Newsletter

Their stay was the result of over five years of planning. During Covid-19 plans were stalled but re-imagined last year as we met with the planning team from Japan and showcased our beautiful School.

This is tour is the culmination of many hours of planning and a wonderful celebration of cross-cultural exchange and friendship. The experience has enriched our School community in countless ways, and we owe much of this success to our generous host families and meticulous planning from Sue Moloney, Director of Communications and Development and Margot Palmer , International Programme Coordinator .

Thank you to our host families for opening your homes and hearts, creating an atmosphere of warmth and kindness that left a lasting impression on our young guests.

Our teachers also played a key role, welcoming the students into their classrooms and creating engaging opportunities for learning and cultural sharing. Their kindness and enthusiasm helped our visitors feel at ease, fostering a space where both our students and guests could learn from one another and build meaningful connections.

The resilience and adaptability of our visiting students was inspiring as they embraced each new experience, learned about our traditions, and shared their own stories. Together, we experienced the beauty of sharing cultures and building bridges that transcend language and customs.

The visit concluded with a farewell presentation ceremony, where we celebrated the connections, we had made. Our visitors performed beautifully, singing a heartfelt song about the changing seasons—a perfect reflection of the season to visit and the time to farewell.

Looking to the future, we hope to reciprocate this generosity by planning a visit to Japan, allowing our students to experience Japanese culture firsthand and reunite with friends across the seas. This will further strengthen the bonds we’ve built and continue this tradition of mutual learning.

Thank you once again to all our host families and teachers for your kindness and generosity. Your involvement made this cultural exchange truly memorable and we look forward to many more shared experiences filled with friendship, learning, and respect.

We reflect on the age of these children and marvel at their resilience but that can only be developed through experiences and opportunities. Thank you to our host families and to the teachers from Tamagawa and RGS for looking after the children and being a part of their personal life event.

Speaking of being so fortunate, we are reminded of those who may not be able to afford life’s luxuries and we will be collecting for the Salvation Army Christmas Appeal again this year.

If you can spare canned food items, toys or gifts, please send them in unwrapped, to Primary Reception, and we will present them to the representatives from the Salvation Army on our last day of school. Those in need are so grateful for the assistance at this time of the year and our children learn the importance of giving and helping others.

Date Claimer:

Friday afternoon 2:00pm – A thank you afternoon tea to all our parent and grandparent helpers with the Primary Swimming and Cooking programmes. Please keep this date in mind and join us at the Cooking rooms. Teacher will send invitations via their class email – coming soon.

Just a reminder, our curriculum team has been collaboratively working on amendments to the academic award criteria to align more closely with the curriculum and to celebrate individual academic achievements.

The new Macte Litteris Excellence Award and the Macte Litteris Achievement Award will be replacing the previous pennant system.  These awards will be based on overall academic performance rather than being subject specific.  The revised academic awards also recognise and award individual achievement, rather than being based on cohort performances.

Where there is an allowance outlined in the criteria below for a student to be receiving a result that is not an ‘A’, they must be achieving a ‘C’ standard or above to be eligible to receive these academic awards.

Macte Litteris Excellence Award
Awarded to each student who achieves a total of seven ‘A’s on their Student Academic Report.  Four ‘A’s must be achieved in English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences and at least three A’s in Technologies, Visual Arts, Music, Health and Physical Education, Japanese and Cooking (if applicable.)

Macte Litteris Achievement Award
Awarded to each student who achieves a total of six ‘A’s. At least three ‘A’s must be achieved in English, Mathematics, Science, Humanities and Social Sciences. Technologies, Visual Arts, Music, Health and Physical Education, Japanese and Cooking (if applicable.)

The Macte Virtute Award will be replacing the previous Growth Awards to capture growth in character in alignment with our School values. The criteria for this award is outlined below.

Macte Virtute Award
Awarded to two students in each class who have demonstrated continuous development and growth in character. The recipients of these awards must demonstrate the school values of Integrity and Honour; Respect and Care; Endeavour and Responsibility; and Courage and Resilience. This award is selected by the classroom teacher.

We look forward to celebrating the success of our primary students during the Speech Day assembly later in the term.

External Assessment Preparation
There is still a week left of the QCAA EA block for Year 12 students. A reminder students must attend external examinations for all relevant subjects and are required to wear full day or formal uniform .

The School has emailed the RGS External Assessment Tutorial Timetable to students and parents. I strongly encourage students to attend the tutorials.

What to do if ...
you are sick on the day of an external examination – you must contact Ms Reniece Carter ( rcarter@rgs.qld.edu.au or 0429995680, 49 360 609 ) or Mr Julien Wright ( jwright@rgs.qld.edu.au or 49360606) asap. QCAA has a strict process in place for students to remain eligible for subject credit.

you are late on the day of an external examination – you must call or text Ms Reniece Carter asap on 0429 995680 or Mr Julien Wright on 0408 324 448 .

you are unsure of an examination date/start time or equipment required – refer to the examination timetable with venues which was sent last term or the RGS Year 12 Teams page. You can also refer to the MyQCE website (specifically the Year 12, 2024 Student Guide).

Year 12 – Subject and ATAR Results
All subject results including QCE attainment, will be published in individual student QCAA learning accounts on Wednesday 11 December at 9 am. Students who are ATAR eligible need to remember their ATAR is obtained via the QTAC Portal (not via QCAA) and will be available on Friday 13 December from 9 am. If you have any concerns or issues on either day please contact me via mobile on 0429 995 680 . I will also be on campus both days.

Assessment
A reminder of the dates for the Year 7 – 11 assessment tasks have been published via the Assessment Schedules and correspondence from Heads of Year.

Coursing
Current Year 8-11
Subjects on offer at the School for 2025 have been finalised. As such, the Studies Directorate is finalising the 2025 timetable.

I am currently working with the four core Heads of Department and the relevant Heads of Year to construct the 2025 Form and core classes. Students will receive a copy of their timetable in late January 2025.  A reminder teacher and friend requests are not encouraged given Heads of Year / teachers know students very well and sensitivities will have been noted and considered.

General
Please contact me via email ( rcarter@rgs.qld.edu.au ) or telephone ( 49 360 609 ) if you have any concerns relating to the academic domain.

With this in mind, it is important to note that assessments offer a chance to demonstrate learning, and I hope that students make the most of this opportunity.

It was great to see that many Year 7 students are confident in their preparations and could identify five aspects of their approach which will set them up for success. I would like to take the chance to remind students of the need to practice self-care during this period, ensuring that study periods are balanced against periods for rest and leisure, and, to ensure that they look out for one another should anyone be experiencing difficulties.

In recent weeks in Tutorial, students have started to examine the concept of ‘conflict’, how it can be both positive and negative, alongside types of, and ways to deal with conflict. They have also investigated the difference between responding and reacting. I would encourage students to take a moment to consider whether there may be a better way to respond in a situation where they may experience conflict, looking for ways to build, cement or re-establish relationships during and following challenging occasions.

I’d also like to take the opportunity to remind families of the initiatives we are supporting this term, those being Capricorn Animal Aid and Christmas Hampers – please remember to bring items you are able to donate to these causes!

Please also continue to check ‘What’s On’ to ensure that students are in possession of the correct equipment, in the right places, at the correct times, and, can make the most of the opportunities available. Once assessment has come to an end, I wish to remind families of the valuable work that will be continuing right until the end of term. The expectation is that all students will work with us at school until the last day of the term, 28 November.

This week sees the Year 8’s undertake their Term 4  exams, with a Science assignment due, a HPE exam and a range of elective exams. With the Maths exam moving into Week 7, Maths tutorials continue to run through this week, and I encourage anyone struggling with their Maths preparations to attend. In just two short weeks, the Year 8’s will have finished all assessment for the year.  I wish them all the best this week!

As we are approaching the end of the year, a number of students have spoken with me about finishing early. For any absences of three or more days, families are required to submit an Application for Extended Leave form. There are very few circumstances under which we can approve extended leave, so this will likely result in ‘Unapproved Leave’. If you have any questions, require a form, or would like to discuss some upcoming leave, please feel free to call or email me.

We are looking forward to Carols in the Frame this weekend! A considerable number of Year 8 students have volunteered to assist with baking on Friday afternoon, or to help run our snack stall on Saturday, at the Carols. This is always such an enjoyable afternoon, so I encourage you to consider bringing your family along. Thank you to all who have already contributed to our non-perishables collection for the Salvation Army.  Baskets will remain in Form classes until the last week of school, so please keep bringing items in – they really do make a difference!

As always, if you have any questions or concerns around how your child is travelling, please do not hesitate to contact me.

At this point of the term, the students are completing many assignments that were due last week or earlier this week. At assembly this week I informed the students that they need to make sure they are getting enough sleep, staying hydrated and eating well to give themselves the best opportunity to perform at their best during an exam week. This Saturday, the School is hosting its annual Carols in the Frame which promises to be a very entertaining event. The Year 9 students are running the BBQ and all profits will be given to Soldier On and Salvation Army Christmas Appeal. I would also like to remind students that the school year has not ended once their exams have finished and will not for another three weeks. That is, normal classes with normal expectations around learning will continue until the final day of school – which is Thursday 28 November. All teachers will be conducting lessons with content and objectives like any other time of the year. The last couple of weeks is also a time when we can, as students, make some poor choices with our behaviour. With the stress of exams over, sometimes we let our expectations slip. Let’s finish 2024 off with the goal of being the best versions of ourselves. Can I please ask all Year 9 students to inspect their Tablet PC? If there are any issues that require repair, please ensure that you take your Tablet PC to the Technology Department over the next week to ensure it can be repaired. All Year 9 laptops must be returned and ready for reallocation to primary for the start of next year.

It has been a significant undertaking for the entire school year, and it is so pleasing to see the vast majority of students now arriving at completion and receiving their well-deserved certificates. A big thank you to each of the Year 10 form teachers who have supported our students on this journey, it would not be possible without you. Another thank-you must go to Ms Cindy Murray, who manages, supports, marks and gives significant care and attention to this initiative.

Year 10’s are now making their way into the busiest period of the term with the culmination of exams and assessments over the next fortnight. Please do note however that after assessments are completed in all subject areas, regular learning will continue up to the last day of term. This period is especially valuable as it supports skill development, helping Year 10 students as they prepare for the transition to Year 11.

Finally, if unavoidable holiday plans mean your child needs to leave early, please ensure they collect a ‘Request for Extended Leave’ form from the Senior School Office. This will give teachers a chance to meet with students prior to their departure, ensuring they don’t miss crucial learning opportunities. This process takes time, so we encourage students to act promptly.

As always, If you have any queries or concerns as we progress through the term, please do not hesitate to contact me directly.

If you are at all concerned regarding the academic progress your child is making, please reach out to their classroom teacher or Head of Department. If you are unsure of these points of contact, please let me know. I will be more than happy to help point you in the right direction. Any subject changes that are to be made, can now be made at the end of this term.

Diagnostic exams are held from Week 6 through to Week 8. While there is no formal exam schedule for Year 11s, students will be undertaking diagnostic exams during their class time. If your child misses a day, please encourage them to contact their classroom teacher, so reschedules can be organised. We encourage all students who are unwell, to stay at home and rest, while reducing the potential spread of germs. Absences need to be covered with a medical certificate. Over this term, and last, I have been meeting with the cohort to organise follow-up SET plan interviews. The purpose of these meetings is to ensure students have a minimum of 20 QCE points by the end of Year 12, their literacy and numeracy tick, and on the correct pathway. These will continue throughout the year until the end of term.

Given the diagnostic exams start this week, I thought it would be a great opportunity for families to support their children with conversations around effective study habits. Effective study habits are crucial for achieving academic success. First and foremost, it is important to create a designated study space that is free from distractions and has all the necessary resources, such as textbooks, notebooks, and writing utensils. Additionally, it is important to establish a routine and set a specific time each day for studying to promote consistency and focus. Active studying techniques such as taking notes, highlighting key concepts, and practicing problem-solving are also effective in retaining information. Taking breaks and incorporating physical activity into study routines can help to reduce stress and improve concentration. Finally, seeking help and collaborating with classmates can further enhance understanding and retention of material. Please do not forget the curriculum preparation spares and tutorials offered by the school! By incorporating these effective study habits into their routine, student academic success can become attainable.

As exams can be quite stressful, please be on the lookout for changes in mood, behaviour or physical appearance. These changes may be an indicator that your child not coping. If you notice these changes, please inform the School. With the assistance of our pastoral team, health centre and school psychologists we may be able to assist in navigating senior schooling and the stressors that can go along with it.

An email was sent out to students regarding the Year 11 break up on the 19 November. Tickets are to be purchased by close of business on 11 November, through Humanitix – this is a student only event. Parents will need to provide permission via Parent Lounge, which will be ready by the end of this week. I would like to encourage all students to attend what will be a fantastic way to end 2024!

Have a wonderful week!

I have seen so many students on campus independently studying and tutorials have been so well attended.  It has been lovely catching up with so many students just before they head into their exams also. While nervous and apprehensive they have also seemed well-prepared and excited as each exam passes. There will continue to be tutorials for the remaining exams so I strongly suggest students continue to make use of these opportunities over the final days of the external exam block.

Given we are edging closer to the final day of school, there are a few housekeeping matters that need to be attended to before students finish.
* Laptops – these must be handed in to the Tablet PC Centre by all students as soon as possible following their final exam and by Friday 8 November at the latest (Agricultural Science students may have until Tuesday 14 November). There is the option of purchasing the laptop if they wish for a $10 fee payable at the Tablet PC Centre via card or cash. Please note that if the computer is not returned, the full charge of the device will be billed to families.
* Returning items/emptying lockers – all school items (eg. Library books) need to be returned, lockers cleaned out, and any personal items collected before the final school day.
* Curriculum Prep Days: students need to enrol in courses OR advise via email to email to Mrs Tregea and Miss Thomasson if they will be working on the CP Days which are Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 November.

Friday 15 November is the students final school day and it is compulsory for all students to attend. It is a half day, commencing at 8:30am in the Auditorium and students are welcome to depart after the annual Pool Jump from 11:00am. We will welcome students back that evening for Valedictory, commencing at 5:00pm in the Spaceframe for pre-dinner drinks with the programme commencing at 6:00pm sharp in the Duggan Hall. I am very much looking forward to celebrating this day with the Year 12’s and their families.

While I know many have finished their studies, with exams remaining, several students are still striving for the finishing line. I wish them all the best with their remaining exams and look forward to seeing everyone as a cohort for the final time on their last day of school.

Year 12 Students – Post ATAR Support
16 - 18 December, 2024

Congratulations to the year 12 students in completing their external exams. With the academic year fast approaching, I would like to inform the Year 12 students that I will be available for ATAR/QTAC advise after their ATARs are released on 13 December. The advice sessions are available to students who:
* Received an ATAR higher than expected and need to change their preferences to reflect courses that they may not have originally considered
* Received an ATAR lower than expected and need to change preferences to more realistic options
* Received an ATAR on par with their expectations and need to confirm their preferences
* I will be available for 30-minute phone/Teams appointments on Monday 16th December – Wednesday 18th December from 12 noon – 4pm.

To book an appointment, please use the RGS Career Website here

Bond Medical Programme Information Session for 2025 Intake
13 November, 2024
The Bond University Medical Programme offers students opportunities to bring to life their ambitions to become outstanding practitioners, thinkers, and leaders, well-equipped to deliver evidence-based, patient-centred health care that meets the needs of a diverse community.
We invite you to join the Dean of Medicine who will provide an overview of the Medical Program at Bond University. Get the answers to all your questions during this information and interactive chat session. Your information session topics of discussion:
* Entry requirements and tuition fees
* Programme structure and subjects
* How to apply and the admissions process
* Upcoming key dates
* Pathways into the programme

Find out more

JCU | Future Horizons Townsville
22 November, 2024
JCU, in partnership with the Business Liaison Association, invites Year 9 and 10 high school students to explore the business world’s challenges and opportunities and learn how to become leaders in this evolving field. Connect with industry experts and entrepreneurs for invaluable insights into the future of business and commerce.

From this one-day conference, you’ll gain insights into the diverse professions within business and commerce while discovering how these fields shape our world. This event highlights the pivotal role of entrepreneurial thinking and strategic decision-making in driving economic growth and societal progress. You’ll participate in interactive sessions with JCU academics, including creating and pitching marketing campaigns and exploring financial management strategies. Find out more

JCU | UniX Year 8, Townsville
25 - 29 November, 2024
Schools are invited to bring their Year 8 students to JCU Townsville for a day of excitement, fun and discovery. The Year 8 UniX experience provides students with an opportunity to sample what it’s like to study different subjects broadly covering science, engineering, medicine, nursing, education, social sciences, business and law.

We aim to provide students with various career tasters to help identify and shape their future ambitions, assist with student subject choices in senior schooling years, and to promote positive post-school pathways to tertiary education. A residential program is available for schools in regional or remote areas that need to travel overnight to attend the JCU UniX Year 8, Townsville event. Find out more

JCU | UniX Year 8, Cairns
2 - 6 December, 2024
Schools are invited to bring their Year 8 students to JCU Cairns for a day of excitement, fun and discovery. The Year 8 UniX experience provides students with an opportunity to sample what it’s like to study different subjects broadly covering science, engineering, medicine, nursing, education, social sciences, business and law.

We aim to provide students with various career tasters to help identify and shape their future ambitions, assist with student subject choices in senior schooling years, and to promote positive post-school pathways to tertiary education. Find out more

QUT Real Decisions
13 December, 2024
If you’re planning to study in 2025, it’s time to finalise your decision. Whatever your ATAR or selection rank, there are many options available to you. Join us for the Real Decisions Webinar for:
* advice about admission pathways to your preferred course including QUT College diplomas
* tips about ordering QTAC preferences and responding to offers
* advice about guaranteed entry
* information about study costs and support services
* advice from a current QUT student about their uni experience and why they chose QUT.

The information provided in this webinar is for domestic students considering undergraduate study. Find out more

Griffith Explore Your Options
13 - 24 December, 2024
At Griffith, we’re here to help you get the best result from your result, whatever that may be. Whether your ATAR isn’t quite what you'd hoped for or you’ve had a change of heart since submitting your university application, we’re ready to explore your options.

Book a personalised 30-minute chat with our study advisers to have your questions answered. No matter your situation, our team can help you understand your options and find your perfect study pathway. Find out more

Future Doctors Australia, Brisbane
14 - 17 December, 2024
Gaining medical work experience is essential for young people considering a career in medicine. It provides insight into the field, helps develop skills and attributes, and provides networking opportunities. However, obtaining medical work experience can be challenging due to various restrictions such as limited opportunities, safety concerns, and confidentiality issues.

That's why NIE has developed the "Future Doctors Australia" programme. It is an engaging and high-impact 4-day program that provides young people with a unique opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment. Participants will have the opportunity to spend time with current junior and senior medical students. They will also have the rare opportunity to spend time with more senior clinicians and various medical specialists. You will get to learn about clinical specialist's relevant fields of work, ask them questions, and learn some hands-on skills from them.
* Over 15 hours of face-to-face interaction with leading specialists and clinicians
* Develop advanced communication and team working skills
* Create new friendships with like-minded, highly driven young individuals
* Learn about the admission process into various medical universities in Australia
* Morning tea and lunch included

Find out more

UQ Institute of Modern Languages High School Enrichment Programme
13 January, 2025
Enrolments are open for the Institute of Modern Languages Summer Program, which runs from 13-17 January 2025. This program is offered to high school students in years 9-12 in 2025.
* Learn from experienced teachers with native-like proficiency
* Enhance your proficiency in an immersive university environment
* Assessment - free environment
* Courses are online for years 9 and 10
* Courses are online or in person (St Lucia Campus) for year 11 and 12

This programme is for students who wish to further their studies and increase their proficiency and fluency in one of the following languages:
* Chinese (Mandarin)
* French, German
* Indonesian
* Italian
* Japanese
* Spanish

Students should have completed at least one year of language studies to enrol. The Year 11 and 12 programme is designed for language students in their Senior phase of learning. Enrolments close 9 December 2024. Find out more

Scholarships

Women of STEM Australian Scholarships
Value: $5,000 AUD per year
Open date: December 13, 2024
Closing date: February 7, 2025

The purpose of the Women of STEM Scholarships are to provide financial support to young women as they study a degree, in Science, Technology, Engineering or Mathematics. Find out more

Murdoch University Access Engineering Scholarship
Value: $12,000 AUD
Open date: August 23, 2024
Closing date: February 28, 2025

The Murdoch University Access Engineering Scholarship seeks to widen participation and support students from underrepresented groups in a field of study that is becoming increasingly important and impactful for a sustainable future. Find out more

AIQS Donald Napier Scholarships
Value: $5,000 AUD
Open date: May 1, 2024
Closing date: October 31, 2024

AIQS offers a number of scholarships each year for Year 12 students who qualify for entry into a Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, Construction Management (Economics) or other appropriate course at an AIQS accredited university in Australia. There are four scholarships offered each year:
* General (open to all people)
* First Nations people (Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander)
* Disadvantaged (financial, carer, medical condition or disability, regional or remote)
* Diversity (including but not limited to race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, age, religion, marital status, language)

Find out more

Competitions

Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest
Value: Up to $1,000 USD
Open date: October 1, 2024
Closing date: June 9, 2025

The 14th annual Ocean Awareness Contest is a platform for young people to learn about environmental issues through art-making and creative communication, explore their relationship to a changing world, and become advocates for positive change. The 2025 theme is Connections to Nature: Looking Inside, Going Outside . Find out more

AgDay Photography and Video Competition
Value: $5,000 in prizes
Open date: August 1, 2024
Closing date: November 15, 2024

The AgDay photography and video competition is back. Submit your photo or video capturing Australian agriculture and the theme Grow you good thing! for a chance to win. Find out more

Skills for Work

How to turn your teenage activities into resume gold
When you’re in high school, it might seem like the things you do every day – whether it’s playing sport, hanging out with friends, or gaming – don’t have much to do with finding a job. But here’s the good news: many of these activities are actually giving you valuable skills that employers are looking for. By learning how to translate these activities into something that looks good on your resume, you’ll stand out from the crowd. Why does this matter? Because a resume is more than just a list of jobs you’ve had – it’s a tool that shows employers what you can do.

Playing team sport
Being part of a team sport is more than just about fitness and fun. When you’re out on the court or field, you’re also learning how to work with others, manage time, and handle pressure – all skills that are highly valued in the workplace. Employers look for people who can collaborate effectively, communicate well, and keep their cool in challenging situations.

How to put this on your resume
Team Member, Local Soccer Club
2021 – Present
* Collaborated with a team of 10 to develop strategies and achieve success on the field
* Demonstrated strong communication skills by maintaining clear, positive relationships with team members
* Developed time management by balancing training, matches, and school commitments

Modding games and setting up servers
If you’ve spent time modding games or setting up private servers for you and your friends, you’ve already gained some pretty technical skills. These tasks require problem-solving, coding knowledge, and the ability to troubleshoot when things go wrong. Employers in the tech industry, and even beyond, are always looking for people with digital skills – whether it’s basic coding, server management, or just a deep understanding of how technology works.

How to put this on your resume
Game Modder & Server Manager
2022 – Present
Developed and managed custom game mods, improving user experience for online gaming communities
Set up and maintained private game servers, handling user support and technical troubleshooting
Gained experience with coding, server configuration, and managing online communities

Managing a social media account
Running your own Instagram page, YouTube channel, or TikTok isn’t just about gaining followers – it’s about content creation, marketing, and building a brand. When you manage a social media account, you’re learning how to engage an audience, create appealing content, and analyse what works and what doesn’t. These are all key skills in marketing and communication roles.

In addition, you’re developing organisational skills – posting consistently, creating a content schedule, and analysing performance metrics all require discipline and attention to detail.

How to put this on your resume
Social Media Manager, Personal Instagram Account
2021 – Present
Created and posted engaging content, growing follower base to 1,000+
Managed content calendar, ensuring regular posts and consistent audience engagement
Analysed social media trends and user interactions to improve content strategy

Being part of a youth group or club
If you’re involved in a youth group or club, whether it’s for sports, hobbies, or volunteering, you’re already gaining leadership, teamwork, and event planning skills. Being active in these groups often requires taking on responsibilities like organising events, managing a group of people, and solving conflicts – all of which are skills that employers seek in candidates for many roles. Being in a youth group also demonstrates your ability to work within a structured environment while contributing positively to the community.

How to put this on your resume
Youth Group Member, Local Youth Club
2023 – Present
Participated in and helped organise community events, working with teams of 15+ members
Developed leadership skills by taking responsibility for planning and executing fundraising initiatives
Improved communication and teamwork by coordinating activities and resolving group challenges

Here’s what to do next
Now that you understand how your teenage activities can be translated into resume-worthy experience, it’s time to take action.

Identify your skills
First, think about all the things you currently do in your spare time – whether it’s hobbies, social groups, or responsibilities you take on at school or home. Write them down, and begin to identify the skills you’re developing through these activities. Look for patterns – are you gaining leadership skills, learning how to problem-solve, or becoming better at managing your time?

Show how you gained those skills
Once you’ve identified these skills, start thinking about how you can articulate them in a way that will resonate with potential employers. As we’ve seen, the key is translating your experiences into language that aligns with what an employer is looking for. Employers value skills like communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management, so frame your activities in a way that showcases these attributes.

Start building your resume
Next, build a draft of your resume. Don’t worry if you haven’t had formal work experience yet—use these examples to create a ‘Skills and Experience’ section that highlights what you’ve learned through your everyday activities. Make sure to include specific examples , as this will show employers that you’ve put these skills into practice.

Remember to keep learning
Finally, take the time to keep your resume updated as you participate in more activities and develop new skills. Whether it’s taking on a part-time job, volunteering, applying for a leadership role, or starting a new project, continue to reflect on how these experiences can be turned into transferable skills that will help you in future career opportunities. By continuously building and improving your resume, you’ll be ready to seize opportunities as they arise, giving yourself a strong foundation for future success.

Thank you from RGS Boarding families:

Wedel Family - "This year will bring an end to 16 consecutive years of Wedels boarding at RGS. The boarding staff, and in extension all the staff (cleaners, groundspeople, transport, and kitchen) have played a big part in helping us to shape our five children into the people they are today. We are thankful that RGS boarding allows, and encourages, the children's individuality and has given them another family whilst away from their own." Drew and Priscilla Wedel (parents of Aleell, Akadia, Taine, Zavier, and Rainah)

Cousens Family - “We have been extremely impressed with Rockhampton Grammar! Even though we live so far from the School we have felt informed, connected and confident in the level of care offered. The School has been respectful and responsive to individual needs, with a focus on whole person development and we are so grateful to have been a part of the School community." Anne and Rob Cousens (parents of Tana)

Sullivan Family - "Our family started with boarding at RGS seven years ago when Colby started in Year 8. Being the oldest, we really found Brendan Handley and Stewart Norford really helped Colby settle in and helped him get the most out of his boarding experience. Stewart would regularly send photos, videos, texts and give us a phone call to keep us updated of how Colby was travelling. Colby’s peers also helped Colby settle into boarding. We have found that all of our boys have formed great friendships during their time in boarding. Riley then started boarding in Year 7, in 2019 and enjoyed having Colby at the other end of the dorm. With Colby and Riley being comfortable in boarding, that then helped Hudson and Mason transition into boarding as well. Hudson and Mason were partly familiar with boarding by dropping their brothers off there for a number of years and being part of many phone calls home from the older boys about many day-to-day boarding things. It is comforting that the boys are able to go and see each of their brothers if needed or they just want to catch up with each other. We like the fact that RGS offer a broad range of activities on the weekends to keep the boarders busy, active and provide them with a variety of different experiences. The opportunity for the boarders to utilise the gym, math tutorials, and having a health center on site is an added bonus. We are also grateful that RGS provides a boarder bus at the end of term and on boarder’s long weekends, as our business doesn’t always allow us to collect our boys from Rocky. Boarding has opened many doors for our boys, by offering lots of different experiences and sports that they could not get in our town. Boarding has also broadened our boy’s friendship group and adds a diversity to the people they know. By living with a large number of people in a boarding environment, it has helped our boys be able to accept people of different walks of life, and their opinions, even if you don’t agree with them 100% of the time, you learn a tolerance as all throughout the rest of their lives they will have to accept many varied people, and their opinions. We believe that boarding has been a part of helping our boys in their journey of responsibility, maturity and being good men. Hudson and Mason will continue on with this growth in the years in boarding ahead." Diane and Adam Sullivan (parents of Colby, Riley, Hudson and Mason)

Rockhampton District Sport Trial Nominations 2025
The nomination booklet for all trials from now through 2025 can be found at the following link -

2025 - 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, the daily notices as well as the RGS website.
* The completed booklet needs to be sent to the RGS Sports Administration Office at RGSSport@rgs.qld.edu.au for signature by the School.
* When we receive the completed nomination booklet, students will be added to the nomination list.
* Once signed, the booklet will be emailed to the students and their parents.
* The signed booklet must be handed in at the trials as students will not be allowed to participate without it.

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

Student Achievements
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 – RGSSport@rgs.qld.edu.au

Athletics
Congratulations to Year 9 student Grace Francis on winning two medals at the All Schools Queensland Track and Field Championships in Brisbane. Grace won gold in the U15 girls 1500m event, setting a new meet record of 4:36.87, and also winning silver in the 800m event.

Basketball
Congratulations to Valentino Cook on his selection to the U16 Rockets basketball team.

Futsal
Congratulations to Alyssa Lewis who participated at the State Futsal Championships.

Hockey
Year 11 student Amy Woods is playing with the Hockey Qld Academy under 17 women’s team at the 2024 Mirnawan Cup in Kuala Lumpur. The Mirnawan Cup is an international youth hockey tournament and includes teams from Malaysia, South Africa, Austria, India, Korea and Japan.

Touch Football
Congratulations to Mia Bourke who was part of the U15 Qld Girls Touch team who won a gold medal at Nationals.

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

Triathlon
Peyton Goudie, William Goudie

Pictured below (from left) - Alyssa, Amy, Mia, and Grace