23 May 2018

Newsletter Articles

BEEF WEEK

Students had a great time at Beef Week held in Rockhampton from 6 to 12 May. On Monday, in the Junior Parades Competition, Matilda Hoolihan placed in the top 10 in competition with over 120 participants. Matilda also impressed the judges who said she can expect a ribbon at the next Beef Week. On Wednesday, Max McGee and Rebecca Hoolihan had the opportunity to lead for Breffni Droughtmaster Stud and placed 4th in the Junior Heifer and Junior Bull respectively. Sophie Pike lead out the first bull for a large class of Junior Bulls. On Thursday, students had the opportunity to participate in interactive activities such as a virtual reality experience and understanding the science behind the GPS tracking system at Belmont Research Station. On Friday, in the Junior Judges Competition, Oscar McGee was chosen from over one hundred 12 year olds to speak about a line of Angus Heifers in front of a few thousand people.

It was a great week and an opportunity that only comes around every 3 years. A big thank you goes to Dave McCabe for passing on his knowledge and lending his cattle to the students for the week. Another big thank you goes to Nicky Hoolihan and Mr Chris Rigney for their assistance throughout the week.

Miss Alanna Ives, Teacher

From the Principal

Community Education Plan

The St George State High and Primary Schools are working closely together to align state schooling in St George. We are developing a visible seamless link of alignment, connection, support and collegiality between St George State Primary and High Schools. Our aim is to make a positive difference in our students. Our staff is engaged in shared staff meetings and there are regular visits by myself and Mrs Kostaschuk to each other’s schools. We have attended assemblies and visited classrooms at the primary and high schools. Teachers have shared ideas and students have shown their work with immense pride and excitement. Also, both schools have been working with the Darling Downs Indigenous Education Team and community to discuss a community education plan.

The purpose of the Community Education Plan is closing the gap in Indigenous educational outcomes by developing a collaborative plan around attendance, achievement, retention and transitions at a community level. The process consists of community and school members coming together in a yarning circle methodology to empower and enable discussions that guide the development of how we interact, connect and support each other.

Strength-based conversations between school staff and Indigenous parents and carers contribute to the wellbeing and learning of Indigenous children. Such conversations increase opportunities to engage parents and carers, as well as enhancing the likelihood of Indigenous students ‘succeeding’ at school. CEAP works towards creating a space that offers a process for these conversations.

BACK to 80’s School Musical

Our musical cast performed “Footloose” at the Primary School Assembly on Friday. It was great to see the positive interaction between both primary and high school students. The cast, backstage and technical crew have given up holidays, weekends and afternoons after school for rehearsals. Of course this would not be possible without the direction and support of Mr Rigney, Mrs Addison, Ms Batoon and Jasmin Tuppack. The musical is on this Friday and Saturday nights.

Beef Week

Congratulations to Matilda Hoolihan, Rebecca Hoolihan, Sophie Pike, Max McGee and Oscar McGee on your success at Beef Week. We are rebuilding our Agriculture Science Program. Thanks to Miss Alanna Ives, Mr Chris Rigney and parent Nicky Hoolihan in enabling our students to attend Beef Week.

Mobile Phones

Thank you to all of our community who shared their thoughts and preferences around the use of mobile phones at school. Two main themes arrived at were - no mobile phones or students having access to the mobile for education purposes. We are working on, where to from here and will keep you informed. We will continue to have community forums each term as we have recognised the importance of community consultation.

P&C

The P&C has been fundraising for the refurbishment of Reconciliation Grove. Thank you to Rochelle Ferguson, P&C President for coordinating, and the parents who have worked on or fundraised for this project. The staff would like to thank the P&C for providing afternoon tea for our staff meeting on Wednesday. It was greatly appreciated.

The focus of the staff meeting was the teaching of assessment literacy and the link between an A-E standard and marking criteria to students. This is because students need to know how to improve and where to go for help.

Thank you to Di Morris for organising our Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea on Friday. Thanks to local Queensland Cancer Council members, Margaret, Zenda, Rhonda, Monica and Desley and P&C President Rochelle Ferguson for joining us.

Mr Rob Tuppack, Acting Principal

From the Deputy Principal

Why is Attendance Important?

Approximately half a million students are enrolled in Queensland state schools and all students are expected to attend school every school day unless there is a reasonable excuse. While parents and caregivers are responsible for ensuring children attend school, Queensland state schools can play a role in helping maximise attendance and promoting benefits of regular school attendance.

Low school attendance is not good for students or schools. It has been linked with many negative outcomes for students. Persistent non-attendance requires additional resources to re-engage students in schooling and to catch up on missed learning. This can involve learning and student support staff, and interagency collaborations. Supporting students and families to deal with barriers to school attendance can be part of improving attendance. Schools can be most effective when they understand the needs of their students, contemporary research into school attendance and effective practices that help to maximise attendance.

Interviews with staff from Queensland state schools with improved attendance rates revealed that communicating the value of attendance to both the school community and the broader community is essential. Schools report that tracking and rapidly responding to non-attendance by individual students is central to making improvements, requiring both human resources and technological solutions. Assisting parents/caregivers to access relevant services and support also seems to be a common aspect in schools’ success in improving attendance.

Week 4 Attendance Results

Currently Year 9 has the highest attendance followed by the Year 12s.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s attendance, please contact the relevant Head of Department

NAPLAN

Week 5 was NAPLAN testing and our Year 7 and Year 9 students did an excellent job in applying themselves to the testing schedule. I saw their efforts on day 1 and was very impressed.

I would like to thank all staff who worked so hard to make the NAPLAN program, run so smoothly and congratulations to all students in Year 7 and Year 9 for their application to the test.

Schools will receive NAPLAN reports for their students from mid-August to September. The school will notify you, when the reports are being sent home.

Miss Jennifer Barkley, Acting Deputy Principal

From HoD Senior Secondary

Exam Block

Exam block begins Tuesday Week 10 (Tuesday 19 June – Friday 22 June). All Year 11 and 12 students will receive an information letter and copy of the timetable this week during year level parades. During exam block week, students will only attend school for the sessions in which they have exams/catch up sessions unless they are at risk of not completing their certificate courses or have any work outstanding. It is an expectation during this time that all Year 11 and 12 students are punctual for all scheduled exams and attend in their school uniform.

Term 2 Attendance to Date

As we are now in the peak of exams and assignments, it is as vital as ever for all senior students to attend every lesson, every day. Please avoid making medical, dental and other appointments for your children during school hours. Please do not allow your children to stay at home to complete assessment.

Regular school attendance has a positive impact on students' academic results and their social and emotional wellbeing. The current attendance for Term 2 is:

Year 12 students, remember to stay focused and aim for your best in all of your subjects. As this is your exit, you need to make sure you pass to bank your points from the past two years. Our goal is 100% QCE.

A reminder for Year 11 and 12 students that they are post-compulsory, and as such they have minimum standards to meet or they may have their enrolment cancelled. These minimum standards are:

• At least 85% attendance
• Assessment submitted by the due date
• Attend all exam sessions in block exams
• Reasonable attempt on all parts of assessment
• Participate in program of instruction

For any questions or concerns you may have regarding your Senior Secondary students please email me at daddi4@eq.edu.au or call 4620 8205.

Mrs Deborah Addison, HoD Senior Secondary

From HoD Junior Secondary

Attendance

Attendance continues to be a school priority as every day counts towards improving the learning outcomes for our students. The stated goal for all students is 95% attendance. Below are the current rates for Years 7 to 9:

Be Aware - 13 Reasons Season 2

Many of you may be aware that last year the Netflix show 13 Reasons Why was a talking point amongst many young people. Season 2 of the show was released on the streaming service last week.

Due to the global impact and difficult themes depicted in the first series, headspace, the National Youth Mental Health Foundation, is encouraging young Australians and their parents to be safe and informed before watching the show.

This show is rated MA for mature audiences (which means that show is not suitable for children under 15 year olds); it covers many issues including depression, sexual assault and suicide. If your child is struggling with mental health issues, this series may not be right for them or you may want to watch it with them.

If you do decide to allow your teen to watch the second season, here are some quick suggestions:

• Don’t binge watch it
• Talk to your teen about the issues raised after each episode
• Make sure they know where to go for help
• Connect your teenager to/with a support service if they are upset

The school and our Wellbeing staff will be available to support your child should you or they require assistance.

National 24/7 crisis phone services include Lifeline 13 11 14, Suicide Call-back Service 1300 659 467 and Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800.

Mr Chris Smith, HoD Junior Secondary

Musical Update

The St George SHS 2018 Musical, ‘Back to the ‘80s’, is now in the final days of preparation. If you have not purchased your tickets yet, don’t delay! $20 per adult, $15 seniors/students. Students have performed tasters on parade, both here and the State School. The excitement has been building, costumes have been created, props built and endless rehearsals have been attended by students and staff. Food options and a bar will be available on Friday and Saturday nights, for this we thank our hard-working P&C. Bookings have been consistent and we thank Betta Electrical for handling the bookings on behalf of the school.

Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea

Staff at St George SHS celebrated Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea last Friday with a delightful range of sweet and savoury treats. Each year members of the local Queensland Cancer Council are invited and this year we had Margaret Anderson, Zenda Kellock, Monica Webster, Rhonda Roll and Desley Buchan join us. Ben welcomed our visitors and thanked the staff for making the morning tea so successful again this year. Donations and funds raised from the competition “Guess which cup contains the tea” raised over $220. The winner was Miss Amy McKenna, congratulations Amy. We look forward to the ABMT in 2019 and assisting the local branch who in turn assist the locals.

Balonne Cross Country Trials

Friday 18 May, the Balonne Cross Country Trials were run at the beautiful Begonia State School. Four St George State High School students attended the event that consisted of a two and three kilometre track to accommodate the different age groups. Congratulations to Jasper Wilkinson who qualified on the day for the Balonne team. He will travel to Miles on 8 June along with Laith Webster, Sam Waters, Sarah Whitaker and Brad Schurmann to participate in the SW trials. Thank you to Mrs Goddard, Acting Principal at Begonia State School and her wonderful P&C and helpers for a great and challenging track and fantastic refreshments.

SHEARING DEMO at ST GEORGE SHS

St George State High School and Queensland Police continue to work in conjunction with Laurie Bateman to offer an insight to the industry of shearing with a shearing school. To add to the previous camp experience, selected students were invited down to the high school’s Ag plot on Monday morning to watch Laurie demonstrate crutching of the sheep and the shearing of the schools two angora goats. This gave the students a great deal of practical experience to add to their theoretical lessons. Lots of questions were asked and answered; it was wonderful to see all the students engaged in the activity. Thank you to Laurie for taking the time and travel to enrich the lives of our students.

P&C News

With the blink of an eye we are half way through Term 2, the year is going very quickly and life is getting busy.

Musical

The school musical “Back to the ‘80s” is almost here which is very exciting. The P&C will be selling hot food in noodle boxes for dinner at interval time and desserts later in the night. A bar will be in operation both nights. Thank you to all the wonderful parents, teachers and staff who have offered their time over these two nights.

Chappy Week

This week is Chappy Week. We value you, Simon and thank you for all the hard work you do for our students. Your dedication and passion for our students in your role is evident. We are very lucky to have Simon working at our school.

Gardens

The front garden is in progress so make sure you look in next time you drive past. In Week 11, Joy and various students will vanish and paint the Reconciliation Grove. Thank you to Nicole Proud from Nik's nursery for her time and donation of fertiliser.

Help required

We require home bake for a catering event to be held at the Skill Centre. If you can help, please take this to Michelle at the Tuckshop on Tuesday morning 5th June.

Mobile Phones

Last Tuesday night we had an extremely impressive attendance at the ‘mobile phones in school’ discussion. Thank you very much to all teachers, parents and community members who attended. The feedback was excellent.

Thank you to all who attended the P&C meeting on Monday night. The mobile phone discussion continued with Acting Deputy Jenny Barkley speaking on behalf of Rob Tuppack in his absence. Whilst this process will take some time, the steps forward to making a decision are going ahead. The input from the student council and community members will be collated over the next few weeks. All feedback received will be presented to the P&C at the next meeting - Monday 18th June. We are all working very hard to ensure that the best decision is made for students and teachers but unfortunately this is a time issue. At all times we will keep everyone up to date with the progress of any policy/procedure changes.

Paul Kelly Concert Fundraising

Paul Kelly and Friends concert is on in Dirranbandi on Saturday 2 June. The P&C are scanning arm bands between 3pm to 5pm. If you are able to help please don't hesitate to contact myself on 0419798352 or nickelle@bigpond.com.

Remember working together is more rewarding and productive than working against others or by yourself. Thank you all for your ongoing support.

Warm regards,
Rochelle Ferguson, P&C President

Say Cheez P&C Fundraiser

The Agricultural Skills and Technology Experience

Ride It, Drive It, Grow It, Taste It – explore a career in agriculture and rural industries.

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