13 May 2016

Newsletter Articles

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

On the morning of writing this article, our Years 7 and 9 students sat the first day of this year's NAPLAN testing. The students were exceptional in the maturity and commitment they showed during the tests. NAPLAN provides parents and schools with a snapshot of student achievement and shows the distance travelled since students last sat the exams. I encourage all parents to engage carefully with the information provided by NAPLAN when it becomes available as the tests are very sophisticated. They provide you as parents and guardians with excellent information in understanding your child's progress and in planning their futures. I wish our students all the best over the next two days of testing.

Today, our open boys' volleyball team won through to the next stage of the metropolitan finals after a stunning victory over Redlands. This victory demonstrates the dramatic improvement in students' skills being led by our world-class coach, Angela King. I would like to wish our senior boys all the best as they progress to the next stage of the competition. I would also like to wish Norman Papalaua-Pati well as he competes at the state titles this weekend.

On the evening of Thursday, 05 May, Shailer Park High's Instrumental Music students performed at Kimberly Park State School. I have received many wonderful reviews of the students' performance, both in the quality of the music and the way the students conducted themselves. Our Instrumental Music programs are a highlight of our school and the quality of music continues to improve at a rapid rate. The Instrumental Music program continues to grow from strength-to-strength, bolstered this year by the inclusion of many fine young musicians who came to Shailer Park High from our cluster primary schools.

I am constantly reminded of the importance of school attendance. Make no mistake – our attendance is improving meaning that our students are giving themselves a better chance of success. As Principal, I would like to continue to see on-going improvement in the attendance of all students as research shows this gives students the best opportunity in school and in life. I would ask all parents and guardians to join me in our on-going journey of improvement in attendance so that all our students graduate to fulfilling careers and opportunities.

All parents and guardians are reminded that 2016 school fees are now overdue. School fees are vital in providing the services that make us the high quality school that students want to attend and that achieves the outcomes we are seeing across the school. Unfortunately, from the beginning of Semester 2, students with fees owing will be unable to participate in co-curricula programs or undertake non-essential excursions, including sporting trips. If you have not done so already, could you please attend to the payment of school fees by contacting Lesley at our finance window.

Troy Ascott
Principal

HEAD OF YEAR 12

Year 12 Head of Year Report

I would like to congratulate the students on their efforts in not only maintaining but increasing their attendance data. Our rate of attendance for last week was 93%. This ensures that all students are maximising their opportunities to perform to their absolute best.

Our young adults are faced with many challenges in their lives. Arming them with information and skills they may draw upon in difficult situations will go a long way in helping them make the best decisions possible. Last week, we had Paul Stanley, the father of Matthew, come and address the Year 12 cohort. Matthew was the victim of a cowardly one punch attack that ended his life. Mr Stanley's presentation was very honest and deeply moving and resonated strongly with our students. The following response from one of our students demonstrates the impact of his presentation.

"On the Wednesday morning of last week, the father of Matthew Stanley, Paul Stanley, came in to address the grade 12's about an issue that is too common in our youth; violence. Paul had the strength and the courage to share the loss of his son, Matthew, to a cowardly one-punch attack. He shared how his son was a charming and friendly young man. A confident and content individual. He was supposed to become a great sportsman, but due to an alcohol-infused attack, he had suffered many blows to his body, which left him in a comatose state. Since the attack, Paul has taken it upon himself to stop this from happening to any other adolescents, to prevent individuals from becoming victims. Paul's story broke my heart, but his willingness to voice his son's death in order to protect others is truly astonishing."

Tauaraia Howard

Anne-Maree King
Head of Year 12

Shailer Sleepout

Friday 27th – Saturday 28th May

5pm – 7am

• All money raised supports the 'Youth of the Streets' Foundation
• Collect a permission letter from your Head of Year
• Return permission form and make payment at the finance window
• Get your friends together for a night of fun filled activities!
• Guaranteed to be the most fun you will have at school this year!

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

Art

Ella's drawing (Year 11 Art) represents her "Obsession" with music. In this response the students had to use all the media they experimented with earlier. This artwork is currently hanging in "Facets" our art gallery.

Year 7 students are half way through their 2015 "Arts" experience. Pictured here are examples of interpretative drawings by Alex, Tyrone, Isabella and Duanna. These represent the second stage in the process and involved the students in problem solving, stylization and colour gradation using Aquarelle pencils.

Arts Collective

This is a photograph of our students at the Queensland Ballet's rendition of Shakespeare's "A Mid-Summer Night's Dream" which we attended in Week One this term. Students from Year 10 Art, Dance, Drama and Music are using this interpretation in their class work. It was gratifying to find that those students who accompanied us were entranced with the performance and are hoping to visit the theatre again soon. It is wonderful create these extension opportunities for such a delightful group of students. Those who were unable to attend watched the ballet presented by a French Ballet group.

Drama

A very exciting extra-curricular opportunity has started on Thursday Afternoons in P5. Three final year students from Griffith University Drama Department run a weekly workshop. This is available to interested students from years 7 – 12. We will no doubt see their work at the "Arts Evening" at the end of the term.

Instrumental Music

Last week our students had the opportunity to attend the QSO Concert which was brilliant. Students were rapt, they were literally sitting on the edge of their seats. We had front row seats so they were able to see every nuance of the artist's movement and expression. This was a fabulous extension for the program, students were only entertained but they were also inspired by the orchestra's performance.

At Kimberley Park SS on Thursday evening our strings and jazz band performed for the 200+ KPSS instrumental students and their families. Mr Court received outstanding comments from KPSS parents some of whom have indicated that they are eager for their sons and daughters to continue instrumental music at Shailer Park High. Congratulations to our students for their fine performances and for being such great ambassadors for SPSHS.

Simone Filippow
Head of Department

GUIDANCE

Parent Info Session: "Getting ready for university"

Information sessions for Year 10 parents, guardians and carers.

Transition to university is a big adjustment not just for your teenager but also for you.

This is your opportunity to learn about all that is involved in the lead up to life at university.

You play a vital role in helping your children make the best choices about their future and year 10 is a great place to start! When teenagers select their senior subjects, it's important they choose the right prerequisites for the university programs they are interested in.

These smaller group sessions will give you the necessary information you need to assist your child with making an informed choice about their future.

Sessions will be held by our expert Future Student Contact team who are all recent graduates from university. All sessions will be approximately one hour long with additional time for any questions you may have.

Topics include:

• Understanding the university language - Preparing for university in Year 10
• The differences between high school and university - workload, hours of study
• Scholarships - for high achieving academic students, students from a low-income background and students who are excellent at sport or studying particular subject areas
• QTAC, fees, accommodation and more

Session Times:

Monday 6 June: 1:00-2:30pm
Tuesday 7 June: 6:00-7:30pm
Wednesday 8 June: 10:30am-12:00pm
Wednesday 8 June: 6:00-7:30pm

Book now:

Bookings essential by 29 May 2016
Register your attendance below
If you have any questions please contact us on 07 3346 9872 or email us at ask@uq.edu.au

For information, contact:

Linda Edwards
Phone: 07 3346 8196
Email: l.edwards2@uq.edu.au

UQ Parents Guide now available for order

The University of Queensland's new 2016 Guide for Parents is now available for order.

Focused on providing parents with all the information they need to assist their students take the first steps towards university, this brochure covers topics such as what to expect from university, support for students, information on accommodation and costs.

To order copies of the guide, please email school.liaison@uq.edu.au. There is no cost associated with ordering copies of the guide. Remember to include the number of publications you would like as well as your best postal address in the email.

For information, contact:

Sebastion Marx
Phone: 07 3345 2835
Email: school.liaison@uq.edu.au

Nicky Stone
Guidance Officer

HEALTH, PHYSICAL EDUCATION & SPORTS

Our school entered a 15 Girls and 17 Boys team in the Dragons Flaming Chalice over the last weekend (30th April – 1st May) which is a huge state wide volleyball tournament. Both our teams played at venues on the northside at Earnshaw College and The Gap SHS against other school teams and also a few state squad teams. I am very proud to let you all know that after 2 full days of competition and about 6-7 games within the 2 days, both our 17 BOYS and the 15 GIRLS teams won the GOLD!

It is a massive achievement for our school and shows that our Volleyball program is really starting to become a huge force in the volleyball world. If you teach or see any of these students today they may be a little tired and sore, but I'm sure they would love to tell you all about it!!!

Dale Hansen
Norman Papuala-Pati
Morgan Keeble
Divad Wilson
Josh Poe
Ahmed Ibrahim
Zac Hawks
Jayde Adams
Isabella Trinh
Nyah Taurima
Brianna Lakeland
Krystelle Thomson
Sharelle Tauariki
Deina-Jean Maangi

Regards, Ange King

Josh Kennedy
Head of Department

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY/SENIOR SCHOOLING

SENIOR SCHOOLING

Thinking about the future – YOUR FUTURE

Things aren't the same in the Australian job market as it was 10 years ago. Students need SKILLS to be innovative, independent and collaborative and flexible as they are likely to have upwards of 7 different career changes in their lifetime.

It isn't so important what JOB you want to do but WHAT SKILLS you HAVE – like appropriate communication skills and computer literacy as well as analytical and evaluative skills.

Computer skills are necessary because a large number of simple jobs have been automated and computerised. It would be difficult to find a business which doesn't reply on computers and therefore jobs involving computer literacy are in constant high demand. Increasing digital dangers and security requirements are pushing local and state governments and companies to hire more specialists to help improve information security and protect privacy.

Market research analysts help companies navigate an increasingly competitive business landscape by crunching numbers and studying market conditions and consumer behaviour. Businesses use this information for effective marketing strategies, which may include setting appropriate prices and choosing advantageous store locations. This is particularly important as Australia's population changes in age, cultures and locations.

Australia's growing elderly population and the aging baby boom generation is creating greater demand for health care and social services. Many more workers will be needed in this field to care for the aged, and to lead them through rehabilitation. With ongoing advances in medicine, more people will survive such traumas and need rehabilitative services. Non-invasive procedures for medical support and diagnosis are more popular with patients. They lower costs and their relative simplicity also make them better options for insurers. Together with advancing technology, these procedures can be applied in more cases and used in more places, such as doctors' offices and medical labs outside of hospitals.

What this means for students

Reports were handed out early this term and this has led to students being more aware of their learning and goals for the future. It's important that we keep our goals in mind and keep learning different skills in all areas of learning so that they are flexible, innovative and collaborative. Students really will benefitting from setting goals now and planning to use their time well. Improvements in effort and attitude have positive effects on assessment and results.

Year 10's are reminded to keep this in mind as they start to set goals for subjects they would like to pursue in Year 11 and 12. We will be starting to inform students about SET Planning in coming weeks, and have been working on understanding career options and pathways in our ACE programs.

Students in Years 11 and 12 are reminded about open days for universities and further studies coming up:

Upcoming Events for the Calendar

Our Year 12 OP Eligible students will be hearing more about this exciting day at UQ for some inspiring insights and career guidance. Tuesday 12 July 2016.

Year 11 Information Technology Systems students designed graphic user interfaces (GUIs) in term 1. All students completed great designs. They are currently working on creating a set of three graphic design objects for a client. Congratulations year 11s. Below are a few of the GUIs designed by our talented students.

Jasmine

Talia

Year 10 Information Communication Technologies students worked on web design during term 1. They learnt how to code HTML and adapt images for the Internet. The theme for this cohort was to develop a tourism website for a developing nation. Students conducted research and collected assets and applied their understanding of graphic design principles to construct their sites. Following are a few of their websites.

Cade

Krystal

Brooke

Jaydyn

Kyrah

Roger

Anita Winkeler
Head of Department

SCHOOL-BASED YOUTH HEALTH NURSE

Your gut health is extremely important for maintaining overall health and wellbeing.

Poor digestive health can affect anyone with most people being affected by some form of gut issue at some time in their lives.

Inflammatory disease affects the nerve and muscle function of the bowel. The two main forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Ulcerative colitis is a disease primarily of the colon (large intestine).Crohn's disease affects bowel from the small intestine into the colon.

Symptoms vary from pain, fever to change in bowel habits and depressed mood amongst others.

Genetics, viruses, infections, stress, medication and lifestyle factors including diet can all contribute to the onset and severity of IBD.

Diagnosis for IBS can include full medical check-up, blood and stool tests, and various bowel screening.

Contact the following for more information resources and support regarding IBS:

• GP
• Irritable Bowel Information and Support Association Tel. (07) 3372 2091
• Dietitians Association of Australia Tel. 1800 812 942

HEALTHY SCHOOL LUNCH RECIPIE:

Mini Vegie Frittatas (should make 8)

• 6 Eggs whisked
• 200g Grated Cheddar Cheese
• 1 sliced spring onion
• 1 Grated zucchini
• 3 tblsp chopped red or yellow capsicum
• 1/2 cup of cooked and cooled quinoa or couscous
• In a small non-stick frying pan, fry the capsicum in a small amount of oil till soft, add the spring onion and grated zucchini and fry for a further 2 or 3 minutes.
• Remove frying pan from the heat and allow the vegetables to cool.
• In a bowl whisk the eggs, add the grated cheese, sautéed vegetables and quinoa or couscous. Mix to combine.
• Spray a muffin tin with some oil and spoon mixture into the tin.
• Bake at 180 degrees Celsius for 10 to 15 minutes.
• Once cooked, remove from the oven and cool, and then place in the fridge.

On the morning of school take one or two of the mini frittatas and wrap in cling and pack in the lunch box.

Good Health

Michelle
School-based Youth Health Nurse

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION OFFICE

Madeline Lee was recently nominated by two of her TAFE teachers for the IT student of the year, and we are delighted to say that she has received this award.

Nominations for IT student of the year, had to be completed by both teachers as well as the nominees. Students are nominated on their efforts and performance and must be nominated to be eligible for the award. Madeline studied her Diploma of IT through TAFENOW which is the online version of the TAFE. The Facebook page for the TAFE has images and a brief outline of the award and what this means for Madeline

Year 11 & 12 Students

Are you interested in working in the Transport and Logistics Industries or perhaps the Health Support Services Industries and not already doing a TAFE Course / Traineeship or OP eligible?

We're looking at running two short Courses here in school:

13 week course starting towards the end of Term 2. (Subject to sufficient numbers)

• GAIN A NATIONALLY RECOGNISED QUALIFICATION
• GAIN REAL WORLD SKILLS
• AXIOM COLLEGE TRAINER LED DELIVERY IN SCHOOL, 1 DAY PER WEEK
• GAIN 4 QCE CREDITS, BOOSTING YOUR LEARNING ACCOUNT

Gena from AXIOM College will be here on Tuesday 17th May morning to briefly speak at our Senior Assembly and we'll have Expression of Interests forms available.

Expressions of Interest are to be submitted to the Industry Liaison Officer (Annette Lee) by Friday 20th May 2016.

Annette Lee
Industry Liaison Officer

Community

38 students from years 7-12 attended a "Pasifika and Maori' workshop at Logan Griffith University on Wednesday 27th April.

There were a number of highlights for the students as they were able to experience and share stories by some of the final year Uni. students into their 'Journey of Learning' inspiring and encouraging our students to dream big and know that they all have the opportunity to be successful.

The students were provided morning tea and lunch and they in turn thanked Emma Tanuvase who is the Pasifila Liaison Officer and the Uni. students for taking their time to share University life and the campus tour.

We will continue to monitor the progress of the students that attended and have also provided a 'Study and Breakfast club' in the mornings from 7:30am-8:30am.

Any parent/carer that would like further information or have an hour to spare in the mornings to assist with our reading group please give me a call at school.

Elei Faraimo
CLO (Community Liaison Officer)

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Breaking Barriers Opening Doors Post-School Options & Disability Expo 2016
Wednesday 1st June
Logan Entertainment Centre, 170 Wembley Road, Logan Central
10.00am. to 1.30pm.

Parents, Carers and students are invited to attend the Breaking Barriers Opening Doors Expo at the Logan Entertainment Centre (LEC) on Wednesday 1st June, from 10.00am. - 1.30pm. This expo is designed to help students and families learn more about what is available after they leave school. The Expo will include Logan-based services in employment support, training, education, sport, recreation, day services and support services for people with disabilities.

In addition to the Expo, there will also be:

• The Logan Disability Awards – Presentation of awards will begin in the LEC meeting rooms at 12.45pm.
• An Exhibition of Art and Photography by people with disabilities.
• A Q&A Forum in the LEC meeting rooms from 10.30am. - 11.30am. Please bring your questions for the panel.
• Entertainment

Organised by the School Transition Officers from Education Queensland, in conjunction with Logan City Council, the National Disability Coordination Officer ,and F.I.R.S.T. (Foundation for Independence, Recreation & Social Training), this event promises to be an informative day.

The Expo is sponsored by the National Disability Coordination Officer, Horizon Foundation Inc., Life without Barriers, House With No Steps and F.I.R.S.T.

The Logan Disability Awards are sponsored by Mylestones.

For more information, refer to the web site

The Logan Entertainment Centre has free parking and is within walking distance of the Woodridge Train Station (on the Beenleigh line).

Winter School Program

Running 27th – 8th July

There will be capped numbers for these events so first in best dressed!

The cost will be $20.00 per event and will need to be paid by credit card before the event.

We would also like to extend and invite to VET coordinators/Teachers at no cost to you.

Kindest regards
Peta Wlodarczyk
Operations Manager Business Relationships
TAFE QUEENSLAND BRISBANE
p: +617 3244 5684
m: 0400 349 484
e: Peta.Wlodarczyk@tafe.qld.edu.au
a: , Mt Gravatt, Qld
p: Locked Mail Bag 14, South Brisbane, Q 4101
w: tafebrisbane.edu.au