20 March 2020

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

RE: COVID-19 UPDATE

The latest advice from Scott Morrison (Prime Minister) and Tony Cook (our Director-General of Education) is:

1. Schools remain open. The only exceptions to this is where a school may be asked to close when a confirmed COVID-19 case is identified that closely and directly impacts school students or staff and where contact tracing may be required

2. New social distancing directions –a new and lower threshold of 100 people for indoor non-essential gatherings is now expected. The normal teaching and learning processes in schools are exempt from this direction as they are essential operations and should continue as planned. However, the advice regarding non-essential gatherings similarly applies to public indoor gatherings of 100 people or more planned by schools.

3. All school trips, camps and excursions are to be postponed or cancelled as a further step to implementing the advice on social distancing and reducing the risk of transmission in our schools and communities.

4. All representative school sport including district, regional, state, national, interstate and international competitions is cancelled

Based on this advice, the following will apply to Mackay SHS:

EVENTS (this will be continually updated as new advice is given):

STUDENTS OUT OF SCHOOL FOR SEASONAL COLDS / FLU’S / OR FAMILY PRECAUTIONS:

A number of families are deciding to have their children at home now, rather than attending school. Students will get colds over the coming weeks and months, and will need to stay home (when previously they may have attended school). We are supportive of families. We respect the decisions. We will support with curriculum – however – it is unmanageable and unreasonable to expect teachers to be sending individual work home to a large number of students. Teacher’s primary role is to provide instruction to students in classes and schools are remaining OPEN at this stage. To support families however, we are working on providing access to curriculum resources via on-line classrooms. Teachers will be working on setting up these spaces – again, not all subjects or classes suit this style of education. As you can appreciate, setting up the spaces will take us a little time. What you need to do:

• If students are coming to school (the majority) – please ensure they are bringing their devices, so they can be practicing using the on-line classrooms and checking access to textbooks.
• Remind your child to access their school email – as this is how they are invited to an on-line classroom.
• Be patient – this will take us some time to get things to a standard we are happy with.

HELPING COPE WITH COVID-19:

Reports regarding Coronavirus have been prevalent in the media, and it is natural for children and young people to have questions or concerns when events such as this occur. We have presented facts about Covid-19 from the QLD Department of Health to students during Form classes today, along with a video demonstration on correct procedures for hand washing. All classrooms and bathrooms have hand sanitisers for student use. The attached fact sheet contains some information for parents and carers to keep in mind when supporting your children.

As the whole world knows, this is an evolving situation – we endeavour to navigate our way through it all. Communication is the key. We have set up an email address for you to inform us if your child is going to be absent (any you can attach any medical documentation if appropriate). Please email attendance@mackayshs.eq.edu.au to notify us of your child’s absence and any further details (eg: decision of family to self-isolate). Further information regarding students who miss exams or assessment and the process for this will be communicated on Monday (as we are still working through procedures of how this will work).

Again thank you for your patience and support. May we all keep well.

Kindest regards
Mrs Felicity Roberts
Principal

STYMIE

STAFF RECOGNITION AWARDS

Ann-Maree Brightman has been nominated for the extraordinary work she undertakes in her role as the School Based Youth Health Nurse. She exhibits kindness and compassion through the support she provides for students across all year levels. Ann-Maree connects and relates well to students, parents and staff alike. She is an instrumental member of the Support Services Team who goes beyond her role to ensure the best for all students of our school. Mackay State High School is truly privileged to have such a dedicated, caring and committed School Based Youth Health Nurse

Catie always has a smile on her face and makes time to say hello and check how you’re doing. She is endlessly generous with her time, offering to share her resources and expertise to support her own and other students and staff. She ran excellent ICP training on multiple occasions to support the development of provisions for students with learning challenges. In this way she is not just developing capacity within her own students but capacity within staff within the school which will have an impact on the learning of all students. She cares deeply for the students in her care and is a calm, patient presence at all times. I love seeing Catie during the school day because she is always a ray of sunshine, only seeing the positives and sharing her genuinely caring nature through all her interactions

BUSINESS MANAGER UPDATE

This week every family would have received a printed statement in the mail of any of our school fees that are currently left unpaid on student accounts.

We would appreciate all schools fees being paid by the end of the term 1 school holiday period or for families to have arranged a payment plan with the school office staff.

Upon the return to school after the holidays, all school Student Resource Scheme invoices will be increased by $20 if they remain fully unpaid. Hurry now to avoid the loss of the discount!

We can accept payment for fees by the following methods:

1. Payment in person at the school reception desk.
2. Payment through Bpoint by following the instructions in the bottom left hand corner of your mailed out statement. (See the picture provided)
3. Payment plan organised with the school through either CENTREPAY or BPOINT.

If anyone has any enquiries about fees please also feel free to contact the school through email at admin@mackayshs.eq.edu.au

Regards
Troy Twomey
Business Manager

YEAR COORDINATOR

Year 8 Coordinator

G’day

My name is Mr Brad Mather, your year 8 coordinator for 2020.

I’m proud to say that I’ve been a member of the Mackay SHS team for 5 years. Having moved from Brisbane, away from my family, it wasn’t long until I felt at home and accepted into our school community. Working with staff, students and families over this time has been a rewarding experience.

I decided to challenge myself and accepted the role as Year 8 Coordinator this year, following on from Mrs Lynne Hardy and the wonderful job she did with the cohort in 2019.

Coming into the role, I felt confident knowing I would be working with the current form-teachers of year 8. I’ve set goals of ensuring attendance is above 90% for the cohort. This expectation flows on to all students and the need for them to take ownership in their attendance at school. The way that students and parents can ensure attendance is above 90% this year is to set routines and high expectations regarding attendance. Setting routines has been discussed on our year parades. I would like to remind students and parents that if they are away, that parents phone in with a justified reason for the absence. If this does not happen, students accumulate a list of ‘unexplained absences.’

Form-teachers do a great job in reminding students and parents to account for their unexplained absences. The way that you can assist is by either sending your child in with a note to school (a template can be found in their school diaries) as to why they have been away or contacting the school’s attendance officer or myself via email or phone.

I would also like to extend my hand to our year 8 students as a person who they can confide in if needed, for any reason. The wellbeing of these students is something we should all take seriously. If your child needs to talk to regarding issues around school or otherwise, I am here to assist along with the Student Services team at Mackay SHS.

Have a great year!

Brad Mather
Year 8 Coordinator

Year 9 Coordinator

Hello everyone,

My name is Alexandra Burns and I am the newly appointed Year 9 Coordinator here at Mackay State High School. I enjoy teaching and mentoring students at the school as it encourages a great deal of community engagement and involvement. I believe that education should be fun, fulfilling and a lifelong endeavour, and with these values in mind I hope to introduce and share these concepts with my cohort. I also believe that everyday counts and I hope to instil this self-control and hard work within the Year 9 cohort.

My clear goal is to create a clear, sustainable and proactive group of students who desire to become lifelong learners in whatever capacity they choose, whilst building strong relationships with parents and guardians. I look forward to getting to know the Year 9 community further.

Alexandra Burns
Year 9 Coordinator

ATTENDANCE

Communication is the key. We have an email address for you to inform us if your child is going to be absent (any you can attach any medical documentation if appropriate). Please email attendance@mackayshs.eq.edu.au to notify us of your child’s absence and any further details (eg: decision of family to self-isolate).

SPORTS CORNER

HPE week

Despite the rain, last week was a fun and active week. Being HPE week it was our main goal to get students active, excited about a happy and healthy life and gain well-earned house points for their house. Each year level was allocated a lunchtime to participate in an activity that was run by our house and sport captains. The turn out from every year level was fantastic to see and those that joined in had a lot of fun. Thursday brought about year 12s Vs Staff playing rebound ball. The end score was 5-4 to the students but as you can see in the pictures, they had double the number in players!

Enjoy the pictures and remember, “Every day is another chance to get stronger to eat better to live healthier and to be the best version of yourself”.

Netball

Great start to 2020 Netball academy. We have 47 students in the Netball Academy over 4 year levels. This year we have joined both the year 7 & 8’s together and the year 9 & 10s together. This means the girls get a chance to play with bigger groups to allow some solid developments to occur in their practical lessons. The girls been hard at morning fitness training on a Thursday morning with majority of the girls turning up every week, there is stillroom for improvement to get all of our girls attend morning fitness sessions which are compulsory. As a part of the academy, the girls are required to bring in a spread for breakfast club to help restock the breakfast club as we spend a bit of time there after morning sessions. A friendly reminder to those who are yet to bring in their spread. Unfortunately, we were due to commence out Interschool netball competition this Wednesday however, it has been postponed to Term 2 due to health reasons. We look forward it starting at the start of next term. Vicki Wilson trials will be running in the first two weeks back of Term 2 so please put your name down at the HPE office. We look forward to having another busy but productive year in netball this year.

Emma Forster
Netball Coordinator

Year 12 Fitness:

The year 12 Fitness students have been logging up their workout hours with powerlifting, functional and boxing sessions. They were also fortunate enough to have Cara run a Pilates session for them, which was quite different for many of them. Throughout the term, they have been learning about Healthy Eating in relation to the fitness industry and how to communicate effectively with clients.

Year 10 HPE Extension

This term our Year 10 HPE Extension class is studying Biomechanics and Sport. Our theory lessons focus on how and why the body moves and how this applies to sports. Topics including biomechanics, levers, Newtons Laws, kinetics and how forces play a huge part in sport science. Our practical component is Badminton. Students are not only playing the sport but deconstructing aspects like game play, shot selection and how their body moves and performs when attempting shots. This provides the students with a scientific insight into the sport of Badminton. The students will participate in mini tournaments in both doubles and singles formats throughout the term.

Cancellation of Sporting Events

In order to contain and slow the spread of COVID-19 all Mackay District School Sport trials and events have been cancelled as of Tuesday 17th March. Furthermore, the cancellation pertains to all regional state, national, interstate and international competitions, as well as QSS team participation in any national, interstate or international events organised across Australia or internationally. Any trial levies paid will be refunded however please be patient, as a refund process will be created in the coming weeks. Notification will be sent out once this process has been implemented.

Staff Profile: Lucy Cody-Davis

1. Your position / role(s) at MSHS – English, History and HPE teacher
2. Nickname – LCD
3. How Long you have been employed at MSHS – 2 years
4. Hobbies – travel, cooking, socialising, hanging out with my dogs
5. Interests – as above
6. Favourite travel destination – Lapland (Arctic Circle)
7. Highlight at MSHS – The mullets! I’ve never seen so many in my life
8. Passion in relation to MSHS / why do you do what you do – I love spending my time working alongside kids. It’s so rewarding watching them overcome challenges and grow.
9. An animal that best represents you and why - Golden Retriever – both have golden hair and love snacks
10. Favourite Quote –‘feed your good wolf’

SCIENCE CENTRE

12 Chemistry crew at an extended lab session, hard at work on their experimental investigations : such as effect on potential difference with changing electrolyte concentration and change in temperature in galvanic cells, titration analysis of antacids and aspirin.

SENIOR SCHOOLING

iTrack Mentoring Program

iTrack is an online mentoring program run by The Smith Family that supports students who are beginning to develop their post-school plans. It provides a unique opportunity to receive one-to-one support from a person who has experience in the workforce.

Students are paired with a mentor who can offer experience and advice about post-school options. Students and their mentors participate in online chat sessions and activities. It can be great to chat with an adult outside of your family and school environment. Mentors listen to the student’s ideas and help clarify what direction they might want to take in the next few years and beyond.

The Smith Family is committed to the wellbeing and safety of the students and mentors. Child protection policies are in place to meet duty of care obligations. All online interactions are monitored.

The program is run for one hour per week for 18 weeks at Mackay State High School and there is no charge to the student.

Students can collect an application form from Mrs Esau in E6. Applications must be in by Wednesday 25 March 2020.

White Card

Students in Years 10, 11 & 12 who are wishing to do work experience in the construction area, e.g. Carpenter, Plumber, Cabinet Maker, Electrician, Refrigeration Mechanic, and Concreter etc are now required to have a White Card before they can go onto a work site.

The school has arranged for a White Card course (Prepare to work safely in the construction industry) to be delivered at the Mackay Engineering College on Friday 12 June 2020.

The cost for the course is $60.

Students can collect an application form from Mrs Esau in E6. Forms need to be returned by Monday 30 March with a copy of the student’s birth certificate. There are only fifteen spots available so students need to return their applications as soon as possible.

Urgently Required – Year 10 USI (Unique Student Identifier) and Student Enrolment Agreement Form for VSW

All year 10 students are required to have a USI (Unique Student Identifier) and a signed student enrolment form for their VSW subject.

Forms were given to all year 10 students in the first week of school. Thank you to those students who have created a USI and returned both forms. A second form has been given to students who are yet to return the completed form. Please check in your child’s bag to see if they need to complete these forms and have them returned as soon as possible. If your child has misplaced the form another one can be collected from Mrs Esau in E6.

A quick guide on How to Create a USI was also given to the student. The student will need ID such as a birth certificate, passport or medicare card to be able to create their USI. The USI Collection and Verification form is then completed and returned to Mrs Annamaria Esau in E6. Anyone having trouble creating their USI can bring their ID to Mrs Esau in E6 and help will be given.

ACCESS CENTRE

MATHS DEPARTMENT

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

BREAKFAST CLUB

A big congratulations to Danielle Fraser from 7M1. Danielle is the new Breakfast Club Manager. She was selected from a small group of peers who have been helping out and serving at the breakfast club. Danielle showed great initiative and dedication as she helped with set up, cleaning and the pack down every day at the breakfast club. She was awarded the breakfast club manager shirt during form class this week.

A new breakfast club manager will be selected during term two. We encourage any student to put their name forward as a helper. Helpers are given a brekkie club ambassador badge to encourage service to fellow students.

Well done Danielle

Chappy Phil

Every day: “Fresh Fruit, Cereals, Toast and spreads”

Students can take a piece of fruit (Apples, Oranges), make their own toast (fresh Brumbies bread) with a full range of spreads. Also enjoy a glass of milk with the option of making a takeaway sandwich for lunch later.

Monday: “Milo Monday”

Students can make a cool refreshing drink with one scoop of Milo and fresh Milk.

Tuesday: “Toasty Tuesday”

Hot yummy cheesy Toasty’s served up by our lovely volunteers.

Wednesday: “Pancake Wednesday”

We are serving up hot soft delicious Pancakes with syrup, fruit, cream, berries and all things yummy

Thursday: “Smoothie Thursday”

The “Smoothie Bar” serves up blended “Chilly Chock Berry Banana Smoothies”. A real hit and a cool start to a big day.

MACKAY STATE HIGH SCHOOL P & C

This year we are seeking new members to help us so we can continue our contributions to the school community, without members our P and C can’t run successfully. All we are asking for is a couple of hours of your time each month to attend a P and C meeting or volunteer in our wonderful tuckshop.

In 2020 we are losing valuable committee members as their children have completed their schooling. If you can help in any way, our next meeting is our AGM, on Monday 23rd March 2020 at 5.30pm in the school library, all welcome.

Many Thanks

Toni-Maree Dodd
P and C President

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