MANSFIELDSTATEHIGH SCHOOL
BROADWATER ROAD
MANSFIELD QLD 4122
POBOX 229
MT GRAVATT QLD 4122
Telephone3452 5333Mr J SlomanPrincipal
Student Absences3452 5306Mr F BrunettoA/Deputy Principal
Enrolments3452 5301Mrs E HamiltonDeputy Principal
Facsimile3452 5300Ms B ClarkeDeputy Principal
Website
8 November 2011
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
At the recent Presentation Evening, I delivered the following address. For those of you who were unable to join us on that wonderful celebration of student achievement, I have included my address in this Newsletter.
Keep shining!
The focus in this school remains….student achievement. We do expect a lot from our students. I know that. It is better to have high expectations rather than too few! Having said this, support for students in this school sets it apart from the rest. It is one the many highlights of this school. We can’t expect students to perform and achieve without support and alternatively we cannot simply support students at a personal level and not expect them to perform and achieve. There has to be a balance. My priority this year has been to focus on this balance.
As we have progressed through the year we have also been working on what are going to be our main areas of work in the next four years. As a result of ongoing and extensive consultation, our strategic plan will continue with our focus on quality learning in a caring environment. After much discussion we have settled on the following statement as encapsulating our school, our culture and our future. We want MansfieldStateHigh School to be a culturally rich, inclusive and supportive learning environment built on mutual respect. This will be characterised by a passionate commitment to high standards which cultivates achievement and the development of individual talents for every child.
We will achieve this through the following four objectives.
Firstly, we will deliver the highest quality curriculum, teaching, learning and assessment practices. A relevant, challenging and engaging educational experience prepares students for both academic success at school and the best possible pathways through life, study and work after school. This is predicated on teaching knowledge and higher order thinking skills in ways that respond to a student’s learning needs and is academically rigorous.
Secondly, we will provide a whole school approach to achieve high standards in literacy and numeracy for all students. It is every student’s right to be literate and numerate in order to be a fully functioning citizen who can participate in and contribute to an increasingly globalised and yet disconnected world.
Thirdly, we will provide a safe and caring environment where all students and staff learn about and value the culture of care within the school.Understanding what it means to be a caring person who knows how to care for oneself and others requires a high school experience that imbues them with tolerance and an appreciation of difference. This requires a framework for thinking about teaching, assessment, intervention, and prevention support so students receive the optimal benefit from their educational experience at Mansfield High.
Finally, we will maintain a school climate where high standards of behaviour, performance and participation are the foundation for students to achieve their potential. A school climate that enables students to reach their potential requires a safe and disciplined school environment. This is predicated on the assumption that every child can achieve and that every child should be expected to behave appropriately and perform to the best of his/her ability.
Mansfield High School acknowledges those who have worked hard and who understand what William Arthur Ward, author of the book entitled Fountains of Faith said: “Study while others are sleeping; work while others are loafing; prepare while others are playing; and dream while others are wishing.” This is how you achieve, through hard work.
In conclusion let me say to each student here tonight that I am very proud of you! As Christopher Robin said to Pooh Bear: “Promise me you will always remember – you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem and smarter than you think.”
2011 MANSFIELD HIGH TOP ACHIEVERS
We sincerely congratulate all of our students who achieved recognition for their efforts at the 2011 Presentation Evening. The new format for the event was hugely successful and all those present delighted in the achievements of our students and staff. Pictured are our major Award Recipients for this year as follows:
- Senior Dux and UQ Academic Excellence Award - Joel Khouri
- Junior DuxReearna Janke
- Student of the Year 2011Karlie Lenz
- Leadership Awards 2011Brendon Leech and Karlie Lenz
- Leadership Award in Music 2011 in memory of Sharon and Haydn LawrenceNathan Booth
- Creative Art Award for Excellence 2011Annika Hinrichs
- Foreign Language Student of the Year 2011Rachel Chen
- Outstanding Achievement in Science 2011 in memory of Mr John BremnerSian Morrison
- Award for Outstanding Service 2011Ashley Nielson
- ATSI Student of the YearMatthew Lane
- Caltex Best All-Rounder 2011Chris McMillan
- Best Sporting Team Performance 2011Year 10 Cricket Team
- Outstanding Sportsmanship Trophy 2011Karlie Lenz
- Best Sporting Performance 2011Mary Holgate
- Junior Sportsperson of the YearAndrew Booth
For the first time this year, a new award was presented to students who achieved all A’s or better in every subject (with the possibility of one B). This is the Academic Excellence Award. Fifty three of these awards were presented to our students on the night. This is an amazing effort and lifts the bar for all students to strive to achieve.
Additionally, a large number of students received an Academic Achievement Award, which is presented to students who received a majority of A’s in their subjects, with no subject achievement level being less than a B.
Well done all!
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 9Friday 9 December
Years 10 and 11Friday 25 November
Year 12Friday 18 November (this is a QSA requirement).
The Senior graduation ceremony for students and their parents is at 10.45am on Friday 18 November. Parents are asked to arrive at 10.40am. The ceremony and optional morning tea will be finished before 12noon. Seniors are to be at school for a 9am start. They will be in smart casual clothes. Written and verbal details have been provided to students previously.NOTE: Mainly because of space restrictions, only close family may attend this function. Present students of Mansfield High will not be attending.
EXAMS / ATTENDANCE
Year 12 students will be on exams/study leave from Tuesday 8 November to Monday 14 November. After this, they must be in full-time attendance until Friday 18 November in order to receive QSA Senior Certification documents. This is a Queensland Studies Authority stipulation. Parents with a concern about this should contact the Principal.
Most Year 11s will be on exams/study leave from Thursday 10 November to Monday 21 November.
Years 8, 9 and 10 will have exams during their usual lessons. There is NO study leave for these year levels. Full-time attendance is required. Students will receive an exam timetable in the near future. It is to be signed by parents and glued into the Student Handbook.
STUDY LEAVE
Year 12 and 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.
REPORTS
The following dates apply:
- Monday 5 December -Year 12 References will be mailed out to students who requested them.
- Wednesday 7 December - Year 11 Reports will be mailed out to studentswho have fulfilled school requirements. Students who have not done this, will need to fix the situation and collect their reports. (Entry to, and exit from, the school is via the Ham Road gate only). Students must be dressed in neat casual clothing. It is vital that the school has the student’s correct address recorded.
- Wednesday 7 December- Year 10 Reports will be mailed out to studentswho have fulfilled school requirements. Students who have not done this, will need to fix the situation and collect their reports. (Entry to, and exit from, the school is via the Ham Road gate only). Students must be dressed in neat casual clothing. It is vital that the school has the student’s correct address recorded.
- Wednesday 7 December- Year 8 and 9 reports issued at 2.45pm in form class meetings.
Friday 16 December – the QSA should mail out to Year 12s the Senior Education Profile which might include a QCE, Senior Statement, and if eligible, Tertiary Entrance Statement to arrive in home letter boxes from Monday 19 December. By using their LUI and password, Year 12 students may also access their OP and FP results earlier from 9am on Saturday 17 December online (). However students MUST know their LUI (Learner Unique Identifier) and their password.On Friday 18 November all students will receive their student assessment record which includes their LUI.
RESOURCE CENTRE NEWS
As the end of year is fast approaching, students are reminded toreturn any items they have borrowed from the Resource Centre throughout the year. This includes any textbooks, general library books and audio-visual equipment. Your assistance in ensuring resources are returned promptly is appreciated. If they are misplaced, please pay for them. When they are found, a refund will be organised.
MANUAL ARTS NEWS
This term as part of their Year 11 Built Environment Unit, students from Mr Romero’s and Mr Nair’s Graphics classes were given a design brief to redevelop our central lawn area or the ‘Vegie Patch’ as it is fondly known. After conducting an initial survey of the existing area, students were required to consider aspects relating to environmental factors, sun safety and a limited budget, in order to design a variety of viable solutions. Examples of the students’ work can be viewed at the end of this Newsletter.
GUIDANCE NEWS
Teen Triple-P Parenting Program – Dates for early 2012
The University of Qld Parenting and Family Support Centre offers programs and individual support for parents of teenagers. The group program, Teen Triple P will be offered over 8 weeks – one evening a week for four weeks from 6:30pm to 8:30pm plus four telephone consultations which are conducted once a week for four weeks. The telephone consultations are approximately 15 minutes to 30 minutes each. Beginning Dates are: Thursday 16 February; Thursday 3 May; Monday 30 July
Parenting and Family Support Centre, Child and Family Psychology Clinic, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, BRISBANE QLD 4072
Telephone: +61 7 3365 7290
Internet:
Parenting skills for resolving teenage behaviour problems.
This is a one day program for parents and carersat The Colmslie Hotel, CatalinaRoom, Cnr Wynnum & Junction Roads, Morningsideon this Sunday 13 November at 9am to 4pm
Learn:
Some common ground shared by parents & reasonable expectations to hold about adolescents
New understandings of adolescence
A three-option model & flow chart for decision-making
Self check-in, first - for parents
Building a relationship with your teenager and making the best of your non-crisis conversations with them
Skills for tough conversations for handling those problems you just can’t ignore
Registration:
The course costs $99 for one parent/carer or $189 for two parents/carers
Please contact Bulimba Psychology to register and pay for this course by Tuesday 8 November on 07 3899 1455 or
News from QUT
For Year 12 students who haven’t already done so, click on the links below to read about: scholarships at QUT; programs to assist entry to QUT; reminders about options and pathways; investigate and apply for scholarships; apply for entry programs for low-income, indigenous or elite athletes; develop a backup plan in case they don't get the OP they are hoping for.
QUT Real Decisions
Year 12 students and parents –Tuesday 20 December, 10am-2pm, Gardens Point Campus – Z Block Foyer – Level 4. QUT Real Decisions provides an opportunity for Year 12 students to talk face-to-face with faculty and admissions staff about study choices after they know their OP. Mature-age students are also encouraged to attend. Staff will provide advice about courses and careers, and current students will be on hand to talk about their experience at university. The program also includes seminars about study costs, upgrading pathways to university and getting started at QUT, and tours of the campus.
There will be a series of seminars throughout the day to provide you with additional advice and information on upgrading, costs, getting started at university and life as a student:
10am OR 1.30pm: Student life
10.45 am OR 1pm: Pathways to university -upgrading to the course you want
11.30 am: Costs, HECS-help and financial support
12.15 pm: Get started with your studies, services to improve your learning
Campus Tours: 10 am, 10.45 am, 11.30 am, 12.15 pm, 1 pm and 1.30 pm.
Students Interested In A Career In Psychology
The Queensland College of Organisational Psychologists is presenting a special National Psychology Week panel event: Showcasing the Diversity of Psychology.
The event will commence with a one hour information session during which a panel of speakers from different areas of psychology (including: organisational psychology, human factors, sports psychology, counselling psychology, social psychology, and environmental psychology) will speak about some of the significant contributions that have been made in their area of practice. After questions, the event will conclude with a networking session during which attendees will have an opportunity to meet the panel speakers individually and discuss further questions or comments they may have, while enjoying some finger food and non-alcoholic beverages.
Invited Speaker Panel:
Greg Dean: National Director Organisational Development Services at Assure Programs
Kelly Fielding: Senior Research Fellow in the Institute for Social Science Research at UQ
Ian Glendon: Associate Professor, School of Applied Psychology, GriffithUniversity
Paul Martin: Principal Psychologist at Centre for Human Potential
Gene Moyle: National Chair of the College of Sport and Exercise Psychologists
John O'Gorman: Adjunct Professor, School of Applied Psychology, GriffithUniversity
Who should attend? Psychologists from all areas, psychologists in training, university students, Years 11 and 12 students and others interested in a career in Psychology, HR and business professionals, and anyone interested in understanding more about the contributions of Psychology beyond health practice.
Details of the event:
Venue: Gardens Theatre Foyer, Gardens Point campus, Queensland University of Technology, 2 George Street, Brisbane
Date: next Tuesday 15 November
Time: 5.30pm for 5.45pm start (non-alcoholic beverages and canapés to be served after the session)
RSVP: COB Monday 14 November. Price: Free
Online Registration
Confirm your place by registering through the APS Events Calendar listing at the following website:
If you have any further questions about this event please email the
COP Qld PD Coordinator Heather Ikin ().
SCHOOL MAGAZINE
The School Magazine will be distributed on the following days from A17 during lunch:
Year 12 – Tuesday, 15 November 2011Year 9 – Thursday, 24 November 2011
Year 11 – Tuesday, 22 November 2011Year 8 – Friday, 25 November 2011
Year 10 – Monday, 21 November 2011
Thank you for supporting the School Magazine in 2011. Once again, our entire publication consisting of 116 pages will be printed in full colour. If you would still like to purchase a copy, please pay $12 to the lower office and take the receipt to Mr Mihos in the A18 staffroom. Finally, congratulations to Mr Mihos and his team for another fabulous achievement.
BOOKSHOP NEWS
This year new books and stationery will also be available online through Sequel. Any online purchases should be made by 9 December in order for your books to arrive in time for the new school year. We will have a limited number of new books available through the bookshop in January. The bookshop will still be open for secondhand books, but the hours of opening will be reduced as follows:
Last week of school:Monday 5 December to Friday 9 December8.30am to 11.30am
Last week of holidays:Monday 15 January to Friday 20 January:8.30am to 12noon
First week of school:Monday 23 January to Friday 27 January 7.30am to 10am (excluding 26 January)
Please be on the lookout for further details in the coming weeks.
SCHOOL COMMUNITY NEWS
Due to a change in my home situation, it has become necessary for me to change my role at our wonderful School. Next year I will be at the School for one day per week. This means there will be a new person as the School Community Liaison Officer and further in this Newsletter is a ‘position vacant’ advertisement for the position. I am NOT leaving completely and will be here to assist the new person and to take on other projects. I have thoroughly enjoyed the position of Liaison Officer and particularly my association with our students and staff. You are all wonderful! However, there is still the rest of this year ahead and we have so much to celebrate!
Rauchle Service ClubSoap Drive 2011
Hopefully by now the soaps have arrived at home. A huge thank you goes to all who have supported our annual Soap Drive. I am delighted to advise that the profit from the Drive is just in excess of one thousand dollars – a superb effort by everyone. I know you will enjoy the soaps. We apologise that the following soaps which were not available - Red for Men; Vanilla Fields; Choc Mint; Moroccan Mint.We have substituted with some other beautiful soaps which we hope you will enjoy just as much.