24 August 2015

Newsletter Articles

REMINDER P & C Meeting - 15 September at 6.00pm in Administration Block All are welcome

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL

Once again, I would like to draw to your attention to the Principal's Tours that will be conducted this term. All parents and friends of our school who wish to know more about what is happening as part of Shailer Park High's re-emergence are invited to attend. Please find more information in the advertisement entitled 'Principal's Tours' at the end of this newsletter!

Troy Ascott
Principal

HEAD OF YEAR 11

This week sees the start of a program with the Australian Business Network Corporation for a selected number of Year 11 girls. Shailer Park has had an association with the ABCN for some years now, a partnership that involves businesses working with schools to achieve better outcomes for students. The Year 11 girls will be participating in the 'Focus' program with businesswomen from Optus, Fortitude Valley.

Focus involves students working in small groups with female executives who act as role models and mentors. It aims to support young women to develop their leadership skills and aspire to senior roles in business and the community – to improve achievement and foster a sense of self-belief that will encourage students to aim high and have confidence in their leadership abilities. Sessions include an introduction to leadership styles, realising strengths and creating a leadership picture.

The program will run over three weeks, seeing the girls and myself travelling into the city to work with the nominated businesswomen. I am looking forward to what should be an invaluable experience for our students.

Anne-Maree King
Head of Year 11

HEAD OF YEARS 7 & 8

Year 7 News

Congratulations to the Year 7 students on their NAPLAN results, they have made us proud!

Nirav, a Year 7 student who absolutely enjoys attending Shailer Park State High School, interviewed some of his fellow peers because he said he would like the community to know about his 'awesome' school. This is what some of the students had to say about Shailer:

Nirav: "I want to inform the people in our community about what a great place Shailer is. I want them to know how much I enjoy coming to school and all the opportunities I get, to do my very best. I know the other Year 7 students feel the same way and I wanted to share what they have to say as well".

Nirav: "What do you think of Shailer and what do you like about our school?"

Abbey: "Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate in everything they choose to. I love doing Science experiments and the dance classes and enjoy practicing our routines with my friends in the breaks".

Nirav: "What do you think of Shailer and what do you like about our school?"

Harry: "All the teachers are really nice and helpful and I love the futsal program".

Nirav: "What do you think of Shailer and what do you like about our school?"

Jake: "I like the sports classes and the teachers are really good and caring".

Nirav: "What do you think of Shailer and what do you like about our school?"

Tahlia: "I like the teachers and the programs offered at our school".

Nirav: "What do you think of Shailer and what do you like about our school?"

Joel: "I like how the teachers are devoted to teaching us and we do lots of cool stuff".

Nirav: "What do you think of Shailer and what do you like about our school?"

Dean: "Shailer is just great, my whole family has come to this school because of the educational and sports programs it offers".

Nirav: "What do you think of Shailer and what do you like about our school?"

Chloe: "I think Shailer is awesome, I get to see my friends all the time and spend time with them".

Nirav: What do you think of Shailer and what do you like about our school?

Seth: "Shailer is the best! I like the way it is organised and set up. I like how you can play for the whole break if you want to".

Nirav: What do you think of Shailer and what do you like about our school?

Tony: "It's the best school and I like all the things we learn about, make and do in our different subjects".

Ra'fa Ali
Head of Years 7 & 8

CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

Beth Huggins, Kath Huggins, James Morrison, Glen Court, Caitlyn Bell and Tiffany Smith.

This photo was taken at the Logan Entertainment Centre on Sunday 2 August after the final performance of "UNDER THIS SKY", a musical spectacular performed at Logan Brothers Rugby League field. This event was part of the 2015 Qld Music Festival, featuring over 700 of Logan City's very talented musicians, singers and dancers. Over 10,000 people attended the two performances, which were held on August 1 & 2.

We were all part of the 80 piece orchestra which was conducted by maestro, Shaun Dorney.

Trumpet legend, James Morrison also performed at the event. James is also the artistic director of the Qld Music Festival which is held every 2 years. At the last QMF, our students were a part of the World's Biggest Orchestra which featured 7,223 musicians playing together at Suncorp Stadium.

The next QMF will be in 2017, and Shailer Park High students will be there!!!!!

Regards.

Glen Court
Experienced Senior Instrumental Teacher

Dance Squad

Quota Beenleigh Dance Eisteddfod

On 3 August, our five, talented Dance Squads graced the stage at the Quota Beenleigh Dance Eisteddfod. This competition was by far our most successful competition of the year and a great way to end the season! The students once again gave it their all and performed exceptionally well. Listed below are our outstanding results:

1. Senior Jazz – 1st place
2. Junior Hip Hop – 1st place
3. Junior Jazz – 2nd place
4. Senior Hip Hop – 3rd place
5. Open Contemporary – Highly Commended

Congratulations to all Dance Squad students, you did yourselves and our school very proud.

Rehearsal Schedule

Showcase, our annual Performing Arts concert, will be held at the Kimberley Park Centre in week 5 of term 4. Preparations for Showcase have already begun and it is exciting to see the students reinvigorated with fresh choreography.

All Dance Squad students will perform in the opening number of Showcase and will be required to attend Tuesday afternoon rehearsals from 3:00 – 5:30pm. Please note that for the remainder of term 3, Dance Squad rehearsals will run on a Tuesday afternoon only, from 3:00 – 5:30pm. All Dance Squad students are required to attend these rehearsals as we will be rehearsing current Squad routines and learning the opening number for Showcase.

This rehearsal schedule is likely to change again in term 4 as we get closer to Showcase, so please don't make any commitments on Tuesday afternoons from 3:00 – 5:30pm and Thursday afternoons from 3:00 – 4:30pm.

Shae Westerveld
Dance Teacher

Senior Dance

Bangarra Dance Theatre is one of Australia's leading performing arts companies. Weaving seamlessly the modern and ancient stories of Indigenous Australia, Bangarra celebrates the world's oldest living culture with audiences across Australia and internationally.

On Thursday of last week, our senior dance students attended the school's performance of Bangarra's Lore at the Playhouse, QPAC. The performance was fantastic and all students gained a wealth of knowledge and ideas through the experience.

Some of the educational outcomes of the excursion included:

• Challenge the students to interpret the choreographic intent and analyse the choreographic devices used in the performance which help to convey its message.
• Equip students with a greater understanding of Bangarra's work and its relationship to the traditional Indigenous culture.
• Develop greater understanding of the significance and purpose of dance to the Indigenous culture.
• Investigate the historical and geographical influences which shape both the cultural and ritual dances from around the world.
• Compare and contrast traditional Aboriginal dance to Bangarra's work to discover the link between the ritual and artistic functions of dance.
• Explore the elements which make up Australia's cultural identity.
• Enjoy the creative work of Stephen Page (Artistic Director) and his team whilst developing a greater appreciation for the artistic style and genre.
• Make connections with the content covered in class.

The Year 12 students noted the successful development of the company and its vision through studying Ochres in class and comparing it to Lore. They enthusiastically discussed the performance at debrief and understand the value of Bangarra's work in Australian dance.

Students from left to right: Innes Duke, Caitlyn Flanders, Jessica Page, Jess Spence, Tiara Singh, Samuel Page, Chelsea Matzer, Brigitte Ferguson, Jessica Beattie, Rachel Wilde, Makayla Henderson, Alesha Rogerson, Tasha Bira.

Shae Westerveld
Dance Teacher

Simone Filippow
Head of Department

ENGLISH & LOTE

ENGLISH MATTERS

Year 12 OP English

After some very successful presentations of a comparison between a student - selected poem and a scene from our film, we are now immersed in the study of a class novel. Students are reading anything from a Western to a classic text to a contemporary novel. The assessment for this unit is an unseen exam which will take the form of an analytical essay. Students must keep-up-to-date with their reading and completion of activities to allow students time to reflect on the novel and process the key ideas. As well, classes will be looking at the structure of a literary essay and will have time to practise this genre. We wish all our students the very best for this important exam in Week 9 of the term.

Year 11 OP English

Students in Year 11 have been exploring the world of film ranging from the classic, Casablanca, to the Australian text, Moulin Rouge, to the modern movie, Pay It Forward. There has been so much to discuss including the various film techniques, complicated characters and age-old themes. By the time you receive this newsletter, students will have completed their unseen exam. We hope they receive a positive result on this mandated task. After that, students will be reading an autobiography or biography of their own choice. No doubt, they will be looking through home libraries and seeking your recommendations of suitable books. Our own school library has an excellent selection, too. Students must have their text with them in class from next week. We look forward to the engaging speech they will present at the launch of their autobiography or biography.

Cay McClelland
Head of Department

Year 12 English Communication - 'Talkin 'Bout My Generation

This term has seen the students investigate the characteristics of a past Australian generation. They have researched the 'big names' and major events for their chosen period. In addition to this, each student has selected three components to investigate in further detail. Some of the chosen topics have been fashion, entertainment, technology, the family unit, work and income, global issues and the environment. Their findings will be presented to their class in the form of a seminar presentation. In addition to preparing a written document with their information, each student must have visuals in the form of a PowerPoint presentation to make their presentation interesting and appealing to the audience. I am looking forward to what should be some exciting presentations next week.

Anne-Maree King
Year 12 English Communication Teacher

Year 11 English Communication – Land Down Under

This term the Year 11 English Communication students are studying the Australian culture and identity, exploring what it means to be an Australian in today's society. Students have examined a range of texts including song, film and television programs in order to analyse and evaluate representations of the Australian character. Assessment for this unit includes a folio of written tasks and a reflection where students consider Australian icons and how they contribute to our national identity.

The 'Land Down Under' unit also includes a number of activities where students will analyse the achievements and contributions of past Australian of the Year award recipients. Students will investigate the qualities and attributes required of an award winner and how each recipient has helped shape the Australian culture. The unit will culminate in a spoken assessment item, where students will nominate a suitable candidate who they believe is deserving of the award. Students are working well and are enjoying the unit very much. We look forward to hearing some interesting nomination speeches!

Melanie King
Year 11 English Communication Teacher

Japanese
Kaimei High School Visit

For the past two weeks, 15 students from Kaimei High School, Japan, have joined us here at Shailer Park State High. These students have come to Australia on a Study Tour, where they have stayed with local families and attended our school. While at school, they have had English language lessons and joined our students for a range of classes. Our students have been wonderful in welcoming the Kaimei students with many comments being made about how friendly our students are. Throughout the two weeks, many friendships were formed between our students and the Kaimei students. It was sad to see them leave, however, I am sure many will keep in touch for years to come.

Learning calligraphy in Yr 7 Japanese – Seth Neissen & Rubert Hewitt

Kaimei students perform a dance as part of our Farewell Ceremony

Deb Errez
Japanese Teacher

Cay McClelland
Head of Department

iCENTRE

iCENTRE MAKE-OVER!!

Exciting times for the iCentre. Our new "comfy" lounges have certainly given the study areas a lift in a bright and colourful way. I even overheard a student commenting, "I don't know where to sit – too many choices!" Reading has never been more comfortable! And so the journey begins to give this valuable and popular learning space a refreshing facelift.

The enthusiasm for borrowing books and reading continues to escalate, benefitting from an ever-widening choice of new fiction titles, usually from student recommendations. In particular, the junior school appears to be surpassing the seniors in the levels of library lending and not surprisingly, yet another junior student was the winner of the July iTunes or Google Play voucher draw. It could be argued that the increased rates from the iCentre may have also contributed to the improved NAPLAN results gained by both Grades 7 and 9 in the recent round of testing nationwide. Some of the most popular series are Skulduggery by Derek Landy and the Just series of humour books by Andy Griffiths. For those who prefer to read using a tablet or iPad, hundreds of eBook titles are also available by applying online through Wheelers books and registering interest. Any queries should be directed to library staff.

Beside the more serious side of things, the iCentre is a magnet for game players, from chess and cards, to UNO and Trivial Pursuit. At lunch times, there is always a happy hum of voices and spirited competition while the relaxed environment is a drawcard for many students to meet with friends and colleagues. All in all, the library well and truly earns its reputation as the hub of the school.

So now that we are half way through the term, it is time for the assignments to come our way. Students are encouraged to have a good balance of print and online sources for their research and ensure to reference (acknowledge) appropriately. For the correct format, don't hesitate to ask the assistance of library staff or obtain brochures on the proper layout of bibliographic materials.

Ensure to keep an eye on what's new in the iCentre.

Happy Reading.

Trish Scott
Teacher/Librarian

MATHEMATICS

Maths Matters

With the end of term 3 fast approaching, students are starting to focus on the upcoming exams. To assist students in Junior Secondary, teachers are focussing on three key aspects: times tables, numeracy and curriculum topics.

Times tables. A fast recall of these basic facts is important in many areas of Maths including fractions and ratios in Junior Secondary and advanced algebra for Senior students. Each week, classes will focus on one particular times table to improve recall and commit these facts to long term memory by the use of songs and recitation.

Numeracy. Topics in this section of the lesson help students to operate in the real world. Mental strategies, percentages and money are some of the material that will be taught. This material will be reinforced with weekly homework tasks set in Mathletics. This is seen as an important part of each student's mathematical development as immediate feedback is given to both students and teachers and online help can be accessed at any time.

Curriculum. The topics covered will extend students' prior knowledge and introduce them to new topics such as algebra and operations with integers and fractions. Each week, students will be required to complete a homework sheet to reinforce their classwork.

Technology is also being used to assist students. All students in Junior Secondary are encouraged to join Schoology. To do this, students use their school email address and the course code for their year level provided below:

By registering, students have access to homework sheets and answers, class work and handouts from any device (iPad or computer) at school as well as at home.

I would also like to take this opportunity to reinforce the basic materials that each student is required to bring to every maths lesson: A4 class work book, homework book, pens, pencils, eraser, ruler and scientific calculator. This will assist students to successfully complete the wide range of maths activities provided each week.

Senior students will be focussing on the preparation for their block exams in the last 2 weeks of this term. We wish them well.

Robyn Innes
Maths Teacher

Ros Christopherson
Head of Department

SCHOOL-BASED YOUTH HEALTH NURSE

Love Can Bite - LoveBites

In late July, the Year 10 students attended some workshops around healthy relationships. A team of support workers from Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Drug and Alcohol Services such as WAVSS, CASV & CHLY; some school-based youth health nurses; and Police from the community, came to facilitate two interactive workshops on preventing relationship violence and sexual assault. A creative workshop was held in the afternoon to consolidate the learnings of the day.

LOVE BITES is an extremely successful school-based Relationship Violence and Sexual Assault prevention program that evolved on the mid-north coast of NSW. It is based on best practice standards for education programs, as recommended by the Federal Government-funded Australian Domestic and Family Violence Clearing House and other leading academics in the area of violence against women.

Over 100,000 high school students throughout Australia have participated in this interactive and innovative program aimed at 14-16 year olds.

Some of the artwork presented was fantastic, with the most original ideas I have seen whilst running the program in schools all over the Logan area.

We received a grant from Logan City Council in 2014 to run the program and the school staff were very supportive in the room changes for the day. Special thanks to the amazing school staff who helped the program run smoothly.

One in 3 women and one in 6-8 men are sexually abused in some way by the time they are 18 years old.

That violence doesn't have to be physical, it can be verbal, social, sexual, emotional, financial, cultural or cyber.

The students' post program evaluations outlined some of the learning:

"I know the signs of Domestic Violence";
"The 90% of sexual harassments are done by people you know";
"Sexting is against the law and people are charged with sending nudes";
"It is helpful to know when a relationship becomes unhealthy";
"Obsession is not healthy in a relationship";
"Men and women are not accepted equally";
"You are not alone - like I did already know that but more people are here for you more than normal";
"You must have consent before you are intimate";
"Thank you Love Bites team as you helped me I know I am not alone";
"You helped me and now I know what steps to take in these situations";
"I will be able to help people when they are in trouble.";
"I will be more respectful to girls and have a happy relationship"; and
"That if it happens to anyone you know, be there for them and let your friend or whoever know that you see the signs".

Below are some of the posters the students enjoyed painting. All the posters were presented on a school assembly to all the students.

I hope that we will be able to commit to running the workshop annually with a teacher being trained in the school to facilitate it with us.

Hearing Awareness week 23-29 August

The major preventable cause of hearing loss is noise injury. 37% of hearing loss is due to noise injury, which could have been prevented. Hearing loss is mainly on the increase due to leisure activities such as personal music players and social and recreational noise.

More than a billion young people are at risk of losing their hearing because of listening to loud music, a new World Health Organization (WHO) report warns. The WHO study found that among people aged 12 to 35, nearly half were at risk of hearing damage because of loud music, be it at live venues or on personal devices.

How loud is too loud?

The risk of damage to your hearing is based on two factors: how loud and for how long. Experts agree that continued exposure to noise at or above 85dB over time can cause hearing loss.

The damage to hearing occurs when noise levels are higher than 85 decibels, which is about the loudness of heavy traffic. The risk of hearing loss increases as the noise becomes louder. Length of exposure is important too. For example, it is not recommended to listen to noises of 109 decibels for any longer than two minutes at a time. When headphones are turned to full volume, the sound can reach 104 decibels.

• If you have your headphones on and you can't carry on a conversation with someone who is a meter-and-a-half away in a normal voice, then the music is too loud.

• If the person standing near you can hear it, the noise is too loud.
• When you take the headphones out of your ears and you hear ringing or your hearing is dull, then the noise is too loud.
• Take regular breaks to give the ears a rest.
• Limit use to one hour a day.
• For musicians, who are particularly at risk, special plugs are available.
• If you cannot avoid loud sound, then you should protect your ears with earplugs or ear muffs. Balls of cotton wool or paper tissue offer little protection.

ONCE YOUR HEARING IS DAMAGED, IT CANNOT BE RESTORED

HELP AT THE TIP OF THE FINGERS

Digital Apps are an excellent way to get help and support immediately for just about any health or parenting issue and there are many on the market. Go to the Playstore or App downloader on your phone.

Teen Apps:

Bully Beater App: Strengthens self-confidence and resilience
De-stressor App: Controls stress
I-Boost App: Strengthens self-esteem and resilience
Friend-Maker App: How to meet and make a friend

Parent Apps:

Parenting Todays Teenager App:

Provides the essential skills and confidence a parent needs to effectively parent their teen through the teenage years.

Tough Talk Time App:

Provides the skills and confidence a parent needs to conduct the difficult potentially relationship- destroying discussion a parent must have when their teen engages in risky or irresponsible behaviour.

Helping all Australians affected by mental illness lead a better life:

The SANE Guide to Healthy Living has been written specially for people affected by mental illness who are interested in a healthy lifestyle. The Guide covers four broad areas – 'The Facts' explains all the benefits of being physically healthy; 'Getting Healthy' provides straightforward tips on how to get started on your healthier lifestyle; 'Staying Healthy' looks at overcoming obstacles and looking after your physical health in the long term; and 'Finding Support' gives suggestions on finding support to help you stay healthy. For more information go to:

Source: Headspace Newsletter

Other apps that are useful for breathing for anxiety is the Android 325 App and the Smiling Minds App. The latter has a number of exercises that a user can practice every day to slow down the physiological response to stress and anxiety to be able to think more clearly and cope better.

If you have a young man in Year 12 Family Planning, have an App called '7' that is helpful in navigating through the jungle of sexual health.

Good Health.

Michelle
School-based Youth Health Nurse

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROGRAM

Middle School News

Friday 7 August 2015 was a very special day in the lives of the Year 9 and 10 SEP students at Shailer Park State High School. Over the last twelve months, these students have been working towards through the ASDAN Program and on 29 May 2015 – 15 student files were sent in for moderation and were successful. Accordingly, 15 students received their Bronze awards and 13 received Silver. Since the moderation day in May, we have another student ready to go to moderation in October for the Silver award.

All students in the SEP - years 7-11 are actively involved in the ASDAN program and I look forward to organising more celebration parties as the awards start to roll in over the other year levels.

The celebration on Friday was one of great pleasure with parents, carers and special guests attending to celebrate with us. We were very lucky to have Member for Springwood, Mick de Brenni, Councillor Swenson from Logan City Council, Kate Chapman, PEO from Regional Office and Lisa-Maree from Bunnings, Underwood, attend the celebrations and present our certificates.

Lisa-Maree from Bunnings has been an active supporter of the SEP over the last eight months - supporting us to re-establish our garden beds outside Middle School and our main garden down by the Art rooms. We have a crop of healthy vegetables coming in now – ready for the Junior cooking program that will start in Term 4.

Judith Waterworth
Head of Special Education Services

FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Interested in playing cricket?

Interested in playing baseball? Read on …

We are a small, not-for- profit baseball club in Logan and are currently recruiting for the upcoming season, 2015/16.

Southern Stars Baseball Club
Regency Dr, Regents Park
Sign-on day is 2 August 2015 from 9am to 2pm
Contact Karen Gallpen on 0421 773 768
All age groups from Under 8 to Under 20 and seniors

Karen Gallpen
Junior Co-ordinator
Southern Stars Baseball Club Inc.
0421 773 768

PRINCIPAL'S TOURS