As we move towards the end of another busy and productive term, I would like to acknowledge and celebrate the many successes and opportunities our students have embraced both in and out of the classroom.

Our Show Team continues to make us proud, most recently with their outstanding efforts at Wingham Beef Week. The dedication, skill and commitment shown by our students is a credit to themselves, their families and the staff who support them. These opportunities continue to strengthen our strong agricultural tradition at Gunnedah High School.

Our Cross Country and Athletics Carnivals were also highly successful, with strong participation, school spirit and some outstanding performances. These events continue to highlight the talent, resilience and sportsmanship of our students.

This term has also seen the continuation of our Rural Fire Service Cadet Program, which provides students with valuable life skills, leadership opportunities and pathways into community service. Programs such as this strengthen our commitment to real-world learning and community connection.

Our partnership programs continue to thrive, with Clontarf students recently attending the State of Origin Trip, providing memorable experiences and strengthening cultural connection, engagement and aspiration. Similarly, our STARS Year 11 and Year 12 students attended the Dubbo Camp, building confidence, leadership and connection as they prepare for life beyond school.

A highlight of this term has been the successful introduction of our Didge & Dance Cultural Sessions, which commenced in Week 7 and run each Wednesday through to the end of term. It has been fantastic to see the strong student buy-in and engagement in these sessions, which continue to strengthen cultural identity, pride and connection.

Another exciting development has been the formation of our Junior AECG. I would like to sincerely thank all staff, students and community members involved in bringing this together. The power of student voice in school planning and decision-making cannot be underestimated, and this initiative will play an important role in shaping our future direction.

I would also like to acknowledge the outstanding work of our Careers Advisor, Jacinta Hohnke, who continues to create valuable pathways for our students. Through programs such as Start Your Futures Hair and Beauty and Automotive, Jacinta is helping students explore future career opportunities and build strong foundations for employment and further study.

As we head into the back end of the term, I am looking forward to celebrating NAIDOC Week with our school community and welcoming families to our Parent & Teacher Night on Wednesday 1 July. Both events provide important opportunities to connect, celebrate and continue strengthening the partnerships that support student success.

Thank you for your ongoing support of Gunnedah High School.

Darren Monte
Executive Principal

Year 11 and 12 Primary Industries and Agriculture students attended Wingham Beef Week alongside more than 450 students from across the state.

Over the past six months, students worked hard to prepare three Angus steers for competition, with their dedication and commitment producing excellent results. Astro, led by Charlette Keeler, achieved 3rd place in the heavyweight led steer class. In the highly competitive hook section, our school also earned an impressive 3rd place with a score of 79.60/100 for animals weighing between 514–542kg, as well as 10th place in the same category.

Students enjoyed camping at the showground throughout the week and engaged in a wide range of educational activities, including industry seminars on artificial breeding, soil science, animal nutrition, breeder evaluations, farming technologies and ruminant digestion. Students also put their judging skills to the test by assessing live animals before visiting the abattoirs to evaluate primal and retail cuts of meat.

The week concluded with an early morning visit to the abattoirs to view the carcasses of the three steers prepared for competition. It was extremely pleasing to see the quality of meat produced through the hard work and dedication of students studying Agriculture and Primary Industries from Years 9 through to 12.

Agricultural Careers Expo

Year 10, 11 and 12 Agriculture and Primary Industries students attended the Agricultural Careers Expo at Farrer Memorial Agricultural High School, where they engaged with industry professionals, participated in live demonstrations and workshops, and explored a range of employment, training and further education pathways within the agricultural and related sectors.

Students had the opportunity to speak directly with representatives from a variety of organisations and businesses, gaining valuable insights into career opportunities across the agricultural and related industries. Exhibitors included Cotton Australia, Local Land Services, Killara Feedlot, Thomas Foods International, Teys Australia, Ringers from the Top End, TAFE NSW, Kenway and Clark, INCYT, Pursehouse Rural, GrainCorp and GSG Laboratories, along with several universities and training providers. 

The event provided students with a valuable opportunity to investigate future study and employment pathways while building connections with industry professionals.

Our Geography students recently enjoyed a fieldwork excursion to Lake Keepit and Manilla Weir, providing them with the opportunity to connect their classroom learning to real-world environments.

Throughout the day, students explored the physical and human features of both locations, investigating topics such as water management, environmental sustainability, weathering, erosion and the importance of waterways to local communities. Students participated in fieldwork activities, made observations and collected information to deepen their understanding of geographical concepts.

The excursion also provided opportunities for students to develop important personal and social capabilities. During a stop at the playground, students demonstrated outstanding teamwork, cooperation and inclusion as they worked together, encouraged one another and engaged positively with their peers. Their respectful behaviour and willingness to support one another was a highlight of the day.

We are incredibly proud of the way our students represented Gunnedah High School. Their enthusiasm, curiosity and positive attitude made the excursion a valuable and enjoyable learning experience for everyone involved.

A special thank you to the staff who supported the excursion and helped create meaningful opportunities for students to learn beyond the classroom.

Year 11 Stars students had the opportunity to participate in an excursion to Dubbo Zoo, where they explored a range of career pathways and employment opportunities within the zoo industry. 

During a behind-the-scenes tour, students gained insight into animal care practices and learned about the diverse career journeys of the zookeepers. The zookeepers shared their experiences, explained how they reached their current roles, and provided valuable advice to students as they begin considering their own pathways beyond school.

Students also visited Wellington Caves, where they enjoyed a guided tour of the historic cave system. During the visit, they learned about the history and development of the caves, as well as the various career opportunities associated with tourism, conservation, and scientific research.

Students were fascinated to discover that the caves continue to evolve, with new artefacts and significant historical findings still being uncovered today.

Clontarf held their annual State of Origin Camp, and it was fantastic event.

The boys enjoyed a touch football match against the teachers, coming away with a well-deserved victory. They also took part in a range of Minute to Win It challenges, which brought plenty of laughs and friendly competition.

One of the highlights was "Pick the Score" competition, where Noah correctly predicted the result and won himself a NSW State of Origin jersey.

The camp was a great opportunity for the boys to connect, have fun, and create lasting memories. Everyone had an awesome time, and are already looking forward to next year's camp.