Newsport junior reporter Byron Filmer takes helm as School Captain at Mossman High

Newsport’s own junior reporter, Byron Filmer, has snagged the spotlight by assuming the prestigious position of School Captain at Mossman State High School, joining forces with fellow captain, Jasmine Allery.

The Newsport team first met Bryon when he undertook a work placement as a Year 10 student, learning the basic ropes of reporting. Recognising his talent, Newsport subsequently welcomed him as a junior reporter, allowing him to write stories when he isn't occupied with school duties.

Now, as a Year 12 School Captain, Byron finds himself with added responsibilities. Despite this new role, he remains modest, admitting he hadn’t planned to run for school captain initially. It was a teacher’s inspiring message, “Shoot for the stars and see where you land”, that spurred him to take the leap.

When asked about his goals and aspirations for his term as School Captain he said, “If anything, I just wish to leave the school a better place than it was when I arrived. I'd love to raise the sense of the pride within our school that students and members of the public hold for MSHS.”

Already, Byron has made significant contributions to the school’s initiatives, playing a pivotal role in organising the Valentine’s Day Rose sale, which aimed to raise funds for the student council. 

Additionally, he and a group of fellow students are working on creating the Year 12 yearbook, ensuring that memories of their final year are preserved for generations to come.

The Newsport team is proud of Byron's achievements and extend a warm welcome to him and Jasmine for the year ahead.

Wonga Beach State School

Meanwhile, at Wonga Beach State School, the philosophy of “To plant a Garden is to believe in tomorrow” sets the tone for a transformative initiative.

Students and staff are embarking on expanding their Food Garden, envisioning a sustainable source of produce with the guidance of Paediatric Dietitian Jessica Lee. 

The vision includes planting fruit trees such as jackfruit and avocados, alongside a variety of other plants including dragon fruit, passion fruit, paw paw, and various herbs and spices, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh produce throughout the year.

Under Ms Lee’s guidance, students will develop a business model to sell the harvested produce, generating funds to reinvest back into the food garden and other student-led projects. 

This hands-on involvement not only teaches practical skills but also instil a sense of ownership and responsibility among the students.

Daintree State School

Daintree State School is all action stations in preparation for their centenary in June this year, gearing up for a weekend-long event from June 21st to 23rd.

A highlight of the festivities is the creation of a celebratory mural adorning the library building. Past students Armin, Anya, and Silvia Von Kyserlingk have dedicated themselves to incorporating elements spanning the past century, showcasing the progress of the Daintree area.

Each detail in the mural represents a significant moment in time, from the local wildlife to the thriving tourist industry and the region's earliest settlers.