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FROM THE PRINCIPAL

29 March 2019

School Improvement Unit (SIU) Review linked to our Quadrennial School Review (QSR) Just a reminder to parents that they may be contacted by the SIU team to provide a parent’s perspective on the good, the bad and the ugly of Bracken Ridge as they see it. The SIU chair is Mr Peter Grant and the reviewing days are Tuesday 23 April, Wednesday 24 April and Friday 26 April. Many thanks in advance to any parents asked to participate. Farewell to David Messervy! David has been an outstanding Schools Officer at Bracken Ridge for five years. In that time he has built an enormous bank of knowledge about our school and has acted unfailingly to ensure that our students and staff have a clean, safe and attractive environment in which to work and learn. In his time here, among many other things, David has: • helped to get new shade sails around the school • collaborated to get the new fire ring and electrical upgrade • always been helpful to get the bus serviced and main roads approved every six months • always there to help with all aspects of maintenance • sourced BAS service contracts for our ducted air conditioning • sourcing new suppliers as per the Department of Education policy • always willing to try to fix things himself to save the school money David is moving on to the Petrie State School (much closer to home) and our loss will be their gain. All the best David and many thanks for your hard work and comradeship.

World’s Greatest Shave Many thanks in advance for all those supporting and participating in the World’s Greatest Shave on 1 April. It is a great event for a great cause – supporting the Leukaemia Foundation - and all are welcome to come and share the music and the fun. As I am somewhat ‘follicly challenged’ on top, I will be having my beard multi-coloured. Please go to the world’s greatest shave website to show your support. Reports, Parent-Teacher Night and Expo Night It’s hard to believe that Term 1 is nearly over! Reports will be emailed on 4 April and hard copies will be given to students. Parents and carers are reminded that parent-teacher interviews are on 30 April and that Expo night is on 8 May, starting with a sausage sizzle at 4.00 pm and school tours at 5.00 pm – all are welcome!

Holidays Please have a safe and happy holiday and we will see us all happy, rested and ready to go next term.

Roger Atkins

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WHAT IS HAPPENING IN FES THIS TERM

BAGGAGE HANDLING’S A BREEZE FOR THESE BOYS

Our year 8 Writing group have been working on a range of writing techniques. Below are a few of our quick writes that we did in class this week. “There is a tree in our schoolyard that eats students. The tree actually has been there for years and inside there’s a portal. You can see blood and body parts everywhere. Well that’s what Jennifer says. That’s because no one dares to go down there. Apparently 10 years ago there was a boy who was dared to go down there and he wagged. I heard that the tree ate him and that you can see his shocked and frightened face to this day in the bark. I have also heard that if you go down there you will get hypnotised…” “There is a tree in the school yard that eats students. As I looked through the school I smelt something, something disgusting. It smelt like decaying bodies. I was terrified. Then I heard my friend Cianna yelling, “YAEGE!” I yelled for her to stop walking towards the tree. But she continued. As she felt the dried up bark the tree began pulling her in – she screamed …” “There’s a tree in our school yard that eats children. The blood and left over body parts made it smell like cut grass. Hi! I’m Jimmy and this is the tree that eats people with its teeth. Toby recently was eaten by the tree as Jack watched. Jack jumped in but could not save him…” Ms Rebecca Flockhart FES, ESS and Literacy Teacher

Congratulations are due to two of our Year 11 students, Kane Sands and Connor Smith. Both boys were successful in gaining a traineeship with Qantas as baggage handlers and customer service.

The boys went through a very intense application process and had to have a phone interview and a face to face interview.

The boys were selected from over thirty applications and only four positions were available in Brisbane.

Well done boys; you have done us proud!

Many thanks to Diana Price and Emily Bianchi for the fabulous job in creating the Art installation Wings of Diversity to celebrate Harmony Day. We had many students attend to have their photo taken so you might see them showing their polaroid shots to one another. Here are some of the shots that helped share the message of Harmony Day, which is, “Everyone belongs.”

Mary Campanella Guidance Officer

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STUDENT LEARNING

As we are all coming to the end of the term many of our students are either coming to the end of completing

assessments or they are getting their assessments back. This is a very stressful time for our students as many of

them are juggling:

• Family commitments

• Work commitments

• Sports

• School commitments

Our young people have very full lives. During

this time it is important to ensure that our

young people sleep, enjoy some form of

relaxation and eat healthy food regularly.

At the end of this term you will receive a

progress report for your student. This is just

an interim report to let you know how your

student is progressing. It is a great

opportunity, when you receive their

progress report, to discuss with your student

how they went for the term and most

importantly how they feel about the term.

Following holidays, on 30 April we will be

holding our first Parent Teacher Interviews.

This is a great opportunity to meet your stu-

dent’s teachers. Last year we introduced an interview sheet. All teachers will have copies of the sheet at their

tables. The purpose of the interview sheet is to guide the conversation, so that when you walk away you have a

record of what you have discussed with each respective teacher.

Overall from the Data Team we wish you and your families all the best during the break.

Ms Rebecca Flockhart Teacher

10 BOOKS TO HELP ANXIOUS KIDS

It can be difficult for parents to know how to help their anxious kids.

Natasha Daniels, child therapist and author of How to Parent Your Anxious Toddler and Anxiety Sucks! A Teen Survival Guide, says that while seeking therapy for your child can be helpful, it’s also important to remember anxiety involves the entire family.

“I think a lot of times parents think that sometimes the child needs to be treated or somebody needs to deal with the anxiety, and really it’s a family affair because anxiety loves to involve the parents, loves to include the whole family dynamic,” she said.

Just as children’s books can be a helpful resource for kids to manage their anxiety and worry, books can also be a useful tool for parents to educate themselves on anxiety and learn how to empower their kids effectively.

Psychologists, counsellors and other mental health experts share their recommendations on books for parents of anxious kids. Some are explicitly about anxiety and worry. Others teach the importance of effectively communicating with children and learning to acknowledge their emotions, no matter what they might be.

Full story on the Huffpost website; book recommendations can be found here

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TERM ONE PROGRESS REPORT

Date Reminders

April

1 World’s Greatest Shave and Open Mic 3 Yr 12 HPJ Excursion 3 School Cross Country 4 Music Performance Night 4 Term 1 Reports Issued 5 Last Day of Term One

April (cont’d)

19 Good Friday Public Hol. 20 Easter Saturday Public Hol. 21 Easter Sunday Public Hol. 22 Easter Monday Public Hol. 23 School Resumes - Term 2 23 SIU Review (23, 24 & 26 April) 24 Anzac Day School Service 25 Anzac Day Public Holiday (BRSHS March at Sandgate)

Term One Progress Reports will be emailed to families on Thursday 4 April and a printed copy distributed to

students in all year levels that same day. Please be aware that we do not have the capacity to release reports

prior to this date. Term One Interim Reports are very important and give an early indication of student progress.

Please use this as a way to work with your child and his/her teachers to maximise achievement for this Semester.

Parent/Teacher/Student Interviews will be conducted on Tuesday 30 April from 3:10pm until 7:30pm. Information

about PTO, the online booking system for appointments will be sent home with Reports. Bookings open Wednesday

10 April from 9.00am and will close on Monday 29 April at 9.00pm. If you do not have internet access or have

difficulty making bookings you may ring the school for assistance.

I urge you to make bookings promptly as many teachers’ time slots fill quickly. If a teacher becomes fully booked,

please indicate using the online request for teacher contact to discuss issues. When parents and teachers work in

close partnership, the very best academic outcomes are achievable. Teachers may sometimes request an interview

if they consider it vital to speak directly with you.

However, most parents initiate interviews, even if

not requested by the teacher. Please capitalise on

this opportunity to support your child's learning.

Some suggestions to consider:

• Your student, in most cases, should attend the

interview with you.

• Ask how your student might improve their

learning and results.

• Raise any concerns expressed by your student.

• Establish a relationship with the relevant

teachers and maintain contact where necessary.

Some specific questions you might ask include:

• Is my student achieving to ability?

• Are homework, class work and assessment

completed in a timely fashion?

• Has my student missed any classes other than

those the school has been contacted about?

• Has any change in attitude or behaviour been

evident?

• Is my student getting along with their peers?

• How can I monitor when tests and assignments are due?

No doubt you will have other questions not listed above. Finally, remember each interview is only ten minutes in

duration. If more significant issues need to be discussed it is best to make another time, on another day, suitable

to both you and the teacher. Also note that if your son/daughter has a teacher who works with them for two

subjects’ only one booking slot can be allocated; however, both subjects can be discussed. Your co-operation in

observation of this time limit will be appreciated by both teachers and other parents.

Mrs Regina Garrick Deputy Principal

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BRSHS STUDENTS HOST HI CONNECT MEET-UP

On Wednesday 27 March, students at BRSHS hosted a get together for HI Connect. This group consists of high school students on the north side of Brisbane who have a hearing impairment. Students came from Craigslea SHS, Everton Park SHS and The Gap SHS. Also in attendance were Alison Mosely and Louise Winn who are AVTs (Advisory Visiting Teachers) for hearing impairment. Events like this give students an extremely valuable opportunity to connect with and talk to other students who are challenged by a hearing loss. Staff and students enjoyed an Easter themed morning tea while they played some games to get to know each other. We then sat in a circle and discussed the challenges of having a hearing impairment, with both students and staff members sharing their personal experiences. Our very own Tiarna Pitman was asked to give the students some parting advice about how to manage their hearing loss. She said, “You know your limits, others don’t. Just remember, don’t let your hearing hold you back.” Simply wonderful advice for this group of young people. A really enjoyable morning was had by all. Thanks to Tiarna Pitman and Lyndell George for being wonderful hosts for this event.

Erica Black HOSES - Experienced Senior Teacher

CHAPPY MAKES A GREAT FATHER

CHAPPY TRIVIA NIGHT

**COMING SOON **

WATCH THIS SPACE

Our chappy Luke is a new dad!! Earlier this month he was lucky enough to support his lovely wife Amy as she welcomed the newest family member into their lives!! Miss Zoe was Born on 11 March at 1:05 pm, and is the apple of her dad’s eye!! Weighing in at 7.2 pounds and 51cm long, we think everyone will agree that she will no doubt be a model student when she comes to Bracken Ridge High in 2030!

Congratulations once again to Luke and Amy, and welcome to the world Zoe, you have chosen your amazing parents very well!

CHAPPY TRIVIA NIGHT

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MUSIC PERFORMANCE NIGHT

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Welcome to week 9, only one week left of term one! This term has seen our attendance rate below target as it seems our students have taken time to settle into school life again in 2019. We know that there are many factors that affect attendance. One of those factors is school refusal. School refusal can be caused by many influences that affect a student’s ability to attend school. It can be a temporary issue, or it can be a chronic issue. Here are some ideas to help your student should they refuse to attend school:

1. Ask for help

Asking for help early allows the school to act early.

Every day missed influences the academic and social development of our students and increased absences can have a significant impact on a student’s emotional wellbeing and behaviour. Acting early allows the school and our families to work together to reduce this impact.

2. Consider possible triggers

Discussing the challenges your student may face about going to school allows you to identify issues early and develop a plan to manage them.

3. It’s all about the approach

Understanding the barriers that your student faces can have a positive/negative impact on their ability to face their fears. Approaching the issue with kindness and firmness allows your student to know that you are listening to them, but you are also helping them recognise the importance of going to school, because every day counts.

4. The message is clear

We have learned over time that some students need more time to get ready for their day in the morning. There are a number of ways that we can accommodate this: we can wake them at the same time every day; ensure they pack their school bag the night before; get them focused on each task that is needed to be ready to get to school on time; follow a set routine each morning. Aim - to be at school ready for class before the first bell.

5. Engage, engage, engage!

In some situations these tips just don’t work. If you are finding that this applies to your student, our advice is to contact us on 3869 7222; there are a range of support personnel who may be able to help you including the relevant year level coordinator, Head of Junior/Senior Secondary, Junior/Senior Deputy Principal, Guidance Officer or chaplain. Early intervention and support is the best way to assist you and your student to work on increasing their attendance and participation in school.

Here is a resource that you may find useful if you find that this issue affects your student.

http://psychologyconsultants.com.au/managing-school-refusal/

Compulsory Schooling- What is Compulsory Schooling and what does it mean for my student?

Compulsory Schooling applies to all students aged between 6 years, 6 months through to their 16th birthday. Compulsory schooling means that all students between these ages must be enrolled in a school and be attending every day, unless a reasonable excuse can be provided. Attendance and engagement in compulsory schooling is a legal obligation for all parents/caregivers. At Bracken Ridge SHS, parents/caregivers are notified each day if their student is not in attendance and the school has not been notified of a reason for their absence. An sms message is sent at approximately 10.30am; it is hoped that parents/caregivers will send a reply message, or alternately, phone the school to provide an explanation for the absence. In response to accumulating unexplained absences a letter is then sent home every Wednesday providing dates of unexplained absences; again, it is hoped that parents/caregivers will contact the school to provide an explanation for the absences.

Continued and repeated unexplained absences for which the school has had no response from parents/caregivers, are followed up by direct contact from the school’s Every Day Counts [EDC] Officer. This contact may be via phone, email, sms message or letter; however, parents/caregivers need to be reminded that it is their responsibility to inform the school about the reason for their student’s absence. Failure of a student to satisfactorily engage in compulsory education, can result in the Department’s Absence and Enforcement process being commenced by the school.

If you are unsure if your student has any unexplained absences, please contact the school and ask for Tesh, the EDC Officer, who can assist you with this query. Our focus is to work together to make every day count for our students.

I hope that our families and students have a well deserved Easter break, and when students return in Term 2, they will be ready to get straight into it from day one.

Next term’s instalment: arriving late + the compulsory participation phase of schooling.

Metesha Cox

Every Day Counts Officer

EVERY DAY COUNTS

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ENTERTAINMENT BOOKS FUNDRAISER

QPARENTS INFO

POSITION VACANT—TEACHER AIDE

Access your child’s student information online anywhere, anytime

What is QParents? QParents is a secure, online portal that provides parents with quick, easy access to their

student information including:

• student and attendance details • report cards • timetables • invoices and payment history. How can parents get help with QParents? Parents can seek further information, assistance with registration,

advice on how to use QParents or help with technical issues by:

• visiting the QParents help page or downloading the QParents user guide (PDF, 8MB) • contacting 13 QGOV (13 74 68) • using the ‘Give us your feedback’ tab available on every page of QParents website

Bracken Ridge SHS requires a Teacher Aide to manage our busy first aid room and perform other Teacher Aide duties (as per role description).

Hours are 11am till 2pm Mon to Fri – Term 2 with possible class duties & extension.

Minimum requirement current first aid certificate & blue card.

Please email BSM@brackenridgeshs.eq.edu.au with 1 page cover letter + CV

include two referees one of which is current supervisor - submit by 2 April.

What does literacy mean for the High School Student?

Sometimes it is hard to think that our students are still learners in literacy, especially when they are in high school. The Australian Curriculum states that: students become literate as they develop the knowledge, skills and dispositions to interpret and use language confidently for learning and communicating in and out of school and for participating effectively in society. Literacy involves students listening to, reading, viewing, speaking, writing and creating oral, print, visual and digital texts, and using and modifying language for different purposes in a range of contexts. To support our 21st Century learners and their development of literacy as parents and caregivers we can do the following: • Ensure students have access to a range of literacy resources – magazines, on-line reading materials, web sites of interest • Find a recipe you would like cooked for dinner and give it to your student • Discuss with your student the types of books they are reading • Discuss with your student what they understand about what you watch or see • Let your student choose what they would like to read - mystery, sci-fi, fantasy, zombies and vampires, etc. Reading looks different to different people – it doesn’t mean that it isn't reading.

Ms Rebecca Flockhart Teacher

LANGUAGE AND LITERACY

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WORLD’S GREATEST SHAVE

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COMMUNITY NOTICES

PARENTS/CARERS

PLEASE NOTE:

The double lines at the drop-off zone in

front of the school are for the safety of

our students.

Crossing these lines is not allowed, and

we ask that you avoid crossing

these lines at all times.

Police regularly patrol this area, and you

will be fined if caught.

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COMMUNITY OPPORTUNITIES

AFFORDABLE DRIVING SCHOOL PROUDLY SUPPORTING THE

UPCOMING CHAPPY TRIVIA NIGHT AT BRSHS