7 December 2018

Newsletter Articles

A message from the Principal

As I sat down to write this final newsletter, reflecting on the year at large and what it was that I wanted to convey in these last few days of the schooling year, I realised I had a huge smile on my face. Despite the particular kind of exhaustion the end of Term 4 brings, I can honestly say that as a school, we have worked incredibly hard and finished strong in 2018. Congratulations to our staff and students: your grit and determination has made me so proud! That wonderful long break is almost here but we have not taken our foot off the pedal; we are engaged and focussed right up to the end of the year.

A lot of thanks must go to our staff who organise the Step-up programs which have been a great success in promoting engagement and attendance in the last weeks of school. Our students have been given the valuable opportunity to participate in a range of learning experiences that will support them to step into the following year in 2019, as well as reflect on the achievements of 2018. The final week for our Year 11 students saw them engage in learning about what it means to put on the Year 12 Senior Leader badge (in preparation for 2019). Being prepared for this final year of schooling is important for students in understanding just how intense Year 12 is so that they might start the year focussed and determined, not bewildered and stressed. The Year 11s also engaged with Sarah Rallston from Reboot to explore what it means to be a mentor and how to support students in our multi-age care classes. Shailer Park’s 2019 leaders are certainly well positioned to shine brightly, even before Term 1 begins!

In the final week of this term we saw approximately 270 Year 6 students join us for their high school orientation. This is an exciting time for us to welcome our incoming Year 7s to the Shailer Family and put any anxieties, fears or concerns at ease for both students and parents. For the bulk of our 2019 Year 7s, they will come across with friends and classmates they have known for years and this in itself will be a comfort to them. However, our buddy systems, multi-age care classes and orientation will further aid in a smooth and supported transition for our newest Shailer Park SHS students.

Further to our multi-age classes, our house system will be fully operational in 2019. As such, I am very excited to announce our new Houses. Thank you to all students, staff and our community for their input into the strengthening of our house system; these names evoke an incredible amount of pride and respect in belonging to Shailer Park SHS. They are:

Bilin Bilin : our local Indigenous Elder.
Francis : a local historical figure, farmer and land owner of the region.
Barnes : the Founding Principal of Shailer Park SHS.
Karle : a founding teacher who continues even now to teach at our school.

Our staff and students are excited about building a strong sense of belonging to their houses and the development of visible spirit at Shailer Park SHS. I can already hear the war cries, see the friendships and sense the wonderful comradery and pride our students will create in 2019.

Lastly, the final day of school will conclude at 1pm. Further information was sent home to parents, please refer to this letter for further details. Year 7s and 12s will commence 2019 on Tuesday 29 January, and our Year 8s – 11s will commence on Wednesday 30 January.

Well: that was 2018! Thank you to all staff for their dedication and hard work this year, you truly are the back bone of our school and have absolutely earnt a restful break! Thank you to our parents: your support of Shailer Park SHS throughout the year is without doubt why we experience such success. And to our students, I am so proud of your grit and determination to lift your aspirations and formulate those big plans and bold ambitions. Well done! We have worked so hard, achieved so much and as a result, we have flourished in 2018! What a pleasure it is to be a part of such a wonderful community: I really am looking forward to welcoming back all those smiling faces at the front gate in January next year! To all our staff, students and their families, have a wonderful, restful and safe holiday.

Message from our Student Services Team

Health Nurse

Schools out (almost) for the summer

What do these school holidays mean for you?
Is it holidays, is it beaches?
Is it time to chillax, air conditioning and cinemas?
Is it time with mates or time to yourself?
Is it online gaming or catching up on novels?
And that’s even before Christmas is mentioned.
Are you feeling stressed or feeling calm?

As another year ends we can reflect on our achievements – or disappointments – over the previous 12 months. It’s important to focus on the positive experiences that have happened over the year, and look to identify lessons from the not-so positive experiences so we can make a change.

Christmas is meant to be a time of celebration, but the ‘season of goodwill’ can easily slip into ill-will and a tonne of stress. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and on edge, or if you’re spending Christmas away from home, or with separated families, there are things you can do to make dealing with the holiday season easier. If you need help to get through the Christmas period press here for more information.

Don’t forget that there is support available to you over the holiday period.

1800 650 890

Kids helpline
1800 55 1800

Lifeline
13 11 14

Finally click here if you are looking for holidays activities to do

Enjoy your holiday break.

References

NEXUS Academy

This year has been an extremely exciting year for the 2018 NEXUS cohort, and as we begin to welcome our new 2019 Year 7s, it is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year.

In Term 3, we saw over 70 Year 6 students trail for to join to the NEXUS Academy. This year we changed the structure of the testing, so that it was more reflective of both our school and academy values. On the day students completed numeracy, literacy testing along with a series of group challenges. Students demonstrated their relational skills and resilience throughout the day. Congratulations to the students who have been accepted into the program – we look forward to you joining us next year!

In Term 3, our students also took part in the Wonder of Science competition, with one of our Year 7 teams winning the regional competition and heading to the finals! The Wonder of Science competition allows our students to demonstrate their critical, creative and collaborative skills in the fields of STEM.

NEXUS students also had the opportunity to attend a day at the University of Queensland. Students partook in four workshops that allowed them to immerse themselves in university life. Students heard from a number of lecturers, from a range of faculties.

Our focus of 2018 has been ensuring that students within the Academy are receiving a rigorous and extended curriculum, in every lesson, every day. Our NEXUS teachers have worked tirelessly to differentiate the curriculum in the program, to cater for the needs of the students. Thank you to everyone who has supported the NEXUS program in 2018 – we look forward to continuing to grow and improve in 2019.

Humanities

Humanities and LOTE 2018…Wow! What a year

Students in Humanities and LOTE:

• took on the challenge of completing the Australian Geography and History competitions;
• solving the world’s water sustainability issues and presented these proposals to the Thank-you company;
• investigated the legal system and the various elements of the investigative process at the Queensland Police Museum;
• discussed relevant legal issues with a current Queensland Judge and watched court cases taking place in real time;
• participated in the Egyptian Mummies – Exploring Ancient Lives Queensland Museum Exhibition; and
• Twenty-nine students even went on an international trip to Japan!

These are just some of the amazing experiences offered in 2018 to Humanities and LOTE students, and the students have demonstrated their ability to reflect, be resourceful, be relational and be resilient. In 2019 students will be provided with many similar experiences, as well as the opportunity to engage in the first implementation of the Humanities extension program, the introduction of a business unit in Years 7-9 and new business subjects commencing in Year 10 and 11. We look forward to another amazing year ahead.

Creative Industries

Instrumental Music

2018 has been an outstanding year for our Instrumental Music students. Here is a snapshot of the year-

February 21 – Instrumental students get together for a social evening of games and team building activities.
March 9 – 60 instrumental students attend a Qld Symphony orchestra concert at QPAC for a big dose of inspiration from our state’s premier ensemble.
March 14 – The 5 ensembles perform in the MPS in our “MUSIC UNDER THE STARS” concert.
March 26 – Jazz Band perform for the school’s Harmony Day concert.
April 23 – Symphonic Winds performed at school’s ANZAC ceremony. Bugle calls played by Louie Lara & Ryan Campbell, who also performed at Shailer Park S.S. and Carbrook S.S.
May 21 – Jazz Band & Symphonic Winds receive Silver awards at Fanfare.
May 31 – Capriccio Strings receive Silver and Allegretto Strings receive Fanfare certificate at Fanfare.
June 4 – Wind Ensemble receives Silver award at Fanfare.
June 6 – Capriccio Strings & Symphonic Winds perform for Education Minister, Grace Grace.
June 19 – 22 – SPSHS hosts LEAN Cluster Music Workshops with over 200 primary instrumental students attending.
July 26-29 – 70 students attend SPSHS Band & String Camp at Kindilan. 3 days of solid rehearsal for our 5 ensembles.
August 4 – Music Support Group hosts our annual Trivia Night fundraiser.
August 26 – Capriccio Strings perform as special guests of the Qld Youth Orchestra Junior Strings at the Old Museum Building at Bowen Hills.
August 27 – Jazz Band perform on parade.
September 5 – Wind Ensemble & Capriccio Strings perform at St Marks Anglican Church, Daisy Hill.
September 7 – String Quintet perform at Artwaves at Logan Art Gallery.
September 9 – Capriccio Strings & Symphonic Winds perform at Brisbane Regional Youth Orchestra’s 35th Anniversary concert, held at Cannon Hill Anglican College.
September 14 – Jazz Band & Wind Ensemble perform at SPSS Market Night.
September 16 – Symphonic Winds perform as special guests of the Qld Youth Orchestra Wind Ensemble at the Old Museum Building at Bowen Hills.
October 13 – Capriccio Strings receive Gold award at Prestige Music Fest.
October 24 – Symphonic Winds receive Gold award at Prestige Music Fest.
October 26 – SPSHS Performing Arts Showcase at Logan Entertainment Centre. This was an amazing event showcasing our very talented young performers.
October 31 – Symphonic Winds, Capriccio Strings and Jazz Band perform at SPSHS Academic Awards ceremony at Logan Entertainment Centre.
November 3 – Jazz Band receive Silver award at Prestige Music Fest.
November 8 – String Octet perform at SPSS Music Showcase.
November 9 – String Octet perform at Year 12 Formal.
November 14 – Symphonic Winds, Jazz Band and Capriccio Strings perform at Loganholme S.S. Twilight Concert.

Thank you to our wonderful instrumental music staff, Mrs Di Alley, Mrs Rosey Dorney and Mrs Erin Thomson for their hard work and dedication.

Ignite Dance Academy

2018, what a year you have been! Jam packed to the brim and overflowing with extraordinary achievement and success. When I sat down to reflect on this wonderful, and at times strange year, I was overwhelmed with an enormous sense of pride. Pride for what we have made and done together over the past 11 months, pride for the individual goals that were set, met and exceeded and pride that out little family was resilient enough to withstand the challenges that we faced throughout the year.

Dance Academy students, in all eisteddfods, competitions, performances and rehearsals you represented yourself, your families and your school with utmost professionalism. I am so excited to see where 2019 takes us.

2018 saw our amazing little family grow - we welcomed 15 new Year 7 families as well as two new teaching staff. It is with great pleasure that I announce Miss Millar as a permanent member of our family.

We were blessed to have both Caitlyn Flanders and Jess Page part of our teaching team again this year. These ladies are an inspiration to all of our students and have choreographed some wonderful dances. One of my fondest memories of this year was working with Jess whilst she was in Tokyo. We were able to live stream and facilitate a workshop internationally - how amazing is that?

We also had a number of students participate in Creative Generation. Our students performed in company, featured and massed roles. This opportunity allowed them to extend and develop their skills by working with a professional production team on a professional show.

2018 also saw our first Showcase performed at the Logan Entertainment Centre - and what a show it was! A number of students rose to the challenge and choreographed for our en-massed items, our brilliant Dance Support group worked tirelessly to provide opportunities and experiences for all members of the Ignite Dance Academy and raise much-needed funds to continue the growth and development of the program.

Thank you to my teaching team, school Administration team and Head of Creative Industries, Simone Fillipow, for all of your support throughout the year.

Thank you parents and carers for allowing your children to explore their creative passions and to be members of our wonderful program.

Have a safe and happy Christmas break and I will see you all in 2019!

Ignite the Passion - Ignite the Dream!

Vocal Group

What another fantastic year in the choral world! The year started with Music Under the Stars and Harmony Day. It was so exciting to hear how confident and strong student voices were for only Term 1! As the year continued, we came together each term with our Choir Cinema social afternoons to connect and share our love of musical theatre. Our socialising continued to grow with our 4 workshop days that enabled us to focus on tricky repertoire and vocal health. Students were able to receive training from our guest conductor, Lachlan Snow, which they found invaluable.

With performances at MusicFest and our phenomenal Showcase Extravaganza, the highlight of the year would definitely be ‘Voices of Remembrance.’ Our students were humbled and in awe to be able to perform with professional stars Katie Noonan and Teddy Tahu Rhodes, and are hoping a similar opportunity will arise in future.

I am exceptionally proud of how hard our vocalists have worked this year and feel very blessed to be working with such talented, dedicated and committed students. I wish them all a safe and happy holiday and look forward to more exciting opportunities next year!

Health and Physical Education

Academies

For many subjects, this time of the year is associated with completing assessment and finalising end of year results. However, in HPE, we are about to send four teams off to Melbourne to represent Shailer Sting in the Melbourne Volleyball Schools Cup. Last year around 6000 competitors converged on Melbourne making it the largest secondary school sporting event in the country for any sport. Traditionally, our teams perform really well at this event under the watchful guidance of Volleyball director, Angela King and lead coach, Anthony Lee. We wish the teams and all their coaches luck as they head off next week!

2018 has been a successful year all round for both our Volleyball and Futsal academies. We have had teams representing in a number of different competitions across the year, often medalling or receiving high placings for their efforts. Next year promises to be equally competitive. Well done to all the teams who have trained hard and represented Shailer Sting in 2018.

Sport

2019 promises to be a big year in sport for Shailer Park SHS. We hit the ground running, or should I say, swimming with the School Swimming Carnival already booked for early Term 1. This whole day event is always a favourite with students and will be a welcome reprieve from the predictable February heat. Our interschool championship days follow closely behind on the calendar with touch football and volleyball as our first sports on the representative list.

All students are encouraged to keep their ears open as other sporting opportunities become available across the year. The HPE department is looking to further develop talent in specific sports including rugby and netball to name a couple. We are encouraged by the amazing talent we have at the school and want to ensure we support this as best we can.

Sarah Morris
Health &
Physical Education Teacher

Library

Our library has undergone a transformation with new furniture, shelving and collections. As part of the refurbishment of our library, we are seeking help from community members who are willing and able to donate their time and expertise to painting the interior walls. The walls will need preparation and painting before our school re-opens on 29 January 2019.

We appreciate any help from the community for the benefit of our students. Please email office@shaiparkshs.eq.edu.au if you can be of assistance.

Happy Reading

Vocational Education

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.

TAFE at School

Course offerings for Semester 1, 2019. Applications Close January 2019

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

A message from the Business Manager

Here at SPSHS we operate a Student Resource Scheme that enables parents to enter into an agreement with the school. For an annual participation fee, we provide the temporary use of prescribed textbooks and/or other resources, and/or the purchase of consumables and materials for students to use in class.

In accordance with the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, the cost of providing instruction, administration and facilities for the education of students enrolled at State schools is met by the state. Parents/Caregivers are directly responsible for providing textbooks and other personal resources for their children. Below is our schools chart of outstanding school fees.

As you can clearly see from the chart we have many families who have still not paid their agreed participation fee and therefore we have not been able to supply all students with all the resources required for effective learning. Please note that unpaid fees from previous years need to be promptly paid.

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 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 Manager

Messages from our Parents and Citizens

Meetings

Thank you to all our P&C community that helped Shailer Park High School support students in 2018.

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

Meetings are held on the third Tuesday of each month. Our first meeting next year is Tuesday 19 February 2019, 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 2019 meeting dates for your calendar.

19 February
19 March
16 April
21 May
18 June
16 July
20 August
17 September
15 October
19 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

Uniform Donations

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.

We envision this raising more funds to be directed to benefit all students.

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.

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

2018 Yearbooks

A limited number of 2018 Yearbooks are available for purchase from the finance window for $10. Cash and card accepted.

Host Families Needed

School Holiday Program

Beat school holiday boredom by checking out the FREE and low cost activities on offer for 5-17 year olds in the KRANK School Holiday program by visiting the link below.

Calendar