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