Term 3 Week 10 - 19 September 2025
- Principal's Message
- Readers' Cup
- Swimming Carnival
- RUOK? Day
- Community Pride for ISC
- Western Band Tour
- Rugby League Academy in 2026
- Year 12 Formal
- ISC Excellence Showcase Awards - Bursary Nominations
- Save the Date
- Reading Success
- PBL - Positive Behaviour for Learning
- AWIC Roadshow and Mini Careers Expo
- Community Announcements
Principal's Message
Every school has a review at least every four years to guide continuous improvement and inform strategic priorities. Our school had its school review in term 3, 2025. The school is then provided with a report with affirmations (things the school is doing well), findings (evidence from all stakeholders) and improvements (next steps the school needs to undertake). Our school review was very positive about our school culture and the direction the school is taking.
A copy of the review will be on our website.
Key Affirmations
| Staff across the college express optimism for the future and highlight their belief that the work they are doing is effective in achieving ongoing improvement and positive outcomes for students. | Staff across the college value the culture of positive, caring, and trusting relationships established between staff, students and families, highlighting how this creates a sense of belonging. |
| Teachers, students and parents appreciate the breadth of subjects available for study across the college which caters for a range of student interests, abilities and future pathways. | Leaders highlight the college has established a culture of data-driven practices, using academic, wellbeing and behavioural data to inform targeted strategies and support for students. |
Key Improvement Strategies
Domain 1: Driving an explicit improvement agenda
Sharpen leaders' line of sight, aligned with improvement priorities, to monitor strategies, evaluate the impact of key initiatives and foster a culture of shared accountability.
Domain 6: Leading systematic curriculum implementation
Refine curriculum planning processes and practices, involving all teachers, to build shared knowledge and capability in curriculum intent, planning and assessment. (Secondary school improvement strategy).
Prioritise curriculum planning processes and practices, involving all teachers, to build shared knowledge and capability in curriculum intent, planning and assessment. (DLC improvement strategy).
Domain 8: Implementing effective pedagogical practices
Broaden leader and teacher knowledge and understanding of the three principles of pedagogy, to support deliberate and responsive pedagogical decisions that meet the diverse learning needs of all students. (Secondary school improvement strategy).
Develop leaders' and teachers' knowledge and understanding of the 3 principles of pedagogy to support purposeful and responsive pedagogical decisions that meet student learning needs. (DLC improvement strategy).
Domain 7: Differentiating teaching and learning
Develop and enact collaborative opportunities between the DLC and secondary programs, sharing resources, to enhance differentiated learning and engagement experiences for students and staff.
Domain 9: Building school-community partnerships
Strengthen partnerships that support ongoing cultural learning opportunities for staff and students, to enhance cultural capability reflective of the diverse backgrounds within the college and wider community.
Domain 3: Promoting a culture of learning
Collaboratively develop a shared understanding and vision for a high-expectations culture to support all students reaching their full potential.
If the students and staff are happy in the school and believe we are doing the right work to ensure our students are achieving to the best of the ability, then we are on the right track. ISC is a great school and I am proud to be a part of the school community.
Tanya Martin,
Principal
Readers' Cup
Over the past three years, Amity, Bella, Caidin, Hannah, Noorpreet and Sienna have proudly flown the flag for our school at the annual Far North Queensland Readers' Cup. In the lead-up to this year’s competition, the team dedicated many lunchtimes with Mrs Maley, diving deep into the four selected novels and preparing for the challenge ahead.
The Readers' Cup is no small feat! Teams are put to the test with ten rapid-fire questions per novel and just 30 seconds to answer each one. Our students rose to the occasion with enthusiasm and determination, showcasing not only their knowledge but also their love of reading.
While the trophy wasn’t theirs this time, the experience created lasting friendships and gave our students the chance to let their passion for books shine. It certainly won’t be the same without them next year!
A huge congratulations to Amity, Bella, Caidin, Hannah, Noorpreet and Sienna on their incredible effort, teamwork and commitment. We are so proud of you!
Swimming Carnival
On Friday 29 August, we held the ISC Annual Swimming Carnival. It was fantastic to see swimmers backing themselves to compete in competitive races. This year saw the return of novelty event Grevo’s Golf Ball Grab, which was a huge success. As always, the ‘Manu’ Competition and the Teacher vs Students relay were hits – it was great to see so many students become involved in the novelty events. All ISC students were commended for their efforts and participation throughout the carnival.
Congratulations go to Fitzroy House who successfully won their second carnival for the year. It was the perfect end to the ISC sporting calendar and well done to all our age champions.
Swimming Carnival Gallery
RUOK? Day
A conversation truly can change a life.
As part of RUOK? Day our Student Council cooked over 420 bacon and egg muffins for staff and students last week. Students were encouraged to have a chat because a conversation could change a life. RUOK? Day is a National Day of Action when you are encouraged to check in with your mates, family and colleagues to see if they are okay. RUOK? Day should occur every day of the year. People who are regularly asked RUOK? feel more supported, connected, cared about and better about themselves and their situation.
We extend our gratitude to Coles Innisfail and Yamagishi Happy Eggs for their kind donations towards our very successful breakfast.
R U OK? Day Breakfast Gallery
Community Pride for ISC
Innisfail Hospital Foundation Cent Sale
Every year Innisfail State College shows its community spirit by hosting the Cent Sale organised by the Friends of the Innisfail Hospital Foundation. This event is one of the foundation’s major fund-raisers and it gives the college great pleasure to allow the event to take place in its Sports hall, with the generous students and staff helping to set up the venue, assist in the running of the event and the clean-up afterwards. Innisfail State College Hospitality staff and students also assist by preparing hundreds of biscuits and slices for the afternoon tea which is served to the patrons.
Pictured below are ISC Staff organisers - Colleen Morrison and Tanya Martin; Friends of the Innisfail Hospital Foundation representatives, Joanne Stitt and Estelle Kopp; along with the wonderful student volunteers – Lila Anderson, Riley Jones, Lochlan Collinson, Emily Manallack, Cody Jones, Salina Wirth, Sophie Pozza, Bennett Burton, Sebastian Vang, Callum Saunders and Ethan Dsilva. (Missing from photo – Alexander Buller)
Student Council Fund-raising
The Student Council were only too pleased to donate $2,000 to the Innisfail Friends of the Hospital Foundation recently. Mrs Estelle Kopp and Mrs Joanne Stitt joined staff and students at the RUOK? Day Breakfast before attending a whole school assembly where they were presented with the cheque from Vice-Captain Sienna Broccardo.
Western Band Tour
Instrumental Music students recently hit the dusty road for their Western Band Tour. ISC Concert Band and String Ensemble wowed the young crowds at Mount Garnet, Mount Surprise, Ravenshoe and Milla Milla primary schools. Songs like Sesame Street and How to Train your Dragon went down a treat. It wasn’t all just hard work. IM students also enjoyed a tour of the Undara caves, where they were told to wear water friendly footwear, only to find the water in the caves reached their necks! At the end of the day when the night air was chilly, it was simply blissful to sit around the campfire and tell yarns under the stars. Students learnt the pros and cons of life on tour. Many laughs were had but tears were also shed as students bid farewell to Miss Hosking.
We wish her the best of luck with her new ventures.
Rugby League Academy in 2026
Innisfail State College is excited to announce the arrival of the ISC Irukandjis Rugby League Academy in 2026. This academy will provide both male and female students with access to targeted rugby league training sessions each week, a dedicated rugby league class for students in Year 8-12 as part of their timetable and the opportunity to represent our school in numerous rugby league competitions in North Queensland and beyond. Student applications for the program are open now and will close Term 4, Week 3.
Please see Mr Leslie (C Block) or Mr Dean (Y Block) for an application.
Year 12 Formal
A big shoutout to our incredible Year 12 students who scrubbed up and dressed to impress for the formal last Thursday night – you all looked absolutely amazing…. Congratulations!
Please enjoy the photo gallery.
Year 12 Formal Gallery
ISC Excellence Showcase Awards - Bursary Nominations
Innisfail State College Excellence Showcase ceremonies recognise the outstanding achievements of our students in academic, vocational, cultural or community endeavours. As we prepare for this year’s events, we are excited to announce that our bursary nominations are now open.
Students may nominate themselves or be nominated by parents/guardians or ISC staff members. All nominations require teacher endorsement. Nomination forms are available from both junior and senior services and can be found on our ISC website.
Nominations are due by 3pm, Friday 10th October 2025 and must be submitted to Mrs Kyrene Howarth at Senior Secondary Services or by email to khowa128@eq.edu.au
If you have any questions regarding the bursary nomination process, please contact Mrs Sally Hammett on 4078 0222 or email sgham0@eq.edu.au
Save the Date
The 2025 ISC Excellence Showcase Awards will be presented as follows:
• Tuesday 25th November 12:00pm (Week 7): Junior Secondary Academic Excellence Showcase Awards will be held at ISC for students in years 7, 8 and 9. Due to seating limitations, ISC families will be able to view the ceremony via YouTube live streaming only.
• Wednesday 19th November 6:00pm (Week 7): Senior Secondary Academic Excellence Showcase Awards will be held at the Shire Hall for eligible students in years 10, 11 and 12. ISC families are invited to attend the awards.
More information will be sent next term. If you have any questions regarding this year’s ISC Academic Excellence Showcase Awards, please contact Mrs Sally Hammett on sgham0@eq.edu.au or on Ph: 4078 0222.
Reading Success
This term, 10 of our year 8 students undertook some training from Mr Willmett in how to read to younger students. The boys then headed over to Innisfail East primary school to read to the year 2 class. The boys were fantastic and represented themselves and the college very well. The enthusiasm was so high that the boys want to do it again next term. Congratulations Mayson, Hunter, Tariq, Tyrell, Theo, Riley, Ted, Kobe, Kayden and Nahum.
PBL - Positive Behaviour for Learning
Our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) focus for this term has been part of our Responsibility pillar – we wear our uniforms with pride.
AWIC Roadshow and Mini Careers Expo
On Wednesday 3 September, ISC hosted The Toolbox Breakfast - a free trade show style event featuring exhibitors and guest speakers. Designed to inspire students and provide valuable insights into trade and career opportunities, students were able to visit a range of stalls and speak with industry representatives to explore future career pathways. This experience gave students valuable insights into future career pathways, particularly in the trade and construction industries.
A huge thank you to all vendors, Amanda Bulow from AWIC for co-ordinating the expo and to Ms Haren for working closely with AWIC and managing the school side of the event. It was a fantastic day for our whole school community to connect, ask questions and be inspired about the future.
Community Announcements
SAVER PLUS - SAVINGS AND FINANCIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM
Saver Plus is a free, matched savings and financial education program that helps families on lower incomes build their money skills through budgeting workshops and receive up to $500 for education-related expenses.
Participants can put that money towards items such as laptops, books, uniforms, camps & excursions.
Program Highlights:
Save just $50 a month for 10 months and receive $500 matched savings
- Complete up to 10 hours of online workshops (support provided)
- Flexible start dates – join anytime
- Must hold a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card
- Income from Carer Payment, Child Support, and cash in hand is considered income.