Acting Principal

Middle School Term Update: A Strong Start to the Semester

The Middle School has commenced the term with great momentum, marked by a series of significant events and positive developments across the school community.

Welcome to Ms Chrissie Taylor – Deputy Principal

We are delighted to welcome Ms Chrissie Taylor to the Middle School as our newly appointed Deputy Principal. Ms Taylor brings extensive experience in educational leadership and student wellbeing, and she has already made a meaningful contribution to our school culture. Her commitment to fostering student success and building strong relationships has been warmly received by staff, students, and families. We look forward to the expertise and enthusiasm she brings to the role.

Year 8 and 9 Subject Selection Expo and Parent Information Night

Our recent Subject Selection Expo and Parent Information Night for Year 8 and 9 students was a resounding success. These events supported students in exploring their academic options and making informed decisions regarding their future learning pathways. Teachers provided guidance and responded to questions from families, facilitating productive conversations around curriculum choices and opportunities for individual growth.

Dorrie Day – A Celebration of Culture and Community

Dorrie Day was a vibrant celebration of culture, connection, and post-schooling opportunities. Students engaged in a diverse range of activities that encouraged cultural awareness, collaboration, and future planning. The enthusiasm demonstrated by all year levels made the event particularly memorable and reinforced our school’s commitment to inclusive, community-focused education.

PISA Testing Participation

This term, selected students will participate in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA). As an internationally benchmarked assessment, PISA provides valuable data on student performance and offers insights that contribute to our continued refinement of teaching and learning practices within a global context.

With a strong foundation set in the opening weeks of the term, we look forward to the continued learning, growth, and connection that the remainder of the term promises.

Jordanna Kele

HOD Middle School

Business News

During Term 2, our students participated in the ASX Investment Game—an engaging and educational simulation designed to introduce them to the workings of the share market in a risk-free environment. Utilising real market data, students were tasked with building and managing a virtual investment portfolio, making strategic decisions, and monitoring their performance over time. This initiative provided students with a valuable opportunity to develop financial literacy, critical thinking skills, and a practical understanding of how the Australian stock market functions.

We are particularly proud to acknowledge the exceptional performance of Jackson, a Year 11 student, who achieved 7th place in Queensland and 61st nationally out of more than 20,000 participants. Through careful research, strategic decision-making, and a strong grasp of market dynamics, Jackson led the school's leaderboard—an outstanding accomplishment that reflects both his dedication and insight into investment strategies.

In Legal Studies, our Year 11 students will be attending the Rockhampton Courthouse this term to observe live criminal proceedings. This experience is designed to enhance their understanding of the legal system, particularly in relation to punishment and sentencing, and to bring theoretical concepts to life through real-world observation. 

Meanwhile, our Year 10 Economics and Business students are taking the lead in organising the Year 10 Semi-Formal. Working collaboratively in designated teams, students are overseeing various aspects of event planning. This practical project allows them to apply business principles in a meaningful context while developing essential skills in teamwork, leadership, and project management.

Carla Anderson

HOD Business

Mathematics at a Glance – Term 3 Update

It’s been a busy and productive term so far across all year levels in the Mathematics Department. From real-world modelling to statistical investigations and complex numbers, students have been engaging in meaningful learning experiences that build critical thinking and numeracy. Here’s a snapshot of what’s been happening:

Year 8: Discovering Data
Year 8 students have been conducting statistical investigations, learning how sampling methods influence results and how to analyse and compare data distributions. Students are developing skills in using measures of central tendency and range to interpret real-world data sets.

Year 9: Modelling Change
In Year 9, students are exploring linear and quadratic functions to model change in financial and applied contexts. Using digital tools, they are investigating how varying parameters affects both algebraic rules and graph shapes—strengthening their connections between equations and real-world patterns.

Year 10: Algebra & Geometry in Action
Students have been expanding and factorising algebraic expressions, with a focus on monic quadratics, while also examining the relationships between parallel and perpendicular lines using gradients and graphing techniques.

Year 10 SCN: Maths for the Workplace
In the Short Course in Numeracy, students have developed practical skills to support employment readiness. They are exploring mathematical tasks related to wages, budgeting, measuring, and reading timetables—key tools for thriving in the workforce.  Miss Henbury has created many hands-on lessons to ensure the Maths concepts explored are real and engaging.

Year 11 Essential: Visualising Data
Students have begun the term with a focus on data collection and graphs. They are developing confidence in interpreting and representing data, using charts and tables to make sense of everyday information.

Year 11 General: Sports & Statistics
General Maths students have just received their assessment where they are required to analyse data from two professional sports teams—one successful and one not. They’re using univariate data analysis to compare player characteristics and performance to uncover possible reasons for differences in success.

11 General students working in teams to solve algebraic problems

Year 11 Methods: Predicting Population Growth
Students have applied exponential functions to model population growth in a fictional town. Their PSMT challenges them to evaluate the reasonableness of their model and consider how growth affects infrastructure and services.

Year 11 Specialist: Entering the Complex World
Specialist students have explored complex numbers and their arithmetic. They’re building fluency with imaginary numbers, conjugates, and algebraic manipulation in preparation for their upcoming exam.

Year 12 Essential: Final Assessment Begins
Essential Maths students have just received their final assignment for the year, modelling population growth using exponential functions. They’ll evaluate the model’s limitations and explore its application in town planning.

Year 12 General & Methods: Final Countdown
General and Methods students are wrapping up their content and shifting into revision mode for their IA3, beginning in Week 5. They’re focused on applying concepts and refining problem-solving skills ahead of assessment and external exams.

Year 12 General Maths students working collaboratively to solve given problems.

We are proud of the hard work and commitment shown by all students this term. We look forward to supporting them through revision, final assessments, and celebrations as the year draws to a close. 

Morgan Festing

HOD Math

Rebecca Meurant

Guidance Officer Yrs 9 & 10

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

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