13 October 2017

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Welcome to Term 4 and students and staff have settled quickly into the learning, working to further enhance the student achievement from Term 3. Reports were issued in week one, with details advising the process to book Parent-teacher interviews on Tuesday 10th October from 3.30 – 6.30pm. Attendance was not to the level that we look to achieve, but there was some impact through the flu, so hopefully this will improve. Results for Term 3 show a further improvement with % A – C rising to 85.8%.

Several of our young musicians were selected to join the State Honours Ensemble Program - Middle school held in Mackay culminating in a performance with over 50 of the top musicians in our high schools, at the end of August. Congratulations to Hamish MacDonald (Percussion), Grace Clarkson (Alto Saxophone), Charley Lee (Cello) who were a part of this orchestra. Several of our students are busy at present performing in school groups and individually at our Mackay Eisteddfod, with several early successes – Strings Ensemble 1st, Sen Stage Band 2nd, Clarinet Ensemble 2nd and Jnr Percussion 3rd.

Following the testing program for our 2018 Academic Excellence Academy, 30 students will be advised in the near future of their success in qualifying for the 2018 Year 7 AEA class. Those students who are unsuccessful at this time still may be invited to join the AEA class in the future, if students withdraw or transfer, as occurs at time.

At the end of Week one, our U15 Netball Academy team travelled to Brisbane after qualifying as one of the top 14 teams from all schools in Queensland for the Vicki Wilson Cup. In several very physical and highly skilled games, our girls showed their talents competing against several elite schools, and achieved excellent result, being placed 4th in Queensland. This is an outstanding achievement, but our girls were not upstaged at all, learning that there is a further level to be achieved. Ms Proctor could not have been more proud of the girls and congratulations to Tilayna Nissen, Kayla Doherty, Olivia McLennan, Lara Beveridge, Lawren Samson, Abby Crawley, Emma Keeler, Kara Boys and Amity Bugeja.

Over the September Vacation, two groups from our school undertook tours. The IGNITE Arts Tour saw over 50 students travel to Sydney visiting several centres of specialist areas of significance for art and music study, while also undertaking some specialist workshops for both students and staff. The feedback from students has been very positive with many learnings and experiences to build on. Every two years our Rugby League Academy undertakes a tour of England playing 5 games and experiencing the life in England, billeting with families in Hull and Castleford. Some of the students have remained in England for a further 3 weeks with their families. Many of these students will in return billet these families, when their student come to Mackay.

To view some of their experiences link in to the Facebook sites

Ignite17 Arts Tour
2017 MSHS England Rugby League Tour

Welcome to Ann-Marie Brightman, our newly appointed School-based Youth Health nurse. She commenced in the last week of Term 3 and is already interacting with lots of students to assist in the support.

Our Sports Awards Night was held in Week 2 and students who have achieved individual selection in their sport at Mackay, Capricornia and Queensland level, were celebrated and rewarded. Age champions from Swimming, Athletics and Cross Country were awarded, while our special guest Kate Vella gave the large audience of family and students, insight into her experiences since being School Sports Captain at MSHS in 1997. Once again in 2017, our students have excelled displaying their sporting talents, teamwork, but always most importantly the spirit and sportsmanship of the PRIDE.

Mr Steve Paulger
Principal

CYBER SAFETY

The Australian Government office of the eSafety Commissioner is committed to helping young people have safe, positive experiences online and encouraging behavioural change, where a generation of Australian children act responsibly online – just as they would offline.

eSafety is not just a school issue, but a society issue. Online bullying and misuse often starts online out of school, and is brought into the school by the students involved in device/app misuse or abuse. At MSHS we aim to educate our students on the safe and effective use of devices online.

The office of the eSafety commissioner provides online safety education for Australian children and young people, a complaints service for young Australians who experience serious cyberbullying, and address illegal online content through the Online Content Scheme.

I encourage all parents and students to look through the below website which includes information on cyber safety, reporting of abuse, educational resources, quizzes, videos and relevant case studies.

Ms Lisa Veney
Deputy Principal

JUNIOR SECONDARY NEWS

General News

Welcome back to term 4. I hope everyone had a great 2 week break. I guess many of us can see Christmas in the not too distant future and are already planning holiday time. At the moment however, it is still definitely school time. Students have been reminded that term 4 is equally as important as terms 1-3 with respect to quality learning, effort, behaviour etc. We don't take our foot off the pedal until the school term is over. Also, when the Junior school sees our year 12 students finishing their schooling early, this too is not a signal that school has finished for everyone else too.

Shortly I will be advertising via a letter home, a teamwork and leadership camp for year 8 in 2018. The reason I do this in term 4 of year 7 is that it gives mums and dads extra time to save money for camp, especially with Christmas coming up and school costs for the next year. There will be the option of just paying a deposit. Keep an eye out for the letter. Camp is always popular, and VERY cheap (by excursion standards).

What's On Soon

Not soon, but a reminder to students that we have a rewards day on the Monday of the last week of term, and that attendance is subject to appropriate behaviours and attitudes at school.

Our annual Awards Night is coming up. Very soon, many students will receive invitations to attend in recognition of their efforts during the year. I hope to see many of our hard working students gaining recognition for academic success, or for their cultural, citizenship or leadership input into the school.

Good News Stories

Also on the positive recognition front, many students in Years 7 - 9 will soon receive a certificate of recognition for their effort and behaviour at school. As I have stated many times before, we respect and encourage students to do the best by themselves. This is modelled by always trying hard and setting a great example - even if you struggle academically.

Students who received a rating of Excellent or Very Good for both behaviour and effort for all their subjects on their latest report will receive a certificate.

Thought of the Newsletter

"The pessimist complains about the wind. The optimist expects it to change. The leader adjusts the sails." --- John Maxwell

Mr Matt Skinner
Junior Secondary HOD

VICKI WILSON CUP

Over the weekend the Vicki Wilson Cup/Shield state finals were held. 370 teams trialed for the competition with 20 teams making the Cup and 16 making the Shield tournament. From the top 16 teams within the shield tournament our Mackay State High School team is to be congratulated on finishing 4th in the state. The girls played 6 games over the two days showing great skill, dedication, persistence, determination and perseverance. The games were very physical and tough, however, our girls dug deep and ended up with an amazing result. I wish to thank everyone who helped make this trip possible through fundraising, money assistance and volunteering personal time to make the trip possible. GO GIRLS YOU ARE AWESOME, BE PROUD OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS… WE CAME 4TH!!!

MOVIE OF THE MONTH

ACCESS CENTRE

Mackay State High School ACCESS Centre CAFÉ CLUB and SENIORS Transition excursion for CQR Transition EXPO

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Selected students and their families in Year 10, 11 and 12 are invited to attend Central Queensland Region Senior Transition Pathways Expo. Service providers and industry people will be presenting at the Expo and are available for one on one discussions with students and families about future pathways. Families are strongly encouraged to attend as well. As part of this expo your child is also invited to participate as a stall holder for our ACCESS Centre Café, making and selling beverages on the day at the expo. ACCESS Centre Café group are required to attend, no other alternative classes will be available on this day.

Please find attached consent and medical forms and your invitation to this very exciting opportunity. Forms will come home with your student this week.

PARENTS PLEASE NOTE: This is an opportunity for you to find support and information regarding NDIS and other service providers for your child transitioning from high school. Please attend if you can.

Students will be:

• Learning about future pathways
• Meeting relevant service providers
• Accessing local tertiary study providers

Date: Tuesday 17th October, Period 2 and 3, 10am – 1pm
Venue: Senior Citizens Hall Macalister Street (near MECC)
Transport: Buses available from school for both parents and students (parents welcome to take children in own transportation to and from EXPO) PARENTS MOST WELCOME J
Cost: No cost
Bring: Hat, water bottle, lunch,
What to Wear: SENIORS: School Uniform CAFÉ CLASS: Black Pants or Skirt and White Shirt

If you wish for your child to participate in this expo excursion, please complete the consent and medical form attached and return to Mrs Hoffmann or Kat Knights in the ACCESS Centre by the 11th of October.

CAFÉ Class students must attend as no alternative classes will be held.

Please be aware that we need to have participant numbers for transport purposes, please advise us if you wish to attend with your student.

For further information about the excursion, please contact Ros Cheb (Café Class Coordinator) Majella Hoffmann (HOSES) on 49579128 or mhoff18@eq.edu.au .

MARINE EXCURSION

MARINE ESCA(M)PE

The sun cast its orange hue over the tropical water, as each generated the energy to disconnect with the earth that had been their slumber. After the intensive 2 year steep into marine science, the engagement with the environment was required. Smalleys Beach proved to be an ample home for several nights as the 2017 cohort bonded in a celebration of their learning and time together. Starting with a brief 9km hike to the mangrove boardwalk, while the 33oC warmth proved to be a heavy baggage, all made it, enjoying the representation of ecological stratification present in a fluid environment.

Hidden valley, the forgotten treasure of the Hillsborough region provided a look at the past. The remnants of a fish trap for stone fish can be seen on the southern side of the peninsula. Used for thousands of years, as a constant source of protein, the local Yuri peoples constructed and maintained the trap over generations.

The camp was most enjoyable for students and teachers alike, with the exquisite cuisine being at minimum 3 michelin stars. Whilst the lack of showers for the camp may have bumped us down a bit. I thank the class and congratulate the 100% pass rate the students achieved.

Mr Jackson
Marine Teacher

ARTS NEWS

IGNITE!17 ARTS TOUR

Very early on the last day of Term 3, 47 high achieving Arts students and 7 teachers arrived at Mackay Airport, eagerly anticipating the week ahead in Sydney on the IGNITE ARTS TOUR. As they farewelled their parents, the students were abuzz with excitement for what lay ahead.

Accompanied by Arts staff, Glenda Hobdell, Sam Neill, Catherine Hodby, Michelle Ribot, Kristen Boyd, Yvonne Bell and Perry Hobdell, the students were amazing ambassadors for our school throughout the week.

A significant highlight of the tour was the Masterclasses undertaken at galleries and higher education institutions in Sydney. The three day series of Masterclasses were delivered by:

• NIDA (National Institute of Dramatic Art) – movement / devising
• MCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) – contemporary arts practice
• Brett Whiteley Studios – Life Drawing
• Belle Shakespeare – devising
• AIM (Australian Institute of Music) – performance & songwriting; foley sound recording
• NYFA (New York Film Academy) – post-production / special FX
• Sydney Theatre Co. – backstage tour
• JMC Academy – 3D animation / audio engineering / game development / film making / Ableton Live
• Belvoir Theatre – devising
• AGNSW (Art Gallery of New South Wales) – collection tour

Other cultural activities included a Lunch Harbour Cruise, Sydney Opera House Tour, Rocks Ghost Tour, Taronga Zoo, My Fair Lady at the Capitol Theatre and visits to Paddy’s Market, The Powerhouse Museum and Darling Harbour.

Substantial fundraising was carried out to decrease the cost of the tour, with parents, students and volunteers working with staff to plan and host a series of events. Tour T-shirts, printed by Perry Hobdell with a willing band of parents and student helpers featured the eye-catching tour logo. Thank you to all who helped out in any way.

A SYMBOLIC JOURNEY (INTO THE ARTS)

BATTLE DAY!

Congratulations to both the AIR (Ms Hains) and EARTH (Mrs DeBrueys) tribes for their sensational performances that secured them both the coveted title of Battle Victors at the end of Term 3. With polished, colourful and creative performances, both tribes entertained the audience while the WATER and SPACE tribes also performed commendably. Families and staff are invited to be audience members of the event and all enjoyed seeing the outcomes of the wonderful work of our Year 7s and the talented Arts staff.

The curriculum focus for the Symbolic Journey course is an awareness of The Arts as well as Self and Others, which is achieved through the building of teams. An understanding of the importance and ‘power of the tribe’ underpins the learning. The course draws on the practices and skills of the Arts disciplines – Visual Art, Drama/Dance, Media and Music – through a team-delivery of an array of intellectually rich Arts activities.

A trans-disciplinary approach reflects practices in the ‘real’ world; practices that call on individuals to draw on knowledge and skills from a multitude of disciplines in order to solve ‘real’ problems. In the 10-week course, approximately 100 students work with their individual Arts teacher, drawing on the expertise of the teaching team as needed. They are engaged in meaningful and connected activities that take them on a tribal journey, culminating in a showcase performance day in the form of a tribal performance ‘battle’.

Judges for the event were Deputy Principal – Mrs Lisa Veney, Year Coordinator – Mr Miles Jackson, and HOD The Arts – Mrs Glenda Hobdell. Each of the judges unanimously agreed on the scoring, completed according to rigorous criteria that reflects the learning throughout the course – Costumes, Use of sound and movement, Symbolism related to tribal identity and tribal collaboration.

Congratulations to all involved. We look forward to the next four Year 7 classes meeting in Battle in Week 9 of this term.

EISTEDDFOD

A huge congratulations to students and staff on the vast array of performances by our Instrumental Music groups at the Mackay Eisteddfod. The results are in:

String Ensemble (conducted by Kristen Boyd) – Ist Place
Clarinet Ensemble (conducted by Nicole De Brueys) – 2nd Place
Stage Band (conducted by Matthew Johnston) – 2nd Place
Percussion Ensemble (conducted by Nicole De Brueys) – 3rd Place
Senior Concert Band (conducted by Matthew Johnston) – Highly Commended

Also performing very well, with many great comments from the judges…

Advanced Strings (conducted by Kristen Boyd)
Flute Ensemble (conducted by Nicole De Brueys)
Saxaphone Ensemble (conducted by Nicole De Brueys)
Drum Corp (conducted by Nicole De Brueys)
Middle School Concert Band (conducted by Yvonne Bell)

Our vocal groups are yet to perform and we wish them well.

GLOBAL GROOVES

Students to perform with MZAZA

On Saturday, 21 October, many of our instrumental students will again join acclaimed world music group, MZAZA, on stage at the Global Grooves Festival in Queens Park. The invitation to join the group was received by strings player, Great Kelly, following their experiences with our talented students at the last festival in 2015 (photos attached). Students will participate in workshops with the group on Friday 20 October from 3:30 – 4:30pm and a rehearsal at 7:00pm at the festival.

Permission letters should now have been sent home for invited students. Please keep an eye out for these and return asap.

Please join the students in the audience at the Festival — MZAZA hits the stage from 8 to 10pm.

VERVE ARTS SOIREE

On Friday 10 November, Art, Drama, Film, Music and Instrumental Music parents, families and friends as well as staff are invited to celebrate the extraordinary year that we have shared. The VERVE Arts Soiree will be held in the Hall.

See details on the invitation below and please RSVP via the following link by the due date – Tuesday 3 November.

Mrs Glenda Hobdell
HOD The Arts

BYOX INFORMATION EVENING

The 2018 BYOx information evening was held on the 4th of October. Thank you to the parents and families who attended the evening. Information presented included the device specifications, software requirements, use in the classroom as well as some information about devices available through the school’s Dell and Acer Portals.

All information is available on the school website for parents and families who could not attend, as well as documentation for purchasing a device. The BYOx Guide for Parents and Students is a key document for understanding the purpose and requirements of the program.

Dell provided guides to purchasing through their portal as well and these can be accessed from ICT Services if you would like to have your student collect one.

BYOx Reconnection

In 2018 we are aiming to improve the initial connection time for students to the BYOx Program for students in years 9 - 12. Letters were sent home Week 8, Term 3 with one student from each family that is currently connected to our BYOx network. These letters ask parents to acknowledge their continued involvement in the program and to be invoiced this year for connection in 2018.

Students who take up this opportunity will be connected to the network once invoicing and payments are finalised, and given their 2018 BYOx stickers at the end of this year so that on day one they are ready to use their device. Payments are not requested prior to invoicing.

If you have questions about this process or would like to request another letter please contact the IT Services Department at the school.

Thank you for your continued commitment and support to our BYOx program.

Kylie Stanger
Acting HOD – Business Education and Technology

MATHS TUTORING

YEAR 9 ENGLISH

On the 13th September, some of our lucky Year 9 English students were treated to a live video chat with Richard Harland, the author of the novel Worldshaker. Miss Freeman and Mr Lee’s classes have been studying the book to explore concepts of classism, revolution and the Age of Imperialism, in preparation for their next assessment.

Harland’s novel, Worldshaker tells the story of class warfare in a high concept, science fiction, steampunk world. On board the roaming British metropolis called Worldshaker, the lowest-class citizen ‘Filthies’ rise up in revolution against the elite families that govern the city. When Colbert Porpentine, a young boy born to a high-class family joins the Filthy leader, Riff, he learns that the supposedly “proper, moral, respectable” Upper Decks people are committing acts of appalling cruelty and exploitation against those under their rule.

Author Richard Harland welcomed the Year 9 classes dressed in full Steampunk attire, showing off his themed one-of-a-kind guitar. Delegates from Mr Lee’s class, Sarah, Mackenzie and Jimmy, spoke directly with Richard to gain insight into the social context, characterisation and publishing processes involved with Worldshaker; while Miss Freeman’s class designed a series of questions relating to their assessment task. This unique experience is one the students will not soon forget – Harland swore the students to secrecy and when he gave some exciting news for the future of the novel.

ENGLISH TUTORING

SCHOOL BASED YOUTH HEALTH NURSE

Did you know... ?

Mental Health week is the 8 to 14th October 2017.

One in two Australians will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives.

One in five Australians will experience a mental illness in any year.

Research shows that 75 per cent of mental health issues emerge before the age of 25. By treating these issues early and providing a holistic model of support, the risk of them developing into more serious problems is greatly decreased.

If you need more information talk to your GP, School Based Youth Health Nurse, Guidance Officer or Headspace. Here are some links that may be of help:

Help lines

beyondblue Support Service :Call or chat online with a trained mental health professional. We'll be there to listen, offer support and point you in the right direction.

Lifeline: For urgent assistance call Lifeline which is a 24-hour telephone counselling service.
13 11 14 (cost of a local call)

Kids Help Line: A free, private and confidential telephone and online counseling service specifically for young people between five and 25. 1800 55 1800 (free call from land line).

Ann-Maree Brightman
School Based Youth Health Nurse

NATIONAL BANDANNA DAY

National Bandanna Day Friday 27th October

We are helping to raise awareness and financial support for Canteen Australia.

Canteen Australia support young Aussies impacted by cancer, whether it’s their own or a close family member’s. On Friday 27th October we can wear these bandannas at school to show our support as a whole school.

Students and Staff can purchase a $5 Bandana from Chappy Phil at Student Services on the following days.

Wed 25th October 1st & 2nd Break
Thursday 26th October 1st & 2nd Break
Friday 27th October see Guidance Officer

CHAMPION OUR CHAPPY

Becoming a Chappy Champion is simple and easy!

• Visit fundraise.suqld.org.au
• Enter your local school’s name into the search field Mackay State High School
• Click More Details Champion Your Chappy
• Click Donate Now
• Choose to set up a recurring gift or a one-time investment
• Enjoy knowing that you are making a difference in your local community.

All funds raised will go directly to supporting Chappy Phil at Mackay State High School

Thank you for your valuable time and for considering this vital investment in our children’s future.

Philip Hall
(Chaplain Mackay State High School)

UNIFORM SHOP

TUCKSHOP

WE ARE LOOKING FOR VOLUNTEERS!

We invite you to become a Volunteer in the tuckshop. By giving your time you meet others in the school community, share or develop skills in food preparation and deliver customer service.

We are creating an exciting new menu that incorporates home cooked hot and cold meals, fresh baked snacks and an ability to offer catering to our school community.

We understand time is precious, and value any amount you can contribute. You may like to do a morning shift 9am—12.30pm or a full day (9am—2pm). We enjoy a cuppa in between the lunch breaks. Please send me an email mshstuckshop@hotmail.com with your interest or call the tuckshop on 4957 9127.

Be assured that your volunteer hours will be very much appreciated. You will be notified of your rostered days via email or text.

NB! Profits generated through Tuckshop are contributed to the school benefiting our students.

Thank you for supporting MSHS Tuckshop.

Mella Partmaa
Retail Manager- Food Supervisor
Mackay State High School Tuckshop

COMMUNITY NOTICES