16 June 2023

Newsletter Articles

A message from our Principal

Dear Shailer Park State High School Community,

I hope this message finds you keeping well. It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I introduce myself as the new Principal of Shailer Park State High School. As I step into this esteemed role, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to work collaboratively with all stakeholders in our vibrant school community.

First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for the warm reception I have received since joining our school. The support and kindness I have encountered from staff, students, parents, and community members has been truly appreciated.

My vision for Shailer Park State High School is to build upon the incredible foundation established by my predecessor and further enhance the educational experience for each and every student. I firmly believe that high school is a transformative period in a young person's life, and I am dedicated to fostering an environment that nurtures growth, embraces diversity, and promotes personal and academic success.

My educational philosophy is founded in collaboration, communication, and shared decision-making. I am a firm believer in the power of teamwork and the importance of actively involving all stakeholders in shaping the school's direction. Together, we will continue to cultivate a positive and inclusive culture that values each student's unique talents, interests, and aspirations.

As such, I invite you to participate in an initial Climate Check Survey to provide some insight into where you believe the priorities should be for our school in Semester 2 this year. The survey is anonymous and will close on Friday 23 June. Survey links have been sent to our students and families via email.

In closing, I am truly honoured to be part of the Shailer Park State High School community and look forward to working closely with you all. Please feel free to reach out to me at any time with your thoughts, ideas, or concerns. Together, we will continue to make Shailer Park State High School an exceptional learning environment that embodies ‘Lifting spirations through Big Plans and Bold Ambitions for a Bright Future.’

Kind regards

Calendar

Please access our school calendar for upcoming events and CAST activities.

A message from our Senior Schooling Deputy Principal

Year 12 Date Claimers 2023

Year 12 is a short but very busy year. Please see below all the important dates that students and families need to be aware of in semester 2.

Term 3 - Week 8

• Thursday 31 August- Year 12 Formal (Rydges Hotel, Southbank)- this is a non-school day for Year 12 students
• Friday 1 September- Student Free Day

Term 3 - Week 10

The final week of Term 3 we will be holding a Mock Exam Block for all General subjects. The purpose is for several reasons:

1. Students will get the chance to practise and refine very important exam taking skills to prepare them for their external exams in Term 4
2. Teachers will be able to gather important data and feedback regarding areas that may need extra attention, revision and support in the coming weeks
3. Students will be able to experience the order of exams, as mirrored in the published QCAA External Exam Schedule.

During this time students will only need to attend school for exams or to work on VET certificate course completion.

Term 4 - Weeks 1-3

The first three weeks of Term 4 will continue to follow the normal timetabled structure:

• General Subjects- Classes will take on a review and revision focus in preparation for external exams. Tutorials, study sessions and practice questions will be the focus during these 3 weeks.
• Applied Subjects- Unit 4 will be coming to completion. All assessment will need to be completed and submitted as per SPSHS Assessment Policy and QCE requirements.
• Certificate Subjects- Completion of all competencies and modules are required during this time.

Wednesday 18 October (week 3): Final day of formal classes for Year 12 students, Year 12 Guard of Honour

Thursday 19 and Friday 20 October: Home Based Study Vacation (for all students with external exams) & VET completion days

Term 4 - Week 4-6 EXTERNAL EXAM BLOCK

All students in General Subjects will be required to attend the scheduled exam as determined by QCAA. Failure to attend will result in an N which in turn means no QCE points allocated in Year 12 for that subject (a loss of 2 points) and ATAR at risk.

There will also be an expectation for students who have not yet completed their certificate courses to continue to attend school under the supervision of their Ready Package Mentor until all modules are complete.

Term 4 - Week 7

• Wednesday 15 November- Academic Awards Evening (Shailer Park State High)
• Thursday 16 November- Year 12 Graduation (Shailer Park State High)

Developing Lifelong Learners: The Importance of Continual Education and Growth

In a rapidly changing world, it is important for us all to be lifelong learners, continuously seeking new knowledge and skills to stay ahead of the curve. Lifelong learning not only improves job performance and career prospects, it also enhances personal growth and well-being.

Here are some tips for developing a lifelong learning mindset:

1. Embrace Curiosity: Cultivate a natural curiosity and desire to learn. Seek out new information and experiences and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
2. Set Learning Goals: Establish clear and achievable learning goals and create a plan to achieve them. Whether it is learning a new language, developing a new skill, or exploring a new topic, setting goals can help motivate and focus your learning efforts.
3. Make Time for Learning: Allocate dedicated time for learning and make it a priority in your daily routine. This could be as simple as reading a book, attending a workshop, or taking an online course.
4. Surround Yourself with Like-Minded Individuals: Seek out and connect with others who share your passion for learning. Whether it is through a local club, online community, or study group, having a network of peers can provide motivation, support, and opportunities for collaboration.
5. Continuously Reflect and Evaluate: Take time to reflect on your learning experiences and evaluate your progress. This will help you identify areas for improvement and set new goals for future growth.

By developing a lifelong learning mindset, individuals can stay relevant and competitive in their careers, and continuously improve and evolve as individuals. We can also set the example to our children and students that learning does not stop when they graduate from school or post schooling studies. So make a commitment to learning, embrace your curiosity, and start on the path to becoming a lifelong learner today.

Finally, I wanted to share some news with our community. After six years as the Senior Schooling Deputy at Shailer Park State High School, I have decided to practice what I am preaching above and take some study leave. Therefore, I will be on leave for all of Semester 2 of 2023. We will hopefully be able to announce my replacement by Week 10 of this term and I have no doubt that they will be able to continue to lead our Senior School with the same high standards and excellent outcomes that we have been achieving for many years. It has been an absolute privileged to work with the young adults in Year 10, 11 and 12 for the past six years and I wish our Year 12s all the very best for their final few months of Secondary Schooling.

A message from our Junior Schooling Deputy Principal

Reaching the end of Semester 1.

As our Year 7, 8 and 9 students reach the end of Semester 1 2023, there is a wonderful opportunity to reflect on how they have managed. Some questions you might like to ask your child include:

1. Is there any more information that you need? Are there things that you need to know more about? What are these things and who could you ask?
2. Think about how much you have already learnt and grown in these past 6 months. Is there anything that you wish you had done differently? How could you make Semester 2 even more successful and positive?
3. What are you most proud of in the past 6 months? Even though it can be a tough ask, focusing on the positives can really help build momentum. While the positive aspects of a situation might not be obvious to begin with, it is worth seeking them out – no matter how small they might be. At Shailer Park SHS, we call them Bright Spots! What are your personal Bright Spots in Semester 1?
4. How well are you managing your stress levels? What can you do to feed your Wild Brain needs (adequate rest/sleep, food, fun) and your Emotional Brain (checking-in, knowing who can help) needs? Remember, it is only once these needs are met that students can access their Smart Brains – being ready to learn in the classroom.

As students receive their Semester 1 report cards, it is very timely to review and reflect on their individual progress.

2023 YEAR 7 CAMP

In Week 8 Term 2, all Year 7 students have been involved in the 2023 Year 7 Camp program. Two camp experiences were organised – a camp at Runaway Bay Sports Excellence Centre and a set of camp activities at Shailer Park SHS. It has been wonderful to see the many excited faces of Year 7 students as they count down the days until they go on camp. Keep an eye on our school’s Facebook page to see the many activities that they get to enjoy.

YEAR 8

During 2023, Year 8 students have been building on the foundations they established in Year 7 with a focus on improving their levels of engagement and overall achievement. By the end of Year 8, they will have experienced a number of elective subjects from the Arts Faculty and the Technology Faculty. In Semester 2, all Year 8 students will complete a Subject Selection Preference Form to inform the two elective subjects they will do the following year.

YEAR 9

In Semester 2, our Year 9 students are preparing to enter the senior phase of their high school years. By now, Year 9 students should have built their confidence in tracking their own academic progress and should be demonstrating improved ability in meeting the academic, social and behaviour expectations. These are some of the criteria that are considered as our Year 9 students develop their Junior Education Training (JET) Plan in Term 3. Parents/carers are actively involved in the construction of the JET Plan during an individualised JET Plan Meeting. Overall, Semester 2 is a particularly important time for Year 9 students, so I strongly encourage them to reflect upon their current progress and future preferences.

As we head into the mid-year school holiday period, I hope all our Year 7 – 9 students and their families have a restful and relaxing break. This will be an important time to reflect, rest and recover so that we can be even stronger and better in Semester 2.

Sending best wishes to all!

Ms Isager

Messages from our Student Services Team

House Report

Students have been enthusiastically gaining points for their houses throughout the term through house challenges, events and attendance.

Francis Foxes are currently in the lead, with Karle Kookaburras valiantly trying to catch up. Barnes and Bilin Bilin are trailing behind.

We are very much looking forward to our annual Athletics Carnival in week 10, where students can earn points for participation and winning places.

This term we have been enjoying handball every Friday first break in our houses, as well as our secret teacher dress up challenge.

Can Francis Foxes keep their first place? Will the Kookaburras fly ahead? Will Bilin Bilin race forward with a surprise win? Stay tuned!

Student Leadership

On Monday, we held School Captain speeches on assembly and online voting was emailed out to staff and students. Our School Captain nominees did well on assembly, speaking in front of us all as a school community. House Leader speeches were held throughout the week and paper ballots were given out for students and staff to cast their votes

Voting closes at 3pm this Friday
Interviews will occur Week 1, Term 3
Positions will be announced by the end of Week 2, Term 3

Message from our Guidance Officer

Please find below some helpful links around supporting your child’s wellbeing.

Mental Health Telephone Triage Service

Parenting strategies to support child’s wellbeing

Parenting Strategies provides practical guidelines on how parents can support their child’s wellbeing. Our guidelines are based on high quality scientific evidence and international expert consensus.

International Network for School Attendance

Here you can find questionnaires which are used to understand school attendance problems.

Parental controls for online safety

How to use parental controls and other tools to maximise online safety in your home.

Kind regards

Message from our Chaplain

High school can be a tough time for many students, with academic, social, and personal pressures all taking their toll. That is why having a chaplain on campus can make a real difference in students' lives. Chaplains offer guidance, support, and a listening ear to students of all beliefs and faiths. They create a safe space for students to express their fears, hopes, and concerns, and help them to develop their sense of identity and values. Chaplains are here for the social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing of students, staff and wider community of the school.

At high schools across the country, chaplains are playing a crucial role in supporting students' mental health and well-being. They work closely with Guidance officers, teachers, and administrators to identify students' needs and provide a positive school environment. Chaplains offer a range of services to students, including one-on-one pastoral conversation, group discussions, mindfulness practices, and spiritual retreats. One of the great benefits of having a chaplain on campus is that students can turn to them when they are struggling with personal issues that may be outside the scope of traditional counselling.

If you would like to find out more or get in touch with our school Chaplain, please feel free to contact me on jsoar6@eq.edu.au

Messages from our Academy Programs

Altum Academic Academy

As part of this year’s Year 8 ALTUM program, students have created some businesses that they are extremely proud of. Staff and students went to the Plaza on Wednesday first break to experience the businesses firsthand. It was lovely to see the products they were selling and the services they were providing.

These young entrepreneurs appreciated everyone who came along and supported their businesses.

Messages from Creative Industries

Instrumental Music

On the 15th and 16th of May we welcomed students from Carbrook SS, Loganholme SS, Shailer Park SS and Kimberley Park SS for concert band and strings workshops. It was exciting to hear our future students working together and being mentored by our current music students. Both days ended in concerts where we had combined bands and orchestras made up of our high school students and our local primary students playing together.

Messages from Sports and CAST

Sting Sporting Academies

It has been an extremely busy Term 2 for our Sporting Academies – Futsal and Volleyball.

Our Grade 8 Volleyball Girls and Years 12-15 Futsal Girls won the District Rivers Gala Day for their respective competition. This saw their elevation to Metropolitan Finals rounds, where they played off against District winners across the Metropolitan Region.

The Volleyball Girls were highly successful, securing a spot in the Final Round held at Nissan Arena.

All teams in our Futsal Academy competed at the Gold Coast School Futsal Titles. This competition saw our Futsal students travel to Coomera Indoor Sports Centre across multiple competition days in Week 4. These teams showed true Shailer Spirit, giving every game their full effort.

Our Senior Boys were most successful, making it through to the Quarter Finals.

Most recently, our Years 8/9 Boys and Years 9/10 Girls participated in the Volleyball Queensland Intermediate Schools Cup. This event had our students compete across a massive three days where both teams had success in their respective pools.

They 8/9 Boys finished 7th overall; They 9/10 Girls finished 5th overall.

This semester we have seen great engagement across our new extra-curricular sporting programs. Hear from the passionate and dedicated teachers facilitating these programs below!

CAST Netball

Our Senior and Junior CAST netball teams represented the school at the Pacific District Rivers Day Championships. Our Junior Team was highly competitive across their pool matches, despite having to adjust to significant player injuries. Our Seniors were undefeated throughout their pool matches, only going down in the semi-finals. Congratulations to all the players involved and to our dedicated supporters across the day!

Our Senior team also participated in the Vicki Wilson Cup - championship division. This was the first time in a long time that SPSHS have been able to attend this prestigious netball competition. We were placed in the same pool as last year’s tournament winners and competed against very tough teams. The girls demonstrated fantastic resilience and determination and we are excited to see what lies ahead for these athletes.

CAST Basketball

Exciting news from our CAST Basketball Program! What started as a friendly space to play basketball and build student skills on Tuesday afternoons, has transformed into a space of comradery and competition. Throughout Term 2, the CAST Basketball Program has expanded and entered teams into the highly competitive weekly USL Basketball Competition and the Pacific District Rivers Day Competition. It has been an amazing journey getting to witness the growth of our players, their skills, and some unwavering team spirit.

The fun is far from over though! We want to invite even more basketball enthusiasts to join our program in the hopes of entering more teams into any upcoming competitions. Whether you are a seasoned pro or want to work on your basketball skills, bring your sneakers and join us in the MPS on Tuesday afternoons.

CAST AFL

The CAST AFL teams have been busy readying themselves in our Wednesday afternoon training sessions, preparing for the upcoming Round 1 AFL Queensland Schools’ Cup Gala Day at Springwood SHS. We have had awesome numbers and turnouts from all year levels, meaning we have been able to nominate for Junior Boys and Girls, and Senior Boys and Girls. A total of 4 teams in our inaugural is an exciting start!

The group’s commitment to continue to learn and develop their skills has been admirable, with some key senior leaders including Kiara, Alec, Sam, and Luke stepping up to the plate to support our younger and less experienced students in developing their skills.

Additionally, we were lucky enough to have AFL Queensland visit and facilitate sessions during UPLIFT for our Year 7 Students. This was a great success, with approximately half of our junior teams being made up of Year 7 students. This is an exciting sign for the future of the CAST AFL program.

CAST AFL is still welcoming new members. The program is open for all students. Please see me (Mr Cosmo) in the MPS staffroom if you are interested in joining.

A message from the Industry Liaison Coordinator

I recently attended the Hospitality Roadshow at TAFE Loganlea with some of our Hospitality students.

The all-day Roadshow events are filled with activities that showcase the various exciting career paths that are available in the tourism and hospitality industry.

The activities are facilitated by local industry professionals, allowing participants to receive genuine and passionate career advice.

These activities include mixology and cooking classes, guided tours of local tourism businesses, and discussions with industry leaders.

A message from the Business Manager

STUDENT RESOURCE SCHEME (SRS) FEES AND EXTRA-CURRICULAR LEVIES

2023

The 2023 School Resource Scheme (SRS) fees include a:

• Junior SRS fee (Years 7-9) of $320 per year.
• Senior SRS fee (Years 10-12) of $360 per year.
• The Senior fee includes either the ATAR pathway or VET Career Ready Programs.
• For students to remain in VET programs, fees must be fully paid, or a payment plan established and maintained.
• The fees provide value to students as the school can source economic pricing for textbooks and consumable resourcing.
• Further information on the SRS inclusions and exclusions can be found on the school website using the link above.

Invoices for the Student Resource Scheme fee and Academy levies have been issued and credits applied. The updated amount owing can be found on the statement issued recently. The link on the invoice will be required to process a BPOINT payment pre-populated with payment information.

PAYMENTS DUE:

Thank you to the families who have finalised their 2023 accounts.

Payment plans are available for those who prefer to make instalment payments. Please email finance@shailerparkshs.eq.edu.au to organise a BPOINT plan activation link. One invoice only for the full amount per student per activity will be raised.

BPOINT PAYMENTS

Please note – payments can be made in full or by instalment. Please do not pay more than the invoiced amount. If you are making instalments and wish to check your remaining balance, please email finance@shailerparkshs.eq.edu.au or phone the Office on 3451 2777.

For manually processed BPOINT payments, please ensure:

• The 5-digit invoice number is inserted when making BPOINT payments via the statement to avoid processing delays so that funds are correctly applied to your student’s invoice.
• The exact outstanding amount is paid. To avoid overpaying your account, please check the updated balances on statements for the correct amount owing. For a statement re-print, please email finance@shailerparkshs.eq.edu.au.

For regular payment plans, please ensure:

• New card details are provided to the office if credit/debit cards are replaced.
• Contact is made with the office following a rejected payment due to funds not being available.

CANTEEN

The Canteen is open each day from Monday to Friday at first break only. Students can check our Daily Specials on the Television screens around the school.

A vending machine with drinks and healthy snacks is also available for contactless EFTPOS and pre-paid debit card purchases only.

Students can now add credit to their ID Cards for Canteen purchases. The following payment methods are available for Canteen purchases:

• EFTPOS
• Pre-paid debit cards (purchased from supermarkets and department stores)
• Qkr app (24/7) for pre-paid orders
• ID Cards – refer to the My Student Account instructions below (Canteen only)

The Canteen will be closed on the following dates at the end of each term:

• Term 2 – Friday 23 June
• Term 3 – Friday 15 September

A message from the Enrolments Officer

Dear Parents/Carers,

As the new academic year approaches, we would like to remind you about the importance of completing and submitting your child's enrolment pack. This pack contains vital information and forms necessary for your child's educational journey.

Enrolment packs are not just a mere formality; they play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth transition for your child into the upcoming academic year. They contain essential documents, permissions, and requests that help us create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all students. By completing these forms promptly, you contribute to the efficient planning and organisation of our educational programs.

Here are a few reasons why it is essential to get your child's enrolment pack in on time:

1. Timely Communication: The enrolment pack provides us with accurate contact information, ensuring we can reach you promptly with important updates and events.
2. Health and Safety: Medical and emergency contact forms help us provide the best possible care for your child and ensure we have the necessary information to handle any health-related situations effectively.
3. Individualised Support: Forms requesting information about your child's learning needs enable us to create personalized education plans and provide any necessary support, accommodations, or interventions.
4. Consent and Permissions: Various consent forms, such as media release and technology usage, require your attention to grant permission for your child's involvement in these activities.
5. Parent Involvement: Enrolment packs often include volunteer opportunities and information about parent-teacher associations, allowing you to actively participate in your child's education and contribute to the school community.

To ensure a smooth start to the new academic year, we kindly request you to complete and submit your child's enrolment pack by 23 June 2023.

You can find the enrolment pack on our website from the link below or you can pick up a physical copy from the school office during regular hours 8am-3.30pm. Should you require any assistance or have questions regarding the forms, please do not hesitate to contact our enrolments officer Tara-Lee Colman at enrolments@shailerparkshs.eq.edu.au.

Remember, your cooperation in returning the enrolment pack promptly allows us to focus on providing the best possible education for your child and all students. We value your partnership and appreciate your commitment to your child's education.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and we look forward to welcoming your child to another successful academic year.

Kind Regards,

Messages from our Parents and Citizens

Free uniform items are available from the P&C room Monday mornings from 8am. Limited range and sizes available.

C10628129 is our Containers for Change id – be sure to use this when cashing in.

Remember to link your Ritchies IGA and The School Locker loyalty cards to SPSHS for community givebacks. Advise The School Locker staff at checkout to link the purchase to SPSHS to ensure all your purchases, including non-uniform items, kickback profits.

Qkr! is the platform used by the P&C and canteen for purchases. Sign up today from the link below.

Join us for our next virtual General Meeting: Tuesday 25 July 6pm
Everyone Welcome!

We run virtual meetings, usually only 30min, to minimise the impact on our busy families. The link is emailed to all members and pending members prior to each meeting.

New memberships are always welcome. We also have openings in our executive.

Join us to hear more, say more and do more about student life. Membership forms and the P&C Executive Officer Nomination Form can be found here:

Natasha McVeigh
P&C President

Announcements

Facebook

Please follow us on Facebook to keep up with student successes and reminders.

Partnering with us

Shailer Park State High School values partnering with our community to ‘Lift Aspirations through Big Plans and Bold Ambitions for a Bright Future.’ Collaborating with parents and families of students is essential in strengthening educational outcomes. We respect that parents and families have diverse needs and therefore engagement with families is based on individual circumstances.

Please access our Partnership document on our website for detailed information

If your enquiry relates to the classroom, your first point of call should always be the classroom teacher. You can contact them via email

If your enquiry relates to the playground or is in relation to a pattern across several classes or it is an inquiry relating to behaviour, attendance, uniform or your child’s well-being, your first point of call should always be the Head of House or Case Manager.

If the staff member is unavailable, they will contact you within a reasonable and appropriate time frame (2 business days).

Contact details

There are times when we may need to contact parents and carers. Do we have your most up to date contact details? If not, please contact the school on office@shailerparkshs.eq.edu.au so we can update our records. These details include parent/carer’s name, address, phone numbers, email address, Medicare number and emergency contact details. Please remember to contact the school if any of these details change.

Closed Circuit Television

Our premises are monitored by closed circuit television (CCTV) for the safety of students, educational resources and facilities. Images are recorded by the Department of Education and may be provided to the Queensland Police Service.

Student Absences

If your child is away from school and you have not let us know, parents will receive a text message requesting that you respond with a reason for the absence. It is extremely important that you respond to this text message promptly to enable us to follow up any issues.

The safety of students is of paramount importance to us, and we take this responsibility very seriously. If you do not respond to this text message a second text message, email or phone call will be made to you. Thank you for partnering with us so that we know our students are safe.

2023 Year 12 Next Step Survey

All our students who completed Year 12 last year will soon receive an invitation to do the Next Step survey. The short five-minute survey asks graduates about the study and work they have been doing since finishing school. The results from the survey help our school improve our senior programs and prepare students for work and further study.

We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. If their contact details have changed, please assist survey interviewers with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone.

For more information about Next Step, including previous results, visit the link below.

TEEProject Survey

Researchers from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and the University of Queensland, are running a survey to understand how teens (12-25 years) feel about environmental issues. One in every 10 young people who take the survey will be randomly chosen to win a $50 gift card. Parental consent is required for young people aged 12-15 years.

Visit the website to learn more:

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