6 March 2020

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Dear Parents / Guardians / Caregivers,

Welcome to Week 6! We are well and truly past the half way point of the term and the pace of school life at Mackay State High School is fast but focussed. Every day I am seeing students shining and making positive progress in many and varied ways.

Assessment Period

Students in all year levels have now commenced assessment. I would encourage parents to attach your child’s assessment planners to your kitchen fridge, so that you can assist them in their organisation and preparation for exams and assignments. If your child doesn’t have an assessment planner, please contact the office and we will organise a copy to be emailed home.

In 2019, there was a review of our assessment policy to meet new guidelines and expectations outlined by the Queensland Curriculum & Assessment Authority (QCAA) under the new senior schooling system. It is very clear that students must submit final copies of assessment by their due date (in hard copy) and failure to do so, will result in student drafts being used as final grades. Where a student is absent due to illness, documentation must be provided (and special forms from QCAA for Year 11 and 12 students must be used). We want to support students in meeting deadlines and I would encourage you to make contact with your child’s teacher if they are struggling and need support with assessment (prior to the due date).

Attendance

The greatest indicator of student success at school is regular attendance. The target at Mackay SHS is 90% or above and no unexplained absences. After 6 weeks, we are sitting at 89.5% (just short of our target), with Year 7 (93.1%) and Year 12 (90.1%) the only two year levels meeting target. With assessment occurring in classrooms, it is imperative that students are attending every day to access the support and assistance they need to gain the best results possible.

World Compliment Day – Monday 2nd March

We took a moment on Monday to consider World Compliment Day and took to our footpaths with chalk to write inspirational quotes and positive messages to one another. It was a wonderful activity lead by our Student Services Support Team and we were impressed with the large volumes of students who got involved and the kind words shared.

2020 National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence - Friday 20 March

The National Day of Action against Bullying and Violence (NDA) is Australia's key anti-bullying event for schools, encouraging all students to stand together against bullying and violence in the classroom and beyond. Mackay State High School is proud to be a NDA school. Bullying can have long-term detrimental effects on children and adults alike. The first step in preventing and responding to bullying is to learn what bullying is and what it is not. 'Bullying' is a word that is used for lots of things that are not actually bullying. These other behaviours may be just as serious but may require different responses.

Behaviours that do not constitute bullying include:

• mutual arguments and disagreements (where there is no power imbalance),
• not liking someone or a single act of social rejection,
• one-off acts of meanness or spite, and
• isolated incidents of aggression, intimidation or violence.

However, these conflicts still need to be addressed and resolved.

Bullying has three main features:

• It involves a misuse of power in a relationship,
• It is ongoing and repeated, and
• It involves behaviours that can cause harm.

Talking and teaching about bullying through everyday opportunities is the best way to make it clear that bullying is never ok. Talking about bullying means it can't be hidden or overlooked in the busy school or family day. Conversations provide opportunities for students to raise issues that adults may not have noticed, and to discuss concerns before they become long-term and entrenched.

To mark the importance of this conversation, students at Mackay SHS are encouraged to participate in the National Day against Bullying and Violence on Friday 20th March by wearing ORANGE (the symbolic colour worn around the nation on this day). Students will have the opportunity to participate in activities and conversations at lunch time as we take a stand against bullying and violence.

Thank you again for your welcome and support. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at frobe24@eq.edu.au

Mrs Felicity Roberts
Principal

STYMIE

SPORTS CORNER

Swimming Carnival

The MSHS annual inter-house swimming carnival was held on Friday 28th February. The house swimming participation events were a great success, with the additional novelty events implemented by the house captains. It was great to see the leadership skills of our newly appointed house captains who did an outstanding job at encouraging their fellow students. This year we also incorporated noodle races for our junior students that increased participation levels and ensured everyone regardless of swimming capabilities was able to participate equally alongside their peers. A big thank you to Jacqui Kelly and Kellie Biddle who oversaw the organisation of the carnival as a lot of work goes into these days. Also, a special thank you to all of the teachers for your efforts in the management of this event. Carnivals would not be able to go ahead without your support. A massive thank you to Clayton Campbell for his entertainment on the microphone from the DJ tent.

The overall winning house went to Chattaway with Mackay, Forgan and Denniss close behind.

Points are as follows:

Congratulations to Dawson Harch for breaking the 41.58-second U18 Backstroke record with a time of 39.59 seconds.

Congratulations to the following students for receiving the Age Champion awards, these students are commended on their superb efforts exhibited over the carnival. Students were recognised on parade last week and will receive their awards at the annual sports awards night to be held later in the year.

Cross Country Carnival

The 2020 Cross Country Carnival will take a different format this year with the Competitive Event taking place on Wednesday the 1st of April (week 10) and a Fun Run style event going ahead in term 3.

Students who wish to run competitively in the hope to continue on to Mackay Trials were to nominate after parade on Wednesday just gone. If they were unable to do so, they are to see Miss Dick, Mr Blakey or Miss Forster in the HPE staffroom as soon as possible.

Distances will be as follows:

We look forward to seeing the fantastic efforts of our students. Get those shoes on and hit the road running!

PE Week

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

Next week is HPE week where students are encouraged to participate in house activities and get their bodies moving! A whole school parade will be an active parade in celebration of the week and house and sports captains will run fun events at lunchtime. Points will be awarded for participation and overall wins so please encourage your student to get involved and celebrate their health.

Interschool Competition

Rugby League’s interschool competition was cancelled this week due to weather however if weather permits both Rugby League and Netball will kick off next Wednesday 11th March. Please make sure all permission notes and medical forms are back before play starts.

Trial Information

The following trial paper work is available to be collected from the HPE staff room.

• GIRLS 15-16yrs Rugby Union 7s
• BOYS 10-12yrs Rugby League
• GIRLS 11-12yrs Rugby League

MDSS Trial Paperwork- School Process

Here at Mackay High, we encourage students to participate in trials for Mackay District School sport however, students and parents must be aware of the process in order to submit paperwork.

1. Students will be notified through daily notices when paperwork is available for a particular trial.
2. Students need to come to the HPE staffroom to collect their paperwork.
3. Paperwork needs to be filled out in its entirety.
4. Students are required to bring their completed paperwork into the HPE staffroom in order for the sports coordinator to sign off on it.
5. Only when that signature is on the paperwork can money then be paid to the office.
6. Students are required to make sure that this process is complete by 3pm on or before the due date.
7. On the day of the trial, it is the responsibility of the parent/ guardian to inform the school/attendance office of your student’s absence.

Paperwork will NOT be accepted after 3pm on the due date. This due date is clearly stated at the top of all paperwork. At no point should paperwork be sent directly to the manager or convenor of that sport as it must follow the official nomination process.

Capricornia Trial Paperwork Process

If your student is successful in getting into the Mackay District team for their chosen sport, they will receive the Capricornia paperwork on the day. Please follow all instructions on this paperwork as payment does NOT come to the school. Paperwork needs to be filled out and bought back to the HPE staffroom. The sports coordinator will sign off on the paperwork and have it sent to the team manager on behalf of the student.

Failure to comply with these processes will result in the students not being able to trial.

Staff Profile: Jordan Nixon

  1.   Your position / role(s) at MSHS – Physical Education, Science and Mathematics teacher
  2.   Nickname – How you obtained this if appropriate – Jord
  3.   How Long you have been employed at MSHS – I started at MSHS in 2019
  4.   Hobbies – Sport/Exercise and reading
  5.   Interests – Spending time with family
  6.   Favourite travel destination OR where you would like to travel - Europe

  7.   Highlight at MSHS – Getting to teach great kids and work with such great people
  8.   Passion in relation to MSHS / why you do what you do. My passion lies with educating students on how to live happy and healthy lives.
  9.   Favourite Quote: “You are allowed to be both a masterpiece and a work in progress simultaneously” – Sophia Bush

ACCESS CENTRE

All the action happening in ACCESS

WHAT is ACCESS? - Alternate and Cross Curricula Education Student Support

Staff Profile

I would like to officially welcome Jasmin Huxley into the ACCESS – Alternate Cross Curricular Education Student Services department. She is the new Learning Support Co-Ordinator for MSHS. She has 3 days in this role and 2 days as a Learning support teacher (mainly maths and science classes).

The learning support team will include – Jasmin Huxley, Kylie Walker (TA), LS teachers (dispersed throughout year levels), HOSES.

The “Learning Support Team” focuses on addressing the learning needs of students by:

• Ensuring that collaborative planning and programming occurs.
• Effective implementation of programs and strategies are in place.
• Develop Personalised Learning Support Plans that include progressive monitoring and record keeping.
• Available and appropriate school resources are being utilised, and that monitoring, assessment and reporting strategies have been developed.
• Select, implement and evaluate learning support resources.
• Communicate and liaise with the school community regarding referral and follow-up procedures.
• Review learning support strategies against current research and best practice models and programs.

HARMONY DAY – “EVERYBODY BELONGS”

Hi!

I’d like to introduce myself; my name is Anita Pritchard and I am the EALD (English as an Additional Language or Dialect) Liaison teacher at Mackay State High School. I have been a Visual Art teacher at Mackay High for 10 years now and am very passionate about the supporting our EALD students. My role as EALD Liaison is to provide support to students whether it be in the playground or in the classroom, as well as develop community relationships to assist our students feel at home in our school.

Attention: major part of my role is the organisation of Harmony Day. Harmony Day is an annual day of celebration that aims to encourage inclusiveness, respect and belonging for all Australians, regardless of cultural background, and celebrate the core Australian values. As in previous years the theme of Harmony day is “Everybody Belongs”. Mackay State High School will be participating in Harmony Day, celebrating three days earlier in Week 8, Wednesday March 18th at first break in Kakadu Central. There will be a range of entertainment and activities, as well as food stalls run by our year 12 Hospitality students. Students are encouraged to wear their traditional/cultural clothing during those first break celebrations. It will no doubt be an incredible day, so make sure you look out for photos on our Facebook page and next school newsletter.

Anita Pritchard
EALD Liaison
Visual Art Teacher

MATHS DEPARTMENT

ENGLISH DEPARTMENT

POSITION VACANT

YOUR HEALTH MATTERS

Ann-Maree Brightman
School Based Youth Health Nurse

BREAKFAST CLUB

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.

Kevin is the Breakfast club mascot. A big thanks to Dean from MSP Photography in Rockhampton. Kevin is enjoying his new home and bringing happiness to all the staff and students at Mackay State high school.

Kevin flew in to help celebrate World Compliment Day.

MACKAY STATE HIGH SCHOOL P & C

Attention: big Thank You to the new parents who came along to the first P & C meeting for the year. For those who don’t know, the P and C play a major role within our school community. We run the school tuckshop and uniform shop, profits from these shops provide well needed funds for different areas around the school. Recently, we provided our new electronic sign out the front of the school. We also helped with funding for a new PA system in the hall, annual blazers for our prefects and excursion assistance to just name a few.

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