Mackay State High School eNewsletter

Parents and Guardians,

It’s been a busy and exciting fortnight at Mackay State High School with many events taking place across our school community.

Recently, we held our Subject Selection Evening for Year 8 and Year 10 students and their families. For our Year 8 students, this marks their first real conversation about future learning pathways. As they enter Year 9, students will continue with core subjects—English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities, and Health & Physical Education—while also having the opportunity to choose two elective subjects from a broad range of Technology and The Arts options. Subject selection forms are due to the front office by the end of Week 7.

At the same evening, Mrs Roberts provided valuable insights into the senior school pathways available at Mackay State High School, including:

The ATAR/University Pathway
Trade-based Pathways
A Blended Model for those combining academic and vocational goals

We are proud to support students who pursue distance education or undertake university study while still in Years 11 and 12.

For our Year 10 families, it is now time to book a SET Planning Interview. These 20-minute interviews with members of the Executive Leadership Team are essential for confirming subject selections for Year 11 and 12. Bookings can be made via the Compass App under the Conferences section.

Last weekend, our talented students took to the stage for “13 Jr: The Musical” under the direction of Ms Mia Luxford, Head of Department – The Arts. It was a wonderful showcase of dedication and talent, and I’m always in awe of what our students are capable of. There is already talk of “what’s next” for 2026, and we can’t wait to see what they come up with!

Next Thursday and Friday, we welcome our future Year 7 students for their first Transition Mornings. These mornings are open to students from both our feeder and non-feeder schools. A big thank you to Mrs Kennedy and Miss Williams for their preparation in creating a welcoming and engaging experience for our incoming students. We’re excited to meet them and show them what Mackay State High School is all about.

Behind the scenes, planning is well underway for our 2026 Timetable Construction. As always, changes to structure involve significant consultation. We’re grateful to our P&C, who continue to offer valuable feedback, especially regarding our Tuesday Period 4 staff consultation time. Their input is vital to ensuring the structure of our school day supports both staff and student success.

Finally, thank you for your continued support during Protected Industrial Action. As teaching staff, we are committed to advocating for the best possible conditions to attract and retain quality educators. At Mackay State High School, we strive to create an environment where every student feels safe, supported, and a strong sense of belonging.

There’s always something exciting happening at our school—make sure to follow our Facebook and Instagram pages to stay up to date!

Warm regards,
Cicely Baira
Deputy Principal
Mackay State High School

This week we celebrated Support Staff Recognition Week - 4th - 8th August 2025!

Support staff are absolutely essential to our schools and to Queensland's Education System – without these essential staff education wouldn’t happen!

This week is all about recognising, respecting and celebrating what you do to make schools accessible, safe, supportive and engaging places to learn. You have done an amazing job of keeping schools running, learning continuing and keeping our community safe. It’s time to celebrate everything you do as Administration Officers, Business Managers, Schools Officers, IT Officers, Science Technicians, Speech Language Pathologists, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Physiotherapists, Agricultural Assistants, Unit Support Officers, Community Liaison Officers, Community Education Counsellors, Youth Support Coordinators, VET Coordinators and others – every single one of these amazing professional roles support world-class education in Queensland. It’s time to remind everyone just how important the work you do is!

Bullying No Way Week: 11–15 August 2025

Bullying No Way Week is Australia's key bullying prevention initiative for schools. It provides an opportunity for schools to create a shared understanding about bullying behaviours. At MSHS, we will be sharing our bullying prevention policies and strategies. The theme for 2025 is 'Be bold. Be kind. Speak up.' It takes courage to spark change. Bullying is everyone's responsibility. It takes a community to be brave and address bullying behaviours, within and beyond the school gate. Our MSHS students can be bold, kind and take a stand to support others being bullied. While parents and teachers are there to support children and young people learn how to behave in a positive way. In our community and in our school, we want a place where everyone can belong, a place that celebrates everyone, and where bullying is never accepted. This Bullying No Way Week, we're asking our Mackay High family to be bold and say something, be kind and support someone, and be proud to take a stand against bullying.

Our school production of 13 Jr the Musical over the weekend was a massive success! The students were absolutely amazing for both shows and had a blast performing. Thank you to all of the people from the school community that came along to watch and support!

Students and staff wore their comfiest pyjamas to school recently, all for a good cause. Thanks to everyone who participated and donated. Together, we proudly supported National Pyjama Day, raising much needed awareness and funds for children in foster care.

Last week our year 12 aquatic practices students had an amazing time completing eye on the reef surveys with Ocean Rafting. The data they collected will not only be used in their assignments, but will also help monitor the long term health of the site surveyed.

Year 10 Work Experience

Reminder that all year 10 Work Experience Placement Forms are due back by the end of week 5, Friday 15th of August. Week experience will take place during week 8.

Wrap up of 2025 NRL National Schools Rugby League Competition

Mackay State High School proudly wrapped up another competitive year in the 2025 NRL National Schools Rugby League Competition, with teams representing the school in both the Aaron Payne Cup and Cowboys Challenge.

Aaron Payne Cup – Open Boys

Our open boys team competed strongly in the prestigious Aaron Payne Cup, facing off against some of the best schoolboy rugby league programs in North Queensland. The team demonstrated resilience and teamwork throughout the season, showing growth each round despite tough results against powerhouse schools like St Patrick’s College and Ignatius Park. The experience gained at this level is invaluable and will help shape the next generation of senior players at Mackay SHS.

Cowboys Challenge – Years 9 & 10

Our Cowboys Challenge team, made up of talented Year 9 and 10 students, represented the school with pride throughout the season. The team showed promising signs in both attack and defence, with several close games highlighting their potential. Many of these students will transition into the senior squad over the coming years, ensuring the continued strength of our rugby league program.

We acknowledge the dedication of all players, coaches, and support staff who contributed to the 2025 season. Special thanks to families, sponsors, and school staff for their ongoing support of our Rugby League Academy. Our students continue to benefit from these valuable opportunities to compete at a high level while developing discipline, teamwork, and school pride.

We look forward to another big season in 2026 as we continue to build our presence in Queensland schoolboys rugby league. Go Mackay SHS!

Junior Boys ALF Team

Our Junior Boys AFL team recently travelled to Townsville to compete in the QSchools Cup, taking on two strong opponents across two action-packed days.

Day 1 saw the boys face a tough match against Kirwan SHS, battling hard and holding their ground.
Day 2 featured a closely contested game against The Cathedral College, where the team displayed outstanding resilience and skill.

Throughout the carnival, our students demonstrated grit, growth, and teamwork, playing with heart right through to the final siren.

A huge congratulations to the entire team for their impressive efforts and exceptional sportsmanship. A special shoutout goes to Wesley A., who was named MVP for his outstanding defensive performance.

Well done, boys – a fantastic representation of MSHS!

Interschool Sport Update – Week 4 Term 3

Our MSHS teams have been performing exceptionally well across a range of interschool sports over the past two weeks, with some fantastic wins, close contests, and continued improvement on and off the field!

Basketball

Round 3: Our Girls Basketball team claimed a solid win over Carlisle Adventist College in a tightly fought game, finishing 45–38. The boys also took the Victory against Mackay Northern Beaches SHS, finishing 56-40.
Round 2: The Boys Basketball team also came away victorious, narrowly defeating MCC 42–38 in what was another closely contested match.
Round 1: Our Boys Basketball team defeated Carlisle Adventist College 71-53. The Girls Basketball team defeated Mackay Northern Beaches SHS 74-23

Volleyball – Round 2

Our Girls Volleyball team put in a strong effort but were defeated 0–2 by Whitsunday Anglican School.
The Boys team had a great match and came away with a 2–1 win over Mackay Northern Beaches SHS – fantastic job!

Netball
Our Boys and Girls Netball teams are playing weekly and are currently undefeated! They've been displaying excellent teamwork, tactics, and determination, with clear growth in their skills and confidence each game. Keep up the great work!

Football – Round 1
In a competitive season opener, our Football team drew 3–3 with Holy Spirit College. A strong start with lots of potential for the rest of the season.

Congratulations to all students for their commitment, teamwork, and sportsmanship. We look forward to seeing what the rest of the term brings!

It was a great pleasure for our Interactors, Interact Club Convenor Mr Pozza and school Principal Ms Roberts to welcome Mackay Host Lions Club President Gary Kenny to our school on Wednesday. On behalf of the Lions club, Mr Kenny gratefully accepted our donation of 56 prescription glasses for the ‘Recycle for Sight Program.’ Mr Kenny has a great knowledge of the program and spoke to our Interactors about the importance of community service. One especially important story from the program was about a grandmother from Papua New Guinea who was able to properly see her grandchild for the first time thanks to glasses donated by the program. A big thankyou to staff, students, members of the community and of course our wonderful Interactors who got behind this worthy project.

Every Friday, 5 of our eager Year 11 and 12 students, Brad Durham, Tui Barber, Jaleesa Bassett, Savannah Bornman and Neveah Douglas attend the Happy Paws Happy Hearts program.

With 4 weeks to go, the students have excelled in learning to train and look after Kittens and Puppies. They have also been making food for the shelter dogs, bathing dogs, and learning about the anatomy of Horses, Rats and Guinea Pigs.

Caring for animals during this program has brought out so much confidence in our students and is helping prepare them for possible future employment.

Swimming Carnival Incoming!

Get ready for a fun-filled day! Our School Swimming Carnival is scheduled for Week 10 – Thursday 15th September, from 9:00am to 2:30pm at the Memorial Pool.

Permission forms are required for all students wishing to attend—whether you’re swimming or just joining in the non-swimming events that will be happening throughout the day. There's something for everyone! Permission forms will be emailed and hard copies available from the school.

Forms are due by Week 8 – Friday 5th September

Return them to the HPE Staffroom

More information coming soon—but mark your calendars and get those forms in early!

For Parents and Carers

The Changing Face of Cyberbullying: Protecting Your Child in 2025

Cyberbullying is evolving—with AI-powered tactics, coded emojis, and subtle manipulation.

This 45-minute webinar will help you:

Spot the signs
Build support at home
Guide your child to respond safely

Suitable for parents of both primary and secondary school students.

Monday, 5 August | 12:30pm (AEST)

The changing face of cyberbullying: Protecting your child in 2025 | eSafety Commissioner

The changing face of cyberbullying: Protecting your child in 2025

Join eSafety’s expert-led webinar to understand how cyberbullying is evolving – and how you can help your child stay safe online. In just 45 minutes, we’ll explore emerging online threats, including the use of AI, deepfakes, coded emojis, and subtle manipulation tactics. You’ll walk away with practical tools to support your child’s wellbeing in a digital world. Date: Tuesday 5 August ...

www.esafety.gov.au

The changing face of cyberbullying: Protecting your child in 2025

Join eSafety’s expert-led webinar to understand how cyberbullying is evolving – and how you can help your child stay safe online. In just 45 minutes, we’ll explore emerging online threats, including the use of AI, deepfakes, coded emojis, and subtle manipulation tactics. You’ll walk away with practical tools to support your child’s wellbeing in a digital world. Date: Tuesday 5 August ...

www.esafety.gov.au

This National Stroke Week (4–10 August), we’re encouraging all Australians to learn and share the F.A.S.T. signs of stroke:

How do you know if someone is having a stroke? Think… F.A.S.T.

The Stroke Foundation recommends the F.A.S.T. test as an easy way to remember the most common signs of stroke. Using the F.A.S.T. test involves asking these simple questions:

Face Check their face. Has their mouth drooped?
Arms Can they lift both arms?
Speech Is their speech slurred? Do they understand you?
Time Is critical. If you see any of these signs call 000 straight away.

Other signs of stroke

Facial weakness, arm weakness and difficulty with speech are the most common symptoms or signs of stroke, but they are not the only signs.

The following signs of stroke may occur alone or in combination:

Weakness or numbness or paralysis of the face, arm or leg on either or both sides of the body
Difficulty speaking or understanding
Dizziness, loss of balance or an unexplained fall
Loss of vision, sudden blurring or decreased vision in one or both eyes
Headache, usually severe and abrupt onset or unexplained change in the pattern of headaches
Difficulty swallowing

Sometimes the signs disappear within a short time, such as a few minutes. When this happens, it may be a transient ischaemic attack (TIA). After a TIA, your risk of stroke is higher. Stroke can lead to death or disability. A TIA is a warning that you may have a stroke and an opportunity to prevent this from happening.

If you or someone else experiences the signs of stroke, no matter how long they last, call 000 immediately.
What to do while you wait for an ambulance

Emergency medical treatment soon after symptoms begin improves the chance of survival and successful rehabilitation.

For further information please visit strokefoundation.org.au

We're excited to invite your school community to Drive Night – a free and informative event hosted by Mackay Hyundai in partnership with Q Write 2 Drive Driving School, designed to support learner and provisional drivers, as well as their parents or guardians.

Date: Tuesday, 19th August
Time: From 6:00 PM
Location: Mackay Hyundai – 363 Shakespeare Street, Mackay

Food and drinks provided

We are extending this invitation especially to your senior students who are currently learning to drive or preparing to get their license. At Mackay Hyundai, we believe it’s crucial for young drivers to learn safe driving habits early — and that education and confidence can make all the difference on the road.

What to Expect:

Hands-on experience with a driving simulator, guided by local driving instructor Audra Pollard, who will share essential insights on road safety for new drivers. (A waiver will need to be signed prior to participation — attached to this email)
A session with qualified Hyundai technicians, covering:

What to look out for when buying your first car
How to perform basic car maintenance
Step-by-step tire changes and safety checks

Helpful advice for parents on how to best support and teach their children to become safe, confident drivers

This event is designed to educate, empower, and equip young drivers and their families with the tools they need to stay safe and informed on the road.