Term 2 - Week 6 - May 2022

From The Principal

Welcome to Term 2 - already we are just over the halfway mark. 

Congratulations firstly to some of our staff.  Mr Rohl was a nominee in the Australian Council of Educators Awards held in Cairns recently. While not taking out the category, the nomination is an indication of his ability as a teacher. Mrs Bidois recently was awarded a bursary from the QLD Secondary Principals Association to support pedagogical work happening at the school, and to further establish connections with similar interstate schools.

We are very proud of both of them. 

Reconciliation Week

Last week was Reconciliation Week and our school hosted a breakfast event at the MPC, partnering with MaMu and the Cassowary Coast Regional Council. With the theme of Be Brave, Make Change, we have started thinking of ways to make this a regular event and build our connections in the community. Indigenous Leader Jonas Gumbleton was the star of the speeches, talking about his own experiences as a young Indigenous man. 

Fanfare

Under the tutelage of Mrs Stewart, the school Bands received Silver Awards as part of the State-wide FANFARE competition. Guest adjudicator, Mr Brad Millard, commented on the cohesion of both groups and provided ideas how to improve further. He presented the Band Captains with their Silver Certificates. The groups performed five pieces to a small but enthusiastic parent group. The final results will determine if the bands go to the next round of the competition.

Fashion

I had the privilege of sitting in on the Fashion class recently and viewed some of their incredibly detailed and high-quality garments and accessories they have produced. While having no experience in this area, I had no doubt about the effort and creativity put into each garment. Congratulations to all the students and, of course, their teacher Ms Towne.

Road Safety

A reminder for all parents/caregivers to utilise the drop-off zone outside the MPC.  We have an increasing number of cars dropping students off outside the bus zones.  The bus zone area is fine to utilise after 9:00am; however, prior to this, parking in this area may cause a dangerous situation.

Student Advisory Council of 2022.

On 28April this year, I was fortunate enough to go on a trip to Brisbane to attend a meeting with the Ministerial Student Advisory Council of 2022.  

The committee consisted of 16 students (ranging from Years 9 to 12) from across Queensland who had been selected to participate in a discussion about future education programs provided by our schools and the ongoing issues caused by drugs, alcohol, and vaping.  

The conference lasted for about four hours, where we students and the Minister of Education discussed ways to counteract and improve these issues which have arisen in our schools. Towards the end of the meeting, the committee came up with future topics and issues to be discussed in upcoming meetings. Some of these include education on life skills (money saving, tax, and other such skills), teacher education and more.  

B’Elanna Timms

Our Qld teachers are incredible!

A Communiqué from Grace Grace, Minister for Education:

‘Our Qld teachers are incredible! 

This includes graduate teachers from Tully State High School who just started their career this year.

Tully SHS actively works in collaboration with partner schools and the Teacher Excellence Centre at Kelvin Grove State College to encourage graduate teachers to begin their career in Far North Queensland.

First year teacher Kyrra Johannsen-Weston said she became a teacher because she wanted to create a safe and inclusive space for students to be themselves and recognise the joys of learning.

“I completed my final teaching placement at Tully and was fortunate enough to be offered a job during that time. The school community made saying yes an easy answer,” Kyrra said.

“In my first 6 months my confidence has grown exponentially as a teacher. I am constantly supported and encouraged by so many members of staff in and out of my faculty, making me want to consistently be better.

“I bring a lot of enthusiasm to my classroom, I am passionate about education and school and feel this is translated through my lessons and relationships with the students in my classes.” ‘

Anzac Day 2022

On Friday April 22, Tully State High School conducted its annual Anzac Commemorative Ceremony. This was led by four Year 10 students - Grace O’Kane, Phillip Coppens, Livinia Brauer and Ellie Jenkins - while Jonas Gumbleton delivered the Acknowledgement to Country.

This year, the landings at Gallipoli, the overall conditions there and the eventual evacuation of the troops, were examined. In addition, the 80^th Anniversary of the Bombing of Darwin in World War 11 was remembered.

On Anzac Day itself, many students marched in Tully and attended ceremonies elsewhere in the district. The High School was also represented at the Commemorative Service in Cardwell for the 80^th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea, where representatives from America and Japan were in attendance.

Coral Sea

On May 1, Jonas and Toko attended the 80^th Anniversary of the Battle of the Coral Sea in Cardwell. The commemoration of the Battle of the Coral Sea is always a solemn event in which we pay our respects to those who fought and lost their lives in this battle. Both Jonas and Toko accompanied distinguished guests and members of the U.S Navy in laying wreaths as a token of respect.

Special thanks to Ms O’Farrell, Mr Millar and Ms Ketchell for accompanying these students at the ceremony. 

Weekend study for English teachers.

Last Saturday 195 English teachers across Queensland tuned in to a three hour professional development session on teaching Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” in senior.  The presenters for this ETAQ seminar were Dr Claire Hansen from the Australian National University in Canberra, and our own Kathy Macdonald, Head of English.  The seminar was very well received.  Kathy enjoyed the experience working with Claire again, and reported 64 positive feedback emails and requests for further discussion.  Blake Johnston attended the seminar and is now ready to implement some of the ideas in his Year 10 class.  Congratulations also go to Keira Ryan who has had her workshop for the State Conference in August accepted and included in the program.  Kathy will also be presenting at State conference – another weekend of great professional learning. 

The Arts Faculty

Year 9 ART

Last month, 9A Art travelled to the Cairns Art Gallery to view the amazing exhibition, Archie 100, which showcased Archibald Prize entries from the last 100 years. 

 The majority of the class had never been to an Art Gallery before or had the experience of perusing and appreciating such amazing works of art.  Each student had the opportunity to sit and draw a portrait of their choosing, which was a great start to their current Portraiture Unit.  9A is now in full swing, creating their own Archibald entry of a staff member from Tully High.  Parents and carers will be able to view these artworks at Imaginarium, our night dedicated to showcasing The Arts, which will be held here at school at the start of Term 4.

Ms Willis

Art Teacher

 HoD Junior Secondary

Visual Art Syllabus

Creative and expressive communication is central to the arts. Students learn to pose and solve problems, work independently and in collaboration, and create and convey meaning from various viewpoints. New skills are learnt and knowledge is created through the investigation and experience of valued traditions and practices across various art forms. ( Visual Art Syllabus)

Ms Holmes

Art Teacher

Yr 11 ARTISTS

Through the course of their Body of Work, students are required to develop an inquiry question whereby they will attempt to communicate it visually.

Blaire Bishop asks How does architecture contribute to the meaning and messages within artworks? She draws on her experience of walking around cities, feeling dwarfed by megaliths of skyscrapers. How is she doing?

Kyanna Pike wonders How can my artwork draw attention to the environmental impacts cane farming has on the Great Barrier Reef and evoke reflection into how the ocean interconnects with individuals?

After researching local Hmong refugees, Leyna Trans is inquiring as to whether art can communicate a sense of personal and cultural freedom.

Inspired by the Eubenangee National Park and with research into the 190 bird species, Hamish Foster wants to show the dynamic connection between flora, fauna and the landscape. Hamish’s chosen medium is watercolour and he is drawing on his research of Brett Whiteley.

Chelsea Zonta is exploring the relationship between humanity and nature. Having first sculptured a representation of the co-dependency of humankind and nature, she is now embarking on a diptych.

Stay tuned for their finished artworks in the next newsletter.

Ms Holmes

Art Teacher

Year 7 Music are progressing on their skills in either keyboard or guitar, particularly through developing their left hand accompaniment as well as playing chord progressions. The students are making good progress and are showing interest in learning a variety of songs. On the theory side, the students are making their way through analysing the elements of music in that very familiar piece of music, the Jaws’ theme song.

Lilly McDonald

Music Teacher

This term  in Drama Year 7 students have been exploring the world of Elizabethan Theatre and Comedy. It has been a slow start to the term with the wonderful public holidays, but students are starting to really get into the unit. All three classes have now read a contemporary version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Nights Dream, which uses some of the original play's famous lines and allows students to explore the historical text in language that they can understand. We have been focusing on understanding the links between the characters and their intents, so students can recognize their purpose when it comes to their Performing Task. Classes are now exploring the different forms of Comedy and the conventions which are used to show mime, slap stick, satire and clowning. Over the coming weeks, students will be looking at how they can apply these conventions of Comedy to scripts. We are really looking forward to what students will produce at the end of term.

Year 10 Drama are currently exploring Documentary Drama, wherein they have been researching various issues and events and how to raise awareness of these topics through the medium of dramatic performance. Last week, the students collaborated together to research and find documents on the topics climate change and homelessness, two issues that seem to be often ignored. They used their research to create freeze frames as well as create a symbolic drama, using a poem on climate change to portray dramatic meaning on stage. This was performed to a Year 8 class. There have also been some very interesting discussion and reflections during class as well.

Year 12 Drama in Practice have recently performed monologues to an audience where they very convincingly portrayed their characters! They are now working towards constructing a review of a live theatre performance. We are in the early stages of understanding the purpose of a review and how to write one. It is very exciting to announce that the 12 and 10 Drama Classes will embark on a trip to Townsville to see a live theatre show in which they should gain so much insight, both inside and outside the classroom.

Michelle Kurschat  

Drama Teacher

“Jekyll and Hyde”

On 18 May, the 10 Drama and 12 Drama in Practice classes embarked on a long yet extremely worthwhile trip to Townsville to see a modern adaptation of Jekyll and Hyde at the Townsville Civic Theatre. 

The show was jam-packed with laughter and excitement, while conveying a very important message about suppressing your darkness within, to be the best version of yourself. This contemporary, lively and adrenaline-rushing show even had our own Tully students and staff pulled from the crowd to improvise their way into the performance. For some students, it was their first time seeing a live show. This was a very exciting and beneficial experience for the students that we hope is one of many… 

Lilly McDonald

Drama Teacher

Chappie Steve

Hi!  My name is Stephen (students call me Chappy Steve) and I’m looking forward to joining your school community in my role as Chaplain from the start of next term. This is now my ninth year working as a chaplain which currently includes a primary school on the south side of Cairns and El Arish State School.

Over the last 20 years, I have worked with children and young people in a variety of roles and settings including youth and children’s worker, counsellor and as a classroom teacher. I am looking forward to getting to know the Tully High School community.

My main role as Chappy at TSHS will be working with staff to provide extra social and emotional support for students and the wider school community.  This will include providing students with individual support, running activities during lunch breaks and facilitating social/emotional learning programs as needed.  I will be at school on Mondays and Tuesdays and look forward to meeting you in the near future.

Take care,

Chappy Steve 😊

Fun and Games, Social Style

Last Thursday night’s Social was like a step back in time. The atmosphere was carefree, even joyful, and reminiscent of a more innocent, untroubled era. Students from all levels danced and played games alongside and with each other, dressed in an array of ‘Country’ or ‘City’ clothing. There were the Sophisticates and the Country Bumpkins, with a range of variations in between. Black lacey numbers and flannels, heels and boots. Lights flashed and twinkled, photos locked in memories, and the music drove the night along at an exciting pace. Up in the sound box, someone’s dad in his wild Afro wig struck the right notes, pounded the best beats, and mixed in magic every time, all the time. Thirst was quenched with cold water and cold cans, hunger fed with chocolates and popcorn. Two and a half hours flashed by for about 150 students. If only all the others knew what they were missing...

TSHS Sports News

Swimming Carnival 2022

Congratulations to Tyson on winning the 2022 TSHS Swimming Carnival.  It was a fantastic day at the Tully pool, with great participation by all Houses.  The theme of the day - to dress in the first letter of their House name - saw some very creative entries in the fashion parade.  Our own Merman, Jack Watson, took out the honours this year, with a Walter Hill Woolies Worker and Wildlife Warriors also being podium finishers.  

We celebrated many individual efforts on the day and congratulate the Age Champions and new record holders. 

Records:

12 Years Girls – Simone Clark – Mackay (50m Freestyle—32.53, 50m Backstroke—37.97 & 50m Butterfly—34.88)

12 Years Boys – Liam Quabba – Walter Hill (50m Breastroke—51.25)

15 Years Girls – Sophie McCallum – Kirrama – (50m Freestyle—28.63, 50m Backstroke—33.71, 50m Butterfly—31.57 & 100m Freestyle—1.04.41)

Cross Country Carnival 2022

The winners podium continues to change this year, with different Houses winning the first two House Carnivals, after Mackay won all three in 2021.  The Cross Country was held on Wednesday 27 April, after a welcome break in the rain.  Congratulations to Kirrama, who were ecstatic to be on the winners list for the first time in many years!

The carnival provided an opportunity all students to participate in the 2.5km course, and competitive runners to qualify for District trials.  This year, 26 TSHS students qualified for Peninsula trials. 

Congratulations also to the Age Champions for 2022.  

Congrats to Aiden Getejanc -Year 7

Aiden Getejanc has just completed a very successful cricket season, his personal best! He has been awarded with several trophies recognising his talent and commitment to the sport:

• Cricket Far North Representative
• A trophy awarded for a Hat Trick in Mackay.
• A trophy for Bowler of the Year for his local team.
• A trophy for the Most Runs Scored 251 in the Cassowary Coast.

Finally, Aiden received the award for Player of the Year in the Cassowary Coast.                                

2022 Swimming State Championships

One only needs to glance at the photo of Sophie McCallum mid-stroke in her Butterfly race to appreciate the power of her style. Representing the Peninsular Region at the 2022 Swimming State Championships, Sophie was a finalist in several events. She won third place in the 200m Backstroke, snapping off 8 seconds from her personal best, a fantastic achievement!

Sophie is only in Year 9; her dedication to training and her talent points to a great swimming future.

Well done, Sophie!

TSHS - NQ Games - Water Polo

Athletics Carnival

The TSHS Athletics Carnival will be held on Tuesday 21^st June (week 10).  Students do not need permission to participate in the carnival, however students wishing to compete in high jump using the flop technique, or use the spin technique for discus will need to demonstrate competence prior to the carnival.  Students can come along to high jump and discus sessions on Tuesday 1^st lunch in week 7 to demonstrate competence, sessions will be held on the oval.  Please contact Mrs Parkes for further information. 

Pre-Carnival events – these will be held in week 7, 8 and 9 due to the limited time for all events to occur on the carnival day.  There will be no opportunity to compete in the pre-carnival events on the day therefore students must ensure they attend the lunchtime competitions.  A draft timetable is below.

PRE-EVENTS

Athletics Pre-Carnival Events 

** These will not be run at the carnival ** 

Held 1^st lunch break on the oval

• NB: Students who wish to participate in discus (spin technique) and / or Frosby Flop high jump events for the Athletics Carnival must complete the competency event. A permission note will be required for district / Peninsula events.  

Maths Department News

Maths Tutoring commences on Thursday 18 April 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).  

Simple Interest and Compounding Interest

Eli, Prudence and the Year 12 Essential Maths class have learnt a valuable lesson about the difference between investing with Simple Interest and Compounding Interest. Prudence looks rather happy with the growth in her investment.  

Safety on Sugar Cane Railway

Bored in Breaks?

P & C Meetings

Casual Cleaners Wanted

Uniforms Wanted!

Tully Multipurpose Centre