31 March 2023

Newsletter Articles

From The Principal

At St George State High School, we are committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration. That's why we have been actively listening to the voices of our students, staff, parents, and community to identify ways in which we can improve and grow. We have already worked closely with our school captains on some positive changes, and from Term 2, we will be expanding our efforts to incorporate a broader range of student voice. We are also working on improving our communication channels, including our school website and Facebook page, so that we can better connect with our community and keep everyone informed.

As we move into the new term, we are excited to announce some changes that we believe will have a positive impact on our school community. We are bringing seniors back to the main campus, where they can be role models and mentors for our junior students. We are also introducing a combined 7/8 sports class and media arts, as well as welcoming a new Deputy Principal to our team. We are committed to increasing visibility throughout our classrooms, clarifying our communication methods, and offering structured lunch activities that engage and inspire our students.

We understand that change can be challenging, but we believe that these changes will help us to create a more supportive and engaging learning environment for our students. We value your feedback and welcome your thoughts and ideas. Please don't hesitate to email us at Principal@stgeorgeshs.eq.edu.au to share your feedback or to learn more about how you can contribute to positive change by joining our P&C. Together, we can continue to make St. George State High School a place where our students can thrive.

Yours in Education
Thomas J. McKenna
Principal

From Deputy Principal

It has been a busy and productive term at St George State High School. I would like to acknowledge the hard work of staff who have helped make the term successful. Our staff are always trying to find innovative ways to promote learning, make links with the real world and increase enjoyment of curriculum.

Year 7 students developed their general computer skills in Digital Technology and used scratch-based block coding to create games. Students in History learnt about artifacts and ancient Egypt. Students in English created persuasive speeches, convincing the class to agree with their opinions about topics such as tuckshop, school uniforms and littering.

In Year 8 Health students have learnt about positive online relationships exploring issues such as cyberbullying, looking at the role of the bystander and how to prevent miscommunications in online communications. In Mathematics they learnt about percentages and calculated the new price after a discount was applied. Students investigated chemical spills in Science.

Year 9 Science students have learnt about chemical reactions investigating both beneficial reactions such as digestion as well as adverse reactions such as corrosion and decay of food. In Mathematics students completed a life-related problem solving and modelling task looking at redesigning a package to minimise the amount of material needed to produce a container that holds the same volume.

It has been great to witness a successful delivery of curriculum across Years 7-9 in Term 1 at St George SHS! I can’t wait to see the teaching and learning that continues in Term 2.

Donna Potter

From Acting Deputy Principal Senior School

Term 1 – what a busy term it has been. I am looking forward to next Term as I will transition into the Junior Secondary space as DP of Year 7, 8 and 9.

I am looking forward to working more with families and the community within and around St George. In my new role I will be working with the State school and other small schools on the transition program with Laura Sherriff, HOD Junior Secondary.

I would like to invite every parent and guardian to attend P&C meetings as they are a wonderful avenue to hear what is happening in the school and have your voice heard.

Positive Behaviour for Learning is continuing to grow as students engage with the prizes that are on offer. We have also had a lovely response from students getting Tuckshop Vouchers. I have given some to students who have gone above and beyond by helping staff with junior classes and students and helping staff with sport carnivals. These are to reward good citizenship.

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

Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing Survey - Information for parents and carers

Why are we doing the survey?

We know that wellbeing and engagement are important parts of your child’s life at school. The department and your school are looking at ways to collect information on these topics so we can support our students in the best way possible.

The Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing (QEW) Survey is designed to measure how state school students view their wellbeing and engagement.

Results from this survey will tell us about students’ levels of wellbeing and engagement. This information will allow us to better support our students and meet their needs.

When will the survey take place?

The QEW Survey is run in Weeks 1 to 4 of Term 2 each year. Your child’s school will choose a date within this period that suits them best.

What is the survey about?

The survey measures many aspects of students’ wellbeing, engagement, and experience at school.

What is involved in participation?

Teachers will arrange for students to take part in the Survey online during class time. It will take about 30 minutes to complete. If your child requires additional assistance, teachers and/or support people are able to help them.

Does your child have to participate?

Participation in the survey is voluntary. Choosing not to participate will not affect your child’s education in any way.

Your child will also be asked if they would like to participate before starting the survey. They will be free to stop or withdraw at any time.

If you do not wish for your child to participate in the QEW Survey, please contact your school.

Your child will still get a link to the survey in their email even if you opt out, but they won’t be able to get into the survey without the access code given only at the time of completing the survey.

How will your child’s information be kept confidential?

The information collected through the survey will be kept confidential. No personal information will be shared with anyone outside of the Queensland Department of Education. The Queensland Department of Education will store the data according to strict guidelines. The collection of information is in line with the Educational General Provisions Act (2006) and the Information Privacy Act (2009).

How will your child’s responses be reported?

Student’s answers will be de-identified. They will only be reported back to the school as part of their year levels’ results. No one at your child’s school will be able to see their individual responses.

Where can I get more information?

More information, including FAQs, can be found on the Education website:

You can contact the QEW Survey team by email: QEWSurvey@qed.qld.gov.au.

From Acting HOD Senior Secondary

On Wednesday 29 March, students from Years 10-12 had the opportunity to travel to the HUB for the Youth Summit.

The Youth Summit was an event organised and hosted by the CUC, Balonne Shire Council and the St George Aboriginal Housing Company. Thank you to these community organisations for making this fantastic day happen.

The day started with Karen Browning from USQ delivering Careers, Now and in the Future.

The keynote was a highlight for out students, as J-Milla discussed his pathway to success, and performed some of hit top songs for our students.

The seniors of St George SHS had extremely positive things to say about this event, and left with some new information about careers and pathways opportunities in both the Balonne Region, nationally, and globally.

It was great to have so many university, TAFE, and workplace representatives sharing their knowledge with our senior cohort.

Thank you to St George State High School staff: Miss Vanessa Beavan, Annette McLean and Lesia Mullholland for sharing the day and supporting our students.

Jessica Embrey

From Acting HOD Junior Secondary

I have thoroughly enjoyed my first term at St George State High School as the Acting Head of Department (Junior Secondary).

It has been wonderful to see our Year 7 students settle into high school life, and find their way in new classes with new peers. Our Year 7 students have loved having access to all school areas at break times over the past two weeks. It has been very positive, and therefore will remain this way in Term 2.

Students have enjoyed gaining an understanding of secondary subjects, and possible electives they will have in the future. I am looking forward to the year ahead with our Year 7 cohort, and watching them flourish and mature in their new school environment.

Our Year 8 and 9 students have enjoyed their first term of 2023. It is great to see them positively engaging with peers and working hard to reach their goals. I have enjoyed observing and hearing success stories about their work in classrooms and how they are developing their skills. It is great to see so many of them attending homework group and getting the support they need as their work load increases.

I look forward to seeing this positive work in the future.

Year 7 & 9 NAPLAN was a success, and it was great to see a number of our students trying their best. We look forward to seeing the results in the near future.

Have a safe and happy holiday, and we’ll see you in Term 2!

Laura Sherriff

From Senior Year Level Coordinator

This week we celebrated students who demonstrated excellent attendance and behaviour during Term 1. We had a number of students participate in the rewards session in which students enjoyed popcorn while watching a movie in the library. These students not only had no behaviour issues during the term, they also had an attendance of 95% or above. This means that between Weeks 1 and 9 of term, these students were only absent from school for two days, with any other non-school activities supported by medical certificates or documentation so as not to penalise their attendance. Miss Herrmann and I plan to run these sessions each term, so there are more opportunities for students to receive this reward next term!

The senior formal is on the horizon for the Year 12s. If any students are requiring assistance with organising formal attire or any other related appointments please see Leisa Mulholland or myself.

Our senior students have worked very hard to complete their first round of assessment items – congratulations. Please remember that homework club is on every Monday and Thursday afternoon and we would love to see more students attending!

Student Council has also been meeting regularly this term to begin planning fundraisers and events for this year. Stay posted for what is to come over the next term!

Have a lovely Easter break and see you all next term!

Vanessa Beavan

School Subject News

Year 11 Skills for Work - Hanna and David from the Queensland Ambulance Service visited St George State High School on Thursday 23 March to work with the Year 11 Skills for Work students. The students learnt about the primary survey – DRSABC, CPR, dealing with anaphylaxis, asthma and snake bites. The students had fun taking the opportunity to practice their CPR on the dummies. This session helped students complete their module on Work Health and Safety.

Michael Bermingham

Home Ec News - My small band of merry women (and one man) have completed their Textiles unit after producing a self-designed apron to wear for the following cooking units. They are looking forward to trialling and taste testing a variety of multicultural dishes during Term 2.

Unfortunately, the food unit for the Yr 7 & 8 groups has finished and a new rotation will be starting. I know the students enjoyed both tasting dishes and producing their own lunch and they got themselves into some good kitchen routines and learnt about nutrition along the way.

Thank you to the Year 12 students who weeded the Home Ec vege patch as part of their Resilience Project! It was much appreciated.

Julie Worboys

Past Student Spotlight
Gregg Dreise

Gregg Dreise was born and raised in St George. He firstly went to St Patrick’s Primary School and then St George State Primary School. He went to high school at St George State High to Year 10 and his family then moved to Noosa. After finishing Year 12 at Noosa High, he went to QUT to study teaching.

As well as being a PE and Music Teacher, Gregg is a published Author and Illustrator. Gregg is also is a gifted artist, storyteller and musician; and he features the didgeridoo and guitar in his high energy performances. He uses music and laughter to take audiences on a story telling journey – that maybe… just maybe… might sneak in a lesson or two. Gregg is a touring Author/Musician/Entertainer who continually performs in schools, libraries, community events and even the Sydney Opera House with his didgeridoo and guitar. He always aims to educate an audience filled with smiles.

He is a guest presenter on ABC’s Play School and on Mugu Kids on NITV. He designed the Indigenous Jersey for the QLD Maroons, plus the QLD Murris all Indigenous NRL team jersey. He created all of the Aboriginal Art in the sets of the reality TV show I’m A Celebrity – Get Me Outta Here Australia.

As a descendant of the Kamilaroi and Euahlayi people of south-west Queensland and north-west New South Wales his storytelling addresses self-image, friendship, kindness, bullying and indigenous culture. Gregg has released 2 Music albums: “Sing. Dance. Walk Together”; and for adults “4 Mother Earth” by the band 0NO2L8. The latest books he wrote and illustrated include “Common Wealth” a Slam Poetry Persuasive about change and unity, plus “Hello and Welcome” a companion to “My Culture and Me”, and the newest of his Bird series “Cunning Crow” and “Awesome Emu”. There are also two Board Books for young readers “Today’s Sun” and “Where’s My Baby?” He has plenty more books coming out in the future, and is always proud to have grown up out west and continues to share in the beautiful culture from his mother Lyla Knox.

Check out our past newsletters to read about other past student stories: -

3 March 2023 – Carolyn Salmon (1999)
17 March 2023 – Matthew Langford (1999)

Next issue – Andrea Crampton (1990)

Please email admin@stgeorgeshs.eq.edu.au with past students stories and images – attention Nichole Taylor.

School Calendar

ANZAC Day 25 April 2023

St George State High School students are invited to represent the school at the public Anzac Day march wearing full formal uniform (no maroon shorts) meeting on the corner of St Georges Terrace and Henry Street at 10.15am.

Program

5.45am – Assemble at Cenotaph
6.00am – Start of Dawn Service
6.20am – Conclusion of service & disperse
7.00am – Breakfast
9.00am – Cemetery – laying of flowers on the graves of ex-service personnel and a short service.
9.30am – War Memorial Service at Hospital with the reading of names of all the personnel from the district who died on active service 1st & 2nd World Wars, Korea & Vietnam.
10.15am – All St George State High School students marching (formal uniform to be worn) muster at corner of Henry Street & St George’s Terrace.
10.45am – March leaves for the Cenotaph for the Anzac Ceremony.
11.00am – Service at the Cenotaph on St George’s Terrace.

We commemorate Anzac Day on 25 April and is the anniversary of the day Australian and New Zealand soldiers landed on the beaches of Gallipoli in 1915 as part of the Allies' invasion. We recognise more than 1.5 million men and women who have served Australia in all conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations. It's also a time to remember some 103,000 Australians who lost their lives while serving.

Getting To Know…….......Mr Bermingham

It’s Twins………………or is it Triplets!!!

Students were probably thinking there was something wrong with their eyes on Monday as some staff were dressed the same.

Sport

Well done to all the students who have trialled throughout term one in a number of sports. It was lovely to hear of great sportsmanship, wonderful manners and wearing school uniforms with pride. It was a busy term with Aquathlon, Triathlon, Basketball, Touch Football, Rugby League, Swimming trials and many sports next term. Good luck to all students who have been selected to attend State trials in the near future. You should be all proud of your achievements!

Qld State Swimming

Lillian Stenhouse swam at Chandler Pool this week as part of the South West swim team. At the time of writing Lillian swam in the 16 year 50m Freestyle event with a PB of 29.58 secs and swam a faster time in the medley relay. Well done Lillian!

SW Netball 10-12 Years

On Wednesday the Balonne team competed at the South West netball trials in Charleville. Congratulations to Keeanna Saunders who was selected in the team. Keeanna will now join the South West team for State at the Sunshine Coast.

Sports Calendar

P&C News

Last Monday, 20 March, the P&C held their monthly meeting. Firstly, I would like to thank Principal McKenna, Mrs Killen & Mrs Addison for attending the meeting and giving the meeting cohort an insight into how the school is tackling the bullying and vaping issues within our school community. The P&C appreciate the efforts being made in regards to these issues and will continue to support the school staff in their endeavours.

With the school holidays fast approaching, the P&C have two fantastic fundraising opportunities. Firstly, we will be catering for the Balonne Branch Australian Stock Horse Society Show & Camp draft over the Easter weekend. Starting with lunch on Good Friday and working through until late afternoon on Easter Sunday (we are not catering the dinners), the P&C will be providing a variety of food & drink options to competitors, spectators & their families.

Secondly, the P&C will be holding a food stall at the Oasis Adventure - Musical afternoon on Thursday 13 April. This event is being held along the banks of the Balonne River (near the amphitheatre) from 3-7pm.

These are both great fundraising opportunities for the P&C, so if you are able to assist please contact Candice Cross or myself, Bec Halliday (0408767904).

Our next meeting is scheduled for Monday, 17 April at 6pm in the school library. New members are welcome and everyone is invited to attend.

Bec Halliday
P&C Secretary

Community Notices

Get set for Little Athletics

• St George Little Athletics Club will commence their 2023 season from Monday 17th April - 11th Sept
• MONDAY afternoon from 3:30pm-5pm (St George High School oval)
• Registration
• Tiny Tots (3-5yrs)- $55
• U/6-U/17 - $85
• Day fees (paid each week)- $2 per child or $5 per family
• 2 weeks free trial for all new children
• Please note that children participating will need a parent or guardian present and all parents are required to assist in recording and helping to run the events.
• For further enquires, contact Harry North - 0400 099 640

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