9 August 2019

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Thank you to the many parents who attended Parent-Teacher Interviews last week to discuss the progress for their student as well as future goals to further improve their achievements. This is a long day for staff, after a full day with classes to then undertake interviews for a further 3 hours, however the student’s improvement is the goal.

SET Planning Interviews will occur in the week 12-16th August with parents and their Year 10 student for their Senior years. Parents who had not selected an interview time, have been contacted to arrange a suitable time (some available in the evening) to complete the SETPLAN interview. The line structure for 2020 has been released after the preferred options of all Year 10 students were entered tgain the best options for lines, suiting the majority of students. Some subjects offered in this process have been unable to be offered, due to insufficient numbers of students selecting that subject.

Six of our Year 11 & 12 students attended and participated in a Student Forum held at CQU. This is the fourth of these forums with the last couple focussing on gathering imput on local youth issues. Caitlyn Ebner, Kara Boys, Henri Stocks, Ben Dodd, Kaileigh Teale and Taylah Johnson contributed confidently and with students from other schools shared views on Employment awareness, Social Media Impacts and Social Interactions.

Two teams participated in the RACI Titrations Competition where Yr 11 & 12 students test their skills to use experimental skills to calculate the acidity of some unknown solutions. Results are compared, across teams from all local High Schools to find winners who then progress to a State competition. We await the results which will be released soon.

Our Academic Excellence Academy Cadets joined us this week to undertake challenge activities at our campus. A new group of Year 5 students joined the Yea, from schools across Mackay to work together with other High Performing students looking to improve their knowledge as they look forward to joining an AEA class in the next two years.

Our visitors from Castleford Academy including 4 lads who’ve been in Mackay for 4 weeks and a team of 25 Year 9 lads here for the last week departed Thursday, for a short stay in Sydney before returning to their families in England. On Tuesday the Year 9 team played our MSHS team for the inaugural Bill Clift Memorial Shield. This shield introduced following the recent passing of Bill who has travelled to Australia each year now in this exchange for nearly 20 years and been a great supported of the concept.

Four of our Year 8 students attended and competed in the National Mountain Bike Championships at Nerang in early August. The Mackay SHS team consisted of Ethan Weiss, Ryan Cromb, Bradley Williams and Bryce Burns, who all represented well with Ehtan taking out a number of Gold Medals.

Next week we commence our talks to Year 6 students from our local State Schools regarding transition and enrolment for Year 7 in 2020. During these visits, the Scholarship winners will be announced, thanks to the generosity of the Parents and Citizens Association. Eight students receive $500 scholarships to assist their education.

Mr Steve Paulger
Principal

STYMIE

SCHOOL OPINION SURVEY

Parents/Caregivers, school staff and a random sample of students are encouraged to have their say in this year’s suite of School Opinion Surveys by providing their opinions about what our school does well and how we can improve. Each of the online surveys will be open until Friday, 23 August 2019.

Access details for the Parent/Caregiver Survey have been sent home in a letter with students. The survey can be completed via computers, tablets or smart phones with internet connection.

For Parent/Caregivers that do not have access to the internet they can complete the survey over the phone by calling the Survey team on 1800 067 971 and providing the access codes from their invitation letter.

If you haven’t received any survey access details by the end of this week or if your access details have been misplaced, please contact Tania Cheers on telephone 4957 9179 or email admin@mackayshs.eq.edu.au.

SENIOR SCHOOLING

Year 10 SET Plan Interviews

12 – 16 August 2019.

All Year 10 students must participate in a 30 minute Senior Education and Training Plan (SETP) interview.

Students and a parent/guardian will meet with a teacher to discuss and select their subjects for Year 11.

The booking environment has now closed and if a booking has not been made, the school will give the student a day and time for their interview. A confirmation email will be sent to the parent, and a notice given to each student with their appointment time.

ARTS AT MACKAY STATE HIGH SCHOOL

The Arts teach the skills employers are looking for

According to a new report from the World Economic Forum, it is clear that creativity at work is going to be one of the most important and in-demand skills in the next five years. Creativity is on the list along with skills such as complex problem solving, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. Who can teach those skills better than the arts?

ROCK POP MIME UPDATE

MECC Performances

Yamato – the drummers of japan

On Thursday 1st August, students once again had the opportunity to dive headfirst into a culturally charged, highly energetic and visually spectacular experience. Taking along 30 students, who represented Mackay High with pride. The students witnessed the group open the performance by hitting a taiko drum made from a 400-year-old tree. Their high intensity performance coupled with their engaging humour had the students and the rest of the audience cheering for more.

“Yamato was a wonderful experience. l enjoyed seeing and experiencing the culture of Japan through the spectacular drumming performance.” – Libby, year 8

“'The Yamato performance was an amazing experience that threw you into Japan's diverse culture, as a student that learnt Japanese for 2 years, I found that the performance did justice in portraying their appreciation for their culture.” – Jasmine, year 9

“Yamato was great with the energy and the comedy combined, making it an unstoppable duo, to say it was awesome is an understatement, the experience of a lifetime.” – Hao, year 7

“The Yamato: Drummers of Japan show was an incredible display of musicality, passion and culture. It was a very entertaining opportunity to experience a different side of performing arts and gain an insight into Japanese culture.” – Lauren, year 12

A huge thank you to the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre and Pathways to Performance that provided the funding to give our students the opportunity to engage in such an amazing cultural experience.

INSTRUMENTAL/ VOCAL EXTRA CURRICULAR PROGRAMS

CQ University Schools Jazz Festival

Last weekend the CQUnversity Jazz festival was held at the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music in Ooralea. The MSHS Stage Band and Vocal Group both participated in workshops with industry professionals Ray Cassar, Nicole Thomson and Lecturers from the Conservatorium during the day and performed at the Showcase later that evening. Each group was adjudicated and were presented with their awards: Stage Band (Directed by Matt Johnston) received a Gold award additionally, they took out the Most Outstanding Trumpet Section and Most Outstanding Trombone Section awards. Our Vocal Group Conducted by Nicole de Brueys received a Silver Award.

Upcoming Dates for Instrumental/Vocal Music Programs in Term 3

Mackay Orchestras and Bands

Sunday 18th August

11:30am arrival – Concert Band
12:15pm arrival – Symphonic Band
5:20pm arrival- String Ensemble

State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) Middle schools

30th August – 1st September

Instrumental Music Townsville Trip

Thursday 19th – Sunday 22nd September

YEAR 8 MULTI ARTS

Year 8 Multi Arts classes were lucky enough work with two accomplished local artists, Margaret Burgess and Lian Meaney to assist them with a project in which they work with rubbish collected from the ocean and recycle it to create artworks, jewellery and sculptures.

SPORTS REPORT

Year 7 HPE

This term year 7 students have been participating in body movement and awareness sessions whilst studying about food and nutrition in their theory lessons. Students have had the chance to work in groups to create formations as well as burn off some energy in Zumba lessons. Ahead we have some yoga, line dancing and partner dances scheduled in before students create their own class dance as a part of their assessment.

In theory we have learned about the Australian Guidelines to Healthy eating and how to balance our food. We will soon look at reading food labels in order to make healthy snack choices.

Year 8 HPE

Within Health and Physical Education our year 8 students work through a practical and a theory component. This term our theory unit is food for life where students analyse information on healthy food choices, reading food labels, analysing their lunchbox, nude foods, and sustainability. This unit provides students with vital information surrounding how to make healthier choices for themselves and the earth.

Our practical unit is European Handball and will include a wide range skills. This unit allows students to develop ball skills that incorporate running, catching, and passing skills, as well as hand eye coordination. Through the various games of European Handball students will start to develop team work and communication skills. Along with these essential skills, the year 8’s are developing their tactical decision making and awareness.

Year 9 HPE

This term Year 9 students are looking at Sustainable Health. Students are revising both the Australian Healthy Eating guidelines and the Australian Physical Activity guidelines. Students are researching lifestyle diseases that are having a negative impact on Australians. Students will gain knowledge in how they can live more sustainable lifestyles. Students will complete a research report on lifestyle diseases and what are community can do to help individuals build healthier lifestyles.

Students are participating in modified games of Australian Rules Football. They will develop their skills in kicking, handballing, marking and game play.

MACKAY DISTRICT TRIALS

Week 2 Thursday and Friday saw some of our Track & Field students participate at Mackay Aquatic & Recreation Complex to trial for the Mackay District team for Week 6. The students participated across two days of track and field events. Congratulations to all the students who participated across the two days. Our school is proud of your efforts and the way your represented our school. Congratulations.

TOUCH FOOTBALL

Mackay State High School are playing in the Touch Football Competition every Friday under the guidance of Mrs Biddle. We have both a boys and girls team entered. Get down on a Friday night and support our teams. Boys have 2-0 and the girls are 1-1 (losing to a very tough team made up of representative players) Good Luck.

UK TOUR- Castleford

On Tuesday Mackay State High School hosted a touring Rugby League academy side from Castleford in England. Students from our year 9 rugby league academy class played for the Bill Clift Memorial Shield to honour the contributions Bill made to rugby league in England and to recognise the role he played in establishing the link between the English schools and Mackay State High School with our biennial tour of England. The game was played in Great Spirit with both teams enjoying the experience. Mackay State High were victorious on this occasion 18 – 10. We would like to thank all staff and students from Castleford and our host families for opening their homes to billet the students. We look forward to continuing this event for many years to come.

What’s happening in our department?

Relay For Life- Saturday 14th & Sunday 15th September- See Mrs Kelly or Miss Forster in HPE Office
Run 4 Mi Life – Sunday 20th October – See Miss Forster in HPE Office
Bundaberg Sporting Academy Trip- Term 4- Week 3- Have you paid your final deposit

Mountain Biking Team

Congratulations to our Mackay State High School Mountain Biking Team who competed last weekend. Well Done to Ethan Weiss, Bryce Burns, Bradley Williams and Ryan Cromb. Also congratulations goes to Ethan Weiss who placed 1st in Australia. Well Done Boys.

AG DEPARTMENT

Year 9 Market Gardens

The Year 9 Ag students are harvesting from their garden. Some amazing results due to their hard work. Well done!

Years 8’s have also been working hard and getting great results. The spray is an organic mix of garlic and chilli – works a treat against pests.

ACCESS CENTRE

MATHS DEPARTMENT

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

Whitsunday Voices

“Express Yourself,” Whitsunday Voices Youth Literature Festival took forty Mackay State High School students into the world of the literary arts in a fun-filled educational and cultural event held on Friday the 19th July. Guest speakers ranged from illustrators to authors who have overcome significant life challenges to create some of the finest texts available. Throughout the day, students were presented with the perfect mixture of having fun and learning. Meg a Year 9 student who attended the event commented, “It was a great learning experience.” It was a consensus that the event was worth the time. This year’s theme was “Express Yourself,” which created an encouraging vibe to float through the air both at the event and upon return to school. The incredible experience created a rare and valuable opportunity to stick to your creative ideas regardless of what other people think.

Each individual student was presented with not only inspiration for their writing, but valuable life lessons through the three guest speakers. Li Cunxin gave the gift of determination to come alive through sharing how he went from poverty in China to becoming one of the world’s leading ballet dancers. Cunxin filled the students with the key idea of being strong through tough times, as opposed to taking the easy way out. Andrei, an inspired student, who attended the festival claimed, “It was a truly a phenomenal experience.” Other guest speakers showed how illustration can be used to tell a story and how real-life experiences can be used as a source of ideas. The core message of the day, “Express yourself” was taken onboard by all of the English students who attended.

By William Gething

Year 9 English

“Don’t let people with small minds convince you that your dreams are too big”

In term 3, Year 9 English students are studying and completing an assessment on the play Scattered Lives by Sally Mckenzie. Scattered Lives is a play that shares with audiences the refugee and migrant experiences and journeys of key characters, both before and after their arrival in Australia. On Wednesday and Thursday last week, Kay Nyenuh, the owner of Muscle Garden Mackay, visited Mackay State High School and gave the Year 9s insight into his experiences in a Liberian refugee camp, before he came to Australia.

We would like to thank Kay for visiting us and sharing his story. His speech has furthered our vision and raised our awareness about the lives and experiences of others and has brought great meaning to the struggles people have, that we often do not often think about. It is clear Kay has persevered to become more than a refugee, but a successful business owner, a family man and a visionary with many great words of wisdom to share. We are incredibly thankful to have been a part of Kay’s visit and have taken away some valuable life lessons.

By Ariane Molina and Graciella Davidson.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

P & C

We are currently seeking a secretary and would also like to obtain the services of an assistant Treasurer, as our current Treasurer Sandy is in her last year with the school. You would work alongside of Sandy learning the role of Treasurer. All other positions are filled with the P & C. Our next meeting is Monday 24th June 6pm. If anyone is interested they can contact us through the P and C email. pandc@mackayshs.eq.edu.au

Tuckshop

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

COMMUNITY NOTICES