Newsletter

I hope you find time to step away from your busy lives, enjoy the company of loved ones, and take the opportunity to rest and reset for another exciting term of learning.

At our final assembly, we reflected on the achievements of the term, celebrating the resilience and enthusiasm of our students. "This term has been one of growth, learning, and connection. From the very first day, students have embraced new challenges, formed friendships, and supported each other in and out of the classroom."

A special highlight was the recognition of our Year 6 students as they embark on their leadership journey. Student Leaders and House Leaders received their badges of office, signifying their responsibilities and commitment to our school community. In addition, every Year 6 student was presented with their Year 6 badge, a symbol of their pride and dedication.

As our new leaders take on the responsibility of the leadership challenges, we encourage them, with their community support, to embrace the responsibility that comes with using their voice, Stand up for kindness, and foster a culture of respect and inclusivity. Leadership is about how you choose to be the best version of yourself every day.

We wish you every Year 6 student success in their final year of primary schooling and look forward to watching you grow into strong, compassionate leaders.

Wishing all our families a safe and happy holiday.

Despite not being a professional runner, Cliff was "fighting fit" from years of working the land. His story is not just an incredible human achievement, but also one of grit, determination, and resilience. It serves as a powerful reminder of the strength within all of us, and the power of the mind.

As we prepare for our school Cross Country event, I suspect many of our students are excited for the day ahead. However, I also acknowledge that for some, the idea of participating in the Cross Country, and similar events, may bring feelings of uncertainty or even worry. There may also be some self-doubt. Psychologist Karen Young, from Hey Sigmund, who has a wonderful understanding of children and their emotions, encourages us to help our little ones explore the question: Is it time to be safe or brave?

Events like the Cross Country may make us feel uncomfortable, but they are also important opportunities for growth. It is in these moments that we stretch, grow, and open ourselves up to experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. By supporting our children with their questions and responding positively, we help them take steps toward bravery. The more we allow ourselves to practice courage, the braver we become. And steps toward bravery do not need to be profound or enormous; they simply need to be incremental and practiced often.

I would like to wish all students a wonderful day and encourage them to pursue their personal best and take their own steps towards being brave. I look forward to enjoying my first cross-country event with everyone.

Date Claimers for upcoming events:

Premier’s Reading Challenge:  Registrations open 22 April
The Premier's Reading Challenge will begin next term, encouraging students to develop a fondness for reading and improve their literacy skills. This exciting initiative invites students to read a set number of books over a certain period, with a variety of reading lists tailored to different age groups and reading levels. By participating, students can discover new genres, authors, and topics, fostering a lifelong habit of reading. The challenge also provides students with a sense of achievement as they track their progress and celebrate their accomplishments. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to enhance their literacy while having fun exploring the world of books!

Emails with additional information will be sent this week.

ICAS Assessments: 12 & 26 August
ICAS testing for students in Years 3 to 6 in English and Mathematics will take place in August, offering students the chance to demonstrate their skills and knowledge. The tests are designed to challenge students with a range of higher-order thinking questions, assessing their abilities in areas such as reading comprehension, grammar, problem-solving, and mathematical reasoning. This assessment allows students to compare their performance against national standards, providing valuable insights into their strengths and areas for improvement. ICAS testing is a great opportunity for students to set academic goals and push themselves to excel beyond the classroom curriculum.

Please note that this is an optional assessment that incurs a small fee. Registration information will be forwarded early next term.

Book Week: 22 – 28 August
Book Week in Queensland is a highly anticipated annual event that celebrates children's literature and promotes a love of reading. In 2025, Book Week will take place from August 22 to August 28 , aligning with the Children's Book Council of Australia's (CBCA) 80th anniversary. This year’s theme is "Book an Adventure" , which invites students to explore new worlds and exciting stories through books. A highlight of Book Week is the opportunity for students to dress up as their favourite book characters, bringing beloved stories to life in the classroom. Throughout the week, students participate in fun activities such as storytelling and book fairs, all designed to encourage creativity and a deeper appreciation for reading.

Information will be communicated through our Newsletter leading up to this event.

Year 12 Assessment Update

Year 12 Confirmation
The Rockhampton Grammar School, along with all other Queensland schools, must submit Year 12 Internal Assessment (IA1) results by Wednesday 2 April. The School will have to upload requested student work to QCAA for review by trained confirmers early in Term 2. At this stage, the School is expecting results to be published by the QCAA in mid-May. Additionally, classroom teachers will update students once results are confirmed. The QCAA will publish individual subject results in each student Learning Account in June. If any subject results are unconfirmed, they will not appear in the student account. Please remember until the result is published by the QCAA it is considered ‘provisional’.

Year 12 QCAA External Assessment Timetable
The QCAA will publish the External Assessment (EA) timetable late in Term 2. As soon as it is released a copy will be emailed to Year 12 students and parents.

School Mock Assessment Timetable
Once the official External Assessment timetable is released by the QCAA, the School’s Mock assessment timetable will be prepared and issued to students. As a reminder, the Mocks will occur during the two-week period, commencing Monday 8 September and concluding Friday 19 September. All Year 12 students are expected to attend their subject examinations and vital feedback will be provided Week 1 in Term 4.

NAPLAN
The School’s Year 7 and Year 9 students recently participated in NAPLAN. I congratulate the students on their approach to these important tests. The data provided by NAPLAN provides vital information regarding student progress and allows gaps in student learning to be addressed.

As a reminder, annual NAPLAN testing commenced in Australia in 2008 for all students in Year 3, 5, 7 and 9. Tests are conducted in the domains of reading, writing, language conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and numeracy.  The Adelaide Declaration on National Goals for Schooling in the Twenty-First Century (1999) agreed to report on a state and territory basis using national key performance measures. This Declaration was supported by the Melbourne Declaration (2008), which stated ‘the learning areas of English and Mathematics were fundamental in all areas of schooling.’ It was this belief which gave rise to the National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy.

Results will be sent to parents once the externally controlled marking operation is finalised. ACARA has indicated this will occur in Term 2.

GENERAL
I wish all RGS families a happy and safe Easter holiday. I hope you all get time to participate in things which bring your family pleasure, such as an Easter egg hunt or going for a walk or bike ride together.

If you have any questions regarding academics or your child’s progress, please feel free to contact me on [email protected] or 49360 609

Reflecting on where we started at the beginning of the term—some feeling overwhelmed by the size of the school, the number of teachers, learning to read a new timetable, and managing the correct books for each class—and comparing it to where we are now, the growth I have witnessed is truly remarkable! While there are still challenging days and moments when things don't go as planned, those moments are becoming less frequent. Instead, I see confident and capable young people.

This week, Year 7s will complete their final Term One assessments. In Tutorial, we dedicated time to study, and it was excellent to see so many students using study cards, Quizlet, and completing revision booklets provided by their teachers. If your child missed an exam due to absence, they will have a catch-up exam this week. As Week 9 is a shorter academic week due to the Cross Country Carnival on Friday, it’s important that students who have a catch-up exam ensure they revise their work in preparation.

Last Friday, our cohort had the opportunity to spend the day at Ritamada. The Year 7s, along with our wonderful Form Seniors and Teachers, took time to orient themselves at Ritamada, and as always, the stunning landscape did not disappoint! From there, we engaged in rotational activities designed to foster growing friendships and provide the chance to get to know one another outside of the classroom. We ended the day at the beach, enjoying a range of activities such as exploring rock pools, beach football and cricket, building driftwood huts, and constructing sandcastles. It was a wonderful day and a fantastic opportunity for students to recharge before exams began on Tuesday. A big thank you to our Grounds and Maintenance, Catering, Transport, and Teachers who made this day possible!

This Friday, we will hold our annual Cross Country Carnival at Rugby Park. It is always a fun event and a great way to celebrate the end of Term One. For students who would like to participate but aren’t competitive runners, we offer a participation race, which is a shorter distance than the competitive races. Even if your child is not keen to run, I encourage all Year 7s to come along and cheer on their peers. Please be aware that the carnival will conclude at 12:00 pm, and students will need to be collected from Rugby Park. I look forward to seeing all our Year 7s there!

Finally, as we approach the holidays, I encourage students to take a break from their devices and enjoy activities we often do not have time for during the term—spend time outdoors enjoying nature, prepare a meal for the family, or spend time with friends away from school. Whatever they choose, I wish all our Year 7s a safe and relaxing break, and I look forward to seeing them back next term.

I would like to congratulate the Year 8 students on how smoothly they have transitioned from Year 7. The start of Year 8 brings many changes—moving between classes, elective subjects, and new teachers, to name a few—but the students have handled these challenges with confidence and adaptability.

With Year 8 assessments now complete, many students will receive their results. I encourage students and families to discuss these results together—celebrating successes and setting goals for areas that can be improved. Remember, luck favours the prepared, and those who set goals are far more likely to achieve them.

Our camp programme has begun, and we welcomed 8B back on Friday after three fantastic days at Ritamada. This week, we wish 8C a wonderful camp experience and look forward to hearing their stories upon their return.

At the end of this week, we will celebrate the conclusion of Term One with the Cross Country Carnival. As with previous years, there is a shorter participation race for those who may not feel comfortable running the full competitive race, offering a great opportunity to get involved and earn points for their house. Please note that the carnival will finish at 12:00 pm, and there will be no supervision available beyond this time. I look forward to seeing all of our Year 8 students there on Friday!

Finally, I wish all Year 8 students and their families a safe and enjoyable holiday! I hope you find time to disconnect from devices, enjoy the outdoors, and spend quality time together. I look forward to another great term in Term 2!

Students have worked hard to complete their exams and submit assignments. Over the holidays, interim reports will be available for families to review. These reports provide an overview of each student’s academic progress so far and offer insight into their approach to learning in the classroom. More than just a progress update, the reports also provide valuable feedback on what students need to focus on in Term Two to continue improving before the semester break.

Looking ahead, Term Two will see our Year 9 students take part in the What About Me (WAM) programme as part of the School’s Pastoral Care focus. To encourage meaningful discussions, students will be grouped by gender identity within their Form classes throughout the term. This structure allows for deeper exploration of issues relevant to their experiences in a supportive and inclusive environment. The programme will culminate in a dedicated camp experience in the final week of term. Attendance at this camp is compulsory, as it forms an essential part of the School’s learning programme. Families are reminded that students are expected to remain at school until the end of the week, and early leave will not be granted. I look forward to seeing all students at the Cross-Country Carnival on Friday and wish all houses the very best of luck.

A final reminder to all families: any absence of more than three school days requires the completion of a ‘Request for Extended Leave’ form. You can obtain this from me directly or via the Senior School Office.

Wishing all our families a restful and enjoyable Easter break!

I want to commend our Year 10 students for their fantastic start to the school year. As we wrap up assessments, there is a shared sense of relief, and I could not be prouder of their efforts. Their unity and initiative have been truly impressive, setting a strong foundation for the rest of the year. Many Year 10 students have already made significant contributions to the local community through volunteering, and some are nearing completion of their Certificate I in Active Volunteering. Well done to them! For those who have not started or are falling behind, I encourage them to be proactive in fulfilling volunteer hours, as this will pay off later in the year.

SET Plan information will be sent out this week. You may be wondering: What is a SET Plan? A SET Plan is your Senior Education and Training Plan, which helps you make informed decisions about your learning pathway and ensures that you choose subjects based on your abilities, interests, and ambitions. The Plan provides you with an opportunity to explore options in education, training, and employment, and allows you to communicate with RGS staff who will work with you to help you achieve your goals.

If your student will be absent for more than three school days due to an early departure this term, please ensure the ‘Request for Extended Leave’ form is completed beforehand. This will ensure that all assessments are completed and any missed work can be provided. I wish you all a safe and enjoyable break over the Easter period and look forward to welcoming everyone back for Term 2.

This term, we have emphasised the importance of wellbeing and resilience. Our goal has been to help each student develop strategies to strengthen study skills, personal organisation, and enhance resilience. Through various activities and discussions, we have encouraged mindfulness and a healthy lifestyle, ensuring that every student feels supported and valued.

Our Pastoral Care programme has included workshops on mental health, sessions with our leadership team, and regular check-ins with form teachers. These initiatives aim to create a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally. We hope that these efforts have helped students feel more connected and prepared to face any challenges that come their way.

After a well-deserved break, Term Two will commence on Wednesday, 23 April. We encourage students to use the holiday period to rest, recharge, and reflect on their goals for the upcoming term. Students should balance relaxation with some light study to stay on top of their coursework. If students are considering changing subjects, please encourage them to speak with the Head of Secondary School – Academics to discuss their options.

We hope you have a fantastic end to Term One, and that students come back refreshed and ready for the new challenges and opportunities that Term 2 will bring!

I hope all Year 12 students enjoy a well-earned break with family and friends. It has been a jam-packed term, with first assessment items completed, leadership positions taken up, and preparation for events such as Valentine’s Day cards and deliveries, bake sales, sausage sizzles, the Cross Country and Swimming Carnivals, and more events to come in Term 2.

With Formal approaching in Term 2, it is important for students to support all fundraising efforts. This week marks the final Formal fundraising effort for the term with the Easter raffle, to be drawn on Wednesday. It would be wonderful if Year 12 students can ensure they are actively selling raffle tickets and bringing in their donations and raffle booklets/money by tomorrow.

At the end of the term, it can be hard for many Year 12 students to summon the same level of energy and enthusiasm they displayed earlier. It is at moments like these that students are encouraged to draw on the strategies they have learned regarding grit, perseverance, and resilience. It is important for students to understand that even simple actions sometimes require varying levels of determination to persevere and reach personal goals. The resilience videos on SchoolTV ( https://rgs.qld.schooltv.me/newsletter/resilience ) may be a great place to start if your student is struggling with motivation.

I wish students all the best in their upcoming Literature exam on Thursday and with the preparation for all IA2 tasks. These tasks are well underway, with students working towards submission dates in the first half of Term 2.

Congratulations to all Year 12 students on completing their last first term. Many memorable highlights have already been made, and I am sure all will remember them. Continue to enjoy the ‘lasts,’ have a wonderful break, and I look forward to seeing all Year 12 students well rested and ready to take on Term 2.

Basketball
Congratulations to our Junior Girls Basketball Team who made the Rockhampton District School Sport Final but unfortunately were defeated by Emmaus College.

Cricket
The Rockhampton Cricket Incorporated Competition concluded on the weekend with finals for junior and senior competitions. Congratulations to the RGS Red Division 1 team who were minor premiers and finished off the season with a win against Norths to be crowned Division 1 Premiers. Winning the toss and bowling first the team fielded extremely well with good catches and three run outs. Griffin Bennett and Lawson Paine both took 2 wickets and Euan Austin kept it tight with 1 for 6 off 6 overs. Chasing 70 to win off 30 overs the team maintained control with Harry Wright scoring a not out 22 and Oliver Bennett top scored with 26 runs. Thank you to all the parents for your support, special thanks to Andrew Lau for scoring and Mr Gary Glisson for coaching the team throughout the season.

Congratulations to RGS Captains of Cricket, Riley McDonald and Sam Gassman for winning the FSC A-Grade Premiership today. Sam took 1-26 off 8 overs opening the bowling and Riley top scored with 33 runs. The Frenchville Falcons team had another six RGS past students in the team celebrating another premiership.

Unfortunately, the rain over the weekend meant fields were too wet for the RGS First XI to play their Third Grade cricket grand final yesterday. RGS was the highest placed of the two teams after the regular rounds and will finish Third Grade champions for the 2024/2025 season.

Cross Country Carnival – 4 April 2025

With the coming cross country taking place this week, please be aware of the following items to make the race day as enjoyable as possible.

The T.I.C of Cross Country, Mr Libke, has sent out an RGS Parent Information Package to all parents outlining race times, the daily schedule and expectations around behaviour and uniforms. Please refer to his previous emails for this information package. The most important messages he wants to make sure everyone knows that will help the day be successful for all are:

-          Arrive around 8:00 – 8:15 in the morning. This gives everyone enough time to collect their race stickers.

-          Ensure adequate sunscreen, hats and water are packed

-          Wear correct uniform (see Parent Information package)

-          Read the Parent Information package for details that outline parent / student expectations for the day

-          Bring enthusiasm for race day. Cross country isn’t all about runners, it is for anyone who is keen to challenge themselves.

If your child will be absent on the day, please inform RGS Absentee: [email protected]

For Primary School questions, please ask Mr Libke: [email protected]

For Secondary School questions, please ask RGSSport: [email protected]

Futsal
Congratulations to our Senior A Boys Futsal Team who made the Rockhampton District School Sport Final but unfortunately were defeated by St Brendan’s.

Rowing - National Rowing Championships
Congratulations to Chloe Rabbitts-Hick and Oliver Weyling-Cain, who last week represented the School at the National Rowing Championships in Tasmania. Both students have been training since term 4 last year and while many opted to take a break, these two athletes elevated their training to an exceptional level, committing to 2-3 sessions per day throughout their summer holidays in preparation for the competition. On Saturday, March 24th, Chloe and Ollie travelled to Tasmania to represent RGS at the Australian Rowing Championships, where they competed in the Quads and Doubles with Bundaberg Rowing Club, as well as in the Schoolgirls and Schoolboys single scull events. Over the course of seven demanding days, they faced some of the finest rowers in the country. Chloe reached the Quarter Finals in the single scull, placing her among the top 30 rowers nationally, while Ollie advanced to the B Final, securing a position in the top 16. Their exceptional performances are a testament to their unwavering commitment and resilience, and we are immensely proud of their achievements. We eagerly anticipate their continued success as we enter the upcoming regional rowing season.

Rugby Union
The School hosted the Rockhampton District School Sport Rugby Union finals at Rugby Park yesterday. With all RGS teams making it through to the finals it made for a great afternoon of rugby. Congratulations to all the supporters that came down to create a sea of red and black and participated in the new chants to support our teams.

The Grand Final scores were:

U14 Boys RGS v SBC: Final score after extra time 12 -12. RGS won as they were on top of the table during the regular season

U14 Girls RGS v EMS: RGS won 12 – 7

U16 Girls RGS v TCC: RGS lost 24 – 12

U16 Boys RGS v SBC: RGS won 28 – 5

1st Girls RGS v RGGS: RGS won 21 – 15

1st Boys RGS v SBC: RGS lost 12 – 7

RGS MVP’s:

U14G: Sophie Dendle

U14B: Harrison Kuhn

U16G: Fallon Harris

U16B: Malcolm Frame

1st Girls: Kyra Kent

1st Boys: Luke Frame

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:
Swimming
(10 - 12 Years Queensland Schools Championships)

Oliver Lau (Year 7) – Capricornia team captain. Selected in Qld team. Competed in 12 years boys division.
Gold – 100m freestyle
Silver – 200m IM, 50m backstroke, 100m backstroke, 50m breaststroke, 50m freestyle
Bronze – 50m butterfly, 100m butterfly
(1 gold, 5 silver and 2 bronze medals)

Emma Hansen (Year 7) – Selected in Qld team. Competed in the 12 years girls division. Recorded several PBs, including taking 4 seconds off her PB in the 200m breaststroke

(13-19 Years Queensland Schools Championships)

Ashton Rodgers (Year 10) – Selected in Queensland team. Competed in the 16 years boys division
Gold – 400m
Silver – 1500m (combined 13 – 19 years boys event)
4th – 400m IM
Also competed in a further 6 events.

Edward Dingle (Year 9) – Competed in the 14 years boys division
8th – 200m freestyle relay
9th – 200m IM relay
Also competed in individual 50m and 100m freestyle, 50m and 100m breaststroke, 50m and 100m backstroke events. This included a PB in his 100m backstroke.

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

Rugby Union
Rylan Attard, Jesi Blanco, Jonty Coutts, Dan Grant, Luke Frame, Lisiate Fa’Aoso, Sam Fahlstrom, Lincoln Lewis, Thomas Jacques, Guomoy Murphy, Xavier Nott, Caleb Rebel, Cormack Werner.

Rugby 7’s
Fallon Harris, Scarlett Gear, McKayla Barnes, Eliana Weber, Zafeera Gibson, Faerlie Bailey, Willow Childs, Evan Sullivan, Marnie Whitehead, Alex Kulla Kulla, Harriet Finger, Elvie King, Amelia Johnson.

Touch
Brayden Wooler, Ben Mosby, Elvie King, Mila Kronk, Lila Darling, Archie Cugola, Jamaal Loomans, Nate Turner, Hollie Foot.