BNSHS Newsletter 1 March 2023

From the Principal's office

Since our last newsletter, interschool sport on Wednesday afternoons has begun with some good results from a variety of team sports such as football and volleyball.

I had the pleasure of attending the Lions Youth of the Year competition run by the North Bundaberg and Moore Park Lions Clubs.  Four of our senior students participated with two students winning their way through to the regional competition.  Congratulations to Sam, Chanel, Leila and Arie for representing the school and doing an outstanding job with their impromptu and prepared speeches and interview.

Last week we had a visit from our Lead Principal (Brad Roberts) for the North Coast Region who shared with us the significant improvement in our academic results for year 7-9 in 2022.  He presented our improvement journey and the increase in students attaining A-C results across many subjects.   Congratulations to all our junior students from last year who gained A-C results for their subjects.  

NAPLAN testing online has been brought forward to Term 1 this year across the nation.  Students in Year 7 and 9 will sit the NAPLAN tests using our technology labs.  We encourage all students to participate and do their best in each of the tests – literacy and numeracy.  Students have undergone preparation for the use of devices for the online testing.  NAPLAN testing will take place over a 2 week period 15 – 27 March.

Invoices for the Student Resource Scheme have been issued to parents.  Payments can be made either in full, using a payment plan or using Centrepay.  The invoices are generated from our Oneschool finance system and can appear a little daunting when you receive them all at once.  We will be shortly publishing a breakdown of what the fees cover.  The system does not allow for that detail to be added to the invoice.  Please contact the office if you have any queries.

Please note that we are continuing to address the issue of vaping at North High.  Students who are caught either providing, possessing or using vapes at school receive consequences.  Thank you to the students who have made a positive contribution by reporting any incidents that they witness.  Students are able to report information either verbally, written or using the anonymous Stymie reporting platform.  Last week students engaged in a RAS lesson that provided information on the harmful effects of vaping.  We will continue to work on this issue and encourage parents to talk to their students about this topic and ensure they are not bringing vapes to school.  We are happy to supply information and support families as this is a worldwide issue with young people at the moment. 

I wish you well.

Robyn Kent

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

Local Community Education Body (LCEB)

We are calling for expressions of interest for First Nations representatives to join our Local Community Education Body (LCEB).  The LCEB works with our school to advise on all matters of Indigenous Education and is made up of Traditional Owners, First Nations Elders, First Nations students and parents, Torres Strait Islander parents and students, and First Nations school staff.

If you would like to nominate, please complete and either return the form to the school office, or email to principal@bundabergnorthshs.eq.edu.au by Friday, March 10th, 2023

The Watson Report

RAS Interhouse Challenge

Each year at North we have a RAS Interhouse Challenge, with one ‘challenge’ each term. Last week at the whole school parade the winning houses were announced. Included below are some photos of our RAS House Captains receiving the challenge shields. Congratulations to the students of these winning RAS classes.

• Term 1 Trivia: Mabbro H
• Term 2 Ball Games: Tirroan E
• Term 3 Tug-O-War: Walla A
• Term 4 Community Hampers: Monduran C

To determine the overall winning houses, Gotcha totals for 2022 were considered.

• Walla                     19745
• Mabbro                23682
• Monduran          29494
• Tirroan                 30614

Overall Winner: Tirroan 

North Rewards – Reward Day Menu for 2023

All the survey results have been tallied and the Reward Day menu for 2023 has been shared with students. Part of the North Rewards program is recognising excellent attendance by students. Each term we hold a reward day to support students’ attendance and behaviour. Please see the Reward Day Menu below. Students are able to choose one reward each term. Our aim is to support local businesses and stay in the Bundaberg region, so you will see options that include activities and visits to the local area. There are also some activities that require a small co-payment of $5 from the student. The criteria to attend:

• 95% actual attendance at school with no unexplained absences

(medical absences will be considered on individual circumstances)

• No suspensions.

Please note attendance data for term 1 is based on data from 23 January to 17 March. Term 2 is calculated from the start of week 9 term 1 (20 March) to end week 7 term 2 (2 June). This pattern will continue for the following terms. This allows time for organisation of reward days and collection of students’ permission notes. A suspension up until the day of the reward will disqualify students from participation. If you have questions, please feel free to contact me by phone or email rwats34@eq.edu.au

Upholding Classroom Expectations

Each learning space has a display of Classroom Expectations. All students have been made aware of these expectations and unpacked ‘how they look’ with their classroom teachers. These expectations should be demonstrated in every classroom, every day. Students demonstrating these expectations receive positive reinforcement, but students not able to follow these expectations will receive support through a number of consequences. These are also displayed in each room. As parents and carers please review the expectations and consequences with your student, and let us know if you have any questions.

Rebecca Watson, Deputy Principal

Senior News

Assessment calendar

The term 1 and 2 assessment calendar has been published to students and parents. This calendar allows students to see all of the assessment due dates for their classes for the first semester. Students can access their assessment calendar through OneSchool, and have been emailed instructions. Parents can access their student’s assessment calendar via QParents.

Mr Tom Wright, Deputy Principal

Sunstate sand mine field trip

On Thursday, February 23rd, our Earth and environmental science students combined with Kepnock State High School's Earth and environmental science students to visit Sunstate Sands sand mine and processing plant at Coonarr. The students learnt a lot about the products made from the different grades of sand from Coonarr, including phone screens and the chips inside your phone! We got a tour of the mine, seeing the areas where mining has finished that are being rehabilitated, viewing areas where strip mining is taking place, and getting to walk through the wet processing plant, where the sand is sorted into its different sizes before being packaged and distributed to customers. Thank you to Matt and the team at Sunstate Sands for another quality experience for our students and to Kepnock State High School for joining us.

Mrs Roberts, Science teacher

NAPLAN Online

NAPLAN testing for students in years 7 and 9 will occur from Wednesday 15^th March to Monday 27^th March. This year, NAPLAN testing will take place exclusively online, for which students have been practicing using the online platform. Students are asked to bring headphones during the testing period. Headphones must be wired, with a standard headphone plug. If students do not have headphones of their own, headphones will be provided by the school for the duration of the testing period.

A demonstration of the online testing platform is available for parents at the Public demonstration site [make this a link to: https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site].

If you have any questions about NAPLAN online, or wish to have your student withdrawn from the test, please contact the school and ask to speak to the NAPLAN administrator, or download a withdrawal record form from the link 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.  

Free Dress day - Tuesday, 7th March

Third Party Website Consent

Our school uses tools and resources to support student learning, including some third party (non-departmental) online services managed outside of the Department.  These services can be used to support curriculum delivery, complete learning activities and assessment, facilitate class collaboration and create and publish class work.  Online services, including websites, web apps and mobile apps require connectivity and some require your child's information which may be recorded, used, disclosed and published to the services.  We require all parents to complete the THIRD PARTY WEBSITE CONSENT to indicate their consent, or non-consent for each of the websites nominated.  We thank the families who have already completed the form and returned it to the school.  We have recorded your consent choices on your student's school file.

You are encouraged to read the THIRD PARTY WEBSITE CONSENT document at the link below.  You can download and print the document, complete it and return it to BNSHS office.  Or you can complete and submit the electronic version (below).  

Lions Youth of the Year

Sam, Arie, Chanel and Leila participated in the Lions Youth of the Year Public Speaking Competition last Wednesday. These students not only impressed the judges at their interviews but also during the delivery of their 5 minute prepared speeches and impromptu questions later in the day. There were only a few points separating all four students. Sam was the overall winner with the Runner Up and Public Speaking Award awarded to Chanel.  Chanel’s speech titled “300 Seconds” was very impressive. Chanel and Sam now go on to represent Moore Park and Bundaberg North Lions Club respectfully at the next level of the competition on March 12. Congratulations to all of the participating students and a huge thank you to the Bundaberg North and Moore Park Lions Club who continue to host this very enjoyable competition annually.

Mrs Jensen, Lions Youth of the Year Coordinator, BNSHS

8 Ball Wizards

Recently our Year 12 Sport and Recreation classes have been participating in trips to the Bundaberg 8-Ball Association to learn the knowledge and skills of the sport from 8-Ball Association President and QLD representative Robbie Lewis. Students have improved immensely since beginning these lesson, working with Robbie to learn the basics rules of 8-Ball and advance their skillset . With 2 more trips planned, students will need to be on their A game to match the skills of Mr Moore if they want to beat him.

The world championships for 8-Ball will be hosted in Australia in 2024, could we see one of our students compete?

Thanks to President Robbie Lewis for working with our students and Bundaberg 8-Ball Association for allowing us to use their facilities and equipment.

Mr Moore, Teacher

Clean up Australia Day

Clean Up Australia Day

Each year the North High Planeteers organise and run a school and community event for Clean Up Australia Day. This year we will run a school clean-up on Friday March 3^rd at first break. All students are invited to participate and should meet between the library and E block (science) if they wish to partake. There will be gotchas awarded and an interhouse competition with an award for the house that collects the most rubbish. 

The community Clean Up Australia Day is Sunday March 5th. This year we will clean up the North Lions Park. We will meet near the toilet block at 2:30pm and finish up at 3:30pm. Students need to organise their own transport to and from the Park and need to dress in school uniform with correct footwear for identification and safety reasons. Students will be provided with rubbish bags and gloves or tongs. Students wishing to participate in the community event on Sunday need to collect a permission form from Mrs Roberts in upper C block staffroom or download it from the link below, and bring the completed form along on the day. There will be spare forms available for parents/carers to complete at the event if needed. Parents and carers are welcome to join the clean up event.

Let's help to make our school and community more beautiful and prevent rubbish from making its way to the Great Barrier Reef.

Mrs Roberts, Planeteers Coordinator

Ringworm (Tinea)

We currently have a number of students who have Ringworm.  Whilst easily treated Ringworm is highly contagious.  It is spread by direct contact, sharing of towels/bathroom facilities and animals.  Hot humid weather, overheating and sweating contribute to tinea infections.

If you think you may have Ringworm a topical antifungal cream can be purchased from a pharmacy.  If a lesion is present, it should be covered for 24 hours after antifungal treatment has commenced.

As with COVID, handwashing is key!

Please see the fact sheet from Queensland Health.  Any questions please feel free to contact Robyn Kirby, school based youth health nurse, your GP or pharmacist.

Containers for Change program

Bundaberg North SHS supports the Containers for Change program and raises money for student resources.  If you have empty bottles or cans and would like to donate them to North High we would be very grateful.   You can either bring them to school office and staff will give them to the Tuckshop or you can take them to one of the recycling depots and quote our school code – C10002160.  

Thank you for helping our school and the environment.

QParents in 2025 at BNSHS

QParents is all about making parents’ lives easier. QParents is a safe, private app to help parents and caregivers manage important details about their child’s education. Once you are registered, you can sign in securely and- Make payments online- Check your student’s timetable, assessment calendar and report cards- Inform the school of your student’s past or future absence- See upcoming events- View enrolment details- Update your contact details.

From 2025, the school will be asking all parents to submit their consent for excursions through QParents. Click the link below for more information or contact the school to arrange for your unique invitation code to start your registration process.

You can watch the introductory video at the link below to learn more about QParents and how it can work for you.

QPARENTS INTRODUCTORY VIDEO

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

Tourism

Last week both Year 11 Tourism classes went on an excursion to Moore Park Beach and Splitters Farm. The current topic of study is centred around local tourism. Students will begin their assessment shortly which requires them to review Moore Park Beach and design a new tourism attraction for the area. Splitters Farm has become a very popular tourist destination locally so it was advantageous for the students to hear first hand what strategies worked well in establishing a tourist attraction. Farmer Carly kindly showed the students around and let them interact with and feed the variety of animals. The baby kids were the highlight.

Mrs Jensen and Miss Wilson, Tourism Teachers

Thanks to Woolworths

Bundaberg North State High School and our Chappies Kelly and Brad would like to sincerely thank Woolworths at Hinkler Central Shopping Centre for their support of our school.  Each week Woolworths donate loaves of bread to North High to enable us to run our 'brekky club'.  This donation enables many students to start their day with a nutritious breakfast.

Chappy Kelly and Chappy Brad

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 

From the Sports desk

In the first game of the season, held at North High the Open Girls Football team had their first win.

There were a lot of 'beginner' footballers, and it was great to see them show 'North Spirit', always trying their best and displaying great sportsmanship.  The final score was 2-0 with goals from Cassidy  & Ashley.  All students had a great time and it is shaping up to be a great season.

Mr Thatcher, Sports Coordinator

The 2023 BNSHS interhouse swimming carnival will be held at Norville Pool on Tuesday, 28th March.  This is the last Tuesday of the term and it is a whole school event which should be attended by all students, however swimming in competitive events is not compulsory.  It is a great day, with fierce competition between House groups both for the swimming events and of course the dress theme.  Parents, please look out in the coming weeks for the consent form which will be emailed and SMS'd to all families.  The swimming carnival is a fantastic, fun day and we ask parents to ensure that all students attend.  

Team of the week: Open Boys Volleyball

Open Boys B team have started the season very well with two wins from two.  The Open Boys A team have faced stiff competition with narrow losses in their two games.

UPCOMING TRIALS

Thursday 2^nd March 13-19yrs Football, Netball, Squash, Surfing, Rugby Union (15-18yrs)

WEEK 8:  U12 Football, Rugby League, Netball.

See Mr Thatcher in L block staffroom for more information

Aid to Turkey and Syria

CQU Interfaith and Cultural Diversity Society and the Turkish Muslim Community is inviting all schools, faith groups and organisations in Bundaberg to help collect blankets, sleeping bags, jumpers, tracksuits, and nappies for the hundreds of thousands of displaced people of Turkey and Syria. The company in Turkey that plays a similar role to the Australian SES has asked that clothing and bedding items be new, not used.

There are two collection sites:

1. The CQU admin office, which is found in block 1 of the Bundaberg Campus
2. The Muslim Mosque located at 76A Hanbury St, Bundaberg North

We envisage the collection to last 3 weeks with the tentative close date on 7 March at 5.00pm.

Every contribution will be a big help, especially for those children in Turkey and Syria who have nothing but the clothes they’re wearing.

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