21 September 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Message

Dear Parents/Carers,

As we finish Term 3 and students and staff enjoy a well-deserved break for the September holidays it is amazing to think we only have nine weeks of school remaining for 2018. For our year 12 students next term is even shorter as they complete their final exams and assessment and plan for their future, be it in work, university or further training. Students in years 7 to 11 are not exempt from these changes as they consider their goals and aspirations for the future. While these times of change can be challenging it is always comforting to know that there are those who have experienced the same challenges, that there are people around to support you and that you are not alone in this journey. If either you or your child are struggling with any of these changes or would like assistance please speak to one of the school staff. Our student Support Team are available to assist you and your child at any age and stage and I would encourage you to contact them at school on 4652 8333 or via the details listed below:

Our Support team include:

Mr Andrew Ruzicka: Guidance Officer: aruzi3@eq.edu.au
Mrs Alice Laza: Community Pathways Officer: alaza22@eq.edu.au
Mrs Susan Liersch: Chaplain: slier3@eq.edu.au
Mrs Amy Bertollo: School based Nurse: abert56@eq.edu.au

Once again, thank you for your involvement and partnership with your child’s education to date and I look forward to a very productive and enjoyable Term 4 ahead.

Congratulations Sophie on State Equestrian Team selection

Last week I was notified that Sophie Kent in year 7 has been selected in the 2018 Interschool Equestrian State Team which will travel to Werribee in Victoria in early October. This prestigious event is a direct result of her outstanding achievements in several equestrian competitions throughout the year so far. Once again, congratulations Sophie on your selection and we wish you every success as you compete in these events in the future.

CWA Drought Assistance

On behalf of the Longreach State High School community I would like to thank the Queensland Country Women’s Association (QCWA) who provided a significant financial donation to our Year 11 and 12 students to help them with their school fees and school related activities as part of the Qld Drought Appeal. The QCWA in conjunction with Longreach Regional Council have been proactive supporters of our school and with their support, both financial and in-kind, we are able to provide opportunities to all our students and families. If you know of someone who is drought affected and would benefit from support, financial or otherwise, please contact myself at principal@longreachshs.eq.edu.au.

School NAPLAN success!

Students in years 7 & 9 have been given a copy of their 2018 NAPLAN results and as a school we have much to celebrate. This year our school has shown remarkable growth and achievement in every area of the NAPLAN test and we are proud of our student’s achievement. Over the past 12 months our school has been on an improvement agenda and investigating ways to improve students’ learning in all facets of school life. Some areas that experienced significant growth and improvement this year were our Year 9 reading and Year 7 writing results.

While I know that not every child will learn at the same rate and achieve the same results our goal is to ensure that every child succeeds. This means that a child should be expected to gain at least one year’s growth for one years’ worth of learning. While the NAPLAN test is always a “point in time” test it does provide an opportunity for students, parents and schools to identify areas of strength and areas for improvement. Overall, we are extremely pleased with this year’s results and we will continue to strengthen our teaching and learning practice to improve student outcomes.

School Mural Art continued…

Last term we had Christian Griffiths from ‘The Sauce Studio’ working with our art students on a range of mural projects throughout the school. This week Christian has returned to work with one of our emerging artists and continue to develop a series of mural art projects throughout the school. We are very pleased to have Christian in our school and through grant funds provided by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) have been able to secure his skill and expertise for this week. Christian will be continuing his work in the Longreach community over the holiday period working on a series of projects with the Longreach Regional Council at both the Skate Park and other locations.

ANZAC and Past staff/students Memorial Refurbishment

To commemorate 100 years since the signing of Armistice Day Longreach SHS has embarked on a new ANZAC memorial which plans to be unveiled on the 9th November this year. As part of this redevelopment the existing staff/student memorial gazebo, “The Quiet Place”, will also be redeveloped. This staff/student memorial will feature a new quiet area with seating and plaque which will be located very near to its current position. The new memorial works will hopefully occur over the holidays with a new plaque and sign to be erected early next term. If you would like further information or wish to see the new design plans please email the principal at principal@longreachshs.eq.edu.au.

School Garage (Tender) Sale

As part of the redevelopment of the Science and Library and other buildings throughout Longreach SHS we will be holding a tender sale of goods on Saturday the 20th October. A range of items will be up for tender including computers, desks, lockers and much more. Further details will be provided closer to the date but save the date now!

Brendan Krueger
Principal

Student Services Head of Department’s Message

Well, it’s official. We are three quarters of the year complete! One more term to go and what a busy term it will be! Student leadership nominations, Year 6 transition, Awards night and the Year 12 Graduation are just a few items on our busy Term 4 calendar.

In term four the year 11s and 10s will go through the leadership selection process to determine who will be our student leaders for 2019. The process involves four stages:

• Responding to selection criteria
• Public speech
• Staff and student vote
• Interview panel

Through this rigorous process we have developed and nurtured many great leaders over the years and I’m positive next year’s leaders will be up to the task of leading our school and student body with pride. For more information on this process, please contact our Senior Year level coordinator, Mr Sampson.

Year 6 transition process will also be taking place next term. We enthusiastically welcome the Longreach State School year 6s to our school where I will be assisting them to complete their science lessons. This will occur every Tuesday afternoon starting in week 1 and going through to week 6 (remember Tuesday Week 5 is our Show Holiday for the Melbourne Cup). Last year was a raging success and we hope to keep this great relationship with the primary school. All other Year 6s are invited to attend our school later in the term.

Term 4, Week 4, Tuesday the 30 October will see our Annual Awards Night take place at the Civic Centre. In the lead up to this, students will be notified if they are receiving an Academic or Sporting Award and will be expected to attend the rehearsal. Also expected at the rehearsal will be the graduating Year 12s where we publicly farewell them for 2018. Special Awards and 2019 school leaders will also be announced on the night. Early term 4 I will publish the Academic and Sporting Awards list and students are encouraged to check this and if there is a concern – see myself or their teacher to discuss the concern. The Annual Awards Night is a fantastic evening where we celebrate our student excellence.

Friday, November 19th (week 6) will be a sad as well as joyous day, as we farewell our year 12s. There will be a farewell parade for the graduating class of 2018 and then later that evening there will be another farewell for them at the Senior Formal.

For the last week of Term 3, the Year 10s have completed their 2nd block of work experience. This is a great chance for students to see what life is like in certain job industries. The experience is also a great chance for students to establish ties and potentially get a traineeship or apprenticeship. Again, I publicly thank all the businesses for giving our students the opportunity of experiencing work.

Currently our Year 11s are on a leadership camp at the fantastic Emu Gully. This is a great camp that fosters student leadership by focussing on the ANZAC values where they aim to challenge, inspire and empower each individual and group. I can’t wait to see the photos and hear the stories that will emerge from this great camp.

Brolga bucks’ focus is still in full swing with 99% of students showing they are demonstrating the correct focus. We truly have some great students here at LSHS. The focus for Term 4, Week 1 and 2 will be: Arrive on time to class with all correct equipment, ready to learn. This is to ensure students are punctual, settled and focussed for the start of the new term.

I wish everyone a great September holidays. For everyone travelling – travel safe. I look forward to seeing everyone for a very quick and busy Term 4!

Dave Scutt
Curriculum HOD

Guidance Officer’s Message

The Act of Giving

One of the key factors in teaching our children to be resilient (to bounce back in times of hardship) is through:

‘Developing responsibility, compassion and social awareness by providing opportunities where your child can contribute or give back to others.’

‘Raising Resilient Children’ by R.Brooks and S. Goldstein

We are all social beings. No matter how hard we might try to seek isolation, or how high the fences we build, our lives are shared by others – family, friends, and community. Children learn from an early age about the act of giving through watching their parents give to them or others. Unfortunately though, our children may not learn that they also have the capability of giving to others and that life isn’t just about receiving. Such thinking creates selfishness and the idea that I am the only important person.

When you educate children regarding giving, you teach them about caring for others, compassion, and taking responsibility for those less fortunate. You also will teach that ‘everyone’ is important and we all have a responsibility to protect others in our community and world.

Most kids can readily relate to other children who are hurting. With Christmas upon us soon and while your child is preparing their lists of ‘what I want for Christmas’, now is the time to prepare a list of ‘ways we can give to others’. Here are some ideas:

• Ask a child to choose an item of clothing or a toy that he or she no longer uses, to donate to charities for children who have few clothes and perhaps no toys at all.
• When you do your weekly grocery shopping, ask each of your children to pick out an item or two to donate to the local food charity, or Christmas charity.
• Get your child to make gifts for friends rather than expecting Mum to purchase a gift – there are many ideas at this time of year
• As children get a little older, they can begin giving a small percentage of allowance or savings to charity.
• Look for a charity started by children, and share the information with your children. If you also make ‘giving’ a priority children will learn to give cheerfully.
• Sponsor a child in a poor country
• If you can't give financially you and your kids can still offer your time. You may even want to start a fundraiser, and donate the proceeds to a favourite local charity. There are many fundraising opportunities and your child's class might even want to participate.

No matter how large or small the effort, instilling a sense of charity will teach children to care about others, to be compassionate, to give willingly - isn’t that the Christmas spirit?

Andrew Ruzicka
Guidance Officer

Chappy’s Corner

Hi Everyone,

How would it be if your child was not allowed to attend school if they had no shoes to wear? This is the case in Tanzania and one boy, Kwale found himself in that situation. His parents had no money to buy him shoes. This broke both Kwale’s and his mother’s heart because going to school was so important for both of them. He also was the victim of teasing and he says he felt so ashamed. He was even thinking of begging in the streets or running away from home such was his distress.

Kwale’s mother decided to pray and ask God to help their situation. Somewhere on the other side of the world God was at work putting it in the heart of someone to put a pair of shoes into a shoebox for Operation Christmas Child. This shoebox found its way to Kwale’s village and into Kwale’s hands. Imagine his delight when he opened the box to find a pair of shoes inside and his further amazement when he put them on and they fit perfectly! He said that when he opened the box he remembered his mother’s words of encouragement to not give up because God would help them. His mother said “I thank that person that sees that there is a child out there that needs a pair of shoes.”

This is one of many stories of how filling a shoebox for a child at Christmas can change a child’s life. There are more stories you can watch on the Samaritan Purse website:

One video I particularly like is of a 100 year old lady who sews children’s dresses to put in boxes. You are never too old or too young to help others. Our students have the opportunity to join in this great venture and be a change agent for a child who is doing it tough. Why not encourage your child to participate? Shoeboxes need to be back by the end of week 1 Term 4.

I pray you all have a restful and safe holiday break and I look forward to engaging with you next Term.

Chappy.

Susan Liersch
Chaplain

Stymie Anti Bullying Campaign

School Watch

VKO Assessment

In exam block the first year students had to complete their individual assessment where they make two café style meals, one for themselves and one for a staff member. The staff member then provides students with feedback. Both staff and students gained a lot from this assessment.

Café meal was Chunky Beef Pies with seasoned wedges and a side salad.

Katie Frize
Trade Training Centre Co-Ordinator

Film Crew Morning Tea

Defence Force Recruitment

Defence force talks occurred on Thursday, September 13. Representatives from the Army and Air Force attended school to give a recruitment and awareness talk to Year 9 and 10 students. Students need a minimum of a Year 10 pass in English, Math and Science to enter the defence force where there are more than 250 jobs available, most paying a better than average salary while you learn either a trade or a University qualification.

Coming Events

P & C Meetings

The next P & C meeting will be held on Monday 15 October 2018 at 7 pm in the Library. Everyone is welcome to come along. There is no meeting in September due to the school holidays.

Longreach Lions & Lioness Clubs Christmas Street Party

Date Claimer: Friday 14th December 2018

Student Leadership Nominations (Year 11)

Student leadership nominations open on Monday 8 October and close on Friday 12 October.

Student Free Day

Monday 22 October 2018

Awards Night

Tuesday 30 October, 7pm, Longreach Civic Centre.

Public Show Holiday Longreach

Tuesday 6 November is Longreach Show Holiday.

Year 12 Graduation and Formal

Friday 16 November 2018.

Important Notices: