As we approach the end of Term 2, there are several important updates and reminders to share with our school community.

Athletics Carnival – Thursday 26th June
Our annual Athletics Carnival will be held on Thursday 26th June at the ARC. This is always a highlight on the school calendar and a great opportunity for students to participate, compete, and support their house teams. A reminder that permission notes must be returned to HGR teachers or the HPE Staffroom as soon as possible.

Assessment and Semester Reports
All year levels are currently completing assessment tasks, and we encourage every student to give their best effort as we approach the end of the term. These tasks are important for tracking progress and preparing for future learning. Semester reports will be finalised and sent home on the last day of this term, providing valuable feedback on student achievement and areas for growth.

Year 11 Camp – Week 9
In Week 9, our Year 11 students will be attending camp on Magnetic Island. This experience offers a wonderful chance for students to strengthen connections, challenge themselves, and develop leadership skills. For students who are not attending camp, it is important to note that all students are expected to attend school as usual – classes will run as normal.

Uniform Expectations
With cooler weather now upon us, we remind students and families of our school’s

 uniform policy. School jumpers must be either a blue or maroon jumper (non-hooded) or the official school jacket, which is available for purchase from the uniform shop.

Looking Ahead – Term 3 Transitions
Next term, our focus will shift toward preparing students for key transition points:

• Year 6 into Year 7 (2026): We will begin our transition program to support incoming Year 6 students in making a successful move to secondary schooling.
• Year 10 into Senior School (2026): Year 10 students will engage in subject selection processes (including SET Planning meetings) and receive guidance to make informed choices for their senior pathways.
• Year 12 Final Preparation: Our Year 12 students will be turning their attention to final assessments, external exams, and post-school planning in Semester 2. It is a pivotal time, and we are here to support them every step of the way.

As always, thank you for your continued support. We encourage all students to finish the term strong and look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead in Term 3.

Warm regards,
Sharon Barnard
Deputy Principal

Meals on Wheels – Community Service

With assistance from Youth Support Coordinator Vince Propsting, our Year 12 students have been volunteering through the Meals on Wheels program, delivering care and meals to those community members in need.

In Week 8, Year 12 students Shayne-Lee France & Phoebe Wallace visited Beverley. The service provides her with much needed meals and importantly, a social connection.  

Beverley always looks forward to meeting students on each fortnightly delivery, taking the time to chat with them about their plans for the future.

Photo: Year 12 students Shayne-Lee France & Phoebe Wallace with Meals on Wheels recipient Beverley.

Miss Robertson's year 10 agricultural students have been very busy working with our cattle this term for their practical skills assessment task. They have been learning many skills like how to care for cattle, practice show preparation techniques like grooming, working together as a team, and the most challenging of all, learning how to tie a quick release knot!

Well done year 10 Ag students!

Last week 6 of our students participated in the Toolkit 4 Girls Program which was held at the Mackay Engineering College.

Students got to taste areas in Manufacturing, Electro-technology and Automotive.  Welding seemed to be a favourite from the student’s feedback. 

We would like to thank the staff at the Mackay Engineering College for giving our students this experience.

2 Bent Rods are excited to share that the QLD Kids Fishing Classic (QKFC) is back for the upcoming school holidays! This fun and family-friendly competition is all about encouraging kids to get outside, enjoy nature, and put down their devices. 

We’d love to offer you 1 FREE ticket to use however you see fit—whether that’s donating it to a family, using it as a raffle prize, or promoting it through your community. Tickets are valid for 6 months, giving you flexibility to decide when and how to use it. Since the comp runs every school holiday, there are multiple chances for the lucky recipient to join in. 

About the Competition: 

• Open to kids aged 3–17 years living in Queensland, with categories for 3–7, 8–12, and 13– 17-year-olds. 

• Fish land-based, by kayak, or from a tinnie—no boat or travel required! • Includes saltwater, freshwater, and pest species. 

• It’s a photo-only comp: participants simply upload photos of their catches to the 2 Bent Rods App. 

• Fish from anywhere in Queensland, whenever suits during the school holidays!

 Check out more details on our website: 2 Bent Rods - Fishing Competitions 

And join our Facebook group: QLD Kids Fishing Classic

ticket.

2 Bent Rods Team 

events@2bentrods.com.au 

Pressing pause on tech tantrums: positive switch-off strategies

Too much tech and dependence can sneak up on any of us, some apps are designed for it – so find solutions together

With the right tools and strategies, you can turn screen time struggles into opportunities for balance and connection, for any age group.

• Make screen time predictable

• Introduce engaging follow-on activities,
• Use visual timers
• Model calm responses to frustration, we can help kids navigate tech challenges with confidence.
• Committing to regular phone/screen/gaming free times and building in longer breaks.
• Prioritising screen free social activities like sport, clubs, a hobby or art classes – choose something fun together if it’s a new idea.
• If you feel you need help, remember it’s a sign of strength to seek advice, whether from a mental health professional or GP –
• teen screen addiction can be hard to manage alone.

Triple P’s latest article empowers parents and carers with straightforward information like this for a calm and positive approach to switching off screens.

For more tips and strategies to help you raise capable, confident kids, check out their free online programs.

Dolphins NRL x SLSQ Mackay Holiday Clinic