10 December 2021

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

As I write the final newsletter for the year, I want to start by saying how truly proud I am of the students of this school and the many achievements that are worth celebrating.

Mackay State High’s School mission is “educational excellence and diverse pathways built on a culture of inclusion, high expectations and pride”. We have worked incredibly hard this year to drive the school in this direction, and despite the challenges, our students and staff have seen outstanding success – MACKAY HIGH PRIDE!

In 2021 we saw the inaugural Pride Cup launched and more than ever, our House system was strengthened. Denniss House, was not only crowned as the Swimming, Cross-Country and Athletics Carnival Champions, but their continued unity as a House saw them take out the first Pride Cup at Mackay SHS. A truly special moment for House Captain Emma Keeler and House Masters Mr. Pozza and Miss Nixon.

As a school we looked at ways that we could spotlight the creative talents of our students. We were proud to hit the stage in the Musical production Grease – a performance that brought together a group 39 performers and 8 back stage crew. An amazing performance and what an experience for those that got involved! As a school community, we were exceptionally proud of the talent on display. Planning immediately turned to 2022 and in collaboration with our P&C, we have spent much of this year planning to launch the school’s new Creative Arts Academy, recognizing the exceptional instrumental music, visual and performing arts students.

Wellbeing and inclusion were a focus, with many events bringing students and staff together. NAIDOC Week, National Day against Bullying, RUOK day and our World Kindness cluster schools parade highlighted the work of our Student Support Services Team. But it was our commitment as a school to get behind mental health advocacy that saw our school raise over $10,000 for the Black Dog Institute Mullets for Mental Health campaign. Many students rocked a mullet throughout term 3 to raise awareness for mental health with Miss Buteaux and Mrs Sleeman braving a cut to show support. A truly fantastic school community effort.

We continued to shine in academic and sporting areas. We won the Central QLD Region Chemistry Titration competition (placing 7th overall in the nation), were crowned Central QLD Region Chess Champions and continued to achieve outstanding Year 12 results, with 100% attaining a Queensland Certificate of Education. Our Senior girls dominated on the netball court this year winning the Mackay region Vicky Wilson Cup, before heading off to Brisbane to compete in the state championships. The momentum of our girls Rugby League Academy continued to grow and we saw outstanding success in our Football academy.

This is a truly amazing school and I continue to be awed by the talent of our students. I am so proud to be leading Mackay SHS as Principal.

Finally, I would like to thank and acknowledge the large number of dedicated and committed teachers and staff across the school who work tirelessly to enrich the lives of our young people and engage them in their learning. Without their passion and support, achieving success would be difficult. I know that they share my drive to continue to build Mackay SHS as a leader in education across Mackay.

We Believe … We Achieve

Yours in Education

Felicity Roberts - Principal
#mackayhighpride

BYOx Device

Got a new BYOx Device for school?

Mackay SHS ICT Services will be open from Monday 17 January to allow you to have your new BYOx device connected and set up for classes before school starts. Drop your device off on your way to do the shopping and collect it on the way home all set up and ready to go! Had a problem with your device over the holidays, staff will be on hand to help and answer all of your questions. Avoid the rush and have your device ready for the new school year. Opening hours 8.30 am to 3.00pm, Mon, Tues, Wed and Fri. (Closed on Thursday for training)

ANNUAL AWARDS NIGHT

The 17th November saw our Annual Awards Night, with the decision to move this school event to November we found a new home for the schools prestigious night of awards in Mackay Multisport Stadium.

We also announced the 2022 Student Leadership Team:

We would also like to Thank our valuable sponsors for the night, without your support nights like these wouldn’t be as successful… Thankyou

YEAR 12 GRADUATION

Another year has passed with another cohort of amazing students graduating our wonderful school. The day started with the class of 2021 roll call and cutting of the graduation cake followed by the whole school “clap out” such an emotional walk for all students and staff alike.

The Graduation ceremony was held at Mackay Multisport Stadium where students were farewelled by their Form Teachers, staff, fellow students and families.

Good Luck to All students, All the Best for your future endeavours

“You’re off to Great places.
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So get on your way!”
Dr Suess

YEAR 12 FORMAL

SPORTS CORNER

On Wednesday 20th October, MSHS hosted our annual Sports Awards celebrating an outstanding year of sporting success. We were fortunate enough to have past students Jack Fuller and Tom Dearden present awards to our students as well as NRL star Gavin Cooper in attendance who, along with Tom, sat down for a Q&A hosted by Mr Rowan Graham.

All levels of sport were recognised on the evening with many of our students receiving recognition for school, MDSS and Capricornia success. We also celebrated our age-group champions, inter-school teams, sporting academies and state sport athletes.

Whilst there were many awards given on the evening, showcasing the immense talent we have at our school, we would like to again congratulate our two major awards recipients; Addison Dee and Oscar Conlon-Filmer. Addison is our 2021 Junior Sports Person of the Year and Oscar our Senior Sports Person of the Year.

We also awarded Service medals to our graduating Year 12s for their years of commitment, dedication and leadership to our Sporting Academy programs since beginning at our school in Year 7. We wish them the very best for their futures.

Rugby League: Jesse Wallace, Jed Theiber and Zak Springer

Netball: Amity Bugeja

Football: Ryleigh Wotherspoon, Colby Threadgate, Angus McKenzie and Hayden Sturdy

Finally, we are very fortunate at our school with a lot of special people that play important roles with all our teams. We know that coaches and helpers don’t take on teams for the accolades but so that our students get every opportunity to enjoy and excel in any sport they choose.

Thank you to all of those for coaching, managing and refereeing our sporting teams in 2021.

STEM FAIR

With so many entrants it was a difficult task for the judges to choose a winner!

Thanks to the Judges- Toni Simmons Mackay Institute of Research and Innovation (MIRI)

Mackay Hospital and Health Service

Katie Finch Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority

Kylie Rogers Mackay City Council

Stephanie McBride former student and Joyce Olakolu 2020 DUX

ENGLISH

MATHS

ITALIAN

Now in its second year, the Mackay State High School Italian Speaking Competition gave students an opportunity to prepare and present an original speech in Italian. All submissions were of high quality, with students producing speeches that demonstrated an excellent production of spoken Italian. For their efforts students received a QBD bookshop voucher courtesy of competition sponsor, The Mackay and District Italian Association. Congratulations to Teisha Ballard, Sukhmanjeet Sim, Rafael De Luzon, Stephanie Smith and Ao Nishimura.

MACKAY STATE HIGH SCHOOL P & C

The P & C AGM followed by General meeting is on Monday 21st March 5pm.

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