As we begin to wind down on the first term of 2025, it is time to reflect on the outstanding achievements already accomplished this year. Firstly, in the wake of our swimming carnival in Week 3, it was announced that Eerwah has come away victorious for the first time in 20 years, a significant accomplishment that has been a long time coming for many die-hard fans. Well done Eerwah.  It was great to see everyone dressed up and supporting their house, and we look forward to seeing this continued participation in our cross-country next term.

Furthermore, our year 12 marine students enjoyed a weeklong excursion to Great Keppel Island, where they participated in snorkeling and collecting information on sea life and coral for their upcoming assignment. Thank you to all the teachers and staff for making this possible.

In the academic field, our year 7’s and 9’s have just completed their NAPLAN testing in week 7, while year 11 and 12 students prepare for vital upcoming exams in week 10.

The recently renovated hall bathrooms have provided a much needed and exciting new life to the hall facilities, which will be utilised daily by all students, as well as members of the school community when attending events in the hall. These events include Comedy for a Cause, which is going ahead on Saturday 29^th of March at 7pm, and our upcoming musical in term 3, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Get your tickets and don’t miss out.

Additionally, Thursday of week 8 saw Mr. Hoy shave his head for our annual do it for cancer fundraiser. It was great to see so many people participating by wearing ribbons and spraying their hair in support of this great cause. Donations were also collected for the coin line challenge, where each year level competes to produce the longest line of coins, laid out across the hall floor. This year, grade 12 was the clear winner, stretching the whole length of the basketball court, followed by the year 9’s, then 10’s with year 11 bringing up the tail. All coins and contributions will be counted and donated to the leukemia foundation. Every dollar raised contributes to providing families with necessary support and powering research projects aimed at achieving a blood cancer-free future.

ANZAC day ceremonies will be held on Wednesday week 1 with veterans and members of the community attending the school to highlight the importance of commemoration on this significant day, as well as ANZAC services being held in Cooroy, Eumundi, Tewantin and other locations across the Sunshine Coast, on April 25^th.  Make sure to attend if you can.

On behalf of the Student Council, we wish everyone a happy and safe holiday, and look forward to seeing you next term.

Angus Hetherington

School Captain