Secondary Bulletin

Keep Going!

As we move toward the pointy end of term where assessment is at the forefront of everyone’s minds, I wanted to take a moment to focus on two powerful qualities that help students succeed in school and in life: determination and grit.

While these words are often used together, they each bring something special to the table. Determination is the drive to keep going, especially when things get tough. Grit, on the other hand, is the passion and perseverance to pursue long-term goals, even in the face of setbacks, boredom, or frustration.

Together, grit and determination empower each of us to stay the course, work hard, and bounce back from challenges with a sense of purpose and resilience.

Professor Carol Dweck’s research found that students who have grit are more likely to succeed, not just because they’re talented or smart, but because they’re willing to work through difficulties. When students learn to persevere, they gain:

• Resilience in the face of failure
• Confidence in their ability to grow
• A strong work ethic

• A sense of pride in their effort and growth

   

These are life skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Whether they’re learning to read, playing a sport, practicing an instrument, or solving a difficult math problem, grit and determination help children keep going, even when it's hard, especially when it’s hard.

Simple ways you can support your child in developing grit and determination:

1. Praise the process, not just the outcome.  
2. Let them struggle (even just a little!)  
3. Model grit in your own life. 
4. Help set long-term goals. 

5. Teach the power of yet. 

    

Instead of saying, you’re so smart, try saying, I’m proud of how hard you worked on that (be explicit, e.g. speech, project). 

It's tempting to jump in when your child is stuck but allowing them to work through the ‘stuck’ builds confidence and perseverance. In an age-appropriate manner, talk about your own challenges and how you overcame them. Our young people learn a lot from how we handle setbacks.

Whether it’s finishing a chapter book, learning to ride a bike, or saving for something special, goal setting helps children (and dare I say it, us adults) stay focused over time.

When your child says, I can’t do this, remind them: You can’t do it yet. This small shift encourages a growth mindset and keeps the door open for progress.

Grit and determination aren't about being the best; they're about refusing to give up. As parents and educators, we can help our young people see that their effort matters, their progress counts, and that growth comes from trying again and again.

As we move into the final weeks of Term 3, filled with exams, assignments, and important deadlines, this is the perfect time for students to put grit into action. Remind your child that it’s okay to feel challenged, that every study session, every question asked in class, and every attempt at understanding something new is a step forward.

Encourage them to stay focused, stay positive, and keep going, even when it gets tough. Because determination now will pay off later, not just in grades, but in confidence, resilience, and pride in their own hard work.

Let’s continue working together to raise students who don’t give up, who believe in themselves, and who know that success comes from consistent effort and a can-do attitude.

Date Claimers:

• R U OK? Day Acknowledgement: 11 September
• World Mental Health Day Acknowledgement: 10 October
• Year 10 Leadership Retreat: 21 to 24 October

Semester 2 Co-Curricular Photos

Semester 2 Co-Curricular/Group Photo Day is being held on Wednesday 8 October and Thursday 9 October. 

Important details to note:

• Parents/Students please check the schedule for photo time and uniform requirements. 
• Students must arrive promptly for the time noted in the schedule. 
• Students appearing in photos which requires the Summer Formal Uniform, Sports or a specific uniform (i.e. QGSSSA) to be worn, must have the correct uniform, including correct jewellery, no make-up, neat hair and green ribbons, to appear within their photo on the day.  
• Students not in correct uniform will be unable to be in their photo. 

Years 7 to 12 Group Lists 

Please find below photo schedule and group lists, which will be shared in student daily notices. 

Years 2 to 6 Group Lists 

Please find below photo schedule and group lists, which will be shared for viewing in Primary Administration. 

This is the final year, in which the old uniform is to be worn and permitted for photos. 

Illuminate the Sky

House Spirit Photo Competition

Last Friday, Youngman House showed off their creativity and community spirit during Crazy Sock and Hair Day, proudly supporting the Kids’ Cancer Project. Students and staff came dressed in colourful socks and wild hairstyles, all to raise awareness and funds for an important cause. The photos from each House showcase both House Spirit and compassion in action.

Campbell House

Ashburn House

Youngman House

Radcliffe House

Henderson House

The winning house photo is Gibson House!

Summer Uniform

A reminder that students a to wear their Summer Uniform from Monday 8 September (Week 9).

Please refer to the Uniform Policy, available below, to reference the relevant uniform items:

Term 3 has been a busy and rewarding one in the HEAL Department. From academic competitions to Book Week festivities, our students have had plenty of opportunities to extend themselves, explore new ideas, and celebrate their love of learning. It has been wonderful to see so many of them embracing these challenges and experiences with such enthusiasm.

Book Week Success

Book Week 2025 brought a range of exciting, book-related activities to the College. Across Week 6, students and staff participated in everything from a Book Treasure Hunt to our much-loved Book Week dress-up day, rounding out a vibrant celebration of reading and the power of stories.

A standout moment was the author talk with John Green, internationally acclaimed author of modern classics such as The Fault in Our Stars, Looking for Alaska, and Paper Towns. John captivated his audience with warmth and generosity, sharing his experiences as a writer and offering reflections on creativity, storytelling, and the importance of finding meaning in life’s challenges. His discussion of how books can help us connect with one another and make sense of the world was both inspiring and deeply relatable for students.

For our English-loving students, this was an unforgettable experience and one we hope will continue to inspire their own reading and writing for years to come. 

A huge thank you to Mrs Michelle Smith, Ms Sian Graham and Ms Mariella Gibson for your efforts in ensuring Book Week was such a success.

Student Achievements

Australian History and Geography Competition Results 

Earlier in the year we acknowledged students who participated in the Australian History and Geography Competitions. The results are now in, and I have the immense privilege of congratulating the following high-achieving students:

Australian Geography Competition 

• Alex Layt (Year 9) – High Distinction 
• Sari Weyer (Year 7) - Distinction

• Isabell Bowtell (Year 8) – Distinction 

   

Australian History Competition 

• Lucus Lu (Year 7) - Distinction
• Mackenzie Goodbody (Year 7) - Distinction

ICAS English

Well done to the students who took part in ICAS English this term, taking advantage of this important extension opportunity.

Year 9 Social Science Incursion

Fighting the Kaiser

Recently, Year 9 students engaged with history in a dynamic and memorable way through the incursion Fighting the Kaiser. The performance vividly brought to life the experiences of Australians during the Great War through storytelling, drama, and music. Students gained powerful insights into the human side of war, from the trenches to the home front, and were able to reflect on the sacrifices and resilience of those who lived through this defining period of history. 

It was a highly engaging experience that enriched their understanding of the topic and consolidated their study of World War I from earlier in the year. A big thank you to Troubie Theatre for delivering such a powerful and thought-provoking session.

Quick QTAC Facts for Year 12 Families

This week in Exit Prep, Year 12 went through a slide deck for navigating their application portal by QTAC. The slide deck is now available to download on the Careers and Pathways website here:

Year 12 also created their ATAR portal registration during Exit Prep. It’s important to note that QTAC releases the ATARs through a different portal to the application portal.

QTAC Information Night

QTAC experts will walk you through key tips for a successful application. This session is perfect for students (and parents!) wanting to feel confident and prepared throughout the QTAC process. Don’t miss your chance to get insider advice straight from the source.

When: Wednesday 17 September

Time: 6:00pm to 7:00pm

QTAC Applications

A gentle reminder that application fees for QTAC go up on 1 October. 

Be sure to take advantage of the $70 fee before 30 September to avoid paying more.

University Scholarships

Each fortnight, we publish the Options Careers Newsletter to our Careers and Pathways website, and every edition has information about scholarships, as well as informative careers articles and jobs information.

2026 PMSA Teacher Education Scholarships

Each year, the PMSA offers a limited number of Teacher Education Scholarships to selected current Year 12 students or recent graduates from our PMSA schools. 

The scholarship aims to foster a respect for the importance of education as a profession and enable aspiring educators to make a difference in the schools and communities they serve. The scholarships are each worth $2,000 per year for up to four years of study for suitable students entering an undergraduate teacher education degree or early childhood education course. 

Applications close 24 October 2025. This year’s proposed scholarship prospectus and the application timeline can be accessed here:

For Year 10, 11 and 12 Families

Have you checked out the Options Careers Newsletters we publish on the Careers and Pathways website? Each edition is a one stop shop of information for families about careers, jobs, and tertiary study.

Find the newsletter on the Careers and Pathways website here: 

Academy of Sport Information Evening

TAFE Queensland is hosting an Academy of Sport Information Evening on Monday 8 September 2025, at 6:00pm in the C Block Auditorium, South Bank campus (66 Ernest Street, South Bank) for parents, students and families.

This event is a fantastic opportunity to learn more about their nationally recognised sport coaching and business programs, delivered in partnership with some of Queensland’s most prominent sporting organisations, including:

• Brisbane Broncos
• Brisbane Bullets
• Brisbane Lions
• Brisbane Heat
• Football Queensland
• Gymnastics Queensland
• Hockey Queensland
• Gold Coast SUNS
• Queensland Reds
• Queensland Touch
• Tennis Australia

Event Program

• 6:00pm – TAFE at School Programs (Years 10–12 across all sports)
• 7:00pm – Diploma-Level Qualifications (Post-school pathways in Sport, Event Management, and Leadership & Management)

Why Attend?

• Get a head start while at school – Discover how their Academy of Sport programs for Years 10–12 provide real-world industry experience while developing essential soft skills like leadership, public speaking, and planning.
• Explore post-school pathways – Learn about their unique diploma-level qualifications, delivered in collaboration with leading sporting organisations, offering insights into the operations of multiple sporting codes.
• Hear from the experts – Gain valuable perspectives from educators and industry professionals on how to turn a passion for sport into a rewarding career.

TAFE at School & VETiS Funding

Students in Years 10–12 can complete a nationally recognised qualification one day per week at a TAFE Queensland campus or one of our partner venues, such as the State Hockey Centre, State Tennis Centre, or Sleeman Sports Complex.

• Certificate II in Sport Coaching (SIS20321) is VETiS funded, meaning eligible students can access the program at no cost (subject to government eligibility).
• A second-year pathway into the Certificate III in Sport Coaching (SIS30521) is also available, offering additional QCE credits and ATAR eligibility.

Sporting Partnerships and Study Locations

Students can study contextualised programs through our partnerships at locations including:

• Brisbane Bullets – South Bank, Logan, Gold Coast, Zillmere
• Brisbane Heat – Allan Border Field, Albion
• Gold Coast SUNS – Carrara, Gold Coast
• Gymnastics Queensland – Sleeman Sports Complex
• Hockey Queensland – Queensland State Hockey Centre
• Football Queensland – South Bank, Gold Coast, Bracken Ridge
• Queensland Reds, Rugby League, Queensland Touch – Ballymore Stadium
• Netball & Esports – South Bank
• Tennis Australia – Queensland State Tennis Centre, Tennyson

Applications Now Open

Applications for the 2026 TAFE at School program are now open. Students can apply via the Pathways portal or at www.tafeapply.com using the code TQB2601.

Next Steps

We look forward to welcoming your students to the Information Evening and helping your them explore their future in sport.

Click here to register attendance https://bit.ly/4mspdkF

For more information, contact the Academy of Sport team on 1300 780 368 (press 3) or email academy.sport@tafeqld.edu.au.

Careers Newsletters 

New edition is now up on the Careers and Pathways website here. 

Careers & Pathways - Careers Hub

A great resource for scholarship applications and additional university entrance updates for Year 12, as well as for all students and families in all year levels to learn about careers and tertiary entrance.