CURRICULUM

Digital Technology & Business News

Our Year 10 Business and Business Skills & Practices classes visited the annual Career Expo for a hands-on learning experience. The students' goal was to analyse business stalls and engage with vendors to understand business practices and improve their communication skills. They observed the expo as an event to gain an understanding of the importance of strategic planning to ensure effective marketing and efficient operations to maximise access to the target market. Students focused on observing and evaluating the effectiveness of business presentations. They analysed everything from the visual design of the stalls to how well representatives communicated about their company. This activity provided a practical opportunity to see business concepts in action.

A key part of the excursion was for students to develop and practice their communication skills. They engaged vendors in conversations and asked questions about potential career opportunities. This direct interaction helped students learn to ask thoughtful questions and communicate professionally in a real-world setting.

After the expo, students will use the evidence they gathered—notes on branding, promotional materials, and presentation styles— and apply these to their learning tasks in the classroom. This hands-on experience has provided our students with more than just a day out of the classroom. It has given them a practical understanding of business operations, marketing, and the art of effective communication.

The students were also pretty excited by the free merchandise as well!

Sandra Kidd & Danielle MacGregor - Teachers

English News

Year 10 Intro to General English

This term, the Year 10 Introduction to General English students have dived headfirst into the timeless world of Romeo and Juliet. Through their studies, they’ve brought Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy to life by presenting act summaries to their peers, immersing themselves in Baz Luhrmann’s modern cinematic adaptation Romeo + Juliet, and engaging in a variety of dynamic class activities designed to deepen their understanding.

This week, Mrs Borg’s classes took their Shakespearean expertise to the next level with an exciting Escape Room challenge! Working solo or in small groups, students raced against the clock and each other to solve a series of creative tasks and uncover a secret message. The activity tested not only their comprehension of the play but also their ability to think critically and collaborate under pressure.

Students worked through a range of engaging puzzles including sequencing key plot events, matching famous quotes to their characters, mapping out intricate character relationships on a web, and deciphering the meaning behind Shakespeare’s rich and complex language. The room buzzed with energy as students pieced together clues, decoding the Bard’s words.

We can’t wait to see how their newfound insights into the characters, themes, and enduring concepts of Romeo and Juliet will shine in their upcoming assessment responses!

Zoe Borg - Teacher

From the Resource Centre

Book Week 2025

Next week, libraries throughout Australia will be celebrating Book Week, an initiative of the Children’s Book Council of Australia. Each year Australian fiction and non-fiction books in several categories are nominated, short-listed and vie for the CBCA Book of the Year Awards.

The theme for this year’s celebration is ‘Book an Adventure’ and Holy Spirit College Library Assistants, Donna Denning and Kellie Van Damme, have spent many hours creating an amazing display for our college community featuring a huge tree with cascading leaves, suitcases packed for travel to other lands and hot air balloons bound for exotic places.

The display also features the 2025 short-listed books from each category. During the week, students will be invited to enter a Book Week competition to win prizes.

Annette Williamson - Resource Centre Coordinator

Careers News

There has been much happening in the Careers space here at HSC. We have visited universities, attended the Mackay Career Expo and engaged in presentations from the Defence Force, accommodation colleges and several universities.

In the last week of Term 2, Kyle Danns and I accompanied 15 students to Brisbane to visit university campuses and colleges. Over 3 days, we visited the University of Queensland, QUT (Garden Point and Kelvin Grove campuses) and Griffith University (Nathan). We also visited Emmanuel and Union residential colleges and the new UniLodge in Toowong. We also visited the Queensland Museum, Southbank, and students confidently navigated Brisbane buses and trains to have the full city university experience.

After the June holidays, 14 students then attended the JCU Open Day for Schools with Anton Mayer-Miller, Palmina Rae and myself. We stayed at John Flynn College, where we enjoyed fabulous hospitality and experienced college life. On Friday morning, we visited JCU’s newest Hall of Residence - Burralga Yumba – before joining students from across North Queensland for the Open Day. Students participated in tours and presentations across a diverse range of study areas. This was again a fantastic opportunity for students to ‘see’ themselves in the university environment and plan for 2026.

I would like to congratulate all the students who attended these university experiences. Their maturity, behaviour and engagement were wonderful, and the staff who attended thoroughly enjoyed spending time with these young people. Thank you also to the teachers who supported me on these trips – students would not have these opportunities without your assistance.

We have also recently had visits from university representatives from Bond University, University of the Sunshine Coast and the University of Southern Queensland. Several accommodation colleges have also visited HSC to share information to assist students in making decisions about where they might like to live in 2026.

The Australian Defence Force has visited HSC on two occasions to explain both trade career pathways and ADFA (University) opportunities. The ADF Career Bus provided students with the opportunity to meet individually with staff to determine the most appropriate pathways, according to interests and skills.

Last week all Year 11 students attended the Mackay Career Expo at the Mackay Showgrounds. This event provided a great opportunity to interact with Mackay employers, Defence Force, Police, university and training providers. This excursion was intended to support and provide focus for Year 11 students as they move towards the very important Year 12 year.

In Week 6 CQUniversity will visit HSC to showcase their course offerings and provide information for students interested in the STEPs program. Details about this visit will be in published in morning notices.

Other Career News

QTAC applications opened on the 5 August for 2026 University Entry. During LEP last week, I met with a large group of students interested in applying for University via QTAC. I have provided them with a list of tasks they can do to begin the application process.

Find their LUI on Student Café
Apply for a USI - Students who have completed Certificate qualifications will already have a USI. Other students can find more information and apply
Use their QTAC guides to consider courses and make sure they have the necessary prerequisites
Discuss the cost of living away from families
Research scholarships – where applicable
Apply for Residential Accommodation

Over the coming weeks, I will conduct further sessions and lunchtime drop-in opportunities for students to complete their QTAC applications. Students should monitor Morning Notices on Student Café for details about these drop-in sessions.

Early Offer Schemes

Several Early Entry/Offer schemes are available through a range of universities.

Application for these also opened on 5 August. Students can bring completed forms to Mrs Eiser for review and signing. Remember, in most cases, prerequisite requirements still apply.

Certificates at HSC

Year 12 students should now be nearly finished with all certificate studies. These certificates need to be fully completed before QCE Credits can be awarded to QCAA Learning Accounts. Please communicate with teachers if you are concerned that certificate courses will not be completed by early next term.

Work Experience & Employment

There is still time for Year 12 students to participate in Work Experience. These experiences at this time of the year often lead to employment. Students should visit Mrs O’Brien in the Student Services Hub for assistance with work experience.

There have been several apprenticeships and traineeships advertised in recent weeks. These are usually advertised on the job board near the Year 12 eating area. Students should also be closely monitoring the SEEK website if they are still looking for traineeships, apprenticeships or employment. Mrs O’Brien can assist with applications if necessary.

Simone Eiser - Learning Pathways & Careers Program Leader

VET News

Work Experience

Year 10, 11 & 12 students are now in the process of organising their work experience for this term and the September holidays. Students can also now book in for Term 4 and the Christmas holiday.

Employers are booked up well in advance, so if you want to secure your ideal work experience, now is the time to book your placement.

STEPS:

Collect Student Work Experience Application from Mrs O’Brien
Student to organise placement with the employer
Term-time Student Work Experience Application needs to be signed by teachers
Return completed & signed Student Work Experience Application to Mrs O’Brien
Collect Work Experience Agreement, Evaluation Form and Logbook from Mrs O’Brien
Visit Employer, have workplace induction and get Work Experience Agreement signed
Return signed Work Experience Agreement to Mrs O’Brien and complete and sign the Work Experience/Student Induction.
Mrs O’Brien will go through the School Induction Form for student to sign.
Attend placement, collect Evaluation Form from the employer on the last day and return it and your Logbook to Mrs O’Brien
Debrief with Mrs O’Brien

Apprenticeship Opportunities

Your OCD Mechanics

Advertised 30 June 2025 - Apply on SEEK.com

Your OCD Mechanics is a local family-owned business looking for a 1st year apprentice to join our expanding team.

As a 1st year apprentice, you will be working alongside highly experienced tradesmen on all makes and models of light vehicles in a friendly, supportive environment, while completing your apprenticeship with a nationally recognised training provider.

To secure this role, it is essential that you:

are reliable, punctual and work well in a team
are willing to take direction and have great communication skills
hold a current driver’s licence (Provisional or Open)
Completed Year 12 (Preferably)

Green Energy

Advertised 14 July 2025 - Apply on SEEK.com

Electrical Apprentice

Permanent full-time position
38 hours per week
Mackay, Queensland

Successful applicants must have:

Current driver's license & willing to travel (prerequisite for the role)
White card & working at heights certifications (prerequisite for the role)
Eager to learn new skills and apply oneself accordingly
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
Willingness to work within a team and cooperate with our clients
Work to OH&S regulations
The ability to follow safety procedures
Ability and willingness to use CRM software
Honest & hardworking
Punctual
Passion for electrical and solar career
Great attitude

Penske

Advertised 30 June 2025 - Apply on SEEK.com

Apprentice Diesel Technician

What do you need?

A passion for understanding how things work.
A drive to learn and develop your skills both in the classroom and on the job.
Good communication skills and self-assurance.
Decent school results, ideally having completed Year 12.
Reliability, dedication and punctuality.
Have had experience in a full or part-time job in the past.

Komatsu

Advertised 30 June 2025 - Apply on SEEK.com

Automotive Electrician Apprenticeship Program - 2026 Intake

Plant Mechanic Apprenticeship Program - 2026 Intake

Written Application: Apply online by uploading your CV, cover letter, and any other desired supporting documents.

Video Interview: Following submission of your written application, you will receive an invitation to complete a short, pre-recorded video interview.

Interview: Successful applicants will be invited to attend the local branch for a face-to-face interview, as well as to participate in both a practical & written technical assessment.

Pre-employment checks: Applicants successful through interview will then be required to conduct a medical assessment, drug and alcohol screen, functional assessment, compliance checks and reference checks.

Offer: Once pre-employment checks are completed, you will be formally offered a contract as a 2026 Apprentice! Congratulations!

North Queensland Bulk Ports Corporation

Advertised 12 July 2025 - Apply on SEEK

Apprentice Electrician

Apprentice Plumber

Apprentice Horticulturist

What we are looking for:

Upcoming school leavers completing Grade 12 in 2025 with minimum sound results in both English and Mathematics.
The applicant will be required to hold a current Maritime Security Identification Card (MSIC) or the ability to obtain an MSIC within three months of commencing employment.
Willingness to provide high-quality labouring services in a maintenance and construction environment, following established systems and procedures.
A commitment to the importance of high-quality client service and an ability to provide friendly and courteous service and information.

Alpha Cuts Mackay

Barber Apprentice Wanted

Please forward all resumes to alphacutsmackay@outlook.com.au

Apollo Hair Andergrove

Junior Hairdressing Apprenticeship

Please send your application to apollohair@gmail.com

TLB Hair Mackay Mount Pleasant

1st Year Apprentice

Email Trinity at trinitybatesprivate@gmail.com

Brown and Bird

Accounting Traineeship for Year 12 Graduates

Are you finishing Year 12 and looking to study towards an accounting degree? This is a great chance to get paid while you learn and gain real experience in an accounting team.

Brown & Bird Accountants, based in Mackay, are offering accounting traineeships starting mid-January 2026.

What we can provide for you:

Starting salary of $52,000
Full-time employment
Paid study leave
Mentor professional development and support through your university studies
Additional training sessions to support continual professional development through our CPA and other external programs

If you would like to be considered for a traineeship opportunity, please email your resume together with your latest school results to colby@brownbird.com.au.

Alternatively, please call in to our office on the First Floor, 73 Victoria Street, Mackay or call us on 4968 3166.

Check us out at www.brownbird.com.au

Hauhinco Mining Technology

Boilermaker Apprenticeship

Electrician Apprenticeship

What you will bring to us:

Commitment to a 4-year apprenticeship with classroom-based and on-the-job training
Shown interest in your respective field
Awareness and commitment to safety

HBT GmbH, based in Lünen, Germany, is a leading manufacturer of longwall mining equipment, supplying high-performance systems to major mining markets across 15 countries, including Australia.

HBT Services QLD manages longwall machinery overhauls across Queensland, operating through three key facilities: Overhauls, Gearbox Repairs, and the Warehouse.

Applications close 17 October 2025.

Submit your application with a resume and cover letter to annette.reeves@hbt-group.com

Shortlisted candidates will progress to the interview stage in November 2025.

Ailene O'Brien - VET Coordinator

Studentship

Register for Elevate Education's Parent Webinar Series This Term

Elevate Education delivers high-impact workshops to our students that help to develop their study skills, motivation, and exam preparation. Over this term, you're invited to join their parent webinar series, where you can help support your child at home by reinforcing the skills they're learning at school.

Upcoming Webinars:

How to Get (And Keep!) Your Child Motivated - 6:30 pm, 6 August

How You Can Make Technology an Ally (& Not the Enemy!) - 6:30 pm, 20 August

How to Help Your Child Improve Their Note Taking - 6:30 pm, 3 September

How You Can Support Your Child During Exams - 6:30 pm, 17 September

Carmen Bennett - Head of Academic Performance