6 September 2019

Newsletter Articles

Our School Values –

Reminder what’s coming up

September

• 6 - 13 Year 12 Block Exams
• 11 P&C meeting
• 13 High School Experience Day
• 13 Sculpture Photography
• 16 - 19 Year 11 Block Exams
• 17 Excite Leadership Day
• 17 Recording Studio Day
• 17 Year 10 quatics Practice Excursion
• 18 Year 12 Aquatics Excursion
• 18 Year 9 Excite Day
• 18 Scene Project Day 2
• 19 Resilience Day
• 19 Year 10 Aquatics Excursion
• 19 Year 12 Chemistry Forensics
• 20 Visual Arts – Photographing Sculptures – SWELL Sculpture
• 20 Ski Trip Depart
• 21 School Holidays Start

For more info please see the link below.

From the Principal

Dear Helensvale State High School Community

Educating students on the responsible use of technology has been a major focus in the school and has been explicitly discussed on assemblies and in classrooms. Cyber-safety and anti-bullying forums have been held for parents and carers. The use of mobile phones has been a topic of conversation at many of my weekly small group discussions with parents and carers.

This term we have surveyed staff, parents and students regarding their views on the use of mobile phones in school time. Thank you to over 600 parents and carers who took the time to complete the survey and provide comment. The next stage of the review is to identify the themes across all stakeholder groups which will inform the development of the school’s mobile phone policy in the future.

The Department of Education publishes a Behaviour Bulletin each month. Below is a segment from the bulletin which I thought parents and carers may be interested in. Whilst it suggests that schools may choose to highlight this with students, we all know that educating our children is the responsibility of the entire community.

Cyberbullying and social media

Instagram’s new features to fight cyberbullying

Social media platform Instagram has recently implemented new features that schools may choose to highlight with students to prevent cyberbullying behaviour and empower targets of cyberbullying. The features include an automated user notification when their comment may be considered offensive before it’s posted. This intervention gives users the opportunity to reflect and undo their comment, and prevents the recipient from receiving the harmful comment notification. Another feature, a new blocking system called Restrict, will enable users to block others without their knowledge. It is anticipated the changes will help users to understand the seriousness of bullying behaviour and rethink the way they behave online. (Department of Education Behaviour Bulletin, Issue 9 August 2019)

Helensvale SHS Positive Behaviour for Learning

Last week was the PB4L focus of ‘Be Proud of Your Achievements’. Year 12 students, Lachlan and Meaghan, presented a lovely assembly item highlighting many of the incredible achievements from a huge range of departments. Students were treated to a slide show of photos and information from the Musical, Excite classes, community engagement and more.

Encore

Drama Festival 2019

By Ella Court - Year 7 Drama Academy Student

On the 8th of August, the Year 7 Drama Academy students, directed by Mr Brett Edwards, competed at the annual Drama Festival event, competing against other highly regarded Gold Coast schools. The class had been rehearsing for two months in preparation for the big night, showing great team-work and passion for the arts. The dramatic work called ‘The Violin’ was student devised and focuses on the obliviousness and ignorance of modern day society and how we are so quick to judge people. We go on a journey from prehistoric times to see the progression to a more sophisticated society in 2019. Our performance was awarded six accolades including, ‘Best Devised’, ‘Best Dramatic Performance’ and ‘Runner-Up’. We are thrilled to have created such a moving work and enjoyed working with driven and like-minded students.

Drama Festival 2019

By Bella Agar – Year 10 Drama Excellence Student

On the 22nd of August, the Year 10 Drama Excellence class here at Helensvale were privileged enough to have the experience to compete and perform at the Gold Coast Secondary Schools' Drama Festival; held at St Andrews Lutheran College, Tallebudgera.

For about a term and a half we had been perfecting (by that I mean chopping and changing things because we are all very indecisive) our piece titled ‘Antigone.’ In case you haven’t heard of this very well-known Greek tragedy, let me fill you in. In a nut shell, the play extracts the events of the aftermath of a civil war in which the two sons of Oedipus, Eteocles and Polyneices, kill each other, where the new king and their successor, Creon, tries to punish Polyneices for his disloyalty by not burying him properly. From this follows a lot of death, anger and sadness of all the characters and chorus involved; the audience feeling emotionally connected also.

Through analysing the text, finding inspiration through past performances and other Greek tragedies, the class collectively devised a performance along with the genius professionals that of the Arts Department such as Ms Wilson, Ms Phelan and Mr Edwards and further help from Kelly (Shake and Stir Production company), that we were all extremely proud of and so excited and yet so nervous to share.

Don’t get me wrong, the process to get to the glory was long and tiring; at first, all being excited at the thought of performing, but by the end the desire to produce a performance we were proud of was what drove us the most.

On the night of the performance, everyone was outstanding (I swear, I am not being bias). The judges commending us on our efforts in representing our school at such an honourable event, at such a high level of performing. We came away with a number of highly commended certificates including; Highly Commended Chorus, and several Highly Commended Chorus members. When it came down to the final decision, I was privileged enough to walk away with Gold Coast Secondary Schools’ Outstanding Actor Award for 2019 for my performance of ‘Antigone’. Something that I was both shocked and extremely proud of, not expecting to come away with such a high accolade.

This in itself was probably one of the highlights of the year as the laughs, new friendships and trust we built together as a class has definitely brought us all closer together and ready to tackle anything. I should know; I had to be lifted into the air by classmates who I didn’t know, or trust and overall the enactment pushed us to our limits. I fully commend both my classmates, and the amazing arts department on their enthusiasm but also the families and friends for their support. This piece definitely tested our dedication, ability and willingness to go on stage. As exhausting but as phenomenal this experience was, I would personally encourage anyone to give it a go. You never know, you just might love it!!

Amway Study Tour

Helensvale State High were privileged to host a group of students from China who were chosen by the Amway China Group as future leaders. The task was for 5 teams, each team made up of 2 HSH and 4 Amway students to come up with a business idea to promote tourism on the Gold Coast.

It was an amazing few days with the students really enthusiastic about developing their product. On the final day the students presented their products and business plans to distinguished guests from China and EQI as well as school staff and students.

The Amway students were staying with our local families and enjoyed learning about the Australian culture and family life.

A big thank you to the HSH students involved, you represented our school with pride and made our visiting students welcome.

Block Exams

Helensvale SHS Junior Secondary

Exam Stress

Have exams coming up? Sometimes the pressure you feel can help keep you focus, other times it can cause stress. Check out these tips to help you cope with stress during exam time.

What does exam stress look like?

Some signs of stress include:

• Feeling confused
• Losing touch with friends
• Feeling moody and low
• Having trouble making decisions
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Lack of motivation to do anything
• Trouble sleeping or getting out of bed
• Tense muscles or headaches
• Having an upset stomach or feeling sick
• Fidgeting, nail biting, teeth grinding

Why do people experience exam stress?

• Worry they might fail
• Don't feel prepared
• Want to do really well
• Don’t have much time to study
• Need to get a certain result
• Don’t think they will do well
• Find it hard to understand what they’re studying
• Feel pressure from family to get good marks
• Feel they need to compete with others
• Have other things happening in their life

Getting ready to study:

It’s never too late to set up good study habits. Here are some helpful ideas:

• Find a quiet place to study without distractions.
• Set-up your study space. Make sure it’s not too cluttered and has everything you might need.
• Find out as much as you can about the exam so you can prepare.
• Ask your teacher if you’re unsure of what will be tested.
• Learn to make ‘mind maps’ and use them to collect ideas and thoughts, use bright colours to help remember important links.
• Make a plan of what you want to work on in each study session. Break it down into small tasks and work on one task at a time.
• Take regular short breaks - use this time to have a drink, get something to eat or play with a pet.
• Ask for help - If you’re having trouble with something you’re studying ask a teacher, friend, sibling or parent to help.
• "Remember passing an exam is only part of the story. There’s always a second chance or another way to reach your goals"

If you’re feeling stressed about exams, you’re not alone.

Talking to someone and finding ways to cope during exam time can help.

© Kids Helpline 2019.

Year Book

Would your child like a keepsake of their 2019 year at Helensvale High?

We are now taking orders for our annual Year Book, Discovery, which is a full colour pictorial and text record of the events that have shaped this year. The yearbook covers events within the curriculum and all extra-curricular activities. It also includes year level photos of our students.

Here are the details:

• Year 12 graduating students receive a complimentary copy of the year book (providing all outstanding fees are paid and exit requirements met). No payment/further action required!
• The cost for students in all other year levels is $15.00
• The deadline for Year Book orders and payments MUST be finalised by close of business Wednesday 23 October!
• If paying electronically you must put the following in the reference field – your child’s student ID (found on their ID card and school timetable) as well as the letters YB so we know what you are paying for.

BANKING DETAILS:

BSB: 064430
Account Number: 00091174
Account Name: Helensvale State High School

THERE IS ONLY 1 PRINT RUN – so please make the deadline!

(More than happy for you to drop in and I can show you or your child our 2018 Year Book to help your decision making).

Readathon

Uniform Shop

• Current School jumpers sizes 8,9,10,12,20,22 & 24 NOW $20.00 each
• Spartan Sun Smart Hat sizes Sml, Med & Lrg $8.00 each
• Formal boys shorts old style limited sizes $10.00 each
• Weareco Sports Polo sizes 8, Sml, Med, 3XL, 4XL NOW $10.00 each
• AFL old Style shorts perfect for training in only $10.00 each
• AFL old Style socks perfect for training only $5.00 each
• Dance Stirrup Flesh tights all sizes $10.00 a pair
• Old Style Dance shirt Sml and Lrg $5.00 each
• Dance ¾ Black tights all sizes available from XXS to Lrg $5.00 a pair
• Old Style Black Band Shirts men’s and women’s limited sizes $5.00 each
• Short Sleeve Hi Vis shirts variety of sizes $5.00

From the Guidance Officers

Screen time for your child – 7 tips

There is a lot of conflicting advice and emerging research around screen time. But, the right amount of screen time can depend on a range of factors like your child’s age and maturity, the kind of content they are consuming, their learning needs and your family routine. It can be easy to focus only on the clock and how long your child is spending in front of the screen, but the quality and nature of what they are doing online, and your involvement are just as important.

Consider your child’s screen use in the context of their overall health and wellbeing – for example, is online time getting in the way of their sleep and exercise? Is it impacting on their face-to-face connections with family and friends? The answers to these questions will guide you and help strike the right balance of online and offline activities for your child.

1. Be involved

Sharing screen time and online activities like gaming with your child helps you gauge the appropriateness of what they are doing and manage potential risks. It’s also a great way to start conversations with your child about their online experiences.

2. Work with your child to set boundaries for screen use

If you decide that setting screen time limits is right for you and your child, discuss these new rules with your child. Older children are more likely to cooperate if they have been part of the decision making process. Colourful pictures or charts of daily limits and other important activities is a fun way to get younger children on board.

3. Be clear about the consequences of not switching off

Part of our role as parents is to set clear limitations and boundaries. The same applies to technology limitations so, being clear and consistent about the consequences for your child if they do not stick to these rules is paramount. The Raising Children Network provides some useful tools and advice.

4. Set device-free zones and times at home

Device-free zones can help you manage your family’s digital use. Here are some ideas for setting digital boundaries within your home:

• No devices in the bedroom for younger children
• All screens off in bedrooms after a certain time for older children
• All screens off at least one hour before planned bedtime
• All family members switch off at dinner time
• Charge devices overnight in a place your child cannot access

5. Ask your child to explain their screen use

Get your child in the habit of explaining why they want to be in front of a screen or online. It’s a great way to get them thinking about their own digital habits and balancing screen time with other activities.

6. Use tech tools to help manage access

There are robust products and device functions which allow you to see which apps are being used in your home and for how long. But try not to use these tools to secretly monitor your child. Instead, be open about the process and check the whole family’s usage, including your own. Start with Google Family Link for Android devices or Parental Controls and Screen Time for iPhone/iPad.

7. Lead by example

Your behaviour is one of the most effective ways to help your child develop a positive digital mindset. Show your child you can put down your device too. This information was taken from the eSafety Commissioner website in the link below.

Tina Meni
Guidance Officer

Parent Tools for Cyberbullying

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

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 in the link below, scroll down the page and click on the relevant icon.