Principal:Craig Whittred

Deputy Principals:Andrea Aleksic,

James LyeBusiness Services Manager:

Priscilla Viero

Issue No 7 Newsletter of Ayr State High School Friday 25 May 2018

Ayr State High SchoolPO Box 961

AYR QLD 4807Phone: 07 4790 4333Fax: 07 4790 4300

Email: admin@ayrshs.eq.edu.auWebsite: www.ayrshs.eq.edu.auFacebook: facebook.com/ayrshs

Ayring

Call us now on 4783 2122 or email ayr@helloworld.com.au

“HELLOWORLD AWARDED AUSTRALIA’S BEST TRAVEL AGENCY GROUP 2016” 4783 2122 ayr@helloworld.com.au

Reaping the Rewards - Rostrum Voice of Youthby Sarah McDonnell, Year 10 Student

“The future is in very good hands if tonight’s presentations are anything to go by...very impressive.” This was some of the feedback from the adjudicators at last week’s Rostrum Voice of Youth Ayr High Heats. On the evenings of Tuesday 15 and Wednesday 16 May, students presented their entertaining and thought-provoking speeches to an audience of students, parents/carers, teachers and adjudicators. Competitors delivered facts, figures and opinions on a range of topics which included “Set the Wheels in Motion”, “Myths and Misunderstandings”, “Proud to be Different” and “When it’s Gone, it’s Gone.” It was great to see students from other local high schools in attendance to witness the high calibre of our public speakers on both nights.

Two winners from both the junior and senior categories were selected to represent Ayr High at the Burdekin Regional Finals. Our Junior heat winners were Lauren Raitelli (Year 9) and Clara Hutton (Year 9), while Sarah McDonnell (Year 10) and Ryan Kastner (Year 11) took out the Senior heats. We were also offered the opportunity to send two additional Junior students to represent our school at the final, so Madisyn Grant (Year 8) and Lauren Kmet (Year 9) have been selected to join our Junior winners. Due to sporting commitments, Ryan was unable to attend, so Theresa Hawkins proudly represented our school in the Senior division.From here, Lauren Raitelli was announced Burdekin Regional Final winner in the junior division with Clara

Hutton declared as runner-up, while Sarah McDonnell was announced runner-up in the Senior division. These girls will now battle it out at the Zone Final on Saturday 26 May. Congratulations and good luck to all competitors…

LtoR: Clara Hutton, Ryan Kastner, Mr Stan Simpson, Mrs Linda Attard, Sarah McDonnell and Lauren Raitelli

Back LtoR: Isabella Bostock, Zane Timm, Ben Bozzetto, Sarah McDonnellFront LtoR: Zavier Wood, Madisyn Grant, Lorenza Palombi, Chelsea Scalia, Theresa Hawkins

Back LtoR: Keagan Flynn, Brendan Kolb, Ryan Kastner, Ky Whittred, Mitchell Pearce, Sophie Hancock

Front LtoR: Clara Hutton, Lauren Raitelli, Lauren Kmet, Brianna WhittredAbsent: Dylan Lawrence

This Saturday 26 May, Ayr State High School will be hosting, for the very first

time, the Townsville-Burdekin-Charters Towers Zone final of the Rostrum Voice of Youth competition. This event will bring together students from nine northern secondary schools, where all will be vying for the coveted position of being Junior or Senior representative for the Brisbane State final in July. The competition will commence at 9.30 am in the school auditorium.

Walk and Talk Bush Tucker Garden

by Mrs Ollie Henaway,Community Education Counsellor

On Monday a group of students visited Jarvisfield State School for the opening of the Walk and Talk Bush

Tucker Garden. It was interesting to see how the students used native trees in their design and how they planned the Yarning Circle. The Ayr High Indigenous student leaders thought this would be a great venture to undertake at our school in the near future.The Indigenous Walk and Talk Edible Garden is a representation of the coming together of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous Australians building unity and cultural respect.

Issue No 7 - 2018 SUCCESS: Every Student, Every Day Ayring - keeping you informed

by Mr Craig Whittred, Principal Editorial - Newsletter No. 7 25/05/18

From the Principal Welcome to Ayr State High SchoolOur school acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land. Today, they are still the custodians of the cultural heritage of this land. Further to this, our school acknowledges there are other Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Island people who have lived, worked and contributed to the cultural heritage of our community.

Mr Whittred, Indigenous Vice Captain Wesley O’Rourke, Shania Capper, Shira Liddy, Leroy Brown

Ayr State High School students have once again displayed their talent.

Over the last few weeks, students from across all year levels have participated in both the Burdekin Eisteddfod and the Rostrum Voice of Youth public speaking competition. The students involved are highlighting their Personal Best by challenging themselves to engage with these extra-curricular activities. Congratulations goes to both our Concert Band who performed to their potential whilst being unchallenged in their section, and our Choir who performed very well to achieve second place in their section. A big thank you to Mr Weston and Mr Phillips for the support they have provided the two groups.Once again, over 20 students were involved in the Ayr State High School heats of Rostrum Voice of Youth. This is an outstanding participation rate, far exceeding the other schools in the Burdekin. The Juniors speak for six minutes and the Seniors for eight minutes on a range of topics that cover set themes. As in past years, the standard was high. Making it through to the Burdekin Finals were Clara Hutton, Lauren Raitelli, Ryan Kastner and Sarah McDonnell. This year we were able to progress two more juniors. This saw Lauren Kmet and Madisyn Grant join the group as well as Theresa Hawkins who replaced

Ryan Kastner. Ryan was unable to compete in the next round due to the fact he will be representing NQ at the State Basketball Trials. A fantastic effort not only from our winners but all who participated.Last week saw the release of Netflix show 13 Reasons Why, Season 2. The first season of this show was widely viewed by teenagers not only across the Burdekin but also across the world. Whilst easy to access on Netflix, this show definitely has graphic adult themes and images focused around teenage suicide. Season 2 continues in a similar vein. Whilst the producers of these shows say that the content is “real” and should be “spoken about” these are very dangerous topics just to be able to be freely viewed by young adolescent minds. I know many families will take a stand and not allow their children to view this. Experts are advising parents/carers not to underestimate the attraction for students to view it and/or discuss the topics covered with friends, which are often very violent and confronting.In preparation for this season, Headspace, an organisation who primarily services youth mental wellbeing issues, has put together some resources for parents/carers and young people about how to best make sense of what is being broadcast. I would like to encourage all parents/carers and young people to visit the

Headspace website at the following link h t tps : / /www.headspace.org .au /news/the-launch-of-13-reasons-why-season-2/ and prepare yourselves and your children for the social focus on this television show.Yours in education

Craig WhittredPrincipal

SUCCESSEvery Student, Every Day

Wednesday Afternoon(3.15 - 4.15 pm)

Thursday Afternoon(3.15 - 4.15 pm)

D1 Lab All year levels welcomeDo you want help with homework?Do you need help with studying for a test?

Maths&

Science Tutoring

Issue No 7 - 2018 SUCCESS: Every Student, Every Day Page 3

Interschool Cross Countryby Ms Courtney Carrigan, Sports Co-ordinator

Thirty-one students represented Ayr High recently at the Interschool Cross Country this year. The 12 year old competitors

competed first at the Burdekin District Cross Country (9 Years-12 Years) event held at the old Ayr Racecourse on Friday 11 May, with the 13-19 Years students competing on Tuesday 22 May on our (Ayr State High School’s) cross country course.There were a number of outstanding performances with nine students finishing in the top four of their age group. These students were:Under 12 - Lachlan Mills (3rd)Under 13 - Dylan Meinicke (4th)Under 14 - Giselle Le Feuvre (2nd), Daniel Jones (3rd)Under 15 - Kahlee Lennox (3rd), JD Wilkins (4th) Under 16 - Kelly Meinicke (2nd)Under 19 - Aletheia Pacey (1st), Parker Arboit (4th)The top two in each age-group (except Under 12 where it is the top five) qualified for the Burdekin Cross Country Squad. These students will attend the North Queensland Cross Country Trials on Tuesday 29 May in Townsville. All students are to be congratulated on their performances and enthusiastic participation.

NQ School Futsal Titlesby Ms Courtney Carrigan, Sports Co-ordinator

This year, three boys’ teams competed at the North Queensland School Futsal Titles which were held in Townsville during week 4. Ayr High had one team in

the U13, U16 and U19 divisions.The U13’s played first on Wednesday 9 May and struggled to overcome the experience of the Townsville teams as our team mainly consisted of beginning players and a mix of 12 and 13 year olds. They never gave up though and thoroughly enjoyed their experience.Competing on Friday 11 May, both the U16 and U19 boys’ teams made the semi-finals but unfortunately did not progress to the final.All students played incredibly well and should be proud of their efforts. Lastly, thank you to the staff and parent/carers drivers, whom without, we could not participate in this event.

New House Mascots Unveiledby Ms Courtney Carrigan, Sports Co-ordinator

Ayr High is proud to present our new House Mascots and Logos - Banks Bulldogs, Cook Crocodiles, Macquarie Mustangs and Phillip Panthers. Last year students and staff collaborated to modernise

our House Mascots and Logos. The Mascots are part of the Student Council upgrades that have been occurring at the MPS over the past three years. In the first year the poles in the MPS were painted in their House colours (each House has a corner of the MPS), followed by the painting of each House name on the pole in their corner and this year the installation of the new mascots on the middle poles were completed on Friday (18 May) afternoon. The final designs and installation were completed by former Ayr High Student Council Captain, Caitlin Granshaw, who now works for Queensland Signage Solutions in Townsville. Next time you’re at the MPS (or at Ayr SHS) please come down and have a look…they are AMAZING!!!

Ayr High Members in the Burdekin SquadAletheia Pacey, Kelly Meinicke, Giselle Le Feuvre, Lachlan Mills (inset)

EnglishTutoring

Tuesdays3.15 pm - 4.15 pm

A4☺Your friendly English teachers are available to help you with homework and assessments.

Phone 4783 1566 - Fax 4783 4219East End Centre, AYRDELTA ELECTRIX

EVERYTHING ELECTRICAL from AIRCONDITIONERSand COMPUTERS to VIDEOS and WASHING MACHINES

YOUR DISCOUNT ELECTRICAL STORESALES - SERVICE - SPARE PARTS

Layout and Design - Victoria Augostis

Upcoming Events26 May Rostrum Zone Final (9.30 am, Auditorium)27-30 May ATSIMS (Orpheus Island) Times (leaving 3 pm,

arriving back approx 12 pm)27 May NQ Trials (Golf)28 May NQ Trials (Football, 12 Yrs Girls/Boys) Interschool Sport - U14, U19 Girls/Boys

Basketball (3.30-5.00 pm, Burdekin Basketball Ass)29 May ICAS Science Competition Yr 6 Small Schools Transition Day (Visit 1) NQ Trials (Cross Country, 10-19 Yrs Girls/Boys)30 May Yr 6 East Ayr SS Transition Day (Visit 1)31 May Combined State Schools Concert (6.00 pm,

Burdekin Theatre)4 Jun Interschool Sport - U14, U19 Girls/Boys

Basketball (3.30-5.00 pm, Burdekin Basketball Ass) P&C Meeting (5.30 pm, Resource Centre)5 Jun NQ Trials (Rugby Union, 12 Yrs Boys) ATSIMS (JCU, 7.00 am-3.00 pm)6 Jun Interhouse Athletics Nominations (2.30-3.00pm)7 Jun Yrs 7, 8, 8, 10 Questacon Smart Skills

Presentations10 Jun Ayr SHS Open Day (9.00 am-12.00 noon)11 Jun NQ Trials (Touch, 12 Yrs Girls/Boys) Interschool Sport - U14, U19 Girls/Boys

Basketball (3.30-5.00 pm, Burdekin Basketball Ass)13 Jun Yrs 10, 11, 12 Apprenticeship Readiness

Evening (6.30-8.30 pm, Resource Centre)14 Jun Interact Meetings (2nd Break, I Block)15 Jun Yr 10 Careers Day (Ayr Showgrounds Hall)18-22 Jun Yrs 11, 12 Assessment Block21 Jun Music Support Meeting (5.30 pm, A14) Ready, Set, Go (8.00 am-12.00pm)27 Jun Ayr Show Day Public Holiday

Biology Camp 2018by Mrs Claire Brock, Biology Teacher

For almost 30 years Ayr High Biology students have had the fantastic opportunity to study ecosystems in the area around

Cape Hillsborough National Park. This year saw the end of an era in educational opportunities when the Year 11 Biology Class of 2018 made their annual trip, as with the introduction of the new senior syllabus there is limited chance for this great learning experience to continue.During mid-May the class, along with Mr Ballin and Mrs Brock as drivers, headed south. Luckily for the aspiring ecologists of 2018 the weather was perfect with no severe weather events and the

tides were great for coral viewing. Tent erection went smoothly and all students were apt at cooking on a BBQ. The small but excited group thoroughly studied and appreciated the marine, mangrove, forest and dry sclerophyll environments. Some fears of heights were met head on with great rock climbing and cave exploring opportunities - well done all.

by Mr Andrew Ballin, HOD - Student Services

Most social media networks have rules banning cyberbullying and have complaint tools for reporting.

If you need to report serious on-line bullying of a child under the age of 18 years these are the steps to follow.• Take screen shots for evidence, record the date and time on

the screen shots taken. Save these. • Block the bully on whatever social media app is being used. • Report the cyberbully to the relevant social media platform.

Be aware that some social media sites take up to 48 hours to remove the reported post. You MUST report through this channel first.

• If the post is not removed, report it to the Office of the eSafety Commissioner via the complaints section found at esafety.gov.au.

• If the bullying is threatening someone’s life or there is image-based abuse taking place, immediately contact your local police station.

• The school routinely supports students struggling with cyberbullying. If you are concerned about your students’ involvement in cyberbullying, you can contact the Ayr High Student Support Team through the office.

For further information or support you can also contact:web: safeonsocial.com email: wecanhelp@safeonsocial.com

Issue No 7 - 2018 SUCCESS: Every Student, Every Day Page 5

Music Support Meeting

Tuesday 21 June 20185.00 pm, A14

New parents/carers welcome.

P&C MeetingMonday 4 June 2018

5.30 pm, Resource Centre

All welcome.

STEM ClubTime: Wednesday 2nd lunch Place: C8 Lab

All welcome.

Work Experience WeekChoosing a career path is not always easy for students and it is often the experience offered by employers during work

experience that confirms a student’s decision. During 8 to 11 May, our Year 11 students completed a week’s placement at a variety of local and Townsville businesses. Students undertook work in a vocation that their course of studies can lead them to, with some students using the week to engage in their school based traineeship or apprenticeship. Now that the students have returned to school, they will review their Senior Education Training (SET) plans and their week’s placement to determine what actions they need to take in order to achieve their career goal. Thank you to all those employers who gave up their time to be involved in supporting our students to make these decisions.

Mitchell Pearce at ML Partners Pty Ltd Hayden Phillips at the Burdekin Library

Matthew Schiffiliti at Fahey & Walsh

Paris Poli at Coles

Supermarket

Luke McNee at First in Physio

Jack O’Keefe at Mark Hudson

Engineering

Joe SpeltaPerformance Physio Group

Jordan Brown at Fusion Cafe & Coffee Shop

Skye Kelly at Lower Burdekin Home for the Aged Society

Rochelle Jennings at

Lower Burdekin Home for the Aged Society

Alexander Timm at Burdekin Shire Council

Like our Ayr State High

School pagefacebook.com/ayrshs

Download the free QSchool App to stay connected to news and

events.

Brandon Przesmycki at Farry’s Food Town

Issue No 7 - 2018 SUCCESS: Every Student, Every Day Page 6

Behaviour and Effort Awards, Term 1 2018Gold Awards

Congratulations to all students.

Back LtoR: Ms Raylea Thomas (Year 9 Level Co-ordinator), Clara Hutton, Eliza Mc Mullen, Matthew Walker, Connor Brown, Brooklyn Ivory

Front LtoR: Lauren Kmet, Lauren Raitelli, Kaydee Jordan, Demi O’Shea, Emmah Murphy, Grace Bach

LtoR: Demi Cursio, Martha McPaul, Ethan Draper, Emma Donovan, Charleen Lyons, Sarah McDonnell

LtoR: Keagan Flynn, Ben Bozzetto, Ryan Kastner, Brendan Kolb, Matthew Schifilliti

Back LtoR: Theresa Hawkins, Anne Piva, Breanna Rummeny, AImee MatthewsFront LtoR: Kai Northwood, Adrienne Aleksic, Chelsea Sutcliffe, Caitlin Holmes,

Tiana Augostis

Back LtoR: Chloe Hutley, Mackayla Hodder, Georgia Nicolson, Paulini Finau, Ellie-Mae Wellington, Mackinley Cox, Madisyn Grant

Front LtoR: Jayda Olsen, Kya Olsen, Naryssa Robberds, Taylah Stenning, Emma King

Back LtoR: Korey Halse, Jack Shears, Zale Ivory, Ryan Burns, Zavier WoodFront LtoR: Holly Sartori, Chelsea Scalia, Mia Kelly, Phoebe Lyons, Macee Cursio

ICAS Science Competition

Tuesday 29 May 2018

Combined State Schools Concert

Thursday 31 May 20186.00 pm, Burdekin Theatre

Yr 11 and 12 Assessment Block18 to 22 June 2018

Year 7 Year 8

Year 9 Year 10

Year 11 Year 12

Issue No 7 - 2018 SUCCESS: Every Student, Every Day Page 7

From the Deputy Principalby Mr James Lye, Deputy Principal Senior Schooling

Every Day Counts = Success, Every Student, Every DayCan you believe that we are now already in Week 6 of Term 2?! The term has certainly gone through quickly and doesn’t seem to be slowing down at any stage. As stated in past newsletter publications, attendance is certainly important. As a school we are aiming for 95% attendance, and with the cooler weather and likelihood of colds this will have an impact. The figures for the year levels as of Friday 18 May.Year 7 - 91.3% Year 10 - 87.2%Year 8 - 90.7% Year 11 - 91% Year 9 - 88.2% Year 12 - 87%It is very important that students in the Senior School (Years 10, 11 and 12) attend school as they start leading into their assessment for Semester 1. Absences will mean trying to catch up. This again can cause added stress which will have an impact on the assessment task. The key point is that when you are absent, make contact with your teacher as soon as possible and avoid falling behind. As parents/carers, we ask that if your child is going to be absent that you make contact with our Office staff who will enter the absence. If your child is away for two (2) days or more in a row, a medical certificate is required. This is a QCAA (Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority) requirement, specifically for the Years 11 and 12, so to get into the right practice, we ask students in the Junior year levels to consider moving into this way of thinking and dealing with attendance. It seems that for the last few publications that I have had to write reminders about the same thing but it is important that the students get the message that we are trying to do the right thing at Ayr High; wearing the correct uniform, not bringing things into the grounds. I do ask for your support in these matters, as teenagers do need a reminder and if we all push the same message they will eventually understand why we do what we do.

Lunch PassStudents wishing to leave school at any time during the day must have approved permission by the administration staff. Students given permission to leave school will have their names entered

in the school system and will be issued a permission slip. To receive such authorisation, the student must bring a note or a member of the administration staff have received a phone call from a parent/carer. Ideally notification should be received before school commences.

Outside FoodWe ask that if you are bringing food to the school for your child that the procedure of going through the school’s Office occurs. What is currently occurring is that students are entering Out of Bounds areas to get access to this food. This way, students are not walking around the grounds with non tuckshop food. We do have a tuckshop on site and should be the first point of call.

Uniform ReminderWe would like to ask for your support in ensuring that your child is still wearing the correct uniform items. The key ones at this point in time is the school hats and white socks. There are only a few students now wearing the wrong hat or the wrong socks. We are very proud of our school and with this our uniform. I understand that we are not a private school, but we are a State School who have high expectations of our students and expect that they show that school pride in their uniform. With the cooler weather hitting us in recent days, we remind students that they should be wearing the school jumpers. These jumpers can be purchased at the school. Currently, there is a number of students who are wearing a range of jumpers; some that are pink or light blue, even a few Marvel characters. These jumpers are not appropriate and should not be worn.

Energy DrinksIt is important to note that any form of energy drinks is not permitted at school. According to NutritionAustralia.org from 2015 the major health concern surrounding energy drinks is their high caffeine content. Caffeine is an addictive substance that can affect the heart and nervous system. While it may temporarily help you overcome symptoms such as tiredness and restore alertness, it can have other negative side effects, especially in children and adolescents. Due to their smaller body weight, children are at

greater risk than adults of developing these adverse symptoms if they continue to have regular intake of even small amounts of caffeine. Negative or adverse effects of caffeine can include:• Difficulty concentrating• Difficulty sleeping• Insomnia• Nervousness• Headache• Rapid heart rate• Anxiety.Sleep is vital to your wellbeing. Majority of teenagers need to have about 8 to 10 hours a sleep each night to function at their Personal Best. We do encourage parents/carers to speak with your child about these energy drinks and perhaps to choose healthier options, such as water.

Chewing GumThis is another reminder that chewing gum is not permitted at school. The issue we are having is that students feel that it is okay to bring this along. When they are done with it, the first tendency is to spit it on the ground. Obviously this causes a heap of clean up, as it doesn’t just end up on the ground, people will step on it, they can track it in to the carpeted classrooms, some even feel the need to put it under desks. We do ask for your support and not to allow your child to bring gum to school.

Jumpers for the Cooler MonthsAs we head

into the cooler months, students will want to keep warm. The school jumper has been endorsed by the P&C and is the only acceptable jumper. Jumpers with the school logo can be purchased for $30 from the school office. This information can be found in the Student and Parent/Carer Handbook 2018 and is available at the office or on our website.

Issue No 7 - 2018 SUCCESS: Every Student, Every Day Page 8

Music Newsby Mr James Phillips, Music Teacher

The Music Department has been running in overdrive this term. The Concert Band and Choir performed together

at the school ANZAC Day ceremony on 24 April with the hymn, Abide With Me, while wreaths were being laid. Sophie Hancock, 2018 Cultural Captain, also played an important role in the Ayr ANZAC Day ceremony on 25 April, singing the national anthem in a duet at ANZAC Park. Many people attending the ceremony commented on how well the girls sung together as well as Sophie’s strong vocal timbre. On 3 and 4 May, Choir and Band students made the trip to The Burdekin Singers’ Lighthouse where they spent an intense two days at Music workshops working with guest conductors. The choir had the pleasure of working with Monica and Amaia Licciardello, who helped them with dance moves and their vocal harmonies for their upcoming Eisteddfod performance.

I had the pleasure of conducting the band for the first day of the workshops, which gave band students the challenge of working with a different conductor. Jaydenn Pavone and Sophie Hancock also used time at the workshops to prepare for their duet performance at the Burdekin Interschool Drama Festival on Friday 4 May, where they performed four songs at the Burdekin Theatre. Three of these were original compositions written by Jaydenn Pavone, all in the alternative/indie rock genre. Intense rehearsals continued throughout week 4 in preparation for the Eisteddfod performances on Monday 14 and Tuesday 15 May. The Choir was awarded second place in the novelty vocal s e c t i o n

with a performance of Circle of Life that included movement. Concert Band was awarded first place in the secondary Concert Band section with Primordium. In the last band section on Tuesday 15 May, we had two Ayr High Rock Bands competing against each other. The Ayr High Rock Band consisted of Jaydenn Pavone, Sophie Hancock, Lyndon Achille and Jack Shaw with a rock variation of Somebody

That I Used to Know. Students and staff in A block won’t be able to forget the song anytime soon due to the massive volume produced by the band. The Ayr High Rock Band was awarded third place in the Secondary Rock Band Section. The Ayr High instrumental group consisted of Brendan Kolb, Kyra Thomas, Geraldine Jones, Bianca Przesmycki, Clara Hutton, Corrin Johnston and Brooklyn Ivory who performed Better Be Home Soon. The instrumental group was awarded a Highly Commended in the same section. Special mention must be given to Daniel Huckett and Adrienne Aleksic who due

to illness, were not able to perform in the rock groups or Concert Band on the night. Music students are currently in preparation for the Combined State Schools Concert to be held at the Burdekin Theatre on Thursday 31 May at 6.00 pm. This concert will combine instrumental music and choir students from across state schools in the Burdekin conducted by Mr Pete Weston. The concert will include performances from the Concert Band, Choir, instrumental students as well as Music Extension students completing assessment. It will be a great evening with a variety of different music genres and styles presented. Special thanks must be given to the Music Support Group, which support all endeavours undertaken by Performing Arts students at Ayr State High School. The work of the MSG is often behind the scenes but is essential to activities such as the Music workshops at The Lighthouse. The MSG supplies food for the workshops, washes all of the performance uniforms and makes financial contributions for students to attend the State Honours Ensemble Program (SHEP) in Cairns and Townsville. Thanks must also be given to Monica and Amaia Licciardello who greatly assisted at Music workshops and continue to support Ayr High’s musical endeavours.

Choir at Eisteddfod

Choir at workshop

Jaydenn and Sophie

Band at workshop

Rock Band at Eisteddfod

Issue No 7 - 2018 SUCCESS: Every Student, Every Day Page 9

13 Reasons Why - What Every Parent Needs to Knowby Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner

13 Reasons Why was one of the most talked about series streamed on Netflix Australia last year, quickly cementing itself as a cult hit - especially with young people. It comes as no surprise, as young people find it easy to connect with a compelling and suspenseful story.We need to be aware that popular media portrayal of these complex issues can be taken out of context and may pose risks for young people that are vulnerable, impulsive, or have been experiencing issues with mental health and distress. For these reasons, it is important that young people are not only aware of serious issues such as self-harm and suicide, but also that parents/carers check in and keep the lines of communication open.It is no secret that the release of 13 Reasons Why sparked concerns from mental health experts in Australia, and around the globe. If you haven’t had a chance to watch the series yourself, the story centres on a female teenage suicide and her “13 reasons” for doing

so. Headspace do an excellent job at explaining why these portrayals can cause serious impact on vulnerable young people - extensive exposure to this type of content in popular media can not only lead to a potential contagion effect but can also cause desensitisation to the severity and finality of suicide.It was these concerns that propelled me to reach out to Netflix last year in Washington, D.C to open up a conversation about the crucial role we can all play in creating a safe and supportive environment for young people, especially those that are vulnerable. Being new territory for Netflix, I was encouraged to see their team jump on board and collaborate with leading Australian mental health organisations Headspace and Everymind, to develop support materials for young people to access once season 2 of 13 Reasons Why airs in Australia.Should negative emotions be triggered, by either viewing the series or negative conversations at school, work, or within the media, the resources offer guidance and support to young people, detailing where to go for help and actions that can be taken.With season 2 of 13 Reasons Why now on Netflix Australia, we encourage parents, carers and teachers to have a look at the resources, available at h t tp : / /www.13reasonswhy. in fo ,

familiarise yourself with them and share them with your children and anyone else within your community. It is important that we, as parents, carers and educators, are engaged with our children and keep the lines of communication open. Even if your child is unlikely to watch the show, they might be able to offer support to a friend at school that they may be worried about.While there is no panacea for protecting young people from harmful online content, as the national coordinating online safety body, we will continue our efforts to engage and encourage industry to offer better safety approaches and safeguards to protect our young people.When it comes to mental health, Australia is truly world-leading. For Australians in need of psychological support, help with online issues such as exposure to harmful online content, there are a range of mental health services and online safety organisations that can assist. Contact ReachOut, Kids Helpline, Lifeline or visit our Online Wellbeing Directory for guidance and support.

Absentee Hotline

4790 4353If your child is away either:• phone the hotline - if unanswered

please leave a message with reason for child’s absence,

• respond to school text message or

• hand in a note, on return, to Mrs Slattery at the office.

Bernice Zaro, Youth Support Co-ordinator

MAY

Ayr State High School Open DaySunday 10 June 2018

9.00 am to 12.00 noon