6 June 2018

Newsletter Articles

Musical

Friday 25 and Saturday 26 May saw the students of St George SHS step out in style with their incredible production of Neil Gooding’s toe-tapping musical, ‘Back to the ‘80s’. The cast and crew performed marvellously throughout both nights and couldn’t contain their joy when they received a full standing ovation on Saturday night. Full credit goes to our musical cast, who worked tirelessly for months in order to get the production ready for the stage. As their director, the greatest experience throughout this entire endeavour was witnessing the way in which these students truly became a family. This musical could never have been as successful without the genuine support and care that the cast had for one-another. Whether it was helping each other with hair and make-up, the mass vocal warmups, or performing impromptu dance numbers to the 1984 hit Take On Me, the memories made in the past few months will doubtless stay in our minds for years to come. Needless to say, there were more than a few tears shed backstage on that final night.

It is a marvellous feeling to know that the list of people deserving of thanks for giving up their time and possessions in order to bring the ‘80s to life, is so numerous. To the parents, carers and relatives of our cast and crew; thank you for your unwavering support. It was wonderful to watch and hear your reactions during those final nights. The cast and crew were also fortunate to have such a magnificent audience cheering them on throughout both nights. The audience’s reactions to jokes, costume changes, and of course, musical numbers were beyond our expectations, and allowed these amazing kids to truly shine during their time in the spotlight.

I am truly grateful for being granted the opportunity to work with such amazing young adults. My only fear is never being able to listen to ‘80s music again without wishing it was sung by these students instead.

Lastly, I would like to thank the community of St George for receiving our musical in such a positive manner. The amount of compliments and lovely messages we have all received has been overwhelming. In closing, thank you for coming, thank you being so supportive, and thank you for giving these kids a chance to show you all how incredible they truly are.

Mr Christopher Rigney, Director

Comments from the Community

“It was fantastic”

“Some very talented students who excelled in this performance”

“The teachers who produced and directed the musical did a wonderful job”

“I attended the Musical on Friday night and want to pass on my sincere congratulations to all who were involved in "Back to the Eighties" in any way.

“It was a night of wonderful entertainment which showcased some amazing talent. The highlight for me though was the obvious enjoyment and enthusiasm shown by all on stage. This does not happen without great dedication and commitment, not only from those on stage but all involved in the production. It was a night that left me feeling happy, excited and wowed - St George State High School can be truly proud of this performance. To see the range of students; from the Year 7s to 12s, the mix of boys and girls involved, from a range of backgrounds and for Grace to steal the show on closing - all I can say is CONGRATULATIONS!!!!”

From the Principal

The school musical will be the highlight of the year. We have received many congratulations from the community. The students have grown in confidence, knowledge and life skills in ways that we will never be able to replicate in the classroom. Thank you to all who attended the performances. Thank you to all the staff and volunteers, who worked with our students, and lastly our teenagers, build on what you have learnt. Take that knowledge and those skills with you and use this experience as testimony that you can take on big challenges and deliver. Well done!

Congratulations and welcome to John Lofthouse who has won the position of Principal St George State High School. John is very experienced in the role of Principal and has lots of qualities that will value add to our school and the work that we are doing. John will start at the beginning of Term 3.

For me, I have enjoyed my role as Acting Principal and look forward to working with John. Thank you to Jenny Barkley who has worked with us this term. Jenny returns to Charters Towers and we wish her well.

Our students are achieving very well throughout our school, and are responding to our expert teaching by demonstrating their learning in many ways. Our students generally achieve to their best when parents, carers, grandparents and teachers take an active interest in what they (our students) are learning.

We all are the significant adults in a child’s life. It is important that we take a few minutes each and every day to genuinely enquire from our students, what they are learning and how they are travelling at school. Ask the questions:

“What did you learn today?”

“Who did you help today at school?”

Thank you to Donna Waters for her organisation of the careers expo. St George State High School’s purpose is to give students opportunities to have a choice of pathways of where to go from here at the end of Year 12.

Mr Rob Tuppack, Acting Principal

From HoD Senior Secondary

Although Term Two is 11 weeks long, every day counts. If your student has a medical appointment that must be during school time, make sure that you get a medical certificate to the school as your student returns. Students who are signing in late and out early for appointments are also asked to bring a medical certificate with them. All other non-essential appointments should be made for outside school hours.

Attendance is a major school priority as having a high attendance does help students with understanding classwork and assessments. The attendance for this Term is as follows:

As you can see the attendance is not going well this term as we require an attendance of at least 85% for post-compulsory schooling (Year 11 and 12).

A reminder for post-compulsory students 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, this includes drafts.
• 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

Uniform

Winter has finally struck St George and the temperature is starting to get into the single digits. Please take some time to check that your child has adequate warm clothing for the school day. As the days often warm up it is suggested that your child have layers they can remove throughout the day.

When checking this please make sure that the uniform meets the school Dress Code and Uniform Policy. If you are providing your child with a jumper, jacket or track pants that was NOT purchased from the P&C, please make sure that it meets the below criteria:

• No undergarments or logos should show outside or through the school uniform
• They must be solid colours of white, maroon or grey.

If your child is unable to wear an approved uniform item, please provide them with an explanatory note, including the expected time when you will be able to provide them with one. The school may be able to lend a jumper/jacket or track pants to your child, through the Wellbeing Centre, until it can be rectified.

Road Safety

It is important to remember that as our students are walking or riding, to and from school, that they are following road safety rules. It has been noticed that a number of students, on their way home, have been unsafe. Members of the community have noticed this, in particular, along Alfred Street and have expressed concern about the number of students walking in the middle of the road and crossing at the intersection in an unsafe manner. If your child walks or rides home please take some time to discuss road safety expectations.

Mr Chris Smith, HoD Junior Secondary

Courses and Careers Expo

The St George Careers & Courses Expo was held at the Skill Centre on 30 May. This expo was for everyone, students, school leavers, job seekers, parents and community.

Students from Year 8 through to Year 12 attended with their classes in 35-40 minute blocks and had the opportunity to discuss careers options with representatives from Golden West Apprentices, USQ, the Defence Force, Indigenous Youth Mobility Pathways, RATAP, MRAEL Group and local business such as St George Machinery Centre, Churches of Christ and Nick’s Fix It. Feedback from the students was that they enjoyed the expo and got a lot out of it and they also said the expo had given them something to think about in regards to their future career paths.

Donna Waters, Youth Support Coordinator/Transition Officer

Sciences @ St George SHS

Year 8

Students in Year 8 have been learning about sedimentary rocks and how fossils formulate. They also completed an investigation to determine if the crystal size of igneous rocks is dependent on cooling time.

Senior Sciences

Senior science students are very busy in the lab at the moment. All students have had to plan their own investigations, gather data and link it to other research. In Physics, sparks are flying as the budding scientists investigate electricity and/or heat. The chemists are focused on the Heats of Combustion of Organic Fuels.

Cells have been the focus in Biology. Students had to choose an aspect of cell function and determine how it is affected by a factor such as temperature, pH or salinity. Some investigations occurring in the class include;

• the effect of pH on the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide by the enzyme catalase.
• the effect of alcohol concentration on the cell membrane.
• the effect of salt concentration on the rate of diffusion.

Can't wait to see the final reports!

Mrs Karla Small

Home Economics

The current Year 8 Home Economics group have recently completed a fabric water bottle cooler as their sewing project for the term. In just 5 weeks, they learnt how to thread and use the sewing machine safely, apply decorative techniques and complete the cooler. They have done a commendable job. They are now applying their safety, hygiene and organisational skills in the kitchen, whipping up a batch of pikelets with their partners this week. Breakfast eggs, scones, pizza, mini quiches and their own designed creation are on the menu for the rest of the term.

Mrs Julie Worboys

Welcome to the Ag Plot

St George State High School has welcomed triplets to the Ag Plot. Three lambs were born Monday morning, the last one around 6am.

The ewe's ear-tag number is fifty - which is why we call her ‘Fifty’. The two males and one female are doing well and have a great set of lungs on them all ready.

These three are a welcome addition to our Poll Dorset stud with hopefully more to come over the next couple of weeks.

A competition will be announced today on parade to name Mum and Bub's and will run for a week or two.

The plan is to get students who name the lambs to have a photo taken with them.

Mrs Kylie Whitaker

Cultural Activities

Students attended a cultural education workshop around traditional artefacts with Tom Baker from Brewarrina.

Students were really engaged in learning about the different types of traditional hunting tools. After the session students learnt how to throw and catch a returning boomerang.

Kymberley Weatherall

P&C News

Musical

10kg of rice, 46kg of diced meat, 30 capsicums and 5kg onions made up the food served for Friday and Saturday nights of the musical. The nights were a massive success thanks to everyone's help. Thank you to the committed bar staff and kitchen helpers who gave up their time. I am so proud of everyone who made this fundraiser a success.

Tuckshop

Michelle has been very busy with catering fundraisers at the Skill Centre. I want to thank all teachers and parents who made and delivered home bake. A huge thank you to Michelle for going above and beyond to ensure each catering job runs smoothly. Bettina and I have been busy in the tuckshop stock taking and arranging the current uniforms that we have on hand. The reason for this is to make Michelle and Shelley's job of accessing the uniforms a lot easier.

Uniform committee

Term 3 will see more focus on revisiting the current uniforms. A formal committee will be formed with possible options worked on. Regular updates will be advised with any changes made hopefully in place for 2019 students.

South West Track and Field

The P&C have been asked and have accepted a massive catering job over two days - Thursday 6 and Friday 7 September. This will be up to 500 students representing their school in various sporting events. We will require many hands on deck for serving, cooking BBQ, home bake etc. Please keep these dates in mind and if you can spare some time this would be so appreciated. This would be a massive boost to the P&C funds.

Next Meeting

Our next meeting is Monday 18 June, starting at 6.30pm and held in the school library. If you cannot make it to us, the required phone number is 1800 931 210 and the teleconference code is 5154 668 981. Everyone is welcome.

Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support. This would not be made possible without you all.

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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