Friday 6th November 2026
Week 5 Newsletter - Term 4
From the Principal's Desk - A Farewell for 2026
As we approach the final weeks of the school year, I would like to let our families know that I will be commencing Long Service Leave at the end of this week (as I head off to Europe) and will return for the beginning of the 2027 school year.
During my absence, Mrs Clare Ferguson will be stepping into the role of Acting Principal, a position she is very familiar with. Mrs Tanya A will be relieving Clare as Deputy Principal for Years 4–6. I know our school community will be in excellent hands with both ladies.
Although I will be enjoying some cooler weather on the other side of the world, I would like to take this opportunity to wish all our students, families and staff a wonderful end to the school year, a safe and relaxing holiday break, and a very Merry Christmas. I look forward to seeing everyone in 2027!
Introducing Our 2027 School Captains
It gives me great pleasure to formally announce our 2027 School Captains:
Arthur W, Piata G, Nate B and Piper W
Congratulations to these four students on this wonderful achievement!
I would also like to acknowledge every student who participated in the leadership selection process. The standard was exceptionally high, making the final decision incredibly difficult. I am immensely proud of the courage, preparation and maturity demonstrated by all students who put themselves forward.
Leadership is not simply about wearing a badge; it is about the positive influence you have on others, the example you set and the choices you make each day. I look forward to seeing our new captains embrace these opportunities in 2027.
Celebrating Learning in 4D – The Village of Rin
One of the highlights of my week was being invited into 4D to see the wonderful learning taking place as part of their novel study of Rowan of Rin.
Throughout the term, students have been reading the novel and exploring its characters, setting and storyline. As part of their learning, they worked collaboratively to design and construct their own three-dimensional representations of the Village of Rin.
I had the pleasure of listening to each group proudly present their creations, explaining their design choices and the connections they had made to the novel.
The creativity, attention to detail and thought that went into each village were impressive. However, what I enjoyed most was the genuine excitement and joy the students demonstrated when sharing their learning.
Congratulations, 4D! It was wonderful to see such creativity, collaboration and enthusiasm for learning.
Active School Travel – Safety and Respect
At Highland Reserve State School, we encourage students and families to embrace active school travel, whether that be walking, riding a bike or scootering to and from school.
Along with the many benefits of active travel comes the responsibility of ensuring students understand how to travel safely and respectfully within our community.
We ask parents and carers to take a moment to remind their children about the importance of following road safety rules, being aware of vehicles and driveways, using designated crossings and showing consideration for other pedestrians.
Students riding bikes or scooters should wear an appropriately fitted helmet, travel at a safe speed and be mindful of others sharing footpaths and pathways.
Being a safe and respectful commuter is an important life skill, and your support in reinforcing these expectations is greatly appreciated.
2026 Active School Travel Poster Competition - Senior Winner
Congratulations to Sahara, with her winning design, that is currently displayed in the school Office.
School Uniform Reminders – Hats, Jewellery and Makeup
As the weather continues to warm up, I would like to remind families of several important school uniform expectations.
Hats – No Hat, Play in the Shade
All students are required to wear their school hat when playing outdoors. If your child has misplaced their hat or no longer has one, please arrange to purchase a replacement from our Uniform Shop.
Our expectation remains "No Hat, Play in the Shade." This is an important part of keeping our students sun safe.
Jewellery
Students are reminded that jewellery outside our school's approved uniform requirements must not be worn to school. Exceptions may be considered for religious or cultural reasons; however, these must be approved by the Principal.
We appreciate families checking that their children are following these expectations before leaving home each morning.
Makeup
A reminder that students are not permitted to wear makeup to school. We ask parents and carers to support us in maintaining our school's uniform and presentation standards.
Thank you to all our families for your ongoing support in helping us maintain a safe, respectful and positive learning environment.
BYOD Program Update – 2027
A friendly reminder that, as part of our phased changes to the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program, BYOD will only apply to students in Years 5 and 6 in 2027. Families of students entering Year 4 will not be required to purchase an iPad for school. This change is part of our planned phase-out of the BYOD program, and we thank families for their ongoing support and understanding.
Highland Cup – Week 6!
The Highland Cup has had a few exciting changes this year! Throughout the year, our Year 6 students have shown fantastic enthusiasm for NRL Oz Tag, and we're excited to bring that enthusiasm into one of our end-of-year celebrations.
This year, our Year 6 students have chosen their own team names and will go head-to-head in the ultimate battle for Highland Cup bragging rights!
The Highland Outlaws (Green) will take on the Highland Elites (Blue) in what promises to be a fantastic morning of teamwork, sportsmanship and friendly competition.
Students were invited to sign up to represent one of the teams, with only those who registered being selected to play.
With kick-off at 9:30am on Friday 13th November, we warmly invite parents and families to come along, watch the action and cheer on our Year 6 students as they battle it out to be crowned Highland Cup champions!
Two teams. One mission. The ultimate battle. Winner takes all!
Good luck to both teams!
As I sign off for the year, I would like to sincerely thank our wonderful school community for your continued support, encouragement and partnership throughout 2026.
It is a privilege to be the Principal of Highland Reserve State School, and I am incredibly proud of our students, dedicated staff and supportive families.
I wish everyone a happy and safe conclusion to the school year and look forward to another wonderful year together in 2027.
UNIFORM SHOP, OFFICE & TUCKSHOP NEWS
With the end of year fast approaching, we would like to encourage families to make their uniform purchases during term 4 if possible. This will help with managing our stock supplies and parents can avoid the rush at the beginning of the year.
For 2027, new students who are yet to be allocated a class can choose the ‘new student’ option and your order can be collected from the office.
If you are concerned your child may grow over the Christmas break, we will happily exchange sizes in the new year as long as the items are unworn.
The uniform shop will be closed for the last week of term 4 from Monday 7 – Friday 11 December 2026.
Link to school uniform information:
Uniform Shop 2027
The Uniform Shop will be open EVERYDAY Monday 18 - Friday 22 January 2027 9:00am – 10:00am
We will then resume our usual operating hours Monday AND Friday 8.30am - 9.30am
Back to School Office Hours 2027
The office will be open EVERYDAY Monday 18 – Friday 22 January 2027 9:00am - 10:00am
Tuckshop News
The Tuckshop will be closed for the last week of term 4 Monday 7 - Friday 11 December 2026
Students with Medication at School – End of Year Process
If your child has ANY medication at school including asthma puffers, epi pens, medicines or tablets these MUST be collected by a parent from the Office on your child’s last day of school for 2026.
If the parent is unable to collect it themselves then a letter in writing is to accompany another nominated adult to collect any items stored in the Healthroom. Students will NOT be allowed to collect any medications.
Any medications still in the Healthroom after the students last day of school in 2026 will be disposed of and not held on the premises over the holiday period due to security reasons.
Please ensure that if your child needs to continue or start medication at school in 2027 that the ‘medication at school’ processes are completed upon return next year. Please refer to the following link regarding ‘Medication at School’ information.
Medication forms for students who are currently administered 'daily medication' at school will be issued the 2027 forms to take home on Monday 9 November.
2027 medication forms for students with 'emergency medication' at school will be provided to parents/carers upon collection of your child’s medication on their last day of school.
If your child will be starting medication at school in 2027, please contact the Office to organise collection of the medication forms by Friday 11 December 2026.
Student Leaving Notifications – End of Year
If you have a child / children who will not be continuing at Highland Reserve State School for the 2027 school year, please complete a HRSS End of Year Student Leaving Form via the following link:
Please return this form to the school office as soon as possible.
Early notification will help the school to plan staffing and facility requirements for 2027
Students Absent Notification - Commencement of School 2027
If your child will be returning to HRSS in 2027 but will not be attending from the first day of school (Wednesday 27January), please notify the Office via:
Please include your child’s name, dates they will be absent, reason for the absence, and confirmation that they are not enrolled at another Queensland state school.
NEWS FROM THE COMMUNITY
Community Event - Christmas Twilight Markets
Crosslife Property are holding their annual Christmas Twilight Markets at The Well, Upper Coomera, on Saturday 7 November.
More Than Just After School Care - Welcome to The Well!
Right next door to Highland Reserve State School, OSHC @ The Well is a place where kids can kick off their school shoes (mostly figuratively, of course!), catch up with friends and just enjoy being kids!
Some head straight for the craft room to see what Miss Sandy has planned. Others can't wait to get outside and explore our two fantastic outdoor play spaces, or play dodgeball in our big, open indoor space. And some just need a little time to relax, have a chat or unwind after a big day at school.
That's what we love about The Well - there's room for everyone to be themselves.
Our educators know the children, their personalities, their friendships and the little things that make them smile. We love watching friendships grow, confidence blossom and children discover new things they didn't know they could do. And we know how busy family life can be! Having somewhere your children feel happy, safe and genuinely cared for makes those early mornings and afternoon pick-ups just that little bit easier.
As part of the Young Discoverers family, The Well shares the same heart that's been at the centre of what we have been doing for 30 years - loving children, celebrating who they are and supporting them as they grow. Whether your child has grown up with Young Discoverers or you're joining us for the very first time, we'd love to welcome you!
Come and see what makes The Well special!
AWLQ Gold Coast School Holiday Program
Stay Connected
Thank you for your continued support of Highland Reserve State School. Together, we continue to build a school community where every child is encouraged to be Safe, Respectful, Responsible and a Learner.