BNSHS Newsletter 17th July 2024

From the Principal's Office

Principal Welcome

Welcome back to all our continuing families and a special welcome to the new families who are joining the Bundaberg North High Community this term. It is my privilege to be Principal of this great school for this semester as Miss Robyn Kent commences her well-earned leave from the school after a tenure of 27 years here at BNSHS. For the first two weeks of school, we have Mrs Shelley Thornton as Acting Deputy Principal and Mrs Kaitlin Redgard as Acting HOD. Their assistance in keeping the school rolling forward has been invaluable and I thank them for stepping into those roles at short notice. It has allowed us to run a recruitment process and it is my pleasure to inform the school community that Mr Aaron Ross, from Gin Gin SHS will be joining us for the Semester as Acting Deputy Principal, starting next week. In addition to the change in the Administration Team, we also have some teachers returning or taking up positions with us. We welcome:

• Returning from extended leave:
  • Mrs Alex Beer – Maths Science teacher
  • Mr Nathan Williams – Languages and Humanities teacher
• Commencing with us
  • Mr Stephen Johnston – ITD teacher

I would like to also thank our small group of retired teachers who have been helping us as staff take leave for various reasons, their commitment to the school and continuing education of our students is appreciated. Thank you: Mr Grant Newell, Mr Roger Kimber and Mr Kevin Crowley.

I’m extremely proud to be in the administration team of Bundaberg North SHS, as a school leader who has worked in a number of schools from large Metro to other regional schools like this one and smaller more rural schools, I firmly believe this school ‘punches above its weight’ in terms of academic excellence, year in year out as evidenced by multiple ATAR results in the 90s each year. Our small cohort size is one of our strengths as we know our students allowing teachers to identify students who need assistance both academically and as a person. This school implements an extensive range of support mechanisms for students, working with students and their families to provide them every opportunity to succeed here at school.

Another feature of this school is the number of staff who are willing to give up their own time to provide opportunities for our students. Last week was our first P&C meeting for the term, I listed the events that have occurred in the two months since our last meeting. The list was extensive in length and the diversity of the opportunities available to our students, both in school time such as clubs and activities at lunch, to sports and cultural endeavours requiring time and commitment beyond school hours.

Bundy Sport Grand Finals

From that list of events I listed at P&C, were the BDSSS Finals Days where we had multiple teams competing in Grand Finals. Whilst both the U15 Boys Rugby League and U13 Girls Rugby League teams put in gallant efforts on the day showing great improvement across the season. It was our Open Girls Netball team who came home as Bundaberg and District Secondary School Division Winners for 2024, with the assistance of Ms Parkinson’s coaching!  I would like to thank the coaches of all the Term 2 sport teams: Mr Elphinstone, Mr Moore, Miss Parkinson and Miss Wilson for their time and commitment to the students.

Year 10s continue learning about Career pathways

Early in the last week of Term 2, we also had Year 10 students attend their CQU Experience Day. The day was very well attended by our students and allowed them to gain an insight into different career fields, which when teamed with their upcoming Work Experience will assist them in selecting a meaningful senior pathway and course of study.

Athletics Carnival

To round out the term, we had our Athletics Carnival both here at school on Thursday and then at the Athletics Track on the Friday. The winners of Age Champion and overall House winner are yet to be announced and will feature in our next newsletter. Stay tuned for those announcements to round out a fun carnival where some records were broken!

Cape York Trip

Over the holidays, we have 17 students and two teachers: Ms Naughton and Miss Gold, travel to Cape York as part of their Certificate II in Outdoor Recreation studies. I thank these two teachers and congratulate these 17 Year 10 Students on what sounds like an awesome trip away. Please read about their adventure and see some highlight pictures a little lower in this newsletter.

Year 11 Business Competitions

This term has started off extremely busy for the Year 11 Business students and their teacher Mrs Jensen as four students, who won the local division of the CQU Business competition last term competed in the State Finals on Tuesday night. Then on Wednesday another four business students head over to Ultons, to compete in a three-day business simulation program called ECOMAN. Watching the presentations from all competing schools on Friday afternoon, you can be assured our team represented our school with honour, presenting their report with professionalism and confidence which is no easy task in front of a room full of people. They did us proud.

Term 3 = Subject Selections for 2025

This term, students in years 9 and 10 have swapped to their other two elective subjects. Changes to these subjects are open until Friday of this week. We don’t want students swapping electives mid term as they need the continuity across the semester in order to learn the new skills which the electives offer.

This term also signals the start of developing next year’s Timetable. Across semester 1 we have been conducting a Curriculum Review to ensure our subjects across years 7 to 10 are offered in line with the Department’s expectations for the delivery of the Australian Curriculum. This review has resulted in some changes that will be evident in the 2025 timetable and include:

• Year 7 - The rotation of the four Arts subjects and four Technology subjects will occur within the year (rather than the 2-year rotation at the moment) allowing students a taste of all electives across their first year of high school.
• Year 8 – Students will study four electives, 2 per semester, for 2 lessons per week. They will have to study one Arts subject and one Technology subject, whilst the other two electives can be from either learning area.
• Year 9 and 10 – Both year levels will have more electives to choose from including the Humanities subjects of: Economics and Business, Geography and Citizenship and Civics, then in year 10, History as an elective as compulsory history will be completed by end of year 9. Year 10 students will be able to study 5 electives across the year, two or three per semester depending on allocations. This means students will be able to study more subjects of their choice in year 10 and potentially develop more skills than they are currently able to.
• Launching EAGLES Extension Program – An EAGLES class of students will be formed in each year level, 7-10, in the core subjects of English / Humanities and Maths /Science. Applications are now open for this program.

Also, through the Curriculum Review, we investigated senior subjects that we currently offer and looked for options that would be beneficial for our students given our location and the employment / training opportunities for our students. As a result of this, we are introducing Agricultural Practices to Year 11 for 2025. This is a very exciting prospect for our school and our students, not only from an employment pathway but also in terms of sustainability and food security. Information on this subject will be coming out in the coming weeks during subject selection processes. We are also changing Building and Construction to be a VET course, specifically Certificate II in Construction, delivered by BlueDog Training. As most of you would know, there is a significant shortage of labour in the construction field so it is hoped this change will equip our students with the skills necessary to put our students at the top of the employment recruitment.

All information on subjects on offer will be released to students over the coming weeks. I invite parents and students in years 8 to 10 to the Subject Expo in Week 4 (see details below) where staff will be on hand to answer questions about subjects on offer for 2025. Students in year 8 to 10 will be given overviews of their subject choices in the lead up to this Subject Expo.

Natalie Brandon, Acting Principal

The Watson Report

Recognition of student achievement

All students have now received their report card for semester 1, which allows us to determine Reach for the Sky and North Star awards.

Reach for the Sky awards recognise students who consistently demonstrate excellent effort and behaviour across their subjects. Students can receive a BRONZE, SILVER or GOLD award based on the number of ‘excellent’ results for effort and behaviour. Each student must meet the minimum requirement for both effort and behaviour, for example, to receive a BRONZE award they must achieve at least 4 x Excellent results for effort and 4 x Excellent results for behaviour across their chosen subjects.

Criteria:

GOLD: 6 x Excellent for Effort and Behaviour       

SILVER: 5 x Excellent for Effort and Behaviour  

BRONZE: 4 x Excellent for Effort and Behaviour 

PLATINUM: Achieve 3 x Reach for the Sky.

North Star Awards are presented to students for academic excellence. To qualify students need to achieve all A or B results for all subjects.

Well done to students for their continued commitment to learning. Students will be informed later this week if they are receiving an award, with certificates presented next week at the whole school parade. All students with media permission will have a photo taken, which will be uploaded to the school Facebook page.

Attendance Awards

A new introduction to the North Rewards program is Attendance awards. To qualify, data is based on students’ actual attendance at school for semester 1. These certificates will be presented at a whole school parade in the coming weeks, with students being notified the week prior. Photos of students with media permission will be shared through our Facebook page.

Criteria:

90% - 94.99% = certificate

95% or greater = certificate and tuckshop voucher

100% = certificate and invitation to Celebration Luncheon.

Thank you to parents and carers for your ongoing support and encouragement of students to achieve their best and demonstrate school values. If you have any questions about these awards, please contact me via email rwats34@eq.edu.au or phone 4130 0222.

Annual Presentation Ceremonies 2024

Preparations have begun for the annual Presentation Ceremonies. Presentation Parade and Presentation Night ceremonies will take place on Thursday 10th October 2024.  It is special time on our school calendar when we acknowledge and celebrate the academic, sporting, service and cultural contributions and achievements of our students. In the coming weeks students will be reminded about how to nominate for awards. A list of the awards is in the Student Diary on page 18 or see below. If you have any questions about the awards, please feel free to contact me.

Transition from year 6 to year 7

Each year Bundaberg North SHS run a variety of transition events to support the students entering year 7 the following year. This year we have the following events:

• Visits to primary schools by BNSHS staff
• Enrolment Afternoon: Wednesday 31 July 2024 (see attached flyer)
• Transition Day 1: Wednesday 14 August 2024
• HPE Day of Excellence: Wednesday 28 August 2024
• Transition Day 2: Wednesday 27 November 2024
• NEW scholarships available for 2025 (see attached flyer)
• NEW EAGLES extension program available for 2025 (see attached flyer)

If you have a student in year 6 or know a student in year 6 interested in attending Bundaberg North SHS next year, please contact the office for an Enrolment Pack or visit our website for more information: https://bundabergnorthshs.eq.edu.au/enrolments

Rebecca Watson, Deputy Principal 

Year 10 Work Experience

Year 10 Students will participate in work experience next week, Monday 22nd July to Friday 26th July. This program is a fantastic opportunity for our students to gain valuable insights into the working world, develop new skills and explore potential career pathways. If your student has not returned their work experience form outlining their placement, please return the form to Ms Prince as soon as possible.

Important reminders:

• Attendance: Please ensure that your student attends each day. Consistent attendance is key to gaining the full benefit of this experience.
• Dress Code: Students should dress appropriately for their assigned work environment. Specific dress code requirements may be essential at certain work places.
• Transportation: Please arrange for your student’s transportation to and from the work experience location.
• Expectations: Mobile phones should remain away for the day, be respectful of others in the workplace, and use language and voice that everyone can be comfortable with.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement in your student’s work experience.

Mick Findlay, Deputy Principal 

School Opinion Survey

We are excited to invite parents/carers to participate in the annual School Opinion Survey conducted by the Queensland Department of Education. This survey is a valuable opportunity for you to share your thoughts and opinions about our school and its operations.

What is the School Opinion Survey?

The School Opinion Survey is designed to gather feedback from parents/caregivers, students, and school staff on various aspects of our school. Your input helps us understand what we are doing well and identify areas for improvement.

When is the survey conducted?

The survey will be open from 22 July to 16 August 2024. We encourage you to complete the survey during this period to ensure your feedback is included.

How to participate?

You will receive an email with a link to the online survey. The survey is confidential, and your responses will remain anonymous.

Why is your participation important?

Your feedback is crucial in helping us create a better learning environment for your student. The results of the survey will guide our planning and decision-making processes, ensuring we continue to meet the needs of our school community.

Need more information?

If you have any questions about the survey, please do not hesitate to contact the school office or visit the School Opinion Survey webpage for more details.

Thank you for your time and support.

Student Progress Conferences - Book now

Relay for life - Music Bingo Fundraiser

Want a fun night out with your friends and family? Are you a master when it comes to music? This Thursday, the 18^th of July, the relay for life team is hosting a music bingo in the school hall. It starts at 6pm and will go through until 7:30pm – 8pm. It is individual and not in teams, Parents are to ring the school and make a table booking or students can email or speak to Mrs Hearn about booking a table. THIS IS OPTIONAL. Walk ins on the night are allowed but there is no guarantee your table will consist of only your friends or family, walk ins will be seated at a random table.  

This event is to raise funds for the relay for like team of north, all contributions will be added to our counter of nearly $1800, our goal is to have $2000 so our goal is nearly fulfilled.

BINGO cards are $5 each, you can buy more than one.

Raffle tickets are $1 each.

We hope to see many of you there on the night. There isn’t a theme but wearing purple or yellow is great way to be in the spirit.

Year 11 Business Excursion

Year 11 Business students recently had the pleasure of dining out at Oodies Café in North Bundaberg. The class are currently compiling a business report as part of their studies that investigates what is required to start up a new business. Owner Suzie Evans was kind enough to visit our classroom recently to share her Business Plan. It was great for the students to see firsthand what the Café looked like and to also celebrate their hard work this term.  

Keri Jensen, Teacher 

Walkabout 2024 - Bundaberg to Cape York

Mark Cartner from Walkabout Training has a profound love for Cape York, which inspires him to share its beauty and culture with others, especially the youth in our community. This passion sets the stage for a memorable adventure for all. To bring his exciting vision for 2024 to life, a team of leaders was carefully selected to support the seventeen Cert II students and three Cert III students. After extensive planning and organising, everyone was ready to embark on a two-week adventure together.

Excitement filled the air as everyone gathered at school, eagerly packing trailers and boarding the buses for their trip to Far North Queensland, where the weather promised to be much warmer. The first leg of the journey was spread over two nights, with everyone rolling out their swags in Mackay and then Cairns. Our first stop in Cape York was a visit to Cooktown, where we admired the foreshore before moving on to Elim Beach, east of Hope Vale.

At Elim Beach, we were warmly welcomed by Ivan Deemal, the local manager of the campgrounds. Ivan spoke to everyone about the area, including the local crocodiles and associated risks. In no time at all, the swags were rolled out, and everyone was eager to explore the beach and campgrounds.

The following day started early as we travelled to Hopevale and met Willie Gordon, who greeted us with a warm smile, infectious laugh, and wonderful sense of humour. He then took us on a rock art tour through the reserve land near Hopevale. During our 4.5-hour hike through the hills, Willie shared his ancestral sites and the stories behind the rock art, explaining how the paintings convey the essence of life and the traditions of his people. His unique storytelling resonated with everyone in some way or another.

A short drive from Hopevale brought us to a small water crossing. The students were pleasantly surprised when a short walk revealed Isabella Falls, a safe freshwater hole. We were fortunate to have the waterhole to ourselves, and everyone enjoyed a rewarding afternoon swimming. Returning to Elim Beach, some enjoyed a bit of fishing, while others explored the sandy, mud flats before high tide.

With another early start and the camp packed up, the group spent the day exploring Cooktown and its rich history. Their first stop was Reconciliation Rocks, a site of significant historical importance as the location of the first recorded act of reconciliation between the First Nation peoples and James Cook. This heritage listed site, consisting of a large group of granite boulders, lies on the banks of the Endeavour River north of Cooktown’s town centre.

Further exploring the town, students visited the iconic Croc Shop before making their way to the Cooktown Museum. Housed in a 19th century convent, the museum highlights the captivating history of this important town. It traces the story of Captain James Cook’s enforced seven weeks stay at the Endeavour River, during which the first significant contact between Europeans and Indigenous Australians occurred. The wonderful museum staff provided the students with interactive quizzes to complete as they explored the extensive historical displays from both European and Aboriginal perspectives.

The final stop in Cooktown was Grassy Hill lookout and lighthouse. Grassy Hill offers a 360-degree view of the stunning scenery of Cooktown, the Endeavour River, and the Great Barrier Reef. It is a truly breathtaking view, and no trip to Cooktown would be complete without a visit to Grassy Hill. Known for being windy most of the year, especially in winter, Cooktown lived up to its reputation, with the wind in full force during our visit.

Before leaving Cooktown, the buses were fully loaded with the next week's supply of food, packaged by Cooktown Food and Ice, and our journey continued. Our next destination was Crocodile Station in Laura. Upon our arrival, in true station style, the welcoming committee greeted us, consisting of a couple of hundred recently mustered Brahman yearlings, half a dozen horses, several friendly dogs, and their litter of puppies.

It wasn’t long before the buses were unpacked and swags were rolled out as everyone found their own spaces for the coming days. A fire pit was created, which would soon become the heart of each evening, serving as the gathering place for meals, sharing stories, and reflecting on daily experiences.

It didn't take long for Mark and some students to explore the land and find a fishing spot. Everyone had one thing on their mind, Barramundi. After last year's trip, Mark's goal was to catch and land a decent sized Barra, and he certainly succeeded! Several Barra were caught by some very excited students, providing us all with a tasty treat for dinner. Nothing beats freshly caught Barramundi in Cape York, and that experience can be checked off some students' bucket lists.

The next day we explore Split Rock Art Gallery located on Quinkan Country near Laura. The paintings are bold and vivid, the ochre hues standing out against whites and blacks of the sandstone. This local rock art site has many Aboriginal painting and engraving which tell the stories of thousands of years ago. The three galleries include Split Rock Galleries, Flying Fox site and Tall Spirits site, with a few hidden gems along the way. Mark shared the story of the Quinkan spirits and the region commonly known as Quinkan Country. The Quinkan spirits, which are human like figures in the paintings, and it is believed that some Quinkans are good and others are evil. After Split Rock we ventured out further locally to Little Laura River, where we enjoyed a refreshing swim before returning to Crocodile Station.

As our time in the Cape was drawing to a close, the Cert II students had one final exam to complete before heading out to another local cattle station called Welcome Creek. As a working station it gets very busy during this time of the year. Our hosts Karlene and Roy Shephard manage both Crocodile Station and Welcome Creek were busy with their staff mustering in over a thousand head of Brahman cattle on Welcome, unfortunately due recent weather we were unable to see them arrive, however a walk-through Welcome provided more adventure for all.

As the day and evening began to draw to a close, we began packing our campsite and the buses ready for an early departure the following day.

Many students were in awe by what they had witnessed and experienced during their short stay in Cape York, with a many wanting to revisit. As the group reflected, it became evident that the opportunity had provided valuable experiences that pushed their comfort zones and built resilience. For us as leaders, the most rewarding aspect is witnessing the students' growth and development, as well as hearing their individual highlights from the trip.

A sincere thank you to the following –

Roy and Karlene Shepherd, Crocodile Station  

Charles Sturt University, for the student placement

Tom Walker, Dominos pizza donations

Cooktown Food and Ice for their wonderful service

The Cooktown Museum and the wonderful staff

Willie Gordon from Hopevale

Ivan Deemal from Hopevale

Mary, Yeppoon PCYC manager

Queensland Ambulance Service

Dave Payne, Paramount Adventure Centre

Bundaberg NSHS – for supporting and encouraging the Walkabout program at NSHS

Trip leaders - Mark Cartner, Carly Naughton, Octavia Gold, Josh Hines and Lucy Weterings.

Whom without this trip could not have been such a success

Carly Naughton, Teacher 

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Fraser Coast Interschool Equestrian Competition

The Riverside Christian College is hosting their annual Fraser Coast Interschool Equestrian Competition on 20-23rd August. This event caters to novice riders and up, and has both western and English events. Miss Wilson is looking for students who have their own horse who would be keen to be a part of our school team and attend. 

Parents/carers are more than welcome to email Miss Wilson at alwil3@eq.edu.au for more info or have their students find her in O Block staffroom.

Amy Wilson, Teacher 

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 

Important dates

Friday 5, Term 3 2024

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

Year 7, 2025 enrolments open

Intention to enrol at BNSHS - 2025

We are beginning to gather information on students looking to enrol at North High in 2025.  We ask that you complete this form, which records your 'intention to enrol' but is not an official enrolment document.  Using the details you submit below, we will provide you with an enrolment pack to complete and return to the school. We also require emergency contact and medical details for your student to enable them to attend our Year 6 to 7 Transition Day in Term 4 (Details of this event will be provided closer to the day).

To check if your student is in the catchment for Bundaberg North SHS, the map is available at catchment map

First Name of student *

Last Name of student *

Date of birth of student *

Name of siblings currently enrolled at North High

Parent Name *

Address *

Parent email address

Parent contact phone number *

What school does your student currently attend * Please SelectBundaberg North SSMoore Park Beach SSOakwood SSGooburrum SSKolan South SSSharon SSAvondale SSYandaran SSOther

If you selected 'other' please name the school your student currently attends

I have checked the BNSHS catchment map and I am *

IN the catchment

NOT in the catchment

What year level will your student be in in 2025 * Please Select789101112

How would you like to receive your 2025 Enrolment Pack? * Please SelectElectronically to my email address aboveHard copy to collect from my student's primary schoolHard copy that I will collect from North HighHard copy given to sibling who currently attends BNSHS

Please list any of your student's special interests, achievements, involvement in extra-curricular activities

Please provide the name and contact details of an emergency contact *

Does your student have any medical or health related illnesses or issues that we should know about to keep your child safe whilst they are at our school. * Please SelectNoYes

If you said yes to the above question, please provide full details here

Comments or questions.

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