BNSHS Newsletter 2 April 2025

From the Principal's Office

What an amazing Term 1 we have had at Bundaberg North SHS. I have real pride in our accomplishments this term. Our academic results are strong, indicating real progress with our improvement strategies. We have had a focus on engagement and assessment literacy.  At the core of these have been our attention to building positive relationships and modelling this across the school. I have noticed the great values that are embedded in student behaviour and the warmth with which students engage with teachers and their peers. 

The central focus for this improvement has been the" North Way'; a recipe for how we want the school to progress. Stressing the priorities of Relationships, Curriculum, Teaching and Learning and High Expectations, the entire school has committed to improved student outcomes. Our Every Lesson Essentials have ensured that a consistent and clear lesson structure is evolving across the school. This has led to improved academic results and a much calmer school environment. I congratulate everyone for committing to authentic and genuine relationships where the individual is appreciated and valued. This has contributed to the positive and supportive school environment we are now experiencing. 

I encourage all parents and carers to engage in the Parent Conferences set for Friday 2 May. You will often hear me say that it takes a village to raise a child. Being able to work collaboratively to promote student achievement is essential to providing the right environment for student success. 

Students have finished NAPLAN and we look forward to these results affirming the positive progress we have made in the last term. I thank Mr Findlay for his professional organisation and commitment which ensured a seamless assessment period. 

We held our school photo day over a week ago.  We used this opportunity to take professional photos which we will use to update our school publications. I can attest to the school values being on display with students wearing their uniforms with pride and being genuinely proud to attend Bundaberg North. 

Our Rewards System where student receive Gotchas for demonstrating our school values has been a truly successful program with many of our students being eligible for soft drinks or tuckshop vouchers. To our surprise, quite a few students appear to be holding onto their Gotcha credits, potentially reducing using these to reduce the cost on some school events later in the year. 

Our School Council has been working hard behind the scenes, providing strategic direction to myself and the rest of the team around the direction of the school and potential improvements. We have 3 committees, School pride and Publicity, supported by Kate Giles and Corey Pitt, IT Support, supported by Geoff Augutis and the Teaching and Learning Direction, which the school executive team lead. Should you have any suggestions, please reach out to one of the members of these groups. 

We have ANZAC Day the first Friday after the holidays. For me our commitment to this most sacred day on the Australian calendar is important. We should recognise as a school, those who have served, to provide us with our current lifestyle and freedom. We will hold a school service on Thursday April 24. I would truly appreciate it if  our students attend on mass, one of the town services on Friday, either in town or at Moore Park Beach. If students could wear their school uniforms, that would be greatly appreciated. 

No doubt our athletes will train over the holidays for our Cross Country in Week 2. I look forward to this whole school event, where participation will be strongly encouraged. Team values, commitment and personal fitness are at the forefront of such events. 

You will be aware that we have engaged this year with The Resilience Project. On Tuesday we held our first G.E.M. day where students were encouraged to celebrate their Gratefulness, Mindfulness and Empathy. We finished by all making a school dance. What an amazing day. Seeing the student and staff engagement on this day was a recent highlight in my recent professional career. Please have a look at our Facebook page to see the dance. Our Publicity Reps are also producing a few social media posts in relation to this. Look out for these. Thank you, Mrs Thornton, for planning the day and to Tom from the Resilience Project who attended and was excited to see such engagement. Well, done everyone. 

I have also created a visual blog, something I try to do at the start and end of the term. Please see the attachment. 

Have a great holiday. May it be restful, peaceful and full of quality time with family and friends. Please be safe over the break. 

Craig Martin, Principal 

News From Mrs Brandon

Great start to the year

2025 is the first year under our new motto of “Reach Your Potential” and I feel we have made a great start to the year to assist students to live by this motto.

Each year, I track the number of behaviour entries made in OneSchool across the school. It is so pleasing to report that this year we are tracking an average of nine (9) entries per day less than last year. In fact, our March data is the best behaviour data we have had in over 5 years.

It is testament to the clear expectations we have been establishing over the past year, and the consistent application of these expectations by staff across the school, who have been ‘holding the line’. I thank all staff for their efforts this term as well as parents and carers who I have found are much more supportive this year when we apply consequences and who are supporting positive conversations at home.. It means we are all on the same page as to the expectations and the boundaries we are asking our students to stay within. This consistency and support helps adolescents to grow and thrive as they are aware of what is expected and that consequences will be applied should they breach those boundaries.

The launch of our GOTCHA stamps for staff to use to reward students for meeting or exceeding our expectations have also been well received. Students have collected their stamps within their GOTCHA Passports and then banked them in their RAS classes. It is hard to believe that so far we have banked in excess of 90,000 GOTCHA stamps! Congratulations to the Year 7s who have topped the banked tally!

Academically, this year saw us implement our EAGLES Extension Program across all Years 7 to 10 and we eagerly awaiting the first set of reports for these classes. Placement in the EAGLES classes is being reviewed to ensure students who should be extended, have that opportunity. Parents will be contacted if their student is affected by this review. 

We also implemented a focus class in Years 7 and 8 which has been well received and is meeting its aim of building foundation skills in literacy and numeracy for those students. These students not only have been more engaged in their classes but have also experienced less conflict with others and have improved attendance.

Reports issued

By the end of this week, students, in Years 7 to 10, will have their interim reports released to parents via Q Parents and then emailed to all parents / carers. I encourage parents and carers to come along and meet with teachers at the Progress Interviews on May 2, especially if the teacher has requested a meeting. However, it is a great opportunity for all parents to come along and discuss student progress face to face. If you are unable to attend but would be able to take a phone call, then please make contact with the school or teacher directly to negotiate a time for this occur. Interview times can be booked via SOBS – see link below.

Reach for the Sky Parade

This year, we are excited to extend an invitation to parents and carers to attend our Reach for the Sky parades. After each term’s reports, we analyse student results and acknowledge not only those students who have achieved well academically, as they receive a North Star Award, but also those students who are putting in effort in each class and upholding the school expectations in terms of their behaviour. These students are awarded a Reach for the Sky Award in either Bronze, Silver or Gold. This parade will be held on Tuesday of Week 3 each term.

Therefore, to celebrate Term 1’s achievements, we will be hosting our first Reach for the Sky parade this year on Tuesday 6 May. Parents and carers are invited to make their way to the hall and will be seated in the front few rows of seating. The parade will start at 9.30am.

At these parades, we will also be acknowledging sports people who have been selected as a Bundaberg representative and the Most Valuable Players from each of the BDSSS teams which have played in the term prior. We will also be treated to a performance from Instrumental Music students each parade. We look forward to congratulating students for their Term 1 efforts.

Natalie Brandon, Deputy Principal

Senior Schooling Update

Senior Study Coaching Schedule

We are excited to begin our first Senior Study Coaching period for 2025, providing ongoing support for our Year 11 and 12 students. This program is not only focused on academic progress but also serves as a check-in for students’ general well-being, recognising that the transition to senior schooling comes with increased workload and expectations.

Year 12 Study Coaching:

Begins this week, with appointments scheduled and student slips distributed in RAS folders on Monday the 31^st of March. If students have any concerns about their appointment, they should see their assigned coach.

Year 11 Study Coaching:

Will commence in Term 2, with appointments scheduled in Weeks 1 and 2. Appointment slips will be placed in RAS folders on the first day of term.

During these sessions, students will have the opportunity to discuss their future pathways and post-school plans. Attendance, behaviour, and commitment will also be reviewed to ensure they are on track for success. This program is led by a dedicated team of committed staff who are here to support and guide students through their senior years.

If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Aaron Ross, Deputy Principal 

Student Progress Conferences - Book Now!

We invite all parents and caregivers to attend our upcoming Student Progress Conferences, which will take place on Friday, 2nd May 2025, from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM. These conferences are a valuable opportunity to connect with your child’s teachers, discuss their academic progress, and gain insights into their learning journey.

Attending these meetings allows you to work collaboratively with teachers to support your child’s success, address any concerns, and celebrate achievements. Open and regular communication between home and school is the key to ensuring that every student reaches their full potential.

To book your conference, please use our SOBS online booking system, which is now live. Simply visit the following link to secure your appointment.

If you have any questions or require assistance with booking, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with the school at 07 4130 0222.

Thank you for your ongoing support—we look forward to seeing you there!

Aaron Ross, Deputy Principal

ANZAC Day Services

Students are invited to participate in the ANZAC Day services for both Bundaberg & Moore Park Beach on Friday, 25th April 2025. All students are asked to wear their school uniform, with Year 11 and 12 students required to wear their formal uniform. As the temperature may be high, students should bring a hat and a water bottle. To register their interest, they must add their name to the list at the school office.

Service details:

Bundaberg Service

• Meeting Location: Bourbong Street opposite Target
• Meeting Time: By 8:00am (marching at 8:30am)
• Pickup: Buss Park

Moore Park Beach Service

• Meeting Location: Community Hall
• Meeting Time: By 11:15am (marching at 11:30am)
• Pickup: Memorial Park

All students will also attend our school’s ANZAC service held on Thursday, 24th April, at 12.30pm in the hall.

Mick Findlay, Deputy Principal 

World's Greatest Shave Success!

The North High spirit was on show as students and staff participated in the Leukaemia Foundation’s Shave for a Cure in Week 9.

It was amazing to see our students and staff come together to support such a worthy cause. A big thank you to the girls from Down to Earth Hair & Accessories for donating their time to come to school to assist in the shaving of hair. It was great to welcome back former student Brittany Walker, Owner of Down to Earth Hair and Accessories.

Thank you to everyone who contributed money on the day to help achieve the goal of zero lives lost to blood cancer by 2035. BNSHS have successfully raised approximately $1600 to date. Well done to Aaron, Charlie and Keegan in particular for being brave and shaving off your hair and also to Mr Martin who shaved off his beard. 

Keri Jensen, Teacher

Year 12's visit CQU

On Friday, March 21st, our Year 12 students had the exciting opportunity to attend the CQU Bundaberg Campus for their Experience Day. This event allowed students to immerse themselves in the daily life of a university student and gain valuable insights into their future study and career pathways.

During the day, students participated in a variety of lectures covering diverse subjects such as Business and Law, Medical Sciences, Engineering, Social Work, Psychology, and Education. These sessions not only introduced them to potential university courses but also gave them a real taste of what university life is like.

The event proved to be both engaging and informative, with students enjoying hands-on activities and hearing firsthand stories from university students about their personal journeys and how they balanced study with work. Savannah, one of our students, shared her thoughts on the day: “It was very engaging and had lots of practical activities. I enjoyed hearing stories from uni students about different ways in which they got to where they were and knowing you can study and work at the same time.”

Mia, another student, reflected on the experience: “The day gave you more insight into uni life. It made you realise there are a lot of different jobs within one profession. It also showed that there were more opportunities for students in Bundaberg than I thought and offers flexible learning with the ability to study online.”

The Experience Day was a fantastic opportunity for students to explore various pathways and gain a better understanding of the exciting options that lie ahead after school. It was a day filled with inspiration, making university seem like an achievable and rewarding next step in their education journey.

We look forward to supporting our Year 12 students as they continue to explore their future options.

Jess Grogan, Year 12 Coordinator 

Sport @ North

Inter-House Athletics Carnival

The Bundaberg North SHS Inter-House Athletics Carnival will be held on Thursday, 26 June and Friday, 27 June 2025.

Students will compete for their houses and look to gain individual recognition in their age group.

On Friday 27th June, the Inter-House Athletics Carnival will be held at the Bundaberg Athletics Complex. All students are expected to attend the day. However, competitive participation is optional. There will be activities organised for all students, both competitive athletics events and ‘social’ events. It is not necessary to register. Students can just turn up and compete. 

There will be no organised classes at school as all students and staff will be attending the athletics carnival. Students will travel by bus to the Bundaberg Athletics Complex in the morning, leaving at approximately 8.30am  and return to school after the carnival by 3.00pm. As the carnival will take the entire school day, there will be no release of students for the “Friday 5 time or ICC Planning time"

There will be a canteen operating on the day at the complex. Shade will be provided. However, please ensure your child has sunscreen, appropriate sun safety clothing, a hat and water. Students need to be sun safe throughout the day.

Students are encouraged to participate and dress in either themed costume or house colours. This year’s theme is ‘Disney’. Parents are welcome to attend.

On Thursday 26th, events will be held on the school oval and will include the option to compete in discus and javelin. As these are high risk activities, a separate consent form is required for students wishing to participate in these events. These forms can be picked up from the school office or L block staffroom. Students will need to show this consent form to the javelin and discus marshal on Thursday 26th.

The Athletics Carnival is an important event on our school calendar, and we thank you for supporting this school activity and encouraging your children to attend. Consent for your child to attend will need to be completed through QParents before Monday, 23 June 2025. If you have difficulty completing the consent form, please contact the school office on 4130 0222. Due to the level of risk of this activity, we cannot accept verbal or late permission.

For further information about the activity, please contact Robert Thatcher on 4130 0222 or rthat1@eq.edu.au

Please note: there will be no Friday 5 on this day.

Rob Thatcher, Sports Coordinator 

2025 CROSS COUNTRY

The 2025 Cross Country was held on Wednesday 30^th April. Around 70 students battled either the 3km, 4km or 6km circuit. The open course provided a great spectacle as the runners raced through way through a variety of terrain around the school and neighbouring fields. With house pride on the line, many athletes pushed themselves to the limit in order to complete the course, while others took the more social approach, but still gained valuable house points.

 Students were then selected to compete in the District Cross Country where our competitors performed extremely well.  Two students, Zara and Bridie retained their age champion medals. The race also threw up a few surprise results for age-champions. Well done to all age champs!

 The 2025 House points were very close, emphasising how much ‘team spirit’ and ‘having a go’ can really make a difference! CONGRATULATIONS to MONDURAN House who were triumphant on the day.

GPs in State School Program at North

Did you know that Bundaberg North State High School has a Nurse Practitioner (NP) available 4 days per month? I’m here to provide health advice, medical assessments, and support for students right on campus.

✔️ Need help managing asthma, acne, stress, or sports injuries?

✔️ Want advice on sleep, nutrition, or general wellbeing?

✔️ Have concerns about sexual health, periods, or chronic conditions?

I provide a confidential, supportive space, with no cost to discuss health concerns. Drop in and say hi!

📅 Location: Nurse/GP room (shared with Nurse Robyn)

Claire Bayliss, Nurse Practitioner 

Friday 5, Term 3 2025 Registration

Stymie - #saysomething

What does Stymie do for young people?

Of every 30 young people in Australia seven will be dealing with a mental health issue, yet only two will reach out for support. Stymie works with you to give the young people you are working with, the power to say something or ask for help. We are an early intervention initiative that changes and saves lives.

Stymie empowers young people to ask for help when they need support, or if they are seeing or experiencing harm.

Stymie provides online reporting for schools. Encrypted, anonymous notifications are delivered within seconds to authorised recipients, who respond according to their wellbeing framework. The notification provides the option to include screenshots or images that validate the notification.

Being able to anonymously report, relieves feelings of helplessness for those who want to help their peers but don’t quite know how. Our purpose is to support you in creating an environment where harm can be minimised and effective action can be maximised.

Stymie can be used by anybody. It does not have to be a student at our school. The link to make a notification is on the school website front page

2025 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey

All Year 12 completers from last year will soon receive an invitation to participate in the Next Step survey. This is their chance to help our school understand the different pathways of the 2024 Year 12 students so that we can improve our senior programs and supports for future students. The survey only takes five minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school.

As a thank you for participating, Year 12 completers who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win a MacBook Air.

We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. If their contact details have changed, please assist survey interviewers by providing their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone.

QParents in 2025 at BNSHS

QParents is all about making parents’ lives easier. QParents is a safe, private app to help parents and caregivers manage important details about their child’s education. Once you are registered, you can sign in securely and- Make payments online- Check your student’s timetable, assessment calendar and report cards- Inform the school of your student’s past or future absence- See upcoming events- View enrolment details- Update your contact details.

From 2025, the school will be asking all parents to submit their consent for excursions through QParents. Click the link below for more information or contact the school to arrange for your unique invitation code to start your registration process.

You can watch the introductory video at the link below to learn more about QParents and how it can work for you.

QPARENTS INTRODUCTORY VIDEO

P&C News

P&C ask for your uniform donations

My name is Shelly Hansen.  I am the President of the BNSHS P&C Association and I am seeking your help.  Sadly, there are students at our school whose families are not able to provide them with a uniform.  I would like to ask for your assistance by donating any items of North High uniform that your children no longer need.  The P&C try to support all requests for assistance but with your help we may be able to extend that support further.  

All uniform donations are greatly appreciated, and we thank you for the continued support of our school.  

Thank you for your help, Shelly Hansen, P&C President

Callout for volunteers

Can you volunteer some time either at home or in tuckshop?

We have some jobs for the tuckshop that could be completed at home such as cutting foil into squares, cutting burger paper (baking paper), putting labels on bags and more.

We also need assistance in our tuckshop. This can be a background position (not student facing). The jobs could include washing up, stocking fridges/ice cream freezer/spoons and helping with food preparation (cutting salads/fruit).

The main days needed are Tuesday and Thursday from 8am-12noon, but any amount of time from 1 to 4 hours would be extremely helpful.

We can also sign off on your Centrelink, work/volunteer forms.

If you think you could spare some time, please contact us via email – pandc@bundabergnorthshs.eq.edu.au

Shelly Hansen, P&C President 

Bundaberg Chess Club

The Bundaberg Chess Club Inc. is holding Sunday Junior Chess Tournaments in 2025.   The Junior chess competitions are usually held on the last Sunday of the month. This year we are planning to hold 8 Junior Chess Tournaments.

Intended dates for the tournaments are:

• 23/02/2025
• 30/03/2025
• 27/04/2025
• 25/05/2025
• 27/07/2025
• 31/08/2025
• 26/10/2025
• 30/11/2025

Cost is $10.00/child. A maximum cost of $20.00/family for 3 or more players. The cost includes 6 rounds of competitive chess plus a chess lesson from Mr John Harris who is a top-rated chess player in Bundaberg. 

Prizes are given on each Sunday for 1st to 3rd place, with 2 lucky door prizes and 2 prizes for most interesting game. Children can accrue points through regular attendance at the Sunday Tournaments towards Grand Prix prizes awarded at the end of the year.

Further details and information on the Bundaberg Chess Club Junior Chess Tournament should be sent to the club president using the following email presidentjohn@live.com.au.

Important dates

Containers for Change program

Bundaberg North SHS supports the Containers for Change program and raises money for student resources.  If you have empty bottles or cans and would like to donate them to North High we would be very grateful.   You can either bring them to school office and staff will give them to the Tuckshop or you can take them to one of the recycling depots and quote our school code – C10002160.  

Thank you for helping our school and the environment.