15 September 2025

Principal’s Report

Hello and welcome to the final newsletter for Term 3. As we get to the business end of the school year, we are still very busy with a range of opportunities for students to participate in.

Arts Showcase

Last week we held our annual Arts Showcase. This was a magnificent display of the talent that our students have and an opportunity for our school community to see the masterpieces which have been created, be entertained by our talented thespians and enjoy the rhythmic sounds of our talented musicians. Our Food Studies students also had the opportunity to complete assessment in a real-world environment where they were required to prepare and serve refreshments to the public. This is a very rewarding experience for our students and one that is worth the extra hours and effort by staff to ensure it is a professional and enjoyable evening. My genuine thanks to the many staff who have contributed to the evening especially, Ms Wilson, Mrs Acworth, Ms Darr, Mrs Prisk, Mr Capello, Mrs Armstrong and Mr Ennerst.

Sport & Academic Awards

Week 3 of Term 4 will see us hosting the annual Sports and Academic Awards Evenings. These will again be separate events this year with Sports Awards being held on Tuesday 21 October and Academic Awards on Thursday 23 October. Nomination forms for special awards are available from the from office. As a school and community, these nights are the highlight of the year, an opportunity to take a breath and look at the great achievements of our students. It is also a very special time for students who are recognised by the school community for the work and talents that they have. I look forward to seeing parents on the evenings to share in the celebrations.

Excursions

Since our last newsletter there have been several excursions, with many staff giving of their own time to support students in attending these great experiences.

• Mr Roberts, an avid chess player, facilitated a very successful excursion to Bundaberg for our students to participate in a district chess competition.
• Our Year 11 Drama students were able to engage with mentors from Queensland Theatre Company in the annual SCENE Project.
• Our HPE department facilitated our school competing in Wide Bay Athletics, which was held in Bundaberg. We had approximately 25 of our students qualifying to compete in the district event.
• Mr Wesche took a group of Gin Gin students to compete in the Fraser Coast Equestrian competition which was held at the Maryborough Showgrounds.
• Our strings students spent a day travelling to our local primary schools to show firsthand the joys that being part of the school music program can bring.
• Again, our HPE department put their hand up to facilitate our students to compete in the All-School Touch Football Competition, held in Bundaberg.
• Last Monday saw all Year 10 students attend the RYDA workshop in Bundaberg, aimed at building awareness of road safety.

Staffing

Last week I attended a staffing meeting in Bundaberg where Principals can discuss the movements of teachers from within and from outside of our region. At this point I am hopeful that we will be able to secure several new teachers into our school and be fully staffed for 2026.

Last week I was also advised that Bundaberg North State High School will be extending the contract of Mr Ross as Deputy Principal through to the end of the year. This has been a wonderful opportunity for Mr Ross and feedback would suggest that he has made a positive difference to the Bundaberg North State High School culture. This will mean that Lin McDermid, who has been doing an excellent job, will continue to act as Head of Department (Humanities) for the remainder of this year.

In closing I would like to wish you all the best for the upcoming school holidays, I hope that you are able to make time to spend with friends and family.

Thankyou

Regards
Paul Stehbens

Coming Events

Academic Awards Night

Academic Awards Night is on Thursday 23 October.  Nomination forms are now available for collection from the office or can be printed from the link below.

All nominations must be returned by Tuesday 7 October.  Please note that late nominations cannot be accepted.

Karri Sullivan – Administration Officer

Welcome to Glen Smith

We would like to welcome Glen Smith to our school community.  Glen is a Teacher Aide and will be replacing Luke Newton until the end of the year.

Glen has shared the following information about himself:

• Place of Birth: Melbourne, Victoria
• Previous School: Kepnock State High School
• Favourite Food: Anything with pork
• Favourite Pastime: Mountain Bike riding.
• Favourite Book/Movie: The Shawshank Redemption

Year 10 and 11 Drama

Year 10 Drama Explore Macbeth and Physical Theatre

In Term 3, our Year 10 Drama students joined senior Drama and English classes to watch Macbeth, performed by the acclaimed theatre company Shake & Stir. The performance offered a dynamic and engaging interpretation of Shakespeare’s classic tragedy, providing students with valuable insights into character, language and stagecraft.

Following the performance, the Year 10 Drama class had the exciting opportunity to participate in a Physical Theatre masterclass with the three actors from Shake & Stir. During the workshop, students explored key performance skills such as focus, characterisation and storytelling through movement, learning how to create a performance without words.

This experience not only deepened students’ understanding of physical theatre but also enhanced their practical drama skills, sparking creativity and confidence in their own performance work.

Year 11 Drama in Practice Shine in The Scene Project

Our Year 11 Drama in Practice students have had an inspiring year participating in Queensland Theatre’s The Scene Project. This unique initiative gave students the opportunity to collaborate with a professional theatre artist in Term 2, helping them to generate ideas, develop characters and refine their creative vision.

In Term 3, the students showcased their original performance on stage at the Moncrieff Theatre for The Scene Project. Working exceptionally well as an ensemble, the Year 11 students brought energy, creativity and teamwork to the piece, which was met with warm praise from audience members.

This experience not only strengthened the class’s performance skills, but also gave them valuable insight into the collaborative nature of theatre-making. Congratulations to the Year 11 Drama in Practice class on an outstanding achievement!

Aleesha Darr - Teacher

Wide Bay All Schools Touch Football

On 4 September, Mr Sutton and Mr Cappello took two mixed touch football teams to the Wide Bay All Schools Touch Football competition to compete in a series of games throughout the day. Both teams played extremely well, with some great improvements from their training. It was a great experience to play against schools from all around the Wide Bay region.

On behalf of all the players, we extend a heartfelt thank you to Mr Sutton and Mr Cappello for their dedication—not only for organising the event, but also for the time and effort they consistently invest during training sessions. Their support and commitment are greatly appreciated.

Nick Gannon and Marley Engstrom - Students

Term 3 Interschool Chess Tournament

Gin Gin Strikes Gold!

On 27 August, 11 of our students travelled to St Luke’s Anglican College to compete in the Term 3 Gardiner Interschool Chess Tournament.

One of our teams — Sean, Kaiden ,Oliver ,and Dylan claimed 1st place in the teams competition. Sean also earned an individual bronze medal after winning six of his seven games on the day. Kaiden and Dylan finished close behind in 4th and 5th place (5.5 points each), with Oliver securing 7th place out of the 62 players who competed. With four players finishing in the top 10, their combined effort secured the gold for the team event.

All students enjoyed a full day of chess, picking up new strategies and sharpening their play. They are already looking forward to making their mark at the next tournament in Term 1, 2026.

The top three placings:

Place      Name                         Score
1^st           Gin Gin Rooks         22.0
2^nd – 3^rd Shalom White          16.5
               St Luke’s Team 4      16.5

Jeff Roberts  – Teacher

RUOK Day

R U OK? is a national suicide prevention charity and registered public health promotion that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times.

Their work focuses on building the motivation, confidence and skills of the help-giver – the person who can have a meaningful conversation with someone who is struggling with life.

R U OK? contributes to suicide prevention efforts by encouraging people to invest more time in their personal relationships and building the capacity of informal support networks – friends, family and colleagues - to be alert to those around them, have a conversation if they identify signs of distress or difficulty and connect someone to appropriate support, long before they're in crisis.

Gin Gin State High School recognized RU OK? Day with a free dress day, pancakes and popcorn.  Thank you to Chaplains Darren and Leanne for the mountain of pancakes that were made and consumed.

Diann Cross – Business Manager

Student Free Day Professional Development

In Queensland, student free days are designated days when students do not attend school, but teachers do. These days are dedicated to professional development activities that ensure educators stay updated with the latest trends and practices in education. Friday, 5 September, Gin Gin State High School staff attended sessions on Anaphylaxis, Diabetes, Asthma among other important training.  Vikki Saffioti, State School Registered Nurse-Clinical Nurse, instructed staff on specific student medical training

Diann Cross – Business Manager

From Our Guidance Officer

Hi I am Ange Mitchell, and I am the Guidance Officer at Gin Gin State High School.  I am here to help students investigate their future career paths.  Below is my latest newsletter that contains information on:

• Bundaberg Engineering Link Project 2025 for students in Years 10-12 interested in Engineering or STEM
• Ergon Energy Network and Energex Pre-apprenticeship Program

Ange Mitchell – Guidance Officer

Gin Gin State High School P & C

Volunteer Opportunity – P&C Secretary needed

Gin Gin State High School P&C is looking for a dedicated volunteer to step into the role of Secretary.

• Help support our school community
• Monthly meetings
• Great for gaining experience and putting on your resume or just giving back .

If you are organised, enjoy working with others, and can spare a few hours a month – we’d love to hear from you! (We provide you with much support in this position).

For more info or to express interest, please call Gin Gin State High School on 4133 2111.

Tuckshop Volunteers Wanted – Come Join the Fun!

Gin Gin State High School is looking for some amazing volunteers to help in our school tuckshop – no experience needed, just a smile and a willingness to lend a hand!

Whether you can spare a few hours a week, a fortnight, or just now and then – we’d love to have you on board.

It's a great way to:

• Get involved in the school community
• Meet other parents and carers
• See the kids’ happy faces at lunchtime
• Learn some new skills (or show off your sandwich-making superpowers!)
• Flexible shifts available
• Blue card required if not a parent (this is free, and we can help you apply for one)
• Tea, coffee & good company provided!

If you’re interested or would like more info, please phone Gin Gin State High School on 4133 2111.

Diann Cross – Business Manager

Cleaner Position available

Gin Gin State High School is seeking a dedicated and reliable Cleaner to join our friendly and supportive team! If you take pride in maintaining clean, safe and welcoming spaces, and want to make a meaningful contribution to a caring school community, this could be the perfect role for you.

This position is being offered in a Permanent Part-Time capacity (0.69FTE), 53 hours per fortnight.

Please apply with the following link:  https://smartjobs.qld.gov.au/jobs/QLD-NCR659775-25P

Diann Cross – Business Manager

School Holiday Activities at the Library

There are some great activities to join in during the upcoming school holidays at the Gin Gin Library.

For activities and times please see the flyer below.

Sharon Millett – Library Coordinator, Gin Gin Library

Kolan Swimming Club Sign On

Kolan Swimming Club sign on for 2025/2026 season will be held at the Gin Gin Swimming Pool on Thursday 9th October commencing at 5pm.

Please bring your togs as we will be swimming all strokes for the coaches to observe your stroke ability and place you in a training session most suited.

Club Nights will be held every Thursday evening throughout the season with a time change to 5:00pm.   Names in by 5:15pm for races to begin at 5:30pm.

Training Sessions will be every Monday and Tuesday from 3:30pm to 5:30pm.

Junior – 3:30pm to 4pm;   Intermediate – 4pm to 4:45pm;   Senior – 4:45pm to 5:30pm.

We encourage everyone to apply for a ‘Play On Voucher’ for each child to help subsidise your Swimming Queensland and Kolan Club Membership Fees.

For full details on Membership etc. please contact Carmel – 0428 515 602

Carmel Savage - Secretary

Bundaberg Chess Club

Our AGM will be held on the 17th of September from 6.30 pm at the U3A rooms upstairs at 80A Woongarra St. The AGM will be followed by social speed chess.

It would be great if you could come and share your thoughts with us on how we can continue to support the growth of  Bundaberg Chess for the next 12 months. The agenda is attached and you will have time to put forward thoughts either by replying to this email or at the general discussion during the night.

We will also be outlining the next big weekend tournament for adults and juniors so be there to get the early news.

Peter Bender – Vice President

Saver Plus

Saver Plus is a free, matched savings and financial education program that helps families on lower incomes build their money skills through budgeting workshops and receive up to $500 for education-related expenses.

Participants can put that money towards items such as laptops, books, uniforms, camps & excursions.

Program Highlights:

• Save just $50 a month for 10 months and receive $500 matched savings
• Complete up to 10 hours of online workshops (support provided)
• Flexible start dates – join anytime
• Must hold a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card
• Income from Carer Payment, Child Support, and cash in hand is considered income.

Beyond financial support, Saver Plus fosters dignity, confidence, and long-term well-being.

I've attached promotional materials for your use. If you’d like printed flyers or have any questions, feel free to reach out – I’d be happy to help.

Saver Plus is a funded program by Dept Social Services.

For more information see flyers.