3 March 2017

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

This is a special week for many of our 2016 graduates as they are commencing University studies, whether here locally at Central Queensland University, or at James Cook Uni in Townsville or further afield in south east Queensland. Please keep them in your thoughts as they take this large step into their chosen pathway. I am sure that the support from families and the preparation both academically and socially, received at Mackay State High, that they will address the challenges capably.

This week our school Captains, Thrisha Bajamundi and Haard Shah were invited to officiate at the Mackay Central State School Student Leaders presentation. As both former students at Central SS, it was a very proud moment for both students and they spoke to the younger students about the positive opportunities and pathways as they move through their educational journey. It was very pleasing for these younger students to see first hand the success that is available to them. Haard and Thrisha presented the new school captains and vice-captains with their badges during the event.

Our new School Based Youth Health Nurse has been appointed and is currently work shadowing other nurses in local schools. We welcome Fiona Bohn to our staff and look forward to her commencement next week in our school. Fiona has had a wide range of experience both in Queensland and Northern Territory and is pleased to be returning to Mackay, with her family. She will join our Student Services team of Lindsay Hains, Chappy Phil and Jenny Hocking, our Youth Support Coordinator working 5 days a fortnight at our school from Tues 7th March.

At the start of our school year we welcomed a new calf from our prize Brahman cow Ruby. However further news was that one of Ruby’s earlier calves, Mica, now a fully grown and quality bull was sold at auction for $10,000. This was an excellent outcome and reflected the calm nature of Mica, through the regular handling by staff and students for several years, as well as his qualities as a bull for production. At the sale though Mica was a little unsettled early as the stock at sales are handled by stockman on horses and Mica had not seen horses before.

Students and staff returned home on Friday from the 2017 Year 8 Camp. The students and staff had a great experience challenging themselves both individually and building productive team skills as well. The weather was good for the students this year, edging on a little bit hot, but they managed this with several activities into the evening. This week many of these students attended the Junior Secondary Disco on Wednesday evening. Whilst the disco was being held, a large number of our new parents, many from Year 7 families, took advantage of the Information evening held at the school.

Students in Years 10 – 12 are required to obtain USI numbers. USI is short for Unique Student Identifier and is required for the registration of achievement for VET Certificate courses. As all of our Senior students undertake at least one VET course as part of their curriculum, every student needs to go on-line and register. Students need to have some form of identification, passport, drivers licence or Medicare card and they can complete this task with Mrs Esau or Mrs Hocking at school. Please check that your son or daughter has completed this task, to gain the due credit.

During this week over 500 teachers from High Schools across Mackay and district joined together to engage on professional development with colleagues from other schools. Over 27 sessions were convened in many of the schools, engaging teachers in sharing of best practice for student learning. This activity is coordinated by the Mackay District Secondary Principals Association and has been growing for the past 5 years.

Mr Steve Paulger
Principal

JUNIOR SECONDARY NEWS

General News

Camp

Year 8 returned from a successful 4 day/3 night camp at Fairbairn Dam near Emerald. Our annual year 8 camp is designed to allow year 8 students the experience of working in unfamiliar environments and activities with students they don't normally work with. This all takes place outside the normal school environment. It gives students a chance to experience (and hopefully develop) higher level communication skills that they can bring back to school.

Camp does not work in isolation. Mackay High is working hard to build communication, teamwork and leadership skills from year 7. We also work with year 8 students for the remainder of the year to boost in-school leadership, and to build a more cooperative and positive ethos in the early teen years.

Camp itself was hot, but the activities fun and food great. Students were able to conquer their fear of heights on the high ropes course. They practiced their listening and design skills with raft building (building a floating raft to hold 4 people only using rope, timber branches, and plastic drums). Most fun was probably the canoeing session, but also posed some significant challenges where teams of 3 had to coordinate paddling to get from A to B. Surprisingly hard for some and tested their "grit". Lastly, and the hardest skill, was the "rogaining" (aka orienteering) session. Students had to work as a team to find numbered markers on trees in the middle of the bush, just using a map. Again, it really tested their ability to work as a team (of 4). A big test of resilience that many were not used to, and can be brought back into school where many students simply give up if things get a bit tough.

Outside specific activities, we had various night activities. We played "Lantern Stalk" where students have to creep up to a lantern. If caught moving in the torch beam from teachers, they were out. Great pushing through trees and spiders in the dark (if you can't see creepy crawlies, they can't hurt you!). They also played statues and a lolly hunt with Chappie Phil. Another night we played "mad Olympics". Rather than describe this, view some of the attached photos. Let's just say that "man-scaping" and "Freddo Frog dipping" are really fun to watch but can be gross as a contestant. It was also one of the favourite activities on camp, and brought all students together in a fun competitive atmosphere. Lastly we ran a small trivia competition, with yummy prizes throughout.

Year 8 camp is not just fun, but a fantastic learning experience for all students who attend.

Many thanks to the team of staff (Mr Neill, Ms Nutt, Mr Hurley, Ms Proctor, Ms Stork, Ms Kliese, Chappy Phil, Mr Doyle, Mr Skinner) who worked full on for 18 - 20 hour days supervising the students.

Disco

On Wednesday night (1st March) we held our "Neon Disco" for Year 7 - 9. A dance mob of about 8 students had a fun and colourful night with great music and some fun dance competitions. Very popular was the limbo competition. Again, many thanks to the team of staff who supported the disco, providing a great extra-curricular activity for many of our keen students.

A big thank you also to the large number of our senior buddies who helped set up the disco, cook, clean, dance (I think some can), provide music, photo booths, staff the canteen etc, and help encourage our juniors to participate so well in school activities.

Please scan the attached photos for camp and the disco. Remember, go to our school facebook page for a large array or camp photos.

Lastly, I have called for students in years 7 - 9 to nominate for the role as a Junior Secondary Leader and Student Council member. Hopefully many talented students have the courage to put their hand up for this role. Without strong student to student support, our year levels will not work effectively. This is a culture we are trying to build.

What's On Soon

Year 7 needles occur in week 7. Please make sure any and all paperwork has been returned to the school.

Good News Stories

Great attendance from the Junior School continues to set the standard for "Every Day Counts" - being at school and putting in the hard yards pays off - no matter who you are.

Please encourage your child to always see the positive side of their schooling so they are keen to attend and try their best, all day, every day, and always provide encouragement for ALL their classmates under all circumstances.

It’s a lot easier than it seems for some students!!

Thought of the Newsletter

Matt Skinner
Junior Secondary Head of School

THE ARTS

IGNITE!17 ARTS TOUR

Congratulations to our highest achieving arts students who have now received a first-round offer to attend the IGNITE!17 ARTS TOUR to Sydney in September!

Invitations were distributed to 80 excited Drama, Media/Film, Music and Visual Arts students during Week 6. As only 60 places are available, deadlines need to be followed to secure a position on the tour, starting with the project consent form which is to be returned by Week 8.

The Ignite Arts Tour will provide further opportunities for arts excellence through performance, recording, exhibition workshops and other professional development in contemporary, interdisciplinary arts practice. The tour will offer collaborative workshops with leading arts organisations such as Bell Shakespeare, the Australian Institute of Music (Music, Drama, Film/Media), the Museum of Contemporary Art and JMC Adademy. Participants will also attend a performance of My Fair Lady at the Capitol Theatre, visit Madam Tussauds and other various group recreational arts activities such as drawing and filming at Taronga Park Zoo and Luna Park.

The Arts Department will commence fundraising in Term 2 to help subsidise the cost of the trip. We are keen to get a parent committee together to work with us and the P&C on some major fundraiser activities. Please contact Arts HOD, Glenda Hobdell at ghobd1@eq.edu.au if you wish to be involved.

Further details will be delivered and questions answered at a Parent Information Night in the auditorium at 6pm on Monday, 6 March.

HOODS DRAMA PRODUCTION

We are excited to announce that a group of our talented Drama students, under the direction of Mr Sam Neill, are now in development stages for a production season of the renowned Australian play, HOODS, by Angela Betzien.

From the creators of Children of the Black Skirt, HOODS is a contemporary tale of Hansel and Gretel.

Each night two hoods ride a train to a wrecking yard on the outskirts of the city. Here, in this cemetery of stories, they are storytellers with the power to fast forward, pause and rewind. Tonight, they tell the story of three kids left in a car. Exploring issues of poverty and family violence, Hoods is a suburban tale of survival and solidarity against the odds.

We are excited to be welcoming back Arts Under the Stars Masterclass artist, Steven Mitchell Wright, as an developmental consultant during two weekend intensives with the cast.

Performances will be staged in our Drama space, the Box Theatre, from 1 to 3 June.

YOUNG AUSTRALIA PERFORMANCES

Young Australia are visiting Mackay SHS in early March to perform Synth City and Beat Around the Bush, two exciting contemporary performances, for our Year 10 to 12 classroom Music students

THE SHOW: Students will be taken on a journey through time to trace the origins of the amazing keyboard synthesizer!

Lionel Robinson introduces members of the synth’s family tree with plenty of humour, ‘fun facts’ and impressive demonstration, showing off the clavichord, harpsichord, grand piano, Hammond organ, electric piano, Moog synthesizer and digital sampler. Follow him on a journey of musical styles inspired by these wondrous instruments, from classical, ragtime, blues, boogie, jazz, rock ‘n’ roll, soul, psychedelia, singer-songwriters, progressive rock, electronica to today’s synth pop and dance music – showing how the mighty piano survives, with performers like Coldplay, Adele, Bruno Mars and Lady Gaga still giving pride of place to this 300 year old instrument!

We look forward to the engaging learning opportunities ahead that are an important part of our Arts Excellence program.

ARTS / P & C PARTNERSHIP

Earlier this year, our P&C approached the Arts Department to gauge interest in participation in an exciting new partnership. P&C President, Tanya Williams, spoke to our Year 12 Visual Arts in Practice students about taking on a design project under the guidance of the Arts Department to revamp the tuckshop area.

As this is the class that delivered the inaugural VERVE Art exhibition to the school community last year, designing all elements of this show, they were very well prepared and excited to accept the challenge.

Two of the students, Sarah Glover and Alexandra Cairns, together with their teacher, Mrs Glenda Hobdell, were invited to deliver a presentation to the February P&C meeting.

The presentation was well received by the P&C and we look forward to rolling out this project through ongoing consultation with the school community, in particular the key stakeholders, our students.

REGIONAL CHORAL FESTIVAL

Our choral group, Colla Vocé, with conductor Mrs Nicole DeBrueys, will be participating in the 25th Regional Choral Festival to be held at the MECC in coming weeks.

We look forward to the outcomes of the workshops on Sunday 19 March and performance on Monday evening, 20 March.

Mrs Glenda Hobdell
HOD The Arts

SPORTS WRAP!

Swimming Carnival

The MSHS annual inter-house swimming carnival was held on Tuesday 14th February. The house swimming participation events were a great success, with the additional novelty events implemented by the house captains. An important message of participation was imparted to encourage each house member to gain as many points as they could for the carnival. A big Thankyou to Alex Proctor and Kellie Biddle who oversaw the organisation of the carnival as a lot of work goes into these days. Also a special thank you to all of the teachers for your efforts in the management of this event, as carnivals would not be able to go ahead without your support. A highlight of the day, the staff V’S student 4x4 relay. Alex Nicholson, Nathan Doyle, Brendan Barnard and Rohan Graham, were victorious in their efforts against the seniors of the school.

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

1st Chataway 991
2nd Forgan 877
3rd Mackay 843
4th Dennis 772

Dane Galletly and Georgia Sharp were able to break swimming records on the day. 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 four.

Assessments

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.

SPORTS ACADEMY

Mackay State High Sporting Academies are pleased to announce a new partnership with BCC Cinemas see the flyer below

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE

This week, a few of our academic excellence students had the opportunity to participate, along with other schools from the district, in a maths workshop with Anthony Harradine from Prince Alfred College in Adelaide. The students were able to develop their strategical thinking and critical analysis of mathematical problems. They also had the opportunity to network with a number of students from different schools and different year levels thereby gaining different perspectives of the problems presented. Also in attendance were a number of university PHD students from around Queensland who were able to offer some guidance and direction of which our students were very grateful.

The workshop had provided our students new strategies that would be helpful and they are keen to share with their fellow classmates.

YEAR 7 & 8 LITERACY

READING REPORT SENT HOME THIS WEEK

Each week, all Year 7 and some Year 8 classes participate in a ‘Literacy’ lesson in which we run two programs: Words their Way (a spelling intervention program) and Accelerated Reader (a reading program). These programs are entirely differentiated.

Words their Way goes ‘back to basics’ with spelling and spelling rules. It is focuses on word study for phonics and vocabulary development.

Accelerated Reader asks students to read books that have been ‘levelled’ and appropriate to develop your child’s individual reading needs. Students then complete short online comprehension quizzes to help build their understanding of what they have read.

This week, a reading report has been sent home with each student. This report details the results of reading testing and some suggestions as to what your child could do in order to improve their reading levels and comprehension. Please ask your student if you haven’t seen this report.

Should you wish to find out further about Accelerated Reader or Words Their Way, please contact your child’s literacy teacher, English HOD or the Master Teacher.

FROM THE LAB

Year 9 Science

This term in science year 9 have been learning about how energy moves. We have carried out a series of experiments to demonstrate how heat moves through conduction, convection and radiation and we’ve been able to apply this knowledge to explain how to design energy efficient houses. We’ve also done some research on how fireproof clothing has changed as our understanding of science has developed. In the 1800s people thought asbestos was a reasonable material to make fireproof clothing out of, we now know different of course!

Our focus has now moved to electricity and some classes have begun to consider how energy can move in waves. Did you know you can bend water flowing out of a tap with just a balloon? It’s all down to static electricity.

Have you seen the Generation NBN ads on TV and online? The final part of our assessment task this term has had us researching and finding out about the National Broadbank Network (NBN) and the possible impact this will have on society. We’re particularly interested in the advantages and disadvantages of copper cable and optic fibre technology. So if you’re unsure about what the NBN is and how it may impact your life, ask a year 9 student!

Year 8 Science

We are learning about solid liquids and gases. We are also learning about the Periodic table and chemical changes. Also paper bridges and dissolving tablets in different heat temperatures.

We have learnt how to find the elements in the Periodic table and also about chemical changes and how two substances can make a new substance.

So far this term we have completed some experiments as well. The first was Paper bridges which we had to use a piece a paper to hold weight. The next one was dissolving tablets in two different heat temperatures. Last but not least Chemical changes that was mixed with two different substances made into one.

LIONS YOUTH OF THE YEAR

Congratulations to Simone Muirhead and Haard Shah who represented our school admirably at the Mackay Host Lions Club division final of Youth of the Year. They competed again two students from St Patricks College.

Haard was announced as the winner at the end of the evening, going on to compete at the next level.

MATHS TUTORING

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, Mr Baxter and Mrs Baxter

Bring along your assignments or homework for help with grammar and vocabulary; or to understand the task requirements.

ACCESS CENTRE

What has changed in the Access Centre in the 2017?

Junior and Senior classes are separate, this means less mixed ‘year level’ classes.

The classrooms and kitchen are a better set up. We have more room in the centre and can see the boards better.

ASDAN has been introduced to the Access Centre. This is a program that helps students gain confidence in everyday life situations and has the added bonus of accredited certificates which will be very helpful to many of our students.

Having the chance to work with different/new teachers and teacher aides that started in the Access Centre this year. The teachers and teacher aides are always offering a lot of support, they help us with our work and sometimes our personal problems.

The Chillax Club, is running again this year. We like that we have a safe and fun place to go at lunch if we don’t want to be out in the playground.

We have a new ‘chill out zone’ to go to, if we are upset or angry. There is some more work which needs completing there.

By Hannah - Year 12
Sharnee and Sam -Year 11

P & C NEWS

The P & C has the following surplus items for sale following the recent refurbishment of the

• 2 large tuckerbox freezers
• 2 pie warmers

If you are interested in purchasing any of the above items please email pandc@mackayshs.eq.edu.au with your offer by Wednesday 8th February. If your offer is accepted you will be advised by Friday 10th February. You will need to make full payment and collect the items by Wednesday 15th February 2017.

POSITION VACANT

Retail Manager Level 1 - Food Supervisor

About the role

Mackay State High School P&C are active participants in the school community and are seeking an innovative, customer focussed, Food Supervisor. This newly created position will assist the Retail Manager - Adminstration in accordance with the policies and directions of the P&C Association.

The successful applicant will be keen to incorporate their fresh creative ideas with suggestions from our community (our students). Our clientele are a culturally diverse group of 12 - 18 year olds. The canteen has the opportunity to provide meals for over 1200 students and staff daily.

The P&C follow practices outlined by Smart Choices - Healthy Food and Drink Supply Strategy for Queensland Schools. The Food Supervisor will be responsible for coordinating and producing a menu that meets the nutritional, cultural and dietary needs of the school community.

Catering avenues are available and the P&C have the expectation of growth in this area. The Food Supervisor will communicate regularly with school staff to incorporate special days/ events into the canteen calendar.

In the last 2 months we have renovated the canteen kitchen. We are equipped with a 10 tray Unox combi oven, Cossiga hot and cold units and a 6 door upright freezer. The P&C are working closely with the school's Arts/ Design students to create an aesthetic frontage and marketing profile. We are excited about this new position and the prospect of our canteen providing an outstanding service for our customers.

Job tasks and responsibilities

To work with the Retail Manager - Adminstration to complete tasks in accordance with the policies and standards as determined by the P&C Association. The award is Parents and Citizens Associations Award - State 2016 Retail Manager Level 1 Part time. This postion will be responsible for food management of the P&C business (canteen).

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Electronic costing of menu items

Responsibility to seek the opinions of the school community

Ensure menu remains Smart Choices compliant

Update recipes, preparation cards

Responsible for cooking/ baking and supervising employees/ volunteers involved.

Responsible person to ensure food safety is followed by employees and volunteers.

Provide costed menu to P&C meeting for prior approval

To be aware of and take whatever action is necessary to ensure the hygiene, health and safety at all times.

To be aware and action, where appropriate, community needs and changes as they occur when they influence the canteen.

In conjunction with Retail Manager - Adminstration, maintain volunteer register, foster good relationships with voluntary workers and encourage a team spirit.

Accept training opportunities in the areas of nutrition, hygiene, working with voluntary workers and general canteen issues.

Assist the Retail Manager - Adminstration to conduct a full stock-take of the tuckshop stock at the end of each month or as otherwise requested by the P&C.

Be aware and with the Retail Manager- Adminstration, action, changes to the Canteen environment including but not limited to Education Queensland policy, school Behaviour Management policy, personal behaviour, interaction with others in the school community and the Principal's requirements for the operation of P&C business's.

Treat all customers, colleagues, community members and other stakeholders with respect and dignity at all times.

Uphold a high ethical and professional standard and represent the P&C Association positively at all times.

Skills and experience

Ideal applicants will possess the following:

Proficient computer skills in Microsoft Word and Excel
Current Blue Card (Working with Children Check)
Experience gaining, interpreting and implementing feedback
Excellent organisational ability
Well-developed communication and presentation skills
Current drivers licence
Food safety supervisor certificate
Experience in food during its storage, preparation, display, service and disposal

Job benefits and perks

Hours of engagement will usually be between 8.00am and 2.30pm week days during school terms.

Applications close 17th March 2017

COMMUNITY NOTICES