7 March 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Moving into the preparation for Term assessments it is vital that all students are turning up their work preparation for assignments and exams due in the last few weeks. Encourage your student(s) to check the Assessment Planner and if required attend the Tutorial sessions on Monday and Wednesday afternoons.

Over 80 students attended the annual Year 8 Leadership Camp at Camp Fairbairn outside Emerald. Over 4 days and 3 nights the students participated in a range of indoor and outdoor activities, challenging their skill-set of their group and individually. The camp atmosphere also fostered positive links between the students and also closer links with the staff who attended. Fortunately the area had received some recent rain so the area was green with new grass and increased water in the dam. Photo from Camp

During the year we invite special presenters to work with groups of our students. This week Deb Fitzpatrick from QCAA has taught several classes of students, focusing on the high level skills of story writing. While Deb was in Mackay, she also presented a 2 hour workshop to teachers on Tuesday evening, attended by many of the teachers from our school.

This week, a group of 20 aspiring Principals attended a workshop at a local convention room. Our school was invited to arrange students to present the Welcome to Country. A small group arrange by Gordon Quakawoot completed this special task as a celebration of our great school. Students read the text of our School Reconciliation. Student who performed in the item were Jasmine Cortis, Lyric Malone-Riehl, Harley Baggow, Damon Erixson and Jordan Chapman.

Congratulations to Mrs Di Watt, who has been appointed as the Master Teacher, to commence from the start of Term 2. Her new role will be to work closely with teachers and class groups across the school and faculties to focus the improvement of student literacy and numeracy. At this stage Mrs Watt will continue to teach the Year 7 Academic Excellence Academy English class as she will undertake a research project on their high performance in literacy and numeracy, through the enhancements and expectations to their learning program.

Mrs Kellie Bryan has also been appointed to the Academic Excellence Academy Teacher commencing next week. Mrs Bryan will continue with much of her current teaching responsibilities, while working with the AEA teachers. She will also work with the Core HoDs to develop and enthuse the students in the Yr6 Cadet program visits, each term in Semester 1. During Semester 2, we will include the upcoming Year 5 high performers, so that they can gain a taste of the learning opportunities in the Academic Excellence Academy. The students are working very confidently and they also look very impressive in their new AE Academy shirts.

On Thursday 10th March, the first Junior Secondary Disco will be held. This event affords parents and staff the chance to meet and have conversations informally at the pre-disco BBQ commencing at 5:30pm at the Hall apron. Many of the Junior Secondary teachers will attend and be available, so that your children can introduce you to some of their teachers. Parents will collect their children at 8pm from the hall.

On Tuesday afternoon, teacher from most of the secondary schools in the Mackay district, attended the Twilight Professional Development sessions. All together there were 18 different topics for the 2 hour workshops ranging from Excellence with iPads, Mountain Bike tour ride to Adjusting the teaching for an Autistic student. Most sessions were presented by local teachers from the State and Private systems schools.

Year 11 & 12 students are able to participate in a week of Work Experience early in Term 2. If they intend to seek to apply, they need to complete the Work Exp. Form and return to Mrs Dearden as soon as possible.

Mr Steve Paulger
Principal

JUNIOR SECONDARY NEWS

General News

All year 7 students recently completed a day of fun activities aimed at helping students get to know each other outside their classroom environment. All activities focussed on various aspects of teamwork and communication. It is interesting to see students take on the challenges of the human pyramid, tunnel ball, egg and spoon races, Frisbee, soccer, water fill, minefield, and group ball toss.

The ultimate challenge of teamwork was to come up with an alphabetical list of items to find in a scavenger hunt. Can you think of an object found around the school (but not in a classroom) that starts with each letter of the alphabet (may be a personal belonging) - you have 10 minutes. See below for some very inventive answers!!

The ultimate aim of the day was to learn how to work as a supportive team, improve communication to achieve outcomes, be supportive of each other, and gain personal confidence.

We hope you enjoy some of the photos of students in action.

Year 8 campers have just returned from a very enjoyable time at Fairbairn Dam near Emerald. We spent 4 days of excitement with great activities again designed to build teamwork, positivity, and confidence in students.

We experienced Canoeing, raft building, high ropes, rogaining (orienteering), lantern stalk, statues, mad Olympics and team trivia. Students worked in teams with others they may not normally work with at school. Putting students out of their comfort zone this way is a very powerful tool for building responsibility, communication, and resilience.

There were many opportunities to make new friends and discover the talents of others. Hopefully students have returned with a new found respect towards and appreciation of each other.

Highlights of the camp:

Great food
Great teachers!!!
Fantastic facilities
Mad Olympics
Lantern stalk through the bush at night
Chappy Phil's humour??
Early starts (5:30am) - maybe not a highlight
Making friends
Falling out of canoes
Having to take turns cooking and cleaning for everyone (they can all do this at home now!)

Hardest part of camp:

Early starts
Keeping dorms and tents tidy!
Rogaining - using a map and compass as a team whilst running through the bush was the hardest activity for teamwork

See some of the photo highlights attached or access our school Facebook page and look for the 2016 Year 8 camp photo album.

Many thanks from myself to Miss Nutt, Mr Doyle, Miss Proctor, Miss Stork, Chappy Phil, Mr Neill and Mr Milne for their energy and support on camp. Also thanks to the drivers from Mackay Transit Coaches who stayed and helped out on camp.

What's On Soon

We are holding a disco and free BBQ (sausage sizzle) for years 7 - 9 students on Thursday 10th March at 5:30pm. (A gold coin donation to support or school chaplain would be appreciated). Many school staff will also be present to greet parents. This is an opportunity for you to say hello to some staff in an informal setting. A note has been provided to all years 7 - 9 students regards the disco. This note also includes a return section to indicate if you will attend the BBQ so we can cater adequately for numbers.

The BBQ is sponsored by our school P&C. They are looking for new parents to join their ranks and bring new ideas and energy to our school. PLEASE be active in the continued development of Mackay High and the provision of resources to our school through the P&Cs efforts. Don't be shy!!

P&C meetings are held every 4th Monday at 6.00pm in the Administration building (accessed by a door at the back of the Admin building). If there is a change in a time of the meeting this will be in the newsletter.

All are very welcome.

The P&C President in 2016 is Tanya Williams and she can be contacted via email on pandc@mackayshs.eq.edu.au

Good News Stories

It's great to see the Junior School leading the way with their correct use of uniform. I encourage parents to make sure everyone has the correct shoes, socks, shorts, shirts. We look like a team.

Congratulations to all students attending every day of the week. We are now holding a draw each week in each year level for students attending all 5 days the previous week. The winner receives a $5 tuckshop voucher.

Thought of the Newsletter

If you never have a go, you'll never, never know.

General

A reminder to students to see the electronic display in the Year Coordinators room window regularly for activity photos, news, spot competitions etc.

Some Scavenger hunt responses:

D - Dirt
E - Earrings, elastic
I - ink
K - key
M - mandarine peel
Q - Queen card
V - Visor
X - X-men (someone had an X-men pencil case)
Y - Yoghurt container
Z – Zip

Matt Skinner
Junior Secondary HOD

YEAR COORDINATORS

Year 10

Hi Everyone – My name is Liz Atkins and I am the Year 10 Coordinator for 2016. I have been teaching Maths and Science at Mackay State High School for 14 years now, (that makes me feel old), after moving up here with my family from the Gold Coast. For the past four years I have been working as Year 12 Coordinator so I am quite excited about changing to Year 10 coordinator this year and then moving through with the students as they progress into year 11 and 12. I have three children myself (two who are still teenagers) so I am very familiar with the modern life of a high school student and look forward to working with the wonderful Year 10 students of Mackay Sate High School.

Liz Atkins
Year 10 Coordinator

Year 11

My name is Andrew Gercken and I am the Year 11 Coordinator for 2016. This is my 4th year at Mackay State High School and I have followed through with the current group of Year 11 students from Year 10 and I am excited to see how the group grows into leaders of our school. Year 11 is a busy year preparing students for their final year of school. Over the next 10 months students in Year 11 will receive their senior jersey, be involved in their first blocks of 'senior exams', attend RYDA Day and also have the opportunity to attend an excellent camp in Term 4 to Magnetic Island!

Year 11 will be challenging at times so I do urge parents and students to work together as a team to assist in their progress for the duration of the year. Enjoy Year 11, embrace the many opportunities and events Mackay State High School offers, work hard, but most importantly enjoy your time at school, it will be graduation before you know it!

Andrew Gercken
Year 11 Coordinator

Year 12

G'day, I am the current Year 12 coordinator; Miles Jackson. I have been teaching at MSHS for 5 years in the maths and science faculties. I enjoy all things associated with water, if waters there I will be happy. After a couple of years in charge of Year 11 I have been handed the reins for the 2016 Year 12 cohort. This is a special time for Year 12 students as their final year of high school, with events like Mocktail, Formal and Graduation. After leadership camp at Magnetic Island the focus and resolve of the students is very promising. I look forward to the journey as this group of student ascend to adulthood.

Miles Jackson
Year 12 Coordinator

NEW TEACHERS

Joanna Chuang

Ni Hao, to the Mackay State High School Community. My name is Joanna Chuang and I am the newly appointed Chinese teacher to our school.

I have been with Education Queensland for 4 years now, teaching Music and Chinese in primary schools in Mackay. This year I will be teaching Chinese to Year 7 and 8 students at our school.

I am very excited to be part of the school and I would like to say thank you to the staff for helping me find my way around and for welcoming me into the school. I look forward to seeing and meeting many of you at school.

Joanna Chuang
Chinese Teacher

Michelle Freeman

Having completed my practicum at Mackay State High School, I am thrilled to return this year as a full time teacher within the English and Social Studies departments.

Although I completed my studies in Mackay, I originally began studying education whilst living in Brisbane, and thus I have been fortunate enough to spend time in a range of different learning environments. None have I enjoyed so much as my time here at Mackay State High School.

Whilst the past few weeks have certainly flown by, I have enjoyed every moment getting to know the staff and students. It is my absolute pleasure to work with the school community, and I look forwards to the many adventures and experiences that are yet to come.

Michelle Freeman
English Teacher

Alex Procter

I taught in the outdoor education industry for many years and I recently have made the transition to MSHS to coordinate the Netball Academy. I'm loving every minute so far. I teach in the areas of HPE and Home Economics however have been spreading my wings by teaching Prevoc Maths this year. My passions include sport, cooking and relaxing by reading a good book or watching movies.

Alex Procter
Netball Coordinator

AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT NEWS

Things are well underway for 2016 in our Department. Classes have been busy with safety, how plants work, and preparations are underway for our up and coming vegetable gardens.

Cattle Show Team members have commenced training for 2016, congratulations to the students selected. All are hardworking and enthusiastic!

Year 12 students have been working on body systems of animals. Last week they enjoyed dissecting pig hearts and identifying the parts.

By Karlee Shaw Year 12

Year 12 agriculture dissected pig hearts and located different areas of the organ, these included the left and right ventricles, the left and right atriums, the mitral valve, the perkinje fibres the superior vena cava and the aorta. This was a very enjoying experience for the Year 12 Ag students.

ARTS NEWS

Eight of our Senior Arts students have been appointed as 2016 Arts Ambassadors for either the MECC or Artspace Mackay.

Congratulations to:

Artspace Ambassadors, Visual Art students

• Bailey Gambie
• Nicka Mateo
• Elsie Ward
• Sherizza Dela Cruz
• Olivia Emery
• Michael McKechnie.

The Artspace Mackay Youth Ambassador Program is an exciting pilot program that has been developed to inspire art students of the Mackay Region to engage with their art gallery, Artspace Mackay, in a mutually rewarding learning experience.

The goals of the year long program are to give its young participants exclusive 'behind the scenes' access to the gallery in four extra-curricular, term-based sessions which give insight into key areas of a successful regional gallery.

MECC Youth Ambassadors are, Drama students:

• Simone Muirhead
• Kate Brown

The MECC has developed the Youth Ambassador Program to allow students, teachers and schools easier access to available opportunities, such as grant monies, traineeships and workshops, which supports regional Arts students in receiving quality and authentic experiences with professional artists and Arts organisations. In return the Ambassadors will promote the MECC and their shows and workshops within our school and peer groups.

We commend all of our ambassadors on their passion for the creative industries and wish them well in their new roles.

Mrs Glenda Hobdell
HOD of The Arts

ICT NEWS

Wow! The first five weeks have flown. It has been a very big start-up for ICT Services with Induction sessions operating for all students who have chosen to Bring Your Own Device/Software (BYOx). As well, we are operating 1:1 eLearning Deployment sessions for those students new to the school or program.

BYOx eLearning Program

Students and parents ensure you pay your $35 Connectivity Fee, bring your receipt to ICT Services so you can be given the paperwork. Once paperwork is back, students then need to watch and listen to the Daily Student Notices for their name to be listed in a BYOx eLearning Induction session.

To ensure students successfully connect to the school network in this session, it is important that students are made the administrator of their device, their device has anti-virus software, all updates are done on their device, and lastly, students know their Username and Password for their school network accounts.

1:1 eLearning Program

The majority of students in this program are continuing from the previous year, and once students have presented their receipt to ICT Services they are given their laptop, with the exception of Year 9 students who have their device upgraded to Windows 8. This usually means a 24 hour turn-around. Students new to the program have a Deployment session, again notified by Student Daily Notices.

If your eLearning student is having difficulty with attaching to the school's network either with their own device or a school device, they can visit ICT Services for assistance from our school technicians.

Emailing

We have experienced difficulty with some BYOx students connecting to MS Outlook and/or Webmail. This is an issue that is known by our Brisbane office and technical services are working on the problem. If students are required to email in homework, drafts, etc, suggestion is that they either take documents to their teacher on USB or save to their H drive and inform their teacher.

Students who have not got Microsoft software (full package) please go to the eLearning Programs page on the school website to download this software for FREE. Most laptops come with Microsoft Student which does not give students all programs required. There is also a very good deal for anti-virus software on this web page.

Parents and students please do not hesitate to contact ICT Services if you have queries.

Christine Adams
HOD – Business/IT Department

SPORT REPORT

The first six weeks of Term One have been extremely busy to say the least. There have been a total of 15 district trials for the 13-19 year age group that have been conducted. Many of our students that have represented the school were selected to attend the next level at the Capricornia trials. This is a fantastic representation for Mackay State High School and also highlights the sporting talent at this wonderful school. I believe that a round of congratulations should be given to the following students for their chosen sports.

In addition, the U12 district trials have also been in full swing. We would like to congratulate Ella Anderson for being selected to attend the Basketball Capricornia trials.

If your son or daughter is unsure of how to trial for certain sports, please tell them to come and speak to Miss Russell (the Sports Coordinator) and ensure that they listen to the daily notices for additional information each day. It is important to meet deadlines and submit consent forms by the appropriate dates to ensure the chain of communication between the schools, coaches and convenors is a seamless process.

Upcoming trials

The year 12 students have been through the process of writing nominations to be selected for the prestigious roles of House and Sports captains of Mackay State High School. The panel of teachers from the Physical Education department spent time analysing these nominations to select the best representatives for 2016. After a lot of discussion the following decisions were made, congratulations to the following students;

Sports Captains

Kylie Watts
Jayde Mellross

House Captains

Chataway – Jess Green; Isaiah Tass
Denniss – Olivia Cavanagh; Evelyn Pupungatoa
Forgan – Jasmine Fuhlbohm; Brendan Connors
Mackay – Shannen Donnelly; Brendan White

NETBALL UPDATE

Great to see so many new and familiar faces at our Netball academy and Cross Country training sessions. Rain or shine the students have displayed great dedication by taking part in circuit sessions or beep tests when the weather is a bit dreary. It's not too late to take part in the fun all academy girls welcome. Others are welcome to collect a cross country permission form from Miss Dick in C7 if you wish to prepare for the carnival on the 24th of March or to simply improve your fitness in a fun and welcoming environment. All fitness abilities welcome. See you there! Miss Dick/ Miss Proctor

Cross Country Carnival

The School Cross Country Carnival is almost upon us and in preparation students in years 7 and 8 will be walking the course in their HPE lessons during week 7 and 8. As per usual students will be required to wear a wide brimmed hat, sunscreen, appropriate footwear and their school uniform.

The carnival will be held on Thursday 24th March (last day of school). Students will remain in class for the day until they are called over to complete their run. Participants are encouraged to wear their team colours while competing though must arrive and leave from school in full school uniform.

Students aged 12-15 years will complete a 3km course while students aged 16 and above will complete a 6km course (2 laps).

It is a school day therefore all students are expected to attend with every student that enters earning house points for their team. It is a fun day and whether competing to win or simply for some fresh air and exercise we look forward to seeing you all there!

No matter how slow you go you are still lapping everybody on the couch

MACKAY DISTRICT SCHOOL SPORT TRIALS CALENDAR

LIBRARY NEWS

The Library is a hive of activity again this year. We have 11 Year 7 and 8 Literacy classes visit weekly, 17 Senior Independent study groups call the Library home as do a number of permanent classes. This is just during class time, the library is full of students from 8 a.m. every morning, during both breaks and until 3.30 every afternoon. Hundreds of students visit the Library during the breaks to read, do schoolwork and catch up with friend, escape the heat or play. A great new initiative this year is the Library being open until 4 every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon for student study access.

We have an enthusiastic group of Library Monitors back again this year. Many are new recruits and it is not too late for anyone who wants to be a Library Monitor to put their hand up to be part of the team, just come and see us in the Library.

SENIOR JERSEY ORDERS

Students in Year 10, 11 and 12 can order their senior jersey now. Students should pay $75 to the general office and then take their order form to their Year Coordinator in B11. Some sample jerseys are available in The Year Coordinators (B11) room for students to try on if they are unsure of what size they need. All orders must be received by 3pm on Thursday 17th March. NO LATE ORDERS WILL BE ACCEPTED. Jerseys will be available towards the end of Term 2 ready for the colder weather. If you have any questions please contact your relevant Year Coordinator.

Mrs Atkins (Year 10)
Mr Gercken (Year 11)
Mr Jackson (Year 12)

MATHS TUTORING

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT NEWS

DEB FITZPATRICK SESSIONS

After thoroughly enjoying a lecture by novelist, Deb Fitzpatrick, at the Brisbane Writers' Festival in August last year we invited her to Mackay to work with our Academy English classes.

Deb, who is the author of five novels, including 'The Amazing Spencer Gray' and '90 Packets of Instant Noodles' and who has been nominated for several literary awards, spent two days working with our students and teachers on the creative writing process. She outlined how she found inspiration, developed characters and painted images in her audience's mind to entertain and engage them.

The sessions inspired our top streamed English students to engage in the writing process with enthusiasm and enjoyment. Who knows, in years to come, one of our Academy students may be nominated for the Pulitzer thanks to Deb's motivation!!

Claire Blessas
HOD English.

ENGLISH TUTORING

Tutoring

Every Monday 3- 4pm in A08

Students can get help with assignments, exam preparation, oral presentations etc.

EALD

ARE YOU AN EALD – Is English and additional language or dialect for you??

Student Who Needs Some Extra Help with Assignments? You are eligible for:

What: Extra FREE tutoring for EALD students
WHEN: Every Wednesday 3pm to 4pm
WHERE: D05 classroom
WHO with: Mrs McGuire and Mrs Baxter

Bring along your assignments or homework for help with grammar and vocabulary; or to understand the task requirements.

YEAR 12 TOURISM EXCURSION

On Wednesday 24th of February, Mr Pozza's and Miss Wood's Tourism class went on excursion to the Mackay Port, Marina and East Point. 31 students were given a guided tour of the Harbour facility by North Queensland Bulk Ports Operations Manager Jeff Sadler and later in the morning by Mackay Marina representative Cameron Reid. The students gained a lot from their site visit of the Mackay Harbour precinct and gathered valuable information for their upcoming report assessment. Mackay State High School appreciates the generous contribution of time and effort of both North Queensland Bulk Ports and Port Binnli. I would also like to note a special thanks to Mrs Niemi and Mrs Aprile for their assistance on the day.

Mr Pozza
Tourism Teacher

STUDENT SERVICES

Bullying & Violence Is Never Okay

Friday March 18 is National Day Against Bullying. Bullying is something we hear a lot about. The following website gives parents and students a clear definition of exactly what bullying is and how to deal with the problem.

Bullying is not a one-off incident such as a friend being in a bad mood one day, calling you names and then apologising later. It is when name-calling or threats continue that it becomes bullying. Bullying can be verbal, physical, social, psychological or cyberbullying.

Bullying can have a serious impact on how someone feels about him/herself. People who are bullied often feel they are alone. Often bullies have low self-esteem and may even have been bullied themselves in the past. They may use bullying as a way of making themselves feel more powerful. They may be jealous or may just not understand the amount of hurt they are causing others. Bullies are not as tough as they make out!

It is important to get help if you are being bullied. There are many people who can support you including friends, teachers, family, school Chaplains, school Nurses and school Guidance Counsellors. Sometimes it is easier to talk to someone you don't know and that's where services such as: Kids Help Line (1800 55 1800), Lifeline (13 11 14) and HeadSpace Mackay (4898 2200) are useful. You can also visit

www.bullyingnoway.gov.au/ is a great website for information for teachers, students and parents about bullying. March 18 is NATIONAL DAY AGAINST BULLYING so it might be a good time to incorporate the topic into discussions. Bullying and Violence are never okay!

Student Services

MENTAL HEALTH

What is mental Health

As a part of the Whole of School Approach to Mental Health MindMatters clarifies the difference between Mental Health and Mental Illness.

This is not about mental illness

We tend to think of mental health as something to do with anxiety, depression or schizophrenia, but these are mental health difficulties, like having a physical injury or illness. Mental health is a state of positive function, and much like physical health we shouldn't take it for granted. Everyone's mental health can change based on time and circumstances, and MindMatters is a framework to help you support positive mental health within school communities.

Resilience, risk factors and protective factors

There are many definitions of mental health. They vary on the details but one thing they have in common is an emphasis on resilience, meaning your ability to bounce back from disruptions in your life and progress towards whatever goals you set for yourself, however big or small.

If you have a high degree of resilience you tend to be positive, productive and adaptable. If you are lacking in resilience then you tend to be knocked off course easily, and can have a hard time getting back on track. In extreme cases this lack of resilience turns into depression, anxiety and other mental health issues.

Mental health is not a fixed trait, it is a dynamic state shaped by what are called risk factors and protective factors. Risk factors can include abusive family, poor health or drug and alcohol problems, while protective factors include strong relationships, a sense of community and belonging, and a sense of self-efficacy.

Why target mental health in secondary

If you want to improve the mental health of a whole population, you need to find a place where you can engage enough people for enough time. School is one of the best places to do this. Almost all of us go to school, we're there for a number of years, and by the time we are reaching secondary school we are entering a sometimes challenging transition into adulthood, when extra support is most valuable. While school might make a convenient catchment for students, does targeting mental health in this context actually work? The answer is yes: there is extensive evidence to show that schools which take a strategic approach to improving mental health can experience other benefits such as improved academic performance, and reductions in behavioral and disciplinary issues.

If you have any questions about this or would like to contribute towards this approach please contact me.

Lindsay Hains
Guidance Officer

CHAPLAINCY UPDATE

Great News

As part of the launch of the Backing Our Youth Campaign, Mackay State High School has received financial assistance ($2,000). This money will go toward the purchase of Gardening Equipment to be used in the Strength Work Program run by Chappy Phil. Thanks to Vanderfield for supporting Mackay State High School and our youth.

A small quantity of merchandise (Shirts) will be sold at the Uniform Shop and the proceeds going to the Backing Our Youth Campaign. This will help raise awareness of Chaplaincy Programs at our school and the good work that is going on. It will also be a catalyst for local businesses to support chaplaincy and invest in your community. Check out backingouryouth.org.au or phone Chappy Phil 49579107

The MSHS Chaplaincy Group is looking to coordinate a few fundraising initiatives at the school level this year to support Chappy Phil's wages. More info contact Chappy Phil 49579107

Chaplaincy at Mackay State High School in 2016

The Breakfast Club Program four days a week, attend year 8 Camp and various school events, Strength Work Program for boys, Camp Eagle Program.

Students and parents may request to see me on an individual basis for support in personal matters. A signed student permission slip is required if students see me during class time.

Involvement with the Chaplain is entirely voluntary and students choose whether or not they want to be a part of the activities that are offered. Parents will be consulted if their child wishes to be involved in ongoing one-to-one meetings with the Chaplain or in any programme or group involving spiritual or ethical content. Parents have the right to refuse permission for their child to be involved in any Chaplaincy activity or event.

How can I contact the Chaplain?

Chaplain Phil Hall is available in E5 at Students Services during school hours 5 days a week.

MSHS School Chaplain Contact Phone: 49579107 for parent interviews. E: phall43@eq.edu.au

Phil Hall
Chaplain

MESSAGE FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE

Head Lice are a common problem in schools including Mackay State High School at the present time. While head lice are not a serious health risk they do cause students discomfort. I would like to recommend that parents do a routine weekly inspection of student's hair. The easiest way to see head lice is to wet the hair, apply conditioner and comb hair from root to tips using a fine tooth comb. Check the comb after each sweep for lice and eggs by wiping it on to a tissue. You may also see the eggs or lice on hair shafts particularly behind the ears, nape of the neck or under a fringe.

Getting rid of head lice and their eggs can be difficult. It is preferable to use a specific shampoo or lotion available from most chemists and follow the products instructions to ensure effective treatment. This should be repeated after 7 days to kill any lice that have hatched from eggs that survived the first treatment. It is wise to check all family members as transmission from one person to another occurs by close proximity, sharing hats, clothing, combs etc. Following treatment it is recommended that clothing, bed linen, towels and combs are washed in hot water. Fine tooth combing of the hair on a daily basis will prevent any eggs being missed. Head lice will be a recurring problem unless the cycle of transmission is broken by treatment of all infested people.

Make Water Your Number One Drink because in one 600ml bottle of soft drink there are 16 teaspoons of sugar. That requires a three kilometre run to burn it off. Drink one bottle a day for a month and you need to do a half marathon to burn it off. High sugar intake leads to obesity, dental decay and life style diseases such as Diabetes.

Summer is not over yet don't forget that Melanoma is responsible for the death of many Australians. Do not be a statistic, stay out of the sun and if you have to be exposed to the sun be sure to cover up, wear a hat and apply sun screen.

Last but not least if you would like support to Quit Smoking phone (13 7848).

Trixie Mills
School Based Youth Health Nurse

COMMUNITY NOTICES