Kenmore State High School Archives

Kenmore State High School Student Wins Queensland Senior Short Story Prize

Photo Credit: Independent Education Union

A Kenmore State High School student earned first place in the senior short story category of Queensland’s longest-running literary competition, gaining recognition as one of the state’s top young writers.

A Tradition of Literary Excellence

The Independent Education Union – Queensland and Northern Territory (IEU-QNT) and English Teachers’ Association of Queensland (ETAQ) presented the award at their Literary Competition at the Queensland Multicultural Centre in Brisbane. Now in its 66th year, the competition stands as Queensland’s oldest continuing writing event.

More than 1,500 entries were submitted across poetry, short story and non-fiction from both state and non-government schools. Organisers said the 2025 submissions showed consistently high standards of creativity and effort from students statewide.

Recognition for Young Talent

Kenmore State High School’s success came through Year 11 student Manling Sun, who won the Years 11–12 short story category with her work The Hidden Fires of Australia. Judges said the story used an extended metaphor of fire to explore the issue of domestic violence in suburban life.

*Photo Credit: Independent Education Union*

They noted the piece began with an image of a picture-perfect street before shifting to reflections on how the most dangerous fires are not bushfires but those “quietly thriving” behind closed doors in homes. The story was praised for its maturity, evocative imagery and ability to raise awareness of an urgent social issue.

Achievements Across Queensland

Other winners came from schools across the state, including students from Cannon Hill, Peregian Springs, Mackay, Bundaberg and Ormiston.

Each first-place recipient read their work aloud at the awards evening, giving the audience a chance to hear the stories in the writers’ own voices.

Supporting Student Creativity

Winners received certificates and book prizes donated by Penguin Random House Australia. The evening also featured award-winning author Brian Falkner, who shared lessons from his career and encouraged students to keep developing their storytelling skills.

The competition was originally created to promote freedom of expression and support young people’s literary growth. Organisers described the 2025 entries as diverse, imaginative and reflective of the strong writing culture in Queensland schools.

Published 15-August-2025

Engagement News for Kenmore SHS Alumna Cate Campbell

Photo Credit: Cate Campbell/Instagram

Kenmore State High School alumna and former Olympian Cate Campbell has announced her engagement to partner Adam Kerr, sharing the news from their local beach.

Kenmore SHS Graduate Shares Engagement Update

Olympic swimmer Cate Campbell, a former student of Kenmore State High School, has announced her engagement to long-time partner Adam Kerr. The 33-year-old shared the news through social media on Sunday, 20 July 2025, posting images of a sunrise beach proposal and a close-up of her diamond engagement ring.

Cate Campbell and Adam Kerr — Photo Credit: Cate Campbell/Instagram

Sunrise Proposal at Local Beach

According to Campbell’s caption, the proposal occurred the previous Saturday morning while the couple were watching the sunrise near their new local beach. Kerr’s proposal reportedly came as a complete surprise. Campbell accepted the proposal and described the moment as deeply emotional.

Cate Campbell announcement — Photo Credit: Cate Campbell/Instagram

Long-Term Relationship and Return to Brisbane

The couple has been together on and off for six years. They briefly separated when Campbell moved to Sydney to continue her swimming career, with Campbell later describing the break as her “biggest heartbreak.” The pair reunited after she returned to Brisbane, where they have since remained together.

Career and Local Ties

Campbell represented Australia at four Olympic Games, winning eight medals including four gold. She retired from competitive swimming in 2024 following an unsuccessful attempt to qualify for a fifth Olympic appearance. Campbell attended Kenmore State High School after her family migrated from Malawi to Brisbane in 2001. She is recognised as one of Australia’s greatest sprint freestylers.

Cate Campbell engagement — Photo Credit: Cate Campbell/Instagram

Community Reactions

The Instagram post drew widespread positive reactions from followers and friends, including multiple congratulatory comments and praise for the ring. Supporters welcomed the engagement as a joyful development following her retirement from elite sport.

Looking Ahead

The couple has not publicly announced a wedding date. Campbell has previously said she is not planning for parenthood in the near future, stating a need to explore life beyond her swimming career. Her engagement marks a personal milestone for the Kenmore SHS alumna, who remains widely admired within Australian sport.

Published 26-July-2025

Kenmore State High School Achiever Recognised for QCE Award

Photo Credit: Google Maps Street View

Congratulations to Parmida Darouei of Kenmore State High School, for receiving the Highest Achievement in Liberal Arts at the 11th annual QCE Achievement Awards, one of only 40 Yr 12 students honoured n the state. Ms Darouei hopes to someday become a specialist doctor focused on supporting vulnerable populations, blending professional expertise and social responsibility.

Prestigious Recognition

Only 38 students in the state were honoured in the 2024 awards, and Ms Parmida was one of them, winning the Liberal Arts category’s Highest Achievement award. Her accomplishment demonstrates her commitment to learning and love of studying, especially in English and history.

As part of a larger celebration of academic achievement in the state, Ms Parmida has been recognised out of the 55,469 students who completed Year 12 in 2024, of which 93% obtained a QCE.

The state’s best Year 12 graduates are honoured by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) at the biennial Queensland College of Education (QCE) Achievement Awards. This year’s ceremony, will be held at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on 15 February 2025.

The honours serve as evidence of the effectiveness of the state’s senior education system, which challenges excellent pupils while offering a variety of options.

QCAA CEO Jacqueline Wilton recognised the critical role that educators and principals play in creating an atmosphere in which students can flourish in addition to stating that the system takes into account each senior student’s particular interests, skills, and goals.

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A Story of Inspiration

Ms Parmida credits her success to the resilience and hard work of her parents, whose determination has been a constant source of inspiration. These values have driven her to achieve excellence in both her academic pursuits and her commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.

While excelling at Kenmore State High School, Ms Parmida displayed a strong aptitude for the Liberal Arts, consistently performing at the top of her class. Her achievements reflect the high standard of education offered at the school and the dedication of its staff to fostering student success.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Kenmore State High School student receives QCE Award — *Photo Credit: Kenmore State High School*

Ms Parmida has ambitious plans for the future. She intends to study medicine in regional Queensland, combining her academic strengths with her passion for humanitarian work. Her ultimate goal is to become a specialist doctor focused on supporting vulnerable populations, exemplifying a blend of professional expertise and social responsibility.

Published-24-Dec-2024

Inside Kenmore State High School’s Successful German Immersion Program

In an era where language learning in Australia faces challenges, Kenmore State High School stands out as a beacon of linguistic and cultural engagement.

Read: New High School Facility in Moggill Still Not Possible, Kenmore State High School To Make Changes to Protect Learning Environment

Despite a general decline in language study across many Queensland state schools, Kenmore State High’s German Immersion and Extension Program (GIEP) thrives, attracting a diverse group of students eager to learn and excel in a second language.

This innovative program not only teaches the German language but also integrates it into a variety of subjects, providing a rich and immersive educational experience.

The Importance of Language Learning

Photo credit: Kenmore State High School/Facebook

In Queensland, while students typically begin language education in Years 5 to 8, the trend shows a significant drop in enrollment from Year 9 onwards. Schools are encouraged to teach languages from Prep to Year 12, but it is not compulsory beyond Year 8. This decline is concerning for educators and linguists alike, as learning a second language can enhance cognitive abilities, cultural understanding, and future career opportunities.

At Kenmore State High School, the GIEP offers a compelling alternative. With a focus on academic excellence, the program is designed for students with little or no prior experience in German.

Subjects such as Maths, Science, History, Geography, and Health and Physical Education are taught in German, allowing students to develop language skills in practical contexts. This immersive approach is akin to living in a German-speaking country, providing students with a unique opportunity to become proficient in the language.

The GIEP is structured to foster both language acquisition and a broader understanding of German culture. By learning through subjects that are already part of their curriculum, students can see the practical application of the language. This not only enhances their learning experience but also motivates them to engage more deeply with the material.

In addition to the core subjects, students have the option to combine the immersion program with Music Extension, creating a multifaceted educational experience that nurtures creativity alongside language skills. The integration of music and language learning can further enrich students’ engagement and passion for their studies.

Recognition and Opportunities

The impact of the GIEP is evident in the successes of its students. Earlier this year, one of Kenmore’s own was awarded a prestigious three-week full Partners for the Future (PASCH) Scholarship. This initiative is designed to foster interest in German language, culture, and society among young Australians.

Scholarships like this provide students with invaluable opportunities to expand their understanding of the language and its cultural context, further enhancing their educational journey.

A Bright Future for Language Learning

Kenmore State High School’s success with the GIEP demonstrates the potential for language immersion programs to thrive even in a challenging educational landscape. By providing a dynamic and engaging curriculum, Kenmore is not only defying state trends but also preparing its students for a globalised world where multilingualism is increasingly valuable.

As the school continues to champion the importance of language learning, it sets a powerful example for other institutions. With programs like GIEP, the future of language education in Queensland can remain bright, inspiring the next generation to embrace the richness of diverse languages and cultures.

Read: Kenmore Mum and Children’s Book Author An ‘Everyday Heroes’ Finalist

In a world that is more interconnected than ever, the skills gained through programs like the GIEP at Kenmore State High School will serve students well, fostering a lifelong appreciation for learning and cultural exchange.

Published 31-October-2024

Lilly Meldrum: Kenmore SHS Snooker Prodigy

Photo Credit: YouTube / WPBSA

Kenmore State High School’s Lilly Meldrum is rapidly emerging as one of Australia’s brightest young talents in the world of snooker. At just 16 years old, Meldrum has already amassed an impressive collection of titles and achievements that have caught the attention of the international snooker community.

Meldrum’s journey in competitive snooker began at the remarkably young age of nine. By the time she was 10, she had already clinched her first junior national title, setting the stage for what would become a string of impressive victories. To date, she has secured seven national junior snooker titles and two national junior pool titles, demonstrating her versatility across cue sports.

Currently, Meldrum holds the distinction of being the Australian under-18 girls champion, under-21 girls champion, and women’s champion. Perhaps most notably, she etched her name in the annals of Australian snooker history by winning the national women’s snooker title at the age of 15, making her the youngest player ever to achieve this feat.

Meldrum’s talent has not been confined to domestic competitions. She has made significant strides on the international stage, competing in prestigious tournaments such as the World Women’s Snooker Championship and the WSF Junior Championship. In 2023, she reached the semi-finals of the Asia-Pacific Women’s Championship, showcasing her ability to compete at the highest levels of the sport.

The young Kenmore SHS student has also shown promise in mixed-gender competitions. In the 2024 Dr Clem Jones AO Queensland Open Snooker Championship, Meldrum progressed to the last 64, competing against seasoned professionals and amateurs alike.

As Meldrum continues to hone her skills and gain experience in high-level competitions, the snooker world watches with keen interest. Her achievements at such a young age suggest a bright future, potentially following in the footsteps of other Australian snooker greats who have made their mark on the global stage.

Published 8-July-2024

Fifteen-Year-Old Snooker Phenom Lilly Meldrum Claims Historic National Title

Year 10 Kenmore State High School student Lilly Meldrum made history when she defeated defending champion Jessica Woods 4-2 to become the youngest ever winner of the Australian National Women’s Snooker Championship in Albury.

Meldrum, 15, first started playing snooker at the age of 9 on her family’s home table. Despite needing a jigger to reach across the full-size table, she quickly demonstrated a prodigious talent for the sport.

By 2019, Meldrum was already ranked 4th in the world in the under-16 age group. Her recent victory over seven-time national champion Woods underlined her rapid progress in snooker.

Lilly Meldrum defeats fellow Queenslander in comeback fashion

Woods, also from Queensland, jumped out to a 2-0 lead over Meldrum in the championship final. However, the young phenom showed resilience beyond her years and captured the next four frames in a row to claim the national title.

In doing so, Meldrum became the first player other than Woods to win the Australian women’s championship since 2018.

World championship in sights

Earlier this year, Meldrum was a semi-finalist at the World Under-21 Snooker Championship in Thailand.

At just 15 years of age, Lilly Meldrum has already etched her name into the record books and hinted at greater things to come. Her historic national title highlights the arrival of an exciting young player on the global snooker stage.

Published 19 August 2023

Reinstate Uniform Swap Day: Kenmore State High School Year 12 Students Petition

Photo Credit: Kenmore State High School / Facebook

Year 12 students of Kenmore State High School are petitioning for the traditional Uniform Swap to be reinstated.

Students of Kenmore State High School are petitioning for the reinstatement of Uniform Swap — a traditional celebration where male and female students swap school uniforms. The petition says that the Uniform Swap Day, which they say is an innocent celebration, was banned because of a claim that the celebration teases and ridicules boys who want to wear skirts.

However, the Uniform Swap was not the first to be “taken away” from them, the petition says. Other celebrations they are no longer able to take part in include the 100-day celebration, the mural, the last free dress day as character initials, muck up day and the official Schoolies 2020 celebration.

“The Year 12 Uniform Swap is not performed by students with a satirical and insensitive intention, rather it is a representation of the cohorts’ unity and friendship,” the petition said.

“The normalisation of boys wearing skirts will not be a value within Kenmore State High School unless its admin grants students the opportunity of doing so as a tradition and as a promotion to younger grades (who see us as role models).”

The petition, which has gathered 753 signatures so far, likewise stated that students were told that the school formal will be cancelled if they choose to participate in the said tradition. It is a plan of action that they say is “insensitive and harsh” and will leave students feeling helpless and disappointed.

A spokeswoman for the Department of Education said that the school will put in place a program instead to acknowledge the conclusion of the students’ formal schooling so they can stay focused on the exam preparation. Activities that will be part of the program include a senior formal, a parade, a farewell BBQ organised by their teachers, a special Valedictory celebration, a full day at a theme park.

Survey Launched to Decide Which Uniform Policy to Adopt at Kenmore State High School

A survey has been launched by a small group of parents to determine which uniform option Kenmore State High School students and parents prefer to be adopted as the current policy at KSHS, despite the P&C’s expression of support to the Principal and the current uniform policies.

Under the controversial survey, the students and parents will choose whether to support the current policy or change the policy to “uniform choice”, which will allow all families to choose from either the formal or sports uniform, to be worn everyday.

Education Queensland requires that all changes to uniform should have prior approval by a majority of parents and students. To help in the uniform policy review, a survey has been launched to have those against and those that are for the new policy to have their say about the uniform policy.

The current uniform policy at Kenmore State High School requires Years 7 to 12 students to wear the formal or day uniform daily. Sports uniform should be worn only on days when they have curriculum based sport, PE, or dance.

Beginning 2020, however, this policy shall apply to all students, which have divided the school community. Some raised complaints citing lack of consultation from last years forums and approval process.

Some issues the families have with the uniforms are that they are of low quality and do not conform with Education Queensland Sun Safety guidelines.

Call for Additional High School and Infrastructure Investment in Kenmore State High School Renewed

The fight continues for an additional high school and infrastructure investment in Kenmore State High School as the State Government is urged to provide analysis on current enrolments and changes to future enrolments and catchment suburbs.

For the past few years, locals have pleaded for urgent building upgrades to Kenmore SHS as the school nears reaching capacity. The Department of Education previously dismissed the statement that the school will soon hit its maximum student enrolment capacity of 2,231 students.

Read: Kenmore State High School Pleads for Urgent Building Upgrades

Read: New High School Facility in Moggill Still Not Possible, Kenmore State High School To Make Changes to Protect Learning Environment

Demand for Analysis

Dr Christian Rowan, MP for Moggill, insists that the need for infrastructure upgrade at the school is an urgent matter. He posed several questions to the Labor of Education Minister, including a request for information on 2018 enrolments and projected enrolments in the school.

Photo credit: Dr Christian Rowan MP/Facebook

The MP also wanted to know the ministry’s projections in terms of future changes to catchment suburbs in the next 10 years. He also asked what analysis has been done in relation to an additional high school in the Moggill or Ipswich West electorates.

By rule, Kenmore SHS restricts enrolment of students from outside its local catchment area to avoid exceeding enrolment capacity. Some residents from outside the catchment are dismayed that the Education Ministry insists that the school is below capacity when in fact, students are getting turned down during enrolment citing that the school is at capacity.

In the past years, Dr Rowan made similar appeals for the state government to fund an expansion of Kenmore SHS and establishment of a new school in the region. Concerned locals support the move and feel that they have been left in dark as to the master plan for the school.

Locals insist that there are issues with the existing facilities of the school. The library, for instance they say, is already cramped and not able to service some 1,900 students.