14 October 2016

Newsletter Articles

Message from the Principal

Welcome back to all parents and families for Term 4.

As we continue our journey of improvement, I am happy to report that our students’ results on Term 3 report cards were the best in the school’s history. I was delighted with the number of students whose results had improved and who were showing greater commitment to their studies. I am sure that with this focus we will see students’ results continue to improve in the future.

Last Friday I had the privilege of attending our annual Showcase performance. It was a truly wonderful evening, with the standard of students’ performances quite outstanding. Showcase represented an amazing opportunity to bring attention to the extraordinary number of talented students in the school. The students were all excellent across the various dance, music and drama performances and I was very proud to be part of the event.

Performing arts are an area in which students of Shailer Park High excel and the students’ enthusiasm for their performances was infectious. Congratulations must go to all student performers, all of those students who helped to stage the event and the teachers who gave up so much of their own time to make the event a success!

This term, Shailer Park High has a jam-packed agenda with events including our Awards Night, Senior Formal, Senior Graduation and Rewards Days for students with an attendance rate of 92% or more and one or less reported behaviour incidents. Each of these events celebrates our students and their achievements, making Term 4 a special time. We are looking forward to celebrating these major events with our students.

The issue of social media and its use is a difficult one for parents and students of this generation. I am sure I speak for high schools everywhere in saying that the use of social media by teenagers creates a new and unique set of issues. Unfortunately, from time to time, we as a school are confronted with issues that are created through students’ unsupervised use of social media. As a rule of thumb, I would strongly advise that students do not use social media unsupervised, if at all, under the age of 16. Your support in ensuring that students are not using social media at inappropriate times and without supervision is greatly valued.

Many times this year I have discussed the importance of 100% school attendance. As we strive to become a “top 3%” school we will continue our drive for improved school attendance. All students and families are asked to ensure students are in attendance at all times, except genuine illness, to ensure students have the best possible chance of success in their future lives.

As well as their stunning performances at Showcase, our Instrumental Music students have been excelling on other stages.

Our “Symphonic Winds” won GOLD at the Prestige Music Fest, held at Iona College, while our Performance Strings were awarded a SILVER at Calamvale College.

At the time of writing, the String Ensemble are due to perform at Iona on 21 October and the Jazz Band will perform at Calamvale College on October 29.

Congratulations to all our Instrumental Music students.

Deputy Principal – Junior Secondary
(Years 7, 8 and 9)

Enrolments for 2017

On Tuesday 25 October we are conducting enrolment interviews for 2017.

Call 34512777 to secure your enrolment interview time on this day.

We will be inviting all 2017 enrolments to our Orientation days on Monday 28 November and Tuesday 29 November.

Attendance

Our school day begins at 8.45am. Therefore students must arrive at school by no later than 8.30am. Please ensure that your child has a method of transport to school that ensures that they can arrive on time.

A reminder to parents that if your child is absent from school you must contact the school on 3451 2766 to advise the school that your child will be away and the reason for the absence. Remember that every day counts and that the only valid reason for your child to be away from school is due to genuine illness.

Students who have 92% attendance and 1 or less behaviour incident will be invited to the term 4 rewards day which will be an excursion to Wet and Wild on Thursday 8 December.

Junior Secondary Literacy Program

This term we are launching our Junior Secondary literacy program which our year 7 and 8 students will participate in on a Thursday (7A and 8A) or Friday (all other classes) English lesson. The program will teach and test student’s skills of spelling, language conventions, reading and writing. This program will contribute to the English results for year 7 and 8 students for this term. Therefore it is essential that all students give their best effort during this and all classes.

We look forward to tracking your child’s progress in these important areas and trust that you will begin to see the benefits of this program through conversations you have with your child and through their school results at the end of this year.

Senior Schooling

Term Assessment Calendars and Tutorial Timetables

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:

Senior Dashboard on our Website

We also have a dashboard for senior students where you can access information on a range of issues such as

• Courses and Training including university and TAFE courses
• Work Experience
• School Based Traineeships\Apprenticeships
• Careers –including how to write a cover letter or resume
• Indigenous issues
• Post School Options

QCS –– Year 12

Like last year, students’ individual QCS Test grades will be released prior to senior certification in December.

From 9 am on Wednesday 16 November 2016 students will be able to access their individual QCS Test grade — from A to E — in their learning account on the Student Connect website:

Students’ QCS Test grades will be confirmed on the Senior Statement they receive as part of their Senior Education Profile sent to them in December.

Release of Year 12 results, OPs and FPs – Year 12

From 9 am on Saturday 17 December, all results contributing to the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), OPs and FPs will be available in student learning accounts on the Student Connect website: https://studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au

From Monday 19 December, students will begin receiving their Senior Education Profiles in the mail. Depending on students’ individual circumstances, their profile will comprise one or more of the following documents:

• QCE
• Tertiary Entrance Statement
• Senior Statement
• Queensland Certificate of Individual Achievement.

QCS – Our New Cohort – Year 11

Our Year 11 students who intend to write the QCS test in August 2017 were initiated in Week 1 of this term into the processes, procedures and some of the nuances of the tests. SPSHS was fortunate to have Dr Terri Bourke, a lecturer and academic at QUT, discuss the rigours of the test, but also to give some invaluable hints and tips about working smarter, not harder!

Students then practiced each of the tests – Multiple Choice, Short Response and the Writing Task. Their results will help us support them in the areas that most need development in 2017. We know they have great support from these first steps forward.

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!

Applications were received from a number of students for this program and we congratulate all students for this. Students will be informed of their determination in coming weeks.

Senior Noticeboard – Industry Liaison and School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships

We now have a noticeboard for Senior Schooling opposite the book room at G Block.

Information and opportunities will be posted here when they become available, and will also be available on student notices. This includes information about apprenticeships and traineeships.

Students need to be in Grade 10, 11 or 12 (Non OP) to undertake Certificate courses or school based apprenticeships / traineeships. Eligibility conditions apply.

Post School Options will also be posted.

If you see something you would like to find out more about, please see Ms Annette Lee the ILO.

Year 12 Head of Year Report

Welcome back to term four, not only the final for the year but the final in your son’s/daughter’s schooling. It is a very exciting time. While the hard work of term three is behind us, the hard work must continue to the very end. This is of utmost importance to consolidate and improve on results gained. In order to do this, full attendance goes without saying. Please support your student and the school by meeting the expectations regarding attendance.

Once all the hard work is over, we get to celebrate at the much anticipated Formal and our very important Graduation Ceremony. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that full payment for the Formal must be made by Friday 28th October, (end of week 4). Full payment must be made to Sirromet so this date cannot be amended. I have spoken to the students about the organisation and running of the evening and have sent letters home outlining the same for parents. If you have any concerns about the event or have not seen a letter with all relevant details, then please do not hesitate in contacting me.

So that you may begin making plans for our Graduation Ceremony, I would like to inform you that it will be held here at school in our Multi-Purpose Hall at 3:30pm on Thursday 17th November. Further details regarding this will be communicated to you closer to the event.

I am looking forward to a very busy but exciting final term.

Humanities / Junior Secondary

Junior Secondary

Last term our students in Years 7, 8 and 9 participated in Careers Day here at Shailer Park State High School. The day started with an information session to begin sparking interest in a possible pathway and career. The day continued with students taking part in a Career Expo which provided them with the opportunity to engage with many different universities and industries. Other activities throughout the day were visually inspired discussions around how and why you would choose certain careers. Staff opened up to students on their own personal journeys describing how they entered their chosen field of teaching. This was a wonderful opportunity that fostered positive relationships between staff and students.

The day concluded with an exciting display on our oval of Paramedics, Semi -Trailer and Racing car.

Throughout the day students filled in their career passport and had many discussions around careers. At the end of this booklet is the student resource scheme and subject selection form for next year. If you have not already done so can you please fill these out, sign and send in with your student to hand to their roll teacher.

It was a fantastic day with all students participating fully and excited about their future opportunities.

Creative Industries

As usual, particularly at this time of the year, the Creative Industries has been a hive of activity. Presented in this newsletter are some of the events we have been involved in over the past month.

Artwaves

This show has just been dismantled so it is time to arrange for collection of the artwork. I feel for the Logan packagers as many student’s work is very difficult to pack. When this is reinstalled in “Facets” we will include images in the next newsletter.

We are already selecting work that will be presented for next year’s show. There is some great work being completed by our very talented students.

Instrumental Music

Congratulations to our Performance Strings for achieving a silver award in the Secondary B Grade section at the Prestige Music Fest held at Calamvale College Sunday 9th October. Those who have heard them play recently will agree with me that they are sounding fabulous.

The Symphonic Winds will be competing in their section at Iona College on Wednesday 12th so we will report on their success in the next newsletter.

Tickets have been purchased for the Queensland Symphony Orchestra Concert for 2017 which sounds amazing so be on the lookout for a chance for their release to our students, they really do not want to miss out on this one.

The countdown to the end of the year is on - Future Events are:

LOGAN IDOL

At the Logan Entertainment Centre, in the week before the holidays, schools from our areas got together to present this event that showcased a range of talented Musicians. These acts do not fall under the Instrumental Music umbrella. We saw contemporary bands and soloists, awe inspiring acts, great bands, vocalists, guitarists, etc. William and Jontae represented our school with wonderful, accomplished, professional performances and those of us who attended were so proud of them. We were able to furnish those interested in attending with free tickets.

This is another event to watch out for in 2017, we will be on the lookout for Shailer bands, groups, soloists all musicians to represent us and attend the show next year.

SHOWCASE

If you missed “Showcase 2016” then you have really lost an amazing opportunity to experience a great show at next to nothing cost. The actors, dancers, musicians and singers who performed, demonstrated the wealth of talent that resides in our school.

We know that there are other students within our population who are equally as talented and are waiting to be discovered. Rave reviews by members of the audience and the satisfaction of performers are a balm to soothe the nerves of the Creative Industry teachers who worked so hard to present this spectacle.

Health, Physical Education & Sports

2016 Sports Awards Breakfast

A reminder that the 2016 Sports Awards Breakfast will be taking place on Thursday 3rd November starting at 7.00 AM at Fitzy's Function Centre. The cost will be $25 which includes a full buffet breakfast, venue hire and bus travel back to school.

The special guest will be Qld Red's Front-row forward and past student of Shailer Park State High School 'Sef Fa’gase'.

Students who have been nominated for an award will be given an invite this week and students will need to confirm their attendance and pay by Friday 28th October at the Finance window in the office.

Volleyball Junior Super 5

On Sunday 11th September our Junior Volleyball Academy Student’s (year 7, 8 and 9) competed in the 2016 ‘World of Sport Junior Super 5 Volleyball’ competition at Caloundra on the Sunshine Coast.

The teams played four games each and performed amazingly. It was an all-day event from 8:30am to 5:00pm and was the last round of the Super 5 for 2016. The tournament was invite only and Shailer was lucky enough to have teams in all 6 divisions.

Following on from the seniors who played in July the year 7 girls were able to take out first place, winning the GOLD Medal. Our other teams played well with the Year 7 & 8 boys finishing 4th, and the Year 8 & 9 Girls finishing 5th.

This Junior Volleyball Tournament is a warm up event leading into the Queensland Junior Schools Cup which will be on the 14th – 16th October in Brisbane. Congratulations to all the Junior Teams that represented Shailer Park State High School.

This meant that overall from the ‘World of Sport Senior & Junior Super 5 Tournament’ Shailer Park finished 3rd as the Champion School. What a great effort!

Volleyball Fundraising Trivia Night

Come and get behind our amazing Volleyballer's and support this fundraising event to send them to the Nationals!

You don't have to have a student in the program - we welcome anyone to come along and have an awesome night.

There are plenty of prizes to be won (both cash prizes and items), so everybody will love it!

See you there!

Guidance

Young People and Sexting

We all know that young people are way ahead of most adults when it comes to technology but as parents and responsible adults in their life we must make sure that we get involved with the technology they use and assist them in making informed decisions.

As adults it is important that we challenge their views about what they consider to be ‘normal’ or desirable. One such example is ‘sexting’. Young people often act before they consider the consequence of their actions. There are no accurate Australian statistics on the prevalence of sexting amongst children and young people but empirical studies from overseas indicate that approximately one in ten teenagers have sent a sexually explicit text message or image. More worryingly, one in five teenagers have seen these sorts of images. (Anecdotal evidence suggests that the prevalence of sexting amongst young people is much higher.) This indicates that the images are rarely seen by only the intended recipient.

Young people may not be worried about the potential criminal charges associated with sexting, but they may be concerned about the impact on their reputation and relationships. Unfortunately, some relationships end badly, and if explicit images have been shared, these may be used for payback or revenge. Once that image is shared, you cannot control who sees it or what they do with it. If it ends up online, it can never be deleted.

It’s also important to look at the issue from a ‘social norms’ approach. Young people may become involved in sexting behaviour because they mistakenly believe that “everyone else is doing it.” Highlighting that sexting and other forms of self-created inappropriate content are the exception to the rule, and that the majority of young people, the majority of the time, are using technology safely and responsibly

So what advice can you pass onto to your child?

• Encourage your child to think before they post
• Discuss ethical sexual relationships with your child
• Promote empathy and looking at situations from other people’s perspectives
• Take a social norms approach
• Help develop strategies of avoiding creating inappropriate content. Some young people may feel pressured by their girlfriend or boyfriend to create this content. Helping a young person to develop effective strategies of saying ‘no’ will help them to employ these strategies when needed

What is Sexting & What do I need to know to Assist My Child?

Sexting refers to the sending of sexual messages, photos or videos using a mobile phone. It can also refer to posting this type of material online. Involvement in sexting, or exposure to inappropriate imagery, is a very real risk for teenagers. The following tips can help guide teens in the choices they make when using mobile phones, web cams and sending messages.

• Talk with your teen about sexting and the social and legal consequences it can have.
• Sexting can have legal consequences if the images taken and shared are of minors.
• Even if all participants are willing, teens may be breaking the law if they take and share naked or sexual images of themselves or others who are minors. This is because sexting images may be considered child pornography.
• Sexting can have social consequences. For example, if images are forwarded on from the intended recipient, which has been the case following relationship break-ups, the social ramifications can be devastating for teens. Images may end up being viewed by many people through mobiles and posting of images online.
• Images can be distorted and manipulated
• Images can and have inadvertently ended up on sites which are frequented by paedophiles.
• Remind your teen to delete any sexual content they receive from others and to avoid forwarding this type of content.
• Remind your teen to consider the feelings of others when taking photos and distributing any content by mobile phone or online.
• Learn how to use your teen’s mobile phone and talk with them about what they can and can’t do with it.
• If you are concerned that a sexting incident may be a criminal matter, contact your local police.
• If your teen is exposed to inappropriate content or involved in creating such content talk with them about it. If necessary seek professional support, including support through the Cybersmart Online Helpline at http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/report.aspx.

The Cybersmart Online Helpline provides free, confidential online counselling for children and young people. Your teen’s school may also be able to provide guidance or support.

More information

The Cybersmart program provides a range of cyber safety materials for parents and their children. For more information, resources, advice and tips, visit the Cybersmart website at the link below. Encourage your children and teens to take a look around the website. If you have young children, you may like to explore it together to help them understand how to protect themselves against online risks and make the most of their experiences online.

Vocational Education

Early Childhood Education and Childcare

Traineeships are open for application. Current Year 10 and 11 students (non OP) are eligible. Expression of Interest forms can be obtained from Ms Annette Lee the ILO and need to be submitted with a current resume before Wednesday 19th October 2016

Automotive Industry Program – AccelR8

Applications are opening for current Year 10 and 11 students (non OP). In association with Oceania College of Technology at Acacia Ridge this is an 18 month program with training 1 day per week for the first 12 months followed by work placement, 1 day per week for the following 6 months. Expression of Interest forms can be obtained from Ms Annette Lee the ILO and need to be submitted with a current resume before Friday 28th October 2016.

Stefan’s Hairdressing – School based apprenticeship applications

There’s more to Hairdressing than just Hairdressing

Great news for all students who are passionate and committed to a career in the Hairdressing industry. Stefan’s are interviewing to recruit their 2017 full time and school based apprentices (school based must be in year 12 in 2017, no exceptions).

Hairdressing is a great career for both males and females and once qualified can lead to some amazing work opportunities:

• Hairdresser, Senior Stylist or Salon Manger both in Australia and Internationally
• Area Manager for a large company like Stefan’s
• Hairdresser for a Hotel or Resort, on a Cruise Ship or Movie Set, at a Fashion Show
• Running your own Salon or Mobile Salon
• Take the appropriate qualifications and become a Trainer

About the interview:

• Group Sessions
• 170 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane
• 3.45 for a 4pm start
• Sessions are Thursday and Friday
  - 20/21st October
  - 27/28th October
  - 3/4th November
  - 10/11th November
  - 17/18th November

Interested students need to send submit the following information to Innovations.Brisbane@tafe.qld.edu.au

• Resume, include a personal statement about why you want the apprenticeship
• School report card
• Current photo of themselves – (photo does not need to be a portrait, it is purely for our own reference as we see many students each week)
• Whether you are applying for full time or school based
• Preferred interview date

TAFE AT SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Applications for TAFE are open.

TAFE have released their latest 2017 TAFE at Schools Course Guide. Students interested in undertaking a Certificate course next year can access the course information from the Guide and then make an appointment with Ms Annette Lee (ILO).

Hard copies of the 2017 TAFE at Schools Course Guide can be obtained from Ms Annette Lee (ILO).

(Conditions apply to enter into any school based Certificate Courses, Work Experience or Apprenticeships / Traineeships).

Further information on any of the above programs can be obtained from Ms Annette Lee (ILO) on 3451 2777 or alee296@eq.edu.au.