20 September 2019

Newsletter Articles

Our School Values –

Reminder what’s coming up

September

• 20 Vis Arts – Photographing Sculptures – SWELL Sculpture
• 20 Ski Trip Departs
• 21 School Holidays Start
• 21-22 Vicki Wilson Cup Finals Brisbane – ANZ
• Tuesday 8 October all students return to School for Term 4

For more info please see the link below.

From the Principal

Dear Helensvale State High School Community

Ms Roderick is really enjoying presenting to the students about learning at the ‘Vale during assembly time. Recently, Ms Roderick used active learning to demonstrate how students can retain information. Ms Roderick asked students to recall the street number of their childhood home, their phone number, and another person’s phone number. Such recall activities demonstrate that repeated exposure commits to long term memory – one exposure (someone else’s phone number) doesn’t.

Ms Roderick’s presentation repeated some of the messages of the previous assembly where she spoke. This was a deliberate use of spaced learning and repetition that was discussed last time, so whilst her PowerPoint slides that are attached may seem repetitive, it was purposeful.

Leading into assessment periods we continue to talk to our students about their learning. Some effective study techniques include rehearsal and spaced learning. We like to remind students that small and regular study sessions are the best way to remember what they are learning in class and help prepare them for exams, not cramming. Perhaps you could remind your child of these strategies if they are struggling with a study routine or assessment stress.

As this is the last newsletter of the term, I wish you all a restful, happy and safe holiday. Some key safety messages we have discussed with our students include:

Sun safety - Slip, Slop, Slap, Seek, Slide
Road safety - Follow the rules; respect other road users and pedestrians
Basic Cyber - Safety – Zip it, Block it, Flag it

Keep your personal stuff private and think about what you say and do online. Block people who send inappropriate, nasty messages, don’t open unknown links and attachments, and flag with someone you trust if anything upsets you or if someone asks to meet you off-line.

I look forward to seeing you all next term.

34th Annual Invitational Athletics Championships

On Thursday 3rd October twenty students from Helensvale State High School represented the school at the 34th Annual Invitational Athletics Championships. The event was held at Runaway Bay Sports Centre where many school attended this inclusive event. It was a great day with students entering 400m, 100m and 50m events. Students also engaged in several novelty games. Congratulations to all the students who participated on the day.

Uniform Shop News

With Back to School 2020 fast approaching it is a hectic time for parents and carers.

To make this easier for everyone we have flexischools online ordering in place. Flexischools also provides updates on what stock is available and stock we are waiting on. The link to flexischools is at the link below:

Flexischools is a convenient way of ordering uniforms without having to come into the school.

To help you with your order your child is welcome to come into the Uniform Shop and be fitted by our friendly staff. We will then provide your child with a slip detailing the required sizes you need to place an order with flexischools. The order can be collected from the Uniform Shop 2 working days after it has been placed.

We can exchange sizes however, packaging and tags must be in place and the receipt must be presented.

We look forward to helping you with your uniform requirements for next year.

If you have any questions please contact the uniform shop on 5573 8571.

Computers 2020

Are you looking to purchase a laptop for your child for the 2020 school year or as a Christmas present?

You are invited to attend a short BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) laptop information session on Wednesday 16 October.

I strongly urge anyone considering purchasing a laptop to attend this evening before making a purchase. Hear all the advantages of purchasing off our school portal through Dell, HP or Acer and gain an understanding of the specific requirements of the laptop in relation to the curriculum and school network. The details are as follows:

DATE: Wednesday 16 October
TIME: 5:15pm to 6:30pm
WHERE: Performing Arts Block (Helensvale Road entrance – see attached map)

DETAILS OF INFO SESSION:

• Short presentation from myself (Sheryl Carr, IT Manager) on the details and requirements of the Helensvale SHS BYOD program.
• A look at the HSHS Vendor portal from our website as well as info brochures available.
• Question and answer session – myself as well as laptop vendors.
• Opportunities before and after this short presentation to browse a range of laptops from Dell, Acer and HP.
• Opportunities before and after this short presentation to talk to our very friendly and knowledgeable Dell, Acer and HP personnel.

Kids Helpline

Encore

Sports Awards 2019

The annual Helensvale SHS Sport Awards Evening will be held on Thursday 7 November. If you think your child should be recognised on the night for their sporting achievements, please see the nomination forms located on the school website and sent via email. This applies for both school based competition and club based competition sports. Follow the instructions detailed on each form, but please be aware of strict timelines for submission and the level of representation required to qualify for nomination. The closing date for nominations is Monday 14 October.

All students who have achieved at a high level in their chosen sport will be recognised on the night. However, eligibility for Sportsperson of the Year is based on success in QLD Secondary School Sports only.

The criteria for nominations is as follows:

QLD Secondary School Sport

Prestigious Awards – Club Sports

These awards are only awarded at a QLD or Nationals Representative level

For any queries please contact Matt Dwyer (Sport Coordinator) or Mona Williams (HPE-Sport Teacher Aide).

NOMINATION FORMS CAN ALSO BE COLLECTED FROM MONA WILLIAMS IN THE SPORT OFFICE BY THE SAC.

Holiday Programs

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).

Parent Tools for Cyberbullying

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

From the Guidance Officers

Support for Year 11 and 12 students to begin their teaching degree

The Future Teachers Bursary supports senior secondary students to fast-track their teaching career. The bursary provides financial assistance for tertiary units and related study costs. Students can apply now. Click the link below to apply:

Don’t miss out – international travel opportunity available

Applications for the 2020 Premier’s Anzac Prize close on 20 September 2019.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for secondary students to travel to significant sites overseas and learn more about our Anzac history. Destinations include London, Belgium and France, with most travel costs covered. This program is proudly delivered by the Department of Education in partnership with RSL Queensland. Applications are open to Year 8–11 students, even if they are not studying History subjects.

For more information and to apply, visit the Education website.

Preparing students for success in senior secondary

The Preparing students for success in senior secondary resource has been refined and outlines precise strategies that support schools to strengthen the connection from junior to senior secondary schooling. Find out more at the New QCE system OnePortal page.

Information session on the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) community partners

NDIS community partners, including Local Area Coordination (LAC) and Early Childhood Early Intervention (ECEI) partners, support communities to access the NDIS.

NDIS, LAC and ECEI representatives will deliver an online information session on 17 October for departmental staff. Register through the OneChannel calendar.

Free Parent Engagement Workshops for parents of students with disability

The department has engaged Community Resource Unit Ltd (CRU) to support parents of students with disability to work effectively with their child’s school. CRU is holding workshops across Queensland. For details visit the CRU website.

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.