Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we approach the final weeks of this term, it is important to remind all families of the busy assessment schedule that is upcoming for all of our students.

With a number of significant assessments and exams scheduled over the next couple of weeks, maintaining regular attendance at school is crucial to ensure that students can complete their assessments to the best of their ability and receive fair evaluations of their progress.

The Year 11 exam block is set to take place from 25th March to 28th March. This is a key time for our Year 11 students to demonstrate their knowledge and skills across a range of subjects, and their attendance during this period is essential. It is important to note that any absences during this time can significantly impact their ability to complete these important assessments. We strongly encourage all Year 11 students to be present, focused, and fully prepared for this assessment block.

Furthermore, a reminder to all students, but particularly those in  Year 10, 11, and 12, that all assessment tasks must be completed by the dates outlined on the assessment calendars. These dates have been communicated clearly, and it is vital that students manage their time effectively to meet deadlines. If a student is unable to meet a deadline due to illness or other circumstances, the school’s formal process for requesting adjustments is the AARA (Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments). Please note that adjustments to due dates can only occur if an AARA has been completed and approved. This ensures that all students are treated fairly and consistently.

We would also like to remind families that absences due to personal events, such as weddings or holidays, are not considered valid reasons for extensions on assessment deadlines. It is important that students are aware of the requirements and plan ahead to ensure they can complete their work on time. Parents and guardians can support this process by encouraging their children to maintain strong time-management practices, attend all classes, and prioritise their studies during this busy period.

As always, we encourage all students to put their best effort into their assessments. These tasks are an opportunity for students to demonstrate their understanding and skills in each subject area. Encouraging students to approach each task with focus, determination, and a commitment to excellence will help them achieve the best results possible.

We would like to remind everyone that the Swimming Carnival is fast approaching, scheduled for Wednesday 2nd April. This year’s theme is “Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi,” and we are looking forward to a fun, vibrant day of competition and school spirit. We encourage all students to come dressed in the theme and participate enthusiastically in the various events. Please make sure permission notes have been returned to Miss Goodale in the HPE staffroom.

As we enter the final weeks of Term 1, we wish all students the best of luck with their assessments and exams. We look forward to celebrating their hard work and achievements as the term concludes.

Enjoy the rest of the term, and thank you for your continued support.

Kind Regards,

Sharon Barnard, Deputy Principal

NAPLAN Testing 2025

The National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) plays an important role in the Australian education system, assessing students’ literacy and numeracy skills. As we reflect back on NAPLAN 2025 at our school, it’s crucial to highlight not only the strategies for success but also the remarkable efforts of students, teachers, and staff who make the testing experience a smooth and successful one. With the highest attendance this year, the year 7 & 9 student’s organisation, engagement, behaviour and resilience during the testing time was exceptional.

The testing started with a welcomed BBQ breakfast, organised by Admin and Year 12 student leaders, for all NAPLAN students, but in traditional Mackay High fashion every student was invited. The Resource Centre and E block classrooms were set up as test centres for the 5 days of testing and teachers and students were accommodating of the changes. Students experienced minimal technical difficulties and all were resolved by the wonderful tech team who were on hand during the entire testing time. A special mention and note of thanks to the parents and guardians who ensured laptops were charged and headphones purchased- we are grateful of your support.

We look forward to seeing the results across Reading, Writing, Conventions of Language and Numeracy in coming months.

On March 7th, Year 12 Prefects and Miss Dodd attended the RIN International Women’s Day Luncheon. They were inspired by Key Note Speaker and Gold Medal Olympian Kerri Pottharst and learned valuable lessons about the power of women and women in the modern workforce.

Day 1 at Konomie Island, our Year 12 Biology students explored the island’s diverse landscapes, conducting sand dune transects and hiking through the stunning surroundings of Gulls Beach and Maize Bay. After a day of hands-on learning, they enjoyed a well-earned break and settled into their cabins. After dinner we had a lesson on coral and reef health to get ready for snorkelling!

Day 2 at Konomie Island, the Year 12 Biology students explored the island’s coral reefs, witnessing its slow recovery after last year’s bleaching event. They collected valuable reef data and spotted stingrays, giant clams, and plenty of fish!

The day ended with students successfully making a campfire using traditional Indigenous fire-making techniques and sharing stories under the stars!

Year 12 Biology wrapped up their third and final day on Konomie Island by exploring the fascinating mangrove environments, collecting shells, and witnessing firsthand the impact of plastic pollution along the shoreline. They then ventured to Conical Island for a scenic hike, taking in breathtaking views from the top, before finishing the trip with a visit to the local museum. What an incredible three days at Konomie Island Environmental Education Centre!

Sports Spotlights

Our school’s family expanded last week with the welcome arrival of 3 beautiful steers kindly donated by Bob Kohler. Bob a past student of MSHS, from 5 Mile Moranbah, purchased, branded, halter trained, quietened and transported these boys for our cattle show team with the help of Jen Guinea. Thank you so much Bob and Jen. We are so very grateful for your support of our cattle show team and Agriculture Academy!

Reminder that Wednesday 2nd April - WEEK 10 - is our 2025 Swimming Carnival!