21 March 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Our Chaplain, Phil Hall provides an excellent service to our students, including our weekly Brekky Club, leading programs such as Strength for small groups of young men, while always being available to support and guide the choices of our students. He is a fixture at School Discos and Information evenings and a key member of our Student Services team. The Chaplain's wage is supported 2 days a week through Federal Govt funding, while the other three days has for several years been funded through funds raised and donated by various estates and donors to the Mackay Chaplaincy Committee. The gap for these days in approximately $50,000. In recent years, these donations have become limited in their support and if our school community is to continue to value the role of our Chaplain, contributions from targeted fundraising and donations from local church communities, will need to support the Chaplaincy committee's funds. In 2015, Chappy Phil coordinated the Monster Auction and we will look at this again.

If you value the great work done by our Chaplain and have ideas for sponsorship or fundraising, contact our school committee members, Lynne Hardy, Marisa VanZyl, Steve Paulger or Chappy Phil. In February, Phil was able to attract $2000 sponsorship from Vanderfield to provide equipment for students in Strength programs.

P&C AGM is being held in our School Administration Block on Monday 21st March commencing at 6pm. All interested parents are asked to attend to play a valuable role in the continued development of our great school. The positive contribution made by the P&C members adds importantly to your child's education. Meetings are held monthly and usually are completed by 7:30ish.

At end of Term, assessments including exams and assignments are due. Year 11 & 12 students complete an Exam Block from 21 – 23rd March, when these students are required to be in attendance for their scheduled exams only. Some students completing vocational courses like Workplace Practices, Engineering and Construction should attend to catch up on work to be completed. Please ensure that all students from Year 7 through to Year 12 are prepared to their best and well slept and fed on exam days, to achieve their best. Year 12 students doing the QCS preparation will also sit a sample writing task on Thursday 24th from 9-11am. This will be marked and feedback provided to students.

This week our school is focusing on National Day against Bullying on Friday. In Form Meetings and some classes, discussions and activities have been on topic, as they regularly are. Parents can also look at very useful material to talk with your children from www.BullyingNoWay.gov.au . On Tuesday Paul Stanley presented to Year 8 & 9, his One Punch Can Kill story of his son Matthew senselessly being killed by a student who he saw as a classmate.

In the last Newsletter I advised that Mrs Di Watt has been appointed as our Master Teacher. This role will see her relieved of all of her class commitments, while she will be involved in targeted improvement of teaching practice across the school, involving work with teachers in their classrooms. We are fortunate to welcome Ms Jodi Kinsville, who has 11 years of positive experience as an English teacher from SE Qld, who has moved to Mackay with her family.

Mr Steve Paulger
Principal

JUNIOR SECONDARY NEWS

General News

We recently held our first out of school event for Junior Secondary - a disco. This was an opportunity for all students to enjoy something different. The free sausage sizzle beforehand also gave parents the chance to meet staff before the disco kicked off. Many thanks to the students who attended - especially year 7. Unfortunately and disappointingly, attendance at the sausage sizzle and disco was lower than hoped for.

I encourage year 8 and 9 students to take some ownership of events provided for them, and inform us of the activities they wish to participate in. They will be further provided this opportunity before the end of the term.

We continue to recognise student efforts on our year parades. Each week we are issuing a tuckshop voucher to a student in each year level who was present 100% of the previous week. This is a random draw. At the end of the school year, there is a grand prize draw for those students who have 100% attendance for the year. Our 2015 prize was an iPad.

Mrs Hardy continues to recognise good work from students in year 7 each week with her freddo frog draw. Any student demonstrating good work in class consistently can be nominated by their teacher.

What's On Soon

Lunchtime competitions will commence at the start of term 2 for Junior Secondary students. Students are being asked to nominate activities they would like to see run, but a real starter will be the ever popular dodgeball challenge. Parents, please ask your students to be active in participation of any events and activities provided.

Good News Stories

In our PDC lessons, 7C1 has taken the initiative and spent some time outside their classroom tidying up the surrounding area. They were all happy to do this and we thank them for taking pride in their school. Well done!

Student News

Year 8C1 Good News Story

This week in 8C1 some of the students wanted to share some of their wonderful stories. We had Brenton Packer having a successful game at an AFL carnival over the weekend and Lara Beveridge scoring a position in the Mackay touch team to compete Capricornia level. Also a successful fishing story from Ben Allwood who managed to catch a shark over the weekend. The students have been overall a delight to have in form with their overall great behaviour and sense of humour.

Thought of the Newsletter

Everything you've ever wanted is on the other side of fear. –George Adair

If you can learn to control your fear, to work through it, to get what you want in spite of it, you'll be able to get everything you've ever wanted. Fear is not something you can just stamp out and be rid of for the rest of your life. But it is something that you can master, and it's something that needs to be dealt with each day, as it rises up and tries to keep your dreams at arm's length. Make fear your underling rather than having it control you and what you do each day.

Matt Skinner
Junior Secondary HOD

AGRICULTURE DEPARTMENT NEWS

Paddock to Plate

Our year 10 Agricultural Skills class lead by Mr Temple-Watts, has recently been planting Rosella (Hibiscus sabdariffa) seeds. Our aim is to grow the trees and harvest the fruit later in the year. This will then be given to the Home Economics department who will process the fruit into preserves and maybe cordials; which can then be sold through the school to help fund a number of projects within the departments.

For the past two lessons we've been sowing Rosella seeds into small punnets in the hopes of germination – our seeds have a really low expected germination rate, so we're planting a lot!

The class has worked together to make up the soil mixture, form a production line placing the mix into long trays and punnets and then sow the seeds. They are placed 12mm below the soil surface and lightly covered. In our first lesson we planted 846 seeds and over the weekend 110 have sprouted, but just to make sure we have enough, we planted another 1152 seeds on Tuesday. Once the seedlings are big enough, we will transplant them into the ground.

YEAR 8H HISTORY

Year 8 History were asked to image a toy company had invited them to create an educational board game about the Vikings. The purpose of this game was to educate young teens about the causes, course and effects of a particular Viking battle, raid, event or personality (related to Viking expansion).

Students worked Individually/or in a pair to create a game by hand which had a clear focus and goal, a game board, game 'pieces' and rules (instructions) for playing the game. The students games were based on and included historical facts, terms and concepts, and incorporated historically accurate images and symbols.

Students chose a particular Viking battle, raid, event or personality (related to Viking expansion) and demonstrated its causes, course and effects.

Well done 8H!

CLEAN UP AUSTRALIA DAY

Sunday the 6th of March was the 25th Anniversary of National Clean Up Australia Day and Aussies all around the country took time out of their weekend to work with their communities, clean up, fix up and conserve their local environments. Four students represented Mackay State High School on this particular Sunday, despite the torrential weather, and collectively disposed of 5 bags of rubbish, including beer bottles, cans and plastics from Mackay's Far Beach. The dismal rain and wind didn't deter them and Year 12 seniors Kylie Watts, Hannah Vella, Caitlyn Mittelstadt and Chloe Healion still had heaps of fun, contributing towards such an important day and cleaning up Mackay's beaches.

YEAR 8C1 GOOD NEWS STORY

This week in 8C1 some of the students wanted to share some good news stories. We had Brenton Packer having a successful game at an AFL carnival over the weekend and Lara Beveridge scoring a position in the Mackay touch team to compete at Capricornia level. Also a successful fishing story from Ben Allwood who managed to catch a shark! The students have overall been a delight to have in form with their great behaviour and wonderful sense of humour.

Miss Dick
Year 8 Form Teacher

SPORT REPORT

Year Level Update

The Junior PE coordinators have provided an insight as to what the students have been covering in term one and what they are looking forward to covering next term.

This term within the Year 7 HPE unit, students have been working on developing sportsmanship and healthy relationships within various net/court sports. For the rugby league academy, this has been done within rugby league. For their theory component, Year 7's have been exposed to the different types of adolescent development. Within this unit of work, students look at the ways in which we change emotionally, physically, intellectually and socially as we grow older. Next term we are looking forward to Athletics for our practical sessions and decision making in our theory unit.

Alex Nicholson

It has been a busy first term for our Year 8 cohort. We have been covering Nutrition in our theory lessons and implement sports in our practical lessons. In our Nutrition lessons we have been looking at the foods we eat, choices that we make in relation to diet and exercise and the recommended serving sizes for adolescents. All classes have been completing their assessment for this unit over the last couple of weeks. In practical lessons we have been concentrating on implement sports, mainly T ball, softball and cricket. This unit looks at our hand/eye coordination and our striking and catching skills. Next term we are looking forward to Oztag and touch for our practical lessons and covering My decisions my life in our theory unit.

Kellie Biddle

The Year 9 students are finishing off their Term 1 work on Respectful Relationships with a presentation in Week 9 around health & safety in relationships. This is a great way to finish off a term's work where students have been gaining an understanding of the roles and responsibilities, as well as their rights within a positive relationship. Students have also been finishing up with their basketball and netball games which they have been playing throughout the term.

Term 2 is shaping up to be a busy term with a new Practical and Theory unit. Year 9 students will participate in a range of striking games, starting with the old-time favourite 'T-Ball' before moving on to softball and cricket. Inside the classroom students will participate in a sustainable health challenge that will see students develop an understanding of the importance of a healthy lifestyle. From myself and all of the Year 9 HPE teachers, please have a safe and enjoyable Easter Holiday with your friends and family.

Andrew Gercken

District Trials

The final round of the Under 13 – 19 District Trials have been conducted and the following students were selected to attend the Capricornia Trials. Congratulations to each student, we are sure that you will represent Mackay State High School well, in your 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 U12 District Trials have been rescheduled on numerous occasions due to weather conditions; however, were finally blessed with some fine weather and were able to be conducted this week. The following students are now a part of the Southern Suburbs Football Team. Well done.

The following students have been selected from the District Trials to represent the Capricornia Region. This is an excellent achievement and each one of you should be very proud of your efforts. Well done and best of luck.

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

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE ACADEMY

Contributed to by Jessica Austin, Chelsea Bycroft, Grace Clarkson and Kalel Pada

The Year 7 and 8 Academic Excellence Classes have been working our first STEM project of the year. It is an investigation into the population distribution of organisms in our agriculture plot at the back of the school. On Tuesday, the two classes went out into the ag plot and recorded data on their findings. We had to first establish several transects and each group had to observe and record the results for at least three of them. As soon as we got out there, it started raining, we thought this might have meant we didn't have to do our assignment. Thankfully (or so our teachers thought), the rain had cleared just long enough for us to do it. We are now working on writing a scientific report comparing the distribution of all the different organisms we find.

YEAR 7 SCIENCE

This term Year 7 students have studied a biology; specifically vertebrates and vertebrates.

Over the past two weeks, to stimulate student interest and learning in science, and hopefully their career choice ahead, a Radiographer from Mackay Base Hospital visited each classroom. Using a resident skeleton, the radiographer taught students the names and the importance of our bones for our movement and our health.

Students learnt that there are many more bones than they thought that make our limbs functional, as well as how bones grow and service our body functions.

Ask your students to share some of what they learnt from a local professional!

A MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE

Here we are at the end of Term 1 – the weeks certainly have flown. Thank you to the many parents/carers who have contacted us paying their accounts, we have had a record number utilising Centrepay which is great. Many of you can testify – a regular contribution can clear away invoices that initially seem unachievable.

INVOICES

The initial Student Resource Scheme invoice for $205 is our discounted price, so if we have NOT received any contributions towards paying the 2016 SRS invoice you will find an additional $20 being added to your fees after Easter.

Students who set up payment plans will not receive the extra $20 invoice.

BPOINT

Isn't the BPoint option a fantastic new process?

If you view the bottom left hand side of your invoice or statement it explains the process – go to http://www.bpoint.com.au/payments/dete - you will require information from your invoice or statement eg -your Customer Reference Number, students' name and invoice number.

Enter YOUR email address for the receipt/confirmation of payment. I receive a report from the bank showing me all payments and/or if there were errors during entry.

STATEMENTS

If you are NOT receiving invoices/credit adjustments and statements via email please contact us at admin@mackayshs.eq.edu.au – we would prefer to provide you with up to date information. By the time we print and post statements to you it is quite often out of date

We endeavour to email statements monthly.

If you are experiencing financial hardship please contact us. We may be able to provide options to assist you with clearing your fees.

Are you aware you can have your Centrelink payments paid directly to the school to pay for your student's fees?

REFUNDS/CREDITS

If/when you request the reversal (credit adjustment) of an invoice please be aware that we require a written request (we do have a standard form) and then the approval of the appropriate Head of Department or Excursion Coordinator. Quite often there is a non-refundable deposit because the school is required to pay a deposit to guarantee our booking which is non-refundable to us!

KEEPING IN TOUCH

If any of your details change: address, contact numbers etc please let us now ASAP.

Should you wish to query anything please drop in (8am – 3.45pm) phone 4957 9179 or email:
admin@mackayshs.eq.edu.au .

Thanks everyone.

Enjoy your Easter break and we look forward to seeing you in Term 2

Marg Brown
Business Service Manager

BPOINT

FOR TENDER

Makita 305mm Sliding Compound Mitre Saw (Drop Saw)
Approx. 7 years old.
Offers to be made at the schools Admin office.
Closes on Monday (21/03/2016).
To be removed from school premises by the end of term 1 (24/03/2016)

Makita 305mm Sliding Compound Mitre Saw (Drop Saw)
Approx. 7 years old.
Offers to be made at the schools Admin office.
Closes on Monday (21/03/2016).
To be removed from school premises by the end of term 1 (24/03/2016)

LIBRARY NEWS

How to engage reluctant readers – try Graphic Novels

Parents often say "my son or daughter doesn't like reading", the visual nature of graphic novels is a great way to encourage children to read for pleasure. Graphic novels and illustrated books use sequential art to tell a story and have more complex plots than comics. In fact, classic literature has been turned into graphic and illustrated novels to make it more accessible to a wider range of readers.

Scholastic Australia have prepared the following information about graphic novels for parents, which could help with your endeavours to engage your child with reading.

Best book apps for kids

This comprehensive website lists exemplary book apps for infants and students in pre-school, primary, and secondary school. Examples include e-books, interactive books, and graphic novels. Details and device compatibility are listed for each app; however, as this is a US website, teachers are recommended to check individual apps to see if they are available locally.CIS no. 1744289

MATHS TUTORING

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.

MESSAGE FROM NURSE TRIXIE

Nationally about 1 in 4 school students experience bullying in some way. Bullying can also occur at home, work, school, sports, or in any public place. Bullying involves:

• A misuse of power in a relationship
• Is ongoing and repeated
• Involves behaviours that can cause harm to victims and bystanders. It has an effect on physical and mental health.

Bullying is NOT OKAY. Mackay State High School does not tolerate bullying. Student services spoke about bullying in the last school newsletter but it is of such importance that we would like to raise parents and students awareness of the problem. Effectively stopping bullying requires parents and the school to work together. Student services would like to recommend the following website: www.bullyingnoway.gov.au as it has helpful information for parents, students and teachers. Stand together against bullying, use courage and encourage students to refuse to take part.

Trixie Mills
School Based youth Health Nurse

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

COMMUNITY NOTICES