1 March 2024

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,

Welcome to the March edition of the Atherton State High School newsletter. This month, I am thrilled to shine a spotlight on our school's strong focus on positive behaviour for learning, anchored by our key values of being respectful, responsible, safe, and successful.

Respectful Behaviour:

Respect is the cornerstone of our school community. We are proud of our students' commitment to treating each other, staff, and the broader community with kindness, empathy, and consideration. By fostering an environment of mutual respect, we create a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and appreciated.

Responsible Citizenship:

At Atherton State High School, we believe in nurturing responsible citizens who actively contribute to the welfare of our school and society. Our students demonstrate accountability and integrity in their actions, both inside and outside the classroom.

Safe Environment:

The safety and well-being of our students are paramount. We are driven to maintain a safe and inclusive environment where students feel secure to learn, explore, and grow.

Cultivating Success:

Success takes many forms at Atherton State High School. Whether it's academic achievement, personal growth, or extracurricular accomplishments, we celebrate the diverse talents and achievements of our students. Through a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement, we empower our students to reach their full potential and strive for excellence in all their endeavours.

Positive Behaviour Recognition:

Our positive behaviour reward system acknowledges students who exemplify outstanding conduct and contribute positively to our school community. Teachers and staff members recognise students who:

• Show kindness and respect towards others – We are Respectful
• Demonstrate responsibility in their academic and social commitments – We are Responsible
• Prioritise safety and well-being in all aspects of school life – We are Safe
• Strive for personal and academic success through determination and hard work – We are Successful

We are excited to announce the launch of our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) Rewards Shop at Atherton State High School! This wonderful initiative is designed to further incentivize and recognize positive behaviour among our students, in alignment with our core values of respect, responsibility, safety, and success.

What is the PBL Rewards Shop?

The PBL Rewards Shop is a unique concept where students can redeem thank you tickets that they earn for demonstrating positive behaviour and embodying our school's values. It's a tangible way for us to celebrate the efforts and contributions of our students to our school community.

How Does It Work?

• Earning Points: Students receive thank you tickets for demonstrating positive behaviours aligning to our school values.
• Redemption Options: Accumulated tickets can be redeemed at the PBL Rewards Shop for a variety of exciting rewards, like fishing gear, sportswear, tuck shop vouchers, senior jersey credit, stationery. The shop options are expanding daily!

Encouraging Participation:

We encourage all students to actively engage with the PBL Rewards Shop by demonstrating positive behaviour and embracing our school's values. Through their actions, students not only earn rewards but also contribute to the vibrant and supportive culture that defines Atherton State High School and learn vital life skills.

Get Involved:

Parents, Carers and community members are invited to support our student’s participation in positive behaviour for learning by reinforcing the importance of positive behaviour outside of school and encouraging them to make meaningful contributions to our school and local community.  We would also happily accept donations for our PBL rewards shop from local businesses, so please if you wish to donate or know of somebody who may like to help us we would love to hear from you!

Thank you for your continued support and partnership in promoting positive behaviour at Atherton State High School.

Warm regards,

Leanne Knight-Smith
Principal
Atherton State High School

From the Deputy's Desk-Senior Schooling

Our senior students have a few exciting pathways opportunities over the coming weeks. Today, a group of students is participating in the JCU Careers in Health Breakfast, and next week a small group will be attending the International Women’s Day luncheon on Friday, hosted by the Business Liaison Association. Congratulations to the students taking up these valuable opportunities.

This week, we have commenced off-campus lessons for eligible Year 12s, who have a signed ALT agreement form and 85% attendance rate. Next week, these students will be issued with an off-campus card which will state their approved off-campus times. This is an exciting new initiative that will provide clarity to our students, staff and community about when students are approved to be out of school. Year 11 students will be able to apply for off- campus lessons from the beginning of Term 2.

We are now halfway through the term and assessment submission time is approaching for most Year 11 and 12 students. A reminder that students must submit a response to a task to achieve a rating in any senior unit. A non-submission in Year 12 subjects will mean that students will not achieve a rating in that subject for the whole year, as Year 12 units 3 and 4 are paired. If you are having difficulty with time management or assessment deadlines, please seek support from your teachers and the senior schooling team.

From the Deputy's Desk-Middle Schooling

The Year 9 and 10 students have been actively engaged in their learning in classes. It is wonderful to speak to them about the different topics they are covering.

Some students have indicated that they have a few assessment items coming up and are using their school diary (Year 9 ) or Outlook Calendar (Year 10) to manage their timelines. Some students, while prepared for assessment, still feel anxious about meeting deadlines and handing in their work. It might be timely to do a check in with your child to see what they have in the way of upcoming assessment in the next week or so.

21^st Century Skills: Why we are supporting the increasing use of Laptops in our classrooms?

In Queensland, as in many educational frameworks globally, 21st-century skills encompass a range of competencies that prepare students for success in the modern world. These skills typically include:

1. Critical thinking and problem-solving: The ability to analyse information, evaluate arguments, and propose solutions to complex problems.
2. Creativity and innovation: The capacity to think creatively, generate new ideas, and approach challenges with originality.
3. Communication: Effective verbal, written, and digital communication skills to convey ideas clearly and collaborate with others.
4. Collaboration and teamwork: Working cooperatively with others, respecting diverse perspectives, and contributing to shared goals.
5. Digital literacy: Competence in navigating digital tools and technologies, understanding digital ethics, and utilizing digital resources responsibly.
6. Information literacy: The ability to locate, evaluate, and effectively use information from various sources.
7. Adaptability and flexibility: Being open to change, resilient in the face of challenges, and able to adjust to new situations.
8. Social and cultural awareness: Understanding and respecting diverse cultures, perspectives, and identities, and engaging in inclusive practices.
9. Global citizenship: Developing an understanding of global issues, intercultural competence, and a sense of responsibility towards addressing societal challenges on a global scale.

These skills are integrated into Queensland's curriculum and educational practices to prepare students for success in the dynamic and interconnected world of the 21st century.

Student laptops can aid in developing these skills by providing access to digital resources, tools for collaborative work, platforms for creative expression, and opportunities for research and problem-solving. Additionally, using laptops encourages students to develop digital literacy and adaptability, essential skills in today's technology-driven world.

Teachers will embed a range of digital teaching practices into their classrooms to help make the learning engaging and interesting for students. Some of which include

**Flipped Classroom**: Students watch instructional videos or complete readings at home and use class time for hands-on activities, discussions, and collaborative projects.

**Game-Based Learning**: Incorporating educational games and simulations can make learning fun while promoting critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration.

**Online Discussions**: Using online platforms or discussion boards allows students to engage in asynchronous discussions, share ideas, and collaborate with peers beyond the classroom.

**Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR)**: Immersive technologies like VR and AR can transport students to virtual environments, enhancing their understanding of complex concepts and providing interactive learning experiences.

**Digital Storytelling**: Encouraging students to create multimedia presentations, videos, or digital stories allows them to express their creativity while mastering content knowledge.

**Collaborative Document Editing**: Tools like Google Docs enable real-time collaboration on documents, fostering teamwork and peer feedback.

**Personalized Learning Platforms**: Adaptive learning platforms tailor content and activities to each student's learning pace and style, promoting individualized instruction and mastery learning.

**Project-Based Learning (PBL)**: Integrating digital tools and resources into project-based learning experiences allows students to explore real-world problems, conduct research, and create authentic solutions.

**Social Media Integration**: Leveraging social media platforms in educational contexts can facilitate communication, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among students while promoting digital citizenship and responsible use.

By incorporating these digital pedagogical practices, teachers can create dynamic and interactive learning environments that cater to diverse learning styles and interests, making learning more meaningful and engaging for students.

**We acknowledge the important role that hands on practices like hand writing, building and physical activities bring to the growth of every child and are committed to combining both approaches in all of our classrooms. Variety in exposure to different styles of learning are uniquely valuable for all.

From the Deputy's Desk-Junior Schooling

Looking Out and Reaching Up: Building a Supportive School Community

At Atherton State High School, we believe in fostering a supportive environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued. This means not only creating a space where students can learn and grow academically, but also one where they feel comfortable reaching out for help when needed.

We all face challenges in life, big and small. Sometimes, these challenges can feel overwhelming and impact our ability to cope or function at our best. That's why it's important to look out for one another. Pay attention to your classmates and friends. If someone seems withdrawn, disconnected, or struggling, offer a listening ear or a friendly gesture.

Remember:

• A simple "How are you?" can go a long way.
• Actively listen without judgment.
• Encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult and Atherton SHS school support staff (poster attached to this newsletter).

Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. At Atherton SHS we have a network of resources available to you.

Reaching out for help is never a sign of giving up, it's a sign of courage and resilience. Remember, you are not alone. We are all here to support each other and create a positive and healthy school environment for everyone.

Together, we can build a school community where everyone feels empowered to look out for others and seek help when needed.

Empowering Students: Simple Ways to Combat Bullying

At Atherton State High School, we are committed to fostering a safe and inclusive environment where every student feels valued and respected. As part of our ongoing efforts to address bullying behaviour both in person and online, we believe it's essential to empower students with the knowledge and tools they need to protect themselves and their peers.

Here are some simple self-protective actions students can take to navigate bullying situations:

Speak Up: All students are encouraged to speak up if they witness bullying behaviour. Whether it's in person or online, students should feel comfortable reporting incidents to a trusted adult, such as a teacher, school counsellor, or parent. Remind them that reporting bullying is not tattling but a way to ensure everyone's safety.

Be an Upstander: Students learn how to be upstanders rather than bystanders. Encouraging them to support the victim and speak out against bullying behaviour and standing up to bullies collectively sends a powerful message and can help stop the behaviour.

Set Boundaries: Encouraging students to set boundaries and assertively communicate their feelings if they experience bullying is important. They have the right to say no and to remove themselves from situations that make them uncomfortable.

Use Technology Wisely: Reminding students to use technology responsibly and to think before they post or send messages online. Encouraging them to avoid sharing personal information, photos, or videos that could be used against them. Teaching them about privacy settings and how to block or report harmful content. Reminders that you do not have to accept all friend requests or follow requests and that when a friend or a follower request is accepted, they are inviting them into their personal space; consider if you would have these people in your home before accepting.

Practice Self-Care: Encouraging all students to prioritize self-care and seek support if they are experiencing bullying. Reminding them to engage in activities they enjoy, spend time with supportive friends and family members, and talk to a trusted adult if they need help coping with bullying-related stress. At school the Student Support team is there to help. Please see the poster above  that shows the different support staff available and the role that they play in supporting young people in our school. Students should also be encouraged to speak with their Year Level Coordinator, care class or classroom teachers who they feel a connection with if they need help.

Promote Kindness: By fostering a culture of kindness and empathy within the school and the wider community. Encouraging students to celebrate differences, show compassion towards others, and stand up for inclusivity. Kindness is a powerful antidote to bullying behaviour.

Our school has embedded activities and lessons that directly relate to the advice above. Our Wellbeing and Values lessons and a variety of targeted parades and presentations which are built into our school timetable to directly tackle the issue of bullying and cyber safety. Our faculties also deliver topics in our curriculum that also address these issues. By equipping students with these simple self-protective actions, we empower the students at Atherton State High School to create a safer and more respectful school environment for everyone. Together, we can work towards preventing and addressing bullying behaviour effectively.

If you have any concerns or questions related to bullying prevention, please don't hesitate to reach out to the school support staff. Thank you for your ongoing support in promoting a positive school climate.

Finance Update

Dear Parents/Carers/Guardians,

All 2024 Student Resource Scheme Levies and Subject Fees have been invoiced.  All 2024 Fees are required to be paid by the end of Term 1 or as per your arrangements made with the school.

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.

International News

Urgent: Homestay Families Required

March 19^th – March 28^th – 9 nights

Atherton State High School will be hosting a visiting school from Wakayama, Japan and urgently needs homestay families for female Japanese students aged 15 – 17 years and two visiting teachers.

Requirements:

• Provide a bed for each student
• Provide three meals a day and transportation to and from Atherton SHS
• All residents over 18 years must have a valid Blue Card.

The nightly rate is $45.50 per student per night.

Please contact International Students Coordinator Ainsley Jackson for an application form.

Email: international@athertonshs.eq.edu.au

Phone: (07) 4030 5232

Application forms are also available at Student Services and Reception.

News from the Library

PBL News

Welcome, welcome, welcome; welcome to the Positive Behaviour for Learning Rewards Shop! The buzz and excitement for our students, staff, and community has been amazing.  Our little program that started with ice-creams and tuckshop vouchers reward acknowledgments, has expanded very quickly to a fully fledged shop with many different items for students to bank their ‘Thank You’ tickets and achieve these rewards. We have stocked three display cabinets full of donated items; hand balls, stationary, footballs, t-shirts, water bottles, purses, fishing lures, and so much more! It is awesome having students coming into our Student Support Space to bank their tickets or collect their positive acknowledgment reward. The students present their tickets with pride, having a positive conversation with our staff bank manager, Miss Meg, about the reasons they have received their tickets.  The number of ice-creams that are being received for their 10 tickets has been fantastic; but the conversation about students Respectful, Responsible, Successful, and Safe behaviours is the real gold!

Every fortnight our PBL team meets to discuss and action our strategic plan for the year and further forward. This year we have identified through the data taken from One School, the two major factors impacting on student behaviour this term so far are-

1. Phones Away for the Day
2. Truancy- unexplained out of class

The new departmental mobile phone policy has been a challenge on many levels for staff, students and parents. The challenge is easing and the data is showing improvements in mobile phone use violations; and reports of social media bullying. Thank you to staff, parents, and caregivers for the collaborative approach. This has been a real positive for our whole school community.

As technology violation data has decreased, truancy data has increased. Students being out of class, roaming the school campus, hanging out at secluded areas on campus, and even leaving campus; is a concerning challenge that we are combating. Our messaging and focus to students this month has been: Right Place, Right Time, Right Equipment. Our support staff and teachers are working with our students to encourage them with this mantra. We respectfully ask that this message is echoed at home by parents, caregivers, and family. This will enable a consistent message for increased success. Education expert Robert Marzano (2004, p.5) describes in his book ‘Building Background Knowledge for Academic Performance’, ‘Studies confirm that there are two major contributing factors for student engagement with content and learning; the relationship fostered and built within the classroom, and the collaboration of support for the importance of the learning environment from the home environment’.

Speaking of the home environment, please keep an eye out for a personalised mail delivery. Positive Postcards have been sent home to students from our Student Support and Services Team to students who are demonstrating Successful, Respectful, Responsible, and Safe behaviours and actions, this includes attendance. As we have passed the half way mark for Term 1, we want to acknowledge and congratulate those students who are making it to all their classes, enacting the school values through the way they conduct themselves daily. For that we want to say THANK YOU!

Once again, thank you to all of the donations that have been flowing in for the Acknowledgment Rewards Shop. We are truly thankful to be able to provide our students with incentive and acknowledgment for being outstanding members of the Atherton State High Community.

Introducing Sonia Muller

Sonia Muller started with the school this year in the new role of Wellbeing Social Worker. What does that mean? Good question! Basically, Sonia is a qualified allied health professional who works with students on their own or in small groups (and sometimes their families/carers) where the young person is struggling with a mild to moderate mental health issue.

This could be where the student is having difficulties coping with life’s challenges, managing emotions (anxiety, grief, low mood, anger or stress), big feelings of hopelessness or helplessness, self-harm, eating disorders, self-esteem or identity.  Essentially, issues that affect a young person’s wellbeing, ability to cope and achieving their best at school and life.

There are a number of student support staff at the school and we work together to try to make sure the young person gets the right help at the right time.

The student is ‘invited’ rather than ‘sent’ as the service is voluntary, and if the young person is under 15, parents or carers must provide written consent to access the service. Sonia will typically offer a therapeutic program of support running over multiple sessions.

On a personal note, Sonia grew up at Malanda, then went away for 30 years, coming back several years ago to care for elderly parents. She has always enjoyed the rural lifestyle and is an avid gardener. Sonia has worked in a number of roles including hospital social work, youth mental health, youth detention centre, mediation and counselling.

Sonia is at the school Wednesday to Friday (and every second Tuesday) each week. Please feel free to contact Sonia directly, or via the Head of Senior or Head of Junior School to find out more.

QCIA English

Students from ASHS HUB visited an amazing exhibition at Tablelands Regional Art Gallery, as part of their Community Access Program. We saw artwork from artist, Graeme Draper, and Sculptor, Linda Bates. Graeme’s acrylic paintings of a variety of birdlife and Australian scenery were vibrant and colourful. Linda’s Raku clay sculptures were delightful and engaging.

We completed a questionnaire and then enjoyed having our photos taken next to our favourite pieces of art. We want to thank Anna Gillison, Galleries Officer from Tablelands Regional Council, for giving us the opportunity to visit and we look forward to the next exhibition.