BNSHS Newsletter 1 February 2023

From the Principal's Office

Welcome to our first Newsletter for 2023.  I would like to extend a special welcome to our new parents and carers.  We publish a Newsletter every fortnight and invite you to engage with the school and keep up to date with information and events happening at North High. 

Week 1 began very well with just over 700 students attending.  It was excellent to see students prepared for learning with the correct equipment, wearing their uniform, and following expectations.  Our new year 7 students have been very enthusiastic and have settled in well.  The students have had a very positive start to the year. 

We have set a target of 95% attendance for students and ask that if students are absent that a parent/carer contact the school to explain the absence.   Absences should be explained by a parent within 3 days of the student being absent from school.  Every day counts and we want to maximise student learning time by being present in classes.

We have also set a target for all students to work toward gaining a A, B or C in achievement, behaviour and effort in class and students are currently working with their teachers to set individual targets and goals.

All students have been issued with a homework diary and parents/carers will be able to check their child’s diary regularly as we will be working on developing student organisational skills throughout the year by using the homework diary.

Congratulations to our Year 12s from 2022 – 94% or students gained their Queensland Certificate of Education and 100% of students gained a qualification.  Our top Year 12 student received an outstanding ATAR result – 98.75.  We wish our Year 12s all the best as they move into tertiary studies, training or employment.   Reminder that students who have completed year 12 and require assistance connecting to their pathway should contact the Link and Launch officer.  Our facebook page features several opportunities to connect with Bec Egan, or our new Link and Launch officer Kylie Sauer.  Kylie works at North High on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and is situated in G Block.    

I would like to extend an invitation to all parents/carers to our Meet the Teachers BBQ function on Thursday February 9^th at 4.45pm – 6.00pm.  Information has been emailed to you about this.  Thank you to those who have already RSVP’d.  We will also have our IT technician available on that afternoon if you child is having any difficulty connecting their device to our network or if you have any questions about purchasing a device for your child. I hope that we will get the opportunity to meet many of you at the sausage sizzle.  If you have not yet submitted an RSVP, you can do so at the link below.

Meet the Teachers RSVP

Over the holidays, CCTV cameras have been installed throughout the school.  Students and parents have been advised of this.  The security system has been installed to help keep our students, staff and school property safe. 

Vaping

As you will have seen through the media, vaping continues to be a concern for our young people throughout primary and high schools.  We encourage students to report any incidents when they see students vaping.

We continue to remind students that we are a government facility and as such, it is against the law to vape or smoke at school. Like all smoking devices, vapes are a banned item at school. These facts are an aside to the obvious yet ignored health concerns that vaping causes, and the cost of the device.

State Schools are a reflection of our broader society and what we experience within our fence line, is a reflection of what is occurring outside of our fence. We will continue to enforce our policy which prohibits bringing or using any vapes or any other smoking equipment at school.  It is against the law for most students to possess smoking equipment due their age.  We need to address where the students are obtaining these devices? Are parents aware or allowing under age students access to or supplying these potentially damaging devices to their students?

If your student wants to access their school free of these devices, they need to display courage and step up and inform the school as to who has them. They can do this via STYMIE which is anonymous or they can report information to their RAS Head of Department or RAS Coordinator.  Together we want to work on ridding North High of vapes and smoking devices.  I encourage you to discuss this with your students and for parents to be in support of the school implementing consequences for those who are ignoring our expectations.

Robyn Kent, Principal

Friday 5 - Students remaining at school until 3pm Term 1, 2023

The Watson report

Welcome to a new school year. It has been a pleasure to meet and chat with new and returning students. This term my focus is supporting students through the implementation of: North Rewards, Student Diary, Classroom Expectations. I welcome feedback from parents and carers and can be contacted on rwats34@eq.edu.au  We need to work together, home and school, supporting our students to reach their full potential.

North Rewards

As part of the new North Support Structure at Bundaberg North SHS, students will be recognised for demonstrating the school values of respect, responsibility and safety. Students can earn individual rewards as well as points towards their RAS Group and RAS House. The North Rewards Program acknowledges appropriate behaviour and celebrates achievement. The North Rewards Program is closely linked with the North Support Structure which is summarised on page 3 of the Student Diary. 

A new school year brings new Gotchas!

Gotchas are the free and frequent way that staff recognise the positive behaviour of students. Students can ‘cash’ in their Gotchas for prizes or vouchers from their RAS Coordinator and RAS HOD. For every 10 Gotchas, students can ‘cash’ them in for a Zooper Dooper. Starting next week students will be able to cash in 50 Gotchas to receive a voucher for a Paddle Pop or Dixie Cup from the tuckshop. By cashing in Gotchas, they also go in the weekly draw for RAS House Student of the Week, with a chance to win a $5 tuckshop voucher. Each Gotcha earns points for students’ RAS Groups and RAS Houses. Look out for Gotchas!

The North Rewards Program is built on feedback from students. Next week students will complete a survey during RAS to give feedback about the North Rewards Program and tell us what they would like to receive as Gotcha prizes and activities for Reward Days. Parent and carer feedback are also welcome. Please feel free to call me with questions or suggestions for the North Rewards Program.

Student Diary

All students received the Student Diary on their first day. The Student Diary contains useful information for students (and parents/carers) about our school. It also contains wellbeing information and activities that students will complete during BIG RAS and JETP/SETP. Most importantly it contains a weekly planner section for students to record homework, assessment and important daily notes. Students are expected to bring their diary to school every day and take their diary to every lesson. Please encourage your student to use their diary, and regularly check it to see what work they are completing at school. Using their Student Diary appropriately supports students to be organised and successful learners.

Classroom Expectations

All classrooms at Bundaberg North SHS display our Classroom Expectations. This set of five expectations is built on our school values of respect, responsibility and safety. The aim of displaying these expectations in every classroom is to improve consistency for students and staff across the school. Teachers have unpacked how these expectations look in their room and all students must follow these expectations. Students will receive positive reinforcement for demonstrating the expectations and consequences when they do not follow the expectations.

Mrs Watson, Deputy Principal

Senior School news and information

Subject changes

Following the holiday break, there are likely to be some senior students reconsidering their pathway and subject choices. If your student has discussed a potential change with you, please encourage them to go to the main office, before school or during break times, to see Mr Wright. Subject and pathway changes should be completed within the first two weeks of school.

Vocational Education and Training (VET) options

Senior students who are considering VET pathways either at school or with an external organisation (such as TAFE) or an employer, should make contact with the VET support officer, Alisha Prince, as soon as possible. This can include school-based apprenticeships or traineeships, as well as TAFE@school options. Ms Prince is available before school, morning tea and lunchtime in G block, next to the student services window.

NAPLAN online

Year 7 and year 9 students will be undertaking NAPLAN online from Wednesday 15^th March to Monday 27^th March. In preparation for this event, your student may be involved in test familiarisation activities in the coming weeks. If you would like more information or have any concerns about NAPLAN, please read the NAPLAN Online information brochure, or contact the school.

 Registering for the Student Portal

For students currently in year 11 and 12, the Student Portal delivers all your learning information in one place. You can check your personal details, access your learning account, get your final Year 12 results and more. This is particularly important for students needing to track their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) points from multiple learning providers.

To register, students should go to the QCAA website, go to the MyQCE page, and register for the Student Portal using their LUI number. This number can be found on the student’s OneSchool page, or contact the school.

The MyQCE page also has helpful tips on preparing for assessment and planning your future pathways.

Mr Tom Wright, Deputy Principal

Meet the Teachers BBQ

We would like to invite you to come along to Bundaberg North SHS on Thursday 9th February for a 'Meet the Teacher' BBQ.  This is a great opportunity to meet with your students' teachers in an informal setting, catch up with the IT Technician (Jackson L'Green) and gather information about what's happening at North High.  The sausage sizzle will begin at 4:45pm at the school hall.  We would love to see you there!!  You are welcome to stay on and join us for the P&C Meeting at 6pm.

To assist us with catering requirements, please complete and submit the RSVP below.

Meet the Teachers BBQ

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

School immunisation program

As part of Queensland Health's annual School Immunisation Program, Ozcare is administering vaccinations to Year 7 and Year 10 students in March, 2023.  All Year 7 and Year 10 students can be vaccinated against preventable diseases.  Year 7 students will be offered human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine and a combined diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis (whooping cough) vaccination.  Year 10 stuents will be offered meningacoccal ACWY vaccination.  

Year 7 vaccinations are being held today, Wednesday, 15th March.

Year 10 vaccinations will be held on Friday, 17th March.

Meet the Math Head of Department

Bundaberg North SHS welcomes Ms Carolin Carpenter to the role of Acting Head of Department, Mathematics.

With an established record of excellence in teaching, in both NSW (7 years) and Queensland (20 years), I have been given an opportunity to relocate from Brisbane to Bundaberg North State High School (Terms 1-Term 3).

Throughout my career serving as a secondary teacher and educational leader I have mentored others through innovation and pedagogy. My most recent position of responsibility has been as Shadow Head of Mathematics in 2022 (The Gap State High School) leading innovation and pedagogy through Systematic Curriculum Delivery in the Mathematics Department. I am a passionate educator and Math specialist/expert. I am skilled in developing student engagement and employ innovation to improve education delivery through differentiated teaching and learning. Committed to creating a safe and supportive learning environment, enabling all students the opportunity to Succeed.

The expertise I bring to this role includes: 

• Creative and Innovative
• Influential with stakeholders 
• Ability to effectively implement and manage change
• Develops best-practice educational methodologies

Thankyou for welcoming me into the community of Bundaberg North SHS.

Ms Carolin Carpenter

School photo day - 8th March

School photo day will be held on Wednesday, 8th March.  All students have been given an Advanced Life photo envelope.  This envelope will give you instructions on how to place an online order for your student's school photos.  If you prefer to order your photographs on the day, you can bring the envelope back on Wednesday, 8th March and hand it to the Advanced Life staff.  Please note that if you choose to pay cash, Advanced Life Photography request that you have the correct money, as they do not carry change.  

All students must be in full uniform and comply with the school guidelines on hair, make-up and jewellery.  

Tractor tender opportunity

Bundaberg North State High school is offering for sale by tender a Massey Ferguson series 35 tractor and implements, including a roller mower, scoop and fertiliser spreader. Please click on the link for full details of the tender process. Enquiries should be sent to the Business Manager, at bsm@bundabergnorthshs.eq.edu.au.

Friday 5 - Teamwork

Mathematics staff worked together during Friday 5 (week 1) ensuring team development, skills and expertise were shared. Intentionally Collaborating to systematically align curriculum programs and produce quality resources.

Our PURPOSE for term 1:

• Design and moderate course assessment materials.
• Getting to know the students in our classes, creating class placemats.
• Map assessment dates onto a calendar.
• Support engagement with creative pedagogy.
• Analyse school/QCAA data.

Our team benefits by using the time given to Friday 5, increasing - efficiency, effectiveness, consistency and a sense of belonging.

My key role as Acting Head of Mathematics is to ensure and maintain focus on the PURPOSE or intent of the session. Keeping communications open and encouraging creativity.

I look forward to engaging with staff and students at Bundaberg North State High school.

Carolin Carpenter 

Head Of Department Mathematics

Student Services at North High

My name is Shelley Thornton and I am the Acting Head of Department of the Student Services department. The student services team aims to support all students throughout their educational journey and into the workforce.  Our student services team consists of

• HOSES
• Guidance Officers
• Community Education Co-Ordinator (First Nations)
• School Based Health Nurse
• Chaplains
• Youth Support Co-ordinator

Over the following weeks, we will be introducing members of the team.

If you would like to make an appointment with a member of the student services team, please contact the school on 41 300 222.

North High Planeteers

Bundaberg North State High School is a Reef Guardian school. The North High Planeteers is a group of students who want to make a positive difference to our local and global environment. Planeteers participate in, promote, and run environmental activities including Clean Up Australia Day, National Tree Day, the Reef Guardian Future Leaders Eco Challenge, composting, reduction of electricity use in school, beeswax wrap making, Nude Food Day, World Water Day, Ride Safely to School Day, and more. 

The Planeteers meet every Thursday at second break in J04 in the library. Students from all year levels are encouraged to come along and join in. You are allowed to bring your lunch in to the meeting. This week we will be planning our activities for the term, so we would love to get some fresh ideas from new members. Hope to see you there.

Mrs Roberts, Planeteers Coordinator

Link and Launch

This year we welcome Kylie Sauer as the Link and Launch Officer at Bundaberg North State High School.  Kylie joins the Link and Launch team alongside Bec Egan to connect with and assist Year 12 completers through the study, training or employment options that would best suit them in pursuing their chosen pathway.  Kylie will be in her office in G block on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday each week.  

It's up for debate!

Bundaberg Christian College has generously agreed to again host the debating in 2023. 

The debates for years 7,8,9 and 10 will be conducted on Thursday nights, will run over 3 round robin rounds, followed by a semi final and a final, all conducted within term 2. 

Knockout rounds depend on the numbers of teams nominated in each year level and will be advised when the draw is produced.

What part can I play in the debating competition?

• You can be one of the debate team speakers
• You can be one of the debate team reserves
• You can be one of the debate team writers/"brainstormers"
• If you are a senior, you can sign on for "one off" debates

Sign on for the Bundaberg debating competition begins today and closes next Monday as there is an upcoming workshop some of our debate club members will need to attend.  Once all people have signed on, we will have a meeting to decide teams and/or some competition rounds if needed.

See Mrs Fletcher in Upper B-Block staffroom, or Mrs Watson in A -Block for sign on. Spots are filling fast!

Japanese School keen to return to North

We certainly made a positive impression on the Japanese students who visited us last year. They loved the outdoor space, beaches, and most importantly, the warm welcome that they received from our school students and host families. Tokyo’s Hakuo High is keen to come back this year, likely July 25^th-August 7^th 2023. As you can see, there is quite a difference between Tokyo and our local area for the children to experience.

Some of our 2022 host families have already said that they would like to host again. But we will also be looking for more families who are interested. “Families” may be from students at this school or from the wider community who would like to participate. Perhaps there is someone that you know, extended family or friends, who has a spare bed and would be good at hosting an international student for the fortnight.

North High is going to be hosting 20 students (aged 14-17 years old) from Tokyo’s Hakuo HS for 12 days, late July to early August.

Please note that host families will receive a small payment for hosting students and are responsible for their food and transport to school.

We will select families by:

1. Homestay Family application form
2. Blue card check
3. House inspection (guests need to have their own bed but may be sharing a room with someone of the same gender)
4. Matching students with families eg. interests, non-allergies to pets ..

To express your interest or to proceed further with application forms, please email krayn24@eq.edu.au or phone 41300315

Katrine Rayner, HOD Humanities/LOTE/International Relations

Fair Play Vouchers

Parents, caregivers or guardians can apply for a voucher up to $150 for their child which can be used toward sport and active recreation membership or participation fees.  Parents, carers or guardian must hold a valid Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card.  For more information on how to apply, watch the video below.

Year 7 camp - save that date!

Watch out for more information to come about our 2023 Year 7 camp.  Keep checking out our BNSHS newsletter for updates and details.

Chappy chat

Hi I am Chappy Kelly! So happy and excited to be returning again this year. This will be my 5th year here at North but I have been a Chaplain for 10 years in total.  I have 3 Adult children and during my time here I became a Grandma ("Mar Mar") 3 times!!!

I'm very Happy to be working alongside our new Chappy Brad! (technically not alongside as I work Tuesdays/Thursdays and Brad will be working Wednesdays/Fridays) but very excited to partner with him in offering support and pastoral care and working with our whole support team in continuing to support the wellbeing of our students, families and school community! 

Always available for a listening ear, my door is always open, unless the aircon is on 😆 
Chappy Kelly

G-day from Chappy Brad. I’m  really excited to be starting at North this year and looking forward to getting to know and support as many of as possible.  A little about me, I’m a father of 2 children and married to an amazing lady, I have work most of my life as a tradesman and over the last couple of years I’ve studied to become and started working as a school chaplain. I’m also very excited to be working alongside Chappy Kelly. As Kelly has said the door is always open or feel free to stop me for a chat when I’m out and about 😊

Chappy Brad

Start Uni Now (SUN) with CQU

Year 10, 11 and 12 students have the opportunity to get a head start on their university 
studies now.   Join CQU’s Start Uni Now (SUN) Webinar which talks through everything you need to know about starting uni while still in high school. Parents and students will learn about the benefits of SUN, how to apply, costs, eligibility for direct entry, credit and more.

Check out the link for more info.

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

Changes to bus service in 2023

Important dates

Support for families & community