Friday 10th September 2021

Principal's Welcome

Thank you all for the warm welcome I have received this term across the Tablelands.  This community is fortunate to have such a hard working and committed staff, actively supporting our students to achieve their personal best.  I will be continuing my role as Acting Principal for the remainder of the year whilst Tony Whybird remains at Trinity Bay State High as Executive Principal.

I am not the only new staff member to have arrived at Atherton High this term.  Welcome to:

• Harry Simpson, teaching Health and Physical Education
• Georgia Toner, teaching English
• Michael Jones, teaching English and Humanities

Atherton High students have had a very successful term both inside the classroom and through involvement in extra curricular activities.  In particular I would like to offer congratulations to the following:

• Ashleigh Cupitt who has been recognised for 40 years of service to the boxing community.  Ashleigh is very committed to working with our Atherton SHS students outside of school hours by coordinating the after hours boxing
• Tahnee Dilger for her success in receiving a Peter Doherty Award and Order of Australia Citizenship Award.  
• Congratulations to Miah, Kaylan, Hannah and Sophie who represented us in the Brain Bee at The Queensland Brain Institute!
• Atherton SHS won the Tablelands School Sport Athletics Shield for 2021
• Student Leaders for organising the 80s disco
• Grade 8 student Jon Platz, won the 2021 Fanfare Competition.
• 2021 Tablelands Sports Bursery recipient Travis Wadley.
• The Atherton SHS Science Faculty for organising a wonderful science week.

Please find a copy of our term 4 calendar below for your information.  Our calendar is updated weekly on the school facebook page.

Yours in Education

Michele Kirkland, Principal

Deputy Principal Teaching and Learning

What a term it has been for all students and the staff at Atherton SHS

Our primary school students have commenced their transition to high school and it has been fantastic to see how engaged Year 6 students have been in Agriculture, Technology and Science.  Subject selections for 2022 are being finalised for all students in years 8, 9 and 11 next year.  Following selection, some students may need to reselect subjects, due to low numbers in classes and I thank both students and their parents in supporting this process so that we can have a timetable that reflects student’s wants and needs for their chosen senior pathways.

All year levels are currently completing assessment, with our senior students preparing for their block exams. Year 11 exams commence Monday 11 October (week two) and finish on Monday 18 October. During block exams students are only required to attend school when they have an exam, but must be in full school uniform.  The timetable for this is being completed next week and will be distributed to students and their parents before the holidays via email.

Students in year 12 are already commencing their revision in preparation for external exams commencing on Friday 22 October. We will be holding a mock exam for all year 12 students on the Wednesday prior to prepare students for the external exam conditions, as many teachers have already been undertaking these conditions in their classrooms for individual subjects. Again, the final timetable will be issued next week for all year 12 exams, and much like their year 11 counterparts, students are only required to attend school for the sessions where they have exams. Year 12 students are reminded that there is very little leniency when it comes to the external exams, and directions and equipment lists have already been emailed to students in this cohort.

Our term 3 moderation day was a great success, and once again I thank our community for allowing us the opportunity to undertake this work. Teachers had the time to moderate planning, teaching methods and assessment which have a direct influence into our classrooms.

I would like to thank all parents for their continued support of the school this term and look forward to this continuing in term four.

Natasha Lyndon

Deputy Principal – Teaching and Learning

Deputy Principal Student Services

Student Leadership Awards

Student applications are now open for the 2021 Atherton High student awards which will be presented at our Presentation Evening on Thursday 21 October at  6.30pm.

• Student of the Year
• Long Tan Leadership award
• Junior Secondary Leadership award
• Senior Secondary Leadership awards
• James Cook University awards
• Students are able to self-nominate. 
• Applicants must respond to each of the criteria for the prospective Award and include any other relevant evidence and documentation - information is available on the A block noticeboard and in an email sent to all students.
• Written applications must be submitted via email or hard copy to Ms Campbell ccamp52@eq.edu.au.
• Applications close Wednesday 15 September.

School Hats

Our Atherton High school hats are back in stock again. From the beginning of Term 4, these will be the only acceptable hats that students can wear at school. Our hats keep students sun-safe during their outdoor classtime, lunchtime and other school activities. They  are a symbol of our Atherton High family.

Hats are available from the school tuckshop for $17.

Year 7 students will be supplied with a hat at the commencement of Term 4.

Attendance

Atherton State High School students are expected to maintain an attendance rate of 90%.

What to do when:

Your child is absent from school:

• SMS the student absence line 0426 305 138
• Phone the student absence line on 4030 5222 (press 1)
• Send a note with your child when they return to school

Your child needs to leave school early:

• Phone the school office on 4030 5222 before school or at least 2 hours before the student's departure time
• Send a note with your child with the time of departure
• Your child is to bring the note to the school office before school starts to receive a 'green slip'
• Your child needs to show this 'green slip' to their teacher at the time of departure and collect a 'leave slip' from the office before leaving the school grounds

Your child will arrive late to school:

• SMS the student absence line 0426 305 138 or phone the school office on 4030 5222 with time of arrival
• Your child must present to the office when they arrive to school to have their attendance recorded.  The student will then be issued with a 'sign in' slip and be given to the teacher on arrival to class.

All student absences need to have a reason; if no reason is provided, you will receive a phone call.

HOD of Senior Secondary

AARA

In the lead up to assessment this term, it’s timely to provide a reminder for students in the Senior School that they are required to complete an application for AARA (Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments) in the event that they are absent from school and require additional consideration for their exams and/or non-timed assessments. Students are required to complete an application in addition to providing a Medical Report on the QCAA template to support their application.

Should you wish to discuss your application or individual situation regarding AARA applications please get in touch with HOD Senior School Bruce Dane on bdane1@eq.edu.au.

QCAA student portal

Please make sure your senior student has registered for their learning account in the QCAA student portal. The learning account shows students details of the school/s and vocational education and training (VET) learning providers where they are enrolled. It includes the following tabs in the main menu:

• Registrations and enrolments: shows learning options that contribute towards the Queensland certificate of education (QCE). These include general and/or applied subjects, VET courses/competencies and other QCE-recognised studies.
• QCE eligibility: shows eligibility for the QCE (it will display as projected based on student enrolments until all the requirements have been completed).
• Results: displays unit results and assessment results (as they become available throughout the year). Also shows VET qualifications and other QCE-recognised studies (once they have been entered by the relevant learning provider).
• Senior education profile (SEP): contains official certificates and statements (once students are eligible).
• Checking your results: allows students to submit a request to the QCAA if they believe any of the information or results on their certificates or statements is incorrect or missing

Only students have access to their leaning account and they need their LUI before they can log on for the first time. Students can find their LUI by logging in to OneSchool and looking at the top right corner of screen.

QTAC

QTAC information has already been provided to Year 12 students this year. Parents wishing to support their student to apply for QTAC should go to www.qtac.edu.au and use the Apply button on the top right of the screen. The due date to apply and submit documentation in time is Friday 10 December 2021. Most offers will be released on 13 January 2022  However, some Universities have different due dates for various courses - these can be found on the QTAC website under Applications -> Key Dates.

HOD of Junior Secondary

Year 8 Camp

Save the Date!  Year 8 students will have the opportunity to attend Year 8 camp at Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre from Monday 6 – Wednesday 8 December.  Mrs Whybird will send out more information later in the term.

Transition

It is hard to believe it is already that time of year when we begin to finalise Year 7 enrolments for 2022. Our transition days and visits to our feeder schools have started and they have been a lovely opportunity to meet our in coming Year 6 to 7 students.  We have also been having enrolment interviews with new students and their parents so that we can learn about the learning needs of your child and this information will form the basis of class construction.

Parents of Year 6 students can begin to support their transition to high school by:

• Attend your enrolment meeting with Mrs Whybird, Head of Junior Secondary
• Encouraging your child to participate in our Year 6 into 7 transition day on Tuesday 30 November.
• Listening to any concerns or worries and reinforce the positive things your child is excited about. High school will have a wealth of new experiences for them to enjoy.
• Encouraging your child to use a diary to plan events and activities, keeping in mind that once something is scheduled, it becomes more real to them.
• Supporting your child to be more independent and responsible by doing jobs at home and preparing themselves for the school day.
• Ensuring you have school requirements, such as the right uniform and books ready for the first day of school.
• Ensuring your child has a private and quiet space and the necessary equipment to successfully study out of school hours. Help them to develop a study plan around their other commitments and activities.
• Talking positively to your child about the change. Be realistic with them about the time it will take to settle into new routines. Identify things to look forward to e.g. making new friends and experiencing new subjects.

2021 Peter Doherty Award Winner

Year 12 student Tahnee Dilger is finishing Term 3 on a high. 

Today, Tahnee received the Peter Doherty Award for Outstanding Rural and Remote Senior STEM Student.  The Award is named after Professor Peter Doherty, a Brisbane-born Nobel Prize-winning scientist, who was educated at Indooroopilly State High School and the University of Queensland. This year marks the 18th year of the Awards.  Originally due to be presented in Brisbane as part of National Science Week in August, this prestigious Award was delivered via a virtual presentation at Atherton SHS, with a small number of invited dignitaries in attendance.  Previous Atherton State High recipients of the Peter Doherty Award include Niki Edsen (2019 Outstanding Senior STEM Student Award) and Christopher Dilger, Tahnee’s brother (2015 Outstanding Senior Mathematics and Technology Student Award). Award winners receive $5000 to be used for STEM-related professional development activities.

On Friday 17 September, Tahnee will travel to Brisbane to receive the Order of Australia Association Secondary Schools Citizenship Award.  This Award seeks to recognise the outstanding contributions made by individual secondary school students to the broader community.  The Queensland Governor, Justice Paul de Jersey, will present Tahnee with her award at a ceremony to be held at Parliament House.  Following her short acceptance speech, Tahnee and her guests will join the Governor and other awardees for afternoon tea.  In addition to her continuous service in a variety of school leadership roles throughout her secondary schooling, Tahnee has also been a long-standing member of the Tinaroo Rural Fire Brigade.  Atherton State High School’s 2019 School Captain, Riley Vallance, is a previous recipient of this high honour.

Congratulations Tahnee!  Our school community is very proud of your achievements.

Sports Update

Athletics Carnival

The Athletics Carnival for 2021 was a big event. Due to rain, it continued from Term 2 into Term 3, with all of the catch-up events that needed to be completed.    This resulted in the following Inter House standings:

1. Eacham- 1156
2. Barrine- 983
3. Euramo- 806
4. Quincan- 646

Congratulations go to all students who participated as competitors and helpers, and in particular to the competitors from Eacham.  There were some outstanding efforts, but there are a select few who are recognised for their achievements as Age Champions

Organised Sport

With all of the improvements in organised sport in 2021, there are still some residual effects of the limitations that were seen in 2020.   Unfortunately, the State athletics events were postponed, then eventually cancelled. As a result, the Peninsula Track and Field events were also cancelled.  Thankfully, students who were placed 1^st through to 4^th in their events at the Tablelands Carnival have been invited to attend the North Queensland Championships in Townsville. It will be run by an athletics club and will not enable pathways for QLD School Sport selection, but it will give the students a chance to compete within their sports.

Interhouse Swimming Carnival - Friday 17 September

With the sporting opportunities for the year closing, there are still a few events on the horizon.    The Atherton SHS Inter House Swimming Carnival will be held on the last day of Term 3.   It is a great chance for students to compete for their House and also support their peers.    The Carnival is still a school event, and as such, students are still expected to attend on the day.   As it is a High-Risk aquatic activity, permission forms have been issued and sent home with students.   It will be a great day, with both competitive and novelty events. It is also a great opportunity for both students and staff to interact outside of the classroom environment.    The Swimming Carnival is a great way to conclude the Term, with lots of fun to be had.

Congratulations to all who have represented the school in their sport and to those who have made representative teams during the year.   It has been great to see the skills and passions of the students for their sports.

Science

Aerospace

SpaceX – Atherton Style!

As part of the Year 11 Aerospace Systems curriculum, the students were tasked with simulating a rocket launch, then building a rocket to compare their simulation data with actual data. The students used a rocket design-and-test simulator to digitally create a rocket that had the capability of achieving the nominated altitude (70m), with a given rocket motor size. The students then got the opportunity to physically build their own design.

The rocket launching was amazing! Each student got to launch their own rocket into the blue yonder (some reaching a little more than the 70m!). 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.  Our HUB students also had the opportunity to get involved by launching some of the rockets.

Jon Collins, Aerospace Teacher

Aerospace Industry Visit to Mareeba Airport

Atherton High is a member of the Aerospace Gateway into Schools Program (AGISP). Through this program, the Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) maintenance and training facility, based in Mareeba, were designated as our industry partner.  Last week, the Year 11 and 12 Aerospace Systems students visited Mareeba Airport for an aviation industry visit to MAF.  We combined Year and 12 for this visit since COVID-19 prevented our visit last year. 

MAF have a keen interest in providing our students with a direct link to the aviation industry through pilot training and aircraft maintenance.  MAF provides flight training as well as being a major maintenance base for their world-wide aircraft fleet, allowing the students to see, first hand, how the aviation industry works.  Each student also experienced a session in the full-motion flight simulator. 

The students also experienced the unique opportunity of visiting the restoration project being undertaken by the North Queensland Warbirds. A rare and extremely valuable Chance Vought F4-U Corsair is being restored to flying condition and the students were able to see the extraordinary workmanship involved. This aircraft is due to take its first post-restoration flight sometime in the coming months.

Jake Weston, owner of Aircraft Maintenance Australia, also spoke to the students about the different career paths relating to aircraft maintenance

The class was shown many facets of the aviation industry by the people who actually work in the industry on a day-to-day basis.  The presentations were very interesting and informative, and the students learnt a great deal about aircraft operations – an invaluable experience which the students thoroughly enjoyed! 

Jon Collins, Aerospace Teacher

Atherton High’s newest remote pilots!

Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA), commonly known as drones, are the fastest growing sector in the aviation industry and worldwide numbers of RPAs are increasing exponentially. They are now being used extensively in many industries and new uses are being discovered daily!

To help cater for this growing and exciting part of the aviation industry, Atherton State High School offers the Certificate III in Aviation (Remote Pilot). This subject gives students a Certificate III in Aviation, a Remote Pilot Licence (RePL) and an Aviation Radio Operators Certificate (AROC).  These qualifications will allow the students to work for any enterprise that operates RPAs or, with a bit more training, create their own RPA business.

Fifteen of our students have been working towards achieving their remote pilot qualifications over the past 18 months. All this work culminated in two days of intensive flight testing and a few exams conducted by Aviation Australia.  Every student passed with flying colours! Congratulations!

Jon Collins, Remote Pilot Teacher

Art News

Visual Art

Fantasy Grid Drawing

Well done to Year 7D Art students who have worked hard to complete some fabulous artworks in Term 3.  The students explored grid drawing and rendering techniques, composition and narrative in the development of their Fantasy Drawings.  Come and see them in the library.

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Year 12 Music Compositions

Students have been exploring the ways in which composers manipulate music elements to portray a narrative as a part of the Year 12 music external examination preparation. Recently, students created cover versions of narrative pieces, and evaluated how these changes changed the mood and message of the songs. Thomas Lawrence has masterfully created an electronic cover version of “Dry Hands” from the Minecraft soundtrack to change it from a peaceful mood to a more exciting piece. Well done Thomas!

Humanities News

Social and Communities Studies

Atherton Meals on Wheels 

Year 11 Social and Community Studies have this term as part of their investigation into community planning supported the Atherton Meals on Wheels organisation.  Students worked from 7.30am until 11.00am with local volunteers to prepare meals for those less fortunate.  

Tippie Viljoen, Social and Community Studies Teacher

Japanese

Mirei Floral Art

In the first week of Term 3, the Year 8, 9 and 10 students studying Japanese had the opportunity to experience ikebana – the art of flower arranging. The instructor, Maria Adriana Verdaasdonk, is a certified Sogetsu ikebana teacher and has lived in Japan for 25 years. The students were able to learn the skills of balance and harmony from Maria when arranging foliage and flowers in a low ceramic pot, handmade by an artist in Cairns. Some of the staff at Atherton High School were able to experience ikebana at an afternoon class.

Here are some of the quotes from our students about their experience:

“I found the ikebana experience very intriguing and tranquil.”

“It was a very relaxing class and I really appreciate the exquisite arrangement of the very delicate flowers and grasses. I had very constructive criticism and I was very delighted to bring home such an ornate centrepiece.”

 “It was very satisfying to see that even within the rules there was room for individual expression.”

Mrs Jackson, Japanese Teacher

Health

Core HPE

7HPE – Year 7 students are completing Soccer/Futsal and minor games units, and are studying how to build resilience to enhance the health of themselves and others.  Their enthusiasm for the subject is contagious, and we hope to see some of these students in HPX next year.

8HPE – In Term 3, Year 8 HPE classes engaged in Volleyball and European Handball, as well as analysing risk-taking behaviours.  They were fortunate to have a visit from a local Police Officer to help them investigate some of these topics.

9HPE – Year 9 HPE students engaged in Ultimate Disc, Sofcrosse and Softball and have been investigating Respectful Relationships and Alcohol as theoretical topics.  The aim of this unit is for students to be able to analyse decisions that influence relationships, as well as to make decisions to enhance their own and others’ health, safety and wellbeing.

10HPE – Year 10 classes engaged in Softball, Ultimate Disc and Sofcrosse this term, and are currently studying Risk Taking and Safe Party behaviours.  We look forward to marking and moderating some fantastic assessment tasks from this cohort.

Elective HPE

All of our elective HPX classes have been completing units based around Touch Football.  It has been fantastic to see their development, and teachers have used a range of strategies to improve the students’ ability and decision making, including using modified equipment, as can be seen in the photos.  One class even played several games of Touch using a full-sized fit ball!!

10 HPX

A huge thank-you to Mal Mackney for coaching our Year 10 HPX students throughout the Lawn Bowls unit.  Harrison Lawrence and Adam Keevers have continued to be trained by Mal, who is the Club and District Coach. They will be competing in the Bowls Queensland Secondary Schools Cup.  According to Mal, Adam and Harry are progressing well and will be very good ambassadors for the School, Club and District.

Senior Recreation

Year 11 Recreation students are completing a Hiking and Orienteering unit this term.  This culminates with an assessment hike up Mt Baldy on Friday, Week 9.  A subsequent hike to Stewart Head will take place on Sunday,  12 September.  Good luck to the staff and students completing these walks.

Year 12 Recreation students have been completing an assessment based on their analysis of their own Badminton performance.  Their final unit is coming up in which students will plan and complete a Fitness-related physical performance.

Senior PE

Year 11 students are currently studying aspects of equity.  Year 12 students are busy preparing for their upcoming external exams.  They will be completing mock exams in class during Week 10.  We wish them the best of luck!

Certificate III in Fitness

Certificate III Fitness students have been working closely with peers and junior students, as well as older adult clients, in order to hone their skills and complete required assessment.  It is such an exciting time of the year as the Year 12’s have almost fully-completed their studies.  If they are successful in completing the full course, they will graduate with five separate qualifications –

• Certificate II in Sport
• Certificate III in Fitness
• Level 1 Coaching General Principles
• First Aid
• CPR

The Year 11 Fitness students have been completing peer and group cardio training sessions this term.

Warrick Lyndon, HOD Health

The Hub

All Creatures Great and Small

As part of our Community Access Program, ASHS students visited Tropical Vets. We were welcomed by Dr Graham Lauridsen, Senior Veterinarian, who showed us one of his consulting rooms. Dr Graham talked about caring for our pets and showed us some of the equipment and implements he uses to check the health of an animal, including a stethoscope, a microscope and an ultrasound machine. We were fortunate enough to be able to inspect the skull of a cat and a dog and we were shown how the leg bones of a dog connect together. Dr Graham showed us some X-rays on a laptop and pointed out the injuries to the bones. We asked lots of questions and found out that one of the more interesting creatures that Dr Graham has treated was a Cassowary! Tropical Vets tends to all our small animal needs as well as larger animals, like horses and cattle. We really enjoyed our time at the Vets and are grateful to Dr Graham Lauridsen and Tropical Vets for supporting our Community Access Program.

Visit to the Atherton Police Station

Recently, students visited the Atherton Police Station as part of our HUB Community Access Program. We were welcomed by Officer-in-Charge, Senior Sergeant Kyell Palmer, who gave us a tour of the station, including the Lock Up. He explained many of the interesting jobs done by the police and we were able to try blowing into the Breathalyser. We were fortunate enough to be able to sit inside a police car and try on some of the police equipment, including vests, hats and handcuffs. We asked lots of questions and really enjoyed our time at the Police Station. We are grateful to Senior Sergeant Kyell Palmer and the Police Officers at the Atherton Police Station for supporting our Community Access Program.

Textiles and Food Studies

Year 7

Textiles and Food students have spent this term designing and producing creative textiles and food-based products.  7G began their unit by conquering the intricacies of the sewing machines and producing bespoke "Snack Pillows".  Featuring a pocket with everything from carrots to caravans on them, these pillows not only looked fantastic but are also designed to come in handy for hiding special items (or treats)! We finish this term by examining the factors that affect teenage food choices…and cooking up a storm of tasty, healthy treats in the process!  Great job 7G on a wonderful effort!

Year 8

Our Year 8 classes have spent all term hard at work in the kitchens.  The Year 8 “Shark Tank” unit saw our creative cooks develop lunch-time menu options that not only looked great and tasted delicious, but also fit into the Smart Choices Guidelines for selling food at school tuckshops.  They then had to conquer their nerves and pitch their ideas in a multimodal task aimed at persuading a panel of teachers to buy their products.  Well done Year 8 on preparing both high quality meals and persuasive product pitches!

Years 9 and 10 

Year 9 have been investigating why customers might have a special dietary requirement.   Students have worked collaboratively to produce Grazing Platters that meet the needs of various customers.  From Keto to lactose-free, we’ve got it covered!  Thank you to the MANY staffrooms who have put in orders for these platters - we hope you enjoy your Art on a Plate morning tea this week!

Year 10 classes ran their annual café by offering a mouth-watering menu of food and drinks; all chosen to prove how targeting menu choices at customer groups can create profitable business outcomes.  

Years 11 / 12 Food and Nutrition

11 and 12 Food and Nutrition students have investigating how nutrient properties and chemical processes impact food preparation.  This knowledge has been used to trial and develop product lines that meet specific target audiences.  We wish our Year 12 Food and Nutrition students GOOD LUCK as they prepare for their final External Exam early in Term 4.  Thank you for your focus, diligence and for being such great role models as independent learners for our Junior Students!!!

We’re looking forward to a great Term 4 of learning with all of our classes, including hosting our Eat Street Extravaganza!!!! Stay tuned for further details…

Mrs Khan and Mr Green.

Student Services

#doiknowu 

#doiknowu aims to educate young people, parents, carers and educators about the behaviours which prevent, recognise and respond to online grooming. There are several resources available to inform young people and parents about the sophisticated tactics predators use to engage young people online. Families are encouraged to visit the link below for more information and to view the resources

For young people

Do you really know your online friends? Find out how you can stay safe online. Visit the link below: #doiknowu

For parents

Do you really know who your children are talking to online? Predators use sophisticated and compelling tactics to engage young people. Find out how you can help protect your children online. Visit the link below: #doiknowu

Guidance Officer

Managing Stress While Preparing for Exams

‘Test anxiety is a psychological condition in which students experience severe distress and anxiety when thinking about and/or taking an exam. A little anxiety can improve performance; however, when stress levels are so high that normal functioning is hindered, it becomes a problem.’ (Inner_drive, 2019).

Exams and assessment are already underway and for many students this can cause overwhelming thoughts and feelings. To best support your child’s academic buoyancy and prepare for exams, there are strategies students can employ to be on top of their game.

Prepare Well

Good preparation can lower test anxiety.  However, good preparation does not only involve engaging in the necessary revision. Getting a good night’s sleep, the night before an exam is also an essential part of the process, because sleep deprivation can activate areas of the brain associated with excessive worry. If you find it hard to wind down before bed, try some slow, deep breathing to slow your brain activity. Continuing activities you enjoy will bring your stress levels down – make sure there are some fun activities planned in your study schedule.

Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your mental health. Go for a walk, a run, hit the gym, stretch or do some cartwheels in the park! Get that body moving to release pent up stress and invigorate yourself. 

Furthermore, when students have sufficient sleep, the focus of their thoughts is more positive, which leads to lower levels of test anxiety.

Use Reframing

Giving students a more positive and helpful way of looking at test anxiety is an effective way of reducing it.   Reminding your child that test anxiety is natural.  Share an example of a time when you have experienced test anxiety. 

Better Self-talk

Recent research demonstrated a link between high levels of cognitive distortion and high test anxiety, which together led to lower exam results. Cognitive distortions include catastrophising (belief in the worst possible outcome, e.g. “I will fail all my exams.”), personalising (excessive attribution of failure to self, for instance, “I will not pass this exam because I am a failure.”) and concentrating too much on negative elements (for example, “I will fail my exam because I could not answer some questions.”).

Take Deep Breaths

Research has shown that if students can feel themselves getting anxious, they should focus on taking deep breaths for a few minutes. By slowing their breathing, students can reduce their heart rate, moving the body closer to a state of physiological rest, allowing them to regain more control over their emotions.  The Smiling Mind app is a great tool that can help guide students through breathing exercises. 

Chappy Chat 

How to talk to teenagers

Sometimes communicating with teenagers can be tricky. The following tips might help you to keep the channels of communication open with your child…

Raising Children

With everything in our world a little unpredictable right now, I am reminded of the importance of routines.

Simply put, routines help family life run smoothly. With routines, children feel secure and parents feel less stressed.

If you want some help on your #parentingjourney

Check out this article:

Postive Behaviour for Learning (PBL)

Positive Postcard Competition

This term has seen the launch of our Positive Postcard Competition. This competition will be held annually in Term 3.  Students are able to design the front of the following year’s Positive Postcard. Teachers send these postcards home each week to parents and carers of selected students, to recognise effort in class.

The winner of the Senior Division is Mrs Durrand’s  11D PBL class.

The top 6 Junior designs were voted by staff and students:

• Megan (Year 7)
• Polly (Year 8)
• Regan Nash (Year 8) - 2 entries
• Jake (Year 7) 
• Natasha (Year 9)

Winners will be acknowledged, along with the other 5 Junior Finalists, at a Whole School Parade in Week 3 of Term 4. Congratulations to all students who entered.

High Flyer Award

Throughout the Term our students have been recognised for their excellent behaviour and efforts with our whole-school High Flyer draws at Parade. The winners receive a $10 tuckshop voucher. 

End of term High Flyer draws will take place on Thursday 16 September to receive a $30 Big W voucher.

Attendance and Behaviour Award

Students who have achieved 95%+ attendance and have demonstrated satisfactory behaviour will be recognised on Thursday 16 September with a sausage sizzle and ice-block. Students will be notified by email on Tuesday 14 September.

Parent and Community Feedback

If you are a parent, carer or a local community member who has a suggestion about how PBL (Positive Behaviour for Learning) could be enhanced, contact Lauren Huth, Positive Behaviour Specialist lhuth5@eq.edu.au

From the Business Manager

Student Resource Scheme 2021 Payments 

Thank you to all Parents/Guardians who have paid levies and subject fees, together with those who have arranged payment plans with the School.

• All 2021 Student Resource Scheme levies, including subject fees, were due to be paid at the end of Term 1 - if they are unpaid, they are outstanding.
• Statements are sent out at the end of each month.
• In order for students to continue to receive resources, please ensure all fees are paid in full, or there is a payment agreement in place with the school.
• We are following up on outstanding payments and Dunning Payment Reminder letters were recently sent out for outstanding fees.
  
• If you have, or are currently experiencing, financial difficulty, please contact our Business Manager, Margaret Selby via email  mselb4@eq.edu.au to establish a payment arrangement.

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.
• Do you receive Family Tax Benefit A or B from Centrelink? If so, you can nominate a fixed amount to be paid from your Family Tax Benefit directly to the school to cover your child's education costs. Please contact us via email to set up your payment plan:  mselb4@eq.edu.au.
  
• 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.

Dunning Reminder Notices

This past week, Atherton State High School has implemented a new process called Dunning Reminder Notices as per Education Queensland’s recent directive.  This process aims to notify parents when they have outstanding invoice/s larger than $20.00.  Please note:

• The notices are generated automatically once your invoice/s are 30+ days overdue.

• The notices will only be sent to the parent with full fee allocation via email or post.

• If you are unable to pay your invoice/s before the due date, or you have a query about an invoice you have received, it is important that you contact us well before the invoice is due for payment.

• These notices will not be sent to those parents who are actively participating in either an eDDR or CentrePay payment plan.

• These notices will be sent in addition to usual monthly student account statements.

If you have any questions, please email Business Manager, Margaret Selby at mselb4@eq.edu.au or phone the school on 4030 5210.

Thank you

Expressions of Interest

Community News

Well Womens's Clinics

These Clinics are available to Medicare-eligible clients

All services are provided by a specially-trained Women's Health Nurse

Mareeba Hospital,  Thursday, 23 September 2021                            

Phone:  4092 9311

Service includes:

• Cervical Screening Tests (Pap Smears)
• Sexual Health Screening
• Breast Awareness
• Information is also available on Contraception, Continence, Menopause, Lifestyle Issues, Bowel Health, Domestic Violence etc.