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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.
RECONCILIATION – What does it mean for you?
If you visit the AI version of the Oxford dictionary, reconciliation comes down to two parts:
- The restoration of friendly relations
- The action of making one view or belief compatible with another
I couldn’t agree more……
At Heatley Secondary College, we value both Inclusion and Respect. For our students that means we:
- Welcome and involve others
- Treat others with kindness and empathy
- Value and contribute to our diverse community
- Care for self and community
- Look after our environment
In the last week you may have noticed some happenings down the back of the school just to the side of the back carpark. This is the realisation of the Reconciliation Action Plan vision to establish a yarning space which upholds the notion of reconciliation and our beliefs about inclusion and respect. Last week we welcomed Ashley to our space to break ground and perform a smoking ceremony. As you can see from the photos, this has been a labour of love for our students, our staff, our parents, our elders and our community. There have been many, many discussions and “yarns” about the space and it’s exciting to see it finally come to fruition.
Perhaps the most exciting bit is the involvement of our kids…. Their investment in making this a reality has been phenomenal! With our NAIDOC celebrations this week, this has come at the perfect time.
DATA
Sometimes I get asked how we measure our success as a school, and every year we set targets particularly around improvement rather than an arbitrary figure for every school in Queensland. I’ll give you some examples of the ways we check how we are going:
- Level of Achievement – at the moment we are especially focussed on English particularly in our junior school, and we’ve seen some significant and sustained improvement in this area this year!
- School disciplinary absences (Suspensions and Exclusions) – Reduction of these has also been significant this year but that does not mean that we have lowered our standards. Our college has a reputation for high levels of support with high expectations. We’re holding that line!
- School Opinion Survey – If you haven’t already completed this, PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAILS. Last year, we had a disappointing 9% of parents and caregivers complete the survey. I’m hoping for a huge improvement in participants this year please.
- Attendance…Our overall attendance at Heatley SC does not change much over time. It currently sits at 75%. Our senior attendance is our best and our Year 10 attendance is our worst. My greatest concern over attendance is that there is a direct correlation between low attendance and poor outcomes and I’m sure that won’t come as a surprise to any of you.
The bottom line is, we need your kids at school everyday, ready to learn.
Melissa
HEATLEY PROUD LEARNERS
Last week we recognised students receiving Gold and Silver awards with a Red Rooster lunch.
These students consistently follow our Heatley Proud Learner expectations in class. Their effort and behaviour is to be commended.
Congratulations to everyone, who received Gold and Silver in term 2.
WELLBEING EVENTS
This term has seen multiple interactive sessions with students and teachers. Our famous 'Chappy Pancake Breakfasts' are always a treat for the students coming back to school after the school holidays and highlights the connection and community within the school. Our breakfast and lunch programs continue to provide food for those who are hungry, forgot their lunch or need something a bit extra to get them through the day. Thanks to Eat up Australia, The Lions Club and Fuel for Schools for their ongoing support.
Special Quests
In week 2, we had the Jack Beasley foundation discuss with the year 9 to 12 students "Jack's Law" and the consequences and risks of violence, particularly around the carrying of knives. Aaron Beasley the father of Jack, who died as a result of an unprovoked attack when out with friends led the presentation with the session highlighting the responsibility each person has.
JCU
In week 4, JCU came and talked with the year 8 students regarding famous faces and the study path they took to become who they are. This increased the students' awareness around what study path they may wish to consider over the next couple of years heading into senior. Year 9 students learnt about MBTI Emotional Intelligence in their session by completing the Myers Briggs personality test. This test highlights natural strengths and how these can guide someone in their decision-making and increase self-awareness of their abilities.
Following on from this, JCU will talk Career Quiz and Set Planning with the year 10 students, while the year 11 students will attend the 'You and Your Career' session that promotes student’s self-awareness, making career decisions and successful work and life choices. This session helps to identify unique personal attributes, values, and skills, and put students on the path to discover a rewarding and meaningful career in an industry where they will thrive.
Wellbeing Programs:
This term in Wellbeing, we have continued the social and emotional development of the year 8 students in the Friendship Circle and the Strength program. The Strength program aims to empower students with the knowledge on how to build community, self-awareness and self-confidence. Recently the students in Strength tested their teamwork abilities and communication strategies.
The year 8 girls in the Friendship Circle program have been learning to identify strengths and work on positive friendships, and in particular, finding the best ways to manage those 'friendship fires' by utilising the necessary resources and tools successfully.
The Rethink program is continuing to work with the year 9 boys on rethinking their actions and reactions, working with the following statements:
Your value comes from your existence, not your experiences.
Actions speak louder than words, Reactions speak louder than both.
INSPIRING BRIGHTER FUTURES
Our year 10 girls taking part in the Inspiring Brighter Futures program have been learning how to identify values, and recognise supportive and strong role models that they can draw inspiration from whilst working with their mentors to create positive self-belief and confidence.
Our Plant Power program was introduced this term where students from years 7 to 9 are learning about nature and environmental influences and the importance of nurturing life through plants.
Already we have seen the students plant out the community garden with vegetables, and our ongoing project being the beautification of the library courtyard. Watch this space!
SCIENCE WEEK
This year’s theme is “Decoding the Universe – Exploring the Unknown with Nature’s Hidden Language” (fancy way of saying… we’re diving into the secrets of the universe and Earth!).
The DEN Class Challenge
Each morning, DEN classes will get 3–5 brain-busting science questions with a chance to win the Science Week Trophy plus a sweet treat for being the science-smartest DEN!
Lunch Break Fun in F105
Every lunch, F105 will be open for epic science documentaries and a chill space to hang out.
Friday Mega Science Fest
On Friday this week during first break, the Maths/Science Department and STEM Academy are running a huge science party — think activity stalls, hands-on fun, and all the science energy you can handle!
Get curious. Get competitive. Get your science on. ✨
Last month our Inclusive Education students took part in the Chalenge Games. Our students put their all into a range of sports and activities and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
REPORT CARDS
Student Report Cards for Semester 1 were emailed home on Friday 18 July.
If you haven't received these please check the following:
- Check your junk email folder - many report emails end up there.
- Add application.ONESCHOOL@qed.qld.gov.au to your list of safe senders or contacts.
- Your email Inbox may be full - delete some older emails to enable new ones to come through.
- Do you have a new email address and possibly haven't advised the College.
- Phone the College on 4726 8333 to request a replacement and/or update details.
A massive thank you to everyone who participated in Jeans for Genes Day. The students loved the competition between everyone at the College, and were devastated being out denimed by teachers!
The day wouldn’t have been half as much fun if it wasn’t for the hard work put in by Mel and Chappy. As well as our student helpers, Diva, Lillian, Bella, Toby, Zannon and Danielle.
A huge thank you to everyone!!
Year 8, 9 and 10 Art Skills students participated in an extension activity, exploring the Element of Art - Line and Japanese calligraphy. Many cultural questions were asked and our visiting experts led the workshop in Japanese calligraphy.
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QBuild is now accepting applications for our 2026 apprenticeship program, offering an incredible opportunity for students and community members to kickstart their careers in trades.
Help Us Spread the Word!
We would greatly appreciate your support in sharing this opportunity with your students and school community. Whether it’s through your school newsletter, website, or career information sessions, we want to ensure everyone has the chance to apply for this fantastic program.
Why Choose a QBuild Apprenticeship?
QBuild apprenticeships provide:
- Hands-on experience
- Paid training
- The chance to work alongside experienced professionals on meaningful projects
As part of the Department of Housing and Public Works, QBuild plays a vital role in maintaining and building Queensland Government facilities, including schools, housing, and public infrastructure.
Available Apprenticeships in Townsville
We are currently offering apprenticeships in the following trades:
- Electrician
- Plumber
- Carpenter
- Painter
- Refrigeration Mechanic
These roles are based in Townsville, where apprentices will contribute to projects that directly benefit the local community.
Who Can Apply?
Our apprenticeships are open to:
- School leavers
- Recent graduates
- Anyone looking to start a career in the trades
No prior experience is required—just a positive attitude, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to safety and teamwork.
What Does a QBuild Apprenticeship Offer?
As a QBuild apprentice, you’ll gain real-world experience working on a variety of projects, including schools, housing, and other essential public infrastructure. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop valuable skills while contributing to Queensland’s future.
How to Apply
- Apprentice Electrician / Apprentice Plumber / Apprentice Carpenter / Apprentice Painter / Apprentice Refrigeration Mechanic (Townsville, closes 15 August 2025)
- For more information about available trades, eligibility requirements, and the application process do not hesitate to contact us via email at QBuildCareersTradies@epw.qld.gov.au or call the QBuild Careers team on (07) 3514 3919.
Alternatively, visit qld.gov.au/qbuildcareers to learn more and apply today!
Defence Careers - Infantry Familiarisation - 2nd Royal Australian Regiment: Lavarack Barracks
Defence Careers - Infantry Familiarisation - 3rd Royal Australian Regiment: Lavarack Barracks
For Indigenous Youth, the following programs still have spaces available, these programs will take place interstate however Army will be booking and paying for all airfares, accommodation and meals for the duration of the program.
Defence Careers - Exercise First Look: Indigenous Youth Program Puckapunyal
Book week is coming up soon, it's always a great event for engaging both staff and students.
This year's theme is 'Book an Adventure' and we have a week full of activities for students aimed at promoting reading and children's literature.
Teachers will be decorating their doors and dressing up as their favourite book character.
Stay tuned for a few photos on our FB page and in the next Newsletter.
HEATLEY SPORTS STARS SET TO SHINE
The 2025 Heatley Secondary College Sports Awards will showcase a record-breaking year for HSC sport. It will also acknowledge the team behind our athletes – our coaches, our volunteers, our officials, and our leaders, all of whom work tirelessly to ensure our athletes have a platform for sustainable success.
Join us from 9.10am on Friday 24 October for our coveted Sports Awards, held here in the cylcone shelter. Heatley Students excel at sports and this is a very hotly contested event.
Details for upcoming home games at Queensland Country Bank Stadium:
Round 24: Sunday, 17 August
Cowboys v Knights
NRL kick off: 4.05pm
Round 26: Saturday, 30 August
Cowboys v Broncos
NRL kick off: 7.35pm