the resources required for them to engage with the curriculum for their education and saves parents time and money in sourcing the prescribed materials elsewhere. Savings are gained through the school’s bulk purchasing practices and hiring arrangements. The scheme IS NOT used to raise funds for other purposes, and revenue collected through the scheme is applied only to the resources and operation of the scheme. The financial impact on parents and whether the school can absorb any of the cost has been considered before determining the SRS fee. The SRS fee is currently $300 per year and it will remain at this cost in 2026.

The scheme’s operation, resource inclusions and participation fees are approved annually by the school’s P&C Association.

Participation in the Student Resource Scheme

The objective of the scheme is to provide a convenient and cost-effective way for students to access the educational resources necessary to enhance their learning experience at school. The Department encourages parents to participate in the scheme. Participation in the SRS is optional, and no obligation is placed on a parent to participate. Participation is for the duration of your child’s enrolment at the school.

If you opt out of the scheme, you are required to provide the educational resources listed in the SRS for your child/children by the start of the school year. The school will not provide these resources.

Year 12 Formal

Exciting times ahead with the Year 12 formal this term.

Please remember that all fees must be paid for a student to attend the formal event. 

If you require a statement to know how much is owed, please call the office.