BNSHS Newsletter 4th August 2021

From the Principal's Office

This week, schools in 11 Local Government Areas in SE Queensland (from Noosa to Gold Coast) have been significantly affected by COVID restrictions.  We will ensure that we communicate current, relevant information to you when we receive it.  It is timely to prepare ourselves though, for the possibility of remote learning returning.  A survey is included in this newsletter and we would appreciate you completing it to assist us in case we have to move to remote learning.   Please do not hesitate to contact us to clarify any concerns about COVID guidelines via  Principal@bundabergnorthshs.eq.edu.au.

Last week we conducted Year 10 SETP (Senior Education Training Plan) meetings.  Thank you to the parents who attended with your Year 10 child to discuss Year 11/12 and future pathways.   Our Year 10s have also had opportunity to visit CQ University this week and are currently organising placements for work experience that will be held for their cohort in Week 10 of Term 3.

We have begun the enrolment process for Year 7 students enrolling at Bundaberg North SHS in 2022.  Any parents wishing to enrol students for 2022 should contact the school on 41 300 222 to request an enrolment pack, or you can complete the 'intention to enrol' form later in this newsletter.  Completed enrolment forms should be returned to our office as soon as possible so placements can be secured.

I would like to remind parents that we will be moving to a new Uniform supplier at the end of the year.  We are currently finalising details and will notify you when we have more information about dates of supply.  At this stage North High uniforms can still be purchased from LOWES. 

By now students should have reviewed their Semester 1 report, set targets and created plans for Semester 2.  Parents and students are welcome to contact teachers to discuss their progress during the term.   Student Progress Conferences are planned for week 10 of this term, Tuesday 14th September. This will allow time for parents, students and teachers to discuss progress before the end of the semester. 

On Monday and Tuesday, 2nd and 3rd of August an enthusiastic team of North High students competed in the Bundaberg District Athletics carnival held at the Bundaberg Athletics grounds.  Congratulations to all students who competed.   

Learning at home - help us be prepared.

Senior school news

Year 10 students have now completed their SETP interviews (Senior Education and Training Plan), choosing their future pathway and their subjects for 2022-2023. It was very reassuring to hear most students had a clear plan for their future, and a strong awareness of their options. If your student has not had a SETP interview, please contact the school office asap to arrange a catch-up. The timetable for 2022 will soon be under construction, and it is vital students have their preferences in the system, so they don’t miss out on their first choice subjects. Families are also reminded all forms sent home for signing, including VET (Vocational Education and Training) forms, should be completed and returned to the office. If you have any questions, or wish to make any adjustments to your student’s plan, please contact the school.

Mr Wright, Deputy Principal

Quota student of the year

Last Saturday evening, in front of family, friends and a panel of judges, 14 students had five minutes each to present their views on a topic they are passionate about. Vying for the title of Quota Student of the Year, held by Quota International of Bundaberg, the annual event encourages Year 12 students from across the region to take part. With a top prize of $500 on the line, and a $200 donation to your charity of choice for the two runners up, Alex wowed the panel with his presentation on Muslim misrepresentation in Australian society. Entitled “Culture not Caricature”, Alex’s speech examined the negative representation of Muslims in our society and called for change. The competition was a full day event with students interviewed across Saturday by a four-judge panel that assessed their general, cultural and current affairs knowledge, leadership, and personality. Although he did not secure the win, the panel were very impressed with Alex’s thoughtful and earnest responses in the interview, and his sensational speech on Saturday evening. Congratulations to Alex who represented our school and his family so well in the Quota Student of the Year Competition. 

Mrs Fletcher, Head of Department

Schools Tree Day

Friday 30th July was Schools Tree Day, an Australia-wide event coordinated by Planet Ark to make people more aware of the importance of trees. Trees convert carbon dioxide into oxygen through the process of photosynthesis. This makes trees a great carbon store. The North High Planeteers organised a planting event to help contribute to reducing greenhouse gases and raise awareness of the importance of photosynthesising plants. Various students joined the Planeteers to plant two Yuccas in the garden at the end of L block. As various projects in our grounds are completed, we hope to see more trees and other photosynthesising plants being planted. Thank you to our groundsmen for their help in organising today and thank you to all of the students who joined us and made today a success. 

Mrs Roberts, Planeteers Coordinator

CQ Connect

The Year 10 cohort visited the CQUniversity Bundaberg campus to experience life in further education. Lessons on a range of subjects were on offer including Business, Psychology, Aviation, Occupation Therapy, Nursing, Education, Agriculture and Engineering. 

North students gained pathway information from current university undergraduates and are more aware of what our local CQU has to offer. The day was designed to provide the cohort with an insight into further education, understand some of the career opportunities that are available and broaden their knowledge on post-school options.

Did someone say KFC?

On Monday we welcomed local Area Coach for KFC Darrin Dee into our Year 12 Business classroom to discuss how KFC repositions itself in the market to innovate and be competitive. We also spoke to Alex from Collins Foods Pty Ltd via a Zoom connection to learn all about KFC’s numerous marketing strategies. The students will be able to include this valuable information as part of their Business feasibility reports due shortly.

Mrs Jensen, Business Teacher

Enrolling at North High - 2022

Thank you to all of the families who attended the 2022 Enrolment Afternoon held at North High on 20th July.  It was wonderful to meet and welcome the students and parents who will be joining our school community next year.  

Where to from here?

A)     If you have completed your enrolment documents and submitted them to the school, you can now relax, enjoy reading our fortnightly newsletter and we look forward to seeing your student on Orientation Day, 1st December 2021.  Please remember to keep us informed of any changes to your contact details.

B)     If you have received enrolment paperwork but have not submitted it yet, please return completed forms to the school by 17th September so your child can be included in classes for Orientation Day.  You can drop this in the North High School office any day (8:00am - 3:30pm), or deliver to your child's primary school.  If preferred, you are welcome to submit your forms via email to principal@bundabergnorthshs.eq.edu.au

C)     If you have not yet begun the enrolment process for high school, please complete the form below to start the ball rolling!  

Please feel free to contact us at any time if you have any questions about enrolling your student with us here at Bundaberg North State High School next year.  We are here to help.  

Intention to enrol at BNSHS

From the sports desk

The Bundaberg District Secondary School Athletics Carnival was held on 2 – 3 August.  Congratulations to all the students who participated.  There were some fantastic performances.  Results will be published in the next newsletter.  Well done to all students involved. 

Congratulations to Year 10 student Bethany who won 15 year old girls Age Champion!   Fantastic effort.  Further results will be published in our next Newsletter.

P&C News

As the year draws to a close, and parents plan for 2022, we would like to remind you about the BNSHS backpacks available for purchase through the P&C.  These backpacks are very durable, have a lifetime warranty and cost just $70.  

Thank you for a very productive year in 2021 and we look forward to seeing existing members and new faces at P&C meetings in 2022.  Have a wonderful festive season and stay safe.  

Mrs Hansen, P&C President

Census 2021

Important dates

TALKING FAMILIES:Are you having one of those weeks where you feel like you haven’t quite got this whole parenting thing figured out? Don’t worry, you’re far from alone. Check out some practical ways to reframe our thinking and realise we’re all in this together.  Click on the link below for more information.