Term 1 - Week 5 - February 2022

From The Principal

Welcome to our first newsletter for the year. Welcome to our new students and families to Tully State High School and, of course, a special welcome to our Year 12 Class of 2022.  

Newsletters are sent out twice a term, which typically celebrate our successes and achievements, while the weekly SNAPSHOT aims to keep all informed of upcoming issues and events.

Staffing and numbers

While numbers are still in a state of flux, currently we have 752 students. We predicted very close to this number, and I would expect, as per last year, that these numbers will keep reasonably stable.

We have a range of new staff at the school and have also made the commitment to purchase extra staff to support smaller class sizes, wide curriculum choice and personalised service for our students.

P&C Meetings

The P&C will continue to meet regularly at the school on the third Thursday of the month. The next meeting is to be held at the Millside Café, commencing at 3:30pm. I invite parents to consider coming along to the meeting to keep informed of the various projects and initiatives of the P&C and to enable you to have a voice in your child’s schooling.

COVID

Thank you for your patience and vigilance with COVID requirements over the past few weeks.  We continue to have a number of students (and staff) every day who are off with COVID, so it is important that we continue to be vigilant.  If your child develops symptoms, it is essential that they do not come to school until well.  If students become symptomatic while at school, parents will be contacted to collect them. You will also be provided with a free rapid antigen test (RAT) to administer at home.

2022 Fees

Our school charges an annual fee for all students. The fee for students in Years 7 and 8 is $220 per year:  other students pay an annual fee of $240. The fees are approved by the P&C each year; there has not been an increase in three years.  Invoices are currently in the process of being sent out to all students, with a range of payment methods for parents. Be aware that non-payment of fees may result in students being unable to participate in non-curriculum activities throughout the year.

Student Leadership Team

It is a good time to highlight the wonderful group of student leaders we have at the school.  The Student Leadership Team (SLT) is comprised of students from all year levels and meet regularly under the direction of the SLT Executive made up of Robin Uitenweerde (President) and Amali Renfrey (V-President).

Of course, this group has within its membership the Junior and Senior School Captains, House Captains, Sports Captain and Indigenous Leader, who all contribute to our student voice.

Richard Graham

Principal

Welcome New Teaching Staff 2022

My name is Monique Filet and I have joined the English and Humanities teaching team at TSHS this year. I have relocated from Brisbane and have already fallen in love with the beautiful landscapes of the Cassowary Coast region. I am looking forward to exploring more of the beaches and waterholes and even heading out to the reef one school holidays. Apart from outdoor adventuring, I am also a keen gardener and reader, and love to try new sports.

I look forward to helping students improve and develop their writing, critical thinking and empathy skills across both subject areas, and hearing their unique perspectives on, and contributions to the topics we cover.

My name is Bernadette and I’ve relocated from Maryborough, near Fraser Island, where I had many adventures while starting my career as an English and Humanities teacher. As a former Burdekin girl, I’m excited to make Tully home while I rediscover North and Far North Queensland after a decade away. In my free time you’ll find me exploring the coast, playing with my dog, or taking part in any of my numerous hobbies. I am always happy to join in and get involved and am looking forward to becoming part of the Tully High community.  

I taught at Tully SHS for 2 years before moving to London with my partner. I taught at an all girls school in Clapham and thought it was pretty exciting to catch the underground to work everyday! When Covid hit in April, we moved back home. As we still had the travel bug we decided to do up our land cruiser and do a lap of Australia. Our set up was on a single cab ute with a canopy and rooftop tent. We lived and worked on the road. I got an opportunity to work in NT at a community called Urapunga which I thoroughly enjoyed. I also worked at high school in Darwin for 5 weeks and got to go on a 3 day hike in Kakadu with year 9 students. We then travelled to every stretch of the country, on road and a lot of off road. We have now moved back to Tully and continue to do as much camping as we can on weekends. I am so excited to be back teaching and seeing some of the students that I taught now in Year 11 and 12.

My name is Bradley Dennis and I have recently transferred from Dakabin State High School in Brisbane. I graduated from QUT with a Bachelor of Education, majoring in Physical Education with a minor in Business Communications and Technologies/Management.

I enjoy most sports, in particular Rugby League, Basketball and Volleyball. I am looking forward to exploring everything that FNQ has to offer and plan on utilising my weekends to do this. Finally, I look forward to fostering positive relationships with all students and have a fun time along the way. 

My name is Michelle Kurschat and I have relocated here from a small town in Central Queensland called Capella. I taught in Capella for the last nine years and was given the opportunity to teach a range of subjects, but my passion has always been for Drama and HPE. I have relocated with my husband and two children, who are four and two, and moved into what we call our ‘forever house’.

It’s been an interesting start to the year, with no students for the first two weeks, but I have enjoyed getting to know the lovely staff and particularly liked starting to get to know the students over the last two weeks. I am excited to be in a bigger school with the opportunities that it has to offer me as a staff member but also to be with so many students.

My Name is Chris Sachlikidis, I have recently moved to Mission Beach with my wife (Amy who is also teaching at Tully SHS) and 2 young daughters. We have relocated from Palm Island, where we have taught and lived for 6 years. I am teaching in the Industrial Skills area, teaching the Year 10, 11 and 12’s in the area of wood furnishing and material technologies. I am excited to be in the region and look forward to exploring the rivers and reef, taking part of the bloated fishing stories which I have already been told.

My name is Téa Hector and I am a Maths and Science teacher at Tully State High School. I have just recently moved to Wongaling Beach from the Gold Coast with my partner. I grew up in Perth, where I lived for 12 years. Over there, we had many exotic pets in our home including snakes, lizards, frogs, turtles, scorpions and our dogs!

I completed my Bachelor of Education at Griffith University Gold Coast, where I studied Biology and Psychology. When I’m not at work, I love to travel and explore by going camping, 4WDing and chasing waterfalls. I am so excited to be a part of the TSHS community and look forward to embracing the FNQ lifestyle!

My name is Brent and I recently moved from Brisbane to begin a new career in teaching after spending fifteen years in the IT industry. I am not a stranger to Tully, having worked in research for the sugar industry at James Cook University. I grew up on the Sunshine Coast, playing football and cricket for the local clubs and currently enjoy exploring the outdoors and fishing.

 I have enjoyed my first month here at Tully, teaching Mathematics, Science and Digital Technologies with staff and students being very welcoming. I look forward to getting to know the community and the school more as this year goes on.

My name is Cassie O’Kearney and I recently moved to Tully from Brisbane, where I grew up. I am excited to be a part of the teaching team at Tully State High School. I will be teaching Junior Maths, Science, Media Arts and Digital Technology. I completed my Bachelor of Secondary education at QUT. I am passionate about education and have seven teachers in my extended family. My Aunty and Uncle both taught for over 35 years and helped put me on the path of teaching. 

In my spare time, I enjoy cooking, watching movies, hanging out with friends, family and my two cats, Lyla and Gus. I look forward to helping my students achieve their goals this year.

My name is Brooke Rosch and I am a new English, Humanities and ASDAN teacher at TSHS 2022. During my Masters in Secondary Education at Griffith University – Gold Coast, I had the privilege of completing a placement at TSHS where I fell for the relaxed yet adventurous lifestyle which was reflected in the community and student body. I am passionate about student wellbeing and strive to engage all my students in successful learning.

Before becoming a teacher, I completed a Bachelor of Communications at UQ, majoring in PR and Event Management. I travelled the world, exploring countries including Europe, Japan and Egypt. Through my travels, I have gained a passion for working with children. I have been a lifeguard and camp counsellor at a Summer Camp for special needs youth in America; I have taught English to young monks in Sri Lanka; and I have learnt the importance of an atmosphere working at Disney World Florida. On the weekends, I enjoy diving, visiting waterfalls, playing social sports, volunteering with Camp Quality and seeing my family when possible.

I am excited to become a part of this community and journey with the TSHS cohort.

My name is Lilly and I started my first-ever teaching job at Tully State High school midway through 2021. I moved here from Murwillumbah in Northern New South Wales and studied on the Gold Coast at Griffith University. I also completed a Term Exchange at the University of Waterloo in Canada, during which I studied Theatre and Creative Writing. I love playing piano and singing.

This year I am teaching Year 7 Music, Years 7 and 9 English, and Years 10 and 12 Drama.

My name is Kyrra Johannsen-Weston and I am teaching English and Humanities at Tully State High School. I began teaching at Tully in Term 3 last year when my partner and I relocated from the Gold Coast, where we both grew up. I completed my Bachelor of Secondary Education at Griffith University where I studied Senior Secondary English and Indigenous studies.

I love being outside and trying new things! On the weekends, I love to hike and swim at new waterfalls, explore new parts of the region, go camping and diving, play water polo and hang out with my dog. So far, we have loved our time here living and working in Tully and are excited to keep learning, growing and exploring this amazing part of Australia.

Hello, my name is Tamara Currie and I moved to Tully with my partner about eight months ago to teach at Tully State High School. I completed my Bachelor in Primary Education with a specialisation in HPE, but decided to teach high school as I felt it was a better fit for me. At TSHS I teach HPE, Maths and Science and love it!

In my spare time, I love to explore FNQ with my partner, going to waterfalls, beaches and mountains. I am passionate about getting into nature, sports and spending time with my doggies. Since moving to Tully, I have started playing in a Touch team and soon will begin with a Netball team as well. I am excited to continue exploring FNQ and to see what the future brings for me here!

Cassowary Coast Regional Council Australia Day Awards

Congratulations to Tully State High School students Stella Berge and Brooke Tongalea for their awards at the recent Cassowary Coast Regional Council Australia Day Awards. Stella was awarded the Young Citizen of the Year and Brooke was awarded the Sportsperson of the Year.

What a marvellous achievement from both girls!

The Arts Faculty

The Yr 11 Visual Arts in Practice students have been learning to master their stencil making and spray-painting techniques leading up to their first assessment piece for the year.  Students are learning the fundamentals of design used in the Graphic Design industry in order to create a music festival poster that aligns with the design brief given to them.  11VAP have started the year off really well and it’s fantastic to see them all engaging with the tutorials and bringing their own creative flair to each design task. 

Stay tuned for the finished music posters at the end of this term.

 Ms Willis

 HoD Junior Secondary

Students are gaining skills in creating their Self Portrait. They will be introduced to Chuck Close, Ahn Do, Frida Khalo, Ben Quilty and Del Katherine Barton as mentor artists. They will then visually communicate something of their life experiences – a multi-layered artwork.

Here you see students developing a work that uses a technique by Chuck Close with the added dimension of including their spirit animal or totem.

Ms Holmes

Art Teacher

This term, we have a range of creative media piece being developed and case studies on particular elements of media being written.

In Year 8 Media, we are learning about the wonderful world of photoshop, focusing on creating a cover for the Waltykima, is our school yearbook. One of the students has a chance to have their creation as this year’s cover.

In Year 9, students are focusing on their special place in the school. This could be somewhere they hang out, brings good memories or is a safe and happy place. They will bring light to this area with  a documentary.

 Year 10 students are jumping into the world of Reality TV by finding out how it works, how it is created and then come up with their own concept for a Reality TV show. They will then create a trailer for their show with promotional support that includes a poster and a pitch.

Year 11s and 12s Media Arts in Practice students are exploring the concept of documentaries about people in the community and focusing on sharing a story about someone who is important to them, or who has done something interesting or even improved the community. They will pitch the idea to a board to have their idea is green lighted, and then make their full documentary.

Year 11 Film, TV and New Media students are focusing on the foundations of film making, focusing on the codes and conventions. They will complete their first ATAR assessment, a Case Study centred on the movie, The Grand Budapest Hotel, choosing a single scene from the movie, deconstructing it to explain how, why and what the director ‘Wes Anderson’ has created that scene to include in the movie.

Year 12 Film, TV and New Media students are looking into participation in media and how different media platforms use participation for the purpose of engagement and use. Their first assessment is also a Case Study of an interactive Netflix movie Bandersnatch. They will use this movie as a base to undergo a deep dive into how participation began in media and developed over time from the old choose your own adventure books all the way up to choosing how a movie can play out.

Mr Kavic

Media & Design Teacher

Music is under way at Tully SHS.  There are classes in all Levels except 8.  Genre is the big theme for Years 9-12, each class studying this in different ways, both compositional and practical.  We also have the choir starting up on Tuesdays.

Kent Gibbins

Music Teacher

In Year 7 Drama, this term we are focusing on the Elements of Drama and how they can be used to create drama. Students are participating in a number of workshop activities aimed at gaining confidence in drama and exploring the different elements. So far, students have been very engaged and willing to participate, which has been a great start to the term.

Year 10 Drama are studying the style of Realism. They are working through the conventions of this style to prepare for their assessment, which is a performance of an extract of Nick Enright’s play Blackrock. The students have shown an eager attitude to get on stage and put themselves in the shoes of various characters.

In Year 12, the Drama in Practice students are working towards writing their own script in the style of Contemporary Theatre. This week, as they begin to consider what they could write their scripts about, we have looked at topics, themes, and issues that might be relevant to a young audience. This has sparked interesting discussions on what our modern world looks like and why contemporary theatre is important for people to experience.

Miss McDonald

Drama Teacher

Year 12 Events

Year 12s have a lot of exciting events coming up. The Formal Committee is starting their fundraising efforts with a Pie Drive; forms will be distributed this week. The theme for the Formal this year is Great Gatsby, so we are excited for some glitz and glamour at the Formal in Term 3. Look out for any other fundraising from the committee in the next few months.

The Senior Investiture has been postponed due to COVID restrictions. Once a date is confirmed, students and parents will be informed.

The Seniors of 2022 have received their Jerseys and their new Senior Polo shirts and are very excited to be showing them off. Senior Polo Shirts are an alternative to the standard TSHS uniform shirt that Seniors are privileged to wear, and the students are enjoying this privilege so far.

Ms Walker

Yr 12  Co-ordinator

Ways of helping with READNG

As in Primary school, it is very important that all students read for 20 minutes each day at home.  Reading can be from: Science/ Maths books, notes taken in class from other subjects, internet pages, library books, newspapers, advertising catalogues, magazines…  Reading can be to: younger children, adults, self, or friends.  In all Year 8 English classes, reading strategies are being explicitly taught.  Books that have to be read for English classes in years are generally available as audio books, so students can listen to the story while they read.  At home, support reading by talking about what was read – ask questions.  Model reading yourself.  Reading aloud and reading to understand are different skills which both need practice.  The reading demands on students in senior school are great, so prepare you child now by suggesting they borrow fiction or non-fiction books from the school library.  Students may borrow up to 4 books at a time.

Happy reading,

Ms Macdonald

Head of English and Library

SLT 2022

The new Student Leadership Team has already made their presence felt with a very successful Valentine’s Day on Monday 14, delivering over 200 roses to students in all year levels from their (anonymous!) admirers during the first period of the day. Leaders arrived early before school to sort and organise the flowers for efficient distribution.

This year’s President, Robin Uitenweerde, and Vice-President Amali Renfry – two students who have served on the Team since their Year 8 days - conducted a lively first meeting In Week 1, keen to launch the boat loaded with new ideas and aspirations.

We are looking forward to an easing of restrictions with the new directives on March 4, hoping to be able to stage events that can involve numbers of students.

In the meantime, here’s some good news for students who are at a bit of a loose end at lunch times. We have bought several board games – from the latest Harry Potter and Brain Fart to the ever-popular Monopoly (Australia!). Students from any year level can come to the eLearning Room (SP04) on Mondays and Thursdays to join in a game.

Thierrine Bromley

Maths Department News

Maths Tutoring commences on Thursday 17 February in the Library from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

Calypso Coaches will be offering a service picking up from TSHS at 4.05pm on Thursday afternoon's for any students attending the Maths tutoring class.  Parents can make a booking by emailing accounts@calypsocoaches.com.au or phoning 0418 154 470.  Bookings are essential.  Price $5/student.
Drop off points:
-Corner of Merryburn Drive and Tully-Mission Beach Road
-Lindsay Road Carmoo (first bus stop only)
-Kennedy Esplanade, South Mission Beach (Shelter shed on beach front)

-Jackey Jackey Street Park, South Mission Beach
-Wongaling Beach (big cassowary)
-North Mission Beach (the hub).  

TSHS Sports News

 Cassowary Coast trials

Congratulations to the Tully netball teams who won both competitions at the district trials on Friday at Innisfail.  The following students were selected in the Cassowary Coast netball teams.  15years: Danielle Kerr, Brooke Johnston, Hayley Johnston, Eliza Smith & Mia Uitenweerde.  Opens: Michaela Adams & Isabelle Slater.  

Bored in Breaks?

TSHS Uniform Policy

Tuckshop Assistant Role

 Position Available

Tuckshop Assistant Role Tully State High School

A position is available in our very busy Tuckshop. The position is a casual role. The duration of the position is dependent on work demands but could be up to approximately 3 to 15 hours a week The position requires a person who can;

· Be available to work at a days’ notice at times

· Work is available during term time only

· Provide quality tuckshop service, food production and food preparation duties

· Some lifting is required at times

· Provide a clean hygienic environment for the preparation, storage, and safe food handling

· Must have excellent hygiene practises and be well presented.

· Be willing to undertake an online food handling course if not already obtained

· A current blue card is required if you are not a parent of a student at our school

· Must be double vaccinated

· The position will commence ASAP and is reliant on a 3-month trial. Please contact the P&C via email pandc@tullyshs.eq.edu.au

P & C Meetings

Casual Cleaners Wanted

BreastScreen Queensland

Well Women’s Clinics

Well Women’s Clinics

(these clinics are available to Medicare eligible clients)

Service includes Cervical Screening Tests (Pap Smears), Sexual Health Screening, Breast Awareness, also info on Contraception, Continence, Menopause, Lifestyle Issues, Domestic Violence, etc.  All services are provided by a specially trained Women’s Health Nurse.

Tully Hospital:                        Thursdays 10^th & 24^th March                        Ph 4226 4812

Mission Beach CHC:              Tuesday 22^nd March                                      Ph 4016 1447

Uniforms Wanted!

Tully Multipurpose Centre