26 May 2017

Newsletter Articles

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Federal Treasurer Visit

Last Thursday, we had the honour of being visited by the Federal Treasurer, Mr Scott Morrison, who spoke to our Year 12 Legal Studies class. Mr Morrison came as a guest of our local Federal MP, Mr Bert van Manen. Our students had studied the federal budget and prepared a range of insightful questions. I know that the Treasurer was impressed with their knowledge. Unfortunately for us, we were unable to publicise the Treasurer’s visit in advance for security reasons. We were delighted, however, to have been chosen by Mr van Manen as a school in his electorate he could trust to provide a high quality setting and informed students to engage with the Treasurer. Well done Legal Studies students!

NEXUS Special Evening

On Wednesday evening of last week, Shailer Park High hosted a special evening for our NEXUS scholars. The NEXUS evening was an overwhelming success with Dr Judy Smeed, formerly of QUT, speaking to the more than 100 assembled parents, alongside Catriona Johnston, a UQ student of medicine, who inspired the students with what is possible with intelligence and hard work.

The highlight of the evening, however, was the students’ presentations. A group of articulate students were able to show how they had beaten Mr Simpson’s “earthquake machine,” by designing earthquake-proof constructions. Mr Simpson promises to build a more destructive machine next year!

Queensland Junior Physics Olympiad

Congratulations go out to Kathleen Huggins, Ayden Howarth and Flynn Armstrong-Cook who were successful in being accepted into the Queensland Junior Physics Olympiad. This is the third straight year Shailer Park High has had its students accepted into the Olympiad. This is an incredible honour!

Unpacking Innovation in Logan

Last week, I had the good fortune to be included in the Mayor of Logan, Mr Luke Smith’s, “Unpacking Innovation” conference held at the Shine Lawyers building in Springwood. This was truly an inspiring event, bringing together some of Logan’s most successful and innovative people. A highlight was a dinner at Parliament House hosted by Spencer Howson, where Shailer Park High was asked to give a closing address and vote of thanks. I have little doubt that this event will inspire innovative solutions across Logan and that Shailer Park High will be at the centre of this process.

Junior Secondary NAPLAN and Senior QCS

Our Year 7 and 9 students recently sat for their NAPLAN tests. I can report to the community that our students sat these tests with great maturity and discipline and I am confident they did their very best. I was very proud of them. I was also equally proud of our Year 12 OP-eligible students who recently sat their QCS practice tests. As a community, I am hoping we can rally behind these students in the lead-up to the tests.

Women in STEM Conference

I would also like to celebrate with the community the recent “Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)” conference held at Shailer Park High.

At this, we had the major honour of having the Vice-President of Griffith University, Debra Henly, in attendance, along with five other major women in science in Queensland. I know this event moved our students to develop the “big plans and bold ambitions” they have for their lives.

Congratulations!

Finally, I would like to congratulate:

• Blake Davies for making the Australian Futsal team
• The Shailer Park High Chess Team for scoring three wins in three competitions this year
• Alexus Pepe for winning selection in the District Basketball team
• Grace Yuile for being selected as an official at the Queensland AFL championships
• Tarly Brindley for being selected in the 16 y.o. Qld Country Girls and City Youth Futsal team and the Gol Brazil Qld City Team for Futsal Nationals.

SENIOR SCHOOLING

Getting Organised

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:

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

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 are 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.

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.

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 rely 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.

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

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.

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 benefit 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 have started to work with students regarding Career choices and SET Planning, and have been working on understanding career options and pathways in our ACE programs.

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 about careers and Tertiary Studies of all kinds – TAFE, University etc.

Celebrating Success

Federal Treasurer visits Shailer!

The Federal Treasurer, Scott Morrison MP, visited Shailer Park State High School in Week 5 this term, with the Federal Member for Forde, Mr Bert van Manen MP. Mr Morrison spoke with students from our Year 12 Legal Studies class about his role as Treasurer and the importance of the budget.

Our students represented SPSHS wonderfully. They had prepared intelligent and insightful questions to ask of Mr Morrison. They conducted themselves with maturity and finesse!

Students are seen here with Mr Morrison, Mr van Manen and Mr Ascott.

Youth Parliament Excursion

What an incredible opportunity!

Year 11 and 12 Legal Studies students Deina-Jean, Anna-Lise, Tegan and Tiara participated in Youth Parliament today! Students from all over Queensland took on the roles of Members of Parliament, debating an amendment to the Education Act which would encourage children to walk/ride to school to promote physical activity and reduce carbon emissions.

Tegan discussed the importance in supporting this change and Anna-Lise rebutted the Opposition's arguments against the amendment. Students were then able to discuss matters of utmost importance in the current climate; Tiara spoke passionately about changing the Domestic Violence Protection, Deina-Jean addressed Youth Unemployment.

The girls represented Shailer with poise and grace and learned a lot about how the Queensland Parliament runs. All agreed that 'Youth Parliament is a once in a lifetime opportunity and one that we were glad to be a part of.'

Senior Sporting Achievement!

AFL

Congratulations to Grace, one of our Year 12 students, who has been invited to be an official at the Queensland School Sport State Championship for 13 - 16 year olds in AFL.

The Championship will be held at the Sunshine Coast at the end of May. An absolutely great achievement for Grace, and one that we are very happy to acknowledge! Great work Grace!

Futsal

Blake

One of our very own Year 12 students, Blake, is representing Australia in the 16-17y.o. team for Futsal!

What an amazing achievement to be one of only 20 players in Australia to go to Brazil. Blake will be attending training squads and playing very competitive games whilst in the south of Brazil. Very exciting indeed.

We all wish Blake the best of luck in his games, but also in developing his skills through the training games, and access to the professional players he will meet whilst in Brazil. It’s certain to be an amazing trip, both from a sporting perspective, and culturally.

Blake is seen here (fifth from the left) with other Queensland members of his team as he headed over to Brazil.

Go Blake!

Tarly

We are also extremely proud of one of our Year 11 students, Tarly. Tarly was selected to represent Queensland in the under 16 y.o. Queensland Country Girls and City Youth teams to play in the Nationals earlier this year. Her skills in these games have led to her selection for the tour of UK and Spain later this year. Tarly’s involvement in the Nationals has also meant that she is eligible to play in the Nationals in 2018.

Tarly has also been selected into the Gol Brazil QLD City team for Nationals next year, with a possibility of representation in China. This invitation only event is an absolute honour to Tarly and her skills which have also attracted attention in the National Premier League for outdoor soccer.

What a run of incredible achievements for Tarly, who has also been selected for consideration in the Queens Baton Relay through the area for the Commonwealth Games next year.

NEXUS NEWS

Women in STEM at Shailer.

Griffith University hosted a remarkable “Women in STEM” event at Shailer Park SHS last week.

We were incredibly fortunate to have Professor Debra Henly, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic) of Griffith University as the keynote speaker - she appears here with two senior students; Callie and Makayla. Professor Henly was joined by several prestigious researchers in the STEM fields in addressing our future Women of STEM.

The Griffith lecturers and academics presented to the students about their own experiences as a 16 year old, and all of the challenges that they have faced along their journey and how they overcame them. It was great to see the authentic connection that students made with the lecturers.

STEM students gained a great insight into the possibilities that exist now, as well as future possibilities. It was an outstanding opportunity for students to view the changing world of STEM from the perspective of successful women in their respective industries.

Female students from Loganlea State High School, Beenleigh State High School and Marsden State High School also attended the event to share in the success of Women in STEM.

A truly great event at SPSHS!

NEXUS Night

SPSHS was delighted to host our inaugural celebration of our NEXUS student’s achievements this week.

To start the evening we had a performance from a strings ensemble, largely made up of NEXUS students. Students later recounted their involvement in NEXUS accelerated programs, trips to Griffith University, excursions and activities.

We were honoured to have Dr Judy Smeed, lecturer and researcher recently retired from her position at QUT university, and current UQ student studying medicine also speak with us during the night. A truly wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students, reinforcing the need to have big plans and bold ambitions for themselves.

Full STEAM Ahead

“Full STEAM Ahead” is a National Video Conference that our NEXUS students took part in this week.

Hosted by the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences (MAAS) and Microsoft but held online, our students were able to attend a national webinar with students all over Australia.

Full STEAM Ahead is designed to deliver computer science education and interactive experiences in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths (STEAM). Our junior NEXUS students participated in a 45-minute online video conference providing a high quality inspiring and experiential introduction to important technology concepts.

Students were able to have a Q&A session with high-profile STEAM career professionals such as computer scientists, game designers, and Mars rover engineers as guest speakers. They also experienced demonstrations of cutting edge augmented and virtual reality devices, such as the Microsoft HoloLens.

A great opportunity for our NEXUS students!

Shailer's Science Ambassadors at play!

Our Science Ambassadors made Fluffy Slime last week. Students from a range of year levels made this slime using shaving foam and colouring.

Students were able to witness - first hand - how textures and form changed according to ingredients and quantities. A great experiment and great fun - as you can see!

The NEXUS Earthquake Challenge!

Year 8 students’ earthquake-proof buildings have been up against Mr Simpson's earthquake machine!

Despite brilliant attempts by Mr Simpson, the students' research and engineering skills absolutely matched up against this 'natural' disaster when tested earlier this week.

Students have been researching natural disasters and earthquakes in Term One as part of their extended curriculum in the NEXUS.

JUNIOR SECONDARY

To assist your child in reaching their academic potential as well as preparing them for the rigours and demands of Senior Secondary, all Junior Secondary Core Classes will set daily/or weekly homework. All homework set will be varied, challenging and directly related to class work and appropriate to the students learning needs and is a worthwhile and essential tool for learning.

A brief outline of each subject homework tasks is set out below:

• English – Weekly Tasks set by teacher
• Humanities – Weekly Tasks set by teacher
• Mathematics – Independent practice tasks set as required
• Science – Weekly Tasks set by teacher

Tutorial and study sessions are also offered to students:

• H/W Club – Monday-Thursday 7.00-8.30am – M Block
• Tutorials – Wednesday 3.15-4.30 – Library – Afternoon Tea provided

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

SPSHS Traffic Light System

Want to do a School Based Traineeship / Apprenticeship, TAFE Course, Work Experience or an External Training Course while you are at SPSHS?

You’ll need a “GO” through our Traffic Light Eligibility System.

The system has four main criteria: Attendance, Behaviour, School Fees and Passing Subjects. If any of these criteria are not met, you may be ineligible to undertake extra-curricular activities.

There is a 2nd Chance. A period of time will be given to adjust criteria into the Amber or Green Zone.

At SPSHS we are dedicated to helping create Safe, Responsible and Respectful adults.

TAFE 2017 Mid Year Intake Released

TAFE Brisbane has released details of the courses open for enrolment for Mid Year Intake for Senior vocational students (Traffic Light Eligibility System applies).

Students in Year 12 can only select a course with a 1 Semester duration.

Click on the link below to see what’s on offer.

A Metalwork Career Begins

Congratulations to Jayden P who has secured a Certificate III Engineering – Fabrication Trade, School Based Apprenticeship with Dondex Pty Ltd Sheds, Garages & Carports. We are sure Jayden’s keen interest in designing and working with metal will lead him to a big and bright future. Well done Jayden!

Year 10 Head of Year Message

The year ten students have now started their Careers unit during our ACE lessons. As part of this, we are trialling the use of an online questionnaire titled the Harrison Assessment Tool. Through a series of statements and questions, students respond by ordering these by level of importance to them. Through quite a complex process, the program then calculates what skills and types of things most interest the student. It also highlights their areas of strength and weakness which is then used to compile a list of professions that would appear to best suit them. Over the course of the next two weeks, all year ten students will have completed this online questionnaire. Those that have completed it to this point are very eager to receive their reports. They will have the opportunity to take these reports home once they have had an individual meeting with one of the staff members affiliated with their subject selection and SET Plan process. By completing this, we believe that the students will be the very best prepared and informed and ready for our SET Planning process that will occur in term three.

Letters have now gone home detailing our Kokoda Day Out on the last day of this term, Friday 23rd June. I encourage all students to attend as this is a wonderful day to work together to achieve an outcome and have a lot of fun along the way. Please ask your student for this letter. The final date for payment and handing in the permission form is one week prior to the event, Friday 16th June. All financial agreements with the school must be up to date for students to be able to participate. If you would like any further information regarding this great day out, please do not hesitate to contact me.

HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Congratulations to all students who competed at the District Cross Country held earlier this week. You displayed great sportsmanship supporting each other and represented Shailer Park SHS very well. You have made us very proud!

A special mention to Mr Simpson and Mrs Brink for their support on the day.

We are excited to announce that three of our students have progressed to Regionals to be held Tuesday 6th June at the Runaway Bay Sports Centre:

• Yr7-Will Hargreaves
• Yr8-Jarrod Cavell
• Yr12- Ethan Penny

Well done boys!

Cheyenne Campbell
Sports Coordinator

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

Art

Last term the Senior Students attended two fantastic exhibitions in the Southbank Cultural Precinct.

Brisbane’s Gallery of Modern Art (GOMA) curated a number of exhibitions showcasing a great variety of work. Sugar Spin: You, Me, Art and Everything highlighted the work of Contemporary artists exploring contemporary issues in a unique and original manner.

At The Queensland Art Gallery (QAG), O’Keeffe, Preston and Cossington Smith: Making Modernism is still showing. This is an exhibition that was opened in Melbourne and showcases the work of significant American and Australian women who helped shape and influence modern ways of working and seeing.

These exhibitions were an absolute must see for all senior art students, as they highlighted the quality and creativity to which our students can aspire to.

Students and teachers enjoyed the shows immensely. We are looking forward to the input that experiencing amazing art work first hand will have on the senior’s present creations.

Dance

Congratulations to the Open Hip Hop Squad for placing fourth at the Brisbane Dance Eisteddfod on Friday. Students beat over 20 schools in the section with the adjudicator's commenting on our student’s energy, styling and impressive skills in tutting and breakdancing.

Congratulations also to the Open Musical Theatre Squad who earned themselves a Very Highly Commended. Adjudicator's commented on the overall staging, costuming and visually exciting choreography which was performed fabulously.

Thank you to all of the parents, friends and students who supported our Dance Academy at the eisteddfod. Your assistance was very much appreciated.

Middle school students will compete at the Brisbane Performing Arts Challenge (BPAC) on Thursday the 1st of June, with the senior school students competing on the 2nd of June.

Best of luck to all of our dancers.

Celebrating Current Student, Past Student and Teacher Success

SPSHS represents Australia with a Gold winning performance at Carnegie Hall, New York!

Over the Easter break, Shailer Park High School staff and students were part of the 75 member Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra (BRYO) that performed as part of the New York International Music Festival 2017.

On Stage in Carnegie Hall

Hannah Thomson (grade 7), Mrs Erin Thomson (Instrumental Teacher), Stephanie Yavion (SPSHS Alumni) together with Mrs Alley’s daughter Ashleigh Abul brought home a Gold Award for their performance on the world stage.

Stephanie Yavion (SPSHS Alumni)

Carnegie Hall is considered to be the epitome of performance venues for a musician and it will be an experience that will provide lifetime memories for everyone.

Congratulations everyone!

SPSHS can be very proud of our students and their achievements. Well done to the Instrumental department for their training and successful results.

Trivia Night

All are invited to participate in our Trivia Night, which provides funds to extend our Instrumental Music Student’s experiences.

We hope to see you there, winning the wonderful prizes that are amassing ready for the evening.

ICT and ITS News

ICT – Information Communication Technologies

Year 10 Information Communication Technologies students completed their research into aspects of life for teenagers in years 10 to 12, at Shailer Park State High School last term. Their analysis of the results from their survey questions was then translated into some captivating Infographics.

Chloe

Allan

Ben

Keenan

Nathan

ITS – Information Technology Systems

The Year 12 Information Technology Systems students investigated issues of Accessibility. They explored how many disabled Internet users access websites, and some of the assistive technologies available to these groups. Their focus on visual impairments and how website developers can improve access to websites for these groups culminated in a detailed analysis of their findings. They also produce some impressive Fact Sheets to communicate key ideas quickly to potential web developers.

Stephen

Ethan

Ash

Brianna P

Brianna C

iCentre Bookmark Competition Winner!

Congratulations to Paige G.E. a Year 9 student who designed the winning entry in the iCentre Bookmark competition. As the winner, Paige received a $50 iTunes card as her prize for the, in Mr Ascott's words "awesome" design.

Well done Paige!