BNSHS Newsletter 25 October 2023

From the Principal's Office

We have had much to celebrate over the past 2 weeks beginning with our recent Presentation ceremonies and I want to thank all the families who attended the ceremonies to recognise our student achievements.  This past fortnight we have further achievements in academic and sporting competitions and also have strengthened our school's connection with the community.

Celebrating success in ECOMAN, Optiminds and Queensland Athletics championships

Our Year 11 ECOMAN team secured an impressive 2nd place in this year's competition run by Ulton Bundaberg. The skills and knowledge they've gained in ECOMAN will undoubtedly serve them well in the future.

Two teams travelled to Brisbane to compete in the Optiminds finals and one team received Honors and achieved 2nd place at the state-level which was an outstanding effort.  This event highlights the creative and critical thinking abilities of our students, and we are incredibly proud of their achievements.

Two students (Year 7 Chelsea and Year 8 Davey) competed at the Queensland State Athletics championships recently.  Both students performed well and Davey won a bronze medal in discus and 5^th in triple jump.  Well done.

Building community connections through our BBQ event

A highlight last week was our community barbecue event, where community representatives and staff came together to form and acknowledge connections for the continued development of our bushtucker garden. Our bushtucker garden is taking shape and this event helped foster a sense of togetherness and shared commitment to this exciting project. We're looking forward to involving more students, parents and community members in the months to come as the garden becomes more established.

Addressing unauthorised entry concerns with enhanced security measures

Recently we have had an increase in unauthorised people entering our school grounds. To ensure the safety and security of our students and property, we have two security officers on site at present that have been supplied to our school. We are also working closely with Police to address this issue as we want to provide a safe environment for our school community.

Exciting plans for the upgrade of B block toilets

We have received the plans for the upgrade of the B Block toilets that will be completed 2024. These improvements should significantly enhance the quality of facilities and should provide a more comfortable environment for our students and staff.

Future visit by Jeff Horn (World Champion)

Earlier in the year we launched a ‘Resilience program’ that was created by Bullyproof Australia with Jeff Horn (world champion boxer) as the ambassador.  All students and staff have been involved in this program being delivered once a fortnight in RAS.  As part of the review of the program, Jeff Horn has offered to visit our school again to talk to students and staff.  Jeff and the CEO of Bullyproof Australia will be at North on November 8^th.

Mobile phone ban in 2024 - 'Away for the day'

Reminder that from January 2024, students, in all government schools, will be unable to use their mobile phone during school time from the first bell to the last bell (including lunch breaks).  Along with phones, wearable devices such as airpods and smart watches must also be ‘away for the day’.  We are reviewing our mobile phone policy at present and will release it by the end of the term. 

Please work with your child/children to prepare for this change as we are already reminding students at school of this expectation.  It is preferable that phones are left at home to assist the students with this.  Students will not be able to use their phones in school hours.  If students need to be contacted as a matter of urgency, the office can be called.

We appreciate your support in implementing this State-wide ban from the commencement of 2024.

Best wishes to Year 12 students as they begin external exams

We want to extend our best wishes to our Year 12 students who are embarking on their external exams this week. We have watched them grow and excel, and wish them all the best over the 17 day exam block.  The Year 12s will return in week 7 for their Graduation ceremony and Prom.  Good luck Year 12s.

Robyn Kent,
Principal

Friday 5 - Students remaining at school until 3pm Term 4, 2023

The Watson Report

Fortnightly focus

Each fortnight North High have a teaching and learning focus. On the junior parade I spoke about the importance for students to develop good study skills. Students are supported by teachers with ways they can revise, keep accurate notes and maintain good book work. Students can also use resources made available by teachers on a class One Note or QLearn. The Student Diary (page 10) also has different study skills that may be useful. If students need assistance about how to revise and study, they can see their RAS team or one of our Guidance Officers.

Mrs Watson, Deputy Principal

Junior Certificate of Education (JCE)

At Bundaberg North SHS a Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) is awarded to year 9 students at the end of year 9, who have demonstrated a strong commitment to their learning throughout years 8 and 9. To earn a JCE, a student must achieve at least a 'C' range academic result in English, Mathematics and Science across two consecutive semesters between semester 2 year 8 and semester 2 year 9. The student’s term 3, year 9 result can be considered for the semester 2, year 9 result. Students should be keeping track of their results for the JCE on page 14 of the Student Diary.

JCE presentation parade: Tuesday 5 December 2023

Last term students at risk of not receiving their JCE will be supported through academic monitoring, with support from their teachers and RAS Head of Department. The aim is to have most students receive their Junior Certificate of Education. With final assessment being started soon, it is essential that all students commit to achieving the best possible results. If you have any questions about this process, please feel free to contact me.

Celebration Luncheon

Next Tuesday 31 October is the Celebration Luncheon for students with 100% attendance for term 3. This is a way we recognise the excellent attendance of our students. Well done to the 55 students who have received an invitation. 

Reward Days

This term there are two Reward Days to recognise excellent attendance and behaviour. To qualify students must achieve at least 95% actual attendance with no unexplained absences, no suspensions and no more than one visit to the Re-engagement Room.

Reward Day 1: Friday 24 November for year 10 and 11 students. Students choose from:

• Movie at Reading Cinemas or
• $5 tuckshop voucher.

Rewards Day 2: Tuesday 5 December for year 7, 8 and 9 students. Students choose from:

• Norville Pool (with inflatables) or
• $5 tuckshop voucher.

Students who qualify will be notified closer to the events. The movie or pool reward has a $5 co-payment by students. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs Watson, Deputy Principal.

Mrs Rebecca Watson, Deputy Principal

Student Council breakup

On Monday 16 October, students celebrated the great achievements of the Student Council at the end of year break-up. The Student Council have supported students, the school and the local community throughout the year. The council have contributed to student led activities including Spirit of North Day, Colour Blast, Lunchtime Sport, and Free Dress Days. Members have also been involved in multiple school activities and events such as Presentation Evening, Student Conferences and School Parades. The student council would like to thank the local community for providing opportunities to be involved in various events including ANZAC services and the Chaplaincy Breakfast. A special thank you to the current year 12 members for your service to the Student Council.

Mr Findlay, Deputy Principal

Young Achievers Program

On Thursday the 12^th of October we celebrated the graduating Year 12, University of Queensland, Young Achievers Program scholarship recipients. These students were recognised for their dedication and enthusiasm throughout the program.

We congratulate: Chanel, Ebonie and Patrick

The new Year 10 cohort of scholarship recipients were welcomed at this event. 

Congratulations to Abigail, Bryce and Zahlia.  

The evening gave the Year 10 students an opportunity to learn more about the program and have any questions answered.  Throughout the two-year program, the new cohort will have the opportunity to meet other Young Achievers, be provided with mentorship, opportunities for personal growth and leadership development whilst nurturing the educational aspirations of its participants.

JRZ Industry tour

What a wonderful  day!

Seven Year 10 students participated in the JRZ construction Day Tour.   This tour show cased many  of our local business such as JRZ Homes ,Mchugh Steel, KDW Civil, Ingenia Lifestyle, CSQ ( Construction Skills Queensland) , Pulse Electrical, Platinum Plumbing, Cabinet Connection, Bundaberg Jobs Commitment, Link & Launch.

All these wonderful businesses took the time to talk about a day as a tradie and show the students their building sites. 

Thank you to all these great local business for taking the time to show our students how Bundaberg and surrounding areas are growing within the construction industry.      

Heart-break High

Year 8s have been learning about body systems in science. To further investigate how the heart works in the circulatory system, students completed heart dissections. Students found this to be a great way to learn about the different chambers of the heart and how the valves work to stop blood from flowing backwards.

Mrs Roberts, Science Teacher

Bush Tucker Garden

The question of how we improve the attendance of First Nations in our school is often discussed and in February an idea of a Bush Tucker Garden was suggested.  With planning, collaboration, hard work and determination, that idea became a reality for North High when our new bush tucker garden was completed last Friday.  

The Bush Tucker project is directed at students to encourage them to attend school and to be involved in learning culture.   There will be a committee of interested students who will maintain and care for the area and invite community organisations that are involved in conservation, land management and eco systems to build a relationship with the school.  These partnerships in conservation including the great barrier reef organisations are a way for our young students to learn to care for our country and encourage pathways for our students in future careers . The school is set to benefit from the project as teachers will be able to utilise this outdoor space with the students and as the area grows and develops the bush tucker garden, yarning circle and BBQ meeting space can be shared with the community. The group of students who will be caring for the garden, and the area itself need a name that is culturally significant.  With the support of the school, the Principal, the Business Manager and with community organisations we have made this area come to life.  With continued support and strengthening relationships with BNSHS the bush tucker group will build leadership and ownership and work with community conservation organisations and elders for caring for our country.

Dean Lillyman, Teacher Aide

Zonta Cent Sale

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

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.

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.

Important dates

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 

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