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Welcome to Semester 2
Welcome back to Term 3! I hope you and your family enjoyed a restful break and are ready for another busy and exciting term at Mackay State High School.
Welcoming New and Returning Deputy Principals
We are pleased to welcome Mr Ethan Johns to our leadership team as our newest Deputy Principal. Mr Johns will be working with our Year 9 and 10 students this term. Mrs Liz O’Neill remains on leave until Week 4, and in the interim, Ms Claire Blessas will continue supporting our Year 7 and 8 students.
For your reference, our Deputy Principal team for Term 3 is as follows:
- Ms Blessas / Mrs O’Neill – Year 7 & 8
- Mr Johns – Year 9 & 10
- Mrs Barnard – Year 11 & 12
- Mrs Baira – Inclusion (supporting students with disability and those in out-of-home care)
Please continue to direct any enquiries or concerns to the relevant Deputy Principal.
Subject Selection & Careers Focus
Term 3 is an important time for Year 8 and Year 10 students as they begin making decisions about their 2026 pathways.
- Year 8 Students will select two elective subjects for 2026.
- Year 10 Students will make highly individualised course selections, with English and Mathematics remaining essential. We offer a very diverse range of both academic and vocational subjects for your child to consider.
We strongly encourage parents to attend our Subject Selection Evening on Tuesday, 5 August commencing in the Hall:
- Year 10 Session – 5:30 pm
- Year 8 Session – 6:30 pm
This evening is a valuable opportunity to speak with Heads of Department, teachers, CQ University and James Cook University representatives, and the Mackay Engineering College about subjects, pathways, and future career opportunities.
In Week 6, Year 10 families will also meet with a member of the executive team as part of the Senior Education and Training (SET) Planning process to finalise subject choices for 2026.
Enrolments and Sporting Academy Trials
- Year 6 Enrolments: Our second round of enrolment interviews for 2026 Year 7 students will take place in Week 4 this term. Information has been distributed to our feeder primary schools.
- Sporting Academy Trials: A second round of trials for our Sporting Academies will occur in Week 5 for future students interested in joining these programs.
Assessment Calendars
Assessment calendars for Term 3 will be distributed on Monday next week to help
students stay organised and up to date with their studies.
Finally, thank you to the many parents who attended Parent-Teacher Interviews this week. Your engagement and partnership are vital to your child’s success, and we appreciate your ongoing support.
I look forward to another fantastic term of learning and achievement at Mackay State High School.
Felicity Roberts
Principal
Dear Parents and Carers,
I am very excited to be stepping into the Deputy Principal position for the remainder of the year behind Mr Matt Reeves. It has been great getting to know the Year 9 cohort, and continuing my work with the Year 10 cohort alongside Acting Year 10 HOY Miss Isabella Dodd who has stepped into the role behind me.
Attendance Focus:
At Mackay High, we believe that every school day matters. Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in a student’s academic success and overall wellbeing. When students attend every day, they stay connected to learning, friendships, routines, and the school community.
Even missing just one day a fortnight adds up to 20 days over a year - that’s a whole month of learning missed! Over time, these absences can have a serious impact on progress and confidence in the classroom.
We understand that sometimes absences are unavoidable. If your child is struggling with attendance - whether due to illness, or other concerns please reach out to your year level team. We’re here to work in partnership with families to support every student’s success.
I look forward to continuing to work with Mackay High family's this year.
Kind regards,
Ethan Johns
A/Deputy Principal: Year 9 & 10 / Engagement
Last Friday, a group of students attended the Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival. They had a fantastic day and participated in a range of activities, including attending the keynote presentation by athlete and author, Ned Brockmann. Some students even came home with new books to read and enjoy!
Congratulations to our Age Champions, our record breakers, and the Overall House Champion – your achievements were outstanding!
Well done to everyone who participated – we’re already looking forward to next year’s carnival! 
On Monday the 21st of July, year 7 Academic Academy students attended a science presentation delivered by the University of Queensland. Students got to engage in different activities like building a windmill to measure the power generated by wind, explored how renewable energy sources positively impact the environment and learnt how engineers can advance our way of life. UQ presenters also gave a demonstration of a hydro powered car, and students got to compete for the best windmill design that could measure the most amount of wind. Well done to the winning group, Eli Pope, Nevaeh Collins and Mia Cousen on their design! All students enjoyed their day!
JCU Open Day
C.A.S Hawker Scholarships - Graduating Year 12's
C.A.S. Hawker Scholarships are one of the most generous privately funded scholarships available to undergraduate students in Australia. Each residential scholarship is valued at up to $75,000 over three years.
All Year 12 graduates entering their first year of University in 2026, are elgible of the potentially life-changing opportunities offered by C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship.
Selection is largely based on personal qualities and demonstrated leadership as
well as academic ability.
The scholarship perpetuates the memory of scholar, soldier, pastoralist and statesman Charles Allan Seymour Hawker (1894-1938).
For more information, visit the below website ASAP for criteria, comprehensive information and FAQs about the scholarship, including how to apply.
https://www.hawkerscholarship.org/
Mashed Theatre & Film
?✨ Shakespeare Comes to Life at School! ✨?
We’re thrilled to welcome Mashed Theatre & Film Company on Thursday 31st July for a special day of live performances that bring Shakespeare’s classics to the stage!
Year 10 English students will be swept up in the tragedy and romance of Romeo and Juliet.
Year 12 English & EAL students will witness the dark ambition and drama of Macbeth.
These powerful performances are directly linked to classroom learning and upcoming assessments—making this an exciting experience!
Let the Bard inspire a new love for literature! ??
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting Australian women, but it’s also one of the most treatable when detected early.
If you're aged 40 or over, you’re eligible for a free mammogram every two years through BreastScreen Australia. Women aged 50–74 are actively invited, but all women 40+ are welcome.
Mammograms are quick, free, and could save your life.
Why book a mammogram?
✅ Detect breast cancer early—often before symptoms appear
✅ Improve treatment outcomes
✅ Free and accessible through BreastScreen Australia
? Call 13 20 50 to book or use the link below:
? Book a free mammogram near you
Want to learn more?
- What to expect at your appointment – BreastScreen Australia
- Breast screening FAQs – Cancer Council Australia
- Support and education – Breast Cancer Network Australia
Your health is worth it. Encourage a friend to book with you—and take that step toward peace of mind.
Help your children take control of their future at CQU's Mackay Ooralea Open Day. Connect with CQU's teaching staff, discover our huge range of TAFE and university courses, and learn more about CQU's outstanding range of student support services.
Register online and you'll be kept up to date with the latest event info and you'll automatically enter the draw to WIN one of three prizes: Macbook Air M2, Apple Watch SE or Apple Airpods ANC.*
*Terms and conditions apply Available at cqu.edu.au/competitions.
We’re heading to the Teach Queensland Regional Roadshow!
On 31 July, representatives from Mackay State High School will be attending the Teach Queensland Regional Roadshow in Mackay to meet with teachers interested in working in Queensland state schools.
We’re looking forward to sharing what makes our school a great place to work, from our supportive community to the rewarding teaching opportunities we offer.
? Wednesday 6 August 2025
? 5.30 pm – 7.30 pm
? Mackay State High School
Register: Find out more and register on Eventbrite.
If you know someone considering a teaching career in Queensland state schools, encourage them to attend the event and connect with us!
Mackay Inter-School Mountain Bike Event & Weekend Racing
ABOUT OUR EVENT
This event is a Gravity Enduro MTB Flow race open to Grade 5 to Grade 12 students. This style of racing is really social, it will run for 6 hours from 9am - 3pm. Competitors will be able to start their liaison to the start of the timed stages any time after 8:30am, each rider will be able to do up to 5 runs of each stage but only their best time from each stage will be used to create their total finishing time. The rider in each category with the shortest final time is considered the winner. Only the specified stage is part of the timed stage that is part of your finishing time, the climb to the start (Liaison Stage) is not timed, but must be ridden. No shuttles permitted.
The winning school will have their name added to our perpetual shield and the school will be given a small trophy to take home and display at the school.
This event will still be suitable for any new riders who would like to give it a go.
The stages will be approximately 2 - 5 minutes in length.
There will be a total of 3 stages.
CATEGORIES
Grades 5 & 6 - Mini Groms - Male
Grades 5 & 6 - Mini Groms - Female
Grades 7 & 8 - Groms - Male
Grades 7 & 8 - Groms - Female
Grades 9 & 10 - Shredders - Male
Grades 9 & 10 - Shredders - Female
Grades 11 & 12 - Senior Shredders - Male
Grades 11 & 12 - Senior Shredders - Female
Teachers - Male
Teachers - Female
There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd & 3rd for each category, as well as other random prizes available throughout the day.
School Representation
Schools are encouraged to support their riders by allowing their students to participate in this extra-curricular activity.
School gazebos and teardrop banners are permitted to be set up around the event hub area.
Insurance
It is recommended all riders have a form of Auscycling insurance cover
If the rider is NOT a Auscycling member, they are still permitted to ride and will be covered under the Mackay & District Mountain Bike Clubs Mass Event Coverage
A rider indemnity waiver will be required to be signed for all riders. A parent/guardian/teacher must sign for each rider. These can be requested ahead of time by emailing Secretary@madmtbc.net
USE OF PHOTOGRAPHY
By entering this event, you agree that photos & video recordings may be taken during the event and later published by the club. As a general rule, the club does not use feature photos of identifiable subjects for promotional purposes without express consent. Should you want to opt-out of this entry condition, please email president@madmtbc.net
Bike Requirements
A safe bike that would pass an inspection. This means working brakes, safe inflated tires, handle bar plugs and the remainder of the bike being in working condition.
Rider Clothing
All riders must be in at least a t-shirt, shorts that cover to the top of the knee, closed in shoes and at least an open face helmet that meets Auscycling standards.
It is recommended that a full face helmet be worn as well as full length pants and a long sleeve shirt and gloves but these items are not mandatory.
First Aid
There will be a designated First-Aid officer at the venue while riders are on course. There is also an Ambulance station located within 500m of the main trailhead.
Accomodation/s
There are a few options for accommodation in Finch Hatton itself. There is the Criterion Hotel, the local showgrounds (Campgrounds), and even some air bnb's all located in Finch Hatton. There are also plenty of options available in Mackay. Staying in Mackay does add roughly a 50minute commute to and from race start location.
Bike Maintenance
Mackay has 2 bike stores. Mackay Cycles located Shop 7/8-14 Centurion Dr, Mackay QLD 4740 & Corry Cycles who are located at Corner of Gordon & Milton Street, Mackay QLD 4740.
Finch Hatton also has its own store, Corry Cycles Finch Hatton which will be offering both bike repairs and bike hire over entire race weekend
Food/Meals
Food will be available for purchase from our club run BBQ, drinks will also be available. Drinking water is available free throughout the trailhead
Full sit down meals can be purchased from the Criterion Hotel in Finch Hatton
Delicious snacks and tea/coffee can be purchased from the Gift Shed Cafe in Finch Hatton
Other Information
There are also more events to follow on Saturday and sunday. The club is holding a 2 day gravity flow enduro. Very social, very fun.
We have $4500 of prize money and prizes to give away over 3 days thanks to our generous sponsors and supporters.
✨ Engedi’s Got Talent – Call for Local Stars! ✨
We’re thrilled to announce that Engedi’s Got Talent is back for its second year — and we’re looking for passionate, creative, and talented individuals to take the spotlight!
Whether your students love to perform on stage or have amazing handmade creations to display in our market stalls, we’d love to showcase their gifts and celebrate their uniqueness.
? Want to be part of the magic?
Get in touch with Leysa (Programs Facilitator) at ? 0448 180 234 or ? lifeskills@engedi.org.au to register or find out more. We are taking both individual and group performances ?
Let’s make this year’s event bigger, brighter, and even more inspiring!
We can’t wait to see what your students bring to the stage and stalls!
