Filter Content
Dear Parents and Carers,
It is hard to believe that we are already at the end of Term 3. The weeks have flown by, and as always, our students have achieved so much across academic, cultural, and sporting pursuits. The end of each term provides us with an opportunity to reflect, celebrate growth, and prepare for the next stage of the school year.
Student Progress Updates
While schools are only required to issue formal report cards twice per year, we strongly believe in keeping families informed of how their child is tracking throughout the journey. This Friday, you will receive your child’s TrackEd Report via email. This one-page, visual profile gives you a snapshot of progress to date and provides clarity on effort, engagement, and achievement. Please note that this is an interim monitoring report. Students are still working towards their final results for Semester 2, which will be formally published at the end of the year.
Student Leadership 2026
Applications are now open for student leadership positions for 2026. Students have received copies of the leadership process, outlining the roles, responsibilities, and application requirements. We would love to see many of our young people put their hands up for these opportunities. Leadership is an invaluable experience that builds confidence, teamwork, and a strong sense of Mackay High pride. We encourage you to talk with your child about applying. Applications are due in Week 2 of Term 4, after the school holidays.
Looking Ahead
As a reminder, school resumes on Tuesday, 7 October, following the Monday Public Holiday. Prior to the start of Term 4, families will also receive a full calendar of events, ensuring you are aware of key activities, celebrations, and milestones as we approach the end of the school year. We will continue to keep you updated through our regular channels—newsletters, social media, and SMS messaging.
Please also mark your calendars for our Term 4 Parents and Citizens’ Association meetings:
- Monday, 27 October
- Monday, 27 November
We would love to see as many parents and carers as possible attend. These meetings will include discussion and input into some proposed changes for 2026, and your voice is a vital part of shaping the future direction of our school.
As we conclude what has been another busy and successful term, I wish all families a safe and restful holiday break. May this time be one of rest, rejuvenation, and quality time with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in Term 4 for an exciting finish to 2025.
With warm regards,
Felicity Roberts
A huge THANK YOU to all the swimmers, students, teachers, and supporters who made our Swimming Carnival such a splash! Your energy, sportsmanship, and enthusiasm made the day unforgettable.
Congratulations to all participants for their incredible effort and determination — whether you were racing for gold or cheering from the sidelines, you made the event truly special.
Well done to all the students that participated in the Kinchant Dam Excursion, it was a fantastic day! A special thanks to our Teacher's and Teacher Aid's for their ongoing planning and organisation in putting these excursions together!
Clontarf Community Engagement – Yuwi Yumba Cultural Hub BBQ for R U OK? Day
This past Wednesday, a group of our Clontarf boys had the opportunity to give back to the community by assisting with a BBQ at the Yuwi Yumba Cultural Hub — an event held in support of R U OK? Day.
R U OK? Day is all about raising awareness around mental health and encouraging open, meaningful conversations. The boys helped prepare and serve food while engaging with community members in a relaxed, supportive environment. It was a powerful way to promote connection and check in with one another.
We’re proud of the way our young men stepped up and represented the Clontarf values — showing leadership, respect, and a strong sense of community. A big thank you to the Yuwi Yumba Cultural Hub for having us involved!
Mixed Netball
MSHS Staff Vs. Students Netball Game!
Transition to Success Touch Rugby Carnival
On Wednesday, September 27, a group of senior students proudly represented Mackay State School at the Transition to Success Touch Rugby Carnival held at the JRL fields. It was a competitive and exciting day, with the school fielding two strong teams aiming for the finals.
Both teams progressed through their respective group stages undefeated, eventually facing each other in the semi-finals. In what was the match of the day, the senior boys triumphed over the mixed senior girls/boys team in extra time. With the score tied the game required an additional 20 minutes before Ethan Bone sealed victory with a runaway try after several close attempts by the mixed team.
The final proved a challenge too great, and the senior boys, fatigued from their semi-final battle, were narrowly defeated 4–1. Despite the result, both Mackay State School teams were outstanding on and off the field, demonstrating exceptional leadership, effort, and school spirit.
To conclude the day on a high note, Ethan Bone was honoured with the Mena Tuibua Award for outstanding leadership and play. Congratulations, Ethan, on this well-deserved recognition.
Save the Date!
MSHS currently has 23 Year 10 Students and 3 Year 12 Students, completing the practical component of their Cert III Lab Skills, which will finalised their certificate, since completing all online modules this past year. Well done to these students!
Mackay State High School is proud to be a Reef Guardian School – where our students take meaningful action that directly support Reef protection and resilience. ?
And now, we’re joining the Reef Authority in support of the Lifetime of Greatness campaign – alongside the hundreds of thousands of students, teachers and families also part of the Reef Guardian School program – to back the Reef’s nomination for the United Nations Champions of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award.?️
The campaign is part of the Lifetime of Greatness Project, developed by Tourism Tropical North Queensland in collaboration with the Reef Authority, Reef Guardian Councils, Traditional Owners, Master Reef Guides, and the tourism industry. Already, it has reached over five billion people and attracted more than 1.3 million supporters worldwide! ?
If successful, the Reef would become the first living entity (and non-human!) recipient of the highest environmental honour awarded by the United Nations Environment Programme – this would be history made! ?
Join us in backing a lifetime of greatness: https://alifetimeofgreatness.com/#supporter
Two years ago, Energy Queensland teamed up with TAFE Queensland to trial a pre-apprenticeship cadetship program at selected regional and non-metropolitan depots for students heading into Years 11 or 12.
The response was overwhelming, and in 2024 the program was expanded to more regional areas.
The results are already speaking for themselves, as 3 of the 2024 are now apprentices with Energy Queensland, proving that cadetships are a great gateway to a career in the energy industry. Of our 2025 cadets, more than 25 are in the final stage of our recruitment process for the 2026 apprenticeships intake.
And now, we’re searching for the next bunch of talented high school seniors to take up cadetships in 2026. Applications open this Monday (find more info here) and close 26 September 2025.
Cadets complete a Certificate II in Electrotechnology, gain hands-on experience at our depots, and receive mentoring from our fantastic local teams. They also train in general construction, CPR and first aid.
2026 program applications will be open 9am Monday 1 September 2025 and close 9am Monday 22 September 2025.
You can find more information about this opportunity, how it works, eligibility and the application process on TAFE Queensland by clicking here
