Newsletter

NAIDOC Week Celebrations
Our first Primary Assembly of the term was particularly memorable, with Secondary students presenting the significance and importance of NAIDOC Week. Their presentations were insightful and helped our younger students appreciate the deep cultural heritage and contributions of Indigenous Australians. We are grateful for their efforts in making this week meaningful for everyone.

Playground Interactions

At The Rockhampton Grammar School, we use the 5 Finger Approach to Assertive Play. Communication is key in all playground interactions, and starting by speaking friendly can quickly resolve most playtime disagreements. Jumping straight to yelling or pushing can turn a small issue into a big problem when there is a communication breakdown. This is why the RGS Strategies focus on firmly and respectfully asserting what students want to others before removing themselves or seeking out help from a teacher. For instance, a Year 1 student might need to speak friendly when asking to join a game, speak firmly if they are being excluded, and seek out a teacher if the situation escalates. A Year 4 student might use these steps when resolving a conflict over shared equipment, while a Year 6 student could apply them when addressing teasing or unfair play.

Zones of Regulation

At The Rockhampton Grammar School, we talk to students about the different Zones of Regulation. Being self-aware about what helps them self-regulate during the day enables students to firmly and respectfully express their needs if playground issues arise. Understanding when emotions escalate into the Yellow and Red zones also gives children strategies to walk away from situations before they become too upset. For example, a Year 1 student might identify being in the Yellow zone when they feel frustrated about sharing toys and use a calming strategy. A Year 4 student might recognize the Red zone when feeling angry during a game and decide to take a break. A Year 6 student might notice they are in the Yellow zone during a disagreement and choose to calmly discuss their feelings before seeking help if needed.

A reminder that we are well and truly in the midst of the Premier’s Reading Challenge. Students are encouraged to record the book title and author of the texts they have read until Friday 23 August .

To complete the challenge:

- Prep to Year 2 must read or experience at least 20 books

- Years 3 and 4 must read at least 20 books

- Years 5 and 6 must read at least 15 books

Students will need to return their completed forms to their classroom teacher by Monday 26 August . Every student who returns their individual reader record form will receive a certificate of participation.  You may even be able to find inspiration for your costume leading up to Book Week. Happy reading everyone!

Coursing
Students currently in Year 9 and Year 10 have complete an initial subject selection (which was due on Friday 26 July). Further details will be provided to students and parents during Term 3. Submitting subject requests on time is important, as it allows the School the opportunity to ensure all student requests can be met. Coursing information for current Year 7 and 8 students will commence later this term.

Year 12 Assessment Mock Assessment Timetable
All Year 12 students have been given a copy of the RGS Mock assessment timetable. As a reminder, these assessment items will occur during the two-week period, commencing Monday 2 September and concluding Friday 13 September.

NAPLAN
The School’s Year 3, Year 5, Year 7 and Year 9 cohorts participated in NAPLAN online testing late in Term 1. Student reports arrived last week and will be processed shortly. Parents will be updated when these are posted.

General
As a reminder, if you have any questions regarding academics or your child’s progress please feel free to contact me on rcarter@rgs.qld.edu.au or 49360 609.

Over the next 6 weeks we are rotating through a variety of activities which explore this topic and allow the students to engage in scenarios where they can identify their teamwork qualities. This is always a lot of fun with a great variety of activities taking place. We are all looking forward to next week as we get the opportunity to work with other form teachers in Year 7.

Subject Selection for Year 8
This term we will focus on Subject Selection in tutorial with lots of positive and productive conversations. The Year 7 students are lucky to have the opportunity to hear the Heads of Departments explain their subject areas and are offered the chance to ask important questions.  We will discuss all relevant topics, subjects and coursing pathways in our lessons which will allow the students to make informed decisions about their subjects for Year 8, later in the term. Please know that I will be communicating with parents very soon about where to find subject selection information that will allow you to be fully informed too and to assist your children with this important decision.

Many subjects are already reaching, or approaching draft and due dates, and exams are only three short weeks away.  Term 3 is always a short, busy term!

Our Year 8 Form Camps have continued over the last fortnight, with 8A, followed by 8E enjoying there three days at Ritamada.  While the nights have been chilly, day temperatures have been a perfect match for the activities students are undertaking!  From all reports, climbing Mt Headlow has been both physically and mentally challenging, when asked if it was worth the effort, the answer is a resounding “Yes!”.  This, combined with the surfing, kayaking, obstacle courses and team building activities really do make these camps such an enjoyable and exciting part of our year.  We wish 8F a fantastic time as they head off to Ritamada this week, and 8B the same for next week.  Thank you to Mr Boicos, Miss Treadwell, our Year 8 Form Teachers, Transport, Catering and Grounds and Maintenance for their ongoing efforts to ensure the success of these camps.

In Form this week, the Year 8’s began a goal setting activity, based on their Semester One report.  Students have been asked to consider not just their overall results, but also their work habits, and then set three goals for the coming semester.  With the support of their Form teachers, to help them interpret the report, and understand what their teachers are saying, I look forward to hearing what goals the Year 8’s are setting for themselves!  In Tutorial this fortnight, we began to delve into our Safe Relationships unit, discussing what the markers for healthy and unhealthy relationships are.

If you have concerns about how your child is travelling, please do not hesitate to contact me.

The subjects you choose in Year 10 often lay the groundwork for the courses you'll take in Year 11 and 12. These years are pivotal as they typically determine your eligibility and preparedness for higher education or vocational training. Your subject choices can influence your career options. Selecting subjects that align with your interests and career aspirations ensures that you are on the right path and have the necessary qualifications for further education or job opportunities in your desired field.

Assessment for the Year 9’s is just starting to ramp up and the cohort can expect a busy few weeks as we make our way towards the end of Term. Can I ask that any leave longer than three days any time during the term is strictly via the ‘request for extended leave’ process. This will help me to ensure that any missed work or assessments are caught up and extensions provided where appropriate.

During tutorials, this term we have been discussing issues around alcohol and the associated risks for teenagers. There is little doubt that the consumption of alcohol is seen as a rite of passage in Australia, yet the safe consumption of alcohol is something that many teenagers do not understand. This is an important topic and one that will become increasingly relevant for our Year 9 students as they move towards their senior years and post school. Once again, I encourage families to continue these important discussions at home.

. I will continue to collaborate closely with you through the SET Plan process. Please remember that the SET Plan requires each student's subject selections to be signed by a parent or guardian.

In the next couple of weeks, we will review the subject selections made by Year 10 students to ensure the best possible range of subjects is available. If a subject your child has chosen is not offered in 2025, they will be asked to reselect from the available options. We strive to offer as many subject combinations as possible. Thank you again for your patience and input throughout this process. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. I am always happy to have a chat.

Assessment for Year 10 is ramping up, and the cohort can expect a busy few weeks ahead as we approach the end of term and their respective camps. If you need to request leave longer than three days, please follow the 'request for extended leave' process. This will help ensure that any missed assessments are made up and extensions are provided where appropriate.

Finally, a reminder that the Certificate I in Active Volunteering is a mandatory requirement for all Year 10 students. Most of our cohort is doing a wonderful job with both the theoretical and practical hours. However, I encourage each family to check on their child's progress, particularly with the volunteer hours component, as completing the majority of these hours in a single term can be challenging.

During Week 3, the Year 11 exam timetable was emailed to all students. Please touch base with your student to ensure they have planned their time wisely in the lead up to assessment and exam dates. It never hurts to ensure they are tracking well. If there is anything happening you think the school should be made aware of, please do not hesitate to reach out. We are all here to provide support. RGS School TV has some great resources to assist parents and students with the exam stress and preparation.

If your child is unwell, keep them at home to reduce the spread of germs. Chemists can provide medical certificates to cover any absences students have, additionally, there is always the family doctor, or online telehealth. If your student needs an extension, please remind them to complete the paperwork and email it to Ms. Carter. Subject changes have now closed and will not be processed until the end of Unit Two. I would encourage students to discuss any academic concerns they have with the relevant Head of Department or Ms. Carter.

Communication is regularly sent out by the school. If you have not been receiving email correspondence, please login to parent lounge to check your contact details are up to date and correct. If you need assistance with this, please contact the school on 49360 600.

Monday 12 August is a student free day, students are not to attend school on this day.

During Week 6, our Year 11’s will see the current Year 12’s cut their ponytails off to raise awareness for Cancer. The big chop is happening on Wednesday August 14 during morning tea. You are more than welcome to donate funds via this link .

The majority will be finished with internal tasks by the end of the week and will start to focus more on preparing for mocks and externals. Given these students are now heading into the last study phase for Year 12, it is timely to remind them that it is important to have a good study-life balance. Following are four tips taken from SAE Creative Media Institute's website :

Get Scheduling – From study hours, physical activity, and mental health to socialising with friends. By managing your time properly (including fun times), you’ll get your work done while keeping the stress levels down.

Switch off - Super important! Scientists are increasingly finding that we need downtime in order to process the tsunami of information we’re smashed by every day. Meditation acts as a human on/off switch and is the perfect way to give yourself a quick break, before getting stuck into another task.

Get out - Socialising isn’t just about good times with friends, it’s also critical to maintaining your overall wellbeing. With more and more screen time in our lives, getting together with people and nurturing real-life human connections are important ingredients for staying happy.

Work Smart - It’s all about quality over quantity. When you do knuckle down and study, work smarter, not longer. This means less time-wasting distractions, like email and social media, and more effort learning the way that best suits you.

Given this term we are focusing on general information that is beneficial for students when they leave school, students have been engaging in activities involving learning about rentals, bank accounts and superannuation during Form. Additionally, we have continued our cooking classes with students in the final form class getting creative in the kitchen and commenced a Basic Car Maintenance session run by Mr Riley Hunt designed to increase student knowledge on how to change a tyre, the difference between oils for different car types and performance, how to change windscreen wipers and more!

Last week students had a presentation from Red Frogs regarding Life after School. Red Frogs Australia is a non-profit organisation that supports young people in various settings such as schoolies, festivals, universities, and schools. The Red Frogs: Life after school is a programme that helps young people transition from school to adulthood and aims to equip young people with the skills and knowledge they need to navigate life after school.

Last week during Leadership, information regarding the mock exam block was provided to students. This covered why we run these mock exams, the timetable, rescheduled times due to timetabled clashes, uniform requirements, boarders leave form, who to inform if you are away, the equipment list and a list of frequently asked questions. This information is in the class notebook on TEAMS in their Leadership class. As further information comes to light or more questions are asked, this notebook will be added to, therefore I encourage students to check this regularly for updates and most certainly if they have a question.

Next week students will celebrate 100 days left until they finish their schooling – a significant milestone! I wish students all the best with their final internal tasks and implore students to look after themselves and each other as they near the end of their internal assessment period.

Term 3 Key Dates

TERM 3
10 - 12 August - Boarders’ long weekend
12 August - Student Free Day – Secondary only
30 August - Student Free Day (Primary & Secondary)
2 - 13 September - Year 12 Mock Exams
6 September - Last day of Term 3 for students (P – 11)
9 - 10 September - Student Free Days

CQUni | Open Days 2024
Mackay: August 3, 2024
Rockhampton: August 18, 2024
Gladstone: August 22, 2024

Explore our facilities and learn about your study options direct from our supportive staff. Our Open Day events are held across July and August at our regional campus locations.

Get your questions answered: We’re a friendly and passionate bunch who take the time to explain the nitty-gritty of starting study. Ask us about your pathway options, fees, scholarships, and support with your application.

Start planning your future: With both TAFE and university study options available, we’ll help you discover your dream course. You’ll even get the opportunity to speak with our teachers about work placements, graduate outcomes, and career opportunities.

Experience campus life: Step onto our vibrant campuses and soak in the atmosphere. From relaxed student spaces to cutting-edge facilities, you’ll feel right at home.

Find out more

UQ | Open Days 2024
St Lucia: August 4, 2024
Gatton: August 18, 2024

Explore your interests and study options, immerse yourself in university life and get answers to all your questions. What to expect:

* Attend sessions to uncover your study area of interest and find out more about the degrees we offer.

* Enter a competition, grab some freebies, listen to live music, get hands-on in a workshop or come on a tour.

* Get to know UQ. Ask current students and teachers all your questions and find out about student life.

Find out more

JCU | Virtual Open Day
August 6, 2024

JCU’s Virtual Open Day is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the University ranked number 1 in Queensland for graduate starting salary. Get information on courses and support services in a relaxed and convenient environment, and have your questions answered via live chat with JCU advisors, current students, academics and alumni. Find out more

Careers for Net Zero QLD Roadshow
August 6 to August 14, 2024

The Clean Energy Council and Energy Efficiency Council, with support from the Queensland Government, is hosting the Careers for Net Zero QLD Roadshow in three regional Queensland locations this August – registration and entry to each event is free. Australia’s future clean economy will bring with it thousands of exciting local career and training opportunities for students, graduates, career changers and job seekers of all ages, particularly in regional Queensland. This roadshow will provide attendees with the latest information about clean economy careers, including renewable energy, critical minerals and green manufacturing, as well as the opportunity to connect directly with local employers. Locations and dates:

Gladstone | Gladstone Entertainment and Convention Centre | Friday, 9 August 2024, 9.00am – 3.30pm
Townsville | TAFE QLD Trade Training Centre Bohle | Wednesday, 14 August 2024, 9.00am – 3.30pm

Find out more

Bond | Ideas Camp 2024
August 7, 2024

Whether you have a business idea that will set the world on fire, or if you want to blaze your own trail despite being unsure of your career path, then get ready to unleash your inner entrepreneur! Ideas Camp is a hands-on, one-day business workshop designed exclusively for our next gen corporate adventurers. Join us and as we bring together some successful young entrepreneurs and current Bondies to stir the embers of your business dreams. If you’re in Year 10, 11 or 12, are dreaming of a career in business, and want to be inspired, you won’t want to miss Ideas Camp. Find out more

Torrens | Open Day 2024, Brisbane
August 8, 2024

Come and meet our academics and Future Student Advisors, who will be able to answer all your questions about scholarships, entry pathways and our world-class facilities. Explore our campus and find out firsthand how exciting studying in Brisbane can be. Find out more

Griffith | Open Day 2024
August 11, 2024

Join us on 11 August 2024 for Griffith’s Open Day and explore a world of possibilities! With over 150 activities, workshops, and information sessions to choose from, our Open Day is your ticket to an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re curious about science, business, arts, or health, we have something for everyone. Find out more

UniSQ | Open Days 2024
Ipswich & Springfield : August 11, 2024
Toowoomba: August 18, 2024

See careers in action, explore our campuses and chat to our lecturers.

* Meet our world-class lecturers and speak to current students about studying at UniSQ.

* Soak up the atmosphere and check out our campus facilities. We’ll also have live music and food trucks.

* Participate in hands-on activities and experiences run by our academics.

* Have a free one-on-one career conversation to help explore your options and the best path for you.

* Ask the questions you’ve been wanting to ask, face-to-face in one place. On-campus accommodation, fees and scholarships, degree information and more.

Find out more

JCU | Heroes in Sport, Townsville
August 12 to August 13, 2024

Do you have a passion and desire to develop a career in physiotherapy and sports and exercise science? From this full-day program you’ll gain unique insights into a career in sport. You’ll go behind the scenes at the Cowboys Community, Training and High Performance Centre, and learn from industry experts in physiotherapy and sports and exercise science before hitting the field for a high performance training session. Find out more

Mackay Careers Expo 2024
August 15, 2024

The 2024 Mackay Careers Expo is a must for anyone interested in starting, changing or upgrading their career, including high school students and their parents, mature age and post graduate students, career seekers of all ages, employers looking for staff training, and others. This annual event offers a wealth of information for visitors, including:

* Access the latest careers, course study and employment options.

* Advice on enrollment procedures.

* Meet with interstate and overseas exhibitors.

* Info on bursaries, scholarship and application procedures.

* Students services, GAP and exchange programs.

Find out more

SCU | Open Day 2024, Gold Coast
August 18, 2024

Want to check out Southern Cross University campuses in person? Come to our Open Day at the Gold Coast campus in August 2024. Find out more

TAFE QLD | Gold Coast Online Open Day
August 21, 2024

TAFE Queensland on the Gold Coast invites you to attend our Online Open Day. Experience our on-demand video content and delve into the study areas that interest you. Take a virtual tour of our cutting-edge facilities, reserve a spot for a campus tour, get first-hand experiences from our students about their time at TAFE Queensland, and much more. Our Online Open Day is an opportunity to:

* Watch on-demand videos featuring our experienced educators

* Experience our virtual campus tours of key learning spaces

* Explore our student stories

* Access digital course guides

* Learn more about how to enrol, course fees and available subsidies

* Chat live during business hours

* Book an in-person campus tour

Find out more

ACAP | Open Day 2024, Brisbane
August 24, 2024

Open Day is your chance to experience the ACAP difference, and find your path in the applied professions. Whether you’re interested in Counselling, Psychology, Social Work, Criminology, Law, or Business, ACAP is your pathway to making a difference. Be part of a workshop, meet our industry-renowned facilitators, and hear all about life as an ACAP student. Join us for a day of exploration and inspiration! Find out more

SAE Institute | Open Day 2024, Brisbane
August 24, 2024

Come along to SAE’s Open Day and find your future in creative media! Open Day is your ticket to everything SAE – get a taste of our courses in workshops, explore activations on campus and get some hands-on experience with our state-of-the-art facilities. Find out more

Whitehouse Institute of Design | Open House 2024, Brisbane
August 24, 2024

Are you excited by design and dreaming of a creative career? Whitehouse Institute of Design, Australia invites you to Open House, a day where you can explore our courses and the endless possibilities within the world of design. Explore your study options, meet our incredible team, and tour Whitehouse’s unique facilities. Whether you’re interested in Fashion Design, Interior Design or Creative Direction and Styling, this is your chance to see what makes Whitehouse has to offer. Find out more

JCU | Heroes in Business
Cairns: September 3, 2024
Rockhampton: September 4, 2024
Mackay: September 5, 2024
Townsville: September 9, 2024
Brisbane: September 11, 2024

Fuel your passion for a career in business or commerce as you learn from industry experts. From this one-day program you’ll gain unique insights into the professions that funnel into a business and commerce career. Our experienced Professor in Management will expertly lead you through the process of creating, exploring and pitching a business opportunity, including the marketing and financial implications. JCU Advisors will be on hand to provide information about courses and university life. Find out more

QUT | Advice Night
September 10, 2024

If you’re a current Year 12 student or parent/guardian of a Year 12 student, join us online to discover the 5 essentials of getting into QUT in 2025. You’ll hear about:

* entry requirements

* Year 12 Early Offer Scheme (for Queensland QCE students only)

* adjustment schemes

* upgrading pathways

* scholarships.

You’ll also hear from real students about their uni experience and have a chance to ask questions about their course, why they chose QUT, the QTAC process and uni life. Registration will open in early August. Find out more

Griffith | Year 12 Academic Bootcamps
September 16 to September 26, 2024

Griffith’s Academic Bootcamps are highly effective four-day courses run in the September school holidays, designed to help Year 12 students achieve their full academic potential in their final external exams. They aim to improve confidence and understanding in senior science and maths subject areas, reducing anxiety around assessment and preparing students for future tertiary study.

On-campus subjects:
General Maths
Maths Methods
Chemistry
Physics
Biology
Psychology

Online subjects:
General Maths
Maths Methods
Chemistry
Physics
Biology

Find out more

Scholarships

2025 Faber Writing Scholarships
Value: Tuition fees
Open date: July 1, 2024
Closing date: October 20, 2024

Each year the Faber Writing Academy at Allen & Unwin awards scholarship places for our prestigious Writing a Novel programme. Faber Writing Scholarships are open to anyone over 18 and offer successful applicants the chance to study for free. One scholarship will be awarded for a recipient to undertake Writing a Novel in each location – Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Online. Find out more

Competitions

The Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition 2025
Value: Up to $1,000 USD
Open date: October 1, 2024
Closing date: January 31, 2025

The Harvard Crimson Global Essay Competition (HCGEC) brings together ambitious high school students (aged 13 – 18) from around the world with a passion for, or interest in writing. Each participant selects a prompt at the beginning of the competition and will submit a 500-word (max) essay. There are 3 categories for the essays: creative, argumentative, and journalism. The prompts will be announced on the 02/02/2025. Find out more

Work Experience

QIMR Berghofer Laboratory Work Experience
Organisation: QIMR Berghofer
Open date: June 4, 2024
Closing date: August 4, 2024

Are you thinking of a career in science and medical research? QIMR Berghofer has a free work experience program for eligible Year 11 and 12 students. The laboratory work experience program takes place over three days and offers introductory laboratory training in our purpose-built Education Lab, followed by a placement in one of our working research laboratories.  Students will undertake training in a range of molecular biology skills including:

* Pipetting and serial dilutions

* DNA extraction and PCR

* Agarose gel electrophoresis

* Vortexing and centrifugation

* Microscopy

* Blood smears

The three-day programme runs on the following dates for 2024:
16-18 September, 2024
Applications open 4 June and close 4 August, 2024
Offers sent 7 August, 2024
Find out more

Gap Years

Live-in Pub Gap Years
Organisation: Letz Live

Letz Live help you secure a place for a live-in pub job before you arrive in the UK, and then you can stay for up to three years while you gain hospitality experience at the same time as you experience a different culture. Find out more

Camp Counsellor Gap Year
Organisation: Letz Live

Become part of a time-honoured American tradition as a Camp Counsellor with a Camp Exchange program in the USA. Gain valuable new skills as a leader and educator while making new friends in a picture-perfect outdoor setting. Summer Camp is magical. The best time of your life. Find out more