Brisbane State High School
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Cnr Cordelia & Glenelg Streets
South Brisbane QLD 4101
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Email: admin@brisbaneshs.eq.edu.au
Phone: 07 3291 4111

Issue No 239 - 5 February 2016

Newsletter Articles

Some of our new Year 7 students enjoying their first day!

From the Executive Principal

Our students had another exceptional year. I'd like to congratulate them on their hard work over an extended period of time, while acknowledging that they had excellent support from classroom teachers and their mentors.

Welcome

Welcome to our first newsletter for 2016. It has been good to welcome our students, both new and returning, to the new school year. We hope that our returning families had a lovely time through the Christmas break. We extend a warm State High welcome to the new families who have joined us. We look forward to building on our work with your students over the coming year.

We have around 550 Year 7 students joining us this year. In total, we have approximately 3,150 students working with us this year. This is more than expected, as we have had over 150 families move into the local area in the last few times.

This year, we will continue with our three school priorities. We are looking to build strength and depth in each of these areas. We have elected to maintain the same focus areas in order to build momentum.


We are all improving our performance.


We are all visibly learning.


We are all building positive culture.

Within each priority, there are specific targets.

In performance, students will become expert in underpinning skills like reading comprehension, writing, numeracy, spelling, grammar and vocabulary, so that we have all students above national standards and over half In the upper two bands of performance. For Senior students we are aiming to ensure quality qualifications for all students and high QCS means, which enable maximized results. For staff, it is about systematic feedback about teaching.

In visible learning, students will all set learning and performance goals, improve learning behaviours and use technology effectively. All teachers will continue working collaboratively to focus sharply on student learning and performance.

In positive culture, we are focused on developing Growth Mindset through our ARC program as well as systematically supporting student academic and social well-being.

I am very pleased for our graduating students of 2015. There were some very excited students as they received results and news of their offers for this year. For the first time, we had 100% of students complete the requirements for a QCE. We are committed to ensuring that every student achieves this qualification. Also for the first time, we had over half (51%) of our students achieve an OP between 1 and 5. We had 46 students achieve an OP1, which is more than any other school this year. In addition, we had 51 students achieve an OP2. We had 329 (93%) of students OP1-15. We had 274 (77%) of students with an OP1-10. For the purpose of tertiary entrance, though, there were 83 students who obtained an equivalent of a 1, as they had scored bonus ranks for particular studies. Our students had another exceptional year. I'd like to congratulate them on their hard work over an extended period of time, while acknowledging that they had excellent support from classroom teachers and their mentors.

This year, we have welcomed a large number of new staff and welcome to our school the following new teaching staff:

  • Shane Albertson – Head of Humanities – Senior School
  • Katrina Becks-Harris – English/Humanities Teacher
  • Ryan Bishop – Maths/Science Teacher
  • Martin Brabec – Science Teacher
  • Matthew Carroll – Maths/Science Teacher
  • Julie-Anne Jackson – Maths/Science Teacher
  • Samuel Cowley – Humanities/English Teacher
  • Zara Davis – Humanities/English Teacher
  • Trina Denner – English/Learning & Enrichment Teacher
  • Abby Green – Humanities Teacher
  • Sándor Harris – Learning & Enrichment/English/Humanities Teacher
  • Lea Holland – English/Languages/Humanities Teacher
  • Jenny Jackson – Business Teacher
  • Gemma Jeffes – Maths/Science Teacher
  • Katharine Knox – Humanities/English Teacher
  • Corinne Leah – Languages Teacher
  • Cathy Liu – Business Teacher
  • Andrew McCabe – HPE Teacher
  • Leisa McGiffin – HPE Teacher
  • Stewart Pais Soto – HPE Teacher
  • Dimeng Pang – Maths/Science Teacher
  • Steven Purse – Head of Mathematics
  • Kimberley Rase – HPE Teacher
  • Hannah Rieck – Maths Teacher
  • Helen Ryder – Humanities/English Teacher
  • Emslie Sawyer – Maths Teacher
  • Deborah Sosimenko – Maths Teacher
  • Zel Stoltzfus – Maths/Science Teacher
  • Juanita Van Wyk English/Humanities Teacher
  • Christian Willmer – English/Learning & Enrichment Teacher
  • Johnathon Woods – Maths/Science Teacher

We also welcome:

  • Tina Cornish - our new Data Officer
  • Molly Porter - new teacher aide who will work with our Maths department

100th Birthday

On behalf of the school, I'd like to congratulate and wish Ms Alma Platen a very happy 100th birthday. Ms Platen was a well respected art teacher at State High from 1948 to 1980 who tutored many students and imbued them with a love of art in the widest possible sense. Ms Platen still receives AMICUS (the publication of the Past Students' Association) and is up to date with the current developments of State High.

Key Dates – Semester 1

Please note the following key days during Semester 1. These events are all listed in our 2016 Student Diary. I encourage you to keep checking our website for these details.

Event

Date

School Leaders' Induction Ceremony

Monday 8 February

Year 7 Student & Parent Welcome/Information Evening

Tuesday 9 February

Year 11 Parent Information Evening

Wednesday 10 February

Year 12 Parent Information Evening

Wednesday 10 February

Year 8 Student & Parent Welcome/Information Evening

Thursday 11 February

Year 9 Parent Information Evening

Tuesday 16 February

Year 10 Parent Information Evening

Tuesday 16 February

Year 11 & 12 Mini Exam Block

Wednesday 10 – Monday 14 March

Easter Vacation

Friday 25 March – Friday 8 April

Term 2 commences

Monday 11 April

Parent Teacher Interviews

Thursday 14 April

ANZAC Day Ceremony

Monday 18 April

Parent Teacher Interviews

Tuesday 19 April

ANZAC Day Public Holiday

Monday 25 April

Labour Day Public Holiday

Monday 2 May

NAPLAN – Years 7 & 9

Tuesday 10 May – Thursday 12 May

GPS Cross Country Championships

Wednesday 25 May

Year 11 & 12 Block Exams

Wednesday 8 – Tuesday 14 June

Semester 1 Interim Reports emailed to parents/guardians

Friday 24 June

Winter Vacation

Monday 27 June – Friday 8 July

Term 3 commences

Monday 11 July

We're looking forward to another great year as we enjoy the opportunity to work with you and your students.

Boat Naming Ceremony

In our first week of the term, we held a Boat Naming Ceremony to for six new quad sculls to the Rowing Program, purchased in 2015 by the generosity and efforts of the Rowing Sub-Committee and Parents & Citizens Association. These boats have been named after influential past State High students and staff who have achieved National and International recognition throughout their rowing careers and we at the ceremony, we honoured Rod Birt, Ian Edmunds, Bo Hansen, Chad King, Khaeleda O'Neill and Jack Price as we recognised their contribution to Rowing. Bo Hansen gave an amazing speech about custodians and legacy.

Boat Naming Ceremony
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Boat Naming Ceremony
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Cole Miller

Last Monday, we held a memorial for Cole Miller during our Senior and Junior Assemblies. Many of our students and staff wore a green ribbon in memory of Cole and we had great support from a large number of students from the Class of 2015 as we listened to a heartfelt address by Luke Miskimmin, one of Cole's close friends and classmates. Our thoughts are with Cole's family and friends at this difficult time.

Mr Wade Haynes, Executive Principal

BSHS Inaugural Rooftop Ball

You are invited to attend the inaugural Brisbane State High School Rooftop Ball for a night of fun and fundraising on Saturday 5 March 2016 commencing at 6:00pm atop State High's newest building – the Kurilpa Building (I Block).

Special guests in attendance on the night will include:

Mr Michael Kasprowicz – Cricket Legend
Mr Duncan Armstrong – Swimming Superstar
Miss Laura Waldie – Rugby Sevens Queen

Our Masters of Ceremonies, Mr Wally Lewis and Mr Neil Breen, will be in command, with musical entertainment from State High's talented bands and orchestra, as well as lots of memorabilia for auction and the launch of a fantastic prize draw; more details will be revealed on the night.

All proceeds raised will assist with the redevelopment plans of State High's Sports Complex at Fursden Road, Carina.

Dress Code: Lounge suit and cocktail wear
RSVP: Monday February 29, 2016
Contact: Anthony Bordignon, Event Manager, 07 3834 3333

To register to attend please click on this link - https://www.eiseverywhere.com/ehome/160829 to register online.

P&C Committee

State High Foundation

Secure a Diamond

As a passionate past student and as Chair of the State High Foundation Board, I would like, on behalf of the Board, to welcome you all back to another year at Brisbane State High School. I extend, in particular, a warm welcome to all our new students and families.

In this first newsletter of the 2016 school year, I would like to remind you of the work of the State High Foundation and to encourage your support of the Foundation and its initiatives.

State High is a Queensland icon, symbolising excellence and achievement in public education, and, for nearly a century, State High students have proudly made their mark across every field of endeavour - public life, business, sport, culture and community. The many thousands who have benefited through the opportunities provided by the school wish the same for our current students and for the generations who follow.

The Foundation is the vision of prominent past student, the late Paul (Porky) Morgan, established to ensure sustained excellence in the school's educational and extra-curricular activities by supplementing building funding for state-of-the-art school facilities. This is achieved through philanthropic support from the school community, private sector and school alumni. To make a tax deductible donation to the Foundation or to become a member, please visit the website at

http://www.statehigh.com.au/state-high-foundation

I would like to make special mention of two current activities.

In 2015, the Foundation launched the Cassandra June Carter Bursary, a perpetual bursary granted to one or more State High students who demonstrate academic potential. The bursary is open to all students and is applied as a credit to defray the costs of educational expenses. Bursary applications will open again in Term 3 and successful applicants will be announced at our Awards Ceremony.

At the end of 2015, the Foundation launched its Diamond Plaques Project to commemorate the opening of the new Kurilpa Building (I Block). Commemorative Diamonds are available in a range of sizes to suit individuals, families and corporations and can be secured for a tax deductible donation of as little as $250. These are a fantastic way to commemorate your involvement with State High and to support our school. Diamonds have already started to be installed in the Kurilpa Concourse outside the Uniform Shop and they look amazing! Further information and application forms can be downloaded from our website -

http://www.statehigh.com.au/state-high-foundation

The Foundation looks forward to your help in continuing to support State High in 2016.

Mr Ross Perrett, State High Foundation Chair

Dean of Students

A very warm – pardon the pun – welcome to everyone for 2016. Despite the higher temperatures, it has been a successfully busy start to our year:

  • 550 Year 7 students have commenced their high school learning, beginning that transition from primary to Junior School;
  • 103 new students from Years 8 to 12 have transitioned into State High from other schools and other states or countries; and,
  • 2,490 of our students have returned for another year of State High.

My congratulations go out to all of our students for such a positive beginning to this new year and I look forward to seeing this commitment to our school values continue in how you challenge yourself with your learning, show tolerance of one another and wear our school uniform – including a hat – with pride.

I also welcome our wider community of parents and partners who are beginning their connections to the State High family, as well as our returning families; I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible throughout this year.

I'd like to remind you of the upcoming Year Level Information Evenings which will begin in Week 3. These sessions are a key opportunity for parents and partners to engage with the Heads of Year, primarily, and hear about specific focus and details of key events that will impact the students throughout the year. They are also an opportunity to meet with the key personal who will be working with your students this year, as well as create connections and renew friendships with other parents and partners within our State High community. More details are available on our website calendar -

https://brisbaneshs.eq.edu.au/calendar/month

Ms Joanna (Jo) Bennett, Dean of Students

Student Achievements

This fortnight, we have a number of outstanding student achievements to celebrate and recognise. We are proud of the diverse range of achievements of our students and are excited to celebrate with them. BLUE RED BLUE!

Australian All Schools Athletics

Last December, our students participated in the Australian All School Athletics in Melbourne. A big congratulations to A. Jones and L. Pert, who are now National Champions. A. Jones won the Australian 12 Years Girls 800m in 2m16s and L. Pert won the Australian 12 Years Girls Multi Event with H. Forbes placing third.

Other outstanding results were:

J. Cowley - 4th Under 16 Boys Triple Jump (first 14 year old in Australia).
L. Cowley – 5th Under 16 Boys 1,500m.
J. Currie – 8th Under 16 Boys 1,500m.
T. Darbyshire - 6th Under 14 Boys 800m.
G. Diaz - 7th Under 14 Boys 200m plus one Relay Medal with the Queensland Team.
T. Isles - 4th Under 16 Boys Long Jump plus two Relay Medals with the Queensland Team.
R. Pandolfi - 10th Under 18 Girls 200m.
A. Roberts - 2nd Under 16 Girls Javelin (with a throw of 47m20).
K. Robinson - (15 years old) ran out of her age at the Under 20 Girls 3,000m Zatopek Meet during the carnival and placed 3rd in 9m32s (qualifying time to go to World Juniors).
E. Walters - 4th Under 16 Girls Steeplechase (1st 13 year old in Australia).

H. Forbes and A. Jones

Basketball News

Congratulations to S. Heal who attended Basketball Australia's Australian Development Camp at the Centre of Excellence in Canberra over the holidays. This camp is designed to identify and develop future Opals and Boomers players.

Great news also of J. Kirisome and I. Parker have been named in the Under 18 Queensland South Basketball Team with P. Bayliss and J. McDowell-White being named as reserves.

Netball

Congratulations to A. Wilson who attended the Indoor Netball State Championships in Adelaide last December. Her Under 12 Team 'Sparks' won the State Titles and she was named 'Player of the Final', as well as being selected in the Australian Under 12 All Stars Team.

2016 RSL Youth Development Grants

RSL (Queensland Branch) in conjunction with Bond University have announced the awardees of the 2016 RSL Youth Development Grants. Two hundred students from across Queensland received grants of up to $5,000 for projects in Sporting, Community and Academic fields. Congratulations to our State High awardees:

  • B. Free - Year 11
  • L. Free - Year 11
  • E. Grady - Year 11
  • S. Lawson - Year 11
  • K. Robinson - Year 11
  • R. Wixted - Year 12

Congratulations – Sporting Teams

  • J. Crome and M. Gray on their selection in the Metropolitan East Aquathlon Team competing in Hervey Bay in February.
  • C. Behr and H. Grice on their selection in the Metropolitan East Triathlon Team competing in Hervey Bay in February.
  • J. Wilson on his selection in the Queensland 15 Years and Under Cricket Team competing in Brisbane in February.

We endeavour to recognise all our students' achievements. If you are aware of any other student accomplishments that we should celebrate, please do not hesitate to advise us via email – newsletter@brisbaneshs.eq.edu.au.

Student Voice

Senior Leadership Group

It seems like it was only a week ago since I entered through the State High gates for the first time to start my secondary education. Anxiously, I took my first steps into the hall. More than 400 people swarmed around me, trying to find their seats, just like I was. I had never been so nervous in my life!

Life at State High was quite different five years ago than it is today. To begin with, school began at the very late time of 9:15am and finished late into the afternoon around 3:20pm. The day would begin with vertical form class, a class where the roll was marked each day and was made up with people from Years 8-12, a chance to meet some of the older people at the school. GPS sports were played on the oval, I Block only consisted of four rooms, rather than the 50 there are today, and there wasn't a vending machine in sight. How times change!

These memories and many more, came back to me as the new Year 7s came into the school for the start of their secondary schooling last Wednesday. I could see a range of emotions printed on the children's faces. Anticipation, bewilderment and excitement were just a few. It was a great day, filled with a chance to meet new friends, new teachers, as well as a variety of Peer Supporters and Prefects to accommodate their every need and making them feel welcome. Even a sneaky flash mob at lunchtime put a smile on many of the kids' faces.

Whilst it was great to see a variety of new peers becoming part of the State High community, it also signalled the start of what is sure to be a quick year for me and my fellow Senior cohort, a year that will bring many memories to treasure for years to come. This year is going to busy, with a variety of extra-curricular events running throughout the year. Whether it is GPS Swimming, QGSSSA Athletics or even Senior A Debating, I hope that everyone turns out to support our peers who have put in long hours for the school that they love, whether for the first time or the very last.

Yes, it is going to be a tough year. Yes, there may be challenges. But I am sure that by the end of it, the school is going to be a stronger and prouder community, a legacy which I hope carries on within the school for the rest of my lifetime.

L. Reberger, School Captain

Our Community

This week we would like to introduce you to one of our new key staff members.

Mr Steven Purse – Acting Head of Mathematics

I have landed at State High in 2016 as the Acting Mathematics Head of Department for the Senior School. Within this role, I'm teaching Year 10 and Year 11 subjects. Previous to this, I have worked as a Head of Year and Mathematics Head of Department across a couple of Education Queensland schools. Outside of school, I enjoy playing AFL and Touch Football and have been involved with school Football (Soccer) at a number of State Championships.

In my short time here, I have been warmly welcomed and I'm looking forward to working at State High this year.

Out and About

Swim Camp

The BSHS Swim Team kicked off the season with the Swim Camp at Runaway Bay, over the Christmas holidays. It was a great opportunity for the team to reunite and meet the new Year 7 students. The camp schedule was a good mix of swimming sessions, beach activities, gym workouts and team building exercises, which prepared us physically and mentally for the upcoming season.

Things that I learned from this camp:

  • Step 'N' Sculpt class proved that many of the boys lack rhythm (especially me)
  • One of my classmates was able to avoid being moved to the front (in the Spin Class)
  • Another of my friends is great at impersonations (especially during War Cries)

My hopes for this year are that all the students turn up to their compulsory training sessions, that we have a solid squad attendance to all warm up meets and that everyone always gives 100%. This would give State High the best lead up to the GPS and QGSSSA Championships. A podium finish would be a fantastic way to close out the season.

Congratulations to the 2016 Swim Captains, J. Davies, A. Salm and I. Watson for the girls and J. Lello and myself for the boys' squad. Congratulations to the girls for their overall win in the War Cry Competition.

Thank you very much to Mrs Clifford, Mrs Cilento, Mr Galjaardt, Ms Mylrea, Miss Packer, Mrs Williams, Mr Morris, Mr Mynott and Mr Peterman for volunteering their free time and holidays to organise and run the Swim Camp. This has been the best one yet!

Camp
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Camp
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B. Milinkov, Swimming Co-Captain

P&C Association

P&C Membership for 2016

If you would like to become a member of the P&C Association, please complete a membership form and return it to the P&C Office as per the instructions on the membership form below. Parents, guardians, school staff and interested community members are eligible for membership. All 2015 memberships lapse at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday 21 March 2016. Membership applications need to be submitted to P&C Office by 6:00pm on Monday 21 March, if you wish to renew your membership at the AGM that night. Membership can also be accepted by attending a General Meeting in person at any time during the year (https://brisbaneshs.eq.edu.au/pc-meetings). If you have any questions regarding membership, please contact the P&C Office on 3291 4173 or pandc@brisbaneshs.eq.edu.au.

Canteens, Uniform Shop and Cashless System Update

The P&C currently operates two canteens, one in I Block (the new Kurilpa building the Merivale Street Campus) and one in P Block, also on the lower campus. The Vulture Street Canteen, in E Block, is currently closed due to renovations which will upgrade it to a self-serve canteen during Term 1. The canteens are open from 8:00am each day and at lunchtime.

Payment at canteens and the Uniform Shop is cashless for all students, except Year 7 and any new students who are waiting for new Student ID Cards. Students in Years 8-12 who have their Student ID Card from 2015 and have linked an account through 'My Student Account', (see below for instructions) can continue to purchase at canteens and the Uniform Shop. EFTPOS is also accepted at our canteens and Uniform Shop. For any questions regarding the cashless system, please contact the P&C Office on 3291 4173 or pandc@brisbaneshs.eq.edu.au.

Volunteers Needed for Canteens and Uniform Shop

The P&C needs more volunteers to assist in our canteens and Uniform Shop during the school week. Volunteers assist in reducing the staffing costs of running these services for the school community. If you are able to assist for one or more hours each month, please contact the P&C Office on 3291 4173 or email - pandc@brisbaneshs.eq.edu.au with your availability and contact details. This is a great way to meet other parents and school community members, as well as providing valuable support to your child's school.

Mrs Cherie Egan, P&C President

Faculty News

BEAST

Welcome

The BEAST Faculty would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to you and your child for 2016. We offer a range of subjects which include Aspire Engineering, Built Environment and Engineering, Design Technology in the Junior School as well as Engineering, Graphics, Aerospace, Furnishing, Building and Construction and Certificate I in Construction in the Senior School. We also have an extensive range of co-curricular activities, including F1 Car Design, Aurecon Bridge Building and First Lego League.

Important Information for BEAST Faculty Parents

Our BEAST Faculty welcoming letter and user agreement was sent home with students in the first week of school. The BEAST welcoming letter which includes the names, faces and contact details for each BEAST teacher is intended as an invitation for parents to communicate with their child's teacher as the need arises. The link between the faces and names also assists in identifying the teacher on parent teacher evenings and at school events; the first being the Year 7 Parent Information Evening on Tuesday 9 February.

Attached to the welcome letter is the BEAST user agreement. Teachers have read through each point of the user agreement with students, during their first lesson of the year. This process is the first step in establishing a safe learning environment and ensuring that students, parents and teachers are all on the same page in relation to the high expectations of our faculty.

The acknowledgement form (last page) must be signed by the student and their parent/s or guardian/s and returned to their teacher by the end of Week 2. There are a few students who have not completed this process, so it would be appreciated if parents can please help by completing this form and returning it to the class teacher.

Mr Tony Robertson, Head of BEAST

Languages

Students have been embracing learning languages in the wonderful classrooms in the new Kurilpa building (I Block). Year 7 students are already making progress in languages. Students of Japanese have done an immersion lesson in origami; students of French and Chinese have learned how to greet each other and have been practising using culturally appropriate gestures; students of German had a challenge to see how much they already knew about Germany; students of Spanish learnt how to introduce themselves using casual language and students of Italian created an Italian name for themselves.

Languages
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Languages
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Ms Brianna Winsor, Japanese Teacher

The Arts

Welcome and Overview

The Arts Faculty would like to take this opportunity to extend a warm welcome to you and your child for 2016. We offer a range of subjects which include Dance, Drama, Music, Music Extension, Visual Art, Film Television and New Media and Media Arts. We also have an extensive range of co-curricular activities. Our main production this year will be the CREATE Festival which will be held on Friday 17 June from 6:00pm until late. The event will be held on our Merivale Street Campus. This will showcase performances and artworks from all our subject areas and will include Instrumental Music and Dance Troupe performances. Please make a note of this date and put it in your calendar as it is an event not to be missed!

In order to deliver a flexible curriculum that engages with our immediate environment, we have written a program that directly links to the cultural precinct and includes Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Queensland Theatre Company and Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art (QAGOMA). We will schedule excursions throughout the year for students across all areas of The Arts. Most excursions will be conducted in scheduled class time and will not interfere with other subjects, however when students are required to view live performances, we will schedule these to have a minimal impact on their other subjects. A major focus for all Visual Art students will be The 8th Asia Pacific Triennial of Contemporary Art (APT8) Exhibition currently on view at QAGOMA. All students will attend this exhibition and will complete learning activities derived from selected artists.

Contemporary Music Program

We offer tuition in contemporary music (guitar, bass, drums, vocals, electronic) after school on Monday and Tuesday in the Performing Arts Complex (PAC). If you are interested in finding out more about this program, please email Mr Alex Kucharski at akuch11@eq.edu.au.

Ms Amalia Kidd, Head of The Arts

Sport

Interhouse Swimming Carnival

Our Interhouse Swimming Carnival will be held on Wednesday 17 February at the Valley Pool, Wickham Street, Fortitude Valley. Students may nominate for events on the school intranet page. If they have any difficulties, please send them to the Sports Office for assistance. Please note: Only competitors will be attending the Swimming Carnival.

Sports Department

School Events

School Leaders' Induction – Monday 8 February

A reminder, that on Monday 8 February, we will hold our School Leaders' Induction Ceremony, at the South Bank Piazza.

As this is a formal school event, the formal school uniform must be worn - boys must wear their white shirt and tie.

Please ensure your student wears their hat and brings a water bottle, sunscreen and an umbrella if it is raining.

Miss Abbey Lawson, Communications Officer

Student Support

Chaplain's Reflections

Throughout the month of January, people huddled in services and gatherings to honour the memory of Cole Miller, a much-loved State High student. A number of students from our school gathered to show their respects for this inspiring young man, standing alongside each other and Cole's family. Many of the students wore green wristbands that reverently displayed the words 'Love in truth and action'.

These five simple words are incredibly powerful. As members of our community grieve, reflect, remember and continue to walk onwards in 2016, these five words are a reminder within our daily journey. I personally believe that living this 'mantra' out in our lives is a way of honouring the memory and legacy of this inspiring student.

'Love' is a word that sometimes loses its potency within our language. People sometimes express that they 'love' a particular pop artist only to change their opinion a few months later. I believe that real love is far more robust than just a fleeting feeling. Love pours out even through tough times and it is constantly thinking of others.

'Truth' is another word that has sometimes become diluted within our society. For some people 'speaking the truth' means speaking loudly and forcing a strong opinion upon others. For some people, 'truth' can mean making up one's mind after reading a solitary post on social media. I believe that real 'truth' is far bigger and more beautiful than that. Truth involves seeking, listening and learning to see a bigger picture. Truth is speaking with personal integrity and honesty.

If we understand truth or even love, but don't put these ideas into action, these concepts do not have real power. However, when these values are reflected through our deeds, they can transform lives and communities.

How can we share and reflect love as we pursue daily honesty and integrity? How can we allow love to flow out through our deeds? As you journey through 2016, how will you express 'love in truth and action?'

Mr Andrew Foley, Chaplain

Community News

2016 School Bus Timetable Changes

This is a reminder to all parents that the 2016 school bus timetables have undergone some significant changes. If your child/children catch the bus to and/or from school, it is important that you visit the Transdev Queensland website (www.transdevqld.com.au) or the TransLink website (www.translink.com.au) to see if you are impacted by the changes.

Bus passes for eligible students are also currently being processed. There will be a fare amnesty until the passes have been delivered and distributed. If you have not yet submitted your pass application or renewal, please do so by downloading the relevant forms from the www.transdevqld.com.au website.

Transdev Queensland

Teen Trials and Tribulations Survey

How close are you to your teen? How much do you know about them?

Help us understand how parenting and family relationships affect teen behaviour and emotions.

If you have a teenager between the ages of 11 and 18 years old, complete a brief and anonymous 30-minute survey about your parenting, your relationship with your teen and their wellbeing. Your teenager can take part in a similar anonymous survey about their behaviour and emotional wellbeing. Your participation in our research is greatly appreciated!

This research is voluntary and confidential.

For further information and to take part in the survey, please visit: https://exp.psy.uq.edu.au/parentingteens/project/tribulations or contact - parentingteens@uq.edu.au.

Dr Cassandra Dittman and Dr Kylie Burke, Parenting Teenagers Research Group, The University of Queensland

Saver Plus

Please see the below flyer on how Saver Plus could potentially match your savings, dollar for dollar, up to $500 for educational costs.

View the Saver Plus fact sheet to find out if you are eligible.

Mr David Smit, Saver Plus Coordinator, The Smith Family

Songs and Stories presented by The Board Meeting Charity

Songs and Stories presented by The Board Meeting Charity will feature Tim Cox from ABC Radio who will join Richard Clapton to explore this iconic Australian singer songwriter's life.

When: Friday 11 March
Time: 7:30pm
Where: QPAC
Tickets: $99 from http://www.qpac.com.au/event/richard_clapton_16.aspx

The Board Meeting Charity