6 December 2017

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Thoughts

The Final Celebrations

Congratulations to our Year 9 students who participated in our ‘Losing the Stripes’ assembly last Friday morning which is a celebration, acknowledgement and culmination of their work in the Junior Secondary school. A large number of our students also received their Junior Certificate of Education. To receive this, students must have gained a minimum of 8 points from their Level of Achievement, Attendance above 85% and participation in Enrichment activities. It was wonderful to have so many parents and families attend to acknowledge this achievement. Thanks to Miss Philip who has been the Dean of this year level for the last two years.

Thankyou

I would like to take this opportunity to recognise the hard work and dedication of our Parents and Citizens’ Association this year in connecting our community and providing resources to support the learning and well-being of our students. The P & C Association has provided over $22 000 this year to support the school in funding student awards and prizes, school musical, Australian Business Week and Chaplaincy.

At our most recent P & C meeting the new school jacket was endorsed. This jacket will be available on an order only basis next year.

The first Parents and Citizens Association meeting next year will be held in the third week of term 1 (Tuesday 6 February 2018) at 7pm in the SWeLL. At this meeting we will be determining the Student Resource Scheme fees for 2019. We need to determine these fees for the following year as applications for our 2019 Academy programs are available in term 1 of the previous year. It is important when submitting an application that the Student Resource Scheme fees are known upfront.

We would love to meet our new families and re-engage with our existing families at this meeting. Please come along and find out what is happening in our school community.

One School, One Community, Many Futures

There are so many wonderful opportunities for student success that this school provides. We would not have so many successful programs and so many students excelling in their chosen fields if it were not for the extremely dedicated and hardworking teaching and support staff, and of course the support of our community, local businesses and organisations. Together we achieve great things for our students.

It has been an incredible six months for me as it is a very humbling experience to come to work every day, be greeted by our wonderful students and work beside an incredible staff and community. I speak for many when I say it is not a job, it is a passion – a passion for our students that drives us each and every day.

I hope you have a safe, relaxing and revitalising holiday and I look forward to another great year at the ‘Vale.

Teacher Award

Congratulations to Shay-Maree Young who was recognised for her amazing efforts, winning the McIlwain Award for Exceptional service to science education. Shay was presented with this award at the Cutting Edge STEM Professional Learning Day Tuesday 28 November at Griffith University.

Year 6 Orientation Day

SEP students from several primary schools who will be attending HSHS in 2018 had a chance to experience a day at high school. This transition day enabled students to meet several staff members, ask questions and engage in classes. The day was a great success and the students enjoyed their experiences. We look forward to welcoming these students to HSHS in 2018.

From Mrs Markwell’s Class

Last Thursday, we hosted a group of year 6 students from local primary schools in my grade 7 class (Excite 7A). We did an art workshop with Indigenous staff member, Tony Gordon. Tony generously volunteered his time and gave the students a unique and positive experience of Indigenous art styles. He also taught some of the boys to play digeridoo. The kids absolutely loved it.

Swell Maker Space

This year Mrs Gibson in the SWeLL has organised our makerspace into a hive of crafty activity, culminating in Christmas Tree book folding last week. Students have had a fun time making and colouring throughout this last semester. We have many self-driven activities and many workshops this year, and all students and teachers have enjoyed the activities. Coming up to school holidays, and with the fear of the words “I’m Bored,” Mrs Gibson has agreed to publish the easy instructions for a couple of our workshops. Hopefully there are some students out there that may be interested in doing some of these activities at home!

Thanks Mrs Gibson!!

Vale Learning Alliance -A Huge Thank You

What a fantastic and successful Year 2017 has been for Helensvale State High. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the Vale Learning Alliance and partners who have connected, supported and sponsored many of our events held throughout the year.

It is a testament to have so many of our community businesses and members who proudly put up their hand to be a part of the many opportunities we offer our students at Helensvale State High.

A special mention to Club Helensvale and The Surrounds (Villawood) who partnered with the school for the first time. The feedback from our Partners has been extremely positive with the prospect of continuing in 2018. We look forward to having you as part of the Vale Community in 2018!!

Our Learning Alliance Members have proudly attended all Alliance events throughout the year and enjoyed the hospitality and professional of our students. These Alliance Events are a great opportunity to network with other like-minded community business and members and also with Helensvale.

Netball

Last week the Year 9 Academy Vale team (with a ring in or 2) got the opportunity to put the 15 years Queensland Team through their paces before they head off for Adelaide this weekend for the Pacific School Games. The game was well played and very entertaining to watch. Good luck to our 3 ladies -Reilly Batcheldor, Kirstyn Lole and Bailey Stephens-Makiha who are in the Queensland team.

Football

Australian Futsal Champions

Helensvale SHS is extremely proud to acknowledge the efforts of our 14yrs Girls Futsal team, who recently competed at the Australian Futsal Titles, held in Brisbane. Our girls finished the three day tournament undefeated, winning a very tense final 6-1, against a very physical Murrumba College.

The achievement of these girls is indicative of the growing strength of female football at Helensvale SHS and the opportunities we are working to provide for both our male and female footballers. It is ultimately very pleasing to see the development of these players over the past three years culminating in such a dominant show of skill and ability. The Helensvale SHS Football Academy will continue to strive for the development of and representative opportunities provided to its female footballers in 2018.

Holiday Programs with Wesley Mission

FINANCE OFFICE & UNIFORM SHOP EXTENDED TRADING HOURS

Advertising

The newsletter also has a sponsorship section which provides a great opportunity for local businesses to engage with our parent community. If you would like to be a part of this, please contact Schoolzine.

Phone Jude 07 5414 2363
jude.dawson@schoolzine.com.au