25 October 2021

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Welcome to the first newsletter of the final term of 2021. This 10-week term (seven weeks for Year 12 and eight weeks for Year 10 and 11, ten for our 7s, 8s and 9s) is very important in terms of finishing the year’s learning program. On Friday 19 November, we will pause to celebrate our Year 12 students at their Graduation Ceremony. We have already celebrated our sports success at our annual sports awards night and extra-curricular awards recognition (DATTA). This has allowed us to recognise the amazing efforts of many of our students with more to come. I am looking forward to acknowledging the outstanding work by numerous students as well as recognising our 2022 Senior School Leaders at our School Presentation Evening 17 November.

This term, it is balancing work, planning for next year and celebration that I am keen to reinforce. There is a very definite order—we celebrate after we finish. We want to finish strongly to end the year on a high note.

Official Opening: Centre of Athlete Development and Performing Arts and Centre of Innovation

On Wednesday 20 October we welcomed the Honourable Grace Grace, Minister for Education, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing; the Honourable Craig Crawford Minister for Seniors and Disability Services and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships, and a number of invited guests, staff, community members and students.

This day was an auspicious day for Smithfield State High School. It has begun a new chapter in the history of the school with the official opening of not one but two buildings that together represent a $20.5 million investment in education, health and wellbeing of our students – such facilities the school has never seen before and as Principal it makes me extremely proud to know that our students and community will have access to state-of-the-art facilities.

The Centre for Athlete Development and Performing Arts will be utilised for various school, community and educational functions demonstrating the multifunctional, purpose-built spaces within this centre. This new facility provides opportunities for all students to enhance their learning experiences across all genres – both sporting and cultural – creating the foundation and link for future study within these areas. This world class facility will allow our staff to foster the skills and enhance the provision of world class facilities for athletic development in our students.

The Centre of Innovation, our first two storey building, emulates the design thinking process by providing innovative spaces which facilitate student engagement. Each space has been designed to promote 21st century skills, future-proofing our students as global citizens of tomorrow. The design thinking spaces enable teachers and students to adopt innovative ways of working with flexible learning spaces that promote creativity, collaboration and critical thinking.

The Wellbeing Hub will allow students to access support from the staff of the Student Services Department in one, centralised location. The building has been designed with two main objectives in mind; to empower students to seek the support they need to overcome personal and social challenges, and to enable staff to work collaboratively in supporting students’ individual needs and implementing the innovative Whole School Approach to Wellbeing.

Both buildings have facets of unrivalled technology and innovative learning spaces not only in our region but across Queensland. Our amazing facilities provide the space for our dedicated staff to usher in a new era and generation of teaching and learning at Smithfield State High School.

FlexiSpace

As Principal, I continually challenge myself to find and introduce new initiatives that demonstrate our motto of being the “Gateway for Success” for all students and staff. As a new initiative from the State Government, our school won the opportunity to keep doing things differently, in the form of a FlexiSpace, to keep our students in school and engaged in learning. We will be given $320 000 in funding support to upgrade specific rooms in our school to provide a differentiated environment for our students. The spaces are inclusive, high-quality built environments with high-impact teaching and learning provided by existing staff. The FlexiSpace will support currently enrolled students providing flexible and individualised support. We will be one of the 52 FlexiSpaces in operation or at various stages of planning across the state. I will provide more information in the coming newsletters.

DATTA

The DATTA (Design and Technology Teachers Association) Awards are offered to Design Technology Students in Junior and Senior Secondary in Far North Qld. The awards aim to promote the study of Design Technology Subjects in secondary schools, and to encourage students who study these subjects to demonstrate their technical knowledge as well as design skills and craftmanship. Smithfield State High School students were awarded a record number of awards and I would like to thank the teachers and students for their hard work.

QCT TEACHX Awards

The TEACHX Awards celebrate the outstanding contributions of teachers in Queensland.

Every year, teachers from across the sectors and early childhood centres are nominated to share their stories and inspire colleagues.

The Queensland College of Teachers (QCT) is proud to give voice to these stories and to shine a spotlight on the extraordinary work being done by these remarkable individuals within the profession.

Commencing in 2009, these awards exemplify the significant contribution to schools and early childhood communities across Queensland, attracting more than 2,000 nominations of registered teachers who have achieved exceptional outcomes.

To be nominated for a TEACHX award, is an achievement in itself. Winning a TEACHX category signifies teaching quality, dedication and is a mark of distinction. In 2021 a total of 221 nominations were received. All eligible nominations have now progressed through three rounds of judging and now five finalists have been selected for each category and I am proud to say that out of the six categories Smithfield State High School has 2 finalists in the following categories:

The TUH Health Fund Dr Roger Hunter OAM
Excellence in Beginning to Teach Award – Alana Tobin

Teacher Stories:
Alanna Tobin, Tropical North Learning Academy — Smithfield State High School

The Schoolzine Merline Muldoon Memorial Award for
Innovation in Teaching – Kalie Brackenhofer

Teacher Stories:
Kalie Brackenhofer, Tropical North Learning Academy — Smithfield State High School

This year the 2021 Presentation ceremony will be a virtual presentation ceremony on Thursday October 28.

I encourage everyone to join us for this celebration of teaching excellence and support Smithfield State High School’s two fantastic finalists.

World Teachers’ Day- Thank you

Smithfield State High School teachers make a difference in every lesson, every day, giving every child every chance to succeed, and they do this from day 1 in year 7, right through to their graduation in year 12. The achievements of Smithfield State High School are a product of our students, but there is no doubt this is facilitated by our teachers. Quality learning in a caring environment is not something that can easily be created; it involves the dedicated work of every teacher, on each and every day, for each and every student. That is what makes this school an amazing place. To all of our incredible, dedicated, professional teachers, on behalf of the entire Smithfield State High School community, thank you. We appreciate your amazing work in our classrooms, caring for and educating our students. We acknowledge your late nights and long hours, marking and planning. We value your tireless enthusiasm for education, your subject areas and of course, your students. World Teachers’ Day will be held on Friday 29 October. I hope each of our teachers feels the love, support and appreciation we have for all of them. They are all such wonderful people who I enjoy working with. It is an honour to lead them every day. Thank you for making a difference to the lives of our students and to mine.

Enrolments

If you know of someone whose child is wanting to attend Smithfield State High School in 2022 and has NOT submitted enrolment paperwork, please tell them to contact the school immediately. It is difficult to place students in certain classes when enrolment is left to the last minute.

I wish all a wonderful Term 4 and look forward to the many successes of the students at Smithfield State High School.

Mr Frank Brunetto
Principal

Senior School News

The countdown is on for our Year 12 students! As they approach the final term in their schooling, there are certainly many exciting times ahead, with focus and commitment being so important now. This is the home stretch to ensure the years of dedication to school is rewarded with achieving either Certificate competencies, an ATAR suitable for entrance to University, and for ALL students, the attainment of the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Attendance is therefore crucial in these last weeks of classes.

External Exams for General subjects are commencing in Week 3, Friday October 22. Year 12 students have now received External Exam timetables and other information prior to the start of exams. These important documents were also sent to students via their school email. The timetable includes a range of tutorials that teachers are offering for students to revise and study at school before assessment. Between Friday October 22 and Tuesday November 16, Year 12 students only attend school for a scheduled exam or to attend a timetabled tutorial / catch-up session.

Students studying Applied subjects should aim to complete all assessment by the end of Week 3. If not, students will be expected to attend school, at the request of their teacher, to finish the required work to ensure the best chance of passing the subject.

Key dates for Year 12s in Term 4:

Wednesday 20 October – internal extended exam for Essential Mathematics (see timetable)
Thursday 21 October – final day of scheduled classes
Friday 22 October to Tuesday 16 November – external exams, including tutorials (attendance required for all scheduled exams)
Wednesday 17 November – transition day one (compulsory attendance day)
Thursday 18 November – transition day two (compulsory attendance day) and evening Graduation (more details TBC)
Friday 19 November – final day of Year 12 for 2021, including Whole School Farewell Ceremony (compulsory attendance from 8:30am until end of ceremony).

Year 11

It is also an important time of the year for Year 11 students, with Unit 2 finishing soon and exams taking place in Week 3. Students have received their Week 3 Exam Block timetable and letter of expectations. For the remainder of Term 4, Year 11 students will commence Unit 3 work for all of their subjects. These units of work will continue into 2022. Therefore, full attendance every day is expected for the final weeks, as teachers will be continuing with teaching and learning up to and including Friday 26 November.

If you need any support or additional information on anything related to senior schooling, please contact the office to speak to someone from the Senior Schooling Team.

Alison Kaggelis
Senior School Deputy Principal

Junior School News

2022 Electives

Planning for 2022 is well underway now with Year 7 and 8 students provided the opportunity to select their preferred electives for the new year. Elective selection forms have now gone out on year level parades and a due back to the office as soon as possible. In order to have the greatest chance of obtaining first preference subject options, its really important that students get their forms returned to the office as soon as possible. If you student does not have a form, they can pick one up from the office before and after school, and during one of the lunch breaks.

Paul Charles
Deputy Principal
Junior Secondary

Middle School News

Year 9 students will be shortly selecting their elective subjects for Year 10 in 2022. Students will receive an elective form with the options for study listed. Have a look at this form with your child when they bring this home and discuss their options. We always advise students to select elective subjects that they enjoy, that they are good at or that they think they’ll need for their senior studies.

To assist you and your child in making their selections for 2022, have a look at the Year 10 Course Guide. This Guide lists all of the subjects in Year 10 providing information about the courses and the assessment.

It can be found on our website: Support and Resources/Forms and Documents/Course Guides.

Students will be marking their top 3 preferences on their elective form and need to return it to the school office with your signature on it.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions about these processes.

Joy Murgatroyd
Deputy Principal – Middle School

2021 School Magazine

$21.00

On sale at the office now. Numbers are limited this year so make sure you place your order early.

Grant ‘Scooter’ Patterson

Congratulations ‘Scooter’ on receiving the keys to Cairns City. Well deserved. Grant is an alumnus of Smithfield State High School, graduating in 2006. Our Drum Corps performed admirably at the ceremony and were stoked to meet Grant and Dawn Fraser. Legends both of them.

Marine Science – Green Island

On Wednesday, 6 October, year 11 and 12 Marine Science students travelled to Green Island to experience the new living classroom. Students were taken on tours by Quicksilver’s master reef guides, who allowed students to interact with a variety of marine creatures, including sea cucumbers and sea stars. Students snorkelled with turtles, investigated coral diversity and the impact of Green Island resort on the reef.

Humanities

Welcome back to another term of Humanities. This term we have some amazing projects underway. To begin the Year 7 Sustainability Classes are undertaking their perplexity project based around Urban Design principles. These students are applying the principles of comfortability, vibrancy, safety, walkability and connection to community and Indigenous heritage to design a new school for the Northern Beaches. Students have been applying these principles and testing them at our own school to also make recommendations as to how our school could be improved. This includes things like heat mapping the school using thermal thermometers to identify which areas are the hottest and coolest and how this should inform things like seating and more naturally shaded areas.

Year 7 sustainability

Year 10 Sustainability classes are also undertaking an Urban Design Project. These students will be evaluating the Cairns Regional Council’s 2019 City Master Plan actions and outcomes and whether they have been met. Students will be undertaking a two-day day camp at the James Cook University (JCU) City Campus to listen to guest Urban Design lecturers from JCU before taking to the Cairns Business District to investigate how well the Council has improved the tropical urbanism of our city.

Year 8 Sustainability classes are also undertaking their historical documentaries perplexity projects this term. Students are investigating a significant historical event of their choice before developing an engaging youth driven documentary on this event. These documentaries are always a highlight and once again will be shown at the Cairns Institute James Cook University Smithfield Campus later in the term.

Year 7 students are also undertaking a local area study this term with visits to the Cairns Museum, Pioneer Cemetery and a day trip on the Kuranda Railway. It is always terrific for our students to understand the history of where they live. Especially in the area we live in which is rich in local early settler and indigenous history.

Whilst there is a great deal planned for this term, there were some amazing learning experiences which took place late last term as well form many of our students.

To start with our Year 9 Sustainability Students completed their Cairns in Our Hands Project. Big congratulations to Julian for taking out the coveted award of the best Coastal Adaptation Strategy. To finish the project the students were treated with a trip to Green Island. Our school in conjunction with Sea Country Adventures Green Island helped trial the Green Island Living Classroom experience on the day and it was amazing. Students were taken on guided tours of the reef, snorkelling and on the glass bottom boat as well guided walks with indigenous rangers and Green Island staff to learn about the sustainability practices taking place on the island. The students had a fantastic day and it was a just reward for their hard work.

Cairns in Your Hands

Our Year 12 Geography class also have been out the reef doing some amazing work. These students took a trip to Milne Reef where they participated in the Citizens of the Reef Project. Our school has adopted this reef system and will be taking trips out there over time to photograph and film the coral cover and fish life to evaluate the reefs resilience. So far, the results are very promising for the reef which is vibrant, full of life and never looking better.

Year 12 Geography

Students from our school have also been taking an active role in the community by taking part in the Cairns Regional Councils Coast to Coast Climate Change Day, Youth Climate Change Summit and the Cairns Climate Change Summit. Our four student representatives Lotti, Colin, Jessica and Jasmin did an amazing job representing our school in discussing their concerns and ideas on how to ensure the sustainability of Cairns for years to come. Jessica and Jasmin were selected from the 80 students from a range of different schools to present at the Cairns Climate change forum and to present the ideas formulated at the Youth Climate Change Summit.

Coast to Coast

Finally, a massive congratulations to Keegan who took out the very prestigious Business Liaison Association Legal Studies Essay Competition. Keegan went up against many students from both private and public schools across Cairns and the Tablelands to win this award. Well done Keegan.

If you have any questions about any of these activities please feel free to contact Head of Humanities and Sustainability on 4058 4339.

Spotlight

What a great night Spotlight was. The write up from Dany really says it all.

Spotlight

Vibefest

On Sunday, 5 September students and teachers were took great pride in being involved in Vibefest on Vasey Esplanade Trinity Beach. Rotary Cairns Northern Beaches invited students to perform, volunteer and connect with this community event. Staff of our school volunteered their time, to support Rotary and our students to be part of the Father’s Day celebration. Vibefest is a community event by Rotary to raise funds for projects for the youth of the Northern beaches.

Congratulations to our performers who ‘wowed’ the crowds! Thank you and congratulations to our student volunteers who were involved with face painting, photography, DJing and RSA catering. We are grateful to our staff who volunteered and led fundraising, face painting, CoastFM DJing, performances and photography; to support our students and a community initiative.

Students and staff had a wonderful time being involved and look forward to being involved in future events.

Photo credit: Marian Moore

Vibefest

Certificate II Business & Certificate II Tourism

On 11 October the Year 11 and 12 Business Certificate II and Tourism Certificate II students travelled to Green Island for an excursion.

We were privileged to be taken to the resorts ‘back of house’ to be shown their sustainable practices around recycling, desalination and energy. The importance of reducing expenses and becoming self-sustainable were further highlighted by the temporary closing down of the resort. The students had the opportunity to brainstorm ideas surrounding tourism businesses surviving the COVID-19 Pandemic.

A highlight of the trip was an exclusive tour of Marineland Melanesia and crocodile feeding. This was a really engaging event where the students had the opportunity to safely get close to the crocodiles and marvel at their prehistoric size and nature.

The remainder of the afternoon was spent with picnics, sun, surf, sand, snorkelling and even some kayaking. The students took every opportunity to enjoy the beautiful weather, environment and some much-needed down time before senior exams commence in Week 3.

Green Island

Variety Activate Inclusion Sports Day

Students attended the Variety Activate inclusion Sports day on Wednesday, 15 September at the Redlynch Central Sports Stadium. This gave students the opportunity to participate in a range of sporting activities, including Cricket, Tennis, Soccer and Goalball. They represented Smithfield High School admirably with everyone enthusiastically joining in and following instructions from the supervisors who were from local sporting clubs. A really worthwhile event which will hopefully open up opportunities for students to access a club of their choice, with Variety providing assistance, contacts and in some cases sponsoring membership in the first instance.

Year 8 STEMXtend – Ticket to Mars

This term year 8 STEMXtend are going to outer space with robots! They are investigating the use of rovers for rock sampling and rescue missions on Mars. They will need to build and code a robotic rover that can collect rock samples, then they will modify this design to assist with rescuing other robots if they get stuck in the rocky terrain. The students started their investigation learning about the conditions their robots will face on Mars, learning how to build a robot using LEGO Mindstorms and the coding program they will need to use.

James Cook University - Indigenous Education and Research Centre

Information session

P & C News

Name your tuckshop!

Coming soon

Copperlode Dam

The Year 11 Aquatic Practices class went to Copperlode dam at the end of term 3 to test their fishing rods on some big Barramundi. The class had dedicated a whole term to constructing a fishing rods from scratch. This involved finding the spine of the rod, gluing on the rod seat and grips, and binding on all 7 eyelets. Binding on the eyelets proved extremely challenging, but like Indiana said “practice makes perfect.” With the rods completed we all headed up to Copperlode Dam to test them out. The Local guide and barramundi expert Kim Andersen from Copperlode Fish and Kayak pointed the kids in the right direction off they went. Despite over 1000 casts, the class were unable to land a Barramundi, but Finn did manage to get a nice sleepy Cod. Mr Grundy managed to snag a seat in Kim’s brand new boat. With Kim pointing him in the right direction he managed to drop a massive Barramundi right next to the boat in front of the whole class.

Technologies – DATTA awards success!

In gives me great satisfaction to inform our community of the fantastic and talented students who excelled at the recent Far North Queensland BLA DATTA awards. Our students took home 18 Prizes and set a new record across the winners’ categories, putting Smithfield at the top of all the schools across the FNQ region. Special mention to Toby who won a number of awards and was also selected to present the closing night speech. I would also like to mention Matthew who took out his category for the most Outstanding Student with a Disability Award category. Outstanding work Matthew.

Smithfield State High School 2021 Data Award winners in the following categories:

Year 11/12 Engineering and Electrical Design Award
Year 11/12 Furnishing Award Senior Closed Design
Year 11/12 Furnishing Award Senior Open Design
Most Innovative Award Award Senior Division
Most Outstanding Student with A Disability Award
Most Enterprising Award Senior Division

Lastly, I would also like to acknowledge the dedicated work form our outstanding teachers Mr Luke Fuller, Mr Sam Finlay, Ms Laura Denn, Mr Kael Grundy and Mr Glen Wilson. A special mention to Mr Glen Wilson who had a number of students from his senior classes win awards and also picked up 2nd Prize for the Teacher Award category.

I look forward to doing a special acknowledgment and presentation on our next full school parade to all students who entered and also the winners of the DATTA Awards.

David Mayes
Head of Department Technologies and Innovations

Mental Health Week 2021

The annual Queensland Mental Health Week is held in order to raise awareness of mental health conditions and to promote the seeking of support. This year’s theme was ‘take time for mental health’, and there were activities on every lunch time to help our staff and students take time.

Chappy Deb and Nurse Vera held colouring in sessions, mindfulness workshops, positive affirmation badge-making and Zumba. We thank all of the staff and students who engaged in these activities and hope that everyone found time to look after their mental health.

Keep up the balance and seek support when you need it.

Student Services Department.

Indigenous Leaders Program

Our 2021 Indigenous Leaders recently attended their annual ‘Sharing for Success’ event. This year, it was held at Rainforestation Nature Park in Kuranda. Students made a presentation about their leadership of key events and had the opportunity to network with leaders from other schools before going on a bushwalk, watching a cultural performance and practicing boomerang throwing.

We congratulate our Indigenous Leaders on their work this year and encourage all Indigenous students to consider the opportunity to be part of this program for 2022 as nominations will open this term.

Mrs Ellie Taylor
Head of Department: Student Services

HPE and Sport update

HPE School Hat Blitz

At Smithfield State High School we regularly teach and role model sun safety in our Health and Physical Education (HPE) curriculum, Positive Behaviour for Learning (PBL) lessons and while outside.

According to Cancer Council Australia ‘A Queensland study found UV exposure during the first 18 years of a person's life was the most critical risk factor for skin cancer, and also caused skin damage and premature ageing’.

As a way to ‘Be safe’ it is a school expectation that students will wear a school hat at all times when they are outside (including lunch breaks). SPF50+ sunscreen is available for students. In the coming weeks HPE staff will be focusing on reminding students to wear school hats.

The process for reminding them in HPE classes will include:

• Term 3, Week 8 – newsletter reminder to wear school hat in HPE
• Term 3, Week 10 – this letter is sent home via email, reminder on Facebook, reminder through student notices
• Term 4, Week 1,2,3,4,5 – VIVOs for students wearing school hats in HPE and names of students without a school hat in HPE will be recorded on a paper roll
  - 1st reminder documented
  - 2nd reminder documented, contact home and discussion with teacher at lunch time
  - 3rd reminder documented and F Block detention to complete a reflection on sun safety
  - 4th reminder documented and afternoon detention to complete a reflection on sun safety

If your student does not have access to a school hat please provide a note to their HPE teacher explaining when they will be able to access one. For further information about this, please Mr Garske Head of Department HPE on 4058 4394 bgars4@eq.edu.au

Weekly sport schedule

Don’t forget to check out our weekly sport schedule on Facebook each week!

Small Group Fitness in CADPA Gym

Some groups of students are training in the new CADPA gym in the mornings and afternoons. What a great way to start/finish the school day. If students are interest in this the process is this:

• Get a group together
• Find a teacher willing to give their own time before/after school
• See HOD HPE to discuss possible times and arrange necessary paperwork

Please note that curriculum activities, team trainings and external bookings may take priority of these small fitness group trainings.

Some of our staff are also prioritising their wellbeing and training in there.

Sports Awards

The sports leadership group and the Health and Physical Education Department were thrilled to be able to host their first official awards ceremony in CADPA, the school sports awards evening.

The night was a huge success and the students gained an incredibly valuable insight into the commitment and sacrifice it takes to perform at an elite level though the words of our guest speaker; dual Olympian, silver medallist and former Smithfield State High school student, Mr Brett Roneberg.

It was a wonderful evening celebrating some of the amazing achievements of our students in the sporting sector. There was also some incredible artwork on display thanks to our Arts department and a great cover of Green Day’s hit Basket Case by one of our school bands Elysium.

This is certainly a night that shares a small glimpse into the incredibly talented students that our staff get to work with on a daily basis and we would like to again publicly thank all the coaching staff, parents/carers for their huge efforts this year in preparing our athletes for their chosen competitions.

Thank you also to our sponsors for 2021, almost every award on the night was sponsored. Students generously received gift vouchers/packs from each of these local businesses!

Congratulations to all attendees on the evening for making this a very special event, and congratulations to all of our award recipients, some of whom can be seen in the gallery below.

Sports Awards

FNQ Volleyball Cup

Last Wednesday to Friday students from year 7 – 12 took part in the annual FNQ Volleyball Schools Cup that took place at Edmonton PCYC. After training hard all year, the students finally got to play against other schools with 78 teams involved in the event from 19 different schools.

The Smithfield State High School students played well and learnt a lot about the game and how to referee or score. Most importantly though, they had a lots of fun with every student smiling constantly throughout the long days.

Thank you to Mr Kael Grundy, Mr Jesse Hutchinson, Ms Tammie Thornton, Ms Alanna Tobin and Miss Tiarne Sparks for coaching the teams in the lead up and at the actual carnival. Finally, a massive thank you to Mr Adam Vander Zant who led the program this year holding training sessions every single week for all students interested to attend and play.

Volleyball

Soccer and Netball Academy Trials

There is an open invitation to all current Year 4-9 students to trial for a place in the Soccer Academy or Netball Academy program for 2022. All current students are required to trial again each year.

Volleyball Gala Day

In Term 3 our school hosted 8 teams in the inaugural Volleyball Gala Day for Year 11 and 12 students. We entered a girls team and two boys teams. We had mixed results on the day but enjoyed playing in our school venue! Thank you to the coaches and convenors Miss Collins, Miss Tobin and Mr Vander Zant.

Freshwater 7s Rugby League

We sent 2 teams to the Freshwater 7s Rugby League Carnival. Our Year 7/8 team finished top in their pool and made the Grand Final before going down to Trinity Bay 7-4 (Bailey from Smithfield won player of the final). Our Year 9/10 team scored some great tries through the day and came in 6th. Thank you to our coaches Mr Grundy and Miss Knight!

Year 11/12 Boys Basketball Tri Series

On Thursday the 14th of October Smithfield State High School completed their final game in our tri series against Freshwater Christian College. Smithfield played three tremendous games taking out the series 3-0 and displayed some great technical skill and additionally a tremendous work ethic and desire to take wins home and away. There were many stand out performers, but the player of the series goes to Isiah. The former Victorian representative displayed amazing technical ability, knowledge and lead the team in every game. He also acted as a role model by offering to ref the second half of the final game. As a team we believe this is only the start for Smithfield Basketball.

Northern Selection

Daniella - Volleyball

School Based Youth Health Nurse

Hello, my name is Vera Moscardi.

I am the new School Based Youth Health Nurse for Smithfield State High School. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself, as I am sure I will be working with you over the coming months and years.

I graduated from a Bachelor of Nursing at Griffith University in 1996. Over the last 25 years I have had the opportunity to work in several diverse and rewarding areas, including – the Torres Strait, Emergency, Cancer Care, Mental Health and Hospital in the Home.

I am also a qualified Art Therapist and Registered Counsellor. This year I was elected Convenor of the Cairns Chapter of the Australian Counselling Association. I am very passionate about mental wellbeing, particularly client focused, and trauma informed practices.

The School Based Youth Health Nurse program is funded by Queensland Health. The objectives include improving access to health information, advice as well as support and referral to relevant government and non–government services for young people, their families and the wider school community including staff.

The program also focuses on early identification, prevention, and brief intervention activities. It supports school communities to develop and maintain a holistic approach to health, through supporting the curriculum and teaching of health-related topics. I look forward to working with you to maximise the health outcomes of Smithfield students.

Kindest regards,
Vera Moscardi
School Based Youth Health Nurse - Smithfield State High School
Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday
Email: vmosc4@eq.edu.au

Change up boys program

Over the past term, our Student Engagement Teacher, Mr Burch, has been running a program for boys called Change Up. This program aims to help the boys improve their personal and social skills through activity-based learning. The boys did some cooking, boxing and weight training, all whilst practicing perseverance and learning new life skills. This term, a new group of boys are engaging in the program. Thanks to Mr Burch for facilitating this program for our boys.

Mrs Ellie Taylor
Head of Department: Student Services

Chaplaincy Report October 2021

Chappy Deb continues to work Tuesdays and even week Fridays during Term 3 and will continue to do so through Term 4. Chappy Deb is supports students across all year levels on a 1-on-1 basis with pastoral conversations and connection to supports, as part of the overall student support team. During Term 3, Chappy Deb had 45 pastoral care meetings with 26 students.

During the winter holidays Chappy Deb was involved in directing the annual SU FNQ Girls Camp, with 50 high school boys attending from the Cairns region. Two Year 8 girls from Smithfield State High School attended, with $100 support funding from Smithfield Local Chaplaincy Committee

The Radiance Program with 9 girls in Years 7 and 8 finished in Term 3. Radiance is designed for teenage girls, focusing on developing a sense of identity, purpose and belonging. Radiance delivers the three ‘stories’ to participants of uniqueness, being in control of our choices and making a difference in the world. To celebrate the close of the program, the girls were treated to a dining experience and celebration lunch at Chill Café Portofino in Palm Cove, where each girl was affirmed and presented with a certificate. Positive feedback on the program from the girls included:-

• ‘It felt like a safe place and I valued each and every person and being able to connect with the other girls’
• ‘Each week there was a memorable experience that I will remember always’
• ‘I wasn’t sure how I was going to get along in the group but everyone has become a friend and this feels like family’

The Radiance Program will be run again during Term 4 with a new group of 14 Year 7 and 8 girls invited. Thanks to the Smithfield LCC again for financially supporting the program.

Finance news

As we are coming to the end of the year for all Year 12 students, their accounts must be finalised now.

All parents currently on a payment plan through Centrepay whose accounts have come into credit the payment plan will be cancelled. No accounts are allowed to go into credit.

Later this year a day will be set for all parents to complete payment plans for next year’s Student Resource Scheme. All excursions, camps etc MUST be paid separately and prior to attending unless otherwise arranged with the accounts department.

Danger in the Air

Danger in the Air -The Serious Health Risks of Vaping

Vape, E-cig, Puff Bar, E-hookah, Mod, Jul – all names used to describe the increasingly popular E-cigarettes, that are now being deliberately marketed to target young people. But what really is in them and what do we know about their long-term health effects?

Originally Vaping was used as a means of reducing tobacco consumption with products specifically designed to minimise the intake of nicotine and other harmful chemicals. However, a recent surge in the trend has seen overseas companies flooding the market with dangerous products, most of which do not disclose the true nature of their ingredients.

In fact, many vaping products which claim to be nicotine free are not, with some containing as much as 50 milligrams of nicotine – the equivalent of 2.5 packets of cigarettes. Disguised with fancy flavours and attractive packaging, many young people are unknowingly falling prey to their clever marketing, without understanding the irreversible damage they could be doing to their health and wellbeing.

Smoke and Daggers -

Vapes, especially those bought online from overseas, can also contain unspecified and uncontrolled amounts of other substances, some of which are known to be extremely harmful, particularly when inhaled, such as:

• diacetyl – used in popcorn flavorings for its buttery taste. It can cause ‘Popcorn Lung’ (bronchiolitis obliterans) if inhaled in large concentrations.
• diethylene glycol – a toxic chemical used in antifreeze that is linked to lung disease
• lead, tin, nickel - heavy metals
• cadmium - a toxic metal that causes breathing problems and disease
• acetyl aldehyde and formaldehyde - cancer-causing chemicals
• acrolein - a weed killer that can cause irreversible lung damage and cancer
• benzene – a volatile organic compound found in car exhausts that is cancer causing and causes harm to bone marrow, reducing red blood cell numbers and leading to anemia.
• Some chemicals in e-cigarette aerosols can also cause DNA damage
• ultra-small particles that can be inhaled deep into the lungs
• THC – the main psychoactive compound in cannabis
• CBD – cannabidiol – another chemical from the cannabis or hemp plant
• Vitamin E acetate – a chemical of concern among people with e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI)
• Other, or unknown, chemicals

Don’t Be a Sad Statistic -

While researchers scramble to uncover the long-term implications, what is already known is that twice as many males engage in vaping than females. The ‘buzz’ effect that many young people find appealing is actually a warning sign. The Lung Foundation of Australia cautions that inhalation of these chemicals is not only damaging to the lungs, but also impacts learning, memory and impulse control.

In the US alone, 40 deaths have already been linked to vaping, with many more requiring hospitalisation. The liquid nicotine present in ‘vape juices’ is poisonous and can be fatal if ingested by babies and toddlers.

Get Help NOW –

Are you, or someone you know vaping?? Help is available!!! Come and see the School Based Youth Health Nurse for confidential and non-judgemental support and advice. Available Monday, Tuesday and Thursday in the TE Staff Room.

QParents

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