Mareeba State High School Newsletter - Term 2, Week 3

Principal Update

Dear Mareeba State High School Community,

Showing Mareeba State High School Pride: Representing Our School Positively

At Mareeba State High School, we believe that showing pride in our school is more than just wearing a uniform—it's about embodying the values and spirit that make our community special. Our students, have the unique opportunity to represent our school positively both within our campus and in the broader community.

Wearing the Uniform with Pride

Our school uniform is a symbol of our identity and unity. When we wear it with pride, we not only show respect for our school but also for ourselves. Wearing the uniform correctly and neatly reflects our commitment to the school's values and our readiness to uphold its reputation. It's a way of saying, "I am proud to be a part of Mareeba State High School, and I belong here."

Representing the Brand

Beyond the uniform, representing our school positively involves our actions and attitudes. Whether we're participating in sports, academic competitions, or community events, we carry the school's brand with us. This means demonstrating our values of respect, organisation learning and safety in all that we do. By doing so, we help build a positive image of our school that others will remember and respect.

ANZAC Day Services: A Proud Representation

This year, our students had the honour of representing Mareeba State High School at the community ANZAC Day services both at dawn and mid-morning services in Mareeba and surrounding towns. It was a moment of pride as we paid our respects to the brave men and women who have served our country. Our students participated in the ceremonies with dignity and respect, showcasing the values of our school. Their involvement was a testament to our commitment to community service and remembrance.

I also want to acknowledge the conduct of all our of students in our very own ANZAC school service on the Thursday.

In conclusion, showing pride in our school is about more than just wearing a uniform—it's about living the values that our school stands for. Let's continue to represent Mareeba State High School positively in all that we do, both on and off campus. Together, we can make our school a place that we are all proud to be a part of.

Yours in education,

Chris Keating

Principal

Anzac Day School Ceremony - Thursday, 24 April 2025

ANZAC Day Service - Friday, 25 April 2025

Deputy Principal Senior Pathways Update

Hello Mareeba State High Community, 

It’s been a wonderful start to Term 2.  I would like to congratulate students on their Term 1 report cards and thank parents and carers for supporting their student at Teacher/Parent Interviews in week 2.  I would encourage all students to set their goals for success for this term and for parents to keep the communication open with Teachers about your child’s progress.

The Senior School has many key events coming up and one of them is Year 10 Work Experience.  As part of our Career Education Program all year 10’s are released in Week 5 from the 19 to the 23rd May to attend a local business to experience the world of work.  All students need to have their placements organised as soon as possible. Ms Doeblien our VET Coordinator is finalising paperwork for students this coming week.  Students and parents please contact Ms Doeblien to ensure your students participation is guaranteed. I wish all the student’s success on their placement and sincerely thank all local business and employers who are hosting our students.

In week 7, on the 4th of June we have a "VET 101" event occurring to provide our parents with a comprehensive overview and practical advice on how you can guide and assist your student beyond the school environment into Vocational Educational Pathways.  There will be more information provided for this event as it gets closer.  Please add the date to your calendar.

Year 12 ATAR eligible students participated this week in an introductory QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Entrance Centre) session to start preparing them to apply for their University courses in 2026.  It is very exciting to hear Year 12 students career aspirations and their plans for University.  Further student and parent information sessions will be held later this term and early Term 3. 

The Year 12 Formal will be held on June 14^th at the Mareeba International Club.  Information will be coming out this coming week regarding details for ticket purchase and timelines.  We are all looking forward to this very important school event for our Year 12 students.  This event is a student only event, but family and friends of our students are welcome to watch the arrivals at the start of the evening.

Lastly, I would like to welcome our new Transition Pathways Officer Nina Hansen to the Senior School support team.  Nina’s role is to assist students who plan to transition to a meaningful pathway whilst still at school and beyond.  She is available for students and parents to access her support services during recess times for students and parents at any time.  If you are thinking about leaving school or just want some advice about pathways, please contact her at school.

Keep smiling

Lesa Moro

Deputy Principal - Senior Pathways 

Deputy Principal Junior Pathways Update

Welcome Back to Term 2

Term 2 has started smoothly, with students actively engaged in their learning. Their behaviour and the respect shown during our ANZAC service were exemplary. I was proud of the way they represented themselves, their families, and our school.

I am pleased to share that the school has purchased chairs for our whole school assemblies and special events. This has made a significant difference, as students are now seated on chairs and can engage with speakers.

Guidance Officer Week has just concluded, and it was a wonderful opportunity to acknowledge the vital role our student support team plays. We are fortunate to have an exceptional team available to students through appointments or casual drop-ins during lunch. Our guidance officer, social worker, youth worker, and chaplain go above and beyond to support students and help them succeed at school. Students can access this support by visiting A Block Student Services.

All students in Years 7 and 9 have completed the Queensland Engagement and Wellbeing Survey during their wellbeing and mindfulness lessons. If your child was absent on the day of the survey, they can still access it via an email sent to them earlier this term. I encourage you to check with your child to ensure they have completed the survey. The data collected provides valuable insight into student engagement and wellbeing at our great school.

Regular attendance and punctuality are essential. Every lesson, every day, matters. Reinforcing this at home greatly supports the outstanding work our teachers are doing in the classroom.

Teachers are continuing to award ROLSTARS to students who demonstrate our core values: Respect, Organisation, Learning, and Safety. These rewards can be banked by students at our ROLSTAR Bank and rewards redeemed at a later stage.

I look forward to seeing all the great things our students will achieve this term.

Daniel Roos 

Deputy Principal - Junior Pathways

Each fortnight, we promote a school value. This fortnight’s value is:

Deputy Principal Educational Support Services

Hi MSHS families, Carers and Community Members,

Welcome back to Term 2 at Mareeba State High School.  The term has started with both the ANZAC assembly at school and then the march through Mareeba’s main street the following day. I have been to many ANZAC Day assemblies and marches and have to say Mareeba high students did not only do the school ‘proud’ but also their families and carers. Both events bought home to me that the future is in great hands and our students need to be congratulated on their excellent and respectful behaviour.

In the Education Support Services faculty, we have been busy collating information for students to be included in the National Collection of Consistent Data (NCCD). The NCCD is an annual collection of information about Australian School students with disabilities. The NCCD collects data about students with a disability who are receiving adjustments across Australia in a consistent, reliable and systematic way. It enables schools, regions and governments to better understand the needs of students with disabilities and how they be best supported in schools.

I have included at the bottom of newsletter some programs that parents can access to support their children.

Samuel Lane one of the ESS students has been attending Work Experience each Friday since the beginning of the year at Mareeba Shire Council.  He has expressed that “the work I do is really important in helping the community.  I work around the town and the cemetery and do what I am asked to do.  I like working outside and like the mowing and checking the playgrounds. I am also learning how to work safely with tools and machinery in the community.”

Jacob  from Mareeba Shire Council  Parks & Garden comment on Sam’s work experience:-

"Sam is a great, inquisitive lad and willing to try all tasks we carry out on Friday’s. He certainly keeps us engaged all day with his questions and banter." 

MSHS really appreciates that Sam has gained a range of skills and be successful in a workplace.

At the end of Term 1, Sam and his sister Zoe both completed their White Card together at MSHS.

We feel Sam is a ‘real success story’ and the future is bright for him.

Enjoy the rest of the Term 2, 2025.

Yours kindly,

Ann-Maree Fewtrell 

Deputy Principal - Educational Support Services 

Photos from Educational Support Services

District Cross Country 2025

District Cross Country Carnival Results 

We began Term 2 with students representing Mareeba State High School at the District Cross Country Carnival held at the Avenue of honour, Tinaburra on Friday, 2 May 2025.

We had 25 students represented Mareeba SHS at the cross-country event performing to the best of their ability with the opportunity to qualify to represent the Tablelands District at the Peninsula Cross Country event later in the year.

It was a typical Yungaburra day with the rain and the wind; however, the athletes battled the elements and did themselves and Mareeba State High proud. 

The below students have qualified to make the Tableland District Sports Cross Country Team 

2025 cross country team – BOYS team

16 years - Jerry Pausa 

17 years - Brigham Smith 

2025 cross country team – GIRLS team

14 years - Willow Smith 

15 years - Amy Fink 

The below students have been selected as shadows. 

2025 cross country team – SHADOWS

13 years - Amelia Payne 

14 years - Ruby Cleary 

18 - 19 years - Jilahkull McInnes   

Congratulations to all selected players and congratulations and all students that represented Mareeba State High. 

A special thank you goes to Ms Stanley for managing the team and preparations for the day. 

Leonard Hodges 

Head of Department - HPE 

Upcoming Events - Save the Date

News from Chappy Bec

Photos! Good News and Our Achievements

National Indigenous Engineering Summer School                  By student Harry Sullivan 

I had the opportunity to travel to Canberra to experience university life in the Engineering field at the Australian National University.  This three-day live-in program included hands-on engineering activities such as solar car development, developing concepts and prototypes; discussions and mentoring with ANU engineering students and academics and participating in design challenges led by Engineers without Borders.

The highlights for me during the program were completing a group task with Josh and Tyson, to generate, design and produce a farm gate coded sensor pad. As well as this I gained an understanding of engineering with water including testing water velocity and the process of water filtration to purify water.

This course has helped me to realise that going to university is achievable and has helped me to set goals for future study.

Harry Sullivan

Photos by student Harry Sullivan

Minister for Education’s Ministerial Student Advisory Council meeting in Brisbane

MSHS Student, Tashi Maxwell participated in the Minister for Education’s Ministerial Student Advisory Council meeting in Brisbane on Friday 28 March, 2025.

The Ministerial Student Advisory Council (MSAC) has operated since 2018 with representative students from state and non-state schools across Queensland. MSAC provides Queensland school students with the opportunity to speak directly with the Minister for Education and the Arts about a range of education matters.

The advisory council provides the opportunity for students across Queensland to share their perspectives on important education matters and the impact of broader issues on learning.

The advisory council:

• provides advice, feedback and shares views on critical and emerging issues for Queensland school students
• considers expert presentations and provides advice on implications for Queensland students
• provides suggestions on current strategies and possible future actions to address emerging issues
• provides student views on current and future policy and practice.

The council is chaired by the Minister for Education and consists of a group of 18 students from state and non-state schools across Queensland.

The Council’s feedback regarding the anti-bullying campaign was invaluable and will be considered in the future development of strategies on these matters.

Guidance Officer Week 28 April to 9 May

🌟Join us in celebrating the wonderful work of our Guidance Officer, Ms Jessica Manley during Guidance Officer Week, 28 April to 9 May. Ms Manley has joined our student services team this year and her impact has been immediate.  Approachable, supportive and dedicated to improving the well-being outcomes of our students underpins her work. Thank-you from our school community for all the support you provide for our students. If you think your child could benefit from advice and support from a skilled professional, reach out to Ms Manley. Ms Manley is based in the Student Services building or via phone 07 4086 2777.

What do Guidance Officer's do? 

Guidance officers are specialist teachers who deliver a broad range of services to school community members. They contribute to the development of a comprehensive student support and wellbeing program that is responsive to the needs of the school community.

Guidance officers may work directly with students in addition to working with a student's teachers, school support personnel, family, other specialists or external support providers.

Support offered by guidance officers includes providing advice and counselling on educational, behavioural, vocational, personal, social, family, and mental health and wellbeing issues.

Psychoeducational assessments (DOCX, 141KB) and career development also form an important part of the work guidance officers undertake to enhance positive educational outcomes and career pathways for all students.

Guidance officers provide leadership, support and case management in responding to some of the most complex and challenging of circumstances including student protection matters, critical incidents, mental health issues, and suicide prevention and postvention support.

Guidance officers require a diverse range of skills and knowledge and an ability to form strong and productive relationships with key stakeholders in order to develop and implement plans and programs that are responsive to the needs of students.

2025 National Excellence in Teaching Awards.

Nominate an outstanding educator for the 2025 National Excellence in Teaching awards. These awards recognise inspirational, talented and committed teachers who make a significant impact on their students, school and community. Winners will receive a $5,000 or $10,000 professional development grant. Nominations close 27 June.

Parentline service supporting parents and carers

Parentline is a free, confidential counselling service available for all Queensland parents and carers.

If you need support navigating challenging situations, Parentline offers qualified counsellors who can help with expert advice, emotional support and referrals when needed.

Parentline’s services include:

• practical parenting resources on their website

• live webchat with professional counsellors

• phone support for immediate assistance (1300 30 1300)

• the option to pre-book ongoing sessions with the same counsellor

• online counsellor-facilitated parenting forums for shared support

• referrals to other family support services when additional help is needed.

Visit their website (parentline.com.au) for more information today, or give them a call on 1300 30 1300.

May is Domestic and Family Violence (DFV) Prevention Month.

This year’s theme is ‘Take positive action today to build a safer Queensland’. Our school is taking positive action by helping students learn about safe and respectful relationships, and assisting students and families impacted by DFV to access support. Visit the Queensland Government’s DFV prevention month web page to learn more about:

• DFV
• the support available
• how to help someone experiencing DFV
• the DFV prevention month activities taking place in our community.

News from the P&C Association

P&C meetings are held every second Wednesday of the month, during school terms.

The next meeting will be held at 5:30pm Wednesday, 14 May 2025, in the Q Block Common Room.

We hope to see you there.

Science with Mr Richardson

Year 12 Chemistry 

Our Year 12 Chemistry students have recently completed their student experiment assessments, conducting investigations into either constructing batteries or using electrolysis to produce solid copper from solution. Those exploring battery design tested how variables such as electrode materials, electrolyte concentration, and salt bridge composition affected voltage output. Others focused on electrolysis, using electrical energy to recover copper metal from copper sulfate solutions while varying factors like current strength and electrode type to optimise copper deposition. Students showed great experimental design and data collection skills throughout the experiments.

Year 12 Chemistry photos

Titration Competition 

On Wednesday 7th May, three Year 10 Science students travelled to Cairns James Cook University to compete in the annual Titration competition. 

This required teams to carry out very sensitive and accurate chemistry procedures and calculate results to determine the concentration of unknown samples.  There were 10 schools and 19 teams competing in this event from around the region. The students did a fantastic job representing Mareeba State High School.

Titration competition photos at JCU

School Information

Year 7 and 10 Tablelands Immunisation Program

Please return completed forms to Q Block by Tuesday, 22 April 2025. The program will visit the school on the below dates: 

Visit 1:    Monday 12/05/2025 vaccinating: Year 10 Female and Male students - Meningococcal ACWY & Meningococcal B dose 1

Visit 2:    Monday 28/07/2025 vaccinating: Year 7 Female and Male students – HPV (9v) dose 1 & dTpa dose 5. Catch –up for students new to the school or who missed the first-round vaccinations.

Visit 3:    Monday 20/10/2025 vaccinating: Year 10 Female and Male students- Meningococcal B dose 2. Catch –up for students new to the school or who missed previous vaccinations.

Update from School Based Youth Health Nurse

Meningococcal ACWY & B Immunisations – Monday 12^th May 2025

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Mareeba State High School will be holding the first round of Meningococcal ACWY and Meningococcal B immunisations on Monday, 12^th May 2025, for year 10 students as part of the Queensland School Immunisation Program.

Mareeba State High School will be holding our first round of Meningococcal ACWY and Meningococcal B immunisations of the year. This will occur on Monday, 12^th May 2025, as a part of the Queensland School Immunisation Program run by Queensland Health Immunisation Registered Nurses.

The team will return later in the year for dose two of the Meningococcal vaccine.

About Meningococcal Disease:

There are several strains of meningococcal bacteria, with A, B, C, W, and Y being the most common worldwide.

Meningococcal disease is a rare but serious bacterial infection that can develop rapidly and cause severe complications. The bacteria are carried in the nose and throat of about 10% of healthy people and spread through close, prolonged contact. Meningococcal disease can occur at any age. Children under 5 years of age, and adolescents aged 15-19 years are most at risk. Vaccination is an effective way to reduce the risk.

The Vaccines:

• Meningococcal ACWY Vaccine: Protects against four strains (A, C, W, and Y) of the meningococcal bacteria.
• Meningococcal B Vaccine (first dose): Protects against the B strain, which is the most common cause of meningococcal disease in Australia. A second dose will be required no less than 8 weeks after the first dose.

Consent & Further Information:

To participate, students must return a signed consent form before immunisation day. Consent packs have already been handed to students, if you need another consent pack please see the staff in Q block. We kindly ask that all consent packs be returned to the school, if you do not wish for your child to have the vaccination please complete the ‘No to vaccination’ section.

Year 12 students: Please note that the free meningococcal vaccine for all Queensland young people aged 15-19 years began early 2024, this means that our current year 12 students did not receive a Meningococcal B vaccine through the school immunisation program. Young people remain eligible for this free vaccine until 19 years of age, if this is a vaccination you are interested in for your child please contact either your GP or attend the free immunisation clinic run at Mareeba Hospital every Wednesday (located towards back of the Hospital near Community Health), to book an appointment please phone 4092 9100.

For any questions or concerns, please speak with your GP or healthcare provider. More information can be found at https://www.knowmeningococcal.com.au/ and in the attached information sourced from Queensland Health.

Samantha Hales 

School Based Youth Health Nurse

Community News

2025 Next Step Year 12 Completers Survey

All Year 12 completers from last year will soon receive an invitation to participate in the Next Step survey. This is their chance to help our school to understand the different pathways of the 2024 Year 12 students and to improve our senior programs and supports for future students. The survey only takes five minutes and asks graduates about their study and work activities since finishing school.

As a thank you for participating, Year 12 completers who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win a MacBook Air.

We ask parents, siblings and friends to encourage our graduates to complete the survey. If their contact details have changed, please assist survey interviewers by providing their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate. Graduates may receive an invitation by mail, email or phone. The survey can be completed online or by phone.

For more information about Next Step, including previous results, visit http://www.qld.gov.au/nextstep.

Legal Aid Queensland offers a free disaster legal help service for anyone affected by natural disasters like floods or cyclones. The service can assist with legal issues such as insurance claims, housing, financial hardship, family law and more.

If you or someone you know needs support, call 1300 527 700.

Free resources are also available on the Legal Aid Queensland website: www.legalaid.qld.gov.au.