Pimlico SHS Newsletter - Term 2 #1

From the Executive Principal's Desk

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As we pass the halfway point of Term 2, I’m thrilled to share some of the many successes and exciting events that have shaped our school community so far this term. It’s been a busy time, and I continue to be proud of the spirit, effort, and excellence shown by our students and staff.

Pimlico Presents: Spooktacular

Pimlico Presents Spooktacular was nothing short of phenomenal with Saturday’s performance sold out two hours before the curtain raised and Friday extremely close to selling out!  We’re privileged to have so many talented and hard-working students involved in our music and arts programs —supported by dedicated teachers who give generously of their time. 

Thank you to the exceptional leadership of Shannyn Gilberd as Artistic Director and her talented team: Brenden Woolley and Ash Baxter as Assistant Directors, and the rest of the Production Team – Julie Coutts and Jillian Page, who began preparations in 2024. A heartfelt thank you also goes to the many dedicated staff and community members who gave countless hours before and during the production in the many roles required to make a performance of this size and calibre a reality.   Your dedication made this opportunity possible for our students.

Careers Expo 2025

Today we proudly hosted our Annual Careers Expo, and what a day it was! With approximately 50 exhibitors across a wide variety of industries, tertiary education institutions, and training providers, the event was a valuable opportunity for our Year 9 to Year 12 students to explore potential future pathways. From engineering to education, hospitality to health care, our students had direct access to information and inspiration from professionals, educators, and employers.

Thank you to Renee Austin and her team: Kim Hoffensetz, Chris Barrett, Halle Barrett, Tony Tomkins, Kym Bathe, Sharyn Weder and Kylie Morgan for their outstanding organisation of this important event. Engaging with industry and training experts gives our students the tools to make confident, informed decisions about their futures.

Cross Country Success

Despite some uncertain weather, our Inter-House Cross Country was a great success! With 353 students competing, we saw fantastic participation and house spirit on display. The cross country was held at a new venue incorporating Gill Park and our oval which has received positive feedback.  Congratulations to Emma McCulloch, Jamie Burton, and the HPE team for their expert coordination and the smooth running of this event. Good luck to students who will now compete at the Inter-School Cross Country.

Celebrating Excellence – Queensland Training Awards Finalists

We are incredibly proud to share that two members of our school community have been named finalists in the prestigious Queensland Training Awards – North Queensland region. Renee Austin has been named in the top 3 for VET Teacher of the Year. This award celebrates innovation and excellence in vocational education and training, and Renee’s commitment to her students and her field is nothing short of inspiring. Joining her is Destiny Lui, a top 3 finalist for School-Based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year. Destiny is currently completing a Certificate III in Business as part of her traineeship, and her dedication and achievement in this pathway are admirable.

We wish you both the best of luck at the regional finals and are so proud of you!

Attendance – Every Day at School Counts

A friendly reminder that every day of learning truly counts. Consistent attendance is vital for student success – each day builds on the knowledge and skills developed in previous lessons. Missing even just one day each fortnight adds up to more than a year of lost learning over the course of a student’s schooling.

We ask all families to prioritise daily attendance unless your child is unwell. If your child is unable to attend, please ensure the absence is explained through the usual channels. Let’s continue working together to maximise every learning opportunity for our students.

Student Uniforms – Winter

With the cooler weather starting to settle in, we would like to remind families of our winter uniform expectations. Students should be wearing items from the official winter uniform list, which includes:

• School jacket with the 'Pimlico' palm logo or Pimlico track jacket
• Tracksuit pants in navy blue
• Navy-blue tights (to be worn with the school skirt or shorts over them)
• Pimlico SHS Senior jersey – for Year 12 students only.

Our school jacket and jumper are available for purchase at School Locker, Domain. Thank you for helping ensure our students maintain a consistent and respectful appearance in line with our school uniform policy.

Term 2 continues to deliver extraordinary moments of achievement and community spirit. Thank you, as always, for your continued support and involvement. It is through strong partnerships with families that we are able to create these meaningful opportunities for our students.

Warm regards
Yvette Rimmer
Acting Executive Principal

P&C Association

Second Hand Uniform Store Opening

With the definite chill in the air, demand for jumpers has increased!
The P&C will be opening the uniform shop up on 28 to May from 8:15-9:00 in the morning and from 2:45-3:30 in the afternoon.

General Information

All are welcome at out P&C meetings, held in the library from 7pm on the following dates:

• Term 2 - June 10
• Term 3 - August 12 & September 9
• Term 4 - October 14 & November 11

Our canteen continues to do great business, ably run by our convenor Jeena Philips Koshy and our other employees. Volunteers are always welcome! Please email Jeena on 2049_canteen@eq.edu.au with any time you have.

Please send any matters for P&C discussion to pimlicopandcsecretary@outlook.com

Upcoming Events

Senior Schooling

Queensland Training Awards 

We are thrilled to hear the regional finalists for the Queensland Training Awards have been announced!

A huge congratulations to our very own Destiny Lui from Year 12 for being recognised as a finalist for School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year and to Ms. Renee Austin, our outstanding VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year finalist.

Join us in celebrating their incredible achievements!

The regional finals will take place on 26 July 2025 at The Pavilion at The Ville.

Let’s come together as a school community to support Destiny and Ms. Austin as they represent us at this prestigious event. We’re all cheering for you both!

Learn more about the finalists here: Queensland Training Awards Finalists https://desbt.qld.gov.au/.../regions/nq-winners-finalists

VR Construction Immersion

Pimlico was proud to host Construction Skills Queensland - CSQ / Construction Pathways with their VR Construction Immersion this week.

Students entered virtual construction sites and interacted with construction workers, exploring different areas and completing tasks. This program aims to increase awareness of career pathways in the construction industry and engage students in a focused learning environment. Students completed tasks for the tradies on site and learned about their roles and career paths.

Thanks to Amanda for all of her knowledge and engagement.

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Pathways into Education Pilot Program

We are excited to celebrate the success of 9 of our year 10 students, being accepted into the Certificate IV in School-Based Education Support Program (CHC40221)! This initiative, proudly sponsored by the @Department of Education in partnership with @TAFE Queensland, is designed for young individuals passionate about pursuing a career in education.

Completing this certificate will equip students with essential skills to work as Teacher Aides, empowering them to support young learners and explore the rewarding field of teaching. Graduates will have an alternative pathway to a Bachelor of Education, paving the way for further studies in Teaching our next generation. 

We are proud to congratulate our dedicated students who will begin their traineeships in Semester 2:

Andre, Charlie, Emily, Georgia, Jaimee, Kayla, Madison, Memphis & Tahlia   

Join us in celebrating their achievements as they embark on this exciting journey in education!

Year 11 Movie Night: Pyjama Party in the DGPAC

On Wednesday evening, Year 11 students gathered for a Movie Night, arriving in pyjamas for social yard games, music and a BBQ dinner. It was great to see students take some time to socialise and relax before exam blocks commence next week.

The night concluded with a screening of the Pixar movie 'Soul', selected due to its relevance to Careers Week. The film’s exploration of purpose, passion, and personal fulfilment aligns closely with key messages during careers week. 'Soul' also encourages students to reflect on their own career aspirations and how these would fit into a healthy and balanced lifestyle. 

The event was a great success, offering students a valuable opportunity to connect and unwind during a significant year of their schooling. 

Thank you to all staff who helped organise the evening and all students who attended, making for a memorable evening.

Pathways & Possibilities

Pathways & Possibilities is a free information evening designed to give parents the latest insights, tools, and connections to guide their child’s career journey.

Date: Monday 16 June 2025

Time: 5:30pm - 7:30pm

Location: Pimlico State High School - Performing Arts Centre

What to Expect -

• Hear from industry leaders and experts about North Queensland’s future workforce needs
• Gain practical advice on how to support your teen’s subject, training, and career decisions
• Sit in small group round tables with local industry representatives and education providers
• Learn about current work experience opportunities and take home real resources
• Connect with those shaping the future of health, construction, agriculture, trades, manufacturing, defence, education, and more.

For more information, or to register for your tickets, please click on the link!

Careers Expo

Today we proudly hosted our Annual Careers Expo, and what a day it was! With approximately 50 exhibitors across a wide variety of industries, tertiary education institutions, and training providers, the event was a valuable opportunity for our Year 9 to Year 12 students to explore potential future pathways.

From engineering to education, hospitality to health care, our students had direct access to information and inspiration from professionals, educators, and employers.

Engaging with industry and training experts gives our students the tools to make confident, informed decisions about their futures.

A special thanks to all our staff members for ensuring todays event sailed smoothly, and an extra special thank you our local businesses who save our students a snapshot of what lies ahead.

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Around the Grounds

HOSPITALITY

Hospitality visits The Ville

This week, our Year 11 Hospitality students had the incredible opportunity to visit The Ville Resort Precinct. They explored both front and back of house, gaining valuable insights into the vibrant world of live restaurants and bars, and discovering the intricacies of running a resort.

A huge thank you to The Ville Resort-Casino for hosting our students and providing them with such a memorable experience!

SCIENCE

North Queensland Hydrogen Grand Prix Race

The first North Queensland Hydrogen Grand Prix race took place on Wednesday 14 May at the cruise ship terminal in South Townsville.

Pimlico entered 2 teams in the 4 hour race with our teams placing 8th and 11th out of 14. 

Unfortunately, both teams had some major technical issues but they worked well as teams to get the cars back on the track.  We are very proud of the fact that both cars were on the course and still moving at the end of the 4 hour race.

The students involved in the race were:

• Mean Green Racers - Elijah, Oliver, Landon, Jason & Kasey
• Pimmi Palms - Kydan, Thomas, Mildred, Jack & Rohan

A big thank you to the other members of our squad who were not in one of the teams on the day but contributed to getting the cars and the drivers ready for the race - Finlay, Flynn, Raphael, Keito & Oliver.

The Mean Green Racers team received an award for Innovation which was awarded based on the modifications that they had made to the original car.

A big thank you to Mr McAuley and Ms Coote who gave up 2 hours on a Tuesday afternoon for 24 weeks as well as countless lunchtimes to support the teams.

Preparations for next years race will be beginning at the start of Term 4.  We are looking for new members for the 2026 race so any students who are interested are encouraged to come to the Science staffroom to put their names down.

And finally we need to say a big thank you to our sponsor Ark Energy who has sponsored our teams for 3 years.  Without them we would be unable to be involved in this program.  They have supported us by paying for our involvement as well as offering us technical support by helping us to produce molds for our shells.  We truly appreciate the support you have provided to allow our students to be involved in this international competition.  The real life skills that this program develops is something that students do not get to develop in other areas of their schooling.

Year 12 Students Dive into Open Water SCUBA Certification

Forty Year 12 students are currently undertaking their Open Water SCUBA certification as part of the school’s Aquatics program. This exciting opportunity sees students studying both in and out of the classroom to complete the theoretical component of the course.

Following their theory work, students spent a full day in the pool developing the essential skills needed to become safe and confident divers. With the pool training successfully completed, they then headed to the ocean for four open water dives. These dives allow students to practise the skills they’ve already learned and to develop new ones, such as underwater compass use and natural navigation.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive an internationally recognised qualification, enabling them to dive to a depth of 18 metres anywhere in the world — a certification they will hold for life.

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Pimlico Music

Pimlico Presents

This year’s Pimlico Presents variety concert was nothing short of amazing, showcasing the exceptional talent of our Music, Dance & Drama students and celebrating the vibrant creativity within our school community.

The show opened in spooktacular fashion with a high-energy number featuring over 100 students in Year 10-12 coming together to sing and dance—a powerful display of school spirit and collaboration that set the tone for an unforgettable evening.

With an incredible 75 auditioned items, narrowing the show down was no easy task—but the final 26 student-led acts that took to the stage absolutely blew the audience away. In addition to these impressive student-led performances, the evening also featured outstanding showcases by our premier music ensembles, Big Band, Orpheus, Pimlico Voices, Blue Brass, Wind Symphony & Symphony, and the school’s elite dance group, X Dance. From start to finish, each performance reflected the hard work, passion, and dedication of our students.

We’re proud to say the show was a great success once again, with the second show completely selling out—a true testament to the excitement and support from our school community. We’ve also received ongoing praise for the high calibre of the performances and the professionalism of all involved.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributed to making Pimlico Presents such a memorable evening—it was truly a celebration of talent, teamwork, and school spirit! We look forward to another great year next year!

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Masterclass with Luke Kennedy

As part of this year’s preparations for Pimlico Presents Variety Concert, Pimlico SHS was fortunate to welcome back Luke Kennedy from The Little Red Company to deliver a masterclass with students in solo and/or small group vocal items.  Held for the first time in our new DGPAC, this day was a wonderful opportunity for students to rehearse and refine their performances before they hit the big(ger) stage at the Civic Theatre for Pimlico Presents!

Pimlico Sport

Interhouse Cross Country

Last week the interhouse cross country took place with a lot of willing and excited students in a brand new track inside the school and into Gill Park.

With less that 20 points between 1st and 4th place, it was a tough and tight race, but congratulations to Panadaus for taking out the 2025 cross country!

It was a massive race with 5 records being smashed!

Also congratulations to our age champs - presentations will take place at our next full school assembly.

2025 Townsville Secondary School Surf League Competition

The 2025 Townsville Secondary School Surf League Competition will crack on for another year! To be hosted by Surf Life Saving Queensland on Friday the 1^st of August 2025! If you are interested, please contact the HPE staff room to register or for more information.

#PimlicoProud

Year 7 Debating

On Tuesday of Week 3 three brave Year 7 debaters faced off against Southern Cross.

The topic was "That modern life is more stressful than the yesteryear" and Pimlico students were in the negative.

After a tough competition Southern Cross were declared the winners.  Team awesome are already gearing up for their next debate.

Lachlan Evennett Racing

Lachlan raced at Mount Panorama Bathurst over the Easter long weekend a spar of the Bathurst 6 Hour race event.

This was only Lachlan’s second time racing around Mt Panorama and had only 1 x 20 minute Practice, Qualy and 2 x Races in a 43 car field for Round 2 of Australian Trans Am. After the one practice Lachlan qualified in the top half quickest group for qualifying.

Lachlan qualified P16/43 even with a mechanical clutch failure on the car on his one and only flying lap. Race 1 moved from P16 to P12 and in Race 2 was running in the Top 10 when an oil spill at the top of the moment caused a multi car pile up and the race was red flagged and declared.

Overall, a great learning weekend in a much more high horse powered car then last time he raced there and will only help when he returns in October for the V8 Supercars Bathurst 1000 in the Toyota 86GR Cup category.

Lachlan will now focus his attention on Formula Ford with the Australian Formula Ford National series starting this weekend at Phillip Island GP circuit and continuing over next few weeks before heading to Hidden Valley Raceway in Darwin for Round 3 of National Trans Am at V8 Supercars round.

QRSS Northern Volleyball

Congratulations to past and present members of the Pimlico family for competing in the QRSS Northern 16-19yrs boys volleyball competition.

Here are past (Bryson) and present (Ryan, Nathan, Tatsuki, Will) students of Pimlico SHS.

Unfortunately, we were beaten 3-2 but it was a nail biter whilst playing for 3rd.

Awesome work everyone involved!

Irish Dancing

Congratulations to Eamon O'Farrell for recently competing at the Burdekin Junior Eisteddfod.

Eamon competed in both Highland and Irish Dancing & danced extremely well receiving 2nd in the Premier 15 years & Under Title and placing in most of his dances on Saturday.

On Sunday, he backed it up winning his Open 14 Years & Under Title, winning all but 2 of his dances where he came 2nd and receiving the Mrs Irene Barton Memorial Most Promising Intermediate Dancer.

Boys Football Tournament

Congratulations to our students who recently competed in the Boys State Schoolboys Football Tournament in Cairns.

Year 11 student Nate West competed in the 16-19 years where the Northern team came 4th and Nate was selected in the Queensland team to compete at the National Championships in July.

Lachlan Wilkie (Year 10) & Liam Keys (Year 8) represented Northern at the U15 division.

Tenpin Bowling

Hayden Miller (year 9) recently competed in the Australian junior Masters and represented NQ for President's shield for Tenpin Bowling, held in Melbourne.

His Masters qualifying went well, he qualified 2nd, throwing a 735 series (245 average) for 3 games, which included a pb game of 296. He needed to strike his last ball for perfection

Unfortunately, he twinged his back and missed the Masters final.

President's shield is a team event, 6 each of NQ's best boys and girls verse other States in a 20 game competition. Hayden bowled every game, winning 16 of 20 points available, and averaged 199.6.

NQ girls won Gold, NQ Overall won Silver.

Hayden also won the Chairpersons Award for the competition.

Australian Age Championships

The Australian Age Championships is the biggest event on the Australian swim calendar held over 8 days with over 1300 swimmers attending the competition.

India raced in the 14-year-old 50m Butterfly event, competing against 65 swimmers. Her entry time ranked her as 47th in Australia.

India won her heat, achieved a PB swimming under 30 secs, and moved up the rankings to 19th in Australia. We are super proud of her achievements after a year and half of competitive swimming.

U15 School Girls Football State Championships

Recently 4 Pimlico soccer superstars represented Northern at the U15 School Girls Football (soccer) State Championships on the Gold Coast where the Northern team placed 3rd with Lucy being named in the QLD side. Congratulations Cadence, Alyssa, Lucy & Scarlett!

NQ School Sport U16's Rugby Union 7's

Layne and Annaleise (both yr 10) were recently selected for the NQ school sport U16's Rugby Union 7's team. This is a huge achievement as only 12 players were selected from over 30 girls who trialled! The team will head to Toowoomba on the 6^th June to compete against the other school regions and a place in the Queensland Schools 7's team.  Well done girls and good luck in Toowoomba!

Qld Volleyball Team

Big news! 

For the first time EVER TWO NQ boys were chosen to be on the Qld Volleyball Team. 

Both boys are also from Pimlico SHS!

Congratulations to Nathan and Will on their selection.

As a bonus, on their way back home they ran into Gout Gout, at Brisbane Airport!

Canteen

Canteen Roster

Canteen Operating Hours

• Breakfasts & Pre-orders: 8.15am – 8.40am
• Break 1: 11:20 – 12.00
• Break 2: 1:10 – 1:50

Library Update

Premier’s Reading Challenge (PRC)

Along with the support of our English teachers, we are very pleased to be engaging our students in Years 7, 8 and 9 in the Premier’s Reading Challenge again this year. 

The PRC is not a competition but a way to encourage students to develop a love of reading for life. Students are encouraged to select a range of fiction and non-fiction books suited to their reading ability and record books read during the reading period, from 6 May to 22 August.

To complete the challenge students need to read at least 15 books, but of course, they can certainly read more!  Students can choose from:

• graphic novels and comics
• magazines
• audio books and books online
• fiction and non-fiction, even including cookbooks!
• books in other languages and books in braille

And we can certainly accommodate all interests in the library with a wide range of materials available for borrowing.

The aim for the 2025 challenge is to encourage students to make time to read, and see where reading takes them.

Readers’ Cup

This year we have two teams competing in the Readers’ Cup competition.

Readers’ Cup is the flagship event of the Children’s Book Council of Australia – Queensland Branch.  It is a state-wide event where teams of students read sets of books and then compete with other teams in their region to answer quiz questions.

Winners from each regional competition then compete in the State Final.

Our students have been very busy reading their books, meeting twice a week with their teammates and quizzing each other in preparation for the big night on Monday 16^th June.

Our teams are:

• Years 7 & 8:  Lily Allan, Penny Wright, Sienna Frewen-Lord, Lilly Munster and Oliver Wright
• Year 10:  Shayla Williams, Matilda Hood, Jasmine Coventry, Aoife Bock and Emily Wilke

Library opening hours

Monday and Friday:                                  8:15am – 3:15pm including both breaks
Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday:               8:15am – 3:30pm including both breaks

See you in the Library

Alice Manning

Librarian

Defence School Mentor (DSM)

Anzac Day

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the incredible work of both staff and students to commemorate Anzac Day at Pimlico SHS. Our annual ceremony at school was both moving and insightful, with guest speakers and community guests joining us for a morning tea following the service. Pimlico students also represented the school at the Strand Anzac Day Parade, doing an incredible job. Thanks to all involved.

Social Connections

Our weekly Milo Club (Social Gathering) has kicked off again for Term 2, providing a space for defence students to catch up and build social connections with other defence students. Milo Club has been a great chance for students to ‘chill’ during lunch break. It’s been great to see some of the students bringing along their non-defence friends, and introducing them to the other students to further build our little community.

Education Assistance for Defence Families

Here is a gentle reminder of this important scheme available to eligible ADF families. Defence Member and Family Support offers help with extra education costs when families move due to a posting. This includes tutoring support within the first 18 months at a new school. To apply, complete web form AD301 and include a letter or email from the teacher supporting the need for help. If you would like some assistance/support with this, please reach out to me and I can help liaise with teachers or locate the forms with you. Other supports may include boarding, tuition, and tertiary accommodation. For full details and eligibility, visit the DMFS website. 

Supporting Our ADF Students during Parental Absence

If your ADF service requires your absence during the year, please feel free to send me a quick email so I can offer extra support to your child at school. While many students adapt well to the unique demands of an ADF lifestyle, it can sometimes (an at times unexpectedly) become challenging for them. I make a point of checking in more regularly with students facing parental absence to ensure they have the support they need. My email is dsm@pimlicoshs.edu.au

Supporting Our Defence Families – Defence Member and Family Helpline

With an increase in Defence exercises this year, we want to ensure our school community—especially our ADF families—are aware of the Defence Member and Family Helpline.

This 24/7 support service is available to all Defence members and their families, offering assistance, advice, and referrals based on individual needs. Whether you're dealing with deployment, relocation, education concerns, or personal matters, the Helpline connects families with qualified professionals and helpful local resources.

Call 1800 624 608 (24/7)
Overseas: +61 2 6127 1600
Email: Available with 24-hour response

From crisis support to help with childcare, partner employment, or community connection, the Helpline is a valuable resource for navigating Defence life.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out if your family needs support.

New on campus hours

This term my contact hours have changed to better align with DSM program requirements. I will be at school on Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9am – 2pm. As always, you and your student are welcome to arrange a meeting during this time or I am available via email at any time.

Take care

Vicki Cothier

Defence School Mentor

Community Education Counsellor (CEC)

Queensland Training Awards Finalists

A few days ago, the Queensland Training Awards finalists were announced; we are proud to say our Year 12 student Destiny Lui is a finalist for School-based Apprentice or Trainee of the Year. Also, Ms Renee Austin for outstanding VET Teacher or Trainer of the Year finalist. A huge congratulations to you both on your achievements and good luck at the regional finals in July. 

Pimlico Presents

Pimlico Presents Spooktacular Concert is always a fabulous event on school calendar held over two nights to full a Civic Theatre. Our First Nations students from Cowboys House were joined by other students to performed Earth Tribe; choregraphed by Miriki Performing Arts and Cowboys House. It has been a long time since our First Nations students performed as a group at Pimlico Presents; their performance truly showcased their talents. Many thanks to Miriki Performing Arts and Cowboys House for allowing our students to perform this piece. Thank you to the performers you were amazing, also the Cowboys House and Pimlico staff, we appreciate everyone’s time and dedication to make the performance possible. It was wonderful to see so many families enjoying the Spooktacular.

National Sorry Day

Next week we commemorate National Sorry Day on Monday, 26 May. National Sorry Day remembers and acknowledges the mistreatment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who were forcibly removed from their families and communities.

We then transition into National Reconciliation Week (NRW) from 27^th May - 3^rd June. National Reconciliation Week is a time for Australians to learn about our shared histories, cultures and achievements. The 2025 theme is ‘Bridging Now to Next’ it reflects the ongoing connection between our past, present and future. It asks all Australians to walk together in the true spirit of reconciliation.

During the week we honour two significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the successful 1967 referendum, and the High Court Mabo decision. The week then ends with Mabo Day on the 3^rd June.  Our students are looking forward to sharing our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures during this time.

Homework Club

Just a reminder, I run schools Homework Club it’s open to all students, no booking required, sign in and out system, and BYOD.  Teachers and Teacher Aids are there to help with individual or group study. Held each Thursday from 3.05pm – 4.30pm in V1 and V2 (room change to L13 in exam week). Please check the bus timetable if necessary and snacks are provided at the end of the session. 2025 Homework Club dates Terms 1, 2, 3: weeks 2 - 9; Term 3: weeks 2 - 8. 

Best wishes

Aunty Pat, CEC

International Students

Welcome to our newest International Students

Please join is in welcoming our newest EQI international students for Term 2 - Bharath (India), Zac (China) and Aurelia (Germany).

Bharath and Zac are staying with their parents and guardians while Aurelia is hosted by one of our amazing homestay families.

Thank you to the Eusebe family for opening their home and hearts to Aurelia over the next 3 months.

Homestay Families

We are currently looking for a family or individual who's happy to open their home to a male international student from mid this year to November 2026.

The student is independent, self sufficient and very low maintenance, making him an easy fit for anyone looking to host with minimal disruption to their daily routine.

In return, you will receive a generous fortnightly payment and the opportunity to support a student from another country during their time in Australia.

If you have a spare bedroom and are open to hosting, please get in touch with our International Homestay Coordinator Shevindi on sdemo0@eq.edu.au or 0429 049 297

Guidance Officers

Supporting well-being: Introducing Pimlico's Guidance Team

At Pimlico State High School, we are fortunate to have three compassionate Guidance Officers who play an essential role in ensuring the well-being and success of all our students.  

• Ms Nat - Guidance Officer Years 9/12  
• Ms Katina - Guidance Officer Years 8/11 
• Ms Lauren - Guidance Officer Years 7/10 

Some of the main services our Guidance officers provide are; emotional, mental health and well-being support, crisis management and referral services, parent and teacher collaboration, promoting inclusivity and well-being initiatives and academic support and career guidance. 

Supporting the school community is a priority for our Guidance Officers, which is why they will be sharing important information, advice, and resources regularly regarding mental health and well-being to help our community support our young people as best as we can.  

They will often be sharing a different topic relating to well-being and mental health in the hopes of helping our parents and carers feel more connected and supported in their roles.  

 If you have any questions or feel your child would benefit from additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out to any one of our Guidance Officers guidanceofficer@pimlicoshs.eq.edu.au.   

They are here to support our students every step of the way! 

Understanding and Supporting Adolescent Mental Health: A Guide for Parents

As parents, we want nothing more than to see our children grow into confident, happy, and well-adjusted individuals. But adolescence can be a tricky time, filled with rapid changes and challenges, especially when it comes to mental health. According to recent statistics, 1 in 7 Australian children and adolescents aged 4–17 experience a mental illness each year. This includes conditions like anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and self-harm. Understanding these issues and learning how to support our young people through this stage of life is crucial for both their mental well-being and their overall development. 

Why Mental Health is Important for Adolescents 

The adolescent years are a time of growth and change, both mentally and physically. The adolescent brain is still developing, and this can impact everything from their emotional regulation to how they process and manage stress. Healthy mental well-being in adolescence is essential for forming positive relationships, developing social skills, and building resilience which are key attributes that will serve them well throughout their life. When adolescents face mental health challenges, it can affect their self-esteem, academic performance, and even their ability to connect with friends and family. Early intervention and support can make all the difference, helping your young person navigate challenges and emerge stronger. 

Key Issues Linked to Social Media Use: 

Body Image and Self-Esteem 

Platforms like Instagram and TikTok often promote unrealistic body standards, leading to adolescents comparing themselves to peers, influencers or celebrities. This can increase the risk of eating disorders and body dysmorphia through increasing comparison tendencies. Studies have shown that the more time adolescents spend on social media, the more likely they are to experience negative body image and low self-esteem. 

Online bullying is a major concern, as it can happen anytime and anywhere, leaving kids feeling trapped and powerless. The anonymity provided by social media can embolden bullies, (particularly with disappearing message functions on platforms like snapchat) making it harder for victims to escape or provide evidence. This can exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety. 

Social media often showcases highlight reels of others’ lives, which can lead to feelings of exclusion and loneliness. When adolescents see their peers attending events or engaging in activities they weren’t invited to, it can increase feelings of isolation and depression. 

The lure of social media can also interfere with healthy sleep patterns, as adolescents may stay up late scrolling through feeds or engaging in online interactions. Poor sleep is directly linked to increased anxiety, mood swings, and difficulty concentrating. 

Practical Strategies for Supporting Your Young Person's Mental Health 

In addition to recognising and responding to mental health concerns, there are several everyday strategies you can use to support your young person's well-being: 

1. Keep Communication Open 

Make it a habit to regularly check in with your young person. Be available to listen without offering solutions right away. Let them know you are there to support them, and that it’s okay to not always have the answers. Open dialogue helps your young person feel understood and less isolated in their struggles. 

2. Encourage Healthy Habits 

Good mental health starts with healthy physical habits. Encourage your young person to get plenty of sleep (8-10 hours a night), engage in regular physical activity, and eat a balanced diet. These simple habits can significantly improve mood and overall well-being. 

3. Create a Positive Environment 

A supportive home environment can make a world of difference in young people's mental health. This includes offering praise and positive reinforcement, managing household stress, and setting realistic expectations. The more your young person feels supported at home, the more resilient they will be in facing challenges. 

4. Set Boundaries Around Social Media Use 

Limit the amount of time your young person spends on social media and encourage them to take regular breaks from screens. Make sure they leave their phones and other screens outside of their rooms at night so as not to disturb their sleep. Monitor their social media use and enforce age-appropriate conditions surrounding their engagement. Talk openly about the pressures of social media and help them set healthy boundaries. Encourage them to follow accounts that promote positivity, body diversity, and mental health awareness.  

5. Seek Professional Help When Needed 

If you notice signs of a mental health issue, it’s important to act early. Professional help from a therapist, Guidance Officer or psychologist can provide the support your young person needs to cope with and manage their mental health. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. 

Where to Turn for Support 

If you or your young person are struggling with mental health challenges, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. You can seek support from our Guidance Officer team or find some excellent resources below: 

• Parent line: Online or phone support for parents on a range of different topics. Offers web chat or phone counselling. https://parentline.com.au/older-kids  
• E Safety Commissioner: Online support for social media, cyberbullying and technology use https://www.esafety.gov.au/  
• Beyond Blue: Offers support for anxiety, depression, and mental health issues. https://www.beyondblue.org.au/  
• Headspace: Provides services for young people aged 12-25 with mental health and wellbeing support.  https://headspace.org.au/  
• Kids Helpline: Offers free, confidential support for young people aged 5-25. https://kidshelpline.com.au/  
• Lifeline: Provides 24/7 crisis support for anyone experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide. https://www.lifeline.org.au/  

(Online safety plan: https://www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/beyond-now/create-your-beyond-now-suicide-safety-plan-online/) 

Events & Notices

Win a Rav 4 with Cowboys House

Support the students of NRL Cowboys House and the Cowboys Community Foundation’s life-changing programs with a ticket in the Cowboys For the North Raffle!

This is a major fundraiser for the Cowboys Community Foundation, the charity arm of the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys, and every ticket makes a difference.

Our Townsville

We have been contacted by the Townsville City Council to inform us about an upcoming event that directly involves some of our parents and caregivers.

Our Townsville 2025 will be held at Anderson Gardens on Sunday 15 June 2025, bringing together elements of Eco Fiesta, Heritage Day, Pet Expo, Mentally Healthy Expo, Get Active Expo and Get Ready Day into one jam-packed, free day out.

As a result, Anderson Gardens will be closed to the public from Tuesday, 10 June until Tuesday, 17 June.

The Council understands that some parents use Anderson Gardens as a pick-up point for their children. and they wanted to notify our parents about this closure and advise them to make alternative arrangements during this period.

September 2025 high school Beginner Language Bootcamp.

Our High School Program classes are taught by teachers with native-like proficiency. Gain cultural understanding whilst improving your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills in an immersive environment. 

As a global citizen, enhance your employability prospects, develop cultural competency as well as deepen your intercultural understanding while improving proficiency in your chosen language. 

Students will have the opportunity to learn from experienced UQ IML tutors in an online setting.

Program details:

• Dates: 22 September -26 September 2025
• Years: 7-8
• Languages on offer: French, German, Japanese, Spanish
• Delivery mode: Online (via Zoom)
• Day & Time: Mon-Fri, 9am- 10:30am 
• Sessions run for a duration of 1hr30min daily over 5 consecutive days
• Cost: $220 per student (price inclusive of GST)

Enrolments close: 12 September 2025

2025 Little Athletics Coles Winter Carnival

New to Little Athletics? Come try it at the 2025 Coles Winter Carnival in Townsville!

You don’t have to be a Little Athletics member to take part — this carnival is open to ALL kids aged U7–U17, so if your child loves running, jumping, or throwing, this is their chance to give athletics a go in a fun, friendly environment!

When: 28–29 June 2025

Where: Townsville Sports Precinct, Burke Street, Townsville

Who: Open to all U7–U17 athletes — no LAQ membership required!

It's the perfect way to try athletics, stay active, and enjoy the Queensland sunshine during the Winter school holidays. All welcome!

Come for the PBs or just for the fun — either way, it’s a weekend you won’t forget!