At the end of Term 3 we have much to celebrate. It has been an extremely busy term and much has been accomplished. As you look through the Blog, you will see the multitude of experiences we have provided.
Our Yr. 12 students have just experienced the Formal which was a resounding success. I wish to thank Alley Morris and the band of willing helpers who made the evening a true success. In my time at Bundaberg SHS I have come to appreciate the team approach and commitment from the entire staff to events such as this. Put simply, there is a strong commitment from all, to ensure students gain the best experiences and positive outcomes.
Our students in Yr. 10- 12 have completed Mock and Block Exams. It is vital that the experiences gained through this experience are used to support further improvement strategies. External exams are now a permanent fixture in student academic lives. We need to support the growth of skills, necessary for success in these environments. I am confident that the experience and the specific feedback provided to students will allow them to be well prepared for future exams.
We wish all of our Yr. 12 students the very best for their upcoming External Exams. Pleasingly our Yr. 12 cohort is on track again for strong attainment of the QCE, testament to their commitment and ongoing support of the Senior Hub. Can I encourage everyone to commit to the very last day of schooling, to ensure that the best possible results are achieved.
As students near the end of Yr. 12, I encourage them to access the wide range of supports we have at school to support Yr. 13 opportunities. I am well aware of a multitude of Job Expo's and Launch to Employment experiences being provided across Bundaberg. Please encourage your child to reach out to our Pathways Team at school. If you are in Yr. 12, please continue to connect to the Pathways Newsletter and also the Yr. 12 Updates.
Next year we are promoting further our Health Hub, with the priority of 'Growing Our Own' to support the new Bundaberg Hospital. If your child is considering a pathway in Health, please encourage them to reach out to the Health Hub Team. We have recognised this as a strong emerging employment need within the region.
Our Teams fared well at the recent Term 3 Final event with some outstanding results. In the basketball our teams placed 2nd, 3rd and 4Th. Touch saw our teams all place in the top 4 with the 15 boys claiming victory. Our tennis and table tennis teams placed 3rd. Well done everyone on a great season. I am sure the values associated with sport will stand students in good stead for the future years and personal development.
We also had the recent Combined Regional State High Schools Netball challenge. See the results later on this blog. We competed in the Wide Bay Regional Touch Tournament with all teams performing well. Pleasingly our 15 Boys' team were victorious. Recently our Open Boys Cricket Team travelled to Brisbane for the State Finals. Unfortunately, we were knocked out in the Quarter final stage. This was a great effort though from the team to perform so strongly.
Our teachers continue to be at the forefront of Teaching and Learning. I was recently informed that Greg Downs was recognised for his expertise as a global educator and played a key role in selecting the next recipients in the 'Tokyo Global Gateway Program' I have attached some communication highlighting Greg's expertise.
“We would like to especially thank Mr Gregory Downs for his support as an assessment panel member for the 2025 Queensland Classroom Program at Tokyo Global Gateway. Mr Downs selflessly dedicated his own time to review applications and form part of the assessment panel for the 2025 Queensland Classroom Program at Tokyo Global Gateway supporting the next intake of teachers undertake a cultural immersion program in Japan."
Kylie Milliken was also recognised for her expertise and supportive nature, being selected as a chaperone for Yr. 10 students in a Global Learning experience. Please see the communication recognising Kylie's skills.
“I am thrilled to inform you that one of the exceptional teachers within North Coast region, has been selected as chaperone for the prestigious STEM Japan Student Program, offered by the Global Engagement team within the Department of Education International.
This program is an extraordinary international learning opportunity for high-performing Year 10 students who are provided the opportunity to travel to Hiroshima and Kyoto, Japan, in December school holidays. Throughout the program, students will improve their language skills and participate in industry visits where they will see real life examples of science, technology, engineering and mathematics in action. This program is particularly impactful as it targets students who might not otherwise have the opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture within an international environment. It is also highly competitive, with a substantial number of applications being received from across the State. The highest in fact, of any of our programs."
We have engaged extensively this last month with JET Plans to ensure that subject selections allow for student pathways and career opportunities to be met. If you were unable to attend these meetings, I strongly encourage you to reach out to your respective Year Coordinators or HODs.
Reporting will go to families at the end of the first week. Please discuss these results with your child and use this information to support a review of STAR goals and plans. These are important to support student improvement. I look forward to providing families with an accurate overview of our academic results at the start to Term 4.
I have an amazing story that truly catches the full commitment to community and school life from our students and staff.
A group of dedicated students and staff have been working away behind the scenes, in anticipation of the Ponytail Project. This event will occur at first break on Thursday 10 October (Week 2). It will take place in the undercover area between D and G Blocks.
After the holidays you will start to see lots of advertising for the event, but we are hoping that you will be able to help us to spread the word after the holidays. More info to come. Our fundraising efforts now stand at $3600. We are super proud of this effort.
Below is a photo of some of our participants ready to #rockthechop.
Please have a great break. Refresh and relax and enjoy the warmer weather. Please be safe and I look forward to seeing everyone return to school on Monday, 30 September.
Cadence receives Peter Doherty Award
Congratulations to Cadence T. who received a Peter Doherty Award for excellence in STEM education on Tuesday, 13 August, 2024. The Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in STEM Education recognise students, teachers, support officers, schools and education partners who demonstrate an outstanding and innovative contribution to STEM education in Queensland.
Arts Showcase Night
Our annual Arts Showcase night was a great success this year. Student performances and presentations were outstanding; a true testament to the quality of teaching, student engagement and skill that exists at Bundy High.
Colour Fun Run
Our school grounds were transformed into a vibrant, multicoloured masterpiece as 150 of our students and approximately 50 staff and student council members took part in what can only be described as a most beautiful, colourful, yet chaotic event—our annual Colour Run!
From the moment the first puff of powder filled the air, it was clear this event was going to be one for the books. The energy was electric, the laughter was contagious. Even the weather couldn't resist getting in on the action, giving us the perfect backdrop for the day.
A huge shoutout goes to all the staff who helped turn our school into a rainbow wonderland.
Opti-MINDS Success
Congratulations to our students who took part in the Wide Bay Opti-MINDS competition. Our students brought home an impressive 1st place in Division II Science/Engineering category; a 2nd place award, being awarded honours. Our Yr.. 7 Social Sciences team also won their Division II and another team was awarded the Spirt of Opti-MINDS. Thank you to Greg Downs and his team who supported our students.
SET Plans
Our Year 10 students have completed their SET Plan interviews with staff this term. This is a huge task to ensure that all our Year 10 students not only choose their subjects, but do so, taking into consideration their career aspirations and skills sets. I wish to thank all our staff for making sure all student are on the right pathway to success as they continue their education.
Year 7 Enrolments
Our staff have been very busy this term as we prepare for our 2025 Year 7 intake of students. We have now completed our interview process and are looking forward to welcoming our new students and families to the Bundy High community.
Science Week
What a fantastic week we had celebrating everything Science! Our students became Science Ambassadors and visited our feeder schools, sharing the fascinating world of science and technology with primary students. These students were then able to engage in the many Science activities throughout their lunch break. Thank you to our amazing Science department who brought smiles, laughter and excitement to so many students.
National Day of Action against Bullying
Staff and students took a stance against Bullying throughout Week 6 this term. Students engaged in a range of activities throughout the week. On Friday staff dressed up as superheros and played a game of soccer against our students. Thank you to Alley Morris and her supportive team who highlighted this important message to our school community.
First Nation Cultural Class
This semester we have a new cohort of Yr.. 9 students who have enrolled in The First Nations Cultural Class. This has been a positive experience and allowed success for our students. Aunty Lyn has been teaching the students about the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island people and the impact of colonisation.
Legal Studies and Modern History visit
Our Yr.. 12 Legal Studies and Yr.. 11/12 Modern History students travelled to Brisbane in Week 5 of this term and visited the Police Museum, Supreme Court, University of Queensland and Parliament House. Our students were simply awesome and brilliant ambassadors for Bundaberg SHS.
On the Tools Workshop
Evolution Mining is proud to partner with the QMEA providing valuable hands-on experience to our students through the On the Tools workshop. These opportunities for our students provide valuable hands-on experiences associated with trade skills while being mentored.
Real life Outcomes
Student who are studying Construction have been busy the last few days making an impact on the facilities around our school. Students have been cementing areas around the school, making it a more conducive place to learn and work. It has been great being able to see the students' outcomes.
Café
As part of Hospitality assessment, students provided an awesome Café for staff and students. The quality of food, service and presentation from our students was outstanding. Congratulations to our students and staff who supported our students with these wonderful opportunities.
Reverse Careers Expo
Students in senior IT subjects had a chance to present themselves and their products at a Reverse Careers Expo, to visitors from local businesses. Many thanks to those who supported the success of this day.
Head of River Regatta
A great weekend occurred at the 'Head of River' regatta on the weekend of Week 7. Well Done to all our competing students. It was a great couple of days with evident sportsmanship and individual determination on display. All the training for the year culminated with great results with all students representing the school well.
Crazy Hair Day
Our Student Council organised Crazy Hair Day for Cystic Fibrosis this term, raising awareness and money. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the most common inherited, life threatening condition affecting young Australians.
First Nations Dorrie Day
First Nations students attended Dorrie Day held at CQU Bundaberg Thursday, 29 August. Dorrie day is an exciting First Nations careers event, bringing together local business and organisations. Forty six students from Years 9, 10, 11 and 12 had the perfect weather to discover and explore a world of 'First Nations identified roles' in our community. Students spoke to a range of business and staff from further education providers, about post school options. All staff and students had a great day.
Ignite
Interacting with animals has been shown to decrease levels of stress and anxiety, improve heart health and develop emotional and social skills. During Week 7, our Ignite students received a visit from some goats. Students had a great time learning and interacting with the animals. Thank you, Lisa Alexander for organising this very special visit for our students.
Combined Regional State High Schools Netball Carnival
On Friday, 23 August, Bundy High hosted the third Combined Regional State High Schools Netball carnival out at BNA courts.
Our Hurricanes impressed against teams from Kepnock, Bundy North, Maryborough, Isis, Aldridge and Hervey Bay High schools.
The Junior Girls defeated Kepnock in the final and were undefeated champs!
The Senior Girls faced the 'minor premiers' Kepnock in their grand final, also finishing as winners. Our second Senior girls team finished 4th.
The Senior VW boys faced our Yr.. 10 'footy' Senior boys team in the final of the boys division and triumphed-also ending their campaign undefeated!
