BNSHS Newsletter 15 February 2023

From the Principal

Welcome to week 4.  School is in full swing and students have settled into their classes.  Our day 8 enrolment was 713 and we are now making final adjustments to classes and staffing to reflect our numbers.  The year has started very well with many activities already on offer for students. Interschool sport begins this week and rehearsals for our school Musical – Little Shop of Horrors have begun.  We are excited to produce a school musical this year and students are very keen to be involved in the production.  Watch out for dates of the show in future newsletters.

A number of our Year 12 graduates from 2022 are looking forward to beginning their university studies over the next few weeks – we wish them all the best.

Last week it was very pleasing to see many parents attending the Meet the Teachers BBQ on Thursday afternoon.  Thank you for taking the opportunity to meet our 2023 teachers and engage with the school to support your students' education.

We also held our Student Council badge ceremony on Monday night and I want to thank parents and family members for attending.  Our 2023 Student Council has been established and the students are keen to begin the year.

We will be holding our first P&C meeting on Thursday 23^rd at 6.00pm in the Administration block.  I encourage all parents to consider joining the P&C.  The P&C meet once a month on every second Thursday.  If you are able to attend even one meeting it would be good to see you there.  You will find the dates of the P&C meetings on the 'Important Dates' section of this newsletter and on the school website calendar.  

Robyn Kent, Principal

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

The Watson Report

Students have been doing a great job bringing their diary to school, taking it to class and using it to record messages, homework and assessment. Using their Student Diary appropriately supports students to be organised and successful learners.

At the back of the diary is the Student Movement section. Our ‘out of class’ procedure has been updated to include the Student Diary. To leave class students fill out the details on the Student Movement page, take it to the teacher and ask if they can leave class. If the teacher gives permission, they will sign the diary, with the diary staying with the teacher until the student returns. The student takes an ‘out of class’ pass with them and gets their diary back when they return to the room.

The Student Movement page keeps a record of when your student leaves the room and let’s you and us know how often they exit the classroom. Students should not be leaving the classroom unless it cannot wait until break time. Students should aim to use the toilet or get a drink at break time or between classes. Students may bring water bottles (containing water) into classrooms. Please encourage your student to be in class and be engaged in learning. If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me: rwats34@eq.edu.au

Students need to have their diary with them, every lesson, every day.

North Rewards

It has been great to see so many students receiving Gotchas for demonstrating the school values of respect, responsibility and safety. Currently students can ‘cash in’ 10 Gotchas for a Zooper Dooper or 50 Gotchas for an ice cream voucher. Over the last week students have been discussing rewards and Reward Days with their RAS teacher, to complete a survey. The results of this survey will be used to create our Reward day menu for 2023. Details will be released soon, once all surveys have been collated. Parent and carer feedback are also welcome. Please feel free to call me with questions or suggestions for the North Rewards Program.

Rebecca Watson, Deputy Principal

Women and girls in science

The Science Department at North High would like to acknowledge International Day of Women and Girls in Science.  Our Year 9 students spent their lesson disecting toads.

BNSHS Science Department would sincerely like to thank McDonalds Bundaberg for collecting and donating newspapers to be used in scientific experiments  performed at school.  

Ms Amanda Tope, Science Technician

Meet the teacher

Over 130 parents and family attended our Meet the Teachers function on February 9^th.  It was an excellent opportunity for students to introduce their parents to their teachers.  This year we also had displays from the key learning areas, opportunity to meet members of the P&C and opportunity to have any questions answered about connecting laptop/devices to the school network. Thank you to the our Office Manager Trish Sellers, our Parent Liaison Officer Susie Mant and members of our Student Council for helping to set up, organise and run the event.   Special thanks to the parents/carers who attended.  We look forward to meeting you again at the Student Progress Conferences on April 27^th.

Medieval Mania

Monday was Medieval Mania day for all year 8 students at North High.  We had warlocks and peasants and that was just the teachers!  While some students were knights and princesses; there was even a plague doctor with his incredible beak mask.  The costume competition certainly set the scene for our Medieval Mania of activities. Jokes lightened the mood further.

What do medieval postmen wear?   Chainmail

 Who’s strong enough to move a castle? A chess player

The 6 base activities for the day were –

• heraldry with many children interested in finding their own family crest;
• archery and the stocks for those that disturbed the peace
• stained glass windows which were such a feature of Medieval Churches
• trebuchets for knocking down castles
• drawing knights in armour and their castle homes
• playing a strategic game using stones instead of computers

We finished with reflection as to similarities and differences between medieval and modern times.

It was a busy day for teachers and students – filled with learning and laughter.

Miss Katrine Rayner, Head of Department, Humanities

Medieval Day

Meet the Student Services Team

Name - Stuart Ross

Position - Guidance Officer

How do you support our students and families?

Guidance Officers help students by providing confidential, student-centred support in the following areas: Mental health and wellbeing, counselling, assessment and intervention, behaviour as well as career development.

What is the best thing about your job?

Being able to help students meet their personal, social, emotional, and educational needs. I find it amazing to observe students change and develop over the years into independent young adults.

What is your biggest wish for our students and families?

Ultimately you want students when they leave BNSHS to be productive, responsible, and happy citizens of our country. They should have the knowledge, skills as well as the internal fortitude to work towards their goals in life. However, most of all I would like to see our student to be able to create and maintain positive personal and professional relationships.

How can guardians and students connect with you?

Please phone the main office. If I am unavailable I will hopefully be able to return your call later that day. If you would like to make an appointment, that can be also arranged through the school office.

Checking in with Byron Lerch

Greetings North! I hope that most of you haven’t forgot about me just yet. Three months ago now, I was still gracing the walkways of North High, although it definitely doesn’t feel anywhere near that long ago. The following article is a general update about my adventures since high school to the present day.

After graduating, life felt pretty strange. No more school, no more timetable, no more routine. I continued to work at the cinemas, as I had been throughout Year 11 and 12. I knew that this would keep me somewhat busy, however I knew that eventually I would need to begin planning the next chapter of my life. I began to research accommodation options to move to Brisbane, assuming that my ATAR was satisfactory enough to receive my first preference of a Dual Bachelor’s Degree of Business Management / Communications at the University of Queensland. I lined up inspections, for which I travelled down to Brisbane to attend. I completed a lot of paperwork, and submitted around 6 official applications for different apartments. Unfortunately, they all came back unsuccessful, which left me very disappointed and anxious.

I remember that I was doing some shopping; having a break from all the inspections, when I received a call from the Young Achievers Program (YAP). YAP is a scholarship group run by the University of Queensland, of which I have been a recipient of since Year 11. They were calling to congratulate me on completing my external exams, but also to offer me a room at Kev Carmody House (KCH)- a residential building run by the university. I instantly accepted, (mostly) unaware of what I was committing to. I played the waiting game. Went on a holiday, received my ATAR, received an offer for my first preference, enrolled at UQ, and continued to work. I was able to visit KCH one weekend while I was visiting Brisbane, before I signed any contracts. This visit solidified my course of action; that I was going to be living on-campus at Kev Carmody House.

Fast-forward to present day, and I have been living in KCH for just over a week. I have met students from New Zealand, Philippines, Ireland, USA, Canada, and everywhere in between. On the 20^th of February, I finally begin classes, and the first semester of my four-year degree kicks off. Looking back, not all of my story panned out as I originally would have planned. Fortunately for me, the right opportunities fell on my lap when I needed them most, however this would not have been possible if I didn’t explore my options with the school Guidance Counsellor and discover opportunities such as the Young Achievers Program.

I send my love and greetings to everyone in the North High community. I miss you all greatly and look forward to visiting later in the year.

Byron Lerch – 2022 Bundaberg North State High School Male School Captain

Interested in becoming a Qld Police Officer

Please find below the link to register for the upcoming Police Recruiting Seminar on Wednesday, 15h March at 6:00pm.  The Seminar will be held at the Bundaberg PCYC and registration for the event is free.  

Art exhibition

“The Air exhibition at GOMA was definitely a sensory experience. It went beyond the 'visual' that is expected at an art gallery.”

During week 3, a very sleepy group of art students and their teachers boarded a 5am bus to Brisbane. First stop was the Eumundi Markets so that the Certificate II Visual Art students could engage with arts practitioners to find out about the ways they present, market and sell their products. Mrs McDonald took it as a great opportunity to have a hearty second breakfast – everyone enjoyed all of the market foods!

Second stop was the art galleries at South Bank, with everyone stepping out resplendent in their formal uniforms.

Senior Visual Art General students will soon be creating artworks inspired by their stimulus excursion to the Queensland Art Gallery and the Gallery of Modern Art in Brisbane. Certificate II Visual Art students were able to get up close and personal with artworks in both galleries to inspire future projects as they complete modules for their course.

All students agreed that the highlights were the large, immersive installation works. We became surrounded by large sculptural pieces that made us feel very small, and at the same time, very alive. There’s nothing like seeing life from the perspective of an artist to make you look at the world in a new and inquisitive way.

It was a weary group that returned to the school late into the night. Our heads were full of art, our tummies were full of servo food…and some of us discovered we can sleep just about anywhere if we are tired enough!

Ms McDonald, Art Teacher

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.

North High welcomes Khobi

Hi, my name is Mr Khobi Cameron and I'm a recent Bachelor of Education (Secondary) graduate from Central Queensland University with specialisations in ITD (Industrial Technology and Design) and Mathematics. I grew up in the Bundaberg area and attended Bundaberg State High School.

In 2022 I completed my final pre-service practice at Bundaberg North State High School. Many hours of teaching observation consolidated my love of learning. I worked under supervision of multiple Bundaberg North SHS teachers, building student and peer rapport, refining my understanding and knowledge of the teacher requirements. I encourage communication and a sense of belonging for all.

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the community at Bundaberg North State High School.

Mr Khobi Cameron, Teacher

First Nations induction camp

As part of Bundaberg North State High Schools First Nations program, each year we take our Year 7 – 9 students on an Induction Camp to give them the opportunity to meet and bond with other students from different year levels.  This year we went out to Bucca Retreat where students engaged in swimming, use of the water slide and teaming up to work their way through the obstacle course. We had a cultural aspect to the Camp in which we introduced the Yarning Circle and explained the significance and importance that it has on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

I would like send out a special thank you to Mr Findlay, Miss Kent and Mr Williams, for coming and helping out to ensure that our students get the opportunity to experience these camps.

Jayden Alberts, Community Education Counsellor

Meet the Math team

Meet the Teachers BBQ at Bundaberg North SHS was well attended by the Maths faculty.  I want to thank teachers, students and community members for taking the time to make some important face-to-face connections.

Mathematics student bookwork was on display.

I encourage checking in on bookwork to ensure neat and accurate notetaking and completion of student classwork is ongoing.

A sample from a year 7 student workbook can be seen here:

Some mathematics resources were on display – textbooks, 3D shapes, graphic organisers, fraction and percentage puzzles.

Math Mirrors were a hit with all ages. Engaging learners with the aid of interactive resources can be useful when consolidating the understanding of symmetry.

Carolin Carpenter, Head of Department, Mathematics

Learning about mining

In year 12 Earth and Environmental Science we have been learning about resource exploration, mining and resource processing methods. Last week we did a practical activity using a magnet to find "ore deposits" in a grid pattern, simulating magnetic surveys conducted in the field when looking for iron ore deposits. We then did a froth flotation experiment where we recovered iron from a milled ore sample by adding chemicals and agitating the solution to produced bubbles. The iron was attracted to the surface of the bubbles and rose to the surface, similar to how froth flotation is able to extract metals from milled ores in the refining process before smelting. Next week we will travel to Sunstate Sands sand mine at Coonarr to see strip mining, sand processing and rehabilitation in action.

Mrs Roberts, Science Teacher

Premier's reading challenge

The Premier's Reading Challenge (PRC) is not a competition but a way to encourage students to develop a love of reading for life. Through the challenge students are given an opportunity to develop their appreciation of the English language, additional languages, and are encouraged to explore and enjoy a wide range of literary texts.

Bundaberg North SHS Students in year 7 and 8 can participate in the challenge if they wish by informing their English teacher. However, students will have to use their own personal time to complete the challenge as no class time will be provided for it.

Students who complete the challenge have their efforts recognised through the receipt of a Certificate of Achievement signed by the Premier of Queensland. We will also be celebrating achievements at school during book week.

For a student in year 7 or 8 to successfully complete the Premier's Reading Challenge they are required to read a minimum of 15 books. They are encouraged to select a range of fiction and non-fiction books suited to their reading ability. While there is no compulsory reading list for the challenge, book lists are available on the PRC website for ideas.

For further information please contact Amanda Foskett, Teacher, B Block or email awill234@eq.edu.au

From the Sports Desk

Term 1, BDSSS Inter-school sport starts this Wednesday 15/2. We have these teams competing and a BIG THANK YOU to the coaches of these teams:

• Surfing – Mr Shield
• Ten Pin Bowling (Yrs 10 -12) – Mr Tapsall
• Table Tennis (Jnrs) – Mr Collyer
• Volleyball (Jnr Girls, Two Open Boys & Two Open Girls teams) – Ms WahDay, Mr Moore, Mr Elphinstone, Mrs Hearn, Mr Peach
• Football (Open Girls) – Mr Thatcher

UPCOMING BUNDABERG TRIALS 13-19yrs

• Monday 20^th February: Rugby League, Golf, Volleyball, AFL
• Thursday 23^rd February: Surfing
• Thursday 2^nd March: Football, Squash, Netball, Rugby Union(15-18yrs), Surfing

UPCOMING BUNDABERG TRIALS 12yrs

Monday & Tuesday 27^th,28^th February,  6^th 7^th March: AFL, Softball

Trials are held at a variety of different venues and have not yet been announced.  When times and venues are announced, students are encouraged to listen to student notices in RAS or see Mr Thatcher for more information.

From time to time at North High we have students keen to play soccer or rugby who don't have access to the boots they need to play.  BNSHS are having a 'Boot Drive' and would love any donations of second hand boots which can be used by our students.  These can be dropped of at the office or your student can deliver them to L block staffroom.   

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

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 

Just do ONE THING for your kids

If you could do just one thing to REALLY help your student, would you?  Let's talk about the BENEFITS OF SLEEP!

• Your brain sorts and processes the day’s information

Don’t be fooled into thinking that when you’re asleep your brain has shut off too. Your brain is actually quite busy while you sleep, sorting and storing information from the day. This process is particularly important for creating long term memories, as your brain consolidates all the information it’s picked up during the day and files it away for later use.

• Hormones flood your body

There are a number of different hormones released during sleep, all with different purposes. Melatonin, released by the pineal gland, controls your sleep patterns. Levels increase at night time, making you feel sleepy. While you’re sleeping, your pituitary gland releases growth hormone, which helps your body to grow and repair itself.

• Your sympathetic nervous system chills out

During sleep, your sympathetic nervous system – which controls your fight or flight response – gets a chance to relax. Studies have shown that when we’re deprived of sleep, sympathetic nervous system activity increases, which is also mirrored by an increase in blood pressure. Scientists studying coronary disease are investigating whether there’s a relationship between decreased sleep duration and increased risk of heart disease.

• Cortisol levels lower

Levels of cortisol, often called the stress hormone, decreases during the first few hours of sleep before rising to peak soon after you wake up. This helps makes you feel perky when you wake up and switches on your appetite.

• Your muscles paralyse

While asleep, you cycle through periods of non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREM) and rapid eye movement sleep (REM). It’s during REM sleep that we have the most vivid dreams.

During this stage, your muscles are temporarily paralysed, meaning you can’t move. Some scientists think this might be so that you don’t physically act out your dreams.

• Anti-Diuretic Hormone (ADH) helps you not have to pee

Ever wondered why you have to go to the toilet to pee every couple of hours during the day, but can sleep a whole eight without heading to the loo? Thank ADH, an anti-diuretic hormone released by the brain under a circadian rhythm which switches off the need to urinate so often overnight.

• Your immune system releases inflammation fighting cytokines

While you’re sleeping, your immune system releases a type of small proteins called cytokines. If you’re sick or injured, these cytokines help your body fight inflammation, infection and trauma. Without enough sleep, your immune system might not be able to function at its best.

So, if you will do one thing, help them get more sleep!  The average adolescent gets between 4-7 hours, not nearly enough.  Next newsletter ways to help or if you are struggling, make a referral to Robyn the School Based Youth Health Nurse.

More reading on sleep:

Sleep Health Foundation Australia

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.

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.  

Check mate

The Bundaberg Chess Club is intending to hold Sunday Junior Chess Tournaments in 2023. John and Elizabeth Harris continue as the Junior Chess Tournament Coordinators for 2023. 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. This year we are planning to hold 7 Junior Chess Tournaments.

Intended dates for the tournaments are:-

• 26/02/2023
• 26/03/2023
• 28/05/2023
• 30/07/2023
• 27/08/2023
• 29/10/2023
• 26/11/2023

Cost is $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) 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 awarded at the end of the year.

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.

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.

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

Important dates

Support for families & community