BNSHS Newsletter 28 August 2024

From the Principal's Office

Happy Retirement to Dave Orpin!

After 45 years of dedicated service, we are bidding a fond farewell to David Orpin this week, who has been the heart and soul of maintaining our school buildings and grounds. From ensuring the classrooms were always safe and welcoming, to handling the numerous and continual maintenance challenges and requests with skill and care, Dave has been an invaluable part of our community for almost as long as the school has existed. His commitment to keeping our facilities in top condition has not only supported countless students and staff but has also played a vital role in creating an environment where learning and growth could occur.

Few employees demonstrate the same pride and willingness to go over and above their job description, “Orpy” as he is known, did what was needed whenever it was needed to ensure the school is well presented and could function easily. Over the numerous years he displayed commitment beyond the facilities, to ensure school productions, musicals, Rock Eisteddfods and any other event, was set up professionally. This also includes numerous hours of construction or transport if needed.

'As he retires, we express our deepest gratitude for his decades of hard work, dedication, and the positive impact he's had on our school. Dave, you will be greatly missed. We wish you all the best in your well-deserved retirement!

Student Free Day – this Friday

As Year 12 students are nearing the completion of their senior years, this Friday is a designated Student Free Day for all schools to enable the final Confirmation event to occur. At this event sampled student work is reviewed to ensure consistency of marking across the state, across all secondary schools.

I would like to thank the teachers from BNSHS who have put their hand up to complete confirmation as this Senior system relies on staff volunteering into these positions. Whilst it does occur on Friday, there is an additional commitment of time for staff who are involved in the days leading up to it and afterwards as they finalise their reviews.

All other staff remain at school and are involved in Professional Development. This year, the teaching staff are focusing on building their skills in IT integration into lesson planning and delivery as well as undertaking planning activities for the 2025 curriculum given the new Applied subject syllabus roll into Year 12 whilst new syllabus for General subjects commence in year 11. This is in addition to the introduction of version 9 of the Australian Curriculum in many faculty areas. As you can see, curriculum development is a significant part of teacher workload at the moment.

Employment opportunities

We have a number of non-teaching employment opportunities currently advertised including:

• Teacher Aide (Identified First Nations) – numerous positions, flexible hours / days for Term 4
• Community Education Counsellor (Identified First Nations) – 8hours per week split between Tuesday and Friday afternoons. Primary role involves the coordination of the Dream Deadly Homework program.
• Schools Officer - Grounds and Facilities – Expressions of Interest for Term 4 full-time employment
• Tuckshop Convenor – P&C are recruiting for a Term 4 commencement with permanency heading into 2025.

More information on each of these positions can be found on our School Website: 

Parent involvement

Thursday of Week 9 – 5 September, is our next P&C meeting. It has been moved to the first Thursday for this month only.

Currently there are very few P&C members which is concerning as our P&C make a vital contribution to the school, the largest, and most integral being, the operation of our Tuckshop. Many schools who aren’t able to recruit members to their P&C have had to stop operation which has impacted on their operation of the tuckshop. Some schools end up closing their tuckshop whilst others outsource its operation to external businesses, which means the school no longer benefit from the profits (though small under a P&C operated tuckshop).

I encourage any parent who may be able to come along to a monthly meeting to attend. We have a small band of members who are extremely experienced and willing to share their knowledge with anyone new. It is an excellent opportunity to hear about what is happening in the school and also provide feedback directly to the school. I look forward to meeting a few new faces on Thursday evening in the Admin building at 6pm.

Bundaberg Athletics

On Monday and Tuesday of this week, we had a strong team of athletes attend the Wide Bay Track and Field event. This event was highly successful with final results of our students being published in the next newsletter. Thanks to Mrs Hearn, Mr Findlay, Mr Thatcher and Miss Beeby for officiating at the event across the two days and for the Senior Sport and Recreation students who also assisted across the two days.

Natalie Brandon, Principal 

The Watson Report

ASSESSMENT

Now in week 8 of the term, students in year 7 – 10 are completing assessment or preparing for assessment. Our current fortnightly Teaching and Learning focus is assessment. Students are asked to consider the following questions:

Do you know the focus of your unit assessment?

What resources can you access?

Where do you go for help?

Do you know when the draft and final copy are due?

Parents and Carers can support their student by ‘checking in’ and asking about assessment. If students cannot answer these questions, they should speak with their classroom teacher or the subject Head of Department. Students can access current assessment planners through the Student SharePoint page (see the link below).

CELEBRATION LUNCH

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 over the next few weeks, with students being notified this week.  

Criteria:

90% - 94.99% = certificate

95% or greater = certificate and tuckshop voucher

100% = certificate and invitation to Celebration Luncheon.

To recognise the outstanding effort of students who have achieved 100% for semester 1, they will be invited to a special Celebration Luncheon, at the L Block dining room on Wednesday 4 September. These students will receive an invitation and will need to RSVP via email by Friday 30 August.

GOTCHA CASH IN DAY

The term 3 Gotcha ‘Cash In’ Day is next week, Thursday 5 September! This term we have hot chips, freshly baked biscuits and a variety of drinks. To receive hot chips or a biscuit, students need to hand in their Gotchas to their Year Level Coordinator or Year Level HOD for a voucher.  Students receive Gotchas for demonstrating the school values of Respect, Responsibility and Safety, so keep collecting Gotchas!

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK!

The North Rewards program is how we recognise positive student behaviour at BNSHS. We are currently reviewing Gotchas, Positive Postcards and Reward Days. The survey (use link below or QR code) is open to staff, students and parents/carers. Please take a few minutes to tell us what you think works well, what changes could be made and ideas you have for our reward program. If you’d like to speak with someone, please feel free to contact me via email rwats34@eq.edu.au or phone 4130 0222.

Rebecca Watson, Deputy Principal

Senior Schooling Report

Preparing for Year 12 External Practice Exams

As we approach the final weeks of the term, it's time to focus on the upcoming external practice exams that are crucial for our Year 12 students. These exams are an important step in preparing for the actual assessments that will determine your final grades.

Important Information & Schedule

Below you will find the official External Exam Assessment Equipment List provided by the QCAA. It is essential that you carefully review this document, as it outlines both the general equipment required for all exams and any specific items needed for particular subjects. Ensuring that you have the correct materials will help you to be fully prepared and avoid any unnecessary stress on exam day.

Our practice exam block is scheduled as follows:

• Week 9: The practice exams will begin with the General English exam on Wednesday morning.
• Week 10: The remainder of the exams will be held during a 4-day block from Monday to Thursday.

During this time, any classes that do not have scheduled exams will be utilised as double periods. These sessions are designed for students to catch up on or finalise any outstanding work. If you do not have a scheduled class during a particular block, you will be directed to the library, as outlined in your exam schedule.

The term will culminate with our traditional swimming carnival, offering a fun and relaxing way to close out this intense period of study.

Individual Exam Schedules

Individualised practice exam schedules were distributed during RAS on the 27th of August. If you have not yet received your schedule, please collect it from your RAS teacher as soon as possible. This schedule will detail your specific exam times and locations.

We encourage you to begin your preparations early, ensuring that you are familiar with your exam schedule, have all necessary equipment ready, and are well-prepared for each subject.

Best of luck with your studies, and remember that your teachers are here to support you every step of the way.

Aaron Ross, Deputy Principal 

BNSHS Swimming Carnival

Swimming Carnival Consent Form 2024

Opti-MINDS

 Congratulations Team on an Outstanding Opti-MINDS Performance! 

After six weeks of dedication, creativity, and hard work, the team delivered an absolutely fantastic performance at Opti-MINDS! 

Transforming The Three Little Pigs into a captivating 10-minute twist is no small feat, and your innovative approach truly twisted the text into a modern take.

From brainstorming sessions to rehearsals, your commitment and teamwork have been outstanding. Your performance not only showcased your talent but also highlighted the power of collaboration and imagination. 

We're incredibly proud of each and every one of you for your creativity and effort. Well done, team!

Sophie Parkinson, Teacher

RYDA - Road Safety Excursion

Year 10 students had the pleasure of attending the RYDA road safety excursion hosted at the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct on Tuesday 13 August.  Students had the opportunity to reflect on their risk profiles, learn about the considerations for safety on the road, and investigate the effect of speed and road surface on stopping distance.  With students beginning to obtain learners permits this timely day out will assist the students to become safe drivers and passengers into the future.

Andrew Duncan, Head of Department Mathematics

Moore Park Beach Arts Festival Band Performance

On Friday 18^th August 2024 the Bundaberg North SHS Concert Band performed at the Moore Park Beach Arts Festival’s junior launch day. They combined with some of our feeder primary schools, Bundaberg North SS, Gooburrum SS and Moore Park Beach SS to give the smaller schools a bigger band experience, as well as playing some new and well-known tunes for the appreciative audience. It is the first time the band has played for the Arts Festival in about five years and the Arts Festival committee was very grateful for our contribution to the community. The primary school students were inspired by the high school band, giving them something to look forward to when they come to BNSHS for high school and encouraging them to keep playing their instrument.

Rebecca Helbig, Instrumental Music Teacher 

Theatre Week

This year, two Year 11 students, Kyla and Rebecca, have been accepted into Queensland Theatre Company’s Theatre Residency Week to be held during the first week of the September school holidays. Theatre Residency Week is an intensive theatre camp for students in Years 9-12. Running since the QTC’s inception 54 years ago, it is the longest-running theatre program of its kind in Australia. Over the past five decades, young artists from around the country have attended Theatre Residency Week and participated in workshops, masterclasses, forum discussions with practising theatre makers, and attended incursions and excursions.

It is a huge honour for the school to have two students selected, as applicants come from all over Queensland. Furthermore, Kyla was selected to receive one of the scholarships donated by the Billie Brown Scholarship, The Gough Family Education Scholarships, and The Empire Theatre Toowoomba.

Kyla and Rebecca will have the opportunity to engage with practising theatre artists and work with a major theatre company, culminating with a performance in front of an audience of their peers, family, friends and industry professionals. An amazing experience for two exceptionally talented North students! 

Sue Latimer, Teacher

Sport at North

Netball Success 

Our four netball teams had a fantastic day at the Regional Netball Carnival on Friday. A big thank you to Bundaberg State High School for hosting the event! 

Congratulations to our teams:

🥈 Mixed Senior Team: 2nd place

🥉 Senior Girls Team: 3rd place

🥉 Senior Boys Team: 3rd place

Your effort, determination and teamwork were truly impressive. Well done, teams! 

Sophie Parkinson, Teacher and Netball Coach 

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Come along to North's 2024 Arts Night

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

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

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.

Submit

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Thank you for your submission. It has been received successfully. 

Friday 5, Term 3 2024

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

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.