Newsletter

The habits and skills your child develops now will form the foundation for responsible AI use throughout their academic and professional journey.

Here are some practical ways you can support your child:

Stay Informed
Take time to understand the basics of GenAI and how it’s being used in education. Being informed helps you guide conversations and support your child’s learning.

Discuss Ethics
Talk openly about the ethical considerations of AI, including issues around academic integrity, privacy, and responsible use. These conversations help your child make thoughtful decisions when using AI tools.

Encourage Critical Thinking
AI can generate a lot of information quickly, but not all of it is accurate. Encourage your child to question, evaluate, and verify the information they receive from AI tools.

Monitor Usage
Keep an eye on how your child is using GenAI for schoolwork, making sure it aligns with school guidelines. It’s also important to be mindful of how they use AI for entertainment.

Promote Balance
While AI can be a powerful learning aid, it’s essential to maintain a healthy balance with human interaction. Encourage your child to engage with peers and teachers, ensuring technology complements—not replaces—these connections.

By staying informed, fostering ethical discussions, and encouraging thoughtful use, you can help your child navigate this exciting new technology with confidence and responsibility.

You can view the full Generative AI Parent Guidelines here.

We concluded a week of reading activities with our Books and BBQ event. It was terrific to see so many families come along and share in the celebrations of reading, and I thank you for your support in making this such a successful community occasion.

As we now look ahead to the final two weeks of term, we are noticing that many children’s resilience is wearing thin. A combination of sickness and general fatigue is taking its toll, and it is natural for students to be feeling a little wearier at this stage of the term.

Ensuring children are getting to bed early and have enough nutritious food packed for the day will go a long way towards helping them finish the term well. With the warmer weather, students may also be feeling hungrier, and we are noticing a big increase in children asking for additional food. Please consider sending a little extra food in lunchboxes to support their learning and energy. Every day in learning counts, particularly as teachers complete assessments and students work hard to finish the term strongly. Arriving on time, rested with a nutritious lunch makes a big difference in helping children make the most of their learning. Together, we can support them to end the term on a positive note.

After-School Pick Up

A reminder to families that the pick-up lane remains the safest option for collecting students in the afternoons. We have noticed some children walking across roads to meet cars parked further away, which creates a risk without a crossing supervisor in place. I am currently working with the Department of Transport regarding a replacement traffic controller and hope to have an update for you soon. In the meantime, please continue to use the pick-up lane to ensure the safety of all students. If you have alternative arrangements in place for your children’s pick up, please talk to their teacher to ensure it is a safe option for going home.

Wishing all our families a wonderful end of term.

Thank You for a Wonderful Book Week!

I would like to begin by expressing my heartfelt thanks to our primary school community for the incredible generosity shown in support of our Book Week celebrations and the fundraising efforts for Reading Out Of Poverty (ROOP). An enormous thank you also goes to all of our students and staff who wholeheartedly embraced the week of activities and celebrations.

A special thanks must be extended to our wonderful Parent Association for their help with the BBQ for Breakfast and Books on Friday. Their contribution was outstanding, and their efforts ensured the event was a great success.

I am very pleased to share that our Gold Coin Preloved Book Stall raised $541.00 and the BBQ raised $939.00, resulting in a total donation of $1,480 to support the purchase of books and reading resources for Yarranbah, Queensland. Beyond the funds raised, students had the opportunity to discover new books to read, and our community came together in the sunshine to share breakfast, stories and conversation—a truly lovely way to round out a wonderful week. Thank you to everyone for your support.

Building Independence and Resilience

This week, I had the pleasure of attending the Year Four camp and was heartened to see our students being brave, trying new things and stretching themselves in different ways. It reminded me of my own camp experiences as a child and how formative those moments were—not only for learning but also for creating genuine, lasting memories.

Camps provide students with a safe space to experience a sense of freedom and risk, collaborate with familiar people in new contexts, organise themselves, take responsibility for their belongings and practise self-care. The learning that occurs in these environments is truly remarkable—alongside plenty of fun!

With the holidays approaching, I would like to share an excellent resource that offers simple, practical ideas to help children build their independence while maintaining safe and nurturing spaces to grow: letgrow.org . Their online resources and social media offer a range of useful tips and inspiration.

Our aim is always to support children to take steps towards greater independence, knowing they have the security of a caring community to return to.

Supporting Resilience and Positive Self-Esteem

On this topic, the following resources have proven valuable in nurturing resilience and positive self-esteem in children:

• The Everyday Resilience Journal – Michelle Mitchell : A practical and engaging resource offering a broad range of tools and strategies to build confidence, foster a growth mindset and develop everyday resilience.

• Big Life Journal – Kids Edition (Ages 7–10) and Teen Edition (Ages 11+) : Reflective journals that share simple, powerful messages to encourage positive thinking, self-belief and confidence-building.

These resources can be explored at home to complement the work being done at school, creating a shared approach to developing strong, confident and resilient learners.

Parent–Teacher Interviews (Prep–Year 6)

Parent–teacher interviews for students in Prep to Year 6 will be held between Monday 1st September and Friday 10th October 2025 (excluding school holidays).

These interviews are an important opportunity for you to connect with your child’s teacher, celebrate achievements, discuss areas for growth, and share insights from home. They are designed to strengthen the partnership between home and school, ensuring that every child is supported to reach their full potential.

To make the most of these conversations and to respect the schedule for all families, teachers will need to keep to the allocated time for each appointment. We ask for your understanding with this, as it allows each family the same opportunity for a focused and meaningful discussion.

We look forward to meeting with you and working together to support your child’s learning journey.

Year 7-11 Assessment
A reminder, all Year 7-11 Assessment Schedules are available to parents via Parent Lounge. Please encourage your child to speak to their teacher if they have any concerns or questions. Students are able to access this data via their Student Café login and will have a Term 3/Semester 2 Planner for each subject.

Year 12 Assessment Mock Assessment Timetable
As a reminder, these assessment items commence on Monday 8 September and conclude Friday 19 September. The Mocks provide important information for both students and staff in preparation for the external assessment tasks. The Mock tasks are also used to determine subject prize winners and the RGS Internal Dux award. Further details regarding the Mocks can be found here .

General
As a reminder, if you have any questions regarding academics or your child’s progress please feel free to contact me on [email protected] or 49360 609.

The students have managed this workload well, and it has been encouraging to receive feedback from teachers noting that many are taking advantage of study, revision and tutorial opportunities. While the end of this demanding period is now in sight, I encourage students to maintain their focus until the end of term so that their results are truly reflective of their efforts.

It was wonderful to celebrate students who achieved Academic Application Awards (Honours) during a recent Year 7 Enrichment session, and Academic Application Awards during Form. These are two of my favourite awards, as they do not recognise academic achievement alone, but instead highlight students’ dedication and engagement with their learning and classwork. As I remind students, anyone who is willing to put in the effort has the opportunity to earn this award. Congratulations to all who were recognised.

Homework Club has now concluded for Term 3. We thank Ms Hickson for her dedication and support during these sessions and look forward to its return in Term 4.

As we approach the end of Term, families are reminded that any student departing more than three days early must complete an Extended Leave Form . This form requires signatures from each of the student’s teachers and must then be returned to their Head of Year. While we understand that early departures are sometimes unavoidable, learning continues until the final day of term, and students are expected to attend. If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child in Year 7, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Over the next fortnight, they will be managing examinations and assignment deadlines while also beginning to transition into their next units of work. At such a busy time, it is important that students balance their schedules with adequate study and revision, as well as ensuring they maintain healthy routines around sleep, nutrition and exercise. Some level of pressure or stress is normal, but if you are concerned about your child’s wellbeing, please contact us.

Thank you to the families who have returned subject selection information for Year 9, 2026. Now that initial selections have been submitted, the process of ensuring that all subject combinations are possible is underway. Some students may be asked to make adjustments where necessary.

With Ms Rundle currently on leave, our Year 8 Form Teachers, along with Mrs Wright, Mr Blevin and Ms Tuaine, have been working closely to support the cohort. Should you have any questions or concerns, please contact them directly. We wish all Year 8 students the very best as they continue their assessments this week.

Over the past few weeks, students have focused on teamwork, collaboration and school spirit through the Form Class Olympics. With challenges designed to foster camaraderie and healthy competition, it has been wonderful to watch students step up and support one another. As we approach the final events, Mr Orford’s class is currently in the lead, and the competition promises to conclude in an exciting fashion – good luck to all involved.

In Tutorials, students have explored the themes of teamwork and healthy relationships. Our Remember the Titans film study has prompted meaningful discussions about resilience, leadership and breaking down social barriers. This was followed by an engaging Survival Scenario activity, where groups collaborated under pressure, applied critical thinking, and made values-based decisions.

In the week ahead, families will receive an email regarding the creation of a Unique Student Identifier (USI) for their child. This is a compulsory requirement, and families are asked to complete this promptly. Full details and instructions will be provided.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Year 9. Please reach out if you have any concerns.

I would like to commend all Year 10 students for the dedication, focus and resilience they have demonstrated throughout what has been an exceptionally busy term. These skills will serve them well as they transition into their senior years of schooling.

The SET Plan process is nearing completion, and I sincerely thank families for their commitment to this important stage. For students yet to complete their interviews, please make arrangements this week or early in Term 4. Subject selections for Year 11 have now been finalised, marking a significant milestone in their academic journey.

In recent tutorials, students have engaged in discussions around the dangers of vaping and the role of risk in decision-making. They have shown maturity in their understanding of the associated health risks.

Next week, Year 10 will participate in the Outdoor Education Programme. I wish all students a safe, rewarding and memorable experience, and I look forward to hearing their stories at the start of Term 4. Please remember there are no classes for Year 10 next week.

Finally, I would like to wish Year 10 families a safe and enjoyable holiday break, and I look forward to working with you in Term 4.

Over the coming weeks, I look forward to getting to know each student and supporting them as they navigate both academic and leadership challenges.

As we move through the assessment period, I encourage students to prioritise their wellbeing. Rest, nutrition, and regular breaks are essential for effective performance. With colds and flu still circulating, please ensure that any absence from an assessment or examination is accompanied by a medical certificate so that alternative arrangements can be made.

The Year 11 cohort will soon participate in the national #ItsInTheBag campaign, a meaningful initiative that provides much-needed support to women and families experiencing hardship. Donations may be left at the Secondary School Office or directly in my office.

Another significant event is the Year 11 Leadership Workshops in Week 9, held on Wednesday 10th September (on campus) and Thursday 11th September (at Ritamada). Attendance is an essential component of leadership development. Students who are unable to attend are expected to meet alternative commitments such as work experience or certificate courses. Please contact me promptly if your child cannot attend.

Applications for Year 12 Leadership roles in 2026 are now open. This is an excellent opportunity for students to reflect on their strengths and aspirations, and I encourage all interested learners to apply with confidence.

Finally, thank you to all parents for your patience and support as I settle into this role. I look forward to working closely with you over the months ahead.

Year 12 students have been diligently preparing for mock and external examinations, completing certificates, and finalising Applied subject assessments scheduled for early Term 4. There is a noticeable sense of both relief and anticipation as students near the end of their senior studies.

A recent highlight was the Rockin’ the Chop initiative, in which more than 40 students raised nearly $30 000 for cancer research and donated significant lengths of hair through the Ponytail Project. Additional fundraising activities, including a bake sale and sausage sizzle, contributed further proceeds to the Cancer Council. These efforts demonstrate the strong community spirit within our school.

During recent Year Level Meetings, staff from the Sexual Health Services Clinic delivered informative sessions on sexual and general health, while representatives from the Young Workers Hub provided important information about workplace rights and entitlements. Further details can be found at ywhub.org.au .

Most Year 12 students will undertake at least one mock examination during the exam block, running from Monday, 8 September to Friday, 19 September. This is an important opportunity to familiarise themselves with exam procedures and to receive feedback on their progress. Information about mock exams, including the boarder leave form, is available on the Year Level Meeting Teams OneNote. Please contact me with any queries.

Students will also shortly be invited to submit their Student Colours nomination forms. An email outlining the categories and criteria has been sent, and further guidance will follow.

Important dates to note:

• Mock Exam Block: Monday 8 – Friday 19 September

• External Exam Block: Monday 27 October – Tuesday 18 November (timetable available on the QCAA website)

Term 4 Key Events:

• RGS Alumni Information Session (Rachel Trump) – Tuesday, 2 September

• Leadership Colours Ceremony Rehearsal – Thursday, 23 October, 9:50 am

• Headmaster’s Lunch – Wednesday, 22 October, 12:30 pm

• Mocktails – Thursday, 23 October, 5:30 pm

• Final Day of Classes – Friday, 24 October

• Leadership Colours and Induction Ceremony – Friday, 24 October, 9:30 am

• Honour Guard – Friday, 24 October, 10:10 am

• Curriculum Preparation Days – Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 November

• Year 12 Final Day – Friday, 21 November, 8:30 am (all students must attend)

• Valedictory – Friday, 21 November, 5:00 pm

• Speech Day – Wednesday, 26 November

As this term draws to a close, I wish all Year 12 students the very best for their mock examinations and the holiday break. I look forward to sharing in what will undoubtedly be an exciting and emotional final term of schooling.

This term, we have focused on sessions which introduced new titles, authors and genes to our students. The research I have been involved in reveals what prevents students from reading is knowing what to read. Australia Reads also supports this in their data findings . This term we have enjoyed First Chapter activities, Kahoots, Scavenger Hunts and reading platforms (Wheelers Digital Library) which engaged our students in discovering a range of different authors and genres they had never considered reading before.

September 1st is the start of the ABC’s Top 100 books of the 21st Century . This is an opportunity for anyone to recommend some of the books we have enjoyed or have impacted us at some stage over the years. All books published between 1 January 2000 and 31 August 2025 will be eligible. All genres are in the running. Whether you want to vote for your favourite novel, politics or history book, sports book or poetry collection — all books across all genres and languages are eligible. When the votes are in, the list will be released. Hopefully there will be some wonderful recommendations for all of us to choose from.

Year 12 students have been supported with their QTAC applications, university early offer applications, and college applications as they prepare for life after school.

Year 11 students have been engaging in conversations about their career pathway options, exploring opportunities and directions to guide their next steps.

Meanwhile, Year 10 students have been focusing on their senior subject selections, ensuring their choices align with their future study and career goals.

Students and parents can make a booking with me through the RGS Careers website to discuss possible VET courses, career pathways, subject selection and QTAC applications. It has been a pleasure working with the students I have already met, and I look forward to continuing to guide and support students as they make these important decisions.

The RGS VET and Careers news is available at this link.

Chess

Last week, 257 primary and secondary students from CQ competed in the Gardiner Chess Interschool District Tournament. It was an extremely competitive and successful day with excellent results, as both our primary and secondary RGS teams are now invited to participate in the state finals in term four.

In secondary, it was announced that there was a 3-way tie for first but after a countback RGS was placed in second.

Top player for the tournament was Year 8 student Ranu Weerasinghe Meegahawattage who placed first on Premier Division Board 1 (which is where the top player of a school plays against the top player of another school) and his teammate year 11 Lucas McDougall placed first on Premier Division Board 3.

Rugby League

The RGS Dolphins Challenge boys rugby league team went down 24-0 in their regional final against Bundaberg's Shalom College at Rugby Park yesterday afternoon. Trailing 18-0 at half time, RGS produced a gutsy second half display before the undefeated Shalom team scored a converted try on full time to extended their lead.

Good luck to the RGS schoolboys rugby league teams as they continue their Rockhampton District Secondary Schools Rugby League games this term as we edge closer to the 2025 finals

Rowing

RGS rowers competed in the Rockhampton Schools Championships Regatta last weekend. This was the final regatta before student’s head to the State Championships in September. Thanks to the rowers for your commitment to training and regattas throughout the season and thanks to all the coaches, volunteers, and supporters for helping the RGS rowing team at the local regattas on the Fitzroy River.

Touch

RGS U15 Boys and Girls All Schools Touch teams competed in the CQ All Schools Touch Competition last Friday as both teams had to play preliminary Queensland All Schools Touch games prior to the end of term. Unfortunately, both teams were defeated by Emmaus College.

Notifications of Achievements

Due to the vast array of core and non-core sporting activities that students participate in, can all students’ sporting achievements be emailed through to Mrs Coetzer, the Sports Administrator – [email protected]

Student Achievements

Athletics

Congratulations to the following students with their results at the Capricornia Track & Field Trials:

Grace Skilling – 1st in discus with a throw of 29.53m and third in shot put with a throw of 8.09m.

Rob Muller – 6th place in shot put.

Karate

Congratulations to Lachlan Segond with his fantastic results at the Shotokan Karate International Australian QLD State Championship:

Gold – Kumite (fighting) Colts 16-17 Years Male

Silver – Kata Colts 16-18 Years Male

Next competition for Lachlan will be representing QLD at the SKIA National Championships in Melbourne on the 4th October 2025.

Capricornia Representatives

(Please note that all Rockhampton and Capricornia representative recognitions are updated in the newsletter once final teams are provided to the School)

Athletics

Ethan Asimba, Cameron Bell, Lila Darling, Benjamin Gribble, Milla Kronk, Ryan Newby, Brady Purcell,  Grace Skilling, Spencer Swaffer-Selff, Hamish Wemmerslager.

Cricket

Evie Cook