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Issue No : 16 Date : 9th October 2015
we strive for the best
ADDRESS
Valley Street
PO Box 8333
MT PLEASANT QLD 4740
PHONE 07 4963 1666
STUDENT ABSENCES 07 4963 1660
FAX 07 4963 1600
the.principal@macknortshs.eq.edu.au
WEBSITE
www.macknortshs.eq.edu.au
Please “LIKE” us on Facebook to
keep up to date on weekly events at
North High.
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STATE LAWN BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIPS
Just prior to attending the Snowies Tour, students Kolbee English & Dylan
Rudorfer travelled to Brisbane to compete in the QLD Schools Bowls
Championships. With limited experience, they played against the rest of the state
and did themselves, families and school proud. From the 10 games played, they
won 4, drew 1 and lost 5 (3 of them by 3 shots or less) and finished 9th (out of
15). Well done Kolbee and Dylan!
Thank you to Dale Dixon and North Mackay Bowls Club for coaching and use of
bowls and Gary Putland at South Suburban Bowls Club for his help in getting our
bowlers to the titles.
Welcome to Term 4! Staff and students have already hit
the ground running this week in preparation for their last
term of classwork and assessment. Term 4 is also packed
with information evenings, cultural events and
presentations evenings.
Next week there will be a Bring Your Own Device (BYOx) information evening for all parents of
current Year 9, 10 and 11 students. During this session you will receive further information about the
program and the personal devices your students can bring to school in 2016.
Our school uniform committee are in the process of designing a day / formal uniform for our
students. Initially, the uniform will not be compulsory and the implementation of the day uniform will
be phased-in over the period of a year. Students will be encouraged to purchase the uniform in 2016
and wear it as a day uniform and when attending formal school functions. Members of the uniform
committee include staff, students and a P & C representative. All uniform policy changes go through
the P & C. More information on the day uniform will be available soon.
The Responsible Behaviour Plan has now been reviewed and updated. This policy will be approved
by the P & C and then published on our website. There are no major changes in the plan, however it
does incorporate the mobile devices behaviour guidelines, and it also makes reference to our school
values of respect, resilience and confidence.
In the last week of Term 3 we held our second EXO (Life is Excellent) Day in conjunction with R U
OK? Day. Students adorned themselves in yellow clothing and embellishments while participating in
a range of activities in the hall. This day links in with Mental Health Week which was recognised
nationally this week.
The mental health of our students is an absolute priority for us at North High. Our WAVE program
that runs from Year 7 to 12 is an important component of well-being in our school. Recently, you will
have received an email from the school with some sad news and some information from
Headspace. Headspace is a well-recognised support service for students who may be experiencing
mental health issues. At North we also have a very supportive student services team consisting of
two guidance officers, a Chaplain,
a school nurse, a Youth Support
Coordinator and Community
Education Counsellor, who are
available to our students.
Finally, please remember to
encourage your student to attend
school throughout the term, right
up until the end of term: Every
day counts!
Jane Grieger
FFFROMROMROM TTTHEHEHE PPPRINCIPALRINCIPALRINCIPAL
RespectRespectRespect ResilienceResilienceResilience ConfidenceConfidenceConfidence
The Australian federal government is no longer supporting the National Secondary School Computer Funds (NSSCF), which enabled Mackay North State High School (MNSHS) for the last four years to run a 1-to-1 laptop programme for students in Years 9, 10, 11 and12. Therefore, 2015 is the last year in which MNSHS will run a 1-to-1 laptop programme.
So, in keeping with the school motto, “We strive for the best”, MNSHS will continue striving towards relevant engaging learning environments and experiences that meet the needs of our students in the 21st Century. MNSHS is committed to continuing a 1-to-1 device to student ratio. That is why MNSHS will introduce Bring Your Own Device (BYOx) program for all grades. (The ‘x’ in the BYOx represents more than a personally-owned mobile device; it also includes software, applications, connectivity or carriage service.)
Currently in 2015, students in Years 7 and 8 are participating in the BYOx-iPad program to assist them with their studies in Junior Secondary. In 2016 the BYOx-iPad program will be extended to the students in year 9.
However, students in Years 10-12 will need to bring their privately own devices to assist them in their studies. With that in mind, we have looked at the requirements for the subjects studied. Students who study subjects that require internet connection, word processing and spreadsheet applications are categorized as the “core technology”. Subjects that require more specific requirements are identified as requiring “specialist technology”.
Mackay North State High School has chosen to implement a BYOx model because:
Federal Government funding has not been continued so BYOx ensures a continuation of the 1-to-1 device to student ratio laptop program and enables seamless movement between school, work, home and play.
Our BYOx program will assist students to improve their learning outcomes in a contemporary educational
setting.
Assist students to become responsible digital citizens that will prepare them for their future studies and careers.
Therefore, we are inviting all parents and guardians of students in Years 10 to 12 in 2016 to a Parent Information Night on Tuesday 13 October from 6:00 - 7:00pm in the Auditorium in the Senior Centre. The purpose of the parent night will be to inform and provide information to parents on:
The MNSHS BYOx program
The MNSHS BYOx Acceptable Use Policy
The MNSHS BYOx Handbook
Procurement and purchasing options for devices
They will also be invited to take part frequently asked questions session
Benefits of BYOx
A solution to maintain a 1-to-1 model for our students, providing them with access to technology 24/7
Greater capacity to participate and deliver inquiry / project based learning with greater student choice and differentiation
Students are comfortable and confident using a device they are familiar with
Students may personalise their devices to suit their own learning
Allow a greater range of parental choice in the purchase of devices
Creating a diverse community of devices helping to enhance awareness of emerging technologies
Expose staff to a wide range of platforms which further develops ICT capabilities
Promoting reciprocal learning between staff and students in a contemporary learning environment
If you have any concerns or questions please don’t hesitate to contain me on 4963-1719 or jdool22@eq.edu.au
John Doolan
HOD of Technology and Library
Minimum Device Specifications - Laptop When purchasing a device for school please present this checklist to your vendor and ensure the device meets the following minimum specifications:
Year 10, 11 & 12
Type Minimum Specification
Does the device meet
specifications?
Core Specialist Yes No
Platform Windows or Apple Mac
Wireless* Dual-band (2.4 & 5 GHz) wireless capabilities. 2.4GHz (g/b/n) is required to connect to most home networks. 5GHz (a or ac) is required to connect to the school network.
Dual-band (2.4 & 5 GHz) wireless capabilities. 2.4GHz (g/b/n) is required to connect to most home networks. 5GHz (a or ac) is required to connect to the school network.
Screen Size Between 10” & 16” – 14” or 15” preferred
Between 10” & 16” – 14” or 15” preferred
Processor* Intel i3, Celeron® Processor Quad Core (64 bit compatible) or higher
5th generation Intel i5 or higher or equivalent
RAM* 4 GB or higher 8 GB
Hard Drive* 64 GB or higher 128 GB or higher
Operating System (OS)* Windows 7, 8, 10 Mac OS 10.10.4 Yosemite or higher NOT SUPPORTED: Android, Windows RT, Chromebook and distributions of Linux (e.g. Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc.)
Windows 7, 8, 10 Mac OS 10.10.4 Yosemite or higher NOT SUPPORTED: Android, Windows RT, Chromebook and distributions of Linux (e.g. Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc.)
Features Keyboard, USB port, headphone port, in-built microphone, webcam
USB port, audio in/out, in-built microphone, VGA or HDMI (or adapter), Camera (plus SD or Micro SD)
Battery Life 6+ hours 6+ hours
Anti-virus software Parent’s choice Parent’s choice
Other Mouse, protective case, accidental damage, loss & theft insurance, 3 year warranty
* If this minimum specification is not met, this device is not supported by Education Queensland and may not connect to the school network. (Note: Windows 10 currently may not be compatible)
Artwork of the Month
Torture Drawing
Lily Cooper
Year 10
Year 12 end of year events
Thursday 29th October: Year 12 Choices Program
Wednesday 4th November: Valedictory Assembly
Wednesday 4th November: Awards Night
Friday 6th November: Sports Awards
Friday 13th November: Blocked Exams
Wednesday 18th November: Graduation
Thursday 19th November: Prom
Friday 20th November: Last day of school
Year 12 Coordinator, Mrs Cridland (49 631 728)
Senior Schooling HOD, Mr Beanland (49631732)
Please note: All resources must be returned and fees
paid as directed.
General Business
Years 9 – 12
Please return outstanding Student
Resource Scheme Participation forms
and pay any due fees. Fees must be
paid for students to be able to
participate in end of year activities.
When leaving school in the afternoons,
students should cross the street only in front of
the Admin building and pay attention to the
traffic and cross with care.
Please be sure your students are aware of the
need for caution for their safety and the safety
of others.
Parents are reminded that they are to
slow down to 40kms per hour along
Valley Street especially in the school
zone when
collecting their
children in the
afternoons.
Manufacturer’s Instruction for the Care of Junior School Shirts
(Year 7 & 8 only)
The Junior School shirts are made from a high
performing Coolex fabric, which is wrinkle free,
rapid drying, anti-bacterial and has superior air
flow function.
Coolex micromesh fabric is “snag-resistant” but
not “snag-proof”. This is the same for all polyester
micromesh fabrics.
To prevent snagging we recommend that you
prevent friction against coarse surfaces. If the
fabric snags due to contact with abrasive
materials, please do not pull the thread because it
will destroy the fabric. It is recommended that the
fibre head is cut off with sharp scissors. Washing:
Do not bleach. Cold or warm machine wash. May
be tumble dried. Do not iron. Dry cleanable.
North High P & C Supporting Student Achievement
P&C Meetings are held in the school library from 6:30pm every 3rd Monday of the month. All are welcome.
For more information contact: Trina Saunders 0414 480 737 kerry.trina@gmail.com
Sherri Savage at the school on Phone
October 19 November 16
P & C Meeting Dates for 2015
North High has just signed a Smith Family Learning for life Partnership
The Smith family provides
disadvantaged children with support to
help them thrive and succeed in
education. As part of this partnership
scholarships and programs are offered to eligible
students at North.
The Smith Family Learning for Life Scholarship
This scholarship is now open for applicants
Do you meet the following criteria?
Have a Health Care Card or Pension Card
Student must have 80% or greater attendance
Student must be in Year 7 or 8
Please contact Karen O’Keefe - Guidance Office for
more information. Phone: 4963 1738 North High has a photo shoot
This week we had a professional
photographer taking photos of students
working and relaxing around the school.
These will be used in
publications that we put out from
time to time. One day you may
see a picture of your child
promoting education at North.
SNOWIES TOUR 2015 During the September holidays, 44 students in Year 11 & 12 were accompanied by 5 staff on the Mackay North
SHS Snowies Tour. Braving an early start to the holidays, the tour group headed off to Jindabyne to begin their
adventure in the snow.
After collecting the luggage at Canberra Airport, the group was taken to the Australian War Memorial where
everyone was able to explore Australia’s history in conflict and the sacrifices many men and women have
made (and continue to make). Many students in the group went and said “Hello” to the “boys” on the Walls of
Commemoration – some of them relatives, some of them researched and commemorated as part of the
schools “Lest We Forget” tours, a lot though, completely unknown. Following the visit to the memorial,
everyone said, “Until next time cobber”, and headed off to our final destination in Jindabyne.
With anticipation (and frost) in the air, the group eagerly boarded the bus the next morning for the first of 5
days of skiing, or snowboarding, and headed up Alpine Way to the Perisher Blue Ski Resort in the Australian
Alps. The group took to the slopes like a polar bear to ice and learned how to shred the snow. This was to be
the way it would be for the next 4 days, with everyone getting expert coaching from the highly experienced
instructors at Perisher. The group rarely had a moment to relax, with many activities keeping them busy while
on the snow. By day – shred snow, by night – there was trivia, a trip to the movies and an experience to
remember with night skiing (in -4°C weather, snow falling and fireworks lighting up the night!).
By the end of the 5 days, the
group was exhausted and ready
to head to Sydney for a break.
After saying thank you and
goodbye to our wonderful hosts at
the Acacia Snowy Motel and also
to the crew at The Shed for the
hire equipment, the group
travelled to Sydney and before
checking in to the hotel, went to
the Sydney Football Stadium for a
tour of the facilities (including the
Sydney Cricket Ground).
Following this historical and
informative tour, the group was off
to the accommodation at Aarons
Hotel and to get ready for a night
out in Darling Harbour – with Laser Tag and arcade gaming on offer. This experience somewhat made up for
not being able to attend an NRL match (no Sydney teams hosted a match!). The relaxing part of the tour came
the following day, when students were able to explore Sydney – some chose to go to Bondi Beach, others to
Taronga Zoo, some chose to go to the Sydney Aquarium, while others were quite happy enjoying the shopping
experience of Sydney. To finish what had been an amazing tour, the group visited Luna Park for one last night
of fun. The next morning brought about the dreaded end to the tour as the group was taken to the airport and
put on the plane from Sydney to Mackay – with a large amount of donuts taken on board – and defrost for a
week before coming back for the last term of the year.
Thank you to all the students, parents and staff – Mrs Kemp, Ms Potgieter, Mrs Simpkins and Mrs Wood who
were involved in this trip. Without your support, this tour would not have been as successful as it was and the
students would have not received this wonderful opportunity to be educated on a variety of things.
Planning has now commenced for the 2016 Snowies Tour. Students wanting to participate in this tour will
express their interest in the near future, and more information will be distributed shortly after this. These will be
advertised on daily notices to students.
Daniel Smith
Snowies Tour Coordinator
Snowies 2015
Year 7 and 8 Sports Day Soccer
Well done to all of the Year 7 and 8 students who participated in a day of soccer, on the Sports Day on Wednesday 16th
September. A huge thank you to the Mr Smith and teachers who allowed us to participate in such a fun event. We took
40 students to Barbour Park to compete against other schools. Great job to the North A boys team, who won the
overall finals. A special well done to the girl’s team who came in a controversial second (the team they played in the
finals had extra players on the field). The North B boys team played well, had fantastic teamwork and came in third
overall. North A scored a mammoth 15 goals in the five games played on the day (even the goally had a go). North B
scored 5 goals and the girls team scored 11 goals over the day.
“Everyone had a fantastic time and behaved exceptionally well, while meeting new people,” explained Johane. Gemma
agrees and says that it was a day that will be hard to forget.
By Johane, Gemma and Bailey Cont’d over
Junior Secondary News
YEAR 7/8 SPORTS DAY – TERM 3
During the final week of Term 3, many students in Years 7 & 8 participated in the Mackay District Secondary Schools
Sports Day. Students travelled to various venues around Mackay to play a sport of their choosing for the day. The
sports on offer included: Netball, Tennis, Rugby League 9’s, Indoor Cricket, Beach Volleyball, Touch Football, AFL,
Soccer & OzTag.
Students who participated thoroughly enjoyed the experience, as they were able to interact with students from other
schools, learn about their chosen sport and be informed on important aspects of sports such as hydration, nutrition and
sun safety.
Thank you to all the staff & students involved in making the day so enjoyable and successful. Here are some thoughts
of students who attended the sports day:
Jake Wood (7B1) – “Year 7 & 8 Sports Day was fun and I enjoyed playing rugby league. Thanks to all the teachers that
help set it up.”
Alicia Skinner (7B1) – “Year 7/8 Sports Day was really fun and I did OzTag. We didn’t exactly do the best, but we all
still had fun whether we won or lost.”
Braith McCullagh (7B1) – “Year 7 & 8 Sports Day was really good. Everyone that went said it was great. My Sport was
rugby league and we went really well.”
Joel Smith (8F1) – “Sports Day was good exercise and good fun for all teams. We had some wins, we had some loss-
es and we tied one.”
Reilly Kurtz (8F1) – “Sports Day was fun. I chose to do soccer. We didn’t actually win any of our games, but our team
still had a great day.”
Emma Woodward (8F1) – “Sports Day was great. We had fun in the sun at Beach Volleyball. Also, my team ended up
in the semi final but lost.”
2016 Enrolments – Important Dates:
28th October 4:30pm Final School Tour (meet on the Junior Secondary deck)
6th November Final Round of Acceptances
10th November Final Enrolment and iPad Information Evening 6pm (MNSHS Hall)
1st December Orientation Day for 2016 Year 7s
Year 7 and 8 Sports Day Netball
The Year 7 and 8 Sport’s Day was a blast. Some girls and I shared the great experience of netball. We managed to
win every game except our last one. However we only lost by one point and the other team scored in the last sec-
onds of the game. Our team overall played very well and should all be very proud. The other North team did well too.
I would like to thank Mr Smith and Miss Finn for organising the day. I would also like to thank the students in Year 9
and 10 for helping out and coaching the teams. It was a great day and I would gladly do it again. Thank you to every-
one who participated in the day and helped out.
Lily Daniel 7S1
Wednesday afternoon homework assistance and tutoring resumes next Wednesday 3:10 – 4:10pm in Room 801 for Year 7 and 8 students.
SPORTS AWARDS NIGHT
This year will see the 20th Annual Sports Awards Night held on Friday 6
th November. Please
keep this date free – more information will be distributed to students involved through daily
notices and letter home. It will be a great night celebrating the successes of our sporting stars at
North.
ACADEMIC, CITIZENSHIP AND CULTURAL AWARDS NIGHT
Wednesday 4th November
Biggest, Best, First EverBiggest, Best, First EverBiggest, Best, First Ever
Year 7 Bush Camp Year 7 Bush Camp Year 7 Bush Camp ––– Seaforth PinesSeaforth PinesSeaforth Pines
21st 21st 21st ––– 23rd October 23rd October 23rd October
Final payment by Friday 16 October 3.30pm
Medical forms must be returned to Home Group teachers by Wed 14
PARENTS – your students will be
grooving at an eighties disco at
camp… maybe you have the perfect
costume in your wardrobe or will help
them choose at the local Op-shop!
EISTEDDFOD
Eisteddfod time is upon us again! Best wishes to all
students who are performing in the eisteddfod,
particularly those representing our school. FULL
cultural uniform is required for all instrumental
sections as well as the full choir section. ALL students
representing the school in the eisteddfod MUST return a
signed permission form to Mrs George.
TUESDAY EVENING: October 13: Junior Secondary
Concert Band
The session starts at 6.30pm and students need to be at
the Entertainment Centre by 6.00pm to tune and warm
up. The Middle School section is the first on, starting at
6.30pm. Our group is performing “Celtic Air and Dance”.
WEDNESDAY MORNING, October 14: Senior
Concert Band and Senior String Orchestra
Students in these ensembles will need to be at the
Entertainment Centre by 8.00am. The session starts at
8.30am. The school will be providing a coach to take these
students back to school after their performances (providing
they are in the first sixty to return their permission forms) .
The Senior Concert Band section is first and our ensemble is
performing “Whiteleaf Overture”. The String Orchestra
section is the second one for the morning and our group is
performing “Storm Rider”.
MONDAY EVENING: October 19: Folk Group
Students in this section need to meet Mrs George in the foyer
at 7.00pm. The session begins at 6.30pm and the Folk Group
section is the third for the evening. It is preceded by the
Show Choir section for Primary Schools (always a very
entertaining section!).
TUESDAY AFTERNOON: October 20: Full Choir (2
sections)
Students in the vocal group will need to be at the
Entertainment Centre by 1.15pm. The session starts at
1.00pm. The school will be providing a coach to transport the
vocal students from school to the Entertainment Centre, but
parents will have to pick the students up from the
Entertainment Centre after their performances (probably
between 3.30pm and 4.00pm). If you wish your student to
travel from school to the Entertainment Centre on the
coach, please indicate this on the permission form
below.
TUESDAY EVENING: October 20: Show Choir
Students in the Show Choir section need to meet Mrs Power
in the foyer at 6.30pm. The session begins at 6.30pm and
there are four very short sections before the Show Choir
section.
KAREN JACOBSEN
Just before the holidays, our music students were
privileged to receive a visit from our past student,
Karen Jacobsen, whom people know as the GPS
Girl and the voice of Siri – but is also a renowned
recording artist in New York. We were delighted to
welcome Karen back to our school and the students
were mesmerised by her moving performances and her
life story which proves that with enough determination
and persistence, dreams do come true. Karen was an
outstanding music student while she was at North High
and it is wonderful to see how she has carved out such
a successful career in the Performing Arts area.
SHOWCASE CONCERT – Tuesday night, October 27
starting at 7.00pm
Our main cultural concert for the year is fast
approaching. This is always a fantastic night of
entertainment showcasing the wonderful
achievements of our students during the year. All of
our impressive instrumental and vocal ensembles will be
performing as well as our spectacular Rock Pop Mime
entries. Do come along and support our extremely talented
performing arts students – the concert will certainly be
finished by 9.00pm. Entry is by way of a $5.00 donation at
the door.
Kathy GEORGE
HOD – Performing Arts
Photo courtesy Mackay Daily Mercury
PERFORMING ARTS NEWS
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