Principal:Craig Whittred

Deputy Principals:Kerry Flynn,Anna D'Ilario

Business Manager:Priscilla Viero

Issue No 3 Newsletter of Ayr State High School Friday 20 March 2020

Ayr State High SchoolPO Box 961

AYR QLD 4807Phone: 07 4790 4333Fax: 07 4790 4300

Email: admin@ayrshs.eq.edu.auWebsite: www.ayrshs.eq.edu.auFacebook: facebook.com/ayrshs

Ayring

Call us now on 4783 2122 or email ayr@helloworld.com.au

“HELLOWORLD AWARDED AUSTRALIA’S BEST TRAVEL AGENCY GROUP 2016” 4783 2122 ayr@helloworld.com.au

Ayr High’s annual InterhouseSwimming Carnival was awash

with colour and excitement on Friday 21 February. Banks and Phillip battled for first and second place whilst Macquarie and Cook fought it out for third and fourth. Banks triumphed to be crowned overall winners finishing on 1225 points; Phillip placing second with 1013 points; Macquarie in third place with 809 points; and Cook in fourth place on 677 points.Congratulations to the House Captains, House Parents and Senior Leaders for organising and encouraging their teams - it was a great day of spirit and competition.Banks was also deemed to be the loudest and proudest House, demonstrating team spirit with continual encouragement and chants for their participants throughout the day and was awarded the ‘Spirit Stick’.The 50 m Dash for Cash, which is a handicapped race, saw the fastest 50 m freestyle swimmers in each age group compete to

claim fastest ‘Ayr High’ swimmer. The winners were Emma King (U15) and Christian Tannock (U13). This event was again proudly sponsored by Kim and Michael McConnachie (winners receive $50 prize money). Macquarie claimed honours in the All-Age relay, which sees each House submit one team of 12 competitors (1 boy and 1 girl of each age group) in a 12 x 50 m Freestyle Relay. Jackson Oats (U16) and Blake Jorgensen (U14) are to be congratulated in sharing the Max Tavasci Trophy, which is awarded to individual performers who achieve maximum individual points (75 points). One record was broken this year - refer to page 4. The Individual Age Champions are published on page 4.

Interhouse Swimming Carnivalby Ms Courtney Carrigan, Sports Co-ordinator

BANKS TRIUMPH!!!

Swimming Carnival Age Champions 2020Back LtoR: Dallas Musumeci, Blake Jorgensen, Zale Ivory, Jackson Oats, Thomas ShepherdFront LtoR: Addi Wiseman, Melody Curro, Tyla Cox, Madisyn Grant, Rory JorgensenAbsent from photo: Cade Wilshere, Emma King

Swimming Carnival Champions and Spirit Stick 2020 - Banks

Issue No 3 - 2020 SUCCESS: Every Student, Every Day. Ayring - keeping you informed

by Mr Craig Whittred, Principal Editorial - Newsletter No. 3 20/03/2020

From the Principal Welcome to Ayr State High SchoolOur school acknowledges the Traditional Owners of this land. Today, they are still the custodians of the cultural heritage of this land. Further to this, our school acknowledges there are other Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Island people who have lived, worked and contributed to the cultural heritage of our community.

As we approach the end of Term 1, we face the major challenge of

best preparing and protecting our Ayr High Family and the broader Burdekin community against the Coronavirus (COVID-19).SLOWING THE SPREADAt the moment, the school continues to take daily advice from the Queensland Government on the best ways to protect ourselves and “slow the spread” of the virus within our community.Precautions we have taken so far include:• Reminders to staff and students of

the heightened need for safe hygiene practices, for example, washing hands with soap and water.

• Ensuring hand soap and paper towel are available at all times.

• Cleanliness of school facilities are maintained to the highest standard.

• Cancellation or postponement of unnecessary travel to public events.

• Cancellation or postponement of extra-curricular activities until further notice.

CANCELLATION OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIESI have been in contact with the leadership teams at both Home Hill State High School and Burdekin Catholic High School and we are in agreeance that while cancellation of travel, excursions and extra-curricular activities is disappointing, it ultimately aims at reducing the potential risk of our students and staff to the virus.This means that the following events have been postponed:• Drama Festival• Interschool Sport• Burdekin and Northern sporting trials

and State Championships• Term 1 Disco.The response to COVID-19 is changing almost daily, which is why we remain hopeful that events scheduled for later in the year will go ahead. We will make decisions on Term 2 events closer to their timeframe.POSSIBLE SCHOOL SHUTDOWNSMany people in the community are asking if the school will be shut down and/or if the Easter vacation will be extended. At this point in time, the advice from Queensland’s Chief Medical Officer to the Director General

of Education Queensland is for no blanket closures of schools. This is driven by four key considerations:• Information from around the world

is showing that the transmission of COVID-19 to children is predominantly from adults.

• If schools were to shut, this would impact almost 30% of healthcare workers, keeping them away from work.

• A high number of families use grandparents to mind children if schools were closed. The elderly are at a much higher risk of complications from COVID-19.

• At this stage, there is no evidence from around the world that closing schools slows the spread of the virus.

At this time, Ayr State High School will remain open to help support our community, unless otherwise advised by the relevant government authorities.QUEENSLAND HEALTH ADVICEOf course, parents/carers have the final say on whether or not they feel their children should attend school or not. Advice from Queensland Health is: • If you have been in close contact with

someone who has recently returned from overseas AND showing symptoms of illness, you should self-isolate and contact a health professional.

• If anyone in your household is suspected or confirmed (by a medical practitioner) to be infected with COVID-19, ALL members of the household need to be quarantined at home and need to inform the school immediately. The school is required to report to the Department of Education any suspected or confirmed cases of students and/or staff who have been in contact with COVID-19.

• If you are feeling unwell (even if it is not COVID-19), stay at home and avoid contact with others through touching, kissing or hugging.

CONTINUED CURRICULUM DELIVERYWe are continuing to deliver classes and all curriculum areas as per usual. At this time, students are preparing for and/or completing assessment tasks for all of their subjects across Years 7 to 12. We encourage all our students to maintain their focus on their studies

in an attempt to keep some normality in their lives.The Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) has advised schools that they are already planning for contingencies for Year 12 assessment including the Year 12 Senior External Examinations. They have ensured all schools that they are planning for possible changes and modifications to allow for any future school closures or major disruptions that may happen due to COVID-19.For students that have had to, or chosen to self-isolate from school for an extended period of time, they will be able to access the curriculum in one of two ways:• For students in Years 7, 8, 9 and 10

they will be able to access generic curriculum materials for English and Mathematics. This will allow them to continue work at an age appropriate level. Further material for other subjects is under development and will be rolled out.

• For students in Years 11 and 12, classroom teachers will provide work via email to allow for the continuation of their involvement in their program of study.

COVID-19 KEY MESSAGESFinally, I will again take this opportunity to share the following key messages that are the best ways we can keep our community safe through this challenging time:• COVID-19 is an influenza virus and is

shared like most flu viruses.• Most healthy people between the

ages of 5 and 65 will catch it and get over it just like any other flu.

• We need to put in precautions to slow down the spread of the virus.

• Good personal hygiene habits are important.

• Reduce your social interactions.• If you are feeling unwell, stay at

home and avoid contact with others through touching, kissing or hugging.

Yours in Education

Craig WhittredPrincipal

QUT Research Internship Program

by Mr Rob Scalia, HOD - Mathematics and Science

Sarah McDonnell has recently accepted placement into the 2020 QUT High

School Research Internship Program. Sarah was one of forty students accepted into the program from over 450 students across Queensland. The program will take place at QUT in Brisbane in the first week of the upcoming school holidays. Her placement is with the Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre Queensland: How cancer cells escape and survive therapy. Sarah will work alongside a research scientist and three other students to research how cancer cells make and use energy to survive therapy (called therapy resistance). She will also work with other researchers who use cancer cell models to measure various ways that prostate cancers respond to current therapies. Her research will try to predict their typical escape strategies, focusing on the metabolic pathways they use to adapt.Ayr High and the community are extremely proud of Sarah’s achievement in STEM and we all look forward to hearing about this amazing experience when she returns. Congratulations Sarah!

EnglishTutoring

Year 8-12 StudentsTuesdays

3.15 - 4.15 pm, A3Year 7 Students

Tuesdays 3.15 - 4.15 pm, I Block,

with Mrs Kastner, Mr Cook and Miss Walker

☺Your friendly English teachers are available to help you with homework and assessments.

Like our Ayr State High

School pagefacebook.com/ayrshs

Download the free QSchool App to stay connected

to news and events.

Wednesday Afternoon(3.15 - 4.15 pm)

Thursday Afternoon(3.15 - 4.15 pm)

D1 LabAll year levels welcome

Do you want help with homework?Do you need help with studying for a test?

Maths & Science Tutoring

Join our Artist in Residence, James Ross, every Tuesday in the Music

Room:1st Break:

Ayr High Choir RehearsalSession 3:

Musical Lead Vocal Rehearsals2nd Break:

Musical Chorus Rehearsal

Artist in Residence Rehearsal Times

Year 10 History students expand their knowledge of World War II

by Madisyn Grant, Year 10 Student

On 6 March 2020, the Year 10 cohort went on a trip down memory lane at the RAAF Museum and Army Museum of North Queensland in Townsville.

The excursion’s main purpose was to expand the cohort’s knowledge of World War II and its impact on Australia. However, the lucky Year 10 students found themselves in the middle of so much more. From Morse Code and outdated radios to old bomb shells and war relics, the trip definitely provided a deeper insight into what life was like for those who fought in the war. The students were even treated to some inside stories from war veterans and a current-day army pilot, who shared their invaluable knowledge with the crowd of eager teenagers. One of the highlights of the day was getting to handle some of the old shell casings, and truly feel the deceiving weight difference between the smaller and larger bombs. Overall, the day trip was very beneficial to the Year 10 cohort, who thoroughly enjoyed the outing and returned with a new outlook on the influence World War II had on so many Australian lives.

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POSTPONED

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Interhouse Swimming Carnival (cont)

The success of this year’s carnival was the result of the time and planning of all House Captains, senior students and

House Teachers. They are to be congratulated for their efforts as are the student body for their enthusiastic support, level of participation and behaviour. Thanks are extended to the Ayr Amateur Swimming Club who once again provided and set up equipment used on the day; A & B Rural for the use of their tent; the Year 12 students and staff who helped set up tents at 7.00 am and stayed behind after 3.00 pm to pack away equipment; all school staff who helped in preparing, supervising or officiating and the Ayr High Interact Club for the food. Thank you.

Swimming CarnivalAge Champions

DIV. AGE CHAMPIONS HOUSE PTS.

U12Addi Wiseman PH 65Dallas Musumeci PH 65

U13Melody Curro BA 63Cade Wilshere BA 41

U14Tyla Cox PH 70Blake Jorgensen CK 75

U15Emma King CK 70Zale Ivory BA 65

U16Madisyn Grant BA 60Jackson Oats PH 75

U19Rory Jorgensen CK 60Thomas Shepherd BA 70

New RecordU14 Banks (Girls) 4x50m Medley Relay 3:16.36 (Cook 3:18.62 2017)

Neenah Ivory, Charley Ruskin, Melody Curro, Sarah O'Shea

Max Tavasci Trophy Recipients 2020Blake Jorgensen and Jackson Oats

Michael and Kim McConnachie present Christian Tannock (U13) and Mrs King on behalf of daughter Emma King (U16) with their

prize money

50m Dash for Cash

Issue No 3 - 2020 SUCCESS: Every Student, Every Day. Page 5

Ayr High Celebrates HPE Weekby Ms Courtney Carrigan, HOD - HPE, Practical Technologies, LOTE

During week 6, students at Ayr High celebrated Health & Physical Education (HPE) week by participating in a range of sports and activities held at lunch times. HPE Week is a week that 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 HPE to the learning and development of children and young people.The following activities were conducted:Monday - SkippingTuesday - ‘Old School’ games (i.e. sack races, 3-legged races)Wednesday - VolleyballThursday - CricketFriday - Fitness (Gym)Daily trivia and a ‘Who Am I’ was placed on student notices for the week with multiple students winning prizes. Across the week many students participated in the activities and it was great to see all age groups come together to have fun playing sport. A big thanks to HPE Staff (Ms Dorsett and Ms Caspanello), Ashley Green (Sports Captain) and JD Wilkins and Sam Vaevae Pare (Yr 11 students) who ran activities and to all the students who participated in the week. Go get active!!!

Interschool Swimming Carnivalby Ms Courtney Carrigan, Sports Co-ordinator

Students from Ayr High were keen to get back in the water to compete

at the annual Interschool Swimming Carnival held on Thursday 5 March at the Ayr Swimming Pool. Ayr High hosted the event and participated against Burdekin Catholic High School, Burdekin Christian College and Home Hill State High School. Ayr High’s participation was outstanding finishing 2nd overall. Grace Bach (U16 Girls) and Jackson Oats (U16 Boys) competed exceptionally well and were deserved age champions.

Hurricane and the Year 12 students (and many others) showed great team spirit cheering and singing from the grandstands. Our staff were very proud of the efforts of all our competitors and student/staff spectators. The House Captains did a wonderful job of managing the squad and were loud and proud on the side of the pool. Special thanks to Ms Dorsett, Ms Scott and Ms Caspanello for co-ordinating the afternoon in my absence. Congratulations to all students and staff involved!!

Grace Bach and Jackson Oats

Issue No 3 - 2020 SUCCESS: Every Student, Every Day. Page 6

P.A.R.T.Y. Programby Mrs Nyree Woods, Year 12 Co-ordinator

On Tuesday 10 March, 35 Year 12 students along with Mr Ballin, Mrs Zaro, Cassandra (our School Based Youth Health Nurse) and Mrs Woods attended the P.A.R.T.Y. Program at the Townsville University Hospital. The Prevent

Alcohol and Risk-Related Trauma in Youth Program exposed the students to first responders (paramedics and police officers) and critical care units at the hospital. Students had to each wear a medical device (such as a neck brace, knee brace, vision-impairing glasses) while they were participating in the program. They listened to very informative and interesting presentations from nursing staff, an emergency department doctor, a neurosurgeon, a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist who each explained their role in both the hospital and dealing with trauma (when it happens and what happens after). Students were given the opportunity to see the Emergency Department rooms, tour the Intensive Care Unit at the hospital and the morgue. Each of these experiences was thought-provoking and confronting, and hearing first-hand how difficult some situations are for the people who see these patients, certainly gave students perspective on how poor choices can impact so many.At the end of the day, students sat on the floor and listened to a former Ayr resident whose life changed in a moment when the motorbike he was riding was struck and he sustained serious and life-altering spinal injuries. The reality of his life was both inspiring and engaging.Our students certainly benefited from the day and agreed that they will consider their actions as they have seen the results a wrong decision can have. Daniel said it was a good experience to see how everything happens at the hospital. Martha really enjoyed the Emergency Department, with the opportunity to wear protective clothing. Kaitlin also thought it was excellent resuscitating and trying to save a patient. Seeing what happens in an emergency was also important for Ella, while Dean thought it was very educational and makes you realise how quickly life can change.

Issue No 3 - 2020 SUCCESS: Every Student, Every Day. Page 7

Interact at Work 2020

by Mrs Nyree Woods, Interact Co-ordinator

The Ayr State High School Interact Club has had a hectic but successful start

to the year. On 14 February, we had a Sweethearts Day stall where the school community showed us its “heart”. While this date is also Valentine’s Day, at Ayr State High School we have focused on showing our sense of community, which resulted in a range of items gifted by friends, buddies, teachers and year level co-ordinators. There were also some amazing serenades that made some students and teachers feel very special! As in recent years, we raise money for Heartkids Australia whose aim is to support kids, teens and adults impacted by congenital or acquired heart disease. Congenital heart disease is the largest cause of infant death in Australia today and funds we raise at our school will go towards funding vital medical research, as well as life-changing in-hospital support. This year, we have donated $500.00 to Heartkids Australia. This is another way the Ayr High Interact Family contributes to making the lives of others better! Well done and thanks to everyone who helped make this a success again in 2020. A special thanks to Ms Ruge for her dedication and shopping expertise to ensure there is always a wide range of products available at a range of prices. Thanks also to the many helpers who wrap, price, sell and deliver the gifts purchased to the school community.

Not long after Sweethearts Day, the Interact Club again catered food items for the swimming carnival. This year, we made our own chicken and gravy or chicken and mayo rolls which were a treat well received by our student body, along with the usual hot dogs, egg sandwiches, pizza and cold fruit salad. Funds were raised which will go towards a future Interact project. However, the main aim of this venture is not so much to raise money, but to provide a service to the school community with affordable prices. Thanks again to Yvette Lando and the helpers who came in during the day and cut, wrapped and served our swimmers with delicious food. Special mention to our resident treasurer, Brenton Flynn, who ensured we had no money issues on the day.

Pink Stumps DayDate Change - Friday 3 April (Week 10)

Wear pink (gold coin donation), play cricket at lunch breaks and support the McGrath Foundation (raises money for breast care nurses).

Families can donate to Ayr High’s Pink Stump Day before the day - go to https://fundraise.mcgrathfoundation.com.au/fundraisers/ayrhighhawks/pink-stumps-day. Every bit helps…support families experiencing breast cancer. There will be plenty of ways to show your support…more info to come…

Ayr SHS Volleyball Champions!!!Interschool Sport - Term 1

by Ms Courtney Carrigan, Sports Co-ordinator

Ayr High students recently participated in the Burdekin School Sport 13-19 Years Interschool U14 and U19 mixed Volleyball Competition. We were victorious in both divisions taking out overall Volleyball champions. With the withdrawal of

BCHS from the competition, Ayr High played games against HHSHS only. The U14’s won the first two games convincingly with the third week seeing all students show true sportsmanship to mix the teams up to provide more of an even playing field. It was great seeing both schools work together to improve skills. The U19 competition saw both Ayr High and HHSHS have two open teams each. Both Ayr High teams beat HHSHS with the final game being a match between Ayr High A and Ayr High B, with Ayr High B claiming overall honours. The highlight of the competition was the ‘unofficial’ final game where our U14’s played our U19’s - it was super competitive and extremely close with the U14’s pushing the senior students all the way. When time was called, the match was tied up with the U19’s going on to win by the narrowest of margins - it was a great spectacle, lots of fun for both the students and coaches and a great way to finish the competition. Congratulations to all students involved.U14 Mixed Volleyball Results:Round 1 - 71 - 36 winRound 2 - 73-31 winU19 Mixed Volleyball Results:Round 1 - ASHS A vs HHSHS A - 54 - 37 win ASHS B vs HHSHS B - 73 - 46 winRound 2 - ASHS A vs HHSHS B - 57 - 28 win ASHS B vs HHSHS A - 49 - 33 winRound 3 - ASHS A vs ASHS B - 36 - 54 (win to

ASHS B)

U19 mixed Volleyball Teams

Issue No 3 - 2020 SUCCESS: Every Student, Every Day. Page 8

Northern (NQ) Selections

by Ms Courtney Carrigan, Sports Co-ordinator

Congratulations to the following students who were successful in gaining selection in Northern football squads:

Kelly Meinicke - 17-19 Yrs BoysDylan Meinicke - 13-16 Yrs BoysCharley Ruskin - 13-15 Yrs GirlsStudents were scheduled to participate in the State Football Championships in Brisbane in May, however, these have been postponed due to COVID-19. Should these Championships go ahead we wish the players all the best.Congratulations.

Kelly Meinicke

Dylan Meinicke

Charley Ruskin

SUCCESS:Every Student, Every Day.

P&C MeetingAGM followed by regular meeting

Monday 30 March 20205.30 pm, Resource Centre

All welcome.

Issue No 3 - 2020 SUCCESS: Every Student, Every Day. Page 9

Upcoming Events23 Mar Band Rehearsal (3.15-4.15 pm, A13) Instrumental Music Lessons (All day, A14)25 Mar Yr 7 & 10 Vaccinations26 Mar Yr 7 Harmony Day27 Mar Choir Rehearsals (1st Break, A13) Interact Meeting (2nd Break, I Block) Instrumental Music Lessons (All day, A14)30 Mar-3 Apr Drug Action Week (lunchtime activities)30 Mar Choir Rehearsal (1st Break, A13) Instrumental Music Lessons (All day, A14) Band Rehearsal (3.15-4.15 pm, A13) P&C AGM followed by regular meeting (5.30 pm,

Resource Centre)31 Mar Yr 9 NAPLAN SRT1 Apr Yr 7 NAPLAN SRT2 Apr NAPLAN SRT (Yr 9 S1/2, Yr 7 S3/4) Student Council Meeting (2nd Break, I Block) Teacher vs Student (Yr 12) Game - Mixed

Volleyball (2nd Break, MPS)3 Apr Pink Stumps Day - Free dress - wear pink 6-17 Apr School Holidays24 Apr ANZAC in-class commemoration 27 Apr-1 May Yr 12 Individual Case Management

Meetings (this week)30 Apr Artie in-school activity (S2, SMC)

Year 9 Drama Clowning Workshop

by Miss Catriona Gillespie, Teacher

This term, Year 9 Drama are studying the theatre style of clowning and on Friday 28 February, they

were able to participate in a clowning workshop with international actor and clowning artist Clint Bolster. They worked on a series of clowning activities and games to develop their skills as an actor and in particular, a clown! All students had a fantastic time and enjoyed having a great laugh in the process.

Learning Conversations at Ayr

High by Mr Kerry Flynn, Deputy Principal

On Monday 24 February, over 350 bookings were made by families wanting to engage with the dedicated teachers

of Ayr High. These sessions were historically called Parent-Teacher Interviews. Learning Conversations is not merely a name change. It is a strategy to better highlight the desire for students, families and staff to engage in three way conversations about how we can all work together to get the best learning outcomes for the student. The afternoon started at 3.30 pm and concluded at 6.30 pm. Our next Learning Conversation afternoon will happen at the beginning of Term 3 to discuss Semester 1 report cards and progress to date. In the meantime, all families are welcome to contact the school and teachers directly with any concerns at any time.

Download the free QParents App to follow your student’s progress.

Issue No 3 - 2020 SUCCESS: Every Student, Every Day. Page 10

Together we can help stop the spread and stay healthy.

For more information about Coronavirus (COVID-19) visit health.gov.au

Cough or sneeze into your arm

Use a tissue

Bin the tissue Wash your hands

Simple steps to help stop the spread.

Authorised by the Australian Government, Canberra

Issue No 3 - 2020 SUCCESS: Every Student, Every Day. Page 11

12 steps to successful everyday handwashing

When performed correctly, hand hygiene results in a reduction of microorganisms on hands. Poor hand hygiene contributes to the spread of pathogens, which can cause health issues such as gastrointestinal and respiratory infections.

Wet hands with water.

Apply enough soap to cover all hand surfaces.

Lather thoroughly.

Rub hands palm to palm. Rub hands palm to palm with �ngers interlaced.

Rub back of hand using the palm of the other with

�ngers interlaced.

In a circular motion rub the tips of �ngers in the

palm of the opposite hand.

Rinse hands with water.

Interlock �ngers and rub back of �ngers on opposite palms.

Dry hands with clean paper towel and use paper towel to turn o� tap.

Clean thumb by holding it in the other

hand and rotating.

Rub wrist with the opposite hand.

1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

10 11 12

Researchers think that if everyone washed their hands properly, about 1 million lives would be saved every year.1

1. Curtis, V 2003, ‘Effect of washing hands with soap on diarrhoea risk in the community: a systematic review’ Lancet Infec Dis, Retrieved 19 March 2019,www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12726975

‘Based on the ‘How to HandWash Poster’ © World Health Organization 2009.

Please note: These guidelines are for social handwashing only, such as after toilet use and before touching food. This poster is not intended for use in clincal settings.

Duration of hand-wash

STEPS TO 10

15–20SECONDS

Queensland Health

CLEAN HANDS SAVE LIVES

Issue No 3 - 2020 SUCCESS: Every Student, Every Day. Page 12Layout and Design - Victoria Augostis