23 November 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Thoughts

The Celebrations Continue

Helensvale State High prides itself on achieving excellence in the pillars of learning, the arts, sport and community.

Within this last fortnight we have celebrated our pillar of sports at our Sports Awards Night. There are so many opportunities for our students to excel at sport and this was certainly evident at this event with numerous students being recognised for their achievements at a regional, state and international level.

We also once again celebrated our pillar of arts, focusing on student excellence in music at the Twilight Tunes event. An outstanding event.

There have been major celebrations for our Year 12 students, with graduation, clap-out and formal. Again this year we can celebrate as a community for ensuring that every Year 12 student graduated with a qualification. We certainly live up to our learning mission of One Student, One Community, Many Futures by providing a pathway in which each and every student may succeed.

There are also numerous other events occurring across the school on any given day, which are highlighted throughout this newsletter. Such events don’t just happen. There are many staff working long hours in addition to their designated teaching and administrative roles and responsibilities to ensure these celebrations are professional, student focussed and welcoming for all members of the community.

This week we wish our Year 11 and Year 10 students all the best with their end of year assessment. At our last assembly our Deans and Guidance Officers provided some study tips for our students and how to manage stress levels, so students may end the school year on a positive note and achieving to the best of their ability.

One Community

Helensvale State High is a high demand school and is renowned for its excellence in the 4 pillars of opportunity – learning, the arts, sport and community, and for providing a school for ‘one’. We pride ourselves on being ‘One Community’. One Community is about coming together to support our students and to uphold the very high expectations we have in terms of student success in academia, behaviour, attendance and uniform.

As a school we do everything we possibly can to support your child’s learning and well-being. I have received a number of emails from parents and carers who have sincerely thanked the staff and school for the tremendous amount of support we provide. I have shared these emails with staff. A few kind words of support and appreciation mean a great deal to our staff, so thank you.

I do ask for the support of the community in ensuring we maintain the high standards and expectations our reputation is built upon. I have been disappointed in the number of students who believe that it is okay to lower the standard of dress code this term, particularly with the wearing of shoes that do not comply with the school’s dress code. It is now to the point that it is starting to impact on the tone of the school with ‘copycat’ behaviours. There have been many reasons given for wearing incorrect shoes, including: it is term 4; I have grown out of my shoes; I left my shoes out in the rain; or I had a sleepover and forgot my shoes. I have also been given some extraordinary stories about what pet dogs are doing to shoes. The fact is, by the age of 10, most girls have completed most of their foot growth. Feet stop growing for girls around 14 years of age. A boy completes most of his foot growth by the time he is 10 years old. Foot growth stops for boys when they reach around 16 years of age.

A school uniform is advocated by the Helensvale school community for a number of reasons that are based on sound educational research and common sense. There is research evidence that indicates there is a link between dress standards, school discipline and academic success.

• Developing mutual respect among students through minimising visible evidence of economic or social differences.
• Promoting the school values of ‘Be Respectful’ and ‘Be Responsible’.
• Giving students a sense of personal pride in their own appearance.
• Fostering a sense of belonging to the wider school community.
• Developing mutual respect among students and the wider community.
• Student safety in workshops, scientific laboratories, hospitality kitchens etc.

I recognise that the majority of parents and carers prepare their children for learning each and every day by ensuring their child attends school on time, brings the necessary books and resources to school, is in 100% correct uniform and has access to food throughout the day. I sincerely thank you for that. By doing this, we show our children how much we value their education.

‘Not wearing the uniform correctly is as breach of the school’s Uniform Policy. Students who do not wear their uniform appropriately or who wear non uniform items will be requested to change into a uniform provided by the school.’ (Excerpt from School Uniform Policy). This includes shoes.

We recognise that some families from time to time may have hardships in their lives which make it difficult to provide resources and uniform items. We are always willing to support you in whatever way we can and encourage you to contact us.

If we are truly ‘One Community’ we will continue to work together to uphold the high standards of academia, behaviour, attendance and dress that we are renowned for – a formula that we have proven leads to success for your child, our student.

Important Dates

24 November Year 10 & 11 last day
8 December Year 8 last day

Year 9 Maths Message

We have been working towards preparing students for the new Senior ATAR system will have a final full year exam worth 50% in 2020. This term we have swapped exams with another school for a chance to experience a true externally written exam. Students doing well on this exam has the potential to improve their grades to C level. Good luck, your efforts this semester haven’t gone unnoticed.

Sports Awards

On Wednesday the 8th November the Annual Helensvale State High School Awards night was held at the Gold Coast Arts Centre at Bundall. This event was hosted by Victoria Carthew and Sports Co-Ordinator Andrew Hayes. We were very fortunate to be able to hear about the resilience and success of sporting champion Kobie Donovan and our own Selina Priest. The attendance of athletes, teachers, families and supporters added to this special evening. The night showcased what a successful year all-round Helensvale State High School has had on all sporting fields locally, state-wide and nationally. A mention must be made to all nominees of the major awards as performances made judging difficult. Our major award winners for 2017 are:

Griffith University Sports Award – Leah Pue
Dale Wood “School Spirit of the Year” – Seren Bakir
Liam Enese Resilience Award – Charlotte Graham
Rick Schram “Coach of the Year” – Ashley Hinds
Pierre de Coubertin Award – Abbie Phillips
Multiclass Sportsperson of the Year – Zoe Ford
Junior Sportsperson of the year – Holly Shore
Senior Sportsperson of the year – Izaya Leota

Congratulations to all Athletes and Coaches who have contributed to an Understanding Sporting Year at Helensvale High.

Arts Department

The Instrumental Music Department held their annual "Twilight Tunes" at the Gold Coast Youth Orchestra Studios on Monday night. The Wind Symphony, Stage Band, String Orchestra, Drum line, Choir, Percussion, Clarinet and Saxophone Ensembles performed to a packed out audience of family and friends who came along to support the students. Many students were awarded for their contribution, dedication and passion to music and it was the last performance for our six grade 12 students.

Many thanks must go to our Music Staff for helping make the night a success, and to our parent helpers. But, we especially would like to thank Carmen Pofandt for her organisation of all the food, her cooking abilities, the wonderful cakes she made for all of the students, the decorations and for her enthusiasm in making this event even more amazing.

From the School Nurse

Keeping healthy over the holidays

For some young people, this time of year can be challenging. This is particularly so for people who are experiencing isolation, loneliness and mental health issues, as we are bombarded with messages of family celebrations, gifts and holidays.

Young people who may be facing some big life changes like starting a new school, awaiting exam results to get into higher education, or commencing employment can be the most vulnerable. When normal routines change and daily structure is altered, along with missing regular contact with friends or having to financially support themselves, it can cause additional pressure. During these times, it is valuable for families and friends to be aware of signs and symptoms that something might be wrong with their loved ones. Being withdrawn, not doing the things they would normally enjoy, ongoing worry or irritability are just some of the changes to look out for.

Here are some further tips for adults supporting young people:

Encourage them to stay connected

Social relationships are an important aspect of young people’s general wellbeing. Friends can provide both play and support, and spending time with friends is also important for keeping and building on existing friendships.

Encourage them to stay involved

Whether it is work, hobbies, clubs or sports – involvement with these can help a young person feel connected to their wider community.

Partake in physical activity

If your young person is feeling down or finding things difficult physical activities, such as walking around the block, can help relieve stress and frustration.

Keeping to a regular routine

Getting a good sleep each night helps young people feel energised, focused and motivated. Getting up and going to bed at the same time each day can help normalise their body clock.

Encourage Healthy eating habits

Eating well doesn’t only reduce the risk of physical health problems but can also help with sleeping patterns, energy levels, mood and general health and wellbeing.

Grade 12 Farewell Parade

Here are some of the pictures from the Year 12 final parade

UNIFORM SHOP NEWS

Beat the January Craziness!

I would like to inform the parents and carers of students at HSHS that our shelves are full with stock of all uniform sizes. Get in early and beat the last minute rush!

At this stage 7-11 crew socks will not be available until late January. We apologise for this inconvenience.

I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and safe Christmas break and look forward to seeing you all in 2018.

FINANCE OFFICE & UNIFORM SHOP EXTENDED TRADING HOURS