8 May 2020

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Dear Parents and Caregivers,

The Premier has announced that from Monday 11th May, 2020, students in Kindy, Prep, Year 1, Year 11 and Year 12 will be able to return to their school. Children of essential workers and vulnerable children will continue to be able to attend school for supervision. The decision to return Year 11 and 12 back to school is an important step in returning to our regular school routines and learning processes.

Students in years 7-10, however, will continue with the current home-based learning arrangements. If low COVID-19 transmission rates continue, students in Years 2-10 will be able to return to school on Monday 25th May. Confirmation of this step will be made by May 15. Our teachers will continue to deliver prepared lessons via OneNote and Blackboard Collaborate sessions during Week 4 and 5. It is important that we all follow the government guidelines and remind ourselves that this is only for a short term.

We recognise that some parents may choose to keep their child at home due to concerns around COVID-19 transmission, and this is respected. Your child will not be marked as being absent, rather that they will be learning from home. In these cases, parents and carers remain responsible for their children. If parents choose to do this, I ask that you notify the school to discuss how we can support your child to continue to learn from home.

To assist us in planning for transition of students back to school, I ask you to respond to the survey that was emailed home on TUESDAY 5th May. If you didn’t receive this survey, can you please contact the school and notify of your child’s intention to return to school or remain doing home based learning.

I would like to reassure families that we are continuing to maintain high standards of health and safety during this time, including additional cleaning of classrooms during break times, hand sanitisers placed in every classroom and toilet, teaching and reminding students of cough and sneeze etiquette, cancelling mass gatherings (such as assemblies) and restricting visitors to the school. It is essential that you keep your child home from school if they are unwell. In accordance with the Queensland Health Direction, parents or carers of any child showing signs of illness will be asked to collect them immediately from school.

I ask parents and carers to pay particular attention for the requirement of adults to maintain physical distancing of 1.5m at all times if you need to be on school grounds. Parents and carers should not gather in areas around the school and should make use stop, drop and go where possible.

The decision to return Kindy, Prep, Year 1, Year 11 and Year 12 back to school is an important next step towards returning to our regular school routines and I will continue to update you as soon as any new information becomes available.

Our staff have greatly appreciated all the positive feedback that has been provided to them over the past few weeks. My sincere thanks goes to all parents and carers for your support and understanding during these unprecedented times.

Please stay safe and continue to contact us on 49 579 179 with any questions or concerns.

Kindest regards

Mrs Felicity Roberts
Principal

STYMIE

BUSINESS MANAGER UPDATE

In Term 2 we have recently made some changes to some of our support services and operational departments regarding where they are located in our school that you should be made aware of.

The technology support department which had been located in P block has now moved to the Resource Centre/Library on the first floor of the administration building. Parents who wish to make contact with our Technology team for a whole range of reasons will now be put through to the Resource Centre.

Our attendance officer who is responsible for issuing late passes and who changes student attendance records, has subsequently moved into the previous office vacated by the Technology team in P block rather than from C7 where they were previously located. Year Level co-ordinators can now also be accessed from this space as well if you need to discuss your child attendance or in regards to uniforms and compliance.

Regards

Troy Twomey
Business Manager

UPDATED TEACHER EMAIL LIST

ATTENDANCE

Communication is the key. We have an email address for you to inform us if your child is going to be absent. Please email attendance@mackayshs.eq.edu.au to notify us of your child’s absence and any further details.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Mackay High now has a Youtube channel and our own Instagram page. So tell your friends and jump on Insta and like the page. We also have a Youtube channel while you are in home learning mode you will find weekly workouts from our PE guys as well as skills videos to keep you going. You will also find how to videos for online classes.

REMOTE LEARNING

AGRICULTURE

Our agriculture students continue to learn from home. Students have been learning about plant physiology and have been completing theory and practical lessons. We have been impressed by some of the drawings and diagrams that have been shared with us and look forward to getting our garden beds prepared and planted out when students return. The chickens are missing see the kids everyday.

Home Economics

The year 8 Home Economics students are showing they are not hindered by lack of access to the cooking side of the course. Each week we are emailing the recipe of the week along with their theory work. Some students have taken up the challenge to try the recipes out at home. Here is a photo of Marley’s attempt at Anzac biscuits, which I am sure you will agree look delectable!

Remote Area Teacher Education Program

ACCESS CENTRE

SCHOOL BASED YOUTH HEALTH NURSE

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything you’re hearing about coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) right now.

It’s also understandable if your children are feeling anxious, too. Children might find it difficult to understand what they are seeing online or on TV – or hearing from other people – so they can be particularly vulnerable to feelings of anxiety, stress and sadness. But having an open, supportive discussion with your children can help them understand, cope and even make a positive contribution for others.

CONGRATULATIONS

MACKAY STATE HIGH SCHOOL P & C

Mackay State High P and C has finally had their AGM. Sorry to those who missed it, we had to have it remotely/online. We still have positions to be filled. As a parent if you would like to help us out, we still need a secretary and assistant treasurer. If you would like to come on board can you please send an email to pandc@mackayshs.eq.edu.au or you can contact Toni-Maree Dodd P and C President on 0418186832.

New office bearers are:-

President- Toni-Maree Dodd
Vice President- Phil Hall
Treasurer- Mel Hall
Assistant Treasurer – Vacant
Secretary – Vacant
Minutes Secretary - Tanya Williams
Next P and C meeting is on Monday 25th May 6pm, we will advise the place at a later date.

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