MANSFIELD STATE HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER NO. 17 Telephone Student Absences Enrolments Facsimile E-mail Website 3452 5333 3452 5306 3452 5367 3452 5300 info@mansfieldshs.eq.edu.au www.mansfieldshs.eq.edu.au BROADWATER ROAD MANSFIELD QLD 4122 PO BOX 229 MT GRAVATT QLD 4122 Mr J Sloman Mrs C Anghel Ms B Clarke Ms E Hamilton Ms L Peterson Principal Deputy Principal Deputy Principal Deputy Principal Deputy Principal 12 NOVEMBER 2013 FROM THE PRINCIPAL As we move through to the end of the year it is important that the school pause and very appropriately acknowledge our wonderful Senior students, the Year 12 students, many of whom have been with us since they came to the school in Year 8. For five years they have made the journey from child to young adult. The transition from a boy into a man and a girl into a woman is a vitally important part of the life process. Fundamentally, this school is focussed on Quality Learning in a Caring Environment! Part of this means that students have to learn, acquire new knowledge, use this knowledge in differing ways and develop their minds, in order to engage critically and to problem solve to create new meanings. This is the Quality Learning component of the school vision. The second component, a Caring Environment , means that students come to a school that cares about them, cares for them and where they learn that caring is something that you not only receive, but also it is something we do. Said in another way, schooling is about leaving school as ‘decent people who can get a decent job!’ We are very proud of the young people that the Year 12 students have become! As they transition from school into study, work or training, all students will take with them a little of the Mansfield ‘experience’. These memories and the qualities that have been acquired, instils in them the essence of their character, namely respect and responsibility. We see many instances every day where the senior students demonstrate respect and responsibility. They have been a wonderful group and I am very proud to have been their principal. I look forward to hearing from them, about their lives and the difference that each of them will make. The School Captains, Sam Cree and Rosie Sains along with their Vice-Captains Mitchell Atkinson and Caitlin Thomas and their Prefect team, have embodied all that is wonderful about this school. They have done a remarkable job. I would also like to acknowledge the contribution of the Deputy Principal responsible for the Year 12s, Ms Barbara Clarke. The work that Ms Clarke does in supporting the Senior students through their final year of school should not be underestimated. To the Seniors of 2013, best wishes and enjoy your journey. 2014 STUDENT LEADERS (School Captains, School Vice-Captains, Prefects) Back row: Emily Warbrook, Jasmine Allen, Anisha Mistry, Reagan Hunt, Isaac Tucker, Aven Yap, David Xue, Jasmine Settle, Gabrielle Diaz, Brooke Mansfield. Middle row: Sarah York, Cara Scarpato, Lauren Micallef, Lachlan Ashworth, Artin Kalantari, Samuel Sandroussi, Joshua Monteith, Madeleine Campbell, Rosalie Petersen, Elysia Downes. Front row: School Captains Liam Hardie and Kate Holley, 2003 School Vice-Captain Mark Adams, Principal Mr Sloman, Vice-Captains Crystal Seng and Nimnaka Weerasena STUDENT LEADERSHIP (photo montage at end of Newsletter) On Tuesday 12 November, the Mansfield High community gathered in the Assembly Hall for the Prefect Investiture. This was an opportunity to thank the 2013 Captains, Vice-Captains and Prefects and welcome our 2014 Captains, Vice-Captains and Prefects. School Captains: Kate Holley and Liam Hardie School Vice-Captains: Crystal Seng and Nimnaka Weerasena Prefects: Jasmine Allen, Lachlan Ashworth, Madeleine Campbell, Gabrielle Diaz, Elysia Downes, Reagan Hunt, Artin Kalantari, Brooke Mansfield, Lauren Micallef, Anisha Mistry, Joshua Monteith, Rosalie Petersen, Samuel Sandroussi, Cara Scarpato, Jasmine Settle, Isaac Tucker, Emily Warbrook, Aven Yap, Sarah York, David Xue. We were delighted to welcome back to our School, the very enthusiastic 2003 School Vice-Captain, Mark Adams as our guest speaker. In the ten years since leaving school, Mark has further enhanced his already significant skills and has continued his interesting life journey in Canada. We were privileged to have him speak address the School community. The Orchestra delivered a stirring rendition of our National Anthem and a musical item The Impossible Dream, with featured Soloists and 2014 Prefects, Gabrielle Diaz and Samuel Sandroussi. We also thoroughly enjoyed the 2013 School Captains’ remarks by Sam Cree and the Vote of Thanks by 2013 School Captain Rosanna Sains. OVERDUE ITEMS FOR 2013 In order to have reports mailed out to students, it is essential that the subject costs and other school costs have either been paid or arrangements have been made with the school’s Business Services Manager Mrs Sandy Ebert for their payment (phone: 3452 5310). All overdue items must be returned in a timely manner. This includes items such as: assessment, library resources, borrowed items, borrowed money. Please discuss this with your student. STUDENT RESOURCE SCHEME FOR 2014 Recently a letter was sent to all families regarding participation in the 2014 Student Resource Scheme. No payment will be required until next year in about mid-March. However in order to provide your student with the full range of texts, resources, consumables and other materials from the beginning of the school year, we request that this form is completed and returned to the Form Teacher by Friday 22 November 2013 please. Thank you for your assistance with this matter. EXAMS / STUDY LEAVE / ATTENDANCE As the end of the year approaches, this is a reminder that students need to be in full time attendance until the following dates. If there is a difficulty, please contact the relevant Deputy Principal: Years 8 and 9 Friday 13 December Years 10 and 11 Friday 29 November Year 12 Friday 15 November (this is a QSA requirement). STUDY LEAVE Yr 11 exams/study leave is from Friday 15 November to Monday 25 November. Year 11 students, who have fulfilled all of their school commitments and whose parents give them permission, will be offered the option of study leave during the respective exam period outlined above. Students will need to return permission slips at the stated time and comply with study leave conditions. If students fail to comply with study leave requirements, it will be withdrawn immediately. FRENCH NEWS France Exchange 2015 An Information session will be held on Thursday 28 November at 7pm - 7:45 pm in the Library Reading Room. All families are welcome to attend but the group of 20 for 2015 will be selected from the current Year 9 and 10 students. Information about the cost, the itinerary and the selection process will be discussed. Expressions of interest will be noted on the night and the first deposit of $500 will be due in February 2014. If you are unable to attend and you would like your child to participate in the exchange, please contact Ms Sarah Fryer (French Teacher and France Exchange Coordinator) on scout13@eq.edu.au. 2013 IT COMPETITION RESULTS A number of Mansfield High School students did exceptionally well in IT competitions this year including the ICAS computer skills competition, the Young ICT explorers competition and the NCSS Programming challenge. In the ICAS Computer Skills competition Navin Sivasankaran (Yr 8), Srimathi Narayanan (Yr 8), Narissa Amies (Yr 9), Jordan Asmussen (Yr 9), Darren Fu (Yr 10) and Patrick Kim (Yr 10) were awarded a certificate of Distinction for obtaining a score in the top 10% of Australian entrants. High Distinction certificates, for a score in the top 1% of entrants, were awarded to Katie Bond (Yr 8), Tom Barham (Yr 9) and Peter Truong (Yr 10). Congratulations to these students and the many other participants who all performed well in the competition. At least one Mansfield High School student has been a finalist and/or prize-winner in the Young ICT Explorers competition each year since it began in 2010. This year Yr 10 students Darren Fu, Patrick Kim and Peter Truong receive their ICAS computer skills competition certificates at a recent assembly. was no exception with finalists Jordan Asmussen and Tom Barham representing the school at UQ in August. Tom Barham proudly accepted 2nd prize for his social gaming website entitled Playzone. This and his previous prize winning website WordWiki are accessible from his personal website www.mrfishie.com and a video of the YICTE finals event featuring an interview with Tom is available on YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=al9v7QJL8yY. The NCSS Programming Challenge is a very rigorous programming challenge which many students find difficult to complete. Darren Fu (Yr 10) not only completed the challenge but was awarded with a certificate of High Distinction for his success in completing the intermediate level problems to a very high standard. For students who are interested in developing their IT knowledge and skills, a number of programming, gaming and robotics workshops are available for high school students at QUT in the school holidays (see http://www.thecube.qut.edu.au/events/event/summer-program for details). Participants in the NCSS Programming Challenge are also invited to apply to attend the National Computer Science Summer School in January 2014. Details are on the NCSS website http://www.ncss.edu.au/summer_school/index.html. NCSS summer school applications are due by 15th November, 2013. Congratulations to our many talented IT students in 2013. We look forward to celebrating your future successes in 2014! MUSIC NEWS MusicFest Awards Congratulations to all of the Music ensembles that have successfully competed in MusicFest over the last few weeks! The results were as follows: String Orchestra – Platinum Award Percussion Ensemble 1 – Bronze Award Chamber Winds – Gold Award Percussion Ensemble 2 – Gold Award Sinfonia – Gold Award Symphonic Winds – Gold Award Museaus – Gold Award Jazz Ensemble – Platinum Award, Rhythm Section Award and Concert Band – Platinum Award Best Saxophone Solo (Marc Maeji) Wind Ensemble – Gold Award Special thanks to the teachers who dedicated their evenings and weekends to conducting and supporting the ensembles. Thanks also to all of the parents who provided a taxi service to the far flung corners of Brisbane. Your efforts are appreciated. LIONS YOUTH OF THE YEAR Two of our Year 11 students, Cara Scarpato and Isaac Tucker (pictured) recently competed in the Carindale Lions Youth of the Year Quest. Both students had a gruelling day of interviews, quizzes, impromptu speeches and prepared speeches. They both performed in an excellent manner. The competition was very tough and Isaac was announced as the Club Winner for the Carindale Club and will proceed to the next level of the competition. Thanks to both students for being such wonderful ambassadors for the school! COMMUNITY NEWS Final P&C Meeting for 2013 The final P&C meeting for 2013 will be held on Thursday 28 November 7pm at Southern Cross Sports Club, Cnr of Logan Rd and Klumpp Rd, Upper Mt Gravatt. All members are invited to meet at 6pm for dinner prior to the meeting at 7pm. If you are planning on attending, please RSVP to Sue Holley. sholl143@eq.edu.au or 3452 5337. Environmental Council News Help the Environment and Our Busy Little Friends…by Alexandra Radke (Writer for the Environmental Council) What’s the link between Tutankhamen’s Tomb and your pantry? Nothing? Well, they both contain a food that will last forever – honey. The bees that produce this honey work phenomenally hard to provide a spread for our toast. Their very existence is presently threatened by human activity. That means that our food supply is also threatened. Without bees, we will not survive. The best option to help the bees in your area would be for you to have your own hive. You could also consider making a bee-friendly section of your garden. Bees like yellow, blue and purple flowers in particular. They also favour planting arrangements similar to those found in nature. Another option to protect our bees is to refrain from destroying swarms. If you wish to have a swarm of bees removed from your property, contact the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry’s service centre. Please help the food security of our world by helping our busy little friends. http://www.daff.qld.gov.au/about-us/contact-us Queen’s Award for Mansfield Students On 1 November 2013, two Year 12 Mansfield High School students, Tim Jell and Matthew Lynch, attended a very special ceremony at Government House to receive their Queen’s Awards from the Governor of Queensland, Ms Penelope Wensley AC. The Queen's Award is the most prestigious award in The Boys' Brigade - an international organisation empowering young people to reach their potential, building their resilience and enabling them to find their place in leading and impacting their world today and into the future. To achieve this level requires hard work, commitment and a willingness to push oneself further. Individuals are required to complete courses and badge work in the areas of Service, Leadership, Knowledge, Skills, Adventure and Physical Activity. Congratulations to Tim and Matthew on this wonderful achievement. Library Our Library has enjoyed growth and renewal of resources over past years, thanks to the generous donations from Parents and from the P&C. Every donation is appreciated. If you would like to contribute so that we can extend the library, all contributions made are GST free and are tax deductible. The Library Fund is a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) fund that is registered with the Australian Taxation Office. Our School has a similar DGR fund for Building Improvements including the construction of a covered grandstand over the tiered seating area facing the oval to provide a seating/suitable lunch area for students. This type of project falls outside of the current government funding programs. The P&C is currently the only contributor to this Fund, but Local Businesses and Parents are also encouraged to make a tax deductible donation to this Fund. Canteen Redevelopment With the introduction of Year 7 into high school in 2015 and the subsequent increase in the School population, the P&C Association is starting to investigate possible options for the redevelopment of the Canteen. This may involve the expansion of the current canteen or possibly the relocation of the canteen. Either way we need to look at the most efficient design to cater for the needs of our school and students. Any parents who are interested in being on a Canteen Sub-committee are invited to contact Sue Holley sholl143@eq.edu.au or 3452 5337. We recognise that not everyone has time to be on a committee but may have ideas to contribute. If you are aware of any Canteen models in other schools that work particularly well we would love to hear about them. If you have any ideas, opinions or feedback please email Sue Holley. Students are also welcome to submit their ideas. Books and Stationery for 2014 – PLEASE READ CAREFULLY In 2014 the P&C Association is trialling some changes to streamline the process of ordering new textbooks and stationery, as well as the collecting and selling of second-hand books. Please take a minute to read the following: All stationery and new textbook sales are to be processed on-line through the company Sequel. Even if you elect to purchase a single new textbook this must be done online. Go to www.sequelbooks.com.au to create your account from the booklist tab and place your order. Online ordering will close on 1 December, 2013. If you want to order books after this time, you will need to visit the Sequel website, print out the order form and submit by post, fax or email. No cheques, cash or orders will be accepted at the school. Our school receives commission on all new textbook and stationery sales when ordering is done before the 1 December and this commission is reinvested into the school. Orders will be available for collection from the school hall on Monday 20 January and Tuesday 21 January 2014 only, between 8am and 2pm. Alternatively you may elect to have your books and stationery delivered to your home for an $8 fee. The second-hand bookshop at our school will be open on the last two days of school (12 - 13 December 2013) in the week before school commences (20 - 24 January 2014) and on the first two days of school (28 - 29 January 2014). Trading hours on these days are 7.30am – 10.30am. We encourage you to support the second-hand bookshop; however please be aware we cannot guarantee that a copy of the book you require will be available as stock depends on what comes in from previous students who no longer require their texts. If you are purchasing a Year 8, 9 or 10 second-hand Maths textbook, it is strongly recommended that you pay an additional $5 for a copy of the e-Book, as e-Book licences only last 12 months and therefore would have expired. The additional $5 can be paid on the day of purchase and the e-Book will be issued to your student in the new school year by the Maths Department teachers. If you have textbooks you would like the second-hand bookshop to sell on your behalf, you can leave them at the Canteen on the following dates: Year 12 – Week Commencing 11 November 2013, Years 10 and 11 – Week Commencing 25 November 2013, Years 8 and 9 – Week Commencing 9 December 2013. All books MUST have a signed agreement form accompanying them at drop off time. (Forms can be found at the back of this newsletter.) We prefer that second-hand books are paid for using cash or cheque. EFTPOS facilities will be available in the uniform shop but there may be delays in processing due to customer numbers. Please note - copies of all booklist are available on the school website. Thank you in advance for your assistance with these changes. Your comments after the trial will be welcome. From the Mansfield State High School Parents and Citizens’ Association In summary…USEFUL DATES Sun 1 Dec 2013 order new textbooks online by this date Thu 12 Dec & Fri 13 Dec 2013 7.30am – 10.30am our school’s second-hand bookshop open Mon 20 Jan & Tue 21 Jan 2014 8am – 2pm orders of new textbooks available for collection from school hall Mon 20 Jan to Fri 24 Jan 2014 7.30am – 10.30am our school’s second-hand bookshop open Tue 28 Jan & Wed 29 Jan 2014 7.30am – 10.30am our school’s second-hand bookshop open Marilyn Farr is retiring After some 22 years at Mansfield High School, mostly as a School Community Liaison Officer, Mrs Farr is retiring. If you would like to attend an afternoon tea in her honour, please RSVP to Sue Holley sholl143@eq.edu.au. The function will occur on Friday 6 December 2013 from 3.15pm – 5pm at school. The venue within the school will be decided at a later date. Donations towards a farewell gift can be sent to Mrs Sue Holley. Beth to Shave for a Cure – Monday 18 November World's Greatest Shave raises approximately half the money the Leukaemia Foundation needs annually to fund its important work – providing practical and emotional support to people with blood cancer, as well as investing millions in research. This year, School Prefect, Beth Cave is celebrating the end of her high school journey by being brave and shaving. She is currently raffling the opportunity to cut off her pony tail! If you would like to buy a ticket in the raffle or make a donation, please contact Sue Holley sholl143@eq.edu.au Aviation Australia Opens its Doors! Its Open Night is on Wednesday 27 November commencing at 6pm. The Open Night offers students and parents the opportunity to tour the training facilities based at Brisbane Airport and find out first-hand, how to become an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer or Flight Attendant. The training centres house the most advanced training equipment including real aircraft, fully equipped workshops, cabin simulators, evacuation slides, a pool for water safety drills, and excellent student amenities. You will also have the chance to meet the team of instructors who are available to answer any of your questions. To register your interest email: aero.info@aviationaustralia.aero or contact our Sales Team on 07 3860 0900. CALENDAR OF EVENTS Wednesday 13 November Thursday 14 November Friday 15 November Monday 18 November Tuesday 19 November Wednesday 20 November Thursday 21 November Friday 22 November Monday 25 November Tuesday 26 November Wednesday 27 November Yr 12s in class to check results Per 4 MAP for all students Yr 12s to Plantation 9am 2pm Yr 12s in Hall to check results and sign off on them Yr 11 Exam block / study leave begins (finishes on Monday 25/11) Yr 12s arrive at 9am in their semi-formal attire Yr 12 Graduation ceremony for Yr 12s and their families at 10.45am in Hall followed by morning tea 4-4 day … Yr 11 Exam Block / Study leave 4-4 day … Yr 11 Exam Block / Study leave Normal Wednesday bell times Yr 11 Exam Block / Study leave Per 4 NO MAP (Yr 8, 10 Maths exams; Yr 9 Maths revision) 4-4 day … Yr 11 Exam Block / Study leave 4-4 day … Yr 11 Exam Block / Study leave Completed 2014 Student Resource Scheme form is returned to Form Teachers 4-4 day … Yr 11 Exam Block / Study leave (final day) Yr 10 French Immersion graduation dinner Newsletter available on website Yr 10 French restaurant outing in evening Rauchle Service Club executive visits Mater Children’s Hospital to give donation for the year Per 1-3 Yr 11 TIP leadership training in K Block & Per 4 Per 4 MAP for all year levels 3 Yr 10s depart for Strasbourg 2 month exchange MANSFIELD STATE HIGH SCHOOL –YEAR 8, 9 & 10 SECONDHAND BOOKS If you have textbooks you would like the second-hand bookshop to sell on your behalf, you may leave them at the Canteen on the following dates: Year 12 – Week Commencing 11 November 2013; Years 10 and 11 – Week Commencing 25 November 2013; Years 8 and 9 – Week Commencing 9 December 2013. All books MUST have this signed agreement form accompanying them at drop off time. Make a copy for your records. Student’s Name: ______________________________________________________________ Bank Account Holder’s Name: ________________________________________________ BSB Number: ____________________ Account Number: ________________________ Address: ____________________________________________________________________ Suburb: _______________________ Post Code: ________ Phone No: _________________ Contact Email: ____________________________________________ Book Title Pearson Mathematics Year 8 Student Book Mirai Stage 1 Coursebook Pearson Science 8 Student Book Complete English Basics 1 (2nd ed.) Pearson Mathematics Year 9 Student Book Mirai Stage 2 Coursebook Pearson Science 9 Student Book In Tune With Music Book 1 (4th ed) Pearson Mathematics Year 10 Student Book Pearson Science 10 Student Book Active Look It Up (2nd ed) Collins French Pocket Dictionary (6th ed.) Schaum’s French Grammar (5th ed.) Signature No. of Copies Office Use Only Book Quality L L M M H H L L M M H H L L L L L M M M M M H H H H H _________________________________________ Date: __________________ (P & C Representative) ______________________________________________________________________________ MANSFIELD STATE HIGH SCHOOL –YEAR 8, 9 &10 SECONDHAND BOOKS I hereby agree to all of the following: that the above mentioned books I have agreed to be sold on my behalf will incur a 50% commission on any sale(s) (after GST) to be retained by the Mansfield State High School P&C Association. that the remaining 50% share will be directly paid into my nominated bank account. that if my book(s) remain unsold at the close of trading of the bookshop and I have not collected them within 14 days, I understand that the books will be donated to a worthy cause. Signed: ____________________________ Date: _____________________ Office Use Only: Advised of Unsold Books: Agreed Collection Date: MANSFIELD STATE HIGH SCHOOL –YEAR 11 & 12 SECONDHAND BOOKS If you have textbooks you would like the second-hand bookshop to sell on your behalf, you may leave them at the Canteen on the following dates: Year 12 – Week Commencing 11 November 2013; Years 10 and 11 – Week Commencing 25 November 2013; Years 8 and 9 – Week Commencing 9 December 2013. All books MUST have this signed agreement form accompanying them at drop off time. Make a copy for your records. Student’s Name: _________________________________________________________ Bank Account Holder’s Name: _______________________________________ BSB Number: _________________ Account Number: ___________________ Address: ______________________________________________________________ Suburb: ___________________ Post Code: __________ Phone No: _____________ Contact Email: ____________________________________________ No. of Copies Book Title Office Use Only Book Quality L M H L M H L M H rd L M H rd New Q Maths 11B with CD Rom (3 ed) L M H Maths Quest for Qld 11C (2nd ed Ebook) L M H New Q Maths 12A with CD Rom (3rd ed) L M H L M H L M H Mirai Stage 5 Coursebook (2nd ed) L M H Mirai Stage 6 Coursebook (2nd ed) L M H Schaum’s French Grammar (5th ed) L M H Biology an Aust.Perspective 2ed Text & CD L M H Accounting Concepts & Applications (4th ed) Investigating Business Communication & Technologies Physics – A Contextual Approach (2 ed) nd New Q Maths 11A with CD Rom (3 ed) rd New Q Maths 12B with CD Rom (3 ed) nd Maths Quest for Qld 12C (2 ed Ebook) Signature _____________________________________________________ Date: _____________________ (P & C Representative) MANSFIELD STATE HIGH SCHOOL –YEAR 11 & 12 SECONDHAND BOOKS I hereby agree to all of the following: that the above mentioned books I have agreed to be sold on my behalf will incur a 50% commission on any sale(s) (after GST) to be retained by the Mansfield State High School P&C Association. that the remaining 50% share will be directly paid into my nominated bank account. that if my book(s) remain unsold at the close of trading of the bookshop and I have not collected them within 14 days, I understand that the books will be donated to a worthy cause. Signed: ________________________ Date: __________________ Office Use Only: Advised of Unsold Books: Agreed Collection Date: PREFECTS 2014 and some family members SCHOOL CAPTAINS 2014 and some family members SCHOOL VICE-CAPTAINS 2014 and some family members PREFECT BODY 2014 YR 10 ART SHOES SHERRIE WU NIKKI SIMMONS LOUISE CHARLTON BINURI TOTAWATTAGE Binuri Totawattage BERNICE CHOONG SARA JAMI STEPHANIE PAPAGEORGIOU STACE VERTONGEN ERIN PARK VIKKI LAM WENONA CRAMP-CHURCH EMMA LAMB YR 10 ART SHOES CLAIRE DIAS ZOE ROSS HALEY WU JO-ANNE TRAN KAIT KAITNOBBS NOBBS ILMA HRNJIC JULIUS YEE TIA TSARDANIS RASNEET ASSAN CAITLIN MADDIGAN