Blog

Term 1 has been jam-packed with activities for around 4,000 Stars students across Australia. A snapshot of activities in Queensland signals that the year ahead promises interesting and fun activities and plenty of support and smiles.

Years 7 and 8 students at Thuringowa State High School in Townsville recently celebrated achieving over 90% school attendance this term. The young women received a certificate and small incentive in recognition for their commitment to their attendance and working hard towards being at school every day.

Stars are all smiles with fun cook ups and tastings

With warm temperatures in north Queensland, Year 9 Stars at Thuringowa State High School spent their lunch time creating Healthy Yoghurt Bark as a refreshing treat. Students also learned about the unhealthy effects of processed sugar and just how much of it is hidden in their favourite beverages. This led to the young women setting some healthy goals and limits to consuming high sugar drinks and choosing healthier alternatives.

Year 7 students at Thuringowa State High School also set a goal for the year to learn how to cook yummy and healthy food for their families at home. Stars Mentors have since introduced ‘Make it Monday’ where on selected Mondays throughout the term, students learn to cook and enjoy a variety of recipes. To kick off the series, the girls made scrumptious sausage rolls enjoyed by all for afternoon tea.

Years 8 and 9 Stars from Cairns State High School have also thoroughly enjoyed cooking lessons with Deadly Choices’ ‘Good Quick Tukka’ program every Monday and the girls agreed that veggie fritters were delicious!

Hospital and radio station tours in Townsville inform and empower our Stars

A group of Years 10-12 Stars students from Heatley Secondary College, Pimlico State High School and Thuringowa State High School in Townsville seized an opportunity to spend the day at Townsville Hospital and Health Service to discover the many different jobs and pathways within a hospital.

Highlights of the day included:
– Tours of two of the units with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander liaison workers;
– A practical session with Queensland Ambulance Services; and
– Yarning with two current students completing the deadly start program.

All of the attending Year 10s were inspired to apply for the opportunity to work and learn at the hospital when they move into their final year of schooling.

Year 9 Stars from Heatley Secondary College and Pimlico State High School also experienced what it’s like to work at radio station, Radio 4K1G. Thanks to radio host of the Midday Show ‘Rollin with Reeks’, Arika Appleby, PCYC Townsville and 4K1G, our Stars got to write and record their own shout outs for Stars and Arika’s radio show.

At the end of the visit the girls expressed how proud they were for stepping out of their comfort zones and experiencing something new. One student said: “I was really nervous coming in here, but this has been the best experience, and I feel really happy with myself.”

Year 12 Stars Embrace Final Year

Year 12 Stars from Townsville also attended a terrific two-day camp focused on goal setting, positive mindset and leadership.

Highlights included:
– Yarning with local Elders for Change about the importance of education and embracing opportunities;
– Face painting and a photo session designed to encourage the girls to feel empowered in themselves and their culture;
– Participating in an ‘Amazing Race’ around the city which helps promote independence and knowledge of the city; and
– Problem solving in the ‘Escape Room’ experience where students worked in groups to solve different problems and demonstrate leadership, teamwork and resilience.

The camp helped ensure that Year 12 Stars are excited and ready for the year ahead and Stars’ Mentors are ready to help them achieve their goals.