BNSHS Newsletter 12 March 2025

From the Principal's Office

Much has happened since the last newsletter in week 4. To say that we have been busy has been an understatement. We are within the NAPLAN assessment window, we have prioritised our assessment processes, held a great swimming carnival, engaged in culturally appropriate First Nations Programs and maintained the high expectations of the North Way. Furthermore, we have held School Council meetings and our P&C AGM. 

Students are well into their assessment and should be receiving explicit feedback relating to their task, in accordance with the marking guide. I spoke on assembly this week about all students providing their best effort and meeting draft, and later due dates so that we have students receiving the grades they deserve. I have confidence that the explicit focus on the assessment will provide positive outcomes for all of our students. To support your child, please discuss the individual tasks, ask students about their understanding and support them with managing their assessment calendar. Should your child have concerns with a task, please ask them to reach out to their teacher.

I thank Mr Thatcher and his willing band of assistants who delivered a rewarding swim carnival. We have named our Age Champions and congratulated Monduran on being named the Champion House. Days such as this are truly powerful in a school's culture and I appreciate all who have competed on the day and supported their team mates. Such events are not just about finding out who is the best swimmer. It is about commitment to a cause, trying your best and realising that every little effort counts. Our students behaved well on the day and have further cemented a positive start to the school year. 

Our First nations Students have engaged recently in a range of cultural and supportive programs. Our students have started the River Connections Program where they will build a traditional canoe with support from elders within the community. They have started a range of boys' and girls' programs, aimed at meeting individual needs in a culturally sensitive way. The homework club has also recommenced with pleasing numbers. Students on a Thursday afternoon engage in cultural activities and then engage in homework or study with the explicit focus on academic achievement. 

The North Way, our signature program brings most of these foci together by prioritising high expectations, building expert teachers who are aware of student needs, delivering the curriculum authentically, all the while whilst building positive relationships. I note that there has been significantly reduced behaviours from this time last year. There has been a reduction of 2/5 in terms of suspensions and a reduction on average of 9 behaviour referrals a day. There has also been a significant improvement in the number of positive 'Gotchas' that have been provided to students, indicating that as a school we are noticing the improvement in student responses and commitment to our values. Add this to the Resilience Project, building Gratitude, Empathy and Mindfulness which supports the growth of Resilience and I can report that Bundaberg North is a great place to be. 

Our school council is meeting behind the scenes in smaller groups, working to further improve key agendas such as our image and also student accessibility to devices. Should you have any suggestions, I encourage you to reach out to me so that I can pass this on to the council. 

Our P&C held their AGM on Tuesday. I would like to thank the outgoing executive for their commitment over the last 12 months. This year's executive, Shelley Hansen (President) Justin Sawell (Treasurer) and Di Sawell(Vice President) have again committed to supporting the purchase of a bus, if we gain support from the Gambling Fund, and will also financially support the Year 7 camp to be held in Term 4. 

I encourage all families to have their children attend school. Mrs Brandon speaks of this in her report but I can't stress enough the importance of student attendance to academic outcomes. 

This weekend we have the Lions Youth of the Year at Bundaberg North on Saturday. We wish Zahlia and Ben the very best in the next round of the competition. Thank you, Mrs Jensen, for your considerable support of the program.  

I would also ask parents and carers to ensure that students bring a hat to school so that we are providing a sun safe commitment to all students. I have started communicating to students the need to be sun safe and have raised this with the P&C who are supportive of this stance. After advertising for some time, we will start mandating a No Hat, No Play rule. I have confidence that you will support this agenda, which protects all of our young people from the effects of the sun. I have also asked that students start considering their winter uniforms. I expect all jumpers to meet our uniform standards. 

The next few weeks, leading into the holidays are extremely busy. We have end of term reporting, School photos, the Shave for a Cure, BDSSS finals days, our GEM Day and preparation for ANZAC Day. Whilst we continue to provide a full and engaging school program for all students, I am sure that we will continue to strengthen the North Way and further solidify the great outcomes at our school. 

Craig Martin, Principal

News from Mrs Brandon

2026 Year 7 students – Enrolment Information Session

I am excited to invite parents, carers and current Year 6 students to our 2026 Year 7 Information Evening on Tuesday 6 May at 5.30pm. Hear from school staff on the programs that we deliver and supports we can put in place, which will make BNSHS the right choice for your student. We will have enrolment packs available on the night.

GOTCHA Stamps making their mark

Over these past 7 weeks of Term 1, have had in excess of 76,000 stamps banked by students. Students receive a stamp for displaying our school values: Respect, Responsibility, Resilience and Learning. Before the end of term, students will have the opportunity to cash in their GOTCHAs or save them for a bigger reward such as money off their Formal Ticket or a store voucher.

Congratulations to Year 7s who have banked the most GOTCHA stamps so far and Tirroan who is leading the House Tally!

Attendance is slipping

Unfortunately, we already have slipped below 90% attendance as a school. If we were to apply a work scenario to that percentage, that is the same as someone have ONE day off each fortnight. I don’t believe this is acceptable in a workplace. We need our students to be here more regularly, so that they are establishing good work ethic and habits ready for the workforce. Attendance also has a significant impact on academic acheivement. 

If you are a Q Parent user, you can see your student’s attendance percentage in the app. For all other parents, we will provide students with their attendance percentages early in Term 2. If you are having difficulty getting your student to school, please reach out to the Year Level Coordinators or Sector HODs for assistance.

The Resilience Project

Natalie Brandon, Deputy Principal 

Senior Schooling Update

Year 10 Work Experience

On Tuesday 11 March Year 10 students received information in relation to work experience. If your student was absent from school on Tuesday, please ask them to collect a work experience form from the Year Level Coordinator Mrs Dexter (Lower C block) or Mrs Prince (G block). Completed work experience forms need to be returned to Mrs Prince in G block by the end of Week 2, Term 2, 2 May. Students are responsible for attaining their own placement. However students may seek assistance from Mrs Dexter or Mrs Prince. Work experience will be held in Week 3 of Term 3, 28 July-1 August.

Mick Findlay, Deputy Principal 

School Photo Day - 19 March 2025

We are excited to announce that School Photo Day is just around the corner! It will take place on Wednesday, 19 March 2025.

Professional photographers will be on campus to capture memorable portraits of your student. To ensure the process runs smoothly, we kindly ask for your cooperation with the following:

• Forms and Payments: Please place your order online before the day of photography. Go to www.advancedlife.com.au and enter this code: XREVMX8E2. If you are unable to order online, please have your child hand the completed order envelope, directly to the photographers on the day of photography.
  
• Preparation: To help your child feel confident and ready, please remind them to brush their hair and teeth before leaving home. Should your child feel they need to wear makeup, please ensure that it is natural and subdued in nature
  
• Absent students: If your student is unable to attend school on Photo Day, we will arrange for a catch-up day on Thursday, 20 March 2025.
  
• Uniform
  
  • Year 7-10 – sports uniform
  • Year 11-12 – formal uniform (including school tie)
• Jewellery
  
  • Small studs or sleepers in ears (preferably only one)
  • One small nose stud (if required) We would appreciate this being removed if possible
    
  • No visible necklace
• Hair
  • Neutral hair colour
• Make-up
  • Natural and subdued in nature  

Students with inappropriate uniform, jewellery, hair and makeup will be supported by staff to meet school requirements. Students will only be permitted to participate in photos once these requirements are met.

We are looking forward to a successful Photo Day. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the school office.

Mick Findlay, Deputy Principal

Get excited! World's Greatest Shave is back at North High

Are you ready for the World's Greatest Shave? 

Once again North High is participating in the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave. Students can 'Shave for a Cure' or 'Colour for a Cause' to help find a cure for blood cancer.

Tuesday 25 March is the day.

Students interested in colouring or shaving their hair are to collect a consent form from Mrs Jensen and be prepared to fundraise! See Mrs Jensen in O Block for more information.

Students can also help raise money for this worthy cause by participating in the Uniform Free day on Tuesday 25 March and bringing along their gold coin donation. The theme of the day is 'BRIGHT COLOURS', so wear your brightest (sun safe) outfit! 

Check out our Fundraising page to see who is participating and to donate now!

Keri Jensen, Teacher

Year 7 & 10 School Immunisation Program

The Year 7 & 10 School Immunisation Program, run by Ozcare, is scheduled for the following dates at Bundaberg North SHS

• Year 7 HPV & dTpa Year 7 Clinic: Wednesday 26 March 2025 at 9.00am
• Year 10 ACWY & MenB Dose 1 Double Clinic: Wednesday 26 March 2025 at 9.00am
• Year 10 MenB Dose 2 Single Clinic: Wednesday 18 June 2025 at 8:45am

Emails have been sent to parents/carers of Year 7 & 10 children with more information and how to provide consent/non consent for this program.

If you are having any issues creating an account or booking this service, please contact the school’s immunisation service provider, Ozcare at administration.bundaberg@ozcare.org.au or by phoning 41308900.

Shelley Thornton, Junior School HOD 

GPs in State School Program at North

Did you know that Bundaberg North State High School has a Nurse Practitioner (NP) available 4 days per month? I’m here to provide health advice, medical assessments, and support for students right on campus.

✔️ Need help managing asthma, acne, stress, or sports injuries?

✔️ Want advice on sleep, nutrition, or general wellbeing?

✔️ Have concerns about sexual health, periods, or chronic conditions?

I provide a confidential, supportive space, with no cost to discuss health concerns. Drop in and say hi!

📅 Location: Nurse/GP room (shared with Nurse Robyn)

Claire Bayliss, Nurse Practitioner 

Student Success Stories

Harding Miller Education Foundation Scholarship Recipient is... 

Congratulations to Cyn, a Year 9 student, on receiving a Harding Miller Education Foundation scholarship! Scholarship recipients have high academic potential and are dedicated to their schooling. The scholarship has been designed to provide students with practical support to boost their educational achievements and career aspirations. As part of their scholarship package, students receive a new high-quality laptop to assist with their studies. Well done Cyn! 

Success for Darcy at the Corey Parker 9s tournament

Recently Darcy, a Year 8 student, travelled to Brisbane with his All-Abilities Rugby League team and participated in the Corey Parker 9s tournament.  It was a two-day tournament, with games being played on both days.  Darcy had an outstanding tournament improving his skills along the way which led him to being named player of the match.  Well done Darcy! 

LYOY Public Speaking Competition 2025

5 Senior Students participated in the Lions Youth of the Year Public Speaking Competition recently. Benjamin won the Best Overall Public Speaking Award on the evening and now progresses to the Regional Finals where he will represent the Moore Park Lions Club. Zahlia also progresses to the next stage of the competition having won the Bundaberg North Lions Club division. Congratulations to these two students on this outstanding achievement. We wish them well for the Regional Finals being held at our school on Saturday 15 March.

All students attended an interview in the morning at school with 3 Judges and in the evening delivered a 5 minute prepared speech on a topic of their choice. They were also required to respond to 2 two-minute impromptu questions.

Keri Jensen, LYOY Coordinator

Sport @ North

Swimming Carnival Report 

The annual inter-house Swimming Carnival took place on 28 February 2025, at Norville Park Pool, bringing together students, teachers, and supporters for a day of spirited competition, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. The event featured a mix of competitive swimming events, team relays, and water polo matches, making it a well-rounded and engaging experience for all involved.

House Participation and Structure

The four competing houses - Monduran, Tirroan, Walla, and Mabbro - arrived in full force, with students proudly donning their house colours and cheering for their teammates. House captains and sport captains played a pivotal role in rallying their peers and ensuring high participation levels across all events. It was also great to see so many supporting the fancy dress theme, using the first letter of their name as inspiration for their costume.

Swimming Events

The carnival followed a structured format, allowing swimmers of all skill levels to participate in various strokes and relays. The day’s competitive events included:

• Freestyle
• Backstroke
• Breaststroke
• Butterfly
• Junior and Senior House Relays
• Teachers vs. Sports & House Captains Relay

These races showcased the athletic abilities of the participants, with students giving their best efforts in every event. The energy and excitement were palpable as housemates cheered for their swimmers from the sidelines.

Water Polo Matches

Alongside the swimming races, water polo matches were held throughout the day. These matches saw age groups competing against each other for their respective houses, adding an exciting team-oriented element to the carnival. However, one of the key takeaways from this year’s event was the need for better scheduling between water polo matches and race times, as some students found themselves unable to participate in both due to timing conflicts.

Overall House Results

After an intense day of competition, the final house standings were as follows:

1. Monduran – 474
2. Tirroan - 469
3. Mabbro - 242
4. Walla - 225

Monduran emerged victorious by a small margin, solidifying their dominance in the pool and celebrating a hard-earned win.

Individual Age Champions

The individual age champions represented their houses with outstanding performances in their respective age brackets. The winners ranged from 12 years through to the Open division, demonstrating their dedication and skill in the pool. Special mention must be made of Pippa W who broke all the 12yrs Girls records! Well Done Pippa!

Age Champions:

• 12 Years – Lauchlan  & Pippa 
• 13 Years – Mark  & Ava 
• 14 Years – Dylan  & Charlie-Rose 
• 15 Years – Davey  & Marlee 
• 16 Years – Keenan & Ella 
• Opens – Matthew  & Sarah 

Notable Moments:

Beyond the races, the carnival had several memorable moments that added to the fun and excitement:

• Mr. Elphinstone was coerced into the pool for a social swim, much to the delight of the students.
• The highly anticipated Teachers vs. Sports & House Captains Relay was a crowd favourite, with Mr. Smith, Mr. Elphinstone, Mr. Shield, Mrs. Knight, Mrs. Gold, and Mr. Thatcher leading the way for the teachers in yet another victory to the staff team.
• The Grade 12 fundraising sausage sizzle was a great success, helping raise funds for the upcoming formal while providing a well-earned meal for participants and spectators.

Student Engagement and Atmosphere:

The overall atmosphere of the event was lively, with strong student engagement throughout the day. House spirit was on full display, with chants, banners, and enthusiastic support for teammates.

The collective effort from all students was commendable. Each competitor contributed to their house’s score, ensuring a well-balanced and fair contest.

Areas for Improvement:

While the event was widely considered a success, feedback from students highlighted areas for improvement:

1. More Water Polo Time – Many students felt that they didn’t get enough time to participate in water polo matches and requested that additional games be scheduled for future carnivals.
2. Better Scheduling – Some students were stuck in the marshalling area for swimming races while their water polo event was happening, leading to frustration over missed opportunities.

Addressing these concerns in next year’s carnival could lead to an even more enjoyable experience for all participants.

Conclusion:

The 2025 Swimming Carnival was a resounding success, fostering house spirit, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. With Monduran securing the overall victory, multiple records broken, and strong participation across all events, the day was one to remember.

The event organizers, teachers, and house captains deserve immense credit for their efforts in making the day run smoothly. As the school looks forward to next year’s carnival, fine-tuning the water polo scheduling and ensuring greater student participation will be key areas to focus on.

Overall, the carnival delivered on its promise of competition, fun, and unity, reinforcing the school’s strong sporting culture and the importance of community-driven events.

Rob Thatcher, Sports Coordinator

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Senior Visual Art Students Explore Brisbane’s Art Scene

On 7 February 2025, the senior Visual Art General students embarked on an exciting excursion to Brisbane, immersing themselves in the city's vibrant art and culture. The day included visits to the Queensland Art Gallery (QAG) and the Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA), as well as exploration of the Brisbane CBD’s dynamic public art scene.

The adventure began before sunrise, with students witnessing the first light of day from the tilt train. Excitement and anticipation filled the carriage as they prepared for a day of artistic discovery. Navigating the vast gallery spaces and bustling city streets was an experience in itself, helping students build confidence in exploring new environments.

A highlight of the day was the impressive stamina of Mrs McDonald who led the group tirelessly through the galleries; many students were quick to mention their aching legs by the afternoon! While some students delved into the rich world of public art scattered throughout the CBD, others opted for a different kind of cultural experience, indulging high-end retail therapy. The age-old debate between Krispy Kreme doughnuts and the delicate pastries from Lune was also a talking point, with students passionately weighing in on their preferred treat.

As the sun set behind the Glasshouse Mountains, the return train journey was quiet, with exhausted but inspired students reflecting on their experiences. A heartfelt thank you to the parents who collected their weary young artists that evening—no doubt, they slept soundly after a day packed with creativity and exploration.

Stay tuned for upcoming artworks that will be developed in response to this unforgettable excursion.

Petrina McDonald, Teacher 

Soil Science

On Friday March 7, our Year 11 Earth and environmental science class went to Palmer Creek to observe exposed soil profiles, collect soil samples from the A and B soil horizons, and compare the soil to the type of vegetation that could be seen growing in it. Back at school we conducted tests on the soil including texture, slaking, dispersion, moisture content, pH and organic content. This will help students have a better understanding about the importance of soil properties, as well as understand how scientists process data and classify soils.

Friday 5, Term 1 2025 Registration

Friday 5 - Students remaining at school until 3pm Term 1, 2025

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

Clean up Australia Day

On Thursday February 27, students at Bundaberg North State High School had the opportunity to participate in a school clean up at second break to help reduce the litter in our school grounds. This helps to reduce litter going into our water ways and making its way to marine environments. Thank you to the students who participated in this event at school. We can help reduce litter in our school grounds and community by reducing the amount of packaging we purchase. Consider buying in bulk and splitting food between reusable containers for lunches instead of using clip seal bags, gladwrap, or pre-portioned snacks. This is usually also more economical.

On Sunday March 2 a group of Bundaberg North SHS students, parents, and staff helped make our community cleaner by picking up rubbish for Clean Up Australia at the North Lions Park. As usual, cigarette butts were the most plentiful item of rubbish in the area. Cigarette butts contain plastic filters that not only don’t break down but also contain various toxic chemicals that leech into the soil and can be consumed by animals. To any smokers in our community, please “bin your butts”. Thank you to the students, parents, and staff who participated in our community clean up, taking time out of your Sunday afternoon to “do the right thing”.

Tracy Roberts, Teacher & Planeteers Coordinator 

Ocean Crusaders visit for Day of Action for Rivers

March the 14^th is International Day of Action for Rivers. The North High Planeteers invited the Ocean Crusaders to come and show us what they pulled out of the Burnett River on Thursday the 13^th of March and talk to us, along with Tegan from the Bundaberg Regional Council, about what we can do to help our river. Gemma and Andy from Ocean Crusaders, along with two volunteers, collected this boat load of rubbish in just 5 hours from the North Wall of the Burnett River. From February 2024 to February 2025, they collected 20 tonnes of rubbish from the Burnett River. They spend 3 days each month removing rubbish from the Burnett River so that it doesn’t end up washed out into the ocean or in the stomachs of birds or ocean creatures. A lot of the rubbish they collect is plastic that has started to break up into microplastics. They recycle whatever they can from what they collect and the rest goes to landfill. Gemma and Andy would love to be out of a job by one day finding there was no rubbish to collect. We can make this happen by ensuring our rubbish goes in the bin, educating others about the damage rubbish does to our waterways and the creatures that live there, and reducing the plastic we use in the first place. You can follow Ocean Crusaders on Facebook and register to volunteer with them next time they are cleaning up our river. Thank you Tegan, Gemma and Andy for showing us what you do and educating us on what we can do.

Tracy Roberts, Teacher & Planeteers Coordinator 

Trade Tasters

We are excited to announce the return of our popular TAFE Taster programs in Term 2 for Year 10 students. Applications open at 9 am on Monday, 10 March 2025. Students will need a USI (a unique student identification Number) to apply. Please see Mrs Prince to apply today. 

The areas of trades that are available:

Salon Taster

Hairdressing

Trade Taster 

Plumbing, Electrical, construction 

Cookery Taster

Kitchen Assistant, Chef

Alisha Prince, Teacher Aide VET Coordinator

Save the Date for Career Expo 2025

2025 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey

All Year 12 completers from last year will soon receive an invitation to participate in the Next Step survey. This is their chance to help our school understand the different pathways of the 2024 Year 12 students so that we can improve our senior programs and supports for future students. The survey only takes five minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school.

As a thank you for participating, Year 12 completers who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win a MacBook Air.

We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. If their contact details have changed, please assist survey interviewers by providing their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone.

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