Term 2 - Week 10 - June 2022

From The Principal

Welcome to our final Newsletter for the term.  Another busy few weeks and already halfway through the year! As we travel into Term 3, we will also start a range of processes for subject selections and leadership positions for 2023! I wish you and your family the best for the upcoming break and look forward to catching up again soon.

Year 12 Gold Coast Trip

At the time of writing, we have several of our Year 12 students down at the Gold Coast for the next few days.  This is the first Year 12 trip that we have had since COVID, and we wish them the best.  Congratulations to student and staff organisers who have been quite innovative in the activities and venues arranged for the trip. I look forward to hearing some great stories upon their return.

Work Experience

Our Year 10 students are currently involved in work experience with employers in a range of vocations. While most of our students are staying local, we also have some who have ventured to places like Cairns and Townsville.  On behalf of the school, we are very thankful to the many employers involved in the program. I am proud of the many skills our students have; this program certainly allows them the opportunity to demonstrate these to the wider community.

School TV

Elsewhere in this newsletter there is an article on School TV software recently made available on our website. This initiative, made possible by our P & C, is a proactive way of supporting parents in working with their teenagers. There is no question that young people these days have a myriad of issues to deal with which were not present in the past. The power of the software is that it allows us to monitor the issues being canvassed so that we can adjust support programs at the school accordingly.

Upcoming events

Reports will be emailed to all students at the end of the first week of Term 3.  There will be an opportunity to meet with teachers on the Open Night on Wednesday, July 20, in the second week. This night will also feature formal talks for students entering Year 11 and Year 7.

SET planning for our Year 11 students will occur on August 25 and 26 at the school. This is a compulsory interview and planning process for all Year 10 students entering Year 11 in 2023.

Nominations for 2023 School Leaders will be finalised early in Week 3.  Our School Leadership process occurs over Term 3, with leaders beginning their roles in Term 4 when our current Year 12s start on external exams or finish formal classes.

Year 11 Camp:

The Year 11 cohort went on their annual Leadership Camp in Week 6 of this term. It was a huge success on two fronts: firstly, that the group was the largest on record with a total of 77 students, nearly 80% of the entire year level; secondly, the attitude and behaviour of all students was nothing short of exceptional, as there were countless examples of grit, determination and comradeship. Students took on all opportunities to demonstrate their potential and capacity to be leaders of today and of the future. Students tackled a range of challenges: from obstacle courses, laser tag, abseiling & rock climbing, to hiking and raft building. The camp leaders and teachers who had had previous experience stated it was one of the best groups to ever attend. A real credit to the Year 11 cohort and the culture they have been building.

NAVY Emerging Technicians Excursion

On June 14 and 15, Year 12 students Christo Van Vuuren, James Brescansin and Mathew Gough participated in the first NAVY Emerging Technicians Excursion, held at the HMAS Cairns Naval Base. The Excursion offered schools across the State the opportunity to send three students each to the base, showcasing jobs available in this branch of the Defence Force, and offering an exclusive tour of the Cairns base and some of the vessels in port. Photos were prohibited for security reasons, so we’re sorry we can’t show any of the places we visited.

Over the two days, students were greeted by Navy personnel from all over Australia, who had been flown in to speak with them. Their positions within the Navy ranged from Communications and Navigation to Safety and Support; technicians and engineers; electronics and diesel fitting; and even hydrographic surveying: a wealth of knowledge and experience was made available. Students were told (and were able to ask questions) about Navy entry requirements, training, job descriptions, working conditions, benefits both financially and geographically (with travel being extremely accessible) and many other topics regarding employment in the Navy.

Our students were extremely grateful for the opportunity to see and experience all that they did. They left the base far more informed about opportunities in the Navy than when they arrived and agreed that the excursion was a great way for students to have their eyes opened to the world of the Defence Force. We hope this program continues to be made available to our students in the future.

A big thank you to the Royal Australian Navy for providing the opportunity, and to all those at HMAS Cairns who gave their time for us. If this has sparked anyone’s interest in the Navy or other branches of the Defence force, visit the website at www.defencejobs.gov.au

Indigenous Leaders of the Future

A small group of our Indigenous students were invited to participate in a leadership camp at Tinaroo Environmental Education Centre: Willem Endean, Nicholas Muriata, Sipi Sipi, Sari Ericson, and Jamie Muriata. Our first day on camp was very quiet, but this changed over the coming days. They learnt skills such as trusting students from other schools; communicating in group activities; understanding boundaries with safety; and being supportive when students were fearful and anxious. Our students excelled in rising to challenges and were very determined to accomplish their personal goals. They showed courage, willingness to participate without being prompted, and giving it their all. We are confident that this group of students will make excellent Indigenous Leaders of the Future.

Miss Lisa and Miss Ford.  

Congratulations Isabella

Yr 11 student, Isabella O’Toole, has taken out first place in a QLD Health art competition to design an artwork that will be used to promote health in indigenous teens.  Her artwork will be printed onto shirts that will be worn by indigenous health care workers and school immunisation nurses in the Cairns region.  These photos show Cairns Health Nurse, Nicole, presenting Isabella her prize of Powerbeats Pro Wireless Headphones with a shirt printed with her design coming at a later date.  Isabella also won a prize for her school which was accepted by Ms Willis – a $500 Eckersley’s e-giftcard to spend on Art supplies.  Thank you Isabella and congratulations!

The Arts Faculty

This Term, Yr 8 Art having been studying Aboriginal X-ray Art and using this style to design and create printed artworks.  The unit entitled, Fish Tales, asked students to design the internal structure of a fish (x-ray art) and print the fish as a series while also incorporating Aboriginal Art Symbols in order to tell a story.  You will be able to view these amazing artworks at our annual Arts extravaganza, Imaginarium, at the beginning of Term 4.

Ms Willis

Art Teacher

 HoD Junior Secondary

Yr 10 & 12 ARTISTS

Year 12 Visual Arts in Practice will be creating a sculpture constructed from disposed tree-based materials.  They have collected items which will be assembled to create a three-dimensional work that communicates a message about consumerism. We’ve called this unit Tree–Cycle.

Year 10 artists have completed their landscape paintings and are currently on Work Experience, so please enjoy their work.

Ms Holmes

Art Teacher

This term in Year 9 media, one of the main assessment items was a Celebrity Makeover. Students were asked to be personal stylists for a celebrity or character: this entailed giving them a new look showing how that would look in action. A few selected students’ works are shown below:

Another project was Documentaries, filmed by the Year 11/12s Media Arts in Practice class. With a finished documentary, they were asked to create a movie style poster to advertise it as shown below.

Year 7 Music classes have been finalising their assessment including performing songs on piano and guitar. There have been students who sing along for each performer. It has been lovely to see the class come together and make their performances enjoyable as well as learning to work as a group! They should be happy with their cooperation.

Lilly McDonald

Music Teacher

The Year 10 Drama class have been focussing on their team building in class by working in groups to overcome a given obstacle. They have also been working well on their assessment, where they have had to create freezeframes to document a story inspired by a news article. They have covered a range of topics including drug abuse, domestic violence, and cyberbullying.

The 12 Drama in Practice class have been working on creating theatre reviews in the form of a podcast. This class of six worked effectively together to record their podcast wherein they discuss what they believed was effective, and who they would recommend it to and why. The conversations have been quite in depth and the students have engaged well.

Lilly McDonald

Drama Teacher

This term, Year 7 Drama students have been learning about theatre and drama in a variety of historical, social, and cultural contexts. There has been a strong focus on how the genre comedy is used effectively on stage. For assessment, students performed a modified version of William Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” – a comedic play about fairies, royalty, lovers, and actors.

Over their two terms of Drama, students have thoroughly enjoyed the subject. Students’ confidence on stage has grown significantly since the beginning of the year and it is great to see their positive approach to and enthusiasm for the Arts at Tully State High School.

Blake Johnston

Drama Teacher

Attendance Rewards Day

On Thursday 23 June Tully SHS hosted Laser Tag Cairns for students who aligned with the 90% attendance goal for 2022. Students played multiple rounds of Laser Tag where they were able to defeat and conquer their friends on the school oval. All students demonstrated exceptional behaviour and engagement during the event. Look forward to seeing more students on 90% attendance next term.

Keep up the good work students!

Reconciliation Breakfast

A Reconciliation Breakfast was held in the MPC in line with the State Breakfast being held at Parliament House on Thursday 26 May. Attending were Cassowary Coast Regional Council Councillors, the Mamu HSL Managing Director and Guest Speakers Brett Ambrum, Richard Graham, Jonas Gumbleton, and Mayor Mark Nolan. The delicious breakfast was catered by Hospitality staff and students.

At the following Assembly, some of our Indigenous students outlined their perspectives of the concept of Reconciliation and explained what the theme of this event – Be Brave, Make Change – meant to them as aspiring future leaders.

 Miss Lisa and Miss Ford

Indigenous camp at Holloways Beach Environmental Education Centre

On 18 May three of our Indigenous students attended an Indigenous Leadership camp with other Far Northern schools.  Hannah Beeron, Howard Busch, and Dre Hansen participated in a wide  range of activities that pushed them out of their comfort zones as they had been anxious to go on this camp. However the students accepted challenges and formed relationships that assisted them in achieving personal goals. They learnt about other students’ country and cultural practices, they supported others, and met challenges that may help them achieve and overcome barriers in the future.

Miss Lisa and Miss Ford

Fishing Strategies

Year 11 Recreational Studies students have been fishing this term. We walk down to the Banyan and fish off the shore. They have learnt different types of fishing strategies and have been successful. Can you believe that the fish love tasty cheese?!

Deadly Choices:

Deadly Choices from Innisfail have been coming into our school to work with our Year 8 Indigenous students participating in the Good Tucker Program, where they learn to cook quick healthy food from the five food groups. Our students learn the benefits of making better choices in nutrition when understanding the five food groups. They learn skills in the kitchen that will be beneficial in their future lives. Our Year 11 students participated in the Healthy Lifestyle Program organised. They also engaged in discussions about the long term impact of consuming tobacco, drugs and alcohol.

Swim Success

Kai Westcott demonstrated his Iron Man tendencies last Thursday when he successfully competed in the Quicksilver Green Island swim. Part of the Cairns Iron Man Festival, the race was open to people above 12 years, so Kai was sharing the swell with men and women who were also proving their mettle/metal! He was placed a very commendable tenth among the males, and seventeenth overall. 

Congratulations Kai! 

TSHS Sports News

Rugby League Years 11 & 12: The Senior Rugby League team from Tully SHS played Innisfail SC with the winner going on to play in Cairns. The match was a hard-fought and closely contested. Tully was in control for most of the match, with an impressive commitment to their defensive efforts. This was exemplified within the first five minutes, as they faced three repeat sets on their defensive line, without allowing a try. The win was a complete team effort, coming down to a conversion on fulltime that was missed, resulting in a Tully win 18-16.

Athletics Carnival

The Athletics Carnival was held on Tuesday 21 June.  With some delays due to the rain throughout the day, the results will be announced at the 1^st assembly back in term 3.  Will Walter Hill finally reach the winners podium after Kirrama achieved greatness at Cross County, or are Mackay or Tyson set to gain back the winners circle – we will have to wait and see! 

A huge thank you to the staff and students who made it a wonderful day of participation and sporting excellence on display. 

The district athletics carnival will be hosted by TSHS on Friday 5 August (week 5).  The top 4 place getters for each event will be invited to attend.  Notes will be handed out in week 1. 

Representative Sport

This term we had a number of students selected in Queensland teams, an amazing achievement and reward for their dedication to their chosen sport. 

Congratulations to:

Charlie Liddle – AFL 15s Queensland team.  Charlie was also awarded MVP for the Peninsula team. 

Hayley Johnston – Touch Football 15s Queensland team.  Congratulations also to Ellie Jenkins, named as a shadow in the team.

10-12 QSS Touch Championships

Liam, Makayla and Zara represented the Peninsula 10-12 Boys and Girls Touch Football teams at the Queensland School Sport Championships in Brisbane from the 16 June.  The students played well, strived to improve and showed excellent sportsmanship.  Both teams had several wins during the Carnival with the girls’ team placing eighth and the boys’ ninth. 

Youth Sports Star Awards

Maths Tutoring

Maths Tutoring commences on Thursday 28 July 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).  

Managing your Digital Reputation

Social media has become such an integral part of a teenager’s life that it can cause anxiety and lower their self-esteem. Modern teens are learning to do most of their communication while looking at a screen instead of another person. They are missing out on very critical social skills.

Once information makes its way online, it can be difficult to remove. Images and words can be misinterpreted and altered as they are easily and quickly shared around. Privacy settings on social media sites need to be managed in order to protect your child’s digital reputation.

Please read the fact sheet on Managing Your Reputation.

Trivia Night

Safety on Sugar Cane Railway

Bored in Breaks?

P & C Meetings

Casual Cleaners Wanted

Uniforms Wanted!

Tully Multipurpose Centre