2 April 2025

From the Executive Principal's Desk

Dear parents and caregivers,

As we wrap up Term One, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable individuals who make up our school community. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been exceptionally proud of the way our students have demonstrated their commitment to making a world of difference—both within our school and across local and global communities.

In Week Nine, hundreds of students gathered to support four courageous students and one equally brave teacher who participated in the World’s Greatest Shave. Together, they raised over $4,500 to help find a cure for cancer. Understandably, there were nerves leading up to the event, but the support from friends, families, and the wider school community was overwhelming—and deeply moving. It was a powerful example of students thinking and acting for the benefit of others, even when it involves personal sacrifice.

I’ve also been impressed by the level of student leadership and engagement throughout our Harmony Day celebrations and regular Together Tuesday events. Our long-term ambition is to ensure that at every break, on every day, students have access to something positive and enriching. While we’re still working toward that goal, we’re seeing excellent progress.

Pimlico Presents is shaping up to be another incredible show! With a record number of auditions, the selection process was incredibly competitive. 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.

Tickets are selling faster than usual, so don’t miss out!
https://bit.ly/3FkTnFT

Despite the challenges the weather has posed, students have remained engaged in their learning and are progressing well with their assessments. As part of our ongoing commitment to quality teaching and learning, the Leadership Team regularly undertakes classroom walkthroughs. During these, we often ask students five key questions:

• What are you learning, and why is it important?
• How are you going?
• How do you know?
• How can you improve?
• Where can you go for help with your learning?

These questions help us understand how clearly students grasp the curriculum and what they need to succeed. Encouragingly, our students generally demonstrate high levels of assessment literacy and know they can turn to peers, teachers, parents, or their QLearn subject pages for support. These are also great questions for parents to ask at home to help monitor their child’s progress.

Uniform Surveys:

Pimlico State High School is undertaking a review of its uniform. This review will not see any changes to the uniform until 2027 and if any changes are made, there will be a period of time in which the old uniform can be worn concurrently with the new uniform.

This review is well overdue as there is significant student, staff and parental voice that the uniform could be updated to be more comfortable, present the students in a highly professional way while maintaining affordability and durability. Our review will be based on the feedback of members of our community. As such, I would encourage all members of the parent community to undertake the uniform survey below.

Even if your child will have graduated by the time the changes occur, you input is of great value to the school. We will also be seeking feedback from staff and students through separate surveys.

https://survey.qed.qld.gov.au/n/enZhkxA

As we head into the holidays, I’d like to wish all members of our community a safe and enjoyable break. I will be taking Long Service Leave at the start of Term 2, and I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to spend some additional time with my family. I have full confidence in the staff stepping into leadership roles during my absence. Yvette Rimmer will act as Executive Principal, and Carmel Linning will be Acting Associate Principal.

Best wishes
Stephen Baskerville
Executive Principal

P&C Association

Update from the AGM

Thank you again to all the new and returning members who turned up to the recent Annual General Meeting and especially those brave parents and citizens who put their hands up to volunteer for an executive position in 2025. It is truly wonderful to have a complete executive for the first time in a couple of years and shows the care and commitment of the Pimlico P&C members to be willing to take on the following roles.

• Vice President – Rebecca Gravelle
• Secretary – Samantha Talbot
• Treasurer – Audra Davis
• P&C Representative – Siobhan Bock

I personally would like to thank both Polly Adams and Gina Evernnett for their years of service and dedication to the running of the Pimlico P&C and MSG. These two exemplary parents have spent countless hours organizing and running the secondhand uniform shop, organizing fundraisers, volunteering in the canteen and managing the canteen business and HR matters with the highest level of integrity and selfless care possible. We are truly saddened at the loss we will all feel when their boys graduate from Pimlico later this year and they leave our school community for the next phase in their ever-busy lives. There truly are not words that can do justice to the amount of work, energy and effort that has been donated to the school community by these two wonderful parents. Again, thank you Polly and Gina you leave this P&C no doubt better than you found it.

Another important element of our AGM was the naming of Mick Cutler and Noel Price as life members to the Pimlico P&C. They have each contributed many years of their lives to this school and its P&C despite their children having finished school and in Noel’s case his grandchildren have nearly completed high school as well. Noel still happily puts his hand up every time to work with the school on the submission of grant applications and Mick is always there to help us remember the rules and etiquettes of holding a public meeting in a correct and fair manner.

2025 looks like it will be a great year for our community, and we look forward to working with the Canteen and all our volunteers to support the school in providing the best opportunities for our students.

Entertainment Book Fundraiser

Looking to save yourself some money, and support your school at the same time? Why not grab the latest Entertainment “book” where you will get upto 50% off things you love to do!

For more information, head to: 

General Information

The remaining meetings for 2025 will be held in the library from 7pm on the following dates:

We Need Volunteers To Fuel This School!

The Pimlico P&C is calling for anyone and everyone who can spare a few hours and volunteer to help the canteen.

We have had wonderful and much appreciated volunteers who have for years donated their valuable time to assist the Tuckshop staff of Pimlico State High School.  

Jeena (The Convener) and her team would love to hear from you if you can spare either a few hours once a week/fortnight/month. Please contact them at 2049_canteen@eq.edu.au or 4759 3432.

Have a wonderful break.

Owen Petersen
Pimlico P&C President

Upcoming Events

ANZAC DAY MARCH

On April 25, our school will be proudly participating in the ANZAC Day March to honour the service and sacrifice of defence members past and present. This is a great opportunity to show respect, represent our school, and be part of an important national tradition. Students who wish to take part must collect a permission form from Year Coordinators in L11 before the end of term. Let's come together to commemorate this important day. Lest we forget.

PIMLICO PRESENTS

Tickets for the 2025 Pimlico Presents tickets are officially on sale and this year’s theme is getting a little... spooky!

This year, our show will be taking place on Friday 16th & Saturday 17th May commencing at 7:30pm.

Our show lineup looks fantastic - I can very confidently say that we are in for yet another stellar performance.

For those who haven't been to see the show before, it's a wonderful evening and honestly not one to be missed. A general comment that we get is that there is truly something for everyone in the show and you will be blown away by how talented our students are!

Over 800 tickets have already been sold, so make sure you grab a good seat by heading to 

Make sure you grab a good seat by heading to https://bit.ly/3FkTnFT

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Senior Student Council

The Executive Senior Student Council attended the Soroptimist International Women's Day Breakfast at Edmund Rice Hall with the guest speakers addressing the theme of "Accelerate Action" - encouraging regional women to be bold in seizing opportunities in STEM, the arts, and in the community.

Junior Student Council

IWD was celebrated with a relaxed light breakfast and a very special guest as we discussed this years theme, "Accelerate Action". Our guest speaker was Sky Foundation Member and Magistrate Kerri-Lee Frederick. Kerri was instrumental in setting up The Women's Centre Townsville here in Townsville.  Kerri's chat was inspirational about how little steps make a huge difference, especially if we all make those little steps together. For more information about what services The Women's Center provides, head to https://www.thewomenscentre.org.au/

Senior Schooling

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

As we transition into Term 2, our Year 11 students are poised for a busy and enriching period characterized by leadership activities, educational opportunities, and essential work experience. We are excited to share some key updates regarding their journey.

Year 11 Leadership & Work Experience

In Term 2, Year 11 students will embark on planning their Community Project in class. They will also conduct a SET Plan review with their teachers to ensure they're on track for their future goals. An important reminder: work experience is a compulsory component of their Leadership assessment, and all students must attend. Work Experience Agreements will be distributed early in the term, detailing each student's placement and requirements. It is crucial that these agreements are signed by students and parents, and returned to the school as soon as possible. This step is vital to complete the insurance process for both students and the Principal. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to Ms. Austin or Ms. Hoffensetz in Senior Schooling.

Exciting Senior Schooling Opportunities in Term 2

We are pleased to announce several opportunities for our students as they explore potential career pathways this term.

Year 10 – Pathways into Education Pilot Program

On April 3rd,TAFE  held an informative session regarding a new pilot program, allowing Year 10 students to study a Certificate IV in School Based Education Support (Teacher Aide). With only 20 placements available across Townsville, this initiative presents a fantastic opportunity for our students. The course requires students to attend TAFE at the Pimlico campus every Thursday, with a commitment of 2½ years to complete the study alongside their Year 11 & 12 coursework. In addition, students will undertake a 100-hour placement at an educational institution and complete mandatory training. This program is sponsored by the Queensland government and comes at no cost to our students, providing 8 QCE points, a guaranteed ATAR of 74, and guaranteed entry into Education at JCU and CQU upon successful completion. Please refer to the attached information and application, which is due by May 7th.

White Card Training

PSHS is offering White Card (CPCWHS1001 Prepare to Work Safely in the Construction Industry) training for our Year 11 and 12 students who need this certification for their Work Experience or future careers.  An email with more information has been sent to students, and permission forms can be collected from A22. It is essential that these are returned in the first week of school. A cost of $85 will cover the training delivered by TAFE.

Careers Week

Be sure to mark your calendars for the National Careers Week! Our Annual Careers Expo will be held on Friday, May 23rd, welcoming over 50 exhibitors to our school. This event offers Year 9-12 students a unique chance to interact with potential employers, apprenticeship providers, and various tertiary training opportunities.

CSQ VR Experience

In Week 3, CSQ will be offering students a virtual reality experience related to the construction industry. This exciting initiative allows students to explore numerous career roles within this field. As space is limited, please encourage your child to listen for notices and to contact Ms. Austin promptly to secure their participation.

Speed Careering with the National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)

We are thrilled to announce an exceptional opportunity for a select group of female students to attend a Speed Careering event at Tech NQ on May 22nd. This event will feature inspiring women working and thriving in male-dominated industries. Permission forms for interested Year 10-12 girls will be available early next term.

As always, we appreciate your ongoing support and collaboration in fostering a positive and productive learning environment for our students. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact us.

Construction Pathways Program

Exciting News! Our School Joins the Construction Pathways Program

We’re thrilled to announce that Pimlico State High School has been invited to be a Construction Pathways School Partner under the Building and Construction Gateways to Industry Schools Project (GISP).

This incredible opportunity, led by Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ), will give our students access to industry events, hands-on experiences, and valuable career connections in the booming construction sector.

What does this mean for our students?

• VR classroom experiences
• ‘Construction Chats’ with industry professionals
• Site tours & hands-on ‘Try-a-Trade’ events
• Exclusive resources & career guidance

CSQ CEO Geoff Clare commended our school for our dedication to career pathways, and we’re excited to work closely with CSQ to bring these amazing opportunities to our students.

Stay tuned for updates as we help our students build a bright future!

The GISP is proudly supported and funded by the Queensland Government.

Survey for your child’s future career

𝐂𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐢𝐠𝐡 𝐬𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐥-𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝 𝐤𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐨𝐰𝐧𝐬𝐯𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞 & 𝐍𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐡 𝐐𝐮𝐞𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝!

JTNQ has launched a new Parent Survey to help shape our region’s future workforce and your insights are vital.

As our region’s jobs pipeline continues to grow, especially in sectors like health care, construction, education, and advanced manufacturing, it’s more important than ever that our young people are ready to take advantage of local opportunities.

Parents play a critical role in guiding subject and career choices. This short survey will help us better understand how families approach those decisions and inform programs that support students to build great careers right here in North Queensland.

Complete the survey for your chance to win 1 of 3 $100 vouchers! Terms and conditions apply.

Survey link: https://lnkd.in/gatTYhsg
Closing date: Friday 5 April

Valentine’s Day Ball

Over 130 year 11 and 12 students attended the Valentine's Ball in the DGPAC. Students were dressed to impress; enjoying an evening of live music, games and dancing. Thank you to all students who attended, and to our Pimlico staff for volunteering their time to supervise.

It was truly a LOVEly evening!

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World’s Greatest Shave

Last Friday the Pimlico community came together in an inspiring show of courage, generosity, and support for the Leukaemia Foundation.  Thank you to our brave students and staff (Ciarra, Cassia, Brandon, Elijah and Mr Bliss) who shaved their hair, and to the dozens of students who coloured their hair, raising over $4330! Every dollar goes toward funding vital research and supporting families facing blood cancer.

A huge thank you also to Rhiannon and Alannah from Just Cuts who donated their time to support our cause.

Lastly, thanks to everyone who cheered, got involved, and donated. You’ve made a real difference!

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Junior Schooling

Year 7 Camp

During Week 6, 165 of our Year 7s took part in their first camp as high schoolers. This was the first Year 7 cohort to try out Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre. Our students were split into two groups and went on camp either Monday to Wednesday or Wednesday to Friday. We packed plenty into the 3 days that we had. The students were organised into coloured teams and each had a mascot that had to be photographed while completing activities.

The camp activities all centred around team building, community and leadership with each activity encouraging our students to work together and push themselves out of their comfort zones. They got to build rafts and then paddle them on the lake; master the art of bush orienteering; analyse the environment around them with kayaking and scoop netting and climbing the giant wall, before abseiling back down. 

Each night our students were involved in evening activities that saw them complete challenges, show off their dance moves or enjoy stories by the campfire while toasting marshmallows. With so much to do, it was lucky that every meal came with second helpings and desserts so that our students were all fully fuelled for the activities at the camp. 

We finished camp week with lots of amazing photos of bunny mascots doing challenges with our students. We also got to see all of our students, many of whom had come from different primary schools and didn't really know each other, work together, support each other and form great camp bonds. A big thankyou needs to go out to all of the teachers who helped to make the camp happen, we couldn't do it without you all. 

Our next Camp is in Year 9! We can't wait. 

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Year 7 Leadership Day

Fifty-five students participated in Year 7 Leadership Day during Week 6.  Communication, team work and resilience became a focus of the day, as students worked together to create bridges, play Quiddich and break through language barriers.  

Many thanks to our wonderful teachers, who organised activities to ensure our non-campers were actively engaged on campus.

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Harmony Day

While Harmony Day is usually celebrated on March 21, Pimlico students acknowledged and celebrated our amazing cultural diversity on Thursday the 27th. The Junior Student Council planned a non-uniform day, as well as a variety of other activities to highlight our multiculturalism and show that everyone belongs. Students were encouraged to wear orange – the colour for Harmony Day – as well as something that represents their culture or heritage. It was great to see so many students and staff dressing up to celebrate their culture!

We were lucky to have some amazing student performances over both breaks, as well as the STARS girls doing dot paintings on student faces, and the JSC getting students to put a dot on the MPS world map of where they were from, all while listening to some funky tunes.

Our student performers were: Preston – didgeridoo; Eamon – traditional highland dance; Rithika and Nehal – traditional Indian dance; Kentaro, Lylah, Wagel, T’Shak, Jewlz, Brayden, and Taylor – Torres Strait Islander dance; Mez, Analis and Marina – Samoan Fia Vaai dance.

It was really fantastic to see our students come together to watch the performances, despite the tropical downpour, and to celebrate and acknowledge our school’s rich cultural heritage.

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Around the Grounds

THE ARTS

Illuminate Visual Art Excellence Program

Last week, 6 Year 11 Pimlico Art Students enjoyed participating in this year's Illuminate program at Riverway Arts Precinct.  Illuminate aims to enrich the arts practice of Senior Visual Art Students in the Townsville Region.

Students participated in a tour of the current exhibition Behind the Lines at Pinnacles Gallery, followed by a mixed media workshop using frottage, drawing and collage with Brisbane-based artist Tamika Grant-Iramu, and then a 'Drawing is Seeing' tutorial with 2024 Political Cartoonist of the Year, Megan Herbert. 

A big thank you to Townsville City Galleries and Ms Rose Rush for once again organising such an amazing opportunity for Visual Art Students in our region.

HOSPITALITY

We are delighted to share the exciting activities happening in our Hospitality Department during Term 1. Our students are benefiting immensely from hands-on learning experiences that are helping them develop essential skills in the culinary arts.

Year 12 Café Operations

Our Year 12 hospitality students have successfully launched their very first café, showcasing their skills in espresso coffee and beverage making. The café operates on Monday and Tuesday mornings from 8:00 AM to 8:30 AM, and offers a delicious variety of meals and beverages during breaks. Our students are proud to serve fresh, on-premise prepared items, including sushi, toasties, mini pizzas, loaded potatoes, lemon tarts, and gluten-free brownies. Everyone – staff and students alike – is welcome to enjoy these tasty offerings!

Year 11 Hospitality Foundations

Meanwhile, our Year 11 students are learning the foundational elements of hospitality, focusing on food safety and workplace health and safety principles. They have been actively engaged in creating a variety of dishes and demonstrating their kitchen skills. Next term, students will work towards achieving their Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification and will visit the Ville Precinct in May to assist with their Source and Use Hospitality assessment. Invoices for this program have been sent to parents, and permission forms will be distributed in the first week of the new term.

Thank you for your continued support of our Hospitality program. We look forward to sharing more successes and delicious creations from our students!

SCIENCE

Scholarship Opportunity - AFS Global STEM Changemakers

AFS is excited to announce 50 scholarships* for Young Changemakers in Australia & New Zealand for a special edition AFS Global STEM Changemaker AU-NZ exchange program.

This globally recognised, award-winning and fully funded 12 week program will run from 2 May – 26 July 2025

Running for the second year and facilitated by qualified Australian facilitators, this program is ideal for students aged 15-17.5 years who want to address global sustainability challenges while building their global competence and intercultural learning skills.

Students with a keen interest in STEM and sustainability, from diverse backgrounds throughout Australia, are strongly encouraged to apply to take their place on this program, which they complete from home, while joining live sessions with AFS qualified facilitators in a teen safe environment.

Interested students can learn more & apply below

https://afs.org/global-stem/ausnzl/

National Youth Science Forum - Year 12 Program 2026

Are you in year 11? Apply now to join us in January!

Ideal for:

• Young people with a passion for science
• Students in Year 11 from around Australia
• Everyone – scholarships available

The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program gives students that are about to start year 12 a broader understanding of study and career options available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

For more information, head to: https://www.nysf.edu.au/programs/year-12-program/

Pimlico Music

SHEP Cairns

SHEP Cairns was another wonderful opportunity for students achieving between Grade 4 and 6 AMEB to work with both musicians from schools across North QLD and visiting clinicians.  Students had a wonderful time rehearsing before the Sunday concert.  Thank you to Miss Cavanough, Miss Hoey and Mr Kehoe for accompanying the trip.

Easter Concert 

Last Thursday evening saw String Orchestra, Pelorus, Orpheus and Hermit Park String Orchestra perform at our annual Easter String Concert at St James Cathedral.  The students performed incredibly well.  Thank you to Miss Mulligan and Mr Newell for this ongoing opportunity.

Big Band Performance

First break Wednesday, our amazing Big Band put on a concert in the Quad! Stay tuned in Term 2 for more mini concerts from many of our remarkable students.

Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Instrumental Music (MOST)

Congratulations to Jamie Gould (Cello), Abraham Dubbeld (Euphonium) & Kyron Holden (Trumpet) for your successful nomination.

The Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Instrumental Music is a biennial event offering a residential extension program for up to 80 musically outstanding students (MOST) from Queensland state secondary schools.

The MOST program extends musically gifted and talented students in a 10-day program of musical development in large and small ensembles, tutorial groups, aural musicianship and a range of music and cultural activities. Conductors and tutors are eminent musicians who are recognised as leaders in their respective fields.

In 2025, the MOST residential camp will be held from 23 June - 3 July.

The 2025 MOST students will then perform at the Gala Concert performance on Wednesday 2 July at the Conservatorium Theatre, Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University Brisbane.

Pimlico Sport

Block Sports

Our Pimlico Rugby Union teams have just wrapped up their block sport competition. Thank you to Miss Morgan for coaching the 7/8 Boys team and to Mr Hindom and Mr Greedy for coaching the 9/10 Boys team. Congratulations to all of the boys who participated and represented their school with pride.

Our two Pimlico year 11/12 mixed volleyball teams have just completed their block sport competition where they played multiple games against different Townsville Schools. Both teams defeated all the other schools. Congratulations to these team members and to Miss Bessell for coaching both teams.

Swimming Carnival Age Champions & Record Breakers

Back in week 5, we held our Interhouse Swimming Carnival at Long tan Pool. It was a spectacular day for both swimming performances and displays of house spirit. We would like to congratulate our Age Champions and Runners Up.

A number of records broken throughout the day.

#PIMLICOPROUD

NQ Swimming Championships

India and Luca recently competed in the 73rd Annual North Queensland Swimming Championship with swimmers from 20 North QLD clubs competing. Luca secured state times for the QLD championships held later in the year and India also achieved qualifying times for the QLD championships!

Volleyball NQ Cup

The 4 Pimlico students chosen to represent NQ in the upcoming State Championships played in the Volleyball NQ Cup recently and took out gold! The Pink Panthers, all Pimlico students, came 2nd.

Lachlan Evennett Racing

After receiving a Motorsport Australia age exemption Lachlan debuted as the youngest ever driver over the weekend in Round 1 of the TRICO Australian V8 Trans Am at Symmons Plains Raceway in Tasmania with a very high quality field consisting of current Supercars and Super 2 drivers. Now to TRICO Australian V8 Trans Am Round 2 at Mt Panorama Bathurst over Easter long weekend.

Lions Youth of the Year District Final

Congratulations must go to Ben Sarnyai who competed in Lions' Youth of the Year District Final recently. Ben performed admirably and showed everyone his ability to perform across the board under pressure. Our thanks go to Townsville Lioness Lions Club who support Pimlico and Ben. Pictured here is Ben and his coach Heather Fraser.

Swimming Qld Sprint Championships

Earlier in the year, Kasey Austin qualified for the Swimming Qld Sprint Championships in Brisbane Aquatic Centre, Chandler for 3 events - Open 50 back, 14y 50 free & 14y 50 back. She achieved a PB in 50 free and swam very close to her backstroke PB in both races.

Australian Surf Lifesaving Titles 

Two of our year 9 girls, Eden Shearman and Scout Hastie, competed at the Australian Surf Lifesaving Titles on the Gold Coast over last weekend. With horrendous weather conditions including a beach full of blue bottle jelly fish they won bronze in the Under 13/14 -2 person Rescue and Resuscitation event. This is the 2nd year in a row they have medalled at Aussies. A huge achievement. Well done girls.

Interhouse Chess Competition

Congratulations to our four finalists of the Pimlico Interhouse Chess Competition.

• 1st- Landon Barr (Year 12- Royal)
• 2nd- Levi Whiteaker (Year 8- Alex)
• Tied for 3rd- Eamon O’Farrell (Year 7- Pandanus) & Lawson Hausdorf (Year 8- Alex)
  

Across 3 gruelling days of high level chess, 17 competitors gave it their all. Thanks to Mr Nielsen, Ms Lee and Mr Baskerville for running the competition. Overall House points from the competition awarded to the Palm Plaque are:

• Alex- 127 points
• Royal- 68 points
• Pandanus- 33 points
• Phoenix- 6 points

Canteen

Roster

Volunteers

Our canteen is always in desperate need of some more lovely volunteers. We like to keep our prices at a reasonable price for the students, and also like to contribute our profit to the school for any needs that are required. We are a fun lot at Canteen and would love to have you join us.  If you would like to volunteer, please contact Jeena on Ph. 47593432 or email 2049_canteen@eq.edu.au

Canteen Operating Hours

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

Regards
Jeena Philips-Koshy

Library Information

Welcome to Tranquil Tuesdays and Thursdays

Due to popular demand, the library is now ‘tranquil’ at second break on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  This is to allow students to complete school-work and enjoy a good book in peace without the distraction of board games and general socialisation.  Our tranquil sessions have been extremely well attended with the library often filled to capacity, and we look forward to continuing to offer our students a quiet and calm oasis in the midst of their busy (and sometimes noisy!) school days.

Get comfy with a magazine

We are pleased to offer students a great range of magazines this year including the following titles:

• Teen Breathe – mindfulness magazine filled with inspiration for living a happier, healthier life
• Double Helix – science magazine for kids from CSIRO
• It Girl – celebrity gossip, fashion and fun for tween girls
• Wheels – car reviews, news and comparisons
• League Queensland – International, State and National rugby league news
• Dancetrain – Australia’s leading dance education platform supporting the academic and artistic growth of dancers
• OYLA – Australian science magazine designed to spark curiosity and creativity through STEM topices
• Just Kidding – Australia’s biggest kids’ magazine filled with news, movies, toys, games and competitions

Book donations

Each year during Book Week, the library hosts its famous Book Swap.  However, for it to be a success, we are happy to receive book donations throughout the year that will help to get the Book Swap ball rolling.  If you have some pre-loved books that are still in great condition and you think our students will enjoy, please feel free to drop off your donations to the school office.  Thank you for your support!

Library opening hours

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

Defence School Mentor (DSM)

Exercise Talisman Sabre

Exercise Talisman Sabre 2025 (TS25) is a large-scale military training exercise involving forces from 19 nations, including live-fire drills, amphibious landings, and air, land, and maritime operations. The exercise, which will take place across various locations in mid-July 2025, may affect local communities due to military convoys, increased air traffic, and temporary restrictions in airspace and waterways.

During this period, military personnel may be absent or working extended hours, potentially impacting students with parents in the ADF. The school community should be mindful of these challenges and the wider community impacts, including changes in local infrastructure and safety measures, as families navigate this busy time. Force Prep will begin for some cohorts as early as March 2025, where serving members will have limited communication with family even if they are still within the location. It is important that as a school community we are wary of these disruptions.

Art Competition

To commemorate Anzac Day this year, we are running a school-wide Art Competition. To enter – you will need to design and create an A3 poster that reflects the spirit of Anzac day for your chance to win an art supplies pack, generously donated from local Kaisercraft and Officeworks stores. Submissions are due on Tuesday, Week 1 of Term 2. If you’d like more information, please see Mrs Vicki in the V Block staff room or email dsm@pimlicoshs.eq.edu.au.

Community Education Counsellor (CEC)

Welcome students and families! We are looking forward to an exciting year of education and cultural celebrations, especially the upcoming 50^th Anniversary of NAIDOC; The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy.

CEC Room

I’m very excited and very grateful to have been allocated a new CEC space in L13.  It’s a safe cultural support space for all students. I glad to say that lots of students are coming in for a yarn and hang out.

First Nations Ambassadors

We are delighted to announce Pimlico have a team of First Nations Ambassadors across all year levels. Our 2025 Year 12 First Nations Ambassador are Tabreesha Shura and Kentaro Sabatino.  The team are Year 11 Marina Aruba, Year 10 Maharliah Buchanan, Year 9 Armani Cullen and Preston Barney, Year 8 Wisteria Smith, Year 7 TBA. The students are busy working on what cultural activities they would like to run throughout year to showcase our unique Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.     

Homework Club

I just want to remind students and parents I coordinate the schools Homework Club each Thursday 3.05pm – 4.30pm in V1 – V2. Everyone is welcome and no booking required. We have a sign-in and out register; students can leave early. Unfortunately, we no longer have access to laptops, so students need to BYOD.  Homework Club is staffed by volunteer teachers normally from Maths, English and Science departments supported by teacher aids.  Student can work individually or in groups. If your student needs help with a particular subject, they can ask their teacher to come along. Late buses are available; students need to check the bus times. A snack is provided at the end of the session. Our 2025 schedule has been advertised on the schools Facebook page.  Please encourage your students to come along.

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

I look forward to working with the students and families.

Aunty Pat, CEC

EQI & International Students

Hello & Goodbye

We would like to say farewell to Kira Burtscher as she returns to Germany on Friday. On behalf of the school and your host family, we hope that you have had a wonderful experience during your time here at Pimlico.

We would also like to welcome 3 new students starting in Term 2.

• Zac Zhang ( Year 10) from China 
• Bharath Inampudi ( Year 10) from India
• Aurelia De Filippo ( Year 11) from Germany

Homestay Families

We are always on the lookout for kind and generous families who would like to hosting an international student in their house as you both get to experience a life changing event. If you would like more information, please contact our Homestay Coordinator Shevindi on 0429 045 297, or email sdemo0@eq.edu.au 

STARS

Year 7 STARS Camp

This term the Year 7 Stars girls attended their first Stars Induction camp. 

Over the course of the camp the girls engaged in a range of activities designed to build confidence, cultural identity and sisterhood. 

The girls formed meaningful connections and relationships with the mentors and other Stars girls. 

As the girls return to school, they take with them newfound friendships, and a strong support network as Stars looks forward to walking alongside them in their schooling journey!

FINANCE

The Student Resource Scheme fee for 2025 is $275*. This can be paid in full as a single payment or:

• an initial payment of $100 to be made BEFORE students can receive any resources, we ask for this amount ASAP
• a second instalment due in Week 3, Term 2 on 09/05/25 ($100) and
• a final payment in Week 3, Term 3 on 01/08/25 ($75)

If you have not received your 2025 SRS invoice or are experiencing difficulty meeting the payment terms, please contact our accounts team via accounts@pimlicoshs.eq.edu.au 

Certain subjects, such as aquatic practices and engineering also incur a separate fee or if your student is participating in a VET course these fees are now all overdue.  

Statements will be sent out early next term.  These show all amounts outstanding.  Should you see a negative amount on your statement this means you have a credit which will be applied to any amount owing or can be held over to the next invoice your student incurs.

Student Services

Grab n Go

We are very grateful for the ongoing donations and support that our Food Support Program receives from Fuel 4 Schools Townsville. 

This local charity donates bread, spreads, jam, cream cheese amongst other food items to keep our students tummies full! We offer a Grab N Go station at both recess and lunchtime to provide essential food items for students who have forgotten their lunch or need a top up. 

The demand for this has been steadily increasing in Term 1 and we are looking forward to continuing to provide this for the rest of the year. 

Events and Notices

Townsville Popfest is BACK!

And is rapidly approaching, this year its being held on Sunday 8 June.

For more information, head to: https://www.townsvillepopfest.com/townsvillepopfest 

Hey 2004 & 2005 Graduates – It’s Reunion Time!

Can you believe it’s been over 20 years since we walked the halls together? Let’s come together for an unforgettable night to reconnect, reminisce, and celebrate the amazing memories we created back in school. Whether you’ve kept in touch with old friends or haven’t seen anyone in years, this is the perfect chance to catch up, share laughs, and make new memories.

When: Saturday, 9 August 2025

Tickets are now on sale, so grab yours before they’re gone! 

We can’t wait to see you there!

Green Parenting survey

Calling for Parents of a Child between 0 to 12 years old!

Researchers from the University of Southern Queensland and The University of Queensland, are conducting research into parents’ opinions about parenting and climate change.

If you are a parent (18+ years) of a child aged 0 to 12 years and live in Australia, we would love to hear your views. You will need to complete a short online survey. To find out more or to participate, please visit https://surveys.unisq.edu.au/index.php/526111

This research has been approved by the UniSQ Human Research Ethics Committee (ETH2024-0126)

Townsville North Start Athletics Club

Townsville North Start Athletics Club has commenced their season for 2025.  This year the state primary and secondary championships are being held in Townsville in October.  This could be an added incentive for prospective athletes to start training early.

Life Without Barriers

If you would like to learn about becoming a foster carer, contact Life Without Barriers.

Queensland Youth Service's photo competition

Youth Week is just around the corner, and QYS wants to celebrate the creativity of our

amazing Young People with a Photography Competition!

Hermit Park AFC

Footy season is fast approaching! If you want to be involved, contact Hermit Park AFC!