BNSHS Newsletter 27 March 2024

From the Principal's Office

As Term 1 comes to a close, students will be issued shortly with their Term 1 Progress Report.  Year 11 and 12 reports were issued earlier this week and year 7-10 reports will be issued at the end of week 1 of Term 2.  We will be conducting Student Progress Conferences for parents and students to meet with teachers on Thursday, May 2^nd and I would encourage all parents to take the opportunity to meet with staff.  The link to book a Student Progress Conference is

https://eq.sobs.com.au/pt3/parent.php?schoolid=70201

Unfortunately, this week we had to postpone our annual Swimming Carnival that was to be held on Tuesday due to bad weather.  The Swimming Carnival will now be held in Term 3 on September 13^th. Finals day for Summer Sport is on Thursday, so we hope that the weather will hold out for this and good luck to all students participating.

The planning and organisation for our 50^th Anniversary celebration continues.  We have a day of free community events planned for June 1^st held at the school and then a ticketed evening event at the Brothers Club.  Tickets for the evening event are $25 per head and are on sale now.  Full details about our 50^th Anniversary and how your can purchase tickets for the evening event can be found on our school website.  We hope to see many students and staff returning to North High on June 1^st. 

I would like to wish you all a safe and happy Easter break.

Robyn Kent, Principal

The Watson Report

North Rewards

Gotchas are given ‘free and frequently’ to recognise positive student behaviour. Yesterday was our first Gotcha ‘cash in’ day. Students could ‘cash in’ their Gotchas for chocolates, chips and soft drink! We had thousands of Gotchas handed in! Students still have options to save their Gotchas for many different tuckshop vouchers. We will hold another Gotcha ‘cash in’ day next term as a HOT PIE DAY! More details will be shared next term. Keep saving Gotchas!

The new Reward Day Menu for 2024 has been released. Please note the updated criteria to qualify for attendance at each Reward Day. The first Reward Day is Wednesday 22 May. Criteria:

1. Demonstrate excellent behaviour and effort by receiving a Bronze, Silver or Gold ‘Reach for the Sky’ award during the previous term
2. Demonstrate excellent attendance by achieving at least 90% actual attendance at school with no unexplained absences or suspensions.

If you have any questions about North Rewards, please contact Mrs Watson via email (rwats34@eq.edu.au) or phone 4130 0222.

Progress reports year 7 - 10

I would like to thank all students, parents and carers for their support this term. Working as a team we can ensure positive outcomes for students. Students in year 7 – 10 will receive their term 1 progress report on Friday 19 April. This allows time for students and parents/carers to reflect before Student Progress Conferences on Thursday 2 May.  SOBS is open for booking Student Progress Conferences now and you can use the link below to secure your 15 minute spot.

STUDENT PROGRESS CONFERENCES

Students can use their Target Setting completed with class teachers to reflect on their subject goals and achievements. Students will also be directed to page 12 in the Student Diary to consider ‘How to improve my next report card’ section. If you have any queries, please feel free to contact your child’s subject teacher or year level HOD to discuss further.

Rebecca Watson, Deputy Principal

Senior Schooling Report

Senior Reporting

This week reports for students in Years 11 and 12 were sent home via email and made available on QParents. Students in years 7 – 10 will receive their reports on Friday, 19 April (week 1) via email and QParents.

Congratulations to the almost 40% of Year 11 students and to the 58% of Year 12 students who have achieved an A or B Achievement result this term! It is pleasing to report that 98% of reports in Year 11 and 100% in Year 12 had satisfactory results for Behaviour! Most were Excellent and Very Goods!

However there appears to be room for improvement in Effort especially in Year 11 where 14% of the reports had below satisfactory effort results. This means that teachers feel students are not working to their potential and could put more effort into their school work.

If your student in Year 11 or 12 received a below satisfactory in any of the three categories (Achievement, Behaviour or Effort), there is a request for parents / carers to attend the Student Progress Conferences. The Student Progress Conferences are scheduled for 2 May, with bookings already open via SOBS using the link below.

STUDENT PROGRESS CONFERENCES 

We encourage parents / carers of all students to utilise this opportunity to discuss your students’ progress and ensure we are all working together so students can achieve their potential.

Senior Coaching

To further support our senior students, we are implementing a system of individual coaching of students where they will meet with a member of our Senior Leadership Team (DPs, HODs or Guidance Officers) or an Experienced Senior Teacher, all of whom have been trained for these sessions, after each reporting period. Coaches will guide and encourage students in their progress here at Bundaberg North SHS utilising a 'Track Ed' printout to inform coaching conversations in four key areas – see below. This coaching model is aligned to BNSHS vision of Outstanding Learners, Outstanding Achievements and Outstanding Futures as well as a values check-in.

I have spoken with students on Year Level Parades about these coaching sessions and explained they are a support mechanism developed through a conversation with an adult here at school. It is hoped they become a valued part of their senior journey as they meet with the same coach across their senior years.

Year 11 and 12 students will receive their coach and coaching time on the first day of term 2 as the meetings will commence from the Tuesday of week 1 and hopefully conclude by end of week 2.

Uniform

Just a friendly reminder of the winter uniform requirements as we move towards Term 2 and the colder weather. The official uniform for winter includes the school jacket which is available from Shawline Embroidery on Walker Street and this remains our preferred option.

However, we acknowledge that for some families this school jacket can’t be purchased at this time for a variety of reasons. For those families, students are able to wear a PLAIN black jumper with no logos, stripes or writing on it, without a hood. It can be a pullover or a zip up front, so long as it is plain and without a hood. These are available from places like K Mart and Big W for $8 to $12 each so this does provide a budget friendly option if the school jacket is out of reach at this point in time.

We are also hoping that by Term 2 students with incorrect shoes on will be able to find compliant ones. This is important as students need to comply with WH&S regulations in the workshops, kitchens and science labs. Students should be in plain black shoes with leather or vinyl uppers. Canvas is not going to protect their feet in these locations.

As always, if any family or student is having difficulty in providing the correct uniform items, we are here to help.

The school Uniform Policy can be accessed on the school website: 

Natalie Brandon, Deputy Principal 

Friday 5, Term 2 2024

Friday 5 - Students remaining at school until 3pm Term 2, 2024

Year 10 Work Experience

Year 10 work experience will be held in week 3 of term 3, 22-26 July. Completed work experience forms are due back to Miss Prince in G block by the end of Week 3, Term 2. Those students requiring a replacement form may collect one from Miss Prince. Students are responsible for attaining their own placement however students may seek assistance from Mrs Hearne or Miss Prince if needed. Students should consider utilising the school holidays to approach businesses in an attempt to secure a placement.

Mick Findlay, Deputy Principal 

Report cards - Term 1

Report cards for students in Year 11 and Year 12 were emailed out to all parents on Monday 25th March and are available on QParents.  

Report cards for students in Year 7 - Year 10 will be emailed out on Friday 19th April (term 2, week 1).  

On these mid-semester reports parents may find that the teacher has requested that a Student Progress Conference is booked.  Student Progress Conferences will be held in the school hall on Thursday, 2nd May from 3:30pm - 6:00pm.  We encourage parents to meet with their student's teacher whether it has been requested or not and bookings can be made through the School's Online Booking System (SOBS). 

Please use the link below to book your Student Progress Conference now.  If you require help, please feel free to contact our school office.

Sport at North

Inter-house Cross Country Championship: Race for Glory!

Join us for an exhilarating event as the champions are forged on the track! The Cross Country Promotion is set to ignite the competitive spirit in our school community.

• Date: Tuesday, 16th April
• Time: 9:00 AM

Gather your energy and enthusiasm as each step counts towards victory. This event isn't just about athleticism; it's about unity, determination, and representing your house with pride.

Event Details:

• Date: Tuesday, 16th April
• Time: Starting sharp at 9:00 AM
• Location: North High oval and Farthing Park
• Format: Cross Country Race
• Objective: Accumulate Inter-house points to determine the Champion House.

What to Expect:

• Thrilling Competition: Witness the sheer determination of our athletes as they navigate challenging terrain to claim victory for their houses.
• House Spirit: Cheer on your fellow housemates and experience the electric atmosphere of unity and camaraderie.
• Scenic Routes: Traverse through picturesque landscapes while showcasing your endurance and stamina.
• Prizes and Recognition: Awards will be presented to the top performers, but the ultimate prize is the glory of winning for your house!

How It Works:

• All students are welcome to compete in the cross country race. Simply register on the day at the start line behind the hall.
• Points will be awarded based on individual and team performances.
• The house with the highest cumulative points will be crowned the Champion House.
• Winning individuals will receive a medal for Age Champion

Important Notes:

• Participants are required to arrive at the venue by 8:45 AM for registration and warm-up.
• All participants must adhere to the rules and regulations set by the organizers for a fair and safe competition.
• Spectators are encouraged to come and support their houses, but please maintain decorum and respect for all participants.
• Mark your calendars and prepare to witness history in the making! Let's make this years Cross Country an event to remember.

For any inquiries or clarifications, please contact Mr Thatcher on 4130 0222.

Get ready to lace up your running shoes and embark on a journey towards victory!

Robert Thatcher, Sports Coordinator 

First Nations News

Opening of Dream Deadly 

On Friday March 22^nd, we had the official opening of our First Nations Dream Deadly program.  Our Local Community Education Body (LCEB) has played an integral part in developing our after school cultural and homework program for First Nations students.  The program runs each Tuesday and Friday afternoon.  Thank you to the members of the LCEB, parents and Department of Education staff who attended the opening. 

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 Senior First Nations Excursion 

On Thursday the 21^st of March, as part of a rewards program our Senior First Nations students enjoyed an early start as we travelled down to Aussie World on the Sunshine Coast. The students had fun on the log ride, dodgem cars and working together in the illusionarium.

Later in the day, the students got the chance to go on the red back roller coaster and were particularly excited to walk through the mayhem maze.

A big thank you to Mr Paul Burrell and Mrs Kylie Sauer for attending and assisting with this trip, as this wouldn’t have been possible without your support.

Jayden Alberts, Community Education Counsellor 

Lions Youth of the Year

Congratulations to Violet and Zahlia who competed at Regional Lions Youth of the Year competition on Saturday 23 March.  Violet delivered a passionate speech on Teens and the Media while Zahlia presented her speech on Youth Crime.  While they did not win the competition, both girls did an outstanding job in representing North High and the North and Moore Park Lions Clubs.  Well done girls.

Mrs Jensen, Lions Youth of the Year Coordinator

Shave for a Cure 2024

Thank you to the 13 Year 12 students that shaved their hair off for Shave for a Cure. This was an amazing achievement with one student raising $1650 alone. Congratulations Sam and to all of the other participants. Our school is set to donate close to $4000 to this important cause. A special “shout out” to our 3 hairdressers who assisted on the day as without you, this event could not have been possible. It was great to have former Year 12 student Georgia Hawkes return as well as Glenda Ballantyne and Kylie Myers. Your time and skillset was greatly appreciated. It was awesome to see so many staff come on board with the colouring of hair, waxing of legs, shaving off of beards and losing hair. It was brilliant to have so many parents and family members here on the day to support the students. Well done to everyone involved.

Keri Jensen, Shave for a Cure Co-ordinator

Year 11 Legal Studies

Today Mrs Jensen’s year 11 legal studies students were incredibly lucky to have Senior Constable Michael discuss the crime investigation process with them in great detail. Students have spent the last 9 weeks learning the theory of the criminal investigation process so it was a great opportunity to see how this played out in a real homicide case. 

Amy Wilson, Teacher

Student Resource Scheme & Subject Fees - Payment Options

The Student Resource Scheme and Subject fees for 2024 have now been invoiced. Payment of these invoices are due on the 19th April 2024, unless you are on an approved payment plan. Attached is our Payment Options document which lists the various payment options available.

The Student Resource Scheme ensures that students have the resources required for them to engage with the curriculum for their education, and saves parents time and money in sourcing the prescribed materials elsewhere. The objective of the scheme is to provide a convenient and cost-effective way for students to access the educational resources necessary to enhance their learning experience at school. Participation is for the duration of your child’s enrolment at the school. Further information regarding the Student Resource Scheme and resource inclusion lists can be found on our website. 

Should you have any financial difficulties or questions, please contact us on 4130 0222 or email accounts@bundabergnorthshs.eq.edu.au

Farewell from Chappy Kelly

It is with a sad heart that I let you all know that my time at North has come to an end as your "Chappy Kelly" My last day at school was Thursday 21st March. I would like to take this opportunity to Thank the wonderful North community for the past 5 plus years!! It has been a blessing and honour to serve the school in the position of Chaplain and support the students and families in many different ways over the years.  I will miss you and my time here. 

Chappy Kelly

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 

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 

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.

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

Art Showcase hosted by Headspace Bundaberg