BNSHS Newsletter 30 August 2023

From the Principal's Office

Despite the recent challenging circumstances of late that our school has experienced, there have been some amazing students achieving great results.  The North Coast Region and the Department of Education is very supportive of our school in ensuring well-being programs are in place and that we continue to develop a positive learning culture.  I also want to thank our parents, community and staff who support our school in a positive manner.  Your support contributes to the outstanding achievements of our students and school

Celebrating Achievements

1. Congratulations to the senior girls netball team who won the regional netball competition on Friday August 25^th and our junior team came 4^th.
2. Congratulations to our Optiminds Teams: Two first places!  Our Optiminds team, competed on August 27th in Maryborough and both teams came first and are now off to the finals in Brisbane in October.  We are very proud of their accomplishments.  Thank you to Ms Crust for supporting the team.
3. Wide Bay Athletics Carnival: Several of our athletes were selected to compete at the Wide Bay Athletics Carnival. The students represented the school and Bundaberg District and competed extremely well.  One junior student won two firsts in triple jump and discus,  another student placed 2^nd in 100m and we are still waiting for official results.  Congratulations to the entire team.

Upcoming events to mark on your calendar

1. Spirit of North Day and Colour Blast - Friday September 8th: Get ready to show your North spirit on September 8th! A number of student activities will be held on Spirit of North Day followed by the exciting Colour Blast event in the afternoon. Prepare to be covered in vibrant colours as we come together for a day of fun activities.
2. Arts Night - September 6th: Our Arts Night on September 6th will showcase the talents of our students. It's a fantastic opportunity to appreciate our students’ creativity and dedication to the arts.

P&C Cent Sale raises over $2700 - A heartfelt thank you!

I would like to extend my thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the recent P&C Cent Sale held at the Spotted Dog on Saturday August 26th. Your generosity and support helped us raise an impressive $2700! These funds enrich opportunities and resources for our students. A special thank you to Jacky and Janice from the canteen and Shelly, Justin and Nathan from the P&C plus those who assisted or attended on the day.  It was a great success.

Our school takes a highly proactive approach to supporting student behaviour, and this is reflected in the high standards of behaviour the majority of our students consistently demonstrate. We encourage parents and caregivers to work with us to reinforce messages around student behaviour expectations as detailed in our school’s Student Code of Conduct.

All members of our school should have the right to learn in a safe, supportive environment where students are able to learn and teachers are able to teach. Where students do not meet behavioural expectations, the school will apply consequences in line with our Student Code of Conduct.

At North we have a number of supports in place including having employed an extra Guidance Officer, having available an anonymous reporting platform Stymie, access to a part-time psychologist and social worker, access to Chaplains, Youth Support Coordinator, School Nurse, a Flexi Space program, 2 Community Education Counsellors, participating in the GP in school pilot program and currently delivering the AMAYDA – Bullyproof Australia – Resilience program.

We ask for your continued support in working with us to address concerns as they arise so that we can ensure we are providing a safe, supportive learning environment for our school community.

 Robyn Kent, Principal

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

Welcome to our new Deputy Principal-Natalie Brandon

I would like to extend a warm welcome to Natalie Brandon, who has begun as our new Deputy Principal until the end of the year. We are excited to have her join our leadership team and look forward to the positive impact she will undoubtedly bring to our school.  Natalie was Acting Principal last year in Term 4 in my absence and will be returning to North. 

The Watson Report

High Expectations - attendance and assessment 

As we approach the last two weeks of term 3, it is essential for students to maintain high standards and motivation. All students have assessment to complete and must remain committed to their school routine. What does your child’s school routine look like? A school routine is what students need to do to be successful at school. This includes:

• Weekly study plan – time for school, study, work and extracurricular activities
• Attending school every day and arriving at school on time
• Having the correct equipment and resources for class
• Putting in effort for every task
• Knowing when assessment is due and what is required
• Handing in drafts and using feedback
• Asking for assistance when needed.
  

To assist with assignments and study, please see the attached ‘Study Skills’ which can also be found on page 10 of the Student Diary.  Ask your child:

What assessments do you have this week?

Have you got the draft ready for ….?

How will you revise or study for your exam?

If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s upcoming assessment, please contact their class teacher.

Recognising positive student behaviour: Reward Day is coming!

This term Reward Day is Friday 15 September. Over 230 students have qualified! Well done to these students for achieving at least 95% actual attendance with no unexplained absences, no suspensions and no more than one visit to the Re-engagement Room. Students can choice from:

• Pizza Party
• $5 tuckshop voucher
• Mon Repos National Park trip.

Students who qualify will be asked to select their preferred reward. For students who select the Mon Repos National Park trip, an electronic permission slip will be sent to parents and carers. Year 10 students have work experience and will not be able to attend the trip, so I suggest they select one of the other rewards on offer. If you have any questions, please let me know.

Rebecca Watson, Deputy Principal

Spirit of North and COLOUR BLAST

On Friday, 8th September, Bundaberg North students have the opportunity to take part in the COLOUR BLAST.  This fantastic, fun event is organised by the Student Council and P&C.  Students will run the COLOUR BLAST track on the school oval while being sprayed with vibrant colour powder and water.  The cost to enter is $5.

There will be a sausage sizzle 1.10pm - 1.50pm and there will be no cost for the sausage sizzle for students who have paid the $5 entry fee.

The $5 fee can be paid at the tuckshop or with the Qkr app.  Payment and permission are due by 2pm Thursday, and the link to submit your permission will expire at 2pm on 7th September.

Students are recommended to wear a black or white shirt which allows the colours to be more visible.  Students must also bring a towel to dry themselves.

PLEASE NOTE:  Students are only permitted to travel home on the school bus if they are in a clean dry uniform at the conclusion of the colour blast. 

Please complete and submit your permission by 2pm on Thursday, 7th September.

Unleash the team spirit - Tug-o-War

Hey there, Bundaberg North SHS student community! 🙌 We've got an electrifying event coming your way that's sure to get your adrenaline pumping and your cheers echoing through the halls! 📣

🗓️ Date: Tuesday, 5th September

🕘 Time: 9:00 AM - 9:50 AM

🏟️ Location: School Oval

Get ready to witness the clash of the Titans as our resilient RAS classes take the stage in an epic Tug-O-War showdown. The excitement is building, the teams are preparing, and the competition is heating up. And guess what? Mr. Moore's RAS class is on a mission to achieve the extraordinary – a triumphant 3rd consecutive win! 🏅🏅🏅

But, hold onto your hats, because stopping them won't be a walk in the park! Every tug, every pull, and every ounce of determination will come into play as these classes battle for supremacy. It's more than just a competition; it's a display of unity, teamwork, and sheer school spirit.

Remember, it's not just about the victory; it's about camaraderie and celebrating the journey. So, save the date, spread the word, and let's make this Tug-O-War event an unforgettable memory for all.

Will Mr. Moore's RAS class secure their third consecutive victory, or will another class rise to the challenge and seize the title?

Science Week

Reflecting on the Success of Science Week 2023 at Bundaberg North SHS

And just like that, Science Week 2023 has come to an end! What a ride it's been, immersing ourselves in all things science, all under the banner of "Innovation: Fuelling Future Industries."

Throughout the week, our students and staff engaged in captivating activities that truly captured the essence of scientific inquiry. From interactive workshops to enlightening discussions, Science Week was a dynamic showcase of the marvels of science, aimed at fostering understanding and appreciation for its role in our lives.

The theme of innovation struck a chord, underscoring the fact that science is the driving force behind progress across industries. It isn't limited to textbooks; it's the catalyst for advancements shaping our world. We explored how scientific principles address challenges, promote collaboration, and pave the way for a promising future.

Yet, the most heartening aspect was witnessing the passion ignited in our young minds. Science Week kindled a spark within our budding scientists, engineers, and inventors, highlighting the potential of the next generation to lead with innovation and positive change.

MR James Peach, HOD Science

Arts Night - Wednesday 6th September

Unashamably excellent through sustainability

Language Literature Division II, The Garlic Breads; Sophie, Imogen, Addison, Cassidy, Zahlie, Indianna, and Social Science Division II team, The Bendy Tables; Caitlyn, Chloe, Caitlyn, Charli-Rose and Peter, are Bundaberg North State High School’s 2023 Opti Minds Champions. They competed in the Wide Bay Regional competition on Sunday 27 August in Maryborough, and came home winners. 

The teams have worked tirelessly over the last two months to create a solution to a challenge - Language Literature; Voicing Up - a character or group from an existing text, that at some point does not have a voice. The Garlic Breads selected Sadness from the film Inside out. Social Science team, The Bendy Tables, Voicing the Op-Tapi - The Topi-Topi tribe has always loved their way of life on Opti-Topia. For years living has been comfortable and easy alongside the Op-Tapi. However - the Op-Tapi doesn’t feel valued… the Op-Tapi didn't have a ‘voice’. It was time to change. Both teams also competed in a spontaneous challenge as well. 

All of their hard work, commitment and passion has resulted in both groups receiving an invitation to compete in Opti Minds 2023 Queensland State Finals in Brisbane, early October held at the University of Queensland. They must present an idea in a forum as well as create another solution to a challenge in a supervised locked space in 3 hours.  

Please know that all of your school is behind you and we wish you well - Go North

Miss Crust, Opti-MINDS Coordinator

Equestrian competition

Congratulations to our two riders who competed at the Fraser Coast Interschool Equestrian Competition in Maryborough last week. Both riders were superb representatives of the school who demonstrated our 3 school values of respect, responsibility and safety. 

Claire and her horse Swagger achieved a 4^th in the barrel race and a 4^th in the keyhole. 

Hayley and her horse Revellio achieved a 5^th in dressage, 2^nd in jumping, 2^nd barrel race, 1^st bending race, 5^th dry workout, and a 2^nd for the mechanical cow cutout. 

Well done girls. 

Miss Wilson, Equestrian Coach

North's netball success

Congratulations to our two Netball teams who competed in the Combined District Netball competition. Our Junior Girl team faced some fierce competition and placed 4th overall. Congratulations to our Senior Girl team who showed great skill, teamwork and resilience to take out first place! We are so proud of you all! 

Sophie Parkinson

Campus connect

Sixty five students and 6 amazing teachers attended the CQU Bundaberg campus to participate in the Campus Connect program. This enjoyable day saw students gain insight into courses available at University as well as TAFE with interactive sessions linked to a variety of career opportunities; Automated systems, Aviation, Digital Media, Engineering and Medical Pathways, just to name a few. We learnt new skills, asked a million questions and had tonnes of fun, thanks to the amazing staff at CQU.

Bernadette Crus, English/Humanities Teacher

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.

JCU Virtual Open Day

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

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

Important dates