newsletter-2016-21-06 - Mountain Creek State High School

Lady Musgrave Drive
Mountain Creek QLD 4557
Subscribe: http://mtncreekshs.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe
21 June 2016
From the Executive Principal
This term has been significant in the
development of our students’ skills in
writing through the whole school staged
introduction to Collins Writing program.
Students have been introduced to and
practiced Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3
writing through the teaching of skills.
http://collinsed.com/5types.htm
Students in Action (HODs and Administration visits to
classrooms to see student notebooks, learning journals and
student participation in learning) was an opportunity to see the
school wide outputs and outcomes of the Collins Reading.
Student work demonstrated the high level of commitment by
both staff and students to and development of skills of writing,
at all year levels and across many key learning areas.
The significant contribution of all staff to developing student
skills in the area of writing, will be enhanced in Term 3 with
another visit by Christine Hills (Collins Writing Program) who
will provide additional professional development for staff and
additional in class mentoring and classroom observation
opportunities. I encourage parents to look for the improvements
in student writing across the subjects they are studying and I
hope that students are able to articulate the writing process and
how this program is improving their writing skills.
Early next term all families will receive an invitation to have your
say in our online School Opinion Survey. The eldest student in
each family will be provided with a letter outlining the purpose of
the School Opinion Survey, a document providing a unique user
name and password and instructions on how to complete the
survey online. Your involvement in completing the online survey,
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 07 5457 8333
Fax: 07 5457 8300
together with the surveys from students and staff will assist the
school to determine what we are doing well and how we can
improve.
Finally, I hope all students have completed Term 2 with the
confidence that they have committed their best efforts towards
achieving the goals set at the beginning of the term. Your class
teachers will provide you with formative feedback in each
subject at the start of Term 3, to assist you to set your goals
for learning in Term 3. As we approach subject selection for
2017, the feedback provided will also assist you to develop
your ECP conversations/presentations with parents and your
ECP teacher and assist you in making the best choices for your
future education.
I wish all families a safe and enjoyable winter vacation and
remind students that the first day of Term 3, is Monday 11th
July 2016.
CONGRATULATIONS
MCSHS - Winning school Year 8 & 9 Winter interschool
sport
MCSHS Stage Band – awarded Best secondary Multi
program band Division 1, Regional Fanfare
Awarded school accreditation (4 years) with Australian
Schools Accreditation Agency
Year 10 and Open Boys Rugby League into the Grand
Finals of the Broncos, Michael DeVere Cup (Year 10) and
Andrew Gee Shield (Open) competitions to be played in
Term 3.
Cheryl McMahon
Executive Principal
From the Head of Senior School
ECP Term 3 and Careers Night
There will be some important processes
around the Year 10, 11 and 12 ECP
interviews set down for the 9th of August
next term. The booking system will open for
parents on the 21st of July.
• Year 10 students will have an interview to confirm
their choice of subjects for Year 11 2107, and
therefore the focus will be on prerequisites. Students
must meet the prerequisite grade for a subject to be
allowed to take that subject in Year 11. Extensive
material will come home to families on Thursday 21st
of July about this process, and we expect that all
students will finalise their choices on ECP day. Please
also see the Subject Selection Handbooks available
on the school website which will be updated soon.
• Year 11 students will pay for subjects they are
enrolled in for Year 12 2017. There are no subject
changes at ECP, and if this is an issue students need
to see me for an interview after ECP. All Year 11
students will do another Student Led Conference for
ECP.
• Year 12 students will either complete a QTAC
application meeting or a Student Led Conference if
they are not intending to go to University in 2017.
• Careers/Subject Selection Night will be held on 1st
August and allow students especially in Year 10 to
refine their choices for Senior. Year 7, 8 and 9
students will be able to discuss electives as well as
core choices for 2017 with HODS teachers and
students.
Senior Leader Induction Ceremony
On the 14th of July the Year 11 students will be officially
inducted as the senior leaders of the school. At this ceremony
all leadership positions will be announced including school
captains. Parents are welcome at this ceremony which
commences at approximately 10.30am and is completed by
11.45am in the Student Centre.
Please read the extensive article by Ms Bree Brockenshire
about other goings on in the Senior School. My congratulations
to her and the team, especially Ms Munro who are running a
very busy exam schedule this week.
Local Police would like to remind all school families to take care
when using our roads, especially over these school holidays.
The roads around the coast are busy with an influx of visitors
and Maroochydore police will out in force over the holiday
period.
Queensland Core Skills Test and Exam Block
Term 3
The QCS test dates are Tuesday 30th and Wednesday 31st
August. Students will be very familiar with the processes around
2
ensuring that they have all of the correct equipment and
information about the test.
The dates for the exam block in Term 3 for Year 11 and 12
are below. Families should avoid having their students away
from school at this time when many important assessments are
undertaken by students.
Year
Start
Finish
12
Friday 9 September
Friday 16th September
11
Monday 12th September
A message from the Queensland Police
The community’s safety is our priority and police will continue
to target the fatal five which are speeding, drink and drug
driving, not wearing a seatbelt, driving while fatigued and driving
distracted.
Too many Queensland drivers are being distracted while on the
road by things like mobile phones, complex sound systems,
on-board DVD players and satellite navigation, to name a few.
The message is clear these school holidays if motorists
continue to make poor choices on our local roads and
endanger other road users they can expect a fine and a loss of
demerit points.
Please remember to plan your trip ahead, take a break, rest,
revive and survive.
For traffic and road conditions please visit the 131940 Traffic
and Travel information website
Graduation Requirements
It is a requirement that all Year 12 students adhere to the
conditions on page 51 of the Senior Learning Journal to be
able to attend graduation ceremonies this year. The details
explain explicitly the central themes of attendance, behaviour
and academic progress.
“Senior students at Mountain Creek State High School enter
into senior studies in the full knowledge they are studying for
a purpose, their pathway into work, training or further studies
at university. Students have chosen subjects on a specific
pathway to meet these goals.
This Senior Student Agreement revisits the undertakings that
students gave at their enrolment interview, for some students
this was over four years ago. It also describes and seeks
agreement from the senior student on the specific behaviours
that must be displayed in order for them to be a successful
graduate at Mountain Creek State High School.
Completion
Senior students agree to make their best efforts to complete
all set work for their chosen subjects. This includes homework,
assignments and any Certificate level competencies. Students
that do not complete their set work put at risk their enrolment
in certain subjects and more importantly their opportunity to
gain a Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) upon their
graduation from school at the end of Year 12. Students that are
organised, complete set work and keep track of their course of
study (seeking help from the school where needed), are always
much more successful and meet this completion requirement.
Attendance
Education Queensland demands that students attend every
lesson every day unless there is a valid reason. This policy
is clearly outlined in the Everyday Counts legislation at the
Education Queensland Website. Students that attend
consistently are always more successful in their studies.
Students that do not attend regularly miss vital information
about school subjects and school events. The requirement for
senior students to attend school graduation events is that they
attend 95% of all classes and school days throughout their
senior studies. Students must also attend all set exams in exam
blocks. Students must also attend assigned work experience
days unless they have an exam.
http://education.qld.gov.au/everydaycounts/
parents-community/regular-school-attendance.html
Students are reminded that the completion and attendance
requirement applies to ALL study including VET (Vocational
Education – Certificate courses) and QCS preparation
programs.
Behaviour
Students must maintain an acceptable standard of behaviour
to be invited to the Graduation Ceremony. Failure to meet this
standard will result in withdrawal of the Graduation invitation.
From the Head of Junior Secondary
School
QSPA Conference
Four of our administration team members had the privilege of
attending the Queensland Secondary Principals’ Association
Conference in week 9. The theme for this conference was
Lead, Learn and Thrive. Various guest speakers talked about
innovation in education.
The Minister for Education and the Minister for Tourism and
Major Events, Hon Ms Kate Jones, opened the second day of
the conference. She spoke about the commitment to upskilling
teachers to support the ongoing STEM initiative. She also
mentioned the SATE – the Senior Assessment and Tertiary
Entrance Reform, which will initially impact on our current year
9 students when they enter Year 11 and 12. For these students
the current OP system will be replaced by an ATAR rank and
subjects will have some external examinations.
Parent evenings in 2017 will allow parents to ask further
questions about the new system as it rolls out across the state.
We have attached a link to a memo from the Queensland
Curriculum and Assessment Authority that is informative for
parents about the new system.
https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/downloads/senior/
snr_assessment_trials_guide.pdf
IT IS A REQUIREMENT OF ALL STUDENTS AT
MOUNTAIN CREEK STATE HIGH SCHOOL TO
GRADUATE WITH A LEVEL OF CERTIFICATION
RECOGNISED BY THE QUEENSLAND STUDIES
AUTHORITY. THESE INCLUDE:
• CERTIFICATE COURSE COMPLETION (EG.
CERTIFICATE II HOSPITALITY)
• QCE COMPLETION
• SCHOOL BASED APPRENTICESHIP OR
TRAINEESHIP
PLEASE NOTE THAT AN OP IS NOT CONSIDERED
TO BE A LEVEL OF CERTIFICATION. STUDENTS
WHO GRADUATE WITHOUT A QCE AND WITH NO
OTHER CERTIFICATE COURSE COMPLETION ARE
NOT CONSIDERED TO HAVE MET THESE
REQUIREMENTS.
Students who wish to attend the Graduation Ceremonies at the
end of Year 12 must satisfy the
requirements above. Students should be clear on the difference
between completing Year 12 and just finishing the year as an
enrolled student.”
Best Wishes,
Vaccinations
Thank you to Mr Lindsay Baker for organising the year 7 and
8 Vaccinations in week 9. We also had a number of parent
volunteers who helped out with this event and this was very
much appreciated.
Junior Secondary Leaders
Over the past 3 to 4 weeks, all year 7 and 8 students have
been involved in the Nomination and Voting process for Junior
Secondary Leaders. In year 7, four Junior Secondary Leaders
have been elected to represent their class (2 in Term 3 and 2
in Term 4). Two Year 8 students were elected to represent their
respective class, and will represent their class in this position for
the remainder of Year 8 and 9. Year 9’s have continued on in
their roles from Year 8. Congratulations to all of the Year 7 and
8 nominees, and a further congratulations to all of the elected
students. Thank you to the Students Services Team for their
ongoing support of Junior Secondary students and involvement
in training al of the Junior Secondary Leaders.
Andrew Stone
Head of Senior School
3
SUBSCHOOL
FORM CLASS
STUDENT
Montana King
8U
Elouise Hodson
Sienna Huntington
Year 8 Leaders
2016 – YEAR 7 – JUNIOR SECONDARY
LEADERS
SUBSCHOOL
BRIBIE
FORM
CLASS
7A
7B
2016 – YEAR 8 – JUNIOR SECONDARY
LEADERS
7C
STUDENT
TERM 3
TERM 4
Thomas
Montague
Sophie Henning
James Paterson
Bailey Keefe
Sam Stewart
Lily Sutton
Taj Nommensen
Shania Mason
James Murray
Liam Thompson
SUBSCHOOL
FORM CLASS
STUDENT
BRIBIE
8A
Lilly Penny
Marine Van de Merwe
8B
7D
FRASER
7G
Flynn Ferguson
Troy Milton
Ben O’Brien
Harry Bartolo
Olivia Jeffreys
Jayden Barber
Olivia Baker
Alex Murray
Charlotte
Weitenberg
Ari Blytheway
Ella Sargent
Josh Russell
Joel Peters
Jack Underhill
Jack Gordon
Alyssa Mantarro
Kirra Dixon
Dj Mendoza
Kelsi Geraghty
Aryon Ramos
Riley Johnston
Neve Underwood
Grace Finlay
Alana Munro
Jacob Thomas
Grace Voller
Tamara Mitchell
Hayley King
Jasmine Wynne
Tahlia Lloyd
Summah Campbell
Didi Marsh
Conor Price
Jordi Titmus
Kirsty Lam
Samuel Evans
Matt McGill
Sarsha Weaver
Isabella Maker
Luke McMullin
Olivia Quinn
Kian Fewings
Ella Owain
Chloe McKenzie
Ethan Lovell
Kyle Hartwell
8C
7H
Luke Brickland
Amy-Lee Woods
FRASER
8G
7I
Loula-Suzie Bensaci
Lauren Van De Vorst
8H
7J
Nivea Hireme
Spenser Jackson-Shayler
8I
Jaime Hannan
MORETON
7M
Gabrielle Kneipp
MORETON
8M
7N
Ainsley Lea
Tiahn Panovsky
8N
7O
Nellie Burwin
Kirra Richardson
8O
Rubi Fewings
STRADBROKE
7S
Chris Maier
STRADBROKE
8S
Hannah Page
7T
Meg Turner
8T
4
India Bunyan-Beer
7U
So You Wanna Go To Uni… USC – University
Experience 9 June
So you wanna go to Uni… USC – University
Experience 9 June
Oh What a Day! At least that’s what the students thought …
and they were so right.
Year 7 Term 3 Leaders
“I loved every second.”
“Met lots of great people.”
“Gave me an insight into Uni classes.”
“I got to see the campus and experience the facilities.”
Over 800 students from across the state converged upon the
University of the Sunshine Coast for ‘Experience USC’. With 34
workshop options to choose from, students could select four.
Fields of study ranged from Accounting: Come and Join the
Circus, to Law: Draco Vs Hogwarts School.
Andrea Evans
Lindsay Baker
Craig Hegarty
Head of Junior Deputy Principal
Head of
Secondary
Department
Junior
Junior Secondary
Secondary
Just over 50 Aspiring Mountain Creek State High School
student leaders, from years 9 to 10 took up the opportunity to
attend the event and engaged in workshops that gave them a
true sense of university lecture style and practical experiences
unique to tertiary education. It certainly was a day to reflect “so
you wanna go to Uni…”
Well done students!
Senior School News
Ms Mullighan
Teacher
QCS Practice Test
Annual Senior Leadership Camp
Thanks to the Year 12 cohort who sat the final practice QCS
test on 24th and 25th May.
On Sunday the 29th of May, 32 aspiring senior leaders packed
their bags and boarded a bus for a leadership building 3-day
adventure at Emu Gully, near Toowoomba. The large group
was split into 2 teams: Alpha and Bravo. Within no time the
groups were immersed in team-building activities. Many, if not
all of the students, were pushed emotionally, physically, or
both throughout the camp, and relied on their newfound team
to support them. The ANZAC values of courage, mateship,
perseverance, and sacrifice were emphasised throughout the
3 days, and students did their best to embody these ideals.
The group learnt so many lessons that apply not only to the
situations we faced on camp, or just our role as leaders, but
lessons that apply to everyday life. Most importantly we learnt to
trust ourselves and our teams, and the significance of effective
communication.
All students were generally well organised and motivated and
we are hopeful that our results will be promising as an indicator
of how much students have improved with the rotations that
they have been involved in as well as the feedback from the
previous practice test in Term 1.
Feedback from the test will arrive in the coming weeks and we
will provide this to individual students, the cohort as a whole
and Year 12 teachers to ensure that there is a focus on the skills
that require further improvement in the final weeks of lead up to
the actual test on next term.
Bree Brockenshire
It is safe to say that the camp brought the leadership hopefuls
together in a way that no other situation could. Our 3-day
adventure may have left us cut up and bruised, with sore
muscles and fatigued minds, but after a good shower and
sleep, we all realised how the camp had changed our mindsets,
and how we had grown as individuals and as a cohort. – Briana
Williams
Hi, my name is Blake Williams and recently I visited Emu Gully
for Leadership Camp. In all honesty I loved it, and I learned
various lessons that I would not learn anywhere else. I learned
the importance and impact of simply knowing someone’s name
and the power of will; if you set your mind to something and
5
remain positive, you will do it. Through my time I also learned
the consequences of my actions, a bad mistake can result in
many people following which creates one single mindset for the
group. However, quickly identifying and resolving this issue is
a pivotal concept I have learned during my time at Emu Gully.
Our instructors were Chris and Linda; they were amazing and
with them I found that being a leader is not about standing out,
it can also be stepping down. It is a good leadership skill to
be able to use the strengths of the team around you, being
involved in leadership camp with Chris and Linda made me
aware of this. Hearing the many stories of both World Wars
made me individually, realise that the leadership process our
school was going through was nothing compared to the poor
conditions many brave people in the wars had to experience.
Overall, leadership camp was an incredible experience which I
would never take back; being leadership related or not I highly
recommend anyone in primary or high school should consider
visiting.
Year 11 Leadership Camp 2016 was a great experience which
gave us many opportunities to grow as leaders, as a team,
and as individuals. Whilst at Emu Gully the instructors Chris
and Linda encouraged us to step outside our comfort zone,
this related to the goals we had set as a group; one being to
give everything 100%. Many friendships were created whilst at
Emu Gully and as a group we were able to identify some key
leadership qualities we were lacking. Emu Gully Camp follows
the motto of “To challenge, inspire and empower” which in
all, assisted in the process of becoming better senior leaders.
Team building activities presented us with an opportunity to
help and encourage our peers in order to ensure everybody
felt supported and safe. Attending Emu Gully will for now and
always be a highlight of our senior school experience at
Mountain Creek. On behalf of the senior leaders of 2016, we are
thankful for all that was taught to us throughout the experience
and aim to implicate the newly found skills and lessons taught
on this camp within our school. – Lara St Clair
As for results, the final heat of the QDU competition saw three
out of four year eight teams win, knocking three local schools
out of the competition. Congratulations to all of the year 7 and
8 debaters – we can’t wait to see how far you get next year.
Unfortunately, Year 11 are out of the competition after winning
two and marginally losing two rounds. We hope to see this
talented team participate in year 12 in 2017 – they really will be
a force to be reckoned with.
Year 10 won two and lost two - pipped at the post by one point.
Coach Audre Fogarty was very proud of this team especially
when all of the six girls turned up to support their team even
in the appalling weather two weeks ago. The girls’ excellent
commitment to their team did not go unnoticed by other
schools.
Thanks and congratulations to all of the debaters for their hard
work and commitment. We now have some extremely
confident speakers who are excited about debating in 2017.
Best of luck to those teams who will enter the finals in Brisbane
in term 3. We will keep you up-to-date with the results.
Special thanks also to the coaches, Talia Barnes, Amanda
Tollner, Meg Racovalis and Brenton Murray for their
commitment to our students and this prestigious competition.
Finally, sincere thanks to Audre Fogarty for her commitment
in her role as QDU school’s coordinator. This is a very large
job and Audre has fulfilled this role with absolute commitment
to our debaters. Thanks must also go to Doug MacDonald
whose assistance at the debating evenings at the school has
been invaluable. His organisation and willingness to commit to
long hours at school has made hosting the year 8 competition
possible.
Bree Brockenshire
HOD Senior School and Various Senior Leaders
News from the English Faculty
High Praise for QDU participation
In the final night of the debating heats, adjudicators praised
our school spirit and commitment to our students for giving so
many students the opportunity to participate in this competitive,
rigorous and academic sport. More than 40 of our students
participated across 3 levels of competition, which included four
Year 8 teams and a number of Year 7s who debated in the year
8 competition. The adjudicators also praised our students, not
only in regards to their debating skills but also because of their
impeccable appearance and behaviour. This year has been
particularly well supported, with some students undertaking
rigorous research to support our teams.
There were also many positive comments about the venue with
the parents of Mountain Creek State High debating students
saying how proud they were to be connected to a school that
was receiving such high praise.
6
Wendy McDermott
Head of Department English
Rostrum Voice of Youth Public Speaking
Competition 2016
2016 saw a number of enthusiastic public speakers from Years
7 to 8 compete in Rostrum’s Voice of Youth Competition.
Congratulations to Lillian Penny, Rebecca Robins, Lydia Keet,
Thomas Rankin, Lara Holdsworth and Lili Scout Haigh-Neale
for presenting their speeches that addressed a versatile range
of topics from ‘The Time has Come’ to ‘Blurring the
Boundaries.’ Special mention must go to Lillian Penny and Lara
Holdsworth for their commendations in the competition: Lara
was runner up in her heat and Lillian not only won her heat,
but also the Sunshine Coast final and progressed through to
the finals for South Queensland where she also had to put her
impromptu speaking skills to the test! Well done to all MCSHS
students for representing themselves and the school to such a
high standard.
Caption Lillian Penny
News from the Coding and Innovation
Faculty
IT Staff Profiles
Libby Richardson completed a Bachelor
of Education Secondary at the
Queensland University of Technology in
2008, majoring in Film, Television and
New Media Studies and minoring in
English. Libby spent the next four years
teaching a range of subjects at Emerald
State High School in Central Queensland.
Libby Richardson It was here that Libby’s digital
technologies journey began, teaching
senior Information Technologies Systems and junior Computer
Studies. Libby moved to the Sunshine Coast and began
teaching at Mountain Creek State High School in 2013. She is
currently teaching year 11 ITS and year 7 Digital Technologies,
and is looking forward to continuing to develop and share skills
in the IT area.
Mel Muller began her studies way back in
the 90s graduating with a Bachelor of Arts
in Mass Communications and Fine Art. After
a range of careers she settled in the
recruitment industry specialising in youth
unemployment. Working with many local
high schools Mel developed a passion for
teaching and decided to study for her
teaching degree in 2002. Upon graduating
Alice Muller
she spent 10 wonderful years at Woombye
State School, combining her role as an eLearning Mentor with
teaching Years 5 to 7. Mid last year Mel was offered an amazing
opportunity to join the emerging Coding and Innovation Team
at Mountain Creek State High. She felt that this was the perfect
opportunity to combine her love of Art, with Coding and Maths.
Creative Coding, Virtual Reality and Innovation are Mel’s
passion’s and she can’t wait as part of the Coding and
Innovation Hub, to incorporate more of this into the new Digital
Technologies Curriculum.
Graeme Breen- Advance Queensland
Community Digital Champion
Graeme Breen is Head of the Coding and
Innovation Hub and STEM activities here at
Mountain Creek State High School and an
exceptional educator. He willingly shares his
expertise with colleagues and young people
in his Sunshine Coast community.
Graeme recently received the Advance
Queensland Community Digital Champions
award. This award is for his outstanding and passionate work in
Digital Technology, and his continual work in giving back to the
community by helping others become digitally-savvy. Graeme
goes beyond his school responsibilities to foster innovation and
develop digital skills. As part of a global movement powered by
Google for Entrepreneurs, Graeme initiated and ran a Startup
Weekend for Youth on the Sunshine Coast in 2015 (the first of
its kind in the Oceania region) to encourage teens to think about
creative business ideas and put them into practice. Led by
Graeme, the expanded event will run again in 2016.
He set up the Coding and Innovation Hub within Mountain
Creek SHS, alongside strong industry support and involvement.
It provides opportunities for teachers in the region, both primary
and secondary, to upgrade their skills in digital technologies.
Since 2014, Graeme has provided training for more than 250
teachers. Graeme, through the Coding and Innovation Hub,
partnered with Sunshine Coast Council, Telstra and Spark
Bureau to initiate and run the Sunshine Coast Council Mayor’s
Telstra Technology Awards for 2016.
http://www.codinginnovationhub.com/
Graeme's other activities and achievements include:
• providing training positions for Sunshine Coast library
staff at the Digital Technologies Skills Expo
• introducing a STEM Academy program of excellence
• being awarded a Google Experience Day, based on
his work engaging girls in IT, running IT extension
programs for gifted primary students and upgrading
staff skills at Mountain Creek State High School.
As a digital champ, Graeme will:
• organise the 2016 Startup Weekend for Youth,
expanded from last year
• deliver three Skills Expos to train Sunshine Coast
primary school teachers in digital technologies to
manage new subject areas
• deliver 3 workshops for secondary teachers in
specialist areas
7
• roll out Lean Startup training to 24 Sunshine Coast
teachers
• hold a Robotics Day for 50 teams over the course of
weekend
• work with industry partners to develop opportunities
for students to experience Lean Startup
methodology.
Big Day In
MCSHS Year 10 Digital Technology students had the
opportunity to attend the ASC foundation’s Big Day In at The
University of Queensland on the 8th of June. The Big Day In is
an IT careers conference designed by students for students. It
caters for both high school (Years 9-12) and university students
interested in a career in technology. Below are some students
accounts of the day and the points that stood out to them.
News from Creative Industries
MAdD
Due to unforeseen circumstances, we have had to change the
dates of the MAdD festival to Term 4. The new date will be
Friday the 14th of October from 4pm. There will be two ticketed
shows; one at 5pm (Early Bird Show) and one at 7.30pm (Up
Late Show). Tickets will be $5 each.
“The digital technology excursion was a fun and
enjoyable experience. I liked going around to the tables
and finding out information about all the jobs out there for
girls in IT. I also enjoyed getting the flyers and brochures
that informed me about the jobs within the industry.
Overall it was a good day that included fun activities and
let me learn more about jobs out there for girls that want
to work in IT.”
“On Wednesday the 8th of June we visited The University
of Queensland for the Big Day In. When we got there
we were led into a big hall with a few other schools.
During the day we had the opportunity to listen to a
variety of presenters. They gave us information about the
jobs they work in within IT and the opportunities available
after school within the industry. The first presenter was
Anna Emmerson. She works at Google in Sydney and
talked about why she loved doing her job, as well as
the opportunities within the IT industry for females. Just
before morning tea, Matt Deshon. He presented, he
works at Technology One and gave some information
about the role of the company in society and the
opportunities they have for students in university and
jobs after. Then we were talked to by Russell Hamilton,
he worked at TCS, and talked to us about the ‘Tata’
program that they did.”
Fanfare 2016
Fanfare is the biennial state wide festival for bands and
orchestras in Queensland state schools. It showcases the
outstanding music making that occurs in school ensembles
across the state. The emphasis for Fanfare is on improving the
quality of ensembles, promoting the highest possible standard
of performance, striving for excellence and encouraging
participation.
Over the last 3 weeks, schools from across our North Coast
Region competed in heats and were adjudicated on their
performances. Each ensemble was awarded a Gold, Silver or
Bronze award based on the division they entered. Division 1
being the highest (A grade) to division 3.
Our Mountain Creek ensembles all performed very well and
achieved great results.
8
String Ensemble – division 2 – Silver Award
Concert Band – division 2 – Gold Award
Stage Band – division 1 – Gold Award
From the heats, the adjudicator then chose the top 6
ensembles from the entire North Coast Region to perform at the
regional final. Our Stage Band was selected as one of the top 6
and invited to perform at the final.
Thank you to our coaches Mr Newcombe, Mr Brutnell, and Mr
Shillig who have put time into these teams throughout the last
few years.
Good luck also to Trent Loiero (Yr 10) and Tyson Smoothy
(Yr 12) who will represent Queensland in the National Rugby
League Schoolboys Championships over the holidays.
We once again performed excellently at the final. Our
performance was well received by the audience and we
received many positive comments but unfortunately did not win
the most outstanding ensemble for the night.
We did however pick up a trophy for BEST SECONDARY
MULTI PROGRAM IN DIVISION 1 FOR THE SUNSHINE
COAST REGION.
Dan Roberts
Program Manager
2016 Track & Field Carnival
The annual Track & Field Carnival is on Wednesday 27th July,
2016. This is Week 3 and is a whole-school event and a
compulsory school day.
The senior carnival will run from 7.30am to 12.55pm. The junior
carnival will run from 10.30am to 4.05pm
Fantastic recognition for our hard working young musicians.
Competitive Events
Senior students have already nominated for competitive events.
News from HPE and the Sports
Department
Rugby League Results
Congratulations to both the Yr 10 and Open Rugby League
teams for making the Grand Final of the Brisbane Broncos
Michael DeVere (Yr 10) and Andrew Gee Shields (Open)
competitions to be played in Term 3.
This is the first time the school has qualified for both Grand
Finals is these high level schoolboys’ competitions which were
contested against Rugby League schools from the Gold Coast,
Brisbane, and Toowoomba over 10 weeks in Term 2.
Junior students will be selected in competitive events using
their performances from their HPE classes. Sub-school teams
for the competitive events will be posted on sub-school
noticeboards at the end of Week 10.
800m, 1500m, Javelin & Junior High Jump will be completed at
School prior to the carnival. These dates are already posted on
sub-school noticeboards and are included here also.
MCSHS Athletics Team will be selected from the results of
these competitive events to attend the Central District carnival.
Non-Competitive Events
Students not competing in the competitive events will
participate in a rotation of non-competitive events which
include: 100m, Turbo Javelin, Bean Bag Shot Put, Frisbee
Discus, Ball-Games & Relays
9
Procedures on the day
All students are required to come to school at their usual time
and assemble in their sub-school assembly areas for roll
marking. Students will then be transported to the University
track by bus and complete their rotation of events at the track.
At the conclusion of the rotations the students will be
transported back to school by bus. On return to school
students will once again assemble for roll mark before
departure from school. All students must travel to and from the
venue by bus. Students cannot be dropped off and picked up
from the track.
to make your family clearly understanding of your wishes to
donate your organs because they are people who make the
final decision. Organ donation is the ‘Gift of Life’ to those
needing the transplant and Donate Life encourages all of us to
become donors through registering on their website. This group
of Year 12 students held a cupcake sale to raise student and
staff awareness of organ donation while enjoying a cupcake
for a gold coin donation. The group raised $50 that has been
donated to Donate Life!
Dress Standards for Athletics Day
Students are encouraged to wear sub-school shirts – available
from sub-schools. No singlets – only shirts with sleeves, School
Sport Shorts, shoes to run in, hat, sunscreen, water bottle.
Normal school rules apply in regard to jewellery & phones.
Career and Tertiary Information
Other Essential Information
The school canteen will operate out at the track and the
university canteen will be out-of-bounds for duration of our
carnival.
MONDAY
Week
11
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
20 June
21 June
22 June
23 June
24 June
13 & 14
Years
Boys &
Girls
1500m
13 & 14
Years
Boys &
Girls
Javelin
Inter-School
Sport Finals
Day
12 Years
Boys & Girls
High Jump
Term 2
1pm
Term 3
Week
1
11 July
12 July
10am
13 July
14 July
15, 16 & 17
Years
15, 16 &
17 Years
Boys &
Girls
800m
Boys & Girls
1500m
1pm
13 &14
Years
Girls
18 July
10am
1pm
Junior
Catchup
19 July
20 July
15, 16 &
17
Years
Boys
Javelin
15, 16 & 17
Years
Girls
Javelin
Junior
Catchup
Junior
Catchup
Presentations will be made by leaders of the four high-value
industries of Food and Agribusiness, Education and Research,
Aviation and Aerospace and Clean Technologies who will use
knowledge and extensive research to paint a picture of the jobs
and careers which will be available on the Sunshine Coast in
2025.
This event is designed to enable Year 8, 9 and 10 students
to make informed decisions about their education journey at
this pivotal time in their schooling and we hope you will see
the importance of their attendance. The expo will be suitable
for all students, whether they are considering tertiary study,
vocational training or Certification levels.
12, 13 &
14 Years
Boys &
Girls
800m
More details about the exciting high-tech displays and activities
and a digital flyer will be distributed to students early in the
new term. Session bookings will be open for students also in
the new term. Please lock this date into your diary - 11th
August.
21 July
22 July
Sunshine Coast Daily Careers Expo
14th annual Sunshine Coast Daily Careers Expo
Junior
Catchup
Junior
Catchup
Donate Life!
The Year 12 Health Education students have spent Term 2
studying the issue of Organ Donation. There are over 1500
Australians on the organ donor waiting list hoping for the gift
of life from a generous and caring family. As Australia has
an ‘opt-in’ system of organ donation where, if you want to
be a donor should the circumstances ever arise, you have
10
Sunshine Coast Council is hosting an Expo highlighting careers
available on the Sunshine Coast in 2025. The Future Careers
2025 Expo will be held on August 11th 2016 at the
Innovation Centre in Sippy Downs.
13 &14 Years
Boys
High Jump
High
Jump
Week
2
15 July
Fantastic Future Career Options – A Must See!!!!!
Tuesday 19th July 2016
10am to 2pm and 4pm to 7pm FREE admission
To be held at the University of Sunshine Coast
Sports Stadium
The Sunshine Coast Daily Careers Expo is the region's most
comprehensive careers, employment and training expo that
offers visitors the latest information on tertiary studies, further
training, hands on demonstrations and employment
opportunities.
Further information:
http://www.careersevent.com/sunshinecoast/
University Open Days
Most tertiary providers hold open days in July and August each
year for future students. These are a great way to explore your
post-school study options.
At an open day, you'll be able to find out about more about
the courses and qualifications on offer, talk to staff and current
students, and check out the campus and facilities to see if
they're right for you.
Please refer to document attached below:
A reminder that the jackets are now priced at $51
Pullovers $36
Boys Trousers $36
Girls Navy 70 Denier Tights $8
Scarves $12
Other price increases on boys shorts , socks, and back packs
take effect in Term 3.
The Uniform Shop will be open every day for the first week of
Term 3 from 9am till 2pm.
Enjoy the break
News from Student Services
LAUGHTER
When did you last have a good laugh? Laughter is a universal
language and reminds us we are alive, breathing and
empowered.
Benefits of laughing
• Stress buster reducing levels of stress hormones
• Strengthens the immune system and helps maintain
good health
• Increases the levels of endorphins, the body’s natural
pain killers
• Boosts the production of serotonin, a natural mood
lifter
• It is anti-aging as it increases the blood supply to the
face, nourishing the skin and making it glow
• An aerobic exercise and massages the internal
organs (belly laugh)
• Increases stamina through increased oxygen supply
• Makes it easier to cope with life and its challenges
• It puts you in the moment (forget about your worries)
• Helps build your self confidence
• Breaks down barriers between people
Parent & Student Information
School Council Nominations 2016/2018 (2 Years)
As an Independent Public School, Mountain Creek State High
School has a School Council. The School council plays a role
in monitoring and informing the school's strategic direction in a
way that achieves the best learning outcomes for the school's
students. The School Council has the responsibility to approve
documents that set the strategic direction of the school.
Nominations are called for:
2 X Parent members
and
2 X Staff members
Information relating to the role of the School Council and the
role of the parents and staff elected members can be found
on the School website under community/ school council/
handbook/parent representative
http://www.mtncreekshs.eq.edu.au/
Nominations can be completed online from the school website
(above) and forwarded to
[email protected] by Friday 29th July
2016.
News from the Dance Studio
Remember the Brain doesn’t know if you are faking it or it’s real.
“Fake it to you make it”. He who laughs – lasts!
This Term we introduced Laughter Yoga with some mindfulness
activities into enrichment. A group of Yr. 9 girls are attending
and at first they were apprehensive but seeing the change
through their ability to be spontaneous and also sit with being
quiet and appreciate what is around them has been a privilege.
On the Sunshine Coast we have Laughter Yoga Clubs for free.
Kerry
Youth Health Nurse
Uniform Shop News
We have placed another order for zip-up jackets. Stock should
arrive the first week back in Term 3. Students will need to get in
early for these or place a paid order in the last week of Term 2.
Phone orders are welcome 54 578328.
Amy Beccari Dance Studios (ABDS) (established since 2009)
is very excited to be moving to a new location for the
commencement of term 3! You will find us in the dance studio
of Mountain Creek State High School located at 100 Lady
Musgrave Drive, Mountain Creek!
ABDS offers a wide range of fun dance classes for all children
aged 2 years and over – ATOD Ballet, Jazz Funk, Tap,
Contemporary/Lyrical, Stretch class, Boys Only, Bambini,
Performance Teams and new in Term 3 Hip Hop and Musical
Theatre/Singing. FREE TRIAL LESSONS.
Contact [email protected] or find us on
Facebook Amy Beccari Dance Studios Official.
11
Calendar of Events
2016
• P & C Meeting 5.30 pm Administration
Building
• All Welcome
• Year 11 Hospitality Coffee Exam (3 hours)
Tue
21
Jun
• AFL Snr & Jnr Girls Finals Day
Wed
22
Jun
• Year 8 & 9 Inter-School Sport Finals
Thu
23
Jun
• Tin Can Bay Volleyball Excursion
Fri
24
Jun
Last Day Term 4
Have a Safe and Happy Holiday
Term 3
Week Mon
1
11
Jul
• Year 8 & 9 Inter School Sport Trials
Thu
14
Jul
• Leadership Ceremony
Fri
15
Jul
• 2017 Year 7 Zenith Applications Due
Today
• Year 7 Inter-school Sport Trials
• P & C Meeting 5.30 pm Administration
Building
All Welcome
Tue
19
Jul
• Sunskills Expo
Wed
20
Jul
• Year 10 FTV Excursion
Thu
21
Jul
• ECP On Line Booking Opens
Fri
22
Jul
• Year 6 into 7 Scholarship Applications Due
Week Mon
3
25
Jul
12
• School Resumes
Wed
13
Jul
Week Mon
2
18
Jul
• Year 10 Drama Workshop
• Year 12 Biology MERF Excursion
• Newsletter to Parents
Term 2
Week Mon
11
20
Jun
Tue
26
Jul
• 2017 IB Applications Close
• Leadership Changeover Lunch
• Australian National Chemistry Quiz
• Year4 Young Scholars Parent Information
Evening 5.30pm in Performing Arts Building
• International Baccalaureate Interviews