Bundaberg North State High School eNewsletter

From the Principal's office

Celebrating our outstanding athletes.

We are incredibly proud of our athletes who represented North High in the recent Bundaberg District Athletics competition. Their commitment, hard work, and sportsmanship brought some remarkable achievements with one student winning 13yrs girls age champion and one coming third in 13yrs boys age champion. Congratulations Marlee and Davey. Well done to all the other students who also produced some fantastic results.

Heartfelt thanks to our host families.

A special note of thanks goes out to the kind and generous host families who welcomed international students into their homes during the recent visit from Japanese students of Hakuo High School. Your hospitality contributed immensely to the students' experience in Bundaberg. We appreciate your assistance.

Thank you for attending Student Progress Conferences

Thank you to all the parents who took the time to attend our recent Student Progress Conferences. A strong collaboration between teachers, parents, and students is beneficial for achieving academic success and personal growth.

Invitation to the P&C Cent Sale - 26th August

Mark your calendars! Our Parents and Citizens (P&C) Association would like to invite you to our upcoming Cent Sale on August 26^th at 1.00pm. Details are on our Facebook and the P&C Facebook pages. Please book a table by calling the school office on 4130 0222 and join in the fun to raise funds for the school.

Robyn Kent, PRINCIPAL

The Watson Report

Celebration lunch for outstanding attendance

To attend Reward Days, students must achieve 95% attendance. To recognise the outstanding effort of a small number of students who have achieved 100% for semester 1, they attended a special Celebration Luncheon last Friday. Students were treated to a selection of hot and cold platters prepared by our talented hospitality students. Thank you to Mrs Harmer and Mrs Harney for their assistance, and to Jacky at the tuckshop for supplying the Slushie drinks. Well done staff and students!

Art Workshop

A group of keen students spent the weekend (4 – 6 August) attending a Queensland College of Art Griffith University workshop at Gin Gin SHS. The students experienced activities very similar to those experienced by first year university students. Malakye and Ellie ideated their unique chair designs, from concept sketches through to full size mock-ups. Sarah, Mylee, Umairah and Dakota started with a collection of botanical details they found within the campus, before realising a full-scale mural through collaboration and teamwork. The workshop ended with the opportunity to show off the creations to friends and family. Thank you to Mrs McDonald and Mrs Kresew who also attended and enjoyed working with the students. Terrific work students!

Term 3 Reward Day is coming soon! To attend students must achieve 95% actual attendance at school with no unexplained absences, no suspensions and no more than one visit to the Re-engagement Room. The time period is from the first day of term (10 July) to Friday 1 September. Please see the Reward Day menu below for the options available to students.

REMINDER: Student nominations for Presentation ceremonies

Presentation ceremonies will be held on Tuesday 10 October. At Bundaberg North SHS we have a Presentation morning and evening event. An Award Committee has been formed to consider students’ achievements and involvement in extra-curricular activities. There are many awards across year 7 to 12. Some of these awards are determined by academic results, others consider representation of the school or extra-curricular activities. For this reason, students are asked to nominate for awards, so the Award Committee has as much information as possible before making decisions. Now is the time for students to nominate for the following awards:

Year 12 Major Awards
Sport Awards including: Full Colour, Half Colour, Sporting Certificate
Service and Cultural Awards including: Full Colour, Half Colour, Service or Cultural Certificate.

To nominate, a student collects the appropriate form from the office or can access it through Student SharePoint, then returns the completed nomination form to the office by Friday 18 August. For more information students can view a Power Point on Sharepoint or enquire at the office.

Thanks to Sea Base Aquariums

We extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude to Sea Base Aquariums, represented by Sandy, Darren, and Millie, for their unwavering support of our senior Aquatics classes each year.

The freshwater fish and aquarium maintenance program is a valuable part of our students' education, providing them with essential knowledge and skills. It is an enriching experience that allows them to explore the world of aquatic life and responsibility for eight weeks.

Despite the costs involved, Sea Base Aquariums has consistently stepped forward to assist us, going above and beyond without any extra charge to our school. Their generosity and willingness to help have made a significant impact on our students' learning outcomes.

The dedication of the Sea Base Aquariums team in providing friendly guidance and expert advice have been invaluable to both our students and teachers. Their passion for marine life shines through and has inspired our students to approach their studies with enthusiasm and curiosity.

On behalf of the Science Department and our senior Aquatics students, we offer our sincerest thanks to Sea Base Aquariums. Your continuous support has played a crucial role in shaping the future of our young learners, fostering a love for the environment and conservation.

We look forward to continuing this fruitful partnership and creating more wonderful learning experiences together.

Mr Peach, Head of Department - Science

Japanese homestay a continued success

Twenty lucky Japanese students were able to enjoy the friendship of their host families and buddies during their stay in Bundaberg. They were amazed by the wide-open spaces and warm weather for supposedly “winter” Down Under. A highlight was the Childers Snakes Down Under with the koala photo, kangaroos, crocodiles and snakes. Students spent three days at CQU university focussed on science – anatomy and drones. But they had already had some lab work with Mr Peach and select Year 12 students who directed our famous dissection of cane toads. It really is a team effort! The planned whale watching was cancelled due to rough seas so instead we went to the Rum Distillery, Bargara beach and Bundaberg Brewed Drinks for an excursion. Just standing on a sandy beach is something uncommon in Japan.

Special thanks to our host families who welcomed our Japanese students into their homes, showed them what life is like in Australia while giving them the opportunity to improve their English. Our Buddies greeted them each day, played games and formed friendships that will last beyond their time in Bundaberg. We also had assistance from Mrs Austin and the Senior Catering classes with the welcome morning tea that became more of a feast. Our final farewell lunch and activities were a lot of fun, (Heads and Tails, sack jumping races..) especially when the Aussies attempted the traditional Japanese folk dance – it was quite a work out.

Thanks to our North Family for extending a warm welcoming to our Hakuo High School friends. The school is already talking of plans for next year when they return. Well-done everyone!

Katrine Rayner, Homestay Coordinator

Japanese homestay

Senior Drama classes had a feast of wonderful experiences over the last 7 days.

Years 10, 11 and 12 Drama students travelled to Brisbane last Wednesday to see Moulin Rouge and loved it! Our students were full of praise for the show, marvelling at the spectacular costumes, very clever scene changes and great mash-ups of songs. As Molly Meldrum always said, ‘Do yourself a favour.’ If you are heading to Brisbane, go see the show! A very big thanks to the ever-patient parents after we arrived back a bit later than expected. Drama, drama, drama!

Yesterday, the Year 10 Drama class presented their culmination of a semester’s collaboration with the Queensland Theatre Company. The Scene Project is part of the Year 10 curriculum, with students given the opportunity to work with industry professionals from the Queensland Theatre Company to develop a 15 minute performance. On the Outcome Day, students join the other schools in the district, who have been a part of The Scene Project also, to perform the 15 minute pieces in front of each other. The Outcome Day concludes with a performance from the Queensland Theatre Company of the specially commissioned Scene Project play. I am so proud of our Year 10 group who represented the school so well with their amazing talent!

Sue Latimer, Drama Teacher

Year 11 Tourism takes to the seas

Our Year 11 Tourism classes were fortunate enough to have a Microsoft Teams Meeting online in their respective lessons this week with Elsa McLean, Business Development Manager for Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Elsa is based on the Gold Coast in her current role but has previously worked as a Cruise Director for 15 years. She spoke of the many advantages and opportunities that a job on a cruise ship can offer and encouraged the students to consider a career in the tourism industry. Our tourism classes are acting as a Travel Consultants for assessment purposes and are busy preparing a cruise itinerary for a selected client group. Elsa spoke of the importance of matching the right cruise line to the client and the need to build trust as a travel agent. It was a wonderful learning experience for both the classes and should assist them with their assessment due in a few weeks.

Amy Wilson and Keri Jensen, Year 11 Tourism Teachers

Zonta Club

On Saturday August 12th, twelve students from Year 10 -12 volunteered to help members of the Zonta Club pack birthing kits for women who give birth at home in developing countries. The students and club members worked together to prepare 400 birthing kits ready for distribution. Thank you to the students involved for being part of such a worthy activity and volunteering their time to help the Zonta Club. Thank you to Mrs Prichard from the Zonta Club for coordinating the event.

Arts Night

We are excited to invite you to a night that promises to be a true celebration of creativity and talent, the Bundaberg North SHS Arts Night! Mark your calendars for an unforgettable evening on 6^th September at 6:30 pm in the school hall, where our students and staff will come together to showcase their incredible skills in Visual Art, Drama, Music, and Dance.

🌟 Event Details:

Date: 6^th September 2023

Time: doors open at 6pm and performance starts at 6:30 pm

Location: School Hall

Prepare to be captivated by the astonishing creativity that our students and staff have poured into their respective art forms. From captivating performances to stunning visual displays, there will be something for everyone to enjoy.

🎨 Visual Art Exhibition:

Marvel at the imagination and skill of our budding artists as they display their masterpieces. The art gallery will be adorned with a diverse array of artworks, showcasing various mediums and techniques. Whether it's paintings, sculptures, or mixed-media creations, our talented artists will undoubtedly leave you inspired.

🎭 Drama Showcase:

The spotlight will shine on our talented actors as they bring captivating stories to life. Our drama students have been working tirelessly to deliver compelling performances that will take you on an emotional journey. Get ready to be moved, entertained, and perhaps even surprised by the depth of their acting prowess.

💻 Digital Media Exhibition: Step into the future of art as our digital media creators present their innovative works. From captivating animations to thought-provoking digital art pieces, you'll witness the merging of technology and creativity in ways that are bound to spark your imagination.

🎶 Musical Performances:

Prepare your ears for a melodious treat! Our music department has prepared a line-up of musical performances that span genres and styles. From classical compositions to contemporary hits, our musicians will showcase their dedication and passion for the art of sound.

🕺 Dazzling Dance Routines:

The rhythm will pulse through the air as our dance troupe takes the stage. With energy, grace, and precision, our dancers will showcase their moves and tell stories through the language of movement. Get ready to be amazed by their dynamic performances.

This night wouldn't be complete without acknowledging the dedication and hard work that both our students and staff have put into their respective crafts. Their commitment to honing their talents is truly commendable, and we are proud to provide a platform for them to shine.

We invite you to come with your family, friends, and fellow art enthusiasts to support our students and staff on this special occasion. Let's celebrate the power of creativity and expression together.

Refreshments will be available, and admission is a gold coin donation. So, don't miss out on this unique opportunity to witness the magic of art come to life! We look forward to seeing you at the High School Arts Night on 6^th September at 6:30 pm in the school hall.

For any inquiries, please feel free to contact Mr Burrell or Mrs Latimer at the school.

Let's celebrate the arts!

Paul Burrell, HOD The Arts

Science Together – 20 years of Reef Guardian Schools

On Monday the 14^th of August, our Planeteers travelled to the Bundaberg Multiplex to represent the school at the Science Together event, celebrating 20 years of Reef Guardian Schools. Students joined representatives from 18 other local Reef Guardian schools from state, private, and public sectors. Students were privileged to hear from various guest speakers about what is happening to the Great Barrier Reef and what is being done to help protect and improve it. Guest speakers included Dr Jordan Nguyen, a world-renowned electrical engineer who has made robots that can be moved by your thoughts or eye movements! We also got to see a presentation from Dr Ruben Meerman (the Surfing Scientist) about ocean acidification and had the opportunity to make sea grass seed bombs to replicate dugong poo with Dr Amie Anastasi from CQ University. Felix did a great job as the speaker from our school, introducing Dr Amie Anastasi to the roughly 300 students plus teachers and guest speakers present. Massive thanks to Judith Stutchbury from Kalkie State School, as well as Kate Giles and Tegan Flannigan from Bundaberg Regional Council for all your hard work organising this amazing event and giving our students this opportunity.

Tracy Roberts, Teacher

Chloe slays!

The RDA (Riding for the Disabled Australia) State Championships for 2023 were held at the Maryborough Showgrounds and Equestrian Centre last weekend. Centres from all over the state including Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Lockyer Valley were in attendance. One of the riders representing Bundaberg was Bundaberg North High student Chloe.

Chloe has only been riding with RDA since the beginning of this year, so just to be chosen to compete was a great honour. The horses used from these centres have to undergo very strict training to ensure that they are friendly, calm and quiet to handle any situation.

The events on Saturday consisted of dressage, lead and a competitive trail ride. Chloe competed only in the dressage event against 6 others in her class. The riders had to complete a set pattern in under 10 minutes. They are judged on how well they complete the pattern, how well they control their horse and the time in which they completed it. As she is considered a novice rider, she required to have a safety lead, however she was in complete control of the horse the entire time. Chloe did an amazing job as she completed this in 6 mins and 37 seconds with no penalties (which means no mistakes). The results for this event saw Chloe come in at 4^th place.

Sunday began with the Handy Pony Obstacle Course. Not only are there obstacles to steer the horse around, the rider also has to complete a series of tasks including gathering a cup of water to transfer to the next station, posting a letter, and weaving through posts while carrying a cup. This is a timed event and Chloe completed the course in 4 mins and 30 seconds, with no penalties. This time scored her first place in this event!

When final presentations were made, Chloe was in for an extra surprise. She was awarded Judges choice for Best Presented Rider and Horse for the entire weekend. Congratulations Chloe.

Dorrie Day

JCU UniX Roadshow

The JCU UniX Roadshow van will be in Bargara on Saturday.

Date: Saturday, 19th August
Time: 11am - 2pm
Location: Neilson Park, Bargara

Students, parents and teachers are invited to attend.

This unique opportunity to experience JCU mobile centre will provide students with:

Insights into different courses and available career opportunities
The opportunity to talk to current JCU students about what it's like to study at JCU
Learn about the social aspects of uni life and the support services available

Students can register their interest at the link below. By registering your attendance at the UniX Roadshow, you will go into the draw to WIN an Apply MacBook Air.

JCU UniX Roadshow

Student vaccination update

If your student is in Year 7 or Year 10 in 2023 the following information about the School Immunisation Program may be of interest to you. Bundaberg North State High School will publish the dates of future clinics in the newsletter when they are available.

School Student Broadband initiative

School Student Broadband Initiative – Australian Government

To boost educational opportunities and narrow the digital divide, families without home internet are encouraged to apply for the School Student Broadband Initiative (SSBI). Access to internet at home can support children to build their digital skills and participate in a world that is more reliant on digital technology.

The Australian Government is supporting the National Broadband Network (NBN) to implement the SSBI to provide free home internet for one year for up to 30,000 unconnected families across Australia with school aged students.

To be eligible for SSBI, a family must:

Have a child living at home that is enrolled in a Queensland state school in 2023.
Not have an active internet service at home. Having a mobile internet service does not affect eligibility.
Be referred by a nominating organisation such as the Department of Education (the department).
Agree their child has access to a device and has the digital skills to use the internet safely or will be supervised.
Live in a premises that can access the NBN via a standard connection – this will be checked by NBN.

Referral through the department

The department is pleased to support the nomination of families for the SSBI. If you would like to apply for the SSBI please use the link or QR code below OR contact XXXXXXX for an application (online or paper form) and further information about the initiative. Applications must be submitted by 8 September 2023.

Online application: SSBI Family application form QR Code:

Please insert relevant contact details in the paragraph above to suit your school process.

You may wish to include the SSBI information factsheet (multiple languages provided) in your communications with families.

Junior Chess Competition

The 5th Sunday Children's Chess Tournament for 2023 is on 27/08/2023. 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.

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 12.00-12.20 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.

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.

Friday 5 for Term 4

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

STYMIE

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

Raising Teens today

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.

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

QParents Register here!