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Heatley Secondary College respectfully acknowledges the Wulgurukaba and Bindall people, the Aboriginal Owners of the land where we learn every day and pays respects to Elders, past, present and emerging, for they hold the memories, traditions, cultures and hopes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the state.
A better understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures develops an enriched appreciation of Australia's cultural heritage and can lead to reconciliation.
This is essential to the maturity of Australia as a nation and fundamental to the development of an Australian identity.
WINNERS ARE GRINNERS
There is an old African proverb that goes something like this….
“If you want to go FAST….. go alone
If you want to go FAR……go together”
Heatley Secondary College shines in many aspects of school success but it has been particularly gratifying this term to witness three of our teams come out on top in areas which require academic rigour, innovation, strategic thinking, persistence and team work.
I would like to congratulate our junior ATSIAP team who will go on to represent the region at the State Finals next term….. And …..
Our CHESS CHAMPIONS who won the overall regional chess tournament very recently defeating both state school and private school counterparts in a nail biting but determined finish…. And …....
Our MINECRAFT team of seven highly motivated and dedicated students who experienced national success over the weekend defeating many schools from all over Australia and will now go into the Grand Final (possibly in Melbourne).
These wins were not accidental. They require commitment to turning up in lunch times and sometimes after school to practise and develop skills as a team. They also require resilience. The road to victory is very much paved with some setbacks which I’m sure these amazing students can testify to but it is the persistence and humility of our teams which has brought them success in the end.
I must also thank the teachers involved in these events. Miss Lea and Mr Giles and Ms Rutherford give up their time and energy to coach, mentor, organize and generally champion these students in their endeavours.
Soooo Heatley proud. Love your work guys!
SO CLOSE … AND YET SO FAR!
Seniors take note… but this is also a reminder to all students that it’s easy to think you are “over the line” and in a winning position when, out of the blue, something happens that knocks you backwards.
Now is not the time to take your foot off the pedal. Now is the time to focus and push through until the very last second.
Lastly, have a well deserved and relaxing break everyone. We look forward to seeing all of our students back on deck on TUESDAY OCTOBER 7, ready for all the highlights of term 4.
Signing off for term 3 with kind regards,
Melissa
Book Week 2025
Week 6 was a busy and exciting time in the library as we celebrated books, reading, and writing.
In Den classes, students took part in a series of book challenges. In the end, there could only be one winner—or rather, two, from both junior and senior classes. The junior prize went to ME9B – congratulations to Mr Hicks and his class! Honourable mentions go to LA7A and LA7B, who were close behind. For the senior Den, CL12A with Miss Grogan took the win, with LA11B not far behind. A big thank you to all staff and students who enthusiastically participated in the challenges.
At lunchtime, students enjoyed a variety of activities, including book cover puzzles, library treasure hunts, bookmark colouring, beaded bookmark making, watching films based on books, and our very first Book Club. Each participant received a prize for joining in. The library was buzzing with conversations about stories, authors, and favourite reads.
And don’t forget—students can borrow up to three books at a time! Over Term 3, we’ve added a range of new titles to the shelves after listening to student suggestions. Make sure to stop by and borrow something new for your holiday reading.
From the Library team
ATSIMS Program Commencement Excursion 
On Wednesday 23July, Declan Caulton, Ashton Smallwood, Justina Appiah-Brenyah, Rylee Shepherd and Oriana Mosca were accompanied by Miss Lea and Mrs Darby to attend the ATSIMS Program Commencement excursion.
The students participated in the official launch of ATSIMS program at JCU’s Bebegu Yumba (Townsville) campus, Welcome to Country spoken by Bindal Traditional Owner and Smoking Ceremony. Representatives of JCU’s College of Science & Engineering and ATSIMS staff presented further welcome addresses. The Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority: Reef Education team led several workshops including Turtle Identification, Eye on the Reef Rapid Monitoring and a yarning session focused on career pathways.
ATSIMS Ranger Day Excursion 
The next part of the ATSIMS program was the Ranger Day which was held on Tuesday 29July where students Declan Caulton, Justina Appiah-Brenyah and Rylee Shepherd participated in Care for Country on the lands and seas of our local regional areas including North, North-West and South of Townsville. This was hosted by our partnering Ranger groups, Gudjuda Reference Group Aboriginal Corporation and the Yunbenun Land and Sea Rangers. Students were able to learn more about and be immersed in some of the important roles and responsibilities they fulfil in their day-to-day work and explore future career pathways.
North Queensland Constitution Convention for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Students 
On Thursday 31July Lilly MacGregor, Oriana Mosca, Justina Appiah-Brenyah and Thelrina Akene participated in the North Queensland Constitution Convention for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students which was held at JCU. This year, Thelrina Akene seeked election as a delegate to the National Schools Constitutional Convention (NSCC) in Canberra which will be held in March next year. The team worked on a speech to address the topic selected for the Queensland convention.
A massive congratulations to Thelrina for delivering the speech and good luck in Canberra next year!
QATSIF Graduation Ceremony 
School leaders Johnnias Clarke, Mungu Toby, Micheal Choikee and Shykeya Palmer accompanied Miss Lea to JCU on Tuesday 5 August to represent Heatley Secondary College at the QATSIF Graduation Ceremony. This ceremony is an opportunity for QATSIF staff to congratulate and recognise our deadly Year 12 students for all their achievements and in particular, graduating Year 12.
Junior Secondary ATSIAP
On Thursday 14August Charlotte Pratt, Mya Freeman and Viola Ferro participated in the Junior Secondary ATSIAP Challenge for 2025. ATSIAP is an aspirant-educational program that has a long and unique history of improving educational outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in Queensland. Since its inception in 1987, this program has been one of the recognised factors in supporting the retention rates of Aboriginal students and Torres Strait Islander students. ATSIAP has not only been active in helping young people to complete twelve years of schooling but has also contributed to other areas such as increasing the competitiveness of individuals and strengthening the link between school-community.
Heatley Secondary College placed 3rd in the long-term problem solving, 3rd in the commercial and ultimately came out placing 2nd place overall. This also means Heatley Secondary College has made the State Finals for Junior ATSIAP which is held later during the year.
ATSIMS AIMS Excursion 
The next part of the ATSIMS Program was the AIMS Excursion which was held on Friday 15August where CEC Miss Lea and students Ashton Smallwood, Rylee Shepherd and Justina Appiah-Brenyah went to AIMS and connected with the Indigenous Partnerships team, exploring projects that blend traditional knowledge with marine science. The tour highlighted cutting-edge engineering and robotics in coral reef research and included the ECORRAP VR experience, which immerses participants in marine ecosystems. Finally, a visit to the National SeaSimulator showcased facilities for simulating marine environments and studying climate change and pest management. Guided by the Traditional Owner Partnerships team, this tour offered a rich blend of traditional and modern marine science.
ATSIMS Orpheus Island Excursion 
The next part of the ATSIMS Program was a 4-day excursion where CEC Miss Lea and students Ashton Smallwood, Declan Caulton, Thelrina Akene, Rylee Shepherd and Justina Appiah-Brenyah went to Orpheus Island to participate in a multi-stay field-based experience for students to connect with Manbarra & Bwgcolman Traditional Owners and representatives, Land and Sea Ranger groups, and relevant industry experts including station officers. Students were offered further opportunities to connect with and engage in relevant citizen science initiatives aimed at caring for Land and Sea Country through snorkelling, hiking and creative projects.
TRAILBLAZERS MTB CLUB
What does it mean to win? Is it a medal, being the fastest, or simply being the best? After many weekends of training, the Heatley Trailblazers MTB Club embarked on their first 8-hour endurance race, the Atherton Elev8 XCM, on the Atherton Tablelands.
We left Townsville on Thursday and camped at NRMA Atherton Tablelands Van Park. Our arrival, a bus full of teens must have been quite the sight for fellow campers!
After an evening carb-loading on pizza, the next day we pre-rode the racecourse in Atherton Forest Mountain Bike Park. Despite a burst tyre and an unexpected but somewhat graceful dismount, we made it back safely.
Post-ride, we toured the Tablelands enjoying the volcanic landscape with local guide Mr. Kinley. We had a swim at Lake Eacham before returning to camp for Heatley made spaghetti bolognaise and a hilarious card game.
RACE DAY: We were all up early for breakfast so we could get to the event on time. HSC was represented with three teams and one solo rider: Team Cubs (Sandi, Patty, Connor), Team Lions (Serg, Pip, Jaymie), Heatley Pride (Tommy, Alvin, Zannon), and Mr. Kinley racing solo. The goal was simple: complete as many laps as possible. Only one team member rides at a time, tagging the next rider after each lap.
Back to the first point. What is it to win? Is it about about medals or recognition or is it about living a wholesome life while we are here? Though none of our teams made the podium, the question remains—did we win? You decide but I say YES! Here is my evidence.
- One Trailblazer helped an elderly lady struggling to exit the pool.
- Another bought chicken nuggets for a mate who had no money.
- A rider who had a bad crash the day before still completed two laps on Race Day.
- One rider who ten weeks ago, got off and walked the small creek crossings, completed 2 laps of the XCM course. What an improvement.
- Another Trailblazer politely asked an older rider ‘Excuse me can I pass you please?' She praised his manners.
- One brought extra water and gear to support teammates and spent our whole season getting what needed to be done, done.
- Despite leg cramps, a Trailblazer forced himself across the finish line.
- One was our Mr Positive, excited for everything and up for any challenge.
- The Trailblazers helped an elderly couple set up camp before dark.
- After the race, the team packed up gear to help their exhausted teachers leave on time.
- A note left in Miss Burt’s shoe from elderly neighbours in a nearby caravan praised our group’s fun and respectful spirit.
To me, that’s what winning looks and feels like.
Our weekend mantra was, “We are All Responsible for Everything.” We came home realizing it was even bigger than that.“We are All Responsible for Everything and EVERYONE.” This experience showed true teamwork, respect, and community spirit.
A huge thank you to Miss Mel, our Youth Support Coordinator, who dedicated her weekend driving a long way from home and supporting us—welcome officially to the club! Thanks also to everyone who supported us with donations of time, food, gear, and encouragement. Special thanks to Dave Prete, ex Heatley student and race convener, for sponsoring our entry and helping our boys reach their dreams. Dave hit the trails in our Heatley Proud jersey the very next day, sending through this pic.
Building a club like ours takes time and effort, but we’re well on our way. We hope you are as proud of the Trailblazers as Miss Burt, Mr. Kinley and Miss Mel are. To our two year 12 students, Jaymie and Tommy, you led by example and you created a culture in our team of helping out without being asked and supporting your mates no matter what. We will miss you greatly.
STRIVE FOR FIVE
This term we have trialled a new initiative to encourage exceptional attendance in our Year 7 cohort. Each Wednesday students who have attended 5 out of 5 days at school receive a mini certificate to staple into their planners, as well as 20 Pride Points.
Students who achieve 100% attendance for weeks 1 to 5, or weeks 6 to 10 receive a certificate at assembly, as well as a special negotiated reward.
We congratulate this amazing group of Year 7 students who have achieved 100% attendance for weeks 1 to 5.
STELLAR 6
As part of our transition program to support our incoming Year 7 students, earlier this term we welcomed 14 Year 5 students from Heatley State School, Vincent State School and Cranbrook State School.
The visiting students created Picasso inspired masks with Ms Grogan. Excitement was enhanced with the knowledge that the students' masterpieces were displayed at the Heatley Arts at Twilight event.
Participants enjoyed the opportunity to get a taste of what high school is like. They were exposed to challenging, differentiated learning experiences that extended them beyond the normal curriculum.
Every single attendee behaved impeccably and enthusiastically participated in all opportunities as well as making new friends and building familiarity with current staff.
A huge thank you to Ms Grogan, Mrs Collard, Ms Greaney, Miss Mel, Mrs Hamilton, Mr Steele and Mrs A-T as well as our tuck shop convenors. A special thanks to the Clontarf staff who came and served lunch and played handball with our special visitors.
Saver Plus is a free, matched savings and financial education program that helps families on lower incomes build their money skills through budgeting workshops and receive up to $500 for education-related expenses.
Participants can put that money towards items such as laptops, books, uniforms, camps & excursions.
Program Highlights:
Save just $50 a month for 10 months and receive $500 matched savings
- Complete up to 10 hours of online workshops (support provided)
- Flexible start dates – join anytime
- Must hold a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card
- Income from Carer Payment, Child Support, and cash in hand is considered income.
Beyond financial support, Saver Plus fosters dignity, confidence, and long-term well-being.
Saver Plus is a funded program by Dept Social Services.
