CURRICULUM

Science News

Science Week 2025

In Week 5, Holy Spirit College joined the celebrations of UQ Science Week 2025, led by our ten enthusiastic Science Ambassadors: Ocean M, Katie P, Emily G, Madelyn S, Lilian A, Melanee A, Hunter W, Beau H, Connor R, and Sophia L. With a week packed full of experiments, challenges, and plenty of fun, the HSC community embraced the spirit of science in action.

Monday – The Big Bang!

We kicked off with a bang! On the basketball courts, students tested the physics of rubber band pressure against watermelons. Our first watermelon burst at 458 rubber bands, while the second showed real resilience, holding out until 687 before exploding in the ambassadors’ faces.

Tuesday – Inside Out!

Things got turned inside out as students explored the world of biology. With guidance from our ambassadors, participants examined fish, eyeballs, quail, hearts, and even owl pellets. The dissections were a huge hit, giving students a fascinating glimpse into anatomy and life sciences.

Wednesday – Chemistry in a Bag!

Chemistry took centre stage midweek, drawing over 200 students into the labs. The challenge: make ice cream in a bag using everyday ingredients. It was a test of patience and persistence—cold hands and tired arms were worth it for the sweet reward at the end!

Thursday – Dash or Sink!

The fun continued with oobleck, the mind-bending substance that’s both a solid and a liquid. Students had a blast running, sinking, and playing with the strange non-Newtonian fluid, leaving many amazed at how science can defy expectations.

Friday – Blast Off!

We wrapped up with a launch! Students put their muscles to the test, firing air-pressure rockets that soared hundreds of metres into the sky—an explosive finish to an unforgettable week.

A Week to Remember

UQ Science Week 2025 @ HSC was a huge success, thanks to the energy of our ambassadors, the support of staff, and the enthusiastic participation of our students.

To our teachers—thank you for the countless hours spent promoting, equipping, and supervising our events.

To the students—thank you for showing up with curiosity and excitement.

And to our Science Ambassadors—thank you for inspiring us all and making science at HSC truly amazing.

Angela Wright - Dean of Science (Junior)

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

Next Accounting

Trainee Accountant

Why Join Us? We value our team and offer fantastic benefits:

Sign-on bonus
Up to 5 weeks annual leave
Paid study leave
Flexible hours
Christmas closure
Active social club
Supportive mentoring and career progression opportunitites

Perfect for school leavers or those starting their career. You’ll be mentored by senior team members and gain experience in all areas of public practice accounting.

Apply Today:

Email: admin@nextaccounting.net.au

Call: 07 4963 1800 to speak with a partner

Inspire Accounting & Business Services

Kickstart your career while you study! Work, learn and get ahead

$1000 scholarship for onboarding trainees to go towards initial tuition, textbooks or other study costs *scholarship is paid at completion of probationary period
4-day work week to support study routine
Internal study support from other trainee accountants studying in the same industry
Weekly training sessions with the whole team to offer personal development within your career
Fun and friendly environment with a social workplace
Potential for 5 weeks of annual leave
Paid Exam Leave

This role will suit you if you are enthusiastic and see yourself being more than a number cruncher, enjoy being around people and intend to commence your business/accounting degree.

Start date of January 2026 or earlier

If you would like to gain some practical experience while studying, apply to Inspire Accounting & Business Services for a career to start in January 2026.

Email: shayem@inspireacc.com.au

Local Eyes Optometrists

Junior Optical Assistant - Full Time

See Mrs O'Brien for more information

Mint Escape for Hair

First Year Hairdressing Apprentice

See Mrs O'Brien for more information

Svensson Boats

Work experience in boat building
Fabrication trade
Will be looking for apprentices in 2026

See Mrs O'Brien for more information

Kookaburra Child Care

School Based Early Childhood Traineeships

See Mrs O'Brien for more information

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.

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

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

Carmen Bennett - Head of Academic Performance