28 April 2017

Newsletter Articles

Message from the Principal

Welcome Back!

Shailer Park High has had a very good start to the term, and I can report that parents can be extremely proud of all of our students after the ANZAC Day, Cross Country and Harmony Day events on Friday. The students’ behaviour and participation was impeccable.

I am very proud to be part of this school community.

Inspiration in Education

As we begin a new term, I am moved to reflect on one of my great heroes in education. In our society, we have become accustomed to having heroes from sports or the entertainment industry, but we rarely develop heroes in education. One true educational hero, however, is the indomitable Geoffrey Canada.

Geoffrey Canada is an African American man who, in his career, has staked out a number of blocks in Harlem, one of America’s poorest and most underprivileged areas. In this area, Mr Canada has built a “charter school” called Promise Academy, in which he aims to give every student a promise of going to college.

To do this, Mr Canada and his team tackle a range of social issues including poverty, drug use, gangs and neglect. Promise Academy has become a beacon of success, with outstanding results that annually include more than 90% of the school’s graduates going on to college.

Mr Canada’s work has been recognised with visits to the White House to meet President Obama, appearances on the Oprah Winfrey show and a starring role in the documentary ‘Waiting for Superman.’ There is little doubt that Geoffrey Canada is an inspiration who shows us what is possible in education, and how inspired people can work to make a difference in their community.

At Shailer Park High, we talk to the students about having “big plans and bold ambitions” for their future. Like Harlem’s Promise Academy, we want every one of our students to leave school and move on to a positive and vibrant future!

Coming up this Term

This term, a range of exciting events have been planned that further expands students’ horizons and opportunities.

I am particularly looking forward to the Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) conference planned for this Thursday, with guest speakers including the Vice-President of Griffith University and a range of Queensland’s most remarkable women in science.

Parent Teacher Interviews are also coming up in the Evening on Wednesday 03 May 2017.

Director of Futsal

In an effort to bolster our Futsal program and have our students competing more often we have appointed Mr Scott Lennox to the role of Director of Futsal. Mr Lennox is in the process of developing more opportunities for competition play in the near future.

We are very much looking forward to the term ahead!

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

Upcoming NAPLAN testing for Years 7 & 9 – 10, 11 & 12 May (week 5)

We are looking forward to our upcoming NAPLAN tests for years 7 and 9 in Week 4 (9, 10, 11 May with a catch up day for any absent students on Friday 12 May). These tests will take place in the student’s core classroom in Periods 1 and 2 on each day.

Students have been well prepared for these tests and should be excited about giving the tests their very best effort.

Last year our year 7’s and 9’s performed exceptionally well and we look forward to continuing these great results in 2017.

Due to the fact the NAPLAN tests (unlike our other school based tests) are not compulsory, any parents who would like to withdraw their child from the NAPLAN tests is urged to contact Deputy Principal – Sharyn Angel on sange16@eq.edu.au or 3451 2777. A formal ‘Notice of Parent Withdrawal’ form will need to be completed.

Attendance on the NAPLAN days is compulsory for all students (students who are withdrawn from the test will be provided with alternative literacy and numeracy activities to do at school).

If you have any questions or concerns about the test or testing conditions, do not hesitate to contact Sharyn Angel.

SAY NO TO BULLYING

Bullying can be defined as repeated behaviour intended create a power imbalance which intends to hurt another individual physically, mentally or emotionally.

At Shailer Park State High School we SAY NO TO BULLYING.

We have a very transparent anti-bullying process that is regularly discussed with students (see diagram below).

In short, it is ESSENTIAL that if your child reports an instance of bullying to you that the process is followed. This means that the student will provide a written statement to their Head of Year.

The Heads of Year and their staffrooms are listed below:

• Years 7 & 8: Ms Jasmina Tianen (S Block staffroom)
• Years 9: Ms Morgan Lewis
• Year 10: Ms Anne-Maree King (F Block staffroom)
• Year 11: Mr Michael Culverwell (F Block staffroom)
• Year 12: Ms Cecilia Hall (G Block staffroom)

Message from the Care Team

Preparing Your Child for NAPLAN.

NAPLAN is almost upon us, and we all want our students to achieve their best. Of course academic preparation is vital to this, but evidence shows that good mental and emotional health is important for ensuring high academic performance. Here are some simple ways you can support your child’s mental health during assessment periods and other stressful times.

• It is recommended that young people aged 12 – 17 get 8 – 11 hours of sleep each night. This will not only support their development, but also help them manage the stresses of the day.
• Backlit devices (e.g. smartphones, tablets, TV) interfere with the body’s sleep signals. It’s recommended to put these away approximately 1 hour before bed. If you’re worried about your child feeling ‘singled out’ by such a restriction, you could try having a Digital Curfew as a family.
• During assessment periods and other stressful situations, it is normal for young people to exhibit behaviours such as being touchy, emotional, or withdrawn. Try giving your child some space during these times, but do keep an eye on them.
• Foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce stress and improve brain power. If you can, try and incorporate some of the following foods into the family diet: salmon, avocado, turkey, leafy greens, blueberries, nuts and seeds, eggs, oranges, sweet potatoes and dark chocolate.
• Make sure there’s time for fun! Of course, this means different things to different people, and whatever it means to your child, it’s important they get a chance to do that – especially during stressful times.
• Encouragement is all about balance. While you encourage them to achieve their best, remember to teach them to relax, and remind them you’ll always be there to support them no matter what.

If you have concerns about your child’s wellbeing, or would simply like to discuss more ways you can support them at home, feel free to give us a call on 3451 2777. We’re here to help.

The Care Team – Mrs Wendy Snigg (Guidance Officer), Ms Marley Butler (Youth Support Coordinator), Ms Debra Pateman (Indigenous Liaison Officer)

Teen Triple P Seminars at Shailer Park High

Register now for the FREE 90-minute Teen Triple P Seminars to be held at Shailer Park State High School.

Teen Triple P Seminars

Your baby’s almost an adult, or at least that’s what he or she thinks. So life at home can be a little strained. Maybe your 13-year-old son grunts instead of speaking to you. Or your 14-year-old daughter wants to go to parties with people you don’t even know. It’s not that you’ve got a 'wild' kid. You’d just like to make sure things don’t get out of hand.

Register now for the FREE 90-minute Teen Triple P Seminars to be held at Shailer Park State High School.

Raising Responsible Teenagers (Thursday May 18th 6.30pm): Find out what makes teenagers tick! You’ll come away with new ideas to encourage your teenager to make good decisions, be respectful, considerate, reliable, and involved in family life. To register go to:

Raising Competent Teenagers (Thursday June 1st 6.30pm): Set your teenager up for life with the strategies in this seminar which focuses on helping your child get the most out of their school years. Find out how to help them communicate well, develop self-discipline and good routines, follow rules and solve problems. To register go to:

Getting Teenagers Connected (Thursday June 15th 6.30pm): Help your teenager develop good, supportive friendships. You’ll learn ways to build their confidence, encourage their social skills, help them to plan and meet commitments and encourage them to take care of others. To register go to:

Seminars will be presented by Dr Leanne Winter from the University of Queensland, the home of Triple P. Come to just one or all three. While you’re at the seminar the kids/teens will be entertained onsite with a movie. For questions, please call Leanne Winter on 0412 846 042.

NEXUS News

Girls in Science

Our very own Year 10 student, Kathleen, attended the Girls in STEM camp at the end of last term. This five day residential camp was attended by 60 top-achieving girls in STEM subjects across Queensland and we are incredibly proud of Kathleen’s attendance.

The purpose of the camp is to encourage and extend girls in STEM subjects. Kathleen was able to participate in activities all over Brisbane; the Translational Research Institute, the Queensland Museum, the Gallery of Modern Art, and multiple World Science Festival venues. In addition, Kathleen attended lectures and workshops with pioneers in science. Such a wonderful opportunity for Kathleen, and for all girls in STEM!

Kathleen can be seen in this photo with one of the renowned researchers present at the STEM camp.

SPSHS’s STEM Ambassadors

Our STEM Ambassadors went to the Griffith University STEM Ambassador Conference during the World Science Festival.

Mr Andoniadis and Ms Hendrikx escorted our aspiring leaders to South Bank for what was an absolutely inspiring day of workshops and presentations that our ambassadors are eager to share with our school community.

The conference focused on team building, leadership training and engaging in some wonderful activities! Excitingly, it also included a visit to the World Science Festival!

Robotics Club Fun

The Robotics Club definitely think outside the box. Some of our Junior NEXUS students can be seen here playing a carrot piano!

Students used a Makey Makey invention kit, some carrots and an online piano to construct a circuit so they could play a rather interesting and very original carrot piano.

Congratulations to these incredibly inventive robotics students!

Robotics club is one of our groups that meet on a Wednesday in N06 with Ms Tiainen. For more information about our clubs, societies, academies and tutorials please check our website.

Skinner Park

Our Junior NEXUS students travelled to Skinner Park to test the water quality of the Logan River at the end of last term. The students independently tested temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrogen, phosphate and turbidity.

Such a great day out in Logan! Such a great day for Science at Shailer Park SHS!

Science Staff and the Australian of the Year

Two of our science faculty teachers - our Head of Department, Mr Pirie and Chemistry Teacher, Mr Bradley - had the amazing pleasure of hearing the Australian of the Year, Biomolecular scientist Professor Alan Mackay-Sim, speak at a Griffith University event for the World Science Festival at Southbank at the end of term.

Professor Makay-Sim couldn’t resist having is photo taken with our science staff!

SENIOR SCHOOLING

Getting Organised

Prior planning prevents poor performance. Being organised, using a calendar and diary to help plan when assessment is due and organising time every day to do school work – little and often – really are strategies that can help you achieve.

A reminder to students and parents that Term Assessment Calendars and Tutorial Timetables are distributed to students each term and can also be found on our website:

A reminder to students and parents that the school Calendars can also be found on our website:

Important dates for your diary include Parent Teacher Interview Evening on 03 May 2017

Mentoring

Students, do you know what you want to do once you leave school?

The greatest way of achieving your goal is to HAVE a goal!

Teachers and guidance/industry staff will be working with students throughout the year to ensure you have identified your goal and have a clear strategy of achieving it.

• Year 12 students - Term 1 and 2
• Year 10 students – Term 2 in preparation for SET Plan (and subject selection)
• Year 11 students – Term 2 and 3

Senior Students should be thinking of their goals and pathway options in preparation for these meetings!

QCS Session

We were fortunate to welcome Mr Gibb from Mighty Minds to work with our QCS students this term. Mr Gibb has incredible knowledge and experience with the QCS Test and will be working with students on Fridays to develop their skills in all aspects of the Tests.

QCS Sessions will begin in Week 2 – EVERY TUESDAY afternoon from 3.15 – 4.15 in the library for Year 12 students doing the QCS test later this year. All students are expected to attend. If you have other commitments then please see Ms Winkeler for resources. This term our focus is on the Short Response Questions and Written Task.

Evidence shows us that these is the areas that we need most practice with. We have guest presenters working through skills and topics with us, so it’s not all just practicing questions like last term – we are strengthening your skills and increasing the challenge.

Upcoming Events for the Calendar

Year 10 Students will be attending the Careers and Employment Expo at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre at the beginning of June. More information to follow later this term.

All senior students should keep Sat 15 and Sun 16 July in their minds to discover more bout careers and Tertiary Studies of all kinds – TAFE, Uni etc.

Celebrating Success

Student Badging Ceremony on Assembly

Congratulations to our House Captains who received their badges at a formal ceremony on assembly during our first week back at school.

We've already seen some wonderful leadership from our captains, and no doubt there will be a lot to do in the year ahead.

Congratulations to these students; Divad, Kyle, Tiaha, Shentia, Jordan and Tim!

Construction Students

Our construction students are contributing to seating and shade structures on campus - everyone chips in to help contribute in their own way!

Students in Year 11 are learning important technical skills of the construction industry so that they have first-hand experience and knowledge of the skills required to plan and build.

Emma, Joseph, Declen, Jackson and Jermaine are all seen here helping to plan, create and assess the building of our new seating and shade structures – and we will all benefit once they are finished. These skills complement the core skills that we teach at SPSHS to complete daily tasks and activities at work. Relevant and real learning at SPSHS - because every student matters!

ANZAC Day Ceremony at SPSHS

Our senior students lead the way on ANZAC Day, and we are incredibly proud of them.

Three of our senior students, who are cadets in the Navy Cadet group TS Walrus in Eagleby, participated in the ANZAC Day Ceremony by leading our formal procession into the student assembly. We must also praise one of our Year 12 students, Morgan, who did exceptionally well at playing the bugle calls during the service.

Our student leadership team and the leadership of these four students actions and performances were faultless and we can are very proud of them all. Well done students!

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

ART

Year 7 Visual Art

As previously promised, we have some outstanding drawings for your visual enjoyment. Inspired by the artist Hundertwasser, students have created wonderful compositions demonstrating their creative use of line and patternmaking and filled them with vibrant colours. We are very pleased at the wonderful results, we think you will be too!

BLAST FROM THE PAST

Our Year 9 ART class began in full swing this week with brushes in hand and paint tubs filled to the brim! Each lesson we have learnt about a new painting style as well as the artists who have inspired us see the world differently. There is no doubt that this group of students are vivacious, vibrant and very enthusiastic artists in the making.

Cubism was a truly revolutionary style of modern art developed by Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque. The Cubists challenged conventional forms of representation, such as perspective, which had been the rule since the Renaissance. Their aim was to develop a new way of seeing which reflected the modern age.

A typical Cubist painting depicts real people, places or objects, but not from a fixed viewpoint. Instead it will show you many parts of the subject at one time, viewed from different angles, and reconstructed into a composition of planes, forms and colours. The whole idea of space is reconfigured: the front, back and sides of the subject become interchangeable elements in the design of the work.

Below are a selection of Cubists Portraits completed in one lesson:

ART QUIZ TIME

Year 11 Visual Arts in Practice

In an earlier newsletter we gave you a glimpse of the wonderful work that was being done creating a Zentangles design. Students have now completed their eight-page flip-books and they are simply stunning. They have worked will a high level of skill and precision, using pattern making techniques to show a metamorphosis of their ideas. They should be congratulated on a fine result.

The first work featured is that of Luca. He has displayed outstanding and exceptional skills and a wonderful sense of composition. I have pieced together the eight pages of his work into two sections to show how it evolved.

The following work is by Emma, she has also developed some amazing pages.

Chloe has also produced work of an excellent standard using individual subject matter.

Dance

Those who have seen the Creative Generations productions know that only the most talented and dedicated dancers are selected to be part of the troupe. Pictured above are our wonderful students who have been selected to participate in this event. Congratulations to Demi, Emily, Sam and Liana who are gifted, hardworking dancers and members of our elite Ignite Dance Academy.

Tickets went on Sale on the first of March, the whole Dance Squad will be part of the group who will cheer on our C Gen Dancers at the July Matinee performance.

Dance Academy is supported by an enthusiastic group of parents who meet monthly on Thursday Evenings, help out at the Eisteddfods and raise funds to provide added experiences for their students. The programme and students benefit tremendously from the involvement of the Parents and Friends group which are always ready to welcome new members to their fold.

IGNITE DANCE ACADEMY

It is the start of a new term and rehearsals have been amazingly running as usual. With our first Eisteddfod only a few weeks away (Friday, 19th of May), most dances are finished and now being polished ready to compete. On the holidays, a productive rehearsal took place to complete musical theatre and rehearse other dances. Our beloved choreographer, Jess Page, is leaving next week for an amazing contract with Disney Land Paris. We are very excited for her and wish her the best but we are also very sad to see her go.

Senior Dance Captains
Jess Beattie and Jess Spence

Instrumental Music

The Instrumental Music Program has been very busy this first term with a variety of events such as our very concert in the new amphitheatre and workshops with schools in the Logan region. Afte less than five weeks of rehearsals, we performed for parents in the schools’ newly renovated amphitheatre. The event was highly successfully with many positive responses.

Many of the junior students went to the Logan Secondary Workshop in the last week of term. Band students were at Mabel Park Monday and Tuesday, while the strings were there Wednesday, but got rained out on Thursday. Despite this, the overwhelming response from the students was how much fun it was.

Our Senior Music Captains Beth and Nikhil and the Concert Hall Stage

On the 20th of April, 47 students had the opportunity to travel into South Bank to see the Queensland Symphony Orchestra perform a range of works. Conducting was Alondra de la Parra, a world class maestro, with guests 15 year old student Leanne McGowan, winner of the English Family Prize, and Alexander Malofeev, a fifteen-year-old who won the Tchaikovsky Competition at the age of twelve. The whole concert was impressive and inspired those who went and saw it. This was made possible by the partnership that the school has with the QSO.

Coming up later this year, we will be hosting our second trivia night. All are welcome to come along and have a chance at winning some prizes. Look out for more information on posters around the school and the Facebook page.

By Beth and Nikhil

The first image above of our Senior Music captains Beth and Nikhil with a poster of the acclaimed Conductor Alondra de la Parra who is Music Director of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Watching de la Parra conduct is like watching Poetry in motion, simply amazingly breathe taking.

The following image show the back of our students’ heads as they sit perfectly watching the stage and listening to the musicians. Their behaviour as usual was exemplary; great ambassadors of our school.

Thanks to the Music Support Team we were able to provide 47 students and several parents the opportunity of attending this concert which featured the work of Wagner, Bruch, Glass & Rachmaninov. We were also inspired by the musical prowess of the two young 15 year old musicians who demonstrated the exceptional standard that can be attained by dedicated and talented students. A wonderful experience for all.

Mr Court was delighted to announce that our Symphonic Winds have once again been invited to perform as special guests of the Queensland Youth Orchestra Wind Ensemble, at the Old Qld Museum Building at Bowen Hills on Sunday August 27. This will be for the third consecutive year. Our String Ensemble will be performing with The QYO Junior Strings on Saturday August 26. This will be a great weekend for Shailer Park musicians.

Congratulations to our combined Wind Ensemble/Symphonic Winds for their performance of the anthems at the ANZAC ceremony today. And well done to Morgan for the bugle calls. Great job!!

We would like to congratulate Nikhil for his recent accomplishment of being invited to join “The Griffith University Young Conservatory Symphony Orchestra”. Membership of this orchestra is generally by audition. We are very proud of Nikhil’s dedication to his craft and this opportunity enables him to extend his association with Music Education. As part of “The Griffith University Young Conservatory Symphony Orchestra” Nikhil will be able to attend lectures, productions and make use of the Music Library. Well done Nikhil!

Harmony Day Thanks

A big THANKYOU to our school community for supporting our 2017 “Every One Belongs” Harmony Day celebrations.

Our whole school participated through drawing and connecting our handprints, sharing where we come from and acknowledging our ancestors. In conclusion we had music, singing, skits and dance from a few of the cultures represented in our school.

Thank you to our parents who volunteered their time to teach the students: Mrs Karen Green, Mrs Niva Aiono, Mrs Joyce Lisale and Ms Tessalina Faraimo.

Harmony Day is a Partnership that the school embraces with our Community. Each year the number of students participating increases and I would like to again invite any of our community who would like to support this event to please give the school a call on 3451 2777.

Elai Faraimo
Community Liaison Officer

Year 10 Head of Year

After what I hope has been a restful break for all, we are back into the swing of things for term two. The beginning of term has seen our students arriving on time and dressed in full and correct uniform. Your efforts in helping us to maintain this throughout the year are greatly appreciated.

As previously mentioned, we have a wonderful day out for our Year Ten students planned for the last day of this term. We will be participating in a Kokoda style event, taking place at Mt Cootha.

Students will work together across a number of activities, one being to ‘hike’ as a group on a designated trail dealing with some ‘complications’ along the way. Our aim is to encourage students to build resilience, respect and leadership on an individual and team level.

As I have facilitated this event with students in the past, I am looking forward to what I know will be a wonderful day.

I will be sending letters home in the coming weeks outlining details so please look out for these. As there will be a payment involved, I would encourage you all to make sure that you are an active participant of our payment scheme so that your student may be able to be included in this exciting day out.

If you have any concerns at all, or feel that you need to pass on valuable information regarding your student, please do not hesitate to contact me. My email is aking45@eq.edu.au and I can always be reached by telephone.

Staff Spotlight

Our Garden Guru – Mr Robert (Bob) Lloyd-Jones

The Australian spirit has long been known to be one of generosity, service, support and mateship. In the tradition of these enduring values, Mr Lloyd-Jones shines and we are lucky to have him as part of our school community.

When you walk across our campus you will be amazed at the beautiful flowering gardenia bushes along with the frangipani trees, which not only have been cared for by Mr Bob (as known to our junior students) but propagated as well!

Each day, in the soaring heat or winter weather, Mr Bob is out and about making sure our grounds are perfect. He is always smiling, happy to help others and makes our day brighter with his cheerful banter.

So next time, stop and take a minute from your busy day to really notice the sweet smell of our garden beds at Shailer park High and remember our resident Garden Guru , Mr Bob, is not too far away, modelling and exemplify philanthropic values which are the essence of the Australian spirit.

Thank you Mr Bob!

P & C News

Hi All

The P&C generally hold our meetings on the third Tuesday of the month. Our next meeting is on Tuesday 16 May 2017. All are invited to attend, new members are welcome. Agenda topics will include an update on our Submission from the State Govt. gaming grant to assist us in achieving our Major Goal this year of ventilating the Schools Multi-Purpose shelter. As well as information on the processes that we are putting in place to form a School council as part of our Independent Schools status.

The P&C are supporting an Initiative to run a Triple P parenting program this term. We hope to see you there. Further information is in the “Teen Triple P Seminars at Shailer Park High” article earlier in this newsletter.

Our Subcommittees are active in supporting students In Music, Dance and Volleyball. The Futsal Support group is in its infancy and Eric Perez would appreciate any parents joining this group with a Futsal interest. Eric can be contacted via the school office or email pandc@shaiparkshs.eq.edu.au and we will pass that on.

Lastly a reminder to consider joining the Loyalty programs of local businesses that support this school.

Loyalty Programs - SOME WAYS YOU CAN HELP OUR SCHOOL

Foodworks Loganholme: Shop & Save club

Register in store by completing the Shop & save membership application form and nominate Shailer Park High School as your local school. As a shopper you receive one point for every dollar you spend at Foodworks Loganholme and the school receives half a point also. Once these points have accumulated you can redeem prizes from the in-store showcase and so can the school. If you are not a member ask for a form next time you are shopping! If your child previously attended anther school in the area please remember to advise Foodworks to update your information.

Amart sports Loganholme: Community Kickbacks program

By joining the Team Amart loyalty program, members will receive awesome benefits throughout the year, like member only sales, exclusive competitions and special events. For every member purchase, Amart will assist our school by allocating 5% of that transaction in the form of an in-store credit to be used by the school and the P&C. Simply register in store and nominate Shailer Park High School as your registered organisation.

Ritchie’s IGA Daisy Hill: Community Benefits Fund (#99436)

Ask for a Ritchie’s CB card at the School office. These are preset with the Shailer Park High CB number. For every $ you spend, IGA will donate 0.5% to our school. There are also hundreds of weekly specials that have extra discounts for Ritchie’s Community Benefits card holders

Kevin Thomas
President
Shailer Park High School P&C

Vocational Education

Current School Based Traineeship / Apprenticeship Opportunities

Open to Year 10 and 11 Vocational Students not already doing a Certificate Course or out one day per week, who meet the Traffic Light System (fees paid or payment plan in place, 1 or less behaviour incidents, passing core subjects, over 90% attendance)*

Traineeships:

Zarraffa’s Coffee Slacks Creek Certificate III in Hospitality Monday - Friday

Opportunity to learn in one of Australia’s fastest growing, successful and popular cafes. Great team environment. Perfect for those new to hospitality wanting to learn about the industry. Must be customer focussed and possess a spring in your step. Career opportunities available to the right candidate. Must be able to work extra hours when required, evenings and/or weekends