Mervyn Crossman Drive Email: [email protected] Annandale Qld 4814 Phone: 07 4726 7666 Subscribe: https://williamrossshs.schoolzineplus.com/subscribe Fax: 07 4726 7600

26 February 2020 FROM THE PRINCIPAL DATES TO REMEMBER 2020 has ‘kicked-off’ in a very positive way. To date we have enjoyed four weeks of very smooth running considering the many Friday 28 February Senior Drama Night Performance events and activities already completed this Mon 2 – Fri 6 March HPE Week year, with a special mention to our new incoming Year 7 students. These students Mon 2 – Fri 6 March Year 12 Exam Block are new to the secondary school system but have blended well into our school Tuesday 10 March P&C AGM community and are now fully engaged in the curriculum Thursday 12 March Instrumental Music and approach in a secondary setting. Languages Afternoon Tea This introduction has been well complemented by a very Friday 13 March Inter School Swimming Carnival successful “Meet-and-Greet” parent evening on Monday 10th February where many parents took the opportunity to discuss Saturday 14 March P&C Working Bee (9am – 12pm) their child’s progress with their classroom teachers. Many Monday 16 March Strings Afternoon Tea thanks to all parents who had the time available and attended this evening event, but a clear message to all parents, this is not Friday 20 March National Day Against Bullying the only opportunity to meet and discuss your child’s progress. Parents can contact the school and request a targeted meeting Mon 23 – Fri 27 March Year 11 Exam Block with their child’s classroom teacher throughout the entire year, Tues 24 – Sat 28 March STEM Girl Power Camp this provision is always available to ensure open and constant communication channels are continually being updated and Thursday 26 March Year 7 Immunisations that parents are well informed of their child’s achievement and Tuesday 31 March Year 7 & 9 Geography progress throughout the year. Competition There will be more such formal opportunities for teacher/parent Wednesday 1 April World’s Greatest Shave discussion over upcoming months and parents will be informed of these dates. STUDENT SUCCESS CONFERENCE William Ross and as with many secondary schools, are now engaging in Student Success Conferencing or also known as Student-led Conferences. This is a change from the historic Parent-Teacher Interview nights, this format is more structured and has a more important focus on school-home communication channels. Parents will be well advised of the FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL (YRS dates of these conferences as there are different dates for each 9&10) year level. At such events, parents are invited to the school to participate WHAT IS RESTORATIVE in a conference, where the student, as the presenter, provides PRACTICES? and explanation of their academic progress to an audience, Restorative practices focuses on repairing parents and school. This approach has resulted in greater harm and restoring a sense of wellbeing by understanding of student self-awareness within their own focussing not just on the wrongdoer, but learning journey and stronger positive dialogue at home around the community defined by the incident. At school work. William Ross SHS we aim to promote This approach has complemented associated actions, for new resilience in both the person/people and beginning parents to our school. In 2020 the school’s harmed, and the person/people who caused the harm. It is structure around reporting is fundamentally different. Each about building personal responsibility and accountability, and semester every student will still receive their Semester 1 and learning from conflict situations. Restorative Practices helps later their Semester 2 Report Card – these will be mailed out to students learn from their mistakes and resolve conflicts to repair all parents. relationships. Our goal is to shift thinking about problem behaviours always requiring punitive punishments, to managing In our Reporting cycle, what has changed from past them with a restorative approach. However, it must be experiences is the teachers’ comment banks. At William Ross, acknowledged that these preventative measures may require the school has removed any teachers’ comment from the the use of interventions for more serious offences. It is not a Report Card and redirected these teachers’ comments to each new process, it has been around for decades and successfully student Learning Journal. implemented into school systems across the world. On back This has significant benefit to students and parents: cover of your child’s Learning Journal you will find a set of example questions used to help reflect, repair and reconnect. The Learning Journals have greater opportunity to provide more You could even try using these at home! comprehensive feedback to parents and provide a ‘living’ documented tracking of student progress. MOBILE PHONES POLICY The statements and feedback from teachers to students is I would like to take this opportunity to also remind our more detailed and focused on direct evidence at assessment community of the Mobile Phone Policy at Williams Ross SHS being undertaken also tracking within the Learning Journal has as located in the student Learning Journal on pg 18. Personal alignment with the student’s anticipated progress and support technology devices are banned from our school. Such devices statements based on current progress. can be handed into the school office in the morning for safe Feedback within the Learning Journal has been well received keeping and collected at the end of the day. Mobile phones are by parents, described as more ‘user friendly’ and assists with not to be used from Arrival to the last bell at 3:00pm. Phones understanding where their child is developing and what must be off and away and should not be visible during the assistance has been identified. above mentioned times. Ultimately the Student Learning Journal provides a more ASSESSMENT CALENDAR comprehensive evidence and detailed progress across the This week students received their Semester 1 assessment semesters and is recognised as the ‘active’ document when calendars and should have copied these dates into the learning discussing progress with parents, students and the school. journals. They should also have a hard copy of these dates PARKING to display at home but if it has been misplaced you can print another copy at home. Below are instructions on how you can In the interest of our students’ safety, parents are reminded access your Assessment Calendar at home on Oneschool. that the staff carparks and administration carpark inside the school grounds are NOT to be used as drop off and pick Adam Kehl up zones before or after school. The administration carpark is A/Deputy Principal only for visitors to the school and administration members. The [email protected] two staff carparks are only to be used by staff members of William Ross State High School. Parents and carers can use the FROM THE DEPUTY PRINCIPAL (YRS 7&8) carparks situated at the front of the school for drop offs / pick ups, or utilise the and soccer carparks. Let’s ensure that We have had a fantastic start to 2020 in the we keep the safety of our students as our top priority. Junior School. Mr Nathan Hustler has Allan Evans welcomed his son and I have officially taken Principal over his role as Year 7 and 8 Deputy [email protected] Principal for Term 1. I have been very impressed with how the Junior School has settled in to the school routine. Every week I monitor school attendance, behaviour and

2 engagement and I am consistently impressed with how our contact with your students’ teacher or the HoD at young people model our school’s vision and values. I have [email protected]. congratulated students for this during school parades and NATIONAL YOUTH SCIENCE FORUM remind them that these are great skills to prepare them for success. Year 12 Student Adam Edwards reported on his experience at the 2020 National Youth Science Forum held in Canberra in ASSESSMENT CALENDARS January. This week all Year 7 and 8 students have received their On January 1st, I was fortunate enough to travel to Canberra to Personal Assessment Calendar. Please ask for this at home attend the 2020 National Youth Science Forum with five other and perhaps put it in the best spot for the family to be aware students from , one from Kirwan State High School, of upcoming assessment. If your student does not have set one from Pimlico State High School and three from Townsville homework, it is a good strategy to check the calendar because Grammar. This event selected science-enthused students from working on assessment may be the focus for that week. all around through a vigorous selection process SWIMMING CARNIVAL comprising of emails, applications and a final interview held at Townsville Grammar School. The selection process took place A big thank you to all the staff and students that made our over 6 months from an online application in May to an in-person carnival an enjoyable day! It was wonderful to see the interview and the email confirming my selection in November. participation and excitement of the Junior School and the Through this amazing opportunity, I was able to meet over house pride. Sadly my dear Falcon Crocs were not victorious 200 others students from around Australia all of whom had a but certainly not through lack of house spirit! Congratulations genuine passion for science and some of the most creative to the Pelorus Indians who outswam the school on the day! minds I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. During my stay Best of luck to all students who will go on to participate in the at Canberra, I stayed at Australia National University, ANU on Inter-school event. the Burgmann College campus which had alumni by the likes of ATTENDANCE AND REPORTING STUDENT Kevin Rudd and Bob Hawke. Though the trip was unfortunately ABSENCES cut short due to the smoke caused by the surrounding bushfires I was able to experience Canberra’s landmarks and School attendance is a community concern and continued history. I visited Questacon, Australia’s National science and focus at William Ross State High School. There is clear technology centre, saw the parliament house for the first time evidence that everyday counts; not just in terms of academic and its flag raised high and saw the National Museum of engagement but also in being part of a community and Australia from across Lake Burley Griffin. This experience was maintaining relationships. The best way for young people to undoubtedly one of the highlights of my secondary schooling feel successful and connected to their school community is to and I have to thank my teacher Ms De Ruyter and the Rotary attend every day. If your student is unwell, please respond to Club of Mundingburra for funding this experience. school communication (texts, emails) or contact the front office Adam Edwards on 47267666 so that we are aware. Shauna Fowler A/Deputy Principal [email protected]

FROM THE SCIENCE DEPARTMENT SCIENCE NEWS BIOLOGICAL FIELD WORK How is your science understanding The Year 12 Biology students recently spent the day at and engagement shaping up in term Magnetic Island collecting data on biota and the influencing 1? abiotic factors of the mangrove and sand dune ecosystems. They employed stratified sampling and line transects to identify In junior science, we are working diligently in and compare the biodiversity of these 2 ecosystems. all classes to explore aspects of the molecular world around us. Some of these These students proved themselves to be competent field topics include studies of atomic structure, elements vs. biologists working in extreme conditions for most of the day compounds, water as universal solvent, genes, inheritance and whilst collecting accurate and reliable data. homeostasis! Our senior students are working through their new senior programs which brings rigour, depth and practical studies requiring time management, focus and a healthy enquiring mind. If you have any questions regarding how your student is progressing in science, please don’t hesitate to be in

3 STUDIES IN AQUACULTURE STEAM LAB 2020 - ‘FUTURE ME’ The new school year brings with it many new students and Congratulations to those students who have been accepted challenges, and fortunately for the Aquatic practices students, a into the STEAM lab program for 2020! This year students will new batch of baby barramundi to the AQUADEN. Usually when build skills in robotics & coding, 3-D printing, laser cutting, we receive these little guys, they are around 20cm in length. soldering &solar circuitry and drones. They will then work with This time, they are teeny tiny and around 3cm long. Their government and non-government organisations to develop small size has meant we have had to house them, temporarily, creative solutions to real work problems in a local context. This in smaller tanks until they are large enough to avoid any group will meet fortnightly on Wednesdays from 3:15 – 4:30pm. unscheduled trips through the filtration system. As an added If you have any questions about opportunities in STEAM bonus, they are voracious eaters, which caused us to question education for your students please be in contact with Ms if they were actually barramundi or piranha. DeRuyter at [email protected]. A big shout out to Ron from “Giru Barra and Red Claw” who once again delivered beautiful, healthy specimens, and bestowed upon our students his knowledge and tips on how to successfully raise these fish to a decent size by the end of the year for release. “Watch this space” for updates on the current residents of the AQUADEN and of news for upcoming additions to our fishy family. ATTENTION YEAR 9 AND 10 STUDENTS AND PARENTS: SCIENCE ASSESSMENT DATES By: Jo Musumeci Please be advised that the assessment schedules provided to students this week are not showing assessment dates for science in year 9 and 10 for some classes. Your student will be supported in class to record all science assessment dates for semester 1 into their learning journal.

AQUADEN AND HORTICULTURE IMPROVEMENTS Infrastructure continues to expand at the William Ross Sustainability Centre to improve production outputs in MAKING A DIFFERENCE FOR aquaculture, hydroponics and horticulture. The many dedicated OUR FUTURE’ staff and students of our school community have put in many ‘hot’ hours of work to see gardens maintained and planted, The Reef Guardian Schools program greenhouse structures improved and further aquaculture tanks supports schools to create awareness, understanding and and filters installed. Sustainable practices underpin all systems. appreciation for the Reef and its connected ecosystems. Our Physics students have now engineered a wind turbine that Through our involvement, students will have opportunities to will be used to operate the automated irrigation for our garden participate in further environmental and sustainability projects beds. This will be installed soon inside the horticulture facility! both within the school and across the wider community. Interested students will act as environmental leaders and ambassadors. The program aims to foster stewardship and promote a culture of active participation in the protection of the Great Barrier Reef If you are interested in getting involved, see Ms DeRuyter.

STEAM Lab Program Advancements in Science this month, brought to you by Linking Science, Information @ScienceAlert: Technology, Engineering, Arts, and • Researchers developed yarn from human skin cells Mathematics to help surgeons close wounds and create skin grafts. • We could reduce the climate impact of contrails by a staggering 59% by just slightly reducing flying altitude.

4 • Engineers used artificial atoms to build a 99% handy for the ontological myth that students will be creating for accurate and impressively stable quantum silicon their English assessment this week. Here’s what some of our chip. Year 7 students had to say about Boori’s visit: • Scientists discovered hundreds of giant Boori allows us to write in a different way. He told stories, bacteria-infecting viruses, some with features only we played games all together and I had a fun time. – Leo seen before in living cells Bird Advancements in Science this month, brought to you by I liked how Boori got everyone to have a go at the dances @ScienceAlert: while they listened to the funny story. – Rocco Ross Boori is a very interesting author. I always thought that • Scientists grew mini snake venom glands in the lab, authors were very serious, but Boori is a very humorous to help create anitvenom without having to milk live person. – Lilian Shambat snakes The most memorable part of the workshop was when we • A new technique can turn any carbon based rubbish did the ‘Shake a Leg’ dance. I got eaten by the crocodile into useful graphene – a huge step towards a circular character in the story! – Penny Kerr economy I liked how Boori engaged everyone by adding a few jokes. He treated us like friends, not just students. – • Astronomers caught a star in the act of dragging Gage Cheney space-time itself, thanks to insane rotation speeds I enjoyed how humorous the workshop was, even • Scientists pinpointed the genes behind the unique though it was educational. It was very cool to meet an regeneration powers of axolotls. They can even author. – Ava Rieck regrow parts of their brains! I learned that different characters can affect the perspective of the story. – Fahd Adegboye Upcoming Events in the Science Department I really enjoyed how Boori used moments from his real life and exaggerated them to make them enjoyable for all Every Thursday 3:15pm – 4:15pm Science Tutoring in ages. – Rose Birt B04 I learned that story endings should be kept simple, not complicated. I enjoyed Boori telling us about when he Shelley De Ruyter was a child, always getting blamed by his sisters. He HOD Science really made me laugh! – Eden Weaich [email protected] I enjoyed the workshop because I got to hear some Aboriginal language and the stories were hilarious. Boori is such an awesome story-teller! – Amelia Doyle FROM THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT I really liked that Boori shared his thoughts and that his stories were true. The stories inspired me, and I’m ASSESSMENT certain others as well. Thank you Boori. – Charli Watson Over the next fortnight, all students from Years 7-12 will commence or continue working on their first assessment task for the year. To assist students to successfully complete their assessment tasks, parents and carers can:

• Ask to see the assessment task sheet and take note Katie Johns of important dates for the task (especially the draft HOD English and due dates!) [email protected] • Assist students with organising and managing their time, so that work is not left until the last minute FROM THE ARTS & LANGUAGES • Encourage students to attend our school’s English tutoring program on Wednesday afternoons in the DEPARTMENT Resource Centre SENIOR DRAMA NIGHT 2020 • Make contact with teachers to clarify any assessment requirements Come along and see our incredible Year 12 and 11 Drama students perform at our BOORI PRYOR VISIT annual SENIOR DRAMA NIGHT 2020!!! Last week, our Year 7 students enjoyed a writing workshop Students will be performing selected with Indigenous author and story-teller, Boori Pryor. Boori scenes as part of their New Senior Drama entertained the students with many engaging stories and assessment. Come along and be part of a provided students with a range of strategies that they can use formal audience on Friday, the 28th of in their own creative writing. These strategies will come in very February in our fantastic PA Block. Doors will open at 6:30pm

5 and the show will start at 7pm. Entry is only a gold coin a variety of physical challenges during Morning Tea. Activities donation. Don’t miss out on this great event!!! will include badminton competition, obstacle course, teacher V’s student game, healthy eating cooking class, and a 3 on 3 competition. More information will be on student notices in the coming days for those students looking to get involved. SWIMMING CARNIVAL The WRSHS inter-house swimming carnival was held last Friday. Despite the hot conditions, the day was a great success with some awesome participation demonstrated by many students and some great individual performances. Y FACTOR Congratulations to all the swimmers and particularly Pelorus Who will be the next Y FACTOR? William Ross is only weeks House who were the eventual winners on the day. away from finding out! We would like to encourage parents/ carers to show their support by inviting you along. Heat 1 kicks off Tuesday 10th March at 11.30am (week 7), Heat 2 hits the stage Tuesday 17th at 11.30am (week 8) and the FINALS explode on Tuesday 31st March (week 10). Gold coin at the door. Please show your support of our very talented students here at William Ross! Cameron Frost HOD Health & Physical Education [email protected]

FROM THE WELLBEING & ENGAGEMENT DEPARTMENT GRATITUDE WEEK This week we celebrated GRATITIUDE WEEK the Willy Ross Way by students practicing gratitude each day – the focus was to pay attention to the things we have, not worrying about the things we don’t have. Did you know practicing gratitude daily improves psychological and physical health, enhances empathy, reduces aggression, and improves sleep and self-esteem? While our junior PEC classes wrote notes for the Gratitude Rose Rush Wall on what they are grateful for each day (I’m grateful for HOD The Arts & Languages three things I hear…,I’m grateful for three things I see…I’m [email protected] grateful for three things I smell…) our senior PEC classes wrote gratitude letters to the staff they were thankful for. FROM THE HPE DEPARTMENT HPE WEEK HPE Week celebrates the role of Health & Physical Education in schools and communities. The aim is to promote the importance of HPE in the Australian Curriculum and highlight the importance of NATIONAL DAY OF ACTION – BULLYING NO HPE to the learning and development of WAY! children and young people. On Friday 20th March our William Ross school community will At William Ross State High School, we will be celebrating HPE take a stand together against bullying in support of National Day week with daily challenges for students to participate in. of Action Again Bullying & Violence. It’s important to recognise Commencing on Monday 3rd March, students will have the we are all different, therefore must embrace diversity. Students opportunity to face-off against each other and the HPE staff in will pledge to ‘Take a Stand Together’, ‘Conga to Conquer

6 Bullying’ through the school and hear from senior students Deposits must be paid by 9am Wednesday 26 March 2020. about tips to deal with bullying. There will also be a sausage Students are also required to submit a medical consent form sizzle & soft drink available to purchase provided on by our along with their monies. Spare copies of camp notes can be Student Council. William Ross is a no tolerance zone for bullying obtained from the office and have also been forwarded to and we were proud to take a stand together. parent emails registered with the school. Annalea Williams As this is an extra-curricular activity, students are required to HOD Wellbeing & Engagement have paid school fees (for current and previous years) or have [email protected] made regular payments to an ongoing payment plan as arranged with administration. FROM THE YEAR 12 COORDINATOR YEAR 12 Year 12 Formal WELCOME BACK An exciting event that the Year 12’s are looking forward to is Welcome back to 2020 everyone. This year their formal. We are pleased to be able to share the following I will be both the Year 11 & 12 Coordinator details for the event: for the senior school. My role is to oversee the attendance, uniform and wellbeing of Date: Thursday 25th of June 2020 (Week 10, Term 2) the students within the Year 11 & 12 cohort. Location: The Ville Resort & Casino So far, the senior students have been Time: 5pm arrivals, 6:30pm dinner nothing but fantastic, and really showing a Cost: Students- $120.00 ea. great range of leadership qualities both in and out of the Parents- $100.00 ea. classroom. All tickets must be paid for by 3pm Friday 5th of June. UNIFORM POLICY As this is an extra-curricular event, there are minimum expectations that need to be met for student participation: As a part of our enrolment agreement, students are expected to be in full school uniform every day. We do understand that • Student Resources Scheme paid in full for all years there are times where this is not always possible, so this is the • 95% Attendance or higher for the year process we follow at WRSHS: • No Major Behaviour Incidents/Suspensions • Parents are asked to write a note or phone the • Consistent Uniform & Personal Device Compliance school regarding any uniform non-compliance before the commencement of the school day. We have now also formed a very proactive Year 12 Formal committee, who already have decided on decorating concepts. • Students are then asked to present to the office from They are ready to go with a number of fundraising activities 8:30am to receive a uniform pass, which they can which you will see over the coming months. These include our present to their teachers throughout the day. car parking fundraiser on Wednesday night for Junior Netball Students who do not have a note will be required to attend a and a drive for something delicious! Please support our uniform detention at morning tea or lunch time in the library with students by helping us in any way you can. a Year level coordinator. If you have any concerns regarding the status of your Student For further information or a copy of this policy, please see our Resource Scheme payments, please contact our front office school website. on 4726 7666. Additionally if you have any concerns about your student meeting the requirements for camp or formal, or YEAR 11 would like to discuss any wellbeing or attendance concerns, Year 11 Camp please feel free to contact me at any time via phone or [email protected]. The first of many exciting activities for the senior phase of learning is upon us for our Year 11’s. The 2020 Leadership Garrett McKenzie camp is a great opportunity for our Year 11 students to Year 12 Coordinator demonstrate and further develop their leadership and teamwork [email protected] skills, and support the development of a stronger bond amongst the cohort. Details for this activities are: Dates: Tuesday 9th- Friday 12th of June 2020 (Week 8, Term 2) Location: Mungalli Falls Outdoor Education Centre, Millaa Millaa Deposit: $150 ea. Total cost: TBA

7 Types of Anxiety Disorders: FROM THE GUIDANCE OFFICERS • Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – excessive ANXIETY – HELPING YOUNG worrying about many aspects of one’s life PEOPLE TO COPE • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Thoughts and fears are obsessive and rituals are performed in The start of the school year can be a order to cope e.g. continually checking if the iron is daunting, nervous time for some students off; excessive hand washing particularly those beginning high school for the first time or are starting at a new school. • Panic Disorder – panic attacks are periods of The following information will hopefully intense fear or Anxiety even when there is no good provide some insight into understanding reason. Symptoms may include sweating, breathing what Anxiety is and strategies that may assist your son/ difficulties, loss of control daughter. • PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – A disturbing event may trigger this and the person may ‘A feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about have flash backs, disturbed dreams and mood something with an uncertain outcome.’ changes. Many soldiers or refugees experience this, With a definition like this who doesn’t get anxious. but a single incident can trigger this for anyone Did you know… • Social Phobia – fear of being humiliated, embarrassed or criticized and may affect one’s ability • Sometimes it can be helpful to have some level of to speak or eat in public, being assertive and sticking anxiety. up for oneself • It helps us get ready for exams, be prepared, do our • Specific Phobias e.g. intense fear of spiders, the best dark, injections. One or more can occur at the same • Motivates us to perform time. • Helps us avoid dangerous situations and reminds us If you believe that the feelings of Anxiety are ongoing, affecting to prepare for new situations. day to day living, and are unable to be controlled, then you may What are the Signs? need to seek help. Young people who experience anxiety may feel: Tips to help along the way: • Uncomfortable, physically unwell (butterflies in • Talk to someone e.g. Guidance Officer, Doctor or stomach, heart racing, wanting to vomit or go to the Health Professional, friend or family member toilet, stomach aches, headaches) • Stay physically healthy – eat healthy food, drink • Tense, fidgety, needing to go to the toilet often water, exercise daily • Overwhelmed, fearful or panicky, breathless, sweaty • Work out ways to minimize the stresses in your life without having to avoid them • Irritable, tearful, clingy or having difficulties sleeping • Talk to your child –show your child that you care and • Withdrawing from social contact want to understand the reasons for their anxiety All these feelings are normal and most of us experience them at • Give comfort, reassurance and practical help with some time in our lives. Don’t panic if your child is demonstrating how to cope e.g. encourage helpful thoughts rather these symptoms especially at the beginning of a school year, than focussing on unhelpful thoughts end of term when assessments are due, having to speak in public or when awaiting their report card. • Prepare your child for changes. If possible give sufficient warning – talk to them about what might When does Anxiety go beyond the norm? happen and why, as well as ways to manage the If you are seeing Anxiety that is `excessive or unreasonable, changes marked and persistent’ and interfering significantly with one’s • For children with school/ separation Anxiety, regular normal routine,’ then it is time to consider whether the Anxiety routines and consistency around sleep, and getting has reached the level of a disorder. When feelings and thoughts ready for school will generally improve the outcome become more intense and overwhelming; thoughts are • Be aware of school or family situations that may be unhelpful or irrational and unable to be controlled; the person creating worries for your child is unable to do what they need to do; and these thoughts and feelings are interfering with relationships, then Anxiety becomes • Be aware of your own anxiety and protect your child a disorder, and it is time to seek help. Anxiety is a part of from taking on your woes life but it should not become a person’s life. There are many • Use relaxation techniques e.g. controlling your causes to Anxiety of which familial history is often a common breathing, listening to peaceful music, doing element however it can occur at any time in a person’s life for something you enjoy (having a massage, yoga). many reasons. One in six people experience Anxiety so it is a Who better to look after you than yourself but be open to help if common issue. you need it. Often others see our needs before we do!

8 Helpful Contacts: by decreasing the proportion of people carrying the bacteria in their nose and throat. • Beyondblue 1300 22 4636 • Lifeline 13 11 14 The date for Year 10 Immunisation at William Ross State High School is 14/05/2020. • Kids Helpline 1800 551 800. COMPLETE THE CONSENT CARD • Beyondblue.com • https://www.youthbeyondblue.com/understand- Before the school visit, your child will be given a consent pack what's-going-on/anxiety/types-of-anxiety that contains an information sheet with details about the disease, benefits of immunisation and any common side effects Adapted from Beyondblue and a vaccination consent card. Astrid Neiberding Read the information sheet, sign the consent card indicating Guidance Officer whether you wish your child to be vaccinated, and return it [email protected] to the school. Only students with a completed and signed consent card on the day of the school immunisation clinic will FROM THE SCHOOL BASED YOUTH be vaccinated. HEALTH NURSE If you do not return a consent card or the card is incomplete, you may be contacted by the immunisation provider to check if SCHOOL IMMUNISATION you want your child to be vaccinated. PROGRAM Year 7 (HPV, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis): The School Immunisation • Information sheet Program allows Year 7 and 10 students to • Vaccination consent card be vaccinated through their school for free. If your child is immunised by your doctor, Year 10 (meningococcal ACWY vaccine): the vaccine will be free but you may be • Information sheet (PDF) charged a consultation fee. • Vaccination consent card (PDF) Year 7 students are offered vaccinations against: I DON'T WANT MY CHILD VACCINATED • Human papillomavirus (HPV): 2 doses—0, and at If you do not want your child to be vaccinated through the least 6 months after first dose school program: • Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough): 1 • complete and sign the 'No to Vaccination' section of dose the consent card • Dates for Year 7 Immunisations at William Ross State • indicate why your child is not receiving vaccinations High school are 26/03/2020 & 29/10/2020 through the school program and This age group requires these vaccinations because: • return the consent card to the school. • they need a booster dose for diphtheria, tetanus, HAVING THE VACCINATION pertussis (whooping cough) • some immunisations need to be given in early A qualified team will visit your child's school to give the adolescence (human papillomavirus) because the immunisations. immune response is better at this age for this To ensure immunisation is appropriate, your child will be asked vaccine. if they are medically well, have any severe allergies, or are Year 10 students are offered vaccination against pregnant. meningococcal ACWY strains: 1 dose After the immunisation, your child is observed in an area close Meningococcal disease is a rare but severe infection that can to the team for at least 15 minutes. Your child will receive a cause death within 24 hours or profound life-long disability Record of Vaccination Card to take home. Keep this with their (brain damage, hearing loss, limb loss). Some of the highest other medical details and/or notify your doctor that the vaccine rates of meningococcal carriage occur among 15 to 19 year has been given. This information will also be directly provided to olds and this age group can transmit the meningococcal the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR). bacteria to people who are at increased risk of infection, MY CHILD MISSED THE SCHOOL IMMUNISATION including young children. If your child misses their school immunisation, they can be As there is a safe and effective vaccine that covers strains A, vaccinated: C, W and Y, Year 10 students and adolescents aged 15 to 19 years of age are being offered the vaccination which they can • at a catch-up school immunisation clinic (check with receive through the school program or by visiting their GP or the immunisation service provider) regular immunisation provider. It is designed to protect young • at a free community immunisation clinic (if offered by people and also reduce risks for the community as a whole your local council or immunisation service provider)

9 • by your doctor - Year 7 and Year 10 students will be eligible for catch-up vaccinations before they turn 20 P & C ASSOCIATION years of age. After this time, vaccines need to be purchased via private prescription. William Ross State High School P&C AGM will be held on Tuesday 10th March at 7.00pm in the Administration Building. The vaccine will be free, however you may be charged a All positions will be vacant for voting on the night. We look consultation fee by your doctor or immunisation provider. forward to your attendance. It is important to have your child vaccinated in the same year On Saturday 14th March we will be holding a working bee at the vaccine is offered in the school program. the school. Keep an eye on our school facebook page for more AGE OF CONSENT FOR VACCINATIONS information and times. In Queensland, a child can consent to a vaccination if they Nicole Knight have the capacity to give or withhold consent. The vaccine President service provider will use their professional judgement to assess whether your child has the capacity to give their own consent for vaccination. Generally, someone aged 15 years or older would be expected to have the maturity, intelligence and understanding to fully understand the treatment and to give their valid and informed consent. https://www.health.qld.gov.au/clinical-practice/guidelines-proc edures/diseases-infection/immunisation/consent/default.asp More information • Call 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) • Make an appointment with your doctor Tania Smith School Based Youth Health Nurse [email protected]

FROM THE STUDENT COUNCIL LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE On Thursday 20th February Student Council participated in the annual Leadership Conference at Annandale Central Community Centre with Ms Williams, Mr McKenzie, Mr Steel and Ms Ceri. On the day the council members participated in ice breaker games, team building and leadership activities. The members also had the chance to brainstorm and vote on possible foundations and charities to raise money for the upcoming year. Furthermore, in the afternoon session the students split up into focus groups and planned key events for semester 1; budgets, delegated tasks and resources lists. In addition to 65 Roses for Cystic Fibrosis fundraiser that occurred last week, the next two upcoming events for Term 1 are Bullying No Way Day on the 20th of March and The World’s Greatest Shave on the 1st of April.

Ebony Parker Student Council President

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