Mackay State High School eNewsletter

End of Semester Message from the Principal

Dear Parents and Carers,

As we come to the end of what has been an emotional and eventful semester, I want to take a moment to thank you for your continued support of Mackay State High School and to share some important updates with you.

In the past week, our school community has been deeply impacted by the sudden and heartbreaking passing of Mena Tuibua, Director of our Clontarf Academy. Mena was a cherished staff member, mentor and friend whose presence touched the lives of so many students, staff, and families. While his absence is keenly felt, yesterday’s memorial service was a beautiful and moving tribute. Our students were a credit to themselves and to Mena—respectful, heartfelt, and proud. We truly have amazing young people at Mackay High, and I know Mena believed in every single one of them.

This week we are also farewelling a valued member of our Executive Leadership

Team, Deputy Principal Mr Matt Reeves. Matt has been instrumental in leading the strategic direction of the school, especially in the area of Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL). Last year, he stepped into the role of Principal for six months while I was on leave, and his leadership during that time was exceptional. He is not only a respected colleague, but a great friend to many of us, and he will be deeply missed. Matt is heading west to take up the role of Principal at Longreach State High School, and while it’s hard to say goodbye, we are excited for the incredible opportunities ahead for him.

As we head into the holidays, I’d like to remind families that Semester 1 report cards will be emailed out during the school break (next week). These reports provide an overview of your child’s academic progress and the effort they’ve applied throughout the term. We encourage you to take the time to read through them with your child and celebrate their achievements. Parent-Teacher Interviews will take place in Week 2, on Tuesday 22 July, with bookings opening on the first day of Term 3.

Staffing Update
While we have experienced some staffing shortages throughout the semester—a challenge faced by many schools across the state—I’m pleased to share that our staffing outlook for Term 3 is looking relatively stable. This week, we warmly welcomed two new permanent teachers to our school: Tali Conic from Victoria and Rob Mason from New South Wales. Both are experienced educators in senior subject areas, and we’re excited to have them join the Mackay SHS team. They, in turn, are thrilled to be escaping the southern chill and enjoying a warmer winter here in Mackay!

Students will receive updated timetables via email prior to the start of Term 3. These changes will include elective rotations for our junior students and the merging of some classes with low student numbers to ensure our timetable continues to run efficiently and effectively.

2026 Enrolments

We have also completed our first round of enrolment interviews for our 2026 Year 7 students. Once again, we are anticipating around 200 new enrolments joining to Mackay SHS, and I continue to be humbled by the number of families choosing Mackay SHS across all year levels. Time and time again, we hear the same message: “We’ve heard great things about the support at this school.” That feedback speaks volumes about the dedication of our staff and the welcoming culture we are so proud of. A second round of enrolment interviews will take place in Week 4 of Term 3.

It’s been a busy and rewarding semester, filled with highlights and achievements, many of which we love to share with you through our Facebook page. I encourage you to follow us there for a glimpse into the daily life of our vibrant school.

Thank you for being part of the Mackay SHS community. I hope the winter break offers your family the chance to rest, reconnect and recharge. We look forward to welcoming students back for the start of Term 3 on Monday 14 July.

Yours in Education,

Felicity Roberts

Principal, Mackay SHS

Mackay State High School held its annual Athletics Carnival at the ARC with bright costumes and an abundance of team spirit, students from all year levels came together for a day of friendly competition and fun. The day began with a competitive 1500m race before students rotated through a full program of field and track events. The atmosphere was electric with house chants, enthusiastic cheering, and an impressive display of athletic talent across all year levels.

A highlight of the carnival was the MSHS Gift – the fastest 100m sprint, and the crowd-favourite Staff vs Students Relay, where teachers and students went head-to-head on the track in a fun and fiercely contested showdown.

Thank you to all the staff, house leaders, and student volunteers who helped make the day run smoothly. Special recognition goes to our event coordinators, first aid officers, timekeepers, announcers, and student photographers, whose efforts were essential in delivering a successful carnival.

Congratulations to all competitors for their sportsmanship and effort, and to the winning house team, which will be revealed at the next whole school parade!

Dress Like a Farmer – Fundraiser for Western CQ Schools

Across the Central Queensland region, staff are banding together to support our colleagues in western schools who were significantly impacted by the floods earlier this term. As a show of solidarity and support, Mackay State High School held a "Dress Like a Farmer" day – and Mackay SHS is proudly joining in next Wednesday!

This week Year 11 Students Bodhi Barba, Ava Probert, and Year 10 Student Georgina Baira flew to Brisbane to compete in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aspirations Program (ATSIAP) Senior Secondary State Final.

Over the course of three days, these students embarked on a wonderful journey of cultural exploration, inspiring personal growth and academic discovery through many interactive sessions and hands-on activities.

They also got to explore three beautiful locations including the Queensland University of Technology, the State Library of Queensland, and the Queensland Museum - each offering supportive and unique opportunities that allowed the students the chance to connect with community.

This program has taught the girls so much and they have taken so much out of this adventure such as how to be leaders, change makers, and empower them and others as First Nations students.

We thank all those who were involved especially to our CEC Lakeesha who accompanied the girls on the trip. We are so proud!

Our Year 11 students recently returned from an action-packed week at Magnetic Island, full of unforgettable memories, personal growth and strengthened connections with their peers. Throughout the camp, students embraced a variety of activities designed to push them outside their comfort zones, foster teamwork and develop leadership skills.

Some highlights included abseiling, stand up paddleboarding and the fiercely competitive Beach Olympics – which ended in an unexpected (and entertaining!) ultimate tie between all three teams. A standout tradition of Mackay State High School, the Garbage Bag Formal, saw students showcase their creativity and humour as they dressed to impress in outfits made entirely from garbage bags. It was a week that truly united the cohort and created memories that will last well beyond Year 11. A huge thank you to the staff who supported the students throughout the camp and helped make it such a success.

Last week, Sarah, Bree and Amy attended the Engineers Australia: Women in Engineering Breakfast. It was a wonderful event with many inspiring women speaking about the industry.

The girls definitely came away with a deep insight into engineering pathways and the future of the profession for women. A wonderful and engaging morning!

Miss Robertson's Year 8 Students have been getting their hands dirty (in the best way!) this term as they explore the exciting world of Agriculture! From cuddling our cute chickens to planting fresh veggies in the garden, they’re learning just how much work—and fun—goes into growing and caring for life on the land. They've also been composting like pros and discovering how we care for cattle with compassion and responsibility. Impressive teamwork and work ethic and a whole lot of fun from this term's year 8s!

The Mackay Youth Council is looking for passionate, motivated, and creative young people who want to help shape the future of Mackay!

If you're aged between 12 and 18 and are keen to have your say on important youth issues in our community, apply to be part of the Mackay Youth Council's Youth Advisory Board.
This commitment will be until the end of our Term in Office, May 2026. Maximum 15 spots available.

Your ideas and feedback will be invaluable in influencing decisions that affect the youth of Mackay.

EOI closes Friday 11 July, 2025. Scan the QR Code or access the form here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/Rz6i9fnmuH

You can read more about the Youth Council and view their priority agenda here: Young Mayors Mackay - FYA

Mackay State High School alumni Isabel Stankiewicz performs her one woman show Necklace as part of Mackay Arts Festival 28th of June to the 1st of July in the Drama Room. Use discount code HALFPRICEMSHS here Necklace is an intimate, autobiographical, and participatory performance exploring the experience of being treated and viewed as a burden on the medical system whilst bringing to light the joys, struggles and triumphs from diagnosis to acceptance. At turns funny and gutting, this story reminds us to be adventurers, always searching for the treasure within ourselves and others. Join Isabel and her suitcase for an adventure you will not forget. Auslan interpreting June 28th, Show and theatre workshop Monday 30th.

Local Art & Music Event + Creative Workshops

On Friday, June 28th, we’re hosting a special community art and music evening in Netherdale, just 8 minutes from Finch Hatton. To support ease of access, we’ve arranged a complementary return bus service from Mackay, so guests can enjoy the night without the need to drive.

Event Highlights:

? Art Exhibition featuring local artists
? Live Music by Ron & Deb Sellars
? Fully Catered Finger Food from The Gift Shed Finch Hatton (gluten and dairy-free options included)
? Two Complimentary Drinks
? Free Return Bus from Mackay, Marian, Mirani, Finch Hatton

?️ Tickets are $44 – all inclusive
? Recommended for ages 16+

The evening is designed as a relaxing, adult-friendly celebration of local creativity—perfect for teachers, staff, or parents looking for an inspiring night out.

In addition, we are hosting a series of art workshops as part of the Mackay Festival of Arts, which are suitable for a range of ages starting at 6+. These workshops provide a great opportunity for young people and families to engage in hands-on artistic experiences during the school holidays.

Mackay City Strings

Attention all Strings Players! Mackay City Strings are looking for new members to join Mackay's very own and only community string orchestra. No fees necessary when joining midyear, fees will be collected at the beginning of each calendar year. Our group is about having fun and making music with a broad range of repertoire.

Come on down and give it a try!

E: mackaycitystrings@outlook.com