27 March 2023

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal’s Desk

4 Dimensions Staff Professional Development

During this year, every teacher at Laidley SHS will be trained in 4 Dimensions by Caroline Blackley. 4 Dimensions is a researched based framework that supports teachers to focus their interactions with students in classrooms on curriculum rather than behaviour. This is achieved by developing skills and capabilities that support teachers to make and enact decisions that focus students on curriculum and learning.

The 4 focus areas of the 4 Dimensions framework include:

EXPECT - Curriculum Behaviours
REINFORCE – Being Productive and Proactive
REDIRECT – Maintaining Curriculum Focus and Flow
FOLLOW THROUGH – Certainty and Returning to Learning

Teachers are taught to focus 80% of all student interactions on their curriculum and learning expectations and proactive actions that positively reinforce this. 20% of teacher interactions with students are focussed on interactions that redirect and follow through on behaviours in ways that return students to learning.

All teaching staff will participate in 2 days of professional development this year developing these skills. All teachers will also engage in 2 formal lesson observations with 4 Dimensions team and receive feedback about their teaching strengths and areas for future improvement. They will do this by reflecting on and discussing the observational data collected during these lessons.

Our beginning teachers will have a more focussed program of lesson observations with the 4 Dimensions team to support their ongoing development in the early stages of their teaching career.

School administration will receive reports that summarise the growth of our teachers over time. These reports will inform our professional development program.

This is a significant investment of time and money to support our teachers to develop their capabilities and maximise the quality of teaching and learning that occurs within our school. This is an exciting journey for our school. I look forward to being able to report on the progress made later in the school year after our 2nd round of observations.

“Looking After Your Mate”

In high school, often students get involved in situations and circumstances out of a desire to “help out a mate”. On some occasions, this help is provided with little understanding of the full understanding of an issue and minimal expertise in resolving conflict. Sometimes this involvement actually escalates the conflict and makes the original issue even worse for the person involved.

In schools there are a range of positive ways to help out a mate. These include:

Academic Support: Friends in high school can help each other with their academic work, such as studying together, sharing notes, explaining concepts, or even helping each other with homework.

Emotional Support: High school can be a challenging time emotionally, and friends can help each other by providing emotional support when needed. This could be listening to each other, offering advice or simply being there for each other during difficult times. It can also include taking a friend to see a trusted staff member or member of the Support Services Team.

Social Support: Friends can also help each other with social interactions in high school. This could include introducing each other to new people, including each other in social activities, or even offering fashion advice and other tips on fitting in.

Extracurricular Activities: High school students often participate in various extracurricular activities, and friends can support each other by participating in the same activities or helping each other prepare for them.

Personal Development: Friends can also help each other grow and develop as individuals. This could include encouraging each other to try new things, pushing each other to achieve their goals, and providing constructive feedback on each other's behaviour and actions.

Sometimes friends may need to report to an adult that they have concerns about their friend or know or have heard something that is impacting on their safety or wellbeing. It is a difficult decision to make to share a friends private information with an adult, however sometimes it is necessary to protect their safety and ensure that the appropriate help is provided.

Safe Holidays

I wish all members of our school community a safe, relaxing and enjoyable Easter school holiday. I look forward to seeing all students and staff back at school on Monday 17th April.

Mr Michael Clarkson
Principal

Year 7 & 8 Head of Year (HOY) Report

2023 has kicked off in hectic style (as seems to be the case more and more). It has been a huge change for our newest Laidley SHS students, our Year 7 cohort, however the vast majority seem to be settling in well to the new routines associated with the transition to high school.

Our Year 7 and 8 cohorts have had many opportunities to be involved in multiple extracurricular activities already this year and it has been great to see their enthusiasm for these. Some of the activities include Touch Academy Camp, CISSSA Sports teams, Inter-house swimming carnival, District and Regional Sports Trials, University of Queensland presentations, instrumental music and band practice. Congratulations to all students who have been involved in one or more of these activities.

Year 7 & 8 Camp is fast approaching and will run in week 4 next term (May 8–10). Currently all 100 places are taken and there are a couple of students on a waiting list to join should there be any last-minute withdrawals. The support of the camp is an outstanding effort by all involved and I look forward to watching our students grow over the three days as they experience some exceptionally exciting activities such as tubing and stand-up paddle boarding. The positive bonds and memories created on these camps are ones that will stay with our students for ever.

I wish everyone a relaxing and enjoyable Easter break and I look forward to working with my cohorts again in Term 2.

Mr M Armstrong
Year 7 & 8 HOY

IMPORTANT DATES

P&C News

Next P&C Meeting

The next P & C Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday 18 April, 2023 in room C3 behind the Administration Building 5:30pm – 7:30pm

Parents and Carers are welcome to attend!

The Laidley State High School P&C needs your help to keep our school Tuckshop, Uniform shop and the P & C Committee to continue to run efficiently.

Please consider volunteering for the P&C. You can express your interest either to the President of P & C Bruce Pocklington by phoning 0418 198 778 or emailing pandc@laidleyshs.eq.edu.au

A Message from the Business Manager

If you are experiencing financial hardship please make an appointment to discuss how we can assist you. School fees can be paid in full via payment plan or through Centrepay.

Please contact Karen Gough via email if you have concerns with your school fees account. Klgou1@eq.edu.au

News from the School Nurse

Pam Owen
School Nurse

Meet the 2023 Leaders

Support Services Updates

Support Services is continuing to expand to meet the increased need of our students. It is very exciting that our team has expanded to include another Guidance Officer three days a week. Ms Jazmin Reyes started last week and will be working Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. She is located in the Support Services room in A Block.

Vanessa McInnes is a Social Worker who started in Term 4, 2022 and works across a number of schools in the Lockyer Valley. Vanessa is a valuable resource for the Support Services Team who can work with students and their families.

We have also been very fortunate to partner with the Youth In Search Team and their Social Worker Irish Malaki, to provide a unique program supporting young people in our school and the wider community.

Ms Sal and Miss Rhyly have taken over Breakfast Club and are in F Block every Monday morning feeding students and providing an open atmosphere for students to come, have some food and a chat. These ladies have even changed up the food on offer by baking each week to provide homemade muffins as an alternative to toast.

We all wish everyone a safe and happy Easter Break and look forward to seeing everyone back and ready for Term 2.

Ms Helen Wittman
Guidance Officer

New Staff Introduction – LSHS Wellbeing Team

Hello. My name is Jazmin Reyes and I feel privileged to have joined the staff of Laidley SHS as an additional Guidance Officer.

I will be working closely with Mrs Helen Wittman and the Student Services team to provide additional support for our students on a part-time basis – Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. Having worked in high schools from small to very large student populations in Central Queensland, Brisbane, Southern Downs, and Darling Downs regions, as well as internationally, I am appreciative of the openness characteristic of schools this size. Thank you for welcoming me into your community.

Vanessa McInnes
Social Worker
LSHS Wellbeing Team

Hi, my name is Irish, a social worker for a not-for-profit organisation Youth Insearch, based here at Laidley State High School.

Youth Insearch is Australia’s leading peer-led youth intervention organisation, dedicated to supporting at-risk youth. We run Weekend Workshops, Weekly Support Groups, and Individual Support for young people to connect and develop life skills.

We create safe spaces, where young people with lived experience support each other to heal from trauma, improve mental health, overcome life challenges and live a fulfilling life. In doing this, we break negative cycles, develop young leaders and create lasting change in communities.

I am in school Monday and Friday. You can find me at the N block staff room or at the Support Services room. Come say hey!

Ms Irish Malaki
Social Worker
LSHS Wellbeing Team

Hi my name is Vanessa and I am part of the Wellbeing Team of the Student Support Services team, three days a week Tuesday/Wednesday/Thursday.

A social worker is a professional who works in a school setting to help students achieve their academic and social goals. The role aims to provide support to students to address barriers to learning and improve student and family connectedness with the school and community. This includes counselling support for students experiencing challenges, grief and loss, bullying, gender identity issues and worries or anxiety, including separation anxiety. Social Workers can support families with accessing the NDIS, Centrelink and NGO’s. The Wellbeing Social Worker is available to assist students at school going through tough times and adversity, through access to family support, resources, counselling and links to financial assistance and emergency relief.

Vanessa McInnes
Social Worker
LSHS Wellbeing Team

Swimming Carnival 2023

After a number of false starts, finally Laidley SHS has been able to run their annual Inter-house Swimming Carnival. The weather predictions were not overly favourable but it turned out to be a great day for a swimming carnival.

It was great to see so many students enjoying themselves at the event which included competitive swimming events, social swims, novelty events and general sporting activities. All ability levels were catered for across the day.

Throughout the day, Boomori Bears lead the way closely followed by Wundurra Wildcats however by the days end, the Wildcats had done enough to flip these standing and take home the Champion House Shield for Swimming by a very narrow margin of just 18 points. Lalirra Lions finished in third place overall. Congratulations to Wundurra on their success.

Individually, there were some fantastic performances also. Congratulations to the following students who earned the status of Age Champion.

Swimming Aged Champions 2023

Year 9 Drama

Students in Year 9 Drama this term have been working on their acting skills through an improvisation unit. All students in Year 9 Drama have taken on a variety of roles through improvisation, such as an artist, a bride and even a health professional!

Year 12 Drama

Year 12 Drama students completed their IA1 performance, demonstrating incredible skills when working with the play, A Fuzzwallop’s Frame of Mind. The superstar students in this unit explored how theatre can be used to question our reality, and how to overcome obstacles to deliver an engaging performance.

Ms Alycia Shannon
Head of Department (English/The Arts)

SCIENCE

Year 11 & 12 Brain Dissections

Year 11 and 12 Psychology we had an exciting brain dissection as part of Unit 1 - Individual Development and Unit 3 - Individual Thinking. Our Year 11s and 12s got a unique opportunity to get a hands-on look at the brain's structure and consolidate the functions we have been learning about in class. Check out some of the amazing photos of the dissection and keep up the great work!

Mrs Amy Moore
Head of Science and HPE

HASS - Technology

Year 7 & 8 Food and Fibre

Year 7 and 8 Food and Fibre classes have moved into the kitchens and have tried their hand at some tasty recipes! Our budding chefs have made banana, choc chip muffins and tasty hamburgers. Students have had a focus on kitchen safety, food handling hygiene and hygienic dish washing procedures. Watch this space with more recipes and cooks to come in the following weeks!

Well done Year 7 and 8!

Miss Sheovon Murray
Head of Department

Laidley SHS The Kokoda Challenge Update

Kokoda Group Dynamics Session

Thirteen keen students fronted for a Group Dynamics session at Spicers Hidden Vale on Saturday March 4. Despite a string of hot days, the morning was ideal for a short hike and some activities.

The activities were interesting, allowing students to show leadership and problem-solving abilities.

All students did very well and many students displayed different skills in the bush environment, away from the classroom. A team spirit was developing in a short time.

The group dynamics session allowed the Kokoda team to gather information on the students to inform an interview process. After passing the interview and group dynamics sessions, students will be offered the opportunity to do the full Kokoda program, culminating in a 48-kilometre challenge.

Mr Steve Hallahan
Teacher

Instrumental Collaboration Day – Laidley, Lockyer, Toogoolawah

A few points to consider if I forget to mention them this afternoon.

• This has been the first time Laidley, Lockyer and Toogoolawah have worked collaboratively for Instrumental Music, we hope to continue to do so.
• 60 students had the opportunity to be involved.
• Students rehearsed in a large ensemble in preparation for a combined performance.
• Students rehearsed in sectionals
• Students participated in Instrument specific workshops for Brass, Woodwind, Percussion, Strings and Bass Guitar.
• The combined performance will occur at “Battle of the Bands” on Friday, May 26th at Laidley State High Hall.

Please see below testimonials from some of the students involved.

“I found Mr Edwards to be really helpful in the sectionals. He helped me learn the song much better than I knew it. Everyone was very welcoming. Let’s do it again.” Grade 8 Clarinet.

“Loved the energy of the room and Mrs Logan and the students were very welcoming.” Grade 7 Flute

“I learned how to squish in baby notes properly and the scale techniques and the glissando at the end of Eye of the Tiger with Mr. Edwards. The teachers were very nice” Grade 9 Clarinet

“I really liked the school and how big it was and the people were very nice. One thing they can improve is try and make the music room that bit bigger.” Grade 8 Trumpet

“I think there should have been more songs than just “Eye of the Tiger”. I learned how to keep beat with the Tambourine. My teacher helped me. Very good concept. Let’s do it again “Grade 10 Percussionist

Captains Corner

Senior Vice-Captain Harry Hawkins

Hi Laidley! My name is Harry Hawkins and I’m proud to be elected as one of Laidley State High School’s Vice School Captains for 2023.

Two years ago, I moved to Laidley High; and I have to say even in this relatively short time, I felt like I’d been here since the beginning. And now that I think about it, it’s because Laidley makes everyone feel connected. At Laidley, everyone is a part of our community and all of us have that sense of belonging and pride in our little school.

Every day, there is somewhere you can look forward to going, and a community you are a part of. To be perfectly honest, it’s this part of Laidley that has helped me keep working towards my goals.

Apart from Laidley itself, high school is full of challenges; sometimes high school throws a curve ball at you (there have been many of these), or maybe even drops a seemingly insurmountable obstacle in front of you (a lot of these as well). However, with every challenge you overcome, there’s a good time waiting for you. So, if there’s anything you take from what I’ve said:

Always keep moving towards your goals, but don’t forget to enjoy what’s around you along the way.

Harry Hawkins
Senior Vice-Captain

Junior School Captain

Aleisha McGuiness

Hi everyone, my name is Aleisha McGuiness, and I am one of the Junior School Captains at Laidley State High School for 2023. I have been a student here since the first day of Year 7 and I’m now in Year 9. My journey at Laidley these past two and a half years have been amazing, I have met so many wonderful teachers and friends. My favourite thing about Laidley State High School is the opportunities that it offers which are made to fit for everyone. I am so thankful to be at this school for multiple reasons but most importantly it has helped me become a better person and friend for others.

Aleisha McGuiness
Junior Captain

Art Vibes Only #1

2023 has started with a flourish of creativity. Year 7 & 8 have been learning about the fundamental elements of art and how to use these to create landscapes. Year 9s have begun the year learning about Cubism and studying the work of Picasso to create their own Cubist self-portraits. Year 10s have changed to still life this year, dabbling in Impressionism and Surrealism creating both paintings and drawings that reflect the style. Year 11 and 12 Visual Arts in Practice are working on their artist’s books and the Year 11 and 12 general art students are developing their inquiry questions and developing bodies of work for their unit “Art as______”. Students are producing some amazing work so far, very excited for the creative year ahead!

Mrs Atlanta Jackson
Art Teacher

Happy Families News…

Catch Up

Who?

All students at Laidley State High School

What?

Catch Up is a time for students to catch up with classwork, homework and assignments.

Where?

In the library (then maybe off to the music room, art room etc)

ALL students are required to sign in at the library before they go to another area.

Why?

To give students extra time with physical resources and teachers to get that extra bit of assistance

When?

Every Wednesday afternoon until 4pm.

There is no cost as teachers volunteer their time. Students are thus expected to be prepared to work and act in a safe, responsible and respectful way at all times. Parents will be contacted and asked to collect students if there are any difficulties. Students need to have their own transport arrangements.

To assist us in tracking students who attend, please complete a permission form below and return to the school.

Any queries please contact Mrs Adams tadam37@eq.edu.au

Mrs Toni Adams
Head of Mathematics

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