13 June 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Scholarships are now open for students in Year 6, who are intending to attend Mackay State High School in 2017. The application forms are available on our school website and close on Monday 18th July. Eight scholarships of $500 value each are offered with the wonderful support of our P&C Assoc, in the field of Academic, Sporting or Arts / Cultural pursuits. Completed forms are to be returned to the Primary school by week 1 of Term 3.

Mr Skinner and I have visited the larger schools and sent packages and Newsletter text to all schools. Each Year 6 student has been given a schedule of the Information evenings, Orientation Day and Enrolment Interview dates for Term 3 and 4 on fridge magnets.

Vocational education is a key pathway offered at Mackay SHS for our senior students in Year 10-12. A film crew from QCAA (Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority, were in Mackay this week, filming students involved in activities in our school, studying Cert 1 & 2 Health & Fitness courses. They also interviewed students and staff, for a feature on their QCAA website. In other schools they featured other VET fields for the feature.

Over the past 2-3 years, staff in the Science and Agriculture faculty have been developing the site and equipment for our Aquaponics Centre. The centre was officially opened this week with local media and the QCAA film crew in attendance with staff and students. The closed ecosystem has over 150 sooty grunter fingerlings in a large tank, where the fish are fed daily. Their waste products in the water are drained into another mid-reservoir which will have red-claw before draining into a rock garden with a range of vegetables. The nutrients are absorbed by the plants, with the water pumped back to the fish reservoir. Students daily test the water for mineral content and acidity. Congratulations to all of the staff involved in the establishment and management of this quality learning facility.

As I prepare this newsletter, I have been watching our students in our Instrumental Music program in Fanfare at the MECC. Our various bands and ensembles under the stewardship of their excellent teachers are performing with great skill and passion, to the considerable audience of family and staff. All students attended, even a couple who'd played in Netball finals an hour before. Their talents come from hard work and practice, and all present were extremely proud of their efforts. At the end of the evening our Senior Concert Band was awarded Gold and may be included in the Regional Fanfare judging. Our Stage Band and Junior Concert Band were awarded Silver and our Strings were awarded Bronze. Congratulations to our students and staff on an excellent performance.

In recent weeks, several of our students represented Mackay SHS in Table Tennis towards School championships. Kimberley & Amber Glover received Gold Awards as winners of the Junior High School Girls Competition, while Ashleigh Cairns & Caitlyn Milner received Silver Awards as Runner Ups. Alexandra Cairns & Sarah Glover received Silver Awards as Runner Ups in the Senior High School Girls Competition. Well done.

Mr Steve Paulger
Principal

SCHOLARSHIPS 2017

The Parents and Citizens Association and Mackay State High School are offering eight (8) scholarships, for students attending this quality secondary education institution in 2017

Scholarships at the school will be presented for -

(A) - academic excellence and
(B) - sporting prowess / potential and
(C) - Arts /cultural excellence.

A representative will be visiting schools in our catchment very soon. Applications close 18th July and can be downloaded from;

JUNIOR SECONDARY NEWS

General News

As the end of term approaches, I encourage all students to stay focussed on their classwork and behaviours. It is very easy for concentration to wander when we get tired, and to interact inappropriately with others.

Junior Secondary leaders are busy preparing some new initiatives and projects for the Junior School. I'll report on this in the next newsletter. I am also close to finalising a student council format that will see Year 10-12 students join the Junior Secondary leaders in forming a team to promote student leadership, interaction and efforts across all age levels. We will trial this in semester 2 to see how it progresses as a school initiative.

Student News

I'm always on the lookout for great stories of the many things our students do at school and outside school. It's too easy to focus on the negative niggling issues that face us each day. I encourage students to share good stories with their teachers and fellow students that we can promote. Don't be shy!

Thought of the Newsletter

This newsletter, instead of a deep and meaningful quote, I thought I'd provide a few "puns" for some light relief.

• The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir Cumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.
• She was only a whisky maker, but he loved her still.
• No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.
• Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

Mr Matt Skinner
Junior Secondary HOD

SCIENCE

Aquaponics

Mackay State High School has recently constructed a fully functional aquaponics centre on their agricultural plot thoroughly used and explored by students within their various agricultural and marine, aquatic lessons. This centre is a Mackay first in school initiatives and aims to educate pupils on the aquatic farming industries. In addition to this, the centre teaches students the sustainable ways of the future, by incorporating a vegetable garden within the system.

Approximately 120 Spotty grunters occupy the upper tank, followed by a vast array of fish occupying several slightly lower positioned tanks, in order to allow gravity to move the water and save energy. This aquaponics centre was intuitively designed using only one pump, in order to save further energy: gravity does the rest. The centre consists of a total of 5 tanks and one vegetable garden, within which grows a large variety of common household vegetables, including tomatoes.

Furthermore, students are able to apply their skills learned in science and agriculture and utilise water testing kits to determine the pH, nitrate level, and phosphate level in addition to a number of other aspects of water quality. It is aimed to accommodate the many future marine and agricultural experiments that students will conduct within the school's amazing aquaponics system. It is a great asset to our school's educational capabilities.

Megan Antcliff
Year 12 Student

INTERACT CLUB

A big congratulations and a commendation to the students of the Mackay SHS Interact Club on their bake sale held last Friday afternoon. The students' demonstrated wonderful initiative, put in a great effort and baked some truly delicious sweets. As a result of this one activity, over $300 was raised for charity.

ACCESS CENTRE UPDATE

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on Students with Disability

Mackay State High School is currently participating in the 2016 Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on Students with Disability. From 2015 onwards all schools in Australia are required to participate in this data collection. This national data collection will reinforce the actions required of schools under the National Disability Discrimination Act 1992 and the Disability Standards for Education 2005. This collection is intended to collate information on the broader definition of disability. The information provided by this new data collection will enable all Australian Governments to better target support and resources to assist students with disability in both government and non-government schools. For more information, please download the Parent Carer Factsheet (PDF, 239KB)

It is hoped that all students' information will be entered as part of the collection. If, after reading this information, you decide that you do not want any information on your child's educational adjustments added to the data, please print the form below and return the parent/carer consent form below, to the school by Friday 24 June 2016.

Should you have any further questions, the school contact person is Ms Kate Pavitt (HOSES) Ph: 4957 9179

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PARENTS / CARER WITHDRAWA L CONSENT FORM

NATIONALLY CONSISTENT COLLECTION OF DATA ON STUDENTS WITH DISABILITY

STUDENT NAME: ______________________________________

FORM CLASS : ________

I / we _____________________________________________ (Name of parent/carer)

have been informed of the purpose and extent of the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on Students with Disability process. Based on our understanding of the process as outlined by the school and from the website http://education.gov.au/what-nationally-consistent-collection-data-school-students-disability I/we choose for our child's information on educational adjustments implemented to be excluded from the Nationally Consistent Data Collection.

[Please return this slip to Ms Kate Pavitt (HOSES) by Friday 24 June, 2016]

ART NEWS

ARTS UNDER THE STARS: urban noise

Staff and students are currently polishing visual and performing arts works to be showcased at our annual festival, ARTS UNDER THE STARS, on 29 July.

This week, high performing Arts students, as well as those aspiring to a career in the Creative Industries, will be offered places to participate in an exciting and challenging Master Class in their chosen arts discipline. Five Master Classes will be presented by seven creative industries professionals on Thursday, 28 July. The visiting artists will offer workshops in areas of New Media Performance Installation, Animation, Non-realist Theatre, Experimental Music and Vocal Performance in response to a theme of loss in youth culture.

Our Year 11 Arts in Practice students have now finalised marketing designs and are currently pitching these to a selection panel. T-shirts, badges and other souvenirs featuring these artworks will be on sale prior to the evening and on the night.

The event will feature:

• 2 outdoor stages – cinema, instrumental music and vocal performances
• "City of Lost Children: journeys of transformation" – a collaborative performance using interactive technologies and emerging from extension Masterclasses with creative industry professionals
• Box Theatre – drama performances
• Al fresco dining under the stars
• Games room and children's entertainment including face painting
• Artwork, merchandise tent… and more!

ARTS UNDER THE STARS is a fun-filled, family night loaded with a blend of exciting, interactive activities and opportunities to experience our students' fantastic artworks and performances. It is a public event and open to our whole school community.

Augmented reality will be an innovation that audiences can experience on the night. Before the event, make sure you add the free app, AURASMA, to your mobile device or iPad. Bring these along to the festival to see beyond the real!

We look forward to celebrating the wonderful work of our hard working Arts staff and students. Watch the school website and this newsletter for publication of the final program of events.

Don't forget to secure your free tickets to the event and book a spot for the "City of Lost Children" performances here!

YEAR 8 VISUAL ART

Our three Year 8 Visual Art classes have been creating print works this term.

Studies of the environment have provided inspiration for the prints in an investigation of different printing techniques and processes. Under the guidance of Mrs Pritchard, many students have produced technically proficient and visually engaging drypoint etchings using our newly acquired etching press. We look forward to seeing the gallery of finished prints. Here is a small sample.

Penny Milner, Year 8, drypoint etching

Aleisha Wright, Year 8, drypoint etching

DRAMA WORKSHOP WITH THEATRE COMPANY

MACKAY State High School Drama students were invited to work closely with the cast of Shake & Stir Theatre Company last week, giving the group valuable insights into gothic theatre. Following the workshop, the group watched Shake and Stir performing a 21st century adaptation of Wuthering Heights at the MECC.

Gemma Willing, who plays Catherine Earnshaw in the production, said working with the students was one of her favourite parts of the theatre company's tour. "They really absorb the show and I think they are one of the most appreciative audiences. It's great to be able to entertain, educate and inspire them to be a part of the creative world or industry," she said.

Kate Brown, Year 11 commented that the workshop gave the group a better understanding of gothic theatre, the current focus of Year 11 Drama and Drama in Practice classes. The opportunity has given our students, some of whom wish to pursue a career in drama, valuable insights into theatre industry practice. Thank you to the MECC and Shake and Stir!

Year 11 students Kate Brown (left) and Simone Muirhead (right) go through a warm-up exercise with Gemma Willing, who plays Catherine Earnshaw in the Shake & Stir Theatre Company's adaptation of Wuthering Heights. Photo compliments of Daily Mercury and Tony Martin

VISUAL ART STUDENTS VISIT ARTSPACE

Our Year 11 Visual Art students recently attended a curatorial talk about the Greyscale group exhibition as part of their appraising assessment – an exhibition review.

The exhibition features the work of 5 artists based in Australia and includes a variety of hand rendered and digital works. As the class is currently investigating relationships between actual and temporal artworks, the opportunity to view, learn about and reflect on this exhibition has been very valuable.

MULTIARTS FILM PRODUCTION

Miss Ribot's Year 10 Multi-Arts class have been busily working on the production of an Alice in Wonderland inspired class film.

Over the last few weeks, the students have been designing and creating costumes and practicing the make-up designs needed for filming. These students have been impressive in their dedication, enthusiasm and perseverance with this assessment task. Filming will start shortly. You will be able to watch this exciting film production at its premiere at Arts Under the Stars on the 29th of July.

FANFARE SUCCESS

After many months of rehearsals our Instrumental Music bands and ensembles shone on stage at the MESS for the biennial Fanfare competition. Congratulations to our fabulous conductors and mentors, Matthew Johnston, Kristen Boyd and Yvonne Bell and their groups for their wonderful preparation and performances.

Adjudicator, Mr Gwyn Roberts, commented on the dedication to music and hard work evident in all performances on the night. As a highly respected cellist and musical director, Mr Roberts outlined the criteria for adjudication – stage presence, blending, balance, style, phrasing, dynamics and overall artistry.

Congratulations to all our bands on the recognition they received.

Middle School Concert Band – SILVER AWARD (Mrs Yvonne Bell)
Senior Concert Band – GOLD AWARD (Mr Matthew Johnston)
String Orchestra – BRONZE AWARD (Mrs Kristen Boyd)
Stage Band – SILVER AWARD (Mr Matt Johnston)

We look forward to hearing all of these groups perform again at Arts Under the Stars on 29 July.

Gold Award winners, Mackay SHS Senior Concert Band

Mrs Glenda Hobdell
HOD The Arts

NEW LEARNER DRIVER APP

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE ADADEMY

On the third of June the year 7 and 8 Academic Excellence Academy went to CQ University to test out more designs for the bridge building investigation they were doing for the building of the Aurecon bridges later in the year.

The first thing we saw was the engineering building. There were 3-d printing machines that that could print anything you wanted out of thin coil, amazing! There were also 2 large red robots that could be programmed to move their arms in a certain way. Inside the Project based learning room were numerous Pasco kits. These kits contained various pieces of plastic, metal and little black screws for each group to build their bridge with. These bridges were then tested to see which members were in tension and compression. After the bridge building had finished we met up with the year 8 class at the canteen to have lunch. There was a chill out room with an Xbox and comfy chairs. There were also lots of outdoor games.

After lunch we went for our tour. The first place we went was the medical unit. It was awesome, they had an MRI machine and in the same room was a very creepy dummy that weighed the same as an average adult, this was because the students had to get use to lifting a human onto the machine. We then went into the X-Ray room, were two students were preparing for their exam. We then went into the trades centre where the students learn how to become carpenters, plumbers and anything else that involves building or fixing. The people who were becoming builders had built a makeshift house structure. We all walked in choose where each room should be.

We then walked back outside to see the machine that turned oil from the canteen into diesel, it was pretty cool considering it was built by 16 year olds. The campus coordinator told us someone offered them $1 million for it because it was as it was so advanced. We then saw the mechanics section. The cars were all pulled apart and with their motors taken out. Even from people who don't like cars, we thought it was pretty cool. The last thing we saw was the library. It was massive, 2 whole stories of books and a lots of learning rooms. It was by far the biggest one we've ever seen.

We had so much fun at CQU. The bridge building gave us an insight into how to build more effective bridges and what tension and compression is and how to manage it. It was so awesome to go around the campus and see different things. We would like to thank the teachers for taking us there and the staff at CQU for providing us with a fun environment.

Written By: Ella Anderson and Lee Hore 7C2

MATHS DEPARTMENT

Senior Assessment

The senior assessment exam block starts next week so all senior students should be focussing on preparation for exams. Being well-rested and nutrition-conscious will help your child to do their best.

If you need any further assistance with tutoring, please contact me or your child's Maths teacher.

Jim Laidlaw
Acting HOD Mathematics

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.

TOURISM EXCURSION

On Tuesday 7th June Year 11 Tourism classes enjoyed a fantastic couple of hours with celebrity chef and food tourism ambassador Matt Golinski. Matt treated the audience comprising of local high school students with a professional cooking demonstration using only locally sourced ingredients and simple techniques. Mr Golinski emphasised how important local quality cuisine is for the tourism industry and cited many examples across the state, country and the world that do "foodie" tourism so well. Matt was very generous with his time, posing for photos and answering many questions. The students behaviour and engagement was exemplary and a credit to their school. A special Thanks to the Mackay Whitsunday Food Network for organising the event.

SPORTS REPORT

Year 10 Certificate II in Sport and Recreation.

Currently a group of year 10 students are working through a Binnacle Training course to complete their Certificate II in Sport and Recreation. An element to this course is gaining a certification in First Aid. Currently the students are learning the fundamental elements to providing first aid in a range of settings. Not only, do students have to complete theory aspects, they are working through a range of practical components. Discussions bases around anatomy and physiology of CPR (oxygen to the brain, anatomy of the chest/sternum, head tilt for the airway) have intrigued students learning. The process of DRABCD and secondary assessment of casualties, have been focus points in practical sessions. Students have also been assessed using a training defibrillator and the hazards that can be involved.

Year 12 Recreation

This term, theory classes have comprised of students working on a portfolio of work based around Sports Marketing. All students have base their work around a sports club or recreation group. This assessment piece has composed of four design elements; logo and moto; clothing apparel; sports marketing and program advertisement. The final element of this task was to write a report. This task has given students a greater insight to how clubs and recreation groups gain sponsorship. Student's practical lessons have been focusing on Golf. A range of elements have been covered from; club selection, scoring, grip and swinging techniques. A range of targets have been use for students to preform accurate and controlled techniques. Students have become quite efficient when chipping the ball from bunkers and over obstacles. Students have also completed a golf assessment task that has allowed them to demonstrate their understandings of rules and golf regulations.

Year 9 Strike Out

Two classes have been particularly lucky to have had a group of year 11 students from Miss Dicks Fitness class to coach them over a series of weeks for T-Ball and Softball skills. The year 11 students had to develop lesson plans and practical based activities that provided the fundamental skills to teach the grade 9 students techniques and safety in relation to these two sports. These skills included attacking skills (batting) and defending skills (fielders), performance was based around being fluent and reflecting control, accuracy and strategic use of space and timing between team mates. The year 11 students should be commended on their class structures and ability to communicate with large groups of students. The Year 9 students learnt a lot and were appreciative of the sessions conducted.

Cross Country

Last Tuesday 31st May the students represented their schools at Harrup Park for the Capricornia Trials. The students did extremely well to achieve such good results particularly on such a hot day.

The following placings were achieved by Mackay High students:

U13 Boys – 2nd Place Will Morgan
U16 Girls – 5th Place Lauren Morgan
U19 Girls – 3rd Place Crystal Madden

Both Lauren and Will are set to compete at Maryborough for the State Championships. Congratulations all and good luck to you both.

A MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE

Subject Fees and Student Resource Scheme

Yr12 students – remember you MUST have all your fees cleared if you wish to purchase a Formal ticket at the end of the year. Please speak to me ASAP so that we can clear any outstanding fees NOW!!! You will be amazed how quickly the debt reduces when there is a regular contribution.

Yr11 students – if you wish to attend the Leadership Camp at the end of this year – you must have your 2016 fees fully paid.

ALL students – if you wish to attend non-curricula excursions you must have your fees up to date.

JERSEYS

Jerseys have arrived. The Year Coordinators will be checking with me to ensure fees are all up to date before you receive your jersey. Please contact me if you need to discuss any outstanding fees.

DIRECT DEBITS

When you direct debit into Mackay SHS's bank account please double check the "reference information" that you put on the deposit. I am currently waiting on Commonwealth Bank to provide details to me for a deposit over a week ago. All accounts are in STUDENT's NAME and I request you use that as a reference.

BPOINT

If you view the bottom left hand side of your invoice or statement it explains the process – go to the link provided below - 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

How's the monthly emailed statements? If you are not receiving an email mid-monthly:

• All your fees are up to date?
• We may need your email address?

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 currently endeavour to email statements mid-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 .

MAGAZINE

Reminder that magazine invoices need to be paid before end of Term 3 to ensure one is ordered for your student. These are a wonderful keepsake.

Thanks everyone.

Marg Brown
Business Service Manager

MESSAGE FROM THE NURSE

Head Lice continue to be a problem particularly in Grade 7 and Grade 8. It is important to check your child's hair regularly. The Head Lice are a pale grey to reddish brown in colour and grow to about 3.5mm. They can be found crawling on the scalp or hair. Head Lice lay eggs called nits which they glue to the hair shaft about 1.5cm from the scalp. They look greyish to white in colour and hatch in 7-10 days and begin the infestation cycle again.

The Head Lice and eggs should be treated with an insecticide from the chemist followed by daily combing of the hair with a metal nit comb. The insecticide should be used again 7-10 days later as not all eggs are killed and are easy to miss when combing. It is important to read and follow the instructions on the insecticide shampoo before beginning treatment.

Applying hair conditioner to dry hair then combing is an alternative way of managing Head Lice. It needs to be done every two days to be effective. Hair brushes and hats should not be shared to reduce spread of the Head Lice. It is advisable to keep hair short or tied back and to avoid head to head contact with other persons.

Men's Health Week runs from June 13th – 19th. It is important for men to take charge of their health. Many men find personal and health issues difficult to talk about so develop good habits early in life. Speak with your son about men's health issues and encourage them to look after their body. Setting a good example is also very important.

• Don't ignore changes in your body, get lumps and bumps checked.
• Know what to expect as you get older (things do change).
• Know your family medical history.
• Talk to your family and friends about anything that is bothering you.
• Improve your lifestyle. Quit smoking, get regular exercise and eat healthy.
• Talk to your Doctor if you are unsure.

For further information visit: info@andrologyaustralia.org or phone 1300303878.

Trixie Mills
SBYHN

CHAPLAIN UPDATE

Chappy Phil

GIANT AUCTION: Saturday 13th August on the MSHS Oval

Hello Community.

We need your unwanted items!

We need what you no longer need!

Please donate: Lounges, tables, bikes, plants, bric-a-brac, jars, a holiday at your accommodation, chooks, bottles of wine, vouchers, Christmas gifts you never asked for, left over building materials, used toys, your no longer wanted treasures not trash!

All proceeds go to the Mackay Chaplaincy Committee to support Chappy Phil at MSHS.

All unsold items will be forwarded on to a charity.

Please help if you can and pass this on to your networks.

Smaller Items

If you have any small items you want to donate, you can drop them off to Mackay State High School starting Term 3.

Chappy Phil can transport them in his Mazda Dual Cab Ute with canopy. Phil Office:07 49579107 Mobile:0488 573 276

Larger Items

Larger items will need to be dropped off at the Warehouse or transport arranged.

Giant Auction Warehouse.

Unit 1 / 13-19 Caterpillar Drive Paget ( Downunder Minesite Maintenance building )
Office Phone Number: 4998 5939
Warehouse Drop Off Times Fridays 8am - 4pm

Please contact warehouse office before unloading and fill out Register

(Name & Description of items)

Warehouse Drop Off Dates (Fridays):

• July: 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
• August: 5, 12

Chappy Phil

BREAKFAST CLUB

COMMUNITY NOTICES