16 September 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Term 3 draws to a close after a few very busy weeks with students completing final assessments for the Term, Year 12s, having completed QCS recently completed important tests and assessments, before teachers prepared Verification submissions for approval of their final exit ratings.

Students and parents attended Subject Information evening events and all Year 7 to 10 students are expected to have submitted their subject options for 2017. This process is very important, as early in Term 4 important decisions are made around subjects that may not be viable to be offered if numbers are not significant. If form has not been submitted, ensure that it is signed and returned early in Week 1 next term.

Our large Year 10 cohort has been divided into two groups to complete their Work Experience this year. With the economic climate, businesses are in some cases unable to host a student, however there is great support for our students, organised through Andrea Dearden. If you have a position that may be of use for a student for a week-long block, please contact Mrs Dearden on 49579179. Half of the Year 10 students are undertaking Work Experience in Week 10 of Term 3, while the other students will do their placement at the end of Term 4. Sincere thanks to the many employers, which are able to host our students.

JCU is holding a program for students interested in orientation for careers in Health areas at the Mackay Base Hospital for two days in the final week of this term. Students interested were required to submit a written application and seven of our students were successful. Congratulations to Nadia Toffetti, Phylis Marchant Galvin, Telena Hona, Chloe Sinnott, Natasha Westcott, Praise Chabata and Michael HAINS. The program is being run at Mackay Base Hospital in the training facilities on Wednesday and Thursday.

Teachers have been very involved in marking final assessments and preparing Mid Semester 2 Interim Report Cards for all students. These reports will be distributed in first week after holidays. Parent Teacher Interviews will be held in Week 2 on Tuesday afternoon. We have interviewed over 160 students for Year 7 in 2017. If you still need an enrolment interview, please call the office for appointments.

Congratulations to Mr Frank Brunetto, who has been acting Principal at Glenden SS in Semester 1 this year and since July has been at Blackwater State High School. He has recently been advised that he was successful and is appointed at their permanent Principal. I am sure that he will be a great asset to their school. Our Deputy role will be advertised for filling for Term 4. Sincere thanks to Mr Doyle and Mrs Aprile who have done an excellent job in acting Deputy roles this Term.

Term 4 commences on Tuesday 4th October for all students. On Wednesday 5th October, there will be a BYOx Meeting to provide information around selection of a suitable laptop for your child. These meetings have proven invaluable for parents, to best suit the package including laptop specifications to suit your child, insurance and maintenance considerations, important for this item.

The Inter-House Swimming carnival will be convened on Friday 7th October at Memorial Pool. Sports Awards Night is the following week, as well.

Prefect nominations are being gathered, with students presenting to their Year 11 peers as well as a staff Meeting early in Term 4. Names will be announced at Awards Night 2016.

Mr Steve Paulger
Principal

JUNIOR SECONDARY NEWS

General News

Hi. Just a brief report this time.

Congratulations to the students who recently participated in the Paper airplane challenge as part of RUOK day. I'm sure Chappy Phil will report on RUOK day, but it was a fun lunch break flying planes in the hall.

We just finished running an art competition. Unfortunately very few students seemed interested in participating. We encourage students to take the opportunity to participate in activities offered. Students need to let us know what they would like to do so we don't plan and offer events attracting little interest.

I will announce the winners of the art competition soon.

What's On Soon

School holidays! Enough said.

In term 4, we will offer a speedball competition - a mix of speed and accuracy throwing a ball at a target. We have a speed gun that can be used to measure the velocity of objects. We promise not to check the speed of kids running to the tuckshop line!

The Junior Secondary leaders are also devising a series of scavenger hunts. This will involve collecting hidden markers from around the school and then delivering them to a central location in return for a prize. We ran an Easter egg scavenger hunt last year and it was lots of fun.

Thought of the Newsletter

"I don't want whatever I want. Nobody does. Not really. What kind of fun would it be if I just got everything I ever wanted just like that, and it didn't mean anything? What then?"

― Neil Gaiman, Coraline

See you all next term for a final big effort for the year!

Always remember:

Mr Matt Skinner
HOD Junior Secondary

BRISBANE WRITERS FESTIVAL

I found this trip exciting but still educational too. Not only did we learn great tips from many authors about our writing but also had a lot of time with our friends such as going to the movies, arcade and mall shopping. I would highly recommend this excursion for next year.

Dave Terry – 7C2

I had an overall amazing time in Brisbane withy my classmates.

I learnt various techniques; illustrating children's short stories, learning how to find ideas and poetic writing skills are just to name a few.

Spending time with my friends really brought us closer together and gave us a greater understanding of each other.

Tom Camp – 8M3

Overall I loved this trip as I got to meet new people, buy new books and learn to write better. I loved the author Rebecca Sparrow as she told funny and relatable stories. I hope we can go on this trip again next year.

Georgia Vella – 8M3

YEAR 8 & 9 TEAMWORK DAY

TERM 3 - LAST DAY OF SCHOOL

Going to school every day is the single most important part of a child's education. Students learn new things at school every day – missing school puts them behind.

We all want our students to get a great education, and the building blocks for a great education begin with students coming to school each and every day. Students develop good habits by going to school every day – habits that are necessary to succeed after school, whether in the workplace or in further study. Missing school can have a big impact on students academically and socially.

To help support this, the school has organised a Teamwork and Leadership Day for Year 8 & 9, Friday the 16th September 2016. The day is a cost free day where students will be invited to wear their house colours and participate in novelty events winning points for their house groups whilst learning important wellbeing skills such as problem solving, working as a team, trust, encouraging others and trusting in themselves.

Students will then share in a sausage sizzle and drinks followed by a DVD – The Jungle Book. There will be a prize for best dressed.

A reminder that this day is a normal school day and attendance is compulsory.

Day/Date: 16th September 2016
Cost per student: FREE
Name of event: Year 8 & 9 Teamwork and Leadership Day
Venue: School Oval
Uniform: House colours/ Sun safe hat and sunscreen/ water.
Purpose of event: To uphold our school values.

The aims of the activity are to:

1. Learn wellbeing skills.
2. Problem solve.
3. Trust self and others.
4. Enhance teamwork and sense of pride

ICT NEWS

Mackay State High School has a strong tradition in the use of technology to support educational instruction and student learning. In 2017, we will operate a BYOx eLearning Program allowing students to bring their own personal device and connect to the school network.

For any parent wanting to purchase technology for their student to use, specifically Year 6 students transitioning to Mackay State High School in 2017 and Year 10 students in 2017, we cordially invite you to a Parent Information Evening.

BYOx eLearning Parent Information Evening

When: Tuesday, 5 October 2016
Time: 6.00-7.00 pm
Where: Mackay State High School Auditorium, Evan Street side.

Topics to be discussed will include:

• What is BYOx? (Bring Your Own device and/or software)
• How does the BYOx eLearning Program operate?
• BYOx Specifications for devices
• Purchasing your device – MSHS Portals, local retailers, etc
• Warranty and Accidental Damage Insurance
• Demonstration of MSHS Portals
• How to access free and low-cost software

We encourage parents to come along and get advice on purchasing devices and software. See our improved MSHS Portals which offer devices built for educational purposes (some products available for view), competitively-priced devices, finance, Accidental Damage Insurance, on-site repair, and loan laptop for your student while repairs are taking place. This offers your student uninterrupted learning and speeds up turnaround of repairs. Mackay State High School has chosen the devices on our Portal for our environment.

Christine Adams
HOD – Business and Information Technology

SPORTS REPORT

We have made it! Week 10, Term 3 is coming to an end. All practical and theoretical assessments have been completed by all year levels in the Health and Physical Education Department. Teachers are going through the process of marking and finalising all year to date assessments for student's reports.

Thursday 15th of September will see 93 Year 7 students attending the Year 7 Sports Day. The remainder of the Year 7 cohort will be required to attend school, where alternative work will be provided. Just a reminder that students need to be diligent to return their forms so that they can all attend special school combined days, like this one.

Looking forward to Term 4, the HPE department will open with two significant events. The Swimming Carnival will be held on Friday 7th (1st week back), where all students will meet at the pool. There will be a range of swimming and novelty events for all students to enjoy on the day. The Year 7's will be at an advantage as they have recently completed 5 weeks of swimming in HPE classes.

The annual Sports Award Night will be held on Thursday 13th, week 2. This will be in recognition of all the outstanding sports achievements that students have achieved throughout the year. Invitations will be sent out to invited students this week.

Finally, we wish everyone a safe and restful holiday. We look forward to everyone returning fresh and ready to finish off the year as strong as we started.

PS – We also hope that the HPE staff will be relocated into their new staffroom and to have the new weights room open for business for the start of Term 4.

ARTS NEWS

SYMBOLIC JOURNEY TRIBAL BATTLE

On Monday, 12 September, 3 excited Year 7 Arts 'tribes', Earth, Fire, and Water, gathered in the Assembly Hall to perform at the first 2016 Symbolic Journey tribal battle. Their dedicated arts teachers, Ms Hodby, Mrs DeBrueys and Miss Ribot, together with other staff, parents and grandparents accompanied the colourfully decorated groups.

The event was the culmination of a term's work for the three classes where they experienced a taste of the four Arts areas that we offer at Mackay High – Visual Art, Media Arts, Drama and Music. Symbolic representation formed the basis of their investigations:

• In Art they designed symbols to depict their tribal names, created fabrics using an African resist dyeing technique and learned to 'read' indigenous Australian painting; these were all brought together in their battle dress with bright combinations of makeup and costume
• In Drama they collaboratively choreographed symbolic movement pieces to represent their tribal element.
• In Media, students learned how to construct an deconstruct a still image, using digital cameras to create a dynamic shot
• In Music, aleuronic sound formed the basis for an exploration of rhythmic percussion compositions

Underlying the Symbolic Journey course are values of tolerance, responsibility and collaboration. The Arts protocols (see image) complement MSHS values of pride, respect, dedication and consideration.

The fantastic outcomes of Battle Day are a significant testimony to the power of the Arts. Congratulations to Mrs DeBrueys' tribe, Fire, the victors on the day. Well done to all Year 7 Arts students and thank you to our esteemed judges – Miss Rodgers, Mrs Brown and Mr Skinner.

FANTASTIC OPPORTUNITY FOR SENIOR DRAMA STUDENT

The University of Queensland Young Scholars Program is designed to nurture and develop their future leaders, presenting an exciting opportunity for academic extension and enrichment. Applications closed on 12 August and soon after, Director of Prospective Students, Steve Forster, offered our Year 11 Drama student, Simone Muirhead, a position in this prestigious 2016 program.

The scholar's program is centred around igniting young change-makers' passions for leadership, academic achievement and community development in today's global society. In participating in this opportunity, Simone will gain valuable insights into university life and fields of study that she may not have encountered as part of the school curriculum. Simone has elected to study Creative Arts and Science during this time and we wish her all the best with her achievements.

Congratulations to Simone on her selection. She will be an excellent representative for Mackay State High School.

Mrs Glenda Hobdell
HOD The Arts

A MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE

2016 MAGAZINE

Cut off to pay is end of this term. Payment plan students MUST advise NOW to ensure a magazine is ordered for you.

The annual magazine is a wonderful keepsake

KEEPING IN TOUCH

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

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

2017 SUBJECT SELECTION

Some subjects for 2017 will be difficult for your student to choose if you still have outstanding fees. We understand that some families are experiencing financial hardship so please advise the office if you wish to discuss a payment plan.

Yr11 LEADERSHIP CAMP

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

STATEMENTS

Are you receiving your statement? – usually emailed 15th of each month

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

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!

Thanks everyone.

Regards

Mrs Marg Brown
Business Services Manager

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.

STUDENT VACCINATIONS

If your child has been away from school and missed any School Immunisation so far from 1st round 16th March Year 7 & 23rd March Year 8 HPV dose 1 & Boostrix. We have also visited on the 25th May for Year 7 & 8th June for Year 8 for HPV dose 2 & Chickenpox. If your child has only had 1st round or have had none so far please, contact School Immunisation Program for an appointment on 30963310, we are now located at 40 Carlyle Street across from the MET Hotel.

Trixie Mills
School Based Youth Health Nurse

SCHOOL DENTAL

UNIFORM SHOP NEWS

Senior Shirts- Year 10, 11, 12 2 for $50 Save $20
Complete Girls Formal Uniform $95 Save $20

THE SCHOOL NURSE AND YOUTH SUPPORT WORKER

Thursday 8th September was RUOK ? day. The school marked the day with the theme, Better Together. Students enjoyed a paper plane competition, constructing a hand print art work, indigenous games, and guess the sugar content of popular drinks during first lunch break in the hall. The activities aimed to promote the message of being stronger together and more connected with the people around us.

It is important to support our family and friends including their mental wellbeing. Meaningful communication and relationships go a long way in boosting happiness. A message which is important to convey to young people both at home and at school.

The student services team would like to thank the following for their assistance in making the event successful: Deadly Choices Team, Headspace, Chaplains, Art Department, The Access Centre, Tuck Shop, Breakfast Club, and Teachers who gave their time to help out.

Our mental health is just as important as our physical health there is no shame in seeking help. If you or someone you know needs help please contact your family GP or phone Lifeline 13 1114 24hrs.

Trixie Mills (SBYHN) & Jenny Hocking (Youth Support)

BANGARRA DANCE THEATRE REKINDLING YOUTH PROGRAM

Tuesday 6 September - 12 Indigenous students from Public and Private High schools were Trained by Australia's finest dancers from the Bangarra Dance Theatre. Students were able to broaden their contemporary Indigenous Dance Techniques and Safe Dance Practice. Also extending the Bangarra Dance Vocabulary through new Choreographic Work's session. The session ended with a focus on future performance outcome and career pathways.

RU OK DAY!

The Mackay State High School paper planes completion saw over 40 teams of both students and teachers compete to raise awareness of the importance of friendship and participation on a day we stop to have an important conversation. RUOK?

It may seem like a simple question, but it is a question that has helped save the lives of many and instil hope.

Year 7 & 8 students were encouraged to compete in teams of two or more. Each team received two pieces of yellow paper from which they were able to make their plane. Teams competed for a total of four prizes in different categories such as longest distance, longest air time, best decorated and most creative. All teams competed, gave their all and supported one another.

GUIDANCE OFFICER

Parenting Ideas and insights by Michael Grose

The language of Resilient Families

Children and adults in resilient families tune into needs of each other, choosing situation-specific language, rather than simply regurgitating generalised "feel good' or "get on with it" platitudes.

Resilient families develop their own words and phrases to help each other get through the inevitable tough times that each person experiences. The language of resilience generally refers to coping strategies such as empathy, humour and acceptance.

Here is the first of 10 examples:

Come on, Laugh it off

STRATEGY: humour
GOOD FOR: Kids who experience disappointment, failure and even loss.

Humour is a great coping strategy and a powerful tool for resilience as it heightens feelings of control. Some children and young people will naturally crack jokes or make fun of seemingly serious situations. This is a fantastic way to release stress and handle feelings of hopelessness. As a parent you may need to lighten up tense situations by introducing humour of your own, which is something that many DADS do really well!!

More ideas can be found at

Lindsay Hains
Guidance Officer

COMMUNITY NOTICES