Dear Students
Welcome to the 2026 school year, a year of continued opportunity and success. I trust that you have had a safe and enjoyable break. Below is some information that will assist in ensuring a smooth start to the new school year.
School Commencement Dates 2026
The first day back for Years 7, 9 and 11 is Tuesday 27 January. All students will be in attendance from Wednesday 28 January.
Our staff and Year 12 leaders will be available to support students to find their way to their various areas.
I would suggest that where possible you arrive no later than 8.30am on you first day back so there is time to find venues and classrooms.
School Times
School commences with roll mark each morning at 8:50am. School concludes at 2:55pm Monday to Thursday.
On Friday school concludes at 1:15pm.
Student Timetables
You will be emailed your timetable to your school email address on Monday 26 January. Timetables will then also be accessible through the state-wide OneSchool data base which can be accessed by all students on or off campus. You are expected to view your school timetable Monday 26 January so you know which Home Room you are assigned to. A reminder that you will not be able to use your mobile device to do this once you enter the school grounds, as mobile phones are switched off and placed in school bags prior to entering the school.
For new students: year 7 or new to the school, your account details will be as they were in year 6 (or their previous school) in 2025, so please use the same username/email address and password. Should you require these details, please feel free to call 5573 8548 or contact via email at techsupport@helensvaleshs.eq.edu.au
You will also be given a hard copy of your timetable during class on your first day.
Please note, we are unable to make timetable changes based on teacher preferences or friendships due to the complexities of our timetable and maintaining balanced class sizes. We appreciate that some students may be feeling nervous about the start of the new year and teachers will be prioritising time for students to make connections in their new classes.
Tuesday 27 January Procedures
- Year 7 students are to meet in the Student Activity Centre (SAC) at 8.30am. Students are to locate their names from the alphabetical lists, according to surnames, posted around the SAC walls. The student's group will be beside their name. Students are asked to then sit in the designated groups straight away. After assembly, Heads of House and student leaders will take Year 7's to Home Rooms. Parents and carers are welcome to accompany their children to the SAC. Parents and carers are welcome to remain with students until advised by Mr Ogier (around 9:00am). Any student/parent who cannot find their child's class can approach a student leader for assistance. Our leaders will be visible in fluorescent jackets. Our new Principal, Mrs Cutajar, will be there to welcome new parents and students.
- Year 9 and 11 students will go straight to their Home Rooms. Please note for year 11 students that have a Study first lesson, you are still required to attend Home Room. Your Study periods need to be approved before you can start arriving to school during period 1.
- New enrolments in Year 9 and 11 will be collected from Administration by their year level Student Success Teacher and taken to Home Rooms.
Wednesday 28 January Procedures
- All students to go to their Home Rooms.
- New enrolments in Year 8, 10 and 12 will be collected from Administration by their year level Student Success Teacher and taken to Home Rooms.
- Please note for year 11 and 12 students that have a Study first lesson, you are still required to attend Home Room. Your Study periods need to be approved before you can start arriving to school during lesson 1.
Student Dress Code
You are to arrive to the first day of school in your formal uniform.
A reminder that we are a uniform school and our Dress Code is aligned to the Department of Education's Student Dress Code policy and procedures.
Student Early Departures
Unless there are exceptional circumstances, you are unable to leave class, unless previously organised, due to the impact these interruptions have on individual and class learning time. To avoid possible lengthy delays in departure and minimising disruption to lessons, please follow the early departure process.
This process includes our parent/carer contacting the school via one of the following methods:
SMS to 0457 478 277 (preferred method)
Via the Compass App
Sending your student to school with a signed and dated letter of permission
Email: 2184_studentabsences@eq.edu.au
You will need to collect a “Leave Pass" from Student Hub which will allow you to leave class and meet your parent/carer at the front office for collection. This should be done prior to school or during the break prior to the departure.
As 'One Community' we will continue to work together to uphold the high standards of academia, behaviour, attendance and dress that we are renowned for.
We look forward to another exciting and productive year ahead for our Helensvale State High School community.
Yours sincerely
Rachel Cutajar
Principal