30 May 2024

From the Principal's Desk

As we wrap up Week 7 of Term 2, it brings me great joy to acknowledge and celebrate the multitude of achievements within our school community. Our students have excelled in various cultural, sporting, and academic pursuits, showcasing their diverse talents and dedication.

Cultural Achievements

Our students have made remarkable strides this term with cultural activities, demonstrating their creativity and passion:

Concert Band - Fanfare: A special congratulations to our concert band for achieving a platinum level at the regional Fanfare heats, held here at Atherton State High School.  We are all eagerly looking forward to watching them compete in Cairns next week at the Regional finals. Mr Szery is an outstanding instrumental music co-ordinator who has worked tirelessly with our incredibly dedicated ensemble to produce spectacular music.

Spirit of Youth Performance: Congratulations to our music students and staff for an outstanding "Spirit of Youth" public performance. The performance showcased the musical talents of our Year 9 to 12 music students and our Academy vocal group. The full school parade performance and the evening show displayed the exceptional talent and dedication of our students.  A huge shout out to Ms Taske and Ms Woodgate who co-ordinated the event.

ATSIAP success: A huge congratulations to Hunter, Jemimah, Logan, Verity, Lahanna, Ramon, Talisha and Mia who participated in the recent ATSIAP challenge. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Aspirations Program (ATSIAP) is an initiative for high-achieving secondary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Queensland state schools. ATSIAP is a state-wide academic challenge for eligible students in Years 7 to 12. The program builds upon students' critical and creative thinking skills by providing opportunities to investigate solutions for real-world challenges. A huge thank you to our staff Amanda Linwood and Sharon Caulfield for working with our talented students who achieved third place in the poetry and art category.

Student Pathway to Success trial - Please note this has not been approved by the Department as yet - we are still in the consultation phase.  We will advise the outcome of our proposal from the Department in the near future. 

PARENT INFORMATION STUDENT PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS (SPS) PROPOSAL 2024

CONTEXT:

The Student Pathways to Success proposal uses the Equity in Excellence key focus areas to drive ASHS school improvement:

• Educational Achievement,
• Wellbeing and Engagement and
• Culture and Inclusion

In extensive consultation with our entire school community the Annual Improvement Plan was developed to drive school improvement priorities centred firmly around improving student outcomes and experiences. The feedback gathered in this process contributed to the identification of four key focus areas for ASHS

• Collegial Engagement and pedagogy,
• Guaranteed and Viable Curriculum
• Inclusion
• Learning Culture

The most recent school review highlighted the key improvement strategies

• Develop a whole school professional learning plan to align professional learning with achieve goals outlined in the improvement agenda
• Implement a consistent school wide approach to increase student ownership of their pathways and engagement in learning

School opinion survey and pulse survey data has been crucial to driving change in regards to school improvement. The voice of our students, staff and community underpins the actions we are taking to make a difference.

A key component of our strategic plan is to have an effective enhancement strategy through the implementation of the SPS to maximise the student outcomes of Atherton State High School. Atherton State High School has a strong academic, vocational and learning culture and we believe that the education of all students will be enhanced by the opportunity through SPS for further dedicated study time for consolidation of learning and real-life pathway experience and exploration.

SPS is an opportunity for senior students to access and enhance their learning experiences through engagement in school-based traineeships and apprenticeships, certificate courses, work experience, independent study, personal development and wellness activities.

A trial of SPS is scheduled to start semester 2 2024 each Tuesday during Period 4, with a view to full implementation in 2025. The trial involves Year 10, 11 and 12 students only.

PROPOSAL:

The proposal is to devote a single 70-minute lesson per week, Tuesday Period 4, where Year 10, 11 and 12 students are timetabled off campus to

• explore the world of work through work experience or school-based traineeships and apprenticeships,
• complete review and revision to consolidate learning,
• work on assessment and exam preparation,
• complete certificate courses
• complete work readiness activities such as cover letter and resume writing

On Tuesday’s school will commence at the normal time of 8.50am and finishes

• For Year 10,11 and 12 students at 1.20pm
• For Year 7, 8 and 9 at 3pm

We recognise that there may be exceptional circumstances where some Year 10, 11 and 12 students are unable to leave the school during this time. On campus study classes will be provided for those Year 10, 11 and 12 students who wish to remain at school until 3.00 pm on Tuesdays. This may include students who have to wait for buses, those in Out of Home Care and other students whose parents wish them to remain at school for further study.

Staff will be allocated during SPS time, on a rotational basis, to deliver the wellbeing and values program to the Year 7,8 and 9 students and to supervise any Year 10, 11 and 12 students remaining on campus during this time.

In order to determine the benefits of SPS for students, staff and wider community, the proposal is to commence a trial of SPS for Semester 2 2024. A review process will be conducted following the trial.

FACT SHEET 1: The benefits of study and vocational education time for students

1. Skill Development and Real-World Application: Study time and vocational placements offer students opportunities to develop practical skills relevant to their future careers. Work experience provides students with opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge learned in the classroom to real-world situations.
2. Career Exploration and Work Readiness: It allows students to explore various career paths firsthand, helping them make informed decisions about their future. It prepares students for the transition from school to the workforce by familiarizing them with workplace expectations and norms.
3. Networking and Confidence Boost: Students can establish valuable connections with professionals in their field of interest, which may lead to future employment or mentorship opportunities. The connections made while successfully completing vocational placements and work experience builds students’ confidence in their abilities and potential career paths.
4. Resume Building: Engaging in vocational placements and work experience enhances students’ resumes, making them more competitive in the job market.
5. Soft Skills Development and Personal Growth: Students learn essential soft skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, and problem-solving through practical experience. Work experience challenges students to step out of their comfort zones, fostering personal growth and resilience.
6. Mastery of Material, Long-Term Retention and Improved Grades: Additional study time allows students to review and reinforce what they've learned in class, leading to better comprehension and mastery of the material. With more time dedicated to studying, students are likely to see improvements in their academic performance and grades. Spending more time studying helps students to better retain information in the long term, contributing to a deeper understanding of the subject matter.
7. Test Preparation: Extra study time provides opportunities for students to prepare thoroughly for exams and assessments, increasing their chances of success.
8. Reduced Stress: By staying on top of their coursework through extra study time, students can reduce stress levels associated with academic deadlines and performance expectations.
9. Increased Confidence: Mastering course material through extra study boosts students' confidence in their abilities, which can positively impact their overall academic experience. Engaging in extra study time encourages students to take ownership of their learning and fosters a sense of responsibility and accountability.
10. Exploration of Interests: Students can use extra study time to explore topics they find intriguing or delve deeper into subjects they are passionate about, enriching their educational experience.

FACT SHEET 2: Frequently Asked Questions

• Will students miss curriculum time?

The lesson dedicated to SPS Time replaces the Wellbeing and Values lesson (WAV) for Senior students on Tuesday afternoon and will not impact on curriculum time. The WAV lessons will continue to be run on Friday Period 2 for all year levels in curriculum units supported by extended form class on Mondays to support the pastoral care program and Whole School Events.

• Why are we using Tuesdays?

Many Senior School students involved in TAFE or School Based Traineeships or Apprenticeships use Tuesday afternoon to access these programs. Placing SPS Time on a Tuesday at the end of the day reduces the impact on curriculum time for those students and does not impact on curriculum time for others.

• What will staff be doing during SPS time?

Some staff will be engaged in supervising Year 10- 12 students who remain at school for self-directed study. Others will be delivering a quality wellbeing and values programs to Junior Secondary students. To enhance quality curriculum delivery and increase student outcomes groups of teachers will work collaboratively to improve their practices.

• What would supervision look like?

Students involved in SPS Time at school will be expected to engage in independent study sessions and will be supervised in a quiet space in the school.  There will be no content delivery during this time and the work the student chooses to do will be self-directed, much the same as it will be for the students who choose to study at home.

• If parents do not want their student to go home, what do they do?

Parents indicate at the start of the Term if they wish their student to remain. A permission form will be sent out which will need to be filled in and returned so we are able to allocated appropriate supervision during this time.

• What about students travelling on buses?

Bus services will remain as per current schedules. Parents are responsible for transporting bus students’ home during SPS Time. Students who travel home on buses may remain at school to be supervised in a study session until buses arrive after 3pm.

• How is the community going to be consulted about the process?

The consultation process for our school community will roll out through Terms 2 and consult the following groups:

•  P & C Association
• Local Consultative Committee (LCC)
• Staff
• Students
• Parents
• Bus Companies

Thank you to our wonderful students, supportive parents, and dedicated staff for making these achievements possible. Let us continue to support and inspire each other as we strive for excellence in all areas.

Wishing you all a relaxing and enjoyable weekend.

From the Deputy's Desk-Middle Schooling

It is amazing how quickly a Term will go when there is so much going on in our school. Our year 9 and 10 students are currently finalising assessment in a wide range of classes.

Year 10 students will commence subject talks starting next Friday in preparation for grade subject selections in Term 3.  Each session addresses the subject topics and skills to be learnt, the academic demand, the additional time outside of class and future employment prospects that the subject offers.  The presentations are delivered by current class teachers and students have the opportunity to ask questions to assist them to determine if a subject is a good choice for them for 2025.  As part of the presentation’s, students are also required to attend an information session on what is a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) to help guide their choices for their final years of schooling in senior. They will also have a Careers Showcase in Week 9 of this term where local businesses and training organisations present an overview of the work they do and speak one on one with our students about pathways in their industries.

Students are also being supplied with information on how to look for details about university courses they may be interested in so that they are able to understand the prerequisites they may need to complete while at school and the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) they may need to aspire to for eligibility in their chosen tertiary course once they finish school. Finally, this all comes together on Student Education and Training (SET) Planning Day on August 7^th (Term 3).  A subject information night for parents will take place on July 30^th (Term 3). More information, with details of these events, will be sent out to parents and students closer to the event dates. For further information please contact the Head of Senior Schooling, Mrs Kirstie Whybird, email kwhyb2@eq.edu.au .

Congratulations to our new Year 9 Junior Secondary Leaders Mikayla, Alice, Angela and Rachel. These dedicated young people have taken on their position of responsibility in assisting with the Year 9 ‘Pay it Forward Projects’ and engaging with the Student Representative Council forums. It is wonderful to see our Year 9 students engaging with the ASHS and wider community.

Our IT technician, Justin Jackson is located in the library and is available for direct contact with students from all year levels

• before school
• Recess 1 and
• Recess 2

There is no need to make an appointment, students can just show up and he will assist them where he can.

If Mr Jackson is not present in his office at these times, it will be because he is dealing with an IT emergency and he will leave details of his return on a sign on his door. Students should come back at the next recess or the next day before school.

If there is an IT emergency in a classroom, students should inform their teacher who will determine whether there is a need for the student to see Mr Jackson immediately. He may need to ask you to come back if the issue needs further time to correct than is available during the class and we don’t want you missing important learning for longer than is necessary.

Please note the following practices for students to be successful when bringing their laptop devices to school

• Always charge your device before coming to school. The school does not have chargers that suit every device. Bring your own charger if you feel you will need to charge the device during the day.
• Reset your password with your classroom teacher if needed.
• Check your internet connection. There are two that you can connect to while at school EQNET or IDET. If one does not work then try the other.
• Plan to see Mr Jackson and keep trying until you get to see him. Email him if you have tried and not been successful and he will email you back with a time to meet. In the meantime, keep dropping down to see him. He is happy to help where he can.

Mr Jackson is a member of a larger digital strategies team of staff in our school who are working towards using technology more effectively and more efficiently in our classrooms.

From the Deputy's Desk-Junior Schooling

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.

Transition Day

It was wonderful to welcome around 160 year 6 students to Atherton State High School on Wednesday May 15. Students experienced a day at high school and participated in English and Science lessons, as well as seeing the wonderful animals as part of the Agriculture Department.  We look forward to helping our future students transition to High School at our end of year transition day on Wednesday November 27.

Enrolment at Atherton State High School

If you are wanting to enrol a student at Atherton State High School for 2025 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. Please contact the school office to book to book an appointment.

Head of Department - Junior Secondary

This year we have been targeting different areas of wellbeing and health. Our Junior Secondary Parade in week 7, we're shining a spotlight on Kids Helpline and our local Better Together Services Resource, both essential resources for supporting the wellbeing of our students. Whether facing challenges big or small, both organisations offer confidential support, ensuring that no young person has to face difficulties alone.

Kids Helpline

About Kids Helpline: Kids Helpline is Australia's only free, private, and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged 5 to 25. With qualified counsellors available around the clock, Kids Helpline provides support on a wide range of issues, including mental health, family problems, bullying, abuse, relationships, and more.

Services Offered:

• Phone Counselling: Students can call 1800 55 1800 to speak with a trained counsellor at any time, day or night, about any issue that's on their mind.
• Webchat Counselling: For those who prefer to chat online, Kids Helpline offers confidential Webchat counselling sessions via their website.
• Email Counselling: Young people can also reach out for support via email, receiving a response from a counsellor within 24 hours.

Why Kids Helpline Matters:

• Confidentiality: All conversations with Kids Helpline counsellors are private and confidential, ensuring that students feel safe and supported when seeking help.
• Accessibility: With 24/7 availability and multiple channels of communication, Kids Helpline is easily accessible to young people whenever they need support, regardless of their location or circumstances.
• Expertise: Kids Helpline counsellors are highly trained professionals who specialize in working with young people, providing empathetic and non-judgmental support.

How Parents and Educators Can Help: Encourage parents and educators to promote Kids Helpline as a resource for students and to normalize help-seeking behaviour. By fostering open conversations about mental health and emotional wellbeing, we can reduce the stigma surrounding seeking support and ensure that young people feel empowered to reach out when they need help.

Get Involved: Visit the Kids Helpline website- https://kidshelpline.com.au/  for more information about their services, resources for parents and educators, and ways to support their important work.

Better Together

About Better Together: Better Together Counselling Services offers professional counselling and support to students facing a wide range of challenges, including stress, anxiety, depression, relationship issues, academic pressure, and more. Their team of experienced counsellors provides a safe and confidential space for students to explore their feelings, develop coping strategies, and work towards positive change.

Services Offered:

• Individual Counselling: Students can schedule one-on-one counselling sessions with a trained counsellor to address their specific needs and concerns in a supportive and confidential environment.
• Group Counselling: Better Together also offers group counselling sessions, providing students with opportunities to connect with peers facing similar challenges and learn from each other's experiences.
• Workshops and Seminars: Throughout the year, Better Together hosts workshops and seminars on topics such as stress management, resilience building, self-care, and healthy relationships.

Why Better Together Matters:

• Confidentiality and Trust: Better Together prioritizes the confidentiality and trust of their clients, ensuring that students feel safe and supported when seeking help.
• Holistic Approach: Their counsellors take a holistic approach to mental health, addressing not only the symptoms but also the underlying causes of students' challenges and providing comprehensive support.
• Collaboration with Schools: Better Together works closely with schools to tailor their services to the unique needs of each student population, fostering collaboration between counsellors, educators, and parents to support student wellbeing.

How Parents and Educators Can Help: Encourage parents and educators to promote Better Together as a resource for students and to initiate conversations about mental health and wellbeing at home and in the classroom. By working together, we can create a supportive network that helps students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Get Involved: Visit the Better Together website- https://www.bettertogether.com.au/   for more information about their services, counsellors, and how to schedule an appointment. Parents, educators, and students are encouraged to reach out with any questions or concerns.

Year 7- Gideon Bible Presentation

As a secular institution, our school does not endorse or distribute religious materials, including Gideon Bibles. However, it's important to acknowledge that students may encounter religious texts or discussions outside of school, and we strive to create an environment where all beliefs are respected and valued. We recognize that our school community is diverse, with students from various cultural, religious, and spiritual backgrounds. It's essential to create an inclusive environment where all students feel welcome and supported, regardless of their beliefs. On Tuesday 4^th of June, the Gideons International Organization, along with Chappy Belinda Fowler will conduct a very brief presentation to our Year 7 cohort. If you have any questions or concerns about religious materials or practices in our school, please don't hesitate to reach out to myself- Jesse Bolton or Chappy Belinda. We value open communication and are here to support the needs of all members of our school community.

Finance Update

Dear Parents/Carers/Guardians,

Student Resource Scheme 2024 Payments Now Due

All 2024 Student Resource Scheme levies including subject fees were due to be paid at the end of last term. Please ensure all fees are paid in full or a payment agreement in place with the school in order for students to continue to receive resources.

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

Please update Contact details

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

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

Paying School Fees:

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

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

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

Wellbeing with Sonia

Healthy Mind Platter for Optimal Brain Matter!

You may have heard of the Healthy food pyramid, or the newer version of the “Healthy Eating Plate” which depicts the type and amount of different foods and nutrients we should eat for good health. In a similar way, psychologists have created the “Healthy Mind Platter”, which identifies seven activities that each have different and beneficial effects on the mind, and work together to optimise mental health.

The elements cover both individual brain and body, relationships, and connections with the wider world. We know that all of these elements are crucial to strengthen your brain’s internal connections and your connections with other people and the wider world.

Unlike the Healthy Eating Plate, there are no specific guidelines for each of these activities as yet, however working each of these into your and your family’s day and week can be beneficial. Like different dietary elements, you might be able to miss out on any one of the elements for a time, however, because each element makes a unique and positive contribution to mental productivity and wellbeing, they are all important for optimal functioning and health.

A useful way to ensure you get your ‘fill’ for a healthy mind, post the Healthy Mind Platter on your fridge and monitor it for a week or so, to see where you might need to create space to add a particular element. Perhaps have a ‘family meeting’ to talk though each person’s view on elements on the platter (see example questions below), and negotiate actions as a family?

• What activities do you currently do that align with each element on the platter?
• Is your ‘platter’ overflowing with one, or some elements, but completely lacking in others?
• What time of day is most suited for you or your family for each element?
• What are some things you’ve done in the past that you’ve stopped doing?
• What are some new ways you could enjoy each element?
• Share how each person has been using their time according to the 7 elements.
• What’s one small way you can add or increase an element?

Focus Time – A time to focus intently on tasks in a goal-oriented way, making deep connections in the brain.

Play Time – New connections are made in the brain when we allow ourselves to be spontaneous, creative and playful.

Connecting Time – Whether it be with other people (preferably in person), or to our natural world we reinforce the brain’s relational circuits.

Physical Time – our brain is strengthened by moving our bodies, preferably aerobically (i.e. still able to talk comfortable while exercising).

Time In - focusing on sensations, images, feelings and thoughts while we quietly reflect by ourselves, we help to better integrate the brain.

Down Time – Our brains more easily recharge when we spend some time in a non-focused way, letting our mind wander and relax.

Sleep Time – Consolidation of learning, storing of memories and recovery from the experiences of the day occurs when we have enough quality sleep.

If your young person feels they have an element that needs significant work, feel free to contact me at the school to develop strategies to build a health mind platter!

Sonia’s work days have changed slightly – she is now available every Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays, and alternate Thursdays. Call the office or drop in to book an appointment.

Inclusion at Atherton State High School

Auslan at Atherton State High School.

We would like to introduce our Auslan Educational Interpreters (EI). You will see our EI’s on stage for Parades, Presentations, Award Ceremonies and special occasions. Our EI’s attend classes with our Deaf and Hard of Hearing students to interpret the class, not only what the teachers say, but also student questions and responses, plus if required some online presentations where captioning has not yet been provided. Our EI also create captioning for online content, movies, short films and documentaries. This service supports many more students than just students with a hearing impairment.

My name is Helga, and I am one of the Auslan interpreters serving the Tablelands region, bringing six years of experience to this role. Prior to this, I took time off work to raise my three boys and established a business with my husband. You may be curious about my journey to learning Auslan. One of my sons is Deaf, and another has hearing loss. Communication is a cornerstone in our household, and I am committed to doing everything possible to support their futures. This dedication led me to recognize the significant shortage of Educational Interpreters, inspiring me to pursue this vital profession. Upon receiving my son's diagnosis, I have committed myself to learning Auslan through various avenues, including private tutors, school-offered courses, PD’s and am currently working towards my Diploma to further enhance my proficiency and support my sons and the students at Atherton State High School.

Hi, my name is Karen Lakeman, an experienced Auslan Educational Interpreter newly appointed to the Auslan team at Atherton State High School this year.  My career working for Education Queensland spans over 15 years.  It has been my privilege to work with Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students at various schools throughout the Atherton Tablelands and Cairns Regions for the past 6 years.  In the future I look forward to continuing to support and empowering Deaf/Hard of Hearing students in their academic pursuits.  Through my continuing studies in Auslan, I strive to learn, improve my skills and knowledge of all things Auslan, Deaf Culture and Deaf Community.  Looking forward to the journey ahead.

Hello! My name is Erin Walker, and I've had the privilege of working at Atherton State High School for nearly two years as a Teacher Aide. My journey in education began over 8 years ago when I started as a Swim Teacher at the Atherton Pool, where I had the joy of teaching children valuable swimming skills. Transitioning to the role of Teacher Aide has allowed me to continue supporting students in their learning journey, and for the past three months, I've had the incredible opportunity to serve as a Communication Assistant with our Auslan students. Working with Auslan students has been particularly rewarding, as it aligns with my longstanding desire to learn Auslan. I'm grateful for the chance to immerse myself in this language and support our students in their communication journey. I'm excited to continue learning and growing alongside them.

What is a Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden?

“Pleasurable food education to form positive food habits for life”

What are the benefits:

1. motor skills and cognition
2. fosters team spirit and companionship
3. encourages healthy eating

At the inclusion HUB we have cooked lots of pleasurable dishes.

My favourite meal was fried rice. The ingredients from the garden were eggplants, parsley, chives, kang-kong and snake beans!

This Term, we have already planted our garden with lettuce, kale, peas, flowers, leeks and rocket. This week in our kitchen garden cooking lesson we are making a garden quiche.

We went to IGA during community access and bought eggs and cream to make the quiche and from the garden we will add kangkong, eggplant, tomatoes and herbs.

We have worm farms and compost bins in our garden that help grow healthy food!

By Elijah, Year 7.

PBL News

The hustle and bustle of the semester is well and truly in motion. This term we have made the transition from our Blue ‘Thank You’ tickets to re-usable ‘Thank You’ tokens. The students and staff have really embraced the new initiative, banking and using their tokens at the PBL Shop. There are 8 different coloured tokens with the Atherton State High School values on them. These colours represent our 8 different faculties; identifying the faculty that is acknowledging the positive behaviour of our students. We are very proud of our staff, students and the wider community for the support given towards our Positive Behaviour for Learning journey.

Wednesday the 22^nd of May saw our amazing students with disabilities come down to the PBL shop together, with their teachers, and purchase some awesome rewards with their saved tokens. Ice-creams were a firm favourite, however, Lego, hand balls, jewellery and caps were also purchased by the students. Congratulations to Nicholas Stevens and Tyler Hibbert on their purchases; their smiles show their pride for their achievement of being- Respectful, Responsible, Successful and Safe.

Blake Lang was able to save his tokens and purchase a Chicago Bulls T-shirt. He has been saving his tickets and tokens since the start of the year to be able to purchase this item. Blake said ‘Miss, not only are we being rewarded for following the school rules, we also have the opportunity to learn how to save for things we might want. It would be good to get more basketball things in the shop’. We hear you loud and clear Blake! We have recently added more items to the shop upon student request. One such item is microwave popcorn! 10 Thank You Tokens and an ice-cream or bag of popcorn is available for our students.

PBL and Our Community

We have been approached by parents and community members asking if there is a way that they can support our Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) program. Yes, there absolutely is! We welcome-

• Attending the PBL Team meetings and have your say. We meet every even week Wednesday afternoon in room A15 from 3.15-4.15pm. Parents and community members are always welcome.
• PBL shop Donations- always welcome. If you would like to contribute by donating items to our shop for student purchase, please contact Ms Jesse Bolton- jbolt54@eq.edu.au or the school direct. These items could be anything from handballs, stationary, t-shirts, water bottles… the list goes on!

We Are Safe

Unfortunately, we have had several occurrences of students, mainly boys in years 8 and 9 throwing rocks and drink bottles at each other, and at buildings. This is a game that they are playing and putting people and property at risk. Could we please have a collective approach and discuss with our students the importance of making safe decisions. Thank you for supporting us in keeping our community safe.

International News

Seeking homestay families for Japanese students

This is a wonderful opportunity to welcome students from another culture into your home!

We are seeking homestay families for 15 – 17 year old male students

from Johoku Saitama HS, Tokyo, Japan.

Homestay dates are from

Monday July 29^th (arrival) – Thursday 8^th August (departure) 10 nights

Nightly rate is $45 per person / $91 for a double placement

10 nights $910 for a double placement

Requirements:

• Provide a bed for each student (they can share a room with two beds)
• Transport to and from Atherton SHS (bus travel with host brother/sister from Atherton SHS student is accepted)
• Provide three meals a day
• All residents over 18 years must have a valid Blue Card: apply online https://my.bluecard.qld.gov.au/login (Volunteer blue cards are free)

Contact International Students Coordinator Ainsley Jackson for an application form:

international@athertonshs.eq.edu.au

Ph: (07) 4030 5232

Application forms also available at Student Services and Reception.

News from the Art Faculty

Spirit of Youth

On Tuesday the 28^th of May, music students from Atherton SHS performed in the annual Spirit of Youth concert. Students from years 9-12 wowed audiences in not one, but two exciting performances. Music Academy opened the show, followed by energetic performances from music classes and excellent solos. Students were treated to an introductory performance during their parade lesson, supporting their peers by singing and clapping along. The light show was mesmerising and the quality of performances were fantastic.

Later in the evening, parents and community members were invited to a bonus, jam-packed concert with extra performances from Music Academy, Vocal Group, class groups and solos. Students did a fantastic job preparing and performing for this concert. Well done, music students!

Well done to our Year 7B Art Students.  They have been working hard on their ceramic vessels this term.  The kids are responding to the concept of Under the Microscope and have been inspired by microscopic imagery.  Once completed, the artworks will be glazed and fired. 

News from our School Nurse Eleanor

As we approach Men’s Health Week, it’s essential to focus on the health and well-being of the men in our community. This annual event, taking place from June 10th to June 16th, aims to heighten awareness of preventable health issues and encourage early detection and treatment of diseases among men and boys.

Why Men’s Health Week Matters? 

Men's Health Week serves as a crucial reminder that health is a priority. During this week, we emphasise the importance of regular check-ups, healthy lifestyle choices, and open conversations about health concerns. For our high school community, it’s a perfect time to foster healthy habits that can last a lifetime.

Key Health Tips

1. Physical Activity - Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity each day. Whether it’s through sports or incidental exercise such as walking to school. Staying active is vital for physical and mental health.

1. Balanced Diet - Eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can help maintain a healthy weight and provide the nutrients needed for growth and energy.

1. Mental Health - Mental health is as important as physical health. Encourage your sons/brothers/dads/uncles/friends to talk about their feelings and seek help if they’re feeling stressed, anxious, or depressed.

1. Sleep - Aim for 8 hours of sleep each night for optimal health. Good sleep hygiene includes sticking to a regular sleep schedule, avoiding caffeine before bed, and turning off electronic devices an hour before bedtime.

1. Regular Check-Ups - Routine medical examinations can identify potential health issues early, resulting in improved health outcomes.

Men’s Health Week plays a vital role in improving men’s health outcomes and promoting a culture where men feel more comfortable addressing their health concerns.

Stay healthy!

Sincerely,

Eleanor 

Your School Nurse.

Kit Kat Club

The Kit Kat Club is up and running on Mondays and Wednesdays in recess times and was started last year. It is open for all students across all grades and students need to come along to sign up if they want to join, we currently have around a dozen or so members dropping in at times to work on their kits. The club's name is a bit of a play on the Kit Kat ad, where we have a break during recess and build a model kit. We are building plastic model kits of all kinds of things, cars, tanks and planes being the main themes. All materials are provided, along with close supervision to help the students construct their kits. Model kits were very popular for many decades but with the advent of newer technologies such as game consoles they can be harder to find nowadays. Model kits are similar to Lego in that they are an excellent higher-order thinking activity, with students needing to practice their problem-solving skills, follow the instructions carefully and have patience in order for them to succeed. When students have finished their models they can take them home!

My New Gallery

Agriculture News

The Agriculture Department will have some cattle for sale from time to time, to register interest please email Mr Cameron Harris on charr92@eq.edu.au