SECONDARY NEWS
FROM THE HEAD OF SECONDARY
This week is Volunteers Week, which shines a light on the selfless efforts of individuals who give their time, skills, and compassion to support our school and make a positive impact on the lives of our students. Our rich co-curricular programs and heavily supported by volunteers and the basic premise of giving back is constantly role modelled to our students. I want to extend my sincere thanks to all our volunteers for countless hours of service you provide to our school community.
On Wednesday this week, our amazing Year 10 Hospitality class under the tutelage of Ms Kennelley and Ms Olsen participated in Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea. The food was divine, the students did an incredible job catering for such a large number of hungry secondary students.
Several students also participated in the State finals of the State da Vinci Decathlon this week at Brisbane Boys College. This competition saw our teams compete against the very best in the state and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments.
Today, Grammar hosted for the first time the RoboCup, which saw 150 students compete in the Robot-sumo competition. which sees robotic competition inspired by traditional sumo wrestling. Congratulations to Mr Justin Pembroke for organising such an incredible event for our students.
Subject Selection Expo
I would like to remind families that next Tuesday, 27 May, is our Secondary Subject Information Expo. The purpose of the Expo is to assist students and their parents in making appropriate decisions about subject choices. We look forwardto seeing you in the Grammar Hall next week.
Staff Spotlight
Congratulations to secondary teacher Melissa Barber, who was recently named in The Educator's Top Teachers and Educators in Australia Under 35 report, and is one of 50 dedicated educators to be recognised nationally. Mrs Barber is a Highly Accomplished Mathematics Teacher, Head of the Bradman Bulldogs and is an integral part of our teaching staff here at Grammar.
Mr Darren MacLeod-Paterson
Head of Secondary
FROM THE HUMANITIES DEPARTMENT
Earlier this month, Year 8 Geography classes spent a day at Buddina and Maroochydore, conducting fieldwork on the beach and investigating coastal management processes. They completed field sketches, measured longshore drift and constructed beach profiles and were able to observe the council’s sand management techniques at the mouth of the Maroochy River.
The students conducted themselves with great maturity and enjoyed being out in the field to see Geography in action!
Year 10 Geography students travelled to Wynnum recently, where we met with Aimee from the Moreton Bay Environmental Centre, ready for a day on the water to study the impact of plastic pollution on Moreton Bay.
We boarded the Inspiration and then carried out fieldwork activities to collect data about marine debris using a plankton trawl. Samples were then studied under microscopes in order to identify species and look for evidence of microplastics. We also spent time on the Wynnum foreshore conducting a rubbish audit, with the data collected contributing towards a larger study of marine debris within Moreton Bay.
Students have begun working on field reports, which make use of the observations and data collected on the excursion. These reports will contribute to their Semester Two result for Geography.
Thanks go to Ms Layla Bahgat, the students’ teacher, for her assistance in organising the excursion and her involvement and leadership on the day.
Gemma Cardillo
Head of Humanities
FROM THE PATHWAYS DEPARTMENT
The Pathways Hub is your one-stop resource for all things careers, university, and post-school opportunities. Whether you’re considering university, a gap year, or exploring work experience options, the Pathways Hub offers everything you need to plan your next steps with confidence.
Within the Pathways Hub, you’ll find:
- University Open Day Guide
- University Early Entry Guide
- Gap Year Guide
- Entry to Medicine Guide
- Work Experience Guide
- Pathways to Power Engineering Guide
- Change of Preference Guide
- School Leavers Toolkit
These guides are packed with useful information, all available to view and download on the Careers & Pathways GECO pages.
To get started, simply click the ‘Pathways Hub’ tile at the top of the Careers & Pathways homepage:
You can also stay up-to-date with opportunities by scanning the news feed for the latest updates, or sign up for the Study Work Grow weekly newsletter to receive job spotlights and news straight to your inbox.
Visit the Pathways Hub today for all the resources you need to make informed decisions about your future!
Reminder: Ready to Kick-Start Your Career Journey?
Are you 14 years or older and looking to secure a successful work experience placement during the school holidays? The Work Experience Checkpoints tool is here to guide you every step of the way! This handy PDF graphic includes all the essential links and forms you need, along with key details about the Work Experience Preparation (WEP) Program, ensuring you stay on track and ready for your placement.
Parents and Guardians
This tool is a great way to support your child in meeting deadlines, staying organised, and preparing for the next steps in their career journey. Help them gain valuable experience that will develop key skills for their future.
Wanda Hayes
Head of Pathways and Partnerships