Year 6 to 7 Transition

On Monday 6 December 2021 the Year 6 students are to meet in the Dramarma area at 8:30am.

Administration Opening Hours

The school administration office will open Tuesday 18 January 2022 from 8:30am to 4pm for general office enquiries, Resource Hire Scheme payments and enrolments. Please phone 4945 0111 for enrolment appointments.

School commences on Monday 24 January 2022

Australia Day holiday - Wednesday 26 January 2022.

Year 12 Formal and Farewell

Our graduating students have taken great pride in their school, have a strong sense of school spirit and have made everlasting friendships. They have been outstanding contributors to the school community and I congratulate them on their successes. We have witnessed amazing achievements, unique talent and great skill amongst this cohort.

Their leadership capabilities displayed throughout the year is a testament to these incredible young men and women. Their contribution to our school community has been greatly admired and appreciated. I acknowledged this work at our Annual Awards Ceremony, however going beyond our school leaders I also commend the large proportion of our graduates who have led such strong moral integrity across our school and beyond.  The initiatives you have commenced will continue to grow and make our school more inclusive, building on the foundations of kindness and empathy. 

On behalf of the school I wish you all the best of luck and “CHASE YOUR DREAMS” at every opportunity.

Student Achievements

Our students continue to achieve great recognition for the outstanding commitment and dedication to their individual areas of interest and talent:

Australian Science Olympiads - Year 8 student, Ray Kohlhepp-Zeng achieved a distinction for the Junior Science Olympiad. Year 11 student, Mac Rogers, achieved a distinction for both the Senior Chemistry and Physics Olympiads.

Science Teachers’ Association of QLD – QLD Science Contest - Year 10 student, Sam Rogers won first place in Engineering and Technology for his Scara Robotic Arm.

TAFE - Year 11 student, Alex Davidson won the TAFE at School Outstanding Achievement Award for Certificate II Engineering Pathways.

Junior Secondary Transition

The Junior Secondary School at Proserpine State High School is designed to meet the needs of the young adolescents in Year 7 to Year 9. This stage of adolescence is one of intense growth and change in the lives of young people and the school considers many developmental factors when planning for their learning.

Our junior school is founded on:

• An understanding on the nature of our adolescents
• Social development and building self-esteem
• Developing positive relationships amongst students and teachers
• Engagement in learning
• Considering the demands of a rapidly changing world
• Promoting the future leaders of our community.

Our final Transition Day will be held on Monday 6 December with students meeting at the Dramarama near the Multi-Purpose Hall at the commencement of the day. I look forward to seeing our new students as they eagerly get ready for 2022.

Maintaining Expectations and Standards

Our students have been addressed on full assembly over recent weeks regarding the importance of maintaining school expectations and standards in the final weeks of the school year. At this stage of the year students should be focused on the completion of assessment and exam preparation. I strongly encourage parents to reiterate this message to their children and support them to achieve their potential. Inappropriate behaviour in class, particularly actions that prevent others from learning will not be tolerated and appropriate consequences applied at this stage of the year.

School Uniform

I urge parents to take note of the School Uniform Policy to ensure students are adequately prepared for the 2022 school year. I will be expecting that students are in the school uniform as outlined in the policy on their first day of the new school year.

Attendance is Important in the Last Weeks of Term

Making Every Day Count 

As we near the end of the school year, it’s important to remember that all students are required to attend school every day until the end of term which is Friday 10 December 2021. Not only is attendance at school a legal requirement, but being at school helps students to achieve more and builds social and emotional skills such as communication, teamwork and resilience.

School TV

SPECIAL REPORT

In today’s world, it is common to hear socially offensive language on the streets, on social media channels, streaming services and in some forms of modern music. While swearing is becoming more common and less taboo, the use of derogatory language or the act of swearing at someone, or about someone, is a form of verbal violence. It transgresses the usual rules of social interaction by impinging on an individual’s self-image and sense of dignity.

It is becoming apparent that some young people are being influenced by the language they hear. Proliferating the use of swear words can sometimes normalise, glamorise and desensitise their impact for kids who may misunderstand the true meaning of some derogatory terms. Whilst some students may use swearing or derogatory terms as a misguided attempt at belonging, others may use it simply because they are still learning how to moderate their language and are not accustomed to making adjustments to suit different situations.

Although many schools enforce a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to swearing and derogatory language, parents need to also play an important part in enforcing this approach. Parents and carers can be proactive in monitoring what their children are viewing or being exposed to. Discussing the use of words or the origin of some derogatory terms and gaining insight into the reason behind their child’s use of such language can help prevent inappropriate or disrespectful language filtering into the classroom or the school yard, which in turn helps to build more tolerant, safe and connected communities.

This Special Report offers a number of guidelines to help manage a suitable approach when discussing the importance of respectful language. We hope you take a moment to reflect on the information offered, and as always, we welcome your feedback. If this raises any concerns for you, a loved one or the wellbeing of your child, please seek medical or professional help.

Here we are at the pointy end of the school term. There is lots going on in the last couple of weeks of Term 4. Students will be very busy right now completing assessment for all of their units. Now is definitely not the time to ease off the hard work. Students need to finish strong and put in their very best effort. A lot of assessments will be due at the end of this week however, curriculum work will continue in classes and it is important that students understand this.

Behaviour Expectations

Year 10 and 11 students finish their schooling at the end of this week. Naturally, this brings an atmosphere that the end of the school year is near. This is a 10-week term and the school rules and expectations will remain right until the end for those students continuing to attend school. Students will be expected to continue to uphold the core values of respect, responsibility and engagement until the school year ends. The school will maintain their high standards for all rules – including phone usage right up until the end of the term.

Absence from School

I understand that some families make the decision to head off on early holidays at this time of the year. If this is the case for you it is important that you communicate with the office and your child’s teachers to ensure all assessment is complete and up to date. Please let the office know promptly if you intend for your child to miss any school days.

Uniform

Standards for uniform remain the same as they do all year. Over the last few weeks incorrect shoes have been making their way into the school. The uniform expectations are that shoes are completely black. Students will be issued with detentions if they do not wear the appropriate uniform.

I understand that in some cases students may have outgrown their shoes over the year and there is a reluctance to purchase new shoes so close to the end of the year. If purchasing correct shoes is not something that can occur before the school year recommences please write an email or note requesting a uniform pass for the remainder of the year. This will be issued by the year level Deputy Principal. This is only something we feel comfortable doing under special circumstances at this time of the year.

Upcoming Events:

James Cook University Excursion (For invited Year 8 students) – Friday 26 November 2021

A group of students have been invited to attend an excursion to JCU Townsville campus. The aim of the program is to provide students with various career tasters to assist in identifying and shaping their future ambitions, assist with student subject choices in senior schooling and to promote positive post school pathways to tertiary education.

• Uniform – Proserpine State High School formal uniform
• Transport:
  • Pick-up 1 – 5:45 am - Cannonvale State School (Coral Esplande)
  • Pick-up 2 – 6:15 am – Proserpine State High School (Ruge Street)
  • Drop-off 1 – 5:30pm – Proserpine State High School (Ruge Street)
  • Drop-off 2 – 6:00 pm Cannonvale State School (Coral Esplande)
•  Bring – morning tea, water bottle, hat. (Lunch will be provided to students and staff by JCU.)

Final Formal Assembly – Friday 3 December 2021

This assembly will be an opportunity to reflect on the achievements of the Junior Secondary students for the year. Certificates will be handed out for students who have received Gold Awards throughout the year with one to be handed out to a student who has managed to receive a gold certificate every term over Years 7, 8 and 9.

100% attendance certificates will also be handed out at this assembly. 

Eco Barge Excursion – Friday 3 December 2021

A group of Year 9 students have taken advantage of a fantastic opportunity by signing up to attend an excursion to Eco Barge Clean Seas Headquarters. Thanks to Mrs Noble for organising the excursion to allow students to connect with this local community program. Students have already signed up to this excursion and will depart after attending the end of year assembly. 

Week 10 - Final week of school

More information will come soon about the final week of school including what students need to bring, wear and if the canteen is available that day.

Transition Day – Monday 6 December 2021

Our final Transition Day will take place for the incoming enrolled Year 7 students. On this day students will be placed in their 2022 core classes. They will participate in bonding activities, tour the school and familiarise themselves with our school’s policies and procedures.

Students are to meet in the Proserpine State High School school hall from 8:30am onwards. They should wear their primary school uniform including hat, bring their pencil cases, morning tea and lunch. The canteen will also be open on this day.

Semester Report Card

Report cards will be emailed home Monday 6 December 2021 starting at 4pm.

Behaviour Incentive Day – Wednesday 8 December 2021

Eligible students are invited to participate in the annual Incentive Day celebrating their positive behaviour and effort in the classroom over the year. This day is for those students who have received any combination of 2 gold, silver or bronze behaviour and effort certificates over the year. We believe that these efforts should be rewarded and many fun activities are available for these students on this day. We are able to pay for these activities thanks to the P&C’s continued support.

Students who are not eligible to participate in this day will be in classrooms completing curriculum-based work. 

Industry News

Employment

Proserpine Machinery Service – have a trade assistant position for a student completing Year 10.  This could turn into an apprenticeship for the right person.

GSL – have a position for an aviation engineering apprenticeship. They are looking for someone with an interest in the manufacturing/mechanical field. To apply send you resume to trent@gslgroup.com.au . Also available are a Tourism Operations Traineeship and a Marine Operations Traineeship (Certificate III in Maritime Operations).

Hayman Island – have short term contracts in the housekeeping and kitchen departments  available over the festive period. Must be 18 years old as will be required to live on the island. Financial incentives apply. 

Dream Yacht Charters are looking for an Operations Administration Officer – Please see attached flyer for details.

Dream Yacht Charters – require cleaners and detailers for the holiday period.  Please email your resume to karen@yachtcharters.com.au and if you don’t have a resume give them a call and they will be happy to interview you.

Prince of Wales Hotel – looking to for staff for the Bistro. Email you resume to powhotel.proserpine@hotmail.com

TASSAL Group – if you are looking for work in the aquaculture industry Tassal are looking for staff for a variety of positions. 

CHI CHIZ Café – is looking for staff. To apply drop in or call 4945 2005 and ask for Diane.

Parkrun – has a position for a Operations Assistant.

Plastering Apprenticeship – no resume required, just phone 0473 045 112.

Angel Sign – signwriting apprenticeship. Send your resume to Jay at info@angelsigns.net.au

Administration and Guest Services Assistant – this is a great opportunity for anyone interested in getting into the tourism industry. Position to start early December. Main skills/duties, confident polite phone manner as well as face-to-face contact with guests. Strong clear communication skills both verbal and written. Drivers licence required. Email your resume to cait@whitsundayholidayrentals.com.au

Administration person required for a busy electrical business. Forward your resume to myself at bport82@eq.edu.au

Peries IGA – looking for an apprentice butcher. Email your resume to jane.hopkins@fir.edu.au

For more details in any of the above positions, please contact Mrs Porter.

School-Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships

Peries IGA – are offering two school-based traineeships for a Certificate III in Business. Please email your resume to Jane Hopkins - janehopkins@fir.edu.au

Hungry Jacks – have a number of job openings for school students. This could lead to a school based traineeship for a Certificate III in Hospitality. 

City Beach  -  Certificate III in Retail – for a Thursday traineeship/work day.

In Terms 3 and 4, several Year 7 and 8 classes have had the opportunity to engage with students in Japan via zoom. This allowed Japanese learners to provide meaning to their learning whilst attempting to communicate in fun and engaging ways, despite having a language barrier. After several zoom calls and communications, Yokohama Sogakukan and Proserpine State High School decided to send each other a ‘gift box’; containing many goodies and foods that are famous in their own countries. We also included a small toy boomerang, our national flag, and some koala keychains for the students in Japan.

Our students opened the boxes on camera together on 11 November; Proserpine State High School students got to watch as the students from Yokohama Sogakukan tried vegemite and looked through the giftbox we sent them. Our students then got to try Watermelon Konjac Jelly as well as many other foods from Japan. After our video call finished, Proserpine State High School students proceded to respond in Japanese and English to some letters from the students in Japan. Overall, Proserpine State High School students thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to try new foods and receive small gifts from Yokohama Sogakukan, with many Proserpine State High School students taking home the origami that was hand made for us.

2021 Certificate II Agriculture Graduation

Congratulations to Sam Muller and Luke Handley on receiving the 2021 bursaries from the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes (RAOB). Sam and Luke have had terrific attendance for the course, always had the full PPE expected and a good work ethic. These three attributes will allow them to succeed in any field of work. It is reassuring to hear that both are moving into a similar career and they will be able to put what they have learnt into practice.

L-R: Chris Lane, Sam Muller, Luke Handley and Mike Gill

Thank you to Mike and the other members of the RAOB for their continuing contribution to the course. The vouchers to the value of $250 and $150 for the students is greatly appreciated.

Well done to our other graduating students. They have all worked at developing their skills. They complied a large fencing project recently and have worked with the stock, sheep and cattle this year learning about low stress stock handling. We need to recognise the support we get from several of the local cattleman that give their time to support the course and the students.

The quad bike training was the most enjoyable part of the course this year. We feel this is still an important skill to deliver with the high annual injury rate. Students were expected to operate the machine in difficult terrain. With the techniques taught, students were able to get around the course safely.

Health Matters

Practice self-care and make yourself a priority

The first step in practicing self-care is to take care of your body. 

• Make time to eat a healthy diet - research has shown that what you eat and don’t eat affects the way you think and feel. Salads at meal times are easy, nutritious and tasty!
• Exercise can help decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods. Increasing your activity, even by a small amount is better than doing none.
• Get enough sleep. Why not make a goal to go to bed early for the next week and see how much better you feel.

Engage in activities that provide meaning: Get involved in an activity that makes you feel happy, productive and/or creative. Why not join in an online exercise or art class. You could organise dinner with friends or arrange to do an activity with people you like to be around.

Engage in meditation and/or mindfulness: Research shows that relaxation exercises may improve your state of mind, outlook on life and help you feel calmer.

Avoid heavy substance use. It is important to keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Many people use alcohol and other drugs to "self-medicate" but in reality, substance use may get in the way of your ability to function at work or school, maintain a stable home life, handle life’s difficulties, and relate to others.

Get help from a licensed mental health professional when and if you need it. Seeking help is a sign of strength — not a weakness. Just as it requires effort to build and maintain physical health, so it is with mental health.

Click here for everyday mental health tips https://www.bbrfoundation.org/blog/everyday-mental-health-tips

Link and Launch

Leaving school after graduating Year 12 can be fun and scary. We are excited to announce that in 2021 we have a new Link and Launch Program to support Year 12 completers to navigate study, work and training opportunities. Let us help you take your next step.

Click here for details about the program https://www.wethedifferents.qld.edu.au/link-launch/

OR contact Shelley at the school on ssimp208@eq.edu.au or call, text 0467 858 781 to let us know if you’d like to be contacted.

For any students finishing school or perhaps leaving the area, can I ask you to consider donating your uniforms that are no longer required to the Uniform Store. We have requests to supply an item of uniform for surprisingly varied reasons and while most times they do come back, we appreciate donations that keep us with enough items to be able to continue to offer this assistance to our students. 

Administive Officer Level 2

Expression of Interest (NEW role)

Administrative Officer Level 2 - 01/12 – 10/07/22 with possibility of extension

Expressions of interest are sought for the temporary position of Administrative Officer Level 2 for 5 days per week (36.25 hours) for the period 01/12/21 to 10/07/2022 with the possibility of extension.

The successful applicant will be working in the administration office supporting members of the Administration Executive - Principal, Deputy Principals and Business Managers performing a range of the following duties:

• Assisting with Principal communications and community partnerships;
• Event management in accordance with Deputy Principal roles
• Timetabling and subject selection with students,
• Preparing and lodging student suspensions and other confidential submissions;
• Assisting with marketing and public relations; and
• Other administrative duties as directed by Executive staff

The salary range is between $1966 and $2340 dependent on experience and qualifications.  Other allowances may apply.

Interested applicants are to submit a resume and an A4 sheet outlining why you would be the best person for the job whilst addressing the key capabilities as listed in the position description under “How you will be assessed”.  The position description is available on the school website. 

Please include with your resume the names and contact details of 2 employment referees.

The successful applicant will be required to hold a current Blue Card and undergo a Criminal History Check prior to commencing.  For further information, please contact Jan Phillips, BM on 4945 0110 or jphil99@eq.edu.au.

Signed and dated EOI’s should be emailed to principal@proserpineshs.eq.edu.au or submitted at the school office no later than 1500 on Tuesday 30 November 2021.

Girl's Formal Uniform for sale

1 x size 10K skirt
1 x size 14Y or 8 shirt
Both in very good condition
$10 each
Phone 0400 084 111

Termination of Enrolment Procedures

It is the responsibility of a parent/guardian to notify the school administration by letter, email or phone prior to a student terminating enrolment. A forwarding address and bank account details should be provided for future correspondence and possible financial refunds and, if known, the new school which the student will be attending  or whether the student has sought employment. On the last day of attendance, the student must bring to school all textbooks and library books. 

If your student participated in the CYOD Program where the school purchased the devise for you, there is a process to follow. Your device will need to be handed into the library for school software to be removed and ownership of the device changed over to the family.

If all school resources have been returned, in good condition and you are participating in the Resource Hire Scheme, you may be eligible for a pro-rata refund which will be forwarded to the supplied address or deposited into the bank account supplied. 

Return of Textbooks

Parents and students are reminded that all textbooks, library books and other resources loaned to students under the Resource Hire Scheme must be returned to the school before the student completes the 2021 school year. It is vital that every effort is made to return the resources to the school as purchase of replacement items diverts funds away from other areas of need.

ID Cards

A school ID Card will need to be produced to obtain the student discount if your planning to travel during the school holidays or go to the movies in the city. ID Cards can be collected from the school office as they are a part of the Resource Hire Scheme at no cost to you! If you have misplaced your ID Card, a replacement will cost $5.

App Available

Stay up-to-date with all the latest school news with SZapp. Using SZapp will give you easy access to information such as:

• Newsletters on the go
• Latest news and reminders
• School calendar
• Forms and documents
• Subscription and contact forms.

Click on the SZapp on the left hand side of this newsletter for instructions on how to upload the app.

Facebook Page

For the lastest news and any important school alerts, please 'like' the high school on Facebook. It is a key point of information regarding changes to school routine, upcoming events, good news stories, etc.

Lost Property

Students please check the lost property at the office and the Junior Secondary area as the stands are overflowing with jumpers found lying around the school. There are also heaps of other items such as lunchboxes, water bottles, school hats, sports shirts and shorts.

If it jewellery/valuables that has gone astray, please check at the office.

Hurry and collect it/them as all items will be donated to charity at the end of term.

Movie Opportunity

There is a feature film shoot coming to the Whitsunday region at the end of this year and one of our past students, Holly Gramsch (Judd) is assisting the casting team in sourcing some local talent to appear as extras. This is both adults and young people.

Attached is the "Self-Cast Pack" that needs to be returned from each individual talent who is interested in being submitted for consideration on the film. To note - children under 16 years are required to have a parent/legal guardian as a chaperone on set, those aged 16 years and older can work on set without a chaperone. The film will be looking for young and old and everything in between. 

Please return self-cast packs by email to agent@williamsmgt.com

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