Head of Year 9
 
Kate Middleton-Pol
Email: kmidd26@eq.edu.au
Ph: (07) 3249 1400
Welcome to the Middle School at Yeronga State High School!
Welcome to Year 9 at Yeronga State High School and to the Middle School years. This is an exciting stage of schooling where students begin to look ahead, build independence and prepare for the important transition into Senior School. As Head of Department for Year 9, my role is to support every Year 9 student across all aspects of school life, academically, socially and emotionally ensuring they feel confident, connected and successful as they begin thinking about their future pathways. Year 9 is a foundational year where students develop the habits, skills and mindset that will support them through Year 10 and into Senior School. A key focus throughout Year 9 is JET (Job, Education and Training) planning. Students will begin exploring their strengths, interests and future aspirations, helping them to make informed decisions about subject choices and pathways as they move toward Senior School. Through our Learner Agency Program, students engage in regular conversations and goal setting. This allows them to reflect on their progress, build confidence, and develop a strong sense of direction and ownership over their learning for the years ahead. At Yeronga State High School, we are proud of our RISE values, Respect, Integrity, Show Empathy and Effort and our commitment to helping every student THRIVE. These values guide how we learn, interact and grow as a community. I encourage students to demonstrate these values through positive behaviour, strong attendance, engagement in learning and care for one another. A key part of my role is to oversee student attendance, behaviour and engagement across the Year 9 cohort to ensure all students are set up for successful outcomes. As Head of Department, I work closely with teachers, families and our wellbeing team to support students in every area of school life from learning and wellbeing to friendships, routines and goal setting. Our aim is to ensure each student feels known, supported and capable of achieving their personal best. Year 9 is also a wonderful time for students to get involved in school life. I encourage all students to participate in leadership opportunities, extra-curricular activities, clubs and events to build confidence, friendships and a sense of belonging within our school community. I value strong partnerships with families and welcome ongoing communication. Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if we can support your child in any way. I am looking forward to a positive and successful year as our Year 9 students grow in confidence, purpose and direction, continuing to RISE and THRIVE at Yeronga State High School.
Head of Year 10
Holly Haswell-Smith
Email: hhasw1@eq.edu.au Ph: (07) 3249 1400
Welcome to Year 10 at Yeronga State High School. Year 10 is a pivotal year. It is the final stage before Senior School and an important time for students to refine their goals, strengthen their academic habits, and make informed decisions about their future pathways. As Head of Department (Year 10), my role is to ensure every student is supported, challenged and prepared for a confident transition into Years 11 and 12. My Role in Year 10 Focus Area
| What This Means for Students | Senior Readiness
| Supporting students to understand Senior expectations and build the habits required for success. | | SET Planning & Subject Selection | Guiding students and families through subject selection, pathway conversations and SET Plan processes. | | Achievement Monitoring | Tracking academic progress, attendance and engagement to ensure students remain on course. | | Learner Agency | Facilitating Learner Agency lessons which compliment and reinforce SET planning, career planning and pathways. | Behaviour & Wellbeing Oversight
| Working alongside staff and families to maintain high expectations and strong support structures. |
Preparing for Senior School Year 10 is about clarity and commitment.
- Strengthen study habits and time management
- Reflect on strengths, interests and career goals
- Explore academic and vocational pathways
- Make informed subject choices
- Develop resilience and independence
Senior School brings increased responsibility and academic rigour. Year 10 ensures students are ready. Partnership with Families Strong partnerships between school and home are essential during this important year. I work closely with families to ensure students feel supported, informed and confident as they approach Senior School decisions. If students or families have questions about progress, pathway planning or preparation for Senior School, I am available to assist. Year 10 is a year of focus, growth and forward planning. I look forward to working with our students as they take the next step toward Senior School with confidence and purpose.
|