1 November 2019

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Mackay SHS Presents is a celebration of the wonderful talents of our students and the staff, at DISRUPTION at the CQU Conservatorium of Music held on 25th October. The presentations of Art, Drama, Media alongside the talented musicians and singers under the direction of the mentor Mr Troy Patti raised to even more lofty heights this year. On parade on Wednesday, Adrian Yusi from Year 12 performed part of his song as a taste for the evening’s outstanding program. Congratulations to the students and staff who were so outstanding representing our school.

During the first week of term, our school nominated to host a unique bus moving across the State showcasing IT learning materials for several groups of our students arranged by Microsoft. The students and staff who participated were very excited at their learnings and Amanda, who was their chief presenter, expressed interest in returning to our school again in the future.

Over the past weeks, over 20 of our Year 11 students who have nominated to be a Prefect for their Senior year. These students made speeches to the staff and the following day, to students in their Year level, before voting occurred by the staff and students. Congratulations to all of the students who nominated and to the following students who were advised that they were successful.

School Captains for 2020 will be announced at our Awards Night on 6th November.

Mackay State High has been selected to host a pilot program which sees a substantial number of Solar panels being installed on the roof of our school Hall. The system will cover the majority of the considerable electricity costs of our school. Education Queensland is setting up several pilots across the State and we are pleased to be at the lead of this most worthwhile project.

In 2008, a group of Indigenous students, Gordon Quakawoot along with a couple of staff and community members, prepared a Student Statement of Reconciliation, which is proudly displayed in our school foyer every day. To build on this, I have formed a group of interested Year 11/12 Indigenous students to prepare a complimentary document, that brings the current opportunities and necessary commitments relating to today’s students in context. This is expected to be ready later this year. Last week six Indigenous Year 12 students who received QATSIF scholarships to support their completion of Senior education, were recognised for their successful completion at the Graduation ceremony held at CQU. Henri Stocks was one of the hosts for the ceremony and carried out the role capably.

Friday 25th October recognised World Teachers Day and many of our students filled out cards that were distributed to teachers on Friday, mentioning particular memories of special efforts or everyday efforts they valued from their teachers. At break time, the World Teachers Day cake kindly donated by our P&C Assoc, was cut by a couple of our young teachers, Miss Moore and Miss Nixon, beginning their careers.

Mr Steve Paulger
Principal

STYMIE

ACCESS CENTRE

Transition Days

Attention All Feeder Schools – Transportation to and from school is to be organised by Parents or Feeder Schools.

Year 6→7 TRANSITION for all diverse students (LS/SWD) 2019

• Parents please come to morning tea in the ACCESS Centre after session 4, week 9 - 7th December at 11:00am.
• Whole school Orientation full day 9th December 2019.

STUDENTS NEED TO BRING THEIR SCHOOL BAG WITH WRITING EQUIPMENT

Parent Appointments if required:

Please phone to arrange an appointment.

Any queries please contact Majella Hoffmann HOSES on 49579128 during school hours.

Attention All Feeder Schools – Transportation to and from school is to be organised by Parents or Feeder Schools.

POSITION VACANT

Mackay State High School would like to call for any expressions of interest in a 2020 future vacancy for the Temporary role of A02 Administration Officer (AAEP) in January 2020 for 30 hours per week. This advertisement will also be posted shortly on our website and newsletter platforms.

The future position requires excellent organisational skills, the ability to prioritise a diverse range of administration tasks, and the ability to work as part of a dynamic school administration team. The role also calls for the ability to communicate effectively with staff, students, parents and members of the wider community.

How to apply:

Applications should be submitted in writing by COB 15th November 2019 in person at the school office or via email directly to bsm@mackayshs.eq.edu.au.

THE ARTS DEPARTMENT

“Before a child talks, they sing. Before they write, they draw. As soon as they can stand, they dance. Art is fundamental to human expression” – Phylicia Rashad

2019 - MSHS Presents: Disruption

The Arts Department successfully celebrated our creative and talented students’ work for 2019 at MSHS Presents: “Disruption”. Both the exhibition and concert were fully packed with family, friends, students and staff. The feedback we have had has been glowing. Thank you to everyone that supported the event. We look forward to doing it all again next year.

Instrumental Music Department

Townsville Trip

In the last week of term three, 28 instrumental music students travelled to Townsville. For the first time ever, we combined the String Ensemble students with the Symphonic Band students to create a Symphony Orchestra. We worked on the piece “Warrior Legacy” with Richard Newell (Instrumental Teacher from Pimlico SHS) and also the Music Director from the 1RAR band, Major Matt Chilmaid. During our stay we also had the privilege of watching the Barrier Reef Orchestra rehearse for their concert.

“Highlights for me were definitely working with the 1RAR band and all the other workshops, but also just spending time getting to know the younger students and enjoying spending a final trip with the other year 12s - we all felt like one big family and for me, that's what I'll miss most about instrumental music at MSHS”

Lauren Anderson

I was really excited to work with the 1RAR Band. I learnt so much over the few hours that we were there and if I had the choice to stay for a few more hours I would. It was so much fun, and I can tell everyone loved working with them. It was also really good to hear their Rock Band. The activities night at the Strand was a really nice way to end the Trip.

Tynika Raines

QLD State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP)

Hinata Nishimura successfully auditioned to participate in the Queensland State Honours Ensemble Program during the September holidays. A workshops and performance were held at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music at South Bank. Students from all over Queensland nominate for this program. The workshops were run by lecturers at the Conservatorium of Music.

Mackay Eisteddfod

Over the past 2 weeks we have had the Concert Band, Symphonic Band, String Ensemble, Stage Band and Vocal Group compete in the annual Mackay Eisteddfod. Results:

Symphonic Band- 2nd Place
String Ensemble- Highly Commended
Stage Band- 1st Place

SCIENCE

MATHS DEPARTMENT

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

STUDENT SERVICES

Chaplain

Families, Students and Staff are being asked to bring along food and grocery items in the next few weeks to Form Class for the Annual Christmas Hamper Appeal.

There has been a long tradition at Mackay State High School to support families in need by collecting food items for distribution by the local Salvation Army

Once each student brings in the items to their Form Class they will then be stored in Chappy Phil's Office in E5.

The Form Class with the most items will win a prize.

All collected items will be presented on Wednesday 4th December Parade to the Salvation Army representative and then given to needy families in Mackay.

Please support and make this a great Christmas for families in Mackay.

Chappy Phil

P & C

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