Week 6

Wednesday 28th May - Year 11 Hospitality Coffee Delivery

Thursday 29th May - b kinder Summit (Secondary Schools), Intermediate Schools Cup Volleyball

Friday 30th May - b kinder Summit (Primary Schools), Intermediate Schools Cup Volleyball

Week 7

Monday 2nd June - Year 10 Immunisations, Mackay Gala Cricket Day - Seniors, Senior Leaders Inducted, Intermediate Schools Cup Volleyball

Tuesday 3rd June - Year 7 Deadly Choices Program

Wednesday 4th June -Year 11 Hospitality Coffee Delivery

Thursday 5th June - House Hustle

Friday 6th June - Year 10 & 11 Leadership Induction Workshop

Week 8

It's SPIRIT Week!

Monday 9th June -Mackay Gala Cricket Day - Girls, Torment A Teacher event

Tuesday 10th June - Year 7 Deadly Choices Program, Year 11 Hospitality Coffee Delivery, Battle of the Brains event

Wednesday 11th June - Senior School Parade, Team Shirt Day

Thursday 12th June - "H" Day - handshake, hug, hi-five

Friday 13th June - Care Carnival

National Reconciliation Week 

Our school is very proud of Senior Indigenous Student Leader, Tavis McDonald for delivering his powerful speech at today's Whitsunday Regional Council National Reconciliation Week event. Held at the Proserpine Entertainment Centre, Tavis addressed the theme "Bridging Now to Next", bravely outlining the history of reconciliation and sharing his goals for having the gap between First Nations and non-First Nations people closed in the near future. Congratulations Tavis on an inspirational address and your valuable contribution to our community.

Tavis was joined by Year 11 student Avalon Black-Stone raising the Aborigonal flag at the opening of the event. Thank you to all of our students who attended and represented our school along with our support staff.

See below Tavis' powerful speech he delivered.

Behaviour and Effort Awards

At Proserpine State High School, we are proud to recognise and celebrate our students who demonstrate a strong commitment to learning through our Behaviour and Effort Awards. These awards highlight not only academic dedication but also positive attitudes, perseverance, and the drive to achieve personal bests.

Gold and Silver Behaviour and Effort Awards were presented during recent assemblies, while Bronze awardees received their certificates in core classes. These recognitions reflect our school’s focus on encouraging students to engage fully in their learning and to strive towards their potential.

Our recent Behaviour and Effort Awards have placed particular emphasis on recognising outstanding attitudes to learning in the classroom and students who have demonstrated a genuine commitment to improvement. We believe that effort and attitude are key priorities of success, and we are proud to present certificates of recognition to those who model these values daily.

Congratulations to all Gold, Silver, and Bronze recipients. Their achievements are a reflection of hard work and focus on reaching their potential. They are positive role models that may inspire others across our school to make the most of every learning opportunity and continue working towards their goals.

Well done to all students — we look forward to acknowledging more excellence as the year progresses. A full gallery of awardees and list of names appears in our Year Level Coordinator section below.

Exciting Curriculum Excursions

Students continue to have their learning enhanced beyond the classroom walls through a range of curriculum-based excursions. Recently, our Year 12 students embarked on an excursion that provided them with amazing real-life learning opportunities at the Proserpine Dam.

A group of our Year 7 Science students enjoyed the day with Whitsunday Crocodile Safari exploring the Proserpine River while studying the local ecosystem first-hand. Meanwhile, our Year 10 Early Childhood Studies students have been visiting C&K Kindergarten putting their studies into practice. These excursions are more than just a “trip away” — they are valuable opportunities for students to deepen their understanding and apply classroom theory in practical settings.

Such experiences create a deeper connection to their studies and the world around them, preparing students for future academic and career pathways. My appreciation extends to the staff who made these events possible.

Vaping

At Proserpine State High School, we are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for all students. Our school has a zero-tolerance policy regarding vapes on school premises.

Vaping poses serious risks to adolescent health. Many vapes contain nicotine, a highly addictive substance that can interfere with brain development, impacting attention, learning, mood, and behaviour. Unfortunately, young people are often unaware of the dangers involved.

In line with our Student Code of Conduct policy, any student found using, possessing, or supplying vapes at school will face serious disciplinary consequences, which may include suspension. We take this matter very seriously and will continue to increase supervision and raise awareness across our school community.

Parents and carers play a vital role in helping to address this issue. We encourage you to have open and honest conversations with your child about the risks of vaping and to look out for signs that they may be using these devices. Early intervention can make a significant difference.

Queensland Health offers useful information and resources for parents, carers, and young people. You can learn more by visiting their website here.

We ask for your support in reinforcing the message that vaping is not safe and is not accepted at Proserpine State High School.

Change of local bus route

A reminder, Whitsunday Transit are no longer operating the 11:00am and 1:00pm bus services from outside our Administration Office on Ruge Street, Monday to Friday.

eLearning Update

Our final CYOD order for 2025 will close on Friday, 6 June (Term 2, Week 7). A 60% deposit or full payment is required, and the order form must be submitted to our Administration Office by this date. Order information, along with the order form, can be found on our school website under the Curriculum/eLearning tab.

Guest speaker provides valuable real estate advice

Local real estate agent, Steve Marks, visited our Year 11 Economics class on Friday providing a highly informative and valuable talk with our students. This was especially in relation to their current assignment and the real-world application of what they are learning. Steve's presentation helped connect classroom content to real-life scenarios in the property market.

One of the most useful aspects of Steve’s talk was the real data he shared, including house price trends in the Whitsundays over the past decade. This gave our students an insight into how the housing market changes over time and how different market conditions affect both buyers and sellers.

Our students enjoyed how interactive the session was and appreciated the opportunity to ask questions about Steve's experiences. His personal stories and insights into the Real Estate Industry made the information easier to understand and more relatable. Steve’s advice was helpful for both our student's assignment and future life decisions. We thank Steve for taking the time to visit our class and share his expertise.

Behaviour and Effort Awardees

Congratulations to our Year 7-9 students who were presented with their Gold, Silver and Bronze Behaviour and Effort Awards this past week. 

Year 7 Awardees

Year 8 Awardees

Year 9 Awardees

Year 7 Science enjoy Safari tour

A small group of our Year 7 Inclusive Education Science students were treated to an excursion this last week with Whitsunday Crocodile Safari on the Proserpine River. Students took prepared booklets with questions about ecosystems, predator and prey relationships, and scientific names for local wildlife species and experienced this amazing Whitsunday tourist attraction.

Our students counted and sighted more than 20 crocodiles on the tour, with 10 being extra-large in size. They even got to name a newly developed adult female crocodile giving her the name ‘Bindi’, which the tour guides will keep her name for future tours.

After a beautiful lunch our students experienced a Wetland Wagon-Train Tour where they saw lots of birdlife and discovered how the wetlands water filters into the lake underground from the Great Dividing Range. Students and teachers were amazed at all of the amazing wildlife they experienced and then returned to have billy-tea and eat damper. Our students and teachers thoroughly enjoyed the experience and thank Whitsunday Crocodile Safari for a fantastic time and educational learning experience.

Students represent in Big Science Competition

We had a group of students sit the Australian Science Innovations Big Science Competition earlier this month. Lachlan Kelly, Mackenzie Cantamessa, Katana Savill and Lawton Kelly represented our school in the online competition.

The mixed format tests assess science knowledge, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Questions are aligned with the Australian Curriculum and are set in real-life, contemporary contexts, making them relateable and interesting.

Student results are tracked individually, as a class and against state and national averages. Well done to all who participated!

Year 9 students lift the lid on World War I history 

Our school was privileged to host a World War I Memorial Box on loan from the Australian War Memorial this month. This unique resource offered our Year 9 students a powerful hands-on learning experience, deepening their understanding of the war’s personal impact. Students explored authentic replicas of soldiers’ uniforms, handwritten postcards from the front, and symbolic items such as the white feather—used to shame men not in uniform. The tactile and emotional nature of the materials brought history to life, encouraging empathy and curiosity. Engaging with these objects helped students connect more deeply with the experiences of those who served and the war’s lasting legacy on today. Thank you to our Acting Head of Humanities Ms Brigette Foot for organising this opportunity for our students.

Year 10 Science in Practice

This term, our Year 10 Science in Practice students have been investigating everyday chemistry in the Cosmetic Industry. Students have been looking specifically at bath bombs, the type of reaction required, the ingredients used, and the purpose of them to answer the question – what is the most important ingredient?

Students have been required to make many different variations, altering ingredients and the concentration levels to be able to make a scientifically informed decision. The testing process has been a lot of fun, with some extraordinary bubbling and fizzing and even a little overflow!

Sweet Vista popular with staff orders

Our Year 11 Hospitality students have started a coffee delivery service for our staff as part of their Barista Unit. They are learning how to make and deliver hot drinks providing real-life experience in making coffee, taking orders, and giving good customer service. Orders are taken via the QKR! app and delivered on Wednesday during class time. They have also been busy in our Hospitality kitchens baking complimentary biscuits to accompany their drink orders.

Our students are doing a great job and the service has been very popular. It’s a great way for them to build their skills and see what it’s like to work in the hospitality industry. Well done to all involved!

Raising the Bar - Students Shine at National Moot

Three of our Year 12 students, Callum Henry, Zachary Gould and Thalia Foster, represented our school at the prestigious Bond University National High School Mooting Competition last week.

Competing online against schools from across the country, our team stepped into the shoes of Senior Counsel, Junior Counsel and Solicitor for the Appellant in a simulated High Court appeal.

This year’s moot centred on a complex negligence case involving teenagers who drove an unregistered vehicle on a rural property while under the influence of alcohol. The scenario raised questions as to whether the parents were negligent in allowing one of the children to drive the car.

Although we did not progress to the semi-finals, our team presented a compelling case, demonstrating critical thinking and legal analysis beyond their years. Their performance was a credit to their preparation and dedication, and they made us incredibly proud!

We are looking forward to the next mooting competition with QUT in August. If your child is interested in joining our Gavel Club that offers mooting training, please get in contact with Mrs Watson (N Block staffroom) or Mrs Foot (A Block staffroom) as we are always happy to welcome more people into the club.

Students practice recipes for staff luncheon

Our Year 12 Hospitality students have been perfecting recipies as part of their Formal Dining Unit. Last week they cooked savoury recipes and this week they perfected desserts. Items on the menu included sticky date pudding, chocolate fudge cake, caramel baked apples, chocolate lava cake, marble chocolate baked cheesecake and a non-baked tim tam cheesecake. Students will be preparing a staff luncheon next term as part of their assessment using these recipes. We will be sure to keep you updated on how they go.

Days on the dam for our Aquatic Practices classes

On Tuesday the 13^th and Wednesday 14^th May our Year 12 Aquatic Practices' students participated in an excursion at the Proserpine Dam. Whilst at the dam our students conducted boating activities including man overboard drills and driving a tiller steer vessel. Our students are looking at how we manage our waterways for all recreational users such as boating, fishing and the use of other watercraft such as jet skis and water skiing. Although it was a little windy, our students enjoyed the day in the fresh air and sunshine and gained some valuable knowledge about boating on our local waterways.

Certificate students' skills shine in mock salon

Our Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics students have been enhancing their beauty skills treating our mock clients (staff) to mini facials this term. Educator, Mrs Julia Nielsen, said the mock scenarios form part of our Year 11 and 12 students' assessment, which covers retail skills such as customer service, advising clients about skin services and performing relaxing mini facials.

Later this term our students will be providing makeup sessions as they move on to the next part of the certificate course. This is the first time our school has offered the Certificate II in Retail Cosmetics, inspiring our students to pursue a career as a beautician, beauty therapist or mobile makeup artist.

Our O Block classroom has turned into a thriving beauty salon, and we would love to add some professional furniture to the room. We're putting a call out to any beauty salons who may have unwanted beauty furniture such as makeup tables, benches, beauty chairs and makeup stools to please get in touch. We would love them for our students and clients. If you can help, please call us on 4945 0111.

Students support littlest learners at Under 8's Day

We had three groups of students organise activities and host stalls at Proserpine State School's annual Big Morning Out - Under 8's Day last week. 

Our Science faculty had a fantastic time with our Year 10 Curious Minds ambassadors Mia Matthews, Abby Coghlan and Mackenzie Cantamessa getting their hands dirty helping kids explore ‘fizz reactions’, ‘ooblek’ and some of our science specimens. The primary school students were fascinated with the skeletons and body parts, and had a fantastic time exploring the sensory nature of science.

Our Early Childhood Studies students showed off their creativity painting faces all morning at their stall. Our students helped choose designs and bring them to life adding lots of colour and glitter.

Our First Nations students were set up in the Yarning Circle and were busy all morning playing games, sharing knowledge about First Nations artefacts and sharing traditional painting techniques.

Overall everyone had a great day celebrating Under 8's! A big thank you to all of our staff behind the scenes who supported our students preparing activities and assisting with set-up and pack down on the day. Thank you also to Proserpine State School for inviting us to share in the fun on the day.

Niall inspired to pursue career in Health

Our Year 12 student Niall Tomas took part in the Mackay Hospital and Health Service Careers Program earlier this month. The program is held at the Mackay Base Hospital and covers careers in medicine, nursing, allied health, social work, medical imaging and more!

Niall had to complete a 250-word essay to apply that expressed his passion for healthcare. He said a highlight from the 2-day program was meeting so many Health Industry professionals as well as the practical element of experiencing a state-of-the-art simulation of a hospital emergency department. 

Niall completed his Certificate II in Health last year and is currently completing his Certificate III. "Doing my certificates at school helps get me a foot in the door and ready for life when I graduate," he said. Great work Niall!

Fellow peers Savannah Lamont, Belle Howard and Kensa Lloyd will be attending the second program in August.

Seniors invited to Rotary Impact Seminar

Our Year 11 students Macy Werner and Danni Muller were invited to attend the Rotary District 9560 Impact Seminar at the Shute Harbour Marine Terminal earlier this month. 

Macy spoke passionately and eloquently at the seminar about her Rotary Youth Exchange experience last year, while Danni assisted with behind-the-scenes duties. Rotary Airlie Beach Secretary Merewyn Wright commented that the seminar organisers and attendees were both very pleased with the girls’ respective contributions to the seminar, and most impressed with their politeness and the way they conducted themselves during the time they were there.

Pictured are our students with Rotary District Governor Mr Andrew Gillespie and with Rotary Airlie Beach Secretary Merewyn Wright. Thank you to the Rotary Club for providing this exciting opportunity for our students to attend.

From athlete to advocate: Chloe shares her story

Australian world record English Channel swimmer and domestic violence survivor, Chloe McCardel, shared her inspiring story from athlete to advocate with our Year 12 students on Monday 26th May. 

Chloe's presentation 'Tumble Turn' covered domestic violence awareness including coercive control, with the program originally developed and delivered by the former Queensland Police Service Crime Prevention Unit.

The talk delivered a powerful message about domestic and family violence awareness, prevention, and the strength to overcome adversity. It empowered our students with practical ways to recognise the early signs of DFV, including what to do and where to get help if anyone is experiencing, witnessing or using violence.

Most importantly, the presentation was a story of hope with the overriding message that if you experience DFV or other challenges as a young person you can go on and succeed at the highest level and have positive relationships with yourself and others.

Thank you, Chloe, for speaking up and sharing your personal story with our students for the betterment of their futures and inspiring them to show courage and hope within themselves. 

Help us push for a better tomorrow!

Just over one week to go before this year's Push For Better Campaign begins! Proserpine State High School proudly supports our Year 12 student Savannah Lamont and Year 11 student Tyler Hicks, who are leading our school's efforts to raise awareness and funds for positive mental health.

We invite our entire school community to join this important cause from June 4-26. 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 the link below. Together, let’s push for a better tomorrow!

The Push-Up Challenge - Proserpine State High School https://www.thepushupchallenge.com.au/fundraisers/ProserpineStateHighSchool

SPIRIT Week coming up!

Often referred to as the best week in the school year, our annual SPIRIT Week celebrations are coming up in Week 8 this term. Our student committees have been busy behind the scenes preapring a fantastic array of activities for their peers to enjoy. See the below flyer for more information. Updates will be provided to students through morning notices.

2025_SPIRIT_Week_Flyer.pdf

2025_SPIRIT_Week_Flyer _pdf 551.77 KB

We had representatives from commodities companies BHP Group Limited and Glencore speak with our students about their various apprenticeship programs. Glencore Queensland Engineering Coordinator Training and Development, Jarryd Townsend, also shared hot tips about writing resumes, aptitude tests and application processes to help our students set themselves apart from their competitors when applying for jobs. 

Sophie from 4CYTE Pathology visited our Year 11 and 12 Certificate II and III Health Care Assistance students yesterday providing valuable information on the role of a phlebotomist - a professional responsible for collecting blood samples from patients for medical testing. A Phlebotomist's role is crucial in diagnosing diseases and conditions through laboratory analysis of blood samples. Sophie described to students what a typical day involves from obtaining blood samples, ensuring their safe delivery to laboratories, and interacting with patients. 

We appreciate all of our industry professionals sharing their valuable time and knowledge to educate our students about their career paths.

Link & Launch

If you would like support to engage in employment or training post Year 12, please contact our Link and Launch Coordinator Shelley Simpson on 0467 858 781.

#linkandlaunch