BNSHS Newsletter 21 June 2023

From the Principal's Office

As we approach the end of another successful term at Bundaberg North High and prepare for the holiday break, I would like to update you on a few important matters concerning the school community.

First and foremost, please be aware that Semester 1 Reports for all students will be issued at the end of the first week of term 3. Students should have completed all their assessment before the holidays and our teaching staff are currently marking and preparing reports. These reports will offer valuable insights into your child/childrens’ academic achievements, as well as areas that may require further attention and support.  Student Progress Conferences will be held on August 3^rd where students, parents and teachers can discuss individual progress of students. 

In addition to the conclusion of the term, we also wanted to take a moment to acknowledge and bid farewell to Mr. Tom Wright (Deputy Principal). After an incredible 17 years of service at our school, Mr. Wright is leaving and moving to North Queensland. His dedication to education, unwavering commitment to our students' growth, and outstanding contributions to the school community will be dearly missed. We extend our sincere appreciation and wish him and his family all the best for the future.

Furthermore, we would like to inform you that Mrs. Brigid Fletcher our English Head of Department will be relieving as a Deputy Principal at Lockhart River in Far North Queensland.  She will be away for 6 months and will no doubt have a rewarding and fulfilling experience in a new school community and able to share her new learnings when she returns.

While a formal recruitment process is being held, Mr Nigel Shield will be Acting Deputy Principal and Mrs Kaitlin Redgard will be Acting Engish Head of Department for 3 weeks.

We are looking forward to our annual Athletics Carnival will be taking place at the Bundaberg Athletics Grounds on Thursday this week and we will be holding additional events at school on Friday. This is an event that showcases the talent, determination, and sportsmanship of our students across various athletic disciplines. It should be an exciting day of friendly competition and community spirit.

Looking ahead to the new term, we would like to draw your attention to an important event -  Subject Selection Evening. This event, which will take place on Monday July 17, serves as an invaluable opportunity for both Year 10 students and their parents to explore the range of subjects available for the upcoming academic year. Our dedicated staff members will be on hand to provide detailed information, answer questions, and assist with the subject selection process. We encourage you to mark your calendars and make the most of this event to ensure your child's academic pathway aligns with their interests and aspirations.

As always, I thank you for your support and involvement in your child’s schooling.  I hope that you and your family enjoy a restful and enjoyable holiday break, and I look forward to welcoming you all back for the new term.

Robyn Kent, Principal

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

Friday 5 for Term 4, 2023

If you would like to register for your student's Friday 5 attendace for TERM 4, please use the link below. You are able to re-use this link throughout the term and update it as required.

The Watson Report

NORTH REWARDS

THANK YOU to the almost 200 students who participated in Reward Day for term 2. Last week students received their tuckshop voucher on Tuesday or got hot pizza and garlic bread on Wednesday or went to Bundy Bowl on Friday. It was great to see the positivity of Reward Day spread across the week! These students had to achieve 95% actual attendance, with no unexplained absences or suspensions between start of week 9 (term 1) and end of week 7 (term 2). Well done students!

Next term another criterion is being added for Reward Day, only one visit to the Re-engagement Room allowed. Please see the updated criteria below. Students were informed of the new criteria last week during the whole school parade. Due to this addition, the time period for next term will start day one of term 3, Monday 10 July, until the end of week 8 (1 September). Any queries, please feel free to contact me via email or phone. 

Classroom Expectations

Over the last two weeks our focus expectation has been Classroom Expectation 2: NO phones or devices unless instructed for curriculum use. This supports our school values of respect and responsibility. When students use their phone or device without permission in class they are distracted and not engaged in learning. Students can use their phones before or after class, but not for the 70 minutes of each lesson and RAS, students MUST put their phones away. Consequences will be issued for students who do not follow this expectation. Please see the slides below that were shared with students.

Be ready for next term

It is important for students to relax and have a break from school over the holidays. The holidays are a great time to re-connect with family, friends and community. Check out the link below with some school holiday ideas in our local area:

https://schoolholidayactivities.com.au/school-holiday-activities-bundaberg/

Assist your student to be ready by making sure they are prepared to start the new school term on Monday 10 July, by completing the checklist below:

• Correct school uniform, including a school jumper and black leather shoes
• Books and stationery
• Student diary
• Laptop charged
• Healthy lunch
• Positive attitude!

Rebecca Watson, Deputy Principal

School Dental Service

The school dental van is currently at Bundaberg North State High School.  All students between Year 7 and Year 10 were given parental consent forms to take home to be completed and returned.  If you have not yet completed a form and would like your student to receive free dental care, please dowload the form below to fill and return.  For any further help, please contact the school office on 4130 0222.  

Senior school information

Subject selection evening

All year 10 students should also plan to attend the subject selection evening on Monday 17^th July (week 2, term 3). This event gives students and parents the best information and advice on pathways and senior subjects, as well as the chance to ask questions and talk to the experts in each area. Navigating the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) systems can be complicated; at the subject selection evening, these will be explained.

The event also features other training organisations (such as TAFE), as well as apprenticeship and traineeship services. This means that even students considering a pathway out of schooling after year 10 should consider this a must-see event.

External exams

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority has recently released the 2023 timetable of external exams for General subjects. You can view the timetable by clicking on the link below.

This timetable indicates the days on which external exams will be held, and whether those exams will be administered in a morning (AM) session or afternoon (PM) session. In term 3, Bundaberg North SHS will publish a timetable which includes specific start times and rooms, as well as catch-up and tutorial sessions for General, Applied and VET subjects.

If you study any General subjects, you should ensure that you are available to sit your exam on the specified date. External exams dates are not set by the school, and cannot be rescheduled.

https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/senior/snr_ext_assess_timetable_2023.pdf

Senior Education and Training Plan (SETP) interviews

Starting Monday 24^th July and continuing to 31^st July, all Year 10 students will attend an interview with a parent and one of our trained staff to confirm their pathway and subject selections for 2024. These interviews are the most important step in ensuring that your student is on the pathway that is best for them, and one which leads to an outstanding future. The SET plan maps out a student’s pathway to a range of outcomes, including university, apprenticeships, traineeships and employment. Very soon you will be asked to book and secure an appointment for you and your student.

Bookings can be made using the SOBS online booking system which will open shortly after term 3 commences.  The link to book will be emailed to all Year 10 parents and available in our newsletter and website. If you have any difficulty using the online booking system, please call our office for assistance on 4130 0222.

I look forward to seeing you and your student at both of these important events.

Mr Nigel Shield, Acting Deputy Principal, Senior Schooling

Enrolments open for 2024

BNSHS Athletics Carnival

The Bundaberg North SHS Inter-House Athletics Carnvial will be held on Thursday 22nd June and Friday 23^rd June .

On Thursday 22nd  June, the Inter-House Athletics Carnival will be held at Bundaberg Athletics Complex. All students are expected to attend the day, however competitive participation is optional.  There will be activities organised for all students, both competitive athletics events and ‘social’ events.  It is not necessary to register for events, students can just turn up and compete. There will be no organised classes at school as all students and staff will be attending the athletics carnival.   

 Students will be bused from school to and from the venue at a cost of $2 per student. Students pay their $2 as they enter the bus.  Students will be bused back to school by 3.00pm.  There will be a canteen operating on the day at the complex. Shade will be provided, however please ensure your child has sunscreen, appropriate sun safety clothing, a hat and water.  Students need to be sun safe throughout the day.

Students are encouraged to participate and dress in either themed costume or house colours.  Parents are welcome to attend.  This years theme is 'Cartoon Crazy'.

On Friday 23rd  events will be held on the school oval.  On both days there will be an option to compete in discus and javelin.  As these are high risk activities, a separate consent form is required for students wishing to participate, and can be picked up from the school office or L block staffroom.  Students will need to show this consent form to the event marshall on Thursday 22^nd (for discus) and Friday 23^rd (javelin) so it is important they keep this signed consent in a safe place.

To provide consent for your student to travel to the Athletics Complex, please complete the online consent form by 12 noon on Wednesday, 21st June.   The link will not be accessible after this time.   

School Council

Bundaberg North State High School is an Independent Public School.  This means we are a school that has demonstrated its capacity to use its increased flexibilities and responsibilities to make local decisions across a range of school operations to enhance education outcomes for students. As such we have a School Council which is made up of School Administration staff, students, parents and interested members of the school community.  We would like to introduce you to some of those people.  We welcome the experience and wisdom they bring to our School Council.

COREY PITT

After years of senior media positions based in Canberra, including being the national head of sales for WIN Television and head of regional sales for South Cross Austereo, Mr Pitt moved back home to Bundaberg in 2019.  

As General Manager of Hitz939 and 4BU, Mr Pit has now also been promoted as the area lead for ARN's Central Queensland radio stations in Rockhampton and Gladstone.  

His previous leadership experience included close working partnerships with various National Rugby League teams, such as the North Queensland Cowboys, the Canberra Raiders and the St George Illawarra Dragons.

Further to these close working relationships, Mr Pitt has held various national and regional board roles.   

GEOFF AUGUTIS

Geoff Augutis is co-founder and CEO of Queensland Computers. Among his professional duties he is the regional chair of the Australian Computing Society, a PHD Candidate conducting research on tech in schools and a board member for a number of local organisations and universities. Geoff is passionate about helping young people to enter the IT industry and advocating for the human components of technology.  

HAYLEY LERCH

Within the Bundaberg North High community, I am best known as mother of 3.  My oldest graduated last year and my 2^nd will graduate this year - both fulfilling a school captain role.  I feel lucky to have 3 wonderful children who are respectful, reliable, involved and well mannered. Being aware that not all children have the same opportunities growing up, I am passionate about trying to help provide these opportunities for all students.  As well as being a Mum I also juggle managing our family business and volunteer my time as catering coordinator at our church.   I previously worked for a financial institution prior to becoming a mum and took 14 years off work to focus on raising our family.

One of my main mottos is to ‘Let Life be the Teacher’ so encouraging and empowering our young people to explore and learn I feel is important and is something I have taught my own children. 

Having strong family values and morals in my childhood has also guided my own parenting.

You will find me passionate and committed to contribute to the strategic direction of BNSHS, to benefit the young people of Bundaberg North State High so they too can have opportunities to grow, explore and learn for a brighter future and are guided to be the best version of themselves.

KATE PAILTHORPE

I am driven, self-motivated and community minded both in my professional and personal life.  I am known for my calm and considered approach and also my empathy and commitment to service.  I don't shy away from challenging the status quo and embrace challenging and difficult discussions and decision-making in the quest for continual improvement.  Once direction is in motion, I am action oriented both independently and as part of team.  I look forward to contributing strategic direction for BNSHS and seeing tangible positive outcomes for the entire BNSHS community.

That's shocking

For the last two weeks of this term, year 9s have been learning about electricity in science. 9G learnt about static electricity with our Van De Graaff Generator. When the static charge travels into your hair, the negative electrons repel each other, causing your hair to stand up and spread out until the charge is neutralised. We also saw how static electricity discharging can cause a spark and learnt that this is how lightning forms!

Mrs Roberts, Science teacher

Japanese visit

Desperately seeking 5 more beds

We are still looking for more beds, about 5 now, for our Japanese friends from Tokyo Hakuo high school when they return for two weeks, July 25^th-7^th August. It’s a great experience for them and for us.

“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

Maths Team Challenge

Bundaberg North State High School proudly participated in the 2023 Maths Teams Challenge held at the Bundaberg Multiplex on the 31st May, where our students showcased their exceptional mathematical abilities. Six teams from our school competed among a total of 65 teams from the region.

While the competition was fierce, our senior team made up of year 11 and 12 students demonstrated remarkable problem-solving skills and achieved an impressive fourth place among all participating teams. Their achievement is a testament to their hard work, perseverance, and passion for mathematics.

We also commend the efforts of the remaining teams, who placed in the middle of the pack. Their participation exemplifies their dedication to embracing challenges and further developing their mathematical skills.

At Bundaberg North State High School, we recognize that our success extends beyond the efforts of our students and teachers alone. We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the supportive community and parent volunteers who played a crucial role in making the Maths Teams Challenge a resounding success.

The dedication and support provided by our community and parent volunteers are invaluable. Their assistance in supervising the event, and fostering a supportive environment for our students have made a significant impact on their growth and success.

The Maths Teams Challenge offered our students an enriching experience, allowing them to tackle complex mathematical problems, collaborate with peers, and develop critical thinking skills contributing to the overall growth and development of our students.

Congratulations to all the participants for their hard work and determination. Bundaberg North State High School looks forward to the continued support and engagement of our community and parent volunteers as we strive for excellence in mathematics education.

Lastly a big thank you to Mr Spanks, and Mr Cameron for organising and supporting our teams in the event.

Carolin Carpenter, Head of Department - Mathematics

Rail Trail survey

Bundaberg Regional Council and the Department of Transport and Main Roads are jointly funding a Business Case Study for the development of a rail trail between Bundaberg and Gin Gin in the old railway corridor.

To inform the rail trail planning we are inviting local residents and potential visitors to the region to complete a short survey https://survey.zohopublic.com.au/zs/9ZBtL2

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

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 

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

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.

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

Important dates