28 March 2025

From the Principal's Desk

I can't believe the first term is nearly over.  Students have been busy finalising end of term exams and/or assessments to enable term 1 report cards to be issued early next term.

For the safety of all, please be advised supervision is not provided before 8.30am and all children who are here before that time are to enter the school grounds and stay around the central buildings.  Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds after this time to go to the IGA to purchase food or drinks.

Class time is the most important part of the school day. There is a significant body of research that shows a strong correlation between attendance in classes and achievement in school and beyond; the more days spent at school the stronger a child's chance for success.  If students are absent for three (3) days or more due to illness, or a senior student is absent for an exam/assessment due to illness, the absence is to be supported by a medical certificate or any other evidence that is acceptable to the Principal.

Wearing the school uniform with pride shows our community that we respect ourselves and our futures. Most of our students’ presentation and conduct are great advertisements of our school.  We ask parents to assist in ensuring their student{s} are abiding by our school uniform policy which has been endorsed by our P&C Association.

• Enclosed plain black shoes (as per the Correct Footwear Guide) with plain white socks
• No jewellery is to be worn other than one basic set of studs or sleepers (no larger than 1cm), one flat ring, a watch (not a smartwatch) and medical alert jewellery.  Facial or body piercings including tongue piercings are not permitted.
• No excessive make-up, including but not limited to, lash extensions, coloured or false nails.
• No dramatic hairstyles or extreme hair colouring

Congratulations to our Year 7 and 9 students for putting in their best efforts for completing their NAPLAN tests.

We would like to wish you and your family a safe and relaxing vacation and look forward to welcoming your child back to school after the holiday break!

Regards

Barry Jenkin

2025 Date Claimers

These dates are subject to change.  To stay up to date with what is happening around the school, follow us on our Facebook page.

Senior Schooling

University Students for a Day

In Week 6, our Year 12 students were able to spend a day as students of CQUniversity at the annual “Uni Experience”.

Uni Experience is an on-campus experiential event where current Year 12 high school students from across all local schools can visit a CQUniversity campus and participate in discipline-based activities and gain insight into university life.

Our students navigated the campus, participated in course sessions with lecturers, liaised with current university students as well as students from other schools and discussed post-school pathways with university staff. 

This opportunity runs every year.  Students who are currently in Year 11 may apply to attend this event in 2026.

Trudy Crow | HOD – Senior Schooling

Senior Schooling Program 2025

Students in the senior phase of learning have had a good start to the year as they work towards the attainment of the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). This qualification requires students to demonstrate a significant amount of learning at a set standard. Furthermore, some students are working towards a Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement (QCIA) based on individualised goals.  Regardless of their academic pathway, senior students are expected to fully participate in the learning and support programs provided by the school.

Several initiatives have been developed to assist students achieve the goal of ‘earning or learning’ after Year 10.  Students from Years 10 to 12 will work with the CQU Connect team to ensure they are fully aware of their post-school options and the various pathways to university.  They may also attend the Mega Careers Expo at CQUniversity in Term 2 to learn about the wide variety of career options and an opportunity to talk one-on-one with universities from across the state. Members of the Australian defence force will be available at the Expo and they will also visit the school in Term 2 with a career presentation for interested students.  There will also be opportunity for students to be involved in career mentor programs and industry tours.  Students should listen to the notices and keep an eye on their emails for these opportunities.

Students in Years 10 – 12 can also explore the range of short courses on offer such as White Card, First Aid, Responsible Service of Alcohol and Responsible Gaming Services offered through the FEET First program.  They can also participate in the work experience program.  Our work experience program is extremely successful in providing employment opportunities for our students.   Parents/caregivers are reminded of the Industry Placement Fee of $10.00 which is charged to each student participating in the work experience program.  This fee is necessary to cover the ever-increasing costs of running such a successful program.  Students can collect a form from the Senior Learning Centre.

Year 10 students have commenced the Short Course in Career Education. This Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) course will contribute towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) and prepare them for making decisions about post-school pathways including senior subjects, careers and courses. They will engage with a variety of industry representatives in Term 2 to gather information for their course assessment. Work experience is optional in Term 3. 

Year 11 students completed a Senior Education and Training Plan (SET Plan) last year detailing their goals for senior schooling and beyond.  They will revisit this document throughout the senior phase of learning to ensure they are on track to achieve their career goals and the attainment of the QCE or QCIA. Subject changes can be made at the completion of Unit 1.

Year 12 students will be guided by their teachers to achieve highly in their three internal assessments and will be well prepared for their external assessments which will take place in Term 4.  The external assessment schedule will be published by the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) later in the year.  Families need to be aware that assessment dates cannot be modified to accommodate family holidays and occasions such as concerts and sporting events.

Currently, Rockhampton State High School boasts over 16 school-based apprentices/trainees in various industry settings.  Students wishing to gain employment as a school-based apprentice or trainee should register their interest at the FEET First Program office. In addition, more than 120 students are currently engaged in vocational education and training at external RTOs in industries identified as priority skill areas by the Queensland government.  The skills and experience gained from this study will contribute to the employability of our students.  Courses offered in 2025 include Basic Financial Literacy, Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways, Tourism, Health Support, Salon Assistant, Community Services, Hospitality, Automotive Vocational Preparation, Construction, Electrotechnology, Resources and Infrastructure, Conservation and Land Management, Sampling and Measurement and Aviation. Students need to register their interest with the FEET First program staff. 

Finally, Rockhampton State High School will continue to liaise with The Smith Family (Growing Careers Project) and other local organisations to ensure our students are successful in their senior schooling and beyond.

I look forward to working with the senior students and their families in 2025.

Trudy Crow | HOD – Senior Schooling

Grace Gets a Head Start on University

Year 12 student, Grace Storch, has recently completed her second Start Uni Now (SUN) unit.  Start Uni Now is an initiative of CQUniversity allowing secondary school students to complete units from their chosen degree to get a head start on their studies. 

Grace has successfully managed the demands of five General school subjects, which will contribute to an ATAR, with two subjects from the Bachelor of Psychology.  These subjects were ‘Fundamentals of Psychology: Understanding Human Behaviour’ and ‘Psychological Literacy’. Fundamentals of Psychology consisted of the basics of psychology to help Grace to understand the concepts to follow in subsequent units. Grace achieved a distinction for her performance in this unit.  Psychological Literacy explored how psychology applies to personal, professional, and societal levels of real-world scenarios. Grace achieved an impressive high distinction for this unit!

Grace reports that the SUN program has helped her get a head-start on her career through direct entry into the degree that she wants to study in 2026.  It has also provided her with an understanding of what to expect as a university student, as well as valuable skills that will make her transition from school to university very smooth.

Students in Years 10 – 12 who meet the requirements for entry, can choose from a range of units from CQUniversity bachelor degrees to gain an authentic insight into university life with no cost for the first subject studied.  Visit the FEET First program staff in the Senior Learning Centre for more information.

Trudy Crow | HOD – Senior Schooling

Croft Cranks up Success with Hydraulic Apprenticeship

Year 11 student, Croft, has commenced a school-based apprenticeship with The Hydraulic Shop.  They specialise in the repair and supply of pneumatic and hydraulic equipment.

Croft will study Certificate III in Engineering (Mechanical Trade) which is a pathway to becoming a fully qualified fitter and turner tradesperson.

The Hydraulic Shop will support Croft in developing the practical skills and confidence needed to diagnose mechanical problems and develop the skills required to repair large mining equipment as well as drilling, power generation, meat processing, earthmoving, construction and agriculture equipment.

The apprenticeship will provide Croft with valuable real-world experience and a head start on a career in this industry.

Mrs Ellinah Dallow | FEET First Program Coordinator

Sarah Shifts into Gear at Western Truck Group

School-based apprenticeships are a great way for our students to undertake employment-based training while continuing full-time enrolment in a school and studying towards a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).

Year 11 student, Sarah, has commenced a school-based apprenticeship with Western Truck Group.  They specialise in parts, sales and service for Mack, UD and Volvo Trucks.

Sarah will study Certificate III in Heavy Commercial Vehicle Mechanical Technology which is a pathway to becoming a full qualified diesel fitting tradesperson.

Sarah commenced work experience at Western Truck Group in Term 4, 2024 and was quickly identified as a young worker that they wanted to employ in a school-based apprenticeship.  Prior to this, Sarah participated in work experience with Brown & Hurley and Johnson’s 4WD Repair Shop with both employers singing her praise.

Sarah attends Western Truck group every Friday to learn the skills required in this industry.  It is impressive for Sarah to be selected for such a sought-after position in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Mrs Ellinah Dallow | FEET First Program Coordinator

Year 12, 2024 – Next Step Completers Survey

The Next Step Year 12 Completers survey are now open. 

All Year 12 completers from 2024 will receive a letter from the Minister for Education inviting them to participate in this 5 minute survey. This will help our school understand the different pathways of our graduates and improve services for future students.

 As a thank you, participants will enter a draw to win a MacBook Air.

 We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. They may also be contacted by email or phone from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office.

 For more information, visit http://www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.

The Arts Department

Instrumental Music Camp

Day 1 - Team Building

On Friday 14 March 2025, 44 of our Instrumental Music students departed school to attend our annual Instrumental Music camp at Cooee Bay.  Camp began with several 'ice breaker' and 'initiatives' activities, run by camp staff and Mrs Holbeck, to help our band and strings students get to know each other better and develop their team building skills.  It is always great to see students step up to encourage each other and to see their problem-solving skills at work.  

After lunch, students worked in their ensembles to begin the first of several rehearsals across the weekend with Ms Parker, Mrs Holbeck and Teigh.  We were then joined by Mr Townsend and sent our students into the outdoors for a team game of laser skirmish - which certainly brought out the competitive nature in some of our students - but was great fun.  By the time we got to our final rehearsal of the day there were plenty of tired faces!

Day 2 - Guest Conductors

Ms Parker and Mrs Holbeck took students on an early morning beach walk which turned into an early morning shower when we got caught in the rain.  This didn't dampen spirits as we had a hot breakfast awaiting us once we had dried off.  

After a rehearsal with their regular conductors, students had the opportunity to work with our guest conductors.  The String Ensemble had the amazing opportunity to work with the composer of one of their pieces - Anne Svendsen.  Anne is also an experienced cellist, conductor and teacher and our students were fortunate to have the chance to hear - firsthand - about her influences and ideas behind her composition.  Past Rockhampton State High School student, Amy Bond (Senior class of 2024), also kindly gave her time to work with her former ensemble which was greatly appreciated.   

Meanwhile, our Concert Band had the privilege of working in sectionals, and then a full rehearsal, with Mr E (John Evenhuis).  John is a skilled musician, an accomplished teacher and experienced conductor who taught for many years in Central Queensland.  John's sense of humour and musical approach to rehearsing our pieces extended our students and made them think beyond the notes and rhythms on the page.  We a very fortunate to be able to call on such experienced individuals to work with our students and thank our guests for their time.

After a break from rehearsals, and the chance for some activities in the hall with Mr Townsend, students and teachers put their brains to the test with some music trivia to conclude the day.

Day 3 - Concert Day

Mr Townsend was up nice and early to head out with students on their beach walk.  After packing up, we had a final run through of our concert program before parents arrived.  We opened the concert with our String Ensemble and some of our students provided the introductions to each piece for the audience.  They even performed part of a piece they only began learning on camp!  It was then over to the Concert Band who performed pieces of increasing difficulty to show their musical development.  Year 12 student, Ammeliah, performed a solo on electric violin, accompanied by the ensemble, and the Chamber String Ensemble also performed, adding further variety to their program.  

Many thanks to the Rockhampton State High School P and C Association who supported the camp by donating funds to cover the costs of the bus, as well as truck hire to transport our percussion instruments and equipment, making the camp more affordable for our students. Thanks must also go to Mrs Holbeck, Ms Parker, Mrs Stubbs and Teigh Nichols for the time they have put into planning and organising this event for our Instrumental Music students and to Mr Townsend for giving so much of his own time, along with our music staff, to supervise and assist with activities to ensure our camp could run smoothly.

Freaky Friday Cast Announcement 

The wait is over – the cast of Freaky Friday has been revealed! After weeks of auditions and talent displayed by students from Rockhampton State High, we are proud to introduce our cast who will be bringing the hilarious and heartwarming story of Freaky Friday to the Performing Arts stage.

Congratulations to these students. Keep an eye out on our Facebook page over the coming weeks as we continue to share behind the scenes sneak peeks, rehearsal highlights and cast as we prepare for Freaky Friday  5 – 6^th September, 2025.

HPE & Sports News

2025 Cross Country Carnival - 24 April 2025

The 2025 Rockhampton High School Cross Country Carnival is fast approaching. On Thursday 24 April, The Laver Crocodiles, Tucker Kangaroos, Meares Dingos and Armstrong Sharks will all compete for cross country glory as they take to the course and race on the track on the bottom ovals.

The 1.5km track travels from the rugby league field, around the AFL field and past the RSHS Sports Centre. The distance and number of laps run by students is determined on the age they are turning in 2025.

Students who are: 12 will be completing 2 laps of the course, while all other ages will be completing 3 laps of the course.

On the day, students will attend a short, “morale building” house assembly at designated areas at the end of first lunch. All students will then make their way to the house tents located on the athletics oval, under the shade of the trees for the optimal viewing of the cross-country competitors.

Students will have the opportunity to gain points for their house, through running and placing in the cross-country race, participating in ball games (being run out the front of N-wing) and participating in the cross-country race.

Please note the canteen will be closed during second lunch. The Student Representative Council will be selling snacks and drinks during second lunch.

All students are expected to wear full school uniform to school.  They may change into their house colours at first lunch – enclosed shoes and SUN SAFE clothing is required.

The Cross Country Day is fun for everyone, even if you don’t think you’re a long-distance runner.

Grant Burchmann | HOD HPE

2025 Swimming Carnival

On Friday 28 February, Rockhampton State High School held their annual Inter-house swimming carnival at the Southside pool.  Our school community came together for a day filled with colour, camaraderie, fun and swimming prowess. Staff and students alike shared in the spirit of the day with sharks (the Armstrong variety), crocodiles (of the Laver persuasion) and plenty of Tucker red and Meares yellow peppering the grandstand and pool deck.

There were some outstanding performances on the day; the following students were crowned age champions.

The final house tally saw victory handed to the Meares Dingoes!

1^st– Meares Dingoes

2^nd – Tucker Kangaroos

3^rd – Laver Crocodiles

4^th– Armstrong Sharkes

Congratulations to the Meares Dingoes, and to all the Rockhampton State High School students who represented their houses with pride!

Tom Lorette | HPE Teacher

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Harmony Week

Our school celebrated Harmony Week on Friday, 21 March.  Our Support Team with the help of our Student Representative Council (SRC) hosted Harmony Week Events.  

Harmony Week is the celebration that recognises our diversity and brings together Australians from all different backgrounds.

It’s about inclusiveness, respect and a sense of belonging for everyone.​

Thank you to our staff and students who attended our events and enjoyed some pizza and cake.

ARTIE Learner Driver Program

Do you have a student on their "L" plates?  Is your student struggling to meet their required 100 hours driving experience? 

The ARTIE Academy Driver Licensing program is proudly supported by RACQ and is currently available to all current RSHS students meeting the criteria (including attendance, behaviour, effort) to assist them in obtaining their 100 hours of driving experience thanks to the support of our P&C Committee.

Contact the office on (07) 4920 4333 for further information or to arrange a driving lesson.

Become a Drivers Licence Volunteer Mentor

If you are interested in becoming a Driving Mentor and assisting our next generation of road users to achieve their required 100 hours of driving experience to obtain their provisional licence, please contact Gabby Wallace at gabbyw@fogs.com.au for further information.

ID Cards

Rockhampton State High School will issue every student a photographic ID card after enrolment. The ID card provides proof of enrolment and effective delivery of a variety of services at the school. These include but are not limited to:

• Student Services
• First Aid
• Library
• Amenities
• Transport concessions

Students are responsible for the safe keeping of their ID card and are required to have it with them every school day. It is recommended that the card is stored safely in the Student Planner provided by the school.

It is mandatory for all students to be able to provide a school ID card. Rockhampton State High School will provide one free replacement card during the year for lost or damaged cards. 

2025 Premier's Coding Challenge

The 2025 Premier’s Coding Challenge is NOW OPEN! Students in Years 3–10 are encouraged to showcase their coding superpowers by creating an app, game, or website that drives positive change and addresses the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Winners will be awarded amazing coding and robotics prizes and attend a dedicated awards ceremony with industry experts.  Find out more: https://qld.gov.au/codingcompetition.

RSHS Sponsors Shout-Out

Thank you to our Sponsors, Echidna Embroidery and BOTO Homes Pty Ltd, for their valued support of our 2025 Volleyball Teams.

Community Notices

Anglicare are looking for people who are able to provide a secure, nurturing environment and are willing to take on a challenging yet rewarding role.  Foster carers can be people of all ages, cultural backgrounds, and walks of life.  It doesn't matter if you are single, a couple or a family with children of your own.  You might live in a regional centre or a small community, not working or working part-time or fulltime.  Scan the QR code for more information.