Term 3 - Week 10 - September 2024

From The Principal

Dear Parent and Carers,

Congratulations and thank you to the Year 12 class on a wonderful formal.  The arrivals were spectacular and the evening was an absolute credit to the organising committee.  Thank you to our community for coming along and showing your support to our students. There are a number of pages in our newsletter that feature this celebration.

Waltykima Production

The 2024 Waltykima production is well underway thanks to Ms Ebony Harper who is leading the coordination and design.  All Year 12 students will be provided with a complimentary copy at the graduation ceremony in November.  All parents and community members are welcome to purchase a copy from the school office when available. 

The Waltykima has been a tradition at Tully SHS since the first edition was published in 1963; a copy is proudly displayed on the wall in the office foyer. 

Facilities Update

A massive thank you to Durighello Construction for its ongoing support to our school in completing quality building projects.  Over the holidays, the front bus shelter and walkway will be completed.  The school community greatly appreciates your outstanding workmanship to ensure our students have safe facilities. 

Durighello Constructions have also been awarded the contract after a tender process to repair the A Block external stairs.  This work will begin in Term 4. 

Other works planned for the holidays include new floor surfacing in the Syrmiss Hall to allow for badminton and volleyball courts.  In addition, Advantage Sport will be adding synthetic turf outside C Block near the office and at the end of the Art Block.

Project managers have also commenced planning the Tuckshop refurbishment, which we hope will occur during the Christmas holidays. 

Staffing Update

All the very best to Lisa Dunn, Community Education Counsellor, who is finishing her contract at Tully SHS this week.

Thank you to Mr James Brennan for taking on the role of Acting Head of Senior Schooling while Mrs Sloan-Orlandi has been on leave. 

I am on leave for the first week of Term 4. Mrs Rebekah Bidois will be Acting Principal, Mrs Rachelle Paton Acting Deputy Principal Senior and Mr Jarred Rohl Acting Head of Middle School. 

Safe Holidays

September holidays are a wonderful time to get outdoors and appreciate our beautiful area and weather. If you are going away, travel safe. Enjoy the holiday time with your children. 

Term 4 commences Monday 30 September.

Happy holidays!

Yours in learning,
Ms Helen Carne
Principal

2024 Formal

Tully 100 Centenary

Tully100dinnerdance@gmail.com

Sunday, 25 August 2024

Even though many weeks have passed since the numerous events organised for the Tully 100 Centenary, we have had plenty of conversations and feedback about how great it all was and how much people enjoyed being part of them and/or attending them.  

Those comments have been cultivated and shared because of your help.  They truly were, because without your help and support, our committee would have really struggled to make all the events come together. 

Our small Tully 100 Dinner Dance Committee -Tania, Shane & Raymond - would love to thank you officially for your amazing contribution, your time and effort that assisted us in bringing the event we created come to life in the best possible way.  It was definitely not just us – it was you too; we are truly grateful for your extended assistance, whether it was via blood, sweat and tears, or via your inspired brainstorming, and of course your generous monetary donations and sponsorship of our committee and the Tully 100 Celebrations Committee.

Being part of a non-profit organisation, it was inevitable that we had to rely on the support of others in our small town, but the response we received from the community was overwhelming, to say the least.  We realised then we were not the only ones sharing the vision of celebrating and marking a significant moment in our history - it is not every day that your town attains 100 years of its existence.  We feel blessed to have had TSHS available for hosting some of our best events yet, with your time and money given to the Tully 100 Centenary Celebrations Steering Committee showcasing your appreciation and support of our organisation’s ideas and dreams.

The township of Tully became ‘alive and festive’ when the Celebrations began.  We really loved seeing the joyful vibe it created.  It made our hearts warm knowing that what we all set out to accomplish was truly worth all the effort despite the late nights and those unexpected hiccups that occasionally popped up, but we are just like you: we are all members of the Tully Community who wanted to help make some memorable events to acknowledge Tully’s Centenary. You were there to help us iron out the wrinkles in our plans, snuff out little fires that could have easily turned into a raging and possibly unstoppable blaze, or just look for plan C, D or E, when Plans A & B didn’t work out. Perhaps we are exaggerating the comparisons here, but for us ‘in the moment’ some things were difficult to manage some without that extra help.   So THANK YOU to YOU !

We are greatly appreciative of what you did.

Many of the Tully 100 Committee events were so well supported by the community they were booked out well before the event.  This was very inspiring and way above our expectations, and gave us that drive and positivity to steer the Committee’s work in the right direction.  We don’t however, always hit the nail on the head, so to speak, and for that, we welcome your feedback.  We do honestly wish to hear from you in regards to how you thought things could have been improved or dealt with otherwise. 

On that note, the celebrations for the Centenary are not quite complete yet: you may be aware the Tully Mill is also celebrating 100 years in May 2025, and some of our committee members are still planning a couple of events to add to the calendar before Christmas, so please refer to our Tully100 website for these details.  Don’t forget to look at all the captured memories in the gallery on our website, where you could be the star attraction.

Once again, many thanks for your generous approach and contributions – these made a huge difference to the event outcome.  Please pass on our thanks to your team as well.

All the very best!

Best regards,
 Shane, Tania & Raymond.

Year 12 General English

Last Tuesday, the Year 12 General English cohort attended an afterschool external exam preparation tutorial from 3 – 5 pm in the library. Afternoon tea was provided, then the students were focused and engaged, viewing a 40-minute explanation of the play, Macbeth, by Jason Klarwein – a director and actor from the Grin’n’Tonic Theatre Troupe.  We then worked through a range of short, focussed, study segments. 

We joined the live stream Q & A for a few more tips, then returned to some more modules. 

Students now have access to all of the resources on the ETAQ (English Teachers Association of Queensland) website.  These are available until the external exam on October 21. 

The accompanying ‘word cloud’ represents the aspects that they learnt more about on the day.

Artist in Profile

TSHS Sports Department News

District & Peninsula Sport

Congratulations to Riley Berge, Tadgh McDavitt, Nollie Uitenweerde & Aiden Getajanc on selection in the Cassowary Coast 13-15 cricket team.  Thank you to Mr Mortimer who is coaching the team. 

Congratulations to Riley Berge & Tadgh McDavitt on selection in the Peninsula 13-15 Cricket team. 

Fowlers Cup Netball

Congratulations to the Fowler’s Cup Netball teams who competed in the carnival in Cairns.  A huge thank you to Mrs Kurschat, Mrs Flegler and Mrs Parkes for coaching the teams, and also to the parent helpers on the day.  The senior team finished 2^nd in their pool games, the Year 8 & 9 team and the Year 7 team both finished 3^rd in their pool games. Awesome achievements amongst very competitive opponents on the day, well done girls. 

Southern Zone Sports Awards 2024

The annual Sports Awards night will be held in week 8, next term.  Early next term Mrs Parkes will put the student selections list on the sports notice board outside HPE.  Students must check the list to make sure their name is listed if you have been selected in Southern Zone, Cassowary Coast, Peninsula or Queensland teams this year. 

How to become a Pharmacist

Ever wondered how you could turn your love for science and helping others into a cool job? Becoming a pharmacist could be your ticket to fulfilment. A Pharmacist’s job is to prep and provide over-the-counter drugs and fill prescriptions, provide advice about the best medications and treatments for minor ailments, as well as guiding customers on how to safely take medicines.

What skills do I need as a Pharmacist?

• Problem solving
• Meticulous & thorough
• Approachable & trustworthy
• Excellent time management
• Empathetic & understanding
• Can multitask effectively
• Fantastic people skills

What does the job involve?

• Receiving, checking and filling prescriptions
• Advising patients on dosage, side effects and other important information
• Determining appropriate medication for a patient’s situation
• Partaking in ongoing care and monitoring of patients
• Supervising Pharmacy Technicians and Assistants
• Conducting research into the development of new medicines
• Working with other professionals to refine manufacturing techniques
• Developing standards for medicine used in pharmaceuticals

What kind of lifestyle can I expect?

 As a pharmacist, you can expect a pretty uniform lifestyle with part-time opportunities on the lower side. Only about 27% of pharmacists work part-time, so it might not be as flexible as other jobs. For those working full-time, the average is about 43 hours per week, which aligns with typical work hours in most professions.

You’ll spend most of your time indoors, whether in pharmacies, labs, hospitals, or offices. While many pharmacists work in these traditional settings, there are also diverse roles available. You could find yourself in a lab developing new medicines, collaborating with chemists and engineers on medicine manufacturing, or working in advocacy and community education, making a real impact behind and beyond the pharmacy counter.

How to become a Pharmacist

First, you’ll need to complete high school with a focus on science subjects like Biology and Chemistry, as well as Math. After high school, you should pursue a Bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as a Bachelor of Biological Sciences, Bachelor of Chemistry, or Bachelor of Health Sciences. Once you have your undergraduate degree, you could then apply to a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program, which typically takes about four years to complete.

After finishing study, if you want to be a pharmacist in Australia, you’ll need to apply for provisional registration with the Pharmacy Board of Australia (PharmBA). Then, you’ll be required to complete a year-long internship with a registered pharmacist.

During that internship, you’ll need to do approved supervised practice (minimum 1,575 hours). Then, there’s a board registration examination you’ll have to pass, before you finally apply for and are granted general registration, and become a licensed pharmacist. .

Once you’re licensed, you can start looking for jobs in various settings, such as retail pharmacies, hospitals, clinics, or pharmaceutical companies.

If you’re currently in high school and considering a career as a pharmacist, here are some steps to help you explore the profession:

• Gain practical experience by working in a local pharmacy, doctor’s office, or hospital. This hands-on experience will provide insight into the field and help you figure out if it’s something you want to do with your future
• Really focus on getting good marks in Biology, Chemistry and Maths, and doing any kind of subject that might relate to a career in pharmacy. If it’s something you enjoy, that passion can carry you through the rigorous higher education requirements you’ll need for the job.
• Research various pharmacy programs thoroughly to understand the requirements and workload involved. This preparation will help you make informed decisions about your education and future career path.

Surf League Sports

On Friday, three students represented Tully State High School at the annual Surf League Sports Competition at Yorkeys Knob. Matilda FoersFrank, Elliot Foster and Charlize Gee all competed in numerous events and did very well. The conditions were rough and the water wasn’t too pleasant, but they gave everything their best shot. Matilda placed third in her swim for Open Girls, Elliot made it through the quarter finals for Flags and Charlize won Flags, Wade and placed in Board -  she also won Age Champion overall.

Surf Lifesaving in North Queensland is steadily growing and it’s great to see our students getting involved to represent their school and the organisation. Well done!

Managing and Reducing Stress While Studying

Understanding Stress

Stress occurs when individuals are faced with challenging or demanding situations. As a student, stress may arise from the pressure of meeting school deadlines while juggling other responsibilities. It's normal to want to perform well, but unmet expectations can often become a significant source of stress.

Is Stress Always Bad?

Stress is a natural part of life, and it’s not always harmful. In fact, some stress can be motivating and help you perform better under pressure. The key is to find the right level of stress that keeps you motivated without feeling overwhelmed.

Signs of Stress

• You might be experiencing stress if you notice any of the following symptoms:
• Feeling sad, upset, anxious, or tense
• Frequent anger or hostility
• Fatigue, exhaustion, or trouble sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions
• Physical symptoms like shortness of breath, muscle pain, or digestive problems
• You need a particular exam result to gain entry into another course or career path
• You feel pressure from your family to succeed

Strategies for Managing Stress

There are two main ways to handle stress, change the situation causing stress or change your response to the stressor.

While these solutions are easier said than done, the following strategies can help:

1. Identify Your Stressors: Recognise the situations that cause you stress and how they make you feel physically and emotionally.
2. Identify What You Can Change: Assess whether you can avoid or reduce the stressor.
3. Manage Emotional Reactions: Try not to magnify problems. Avoid focusing on negatives or potential worst-case scenarios.
4. Calm Your Physical Reactions: Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or stretching to reduce tension.
5. Build Physical Resilience: Make time for a healthy lifestyle by exercising regularly, eating well, avoiding stimulants, getting adequate sleep and engaging in your hobbies.
6. Maintain Emotional Support: Share your concerns with trusted friends, family, or counsellors. Set realistic goals, acknowledge your successes, and remember past strategies that have helped you cope.

Reducing Study-Related Stress

• Talk to Someone: Find someone who can help you find ways to manage it.
• Develop Healthy Study Habits: Planning and organisation can reduce that stress, so spread your workload throughout the semester.
• Take Breaks: Regular short breaks can help prevent burnout.
• Revise Your Timetable: Adjust your commitments and use a planner to organise tasks and assignments.
• Prioritise Your Tasks: List your tasks by importance and focus on what needs immediate attention. Defer or eliminate less critical tasks.
• Check Instructions Carefully: Misunderstanding assignments can lead to unnecessary stress. Re-read instructions and seek clarification if needed.
• Focus on One Task at a Time: Break down larger tasks into manageable steps and complete them sequentially.
• Reward yourself when you achieve your study goals: Watch an episode of your favourite TV show or go to the beach.
• Resist Perfectionism: Allow yourself to produce work that is “good enough.” Not every task requires perfection, and your worth is not determined by your grades.

Managing Exam Stress

• Prepare Throughout the Semester: Plan your study sessions in advance to ensure thorough revision.
• Stay Healthy: Prioritise sleep, nutrition, and exercise, and avoid substances that could hinder your focus and performance.
• Stay Calm During Exams: Read all instructions carefully, start with questions you’re confident in, and stick to your planned time allocation for each section.
• Move On After Exams: Don’t dwell on past exams.

For further information on ‘healthy study habits and managing stress,’ visit the school website, click on the ‘Support and Resources,’ ‘Student services and Support Programs.’ The second heading from the top of the page is our ‘School TV’ link that has some invaluable information around creating healthy study habits associated with exam stress. Alternatively, please click on the link https://tullyshs.eq.schooltv.me/searcher?search_api_fulltext=Study+habits. This will take you directly to a variety of resources and information relating to stress and study habits.

The link below has range of guided mental health and wellbeing exercises, with accompanying audio files for you to follow along with.

https://services.unimelb.edu.au/counsel/resources/guided-exercises

The Queensland Government has further information on exam stress. Please follow the below:

https://www.qld.gov.au/youth/looking-after-your-mental-health/managing-your-thoughts/exam-stress

Imaginarium

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How To Talk So Kids Will Listen

P & C Meetings

Alice's Aussie Adventures

School Age Community Disco

2025 Scholarships

Mobile Women's Health Service

Rookies2Red

Uniforms Wanted!