Aldridge State High School - Aldridge Newsletter - Edition 07

The school has hosted a number of events recently which have engaged students in learnings that they would not normally have had.

Our recent School ANZAC ceremony was successful in teaching about this Australian icon and in motivating students to attend the march. We had our largest numbers ever - perhaps 125 all up. We received many compliments on the caps.

Many students participated in a visiting dance program on the same day before the cross country.

A final visit came from the Boost Mobile Rock tour, where students in Performing Arts learnt light and sound board techniques together with several hundred enjoying a lunch time concert.

Students at Aldridge have a reason to attend and learn.

ED MANLEY

Principal

Personal responsibility is the mark of true leadership. However, shirking responsibility or shifting the blame to others is a national sport in many western countries.

“It’s not my fault” can be heard in Courtrooms, political rallies and in sporting tribunals everywhere as blame for a transgression is shifted away from the individual and placed on a scapegoat. It is little wonder that many children are experts at shirking personal responsibility.

Lack of personal responsibility is shown when children find excuses or blame others for their misbehaviour. It is shown when siblings are blamed for starting fights, parents for children’s school lateness and classmates for misbehaving at school. Anything or anyone but themselves is to blame!

Most parents want their children to be responsible for their actions. Taking responsibility means that a child sees a problem and fixes it. A child who takes responsibility helps out regardless of how many times they have helped before or who causes a situation.

When a child complains that the toilet roll is empty then he or she can be invited to take responsibility for it. Similarly, if the bread bin is empty, the fire is out or the living room floor is a mess then the message could be that they should ‘do something’ about these situations.

When a child is late for school, forgets to hand in homework or deliberately hurts a classmate, even though some teasing occurred then he or she needs to shoulder the blame and take responsibility for their actions.

Sounds tough but this is the approach to take if we are to promote a true sense of responsibility, initiative and accountability.

In families, some children become adept at ducking their responsibilities. It is smart management to share the load using rosters and other organizational strategies.

But in the myriad of informal situations around the house where someone needs to take responsibility then it is helpful to take the “don’t tell me, please fix it” approach.

Next time a child responds to your request for help with that classic line “but it’s not my turn” look them straight in the eye and say, “you know, you may be right but isn’t it lucky that you are so willing to help” and simply walk away. No buts, no arguments.

- BUT NUTS look for excuses such as tiredness, moods or other people when things go wrong. “BUTI am too tired to help”.

Recently, Year 11 student, Jay McCarthy, competed in the National Triathlon Championships in Tasmania. Jay was representing Queensland in the under 16 division.

In the individual competition Jay won the bronze medal to finish THIRD BEST IN AUSTRALIA for his age group. An outstanding effort especially considering they had to do the swim leg in the freezing waters of Tasmania.

The following day was the teams event where a team of three (3) do one discipline each. Jay did the cycle leg for his team and rode the fastest time of all age groups – including the 19 years age group. Jay’s team came second so he collected a silver medal to go with his bronze.

Congratulations Jay and also special mention to Mr Dave Trevorrow who has been training Jay for the past three (3) years.

Our cricket team played Maryborough High in round one of the Australia Post Cup competition last term. Batting first, Maryborough High were dismissed for only 70 runs with Dylan Blackman taking 4 for 20, Bryan McKenna got 3 for 22 and Dalton Balke 2 wickets for 10 runs.

In round two against Urangan, Aldridge batted first and managed to score 132. Luke Beatty top scored with 33, Jake Seefus (in his second game of cricket) made 32 and Dalton Balke 27.

We then had a huge downpour which made the pitch unplayable and in a first, the game was decided in a “bowl off”. Dylan Blackman was the star of this and helped Aldridge to a win.

The annual Aldridge cross country was held on Thursday, 24 April and was well attended by students from all year levels. It was very pleasing to see the number of participants – a massive improvement on last year. The house captains once again did their job admirably – most of the time without even being prompted – thanks guys.

This year we trialed something different with all serious runners (regardless of age group) starting together. This was to ensure the “walkers” did not obstruct them. It seemed to work with some fast times recorded.

Congratulations to all competitors and especially to the age champions. The top 10 in each age group are eligible to go to the Fraser District Cross Country on Wednesday, 07 May and have received the relevant forms.

Twenty–six of our brave and determined Year 8 students assisted by Mrs Morris and a number of very helpful parents, recently participated in the ‘Relay for Life’ at the Maryborough Showgrounds. The aim of the relay was to raise money for the Cancer Council of Queensland so they can continue their research into cancer.

Over sixty teams registered and participated in this worthwhile and moving event. It just goes to show how many lives have been touched by this dreadful disease!

The weekend started with a Survivors’ Lap which was very moving. Two of our students’ grandfathers participated in this lap as well as a large number of other familiar faces. At sundown an emotional candlelight service was held for those who lost their battle with cancer and there was not a dry eye on the oval (but there was plenty of moral support for those of us who needed it - thanks kids).

The remainder of the twenty or so hours was spent trying to keep the baton moving around the track without stopping or getting too wet! To the students’ credit, they approached this task with determination and sheer resilience, although at 3.00 am I had to pick up a lap or two for those who just couldn’t wake up!

Hayden Emery, Mitch Dodd and Kyle McGrath did over 100 laps each which was a massive effort (some of those might have been parent laps??) Alex Stephenson was the highest fund-raiser for our team with $147.

Our team raised over $2000, which is a fantastic effort and will go a long way to helping the Cancer Council continue their research. Thanks to our sponsors Nikkate Cane, MBO, Tiaro Loins Club and Academic Innovations. I am sure this event will continue to draw lots of students and we hope to attract even larger numbers of students next year.

A huge THANKS to the parents who assisted during the night and wee hours of the morning with food, tents, coffee, lap counts and supervision! We really appreciate it!

Our team consisted of: Jacinta Riley, Olivia Hodges, Connie Richards, Morgan Stevenson, Rylee Hough, Madison Lindeberg, Monty Lowrey, Carlie Kuhz, Shaun Brake, Jessica Bates, Alex Stephenson, Nicholas Quinn-Ward, Jessica Mollee, Kyle McGrath, Mitchell Dodd, Emily Wheeler, Travis Burraston, Hayden Emery, Jasmine Murdoch, Kirsty Freehman, Zhane Giles, Samantha Olsen, Jessie Rock, Erica Patrick and parents Mrs Mollee, Mrs Rock and Mrs Riley.

These Year 8 students have set a wonderful precedent for the rest of the school in contributing their time and energy for the benefit of others. Well done!

The Tax Office, with the cooperation of schools, offers secondary students the opportunity to participate in a program which educates students about important tax issues, such as tax file numbers (TFN), relevant to living in Australian society.

Secondary students may need a TFN to apply for youth allowance or for part time and holiday employment. To make it easier for students to get a TFN, students can choose to fill out a TFN application through their school.

The application form requires information such as the student’s name, address, date of birth and information regarding the student’s birth certificate. The class teacher and the school administration then certify the application. This means that the student does not need to submit to the Tax Office with original proof of identity documents, or send those documents to the Tax Office.

This is a voluntary program and is being offered as a service to make it easier for students to obtain a TFN. The program will be offered to all Year 10 students in supervised study classes the week beginning Monday, 28 May 2007.

We have negotiated with Centrelink an arrangement to assist families with the payment of their school fees. Centrelink, with your permission, deduct a fortnightly amount from your payment, and forward it to the school. When the amount has been paid in full, the deduction will automatically cease. If you would like more information on this option or would like to sign up, please contact the Management Support Officer (Jenni Taylor) on 4120 8444.

Invoices have been issued for all students for the 2008 Resource Scheme. The invoices included a form for your completion to indicate whether you wish to participate in the scheme or wish to purchase the textbooks yourself. The form also allows for carers to indicate if they wish to pay in instalments. If you have already paid your account, please disregard these invoices, but could you please complete the purple form that was enclosed and return to the school. Parents are also reminded that we have EFTPOS facilities, so payments can be made at the office or over the phone.

Before a student can be considered for activities such as excursions, camps, the Formal, purchase of Senior Jerseys and shirts, a parent who has joined the scheme is expected to have:

A parent who does not wish to contribute to the scheme is responsible for providing the student with necessary items and covers the cost of activities for engaging in the curriculum.

A student may be refused admission to the scheme if there are payments outstanding by a family from the previous year and debt recovery action may be commenced. Parents of effected students will be required to have an interview with the Principal or Business Services Manager, prior to enrolment in the new year.

Recently our school submitted an application for a Lifestyle Water Wise Grant, from the Department of Natural Resources and Water. This application is as a result of our school’s ongoing commitment to making a difference to water usage. This application was successful. The grant for $14,439 was used to install a pool cover for our pool. It is anticipated that this will decrease the evaporation from the pool saving approximately 1600 kl of water per year. There will also be added benefits such as reduced chlorine usage, and it will also discourage the ducks from the area.

Central Queensland University offers opportunities for students to broaden their study experience by spending a term or a year of study overseas.

Central Queensland University currently has student exchange programs to Germany, Norway, UK, Canada, France, Hong Kong, Japan, Sweden and the USA.

A free information session on the program will be held Wednesday, 07 May 2008 in Building 1 Lecture Theatre, CQU Bundaberg from 5.30 pm—6.30 pm.

For more details contact Shane Hatton, Promotions and Recruitment Officer, Central Queensland University, phone 4150 7038 or mobile 0427 730 179.

Ø Wednesday, 25 June—Eltham Concert Band (from Melbourne) Workshop from 1.30-3.00pm at Maryborough West State School, Concert at 7.00 pm at Maryborough West State School.

Cross Country Photos

UPCOMING DATES

! Tuesday, 13 May— Thursday, 15 May— Year 9 National Literacy/Numeracy Tests.

! Thursday, 15 May— Year 11 Mary River Cruise. Depart 11.30 am return 2.30 pm.

Tuesday, 27 May— Wide Bay Cross Country