Boorman StreetSunnybank QLD 4109Subscribe:Subscribe: https://sunnybankshs.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe

Email:Email: principal@sunnybankshs.eq.edu.auPhone:Phone: 07 3323 8111

Fax:Fax: 07 3323 8100

29 March 201929 March 2019

Principal’s Report

Harmony Week

Over the past few weeks Sunnybank SHShas really lived up to its vision of a dynamic,futures focussed community thatempowers its students to succeed. Sincearriving at Sunnybank midway through thisterm, I have been most impressed by thepositive attitude of all students to learning

and their contributions to a harmonious and respectful schoolcommunity. The highlight for me was definitely Harmony Week.This was a true celebration of cultural harmony and acceptanceas our students showcased their cultural heritage to their peersthrough dance, food, song and sport. I would like tocongratulate all students, teachers, parents and communitymembers who contributed to the success of this year’scelebrations. ‘Everyone Belongs’ was the theme of the week,and it was truly evident that this is the case at Sunnybank SHS.

Harmony Day Football

A big congratulations to the team of students (the “SunnybankHarmony Strikers”) who took on the Queensland Police Serviceteam in the annual Harmony Day Community Shield FootballMatch. The one-nil win was hard fought and the studentsrepresented themselves and the school with pride. This is thefourth win in a row for the students, but I’m told is the closestresult for a number of years. Well done!

Cross country

On Monday 18th March the school was in full “House Spirit”mode with the running of the annual Inter-House CrossCountry. The enthusiasm with which the students participatedand supported their friends and fellow competitors was great tosee. Our value of Respect was on show throughout the entireday.

I would like to congratulate the following students who wonthe age champion medals for the day: Maiya, Christy, Ellah,Andrew, Amino, Dawson, Abigail, Harry, Delifine, Abdifathi,Caroline and Abdulahifathi

Attendance

Every day counts. This is a message that we instil in ourstudents across the year to encourage full attendance on everyschool day. I am proud to say that Sunnybank has maintainedits excellent history of school attendance with an official schoolattendance rate of 93.4% for the year to date. This is well abovethe state attendance average and a great start to ensuring thatall students can reach their full potential. Towards the end of theterm we will announce the year level with the best attendancerate for the term. That year level will be rewarded with a pizzaparty to acknowledge their commitment to learning. There arecurrently three year levels in the running and the challenge hasbeen set to maintain their attendance right up to the last day ofterm.

Homework Club

It is great to see support being offered to our students throughthe provision of the Homework Club each Tuesday, Wednesdayand Thursday afternoon in the library. Attendance this year hasincreased to an average of 100 students each afternoon. Thatcommitment from students will surely be rewarded when finalassessment results are returned over the next two weeks. A bigthank you to Mr King and all of the staff and volunteers whoare empowering our students to succeed through the provisionof tutoring and extra support outside of their regular classroomteaching roles. Thank You!

Bunnings BBQ

This Saturday 30th March the school will be hosting a BunningsBBQ to raise funds to support the school Chaplaincy service.The BBQ will take place at the Bunnings store at Underwood.If you are in the area, please drop by and support this fantasticsupport service at our school by purchasing a sausage and/or cold drink. All funds raised on Saturday will be used bythe chaplain to continue support services such as: Breakfastbefore school, maintenance crew, student groups and otherchaplaincy initiatives.

End of Term Reporting and Parent-TeacherInterviews

Over the next two weeks, teachers will be finalising assessmentand reporting on student progress and achievement for Term1. Report cards for Term 1 will be delivered to families at theend of week 1 in Term 2. Included with the reports will beinformation explaining the process for booking parent-teacherinterviews next term. These interviews are an important partof our school partnership with parents and I would encourageyou to make a booking with your child’s teachers to discussprogress this term. Parent Teacher Interviews will be held in theResource Centre on Tuesday 7th May from 3pm – 7pm.

School holiday information

Friday 5th April is the final school day for Term 1. Schoolresumes for Term 2 on Tuesday 23rd April.

The school office will be closed from Monday 8th April up toand including Monday 22nd April.

I would like to wish all of our students and their families a safeand happy Autumn vacation.

Michael Rogers, Principal

Attendance ReportThe level of attendance so far this year hasbeen outstanding. We are achieving awhole school percentage of over 93%. TheYear 7 cohort are ahead in the Pizza PartyChallenge and it would be lovely to see ournewest students take out the prize.However, we still have two weeks left foranother year level to take the lead.

Please be aware that your student’s attendance will beincreasingly important in the coming weeks, as they will haveassessment and assignment work.

If your child will be absent from school,parents are able to contact the school by thefollowing means with the name of thestudent, year level and reason for absence:

Wendy Rogan, Attendance and Engagement Officer

Finance News

Reminder: Term One school feesare due

Thank you to everyone who has paid in fullor made the first instalment for the 2019Resource Scheme.

As the end of Term One approaches pleasepay your Term 1 school fees or anyoutstanding Invoices as they are now due.

If you don’t have an automated paymentsystem set in place for your 2019 School fees ie: automaticDirect Debit, Centrepay or Credit Card payments pleasecontact the Finance Office on 3323 8104 or emailjjone28@eq.edu.au .

Janelle Jones, Finance officer

International Student Program

International Student Programseating area

As our International Student Programcontinues to grow, we have undertakenworks to expand our ISP HUB. We havenow installed outdoor tables and seating soour students can enjoy lunch outside undera waterproof shade sail if they prefer.

• Text absence on 0416 905 308

• Ring the absence line on 3323 8160

• Ring the school on 3323 8111

• QParent Absences

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Introducing:

This week we are introducing two students from Ho Chi MinhCity in Vietnam who have chosen to study at Sunnybank StateHigh School.

Kim left many friends behind to study with us. She has enjoyedmaking new friends, expanding her global knowledge andlearning about Australian culture. Kim’s favourite food is asandwich.

Mandy started studying at Sunnybank SHS in 2016, and sincethen she has made many friends within our InternationalProgram and in the wider school community. She has been inour homestay program since her arrival in Australia. Mandy’sfavourite food is noodles.

Dee Venter, International Student Coordinator

Become an EQI Homestay Host

How do I become an EQI homestay host?

For more information, please contact: Dee Venter, 3323 8111,Sunnybank SHS International Student Coordinator, EducationQueensland International, Cricos Provider Number: 00608A

HPE News

Arinya Kangaroos take out 2019 InterschoolCross Country

After winning the 2019 InterhouseSwimming Carnival, the Arinya Kangaroosbacked up again to win the 2019 InterhouseCross Country Carnival on Monday 18March. Superbly led by House CaptainSeini, the Arinya Kangaroo membersparticipated well in age championshipevents, fun run, cheering and novelty

games. The Doolamai Dragons came second, the BalcaraBears third and the Coolaroo Tigers fourth. Many students in allhouses put in personal bests, which left them very satisfiedwhen they crossed the finish line. The Chappy Cup wasawarded to the Doolamai Dragons as they were judged as thehouse that showed the most spirit on the day.

Congratulations to the following age champions:

GIRLS BOYS

12 years Maiya Christy

13 years Ellah Andrew

14 years Amino Dawson

15 years Abigail Harry

16 years Delifine Abdifathi

Open Caroline Abdulahifathi

A new initiative was set up to recognise those students whoshow courage and tenacity and give it their all when competing,with several local businesses providing prizes for the students.We would like to thank them for their support of SunnybankSHS and students. The winners were: Years 7/8 Renee:Training towels and bottle supplied by World of Sport, Years9/10: Muhmed: Golden Warriors basketball and water bottlesupplied by the World of Sport and Years 11/12 Satta: a Coles$50 gift voucher supplied by Coles at Sunnybank Plaza. Year12 student Hayley won the best dressed on the day andreceived a $30 voucher from McDonalds at Sunnybank Plaza.

Our focus now shifts to the track and field carnival early in term2.

• Homestay hosts are selected from local communitiesand come from many different backgrounds andfamily settings.

• EQI homestays are managed by individualQueensland Government schools.

• After completing an EQI application form you will beinterviewed by your school’s Homestay Coordinator.

• To ensure student safety, each adult (aged 18 andover) in your household is screened via a policecheck and must obtain a ‘Blue Card’, Queensland’smonitoring system for people who work with children.

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Russell Edwards, Sports Coordinator

STEM NewsFriday the 22nd March several studentsfrom Sunnybank SHS attended the GriffithUniversity STEM Ambassador Conferenceat the Southbank Campus. The GriffithSciences STEM Ambassador SchoolsProgram uniquely promotes science,technology, engineering and mathematicsin Queensland and Northern NSW

secondary schools.

Through this partnership program, school-appointed ProgramCoordinators liaise with Griffith Sciences and lead teams ofselected school students who work as STEM Ambassadors topromote STEM within their school and local community. STEMAmbassadors like to inspire others and share their passion forscience, technology, engineering and mathematics. They worktogether to represent their school at Griffith University Scienceon the GO! events and develop individual strategic STEM planstailored to their school.

The Sunnybank SHS STEM Ambassadors for 2019 are: Ruby,Mariah, Imad and Harry. Look out for them out and aboutthroughout 2019 promoting STEM in the school and widercommunity!

Dan Robins, HOD Technologies

Food and Textile Technology NewsFood Tech and Textile Tech classes havebeen busy across the junior school, allfocusing on the process of design. Year 7and 8 students have been developing andtrialling recipes where the star ingredient iswrapped in a variety of food casings. Theyhave made delicious sausage rolls andbutter chicken parcels and this week, will be

tackling a Mexican burrito. They are also busily creating asustainable carry bag that is machine washable and suitable forthem to transport their food home each week.

Year 9 have been investigating and preparing meals suitable foran adolescent, focusing on the importance of good nutrition.Delicious and nutritional breakfasts were prepared, fuelling thestudents for a busy day of learning and moving. They arecurrently creating informative nutrition brochures suitable fordisplay in the library.

Year 10 have been learning about exotic salads in preparationto design and prepare their own trademark salad as their finalassessment for the term. They have incorporated many newfood preparation techniques and have explored a range offoods new to many.

Students have been engaged and demonstrating readiness tolearn despite the prolonged heat.

We are looking forward to diving into Term 2 work inpreparation for a successful term and rewarding semester.

Coffee Shop News

Hospitality continues to excel and grow, now running its Coffeeshop 4 days a week. Congratulations to the students on theircommitment to their studies. The popularity of Friendly Fridaycontinues and students have engaged in Mmmm Monday,Tasty Tuesday and Chilled Thursday.

The Year 12 students are now all competent in the use ofthe espresso machine, producing a wide range of qualitybeverages, while the year 11 students have shown zeal injumping in and learning the ropes of cold beverages and coffeeshop snacks. Confidence and communication skills continueto improve as students interact with customers to take ordersand do mental arithmetic to process financial transactions.Teamwork is evident as they learn to work in a bustlingenvironment and predict the needs of one another and theircustomers.

Erin Garbutt, Home Economics Teacher

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Science NewsMost students are about to embark on orhave just finished their first piece ofassessment. Time management skills arevery important, especially at this time ofyear. Many of the year 11 students arefeeling the pressure of the extra work loadof senior subjects. All students need to plantheir day allowing some time for exercise,

and relaxing as well as study. If you need help with achievingbalance, please see our guidance officer or your subjectteacher. Remember you will need to spend more time onsubjects that you are not good at. It is important for students toalso note that assignments are due, in hard copy, at the start ofthe lesson. The school’s assessment policy regardingsubmission of assignments will be followed. If a student isabsent the day a written piece of assessment is due, theassignment should be emailed to the teacher on the day or iftoo sick to do this, obtain a medical certificate. Extensions needto be requested through the HOD or the guidance officer bycompleting the extension form and attaching any necessarydocumentation such as a medical certificate or letter from aparent.

Science in Practice is our practical senior science and thestudents have done a number of interesting activities over theterm. Year 12 had a day at Les Atkinson Park to assess thewater quality. This was done by dredging the bottom layers ofthe lake surround and examining the types of organisms in themud.

Year 11 worked on a forensics unit with a murder scene set upin the science block. It gave the cleaner quite a shock in thedim early morning light! Details such as blood splatter patternsand finger prints were investigated to solve the crime. Year 11also visited the police museum in the city to scrutinize real crimeinvestigations.

Year 10 is a very important year. Science students are doingthe same types of assessment they will experience in physics,chemistry and biology. This is to ensure they have thenecessary skills to succeed next year as well as allowing themto make informed choices when selecting subjects for year11. Students have just completed the physics unit and havesubmitted a 1000 -1500 word experimental investigation.Physics, chemistry and biology now involve several pieces of

extended writing as well as exams. We will be moving intoBiology next with a focus on genetics.

Your science teacher will be going on with term 2 work afterassessments so make sure you attend until the holidays.Remember every day counts!

Deirdre Aldridge, HOD Science

QCS Test 2019

Opportunity for a Paid Position

The QCS Test is scheduled for Tuesday 3September and Wednesday 4 September2019. Preparation lessons and activities arewell underway and will continue until thetest.

To maintain accountability, security andproper conduct of the test, the Queensland Curriculum andAssessment Authority (QCAA) appoints members of thecommunity to carry out duties on their behalf.

Consequently, members of the Sunnybank SHS communityare invited to apply for the positions of chief communityrepresentative (two positions available). These are paidpositions.

If you are interested in nominating for these positions, pleasecontact Tania Williams, Deputy Principal and Chief Supervisorfor the test by email at twill455@eq.edu.au or by phone on33238111 for application forms. All paperwork must becompleted by 9am Friday 10 May.

Alternatively, further details of the role and duties of communityrepresentatives are available on the QCAA website below.

https://www.qcaa.qld.edu.au/senior/qcs-test/administration

Tania Williams, Deputy Principal

Insurance Cover for StudentsSome school activities and physical education, particularlycontact sports, carry inherent risks of injury.

Parents are advised the Department of Education and Trainingdoes not have student accident insurance cover for students.

If your child is injured at school as a result of an accident orincident, all costs associated with the injury, including medicalcosts are the responsibility of the parent or carer.

Some incidental medical costs may be covered by Medicare.If you have private health insurance, some costs may also becovered by your provider. Any other costs must be covered byparents.

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Student accident insurance pays some benefits in certaincircumstances should your child have an accident.

It is up to all parents to decide what types and what level ofprivate insurance they wish to arrange to cover their child.

Easter Road SafetyAs part of the South Brisbane District Police Operation “WakeUp” and Qld Police Service Easter Road Safety Campaigns,Upper Mt Gravatt Police will be increasing patrols around ourschools leading into the holidays and targeting a variety of trafficoffences including but not limited to

Police understand that this will be a busy time on our roadsand ask for patience from all road users to ensure the safety ofeveryone especially our children. The Upper Mt Gravatt Policewould welcome your support in relaying this message to yourschool community to ensure safety on our roads.

Important Dates

Advance Notice of Important Dates

March 30 Fundraising BBQ at Bunnings Underwood

April 2 Student Council meeting

April 4 Eastern Taipans District Cross Country

April 5 Last day of Term 1

April 19-22 Easter

April 23 First day of term 2

April 24 ANZAC Day School Ceremony

April 25 ANZAC Day

• Drugs and Alcohol

• Distracted Driving

• Fatigue

• Seat belts & unrestrained children

• Speeding

• Failure to stop at pedestrian crossings

• Pedestrians failing to cross at designated crossings

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