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27March 2015
FROM THE PRINCIPAL
Dear Parents/Carers
Term One Progress Reports were issued to students on Monday 23
March with a collection of valuable information. Parent/Teacher/Student
Interviews will now follow on Tuesday, 31 March from 3:10pm until
7:30pm. I would like to strongly encourage all parents/carers to take up
this opportunity to have valuable conversation with individual subject
teachers. The focus is on identifying how students might improve their
learning and maximise achievement for this semester. Bookings can be
made using the ‘pto’ on line booking system; however, if you require
assistance please don’t hesitate to contact our office staff who will assist
you. I look forward to seeing many parents and students here during the
afternoon and evening.
It is official, our Concert Band is going on tour. We are very excited that
the decision has been made for this activity to go ahead and was based
on the incredible interest shown by parents and students in the band. Our
Concert Band has enjoyed several years of increasing success and the
Sydney Tour provides an excellent opportunity for the band to showcase
and further develop their skills. Scheduled for 17 to 20 July, the band will
be performing in the Sydney Schools Band Festival as well as at Darling
Harbour and will also undertake a workshop with the Royal Australian
Navy Band.
Chaplaincy news – last week we said farewell to Mrs Stephanie Sweetman, one of our chaplains who has provided service to our school community for six years. Steph is awaiting the arrival of her second child and
will then enjoy being a full time mother. I would like to take this opportunity to extend a huge thank you to Steph for her commitment, enthusiasm
and genuine interest and support of our students during her time here.
Trudi will continue in her role as chaplain here at BRSHS but unfortunately funding constraints will only provide for this service to be available
three days a week instead of five. This decrease in service days will no
doubt impact on our young people who have accessed our chaplains
across five days for several years now. Every effort will continue to be
made to source donations from the school and broader community to
support this valuable service and I ask our school community to consider
making a donation now or in the future. I would also like to extend an
invitation to our school community to consider involvement with chaplaincy through the Local Chaplaincy Committee. If interested, please contact
the school.
I have been preparing a presentation for our final whole school assembly
this term, with the focus being on highlighting what we have been up to
throughout the term, and thought I would share this with you:
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Leadership Induction
Swimming Carnival
Chappy Breakfasts
QDU – six Debating Teams in competition
District and Regional Swimming Representation
Year 7 & 8 Camp
Year 12 Marine & Biology Camp
World’s Greatest Shave
Valentines Day fundraiser – roses and cupcakes
Clean Up Australia Day
Careers Australia visit
Year 7 & 8 Meet and Greet
Year 11 Information Night
Eric Bailey motivational speaker
Reader of the Month
RACQ talk
Life Skills & Graffiti Education presentation
Metro Region U2B Project – years 7 & 9
Middle School Problem Solving Challenge – years 7 & 8
HPE week
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Primary school touch competition
QCS test preparation underway
International Women’s’ Day Breakfast - ACU
White Card Course
Excursions – Hospitality, Tourism, Accounting
NAPLAN practice tests
Interschool sports competition – junior and senior
Year 11 Sports Coaching – officiate Nashville SS
cross country
Immunisation program
Drama performance at Nashville primary school
High School Musical practice underway
Grammatikus – literacy development
Parent/teacher interviews
Compulsory School Bucket Hat
The school bucket hat is a compulsory uniform item for students
when they are engaging in outdoor activities.
The P&C has heavily subsidised the cost of the first hat purchased
for each student and this offer will finish at the end of this term.
If you are still to purchase a hat for your son/daughter I encourage you to take up this offer ($5 per hat) before the term
ends.
LAST CHANCE SPECIAL PRICE NEXT WEEK ONLY $5.00
(normal retail price from Term 2: $15.00)
I am exhausted simply listing everything. No wonder we are ready for a
holiday!
I would like to acknowledge the commitment and effort by all staff and
students who have worked tirelessly this term, and achieved some
fantastic results. To our whole school community – enjoy the Easter
vacation, take advantage of the opportunity it provides for families to
enjoy time together, stay safe, rest and I look forward to sharing an
exciting term two with you all.
* Important reminder: Please label your student’s bucket hats,
other items of clothing and personal belongings for prompt
return to owners.
IMPORTANT AND URGENT REMINDER – for parents:
Go Cards – expire in March and will need renewing. Please be mindful of this to ensure that
your child does not find themselves in a position
needing to catch public transport with a card that
is no longer active.
Kind Regards,
Mrs Regina Garrick
Principal
JOB VACANCY
LOST PROPERTY
School cleaner permanent 27.5 hours per week
over 5 days, split shift.
Parents/caregivers are reminded to label all their students
clothing, shoes and personal belongings for prompt return to
owners.
Starting time 4am finishing time 6pm.
Application package available at the school from
Monday 30 March, or by emailing
[email protected]
Applications closing Friday 24 April 2015.
There is a large amount of non-labelled student lost property
held in our main office waiting for collection:
Any items that remain uncollected by the end of Term will be
donated to a local charity.
Date Reminders for 2015
Absence Emails
NEW
March:
[email protected]
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Bookings for Parent/Teacher/Student interviews close 3:00pm
Parents/caregivers can now email their student’s absences instead
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Parent/Teacher/Student interviews 3:10pm—7:30pm
of phoning.
April:
Please ensure the following details are stated in your email to us:
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End of Term 1
Name of student :
3-6
Easter
Class:
20
Start of Term 2
Duration of absence:
24
ANZAC Day Service—Period 1 Formal Uniform
Reason of absence:
Name of parent/caregiver:
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Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews
Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews will be conducted on Tuesday, 31
March from 3:10 pm until 7:30 pm. Information about Parent Teacher
Online (PTO), the online booking system for appointments was sent
home with the Term 1 reports. Bookings will close on Monday 30 March
at 3:00 pm. If you do not have internet access or have difficulty making
bookings you may ring the school for assistance. I urge you to make
bookings promptly as many teachers’ time slots fill quickly. If a teacher
becomes fully booked, please indicate using the online request for
teacher contact to discuss issues. When parents and teachers work in
close partnership, the very best academic outcomes are achievable.
Teachers may sometimes request an interview if they consider it vital to
speak directly with you. However, most parents initiate interviews, even
if not requested by the teacher. I encourage you to take part in this opportunity to support your child's learning.
Uniform Shop
All uniforms are now in stock.
Boys Formal Shirts size 16 have arrived.
Winter uniforms are also available:
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Track Pants - $46.
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Jackets - $65.
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Fleecy Jumpers - $35.
Opening hours: Monday and Wednesday. 8.30 to 11.30am.
Lisa Cooke.
Uniform Convenor
Some suggestions to consider:
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Your student, in most cases, should attend the interview with you.
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Ask how your student might improve their learning and results.
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Raise any concerns expressed by your student.
Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews Evening:
Tuesday, 31 March from 3:10 pm to 7:30 pm
Establish a relationship with the relevant teachers and maintain
contact where necessary.
Booking details will be sent home with Term 1 reports.
Parents log on to ‘Parent Teacher Online’ via the school website.
Bookings close Monday, 30 March 3:00 pm.
Some specific questions you might ask include:
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Is my student achieving to ability?
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Families without internet access may like to utilise the free
service provided by BCC libraries.
Are homework, class work and assessment completed in a timely
fashion?
For further assistance contact:
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Has my student missed any classes other than those the school
has been contacted about?
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Has any change in attitude or behaviour been evident?
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Is my student getting along with their peers?
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How can I monitor when tests and assignments are due?
No doubt you will have other questions not listed above. Finally, remember each interview is only ten minutes in duration. Where students have
a teacher for two subjects, only one booking with this teacher may be
made. If more significant issues need to be discussed it is best to make
another time, on another day, suitable to both you and the teacher. Your
co-operation in observation of this time limit will be appreciated by both
teachers and other parents.
Mr Allen Anderson
Deputy Principal
Ms Rosina Campbell on 3869 7222.
We look forward to meeting with you!
SUPPORTING SCHOOL CHAPLAINCY - ($500 donation
to school chaplaincy)
For those looking to sell their home soon…
If you engage Steadfast Realty Qld to sell your home by
taking up this offer, $500 from the commission earned will
be donated to school chaplaincy.
Steadfast Realty Qld will guarantee great service, a competitive commission rate and more, while supporting your
school chaplain. Sellers would need to mention this offer as
part of the sale process.
Contact Phil Henley to find out more - 0439 990 320 "The school chaplaincy program is a great resource for our
kids, by using my services you will be supporting them at
no extra cost to yourself." Phil Henley
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Senior Schooling News
Smith Family
Work experience for 2015
We had a presentation from the Smith family on a wonderful program for
year 10 students – there is a mentoring program being offered on Thursday afternoons, 3-4pm in A13 from May for students to be linked with
business mentors.
Each year Royal Brisbane Womens Hospital (RBWH) offers a four day
Work Experience program for high school students in Years 10 –
12. This program will be held five times in 2015.
There are spaces available on the following dates:
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30 March – 2 April (Mon – Thu) – no places available
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14 July – 17 July (Tue – Fri) – several places available
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15 Sept – 18 Sept (Tue – Fri) – several places available
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6 Oct – 9 Oct
(Tue – Fri) – multiple places available
Unfortunately due to demand for places exceeding availability RBWH
can only offer a maximum of four places to each school.
If any students are interested in work experience come and see Diane to
put your name down.
Can I please remind students in Yrs. 10/11/12 the importance of having a
USI number, as you will NOT receive any Certificates issued to you if
you do not have this? Information sheet on how to activate a USI number is attached in this newsletter. Once activated give to Diane in the
Office or email [email protected]
Any students in year 10/11/12 wishing to do a Cert I Construction or a
Cert II in Auto – The Australian Skills Group at Brendale are offering
courses, commencing next term.
Vacancies available
REECE PLUMBING - Redcliffe
Cert II in Warehousing Operations
For further information & to apply online, please visit website:
http://asba.sherpanetwork.com.au/jobs/jobs.aspx?state=QLD
Looking for Year 10 or Year 11 Students
25/03/15
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Muffin Break at Chermside – Cert III in Hospitality
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Oporto Myer Centre – Cert III in Hospitality
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The Coffee Club – Post Office Square Brisbane City – Cert III
Hospitality
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The mentors will support students in their career pathways and subject
selections. They also offer a 3 day mentoring program at Downe Mining
where students can explore the job opportunities in the mining industry –
not just underground mining but office, transport, logistics, hospitality, HR
and other possibilities.
Mrs Karen Huff
HOD Senior Secondary
Instrumental Music News
As you may have seen in the principals comments Mrs Garrick mentioned
that we are very please to inform you that the School Concert Band will
be undertaking a Tour to Sydney to participate in the New South Wales
Schools Band Festival. While in Sydney, the school concert band will
also be performing at Darling Harbour and the band will also be undertaking a workshop with the Royal Australian Navy Band – Sydney Detachment. I believe this is the first time in the history of Bracken Ridge State
High School that the school concert band has undertaken an interstate
tour.
There will be a parent information session regarding the tour to be held in
D4 on Wednesday 22 April from 6:30pm to 7:30pm. If you child is going
on tour, please plan to attend this meeting. There will also be a Q & A
section to answer any questions you may have.
We are also updating the School concert band uniform. All band students
will have received an order form for their new band shirt and their tour
polo shirt. Please ensure these are returned to Mr James by the end of
this term to ensure that shirts arrive in time for the tour. It is also time for
families to now start making payments towards the tour.
We held our first fundraiser event last Sunday by running the Sausage
Sizzle at the Bracken Ridge Lions Train Day at McPherson Park. Despite
the inclement weather we raised $450 towards the tour. A special thank
you to Mrs Trudy Mellors for organizing this event and to all the students
and parents who assisted during the day.
I would also like to thank the P&C Association for their ongoing support of
the instrumental music program within our school. The P&C have recently provided funding for the purchase of more music stands to cater for the
large growth our band has seen this year.
Malcolm James
Instrumental Music Teacher
Expressions of interest for Apprentice Chefs School Based are
being taken for Post School Career as a Chef – email your resume to:
[email protected]
Students looking at gaining a School Based traineeship need to have an
updated resume and give a copy to Diane in the Office or email you
resume to [email protected]
Diane Heinze
Teacher Aide Senior Schooling
IGA – Deagon
Proud Sponsor of School Based Traineeships
for
BRSHS Students
Congratula ons to Callum Whi ngton on gaining a school
based traineeship.
“Come in to the store and see this week’s specials”
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NAPLAN TESTING
HPE Week
The National Assessment Program - Literacy and Numeracy [NAPLAN]
is an annual assessment of students in years 3, 5, 7 and 9. It has been
an annual event for schools since 2008.
Students and staff celebrated HPE Week with a variety of activities between 9-13 March. The Yr 7/8 dodgeball competition was a highlight with
many students partaking in the MPSC and tennis courts.
On Tuesday 12, Wednesday 13 and Thursday 14 May, Year 7 and
Year 9 students at Bracken Ridge State High School will undertake the
2015 NAPLAN tests.
Numerous students from all year levels flocked to the Yr 9/10 and Yr
11/12 handball competition. Often an active pastime at lunch for our
students, it was exciting to see the intensity level increase as numerous
students battled to become handball champion of these two groups.
There were a sea of participants and a lot of fun was had by all. Thanks
must go to Mr Cabrera, Mr Lanham and their Yr 11/12 Certificate II in
Sport Coaching students who officiated at the events all week. The goal
of HPE week was to raise awareness of active and healthy lifestyles as
this impacts on our children forever. Not only was this achieved but our
students thoroughly
enjoyed being active
participants.
NAPLAN is made up of tests in the four domains of Reading, Writing,
Language Conventions (spelling, grammar and punctuation) and Numeracy. NAPLAN assesses skills in literacy and numeracy that are developed over time, through the school curriculum. NAPLAN is not a pass or
fail test, but rather shows how individual students are progressing in
literacy and numeracy skills against the national standards for all Australian children.
All students are to participate in the tests. Please make sure your student brings the right equipment for the tests. They are required to have
at least two (2) 2B or HB pencils, an eraser, a sharpener and a calculator. (Please note that the calculator is required only for Thursday’s test)
Pacers are not permitted. Students may use a black or blue pen for the
Writing Task if they wish.
Clinton Lanham
HOD of HPE
Students may be withdrawn from the testing program by their parent/
carer in consultation with the school. Withdrawals are intended to address issues such as religious beliefs and philosophical objections to
testing. The completion of formalised documentation is required for this
to occur. Copies of this form are available from our school office and
must be submitted by 8 May 2015.
An individual student NAPLAN report will be issued by the school later in
the year. Parents can use this information to monitor how their child is
progressing and to identify any areas of concern. Parents may also wish
to use their child’s results to discuss progress with teachers.
More information is available at www.nap.edu.au
MUSICAL NEWS
Pathways to Employment with McDonald’s Australia have an opportunity for students to attend a Pathways to Employment Program on
May 11 & 12.
Pathways to Employment are designed to help students to understand their own abilities and preferences, the workplace and how
they can design and navigate their future.
Students who participate may apply for a casual Crew position.
These students will be guaranteed an initial interview at their chosen
McDonald’s restaurant and have the opportunity to progress through
the recruitment process.
Rehearsals for High School Musical are progressing well, with all involved showing a great deal of commitment and enthusiasm. We are
looking forward to our extended rehearsals, which start in term two.
We are currently gathering props for the production. If anyone is able to
donate/lend us any of the following items, we would be extremely grateful.
• Old/broken mobile phones
• New Year decorations and accessories (glasses, hats, tiaras, banners, signs)
• Handheld gong
• Boom box
• Camping table and chair sets- fold out type (5 sets needed in total)
Date & Time: May 11 & 12 at 9:30—2pm (Two days)
• Roller skates (3 x size 9, 1 x size 5)
Location: McDonald’s Australia Head Office & Training Centre
• Fake plants/flowers in pots
1364 Gympie Road, Aspley (Level 2)
Dress Code: School uniform/School directed attire
What to Bring: Just yourself. Lunch is provided both days. Please
inform us of any dietary requirements ASAP. You may bring additional food.
• Old/broken laptop
• Working desk lamps x 2
If you can assist us with any items, please contact the Arts staff on (07)
3869 7225 or email Lindsay Green on [email protected]
We can’t wait to share this exciting production with you in June! Stay
tuned for information about ticket sales.
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THANK YOU!
From the Youth Health Nurse
A big thank you to all for your support of the Red Food Day.
What is mental health?
With out your efforts and support these event are not possible.
Good mental health is a sense of wellbeing, confidence and selfesteem. It enables us to fully enjoy and appreciate other people, dayto-day life and our environment. When we are mentally healthy we
can:
All proceeds will help with the Band Tour to Sydney in July.
P & C Association.
form positive relationships
use our abilities to reach our potential
deal with life’s challenges
How can we improve our mental health?
WE NEED YOUR HELP!
We need Tuckshop volunteers for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 9:30am-2pm on a regular basis. We don’t expect your
help every week, but once a fortnight or month would be great.
Please ring Dawn on 3269 7250 if you are interested or for more
information
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A few tips for positive mental health are:
talk about or express your feelings
exercise regularly
eat healthy meals
get enough sleep
spend time with friends and loved ones
develop new skills
relax and enjoy your hobbies
set realistic goals
Be humorous
Remember to laugh
All these things build our resilience and benefit our wellbeing.
For more information on building resilience go to the online learning
module "Mindstrength" at:
www.headstrong.org.au
Bonnie Green (Youth Health Nurse)
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OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU!
MOUNTAIN BIKE ORIENTEERING: Riding
off road. Searching for targets. Interpreting
a map.
Free
Saturday, 28th March, 2015. Narangba.
‘Student Advantage’
900 acres of fire trails, horse tracks, open
land. Fast single tracks. Scenic location.
Microsoft Office 2013 Suite
Students can now download a free copy of the
Microsoft Office 365 Suite. This suite provides students with a subscription to the full versions of
Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote.
After downloading, students will have the latest
Office suite at home, on their personal PC’s, Macs
and other mobile devices (up to five in total).
Students can visit the Learning Place student space
QSchool app -Please consider downloading
the free QSchools app to your devices.
This app allows users to receive information on their device, including;
push notifications, emergency announcements, newsletters, documents,
calendar events, news, tuckshop and uniform info, school hours, contact
details and social media feeds. The app may prove useful to students,
parents, and other members of our school community. It integrates seamlessly with our school website.
You can download this app (for free) from our website or:
http://qld.gov.au/QSchools
Foot event and camping an option.
Social or competitive. 11 courses. 1:30 to
6:30pm. 30mins to 3 hours.
More Info: www.sunshineorienteers.com.au/
events
phone Deb 0439979260
BRACKEN RIDGE LIBRARY
Homework Help
Bracken Ridge Library has a regular Home Work Help program
that provides homework and reading assistance for children from
Prep all the way through to Year 12. This valuable program is
held 3.30pm-5pm every Wednesday during school term and is
free of charge. It is a great way to assist school age children
with their homework or to encourage reading. It is a friendly and
informal event that encourages children in a welcoming environment.
School holiday fun
Wimpy kids and dorks* – Wednesday 8 April 11am-12noon.
This writing workshop is based on the popular junior novels
“Diary of a Wimpy Kid” and “Dork Diaries”. Learn how to design
your own character and plan a super-awesome storyline. Ideal
for ages 8-12 years.
Library laboratory* – Friday 10 April 2pm-3pm. Join our library
staff as they share their favourite science experiments. What will
we do in the library lab? Come along and find out! Ideal for children aged 4-8 years.
YeeHaa Cowboy* - Wednesday 15 April 11am-12noon. Come
and discover some great books and the history of the Wild West
and create your own little Wild West scene. Ideal for ages 5-12
years.
*Bookings essential. Call Bracken Ridge Library on 3667 6060
for more information
Throughout the school holidays we will also have craft activities
each day between 10am-11.30am. The Library offers members
free use of computers with internet access or bring along your
own device and use our free wifi.
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LEARN ABOUT YOURSELF!
“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new
eyes”. (Marcel Proust, 19th century novelist)
Volunteer to host an international high school student through Southern Cross Cultural Exchange
and prepare to be amazed at how this unique and rewarding experience can help bring your family
together, understand themselves better and see the world in a new light.
We have students aged 15-18 arriving from France, Germany, Italy, Spain and Scandinavia in July
2015 who are seeking welcoming families all over Australia, in both rural and urban communities. They will live like a local, attend a local secondary school, arrive with their own spending
money and comprehensive insurance cover – all arranged by Southern Cross Cultural Exchange.
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