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From the Principal

High NotesNewsletter 1717 - 27th October 2017

Dear Parents/Guardians,Year 12 Updates - Positive and Productive Until the Final Day Queensland’s senior system works under a fullest and latest principle. This means there is still an opportunity for students to improve their final results but equally students can go backwards if they lose focus. It is important that our Year 12 students remain positive and productive until their final piece of assessment is completed. It would be a wonderful achievement to see all of our Year 12s successfully graduate with their Queensland Certificate of Education.

Pittsworth State High SchoolPO Box 18Pittsworth QLD 4356

P 07 4619 8111F 07 4619 8100E info@pittsworshs.eq.edu.auW pittsworshs.eq.edu.au

Student Absence Line 07 4619 8160

James O’NeillPrincipal

Rob MichelDeputy Principal - Curriculum

Lou MahonDeputy Principal - Junior Secondary

Scott McKenzieDeputy Principal - Senior Secondary

Heather WhittakerBusiness Manager

Kristy ThomsonHead of Department - English

Anthony MurphyHead of Department - Technology/ VET

Will CurthoysHead of Department - HPE/Arts

Nancy PattelHead of Department - Sciences/Mathematics

Alisa McErleanHead of Department - eLearning/Humanities

Tim Van WunnikHead of Special Education Services

Pam TandyBeauaraba House Coordinator

Zoie KeysCondamine House Coordinator

Justin BrownYandilla House Coordinator

Kim RohdeHead of Year 12

TARGET 95%TERM AttendanceOne 90.0%Two 91.1%

Three 88.4%Four (to date) 91.7%

Attendance Watch - A Year’s Learning Every Year

Awards NightA reminder that our annual Awards Night on Wednesday 1 November. We look forward to celebrating our students’ academic, cultural and sporting achievements from throughout 2017.STEMCongratulations to Christopher, Samantha Birch, Hayden Cann and Harry McRae and who have been selected to participate in a QUT STEM Coding program. The students will have mentors from QUT assisting them to program Arduino kits. This is an excellent first step into an IT/Engineering pathway for these students. Well done.

Last week saw subject panels from across the state meet to look at examples of Year 12 work from all of the authority subjects. The Darling Downs panel placed Alliah Del Mundo at a VHA10 level in English.

This is the highest outcome that a student can achieve in a subject in Queensland. Alliah is an exemplary student who continually demonstrates our 4Ps. Alliah’s determination and work ethic are a template for success for all of our students. Well done to Alliah. I would also like to recognise the efforts of our English teachers in challenging and extending Alliah throughout the year.

James O’NeillPrincipal

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Deputy’s DeskTerm 4 SocialThe Pavilion is booked and theme decided on. Students and staff are invited to our Term 4 social on Tuesday the 7th of November. The follow expectations apply: Theme: Famous DuosTime: Doors open 6pm and close 6:30pm. 9pm finish.Late arrivals and early departures must be pre-arranged (signed note). Cost: $4 in theme, $5 outChips, chocolates and soft drink for sale throughout the evening.No strapless tops or inappropriate slogans.Bags and chewing gum not permitted.2018 Leadership

Congratulations to all Year 11 students on their speeches during first break Wednesday. All the best with upcoming interviews. With the Year 12, 2018 leadership positions almost finalised, Year 8s vying for a Junior Secondary leadership role will be required to complete an application form outlining their demonstration of school values next week. Speeches will be held early November before an election and interviews that will decide successful candidates. This is an excellent opportunity for our 9s to develop skills that will remain useful for life not to mention invaluable experience for potential leadership opportunities in the future. End of Year BluesWith another year rapidly drawing to a close, tired students are tempted to forget the school values. It is important that we remain focussed and work hard to the final day of Term 4 being Friday 8th December. Parents are asked to assist by ensuring their young person is eating well and getting enough sleep. We look forward to some more pleasing results in Semester 2 reports.

Lou MahonDeputy Principal - Junior Secondary

James O’Neill Principal

An Invitation to Parents, Caregivers and Students

Deputy’s DeskYear 12 Student Connect AccountsA reminder that all students in the senior phase of schooling have access to a learning account with the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA). This account allows students to change their contact details, see their QCE credits and OP score on the day they become available. It is particularly important that students input a personal email address (eg Gmail, Hotmail) and not a school email as the school email becomes inactive when Year 12 is complete.To register go to: https://studentconnect.qcaa.qld.edu.au/ . Students will need to enter their LUI (Learner Unique Identifier) as their username and date of birth in ddmm format as the password to enter the system. If students do not know their LUI number, it is normally listed on their student ID card but is also available by going to the student login of OneSchool (http://oslp.eq.edu.au).

Scott McKenzieDeputy Principal - Senior Secondary

Deputy’s DeskAwards NightIt’s that time of the year again! On the 1st November we will be holding our annual Awards Night at the Town Hall. Any student who will be recognised has already received an invitation. They also have an information letter regarding the rehearsal from 9:15am to 11:30am on the 1st November. On the night, guests should arrive at 6:40pm for a 7:00pm start. This year, we have more than 250 students receiving awards. Such an impressive number is due to the hard work of the entire school community including staff, families and employers. Every time a parent asks their child about their learning goal in class, it helps reinforce the importance of what they are learning

at school. Every time an employer discusses the importance of punctuality, behaviour and presentation, it reinforces the school’s expectations in those areas. It really is impressive to see so many students acknowledged for being prepared, positive, productive and proud. We look forward to you joining us on the night and celebrating their success.

Robert MichelDeputy Principal - Curriculum

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Positions Vacant

Beauaraba NewsThank you to the students that participated in the Amazing Race last week. It was good to see the massive amount of participants from Beauaraba join in and have a go. Also, a big thank you to the Grade 11 students and teachers who helped set up and organise this fun event! It was encouraging to see a lot of students stick around to watch the activities and cheer on the teams that were competing. Every point counts as the final tally for house points looms. Throughout the year, there have been many events that have seen Beauaraba continually put in the hard yards to boost our points tally. It has been an honour to lead the Beauaraba House for 2017. Scott and I are so proud of everyone. Just a quick reminder that although the school year is coming to an end, keep up your attendance, your effort and behaviour as well as putting 110% in to all of your subjects. Thank you for your support and good luck to the leaders of 2018. Be sure to keep trying Beauaraba as we truly are the Best House.

Brooke and ScottBeauaraba House Leaders 2017

Year 12 LeaversFull Time Apprentice Electrician - MillmerranFull Time Engineering Fabrication Apprenticeship - Moore Trailers PittsworthFull Time Automotive Tyre Servicing Traineeship - PittsworthFull Time Engineering Fabrication Apprenticeship - Kenro Pty Ltd Harristown ToowoombaMechanical Fitter Apprenticeship - Chinchilla

Process Plant Operator Traineeship - ChinchillaElectrical and Instrumentation Apprenticeship (Dual Trade) - ChinchillaYear 10 or 11 StudentsSchool Based Tiling Apprenticeship – ToowoombaSchool Based Retail Traineeship – ToowoombaSchool Based Electrical Apprenticeship – Pittsworth (must have passes in Maths, English and Science) Defence Force Careers Information SessionWHEN: Tuesday 14th NovemberTIME: 6pm - 8pmWHERE: Milne Bay Training Depot, O’Quinn Street, ToowoombaIf interested in any of these positions, please see Maree or Kerri in 4B.

Students v Staff Netball

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Greetings all - Last Thursday night, Mr O’Neill and I had the great pleasure in accompanying one of our Year 12 students, Alix Stewart and her family to the Mayoral School Achievement Medal Ceremony. These awards are presented to students across the region who have faced adversity and risen above personal challenges to remain actively and successfully engaged in their education. Alix was nominated by Pittsworth State High School’s Student Support Team and is an extremely worthy recipient. Congratulations Alix.

Attending last Thursday’s ceremony prompted me to contemplate the time of year that is fast approaching and the chaos which can unfold as we all begin to negotiate assessment, graduation, dance concerts, end of year celebrations and not least Christmas preparations and holidays.One of the best defences to help alleviate stress is laughter, which brings me to the following article written by Melinda Smith and Jeanne Segal (www.Helpguide.org).

“Your sense of humour is one of the most powerful tools you have to make certain that your daily mood and emotional state

support good health.” Paul E. McGhee, Ph.D.

Laughter is the Best MedicineHumour is infectious. The sound of roaring laughter is far more contagious than any cough, sniffle, or sneeze. When laughter is shared, it binds people together and increases happiness and intimacy. Laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Humour and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free, and easy to use…Laughter is strong medicine for mind and bodyLaughter is a powerful antidote to stress, pain, and conflict. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Humour lightens your burdens, inspires hopes, connects you to others, and keeps you grounded, focused, and alert. With so much power to heal and renew, the ability to laugh easily and frequently is a tremendous resource for surmounting problems, enhancing your relationships, and supporting both physical and emotional health.

Laughter is good for your healthJust a few advantages include:• relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical

tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after.

• boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases stress hormones and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to disease.

• triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.

• protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

Until next time, keep smilingKerri

From the Youth Support Coordinator

Who do I contact? Officer Commanding: CAPT(AAC) Carol Walker M: 0421 360 150 E: 19acu.aac@gmail.com

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I contact?

A Top ResultCongratulations to Alliah Del Mundo who achieved a rarely awarded VHA 10 in Senior English. Alliah has worked very hard over the two years she has been with us to improve her capacity to write with discernment about increasingly complex ideas. The result is a testament to her diligence and perseverance. We are very proud of you, Alliah!

Kristy ThomsonHOD English

Apply Online Now

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Due to the severe sensitivity of some of our community members, aerosol sprays are not permitted at Pittsworth SHS. Parents and caregivers: please ensure spray cans are not brought to school and that roll-on deodorants are substituted in their place.

NO AEROSOL CANS AT PSHS

Please assist in making Pittsworth State High School a safe place for all by checking your student’s bag for aerosol cans before they leave for school.

(Mobile) Women’s Health NurseKathryn Anning

Thursday, 9 November, 9:00am - 3:00pm Will be at Beauaraba Living, Pittsworth

THIS IS A FREE SERVICEInfo/bookings, phone Beauaraba Living 4619 8422

INFORMATION, COUNSELLING, SUPPORT ANDEDUCATION ON A RANGE OF WOMEN’S HEALTH ISSUES

Year Twelve TwillsAs you read this, your year twelve aged young person has only two weeks left of regular classes plus an extra week of valuable activities. Despite this tiny time frame, it must be stressed that full engagement is essential to ensure successful graduation from twelve years of hard earned schooling. The majority of the twelves are focused on doing themselves proud by studying right to the final exam, although some are struggling to find the motivation. Please encourage your child to do whatever they have to, ensuring they have no regrets.Plans for the formal are progressing well. The Formal Committee are an especially proactive and cooperative team and respond promptly to calls to meet, make decisions and most importantly, act! By now students should have allocated their guests to a table and indicated any food allergies invitees may have. Please ensure you respond with your RSVP and payment. We are currently finalising arrival times. Students have also been encouraged to provide some detail of their vehicle which will add another layer of entertainment to the exciting spectacle this year.A permission letter for Dreamworld will be sent home next week. Students will be travelling by bus to Dreamworld on Thursday 16th November. Tickets will also include also White Water World. Cost will be approximately $70, except those students who own VIP (or similar) passes who will only have to pay for the cost of the bus.A detailed letter describing the alternate activities for the Year Twelves’ last week will also be sent home next week. Please note that parents are warmly invited to attend the B Road Aware (including car crash simulation), Spinal Awareness, Red Frogs, Putting Youth in the Picture, Legal Implications of Choices and White Ribbon sessions on Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th November. Presentation times will be indicated in the correspondence. We would love you to join us.A thought for our Year Twelves as they come wearily to the end of their school journey.

“Excuses will always be there for you. Opportunity won’t.” - Anonymous

Maintain your momentum so you can be especially proud of your achievements and graduate with pride!

Kim RohdeYear Twelve Coordinator

Beakers, Bots & BuildAs a Queensland Mineral and Energy Academy (QMEA) school, we were fortunate to be able to organise and host the ‘Beakers, Bots & Build’ workshop for high achieving Years 9 and 10 mathematics and science students from Pittsworth State High School and Millmerran State School. Throughout the day the students participated in a Chemical Lab Challenge, Robotics Challenge and the final group challenge where students had to design, build and engineer a device that precisely placed a coin into a bullseye from a distance of 100 cm. Thanks to Tammy Grady, Project Manager for Education and Innovation of QMEA for coming out to our school and facilitating this event. The day was a fantastic opportunity to further our relationship with Millmerran State School students before they make the transition to our school for senior studies. Many thanks to their accompanying teacher - Mr Graham O’Sullivan.

PSHS TuckshopURGENT ASSISTANCE NEEDED

A rostered day would be 10.00am to 12.00noon. If you are able to help on any day, please call Karen on

4619 8125 or 0427 951 735.

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Food & Textile Design8C busy learning sewing machine skills and cutting out their shorts.

CBSQ Open Girls: At the end of Term 3 (14-17th September) eight girls from Years 10 and 11 travelled to Brisbane to compete in the annual Champion Basketball Schools Queensland carnival. After nominating for Division 3 Open Girls, we were placed in a pool facing some tough competition. Our first opponents of the carnival were Chisholm Catholic College; a tough game that saw PSHS go down 23-38. Next up was St Ursula’s College, Toowoomba where we came out on top in a close encounter: 33-29. The following day, PSHS was pitted against Somerset College with Pittsworth winning 51-13. The final round of pool games, we met with Lourdes Hill College: Pittsworth SHS again victorious in a tough match: 45-39. At the completion of the round, we were placed second in our pool. This meant we would have to take on Runcorn State High; a top ranked team in one of the other pools. This quarter final match was rough and exhausting, seeing us go down, 16-41. On the final day of competition, Pittsworth Wheats played the semi-final match against a fiery Mueller College side. This really tested our mental and physical strength, but thanks to our very

Champion Basketball Schools Queensland Competitionloud and enthusiastic supporters, we came away with a close win: 25-22. This took us to play offs for 5th or 6th position, meaning we would play another round of finals. Our last match of the tournament was against St Mary’s College, Ipswich. We anticipated that our opponents were going to be strong which indeed they were. With a hard fought match, extending into overtime, we ended up with a marginal loss of 1 point: 36-37. This resulted in our team finishing 6th in Division 3. Throughout the entire carnival, we came away with five wins and three losses.Special mention to Miss O’Riordan for giving up her time and putting so much work into coaching our successful team. Thanks also to Mr Curthoys for his assistance over the carnival. Much appreciation to the boys’ team for some amazing support on the side lines.I am extremely proud of the girls’ efforts both during the carnival and commitment to the long lead up of training beforehand. Until next year, Up the Wheats!

Morgan Prentice, Captain

CBSQ Open Boys: I am happy to once again be reporting back on the events of CBSQ for 2017. This year saw ten very nervous Year 8-12 boys display their skill and ability on the court, pitted against schools from all over Queensland. Compared to last year, the team was much more prepared, with most of the team the same as last year Marcus, Owen, Scott, Alex, Will and myself - but I felt that the inclusions of Riley, Sam, Dustin and Keya made us a much stronger unit. Mr Curthoys introduced us to a new playing style that not only included everyone, but made us a much quicker and capable team. Although we didn’t win as many games as we had hoped, I was immensely proud of the effort the boys put in and the respect they showed on and off the court.A huge thank you is due to Mr Curthoys for coaching, and helping us along the way; and an even bigger thank you goes to Miss O’Riordan for making sure that our team was actually in the competition to begin with. Lastly, I’d like to thank the players – from both teams – your support does not go unnoticed. It was a terrific way to end my Pittsworth State High School basketball experience, and hopefully leave a legacy that will improve the sport well into the future.

Jack Guymer, Captain

UPCOMING DATES

NOVEMBER1 - Pittsworth SHS Awards Night

Homework Club3 - Year 7 Immunisations7 - Pittsworth SHS Social

8 - Homework Club10 - Millmerran Transition 1/2 Day

PSHS High Notes 1817 emailed 13 - Year 12 “Be Road Aware”

14 - UQ Create Change Leadership Forum15 - Pittsworth SHS Year 12 Formal

16 - Year 12 Dreamworld/Wet n Wild trip17 - Year 12 Farewell Breakfast & Ceremony

UPCOMING DATES

NOVEMBER

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Last term, Mark Callow from Norco Milk visited to talk to the Year 9/10 Ag class as part of our unit on the Australian Dairy Industry. Mark is the Milk Supply Officer for the Northern Region and his job involves working with dairy farmers in northern New South Wales and Queensland. He talked about his role with Norco, previous career history and the opportunities available in the fresh milk industry. Daniel Holmes of Arabella Farming Co also talked to the Year 9/10 Ag class earlier in the term about his career as a Dairy farmer and the jobs available in production. I would like to thank Daniel for allowing us to borrow six Holstein calves in Term 3. The Ag students were responsible for feeding in the morning and afternoon and looking after their general welfare. We also dealt with a lot of calf slobber, as they had a tendency to suck on your fingers, clothes, hair, knees etc. To complete our work with Cows Create Careers a group of students went to the presentation day at the Highfields Community Centre. We were unfortunate not to come away with a prize for our investigation into the “Effect gender has on growth in dairy calves” but we blitzed the opposition in the competition run on the day, winning all three challenges. Congratulations Years 9 and 10.On Tuesday 24 October the film crew from ‘Totally Wild’ was at school to film a segment on our Cattle Team. This came about through some excellent PR work done by Courtney and Cheyenne during Small Breeds Week at the Royal Queensland Show. The crew was at school for 3 hours and took extensive footage of the team; washing, blow drying, training and parading cattle and interviewed Courtney, Cheyenne and Delanie. The final cut will be aired in six to eight weeks.

Agricultural Science Happenings

Cows Create Careers

Pittsworth SHS celebrated its inaugural Mental Wellness Week last week, with the clear focus on promoting mental wellness, fitness and how this affects all aspects of our health! The week was celebrated through a series of activities that improve wellness including arts, music, mental challenges and physical activity. • TuneUp Tuesday saw our talented students and staff face off

in an entertaining Battle of the Bands - which was thoroughly enjoyed by students and staff alike.

• Wacky and Worry Less Wednesday found staff and students embracing ODD Sock day to promote mental wellness and incorporated the hotly contested House Challenge of the “Amazing Race” led by Ms Keys, Ms Tandy, Mr Brown and an enthusiastic bunch of Year 11 students.

Mental Wellness Week• Thankful & Thoughtful Thursday had students ‘Pounding’ the

pavement with a session facilitated by Hound Dog Fit trainers Lindy and Wayne Wilson, alternatively finding ‘zen’ in Yoga with Miss Seymour.

• Feel Good Friday focussed on ending the week with the RU ok theme and the benefits of physical activity in making you ‘feel good’! Students Darcie Matthews, Sara Bradshaw and Georgie Horsten showed us their capabilities and enthusiasm in leading the frisbee and circuit challenge.

This fantastic week of activities was supported and led by a bunch of dedicated students in Ariella O’Sullivan, Deanna Macdonald, Amy Sturgess, Meg Fowler, Lani Collins, and Darcie Matthews who created the ideas and activities associated with Mental Wellness Week whilst Mrs Kerri Crighton and myself supported with the ‘behind the scenes’ machinations! This theme has been reinforced with classroom education sessions in support of Mental Wellness Week 2017. We have received great feedback from students and staff on the positive conversations that have occurred over the week around the importance of mental wellness. Finding HelpOn a final note… the truth is, some conversations just become too big for us as friends. If you’re worried about someone and feel urgent professional support is needed, contact your local doctor or the agencies below. If your need is life threatening, call 000 without delay.Help in crisis:• Lifeline - ph 131114• Kids Helpline - ph 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelp.com.au• Reachout - www.reachout.com.au• Beyond Blue - ph 1300 22 4636 www.beyondblue.org.au • Headspace - www.headspace.org.au

Start a conversation TODAY!Fiona Flegler

Youth Health Nurse

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CONTACT DETAILS AND PAYMENT OPTIONSName: ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..………………….…. Phone: ………………………………………….……………………………..…………. Amount: …..…………………………

Address: …………………………………………..………………………………………………………………………………….………………………………………………. Email: …..…………………………………………………………………………..…………………….……………..

Payment Options: (please tick) CASH CHEQUE CARD DIRECT DEPOSITCheques to be made out to: PITTSWORTH STATE HIGH SCHOOLDirect Deposit: BSB 064 427 ACCOUNT 00090023 REFERENCE: Use your name - eg., J CitizenName on Credit Card: …………………………………………..………..……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… MASTERCARD VISA

CREDIT CARD NUMBER EXPIRY CRC

ORDERS MUST BE RETURNED TO PITTSWORTH STATE HIGH SCHOOL.On completion of your order return this form including payment option by post, email or handin to the school office.POST: PITTSWORTH STATE HIGH SCHOOL, PO BOX 18, PITTSWORTH QLD 4356EMAIL: jubilee2017@pittsworshs.eq.edu.au

ENGRAVING DETAILS – MAX 17 CHARACTERS PER LINEPlease print clearly using CAPITALS. Each box represents a character (letter, number, punctuation mark or space).OPTION 1 - COMPLETE UP TO 3 LINES FOR SINGLE PAVEROPTION 2 - COMPLETE UP TO 6 LINES FOR FAMILY/DOUBLE PAVER

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CELEBRATING50YEARSOFPITTSWORTHSTATEHIGHSCHOOL.2017 JUBILEE PROJECT

IN HONOUR OF YOUR GENEROUS , PERSONALISED ENGRAVEDPAVER(S) WILL BE PLACED IN A PAVED AREA BETWEEN B BLOCK AND THE AUDITORIUM. THISIS A MAJOR PROJECT FOR THE 2017 JUBILEE YEAR.

OPTION 2 - $70FAMILY/DOUBLE PAVER(up to 6 lines of text)

OPTION 1 - $35SINGLE PAVER(up to 3 lines of text)

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YANDILLA CELLARS - YANDILLA PLAZA

Phone: 4693 2249; Fax: 4693 2259Contractors No: 54293

Cnr Cypress & Old Pittsworth - Millmerran RoadMobile: Jamie 0418730527; Alf 0429931310

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Mon—Fri 8.30am—5.30pm and Saturday 8.30—12 noon

Cains Pharmacy Where local health

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63 Yandilla Street, Ph: 07 4693 1028

Pittsworth, Qld 4356 Fax: 07 4693 1689

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Mon—Fri 8.30am—5.30pm and Saturday 8.30—12 noon

Cains Pharmacy Where local health

matters

MOTOR & MACHINERY DEALERSMOTOR & MACHINERY DEALERS39 Yandilla Street 39 Yandilla Street

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TO OUR SPONSORS

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