27 June 2025

PRINCIPAL’S ADDRESS

Have a great holiday break

As always, we wish our students and staff a wonderful break, and a chance to recharge ready for Term 3. I spoke with students on parade about taking the opportunity in this coming holiday period to do the things that recharge them for the second half of the school year. For me it may be a combination of some sleeping in, some work around the house and hopefully a little bit of fishing, for others it might be anything from reading books to climbing to base camp on Mount Everest.

I have challenged our students to be ready when they return to school on Monday 14 July; not just ready by bringing the equipment they need, but also by bringing the mindset they need to do their best and achieve what they are capable of.

Update on our 2025 focus areas:

Development of a Whole School Approach to Pedagogy – What approaches and strategies we are using to deliver the curriculum effectively.

• Significant work being undertaken at a whole school and faculty level to unpack different approaches in classrooms, specifically sharing what approaches may suit best to different year levels and different units of work. Our teachers continue to work collaboratively to share good practice.

Collegial Engagement Plan - Providing targeted feedback to our teachers and school in general about our teaching approaches through an implemented plan.

• Currently we have over 80% of our teaching team complete a lesson observation and work through an associated feedback session this semester.

We are well on track with this year’s key improvement areas, with the commitment of our teachers to continually refine and improve the way we work being well supported by our Heads of Department and Deputy Principal team.

While it doesn’t sit perfectly with the two improvement strategies, I would also like to acknowledge the work of our non-teaching staff. Regardless of the role, the work that these staff do to keep our school running has again been impressive this term. I thank them for their work.

Girls Rugby League vs Chanel College

What a great afternoon of rugby league! Two great games of footy, played in the right spirit by both teams. Whilst both of our Gladstone High teams (Year 7/8 girls and Year 9/10 girls) came away with wins, it was the quality of the games that stood out. Each of the teams played a quality brand of football with great defence, strong attacking play and committed running with the ball. I congratulate our teams on their wins, but I would also like to acknowledge the quality of the Chanel teams also.   Mr Donald, Miss Ball and Mr Leilua have done a mighty job coaching our teams and making these opportunities possible. Thank you each.

Fiver for a Farmer

The devastation of the floods in rural Queensland earlier in the year continue to impact our farmers and their communities. This week we had the privilege of holding a fundraiser for these effected communities. Students and staff came dressed in their country gear, with jeans, boots and hats seen throughout the school. It is no surprise that our Gladstone State High School community wanted to show their support and get behind these families, it is something that our students and staff do regularly. It is very much now part of our school culture; something that we are very proud of. As of the end of the day, our total was sitting at $2004.

ASDAN COOKING FOR FUNDRAISER

ASDAN Students Whip Up Sweet Success in Fundraising

Our ASDAN cooking students prepared over 350 Chocolate Crackles on Wednesday ready for Fiver for A Farmer Day - selling them for $1 each to support the "Fiver for a Farmer" initiative. The treats sold out during the second break, and with additional donations from generous teachers and students, the fundraiser amassed a total of $412.00. This money was added to the total money raised so far by GSHS. Thanks to Mrs Bell, the ASDAN class, and the senior Tech College students, who collaborated to prepare and sell the Chocolate Crackles.

YEAR 7 NEWS

End-of-Term Message to Year 7 Students

Dear Year 7 Students,

As we reach the end of this busy Semester 1, I want to celebrate your journey so far and your achievements in Year 7. Starting secondary school is a big step, and each of you have shown incredible growth, resilience, and enthusiasm in adapting to this new chapter in your lives.

So far, you’ve navigated new routines, built friendships, and taken on challenges with courage. Whether it was excelling in your studies, contributing to our school community, or trying something new, your efforts have been truly inspiring.

I am especially proud of the kindness and support you’ve shown one another throughout this Semester. These qualities make our Year 7 community strong and set a fantastic example for others to follow.

As we head into the holiday break, take time to reflect on all you’ve achieved. Rest, recharge, and enjoy time with your family and friends.

Have a wonderful and safe holiday!

Warm regards,
Ms Hunt
Head of Year 7

FLEXISPACE NEWS

Flexi Numeracy: Real-World Maths Through Cooking and Robotics

This semester, students in the Flexi Numeracy program have immersed themselves in hands-on learning experiences that bring mathematics to life. By integrating cooking and robotics into the curriculum, students have explored mathematical concepts in meaningful and engaging ways.

Culinary Calculations

Fridays have become a highlight for students as they apply their mathematical knowledge to cooking activities. Tasks such as calculating ingredient quantities, adjusting recipes, and understanding measurement units have reinforced their skills.

These practical applications not only enhance numeracy skills but also demonstrate the relevance of mathematics in everyday life.

Robotics and Mathematical Thinking

Incorporating robotics into the classroom has provided students with opportunities to explore geometry and computational thinking. By programming robots to draw shapes, students have deepened their understanding of:

• Perimeter and area
• Angles and geometric properties
• Algebraic reasoning

A Semester of Growth

Throughout the term, students have engaged with a variety of mathematical concepts, including:

• Perimeter, area, and volume
• Pythagoras theorem
• Algebraic expressions and equations

By connecting these topics to real-life contexts, the Flexi Numeracy program has made mathematics accessible and enjoyable. As the semester concludes, we commend our students for their enthusiasm and hard work and wish them all the best for Semester 2.

ROBOTICS NEWS

GSHS Robotics Club – Every Wednesday

The GSHS Robotics Club meets every Wednesday afternoon after school until 4:30 pm. Currently, members are investigating new technologies to prepare for the Young ICT Explorers competition in partnership with the Smith Family. As well as practicing flying, landing and manoeuvring drones in preparation of the QMEA Drone Challenge.

Term 3 we will also be gearing up for the First LEGO League Challenge and FIRST Tech Challenge. If you're interested in acquiring new skills or have a passion for STEM, the GSHS Robotics Club might be perfect for you! Contact Ms. Hunt at jhunt309@eq.edu.au  or call GSHS on 4976 6174.

GUIDANCE OFFICER NEWS

QTAC Information Sessions

QTAC information sessions are being held for Year 12 students interested in completing university study and their parents by our Guidance Officers. Information on ATAR, the QTAC application process, special admission, alternate pathways, key dates, scholarships and accommodation will be provided.  On Wednesday 23^rd July 2025 from 5 – 6 pm a QTAC Parent Information Session will be held in the lecture theatre. On Wednesday 23^rd July 2025 during their Learning Enhancement lesson students will also receive this presentation. Prior to the end of Term 2, students will be provided with a copy of the 2026 QTAC Guide. They will be encouraged to do some research and find some courses of interest in the guide prior to their individual Next Step Meeting in Term 3 which start from the 28^th July 2025.  Parents/carers will also be invited to attend these meetings via letters sent home in the mail.   

23^rd July 2025                 5 – 6 pm            Parent Session               Lecture Theatre, F block
23^rd July 2025                 Lesson 1             Student Session             Lecture Theatre, F block

Choosing the Right Course and Institution for Tertiary Study

Choosing the right course and institution can be hard, especially when there are so many options available.

Here are some things to consider when helping your child choose a course and/or institution:

• Does your child want to study close to home, or are they willing to travel? What costs are involved with travel?
• If the institution your child is interested in isn't close to home, are they willing to live on campus? If so, what accommodation options does the institution have?
• What student support services does the institution offer? 
• Is the course your child is interested in offered at multiple institutions, or just one or two? This may be a factor in deciding where to study.
• Does the course match your child's skills and interests?
• Do the career opportunities offered by the course match your child's career aspirations?
• Would your child need to do further study after completing a course to reach their career goals?
• Does your child want to study full-time or part-time, on campus or externally? Some institutions offer flexible study options, while others require students to complete all their studies full-time, on campus. 

Online resources

Here are some online resources that can assist you and your child in choosing the right course and institution:

The Good Universities Guide (formerly Hobson's Course Finder)

The Good Universities Guide can help you find courses at Australian tertiary institutions, compare university ratings, and explore careers.

myfuture

myfuture is a free career information service that assists career planning, career pathways and work transitions. It gives details of education and training providers, scholarships and courses Australia-wide.

Institution websites

Institution websites give information on courses, entry requirements, campuses and facilities, fees, scholarships, student support services and more.

QTAC Course Search

The QTAC Course Search lets you search for tertiary courses offered by institutions in Queensland and Northern New South Wales.

University Open Days

With QTAC applications opening shortly, open day season is now in full swing.  

The following is an update of the 2025 Open Days:

SENIOR SCHOOLING NEWS

SPORT NEWS

YOUTH HEALTH NURSE NEWS

It is almost time for the holidays!

***Don’t forget your 2025 FREE (QLD government funded) Influenza vaccination.  The program is available to all Queensland residents to help reduce the impact of disease to you and your family.  Flu-vax is available through your GP, GP Ultra Hub and various chemists.  Bookings may be necessary.

***A few things to remember while you are on holidays:

Keep yourself and your friends safe. Tell your Parents/Carers where you are and how long you will be gone. Try not to go places by yourself, stick with your friends.

Respect yourself and others. Make sensible decisions about what you are going to do for fun in the holidays. Respect other people’s belongings if you are using their things.

And most of all……Have fun!  Try organising things to do with friends or family that you wouldn’t normally get time to do like playing board games, going to the beach, riding your bike, picnic or dinner with family.

Eat healthy BUT enjoy a treat or two over the holidays.  Drink lots of water to keep hydrated, ensure you get good amounts of sleep 8+ hours a night.

Gladstone regional council and the Gladstone library have a calendar of activities for the kids and youth to do over the Easter holidays. See the link below for more information.

We look forward to seeing everybody refreshed and ready for Term 3 on 14th July 2025.

Susan Buckeridge is the School Based Youth Health Nurse-at GSHS available every Tue, Wed, Thu 7.30am -2.30pm for health support.

Sbuck168@eq.edu.au

QPARENTS

TONKA NEWS

NURSE PRACTITIONER NEWS

BREAKFAST CLUB

TUCKSHOP MENU

UNIFORM SHOP

Uniform Shop Hours

TERM 3 CALENDAR

COMMUNITY NEWS & EVENTS