Newsletter

The first week of school has been buzzing with smiling faces, and even after 34 years in education, it remains my favourite day of the school year.

Thank you for supporting your children with a smooth and positive transition back to school. It has been wonderful to hear holiday stories and to see such happy, settled children back on campus. We have also appreciated the professional learning opportunities across the school at the start of the year, and it has been pleasing to see our staff and teams working together so effectively.

Our new staff have settled well and quickly adjusting to their new working environments. We warmly welcome new members of staff to our school community:

Emma Jackson, who joins us as a Teacher Aide

Mr Barney, who joins our teaching staff on the Year 3 Team

Miss Liddell, who has joined us at very short notice following the resignation of Sophie Edwards, who has accepted an opportunity outside the education sector. Miss Liddell joins our Year 6 Team.

Miss Cordell who joins our teaching staff on the Year 1 Team

We appreciate the professionalism, flexibility, and experience each brings, and we look forward to the positive impact they will have on our students and school community. I am sure you are looking forward to meeting your teachers at the upcoming ‘Meet the Teachers’ event on 3 February.

Playground Equipment

As we begin the year, we have been very fortunate to enjoy an upgrade to our play and sporting equipment. A sincere thank you to the RGS Parent Association, who have generously donated funds to upgrade and purchase new playground equipment and add new resources to our sport offerings.

The children have been delighted by these additions, and we are sure they will support many fun, active playtimes.

Drop-off and Pick-up Procedures

As the year begins, it is timely to remind families of our drop-off and pick-up procedures. This system works best when we all follow the same expectations to keep children safe and traffic flowing smoothly. It has been a wonderful start, and we thank you for your patience at this very busy time of day.

Please note the following:

* Follow the direction of the traffic controller regarding which lane to enter

* If car seats restrict access to both lanes, indicate this to the controller and drive as far forward as possible

* Ensure children have their bags ready before exiting the car

* All children must exit vehicles on the footpath side only

* Do not park in the drop-off zone between 7:30–9:00am

* Display your family name card (issued by the school) on your dashboard so staff can call your children

* If parked on the street and collecting from the stairs, ensure you have your name tag visible

* Children must only cross at the staff-controlled zebra crossing, regardless of where you stop

* If approaching from Quarry Street and unable to enter the pick-up lane, please continue driving and complete another loop

A Do’s and Don’ts visual guide is below for easy reference.

Thank you for your cooperation and support as we work together to ensure a safe and positive start to the school day for all children.

Welcome to the New School Year

Welcome back to a new school year. We hope the holiday break provided time for rest, connection and moments together as a family. As our students return to school, we are mindful that the beginning of a new year can bring a wide range of emotions, excitement, confidence, uncertainty or a mix of all three. At RGS, we want families to know that all feelings are valid, and we work closely with children to support a calm, positive and confident start, and we are here for students and families to supporting the setting up for success. Across Primary, we take a strong strength-based approach to learning and wellbeing. We focus on recognising each child’s capabilities, encouraging perseverance and reinforcing the belief that we can do hard things . With the right support, consistency and care, children grow not only in what they can do, but in who they are becoming.

In the coming weeks, students will participate in Life Education sessions , with information shared with families via email on 28 January. These sessions are aligned to the Australian Curriculum and further support our ongoing education on health, wellbeing and safety, and we thank families for engaging with the information provided.

We are also pleased to share that Celebrations of Learning will again take place throughout the year. These moments provide families with the opportunity to engage with and celebrate student learning within the classroom. A timetable will be shared with Primary families shortly, so please keep an eye out for this communication. Our first Celebration of Learning will take place in Week 4 , with 2G and 6D presenting at their respective assemblies.

Our school motto, Grow in Character and Scholarship , continues to guide all that we do. We intentionally place character first, recognising that learning is strongest when children feel safe, supported and confident in themselves. We take seriously our responsibility to support students in developing their social and emotional skills, enabling them to be the very best they can be, as learners, friends and members of our community.

This year, we are pleased to introduce a new Primary wellbeing programme, Grow Your Mind . This is an evidence-based programme grounded in current research around child wellbeing, emotional regulation, and resilience. Grow Your Mind supports children to understand their emotions, develop positive coping strategies and build strong foundations for lifelong wellbeing. Further information will be shared with families over the coming weeks and throughout the year as the programme is introduced across Primary. In the meantime, for anyone who would like to take a look at some of the resources, please find a link below. The book titled ‘ How to Be a (fantastic Sensational) Good Enough Kid’ is a fantastic read for families. I have been enjoying this with my own children.

We look forward to a year of growth, connection and learning as we continue to support our students to truly grow in character and scholarship.

I hope you and your families enjoyed a restful holiday break and found time to recharge. It has been a pleasure welcoming our students back to school this term. They have settled beautifully into their classrooms, routines are well established, and there is already a strong sense of focus and enthusiasm for learning across the Primary School.

Term 1 is always a busy and important time, with a range of learning experiences and academic events taking place across the term. Teachers are working hard to establish strong foundations early in the year, so students feel confident, supported, and ready to engage with new learning.

For our Year 3 and Year 5 students, NAPLAN will take place later this term. While NAPLAN provides helpful information about student progress in literacy and numeracy over time, it is just one part of a much broader picture of learning. The most valuable preparation is not additional test practice, but the everyday habits that support learning success. Families can help by maintaining regular routines, ensuring students are well rested, encouraging reading at home, and keeping conversations about learning positive and low-pressure. Reassurance and encouragement go a long way in helping students feel calm and confident.

Families should also have received an invitation to join ClassDojo from their child’s classroom teacher. ClassDojo is a lovely way for teachers to share classroom moments, celebrations, and snapshots of learning, and we encourage parents to enjoy these insights into their child’s day. It is important to note, however, that ClassDojo is not used as a platform for direct communication or messaging with teachers. Email remains our preferred method of communication. As teachers are actively teaching throughout the day, responses may not be immediate, with replies typically provided within two working days. For any urgent matters, parents are asked to contact Primary Reception so support can be provided promptly. We also appreciate families being mindful that teachers are encouraged to maintain healthy boundaries outside of school hours. This time is important in ensuring staff can rest, plan effectively, and continue to provide high-quality learning experiences for all students.

If your family is still waiting on any outstanding booklist items, please make contact with your child’s classroom teacher so they are aware and can support access to learning materials in the meantime.

Thank you for your ongoing support and partnership as we begin what promises to be a positive and productive term. I look forward to sharing more learning highlights with you as the term unfolds.

As we begin a new school year, our focus in Learning Enrichment remains clear: extending students who are ready for challenge, supporting students who need targeted intervention, and building strong foundations for all learners. Below is an outline of the key programs and priorities for Term 1.

Maths Teams Challenge (Years 5–6)

Our Maths Teams Challenge program will again be offered to selected students in Years 5 and 6. This is a co-curricular, invitational program that develops high-level problem solving and collaborative thinking, while also preparing students for external competitions later in the year. Training sessions will be held before school, the day selected based on student availability.

Year 4 Mathematics Competition
Selected Year 4 students will participate in a Central Queensland mathematics competition. Students will be selected based on their mathematical reasoning, fluency, and problem-solving skills and will train for the event as a part of our mathematics enrichment programme.

Learning Intervention Programmes
Targeted learning intervention programs, informed by screening and assessment data. Families will be contacted once groups and timetables are finalised.

NAPLAN 2026
The NAPLAN testing window for 2026 runs from Week 7 – Wednesday 11 March to Wednesday 25 March. Specific schedules for each year level will be published once finalised.

Preparations for NAPLAN are already underway. Students will undertake familiarisation activities to support engagement with the online platform, and staff training sessions and practice tests are being organised.

As part of NAPLAN preparations, families of students who require adjustments to support access to the online assessment will be contacted by the school. Where relevant, disability adjustment forms and consent documentation will be shared to ensure appropriate supports are in place. Adjustments may include provisions such as additional time, rest breaks, or other access arrangements , in line with national NAPLAN guidelines. These adjustments are designed to support students to demonstrate their learning fairly and confidently. Further information will be provided to families during the term.

Parents and carers can find further information about NAPLAN by clicking here.

Head of Secondary School – Academics

I would like to welcome all families to the School for 2026!

It was wonderful to have all new students at the School on Tuesday 27 January. Their faces showed a mixture of nervousness, and excitement! I hope all Year 7-12 students enjoyed a productive and positive first week.

Overview of the Role of Head of Secondary School – Academics

To assist parents understand my role as the Head of Secondary School (Academics), I am responsible for the teaching and learning programme of the School and the administration of the educational programme of the Secondary School. My key duties include:

Leadership of the Heads of Department,

Management of student assessment, including Queensland Curriculum Assessment Authority (QCAA) requirements such as endorsement, confirmation, external assessment, General and Applied subject syllabi, external assessment and the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) system,

Oversight of the planning and implementation of the School’s Academic Plan and ongoing pedagogical development,

Direction of school policies relating to the Queensland College of Teachers and teaching standards,

Management of subject departments in the preparation of Marzano Planners and Study Plans,

Collation and analysis of Secondary School academic results, and

Oversight of the timetable (including class lists), academic administration, and staffing of the School.

As Head of Secondary School (Academics), I am supported by the Dean of Academic Administration and Staffing (DAAS), Mr Julien Wright, who has responsibility for providing administrative support for the academic programmes, broader activities and staff of the School, the Dean of Studies (DoS), Mrs Debbie Moulds, who has responsibility for the management of the School’s curriculum and pedagogical development and the Dean of Strategic Projects (DoSP), Mr Scott Kerr, who has responsibility for implementing specific projects and initiatives linked to the Studies Directorate.

Year 12, 2025 Outcomes

A snapshot is provided below for your review.

One hundred and fifty-five students graduated from RGS in 2025, with all graduates achieving a QCE. This is an amazing achievement! Earning their QCE ensures all graduates have many options regardless of their post school goal. Statewide approximately 93% of students received a Queensland Certificate of Education.

Students receive a Certificate of Academic Commendation if they achieve an A level in at least six General subjects. RGS graduates with straight A results in 6 General subjects were: Bronson Carlos, Ava Roche, Thejus Sunil, Anabel Morrison, Sharika Ashokumar, Oliver Cugola, and Emerald Maddy.

The School’s (Internal Assessment) Dux for 2025, Daniel Spiryagin, achieved results including: Chemistry 99/100, Physics 99/100, Mathematical Methods 97/100, Specialist Mathematics 98/100, and Biology 97/100. Daniel’s noteworthy achievement reflects his dedication, and that of his family, RGS staff especially his teachers. Daniel’s ATAR of 99.40 also confirmed him as the School’s Overall Dux for 2025. This will be recognised at the upcoming formal assembly.

There were 103 ATAR eligible students and 52 non-eligible students at RGS last year. Of the 93 students sharing their data, 35 students (37.63%) achieved an ATAR of 90+. Additionally, another 26 students (27.95%) achieved in the 80.00 to 89.95 ATAR bracket. Overall, 91.40% achieved an ATAR of 70+, which is an outstanding achievement.

Eighty percent of General subject results (of which there were 620 enrolments) were at an A or B level. This is the School’s best result and is evidence of the high-quality teaching and learning happening every day at RGS.  It is pleasing to report the other 20% for General subject enrolments all achieved a C level of achievement!! Additionally, all students studying Applied subjects (91 enrolments) and Applied Essentials (80 enrolments) achieved an A, B or C level of achievement!!

Pleasingly, the School’s VET data remained strong. Throughout the state 40,760 students (or 70.38%) successfully completed a VET qualification. RGS graduates exceeded this result with 147 of 155 students (94.84%) achieving a VET qualification!

Queries

I encourage you to contact me if you have any queries or questions relating to the academic domain at the School. My details are 07 49 360 609 or [email protected]

Whether you are returning to our community or joining us for the first time, we are pleased to have you with us. As we begin the year, I want to highlight the importance of supporting both the academic progress and overall wellbeing of every student.

The School is committed to providing a strong, supportive environment, reflected in our Wellbeing programme. We recognise that wellbeing plays a crucial role in a student’s ability to learn and grow. Our staff are dedicated, experienced, and committed to understanding the individual needs and strengths of each student. Our goal is to help students become resilient, confident, and compassionate young people who are prepared for the challenges of an ever‑changing world.

We value our partnership with families and encourage open communication. If you have any concerns or if there is anything we can do to support your child, please contact the school, particularly your child’s Head of Year (HOY).

Wishing everyone a positive and productive year ahead.

A big welcome to all our new Year 7 students and their families. It was a joy to see the enthusiasm and growing confidence of the group during their first week of secondary school. Students have been finding their way around the campus, managing their locks and lockers, and doing their best to establish new routines and procedures.

Thank you to mums and dads, grandparents, guardians, and other family members, as well as our Form Teachers and wonderful boarding team, for your support in preparing the children for this transition and for encouraging them throughout the week.

Year 7 Immunisations
Thank you to the parents who have returned the immunisation forms directly to the Health Centre. Please ensure all forms are submitted and completed correctly.

All immunisations will be administered during tutorial periods with Ms Rundle. This ensures students do not miss curriculum-based learning and allows nurses to work with one class at a time, creating a smoother and calmer process.

The date for our first clinics will be advised as soon as possible.

Please also log in to Parent Lounge and ensure your child’s medical details are up to date, including Medicare information.

If you have any questions, please contact the Health Centre.

I would like to extend a particularly warm welcome to our new students and families, and I look forward to seeing them find their place in our community. After a slightly nervous start on Wednesday morning, it has been lovely to see everyone becoming more confident in navigating the school, meeting their new teachers, and forming friendships. It is very normal to feel some nerves at the start of the year, and I am very proud of how the Year 8s have handled this week to achieve such a positive start.

On Wednesday, students met their new classes, and for some, this brought mixed feelings. Please be reassured that class placements are made only after thorough discussions involving class teachers, Form Teachers, Heads of Departments, Heads of Year, and our Heads of Secondary Students (Academics and Students). Every placement considers a range of academic and social factors. There will be students in your child’s class whom they have not yet had the opportunity to form friendships with, and we ask for your support in promoting a positive mindset about these new relationships. One of the loveliest aspects of a new school year is seeing how quickly new friendships develop.

This year, we welcome several new Form Teachers to our Year 8 team, and we are pleased that several from last year are continuing. Form Teachers play an important role in ensuring students feel supported, and they are an excellent source of information and guidance. With the Meet the Parents event occurring this week, I encourage you to introduce yourself to your child’s Form Teacher as well as their academic teachers.

ID photos will be taken this Wednesday. Students will need to wear their Formal uniform, including blazers. They will only be required to wear blazers during the photo itself and may remove them afterwards. I have been very impressed with the high standard of presentation among Year 8 so far, and I encourage students to take extra care with their appearance on Wednesday.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Addressing concerns early often makes them easier to resolve. I look forward to an exciting year ahead with our Year 8s.

I am incredibly excited to join The Rockhampton Grammar School this year as Head of Year 9 and even more so at the prospect of supporting this cohort over the next two years.

This year, we welcome 22 new students and their families into Year 9. I am looking forward to working with the group and setting collective goals that help us all strive to be the best versions of ourselves.

It was fantastic to see most students return on day one looking well‑groomed and wearing their uniform with pride. Maintaining high standards will remain a focus throughout the year.

A quick reminder that Secondary School ID photos will be taken this Wednesday, 4 February. Students must wear their Formal uniform on the day.

As we settle into the term, it is important that students develop strong study habits and routines that support their learning. Now is the time to establish habits that will carry them into senior schooling. I encourage all students to reflect on how they balance their time between study, co‑curricular commitments, and leisure.

Some students have enquired about changing elective subjects. While there is a small window until Friday, 6 February, for adjustments, requests must come from a parent or guardian. Please email me with the subject your child wishes to drop and the one they hope to take. Please note that changes are subject to availability.

Please check the Daily Notices regularly, as many co‑curricular activities are already underway. Assessment schedules will also be available soon on Student Café and Parent Lounge.

I look forward to getting to know our wonderful Year 9 students over the coming weeks. If you have any queries or concerns, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Here is to a great year ahead!

As we begin this exciting new school year, I am delighted to welcome you back for what promises to be a pivotal stage in your educational journey. Year 10 brings new challenges, responsibilities, and opportunities that will help shape future pathways.

Throughout the year, students will engage in a broad range of subjects, projects, and learning experiences designed to help them discover their interests, strengths, and aspirations. Year 10 is also a key time for students to begin thinking ahead to Year 11 and beyond, as they prepare for important academic and personal milestones.

All Year 10 students will complete a Certificate I in Active Volunteering this year. This course provides meaningful service‑learning experiences and contributes two points towards the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Students must complete 20 hours of volunteering. I will be speaking with the cohort about what constitutes volunteering to ensure clarity. While the School will provide opportunities, students are encouraged to be proactive. Families may also support this by helping students access volunteer opportunities.

At last week’s year‑level assembly and in tutorials, I discussed the importance of self‑awareness with students. I also introduced the Outdoor Education Programme (OEP), a mandatory part of Year 10 at RGS. This programme consistently proves to be a valuable experience, fostering independence, resilience, and strong peer connections.

Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions or concerns throughout the year. I welcome proactive communication and am always happy to assist.

Let’s make Year 10 a year to remember. Wishing you all the best for a fantastic year ahead.

The start of Senior Schooling can be an apprehensive time, and I am here to help in any way I can. I am excited to be sharing this final stage of schooling with the cohort and their families.

As we are strictly regulated by the QCAA in Years 11 and 12, there are a few processes that differ from previous years:

Subject changes – A subject change form must be completed and parental permission provided by email. A discussion with me is required to ensure QCE eligibility, ATAR eligibility, and post‑school goals are maintained. Subject changes must be finalised by Friday, 6 February. After this, changes can only occur at the end of Unit 1.

Medical certificates – These are required for all absences, particularly if they affect assessment. Please deliver the original certificate to the Secondary School Office. The specific medical condition must be stated; certificates that simply say “suffering from a medical condition” are not recognised by QCAA.

Extension applications – These must be completed for assignment extensions. Forms are available from the Secondary School Office. Ms Carter (Head of Secondary School – Academics) is the only staff member who can approve extensions.

Upcoming events:

Tuesday 3 February: Meet the Teachers Function (5:30 pm)

Wednesday 4 February: Student ID photos (Formal uniform with blazer)

This term, the Wellbeing Programme focuses on self‑reflection for a positive lifestyle, increased academic persistence and resilience, and establishing routines to achieve personal goals. This week, Red Frogs presented their Level Up programme, encouraging students to build confidence, identify purpose, and strengthen resilience. The session reminded students that progress comes from taking one step forward, even when life feels challenging.

I hope all students enjoyed a wonderful break. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Our values of Integrity and Honour, Respect and Care, Endeavour and Responsibility, and Courage and Resilience guide our academic, wellbeing, and co‑curricular programmes to develop confident, capable young adults.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday 4 February: Secondary School ID photos (Formal uniform with blazer)

10:30 am – Morning Tea: sibling photos (book/pay directly via MSP)

11:10 am – Year 12 to Spaceframe (Period 5 teacher escorts for roll/dress check, followed by photos)

Friday 13 February: Valentine’s Day dress‑down day and deliveries

Tuesday 24 February: Red Frogs – Party Safe Presentation

Tuesday 10 March: Mr Geoff Connor – Party Programme Presentation

Friday 27 March: Formal

Thursday 2 April: Cross Country and final day of term

Essential Reminders

As we progress through Term 1, please revisit the Secondary School Orientation Guide, particularly the RGS Uniform and Grooming Standards, to ensure consistent expectations across the cohort. Our Wellbeing programme continues to prioritise resilience, connection, and belonging.

We are already progressing through IA1 assessment, so it is essential that students remain organised and committed throughout this short but significant year.

Year 12 is a shared journey for families and students, and I truly value our ongoing partnership. Please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or 07 4936 0677 with any questions. The Back-to-School 2026 page also contains helpful resources.

We welcome back our returning and brand-new students to an exciting year of reading opportunities in 2026! We have a fresh stack of new arrivals just waiting to be borrowed, so get in quick. An extra special welcome to the Year 7’s who have been excitedly exploring the senior fiction now that they are allowed to borrow from the top floor. We have also noticed an uptick in Year 7’s coming in at lunch and afterschool to make use of our game selection, which we look forward to continuing.

We are busy preparing for the next big event in the library calendar, Library Lovers Day on the 14 February! We will be spreading the library love with stickers and book bracelets for everyone who joins us in the Middle School Library on the day. So, make sure you come along and check it out.

Visit this link for all the latest news on Careers and VET.

Dear Students and Parents/Carers,

Welcome to 2026 and another year of exciting opportunities for students across the Vocational Education, Career and Work Experience programme at The Rockhampton Grammar School.

Careers
Across 2026, the Careers Programme will run for students in Years 10–12, with a variety of activities embedded into Wellbeing lessons for Year 10 and Prep for Senior (PFS) lessons for Years 11 and 12. These sessions will help students explore their strengths, understand future pathways, and engage meaningfully with information about ATAR, QCE, apprenticeships, traineeships, and vocational education. For Year 10 students, SET Plan Meetings will begin in Term 2. Leading up to these interviews, students will undertake tasks designed to best prepare them for selecting their senior subjects and considering their post-school options.

Work Experience
Work experience will again be available each term, and information about dates and the application form will be located on the Student Hill and the Parent Portal. To help streamline the process, the application form has been refined for 2026. Students are encouraged to source their own placements before submitting an application. If unsuccessful in sourcing their own placement, they will need to provide the names of two businesses they have already approached, after which we will endeavour to secure a placement aligned with their field of interest. Application forms can be emailed to [email protected] for processing. Finalised paperwork will be sent through once the placement has been confirmed and we ask your assistance in returning the signed documents as soon as possible to ensure a smooth process. Work experience remains one of the most valuable ways for students to test their interests, gain confidence, and develop employability skills, and I strongly encourage all students to take advantage of this opportunity.

Vocational Education
In 2026, the Certificate I in Active Volunteering will continue to be delivered to all Year 10 students. To enhance student success, the programme will now be delivered in block days throughout the year, and attendance on these days is required. A range of internal and external volunteering opportunities will be provided to assist students in completing the compulsory 20 hours before the end of the year.

The scheduled block days for the Certificate I in Active Volunteering are as follows:

Term 1 – Wednesday 1 April

Term 2 – Thursday 18 June

Term 3 – Thursday 3 September

Term 4 – Wednesday 11 November to Friday 13 November

The Vocational Education and Training programme continues to include the Certificate III in Agriculture, Certificate III in Fitness and Certificate II in Engineering. We are also introducing the Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) through Gold Coast Trades College and have our first class of Year 11s beginning in Week 2. This will be run as an online class on a Friday afternoon and block days of practical training delivered later in the year. This is a very exciting opportunity for our students as places in this course have been very limited across the region and shows our commitment to encouraging students in a range of career pathways.

We also have a number of students participating in school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, along with external Vocational Education Courses through a range of providers. I will continue to support these students and encourage them and their families to reach out if you have any questions regarding these courses.

Our partnership plays an essential role in supporting each student as they navigate their career development and vocational pathway options throughout the year. Students and parents can book in with me through our Careers website to discuss any questions relating to Careers, Work Experience and Vocational Education using the below link.

https://www.rgscareers.com/for-parents/appointment-booking

Key email contact details are below, please email through to the relevant email address with any questions:

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Our fortnightly newsletter will continue to be published throughout the year, and I strongly encourage students and parents to read it, as it contains a wide range of valuable information and upcoming opportunities.

I am excited for the year ahead and look forward to guiding students as they explore their interests, build new skills, and take meaningful steps toward their futures. Together, we will work to make 2026 a successful and rewarding year for every student.

Regards Miss Osland
Head of VET and Careers

The new School year has begun with great energy across our Boarding Community, and it has been a pleasure to welcome our Boarders back—along with many new faces—into what has been a vibrant and positive start to 2026.

Our first "Closed Weekend" of the year set the tone beautifully. An array of activities was organised across the weekend, offering something for everyone and providing valuable opportunities for connection, fun and routine-building within the dorms. From relaxed social activities to more active pursuits, the weekend allowed our Boarders to settle further into Boarding life while strengthening friendships and dorm spirit.

We also encourage families to stay connected with the day-to-day life of Boarding through our **Boarding Facebook page**. This platform continues to be a wonderful window into what is happening across the programme, with regular photos and updates that capture the moments—both big and small—that shape our Boarding experience.

As we move beyond the excitement and busyness of Week 1 and into the first full stretch of the term, it is important to acknowledge that this can sometimes be a challenging period for our boarders. It is not uncommon for students to experience a “speed bump” at this point as routines settle and the reality of the term ahead becomes clearer. Please be reassured that this is a normal part of the transition, and our Boarding staff are experienced, attentive and proactive in supporting our Boarders through these moments.

Should you have any concerns, or if your son or daughter requires additional support, we encourage you to reach out to their Head of Year. Open communication is always welcomed, and we hope you feel comforted knowing that your children are in capable, caring hands as they continue to find their feet and thrive within our Boarding Community.

We look forward to sharing more as the term unfolds.

Daily Notices
All the latest information regarding Co-Curricular can be found in the daily notices on Parent Lounge and Student Café.  We encourage parents and students to check them on a regular basis.

RGS Trial Information
Details for internal trials for week 2 this term can be found via:

* Parent Orbit App – Daily Notices/RGS Secondary School Internal Sport Trials

* Parent Lounge – School Links/Co-Curricular (General)/RGS Secondary School Internal Sports Trials

RGS Term 1 Co-Curricular Online Nominations
Registrations for co-curricular activities will continue online in 2026. To access information about registering for a sport or activity, go to Parent Lounge or Parent Orbit App and follow the instructions provided:

* Parent Orbit App – Daily Notices/Registration Instructions – RGS Sports/Activities

* Parent Lounge – School Links/Co-Curricular (General)/ Registration Instructions – RGS Sports/Activities

The following sports/activities are available via the Co-Curricular menu:

Sports in bold have registration that close this week.

AFL (EOI)
Art Club
Boys Futsal
Boys Rugby Union
Chess
Girls Basketball
Girls Rugby Union
Hospitality
Music (EOI)
Photography Club
Robotics
Show Cattle Team (EOI)
Touch Football (Wednesday or Friday Night)

Water Polo

Please note the following registrations are via the Events and Payments menu:

Cadets
Musical
Rowing

If you are required to pay for a co-curricular activity / sport or an event / excursion, any costs will be payable at the time of registration (sign-up). This process includes providing parental permission and verification of student medical details.

Co-Curricular Uniform Distribution
This will happen for the below sports during lunchtimes in the MAH:

Basketball – Friday 7 February
Futsal – Monday 9 February
Rugby Union – Friday 13 February
Netball – Monday 23 February

Students must be fully registered to be provided with uniform.

Rockhampton District Sport Trial Nominations 2026
The nomination booklet can be found at the following link

2026 - Representative School Sport Permissions Details Booklet.pdf

The process will consist of the following:

It is preferred that the nomination booklet be completed and signed electronically, which can be found at the above link.

For Secondary Students the completed booklet must be sent to the RGS Sports Administration Office at [email protected] for signature by the School.

Upon receipt of the booklet, students will be added to the nomination list.

Once signed, the booklet will be emailed to the students and their parents.

A printed copy must be handed in by students at the trials. Students will not be allowed to participate without it.

The booklet submitted at the district trials will be subsequently used for the Cap trials as well.

Rockhampton District Sport Trial Date
Please find the below information to access the 2026 Rockhampton District Sport Trial Dates. It is preferred that forms are completed and returned to the school at least the day before the nomination due date to assist the school in processing forms.

Details on how to access the District Sport Trial Calendar online or via the Parent Orbit App can be found via:

Parent Orbit App      – Daily Notices/RDSS & Capricornia Trial Dates 10-11 Yrs Trial Calendar

– Daily Notices/RDSS & Capricornia Trial Dates 13-19 Yrs Trial Calendar Parent Lounge – School Links/Co-Curricular (General)/ RDSS & Capricornia Trial Dates 10-11 Yrs Trial Calendar

– School Links/Co-Curricular (General)/ RDSS & Capricornia Trial Dates 13-19 Yrs Trial Calendar Parent

Sports with Nominations due in the next two weeks –

Water Polo Boys and Girls 13-19 Years – 2 February

Basketball Boys and Girls 13-16 Years – 3 February

Boys Rugby League 15-18 Years – 5 February

Girls Rugby League 15-18 Years – 5 February

Softball Boys and Girls 13-19 Years – 5 February

AFL Boys and Girls 13-14 Years – 9 February

Squash Boys and Girls 10-19 Years – 9 February

Rugby Union Girls 7’s 15–18 Years – 12 February

Play On Vouchers
The School has been approved as a registered activity provider for Play On vouchers for the following activities:

Cricket, Netball, Rowing and Tennis

https://www.qld.gov.au/__data/assets/image/0030/665427/playon-a4-poster.png

Secondary Swimming Carnival
Wednesday 18 February (approx. times)

Order U12-U13-U14-U15-U16-Open

3:30pm - Medley Relay Events

4:00pm – Butterfly

Thursday 19 February (approx. times)

15am: Assembly in form groups in the Spaceframe

30am: Carnival commences with Backstroke

9:20am Breaststroke

10:10am – Freestyle

11:00am - Participation Races

11:30am Freestyle Relay

12:00pm – Presentations, Boarding students catching RGS Buses depart.

12:30pm - Carnival concludes. Students dismissed once pack up has been completed.

Notes :

Students are required to dress in Sports House uniform with School hats for both carnivals.

Sunscreen and water will be available, but students should bring their own water bottle

As it is a normal school day mobile phones are not permitted

Regulation black swimming togs required for all participants.

Yr 12 students only are permitted to dress in 'house theme' but they must swim in black togs only.

No classes will be held on this day unless the carnival is postponed due to bad weather, normal classes will run until 3:10pm on the Thursday.

Seniors will be running a canteen

Parents and Families are more than welcome.

Rugby Union
During the holidays, 25 students and 4 staff enjoyed the school’s first ever Japan Rugby Tour. visiting Osaka and Tokyo. The team played six schools and made some great connections off the field whilst enjoying Japan hospitality and culture.

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]

RGS Achievements
AFL
Congratulations to Oliver Bennett participated in the Gold Coast Suns U18s Academy Sessions over the holidays.

Mrs Amy Mill was invited to attend some of the Gold Coast Suns AFLW training sessions last week.

Cricket
State Championships in December for Boys and Girls with a number of RGS students participating across a variety of age groups

Mr Jason Wells coached the Qld Country Open Men’s Team to an undefeated National Championships in Busselton, WA. Following this result he was named as the Australian Country Honorary Coach.

Futsal
A number of RGS Students are participating at the National Futsal Championships including Finn Smart, Nash Mahon, Oliver Bryan, and Zara Kummerfield.

Rowing
In December, our rowers participated in the NSW Sprint Rowing Championships in Sydney. In an amazing weekend of racing for the RGS rowing team's 13 athletes, they returned home with 3 gold medals and 1 bronze!

Gold – Under 16 Girls Quad

Gold – Under 16 Boys Single

Gold – Under 16 Boys Double

Bronze – School Boys Single

Prior to the School term starting, RGS Rowers attended the Queensland Club State Championships at Wyaralong. All students performed well with the following results –

Gold in U17 Double Skull, composite with Bundaberg State High

Gold in U19 Quad Skull, composite with Centenary Rowing Club

Silver in U16 Quad Skull, composite with Fitzroy Rowing Club

Bronze in U17 Girls Quad

Bronze in U17 Boys Quad, composite with Bundaberg State High

Rugby Union
A number of RGS Boys and Girls participated in the Global 7s Competition in New Zealand in December representing Rugby Skills Academy Barbarians Team. A number of RGS Boys and Girls have been training in Capras U17 and U19 Squads over the holiday period in preparation for 2026.

Swimming
Congratulations to Year 11 student Ashton Rodgers on winning silver medals at the National Open Water Championships in Bunbury, WA, from 22-25 January. Representing Rocky City Swimming Club, Ashton won silver in the 17 years boys 7.5km event and the 5km event.

Touch
Congratulations to Braydon Wooler who was selected in the CQ Bulls U20 Touch team to compete at the Nationals in March.