As we head into the final term of the year, our Year 7 and 8 students can look forward to another busy and rewarding few weeks filled with a mix of learning experiences in the classroom and beyond, along with plenty of opportunities for extra-curricular involvement. After finishing off Term 3 with the annual Wirrabara Fun Run and Hike — which saw great participation from our Year 7 and 8 students and provided a chance to be active and have some fun together — students have returned refreshed and ready to make the most of the term ahead.

In Week 1, we held Parent Teacher Interviews, which drew strong engagement from families. These conversations are always a valuable way to strengthen partnerships between home and school. Parents and caregivers who were unable to attend are encouraged to make contact with class teachers if they would still like to discuss their child’s progress.

After the success of the Year 7/8 “Madagascar” excursion to Port Pirie, where our students enjoyed seeing some of their peers perform in the Youth Theatre production, the Year 7 students also recently attended St Joseph’s Parish School’s theatre production “What a Knight!” — a lively performance that allowed students to appreciate the creative talents of others. It was wonderful to see their engagement and enthusiasm for the arts, and many have returned inspired by the energy of live performance.

Transition is a huge focus this term. We have welcomed Year 6 students from a number of local primary schools, joining us for tours, taster lessons, and activities designed to build confidence and familiarity with secondary life. The way our current students supported and guided these visitors showed genuine care and leadership, and we look forward to seeing these future Year 7s become part of our community next year. Families are reminded that our Transition Information Night for 2026 Year 7 students will be held on Wednesday of Week 4 in the GHS Hall, starting at 6:00pm. Tours will be available for those who have not yet had the opportunity to visit, and uniform items will also be available for purchase on the night.

In preparation for next year, our Year 8 students have been working through the elective subject selection process. While their core subjects remain compulsory, they are now entering the next phase of their schooling where they begin to make more individual choices about their learning pathways. Families with questions about any of the subjects on offer are encouraged to make contact with the school for further information or guidance.

Attendance remains an important focus for us. Every day of learning makes a difference, and we appreciate the support of families in encouraging students to maintain consistent routines — particularly as we head into the later part of the year. Good sleep, nutritious food, and regular attendance all play a key role in helping students stay focused, positive, and ready to learn. We also encourage parents and caregivers to support students in packing nutritious food for the school day, and remind families that Breakfast Club is available on Mondays and Thursdays.

As the term continues, we look forward to celebrating student achievement and reflecting on the growth we’ve seen across our middle years. We are also excited for the end-of-year activities that have become annual traditions at GHS, including the Port Broughton Picnic and Beach Day, Activities Day, and finally the last day of term where students enjoy activities at school before heading to the Gladstone Swimming Pool and finishing with a BBQ lunch in Tresylva Park. There is much to be proud of, and plenty still to look forward to as we move toward the end of the year.

Helen Gaunt

Year 8 B Maths: “Big Ideas in Number”!

It’s been an exciting semester in our Year 8 B Maths classroom, where students have been tackling some big challenges. Using the Scaffolding Numeracy in the Middle Years (SNMY) approach, every student works at their own pace in one of five activity groups, ensuring everyone has the right learning challenge.

In these students are developing their maths skills through a mix of hands-on activities that focus on the Big Ideas in Number and strengthen the four key mathematical areas: fluency, problem-solving, understanding, and reasoning. Whether they’re playing manipulatives, cracking real-world problems, or explaining their strategies, students are using multiple approaches and really thinking about the “why” behind the maths. Students are growing in confidence and developing those important metacognitive skills.

We’re so proud of their perseverance, creativity and teamwork. It’s wonderful to see each student’s mathematical journey take shape and have a little fun along the way.

Lauren Amey