14 October 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL'S REPORT

Welcome back for the final term of the year, and before we know it, Year 12s will be graduating and our new Year 7s will be visiting for their Orientation Day. I welcome Mr Michael Hurley as our A/Deputy Principal behind Mr Brunetto, who has been appointed Principal at Blackwater SHS. Mr Hurley knows many of the students, from his role as Deputy at Walkerston SS. Mr Nick Schloss also returns replacing Mrs Pappin, who is on leave to have her baby.

At the end of Term 3, over 45 Year 10 students were placed in Work Experience positions for the week. Sincerest thanks to those employers who accepted our students for the week, with economic climate making this service quite challenging. Mrs Dearden used all of her contacts and skills to place as many from the half cohort, as she could. The other class groups were provided with forms to register for work experience at end of the term.

Our talented singers and musicians are testing their skills this week with our vocal groups and instrumental groups performing in 2016 Mackay Eisteddfod at the MECC on Tuesday this and next week. After the first full day for High Schools, Congratulations to Tanya Dator and Chloe Healion placed 2nd in Secondary School Duet, and our groups 1st place Advanced Strings Ensemble, 2nd Strings Ensemble, 3rd Stage Band and 3rd Senior Concert Band.

Each year the new student leaders in Year 11 make personal speeches to the assembled staff and later to their full Year 11 cohort, seeking to nominate as a Prefect and possibly School Captain for 2017. Eighteen students have nominated to take up the positions and our 2017 School Captains will be announced at the Awards Night on 2nd November. Their presentations were of very high quality and all of them could fill the role they seek.

Our new Gym is completed and we should have handover by the end of this week. The large gym area and Phys Ed staffroom at the east end of the Hall is an excellent facility allowing students and staff to extend their skills to new levels. The old Gym is being renovated, to provide further classroom space. Remodelling of the Manual Arts, Hospitality kitchens and Music rooms has commenced. Contractors are doing the demolition of the interior structures of the Stage 1 development of both blocks, including removal of asbestos sheeting over the weekend. The school site will be closed on Monday 17th October, to allow completion of the ACM removal with no students or staff on site on the long weekend. Projected plans suggest that the work should be finalised by early in the 2017 school year. The inconvenience over Term 4, will certainly be outweighed by the excellent facilities in the buildings, once completed.

Parent Teacher interviews were undertaken early this week, discussing the progress of their students, based on the Term 3 Interim Report. Those who could not attend the interviews, should contact the office to advise the teacher and arrange a suitable meeting date.

Staff and students have nominated to participate in this Sunday's fundraiser and awareness raising event "Run for MI Life". The event is focused on raising awareness and funds to raise awareness of mental illness. Special thanks to Ms Amanda Dick, who has coordinated the nominations of over 70 staff and students from our school for the fun run.

Sports Awards Night showcased the outstanding achievements of our students and staff on the sporting fields. A wonderful evening saw these efforts recognised and the large assembly keen to hear the comments from Damon Kelly, a Commonwealth and Olympic Games medallist in Weightlifting and Kalyn Ponga, Cowboys NRL player and former student. Key awards were won by Harry Arnold – Pierre De Coubertin Award, Ryleigh Wotherspoon – Junior Sportsperson Award and Lauren Morgan – Senior Sportsperson Award. More winners will be published on FB and next newsletter.

Mr Steve Paulger
Principal

FROM THE DP'S DESK

Report Cards and Interviews

Interim Report Cards were issued to all students on Tuesday 4th October. This is the first time that we have done reporting at this time of the year and so I am interested in feedback from families as to whether that found it useful. The Report Cards are a 'year-to-date' perspective on a student's progress in each of their subjects. We use an interim report format as we had parent teacher interviews available for people to be able to gather verbal comments in relation to the students.

Our second round of Parent Teacher Interviews were conducted on Tuesday 11th October and it was wonderful to see so many parents taking up the opportunity to have conversations with their student's teachers – it was even great to see many students attend and participate in the discussions about how they can improve.

If students have been absent throughout this time their report card will be available from the school's Office. Parents may also collect reports, if desired. Performance information is also available through our school's QParent app.

Report Cards can be emailed to the Parent / Carer listed as the first or primary parent for students. Our school may be moving towards a trial with this service – after discussions with Administration and the P&C about the usefulness of this alternative. We would need parents and carers to ensure that we have the most appropriate email address for this process to be reliable.

Bus Shelter

Our school was lucky enough to receive a $5000 grant from Cancer Council Queensland as seed money for the construction of a bus shelter. The regional level of the Department of Education and Training were then able to provide the additional funds to bring the project up to near $30000. The construction work was completed over the school holidays by Endurance Sheds, Mackay. The shelter has added to the street view of the school but is a very beneficial asset for the students during rain and the approaching summer months.

Subject Selections for 2017

Students currently in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10 have all been asked to submit elective subject nominations, requesting options for 2017. Forms were due at the end of the term. At this time we are entering data on these choices and may need to consider the loss of some choices if they have not been popular enough create a class. We also need to catch up with some students who didn't manage to return their forms.

When we have the list of classes that are going to run we will approach students who will need to make further selections. At this point students should be fairly certain of their choices for 2017.

It is hoped that students will have their timetables either in the last week of school or they will be emailed to them, as they were this year, during the Christmas holidays. At that time students will also be able to see their timetable via their OneSchool login.

Feedback

If parents have any feedback around the additional report card, the change to having the second Parent Interview Evening at the start of Term 4 or the thought of having Report Cards emailed out to Parents and Carers then please supply information to our P&C group, phone us up or send an email to admin@mackayshs.eq.edu.au

Tania Cheers
Deputy Principal

ACTING DEPUTY PRINCIPAL CORNER

I am Michael Hurley, and will be the Acting Deputy Principal here at Mackay SHS for term 4. My wife, Janet and I, are born and bred local as is our son, Bevan. I have been involved in Roller Skating for nearly forty years, and still referee and coach at national and international level. I like to relax on a golf course in the pursuit of elusive golf balls.

I have been with the Education Department for over 35 years. For the last eight and three-quarter years I have been Deputy Principal at Walkerston SS, which has been a very rewarding and exciting learning journey. I am enjoying learning about Mackay SHS and what the students and staff here are achieving on a daily basis.

I am pleased to be here as Acting Deputy Principal, looking after the areas including- Year 7 and 11 Student Welfare, Academies, Junior Secondary and Pedagogy.

Mr Michael Hurley
Acting Deputy Principal

NATIONAL DISABILITY INSURANCE SCHEME

Thank you for your leadership in supporting students with disability and their families during the transition to the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). I am writing to provide you with an update on the NDIS and school transport assistance for students with disability.

I have listened to parents and transport operators who are telling me they are concerned about the uncertainty as to who will deliver transport services under the NDIS and what it will mean for our most vulnerable students and their families.

I would like to reassure parents that the Queensland Government will continue to operate transport assistance for students with disability under the current model until 31 December 2019 — a full six months after the transition to NDIS is completed.

I am keen to assure families that there should be no disruption to the school transport arrangements during this time and that I have written to the Federal Minister for Social Services calling on him to ensure no child is disadvantaged during the transition to the NDIS. I have asked the federal government to allow Queensland to continue to provide school transport assistance for students with disability under the current model beyond 2019.

Kate Jones MP
Minister for Education and
Minister for Tourism and Major Events

SPORTS REPORT

Year 7 Sports Day

During the last week of Term 3, 100 year seven students attending a fun filled sports day. Students were able to select a sport to participate in of their choice, these included; Netball, Basketball, Soccer, Indoor Volleyball and Beach Volleyball, AFL, Oztag and Rugby League. Some students were aligned with students from other schools to form competitive teams where others had fun competing against other schools. This day was coordinated by many individuals who organised a structured schedule for all students to be a part of. A special thank you to Kate Leon-Mason and Simon West for holding the Netball and Soccer at MSHS. The Majority of Year 7 form teachers were able to accompany the students on this day and are thanked for their efforts. A special thanks to the following senior students who also helped officiate, score or referee on the day; Kylie Watts, Hannah Vella, Jasmine Fuhlbohm, Luke Pearce, Hayden Gutteridge, Hayden Dunlop, Paul Paez, Emma Watts and Emma Bugeja.

Swimming Carnival

The MSHS annual inter-house swimming carnival was held in the first week of Term 4. The house swimming participation events were a great success. An important message of participation was imparted to encourage each house member to gain as many points as they could for the carnival. Alex Proctor and Kellie Biddle worked with each other to ensure the day ran smoothly. A special Thank you for your efforts in the management of this event. A highlight of the day, the staff v's student 4x4 relay. Alex Nicholson, Christopher Milne, Nicole De Brueys and Mr Steve Paulger, unfortunately placed second to the outstanding efforts from a senior team, who consisted of Darcy Mealy, Matthew Vessey, Corey Holt, Ryan Schill Congratulations boys.

Congratulations to Chataway for winning the third annual carnival this year. The points are as follows.

1st Chataway 894
2nd Mackay 832
3rd Forgan 525
4th Dennis 410

Jimmy Butlin had a stand out competition breaking three new records, which included 50m Freestyle, 50 m Breaststroke and 50m Butterfly. Well done this is a fantastic achievement that you should be commended on.

Congratulations to the following students for receiving the Age Champion awards, these students need to be commended on their superb efforts exhibited over the carnival. Well done, all students will receive recognition at the annual sports awards night to be held early Term 4.

Congratulations to Ella Anderson and Ryleigh Wotherspoon on your sporting achievements in 2016. As members of multiple Mackay District Schools 12 years and under sporting teams, these two girls have been selected as two of the three nominees for this award. To Celebrate and recognise your efforts you have both been invited to attend the annual Mackay and Districts Schools 12 years and Under Sportsperson of the year presentations on Tuesday, November 22nd.

YEAR 12 FORMAL

ARTS NEWS

Term 4 is shaping up to be another action packed and successful one for The Arts. Here is a snapshot of what is coming up and the great outcomes of our programs that continue.

Eisteddfod Success

Many of our committed Music students are currently participating in the Mackay Eisteddfod accompanied by their passionate Music teachers.

The first individuals and groups to present their work on stage have brought back some fantastic results, as follows:

• Chloe Healion, Year 12 – Winner, 14-18 years Most Deserving of Encouragement Award, Instrumental
• Tanya Dator, Year 9 – Winner, Bursary for Best Performer, Instrumental ($250)
• Advanced Strings conducted by Ms Kristen Boyd – Winner, Small Group of any Acoustic Instruments for Secondary Students
• String Ensemble conducted by Ms Kristen Boyd – 2nd Place, String Orchestra for Secondary Schools
• Chloe Healion and Tanya Dator, 2nd Place, Secondary School Duet
• Concert Band conducted by Mr Matthew Johnston – 3rd Place, Concert Band for Secondary School
• Stage Band conducted by Mr Matthew Johnston – 3rd Place, Jazz Ensemble for Secondary Students

Congratulations to all of our talented students and staff for their tireless and outstanding contribution to the Arts programs at our school. Good luck to Mrs De Brueys and the vocal group, Colla Voce, performing next Tuesday.

VERVE ART EXHIBITION

I am excited to announce that the Year 11 Visual Art and Visual Arts in Practice (VAP) students are busily working towards a major exhibition of our students' work to be presented at Paxton's Warehouse on 3 November.

VERVE•2016 aims to showcase the emerging talents of senior students of the Visual Arts – Visual Art, Film TV and New Media, Visual Arts in Practice, Arts in Practice Media Arts and Multiarts. The show is being curated by the VAP students and will feature site-specific installations by Year 11 Visual Art students, performance and new media works by Year 12 Visual Arts.

The goal of the exhibition is to:

• highlight the emergence of contemporary arts practice at Mackay SHS
• communicate the multidisciplinary nature of the Visual Arts programs
• blur boundaries of practice
• focus on conceptual artmaking practices
• feature a wide range of media forms
• introduce students to curatorial processes
• extend students' knowledge of gallery practice by allowing them to plan and collaboratively present a major exhibition

As Paxtons is a public venue, VERVE•2016 seeks to attract the school community as well as a broader reaching audience. Target groups include current students, staff, parents, other schools and the Mackay arts community.

Invitations will be published in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing you there for the official opening on November 3!

CREATIVE GENERATION EXCELLENCE AWARDS IN VISUAL ART

Congratulations to four of our Year 12 Visual Art students for their selection and entries in the 2016 Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art.

The Creative Generation Excellence Awards in Visual Art recognise and promote excellence in senior visual art education and student achievement in visual art throughout Queensland's state and non-state schools.

The program has helped raise community awareness of the degree of sophistication in concepts, diversity of technical competence, and the high standard of visual art education in Queensland secondary schools.

Selected student works demonstrate:

• highly developed imagery and or iconography with effective and deliberate communication of meaning
• expressive and or innovative aesthetic choices through the control of visual language
• purposeful and considered manipulation and exploitation of media, techniques and processes
• application of knowledge and critical understanding of media, techniques and processes that allows a thorough degree of visual and expressive resolution
• sustained engagement, which invites further inquiry from the onlooker.

Our participants and their entries were:

Elsie Ward Inside the Mind
Chloe Healion Interrupted Prelude
Nicka Mateo Awash
Bailey Gambie Traumatised Realities

A special congratulations to Elsie Ward as her work was shortlisted as a finalist. A video of her performance work is featured here.

All of the works will be on display at the upcoming VERVE exhibition.

Mrs Glenda Hobdell
HOD The Arts

ICT NEWS

It was great to see a good representation of interested parents at our recent BYOx Parent Information Evening. To all parents interested in purchasing a laptop for their student, all relevant details, documentation and procedures are on our school website; just click on the BYOx eLearning Program link on the front page.

Reminder to parents that all laptops on our School Portals are devices specifically built for educational purposes and are not available in a retail outlets. This was evident to our parents at the Information Evening who were able to view products from our Dell School Portal. Please note all laptops purchased through the Portals come automatically with 3-year extended warranty. Highly recommended and also available on our School Portals, are Accidental Damage and Lost and Theft Insurance.

Any laptop purchased through our School Portals can be repaired on-site by our qualified School Technicians, thus ensuring a quicker turnaround. Also, for those students who purchase through our School Portals, Mackay State High School will provide a loan laptop to the student while waiting for repairs to be completed. Thus, ensuring no interruption to student learning.

If parents or students have any queries, please do not hesitate to send your BYOx Device Checklist (on school website) or email your queries to:

BYOx@mackayshs.eq.edu.au
Christine Adams
HOD – Business/Information Technology

A MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE

Year11 LEADERSHIP CAMP

Year11 students – if you wish to attend the Leadership Camp at the end of this year – you must have your 2016 fees fully paid.

Year 12 Formal

Year 12 students – if you are attending the Formal on 16 November – you MUST have your school fees fully paid

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.

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.

SCHOOL DENTAL

UNIFORM SHOP NEWS

GUIDANCE OFFICER

Mental Health is a positive state of wellbeing used to describe emotional and social wellness. It involves feeling positive about ourselves, the people and events in our lives, and being able to live life to our fullest capacity.

The World Health Organization defines mental health as "a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to her or his community."

Our mental health influences everything we do:

• How we think, feel and behave
• The way we relate to other people
• The way we respond to the challenges of everyday life; and
• How we cope with events such as changing jobs, having a baby, raising a child, relationship difficulties, retirement, loss and physical illness,

Things to do to improve your mental health

• Exercise daily – at least for 30 minutes
• Eat healthy foods – avoid drinking too much coffee, eating too much fat, and sugars
• Visit your doctor regularly to ensure good health
• Build a community around yourself – having people to talk to makes life happier and more enjoyable
• Keep busy and involved – in family, school, work, leisure
• Drink plenty of water
• Have adequate sleep – restful sleep. If you snore or have sleep apnea see your doctor
• Seek help if you are feeling down, don't let the blues take over you
• Be kind to yourself – do things that you enjoy eg. a relaxing bath, take a movie, go to dinner
• Do things for other people – not only will they benefit but it is a boost for you as well
• Practise thinking good thoughts, avoid bad thoughts
• Watch comedy shows, seek out humour, laugh loudly

Mental health is an essential part of our overall health and affects our physical health; as our physical health also affects our mental health. It is also strongly related to our behaviour, particularly our social behaviour and relationships with others. So put the effort in and work to be mentally healthy.

Adapted from: Austn Network for Promotion, Prevention and Early Intervention for Mental Health

If you would like further information or to find out what services are available see your Guidance Officer at the school.

Lindsay Hains
Guidance Officer

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