Corner Broadwater and Ham RoadsMansfield QLD 4122Subscribe:Subscribe: https://mansfieldshs.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email:Email: info@mansfieldshs.eq.edu.auPhone:Phone: 07 3452 5333

Fax:Fax: 07 3452 5300

Mrs Karen TanksMrs Karen TanksExecutive PrincipalExecutive Principal

1 September 20201 September 2020

From the Executive Principal’s Desk

Engagement, Writing,Feedback and RetrievalDear Parents, Caregiversand StudentsSometimes, we are given messages atthe exact time we need them. Whetheryou would like to attribute this to areligious deity, some higher being, fateor the universe benevolently trying to

steer you in a more positive direction, it does not really matter;just that you take the more uplifting and helpful path. I realisethis is quite a philosophical departure from my usual newslettertopics, but I really cannot help but think there is more thancoincidence that the topic I had flagged for this newsletter, allthe way back in January (yes, I am that organised) wasresilience.

With the news of several COVID cases around Brisbane in thepast few weeks, the thought that there may be implicationsfor my beloved Mansfield SHS, its students, parents and stafffills me with dread. However, I know that as a community, wewill remain strong and steadfast in our response to whateverthe future holds, standing firm in continuing to deliver qualityeducation in a caring environment. This is the Mansfield way.This is resilience!

When I was a child, the word ‘resilience’ was not really usedto describe the capacity to recover quickly from difficulty orhardship. Back then, it was referred to as being able to ‘bounceback’ or ‘roll with the punches’. Being resilient does not meansimply glossing over adversity or not dealing with it at all, but

rather adapting well in the face of difficulty, learning from theexperience and remaining positive throughout and in movingforward. This quote sums it up best:

“Resilience is very different than being numb. Resilience meansyou experience, you feel, you fail, you hurt. You fall. But, youkeep going.” ~ Yasmin Mogahed.

As much as we try to protect our children from negative eventsand experiences, we cannot (and should not) do this for theirentire lives. Experiencing challenges and adversity is a partof life. Finding assessment and some concepts taught in theclassroom difficult is a part of learning and growing. Being ableto cope with the stress of assessment, and the reality that wedo not always do as well as we want to on them, can betempered by doing our absolute best. As we approach finalassessment procedures for our senior students, remember thisis more important than ever. By remaining steadfast in ourefforts to do our very best, and learning from both our successand failures, we build our resilience. Dr Steve Maraboli puts itbest: “Life doesn’t get easier or more forgiving; we get strongerand more resilient.”

One of the greatest lessons we can teach our children is tobe resilient. There is a lot of evidence to suggest that someof us are born with an inherent resilience where challenges donot negatively affect them as severely as others. These kinds ofpeople tend to view themselves as being in control of their owndestiny and see stressful events as an opportunity to learn andgrow, rather than a traumatic experience they will never movebeyond.

The best news is that resilience is not a fixed character trait: wecan all learn to be more resilient and teach our children to beresilient. Here are several ways we can help our young peopledevelop their ability to ‘bounce back’:

1. Cultivate a growth mindset. A growth mindset iswhere students can view failure (such as in an

Mrs Sandy Ebert,Mrs Sandy Ebert,Business ManagerBusiness Manager

As a community, I know Mansfield SHS is resilient. I know wewill face whatever this COVID future holds for us in the spiritof care and strength. By modelling resilience to your children,you are teaching them how to be happier, stronger adults of thefuture.

2020 Early School Leavers SurveyThe Queensland Government is seeking the support of theschool community for the annual survey of year 10, year 11 andyear 12 students who left school in 2019, before completingyear 12. This short, confidential survey collects information

about what young people are doing the year after leavingschool. The results of the survey help provide valuableinformation to improve services available to school leavers inthe future.

Between August and September, these school leavers canexpect to receive instructions to complete a web-based surveyor a telephone call from the Queensland GovernmentStatistician’s Office. Please encourage them to take part. If theircontact details have changed, please assist the interviewer withtheir updated details or forward the survey to their new addressso they can participate.

Thank you for your support of Next Step post-schooldestination surveys in 2020.

For more information, visit the link below or telephone toll freeon 1800 068 587.

http://www.qld.gov.au/nextstep/

Stay safe and well, and have a lovely few weeks with yourfamily.

Business Manager News

PaymentsAs we are continuing to navigate the2020 school year, we are aware thatthere are many families that have had asignificant impact to their financialsituation due to job loss. Full payment of2020 fees is due at the end of this termand we will continue to issue statementsto bring families up to date.

While we do not wish to put any further undue stress onfamilies, we request that if you find yourself in a difficult financialsituation that you reach out and advise us so that we can makesuitable arrangements. We are happy to receive small regularpayments of as little as $20 per fortnight to reduce any feesowing but communication with us is essential so that we areaware of your circumstance.

Please contact me directly on 34525310 to have a confidentialdiscussion or alternately by email at seber7@eq.edu.au

Faculty News

English

Ms Carissa Bladin,Ms Carissa Bladin,Head of DepartmentHead of Department

Mr Kevin Connell,Mr Kevin Connell,Head of DepartmentHead of Department

assessment) as an opportunity to learn and grow,rather than evidence that they wasted their time or achance to throw their hands in the air and give up.The easiest way to boost their growth mindset is tomainly focus on (and reward them for) the effort theyapply, rather than the outcome they receive.

2. Reframe negative events. This is the little voice in ourhead which turns any undesirable event or result - nomatter how big or small - into an enormous andtraumatic experience. For example, when ourstudents are given an assessment for the first time,they may look at it and think, “This assignment is toobig; I will never get it finished.” What can follow is aspiral into despair before the student has evenattempted to start. Instead, the reframe might be, “if Irelax and focus, break down the assignment intosmaller bits and manage my time well, I will finish bythe deadline” or “just making a start is one stepcloser to finishing”.

3. Practice awareness and ‘letting go’ of negativethoughts. This is not about never having a negativethought: that is impossible. Rather, this is aboutsimply noticing that the thought is negative andallowing it to drop away without attaching any specialor greater meaning to it. Modelling this to our childrenis a great way of teaching them how to reduce thestress of an undesirable event and therefore buildtheir resilience.Here is a very recent example: my children wereworried about the recent COVID cases in Brisbane,and my ‘letting go’ response was, “yes it’s worrying,but that’s why we’ll continue to wear masks incrowded places, get ourselves tested if we feel anysymptoms and practice social distancing. Won’twe?” (I may have eyeballed my very social daughterat that moment.)

4. Gratitude. Feeling grateful for the positive aspects ofour lives, of each and every day, is an excellent wayof increasing our satisfaction and happiness. Thebest part about practicing gratitude is that it can bedone just about anywhere and at any time. On theway to school, tell your children what you are gratefulfor (a working car, the sunshine, helpful children, etc)and then ask them to think of one or two things theyare grateful for. Over time, this helps us focus less onbad things, which in turn means we suffer less stresswhen they occur.

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Literary Festival

By Tamzin Ward Kucurs (12N)

In term 3, week 4, Mansfield SHS celebrated our love of books,movies and poetry during our annual Literary Festival.

Staff and students alike embraced the weeklong event withenthusiasm, participating in writing workshops, triviacompetitions, and an author visit by Jim Higgins from theFellowship of Australian Writers (Queensland).

Activities included workshops on scriptwriting for film andtheatre as well as short story writing, an anime and mangaKahoot challenge, and a trivia competition about literature. Ahighlight for the senior students was the poetry slam; the topicswere Dear Prime Minister, Okay Boomer, Letter to My 10Year-Old Self, and Cool it COVID.

In the lead up to Literary Week there were also writing,photography and art competitions, with the winners andrunners up recognised at a special celebration and their workpublished in the Literary Festival Anthology.

Special thanks to Mrs Suarez-Din and all the other teacherswho organised the Literary Festival. Their hard work is verymuch appreciated. What an enjoyable way to reflect on ourlearning and a great memory from this crazy year!

Winners and highly commended

Short StoriesShort Stories

Winner – Lauren Kim (7E)

Highly commended – Zane Weibler (7O)

Year 7

Highly commended – Lucy Eunseo Kwon (7J)

Winner – Kaiya Braam (8F)Year 8

Highly commended – Jasmine Joseph (8P)

Winner – Remy Williams-McConnell (9I)

Highly commended – Sakthishree Sorakkaipeta(9N)

Year 9

Highly commended – Carys Thong (9N)

Winner - Dhruv Alwadhi (10M)Year10

Highly commended – Ayumi Wijesooriya (10S)

Short StoriesShort Stories

Highly commended – Skylette Hercus (10E)

Winner – Aala Cheema (11F)

Highly commended – Billy Rule (11T)

Year11

Highly commended – Eniko Halasz (11I)

Winner - Tamzin Ward Kucurs (12N)

Highly commended – Anika Nagarajan (12R)

Year12

Highly commended – Michelle Hong (12R)

PoetryPoetry

Winner – Jasmine Watson (7I)Year 7

Highly commended – Leah Jung (7M)

Winner – Lily Preston (8G)

Highly commended – Michael Savvakis (8B)

Year 8

Highly commended – Angela Zhang (8I)

Winner – Sophie Watt (9E)Year 9

Highly commended – Zoe Lam (9G)

Winner – Sana Nasir (10N)Year10

Highly commended – Maddison Hatzioannou(10E)

Winner – Deshveena Dass Wilson (11U)Year11

Highly commended – Rose Albert (11O)

Winner - Rabecka Joseph (12M)

Highly commended - Elana Piggott (12B)

Highly commended - Hazel Kang (12M)

Year12

Highly commended - Chelsea Gan (12E)

Found in TranslationFound in Translation

Junior Winner – Leah Jung (7M)

Senior Winner – Vanessa Suen (10F)

Twitter TalesTwitter Tales

Junior Winner – Kaylee Lane (8E)

Senior Winner – Ashleigh Reeves (10P)

Luv-A-LimerickLuv-A-Limerick

Junior Winner – Alexander Johnson (8I)

Senior Winner- Michelle Hong 12R and Rabecka Joseph(12M)

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Mr Craig Healey,Mr Craig Healey,Head of DepartmentHead of Department

Anthology CoverAnthology Cover

Winner Anna-Maria Nguyen (12R)

Highly commended Ayumi Wijesooriya (10S)

Comic ConversionComic Conversion

Winner Melissa Popek (10T)

Highly commended Elizabeth Hogan (10E)

PhotographyPhotography

Junior -Selfie

Winner – Chloe Flintoff (8I)

Junior – OfSomeoneElse

Winner – Shanice Yiu (7E)

Junior –Photo Bomb

Winner – Xavier Curry (8R)

Highly commended – Clea Hall (9I)

Highly commended – Lara Jackson (8B)

Highly commended – Clare Willmott (9N)

Highly commended – Tasfiah Rahmee (8E)

Highly commended – Taffy Pun (8G)

Senior Winner - Cameron Simpson (10G)

Highly commended – Jennifer Parks (12P)

Highly commended – Tamzin Ward Kucurs(12N)

Winner (Individual) – Jasmine Coe (11L)

Winner (Team) – Emily Hughes (7U), EmilySchaeffer (7D), Lexi Dinale (7L)

People’s Choice – Rabecka Joseph (12M)

Critics’ Choice – Ezana Dzafic (12D)

Team Winner – Slime Desu - Cecilia Ju (10A),Vanessa Suen (10R), Mandy Weng (10R)

HPEMansfield SHS has collaborated withThe Athletes Foot Carindale andGarden City through the SchoolRewards Program for many years now.This great fundraising opportunity hasallowed $5 to be donated back to ourschool for each pair of shoespurchased. Thank you to all families ofour Mansfield SHS community forrecommending the school whenpurchasing footwear at The Athletes

Foot. This has enabled our school’s P&C to work together withthe HPE department to purchase new equipment for ourschool. This has included a rebound net, basketballs, netballs,touch balls, sunscreen, ice packs, stopwatches and whistles(pictured below). A big thank you also to The Athletes FootCarindale and Garden City for supporting our school.

Remember to mention Mansfield SHS if you are shopping atThe Athletes Foot Carindale or Garden City to give back to ourschool community.

Pictured with teacher Miss Champion are year 9 studentsPictured with teacher Miss Champion are year 9 studentsHyunbee Kim (9E), Kaylee Lu (9R), Rachel Lam (9E), ZoeHyunbee Kim (9E), Kaylee Lu (9R), Rachel Lam (9E), Zoe

Karalis (9E), Eddie Peng (9K) and Ryan Philip (9S)Karalis (9E), Eddie Peng (9K) and Ryan Philip (9S)

Humanities

Mr Lachlan Hackett,Mr Lachlan Hackett,Head of DepartmentHead of Department

Mrs Tammy Vallis,Mrs Tammy Vallis,Head of DepartmentHead of Department

On Monday 10 August and Tuesday 11 August our year 11geography classes conducted a field investigation to FortitudeValley. The fieldwork involved observing the connectionsbetween urban public places and their impact on Brisbane’sidentity and liveability, in particular Brunswick Street Mall andthe Fortitude Valley Train Station. The students showedexemplary behaviour on the day and completed thoroughfieldwork that will be utilised as part of their end of termassessment.

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Mr Lance Simpson,Mr Lance Simpson,Head of DepartmentHead of Department

Mr Mark Casey,Mr Mark Casey,Head of DepartmentHead of Department

Industrial Technologies and Design

Preparatory furnishing skills

Last Term, our year 10 furnishingstudents completed theirsemester-long kitchen stool project.We had some amazing results andsome extremely happy students. Ourdepartment is incredibly proud of theeffort and character displayed by ALLstudents over the course of semester1.

Semester 2, students are working on a new project, a medicinecabinet. It is a more challenging project; however, we areconfident our students will produce outstanding results and weare very proud of their effort and enthusiasm. Keep up the greatwork!

Year 11 furnishing skills

Our year 11 furnishing skills students have recently completed aknock down fitting cabinet as part of their unit 02 assessment.It was pleasing to see the number of students achieveoutstanding results for this project.

To complete unit 02, students have begun working on theiroccasional table. This project is a step up in complexity;however, we are confident our students will achieve

outstanding results because of their hard work andcommitment to this subject.

Year 12 furnishing skills

The year 12 students have been working hard to complete theirfinal assessment for unit 04 the dining chair. This project was anew development by the furnishing team and we are extremelyproud of the quality our year 12 students have produced. Asthis project concludes (week 1 term 4), our year 12 students willleave us with a range of furnishing skills which they will be ableto apply to their future careers. Congratulations year 12s, weare very proud of your hard work and commitment.

Information Technology

Microsoft Teams

Some teachers have started usingMicrosoft Teams to deliver lessons totheir classes. Teams is a technologyplatform that is used by schools acrossthe world as a ‘digital classroom’environment. Here is a MicrosoftParent Guide to answer commonquestions about Microsoft Teams andprovide an insight about how your

child will learn using this environment.

Laptop charging

Lately there has been a noticeable increase in the numberof students borrowing a laptop because their battery has runout. Often this is during the first lesson or earlier. We ask thatlaptops be fully charged when they get to school. Studentsshould have their laptops turned off until they get to school.Turning on the laptop at school and logging on while on theschool network will ensure all services (such as printers) areproperly connected. Laptops can also be turned off at eachbreak, which will also preserve battery life. Please note thatstudents are asked to leave their chargers at home and will notbe allowed to use them in class. There are charging stations setup in specific locations for students to use during lunch breaks.

IT extra-curricular competitions

There are currently 129 students using the IT Competitions MSTeam. As this newsletter goes to print, the CyberTaipan teamsare watching a webinar about cyber security careers and theFTC team is busy working on solving engineering and codingproblems related to the 2020 FTC Challenge Theme. If youwould like your student to be added to the IT CompetitionsMS Team or have questions about our current IT competitions,please email Mrs Docherty at kdoch8@eq.edu.au.

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CyberTaipan

CyberTaipan round one took place on Sunday 9 August withfour CyberTaipan teams working to resolve securityvulnerabilities in Windows and Ubuntu systems. They had a lotof fun and cannot wait for round two on Sunday 30 August.Please enjoy some photos of our CyberTaipan teams at work.

2021 laptop program

We are preparing for the 2021 laptop program and CYODinformation will be available towards the end of the term. Thiswill be found on our website under Extra-curricular – Computerand Internet. This year we are preparing only a single devicethat will meet the requirements of all subjects offered.

We have three BYOD portals (available under our BYOD page)to provide easy access to devices at education pricing. Thesedevices have been categorised based on performance toensure the device meets any subject requirements, which canbe found in the Subject Device Requirements document.

Mathematics

Mr Peter Broome,Mr Peter Broome,Head of DepartmentHead of Department

Ms Leanne Townsend,Ms Leanne Townsend,Head of DepartmentHead of Department

Problem solving and modelling task (PSMT)

Term 3 has been one of reflection and renewal. Students haveall experienced (some for the first time) a mathematicalassignment, known as a PSMT. For year 7s, they reportedon the mathematics around the Battle of Denmark, usingcoordinate geometry and the rate of speed. Year 8s exploredrelative frequency and probability theory in a card game. In year9, the students investigated the mathematics (volume/surfacearea and 3D shapes) of a Coke-a-Cola can, and in year 10PMM they utilised linear modelling to design a suit and year10 PGM reported around studying statistical data and findingcomparisons between sedentary behaviours (such as watchingNetflix) and fitness.

All of these PSMTs have a common reporting genre, whichwe are learning to use from early year levels, as they are alarge component of the new QCE senior mathematics syllabusassessment demands.

Mathematical modelling competition

Well done to our two teams who competed in the year 9and year 10 Intermediate University of Sunshine Coast NationalMathematical Modelling Competition. We could only send inone entry to the scenario.

Congratulations to our entry team QAA – Quang Tran (10K),Atharva Repal (10O) and Alex Gordon (10S). Your MP4 entrysolved the scenario of how long it would take for kindnessto infiltrate the whole school and then the whole world! Theydeveloped exponential and logistical models which they verifiedutilising mathematical analysis. Team QAA came second overallin their division. Special mention to William Sun (10IU) and TheoHidajat (10O) who also produced an outstanding response.

Maths Teams Challenge 2020

This year’s Churchie based event was very different to previousyears. All schools competing in this top tier event worked fromtheir home schools . Our ten teams (four in year 7 and year 8,four in year 9 and year 10 intermediate and two in year 11 andyear 12 senior division).

Thank you once again Mrs Cooper for facilitating thisoutstanding event, and special mention to our mentors andjudges Mr Broome, Mrs Lam, Mr Stubican, Mr Liam and MsTownsend.

Congratulations to all of our brilliant Mansfield SHS competitorsin this year’s event. You did yourselves and your school proud!There were 100 teams competing in total and all of our bestteams in each division made the top 10! While we did not winthis year, all our students enjoyed the experience and will bebetter prepared to improve for 2021. Well done teams!

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Maths tutoring

Reminder of our free after school tutoring every Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday afternoon 3 pm to 4 pm in C block.Please see the noticeboard for details.

Science

Mr Duncan Gordon,Mr Duncan Gordon,Head of DepartmentHead of Department

Mrs Emily Preston,Mrs Emily Preston,Head of DepartmentHead of Department

Science Week

Written by Yentl Palm, Abbie Richardson, on behalfof the MSHS Science Ambassadors, 2020

The theme of National Science Week 2020 was Deep Blue:Innovations for the Future of Our Oceans. The themeembraced many opportunities for creative activities, innovation,and curiosity.

Science week kicked off with our ambassadors leading excitingdemonstrations on the central lawn, including: The BigWatermelon Experiment, teacher vs water sponge targetpractise, deep blue fishing, and a water robot demonstration.Enthusiastic students participated in the fun and won manycool prizes along the way.

Thursday’s trivia was a success, with students showing off their‘science genius’ in competitive challenges and Kahoot quizzes.

On Friday we even had a special guest appearance by DrGurion Ang, an associate lecturer from the University ofQueensland interacted with an inquisitive audience andinvestigated whether Pokémon are biologically possible. Thisled to an informative discussion around the different pathwaysin the field of biological sciences, including the developing areaof STEM cell research.

The week concluded with a raffle and more prizes handed out.

Thank you to the students and teachers for their participation inour week celebrating Science

Meet a Scientist

Our last ‘Meet a Scientist’ afternoon saw Professor Parsonsdeliver an engaging and dynamic presentation on animalbehaviour, bioacoustics and wildlife biology, illustrated bynumerous extraordinary bat examples.

The presentation ended with an open round table discussionbetween Professor Parsons and our students when they askedinteresting questions about his studies and more generallyabout his profession.

Our next speaker, Pascal Buenzli, a lecturer from QUT, willdeliver a presentation on his research in mathematicalmodelling of biological processes, mainly biological tissuegrowth. He will link biology (cell) and math (modelling)

Students participating will be required to sign in at the startof the presentation. Students will need to make sure that theyhave a way to get home safely after the presentation.Permission letters are available in the science block staffroom,if students have not already returned one. These must bereturned prior to attending.

If you would like further information, please contact EmilyPreston (epres17@eq.edu.au) or Emmanuelle Buecher Hall(eabue0@eq.edu.au)

Head of Year News

Year 7 and Year 8Our junior secondary students have been working onassessment in class and at home, which will culminate instudents submitting their best work. Assessment allowsstudents to showcase their skills and understanding of thegiven topic. Please take the time to review your student’sassessment calendar, which was distributed early in the term.This conversation starter will allow your student to share theirlearning with you.

At Mansfield SHS we take the time to celebrate our studentsand their successes in and out of the classroom, and in week5 we celebrated the success of over 60 students in year 7and year 8 who achieved the highest level of achievement,effort and behaviour in each of their subjects. At our celebrationmorning tea, our students met the 2019 school captains. Will,Liv and Edwin really took the time to share their learning journeyexperiences, and shared stories of our quality learning in acaring environment.

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In our weekly SDP lessons over the last fortnight, our year 7students have reflected on learning strategies that they canimplement as part of their study routine, and in week 7 ourcelebration assembly was held virtually with a talent questfocussing on the character strength of zest. Our year 8 studentstoo, have been challenged to set goals focussing on prioritising,and a lesson on the meaning and message around HarmonyDay and R U OK? Day that we supported in week 7, and thepowerful learning moment around acceptance and diversity.

Junior schooling team

Miss Sandra Quinn,Miss Sandra Quinn,Deputy Principal,Deputy Principal,Year 7 and Year 8Year 7 and Year 8

Mrs Terri Soteriou,Mrs Terri Soteriou,Head of Year,Head of Year,

Year 7 (G Block)Year 7 (G Block)

Miss Tracey Host,Miss Tracey Host,Head of Year,Head of Year,

Year 8 (G Block)Year 8 (G Block)

Miss SashaMiss SashaKotanko,Kotanko,

Year LevelYear LevelCoordinator,Coordinator,

Year 7 (J Block)Year 7 (J Block)

Mr Dane Tucker,Mr Dane Tucker,Year LevelYear Level

Coordinator,Coordinator,Year 8 (ScienceYear 8 (Science

Centre)Centre)

Miss Angela Lanigan,Miss Angela Lanigan,Year LevelYear Level

Coordinator,Coordinator,Year 7 and Year 8 (AYear 7 and Year 8 (A

Block)Block)

Year 9 and Year 10As we head towards the end of the term, students may befeeling the pressure of extra demands on their time as theyprepare for and complete assessment. During this time, it isimportant for them to remember to take care of themselves,and at times they may need your support to remind them ofthis. We talk to students frequently about how to balance theirtime to emotionally and physically recharge, as they cannotbe the best they can be unless they take some time forthemselves.

We really are very proud of all of our students, and as theycomplete assessment, this is their opportunity to shine and

show their teachers the knowledge they have gained and skillsthey have mastered over this term. We look forward to seeingthem put their best foot forward, not just at assessment time,but every lesson, every day.

Year 9

Over the next few weeks in SDP, students will be focusing ontheir future selves. They will be engaged in critical and creativethinking about who they want to be in the future, and the stepsthey can take to get there.

This will start with reviewing information about subject selectionfor year 10. The next step in schooling for our students is anexciting one. In year 10, students have access to more electivesubjects as they start to explore their future pathway. Pleaselook out for emails regarding subject selection information overthe coming weeks as we work towards supporting students inmaking valuable choices for their individual pathway.

A number of our students are in the process of applying fortheir first part-time job and experiencing their first taste of theworkforce. This important first step towards independence isalso exciting, and we are working to support students in beingconfident, informed and well-balanced members of theircommunity. SDP teachers will be working with students onpreparing a resume that showcases the best version ofthemselves, and practicing interview skills to help them win thejob.

Year 10

Year 11 subject selections 2021

With SET planning for year 10, the task of aligning all 557students to a timetable to start January 2021, has commenced.Some students have had considerable after-thought followingthe SET plan interviews and have requested some changes.This is quite acceptable provided the following conditions aresatisfied: pre-requisites and subject recommendations andparent-signed note authorising the change.

Semester 1 reporting

On Tuesday 25 August, 32 of our year 10s joined their fellowsenior students from year 11 and 12, in an ‘excellence morningtea’ recognising their achievement in earning the ‘perfect reportcard’ - six straight As in achievement and excellent in behaviourand effort. It was an inspired gathering polished by the inclusionof three of our newest teaching staff members, who sharedtheir stories with the group.

While these achievements are incredible, our goal this year inyear 10, is to recognise our own strengths and values. Whilean A in a subject is the measure of success for one student,showing independence and seeking entry to a VET traineeship,from which can be the launchpad into an amazing andproductive career, is just as big an achievement. Post SET plan,our momentum has continued, and we recognise our list ofalternate pathway learners in year 10.

Alternative pathways of education

It is so exciting to see the volume of students exploring TAFE,VET and SAT pathways to their chosen careers. These studentsare expanding their options and giving value to their subject

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choices. Interested students should be making contact withMrs Pearce in G block.

Assessments in year 10 – end of term 3

As we head into our assessment period, it is important toaccept that this is a regular part of school and schooling. Withassessment plans, revision, and checkpoint times, studentsand teachers share the journey. Feedback is essential and isa two-way process. Especially in year 10, please ensure youask questions that will help your understanding and lead youtowards your best.

Additionally, time is a valuable commodity. It seems to go fasterat this stage of the term. Try to achieve balance: eat, sleep,and work. If you are struggling, do not stress. Keep talking toyour teachers and head of year. Together we will achieve bestoutcomes.

Classroom Catch-Up Time – (CCU) Tuesdayafternoons for year 10

We have established an additional resource for our amazingyear 10 group: it is called classroom catch-up or ‘CCU’ and willoperate every Tuesday afternoon from 3 pm to 4 pm in J01. Thepurpose is multi-faceted. It will allow some students who needthat extra time in a supervised environment to work on a schooltask and get it further progressed. It will also act as a venue forstudents owing time to the school for behavioural issues suchas truancy or other. Access to the facility will be through parentapproval. Further information will be communicated at the endof this week, with CCU starting on Tuesday 1 September inweek 8.

Student achievement

Molli Chmura (10I), while a very motivated and high achievingstudent at school, has a shared passion in girl guides. Amember of the Tirrikki Lones Ranger Guide Unit, Molli waspresented her BP Award on Saturday 1 August. The BP Awardis one of the most prestigious awards presented. It highlightsachieving 18 activities in six areas. Molli has lead activities forjuniors and also participated in kayaking on Noosa River overtwo days, abseiling, and leadership roles in Agoonoree, anannual scout camp for children with disabilities. Well done Molli!You demonstrate an amazing attitude in developing yourselfand also sharing your abilities to help others. We are all veryproud of you!

Middle schooling team

Mrs Caitlin Anghel,Mrs Caitlin Anghel,Deputy Principal,Deputy Principal,

Year 9 and Year 10Year 9 and Year 10

Mrs Danielle Goschnick,Mrs Danielle Goschnick,Head of Year,Head of Year,

Year 9 (G Block)Year 9 (G Block)

Mr Mark Waugh,Mr Mark Waugh,Head of Year,Head of Year,

Year 10 (G Block)Year 10 (G Block)

Mrs AnnaMrs AnnaMacdonald,Macdonald,Year LevelYear Level

Coordinator,Coordinator,Year 9 (J Block)Year 9 (J Block)

Mr Dylan Williams,Mr Dylan Williams,Year LevelYear Level

Coordinator,Coordinator,Year 10 (SportsYear 10 (Sports

Centre)Centre)

Mrs Marlene Brown,Mrs Marlene Brown,Year LevelYear Level

Coordinator,Coordinator,Year 9 and Year 10 (AYear 9 and Year 10 (A

Block)Block)

Year 11 and Year 12

Excellence celebration

Congratulations to all students who were celebrated this weekat the excellence morning tea. These students received an A inall subject areas plus excellence for their effort and behaviour.

It was a lovely celebration to acknowledge and celebrate thehard work, dedication and commitment these students haveshown so far. Our students were lucky enough to hear from fourguest speakers: Mrs Tanks, Miss Shields, Miss Holmes and MrSimpson. Each guest speaker briefly shared his or her story andtheir journey. A common theme evolved, which was ‘success isnot a straight line, it has bends and it requires you to be opento change’.

RYDA incursion

Our year 11 students were involved in a one-day workshop,which front-loads students’ understanding of road safety. Theworkshop provided students with the tools and understandingthey needed to see themselves as active, responsible roadcitizens.

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The day was a huge success for our students as it took themon a journey from understanding and identifying crash factors,to appreciating how personal factors affect risk, developingpersonal strategies and plans and finally giving them themotivation to approach driving as a social responsibility.

Year 11 leadership roles and camp

Leadership roles

The leadership positions for term 4 and 2021 have now closed.We have had a large number of year 11 students expressinterest, which is very exciting and a great reflection on thecohort.

The senior schooling team will start to read, and watch, allsubmissions next week. The head of year 11, Ms Symko,will contact students via email regarding the next step of theprocess. Please ensure you keep an eye out for the email.

Year 11 camp

Year 11 students were invited to attend a two-day camp, whichwill be held in October. The camp will focus on team building,leadership and personal growth. Forms and payment for thecamp are now closed and we are pleased to say we have filledall positions.

Attendance - every day counts

School absenteeism and truancy can affect significantly on astudent’s learning and wellbeing.

Research shows that in Queensland, higher student attendanceis associated, on average, with higher student achievement.Additionally, attending school every day helps students to buildsocial and emotional skills such as communication, teamworkand resilience.

Any time a student is not attending or participating in theireducational program it is considered an absence and must beexplained. Please ensure the school is notified when your childis not attending school via the following options:

Year 12 formal

Unfortunately, due to the Queensland EducationDepartment’s COVID-19 safe practices, only studentsattending the school formal are allowed on the schoolgrounds during this event. Thank you for your understanding.

Please ensure your student has completed the followingtasks by the due dates:

Student Tasks Due Date

Dessert preference

(Ms Wust emailed students)

Friday 28 August

Formal tables

(It is your student’sresponsibility toorganise their table and towrite their name on the newsheets outside theAttendance Window.)

Friday 28 August

Formal awards nominations

(Ms Wust emailed students)

Monday 31 August

New formal agreement

(Every student attendingthe formal must complete anew agreement and hand itinto Finance Window.)

This form was due on the24 August.

Email Ms Wust as soonas possible if you are stillattending the formal buthave not handed in the newform.

Pay OR organise a paymentplan for the formalpayment AND anyoutstanding schoolfees incurred this year andprior to 2020

(See the administrationofficers at the FinanceWindow.)

Payment was due on the24 August.

Students only need to paythe $135 formal paymentONCE. Email Ms Wust assoon as possible if youhave any questions/concerns.

Electronic subject change form (senior studentsonly)

Information for year 11 students:

Year 12 is fast approaching which means, you need to beorganised and on the best pathway for your passion/purpose.

• Email: absences@mansfieldshs.eq.edu.au

• Telephone: 3452 5306

• Text: 0429 36 0340

• We are pleased to announce that we have selectedan amazing events company to completely transformthe new hall into a phenomenal space for the year 12formal on Friday 18 September (last Friday of term3).

• The year 12 students have been given permission tostay home on the last day of this term (Friday 18September). This will provide students with moreflexibility when booking appointments with

businesses operating under the COVID-19guidelines.

• Friday 18 September will be a normal school day forstudents in year 7 to year 11.

• Students can have light or natural coloured fake nailsTHREE days prior to the formal and dark colouredfake nails ONE day prior to the formal.

• It is still a formal event; therefore, the expectationsand dress code remain the same (please see theagreement form).

• Please ensure you read the conditions on the formalagreement form with your student.

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If you are looking to change a subject, please ensure you havegone through the following steps:

If you are still wanting to change subjects after completingthe steps above, open the electronic subject guide with yourparent/caregiver and complete the steps as soon as possible toensure you start your year 12 journey organised and on track.

Remember this journey is your responsibility and you need totake ownership of the direction you are heading. Asking forfeedback, assistance and guidance is a part of this journey andwill only make it easier.

External assessment preparation

Ms Peterson and Mrs Hardie have been working extremely hardat building this external assessment platform for our students.This toolkit has been developed to ensure our students haveaccess to all tools delivered over the year, access to timetabledinformation regarding assessment and exams, fortnightlypresentations, assessment resilience and so much more. Makesure to take time during the next few weeks to click on this linkand discover this great platform.

Senior schooling exams

Year 11 exams

Year 11 study leave runs from Wednesday 9 September andthey will not return to school until after the holidays, as their lastexam is on Friday 18 September.

Year 12 mock exams

Year 12 study leave runs from Monday 31 August and theyreturn to school on Monday 14 September.

TAFE for year 10 and year 11.

2021 applications

If you student is interested in completing a TAFE course andlooking to commence study at the beginning of 2021, pleasefollow the process with your student:

TAFE will contact students later in the year to offer successfulapplicants a place. For more information about TAFE studyincluding course availability, click here.

If you have any questions, please contact Ms Hixon, Ms Symko,Mr Waugh (Year 10) or Ms Pearce via email or phone.

School-based apprenticeships or traineeships(SATs)

If your student is absent from his/her day at their school-basedapprenticeship or traineeship, please contact the relevantemployer and the school advising of their absence on the day.

School-based apprenticeships and traineeships (SATs) arepart-time apprenticeships or traineeships where students usesome school time to go to work and/or do the theoreticaloff-the-job training of their SAT. If your student is interested inundertaking a SAT, contact our student engagement officer MrsPearce.

Work experience

Mansfield SHS offers work experience to year 10 and year 11students. Work experience familiarises students with workingconditions and employer expectations. In addition, it offersstudents the opportunity to sample a specific type of work, andpromotes personal and social development.

The conditions of work experience for Mansfield SHS studentsare based on The Education (Work Experience) Act 1996.Students:

The program is only offered during term 4, unless underexceptional circumstances (to be discussed with the head ofyear 11, Ms Symko).

Work experience will run from Monday 30 November through toFriday 4 December.

If you would like to participate in the Mansfield SHS WorkExperience Program, please return the signed forms belowto the student engagement officer (Ms Pearce) in G blockstaffroom by Monday 9 November.

1. Reflect on your most recent report card:a. What results did you achieve?b. Did you successfully pass?c. Did you gain the unit point?d. How do I calculate my points?- If you received ‘satisfactory’ next to the subject, youpassed and you are on track and have gained oneunit point.- If you received ‘unsatisfactory’ next to the subject,you did not pass, you are not on track and you didnot gain the unit point.

2. Speak with your teacher:a. Have an open and honest conversation.b. Ask for feedback on what key evidence and/or skillwas missing?c. What skills would you need to stay in the subjectand successfully achieve a satisfactory result?d. What action do you need to take form here?

3. Speak with your parent/caregiver and relay theinformation you have gathered above and discusswhat would be best for you and your pathway goal.

1. Study the course guide

2. Discuss available options

3. Complete the attached MSHS application form

4. Student to make an appointment with a GuidanceOfficer for approval

5. Return approved application form to Ms Pearce in GBlock

6. Apply to TAFE using this link and the codes in thecourse guide.

• are 14 years and over

• receive no payment in money or kind

• work five days during normal working hours for theindustry

• are covered by workers compensation.

• Mansfield SHS parental permission form.

• Work experience placement for student agreementform.

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Mrs Sue Holley,Mrs Sue Holley,Teacher and ServiceTeacher and ServiceClub CoordinatorClub Coordinator

Year 12 students driving cars to school mustremember the following:

Senior schooling team

Mr Matt Grant,Mr Matt Grant,Deputy Principal,Deputy Principal,

Year 11 and Year 12Year 11 and Year 12

Ms Maddie Wust,Ms Maddie Wust,Head of Year,Head of Year,

Year 12 (G Block)Year 12 (G Block)

Ms Felicity Symko,Ms Felicity Symko,Head of Year,Head of Year,

Year 11 (G Block)Year 11 (G Block)

Mr Ben Austen,Mr Ben Austen,Year LevelYear Level

Coordinator,Coordinator,Year 12 (SportsYear 12 (Sports

Centre)Centre)

Ms Amy Croll,Ms Amy Croll,Year LevelYear Level

Coordinator,Coordinator,Year 11 and Year 12Year 11 and Year 12

(Sports Centre)(Sports Centre)

Mrs NaomiMrs NaomiPearce,Pearce,StudentStudent

EngagementEngagementOfficer (G Block)Officer (G Block)

Resource Centre News

Ms Kym Andrews,Ms Kym Andrews,Teacher LibrarianTeacher Librarian

Mrs Kerstin Robertson,Mrs Kerstin Robertson,Teacher LibrarianTeacher Librarian

From the archivesDid you know - that Mansfield SHS has always had a schoolpublication, but it was not always as glossy as our current

school magazine! This is a page from the Mansfield Gazette,published in the second year of Mansfield SHS’s history, 1975.

The school only had year 8 and year 9 then, so the studentswho put this together were 13 and 14 years old. They were alsoa bit cheeky as you can see from their competition to guesswhich cartoon leg belonged to which teacher! Unfortunately, weonly have one edition of the Mansfield Gazette from 1975 inour archive, and it is labelled volume 2 number 2. If anyone hasany more at home, we would love to scan them for our archive,please contact Ms Andrews in the library. With the school’s50th anniversary on the horizon, we are always keen for anyMansfield SHS memorabilia from our school’s past.

Service Club News

Rauchle Service Club Soap Drive 2020

Despite having to cancel many of ourfundraising activities this year, theRauchle Service Club is finishing 2020on a positive note with our annual soapdrive fundraiser. We are offering forsale the soaps from Speciality Soap, afamily owned and operated businesslocated in Warwick, with proceedsgoing to support Canteen Queenslandand Headspace. These handmadesoaps make lovely gifts for family andfriends or you can treat yourself. They

• Register details with Mr Grant.

• Students must not transport any other studentexcept for immediate family members

• Students must abide by road rules

• Park in appropriate places around the school, but noton school grounds or church grounds.

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Mrs Sonia Radel,Mrs Sonia Radel,P&C OperationsP&C OperationsManagerManager

come individually wrapped and are made with the finest qualityingredients, including essential oils, goats’ milk, honey, claysand natural botanicals. They contain no chemicals, phosphates,sodium lauryl sulphates or parabens. This year we have addednew options to appeal to people of all ages and tastes. Why nottake the order form to work with you - everyone needs soap! Allorders and payment slips are to be returned to the upper officeor to Mrs Holley in E block by Monday 14 September.

Guidance Officer News

Mrs Penny BudgeMrs Penny Budge Mrs Jo LawtonMrs Jo Lawton Mr Dale O’BrienMr Dale O’Brien

Career Options newsletterThis fortnight’s Career Options newsletter contains informationrelating to a wide range of topics to assist all students andfamilies to become better informed around a wide variety ofpost-school options.

The Career Options newsletter has been emailed out tostudents in year 10, year 11, and year 12 but can also beaccessed on the Student SharePoint under Guidance Office >Career> Career Options Bulletin 2020 or by clicking here.

News from the e-Safety CommissionerMany families are understandably anxious about the onlineenvironment and their children being harassed, bullied ornegatively targeted. The e-Safety Commissioner is agovernment initiative which aims to give schools, students andparents/caregivers the tools to manage this environmentappropriately and to respond to any negative behaviour in anappropriate and constructive way. They also provide greatinformation around managing technology addiction in childrenand how to manage their time in this environment moreeffectively.

If you would like more information, or have a specific concernrelating to your child’s safety online, please visit

https://www.esafety.gov.au/parents

Triple P Program and P&C meetingFurther to the fantastic presentation given by Julie Hodges fromTriple P last Thursday during the P&C meeting, please see thefollowing free resources provided below.

Sometimes as parents, we can feel at a loss at how to respondto our children, especially during these difficult times withCOVID-19. To help support families at this time the Triple P(Positive Parenting Program) has a wide variety of greatresources, tips and ideas on how to manage teenagersincluding access to the full Triple P program online for free anda COVID-19 specific magazine. Please go to this link for moreinformation.

P&C News

P&C meeting

Next meeting: Thursday 22October

There is no meeting for September due tothe school holidays. The first meeting interm 4 is scheduled as a face-to-facemeeting at the school. This is subject tochange depending on EducationQueensland COVID guidelines at the time.An update will be provided closer to thisdate. Follow us on Facebook to stay intouch with P&C news

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MSHSPandC

The meeting will be proceeded from the State Member’selection forum at 6.30 pm, followed by the P&C generalmeeting at 7.30 pm.

CanteenThe second canteen attached to the refurbished hall has beencompleted and the P&C are currently working on the fit outof this facility. In addition to supporting functions held in theschool hall, the canteen will operate before school and duringeach break to serve students. The menu will be the same asthe existing canteen, increasing our capacity to serve morestudents each break.

Both canteens will be cashless, accepting payment via MyStudent Account student card or EFTPOS. Cash may be usedto load your student card before school at the A block canteen.Cash can be loaded even if the parent account has not beenset up and clears immediately with no wait time. Cashlesspayments during breaks, help the lines move faster, ensuringmore students can be served.

Students may pre-order meals and snacks each day from theA block canteen. This process will remain in place when bothcanteens are operating.

• Apprenticeships and traineeship information.

• Australian Defence Force information sessions

• Tips on becoming more employable and informationon future job markets and projections.

• Financial assistance and scholarship informationacross many universities, including supportingwomen in STEM pathways.

• Gap year programs and information.

• ATAR and QTAC information.

• A wide range of information from major universitiesrelating to open days, adjustments factors, andpathway options.

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Uniform shopPlease continue to order uniforms online via the link belowand have your student collect items from the express windowon the A block walkway. This online service will be extendedto incoming year 7 families in term 4. Instructions on how tomeasure and place orders will be sent to students after theirenrolment has been confirmed.

http://www.mansfieldhighuniformshop.com.au/

If you have second-hand items to sell or wish to purchasesecond-hand uniforms, please join the Mansfield SHSsecond-hand uniform group on Facebook. In this group youcan buy and sell directly with other parents.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/299333211069398

Calendar of Events

WEDNESDAY2 SEPTEMBER

YEAR 12 EXAM BLOCK

ICAS MATHS

THURSDAY3 SEPTEMBER

YEAR 12 EXAM BLOCK

FRIDAY4 SEPTEMBER

STUDENT FREE DAY

MONDAY7 SEPTEMBER

YEAR 12 EXAM BLOCK

TUESDAY8 SEPTEMBER

YEAR 12 EXAM BLOCK

WEDNESDAY9 SEPTEMBER

YEAR 11 AND YEAR 12 EXAM BLOCK

THURSDAY10 SEPTEMBER

YEAR 11 AND YEAR 12 EXAM BLOCK

MEET A SCIENTIST – SCIENCE BLOCK– 3 PM

FRIDAY11 SEPTEMBER

YEAR 11 AND YEAR 12 EXAM BLOCK

MONDAY14 SEPTEMBER

YEAR 11 EXAM BLOCK

RUSSELL MILLER CUP - LUNCH

TUESDAY15 SEPTEMBER

YEAR 11 EXAM BLOCK

WEDNESDAY16 SEPTEMBER

YEAR 11 EXAM BLOCK

LIFE SKILLS CAMP

THURSDAY17 SEPTEMBER

YEAR 11 EXAM BLOCK

LIFE SKILLS CAMP

YEAR 10 PAR EXCURSION – GOLDCOAST

FRIDAY18 SEPTEMBER

YEAR 11 EXAM BLOCK

LIFE SKILLS CAMP

YEAR 12 FORMAL

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