Issue No : 16 Date : 9th October 2015

we strive for the best

ADDRESS

Valley Street

PO Box 8333

MT PLEASANT QLD 4740

PHONE 07 4963 1666

STUDENT ABSENCES 07 4963 1660

FAX 07 4963 1600

EMAIL

the.principal@macknortshs.eq.edu.au

WEBSITE

www.macknortshs.eq.edu.au

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STATE LAWN BOWLS CHAMPIONSHIPS

Just prior to attending the Snowies Tour, students Kolbee English & Dylan

Rudorfer travelled to Brisbane to compete in the QLD Schools Bowls

Championships. With limited experience, they played against the rest of the state

and did themselves, families and school proud. From the 10 games played, they

won 4, drew 1 and lost 5 (3 of them by 3 shots or less) and finished 9th (out of

15). Well done Kolbee and Dylan!

Thank you to Dale Dixon and North Mackay Bowls Club for coaching and use of

bowls and Gary Putland at South Suburban Bowls Club for his help in getting our

bowlers to the titles.

Welcome to Term 4! Staff and students have already hit

the ground running this week in preparation for their last

term of classwork and assessment. Term 4 is also packed

with information evenings, cultural events and

presentations evenings.

Next week there will be a Bring Your Own Device (BYOx) information evening for all parents of

current Year 9, 10 and 11 students. During this session you will receive further information about the

program and the personal devices your students can bring to school in 2016.

Our school uniform committee are in the process of designing a day / formal uniform for our

students. Initially, the uniform will not be compulsory and the implementation of the day uniform will

be phased-in over the period of a year. Students will be encouraged to purchase the uniform in 2016

and wear it as a day uniform and when attending formal school functions. Members of the uniform

committee include staff, students and a P & C representative. All uniform policy changes go through

the P & C. More information on the day uniform will be available soon.

The Responsible Behaviour Plan has now been reviewed and updated. This policy will be approved

by the P & C and then published on our website. There are no major changes in the plan, however it

does incorporate the mobile devices behaviour guidelines, and it also makes reference to our school

values of respect, resilience and confidence.

In the last week of Term 3 we held our second EXO (Life is Excellent) Day in conjunction with R U

OK? Day. Students adorned themselves in yellow clothing and embellishments while participating in

a range of activities in the hall. This day links in with Mental Health Week which was recognised

nationally this week.

The mental health of our students is an absolute priority for us at North High. Our WAVE program

that runs from Year 7 to 12 is an important component of well-being in our school. Recently, you will

have received an email from the school with some sad news and some information from

Headspace. Headspace is a well-recognised support service for students who may be experiencing

mental health issues. At North we also have a very supportive student services team consisting of

two guidance officers, a Chaplain,

a school nurse, a Youth Support

Coordinator and Community

Education Counsellor, who are

available to our students.

Finally, please remember to

encourage your student to attend

school throughout the term, right

up until the end of term: Every

day counts!

Jane Grieger

FFFROMROMROM TTTHEHEHE PPPRINCIPALRINCIPALRINCIPAL

RespectRespectRespect ResilienceResilienceResilience ConfidenceConfidenceConfidence

The Australian federal government is no longer supporting the National Secondary School Computer Funds (NSSCF), which enabled Mackay North State High School (MNSHS) for the last four years to run a 1-to-1 laptop programme for students in Years 9, 10, 11 and12. Therefore, 2015 is the last year in which MNSHS will run a 1-to-1 laptop programme.

So, in keeping with the school motto, “We strive for the best”, MNSHS will continue striving towards relevant engaging learning environments and experiences that meet the needs of our students in the 21st Century. MNSHS is committed to continuing a 1-to-1 device to student ratio. That is why MNSHS will introduce Bring Your Own Device (BYOx) program for all grades. (The ‘x’ in the BYOx represents more than a personally-owned mobile device; it also includes software, applications, connectivity or carriage service.)

Currently in 2015, students in Years 7 and 8 are participating in the BYOx-iPad program to assist them with their studies in Junior Secondary. In 2016 the BYOx-iPad program will be extended to the students in year 9.

However, students in Years 10-12 will need to bring their privately own devices to assist them in their studies. With that in mind, we have looked at the requirements for the subjects studied. Students who study subjects that require internet connection, word processing and spreadsheet applications are categorized as the “core technology”. Subjects that require more specific requirements are identified as requiring “specialist technology”.

Mackay North State High School has chosen to implement a BYOx model because:

Federal Government funding has not been continued so BYOx ensures a continuation of the 1-to-1 device to student ratio laptop program and enables seamless movement between school, work, home and play.

Our BYOx program will assist students to improve their learning outcomes in a contemporary educational

setting.

Assist students to become responsible digital citizens that will prepare them for their future studies and careers.

Therefore, we are inviting all parents and guardians of students in Years 10 to 12 in 2016 to a Parent Information Night on Tuesday 13 October from 6:00 - 7:00pm in the Auditorium in the Senior Centre. The purpose of the parent night will be to inform and provide information to parents on:

The MNSHS BYOx program

The MNSHS BYOx Acceptable Use Policy

The MNSHS BYOx Handbook

Procurement and purchasing options for devices

They will also be invited to take part frequently asked questions session

Benefits of BYOx

A solution to maintain a 1-to-1 model for our students, providing them with access to technology 24/7

Greater capacity to participate and deliver inquiry / project based learning with greater student choice and differentiation

Students are comfortable and confident using a device they are familiar with

Students may personalise their devices to suit their own learning

Allow a greater range of parental choice in the purchase of devices

Creating a diverse community of devices helping to enhance awareness of emerging technologies

Expose staff to a wide range of platforms which further develops ICT capabilities

Promoting reciprocal learning between staff and students in a contemporary learning environment

If you have any concerns or questions please don’t hesitate to contain me on 4963-1719 or jdool22@eq.edu.au

John Doolan

HOD of Technology and Library

Minimum Device Specifications - Laptop When purchasing a device for school please present this checklist to your vendor and ensure the device meets the following minimum specifications:

Year 10, 11 & 12

Type Minimum Specification

Does the device meet

specifications?

Core Specialist Yes No

Platform Windows or Apple Mac

Wireless* Dual-band (2.4 & 5 GHz) wireless capabilities. 2.4GHz (g/b/n) is required to connect to most home networks. 5GHz (a or ac) is required to connect to the school network.

Dual-band (2.4 & 5 GHz) wireless capabilities. 2.4GHz (g/b/n) is required to connect to most home networks. 5GHz (a or ac) is required to connect to the school network.

Screen Size Between 10” & 16” – 14” or 15” preferred

Between 10” & 16” – 14” or 15” preferred

Processor* Intel i3, Celeron® Processor Quad Core (64 bit compatible) or higher

5th generation Intel i5 or higher or equivalent

RAM* 4 GB or higher 8 GB

Hard Drive* 64 GB or higher 128 GB or higher

Operating System (OS)* Windows 7, 8, 10 Mac OS 10.10.4 Yosemite or higher NOT SUPPORTED: Android, Windows RT, Chromebook and distributions of Linux (e.g. Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc.)

Windows 7, 8, 10 Mac OS 10.10.4 Yosemite or higher NOT SUPPORTED: Android, Windows RT, Chromebook and distributions of Linux (e.g. Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc.)

Features Keyboard, USB port, headphone port, in-built microphone, webcam

USB port, audio in/out, in-built microphone, VGA or HDMI (or adapter), Camera (plus SD or Micro SD)

Battery Life 6+ hours 6+ hours

Anti-virus software Parent’s choice Parent’s choice

Other Mouse, protective case, accidental damage, loss & theft insurance, 3 year warranty

* If this minimum specification is not met, this device is not supported by Education Queensland and may not connect to the school network. (Note: Windows 10 currently may not be compatible)

Artwork of the Month

Torture Drawing

Lily Cooper

Year 10

Year 12 end of year events

Thursday 29th October: Year 12 Choices Program

Wednesday 4th November: Valedictory Assembly

Wednesday 4th November: Awards Night

Friday 6th November: Sports Awards

Friday 13th November: Blocked Exams

Wednesday 18th November: Graduation

Thursday 19th November: Prom

Friday 20th November: Last day of school

Year 12 Coordinator, Mrs Cridland (49 631 728)

Senior Schooling HOD, Mr Beanland (49631732)

Please note: All resources must be returned and fees

paid as directed.

General Business

Years 9 – 12

Please return outstanding Student

Resource Scheme Participation forms

and pay any due fees. Fees must be

paid for students to be able to

participate in end of year activities.

When leaving school in the afternoons,

students should cross the street only in front of

the Admin building and pay attention to the

traffic and cross with care.

Please be sure your students are aware of the

need for caution for their safety and the safety

of others.

Parents are reminded that they are to

slow down to 40kms per hour along

Valley Street especially in the school

zone when

collecting their

children in the

afternoons.

Manufacturer’s Instruction for the Care of Junior School Shirts

(Year 7 & 8 only)

The Junior School shirts are made from a high

performing Coolex fabric, which is wrinkle free,

rapid drying, anti-bacterial and has superior air

flow function.

Coolex micromesh fabric is “snag-resistant” but

not “snag-proof”. This is the same for all polyester

micromesh fabrics.

To prevent snagging we recommend that you

prevent friction against coarse surfaces. If the

fabric snags due to contact with abrasive

materials, please do not pull the thread because it

will destroy the fabric. It is recommended that the

fibre head is cut off with sharp scissors. Washing:

Do not bleach. Cold or warm machine wash. May

be tumble dried. Do not iron. Dry cleanable.

North High P & C Supporting Student Achievement

P&C Meetings are held in the school library from 6:30pm every 3rd Monday of the month. All are welcome.

For more information contact: Trina Saunders 0414 480 737 kerry.trina@gmail.com

Sherri Savage at the school on Phone

October 19 November 16

P & C Meeting Dates for 2015

North High has just signed a Smith Family Learning for life Partnership

The Smith family provides

disadvantaged children with support to

help them thrive and succeed in

education. As part of this partnership

scholarships and programs are offered to eligible

students at North.

The Smith Family Learning for Life Scholarship

This scholarship is now open for applicants

Do you meet the following criteria?

Have a Health Care Card or Pension Card

Student must have 80% or greater attendance

Student must be in Year 7 or 8

Please contact Karen O’Keefe - Guidance Office for

more information. Phone: 4963 1738 North High has a photo shoot

This week we had a professional

photographer taking photos of students

working and relaxing around the school.

These will be used in

publications that we put out from

time to time. One day you may

see a picture of your child

promoting education at North.

SNOWIES TOUR 2015 During the September holidays, 44 students in Year 11 & 12 were accompanied by 5 staff on the Mackay North

SHS Snowies Tour. Braving an early start to the holidays, the tour group headed off to Jindabyne to begin their

adventure in the snow.

After collecting the luggage at Canberra Airport, the group was taken to the Australian War Memorial where

everyone was able to explore Australia’s history in conflict and the sacrifices many men and women have

made (and continue to make). Many students in the group went and said “Hello” to the “boys” on the Walls of

Commemoration – some of them relatives, some of them researched and commemorated as part of the

schools “Lest We Forget” tours, a lot though, completely unknown. Following the visit to the memorial,

everyone said, “Until next time cobber”, and headed off to our final destination in Jindabyne.

With anticipation (and frost) in the air, the group eagerly boarded the bus the next morning for the first of 5

days of skiing, or snowboarding, and headed up Alpine Way to the Perisher Blue Ski Resort in the Australian

Alps. The group took to the slopes like a polar bear to ice and learned how to shred the snow. This was to be

the way it would be for the next 4 days, with everyone getting expert coaching from the highly experienced

instructors at Perisher. The group rarely had a moment to relax, with many activities keeping them busy while

on the snow. By day – shred snow, by night – there was trivia, a trip to the movies and an experience to

remember with night skiing (in -4°C weather, snow falling and fireworks lighting up the night!).

By the end of the 5 days, the

group was exhausted and ready

to head to Sydney for a break.

After saying thank you and

goodbye to our wonderful hosts at

the Acacia Snowy Motel and also

to the crew at The Shed for the

hire equipment, the group

travelled to Sydney and before

checking in to the hotel, went to

the Sydney Football Stadium for a

tour of the facilities (including the

Sydney Cricket Ground).

Following this historical and

informative tour, the group was off

to the accommodation at Aarons

Hotel and to get ready for a night

out in Darling Harbour – with Laser Tag and arcade gaming on offer. This experience somewhat made up for

not being able to attend an NRL match (no Sydney teams hosted a match!). The relaxing part of the tour came

the following day, when students were able to explore Sydney – some chose to go to Bondi Beach, others to

Taronga Zoo, some chose to go to the Sydney Aquarium, while others were quite happy enjoying the shopping

experience of Sydney. To finish what had been an amazing tour, the group visited Luna Park for one last night

of fun. The next morning brought about the dreaded end to the tour as the group was taken to the airport and

put on the plane from Sydney to Mackay – with a large amount of donuts taken on board – and defrost for a

week before coming back for the last term of the year.

Thank you to all the students, parents and staff – Mrs Kemp, Ms Potgieter, Mrs Simpkins and Mrs Wood who

were involved in this trip. Without your support, this tour would not have been as successful as it was and the

students would have not received this wonderful opportunity to be educated on a variety of things.

Planning has now commenced for the 2016 Snowies Tour. Students wanting to participate in this tour will

express their interest in the near future, and more information will be distributed shortly after this. These will be

advertised on daily notices to students.

Daniel Smith

Snowies Tour Coordinator

Snowies 2015

Year 7 and 8 Sports Day Soccer

Well done to all of the Year 7 and 8 students who participated in a day of soccer, on the Sports Day on Wednesday 16th

September. A huge thank you to the Mr Smith and teachers who allowed us to participate in such a fun event. We took

40 students to Barbour Park to compete against other schools. Great job to the North A boys team, who won the

overall finals. A special well done to the girl’s team who came in a controversial second (the team they played in the

finals had extra players on the field). The North B boys team played well, had fantastic teamwork and came in third

overall. North A scored a mammoth 15 goals in the five games played on the day (even the goally had a go). North B

scored 5 goals and the girls team scored 11 goals over the day.

“Everyone had a fantastic time and behaved exceptionally well, while meeting new people,” explained Johane. Gemma

agrees and says that it was a day that will be hard to forget.

By Johane, Gemma and Bailey Cont’d over

Junior Secondary News

YEAR 7/8 SPORTS DAY – TERM 3

During the final week of Term 3, many students in Years 7 & 8 participated in the Mackay District Secondary Schools

Sports Day. Students travelled to various venues around Mackay to play a sport of their choosing for the day. The

sports on offer included: Netball, Tennis, Rugby League 9’s, Indoor Cricket, Beach Volleyball, Touch Football, AFL,

Soccer & OzTag.

Students who participated thoroughly enjoyed the experience, as they were able to interact with students from other

schools, learn about their chosen sport and be informed on important aspects of sports such as hydration, nutrition and

sun safety.

Thank you to all the staff & students involved in making the day so enjoyable and successful. Here are some thoughts

of students who attended the sports day:

Jake Wood (7B1) – “Year 7 & 8 Sports Day was fun and I enjoyed playing rugby league. Thanks to all the teachers that

help set it up.”

Alicia Skinner (7B1) – “Year 7/8 Sports Day was really fun and I did OzTag. We didn’t exactly do the best, but we all

still had fun whether we won or lost.”

Braith McCullagh (7B1) – “Year 7 & 8 Sports Day was really good. Everyone that went said it was great. My Sport was

rugby league and we went really well.”

Joel Smith (8F1) – “Sports Day was good exercise and good fun for all teams. We had some wins, we had some loss-

es and we tied one.”

Reilly Kurtz (8F1) – “Sports Day was fun. I chose to do soccer. We didn’t actually win any of our games, but our team

still had a great day.”

Emma Woodward (8F1) – “Sports Day was great. We had fun in the sun at Beach Volleyball. Also, my team ended up

in the semi final but lost.”

2016 Enrolments – Important Dates:

28th October 4:30pm Final School Tour (meet on the Junior Secondary deck)

6th November Final Round of Acceptances

10th November Final Enrolment and iPad Information Evening 6pm (MNSHS Hall)

1st December Orientation Day for 2016 Year 7s

Year 7 and 8 Sports Day Netball

The Year 7 and 8 Sport’s Day was a blast. Some girls and I shared the great experience of netball. We managed to

win every game except our last one. However we only lost by one point and the other team scored in the last sec-

onds of the game. Our team overall played very well and should all be very proud. The other North team did well too.

I would like to thank Mr Smith and Miss Finn for organising the day. I would also like to thank the students in Year 9

and 10 for helping out and coaching the teams. It was a great day and I would gladly do it again. Thank you to every-

one who participated in the day and helped out.

Lily Daniel 7S1

Wednesday afternoon homework assistance and tutoring resumes next Wednesday 3:10 – 4:10pm in Room 801 for Year 7 and 8 students.

SPORTS AWARDS NIGHT

This year will see the 20th Annual Sports Awards Night held on Friday 6

th November. Please

keep this date free – more information will be distributed to students involved through daily

notices and letter home. It will be a great night celebrating the successes of our sporting stars at

North.

ACADEMIC, CITIZENSHIP AND CULTURAL AWARDS NIGHT

Wednesday 4th November

Biggest, Best, First EverBiggest, Best, First EverBiggest, Best, First Ever

Year 7 Bush Camp Year 7 Bush Camp Year 7 Bush Camp ––– Seaforth PinesSeaforth PinesSeaforth Pines

21st 21st 21st ––– 23rd October 23rd October 23rd October

Final payment by Friday 16 October 3.30pm

Medical forms must be returned to Home Group teachers by Wed 14

PARENTS – your students will be

grooving at an eighties disco at

camp… maybe you have the perfect

costume in your wardrobe or will help

them choose at the local Op-shop!

EISTEDDFOD

Eisteddfod time is upon us again! Best wishes to all

students who are performing in the eisteddfod,

particularly those representing our school. FULL

cultural uniform is required for all instrumental

sections as well as the full choir section. ALL students

representing the school in the eisteddfod MUST return a

signed permission form to Mrs George.

TUESDAY EVENING: October 13: Junior Secondary

Concert Band

The session starts at 6.30pm and students need to be at

the Entertainment Centre by 6.00pm to tune and warm

up. The Middle School section is the first on, starting at

6.30pm. Our group is performing “Celtic Air and Dance”.

WEDNESDAY MORNING, October 14: Senior

Concert Band and Senior String Orchestra

Students in these ensembles will need to be at the

Entertainment Centre by 8.00am. The session starts at

8.30am. The school will be providing a coach to take these

students back to school after their performances (providing

they are in the first sixty to return their permission forms) .

The Senior Concert Band section is first and our ensemble is

performing “Whiteleaf Overture”. The String Orchestra

section is the second one for the morning and our group is

performing “Storm Rider”.

MONDAY EVENING: October 19: Folk Group

Students in this section need to meet Mrs George in the foyer

at 7.00pm. The session begins at 6.30pm and the Folk Group

section is the third for the evening. It is preceded by the

Show Choir section for Primary Schools (always a very

entertaining section!).

TUESDAY AFTERNOON: October 20: Full Choir (2

sections)

Students in the vocal group will need to be at the

Entertainment Centre by 1.15pm. The session starts at

1.00pm. The school will be providing a coach to transport the

vocal students from school to the Entertainment Centre, but

parents will have to pick the students up from the

Entertainment Centre after their performances (probably

between 3.30pm and 4.00pm). If you wish your student to

travel from school to the Entertainment Centre on the

coach, please indicate this on the permission form

below.

TUESDAY EVENING: October 20: Show Choir

Students in the Show Choir section need to meet Mrs Power

in the foyer at 6.30pm. The session begins at 6.30pm and

there are four very short sections before the Show Choir

section.

KAREN JACOBSEN

Just before the holidays, our music students were

privileged to receive a visit from our past student,

Karen Jacobsen, whom people know as the GPS

Girl and the voice of Siri – but is also a renowned

recording artist in New York. We were delighted to

welcome Karen back to our school and the students

were mesmerised by her moving performances and her

life story which proves that with enough determination

and persistence, dreams do come true. Karen was an

outstanding music student while she was at North High

and it is wonderful to see how she has carved out such

a successful career in the Performing Arts area.

SHOWCASE CONCERT – Tuesday night, October 27

starting at 7.00pm

Our main cultural concert for the year is fast

approaching. This is always a fantastic night of

entertainment showcasing the wonderful

achievements of our students during the year. All of

our impressive instrumental and vocal ensembles will be

performing as well as our spectacular Rock Pop Mime

entries. Do come along and support our extremely talented

performing arts students – the concert will certainly be

finished by 9.00pm. Entry is by way of a $5.00 donation at

the door.

Kathy GEORGE

HOD – Performing Arts

Photo courtesy Mackay Daily Mercury

PERFORMING ARTS NEWS