17 February 2025

Principal’s Report

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2025. I hope that everyone has had an enjoyable Christmas break and were able to catch up with friends, family and those that are close to you. I would like to welcome the new families to our school. This year we have had more than 100 new students to our school, many of whom are new to the area. Schools are very busy places and our school is no different as we have already, in the first three weeks, had several events which our students and school community were able to be part of.

Meet The Teachers

Last week we held our annual “Meet the Teachers” afternoon. It was lovely to meet our new families and hear about their experiences at Gin Gin State High School so far.

Bullyproof

Following on from the Meet the Teachers afternoon we held an information session regarding our new conflict resolution program that we are introducing in year 7 through to 10 this year. The presentation (How to Become a Champion) from the Bullyproof staff including the legendary world champion boxer Jeff Horn, was very informative and outlined many of the challenges and barriers children have while growing into young men & women. The program is designed to give people (including adults) some strategies to better manage conflict. My thanks to those parents who attended to support their student and the school to build the capacity of our students to manage conflict.

Breakfast Program

Late last year the school received funding to provide healthy meal options for students. Through our P&C we have decided to ensure that all students are able to source a healthy breakfast prior to commencing their learning. Darren Lawrence (our fabulous school chaplain) will be managing the program with basic healthy options for all students to access. We will start with toast and a condiment of some sort. There will also be cereal and fruit. We do have some strict guidelines as to what food we are able to offer but I’m sure that students will be able to find something suitable to fill their bellies if they have not had the opportunity to do so prior to coming to school. The breakfast program will run from 8.00am to 8.30am every morning.

Staff Updates

On the final day of school last year, it was confirmed that Aaron Ross (HOD Humanities) would return to Bundaberg North State High School as Acting Deputy Principal. Mr Ross had spent the previous semester at Bundaberg North State High School as Deputy Principal and was asked to stay on in the role for the first semester of this year. Lin McDermid has been acting in the role of Head of Department behind Mr Ross and has been doing an excellent job. I have asked Lin to continue on in the role for this semester.

Mrs Ross left us at the end of last year to pursue a career elsewhere. This left us with a vacancy as Head of Department (HPE/Arts/Hospitality). Following on from our day 8 student count I was able to confirm that we are now able to fill this position. Mr Cappello has agreed to act in the position for the remainder of this term while the recruitment process is run.

Laptop Program

We have been running a laptop program at Gin Gin State High School for the past five years. Last year we saw the last of our fixed computer labs decommissioned as these computers had reached the end of their service life. This now means that students will require access to a laptop device to complete aspects of their schooling. The school is operating three programs to allow your child to have access to a device. A description of the programs is included later in this newsletter.

We have had a very positive start to the 2025 school year. Thank you to the school community for your support of our great school. I’m looking forward to another productive and enjoyable year, seeing the great outcomes that we achieve together for our students.

Regards
Paul Stehbens

Coming Events

Gin Gin State High School Laptop Programs

Every student at Gin Gin State High School requires access to a laptop device. Over the last five years we have been running a laptop program with the intention of transitioning to being a “laptop only” school. This year we have taken the next step toward this by decommissioning of fixed computer labs. We now only have fixed computers in 2 specialist areas.

Students will need to be part of one of three possible options to access a laptop device at school.

1. BYOD – This program allows students to purchase a suitable device and use it at school. Students in this
   program will need to download the Education Queensland platform to allow them to access the school network. The student is responsible for taking care of and securing the device and accessories in accordance with school policy and guidelines.  Responsibility for loss or damage of a device at home, in transit or at school belongs to the student. Advice should be sought regarding inclusion in home and contents insurance policy.  For more information regarding this please see the below links.
2. Hire Scheme – This program allows students to hire a laptop from the school at a very reasonable price. For $1.00/day ($200/year) students will be given a laptop to use at school and at home. These devices have 4 years warranty, are covered for accidental damage and come with a sturdy carry case. These computers cost in excess of $1000 so this represents very good value for the person hiring the device. For more information regarding this and application forms, please see the below links. Agreements are also available from the school front office.
3. Stay at School Laptop Agreement – This program allows students to borrow a computer in the morning and then return it in the afternoon. Students are not able to take these devices home with them. There is no cost to be involved in this program. Parents are required to fill out an agreement for Stay at School Laptops. As at the end of this week, if this form is not filled out by parents, students will not be able to borrow a school laptop. Please click on link below for agreement form.

Paul Stehbens  – Principal

Year 7 Transition

To assist our transitioning Year 7 students into high school life, they spent their very first lesson of high school workshopping strategies to help them ‘set up for success’. We covered everything from reading a timetable to where to keep school equipment at home. We especially focussed on the importance of using the student diary effectively and how important it is to write things down! We spoke about using our brain as a thinking tool rather than a storage device to alleviate some stress of trying to remember all the things that need to be actioned each day.

It would be great if the importance of writing things down could be reiterated at home. The student diary is also an effective tool for parents to understand policies and processes at Gin Gin State High School including our bullying process and uniform policy, as well as all relevant contact details for the school. There is also a helpful section on ‘what parents need to know’ which details the process around absences, late arrivals and other important information for parents. Additionally, it is a great way to ‘check- in’ with your child and what they have been up to in classes and any homework or tasks that need completing. Students should also have their assessment dates recorded in their diary.

Parents should sign the diary weekly to acknowledge they have sighted their child’s diary- this then counts towards students’ incentive points for the term. We have been off to a great start to the year and appreciate your support in their successful transition to high school.

Bree Lyster  – Teacher

Bullyproof Gin Gin

Gin Gin State High School has joined the growing list of schools who have signed up to run the conflict resolution and resilience building program developed by Bullyproof Australia. Tuesday evening saw the community launch of the program from the CEO and founder of Bullyproof Australia, Frank Mechler as well as the national Bullyproof ambassador, Jeff Horn.

Frank was able to summarise very effectively the difference between conflict and bullying and give some very practical strategies and advice to the parents who took the time to come and listen to the presentation. Feedback from parents was overwhelmingly very positive and they were excited that the school is introducing the program across the whole junior school.

Jeff Horn spoke about his own journey from his schooling through to his historical bout against Manny Pacquiao to become the Welterweight world champion in April 2017. Since then, Jeff has devoted his life to educating people around social skills and conflict resolution.

At the end of the presentation Jeff spoke with many of those who attended and gave everyone the opportunity to be photographed with him and even to hold his surprisingly heavy, champion trophy belt.

Paul Stehbens  – Principal

School Forms

If you have not returned your school forms, please return them by the end of this week. The implications of not returning your student’s form/s are as follows:

Student Resource Scheme: Students will have limited access to the school resources and will not be able to attend extra-curricular activities. If you are experiencing financial difficulties, please contact the school to discuss arrangements.

Information and Communication Technologies Student Use Agreement: Students will not have access to the school network. This will greatly impact student learning by not being able to access important information required for learning.

Sporting Activity Consent: Students will not be able to participate in sports. This will impact their ability to participate in curriculum activities.

Media Consent: Students will not be acknowledged for their efforts at school through our newsletter, Facebook or other media types.

Online Consent Form: Students will not be able to access important online programs that Education Queensland has provided for students to assist their education.

This week your student will bringing home a copy of any forms that have not been returned. Could you please fill the forms in and return them to the school as soon as possible.

Diann Cross – Business Manager

QParents Registration Process for Parents

QParents offers a convenient, safe and private app to help parents & caregivers manage important details of their children's journey.

What can I do on the QParents App?

• Sign-in securely. All information is always kept private and only visible to those you choose.
• Provide consent. Respond to requests for consent for things like excursions etc.
• Make payments online. Make payments and view all your invoices in one place.
• View academic reports. View and download all report cards.
• Inform attendance. Let the school know about any absences from school.
• Check timetables. Know what learning is scheduled each day.
• Update details. Easily update parent and student details such as contact and medical information from wherever you are at any time.

Creating a QParents account involves a 4-step registration process. You will need to have your child’s EQ ID (their Education Queensland identification number) in order to complete your QParents registration. Your student’s EQ ID will be contained in the invitation email which will be soon sent to you.

Please see flyer below for instructions of the registration process.

Diann Cross – Business Manager

School Photos

School photo day is Monday 24^th February.  Students are to wear formal uniform.

Photos can be ordered online at www.advancedlife.com.au.  Please use the code PMJ 6QZ 4W7.  If you required a form for cash payment, please ask your student to collect one from the office.  Envelopes and money are given to the photographers on the day.

Administering Medication at School

1. Does your child need medication during school hours?

If your child needs to take medication at school, please provide the office staff with:

• a completed and signed Consent to administer medication form;
• the medication in its original container; and
• medical authorisation (e.g. the pharmacy label, or a letter from the doctor, or a completed and signed health action plan).

For further information, please refer to the Information for parents/carers and health practitioners.

If you have any queries, please contact the office on 4133 2111.

2. If my child has to take medication at school, how will the doctor know what paperwork the school needs?

When you next visit your child’s doctor (or other health practitioner), you could give them a copy of the Administration of medications in Queensland state schools: Information for parents/carers and health practitioners.

This document explains what advice they need to provide to help the school to safely administer medication to your child.

3. Easy medication packaging

If your child takes tablets or capsules each day, you can ask the pharmacist to pack them individually in sachets, blister packs or bubble packs.

This packaging is known as a ‘dose administration aid’ (or DAA) and has the pharmacy label instructions as part of the packaging.

When medication is packaged in a DAA it can make it easier for the school to safely store and administer it.

Please note: A pill case (e.g. a weekly medication organiser) filled by yourself is not a DAA and is not something the school is approved to use.

4. Medication safety at school

If your child requires medication at school, there are some things you can do to help.

• Only provide medication that has been medically authorised.
• Check that the medication hasn’t expired.
• Provide medication in the pharmacy packaging.
• Hand medication to the school in person.
• Collect unused medication in person.
• Provide a pill-cutter if tablets need to be halved or quartered, or arrange for the pharmacist to package the medication using a dose administration aid.

Diann Cross – Business Manager

Change of Student Details

We all have changes in our circumstances, and we can overlook important things such as updating emergency details for your student.

Details can be updated via an email to admin@ginginshs.eq.edu.au, or via written correspondence.  Please keep in mind that emergency contacts are to be over 18 years of age.

Diann Cross – Business Manager

Infectious Disease Containment

Some medical conditions require children to be excluded from school or childcare to prevent the spread of infectious diseases among other children and staff, as well as the community.

Contagious conditions

Contagious conditions are infectious diseases that can spread from person to person through:

• the air by breathing in infectious droplets
• contact with germs from faeces passed via the hand to the mouth
• germs on hands transferred to broken skin, eyes, nose or mouth
• contact with germs in blood or other body secretions (such as urine, saliva, nasal secretions) onto broken skin, eyes, nose or mouth.

Some conditions may require a child to receive a medical clearance from a local doctor or local public health physician before returning to school or childcare. If any infectious disease is suspected or confirmed in your service, contact your public health unit for advice.

Please see attached flyer for exclusion periods.

Diann Cross – Business Manager

Immunisations

Years 7 and 10 will be receiving immunisations as part of the Immunisation Program.  The School Immunisation Program is going digital with a system called Vitavo and is simple to use and update your children's information at any time.

Please find attached information and Parent's Guide explaining the system.

Clicking the link below will enable access to consent / non consent for upcoming vaccinations.

Sally Christensen – Deputy Principal

MERIT AWARDS = Merit Badges

At Gin Gin High we like to recognise students and reward for consistent exemplary behaviour and effort in class.  Every student can achieve and be recognised to receive Merit Level badges to wear with pride on their formal uniform.

From their report cards, points are awarded to students with excellent/very good effort and behaviour in all subjects, with a majority of excellent. Merit Level awards accumulate throughout the student’s schooling to Merit Level Badges. The school will monitor accumulated points and distribute badges once per term by House/POD leaders.

The points required for each badge are summarised below:

Lin McDermid – Acting Head of Department

School Food Program

For many years we have offered free toast and spreads through our support services for any students who wished to access this before school and at recess and we have had a few students participating in this. 

At the end of last year, the state government gave many schools funding to start or increase their food program and Gin Gin High school received this funding.  Through the funding we have employed our school chaplain (Darren Lawrence) to coordinate the program and to start a breakfast program each morning served under Munjoorum. 

We are providing toast, cereal and fruit and this is available to all students each day.  Support services are also open at recess one where all students can access this food as well. 

While the program has just started, we are already seeing many students come and have some breakfast which should help to give their body and brains a good start for the day.

Darren Lawrence - Chaplain

Gin Gin State High School Containers for Change

Building on Last Year's Success: Keep Recycling with Gin Gin State High School

In 2024, Gin Gin State High School made an impressive impact through our Containers for Change initiative. Together, we achieved some remarkable milestones:

• Diverted 24,953 containers from landfill
• Raised $2,500 for school programs
• Reduced carbon emissions by 1.4 tonnes of CO₂, the equivalent of taking a car off the road for a year!
• Saved enough energy to power an average household for a year (32 gigajoules).

These achievements are a testament to the dedication of our students, staff, parents, and the wider community. Thank you for being part of this success!

Let’s Do Even Better in 2025

We encourage students to keep up the great work by putting their rubbish in the correct bins. Every small action contributes to a bigger impact.

Parents and community members, you can also support our ongoing efforts by dropping off your eligible containers in the yellow and green bin at the top front of the school. Let’s aim to surpass last year’s numbers and continue making a difference!

Together, we can create an even greener, more sustainable future for Gin Gin and beyond.

Stuart Napier – Teacher

Items for Tender

There are a number of items available for tender.  Tenders close at 3pm Friday 28th February 2025. 

For items see flyer below.

Gin Gin State High School P&C

The first meeting for 2025 will be held 17^th February in the Conference Room of the Administration Building.

The 2025 AGM will be held 17^th March at 5:30pm in the Conference Room of the Administration Building.

All positions will become vacant at this meeting. Positions are - President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary.  Please consider being a part of our P&C. 

For further information contact pandc@ginginshs.eq.edu.au 

Meetings for 2025:
February 17^th
March 17^th  - AGM
May 19^th
June 23^rd
July 21^st
August 18^th
September 15^th
October 20^th
November 17^th

Monique Armstrong – Acting Secretary, GGSHS P&C

Queensland School Library Week 2025

Gin Gin State High School is participating in Queensland School Library Week, and encouraging students to participate in the Secondary competition. Winners will each receive a $50 book voucher and the school will receive a $100 book voucher.

Entries will be accepted from Monday 10 February until Friday 1 March

Schools will be notified of winning students’ names via email.

Secondary students (Year 7 - Year 12) topic is ‘Window to the World’.  Produce an artwork or take a photograph to reflect the theme Window to the World.

Please see Mrs Wilson in the library for more information.

Annie Wilson - Teacher

Trivia Night

Gin Gin State High School 2025 graduation fundraiser.  Get a team together and Treat Yourself to a great night out.

Venue: Gin Gin Golf Clubhouse
Date: Friday 14th March 2024|6pm for 6.30 start
Entry fee: $60 per team (max. 6 per team) or $10 per person
Entry includes ticket for lucky door prize.
Sausage Sizzle, raffle, music bingo for sale.
Buy your tickets at Gin Gin State High School office.

Digital Mental Health

Many people with mental health problems can find online interventions helpful. Some programs can be as effective as face-to-face treatment particularly if there is additional practitioner support.

Digital Mental Health (e-mental health) is services, programs or applications, delivered via online, mobile or phone based platforms. They may be self-driven or practitioner guided and can be used alone or in combination with face-to face therapy.

See flyer for more information.

Amanda Ericson – Guidance Officer

Back to School

Welcome back to the school year.

As we settle back into the routine of school, young people can feel a range of emotions, which include feelings of excitement, anticipation and nerves. Some young people can adjust to the changes and settle into things quickly. However, some young people may find this a daunting and challenging time.

There can be a number of reasons why it might be hard to go school: trying to make new friends, pressure to get the best marks, dealing with bullying, or perhaps going through a mental health issue such as anxiety or depression. These worries can make for an uncertain time.

As a parent, if you notice any changes in your young person, be proactive, enquire, investigate, communicate, and seek support.

Changes could include, but not be limited to:

• Not enjoying, or not wanting to be involved in things that they would normally enjoy
• Observe changes in appetite or sleeping patterns (over or under sleeping), personal hygiene, not looking after themselves, including appearance
• Being easily irritated or angry for no reason
• Involve themselves in risky behaviour that they would usually avoid
• Using or experimenting with drugs and / or alcohol
• Become quiet and / or withdrawn
• Appear unusually stressed, worried, down or cry without reason
• Express negative, distressing or unusual thoughts
• Low energy and motivation

What can you do:

• Initiate a conversation. Talk openly and honestly with them, and let them know that you are concerned. Do not use criticism or guilt
• Reassure them that you will be there for them, and ask what they need from you. Be mindful of your own worries, anxiety and mental health
• Listen actively, allowing time for your young person to talk, without judgement, interruption or advice giving
• Reflect back, for understanding and showing you’ve heard
• Encourage your young person to seek support.

The attached eMHPrac flyer has a number of support options ranging from online, webchat, phone consult. Support is free and confidential

• Check in regularly
• Look after yourself as well. Get some support by talking to someone you trust, and seek professional help for yourself if you need it

Amanda Ericson – Guidance Officer

Gin Gin Community Hub Newsletter

See below for the February/March newsletter

Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre

Gin Gin Library Activities

The follow activities are available at the Gin Gin Library

• Kids’ Book Club
• Story Play
• After school chess
• Gamers group
• Chess club.

For more information see flyers below.

Gin Gin Library

Review of Children, Youth and Parenting Programs

Join the local cadets for a night full of
MUSIC, GAMES, FOOD, PRIZES AND
FUN
Where: The Gin Gin Primary School
When: 4^th April
Primary School Age: 5:00 to 7:00 pm 
High School Age: 7:30 to 9:30 pm
Cost: $5 Entry (Pay at gate)

Melissa Bayntun  – Gin Gin Neighbourhood Centre

Let's amplify the voices of young women & gender diverse people

Raise Our Voice Australia are creating a platform where young women and gender-diverse people aged 13-17 can share what they care about most—whether it’s climate action, equality, or safer communities—and inviting voters to pledge their support for a future that prioritises these voices. Through powerful storytelling, data-driven insights, and partnerships with gender equality advocates, we’re sparking a national conversation about intergenerational fairness, and gender equality in politics and political discourse.

In the weeks prior to the election, we will launch the call to action for voters, asking them to consider these priorities as they vote - or even "forfeit" their vote for their interests, voting instead for the priorities identified by these young people.

We'll also be running a content series, partnering with organisations working to shift the dial on the issues that matter most to this cohort, ensuring we're discussing these issues with a gender and youth lens.

See flyer for more information.

Steven Van Lierop – Community Development Officer, Bundaberg Regional Council

Anzac Day Schools’ Awards

The Anzac Day Schools' Awards is an annual competition run by the Australian Government's Department of Veterans' Affairs (DVA). It encourages students and schools across Australia to engage with Anzac history, traditions, and the contributions of Australian service personnel in wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations.

The awards aim to:

• Promote understanding of Australia's wartime history.
• Encourage student research and reflection on the sacrifices and service of Australian and Allied forces.
• Recognise school efforts in commemorating Anzac Day and other military anniversaries.

Who Can Participate?

• Open to all primary and secondary schools across Australia.
• Schools can participate as a whole, as a class, or as individual students.

The theme for 2025 is: Remembering Gallipoli – 110 years. 

Schools must submit a project (such as a research paper, artwork, video, performance, or digital media project) showcasing their understanding of the experiences, service and stories of those who served at Gallipoli.  Entries should highlight student learning, community involvement, and commemoration activities.

Entries close on Thursday 29th May 2025.

More information can be found at: Anzac Day Schools' Awards - Anzac Portal

Nicole Lobegeier - Executive Officer / Office Manager, Office of Colin Boyce MP

Family Pool Party

There will be a family pool party at Norville Pool on 8^th March to raise fund for the local school chaplains.

See flyer for more information.

Darren Lawrence - Chaplain

ESA Fundraiser

ESA are holding a Bears, Bows and Books afternoon.

See flyer for more information.

Cheryl Fritz - ESA

Saver Plus

What is Saver Plus?

Saver Plus is a program for people on lower incomes. It’s about bolstering their financial skills, so they can develop (and keep) good savings habits.  Since 2003, Saver Plus has supported more than 62,000 people to start saving.  It’s helped overcome the barriers around education expenses. 

What are the eligible savings goals?

Eligible savings goals are education related products or services that assist a primary or secondary school student’s education such as:

• Laptops and tablets
• Books and supplies
• Uniforms and shoes
• Sports fees and gear
• Lessons and activities
• Camps and excursions

Tegege Social Events Evenings

Your invited to join us at Bushs Road, Tegege.  It’s a free night out on the 2nd Saturday of each Month. 

Free Tennis starts 4.00 p.m.  Free Skating - 6.00 p.m.  Those who wish to play cards, that’s free also.  Jan from ‘Kranker Up Karaoke’ donates her time to entertain.  Come along and join in the singing. 

If you wish you may purchase a burger or sausage sizzle. 

Enquiries phone - Secretary: Tegege Combined Sport & Recreation - 41561237 ♪     

AEC Temporary Jobs in Flynn

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) has up to 100,000 paid temporary jobs available to help deliver the next federal election.  Jobs are available all around Australia, in metro, regional, rural and remote areas, these roles require no prior experience, making them ideal for people looking to gain paid work and contribute to their community.  These opportunities are on Election Day (1 day) but some roles are for several weeks before and/or after the event, making it a great prospect to earn extra money.  Although the date for the election is yet to be announced, we are working hard to have the temporary workforce ready to deliver the election.