Newsletter - Issue 1, 2025

From The Principal's Desk

Empowering Learners: The Science Behind Student Success 

At James Nash, we believe that every student has the ability to take charge of their own learning. Research in neuroscience tells us that the brain is like a muscle—it grows and strengthens with effort, practice, and the right strategies. By understanding how learning works and shifting responsibility to students, we help them develop the skills they need to be independent, motivated, and successful learners. 

The Neuroscience of Learning 

Our brains are constantly forming new connections. When students engage in active learning—asking questions, making connections, and reflecting on their progress—they strengthen these connections, improving memory and problem-solving. Key principles include: 

• Neuroplasticity: The brain changes with experience, meaning effort and persistence pay off.
• The Role of Struggle: Learning happens when students work through challenges, not when answers come easily.
• The Power of Reflection: Taking time to review what was learned helps deepen understanding.

Shifting Responsibility to the Learner 

Traditionally, learning was seen as the teacher’s responsibility. But research shows that when students take ownership of their learning, they develop stronger problem-solving skills, resilience, and confidence. This means: 

• Encouraging students to set their own goals.
• Teaching them to monitor their progress and adjust strategies.
• Helping them develop self-advocacy and seek help when needed.
  

Processes for Success 

To support this shift, students need tools and strategies to guide their learning. Some key processes include: 

• Goal-Setting: Students should set specific, achievable learning goals (Mastery goals).
• Metacognition: Understand and thinking about how they learn best and adjusting strategies.
• Reflection: reflecting on progress and making the changes needed to realise their goals
• Growth Mindset: Embracing challenges as opportunities to grow.

How Parents Can Help 

You play a vital role in this process! Here are some ways to support your child: 

• Ask open-ended questions like, “What strategy are you using to solve this problem?”
• Encourage effort over perfection: “I love how you kept trying even when it was tough.”
• Help them reflect: “What did you learn from that mistake?”

By understanding how the brain learns and shifting responsibility to students, we empower them to become confident, capable, and lifelong learners. Thank you for partnering with us on this journey! 

Jackson Dodd
Principal

Year 7

Well done to our new “Nashies” on their start to high school. Despite some very hot days, classroom changes and class group changes, they have navigated their way around the school well. They are engaging in their learning and are prepared for the school with the correct uniform and equipment. Our school values are Respectful, Hardworking, Positive and Resilient.

Year 7 Parent Information Afternoon:

When: Wednesday 26 February

Time: 3:30 – 4:00pm

Where: I Block (ask your child for directions)

Purpose: To support your understanding of how our high school operates and encourage partnerships with parents. Any questions will be noted and answered in an email to all Year 7 parents. I am sure many of you share the same questions. If the question is of a personal nature, please email me to arrange a time to discuss.

Learning and Wellbeing classes are held in Period 5 on Wednesday. These are important classes as they help foster the sense of belonging at Nash, an important factor to support well-being.

A big shout out to those students who attended the swimming carnival on Friday. They did their houses of: Caledonia, Columbia, Glanmire and Phoenix proud.

Year 7 School Camp: Mimburri - Belli Park

 Our Year 7 camp will be held over 3 days in Term 3 Week 9. It is being held at Mimburi, Belli Park. The aim of the Year 7 camp is to develop a deeper understanding of our school values of Positive, Respectful, Resilient and Hardworking.

Eligibility for camp:

• Students will need to be financial or up to date with their payment plan. Even if you have returned your consent form, you won't receive an invoice if your child is unfinancial.
• Have good standing points and attendance over 85%

Approximate cost: $190- $240

If you have any concerns about your child in Year 7, please contact Ann Porter aport62@eq.edu.au.

Please allow 24 hours for a response unless an emergency.

Year 8

Dear Year 8 Students and Families,

I hope this message finds you well! My name is Mr. Zak Green, and I have the privilege of being your Head of Department for Year 8 here at James Nash State High School. I am excited to be working with such a dynamic group of students and families this year. A little bit about me – I have been with the school for several years, and throughout my career, I have always been passionate about helping students grow, both academically and personally. I truly believe that Year 8 is a pivotal year in a student's journey, and I look forward to seeing all of you achieve great things.

Top Blokes Program

I am also thrilled to share that some of our Year 8 students have already hit the ground running with the Top Blokes Program. This is a fantastic initiative that aims to build confidence, resilience, and positive relationships in young people. The program encourages students to engage in meaningful conversations around issues such as respect, self-esteem, and leadership, all while developing skills that will set them up for success. It’s wonderful to see many Year 8 students already making the most of this opportunity and embracing the chance to grow in these areas.

Focus for the Year: Independent Learners

Looking ahead, our focus this year is to nurture Independent Learners who take responsibility for themselves. We want all Year 8 students to develop a strong sense of ownership over their learning. This means being proactive, seeking out support when needed, and understanding the importance of self-reflection in personal growth. We aim to encourage each student to become more accountable for their decisions, actions, and goals. It is all about empowering students to take control of their learning journey and continue to grow not just academically, but also in their overall development.

Leadership Excursion – Week 7

Another exciting event coming up is our Leadership Excursion for the Junior Captains and Sports Captains, which will take place in Week 7 this term. During this excursion, students will focus on building an effective team. It will be an opportunity for these students to develop leadership skills, work together in a team environment, and discover how to communicate and collaborate effectively with others. We are confident that this experience will equip them with the tools they need to lead with confidence, both within our school community and beyond.

As we move through the term, I am looking forward to seeing the growth of our Year 8 students – both as learners and as young leaders. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to know more about what’s happening in Year 8 this year.

Wishing everyone a great start to the term!

Zak Green
HODSS Year 8

Parents Entering School Grounds

All parents entering the school grounds must do so by visiting the front office. No parents are to walk into the school grounds without being accompanied by a staff member. If a parent needs to see their child or meet with a teacher, this will be co-ordinated through the front office. It would be greatly appreciated if all parents/carers could abide by this directive.

Banned items in school

The following items are explicitly prohibited at James Nash State High School and will be removed if found in a student’s possession:

• illegal items or weapons (e.g. guns, knives*, throwing stars, brass knuckles, chains or any item which could be weaponised eg. screwdriver)
• imitation guns or weapons
• potentially dangerous items (e.g. blades, rope)
• drugs** (including tobacco and vapes)
• alcohol, energy drinks, chewing gum or bubble gum
• aerosol deodorants or cans (including spray paint)
• explosives (e.g. fireworks, flares, sparklers)
• flammable solids or liquids (e.g. fire starters, mothballs, lighters)
• poisons (e.g. weed killer, insecticides)
• inappropriate or offensive material.
• clothing with offensive messages.
• takeaway foods delivered to school (including the delivery by parents)
• footage of illegal incidents including fights/assaults.
• laser pointer
• permanent marker

* No knives of any type are allowed at school, including fruit knives or craft knives, or any item that can be used as a weapon, for example a chisel. Knives needed for school activities will be provided by the school, and the use of them will be supervised by school staff. In circumstances where students are required to have their own knives or sharp tools for particular subjects or vocational courses, the school will provide information about the procedures for carrying and storing these items at school.

** The administration of medications to students by school staff is only considered when a prescribing health practitioner has determined that it is necessary or when there is no other alternative in relation to the treatment of a specific health need. Schools require medical authorisation to administer any medication to students (including over-the-counter medications such as paracetamol or alternative medicines).

Toilet Management

The safety of all students at JNSHS is paramount and is one of the reasons that toilets are monitored and managed during the day by staff. To ensure a safe, clean environment, E Block toilets are open all day and checked regularly by staff to make sure students are not loitering in the facility. E block is our largest toilet block and is located outside student services. Other toilet blocks are opened and closed during the day to accommodate the busier times. The toilet schedule is below:

Since the introduction of the toilet management at James Nash, the school has seen a significant reduction in vandalism within the facilities and an increase to the willingness of students to use the toilets at the correct time throughout the day. If you have any concerns around access to the toilets throughout the day, please speak to the relevant HOD of Student Services or Head of Year.

Greg Cooper
Deputy Principal Years 7 & 8

Year 9

Around the Classrooms

What a start to the year for Year 9. I have made my way to a number of classes and it has been great to see students engaged and actively participating in their subjects. I am going to try and make sure to showcase more of the amazing things our staff and students are achieving in their classes.

9G Science

It was exciting to see Mrs Tompkin’s 9G Science class learning about electricity and energy with guest speaker, electrician, Mr Brad Morgan. They worked to create series circuits and learned about how common household appliances work. He also gave them some valuable information about possible future pathways.

Camp

Barambah Camp is coming up at the end of the Term. 50 students will travel to Barambah in week 10 to participate in a number of camp and team building activities. Whilst we have 50 names and a few on the wait list, things change and sometimes students can’t attend. If you would still like your student to attend, please return the form. They will be on the waitlist, but may get a spot.

Year 10

Well done to our Year 10 cohort for a great start to the year. This year the focus is around creating a Life of Choice. As they transition into Senior Schooling they will be set up with the foundations to be able to grow as a student and create good habits around daily routines.

Care takes place at the beginning of each day. It is an important time where students are given a chance to connect with their care teacher and peers. Provide important information about opportunities, activities and events within the school and externally.

Learning and Wellbeing classes are held in Period 5 on Wednesday. Below is an overview of what each term focuses on:

Term 1 Looking in the Mirror – Self-reflection, image, strengths and weaknesses

Term 2 Walking out the Door – Preparing for the world of work

Term 3 Choosing a Pathway – Making decisions around subject selection choices in Senior

Term 4 Some tools for the journey – Learning transferable skills

Laptops in the classroom students have been settling in, showing that that they are responsible learners. Just a reminder that all students should be brining a charged laptop to school for the day.

Thank you

At James Nash SHS, we strive on a daily basis to provide opportunities for students to prepare for a life of choice, not chance. When students enter Year 10, they approach a significant educational crossroad which allows them to make their first real decisions on what they would like to do with their lives. Firstly, they are encouraged to study a range of elective subjects across the two semesters which provides them with a genuine ‘try before you buy’ experience to help them identify which subjects they would really like to study in their senior years. From there, they can choose to do the following:

• Study specific subjects that will align them with an ATAR pathway in preparation for university attendance upon graduation.
• Engage with work experience opportunities one day a week whilst continuing to study at school.
• Commence a school-based traineeship or apprenticeship as part of their school studies.
• Meet with our Transition Pathways Officer to discuss leaving school in order to engage with fulltime work, trainee or apprenticeships, or study at TAFE.

All students who remain at school will be expected to achieve a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) that confirms that they completed Year 12 with passing grades in all subjects.

With so many pathways available to them, we require our Year 10 students to be valiantly moving towards their desired future with purpose and not disengaged or resorting to poor behaviour. The Year 10 experience is substantial as it allows each student to evaluate the possibilities that are out there for them and help them make informed choices about what it is they want to do next. We encourage our Year 10 students to talk to their Care or Inclusion Teachers, the Work Experience team, the Year 10 HODs Mrs Haines and Mrs Fox or myself as the Year 10 Deputy Principal if they would like to explore any of the above opportunities further. Parents and carers are also invited to reach out with your questions at any time.

Senior School

2024 State School Leavers Survey

The Queensland Government is following up on Year 10, 11 and 12 students who left school in 2024, before completing Year 12.  Students will receive a letter with a personalised link to complete a 5-minute survey regarding their activities since leaving school. Students may also be contacted by email or phone and have the chance to win an iPad for participating. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please update with the interviewer or forward the instructions so they can participate. For more information, visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep/ or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.

NAPLAN

NAPLAN testing for 2025 will be taking place in Week 7 and 8 of Term 1 from Wednesday 12^th March. It is a nationwide measure through which all invested stakeholders can ascertain the developing literacy and numeracy skills of students enrolled in school at both a point in time and progressively over the course of their schooling experience whilst comparing them against national standards. NAPLAN testing also exposes students to an online assessment environment the likes of which are becoming more and more common in tertiary courses thus teaching them important 21^st Century skills to help them prepare for success.

Every student in Years 7 and 9 is required to participate in the NAPLAN testing unless you complete a withdrawal or exemption form which will be accessible on the website or made available upon request. Students not completing NAPLAN testing will attend regularly timetabled classes where they will engage with non-curriculum-related activities. Completed withdrawal or exemption forms can be emailed back to the school at yefra0@eq.edu.au or handed in to your child’s Care class teacher.

Swimming Carnival

James Nash Swimming Carnival 2025 – A Day to Remember!

The annual James Nash Swimming Carnival was a spectacular event, with an incredible number of students diving into the action. The energy was electric, and the weather held off to make it a perfect day.From the very first race to the final event, the pool was alive with fierce competition and school spirit. The war cries were louder than ever, with each house rallying behind their swimmers in an effort to claim victory. Of course, the day wouldn’t have been complete without the famous Year 12 jump-in, a much-loved tradition that never fails to bring smiles to the crowd!A huge congratulations to our Age Champions, who showcased outstanding performances throughout the day:

• 12 Years Girls: Demee Lahiff
• 12 Years Boys: Henry 
• 13 Years Girls: Alana McMullen
• 13 Years Boys: Lachlan
• 14 Years Girls: Brianna Albrecht
• 14 Years Boys: Josh Cavanagh
• 15 Years Girls: Alexa Ritchie
• 15 Years Boys: Zachery Rozwadowski
• 16 Years Girls: Ruby McLean
• 16 Years Boys: Baden Morrow
• 17 Years Girls: Amy Weston
• 17 Years Boys: Drew Lahiff
• 18-19 Years Girls: Bronte Collett-Nilon
• 18-19 Years Boys: Brayden Vallis

The highly anticipated Nash Splash, the handicap race for the fastest 50m freestyle swimmers, was another highlight. Congratulations to our winners:

• Female Winner: Amy Weston
• Male Winner: Zachery Rozwadowski

We also witnessed some incredible record-breaking swims, proving that Nash students continue to push the limits of speed and endurance! Well done to our record breakers:

• 17 Years Boys Freestyle: Drew Lahiff – 26.28 sec
• 17 Years Boys Backstroke: Drew Lahiff – 32.30 sec
• 17 Years Boys Breaststroke: Drew Lahiff – 33.93 sec
• 17 Years Boys Butterfly: Drew Lahiff – 29.95 sec
• 18-19 Years Boys Freestyle: Brayden Vallis – 32.73 sec
• 18-19 Years Boys Breaststroke: Cam Smith – 46.75 sec

Phoenix fought hard to defend their 2024 title, securing second place with 629 points, closely followed by the Termites on 614 points who claimed third place. Caledonia and Columbia will be eager to close the gap in the upcoming carnivals.The ultimate champions of the day were Glanmire, who claimed victory with an outstanding 680 points!Thank you to everyone who participated, cheered, and helped make the day a huge success. 

The Arts

ACA 2025: A Year of Creativity and Excellence!

The Academy of Creative Arts (ACA) program officially kicks off this week, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome our talented students back for another incredible year of creativity, collaboration, and artistic excellence!

ACA is a co-curricular excellence program that provides students with opportunities to extend their skills beyond the classroom. With over 100 students involved across six different ensemble groups in 2025, the program continues to grow, offering students the chance to develop their artistic abilities, make friends across all year levels, and become part of a passionate and supportive creative tribe.

Our ACA students are more than just performers; they are dedicated artists who embrace hard work, collaboration, and personal growth. Success in ACA requires commitment, including regular rehearsals, at-home practice, and teamwork. We are incredibly proud of the dedication our students bring to the program each year, and we look forward to working with them to refine their skills and passion for all disciplines in the Arts.

One of the standout features of the ACA program is our strong connection to industry professionals. Throughout the year, guest artists will work with our after-school ensembles, bringing valuable insights and expertise to inspire and challenge our students. These opportunities allow students to gain firsthand industry knowledge and learn from experienced artists across multiple disciplines.

All our ACA ensembles will begin preparing for events in Term 3 and 4, where they will showcase their hard work and talent to the school and wider community. With past productions such as Aladdin Jr. (2021), Matilda Jr. (2022), and High School Musical (2024), ACA has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality performances that celebrate the dedication and skill of our students and staff.

We are incredibly grateful to our amazing Arts staff, who volunteer their time and expertise to run this program, ensuring that our students receive the best possible opportunities to thrive in the Arts. Their passion and commitment make ACA an inspiring and rewarding experience for all involved.

For students who successfully auditioned, permission notes outlining all key events and commitments have been sent home. Please ensure these are returned to the Arts staffroom mailbox as soon as possible.

We are looking forward to another fantastic year of creativity, learning, and performance with our ACA students. Let’s make 2025 a year to remember!

The ACA Team

The Academy of Instrumental Music is back and better than ever, with both lessons and ensembles in full swing. This weeks concert band rehearsal was full of energy and creativity as they rehearsed various songs, including Mars and Wallace and Grommet. It's shaping up to be an exciting year as students dive into their musical journeys and the AIM programme continues to thrive. Here’s to another year of growth and great music.

What's the Buzz in English

Students are studying a wide range of exciting topics to start off the year in English. Some students are learning to write engaging imaginative texts, some are working on persuasive speeches and others are analysing texts through feature articles. Students in Year 10 and 11 Essential English are honing their real-world writing skills by examining and writing texts to prepare them for the world of work.

Year 12 Essential English students are currently studying a unit of work concerned with issues in our local community. They will be focussing on the creation of a digital story aimed at persuading audiences to take action on a key issue in the Gympie region. As part of this unit of work, students at the Gympie Trade Training Centre were able to ask questions of Mayor Glen Hartwig. Each student chose an issue and formulated insightful questions to pose to the very special guest speaker. Mayor Hartwig provided a range of informative answers that will form a part of students’ scripts for assessment. A big thank you to Mr Jenkins who organised this great opportunity for these students.  

Science

Year 7 science students have enjoyed a great start to the year, already doing a number of activities in the laboratory, plus some ecological field study within the school grounds.  Year 7 Go for Gold class are looking forward to an excursion in week 6 to examine the health of the Mary River.

Year 8 students are currently learning about energy changes and transformations.  They are working towards and exam in week 6.  The Go for Gold class has started the year with the Biological Science unit, and are learning about cells, organs and systems in living organisms. 

The year 9 students are studying Physical Sciences Unit which focuses on the transfer of energy as per the particle model (electricity) and wave model (heat).  An assignment is due in week 6 that requires students to modify and experiment done in class, conduct their own investigation, and report their findings in a scientific report. 

In class year 10 biology students have been practicing their surgical skills with a number of dissections including a cow’s hearts.  Whilst the physicists have been using dynamic carts to test Newton’s Laws of Motion.

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The University of the Sunshine Coast along with the staff from MindSET-do are running the 2025 Science and Engineering Challenge on March 4.  A team of year 10 James Nash SHS students will be competing against other high schools from across the district in a series of hands-on problem-solving activities.  Any students interested in participating can collect a permission form from Mrs Tompkins in D block.

INTAD

Year 11 Building and Construction Off to a Strong Start!

Our Year 11 Building and Construction students have hit the ground running this term, demonstrating our school’s core value of hard work as they begin drafting plans for their scale house construction.

Working to Australian Standards and using construction industry processes and production skills, students are developing the technical drawing skills essential for real-world building projects. Their commitment to accuracy and industry best practices sets a strong foundation for success as they progress through the course.

We’re excited to see their projects take shape and look forward to the hands-on construction phase ahead! Keep up the great work, Year 11!

Gympie Trade Training Centre

Brooke Secures School-Based Apprenticeship with Newks Plumbing

Year 12 student Brooke has taken a major step toward her future career, securing a school-based apprenticeship with Newks Plumbing. After impressing the company during her work placement last year, Brooke was offered the opportunity to train while completing her studies.

She follows in the footsteps of a former Gympie Trade Training Centre (GTTC) student who has successfully completed their apprenticeship with the company. Newks Plumbing praised Brooke’s work ethic and enthusiasm, recognizing her potential in the industry.

This apprenticeship will allow Brooke to gain hands-on experience while continuing her education, setting her up for a promising career in plumbing.

Congratulations, Brooke, on this fantastic achievement!

Community Notices