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Welcome to Week 3!
It’s been an eventful start to the year, and it’s fantastic to see our school community growing stronger together. With record enrolments, a wonderful Year 12 Induction, and the official announcement of our 2024 School Dux, we have certainly hit the ground running.
We’ve also faced some challenges—particularly with the extreme weather last Tuesday—but the resilience and teamwork displayed by staff and students alike have been outstanding.
Our Growing School!
Our enrolments continue to grow, and it’s exciting to see our school community thriving. Our enrolments are now at 1260, up from 1207 last year! This growth reflects the reputation of our school and the commitment of our staff to providing high-quality education, support for all students and a focus on student pathways.
With increased student numbers, we’re entitled to additional teaching staff, teacher aides, and a new Head of Department (HOD). I’m currently working through the staffing process and will provide updates as we welcome new staff to the school.
Welcoming Our New Staff
With our growing enrolments, we’re thrilled to welcome new staff to our team. Please join me in welcoming the following teachers:
Experienced Teachers:
- Helena Richter
- Sam Williams
- Nina Jones
- Leah Feldman
- Joe Wilson
- Joelle Foy
- Rebecca Wells
- Kylie Rodda
- Lynette Ahmat
- Kate Watson
- Danny Carter
- Rosalie Crighton
- Joanna Appleman
We are excited to have them on board and look forward to their contributions to our school community.
Celebrating Our Student Leaders – Leadership Investiture
We started Week 2 with an inspiring Leadership Investiture, officially welcoming our new student leaders and the senior class of 2025. This ceremony is a key milestone for our Year 12s, marking the beginning of their leadership journey and the responsibility they hold as role models for the rest of the school.
A special moment of the event was seeing parents writing words of encouragement and support around the "Stronger Together" banner. This visual reminder of community, resilience, and teamwork set the tone for what will no doubt be an incredible year for our senior students.
Congratulations to our 2024 School Dux – Lachlan Peach!
One of the highlights of the ceremony was the announcement of our 2024 School Dux, Lachlan Peach. Lachlan’s academic achievements and dedication to excellence have set a high standard, and he spoke beautifully to our Year 12 leaders about perseverance, self-belief, and embracing the challenges of the final year of school. Congratulations, Lachlan!
Managing Valuables – New Classroom Procedures
Unfortunately, we had a few instances of theft last week, so we are reinforcing our stance:
VALUABLES INSIDE … BAGS OUTSIDE.
Every classroom has a box for students to secure their valuables. Teachers will incorporate this as part of the entry process, ensuring students have a safe place to store their belongings during lessons. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our school a safe and respectful environment.
As we settle into the term, I encourage families to reach out if they have any concerns about their child’s progress or wellbeing. Our team is here to support every student, and open communication between home and school is key to their success. Please don’t hesitate to contact us—we’re always happy to help.
Looking forward to another great week ahead!
Investiture
Year 11 Retreat - Reminder
We are excited to remind parents, carers and students about the Year 11 Retreat in Week 9 of Term 2! This is a wonderful opportunity for students to connect, reflect and build valuable skills for their personal and academic growth. To secure a spot, students were given their Expression of Interest (EOI) forms last week, and we ask that these be completed and returned as soon as possible to confirm attendance.
Please note that a minimum of 45 participants is required for the retreat to proceed. We would like to thank the families who have already returned their EOI forms. Your prompt attention is greatly appreciated!
If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact Kiara Tupper.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
Jobs Fair
QMEA News and Opportunities:
QMEA Congratulations!
“The Queensland Resources Council (QRC) and Women in Mining and Resources Queensland (WIMARQ) have announced finalists for the 2025 Resources Awards for Women and recognised the exceptional contribution of women to the success of Queensland’s resources sector.
The 18 finalists from Brisbane to Mt Isa showcase the impact and success of women in leadership, operational and technical roles in Queensland’s resources sector.”
We wish to congratulate QMEA Ambassador, and senior student, Amy Harlow on her nomination for Exceptional female QMEA student.
QMEA Opportunities
Female Tradie for a Day
The female tradie for a day is an opportunity for 5 year ten female students to attend a workshop at Pioneer State High School with the aim of informing students of the job pathways with regards to trades in the resources industry, industry expectations for successful applications as an apprentice and an introduction into a variety of trades by current industry reps.
Students can express their interest directly to Mrs Howarth in the library or they can email at kstan83@eq.edu.au.
Exceptional Indigenous QMEA Student
Nominations are now open for the Queensland Resources Council 2025 Indigenous Awards which includes an award to an Exceptional Indigenous QMEA Student. This award recognises the achievement of an Indigenous student from a QMEA school who has shown promise and a passion for a career in the resources sector. It also recognises their ability to network and mentor other Indigenous students.
QRC is seeking applications from students themselves, for nominations of an exceptional Indigenous QMEA student that has made a significant contribution to their class or school in years 10 - 12.
If you are, or know, a student who you think is a great candidate, please encourage them to see Mrs Howarth in the library for more information. Applications close 4th April 2025.
Stem and Tech Opportunities
Tech Clubs Term 1
Students are asked to nominate this week in the library if they are interested in being part of one of the school’s tech clubs. Clubs on offer this term are:
- Robotics: Whitsunday STEM competition – Robocup Junior challenge
- Drones: MicroDrone Challenge
- Minecraft: Girls in STEM
STEM Opportunity
The Global Engagement team within the Department of Education International offers transformative international experiences to help you and your students expand their horizons.
Queensland state school Year 10 students can now nominate for funded global STEM programs, including:
STEM Japan
- Engage in industry visits and hands-on activities that highlight Japan's advancements in STEM
- Delve into Japan's rich historical and cultural heritage
- Visit significant sites and landmarks
- Experience Japanese school life at local high schools
- Applications close: 5.00pm Friday 27 June 2025
- Online information sessions: Thursday 6 March 2025 and Monday 12 May 2025
Email Mrs Howarth for more information: kstan83@eq.edu.au
TECH TIPS:
Laptop Onboarding
Laptop onboarding is continuing in ICT Services, but did you know that you can set up the initial network access from home? On our school website you will find some video guides to get you started. https://mackayshs.eq.edu.au/curriculum/bring-your-own-device
Once you are online, students will find all the key links to digital learning resources on our student Portal: https://qedu.sharepoint.com/sites/2009/student
Free professional coaching for parents and carers of teens
One-on-One Support is for parents and carers of teens aged 12–18 who are supporting their young person through a tough time.
Some of the issues you might be supporting your teen with include:
- School refusal
- Anxiety and depression
- Alcohol and drugs
- Gender and identity
- Communication problems
- Self-harm
- Bullying
- Aggressive behaviour
Breakfast Club
Student Support Services runs breakfast club 8.00am to 8.45am Monday to Friday in the Hall Kitchen. The menu can change weekly but you will find toast, spreads, smoothies and fresh fruit on offer each week.Breakfast is that most important meal of the day to get the brain working and keep the body revitalised so come down to the hall and get your fill for the day!
Parents and Citizens meetings are held on the fourth Monday of each month, commencing at 5.30pm in the Learning Lounge in the administration building.
Attending these meetings will provide a better understanding of our school and the opportunity to contribute to our school community. Everyone is welcome to attend and voice suggestions, opinions and offer feedback.
P & C meeting dates for 2025 are as follows:
Monday 24th February
Monday 24th March - Annual General Meeting
