Celebrating Mother’s Day at Guyra Central School

There’s no better way to honor our school’s mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and all the influential women in our lives than through the creativity of our students. They crafted heartfelt gifts filled with love and imagination. But the festivities didn’t stop there! Our special ladies also enjoyed a Mother’s Day pampering session, where they were treated to a delightful morning tea, soothing massages, manicures, and a homemade treat to conclude their experience.

Guyra Central School hopes that all our mothers, grandmothers, aunties, and other cherished individuals who play a pivotal role in our students' lives had a truly wonderful day of celebration.

Prime Lamb Competition

During the second week of term two, Mrs. Smith and Gwyn Pearson took a busload of students to Glen Innes for the annual Regional Prime Lamb Hoof and Hook Competition. This year, we entered ten school-bred lambs and brought along our youngest judging team ever.

We arrived early to help the lambs settle into the pavilion and experienced camping in the main pavilion at the Glen Innes showground. After setting up our swags, we explored a nearby strawberry patch, indulging in their famous strawberry milkshakes, and enjoyed some cultural time at the standing stones. Dinner at the local RSL was absolutely delicious.

The following day began with a cool night, leading to showtime. While Mr. Andrew Jackson judged the lambs, students participated in workshops covering topics such as Weeds in the New England, NLIS tags for sheep, wool classing, meat science, and junior sheep judging. Our students managed the lambs exceptionally well, with our pens of three lambs receiving two highly commended awards and a fifth-place finish. Our young judging team truly stood out among the competition.

With 13 schools and over 200 students participating, our students excelled remarkably!

Results for the junior judging are as follows:

1st place: Abbey Grills (Year 8) 2nd place: Charlotte Auld (Year 7) 5th place Rachael Jackson (Year 8)

This is an exceptional achievement for our school, and the girls deserve congratulations for their success.

A special thank you goes to Mrs Rebecca Smith and Gwyn Pearson for their invaluable assistance and support and providing opportunities like this to our students, as well as to the students for their outstanding behaviour and active participation in the competition.

Careers Expo

Guyra Central School held its second Careers Expo on Tuesday 13 May. The day was a huge success, with students from Guyra Central School, Ben Lomond Public School, Black Mountain Public School and Bald Blair Public School engaging with people working a range of jobs in the community. Students had the opportunity to learn about different careers, and hands on opportunities with a VRA truck, NSW Fire Brigade truck and Police wagon, a ‘heart pumping’ activity from the University of New England School of Rural Health, as well as many, many give-aways, competition prizes and plenty of balloons. We even had the pre-school come up and take a look at the emergency services vehicles and National Parks and Wildlife displays.

The day would not have been such a success without the support of our school community and the support of the local businesses that were able to be a part of the day. Thank you to everyone who was involved in the 2025 Guyra Central School Careers Expo and we hope to see you again in 2026.

Premiers Spelling Bee

Guyra Central School's primary students once again participated in the Premier's Spelling Bee this year. On Wednesday June 4 2025, we invited parents and carers to join us for the event.

The Spelling Bee serves as an engaging opportunity for students to enhance their vocabulary and refine their spelling skills, and we commend our students for their hard work. This year's competition saw a remarkable turnout, Many students competing for the title of winner in their stage class.

Congratulations to our Stage winners:

Kindergarten: Hilda Bennett (winner) and Dallas Gesell (runner-up)
Stage 1: Jayda Franey (winner)
Stage 2: William Stevens (winner) and Charles Gordon (runner-up)
Stage 3: Indica Hoiland (winner) and Zion Torrens (runner-up)

Our Stage 2 and 3 winners will now advance to the next level of the official Premier's Spelling Bee competition, where they will compete against other schools in our region. Best of luck to William and Indica!

Big Picture Learning

Big Picture student, Zander Lloyd, is currently completing his LTI at the Guyra Gazette. Every Monday, Zander collaborates with Janelle Stewart to learn the intricacies of producing our local newspaper, the Guyra Gazette. Working alongside Janelle has been an incredible experience for Zander, who has even seen some of his work published in the Gazette. Keep up the amazing work, Zander!

A Memorable Experience at the Simultaneous Story Time

Our Early Stage 1/Stage 1 students had a fantastic time attending the Armidale Regional Council Library's Simultaneous Story Time on Wednesday 21 May 2025, alongside children from all over Australia. This year, they enjoyed the story ‘The Truck Cat,’ written by Deborah Frenkel, illustrated by Danny Snell, and narrated by Councillor Susan McMichael.

After the reading, our students participated in some singing with other schools in the region and delighted in being read a classic, ‘The Book with No Pictures.’

On behalf of all the students who attended the Armidale Regional Council's Simultaneous Story Time, we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for inviting us to such a wonderful event. We eagerly look forward to participating again next year!

Speak Up, Even if Your Voice Shakes

To raise awareness and funds for Dolly’s Dream, our Student Representative Council (SRC) organised a ‘Do It for Dolly Day’ on Thursday 8 May 2025.

Students from kindergarten to Year 12 joined forces with schools and communities across Australia to spread kindness, take a stand against bullying, and work towards creating a safer world for our children. We transformed our school into a sea of blue for the day, with students wearing blue attire and making gold coin donations to support this important cause.

The Primary and Secondary SRC held a bake sale featuring cupcakes and biscuits, while secondary students enjoyed balloon competitions and had the chance to spray their hair blue and paint their faces with blue glitter paint.

Our school proudly raised a total of $116.15, with all proceeds donated to DollysDream.org.au.

The funds we collected will help provide:

Anti-bullying and cyber safety workshops in schools
24/7 support for families through our free Support Line
Trusted resources like the Beacon App and Parent Hub for safer online experiences
Youth Mental Health First Aid Training in local communities

A heartfelt thank you to our primary and secondary SRC and staff for their involvement and support on this vital day.

K-2 Mini Athletics

Our infant students took part in our Annual Mini-Athletics Carnival this term, and it was an absolute blast! They had a great time competing in various events, including egg and spoon races, sack races, three-legged races, and an age race. It was a wonderful afternoon filled with lots of laughter.

Primary Athletics

Despite the rainy conditions leading up to our Primary Athletics Carnival, the event proceeded as planned on Friday, May 16, 2025. Student participation was outstanding, making it a truly fantastic day. Everyone exhibited a remarkable sense of pride, giving their best in each event and showing respect for their peers by cheering each other on when not competing. Congratulations to all of our students!

Age Champions for the Day:

Junior Champions: Ashton Hutton and Ariella Galindo
11-Year Champions: Aoife Collins and Mason Mayled
Senior Champions: Corey Banfield and Alexia Towler

Secondary Athletics

Despite facing challenges with the weather, our initial attempt at the carnival was postponed. Fortunately, we eventually caught a break and held the event the following week.

Student participation in the carnival was strong, with many showcasing their talents across various activities. Our qualifying students will now head to Tamworth for the Northwest Regional trials during Term 3. Those who qualify from this event will advance to the NSWCHSSA State Carnival later in the third term.

Congratulations to all our students who took part in our school carnival, and best of luck in the upcoming events!

Age Champions

12 year champions - Flyn Byers and Sherkaya Munro-Davies

13 year champions - Braxton Hutton, Latai 'Ale and Taearliegh Torrens

14 year champions - Lincoln Atkin and Meghan Beard

15 year champions - Edward Collins and Makayla Galindo

16 year champions - Adaiah Galindo and Rose Kliendienst

17+ year champions - Jake Beard and Gabrielle Hartas-Berry

2025 Primary and Secondary Cross Country

Cross Country has almost wrapped up for yet another year. Our primary and secondary students successfully completed their school Cross Country events at the close of Term 1 and the start of Term 2.

Results for the Events

Primary Champions:

12-Year Champions: Jake Artz & Alexia Towler
11-Year Champions: Greg West & Indigo Atkin
10-Year Champions: Ashton Hutton & Ariella Galindo
8/9-Year Champions: Jackson Atkin & Aria Mayled

Our infants students zipped around the oval in their very own mini Cross Country!

Secondary Champions:

12-Year Champion: Sherkaya Munro-Davies
13-Year Champions: Latai ‘Ale & Braxton Hutton
14-Year Champions: Abbey Grills & Lincoln Atkin
15-Year Champions: Makayla Galindo & Edward Collins
16-Year Champions: Rose Kliendienst & Aidan Brown
17-Year Champions: Gabrielle Hartas-Berry & Jake Beard

Primary students who qualified for the Armidale Zone Cross Country trial travelled to Armidale on Monday 26 May 2025, to compete against students from across the Armidale Zone. While the results varied across age groups, three students earned a spot on the Armidale Zone team for the North West trial in Coolah. Congratulations to Ashton Hutton, Ariella Galindo, and Charles Gordon for qualifying for the North West Cross Country Trial.

Guyra Central School sent a team of primary and secondary students to the North West Cross Country Trial in Coolah on Thursday 12 June 2025. The North West Zone comprises of approximately 95 primary schools and 36 high schools in our region. Competing at this level against 10 zones that collectively form the North West Zone is an impressive achievement in itself. Our students gave their all and should take pride in their efforts in Cross Country this year.

Guyra Central School have 3 students who have qualified to attend the NSW CHSSA Cross Country in Sydney early next term. Congratulations to Jess Fletcher (5th - 12 year girls), Rose Gordon (6th - 13 year girls), Jake Beard (4th - Open Boys) and Sherkaya Munro-Davies as a reserve runner (7th - 12 year girls).

Guyra Represent at NSWCHSSA Carnivals in Blacktown

Last week, three secondary students represented North West at the CHSSA State Carnivals. Eli McGinty traveled to Blacktown for the NSWCHSSA Football State Carnival during Week 6. As the youngest member of the North West team, Eli played as the goalie throughout the event. Congratulations, Eli, on this remarkable achievement!

In addition, during Week 6 in Blacktown, Kayne and Noah Brennan participated in the NSWCHSSA Lawn Bowls State Competition as part of the North West Lawn Bowls Team. Both boys had a fantastic week, achieving impressive results. Congratulations to Kayne and Noah on this accomplishment!

Stage 6 Subject Selection Information Evening

On Tuesday 3 June 2025, we hosted our Stage 6 Subject Selection Information Evening for Year 10 students and their parents/carers. This significant event aims to assist both students and their families in planning for the final years of their education.

The presentation covered essential details regarding subject selection processes, requirements, and available pathways. Students and their parents had the chance to engage in one-on-one discussions with representatives from each of our secondary faculties, allowing them to speak directly with teachers about the senior courses offered.

Year 12 Captains Race

The Year 12 students at Guyra Central School have been actively engaged in fundraising efforts for their upcoming formal later this year. On Friday, June 20, they organized a unique event known as The Captains Race.

The event featured participants Aukustino Alefosio, Lilli Eddy, Treigh Bonser-Karhu, and Annabelle Collins, all of whom dressed in costumes for the race. They competed in a thrilling 100-meter dash, showcasing their enthusiasm and spirit. The competition was fierce, but Tino emerged victorious, claiming the title!

Year 12 students organised a guessing competition to coincide with the event, and the winner was revealed following the race. Mrs Mel Lloyd was the lucky winner of the guessing contest, taking home a meat tray generously donated by Mr Adam Kelly.

PSSA Touch Football

On Wednesday 11 June 2025, the Primary Girl Touch Football team travelled to Glen Innes to play in the knockout. The game started and the Glen Innes team had height and reach on our girls and scored a try early in the game. The Guyra girls kept their heads high and came back with Indigo-Grace scoring in the back corner. The girls held Glen out for most of the first half shooting up early, until Glen scored 2 quick tries towards the end of the half, leaving the score at 3-1. After a quick chat at half time the Guyra girls continued to play hard with Eva scoring an easy try. Glen came back and scored with some quick footwork and speed through a Guyra defence gap. The girls lifted with Indigo-Grace being set up by Airlie to score again and then 5 minutes later Indigo got her hat trick for the game. Glen lifted again as our girls began to tire and scored 2 final tries. At full time the score was 6-4 to Glen Innes.

Although losing Guyra girls remained positive throughout the whole game and showed great sportsmanship. Well done to Rashiah, Elsie, Jaearla, Indigo-Grace, Airlie, Ivy-Rose and Eva. And thank you to our cheerleaders Jackson and Ashton.

North West PSSA Touch Trials

From the selection process at the PSSA Knockout Touch Carnival, held in Walcha during the middle of Term 2, Stage 3 students from Guyra Central School, Ashton Hutton and Indigo Atkin, were chosen to participate in the North West Regional Trial in Inverell. This trial aimed to select members for the North West Team, which would compete in the NSWPSSA Touch Championships in Dubbo.

The day featured a round-robin carnival where selectors observed the participants throughout the matches. After all the games concluded, a possible and probable team was announced, leading to the final selection of the North West team.

Although neither Ashton nor Indigo made the final team; however, they both demonstrated remarkable skill and determination. Congratulations to Ashton and Indigo!

'Our Mob, Our Game Come N Try' Basketball program

This term, Guyra Central School has been fortunate to host the ‘Our Mob, Our Game Come N Try’ program, generously funded by the NSW Basketball Association. This engaging program runs for one and a half hours every Monday afternoon and has seen an incredible response from students, with up to 27 enthusiastic primary participants each week.

The program has been supported by Relieving Principal Mr Tim Lloyd, along with staff members Mr Angus Goodwin-Hill, Mr Jesse Bennett, Mr Tremane Patterson, and Miss Eunice Blair. Secondary students Jake Beard, Tyler Beard, and Seth Bennett have also contributed assisting teach essential basketball skills.

After skill sessions, NSW Basketball Association has kindly provided afternoon tea for our students. To finish the session participants have a a friendly game of basketball.

Guyra Central Schools appreciation goes to the NSW Basketball Association for not only offering coaching accreditation to our staff but also for supplying afternoon tea and generously providing basketballs and two sets of basketball shirts for our school.

We hope that everyone involved has thoroughly enjoyed the program throughout Term 2.

PSSA Basketball State Knockout Competition

Our PSSA Basketball Knockout primary girls team journeyed to Tamworth to participate in a Basketball GALA Day alongside other primary schools from our region. In their first match, the team faced Tintinhull Public School. Although the girls felt a bit nervous during the first quarter, they quickly found their confidence after scoring their first basket. They showcased excellent teamwork by passing the ball effectively and demonstrating strong defensive skills. The final score was 26-14 in favour of Tintinhull. Following this match, the girls enjoyed a long break before their next game against Duri/Currabubula. They took the opportunity to observe more experienced teams and played cards to pass the time. Their last game was played in great spirit, with every girl participating and playing well as a team. The score concluded with 28-0 in favor of Guyra. A huge thank you goes to Jake Beard for guiding the girls, as well as Tremane Patterson and Mrs. Jenny Atkin for their invaluable support.

Year 7/8 English

This term, our Year 7 and 8 English students have been actively engaged in writing poetry and short stories. Dr Kelliher is incredibly proud of the work our students have created and would like to share some of their pieces with our extended school community.

Debating

Last semester Stage 5 has had the opportunity to compete in the Premier's Debating Challenge. The Stage 5 team members are Bethany Small, Rose Kleindienst, Dixie Orford, Ruthie Taylor, Makayla Galindo and Ron Llewellyn.

The first debate was against Oxley High School with the topic ‘School Principals should be voted in by teachers.’. The team worked well and presented some well developed arguments on how schools already have systems in place to assign principals to schools that are fair and equitable and how teachers may be persuaded by influences around them to vote in a biased way. The team also put forward the argument that teachers do not have the training and knowledge needed to make an educated decision about Principal positions and responsibilities in schools. After a well executed debate the adjudicator awarded Guyra Central School as the winning team.

The second debate, against Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School, also led to a win for Guyra Central School. The theme was Australian Society and the debate topic was ‘that we should abolish local government and give state government their responsibilities’. Guyra argued for the negative in this round as well,and although nervous, they argued how abolishing local government would cause losses of jobs and how the state government is unaware of the specific needs and requirements of every individual town or local government area.

We are looking forward to our next debate in August against Barraba High on the topic of Law and Order.

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