PSHS Newsletter 18 12 November 2014

From the Principal
Newsletter 18 – 12 November 2014
Amazing student achievements and talents showcased at Awards Night
Last week’s Awards Night was a spectacular showcase of our students’ amazing talents and a fitting tribute to their successes
throughout 2014.
The entire Pioneer community should be very proud of the accomplishments of our students. Whether it was the students
acknowledged through our academic, sporting, cultural and citizenship awards, the students presenting reports, our talented
dance and drama students or our accomplished musicians, every member of our community can be very proud of our
students’ amazing achievements and successes.
Some of our special guests at Awards Night have attended this event several times previously. Again, they commented on the
high quality of students’ performances and the professional manner in which our school community came together to
acknowledge students’ achievements. I also spoke afterwards to a couple of special guests who have not previously attended
our Awards Night and they were very impressed by the evening and by our student’s amazing performances.
Congratulations to our Senior Dux, Tylah Standen, and Junior Dux, Gemma Pace. Congratulations also to our 2015 student
leaders: School Captains, Jenna Irelandes and Rhys Branch, and Vice-Captains, Nicola Sheahan and Andrew Spagnolo. Well
done to all students whose hard work and active involvement in our community was acknowledged on the night.
Farewell and best wishes to the Seniors of 2014
Next week, the Pioneer community farewells the Seniors of 2014. I applaud this year’s Year 12 students for the manner in
which they have seized every opportunity to make the most of their final year at Pioneer. They can certainly look back proudly
on a final year full of great accomplishments. We know that your time at Pioneer has prepared you well to be confident,
caring and active citizens. We wish all of our Seniors the very best for the future.
An important tradition at Pioneer, next Friday’s Valedictory Parade will be a fitting tribute to mark the end of our Year 12s
students’ high school education. It also provides an opportunity to acknowledge our 2014 student leaders as they pass the
baton to our leaders for 2015. I invite the parents and families of our Year 12s and of our 2015 student leaders to join us for
this parade, which will commence at 8.30am in the Hall.
A continued focus on learning
While we are soon farewelling our Year 12s, other year levels still have between two and four weeks of class time remaining.
Over that time, it is important that we remain focussed on our core business of teaching and learning. At our fortnightly fullschool assemblies throughout this term, I have been reiterating three key messages to all of our students to ensure that we
“step up” rather than “wind down” for the end of the school year:
- Have a clear goal – what is one aspect of your learning that you are striving to improve by the end of the year?
- Be here every day – attendance is the best predictor of academic success; and
- Challenge yourself – embrace the many opportunities presented to you and have a go at one thing that you
might normally say “no” to.
Best wishes
Joel Buchholz
Principal
OFFICE HOURS – 8am – 3.30pm
ACCOUNTS HOURS – 8am – 3pm
STUDENT ABSENCES: Ph: 49559260 please leave: Name, Care Group, Reason and length of absence.
EFTPOS: Available at Accounts Office
P & C Association: meet at 7pm on the second Wednesday of each month
Upcoming Events
Week 6 Term 4
Remembrance Day – Tuesday 11 November
Year 12 Blocked Exams – Wednesday 12 November – Monday 17 November
Week 7 Term 4
Year 12 Blocked exams – Monday 17 November
ITN/FTV Year 11 CQU Excursion – Wednesday 19 November
Final P&C Meeting for 2014 – Wednesday 19 November
Last day Year 12 – Friday 21 November
Year 12 Graduation Ceremony at PSHS 8.30am – Friday 21 November
Year 12 Graduation Dinner, North Mackay Bowls Club – Friday 21 November
Week 8 Term 4
Year 10/11 Blocked Exams – Monday 24 November – Thursday 27 November
Year 10 & 11 Consistent Effort Awards – Friday 28 November
Last Day Year 10 & 11 – Friday 28 November
Week 9 Term 4
Year 7 & 8 Orientation Day – Wednesday 3 December
Week 10 Term 4
Year 8/9 Activities commence – Monday 7 December – 10 December
Year 8 & 9 Consistent Effort Awards – Wednesday 9 December
Final day of school year – Friday 11 December
School office reopens – Monday 19 January 2015
Australia Day Public Holiday – Tuesday 26 January 2015
School resumes – Tuesday 27 January 2015 for ALL year levels
P&C News
We meet at 7pm on the second Wednesday of each month.
Come along and have a say in the future direction of our school.
Our last meeting for 2014 is on Wednesday, November 19.
Year 7 & 8 Orientation Day
It is our pleasure to inform you that Pioneer State High School’s Year 7/8 ‘Orienteer Pioneer’ will be held on
Wednesday 3rd December. All students enrolled for Year 7 and 8 in 2015 are expected to attend our
Orientation Day. Similarly, if you are still considering your child’s enrolment, you are welcome to come along
to this day to learn more about what Pioneer can offer your child.
Students are expected to organize their own transport to and from the high school. This may take the form of
riding on the school bus routes or being dropped off and/or collected by their parents and guardians.
Please note the following:
Students need to be at the Hall by 8.25am for an 8.30am start.
They need to wear closed in sandshoes for WH&S reasons. They will be entering workshops
and need to ensure they comply with these regulations.
Students wear their primary school uniform.
Bring lunch or purchase it from the tuckshop. An icy cup and sausage sizzle will be supplied to
the students at second break.
Bring a hat and water bottle.
Pioneer High School finishes at 2.30pm so if you are collecting your child, please be aware of
the finishing time.
Information will be provided regarding uniforms, stationery supplies, mental health, tuckshop
and support staff available at Pioneer High School.
Students going home by bus will be escorted to the buses by staff.
Should you have any questions regarding the day, please feel free to contact the school during office hours.
Ph: 49559222.
Looking forward to meeting you all, on Wednesday 3rd December.
Debbie Robinson
Deputy Principal
Junior Secondary
SWPBS Update
STAR Bites – our behaviour for the upcoming fortnight.
As part of our SWPBS approach, students are explicitly taught the
behaviours for a range of settings and contexts at school. The school focuses
on a different behaviour every fortnight. The targeted behaviours all relate
to our four key Pioneer Behaviour Expectations, as illustrated in our Pioneer
STAR, shown to the right. Our STAR Bite for this fortnight is focused on
Respect for One Another. As we come to the end of 2014, it is an important
time to reflect on the year and the areas where we have STARred as a school
community. Following our school rules is one way we can ensure we have a
safe and respectful learning environment. One of the easiest and most
effective ways to have a respectful community is to simply be Nice to One
Another. Everyone can try a little harder to get on with one another – try a
smile and a greeting; hold the door open for a teacher, use your manners,
wait for others to stop talking before you speak and pay a sincere compliment.
Our Students of the Week for Week 6, Term 4 are:
· Year 8 – Cara Pace & Cameron Bryan
· Year 9 – Tisharnie Kelly & Daniel Minter
· Year 10 – Jenepher Easey & Rhys Carter
· Year 11 – Charisma Hughes-Ruki & Ben Lund
As a parent, how can I help?
Parents, when talking about ways your student can share, co-operate and connect, ask them to consider, “How would
I feel if this was me?” Often, this is all it takes to see another’s point of view. No-one likes feeling humiliated,
embarrassed or bullied. Being Nice to One Another is easy to achieve and costs nothing, as you only need a kind
intention and a smile.
Senior School and Academic Performance News
The senior students finish their senior phase of learning journey on the 21st and I would like to take this opportunity to
wish them well in their future endeavours. Some are leaving to further their studies while others are heading for
employment. A few are even taking a GAP year and will continue their studies in 2016.
The students have completed a destinations survey to indicate their intended action next year. The information they
provided will ensure they can be contacted by the Schools to Jobs Alliance and if they wish, access support during their
post schooling year.
I look forward to hearing about their successes and the pathways they choose post Pioneer. I wish them every success
in the future and I look forward to celebrating their successes here at Pioneer on November 21st.
The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority will provide QCE results and OP’s prior to Christmas. Your
student will receive this information in the mail or they might like to Log-on to their Learner Account on the QCAA web
site - https://studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au/ to do this. If they have not accessed their learner account, they will need
their LUI Number (learner Unique Identifier) to do so. They can get their LUI from any teacher at school as it is on their
One School profile.
On the student connect site they can also access information regarding further education and training, Jobs and
Careers.
Habits of Mind
As we close in on the end of the year, assessment tasks become due and students need
to rely on their Habits to help them prepare.
Please encourage your student to Persist, Strive for Accuracy and Think and
Communicate with Clarity and Precision as they prepare for exams and work on
assignment tasks over the coming weeks.
I’m sure they would be able to identify specific Habits which would support them with particular
tasks if challenged to think about the tasks and what it requires them to do to successfully
complete the task.
Ronlyn Fisher
HOD Academic Performance and Learning
Year 12 Memories
Congratulations to the Year 12 BCT class for completing the
Year 12 Memories Book.
The cost of the Year 12 Memories Book is $15.00 to pay to
Accounts.
There are stories and lots of photos for your keepsake.
Guidance News
Queensland
Careers News
Universities Newsletter Monday 10 November 2014
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE: Check that you are eligible for Youth Allowance,
ABSTUDY or AUSTUDY by contacting the Department of Human Services at www.humanservices.gov.au If you are
eligible you will be able to access the following scholarships through Centrelink: - Student Start-Up Scholarships and
Relocation Scholarships.
In this Week’s Newsletter:
Universities
• CQUniversity STEPS Information Sessions
• Griffith University Year 11 and 12
Programs
• University of Southern Queensland: PICSE
Industry Placement Scholarship Camp
TAFE & Apprenticeships
• Apprenticeships Queensland
Private Colleges
• Aviation Australia Careers Day
• Australian College of Applied Psychology:
Information Session
Other News
• African Conservation experience Gap
Year Program
• Aim for the Starts Foundation 2014
Grants
• BUFTA Top 30 Announced
• CEAV YouTube Clip: ‘Our Students Want
In Their 21st Century Education’
• Green Army Programme
• Linkki Volunteering QLD
•
•
University of the Sunshine Coast: Design
Students Exhibition
Open Universities Australia
Undergraduate Courses
•
TAFE Gold Coast Showcase Events
•
Australian National College of Beauty:
Open Day
SAE Creative Media Institute: New
Equipment
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Projects Abroad Online Information
Session
The Pros and Cons of Taking a Gap Year
Survey of Employers’ Recruitment
Experiences
Sydney Dance Company: DancED
The Sorter Smartphone App
Youth Central Top Ten Study Tips
VET News
MRSILS Work Experience Awards
A huge congratulations to Emily Busst, Year 10, who was awarded work experience student of the year in the Beauty
and Hairdressing category at the Annual MRSILS Awards for students in Year 10-12.
MRSILS, a division of MRAEL, have partnered with our school this year to facilitate work experience placements for our
students. We thank MRSILS immensely for their efforts in 2014 and look forward to working with them in the future.
Current Vacancies
Kmart - First Year Apprentice Motor Mechanic (Full Time)
Apply via SEEK http://www.seek.com.au/job/27518973
Veyance Belting Services - Trades Assistant/Trainee Belt Splicer (Full Time)
Apply via SEEK http://www.seek.com.au/job/27519141
Floor and Wall Tiling Apprentice (Full Time)
Apply via SEEK http://www.seek.com.au/job/27515464
McKays Solicitors – Administration Assistant (Full Time Business Traineeship)
Apply via SEEK http://www.seek.com.au/job/27498785
Storeperson (Full Time)
Apply via SEEK http://www.seek.com.au/job/27524644
City Beach – Christmas Casuals
Apply via SEEK http://www.seek.com.au/job/27513287
Novaskill – School-based Traineeships
Vacancies are available in Hospitality, Business (including local doctors’ surgeries) and Warehousing. Cover
letters and resumes can be forwarded to smill115@eq.edu.au.
Medibank – Indigenous School-based Traineeship (Business)
Interested students should apply online at www.maxima.com.au/medibank and email their cover letter
and resume to smill115@eq.edu.au.
Retail – School-Based Traineeships
Any student who has a part-time job in Retail may be able to convert this to a school-based traineeship. If you
are interested in looking into this, please see Mrs Miller to discuss or phone 49559221.
TAFE
Central Queensland TAFE (now merged with Central Queensland University) are currently calling for applications for
their VET in schools courses for 2015. Students studying these courses would attend TAFE one day a week and go to
school on the other four days. A summary of these courses (subject to change) including fees can be found at:
https://my.cqu.edu.au/documents/10165/5664295/Vocational+Education+and+Training+in+schools/fe94053a-97774ce2-9754-6a8fdeec87fe.
Year 10 News
Year 10 Semi-Formal
Our year ten students are approaching the end of their Junior High School years. Next year they will be the senior
school, or in the workforce. Some students will be leaving us. In recognition of completing this milestone in their
schooling we would like to celebrate with the students at the Year Ten Semi-formal.
We would like to celebrate this event off site at the Andergrove Tavern function centre.
This event is for the students of year 10 at Pioneer SHS. They will not be allowed to bring any family or guests.
Date: Thursday the 27th of November
Time: 6:30pm – 10:00pm
Dress: Semi-formal (no suits or long formal dresses)
Cost: approximately $40
Participation in this event will be offered to students who consistently meet our expectations. These expectations
include:
•
Acceptable levels of school attendance. We have set no more than six days absence in term 4 as our
standard, which is significantly more than any workplace offers!
•
Acceptable behaviour and commitment to our student behaviour guidelines as set out in the student diary.
Any student who gets suspended during Term 4 will not have met our behaviour expectations.
•
Students who have their resource fees up to date.
We look forward to celebrating the Year 10 Semi-Formal with the year 10s.
Warm Regards
Jacqueline Newman
Year 10 Coordinator
AFL News
Pioneer State High School AFL has just finished a very successful Opens Secondary Competition. The girls finished their
last game with a win over Mirani while the boys won 2 out of 4 of their games. The girls missed out on a finals birth by
8 points while the boys lost their preliminary final by 1 point to St Pats. The real success of the competition was off the
field and due to the initiative and willingness to lend a hand by our seniors. With only one teacher to co-ordinate both
teams many seniors stepped up to help with uniforms, keep score, run water, and encourage our teams. Many of the
helpers did not even play a game and were purely there to support their peers. With the competition over Jordan
Harding and Jordan Smyth took out our Best and Fairest prizes, a North Mackay Saints pack donated by the club and a
$50 gift voucher. Declan Rye and Kameeka Mye also took home a $50 voucher each for Pioneer’s Driving Force. Special
mention must go to Corey West and Nikita Rounds who missed out on the B&F by a single vote. Several other novelty
awards were also given out on year level assembly. However, our star water runner Ayden Bozier missed a
mention. Congratulations to all involved with the competition and a massive thank you to all those who helped.
Daniel Skipper
HPE Teacher / AFL Co-Ordinator
Mentoring News
10th Birthday Celebrations for the Compass
Mentoring Program at Pioneer High School
The COMPASS Mentoring program started as a yearly program in
2004 at Pioneer High. Standing for Community Partners Anchoring
Student Successes, it was an initiative by Mrs Shelley Haley, a
Deputy Principal of the school, at that time, and co-ordinated and
developed by Mrs Kristine Tillack. It involved attracting retired
members of the community to work with students in Grade 9 who had been identified as not working to their
full potential because of lack of confidence or poor self-esteem. The program has recently become an elective
subject.
Mentors work with a small group of students (usually around 8-9) and follow a structured framework which
includes hands-on activities, written assessment, a reading unit and an Oral presentation. The Program
received a Showcase Award for Excellence in Schools in 2009.
While the students have changed from year to year the school has been very fortunate in maintaining a small,
willing and enthusiastic band of mentors, many of whom have been in the program for between 7 – 10 years.
Their contribution has resulted in many students going on to have successful and productive senior years at
our school, becoming involved as either Student Council members or Care Counsellors in Year 12.
Shown in the photos are past and present students and Mentors enjoying a “Feast of Memories” morning tea
on Thursday 6th November.
Business Services Manager News
Relief Cleaners
Are you interested in becoming a relief cleaner for Pioneer? When one of our regular employees is away, you will be
contacted to seek your availability to work. Cleaners work 2 split shifts, one in the morning commencing at 5.00 am and
they work through until about 8.30am or 9am. The afternoon shift commences at 2.00 pm and they work through until
about 5.30pm or 6.00pm. If you think you could work during these hours, or even some of them, you may be able to
assist us. Relief cleaners are very valuable people, so please consider the above offer to become a casual relief cleaner
for this school.
There are some requirements so please contact me if you are interested in the first instance.
Resource Fees
Students should have presented parents or guardians with the 2014 Student Resource Scheme document.
Resource Fees are now due. If you are unable to meet the payment deadline or wish to enter into a payment
plan, please contact our Accounts staff who will be very happy to assist you.
Our accounts staff will happily accept cash, cheque or credit card. Direct deposits can also be made quoting
your student’s name and “Res Fees”. Wherever possible, we would ask that payment is not made using Amex
as this increases processing fees to the school. Eftpos will only be accepted up until the Tuesday, 09/12/14 of
the last week of term. Any payments after this date must be made in cash.
Cash only for any payments made from Wednesday 10/12/14 in the last week of school.
Centrepay Option – Available in 2015
As of 2015, any parents/guardians will be able to make payments to our school via Centrepay.
This facility will allow any customers who currently receive “an Australian Government Department of Human Services
Centrelink payment, family assistance payment or Parental Leave Pay” to pay Pioneer State High School for any fees
owing to the school ie. resource fees, excursions etc.
This will enable you to pay your accounts/bills in an easy and efficient manner.
If you wish to use this facility, there is a form which will be available from PioneerSHS and needs to be completed and
lodged with Centrelink so that your payments can be deducted on your behalf and then paid to Pioneer State High.
Centrelink has a number of options you can use to complete your form which is to be lodged with them.
The contact numbers appear below:
Abstudy
1800 132 317
Disability and Carers
132 717
Employment Services
132 850
Families
136 150
Seniors
132 300
Youth and Students
132 490
We are hoping that this facility will be used by those families, receiving benefits from Centrelink. We are here to assist
you with any of your fees enquiries and to alleviate any of your concerns with regards to payment of your student’s
fees. Please do not hesitate to contact us so that we can assist you wherever possible.
Mrs C Searle
Business Services Manager
2015 Uniform News
New Junior and Senior uniforms at Pioneer SHS for 2015
With the introduction of Year 7 students in 2015, the Pioneer P&C and staff have
taken the opportunity to upgrade our uniforms. The new uniforms look fantastic, are
made from a better quality material for our climate and will not fade.
New day uniforms – the junior school (Years 7, 8 and 9) will have a new gold sports
uniform and the senior school (Years 10, 11 and 12) will have a new green sports
uniform as seen opposite.
The sports shorts are still our current sports shorts that can be purchased at our
school canteen. Next year we will be introducing Pioneer socks that have to be worn
with black or white shoes, and are to be worn every day.
Year 9s and 12s in 2015 can still wear the old uniform if they still have these but will
purchase the new uniforms when it comes time for replacement.
New formal uniform – all students will have to purchase the new
formal uniform. It is to be worn by every student on Wednesdays
(our full school parade) but can be worn on any other day as well.
Girls – the pleated skirt has to be worn with the formal shirt with
the accompanying tie.
Boys – the formal shirt has to be tucked in and can be worn with
either the green formal shorts or long black pants. Boys have to
wear the tie as well when wearing the formal uniform. A plain black
belt is required.
All formal uniforms are to be worn with black shoes and the
Pioneer SHS socks.
The new uniforms will not be available for purchase until December.
Lowes (Canelands), PSW and Uniform Solutions will all sell the new
Pioneer Uniform.
We look forward to your students attending Pioneer SHS next year
in their new uniform, being proud of their uniform, their school and
being motivated to achieve.
Dedan Daniel
HOD Junior Secondary
MEC News
Community News
The Mackay AFL 2014 season has come to a close with the North Mackay Saints junior teams having an
outstanding season. The Saints under 13’s, proudly sponsored by Pioneer State High School, went
through the season undefeated and are now the reigning premiers for the second year running. Saints
also proved to be too strong in the Under 15’s competition defeating a gallant Whitsunday Sea Eagles
team to take home the Premiership Cup. The Saints under 18’s Colts made their way to the Grand Final only to be
pipped at the post by the Eastern Swans. Congratulations must go out to all our Pioneer players on their performances
for their respective teams and playing a part in bringing a positive club culture back to the North Mackay Saints. The
Saints also had many successes in the development of young players with several players representing Mackay,
Capricornia, North Queensland, and even Queensland, not to mention our juniors involved in the Gold Coast Suns
Academy programs. If you or someone you know is interested in being a part of this positive club culture at the North
Mackay Saints please don’t hesitate to contact the Pioneer SHS HPE staff for further details or by finding an up to date
contact list on the clubs website: www.northmackayafc.aflq.com.au