9 September 2016

Newsletter Articles

A Message from the Principal

Every day at Shailer Park State High School I am delighted by the resilience and confidence shown by our students. Last week was the Queensland Core Skills (QCS) Test which saw 45 of our year 12 students sitting through two days of rigorous testing. We congratulate our students for their commitment to study over the past 2 years as well as thank our staff who have developed the talents of these students and look forward to celebrating the student success when results are released in late November.

The Peter Doherty Awards for Excellence in STEM Education recognise students, teachers, support officers, schools and education partners who demonstrate an outstanding and innovative contribution to STEM education in Queensland. I am proud to announce that Annette Hendrikx is the 2016 recipient of the Outstanding STEM Support Officer Award. Annette has won $5000 for her enormous contribution to the Science Ambassador program at our school. The awards were presented by the Minister for Innovation, with our local member and Minister for Housing, Mick de Brenni, in attendance. We congratulate Annette and thank you for her continued commitment to our students and their love of all things Science!

The awards were presented by the Minister for Innovation, with our local member and Minister for Housing, Mick de Brenni, in attendance. We congratulate Annette and thank her for her continued commitment to our students and their love of all things Science!

I would like to thank the members of the community who attended the first of our community consultation meetings regarding Shailer Park's application for Independent Public School (IPS) status. Thanks also goes to Julie Canham (Principal of Shailer Park State School) and Fran Barker (Principal of Kingston State College) who came along to share their experiences as an IPS school. The vote was unanimous in its support of the school's application to be an Independent Public School. Any parents or community members who would like to attend the next community consultation meeting are encouraged to contact the school office on 3451 2777.

Finally I would like to congratulate students and parents on their commitment to 95% attendance. We look forward to celebrating with the students whose attendance is 92% or more at the rewards day on Friday 14 September, and we remind parents to always make appointments for your child outside of school hours and to book holidays only during school holiday periods. It is also imperative that your child arrives at school by 8.30am and does not leave before 3.00pm each afternoon. We look forward to continuing to work together with your family to make every day count.

Senior Schooling

Term Assessment Calendars and Tutorial Timetables

Students in Senior School are currently in the middle of Week 9 exams. It is a busy term for students, and I would like to take this opportunity to remind them to eat a balanced diet, and get approximately 8 hours sleep each night. Healthy habits like these ensure the best opportunities for your child's day in terms of learning, attention and behaviour.

A reminder to parents that Term Assessment Calendars are distributed to students each term. This information, including Tutorial Timetables, can also be found on our website:

QCS – Completed! – Year 12

QCS is finished for our group of Year 12 students who took part in the 2 days of testing in Week 8 this term.

Congratulations on a job well done to all of our students and our hard-working staff who supported them every step of the way.

Tertiary Applications – Year 12

All year 12 students are reminded that QTAC applications are now open. This application process is for students wanting to study all post-secondary (Cert III and above) and tertiary level courses (Diploma and above).

The QTAC Guides were distributed Week 2 of Term, but you can access the website at the link below for more information about courses. There is an abundance of information about upcoming key dates, courses and common application questions on the site.

Because the QTAC application processes have already begun, we will be working with students throughout September to ensure they have completed the application process during the term.

NEXUS – Senior Schooling Year 10

The Nexus Academy at Shailer Park SHS is an academic excellence pathway designed to challenge the most capable of students and expand the minds of the future!

In this initial phase within our Senior School, The Nexus Academy targets our Science and Health Strand for high-end Health careers requiring highly competitive university qualifications. Involvement in the program will assure access to mentorship from our most-qualified staff, it will include awareness in careers and links to leading academics and professionals in the Health industry.

The Nexus Academy is designed to accelerate the development of highly capable students through exposure to university pathways, regular visits to university campuses and lectures/tutorials with university staff throughout Brisbane and the Gold Coast region.

Applications from our Year 10 students are due on Thursday 15th September 2016 to the Administration Office. Please call the office on 3451 2777 for further information regarding the Nexus Academy or the application process in our Senior School.

Aspirations Launch – Year 10

Twenty of our Year 10 students met with a representative of Australian Business and Community Network (ABCN) and mentors from Ernst & Young (EY) in week 8 of this term.

The ABCN 'Aspirations Program' will deliver a range of critical skills, employability and leadership programs to these students over the coming months. We also had 10 business professionals from EY visit SPSHS. These twenty fortunate students will also get the opportunity to visit their mentors at EY 's offices in Brisbane throughout their involvement in the program.

Congratulations to these Aspirational students!

UQ Young Scholars Program Success!

Congratulations to Cassidy and Tiara who have been selected for the UQ Young Scholars Program.

Cassidy and Tiara will be attending a five-day (four night) Residential Camp at the St Lucia campus later this year in one of UQ's residential colleges.

They will gain valuable insights into university life and fields of study they may not have yet encountered as part of the school curriculum. Leading academics will be presenting to them and they will engage in discussions and collaborative forums in group settings. A range of social, sporting and cultural activities will also accompany the academic program on campus.

An amazing opportunity for these two Year 11 students. Great work Cassidy and Tiara!

Creative Industries

It has been a very hectic but exciting time in the Creative Industry Faculty with numerous successful events.

On the 2nd September our Performance strings played at the Loganholme S.S. flag raising ceremony. Our Dance Squad and Jazz Group also supported the Shailer SS Market Night.

Pictured above is Mr Court conducting our Symphonic Winds who played with the Queensland Youth Orchestra at the Old Museum Building on Sunday 28th August.

This was a brilliant concert and a special experience for our talented students. The Bus was supplied by the Music Support Group. Those who attended were very proud of our students who are shown below performing on their own.

Working backward the next two photographs were taken on Friday 26th August at the opening of the annual "Artwaves" exhibition for Excellence in Art.

Emma and Jessica are two of the students who attended the opening; they are seen here with their work that is presently hanging in the Logan art Gallery. This exhibition is amazing and well worth a trip to the gallery to view. The show will be open until October 8.

From August 24 – 27 the annual Shailer High Band and String Camp was held at Kindilan. As customary students from our local primary schools were invited to participate All 68 students from SPSHS and the primary schools were perfectly behaved and gave great performances at the culminating concert on Saturday. The Raffle and fabulous afternoon tea were supplied by the music support group.

Students above are seen being extended in The Queensland Symphony Orchestra flute masterclass with QSO flautist Janine Grantham on 31st August. Our flutes were amazing! Supper supplied by music support.

Tickets are now on sale for our fabulous Showcase at which you will have the opportunity to view the wonderful talent of our students. Don't miss out.

Logan Idol

Logan Idol is the annual event for Popular Music in schools. This has been a stepping stone for many successful Rock Bands, Vocal Groups and Singing Stars.

We have two such up and coming stars. Come and support William and Jontae on their way to Fame on Monday 12th September at the Logan Entertainment Centre; 6pm doors open for a 6.30 start.

We have a number of free tickets, if you would like one call the Shailer Office on 34512777 asap. First in first served.

Guidance

Year 12 Students – Pathways and QTAC Applications

It has been a very busy term for our Year 12 students. Before the end of this term Year 12 students need to get their QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) in. Students will need to book in for a QTAC interview with Mrs Snigg or Ms Winkeler in Week 10 so that we can assist them in applying to QTAC and help them with possible Scholarship applications. I will also be available to meet with students in Week 9 but this is a busy week for them as it is their Exam block.

Students have previously been given information to help them prepare for the QTAC online application process. Please be aware that QTAC applications are not just about University they are also about applications to TAFE and other private providers.

Students have also been recently given information about pathways to employment, traineeships and apprenticeships. Our Industry Liaison Officer Ms Lee will be available next term to assist students to find these alternative pathways.

Mrs Snigg and Ms Winkeler will be available to assist with Applications in Week 9 & 10. Please make appointments at the main office.

Guidance Officer will also be running application sessions during week 10 in F Block Computer rooms at first break. Come along for assistance to apply.

Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like some more information.

Science

Yr 11 Biology Camp News by Brianna

Biology Camp at Hastings Point, consisted of three days and two nights.

Our goal was to complete the booklet and to learn something new about each ecosystem we looked at (mangroves, rocky shores and sand dunes).

The first day consisted of settling in and getting a brief overview about what bio camp was about.

The second day had us waking up early to go kayaking at 6:30 in the morning. To me it was worth it. Kayaking in two groups helped get a better understanding about the mangroves and the ecology in the river system.

Later on that day, it was time to visit the rocky shores to investigate the species living in certain quadrants and their adaptations to extreme environments.

As most students completed this activity, one group, which consisted of 6 students, would go snorkelling. While snorkelling we discovered many different species living amongst the rocks. Most students saw lots of brightly coloured fish, a wobbegong shark, sea urchins, anemones and many species of hard and soft corals. It was an amazing experience to see what life was like under the water.

The last day consisted of a sand dune study where we looked at the different species of plants and where they lived. It was interesting to notice that the vines and shrubs were closest to the water to keep the sand in place while the larger trees were further away.

Throughout the whole of biology camp, we had lectures from the staff at the Environmental Education Centre as well as opportunity to visit their amazing marine museum. These lectures consisted of useful information about the ecosystems and the affects us humans have on the environment.

The one important thing that has stuck with me is that if the whole world lived like we do in Australia; we would need 17 Earths to sustain life. As humans we are interfering with the balance of life and are not contributing to the welfare of Earth.

Overall, biology camp was a fantastic experience that I would recommend to everyone. Even if you just go down to Hasting Point for the day to get back to nature.

Brianna W.
Year 11 Student

Science Olympiad

Shailer's Science Olympiad was a success….of Olympic proportions!

Five feeder schools attended the event, consisting of 120 year 6 students.

The morning included a rotation of science styled Olympic events and finished up with an awards ceremony at the end of the day, including a trophy for the best overall school.

The students had the opportunity to make their own bouncy balls, mini bazookas and balloon powered rockets, as well as testing measuring skills and problem solving.

This event was an outstanding opportunity to showcase our amazing school, great staff and students, and newly refurbished facility (aka Nexus academy).

Special mention goes to Sandy Mullen (teacher /project manager), Chris Wickens from manual arts (for the best trophies and medals we've seen), staff and science ambassadors who helped on the day.

It was a huge undertaking, a huge success, and the way people pulled together to deliver it was a true indication of what makes Shailer Park State High School so great!

That is the Shailer Park difference!

Sports

Futsal

In futsal we have two competitions coming up!

On the 10th October the under 13's have a day comp at Cornubia Sports Centre.

On the 22nd and 23rd October the Under 13's & 14's have a two day comp at the Coomera Sports centre.

The teams are currently being finalised and students will be send home with more information in the coming days.

Senior School Cup Volleyball

Our Senior Volleyball student's years 10 and 11 participated in the 2016 Senior School Cup on the 5th and 7th of August. Competing at the Logan Metro Sport Centre our year 10 girls played up in the year 11 division and were able to take third place receiving Bronze medals. The year 11 girls placed eighth and the two year 11 boy's teams came in fifth and tenth.

Volleyball Academy

On Sunday the 24th of July the Senior Volleyball Academy Student's (Years 10 and 11) competed in the 2016 'World of Sport Super 5 Volleyball' competition on the Sunshine Coast at Caloundra. This tournament is by invite only to the top 5 performing Volleyball Schools in South East Queensland. This Volleyball Tournament is a warm up event leading into the Queensland Senior Schools Cup which was held the following weekend.

Our teams performed amazingly with the year 10 boys and girls and year 11 boys placing first in their divisions. Overall our school place first amongst the other schools tying with Burnside and Craigslea. With only 4 of the 6 divisions competed in this was a terrific result Congratulations to all the teams that represented Shailer Park State High School. Hopefully our junior teams will do just as well in their round of the super 5 on Sunday the 11th of September.

Vocational Education

School Based Apprenticeships at Riviera Luxury Motor Yachts in 2017

The award winning Riviera Australia Pty Ltd is looking for current Year 11 students (non OP) going into Year 12 in 2017 who are interested in a School Based Apprenticeship at Riviera's Gold Coast premises. Work Experience over the school holidays is required to progress to the short list. See the attachment below for further details.

Applications close on Thursday 15th September. If you need help with your application, please see Ms Annette Lee, the ILO.

For Your Information

Griffith University's Logan campus invites you to discover the campus at their upcoming Information Evening.

Griffith University's Logan campus is a friendly community where lecturers really get to know their students. With a range of pathway programs providing access to university for students from all backgrounds, a university degree is closer than you think.

If you're thinking about university, discover how Griffith can help you achieve your goals at their Logan Information Evening. Tour the campus, hear about degrees, explore pathways to Griffith and chat to current students about transitioning to university. Get answers to all your questions about fees, scholarships, support—and more.

Griffith University is a proud sponsor of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Come and meet Borobi, the surfing koala mascot for the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games for a photo opportunity with live appearances at 4.30pm, 5.30pm and 6.30pm.

Program

Information sessions - 'Conversations'
4.30pm: Information and Communication Technology
5.00pm: Primary Education
5.30pm: Business
6.00pm: Nursing
6.00pm: Midwifery
6.30pm: Human Services and Social work

A campus tour will run at 5.30pm, and also upon request to our Nursing and Midwifery, and Education facilities.

TAFE SPRING SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMS 19- 30 SEPTEMBER

Knowing what to do when you leave school can be hard. This is why TAFE Queensland Brisbane we have created a series of hands-on programs designed specifically for grade 10, 11 and 12 students. From classics such as hospitality and fashion through to new areas like robotics and floristry, TAFE gives you the opportunity to trial potential pathways in a wide range of industries. The programs are as fun and interactive as they are educational, and will give you a firsthand look at what it's like to work in the industry of your choosing.

Spring Schools commence between 9.00am – 10am and finish between 2.00pm – 3.00pm. Cost is $20 per person which includes pizza lunch soft drinks and water. You will receive a statement of attendance that you can use as part of your resume when you complete any Season School program.

Over 550 students attended the Winter School and programs filled very fast. Places will be strictly limited and you are encouraged to apply early to avoid disappointment.

Should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact:

Peta Wlodarczyk, Partnerships Engagement Officer, TAFE Queensland
e: Peta.Wlodarczyk@tafe.qld.edu.au
w: www.tafebrisbane.edu.au

BodyEd Program

BodyEd is a 10-week program which provides teenagers with education and strategies to best take charge of their own mental and physical health. We're partnered with Logan Women and Iridium Health, and have received a grant from the Logan City Council to run this program. We give teenagers clear, unbiased information about health, fitness, and nutrition, while addressing negative body image and low self-esteem.

We draw upon the latest scientific research from exercise science, nutrition, and psychology to create an evidence-based, measurable intervention. We include education about why and when to exercise, as well as diet and nutrition, body weight and resistance training, media literacy, social media, and strategies to improve body image. Once the program is over, students will know about free and easy ways to exercise, have received unbiased education about nutrition, and be given the tools to create eating and exercise plans for themselves and for others. Furthermore, they will know about strategies to improve body image and to fight the cultural pressures to obtain the 'ideal' body that is presented by the media.

For further information, or if you wish to speak to the BodyEd program directors, you can feel free to contact them at any time at admin@bodyed.com.

Brave Program

BRAVE Self-Help is an online program for the prevention, early intervention, and treatment of youth anxiety.

The program is fun, interactive, based on cognitive-behavioural principles and has been found to be effective in reducing anxiety in children and adolescents. It has helped hundreds of children experiencing social anxiety, shyness, separation anxiety, phobias and general worries.

Any young people who would like help with anxiety can access the self-help program via:

School Holiday Programs in Logan

No reason to have boredom these holidays, lots of free or low cost activities for young people in Logan these holidays.

Pokémon Go

Since its recent release, Pokémon Go has become the most popular smartphone application in history.

This augmented reality app allows users to go about their daily life, but in the company of Pokémon.

The basic aim of the game is to collect Pokémon characters, working towards ultimate battles in 'gyms' which are scattered around our towns and cities. In a nutshell, the aim of the game is to catch em all!

Contrary to the games slogan, you don't 'gotta catch em all' if it means putting yourself in a situation where you feel unsafe, both online and offline.

Why it's fun

It is integrated into our real world. In the past, when we thought of gaming we pictured sitting on the couch for hours in front of a screen. Pokémon Go encourages both adults and children to explore their surroundings.

'Pokestops' are often found at well-known landmarks around town, some of historical and cultural significance.

The Pokémon themselves can be found in a variety of locations. We've been testing out the app, and we found some in our local park, in the lift and in the local supermarket. We've even got a 'Pokestop' right outside the entrance to our building.

ThinkUKnow Top Tips

1. Depending on your child's age, search for Pokémon with them, or ensure they have a friend with them at all times if you're comfortable with them being outside without parental supervision.
2. Make sure usernames don't contain any identifying information. While there is no built-in chat feature, usernames will appear if you are in a 'gym'. As you need to be physically near a gym to battle, its best those around you cannot identify you
3. Talk to your child about the importance of always looking at what is around them before they start hunting Pokémon. Pokémon Go requires you to watch your avatar walking on a screen through GPS tracking. This can sometimes cause children to focus all their attention to that little screen in their hands.
4. Talk to your children about safe places to go while playing. Players can set off 'lures' which attract not only Pokémon, but people too. This can cause large numbers of people to flock to locations around town to stand at the lure which attracts Pokémon for 30 minutes. In these instances, it is important to be aware of who is around.
5. Be aware that apps may also have access to your personal information and other applications on your phone, including your location and camera.
6. There are in-app purchases, so don't forget to chat to your children about the consequences of buying items through the app.

Time2Talk

• Why not download the app? Go catch Pokémon with your children so you can see what it's all about.
• Go for a walk catching Pokémon and have a conversation with your children about appropriate locations to catch them. Which do they think are safe and not safe?
• While walking, occasionally ask them what's around to draw their attention and focus back to their physical surroundings.
• Remind your child you don't have to walk to a Pokémon's exact location to capture it.

Helpful hint: You can track your child's activity on the app by clicking on the journal icon as it keeps a log of all activity. Australian Federal Police