25 July 2018

Newsletter Articles

NAIDOC Celebrations

“Because of Her, We Can”

The 2018 NAIDOC celebrations at St George SHS were enjoyed by students, staff and community members during the last week of Term 2.

The theme “Because of Her, We Can” was embraced by all as we saw the NAIDOC committee with CEC Aunty Joy share with all the school. Special mention goes to Adam Parkes, Lockie Pollock and Acting Principal Mr Tuppack who spoke at the assembly about Indigenous culture and the importance of women in our society who are role models to us all.

Students and staff were able to decorate a wall in the Daymar building with names of women in their lives and community who inspired them daily.

The rain saw the ceremony move indoors but didn’t dampen the celebrations. A morning tea was held in the Health & Wellbeing Hub followed by a BBQ. All visitors and community members thoroughly enjoyed the day.

The community NAIDOC awards saw the following students from our school receive awards:

• Addison Cordrey received the Senior High School student 2018
• Kyla Dahlstrom received the Female Junior Sportsperson
• Lockie Pollock received the Male Junior Sportsman and Junior Apprentice 2018
• Grace Waters received the Junior High School Student

From the Principal

Welcome to Term 3 at St George State High School. I am very excited about the possibilities and potential in this great school and I am looking forward to being part of that.

My background: My wife, Sharon, and I have three children, all grown and left the ‘nest’. One is an engineer in the Airforce, (following a school-based apprenticeship in Fitting and Turning), my second is a beginning teacher at a high school in North Queensland and the third is an aged care nurse in Goondiwindi.

My education background is in Manual Arts and Graphics, although before that I was a Patternmaker by trade, followed by a few years on Seismic crews in the far west of Queensland. I started teaching in Collinsville where I met Sharon, we then moved to Thursday Island in Torres Strait, two of our children were born there. After seven years up there we moved to Nanango State High where I have worked as Manual Arts Subject Master/HOD, then for the last 12 years or so as Deputy Principal while my children went through school and their post school training.

Sharon works with Queensland Health in Toowoomba as a leader of what is known as the Cunningham Centre, which runs training for the Hospital and Health service there.

I was in the school in the last week of Term 2 and met many students and staff; this was a great opportunity for me. I met with Rochelle Ferguson, the P&C President, with Ronnie, the Principal of the State Primary School and I see great opportunities for both schools and P&Cs to work closely together in the future. It was lovely to meet community members in the school for the NAIDOC celebrations as well. Most importantly, walking in to classes and seeing how teachers and students work together was a great opportunity for me to gain an understanding of the school.

I hope you have all had a lovely break and are rested and energised for Term 3.

Mr John Lofthouse, Principal

From HoD Senior Secondary

I warmly welcome back all the students for Term 3. Term Three is a crucial term for our Senior Students with many events that are both exciting and challenging for senior students. I encourage all students to put in their best effort for Semester 2.

OP Students

OP eligible students will complete a practice QCS test on 24 and 25 of this month. They will also have a meeting to discuss their learning journey so far and how they can continue to improve during Week 3 and 4. OP predictions will be provided to students during these meetings. This term Year 12 OP eligible students will sit the Queensland Core Skills (QCS) test on Tuesday 4 and Wednesday 5 September.

Tertiary Tour

The Tertiary Tour will be from the Tuesday 18 September to Saturday 22 September. I am currently waiting on student expressions of interest before finalising the schedule. This year the Tertiary Tour will be open to Year 10, 11 and 12 students. I want the students to have plenty of valuable experiences during this tour.

Year 12 Formal 2017

The school formal will be held on Wednesday 14 November at the Cultural Centre. A formal committee has been formed which comprises of staff and students. The committee has some exciting ideas for the formal and has begun planning the event. Part of gaining an invite to the formal is that students meet the following:

• 85% attendance
• Assessment submitted
• Fees paid in full
• Text books returned at the end of Term 4.

There will be a letter explaining more about formal in the coming weeks.

Leadership Camp

As there are such small numbers of the Year 11 cohort we are looking at combining leadership camp for both Year 11 and Year 10 students. This may be a change as in the future as we will be looking at sending the Year 10 cohort to Leadership camp as the new senior subjects require students to have less time out of class.

Attendance

A reminder for post-compulsory students that 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

Welcome back! I have been Acting Deputy Principal for the first fortnight of Term 3. This has been an exciting opportunity to work in a different capacity and learn some new skills. I will return to Head of Department Junior Secondary at the start of Week 3.

Importance of getting to class on time

Starting next week, the school will be focusing on making sure students are getting to class on time and are engaged in learning experiences.

It is expected that all students are to be lined up at their assigned classroom by the Start of Class Bell. To assist student to get to class on time, a Warning Bell is rung 5 minutes before the expected start of class is scheduled. These bell times are clearly published and are very routine.

A tone will be rung over the PA system to notify staff and students after 10 minutes of class commencing. All students not in class at this point will be considered out of class without permission.

If a student is repeatedly late to class, consequences will be applied, this may include suspension.

Out of Class

If a student is out of class or away from their scheduled class they are required to be issued a Pink Slip from their class teacher or supervising adult. A student will be considered out of class without permission if they do not have a Pink Slip or a Go-To Card. If a student is out of class without permission, consequences will be applied, this may include suspension.

Uniform

Parents and students are reminded that the school uniform is required to be worn each and every day. There are a lot of coloured jumpers that are being worn that are inappropriate. School jumpers are available at the tuckshop.

Mr Chris Smith, HoD Junior Secondary

SCHOOL OPINION SURVEYS

The annual suite of School Opinion Surveys will be conducted 30 July to 24 August 2018. All families, school staff and a random sample of students will be invited to participate. We encourage you to take this opportunity to have your say about what this school does well, and how this school can improve.

Access details for the Parent/Caregiver Survey will be posted home with students next week. The survey can be completed via computers, tablets or smart phones with internet connection.

Survey queries can be directed to Mr John Lofthouse or Di Morris on telephone 4620 8222 or email admin@stgeorgeshs.eq.edu.au

Senior Chemistry

Senior Chemistry students have been creating esters today. In chemistry, an ester is formed when a carboxylic acid reacts with an alcohol. Esters often have a sweet fruity odour.

Some of the esters that the students made smelt like raspberry, banana, orange and deep heat.

Mrs Karen McKechnie

Catchment Management Report

On Tuesday 26 June, students in Year 11/12 Geography went on an excursion to the Balonne River. We walked to the river to carry out water testing and general observations of the river to gather data for our Catchment Management report. Students tested pH levels of the river, observed the natural environment (including observing wildlife in and around the river) and took sketches of the area. It was a great excursion and a fun way to end the term.

Miss Ellie Keim

Home Economics

This week the class was reviewing current food trends and taste testing some new products available in town. Our new principal Mr Lofthouse joined us to share some food and meet the students.

We compared fresh vegetable minestrone with pea, bean & lentil soup mix made in the crockpot with some commercial variations and ate this with brioche buns – tipped as the replacement for bread rolls. We also sampled sandwich thins – a bit like old style sao biscuits and rice crackers with beetroot & spinach for a more nutritious snack with dips. Pulse pasta, made from peas, beans & lentils, was tasty as was the honey chicken with rice & quinoa or rice & chia. The students bravely sampled kombucha & sauerkraut – both fermented products said to improve levels of healthy gut bacteria and aloe vera juice. The favourites though were a variety of quick & delicious cake in a mug desserts as well as baked doughnuts and a variety of high protein bars and bliss balls which are on trend as healthy & satisfying snacks. It was a delicious end to our food studies before we begin on a sewing unit in Term 3.

Leichhardt 2018 Athletics Carnival winners

The Athletics Carnival held on Friday July 20, 2018 at St George State High School was a great day enjoyed by students, staff and parents alike. The day started off with students cheering and showing their utmost enthusiasm for their team mates while they competed in field events such as Shot Put, Long Jump, Triple Jump, Javelin and Discus as well as other track events. Across the day we witnessed incredible displays of 80’s outfits from various students with a special mention going to Jo Dee O’Toole and Grace Woodrow for winning Mitchell the best dressed prize. Leichhardt House was the cleanest house area and took home an extra 50 points. The sportsmanship award goes to all of the seniors for their participation and encouragement on the day and Grant Cubby for his helpfulness on the day. Students from all age groups demonstrated outstanding team and school spirit as they supported each other in the day’s closing relay events.

Brad Schurmann matched the record for high jump at 1.81m. He attempted 1.82m, didn’t make it, but now shares the record with past student B Wilson.

The overall points for the day were Leichardt 940 points, Nixon 735 and Mitchell 722 points.

The Age Champions on the day were:

Miss Alanna Ives

Pierre de Coubertin Award presented

Reeghyn Beardmore was presented the Pierre de Coubertin award on Saturday July 14 and an Olympic pin by his Excellency Paul de Jersey and Gymnastic Olympian Barry Cheales. The award acknowledges that Reeghyn’s values are consistent with the Olympic Movement through participation, commitment and representation in sport. There were 216 award recipients from across the state that was acknowledged through this prestigious award. Congratulations Reeghyn.

Miss Alanna Ives

Helping the homeless

In the last week of Semester One, Mrs Worboys and her Year 8 Home Economics students made and sold mini quiches and hot drinks as their final cooking venture. All proceeds were donated to the Salvation Army’s Winter Appeal to assist homeless people and others who are struggling through the cold winter months. Thanks to students for their help with this task.

Mrs Julie Worboys

New look Zingers out in Term 3!

The Zinger process has been a reward system where students who demonstrate the school values of Be Respectful, Be Prepared, Be Safe, Be Responsible receive a “Zinger”.

The Zingers are then banked and can be used to redeem prizes from the Zinger menu.

Beginning in Term 3, Zingers will have a new look and will be a school based currency. Students will then have the opportunity to receive Zinger currency which will give students real life practice at banking and purchasing items.

The aim of the new look Zingers is for students to be able to receive Zingers, and prizes, much more quickly and continue on the great path of demonstrating school values.

Joel Thompson Visit

Joel Thompson, a current NRL player with Manly Sea Eagles, visited St George SHS Year 7 and Year 8 students on Friday 22 June. Joel has represented NSW Country and The Indigenous Allstars and runs a program called ‘The Mindset’.

Joel’s talk was very inspiring to our students; he spoke about where he is from, his family, his culture, his fails and what it took for him to succeed in life. Joel also spoke about the importance of dedication and commitment to his sports, training, family and schooling.

Joel told his personal story and how tough his childhood was. Through all the adversity, challenges and hardship, Joel set goals and demonstrated resilience to be where he is today. He inspired the students with his personal story and gave them tools and strategies to use in everyday life, to cope when times get hard. Joel spoke about the choices in life, surrounding yourself with good people, not being scared of change or challenging yourself. He also spoke of the importance of having someone to talk to, working hard, having positive influences and to break the cycle.

Joel also ran his workshop at the State School and also visited St Pats Athletics carnival, Care Balonne, the Men’s Group and attended State School Trivia Night.

Joel’s visit was funded by the Care Balonne Association, his travel was funded by Goondir Health Services and organised by St George State School and Care Balonne Association.

Vicki Wilson Netball

On Sunday 24 June, the St George State High School had two teams travel to Roma to compete in the regional schools Vicki Wilson Cup and Shield competition, the Open side and the Under 15s. Our Open team did a great job playing full games against Roma State College and Roma St Johns with limited players, unfortunately our Open girls lost both games.

Our very own Under 15s went through the competition undefeated, beating Roma State College, Roma St Johns, Chinchilla and Injune/ Wallumbilla. St George State High School has not won this competition in four years. Well done to all girls who travelled, you all played exceptionally well. Also a big thank-you to all the parents/guardians and grandparents who travelled to cheer our girls on, your support was much appreciated.

Miss Kym Weatherall

Big things are happening in the Ag Plot!

Over the last couple of months the Ag Plot has seen some exciting changes and additions. We now have 12 Poll Dorset lambs with a few more lambs due in August. Our poultry family has gained in numbers as well. A dozen chooks were bought locally and a bantam family has kindly been donated by the Ferguson family. Brodie Ferguson breeds chooks. He has donated a rooster and 4 hens to the St George SHS Ag plot. They will be in great hands with Lennie looking after them.

Nikita Marsh and Kate Southern won the lamb naming competition. Eli and Edwina were the names chosen by the girls and Elliott was named by the members of the St George SHS Show Teams.

The St George State High School Agricultural Department has also been approved as a level 7 Biosecurity farm. This came to fruition by putting in place a number of protocols and plans. This level will allow us to show cattle at the Ekka and other agricultural shows.

This term a new group of Year 8 students will be carrying on from last term with the vegie patch in full swing as well as feeding the lambs, sheep, cattle and chooks.

Year 9 students are designing chicken coops and learning about the health and welfare of animals.

Year 10s are learning about genetics and breeding which will come in handy with all the lambs running around.

While our three groups of senior students will be learning about different things:

• Agricultural Science students will be working on farm planning which will include surveying the Ag Plot. We are looking forward to the storm of ideas they will come up with to help improve our farm.
• Agricultural Practice students will be learning about Agri Business and participating in various animal husbandry activities around the Ag Plot.
• Agricultural Certificate students will continue with their competencies that will follow on from branding last term to fencing the quarantine paddock and building a multi-compartmental compost bin this term.

In addition to curriculum activities, our show team have given up their lunch hours to prepare the ewes and rams for showing at the EKKA in August.

All in all, the Ag Plot has been a hive of activity over the last couple of months. Congratulations to Miss Teffer, Miss Ives and Lenny on all the interesting and exciting things that are continuing to happen in AG.

Beef Week GPS Tracking System Prize

At Beef Week this year, Matilda Hoolihan won a GPS tracking system by stating that she would use the GPS tracking system to determine ‘If an animal has lost condition or picked up disease or sickness.’ Dr Amy Cosby (senior research officer) selected Matilda’s answer amongst many others. Congratulations Matilda.

Creative Generation 2018

What an amazing opportunity for four St George State High School girls! Chelsea, Skye, Grace and Christina were selected as dancers in the Regional Mass Dance and performed at the Creative Generation State Schools Onstage production in Brisbane. Alongside 1800 other talented students from 102 other state schools in Queensland, the students performed in four professional shows on Friday July 13 and Saturday July 14. The girls spent months leading up to the performances rehearsing and learning their dances from online videos. These dedicated girls also spent a week of their school holidays to participate in full dress and technical rehearsals in Brisbane. The girls had a lot of fun and should be very proud of their exemplary effort and dedication to dance. The Creative Generation production will be broadcasted on October 27 on Channel 10 at 1.30pm. A huge thank you must go to Angie Gorry for her assistance and organisation.

In conversations with the girls there were many highlights of the experience, but these were the ones that stood out the most:

Skye said, “Making new friends and meeting new people.”

Christina said, “The dance Mowtown medley and the big arena we performed on. I definitely want to come back next year!”

Chelsea said, “The amount of people here passionate about performing arts, and I have found lots of nice people and lots of blondes.”

Grace said, “The experience of being in a major production.”

Miss Alanna Ives

P&C News

Welcome

Welcome to students, parents and staff to Term 3. I hope everyone had an enjoyable and restful holiday and are ready for a busy but exciting 10 weeks ahead.

I warmly welcome to St George SHS to our new principal, John Lofthouse. We are thrilled to have John as our permanent principal and look forward to getting to know you and you being involved with our wonderful P&C.

Thank you

To all the wonderful and selfless parents, carers, teachers and students who gave their time to ensure the canteen was a success at the sports carnival, I thank you. This was an enjoyable and profitable day that was run well with everyone's support.

Thank you so much to those who contributed homebake for our recent catering job. Michelle could not have done this without your support.

Southwest Track & Field

On Thursday 6 and Friday 7 September, the P&C will cater for the SW Track and Field event. This is a two day event involving approximately 300 people. All or any hands on deck would be appreciated! Please touch base with myself if you can give your time and/or homebake.

Our next P&C meeting is scheduled for Monday 20 August starting at 6.30pm in the school library. There is a teleconference option if you cannot make it to us.

Thank you for your support.

Rochelle Ferguson, P&C President

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