BNSHS Newsletter October 14th 2020

From the Principal's Office

It has been an extraordinary year and graduation for our Year 12s is fast approaching.  Year 12s have 3 weeks of school left until they embark on a 3 week external examination block.  Students are finalising units of work and preparing for assessment as we speak, and we wish all the Year 12s the best of luck for their final exams.  This is the first cohort in Queensland to complete external assessment under the new QCE system.

Last week we ran an Athletics activity day on Thursday for students who were keen to compete.  It was great to see so many students getting involved and enjoying some friendly competition.  Congratulations to all those who placed in their events.  Well done!

This week we celebrate the successes and achievements of our students this year at our annual Presentation Parade and Presentation Night.  This year our ceremonies have had to be adapted to meet COVID 19 safety guidelines and I thank you for your understanding and cooperation in making these changes possible.  I am proud to see so many students still able to achieve outstanding results even under the difficult circumstances this year.  Congratulations to all students who are winning awards this year.  I would like to announce the 2021 School Captains are Alison Quinn and Braydan Bielefeld.  Congratulations to you both!  If you would like one of the featured photos of your student, please email the school office and request a copy quoting the Gallery number and photo number.

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Attendance at school

Normal attendance expectations are in place for term 4.  Parents have a legal obligation to ensure their child is attending school every day of the educational program in which the child is enrolled, unless there is a reasonable excuse.

If a student is absent without a reasonable excuse, we will implement the usual student absence procedures. 

If parents keep their child at home due to COVID-19, it is reasonable to expect parents to provide the school with written medical evidence. In these circumstances, parents must ensure their child continues engagement with a program of learning. 

Miss Kent, PRINCIPAL

Student free days - December 10 & 11

Your patience and flexibility during this pandemic have been extraordinary. This year will be remembered for many things, not least a year of challenge, uncertainty and great complexity. Everyone has been affected by COVID-19. While many in our communities across the state have contributed to ensuring Queensland families remain healthy and safe, I think we all would agree our state school teachers and school staff have done an incredible job at leading our children’s education. In recognition of their outstanding efforts during the pandemic, the Queensland Government has declared the last two days of Term 4, 2020, Thursday 10 December and Friday 11 December, 2020 be allocated as student free days. Schools will be closed on these days. This will come as great news for those who are keen to begin their school holidays early. For some families, alternative arrangements will need to be made for the care of children on these two days. You can view the updated school holiday and term dates and download the calendar at https://education.qld.gov.au/about-us/calendar/term-dates.

Educating our children is a team effort. On behalf of our teaching and school staff, I would like to thank you for your support and cooperation during this year.  
 

Junior subject selections

On Friday, 6^th November, 2020, all year 8 and 9 students will select their subjects for 2021. Each student must select at least one subject from ‘The Arts’ and one subject from ‘Technologies’. Over the next two weeks students will hear from staff about what these subjects will be about and be given a subject selection form and access to the subject selection booklet. Please keep an eye out for an email home with further information over the following weeks.

Senior school news from Mr Wright

Year 12 announcements: External exams draft timetable, presentation night, graduation, formal dinner

External exams

External exams will be held for all General Subjects in weeks 4-7 (26^th October – 20^th November) of term 4. Please find below  a link to the student exam timetable. Year 12 students are only required to attend the relevant scheduled events, such as exams and tutorial sessions. There will be no regular classes for year 12s during the external exam block.

On the timetable, you will find:

External exams for General Subjects: student studying these subjects are required to attend on the days and times indicated, with all necessary equipment. Absence will require immediate contact with the school and documented evidence of the reason for absence (such as a medical certificate).

Tutorial sessions for General Subjects: students studying these subjects are required to attend these sessions to allow teachers to monitor their studies, and to provide an opportunity for students to ask questions and clarify content with their teachers. Absence requires contact from a parent to explain the reason (such as illness).

Catch-up sessions for Applied and VET subjects with practical components: students studying these subjects will be required to attend the catch-up sessions until all assessment, including practical components, has been completed. Teachers will advise parents and students if they are no longer required to attend.

 Please note: While this timetable is currently in draft form, the times and dates of external exams will not change. There may be changes to tutorial and catch-up sessions.

 Graduation ceremony -18^th November

In order to run a COVID-safe event, our year 12 graduation ceremony for 2020 will operate slightly differently to past years. We are prioritising the attendance of student’s families and significant others to ensure that students are not unduly restricted in who they can invite to the ceremony.

Therefore, the graduation ceremony will be conducted outdoors on the school oval on the evening of Wednesday 18^th November. The outdoor venue greatly increases the number of attendees we can safely accommodate. Seating will be provided. Further details to follow.

 Formal dinner (prom) – 19^th November

Plans are well underway to ensure that the formal dinner for year 12 students (the prom), can go ahead at the Brother’s Sports Club on the evening of 19^th November. While some restrictions will apply (such as social distancing and no dancing), I know that the students are looking forward to their special evening as much as any other year. Stay tuned for news about events details such as arrival procedures.

Girls achieve a stunning win.

Senior Girls football achieve a come-from-behind win and claim a '3 peat' of championships!

 After completing the season in 3rd position with only having narrow losses to the top two sides our finals defence of the premiership began with the semi-final against Kepnock which was won in a convincing manner meaning that the girls travelled to Winters Finals Day full of confidence that this was the our year to win the premiership. The grand final saw a matchup between North High and Shalom (minor premiers). In the grand final game North was pressured early and by half time shared the lead 1 all. The second half saw a continuation of the tug-of-war with neither side backing down. The final score between the two sides remained locked at 1-1. Extra time was added to see if the deadlock could be broken, however this wasn’t the case and a penalty shootout was needed to determine the 2020 premiership. The shootout resulted in North claiming the game 4-0 and claiming the title of ‘Open Girl’s Football’ premiers 2020. All members of the team deserved player of the match however a special mention to those grade 12 players that played a major role in the team’s success and leave the squad at the end of the year, Demi (Captain), Amy, Abby, Emily and Alice. Massive congratulations to the girls, whom I have watched over the season improving as a team, showed impeccable sportsmanship and represented the school with pride.

Mr Peach, Football Coach

Link and Launch

The Year 12 cohort welcomed the team from Link and Launch during Access lesson on Tuesday, 15th September. We would like to thank Bec Egan, Jo Donnison from Link and Launch, Amber Lutter from Bundaberg Jobs Commitment, Chris Kettle and Andrea Bax from the Bundaberg Regional Council and Jesse Zielke from JRZ Homes for their time, expertise and valuable information.  

 The Link & Launch officers connect with young people who have completed Year 12 but not yet transitioned to further study, training or work. The team can assist young people to navigate a range of post-school study, training and work options in line with their individual goals, aspirations, skills and strengths and support them to make independent choices that will equip them to make a successful transition. Some of the options students may consider through the program include: 

• Skilling Queenslanders for Work training or subsidies
• alternative entry to university 
• alternative entry to TAFE
• Transition to Work, JobActiveand other federal workforce participation programs  
• employment 

Who can join the program? 

Young people who are not in education, employment or training and who completed Year 12 in the previous two years are eligible to join the program. Older Year 12 graduates who may benefit from the program are also welcome to join.   If you know a young person who might benefit from this kind of support, please encourage them to contact us on 0436 853 300 or regan30@eq.edu.au

Science under sail

Amba had an amazing experience over the holidays with Science Under Sail. She learnt a lot about sailing a catamaran and even more about sea grass and coral, making new friends with common interests along the way.

North's Young Achievers

Congratulations to three Year 10 students Vanessa, Charli and Byron who have received University of Queensland 'Young Achievers Program' (YAP) scholarships. Each year North High has been successful in having 3 of our students accepted into the UQ Young Achievers Program. Congratulations and good luck to our Year 12 students Connor, Emily and Maverick who have been part of the program since Year 10 and hope to continue their studies at U.Q. after graduation.
Year 11 students Amber, Braydan and Abbie will continue with the program and have enjoyed the experiences and opportunities the YAP program has offered.

CQU Campus connect

On the 6th of October, the remaining 3 Year 10 SETP classes were invited to attend a day at CQUniversity. Throughout the day, students interacted with lecturers and students to better understand the wide selection of courses and pathway options available. With morning tea and lunch provided, the staff at our local University catered for our students here at Bundaberg North State High School, making the day incredibly enjoyable and worth being in a different learning environment. We are grateful for the facilities that the University has to offer, and hope that many of us will be attending there to further our education in our chosen fields. 

Year 10 student, Shae

'Picking' up some extra cash

The September school holidays saw several of our students earn some pocket money, gain valuable new skills and increase their employability by taking part in a Bundaberg Fruit and Vegetable Growers initiative to employ local school students during the holiday period. The students were picking and packing fruit and vegetables in the local area. To be selected the students took part in a process that saw them submit a resume and interview for one of the positions. This exercise was extremely valuable to our students because they all received feedback on their resume and interview. Not only did they earn pocket money but they also gained valuable job seeking and employment skills. There is the possibility that this program will run again in the December/ January holidays and we would encourage students to apply for a position.

Mrs Nicholls, Industry Liaison Officer

Containers for change

Our "containers for change" drive continues.  Each bottle or can helps not only the environment but is 10c toward our fundraising for the school.  You can either bring your cans and bottles to school or take them to a refund depot and quote our school number - C10002160.

Your kind donation is greatly appreciated. 

Toast and talk

There is a new initiative at North High, driven by our Teacher Aides and Chaplain which is proving to be a hit with some of our students.  Toast and Talk is a program offering students a place to gather, perhaps have some breakfast and to start this day with a friendly conversation.  

We are so grateful to members of our community who donate bread and supplies to make this program possible.  It could not work without the generosity of our community.  

To sweeten the program even more, we would love to add some local produce, and in particular honey to our menu.  If you are a local producer and have a jar or two to spare, your donation would be gratefully received.  

P&C Parent Talk

P&Cs Qld support the achievement of quality educational outcomes for students through fostering parental and community engagement in a thriving and successful education system.   Their vision is to ensure “Every child has every chance” in education and in life.

Click on the link below to learn more about P&Cs Qld.

Assistance for families & students in 2021

St Vincent de Paul Society's Children's Education Fund (CEF).

CEF provides funding for various school materials including (but not limited to):
• Uniforms
• Stationery
• Text books & book lists
• Bags, lunchboxes etc.
• Technology requirements (iPads, laptops etc)
• School resource levies (but not school fees)

Applications are open from 1 August to 30 September 2020 for the 2021 school year (This is open to all families/students can apply on their own behalf).

To apply- An interview is required to determine eligibility.  At the interview an application form will be completed with the Vinnies support staff.   
Parents/Guardians/Students need to telephone and arrange an interview with the SVDP Bundaberg Support Office on 4151 5819  Monday, Tuesday and Thursday mornings 9am-11:30am. (If you telephone outside of these hours and leave a message one of our staff will be in contact with you) alternatively you can email us on bundaberg.office@svdpqld.org.au 
If eligible and approved, families/students will receive the assistance in January 2021 for their school needs.  

Spark their future

Is your teenager moody and not listening to you? Neuroscience educator Nathan Wallis explains what is going on in the teenage brain and how you can help your teen engage with school and learning. Visit the Spark their Future website for more qld.gov.au/sparktheirfuture

Important dates