24 June 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

In the final week of Semester 1, students are completing exams and assignments, with teachers very busy marking and combining results to prepare the Student Reports and the detailed comments. These reports will be distributed to students in the first week of Term 3. Parents are reminded that there will not be Parent-Teacher interviews with this report, however at the end of Term 3, we will introduce another mid-Semester Report, with Interviews in October. I will publish the overall assessments next term.

It is pleasing to see that majority of Year 12 students have completed their Cert 2 Qualification. Students in Year 11 should be focused on completing their chosen Cert 2 in Business, Information Technology or Work Practices. The intent is that all students will complete by end of Year 11. Students who have not completed their Cert 2 by November, will be ineligible for Year 11 Leadership Camp and will spend this week completing the qualification.

Students in Year 5 in our catchment Primary schools, have received information on the 2016 Academic Excellence Academy Cadet program. Students who are high performers will be invited to apply for inclusion in this program, commencing next Term. Scholarships are now open for students in Year 6 coming to 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.

I was fortunate to attend the Arts on Show Awards on Monday evening. Art works from our talented students and staff from Mackay State High as well as the wider community were part of the Awards Display. There were student art works on show for the first time. Francesca Dator is seen here with her painting Distorted Urbanisation, which was awarded 1st place in two divisions including Emerging Artists. Francesca and her family and staff were very proud of her work.

Our Mackay SHS Cattle Show Team are busy this week showing the cattle, from our school stud as well as cattle kindly shared with our school by Mr Tony Brown from Pioneer Park near Marian. The students, supported by generous staff and parents, do a wonderful job, receiving great rewards for the time input in practice. Call at the Show and see them.

Recently some of our students participated in ICAS Digital Technology Test. Congratulations to award recipients, judged against students across Australasia, over 10 000 students. Kiean Acee Bauden Year 8 gained a Distinction (top 10%), while Credits (top 30%) were gained by Grace Clarkson, Jessica Austin Year 7, Thanh Huynh Year 8. Certificates will be presented on Assembly after the vacation.

This week our students participating in the trip to New Zealand fly out. Twenty three senior students and 4 staff will travel to the south island into some very cold, snowy conditions, perfect for their journey. While there they will catch up with Mr & Mrs Dell and their new baby boy.

Week 1 next Term will be very busy, with NAIDOC Celebrations happening on Wednesday, including a special assembly followed by a Careers Expo supported by many local, regional and national presenters. On Thursday and Friday, the 2016 Inter-house Athletics Carnival will be held involving ALL students.

Andrea Dearden, who uses her knowledge of our students and her links with local employers and trainers, to support the options for many of our students. This passion for matching students' skills and initiative to placements in work or training has seen her nominated for Qld Training Awards in 2016. In July she will attend the QTA Awards judging and presentations in Yeppoon. Good luck to this very committed lady.

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 the link below.

SEMESTER 1 REPORT CARDS

Report Cards for all year levels will be distributed to students on Tuesday the 12th July – which is our second day back at school.

Our Semester reports cards include achievement, effort, behaviour and homework ratings, along with comments relevant to the student.

We have decided to move our second 2016 Parent Teacher Evening through to Term 4 and so if you have any questions in relation to your student's Report Card then please do not hesitate to contact the school or specific teachers directly.

Year 10 Students

On the first day of next term all Year 10 students will be issued with the Senior Curriculum Guide for 2017. This marks the start of the process for students transitioning into Year 11 and the Mandatory Participation Phase of their Education. On this day students will also listen to presentations by the Heads of Department for the elective subjects about the offerings available in their areas.

On Thursday of Week 1, Senior Schooling HOD – Sharon Barnard, will deliver a presentation to Year 10 students about completing their Education Plan, in OneSchool. On that same afternoon the online environment will become available for parents to make bookings to participate in their student's Senior Education and Training Plan (SETP) Meeting. This is a mandatory requirement for all Queensland students and a very valuable process, also.

Week 2 – the booking environment for SETP Meetings will close on Wednesday.
Week 3 – SETP Meetings will commence at 9 am and will run through until 3 pm on Friday, with some late nights and early mornings available.

Further details about how to make bookings and the SETP process will be provided to students at the start of the term.

We look forward to spending time with each of our Year 10s and their Parents or Caregivers. This is a very exciting time for the students and these conversations are critical for the successful transition of students into the multiple pathways that are available to them from this point.

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

ARTS NEWS

ARTS UNDER THE STARS: urban noise

CONGRATULATIONS to Year 11 Arts in Practice student, Gryphon Aitchison, for his fantastic work on our ARTS UNDER THE STARS T-Shirt design and other merchandise.

The class, under the guidance of Mr Sam Neill, responded to a brief where they were to use the colours and aspects of current marketing material.

Their eye catching marketing designs, presented as a website, will be pitched to a selection panel prior to final production as a part of the Arts in Practice course.

T-shirts, badges and other souvenirs featuring these artworks will be on sale prior to the

We are excited to announce that the Arts Department has been successful in acquiring a substantial RADF grant to assist us with funding the 7 artists for "City of Lost Children" Masterclasses. Thank you to the Mackay Regional Council and the Regional Arts Development Fund for this wonderful support. It will help us to deliver more amazing opportunities to our Arts students.

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!

ART ON SHOW SUCCESS!

A huge CONGRATULATIONS to Year 10 Visual Art student, Francesca Dator, for her award winning entry in the Woollam Constructions Arts on Show Awards presented by Mackay Show Association.

Francesca's work, a drypoint etching of the distortions of the city, took out both the North Jacklin Emergent Artist Award and the Emergent Artists – Arts Practice Award.

Francesca was excited to accept her awards with prize money of $1000. The winning work was completed during XLarts, our extension art program offered on Thursday afternoons. Participating students have spent this term busily creating print based works with the aim of curating an exhibition of the artworks in the administration foyer gallery during Term 3.

Congratulations also to our other exhibiting students and Arts staff. A fantastic display of Mackay SHS talents.

Nicka Mateo - I'm Tired of Everything
Jhoana Camille Soriano - Looking Back…
Eunice Belonio - Memory Box
Kaitlyn Beavis - Map of a Journey
Christian Garcia - Impression of Identity
Elsie May Ward - We are Born onto Earth – Forever Mysterious
Elsie May Ward - Inside the Mind
Gabrielle McKnoulty - Distort
Gabrielle McKnoulty - 3 Emotions
Maddison Borg - Spirit of the Land
Sam Neill - LaBudda
Anita Pritchard - Grace
Catherine Hodby - Liquid View 1
Glenda Hobdell (LaBudda) - Connexion
Glenda Hobdell (LaBudda) - Did I Hear You Say Red?

Mrs Glenda Hobdell
HOD The Arts

NEW LEARNER DRIVER APP

MATHS DEPARTMENT

Excellent Attendance at Maths Tutoring

Well done to all the students who have been coming along to Maths Tutoring on a Wednesday afternoon. We've managed to fill three classrooms with students seeking extra assistance with their maths work, and there has been a direct correlation between attendance at tutoring and improvement in maths results.

Congratulations to all students who take advantage of Maths Tutoring, and of course a huge thank you to all the maths teachers who stay to help teach these students.

This will be my final excerpt for the newsletter, as we will welcome back Clayton Campbell as HOD of Mathematics next semester. Have a relaxing break during the holidays.

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.

SPORTS REPORT

Just a reminder to all parents and guardians, all PE subjects are marked equally on both the Practical aspect (consistent demonstration of physical skills) and the Theoretical (the health / well-being unit of study) and for this reason it is vital that all students apply themselves equally in each element. Quite often students find one aspect of this learning area much easier than the other and therefore not employ the same work habits in the area which they find more difficult. It is vital that this isn't the case if success in the subject as a whole is to be achieved. The moral to the story for students in PE is to NEVER GIVE UP and seek assistance from their teachers, throughout the term, to ask questions and learn what is required of them to strive to achieve to the next level. Quite often they will be surprised by the outcome if they show persistence and seek clarification in both aspects.

All grade 7 classes have prepared for the Inter-House Athletics carnival which will be held in the first week of Term 3, Thursday 14th and Friday 15th. Students have had the opportunity to go through all of the athletic events and be provided with specific coaching in these disciplines to assist with the technical aspects of each event. Being the student's first Athletics carnival we hope to see all students willing to have a go at the event, remembering that this is primarily how points are allocated to each house. Pre carnival events have been running over the past two weeks for the junior grades to ensure all students have had the opportunity to compete across all events. Congratulations to the winners of these events, details will be announced after the carnival.

Congratulations to Ryleigh Wotherspoon for her outstanding representation in sport this Term. Two weeks ago Ryleigh attended the Queensland trials for U12 Soccer and has successfully made the team. She will be traveling to Perth in August to represent the state, this is a fantastic achievement and Ryleigh is to be commended on her efforts. We wish her all the best in Perth latter in the year. Ryleigh has also been busy in other sports making Capricornia teams in Touch Football and Cricket. She has also made the Mackay District team for Softball. She will continue to attend trials for these three sports, an update will be made after upcoming trials.

Angus Makenzie also needs to be commended on his efforts making the U12 Capricornia Soccer team. Well done!

CATTLE SHOW TEAM

MSHS Cattle Show Team did well at Pioneer Valley Show.

Five of the eight cattle that students showed at the show placed, or better, in their class.

Two junior champion trophies were won by Cleo and Apollo. Cleo won her class and champion junior heifer of the show. Jazmyne Perry very proudly walked Cleo and did a wonderful job.

Apollo won his class and junior champion bull. He was also the reserve champion bull of the whole show. The grand champion bull received accolades from the judge. It had actually won world champion Brahman bull in Rockhampton two weeks earlier. So very well done to Apollo who was well shown by Alicia Fairbanks-Pounder. Mika, shown by Emily Shepherd, came second in his class to Apollo. Thanks go to Emily for being such an inspiration to the rest of the 2016 Cattle Show Team.

Tiger, skilfully shown by Darcy Lyon, placed a very well deserved 3rd in a class of over 12 steers, while Toby also placed third in his 15-18 month steer .class. It was easy to see that Douglas Pridmore enjoyed the show experience and looked extremely positive out in the ring with Toby.

Hopefully other students in the team will have had the 'show ring experience' at either the Mackay or Proserpine shows. Special mention to the others in the team - Dakoda White; Blaize Grant; Breanna Skinner; Mariah Anderson; Charlene Booysen and Charlotte Milner.

Congratulations to Eric and the quality team of students who performed so confidently and professionally in the wet conditions at this year's Pioneer Valley show.

POULTRY TEAM

Finch Hatton Show

MSHS was delighted with their handsome hens and roosters at the Pioneer Valley Show this past weekend. Two of our roosters: Bubbles and Coco received second place for their beautiful plumage and their good behaviour! Our Poultry Show Team has done a great job feeding our poultry and giving them green grass each day, as well as cleaning the pens regularly. Our poultry also has to be trained to make them quieter and responsive to the judges. No hiding in the corners of the cages!

Congratulations to our students!

Mackay Show

MSHS Poultry Team are delighted to announce that two of our handsome roosters and one gorgeous girl stole the eye of the judges. We were awarded a first, second and a third at the Mackay Show.

Our small team of students have done such a great job!

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.

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 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.

Have a wonderful and safe break and we will see you in Term 3

Marg Brown
Business Service Manager

MESSAGE FROM THE NURSE

Shine Girl is a personal development program. The aim is for each girl to develop and understanding of her own personal worth, strength, and purpose. To be the best that she can be and take ownership for her actions. The program aims to improve confidence, self-esteem and resilience as well as develop social networks, relationships and solve problems. Tarhlym Connor, Katrina Douglas, Ebanee Frances, Jessie Glenbar, Taylah Johnson, Leah Lilley, Beverlynn Lyiambian, Onaeda Parter-Brady, and Marissa Parker recently completed the program and have demonstrated themselves to be girls with the potential to do well in the future.

Trixie Mills
SBYHN

CHAPLAIN UPDATE

5 Ways To Be There For Your Children

Being there for your kids can be challenging when work is demanding a lot of your time and energy. "Life is about choices and consequences ". Make the choice to be there for your children and make it a top priority to be at home with them even with a busy schedule.

Here are 5 ways to be there for your children:

1. Plan ahead. Are there must-be-there occasions like parent-teacher conferences, sports events, or recitals in the coming month? Put them on your work calendar just like you would any other important appointment. Then, to the extent possible, arrange your work schedule and business travel around those things. Notice that, in doing so, you are making your family activities the top priority by putting them on the calendar first.

2. Minimize overnight travel. Your work might require you to travel. If so, determine if your trip requires you to stay overnight. When my children were growing up, rather than be away overnight before a meeting, whenever possible, I would take an early, early morning flight to get where I needed to be. Then, I'd come back that same night so that I could arrive home for dinner or to tuck them in bed. I'd then be able to spend time with them the next morning and take them to school.

3. Maximize your moments. When possible and appropriate, use your lunch hour or breaks to handle personal calls, errands, or working out so you don't have to take time after work to do those things and be away from your family.

4. Stay connected. Being there in person is really important. But on those days when you really can't be home, be sure to stay connected. Even if you can't be there in person, with all the technology that is at our fingertips these days, there is no excuse for not having a virtual presence. Call. Send texts. Arrange Skype or Facetime sessions. You can schedule reminders on your Smartphone. Here are the kind of shorthand reminders I've put on my phone: Text Emily this morning re: me praying for her. Call Marky to encourage him.

5. Defer the dream or desire. Many years ago and throughout my years of practicing law, I had a desire to serve in public office. Subsequently, I had the opportunity to run for Congress. After doing some real soul-searching and discussing it with my wife, I determined that I was not willing to sacrifice the time with my family to do it. The decision was made and I've never looked back. In hindsight, I would make the same decision all over again.

At the end of the day, you may find that you've got to make a tough career decision so that you can be there for your kids. It may be turning down a good opportunity. Or, you may find that your current job is keeping you away from home simply too much. You can see the effect on your spouse and the children. You're not really getting ahead at work if your family is being left behind at home.

Don't fool yourself into thinking, If we can just get through the next year or so, it will be okay. Instead, look forward into the future. As Jeff Foxworthy said, "Nothing else that I do in my lifetime is gonna matter a hundred years from now… but the kids that I leave behind and the kids that they have…" For Jeff, that meant turning down movie roles over the summer when his daughters were at home because he did not want to be away on location for six weeks or more. Maybe you need to look for a different job with fewer demands. The rewards there may decrease, but what you will gain at home will be priceless.

What do you do so you can be there for your kids?

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

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