BNSHS Newsletter 9 November 2022

From the Principal's office

Thank you for the warm welcome

Thank you to all staff for the warm welcome I have received since stepping to Acting Principal whilst Robyn Kent takes some time off to heal her foot. It is a pleasure to walk around the school, with its many covered areas, open spaces and well maintained gardens for students to enjoy at break times.

When I started here two weeks ago, the school was midway through their Classroom Profiling where an experienced teacher from outside the school comes in and observes every teacher making notes on their behaviour management skills. It was a lovely way to start as the Profiler was full of praise for the teaching staff here at Bundaberg North SHS and the skills they demonstrate across each of the faculties. This also was reflected on World Teacher's Day on Friday 28 October, were senior student leaders delivered cakes and handmade cards to each of the staffrooms as token of their appreciation of our teachers.

Unfortunately, like many schools at the moment, we are experiencing some vandalism and damage in the toilets which is disappointing.  All schools would much rather be spending their budgets on students rather than continual repair of toilets and other facilities. We are also still finding students vaping either in the toilets or on grounds, which as we are a government site, is illegal despite vaping also being illegal for those under 18. We will continue to work with staff to narrow the opportunities for this to occur and implement significant consequences to those who don't respect school property and everyone's right to a safe workplace free from smoke and vapes.

As you will see later in this newsletter, the Year 12 class of 2022 Graduation and Formal will be occurring next week.Thank you to Tom Wright and Nigel Shield for working with the students to ensure they have finished the year well and for organising the Graduation ceremony - both during school for the rest of the school to wish them well and the evening Graduation Ceremony for parents and community members. Principal, Robyn Kent will be attending this event to wish the year 12 well.

In the lead up to Christmas, it is an opportune time to reflect on our own personal circumstances and spare a thought for those who are doing a little tough at the moment. With this in mind, the RAS coordinators are currently running a drive for non-perishable items to be added to Christmas Hampers in order to build on the students sense of community and helping others. We encourage any families who are able to donate to this appeal, to bring non-perishable items to their RAS class before Tuesday 15th November, where the goods will be presented to Angels Community Group.

P&C

This Thursday evening is P&C meeting in the administration block at 6pm. All parents and community members are welcome to attend. I look forward to meeting you.

Mrs Natalie Brandon, Acting Principal

Friday 5 - Students remaining at school until 3pm Term 4 , 2022

The Watson Report

Junior Certificate of Education

At Bundaberg North SHS a Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) is awarded to students who have demonstrated a strong commitment to their learning throughout years 8 and 9. To earn a JCE, a student must achieve a 'C' range academic result in English, Mathematics and Science across two consecutive semesters between semester 2 year 8 and semester 2 year 9. The student’s term 3, year 9 result can be considered for the semester 2, year 9 result.

During term 3, students at risk of not receiving their JCE participated in a monitoring process with support from their teachers and RAS Heads of Department. Most students have been able to improve their results enabling them to receive their JCE. The JCE ceremony is Tuesday 6 December at 9am. All students in years 7, 8 and 9 will be attending. Photos will be taken and made available for parents and carers. Congratulations to the year 9 students for their efforts this year.

Recognising Positive Behaviour

Each term we have a Reward Day to recognise the excellent attendance and behaviour of students at North High. This term we will have two Reward Days, to cater for the early finish of the year 10 and 11 students. Friday, 25 November is Reward Day for the year 10 and 11 students and Tuesday, 6 December is Reward Day for year 7, 8 and 9 students. To participate students must have 90% attendance, including no unexplained absences and good behaviour (no suspensions). Students will be notified in the coming weeks of their eligibility. Please see the attached slide for further information.

GREEN Gotchas

New green Gotchas are now in circulation. These Gotchas focus on the school value of safety. There are eight different sayings to collect. Students receive Gotchas for demonstrating the school values of Respect, Responsibility and Safety.  There are many options for students when they ‘cash in’ their Gotchas. All 2022 Gotchas must be ‘cashed in’ this year, as new Gotchas will be released next year.

Change your thinking

On 22 and 23 October, Bundaberg North State High School’s Division 2 Language Literature team - The Hot Dogs (Caitlyn, Jaide, Addison and Sophie) competed at the State Finals for OPTI-MINDS at University Queensland St Lucia Campus. The two-day event was made up of over 80 teams from across the state, consisting of students from primary school right through to the Open division. 

On Saturday the group presented their idea at the Ideas Market – Refill stations in all supermarkets, and they participated in a wide variety of hands-on activities with other students, giving them the opportunity to network with likeminded creative people.  

Sunday was Challenge day. The team had 3hrs to create a presentation, writing an enjoyable play and creating quirky costumes, about two tribes who lived on the island of Literati but struggled to communicate. Even though the team didn't come away with a trophy, they received astounding feedback and learnt so much to then strengthen their skills for next year.  

The weekend was simply MAGIC, what truly AMAZING young people they are, and should be immensely proud of how well they represented not only their school but the Wide Bay Region. They have already started brainstorming with Miss Crust on how to get more people involved in Opti-Minds to make 2023 an even bigger competition. The students would like to thank all of those who supported them to get to the State Competition. Bring on next year!!  

Miss Crust, Optiminds teacher

Students serve the Governor

Last Friday, five North High Hospitality students, accompanied by the 2023 School Captains and Mr Wright, served afternoon tea to dignitaries at the Botanical Gardens. The students had the pleasure of meeting and speaking to Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeanette Young, Governor of Queensland and her husband, Professor Graham Nimmo. There were a number of delegates from Bundaberg and surrounding areas from different volunteer organisations and local Government, many of whom thanked and congratulated our students on the way they represented Bundaberg North State High School.

Ms Alisha Prince, Vocational Education Coordinator

Celebrating the first nesting turtle of the season

Here is a photo of X8473 our first nesting turtle for the season. She is very special, here’s her history:

1^st tagged 1977 and has nested every 2-3 years since then, until 2010 when she started having 6 years breaks between nesting. She was last here nesting at Mon Repos in 2016 and now back for 2022 -23 season.

She laid 64 eggs on Friday night and would be around 70 years old now!!! What a fabulous turtle to start the season.  Don’t forget to help Cut the Glow and reduce your use of single use plastics 😊

Ranger Cathy

Students meet UQ Vice Chancellor

On Friday November 4th, three of our senior students who are part of the University of Queensland Young Achievers Program had the opportunity to meet the UQ Vice Chancellor and present their community projects that they created this year.  The students did an excellent job with their presentations and were highly praised for their creativity and efforts.

Byron and Vanessa created the Spirit of North day incorporating activities such as creating a mural, teacher vs student netball match, coffee shop and story telling.

Chanel spread the message of ‘Be Kind’ and investigated the effects of showing kindness to strangers.

The students were excellent ambassadors for North High.  

Mrs Alexander, Guidance Officer

First Nations Suppliers to DET

As part of a project to build our business information and to expand economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples the department is asking if you know of any businesses to register as a supplier of goods and services.  If you have a business, or you know of someone, please complete the attached form and send it to the email address on the bottom of the form.

Rules for E-scooters

Recently, our school community has noted some students riding hired E-scooters on the streets around Bundaberg North SHS. Most concerningly, this has also led to some close calls with vehicles travelling on the roads. I urge parents to click the link below to see the Queensland Government rules regarding the use of personal mobility devices in public spaces, and to check if their student is complying with these rules.

Mr Tom Wright, Deputy Principal

https://www.qld.gov.au/transport/safety/rules/wheeled-devices/personal-mobility-devices

BNSHS Year 12 Graduation

On Wednesday, 16th November we celebrate the graduation of our 2022 Year 12 cohort.  We welcome family members and friends to join us in celebrating this milestone.  The ceremony will take place in the BNSHS hall, commencing at 5:30pm.  There is no need to RSVP.

The 2022 Prom takes place on Thursday, 17th November at Brothers Sports Club.  Students are excitedly making plans for the evening.  Please see the links below with information for parents and students regarding preparation for the end of their schooling. 

Changes coming to Duffy's buses

Duffy's Buses who have been operating in Bundaberg since 1954, are soon to undergo a branding change.  Starting in November, Duffy's logos will progressively be replaced with Kinetic branding.  Please take a look at the flyer below for more information.

GP bookings now open!

Appointments are now available to visit the GP each Tuesday at North High.  Students can make bookings by scanning the QR code above, which takes them to the school webpage, where they click on the MAKE A BOOKING box.  Alternatively appointments can be made simply by emailing GP@bundabergnorthshs.eq.edu.au.  

Bookings are completely confidential, as are all emails sent to this address.  So, if you would like to provide feedback you can also do this by emailing GP@bundabergnorthshs.eq.edu.au

Uniform donations

If you no longer need your student's North High uniform, we welcome any donations of second hand items.  Donated uniforms are distributed to families in need, or used as spares in case of emergencies.  These can be handed in to the school office.

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

P&C News

Our tuckshop is looking for volunteers. Please email Jacky our convenor if you are able to offer any help jburt144@eq.edu.au 

We are always looking for new Committee members. The P&C meets once each month to discuss matters of concern to the school and the school community.  If you would like to connect to the P&C but are not able to attend meetings in person, we are happy to have you join the meeting via Teams or phone.  Meetings are held on the second Thursday of every month in the conference room in A Block and commence at 6:00pm.  You will find meeting dates on the school websites event calendar. 

www.facebook.com/bundabergnorthhighpandc

pandc@bundabergnorthshs.eq.edu.au

Mrs Shelley Hansen, P&C President 

Important dates