Term 3, 4th August, 2023

Principal's Welcome

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Community members

We hope this newsletter finds you well and in high spirits as we celebrate the successful conclusion of Semester One at Atherton State High School. I am thrilled to share the achievements and highlights from the first half of term 3 with you.

Outstanding Results and Thank You to Parents

First and foremost, we would like to congratulate many of our students on their outstanding performance during Semester One. The hard work, dedication, and commitment to their studies have truly paid off, and we are immensely proud of each and every one of them. The wonderful achievements are a testament to our students’ abilities and determination, and we look forward to even greater accomplishments for this semester.

I would also like to extend our sincere appreciation to all the parents and guardians for your unwavering support throughout the term. Your encouragement and involvement in your child's education have played a crucial role in their academic journey. We recognise the effort you put into supporting your children, attending parent-teacher meetings, and being actively engaged in their learning. Your collaboration with our teachers fosters a strong educational foundation and helps our students thrive.

Celebrating student success

To celebrate the many, many wonderful students we have at this school we have introduced a celebration event to be held each term acknowledging the success of our students, last term we held a morning tea function for all students who achieved A’s and B’s and obtained excellent or very good ratings for effort and behaviour.  This term we will celebrate our Most improved students, each teacher has been asked to nominate a student for this encouragement award, I believe it is crucial that we acknowledge outstanding efforts made by our students to improve their educational outcomes.  I am thrilled to announce that we are also introducing a “Principal Honours” program.  Students with exceptional academic results are invited to join this program and will be spoilt with a breakfast in their honour, parents of these students will also be invited to join us.

Concert Band Spectacular: A Resounding Success!

Our Concert Band Spectacular held last weekend was an incredible success, showcasing the extraordinary talent of our students in the instrumental music program. We are delighted to see the passion and dedication our students have displayed in honing their musical skills.

We want to express our deepest gratitude to our amazing parents and citizens (P&C) association for their continuous support of our instrumental program. Your unwavering support and dedication have been instrumental in fostering a love for music among our students. It is because of your commitment that our music program continues to thrive and provide opportunities for our students to excel in the performing arts.

Gratitude to Local Businesses for Their Generous Donations

We were overwhelmed with gratitude for the generosity of our local businesses. Their substantial donations, totalling over $5000, provided invaluable support to our Instrumental Music Program. The funds raised through the raffle held at the Concert Band spectacular will go a long way in purchasing new instruments, music and uniforms. We deeply appreciate the commitment these businesses have shown to the development of our students and the growth of our school. We have included the long list of donors in the newsletter and we ask our school community to support these incredibly generous local businesses.

Thank you for your feedback

To the many parents who recently completed our term 2 pulse check, we really appreciate your feedback and thank you for your support, I am very happy to share that we have improved in all 10 areas. We are deeply committed to our improvement journey, I am driven to continue to improve this school in all areas and truly value your input!

Student behaviour is well managed at this school 24.2% to 73.81%

Teachers at this school are interested in my child's wellbeing 63% to 83.33%

This school asks for my input 40% to 83.34%

This school looks for ways to improve 50% to 90.48%

This is a good school 46% to 88.09%

My child feels safe at this school 49% to 76.19%

This school celebrates student achievements 70% to 85.72%

Teachers at this school expect my child to do their best 78% to 85.72%

My child is making good progress at this school 66% to 83.34%

My child's learning needs are being met at this school 59% to 78.57% 

School Opinion Survey

Thank you to all of those who have already completed the Parent/Caregiver Survey. If you have not had a chance to complete the survey yet, please note that the online surveys will remain open until Friday, 18 August 2023. This is your opportunity to provide feedback about what our school does well and how we can improve. Our pulse surveys are a school generated survey this school opinion survey is co-ordinated by the department and I would truly appreciate you taking the time to complete this survey.

To have your say, check your email for an invitation from the Department of Education titled School Opinion Survey for parents and caregivers, 2023. 

Can’t find your invitation?  If your family has more than one parent/caregiver, check that they haven’t received the invitation and/or check your junk email folder.

Facilities update

Over the last holiday period we have had some of the T Block demountables removed, I am campaigning at present for replacement general learning classrooms as our students deserve the very best and I will do all that I can to ensure our facilities are updated.  Our brand-new amenities have now gone out to tender which means we are another step closer to having this major upgrade started.  We will also have upgrades to our Manual Arts building completed over the Christmas break.

Looking Forward

As we continue into semester two, we are filled with excitement and anticipation for the opportunities and accomplishments that lie ahead. Our school's success is a reflection of the collective effort of our dedicated students, parents, teachers, and supporters, and we thank you for being an integral part of our school community.

Please stay tuned for more updates on upcoming events, achievements, and initiatives that will continue to shape the growth of our students and our school. Please like our school on Facebook so you can see our daily celebrations of our wonderful students and staff.  I am also doing a weekly video update via Facebook in the efforts of continuing to improve direct communication to you.

Warm regards,

Leanne Knight-Smith

From the Deputy's Desk - Middle School

It was wonderful to see so many great subject results in the Year 9 and 10 report cards. It was also pleasing to see the improvements in effort in behaviour for students who are now linking their learning at school with their future work pathways. Congratulations to you all.

The transition to senior school learning from Year 10 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 through Student Education and Training Planning (SET Planning). SET Planning helps students make informed 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 Year 10 SET Planning Day is being held in Week 9, Wednesday 6 September, Term 3. On this day 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. Please note if you cannot make it to SET P day we can accommodate another time/day.

Currently, Year 10 our students are preparing for their first round of subject selections. The purpose of the first round of selections, which comes as a smorgasbord of choices, helps to reflect the choices of subjects that most students are interested in, for that particular cohort. From this initial selection, the school builds a timetable of final subject offerings that can be accommodated in the following year. Not all subjects initially offered will be able to run but we do our best to meet the needs of the majority through this process. This process means we hear the voice of each student in the cohort so it is important that it is completed. Time has been allocated in WAV lessons, Tuesday Period 2, for students to complete this selection. If they are unable to do it then they are able to do it at home via their One School account.

For Year 9 students, it is a time for you to reflect and consider if you would like to continue in your current electives or look at a subject change in year 10.

Further information for parents and students in both Year 9 and 10 is delivered on Subject Selection Evening in Week 6, Tuesday 15 August

• starting with a presentation to year 9 parents and student in the library at 5.30pm followed by
• a presentation to year 10 parents and students starting at 6.30pm

You will also have the opportunity to speak directly with the staff of each faculty to hear what the subjects entail and see examples of the type of work they may be involved in.

We look forward to seeing as many parents and students there as possible so you are hearing the information you need directly from our staff. More information and reminders will become available closer to the time of the event but please place these dates in your calendar.

It is wonderful to see the increasing number of year 9 students who are taking the opportunity to use the work experience days available to them to help them make future pathway decisions. Many of our Year 9 students are also looking at work options available to them after school and what vocational pathways are out there. The Vocational Education Co-ordinator is Mrs Kylie Coleman and is located in A22 for any Year 9 students who would like to seek initial information about work experience.

In Year 10, students can start to contribute to their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) so students currently in year 9 looking for work should consider a School Based Traineeship or Apprenticeship if they are able to find one.

Finally, a reminder to Year 10 students that there is a bank of student laptops available for hire. I sent an email out to Year 10 parents and students with all the details on how to apply on 5 June and hard copies of the information is available at the Student Services counter as well. Please consider accessing these laptops. They are brand new and ready to be used.

From the Deputy's Desk - Junior School

Uniform

This term a number of families have asked questions regarding the Atherton State High School uniform especially as the weather has been a little cool and rainy. The Dress Code was one of the documents that was included in your enrolment agreement and was signed off on.

 The Everyday uniform is defined below:

Jewellery/Accessories

Students are discouraged from wearing jewellery, visible make up and accessories.

Jewellery permitted is:

• Gold or silver plain sleepers or studs in ears (maximum of 2 per ear),
• A watch
• A flat gold or silver ring
• A chain with religious symbols worn below the collar line.

No other visible piercings allowed at school or whilst representing the school at events.

 Hair Ties:

Plain maroon, white and/or gold hair ties, ribbons and clips. (No decorative hair accessories).

 Make up and Nail Polish:

Visible make up or coloured nail polish is not permitted.

 Uniform Variations:

• Year 12 students are allowed a senior jersey and senior shirt with the year on the back and can only be worn in that year.
• Workplace Health and Safety requirements of high risk subjects (e.g. engineering) require specific safety equipment to be worn. These are articulated in learning guides published yearly.

If a student is out of uniform, two options exist. Students can borrow a uniform item from Student Services or a parent/carer can write a note explaining why a uniform item is not correct. The process for borrowing an item is that the Atherton High uniform item is exchanged for the uniform item that is not correct. This is then returned and exchanged back at the end of the day or the next day. When a student is not in uniform and arrives at class the teacher will send them to Student Services. A Deputy Principal may contact home to communicate the non-uniform breach and to coordinate a supportive approach moving forward.

Enrolment at Atherton State High School

If you are wanting to enrol a student at Atherton State High School for 2024 then please complete an enrolment pack. These were handed to all students who attended the transition day. Alternatively, they are on our school website or a copy can be arranged via our school office.

 Once your enrolment paperwork is filled in, you will need to complete an enrolment session at the school. We are conducting these throughout term 3. Please contact the school office to book into one of these sessions or to book an appointment outside of these times.

PBL Update

The Positive Behaviour for Learning Team continue to meet every fortnight. The past fortnight they have determined that the following values be a whole school focus:

Week 5: We are respectful – use toilet and drink facilities appropriately. We are responsible – report any damage to a teacher or member of staff as soon as possible. 

Thank you for sitting with your timetabled class in the allocated position. 

Week 6: We are responsible – arrive on time with a positive attitude and give your best effort. 

Thank you for using and drink facilities appropriately. 

As members of our school community, we encourage you to have a conversation about what these values look like.

Chris Keating

Deputy Principal Junior Secondary

Finance update

Dear Parents/Carers/Guardians,

Outstanding Accounts Reminder:

Our records indicate that we currently have a number of outstanding student accounts.

As we are at the Commencement of Semester 2, we ask that you please finalise or make a plan to finalise your child’s account as soon as possible.

Statements are sent home on a monthly basis.

We now offer EFTPOS in both Reception – L block and Student Services – A block.

If you would like to make a payment plan or re-instate a previous payment plan, please feel free to contact L Block Reception on 4030 5248 – we would be only too happy to assist.

If you have recently made payment, thank you and please disregard this message.

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 available
• 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

Student Contact details

To ensure effective communication and maintaining accurate records, we kindly request your assistance in updating your contact details.

It is crucial for us to have the most up-to-date information to keep you informed about important school announcements, upcoming events, and any emergencies that may arise.

If you have recently moved to a new address, have a new email address or have changed your phone number, please take a few moments to update your information by following the instructions below:

1. Email principal@athertonshs.eq.edu.au with your new details

or

1. Update on QParents

Alternatively, there is a contact update form  available from the front office.

Ensuring we have the correct contact information helps us better serve you and your child, allowing us to quickly reach you in case of emergencies and keep you informed about all school-related matters.

2024 Curriculum Information Evening

THANK YOU!!!

A massive THANK YOU must go to the following businesses for your generous donations and support of our Brass and COncert Band spectacular!

Faculty update – Health faculty

7 HPE

Year 7’s are completing a semesterised HPE program in which they study multiple topics, as well as participate in a range of minor games and sports.  Recently these classes have been undertaking traditional games from the Yulunga games resource.  The semester 1 cohort did an amazing job and have set the bar high for those undertaking the subject this semester.  We hope that all year 7’s have enjoyed the program whilst developing the necessary skills to be successful in all future physical activities that they undertake.

8 HPE & PEX

Our year 8’s in core HPE have also just changed cohorts as they are also running a semesterised program.  Students have or will be studying a range of topics that support lifelong learning in, about and through physical activity, as well as health, fitness and personal/community wellbeing.

8PEX recently reviewed ethics and integrity with a focus on drugs and cheating in sport.  They also undertook skill development in the game of softball.  This term they will switch focus to respectful relationships and touch football.

9 HPE & PEX

In semester one half the year 9 cohort studied HPE and did a great job.  This term, the second half of the cohort are undertaking multiple engaging topics such as respectful relationships and rethinking drinking.  They will also apply their skills to a range of physical activities.

The year 9 PEX students studied anatomy and volleyball, as well as fitness components in semester 1.  They had lots of fun practicing the anatomical terms by placing the correct names on their body parts. This term students are focusing on sensationalised media reporting of health issues, as well as applying physical skills through the game of touch.

10 HPE & PEX

Year 10 HPE students are completing a semesterised program which involves investigating topics such as risk taking, cultural connections and first aid, as well as a range of practical activities.  The current cohort will be handing in their first assessment in week 6, and we expect good things from these students!

The year 10 PEX classes are undertaking a range of topics and activities throughout the year including lawn bowls, fitness training, energy systems and biomechanics.  This term, they are also studying the game of touch, applying a range of tactics and strategies to enable them to succeed.

11/12 PED

Senior PE students have been working towards achieving as many points as possible for their assessment items throughout units 1 and 3 respectively.  The year 12 cohort are currently working on their IA3 assessment which involves designing and justifying a training program to suit their specific playing position within the relevant physical activity.  We wish the year 12’s the best of luck in the remaining two assessment items for the year including the external exam in term 4.

11/12 VIF

The year 11 and 12 Certificate III in Fitness classes have been learning about multiple aspects of the Sport, Recreation and Fitness industry and have been undertaking practical assessment at regular intervals in order to apply the skills that they have learnt.  This term, students in both year levels are training peer clients, however the year 12’s also have the opportunity to engage with real adult clients.  If you are a staff member or community member who would like to be involved, please discuss this with any of the year 12 Fitness students, or contact the Health faculty.  Further information will be coming out shortly regarding this amazing opportunity to be trained by one or more of our wonderful students.

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11/12 REC

Students studying Sport and Recreation have had the opportunity to participate in a range of engaging activities this year.  This term, the year 11’s will complete a hiking and orienteering unit, culminating with hikes to Mt Baldy and Stewart Head.  The year 12’s are studying skill acquisition to evaluate their progression in badminton, and will compete in a badminton tournament this term with both students and teachers invited to participate.  Who will be the ASHS badminton master in 2023?!?

Rollin’ with the Sporting Wheelies

In week 3 we were extremely lucky to have a visit from the Sporting Wheelies Association.  They took multiple HPE classes through a range of inclusive games including wheelchair Red Rover, wheelchair basketball and Goalball.  Staff and students had a wonderful time, and we thank the Sporting Wheelies, as well as our CEC Ms Caulfield, Liaison Officer Ms Combe, Chappy Belinda and Mr MacGregor and for helping us create such a wonderful opportunity!

Mr Lyndon, Head of Department - Health

Atherton Health Hub visit

As part of our Community Access Program, students from ASHS HUB visited the Atherton Health Hub on Louise Street. It was great to visit a Doctor’s Surgery and NOT be a patient! Lauren and Jenny welcomed us at the door and showed us into the Reception Area. We walked through the spacious Waiting Room and into a smaller room which was the Doctor’s Consulting Room. Lauren showed us some of the implements that a Doctor uses to help diagnose a patient’s illness. We saw tongue depressors, thermometers, baby scales, wall measuring tape, plastic gloves, etc. Then we moved into a larger room where there were some beds set up for small surgical procedures. Lauren and Jenny showed us some surgical equipment as well as medicines and things you would expect to find in a First Aid Kit. We were able to ask lots of questions and we found out that it takes a lot of hard work and study to become a Nurse and a Doctor. We really enjoyed our visit to the Atherton Health Hub and want to thank Lauren and Jenny for giving us a tour and special thanks to Maddie for organising this visit.

The Autism Toolbox

Technology News

News from the CEC - Sharon Caulfield-Anning

NAIDOC Week is nationally recognised in the first week of July each year. This year the theme is ‘For Our Elders’. Atherton State High School acknowledges our local community Elders, in spirit of this year’s NAIDOC theme FOR OUR ELDERS.

We recognise our Elders as being the keepers of wisdom, they are the bridge between modern times and the passing on of history, traditional knowledge, values and customary practices.

They are our loved ones who pick us up in our low moments and celebrate us in our high ones. In appreciation for all of the support and guidance that is given we invited Elders or emerging Elders from student families to join us for morning tea as a thank-you.

During our Morning Tea, we invited Elders and Students to have a yarn with our friends from VPG, a local community-based organisation working hard to improve the lives of children, youth, and families. The VPG Team were present to capture words of wisdom and stories from Elders to inspire the generation of tomorrow.

The stories and videos captured during the morning tea was shared during our NAIDOC parade, at school, and online. We believe that this will help foster a deeper understanding of the role of Elders in our community and help bridge the gap between generations. Yarning with Elders from Atherton State High School can be viewed on VPG Facebook page in three parts or whole at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66UGY07gVwc

This year our NAIDOC Parade was held first week of term three. Each year Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation (QATSIF) invite Indigenous students from Queensland to write applications for their QATSIF Scholarship Program. A number of our students were presented with Certificates of Recognition for winning QATSIF Scholarships. These scholarships were awarded in 2021 (round13) and 2022 (round 14). Congratulations to our students:

Noah Blooranta, Lillian Caulfield-Anning, Brennan Muckan and Johnathan Rosas – Round 13

Molly Bell, Sawyer Nehow and Natarlia Weston – Round 14

In addition, both Noah Blooranta and Lillian Caulfield-Anning were recognised by QATSIF as obtaining Leadership roles in the Sport Houses Barrine and Euramo. They were presented their QATSIF Leadership badges and certificate.

Also presented during our NAIDOC parade were awards for Yarning with Elders Project. Over term four of 2022 and the Christmas holidays the Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Foundation in partnership with Australian Catholic University invited all Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander secondary students to yarn with, learn from, and share the stories, wisdom and cultural heritage of our Elders. 

As a result, three students of Atherton State High School received Highly commended awards for their written entries for the Yarning with Elders Project.

Congratulations Lilliana Joinbee, Meda-Hope Caulfield-Anning and Lillian Caulfield-Anning.

Thank you to the Gambira Idinji dancers for performing on our NAIDOC parade and our parents and community Elders who attended our Morning Tea and NAIDOC parade.

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Sport update

2023 has been as big a year as ever when we talk about Atherton State High School and School Sport. Well into Term 3 already, we’ve had a milestone year in regards to student participation and success across a variety of courts and fields. Since our last sport update, ASHS has been bustling with School and Representative sport success stories.

Cross Country

Term 2 at ASHS was chaotic for all students. Beginning with our Interhouse Cross Country Championships at the Tinaburra Avenue of Honour, Thursday April 20 saw our ASHS students head to the course for a great day competitive running. Managing to grace a break in weather; and under the guidance of their house captains, students showed true ASHS House spirit in cheering on their team mates and peers– great job students!

Our 2023 Inter-House Cross Country Age Champions are as follows:

Congratulations to Eacham who won the 2023 Atherton State High School Interhouse Cross Country Carnival!

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Representative Cross Country

Transitioning from our ASHS Inter-House Cross Country Carnival, 43 students were selected to represent ASHS at the Tablelands District Cross Country Carnival in week 3. This Carnival was a great success for our school, with 33 out of 43 students being selected in the Tablelands District Team. We also had four age champions and four minor placings, helping us secure 2^nd place overall in the entire district! Congratulations to Lucas, Charlee, Kira and Kaylan on winning age champion!

Again returning to Tinaburra for a third day of Cross Country racing for the Peninsula Carnival, Atherton SHS further produced 4 regional representatives. These students trained for weeks prior to travelling in early July to the QLD State Cross Country Championships in Hervey Bay (Hosted by Wide Bay Region). Congratulations to Kira, Lucas, Sophie and Kaylan – great job!

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Athletics Carnival

The completion of Term 2 included the 2023 iteration of the Atherton State High School Interhouse Athletics Carnival. The 22^nd and 23^rd of June saw two great days of house spirit and competitive athleticism, but most importantly, saw the relationships between students and staff collectively grow bigger and better.

Despite the inclement weather throughout Thursday, the carnival progressed on, with students  enjoying themselves across both competitive, and house spirit events. As the rain continued and their clothes dampened as a result, students’ spirits did not. Lunch time saw all students take to the oval for our annual dance off – showing off their rhythmic (and some a lack of!) talent in the Macarena, Nutbush, and other fan favourite dances. The students enjoyed themselves so much even Mr Simpson, Mrs Knight-Smith and many other staff had to get involved despite the rain! A special mention goes to the 2023 House Captains; without your encouragement and presence these students would not have had the two days they did, great job to the eight of you!

Day two of the Carnival brought much better weather – courtesy of the ‘Sun Dance’ Mr Simpson performed overnight… The better weather allowed for all our Long and Triple Jump events to be caught up within the day, thank you to all staff who assisted in pushing these events through! Traditionally day two further consists of our 100m, Principal’s Cup and relay events – including the teacher vs student events, which as always, never disappoints! However, unfortunately in 2023, the house captains took the win… Just! The final scores of the 2023 ASHS Interhouse Athletics Carnival are as follows:

1^st Place – Eacham Echidnas – 1891 points

2^nd Place – Euramo Eels – 1652 points

3^rd Place – Barrine Barramundis – 1610 points

4^th Place – Quincan Quolls – 1165 points

Our age champions for this event are as follows:

The top two Athletes in each event now progress through to the Tablelands District Track and Field Carnival held at St Stephens CC Mareeba on the 3^rd and 4^th of August. Best of luck to our 80 students attending this carnival, we’re sure you will compete hard and do the school proud.

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Swimming Carnival:

Friday the 15^th of September hosts our final ASHS Whole School Carnival for 2023, the Interhouse Swimming Carnival. Typically, a great day of social games and fun for students – with the odd competitive race…, the ASHS swimming carnival is the final day for our Senior cohort of each year to show off their house spirit and pride in the school. Themes are yet to be released for this event; however, a safe bet would be to assume they are going to be a bit extra! Don’t forget, although in September it isn’t overly hot, the sun is still very strong, please ensure you ‘Slip, Slop, Slap, Slide, and Seek’ throughout the entirety of the day.

Extra-Curricular Sport:

Extra-Curricular Sport at ASHS has continued to progress throughout the year. Throughout Term 1 girls from year 7-12 had the opportunity to compete the nation wide Karyn Murphy Cup Rugby League 9’s competition. Consisting of games after school against other schools from the region, our girls played exceptionally well, earning a spot in the Regional Gala Day held in Cairns. The girls played brilliantly across this day, going undefeated against some strong opposition – great job ladies! Tilly Smith was named player of the carnival for our Year 7/8 Team and received a prize pack from the Northern Pride – Congratulations Tilly!

Term 2 saw the inclusion of the Annual Vicki Wilson Netball Competition. Submitting strong Senior (Years 10-12) and Junior (Years 7-9) teams, our ASHS girls looked promising to take it to the best netball schools in FNQ; which they did! Unfortunately, both teams did not progress from this carnival but played with pride for our ASHS community.

Term 3 sees the inclusion of the Allan Rockley Interschool Touch Football competition. This year ASHS has entered three Intermediate teams from years 7-9, and two Senior teams, from years 10-12. Round 1 saw promising wins for ASHS Senior 1, ASHS Intermediate 1 and 2 and unfortunate losses for our other teams. Looking forward, this competition runs until the 6^th of September (Week 9) and is great viewing if you’re in the market for some Wednesday afternoon entertainment.

T20 Cricket

The Streetsmarts T20 Cricket Challenge is being held across Queensland in term 2 and 3.  Our school had both boys and girls teams compete at the local round in Atherton in term 2.  The girls team were successful and moved into the second (regional finals) round in Cairns on Friday 28^th July.  Unfortunately despite thrashing Mareeba SHS in the first game, we suffered a narrow loss to St Andrew’s and did not progress to the NQ final.  In 2022, our girls team won the NQ state final for this competition – well done girls!!

House Challenge

2023 sees the incorporation of a 4^th Interhouse event at ASHS, the Interhouse House Challenge. Focusing on house spirit; through both athletic events and not, House Challenge encourages all students to participate and simply, have a go. Driven by the House Captains, our House Challenge events have been a blast so far, consisting of: A fun run, Ball Games, Egg and Spoon Races, ASHS Logo Making (ASHS with people), The Pushup Challenge for Mental Health in June, and many more to come. Throughout the various House Challenge events, it has been a pleasure to see the level of inclusivity and passion our ASHS students have for their peers and their house, almost certainly cementing these events into the future of our Atherton State High School community.

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Representative sport – current list of Peninsula/QLD/National reps

Representative sport is a limelight of our ASHS community, with many students and staff participating in the QLD School Sport pathways provided. These opportunities provide our students with an extra means of success, outside of the traditional classroom environment. Thank you to all the staff and parents supporting our students in their sporting endeavours, the influence this has is enormous! Congratulations to all students who have been selected to represent the Peninsula School Sport Region in sport so far this year.

Please the list of students below:

List as of 1/8/2023 – if there are any errors or omissions, please contact Mr Simpson on hsimp75@eq.edu.au

I wish all students the best of luck with all your sporting endeavours throughout the remainder of 2023 and look forward to a successful semester 2!

Mr Simpson

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Visit to the Atherton Transfer Station

Students from the HUB visited the Transfer Station as part of our Community Access Program. Dan gave us a great tour and showed us where all our trash ends up! It was exciting to see the new cardboard baler and the big piles of steel, tyres and plastic containers. We were happy to know that the Transfer Station recycles cans, glass bottles, cardboard, plastic milk bottles and soft drink bottles. We had a quick peek in the Recycle Shop, where there are some great bargains, and we’re all keen to return at a later date. Thank you to Dan for a great visit!

Open Mic Sesh – A success!!!!

It was a full house in the library at Recess 1 today with eager performers and audience members of all ages.  Songs ranged from Ed Sheeran, Baxter to Elvis Priestley.  All live performances of students and staff were outstanding, particularly Cody’s Elvis performance of “Jailhouse Rock”, which took the house down.  Thank you all for supporting this event – you all ROCK!  Elvis has now left the building.  Open Mic Sesh runs every Term, Week 4 & 8 Friday recesses. For more information contact the Library, or email sstev113@eq.edu.au. 

Mackenna's School Based Traineeship

Were you aware that our local IGA has been backing our School Based Apprenticeship & Traineeship initiative for numerous years?  The number of supported students has surpassed 150!!  Over 150 accomplished qualifications have been included in the resumes of these young individuals, equipping them with real life skills to help pave their way into the future.

Thanks Fresh St Market IGA.

QParents

Parents are invited to sign up for QParents.  QParents is an app that gives parents access to their child’s information online and helps you stay connected with the school.  If parents have not yet registered for QParents and would like to, please email admin@athertonshs.eq.edu.au

2023 Early School Leavers survey

The Queensland Government is seeking the support of the school community for the annual follow up of Year 10, 11 and 12 students who left a state school in 2022, before completing Year 12. This short questionnaire collects information about what young people are doing the year after leaving state school. The results inform strategies for improving the learning experience and transition supports available to future school leavers.

Between August and September, early leavers from 2022 can expect to receive instructions to complete a few web-based questions or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the instructions to their new address so they can participate.

Thank you for your support in 2023.

For more information, please visit www.qld.gov.au/nextstep/ or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.

Chris’ Spot on Health

Aviation industry visit for Aerospace Students

The Year 11 and 12 Aerospace Systems students had a fantastic opportunity to visit Mareeba Airport for their industry experience recently. Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF), our industry partner, showed the students their brand-new engineering facility and then gave each students some time in their full motion flight simulator.

The students also visited the North Queensland Aero Club where flight instructor Jack spoke about how the students can gain their pilot’s licence. Paul, from NQ Warbirds, showed the students the aircraft they are currently restoring and they were also given the rare privilege of getting up close and personal with the newly restored Chance Vought F4U Corsair.

This type of visit provides the students with the opportunity to engage with the many facets of the aviation community. Atherton High is an Aerospace Gateway into School Program (AGISP) school and this allows our students to interact with the aviation industry in the hope that some students are encouraged to pursue aviation careers.   

Jon Collins

Aerospace Teacher

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Blake's School Based Traineeship

Last September, Blake began a School Based Traineeship at McDonalds.  Currently in Year 11, he leaves School early on Wednesdays to go to work and also meets with his theory trainers when they visit from Brisbane each month.  Blake is determined to have numerous opportunities after finishing school, so he also studies a Cert I in Construction and a Cert II in Engineering as part of his school curriculum.  Atherton State High School sincerely thanks McDonalds for their ongoing support in offering traineeship opportunities to our students over the years.

International Students Program

Upcoming Events - For 2023

The upcoming events for Atherton SHS can be found on our website 

Ashleigh's School Based Traineeship

Six Degrees gym visit

Students from ASHS HUB visited Six Degrees Gym as part of our Community Access Program. Alex welcomed us and showed us some of the facilities: the Reception Desk, the Children’s Play Area, the pigeon holes (where people can leave their belongings while they use the gym) and the water dispenser. Alex explained the benefits of a variety of gym equipment, and even demonstrated their use. Six Degrees Gym has a huge work-out area and has so much to offer people wanting to get fit and improve their health, in a fun and friendly environment. As well as working on your own, you can join classes or work with a Personal Trainer. Our favourite thing to see was the Rock Wall, where you can take part in Bouldering, which looked very challenging. We really enjoyed our visit to Six Degrees Gym and want to thank Alex for taking the time to show us around.

Library News

Atherton State High students did us proud at the annual Yr. 9 & 10 Reader’s Cup Competition held at Smithfield SHS in Cairns this week.

On Wednesday the 2^nd of August, four students from Atherton State High School participated in the annual Far North Queensland Children’s Book Council Readers Cup competition. The competition showcases local and national Australian authors, ranging from fantasy, science fiction and youth genres.

The Atherton State High School team, Skyla Busuttil, Miranda Hardy, Megan Moerman and Hannah Dawson competed against 18 teams from schools across the region. The competition consisted of four rounds of questions, quizzing teams on recalling information from four separate novels.

We congratulate our team in achieving top five position. The competition was incredibly close, proving their hard work and commitment paid off.  

A big thank you also goes out to staff members, Mrs Virginia Arbouin and Mr Matt Touwen who committed their own time to guide and facilitate cup meetings.

To learn more about Readers Cup visit the website or alternatively see Mrs Stevens at the Library. https://www.readerscup.org.au/

P&C Association - All welcome

The P&C meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at 5.30pm.  These are held in the school library.  Everyone and encouraged to attend! If you have any questions please contact the P&C directly on pandc@athertonshs.eq.edu.au

You can find a membership form  here

Certificate III in Early Childhood

If you would like to join our Playgroup please come along!

This playgroup happens during the school term only.

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

Love Bites

Cairns Airport Aviation Careers day

TFC Manager position

Country to Canberra

Country to Canberra is an Australian not-for-profit that is empowering young rural women to reach their leadership potential. Founded in 2014, they run national initiatives that provide leadership opportunities, inspire self-belief, and provide motivational mentors to break down gender and geographical barriers.

This is an incredible opportunity for young women and non-binary people in rural and remote areas, in the Kennedy electorate.

The annual Leadership Competition is NOW OPEN. 

The young winners will be invited to visit Canberra in November 2023, where they can meet and engage meaningfully with politicians across lunches, panel events, and private meetings. 

Have you thought about joining Army Cadets?

Womens Health Clinic visiting Atherton

Momentum Gymnastics

GAP Year Program