BNSHS Newsletter 30 May 2025

From the Principal's Office

We have reached the halfway point of a busy term. Students should be well underway with assessment and implementing their improvement goals that were discussed at the start of term. As a teaching staff we have committed to further improvement of our teaching and learning skills and we continue to prioritise our strong school values and remain committed to meeting community expectation. All of this occurs whilst we provide a quality education for your children, based on a broad range of experiences that will support the development of well-rounded young adults. 

As a school we have prioritised assessment literacy placemats that are designed to forefront the necessary skills that need to be demonstrated for each assessment task. Teachers have provided explicit teaching strategies and experiences to ensure that students are well prepared to provide their best example of work, upon the completion of the assessment period. Please discuss with your child these explicit strategies which should lead to improved results for all students. 

At the start of the term we provided all students with a record of their recent academic achievement. This allowed students to see their progress over time and then develop targeted improvement plans to further improve results. Please ask your child to revisit these goals at this time of the term. 

Last week our teaching staff engaged in Classroom Profiling, aimed specifically at improving engagement and quality teaching and learning strategies which will support learning in all classrooms. We received a report from the profiling team and will be implementing this over the next term, to further improve the engagement and focused learning in our classrooms. The profiling team spoke of the improved culture and calm environment that exists at school at the moment. This is testament to our commitment to high expectations and strong relationships. 

I need to let the school community know that Mr Aaron Ross has had to return to Gin Gin SHS for a short while to support some key agendas at that school. Mrs Thornton has accepted an Acting Deputy Principal role for the time Mr Ross is back at Gin Gin SHS. Mrs Thornton will manage Yr 7 and 8. Mr Findlay will take responsibility for Yr 9 and 11 and Mrs Brandon will manage Yr 10 and 12. 

A focus in recent years has been preparation for employment post school for all of our students. We are committed to preparing our young people for future employment. In recent meetings with employers, I have recognised their desire to have young people skilled in conversation, personal organisation, resilience, common sense and a willingness to learn. Overwhelmingly employers have said that they are prepared to build the skills of new employees but these skills are considered critical. We will be prioritising these as students engage in employment skilling sessions and work experience in the near future. 

Recently we have committed to supporting the campaign against Domestic Violence. In recent times this campaign has become even more relevant with recent events reported in the media. Our senior students and staff have all signed a pledge to say NO to DV. Please model behaviours of respect and tolerance and support the victims of domestic violence in all that we do. Please reach out for support if you or anyone else needs assistance. 

Our student leaders this week sold cookies and held a successful pancake morning tea in support of the Cancer Councils "Australia's Biggest Morning Tea'. Our Senior Students are continuing to show their leadership skills as they have emerging plans to celebrate a range of cultures on Harmony Day. We are also engaging in the Push Up Challenge to raise further awareness of suicide in Australia. 

Our Mother's Day morning tea was well received with over 120 guests attending. This was a great occasion to celebrate student achievement and build community engagement. I thank Natalie Brandon and the Hospitality Department for bringing this event to life. 

I would like to congratulate Zara A on her selection in the Qld Under 15 Girls Football team. This is a great achievement and proof that students from Bundaberg North are achieving great outcomes. Congratulations to Lauchlan A & Parker A for their selection in the Bundaberg Cross Country team. We wish them well at the Wide Bay Trials. 

I look forward as well to the Arts Evening, planned for June 19. This evening will see our students present examples of their creativity and modern perspective. I am sure that this will be a wonderful evening where we can showcase the talent of our young people at Bundaberg North.

Lastly, the week of Tuesday 27 May 2025 to Tuesday 3 June 2025 is Reconciliation Week. We have prioritised some quick links in RAS lessons and will highlight this on parade next Tuesday. The importance of moving forward as a nation in the spirit of harmony, respect and as one people is critical as we meet the theme of 'Bridging Now to Next'. 

Craig Martin, Principal

News from Mrs Brandon

Mother’s Day Morning Tea

Last Tuesday, we warmly welcomed over 120 guests to our 2025 Mother’s Day Morning Tea. The event was beautifully catered by our talented Year 11 and 12 Hospitality students, under the expert guidance of Ms Liddell. It was a heartwarming occasion that not only celebrated our Term 1 Award recipients but also honoured the invaluable support of mothers and motherly figures in our students’ lives.

Natalie Brandon, Deputy Principal 

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 25

Next

Junior School Update

Firstly, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself. My permanent role in the school is HOD- Junior Schooling. For the next 6 weeks I will be acting as the Deputy for the Junior school. If you have any queries or questions, please feel free to reach out on 41 300 222 or scros90@eq.edu.au.

As we approach the assessment period of the term, I strongly encourage all students to be attending every day. Some students have already commenced assessment, and attendance is vital to ensure students are receiving feedback from teachers.

We will be holding our second Immersion Day for Years 5 and 6 students on Wednesday 4^th June. This is a great opportunity for our primary school students to immerse themselves in High School and get to know the staff. Permission forms are due to the office by Friday 30 ^May.

We have now launched our Year 7 2026 Scholarships and applications for EAGLES Extension Program. Both of these applications are due by 29 August 2025 and can be accessed via the following links or the QR codes on the information brochures below. If you would like any further information, please feel free to contact the school.

Shelley Thornton, Deputy Principal 

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.

Crushers Dig Deep in Dolphins Challenge Debut

The Grade 9/10 Bundaberg North Crushers opened their Dolphins Challenge campaign with a hard-fought battle against a strong Bundaberg State High side at Brothers Sports Club on Wednesday afternoon.

We hit the scoreboard early thanks to a stunning long-range try from Edric B, set up by some sharp hands from Jesse S. Edric’s speed and agility were elite — a true multisport weapon in action!

Despite several further chances in the first half, we couldn’t convert, and the experience and size of Bundaberg State eventually turned the game but our Crushers pack never backed down. 

Standout efforts from second-rowers Kaden R and Davey H while young forwards Angus T, Aiden E and Tyler N held strong under heavy pressure in the middle. Team Captain Rory G expects the team to get better and is determined to lead from the front.

This is a determined, hardworking group — and with most of the squad in Grade 9. The future is bright. 

 Also, how good does the team look in their fresh new kits?!
Massive thanks to our sponsors:
 #CheshireMachinery
#IGALocalGrocer

#PhilipsEnergy

Next up: We face Xavier College (Hervey Bay) on June 11 in the next round of the Dolphins Challenge.  Until then, we’re back into BDSSS action! 

Rob Elphinstone, Coach

Year 10 News

Year 10 Work Experience

Year 10 Work Experience will take place from 28th July to 1st August. Thank you to all students and families, who have already organised placements and returned the necessary forms. Your support is greatly appreciated! For those still finalising details, please continue to submit your paperwork as soon as possible. We’re excited for students to gain valuable real-world experience in a variety of industries and workplaces. 

Mock Interviews

Over the next three weeks, Year 10 students will be participating in a series of mock interviews designed to develop their communication, confidence, and career-readiness skills.

The first interviews were held today, where staff and community volunteers gave students a taste of the job application process in a supportive setting.

“The experience was nerve-wracking at first but it helped me feel more prepared for what to expect in a real interview,” said one student. “The feedback I received was really helpful.”

The students were praised for their maturity and effort. Well done to all students who participated! 

CQU Connect Program Excursion

Year 10 students will attend the CQU Connect Program on Wednesday 25 June, 9.30-2.00pm at the CQU Bundaberg Campus. This is a fantastic opportunity to explore university pathways and career options. Permission forms have been sent home and are on QParents—please ensure they are completed and returned as soon as possible. 

CQU also require students to register with the university. Students can register at this link

Student Registration Deadline is Wednesday 18^th June. Please complete this as soon as possible. We’re looking forward to a great day!

Kellie Dexter, Year 10 Coordinator

North High students Building the future!

Earlier this week Bundaberg North state high school students had the opportunity to be a part of the Gateway to industry schools’ program by attending the Try a trade event hosted by Hutchinson Builders.

The Try a trade day was an interactive program that allowed BNSHS students to try their hand at various skills and trades like painting, tiling and carpentry. The program aimed to raise awareness of the career opportunities available in the construction industry through the utilisation of tools and industry processes as well as a site tour.

The Gateway to Industry Schools program (GISP) is designed to build partnerships between schools and industry to enable young people to acquire the knowledge, skills and attributes to participate effectively in the Queensland economy. The program provides opportunities for industry and the education sector to work together to deliver outcomes for students, local communities and businesses. Participating students are exposed to a range of learning experiences to assist them in their career choices and pathways to employment.

Mark Monsen, Teacher

Bundaberg North SHS Joins the Push-Up Challenge!

On Friday 5 July, Bundaberg North State High School will take part in the national Push-Up Challenge to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention. Held in the Hall during second lunch, all students are invited to participate. The challenge highlights the 3,214 lives lost to suicide in Australia, with each push-up representing one life. Students who complete 30 push-ups—full, knee, or wall—will receive a free icy block as a reward. It’s a great way to promote wellbeing, support a worthy cause, and show strength in both body and mind. Coin donations will be accepted on the day for the Push for Better Foundation.

Kellie Dexter, Teacher & Year 10 Coordinator 

AG Update

It has been a big term for the Agriculture Program, the highlights include: -

• Breaking ground for our Food Forest – the garden beds have been created, and plants are going in this week.
• Excursion to Gin Gin Landcare – the students thoroughly enjoyed their visit, learning how to propagate and mulch plants.  Students also had the opportunity to see some of the plants that are going to be used in the food forest.
• Excursion to the River and Botanic Gardens – Student were able to see erosion first hand and also have chosen a plant in the botanic gardens to monitor each month to see changes over the seasons, how the plant interacts in the ecosystem and how it is cared for by the council (mulching etc).
• Incursion – we had Rachel a soil scientist from Burnett Mary River Group come and talk to students about the importance of soil.

There are some big things that are in the pipeline, so watch this space.

Tanya Derriman, Teacher 

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 

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 

It’s time to upgrade to Windows 11!

Our school is transitioning all devices to Windows 11 before October 2025 to ensure continued access to the department’s network. Parents and students with BYO devices are encouraged to contact our school’s IT technician to confirm that your device has been upgraded.

Friday 5, Term 2 2025 Registration

Important dates

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

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.