Secondary News

Year 7 Heats Things Up at Holy Trinity Inverell!

Year 7 recently had the opportunity to ignite their scientific curiosity during an exciting excursion to Holy Trinity Inverell. They got hands-on experience in a real science lab, and for many, it was their first time learning how to safely use a Bunsen burner.

This fantastic trip served as a great introduction to practical science. Under the expert guidance of Miss Glover and Mrs Smith, students discovered the essential techniques for operating a Bunsen burner. They learned about its different parts and mastered flame control – all vital skills for future scientific investigations.

Learning to use a Bunsen burner proved to be a cornerstone of laboratory work, opening up a world of experiments that require precise heating. Students not only gained valuable practical experience but also reinforced the importance of safety protocols in a scientific environment.

We extend a huge thank you to the team at Holy Trinity Inverell for setting everything up and generously opening their doors to us. Your support made this invaluable learning experience possible for our Year 7 students!

Thank You to Shayne from Country University Centre

We would like to extend a warm thank you to Shayne from the Country University Centre for visiting our school and speaking with our Year 9 and 10 students this term.

Shayne delivered an engaging and informative session that explored the wide range of pathways to further education and employment, including university, TAFE, apprenticeships, traineeships, and direct entry into the workforce. Students gained valuable insights into the many options available beyond school and were encouraged to think about how their current choices and interests can shape their future.

The session also highlighted the support available through the Country University Centre for students living in regional areas, helping to make tertiary study more accessible and achievable.

We are grateful to Shayne for sharing her time, knowledge, and encouragement with our students. Her presentation has inspired many to start thinking more confidently about their goals and the steps they can take to get there.

Year 9 HSIE - Jelly Baby Geography 

During Term 2, Year 9 have been studying the topic Changing Places in Geography. They have been learning about population density and factors that impact populations such as birth and death rates. On Wednesday we played a 'Jelly Bean Geography' game. Students were given jelly beans of different colours that represented a country's population; then they were given 'chance' cards that changed their population for many different reasons.  This particular lesson was a hit with the Year 9 Geography students. 

Calm Classrooms 

This term in the secondary school, our focus has been on building and maintaining Calm Classrooms, learning environments where students can feel focused, supported, and ready to succeed.

A calm classroom isn’t just about quiet—it’s about creating a culture of respect, responsibility, and readiness to learn. Throughout the term, students have been encouraged to take ownership of their learning and behaviour by:

• Arriving at class on time
• Bringing all necessary equipment
• Engaging meaningfully in each lesson
• Showing respect to peers and teachers
• Maintaining a positive attitude towards learning

We would like to acknowledge and celebrate the many students who have consistently demonstrated these behaviours. Their commitment to calm, purposeful classrooms has made a noticeable difference across the school.

By setting high expectations for themselves and supporting those around them, these students are leading the way in shaping a respectful and productive learning environment.

As we look ahead, we encourage all students to continue building on this foundation because calm classrooms lead to strong learning outcomes and a more positive school experience for everyone.

Secondary Carers Assembly 

Inspiring Futures: Guest Speakers Share Career Journeys with Secondary Students

This week, our secondary students had the exciting opportunity to hear from three dynamic guest speakers who shared their unique career journeys and insights. The session was designed to help students explore a range of career pathways and understand the different routes people take to achieve their goals.

Our guest speakers included:

• Sascha Estens from Rabbit Hop Films shared her creative journey in the media and film industry.
• Sam Schweitzer from Statewide Aviation gave students a behind-the-scenes look at the world of agricultural aviation.
• Paddy Keady from Moree Real Estate discussed the skills and dedication involved in the real estate industry.

Students were highly engaged, asking thoughtful questions and showing genuine interest in the stories and advice shared. It was a valuable and inspiring experience that encouraged students to think about their passions and future pathways.

We thank our guest speakers for generously giving their time and inspiring our students!