8 August 2018

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

It is hard to believe that as I sit to write this update, three weeks of Term 3 have already flown by.

For all students, Term 3 is seen as the most important of the year. It is in this term, that students can consolidate on good work and results achieved in Semester 1, or reflect on opportunities missed in Semester 1 and apply themselves to ensure that they succeed and achieve the goals they have set for themselves. Any improvement in effort and application over this time will set students up for success at the end of the year. For our Year 12 students who are in their last semester of schooling, this is particularly important. Increasing their resolve at this stage CAN make a difference to their outcomes at the end.

Senior students underwent their Queensland Core Skills (QCS) practice test in Week 2. The test was administered over 2 days and is a vital part of preparing the students for the rigours of official testing which is in Week 8 (4 and 5 September). Thanks to Mrs Addison for her great work organising this.

On Friday Week 1 this term, I experienced my first St George State High athletics carnival. A couple of things about this carnival really stood out for me, and having been to many carnivals over the years, these things really did stand out. First was the level of parent support on the day. Not only the amazing efforts by many parents from the P&C who worked tirelessly all day in the canteen keeping hungry mouths fed, but the number of parents/family members who were there just to support and encourage their children on the day. It was lovely to see this level of parent involvement and great to see the students enjoying it too. The other was just the level of participation and effort by the students of the school. I am sure there were very few students who were at the carnival on the day who did not participate for ‘house points’ and there were many students who went in many events. Wonderful participation!

Students out of Class

A very positive response to this initiative has seen a great reduction in students being out of class throughout the day. It is clear that, similar to the ‘Everyday Counts’ campaign, which is about coming to school, actually being in class and doing their work is a key to student success.

Staffing

I would like to formally welcome Mr Nick Hutchinson who began as Acting Deputy Principal in Week 3. Nick brings a wealth of experience from schools across Queensland to this important role. Mr Luke Basile and Ms Kaila Wallace are new teachers who have also joined our staff this term. We warmly welcome these people to the St George State High School Community, and I am confident that they will enjoy their time in St George and at St George State High School.

Mr John Lofthouse, Principal

From Deputy Principal

It is with great pleasure that I take on the role of Acting Deputy Principal at St George State High School for Term 3. I have been a Guidance Officer in Cunnamulla and Dalby over the last few years and have really enjoyed working in the west. Having only ever driven through St George on my way to Cunnamulla, I am happy to now have the opportunity to experience what this town and community is like. My spare time is taken up with motorbike riding, playing music and renovations so I am hoping to get in some rides out here in the near future. I also enjoy travelling, having just returned from an amazing trip with my father to visit my brother and his family in Munich, Germany.

Each school is a unique environment that provides opportunities for students to feel safe and succeed. The staff and students of St George State High School have been extremely welcoming and helpful and I am very much looking forward to working with the community and school to develop positive outcomes for our students and staff.

Mr Nick Hutchinson, Acting Deputy Principal

From HoD Senior Secondary

The year really is flying past. Term 3 is full for Year 10, 11 and 12 students. Welcome back to the students for Term 3, this is a crucial term for our Senior Students with many events that are both enjoyable and challenging. I encourage all students to put in their best effort for Semester 2.

OP Students

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 is happening 18-22 September and notes have gone home to interested students. There is a deposit due by the end of the month. This will be an exciting trip as the Brisbane Festival is on and students will get to explore Southbank markets, the Mirror Maze at the Treasury Casino and much more. They will also visit QUT, UQ, USQ, Griffith, USC, ACU and Southbank TAFE. These will be valuable experiences for our students.

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 10 students. This may be a permanent 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, 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.

Year 10 SET Plan Interviews

Senior Education and Training Plans – these are meetings for all Year 10s and their parent or guardians to discuss subjects and pathways into Year 11 and 12. They are on Thursday 30 August from 8am to 4.30pm and are for 30 minutes.

Please book online at the link below:

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

YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE

Year 10 Work Experience takes place in Week 10 of this term, 17-21 September. During this week all Year 10 students will be attending a full week of work at a work place. This is a fantastic opportunity for the students to get a real life taste of a job they may look at turning into a career and help them to decide on which subjects to choose in Years 11 and 12 that may assist in their future pathway. It may even develop into the possibility of participating in a school-based traineeship during their senior schooling.

Forms were given out to students last week and they need to be returned to the office ASAP. The earlier the form is returned the better the chance of students getting their first request.

Mrs Donna Waters, Youth Support Coordinator

QLD FIRE SERVICE VISIT

Year 11 students had a presentation from the Queensland Fire Service. This was a very relevant topic for these students as they move into the world of driving on our roads.

Students heard about how dangerous driving, driving under the influence, and speeding are just a few of the factors to remember when behind the wheel.

Students were encouraged to consider their choices and consequences before they even step into a vehicle, whether as a passenger or driver.

Thank you to Ian Barnden, Michael Coombes, and Bradley Davie from QFS for their time today.

DENTAL VAN VISITING

As you know, all forms have been issued and handed out to each student from Year 7 to Year 10. Forms must be returned to the office ASAP. Any student who is eligible and who has not received a form, please collect one from the Dental Van or the front office.

This service is a school-based service, so if a child misses coming to the van whilst it is in the school, the only appointments that will be available when we leave will be for emergencies.

Thank you for your assistance.

Jan Dimond, Oral Health Therapist

SHOW TEAM NEWS

Eight students, along with Ag assistant, Lenny Cott, have been preparing for EKKA in Brisbane. The students have been working hard during their lunch times over the past few months brushing, feeding and preparing the animals. Students have been practicing junior judging and handling the animals in preparation for the show.

To support the students to attend the show, there have been many kind donations from businesses around the Balonne area. Nick’s Fix It checked over the school’s trailer to ensure it was in working condition and donated $300 to support the students. O’Brien Toyota donated two $50 vouchers, Riverina and Landmark St George donated Riverina sheep nuts and corn which has been fed to the sheep in preparation and Golders has provided the uniforms and embroidery for the Show Team to wear at the EKKA. All of the students are very appreciative of the support from the businesses and are excited for next week!

SCHOOL OPINION SURVEYS

Parent/Caregivers, school staff and a random sample of students are encouraged to have their say in this year’s School Opinion Surveys by providing their opinions about what this school does well and how this school can improve. Each of the online surveys will be open until Friday 24 August 2018.

Access details for the Parent/Caregiver Survey have been posted home on Monday 30 July. The survey can be completed via computers, tablets or smart phones with internet connection.

If you have not received any survey access details by the end of this week, please contact Di Morris on telephone 4620 8222 or email admin@stgeorgeshs.eq.edu.au.

U15 SW TOUCH

Rhyley Petfield, Paige Clark and Nate Davis travelled to Townsville on August 2 to August 5 to play in the Touch Football State Championships.

The U15 year boys won 2 games against Peninsula and Wide Bay and tied 1 game against the Presidents Team. The U15 year girls had a great experience of meeting other players and gaining knowledge and skills from the tournament. A great carnival was had by all.

Mr Leadbetter was the coach for the U15 girls and travelled with the team to Townsville.

NAIDOC AWARD WINNERS AND NOMINEES

The NAIDOC Awards and Nominee Certificates were presented on parade on Wednesday 8 August by Community Education Counsellor, Joy Weatherall. Congratulations to Grace Waters, who was awarded the Indigenous High School Student Award and Lockie Pollock, who received the Indigenous Junior Apprentice/Trainee and Indigenous Male Junior Sportsperson. Lockie will receive his trophies on Year Level Parade on Thursday as he attends the workplace on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Student nominees from the high school who received certificates were Nate Davis, Haley Moloney, Adam Parkes, Ellsy Rudd and Samuel Waters. Congratulations to these students for their recognition.

P&C News

Many thanks to everyone who took time out of their busy lives to attend our last P&C meeting. It was very enjoyable and so wonderful to see some new faces.

South West Track and Field

In Week 8 on Thursday 6 and Friday 7 September we need your help. The South West Track and Field event is on and the P&C are catering for the two days. We need help in the canteen and homebake. If you can spare anytime on either or both of these days this would be so appreciated. Please contact myself on nickelle@bigpond.com or 0419 798 352.

Second-hand uniforms

There are second-hand uniforms available in the tuckshop to provide another option from purchasing new. If you have any uniforms your child/children have out-grown we would be very grateful to off-load these from you. Please drop your pre-loved uniforms to Michelle in the tuckshop. Thank you.

Next Meeting

Our next P&C meeting will be on Monday 20 August held in the school library starting at 6.30pm. We would love to hear any suggestions you may have.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Rochelle Ferguson, P&C President

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