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As we move into the final stretch of Term 3, I want to acknowledge the hard work and determination of our students and staff. The past few weeks have been busy with assessment, extra-curricular opportunities, and preparation for upcoming events, and it has been inspiring to see our community rise to the challenge.
This week our Year 12 students are completing their Mock Exams — an important milestone as they prepare for the external assessments in Term 4. These exams provide valuable practice under exam conditions, helping students refine their study strategies and identify areas for final focus.
Alongside exam preparation, our seniors are also mapping out their final term and planning their next steps beyond school. Whether students are pursuing university, training, apprenticeships, or employment, our staff are working closely with them to ensure they have a clear pathway into Year 13 and beyond.
To our Year 12s: this is the final stretch. Like the last 100 metres of a race, it takes determination and persistence to finish strong. You’ve worked hard to get here — now is the time to dig deep, trust your preparation, and stay focused on the goals you’ve set for yourself.
Attendance continues to be a major focus for us. Every day of learning matters — not just for academic progress, but also for building resilience and independence. We understand that illness can’t be avoided, but we encourage families to keep in close contact with the school and to reach out if support is needed. Together, we can ensure that students finish the term strong.
I would also like to remind families about our uniform expectations. Wearing the uniform with pride shows respect for ourselves, our school, and our community. The uniform shop is open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday mornings from 8.00–9.00am should you need any items restocked.
Finally, thank you for your ongoing partnership in supporting your children’s learning and wellbeing. The success of our school relies on the combined efforts of staff, students, and families, and I am grateful for the way our community continues to work together.
Warm regards,
Amanda Pearce
Acting Principal
Rugby League, Rugby League, and More Rugby League! It’s all about rugby league this term! In case you haven’t heard yet, Mr. Harvey has done a tremendous job launching a state schools rugby league competition – with schools from across the state set to compete.
Save the dates:
Victoria Park Rugby League Grounds
September 18th, 19th & 20th
Get down there and support what’s shaping up to be a massive event!
Go the HAWKS! ?
It’s already been a big term for rugby league across all year levels – and a huge congratulations to all teams playing in finals this week!
Year 7s
The Year 7 boys have been strong competitors in the ‘A’ competition, securing wins against Emmaus, TCC, and St Brendan’s. They’re pumped for finals footy and ready for the challenge ahead!
Year 8s
This team has shown grit and determination all season – often playing short and without a bench. They’ve never given up once.
Special shoutout to the Henderson twins, the makeshift tree-loppers who’ve been cutting down opponents of all sizes with their tackling!
Year 9s
It’s been a tough season for the Year 9s with lots of new faces to both the team and the game. Despite minimal players, they’ve fought hard every minute – grabbing their first win against TCC. They’ll face TCC again in Week 8, playing for a spot in the Grand Final!
Year 10s
The Year 10 boys showed heart and resilience throughout a challenging season full of injuries and adversity. Although the scoreboard didn’t always reflect it, they’ve grown stronger as a unit and are ready to bounce back bigger and better next season.
Open B
This squad has been resilient and clutch – pulling off two golden point thrillers and two convincing wins, earning them a trip to Townsville for the NRL Trophy. They kicked off with a strong quarter-final win but narrowly lost 18-12. Despite injuries, the team continues to battle hard in the B finals.
Open D
Starting slow, the Open D team has turned their season around, now riding a 3-game winning streak and pushing for finals contention. Their determination and work ethic have been key to the comeback.
Is Your Child Kicking Goals in Sport? Now’s the time to nominate them for our prestigious annual sports awards! If your child has achieved sporting success this year, please make sure they collect a nomination form from S Block.
Alternatively, feel free to email me directly at tharm45@eq.edu.au to submit a nomination.
Let’s keep the HAWKIES spirit soaring in all things sport!
Go Hawks!
Todd Harmsworth
Sportsmaster
This term has been a busy and rewarding one for our Health and Physical Education (HPE) department, with students across all year levels engaging in a variety of practical and theoretical learning experiences.
Year 7 – Building Skills in Touch Football
Our Year 7 students have been focusing on developing their touch football skills while also analysing their performance through the lens of skill acquisition. It has been pleasing to see their steady improvement and enthusiasm for the game. We hope this interest will inspire more players to represent the school in touch football and perhaps join our Open Mixed Team, who will compete in the All Schools Touch Competition on the Gold Coast in Term 4.
Year 8 – Exploring Inclusion in Sport
The Year 8 cohort has been examining the important theme of inclusion in sport, a unit taught alongside European Handball. This unit is a highlight of the program as it challenges students to consider how disabilities can impact participation and encourages creative adaptations to make sport more inclusive.
Students have enthusiastically embraced activities such as playing on one leg, with blindfolds, or without communication. Their respectful engagement, high levels of participation, and genuine enjoyment have been a testament to the value of this learning experience.
Year 9 – Decision Making and Survival Skills
In theory lessons, Year 9 students have been learning about decision-making and its impact on personal wellbeing. Parents are encouraged to discuss this content at home with their child, reinforcing classroom learning through real-life conversations.
Looking ahead, next term Year 9 students will commence their basic swimming survival skills unit. Notes have been sent home and must be signed. Students unable to participate due to illness or medical reasons are required to provide a note from home; those unable to swim will engage in theory-based learning of survival strokes.
Year 12 – Final Assessments and Future Pathways
Our Year 12 students are completing their final assessment items across a range of programs, including Sport and Recreation, Certificate II in Sport Coaching, Certificate III in Health Service Assistance, and Certificate III in Fitness.
We are proud to share that all indications suggest every student is on track to successfully complete their course—a remarkable achievement reflecting the dedication of both students and staff.
The HPE department extends its best wishes to the Year 12 cohort as they approach the end of their schooling journey. We look forward to celebrating with you at the formal and supporting you as you embark on your next chapter.
Aaron Harmsworth
HOD PE
Early Childhood - Mini Olympics Brings Joyful Learning to NRSHS
The Olympic spirit was on full display this week at North Rockhampton State High School (NRSHS), where Year 11 students proudly hosted a Mini Olympics for children from Little Zebra Day Care.
Held in the school’s Hall of Sporting Champions (HSC), the event was designed and led entirely by Year 11 students, who developed a program of engaging activities in rotation style, ensuring every child had the opportunity to participate.




Learning Through Play
Each activity was carefully aligned to the Early Years Learning Framework (EYLF), helping the children build foundational skills in teamwork, communication, problem-solving, physical coordination, and confidence.
From obstacle courses and beanbag throws to egg-and-spoon races and ball games, the focus was not on competition, but on participation, enjoyment, and learning through active play.
Leadership and Connection
The Year 11 students embraced their roles as leaders and mentors, greeting the children with warmth and enthusiasm and guiding them through every challenge. Their creativity and encouragement helped transform simple activities into meaningful learning experiences.
For the children, the Mini Olympics offered more than just play—it was an opportunity to connect with older role models, explore new challenges in a safe and supportive environment, and celebrate their achievements with pride and laughter.
The event concluded with cheers, smiles, and a healthy dose of tiredness—proof of a morning well spent.
A Community Effort
NRSHS extends its gratitude to Little Zebra Day Care for partnering in this initiative and to the Year 11 students for their outstanding effort, enthusiasm, and leadership in making the day a success.
“Events like the Mini Olympics highlight the importance of community partnerships in education,” said Acting Principal, Mrs Pearce. “It was wonderful to see our senior students inspiring and supporting younger children while developing their own leadership skills.”
Ms Summer Martin
Year 11 Early Childhood Studies Teacher.
Technologies Department
SEP Faculty, Term 3 2025
What an incredible year, can you believe we are over halfway through this term and the school year.
NCCD
The National Consistent Collection of Data on our disability students was finalised on August 1st, 2025. The NCCD is an annual collection of information about Australian school students with disability.
At North Rockhampton State High School, our teaching staff adjust learning environments, content, process and product (assessments) for students to achieve success when accessing curriculum. As part of keeping our records up to date we are in contact with parents/caregivers regularly. Could you please ensure that your details are up to date by contacting Student Services on 4924 7804.
Individual Curriculum Plan (ICP’s)
Semester ICP’s have been finalised for students, if you have not received your child’s copy for the semester, please let us know.
QCIA – Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement
The Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA) recognises and reports the achievements of students whose learning is part of an individual learning program during senior secondary schooling. The QCIA is an official record for students who have completed at least 12 years of education; it provides students with a summary of knowledge and skills demonstrated. The QCIA records educational achievement in two ways — the Statement of Achievement and Statement of Participation. These are useful to present to service providers, training providers and employers.
During multiple meetings, SEP staff collaborated on a shared vision for our Faculty. Through reflective processes, thoughts, ideas and feedback about what the School’s Improvement Agenda means to us, the following was created;
Our annual Beach Day Out event is scheduled to take place on Friday, September 19th at the picturesque Emu Park.
Beach Day Out aims to support people with disability, carers and their families by connecting them with support services whilst enjoying a day out at the beach, something many of us take for granted. During the event, people with disability are fully supported to access the ocean, enjoy the sea breeze and engage with local services and performances throughout the day.
Please contact Eryn Williams ekwil3@eq.edu.au for further information
Yr 6 into 7 Extended Transition Visits
Staff Profiles |
Name: Robin Grant – Teacher Aide
Worked at NRSHS since: May 2006
What you enjoy most about work:
Students achieving their goals.
Family: Proud Mother and Grandmother
Likes/Dislikes: Baking lots of goodies especially
Lolli Cake, Afghans and Shortbread
How do you relax away from work?
Watching movies e.g. True Stories and Series e.g. Lucifer
Something not many people know about you:
I’m a twin.
Five people you would invite to dinner:
Tom Ellis, Ronan Keating, Kristen Kreuk, Greg Davies, Alex Horne
Fav Quote:
“The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart “ Helen Keller
Name: Sheryl Saunders – Teacher Aide
Birthday: Aquarius
Worked at NRSHS since: 2010
What you enjoy most about work: Building rapport with students, working with a great team of colleagues.
Family: 3 Children, 4 Grandchildren and 1 grown up child (husband)
Likes/dislikes: Keeping it Real, Spending time with my family
How do you relax away from work: Relax??
Something not many know about you: I love Tattoos
Five people you would invite to dinner: too hard
Fav Quote: Never Look Back
Name: Sharon Casey – Teacher Aide
Worked at NRSHS since: 2006
What you enjoy most about work: Seeing the students enjoying and engaged in Learning
Likes/dislikes: Dislikes Heights
How do you relax away from work: Gardening, the beach, Dragon boats, Quad bike riding, horse riding, photography.
Five people you would invite to dinner: Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, Albert Einstein, My younger self, Steve Irwin.
Fav Quote: Believe you can and you’re halfway there! – Roosevelt.
If there is anything that you would like further information about or have any questions, please feel free to contact Helen Bristow on 49247888 or email hbris7@eq.edu.au
Helen Bristow
HOSES (Head of Special Education Services)
Meet the Executive Team
Deb White – President
Helen Bristow – Vice President
John Back – Secretary
Tansy Manning – Treasurer
Monday 15 September – General Meeting at N Block commencing at 4.30pm – all welcome to attend
New happenings
We only have three general meetings left for 2025. Please consider becoming a P&C member for 2026 so that you can have an impact on what we contribute to the school.
The refurbished tuckshop is well underway, and we look forward to this opening in Term 4. Date to be confirmed.
Stay tuned for more on State Cup being held on 18 - 20 September 2025. Support will be needed for the operation of the canteen at Victoria Park. We will have more details and a roster out shortly. Any assistance is greatly appreciated.
Parent Talk
View that latest Parent Talk here:
https://view.publitas.com/p-cs-qld/parent-talk_term_3_2025/page/1
Fundraising
There will be a Galatic Donut Drive circulating very soon to assist with reducing the cost of the school magazine, the Bambaru.
No Time to Help the P&C?
Donate instead:
https://square.link/u/yGz6y569.
Too easy!
Stay in Touch
Please remember that the Executive Members liaise with the school, staff, parents and stake holders throughout the year. The best way to contact us is the options below:
Email: 2041_PandC@eq.edu.au
Facebook: facebook.com/NRSHSPC/
https://www.instagram.com/nrshspc/
These dates are subject to change and will be updated throughout 2025:
1 Sep - 12 Sep |
Mock exams |
3 Sep |
Arts showcase All abilities Gala dahy - oval & HSC |
5 Sep |
Student Free day |
Fri 11 Sept |
R U OK day expo |
Tues 9 - Fri 12 Sep |
HOSP Industry HOTEL School Excursion Sea World |
15 Sep |
P&C meetieng - N block |
16 Sep |
Junior school career quest |
17 Sep |
State Cup jersey presentation - 5pm in Amphitheatre |
18 - 19 Sep |
State Schools Cup |
19 Sep |
Beach Day out |
Fri 19 Sep |
LAST DAY OF TERM |
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