Term 1 - Week 4 - February 2025

From The Principal

Dear Parent and Carers,

Student Congratulations

Congratulations to Taylah Reis and Jasmine Pitman, 2024 Year 12 students who took out First Prize in the FALS Narrative Writing Competition for Senior Students.  Lana Campbell and Stef Van Tonder were awarded Highly Commended for their entries.

Student Resource Scheme – School Fees

Tully SHS operates a Student Resource Scheme.  The objective of the scheme is to provide a convenient and cost-effective way for students to access the educational resources necessary to enhance their learning experience at school. The Department of Education encourages parents to participate in the scheme. Participation in the SRS is optional, and no obligation is placed on a parent to participate. Participation is for the duration of your child’s enrolment at the school. However, if you choose to join the scheme, the expectation is that the school SRS fee is paid. 

Due to change in government requirements with this fee, if a student/parent has not paid this fee then students will not be able to participate in extra-curricular and other activities determined by the school.

The SRS participation fee for the year at Tully SHS is $220 for Years 7 and 8, and $240 for Years 9 to12.  If parents/carers are experiencing financial hardship, we encourage them to contact the school to discuss payment arrangement. 

All invoices will be issued in the next fortnight.  Our expectation is that parents and carers commence payment prior to the end of Term 1.  If payment is not received or commenced on a payment plan, then Tully SHS will be required to limit participation in activities in and out of class.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me directly if you have any concerns. 

P & C Meeting

The first Parent and Citizens meeting for the year was held on Wednesday of this week.   The Annual General Meeting will be held next month, and we encourage as many parents as possible to attend to have your say and provide the school with feedback on our systems and processes.  One hour a month is all that is required for P and C involvement at Tully SHS.  The Tuckshop is an amazing source of funding, therefore very little extra work is required from active P & C members. 

Extra-Curricular Activities

Tully SHS fully supports and actively encourages all students to participate in sport and extracurricular activities.  These events create wonderful memories and connections for students across the Cluster, Region and State if selected. A massive thank you to our staff for organising these activities.  These can only occur when teachers give up their personal time! 

Weekly events

Tuesday – Science tutoring after school

Wednesday – Young Artist Collective – after school

Thursday – Maths Homework Club – after school

Friday – Humanities Club – Break 2

There are many more that occur throughout the year, so stay tuned to our Newsletter and Facebook page to get involved!

Facilities Update

Tully SHS has been successful in receiving a Flexispace grant.  The Flexispace grant will establish a learning area - A20 - that supports selected Junior Secondary students to learn in this space for certain subjects.  At present, the room is being renovated with new flooring, furniture and paint.  The aim is to have the Junior Learning Area operational for Term 2. 

Student Expectations

Our staff at Tully SHS work tirelessly to support our students to be successful; at times we understand that some students need reminding of certain expectations. In this newsletter I want to remind the school community that use of mobile phones/electronic devices between the hours of 8.45am – 2.45pm is not allowed, and that this is a whole of government policy.  Please refer to school website for our school policy.

Have an awesome fortnight, and please contact the school if you have any concerns or feedback.

Yours in learning,
Ms Helen Carne
Principal

Tully High Punches Above Its Weight Again

Last night in Townsville at the Celebrating Local and Emerging Authors event at Umbrella Studios, Tully High mopped the floor with the competition.  Of the 45 entries from Cairns to Rockhampton, Tully took out the joint FIRST award: Taylah Reis with her story “He’s an A Grade Pillock, but He’s Mine” and Jasmine Pitman with her story, “The Toll of Trench Warfare”. Of the ten HIGHLY COMMENDED awards, Tully received two:  Lana Campbell for “Poster Girl” and Stef Van Tonder for “Snowflake”.

 The evening began with talks from local writers about why they write, and their latest book or research project.   The authors included Nicole Crow, Trisha Fielding, Elliot Hannay, Veronica Lando and Mary Vernon – all but one of these attended state schools in Queensland.  The event was hosted by the Foundation for Australian Literary Studies (FALS), the Roderick Centre for Australian Literature and Creative Writing, and the Townsville branch of the English Teachers Association of Queensland.

 It was a great celebration of creativity and writing.  The judges, Professors Cheryl Taylor and Dr Nola Alloway, made much of the excellence of the Tully entries, and of the quality teaching students have received. 

A Gripping Experience

It is not a regular event for TSHS students, arriving at the Cairns Casino early on a school day, but last week eight members of the SLT did just that! Up the stairs and into a large, high-ceilinged room, they were confronted not with slot machines or gambling tables, but excited groups from other schools, upbeat music and a sense of anticipation in the air.

We were there for the annual GRIP Student Leadership Conference, which proved to be a very intensive, interactive and rewarding learning experience for both our Year 8 contingent and the four Year 12 leaders who comprised our group. The opening Main Session - Making Our School a Great Place for Others - set the tone with lively videos, on-stage competitions and audience participation. Other sessions ranged from Tackling Something at our School that Feels Impossible to Creative Ideas that Aren’t Events. Challenging, informative and inspiring, the day sped by.

Lunch breaks were a cosy affair: we found a relatively secluded space near the ground floor, debriefed and ate our packed lunches. On the way home we touched down briefly at Macca’s, a traditional treat after a hard day’s conferencing.

I was so proud of them: impeccably uniformed, enthusiastic and engaged – they were the best ambassadors for Tully High.

Thierrine Bromley

NAPLAN at Tully State High School

From the 10 to 18 March, Tully State High School Years 7 and 9 students will participate in NAPLAN (National Assessment Program, Literacy & Numeracy) testing, as will all other Years 7 and 9 students across Australia.  

Across these days, our students will participate in a total of four tests: Numeracy, Writing, Reading and Conventions of Language (grammar, punctuation and spelling). Students will complete NAPLAN online - on computers rather than paper tests. Such testing is tailored to each student; the test automatically adapts to a student’s test performance, delivering easier or more difficult questions depending on the student’s answers at juncture points. In questions where reading is not being tested, such as the Numeracy Test, students also have the option of pressing a speaker button to have the questions read to them.

NAPLAN tests are constructed to give students an opportunity to demonstrate knowledge they have acquired throughout their school curriculum journey across their years of schooling; NAPLAN tests are regarded as just another routine assessment in our school’s Assessment Calendar.  

Students at Tully State High School are well prepared for NAPLAN through the intensive school focus on reading and writing, the teaching of language conventions, our focus on daily writing and the explicit maths lessons occurring daily in their classrooms.  

If you are interested in seeing the types of questions students encounter in NAPLAN, please visit https://www.nap.edu.au/online-assessment/public-demonstration-site, where you can view sample tests. 

Prior to the testing period, our Years 7 and 9 students will participate in practice tests scenarios to ensure our computers and systems at school are ready for the test period. These practice tests are not scored or marked and students are encouraged to play with the functions and the other assistive options in the testing platform that will be available in the test period.

If you would like further up-to-date information regarding NAPLAN generally, please visit the ACARA (Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority) NAPLAN website at www.nap.edu.au . A parents and carers information brochure is available on this website at https://www.nap.edu.au/docs/default-source/default-document-library/naplan-information-brochure-for-parents-and-carers.pdf  . Information regarding the privacy of student data is available at https://nap.edu.au/docs/default-source/resources/naplan-privacy-notice.pdf  

While participation by all students is expected, students may be withdrawn from the testing program by their parent or carer. This is a matter for consideration by individual parents or carers. Withdrawals are intended to address issues such as religious beliefs and philosophical objections to testing. 

Applications for student withdrawal by parents or carers from NAPLAN are to be discussed initially with the Year Level Head of Department: 

• Junior School – Year 7s, Ms Bevan (abeva12@eq.edu.au)
• Middle School – Year 9s, Mrs Paton (rpato17@eq.edu.au) 
• or the Head of Inclusion, Ms Lauren Jarvis (ljarv26@eq.edu.au)

 no later than Friday March 7.

If you have any queries regarding NAPLAN at Tully State High School, please contact me via the school office. 

Kind regards, 
Mark McLoughlin 
Deputy Principal – Junior School 

Welcome to Tully State High

I'm Peter Lawrence, a Math teacher. 

I studied at UQ and QUT. I have also worked in the sugar industry as well as being a teacher. 

I grew up in Nambour and have come to Tully SHS from Innisfail.

Name: Tash Sankey-Laidlaw

Teaching area: I love my job! I work in the area of supporting students. I am the HOD of FlexiSpace and I am currently Acting Guidance Officer for Chrystine Conder.

Studied: James Cook University and University of Queensland

Hometown: I was born in Bowen and lived in many towns in North Queensland including Atherton, Townsville and Mackay.

Moved from: Weipa in Cape York

Likes/hobbies: Being outdoors and going on adventures with my family – camping, boating, fishing, diving. I also love to run 😊

At the start of 2025, my family and I excitedly returned to our favourite region of Queensland. The warm welcome we received at TSHS and surrounds make us feel we have truly returned home.

My passion is the teaching of Mathematics and Science. I bring many years of experience in leadership and education in the areas of Mathematics and the Sciences for a range of student abilities and interests. Last year I coached a group of students for the annual mathematics competition run by the Queensland Association of Mathematics Teachers. One of my teams won the regional finals, so my dream is to have TSHS students also be part of that awesome experience.

I feel blessed to enjoy acreage living, as I have opportunities to grow organic fruit & veggies and spend time with my dog, chooks, geese and alpacas. In my spare time on weekends, I love exploring the Cassowary Coast and beyond. During cooler weather I will be spinning alpaca fleece and use the yarn to create beanies, shawls or jumpers for family and friends down south.

I look forward to getting to know all my students and their families, so please feel free to come and introduce yourselves.

Ms Veronika Simon

Name: Angela Banks

Teaching Area: English and Humanities

Studied: Griffith University

From: Palm Beach Currumbin SHS, Gold Coast.

Name: Darren Moakes

Teaching area: Mathematics

Studied: James Cook University (Townsville)

Hometown: Greenock, Scotland

Moved from: Canada to Redcliffe 1990

I am looking forward to enjoying a FNQ lifestyle and getting to know the people of Tully and the surrounds. Staff and students have been more than welcoming!! I hope that I can contribute to improving outcomes for all students and building positive relationships.

NYSF Experience

Held in the last week of holidays, the National Youth Science Forum was an amazing opportunity to explore pathways in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. During our nine-day stay at Kings College in St Lucia (only a ten-minute walk from the University of Queensland campus), we were able to meet like-minded Year 12 students with a wide variety of interests in the STEM field.

Each day was packed with new and exciting STEM related visits such as the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, SEQ Water, Queensland University of Technology, Chemistry/Molecular Biosciences labs at UQ, and the Integrated Pathology Learning Centre. We were also able to be tourists for a day exploring the Queensland Museum Kurilpa, featuring the SPARK Lab and taxidermy tours.

This opportunity would not have been possible without the fundraising support of Tully and Mission Beach Rotaries, Lions Club and Tully High. A special thank you to Ms Carr and Ms Jarick for helping us with our application process, as well as going out of their way to help us get in contact with the Rotary and Lions. A big thank you to Tully High for their support and help on our NYSF journey.

Imogen Stuart, Stefanie Van Tonder, Jarrod Vipiana, and Naomi Wildsoet

Vive La Valentine!

February 14 is always a very busy day for the Student Leadership Team – actually, it starts the day before!

Brownies are baked, packaged in little cellophane packets, and sealed with a heart. Even well before, red roses have been ordered, picked up by a dedicated teacher (Mrs Tenni) to ensure maximum freshness, and stored in buckets of water in a cold space. Team members take orders and payments, noting who is buying for who, and where that lucky person will be during Period 1. Early on the Friday, an assembly line of SLT workers transform them into elegant gifts: special cellophane flutes with small water pouches sealed with yet more hearts and a gift tag. Then the delivery begins, a process that has been fine-tuned to ensure that recipients have been allocated and located correctly.

The effort is always worth it – happy students, and welcome funds for our projects: this year close to $1000. All other monies that we raise go to charities and special requests, so we are pleased to have this kitty, a valentine for the SLT.

Thierrine Bromley

"Unlock New Adventures with the Duke of Edinburgh Award!"

Did you know that right now, your interests and hobbies could be earning you an internationally recognised award?   

The Duke of Edinburgh Award is available for students in Years 9-12 at Tully SHS. This award is designed for students who are ready to challenge themselves and develop skills for the real world. The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award is focused on supporting young people to thrive. 

As the Duke of Edinburgh Award Leader for Tully SHS, I am so excited to be able to lead this program which offers a wide range of opportunities for our young people to develop connections with the community, learn new skills and work on their physical wellbeing.  

We already have a group of students in Years 11 and 12 who are completing the award and I look forward to showcasing their achievements in the coming months and hear some of their stories about completing the award.  

There are three levels of the award and we are encouraging all students to start at Bronze which will typically take six to eight months to complete. The award is completed predominantly in the student’s own time, depending on their choices of activities.  

To complete the award students must complete a set period of time developing a SKILL, working on their PHYSICAL wellbeing and VOLUNTEERING their time to help others in the community. This, of course, looks different for all students depending on their hobbies and interests. 

If you would like to know more, please see the poster in this newsletter for staff contact details. 

School Sport - 2025

Congratulations and good luck!

Congratulations to students selected in the Cassowary Coast teams:

• Rugby League – 15 Boys: Mav K, Liam Q, Jacob S, Archie W & Jarryd C (shadow). 18 Boys: Peter S, Phillip M, Fynn H, LJ C, Samuel S, Alex G, Nicholas M & Ben M. 15 Girls: Amarri C, Bailey M, Layla G, Latoya D, Quineeta K, Steffina A. 18 Girls: Shiloh B, Shiolah G, Layla I & Santana F
• Softball – Makayla K, Zara-Jade F, Vanora N, Emily J & Mackenzie L

Sports Messages

• Sport Nominations: Students need to see Mrs Parkes in the HPE staffroom to nominate for District Sports. As Trial dates approach for each sport students will be given permission notes with Trial details. Students who cannot attend MUST advise the Sports Coordinator ASAP or risk not being able to nominate for future events.
• 12 Years Sport (born 2013): Year 7 students who are born in 2013 will compete in the 10-12 Years sport activities. The first trials for the year are touch football, netball, rugby league, basketball, AFL, golf and tennis.  Netball, rugby league and touch football trials will be held at gala days in Term 1.
• House Sports – Each Thursday in the MPC at Break 1, students compete in various games for their Houses. All students are welcome to attend. Participation points will go towards the House Spirit Trophy, presented at the annual Sports Awards Night.
• Sport Trial Dates: The Cassowary Coast Trial dates are included in this newsletter. Peninsula dates can be found at https://peninsulaschoolsport.eq.edu.au/calendar-and-news
• Students must remember to listen carefully to daily Student Notices and Assemblies to find out more information about upcoming sports events, nominations and meetings.

Carnivals: Our first sports carnival for 2025 is the Annual Swimming Carnival, scheduled for Friday April 4, Week 10. Permission notes will be available closer to the date.

Years 9 & 10 Middle School Event

We have our first Middle School event of the year on Tuesday 25^th February, our annual Parent Information Session focusing on pathways for students in Years 9 and 10. We encourage parents and students to attend to find out more information about what opportunities are available for students in 2025. All sessions will be held in the MPC.

From Your P&C President

Welcome, parents and carers, to a brand-new year at Tully State High School,

My name is Katie McLaughlin; I am the president of our schools P&C. I wish to extend an invitation for you to attend our meetings. We have two or three meetings per term, on the third Wednesday of the month at 5.30 pm, either in the MillSide Café on school grounds or at locations within the Cluster.  

The benefits of attending meetings include:

• learning the ins and outs of the school, what it takes to have a safe, vibrant community for our kids, and having input into the management of the school
• having a direct line of communication with our Principal, Helen Carne.
• meeting other members of our school community
• being part of the leadership of the school, participating in Awards Night and reviewing the future student leaders of the school
• reviewing our tuckshop and uniform shop operations to ensure they are keeping up with our students needs and discussing where our profits should be spent in the school

It would be fantastic to see some new parents/carers at meetings to contribute towards the decisions made. This is yours and your children’s school, and our path to the future should be reflective of the current cohort. My own personal experience has been a very pleasant one and I have enjoyed contributing to the school via the P&C. Without a P&C, the tuckshop and uniform shop could be outsourced, and profits would not be cycled back to our school.

We have a very large and exciting project in the pipeline.  So, if you are interested to know more about your school P&C, please come along and participate. Help be a part of your child’s education into young adulthood.

Future meetings:

          General Meeting February 19at 5.30 pm, MillSide Café (behind the MPC).

          AGM and General Meeting March 19, 5.30 pm, MillSide Café

          General Meeting May 2, 5.30 pm, location TBC

          General Meeting June 1, 5.30 pm, location TBC

          General Meeting August 2O, 5.30 pm, location TBC

          General Meeting September 17, 5.30 pm, location TBC

          General Meeting October 15, 5.30 pm, location TBC

          General Meeting November 19, 5.30 pm, location TBC

Regards
Katie McLaughlin
TSHS P&C President

QUT - Employing Queensland

Laptop - Minimum Specifications

Senior students are expected to have their own laptop to access digital learning every lesson.  

Minimum Specifications

Windows Laptops/Tablets - Minimum Specs 

• Windows 11
• Pentium (purchased 2017 onwards) or equivalent 
• 5Ghz compatible wireless card
• 4GB RAM
• 256GB SSD

MacBook/Pro/Air - Minimum Specs 

• i3 processor or higher
• 4GB RAM
• 128GB SSD

All BYO devices are expected to have a battery life to last a full school day (6 hours). 

All specialist Graphics / Engineering/ Multimedia/ Digital Technologies/ Film and TV classes are held in specialist school labs. Families of students undertaking specialist subjects (Graphics/Multimedia/Engineering) may wish to purchase laptops with equivalent specification to our computer labs. 

• i5 Processor
• 8GB Ram
• 256 SSD
• Dedicated graphics

Touchscreen and Stylus are optional. 

Microsoft Windows laptops are preferred for students undertaking specialist subjects.  

Software 

Free Microsoft Office  

All state school students from Prep–Year 12 can now download multiple free copies of the Microsoft Office 365 suite to their personal computer. 
To download Microsoft Office 365, click  here 
(You must have an active EQ email address & password) 

NOTE: 

• Dropbox and Google Documents are not accessible at school for students. Please use your EQ OneDrive account.
• Personal OneDrive accounts will not work at school
• iCloud does not work at school

Uniforms Wanted!