26 May 2017

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

All students are supported through the School Resource Scheme by the provision of text materials, novels and copied materials and other subject specific provisions that are detailed in the paperwork at enrolment and beginning of the year. Thank you to the many families who have already transferred these amounts to the school or entered into a payment plan to pay instalments regularly. In the last week, individual letters have been sent to families who have not done this, reminding them on their commitments signed for at the enrolment agreement. Our school has options that assist parents with payment plans which assist. Students who have not paid these SRS amounts or have a plan in place, are not eligible for not mandated curriculum activities like Formal, sporting excursions and activity reward days.

Domestic Violence Awareness is a focus in the month of May, and one of our Senior students, Gwen Lee represented our students recently at a function in our community. She was lucky to participate in a presentation by Rosemary Batty and brings her experience back to the student leaders to share.

Several of our Year 11/12 students attended and participated in the Relay for Life activity at Harrup Park overnight. The students and staff walked many laps and engaged in other activities throughout the evening focusing on research to find cure for cancer in our community. By morning the walking track was very muddy with gum boots or barefeet the preferred options, but their enthusiasm was still high.

This year our Tuckshop has had some major adjustments to improve the facility, organisation and the offering for our students and staff. Some additional fresh cooked options have been trialled in recent weeks and students will have three additional cooked items on the menu for the next few weeks. We are always seeking assistance in our tuckshop, from parents or grandparents who can volunteer some time to help the staff. If you can assist call Sharon on 49 579127.

The school has some excellent facilities and these can at times be available for community use. If your club or group is seeking to use school grounds on weekends/after school, please ensure that you make contact with the school office, to formalise the arrangement. It is important that such use does not impact on the facility or residents nearby these facilities. Thank you.

Congratulations to Mrs Majella Hoffmann and Mr Jim Laidlaw on receiving their confirmation as Head of Special Education Services and Head of Department – Mathematics respectively. Both will continue their positive commitment to the students and staff development in our great school.

Interschool Debating has recommenced for 2017 and our school has entered a team in each division. Our Junior team made up of Pushti Shah (8), Disha Rabari (8), Andrei Mariano (7) and Olivia Keyseckker (7) won their first challenge competing against Mercy College. Their coach Ms Rogers was very pleased with the performance and learning of the team members. I look forward to reporting results for our Middle and Senior teams.

Several of our Year 11 students attended the School – Industry Connect forum held at Mackay Northern Beaches SHS Hall last week. This gathering of Employers, Training groups and school representatives was a very positive evening for all able to attend. Unfortunately the heavy rain during the afternoon did impact somewhat on the attendance, but it was a positive gathering with strong links made. Those students who were able to attend spoke with employers interested in investigating school based trainees and apprenticeships.

Young Chefs Competition heats were held last week between interested student teams in both Junior and Senior divisions. Rotary Club sponsor and coordinate the competition with the finals being held in the Hospitality facility of CQU in Sydney St. Our Young Chefs representatives this year are Brianna Skinner and Candace Blake - Senior team and our Junior team is Tyshanna Leijen and Jordan Plath. Good luck and well done for your efforts to be selected.

Each year Mackay State High School has a number of teams that are entered into the local Optiminds competition, always held on a weekend in August. This year Mackay SHS has the honour of hosting the event at our school, so we will have home territory advantage. Several staff have volunteered to coach teams that are interested in nominated in one of the different divisions and I encourage students to be involved. Many students will have been involved in Primary school and can continue this journey this year.

Mr Steve Paulger
Principal

THE ARTS

HOODS

HOODS has entered it’s final week of rehearsal and promises to be an amazing show, taking audiences on a fast paced journey into the world of three children left in a car. It’s a difficult tale but one that is important to tell.

Support our Drama students and get your tickets now for this not to be missed theatre experience on June 1, 2 and 3.

$10/ticket and available through the school office.

WARNING: HOODS explores dark themes of poverty, violence and survival

Not suitable for a primary school audience

Mrs Glenda Hobdell
HOD The Arts

SPORTS REPORT

Girls Rugby League

Well done to both the Year 9/10 and Open Girls Rugby League side who competed in the Karen Murphy Cup on Monday 15th May. The 9/10 girls were knocked out of the competition by Mercy College while the opens were beaten in the Grand Final by St. Patrick’s College. All girls represented the school with pride and staff involved were very proud of their efforts. Well done girls.

U15 Rugby League Capricornia:

Congratulations to the Rugby League Academy students; Jacob Osborne, Jake Kearton and Henri Stocks who recently represented Capricornia at the U15 years state title. The boys performed extremely well, representing our school tremendously. All boys scored tries throughout the carnival with Jake and Jacob being awarded Man of the Match for the two games played. Andrew Gercken, Rugby League Coordinator was able to join the boys holding the role of the Assistant Coach of the side. Congratulation boys.

Interschool Volleyball

Over the past four week MSHS has been represented by two teams, playing in an interschool Volleyball roster that commences each Tuesday night. Both of these teams were self-driven from a group of students who possess a passion for Volleyball. The girl’s team didn’t start too well by only having four players ultimate losing their first game. Since then, they have developed significantly and have won their last three games against North, St Pats and WAS 2. The Boys have found this competition a little more challenging. With little experience yet so much passion they have fallen short with each round played. The boys have gained a lot of experience and are increasing their overall skill ability each week. Congratulations on all of your efforts so far, your commitment and passion is priceless.

Certificate 3 Fitness

Currently the year 12 certificate 3 in Fitness classes have to run a 5 week fitness program for their Term 2 Assessment. The aim is to give each student the experience of being a Personal Trainer (PT) with a client. They have had to conduct a pre-screening assessment, get consent and specific goals their client would like to work on. This is providing them with an authentic learning experience, they have to be organised with a weekly program and alter any exercises or times of availability with their client. The majority of clients have been willing teachers and family members who have been training before, during or after school. All sessions have been supervised and Andrew and Myself. We have been very impressed with the standard of professionalism presented by each student. A massive Thank You to all of the clients who have willingly volunteered their time to benefit the students. We look forward to seeing your overall progress.

Touch Football

Mackay Touch Football’s 2017 Junior Competition will commence on July 21st to 27th October. One major change to this tournament is the age restrictions. To allow students to create a team amongst their friends the age requirements are now aligned with grades. So calling for grade 7 to 10 and opens teams in both the boys and girls divisions. Each team will be required to have a coach. This can be a parent or guardian who is willing to be at each Friday night game. If you are interested in coaching or would like further information please refer your enquiries to Kelly Russell (Sports Coordinator) or see the details on the attached flyer.

Lawn Bowls

In 2017 Bowls QLD will be reintroducing the Secondary Schools Cup Competition. This will be played across QLD with winners advancing through their local Districts to a State Final at Club Pine Rivers on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th September.

Teams will consist of Pairs (2 girls, 2 boys, or a mixed team). Both players must attend the same recognised Secondary School. Students must not have turned 19 on or before 31st December 2017.

At least one student per team must be a non-affiliated player (not a member of a bowls club). An exception will be made if the non-affiliated team member joins a bowls club and becomes an affiliated member during the course of this competition. If you are interested Please see Miss Russell by Wednesday 31st.

Interschool Netball

What a season it has been so far. Almost 10 weeks have gone by with the girls playing hard and wearing our MSHS uniform with pride. All of our 9 teams have been having some tough games coming away with lots of wins and some losses. Each and every girl should feel proud of her achievements within the competition. We have one more round until the semi’s/finals in which some of our teams will be playing. We welcome all to attend these games to support and cheer on the girls.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE ACADEMY REPORT

The Academic Excellence Academy Cadet program is well underway for 2017. The purpose of the Cadet program is to provide the opportunity for academically gifted Year 5 and 6 students to work with like-minded students in an enriched, challenging environment. Students from local primary schools visit Mackay State High School twice per term to engage with teachers and students across a range of curriculum areas.

In recent weeks the Year 6 Cadets have participated in a variety of enrichment activities with a specific focus on STEM, Health and Physical Education, Music and English. Week 8 will incorporate a session focussed on Business and Information Technology, as well as a Cultural Experience with Mrs McGuire and some of our EALD students.

Application packs for the Year 5 program commencing in term 3 are currently with Primary Schools and also available at our front office. The closing date for Applications is Friday 2nd June. Please contact Kellie Bryan the Academic Excellence Academy Co-Ordinator if you have any questions about the program.

YEAR 9 SCIENCE EARTHQUAKE TESTING

The Year 9s have been learning about tectonic plates and how they cause earthquakes and volcanoes. To further their learning the students had a go at making structures they thought could withstand an earthquake. The groups were armed with pipe cleaners, paddle pop sticks and modelling clay and had 10 minutes to build the tallest, most stable structure.

The first attempt resulted in a lot of collapsed structures, but they learnt from their mistakes and during the second attempt every building withstood the earthquakes, to some degree. The tallest structure (see below) featured a pyramidal base with a long antenna.

CQU SCHOOL BUSINESS CHALLENGE

Congratulations to our team

On 9 May 2017, Lauren Morgan (team captain), Brittney Eastment, Logan Robinson and Thrisha Bajamundi from Year 12 Accounting represented Mackay State High School in CQU’s 2017 School Business Challenge. The competition was held at the Sydney Street Campus of CQU’s Business School. The team competed against other students from four schools within Mackay, St Patricks College, Sarina State High School, Holy Spirit College and Pioneer State High School.

All students were challenged with questions delivered in four categories: Accounting, Business, Law & Economics and General Knowledge & Current Affairs. Our team scored 26 points which placed us third overall in the competition. The winning team for Mackay, Holy Spirit College, will now go on to compete in the national final on 18 July. Teams were well supported by an audience of teachers and parents cheering them on. Even the audience had their own competition questions from the categories with prizes awarded by sponsor, Bendigo Bank, Sarina Branch.

Students got to network with lecturers and current Business and Law students at the university while enjoying refreshments at the end of the evening. It was an experience to remember which we thoroughly enjoyed as it was entertaining and exciting.

Thrisha Bajamundi
Year 12

TOURISM EXCURSION

Students undertook an excursion to the Mackay CBD. Their teachers are pleased to report that the students were very well behaved and engaged very well with the presenters, all of which took time out of their busy schedules to speak to us. As well as completing written notes and prepared questions, the excursion is very beneficial to students as it offers a practical dimension to the many tourism concepts studied in the new Tourism syllabus.

First up they enjoyed a presentation from Mayor Greg Williamson at the Old Town Hall who as well as giving the students a very interesting history about Mackay CBD’s history, explained the economic benefits that tourism brings to our region and how council tries to stimulate the growth in tourism for the benefit of all.

This was followed up by a presentation from Flight Centre Sydney Street where Sales Consultant Nicole spoke to the students about the travel services industry. Up next was a visit to the Lanai Apartments where Manager Karen spoke about tourist travel and accommodation trends. The excursion concluded with short visits for a facilities and demographic audit of the Bluewater Lagoon and Mackay Showgrounds.

Thank you again teachers Mr Nelson, Miss Wood, Mr Baxter and Mr Pozza for providing our students this very worthwhile learning experience.

POSITIONS VACANT

A Medical Practice is looking for a junior to work Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 3.30pm to 5.30pm. This could lead to a full time gap year position in 2018.

A restaurant in Victoria Street has two positions for a junior to work 2 -3 days per week. Work hours will be any time between 4.30pm and 9.00pm. Duties will include kitchen prep work, cooking, deep frying and general hospitality work.

Please see Mrs Esau in E2 for more details.

STEM PROGRAM

ACADEMY STUDENT OF THE MONTH

Junior Winners

Congratulations to our Academy/Cert III Fitness students of the month!

Our junior winners Tiffany Meng (Year 7) and William Coady (Year 10) have been outstanding in their Academy classes this term and have always shown dedication and commitment to the program. They both receive a ticket to the movies thanks to our Academy sponsors Event Cinemas!

Senior Winners

Our Senior winners of the month come from our Certificate III in Fitness classes. Jolie Lock and Jaidyn Lavelle (both Year 12) have been busy training staff as part of their course requirements and have been doing a great job! Both students are well on track to gaining their Certificate III in Fitness and open up opportunities in the fitness industry when they finish school this year! Both students receive a $50 voucher to spend at Mass Nutrition, kindly donated by our sponsors Mass Nutrition!

Well done guys!

ACCESS CENTRE

On my way around the school I see great things happening, Chappy Phil is working on the gardens with his 'Strength Boys' and doing a FABULOUS job!! I also found students that were competing in the Young Chef's trials. The kitchen smelt wonderful and these students were cooking up a storm! Well done!

Majella Hoffmann
Head of Special Education

ASDAN

Year 10, 11 and 12 ASDAN students rejuvenating the Home Ec herb garden. Students are enjoying prepping the garden for a heap of new yummy herbs for use in our wonderful new kitchens. ASDAN is an alternate curriculum that celebrates success through students experiencing a number of challenges to build their life skills inside and outside of the classroom environment.

BREAKFAST CLUB

SCHOOL BASED YOUTH HEALTH NURSE

Caffeine and energy drinks

Caffeine and energy drinks are growing in popularity and are often popular amongst children. Parents and children need to be careful – caffeine can cause side effects, especially in children.

How much caffeine are children allowed?

Currently, Australia has not determined a safe level of caffeine consumption for children. Food Standards Australia New Zealand reports that at doses of 95mg of caffeine, children aged 5-12 experienced disrupted sleep. At doses of 100-400mg, they experienced increased nervousness and jitteriness. Until a safe consumption level for caffeine is determined, beverages high in caffeine or with added caffeine as an ingredient are not recommended for children. High consumption of caffeinated drinks could lead to less water being drunk throughout the day, this combined with the dehydrating effect of caffeine could have further negative health effects on children.

What are energy drinks?

Energy drinks are beverages that contain ingredients in such as caffeine, taurine, guarana, sugars and other herbal extras including ginseng. They claim to provide extra energy, mental alertness and stamina for those who consume it.

Due to their high level of kilojoules (energy), which are on par with other soft drinks, these products can increase the risk of weight gain.

Side effects on youth?

Headache and fatigue, common withdrawal symptoms, can occur after short-term, high-dose use. Caffeine intoxication is a clinical syndrome of nervousness, irritability, anxiety, insomnia, tremor, tachycardia, palpitations, and upset stomach.

What are the Healthy Kids Association’s recommendations?

Healthy Kids recommends water and reduced fat milk (including flavoured milks) as the drinks of choice. All other beverage choices should be limited and consumed only in small amounts occasionally.

Effects of Energy drinks on Youth.

Although healthy people can tolerate caffeine in moderation, heavy caffeine consumption, such as drinking energy drinks, has been associated with serious consequences such as seizures, mania, stroke, and sudden death.

Energy drinks may generally do more harm than good – especially in kids. If you need an extra boost of energy it’s safer to get it from exercise.

P & C COMMITTEE

WE NEED YOU!

The Mackay State High School P & C is a collective group of parents, staff and community members interested in working to support student activities and curriculum initiatives at the school.

We currently have vacancies within the P & C Executive and there is always space for more members on our team. Were you involved with your child’s P & C at Primary School? Are you interested in being involved but not sure what is required or how to join?

P & C Meetings are held on the 4th Monday of each month in the staff common room in the Administration Block commencing at 6pm.

If you would like some additional information please contact us via email pandc@mackayshs.eq.edu.au

Tuckshop Menu

Greetings from the MSHS Tuckshop. We have started work on improving the menu and moving away from processed foods to cooking and baking our own meals on site. We are going to trial three new dishes in two week blocks to give everybody the opportunity to taste these meals and give feedback.

The following dishes are available every day starting on 22nd May until 2nd June.

• Cottage Pie
• Chicken Cous-Cous
• Pizza muffin

The following dishes are available every day starting on 5th June until 16th June.

• Mexican Chilli Beef with rice (Chilli con carne)
• Chicken Pumpkin frittata
• Ham-Cheese scroll

We are cutting back on the supply of burgers and gradually swapping them with healthier options.

We like getting feedback from you on these trials as we design the new menu. Please email any feedback to mshstuckshop@hotmail.com. We appreciate it and take on board everyone’s opinions.

Thank you for supporting the MSHS Tuckshop.

Mella Partmaa & Sharyn Sephton
Retail Managers
Mackay State High School P&C Tuckshop

TRY TRADES

MATHS TUTORING

ENGLISH TUTORING

COMMUNITY NOTICES