As we step into Term 2, I am filled with anticipation for the bustling ten weeks ahead, where we aim to build upon the formidable successes achieved earlier this year. It is a period marked not only by academic pursuits but also by the enriching co-curricular activities that foster our students' holistic development.

With the arrival of cooler weather, I wish to remind everyone of the importance of health, particularly as we transition into the winter months. Flu vaccinations are highly recommended; they are a proactive measure to safeguard our students’ health and maintain optimal attendance.

Remember, each day at school is crucial. Being proactive about health is an essential step towards a robust start to the season.

Winter Uniform

As winter approaches, ensuring that all students wear the correct uniform is paramount. Our uniform policy is designed not only for uniformity but as an expression of our collective ethos and discipline:

• Polo Shirts are to be worn with maroon shorts, unisex grey shorts, or maroon tracksuit pants.
• Maroon Sports Shorts should be paired with the polo shirt.
• Unisex Grey Shorts may be worn with both the formal shirt and tie or the maroon polo shirt.
• Formal Shirts/Blouses must be accompanied by appropriate formal pieces such as skirts, long trousers, or unisex grey shorts.
• School Tracksuit is permissible at any time, with the jacket doubling as a coat when needed.
• School Jumpers/Jackets can be worn as needed; however, any non-school jumpers must be plain grey or maroon

Non-compliance with our uniform standard will necessitate a change of attire, with parents being notified to rectify the uniform discrepancies through our school shop.

Principal Leadership Update

Starting from week four of this term, Mrs. Amanda Pearce, Deputy Principal of Senior Schooling, will be acting Principal. I will be assuming a temporary role at the Regional Office during this period.

Attendance – 90% or more

Attendance plays a pivotal role in the educational and social development of our students. An attendance rate of 90% or higher is essential. Absenteeism, even if slight, can significantly hinder a student's learning trajectory and overall wellbeing. Here's an illustrative fact: Being merely 4-5 minutes late to each class, considering our daily transitions, can cumulatively lead to substantial educational setbacks over time.

As we move forward into this term, let us all reaffirm our commitment to excellence, engagement, and community spirit. Your continuous involvement and support play a significant role in shaping the environment our students thrive in. Let us collectively ensure that this term is productive, rewarding, and enriching for everyone.

only missing just….	That equals….	Which is…..	over 13 years of schooling that’s
10 minutes per day	50 minutes per week	1.5 weeks per year	Nearly Half a year
20 minutes per day	1 hour 40 mins per week	Over 2.5 Weeks per year	Nearly 1 year
Half an hour per day	Half a day per week	4 Weeks per Year	Nearly 1 and a Half years
1 hour per day	1 day per week	8 Weeks per year	Over 2 and a Half years

For more support around attendance go to https://education.qld.gov.au/initiatives-and-strategies/initiatives/every-day-counts/for-parents-and-community

Kurt Goodwin

Principal

Welcome to Term 2 - Updates and Reminders for Middle School 

Welcome to a Productive Term 2 

As we embark on another busy term at North Rockhampton State High School, it is crucial that we re-align with the school’s expectations to ensure a smooth and effective learning experience for all. 

Supporting Student Success: 

1. Attendance Requirements 

• Minimum Expectation: We expect a minimum attendance rate of 85% for all students, with all absences explained.
• Tracking and Communication: Attendance rates will be communicated to Middle School students and their parents via email in weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8 of this term.
• Support: The Middle School team will work closely with students who are not meeting the minimum attendance requirement to identify and overcome barriers to regular attendance. 

2. Mobile Phone Policy 

• Phone Away for the Day: To minimise distractions and enhance learning, students are required to keep their mobile phones away during school hours. 

3. Uniform Compliance 

• Daily Requirement: Uniforms must be worn each day without exception. If there are any issues with obtaining the necessary uniform items, please contact the Middle School team for assistance. 

Upcoming Academic Events for Middle School 

Subject Selection and Planning: 

• Year 10 SET Plans: Scheduled for Week 8 of this term, the Senior Education and Training Plan meetings are pivotal for students as they make informed decisions about their senior subjects and post-school career goals. Detailed information about the appointment booking process will be provided shortly.
• Year 9 Elective Selection: Students will have the opportunity to choose their Semester 2 elective subjects this term. We encourage families to start discussions early about potential choices to ensure a well-considered decision. 

Subject Change Procedures: 

• Students wishing to alter their subject selections can initiate the Subject Change process by obtaining a form from the Middle School team. It's crucial to understand the impacts of any changes, and the start of the term is the optimal time for reviewing and adjusting timetables if necessary. 

Year 10 Wednesday Early Sign Out: 

• This new initiative begins this term for select Year 10 students who have completed their course requirements. Eligible students must consult the Middle School team to obtain the necessary form and confirm parental permission for early sign-out, which is scheduled for 11:30 AM on Wednesdays. 

We look forward to a term filled with learning and growth. Your cooperation and participation in these processes are vital for maintaining the standards we strive for at [School Name]. Should you have any questions or require further information, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Middle School team.

Jordanna Kele

HOD Middle School

Term 2 is off to a smooth start, with our Junior School students settling back into routines and continuing their learning with interest and focus.

We were so pleased that so many parents and caregivers were able to attend our Year 7 and 8 ‘Meet and Greet’ in Term 1. We highly value the strong connection between parents, teachers and students as it supports academic success, communication, belonging and addresses individual needs.

Congratulations to all our 7s who undertook the recent NAPLAN tests. NAPLAN assesses the literacy and numeracy skills that students are learning through the school curriculum and allows parents/carers to see how their child is progressing against national standards and over time.  Students will receive feedback highlighting whether they are: • Exceeding • Strong • Developing • Need additional support.

The Cookie Dough Fundraiser was a success. A big thank you from Junior School to all our Hawks families and friends who supported the fundraiser. As a result of your efforts:

• 233 tubs of cookie dough were sold
• a profit of $932 was made

Furthermore, Junior School students will play an active role in our community this term as they embark on various opportunities through participation in programs and competitions. These programs and competitions include:

• Math Team Challenge (an exciting and challenging problem-solving individual and group competition)
• Livingstone Big Ideas Challenge (student put on their ‘entrepreneurial’ hats and come up with a business idea that could offer a solution to a problem in the local community)
• Rotary Quiz (held at Rockhampton State High School, students will be asked questions relating to Australiana, General Knowledge and World Affairs)

This year, our Junior School Captains have taken on a greater role in the organisation and running of Junior School assemblies—a new initiative for 2025. Their preparation, leadership, and commitment have been outstanding, and we commend them for the confidence and care they bring to this responsibility each week.

Their efforts have not only helped assemblies run smoothly but have also made a positive contribution to the culture of our Junior School by modelling pride, respect, and teamwork. We sincerely thank them for their contribution and look forward to seeing their leadership continue to grow throughout the year.

Looking forward to sharing more Junior School news with you.

Emily Sorrensen

HOD Junior School

Welcome to Term 2!

VET Pathways – 2025 Subject Selection Support for Year 10 Students

As Term 2 begins, our Year 10 students are taking important steps toward their senior studies. At the end of last term, they had the opportunity to hear from Heads of Department and senior students about the subject offerings available in Years 11 and 12. This informative session helped students gain valuable insights into their future pathways.

As part of the subject selection process, students will now spend dedicated time in their Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways classes exploring and selecting their subjects for 2025. One key area of focus is the Vocational Education and Training (VET) opportunities offered both at NRSHS and through external providers.

What is VET?

VET courses give students the chance to gain real-world skills and nationally recognised qualifications while still at school. These qualifications can lead to employment, apprenticeships, or further study.

Some VET courses are delivered within the regular timetable structure, while others take place one day per week, either on-site or at external locations. When a one-day course is selected, students are allocated a ‘Study’ line across three elective periods each week, helping them catch up on any classwork missed while attending their course.

 VET Offerings at NRSHS – 2025

Courses during HAWKS (Wednesday Periods 3 & 4)

All Year 10 students must choose one:

• Certificate II in Active Volunteering
• Certificate II in Workplace Skills

Courses Offered as Electives During Timetabled Classes

• Certificate II in Self Awareness and Development (Blueprint Career Development; RTO 30978)
• Certificate II in Active Volunteering
• Certificate II in Workplace Skills
• Certificate III in School Based Education Support
• Certificate II in Sport Coaching (Binnacle Training; RTO 31319)
• Certificate III in Fitness (Binnacle Training; RTO 31319)
• Certificate II in Tourism (pending scope approval)

One-Day Courses Delivered at NRSHS

• Certificate III in Hospitality
• Certificate III in Aviation Remote Pilot (Aviation Australia; RTO 30770)
• Health Bundle (offered through iVET; RTO 40548):
• Certificate II in Health Support Services
• Certificate III in Health Services Assistance

One-Day Courses Delivered Off Campus

• Certificate II in Automotive Vocational Preparation (MTA Institute at Glenmore SHS or CQUniversity TAFE)
• Certificate II in Engineering Pathways (Axial Training at NRSHS & SMW or CQUniversity TAFE)
• Certificate II in Electrotechnology (CQUniversity TAFE)
• Certificate II in Autonomous Technology (CQUniversity TAFE)
• Certificate II in Salon Assistant (CQUniversity TAFE)
• Certificate II in Aircraft Line Maintenance (Aviation Australia)
• Certificate II in Conservation and Ecosystem Management (Yadaba Nunthi – via Glenmore SHS)

? More Information

Full details about each course can be found in the 2025 Senior Subject Handbook, available on our school website under:
Support and Resources > Forms and Documents > 2025 Senior Handbook
? Access it directly here

Need Help or Have Questions?

Please feel free to contact:

Bronwyn Fechner
Head of Department – Vocational Education and Training
bfech9@eq.edu.au |  (07) 4924 7888

Let’s work together to support our students in making informed, future-focused decisions!

Bronwyn Fechner 

HOD VET (Vocational Education and Training)

Term 2 Social Sciences Update: A Strong Start to a Thoughtful Term

As we commence Term 2, there is much to look forward to across our Junior Secondary curriculum. This term presents an opportunity for students to build upon their foundational learning from Term 1, with a continued focus on academic growth, deeper engagement, and upcoming assessment tasks.

Commemorating ANZAC Day

ANZAC Day, commemorated annually on April 25, holds deep national significance in Australia and New Zealand. It provides a moment to pause and honour the service and sacrifice of all military personnel, past and present.

Our school community came together for a respectful and meaningful whole school ANZAC Parade. Year 10 History students demonstrated leadership by writing and delivering thoughtful speeches centred on this year’s theme, Remembering Gallipoli. Their reflections highlighted the historical and emotional significance of the campaign and its legacy.

Complementing this, our Year 8 Core classes created commemorative poppy bunting and paper chains. The level of care and commitment shown by our students was commendable and reflected a strong understanding of the occasion’s importance.

In Term 4, Year 9 History students will further investigate the Gallipoli campaign through their curriculum, exploring its social, cultural, and political ramifications. They will also examine the role of collective memory and the varying ways in which communities and nations commemorate conflict and loss. These conversations continue to foster values of resilience, empathy, and global citizenship.

Lest We Forget.

Curriculum Overview: What’s Ahead in Term 2

Year 8 History – Unit 2: Polynesian Expansion
Students will explore the extraordinary achievements of the Polynesian peoples, who navigated the vast Pacific Ocean without modern tools. This unit highlights one of the most remarkable migration and cultural expansion stories in human history.

• Assessment: Investigation – The Decline of Rapa Nui (Easter Island)

Year 9 Geography – Unit 2: Interconnections and the Impact of Fast Fashion
This unit examines how people and places are interconnected on a global scale. A key focus will be the environmental and social impacts of the fast fashion industry, prompting students to consider ethical consumption and sustainability.

• Assessment: Investigation – Fast Fashion and Landfill

Year 10 History – Unit 2: Building Modern Nations
Students will investigate how modern nations emerged and developed political, social, and economic structures, with a focus on movements, events, and leaders from the 19th and 20th centuries. This unit also covers important topics such as First Nations activism, migration, and multiculturalism in shaping Australia.

• Assessment Part A: Source Investigation – First Nations Movements
• Assessment Part B: Exam – Migration and Multiculturalism

At the conclusion of Term 2, Year 10 students will transition from History to Health and Physical Education (HPE) in Term 3.

We encourage parents and caregivers to stay connected with their child’s learning. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the Social Sciences curriculum, please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s class teacher or myself directly.

Ingrid Ashton

HOD SOSE

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

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