Aldridge State High School - Aldridge Newsletter - Edition 04

L-R: Mikaela Sanders, Kristina Ree, Anthony Gott, Deane Brieschke.

Senior Leaders 2008

Deane Brieschke, Tom Einam, Ben Feldman, Anthony Gott, Perri Hewson, Rhian Higgins, Georgia Hinkley, Kristen Hughes, Oliver Kennedy, Cameron Lewty, Kristina Long, Rebecca Linwood, Casey Massicks, Kellianne Milzewski, Anthony Mollee, Rebecca Porter, Kristina Ree, Mikaela Sanders, Melissa Walker, Stephanie Wical, Alice Williams, Kelly Williams.

Student Council

President

Anthony Gott

Secretary

Kristina Ree and Mikaela Sanders

Treasurer

Deane Brieschke

Care & Concern

Stephanie Wical

Communication

Cameron Lewty

Entertainment

Casey Masskicks

Extra-Curricula

Ben Ben Feldman

Grounds & Environment

Georgia Hinkley

Sport

Rebecca Porter

Maryborough City Junior Council

Ben Anderson, Rowan Collins, Alec Higgins, Lyall McDonald, Courtney Prove, Brooke Robertson and Jackie Whitaker.

House Leaders

Chappell Captains

Tom Einam and Alice Williams

Goolagong Captains

Anthony Mollee and Rhian Higgins

Gould Captains

Chris Schulz and Kelliann Milzewski

Langlands

Kellie Burmeister and Ty Taniora

Pay Your School Fees by Centrelink Deduction

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 Business Services Manager (Cynthia Read) on 4120 8444.

Resource Scheme

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.

If parents would like more information on the resource scheme, please contact the school to discuss the issue.

Consequence of Non-Payment

Participation in the scheme is voluntary. However, if parents choose to join the scheme a fee will be charged.

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:

¨ Fully paid the resource fees; or

¨ Paid the resource fee up to and including the term in which the school activity takes place; or

¨ Have made regular on-going payments towards the resource fees, as previously arranged with the school principal.

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.

Queensland Certificate of Education sets new standard

The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) – the new qualification that replaces the traditional Senior Certificate – has now been officially launched by the Department of Education, Training and the Arts.

For students, the QCE opens exciting and flexible pathways from school to work, or to further education or training, including university. It will record achievement in academic subjects, and workplace, vocational training, university and community endeavours.

In addition to the allocation of credit points for each of these achievements, the QCE will also set new standards for literacy and numeracy.

The Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) has developed this new qualification which retains what is good from the past and strengthens the Year 12 certificate's flexibility to allow new and different learning. It also provides greater links between industry and schools, as well as ensuring greater recognition of individual student achievements.

Parents and students can find more information on the QCE by visiting the Queensland Studies Authority website www.qsa.qld.edu.au

New Telephone system

Aldridge State High School recently had a new telephone system installed and as such our contact numbers have changed:

Ø New School Number—4120 8444

Ø New Fax Number—4120 8400

Ø New Student Absentee Line—4120 8460

We have been experiencing some ‘teething’ problems with our new telephone system, including messages that are left for us outside of office hours which are not being recorded. We apologise if this has occurred with any messages that you have left for staff at the school and have not received a response. The technicians are busily working away at resolving these problems, and we hope that they will be rectified very soon.

Until then, we ask that if your message is not responded to on the next business day, can you please contact us again so that we can assist you in your enquiry. We thank you for your patience and understanding with this situation.

Next Step 2008

The Queensland Government will again be conducting its annual statewide destination survey of all students who completed Year 12 or equivalent in 2007. The Next Step survey is a brief confidential survey that aims to gain a comprehensive picture of the employment, study and life choices made by Queensland school leavers.

Any person who completed Year 12, or equivalent last year can expect to receive a telephone call or a paper based survey bay mail, between March and May 2008. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate in the survey. Thank you for your support of the Next Step Survey in 2008.

For more information visit www.education.qld.gov.au/nextstep/ or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.

Interested in a career in the Defence Force?

2008 Career Information Seminars – RAAF Base Amberley

The Dept of Defence is holding Career Information Seminars throughout the year at their RAAF Base at Amberley for students that have a genuine interest in a career within the Defence Force.

The two day seminars are directed at students from Years 10 through to Year 12. This two day seminar will give students an insight into a career with the Defence Force. The seminars will have presentations on the role/purpose of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) and the principles/requirements of military discipline.

Both days will include presentations covering officer categories and airmen musterings (trades) and tours of selected workplaces will also be conducted. At the conclusion of day two, Air Force Recruiting staff will discuss the various educational requirements and other selection criteria for entry into the RAAF. A Certificate of Attendance will be provided, and will be issued only to students attending both days of the seminar.

There are a restricted number of placements for each seminar and they CANNOT accommodate parental attendance, as school students must be given priority in this activity.

Transport to and from RAAF Base Amberley and accommodation whilst participating in the seminar remains the responsibility of the student and/or parent/guardian.

Schedule dates are:

· 15 – 16 April 2008

· 13 – 14 May 2008

· 17 – 18 June 2008

· 22 – 23 July 2008

· 19 – 20 August 2008

· 16 – 17 September 2008

To obtain more information and register your interested please contact Sarah Glover from Fraser Coast TESS on 4122 4444 / 0417 737 622.

You will need to register your interest before the 25MARCH 2008.

Sports News

Congratulations to our student who performed so well at the Queensland Triathlon Championships on Friday, 22 February and Saturday, 23 February 2008. These athletes competed against the best in the Sate and in many cases the best in Australia to record some excellent results.

Jay McCarthy was outstanding in finishing second to win the silver medal in the U/16 Boys race. He lost by 10 metres.

Daniel Poppi finished 11th in the U/19 Boys.

Cameron Poppi finished 17th in the U/16 Boys. Cameron is still eligible for this race next year and should do well as he was the fourth U/15 finisher.

Gavin Soper finished 29th in the U16 Boys. Unfortunately, Gavin missed the turn into the run transition and it cost him valuable time.

Dylan Newberry finished 14th in the U/14 Boys. A great effort at his first State Titles.

Blake Soper finished 23rd in the U/14 Boys. Another fine performance from a beginning triathlete.

Julia McNeilly in her first big race performed creditably to finish 32nd.

Three of our boys also won medals in the State Relay races. Cameron swam and Jay cycled to set up the bronze medal for the U/16 Boys and Dylan cycled to help the U/14 Boys win a silver medal.

Jay McCarthy’s efforts earnt him a place in the Queensland Team to contest the Nationals in Tasmania at the end of March.

DAVE TREVORROW

Health News

Healthy Tips for Healthy Teeth

Starting healthy habits for our teeth at a young age is an easy way to prevent future damage and ensure healthy teeth for the rest of our lives. Here are some easy steps to follow in order to get into good habits early on in life.

Hygiene Tips for Healthy Teeth:

Ø Brush your teeth twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste or low- fluoride toothpaste if under 6 Years old.

Ø Brush the chewing surfaces, outside and inside of your teeth, as well as your gums.

Ø Children up to 8 Years old should be assisted with teeth brushing.

Ø Regularly change your toothbrush.

Ø Use dental floss regularly to clean hard to reach places between teeth.

Ø If you are involved in contact sports (football or hockey, etc) or high injury sports (skate- boarding, roller-blading, etc) wear a mouthguard.

Ø Don’t share toothbrushes with others.

Ø Regular check-ups with a dentist from an early age are important.

Food Tips for Healthy Teeth:

Ø Avoid sugary, sticky and acidic foods eg:

- softdrinks, cordials, fruit juices.

- lollies, roll-ups, muesli bars.

- cakes, biscuits, chocolate.

- sugary breakfast cereals.

Ø Try healthy snacks and meals:

- nuts, fruit and vegetables.

- unsweetened breakfast cereals, boiled eggs & toast.

Ø Consume dairy products to prevent tooth decay - cheese, plain yoghurt, plain milk.

Ø To avoid “bottle decay” don’t let babies and toddler fall asleep with bottles of juice or milk. Encourage the use of water instead.

Queensland Health – Tooth Friendly Foods and Tooth Enemies – Resource, 2005. Queensland Health – Brushing Toddler’s Teeth – Resource, 2005.

Australian Dairy Corporation - Cheesy Grins – A guide to healthy teeth through good nutrition – Resource 1999.

Rise and Shine It’s Breakfast Time!

Why your child should enjoy a nutritious breakfast everyday.

Breakfast:

Ø Fuels the body with nutrients. A nutritious breakfast for your child ensures daily nutrient requirements are well on the way to being achieved. A missed breakfast is a missed opportunity.

Ø Provides much needed energy for the mornings activities. Give your child the energy they need to start the day on the right foot.

Ø Prepares the mind for learning. At home, school or day care, children learn more effectively when they eat breakfast.

Ø Helps maintain a healthy weight, Breakfast helps control the urge to nibble or overeat throughout the day.

Ø Helps kids to feel good. Children may get stomach aches in the morning if they skip breakfast. These aches are usually due to being hungry.

Ø Tastes Great. Offer nutritious foods your family will enjoy even if they aren’t considered ‘typical’ breakfast foods—think laterally and be creative!

Simple Ideas to make breakfast time successful:

Ø Eat breakfast yourself. Showing teaches more than telling.

Ø Manage your time in the morning. Start to prepare breakfast the night before. Go to bed earlier. An early bedtime ensures a good night sleep and allows for an earlier start—making more time for breakfast. Stock your kitchen with quick-to-fix breakfast foods.

Ø Consider your child’s needs. Offer two or three food choices. This helps your child feel in control of the foods they are eating at breakfast. Give your child time to wake up before they eat breakfast. Many children don’t feel hungry the moment they arise from a nights sleep. Get your child involved in helping to make breakfast. This teaches your child valuable food preparation skills and is a fun learning experience— for the ‘grown ups’ also.

Parent/Teacher Interviews

Parent/Teacher interviews will be held on Thursday,17 April 2007, in the school hall. The interviews will commence at 3.30 pm and will be in 10 minute blocks. Parents wishing to obtain an interview with any of their students’ teachers can do so by contacting Perri-Le in the school administration office on 4120 8444. Parents are asked to have a list of their students’ teachers on hand when phoning the school to make interview times

Shakespeare on the Bay

Community Forum, 3.00 pm, Saturday, 15 March at Seafront Oval, Hervey Bay.

In light of the many important youth-related social issues raised in the Romeo & Juliet text, a Community Forum will be held during the USQ Shakespeare on the Bay Festival.

Chaired by an expert working in the field of teenage relationships, the forum will include a panel of practitioners. It will be interactive, inviting questions from the audience and comments from the floor. Afternoon tea will be provided. Entry fee is $2.00.

Dates for your Diary

More important dates for your diary:

Ø Tuesday, 18 March—Fraser District Winter trials—various venues.

Ø Friday, 21 March—GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY.

Ø Monday, 24 March—EASTER MONDAY HOLIDAY.

Ø Wednesday, 27 March—Friday,29 March—Year 11/12 Exams.

Ø Monday, 31 March—Friday, 04 April—Year 12 Industry Placement (ECS and General).

Ø Thursday, 03 April—Wide Bay Winter trials—various venues.

Ø Monday, 07 April—Monday, 14 April—Autumn Vacation.

Ø Monday, 14 April—Friday, 18 April—Year 11 Industry Placement (General)

Ø Tuesday, 15 April—Reports handed out.

Ø Thursday, 17 April— Parent/Teacher Interviews.

Ø Thursday, 24 April—Aldridge Cross Country.

Ø Friday, 25 April—ANZAC DAY HOLIDAY.