9 December 2016

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPALS REPORT

Congratulations to Thomas Dearden, who has been awarded the prestigious Amarlie Carroll Memorial Trophy, presented to the highest performing 13-19 years sportsperson in our Mackay District for 2017. The highlight of Thomas’ year was being selected in the Qld White U/15 Schools Rugby League team, later being named captain of the side and at the National Championships named as the Australian halfback in the Australian U/15 team.

Over the Christmas vacation, the refurbishment constructions in our Junior Manual Arts Block and our Hospitality kitchens will continue in earnest so that these facilities will be near to ready for the start of the 2017 school year. I remind all members of our school community that people should remain outside the school grounds over the vacation to allow the workers best access to this work. Early in the New Year, there will be some major restructuring of the school Tuckshop, with a large coldroom and commercial oven installed as well as serving displays being installed to show the new items on sale, both hot and cold.

Our Orientation day was very successful with over 200 Year 7 students expected to commence at the start of 2017. This is very pleasing as our early predictions were to be approximately 170 students. We are very pleased that large numbers are selecting to attend our great school to be a part of our winning team. The students come from all around Mackay to engage in our Academic Excellence Academy, Sporting Academies, Instrumental Music and Agricultural programs.

As the year draws to a close, I reflect on the great achievements in the past 12 months, starting with the four OP 1 students graduating in 2015, our Academic Excellence Academy inaugural year culminated in the STEM Fair which showed the great success of the program and these wonderful students. Our Instrumental Music students and staff have had a very successful year and our Sporting Academies have shone with many highlights in results this year, but none more important than the positive and sportsmanlike way in which our students present in their contests.

We now look forward to the outcomes of our 2016 graduates and the pathways that they will follow. As usual our restart to school will be staged with only Year 7, 8 & 10 commencing on Mon 23rd January, then all students on Tuesday.

With the end of year, we farewell a number of staff including Craig Monaghan, Elmarie Chambers, Kate Pavitt, Sheridan Clegg, Tevita Hakohako, Tim Temple Watts, Marcia Prior, Trixie Mills and Andrea Dearden. I thank them for their wonderful contribution to our students and staff and wish them well in their new locations.

On behalf of the staff and Students of Mackay State High, I wish all of our families a very Merry Christmas and a safe and relaxing New Year.

Mr Steve Paulger
Principal

JUNIOR SECONDARY NEWS

General News

The last week of school for the year has finally arrived. What more can I say?

It's time for all staff and students to have a good mental rest before the start of "another" full on year in 2017.

The highlight of the past week has been our annual Orientation Day for our year 7 students of 2017. Nearly 200 students descended on Mackay High on Monday 5th December to meet their class mates for next year, meet some of our senior buddies, and experience some activities in a high school environment. Maybe some will even remember their way around when next year starts.

The photos below show some of next year's students in a Geography/Ancient History lesson with Mrs Aprile. She was very impressed with their energy and inquisitiveness during the sessions.

While the year 6 students were here on their orientation day, our year 7, 8 and 9 students spent the day having some end of year fun at the movies and blue water lagoon, accompanied by a sausage sizzle lunch. A great way to spend a hot day.

Thank you to all staff involved in organising and running both rewards day and orientation day and making both a success.

Lastly, a reminder to students to beat the rush and buy next year's stationery early. Also a reminder to buy some new shoes for school, but not those bright blue, red or yellow with purple dots variety.

What's On Soon

Christmas and thoughts of things not school.

Thought of the Newsletter

Have a very merry and safe Christmas and New Year.

What will be your New Year's resolutions?

Matt Skinner
HOD Junior Secondary

FROM THE DESK OF A DEPUTY

Report Cards for students in Years 7, 8 and 9 will be distributed on Thursday afternoon during our last lesson of the day. Stationery lists and reminders about our uniform, including safe footwear, will also be distributed. Students without the correct safe footwear will not be able to participate in practical elements of subjects.

Start dates for 2017:

• Students commencing Years 7, 8 and 10 – Monday 23rd January.
• All year levels – Tuesday 24th January.
• Public Holiday – Thursday 26th January.

2017 Timetable

Over recent weeks all students have had access to their subjects for next year. Timetables will be emailed to students in the week prior to school commencing but will be provided in a printed form on their first scheduled day.

To all our families and members of the Mackay State High School Community I wish you a happy and safe holiday – filled with joy, laughter and peace.

Mrs Tania Cheers
Deputy Principal

SPORTS UPDATE

As a member of multiple Mackay District Schools 12 years and under sporting teams, Ryleigh Wotherspoon was named the Mackay Districts Schools 12 years and Under Sportsperson of the year for 2016. Ryleigh has been a representative in the following; Capricornia Softball, Touch Football and Queensland Representative for Football and Cricket. This is an outstanding achievement Ryleigh, Well done.

The day in the life of a HPE staff member can be sometime exhausting at times and at this time of the year can be gruelling to say the least. However with the able and enthusiastic staff at present and in the future that we have the pleasure of accommodating for, this life becomes easier. With the festive season upon us we welcome and say goodbye to a number of staff members that have made and are always making this department an enjoyable and productive environment. First of all we welcome Rohan Graham as well as head of department Nathan Doyle who will be residing in our hut for next year. Secondly, we would like to say goodbye to two very influential co-workers and friends Craig Monaghan and Amanda Dick who’s friendly and charismatic personas will be missed within not only our staffroom, but in our school. Thank you to everyone who has made this an enjoyable and memorable year and all the best for the holidays ahead. Merry Christmas!

ARTS NEWS

Symbolic Journey to the Arts

“We were all surprised when we were able to achieve so much in so little time. Something we will always remember is how fun it is to cooperate.”- Angeless Dioth

“…I have learned how to be a part of a team and how to cooperate with others… I was surprised by how well everyone came together and cooperated on battle day.”- Jessica Catchpole

“What surprised me the most was how well our class communicated as a group, because we all worked together and listened to each other’s ideas. We also all encouraged each other to keep going and to pull through.”- Karissa Guimelli

“Throughout our journey in the Arts we learnt a lot of things such as patience, teamwork and gratitude. I was fun to battle friendly with our opponents, it made the battle seem more of an event where we were all celebrating as one, and not as actual fighting tribes.”- Lauren Salazar

“What surprised me… was that any idea was a good idea and that your opinion was always taken and used. This surprise me because in other subjects there are particular answers to questions.” “From this experience I will always remember the expressive art and dances that we used to portray our tribal identity.”- Beverlynn Lyiambian

“I will always remember how I got involved in the performance and pushed myself to do things that I normally would not do.”- Jesse Glenbar

Mrs Glenda Hobdell
HOD The Arts

SENIOR SCHOOLING

Andrea Dearden arrived at Mackay State High School on 11 February 2009 to work with School Based Apprentices and Trainees. Her role has developed over the years and she is now our Senior Phase Officer. Andrea takes very good care of our Year 10, 11 and 12 students on a daily basis. She helps them develop skills and confidence in their abilities to enable them to have choices for their future pathways. She has developed relationships with many Mackay Employers through the facilitation of the work experience program. Andrea gets to know students and their interests to match students to appropriate flexible learning pathways through the Mackay Engineering College, CQTAFE and a range of other VET courses.

Sadly, Andrea is leaving Mackay State High School to move to the Gold Coast to be closer to family. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Andrea and her family. Andrea has made a difference to the lives of many senior students over the last 7 years and she will be very sorely missed. Best wishes Andrea and family!

Sharon Barnard
HOD Senior Schooling

A MESSAGE FROM THE OFFICE

Hi All!

The office staff will finish the school year on Friday 9 December and reopen on Monday 16 January 2017.

We wish all our students a safe and enjoyable Christmas break and look forward to seeing you again next year

Contacting the school via email

Should you need to contact the school you are welcome to send an email to admin@mackayshs.eq.edu.au and we will forward it on to the specific person when we return.

Office Times

The office opens 8:00am to 3:45pm daily.

Merry Christmas and a very prosperous 2017

From
Marg, Lis, Mel, Majella, Leanne, Britt, Amanda

Until next time
Marg Brown
Business Service Manager

BREAKFAST CLUB

2016 has been a big year for Breakfast Club at Mackay State High School. Student Services would like to thank all those who have helped to provide this valuable service for students and make Breakfast Club a success.

We would like to pay special tribute to:

• Sydney Street Brumbies who donate eight loaves of bread four days each week and who have been supporting us for over nine years.
• Teachers who volunteer to help out by picking up the bread or assisting in the kitchen.
• Community volunteers who help to set up, clean up, supervise and chat to students, each morning.
• The many people who have donated spreads for the toast, eggs, pancake mix, etc.
• Finally the school P & C who supply milk and margarine.

Breakfast Club will resume as normal on the first day of term one 2017. If you would like to donate any form of toast spreads please leave them at reception.

MESSAGE FROM THE SCHOOL NURSE

Shine Program

This year three groups of girls completed the Shine Program. Shine is a personal development for girls. The aim is for each girl to develop an 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 and self-esteem. Improve communication skills and social networks. It enhances their ability to succeed in school life.

Congratulations to the following girls who recently completed Shine for Term 4: Tia Ellison-Rix, Talia Benjamin, Eleanor Archer, Nikia Perry, Chloe Price, Shallamar Patterson, Makayla Burley, Bailey Howell, Kassidy Reynolds. Well done girls!

Deadly Choices

The Deadly Choices Program is a free health education program and a capacity development course aimed at supporting participants to be positive role models and mentors for their family, peers and community by leading a healthy lifestyle. The program comprises modules such as chronic disease, nutrition, smoking cessation, physical activity, substance misuse and healthy relationships.

The following girls have recently completed the program: Onaeda Parter-Brady, Tania Nelson, Jayda Cavanagh, Jessie Glenbar, Caitlyn Milner, Brooke Gorman, Kristie Carlton. The girls each received a Deadly Choices shirt and had a routine health check after completing the course. It is important to take responsibility for our health by living a healthy lifestyle. Having completed the program the girls now have the knowledge needed to make healthy choices. If you would like any further information about the program visit the Deadly Choices website:

Trixie Mills
School Based Youth Health Nurse

DIAL A DOCTOR

COMMUNITY NOTICES