Week 4

Wednesday 14th May - Senior Parade, Year 12 Aquatic Practices Boating Excursion

Thursday 15th May - Year 7-10 Big Science Competition

Friday 16th May - Whitsunday Cross Country Trials 

Week 5

Monday 19th-Friday 23rd May - National Mooting Competition

Monday 19th May - Behaviour & Effort Certificate Presentation 

Tuesday 20th May - Year 7 Deadly Choices Program, Year 11 Hospitality Coffee Delivery

Wednesday 21st May - Junior School Parade, Year 11 Hospitality Coffee Delivery, P&C Meeting

Thursday 22nd May - IEC Year 7 Whitsunday Crocodile Safari Excursion, Under 8's Day excursion at Proserpine State School

Friday 23rd May - Mackay AFL Q Schools Cup

Week 6

Monday 26th May - Mackay Gala Cricket Day (Junior Boys), NQ AFL Trial 16-19 YO, Year 10 Early Childhood Excursion 

Tuesday 27th May - Year 7 Deadly Choices Program, NQ Cross Country Trial, Year 11 Hospitality Coffee Delivery, Whitsunday Regional Council National Reconciliaton Week event

Wednesday 28th May - Year 11 Hospitality Coffee Delivery

Thursday 29th May - b kinder Summit (Secondary Schools)

Friday 30th May - b kinder Summit (Primary Schools)

Thursday 29th May - Monday 2nd June - Volleyball Intermediate Schools Cup

Newsies – Musical Production

We were thrilled to kick off the term with the resounding success of our school production of Disney’s Newsies! Audiences were treated to spectacular performances across multiple evening and matinee shows in our Performing Arts Centre. We extend a heartfelt thank you to our school community for showing their support and joining us for this wonderful event.

Our community has been amazed by the exceptional quality and professionalism of the production, which showcased the immense talent of our students across both junior and senior secondary.

The story of Newsies takes us on a journey through history - an epic underdog tale inspired by true historic events with something to offer everyone, regardless of their age.

Accompanied by an orchestra comprised of students, staff, and community members, and led by our remarkable Instrumental Music Teacher Mr Finn Williams, the performance reached new heights. We are fortunate to be able to accompany our productions with a live orchestra of this calibre.

At Proserpine State High School, the tradition of exceptional musical productions that is driven by the teamwork of staff and students, continues to thrive. The pride evident in our performers, their families, and friends was undeniable. This talented group of young people has achieved something truly special. The success of Newsies emphasises our commitment to fostering a school community where students are supported to challenge themselves, pursue their passions, uncover hidden talents, and embrace new experiences.

The teamwork and trust shown by all involved in the production were commendable and a true highlight of the experience. Conversations with students have made it clear that this journey has imparted invaluable life skills that will support their future dreams and aspirations.

We extend heartfelt congratulations to Miss Amelia Hinschen, who directed her first school production, and to Mrs Jenny Napier Co-Producing alongside Ms Rebecca Watts. Thank you to Mr Finn Williams as our Music Director and Miss Georgia Brittan as our Vocal Director. A sincere thank you to the entire production team, set design and construction crew, costume and make up, cast, and crew for their dedication, commitment, and hard work. Our school community couldn’t be prouder of this incredible achievement, which so vividly showcased the creativity and talent of our students.

Parent/Carer–Teacher Interviews

Thank you to all of our families who participated in our recent Parent/Teacher Interviews, helping foster strong and positive connections between home and school. The State Schooling Parent and Community Engagement Framework highlights the importance of these partnerships in enhancing student success.

If you were unable to attend and would like further information regarding your child’s progress, please contact the school via principal@proserpineshs.qld.edu.au. An appropriate staff member connected to your child’s program of study will be in touch.

Apprenticeship/Traineeship Readiness Evening

Thank you to all who attended our second annual Apprenticeship/Traineeship Readiness Evening on Thursday 1st May. Senior students and their families had the opportunity to engage with guest speakers and hear from a panel of former students who are now successfully pursuing apprenticeships and traineeships locally.

Following the formalities, attendees connected directly with industry representatives to explore future opportunities and gain insights into the qualities valued by employers.

We thank our event organisers and Senior Schooling team, with special recognition to Mrs Bernie Porter and Ms Shelley Simpson for fostering these partnerships for our school families. We are also deeply grateful to the many local industry experts who generously volunteered their time and knowledge to support this important occasion for our students and families.

Year 7 Camp – Camp Kanga

Congratulations to our Year 7 students, staff, and camp organisers for a successful three-day adventure at Camp Kanga. Our students displayed outstanding cooperation and engagement throughout the program, which focused on teamwork, communication, resilience, and leadership.

The enthusiasm and commitment shown by both students and staff were commendable, and we are proud of how well they represented the values of Proserpine State High School. Well done to everyone involved!

Cross Country – Fun Run

Congratulations to all students who took part in our recent annual Fun Run! Your school spirit and community representation were acknowledged at assembly this week.

It was inspiring to see so many of you challenge yourselves and strive for personal achievement—whether walking, jogging, or sprinting, your efforts were appreciated.

Thank you to our Fun Run coordinators and staff for ensuring a safe and enjoyable event for everyone. Keep up the great work as we look forward to the upcoming Care Carnival in Week 8!

A list of results and gallery of images features in our Sports Section below.

Bond University Extension Program

Earlier this term, a group of our Year 12 students participated in the Bond University Business School Extension Program on the Gold Coast. Led by academic mentors, this program complements their Business and Mathematics studies, encouraging real-world thinking and collaboration.

The experience has supported our students’ subject preparation and expanded their learning opportunities. Outstanding participants may also be considered for scholarships or early university offers. We are proud of all students who attended and who represented our school and community with distinction. You can read more in our Outside the Classroom section, which includes both a student and teacher reflection.

Push for a Better Future

Proserpine State High School proudly supports our Year 12 student Savannah Lamont and Year 11 student Tyler Hicks, who are leading this year’s Push for Better campaign to raise awareness for positive mental health.

We invite our entire school community to join this important cause. Whether you're a student, staff member, or community supporter, you can contribute by registering to participate or making a donation.

Remember, you don't have to do push-ups during the challenge, with many people choosing squats, lunges and even shuttle runs instead.

Visit the Push for Better website to register or donate by clicking this link. Together, let’s push for a better tomorrow!

Attendance – Every Day Counts

Throughout the year, parents and caregivers will receive regular updates regarding student attendance. Letters congratulating students who meet our target of 95% attendance will be sent home each term, while tailored communication and support will be offered to students falling below the target.

While illness is a valid reason for absence, data shows a concerning rise in unexplained absences. Research consistently confirms that regular attendance is essential for academic success. If you require support regarding your child’s attendance, please reach out to the school if you require assistance.

What Parents Can Do:

•  Discuss the importance of daily school attendance and set high expectations.
•  Help your child maintain routines, complete homework, and get enough rest. Teenagers are recommended to have 8–9 hours of sleep per night.
•  Avoid scheduling non-urgent appointments during school hours.
•  Plan family holidays during school breaks to minimise missed learning.
• · Encourage your child to attend school even when they have an assignment due - school attendance should be the priority.
•  Use assessment planners to help your child manage their workload and avoid last-minute stress.

New record recorded at Fun Run Cross Country 

On the 6^th of May, students pounded the footpaths around Proserpine in our annual school Fun Run Cross Country. 

All students participated with a positive attitude and took on the 4km course as fast as they were able. As students crossed the finish line, they earned points towards our Cross Country Shield and House Cup. Oxley House finished in first position, Flinders second, Kennedy third and Cook fourth. Overall, we saw the vast majority of students running and or walking the course, with sunny weather and a cool breeze making the course enjoyable.

The fastest female and fastest overall competitor was 13 year old, Shailee Mewha with a time of 13 mins 14 seconds and the fastest male time was Fyn Gunn in 13 mins 48 seconds. Well done to you both!

Our Age champions were:

The Whitsunday Cross Country trials will be held in Collinsville on the 16^th May. Thank you to all those who helped make the event a success for our students!

Four teams represent school at Vicki Wilson Cup

Congratulations to all students who competed in our four teams at the Vicki Wilson Netball Cup in Mackay last week.

It was great to see all divisions represented with our largest group to date. This included our first boys team in the competition.

The effort and behaviour of our students was impressive all day, and it was exciting to see so many students proud to represent our school.

All 4 teams played competitively, with our the Junior A girls team lead by Ella Gosney having some very close games, beating Moranbah and Mackay State High, only loosing to the winning side by 3 goals. Our students are to be congratulated on their efforts as the strongest team Proserpine State High School has seen to date.  

Thank you to our Year 9 student Charlee Borman, alongside Bianca Sturma, Marteaka Hoffman, and Kasey Morrison from Whitsunday Netball Association who assisted with umpiring on the day. Further thanks to our coaches Miss Shields, Miss Corner and Mrs Smith who assisted the teams on the day and ran training sessions in the lead up.

Netball continues to be held in our Multi Purpose Hall on Tuesday and Friday lunchtimes, alongside some more inter-school matches with St Catherine's Catholic College and Bowen State High School this term.

Kicking goals at Whitsunday Futsal Championships

Our girls competed on Thursday recording the same results and unfortunately going down in the grand final to Mirani State High School. Mr Philipson and Mrs Smith praised our students' sportsmanship and skills, with Samuel Frumento, Nicholas Moranino, Nicholas Philipson, Sarah Chilton and Lauren Wark selected to go on to play in Brisbane later this year. Well done to you all on these excellent results!

Success at football trials in Term 2

Congratulations to our students Nate Sheather, Charlie Leeder and Fletcher Kennedy who trialled in the U12 Division at the North Queensland rugby league trials in Ayr two weeks ago. All three students played well over the two days against 100 students from across the region. Both Nate and Charlie were selected for the team of 17 to travel to Mt Isa in June for the State Championships. Well done boys!

Congratulations to our students who represented our school at the Under 15 rugby union trials, with Taj Bacon, Lachlan Holroyd and Blair Kellner making it into the CQ Bushrangers team.

 

Duo represent at water polo state championships

Congratulations to our senior students Tiana Bell and Jai Dennison who represented our school at the Northern Region at the State Championships for water polo on the Sunshine Coast last weekend.

Tiana said a highlight from the event was the team bonding with the Northern Girls team and finishing second in their plate division and sixth overall. 

Strong representation at state Volleyball champs

Congratulations to our students Donovan Pettiford, Chris Townsend, Lillian Kelly, Dash Turner, and Elin Zimmerli who represented our school with the U16-19yrs Northern Region Volleyball at the State Championships in Brisbane last weekend.

Justice in Session - Our Day at Mackay Courthouse

Year 11 Legal Studies and Year 12 Social and Community studies students adventured to Mackay to visit the Magistrates and District Courts last week.  It was a chaotic day in court, but we heard some cracking cases involving stolen iPhones and scooters, assault, wilful damage and the possession and supply of drugs. One defendant who linked in from prison even swore at the judge and refused to speak.

“As someone who has never been to court before, I found the excursion fascinating and eye opening to the fast-paced environment and the variety of cases that are heard on a daily basis’. – Eve Wallis. 

We were also able to watch the start of a trial about stolen goods, where the defendant was self- represented. We were able to see constables from crime squads be questioned and see their body cam footage. The slow and often disjointed procedure of the trial raised questions about equal access to justice in our legal system and whether it truly exists.

Magistrate Dwyer then closed court to have a personal session with our students where we were able to try on his wig and robes and explore around the courtroom, including a look at the holding cells. Magistrate Dwyer opened up about his experiences as a both a judge and barrister and informed us that domestic violence and drugs are the biggest issues facing our society today.

“I enjoyed our session with Magistrate Dwyer when he explained how a trial is held and conducted a mock trial in his court. He talked about his experiences as a judge and a barrister and gave us an inspiring chat about ensuring we can be positive citizens to our local community." – Aisling Barrett

‘I found our trip to court very educational by showing us how the court system works. A highlight was the tour of the court room and seeing the holding cells which tunnel underneath to the watchhouse." – Natalie Cooper

Students extend their business knowledge at Bond

Eight of our students had the unique opportunity to attend the inaugural Bond University Extension Program on the Gold Coast, immersing themselves in university life and tackling real-world business challenges. Over two intensive days, they stepped out of their comfort zones to complete university-level assessments in entrepreneurship, finance, and marketing.

Working alongside peers from different schools across the country, our students formed new connections, built confidence, and developed their leadership skills as they pitched innovative tourism ideas designed to boost the Gold Coast economy. Many overcame initial nerves to take charge in their teams—leading discussions, making key decisions, and presenting their ideas with professionalism and creativity.

This unforgettable experience gave our regional students a taste of what university life has to offer, reassuring them that there is no challenge too big when they work together and believe in themselves. Students were graded on their assessments over the two days and have the opportunity to receive early entry and scholarships based on their performance. We wish them all the best of luck!

Year 10 Geography excursion inspires change

Our Year 10 Geography students explored Dingo Beach in Week 2 as part of their Environmental Change and Management Unit.  The weather was magical and our students were able to see natural areas, revegetated areas and developed areas of land.  Back at school, students are preparing a geographic report to detail their observations and make recommendations on the future environmental management of the area.  The major focusses of their recommendations will centre around the new and old swimming enclosure, the park area, marine debris and the boat ramp.  Our students enjoyed their day out of the classroom and could make some strong connections with their local environment.

Students brush up on maritime safety

Many families who live in the Whitsundays enjoy heading out on a boat for fishing or leisure be it up rivers and creeks, around the Whitsunday islands or out to one of the many reefs. On Monday, a group of our students participated in a hands-on information and education session hosted by Maritime Safety Queensland (MSQ) to help reduce marine incidents.

MSQ Marine Officers Tristan Carlson and Chris Reinbott were joined by Whitsunday Water Police Senior Constable Stacey Van Der Zwan helped our students brush up on boating legislation and how to correctly store, service, wear, use and dispose of safety equipment.

They re-enacted real life scenarios and took home information packs to help them prepare for their next trip out on the water. Thank you to our guests for sharing their time and knowledge and to our Senior Schooling Team for organising the opportunity!

Fyn makes podium at National Hard Enduro Series

After years of grit, training, and relentless passion for the sport, our Year 12 student Fyn Gunn kicked off the 2025 National Hard Enduro Series with a bang—claiming 2nd place in the Expert Class at Round 1. Held on April 26–27 near Corryong, Victoria, this race was a true test of endurance, skill, and mental toughness, which Fyn was able to overcome.

To set the scene, Corryong is nestled in the foothills of the Snowy Mountains—2,100 kilometres away from home, and just getting there was a mission in itself. But the real challenge lay ahead: two days of brutal racing that pushed every rider to their absolute limits.

Over six hours on the bike, Fyn faced relentless terrain. The course looped through 12-25 kilometres of extreme off-road sections, featuring rock gullies, near-vertical climbs, technical downhills, and everything in between. The total elevation gain? A staggering 7,400 meters. Every meter climbed is earned with sweat and skill.

For those unfamiliar, hard enduro is not your average off-road event. It’s a discipline where riders must complete as many laps as possible in the shortest time through terrain that seems designed to break both bike and rider. It's a mental and physical battle—and that’s exactly why Fyn loves it.

Reaching the podium didn’t happen overnight. It’s been a journey of blood, sweat, and tears, driven by a love for dirt bikes that started when he was a kid. The tougher the trail, the longer the ride, the bigger his grin. Over the last five years, Fyn competed in numerous national hard enduro rounds, often traveling the country with his Dad.

"It’s a huge commitment—not just in time but financially too. We’ve spent tens of thousands of dollars chasing this dream," Fyn said.

But results come from preparation. For the past three years, Fyn has trained year-round, riding three times a week and hitting the gym five days a week with a mix of cardio and strength training.

"It’s a grind, but one that’s built not only my physical resilience but my mental toughness—qualities that proved vital on that punishing Victorian course," he said.

"Hard enduro has given me more than just racing—it’s given me a space to disconnect from everything else. When I’m out there, the only thing that matters is the next obstacle, the next line, the next climb. There’s freedom in that focus, and it’s why I keep coming back."

Fyn is stoked to start the 2025 season with a podium in the Expert Class and is already looking ahead to Round 2 in Esk, just four weeks away.

This year he is competing in the National Hard Enduro Series in expert class an open class with 70+ competitors.

Try-A-Trade

A group of our Year 10 students were provided an inside look at two different industries on our Try a Trade Bus Tour two weeks ago. Our students engaged with a range of trades people in their real work environment seeing first-hand what their jobs entail and were able to speak with employees about what businesses are looking for with apprentices. We extend our thanks to Red Emperor Constructions and Whitsunday Transit for working in partnership to provide this valuable experience for our students and for sharing their knowledge on the day.

Link & Launch

If you find yourself not knowing how to take the next step into study or work, Link and Launch can help. Call or text our Link and Launch Coordinator Shelley Simpson on 0467 858 781 to get started.  #linkandlaunch