21 March 2025

PRINCIPAL’S ADDRESS

Harmony Day 2025 – Everyone Belongs

Again in 2025, we recognise and celebrate the amazing diversity that makes up our Gladstone State High School community. Not only do we have over 34 different language and cultural backgrounds represented at our school, we also have students and staff with different levels of disability, of experiences and histories. Collectively we are stronger as a school because of the diversity of our students and staff. Our school has been active this week with a range of activities linked to this very special week. I for one, will be trialling some of the recipes highlighted on our school Facebook page.

Infrastructure update

The new IT&D building is almost ready to occupy. We are working on having this facility up and running within the first couple of weeks of Term 2.

We should also see the O Block toilets completed at this same time. Whilst these are running a little behind schedule, they will be worth the wait.

The library upgrade is all but complete, with students utilising the refurbished resource centre for a number of weeks now. There are a few minor touches still to come but overall, it looks a treat.

Our next big project will start over the holiday period, with the old manual arts building being removed and the development of the ‘Green Space’ in its place. This will take the best part of Term 2, with significant fencing and some movement restrictions during demolition and construction. When completed, this will provide much needed shade and seating areas in the top part of the school.

Parades this week

This week our parades provided key information about our Harmony Week activities, along with information about our end of term Positive Behaviour for Learning activities, some general reminders about assessment and so on. I also had the opportunity to speak on the Junior Secondary parade around some areas of concern in relation to behaviour choices. These messages will also be part of our senior parades in the coming week.

As always, we have the vast majority of our students coming to school every day making great decisions and getting on with the job of learning. Unfortunately, there are a few behaviours that have made their way into some of our classes:

• Students not keeping their hands or feet to themselves. We have seen an increase in physical behaviours, often starting as ‘mucking around’ that escalates; the most recent being kicking the back of their friend’s knee to make them stumble. The kids call this a ‘jelly leg’. We have not seen this at our school in a long time and it is something that simply isn’t acceptable. We have had instances in the past where the injury created by this behaviour has resulted in thousands of dollars in operations.
• Students not following instructions. The role of a school is to provide appropriate opportunities and environments for our students to learn. To be able to do this requires our students to follow the instructions given to them by our staff. Our staff will only provide instructions that are appropriate and safe, and as such, the expectation is that instructions are followed first time every time.
• Respectful actions and language. Regardless of whether a student is speaking to a student or a staff member, the language used needs to be appropriate and acceptable. If that language is used to harass, bully or intimidate, then there is no place for it at Gladstone State High School.

NAPLAN

It is always interesting listening to the views that people have about NAPLAN each year. From my perspective, the value in NAPLAN is how we, as a school, use the results of our students. Our goal is to unpack our results to ensure that our students are accessing the best learning possible to improve their literacy and numeracy; two skills that are incredibly important as they progress through life. To do this, we encourage all of our students to be involved and essentially just to do their best. What this means is that we continue to have some of the highest participation rates for Year 7 and 9 across the state. There is no additional pressure placed on our students, rather just to put their best effort in and be proud of what they have done. We are incredibly proud of the way our students have worked through the NAPLAN testing, with the vast majority giving their best. I would like to acknowledge the work of Mr Pett and his team of staff for organising and implementing the testing processes.

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Focus

Each fortnight we adopt a behaviour focus across our school community. This coming fortnight our focus, “Submit my own work on time” highlights the importance of students completing their assessment over this next week or so.

Assessment – a general reminder that your child should be in the middle of their assessment period. Please encourage them to make their assessment a priority and that it really is about doing their best. Our teachers are committed to supporting our students and will provide assistance as required. Our goal is for every student to be proud of their results. 

PBL EVENTS

YEAR 7

Our Year 7’s will be heading to the Gladstone Cinemas for their end of term reward day on the 4^th of April!  They will have the choice of watching either Dog Man or Snow White. Permission notes will be out this week.  If your student is interested in coming along, please ensure that the note is signed and returned to the office. Payment is due by the 31^st of March (Monday Week 10).

YEAR 8-12

Get ready for an action-packed day as the Year 8-12 students celebrate the end of term with an unforgettable PBL event at Rocky Bowls & Leisure.

Eligible students can enjoy the following activities:

Ten Pin Bowling – Strike your way to victory!

Arcade Games – Challenge your friends and rack up high scores!

Dodgem Cars – Buckle up for some fast-paced fun!

Laser Rooms – Can you beat the challenge?

Mini Golf – Putt your way to glory!

Laser Tag – Battle it out in an epic showdown!

Permission notes will be out shortly.

Don’t miss out on this exciting way to wrap up the term! Gather your friends and let’s make it a day to remember!

PBL MESSAGE

QMEA STEM NEWS

Trinity was selected to be a QMEA (Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy) Ambassador for 2025. Over the summer holidays, she went on a five-day camp to Brisbane and took a tour of The University of Queensland; visited Glencore Technology facilities; visited Origin’s head office and Genuity’s energy trading floor; had a tour of Core Resources’ Albion laboratories; visited the Safety in Mines Testing and Research Station (Simtars); checked out Hastings Deering’s Acacia Ridge and toured BHP’s Integrated Remote Operations Centre (IROC) in their Brisbane head office! If you are interested in STEM and a career in the resources sector, come have a chat to her!

TOURISM/SOCIAL & COMMUNITY STUDIES EXCURSION

On March 14th, 2025, 43 students from our Tourism and Social & Community Studies programs embarked on a Harbour Cruise experience with Ms Henderson, Miss Ip and Mrs Bayntun.

As part of our excursion, students had the opportunity to explore Gladstone Harbour on a cruise with Curtis Ferry Services. We set sail on their ferry for a scenic lap around Curtis Island. During the two-hour tour, our skipper, Michael, shared his extensive knowledge of the harbour, Curtis Island, the local industry (including tourism), and the operations of Curtis Ferry Services.

After lunch, Amy from Gladstone Area Promotion and Development (GAPDL) joined us to provide insights into tourism in Gladstone and the importance of building connections within the industry to achieve common goals. Amy had the students create a tourism marketing campaign, and they did a fantastic job!

We would like to extend our thanks to Curtis Ferry Services and GAPDL for their valuable contributions to our day. We had an incredible time, and you provided us with valuable insights into the tourism industry in Gladstone and the significance of fostering positive workplace relationships.

A special shout-out to our students who participated – you were outstanding tourists, engaging actively and respectfully. We’re thrilled you could join us on this memorable experience.

H2GP NEWS

Soldering Support for H2GP Remote Control Vehicles from Welcon

Last Thursday, students working on their H2GP remote control vehicles had the opportunity to learn the delicate skill of soldering electronic components with guidance from Andrew Lockett of Welcon. During the workshop, Andrew mentored students on proper soldering techniques, including the use of a soldering iron, applying solder, and safely removing and replacing components.

Students also shared updates on their vehicles, discussing their design and technical decisions related to motors, fans, and monitoring components. Andrew was highly impressed by their level of understanding and enthusiasm.

Happy Rock Racing extends a huge thank you to Andrew Lockett and Steve Williams from Welcon for their valuable mentorship, as well as to Mick Elliott from the Gladstone Manufacturing Hub for facilitating this fantastic opportunity.

Mark McMullin
Lead Teacher for H2GP

SPARK ENGINEERING CAMP OPPORTUNITY

SENIOR SCHOOLING NEWS

Explore a Career in Medicine – Regional Medical Pathway Information Sessions

Students interested in studying medicine locally are invited to attend CQUniversity’s Regional Medical Pathway Information Sessions. Attendees will learn about entry requirements, study options, and career opportunities, with the chance to ask questions and hear from experts. Parents and caregivers are also welcome to attend.

Event details and registration: 

2025 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey

All Year 12 completers from last year will soon receive an invitation to participate in the Next Step survey. This is their chance to help our school to understand the different pathways of the 2024 Year 12 students and to improve our senior programs and supports for future students. The survey only takes five minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school.

As a thank you for participating, Year 12 completers who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win a MacBook Air.

We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. If their contact details have changed, please assist survey interviewers by providing their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone.

SPORT NEWS

TONKA NEWS

GUIDANCE OFFICER NEWS

Stymie helps your child to say something by enabling them to report all kinds of concerns, safely and anonymously. 

• The bystander effect occurs when the presence of others discourages us from intervening in an emergency situation.
• Social influence affects how many children behave, so they are less likely to stand up to inappropriate behaviours in public when the number of onlookers is high.
• Often our children are burdened by serious issues involving their friends but don’t know how to help.

Rather than trying to work against all of these pressures, our solution recognises the nuanced nature of their social currency, by providing them with a safe place to start a conversation.

Students, peers or parents can access the website to make a report.

QPARENTS

NURSE PRACTITIONER NEWS

HEALTH CHECKUPS ARE INCLUDED FOR ALL GSHS STUDENTS AT OUR ONSITE GP CLINIC ALONG WITH OTHER MEDICAL SERVICES SUCH AS REFERRALS, PATHOLOGY AND SCRIPTS.

FULLY BULK BILLED (NO OUT OF POCKET EXPENSE) – MEDICARE DETAILS REQUIRED ON BOOKING.

CLINIC TIMES: Wednesday 9.00am & 2.30pm. Appointments are available during class times, as well as at break times.

CONTACT:  Clinic Reception at the Technical College, sending an email to GP@gladstonshs.eq.edu.au  or phoning 49766105.

P&C AGM NEWS

The P&C is a volunteer run organisation that supports the school and community.  We are the focal point for parent participation in the school and we are always looking out for new members to join our team.

If you want to find out more or get involved, please come along to our next meeting which is on Monday 24 March at 5:30 pm in C Block.

This upcoming meeting is also our AGM and we are needing to fill the below roles:

BREAKFAST CLUB

UNIFORM SHOP

Uniform Shop Hours

HYDROGEN COMMUNITY EVENT

TERM 1 CALENDAR