BNSHS Newsletter 14th February 2024

From the Principal's Office

Since our last newsletter, we have held several school events including an Orientation day for both year 7 and year 8 students, the launching of our Sports Development Program and the badge ceremony for our school leaders and Student Council.  Thank you to the parents and family members who attended the Student Council induction ceremony on Wednesday February 7^th.

This week we are holding our annual 'Meet the Teachers' BBQ.  I would like to encourage all parents to attend with your student/s to have the opportunity to meet the 2024 teachers.  We welcome all families to attend.  Please bring a copy of your child’s timetable so that you have a list of teachers to see.  We are looking forward to meeting you.  Please ensure that you have completed your RSVP.

Meet the Teachers BBQ - 2024

We need parents/carers to join our P&C in 2024.  Our current President Mrs Shelly Hansen, who has done a wonderful job over the years, no longer has students attending our school and is looking to pass the baton to another parent.  We are also looking for P&C members to attend the meetings once a month.  We meet on Thursday evening at 6.00pm (usually the 2^nd Thursday of each month), and we need your involvement.  The P&C runs the school tuckshop and without the P&C we will no longer be able to run the tuckshop in its current format.  Please consider volunteering to be part of the P&C in 2024.   Our first meeting is this Thursday after the Meet the Teachers BBQ – 6pm in the Administration building.  I hope to see you there.

Parent engagement with the school helps build a positive, productive partnership that supports the academic journey of each child. When parents are actively involved in their children's education, it sends a powerful message that learning is a priority in the family. This involvement fosters a sense of security and encouragement, creating an environment where children feel supported in their academic endeavours.

When parents actively communicate with teachers and attend school events, children understand that education is a collaborative effort between home and school. This sense of collaboration fosters a positive attitude towards learning and school in general. There is a positive correlation between parental engagement and academic success.

Attending P&C meetings and getting involved in school activities not only benefits your child but also helps in creating a strong sense of community. By forming connections with other parents and school staff, you contribute to the overall well-being of the school community. A supportive and engaged community positively influences the school environment, making it a more enriching and enjoyable place for both students and parents.

Thank you for your dedication to your child's education, and I look forward to seeing you at upcoming school events.

Robyn Kent, Principal

The Watson Report

Classroom Expectations

During week 3 and 4 our North Fortnightly Focus has been the Classroom Expectations. All classes have re-visited the expectations and how it looks in each class. The school leadership team conduct ‘walkthroughs’ to support the fortnightly focus. It has been pleasing to see class routines and expectations established. Students have been demonstrating the expectations, with teachers reinforcing student behaviours with praise, acknowledgement and Gotchas. A great start to the year! Look out for the Fortnightly Focus on the Facebook page.

LEAP

At North we want to extend students’ learning opportunities with LEAP: Leadership, Enrichment, Aspiration, Passion. Each term there are many LEAP opportunities. These will be offered to students through year level parades, daily notices, sign ups or special invitation. Coming in the next few weeks is the first Day of Excellence for Science. The focus will be on broadening the horizons of students with a love of science. Look out for information from your science teachers.

A new LEAP opportunity this year is the Duke of Edinburgh International Award. This is a well-known internationally recognised award for adolescents between the ages of 14 and 24. There are four award sections that participants work on: voluntary service, skills, physical recreation and adventurous journey. Mrs Dexter will share more information soon, including an information session. Look out for LEAP opportunities!

Orientation Day

Over the last two weeks, all year 7 and year 8 students have been involved in an Orientation Day. The focus of these days was to build positive relationships between students and staff and within the year level cohort. The year 7 students had a late change of plans due to the wet weather. The day consisted of team and RAS class games and a dance off, as well as a trip to Bundy Bowl. The year 8 students travelled to Wyper Park Scout camp for their Orientation Day, participating in a bushwalk, teamwork games and abseiling or pedal buggies. Both groups enjoyed a sausage sizzle and watermelon for lunch. Thank you for a great day students! Later this term year 7 and 8 will have the LEAP opportunity to participate in a Junior Activities Day!

Year 7 Orientation

Year 8 Orientation

Student Achievement: Jesse and Trey Scott

Congratulations to Jesse (year 8) and Trey (year 11) who have recently returned from representing Bundaberg in OzTag. Jesse plays for Bundaberg Bulldogs U14, while Trey has been drafted by Moorooka Roar U16. Jesse's team made it to the quarter finals with him scoring 8 tries over the 7 games. Trey's team missed out on the grand final but Trey scored 2 tries overall. Well done, boys! 

Rebecca Watson, Deputy Principal

Senior Schooling News

Senior Update

On Tuesday 6 February we had the pleasure of presenting our Year 12 students with their Senior Badges. They looked the part too, having organised themselves into the full formal uniform! Many of the students then backed it up with Formal Friday again wearing their formal uniform with pride. We are working with families to have all students in a formal uniform by the end of the term.

However, school photos are scheduled for Tuesday 6 March where all students will again need to be in full formal uniform. If they don’t have one before that date, they again need to go the  Reprographics room by the Friday before to arrange a loan uniform (as many of the them did last week).

Assessment Schedules

Year 12 students received their paper copy of their Assessment Planner last Wednesday whilst all other students received their paper copy on Monday of this week. Years 11 and 12 have all their assessment for the year, whilst the other four year levels have Semester 1 dates.

These assessment items are detailed in the year level PDFs below (you will just need to know the student’s classes) as well as through Q Parents.

Year 11 and 12 Assessment

A reminder for all students in years 11 and 12 as assessment approaches that they are bound by our Assessment Policy which is in line with the state wide QCAA policy which governs all students – public or private. All assessment must be submitted on or before due date for ongoing projects, practicals and assignments. For Exams, students need to attend on the day of the assessment with medical grounds the primary reason accepted for non-attendance.

If your student is absent on the day of an assessment, they will need to follow the Assessment Policy, to do the following:

• Absence on due date:
  • Assignments (ongoing assessment which worked on over several lessons / outside of class) – send in via email or sibling or trusted friend the work completed to that point.
  • Exams / in class performance / oral etc – medical certificate is required and completion of an AARA Extension Form requesting alternative date to sit the exam / deliver the item.
• Absence for days prior to due date – medical certificate is required and completion of AARA Extension form requesting an extension to due date. This must be done before the due date.

Thank you to those few students who have already found themselves in difficult situations and negotiated with the school around their senior assessment dates. Being proactive and adhering to the assessment policy requirements ensures all students will complete their senior years without penalty.

TAFE and School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

Again this year, we have a significant group of students who are attending training off campus to support their future pathways. These students either attend TAFE one day a week, study online or attend a workplace with their host employer for a day a week. The students’ timetables have been adjusted to reflect this day out of the school and study lessons given to allow students to catch up on lessons missed on their day out.

The industries students are undertaking training in include: Automotive, Plumbing, Heavy Diesel mechanic, Kitchen operations, Retail, Community Services, Salon Assistant, just to name a few.

Natalie Brandon, Deputy Principal

Year 10 Work Experience

Year 10 students will be receiving work experience forms from parade on Tuesday 20-02-2024. If your student is absent from school on Tuesday, please collect a form from the Year Level Coordinator Mrs Hearn (O block) or Mrs Prince (G block). Completed forms need to be returned to Mrs Prince in G block by the end of term 1. Students are responsible for attaining their own placement however students may seek assistance from Mrs Hearne or Mrs Prince. Work experience will be held in week 3 of term 3, 22-26 July.

Mick Findlay, Deputy Principal

Year 10 industry talks

Year 10 students have started their journey towards the senior years of school and future pathways this week with Industry Talks arranged by Steffi from Bundaberg Regional Council, under their Jobs Commitment. The cohort were fortunate to hear from:

• Nathan Atkinson - Strategic HR Supports [Business]
• Penny Johnson - Superior Pak [Manufacturing and Mining]
• Kresten + 2 x Apprentices - Ramage Building [Building & Construction]

The presenters gave valuable insight into their industries, the job opportunities within them and pathways to those jobs. They also discussed skills that students need in order to succeed.

Over this semester, year 10 students will hear from a range of guest presenters and undertake a variety of activities as they lead into their work experience and the completion fo their SET Plans in Term 3.

Friday 5, Term 1 2024

Friday 5 - Students remaining at school until 3pm Term 1, 2024

School Photo Day 6th March, 2024

All students have been given a photo envelope to take home to parents.  Orders can be made online, therefore students do not need to return the order form.  If you choose to pay in cash, your student should bring the photo envelope back to school on the day of photos and give it directly to the Advanced Life staff along with the correct cash. 

If you would like sibling photos taken on photo day, please ask your student to collect a 'sibling photo form' from the office.

2024 Relay for Life

An exciting LEAP opportunity for all students at North. The 2024 North State High School Relay for Life team is growing in team members and in funds raised.  Currently our team has 27 students and three staff members registered and our fundraising tally sits at an amazing $1225… and we have only just started fundraising!  It isn’t late to show your true North Spirit by joining our team or contributing to our fundraising tally.  The team with the most fundraising money banked in the month of February and again in March will get rewarded with a Pizza Party thanks to Bundaberg Dominos. Nothing motivates hungry teenagers than hot pipping pizza! If you would like more information please see Mrs Hearn in O Block (stadium side) or email jhear76@eq.edu.au

To join the team, click on the link below:

https://www.relayforlife.org.au/fundraisers/bundabergnorthstatehighschool

Nelle Hearn, Teacher

Bundaberg District 2024 Sports Trials

District cluster trials are happening this month, below are all the details required for participation. 

Robert Thatcher, BNSHS Sports Coordinator 

Year 11 Business Guest Speaker

Suzie from Oodies visited the Year 11 Business class today to discuss how she started up her own Café with her sister Jenny. It was a wonderful learning opportunity for the students to hear why starting your own business can be preferable to buying an existing one. We would like to thank Suzie for such an inspiring talk today. We look forward to visiting the Café as a class next term.

Keri Jensen, Business Teacher 

Bundaberg Chess Club Junior Tournaments

The Bundaberg Chess Club is intending to hold Sunday Junior Chess Tournaments in 2024.  The Junior chess competitions are usually held on the last Sunday of the month. This year we are planning to hold 8 Junior Chess Tournaments.

Intended dates for the tournaments are:-

• 25/02/2024
• 24/03/2024
• 28/04/2024
• 26/05/2024
• 28/07/2024
• 25/08/2024
• 27/10/2024
• 24/11/2024

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 12.00-12.15 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.

John and Elizabeth Harris continue as the Junior Chess Tournament Coordinators for 2024. All enquiries about Bundaberg Chess Club Junior Chess should be sent to mobile:- 0418686497 or email presidentjohn@live.com.au.

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 

Defence Force Recruitment Information Sessions

Considering career goals after school?

Explore job opportunities in the Navy, Army and Air Force by heading to an upcoming info session.

Speak with current serving members about job roles, opportunities for further study, or flexible part-time commitments. The Australian Defence Force (ADF) offers countless career paths for school leavers.

Whether you are a student, teacher or parent looking to learn more about the ADF - we can help!

More information can be found at the below link. 

Important dates

P&C News

P&C ask for your uniform donations

My name is Shelly Hansen.  I am the President of the BNSHS P&C Association and I am seeking your help.  Sadly, there are students at our school whose families are not able to provide them with a uniform.  I would like to ask for your assistance by donating any items of North High uniform that your children no longer need.  The P&C try to support all requests for assistance but with your help we may be able to extend that support further.  

All uniform donations are greatly appreciated, and we thank you for the continued support of our school.  

Thank you for your help, Shelly Hansen, P&C President

Callout for volunteers

Can you volunteer some time either at home or in tuckshop?

We have some jobs for the tuckshop that could be completed at home such as cutting foil into squares, cutting burger paper (baking paper), putting labels on bags and more.

We also need assistance in our tuckshop. This can be a background position (not student facing). The jobs could include washing up, stocking fridges/ice cream freezer/spoons and helping with food preparation (cutting salads/fruit).

The main days needed are Tuesday and Thursday from 8am-12noon, but any amount of time from 1 to 4 hours would be extremely helpful.

We can also sign off on your Centrelink, work/volunteer forms.

If you think you could spare some time, please contact us via email – pandc@bundabergnorthshs.eq.edu.au

Shelly 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

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.

Waves AFL Club 2024 Season

BJRL Come & Try Afternoons

Bundaberg Junior Rugby League (BJRL) are running Come & Try afternoons for Girls 12 years and above on the 12th and 26th February from 4-5.30pm at Bundaberg North SHS. If you are interested please see  information below and contact details for BJRL.

Ready-Set-Connect Kids Free Event

Bring Up Great Adolescents