Atherton State High School eNewsletter

Principal's Welcome

Dear Parents and Carer/s,

Welcome to Term 4, week 6. With the end of the year fast approaching, I would like to remind our school community that it is essential that all students attend school every school day.

Final days for students are as follows:

Year 12 Friday 18 November
Year 10 and 11 Friday 25 November
Year 7 – Year 9 Friday 9 December.

Student Events

Next week is a huge week for celebrating student achievements.

Presentation Ceremony

Tuesday 15 November – Our Annual Presentation Ceremony will be held at 6pm in the community hall. The ceremony will commence at 6pm and conclude at approximately 8pm. This year, Atherton State High School will recognise and celebrate student academic, cultural and sporting achievements from Year 7 to Year 12.

Students who are receiving an award have been advised and we encourage all parents/carers to attend.

Congratulations to all students receiving an award! We are extremely proud of you!

Year 12 Formal and Graduation

Thursday 17 November – the Year 12 Formal will be held at the Atherton SHS Community Hall. Arrivals will start from 5.00pm. This event is a celebration for the whole community to watch the arrivals. It would be wonderful to see the Atherton Community come out and line the internal school road to support our students.

The Year 12 graduation ceremony will be held on Friday 18 November at the community hall. This ceremony will commence at approximately 12.30pm. Only graduating students and their parents/families are able to attend this ceremony.

Congratulations to our graduating class of 2022! Well done on completing 13 years of schooling!

We are extremely proud of your achievements!

Moderation Day – Friday 25 November

The final moderation day for 2022 is scheduled to occur on Friday 25 November. This means students will be working from home on this day or attending school if other arrangements are not possible. A letter outlining the day requirements will be published next week. Feedback will be requested at P and C meeting on the future of moderation days in 2023.

P and C Meeting

The November P and C meeting is being held on Tuesday 22 November at 7pm in the conference room. The SafeST committee which is a sub-committee of the P and C will provide feedback at the meeting.

COVID

The Premier has announced (10.11.2022) that Queensland is moving from the green traffic light status to Amber (Tier 1). This means there are moderate rates of community transmission of COVID-19.

In addition to precautions you should take for the green traffic light status, such as staying home when sick and testing for COVID-19 if you have acute respiratory symptoms, the amber advice recommends:

wear a mask

in healthcare settings
indoors, if you can't physically distance
on public transport
if you are older or medically at risk
if you're around people who are vulnerable to COVID-19

take a rapid antigen test (RAT) every 2 days if someone in your household has COVID-19.

Effective hygiene practices are key to limiting community transmission of disease. Remember to wash your hands regularly, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and open windows to promote air flow.

Yours in learning,

Helen Carne

Principal

From the Deputy’s Desk - Senior School

From the desk of the Deputy Senior Secondary

This week brings the relief of final exams for many of our Year 12 students, with the Physics papers rounding off this week, and Agricultural Science and Japanese closing the exam period for General Subjects on Monday and Tuesday next week. Once again, students in all senior subjects and courses have been working hard to ensure that their Ts are crossed and Is dotted as their high schooling draws to a close. Congratulations to all our Year 12s for the efforts you’ve made over the last few weeks – your dedication to achieving success has been impressive.

Next week is our showcase event week, with our Presentation evening, Year 12 Formal and Graduation events all being held. Our Presentation evening is bigger than ever, with more than 300 awards for their academic, sporting, cultural, service, and special awards being presented on the night and another 700 on parades for outstanding subject performance and sport encouragement. The evening exemplifies the commitment and passion of our students, and the staff and families who support them, and we are looking forward celebrating together next week. The glitz and glamour of the Year 12 Formal will round off the week and is being eagerly awaited.

Over recent weeks, a group of teachers have been meeting together once a week in our Learning Lounge sessions, to share their successful practice and work on collective approaches to continue to improve our teaching practice. Effective pedagogies is one of the school’s two strategic focus areas, with positive behaviour for learning being the other. We recognise that our pedagogical choices are the mechanisms through which students access the learning, and we are enjoying learning from each other about the small things we do that make a big difference to students.

As we move into the second half of the term, I am really pleased to see so many students living our school values and being respectful, responsible and successful. Keep it up!

Cathy Campbell

Deputy Principal Senior

From the Deputy's Desk - Middle School

From the desk of the Deputy Middle Secondary

ICT News

Last week I met with the regional ICT infrastructure manager to discuss the Atherton State High ICT infrastructure plan. Some of the proposed significant upgrades include improved wireless connectivity and internet speed. These upgrades are planned to be completed in 2023. Department of Education is providing resources for this work to occur.

In addition to the ICT upgrade, the school is currently developing an IT strategy to support a digital learning environment and enhance student learning experiences. This includes rejuvenating BYOD and laptop programs (watch this space).

Nav Singh

Deputy Principal Middle

From the Deputy's Desk - Junior School

Words from the desk of the Deputy Senior Secondary

I would like to take this opportunity to commend all students who have displayed wonderful effort throughout 2022. It certainly has provided some challenges and I look forward to seeing students recognised on presentation night for their achievements in all facets of school life.

I would like to remind students that it is an expectation that students are in full school uniform and prepared for learning every day. Some questions have been asked around the wearing of sport representative clothing. The current policy states that a full set of sports representative uniform, that is shirt and shorts are acceptable. It is not okay to mix and match with the Atherton State High School shirt and shorts. The wearing of ‘footy’ shorts is not acceptable and it is an expectation that students are wearing all black lace up joggers.

Enrolment at Atherton State High School 2023 Year 7

If you are wanting to enrol a student at Atherton State High School in year 7 for 2023 then please complete an enrolment pack. Packs can be arranged by contacting the school office and were distributed to Primary Schools earlier in the year.

Once your enrolment paperwork is filled in, you will need to complete an enrolment session at the school. Please contact the school office to book an appointment.

All students need to have completed their enrolment paperwork and interview to be able to participate in the term 4 transition day on November 30.

Chris Keating

Deputy Principal Junior

Finance update

Dear Parents/Carers/Guardians,

Year 11

Invoices have been sent out for current year 11 students for the Year 12 Leadership at Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre which will be held at the start of the school year 2023. Please pay by 18^th November in order to attend this camp. All outstanding fees must be paid or payment agreement in place before payments will be accepted for the camp.
VET fee letters have been given out for Certificate Courses for 2023. Please sign and return these for all Certificate Courses as soon as possible.

Year 12

All Year 12 Student Fees that remain unpaid must be paid now and Year 12 Formal Payments are now also due. Please confirm attendee numbers ASAP for the formal and ensure amounts are paid to enable tickets to be issued now. Tickets are now available to be picked up at Reception.

All

All unpaid 2022 Student Resource Scheme levies are outstanding and are required to be paid now. 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 and participate in upcoming events. The school continues to follow up on outstanding payments and Statements and Payment Reminder Letters have been sent out for outstanding fees.

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

Upcoming Events - For Term 4

11 November - Rememberance Day
11 November - FNQ Inclusive Challenge
15 November - Men's Cultural Group
15 November - Presentation Night
16 November - Year 12 Culmination Day
16 November - Deadly Choices - Year 7's
17 November - Year 12 Formal
18 November - Year 12 Graduation Day
24 November - Respectful Relationships Program

Rememberance Day - Lest We Forget

Presentation Night - 15 November

The list of students who are receiving an award is on the school noticeboard.

Invitations have also been sent out to all students and parents.

Parents/Carers of students receiving awards have been emailed.

Senior Formal - Thursday 17 November Arrivals beginning at 5.00pm

Year 12 Graduation - 18 November

Agriculture Dept - Management Meeting interupted

Knock Knock Who's there??? Our Management meeting was interrupted when a visit from our resident Alpacas, Habby and Chocy came to say Hello. Even our Deputy Principal Chris joined in via zoom.

A very welcome interruption!

Habby and Chocy

Eat Street Extravaganza

Year 8 Textile and Food Production students put all their skills on display this week at our 2022 Eat St Extravaganza!

Held in recess 2 in the Hall, students worked very hard to prepare and present snack foods that were sold to our students and staff. The day was capped off by live music performances and a very entertaining “Cook Off” between Staff and some of our Year 9 and 10 students.

The event was a huge success and our Year 8 students are to be congratulated for the amazing level of hard work and commitment they showed in completing this task. Well done to everyone involved!

Eat Street Gallery

Last night Atherton State High School HUB celebrated the Graduation of Tyler, Haylee and Marianne's successful completion with their QCIA. Congratualtions and very well done.

We have some snippets of the night and will have more in our next edition

Cultural Connections

WELCOME to Atherton High School’s Cultural Connections Newsletter. Cultural Connections celebrates the achievements of Atherton High School’s Indigenous students. We are hoping to inspire, encourage and empower our First Nations students and families with our stories. All articles are written by the students of Atherton High School.

In this week’s edition we want to recognise our deadly year 12 students who are so close to the end of their schooling journey. This term Year 12 students were given an assessment task to create an original story that represents what it means to be a young Australian living in a regional and rural area. We would like to share some of our students’ stories with you today.

We would like to wish all the graduating students of 2022 all the best with their futures.

Dream big! You’ve Got This!!

My name is Zaimen Gilbert and I am a proud Kunjen and Kookaberra man. I believe I am the person I am today due to the strong family connections I have and the opportunities I have experienced due to playing regional football.

My story begins in Cairns where I was born and lived for the first 2 years of my life with my biological parents. I was placed into Foster Care from 2 years of age and relocated to the regional area of Tolga Queensland. I changed carers during my younger years but have been with my current family for the last five years. I grew up in a house with six other children, one of which is Marshall who impacted my life forever.

Marshall is three years older than me and I have always looked up to him in so many ways. Marshall has shown me how to always do my best whether it was household chores, helping me with homework and to overcome my shyness in social situations like school, footy training and games.

Marshall always did well when playing football and I wanted to follow in his footsteps. My love for football first began when I was playing in the backyard with my brothers, cousins and family members. It was a way we all connected and had fun together.

Marshall would take the extra time to spend with me to teach me how to tackle, run good lines, to have visual awareness of the opposition players and my own players. Marshall’s leadership qualities and his commitment has influenced me and given me a positive mindset.

During Primary school I played for the Malanda Eels Football Club where I was chosen to play Peninsula games while I was at school where the best of the Tableland footballers get an opportunity to play against different regional schools.

From Peninsula trials I was chosen for the Peninsula team that played in Ipswich against the best players from South East and West Queensland.

In secondary school I played for Atherton Roosters for under 14s where I was awarded best and fairest player. When playing under 16s I was awarded uprising star and of under 18s I was awarded player of the year as well as Top 60 best player in the Far North.

All my hard work and commitment was starting to pay off and I was beginning to be noticed.

Whilst playing under 16’s for Atherton Roosters I was selected by Northern Pride to play games for the Cyril Connor Cup which meant I would have to travel 100kms round trip to Cairns 3 days a week. Two days were for training after a long school day and the third for our games on Saturday.

Living in a regional town can impact how far you can take your sporting career as the distance and cost for travel can put off a lot of families. I was fortunate enough that my carers supported me to follow my dreams and encouraged me to do my best. This was a huge commitment that was supported by my family without them agreeing to drive me this distance I would not have been able to travel to places I have never been before or to meet famous football legends who offered me encouragement, advice and friendship on and off the field and on how to chase my dreams.

After I have completed my Year 12 Certificate my future aspirations are to play for the Queensland Cowboys. I will have to relocate to Cairns after completing school to make it easier to attend both practice and games and to partake in further study as a Teacher Aide so I have a back-up plan in case I do not get selected or suffer an injury that could impact me playing.

I know with the determination and strength I have developed through life’s experiences I will be successful in all I do in my future. From the beginning of my life not living with my biological family and learning to accept strangers as my family taught me that anyone can be your family as long as they have a loving support. Football has shown me how to be committed and have determination in all things in my life. The relationships I have made have shown me how to respect others and to value good people who come into your life and want to be a part of it.

I am grateful of my life so far and can’t wait to see how it unfolds in the future.

Chelsea Perry is a 17-year-old girl from the Atherton Tablelands, she identifies as Indigenous and is soon to enter adulthood, this is her story.

Chelsea grew up as the oldest child, having a full related brother only 3 years younger than her. At 3 her parents parted, leaving her and her brother with her mother.

As time went on, Chelsea was the older sister to a baby brother and baby sister, both of whom were only half related to herself. She was forced to live alternately between her father and mother’s homes, both located on the Atherton tablelands.

Chelsea always found school relatively easy so she engaged in other activities to accommodate her busy mind. Activities like soccer, taekwondo, volleyball, army cadets and more.

Chelsea is currently living in Watsonville, a remote town located 45 minutes out of Atherton. She lives with the love of her life and his family. This living arrangement has forced Chelsea to become fully independent from her family, no longer relying on them for income or support, she continues to kick goals.

Chelsea wants to make a difference in her world, to prove to herself that no matter where she has come from, she can do it. She believes that to find personal happiness in not relying on anyone except herself and her partner. And at the end of the day, she wants to feel important.

Chelsea’s future prospects in 2023 include enrolling into a bridging course into JCU University in Cairns. After completion, Chelsea is aiming to pursue a career in Ecology, studying a Bachelor of Science and majoring in Ecology/Zoology.

By Chelsea Perry

I was born Sianne Jones-Anning in the Cairns Base Hospital in July 2004. I was removed from my mother’s care at the age of 3 months old and placed into the care of my Aunty Cheryl, who I will be forever grateful to for taking me on as her own. I lived in the small community of Innisfail until I was the age of 10 we then relocated to Atherton to look after my Nanna and Poppy and this is where I reside today.

Growing up in a small town has its advantages as you get to know and trust the people who are close to you in the community. I love living in the Atherton community as there seems to be a lot of caring and loving people who live here.

Don’t get me wrong the town is still faced with violence, alcohol abuse, drugs and theft but somehow the community gets together and helps each other through the tough times.

I feel as though the only disadvantage I have experienced so far has been with my education as I have struggled to understand what was expected of me within the classroom right from Primary School and this continued and worsened throughout High School. I wish that I could have been better supported and had things explained using language I understood. This made me feel inadequate and isolated and a lot of the time I would not attend classes because I felt pressured and anxious in case I was asked to reply to questions given by the teacher and I would not know the answer and I would feel shame.

I feel really unsure if I have gained enough skills to face life after school. I don’t feel prepared for the scary big world outside my secure bubble.

I don’t know if I will be a better person as I get older. I don’t know if I will cope with life and its challenges. I am hoping that the values and life lessons I have learned from my family will be enough to get me through. I know I will always have the support and guidance from my family.

The people who have inspired me the most have been my two older brothers, Jarron Andy and Malik Jones as they have been very successful in their lives.

Jarron Andy followed a career in acting and modelling. He has appeared on television from selling items on Openshopaus (he was the first indigenous person who has ever appeared on the show), being involved in advertisements and appearing on Black Comedy. Jarron was a small-town kid who went from pushing trolleys at Coles to achieving National Naidoc Awards. He is a strong and proud indigenous man who wanted to be noticed and recognised as talented Malik Jones has just completed and graduated from flying school where he followed his dreams and made them a reality. He is wanting to fly commercial airplanes and I know he will make this a reality as he is so determined and does not back down from a challenge.

Without having role models in my life, I would probably be overcome with doubts and insecurities of not being good enough. But my brothers are leading by example of how to reach your goals.

I am wanting to join the Australian Army by the end of next year. I am hoping to become a Chef in the forces. To do this I will need to work on my fitness and stay determined to achieve my goals. I know that with my family behind me I can achieve success.

To reach my future goals I will need to leave them all behind and my safe little small-town community. Lucky for me they are only a phone call or a visit away.

By Sianne Jones Anning

Student Council

The student council is working with Better Together and holding a Christmas fundraising drive to help local families in need around Christmas time.

We are asking the school and community to check their pantry for closed food items that are within expiry date, and to consider donating them to this cause. Items that could be used specifically for Christmas are preferred, however any donation is helpful and is greatly appreciated.

We are currently accepting donations in the international room each morning (room at the bottom of C-block, closest to the library) from 8:00am to 8:45am, and until the end of Week 7, and the grade who donates the most items will receive a pizza party towards the end of the term. We look forward to helping this cause, and remember, any contribution is helpful.

Mareeba Shire Council Position Available

Junior_Library_Assistant_Flyer_Oct_Nov_2022.pdf

School Based Youth Health Nurse - The Facts about Vaping

vaping_factsheet_young_003_.pdf

Become a Homestay host to an International student & be reimbursed.

Contact the school to register your interest and complete an application form.

MKT017_22_01_HomestayA4flyer_reimbursed_schoolversion.pdf

Fresh Street Market IGA University Scholarship

For our Year 12 students this is an amazing opportunity to apply for the Fresh Street Market IGA university scholarship. This scholarship is $10 000 to support your university education.

Applications are open from the 15th of September and close on the 15th of November

For further details see our website or contact the P & C.

https://athertonshs.eq.edu.au/our-community/pandc