Rockhampton State High School

⚗⚛ Science Week at Rocky High!! 🔬🔭

Last week, Rocky High celebrated National Science Week with a packed program of hands-on learning, technology and discovery.

Throughout the week, students took part in a virtual classroom with the Darumbal Sea Rangers, explored AgriTech with CQUniversity, investigated waste, tested soils, used thermal camera to learn how technology can help detect infections in the dairy industry, and experienced VR technologies supporting the future of Agriculture.

Students had the opportunity to teleconference with an Antarctic Research base, bringing science from one of the most remote places on Earth directly to our classrooms.

There were plenty of science-themed lunchtime activities along the way, before the week wrapped up with our Science Quiz and presentation, celebrating a week filled with learning fun, experimentation and exploration.

And, because every good experiment deserves a rewarding conclusion, Science week finished on a particularly sweet note with a special morning tea.

A fun-filled week exploring, experimenting and discovering just how far science can take us!

👨‍🏫Principal Challenge - Week 6 👨‍🏫

After a week of strategic meetings, regional conversations and plenty of time off-site last week, Mr Newelll was happy to trade meeting rooms for classrooms this week. Although, we're not sure he realised quite how much work was waiting for him!

First up: 🛠Manual Arts, where it seems the principal challenge has now produced a challenge of its own. Mr Newell was challenged to build his very own folding camp chair. He'll continue working alongside the students for the rest of the term until its complete. The real challenge, however, won't be whether he finishes it... it'll be finding someone brave enough to volunteer for the first sit test!

Then, he swapped the workshop for the stage and joined our Drama Students, who were busy rehearsing lines and checking costumes. After a questionable musical performance during Japanese drumming a few weeks ago, we probably shouldn't be surprised to discover acting isn't his hidden talent either. Luckily, we hear there may still be an opening for a tree... minimal lines, limited movement... sounds perfect! 🌳

Then it was time to put his brain to work at our Science Quiz week and presentation. Mr Newell teamed up with a group of Year 7 students and, much to everyone's delight, they "won" the challenge. We're just not sure who should be taking the credit here... Mr Newell for keeping up with our Year 7's, or our Years 7s for successfully carrying the principal across the finish line. Either way, we'll call it a team effort 😂

Finally, the challenge took him to Home Economic, where chocolate slice was on the menu 🍫 And after six weeks of fishing, fencing, drumming, HPE, building and performing, we may have finally found the challenge Mr Newell was made for! There were certainly no complaints about taste-testing either! Even Ms Brown and Ms Petrie got in on the action (and tasting).

One chair underway, lines rehearsed, science knowledge tested and chocolate slice consumed. We're call Week 6 a success... although we'll reserve final judgement until that chair is finished! 🤞

What did YOUR principal get up to this week? Rockhampton State High School Glenmore State High School Mount Morgan State High School

🏉STAFF VS STUDENTS - ROUND TWO! 🏉

Last week it was netball... this week, the rivalry moved to the touch football field!

The students came looking for redemption, but once again the staff held strong, taking out the win 5-2.

There was plenty of speed, skill, friendly competition and a few staff members who be feeling it for the next few days. 🤕

Check out some of our images for all the action on the field.

That makes it 2 from 2 for our staff so far...

NEXT WEEK: Volleyball!

Can the staff make it three in a row, or will the students finally put a win on the board?

Staff 2⃣ Students 0⃣

Last week our year 7 students put their problem-solving skills to the test during the Fun with Maths incursion.

Through a range of dinosaur themed hands-on challenges, puzzles and activities, students were encouraged to think outside the box, work collaboratively and apply their mathematical knowledge in fun and practical ways.

It was great to see our students working together, tackling the challenges and rescuing the dinosaurs along the way. A reminder that maths can be a whole lot of fun and applied to many situations in life (ok, maybe not dinosaurs) 🦖

There was laughing. There was cheering. There was fun with maths. 😄

Strong Mob, Strong futures.

27 of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students travelled to Gladstone last week for the Dorrie Day Careers expo 2026, joining students from across the region.

The day gave student the opportunity to explore future pathways in higher education, training and employment, connect with organisations and discover where their interests could take them.

A great day of connection, opportunity and thinking about what comes next 💙

🚗 Do you have a learner driver in?

Join the free Ready for the Road: Guiding your Learner from L to P workshop in Rockhampton and learn how to better support safe driving habits throughout the learner journey.

The workshop shares practical advice, useful strategies and real-life examples to help learners become safer, more confident drivers well beyond the driving test.

✔ Free to attend
✔ Useful tips and resources
✔ Perfect for supervisors and learner drivers.

Numbers are limited so register today.

Date: 8 September 2026
Time: 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Location: Rockhampton CQU Northside Campus

👉 Register now: https://events.humanitix.com/host/tmr-road-safety
🔗 Find out more: www.tmr.qld.gov.au/ready-for-the-road

👨‍🏫Principal Challenge - Week 5 | Out and about 👨‍🏫

This week's principal challenge took Nr Newell well beyond the school gates, with a week focused on celebrating students, connecting with colleagues and looking at the bigger picture for state education.

A definite highlight was attending the QATSIF Graduation and celebrating the achievement of our students.

From celebrating students to talking strategy, Mr Newell then joined fellow state school principals from across the region for discussions hosted by the Director-General. The day explored current education priorities, future planning and the successes and challenges being experienced consistently across our state schools.

There was even time for a behind-the-scenes tour of the newly redeveloped Aurizon Stadium.

The connections continued with a visit to fellow principal challenge school, Mount Morgan State High School, where Mr Newell joined Mr Lye for a learning walk, before attending CQUniversity's High School Engagement Dinner.

Then it was back through the gates at Rocky High, with just enough time to reconnect with students, share a few high fives and be there to farewell them as another busy week came to an end. Because no matter where the Principal Challenge takes him, it's always good to finish the week back where it matters most - with our students.

Week 5 was a good reminder that a principal's week can stretch well beyond the school grounds. Whether celebrating students, learning alongside other schools or contributing to conversations about the future of state education, it all comes back to the same thing - creating the best possible opportunities for our students.

North Rockhampton State High School Glenmore State High School Mount Morgan State High School Yeppoon State High School - what did YOUR principal get up to this week?

🏆STAFF vs STUDENTS: THE RIVALRY CONTINUES 🏆

It's a long-standing tradition at Rocky High - the annual Staff vs Students Sporting Competition.

Each year, our Year 12 cohort steps up, confident they finally have what it takes to demonstrate their sporting prowess and take down our incomparably talented staff. And each year... things don't always go according to plan. 🙃

Round One kicked off yesterday with netball - and our staff wasted no time reminding the Class of 2026 exactly who they're up against.

The final score? Staff 17 - Students 4.

A convincing start for the staff and another step towards maintaining the dynasty.

The students may have youth, speed and plenty of confidence on their side, but our staff have experience, determination and a reputation to protect!

There are still mores to come, so the question remains... can Year 12 stage a comeback, or will the staff continue their reign of dominance in 2026?

Check out the gallery for just some of the action!

Staff 1️⃣ | Students 0️⃣

Bring on round 2!

Celebrating our students at the QATSIF Graduation Ceremony.

Rockhampton State High School was proud to join schools from across the region at the QATSIF Graduation Ceremony, celebrating achievements, culture and success of First Nations students.

A special moment saw our First Nations Captain, Leah, given the honour of lighting a candle to officially commence the ceremony.

We also congratulate our talented students who were recognised for their outstanding creative achievements:

🎨High Commended - Moira Prior, year 11 - painting
🖌2nd Place - Emali Smith, year 10 - sculpture
🎵1st place - Gerald Gooda, year 12 - song and music

Congratulations to all our students who attended and were recognised. Opportunities such as the QATSIF graduation provide an important chance to celebrate achievement, culture and the pathways our First Nations students are creating for their futures.