21 June 2024

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,

As we conclude Term 2 at Atherton State High School, it is with immense pride and joy that we celebrate the wonderful achievements and accomplishments of our students. This term has been marked by exceptional dedication, hard work, and remarkable successes across academics, sports, cultural and extracurricular activities.

Academic Excellence:

🌟 High Achievers - Congratulations to our top-performing students who have demonstrated outstanding academic excellence. Your dedication and passion for learning are truly inspiring.

🌟 Most Improved Students - We are proud to recognise those students who have shown significant improvement and growth in their studies. Your hard work and perseverance have paid off!

Sporting Triumphs:

Our athletes have had an incredible term, with numerous victories and commendable performances in various sports. From track and field to team sports, your commitment and teamwork have brought honour to our school. Congratulations to all Atherton State High School students who have achieved personal success in your chosen sporting field!

Athletics Carnival:

We have been so fortunate to finish the term with an unbelievable Athletics carnival.  This event was seriously spectacular, the school and house spirit exhibited over the past two days was truly sensational and to watch so many extremely talented athletes competing was such a privilege. A huge thank you to our House Captains and our amazing staff led by Harry Simpson and Warwick Lyndon for co-ordinating such an amazing event.  A special shout out to our amazing groundsman Bruce Kruck for his hard work getting our oval prepared for the event! Not to mention a massive congratulations to Barrine House for securing the win at this year’s Athletics carnival.

Concert Band – FANFARE success!

This term, our students have showcased their creative talents through spectacular performances in the regional Fanfare competition. The performance of our ensemble captivated and impressed all, the band was awarded a platinum result for the regional heat for their outstanding performance. We then participated in the regional final at the Cairns Performing Arts Complex.  The pride I felt whilst watching the performance of our spectacular students was extraordinary, thank you so very much to our musicians, their dedicated families for your support and of course to Mr Lachlan Szery, you are simply sensational sir, thank you for your belief, dedication and commitment to developing extraordinary young musicians. 

Biggest Morning tea

Our students have also made a significant contribution to the community through hosting Atherton State High Schools biggest morning tea.  This project was the culminating activity for our year 9 Wellbeing and Values education for this term, as our students have been learning about volunteering and wanted to provide a service to our community and raise funds to support cancer research.  

To the Year 9 students involved your compassion and willingness to help others reflect the core values of Atherton State High School, congratulations and well done to you all.  I would like to thank the staff who co-ordinated this magnificent event, Ms Tamara Young, Ms Jen White, Ms Jasmine Zhao and Mr Luke Herring.

Student Pathways for Success trial to commence in term 3

We have some extremely exciting news - our proposal to trial the Student Pathways to Success (SPS) model has been approved by the Department of Education after a thorough community consultation process.  SPS will begin next term.  This 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 will start semester 2 2024 on Tuesday 16^th July and will occur every Tuesday during Period 4. In this single 70-minute lesson per week, our 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 Tuesdays, school will commence at the normal time of 8.55am 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.  If you wish your child to remain at school for Tuesday Period 4 every week please contact the school or complete the response form sent home with students and also emailed to all parents/carers.

In order to determine the benefits of SPS for students, staff and wider community, a review process will be conducted following the trial. 

For further information about the program please see our website – www.athertonshs.eq.edu.au/calendar-and-news/news/student-pathway-to-success-proposal or contact one of our Deputy Principals, Ann Grimshaw – agrim14@eq.edu.au or Catherine Campbell – ccamp52@eq.edu.au

Looking Ahead:

As we celebrate the accomplishments of Term 2, we eagerly look forward to the possibilities and opportunities that the next term will bring. Let's continue to support and inspire each other to reach new heights of excellence.

Congratulations once again to all our wonderful students! Your achievements make Atherton State High School proud, and we are excited to see what you will accomplish next.

Leanne Knight-Smith

Proud Principal

From the Deputy's Desk-Middle Schooling

From the Desk of the Deputy Principal Middle School

The end of the term has arrived very quickly indeed. In between all the teaching and learning, our students got to be involved in some high quality events. The year 10 Careers Showcase was a huge success thanks to the work of the Year Level Coordinator, Ms McGuigan and the team from Vocational Partnerships Group (VPG). Thanks again to our local businesses who supported the event to give local insights into their industries. The fundraising efforts of the year 9 WAV classes who hosted the Biggest Morning Tea and the wonderful ‘Pay it Forward’ initiatives of the other Year 9 classes were amazing and a credit to you and your teachers. Special thank you to the year 9, Year Level coordinator, Ms White for your vision in making this experience real and valuable.

Thank you to all the parents and carers who have been keeping the school informed of the reasons for absence for your children. This means we are more accurately able to record absences and put supports in place where necessary.

Congratulations to the high numbers of Year 9 and 10 students who are receiving ‘Thank you’ tokens and claiming them or banking them in the Positive Behaviour for Learning Shop. So good to see so many reasons to celebrate positive behaviour in our school with so many students. Thanks to the PBL team for leading this work and the staff for supporting it.

Good luck to any students who are accessing work experience opportunities these holidays. What a great way to see if you enjoy a workplace/job first hand. We are so very lucky to be so well supported by our community.

Well done to all our students for completing another term of learning. Hopefully your results will reflect your efforts accurately and positively. Remember, to celebrate your effort and behaviour as well as your academic results as doing your best and being your best self while at school are also very important.

Good luck to all the middle school students participating in the school athletics carnival this week. It is looking like the weather will be beautiful – don’t forget sunscreen, hats and appropriate clothing for sun protection. Don’t forget to wear your house colours and participate when you can. Even one participation point can make the difference for the winning house. What a wonderful way to end the term.

A reminder to year 10 students that the Student Pathways to Success time will start from Week 2 Term 3 as Tuesday of Week 1 Term 3 is the Atherton Show Holiday. Your school day on a Tuesday will finish at 1.20pm each Tuesday afternoon for Semester 2. Remember that you are to use this time for study, revision, to work on assessment, to access work experience or training. What you choose to do will be self-directed and how you engage with this time will determine whether it is to continue into the future. Please speak with your parents about what you will do during this time so they are aware of how you are planning to utilise this time effectively. Please see Mrs Coleman in L block if you want to organise work experience. Year 9 students will continue with the Wellbeing and Values lessons on a Tuesday afternoon and will finish school at 3pm as usual.

A reminder to bring your laptop to school regularly. Year 10, you will need it in your Friday WAV classes to complete subject selection and other SET planning activities in term 3.

The review of the current school dress code survey has now closed and the information will be collated and examined to inform the Uniform Committee recommendations to the school and the P&C. Thank you to the almost 300 people who responded. Your feedback is most welcome.

Please take time to do something you enjoy this holiday period and come back ready to engage in another term of learning. How wonderful to see the sun and blue sky for the end of this term.

From the Deputy's Desk-Senior Schooling

This week we celebrate the end of semester 1, which for Years 11 and 12 means the end of unit 1 and 3 respectively. It has been an exciting semester, with students having the opportunity to participate in many and varied extra-curricular events and activities to enhance their academic outcomes and personal wellbeing and growth.

Last week, Year 12s participated in the RYDA road safety information program. This program aims to build students’ understanding of road safety and is critical as our students move towards independence utilising their vehicles on a daily basis.

In week 8, just under 40 year 10, 11 and 12 students undertook training in the responsible service of alcohol. This provides students with a work-ready qualification that can help them get a jump-start into the world of work immediately and help them earn some extra cash to support themselves at university down the track. As part of the training, students had a go at viewing the world through ‘beer goggles’ to understand the impacts of alcohol on the body and mind.

Our Year 11 students have now made decisions about the senior uniform shirts, jerseys and hoodies for 2025. An information letter about sizing and testing the items has been emailed to all Year 11 students and parents.

Term 3 is a big term for our senior students, so make sure to recharge, refresh, rejuvenate, regenerate, renew, restore and relax over the break so you can tackle the term with confidence and energy.

From the Deputy's Desk - Inclusion

INCLUSION

What is Inclusion? Students enrolled in Queensland state schools come from diverse social, cultural, geographic and family backgrounds, are of many identities, and of all abilities. Equity and Excellence: realising the potential of every student (the education strategy) sets a clear vision for a progressive, high performing education system. The diversity of our staff, students and school communities is our greatest strength. By valuing culture and creating inclusive teaching and learning environments, we are driving equity and excellence across every state school. Students experience inclusive education when they can access and fully participate in learning, alongside their similar-aged peers, supported by reasonable adjustments and teaching strategies tailored to meet their individual needs. Inclusion is embedded in all aspects of school life, and is supported by culture, policies and every day practices.

To support Inclusion at Atherton State High School our Deputy Principal Inclusion works with parents, students and staff to from all social, cultural, community and family backgrounds, and of all identities and all abilities are able to:

• attend school and be welcomed.
• access and participate in a high-quality education and fully engage in the curriculum along-side their similar-aged peers.
• learn in a safe and supportive environment, free from bullying, discrimination or harassment.
• achieve academically and socially with reasonable adjustments and supports tailored to meet their learning needs.

The Deputy Principal Inclusion can meet with parents and students to discuss educational adjustments that may support success with student educational achievements. This can include assistive technology (talk to text/ dictation apps etc), support for tests and exams (extra time, reader, scribe, talk to text, quiet space, large print, adjustments to formatting etc) and general support in class (teacher aide/ scribe/ reader/ reader apps/ talk to text/quiet space/ extra time/ pre-reading/ etc).

All students have the ability to succeed and demonstrate their learning- we just need to find that way.

Please contact Coralie Gunn: Deputy Principal Inclusion cgunn10@eq.edu.au or phone 4030 5237 to discuss or to make an appointment.

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.

News from the Sports Co-Ordinator

School sport at Atherton State High School has continued strongly throughout the back end of Term 2, providing students with continued opportunity to compete to the best of their ability. Since our last sports update ASHS students have continued to train and trial for a variety of school, Tablelands District and Peninsula School Sport teams, with many being successful in their selection. Our ASHS students have continued to train for their respective Peninsula School Sport representative teams in preparation for the upcoming QLD School Sports State Championships held this Term. Meanwhile, we have already had some great success with students returning from their state carnivals held in the first half of Term 2. Congratulations to all our ASHS athletes and best of luck with your preparations and travels to your state carnivals.

Athletics Carnival

Across the last two days of the term, our school buzzed with excitement as students from all grades participated in the annual Atherton State High School Interhouse Athletics Carnival. The carnival kicked off with brilliant weather and smiles all round from both staff and students!

The event featured a range of athletic activities, including track events, high, long and triple jump, and the throwing events, discus, javelin and shot put. As always there were many highlights, however, nothing beats the student vs teacher 4 x 100m relay to close out the carnival, testing the ability of staff in particular… and the principal’s cup race that had everyone on the edge of their seats, congratulations to Angela Nane-Coe and Kody Henderson who won this event.

Participation and house spirit was outstanding, with students displaying exceptional sportsmanship and enthusiasm across both days of carnival. The carnival wasn't just about competition; it was also about coming together as a school community, building friendships and having a good time! Various fun activities, like ball games, dance off, and the fashion parade allowed everyone to join in the festivities. Congratulations to Stevie-De Lai who won the fashion parade, great costume!

All staff played crucial roles in this event as timekeepers, event Marshalls, and supervisors, ensuring the carnival ran smoothly. ‘Joycey’ and the tuckshop crew offered their usual brilliant food, and Mr Meekcoms and the year 12’s provided everyone with refreshing drinks and sausages on bread to keep everyone energized.

The carnival concluded with the closing ceremony, celebrating the hard work and achievements of our young athletes. Congratulations to all the participants and a big thank you to all staff for your assistance and enthusiasm across the past two days, without your support or enthusiasm this event would not be the same! Congratulations to Bella and Breanne and the Barrine Barrmundi's for taking out the 2024 Atherton SHS Interhouse Athletics Carnival. Please find a detailed rundown of Age champions below.

A special thankyou also needs to go to our brilliant facilities team; particularly Bruce and Geoff, on their preparation and repair of our oval, thank you to both of these men as without your efforts this event would not have happened!

I hope everyone enjoys their holidays and returns for semester 2 reinvigorated and energised for another semester of sport, fun and learning!

Mr Harry Simpson, Sports Coordinator

Age Champions:

12 Yrs Girls: Keeley Brown, 12 Yrs Boys: Jayden Henderson, 13 Yrs Girls: Finlay Payne, 13 Yrs Boys: Jacob Berry-Porter, 14 Yrs Girls: Kira Dalgety, 14 Yrs Boys: Royce Cummings, 15 Yrs Girls: Mikayla Ross, 15 Yrs Boys: Dayne Ross, 16 Yrs Girls: Madison Marshall, 16 Yrs Boys: Lucas Kattenberg, 17 Yrs Girls: Rebecca Masasso, 17 Yrs Boys: Nathaniel Ross, 18 Yrs Girls: Bella Trentin, 18 Yrs Boys: Dylan Serra

News from the Health Faculty

Last week we were extremely lucky to have two amazing women donate their time to deliver presentations and conduct workshops with some of our senior Physical Education and Certificate III in Fitness classes.

Former ASHS student Noella Green conducted a nutrition and pelvic floor workshop with our Certificate III in Fitness students.  Noella has had an amazing career as a professional athlete, and is now an exercise physiologist and sports nutrition coach, specialising in female health.  We would like to sincerely thank Noella for sharing her insights with our staff and students – it is greatly appreciated!

Jorja Bolton is a current athlete playing basketball at St Francis University in Joliet, Illinois in the United States.  Jorja spoke to ASHS students about life as a student athlete, sports psychology, training principles and also ran the Fitness students through an off season training session.  Jorja was great with our students and it was awesome to have an outside perspective from a current athlete. 

We sincerely thank both ladies for their insights into industry and the tips and tricks that they provided us with!!

Year 11 Certificate III in Fitness

Students have been researching and conducting group presentations on aspects of nutrition recently.  One of the groups ran a very informative session on the importance of hydration and how this affects health and performance.

FREE!! Personal or group fitness training opportunities in term 3 with Year 12 Fitness Students

The year 12 Certificate III in Fitness class 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, our (almost fully qualified!!) students need to engage with real mature aged adult clients.  They require adult clients (ideally over the age of 55…. but please note - we will consider anyone!!) for both 1 on 1 personal training and group fitness sessions (generally at lunch times or after school). 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 Mr Lyndon.  Please consider this amazing opportunity to be trained by one or more of our wonderful students, and to improve your health at the same time. 

We look forward to seeing you in the gym!

HPE classes

Our year 7 HPE students undertook an inclusion unit as part of their studies earlier this term.  Students participated in a range of minor games and activities, and proposed how community resources could be updated to better cater for a range of diverse users.  We would like to thank Ange from the Atherton Basketball Association, and our fabulous teacher aide Duncan for their support and contribution towards the success of this unit.

During semester 1, most core HPE classes in years 7-10 have engaged with athletic events as part of the curriculum.  We are excited to see how well they can implement these skills and techniques during the athletics carnival!

News from the English Faculty

English Department

And just like that, we are at the end of our first semester.  Please enjoy this selection of student work, showcasing our learning in our junior classes

YEAR 7 – The Multiverse of Heroes and Agents of Change

The Adventures of Glitch and Houdini - By Seb Love Prince 7E

In the bustling city of Techville, where the streets hummed with the sounds of computers and gadgets, Glitch and Houdini were known as the dynamic duo who kept the city safe from digital disasters. Glitch, a tech-savvy hero, wore a special suit that could fix any computer glitch, while his faithful companion, Houdini-  a clever high-tech dog - was always faithfully by his side.

One bright morning, as they strolled through the city park, Glitch's smartwatch beeped urgently. It was a distress signal from Tech Central—there was a humongous virus wreaking havoc on the city's computers! The horrible virus was stopping people from working and communicating. Without hesitation, Glitch and Houdini raced to the scene.

The Seoul Save! by Anemone7D

‘A 39-year-old man has disappeared from the city of Seoul. Named James Verline, he was last seen with a 47-year-old man, named Joshua Kim. The bystander will now tell…’ As the news reporter continued speaking, I jumped up from my seat.  My thoughts raced through my head as I transformed into The Dancer, my hair whipping into a high bun. I had known this man before! Joshua Kim, the man with crooked teeth and a lazy eye. Last time I had seen him, he had used element manipulation to fight me back. He had caused mass destruction in California, injuring 7 people. He had a traumatizing past; both his parents passing away and his friends being taken away from him. This could be the reason he is doing all these merciless things to all these innocent people! I knew what I had to do!

YEAR 8 ENGLISH – MICRO FICTIONS

What makes a great micro fiction? Our year 8s are sharpening their skills to tell a smashing story in under 200 words. 

The bike

From training wheels,

       To balancing on two,               

              Something being broken,

                       To wheels shiny and new,

                               Testing out the new upgrade, knees well bruised,

                                               Now an ornament in the garden, remembering a life of being loved and well-used.

Cycle – Year 8E English Joint Construction

An apple from the fruit bowl, snatched up on the way out the door

A seed lands in the garden, tossed from the car window reversing out with a roar

A sprout in the ground, pushing its way through the earth

A flower bud bloomed, a unique show of birth

A luscious red fruit emerges, dangling low  

A fruit bowl full on the table, illuminated in the morning glow

THE Micro  Micro-Fiction Story

My mind went pitch black as I was asked to write an amazing micro-fiction story. My head scrambling for ideas, but there was nothing. Until… my head started stirring with dozens of stories… hundreds of thousands, all amazing! Never been told! The lead at the tip of my pencil started scratching down all of the ideas onto the thin white piece of paper on my desk. It was like it had a mind of its own. There were ideas about every story imaginable. Whole new worlds were opening on my page. But there was one story in particular was most unique… a story about a young author scrambling for ideas to make an amazing micro fiction story.

Year 9 English – Constructing an Australian Identity

Is it time for us to get change our national icon? How do we need to represent ourselves to overseas visitors? Our year 9s have been exploring this concept.  Some of the nominations have included the classic Arnott’s Shapes, the symbol of democracy -sausage on bread -  amazing athletes like Jessica Watson and Cathy Freeman, and Australian animals like the fighting barramundi and shy but determine brown snake.

The Slouch Hat – Mark Gould  - 9F

Welcome members of the Matilda Committee. As a nation, Australia must represent itself with realism on an international stage, with emblems emulating our population, history and values in an ever-changing world stage. The slouch hat, a symbol of courage and national unity has been a consistent and honourable Australian icon. It is largely unique to Australia and has been an Australian icon since before the inception of the nation. It served loyally through the Boer War, World War One and Two gaining the affection of all who wore it. It is the perfect symbol with tradition and deeply entrenched and valued ideals for our nation. As such, I am confidently nominating the slouch hat as a new national symbol.

Milo – Sam – 9A

It’s a boring afternoon and Mum has just come home with the groceries. Whilst unpacking the bags, she reaches in and emerging from the bag is a large, two litre green tin with the bold text, ‘MILO’, imprinted on the can. Without hesitation, you snatch a teaspoon and a cup out of the cupboard, milk out of the refrigerator and of course, the Milo, the holy grail of food. Four huge scoops of the legendary malt barley and coco powder, fill the rest with Dairy Farmers milk and mix until the milk is brown, but still capped with a mound of chocolatey goodness. If that isn’t Australian, you might as well be in the International Departure lounge of the closest airport right now. Good _______ members of the Matilda Committee, today I will convince you how Milo best represents Australia to other countries through the three amazing values of Opportunity, Larrikinism and Resourcefulness.

The BBQ – Jaida– 9A

There’s nothing better than the smell of juicy snags and rosemary sprinkled steak sizzling on the barbeque. There’s nothing better than the sound of laughter and friendly chatter, getting louder as the day slowly turns to night. There’s nothing better than an Aussie barbeque. Hey, Matilda Committee, I’d like to ask you a question.  What do you think about when some says Australian icon, maybe fairy bread or Steve Irwin, maybe Uluru? Well, if that’s what you’re thinking you’re a flaming drongo and I’m going to tell you why.  A typical Australian barbeque, a perfect place to get together and enjoy a meal, a perfect place to meet new people, host family gatherings or just spend the day with your mates.  Barbeques are the place to find Australian qualities and values shine. The values that appear most at barbeques in my opinion are community, mateship, and inclusivity, three true Aussie values. Which is why I am nominating my icon, the Aussie Barbie to be chosen as an icon that shapes our sense of national identity.  

Vocal Group Carinya

On the 21^st of June, the Atherton State High School Vocal Group went to our local aged care home, Carinya, to perform for the residents. They performed renditions of new and classic repertoire, including hits from Elvis Presley, Louis Armstrong and Bruno Mars. The students did a wonderful job, and the performance was appreciated by all of the residents.

Tableland Youth Forum

On Friday, May 3, students from year 7 to 12 volunteered their time to participate and contribute to the Tablelands Youth Forum, held at Merrilands Hall and organised by the TRC. Students listened to inspiring speeches by Red Frogs, heard about the possibility of starting up tech businesses from a regional centre, and contributed to hot topics as determined by school surveys by sharing their ‘blue sky’ ideas about what life could be like for youth living on the Atherton Tablelands. Students were invited to become members of the Youth and Inclusion Advisory Committee to the TRC.

Year 9 Pay it Forward Project

9A have been working on a ‘Pay It Forward’ project this term. The students, with the guidance of their teacher Brad Fisher, have been creating a list of jokes to share on the daily notices, providing a light diversion to the stresses of school and adding humour as a tool to create and maintain wellbeing. The students have also found motivational posters to display in various classrooms and they hope to continue this throughout the year to create classroom spaces that promote wellbeing.

Here are some of the examples of the jokes (some of which may be considered ‘Dad jokes’):

What did the grape say when it was pinched?

Nothing, it just started to wine.

Why are frogs always so happy?

They eat whatever bugs them.

What happens when a frog’s car breaks down?

It gets toad away.

What kind of milk does a pampered cow give?

Spoiled milk.

What travels the world but stays in one corner?

A stamp.

Celebrating Success at Australia's Biggest Morning Tea

Dear Atherton State High School Community,

We are thrilled to share the success of our recent participation in Australia's Biggest Morning Tea, where students from 9C and 9F volunteered their time and baking skills to support The Cancer Council. Through their dedicated efforts and a ‘Free Dress Day’ decked out in purple, blue and yellow, they managed to raise an impressive $540!

Volunteering for such a meaningful cause not only helps raise funds but also teaches valuable life skills to our students. Throughout the planning and execution of the event, participants learned teamwork, organisation, and the importance of community involvement. These experiences are crucial in shaping well-rounded individuals who understand the impact of their actions on the world around them.

The money raised will go directly to The Cancer Council, supporting their vital work in cancer research, prevention programs, and support services for those affected by cancer. Every dollar contributes to improving outcomes for cancer patients and their families, making a tangible difference in the fight against cancer.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to their teachers Tamara Young, Jasmine Zhao and Luke Herring, and their Year Level Coordinator Jennifer White for their guidance and support of the classes throughout the entire process. Their dedication to mentoring the students ensured the event's success and helped instil a sense of pride and accomplishment in our volunteers. We would also like to extend our thanks to the Student Leaders/Council members, Jean Pluschke, Noah Child, Bridie Keevers and Charlotte Nunn, for the time they dedicated to helping the cause.

Additionally, we are grateful for the generous donations from Atherton Bake House and IGA, which provided essential resources for the event. Their support played a significant role in maximising our fundraising efforts.

Lastly, a big thank you goes out to all the staff, students and families who generously donated their time and delicious baked goods. Your contributions were instrumental in making the Australia's Biggest Morning Tea at Atherton State High School a memorable and impactful event.

Together, we have shown that our school community is committed to making a positive difference in the lives of others. We look forward to more opportunities to come together and support important causes in the future.

My New Gallery

Careers Showcase

On Friday 14^th June ASHS hosted the annual Careers Showcase event for Year 10 students on the Tablelands. This year we had 50 stall holders attend our showcase; representing areas including Health, Education, Retail, Emergency Services, Tourism, Construction, Engineering as well as service providers from a range of training institutes, support networks and further education such as Universities and TAFE.

The event provided students an opportunity to engage with stall holders about their career path and/or the services and employment opportunities they offer. As SET planning is approaching next term for our Year 10 students (where they select their subjects for Senior Schooling) students found this a valuable experience, enabling them to be better informed for making decisions regarding their future.

Year 7 English

Agents of Change – Year 7 English

Throughout this unit, students delved into the world of persuasive writing and communication, exploring various techniques to influence their audience.

One of the highlights of this unit was the opportunity for students to apply their understanding of persuasive devices by marketing their own products. From innovative gadgets to eco-friendly items, students showcased their creativity and persuasive skills by developing compelling pitches.

Some students used cutting-edge technology in their projects. They employed AI to design logos for their companies, adding a modern twist to their marketing efforts. This integration of technology not only enhanced their projects aesthetically but also exposed them to practical applications of AI in real-world contexts.

Below, you'll find visuals of some of their remarkable creations from 7B and 7E, each one a testament to their hard work and imaginative thinking. One outstanding example of student initiative was Sebastian Prince, who not only designed the "Citrus Fruit Shoes" but also fabricated a prototype, showcasing exceptional dedication and craftsmanship.

I am incredibly proud of my Year 7 students for their enthusiasm, their achievements not only demonstrate academic growth but also reflect their unique interests and ideas.

Miss Godfrey
Year 7 English Department

Computer Club

Recently students who have been learning 3d modelling in the computer club that meets on Fridays in recess 1,  3d printed their name plates that they designed in tinkercad.

Students interested in 3d printing, 3d modelling in tinkercad and blender, robotics, programmable drones and programming Minecraft can come to L003 in recess 1 on Fridays.' Or see Mr McPherson's in the L Block staffroom.

Agriculture News

This week the year 10 Agriculture students culminated their Crop and Marketing unit by value adding to their strawberry crop. In term 2, year 10s have studied the agronomy of growing a strawberry crop from preparing the seed bed, planting, monitoring soil pH, weed control to harvesting some fruit.

They have also learnt about the importance of marketing their crop using the 4Ps and how to add value to a commodity such as strawberries by additional processing to make them more attractive and useable to the consumer. Strawberries were processed into strawberry compote and enjoyed with pancakes and cream; or strawberry cake!

Well Womens Clinics

(These clinics are available to Medicare eligible clients)

Service includes Cervical Screening Tests (Pap Smears), Sexual Health Screening, Breast Awareness, also info on Contraception, Continence, Menopause, Lifestyle Issues, Bowel Health, Domestic Violence, etc.

All services are provided by a specially trained Women’s Health Nurse.

Atherton Health Centre                   Tuesday 2^nd July                     Ph:  4091 0263

Malanda Health Centre                   Wednesday 3^rd July               Ph:  4096 5339

Millaa Millaa Health Centre           Wednesday 10^th July              Ph:  4097 2223