BNSHS Newsletter 13 November 2024

From the Principal's Office

Vision for 2025 and beyond

Since our School Review in Term 1 and the findings arriving in the school mid Term 2, we have been reviewing the affirmations and recommendations made in the report in order to prepare the next four-year Strategic Plan. One of the key improvement strategies was to “Collaboratively develop a compelling vision that drives the school’s direction for the next 4 years, to nurture understanding of, and commitment to, a strong and optimistic culture for learning.” For those of you who regularly read the school newsletters, you would be aware that we have been undertaking a review of the school’s Vision and current Values as there were options put to readers and a vote able to occur.

This feedback together with that from staff, P&C, School Council and some students, have resulted in the following new Vision and Values for Bundaberg North State High School from 2025.

Along with this development we as a staff, after determined the three following key priority areas for the next four years:

We will continue to work on operationalising these priorities over the coming years, with particular focus changing now to the development of our 2025 Annual Implementation Plan.

I hope that the community can identify with new Vision and the values we will be aiming to instil in our young people as the years go on. We will be consciously working to assist all our students to Realise Their Potential and will continue to deliver high quality education whilst also assist all students accept one another and be able to work together.

New Principal has commenced transition

As announced at the end of Term 2, Mr Craig Martin will be stepping in as Principal from the start of 2025. We have started this transition to ensure there is a smooth start to the year with Craig attending meetings focussed on the Strategic Plan development and also introducing himself to the teaching staff at last week’s Staff Meeting. We will continue regular contact over the coming weeks whilst Craig will also attend School Council meeting and the LCEB meeting in December.

Senior’s Last Week

Last week marked the final week of school for our 2024 Seniors. The Graduation Ceremony was held on Wednesday, 13th November in the Hall to officially wish them well as they embark on their new journeys beyond the school gates. The students then transformed into beautiful young adults, barely recognisable for Thursday evening’s Prom which was an incredible night for all who attended.

We wish all our graduating Year 12 students all the very best for their future endeavours. I encourage you all to go out into the world with confidence, knowing that you have the skills, knowledge, and character to achieve great things.

2024 Year 12 Prom

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Week 11 Plans for years 7,8,9

As the Year 12 students finish off their schooling, our attention very promptly shifts to the finishing off the school year well with our other cohorts.

The year 10 and 11’s finish their classes next Friday (22 November) with the year 11 students having spent the past few weeks commencing year 12 work and ensuring their subjects are set for year 12. We do not want many, if any, subject changes at the start of next year for the year 11s in 12. We want teachers to be able to start straight away into the work in earnest, in order to meet timelines for reporting and QCAA.

For the Years 7,8 and 9 students they will have a further 3 weeks of scheduled school after the year 10 and 11s leave. We will be implementing our Alternate Program for the final 2 weeks of school for these 3 cohorts in order to provide opportunity for students to participate in a variety of non-curricular activities, whilst balancing this time for staff to do essential planning and preparation for 2025 with particular focus on:

• Australian Curriculum implementation of v9 for several faculty areas;
• New syllabus requirements for Applied subjects moving into Year 12;
• New syllabus requirements for General subjects starting in Year 11.

As you can appreciate, with 3 different changes to curriculum content, planning and preparation time is extremely important to ensure our staff are well placed to continue delivery of quality Teaching and Learning.

Should your Year 7,8 or 9 student not be able to attend during this 2-week alternate program, the usual absence process is required with notification to the school via the usual channels – Q Parents, phone, SMS or email. Usual behaviour expectations will apply from now – across the 4 ½ weeks to the holidays which commence on the 13 December, including the Away for the Day phone policy.

Natalie Brandon, Principal 

The Watson Report

Gotcha CASH IN Days coming soon

This term there will be two Gotcha CASH IN Days: Thursday 22 November and Thursday 5 December. This an opportunity for students to ‘cash in’ their Gotchas for soft drink, chocolates or chips! Students receive Gotchas for demonstrating the school values of Respect, Responsibility and Safety.

Rewards Days

Congratulations to the students who have qualified for the term 4 reward days. This term there are two days, one for years 10 – 11 on Friday 22 November to Bundy Bowl and one tor years 7 – 9 to Norville Pool on Tuesday 3 December. Invitations/permission notes have been sent to the year 10 – 11 parent/carers last week. Invitations/permission notes will be sent to parent/carers of year 7 – 9 students next week. There will be no cost for students to participate. Any questions, please contact me by email rwats34@eq.edu.au or phone 4130 0222.

LEAP: Leadership, Enrichment, Aspiration, Passion

On Tuesday 22 October a group of 25 year 8 students participated in the English LEAP activity: Shark Tank. The students did an amazing job pitching their inventions to solve an issue. Following brainstorming and research, each group ‘pitched’ their invention. The students came up with innovative solutions and presented convincing arguments to promote their products. As one of the ‘sharks’ I had a very difficult job to select a winner! Well done to all groups.

Rebecca Watson, Deputy Principal 

Senior Schooling News

Queensland University Presentation

During RAS on the Tuesday 29th October, all Year 11 students enjoyed a 'post-school options' presentation from current Queensland University of Technology students. 

This session is to help students prepare to transition out of school. Whether they are going for an ATAR or selection rank, applying for university or TAFE studies, choosing vocational pathways, taking a gap year, or getting ready for work. QUT presenters discussed options and shared their own personal stories.

“I liked hearing about personal stories, pathways they took. Helped me feel more secure, they were relatable.”

“There are different pathways to take to get where you want”

“They answered all the questions I had about post school studies” – Student feedback.

CQU Connect Team

This term, during RAS, the Year 11 cohort welcomed representatives from the CQU Connect Team with CQUniversity. The CQU Connect Team delivered 3 modules of their Future Ready program to each RAS class. 

The modules included information for students to further develop and explore University and TAFE courses to gain a better understanding of what’s on offer and investigate pathways of specific interest. Year 11 reflected on where they are now, and the value of planning to realise their future success.  Students explored how staying motivated and remaining resilient are keys to being future ready.

Thank you CQU Connect Team - picture of Brock and Zahara (CQU Connect Team)

Year 6 to Year 7 2025 Transition Day

At Bundaberg North SHS we understand that starting high school is a big step!

To support year 6 students and their families on this journey, we are holding our second Transition Day for Year 7 2025 students on Wednesday, 27th November 2024. There will be a Parent Information Session at 9am. Learn about uniform, student support, extension opportunities, extra-curricular activities, communication and more!

Enrolment applications must be completed for your child to attend this Transition Day. If you have any questions, please contact our enrolments officer on 4130 0222. We look forward to welcoming our Year 7 2025 students!

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

GPs in State School Program at North

North is participating in the GPs in State Schools Program.

Our Nurse Practitioner Claire Bayliss is available to support students physical and mental health wellbeing. Seeing Claire is free, students just need to bring their Medicare card to their appointment.

Claire is available for student appointments on Tuesday and Thursday between 8.30am and 3.00pm. Appointments can be made through the school office. 

Try A Trade Day

Students from years 9 & 10 attended a Try a Trade Day held at Bundaberg Tafe Campus by CSQ Construction Pathways & World Skills.  The students had the opportunity to have hand on experience in 3 trades areas Timber Construction, Electrical, Metal Fabrication with a try on the virtual welder. Thank you to all the trainers that gave their time to show the students these trade areas. 

Year 11 Aquatics -Surfing Investigation

Students from 2, year 11 aquatic classes are hitting the beach to investigate whether surfboard size makes any difference when paddling for and catching waves. Students have also participated in learn to surf classes aimed at providing the opportunity to experience the stoke of surfing. For many of our North High students this will be a once in a lifetime opportunity whilst for others, it might just hook them into a recreational pursuit that could span a lifetime. The data collected from this investigation includes the ability to catch waves, the speed of paddling and standing up on boards of varying styles and sizes. So far, students have attended two sessions with a range of experiences from almost got the hang of it to full blown wave tamer status, while data seems to be pointing to an answer for our research question.’

Dan Smith, Teacher

Engagement through Technology

We are thrilled to share our school’s commitment to enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes through the strategic use of technology. As part of our schools’ priorities in 2025, we are focusing on integrating digital tools and resources to support and enrich our students’ educational experiences.

Key Initiatives:

1. Digital Learning Platforms: Students will access various digital platforms including QLearn and OneNote, that allow students 24-hour access to learning materials, collaborate with peers, and receive timely feedback from teachers.
   
   
2. Access to Devices: Students will primarily access digital learning platforms through the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program.

1. Digital Literacy Program: Students will engage in a digital literacy program to develop general IT skills to better engage in classroom technology and devices.
   
   
2. Professional Development: Our teachers are receiving ongoing professional development to effectively integrate technology into their teaching practices to create innovative and engaging lessons.

Benefits for Students:

• Enhanced Learning: Technology provides diverse and interactive learning experiences that cater to different learning styles, as well as ongoing access to assist with assessment, revision, and absence.
  
  
• Skill Development: Students will develop essential digital literacy skills that are crucial for their future education and careers.
  
  
• Engagement: Interactive and multimedia resources make learning more engaging and enjoyable to students.

Our School encourages participation in the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program for 2025 for all year levels. The school BYOD program allows students to bring their own devices to school, providing them with seamless access to digital learning resources both at school and at home.

For more information regarding minimum specifications, connecting to our school network and access to Office 365 please access our school website.

Thank you for your support in enhancing our students’ learning experiences.

Talk Money

Bundaberg North State High School students welcomed representatives from the Talk Money team with the Ecstra Foundation. 

The Ecstra Foundation is an independent charitable foundation committed to building the financial wellbeing of Australians. Talk Money workshops are designed to help Australian students learn money lessons for life, to be confident talking about money and to make informed financial decisions. Talk Money with Ecstra Foundation delivered virtual, facilitator led workshops for all Year 9 and 10 RAS classes. The program is provided at no cost to schools, enabling more students across Australia to access financial education at key life stages. 

Talk Money has been developed by education experts in collaboration with a financial education advisory group, providing diverse experience, insights and feedback. The workshops and resources are evidence based and aligned to the Australian Curriculum and the National Consumer and Financial Literacy Framework. 

Thank you to Jacq, Kim and Mikaela from Talk Money for presenting to Year 9 and 10. 

Helen Coulton, Guidance Officer

2024 BNSHS Christmas Hamper Drive

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

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 

Important dates

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.

Friday 5, Term 4 2024

Friday 5 - Students remaining at school until 3pm Term 4, 2024