BNSHS Newsletter 20 June 2025

From the Principal's Office

As the term draws to a close, I realise that we have much to celebrate. Our academic results in the Senior School are pleasing, we have some great results on the sporting field, we have held a truly successful Arts Night and our Library will be open at the start of Term 3 after having and extensive refurb. We also some exciting news and opportunities for our indigenous students. This is especially important as NAIDOC week fast approaches. 

Our Senior Reporting Data for Semester 1 has been truly positive. Our Yr 11 cohort attained 19.7 A, 34.5% B, 36.3% C, 6.5% D and 3% E or N ratings. Our Yr 12 students have surpassed those results with 22% of results being A, 39% B, 35.5% C and only 3.2% D. There were no E's or N's to report.

I am truly proud of these results and wish to congratulate our students on attaining these great results and the teachers for supporting these results.  This is evidence that our Goal Setting and Study Coaching processes are supporting quality student outcomes. I look forward to analysing the Junior School reports next week.  In a recent school supervisor report, it was noted positively that we have a calm and measured school with reduction in student suspensions of over 10 % compared to the same time last year. Whilst we still have room improvement there has been a 2 % improvement in attendance. The strong commitment to our values and relationships is obviously having a positive effect. We will further celebrate and recognise these values at the start of Term 3 with another GEM Day celebration where this time we plan to present a school song. Watch this space.

This week saw the conclusion of the Round 2 Bundaberg District School sport competition. Whilst I appreciate all students who represent our school and engage in competitive sport, I need to recognise that our Yr 9 and 10 boys Rugby League Team made the final against St Lukes and then took out the competition. They represented the school with pride, behaved well and played with passion. This is testament to the strong work occurring in our Sports Development Program- specialising in Rugby League. The Crushers have much to celebrate with promoting student engagement, but it is even more encouraging to attain a Bundaberg premiership. Well done everyone and thank you to our sponsors for supporting this program. 

Our Arts Evening was held on Thursday night. I would like to congratulate all of the staff and students for their passion and commitment to the night's entertainment. All sectors of the Arts Department were represented, and the community experienced the breadth of talent and skill held by our students. In particular I wish to thank our student MC's, Kyla P, Rebecca K & Abby M for their organisation and direction on the night and also the Arts Department who brought the evening to fruition. In particular though, Sue Latimer was truly amazing with her unrelenting drive and passion, making the evening a great success. 

Approximately 12 months ago the school started planning a refurbishment of the library. I can say with relief that all of the planning, hard work and flexible organisation have been worth it with the opening of a modern and student friendly library space that will be the envy of most schools. I know that students are excited to experience the renewed library. I also have great news that a school fence is planned for Term 3 and we are busily planning this implementation. 

Many of you will be aware that we have a strong commitment to those students who identify as indigenous. We have a First Nations room, a culturally safe environment which caters for indigenous students. We have a Community Education Counsellor, and a full time teach aide positioned in this room to assist with student engagement and to support community connections, cultural awareness and academic attainment and potential pathways for senior Students. We also work collaboratively with the Local Community Education Board to promote these outcomes and build a connected learning environment where our indigenous students can flourish. 

To support this agenda, I have worked with our GP's in schools Program to provide a free health check for students who identify as indigenous. Please check your email last week to see the link which will allow students to access Claire, our Nurse Practitioner. 

We have opportunity to employ an additional Community Education Counsellor for at least 6 months. This job will be advertised for 2 weeks on the Smart Jobs Website. The advertisement will run from Monday 23 June to 4 July. Please see the link for the Website https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au . Please let anyone know who may be interested in this role and let them know they can contact me for further information. 

We have room for parent representatives to join the board. Please let people know to reach out to me if interested in supporting further indigenous student outcomes as a parent. I will send an application to all parents and carers next week. 

We have planned for a range of NAIDOC week activities and will publicise these over the next few weeks. 

I hope you have a great break; one that is safe and relaxing. Please catch up with family and friends and look out for each other. 

I will see you at the start of Term 3 on Monday 14 July. 

Craig Martin, Principal

News from Mrs Brandon

Timetable for Semester 2

On the first day of Term 3, all students in Years 7 to 10 will receive a new timetable to reflect changes in their elective subjects.

• Year 7 and 8 students will continue rotating through their Arts and Technology subjects, giving them a chance to experience each strand before making their 2026 subject selections in mid-Term 3.
• Year 9 and 10 students will begin their new semester-long electives. Each student should have received a personalised letter outlining their elective subjects for the upcoming semester. In these final weeks of Term 2, they have the opportunity to request any subject changes prior to the holidays so they can start the term in their new subjects.

The new timetables will be accessible in OneSchool and Q Parents from the first Monday of the holidays. We encourage all students to check their Semester 2 timetables and be prepared for a smooth start to the new term with replenished stationery and notebooks if necessary.

2026 Subject Information Evening

📅 Save the Date: Subject Information Evening – Tuesday 12 August, 5:00–7:00 PM

We’re excited to invite all students and families from Years 7 to 10 to our annual Subject Information Evening, taking place in Week 5 of Term 3. This event is a valuable opportunity to explore elective subject options for 2026 and to make well-informed decisions about future learning pathways.

For Year 10 students and their families, attendance is especially important. The subject choices made at this stage play a significant role in shaping each student’s journey through the Senior Phase of Learning and beyond.

We look forward to seeing you there as we support every student in planning a successful and meaningful future.

Year 10: Preparing for the Future

Year 10 is a pivotal time when we work closely with students to explore potential future pathways and prepare them for the transition into post-compulsory education.

Over the past few weeks, under the leadership and organisation of Year Coordinator Mrs Dexter, students have participated in mock job interviews. This valuable experience helps build their confidence in communicating with potential employers—skills that will benefit them during their upcoming work placements and in future job interviews, including part-time roles.

Students have also been actively seeking hosts for their work experience placements, scheduled for Term 3, Week 3. A large number of students have already submitted their placement forms, showing great initiative and enthusiasm.

Following their work experience, students will be encouraged to reflect on their interests and strengths to help refine their future study and career goals. We’ll be guiding them through the process of understanding their options for achieving the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and exploring pathways that align with their aspirations. This includes:

• Information about training opportunities through external providers such as TAFE and CQU
• A wide range of school-based subjects to support diverse post-school pathways

In Week 5, all Year 10 students will receive a Subject Description Booklet, and we’ll hold a Subject Information Evening on the same day. We strongly encourage all Year 10 students and their families to attend this important event to discuss subject choices and make informed decisions.

Later in Term 3, we will hold SET Plan meetings for every Year 10 student and their parent or carer. These meetings are a key opportunity for students, families, and the school to come together, discuss future plans, and ensure everyone is working in partnership to support each student in “Realising Your Potential.”

Senior Reporting and QCE Progress

Reports for Years 11 and 12 students have recently been distributed. This marks a significant milestone for Year 11 students, who have now completed their first unit in their senior course of study. By successfully completing these units, students can earn up to 6 QCE (Queensland Certificate of Education) points.

All senior students will have the opportunity to review their QCE points projection during their upcoming Coaching Interviews, which will begin in Week 10 of this term and continue into the early weeks of next term.

Year 12 students are reminded to regularly check their “My QCE” account for updates on their results throughout this final year. This portal is where students will access their final Year 12 results and QCE. It also offers useful resources, including study tips and guidance to support students through their final year of schooling.

Winter Uniform Reminder

With the cooler weather now upon us, it’s great to see the majority of students wearing the school-endorsed winter uniform. A reminder that the official school jacket is available for purchase from ShawLine Uniforms on Walker Street.

If a student does not have a compliant school jumper, they are expected to visit Reprographics each morning to borrow a school jumper for the day.

We sincerely thank our families for your continued support in ensuring students are well presented and ready to learn each day.

Natalie Brandon, 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 

Crushers Crowned BDSSS Year 10 Premiers

Congratulations to our outstanding Year 9/10 Boys Rugby League team, who are officially the BDSSS Year 10 Premiers after a commanding 32–12 grand final win over St Luke’s.

The Crushers started strongly, with fullback Edric B delivering a sensational first-half hat-trick. The momentum continued in the second half, with Jesse S, Aiden E, and Davey H leading the way in both defence and attack.

It was a true team performance, with every player contributing to a well-earned victory.

Man of the Match: Edric B – an exceptional display of skill and determination.

We also extend our congratulations to St Luke’s for reaching the grand final. The match was played in great spirits and reflected the best of school rugby league.

While our other teams didn’t make it to the final this year, we are incredibly proud of their resilience, growth, and commitment throughout the season. We look forward to seeing their continued development in our Rugby League classes.

Thank you to our valued sponsors:

• Cheshire Machinery
• IGA on Gavin Street
• Philips Energy

Your support is vital to the success of our Rugby League Program.

Go Crushers!

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BNSHS is stepping up for mental health!

On June 5, our students and staff came together to smash out a massive 3,214 push-ups as part of The Push-Up Challenge — raising awareness and starting important conversations about mental health. 

Every push-up represents an Australian life lost to suicide. Together, we're showing strength, support, and solidarity for a cause that matters. 

Well done, team BNHS!  Let’s keep pushing for change. 

Kellie Dexter, YLC 10

Destination Doctor

On the 10th of June, interested Year 10 students attended a hands-on clinical workshop at CQU. These students have an interest in medicine and applied for the learning opportunity with CQU. The medicine pathways and course units were experienced through a series of immersive clinical skills sessions, guided by experienced academic, clinical and health professionals.

Destination Doctor offered hands-on clinical workshops, such as blood typing, suturing, patient simulations, and vital signs assessment. Students connected with health professionals and current medical students to expand their understanding of the medical field and pathways.

Helen Coulton, Guidance Officer

Year 7 EAGLES get Water Treatment Experience

Our Year 7s are learning about processes to separate mixtures in Science, working on their student experiment assignment where they are given a sample of dirty water that they have to try to get as clean as possible.

To extend our EAGLES class, they visited the Council Water Treatment Plant at Kalkie and took a tour with Leah, who is in charge of the plant. Students saw on a much larger scale, some of the methods they have investigated in class, such as decanting and filtering, as well as some of the other processes that are used by the council to make sure our water is safe to drink, including the addition of sodium hydroxide, used to remove heavy metals, and aluminium sulphate, to get suspended solids to clump together and fall to the bottom.

The water from Kalkie goes to coastal communities from Burnett Heads to Elliott Heads. Our water at North is treated at Branyan, but it goes through the same processes. The students were even treated to seeing one of the large filters going through a backwash to clean it. Thank you Leah, for an informative tour.

Tracy Roberts, Teacher 

Friday 5, Term 2 2025 Registration

What to do when.... Reminder: Student Illness & Early Departure Procedures

We’ve noticed an increase in inquiries from parents and students regarding the correct procedures for leaving school early or what to do if a student is unwell during the school day.

To assist families, detailed information is available on our school website or via the following link.

If you are unsure or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact our school office on (07) 4130 0222. Our staff are happy to help!

Thank you for your continued support in keeping our school community informed and safe.

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 

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 

Breaky Club @ North High

Forgot breakfast? Slept in? The school provides toast with an assortment of spreads for students every morning before school. Pop in to grab yourself something to eat to start the day off right.

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.