3 May 2019

Newsletter Articles

Our School Values –

Reminder what’s coming up

May

6 Labour Day holiday
7 Parent Teacher Interviews
8 Small group Parent/ Carer Principal discussion
8 Bill Turner Trophy
8 Year 12 Science 21 Water Quality Testing
14-16 Naplan
14 P&C Meeting
15 Year 12 Aquatics
17 Small group Parent/ Carer Principal discussion

For more info please see

From the Principal

Dear Helensvale State High Community,

I hope that your children have had a positive start to term 2, a term full of opportunities to excel and achieve.

Respect, Responsibility and Resilience

As a Positive Behaviour for Learning (PB4L) School it is recognised that every member of the school community, including staff, students, parents, carers and community members, play a vital role in creating a safe, supportive and disciplined school environment where students can learn and achieve.

Our commitment as a school community is to ensure that every day, in every lesson, every student is learning and achieving within a safe, supportive and disciplined environment.

The ‘Vale Way is a document that outlines the high expectations we have of student behaviour as a community. The ‘Vale Way provides all stakeholders with clear, consistent working practices that promote positive behaviour as well as consequences for inappropriate behaviour. Last year over three hundred students and one hundred staff contributed to the review and subsequent update of The ‘Vale Way, which has recently been launched with students on assemblies and with staff.

The ‘Vale Way 2019 is available to view on our school website and we welcome feedback from parents and carers as we continue to ensure that students consistently learn what it means to be respectful, responsible and resilient.

Below are two charts from the ‘Vale Way 2019 document that are now located in each teaching space. The first chart outlines our expectations of all students, whilst the second chart represents our positive behaviour recognition process. I encourage you to discuss these charts and the ‘Vale Way with your children.

One Community

At the beginning of this term you received a letter outlining the many opportunities parents and carers have to engage with teachers, the Principal and community members. Below is a reminder of some of these opportunities.

Cyber-Safety and Anti-Bullying Parent/Carer Forums

When: Thursday 30 May and Tuesday 18 June
Where: To be advised (depending on number of RSVPs)
Time: 6.00pm to 8.00pm
Audience: Parents and Carers
RSVP: RSVPs are essential so we can allocate enough seating and provide adequate catering. Please RSVP three days prior to the event to chahn13@eq.edu.au.

Regular Small Group Discussions with the Principal

When:

Where: Helensvale State High School Administration building
Audience: Parents/Carers through self-nomination or randomly selected by school
RSVP: Please RSVP Friday of the week prior to chahn13@eq.edu.au

Parents and Citizens Association (P & C) meetings

When: Tuesday 14 May and Wednesday 12 June
Where: CB07 (please meet at the Administration building and we will escort you).
Time: 6.00pm. Meeting length is approximately 1 to 1 ½ hrs in length.

I look forward to seeing you at the various forums the school has on offer for students, parents and carers this term.

Yours truly

Karen Lindsay
Executive Principal

From the Deans

PB4L WEEKLY FOCUS

As we settle back into term 2, students will be reminded of our School Learning Values. Our three Learning Values are;

I am RESPECTFUL. Remember to treat others the way you want to be treated. Respect who you are. Listen and seek understanding. Value others, property and our environment.

I am RESPONSIBLE – Follow directions without debate – it’s about time and place. Remember to strive to do the right thing, be responsible for your own behaviour and uphold the reputation, values and rules of the school.

I am RESILIENT – Never give up. Say to yourself, ‘I believe, I reach out, I bounce back.’

In week two, we will be focussing on our classroom entry and exit procedures. We expect students to arrive to class prior to the second bell, and place their school bag on the racks. Students are to then line up in two lines with all of their correct equipment. When invited by the teacher, students are to walk into class respectfully and sit in their designated seat.

The exit procedure includes; clearing your desk of equipment and placing any rubbish in the bin; students are required to push in their chairs and wait to be dismissed by the teacher; students then needs to move safely and promptly to their next class or lunch area.

Entrepreneurship Studies

Entrepreneurship Studies, our year 9's have been looking at the wide reusable uses of an ordinary plastic bag in an innovative way. In a four minute mind mapping activity students had to incorporate the ideas around current issues; harmful to the environment, social responsibilities and government responsibilities. It was a loud but informative activity that they shared with their fellow class mates.

Mrs Anna Perry ENT09

Year 7 Science Koala Conservation Education Program

The suburb of Helensvale is a key koala habitat within the Gold Coast city area. There have been 49 koala sightings so far this year within Helensvale. However, koala’s face many threats such as habitat loss, road trauma, domestic dogs and disease. Koalas as a species are classified as vulnerable, and need active ecological strategies if they are to maintain a sustainable population. Natura is an organisation that focuses on providing community education in ecological sustainability and has developed a koala conservation program in conjunction with the Gold Coast City Council for local school targeting years 5 and 7. Year 7s study ecology as part of the Australian curriculum.

This term all year 7 science classes will be participating in a koala conservation program as part of their ecology studies. This will be part of their assessment for Ecology. All classes will be involved in activities in relation to the program involving pre-incursion activities, an incursion involving identifying food trees within the school area and signs of koala activity and post-incursion activities when they will analyse the data collected and develop a community brochure. The year 7 teachers and students are very excited to be participating in this program. There will be regular updates as to how the program is going. I am looking forward to the progression of this exciting and pertinent program.

Fiona MacRae
HOD Junior Science

Ref: Photo from Koala Conservation Education Program Year 7 teacher guide, City of Gold Coast

Northern Collegiate Australian Business Week, a HUGE SUCCESS

120 students from the six Northern Gold Coast schools participated in the Australian Business Week. Students worked tirelessly on marketing a ‘Café’ for their teams to showcase their entrepreneurial and business skills. This event really does demonstrate the community spirit which Helensvale and neighbouring schools have by their continual financial support and expertise in the real world. Some of the mateship displayed by students from other schools was outstanding. Relationships by our local community business mentors really did guide the students in this event. Some of the skills throughout the week included, The Share Market Game, Building a Trade Display, Building a Website, Constructing a 30 second TV Advertisement for their Café and Oral and Written Presentations. Each category has a winning team contributing to an overall result. This Year the GRAND CHAMPION Team was Team 3 “Books, Boards and Beans” sponsored by Shearers Arms. Congratulations to Hayden Volzke for being the Teacher Mentor and Anthony LeBherz and Tarsh Tauroa for their contribution as Business Mentors. A huge thank you to all the local businesses and members for their involvement. Next year, Helensvale State High will once again take the lead in this fantastic event, which we are immensely looking forward to. A special mention to our school sponsor, Club Helensvale, for providing 3 shuttle buses and transporting our students to and from Pimpama State Secondary College, your support is always invaluable.

Sponsors

Platinum Sponsor – Bendigo Bank

Gold Sponsor – Aurora

Silver Sponsors - McDonalds and Club Helensvale

Team Sponsors - Prestige Service Training, Ormeau Lions Club, RACQ Bank, Super Concepts, Shearers Arms Tavern, Active Opportunities, MSP Photography, Klearnet, Fidden Realty, Mortgage Choice, GC North Chamber of Commerce, Workplace Training Strategies

Program Sponsors – Nerang RSL, Griffith University, Brett Ward Homes, Stuart Robert (MP), Donna Gates, William Owen Jones, Peter Young, Michael Crandon, Pauls Parmalat, Tribal Sport and Woolworths

GOLD COAST CITY JUNIOR COUNCIL

The Gold Coast City Junior Council program provides a learning experience for young people in grades 10 and 11 attending high schools within the Gold Coast region enabling them to understand the operations of local council. This two year program is a great opportunity that allows the youth to have a voice and to be heard in our community. In 2019, the Junior Council consisted of twenty-nine Gold Coast state and private secondary schools with one hundred and twenty-one students. Among these students, I, Aaron Taplin, was elected as an Executive Member in 2018 and am extremely humbled and proud to have represented Helensvale State High School in the Junior Council.

The Gold Coast City Junior Council Executive Committee comprises of eight students that are elected through the Junior Council. To achieve and be elected for a position in the Executive Committee, a Junior Councillor who has participated in the program for a year must present a two to three minute speech in front of many Gold Coast City Council Members, twenty-nine teachers and one hundred and twenty-one students, as well as answer a significant question. Imagine that! Moreover, throughout my service in the Junior Council I developed many exceptional skills that have prepared me for future leadership experiences. This great opportunity allows you to learn skills in communication, public speaking, leadership and citizenship. It also delivers many opportunities to serve the community, by exploring community issues and deciding what is best.

From left to right: Siobhan - Queensland Academies - Health Sciences, Elizabeth - Saint Stephen’s College, Dung – Southport State High School, Caelan – Keebra Park State High School, Bryn - Marymount College, Lily - Somerset College, Aaron - Helensvale State High School and Chelsea - Marymount College

Recently, Year 11 Junior Councillor Kyra Maroske ran for the Executive Committee, however, was unfortunately not elected. Therefore, congratulations Kyra for presenting very well, as Helensvale High is tremendously proud of you for having a fair go. In fact, I, who was judging and sitting by Kyra’s side during her speech was also tremendously proud.

Now, the Gold Coast City Junior Council is again in new, safe hands with the 2019-2020 Executive Committee that was announced on the 30th of April.

From left to right: Angie – Quensland Health Academies, Matheus – Varsity College, Hamish - Palm Beach Currumbin State High School, Kira -Lutheran Ormeau Rivers District School, Klea - Varsity College, Kyhja - All Saints Anglican School, Nola – Miami State High School and Lachlan - Rivermount College

Dance T-Shirts & Tights on SALE!

Now at the Uniform Shop

Dance ¾ black tights - $7.00ea
XXS,XS, Small, Med, Large

Dance stirrup flesh tights - $10.00ea
Size A, B, C & D available

Dance T-shirts – OLD STOCK FOR SALE (as per below images front & back)
Small and Large sizes only
Only $5.00ea

Music Block

Storage Solutions Needed

Expression of interest goes to any Helensvale State High School parents/families that have experience with storage solutions. Our Music Block is in desperate need for some ideas.

Please contact Mrs Bonita Winters (Head of Department – The Arts) at bwint19@eq.edu.au if you can be of assistance.

Your support is greatly appreciated.

Mrs Bonita Winters
Head of Department – The Arts

DRAMA ACADEMY

Miss Chambers, Year 8 Drama Academy teacher at HSH, asked some students what they loved about being a part of the Drama Academy Program at Helensvale. Here are their responses:

Academy Student: Evie Phelan

Arts Academy: Drama Academy

The best part of being in an Academy at Helensvale is that there are many opportunities. I have participated in performing shows at different schools and last year the Academy class participated in the Gold Coast Drama Festival. Helensvale makes drama fun and I am very excited to continue doing it for years to come!

I have gained several things being in the drama academy, such as learning about all the aspects of drama. I have learned about dramatic conventions and how to perform my best when onstage. My amazing teacher Miss Chambers has taught us so much in the past two years that I have been in Drama Academy. Drama is my passion and something I love to do! Coming into Drama Academy, I was very excited and passionate, but I didn’t know some things, but my teacher helped every single student in the way that was necessary for them. Drama Academy is an honour to be a part of and I enjoy every bit of it.

My highlight of being in Drama Academy was definitely the Drama Festival. Before we went onstage, I was so nervous but everyone around me supported me and knew that I was going to perform my best and that I was going to be amazing. I got over my nervousness and I helped others around me. As we went on the audience clapped for us. Everyone was so excited and couldn’t wait to go onstage. Rushes of nervousness and excitement rushed through me! Once I walked onstage, I loved being on stage so much, once it was done, I wanted to go onstage all over again. It was one of the best experiences I have had!

Academy Student: Isabelle Jones

Arts Academy: Drama Academy

The best part of being part of an Academy at HSH is the amazing opportunities you get, doing what you love at a higher level and making new friends.

I have gained higher skills in drama and learnt new techniques to make my performances great.

The highlight of being in Drama Academy so far was the Drama festival.

Academy Student: Grace Cavanagh

Arts Academy: Drama Academy

Drama Academy allows me to build amazing friendships with great people and get to develop my skills as an actor.

As a Drama Academy student, I got to be involved in once in a lifetime experiences and built amazing relationships with great people.

Being able to be a part of Drama Festival and being able to create our own performance from scratch. Also being able to be an extra in an Australian TV show.

Academy Student: Lilly Bennett

Academy: Drama and Excite

The best part of being in an Academy at HSH is the opportunity to excel at what you love doing and to be in an environment with other people who are around the same level as you. Also, the bonding and the dynamic in academy classes is awesome and creates a safe and loving environment for all students.

By joining an academy class I was able to expand my knowledge of drama and was able to have fun doing what I love and with other people who love it too.

My highlight of being in the Drama Academy was when we all performed at Drama Festival.

Australian Gridiron

During the first week of the School holidays Vale student, Connor Grew, attended the Australian Gridiron U19s National Championships, representing QLD. At just 16 years old Connor stood up against young men twice his size and held his own.

After 10 weeks of training every Saturday, 7 hours per session, with some of the best coaches in the country, the QLD Sun Devils came out on top, winning the Championship undefeated!

Queensland played WA, SA, VIC and finally NSW in the final game recreating an epic State of Origin match. The Sun Devils scored over 160 points against the other states and sat on top of the ladder for the entire championship. This win represents a great achievement for the young players that have worked hard to become champions in a sport that is growing in popularity in Australia.

Helensvale State High School is really proud of this young man’s achievement!

Year 7 Football Academy

On Friday 26th April, the Year 7 Football Academy boys played in the Year 7 SPL Cluster day at Cleveland State High School. The boys played in three matches against Cavendish Road SHS, Cleveland SHS and Marsden SHS in a 9-a-side format.

In the first match against Cavendish Road SHS, despite being the dominant team, we were down 3-2 at half time as we were unable to capitalise on some opportunities. The boys rallied to edge out their opponents and take out the match 7-5. Liam Prince was the lead goal scorer of the match putting 3 in the back of the net.

Game two saw Helensvale take on Cleveland SHS. Once again, the boys were down at half time. The team showed grit and determination to draw level at 2-2 by the end of the game in a hard fought match. Jordee Brent and Jacob Russell each scored in the toughest match of the day.

The final game was against Marsden SHS. Helensvale showed their class beating Marsden 13-0 with Joseph Saunders scoring 5 goals and Theo Buxton scoring 4 to be the leading goal scorers of the match.

Overall, it was a great day out with the boys representing the school well and earning some good results. Thanks must go to Keith Garland for his expert coaching skills.

Year 7 in the Spotlight

I put out a call out to all Year 7 students (via email) for those interested in being part of my Spotlight on Year 7 story. Harlei took time to respond over the holidays!

Enjoy! - Ms Griffiths

Hello my name is Harlei Jalass.

I went to Helensvale State Primary.
My favourite thing in school is that I get to be myself and that I get to do what I enjoy.
My favourite subject is Humanities and English because I get to spend time with 7f because it is a loving and fun environment in that classroom.
I learnt about Egypt which was interesting and I learnt different arts.
My biggest achievement in this school would be getting really high grades in every subject and getting into the art program.

Host Families Required For Japanese Sister School Students

Helensvale State High School will be hosting students from our Sister School, Shiraoka High School, from Friday July 26th until Thursday August 1st (6 nights). We are looking for families to take care of our Japanese ‘brothers and sisters’ during this time.

Hosting an international student is an excellent opportunity for your family to learn about the culture and language of another country and to make some new international friends.

Host Families will be required to supply three meals per day, transport to and from school (bus travel is acceptable) and a warm, friendly home environment. This reciprocal exchange experience has been going strong for over ten years now due solely to the generosity of families both here and in Japan. While this is a volunteer homestay arrangement and as such does not provide any remuneration, the experience itself is priceless.

If you are interested in hosting a student during this period, please contact Mr Brett Middleton via email (bmidd32@eq.edu.au). Thank you for your support of Helensvale’s International Sister School Program.

Year 10 Work Experience

In 2019 Year 10 Work Experience is scheduled to run on the same days as GIPSA (Tuesday 11/06/19, Tuesday 25/06/19, Friday 26/07/19, Friday 16/08/19, Friday 23/08/19), over Term 2 and Term 3. Interested students have been given a Work Experience Pack. The pack includes all relevant paperwork and due dates. If you require a blue card, this must be applied for before the school holidays. If you require a white card, come and see Mrs Costan in KS11 before the end of Term 1.

Tutorials and Assistance at School

Coming into assessment time students may find they need some extra assistance. We have a number of avenues open to them –

Chat and Chill – Monday 2.15 - 4pm, Wednesday and Thursday 3.00 - 4pm – a drop in session where there is staff and fellow students on hand to help with school work.

Science Tutorials – Monday both lunch breaks in CB05.

English Tutorials – Wednesday 3.00 - 4pm in SWELL.

Maths Tutorials - Thursday 3.00 - 4pm in S306/S307.

If students are unable to attend these, and need help, please be aware they are able to ask their teachers, who are more than happy to assist.

Parent Tools for Cyberbullying

Please see the Australia Government eSafety Commissioner website for tips and tools to assist your child.

From the Guidance Officers

Head to Health

Wherever you are on your mental health journey, Head to Health (H2H) can help you find the information, resources, and services that most suit your needs. Whether you want to improve your overall sense of wellbeing, or you need help with something that is concerning you, or you are helping someone you care about—Head to Health can point you to great online mental health resources.

Types of resources available

For many people with mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety, online mental health resources can be as effective as face-to-face treatment, particularly if there is additional practitioner support.

There are a number of online resources in different formats, to suit your needs and preferences.

Mental health websites created by trusted organisations that give you detailed information and advice on specific mental health topics:

Evidence-based apps and online programs that can help you build personal skills and track progress:

Dedicated forums and other peer support services where you can talk to people with similar experiences:

Phone, chat, and email  services, if you're looking for confidential, professional support:

Who is behind Head to Health?

Head to Health is the result of an extensive co-design process between the Australian Government Department of Health, people and families with a lived experience of mental health issues, as well as mental health organisations, service providers, health professionals, and the Australian public.

This information is taken from the Head to Health Website. To find out more:

Support Staff

As part of our Learning and Well-being framework, we have created a Well-being Hub for students and parents, which can accessed through the Helensvale State High School webpage. The hub includes links to other websites and apps which can help to support student well-being, as well as provide information on career pathways. To access these ‘well-being hubs’, click on the icons below, or, go to the HSHS website, scroll down the page and click on the relevant icon.

From the Chappies

Events like the shooting in Christchurch are bone-chilling, distressing and impossible to comprehend. So how can we begin to explain them to our children?

News is everywhere.

Stories of violence, conflict, and injustice permeate our lives. With the 24-hour news cycle pervading all forms of media, it’s inevitable that children and young people will be exposed to potentially traumatic stories.

For parents and families, conversations about bad news can be difficult to negotiate.

Save the Children’s Principal Advisor for Child Protection, Karen Flanagan, has some suggestions about where to begin.

“The question is not about ‘protecting’ your children from these news stories, as we know they see and hear news from a range of different sources. It’s about how you respond to questions or proactively engage them in discussions – dependant on age and level of maturity of course.

“It is important to answer spontaneous questions as they arise honestly and factually. It is advisable to set up the right environment for more in depth discussions, to talk about the traumatic images and content in the news. At home where they feel safe and comfortable and not last thing at night.

“We want to help children process the events in a protective and supportive context. We aim to build on the strengths of children’s curiosity (which at times can be quite morbid) and use these moments to further develop their resilience and inner strengths.”

Consider your own reactions to current events

Addressing the detail in confronting news events – whether a major catastrophe overseas, a natural disaster or a terror attack closer to home – requires parental instinct and sound judgement.

Karen urges parents to first consider their own reactions to world news.

“Your children will look to the way you handle news to determine their own approach. If you stay calm and rational, they will too. Children are very resilient. But that resilience is greatly influenced by the pragmatism and response of the parent. If the adults are OK, generally the children are OK.”

Let your child be the guide

Children’s responses to news vary greatly. Some are curious and hungry for answers, others might withdraw from the reality of a distressing event.

“When a child first approaches you, they’ve already picked up the information from another source. It’s usually from school friends (who can exaggerate) or online," Karen says. “You have to answer them! It’s best you’re as honest as possible.”

“Sometimes they won’t ask you anything at all. If you’ve picked up that they’re abnormally quiet then you need to generate the conversation. Use your own instincts to test the waters.”

Explore the issue together

For some children, a graphic news story can prompt a lingering fear. And sometimes raise the possibility that something similar could happen to them.

“For anxious children, just a small amount of information about the news can go a long way. You may have a naturally positive, cheerful child – or a naturally anxious one. So carefully consider your child's temperament. Either way, acknowledging their questions and exploring issues together is really important.”

“If there’s a big storm, for example, you could say: ‘yes there are a lot of hurricanes about at the moment. Why are there so many about and where do they happen in the world?’ A lot of parents don’t know the answers either! It’s a great opportunity to sit down together and find out more. Children love information. It’s how you present it that makes a difference to their reaction.”

Honesty is the best policy

If your child has concerns about what they’ve seen or heard in the news, you would hope they would come to you first for reassurance. Regardless of how distressing the news might be, it’s best they hear the truth from the people they most trust.

“Don’t be flippant or minimise the issue, as they may perceive you are negating their concerns and may not ask you again,” Karen advises. “Think about what they do with that information later. How will they process it or talk about it?”

“You must be your child’s honest, reliable source of information. If you turn out to be an unreliable source (or you try to shield them from bad news), they’ll just go elsewhere for information.”

Reassure your child that they are safe

Big global disasters such as war, terrorism and famine tend to saturate media and are often impossible to ignore. It’s important at these times that your children know they are safe and have your support.

“When children know their parents love them and can protect them, it’s called ‘psychological safety’. A safe household is secure, honest, and knowledgeable,” says Karen. “During a big world event, children may be most concerned about your safety or being separated from you. You need to reassure them that your family is safe.”

“You can usually ensure your child’s physical safety, for example by ensuring they wear a bike helmet,” says Karen. “But it’s when they feel safe – truly, psychologically safe – that they can get on with life.”

Further resources:

In Australia, we have a wealth of fantastic, up-to-date materials and data on child health and safety online. ARACY’s publications and the Federal Government Australian Institute of Family Studies publish excellent discussion papers and fact sheets. The Australian Psychological Society and the Australian Childhood Foundation are good starting points for current issues on child safety and the media.

Karen Flanagan AM is Save the Children Australia’s Child Protection Advocate. She is a qualified social worker with 34 years of clinical, managerial, training and research experience in national and international child protection. As a member of Save the Children International - Child Protection Global Theme Steering Group, Karen helps determine child protection policy and practice direction across 120 countries.

Samantha Bond | Chaplain
Helensvale State High School