7 September 2018

Newsletter Articles

A message from the Principal

Term Three is always a particularly busy time of the year in schools across the country and Shailer Park State High School is certainly no exception. Our teachers and students have been engaged in incredibly hectic learning and assessment schedules over the past eight weeks, yet the term is full of great achievements and wonderful examples of our school spirit! I believe this is due in part to our focus on developing a growth mindset, but also in the way our community supports and helps each other to turn those big plans and bold ambitions into action. As we approach the end of term and a well-deserved break, there are certain members of our community who must be acknowledged for their application and demonstration of our school values at an outstanding level, being Resilient, Reflective, Resourceful and Relational in everything they do.

This term in Science we had National Science Week which was a fun afternoon for the Year 7s. The Supported School Based Traineeship linked with YETA offering Year 10 SEP student traineeships for 2019. Work Readiness programs being offered fortnightly to SEP students by EPIC Assist. All NEXUS students participated in UQ immersion day and Wonder of Science challenge preparation – ready for presentation next term. Our Ignite dance academy won numerous placings at the Beenleigh Quota Dance eisteddfod.

• This term in Science we had National Science Week which was a fun afternoon for the Year 7s.
• The Supported School Based Traineeship linked with YETA offering Year 10 SEP student traineeships for 2019.
• Work Readiness programs being offered fortnightly to SEP students by EPIC Assist.
• All NEXUS students participated in University of Queensland immersion day and Wonder of Science challenge preparation – ready for presentation next term.
• Our Ignite dance academy won numerous placings at the Beenleigh Quota Dance eisteddfod.

I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge and thank our parents: the support of your children to achieve their best is essential to our students’ overall success. The educational partnership between school and home is vital and as a learning organisation, developing a common way to talk about learning is just as important. At Shailer Park SHS we have been talking about ‘mindsets’, our attitudes and how these effect the way we view the world and in particular, our ideas toward learning. This is not a matter of falling into the “I do enjoy” or “I don’t enjoy” attitude towards school. Rather, encouraging a particular mindset can beneficially affect our ability to cope with challenges, embrace new skills and develop cognitively and emotionally. In other words: having a positive mindset toward learning is very important!

Brain research has shown that there are three major learning mindsets: a fixed mindset, growth mindset and the benefit mindset. A person with a fixed mindset believes that intelligence is something we are born with, like a birthmark, and that we should only focus on and perfect what we are ‘naturally’ good at. A person with a fixed mindset believes that those skills or intelligences they struggle with can never be improved and are a ‘deficit’ in their brain: they will simply never understand how a car’s engine works, how to cook a meal from scratch or how to write an essay. However, we know that unlike birth marks, we can shape our brains through deliberate practice and effective strategy: this is a growth mindset where intelligence and skills can be learned.

Learners with a growth mindset believe their skills and knowledge can be developed through persistent effort, allowing them to reach higher levels of achievement and abilities.

For example, a person with a healthy growth mindset, might not at first understand that there are a number of different ways to cook rice without ending up with a burnt pot or a gluggy mess, but they do believe that it can be done and that they can do it too. They might ask a friend or parent to help them, consult a recipe or buy a rice cooker and follow the directions: either way, they will persist in improving how they cook rice. A person with a fixed mindset will believe they cannot cook rice, throw the burnt pot out and pour boiling water over some two-minute noodles instead, preferring to perfect what they know to avoid failure. This might be a reasonable solution, however when we translate this to a student’s learning processes in an English, Mathematics or indeed any classroom, this type of solution is ineffective at best and at worst, damages their lifelong learning capabilities. A learner with a benefit mindset takes the persistence to improve how they do something and focuses purposefully on why they do it. A person with a benefit mindset will develop their skills in rice cooking to the extent that they begin to help others to more efficiently cook their own rice!

Of course, at Shailer Park SHS, we teach students much more than how to cook rice, but having a common language which enables learners to understand how learning takes place and, most importantly, how their own learning is occurring, is extremely beneficial to students and teachers. Our teachers regularly discuss with students how they view their learning and how their mindset might be impacting upon it in both formal interviews each term and in informal discussions. As educators, having a firm understanding of ‘where students are coming from’ especially in regards to their perspective on how they are learning is critical; this kind of information is incredibly helpful in guiding teachers to better support their students. Recently, we spoke with students to gauge how they were travelling in their learning using the questions below, and would encourage you to make them a part of conversations at home:

1. What is the WALT (We are Learning to…) in this lesson?
2. How will you know if you have been successful (What I’m looking for…)?
3. Why are you learning this (This is because…)?
4. How are you going in your learning?
5. How do you know?
6. How can you improve?
7. How do you know you are improving?

Utilising these questions at home helps to develop a partnership approach with teachers and students and has a significant positive impact on your child’s learning. At the heart of the partnership approach is engaging in conversations with students where we, as educators and parents, seek to understand their perspective. We have developed a quick reference guide to explain the key phases in this approach and I encourage all parents to access this information on our website via the link below

Interestingly, but not surprisingly, these interviews and conversations revealed that students demonstrating the greatest progress in their learning over the semester spoke in their interview about the importance of effective study habits and routines. The predictability of the routines helped them to be Resilient and Reflective; to be persistent in the face of challenging learning experiences and take on board feedback to improve and develop their skills and deepen their knowledge. This is clearly connected to having a growth mindset, with a strategic approach to learning and assessment combining for great success.

As we approach the end of term and the inevitable flurry of assessment that comes with it, I would encourage parents to support students in their development as Reflective learners by helping them have a clear strategy for assessment preparation through study, revision and homework. Each semester we provide both students and parents with an assessment planner mapping out due dates so that together you can plan an effective and committed timetable to preparing for upcoming assessment. We encourage you to refer to the assessment planner regularly and display it in a visible place in the home for check-ins and conversation, such as those I’m sure our Year 12 parents have been having with their students in regards to the imminent QCS Test.

I would like to wish our Year 12 students sitting the QCS Test the best of luck with their upcoming exam and trust that the hard work, preparation and strategies they have been committed to refining will support them to achieve great outcomes. Doing your best over these days is yet another step towards fulfilling those big plans and bold ambitions!

Finally, to all our families, have a safe and restful break: you all deserve it! Enjoy some time together and I look forward to seeing all those fresh Shailer Park faces ready to start strong in Term 4.

A message from our Senior Schooling Deputy Principal

Annual Teacher Awards Nominations

Valuing the high level of professional knowledge, practice and engagement of teachers at Shailer Park State High School is a driving factor towards developing the school values of relationships, resilience, reflection and resourcefulness amongst the students and school community. It is through the high standards of our exceptional staff that students are better equipped to Lift Aspirations through Big Plans and Bold Ambitions towards a Bright Future. Research shows that teachers who are passionate, forge strong relationships, are clear about student learning, regularly monitor progress, adopt evidence based teaching strategies and actively seek to improve their teaching have the biggest impact on student learning. (J.Hattie, Visible Learning, 2009). Teachers who exemplify the above should be valued and applauded for the difference that they are making to their students every day at Shailer Park High.

Please access a nomination form from our website for further information and to nominate a teacher for an award in

• Excellence in Early Careers Teaching
• Excellence in Teaching
• Excellence in Leadership of Teaching and Learning
• Outstanding Contribution to School Community- Donated by P&C

Senior Schooling news

Shailer Park State High values resourceful and reflective learners. This was evident at our recent Year 10 SET planning and Year 9 JET planning meetings with parents, which were a great success. It was pleasing to see students coming to their 20 minute goal setting and subject selection meeting really well informed and prepared. These students are our first cohort to be experiencing the New Senior Certificate and ATAR system and while it is a new and exciting time for us all, Shailer Park State High is well equipped for guiding our senior students, with support from parents, towards their big plans and bold ambitions. For more information about this new system head to the Parent and Carers information section of the QCAA website:

Our Year 11 and 12s are working hard on their final assessments for Term 3, with exam block at the end of term. It is vital that students are performing their very best on every piece of assessment as these marks go towards overall semester grades and determine not only OP predictions but also the requirements for obtaining the Queensland Certificate of Education. It is also a good time to remind both parents and students that to achieve the best a high level of attendance is required for all students in their non-compulsory stage of education. Our school target is 95%. Heads of Year and teachers regularly share students’ current rates of attendance with them. Does your child know theirs?

What to Do When Your Child Hates Reading

In this day and age of smart phones and social media it’s harder than ever to get some kids to read, but all of the research indicates that kids who read regularly not only have much larger vocabularies, but they also do better in school and in life.

Would your child rather empty the dishwasher or fold laundry instead of reading a book? Do you have to beg your child to sit down and read—for school or for pleasure? It can be hard to know how to react when your child hates reading, and even harder to figure out how to motivate children to read. Try these simple, but meaningful steps to help move your reluctant reader toward a book-filled future:

Zero in on the child’s interests. Before you do anything, take a step back and examine what interests, excites or intrigues your child. Knowing what interests them can help you pinpoint what types of texts they may enjoy reading.

Shared reading is an often-overlooked and underappreciated technique for engaging reluctant readers. Most kids really want to spend time with their parents, but once children reach seven or eight years old, many parents don’t view reading together as an option; they think that’s reserved for preschool or early elementary school days. Reading together or at the same time with high school students is a very powerful affirmation to the importance of reading.

For the ideal shared reading experience, choose texts that are rich, engaging and sure to lead to discussion. Part of the “sharing” in shared reading involves talking about the book.

Reluctant readers are often struggling readers, so creating safe, comfortable environments where fluent reading is modelled and where children are set up for success is key. Though there is definitely not an easy answer, with a little focus and direction, you can help give your child the reading boost he or she needs. It’s not magic, but every little step helps.

Teen Novel Review for September

Kids who read, SUCCEED!

I encourage all students to spend at least 20 minutes reading for enjoyment every day.

Truly Devious by Maureen Johnson

New York Times bestselling author Maureen Johnson weaves a delicate tale of murder and mystery in the first book of a striking new series, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and E. Lockhart.

Ellingham Academy is a famous private school in Vermont for the brightest thinkers, inventors, and artists. It was founded by Albert Ellingham, an early twentieth century tycoon, who wanted to make a wonderful place full of riddles, twisting pathways, and gardens. “A place,” he said, “where learning is a game.”

Shortly after the school opened, his wife and daughter were kidnapped. The only real clue was a mocking riddle listing methods of murder, signed with the frightening pseudonym “Truly, Devious.” It became one of the great unsolved crimes of American history.

True-crime aficionado Stevie Bell is set to begin her first year at Ellingham Academy, and she has an ambitious plan: She will solve this cold case. That is, she will solve the case when she gets a grip on her demanding new school life and her housemates: the inventor, the novelist, the actor, the artist, and the jokester. But something strange is happening. Truly Devious makes a surprise return, and death revisits Ellingham Academy. The past has crawled out of its grave. Someone has gotten away with murder.

The two interwoven mysteries of this first book in the Truly Devious series dovetail brilliantly, and Stevie Bell will continue her relentless quest for the murderers in books two and three.

A message from our Community Engagement Deputy Principal

Earlier this term, Shailer Park SHS held its first Wellbeing Expo - We All Belong, which focused on supporting young people to support their own positive health and wellbeing.

All students participated in a presentation from our local Headspace support service, learnt how to look after their own mental health and how to seek help when required. Students where then given the opportunity to interact with local agencies including Child Youth Mental Health Services, Headspace, Open Doors, Bridges Reconnect, Multilink Pacific Islander Services, Youth and Family Services (YFS).

Overall it was a huge success in furthering the conversation about mental health and wellbeing and we look forward to 2019’s expo being bigger and better.

A message from our Dean of Studies

SENIOR SCHOOLING

Year 12 – Tertiary Applications Open

The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) is now open for students to apply to study Certificate courses and Diplomas at TAFE and Bachelor Degrees at University. If you are considering TAFE or Uni in 2019, then go to the link below for more information and key dates.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.

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

Griffith University Open Day

QUT Open Day

JMC Open Day

Animation, game development, film and television, audio, music, entertainment management.

UQ Open Days

TAFE Qld

No particular Open Day

Call 13 72 48

STAR Early Offer program

STAR Early Offer program is a partnership with selected schools to match individual students to a particular course based on their level of academic achievement and likelihood of success. Applications and Offers Online applications are open from July, 2018 to 14 September, 2018 and should take students no more than five minutes to complete. In October/November – successful applicants will receive an offer into the course recommended by their Principal. School Portal Recommendations for your students are made via the online School Portal. Check Information regarding Key Dates and Assessment Guidelines on Southern Cross University's website first and if you are interested, please see Mr Tickle or Ms Winkeler for more information. Recommendations close on 28 September, 2018.

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 are working with students throughout the year to ensure they have identified their goal and have a clear strategy of achieving it.

Senior Students are encouraged to be thinking about their goals and pathway options in preparation for these meetings!

Students can see the following staff for support and advice

Ms Winkeler (Dean of Studies) in G Block
Mrs Lee (Industry Liaison Officer) in F Block
Mrs Fleming or Mr Tickle (Guidance Officers) in Administration

ATAR Information

Messages from our Student Services Team

Guidance Officer

Headspace recently presented an information session to parents addressing how we can support our young person and ourselves. Please see link to presentation on our website

and Headspace website:

School Leaver Guide

The Logan City Council School Leaver Guide has been developed to assist youth with their transition from school to employment or future training and to make them aware of the many services that are available in their local area.

I look forward to meeting more families as the term progresses and if you need to get in contact with me please feel free to email at ntick3@eq.edu.au.

School Based Youth Health Nurse

Today is the day to start a conversation that could change a life.

R U OK? Day is Thursday 13th September – it’s a national day of action to remind us to ask, “are you ok?”

Sometimes conversations are too big for friends and family, and professional support is needed. This is where mental health and suicide prevention service providers can help.

R U OK? encourages everyone to invest more quality time in the people around them as when our relationships are strong, we’re more likely to see the signs that someone may be struggling and are better placed to start a meaningful conversation with that person.

R U OK? aims to empower all Australians to have the confidence and skills to have a conversation with someone who may be struggling with life.

R U OK? encourages the help-giver to act when they see signs that someone’s struggling, notice changes or just feel that something’s not quite right with a friend, colleague, loved one, team mate or neighbour.

R U OK? encourages everyone to start a conversation as early as possible, as the earlier you reach out, the more likely the outcome will be a positive one.

R U OK? promotes four conversation steps:

1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen
3. Encourage action
4. Check in

Asking, “Are you R U OK?” is no longer a question for a single day – it’s a meaningful conversation starter for every day of the year.Noticing someone isn’t quite themselves and asking, “Are you OK?” needs to happen every day of the year.

• Everyday people experience life’s ups and down and things like grief, relationship breakdown, financial difficulty or losing a job. Sadly, at these times many people feel they don’t have anyone to confide in.
• The signs someone may be struggling may be subtle but some common signs are changes in behaviour, sleep patterns, energy levels and mood.
• Any day we notice those signs or feel that something’s not quite right, we need to trust our gut instinct, ask R U OK? and start a conversation that could change a life.

For extra support, conversation tips and help-seeking information, go to the link below:

If you or anyone you know needs immediate support please contact:

KIDS HELP LINE 1800 55 1800
LIFELINE 13 11 14

Year 11 & 12 Head of Year

I cannot believe it is almost the end of term 3, where has the time gone? As you are aware, attendance is a key focus here at Shailer Park High. We know that attendance rates are clearly linked to outcomes. I would like to congratulate both the Year 11 and 12 cohorts for their improved attendance this term. This is a wonderful achievement and clearly demonstrates that both students and parents are treating attendance with importance. It is crucial that these high levels are maintained strongly till the end of the year.

At the time of writing this, our Year 12 students on an OP pathway are about to sit their Queensland Core Skills Test. They have worked tirelessly all year in preparation for this and we know they are extremely well prepared. We wish them all the very best. The following week will see all senior students in Exam Block to complete assessment across all subjects. Once again, we wish everyone well in their upcoming exams.

All year 11 students have received information and order forms for their senior jackets for 2019. Please note that all orders and payments must be completed by November 9th. This will enable the order to be placed prior to the end of the year so that they will be received in term one, 2019.

The highlight of the year is of course the Year 12 Formal. Every student received a letter this week outlining the details of this magnificent event. Please be reminded that the cost at this point is an estimate. At the beginning of term four I will issue a second letter that will have the final cost and further details as to how you can participate in this momentous occasion. Payments can then be made, providing all outstanding accounts are finalised. Should your child not have received this letter, please direct them to me to collect one. I am certainly looking forward to these exciting times ahead.

Special Guest Performer

Cass is an RnB artist from New Zealand who came to Shailer High Friday 31 August to perform some of her hit songs. Cass also spoke with students about her life in the "hood" of Auckland, how to show resilience in overcoming challenges and lifted student aspirations in chasing their dreams. Thanks goes to students who demonstrated exceptional behaviour and absorbed the performance and messages given, and to all staff involved in organising this event.

New Staff

We are proud to introduce to the community some of our new staff members at Shailer High. This newsletter we introduce Isobel Harris.

All staff contact details can be found on our website

Isobel Harris has joined us as an English and humanities teacher. She has a passion for language and literacy, having confidence and ability as a teacher, particularly when it comes to working with challenging behaviour and low literacy and engagement. Isobel is an experienced senior English teacher- teaching for five years and having completed her Masters of Applied Linguistics, she continues her education studying psychology part time at the University of Queensland. Isobel also has explicit teaching, coaching and ESCM training, and actively seeks opportunities to assist in developing teacher coaching cultures within schools

NEXUS Academy

University of Queensland Immersion Day

Earlier this term, all NEXUS students attend the University of Queensland for an Immersion Day. Students participated in a range of activities to build their resilience and expose them to University life. Students had the opportunity to look at evolution theories, including artefacts from different historical periods, the human heart and international law.

Thank you to the wonderful team at UQ and to Ms Lane, Ms Keys, Ms Mullen and Mr Simpson for their organising and facilitating this for the students!

Science

Year 7s

Students have been completing their extended experimental investigation on the growth of mung beans in different soil conditions. Students used soil, sand, clay and sandy loam to investigate which soil type the plants grew the most effectively in. The results were mixed with some groups finding soil was the best while others found that sand or clay produced similar results. Students have concluded that further investigations would be required to come up with a more definitive conclusion. The following photo shows a students with their mung beans.

Year 8s

Students have been designing their own experiments to test chemical reactions. This has formed their assessment task for this term. Experiments have been very different between classes depending on the types of chemical reactions individual groups have been wanting to investigate. Some students have been looking at the reaction in glow sticks while others have looked at copper sulphate and iron. The following photos show students completing their investigations.

Year 9s

Students have been exploring how different conditions produced different results in chemical reactions. The following photos show students investigating how different food sources are composed of different food groups including proteins, carbohydrates and fats.

The Year 9s have also been studying biochemistry with a particular focus on the reactions occurring within the body systems. To investigate the body systems further some classes did a full pluck dissection. This allowed them to observe the different organs and explain their function in body systems.

Science Ambassadors

Today in science club the ambassadors participated in an experiment that involved non Newtonian fluids. Fluids that are liquid by nature but upon receiving enough energy or applied force becomes solid.

Students had tested the different ways that the fluid responded to different stimuli ranging including different items impacts from a hand ball, and different pushing and pulling motions of the students hands.

Our science club has been having fun with lots of practical activities surrounding chemical reactions this term. The following photos show our ambassadors experimenting with soda snakes. This chemical reaction investigates how baking soda and sugar- raw, brown, white, icing and marshmallow, react to form a growing snake when exposed to heat. A fun Thursday morning activity!

The students explored the pH of acids and bases using Universal Indicator, resulting in a rainbow pH scale.

Next week we will be exploring density, creating mini density columns.

If you are interested in joining the club for some practical fun we meet up Thursdays, Lunch 1 in the science block N01/N02.

National Science Week

National Science Week was celebrated in Week 5 this term. The theme was game changers and change makers and was inspired by some significant anniversaries this year including the 200th Anniversary of Frankenstein the novel.

In order to celebrate the science themes within this novel of genetics, electricity and alchemy we had a science expo at lunchtime where students could create their own veins and arteries, test if their DNA sample was from Dr Jekyll or Mr Hyde and create some lightning with the Van Der Graff generator and zap Jerome our skeleton.

We also had a special celebration for our Year 7 classes who have been learning about change of state this year with some dry ice demonstrations. Students were challenged to make a dry ice crystal ball and dry ice bubbles. A great bit of Chemistry fun for a Tuesday afternoon!

A special shout out to Liz Franz who was able to make a giant dry ice bubble at the front of the MPS to the delight of our Juniors!

Creative Industries

Ignite Dance Academy

Beenleigh Quota Dance Eisteddfod

Our Ignite Dance Academy students were commended on their sportsmanship, teamwork, and performance qualities.

Their amazing results are below:

1st Place – Year 9 and Under Students’ own Choreography, ‘Lovely’ (choreographed by year 8 students Emma, Paige and Hayley)
2nd Place – Year 9 and Under Musical Theatre/Variety, ‘The Greatest Showman’
2nd Place – Year 9 and Under Funk/Hip Hop ‘Nice for What’
3rd Place – Year 9 and Under Contemporary ‘Technology’
3rd Place – Year 12 and Under Funk/Hip Hop ‘Get Jiggy with it’
Highly Commended – Year 9 and Under Jazz ‘Take It Off’
Highly Commended – Year 12 and Under ‘Minnesota’

Thank you to all of the Shailer Park SHS staff, parents, students and Beenleigh Quota volunteers who made this event the success that is was. Quota is always the highlight of our competition season.

Creative Generations

In July, seven of our very talented students performed in “Creative Generation 2018”.

These dedicated students attended months of weekend rehearsals which culminated in the spectacular show pictured below.

Instrumental Music

On Saturday August 25, the Shailer Park State High School Capriccio Strings performed as special guests of the Queensland Youth Orchestra Junior String Ensemble.

The concert, held at the Old Museum Building at Bowen Hills, is part of the QYO’s Concerts at Twilight series.

The Capriccio Strings, under the direction of Mrs Diane Alley, opened the concert performing 3 pieces. The stage was reset and the QYO Junior Strings performed 4 pieces, including the world premiere of Chase the Stars and Catch the Dream by Brisbane composer, Rachel Merton. The stage was again reset and both ensembles joined together to perform Excalibur, conducted by QYO conductor Chen Yang, and Allegro Furioso conducted by Mrs Alley.Mrs Alley and I are incredibly proud of how our students prepared for this prestigious event and performed magnificently. The concert was recorded and CDs will be available for sale soon.

On Wednesday September 5th our Wind Ensemble and Capriccio Strings are performing for elderly residents at St Marks Anglican Church at Daisy Hill.

On Sunday September 9th our Symphonic Winds and Capriccio Strings have been invited to perform as special guests at the 35th Anniversary Concert of the Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra, to be held at Cannon Hill Anglican College.

On Sunday September 16th the Symphonic Winds are performing as special guests of the Queensland Youth Orchestra Wind Ensemble as part of the QYO’s Concerts at Twilight series. This will be the 4th consecutive year that our band has been invited to perform with the QYO.

Visual Art

Year 7

Students have created semi abstract sculptural forms that were inspired by the work of artists Patricia Piccinini and Yayoi Kusama. We are looking forward to displaying the class sets of these fantastic creations.

Year 8

Student creations were based on the theme ‘Tutti Fruity’. Their drawings, paintings, ceramics and prints enabled them to explore how one item may be represented in many different ways. Please enjoy the wonderful fruit salad selections.

Year 9

Students in Term 1 build a classical vessel out of Red Raku Clay and then transformed it into a contemporary form. They also experienced the printmaking technique of collagraphy. Once they had printed their block they applied Aquarelle colour. Term 2 saw our students grappling with interior perspective drawings and appropriating the style of some of the artists they had studied. Experimentation in colour has preceded their canvas painting.

Year 10

Students started the year converting a collage idea into a drawing using a tonal modelling technique. A complex process of stylisation and design for a paper cut screen print further challenged students. Responding to the concept of “A Garden of Unearthly Delight” is resulting in the development of a number interesting compositions for painting.

Year 12 Visual Arts in Practice

Students explored the concept of ‘Up close and Personal’ in their painting unit. Students found multiple images and then digitally manipulated them to create an original composition for a painting. The results are wonderful.

Year 12

Students explored their individual response to the concept of ‘Obsession’. Responses were unique and experimented with a variety of mediums and techniques. They are currently working toward the completion of work based on the second concept of ‘Prediction’.

Music

The music department has been a hive of activity this year, with students expressing themselves in a variety of different ways, through a multitude of platforms.

Year 7

Students in year 7 are experiencing music through a variety of different cultures, learning the nuances and intricacies of music from around the world. This class has also had the privilege of being the first to participate in the Ukulele Challenge! Embracing the competition and challenge of learning a new instrument, students are on a mission to perform as many pieces of music as possible in order to gain mastery of this versatile instrument.

Year 8

Year 8 students have explored the versatility of rock music, from the 80’s through to modern day. Students were challenged to perform the opening of ‘Smoke on the Water’ by Deep Purple – the catch being that each student must learn three instruments for their assessment: the electric guitar, bass guitar and drum kit. Students braved the task head on and performed confident performances. Having analysed the structure of rock music, students were then asked to create their own chorus as part of this unit. The chorus needed to be simple yet catchy, should be written for all three instruments and should include a hook. They created some very interesting choruses, which will stand them in good stead for the more senior phases of learning.

Year 9

Students in year 9 have started the year analysing and evaluating music used in animated film. Detailed analysis of Disney scenes and characters lead to invaluable insight for their composing assessment. Students were asked to push past their comfort zone and compose music for a silent film and enter their composition into Queensland Music Festival’s 2018 SCORE IT competition. Students not only had to think about the mood each scene created, but how the characters should be musically represented, which instrumentation would be beneficial to express each scene and incorporate a variety of film techniques learned in class. Students enjoyed the opportunity to take their work into the real world and are looking forward to the competition again next year. The second semester sees them understanding the wonderful world of Baroque and Classical music. Students have performed a piece of music within the Baroque style, and are about to complete a project that allows students to create their own classical composition, based on the analysis, research and inspiration they receive from the great compositional masters of classical music.

Year 12 Board Music

Our senior students have been hard at work all year, with a particular focus on two themes: film music and music that tells an emotional story. Senior OP students have worked particularly hard this year in successfully communicating their understanding and evaluation of emotion within music. Their research and interpretation of music has reaped rewards, particularly in their compositions (as seen in the following photograph of a student composition), where students chose a devastating event as stimulus for expressing sorrow through music.

Year 12 Music in Practice

Our Music in Practice students have also, similarly to our OP and Year 9 students, entered their compositions into the SCORE IT competition, expanding and growing their ability to express emotion and mood on screen. Students are now working towards their final assessment item: running their own concert! They not only have to prepare, organise, advertise and run the concert, but also have to provide the entertainment! It is a large and demanding assessment item for our students and they are very excited to show what they have produced early next term.

Vocal Ensemble

The Vocal Ensemble students have been working very hard this year on building beautiful tone and harmonies. The choristers have already had the opportunity to perform at Harmony Day this year and are chomping at the bit to perform at our Showcase concert early next term. It will be full steam ahead after showcase with an upcoming performance at MusicFest, however, the highlight of our year is the upcoming Voices of Remembrance concert on the 9th November. The Vocal Ensemble successfully auditioned for a place in a 200+ massed choir for Queensland Music Festival’s concert, in commemoration of the centenary signing of the Armistice. The ensemble have the opportunity to travel to Toowoomba and perform with the great Katie Noonan (Jazz/Avant-Garde Vocalist) and Teddy Tahu Rhodes (Operatic Baritone). This is an amazing experience for our vocalists and we wish them all the best in their upcoming competitions.

Upcoming Events

Artwaves

We are looking forward to seeing the work of a number of our students’ works displayed in the annual “Artwaves” exhibition and recommend a visit to the Logan Gallery to all.

Showcase

Creative Industry students and teachers are working tirelessly on all aspects of the upcoming Shailer Showcase. This show promises to be even more spectacular than previous shows which left audiences raving about the quality of student performances.

Health and Physical Education

Sting Volleyball Academy

Our Senior Sting Sports Academy Volleyball students competed at the Queensland Senior Schools Cup on the weekend 10-12 August at the Gold Coast. It was three very long days, with early starts and late finishes, the students showed their resilience and competed with their team mates superbly.... Multiple games were played over the weekend, with both of our teams - Open Boys and Open Girls placing 1st in their pools and winning their Semi's after 2 days of play. This meant that both teams were into the Gold Medal Match on the Sunday.

The Open Boys were up first on the Sunday - against Helensvale SHS. It was an extremely tight match, with Helensvale winning the 1st Set, and then Shailer Park winning the 2nd set. That meant that we had to play a decider 3rd set.... It was point for point, right up until the end even at 13-13. The boys battled out, had their chance to close out at one stage, however unfortunately went down 17-15 in the 3rd. It was a great game and a great effort by the boys. This mean that they had earned the Silver Medal!

The Open Girls on the other hand started their off the complete opposite. They were down 17-12 in the first set, but fought back to win the set 25-21. They lost their way and their mental concentration in the 2nd set to lose it 25-8. It was going to be a tough challenge to come back from that. The girls were again down 8-2 at the change of ends..... But dug deep, and scrambled their way back to win the Gold 15-13! A great finish to their tournament.

Congratulations to Alissa Geary who won the Tournament's Most Valued Player over the three days for the Open Girls, and also to all our Senior Players for their last State Championship - Jayde Adams, Isabella Trinh, Kristelle Thomson, Nyah Taurima and Ahmed Ibrahim. Congrats... you all went out Champions!!!

Well done to all involved, and all who came, watched and supported the teams.

Sting Futsal Academy

My name is Shakylle Ngenda and I'm in the Year 7 Futsal Academy. Last Thursday, team mates Angus, DJ, Jett, Cooper, Jordan and I participated in the Coomera Cup at Assisi College. Unfortunately, Angus injured himself during the first game, which left us with no subs for the rest of the competition.

Our team had a successful night, with 3 wins, 1 draw, and 2 losses, ending 5th on the ladder due to goal difference. Although we just missed out on the finals, I was exceptionally proud of our team performance and achievement on the night. It was a great competition and I would like to thank Mr Croucher and Mr Simpson for supporting us.

District Trials Update

Last Thursday we had a number of our students compete at the District Athletics Trials held at QE2. It was a great day and the students represented Shailer Park with pride and were well behaved. A big thank you to Mr Lunt and Mr Tannahill for their help on the day with managing and officiating events.

Congratulations to the following students who have qualified for Regionals held next week.

Regionals will be held 11th & 12th Sept (Week 9) at Griffith University Athletics Facility, University Drive, Parkwood. Good luck at regionals athletes... Your perseverance and resilience throughout the trials is aspirational.

Year 7s

Students are currently investigating fitness testing and the impacts of different types of circuit training on overall improvement on general fitness. Students have been completing circuit fitness tests including the beep test and agility and strength tests.

Year 8s

Students are currently studying large ball sports and positive relationships with a focus on supporting others. Students are investigating the impact of safe decisions, safety risks online and also strategies to address unsafe or risky situations. The following photos show students engaging in sports during their practical lessons further developing their team and agility skills.

Year 9s

Students are currently developing team collaboration and strategy skills through the investigation of team invasion games. These games are not only physically challenging but also require cognitive skills such as problem solving and tactical strategy. This photo shows students participating in invasion games.

Year 10s

Students are currently investigating sports physiology and applying theoretical skills in the study of touch football. The following photos show students working collaboratively to develop agility, speed and team skills during their practical lessons.

Vocational Education

Hospitality

The Certificate II Hospitality/Kitchen Operations have a new lunchtime venture; “Sapphires Hot Meal Deals”.

These are packaged hot meals; which can be pre-ordered or purchased on the day from sapphires.

Butter chicken with basmati rice, fried rice, peppered steak and fried rice, fish and chips as well as iced cold drinks.

Thank you to all the staff and students who are supporting this venture.

Young Achiever Program

The University of Queensland Open Day was held Sunday 5 August.

One of our Young Achiever Program participants is pictured here with her UQ Mentors.

Partnerships with the community foster Relational Learners.

Great program!

Amazing opportunities!

Opportunities and Vacancies

Access to School Based Traineeships / Apprenticeships, TAFE courses and work experience for Vocational Students in Year 10, 11 and 12 is subject to the Traffic Light System.

The school reserves the right to refuse participation in an activity if any of the criteria falls within the Red Zone. The Student will be given a period of time (evaluated on a case by case basis) to adjust the criteria into the Amber or Green Zone.

Please access the Shailer High website for current opportunities and vacancies, including apprenticeships, traineeships, TAFE trades and courses. Visit our Vocational Education page for further information and vacancies.

Assistance is available. Please contact our Industry Liaison Officer, Ms Annette Lee in F5, on 3451 2782 or alee296@eq.edu.au

Messages from Business Services

Email Statements/Invoices

In the interest of streamlining our processes and reducing our carbon footprint and costs, all statements and invoices are now emailed. Please ensure your email address is up to date with our office by sending an email to office@shaiparkshs.eq.edu.au. If you receive an invoice via the post, please update your email as soon as possible.

School Fees

A friendly reminder to those families on payment plans for school fees, the final payment was due in the 2nd week of term 3, 27 July, 2018.

All Academy fees for Sting, Ignite, Instrumental Music, were due by the end of last term.

Credit card payments can no longer be made over the phone to the Finance office.

There are numerous ways to make payments including

• Direct Deposit BSB 064 170 Acc# 00090123
• In person at our finance window with cash or card between 8.00am – 3.30pm, Monday to Friday
• Credit card payment can now only be accepted via BPOINT on 1300 631 073 by quoting your CRN and invoice number as this is listed as an option on the invoices.

Thank you to all those families who are up to date with their payments.

Excursion Fees

NO late payments will be accepted for excursions after the due date (generally 1 week prior to excursion). All school fees and other payments must be up to date, paid in full, or payment plan in place; otherwise students risk losing excursion and/or academy privileges.

Business Support Team

Messages from our Parents and Citizens

Meetings

Thank you to all those who attended our August Meeting. Our executive team can be contacted via email pandc@shaiparkshs.eq.edu.au.

Our next meeting is Tuesday 18 September 2018, at 6pm in the common room. We welcome all new members. Please go to the P&C section of our School website for more information.

Below is our membership form and meeting dates for your calendar.

18 September
16 October
20 November

Kevin Thomas
P&C President

Building Fund

The main purpose of the P&C is to support the school for the benefit of all students. The P&C maintains a close relationship with the school executive and will work with them to improve the experience of all students, teachers and staff at Shailer Park State High School. We continue to raise funds via our tax-deductable Building Fund and by making grant applications. Funds are directed towards our major common goal, which is to air-condition all teaching spaces in the school.

If you are interested in making a Tax Deductable donation or have some other building type works contribution please contact pandc@shaiparkshs.eq.edu.au or attend a meeting, held on the 3rd Tuesday each month at 6pm. We would love to hear from you.

Andrew Huggins
P&C Treasurer

Trivia Night

Sting Sports Academy is holding a Trivia night on Friday 21 September. stingsupport@shaiparkshs.eq.edu.au

Community Support Program

Collaboration with local business to provide more resources for our students...thank you to all those who mentioned Shailer Park State High School when making purchases from Stellarossa. Our P&C will be receiving the kickback donations at the end of each month to assist our students.

Shailer High is now collaborating with local coffee business, Stellarossa Hyperdome. The support program is providing the school with vouchers that will be used as incentives and rewards for staff and students. The program also involves a kick back scheme when our community makes purchases in store. We envision this raising more funds to be directed to benefit all students.

I am pleased to announce that the team at Stellarossa Loganholme Hyperdome have offered Shailer Park High this opportunity to participate in a Community Support Program.

When paying for meals or drinks at Stellarossa, please mention that you are from Shailer Park High. Your invoice details will be recorded and Shailer Park High P&C will then receive a donation. The donated amounts will be totalled and sent monthly for P&C to use the funds to assist our school community.

All students involved were informed via notices to attend a meeting with HPE staff

Stellarossa is located near Bakers Delight at the Aldi/Coles end of the Hyperdome shopping centre and is open from

7-5pm Monday to Friday,
7- 4.30pm Saturday &
7.30-4pm Sunday.

Come on down and try their tasty breakfasts, salads, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, coffee and drinks.

Support a Local Retailer who is supporting your Local School

Announcements

Independent Public Schools Council

The Shailer Park State High School Independent Public School (IPS) council, enables greater involvement of the school community and other stakeholders, such as industry, in setting the strategic direction for the school. The school council plays a role in monitoring and informing the school's strategic direction in a way that achieves the best learning outcomes for the school's students.

As the elected Chairperson for our school’s IPS council, I look forward to working with our Principal: Dorothea Jensen, Andrew Huggins our School Council Secretary and the team to collectively achieve our vision - Lifting aspirations through big plans and bold ambitions for a bright future. Through our shared values: Resilient, Reflective, Resourceful and Relational we are committed to ensuring our students are connected, engaged and future ready.

My role in the school has been enduring, I have been involved with the P&C since 2016, when my son entered year seven. I have had the privilege of working with exceptional parents on the P&C over the past years and I continue to take an active interest as a volunteer coach in the sports academy program. My professional role enables me to bring experience in board management, data analysis, budget control, grant writing and strategic planning to the IPS Council Chairperson position.

The IPS Council will initially focus on exploring our school’s identity and will be seeking to engage with our community to understand how we can foster a dynamic school brand that responds to our communities values. We encourage you to engage with opportunities to share your thoughts on our schools direction through these community forums. Further information will be provided via Facebook and through direct invitation.

I am told change is the only constant and what our teachers, led by Mrs Jensen are doing, is helping prepare our kids to meet the challenges of constantly changing world and developing life-long learners. We live and work in a great part of south-east Queensland and our kids deserve the best educational outcomes. I look forward to the School Council playing an active role in achieving our school vision.

Eric Perez
Chairperson
School Council

Principal Tours

The next Principal Tour date is 20 November.

Please consult our Facebook events page for more information.

Or email us enrolment@shaiparkshs.qu.edu.au

Register for our Principal Tour event at Eventbrite

Year 7 Enrolments, 2019

We are now accepting enrolment applications for Year 7 2019. Enrolment packages can now be collected from and returned to the Administration office. Please note these key dates:

Year 7 2019 Information Night (for students who have enrolled for 2019)

Monday 5 November, 6.00pm

Orientation Days (for students who have enrolled for 2019)

Monday 3 and Tuesday 4 December, 9.00am-2.30pm

Enrolment Interviews will be held in Term 4. Please check your email for further information from 20 September 2018

Round 2 of the Nexus Entry Exams will be conducted at Shailer Park State High School on Tuesday 18 September, from 2.00pm-4.30pm. Please arrive by 2.15pm and ensure the $25 application fee has been paid prior.

Please follow our Facebook page for updates regarding enrolment.

Any questions please email enrolment@shaiparkshs.qu.edu.au or phone 3451 2777.

2018 Next Step - Early School Leavers survey

The Queensland Government is conducting its annual state-wide survey of Year 10, 11 and 12 students who in 2017 left school without obtaining Year 12 certification. The Early School Leavers survey is a short, confidential survey that collects information about what young people are doing the year after leaving school.

Between August and September, students who left school early in 2017 can expect to receive an invitation to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office to complete the survey. Please encourage them to take part.

For more information, visit the link below or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.

Upcoming Dates

School Calendar