Mareeba SHS Newsletter - Term 2, Week 7

Principal Update

Introducing Mr Regan Gant                                  Mareeba State High School Principal

I am excited to introduce myself as the new principal of Mareeba State High School. I look forward to bringing my over 30 years of experience in education (26 in school leadership), including roles as a teacher, deputy principal, and principal to the school. Over the last three years I have been principal of Roma State College a P-12 college in the township of Roma in the Darling Downs South West region.

My focus at Mareeba will be a student-centred approach, a dedication to academic excellence, and strong commitment to building a supportive school community and pathways for our students. Our goal is to provide each student with a pathway for personal success and achievement that continues in their life beyond school guided by our school vision to develop quality education through a partnership of staff, students, family and the community. We aim to help students develop as independent life-long learners, who are morally and socially responsible, employable, and capable of making a positive contribution to our changing society.

I am honoured to join the Mareeba State High School community. I can see that this school has a proud history of academic achievement and school spirit. I look forward to working with our amazing students, dedicated staff, and involved families to build on that tradition and take it to the next level.

In his first few weeks, my plans are to meet with students and staff, visit classrooms, and reach out to community and families to learn more about the school and discuss our future work together.

I look forward to meeting you and working with you.

Yours in Education

Regan Gant 

Principal

Deputy Principal - Senior Pathways Update

Hello Mareeba State High Community, 

This term is flying by so quickly.

This week we held the Parents and Pathways evening in the Hall – this evening brought together training providers and vocational education and training experts to share their knowledge. We would like to thank Michael Goodrich from the regional pathways project team who coordinated this informative evening.

Next week (June 14th) our year 12’s will be participating in their Senior Formal at the Mareeba International Club. Our school staff team led by the Year 12 Coordinator Ms Stankovich and Ms Lambert along with the Year 12 Formal Committee are organising all aspects of this event to ensure its success. I am looking forward to witnessing the Hollywood glam of the night.

Year 12 ATAR eligible students have been issued with their QTAC preference books to prepare for their applications for University in 2026. Further student and parent information sessions will be held later this term and early Term 3.

Since our last newsletter we have said farewell to two key staff in the senior school space, and I would like to acknowledge and thank Ms Kellie Doeblien and Ms Pammy Collett-Dyer for their commitment to our senior school. Ms Doeblien our VET Coordinator has been instrumental in supporting students with their School Based Apprenticeship’s and our work experience program. Her valued expertise in these areas is missed but we wish her all the very best for her new adventures.

Ms Collett- Dyer has been our HOD of Senior Schooling for the past 12 months, in that time she has impacted positively on many students supporting them towards their future pathways. She has supported staff in the senior school space, I wish her every success at her new school.

Lastly, as we approach the end of term assessment pressure on students around their learning can become a challenge. I encourage students to seek support from their teachers and if there are other factors impacting on their capacity to complete assessment that they speak with their parent or myself or teacher at school for advice.

If a student is absent from an assessment, a medical certificate must be provided to support any request from an extension or to re-sit a missed exam. Any questions regarding this, please don’t hesitate to contact the school.

Keep smiling

Lesa Moro

Deputy Principal - Senior Pathways 

Deputy Principal - Educational Support Services

Hi Parents, Carers and Students,

It is hard to believe we are already in Week 7 of Term 2,2025. Many students are involved in completing their assessments and the Year 10 students were able to do work experience. For a student in mainstream this can be a rewarding opportunity, however when you have a disability the process can be overwhelming.

In the Education Support Services faculty, Staff support students to be successful in preparing themselves to become work ready. Discussions occur before the experience, so they feel secure and confident in entering a workplace. The major aims of inclusion in schools are to provide an equitable and quality education for all students in the core areas of language, literacy and numeracy and develop individual strengths, work at a level of optimal challenge, and foster a feeling of belonging.

One of the students Jonathan Corbett completed work experience with the Maintenance/groundsman Lenny at MSHS. Jonathan developed work skills in arriving on time, following directions, dismantling structures and assisting in preparing the oval for the end of term Athletics carnival. Our team would like to acknowledge the support and guidance that Lenny provided and most importantly his patience. Jono was also supported daily by Juanita O’Brian, an ESS teacher aide.

Over the weekend MSHS students performed with Mareeba Primary School (MPS) in the CGEN Choir at the 2025 Dimbulah Lions Festival. Thank-you for the parents, carers and support staff who assisted on the night. Many of the students are in the MPS Auslan choir. Without the guidance that the ESS team receive daily from parents and carers our work would be quite challenging. As a team we display the 4 Ps of Inclusion and Diversity: - Being Present, Proactive, Persistent and Passionate.

Enjoy the amazing weather that Mareeba is experiencing presently and if you have any concerns, please contact the Staff at the Education Support Services faculty.

Take care,

Ann-Maree Fewtrell 

Deputy Principal - Educational Support Services 

Student Jonathan and Groundsman Lenny worky

Head of Department - HPE

District Cross Country Carnival Results 

Mareeba SHS Term 2 Sporting Update – Weeks 8–10

As Term 2 wraps up, it's an exciting time for sport at Mareeba SHS!

• Week 8: The Staff vs Students Volleyball Match will be hosted by our enthusiastic Sports House Captains and organised by Mr Hodges. Come along for some great energy and friendly competition.
• Week 9: The Karyn Murphy Cup for Years 9–12, coordinated by Miss Stanley, is just around the corner. Final team numbers are due end of Week 7!! – don’t miss out!
• Week 10: A House Sporting Event kicks off in Week 10, with nominations for Track and Field Athletics opening on Monday. This leads into our major athletics event – the Mareeba SHS Track and Field Carnival – an exciting opportunity for students to show their speed, strength, and spirit.

Upcoming Competitions (Team Finalisations Needed):

• Karyn Murphy Cup (Yr 9–12) – Final numbers due this week (Miss Stanley)
• Marlin Coast Netball - Fowler's Group Carnival – Early Term 3. Final numbers due end of Week 8 to Miss Stevenson in N Block
• FNQ School Futsal Titles – Early Term 3 (Mr Deighton). Final numbers due to Mr Deighton in D Block end of Week 8
• FNQ Senior Volleyball Schools Cup – Week 1, Term 3 (Ms Savage & Mr Walton). Final numbers due to Mr Walton and Ms Savage by end of Week 8

Please make sure you confirm your participation with the relevant teachers before the deadlines. Let’s finish the term strong and get ready for more sporting action in Term 3!

Leonard Hodges 

Head of Department - HPE 

Upcoming Events - Save the Date

News from Chappy Bec

Cycle for Hope 2025 is done!

I’m so grateful to say that I was able to ride 66km of the 86km. Additionally, we have met and exceeded the initial target of $1000 for the school chaplaincy service at @ Mareeba State High School, raising almost $2000!.

Big thank you to all the wonderful people who generously donated and encouraged me along this journey.

The feeling of accomplishment (along with a bit of muscle pain 😅) that I feel today was worth it.

If you want to join me next year in riding or volunteering for the event, please let me know. It was a really fun day with lots of great people!

Thanks again

Chappy Bec

Photos! Good News and Our Achievements

National Indigenous Engineering Summer School                  By student Harry Sullivan 

I had the opportunity to travel to Canberra to experience university life in the Engineering field at the Australian National University.  This three-day live-in program included hands-on engineering activities such as solar car development, developing concepts and prototypes; discussions and mentoring with ANU engineering students and academics and participating in design challenges led by Engineers without Borders.

The highlights for me during the program were completing a group task with Josh and Tyson, to generate, design and produce a farm gate coded sensor pad. As well as this I gained an understanding of engineering with water including testing water velocity and the process of water filtration to purify water.

This course has helped me to realise that going to university is achievable and has helped me to set goals for future study.

Harry Sullivan

Photos by student Harry Sullivan

Well done Esther Cousley!

Esther was named in the Queensland team (shadow squad) at the State Football Championships from the 16-19 May 2025 at the Gold Coast. 

Esther's team coach Martin Fehlberg was extremely pleased with Esther’s performance and her leadership.

Congratulations Ava!!!

Ava has been selected, with a standout application, to attend the Spark Engineering Camp in  Brisbane 2025!

Spark Engineering Camp is an exciting program run by Youth Without Borders, which aims to educate students in years 10-12 on pathways to further education in STEM related fields and inspire students to reach their full potential.

This is an opportunity to explore and navigate the wild world of Engineering & Science within a tertiary education setting, alongside other bright ‘Sparks’ from across Australia.

Minister for Education’s Ministerial Student Advisory Council meeting in Brisbane

MSHS Student, Tashi Maxwell participated in the Minister for Education’s Ministerial Student Advisory Council meeting in Brisbane on Friday 28 March, 2025.

The Ministerial Student Advisory Council (MSAC) has operated since 2018 with representative students from state and non-state schools across Queensland. MSAC provides Queensland school students with the opportunity to speak directly with the Minister for Education and the Arts about a range of education matters.

The advisory council provides the opportunity for students across Queensland to share their perspectives on important education matters and the impact of broader issues on learning.

The advisory council:

• provides advice, feedback and shares views on critical and emerging issues for Queensland school students
• considers expert presentations and provides advice on implications for Queensland students
• provides suggestions on current strategies and possible future actions to address emerging issues
• provides student views on current and future policy and practice.

The council is chaired by the Minister for Education and consists of a group of 18 students from state and non-state schools across Queensland.

The Council’s feedback regarding the anti-bullying campaign was invaluable and will be considered in the future development of strategies on these matters.

Tablelands Moot Court Competition 

Tuesday, 20 March 2025

Moot Court is a mock court at which students from schools across the Tablelands argue imaginary cases. 

To celebrate Law Week, this year’s moot court involved Mareeba SHS and Malanda SHS arguing a criminal matter at the Mareeba Magistrates Courthouse in front of Magistrate Priestly.  The prosecution’s role, played by Malanda SHS students, was to prove beyond reasonable doubt that our client was guilty of committing an assault against a shop steward.  After a tense, and toughly fought out legal battle, the defence team of Mareeba SHS was successful in having their client acquitted.  Not only did the team win the case and take home the Apels Solicitors Perpetual Trophy, but Defence Counsel Aaron Frangos was awarded Best Counsel, and star witness Keoni Whiteside took out the Best Witness Award.  The team has put in a huge amount of work in preparation, with a special thank you to team mentors, Nicola Sharples and Sgt Debra Nagy, for their time, invaluable help and support.  The students all agreed that this was a challenging but valuable experience. 

Darren Jones

Head of Department - English and Social Sciences

PPEP Talk is coming to Mareeba SHS on                Tuesday, 10 June 2025 for year 10 students. 

The Periods, Pain and Endometriosis Program (PPEP Talk®) is an initiative of the Pelvic Pain Foundation of Australia (PPFA). This program is for all students, girls and boys. 

Parents of year 10 students please see your emails for further information. 

Congratulations Travis on your school-based apprenticeship with Eclipse Fabrication 

News from Mareeba Netball featuring our students 

Over the May Long weekend Bayleah, Lexi and Teagan from Mareeba Netball participated in the Queensland Country Carnival held in Townsville.

Over 60 teams from regional Queensland (and one team from the Northern Territory) participated in the event.

Mareeba Netball entered a team into both the 14U and 16U division.  Each of our teams played a total of ten modified games over the two-day carnival, ultimately winning five of their games.

Our teams played to the best of their ability, they should be proud of themselves and the way they represented Mareeba Netball

The safety, health and wellbeing of all children who attend education and care services is a priority. Now is the time to have your say on options to improve child safety in the education and care sector. Consultation is open until 11 June 2025.

Everyone is encouraged to give feedback, especially educators, staff and volunteers, as well as families, parents and carers (and their children). Click here for the parent, carer and family survey.

 Visit https://content.deloitte.com.au/ChildSafetyReview for more information.

2025 National Excellence in Teaching Awards.

Nominate an outstanding educator for the 2025 National Excellence in Teaching awards. These awards recognise inspirational, talented and committed teachers who make a significant impact on their students, school and community. Winners will receive a $5,000 or $10,000 professional development grant. Nominations close 27 June.

Parentline service supporting parents and carers

Parentline is a free, confidential counselling service available for all Queensland parents and carers.

If you need support navigating challenging situations, Parentline offers qualified counsellors who can help with expert advice, emotional support and referrals when needed.

Parentline’s services include:

• practical parenting resources on their website

• live webchat with professional counsellors

• phone support for immediate assistance (1300 30 1300)

• the option to pre-book ongoing sessions with the same counsellor

• online counsellor-facilitated parenting forums for shared support

• referrals to other family support services when additional help is needed.

Visit their website (parentline.com.au) for more information or give them a call on 1300 30 1300.

News from the P&C Association

P&C meetings are held every second Wednesday of the month, during school terms.

The next meeting will be held at 5:30pm Wednesday, 11 June 2025, in the Q Block Common Room.

We hope to see you there.

Science with Mr Richardson

Rotary Field Days Excursion 

Students from Years 9 to 12 at Mareeba State High School attended the Rotary Field Day, where they explored the wide variety of career opportunities available within the agricultural industry in our region. As part of the experience, each student interviewed a stallholder to learn about specific career options, the training and qualifications required, and the main roles and responsibilities of the career. The event offered hands-on displays, expert advice, and real-world insights, helping students better understand the diverse pathways available in agriculture and related industries. A big thank you to Rotary and all participating organisations for providing such a valuable learning opportunity and to the Year 11UQ Science Ambassadors for helping out.

Rotary Field Days

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Year 11 Aquatic Practices Students Learn to Fillet Barramundi

Year 11 Aquatic Practices students recently had the opportunity to learn the valuable skill of filleting barramundi. This hands-on lesson was made possible thanks to the generous support of Trevor from GBR Tackle and Bait, who kindly donated his time, fresh barramundi and filleting equipment for the session.

Students were taught the correct techniques for safely and efficiently filleting fish. The class was highly engaged throughout the activity, showing genuine enthusiasm and care as they developed their skills.

We would like to extend a massive thank you to Trevor from GBR Tackle and Bait for his generosity and support of our Aquatic Practices program. 

Filleting Fish with Trevor from GBR Tackle & Bait

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School Information

Year 7 and 10 Tablelands Immunisation Program

Please return completed forms to Q Block by Tuesday, 22 April 2025. The program will visit the school on the below dates: 

Visit 1:    Monday 12/05/2025 vaccinating: Year 10 Female and Male students - Meningococcal ACWY & Meningococcal B dose 1

Visit 2:    Monday 28/07/2025 vaccinating: Year 7 Female and Male students – HPV (9v) dose 1 & dTpa dose 5. Catch –up for students new to the school or who missed the first-round vaccinations.

Visit 3:    Monday 20/10/2025 vaccinating: Year 10 Female and Male students- Meningococcal B dose 2. Catch –up for students new to the school or who missed previous vaccinations.

Community News

2025 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey

All Year 12 completers from last year will soon receive an invitation to participate in the Next Step survey. This is their chance to help our school to understand the different pathways of the 2024 Year 12 students and to improve our senior programs and supports for future students. The survey only takes five minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school.

As a thank you for participating, Year 12 completers who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win a MacBook Air.

We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. If their contact details have changed, please assist survey interviewers by providing their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone.

For more information about Next Step, including previous results, visit http://www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.

Legal Aid Queensland offers a free disaster legal help service for anyone affected by natural disasters like floods or cyclones. The service can assist with legal issues such as insurance claims, housing, financial hardship, family law and more.

If you or someone you know needs support, call 1300 527 700.

Free resources are also available on the Legal Aid Queensland website: www.legalaid.qld.gov.au.