26 August 2022

Newsletter Articles

PRINCIPAL’S REPORT

Dear Parents / Guardians / Caregivers,

Welcome to Week 7!

I wanted to start by saying thank you to the hundreds of families that entered our school gates for our Education and Career Pathways Day. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to talk to so many of you about your child’s progress at our school and what pathway opportunities are available for their future. Your feedback is invaluable to us and I wanted to thank you for taking a few moments to respond to our questionnaire, which will guide us in future planning.

In terms of the level of satisfaction with the Education & Career Planning Event:

95% of parents who completed the survey stated that the day “met or exceeded” their expectations.

We further asked for your feedback around the best communication styles and how we are travelling as a school in this regard. These were the results:

We will certainly be taking on board the comments that were written with this feedback and looking to strengthen our communication to you.

We also asked for Commendations and Recommendations on how our school can improve. I was overwhelmed with the commendations section and I thank you for taking the time to provide this feedback. The recommendations for improvement will form a major part of our Leadership Team discussion at our next planning day in Week 9.

This level of parental feedback is very appreciated.

Year 7/8 QAMT Maths Competition 2022

On Wednesday 17 August a large group of year 7 and 8 students completed the QAMT maths competition. Students worked collaboratively in teams of three and had to solve problems that involved “Estimation”, “Speed”, “Written Problems”, “Individual Short Answer” and “General Knowledge”

Of the 50 students that participated, there were 3 clear winning teams:

3rd Place: Team 3, Breath Canete, Roman Nikolic and Layne Woods

Equal first place

1st place: Teams 13 and 15, Kriel Soriano, Michelle Morgan, Peter Schatkowski and Kane Richmond-Jones, Connor Stewart, Amelia Tetley.

Congratulations to all place getters and well done to all teams for getting in and giving your best.

The nine place getters will now proceed to round two. This round will be hosted here at Mackay State High School and will welcome teams from other competing schools in our district. If our Mackay High teams are successful at this next level, they proceed to the state finals to be held later this year. We wish our finalists the best of luck at the next stage of competition.

Instrumental Music Eisteddfod Results

Our Mackay SHS concert band, symphonic band, string ensemble, percussion ensemble, and big band entered into Eisteddfod earlier this week. Many students also performed solo or in other ensembles outside of school and achieved great results.

• Our Symphonic Band was Highly Commended,
• String Ensemble received 3rd, and;
• Big Band received 2nd in their sections.

Our Big Band also received the most enjoyable performance in the middle/secondary schools instrumental groups sections over the two nights.

This is a great achievement we are all proud of. Congratulations to our amazing instrumental students and staff.

Assessment Period

As we move into Week 8, students in all year levels begin to work on assessment. Our Year 12 students are commencing a Mock External Exam period from the start of Week 9, whereby we will replicate the experience of external exams (that are scheduled to take place across Queensland in October). 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.

2023 Student Leadership Positions

Commencing next week, information will be given to your child regarding the process to apply for Student Leadership positions for 2023. Information packs have been prepared outlining the application and selection process. If you would like an application pack sent home to you, please do not hesitate in contacting the school office.

Finally, I would like to thank all of our families for the amazing support they offer our school each day. If you have any questions or concerns about the school and upcoming events, please do not hesitate to contact me frobe24@eq.edu.au

We Believe … We Achieve

Yours in Education

Felicity Roberts - Principal
#mackayhighpride

BOOK WEEK 2022

With the theme of “Dreaming with Eyes Open”, student and staff embraced Book Week. So much effort from everyone involved…. Well Done!!

QUEENSLAND HEALTH – VAPING

QLD Health have developed short information videos on the health effects of vaping.

AGRICULTURE

Year 10

Food and Fibre elective have been studying the wonderful world of "value-added" products. They have been looking at raw products and discovering (and eating!) how processing can make the product more valuable to consumers.

Year 12

Agricultural Practices have been learning about plant structure and function. They have been doing a great job and as you can see here, have been propagating dragon fruit cuttings!

SENIOR SCHOOL

Job Opportunities

HR Business Trainee -

Thiess Apprenticeship Program 2023 -

Did you attend our Careers Fair on ECP Day and speak to the team at UGL? If you did I would encourage you to apply.

UGL Mining and Power Generation are looking for their next future tradesmen! With Apprenticeships open in the fields of Boilermaker/Welding, Electrical and Mechanical Fitter/Turner Trades. These roles will be based in our HUGE workshop in Paget, working Monday to Friday with an early knockoff Friday!

We are seeking applications from a highly motivated, skilled and safety focused candidates with a passion for learning. Commit yourself to gaining the trade you have always wanted.

Workshop Apprentice’s -

Did you attend our Careers Fair on ECP Day and speak to the team at UGL? If you did I would encourage you to apply.

UGL Mining and Power Generation are looking for their next future tradesmen! With Apprenticeships open in the fields of Boilermaker/Welding, Electrical and Mechanical Fitter/Turner Trades. These roles will be based in our HUGE workshop in Paget, working Monday to Friday with an early knockoff Friday!

We are seeking applications from a highly motivated, skilled and safety focused candidates with a passion for learning. Commit yourself to gaining the trade you have always wanted.

Workshop Apprentice’s -

Mackay Regional Council

Mackay Regional Council would like to advise that they have a permanent position available for a suitable Year 12 student to join the Design Services team with Mackay Regional Council. It will soon be advertised for a commencement date in early January 2023. The position calls for an enthusiastic person wishing to commence a career in civil engineering through a supported four-year cadetship, willing to undertake an Associate degree in Civil Engineering with either USQ or CQU, while being supported in the workplace through a mentoring program. Council offers the following to the successful candidate being:

• Full-time permanent position situated within the Engineering Section of the MRC administration building Gordon Street Mackay.
• A career development program during the cadetship period
• A commencing yearly base salary of $55,012 with 5 weeks of annual leave.
• Half-yearly fully-paid reimbursement of university HEC fees
• Paid study leave and attendance at practical courses associated with the study program
• Latest release computer software and hardware used in the engineering industry

The person will require suitable school results to gain university enrolment in the course in particular pass marks in Advanced Mathematics, Physics and English.

Early School Leavers Survey

The Queensland Government is seeking the support of the school community for the annual survey of Year 10, 11 and 12 students who left school in 2021, before completing Year 12. This short, confidential survey collects information about what young people are doing the year after leaving school. The results of the survey help provide valuable information to improve services available to school leavers in the future.

Between August and September, these school leavers can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate.

Thank you for your support of Next Step post-school destination surveys in 2022.

For more information, visit the link below or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.

ENGLISH

My First Speech

The Department of the House of Representatives is running our ‘My First Speech’ competition for the first time since 2019, and we would appreciate your support in sharing the competition with schools in your membership base.

My First Speech is a competition that asks students in years 10 – 12 to imagine themselves as a new Member of Parliament, and deliver a speech about an issue in their local community. Students should record a 90 second video of themself delivering their speech, and submit this as their entry to the competition. The competition opens on 8th August and entries will close on 31st August. You can find out more about the competition, including how to submit an entry, linked below. We have also attached the information pack for the competition to this message.

The competition is judged by a panel of Members, and there will be a winner for each year group.

Each winner will win a trip to Canberra for themself and a guardian to visit Parliament House, meet with Members of Parliament, and deliver their speech in person.

MACKAY HIGH PRESENTS

UNEARTHED – MINECRAFT COMPETITION

Two Year Eight boys, Dominic Bath and Lincoln Smith, represented Mackay SHS in the Unearthed – Innovation Sports Minecraft Competition at the MECC on Sunday. The boys were set the challenge to design a flying station and then build it in Minecraft. As a team they had 5 minutes to plan their build, thirty minutes to build and then ten minutes to discuss and finalise their Station. Whilst the boys did not place in the competition, the judges commented on their resilience and team work. Well done Dominic and Lincoln, team Titan Builders!

MONADELPHOUS ENGINEERING EXCURSION

Thank you for organising the school students for the trip to Blackwater Mine Dragline 26. The students were wonderful and we found the day to be really successful and I hope they did also. They all turned up to ‘work’ at 5:15am so were all early! The Teacher Ron was fantastic and great with the students – he really made the day easier for everyone. Everyone was so well behaved, asked so many great questions, had lovely manners and it was truly a pleasure to show them an insight into the resource sector. We hope we can do this again for another group to offer them the same experience. Once again, thank you for organising the students and they were fantastic.

Katie O’Brien
HSEQ Advisor
Monadelphous Engineering Pty Ltd

QMEA – ORESOME MINDS CAMP

Earlier this Year in July, a group of 16 students from 12 QMEA schools across the state were wrapping up a site visit at the Mount Isa Mines complex as part of the QMEA's Oresome Minds Camp.

The cohort have taken a big step toward an exciting career in resources and energy by working on projects assigned to them by staff at Glencore Queensland Metals Working in teams of four, the students put their science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) skills to the test as they solved real-world, industry-related challenges and opportunities associated with geology, environmental compliance, mechanical engineering, and renewable energy

A huge thank you to QMEA sponsor, Glencore Queensland Metals for hosting the Oresome Minds and Oresome Trades camps and for guiding students over the six days, mentoring them as they prepared to present their innovative project solutions to a panel of representatives from Glencore management.

Creative Arts Academy

Rock Pop Mime

On Saturday 23rd July, a group of talented students participated in the Mackay Host Lions Club’s annual Rock Pop Mime. To say we were incredibly proud of our students, from their work ethic and commitment, to how they presented themselves both on and off the stage is an understatement. They represented Mackay State High School with pride. Although they may not have come away with a win, they all stepped off that stage feeling a sense of pride and achievement, having organised and choreographed the entire performance themselves. Having the freedom and opportunity to develop their own ideas and concepts, bringing them to life. Throughout this entire experience Rock Pop Mime has provided them the chance to be leaders and to develop solid relationships through teamwork and respect. Special mentions to both Miss Priya Barnes (Drama) and Miss Tea Vella (EALD English), who dedicated many hours through early morning rehearsals, lunch breaks and even public and school holidays to help support and guide these amazing students. We are looking forward to what 2023 brings!

Instrumental

Our Mackay High Bands recently participated in the Instrumental Music Eisteddfod.

Our Symphonic Band received a Highly Commended

Our String Ensemble received a 3rd place

Our Percussion Ensemble received a Highly Commended, and

Our Big Band received a 2nd in their respective sections.

Our Big Band was also recognised as the Most Enjoyable Performance, from the Middle and Secondary School sections.

Drama Excellence

Will be holding their Epic theatre performance called “Teen!” . The presentation will be in the school hall, in Week 9 – Friday September 9th, kicking off from 5pm. Let us show you the good the bad and the ugly of being a teenager. Tickets are FREE and the link to book tickets can be found on the Mackay State High School Facebook page. We would love to see many of you there.

“Meet the cast!

Meet more of our current Drama Excellence students as our upcoming performance approaches quickly:

1. What is your favourite memory from Drama Excellence?
   Nina: My favourite memory is seeing the entire performance slowly come together and all the parts fall into place.
   Tia: It would definitely be the school holiday rehearsals where Miss Barnes and Miss Luxford allowed us to be creative with our scenes and try out a range of different performance techniques.
   Stevie: Team building activities and getting to know other students.
2. How do you want the audience to feel after watching Teen!?
   Nina: I want them to feel an understanding towards teenagers and the major impacts that school, life and a range of things have on us.
   Tia: I want them to try and “get us” as sometimes our parents forget what it’s like to be a teenager.
   Stevie: I want the audience to have a better understanding of teenagers and our experiences.
3. What is your favourite memory from Drama Excellence?
   Laina: Getting to know students in the younger grades and developing new friendships.
   Jonte: Working with the younger grades, bringing them out of their shell and developing their confidence.
   Jenelli: Beating Miss Barnes in Ninja and making new friends.
4. What most excites you about performing Teen!?
   Laina: Getting to show the perspectives of teenagers and what we deal with.
   Jonte: Taking on challenging roles that are out of my comfort zone.
   Jenelli: I am excited to perform and showcase all the hard work and dedication we have put into this performance.
5. How does it feel to be completing your last school-based performance?
   Laina: I’m sad knowing I don’t get to perform with this fantastic group of people again.
   Jonte: Sad knowing that this is going to be my last big group performance. I have been performing with these people since year 7.
   Jenelli: Very emotional. It’s sad to know I won’t have the chance to perform with this group again as we are all following different pathways. It feels bittersweet.

There’s still time to get your tickets if you haven’t! Tickets are FREE so follow the link below to secure yours today:

Academic Academy

With Week 8 approaching we have our Year 5 and Year 6 Cadets attending. This visit they will be participating in Home Economic and ITD. Students will start to prepare soon for the STEM Fair that will be held in November.

SPORTING ACADEMIES

Rugby League Academy

This term we have had 2 teams travel to Townsville to play in the Aaron Payne Cup and Cowboys Challenge. Aaron Payne Cup consist of Year 11 & 12 students and Cowboys Challenge is made up of 9 & 10. APC team made it through to finals and were defeated by St Patricks College. The boys have been training hard and are currently with Mackay Cutters filming training sessions. We had a visit from Cowboys Cohen Hess, Mitch Dunn and Michael Luck thank to Mackay Toyota. Year 7/8 boys will be starting to look forward to the annual Sporting Academies Bundaberg trip. Girls Rugby League will start in Week 9 at Cutters. The senior Karyn Murphy Cup team travelled to Townsville on the 10th August for a quad series. The girls played hard and placed 3rd. We wish all the student’s good luck in club finals.

Netball Academy

Interschool Netball Term 2

A big thank-you to all of our players who played in our Interschool Netball Competition in 2022. We were able to field 6 teams this year with 2 of our sides making finals. Everyone had a gerat injury despite injury and illness making it hard to fill teams some weeks.

Thank-you to our coaches Miss Patterson, Miss O'Connell, Miss Nixon, Miss, Barons, Miss Cody-Davis , Miss Chyba and Miss Forster.

Vicki Wilson Cup

This year we took 11 players after fantastic commitment and dedication by all 11players across the training period. Lucky, we did take 11 players sickness and an injury to Jazmine's knee meaning we were back to 9 players. The girls lost to HSC in the early session meaning we had to play off to get into the GF. The girls played an awesome game in the semi, which ay have left them fatigued for the final A well fought game unfortunately losing to St Pats in the Final. The girls put an an amazing effort and I was super proud of everyone.

Training

Year 7-10
Monday’s 3-4pm
Year 11-12
Wednesday – Gym Session
Friday – Court Session
All Academy
Wednesday, week 8 at 7:15am.

Year 7/8

This term in the year 7/8 Netball academy classes we are working hard and concentrating on a number of different areas to improve various aspects of their netball abilities. We have decided to increase our practical lessons from 1 to 2 lessons a week to concentrate on more aspects of netball. Throughout the first part of the year we have been mostly concentrating on attacking skills and drills so this term we are changing it up and concentrating on defensive movement on the court. We are concentrating specifically on defensive footwork and one-on-one defence to try and get some intercepts.

I am already seeing a vast improvement in the girl’s fast footwork which is benefiting them when defending in game settings. We are also placing a larger focus on strength and conditioning in the gym to improve the girl’s strength and form in exercises. The final thing that the year 7/8 academy is fortunate enough to have this term is Janine Wood a MNA B graded Umpire coming in to teach our girls how to umpire correctly and effectively. Having Janine come in and teach the girls about umpiring is allowing the girls to learn the rules of netball more effectively and giving them the opportunity to learn a useful skill that we can continue to practice over the rest of their time in the Netball Academy. We would like to say a massive thank you to Janine for giving up her time to come in and impart her knowledge to the girls of our academy, it is highly appreciated.

Miss Nixon

Year 9/10

It has been fantastic to see on court and off court leadership develop among this group of emerging leaders and this term as we continue to develop these skills as the team undertakes the Netball Australia Foundation Coaching course.

Our on-court sessions this term focus on shooting techniques and centre pass attacks.

In our theory lessons our girls are learning how their musculoskeletal system works and are developing exercise plans. In our lessons we also engage in activities from The Resilience Project. Try this family activity - at the end of each day share three things you are grateful for.

Miss Cody- Davis

Seniors

Term 3 is a busy time for Senior with assessments being due, finals campaigns for club. Our focus is on rebuilding foundations in skills and strengthen the body in the gym. With many girls having extra commitments at this time of the year we find the happy balance to allow our girls to recover outside. Our senior girls are also planning their Fundraiser for the year as The Sports Bra Project. ‘The Sports Bra Project works to remove barriers to sports participation for women and girls around the world by providing new sports bras to organizations and programs operating in countries and communities where opportunities and access to sports is limited. The Senior girls have asked for all who would like to donate to add to the contribution to the project. Seniors are also working on building their key sessions for the all academy trainings.

Football Academy

Students are in the middle of Interschool Competition. The Senior Boys Football Academy team has gone through the Open School Boys Competition this term undefeated in the rounds. They play their semi-final Thursday 25th August against HSC after finishing 2nd in the rounds at City Brothers FC fields. Thanks to City Brothers FC for allowing the competition to be played at their fields. The mixed 7/8 team had a great first game against Mercy coming away with a win. This week we play Northern Beaches State High School at MSHS. Selected 7 & 8 students completed a Referee Course, this was held by Northern Beaches State High School. Morning training sessions have had a great turn out, this will continue for all grades until end of term.

Year 7/8 Bundaberg Tour

Reminder students that have received an expression of interest form for Year 7/8 Bundaberg Sports Tour, these are due back with deposit by 1st September.

Sports Awards

12th October 2022

Students have been asked if they have represented MDSS, CAP and/or State/National School sports on parade this week. A list of representatives will be posted to the HPE Noticeboard. Please get your student to check as invites will start being sent home over the next few weeks. If your students are not on the list please get them to see Miss Cody-Davis.

Swimming Carnival

ACCESS CENTRE

Senior students from the ACCESS Centre had an amazing experience today. Thanks to making Waves Foundation for giving our students this fantastic opportunity.

Making Waves Foundation aims to improve the lives of people through their sailing program by developing confidence and team skills, they help people with disabilities meet life’s challenges with determination and optimism.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Breakfast Club

Brekky is served each morning 8am to 8:40am

Monday to Thursday in the Hall Kitchen

Friday’s outside Clontarf

A huge Thankyou goes to Brumby’s Sydney Street for donating bread for the past 10 years to our Brekky club. Unfortunately with Brumby’s store closed indefinitely, we are looking at a business that can help us out with donations of bread to ensure our students get the most important meal of the day.

MACKAY STATE HIGH SCHOOL P & C

The next P & C Meeting will be held on 26th October at 6.00pm in the Admin building.

2022 Executive Committee
President – Joeffrey Agbayani
Vice President – Majella Hoffmann
Treasurer – Mel Hall
Secretary - Nichole Hood

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