31 August 2018

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

This week the major focus at Mackay SHS has been the welcome and interviews of our new Year 7 students and parents for 2019. Following on from the Year 7 Information Evening held last week, we seek to interview all of the students coming to Mackay SHS in Year 7 for 2019. If there are students who have not as yet arranged an interview, we encourage you to contact the office on 49579179 to book a time for an interview. With these names, it allows us to ensure that invitations to our transition program days / part days for students with special needs and Indigenous students can be reminded of Transition sessions during Term 3 & 4. Congratulations to Talon Graham from Marian SS, who was drawn as the winner of the School Tracksuit for 2019, donated by our P&C on Information Night.

Mackay SHS received an invitation to participate in the ABC Q&A program on Monday evening 27th August, with the popular public affairs program being convened at the MECC this week. The group of senior students who volunteered to attend as part of the audience and offered a number of questions to be used, really embraced the focus of the program, as one of only two schools in Mackay invited.

Our Netball girls have been show-casing their skills as part of Regional finals for the Vicki Wilson Cup 2-18. Our Under 15 team lost their first two games but won their third game. Our Open Girls won their three games and played in the Final against the St Pats girls, winning the Final 18-12 and qualify for the top sixteen teams across the State meeting in Coomera on 12-14th Oct. Several of this team played in the Under 15 Vicki Wilson Shield State championships in 2017, where they were placed 4th in Qld.

Staff are currently preparing items for the 2018 School Magazine which will be available to distribute in Term 4. Parents are reminded that SRS Fees are to paid by end of this term for your child to receive a School Magazine.

Our students are regularly offered the opportunity to challenge themselves, against students from other schools. Last weekend three teams of students participated in the annual Optiminds Challenge. Mackay SHS is one of two school locally which has had competing teams every year since it started over 20 years ago. Congratulations to the students involved.

Coming up in the next few weeks are QCS Test for some of our Year 12 students on 4/5th September. Also next month on 13th September our school will participate in RU OK Day, raising awareness of everyone in our community looking out for people around us, whether friends, workmates, neighbours or those seeking support at times.

Our 2019 Scholarships sponsored by our P&C Association have now been awarded to the recipients.

Lachlan Peach & Ella Sleeman / Etienne Pretorius & Kaylani Gorrion

Chloe Pope / Timofey Craig

Holly Giumelli / Bohdi Rowe-Bailey

Mr Steve Paulger
Principal

JUNIOR SECONDARY NEWS

General News

Since the last newsletter, I have had the pleasure of visiting some of our local primary schools to speak to year 6 students about enrolling at Mackay High. Students entering year 7 always seem to bring some great attitudes from Primary, and we endeavour to keep these positive attitudes developing.

Thank you to all the students and parents who attended our recent year 6 into 7 information evening. Staff were very happy with the enthusiasm displayed by all.

This week a team of us have been taking enrolment interviews for year 7 in 2019. I have met some lovely students who are engaging and keen to do well at high school. Great to see as it is the positive attitude of students that makes our learning environment and school in general a positive and happy place. Remember, there is more than enough opportunities and experiences at high school for ALL students to be engaged and happy to learn.

On a concerning note, PLEASE ensure your son/daughter accesses a healthy breakfast at home. We have had an alarming rise in the number of students arriving at school eating hot chips, burgers, pizza etc. They are also consuming large quantities of soft drink for breakfast, and dangerously, energy drinks such as Mother, Monster, Red Bull etc. These drinks are harmful to young people and we are seeing the negative effects on a number of our students.

Many students buy these from local shops on the way to school, but a number also bring cans from home. If we see a student with energy drinks at school, we will confiscate them and tip the contents down the drain. Please discuss these issues with your student.

What's On Soon

Year 7 camp is almost here. We're all as excited as waiting for Christmas day. Some 90 students, 10 staff and 7 senior helpers will soon make their way to Emerald for our Leadership and Teamwork camp. Make sure you access our school Facebook site to see daily photo updates of the students in action.

Good News Stories

Exciting learning!
Recently 7D students prepared a lesson to teach their peers in 7G how to solve algebraic fractions. This was not an easy assignment, but our 7D students prepared well thought out lessons to share with their peers. They patiently introduced the new topic and by the end of the lesson, with lots of encouragement, 7G students were conquering algebraic equations, and were asking for more. The activity was based on the understanding that when we explain a concept to another person, the depth of our understanding increases. The activity also provided variety to our learning program, as well as introducing our students to their peers in other classes. It was exciting and engaging learning!

Student News

Our Junior Secondary Leaders and Student council are embarking on a number of projects. One project coordinated by Abbie-Jane Whibley and Charley Lee is based around the "War on Waste", especially our need to dispose of plastics properly and reduce our use of plastic. Heaps of photos and reports to come on this and our other student projects. Here are some sample posters being made for this project.

Poster by Abbey Jane Whibley and Charley Lee

Poster by Grace Clarkson

Thought of the Day

Mr Matt Skinner
HOD Junior Secondary

SPORTS REPORT

Year 7

This Term, Year 7 Health & Physical Education students have been studying ‘Nutrition’ and participating in Body Balance activities. Students have been learning to read and analyse food labels to enhance their understanding about healthy food choices. In their assessment task, students have to compare two items of food and create an action plan to promote ‘the better’ option to other students. This assessment piece will be presented as a multi modal, where students will have to present their findings to the class.

In the practical lessons students completed 4 weeks of Body Balance. This challenged student’s fundamental motor skills. This is a yoga-based class that aims to improve students mind, body and life. During the class an inspired soundtrack plays as you bend and stretch through a series of simple yoga moves and embrace elements of Tai Chi and Pilates. Breathing control is a part of all the exercises. Students have also spent 4 weeks working on individual, paired and group balances. This has worked on coordination, control and teamwork to support each other to create a range of easy to more complexed balance sequences as seen in the photos below.

Year 8

Within Health and Physical Education our Year 8 students work through a practical and a theory component. This term our theory unit is called positive relationships where students analyse factors that influence emotional responses when communicating with friends. They apply personal and social skills to establish and maintain respectful relationships and investigate strategies to enhance their own and others’ safety and wellbeing, when communicating digitally. Students develop practical skills in order to deal with negative online and face to face communication to achieve a positive outcome.

Our practical unit is European Handball where students are developing ball skills that incorporate running, catching, jumping and throwing skills. Through the game of European Handball students are starting to develop team work and communication skills. Along with these essential skills, the year 8s are developing their tactical decision making and awareness. The students have thoroughly enjoyed this practical unit and will continue to explore this new sport for the remainder of the term.

Year 9

This term students in Year 9 Health & Physical Education have been undertaking the ‘Fit & Healthy’ unit along with AFL. The students have been learning about the benefits of physical activity, healthy eating for teenagers and how to live a healthy lifestyle both mentally and physically! Along with this unit the students have been undertaking a range of skills and drills associated with AFL. Over the term students have been perfecting their handballs, marks and kicking accuracy which will culminate with some AFL games played in their HPE lessons at the end of the term. Well done to all Year 9 students for your effort this term so far!

Year 10

This term in 10 Elective Physical Education we have been participating in Touch and also incorporating our theory work of Tactical Awareness.

The class has been learning about and using movement concepts, game sense, tactics and strategies and performing them in our skills/drills and games of touch.

As the term has progressed students have been asked to pick their preferred position to play in touch (wing, link or middle) and design an attacking and defensive strategy and evaluate their own performance in the unit of Touch.

Year 11

Exciting times in Year 11 HPE with us going off site and participating in Lawn Bowls at Souths Suburban. The students have been guided by Souths Educational Liaison Gary Putland. The students have been very engaged with their learning with most students enjoying themselves. This week saw us wrap up filming for verification and moderation with a number of students still displaying a high level of skill.

Year 12 Recreation

This term students have been learning about the “Components of Fitness” and how they are used in sport. Students have also learnt Anatomy such as organs, bones and muscles, which gives them a clearer understanding of how the body works. For their practical students have used their theory of Components of Fitness and have written gym programs for a fellow classmate. Students have been doing workouts in the gym using correct techniques. Strength and cardiovascular exercises.

Year 12 Certificate 3 Fitness

This term students have been working on providing gentle exercise for an older adult client. This has requires students to go through a range of paper work to assess the client and then prepare an effective program. The initial consultation includes; A Pre Screening, where a series of questions are asked in relation to the health of the client and an Initial pre testing, this looks at a range of tests completed with the client in order to target specific areas to improve. These areas include; improved balance, improved strength, exercise considerations, exercise as prevention, coordination, strength and mobility. We have been fortunate enough to have members of the Mackay Active Women’s Group from the Women’s Centre to participate as clients, as well as students family members. We thank you for giving up your time and providing the students with an authentic learning experience.

ACCESS CENTRE

In Term 3 students started making pillow cases and shorts in Junior Work Ed. Many students did not believe that they would be able to use a sewing machine; however, they have met the challenge and produced some great items. Students were very proud of their finished products and the display in the office foyer.

“I enjoyed sewing because it was relaxing and I got to make a pillow case.”- Holly
“I loved sewing because I got to learn how to design different things and then I got to make a pillow case.”- Baylee
“I liked sewing because I got to try something new.”- Connor

INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP)

The State Honours Ensemble Program is a program offered by the Griffith University Queensland Conservatorium of Music. The event was held in Mackay from Friday 24th to the 26th of August at Mackay North State High School. Middle School Instrumental Music students from around the region were able to nominate for the program. Four students from Mackay State High School were nominated and accepted into the program: Libby Hood (Tenor Saxophone), Cristina Taylor- Brell (Euphonium), Charley Lee (Cello) and Charlotte Toohey (Violin).

Guest conductors Mr Ben Adkins for the String orchestra and Jeanette Douglas for the Concert Band worked on 6 new pieces of music with the 94 students. They finished off the weekend with a public showcase concert of the repertoire they worked on over the 3 days.

Upcoming dates Term 4

Mackay Eisteddfod

Monday 15th October 2018

1:00pm Session- Advanced Strings

Tuesday 16th October 2018

8:30am session- String Ensemble
1:00pm session- Drum Corps, Senior Concert Band, Stage Band
6:00pm session- Middle School Concert Band

Thursday 25th October 2018

6:30pm session- Vocal Group (Mrs de Brueys) Vocal Ensemble (Mr Patti)

Nicole de Brueys
Instrumental Music Coordinator

SENIOR SCHOOLING

Year 10 Work Experience

Year 10 Work Experience will take place from 23 – 26 October (Week 3 of Term 4).
These work placements allow students to experience the use of new and different equipment and technologies, and to develop a positive work ethic for future employment. Structured Workplace Learning also gives the student the opportunity to put into practice skills learned in the classroom. We have had many success stories from students participating in work experience with placements leading to part time work or school based apprenticeships and traineeships.

Students have been given an application form and an introductory letter explaining what is required.
To allow time for these placements to be made, the application and receipt of payment are to be handed to Mrs Esau in E6 no later than Wednesday 5 September.

Position Vacant

2ND HAND UNIFORMS

We are always in need of any 2nd hand uniforms, for students that have the incorrect uniform, we can do a quick fix with a loan uniform through the Year Coordinators room. The loan uniform is then returned to the school in a clean condition. If you have any Senior or Junior shirts and shorts we would be most grateful, just bring into the General office.

TEENAGERS AND SLEEP

• Sleep research suggests that a teenager needs between eight and 10 hours of sleep every night.
• Most teenagers only get about 6.5-7.5 hours sleep per night.
• Teen's body clocks naturally shift to make them feel tired later in the evening, but early school starts do not enable them to sleep in the mornings.
• Chronic sleep deprivation can have dramatic effects on a teenager’s life, including affecting their mental wellbeing and reducing their academic performance at school.
• Smart phones and other devices used around bed time reduce sleep time.
• Avoiding stimulants such as coffee, tea, soft drinks and energy drinks in the evening can help to promote better sleep.

Sleep research suggests that a teenager needs between eight and 10 hours of sleep every night. This is more than the amount a child or an adult needs. Yet most adolescents only get about 6.5 – 7.5 hours sleep per night, and some get less.

Regularly not getting enough sleep leads to chronic sleep deprivation. This can have dramatic effects on a teenager’s life, impacting their mental wellbeing, increasing their risk of depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. It can also affect academic performance at school.

Causes of teenage sleep deprivation

Some of the reasons why many teenagers regularly do not get enough sleep include:

• hormonal time shift – puberty hormones shift the teenager’s body clock forward by about one or two hours, making them sleepier one to two hours later. Yet, while the teenager falls asleep later, early school starts don’t allow them to sleep in. This nightly ‘sleep debt’ leads to chronic sleep deprivation
• using screen based devices – smart phones and other devices used around bed time reduce sleep time. Teens who put down their smart-phones an hour before bed gain an extra 21 minutes sleep a night, (that's one hour and 45 minutes over the school week) according to a study by Vic Health and the Sleep Health Foundation
• hectic after-school schedule – homework, sport, part-time work and social commitments can cut into a teenager’s sleeping time
• leisure activities – the lure of stimulating entertainment such as television, the internet and computer gaming can keep a teenager out of bed.
• light exposure – light cues the brain to stay awake. In the evening, lights from televisions, mobile phones and computers can prevent adequate production of melatonin, the brain chemical (neurotransmitter) responsible for sleep
• vicious circle – insufficient sleep causes a teenager’s brain to become more active. An over-aroused brain is less able to fall asleep.
• social attitudes – in Western culture, keeping active is valued more than sleep
• sleep disorder – sleep disorders, such as restless legs syndrome or sleep apnoea, can affect how much sleep a teenager gets.

Effects of teenage sleep deprivation

The developing brain of a teenager needs between eight and 10 hours of sleep every night. The effects of chronic (ongoing) sleep deprivation may include:

• concentration difficulties
• mentally ‘drifting off’ in class
• shortened attention span
• memory impairment
• poor decision making
• lack of enthusiasm
• moodiness and aggression
• depression
• risk-taking behaviour
• slower physical reflexes
• clumsiness, which may result in physical injuries
• reduced sporting performance
• reduced academic performance
• increased number of ‘sick days’ from school because of tiredness
• truancy.

Preventing sleep deprivation in teenagers – tips for parents

Try not to argue with your teenager about bedtime. Instead, discuss the issue with them. Together, brainstorm ways to increase their nightly quota of sleep. Suggestions include:

• Allow your child to sleep in on the weekends.
• Encourage an early night every Sunday. A late night on Sunday followed by an early Monday morning will make your child drowsy for the start of the school week.
• Decide together on appropriate time limits for any stimulating activity such as homework or screen time. Encourage restful activities during the evening, such as reading.
• Avoid early morning appointments, classes or training sessions for your child if possible.
• Help your teenager to better schedule their after-school commitments to free up time for rest and sleep.
• Assess your teenager's weekly schedule together and see if they are overcommitted. Help them to trim activities if they are.
• Encourage your teen to take an afternoon nap after school to help recharge their battery, if they have time.
• Work together to adjust your teenager’s body clock. You may like to consult with your doctor first.

Top sleep tips for teenagers

The typical teenage brain wants to go to bed late and sleep late the following morning, which is usually hard to manage. You may be able to adjust your body clock but it takes time. Suggestions include:

• Choose a relaxing bedtime routine; for example, have a bath and a hot milky drink before bed, or use meditation or mindfulness activities. Gentle yoga may also help.
• Avoid screens such as computers, TV or smart phones, loud music, homework or any other activity that gets your mind racing for at least an hour before bedtime.
• Avoid stimulants in the evening like coffee, tea, soft drinks and energy drinks.
• Keep your bedroom dark at night. Your brain’s sleep–wake cycle is largely set by light received through the eyes. Try to avoid watching television or using smart phones right before bed. In the morning, expose your eyes to lots of light to help wake up your brain.
• Do the same bedtime routine every night for at least four weeks to make your brain associate this routine with going to sleep.
• Start your bedtime routine a little earlier than usual (for example, 10 minutes) after four weeks. Do this for one week.
• Add an extra 10 minutes every week until you have reached your desired bedtime.
• Get active during the day so you are more physically tired at night.
• Set up a comfortable sleep environment.
• Set up a regular wake-up time.
• Avoid staying up late on the weekends. Late nights will undo your hard work.
• Remember that even 30 minutes of extra sleep each night on a regular basis makes a big difference. However, it may take about six weeks of getting extra sleep before you feel the benefits.

Teenage sleep deprivation – other issues to consider

If lack of sleep is still a problem despite your best efforts, suggestions include:

• Assess your sleep hygiene. For example, factors that may be interfering with your quality of sleep include a noisy bedroom, a lumpy mattress or the habit of lying awake and worrying.
• Consider learning a relaxation technique to help you wind down in readiness for sleep.
• Avoid having any food or drink that contains caffeine after dinnertime. This includes coffee, tea, cola drinks and chocolate.
• Avoid recreational drugs (including alcohol, tobacco and cannabis) as they can cause you to have broken and poor quality sleep.
• See your GP if self-help techniques don’t increase your nightly sleep quota.

Where to get help

• Your GP
• Sleep disorder clinic

Ann-Maree BRIGHTMAN
School Based Youth Health Nurse

HEALTHY HABITS

Ten healthy habits you should form

The habits in the habit-forming group, developed by Weight Concern (a UK charity) were:

1. Keep to a meal routine: eat at roughly the same times each day. People who succeed at long-term weight loss tend to have a regular meal rhythm (avoidance of snacking and nibbling). A consistent diet regimen across the week and year also predicts subsequent long-term weight loss maintenance;
2. Go for healthy fats: choose to eat healthy fats from nuts, avocado and oily fish instead of fast food. Trans-fats are linked to an increased risk of heart-disease;
3. Walk off the weight: aim for 10,000 steps a day. Take the stairs and get off one tram stop earlier to ensure you're getting your heart rate up every day;
4. Pack healthy snacks when you go out: swap crisps and biscuits for fresh fruit;
5. Always look at the labels: check the fat, sugar and salt content on food labels;
6. Caution with your portions: use smaller plates, and drink a glass of water and wait five minutes then check in with your hunger before going back for seconds;
7. Break up sitting time: decreasing sedentary time and increasing activity is linked to substantial health benefits. Time spent sedentary is related to excess weight and obesity, independent of physical activity level;
8. Think about your drinks: choose water and limit fruit juice to one small glass per day;
9. Focus on your food: slow down and eat while sitting at the table, not on the go. Internal cues regulating food intake (hunger/fullness signals) may not be as effective while distracted; and
10. Always aim for five serves of vegetables a day, whether fresh, frozen or tinned: fruit and vegetables have high nutritional quality and low energy density. Eating the recommended amount produces health benefits, including reduction in the risk of cancer and coronary heart disease.

Gina Cleo is a dietician and research fellow at Bond University who has a PhD in habit-based weight loss maintenance.

P & C NEWS

Retail Assistant – Casual – Canteen

Mackay State High School P&C are active participants in the school community and are seeking a customer focussed, Retail Assistant. This position will be responsible to the Retail Manager and guided by the policies and directions of the P&C Association.

The successful applicant will be keen to interact with other staff and students, have money handling skills and show initiative when working in a team. Well-developed communication and presentation skills are priority. Hours will be school days

The award is Parents and Citizens Associations Award - State 2016 Retail Assistant – casual, Successful applicant must hold or have applied for a current Blue Card (Working with Children Check).

Key responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Assisting in the preparation of menu items and following food safety procedure. Baking, cooking, cutting
• Be aware of and take whatever action is necessary to ensure the hygiene, health and safety at all times.
• Assist the Retail Manager to conduct a full stock-take of the tuckshop stock at the end of each month or as otherwise requested by the P&C.
• 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.

Hours of engagement will usually be between 7.30am and 2.30pm week days during school terms.

Applications close 7th September 2018

How can I get involved?

Volunteering is time willingly given for the common good and without financial gain.

The parents and citizens’ association at Mackay State High School appreciate any volunteer contribution that you can make. Can you help at tuckshop? Do you like planning or assisting at functions and special events? There are so many ways in which you can help our P&C email pandc@mackayshs.eq.edu.au for more information

TUCKSHOP

COMMUNITY NOTICES