Atherton State High School eNewsletter

Principal's Welcome

It is with sadness that I write this article today as I will be leaving Atherton High School and returning to Redlynch State College at the end of week 1 next term. Nevertheless, I am pleased to announce that Mrs Helen Carne will be the incoming acting Principal for Term 3. Mrs Carne, the current Principal of Ravenshoe SS, was previously a Deputy Principal here at ASHS for many years and I am sure that she will be welcomed with open arms.

Congratulations to all of the students that attended and participated in the Athletics Carnival over the last 2 days. There has been lots of cheering and support for each of the houses and individual students in events. We were lucky to avoid the rain and have beautiful sunny days for the carnival, albeit a bit on the cooler side. A great job by the HPE staff on the set up and running of the days.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those wonderful staff, parents and students that have made me feel welcome over the last semester. My time here has been short, but I have always worked with the Atherton SHS community at the forefront of my mind. This has been a tumultuous year so far in the education sector and unfortunately, it is going to take some time for it to slow down and get back to normal. The past two weeks have been extremely busy, working with the regional human resources team to secure more staff for our school.

Thank you to Ms Christina Uhlik, Mr Christopher Keating and Natasha Lyndon, Deputy Principals for their dedication to the staff and students of Atherton SHS. Ms Uhlik is heading back to Mossman SHS and Mr Keating, who has applied for the permanent Deputy role, is anxiously awaiting the outcome of the process. If unsuccessful he will return to Mareeba SHS. While Mrs Lyndon will be heading over to Ravenshoe SS as the acting Principal for Term 3. I wish all three of these wonderful people success wherever they go.

May you all see success in your future pathways. Take care.

Mrs Tash Glover

School Watch

School Watch! Please Keep Watch on our school! Contact School Watch if you see anything that is out of the normal around our school in particular in school holidays! Call School Watch on 131788

From the Deputy’s Desk - Senior School

As we come to the end of Term 2, it is important to remember that every day matters. For year 12s who are entering their final unit, every lesson matters. It is essential that you are at school, ready to learn and preparing for your final assessment pieces. For year 10s and 11s, it is essential that you are here for every lesson, to prepare you for the future, whether that is in employment or school, every day that you come to school shows your dedication and perseverance, and has a direct impact on your results. I would like to remind all students about the pathways that are on offer through the school, and that regular communication comes out from Kylie Coleman, our VET coordinator about possible traineeships and apprenticeships on offer.

Over the holiday period, please stay safe, look out for one another and come back refreshed, ready to work for Term 3.

Sincerely
Ms Christina Uhlik

From the Deputy’s Desk - Middle School

The end of term, time to celebrate!

Before that happens though, a reminder to all families that the student semester two timetables will be realeased in the second week of the holidays. Students and their families are asked to check this information carefully as, with the number of staffing changes, there are also changes to student timetables. Students in year 9 and 10 are also reminded that they are changing from Humanities and HPE for the second half of the year, so be prepared for either riveting history or getting active!

In line with staffing news, I wish to inform the community that I have accepted the Acting Principal role at Ravenshoe State School for term three. I thank all students, parents and the wider community for their support in this decision and I wish the school well for this time.

Hoping you all enjoy a wonderful, relaxing and refreshing break.

Mrs Natasha Lyndon.

From the Deputy’s Desk - Junior School

It has been an absolute pleasure to work at Atherton State High School in Semester 1. As a local tablelander and having had involvement with school processes, I am immensely proud of not only our junior school students but all students at Atherton High who strive every day to succeed in their chosen endeavour. It was great to finish the semester off watching house spirit grow amongst staff and students at the Athletics carnival, and I look forward to watching this spirit grow in the future.

Enrolment at Atherton State High School

If you are wanting to enrol a student at Atherton State High School for 2023 then please complete an enrolment pack that should be available from your Primary School. If they do not have these, then please contact our school office and we will arrange one for you.

Once your enrolment paperwork is filled in, you will need to complete an enrolment session at the school. We are conducting these as group interviews on Wednesdays and Thursday afternoons. Please contact the school office to book into one of these sessions or to book an appointment outside

Mr Chris Keating.

Positive Behaviour for Learning Update

Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) is a whole-school framework that promotes positive behaviour across a school and helps schools develop safe and supportive learning environments.

This year Atherton State High School were able to send three staff to PBL State Conference. The predominant themes were around:

Changing environments to make it more likely students can show expected behaviours
High impact strategies including unconditional positive regard and restorative practices
Student involvement in school values and positive rewards programs

The positive behaviour team will work on an action plan process to ensure Atherton SHS will align with these critical features.

Finance update

School Watch! Please Keep Watch on our school! Contact School Watch if you see anything that is out of the normal around our school in particular in school holidays! Call School Watch on 131788

Dear Parents/Carers/Guardians,

Student Resource Scheme 2022 Payments Now Overdue

All 2022 Student Resource Scheme levies including subject fees were due to be paid at end of term 1 and if unpaid are outstanding. Please ensure all fees are paid in full or a payment agreement in place with the school in order for students to continue to receive resources. We are following up on outstanding payments and Payment Reminder Letters are being sent out for outstanding fees. Parents experiencing financial hardship who are currently participating in or wish to participate in the SRS should contact the school to discuss options. Statements will be sent out at the end of each month.

Thank you to all those who have paid and to those who have arranged payment plans.

Please update Contact details

If any details have changed either address, email or other contacts, please update these with the school.

For further information email bsm@athertonshs.eq.edu.au

Paying School Fees:

You can pay your child’s school fees in one of the following ways :

BPOINT to pay by credit and debit card
BPOINT IVR (Over the Phone Payment) Call - 1300 631 073
Direct Deposit into the school Bank Account BSB: 064-800 Account: 00090137
EFTPOS at L Block Reception.
Arrange payment plans and centrepay payments at Reception
Payment can also be accessed online via your QParents account.

We are currently transitioning to a Cashless School and would prefer payments be made by one of the above methods

Sports Update

Thank you to everyone that made the 2022 2 day Athletics carnival a marvellous fun event!!!

Majority of the sports events have been completed, there are a few jumps that still need to be completed very early next term!! So the suspense of the winners will hold over until then!!!!

Year 12

Year 8 History – Warrior Worlds

This term, students in Year 8 history have been studying warrior groups across various ancient and medieval societies. As the culmination of this learning, students have embraced the opportunity to make an artefact that demonstrates the role, significance, beliefs or values of their chosen warrior group. The results have been spectacular! Our students have switched their creativity, imagination and talent into overdrive and presented us with a dazzling array of castles, helmets, shields, swords and other weaponry that have brought the lives of these ancient and medieval warriors to life. Congratulations Year 8 History students! These artefacts will be on display in the library from the beginning of next term so grab the opportunity to travel back in time and learn some more about these fascinating warrior groups.

Library News

Diversity Committee update

The Diversity Committee proudly celebrated Reconciliation Week in Week 7 this term.

Celebrating Reconciliation Week is a time to reflect on our shared histories, cultures and achievements. This year’s message was “Be Brave. Make Change.”

This year the Diversity Committee stepped up to this challenge and encouraged staff and students to take brave action and strengthen respectful relationships with the wider Australian Community.

Recognising and commemorating two of the most significant milestones in the reconciliation journey – the 1967 referendum and the High Court Mabo decision respectively - the Diversity Committee held several events over May to June including: a colouring in competition, documentary viewings of leading indigenous role models, a sausage sizzle with chalk art activities and an open mic session in the library.

We want to thank Mrs Stevens, Ms Stack, Mrs Schieb, Mrs Pabai and all the students who volunteered their time and special talents in making Reconciliation Week meaningful and celebrated. Over $300 was raised and we will be contributing some of our funds towards NAIDOC Week celebrations next term.

Bindi

(Poetry collection)

Bindi is a verse novel for mid-upper primary students. Written ‘for those who plant trees’, Bindi explores climate, bushfires, and healing. Written from the point of view of 11-year-old, Bindi and her friends on Gundungurra Country.

When Rain Turns to Snow

(Youth collection)

Lissa is home on her own after school one afternoon when a stranger turns up on the doorstep carrying a baby.

Heartstopper (Vol 1, 2 & 3)

(Graphic novel collection)

A popular graphic novel turned Netflix series. A story that examines friendship and love and how sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner.

The Book of Chance

(Romance collection)

This powerful story explores what is true and what is fake in today’s world. And while Chance is all about the truth, she ponders whether "Maybe being truthful was really just a big lie."

The Lost Soul Atlas

(Fantasy collection)

A boy awakens in the Afterlife, with a pocketful of vague memories, a key, a raven, and a mysterious Atlas to guide him as he sets out to piece together the mystery of his final moments...

Strictly No Elephants

(Picture book collection)

Imaginative and lyrical, this sweet story captures the magic of friendship and the joy of having a pet.

Congratulations to our NEiTA Teachers!

We all know someone who just gets on with their work, day-in day-out, dedicating themselves to their students, and always thinking of a better way to teach and learn.

NEiTA – the National Excellence in Teaching Awards is a time to reward them for their efforts. To say thanks for everything.

And tell them how exceptional they are. Congratulations to our wonderful teachers Christine Lagneau, Cheyenne Trevor and Jack Finey! Recognised by their colleagues and students, these three teachers from the English and Humanities Department represent the wonderful and caring professionals we have in our schools.

Christine Lagneau: Year 9, 10 English, year 11 and 12 Literature

Dedicated, committed, professional: Our colleague Christine is an amazing teacher educator who changes lives every day. Her tireless work to improve the learning opportunities for students in our Far North Queensland community is recognised in this nomination from her colleagues, students and families of our school community. Christine has been instrumental in bringing the senior subject Literature to life in our school. This has involved hours of professional reading, seminars, and resource design. Christine extends and engages with others through her role in the QCAA External Marking and confirmation systems. In our school site, Christine is never content to leave things as they are when she can see a way to improve or innovate based on new learning, readings or ideas. She demands review of units and assessments, and holds herself to a high personal account to ensure her work reflects current thinking and innovative ideas. Christine demonstrates the qualities of a life long learner. Christine is described by her students as a teacher who is willing and committed to investing in their journey. Many students have returned to visit Christine after they graduate so they can share stories with her about their pathways, and ongoing love of literature. Christine grows independent, inspired individuals. Thank you, Christine! You give selflessly of your time, knowledge and skills We are richer in our appreciation of literature, and the world, because of your insights and generosity in sharing.

Cheyenne Trevor: Year 10, 11, 12 English, 11 Social and Community Studies

Cheyenne demonstrates the best qualities of our educators - compassion for her learners, a desire to seek out and try new pedagogies to engage, and a generosity to share with colleagues. Cheyenne's approach to her profession is reflective and constantly changing to respond to new ideas, knowledge and learning. Cheyenne is strongly committed to always improving her curriculum knowledge. She gives her time to the QCAA external assessment process, and is presenting at the ETAQ state conference. She has supported pre-service teachers over the years, guiding and supporting them each step of the way. Cheyenne's engagement with her colleagues has also been demonstrated by her role with the Bell Shakespeare Regional Mentorship program and constant support to help teachers - beginning and experienced - to find ways through the small stuff that sometimes gets neglected in our busy work lives. Cheyenne always makes time to check in on her colleagues - whether this is about their well-being, their subject area knowledge, or their professional goals. She gives generously of her time, knowledge and strategies. Cheyenne's students find her warm and approachable, setting a caring environment that values contributions and personal ownership of the learning. Students feel Cheyenne genuinely cares about their well being, and will go the extra step to ensure they are listened to and supported. They know that can ask her for help and support when needed. Atherton State High School is very fortunate to have a teacher like Cheyenne Trevor here.

Jack Finey: Year 7 English and Humanities, Year 11 Essential English, 10 Humanities, 8 Humanities

When Jack Finey came to our school from the primary context, he said wanted a new challenge. His motto is, “Can be done and shall be done." Jack Finey is a teacher who always tries to get things done to the best of his abilities, and for the best outcomes for the young people in his care. 2 of 3 When we asked students what makes Mr Finey an outstanding teacher. they gave the following responses: Mr FIney makes us want to come to school! When he is away, the day feels very long and not as good. I like the way Mr Finey always checks to make sure we understand what we are doing. He never makes us feel bad if we don't know something the first time. Mr FIney reads to us out loud. I will always remember Mr Finey reading our class novel and just getting caught up in the characters. He cares about how we feel when we are in his class, and always tries to make learning engaging and fun. He is always happy to see us and this makes me feel like he cares. Mr Finey is my favourite teacher and I want to be in his class always. Jack Finey demonstrates the importance of modelling learning as an adult. His colleagues recognise Jack's willingness to both offer help, and ask for it when needed. He is reflective and considered in his views. We have come to learn that when Jack is sitting quietly, it is because he is thinking over the point he wants to make. Whether it is discussing the footy, backing a winner in the Melbourne Cup, or displaying his favourite Ancient History lecturers in little photograph frames, Mr Finey is passionate: he is an advocate for students, teachers, and putting learners first.

Spirit of Youth

Spirit of Youth wowing the community with a range of wonderful and fantastic performances from exceptionally talented students.

Students of Atherton State High School perform excellently at their annual Spirit of Youth concert; reviewed by Lindsay McFarlane.

Photo Above - Natalie Hodgkinson, Mieashah Schindelbacher, Kate Hunter and Rebecca Masasso from year 9 singing ‘Dancing On My Own’.

The spirit of youth concert occurred on the 2^nd of June at the Atherton Hall with over 30 performances from students at Atherton state high school. This concert is an annual performance that showcases the young talent of the Atherton students; with songs ranging from Dancing On My Own to Brown-Eyed Girl; the audience was continually entertained. The “Students have worked very hard to present their performances to the community” (Miss Ottone, 2022). Besides the amazing performances, it was the lighting, sound and song choices that successfully changed this concert from enjoyable to amazing.

“Students have worked very hard to present their performances to the community” (Miss Ottone, 2022).

The lighting of the concert used various warm and cool colours, to suit the performers and song choices, and helped to create a magical, exciting atmosphere while allowing all performers to be seen by the audience. This is demonstrated during Elizabeth Byrnes-Smith’s performance of Begger’s song by Matt Maeson; the warm yellow and pink lights complimented her outfit and overall appearance while making her clear to see by the audience. This enabled the audience to thoroughly enjoy her musical performance.

Photo above - Elizabeth Byrnes-Smith, from year 12, performing ‘Begger’s song’.

The sound quality was very effective for the concert as all performers and instruments being used could be heard loudly and clearly and were able to be thoroughly enjoyed. This is clear in the cover of Drops Of Jupiter by Train, performed by Stevie De Lai, Alaina Stonehouse, Bridie Keevers, Meisha Bretz, Samantha Kucurs and Joey Valintine. The voices singing vocals, the acoustic guitar, the drums, keyboard and piano could be clearly heard and therefore allowed the audience to enjoy the entire performance and enabled the children’s parents to hear their individual child’s part.

Photo Above - Stevie De Lai, Alaina Stonehouse, Bridie Keevers, Meisha Bretz, Samantha Kucurs and Joey Valintine, from year 10, performing ‘Drops Of Jupiter’.

The songs chosen to perform were popular, well-known songs that increased the audience engagement and enjoyment, with songs of many different genres such as: Have You Ever Seen The Rain, Ticket To Ride, Don’t You Worry Child, Drops Of Jupiter and Back To The Wall. This is clear from the year 12 performance, by Lindsay McFarlane, Rhylee Wilkinson, Elizabeth Byrnes-Smith, Ruby McGrath, Emily Hill, Chelsea Perry, Sarah Grandcourt and accompanied by Miss Ottone, of Brown-Eyed Girl, a 1967 Van Morrison song that appealed to the older audience’s musical taste. This meant that the audience could enjoy the performances more with these well-known song choices.

Photo above - Lindsay McFarlane, Rhylee Wilkinson, Elizabeth Byrnes-Smith, Ruby McGrath, Emily Hill, Chelsea Perry and Sarah Grandcourt from year 12, accompanied by Miss Ottone, performing ‘Brown-Eyed Girl’.

This year’s annual spirit of youth concert was overall a wonderful and amazing performance by all talented students involved and thoroughly entertained and excited the community of the Tablelands. However, it was the sound, lighting and song choices that really made this performance incredible. I’m sure I speak for the entire community when I say I can’t wait to see all the exciting young talent showcased again next year. Well done to all the organisers and performers involved in making this concert an amazing experience.

Readers Cup

Community Access Visits

Students from the HUB were very excited to commence their Community Access visits during Term 2. We planned a trip to various locations, including the Atherton Library, Big W and Platypus Park. Lisa and Shane and the team at the Slotted Spoon Café gave us a warm welcome as always and students were able to order their meals and drinks using our Communication (AAC) Boards. We want to thank Lisa and Shane for hosting us on a regular basis, for providing delicious wholesome food and friendly service and for their continued support of students from ASHS HUB.

Bell Shakespeare Regional Mentorship Program

Be not afeard. The isle is full of noises,

Sounds, and sweet airs that give delight and hurt not.

Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments

Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices

That, if I then had waked after long sleep,

Will make me sleep again. And then, in dreaming,

The clouds methought would open and show riches

Ready to drop upon me, that when I waked

I cried to dream again. (The Tempest Act 3, Scene II)

The Tablelands, the Barron River, and the mighty Stump Hotel might be about as distant from London, the River Thames and the Globe Theatre as Shakespeare could imagine. But like Calypso in his far-flung environment, we dare to dream we too can delight in language and lyrics. Shakespeare should be for everyone, every where.

For the last four years, our school has been very fortunate to have teachers selected for the Bell Shakespeare Regional Teacher Mentorship program. In previous years, Mrs Moira Landford, Mrs Cheyenne Trevor and Mrs Paula De Kroon have all attended and this year, I was selected. This four-day intensive program involves travelling to Sydney to work with actors and educators in the Bell Shakespeare program, and join 14 other teachers from regional schools across the country. I look forward to working with our team to bring Shakespeare to life in our classrooms in ways that are engaging, exciting and relevant.

We also look forward to SEMESTER TWO when the Players from Bell Shakespeare come to our school to perform three programs: Shakespeare is Dead; The Wonderful World of Will and Shakespeare: The Human Experience.

Celebrate Poetry Day!

The Student Services, Proactive Workspace Group, put a call out for students of all grades to enter an original feel-good poem, or song lyric, to celebrate Poetry Day, with the winner receiving a prize voucher of $100!

The winner for this year’s Poetry Day prize was Chanel Harris in year 7. Congratulations Chanel, please see below for her Aussie Poem!

Australia Down Under

Here down under, we have our ways

We like our trips to bunnings

To have snags on Sundays

our singlets covered in sauce

Our thongs covered in mud

Our faces always burnt

From our great golden sun

Sitting around the fire

Someone plays the digeridoo do

As the northern star shines through

From the concrete jungle of Sydney

to the great barrier reef

Straya you’re a beaty

you’re my number one

School Opinion Survey Information

THE INFORMATION BELOW IS PROVIDED BY EDUCATION QUEENSLAND. OUR SCHOOL VALUES THE INFORMATION AND FEEDBACK WE ARE PROVIDED THROUGH THE ANNUAL SCHOOL OPINION SURVEY AND ASK THAT EVERY FAMILY RESPOND WHEN THE EMAIL ARRIVES AT YOUR HOME PLEASE.

The annual suite of School Opinion Surveys will be conducted in Term 3 and will close on 12 August 2022. All families and school staff will be invited to participate along with an students in target year levels (8 and 11). We encourage you to take this opportunity to have your say about what our school does well, and how we can improve.

An invitation to complete the Parent/Caregiver Survey will be emailed to one parent/caregiver per family in the week beginning 11 July. The invitation will be sent from the Department of Education, not the school, and it will have the subject line School Opinion Survey for parents and caregivers, 2022. Check your junk email folders if you can’t find it. The survey can be completed as soon as the invitation is received and will take approximately 5 minutes using a computer, tablet or smart phone.

Parents/caregivers who do not have access to the internet at home please contact the school office to organise a time to complete this at school.

BOX JELLY Theatre Bring The Crucible To Our Stage

How do your choices impact on other people?

What are the consequences and repercussions of lying?

On Monday of week 10, our General English and Senior Drama were treated to a live performance of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. Focussing on themes of reputation, blame and avoidance of responsibility, Cairns based theatre company BOX JELLY Theatre Co. transformed the original play into a modern context. In our current senior program, unit 3 uses The Crucible to look at how a concept – like reputation and integrity - can be explored and represented between and across different text types. The opportunity to watch a live performance was a wonderful opportunity for our students.

Techniques of Epic Drama were employed, using minimal props and clothing to convey the central drama and key characters. While demanding on attention, the technique engages audiences to understand the performance aspect of the story telling. We extend our thanks and gratitude to the members of BOX JELLY Theatre Co for sharing this with us free of charge.

Discipline Without Damage Doesn’t Mean Without Limits, Boundaries Or Growing Up

Dr Vanessa Lapointe - Author, Speaker & Registered Psychologist

Often times when people hear that children shouldn’t be given consequences or put in time out, but rather understood empathically and championed developmentally, they get worried!

Usually the worry is that this means it is going to be Disneyland-party time parenting with kids who rule the roost. Here Dr Vanessa shares how this is definitely not the case, that compassionate parenting is full of rules and boundaries, and just how to go about it all so you can strike the balance of being both firm and kind.

Discipline Without Damage Doesn’t Mean Without Limits, Boundaries Or Growing Up

Car, Bike and Swap Meet 2022

On Saturday the 18^th of June, the Local Chaplaincy Committee held it’s 10^th annual Car, Bike and Swap meet at Atherton High. From meagre beginnings 10 years ago with around 60 cars and a few bikes, the show has grown each year to become a well established and renown show for car and bike enthusiast, with this year’s show attracting 400 cars and around 100 + bikes!

The crowds gathered all morning to view the well-loved vehicles and to enjoy the Rock and Roll band “The Lovehandles’, while some took to the stage to dance!

‘Fletch’ from Classic Restos also attended and will supply his unique style to a forthcoming episode highlighting some of the vehicles on display and his interview of Chappy Belinda.

Prizes were awarded in different categories, including this year’s new award of best dressed male and female.

Winners on the day included:

Principal’s Choice Car: Chris and Heather Debel - 1972 HQ Ute

People’s Choice Car: Darren Smyth – 1968 HK Monara

Principal’s Choice Bike: Rod Hawtin – The Rat Bike, powered by a Rotary Hoe Engine

People’s Choice Bike: Lloyd and Dianne Stockdale – magnificant blue V8 Trike built by Lloyd

Fletch’s Choice – Barry Dan – Valiant Charger

All funds raised on the day went to help fund School Chaplaincy. Chaplaincy is funded primarily by the federal government but also supported financially by the community. The Tablelands area is fortunate it has a number of primary and high school çhappies who provide spiritual and emotional support to our school communities. They are in the prevention and support business, e.g. helping students find a better way to deal with issues ranging from family breakdown and loneliness, to drug abuse, depression and anxiety. They provide a listening ear and a caring presence for kids in crisis, and those who just need a friend. They also provide support for staff and parents in school communities.

The Chaplaincy Committee would like to thank all thos who supported the day and especially Atherton High for allowing the use of their grounds.