21 July 2017

Newsletter Articles

MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

As a result of big plans, bold ambitions and hard work, Shailer Park State High School has undergone an amazing transformation over the past few years. We now have a fantastic student body wearing their uniform with pride in a clean and professional looking campus, whilst in our classrooms the teaching and implementation of world class educational programs has ensured academic, sporting and cultural success. Accolades have been bestowed upon us from the highest levels of government to the local businesses down the road and the communities in which we live. We are thriving!

But it is not enough. It is not enough to expect this improvement will be as good as it gets for our students. It is not enough to pat them on the back and simply say “Great job! You’re making Shailer Park SHS look fantastic!” And it’s not enough to wave them out the front gates at the end of Year 12 and hope we did enough to give them a shot at achieving their goals. Some will, but history tells us this won’t be the case for them all.

How can we ensure the success students experience at Shailer Park SHS is transferred beyond their schooling? How might we set them on a trajectory which builds on the great work we’re doing here, guaranteeing their rise up into gainful employment, higher education and sought after career paths? There is a solution and it involves a determined promise from me, my dedicated team of teachers and one from our students and you, their parents.

This will take the form of a bold new plan, our Promise College, which will ensure the success of every student who chooses to take part. Each student will be given a promise guaranteeing their entry into university, further training or employment in their immediate post-school year. We will honour this through a specific program designed to build each student a pipeline of success throughout their years at Shailer Park SHS into higher education or employment.

We can’t do this on our own however. As a parent, you are your child’s most influential role model. For this promise to come to fruition, my teachers and I must have your support in the expectation of certain levels of attendance and adherence to school policies. By holding each other to this promise, we can ensure this educational channel to your child’s future is not only impregnable, but amazingly successful. To be part of the Promise College, parents MUST:

• Attend three “special event” evenings per year
• Attend all Parent-Teacher interviews (twice-per-year)
• Ensure your child’s attendance is above 92%

Just like you, I want our young people to shine in the future, to have a bright pathway set out before them leading above and beyond the dreams they have set for themselves. By committing to this promise together, we can build a pipeline of success which will secure a future of incredible prosperity and infinite possibility for these Shailer Park SHS students.

More information on Promise College, its program and application process will be forthcoming in the next few weeks. I would urge you all to consider this wonderful opportunity not simply as an ‘optional extra’ but as an essential addition to your child’s future success. Together, we can make this ambitious plan work!

Deputy Principal Senior Secondary

My name is Katrina Davies and I am the new permanent Senior School Deputy Principal of Shailer Park State High School. I am very excited at the opportunity to lead the Senior School at Shailer Park SHS and have been humbled by the warm response I have received since arriving at the school. I have been very impressed by the commitment of the school’s wonderful staff and students.

Prior to being appointed to Shailer Park SHS I have worked as a Deputy Principal at Palm Beach Currumbin State High and Upper Coomera State College for the past 11 years. I also worked as a Head of Department for Maths, English and Junior Secondary. My career also has involved working at Edens Landing SS and Alexander Hills SS. I have been privileged to work from primary school right through to senior secondary so have a very wide perspective of education and a passionate drive to ensure all students leave Shailer Park SHS on the best possible path.

I would like to take the opportunity to thank acting Deputy, Anita Winkeler, who has done an outstanding job of driving Senior School for the past semester and continues in her role as permanent Senior Secondary Head of Department and Dean of Studies.

I am looking forward to working with the outstanding leadership team at Shailer Park SHS, which has been cultivated by Principal, Troy Ascott. Over the coming weeks, I hope to talk to as many people as possible to build an understanding of the unique student, parent and staff community of Shailer Park State High and develop productive and positive relationships with staff, parents, students and the community.

Communication & Parent Teacher night

On Wed 26 July SPSHS will be holding Parent Teacher Night coupled with a Communication Evening. You will have by now received in the mail instructions on how to book your PT interviews on the new and improved booking system- PT Online. The link for this is on the school website. If you did not receive this letter or are experiencing difficulties please contact our friendly office staff for assistance on 3451 2777

Another excellent part of this evening is the Careers Expo where parents can interact with industry professionals and training providers and find out about the best university and or TAFE/training opportunities on offer. Heads of Departments will also be available to discuss subject choices for 2018. This will be running from 5-7pm in F Block.

In addition, some important information sessions will be held that are highly recommended for our current Year 10 parents and students. Here you will learn about the up-coming SET planning interviews, which are compulsory for all Year 10 parents and students and allow our students to ensure that they are on track for their senior studies. These information sessions will be held at 5.00pm and 6.00pm in F Block.

Year 10 Set planning interviews

In week 5 this term all Year 10 students and their parents will be required to attend a 20 minute interview, focussed on ensuring that they are on track for Year 11 & 12 and selecting the most appropriate subjects for their senior studies. Letters will be sent home soon with your interview time. Please contact the office if you need to reschedule. It is vital that all parents attend these meetings with their son or daughter.

Year 12 QCS

The time is drawing closer to this all-important 2 day exam which is held on 29 & 30 August for our OP eligible students. Please help your son or daughter to keep a positive mind about this and ensure that they are looking after themselves in the lead up by following some of these great surviving QCS tips.

We will be ensuring that they feel supported by giving them a hearty and healthy breakfast before they enter their exam each day.

Semester 1 Reporting

Semester 1 results were emailed home last Friday. This is a great chance to sit down with your son or daughter and discuss how they went- academically and also with their effort and behaviour. This may involve rewarding excellent results or having open and honest conversations about how they can improve. Personally I feel that the effort and behaviour grades are the most important because if these are high then excellent academic results are sure to follow. Please ensure that you book a time to see your teacher if you have any concerns.

SENIOR SECONDARY

Year 12 – Tertiary Applications Opening Soon

All year 12 students are reminded that QTAC applications are opening soon. 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. This book, and the website really are a valuable resource to investigate all kinds of study options for 2017.

There is an abundance of information about upcoming key dates, courses and common application questions on the site.

We encourage all students to familiarise themselves with the website – QTAC Application processes begin in August and we will be working with students to ensure they are informed about the application process during the term.

A reminder to all year 12 QCS students that sessions run on Tuesday afternoon each week this term.

Upcoming Career and Study Information Sessions (for ALL Senior Students)

ACU Open Day
Saturday 22 July

Griffith University Open Day
Sunday 23 July

QUT Open Day
Sunday 30 July at Gardens Point Campus

JMC Open Day
(Animation, game development, film and television, audio, music, entertainment management.)
Saturday 2 September - Brisbane (South Bank)

UQ Open Days
Sunday 6 August (St Lucia Campus) and Sun 20 August (Gatton Campus)

TAFE Qld
No particular Open Day
Call 13 72 48

Year 10 SET Planning and Career Information

Students in year 10 will be choosing their subjects for Senior this term. This will be based on discussions and investigations in ACE classes in Term 2 and this term about career and study pathways.

Information about SET Planning will be discussed at our COMMUNICATIONS EVENING on Wednesday 26 July. We are also running specific sessions catered to Year 10 families outlining the year 11 and 12 subject model, year 11 subject selection processes and pathways after school for students in their ACE classes leading up to SET Planning.

Letters will be sent home to families in the coming weeks. Interviews with our staff to choose subjects will run in Week 5. Parents and students will be invited to speak with staff to discuss pathway options and subjects during this time.

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

Aircraft Line Maintenance Training

In Year 10, on the vocational pathway and interested in Aviation?

Aviation Australia have opened expressions of interest in their 2018 Certificate II in Aircraft Line Maintenance school to work pathway. This can lead to an Apprenticeship in Aviation and will gain 4 QCE points.

This training is run by Aviation Australia out at the Brisbane Airport (buses run straight to the door) and will be one day per week for 2 years starting in February 2018. To be eligible, students must be in the Vocational Pathway (non-OP) and meet the Traffic Light Criteria (see below).

Interested students please make an appointment at the office to see Ms Lee the Industry Liaison Officer to put an application together for submittal.

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.

Congratulations!

To Jack who over the school holidays completed his School Based Traineeship achieving a Certificate III in Warehousing with Lighthouse Care Organisation through Strategix Training. Well done Jack!!

Year 10 Head of Year Message

This term will see all Year 10 students complete their SET Plan. This is a plan for their course of study over the senior years and beyond. We have already started this process with all students being given great guidance through the completion of the Harrison Assessment Tool. Most students have a fairly clear direction as to where they might head. The actual SET Plan will occur during week five of this term. Please stay tuned and be on the lookout for letters that will be coming home outlining the processes and dates for this very important event.

On the last day of term two, thirty eager and adventurous students accompanied Ms Dunbabin, Mr Chang and I on our Kokoda Challenge. What a day we had! Students gained a small understanding of what it was like for our young war heroes that experienced the perils of Kokoda during WW2 by trekking a track up Mt Cootha. Platoons worked together to get all members safely up the slope and carried part of the way on stretchers. Upon reaching our destination, groups participated in a number of different activities that focussed on teamwork and strategy. All of this of course worked up an extreme appetite which then saw each group cooking their own BBQ lunch, and cooking for the teachers! The day ended with a debrief session and ‘big-ups’, a face to face acknowledgement to each other of the great qualities that each possessed. I must say that the genuine honesty from the students was very moving and at times brought tears to our eyes. This really was an awesome day and one which brought the group together in such a way that they we are planning where we can go from here to build on such a strong foundation. I could not be prouder of this group of students!

Guidance

Job Jumpstart and SelfStart

The Australian Government has released new resources helping students explore their employment options. This is an online resource offering support and guidance to young Australians looking for work or interested in starting their own business: the Job Jumpstart website and the SelfStart online hub.

Job Jumpstart provides a one-stop-shop of practical, independent and free job search and employment planning advice. The website helps students explore types of work, the skills needed for different workplaces and what employers are looking for.

SelfStart is an online hub that aims to support and inspire young people who wish to explore and develop their ideas into a successful business. It helps connect then to existing services and programs, as well as provides information that will assist them to start a business.

HEALTH & PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Athletics Day 2017

Our Athletics Day was held last Thursday and Friday and was a great success!

With the sun out in full force, staff and students dressed up, the obstacle course with a queue all day, the music blasting and special guest Shannon Parry (Rio Olympic Gold Medallist) up against students in the passing targets…a fun filled day was had by all.

The field events on Thursday had students competing for house points and the opportunity to represent SPSHS at Districts next month. Some records were made and others came very close. The track events on Friday had students competing in the 100m, 200m and 400m races. The day ended with a Teacher versus student relay race, which I’m sure the teachers won!!

Overall, we had a successful two days of competing and carnival atmosphere enjoyed by all.

Thank you to all those involved on the day and leading up to the carnival, your hard work is appreciated.

Cheyenne Campbell
Sports Coordinator

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

TICKETS GO ON SALE WEEK THREE OF THIS TERM

This is a fabulous evening which showcases the best bands, singers and other entertainers from Logan High Schools. If we consider some of the amazing talent that has come from our schools e.g. “Savage Garden” and “Sophie Monk” just to name two, the night offers lots of great entertainment.

Support our entrants and purchase tickets at the School Finance Window for $5. Hope to see you all there.

Art and Media

Our Year 7 students have now finished their semester of Visual Art. Their final piece of work was a canvas painting. Don’t you think that they have done a wonderful job?

Anne-Maree King
Head of Year 10
Visual Art Teacher

Dance

“Our very talented performers, Emily,
Liana, Sam and Demi.

Last Week four members of the dance academy participated in the annual, fabulous Creative Generations on Stage Concert held at the Covention Centre. A group of supporters were lucky enough to have the opportunity to attend and proudly watch Emily, Liana, Sam and Demi in the show.

Our dancers took on a major commitment and put in a huge effort into attending workshops, training and rehearsals. This opportunity enabled them the benefit of working with professional choreographers, musicians, dancers and gave them great experience and insight into the performance industry. As an audience we were enthralled, enjoying every moment. Our students were wonderful.

Instrumental Music

Term 2 was an adventure for the Instrumental Music Group. We had a multitude of events and activities throughout the term, from performances to movie nights.

A major point was the Trivia Night, running for the second year in a row. We had a massive turn out with 118 tickets sold. Special thanks has to go to the Music Support Group for organising this wonderful event. Special thank you also to Mitchell Smith for working on the BBQ. The overall winners of the night were the Harry Potter table, a group of Year 8 and 9’s.

Thanks to all those families that generously donated prizes and everyone who were there on the Trivia night. Thank you to Jen Dick and the team for their brilliant organisation.

This term we will be hosting the LEAN Cluster Workshop, a program for intermediate music players.

Two separate fundraisers are also coming up:

• Saturday 22nd of July there will be a sausage sizzle at Kingston Road Bunnings.
• Saturday 5th August there will be a book sale at Logan West Library at Browns Plains.

We also have a continuing fundraiser called the 12 Weeks of Christmas. Tickets are $12 and are put into a draw to win a variety of prizes. It will be drawn in the 12 weeks leading up to Christmas and all tickets will be put in each week. For more information, contact Mr Glen Court at gcour3@eq.edu.au.

A big reminder to those students who are planning on going to band camp, but have not as yet returned forms. The deadline is this week and the first payment of $60 is due this Friday 21st July. Thank you to those who have already made payments.

Showcase this year will be held at the KP Centre on Saturday October 14th, with a matinee performance and an evening show. A full day rehearsal will be held at the centre on Friday October 13th.

The Music Support group would like to thank everyone who contributed to our “Trivia Night” last month.

We had a very successful event raising over $2500 and it would not have been possible without the donations of time, goods for raffles and prizes and energy from our teams before and on the night.

So if you donated goodies or organised a donation from s local business, helped set up or were part of the creative team, sizzle team, raffles and prizes team, games and scoring team, tickets and promotions team we need to say thank you for all your energy in doing so and ideas towards the event.

We need to say a special thanks to our faculty who supported us in making this event possible and so successful, Ms Filippow, Mr Court and Mrs Alley. Your input and support of the students in all that they want to accomplish does not go unrecognised.

We also need to say thanks to Loganholme State School for their kindness in lending us the tables for each team to gather around and enjoy the event. Your generosity was very much appreciated.

And finally we need to thank all those who came along to the event with the humour and enthusiasm in finding the answers, buying cheats and raffle tickets, playing mini games, enjoying the sausage sizzle and hot drinks van kindly run by Craig of our Shailer Park P&C.

Congratulations to the “Harry Potter Team” on your win, well done!!

Jen Dick
Secretary Music Support