Term 1, February 24, 2023

Principal's Welcome

Dear Parents and Carers,

I am so thrilled to be the newly appointed Principal of this truly wonderful school.  Atherton State High School is a welcoming school built on strong traditions.  I have experienced a very warm welcome from students, staff and parents, I am truly grateful for this.  I am driven to take our school from great to extraordinary!  I have witnessed so many outstanding things in my first 5 weeks here and my pledge to this fine school community is to work tirelessly to continuously improve our school for our amazing young students. I have worked in education for many years and have had the pleasure of working in some magnificent schools and as I have said before to our community, this school is a truly high functioning school with a passionate and skilled staff who are driven to make a difference and our student body are a credit to themselves and to their families.  I believe we achieve outstanding things for our students when we work closely with our families and local community, as I believe we are all part of the Atherton SHS family and together is how we achieve extraordinary things!

All members of our school community should be justifiably proud of how Atherton High is “making a world of difference” for our students. We are committed to this vision so that, in turn, our students can transition confidently into their future lives and careers, each ready to make a world of difference in their unique way. To be true to our vision and our mission, we must be prepared to always push ourselves further, striving always to improve how we serve our students and our community and prepare our learners for their future lives. Together, we are creating bright futures for our students at Atherton State High School by building on its proud educational traditions and successes. At the same time, we are transforming our classrooms into 21st century learning environments, redefining our learning culture, implementing our curriculum plan and shaping our signature teaching and learning practices.

Introducing HAVE YOUR SAY Student forums

I have sent out invitations to our students via email to attend either a junior or senior forum next week.  I am passionate about seeking student voice and giving students opportunities to share their views on what makes our school so great and what we could do to further improve our school.  To attend the forums students have been asked to RSVP for catering purposes.  Please encourage your child to participate and have their voice heard!

Senior Forum (Years 10-12):  Tuesday 28^th February – 8.00am till 8.50am in the HALL

Junior Forum (Years 7-9): Wednesday 1^st March – 8.00am till 8.50am in the HALL

Welcome Ceremony and Senior Induction Ceremony

Thank you to our school community for coming together to welcome our new students and staff to our school.  We also introduced a senior induction ceremony where we presented our student leaders and our year 12 students to the school community as the leaders of our school.  It was a beautiful morning of celebration and acknowledgement and I wish to thank the many staff and students who helped to organise this very important event.

Student Leaders

Congratulations to the following school leaders for 2023: 

School Captains - Miah Cox & Oscar Byrne

Vice Captains - Morgan Grimshaw and Imogen Kelly

Student Council President - Biance Le’Gear

Student Council Vice President - Bethany Bailey

Student Council Secretary -  Bethany Bailey

Student Council Treasurer - Cameron Colless

Quincan Sports Captains - Kadee Clemesha & Talytha MacDonald

Barrine Sports Captains - Sarah O’Sullivan & Noah Blooranta

Euramo Sports Captains - Lillian Caulfield Anning & Scarlet Howard

Eacham Sports Captains - Amy Hunter & Emily Mills

Year 12 Prefects - Monica Brady, Tahalia Durrand, Tenae Ghelfi, Hannah Smith,  Ethan Steptoe, Ryanne Telford

Year 11 Prefects - Noah Child, Natasha Davis, Jean Pluschke, Michaela Quilliam, Christopher Scrivens

Leanne Knight - Smith

Principal

From the Deputy's Desk - Junior School

From the desk of the Deputy Junior Secondary

NAPLAN

Students in years 7 and 9 will be completing NAPLAN testing this term. The school has completed a practice test to check device capability as NAPLAN is completed online. The practice also allowed students to prepare themselves for what to expect during their NAPLAN testing window. The NAPLAN test window is 9 days. This is to accommodate schools that may have fewer devices.

The NAPLAN test window starts on Wednesday 15 March and finishes on Monday 27 March 2023.

For more information please see the NAPLAN Information for Parents and Carers in this newsletter.

Immunisation program for Year 7 and Year 10 students

Our school is participating in Queensland Health’s annual School Immunisation Program.  All Year 7 and Year 10 students will be offered free vaccinations as recommended on the National Immunisation Program schedule to protect against vaccine preventable diseases. Year 7 students will be offered human papillomavirus (HPV) and diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough). Year 10 students will be offered meningococcal ACWY vaccination.

The immunisation team will conduct their first visit on March 14 and will be vaccinating year 7’s. Please return any immunisation paperwork as soon as possible to Student Services. Immunisations require parent permission and are not mandatory but highly encouraged.

Spotlight on PBL

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.

Schools which implement the PBL framework make sure all students are explicitly taught the expected behaviours and establish clear and consistent boundaries. Staff take a proactive, preventative approach to ensure all students receive the appropriate level of support to help them to be successful at school.

At Atherton State High School we frame our school expected behaviours around four school values of RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, SUCCESSFUL AND SAFE.

These four school values are contextualised in each learning environment by teaching staff and every student has a copy of the school community expectations matrix. A copy of the matrix is attached below.

The PBL staff team meets fortnightly and reviews behaviour data and sets a value for the week to focus on. This to help students understand the value and make it less likely that this behaviour will continue.

The values identified for week’s 5 and 6 are:

Value Focus Week 5: We are safe- Keep our hands and feet to ourselves, and respect other’s personal space

Value Focus Wek 6: We are respectful- Use appropriate language and speak to each other with respect and dignity.

The team are currently working on improvements to positively acknowledge students who are demonstrating correct and positive behaviours.  

Chris Keating

Deputy Principal Junior Secondary

NAPLAN Information for Parents and Carers 2023

Finance update

Student Resource Scheme 2023

Dear Parents and Guardians,

To provide parents with a cost-effective alternative to purchasing textbooks and/or resources elsewhere, Atherton State High School operates an SRS for 2023.  

The scheme ensures that students have the resources required for them to engage with the curriculum for their education, and saves parents time and money in sourcing the prescribed materials elsewhere. Savings are gained through the school’s bulk purchasing practices and hiring arrangements. The scheme is not used to raise funds for other purposes, and revenue collected through the scheme is applied only to the resources and operation of the scheme.

The scheme’s operation, resource inclusions and participation fees were approved by the school’s P&C Association. 

SRS Participation

The objective of the scheme is to provide a convenient and cost-effective way for students to access the educational resources necessary to enhance their learning experience at school. The Department encourages parents to participate in the scheme. Participation in the SRS is optional, and no obligation is placed on a parent to participate. Participation is for the duration of your child’s enrolment at the school.

Participation Agreement Forms have been sent out to those parents of continuing students for whom we do not have forms on file indicating their status of participation in the Student Resource Scheme or have not been filled correctly. Please return these as soon as possible. New Incoming Year 7 students have also been issued with forms. If you have received a form please ensure these are also returned now.

Further more detailed Information regarding SRS Inclusions and fees are being placed on the School Website. Parents who choose not to participate in the scheme will be responsible for providing their student with all items that would otherwise be provided by the scheme.

Payment Arrangement

Please make use of the payment arrangement included in the SRS if you need to be able to make payments of Student Resource Scheme fees over time throughout the year or call the school to make arrangement to pay by BPOINT Electronic Direct Debit or make a Centrelink agreement.  Email  bsm@athertonshs.eq.edu.au or call the school on 40305222.

Payment of Fees

Please ensure all previous fees are paid up to date to enable students to receive resources when they return to school in 2023.

All 2023 Student Resource Scheme levies have been invoiced.  Subject fees are currently being invoiced.  All 2023 Fees are required to be paid by the end of Term 1 or as per your arrangements made with the School. 

Certificate Courses 2023

A letter and Fact Sheet are being provided to students who have who wish to enrol in certificate course at the school. Payment is required to be made to external providers of these courses, therefore payment must be made on commencement of courses that do not attract VETIS funding or VETIS funds have been used on another course. The documents will explain this further.

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 2023

From the Deputy's Desk - Senior School Spotlight Senior Student Leadership Opportunities

There are both formal and informal opportunities for our senior students to be leaders at our school. The work of our student leaders is to influence the creation of a productive culture through systems, symbols and behaviours and to represent the views, opinions and beliefs of other students. Year 11 students are able to apply for senior leadership positions for the following year in the roles of school captains and vice captains and house captains and vice captains, and student council leadership positions of president, vice president, secretary and treasurer.

Year 10, 11 and 12 students who wish to work more directly with younger students can apply to be prefects. These students work with Year 7 care classes to facilitate a smooth transition to high school for Year 7 students. The application process for all formal leadership positions runs through Term 3 and students will be notified about the details via emails, presentations and daily notices. But student leadership does not just occur in elected positions. For many students it is a decision to serve others, influence positively and to build community.

We consider all of our senior students to be leaders in our school, but Year 12s in particular are looked upon as role models and mentors. For this reason, in the last week of term 4 (week 8), Year 11 students will attend a leadership camp at Tinaroo, where they will further develop individual and group social skills that will help them enact and model positive and supportive behaviours throughout their final year of schooling.

If you are interested in applying for a leadership position or would like more information about the Year 11 camp, please contact Ann Grimshaw, Head of Senior Schooling.

Cathy Campbell

Deputy Principal Senior Secondary

Senior School - SET Plans

Did you know… A SET Plan is a Senior Education and Training Plan.

The transition to senior school comes with so much new information for both students and parents alike. Atherton State High School is well positioned to support all of our families to navigate this time of change. SET Planning helps students make good decisions about their learning pathways and ensure they base their subject choices on their abilities, interests and clearly articulated goals.

SET Planning is a detailed process which develops in stages. In Year 10, students complete a Careers Education program in the Wellbeing and Values WAV lessons each Tuesday during Term 2 and 3. This provides critical knowledge and exposure to information about school offerings, vocational opportunities and career pathways which can used to help students map out their learning goals and specify what pathway they intend to look at for their future.

Students participate in events that support this program such as the Atherton State High School Careers Showcase, Senior School parades with presenters and information on the flexibility of senior schooling, presentations from external organisations such as the Defence Forces, subject talks from school Heads of Departments, teachers and other key staff such as the Vocational Education Coordinator.

The initial SET Planning day is held in Term 3 of Year 10. On this parents and school staff will support students to

• structure future learning around their abilities, interests and ambitions
• think about your education, training and career options after Year 12
• set and achieve your learning goals in Years 11 and 12, and beyond
• include flexible and coordinated pathway options in your course of senior study
• communicate with your parents/carers or teachers/careers counsellors about your post-school plans.

This is all then formalised in a SET Plan and housed in One School for future reflection. Students can access and update this at any time of their senior education through the One School portal.

A second formal SET Planning review day is held for Year 11 students at the End of Unit 2 in Term 4 of Year 1. Students are encouraged to meet with the Senior Support Teacher, Ms Cheyenne Trevor or the Head of Senior Schooling, Mrs Ann Grimshaw whenever they feel they need to review their subjects and learnings. This year SET P self-review for senior students has been built into the WAV lessons as well to ensure that students have the opportunity for self-reflection.

Mrs Grimshaw and Ms Trevor are very impressed with the number of proactive Year 10, 11 and 12 students who have already taken the opportunity to meet with them over the last 5 weeks to discuss their pathways and look forward to more of these amazing future focussed discussions.

Parents are invited to more about the senior schooling and SET planning at a special evening in on Tuesday 28^th March in the Atherton State High School Auditorium.

Senior School - What are Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA)?

The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) recognises that some students have disability, impairment or medical conditions, or experience other circumstances, that may be a barrier to their performance in assessment. Access arrangements and reasonable adjustments (AARA) are designed to assist these students to access and undertake assessment.

There is no such thing as an exemption from any piece of assessment in year 12, so students cannot miss any planned assessment. Due dates for internal (school-based) assessments are published in subject learning and assessment overviews, and dates for external exams dates are published by the QCAA. Students and parents should make themselves aware of these dates to avoid confusion.

Eligibility for Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA)

Barriers to access and performance in assessments may be cognitive, physical or sensory/social/emotional and may fall into three broad categories:

• Permanent e.g. ongoing, permanent medical condition such as diabetes
• Temporary e.g. broken wrist
• Intermittent e.g. travel for representative sport

Students may also be eligible for AARA where illness, misadventure, or when unforeseen circumstances or other situations prevent them from demonstrating their learning, knowledge and skill in internal or external summative assessment. The QCAA website https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/senior/assessment/aara has further information about AARAs, including the application process.

Senior School - How Amazing is the Flexibility of Senior Schooling?

Alterntive Study Lessons – a unique approach to study at Atherton State High School

In recent years, students are increasingly completing ‘other training and education’ as an alternate to a 6^th school subject. These valuable opportunities include university subjects studied while still at high school, school-based traineeships or apprenticeships, certificate courses and levels of attainment in dancing or music. Many senior students also have part time jobs, sporting or volunteering and other school commitments such as leadership, that can impact their ability to complete study at home. The ‘Alternate Study Lesson’(ALT) is unique to our school as it allows a flexible approach to education delivery within a rural setting.

ALT lessons were first introduced over 10 years ago to acknowledge the need for additional study time required in senior, the flexibility of the QCE and the recent need to look for alternatives to the traditional classroom approach to education. 

ALT classes are supervised by a teacher.  Students are timetabled into these classes using the subject change process identified in a SET plan review with school staff. Students have to demonstrate valid reasons for accessing an ALT lesson and be aware of the requirement to be prepared for independent study in this time.

The current timetable supports students remaining at school, engaged in a learning environment unless parents have requested an ‘off campus’ ALT. ‘Off campus’ ALTs can be beneficial for some students who find it difficult to focus on their study in an ALT class environment at school and are only available to Year 11 and 12 students.

This ‘off campus’ ALT arrangement is actioned only with parental consent and agreement.

In requesting an ‘off campus’ ALT, parents are advising that their student will be

• under the supervision of an adult
• in their own home or other suitable location

• on their own
• using the time for study

If you would like to find out further information regarding ALT classes or ‘off campus’ arrangements please contact Mrs Ann Grimshaw, Head of Senior Schooling, phone 40305261 or email agrim14@eq.edu.au .

Senior School - A Busy Year for Senior Students

It was so wonderful to be able to start 2023 off with some wonderful celebrations with our Year 12 students. The Year 12 camp at Tinaroo was a fantastic experience for all involved and cemented their commitment to themselves and to each other for the year ahead. This was then solidified at the recent Welcome and Induction Ceremony where the year 12 students pledged to UNITE and make a difference in 2023.

The pledge promised 

U – Unity between us all to make us stronger

N – Never giving up to achieve our goals

I – Including everyone is paramount to success

T – Together this year will be unforgettable

E – Empowerment through encouragement and support

While these initial events focussed on the year 12 students, the year 10 and 11 cohorts will also have their fair share of experiences that are unique to their stage of learning to participate in during 2023. Take a look at just some of the amazing events and opportunies outside of the classroom senior students have coming up this year. This does not include all of the whole school events or in school clubs that they can also choose to be a part of.

• Year 10 and Year 11 students will attend the Career Showcase in Term 2
• Year 10 Careers Program Term 2 and 3
• Year 10 Parent Information - Senior Schooling Term 1
• Year 10 Student Education and Training Plan interviews in Term 3
• Year 10 Subject Selection Process in Term 3
• Year 10 Respectful Relationships Day
• Year 10 Student Leader applications Term 4 previous year and Term 1
• Year 11 and 12 Prefects work with the Year 7 from the start of the year
• Year 11 TSAS presentation
• Year 11 Student Education and Training Plan reviews in Term 4
• Year 11 Leadership Applications and processes for 2024 start in Term 3
• Year 11 Leaders Helping friends Training in term 4
• Year 11 Camp Term 4
• Year 12 Camp Term 1
• Year 12 Induction Ceremony Term 1
• Year 12 Leaders attend Year 6 Leadership Camp
• Year 12 Leaders attend International Women’s Day Breakfast Term 1
• Year 12 Student Education and Training Plan reviews are ongoing, as needed throughout the year
• Year 12 TSAS presentation
• Year 12 QTAC applications in Term 3 and 4
• Year 12 Culmination Day in Term 4
• Year 12 Dance Practices
• Year 12 External Exams in Term 4
• Year 12 Formal Preparations start at the End of Term 1 and continue all year
• Year 12 Driving Home the Message program in Term 4
• Year 12 Parent ‘Learn the Formal Dance’ evening Term 4
• Year 10, 11 and 12 Senior School parades – each term
• Year 10 access to Vocational Education begins and Year 11 and 12 continues
• Student Council involvement from year 10, 11 and 12 student leaders throughout the year
• Year 10,11 and 12 JCU visits and presentations
• QCE tracking for Year 10,11 and 12 ongoing, all year

Ann Grimshaw

Head of Department Senior Secondary

Year 12 Camp

Senior School - Vocational Education & Training

Atherton State High School boasts a proud record in Vocational Education & Training, this year having a massive 239 students across Years 10, 11 & 12 enrolled in 369 Certificate I, II, and III Qualifications. 

We currently have 61 School Based Apprentices & Trainees employed by 34 businesses in our wonderful, supportive business community.  These opportunities allow our students to ‘Earn & Learn’, and get a head start on their chosen Trade qualification while they complete Year 12, and for those students wanting to move into fulltime employment at the end of Year 10.

* In recent years ASHS has had great success in the Annual Queensland Training Awards with past School Based Apprentice students Brandon Irvine being a Regional Finalist and Eva Condullas being the Regional Winner and State Finalist in 2016 and more recently in 2020 Bryce Cummings was named a Regional Finalist.

In addition to Certificates studied as part of the timetable, we offer some short courses students can take advantage of to add to their skills set and accrue additional QCE points.  These include

• Certificate II in Resources & Infrastructure Work Preparation which also includes a First Aid Certificate and a Working at Heights Certificate
  
• Certificate II in Foundation Skills for Work
• Certificate II in Hospitality which is delivered during the School Holidays allowing students on a heavy academic pathway to utilise their FREE Certificate II that all students are entitled to, without impacting on their everyday learning during the term. This Certificate includes the Responsible Service of Alcohol and the Barista units which are very useful for students to work part time around University or other studies. 2023 Enrolments for this Certificate are closing very soon so please let us know as soon as possible if you are interested in enrolling.

We also offer one day courses for students to undertake a White Card (Working safely in the Construction Industry) and the Responsible Service of Alcohol and these are advertised to students in advance.

Atherton State High School sincerely thanks our Business Community for offering so many wonderful opportunities to our students and welcomes enquiries from businesses, parents and students to talk about options that may work for you.

Please contact Kylie Coleman on 07 4030 5253 or email kcole128@eq.edu.au

Senior Dux for 2022 - Cooper Mickan

Congratulations to our Senior Dux for 2022, Cooper Mickan. Cooper received an ATAR of 99.30, while balancing his study with the work role of school captain. An amazing effort Cooper!  We wish you well as you embark on a Bachelor of Biomedical Science and Science.

Senior Dux Presentation

ASHS Top five ATAR results for 2022

IGA Scholarship - Congratulations to David Kilpatrick, Year 12, 2022

This years IGA Scholarship has been awarded to David Kilpatrick. David is now studying Agriculture and Business at the University of Queensland and to get there he has worked very hard and contributed to school and to our community during his time at ASHS.

David has won $10,000 over 3 years, to assist him in his University studies. Congratulations David you deserve every success.

Thank-you to Fresh St. Market IGA for your continued support and commitment to our school and for such a generous scholarship. 

P&C AGM 28 February-Positions Available

Please come and attend the P&C AGM meeting Tuesday 28th February and if you can't attend at 7pm in our Library, please let us know beforehand at pandcathertonshs@outlook.com so a TEAMS link can be arranged.

There are important positions available where you can become involved! See below

Meet the Teacher Afternoon

On Tuesday 7th February we had our Meet the Teachers afternoon. We had students, parents, teachers attend, along with our Deputy Principals on the BBQ! It was an extremely positive and worthwhile afternoon. It was great to see new & current parents come along and get to know our staff in a more social environment.

Meet and Greet BBQ

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Agriculture Dept

The Agriculture Department would like to welcome some of its new enrolments, some calves and a kid either born just before or during the holidays. Names to follow shortly

New Enrolments for our Ag Dept

ASHS GOAT CLUB

On Thursday 22^nd February we had our very own Teacher Tracey Fitzgerald and our year 9 student Shelby Hamilton talk to ABC Far North Radio, Drive Program, about our amazing and unique Goat Club!!

We heard about the work students are doing in our Agriculture Department and we are doing wonderful and innovative work. Well done to Tracey, Shelby and all the students and staff involved.

Art Dept - Visual Art Senior Media Workshop

On Monday January 30th, ASHS Senior Visual Art students had the opportunity to participate in a full day of practical art making workshops, as part of their senior Visual Arts program.  The aim of this activity was to provide stimuli for students, from which they can form the basis of their initial investigations and further project works.

The students explored topics of ‘Empathy’, ‘Perspectives’ and Judgment’ in the creation of experimental mixed media artworks.  The students were amazing on the day.  They were so committed to the tasks at hand and approached the day with maturity and enthusiasm.  We hope that they had as great a day as we did.

Senior Media Workshop

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Certificate III in Early Childhood

If you would like to join our Playgroup we have space for you & your child will be most welcome.

Bring your little one to join in the fun at our Atherton SHS Playgroup. Contact Ms Collins if you have any questions on 4030 5222

Tableland Yidinji Youths 'Design a Sign' Art Competition

The Tablelands Regional Council is planning to erect a new sign in 2023 and we want our young Tableland Yidinji people to design it!!  All entrants will receive a prize and the winning design will be put onto the 'Welcome to Yidinji Country's' sign.

For more information contact admin@wadjanbarrayidinji.com.au

School Nurse - Valentines Day

FairPlay parent, carer or guardian

What is the FairPlay program?

• The program provides vouchers up to $150 to support children to get active.
• The vouchers can be used for sport and active recreation membership, registration or participation fees with registered activity providers.
• ​There is a limit of one voucher per child per calendar year.

Visit the website: https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/sports/funding/fairplay
Give us a call: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
Send us an email: fairplayvouchers@dtis.qld.gov.au 

Pedestrian Safety - Please Take Note

Students walking to and from school and crossing the road at various points please use the correct allocated crossings.  Parents please mention this to your  child, as safety is paramount for us all.

2023 Soccer Registration

Saver Plus - Back to School but with less stress. Start saving for 2024 back to school

St Joseph's Deb Ball - Save the Date 13 May

Momentum Gymnastics Ages 4 +