Spinifex State College - Vision

‘To Develop Clever, Skilled and Creative Spinifex State College Graduates’

Our dedicated team at Spinifex, working in partnership with parents, industry, training and community partners, are making our school vision a reality.

This newsletter highlights the many activities that are on offer to students to assist them gain the knowledge and skills they need to become independent young people who are able to take hold of the opportunities available to them that lead to future success.

You child’s progress is reflected in the Semester One Reports that are being posted home this week. I look forward to seeing many parents and carers attend the Parent/Teacher Information Evenings at the Junior and Senior Campuses next week.

I encourage parents and students to take advantage of the activities on offer at our school. The Year 10 Subject Day, Careers Fair, Subject Selection Evenings (Jnr & Snr Campuses) and ATAR information Evening are key events not to be missed.

Recently, we have had students get involved in Work Experience, the Year 10 University Experience and the QMEA Trade Camp (see stories below). Students in Year 10 are preparing for their next round of Work Experience later this term. Students who take advantage of these opportunities to develop the skills that lead to future success.

I trust your child/ren will have a rewarding Term 3. Please stay in contact with our teachers as we work together to ensure all students take advantage of what is on offer at Spinifex.

CampusLink Wednesday, 21st June 2021

Volume 19, Issue 11

U P C O M I N G E V E N T S 2 3 J U L Y 2 0 2 1

Senior Campus Full School Parade

2 6 J U L Y 2 0 2 1 DATSIP Careers Expo

2 6 J U L Y 2 0 2 1 Senior Campus Information Evening

2 7 J U L Y 2 0 2 1 Senior Campus Parent Teacher

Interviews

2 8 J U L Y 2 0 2 1 Junior Campus Parent Teacher

Interviews

P & C M E E T I N G

Our next P & C Meeting will be held in the Junior Campus Library at:

7pm on Wednesday the 21st of July, 2021.

All parents and community members are welcome and encouraged to

attend.

Principal Mr Philip Sweeney

Head of Senior Campus Mr Chris Pocock

Head of Residential Campus Mrs Cath McGrath-Jeffrey

From the Principal

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School and Uni

Kathleen Farrelly (Year 11 Student) recently received her university certificates in Foundation Psychology A and B. We are pleased to celebrate Kathleen’s success as she received a High Distinction and Distinction in her university studies.

Universities invite some school students to begin university study while still at school. Last year, while in Year 10, Kathleen chose to study through the University of Southern Queensland’s - Head Start course.

It is a rare achievement for a Year 10 student to successfully complete university study. Kathleen is now focused on her Year 11 and 12 subjects.

We are proud of what Kathleen has achieved so far and wish her the very best as she works towards an ATAR score and the various options open to her beyond Year 12.

QMEA Trade Camp

The QMEA Trade Camp saw 17 local students learn a range of trade skills at the Trade Training Centre with the support of QMEA Instructors and Glencore MIM mentors.

Students worked for one week of the mid-year holidays, developing electrical and engineering skills. The experience provided to our students strengthened their post-school pathways knowledge and opportunities.

Semester One Reports and Parent Teacher Interviews

Parent/Teacher Interviews will occur in Week 3. Semester one reports will be posted home this week. Enclosed in the students report package is a letter that details the necessary restrictions for interviews to proceed under DoE guidelines. The following exert from the parent letter provides some information about the restrictions for parent interviews:

• Two parent/carers will be permitted to attend interviews. Please do not bring your child or other siblings/family members with you.

• Practice social distancing, by maintaining 1.5m distance at all times.

• Please wait in the designated waiting area in the library or outside of the library in between teacher interviews.

• Sanitise your hands each time you enter the library. Hand sanitiser will be available.

• Please do not shake hands with teachers or other adults.

• To avoid congestion, parents/family members will enter through the main library door and exit through the side door of the library.

• An individually wrapped snack will be available on the night (produced by students).

If you are unwell on the evening, please stay at home and contact your child’s teachers via email or phone at a later stage.

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Year 10 into 11 Transition Activities in Term 3

Year 10 students were involved in a Career Match activity at the end of last term. This activity was the beginning of the transition process from year 10 to year 11 for students.

Students will continue their involvement in a range of activities throughout this term. Activities on offer are: Information evening – Monday 26th July Subject information days – Mon 26th and Wed 28th July CSQ’s Try’a Trade at TAFE – Tuesday 27th July JCU Session for students looking at ATAR pathway – Tuesday 27th July Work Experience block – week 5 or week 6 Senior Education and Training (SET) Plan Interviews – weeks 7-9

At the end of the information days, students will make an initial selection of subjects to study in Year 11. This information will then be used to build the timetable structure for 2022 (allocating subjects to particular lines) and also to then gain feedback from staff as to the ability for each individual student to succeed in their preferred subjects chosen.

The purpose of the Student Education and Training Plan (SET Plan) later in the term is to ensure students are selecting the appropriate subjects to gain success in Years 11 and 12 and align these subject choices to future employment and training. This SET Plan interview provides the opportunity to discuss feedback and make final selections according to the timetable structure. It is imperative that the student, parent/guardian and school are involved in a SET Plan interview. Each interview will be 30-45 mins in length. Further information about this process and booking interviews will be provided to students in week 4.

If you have any questions about any of the events/activities mentioned or would like any further information, please contact Mrs Carla Patch via email cpatc3@eq.edu.au or call senior campus on 4744 7222.

Senior Campus Subject Information Evening

Parents and students entering Year 10 or Year 11 in 2022 are invited to attend our Senior Campus Subject Information Evening on Monday 26th July at 6pm in the Senior Campus Hall.

We invite you to come along to learn more about what the Senior Campus has on offer.

Junior Campus Information Evening

Parents and students entering Year 7, 8 or 9 in 2022 are invited to attend our Junior Campus Subject Information Evening on Tuesday 3 August at 6pm in the Junior Campus Hall.

We invite you to come along to learn more about what the Junior Campus has on offer.

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ATAR Information Session

We invite all ATAR-eligible students, parents and caregivers to an information session at the Senior School Library on Tuesday 03 August from 5pm – 6pm. This presentation will cover ATARs, QTAC applications and how to order preferences, university information and scholarships.

The 2022 QTAC Guide handbook will also be distributed. Any students unable to attend the information evening can come to the library office following that date to collect their copy of the QTAC Handbook. During weeks three and four of this term we will invite all ATAR-eligible students to a personal interview with Mr Pocock and/or Mrs Johnston to assist them in this decision-making process.

Spinifex Push-Up Challange

Recently school staff members participated in the Push-Up Challenge.

A lot of push-ups were completed – 42,305 to be exact. We also raised $831 for Headspace Mount Isa.

Here are the team totals:

Team name Size Total Push-ups per person

Cronin’s Cronies 7 3559 508

Maths/Science JNR 9 15813 1727

HPE JNR 6 260 43

Admin JNR 12 22673 1889

A coup of our staff members enjoyed this challenge so much they have created their own challenge and have continued on after The Push-Up Challenge. Great job everyone!

Visit our school website

Regards, Mr Philip Sweeney

Principal

Find us on Facebook

In and around school

Contemporary Trio

Students Misha Gordon in year 11, and year 12 students Tayla Dyer and Saphiah Amosa, are hard at work rehearsing a contemporary trio to perform in the local Mount Isa Eisteddfod in September.

Miss Misha Gordon Teacher

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Year 10 Uni Visits

On the last day of the school holidays, 42 Year 10 students and 3 staff headed off to Townsville on a coach. It was freezing cold and the oodies were in fashion, but they were soon removed as we headed towards the more tropical environment. Each person was provided with a task to complete over the next 48 hours which meant getting out of comfort zones and asking some questions of others they may not usually associate with. After a long day on the road, the group was welcomed at Saints Catholic College (one of the boarding facilities on JCU grounds), were fed and then allocated rooms. The opportunity to reside here for 3 nights gave students a real taste of what boarding at Uni is like.

On the first morning in Townsville, the group visited CQU for some full group activities and then separated into two different sessions – Teaching/Education or Psychology. We appreciate the time and effort that CQU put into having our individual school visit. The psychology students were provided with a real ransom note from a murder to come up with ideas on who may have been the perpetrator. Unfortunately, no-one was successful in solving the case – which is to be expected seeing that it is still an unsolved case in the United Sates.

After having lunch, the group headed off to Stocklands for their shopping fix. It was then back to JCU for a late afternoon Amazing Race and trivia night. Students were mixed with other schools that were staying on site for the trivia night. Congratulations to the winning team that included Nate and Jemma.

On Tuesday morning, the UniX at JCU was held and over 350 students from various schools moved between different marquees and information booths to get information on the large array of courses available through JCU. Some students were digging for bones, others meeting Pedro the python and some involving themselves with CPR, virtual reality and data collection. Students collected information and freebies on the morning. After lunch on this day, the group went through the task from the bus trip and learnt a bit more about each other. This included things like: who can’t wink, roll their tongue, or whistle. Who has the biggest foot, has the eldest living relative, lived in the most places, etc. And then it was off to KingPin for a game of tenpin bowling and then time in the arcade or playing LaserTag. Best bowlers were Teisha (without bumpers) and Nate (with bumpers). Winning LaserTag team consisted of Zali, Kae-Leesha, Amera and Mrs Patch. After dinner, the official JCU activities ended with a sports competition.

The trip home on Wednesday was very quiet with most catching up on sleep after an exhausting few days. Thanks, are extended to Mrs Patch, Mr Weiach and Miss Brooke for escorting the group for this trip and special thanks goes to Glencore Mount Isa Mines and JCU for their financial sponsorship to decrease costs for students/parents.

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Term 2 Work Experience

This term saw a total of 34 students participate in a work experience block placement. Once again, we would like to express our appreciation to all the businesses that hosted a student/s. With the continued support of local businesses and Industries students are provided with opportunities to explore future careers choices.

Term 3 will see some Year 10 students participate in a 5 day work experience block in weeks 5 and 6. The year 12 students will have one more work experience opportunity from the 13th-17th of September. The Glencore work experience program dates for term 3 are as follows:

• Block 1: 13th-17th of September for the year 12 non ATAR students only

• Block 2: 20th-24th September for all year 11 and 12 students.

Mount Isa Day Nursery and Kindergarten

Wrights Welding

Cava Hydraulics

Marker Aviation Eileen Fisher Kindergarten Superior Machinery Maintenance

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Bell and Moir Toyota Service and Parts Centre

Downright Carpentry Duchess Road Automotive

Mount Isa Veterinary Surgery Cummins Corporation Epiroc

Bunnings Mount Isa City Council -Animal Management Facility

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Under 13 Boys Hockey Team

Over the holidays I had the absolute pleasure of coaching the Mount Isa U13 Boys Hockey team at the State championships in Townsville. Mr Chris Pocock was our team manager.

We had 8 Spinifex students in the team: Luke Bartolo, Nate Blythe, Tallis Campbell, Xander Crowther, Josh Everitt, Bailey Gill, Aston Madden and Mitch Pocock.

Throughout the carnival I received many compliments from umpires, technical officials, opposition coaches and supporters about how respectful, polite and sportsmanlike our boys were both on the field and off. Overall, they impressed everyone with the team spirit they showed, their friendliness to everyone and the way they conducted themselves throughout the entire carnival. They should be very proud of how they represented Mount Isa, and as so many of them are Spinifex students, we can be very proud of how well they represented us.

We placed 5th overall in our division, which is an incredible effort for kids from the bush. Luke Bartolo was selected in the Queensland Sabres team and he will represent Queensland at the National Championships in October down in Hobart.

Kyle Bartolo was our nominated umpire for the carnival. He also represented Mount Isa and Spinifex in a way that we should be very proud of. He was awarded the Basel Coker Most Improved Umpire of the tournament.

Also, on the holidays, Lazarus Blythe, Kyle Bartolo and Cruz Campbell competed in the under 18 State Championships in Rockhampton and played for Rockhampton in this competition. All reports are that they were an incredible asset to the Rocky team.

Miss Lauren Brown Coach

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Community News

Computer Assistant Temporary 38 hrs per week with a possibility of becoming permanent

Start ASAP Spinifex State College - Senior Campus is looking for an enthusiastic, well-organised, Computer Assistant to join our team. Applicants are required to submit a resume, contact details for two referees and a written response to the “How you will be assessed” section in role description. A Role Description is available at the school or by emailing as per below.

Business Manager – Senior Campus Spinifex State College – Mount Isa

PO Box 1729 Mount Isa QLD 4825

or email vacancies@spinifexsc.eq.edu.au

The successful applicant must have a working with children (Blue Card) and criminal history check prior to commencing. The successful applicant will also be required to attain the DoE orange Card School Administrator (OC SA) certification to access the school network. The content of the course contains aspects of supporting the DoE Managed Operating Environment (MOE) as well as Government Legislation. This course is only available within the DoE network.

3 Junior Campus Subject Evening 5 School Disco 9-20 Year 10 Work Experience 11 Year 11 & 12 True Relationships Program 11 Genes for Jeans Day - Western Wednesday 12 Cross Country 13 Pupil Free Day 16 Gifted & Talented Culminating Evening 17-18 Year 10 QMEA Tradies Day 19 District Athletics Carnival (Spinifex and GSCC) 19 Spinifex Has Talent 23-31 SET Plans

1-3 SET Plans 7 Year 11 & 12 Road Safety Presentations 13-17 Year 12 General Mock Exam Block 13-17 TAFE Block

21 P&C Meeting

23 Full School Parade - Senior Campus

26 DATSIP Careers Expo - Senior Campus

26 Year 10 Subject Day

26 JCU Presentation – Junior Campus

26 Senior Campus Information Evening

26-30 NAIDOC Week

27 CSQ Try A Trade Day

27 Year 10 JCU Presentations

27 JCU Presentation – Junior Campus

27 Parent Teacher Interviews - Senior Campus

28 Year 10 Subject Day

28 Year 11 JCU Presentations

28 Parent Teacher Interviews - Junior Campus

Department of Seniors, Disability Services and

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships

Mount Isa 2021 Youth Employment Program

Careers Expo

Date: 26/7/2021

Venue: Spinifex State College – Senior Campus

Meet with over 25 employers, education and training providers from

various industries to talk about career opportunities and pathways

• Retail • Transport

• Mining • State Government

• Hospitality • Local Business

• Health • Local Government

• Allied Health • Universities

• Community Services • TAFE

• Rangers/Land Management

• Australian Defence Force

SpinifexState

CollegeMount Isa

Senior Campus Subject Information Evening

Sharing Knowledge - Creating Our Future

CREATE OPPORTUNITIES BUILD RESILIENCE EMPOWER COMMUNITY

MONDAY 26TH JULY 2021SENIOR CAMPUS HALL 6 PM

For students entering Years 10 or 11 in 2022

The Senior Campus are the specialists in Senior Education.

We invite you to attend our information evening to

hear about our dynamic and relevant curriculum

and amazing extra curricular opportunities.

Senior Campus Administration

Ph: 4744 7222

INSPIRE SUCCESS

INSPIRE SUCCESS

SpinifexState

CollegeMount Isa

Sharing Knowledge - Creating Our Future

INSPIRE SUCCESS

CREATE OPPORTUNITIES

BUILD RESILIENCE

EMPOWER COMMUNITY

Junior Campus Information Evening

For Students going into Year 7, 8 and 9 in 2022

TUESDAY 3 AUGUST JUNIOR CAMPUS HALL 6 PM

www.athleticsnorthqld.org.au

TEAM CHALLENGE22 JULY

TEAM

2021

DETAILS07 4721 4998

FREE EVENT 4pm - 5:30pm @ Sunset Park - Mount Isa

It’s time to build your dream teams of agility, speed, endurance and power that will compete in the 2021 Team Challenge. Battle it out with other teams to find out who will be the champion.

Organise teams up to 6 people and compete in modified run, jump and throw events.

This event is supported by Glencore in partnership with Local Government Authorities along the Overlander's Way

Register https://bit.ly/3eg5e7N