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From the Principal's desk, 2024-T1-W8

 

​Craig Martin
Principal

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Dear Parents and Carers, 

I wish to share the great success of our students this term so far. 

Students learning 

Since starting at Bundaberg SHS, I have visited as many departments and classrooms as possible. I have been impressed with the support processes that exist at school for students and the calm and measured environment that exists. Students obviously know the expectations and have a commitment to their learning.  I have witnessed quality teaching which allows our students to engage fully in their learning. Our parents/carers can support this agenda, creating a positive impact on their student's learning. Two easy steps can help greatly in this space. Encourage students to attend school every day.  The second one is to take an interest in children's learning. 'It takes a village to raise a child' and the more engaged we all happen to be, the greater the outcomes for the young person.  

 

If you would like to know more about school processes and plans, I invite you to join our P&C Association. Our next P&C meeting is on Wednesday 27 March in P Block at 5:00 pm (through Gate 5). There is no pressure for anyone to take on a role and the meetings are a great opportunity to engage with the broader school community. The P&C provide valuable support to the leadership of the school. This conduit allows for parents and carers to find out about school operations and projects and ask questions about the future direction of the school. Members of the P&C support the strategic direction of the school, providing valuable advice to the leadership team.  

 

Leadership Investiture  

More than 250 guests watched on at the Bundaberg State High School Investiture and Year 12 Badge ceremony this year. Our Junior and Senior leaders came in unity and pledged to make Bundaberg SHS a better place to learn and grow. I am looking forward to working with the 2024 Student Council this year at Bundy High. I really appreciated the opportunity to attend the Student Council on Thursday. What an impressive group of young people who are committed to supporting their peers and the wider school community.
 


2023 Senior Dux  

Congratulations to Georgia Herbener who was named Bundaberg State High School 2023 Senior Dux at our Investiture Ceremony. The determination of the Senior Dux was delayed until the final release of final QCAA results, hence not being named at the Awards Evening last year. Georgia is currently studying at CQUniversity, Bundaberg Campus. It was a great opportunity for Mrs Arnold to present Georgia with her certificate and medallion. 

Maylee selected in U16 Brisbane Lions Academy National Championship Team 

Congratulations to Maylee W. who has been selected in the U16 Brisbane Lions Academy National Championship Team. Maylee trained regularly on the Sunshine Coast with the Sunshine Coast/Wide Bay regional Team and caught the eye of selectors with her athleticism in the air, bone crunching defence and ability to cover a number of key positions on the field. Maylee's hard work and dedication has paid off as she was named in the U16s Brisbane Lions National Championship Squad.  


Shijonawate High School visit to Bundaberg SHS 

It has been wonderful to have our sister-school Shijonawate High School join us this week from Osaka, Japan. Students and staff joined us for a cultural experience supported by the homestay arrangement with families from our school community. This tour is part of an ongoing relationship which has extended for more than twenty years. Some of our students who studied Japanese last year were fortunate to go on a Study Tour to Japan at the end of 2023. This offer will be available to students again this year. Such a positive relationship provides our students with the opportunity to further evolve as global citizens, developing a deeper understanding of other cultures. I would like to congratulate Seth J. for his welcome in Japanese to the visiting students along with the Taiko Drummers. 



NAPLAN 

The annual NAPLAN testing program for Year 7 and 9 students began this week and will continue till all students have completed the tests which are due to conclude by Monday 25 March. NAPLAN tests students' skills across four domains encompassed within writing, reading, grammar and numeracy. I would like to thank our staff who have worked tirelessly to ensure that all tests will run smoothly. In particular I would like to thank Chris Lee and the IT staff who have managed the planning and organization with great efficiency.  

 

QParents 

QParents is a secure, online portal that is free for all Queensland State Schools to use, providing parents with quick, easy access to their student information including: 

  • student and attendance details 
  • behaviour information 
  • report cards and assessment planners 
  • timetables and upcoming events 
  • invoices and payment history. 

    We strongly encourage all parents/carers to utilise this very efficient innovation. 

Taiko Drummers 

Our Taiko Drummers played at the Bundaberg Botanic Chinese Gardens in recognition of the Luna New Year celebrations this term. Our students played magnificently and anyone who has ever heard our students play the Taiko Drums is truly impressed by their performance skills. We received positive comments from our local community after they watched and heard our students perform. Students also shared their talent by playing down at the beach to our community's delight. Pleasingly they also welcomed the Shijonawate students to Bundaberg SHS on Monday morning. We thank the Taiko Drummers for representing our school in such a positive manner. 



Lions Youth of the Year 

On Saturday 24 February, Thomas B., Caydence T., Fletcher C. and Sophie M. gave up their Saturday to represent the school in this year's Lions Youth of the Year public speaking competition.  

They participated in individual interviews and public speaking component.  All students were wonderful representatives of Bundy High and were commended about their extensive involvement in a range of programs and events, their outstanding academic results, maturity, and positive outlook.  

We would like to congratulate Caydence T., who will represent Bargara Lions Club, and Sophie M., who will represent Bundaberg Lions Club, at the regional final against other Lions club representatives from Bundaberg and Maryborough/Hervey Bay. This event will be held on Saturday 23 March. Caydence T. was also announced as the overall public speaking winner on the day. 


 

Annual Inter-house Swimming Carnival 

Bundaberg State High School students took to the water in a battle of the houses at our annual Inter-house Swimming Carnival this term. Not even the rain could stop Hinkler House put on a commanding display to cruise to victory and defend their title as Swimming House Champions. This is always a great day for students and staff and I thank our staff for their outstanding commitment in organising an enjoyable day. 



Deadly Choices 

Deadly Choices has begun again this year for our students. Topics such as Leadership, Chronic illnesses and Mental Health are part of this outstanding program which also involves physical fitness. This program aims to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to make healthy choices for both them and their families. 

 

UQ Research Station 

Before the beginning of the term, students spent four days at the UQ Research Station on Heron Island. This was an incredible experience for students who developed their research skills and peaked their interest in the Health of the Barrier Reef. Students collected data on coral health and added their information to the CoralWatch database which monitors reef health worldwide. Students presented their individual projects which demonstrated their interest and commitment to maintaining reef biodiversity. 

  

A busy term for Year 7 

Our Year 7 students have had many opportunities this term, starting off with a beach day at Nielson's Beach. Students were busy making new friends, building positive relationships with staff, and learning about themselves.  

 Our parent/carers and students were invited to the 'Meet the Teachers' evening. We had roughly 120 families attend. This is always a fantastic opportunity for our new families to Bundy High to meet those staff members who will teach, support and help develop their children over the years at BSHS. 

​Students have also engaged in an anti-bullying presentation. This not only covers types of bullying but steps the students through consequences for their behaviour both on & off school grounds and online. The aim is to have all students reflect on their personal values and develop an understanding of what influences their actions.  

Cadence receives Highly Commended 

Cadence attended the International Women's Day luncheon hosted by the Queensland Resources Council/Women in Mining and Resources Queensland as a finalist in the category for outstanding Year 12 students.  Cadence was a finalist along with two other Queensland students and was recognised with a Highly Commended. We congratulate Cadence on her outstanding success and recognition as emerging young professional in the mining industry. She is an amazing ambassador for Bundy High!  ​





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Last reviewed 15 March 2024
Last updated 15 March 2024