I would like to thank the entire community for their commitment to a vey busy academic schedule. We have students engaged in a number of activities, curriculum excursions, Block Exams, Extra Curricula activities and sporting events. To say we are busy is an understatement but we continue to provide a wide and balanced school experience for all of our students.
We have started planning for the 2025 school year. Part of this process is gaining your feedback. I encourage all parents and carers to complete the School Opinion Survey so that we can consider this in our future planning. We are reviewing our fee structures associated with our Student Resource Scheme. To provide further input please consider attending the next P & C meeting.
As an executive team we have thoroughly enjoyed visiting classes lately and observing some clear and explicit teaching. Staff continue to focus on our Teaching and Learning priorities, fore fronting Marking Guides, explicitly teaching the relevant cognitive verbs and using exemplars to support student understanding of task requirements. The Gradual Release model is being used to building student capacity, skills and personal ownership.
We recently held the Parent/Teacher and Student interviews where specific feedback occurred to support student improvement. We expect that this feedback will support student STAR goals this term.
Any students who are considering a career in medicine, I encourage you to look at the enrolment process associated with 'The Future Doctors Australia' 2024 program. This will take place in Brisbane from Saturday 14 to Tuesday 17 December 2024. The Future Doctors Australia program offers a unique opportunity for school students (14yrs-18yrs) who aspire to a career in medicine. Through engaging sessions led by experienced medical specialist, practical learning activities, and insights into the admission process, the program aims to inspire and equip students with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in their medical journey. If you have any questions, please contact National Institute of Education CAREERS.
I encourage our 2023 senior school leavers to participate in the Next Step – State School Leavers survey (previously Early School Leavers survey). The Next Step – State School Leavers survey is a state-wide post-school destination survey of students who left a state school in Years 10 or 11, or before completing Year 12 during the previous year. A letter will be sent out to eligible students to invite them to complete the survey which is conducted by the Department of Education on an annual basis through the Queensland Government Statistician's Office. Information from the survey helps schools to understand the pathways young people follow after leaving school and supports student transitions into study or employment. This year's survey of state school leavers from 2023 will commence in August 2024.
For further information contact Ms Cassie McFarling, Next Step Manager, Department of Education, by email at nextstep@qed.qld.gov.au
CARP
At the start of our June/July holidays, some of our senior Science students took up the opportunity to participate in some work experience at the Cancer and Ageing Research Program (CARP). Isabelle M., Cadence T., Fletcher C. and Thomas B. were hosted by Professor Derek Richard who leads this program within the Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, as part of Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove Campus District.
Students conducted various experiments that tested hypotheses which contributed towards a better understanding of the universal processes that go wrong in our cells, allowing cancer to develop. Focusing on biochemical changes in our cells and genome, CARP's goal is develop therapeutics and drugs that will stop cancers before they start, treat targeted cancers and other age related disease, such as Alzheimer's disease and arthritis.
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Engineering Futures
Engineering Futures is a live-in program giving students in Senior Schooling the chance to sample university life and become more familiar with STEM subjects during the school holidays. Fully funded by JCU, the program offers students a distinctive experience of tertiary education in Science, Engineering and Technology-related fields, while still studying in high school. Over five days, students live on-campus and take part in academic, personal development and team-building activities, with opportunities to meet current JCU students, university staff and other like-minded high school students. Congratulations to Seth J. who attended this program over the June/July holidays and was awarded with a commencement grant.
Incentive Day
Our Year 8 and 9 student Incentive Day went off without a hitch at the beginning of Term 3. Thank you to our staff who generated this great opportunity together for our students. It is the extra-curricular activities including camps, sport, music, etc., that creates life long memories for our students.
Young Achievers Program
Congratulations to Annabella B. and Jordan B. who were successful in their application through the University of Queensland for the Young Achievers Program. The Young Achievers Program supports the university aspirations, career options and community-mindedness of nominated Queensland state high school students by engaging and mentoring them throughout their academic journey and beyond.
Teacher Recognised
Head of English, Melanie Currie was recognised by Bundaberg Lions who presented her with a Certificate of Appreciation for the work she has done with Lions Youth of the Year over the many years.
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Past Students Reach Out
It was wonderful to see some of our past students who are currently at university, come back to school to talk of their university experiences with our senior students on parade. These past students initiated the information session by reaching out to Bundaberg SHS so they could speak with our current students.
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Relay For Life
Students and staff registered a team for Relay For Life this year. It was a rewarding experience and money raised went to Cancer Council's research, prevention, information and support services. It is this engagement and whole school approach which makes Bundaberg SHS a great place to be.
Bundaberg Eisteddford
Our instrumental music ensembles performed at the Bundaberg Eisteddfod on Tuesday and Wednesday of Week 3. We had five ensembles representing our school: String Orchestra, Jazz Ensemble, Concert Band, Woodwind Ensemble and Brass. A total of fifty-four Bundy high musicians travelled to the Moncrieff Theatre to perform for audiences and to receive comments from adjudicator John Rotar. We came away with two second places, a first place and a highly commended. I received an email from a local community member which I wanted to share with you:
Good Evening,
May I express my sincere admiration for your School's Choir performance this evening at the Eisteddfod. 'Sea and Sky' was so touching that a tear came to my eyes.
For a Choir fewer in number they sang beautifully and with such heartfelt emotion.
Well done to all who are involved in this - may next year be just as uplifting and a joy to hear.
Congratulations to all our performers.
Rugby League
Girls Rugby League
Our Year 11/12 Girls Rugby League Side won the BDSSS Dolphins 9 Aside Premiership after a stellar season. Unfortunately, they were unable to “complete the double" and win the Wide Bay Karyn Murphy Cup Competition, falling just short in the final. Our Year 9/10 Girls also represented the school proudly, finishing runners up in both the BDSSS Grand Final and Wide Bay Karyn Murphy Cup Final. Our Year 7/8 Girls also finished runners up in the BDSSS Grand Final before playing in their first Karyn Murphy Cup Competition.
Boys Rugby League
Our Junior Boy Years 9/10 finished third. The Year 7 side finished third in their competition with our Year 8 and 9 teams finishing runners.
Dolphin Plate
Our Year 10 Rugby League side took out the Dolphins Plate Grand Final defeating Xavier Catholic College from Hervey Bay, 42 to 4. We would like to thank The Dolphins NRL Club, in particular Danny Blair and Shane Morris for their support in creating a 2nd tier Rugby League Competition which has led to opportunities for schools from Central Queensland, the Central Highlands and Wide Bay to play higher level schoolboy Rugby League.
I wish to thank our dedicated staff and our community for their support and sponsorship:
Brothers Sports Club, Craig Brough Plumbing, Finter Plastering, Hallstone Constructions, Coral Coast Physiotherapy, Hair on the Rocks Bargara, Knight Earthworks and Haulage, Coating Widebay, Lowes Petroleum, Kuskey's Butcher Shoppe, Guzman Y Gomez Bundaberg, Growth Gyms Avoca, Waldos Mower Doctor and Victor Sports Australia.
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Red Shoes with a Message
It was a coming together of staff and students and an interesting combination of shoes and red paint this term. Students were asked to bring a pair of shoes to school to paint red, or paint one of the shoes provided, and donate these to the art work display as part of the About the Red Shoes art installation. The sessions to paint shoes are a mark of respect, but also provide opportunities for conversations about healthy relationships and where to find support.
Year 5 Enrichment Program
We have recently been visited by some students in Year 5 from our feeders schools taking part in our Year 5 Enrichment Program. Thanks to Dave Wallace and Greg Downs for enriching the primary school students. It is great to make connections with other schools and support future enrolments.
Year 7 Enrolment Interviews
Our first lot of enrolment interviews are happening next Thursday 15 August, between 3:30pm-5:00pm. If you are enrolling your student in 2025 Year 7 and have not yet submitted your Enrolment Request form with the required paperwork, please call our administration office to talk with our Enrolments Officer. If you have your paperwork which has an orange cover, we are looking forward to meeting with you and your student this Thursday afternoon.
First Nation Dreamtime Leaders
Our First Nation Dreamtime leaders went to Bundaberg Central State School in Week 3 of this term, to provide activities to support NAIDOC celebrations. The leaders were amazing and we received great feedback on their leadership.
Letter from Deputy Mayor
We received a letter from Deputy Mayor & Division 4, Cr Tracey McPhee thanking our students which I thought I would share:
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State Championships
Congratulations to Ebony B. who competed at Regional gymnastics and placed 1st. Ebony has now secured her spot at State Championships. She was also the highest scorer all weekend and has been selected to represent North & Central Qld.
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Congratulations to our QATSIF Graduates
Last Friday we watched with pride as Aunty Lyn lit the Elders' candle and gave the Aboriginal Fire Blessing to all QATSIF graduates. CEC, Kristie Dillion and Nancy Paterson attended with our QATSIF scholarship recipients.
Congratulations to Joshua A., Keoni B., Gabriella B., Noah B., Dominic B., Caitlyn E., Ethan J., Tom M., Tyerlla T. and Liarah T. who have been supported by QATSIF over their Senior Schooling.
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Crazy Hair Day
This week we saw our Student Council organise and run the Crazy Hair Day to raise money for cystic fibrosis. Thank you to all our leaders who came together to make this a fun day for all and to give to those who are in need.
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Senior Students Recognised
In Week 3 of this term, approximately three hundred Year 10, 11 and 12 students were treated to a lunchtime sausage sizzle. These students were recognised for the pleasing Effort and Behaviour results on their latest Report.
The way students manage themselves in the classroom makes a huge difference to their Academic performance
and we are happy to acknowledge students' commitment. Thanks to the students for coming along and thanks to the Senior HUB team for making it happen
Work Studies & Ongoing Conversations
Through Work Studies and ongoing conversations with the Pathways team and HODs, our Year 10 students have been exploring possibilities for their future and this will now culminate in a Senior Subject selection process. Students have already provided initial preferences, indicating the subjects in which they they are interested. SET Plan Interviews will occur next week. Please ensure you have booked an interview on SOBs
Road Safety Workshop
As part of the Year 10 Wellbeing program, all Year 10 students will be transported to the Bundaberg Recreational Precinct on Thursday 15 August to participate in an all day road safety workshop.
Celebrating our Support Staff
This week we acknowledge and give thanks to our support staff who help make the school a great place to work and learn. These people play in important role in our school community. Thank you to our: Administration Officers, Business Managers, Schools Officers, IT Officers, Science Technicians, Speech Language Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Community Liaison Officers, Physiotherapists, Agricultural Assistants, Unit Support Officers, Community Education Counsellors, Youth Support Coordinators, VET Coordinators and so many others.