13 June 2025

PRINCIPAL’S ADDRESS

Farewell Regional Director, Mrs Kay Kirkman

I would like to start our newsletter today by acknowledging and congratulating our Regional Director, Kay Kirkman, on her well-earned retirement at the end of this term. Kay has been an educator for over 45 years, starting as a classroom teacher in Gladstone, rising through to an Assistant Regional Director and then securing the position of Regional Director some 5 years or so ago. It has been a privilege to work under Kay’s leadership and to learn from her approach to leadership. With a continual focus on students and staff, Kay models the values that build trust and belief. On behalf of Gladstone State High School, I would like to thank Kay for her involvement at State High and for her leadership across the Central Queensland Region.

Readers Cup Success          

Two Gladstone State High teams competed recently in Emerald for the regional Readers Cup Challenge, with our Year 7/8 team taking out first place and our Year 9/10 team gaining second place! An amazing result! Our Year 7/8 team is now headed to the state finals in Brisbane. Thank you to Mrs Hipathite for providing this opportunity for our students.

More information about this result along with pictures of the happy participants can be found further down in the newsletter.

Athletics Carnival – Tyalan Success

Two days of jumping, throwing and running, as well as lots of novelty events and fun.  What more could you ask for? Congratulations to Tyalan for their victory this year; they are proving to be a hard house to beat…but next year look out, Parnka are on the march! Thank you to Mrs Trudy Sheppard and her team for another successful carnival, with events running smoothly and students having a great time. I would also like to acknowledge the work of our staff over these days. Events like this are not the usual running of a school, so to have staff work in very different ways than normal is a testament to our team. Thank you each.

Shave for a Cure

Over $6000 raised for a worthy cause! Raising funds and awareness for the ongoing battle against blood cancer has become an important part of our school calendar and I continue to be proud of our students, staff and community for their support.

Keep reading the newsletter for more information about the successful event including some memorable photos!

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Focus

“Submit my own work, on time”.

With assessment time here, meeting deadlines for assignments and getting ready for exams is crucial. This is not the time to drop the ball, this is the time to take on board teacher feedback, set time aside for revision or to work on assignments and to try your best. We challenge our students regularly to do their best, to be proud of their efforts and their choices.

Remember – Attendance Matters

At school, every day. We need to finish the term strong, which starts with attending each day.

WORLD’S GREATEST SHAVE

GSHS Smashes $5,000 Goal in World’s Greatest Shave

There was hair on the floor and smiles all around as GSHS students and staff stood up—and shaved down—for a cause that truly matters.

In a vibrant show of community spirit, courage and compassion, a group of GSHS legends boldly took to the clippers in this year’s World’s Greatest Shave, raising funds and awareness for the Leukaemia Foundation. Not only did they smash their original fundraising goal of $5,000, but they also sparked conversations around support, resilience and hope.

Leading the charge was none other than our very own Principal, Mr Goltz, who showed true leadership—not just in words, but in action—as he sat proudly in the chair to have his head shaved in front of cheering students. His willingness to get involved (and get bald!) set the tone for a day filled with inspiration and unity.

The biggest gasp of the day? That belonged to James, who took it up a notch and shaved his eyebrows too! Now that’s commitment!

From clean-shaven domes to rainbow-dyed locks (before the final chop), our students and staff showed just how powerful a united school community can be when it rallies behind a good cause.

Shout-Outs:

• To our brave students Ethan K, Declan W, Korbyn B, Kobi L, Charli T, Casey T, Flynn A and our fearless staff Mr Wells who volunteered to shave their hair—you are all absolute legends!
• To Mr Goltz, for leading from the front and showing what true courage looks like.
• To Blair from HMB Barbers, your assistance and commitment to helping us with this event every year is an absolute credit to your business
• To everyone who donated—every dollar helped push us over the $5,000 mark, making a real impact on the lives of people affected by blood cancer.
• And of course, to the crowd who cheered, clapped, and celebrated each shaved head with nothing but love and support—thank you for bringing the vibe!

We’re proud. We’re bald (some of us). And we’re better for it.

💙Because at GSHS…

We don’t just talk about helping—we take action.

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READERS CUP SUCCESS

Readers Cup Success! Our Students Shine at Regional Finals

On Tuesday 10 June, two outstanding student teams proudly represented our school in the Regional Finals of the Readers Cup – and they certainly delivered incredible results!

Hosted by Marist College Emerald, this year’s event was a milestone for our region, as it was the first time schools could compete virtually. We were grateful (cold, early morning drive…) to take part via Microsoft Teams instead and make the most of this innovative opportunity.

Year 7/8 Division – Regional Champions!

1st Place: Saxon, Chloe, Ishlyn, Kavi, and Emily
These brilliant book lovers rose to the challenge and took out first place, displaying exceptional teamwork, memory, and passion. Trophies are on their way to recognise their well-deserved victory.

Even more exciting? This incredible team has now been invited to represent our region at the Queensland State Finals in Brisbane on Thursday 4 September! We know they will do our school and region proud on the big stage.

Year 9/10 Division – Regional Runners-Up!

2nd Place: Katelyn, Tim, Emma, Addison and Piper
This team claimed a strong second place in a hotly contested division. Medallions are on their way to celebrate their fantastic achievement!

Across eight weeks, all teams read five set books per division, then put their knowledge to the ultimate test in a fast-paced, high-energy literary showdown.

The preparation, commitment and spirit shown by the teams was commendable – both in the lead-up and on competition day. They were true ambassadors for our school.

Thanks to the victory of our Year 7/8 team, next year’s Regional Finals will be hosted right here at Gladstone SHS – a fantastic honour earned by their success.

With sights already set on next year’s challenge, our students are more motivated than ever. Let the countdown begin!

VOLLEYBALL INTERMEDIATE SCHOOLS CUP

Volleyball Intermediate Schools Cup is one of the most prestigious Queensland school competitions for Grade 9/10 players to compete in. The different divisions range from Honours to Division 2. Our team of 9 girls chose to compete in the highly competitive Year 10 Division 1.

Despite facing tough competition, they improved with every game, developing both individual and team skills. Valuable lessons were learnt as the girls adjusted to playing with a variety of diverse playing experiences, some new to the game this year, others a grade below the level they were playing in and many playing positions they were not used to.

A standout this year was not the overall placings. Truthfully, it was their desire to keep moving forward, regardless of the tough competition. With 3 of the top 4 teams in the Year 10 Division 1 being placed in the same pool as Gladstone, the girls took this opportunity and rose to the occasion challenging these teams, finishing 15^th in the division. Their commitment to learning and supporting one another made it a rewarding competition and each individual should be proud.

Go Sharks!

COMBINED SCHOOLS MUSICAL

Are you ready for a Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious experience as part of the 2026 Combined Schools Musical – Mary Poppins?  Gladstone SHS school auditions for on-stage cast members start NEXT WEEK. If you are in Years 7-11 and wish to audition - spit spot – see the team in the Arts Staffroom (P Block) for an audition package and sign up for an audition time:

• Week 9 - Wednesday 2^nd break, Thursday 1^st and 2^nd break
• Week 10 – Wednesday 2^nd break, Thursday 1^st and 2^nd break   

SPORT NEWS

YOUTH HEALTH NURSE NEWS

Did you know Gladstone has a Free Nurse-led walk-in health clinic?

It offers free treatment to all adults and children aged over 2 years for non-life-threatening injuries, illnesses and common health concerns.

Services are free, even if you don't have a Medicare card, with no bookings or referral needed.

Anyone who requires care beyond the clinic’s capabilities will be referred promptly to the most appropriate service, such as an emergency department, general practitioner, rapid access clinic or mental health service.

When to visit the clinic

The team at the nurse-led walk-in clinic can help if you:

• need healthcare for a common health concern that isn’t life-threatening.
• can’t wait for an appointment with a GP.
• don’t need a trip to the hospital.

Services available

You can receive clinical assessment, treatment and advice from qualified nursing staff about common health concerns, such as:

• fevers, coughs and colds
• earache, tonsils and sore throats
• infections and rashes
• minor eye issues
• minor cuts and burns
• minor head injuries
• strains and sprains
• gastroenteritis
• urinary tract infections.

Women-focused health services are also available, such as:

• women’s health concerns
• contraception, including emergency contraception
• advice on periods and menopause
• support and referrals for women experiencing domestic, family or sexual violence.

We do not provide:

• medical certificates
• scripts for drugs of addiction.

For mental health support, call 1300 MH CALL (1300 64 22 55)

Nurse Practitioners

A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse with the experience, expertise and authority to diagnose and treat people of all ages with a variety of acute or chronic health conditions.

Nurse practitioners have completed university study at master’s degree level and are the most senior and independent clinical nurses in the Australian healthcare system.

They can:

• refer patients to hospitals and specialists
• order X-rays
• order and do various pathology and blood tests
• prescribe medicines such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and emergency contraception
• do tests such as pregnancy testing, urine testing and blood glucose levels.

Clinic location

Gladstone—Shop 4, Gladstone Square Shopping Centre, 189 Goondoon Street
Phone:  4973 4100
Hours: Mon-Fri 7.30-5pm, Sat 7.30-3pm

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TERM 2 CALENDAR

COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS

Are you ready to take the first step toward a healthier and happier you?

The 2025 CQ Health, Sport & Recreation Expo is just around the corner, and it promises to be an event you won’t want to miss! This year’s expo is a fantastic opportunity to access a wide range of local health and wellbeing services.

What’s on offer:

• Meet local health and wellbeing providers and learn about the services available in your community.
• Get complimentary health, blood pressure, and skin checks to stay on top of your wellbeing.
• Enjoy a variety of fun activities designed for all ages and abilities, making it a perfect day out for the whole family.
• Treat yourself to tasty food, healthy options, and freshly brewed coffees as you explore the expo.
• Participate in our exciting Health Passport Game for a chance to win fantastic prizes!

This event is about more than just health – it’s about community, fun, and taking the first steps toward a healthier lifestyle together. Bring your family and friends along and make a day of it!

 Event Details:

📅 Saturday June 21st
🕘 9 am – 1 pm
📍 Maxine Brushe Community Meeting Place, Philip St Precinct

Brought to you by CQ Health and My Health for Life.

Stallholder Registration:
Stallholder registration is still open, so if any local health or fitness providers are interested in joining the expo, please contact Renarta at CQ Public Health on 07 4920 6989 to reserve your spot!