Highfields Happenings...

Many students from our school participated in this years Computer, Mathematics and English International Competitions and Assessments for Schools.

Congratulations to all those students who entered these competitions.  They are quite challenging, and you should be proud of yourself for having a go. Some of our students obtained very high results.

Computer Competition Awards

High Distinction

Thomas Corcoran

Distinctions

Matthew Kirby, Yasmin Perry, Brayden Insley, Phillip Murdock

Credit

Phoebe Cuskelly, Annabelle Ronnfeldt, Adam Best, Chelsie Keirsnowski, Corey Sperling, Beckett Carmody, Mitchell Lee, Glen Schull.

Maths Competition

Distinctions

Chelsie Keirsnowski, Morgan Fanning, Warren Formella, Andrew Penton

Credit

Thomas Corcoran, Annabelle Ronnfeldt, George Andreas, Thomas Congreve, Ben Hasted, Katherine Heskett, Adam Best, Duvessa Carmody, Jacob Hicks, Luke Cuskelly, Phoebe Griffin, Brayden Insley, Phoebe Masters, Ashleigh Crane, Joseph Spearritt, Colm Lister, Lauren Graham, Phillip Murdock, Thomas Norley

English Competition Awards

High Distinction

Lisette Payero, Joseph Spearritt

Distinctions

Yasmin Perry, Chelsie Keirsnowski, Luke Cuskelly, Phoebe Griffin, Aiden Lister, Ashleigh Crane

Credit

Phoebe Cuskelly, Thomas Corcoran, George Andreas, Katherine Heskett, Duvessa Carmody, Khloe Fanning, Lori Ryan, Mitchell Lee, Georgia Barron, Phillipa Bowden, Eleanor Spearritt, Jessica Howard, Laura Edmunds, James Kleeman, Chelsie Noon, Remy Usher, Morgan Fanning, Shaun Stevens, Phoebe Masters, Bethanie Shapcott

In 2009 Highfields State School will be introducing the ‘You Can Do It’ Education program for children.  You Can Do It! Education derives from diverse psychological and educational theory, including recent child development research into children’s emotional development, rational emotive behaviour therapy, and cognitive behaviour theory and therapy.

Through a set of unique educational programs, YCDI supports the development of every child's unique potential.

The goals of YCDI are twofold:

• to eliminate the social and emotional difficulties that lead to a variety of psychosocial and mental health problems;  and
• to develop the social and emotional capabilities that research indicates lead to success in emotional well-being, school achievement and positive relationships.

The program teaches the five core social and emotional capabilities of: Confidence, Persistence, Organisation, Getting Along and Emotional Resilience, and the supporting 12 Positive Habits of Mind.

One of the advantages of such a program is that a common language is used across the whole school, with parents encouraged to use this language at home. 

The program teaches the five core social and emotional capabilities – referred to as the Keys to Success.  They are Confidence, Persistence, Organisation, Getting Along and Emotional Resilience.  Students will learn about these capabilities and the associated characters in a fun and meaningful way, early in 2009.

Parent sessions will also be conducted.

Further information about the program will be distributed to parents in the New Year via school correspondence and parent information sessions.  Or, alternatively you may like to visit the website at: www.youcandoit.com.au .

Twelve high spirited and slightly nervous Yr 6 boys and girls headed down to the Redlands on November 9 to play in the Qld Primary All Schools Touch Tournament. HSS entered the ‘Mixed’ competition with 33 other teams from across the state.

First up HSS played neighbours Dalby and were defeated 6-5 in a close game. Determined to improve from this loss, the Highfields team pulled together well and fought hard to draw their next game against St Mark’s 3-3. The final games of the day against Dalby South (2) and Tingalpa both ended in convincing victories to HSS of 9-3 and 8-2 respectively. We ended up equal second in our pool but after count backs and percentages we just missed out on the finals of the Championship and went into the ‘Cup’ competition between the third place getters in each pool.

With fresh legs the team returned Sunday morning to win a great quarter final against Rangeville (7-4). The semi-final against Coorparoo was very exciting with a nail biting drop off to decide this draw. Highfields were victorious and into the ‘Cup’ Grand Final.

The final was against Seville Road School. Under threatening grey skies the team fronted up for another tense game between two evenly matched teams. Determined not to give in, Highfields worked hard but Seville Road was too strong on the day and we lost 3-2.

Whilst a little disappointed with the final loss, the students were excited that they’d come so far after playing together for such a short time. Their play over the two days was determined, fair and honest. Whilst their focus was the tournament games, they really enjoyed each others company over the two days, with no shortage of laughter coming from the tent and the tree where they were generally found when not on the field.

A HUGE thanks goes to our coach Mr. Michael Ryan. He prepared the team well but really boosted their confidence with his faith and encouragement. Thanks also to the many parents, siblings and other relatives who came and cheered, somewhat nervously at times, to support the students; and last but not least, to the students themselves for once again making Highfields School proud with their performances both on and off the field

Back Row:       Mrs. Janet Lawrence (Manager), Brodie Croft, Christopher Atkinson, Gus Lawrence,

                        Tom Ronnfeldt, Jim Lawrence, Luke Cuskelly and Mr Michael Ryan (Coach).

Middle  Row:   Georgia Keating-Chalmers, Rosanna Berry, Chloe Campbell and Chloe Wolski.

Front Row:      Samantha Ryan and Dominique du Toit.

In Week Three, 105 Year Six students and seven teachers headed off to northern New South Wales.  Camp Goodenough is an adventure camp tucked away in the hills behind the Coolangatta airport.  For some students, this was their first time out of Queensland. The theme of this camp is “Challenge Yourself” and with activities such as archery, 10m flying fox, 6m indoor climbing, 8m high ropes and 12m Giant’s Playground, there certainly was no shortage of challenge.

Special thanks to all the staff - Mr Thornton, Miss Brennan, Mrs Keating, Mrs Bonhomme, Mrs Carswell, Mr Bell and Mrs Puhakka.

Here are some comments from 6D: -

• “I experienced a whole lot more than I could ever have learnt in class.” Madi Linford
• “Camp Goodenough was a wonderful experience for me and all my friends. I felt like I knew more people better.” Rosie Berry
• “Out of all the activities, my favourite would be the high ropes because you could talk while on it!” Jim Lawrence
• “One by one, we climbed the ladder to conquer our fear of heights.” Sarah Kane
• “The lesson I learned was that if you don’t try, if you believe in yourself – and instead put yourself down, you’re not going to succeed.” Jamie Bishop Kinlyside
• “I never thought that I could do it, but I made it to the top of the hard climb!” Lewis Akers
• “At camp, I really enjoyed the company of the girls in my cabin. People were really supportive and they encouraged you to keep going till you reached the top.” Keisha Marcussen
• “Our first activity was pool initiative – it was great! Everyone got in and had lots of fun.” Justin Masters
• “In archery, I had a really cool name – “Eagle Eye”.  (It was hard to find some of those arrows!)” Gus Charlton
• “On camp, I found out that I can be very determined. The Giant’s Playground wasn’t as easy as it looked. Half way up the easy level, I was scared stiff – but I made it!” Phoebe Masters
• “From the Giant’s Playground, I learnt that I shouldn’t say “Can’t”.  The word you should say is “Can!” Taylah Ford
• “My favourite thing was the high ropes because it was really fun.” Bradley
• “What changed about me is that if I do challenge myself and try hard - I do get to the top.” Lydia Davis
• “Although I hurt my hand and couldn’t do all the activities, I grew in myself. I believe I’m more patient and that is a good skill.” Jacynta Linford
• “The point of the camp was to challenge yourself, to push yourself to do things you could maybe never do. I really enjoyed Camp Goodenough.” Maddy Reisinger
• “One thing I now don’t have is shaking when I go any higher than 6 metres. I loved camp, it was the best yet and I’d love to go back.” Haidee Grieshaber.
• “All the people who tried to get up the climbing wall did really well – not everyone made it but we all gave it our best shot.” Luke Cuskelly
• “On the first night, we did a stealth activity with Mr Thornton which was like army training. There was a different type of paper, scissors, rock – grenade, knife gun. My opponent dropped his grenade and it blew him up!” Tom Ronnfeldt.,
• “All the activities were great fun, but the Giants Playground was the best.” Sam Keirsnowski
• “I really think I challenged myself to go to my full potential. I thoroughly enjoyed camp and thought it was the best camp ever!” Georgia Keating Chalmers
• “At camp we learnt so much on how to challenge ourselves – swimming, climbing up rocks, harnessing and shinnying up the Giants Playground, and flying down the fox ….” Samantha Ryan
• The thing I discovered about Mitch Single is that he’s encouraging and very supportive. Even when he wasn’t in my group, I could still hear him cheering me on!” Ben Cooper
• “This year, camp was all about team work. We needed to co-operate in all of the activities.” Bryce Valentine
• “We were lucky to have a really good activity group. They helped each other out and gave really good support.” Ashton
• “I have to thank all the staff because, without them, we couldn’t have done any of the activities – and the teachers for taking us to camp. I learnt that if you believe, you will achieve.” Jackson Franke

Each week our school broadcasts a report on our local radio station, Highfields FM87.6. The report is broadcast on “Highfields FM” on Friday at 3:40pm, Saturday at 9:00am and 2:00pm, and on Sunday at 8:00am and 1:00pm.  Tune to FM87.6 to hear the report.  If you missed the report or your child has been part of the recording, it can be accessed through the following website for the Highfields Village www.highfieldsvillage.com.au/highfields_fm . 

ENERGIZING DAY

During August, all Year Six children went to Amaroo to learn about Energy.

One of the activities was on the laptops. We did a survey about a family. This survey was about how energy efficient you were.

Then we wapped around to Mr Brown’s activity - a solar powered milkshake. There was a cord which connected to a battery charged from the solar panel. The milkshake flavours were chocolate, caramel and strawberry - delicious!

Next we went to Mrs Green’s rotation. Yum-yum more milkshakes! This time it was mechanical power.

In the final activity, we made inventions with Knex. We used a small motor that was solar powered to try out our constructions.

It was an extraordinary day!

By Jessica Betts and Julia Mortensen

Year 6A

This Friday the Highfields State School Under 12 Rugby League team will meet the Mary MacKillop Catholic School team in the Northern Downs District Primary Schools Rugby League team final at Kuhls Road Football Field from 1:30pm.  Students in Year 6 and 7 will walk to the grounds to watch and cheer the boys on to victory.  Last Friday the Highfields team accounted for MacKillop 26 points to 8, coming back well in the second half after an arm wrestle of a first half. The Highfields team was awarded the HIGH-MACK Cup for their tremendous effort.

We expect another hard game this week in the final, and I am sure you join me in wishing the boys the very best of luck this Friday in the final.

On 7th of August members of our Robotics Club attended the Robo Cup competition at the University of Southern Queensland. We were represented in the Dance competition by Aiden Codrington, Luke Hamblin, Mitchell Daw, Lucy Korts and Sarah Bishop. In Soccer we were represented by Andrew Penton, Brayden Insley, Morgan Fanning, Ned Wilson, Jackson Best and Aiden Codrington. Zac Tyler and Glen Schull participated in the Rescue Section. 

At after school club meetings the students have been learning how to program ‘Lego’ robots to dance, play soccer and rescue.  One of our soccer teams of Andrew Penton, Ned Wilson, Brayden Insley and Morgan Fanning was placed third, which is a great effort considering the other teams were high school teams.

Zac and Glen were very proud to win the Rescue Section. They had to program their robot to travel along a twisting line and then locate an object.

All our teams had a great day at the university, learning a lot about robots and mixing with our students from schools in our area.

We all had a great day and would like to thank Mrs Keating and Mr Bishop for all their help and support with our Robotics Club.

Pictured here are Zac Tyler and Glen Schull with their winning entry in the Rescue Section.

The Dental Van will arrive at the school on Wednesday, 3rd September.

The van will be open Monday-Wednesday and every second Thursday between the hours of 8.00am – 4.30pm.  Our contact number is 0407 039 075.  Every child will be issued a medical/consent form.  We will be starting with the Year 1 and Year 7’s.

If you wish for your child to be seen, we encourage prompt return of forms to ensure you child does not miss out.  If however, you do not require our service, please mark this on the medical/consent form.

If your child has a toothache, we are happy to treat the toothache only until we reach your child’s class. Please telephone the van for an appointment.

We will be working over the school holiday period, so if you live locally and would like an appointment, please phone us.

Looking forward to meeting you all.

Simone and Kim (Dental Team)

On Wednesday, August 6, 28 of our athletes participated in the Inner Downs Zone Primary Schools Athletics trials at Glynnis Nunn-Cearns Oval in Toowoomba, as Northern Downs District Primary Schools Athletics Team representatives. All students should be proud of their efforts and sportsmanship.   Special congratulations to these 13 Highfields State School students who have been selected in the Inner Downs Zone Primary Schools Athletics team to participate in the Darling Downs Regional Track and Field Championships at the Harristown State High School oval on Tuesday, 26 August.

Three of our 13 Year Old students have been selected to participate in the Darling Downs Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships on Thursday 4, and Friday 5, September at the Glennie School and Harristown SHS.

Congratulations and good luck to: -

A special congratulations goes to Georgia Godwin who broke the Inner Downs Zone 12 Year Old Girls High Jump record on the day, in jumping 1.35m. Well done Georgia!

Congratulations to Phoebe Masters who has been selected as a member of the Darling Downs Primary Schools Girls Softball Team that will participate in the State Championships in Ormiston from October 9 - 12. Well done Phoebe and best of luck in October.

In Term 3 2008, the three under 12 primary school teams within the Northern Downs District (Highfields State School, Crows Nest and District State School and Mary MacKillop Catholic School) will participate in a ‘Tri-Series’ format of rugby league games with the series champions being awarded the tri-series cup. The draw for the games is presented below.

Last Friday the Highfields State School under 12 Rugby League team played the Crows Nest and District team. The first half saw the Eagles run with the wind and played well to lead 22 points to 4 at half time. With the wind behind them the Crows Nest and District team played like a different team. Despite the second half resurgence by the visitors, the full time score was 30 points to 12 to the Highfields State School team. Outstanding players for Highfields were Brodie Croft, George Lethbridge, Darcy Marsoske, James Rodhouse and Andrew Thompson.

The ‘School of Origin’ shield was played for between the Highfields State School and the Crows Nest and District Schools team in this game, with Highfields winning the trophy for 2008.

The referee for the game was Ted Bliss, and we thank him for making himself available for all four games of the series.

We look forward to the next game against Mary MacKillop on Friday, August 15.

We had 23 students in the Eisteddfod.  We could have had many more but space restrictions in the school allowed for only 22 teaching periods.  (The extra student had to work through her holidays to be ready.)

It was very exciting to hear a fabulous new poem written especially for this Eisteddfod by the Youngberry family, “My Dad Wears Hawaiian Shirts” which won Emily a Highly Commended award.  It was also terrific that Matthew Greenhill won the Mime as he was not only a first time performer, but was also a year younger than his competitors (the mime sections started at “11 years and under”).

Highfields students held their own in every section of the Solo Eisteddfod.  Particularly outstanding was Sam Keirsnowski who won two huge prizes – he was the Runner-up for the Primary Speech & Drama Aggregate Trophy (one point behind Marita McVeigh, the winner) and he was chosen by the Adjudicator, Mrs Zita Denholm, to be the Winner of the Primary Speech & Drama Bursary for Boys ($100.00).  Congratulations, Sam!

Lisette Payero also performed outstandingly to win Third Place in the Primary Speech & Drama Aggregate Trophy.  She tied with Tara McClelland here.  Well done, Lisette!

Congratulations to each and every one of you!!  A couple of students performed splendidly without recognition by the Adjudicator, but received glowing reports from the general audience.  That is the nature of Eisteddfod competition.   To see a full list of results and some pictures of our performers click on the picture below.

Well done to all of our athletes who participated in the 2008 Northern Downs Athletics trials on Wednesday last week.  Thank you to all parents and students who have been very patient through uncertain weather and two postponed days prior to the glorious weather we were given at the trials.

Congratulations to the 29 Highfields State School athletes listed below who qualified to attend the Inner Downs Zone Primary Schools Athletics trials on Wednesday, 6 August at Glynnis Nunn-Cearns Oval, O’Quinn Street, Toowoomba.

We wish these students the best of luck as they compete for selection as Inner Downs representatives to participate in the Darling Downs Regional Athletics trials on Tuesday, August 26 at Harristown State High in Toowoomba.

A special congratulations to the students listed below who excelled to receive age champion medallions for their efforts on the day.

Under 8’s Day was celebrated last Thursday, 5th June with many activities being provided for our students throughout the morning. 

Some of the activities included face painting, play doh, stamping, parachute games, plaster mould painting, visiting the fire truck and police car, and getting down and dirty in the flour and goop tent.

A favourite with these girls (Mikeely Fanning and Kaitlyn Cairns) was the flour and goop activity.  Messy but fun!!

State Education Week was celebrated throughout our school and local community during 26-30 May.  An Open Day was held on Wednesday, 28 May with various activities and entertainment being provided by our talented students.  Community leader, Kevin Carmody was our guest, ‘Principal of the Day’ and shared his wealth of knowledge and heritage with our students.

Here are just a few highlights of the day.

Highfields State School Maths Teams Have the Numbers!

This week two teams of Year 7 students from the 6/7 MG class represented the school in the annual Darling Downs Maths Team Challenge held on 20th May at the Cathedral Centre in Toowoomba. There were 58 teams of Year 7 students competing, both from state and non-state schools, from as far away as Dalby, Gatton and Goondiwindi.

Highfields A Team (Joseph Spearritt, Andrew Penton, Lauren Graham, Warren Formella and Remy Usher) came 3rd with 68 points (only one point from second!) and showed how creatively they could crunch their numbers. 

Highfields B Team (Phillip Murdoch, Joel Hasted, Kyran Doyle, Alex Bowden, Massiel Payero, Ingrid Sattolo and Ashleigh Crane) came 19th and also performed very well.

The competition consisted of a 45 minute set of problems to be worked on by each team of five students together, then a short break, followed by a 60 minute team relay event where students in each team worked a pair at a time and rotated positions after each problem. While calculators could be used, the problems the students were presented with were no easy feat, and many heads were aching by the end of the competition!

The students were then eager to get back to school to work with their teacher, Ms Scott, to solve the tricky questions that eluded them on the day!  The students showed great enthusiasm, an ability to work in teams and a desire to tackle new challenges. Well done folks! 

We would like to thank Ms Scott and Mr Spearritt for supervising our teams, and also Mrs Penton for assisting with transport.

Teachers make an important contribution to the lives of our young people and help shape the future of our country.  The National Excellence in Teaching Association (NEiTA) provides the opportunity for school communities – parent associations, individual parents, secondary student councils and community organisations – to nominate teachers who contribute excellence.

Nomination forms may be collected from the school office, local library or completed online at www.neita.com.au or requested from the NEiTA Secretariat by telephoning – Freecall 1800 624 487.

Your nomination should be submitted by 31 July 2008.

Gifted students in Years 5 and 6 from state schools in the Toowoomba North area have been invited to Toowoomba State High School to Participate in Master classes in the areas of Science, Computer Animation, English, Girls in ICTs, Art and Robotics. This program, offered by Toowoomba State High School, is a wonderful opportunity for Gifted Students to join together and work on interesting extension activities. It is also a great opportunity for these students to see what facilities and activities are available at Toowoomba State High School.

Congratulations to the Highfields State School Under 12 Rugby League team who have been the most successful Highfields team in the ARL development Cup competition making it into the top eight primary school rugby league teams in the Darling Downs area and playing in the Super Eights day games last Thursday. 

The boys took on Dalby South State School who were the number one Dalby side at 8:30am at the Clive Berghofer Stadium. The boys started very well and were leading 10 points to nil at half time, after two tries from George Lethbridge. With an injury to one of our key players in attack and defence and with the Dalby team keen to make amends, the second half was a battle from the outset. The Dalby team was relentless in attack and they scored 3 tries to nil in the second half to win the game 14 points to 10.

The boys should be very proud of the success they were able to achieve in the competition as we now prepare for a tri-series against Crows Nest State School and Mary MacKillop Catholic in Term 3, with the dates and final details yet to be finalized.

Thank you to all the mums, dads, Year 7 boys, younger brothers and grandparents who have supported the team with transport, water boys, assisting with coaching, washing jerseys and sponsorship - it has all been appreciated!

INNER DOWNS CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS

The Inner Downs Cross Country Trials were held at Highfields on 7th May.  Highfields competed with 16 runners who had qualified at Northern Downs and at the end of the day nine were “still standing”.  All runners had trained hard for this event and put in terrific efforts with many gaining personal bests!

Our Inner Downs Representatives at the Darling Downs Championships will be:

Tom Haswell 2nd (10 years)                                                                Micah Mathewson 1st (11 Years)

Josh Ryan 6th (First Reserve, 10 Years)                                                        Chris Atkinson 2nd (11 Years)

Chloe Wolski 5th (11 Years)

Kaelee Bronkhorst 2nd (12 Years)                                                    Colm Lister 2nd (13 Years)

Jake Elton 3rd (12 Years)                                                                    Aiden Lister 1st (13 Years)

George Lethbridge 4th  (12 Years)                                                   Nareeka Flavel 4th  (First Reserve 13 Years)

Mr Andrew Mathewson

The Highfields State School Under 12 Eagles Rugby League Team have been playing each Thursday afternoon over the past weeks with mixed success. Of the four games played thus far the boys have two wins and two losses to their credit.  Last Thursday saw the boys lift in their performance to be victorious over Mater Dei Catholic School by 20 points to 8. Try scorers were Darcy Maroske (2), Brodie Croft and Andrew Thompson.

This win sees the team take on St Thomas Mores Catholic School. A win will see the boys earn the right to participate in the Super 8’s Finals Day at Clive Berghoffer Stadium next Thursday.  The boys were beaten by St Thomas Mores only two weeks ago, 24 points to 4, so they will have to rise to the challenge of their formidable opposition if they are to be more competitive this time around or win this week’s game.

On behalf of the team I would like to thank all parents who have supported the team’s involvement in the ARL Development Cup competition this year. Contributions have been many and varied, but all have been much appreciated. Thank you to assistant coaches, trainers, water boys (junior and senior), parents who have provided transport, cheered from the sidelines, and washed jerseys.  A big thanks to our team sponsors, Dwayne and Julie Thompson of Justice Trucking who provided the team with shorts, socks and coach and assistant coach’s jackets.

DARLING DOWNS TOUCH FOOTBALL REPRESENTATIVES

Congratulations to the students listed below who have been selected to represent Darling Downs Primary Schools at the Queensland Primary Schools Touch Football Championships at Southport 23 – 26 July.

         Boys                             Girls

George Lethbridge         Mikaela Hile

                                       Jessica Brown

Well done also to the Darling Downs Regional Touch Football shadow players, Kymberley McMaster, Alyssa Wright, Brooke Watts, Iuean Friedrichs and Brodie Croft.

On Friday, 2 May we had a great morning to celebrate ‘Walk to School Safely Day’.  More than 115 children and 12 staff were joined by Councillor Bill Cahill to walk to school from the Highfields Village Shopping Centre.

‘Walk to School Safely Day’ promotes the benefits of physical activity and the benefits to the environment if more people walked to school.

Afterwards the students were addressed on assembly by Constable Swan on how to safely walk to school.