Chanel College

05/09/2026

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY
Today, we give thanks for our fathers. We celebrate the countless sacrifices they have made and the unwavering support they have given us. They are the steady hands that shape our character, the strong shoulders that carry us through life's challenges, and the guiding light that helps us find our way. They believe in us when we struggle to believe in ourselves, encouraging us to reach higher, persevere through adversity, and become the very best version of who we can be. Their love, wisdom, and strength leave a lasting imprint on our hearts and lives, for which we are forever grateful.

Today we give thanks to all the amazing fathers and father figures in our lives. Wishing a blessed Father's Day to all and comfort to those doing it tough today.

04/09/2026

R U OK? Day Celebrations: Tuesday 8 September

Chanel College students will be celebrating R U OK? Day this Tuesday, 8 September, to highlight the importance of meaningful conversations, connection, and checking in with one another. Our events will begin during the whole College assembly, followed immediately by a special Morning Tea celebration in Gum Court for all students to enjoy.

Students are encouraged to bring a picnic rug and a plate of food to share with their friends and peers.

The morning will feature live music, games, and community support stalls in a relaxed and welcoming environment.

Students are welcome to wear yellow accessories with their formal College uniform to show their support for this important wellbeing initiative.

Taking the time to ask, "Are you OK?" can make a significant difference, and we look forward to a wonderful morning of connection across the College.

03/09/2026

We have been advised there is a dangerous fast moving fire burning near Kirkwood Road, Gladstone. This warning was issued by the Queensland Fire Department at 2.25pm today. Motorists are advised to avoid the Kirkwood Road area, between Glenlyon Road and Dixon Drive. Please be careful on the roads this afternoon and keep up to date with the current situation by logging onto the QFRS website:
https://www.fire.qld.gov.au/Current-Incidents

Alternatively, follow the Queensland Fire Department on Facebook.

To report all fires, call Triple Zero (000)

03/09/2026

CHANEL TEAMS FINISH IN H2GP TOP 10
Congratulations to our two Chanel College teams who finished in the top 10 of the H2GP Central Queensland World Qualifier 2026 race contested yesterday. About 100 students from across the Central Queensland region converged on the Gladstone Baptist Church to put their design, problem-solving and teamwork skills to the test in the four-hour STEM endurance race.

In exciting news, the Rio Chanel Dominators placed 6th on the leaderboard (on 362 laps) while the Alpha Chanel Burnouts finished in 10th spot (on 295 laps). The Rio Chanel Dominators also received the prestigious Team Spirit Award. This award is voted for by all attending teams and is awarded to the team which demonstrates the greatest teamwork and support for not only their team, but fellow competitors on the day.

Alpha Chanel Burnouts were in the top five for a while but suffered major mechanical faults with damaged bearings after a disastrous collision with the lead car that put them in the pits. After some creative engineering they got back out on the track and clawed their way up to be amongst the few cars that crossed the finish line at the completion of the four-hour race.

The Rio Chanel Dominators had an impressively fast 12 second lap and consistently sat in the top three cars until disaster occurred with a hydrogen leak and subsequent battery drain taking the car off the track. Both teams should be applauded on their efforts with this being our most successful outing at the H2GP in a number of years.

Thank you to staff members Mrs Rebecca Norton and Mrs Tania Andrews for your efforts with our College H2GP teams and to Dr Susan Bunkum and Dr Matt Hodge who attended the event to cheer our teams on and assist on the day.

A huge thank you must go to our valued sponsors Alpha HPA and Rio Tinto for supporting this wonderful opportunity for our students. We look forward to building on the lessons learned this year and have exciting plans for 2027!

03/09/2026

CQ INTERSCHOOL CHESS TERM 3 COMPETITION
Chanel College students travelled to Rockhampton Grammar School to compete in the Term 3 CQ Interschool Chess Competition. It was a fantastic day, with a record-breaking number of students attending the competition. Each student played seven rounds of chess, with Chanel competing across all three divisions – Premier, A and B Divisions.

Congratulations to the following students who received a Merit Award, achieving an impressive 4.5 points or more out of seven games:

• Alexander S (Year 9)
• Rithesh R (Year 7)
• Annalise G (Year 9)
• Ryan N (Year 9)
• Poppy W Year 12)

It was wonderful to see most of our students challenging themselves by playing up a division this term. A standout performance came from Alexander S, who showed tremendous improvement. Last term, Alexander competed in B Division, and this term he stepped up to compete in the Premier Division.

Congratulations to all our chess students on their efforts, sportsmanship and willingness to challenge themselves. Well done on another great CQ Interschool Chess competition!

02/09/2026

YEAR 9 DRAMA STUDENTS TAKE FLIGHT WITH ‘ICARUS’
Our Year 9 Drama students recently participated in Queensland Theatre's ‘The Scene Project’, an engaging and immersive theatre experience designed to inspire young performers and theatre-makers.

Throughout the project, students explored the themes and storytelling of ‘ICARUS’, creating and performing their own interpretation of the tale with an exciting circus twist. Through collaborative workshops and creative performance-making, students demonstrated imagination, teamwork, and confidence as they brought their unique visions to life.

To conclude the experience, students attended an Outcomes Day at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre where four school groups performed their interpretation of the same script and viewed the professional live performance of ‘ICARUS’ presented by Queensland Theatre. The production provided an inspiring opportunity to see professional theatre in action and deepen their understanding of performance, staging and theatrical storytelling.

The day was a fantastic celebration of creativity and learning, leaving students inspired by the power of live theatre and eager to apply new ideas to their own drama practice.

02/09/2026

STUDENT FREE DAY
A friendly reminder to all our families that Friday, 4 September, is a Student Free Day. Please note that the College Administration Office will be closed for the day. We hope you all enjoy a wonderful and restful long weekend.

01/09/2026

CHANEL TEAMS PREPARE TO HIT THE H2GP START LINE
Best of luck to our two Chanel College teams competing in the H2GP Central Queensland World Qualifier 2026 race in Gladstone today. Teams Alpha Chanel Burnouts and Rio Chanel Dominators are carrying out last minute preparations on their cars for the commencing of the four-hour hydrogen powered race. The H2GP race will get underway at 11am today with students from across Central Queensland putting their hydrogen-powered RC cars to the test in an exciting race for a spot at the World Finals.

H2GP turns hydrogen and engineering into a hands-on challenge. Students are tasked with building and refining fuel cell-powered cars and putting their ideas to the test in this race event. Teams test, measure and improve their cars by balancing speed, efficiency, reliability and endurance. This annual event is all about innovation, strategy and STEM. To view the live race click on the link: https://www.youtube.com/live/P1yoNo80kbw?si=XtFHyIstyjZ_IW8q

Good luck to both of our teams racing today!

01/09/2026

BENJAMIN WINS ENGINEERING BRIDGE COMPETITION
Congratulations to Year 9 student Benjamin V who is the Central Queensland division winner of the 2026 Queensland Engineering Bridge Competition. Benjamin was one of 7 students who represented Chanel College at the recent competition, hosted by Heights College in Rockhampton, which tested students on their engineering and design skills.

Teams were challenged to design and build a bridge using only store-bought spaghetti and glue, with a maximum total mass of 300 g, including the load plate. Students tested their designs using The Engineering Link Group’s (TELG) official testing rig to see how much weight their bridges could withstand. Benjamin’s entry managed to hold an impressive 14.9kg before breaking.

The competition provides students with a practical and memorable opportunity to apply engineering thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and design skills. The program is supported by TELG, Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, and Engineers Australia, with testing events held at locations across Queensland.

Our seven students showed fantastic commitment, building and refining their bridges during lunch breaks and at home in preparation for the competition. This event was a fantastic opportunity for students to experience engineering beyond the classroom and see how thoughtful design can turn something as simple as spaghetti into an amazingly strong structure.

01/09/2026

THE DISCIPLES TAKE 3rd PLACE
Congratulations to our College Rock Band, ‘The Disciples,’ which has placed 3rd in the 2026 CQ All Schools Battle of the Bands. This is an outstanding result for our band which delivered an energetic and confident performance last Friday night, showcasing their musicianship and stage presence. The Disciples was one of 10 bands from across Central Queensland which competed in the annual competition held in Rockhampton on 28 August.

It was one huge night for our band members Evan D, Ellaisha I, Connor W, Haydn P, Amy J and Grace C who rocked the stage of the Pilbeam Theatre. Their placing reflects their dedication, countless hours of rehearsal and passion for performing. A huge congratulations to all band members on this well-deserved achievement. We are incredibly proud of the way you represented the College with such a memorable stage performance!