Attendance Matters

Attendance is everyone’s business. Every lesson matters. Regular attendance and punctuality help students build connections, maintain progress and make the most of their learning. Missing even small parts of lessons can have a significant impact over time.

In line with Department of Education requirements, Balmoral SHS records attendance, follows up unexplained absences and works with families to support regular attendance. Students are expected to attend every school day unless there is a reasonable explanation for their absence.

Our attendance targets are 93% for the whole school and 95% for Senior School. The standards are clear: every period, on time, every day.

Students

Arrive at every lesson on time, ready to learn.
If arriving at school after Home Group, sign in at the Student Services window before attending class.
If assigned Reflection Room for arriving more than five minutes late to class, attend E05 at the next available First Break with a Student Engagement Head of Department (HoD).

Families

Notify the school of absences and provide a reason through QParents, Compass or the student absence line: (07) 3823 8555, preferably before or on the day of absence.
Support students to arrive at school on time and contact the school if barriers are affecting attendance or punctuality.

Teachers

Mark the roll within the first five minutes of every period.
When a student arrives more than five minutes late, assign Reflection Room in E05 at the next available First Break with the Student Engagement Heads of Department.
This action triggers an automated Compass message to families for each period in which the student is assigned Reflection Room.

Student Engagement Heads of Department

Mark the Reflection Room roll.
Discuss the reasons for lateness and support students to develop strategies for arriving at every lesson on time.

The school

Monitor and follow up unexplained absences, consecutive absences and patterns of low attendance.
Notify families of unexplained absences as soon as practicable on the day.
Work with students and families to identify and address barriers to attendance.

Attendance is everyone’s business. By working together and following these processes consistently, we can ensure students gain the most learning from their time at Balmoral SHS.

Public Transport and Travel Safety Reminder

Families are reminded that Balmoral State High School students can access school bus services 807, 808 and 811. Students should tap on and off with their go card every trip so usage numbers are accurately recorded and services can be planned safely.

The Queensland Code of Conduct for School Students Travelling on Buses requires students to; follow driver instructions, respect others and property, communicate appropriately, and behave in a way that keeps everyone safe. This includes orderly boarding, keeping hands and feet to themselves, keeping noise at a reasonable level, and storing belongings safely.

Unsafe behaviour such as pushing, excessive noise, moving around the bus, ignoring the driver, vaping, bullying, or recording others without consent may lead to consequences including refused travel. Some public transport offences may also result in a fine.

Please also remember that the 235 is not a school bus and is scheduled to leave before the end of the school day. Students should not leave class early to catch it. Students using the stop near the horse paddock on Thynne Road will need to wait for the 3:15pm service.

Students are also reminded to cross roads safely and, when travelling by bike, scooter, e-bike or e-scooter, to wear a helmet, follow road rules and age requirements, and ensure devices are legal and unmodified.

Thank you to families for supporting safe, respectful travel and students remaining in class for the full lesson.

Enter the 2026 Australian Science and Engineering Fair

Students in Years 9–12 are invited to submit their best STEM projects to the 2026 Australian Science and Engineering Fair (AUSSEF).

There is no entry fee, and the creators of the top nine projects will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to represent Australia at the International Science and Engineering Fair in Los Angeles, California, from 9–14 May 2027. More than US$9 million in prizes and scholarships will be available.

Projects can be entered across 22 categories, including:

Robotics
Engineering
Mathematics
Animal sciences
Environmental science
Digital solutions
Design
Technology-enhanced arts

Year 12 students are particularly encouraged to submit their major projects before finishing school.

Entries close: Wednesday 11 November 2026

Submit and learn more: www.aussef.com.au

For enquiries, contact AUSSEF Coordinator Stuart Garth on 0407 295 829 or email info@aussef.com.au.

Optional Careers Bulletin

The latest Options Career Information Bulletin is now available! This edition includes information on apprenticeships and traineeships, Australian Defence Force careers, university pathways, scholarships, competitions, upcoming information sessions and important application deadlines. It also features helpful career-planning resources and advice for students exploring their options beyond school.

Students and families are encouraged to read through the bulletin and take note of any opportunities, events or closing dates that may be relevant.

Christmas Casual Positions Available

Toymate Mt Gravatt is recruiting Christmas casual team members for its Westfield Mt Gravatt store.

Students must be at least 15 years old—or turning 15 this year—and available after school, on weekends and throughout the Christmas trading period. No previous retail experience is required, as full training will be provided.

Toymate is looking for reliable, enthusiastic and hardworking students with a positive attitude and strong customer-service focus.

Interested students can email their résumé and/or cover letter to mtgravatt@toymate.com.au.

Schoolies Information

Year 12 students planning to attend Schoolies on the Gold Coast can now register for their Safer Schoolies wristbands, which provide access to the Schoolies Hub.

Located on Surfers Paradise Beach, the hub offers a full week of activities and entertainment in a dedicated drug and alcohol-free environment, giving school leavers a safe space to celebrate exclusively with their peers.

Registered students will also receive important information and updates before and during the Schoolies celebration period. For more information visit the Safer Schoolies website.

New e-bike and e-scooter laws

From 31 August, new age and licencing requirements apply to e-bike and e-scooter riders in Queensland.

Riders must be aged 16 or older and hold at least a learner driver licence to ride unsupervised. Children aged 12–15, and 16–17-year-olds without a driver licence, must be supervised by a parent or carer.

Parents can be fined $518 if a child under 16 is caught riding illegally.

Some other exemptions apply, including for certain off-road facilities and eligible riders aged 16 and over who are unable to hold a driver licence due to a medical condition.

For more information visit the StreetSmarts website.

Host Families Wanted – Hiroshima Student Visit

Balmoral families are invited to host two students from Hiroshima Secondary School, Japan, from 20–25 October.

Host families will receive $650 remuneration for the five-night stay and are asked to provide transportation to and from school, three meals per day and warm bedding. Room sharing is acceptable, and 24-hour bilingual support will be available throughout the visit.

This short-term homestay is perfect for first-time host families. Blue Card applications are required, with support provided.

To express your interest, SMS 0421 516 321 with the school name, your name and email address.

Key Dates

Term 4 2026

October