I would like to extend a warm welcome to our new families who have joined North Rockhampton SHS in 2025 and a welcome back to those of you who have returned for another year.  We have started the term extremely well and are looking forward to a busy year, filled with exciting learning opportunities for us all.

As a school and staff, we acknowledge the Tarumbal Clan of the Darumbal Nation, the traditional owners and custodians of the land on which our school is built. We would also like to acknowledge the Kuinmabra Clan, the Nindybul Clan and the Warabal Clan that make up the Darumbal Nation. As a school we pay our respect to their elders past and present and acknowledge our emerging leaders of the future who are the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students we work with every day.

This year the school has an explicit improvement agenda around Student Engagement.  Across all classrooms we will be focusing on:

1. Orderly learning environment
2. Consistency of practice in all that we do.

The P&C Association of any school is one of the most vital sources of support for a school. In many cases P&C meetings are under attended due to parent concerns about being roped into a job or position with the group. While some positions need to be filled most parents are able to come to meetings and support school functions without stepping into a leading position. As a parent you may have some wonderful ways to raise funds, support the school or offer talents that will help the students.  We would love to see as many parents at the first meeting as possible.

Important reminder for Parents

School uniform – No variations acceptable

At North Rockhampton State High School, we take pride in our school community, and that starts with wearing the correct uniform every day. A consistent and professional appearance fosters school spirit, sets high standards, and ensures a sense of belonging for all students.

To support this, all students are expected to wear their full school uniform each day, including appropriate covered footwear and school jumpers. If a student arrives out of uniform, they will be required to change into a second-hand uniform provided by the school, or parents may be contacted to bring the correct attire from home.

We appreciate your support in reinforcing these expectations and helping our students present themselves with pride and readiness for learning each day.

Mobile and Electronic Device Ban continues in 2025

The school wide mobile and electronic device ban continues in 2025.  Parents are not to contact students during the day via their personal mobile phones.  Please also remind your child not to use their phone for any reason while at school.  If you need to contact your child, please call the school’s office.  Student caught using their phones or electronic devices will be issued with consequences.

Inappropriate Language – Swearing

This year, our school is reinforcing the importance of respectful communication by addressing the inappropriate use of offensive language. Swearing is not socially acceptable in a school environment and is a breach of the Student Code of Conduct.

To help create a positive and respectful atmosphere, students who use offensive language will face consequences. Just as in many workplaces, professional and courteous communication is expected, and our role as a school is to help prepare students for their future.

We appreciate the support of all families in reinforcing this expectation and working together to maintain a respectful school community.

Attendance – 85% or more

Ensuring students attend school every day is a fundamental responsibility of parents and caregivers. Under Queensland regulations, students must be either ‘Learning or Earning,’ and unapproved absences that result in attendance below 85% may be considered neglectful.

Educational research consistently highlights the strong link between regular attendance and academic success. Students who attend school consistently—and arrive on time—are more likely to achieve higher end-of-year results. Establishing a structured morning routine helps set children up for success, ensuring they arrive before the bell and are ready to learn from the start of the day.

If you need support in establishing a routine that ensures timely and regular attendance, please contact the school office. We are here to help.

Kurt Goodwin

Principal

School Immunisation program is going digital.  This will replace paper consent cards.  How it works?  More information will be emailed out soon, please also see the information below:-

Our school’s unique link and QR Code: 

https://ozcarecentralqld.book.vitavo.com.au/school/NorthRockhamptonStateHighSchool-WgDwK9

Any further information, please contact Ozcare.

Junior School Newsletter Insert

Welcome to 2025! For our Junior School Hawks, Year 7 marks the beginning of their secondary school adventure, while Year 8 represents a year of growth and consolidation. We are pleased to report that our Year 7s and 8s are becoming settled into routines within their CORE classes.

Junior School Parent/Teacher Meet and Greet

The Meet and Greet provided a valuable opportunity to build strong partnerships between families and our school. Thank you to all the families who attended. Your involvement and support play a crucial role in creating a positive learning environment for our students. We appreciate your time and commitment to working together for our young Hawks’ growth and development.

Junior School Leadership Investiture

We are pleased to share that our Junior School Investiture was a great success! The ceremony marked the official appointment of our young leaders, who proudly accepted their roles as captains. It was a moment of pride as they pledged to uphold the values of leadership, responsibility, and teamwork. Thank you to our staff and families for supporting this important occasion!

GRIP Leadership Student Conference

Our Year 8 Leaders, along with out Middle and Senior Leaders attended the GRIP Leadership Student Conference at CQU. This event is designed to equip our young leaders with practical skills, confidence, and a strong sense of responsibility. Students enjoyed engaging workshops, real-life examples, and interactive sessions that will inspire them to lead with integrity and initiative.

 Please stay tuned for exciting events and initiatives planned for the upcoming term. We look forward to coming together as a community to celebrate the achievements and talents of our Year 7 and 8 students. Information about upcoming events can be found in our weekly Year 7 Newsletter and fortnightly Year 8 Newsletter. These will also contain important staff contact information. We value your feedback and input, so please don't hesitate to reach out to us with any questions, suggestions, or concerns.

This year promises to be very busy and rewarding for our Junior School and we look forward to the year ahead.

Emily Sorrensen

HOD Junior School

Introduction

A warm welcome to all for a brand-new year!

I hope you all had a restful and productive break. My name is Mr Upsall and I'm thrilled to be joining the English Department as the new Head of English and I'm very much looking forward to working with such a passionate and dedicated team. I've already been impressed by the collaborative spirit and the wonderful teaching and learning taking place.

I welcome the following staff new to our English faculty in 2025:

• Mr Hooper
• Mr Livingstone
• Mr Magri
• Mrs Jesse

What we are looking at this term

• Year 8: The Warrior Within: Students will explore the concept of the warrior through the lens of Wylah the Warrior, a captivating First Nations text. They'll analyse Wylah's journey, examining themes of courage, resilience, and connection to culture.
• Year 9: Dark Pages and Haunted Tales: Prepare for chills and thrills! Students will delve into the world of gothic literature, exploring a variety of short stories and poems. They'll analyse the elements of gothic writing and craft their own short story featuring these spooky elements.
• Year 10: The Language of Adverts: Students will become media analysts, dissecting the language and techniques used in advertisements. They'll investigate how ads position audiences and explore the representations of people, places, events, and concepts within these persuasive texts.
• Senior students: Students are commencing their first units in the senior courses for the 2025 calendar year. Our senior students are working hard in classes to prepare for upcoming assessments. It is important that students are planning their time to include homework and revision and check in with their teacher regularly for feedback.

Did You Know?

By encouraging your child to read 20 minutes daily at home, you help them to build fluency, enhance vocabulary, and foster a deeper understanding of language.

______________________________________________________________________________________________

We look forward to a fantastic term of learning and discovery! Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any concerns.

Warm Regards,

Steven Upsall

HOD English

Social Science Department

Welcome to an exciting new year in the Social Science Department! As we begin 2025, we are thrilled to continue our journey in History and Geography. Our department remains committed to nurturing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, and changemakers who will help shape the future of our communities and the world.

We give a warm welcome to our new faculty members:

• Mr Rowan Maggri – Y11 and 12 Modern History
• Mr Geoffrey Livingstone – Years 8 and 9
• Mr Luke Hooper – Year 8
• Ms Toni Jesse – Year 8
• Ms Liz Wright – Year 9

Semester 1 Curriculum and Assessment:

As we step into this new year together, we look forward to a vibrant and enriching academic experience. We are here to support your child every step of the way. 

Ingrid Ashton

HOD Social Science

Exciting VET Opportunities in 2025!

Welcome to 2025!

This year, we are excited to provide an extensive selection of Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses, available both in-house and through collaborations with external organisations.

Year 10 Students Embrace New Elective Pathways

We are proud to offer our Year 10 students a diverse range of elective courses designed to develop valuable skills and industry experience. These courses provide hands-on learning opportunities and real-world applications to support their future pathways.

This year’s offerings include:

• Certificate I in Sport and Recreation
• Certificate I in Workplace Skills
• Certificate III in Hospitality
• Certificate III in Aviation (in collaboration with Aviation Australia)
• Certificate III in School-Based Education Support
• Certificate II in Health Support Services (offered through iVET and Kawana Waters State School)

Additionally, all Year 10 students will complete a Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways, equipping them with essential skills for workforce entry or further vocational training.

We are excited to provide these opportunities, ensuring our students are well-prepared for their future careers.

Highly Skilled Trainers Enrich Student Learning

We are privileged to have a team of highly qualified trainers and assessors who bring both current industry experience and expertise in education. Holding a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, they are dedicated to delivering high-quality vocational programs. Their knowledge and commitment enable us to offer a diverse range of qualifications, ensuring our students gain the skills and experience needed for future success.

Senior Students Expand Their Career Horizons

As part of their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan process last year, our Year 11 and 12 students had the opportunity to select from a wide range of Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses. These programs equip students with valuable industry skills and practical experience, supporting their future career pathways.

This year, our senior students are engaged in the following qualifications:

• Certificate II in Sport Coaching (through Binnacle Training)
• Certificate III in Fitness (through Binnacle Training)
• Certificate III in Hospitality
• Certificate III in Aviation (through Aviation Australia)
• Certificate III in School-Based Education Support
• Certificate II in Health Support Services (through iVET and Kawana Waters State School)
• Certificate III in Health Services Assistance (through iVET and Kawana Waters State School)
• Certificate II in Self Awareness (through Blueprint Career Development)
• Certificate II in Workplace Skills
• Certificate II in Volunteering

We are proud to offer these diverse VET qualifications, ensuring our students gain hands-on experience and industry-recognised credentials to support their future education and career aspirations.

Volunteering Students Making a Difference

We are proud to see our volunteering students actively contributing to the community through their placements. These experiences provide valuable opportunities for skill development while fostering a strong sense of social responsibility.

• Mrs Race’s class is assisting in Year 7 and Year 8 classrooms, offering one-on-one support to younger students and enhancing their learning experience.
• Mrs Assay’s students are eager to begin their placement at the Salvation Army Red Hill Homemaker Centre, where they will gain hands-on experience sorting donations and pricing stock.
• Mrs Fechner and Mr Drane’s classes will soon start their placement at Berserker Street State School, working closely with primary students and strengthening community partnerships.

We commend our students for their dedication and enthusiasm in making a meaningful impact within our community.

The Value of Work Experience

Gaining work experience while still in school provides students with invaluable real-world skills, helping them build confidence and prepare for life beyond the classroom. By engaging in practical workplace activities, students develop essential skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving, while gaining firsthand insight into various career paths.

In addition to broadening their career perspectives, work experience enhances resumes and increases employability, giving students a competitive edge in the job market. These experiences also help them make informed decisions about their future by exploring different industries and roles.

If your Year 10, 11, or 12 student is interested in participating in work experience or would like more information, please encourage them to see Mrs. Hinchliffe in the D Block staffroom.

We are incredibly proud of our students for embracing these opportunities and developing skills that will benefit them well into their careers. Here’s to a successful and enriching 2025!

Bron Fechner

HOD VET

These dates are subject to change and will be updated throughout 2025:

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