This is my last blog to the Bundaberg SHS community. Next year I take up the Principal role at Bundaberg North SHS. Before leaving though I wish to highlight the incredible outcomes we as a school have accomplished recently and provide some information for the start of the year.
Our students have engaged this week in an alternate program, working on a range of activities outside of the normal curriculum. These have led to a relaxed but warm school atmosphere which I am sure students have enjoyed with their friends. I thank Jess Medley for her organisation and commitment to bring together a well-considered program along with the teachers and teacher aides who have delivered the program. This has included a school dance amongst other initiatives.
Our students and staff have engaged in fundraising for mental health, culminating with my commitment to shave half of my beard this week. Many male teachers grew moustaches and raised money for Men's Mental Health. The students voted for Mr Tranent to shave off half his moustache … and part of an eyebrow. A further $300.00 was raised for me to have half my beard this week.
We have received news that Chanelle Brown has
been provided with a Harding Miller Scholarship, which supports successful Year
8 girls. Chanelle will receive a laptop, additional tutoring and mentoring to
further support her academic pursuits. This is exceptionally well deserved
Chanelle. Thanks Ange Mitchell our amazing Guidance Officer, who supported this
application.
Giaan Taylor has been selected to attend the STEM Girl Power Initiative. This will see Giaan attend a camp in May next year where she and a range of other students will engage in STEM related programs, building their expertise in this field and exploring future careers in this space.
We congratulate both students and wish them well for their future endeavours.
We have a number of staff who are leaving. I wish to thank all staff who have committed to Bundaberg SHS, leading to the great outcomes for our students and community. All of these people have improved the Bundaberg SHS fabric. We say farewell to:
Tysharna Bradley
Abraham Broome
Ashley Koekemoer
Dane Kraschnefski
Jason Love
Rachel Love
Stacey Melnacis
Lyn Nichols
Garry Paterson
Gabby Stone
Ian Tranent
Ange Mitchell
Our academic results have been quite amazing and I wish to congratulate the entire teaching body and the students for their commitment. We have been informed that we have 100 % QCE and QCIA attainment, a huge accomplishment, given the size of our school. We also have exceptionally strong Year 12 academic results. Some of our students have received 100% for a few subjects. These students have already received QCAA subject commendation awards. We are unable to name these students yet. Many of our students who will receive really strong ATARs. We also have many students who have received strong VET attainment as well.
Our Years 7-10 results have also been positive. Student Reports will be sent home tomorrow afternoon. At this stage our results have provided affirmation of our strong academic focus.
Our First Nations Students have also performed exceptionally well. Our Year 7 Cohort in particular needs to be congratulated on attaining 91% C or better in English and 86% in Maths. I congratulate all students and support staff who have worked hard to achieve these results, in particular our First Nations Team.
We had an amazing Year 9 Dinner held at the RSL where students celebrated the end of Junior School. This amazing night was organised by the Junior Hub and was a fitting celebration. The students truly enjoyed the dinner and dancing.
Uniforms will be available for order through the Struddys Popup Store on the following days and times at Bundaberg State High School.
Our students on the Japan trip are having an amazing time. No doubt the cultural experience will be incredible and contribute greatly to their growth as Global Citizens.
At the start of next year some of our Senior Biology students will be going to Heron Island. We wish them the very best for this wonderful educational experience.
Next year we have planned the first P&C meeting of the year to run directly after the Parent and Teacher meet and greet. I encourage all parents to stay behind for a short meeting and see how you can contribute to your child's education by supporting the entire school community.
At these meetings we will also encourage parents who identify as First Nations to join our LCEB. The Local Consultative Education Board provides advice and guidance to improve a wide range of outcomes for our First Nations Students. Please consider expressing an interest in joining this board to further support the great opportunities we provide for all students.
Next year our students return to school with a staggered start. Our Years 7- 9 students will attend on Tuesday, January 28. Our Years 10- 12 students will have their first day on Wednesday, January 29.
I have attached the Day 1 and 2 programs, which include where students should meet on these days.
Tuesday 28 January 2025
| Year Level | Where students will meet in the morning |
| 7 | Outdoor Learning Centre |
| 8 | PE Centre |
| 9 | Assembly Hall |
Wednesday 29 January 2025
| Year Level | Where students will meet in the morning |
| 10 | Assembly Hall |
| 11 | Students will go to their Form Class as per timetable |
| 12 | Students will go to their Form Class as per timetable |
Student Timetable will be emailed to the student in early January. Parent's will be able to access this timetable via QParent in January.
I welcome Michael Kiss to the role as Principal in 2025. I have great confidence that Michael will maintain the strong culture, processes and traditions of Bundaberg SHS. I wish him well as he brings his leadership skills to the Bundaberg High school community.
Lastly, thank you for your support in my role as Principal. I have thoroughly enjoyed leading such a high performing school team and have also learnt a great deal. I hope to hear of continued successes and wonderful outcomes from the student's at Bundaberg SHS. Enjoy the Christmas break. May it be filled with love, laughter and warmth.