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NAIDOC celebration
On Friday 18 July we celebrated NAIDOC week with a full school parade. It was a great event celebrating the 2025 NAIDOC theme “The next generation, strength, vision & legacy”. The dance troupe were fantastic and staff and students enjoyed the sausage sizzle and community stalls after the parade also. This celebration was organised by CEC, Jodie Martin and HOD of Senior Schooling, Leah VeaVea. We would like to thank these staff for the fantastic contribution they make to celebrating culture in our school and for the great event of Friday.
Uniform Shop
A reminder that during the tuckshop renovation the Uniform shop has amended opening days & hours. They are open this term on Monday, Wednesday & Friday (8am-9am), they are still in the same location. Pease make sure you are visit the store to take advantage of any uniform specials to keep your child warm this winter. Please remember that as of 2026 the NRSHS Uniform Policy will allow maroon jumpers and tracksuit pants only, no grey jumpers or tracksuit pants.
Week Three Update – the uniform shop will be closed Monday (28/7) & Wednesday (30/7) due to the P&C running the catering for the District Athletics carnival on the oval. It will be open on Friday (01/08) this week. If you have any uniform concerns on the Monday & Wednesday of week three, please see your child’s sub-school team or another member of the support team.
Junior School (Years 7 & 8)
- Year Level Coordinator – Jock Mann
- Head of Department – Belinda Clark (Term 3)
- Deputy Principal – Emily Sorrensen (Term 3)
Middle School (Years 9 & 10)
- Year Level Coordinators – Malcolm Kenny (yr 9) Tim Hodgetts (Yr 10)
- Head of Department – Jordi Kele
- Deputy Principal – Jordi Kele (week 1 & 2) Chrissie Taylor (from week 3)
Senior Schooling (Years 11 & 12)
- Year Level Coordinators – Maddi Bygrave (year 11) Helen Vesey (year 12)
- Head of Department - Leah Vea Vea
- Deputy Principal – Jacalean Wines (Term 3)
Other support staff
- Community Education Counsellor CEC – Jodie Martin
- Youth Support Coordinator – Penny Hinchliffe
Facilities update
We are very excited about the refurbishments that are happening on our grounds. We have three works in progress at the moment and we look forward to using these fantastic facilities once these are completed.
- Tuckshop – the tuckshop upgrade is continuing well. Tuckshop is continuing to work from the TTC café this term. We appreciate and thank both our amazing tuckshop staff and our Trade Centre hospitality staff and students for the creative and supportive manner they have been working together in the Trade Centre during this upgrade.
- Hall upgrade – work continued in the Hall over the holidays, it is still progressing. We have many of our staff being trained in how to use the new upgraded systems.
- K Block – work is progressing well & still continuing in this science building.
Raising resilient children
As parents it can be difficult to see your child experiencing disappointment. Building resilience in your child is considered by many parents as an essential element of parenting. To nurture resilient children it is important to;
- Improve emotional intelligence (yours and theirs)
- Use age-appropriate communication
- Apply a balanced parenting style (supportive while fostering independence and responsibility)
Below is some more information on those three points and some strategies to support you raising resilient children.
Promote emotional awareness
- Supporting your child to recognise, understand and manage their emotions
- Encouraging your child to articulate their emotions without fear of judgement
- Ensuring you model healthy emotional expression, share your own experiences of overcoming challenges and how you manage stressful situations
- Teaching coping skills (deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, journaling)
Communication Techniques
- Active listening
- Validate their feelings and concerns
- Empowering problem solving
- Supporting them to learn from their experiences
- Discussing practical strategies for overcoming challenges
Parenting style
Develop your own parenting style which provides support and fosters independence and responsibility.
- Set clear expectations and boundaries – develops accountability & self-discipline
- Take their feelings seriously – offer empathy & guidance, don’t dismiss or minimise their concerns or fears
- Face Fears – encourage your child to face their fears in a supportive environment, reassure and celebrate efforts regardless of outcome.
- Pro-actively listen – this involves listening to concerns and setting boundaries as a parent, what will be most helpful to the child long term, do they understand this reasoning?
- Set structure and consistency – explain the purpose of rules and consequences for their actions.
If you would like more information on developing resilient children feel free to have a look at additional research and tools at https://www.btpsychology.com.au/
Amanda PearceActing Principal
- What are we learning this term in Junior English?
Here is a snapshot of our curriculum and assessment offering this term in English at North Rockhampton State High School.
|
8 |
9 |
General English (10) |
Short Literacy Course (10) |
Unit Title |
Perspectives On People |
Exploring The Speculative |
What We Stay Alive For |
Workplace Contexts |
What are we learning this term? |
Students are engaging with diverse texts to explore how influential individuals and the concepts of heroes and villains are portrayed, examining their characteristics and global impact.
|
Students will explore speculative fiction to understand how authors reflect societal values and convey complex themes through narrative techniques in their chosen novel. |
Students will explore the concept of humanity through the film Dead Poets Society and related poetry, analysing how characters and ideas are represented and evolve. |
Students will develop essential reading, writing, and oral communication skills within various workplace contexts, learning to interpret and create different work-related text types. |
What is the assessment task? |
Students will write a persuasive news article for "Famous Australian Personalities" magazine, arguing whether Ned Kelly was a hero or a villain.
|
Students will construct an analytical essay examining how a significant concept is represented in their class novel, focusing on the author's use of literary features to influence the audience.
|
Students will create a character monologue, accompanied by a multimodal element, reflecting on a character's journey of understanding humanity and their future beyond the film's conclusion. |
Students will create a "how-to" training vlog or video, demonstrating their ability to clearly explain a work-related or recreational task. |
Why does learning this matter? |
This learning equips our students to critically analyse different perspectives, understand how narratives shape public opinion, and effectively use language to persuade and influence.
|
This learning empowers our students to critically interpret complex texts, understand how literature comments on real-world issues, and effectively communicate their analytical insights. |
This learning encourages our students to deeply understand human experiences, interpret complex themes in film and poetry, and creatively express their insights. |
This learning provides practical, real-world literacy skills vital for navigating employment, training, and everyday life, empowering our students to confidently communicate in professional and personal settings.
|
- Shared reading of books at home
Why undertake shared reading at home? Shared reading at home involves parents/ guardians and their child regularly engaging with a book together. Reading aloud with your child builds language development so that by the time children have mastered letter-sound correspondences and can read increasingly complex texts themselves, they will have the language skills to understand what they read. Having strong oral language skills sets the foundations for children to build strong literacy skills.
What does shared reading look like? ● An important aspect of shared reading is the conversation ● Pausing while reading to discuss aspects of what you are reading builds oral language skills ● By doing this, you are exposing your child to new and sophisticated words and sentences they may not hear or use in everyday talk
|
- Premier's Reading Challenge - Just a reminder, we are involved in this competition this year!
Steven Upsall
HOD English
Social Science Department Update
As we progress into the second half of the academic year, students across Years 8, 9, and 10 have commenced new units of study in Social Science.
Year 8
Students have begun Geography Unit 1: Landscapes and Landforms, an engaging exploration of global and Australian landscapes. This unit focuses on the natural processes that shape landforms and their cultural and spiritual significance. Students are developing key geographical skills, including map interpretation, data analysis (e.g., population pyramids), and investigating human interaction with the environment.
A cross-curricular collaboration with the Science faculty is also underway, enabling students to apply geographical concepts to their earth science studies and deepen their understanding through real-world applications. Additionally, students in 8B recently extended their learning into English, where they explored the landscapes of Ned Kelly’s life and creatively represented them through collage work. Congratulations to 8B for their thoughtful and artistic engagement.
Year 9
Students have commenced History Unit 1: Making and Building a Nation. This unit examines Australia’s development during the 18th and 19th centuries, focusing on colonisation, the Gold Rush, the Eureka Stockade, and the Federation of Australia. Students will analyse historical sources to explore the significant people and events that shaped the nation’s identity and understand how the past continues to influence the present.
Year 10
Students are now engaging in History Unit 1: The Second World War. This unit investigates the causes, major events, and consequences of WWII, with particular attention to Australia’s involvement. Students will explore both global and domestic impacts of the war and examine different historical perspectives to build a deeper understanding of the war’s significance.
Assessment date reminder:
Y8 |
Case study: White Island- Wk7 |
Multimodal Project: Australian Landform – Wk10 |
Y9 |
Mid-unit task: Source analysis – Wk 5 |
Exam – Wk 9 |
Y10 |
Source Analysis: WW2 (women) – Wk 5 |
Essay – Holocaust or Atomic Bomb – Wk 10 |
We are excited to see students engage with these rich and thought-provoking units, which foster the development of critical thinking, source analysis, and communication skills.
Should you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s progress in Social Science, please feel free to contact their classroom teacher or myself.
Ingrid Ashton
HOD SOSE
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING (VET)
VOCATIONAL EDUCATION & TRAINING DEPARTMENT
Welcome to Term 3. We trust you and your families enjoyed a restful break and are feeling refreshed as we begin the second half of the academic year. As we move into this critical phase, our focus sharpens on preparing students for life beyond the classroom through meaningful vocational opportunities.
Inaugural White Card Course Delivered at NRSHS
North Rockhampton State High School is proud to share a milestone in the advancement of its Vocational Education and Training (VET) program — the delivery of the school's inaugural General Construction Induction Training (GCIT), more commonly known as the White Card course.
This course, conducted on Monday 16 June, is the result of 18 months of dedicated development involving comprehensive policy formulation and strict compliance procedures. Now a permanent fixture in our senior VET offerings, the White Card course will be available to all eligible senior students free of charge.
The White Card is a nationally mandated certification for anyone seeking employment on construction sites across Australia. It provides foundational knowledge in workplace health and safety, including hazard identification, risk management strategies, and emergency response procedures. Completion of this course ensures our students are job-ready and meet industry expectations, thereby significantly enhancing their employability in the construction sector.
This initiative represents our school’s continued commitment to providing students with relevant, industry-recognised qualifications that support successful transitions to the workforce.
For further information or to register interest, students are encouraged to visit Mrs Fechner (Head of Department – VET) or Mrs Hinchliffe (Youth Support Coordinator) in the D Block staffroom.
Year 9 into Year 10 Subject Selection – VET Pathways
As part of the upcoming subject selection process, Year 9 students will be choosing their academic and vocational pathways for Year 10. In addition to the subjects offered internally at North Rockhampton State High School, students also have the opportunity to enrol in a range of external VET courses offered through Registered Training Organisations (RTOs). These courses offer nationally accredited qualifications and valuable real-world experience.
Below is an overview of the current VET course offerings:
Certificate II in Autonomous Technologies – 10939NAT
RTO: CQUniversity (RTO #40939)
This entry-level course introduces students to the rapidly evolving field of autonomous technologies. The program focuses on key skills including coding, programming, and simulator-based learning, with an emphasis on understanding languages such as Python. It is designed to prepare students for future careers in automation, robotics, and related industries.
Certificate II in Salon Assistant – SHB20216
RTO: CQUniversity (RTO #40939)
This qualification offers students an introduction to the hair and beauty industry, with practical training in supporting client services within a salon. Students undertake routine tasks under direct supervision, gaining hands-on experience in a professional setting.
Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation – AUR20720
RTO: MTA Institute (RTO #31529)
Ideal for students interested in automotive industries, this course provides foundational skills in inspecting mechanical and electrical components of various vehicle types. Students will also learn basic maintenance and repair techniques. The program is delivered in the newly upgraded GlenTech Automotive Shed at Glenmore State High School.
Certificate II in Engineering Pathways – MEM20413
RTO: Axial Training (RTO #2437)
This program is suited for students exploring pathways in the engineering sector. It provides exposure to real-world engineering environments and develops technical skills that enhance employment prospects. This VETiS-funded course is delivered in collaboration with SMW Group and conducted at regional training centres and suitably equipped schools, including our own.
Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot) – AVI30419
RTO: Aviation Australia (RTO #30770)
This course provides students with the theoretical and practical skills required to operate drones commercially. It serves as a gateway to careers in the aviation industry, with course content aligned to subjects studied by pilots of manned aircraft in both civil and military contexts.
Certificate II in Aircraft Line Maintenance – MEA20518
RTO: Aviation Australia (RTO #30770)
This qualification equips students with foundational skills to perform aircraft maintenance tasks on a flight line or at departure gates. It serves as a stepping stone to future Aeroskills apprenticeships and is ideal for students considering a career in aviation engineering or maintenance.
Further Information and Support
If you would like more information regarding any of the above vocational courses, or assistance with subject selection planning, please contact:
Mrs Bronwyn Fechner
Head of Department – Vocational Education and Training
D Block Staffroom
Email - bfech9@eq.edu.au
We thank our families for their continued support and look forward to another term of growth, opportunity, and success for our students.
Warm regards,
Bronwyn Fechner
HOD VET
FOGS Regional Tours: Gala Dinner at Rockhampton Leagues Club on 5 Sept 2025, 6 - 9:30 pm AEST?
The proceeds from the dinner will be used to purchase as much equipment as we possibly can for Junior Rugby League Clubs in Rocky & surrounds, fostering grassroots development and ensuring the future of the sport in the region.
We'll have Wally Lewis, Sam Thaiday, Darius Boyd, Matt Gillett & Gene Miles in attendance and additional information can be found on our website:
These dates are subject to change and will be updated throughout 2025:
Fri 25 July |
Yr 7 Immunisations |
Mon 28 - Wed 30 July |
Rocky District School Sports Athletics |
Wed 30 July - Fri 1 Aug |
Yr 11 camp |
Mon 18 August |
P&C meeting N block 4.30pm |
Tues 26 Aug |
Futsal Camp trials |
Thurs 28 Aug |
Mocktail afternoon - Trade Centre |
Tues 9 - Fri 12 Sep |
HOSP Industry HOTEL School Excursion |
Fri 19 Sep |
LAST DAY OF TERM |
WHAT IS QPARENTS?
QParents is a new, more convenient way for parents to access their children’s schooling information and interact with their school. Read more about QParents at
https://qparents.qld.edu.au/#/about
Help and more information
Further help with registering for QParents can be found on the QParents Help page at https://qparents.qld.edu.au/#/help
If you have any other questions or require some assistance with the registration process, please contact the Service Centre on 13QGOV (137468).
We hope that you enjoy the convenience of using QParents.
Year 7 Immunisation Clinic Information
Year 7 Clinic Thursday 24 July - Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis (Whooping Cough) and Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Ozcare is moving to a simple secure digital system for our School Immunisation program.
Below is our school's unique link. Click the link or QR Code to go straight to the Vitavo Parent Portal and follow the prompts. Please complete as soon as possible, documents are attached to assist with this process.
It is important that all parents/guardians complete this process even if they do not consent to immunisations for their child.
https://ozcarecentralqld.book.vitavo.com.au/school/NorthRockhamptonStateHighSchool-WgDwK9
Paper Forms are available on request only.
All enquiries about completing the online registration process are to be directed to OzCare.
Meet the Executive Team
Deb White – President
Helen Bristow – Vice President
John Back – Secretary
Tansy Manning – Treasurer
Save the dates for July
Monday 21 July – General Meeting at N block 4.30pm – all welcome to attend
Apologies
We apologise for the disruption to tuckshop services on 14 & 15 July. Due to mechanical circumstances beyond our control, we were unable to operate as per usual.
New happenings
Welcome back to Term 3!
As we are still experiencing cool mornings, now is an opportunity for you to purchase your winter attire.
Please note that the Uniform Shop is currently open on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00–9:00am only, due to limited site access and builder requirements related to the tuckshop project.
We will be running a sausage sizzle at State School Rugby League Cup at the end of this term. Any assistance on these days would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you
To the school and Trade Training Centre staff and students for providing a food service last week.
Parent Talk
View that latest Parent Talk here:
https://view.publitas.com/p-cs-qld/parent-talk_term_2_2025/page/1
Fundraising
Don’t forget to check your doubles tickets to see if you won for Origin II. If you did, then drop us an email and we will give you the prize. Origin I and III have received their prize. Thank you for your continued support with our fundraising.
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/