Atherton State High School eNewsletter

From the Principal's Desk

Dear Atherton State High School Community,

Student Pathways for Success thank you for your feedback!

Thank you to the parents/carers who recently completed the Student pathways for success survey, this is greatly appreciated as we truly value your opinion as this guides our insight into how the initiative is supporting our students.

We also appreciate the comments made by some of our parents in response to the question -

Has the student pathway to success time been beneficial to your child?

“Allowed time for work experience in business hours”

“Please keep it!”

“At first I was a bit sceptical, but it has been great to refocus, motivate and "reality check".

“My child has been travelling to Malanda high for the Tafe course for the whole year on a Tuesday already. But he doesn't miss out on any other subjects this term with the pathways”

“Hands on experience with an engineering business”

"This has been a very helpful opportunity for my child to work on school assessments or to continue practical work for her Cert 3 Childcare."

"Yes and no. When self-motivated, the time that has been offered is beneficial. However, I have also observed directly the time and opportunity being wasted."

"My child has been able to engage in work experience that she would otherwise not have had the time to do."

"It is incredible how just a short chunk of time on a Tuesday afternoon has decreased the overall time pressures of the school week. PLEASE continue this when he is in Year 12 next year!"

"It has given her the push to look into a traineeship. Something she would not have thought of ."

"It has helped my son look into different interests. It is giving him a better understanding of the direction he would like to go in with his career options."

The trial will continue throughout semester 2, 2024 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

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our local community and to our parents for supporting this initiative, which is really supporting our senior students. 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

Student Leader 2025 Interviews

One of the highlights of this term was the privilege of interviewing our 2025 shortlisted student leaders. Thank you so very much to these amazing young men and women. Congratulations to our young leaders who are already absolute winners in my book, they are extraordinarily mature and reflective. Each and every one of you presented a wonderful speech to our full school assembly which takes incredible courage! Each of you also interviewed so very well, making the panel’s decision incredibly challenging! To the families of these amazing students, congratulations and thank you for nurturing individuals of the highest calibre!

Well done to Matilda Alford, Kelby Cifuentes, Jordan Cox, Arlia Hill, Lucas Kattenberg, Bronte Kochi.

Please save the date for our Presentation Evening – Tuesday 12^th November where the announcements of our 2025 Student Leaders will occur. Thank you to our P&C President Paul LeGear for assisting with the interviews!

Looking Ahead

Term 4 will be a time of celebration and reflection, particularly for our Year 12 students, who will be completing their final weeks of schooling. We look forward to marking this milestone with a number of important events, including the Year 12 Graduation Ceremony and the end-of-year formal. These events are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the achievements of our students and acknowledge the support of families and the wider school community.

For our younger students, Term 4 will be a time to consolidate their learning and set goals for the year ahead. I encourage all students to remain focused as they head towards the end of the academic year.

Thank You

I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our dedicated teaching and support staff, who continue to provide high-quality education and unwavering support to our students. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for your contribution to the success of our school.

To our parents and caregivers, thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. It is through our strong sense of community that we are able to create such a positive and nurturing environment for our students to thrive.

Finally, to our students—well done for all that you have achieved this term. Continue to strive for your best, support one another, and finish the year strong.

I wish everyone a restful and enjoyable holiday, and I look forward to welcoming you back for an exciting Term 4.

From the Deputy's Desk - Junior School

Hi, my name is Robert Davies. I am the new Acting Deputy Principal for Junior School (Years 7 and 8). I’ve been working in education for over 10 years, with experience teaching in Townsville, Cairns, and London. I’m passionate about the effective use of technology in teaching to ensure that every student succeeds.

As we move closer to 2025, I’m excited about the preparations our teaching team is making to enhance the use of student laptops in the classroom. With the continued rollout of the QLearn learning platform and other outstanding digital tools, we are equipping students with the skills they need for the future.

Throughout Term 3, it has been a pleasure to meet and work with the talented and dedicated students of this great school. I wish you all a safe and enjoyable holiday and look forward to seeing our students continue to grow and succeed in Term 4.

From the Deputy's Desk-Middle Schooling

Congratulations on another term of learning in your knowledge bank Year 9 and 10. Everyday you are in attendance in classes contributes to your bank. Sometimes it is the unplanned learnings both inside and outside of the classroom that are important. Experiences of resilience, determination and commitment add to our pathway learnings. Everyday is a learning day, inside or outside of a school setting.

We have recently seen our senior school leaders give their speeches as they apply for executive leadership positions for 2025. Year 9 and 10 students are reminded that many of you have been or currently are leaders in sports teams or in your primary schools and still have a lot to offer at high school. I would encourage you all to continue to build your skills in this area by nominating for student leadership positions when applications become available. Your work in the Student Council is so valuable and gives a voice to your year level. Remember, volunteering to be a leader is a service and is a reward all in itself.

Welcome to the new Head of Junior School, Mr Ash Constable. He is already getting to know so many of our Year 7 – 9 students and offering support as needed. He is located in Ms Bolton’s previous office if any student wishes to drop in and meet him.

Thanks to Ms White and her team for the Year 9 Wellness and Health Day held in Week 7. The students who attended had a wonderful day being mindful of the importance of balance in our lives and participating in wellness activities that fed the body and the soul. Thanks also to the community volunteers who came in to deliver sessions to our students and to the staff who supported the event. Greatly appreciated.

Thank you to all of the year 10 students, parents and the team of staff that participated in SET P day and finalised subject selections for 2025. This is such an important part of the pathway planning for our students and is the culmination of 8 months of preparation by Mrs Whybird, Ms McGuigan and the year 10 WAV teachers who delivered the Careers Program. Thank you to all the staff who managed this program to give the students and parents of year 10 the information needed to make informed choices. If you have any further questions in regards to this, please contact Mrs Kirstie Whybird by phoning 40305222.

Please take time to refresh and revitalise for Term 4 during the holiday break. I look forward to seeing you all when we return.

From the Deputy's Desk-Senior Schooling

Congratulations to all of our Year 11 and 12 students for their great efforts this term. Term 3 is jam- packed every year, and this year has been no exception, so well done to all the students who have sustained a great effort in getting to school on time every day, being in every class, using their class time and home time effectively and submitting all assessment. Term 4 is upon us and, for our Year 12s in particular, will disappear before we know it. There are important exam dates for senior students and parents to keep in mind:

Week 3

Monday 14 – Friday 18 October: Year 11 block exams - students only attend for their designated exam sessions.

Week 4 – Week 7

Monday 21 October – Year 11s commence Unit 3
Monday 21 October – Monday 11 November: Year 12 external exams - students only attend for their designated exam sessions.

Week 7

Tuesday 12 November – Presentation evening
Wednesday 13 November – Year 12 culmination day
Thursday 14 November – Year 12 Formal
Friday 15 November – Year 12 Graduation – final day for year 12s

Week 8

Monday 18 – Wednesday 20 November – Year 11 Camp
Friday 22 November – Culmination day – final day for Year 11s

I wish Year 11 and 12 students a relaxing break and look forward to seeing you all for an exciting term 4.

Finance Update

Dear Parents/Carers/Guardians,

2024 Student Fees are now past due.

Please ensure all fees are paid in full as soon as possible. Should you require a payment agreement please contact the school promptly to ensure completion before the end of the school year.

Thank you to all those who have paid and to those who have arranged payment plans earlier in the year.

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 Sonia Muller - Wellbeing Social Worker

Save the Date!

Headspace’s Mental Health Education Program is coming to Atherton State High School in November!

The program will include workshops for Year 7s (Naming and Understanding Our Emotions) and 8s (Let’s talk about it: Mental Health) on Tuesday 26 November, as well as a parent workshop (Supporting Young People: notice, ask, connect) on Monday 25 November in the afternoon/evening.

These workshops are highly regarded and evidence-based. Please return the consent form promptly for your child/ren to attend and save the date for the parent/carer workshop in your diary!

For more information contact Wellbeing Social Worker, Sonia Muller (smull220@eq.edu.au).

Senior Schooling

Formal

Our graduating year 12 students will get to look fabulous and show off their dancing skills on Thursday November 14^th. Students should have finalised their arrival times with Ms De Looze by now and if not need to urgently arrange this. Dance practice will take place again next term during WAV lessons and in the final week of grade 12. Payment for tickets need to be finalised by November 1^st.

Dance Practice

Year 12 students will get to practice the Waltz, Pride of Erin and Boston Two Step on October 11^th during WAV and Wednesday 13^th culmination day. Students can bring their shoes to practice in.

Yr 12 Graduation

Graduation ceremony takes place on Friday 15^th November. Students and their families will assemble in the hall for the final roll call and presentation of Senior Certificates.

External Exams

Students enrolled in General subjects will be completing external exams commencing on Monday 21^st October and finishing with the last exam on Monday 11^th November. Processes and critical information around sitting external exams has been emailed to all Year 12 students. We wish them all the very best of luck for their final schooling assessment.

Year 11 Senior Culture Camp

Year 11 students will be attending camp in their final week of 2024. The two night camp takes place at Tinaroo Outdoor Environmental Centre from Monday 18^th – 20^th November. Camp costs $173 with consent forms due back by Thursday 10^th October and payment due by Thursday 24^th October. Transport is by bus. Students not attending camp are required to attend school and classes as per routine timetable.

Year 11 Exam Block

Year 11 students will complete their end of Unit 2 exams during the week of Monday 14^th October through to Friday 18^th October. All Year 11 students have had their schedule emailed to them. The learning program for Unit 3 will start Monday 21^st October.

Senior Education and Training interviews (SET Plan) & Subject Selection

Year 10

All students in grade 10 are required to complete a SET Planning meeting as part of their preparation for years 11 & 12. These took place on August 7^th and provided the opportunity to discuss subject selection for 2025. Students who have not completed an interview do need to have a discussion with the Head of Senior Schooling to ensure they are on track and ready for year 11. Please email Kirstie Whybird on kwhyb2@eq.edu.au for any concerns or questions related to SET Plan interviews.

Year 11

Year 11 SET Planning day was conducted on Thursday 5^th September with students and their parents/caregivers having the opportunity to discuss academic progress, QCE tracking and planning towards post schooling options. Those who have not completed an interview are encouraged to make contact with Mrs Kirstie Whybird on kwhyb2.@eq.edu.au to book a meeting time.

Grade 10 Culmination Day

All year 10 students are invited to participate in Year 10 Culmination Day taking place on Friday November 22^nd , the last day of the school year for all year 10 students. On this day students get to enjoy a variety of games and team building activities to celebrate their final phase of compulsory learning.

Student Leadership

Year 11 students have completed their presentations and attended interviews for School Captain and Student Executive roles in 2025. This year’s candidates including Matilda Alford, Kelby Cifuentes, Jordan Cox, Arlia Hill, Lucas Kattenberg and Bronte Kochi all provided some great points of discussion and were well received by the school community. Student leadership positions will be announced by the School Principal at a date to be decided in term 4. Well done to all nominees and congratulations on finding

HUB News

Several of our students have been undertaking work experience this term as part of their QCIA pathway. We really appreciate the community support and the opportunities provided for our students. The students really enjoy attending and are learning real life skills to take with them post school.

Year 9 Maths Camp

Fifteen of our Year 9 students attended the 33rd annual Maths Camp this week, held at the Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre. They joined peers from schools across the Tablelands region for three days of immersive problem-solving, maths challenges, and exciting outdoor activities.

Our Atherton students demonstrated excellent teamwork and gained valuable skills throughout the camp, making the most of this rewarding experience.

International News

From July 30^th to August 8^th we welcomed Johoku Saitama High School from Tokyo, Japan. This was the second time this school has visited Atherton State High School. The visiting students attended English language classes in the mornings with Mr Halliday and participated in class integration with their Atherton State High School buddies in the afternoons.

The students learnt Australian slang, Australian songs and sampled typical Australian snacks such as lamingtons, Tim tams and vegemite. Mr Halliday also introduced native fruits with the students.

Our CEC Sharon Caulfield delivered a Yidinji art lesson to our visiting school showing samples of Yidinji artwork. The students learnt animal names in Yidinji and the symbols in Yidinji art while creating their own personal artwork on paper boomerangs.

The visiting teachers Mr Matsumae and Mr Saito said they felt very welcomed at Atherton State High School and really appreciated the unique experiences Atherton State High School had to offer.

I would like to say thank you the Atherton State High School buddies for volunteering as a buddy for our visiting students. Your commitment to the study tours program has been very impressive. I would also like to thank the homestay families for opening up your homes and sharing the beautiful Atherton Tablelands with our visiting students. Your support has been most appreciated.

Sayoonara, Johoku Saitama High School!

Mrs Jackson

News from our Health Faculty

Our amazing Certificate III in Fitness students completed multiple practical assessments as part of their course of study this term. Staff and community members were treated to some outstanding fitness sessions in both individual and group training formats. We sincerely thank the community members who gave up their time to assist our students develop their ability to engage with real clients. Many of our students have now been successful in achieving their full Certificate III qualification before the September holidays - well done to our newly qualified industry professionals!

Our girls have won the North Queensland final of the Streetsmarts T20 Cricket Challenge!!

The Atherton State High School senior girls team played the North Queensland final in Tully in week 6, and had a convincing win over Southern Cross Catholic College. Batting first, we lost three wickets early, however a fantastic batting recovery led by Asha and Charlee got us to a great total of 6-108 off our 20 overs. We then fielded extremely well and bowled Southern Cross out for 57 within 15 overs.

The senior ASHS girls team have now progressed through the District, Regional and North Queensland rounds of this competition, and are heading to Brisbane in week 9 to play in the State finals.

We wish the girls the best of luck and know that they will represent our school with amazing spirit and determination in Brisbane.

Well done ladies!!!

**Week 10 Update – Our girls travelled to Brisbane to compete in the state final on Friday of week 9, and played St Patrick’s from Mackay. St Pats made 142 runs from their 20 overs batting first. Our girls batted gallantly in the second innings, making 7/78 off 20 overs. A special mention to our captain, Teresa Isabella, who was not out on 28 at the end of the innings. The ASHS students displayed a great attitude and gave it their absolute best. Well done ladies, you certainly made the ASHS community very proud throughout the entire tournament!

Congratulations to Midori and Andy who represented Atherton State High School at the Secondary Schools Cup State Lawn Bowls Finals at Pine Rivers Bowls club in Brisbane in week 6. The competition consisted of 16 high school teams from all over Queensland with each team made up of an experienced player and a beginner. Teams competed in 9 games over 2 days, with each game lasting for 9 ends/1 hour with a powerplay which doubles points for a winning end.

Midori and Andy won 4 of their 9 games and came in equal 3^rd overall on points and 8^th on differential margin. Over the two days they competed against some really strong teams that included state representative players. They should be very proud of their efforts as they played some excellent bowls. It was a huge learning experience for the pair as they had to adjust to a different green and the quick format. It was an exciting finish to the competition as they managed to win their last game with their final bowl which capped off a great couple of days.

Midori and Andy were supported by Mr Lawrence and bowls coach Mal Mackney. We sincerely thank Mal for his expert guidance provided to our students, and Mr Lawrence for supervising our students.

Well done Midori and Andy!

Rugby League Regional Carnival

During weeks 2 and 3 of this term ASHS had four Rugby League 9’s teams compete in the annual FNQ Rugby League 9’s carnival held in Cairns. The three boys teams worked hard but were ultimately outsized by the larger Cairns schools, never the less, the boys worked hard and played well for each other. Great Job boys!

Our major success from this carnival was our Year 9/10 Girls team. Made up of only five ladies who have played Rugby League before, these girls not only learnt how to tackle and be tackled, they had to do it against many high-quality Cairns based teams. The girls worked exceptionally well together and had a great day of fun as well. Only letting in 5 tries across our 5 games, the girls rallied and defended well, beating Woree SHS 6-1 in the final. Our girls team finished off the day as undefeated regional champions! Congratulation’s ladies, well played!

Following on from this event, our Year 9/10 Girls team were invited to the Cowgirls Challenge Rugby League Carnival in week 10. Out girls again played brilliantly against some strong opposition but that didn’t stunt their success. The girls wore some bruises but came away from the day as undefeated champions, beating Mareeba SHS 8-3 in the Grand Final. Congratulation’s ladies, well played and let’s keep our undefeated streak alive!!

Tablelands District Track and Field

Congratulations to our 60 Atherton SHS athletes that competed in the Tablelands District Track and Field Carnival on Thursday and Friday of Week 4. Our students competed with heart and a fierce competitive nature, guiding Atherton SHS placing 2^nd in the overall Champion School. Throughout this carnival we had multiple students break a range of records, many standing for multiple years, congratulations to these great athletes, great effort! Atherton SHS also had multiple athletes honoured with Age Champion awards, showing the great talent we have here, congratulations to the following students on their age champion achievements:

AWD: Nicholas Stevens – 1^st

Riley Beazley – 2^nd

12yrs Girls: Keeley Brown – 2^nd

12yrs Boys: Jayden Henderson – 1^st

13yrs Boys: Jacob Berry Porter – 1^st

14yrs Girls: Angie Nane-Coe 2^nd

16yrs Boys: Zane Hook and Lucas Kattenberg – Tied 1^st

16yrs Girls: Madi Marshall – 1^st

Sharna Abdy – 2^nd

18yrs Boys: Dylan Serra 3rd

18yrs Girls: Bella Trentin 2^nd

Atherton SHS had 43 athletes progress to the Peninsula Track and Field Carnival held last weekend, congratulations to these athletes who continued on their representative journey and to all students for representing the school with pride, courage and competitiveness. Please see below our most recent listing of Peninsula School Sport representatives:

Allan Rockley Memorial Interschool Touch:

Term 3 sees ASHS play in the Tablelands District Allan Rockley Memorial Touch Football Competition. Congratulations to all students who played throughout the term in this weekly competition, you all presented well and showed what it takes to be an ASHS student athlete. Thank you to all the coaching staff for their efforts in coaching and facilitating a touch team for the 2024 Allan Rockley Memorial Touch competition. Your knowledge, efforts, sacrifices and passion for sport has not gone unnoticed, and without this, our brilliant students would not have had the opportunities they did, so again, thank you!

Special congratulations to Mr Alford and his Intermediate 3 team, and Mr Lydon and the Senior 2 team on making the Grand Finals last Wednesday. Both teams played well all season and deserved their spots in the final. Congratulations to Mr Alford and Intermediate 3 who went undefeated all season and beat Malanda in the final, it’s always especially nice to beat Malanda!

Interhouse Swimming Carnival

Our annual school swimming carnival was held on Friday the 13^th of September, and was a fantastic day filled with competition, house spirit, and plenty of fun. The carnival saw students from all year levels competing in various races, from freestyle and backstroke to relays and novelty events.

The competition in the pool was fierce, with many races coming down to nail-biting finishes. Special congratulations go to our age champions, who displayed incredible skill and sportsmanship throughout the day.

The highlight of the carnival was the house relays and the student vs teacher race. It was great to see students supporting their teammates, and even cheering on the teachers! A big thank you to all the staff who helped make the day possible, without your assistance these days could not go ahead.

At the end of the day, the overall house winner was announced, with Quincan being named swimming carnival champions in 2024. Congratulations to our Quincan house captains for rallying your troops to the win! Congratulations to all students who participated in the day, the carnival was a wonderful showcase of school spirit, and we’re already looking forward to next year’s event!

To date 2024 Peninsula Representatives

Xander Appo – 14-15yrs Boys Rugby League (Shadow)

Cooper Dockrill - 14-15yrs Boys Rugby League

Sam Fahlstrom - 14-15yrs Boys Rugby League

Seth Stein – 16-18 yrs Boys Rugby League

Mia Portelli - 13-15yrs Girls Netball (Sahdow) & 13-15yrs Girls Touch Football (Shadow)

Asha Simmons – 16-19yrs Girls Netball

Ella Stockman – 13-19yrs Swimming

Daniel Harris – 13-15yrs Boys Hockey

Ethan Berry-Porter - 13-15yrs Boys Hockey

Jacob Berry-Porter - 13-15yrs Boys Hockey (Shadow)

Tylah Harris – 16-19yrs Girls Hockey

Ben Howard - 16-19yrs Boys Hockey

Patrick Stevens - 16-19yrs Boys Hockey & 16-19yrs Boys Cricket

Taylor Fitzgerald – 15-16yrs Girls Rugby League

Dylan Scrivener – 15-18yrs Boys Baseball

Darcy Alford – 10-12yrs Boys Rugby League & 10-12yrs Boys Touch Football

Bella Trentin – 16-18yrs Girls Touch Football (Shadow)

Breanne Wadley – 16-18yrs Girls Touch Football (Shadow)

Troy Taylor – 16-18yrs Boys Rugby Union

Keeley Brown – 10-12yrs Girls Touch Football

Lucas Kattenberg – 10-19yrs Cross Country

List Current as of 23/8/2024 – if there are any issues or omissions, please contact Mr Simpson on hsimp75@eq.edu.au

ASHS senior Visual Arts students made the trip to Cairns recently to view exhibitions at the Cairns Regional and TANKS Galleries. They explored the works of renowned Australian artist Margaret Olley and Torres Strait printmaker Alick Tipoti. More excitingly, they experienced senior student work up close and personal at the Energy Exhibition. This is a presentation of visual art produced by school students across the region, including some of our own, Ashley Freeman, Natasha Davis and Faith Casey. Also, Mackenna Taylor and Cerys Mahood who have both received awards for their artworks.

The exhibition opens at the Tanks Gallery, Botanical Gardens, Cairns Saturday 24^th August and is open throughout the school holidays.

We are thrilled to share that this term’s Year 9 ‘Health and Wellbeing Day’, held on Friday, August 23rd, was an outstanding success! This special event offered our students an enriching array of workshops and activities designed to enhance their mental, emotional, and physical health.

The day was organised into six engaging rotations, each providing unique and valuable insights:

Rotation 1: the ‘Button Sewing Competition’ with Mrs. White offered students the opportunity to further develop self-sufficiency and explore the calming art of sewing.

Rotation 2: Gratefulness Journaling led by Sonia (the school’s Wellbeing Social Worker) guided students in reflecting on their daily lives and fostering a positive mindset through journaling.

Rotation 3: Health Workforce Connector, Ashleigh Bolton, gave students a glimpse into various health professions and the pathways to these careers.

Rotation 4: Members from the Tablelands Sexual Assault Services (TSAS) provided crucial information and support on sexual health and safety, helping students navigate important topics with confidence.

Rotation 5: ‘Rock and Water’ with Jimmy and our school Chaplain Belinda, combined physical activities with psychological resilience training, teaching students strategies for self-control and assertiveness.

Rotation 6: Tableland Freestyle Taekwondo, led by Annette, introduced students to this martial art, promoting physical fitness and discipline through engaging demonstrations and activities.

After the rotations were finished for the day, the students met back in the hall for a Zumba session where heart rates were raised to release natural endorphins. There was a bit of laughter here too, which didn’t go astray.

The feedback from both the students and volunteers has been overwhelmingly positive, underscoring the event’s impact in fostering a supportive and educational environment. It was truly inspiring to see the cohort’s commitment to personal growth and wellbeing.

Last but not least, a special THANK YOU goes out to the dedicated volunteers and community members who made this event possible. Their expertise and enthusiasm greatly enriched the experience for our students. Your service to the community is commendable.

Year 9E Brings Joy to Carinya Home: A Heartwarming ‘Pay It Forward’ Project

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Andrew Campbell and his Year 9E students recently participated in a touching ‘Pay It Forward’ project. Visiting Carinya Home in Atherton, their mission was to spread joy and kindness by delivering handmade cards and homemade biscuits to the elderly residents.

This initiative was designed to foster meaningful connections between our students and local senior citizens, emphasising the value of empathy and community service. The students spent time crafting personalised cards, each adorned with thoughtful messages.

The visit was met with warm smiles and heartfelt appreciation from the residents of Carinya. Furthermore, the experience was rewarding for the students, offering them a deeper understanding of the impact of kindness and the importance of giving back.

We extend our sincere thanks to Andrew Campbell and his Year 9E students for their dedication and creativity in making this ‘Pay It Forward’ project a success. Your efforts have made a meaningful difference in the lives of the elderly residents and exemplify the spirit of community and generosity.

We look forward to seeing more inspiring initiatives in the future, continuing to strengthen our ties with the community and promoting acts of kindness.

National Science Week

In celebration of National Science Week, the ASHS Science Department hosted a series of engaging activities centred around this year's theme: "Species Survival - More Than Just Sustainability." We were excited to welcome several local primary schools for a session of hands-on learning experiences.

Local primary school and ASHS Students participated in crafting native insect homes from bamboo, potting native Mabi seedlings, and cultivating oyster mushrooms. These projects provided valuable insights into the roles these species play in our ecosystem and the steps we can take to support their survival. All students were able to take their creations home, extending their learning experience beyond the school environment.

A special thank you to the Tablelands Regional Council for their support, which helped to make this event a success. National Science Week offered a great opportunity for students to explore scientific concepts and develop a greater appreciation for the natural world.

Aerospace Systems

Aerospace Systems is an aviation-based subject offered by Atherton High in Years 11 and 12. Topics studied include aeronautics, airline and airport operations, space technologies, aviation business and safety management systems. Atherton High is also an Aerospace Gateway into Schools Program school that connects us with the aviation industry.

Recently, the Year 11 Aerospace Systems class has completed some exciting assessment tasks. The first task was the design and construction of their own balsawood model aircraft. The building of the model aircraft was part of their “Improving Aerodynamics” assessment item. This assessment item involves building a commercially available rubber powered model aircraft and then designing and building their own model aircraft to improve aerodynamic performance. This assessment item allowed the students to better understand aircraft structures whilst building the model and then to demonstrate their knowledge of aeronautics in the testing phase.

The results were rather interesting! Most of the aircraft flew well. Some, however, needed minor repairs after some unexpected aerobatics!

Overall, the students managed to achieve the assessment objectives and seemed to thoroughly enjoy flying something they had actually built themselves.

The second task involved the students being tasked with designing a model rocket using a rocket simulator computer program and then simulating the launch of their rockets. The rocket success criteria were to design a rocket that was safe, can reach an altitude of 70m and land as close the launch site as possible.

The students then had the opportunity to physically build their own design using model rocket components.

Before each rocket was launched, a small altimeter and accelerometer was attached which enabled the students to record data such as apogee, acceleration, G-force, time aloft and impact force. The rocket launching was a complete success with no rockets lost! Each student got to launch their own rocket and they blasted off high into the sky. A very successful day for space travel!

Jon Collins

Aerospace Systems Teacher

Music Academy Shines at Maize Festival

On Saturday August 31st, our talented Music Academy students delivered an unforgettable performance at the community’s annual Maize Festival. Their 45-minute set featured a dynamic mix of classic and contemporary hits, ranging from Paul Kelly, Blondie, and Creedence Clearwater Revival to Amy Winehouse, Chris Isaak, and The Kooks.

The crowd was swept up in the music, dancing and singing along, with toes tapping throughout the set. Our students not only showcased their musical skills but also embodied the true essence of community engagement. A fantastic time was had by all, and we couldn’t be prouder of our Music Academy students for their outstanding performance and the joy they brought to the event.

All Abilities Day

A sporty day in Cairns at Barlow Park with 7 students from ASHS. The bus journey was shared with students from Mareeba State High School and we arrived in a timely manner to partake in a day of fun rotational activities. The students were coached and got to test their abilities in ball skills such as cricket, tennis racket ball balances, bowling, football, rugby, hockey, long jump, shot put and more. Every school received a participation trophy which the students proudly accepted together.

Year 11 English

This term, Year 11 General English class have embarked on an exciting close study of Boy Swallows Universe by Trent Dalton. We've delved into the novel’s rich narrative through the lens of the hero's quest, analysing how Eli Bell's journey mirrors the classic structure of departure, initiation, and return.

In our classroom, each section of Eli’s adventure has been creatively visualised. Students have crafted imaginative representations of these stages. The "Departure" explores Eli’s call to adventure and his initial challenges, while "Initiation" delves into the trials and growth he experiences. Finally, "Return" captures his return to a changed world, embodying the lessons learned and transformations achieved.

These creative projects not only deepen our understanding of the text but also allow students to express their interpretations through art. I am thrilled to showcase their innovative work.

-Miss Godfrey