15 November 2019

Newsletter Articles

Our School Values –

Reminder what’s coming up

November

20-21 Aquatics Practice Excursion
20 P&C Meeting
21 Year 7 SPL Round Robin
22-24 Australia Futsal Titles – Junior
27 LLI Presentation Night
29 Losing the Stripes Presentation

For more info please see the link below.

From the Principal

One Student. One Community. Many Futures.

Dear Helensvale State High School community

As a community, we aspire for each and every student to succeed. As a community, we come together at this time of the year to formally recognise and celebrate the many, many outstanding achievements and successes of our students across our four pillars of success - Academia, The Arts, Sport and Community - through various awards nights and events.

At our recent Awards Night, we had over 300 students presented with awards for their outstanding achievements across a broad range of areas. Congratulations once again to Cody Rayner, Year 12 Dux. Cody is graduating from Helensvale SHS as the highest performing academic from a cohort of 282 students.

At our Diploma of Business Graduation Ceremony, we saw 50 students recognized for successfully graduating with a Diploma.

At our Sports Awards night, over 200 awards were presented for achievements at school, regional, state and national competitions across many different individual and team sports. Congratulations once again to Zack Hughes, our Junior Sportsperson of the Year and Jared Eckersley, our Senior Sportsperson of the Year. With so many high performing athletes at our school, it is truly an honour to receive these awards.

The sheer number of awards received by students across the many celebrations this term sends a very clear message to the community that the students at Helensvale State High School have a great work ethic, are committed to their education and make a positive contribution to our school and the community.

Thank you to the staff, families and carers, the many, many local businesses, Business Alliance partners, Parents and Citizens Association and the special guests who are always there for our students, providing opportunities for success. A true indication of our ‘One Community’ philosophy.

Twilight Tunes

Last Thursday our Instrumental Music Program held their end of year showcase, ‘Twilight Tunes’. The event was a celebration of our talented Instrumental Music and Choir students.

The evening saw audience members treated to an inspiring repertoire from our Wind Symphony, Concert Band, String Ensemble, Choir, Percussion Ensemble and Drum Line, Clarinet and Saxophone Ensemble, Big and Stage Bands. The evening was capped off with a wonderful farewell to our much loved Instrumental teacher, James Henshaw. After twenty years at Helensvale, James is set to retire at the conclusion of 2019 – we wish him and his family the very best as they embark on their new adventure.

Congratulations and thank you to Cindy Ashton, Randal Scheerle, Cathryn Morris, James Henshaw and Shari Ward for all they have done for our Instrumental and Choir students across 2019.

Great Success in Hospitality

ACF National Secondary Schools Culinary Challenge

Congratulations to Ethan Hobbs and Michael Bae (Year 12 Hospitality students) who represented Queensland in the ACF National Secondary Schools Culinary Challenge which was held in Canberra. These students prepared and presented two a la carte meals in one hour and had to debone a whole chicken, turn vegetables and use four methods of cookery. Many hours of dedication was devoted to numerous practice sessions over the September holidays and this was completed under the mentoring and expertise of Glenn Bacon (Executive Chef – RACV Royal Pines Resort).

This competition was judged by professional chefs and Ethan and Michael were awarded a Gold Medal and National Australian Champion. The students (Queensland team) won the only ‘Gold’ medal and New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria won Silver Medals. Ethan and Michael can be very proud of their achievement and Helensvale State High was recognised for their Hospitality success at this National event. Well done!

Degustation Dinner

On 23 October, 2019, Helensvale State High hosted the 15th Seven Course Degustation Dinner Excellence in Hospitality Evening. Here, Year 11 and 12 Hospitality students prepared high quality food for approximately 80 guests. There was much attention to detail for presentation and the flavours of the many courses tempted everyone’s tastebuds, the event was thoroughly enjoyed by all who attended.

The ambience of the restaurant was extremely professional and the wait staff offered polite, friendly customer service. Congratulations to all students involved and a special ‘Thank You’ is extended to Peter Whitehouse (Hospitality teacher / co-ordinator) and Renee Harbrow (Teacher aide) who supported all the planning and organisation for this evening. With excitement, this was the first Degustation Dinner held at the new Commercial Kitchen and restaurant within the new Karangbah building – a fantastic Hospitality experience!

Good Food and Wine Show

Year 11 and 12 Hospitality students participated in the ‘back of house’ at the Good Food and Wine Show from the 25 – 27 October, 2019, this was held at the Brisbane Convention and Entertainment Centre.

Students worked with celebrity chefs – Matt Moran, Kurtis Stone, Alastair McLeod, Miguel Maestre and Matt Golonski and prepared for their demonstrations, learnt new skills and exhibited outstanding teamwork, working to strict time constraints and management of resources.

The supervisors were extremely impressed with the students and could not believe their skill level and dedication for 16 / 17 year old high school students. They represented Helensvale State High with pride, but also can be proud of themselves.

The supervisors congratulated the students on their leadership, attention to detail, their efficiency, initiative, skills and passion for the Hospitality Industry. They encouraged them for their future careers and were so impressed, they have offered to be referees for their choice of employment.

This was an amazing performance by Helensvale State High students at the Good Food and Wine Show. The students enjoyed this experience and appreciated the opportunity to work with celebrity chefs.

Stephanie Wright
HOD DESIGN,
Helensvale State High

5 QUESTIONS PARENTS/CAREGIVERS CAN ASK THEIR CHILDREN

These five questions have been designed to assist parent/caregivers in engaging with their child’s learning:

1. What did you learn today?
2. How did you do?
3. What did you do it you didn’t understand?
4. How can you improve on your learning
5. What are you most proud of?

“Parents have found using these questions has created opportunities for informative conversations with their children.” (Sharratt 2019)

It is never too late to start these conversations with your children. Show that you value what they are doing in school. Maybe start by focusing on one class instead of the general “What did you do in school today?”, because many of us know the response to that question….”Nothing!” Change that questions to “What did you learn in English today?” or “What did you learn in BAM today?” And then continue with the 4 other questions.

Learning and doing on behalf our students’ growth and achievement is everyone’s business- One Student- One Community.

Wendy Chambers
HoD Junior Secondary Transitions

Finance and Uniform Shop Extended Trading Hours

Trade School Opportunities

If you’re wanting to kick-start your career in any of these industries, Automotive, Construction, Electrotechnology, check out the Gold Coast Trades College programs. Gain the knowledge and practical skills to help you get job ready. This is a great course for any school leaver!

GCTC Apprentice Bootcamps include:

• Nationally accredited qualification
• Employability skills training
• Complimentary resume
• Guidance in seeking work experience
• Introduction to potential employers

Register your interest here

Parent Tools for Cyberbullying

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

From the Guidance Officers

Apply now for 2020 international opportunities

Applications are now open for our various 2020 International Opportunities programs. Students, teachers and education leaders can apply for their chance to learn abroad. Refer to the website for various application closing dates.

Scholarships for Year 12 graduates

The TJ Ryan Memorial Medal and Scholarship provides financial support to high achieving Year 12 graduates commencing their tertiary studies. Secondary schools are encouraged to nominate one Year 12 student for a TJ Ryan Scholarship for study commencing in Semester 1 2020. Nominations close 13 December 2019.

Scholarships for aspiring teachers

Year 12 graduates aspiring to gain their teaching qualifications are encouraged to apply for an Aspiring Teacher Grant.

Indigenous graduates and departmental non-teaching employees are invited to apply for a Pearl Duncan Teaching Scholarship before 13 December.

EOI – School-based Future Teachers Program and Club from 2020

Secondary and P–10/12 schools interested in offering the new Future Teachers Program and/or Club next year are encouraged to submit an Expression of Interest by 31 October 2019. Find out how these opportunities help schools promote teaching as a highly desirable career.

School leaders — are you ready for the 2020 Kokoda Challenge?

This year four Gold Coast school principals teamed up to complete the gruelling 96km Gold Coast Kokoda Challenge in 26 hours 47 minutes, raising $10,000 towards the Kokoda Youth Foundation. Principal wellbeing was the winner. School leaders interested in joining the 2020 team can email to find out more. abran27@eq.edu.au

Sound Scouts

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