From Our Classrooms
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
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 13th and Wednesday 14th 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.
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.
