BNSHS Newsletter 26 April 2023

From the Principal's Office

Welcome back to Term 2.  I hope that you enjoyed your Easter break with family and friends. 

On the last day of term you would have received your child/childrens’ Term 1 progress report.  I hope that you have discussed the report with your child/children. This week we are conducting Student Progress Conferences on Thursday April 27^th from 3.30 – 6.00pm.  I encourage you to take the opportunity to meet with teachers to discuss term 1 progress.  You can make bookings through SOBS.  Bookings will close at 4pm today.

It was pleasing to see some good results being achieved in Term 1.  I want to congratulate all the students who improved their results and who gained an A, B or C for achievement, effort and behaviour in Term 1.  We will be presenting Reach for the Sky Awards on May 2.  English results across all year levels were very good with 90% of Year 7 students receiving an A-C result.

This term we will be introducing a new Resilience Program in RAS.  The program aims to provide students with skills and knowledge to positively manage conflict situations. More details about the program will be released to students and parents over the next few weeks and are available further in this newsletter.

This term sees the return of a North High Musical – Little Shop of Horrors.  Students have been in rehearsals since the start of the year and look forward to presenting the musical on May 19 and 20.  Please mark these dates in your diary and come and support the students. 

Last term we ran our swimming carnival and results of age champions and champion house will be released shortly.  Thank you to all the students who participated in the healthy competition.

This week we would also like to invite parents of First Nations students to a BBQ on Friday afternoon at 1.00pm.  Invitations have been sent to students and parents.  Please contact the First Nations room on 4130 0275  if you did not receive any information.

Finally, our Year 7 students will be going on camp to Garapine (Gympie) from May 3-5.  We wish them well and thank the staff who have been organising and running fundraising activities. Also thank you to the P&C for their assistance.   Following the camp, on May 12, some of our Year 7 parents will be invited to a special morning tea to coincide with ‘Mothers day’.  This is the first time the school has celebrated this and invitations are being sent out this week.

Regards,

Robyn Kent, Principal

Friday 5 - Students remaining at school until 3pm Term 2, 2023

The Watson Report

North Reward Day term 1

What a wonderful way to finish term 1 with Reward Day. The Reward Day was part of the North Rewards Program to recognise the excellent attendance of students. To be included students achieved at least 95% actual attendance at school with no unexplained absences, and no suspensions. This term almost 300 students achieved this, so had the choice of three options for their Reward Day; Bargara Beach Trip, Gaming Session or $5 Tuckshop Voucher.

The trip to Bargara Beach was lots of fun, with swimming and beach play at Nielsen’s Beach, a rainy walk to the esplanade shops (the rain did not dampen students’ enthusiasm!) and lunch overlooking the beach. The students demonstrated excellent behaviour at all times. In the afternoon session, students who chose the gaming session were able to use split screen projections to compete. A fun time was had by all. Thank you students, for your efforts with attendance in term 1 and I look forward to even more students participating in the next Reward Day. Please peruse the photos below.

Reward Day

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Year 7 Camp to Garapine

It is almost camp time for year 7 students! From Wednesday 3 May to Friday 5 May, 98 students will travel to Garapine near Gympie to participate in the camp, with a focus on building resilience. Students will complete many individual and group work challenges, including go cart building, crate climb, kayaking and bush skills.

It was a busy time during term 1 with fundraising for camp, including selling 150 Cadbury boxes, several sausages sizzles, and a 'Guess the Jellybeans in the Jar' competition. Just over $3500 was raised, reducing the camp cost by $45 per student. We would like to thank students, parents and carers for their support of our fundraising activities. The school also agreed to fund the cost of the bus (over $5000) to keep the cost of the camp as low as possible, reducing the cost by a further $50. We also thank the P & C for their support of our Year 7 camp. With almost 100 students attending, it has been a huge effort from everyone involved, especially Mrs Thornton (HOD Junior Secondary).

I am looking forward to seeing the benefits of camp; the long lasting friendships, teamwork and problem solving skills, when students return to school. All details have been sent home to parents of students attending camp. For year 7 students not attending camp, classes will still be operating and students will be expected to attend. If you have any queries, about camp, please contact me via email rwats34@eq.edu.au or phone 4130 0222.

Mrs Watson, Deputy Principal

Game on!! - Social Sport is happening.

Starting in Week 5 at North High is a new sporting initiative available to ALL students.  It's fun, it's free, it's happening and starts in week 5 this term.

Junior students and senior students each have their own schedule of activities which will happen at lunchtime on Mondays and Wednesdays.  The competition runs through to Week 3 in Term 3.  

Please encourage your students to get involved, get moving and be part of this fantastic  new program.

ANZAC Day

Students and staff have attended ANZAC services at school and in the community this week. On Monday 24 April a service was held at school which was led by School Captains and members of the Student Council. Students and staff also participated in the Bundaberg and Moore Park Beach civic services on ANZAC Day. Thank you to all students, staff and parents who have attended and supported our school at these services.

Postcards of Honour is a creative ANZAC Day learning and commemoration activity for primary school students. However, this year our school was invited to participate. 

The idea for Postcards of Honour came about as throughout Australia’s military history, postcards and letters have offered vital support to those on active duty. This activity allowed our students to learn the importance of ANZAC Day and write and decorate a postcard acknowledging a local veteran for their service. 

For privacy reasons, no recipient or creator address/identifying details were provided, but each postcard was given by RSL Queensland to a veteran in the community on ANZAC day. By taking part in Postcards of Honour this ANZAC Day, our students showed a past/present service person that they support them and appreciate their service. 

The Postcards of Honour activity was a resounding success at our school. Within a week we had over 160 postcards ready to hand out to our service people and veterans. I personally read every postcard created and was truly proud of our students and their efforts. Every student treated the activity with the respect and care it deserved. Our students created original artwork, original poems, shared stories of their loved one's service and offered their sincere and heartfelt thanks on every postcard. 

We had the privilege of handing our completed postcards to local Naval veteran Dannielle Brearley. Our students are already looking forward to participating in the 2024 Postcards of Honour program.

Below is a poem on one of the postcards, written by a Year 12 student.

The poppies that grew, The soldiers that flew

fighting a war, marching through the muddy floor, We Will Remember Them

Sadness, fear and all that pain, the constant sound of gun shots and reign

loud bangs as they sleep, all the memories they keep, We Will Remember Them

The soldiers guard, they fight so hard,

uniforms heavy worn and split, as the bombs come down and lit,

remember those who fought, remember those who died, We Will Remember Them

Year 12 student Rhiarn

Postcards

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Paw patrol - Rocky is on duty

 In 2023 Rocky is turning 6 years old. A combination of French Bulldog, Pug and Chihuahua, he weighs in at 10 kg. 

• Rocky has been an accredited Therapy Dog since 2020 
• He has reached Level Three team status which is the highest qualification possible 
• He has been working alternate days at Bundaberg North State High School since 2020 

As part of his training Rocky is not allowed to work for treats, he does everything that he does because he chooses to be part of the team.  Rocky is basically defenceless and weak, in truth he is a small and fragile animal. 

So why does Rocky walk around like he has power and control? Why does he feel safe and confident? 

He feels like he has power because he knows and understands the rules and how he needs to act to be part of the team.   He feels like he is in control because he has trust that authority can be called on to bring order to any given situation. 

Rocky also has to agree to give over his power and control to authority – he TRUSTS others to sometimes guide him on his perception of any given situation and his behaviour. 

Rocky is aware of the rules and how to behave.  He chooses to participate in the team.  If Rocky was not prepared to voluntarily modify his behaviour in line with the rules and expectations of his workplace- he would not be able to operate in this environment. 

The team is subject to yearly inspection and accreditation, even Rocky has assessment!  Rocky’s work is insured up to a $20,000,000 sum for public liability.  This insurance is with a specialist working dog insurance broker. 

Rocky is a very good exemplar of a appropriate, beneficial, accountable and judicious use of power and control.   He is also a very good example of the ability to make positive choices (even in challenging situations). 

Rocky is not a well behaved individual all the time.  Left to his own devices he is a rebel, a freedom fighter and a dare devil – and he has the scars to prove it.  

Mr Agius, Rocky's handler

Resilience Program at North High

This year Bundaberg North State High School has a focus on supporting students to positively manage conflict situations, and improve their resilience. Our school has previously communicated that we have been working towards the implementation of the new AMAYDA Resilience Program, and we are excited to announce the program will be commencing  Tuesday 9^th May. The ten-hour program will be completed fortnightly over three school terms in Big RAS classes. The program focuses on bullying prevention, resilience and mental health to foster academic improvement. The program will be completed by all grades and is designed to help produce the ideal learning environment where students and staff feel safe, appreciated, respected, liked and happy.

Bullying and violence are not tolerated in Queensland state schools. Bundaberg North State High is committed to making our school a safe and supportive place to learn. The program will be most effective at creating positive school culture with whole school engagement.

Prior to the program commencing, Mr Jeff Horn (former World Boxing Champion) will visit our school on Friday 5^th May to present a talk on “how to become a champion” to the staff and students. In the presentation Jeff will speak to students about the program and why it is important.

Bundaberg North State High School and Shalom Catholic College are the only two schools in Bundaberg to be selected for the program. Parents from both schools have been invited to attend an information session at Shalom with Jeff Horn, 7pm Thursday 4^th May, in their Performing Arts Centre.

We believe that this program will be an important part of our school's efforts to promote the well-being and success of our students. We are confident that it will help our students to become more resilient, confident, and successful in all aspects of their lives.

For further information on the AMAYDA Resilience Program please click on the link.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your student’s involvement please complete and submit the form below.

Guidance Officers - 75 years in schools.

April 24th - 28th is Guidance Officer week and we celebrate some of the special people who provide support and guidance to our students here at Bundaberg North State High School. Helen and Stuart provide our students with advice and counselling on educational, behavioural, vocational, personal, social, family, and mental health and wellbeing issues. We appreciate them and the work they do at our school.

Flight simulator gifted to North High

On Friday, Miss Kent and Mrs Thornton attended a ceremony at Central Queensland University to receive a flight simulator generously donated to Bundaberg North State High School. Due to Bundaberg North’s State High School’s long association with Central Queensland University through Experience Days, Days of Excellence, sponsorship and awards and numerous other partnerships, Professor Mike Malouf has kindly gifted the flight simulator to us.  This is an opportunity not previously available to our students and provides them with experiences and opportunities that open up a world of possibilities for them.  We are so grateful for both the donation and the continuing relationship with CQU.

North High presents...... Little Shop of Horrors.

"Little Shop of Horrors," directed by Sue Latimer, with choreography by Shalyn Knight and special effects and lighting by Paul Burrell is coming to North. Starring Hayden Gow as Seymor, Ebonie Giblin-Lloyd as Audrey,  and Abi Kruger as Mrs Mushnik, the show promises to be a thrilling and entertaining experience for all who attend.

Performances will take place on May 19th and 20th at 7pm in our school's hall. Tickets will be available for purchase at the door for cash or EFT.

• Adults                   $10
• Children               $5
• Kids under 5       Free

In addition to the incredible performances, we will also be offering pre-orders for delicious pizzas and salads and a variety of other items for consumption prior to the show via the Qkr! App. All orders for pre-show foods must be completed by Wednesday 17^th so that supplies can be ordered in.  During Intermission, cold snacks and a small variety of drinks will be available for purchase via cash or EFT.

Our cast and crew have been working hard to bring this show to life and are excited to share their hard work with the community. "Little Shop of Horrors" is a classic musical that features unforgettable songs, hilarious moments, and suspenseful scenes that will have you on the edge of your seat.

We encourage all parents, students, and community members to attend and support our talented performers. The show is a great opportunity to showcase the artistic abilities of our students and to support our school's theatre program.

Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to seeing you at the show!

Mr Paul Burrell, Head of Department

Japanese students to visit North

Bundaberg North SHS has had further contact from Tokyo Hakuo high school. They are hoping to return to our school for two weeks, July 25^th-7^th August. We are now looking for 20 beds for the students who are keen to meet Australians and enjoy our country. It’s a great experience for them and for us.

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.

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 (done at no cost to you but can take some time so start with the paperwork now)
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

Changes to Friday bus times - Moore Park

IMPORTANT CHANGES TO MOORE PARK BUS SERVICE.

From Friday 28th April there has been a change to the Moore Park Beach service.

Bus #674 - Leaves BNSHS at 3:50pm - NO CHANGE

Bus #676 - Previously left BNSHS at 3:10pm, NOW LEAVES BNSHS AT 1:10PM.

There will no longer be a service #676 after 3pm so please ensure if your student takes this bus home to MPB, they are ready at the bus line promptly after school finishes at 1:10pm.

Swimming Carnival 2023

The 2023 swimming carnival saw a change in the procedure.  This year we only took to the pool students who had nominated to swim, along with Year 12 students.  Over 120 students registered to compete in events in the pool making each house point from as many students as possible vital in pursuit of the trophy.  Results will be announced in the coming weeks.

Mr Thatcher, Sports Coordinator

Swimming Carnival 2023

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School dental van to visit

The mobile dental clinic will be starting at Bundaberg North State High School in a few weeks time.  The school dental service will be offering a free dental examination and dental treatment to all students who return their Offer of Treatment form which was handed out in in week 1 of term 2.  All forms must be completed in ink.  Once the form is returned, our friendly administrative officer will send the parent/legal guardian a contact letter or a contact SMS, so they can ring us to arrange an appointment.  Please note: A PARENT/LEGAL GUARDIAN MUST ATTEND the first appointment as the way we deliver our service has changed.

For the first appointment the parent/guardian MUST attend - after that a responsible adult can attend.  If after the discussion with the operator at the first appointment, you are happy for your child to attend from class themselves, this can also occur.  Please note there may be paperwork you will need to sign so this will be sent home for you.  We understand there will be exceptions so please discuss with us.  Please work with us so we can deliver the best care to our child/children.

Please return the completed form to the school office by Friday, 28th April.

Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service - Oral Health

Senior Science

Senior Sciences during term 1 have been hard at work hypothesising, experimenting and evaluating the world around them. Year 12 biology has been investigating the effect of light, salt and fertilizers on plants and how it could be applied to farming. Year 12 Chemistry has been trialling and perfecting the chemical compositions needed to make galvanic cells (batteries). While Year 12 Earth and Environmental Science has been demonstrating the consequences of climate change via evaporation. Fascinating stuff!

Mr Peach, Head of Department, Science

Start Uni Now

Students in Year 10, 11 or 12 interested in getting a head start on their uni studies should consider the Start Uni Now (SUN) program.  Please follow the link below to register for the webinar on Monday 8th May.

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

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.

High School Talent Comp

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