14 December 2018

Newsletter Articles

LEADERSHIP CAMP at MUDJIMBA

Leadership camp for Year 10 and 11 students occurred in Week 8 this term at Mudjimba on the Sunshine Coast. The students had a great time learning about themselves and how to work in a team. Students participated in many activities from rock climbing and body boarding to raft building and a mud pit challenge. There were opportunities for students to help lead and show their skills of encouragement and it was lovely to see the students engaged in activities outside of school work.

Great work to all and I am looking forward to seeing those skills being used next year.

YEAR 10 WORK EXPERIENCE

St George State High School had more of their Year 10 students attending work experience during Week 7, from 20-23 November. Harry Johnson attended Scott Scriven Welding; Sam Killen was at SB Mechanical, Sandon Dahlstrom at the St George State Primary School, Tameka Woodbridge went to Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement and Ashanti Fischer was at Vanderfield Machinery. All the students really enjoyed their work experience and hope that it will help them with their future work options and choices.

The St George State High School would like to thank all the employers for their continuing support in having our students for work experience.

MEALS ON WHEELS

St George State High School is pleased to have been able to offer our students the opportunity to assist in the delivery of meals to the frail, aged and younger disabled members of the community through the Meals on Wheels Service in St George in 2018. It has been an activity that the students have enjoyed each fortnight knowing that they have supported some of the most vulnerable people in our community.

It is envisaged that the school and students will participate in this service again in 2019. To participate in the program, students will need to collect and return a permission form to the office.

Students will be rostered on the deliveries each fortnight throughout the year. Depending on the number of volunteers, your child may miss only 2 or 3 lessons in the entire year. These student volunteers will leave school during lunch and return in Period 3 on the day of their roster. Students must be in correct school uniform.

They will be assisting an adult volunteer who will be the rostered driver on that day. The students will be transported via school car or private vehicle, accompanied by a teacher and driven by a staff member.

ZINGERS

Zingers have been a great part of school life in 2018. A student receives a Zinger for displaying the school values of Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Prepared in the class and playground.

A new menu and zinger reward system introduced from Term 3 has meant that students had more opportunities to bank zingers and redeem prizes.

It has been a pleasure to share photos of students receiving Zinger prizes on Facebook and in the school newsletter.

Please note that the Zingers do have a cut-off date for 2018 and cannot be carried over to next year.

Everyone is looking forward to Zingers in 2019!

Mrs Melissa Scriven, Teacher Aide

From the Acting Principal

Well that’s a wrap! I’d like to sincerely thank the staff and students of St George State High School and the wider community, in particular the P&C for being so welcoming and supportive of me in my short time in this beautiful outback town. The west has a real charm about it and wherever I am, I will always advocate for people to take the opportunity to come and live in this great part of the world.

It’s no secret that my appointment in the west this time round was never a permanent position, however, I am very proud of the work that has been achieved in the last 6 months by the staff of the high school and am very confident that we are positioned well to provide high quality learning experiences for our students in the years to come. For 2019, I have secured an Acting Deputy Principal position at Caloundra SHS which I am quite excited about, as it takes me closer to my family and friends after having been away for quite some time.

As the exiting principal I have the privilege of announcing that the appointment of the permanent Principal position has been secured by Mr York McFadzean. York is a very experienced permanent Deputy Principal who is joining us from Forest Lake State College, south of Brisbane. York has had extensive experience in Acting Principal positions in very similar contexts to St George and I feel confident in passing the reigns to him. York travelled to St George and spent Monday and Tuesday this week in the school environment to ensure a high quality hand over takes place and to introduced himself to the students and staff. This will have a very positive impact on the beginning of 2019 for both staff and students.

I’d like to again acknowledge the dedication and professionalism that the staff of St George SHS demonstrates in their daily commitment to their profession and the teaching of our students. It has been a very rewarding team to be a part of. I have very much enjoyed my time in St George and look forward to coming back one day. I wish you all the best for 2019.

Mr Nick Hutchinson, Acting Principal

From HoD Senior Secondary

My first year at St George SHS as Head of Department in the Senior School, has been an adventure. It has been a wonderful experience getting to know staff, students and the wider community of St George SHS. I am looking forward to the next few years and seeing how I can grow to be a better Head of Department.

Well done to the seniors of 2018 who have all graduated with their QCE and VET Qualifications. Seeing your success will help the younger students know that not only is gaining a QCE possible, but completing school with a responsible attitude is the best way to complete and set a shining example for other students.

The aim of all high schools should be that students exit into meaningful future pathways. Here at St George SHS we aim for the success of our senior students to move into work, an apprenticeship or traineeship or future study. All senior students have had the opportunity to work towards their goals and have career counselling if and when needed.

Our Year 10 students have successfully completed their Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan meetings and I look forward to helping them achieve their goals at school. I know that they will have a successful 2019.

Our Year 11 students having been busy closely tracking their progress towards achieving their QCE and QCIA at the end of Year 12. The Year 11 students also spent a week on the Sunshine Coast at our annual leadership camp in preparation for their final year of study here at St George SHS.

To the graduating class of 2018 – I am so glad that I got to meet and know you all this year. It has been lovely to get to know you and I wish you all the success for your future.

I am looking forward to my future here at St George SHS and I am always keen to have a chat and get to know more about my students.

Mrs Deborah Addison, HoD Senior Secondary

From HoD Junior Secondary

At the end of my first year in St George, I have truly discovered what a wonderful school and town I have the privilege to call home. Despite the many new faces this year, St George State High School has gone from strength to strength. All because our students, staff and community continue to strive to making this such a wonderful place full of learning.

I have come to know so many students this year, in particular, the Year 7s; working with them as they begin their high school journey. We had an amazing time in Term 1 at Kindilan, Redlands Bay for Year 7 Camp. It has also been excellent getting to know the 2018 School Leaders. They have done a brilliant job of representing the student voice and advocating on their behalf.

Another highlight for 2018 was the school musical, ‘Back to the 80s’. Mr Chris Rigney and his team worked tirelessly for many months to deliver a marvellous show that was the talk of the town! The dedication of both students and staff is to be commended.

I have worked closely with Ms Amy McKenna, HOD Teaching and Learning to coordinate a review of our curriculum offerings in the junior secondary space and revise our plans for 2019. I am very proud of the work programs that our staff has developed and their efforts to enhance the academic rigour that is delivered in the classroom.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the staff of St George State High School for their exceptional levels of professionalism and dedication to making this a great school. I am excited for the new adventures that wait around the corner in 2019.

Mr Chris Smith, HoD Junior Secondary

UNIFORM SHOP OPENING HOURS IN JANUARY 2019

The St George SHS P&C will have the uniform shop open prior to the beginning of the 2019 school year. P&C staff will set up a pop-shop in air-conditioning in the library on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 23, 24 and 25 January between 10am and 2pm. Cash and cheque only as NO EFTPOS will be available.

CRICKET SKILLS

Geoff Dymock, the former Queensland and Australian cricketer, currently spends his time relief teaching and cricket coaching at Brisbane Schools, Brisbane Junior Cricket Clubs and throughout Queensland country areas. On Wednesday, 19 December – first Wednesday of the school holidays – he will be visiting St George to conduct two cricket coaching clinics for interested young cricketers. Parents of local registered junior players have been notified.

Geoff would very much like all young cricketers who may be interested in increasing their skills in our great national game to be aware of this opportunity.

Details are below. Parents please send responses to Geoff Dymock, their child/ren will benefit from the experience.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES

Looking for activities to fill the long summer break?

Families Magazine has a Complete Guide to the School Holidays for Families -

And this – 100 School Holiday Ideas for Families -

Lots of FREE ideas and all the local information you need for Christmas activities too!

See the Back to School Day flyer for information on education requirements and hints prior to 2019.

Have a great summer break!

P&C News

Whether you can believe it or not, this is the last P&C newsletter piece for 2018. I look back and think what a blur the year has been with so many highlights.

Thank you

Through the year I was constantly overwhelmed by the kindness and support given by so many people towards the P&C. The various movements of the P&C were only a success because of the fabulous team behind each one. A massive and a very warm thank you for your support. No matter how you contributed please know it was very much appreciated. In our very busy world I understand how time-poor everyone is. Thank you for ensuring the P&C will stay alive to benefit our students.

Upcoming year plans

There is a lot on the horizon for the New Year. With many grants in the pipeline, fundraising events and overall improvements to benefit the students and their schooling, it is all very exciting. If you have any suggestions/upcoming events I would love to hear from you.

Meeting dates

A reminder to all, we meet every third Monday of the month starting at 6.30pm in the school library. Everyone is welcome.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays

Please enjoy your much deserved holiday and stay safe. Have a very Merry Christmas filled with happiness. I wish you all a very happy and healthy New Year ahead.

Thank you very much for your ongoing support.

Rochelle Ferguson, P&C President

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