BNSHS Newsletter February 3rd

From the Principal's Office

Welcome to Bundaberg North SHS’s first newsletter for the year.  We will be producing a newsletter each fortnight bringing you current stories of student activities and upcoming events.

I would like to welcome all families of new and returning students and look forward to working with all students throughout the year.  I would like to invite you to our Meet the Teachers afternoon on February 11 at 4:45pm - 5:45pm pm in our hall.  It is a great opportunity to meet your son/daughter’s 2021 teachers.  The Meet the Teachers afternoon is followed by our first P&C meeting for the year at 6pm.  I would like to invite parents to attend and join our P&C for 2021.

We also have a position vacant on our School Council as a parent representative.  If you are interested please see the information within the newsletter for further details.  We are looking for a parent who would like to be involved in discussing the strategic direction of the school.

Our vision – Outstanding Learners, Outstanding Achievements, Outstanding Futures remains our focus for 2021 and I am pleased to report that even with a disrupted year in 2020 with COVID 19 our Year 12s maintained very good results with 96% of Year 12s receiving either a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) or a Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA).  We have been excited to hear that many eligible ATAR students have received university offers and other Year 12s have been seeking and gaining employment.

Last week we worked our new timetable structure introducing ‘Friday 5’ where face to face learning ended at 1.10pm on Friday afternoon.  Thank you to the parents who were able to organise for their child/children to be collected.  The majority of students had been collected within 10 minutes of the bell ringing and I thank you for your cooperation with the exit.  We will continue to monitor the exit to streamline the process but for the first week it went quite smoothly.  During Friday 5, teachers were engaged in collaborative curriculum planning discussions while students remaining at school were supervised to complete homework.  Thank you to the many parents who registered their students early so that we were able to organise the afternoon.  If you have any queries please contact the office so that we can assist.  Remember, once you have registered for the term you don't need to do it again until term 2.  You ONLY need to register your student if they are STAYING at school.  If your student is leaving school at 1:10pm you don't need to do anything.  You will find the form below should you need to register your student's attendance for this Friday.

Our first day of school ran very smoothly and students were generally well presented in their school uniform and with their necessary equipment.  We understand that there have been some issues with purchasing uniforms from LOWES in some sizes due to delays in gaining stock.  Some new stock has arrived now so please check again if you have had any difficulty.  Bundaberg North SHS is a uniform school with a dress code so please ensure that your child if following the expectations.  We have indicated to students that we will have a 2 week period for them to arrange to be in full uniform before we introduce a new uniform process for those not compliant with the school uniform policy.  We want to assist any student who may be out of uniform so please contact the office to speak to a Year level Coordinator if you have any uniform concerns and we are happy to help.

This year all Queensland state schools have a new Student Code of Conduct that will be implemented.  A copy of our plan is found on our website and has been endorsed by our School Council.  You will also find a link to the Student Code of Conduct document below.

You will be receiving information about our upcoming Swimming carnival and Badge ceremony.  COVID restrictions are still in place with regards to event planning so will keep you informed.

We are using emails, SMS, Facebook, school website and this newsletter to relay our communication this year.  If you have any queries though, please call the office so we can assist and so that consistent, accurate information is shared.

Here’s to a great start to 2021.

Robyn Kent

Friday 5

Friday 5 - Students remaining at school until 3pm.

News from the Junior Deputy

Welcome to a new year of exciting opportunities for academic learning and personal growth for our students.  It has been wonderful to see the school grounds buzzing again as our students have returned from their holidays and jumped straight into learning.

We would also like to extend a warm welcome to our new students and their families and hope that they have a smooth transition into our school and community.

This year I will have the pleasure of continuing to monitor, guide and support our students in Years 7, 8 and 9. I will continue to work closely with our hard working year level coordinators to monitor student academic progress, attendance and behaviour. Please see below the Year Level Coordinators for Years 7, 8 and 9 for this year.

It is essential that students and parents discuss any concerns that they have in regards to social emotional wellbeing with their year level coordinator.

Every day counts

School absenteeism and truancy can impact significantly on students' learning and wellbeing. It is important that students are attending school every day for maximum learning outcomes.  Regular attendance at 95% or greater provides the least educational risk.  We are currently reviewing all students who had unacceptable attendance rates in 2020.  If this relates to your child, year level coordinators will be monitoring your students start to 2021 and put in place a support plan to working closely with you to improve your child’s attendance.

The Department of Education provides some useful guides in how to support your students in regards to attendance on their website. https://education.qld.gov.au/initiatives-and-strategies/initiatives/every-day-counts/for-parents-and-community

If you are concerned about your student not wanting to come to school please make contact with your student’s year level coordinator so that they can provide you with assistance and support.

Timetable concerns

If there is a concern regarding your student's timetable at the beginning of the year they are to report to the office to see Mrs Arnold. If your student needs to change a subject they are required to complete a subject change form and make an appointment with either of our Guidance Officers; Mrs Hellmuth or Miss Coulton.

Introducing new staff to North

As with any school year we have a number of new staff who are joining us this year and we will be introducing them in the upcoming newsletters.

Mrs Arnold, Deputy Principal, Junior School

Senior School News

Student council and senior badge ceremony

On Tuesday 9^th February, Bundaberg North SHS will be conducting its annual student council and senior badge ceremony. At this event we recognise our 2021 year 12 students and senior student councillors, and present them with their badges. We are very proud of our current crop of school leaders and look forward to formally inducting them into their roles. Unfortunately, due to the limited capacity of our school hall and the need to socially distance adults at school, we are unable to have parent guests at this event.

Subject changes

Following the holiday break, there are likely to be some students reconsidering their pathway and subject choices. If your student has discussed a potential change with you, please encourage them to collect a subject change form from the student services window and make an appointment with the guidance officer once they have completed the necessary steps in consulting their teacher/s and parents. Subject and pathway changes should be completed within the first two weeks of school.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) options

Students who are considering VET pathways either at school or with an external organisation (such as TAFE) or employer, should make contact with the VET support staff member, Alicia Prince, as soon as possible. This can include school-based apprenticeships or traineeships, as well as TAFE at school options. Ms Prince is available before school, morning tea and lunchtime in the lower B block staffroom.

Mr Wright, Deputy Principal, Senior School

BNSHS School Council - parent representative needed.

As an independent public school, Bundaberg North State High School has established a School Council which is charged with overseeing the strategic direction of the school.  The School Council consists of the Principal, teaching and non-teaching staff, representatives from the P&C, the vice-chancellor of CQUniversity Bundaberg and a representative from East Coast Apprenticeships.

The School Council meets once per term usually on Wednesdays from 5:30-7PM at the school administration block.

We are currently seeking a parent representative on the School Council.  Please find the 2021 Nomination Form at the link below.  In the case of multiple nominations, voting will occur at the P&C meeting scheduled for Thursday 11 February.  If you have any queries, please contact Robyn Kent principal@bundabergnorthshs.eq.edu.au or 4130 0222.

Meet your student's teachers

All parents/guardians and students are welcome to attend our 'Meet the teachers' sausage sizzle on  Thursday 11^th February at 4.45 – 5.45 pm.  This is an informal event that gives parents an opportunity to meet their son/daughter’s teachers and gives an opportunity for students to introduce their parents to their teachers.   We hope to see as many parents attending as possible.  This is an excellent way to begin the school year.  

Please RSVP your attendance numbers to principal@bundabergnorthshs.eq.edu.au including your name, your student name, and the number of people attending.

Instrumental Music

Instrumental Music Band and Strings are back having lessons and rehearsals this week. Our music students and staff are excited for 2021 with performance plans already in place. Band students will be rehearsing during Friday 5 from 1:40pm - 3:00pm and String Orchestra are rehearsing on Thursday morning from 7:40am.  We look forward to seeing everyone at our first rehearsal for the year.

Mr Brown, Instrumental Music teacher

Inter-house swimming carnival

Tomorrow, Thursday 18th February, the inter-house swimming carnival will be held at Norville Council Pool. All students are expected to attend the day, however competitive swimming is optional.  There will be activities organised for all students.  There will be competitive swimming and social activities.  There will be no organised classes at school as all students and staff will be attending the swimming carnival.  Unfortunately, due to COVID 19, parents are not able to attend this year's carnival.  

Students will be bussed from school to and from the venue at a cost of $2 per student. Students pay their $2 as they enter the bus.  Students will be bussed back to school by 3.00pm. 

There will be a canteen operating on the day at the pool. 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 'Pool Party'.    

Students are to return their signed form OR parents can complete the digital consent form below once they have read the information letter.

For further details about the activity, please contact Mr Thatcher on 41300222 or rthat1@eq.edu.au

From the sports desk...

2021 SUMMER SPORT

North will be involved in BDSSS Summer sport during term 1.  The season starts 17^th February and runs for 6 weeks, students competing Wednesday afternoon. The finals day is 1^st April.

Most sports start games at 4pm however some may start at 5pm. Draws and venues will be finalised in the next week and distributed to the students. Draws may also be found on the BDSSS http://www.bundyschoolsport.com website or Facebook page and will be uploaded to the North High website.

At the moment we have the following teams with venues and their coaches:

Surfing – Neilsens Beach - Mr Shield

Open Boys Volleyball - BCC, Shalom or BSHS - Miss Gardner

Jnr Boys Volleyball –- BCC, Shalom or BSHS - Mrs Wah Day

Jnr Girls Volleyball – BCC, Shalom or BSHS - Miss Tibbey & Mr Thatcher

Tennis – George St Courts - Mrs Kidman

10 Pin Bowling – Bundaberg Leisure Centre - Mrs Hall

Open Girls Touch – Bundaberg Touch Fields - Mr Peach

Some sports will have a cost, coaches will provide this information closer to the start of the season.

Students should have collected a medical/permission form when they signed up for their sport. If students are yet to sign (not too late) or did not take a form home, the forms can be collected from E (science) Block staffroom. These must be signed by parent and student then returned to their coach. If students have not yet signed up for a sport but wish to play, see Mr Thatcher in E block staffroom.

Own transport is required to and from the venues. Parents are welcome to spectate however they will be required to COVID register for contact tracing purposes.

Coaches will provide players with a playing shirt on the day. The shirts ARE NOT to be taken home they must be returned to the coach after the game.

2021 REPRESENTATIVE SPORT INFORMATION

Throughout the year students will have the opportunity to ‘trial’ for Bundaberg representative sporting teams.

Dates, times and venues can be accessed in a number of ways.

1. Student Notices during RAS classes
2. Year Parades and Assemblies
3. Student emails
4. North High Facebook, Newsletters and Website
5. BDSSS Website http://www.bundyschoolsport.com
6. BDSSS Facebook

Sports trials information will include both 10-12yrs and 13 -19yrs age groups.

To attend trials students must collect a BDSSS trial medical/ permission form from E block staffroom. This form goes to the trials and is given to the Bundaberg coach. No cost for trials.

Own transport is required to and from the venues. Students must trial in school sport uniform.

Should the student be successful in the trial, the ‘Rep’ coach will pass on further information regarding Wide Bay trials. Please do not attend Bundaberg trials if you do not wish to be considered for the Wide Bay team.

If you have any further questions please contact me on rthat1@eq.edu.au or 41300222.

Mr Thatcher, Sports Coordinator

Young Achievers Program

 During the holidays on the 18th - 22nd of January, I, Byron, Vanessa, and students from other high schools travelled to Brisbane for the first annual Year 11 Young Achievers Program camp of 2021. Hosted in St Leo’s Residential College at The University of Queensland’s St Lucia Campus, our week was filled with workshops, lectures, team challenges, tours and so much more, alongside 100 other students from across Queensland. 

During the camp, we had countless opportunities: engaging one on one with our mentors, meeting other YAP students, and participating in many fun activities including the plan of our MAD Challenge (Making A Difference). 

The camp was more rewarding and beneficial than we could have ever imagined. The next camp is in January of 2022, and we are already counting down the days to ignite the fun once again.

Byron, Vanessa, Charli – Year 11 Young Achievers Program

Medieval mania next Wednesday

Ever wanted to dress up as a knight or wondered what your family shield should be?

On the 10^th Feb, our Year 8s will be participating in Medieval Mania as part of our history unit.  A range of activities from being in the stocks, seeing how well you can hunt, designing shields/windows to dressing up in kimonos/ kendo fighting will give the students a sample of life in medieval times in Europe and Japan. There is also a costume and a joke competition which students have the opportunity to be a part of on the day. Lots of fun maximises the learning opportunity for us all.

Miss Rayner, Head of Department

Welcome back Rocky

We welcome back Rocky, our Animal Assisted Education (AAE) dog.  Rocky will be attending every second day under the supervision of Mr Agius.  Rocky is a fully trained AAE dog with Therapy Dogs Australia.  He will be in classes and supporting students in the playground. 

It is not compulsory to interact with Rocky but he is part of the North High family.

Please read the attached link for more details and how he works.  If students are keen to interact with Rocky please see Mr Agius (upper B Block).

A big welcome from Support Services

Welcome back to our wonderful school in 2021. My name is Lynda Ehrke-Malone (aka Mrs Em) and I am the Head of Special Education service at Bundaberg North State High.  We all know that 2020 was a big year for disruption and upheaval. We know we will still have some challenges to overcome this year but we are all here to help you and you student with any additional needs that you may have. Please do not hesitate to make contact with the school if you feel you need support or advice. Looking forward to an interesting/awesome 2021.

Mrs EM, Head of Department, Support Services

School Dental Service

The mobile dental clinic will be starting at North High in a few weeks time.  The School Dental Service will be offering a free dental examination and dental treatment to all students that return their Offer of Treatment form either by paper copy or the on-line form.  All forms must be completed in ink.  Once the form is returned, the friendly team will send the parent/legal guardian a contact leter or a contact SMS, so they can ring to arrange an appointment.  Please note: A PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN MUST ATTEND the first appointment as the way we deliver our service has changed.

For the first appointment the parent/guardian MUST attend - after that a responsible adult can attend.  If after the discussion with the operator at the first appointment, you are happy for your child to attend from class themselves, this can also occur.  Please note there may be paperwork you will need to sign so this will be sent home for you.  We understand there will be exceptions, so please discuss with us.  Please work with us so we can deliver the best care to your child/children. 

All students in Year 7, 8 and 9 at Bundaberg North State High School have been given the Offer of Treatment forms.  These are due back to the school on Friday, 5th February.  The form is  now available on-line and can be acessed at the link below.  

Thanks from your School Dental Service team

Introducing 'brains'

Bundy North is proud to have a Learning Zone Toolkit designed to support our students towards success. Our toolkit has been developed as part of our engagement with “The Rebooting Education Model”. This model provides a foundation for wellbeing and learning by bringing together research from the fields of neuroscience, developmental and positive psychology, change theory, education and mindfulness.

Through our Learning Zone Toolkit we support our students in developing positive habits in relation to self-regulation, problem-solving, appreciation, growth mindset, meta-cognition and resilience. When our students and staff are in our shared Learning Zone these positive habits help us all make the most of our time at Bundy North.

One of the most important assets we have to help us make the most of our time in the Learning Zone is our brains. We know there are three main regions which must work together in order for learning to occur. Here at North we talk about these regions as: Wild Brain (the brain stem and Cerebellum), Emotional Brain (Limbic system) and Smart Brain (the cortex).

We’ll get to know these regions a little better as the term progresses, in the meantime this is a quick introduction for you:

Miss Gray, Head of Department, Junior School

School photo day 23/2/2021

Dear Parents,

School photography day is coming up soon. Group and portrait photographs can be purchased by following the link below or by returning the order envelope with your payment to our photographer on school photo day.

NEW
advancedlife now offers Latitude Pay! To take advantage of LatitudePay and split the cost of your order into 10 small easy payments, simply order your school photos online as usual, set up a Latitude Pay account in just a few clicks and pay no interest or fees when you pay according to your payment schedule; it’s that easy.

3 easy ways to purchase:

1. LatitudePay – Set up an account during the online order process and split your payments across 10 weeks with no interest or fees, if you pay on time
2. Visa, MasterCard or PayPal
3. Cash – complete the envelope supplied and return it to our photographer on photo day

Or visit: www.advancedlife.com.au
And enter online order code: XRE VMX 8E2

School photography information:

• Online orders - do not require an envelope returned to your school
• Sibling Photos - Don’t forget to pre-order your sibling photos online up to 24 hours before photo day. We provide your school with a list of sibling orders right up to the day of photography, so no one misses out. If you miss the online order deadline, you can submit a completed sibling order envelope first thing in the morning of the day of photography, so your school is aware you want the photo taken and can bring your children together in time for it. Sibling photographs only apply to children enrolled at your school. Please note not all schools offer sibling photos
• Late fees - a late fee will be applied to each package purchased after photo day due to the additional cost of producing these packages separately
• Package delivery - photographic packages will be returned to your school for distribution approximately six weeks after photos are taken
• Previous Years’ photos - Past years’ photographs including sports, co-curricular and representative groups are also available to order under the 'previous years or group photo' tabs at your school’s advancedorder site when you click on the 'Order School Photos Here' button above. You can also order past packages, portrait images and gifts from your child’s unique, individual and secure advancedyou image archive site using the unique 9 digit image code found on packages you have ordered in the past

advancedlife would like to express our appreciation to Bundaberg North State High School for placing your trust in us. Please remember we offer a 100% money back guarantee on our products to ensure your peace of mind. We would also love to receive your feedback or resolve any issues you may experience as fast as possible, to ensure your satisfaction. If you have any questions, comments or feedback relating to your advancedlife experience please contact us at: www.advancedlife.com.au/contact

Thanks, your Advanced Life team

P&C News - Parent survey

Bundaberg North SHS P&C Association is asking for parents to complete the online survey below.  It will only take a few moments and we appreciate your time and interest in making Bundaberg North State High School the best it can be.  The survey closes 3 March 2021.  

The P&C meet several times a year, and the next meeting will be held at the school administration building at 6pm on Thursday, 11th February.  We welcome new members and look forward to seeing our returning members again this year.  

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Program

Bundaberg North State High School is a BYOD school with an expectation that every student will bring a device to school that meets the minimum specification to enhance their learning.  Information about the program, including device minimum specifications, choosing a device, preparing the device for school, and accessing Office 365 can be found on the school web site at https://bundabergnorthshs.eq.edu.au/facilities/computers-and-technology .

Students who attended Bundaberg North SHS during 2020 and have enrolled their device at school (is configured to connect to the school network EQNET), have already prepared their device for the 2021 school year.

Previous students who have not enrolled their device at school (is not configured to connect to the school network EQNET) should follow the video guides and other instructions on the school web site under the heading “Connecting to the school network” to prepare their device for the this school year.

New students to the school will be provided with instructions on preparing devices for school during week 1 and 2 of term 1.  This is to allow time for the school to complete the creation of the new student’s computer login accounts.

If you require assistance with your student’s device, please submit your request using the IT-Support request form on the school web site at https://bundabergnorthshs.eq.edu.au/SupportAndResources/FormsAndDocuments/Pages/IT-Support-request.aspx .   

The resource centre - services for students

Opening times: 

Before school:  8:15am to 8:40am

2^nd break:  1:15pm to 1:45pm

After school:  3pm to 3:15pm

Is your child looking for somewhere to escape the hurly-burly of the playground?  Perhaps the Resource centre/library is the place for them.

There are plenty of different ways that your child can be busy while visiting Ms Labenski (library aide) and Ms Hall (Teacher-librarian).

READING – our main purpose of course.  Getting a child to read is often a case of finding the right book for them, right now.  Both Ms Labenski and I are happy to spend some time with the students to make this happen.

RESEARCH – Ms Hall is available to assist any student with their research needs.  Whether it is book sources, online sources, notetaking, bibliographies or just advice in general – just ask!

SOCIALISING – sometimes just sitting quietly, either alone or with some friends, is the brain break that is needed.  We have bean bags and lounge chairs for that!

CREATING – to satisfy the creative side, we can provide drawing books, drawing materials or colouring pages to complete. We can also discuss other craft activities with students who have a wish to pursue their craftiness.  We have books full of craft ideas. 

GAMING – we have board games and card games of all types; we also have desktop computers that the students may use to access age appropriate, fun-yet-educational games.

PUZZLES – we have various 500 to 1000 piece puzzles; we have 3-D construction sets (dinosaurs, robots…)

?????? – we invite students to let us know how we could help them.  You have an activity you would like to do – tell us!  We will see what we can do!

Ms Hall, Teacher/Librarian

Run to the Roar

During the holidays, seven year 12 students with leadership positions for 2021,(Braydan, Alex, Alexander, Montana, Matthew, Indie and myself, Alison) attended “Run To The Roar”- a 2 day leadership conference and camp at Chaverim. This was for all high schools in the region, and the conference was hosted by Bernie Kelly, who is a part of Global Immersions, and Emma Murtagh, a past school leader, who now works for Bernie. The two days consisted of working on some skills to help us become outstanding leaders, and it was delivered in an exciting and engaging way. Confidence, public speaking, teamwork, being H.O.T (honest, open hearted, and transparent) and even just learning to look for the good in yourself and others, were topics covered. The experience was amazing, and we definitely felt more confident in ourselves, to know that we are on our way to becoming great leaders - not just in our last year at school, but in the rest of our lives. I would highly recommend this camp to any future leaders of North High!

Alison Quinn, 

School Captain 2021

Prev

Showing images 1 - 8 of 12

Next

Year 7 vaccination consent due 5/2

REMINDER: Year 7 vaccination consent forms are due to be returned to the office by Friday 5th February.  

Ozcare will be collecting the returned consent forms on Friday afternoon.  Any forms not returned by this date will need to be delivered directly to Ozcare at 73 Woongarra Street, Bundaberg.

Breakfast club

Breakfast Club operates daily each morning in the FlexiSpace courtyard. Free breakfast begins at 7.45am.

Bundaberg North State High School sends a massive thank you for the generosity from our school community for the food donations provided. A special thank you goes to our P&C and Citicoast Church - Global Care. We also thank our Chappy Terry and Chappy Kelly for their support in sourcing these supplies.

Instrumental music - change of day

Strings with Mrs C will be on Thursdays this year.  Lessons and String Orchestra rehearsals commence week 2, Thursday 4th February.  Orchestra rehearsal is now starting at 7:40am.

Check mate...

Welcome to Junior chess for 2021. The Bundaberg Chess Club is intending to hold Sunday Junior Chess Tournaments in 2021. John and Elizabeth Harris continue as the Junior Chess Tournament Coordinators for 2021. All enquiries about Bundaberg Chess Club Junior Chess should be sent to mobile:- 0418686497 or email presidentjohn@live.com.au. The Junior chess competitions are usually held on the last Sunday of the month, 8 months of the year. This year because of Anzac Day and one of our major chess tournaments we are changing that for April and November 2021.

Intended dates for the tournaments are:-

28/02/2021

28/03/2021

18/04/2021

30/05/2021

25/07/2021

29/08/2021

31/10/2021

21/11/2021

Cost will remain at $8.00/child. A maximum cost of $16.00 /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. 

1st round commences promptly at 9.00 am at the U3A building (upstairs) next to Improvements Gym on Woongarra St, Bundaberg.

Could players please arrive 15 mins early to register for the tournament. The session should finish approximately 12.20-12.30 pm. All children need to bring a water bottle and sufficient morning tea.

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 at the end of the year.

Kind regards,

John Harris

Bundaberg Chess Club Junior Chess Coordinator

School Savvy is back for 2021

From January 11, the School Savvy pop-up shop will open in Bundaberg. Students from families facing financial struggles will be able to access pre-loved uniforms and essential stationery supplies to prepare them for new school year.

Uniform and stationery donations can be taken to any donation drop off point across the region, with many convenient locations available. For a current list of donation points in your area, visit www.centacarecq.com/donationpoints.

Support your local community and make a difference in a student’s life.  

Important dates