9 December 2022

Newsletter Articles

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

From all the staff at St George State High School we wish you all a Merry Christmas
& a Happy & Safe New Year

From Acting Principal

Welcome - Welcome to our school newsletter! Where has that year gone? Almost Christmas!

School Mantras: Be Safe / Be Respectful / Be Prepared / Be Responsible.

Announcements: I can confirm to the community that the Department of Education has appointed Mr Thomas McKenna to the substantive position of Principal at St George State High School. Mr McKenna has been working as a Deputy Principal at Capalaba in Brisbane’s East. He has a background in various areas across the education realm however was a Special Needs Teacher. Mr McKenna is also studying to complete his PhD in Education. We as a school community congratulate and welcome Mr McKenna, his wife and family to St George We look forward to the new perspective he will bring to the education for our youth in this region.

Lead Principal and other positions: I can also confirm to the community that Mrs Andrea Killen has been appointed to the position of Lead Principal of the St George Region. Mrs Killen is at present the Principal of Dirranbandi P-10 State School. Mrs Killen is a past tenant of St George having taught at the State School. Mrs Killen will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from the local area to the position. As a school community we also congratulate and welcome Mrs Killen back to the community of St George. We look forward to her input into the community from a Leadership and Educational perspective.

Work Experience and other programs: As I look out the door and saunter around the classrooms it is conspicuously obvious that there are many students on other programs. These programs include work experience, school based traineeships and many others. It is great to see the students out and about receiving the vital knowledge and skills they will need to take them into the future workforce.

On behalf of the St George State High School community, can I thank all these businesses who have taken the time to give these students this experience. It is great to have such an invested community. The big bang for buck comes for a Principal though when you see the number of School disciplinary actions decrease in Year 9 and 10. This is also in no doubt due to the time and effort the community take to upskill our students not only in trade or skills but also in etiquette.

When students leave for work experience or school based apprenticeships they often do not realise the value of a “Free” education. When they arrive back their appreciation has completely changed… positively. In most schools especially in suburban areas where it is nearly impossible to complete such activities due to the large numbers the Year 9 and 10 cohorts pose the largest discipline problems. Whilst at St George State High school the data numbers drop significantly in Years 9 and 10…….Interesting.

Farewell: This will be my last newsletter as Acting Principal can I personally thank everyone who has made me so welcome in your lovely town. I have really enjoyed the comradery of the staff the students, parents and the community plus all the activities. It has been a most enjoyable and fulfilling experience and I will miss St George greatly.

Rob Nowlan.

Front Office News

The front office will be open from Monday 16 January 8.00 am to 4pm or phone 46208222 for any enquiries. The first day of school for students in 2023 is Monday 23 January. This is a short week with Thursday 26 January Australia Day public holiday.

Uniform Store & Uniform Policy - Uniform shop will be open in January 2023 (dates yet to be confirmed) All uniform items are available at the tuckshop. It is expected that correct formal and sports uniforms are to be worn at the start of the year complying with the school’s uniform policy.

Formal

Girls – white peplum blouse, existing maroon skirt or new grey pleated skirt or grey tailored shorts and white socks. Maroon shorts are NOT part of the formal uniform.

Boys – White shirt, grey shorts, grey socks. Maroon shorts are NOT part of the formal uniform.

Seniors (Grade 10-12) – Maroon tie.

Sports

Girls and Boys – school sports polo shirt, maroon shorts, white socks.

2023 Booklists – Our 2023 booklists were mailed along with the students report card. The booklists are also available to view or be downloaded on our school website and will also be put on Facebook at the St George State High School page.

Staff Leaving

Ms Ang Garner:- I have mixed feelings about my departure from St George State High School. I started at the school as a first year teacher back in 2003. I was so worried about not liking living so far out west that I went to an op shop to buy a cheap bed to bring with me so that if I decided to leave early I could just leave it behind as all my other possessions would fit in my car. Little did I know then that I would love the school and the town of St George so much that I would call it home for the next 19 years. Over the years I have had the pleasure of teaching a variety of subjects from Accounting and Business through to Digital Technologies and English across multiple year levels. It has been wonderful to get to know and teach so many amazing students. It really is special to be able see students grow, mature and succeed during their time at St George SHS. You know you are getting old when you start to teach the children of your past students but being able to know all your students and their families is one of the special benefits about teaching in a small school. I will miss this greatly when I move to Toowoomba next year to teach at Centenary Heights next year.

I will also miss working with all my wonderful colleagues; those that were here before me, those that came after me and even those that I once taught 😉. It has been a gift to work with so many amazing staff members over the years. The collegiality and endless support offered is something that I have always said was one of the greatest perks of working at St George SHS.

Finally, I will miss the St George community that has embraced both myself and my family. We will all dearly miss the wonderful friends we have made over the years through our connections with the school and so many different community groups and organisations. No doubt we will cross paths again at some point as you always seem to run into someone from St George when you are out and about in Toowoomba.

I have so many fond memories at the school that it is hard to narrow them down. But here are a few that stick out: having a snake put around my neck during an Arts Council presentation, taking students to participate in the Toowoomba debating competition, attending numerous school camps (esp being tricked into riding the scary rides at Dreamworld), helping with numerous school musicals, seeing my student’s win state competitions, attending State Athletics as a team manager, learning very quickly how to manage school computer network with very little knowledge, helping to paint all the internal walls in G-Block, seeing numerous student’s exceed their own learning goals, and all the opportunities to grow in my positions as a year level co-ordinator, subject co-ordinator and Senior School HOD.

Thank you to the students, parents and staff for making the last 19 years so enjoyable. You have all taught me so much. I will miss you all and I will always think fondly about my time teaching at St George State High School.

Ang Garner

Miss Alice Rathie:- I have been teaching at SGSHS since 2021 and I am just heading down the road to St Pat’s to teach a Year 4/5 class.

I will miss working alongside the most wonderful staff and the positive relationships that I have built over the time with all the students. I have made so many great memories during my time here at the high school from sporting carnivals, lessons and experiments and trips away with staff and students.

I wish all the students the absolute best for their next schooling year. Also a massive thank you to the whole St George State High School community for the memories, support and kindness over the past two years.

Alice Rathie

Mr Ben Murphy:- Hi, my name is Ben Murphy and I've only been at St George State High School for a short while. I have really enjoyed my time at this school, getting to know so many of the kids, staff and community.

I am heading back to Maroochydore State High School on the Sunshine Coast, where my wife and family live and where I began my teaching career almost three years ago. I wish I could be teaching as much art there as I have had the pleasure here but will mostly be teaching humanities and history (which I still love, just not as much).

During this year I have had so many awesome memories with the students:

• Going to year 7 camp and feeling like I'd become a nurse, counsellor and motivational speaker for a week.
• All the intense lunch time soccer matches which would no doubt send all of the kids back into class either hyped or completely frustrated.
• The art lessons where I would be manipulated into "helping" some of my year 10s with their artworks day in and day out haha.
• I will definitely miss so many of the staff members and students and wish them all the best.

Mr Murphy

Miss Georgia Tatham-Joyce:- Hi, my name is Georgia Tatham-Joyce and I've been a teacher at SGSHS in 2022. Next year I'll be heading back to Bremer State High School, in Ipswich, to teach Dance, Literacy & Numeracy.

I've enjoyed my time teaching a broad range of subjects at the school and have loved watching students experience new things for the first time! A personal favourite would be 'crepe day' where I spent ~3 hours cooking crepes for our French students to enjoy!

I'll miss so many of the students and staff and am grateful for the experiences I've had. All the best in 2023.

Georgia Tatham-Joyce

From Acting Deputy Principal

This year we have seen 20 students graduate with 3 gaining early entry to their course of choice. The cohort that came together on leadership camp in 2020 and created new friendship groups who accepted all into the cohort.

Year 11 students found their feet as emerging leaders in the school and I am looking forward to working with them more closely.

Year 10 have started to figure out their future pathways and completed their SET plan meetings last term. They are, hopefully, looking forward to being in classes they have chosen and we have a large number either starting, or continuing their School-based Traineeship or Apprenticeship.

Year 9 are putting the skills they have learnt over the year, especially those from this term in work skills, to use in their work experience this week. It is lovely to see so many engaging in different workplaces throughout town.

Year 8s have had an interesting year and I enjoyed teaching 8A for the majority of the year. They are a cohort that likes to talk and socialise and will continue learning appropriate timing for these next year.

Year 7s are completing their first full year of high school and they have settled in well. They are great supporters of our Zinger program and got very engaged in the purple pebbles this last term. I am looking forward to seeing them go through the next 5 years at school.

Overall, I hope that students have learnt as much as they could and I know that staff have started to plan what next year will look like. I know I have learnt a lot this year and I am looking forward to continuing in the Deputy Principal position next year.

For any questions or concerns you may have regarding your Senior Secondary students please email me at daddi4@eq.edu.au or call 4620 8222.

Mrs Deborah Addison, Acting Deputy Principal

From Acting Senior HoD

I would like to wish our Year 12 students good luck as they receive their ATAR results on December 16. Be proud of everything you have achieved, even if it isn’t what you were hoping for. Remember your result does not define who you are or what you are capable of. All the best for this next chapter in your lives. I am sure you will go on to bigger and better things.

Finally I would like to wish all our students and their families a safe and wonderful Christmas holiday break.

Ang Garner

From Ms Kym Weatherall

2023 will be the start of a new journey, as I venture into the world of motherhood. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the staff and students, past and present at St George State High School and the St George community for all their support over the past 13 years.

Throughout my journey at St George SHS I have met some amazing colleges, taught the best bunch of students and am thankful for the professional opportunities I have been presented with at the school. I wish the school staff, students and community all the best with the recent opportunities that the school has received from staffing to infrastructure.

I don’t believe this is goodbye, this is just a see you later. I look forward to returning in the near future and continuing my journey at St George SHS. However, what that may be, I am unsure.

Kym Weatherall

From Miss Embrey

What a school year 2022 has been!

One of many highlights included Year 7 Camp on our week-long trip to Burleigh CYC. Alongside Mr Murphy and Miss Harrison, we ventured to the coast with our eager 7s. This was an awesome experience for our Year 7 cohort to bond and make new friendships over canoeing, surfing, tubing and rollercoasters.

Formal was another spectacular evening and one that will be very special to our Year 12s and their families for a long time to come. Some of the unmissable moments from the evening included the hilarious videos, the students absolutely acing their rehearsed dance and a surprise teacher flash mob to NSYNC, Bye Bye Bye. Our students showed us how well they could scrub up, and danced the night away! Our Year 12s will be greatly missed next year.

Year 10 Camp will also be a week that is hard to forget! Alongside Mr. Holloway, fourteen Year 10 students threw themselves into every activity during an exhausting week. We were impressed with the student’s growth over the week as they learnt to support each other, listen to each other and work as a team. This camp teaches students through ANZAC stories and activities coupled with reflection. The camp focused on mateship, courage, resilience and respect.

Good luck to our Year 9s attending work experience this week. There are many valuable opportunities to come from embracing this week! Our Year 9 students are largely being supervised and supported by St George businesses and organisations. It is fantastic to have locals supporting our students in this endeavour.

Overall, it truly has been a fantastic year. I know staff, students and the community alike are welcoming the holiday break to spend some very well-deserved quality time with family this Christmas. St George State High School staff hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Safe New Year. I am greatly looking forward to seeing our students succeed again in 2023!

Jessica Embrey

Year 9 Work Experience

The Year 9 students this week have been placed around the Balonne Shire experiencing work life with the local businesses. Thank you to the following businesses:-

St George Veterinary Practice – Mia Anderson, Shaylee Appleby and Georgie Nelson

St George Hospital – Sienna Beardmore, Harry Coltzau, Laura Scriven and Lillian Stenhouse

Wipples Kitchen & Cabinets – Mitchell Birney

St George State Primary School – Madison Bradley, Nequwa Collins, Tomas Kunde and Teagan Wilson

Balonne Kindy – Ella Burke

Balonne Tyre Service – Tye Clark

Maranoa Mechanical – Cohen Davis

IGA – Damian Fisher

Sue-Ellen’s Hair Salon – Abigail Holt- Grundon
St George Machinery Centre – Isaac Kann

NCC Early Learners - Chloe Lawson and Penny Wilkinson

O’Brien Toyota – Jake Lawson

Stevie Jeans Coffee Shop – Thomas McCosker

McNamaras Maintenance and Repairs – Isaac McNamara and Cohan Neven

Paul Hillier (Farming) – Lachlan Mellifont
Tierney’s Transport - Tom Mutch
Balonne Airworks – Christopher Neven

Sunshine Mitre 10 – Bianka Oliver
Ambers Hair Parlour – Kahlela Prince
Balonne Shire Council – Matthew Proud

HP Farming - Samuel Rollins
St George Aquatics – Josie Small

Rangers – Adrian Turnbull and Amarean Weatherall

Rewards Trip - Goondiwindi

On Tuesday nine year 7 and 8 students attended a rewards trip to Goondiwindi. The selection criteria was based on excellent attendance and behaviour.

Students viewed the movie ‘Strange World’ while filling their bellies with popcorn and soft drink, the movie was followed by a trip to McDonalds where students enjoyed some very interesting meals. The bus trip back to St George had students singing their hearts out, occasionally joined by Mrs Kelli Twidale and Miss Herrmann.

Bec Herrmann

What’s Cooking in Home Ec

During the last week of school, students were offered enrichment activities. Both groups that attended had the opportunity to do Christmas cookery. One group made brownies and decorated them as Christmas trees enjoying a chocolate milkshake while brownies cooled. The other group made white Christmas.

Next year, students in year 7 & 8 Home Economics have all resources supplied for them with funding coming from student participation in the Resource Scheme. Students studying Home Economics in years 9 & 10 choose the subject as an elective. This means students must supply THEIR OWN RESOURCES (cooking ingredients) with a small contribution to the Resources Scheme to provide basic ingredients, baking papers and cleaning supplies. Participation in this elective requires students to organise themselves each week. Thank you to parents and carers who worked hard to assist students with being organised this year. Happy Holidays & happy Christmas cooking!

Julie Worboys

Year 9 Digital Technology

Year 9 Digi Tech students finished off the semester on a high, spending their last few lessons building and coding a program for their Sphero chariots assessment. Students had lots of fun using their arts and crafts skills to build their chariots before putting their coding skills to the test by racing them in the arena. I am very proud of all the students' progress, with most of them never having coded or used robots before this semester.

Year 7 Digital Technology

Students have spent the past few weeks coding an online platform game on Scratch. Some students took the assessment one step further and designed full game backgrounds. I've attached snapshots of Sigrid and Kim's games. Throughout the term, students have also been practicing their touch-typing skills and have focused on what being a 'Digital Citizen' means.

Year 7 & 8 French

Students finished off the year by submitting a written assessment and undergoing an exam that tested their listening skills. I am amazed at how far each student has come this semester, with many not knowing anything about the language or French culture prior to the subject. As a last lesson celebration, Miss TJ made and shared crepes with both classes. Students loved being able to eat these in class, with many opting to eat theirs with lemon juice & sugar (don't knock it until you try it). Each French student will have a recipe for crepes that they copied in class, so encourage your student to make them over the holidays!

Instrumental Music

This week students performed at the Carols on the Balonne! The students did an amazing job and were rewarded with amazing applause by the audience!

This year is drawing to a close but if you wish for your child to join the program next year, please encourage them to think about what instrument they want to play and keep an eye out for forms early next year! We have got a few events in the calendar already and next year is shaping up to be a great one with music! Congratulations to all the students who persisted this year and look forward to next year!

Have a very safe and relaxing summer break and Christmas!

Happy Music Making!

Miss Nia

Getting To Know….Mr Synot

From The Guidance Officer

Check on a friend over the holidays

Christmas and the holiday season can be a difficult time for some people who struggle to navigate the celebrations and festivities going on around them. They might be dealing with the strain of financial pressure, work demands, recent events, grief, or a challenging family situation.

If there's someone in your world who's finding this time of year tough you can make a difference by making the time to check in and have a meaningful conversation.

To help you support your friends, family and workmates, we've put together a range of 'Tis the season to be asking R U OK?' tips, ideas and downloadable resources

Other organisations that offer support to students and families over the holidays are:

Kidshelpline: 1800551800
Lifeline: 131114
Headspace: 1800650890
Happy and safe holiday
Annette McLean: Guidance Officer

P&C News

Next P&C meeting is the AGM 20 February 2023 6pm at the Library. – All welcome!!

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