Highfields Happenings...

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 . 

It's all happening, at last! This Tuesday we celebrated the beginning of construction on our new Resource Centre and SmART Space with a Sod Turning ceremony. The invited guests and parents were entertained with a wonderful performance by our senior choir. Our invited guests, which included member for Toowoomba North, Mr Kerry Shine, Councillor Bill Cahill, Gary and Heather Gardiner from FKG and Gary Humphrey from Queensland Sports and Recreation, were joined by our P&C executive and a number of parents.

This was a great occasion to celebrate the journey thus far in the development of the SmART Space concept and the huge effort in acquiring over one million dollars in submissions and fundraising over $200 000 by our parents.

We look forward to being able to move into our new buildings during term 2 next year.

As you can see from the photo, our school leaders were also involved in the sod turning.

Highfields State School will be able to access up to $3 million as a primary school with more than 400 students, as part of the Federal Government’s $12.4 billion for the Primary Schools for the 21st Century package, delivering vital infrastructure to benefit Australia’s 7,986 primary schools.

At Highfields State School, priority has been given to the construction of a new ‘Library’ ($1.5 million) and the realisation of the ‘SmART Space’ ($1.5 million). The highly anticipated SmART Space project has also received additional funding from Education Queensland ($515,000) and the Department of Sport & Recreation ($584,000) – bringing the entire funding for the SmART Space project to approximately $2.6 million.

In particular, the realisation of the SmART Space project will be a significant achievement for the Highfields community. The P&C Association, with the support of the Highfields parent community,   are to be commended for their dedication and efforts in planning and preparing a facility that will achieve positive outcomes for not only our current students, but for the generations of Highfields students to come. Well done!

These buildings will provide students, teachers and the wider school community with access to a range of high quality resources, information and cutting edge tools to support learning and improve the quality and diversity of learning environments. 

This initiative will also provide local communities with much needed out of school hours facilities, supporting recreational and adult learning groups and acting as a community hub for meetings and organisations throughout the country.

These buildings will create community hubs that will enhance and nurture the wide and varied community relationships.

Indicative funding allocations have been determined according to the size of the school.

The actual commencement of ‘works’ for both these projects are hard to determine, but we hope to see construction commence some time next Semester. There will be much more to share and discuss in the future as we see these building projects come to fruition. To find out more information click here.

Kerry Shine, Member for Toowoomba North, Bronwyn Cairns & Greg Brand discussing plans for the new ‘Library’ and SmART Space’

On Thursday, 5 November 2009 we were lucky enough to be two of 22, Year 7 students given the opportunity to attend the “World of Maths” Day at Toowoomba State High School.  Throughout the morning we participated in a number of challenging problem solving activities.

At each work station our group of four worked together to solve a series of problems covering the whole range of mathematical subjects.  We learnt to use a variety of strategies including geometry, Napier’s Bones, measurement and angles.

During the hour long session we moved through multiple activities.  One of the activities was called ‘Post Box’ which consisted of 44 numbered mailboxes.  We had to follow five directions in order to find the correct mailbox.  This activity was especially challenging because the directions were done in an incorrect order.

On behalf of all the Year 7’s who attended the “World of Maths” Day, I would like to thank Mrs King for making the morning possible.  It was very entertaining and educational – who would have thought that maths could be so much FUN!!

Morgan and Luke (Year 7)

Highfields State School Student Chloe Wolski Shines in Noosa

Congratulations to Chloe Wolski who won the Under 13 Year Old Girls Noosa Triathlon. Chloe swam 200m, rode 6km and ran 1km to finish first in the event ahead of a large field of competitors.  This was a tremendous effort in itself but this performance was after she had finished 4th in the Under 14, 1km ocean swim the day before. Chloe has submitted times for the 2010 Darling Downs Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships next year and we wish her the best of luck in 2010 and the future. Well done Chloe!

2010 State Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships

The 2010 Qld Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships will be conducted at Redcliffe from Thursday, 18 February to Saturday, 20 February. A Darling Downs team will be selected based on race results submitted by triathletes. Any students born 1997/1996 who would like more information please see Mr Mackay.

Lunchtime Wall Ball Competition

The lunchtime Wall Ball competition concludes next week with the Grand Final and the Teachers –Vs- Students (grand final winners) games being held next week. This will most likely be the last lunchtime sporting competition for the year as the last weeks of the school year tend to be very busy.

Darling Downs Primary School Golf

Darling Downs School Sport will be conducting a Golf afternoon for players aged 10, 11 and 12 years. The afternoon is an opportunity for all players to play 9 holes and gain an insight into what opportunities are available for primary school golfers.

Date: Saturday 28 November 2009

Time: 3:00pm

Venue : Toowoomba Golf Club

Cost: Free of charge

Bring: Own clubs, water, sunscreen, hat, collared shirt and appropriate footwear.

Parents are required to walk with a group of players to assist when required.

Application forms are available from Mr Mackay and are due in by Monday 23 November.

Last term students across Years 3–7 participated in various ICAS Competitions   Results from these competitions have now been received.  Of the many participants, the following achievements were awarded:

These are pleasing results for the students at Highfields State School.  A special congratulations to Chelsea Keirsnowski whose High Distinction in English puts her in the 99th percentile in the state! 

ICAS testing will be offered again in 2010.  Look out for information as it comes out to parents in early 2010.

WAKAKIRRI STORY WRITING COMPETITION

Congratulations to Emily Hendon, Lisette Payero, Shaun Stevens and Julia Mortensen.  These students submitted a 500 word narrative on the topic of “Making an Impact on the World”.  The narratives were judged on clarity, creativity, originality, entertainment, writing style and story structure.

All four students achieved a silver award for their writing – well done!  Thanks goes to Mrs Nissen who gave the students strategies for condensing their writing to meet the word limit requirements.

Toowoomba State High School has a process in place to appoint two male and two female School Captains annually. Students and Staff both vote and students are ranked. The aggregated ranking is used to determine the students who will take on the roles for the following year.

Kirstie Penton and Matt Goulter have just been made two of the School Captains of Toowoomba State High School in 2010. Both attended Highfields State School for Primary School. They, along with their two Captain counterparts, will now attend a week-long leadership camp at Maroon Pocket Dam EEC and then play an important part in the 2009 Awards night, at which they will have the symbols of office passed on to them for safe-keeping by the current Captains. They are charged with this important duty until their induction in 2010 when they take on all the roles associated with School Captain including providing the Principal of the school with advice and ideas.

Australian Primary Schools Touch Championships

Congratulations to Dominique Du Toit and Brodie Croft who have returned from the Australian Primary Schools Touch Championships in Adelaide last week. Both players played very well to be members of the champion teams. Dominique was awarded the honour of the ‘Player of the Championships’ for the Queensland Primary Girls team which won the Australian Girls Championships.  Brodie was a member of the Queensland Boys Team that was joint winners (with NSW) of the Boys championships.

Queensland Primary Schools Track and Field Championships

Congratulations to Corey Wheaton and Ryan Cherry who have returned from the Queensland Primary Schools Track and Field Championships in Brisbane last week.  Corey finished a very credible 5th in the 12 Year Old Boys High Jump.  Ryan finished 6th in the final of the 10 Year Old Boys 100m Sprint. This fantastic result capped off a great series of runs for Ryan who ran a personal best in his heat and then ran new personal bests with each run to the finals. Ryan’s personal best run in the final is now 13.73secs. Well done Ryan, a tremendous effort!

Rep Sporting Assistance (P&C)

A reminder that the P&C offers financial assistance to students who are selected to represent Darling Downs and Queensland Primary Schools in both individual and team sports. Please contact the P&C if you would like any information in this regard.

Inner Downs Zone T Shirts

This year we sold out of the new design of Inner Downs Zone t-shirts. A new order has arrived and sizes 8-14 are available through the office or by contacting Mr Mackay.

2010 Darling Downs Primary Schools Regional Aquathlon Trials

Students turning eleven or twelve in 2010 are invited to nominated for the 2010 Darling Downs Primary Schools Regional Aquathlon trials being held on Friday, 20 November 2009 from 9:00am – 11:00am at the Dalby Pool, Dalby. Students are required to register at 8:30am.

The aquathlon consists of a 1km run, 200m swim and then a 1km run. A nomination fee of $10.00 per student will need to be paid to the school office prior to attending the trials. Nominations close Monday, 9 November.

A Darling Downs team of five male and five female students (born 1999/1998) of suitable standard will be selected to attend the State Championships at Redcliffe on Saturday, 20 February 2010.

Please contact Mr Mackay to nominate or for further details.

2010 State Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships

The 2010 Qld Secondary Schools Triathlon Championships will be conducted at Redcliffe from Thursday, 18 February to Saturday, 20 February. A Darling Downs team will be selected based on race results submitted by triathletes. Any students born 1997/1996 who would like more information please see Mr Mackay.

PREP TO YEAR 3 ‘LEARN TO SWIM’ TIMETABLE FOR TERM 4 2009

The PREP–Yr3 ‘Learn to Swim’ program will run over five consecutive weeks beginning Monday, 26 October (Week 4) and concluding on Monday, 30 November (Week 9).  Each Year 1-3 class will receive ten, 30 min lessons over the five consecutive weeks. Prep classes will enjoy five, 30 min lessons over the five Fridays of the program. Parents will be invoiced for costs of swimming lessons in the coming weeks.  Click here for a complete timetable.

LUNCHTIME SPORTING ACTIVITIES

This week saw the first games of Junior (Year 4 and 5) Wall Ball being played at second lunches over the wall near the school office.  These games will continue for five weeks and culminate with a teachers –vs– students game.   

The Senior students (Year 6 and 7) will be very busy training for their interschool Touch and Softball games at lunchtimes this term, and therefore not participate in a lunchtime competition until the last weeks of the term.  We wish the interschool teams the best of luck each Friday this term.

INNER DOWNS ZONE T-SHIRTS

This year we sold out of the new design of Inner Downs Zone T-shirts. A new order has arrived and sizes 8-14 are available by contacting Mr Mackay.

REP SPORTING ASSISTANCE (P&C)

A reminder that the P&C offers financial assistance to students who are selected to represent Darling Downs and Queensland Primary Schools in both individual and team sports. Please contact the P&C if you would like any information in this regard.

2010 DARLING DOWNS PRIMARY SCHOOLS REGIONAL AQUATHLON TRIALS

Students turning eleven or twelve in 2010 are invited to nominate for the 2010 Darling Downs Primary Schools Regional Aquathlon trials being held on Friday, 20 November 2009 from 9:00am – 11:00am, at the Dalby Pool, Dalby. Students are required to register at 8:30am.  The aquathlon consists of a 1km run, 200m swim and then a 1km run. A nomination fee of $10.00 per student will need to be paid to the school office prior to attending the trials. Nominations close Monday, 9 November.

A Darling Downs team of five male and five female students (born 1999/1998) of suitable standard will be selected to attend the State Championships at Redcliffe on Saturday, 20 February 2010.

Please contact Mr Mackay to nominate or for further details.

HIGHFIELDS SENIOR BAND GOES ON TOUR

On Wednesday, 2nd September the Senior Band set off on a restricted jaunt to the neighbouring campuses of Meringandan and Gowrie State Schools.

There had been a small hiatus in the rehearsal schedule due to Mr Blencowe’s involvement with the Advanced Primary Music Camp, but after setting up at the first venue, some time was available for practising the hard ‘bits’.

This was time well spent, and both performances went extremely smoothly, to the enjoyment of the audience members and the personal satisfaction of the musicians involved.

The band consisted of Rosanna Berry, Brodie Croft, Luke Cuskelly, Morgan Fanning, Emily Hendon, Brayden Insley, Jim Lawrence, Gus Lawrence, Justin Masters, Julia Mortensen, Tom Ronnfeldt, Kate Rosenberg, Bethanie Shapcott, Mitchell Single, Madi Stahlhut, Shaun Stevens, Georgina Waters and Rachael Winnett.

After an enjoyable morning of music-making, the hard efforts were rewarded with lunch, where the tour concluded with good manners, lively conversation and raucous laughter.

Mr Brian Hensler (Music Teacher)

INTERMEDIATE BAND TOUR

On Tuesday, 8th September the Intermediate Concert Band boarded a bus for a performance tour to Crows Nest and Geham State Schools.

Those on the tour were Jan Bakker, Georgia Barron, Philippa Bowden, Beckett Carmody, Charlie Carswell, Paige Du Toit, Tiffany Faulkner, Amy Hamblin, Ailish Hamblin, Erin Hasted, Tom Haswell, Mitch Howard, Brenton James, Stephanie Jones, Jenia Krause, Dylan Lane, Mitchell Lee, Nicholas Moore, Madison Reinbott, Kaitlin Shields, Corey Sperling, Steven Sperling, Jessica van Sliedregt and Brittany Verlaat. The supervising teachers were Miss Scott and Mr Blencowe.

We arrived at Crows Nest early to rehearse in their school hall. This was cut short by the early arrival of the Crows Nest students. The program included Concert Band, Flute and Saxophone Trio, Clarinet Ensemble and Duet and Jazz Ensemble. The performance was very good with all students giving it their best effort.

Our next stop was special because one of our band members is a student at Geham State School.  Jessica van Sliedregt plays in our concert band and was the Saxophone player in our Flute and Saxophone Ensemble.

Once again students piled on to the bus for the last part of our journey – lunch. This was a welcome treat for all and just reward for a job well done.

Mr Andrew Blencowe (Instrumental Music Teacher)

Dead grass rained down like snow on 120 very excited Year Fours, as the ‘Australian Helicopters’ Bell 412 landed on the Highfields State School oval. The visit was part of the students’ education about simple and complex machines. The Bell 412 is an extremely complicated machine.

“It’s a great piece of machinery that Australian Helicopters use for training and search and rescue, in support of the military,” explained pilot, David Hampshire, Base Manager of Australian Helicopters, Oakey. Incidentally, his daughter Eliza, just happens to be in one of the Year Four classes!

Mr Hampshire had the knack of making the ‘complex’ easy to understand and explained how the $250,000 rotor blade was really an inclined plane, which varies its pitch depending on the work expected of it. The leading edge of the blade was really a very expensive steel and titanium wedge that sliced through the air. He also informed us about how gears, wheels, axles and screws all made this $8M machine function effectively.

“It was a great experience to see all the simple machines which combined to make this amazing helicopter, sitting on our own back oval,” remarked Abby Love, a student of 4B.

“It was an exciting visit which made learning come alive,” concluded Mrs Roberts. “It was a great way to complete our unit of study.”  To see photos click here.

DARLING DOWNS REGIONAL TRACK AND FIELD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2009

Congratulations to all Highfields State School students who participated in the Darling Downs Primary Schools Championships at Harristown State High School on Tuesday, 1 September.  We are proud of the 14 students who attended. It was a great experience for these athletes to have been selected to participate against the best athletes of their age from across the Darling Downs region.

A special congratulations and good luck to Corey Wheaton (1st High Jump), Dominique Du Toit (1st 100m and 2nd 200m) and Ryan Cherry (1st 100m) who excelled on the day and have been selected to represent Darling Downs Primary Schools at the Queensland Track and Field Championships in Brisbane, 20-21 October. Good luck at the Queensland Championships.

Our nine year olds also excelled but will not have the opportunity to participate at a state level until they turn ten in 2010. Congratulations to Phoebe Cuskelly (2nd 200m, 3rd 800m), Brodie Kahler (1st 80m, 4th 200m) Monique Smith (4th High Jump) and Chante Marcussen (4th 80m Final).

Other results to hand include, Lydia Davis (5th Long Jump), Hannah Cross (6th 100m Heat) and Ebony Inglis  (4th High Jump).

Our primary students were members of the victorious Inner Downs Zone team that won both the total points trophy and the averaged points trophy.

Good luck to Ricky Gale-Blinco and Kaelee Bronkhorst who will be participating in the Darling Downs Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships on Thursday and Friday 3/4 September at the Glennie School and Glynnis Nunn-Cearns Oval, O’Quinn Street, Toowoomba.

HIGHFIELDS STATE SCHOOL UNDER TWELVE RUGBY LEAGUE TEAM 2009 WRAP UP

On Friday, 28 August, the Tri-Series Final was played between Highfields State School and the Crows Nest and District Primary Schools team. In a very hard and close first half our boys played well to lead 12-4 at the half time break. The Highfields State School team’s performance in the second half was stifled by a run of penalties against them. The game hung in the balance mid-way through the second half at 16 all, but as the home team began to miss tackles, the Crows Nest and District team grew in confidence. The Crows Nest and District team ran in three late tries to finish winners by 28 points to 16. While we had beaten the Crows Nest and District team twice this year prior to this game, it was the opposition that was the best team on the day third time around.

This game was the last game for 2009 and wrapped up a tremendously successful year for the team which has been the most successful Highfields State School Rugby League team in the ARL Development Cup. 

In term one, the number one team made the top three of the Toowoomba Primary school teams in the ARL Development Cup competition and were invited to participate in the Super 8’s Day (Darling Downs Finals) in Term Two.

In Term Two, the team reached the semi-finals of the top eight teams in the ARL Development Cup, being amongst the best primary school rugby league teams from across the Darling Downs. The boys were unfortunate to not progress into the final of the knock-out format.

In Term Three the boys played very well in the Northern Downs Primary Schools Rugby League, Tri-Series competition winning two of their three games, and being awarded  the ‘Inter-School Primary Rugby League Competition’ shield against the Crows Nest and District schools and the ‘HighMack’ Cup against Mary MacKillop Catholic School.

Thanks to the parents who have supported the team throughout the year. I would like to especially thank Dennis Parsons and Brett Trueman who have been our trainers and assistant coaches for all our team’s games this year, including the games for our second ARL development cup team. A huge effort gentlemen, THANK YOU!.

INNER DOWNS ZONE CRICKET REP

Congratulations to Shaun Stevens who has been selected to represent Inner Downs Zone Primary Schools at the Darling Downs Regional cricket trials. Well done Shaun. Good luck.

HIGHFIELDS STATE SCHOOL BASKETBALL TEAMS ENJOY GOOD WINS

Congratulations to the Year 6 and 7 boys and girls basketball teams that were both victorious against Goombungee State School teams on Friday and the Highfields Sports Centre. The games were played in the right spirit despite the one sided scores. The boys won 92 – 14 and the girls 43 – 6.

All of our players benefited from the coaching of Mr Mitch Lown who trained both teams for three sessions each week over the three weeks prior to the game. The players learnt a lot and had a great time. Thank you Mr Lown.

Congratulations to the players listed below: -

DARLING DOWNS BOYS BASKETBALL REPS

Congratulations to Samuel Keirsnowski and Wilson Love who were members of the Darling Downs Boys Softball team which finished 3rd at the recent Queensland Primary Schools Boys Softball Championships in Toowoomba. Well done boys!

This week we start our annual Life Education Program.  The program involves each class attending a lesson with 'Healthy Harold' in the Life Education Van over the remainder of the term.

Life Education Australia provides positive programs that develop the social skills and knowledge necessary for effective decision-making, communication, negotiation, peer resistance and refusal in drug-related situations. Life Education encourages respect for the uniqueness of each individual, and teaches the skills to assert confidently that individuality, especially in social settings with friends.

Life Education aims, in partnership with schools and the community, to help reduce tobacco use and illegal drug use among young people; encourage them to avoid or delay alcohol use; and reduce the harms associated with any drug use.

Life Education's primary schools programs which commenced in 1979 are delivered by 120 full-time and part-time educators using Life Education's national network of more than 90 mobile and static classrooms, complemented by direct delivery in school classrooms. Over 750,000 students participate in the program each year. Life Education's programs are based on the latest research, and provide high quality drug education featuring role-play; social skills training; correction of common myths; and varied, fast-moving and interactive activities facilitated by excellent educators assisted by the latest multi-media technology.

Life Education Australia believes prevention is better than cure!   

If you would like to know more about the program visit their great interactive website at http://www.healthyharold.org.au .

We are also offering a parent session at 10:00am this Friday in the Life Education Van. You can meet the Life Education educator - Paul Baker, learn about the program and see the resources used. The van will be located at the end of D Block where the Dental Van was based.

Sunday, 30 August 2009 was the Big Challenge Day for our two Opti-Minds teams.  For the previous two weeks our girls had been designing and building an eco-friendly home and preparing their presentation about just how environmentally friendly their house is.

Team 2 : Shaznie Raison, Emma Tarlinton, Lily McDonald, Grace Earley, Danielle Langton and Stephanie Jones built a ‘treehouse’ above the Daintree Rainforest.

Team 1 : Lori Ryan, Chelsea Keirsnowski, Duvessa Carmody, Kirrily Pauli, Khloe Fanning and Hannah Rother built a more traditional house and included many sustainable features.

Both teams performed really well in their ten minute long term presentation and the judges were very impressed with both their acting and their knowledge.

The second event in the day was a spontaneous challenge which teams compete totally on their own.  At the end of the day, Team 1 came away with an ‘Honours Award’.  Well done girls!

Our thanks to Mrs Thompson who worked with the Year 5 girls, Mrs Luscombe and Miss Brennan who helped practice the spontaneous event and finalising paper work, Miss Costello, Mr and Mrs Eagles who acted as judges on Sunday, and Mrs Thornton, Mrs Rother and Mrs Jones who monitored the Jumping Castle during the day.

INNER DOWNS ZONE PRIMARY SCHOOLS ATHLETICS TRIALS

On Tuesday, 11 August - 29 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 the 14 Highfields State School students listed below 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, 1 September.

Two of our thirteen year old students have been selected to participate in the Darling Downs Secondary Schools Track and Field Championships on Thursday, 3 September and Friday, 4 September at the Glennie School (Track Events) and Glynnis Nunn-Cearns Oval (Fields Events).

Congratulations and good luck to: -

A huge congratulations to Phoebe Cuskelly who broke not one but two Inner Downs Zone 9 Year Old Girls’ records. Phoebe now holds the 9 Year Old Girls 800m and 200m records. Well done Phoebe!

Lunchtime training sessions will be held up until Tuesday, 1 September. Timetables were distributed to athletes last Friday and should also be displayed in Year 4-7 classrooms.

NORTHERN DOWNS AND DISTRICT TRI-SERIES RUGBY LEAGUE COMPETITION

On Friday, 7 August the Highfields State School Under 12 Rugby League Team travelled to Crows Nest State School to play the Crows Nest and District Primary School Rugby League Team in Game One of the 2009 Northern Downs District Primary Schools Rugby League Tri-Series competition.

After a sluggish start to the game, the game hung in the balance at half time. In the second half the Highfields team gained momentum and with favourable bounces of the ball, the boys from Highfields made the most of scoring opportunities to eventually win the game 28 points to 20.

Declan Wheeler was inspirational in his ‘man of the match’ performance scoring three tries in attack with many players pulling off great tackles in defence. HIGHFIELDS - 28 (Tries: Declan Wheeler  - 3, Ashton Linbeck - 1 and Tom Patton – 1 and 4/5 conversions) and CROWS NEST & DISTRICT - 20. Highfields State School retains the ‘School of Origin’ shield in 2009.

HIGHFIELDS STATE SCHOOL QUEENSLAND TOUCH STARS!!

Congratulations to our seven Darling Downs Primary Schools Touch Football representatives who have returned from the Queensland Primary Schools Touch Championships in Townsville. The DD ‘girls’ team finished first overall and the boys fourth.

A HUGE congratulations goes to Brody Croft and Dominique Du Toit who have been selected in the Queensland teams to participate at the Australian Primary Schools Touch Championships in Adelaide in October.  Samantha Ryan is also to be congratulated on her selection as a shadow player for the girls’ team.  Queensland selection is a fantastic achievement. Well done!

HIGHFIELDS STATE SCHOOL QUEENSLAND HOCKEY STAR!

I would also like to take this opportunity to wish Caleb Tarlington the best of luck as he heads to Newcastle as a member of the Queensland Primary Schools Boys Hockey team next week.

NORTHERN DOWNS DISTRICT PRIMARY SCHOOLS ATHLETICS TRIALS RESULTS

Well done to all of our athletes who participated in the 2009 Northern Downs Athletics trials on Tuesday last week. Congratulations to the 28 Highfields State School athletes listed below who have qualified to attend the Inner Downs Zone Primary Schools Athletics trials on Tuesday, 11 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, 1 September at Harristown State High in Toowoomba.  A special congratulations to the students listed below who excelled by receiving age champion medallions for their efforts on the day.

Results of the Inner Downs Athletics trials will be published in the next newsletter.

NORTHERN DOWNS DISTRICT TRI-SERIES RUGBY LEAGUE GAME ONE

This Friday the Highfields State School Under 12 Rugby League Team will travel to Crows Nest State School to play the Crows Nest and District team for the ‘school of origin’ shield in game one of the Northern Downs District Rugby League Tri-series.  We look forward to our second game in the series against Mary MacKillop Catholic School on Friday, 21 August at the Kuhls Road Football field.

LUNCHTIME BASKETBALL AND ATHLETICS PRACTICE SESSIONS

This week saw the continuing lunchtime sporting programs at first and second lunchtimes. Athletics training sessions for Northern Downs Athletes in high jump, long jump, 800m and sprint events have been held to assist our athletes prepare for their participation in the upcoming Inner Downs Zone Athletics Trials. At lunchtimes, on Tuesday to Friday, the fixture basketball games will continue for three more weeks prior to the finals and teachers vs students games will be in week seven.

TRELOAR AND MCCASKER CRICKET TRIALS

Students wishing to participate in the Treloar Shield and McCasker Trophy representative cricket teams have been invited to register their interest with Mr Mackay - Assembly Friday, 31 July. After school-based trials for boys turning 11 or 12 this year, may be invited to attend the trials on Tuesday, 25 August at USQ.

Both competitions involve a $100 per player cost and travel to play teams in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich and Toowoomba on Sundays in November and December if players are selected.  Please contact Mr Mackay for further details.

HIGHFIELDS STATE SCHOOL PRIMARY RUGBY UNION TEAM

The inaugural Highfields State School under 12 Rugby Union Team participated in the inaugural Darling Downs Primary Schools Rugby Union Gala Day at The Toowoomba Grammar School on Wednesday, 22 July. The Highfields team played games against Grammar, Mater Dei and Sacred Heart. The boys from year six and seven played enthusiastically and improved with each game but finished second in all three games. It was be especially exciting for those boys who were having their first rugby union experience. Jan Bakker and Caleb Tarlington were winners of the players’ players awards. Well done boys.

Many students from our school participated in this years Computer 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.

DARLING DOWNS SOFTBALL REPRESENTATIVES

Congratulations to Phoebe Masters, Sam Keirsnowski and Wilson Love who have been selected to represent Darling Downs Primary Schools at this year’s Queensland Primary Schools Softball championships.  Sam and Wilson will participate at the Queensland Primary Schools Boys Softball Championships in Ipswich from September 4-6.  Phoebe will participate at the Queensland Primary Schools Girls’ Softball Championships in Toowoomba from October 8-11.

Well done and good luck at the state championships

HIGHFIELDS STATE SCHOOL ATHLETICS CARNIVAL RESULTS

Congratulations to all of our athletes who participated in the 2009 Athletics Carnival days held in the last weeks of term two. The behaviour and sportsmanship of our athletes throughout all aspects of both weeks was exceptional with all participants deserving congratulations for their efforts.

Congratulations to the athletes listed below who, due to their exceptional performances, have made them new Highfields State School record holders:

New Highfields State School Records set 2009

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the 2009 Sports House Captains who have done a tremendous job over the past four weeks of school in assisting in making the athletics carnival days such successful and smooth flowing events and enjoyable days.

2009 Boys and Girls Sprint / Age Champion Medallions

Our age champions will be part of the strong group of 82 students from Highfields, who will participate at the Northern Downs District Primary Schools Athletics Trials on Tuesday, 28 July at Glynnis Nunn-Cearns Oval, O’Quinn Street Toowoomba, as members of the Highfields State School Athletics Team.

The list of student selected was placed on the HPE noticeboard last Friday and students listed were asked to collect a selection letter and program of events from my office.  Please ensure that if your child was a placegetter he/she has checked the board to see if they have been selected. (Qualifying times and distances apply).

We wish those students selected the best of luck as they compete for selection as Northern Downs District Representatives to participate in the Inner Downs Zone Athletics trials on Wednesday, August 11 at the same venue in Toowoomba.

Final Results/Sports House Trophies

This year’s carnival resulted in very close competition between the sports houses as shown by the final points totals below.

Congratulations to Kurrajong House for their clean sweep in 2009. Well done!!

Highfields State School Primary Rugby Union Team

The Highfields State School Under 12 Rugby Union team participated in the inaugural Darling Downs Primary Schools Rugby Union Gala day at The Toowoomba Grammar School yesterday, Wednesday, 22 July. Highfields played games against Toowoomba Prep, Bunya District and Goondiwindi. The boys from Year Six and Seven have been enthusiastically training every second lunch since the end of Term 2 in preparation for the day. It was especially exciting for those boys who had their first rugby union experience yesterday. Congratulations.

Northern Downs District Rugby League Tri-Series 2009

In Term 3 2009, the three Under 12 primary school teams within the Northern Downs District (Highfields SS, Crows Nest and District SS 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 trophy (donated by Glenn and Karen Griffiths). The games will be played on Fridays between 1:30 and 2:30pm as set out below. Training will recommence on Thursday, 23 July and letters will be sent home closer to the first game against the Crows Nest and District Team.

2009 Draw

DATE CLAIMERS - TERM 3

Tuesday, 11 August

Inner Downs Zone Primary Schools Athletics Trials at Glynnis Nunn-Cearns Oval, O’Quinn Street, Toowoomba.

Tuesday, 1 September

Darling Downs Regional Primary Schools Athletics Championships at Harristown State High School Oval, Toowoomba.

Despite a frosty start, Under 8s Day was a spectacular success again this year.

Thank you to the teachers, teacher aides and facilities crew who worked so hard the make it happen and also to the parents who accompanied groups of students around on the day.

Of special note is the work of our Year 7’s.  Much is said in the media about how bad young people are as far as being self-centred and unfeeling. I am here to tell you that as far as our Year 7’s are concerned, that is not the case!  Year 7 students regularly, as part of their leadership roles, act as “Play Pals” to our Prep students to help in their socialisation. Because of this role, they were the obvious choice to help with Under 8s Day.

These students showed infinite patience, care and humour in dealing with their charges. Jobs included accompanying students around in groups, helping at stalls and generally making sure that children were entertained and happy. Many parents and teachers commented on what a great job the Year 7’s did and how appreciative they were of their help.

Mr Thornton, who did the briefing for this task, even turned the packing up into a problem solving activity for his Year 7 students, who then worked tirelessly with good spirits to clean up the area and repack the tents.

I know from time to time we all find our children exasperating, but the good news is they are good kids and this goodness isn’t too far from the surface. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank them publicly for their great work and the credit they brought to themselves and the school!

OUR OWN LOCAL SPORTING WHEELIE

Year 5 student, Hayden Siebuhr recently participated in the “Classics” State Wheelchair Basketball Championships held in Brisbane at the Boondall Entertainment Centre on the long weekend in June.

Hayden had the opportunity to play for the “New Warriors” team which enabled him to learn many new ball handling techniques.  Hayden thoroughly enjoyed his weekend and is looking forward to putting his new skills to the test back in the Toowoomba competition.

ARL Development Cup Update

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 semi-finals of the Super Eights Day games last Thursday. 

In game one, the boys took on Our Lady of the Southern Cross Catholic School, Dalby who were the number one team from the Dalby area. The boys played very, very well, winning the game 26 points to nil. The win saw us pitted against Pittsworth State School in the semi final. The Pittsworth SS team was relentless in attack and defence, and they scored a try to take a lead of 4 nil after ten minutes of the first half.  In a grinding game, both teams went perilously close to scoring but with desperate defence from both teams, not another point was scored in the remainder of the game.  The boys should be truly very proud of the success they were able to achieve in the competition.

I would like to say a special thank you to Mr Dennis Parsons and Mr Brett Trueman who have been trainers/managers for the number one and two sides this year. Thank you very much gentlemen, your assistance was much appreciated.

We now prepare for the Northern Downs Primary Schools Tri-Series against Crows Nest State School and Mary MacKillop Catholic School in Term 3, with the dates and final details yet to be finalised.

Thank you to all the Mums, Dads, Year 7 boys, younger brothers and grandparents who have supported the team with transport, waterboys, assisting with coaching, and washing jerseys.

Lunchtime Sporting Activities

Last Friday at second lunch, the teachers took on the Junior and Senior Grand Final winners from this term’s lunchtime soccer competition. Congratulations to all teams who played, and especially those who made the Grand Finals. After a very enjoyable but hard double game, the teachers were victorious over the Sporties (Junior Champs) and the Donkey-Flavoured Tim Tams (Senior Champs). It was great fun for all involved and a great way to conclude Education Week activities.

Darling Downs Cross Country Results

Congratulations to our eight Inner Downs Zone Cross Country representatives who participated in the Darling Downs Cross Country Championships at Kearney Springs on Tuesday, 2 June. While none of our students will go on to represent Darling Downs, every students gave it their all and should be proud of their efforts, especially given that most events had at least 80–90 competitors in each event.

Highfields State School Rugby Union Team

We have nominated an Under 12 Rugby Union team to participate in the inaugural Darling Downs Primary Schools Rugby Union Gala Day on Wednesday, 22 July (Term 3 - Week 2) at Gold Park Toowoomba. The games will commence at 9:00am and conclude by 2:45pm. Students were asked on Assembly last week to register their interest in playing in the team. Training will be held each Monday, Wednesday and Friday at second lunches on the oval. Any students interested in playing should see me at training.

Education week 2009 has been celebrated across Queensland during the first week of June.  Our Year 2, 4 and 6 students’ art work was on display at the Highfields branches of the Heritage Building Society and the ANZ Bank and at Woolworths. To see a larger picture of the dispalys click on the pictures below

Prep is a full-time program. It runs five days a week and follows the established school times and routines. It’s free in State schools, open to all and we have no waiting lists. We keep our Prep class as small as possible to ensure individual attention is given to each child’s needs. The curriculum lays the foundation for success at school by developing in children a positive approach to learning, independence and confidence, thinking, problem solving and language skills, motor skills and early literacy and numeracy.

Administrators, Prep Teachers and Teacher Aides have undergone specialist training to ensure they are the best equipped to deliver a quality Prep program. Prep is delivered by teachers with professional knowledge and expertise. Prep connects children’s prior experience at home, kindergarten or childcare with what they do at school. Routines are developed to reflect children’s needs and interests, as well as school policy. There is individual monitoring of children’s learning needs and regular reporting to parents and carers.

If you or friends are looking for a great Prep program, contact our Deputy Principal, Mrs Lian Campbell Eagles on 46996222.

This year we will be celebrating “Under 8’s” Day at Highfields State School in June. 

DATE:  Thursday, 4th June 2009.

TIME:  9.15am to 10.55am.

COSTUME:  Children are invited to come DRESSED creatively.

                 (Lots of scope there!)

COST:  $3.00 per child (to be invoiced through school)

CHILDREN TO BRING: Own morning tea, drink bottle, hat, and wear sun cream. 

We will require as many parents as possible to take small groups of children around to the different activities on the day.  If you are able to assist please contact your child’s teacher!

INNER DOWNS CROSS COUNTRY 2009

Highfields students were very impressive at the recent Inner Downs Cross Country Titles held at Mary MacKillop school. Eight of our students qualified in fine style to go onto race at the Darling Downs Cross Country Championships to be held at Kearney Springs next week.

13 Years Girls:   Kaylee Bronkhorst  -  1st

12 Years Girls:   Dom Du Toit  -  1st

                            Chloe Wolski  -  2nd

12 Years Boys:   Micah Mathewson  -  1st

                            Chris Atkinson  -  2nd

11 Years Boys:   Wilson Love  -  1st

                            Charlie Carswell  -  2nd

10 Years Boys:   Justin Bronkhorst  -  4th

Two other runners are First Reserves - Luke Cuskelly;  and the unluckiest runner of the day - Tom Haswell, who missed out by centimetres in a blanket finish with two other runners.

All the best at Darling Downs!

DARLING DOWNS BOYS AND GIRLS SOCCER REPRESENTATIVES

Congratulations to the students listed below who have been selected to represent Darling Downs Primary schools at the Queensland Primary Schools Soccer Championships at Runaway Bay on 25–28 July.

Darling Downs Regional Representative

Congratulations to Rose Seng who has been selected to play ‘centre’ for the Darling Downs Primary schools under eleven girls netball team. Rose will travel with the team to Caloundra on 12th July to participate at the Queensland Primary Schools Netball Championships. Well done Rose and good luck!

Inner Downs Zone Representative

Congratulations to Scott Baker who has been selected to represent Inner Downs Zone Primary Schools as a member of the Inner Downs Zone Boys Under Twelve Soccer Team which will participate at the Darling Downs Primary Boys Soccer trials this weekend in Stanthorpe. Good luck Scott!

Darling Downs Zone Representatives

Last Wednesday, 1 April, four students from Highfields State School participated in the Multi Sports Expo conducted by Lifestream Foundation and the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association which was held at the Glennie School.  They experienced a range of activities including AFL, Rugby League, swimming, volleyball, basketball and table cricket. 

The boys enjoyed a wonderful day and were acknowledged for their efforts by being awarded “Certificates of Recognition” on assembly last Friday.  Well done boys!

Grief and loss, unfortunately, is something that children are coming into contact with increasing regularity.  Rates of family breakdown, loss and tragedy are on the rise.  As a response to this growing trend, the school will again run the “Seasons Grief and Loss” program to offer support to students who are contending with grief and loss.

Seasons

Seasons is a non-religious peer support program for children and young people who have experienced grief and loss in their lives.  This loss may be the result of death, separation or divorce.  The “Seasons” program seeks to equip children with skills that will help them respond to their grief and loss as it reveals itself in many ways. 

Our Chaplain, Andrew Bell, has been specifically trained to conduct this program at Highfields.

Highfields State School is currently planning to run age appropriate support groups for students in these situations during Term 2.  If you would like your child to be a part of this program, please sign the tear off portion below and return to the office. 

If you would like to discuss this matter, please contact Lian Campbell-Eagles, Deputy Principal or the School Chaplain, Andrew Bell on 4699 6222.

Highfields State School commemorated ANZAC Day with a full school assembly last Friday, 24 April 2009.  Invited guests included Flight Sergeant Lisa Sheridan (RAAF), Sergeant Andrew Gillies (Army) and Leading Seaman Ben Parsons (Navy), (all representing Borneo Barracks), representatives from the Highfields RSL and former student Warren Formella.

Flight Sergeant Lisa Sheridan spoke on the meaning and importance of ANZAC Day.  It was wonderful to see the students captivated by her speech.  Two of our Year 7 students from defence families, Imogen Smith and Hannah Stockley played an important part in the service, with Imogen reading a poem “ANZAC Day” and Hannah reading an excerpt of the “Ode of Remembrance. 

This year Prep and Year 1 students were involved in the service by making six wonderful wreaths for presentation to the invited guests.  A special thank you to the teachers, teacher aides and students from Prep and Year 1 for your creativity and care taken with each wreath.  The wreath made by 1E was laid at the Highfields Community Service on Saturday.

Warren Formella, a former Highfields State School student and current Toowoomba State High School Year 8 student, accepted an invitation to return and play The Last Post and Rouse.  I’m sure all who attended would agree that Warren’s performance was outstanding, and the ceremony was all the more special for having our own bugler. 

Our thanks must also go to the Highfields RSL branch, which provided each student with an ANZAC Day sticker.  The RSL also came to the school on the first day of Term 2 to talk with Year 6 and 7 students about their experiences during wartime.  We thank them for their continued support of our school. 

On Saturday, 25th April over 30 students from Highfields State School, along with teachers and teacher aides, marched at the community ANZAC Day service.  Sam Keirsnowski and Julia Mortensen laid a wreath on the school’s behalf at the service. 

Finally, thank you to Mr Thornton and the school captains for your support and advice on the planning of this year’s assembly.  It will certainly remain a highlight of my DSTA year so far.

Lynette Blokland (DSTA)

If you have never performed on stage, you can have no idea how the panic can set in before you get up there.  (Or maybe you do, and that’s why you don’t do it.)  More than eight performers in the upcoming Drama Festival had been away sick when their groups had their last practices (which really threw the others preparing diligently in those groups).   At least 15 students declared on Monday morning that they were really scared about performing that night.  Our school is very short on space for students to practice on their own, so lunch hour practices had been a real difficulty.

Despite all this, the show went on.  In fact, students in the Festival dug deep and displayed those qualities of resilience and persistence that teachers have been on about for the last weeks.

Over 50 budding actors performed in Monday night’s Drama Festival but the outstanding star of the night was

Julie  who with Lucy Korts, entertained the audience with a duologue – “The Three Bears Story”.  Lucy just wouldn’t let Julie tell the

story unless Goldilocks was in it!  The audience chuckled from start to finish!  Later, in a display of wonderful team spirit, Julie also performed in the play “Rodney’s Retreat” – where as a last-minute stand-in for a sick player, she didn’t lose one line and acted to the

hilt.  Julie’s success also shows the value of performing year after year – she has been in every festival since Miss Brennan,

Mrs Keating and Mrs Hendon first began the tradition in 2005.

Our Adjudicator, Mrs Lyn Hafey, singled out 19 Oscar winners who showed outstanding dramatic flair:-

Mime:                  –            Natalie Johnston

                                          Brock Parton

Individual Poem: -            Maximo Fatica

Duologue:         -               Julie

                                          Lucy Korts

Group Dramatisation of a Poem: Emily Carswell, Emily Fox, Abby Love, Elena Stahlhut

• Ellie Spearritt, Brianna McCann, Shaznie Raison, Shari Collingwood
• Lisette Payero, Emily Hendon, Jamie Bishop-Kinlyside, Natasha James, Phoebe Masters, Matthew Hare

Heartfelt thanks go to Miss Tracey Brennan, our Festival Director, who does an amazing job each year of organizing students, venue, adjudicator and publicity.  Huge thanks also to Mrs Julie Keating for support in facilitating the program brochures, the adjudicator’s reports and great posters.

For those performers going on to perform in the May (15th – 18th) Drama Eisteddfod, we wish you courage and dedication in your practice, and patience and support from your families!

Mrs Kathie Hendon (Speech & Drama)

To see pictures of some of the performers click here.

DARLING DOWNS ZONE PRIMARY SCHOOLS BASKETBALL REPRESENTATIVES

Congratulations to Joshua Lown who has been selected in the Darling Downs Zone Boys Basketball team to represent Darling Downs Zone Primary Schools at the Queensland Primary Schools Boys Basketball Championships in Brisbane from June 13 – 16. Well done to Brandon Morris who was named a shadow player for the Darling Downs team.

RUGBY LEAGUE NEWS

Representative Honours

Congratulations to Brodie Croft, Jack Trueman and Charlie Carswell who have been selected in the Inner Downs and Bunya District Combined Rugby League team to participate in the Darling Downs Primary Schools Rugby League trials on 26 – 27 April. Well done boys and good luck in April!

ARL Development Cup News

On Wednesday the two Highfields State School under 12 Rugby League teams played their games in the ARL Development Cup. The Highfields State School number one team was defeated by Mater Dei Catholic School in a very close game by 18 points to 14. The Highfields State School number two team was defeated by Mary MacKillop Catholic School.

Next Wednesday both teams play their final games in the Development Cup. The number one team plays Crows Nest and District State Schools and the number two team will play the St Thomas Mores Catholic School team. We wish both teams the best of luck next Wednesday.

INNER DOWNS ZONE HOCKEY REPRESENTATIVES

Congratulations to Caleb Tarlington and Lachlan Delbridge who have been selected to represent Inner Downs Zone Primary Schools at the Darling Downs Primary Schools Hockey trials in Toowoomba on Thursday, 30 April. Well done boys and good luck at the Darling Downs trials.

CHLOE WOLSKI UNDER 13 GIRLS MOOLOOLABA TRIATHALON CHAMP

Congratulations to Chloe Wolski who won the under 13 Girls Mooloolaba Triathalon on the weekend. This is a fantastic effort. After swimming 300m, riding 10km and running 3km, Chloe finished first ahead of over 90 other competitors. Well done Chloe!!

SENIOR BOYS SOFTBALL

Well another softball season has come and gone with our Highfields Boys performing to their usual very high standard.  This season, we have had to juggle nearly forty boys for training and for games on a Friday – quite a difficult task. 

However, when called upon, our boys fulfilled their role both in behaviour and skills.  The ‘B’ Squad worked very hard to be defeated only once.  This is a credit to their relentless weekly training and eagerness to represent their school.

Our ‘A’ Squad narrowly missed retaining the trophy this year with a ‘red-hot’ Glenvale team taking out the championship.  With a few initial hiccups, our boys showed the form that made them Junior Champs with some huge and impressive victories – couple of bruises along the way!!  Special congratulations to Sam Keirnowski, who is presently training with the Darling Downs Squad and to the Highfields Juniors for their fantastic win!

Robyn White

(Year 7 Teacher and Softball Coach)

Cross Country and Fun Run Day 2009

Congratulations to all competitors who completed the Fun Run and/or Cross Country events on Thursday, 9 April.  All runners displayed fine efforts and excellent sportsmanship on the day.

Many thanks to all the parents and spectators who joined us on the day to cheer on the runners.

A summary of results in all the day’s events are presented below.

Fun Run Events (1st to 4th Only)

Cross Country Events (1st to 6th Only)

9 Year Old Boys	9 Year Old Girls	10 Year Old Boys	10 Year Old Girls
Ashley Campbell Jo Schultz Josh Croft Zac Croft Thomas Congrieve Mathew (9 Year Olds do not represent	Phoebe Cuskelly Annabelle Ronnfeldt Chante Marcussen Ellie Bowyer Isabelle Walsh Monique Smith HSS at Northern Downs)	David Holman Caleb Aitken Justin Bronkhorst Mason Watts Kaleb Johnstone Jedd Moody	Lori Ryan Clelsea Keirsnowski Madi McGee Khloe Fanning Duvessa Carmody Dominique Cumming
11 Year Old Boys	11 Year Old Girls	12 Year Old Boys	12 Year Old Girls
Charlie Carswell Wilson Love Tom Haswell Thomas Maroske Joshua Ryan Andrew Gardiner Alex Parsons	Stephanie Jones Rose Seng Brianna McCann Jasmain King	Micah Mathewson Chris Atkinson Brodie Croft Jackson Franke Luke Cuskelly Shaun Stevens	Dominique DuToit Rosanna Berry Chloe Wolski Madison Franke Jessica Watson (tie) Georgia Keating-Chalmers (tie) Samantha Ryan (tie)
13 Year Old Boys	13 Year Old Girls
Justin Masters Bryce Valentine	Kaelee Bronkhorst

The final points after all Fun Run and Cross Country events were: -

Bluegum – 352

Kurrajong – 331

Wattle - 349

Congratulations to Bluegum house being crowned “Champion Cross Country House for 2009”. 

Cross Country runners selected will continue to train with Mr Mathewson and Mrs Carswell in preparation for the Northern Downs Cross Country trials at Goombungee State School on Wednesday, 23 April. We congratulate them and wish them well at Goombungee.

Darling Downs Rugby League Representative

Congratulations to Brodie Croft who has been selected to represent Darling Downs Regional Primary Schools as a member of the 2009 Under 12 Rugby League team.  Brodie has been selected to play as ‘inside centre’ for the team which will participate in the Queensland Primary Schools Rugby League Championships in Cairns from June 25 to July 1. Well done Brodie and we wish you the very best of luck in Cairns.

ARL Development Cup Update

Congratulations to the Highfields Sate School #1 Team who defeated the Crows Nest and District Team on Wednesday, 8 April to earn a position in the ‘Super Eights Day’ on Thursday, 21 May at the Clive Berghoffer Stadium, Arthur Street, Toowoomba.  It was a close match in which the Highfields #1 Team won 12 points to 8. The boys had the better of the first half prior to a Crows Nest revival in the second half. The Highfields boys defended very well to hold out for the win. Highfields try scorers were Alex Parsons and Brodie Croft. Conversions were kicked by Jack Trueman and Brodie Croft.

The boys have earned their place amongst the eight best teams from across the Darling Downs to contest the ‘Super Eight’s Day’ in May. The boys will have to play very well as they progress to the next level of competition.

Highfields Junior A Touch

Our Junior A Touch girls had a strong season losing only one game to Glennie. They played-off for third placing against St Thomas Moore’s coming away with a 3–1 win. For most girls this was their first season of touch and their abilities really began to shine towards the end of the season. I’m sure we’ll see a very competitive team in next year’s competition. Well done, girls!

Rosie Fox                                                     Highfields – 5 : Harristown - 3

Jessica Watson                                            Highfields – 6 : Fairholme - 4

Rose Seng                                                   Highfields - 3 : Glennie - 5

Erin Hasted                                                  Highfields - 7 : Concordia - 3

Amy Hamblin                                                Highfields - 8 : East - 1

Hannah Cross                                              Highfields - 3 : St Thomas Moore’s - 1

Paige du Toit

Ebony Ingliss

Larissa Rosentretor

Madison Baker

Grace Tonscheck

Georgia Barron

Highfields Junior B Touch

We had twenty girls who made up our Junior B team. They were a most enthusiastic bunch who trained with great commitment and energy. As nearly every girl had no experience with the game, they began with a very steep learning curve. But by the end of the season we had a team which was really starting to produce the goods. Congratulations on a fantastic season!

Pip Bowden                                   Jenia Kraus                     Highfields – 1 : Harristown - 6

Kaitlyn Otto                                   Maddison Reinbott          Highfields – 4 : Fairholme - 7

Chloe Burke                                  Stephanie                        Highfields – 1 : Glennie - 3

Danielle Langton                          Stephanie Roberts           Highfields - 11 Concordia - 0

Kyah Burke                                   Isla Nickolls                      Highfields - 8 : East - 2

Shelley Cassidy                            Ailish Hamblin                   Highfields - 5 : St Thomas Moore’s - 1

Sarah                                           Breanna Tyler

Georgia Hobson                           Sophia

Shannon Cassidy                         Chloe McIntyre

Emma Tarlington                          Hannah Priman

Andrew Mathewson

(Year 4 Teacher & Coach)

Pittsworth Netball Carnival

On 5 April two very enthusiastic teams of Highfields State School girls travelled to Pittsworth to compete in the Annual Pittsworth Netball Carnival.  It was a great day – the girls gained in experience and built upon their skills.  At the end of the day they were very tired young ladies but enjoyed the outing.

(Below) Girls Junior Netball Team with Miss Tracey Brennan and Mrs Kaylene Carswell.

(

Above) Girls Senior Netball Team (but who is that

dashing young male in the Goal Keepers bib?)

Some very brave Highfields staff members joined Mitchell Bailey (7A) to help raise awareness and support the Leukaemia Foundation’s World’s Greatest Shave on Friday, 13 March 2009. Our students, staff and parents enjoyed a very entertaining parade watching Mr Pollock, Mr Thornton, Mr Tschumy, Miss Brennan (amazing) and me, all ‘shave’  for this worthy cause. On behalf of Mitchell and his family, thank you to all the teachers who participated, and to our school community who helped raise $547.15 for the Leukaemia Foundation. Well done!

On Sunday, 8 March and Monday, 9 March 2009, our Inner Downs Sports Zone sent eleven children to the Darling Downs Softball Trials held at Kearney Springs, Toowoomba. Children from schools throughout our entire region took part in drills and games, demonstrating their skills and game knowledge. All Inner Downs participants are to be congratulated on their sportsmanship and determination.

At the conclusion of these two days, eight of our eleven Inner Downs students were chosen in the two Darling Downs training squads. Of these eight children, five attend Highfields State School. Congratulations to: -

Phoebe Masters - Darling Downs Girls Training Squad;

Sam Keirsnowski, Wilson Love, Sam Stahlhut and Alex Parsons – Darling Downs Boys Training Squad.

BUSH FIRE APPEAL FREE DRESS DAY – MONDAY, 16 FEBRUARY

Our sincere gratitude goes to our school community for their efforts to contribute so generously to the Red Cross Victorian Bushfire Appeal. Our Free Dress Day, held on Monday, 16 February raised $1,313.20, which has since been combined with other Toowoomba Schools to see over $40,000 donated directly to support the families and communities devastated by this terrible tragedy.

The Highfields State School Years 3–7 Interhouse Swimming Carnival was held on Thursday, 26 February from 5:30pm until 8:30pm at the Highfields Aquatic Centre.  Over ninety children competed in 25m and 50m age level and 100m open events, in freestyle, backstroke, breaststroke and butterfly.  The standard of competition and sportsmanship was very high amongst both swimmers and sports houses.  All swimmers who entered the water should be proud of their efforts and sportsmanship. We witnessed some great races that were very exciting right to the finish.

Congratulations to the age champions presented below. 

The best overall individual performance by a male and female swimmer trophy was awarded to: -

Shaun Stevens   and   Tyla Howard

This year saw a close battle for champion sports house for the majority of the evening, however the 2009 Champion Swimming House is….. “WATTLE”. 

The final house points were: Bluegum  -  394;  Kurrajong  -  544  and  Wattle  -  579.

Thanks to all parents and spectators who attended the carnival and provided their support and atmosphere for our swimmers. A special thanks to the parents who assisted as timekeepers on the evening, your support was greatly appreciated. I would like to again thank the parents who officiated as timekeepers and The Highfields Amateur Swimming Club, and Kevin Anderson and the Sports Centre staff for their invaluable assistance on the night.

Boys:Congratulations to Samuel Stahlut, Wilson Love and Samuel Keirsnowski who have been selected in the Darling Downs training squad of 20 players. These boys will continue to train and hope to be selected in July to represent Darling Downs Primary Schools at the Queensland Primary Schools Boys Softball Championships in Ipswich from 4-6 September.

Alex Parsons has been invited to attend training with the squad with a view to enhance his skills and selection in 2010.

Girls:Congratulations to Phoebe Masters who has been selected in the Darling Downs training squad of 16 players. Phoebe will continue to train and hope to be selected in July to represent Darling Downs Primary Schools at the Queensland Primary Schools Girls Softball Championships in Toowoomba from 8-11 October.

Congratulations to the 11 Highfields State School students who will represent Inner Downs Zone Primary Schools at the Darling  Downs Primary Schools Regional Swimming Championships at Gatton on Wednesday, 4 March. Best of luck to -

Khloe Fanning, Dominique Du Toit, Emily Carswell, Hannah Love, Jordan Howard, Aleisha Stuart, Olivia Cusato, Charlie Carswell, Tyla Howard, Chloe Wolski and Shaun Stevens.

On Saturday, Chloe Wolski, Shaun Stevens and Tom Haswell represented the Darling Downs Primary Schools when they participated at the Qld Aquathon and Triathlon Championships at Redcliffe. All students finished in the top half of the field of more than 70 competitors. Well done! Perhaps these students will follow in the footsteps of Emily Neville, a past Highfields State School student, who won selection in the Australian Triathlon team on the weekend.

Congratulations to the students listed below who have been selected to represent Inner Downs Zone Primary Schools at the Darling Downs Primary Schools Regional Softball Trials in Toowoomba on March 8 and 9. Well done to -

    BOYS                                                                                              GIRLS

Congratulations to Jordan Aitken who has been selected to represent Darling Downs Primary Schools at the Queensland Primary Schools Golf Championships at the South Coast from May 24 to 27.  Jordan has been playing golf as Juniors at the Borneo Barracks Golf Club. (Any students who would like to participate in the junior clinics/program should contact Gary Small at the golf club).

FIGHT FIRE FASCINATION

Many children will, at some stage during their childhood, display a natural curiosity about fire. But playing with fire is another matter all together. As parents and carers, you play a pivotal role in educating your child about fire safety. However, what do you do when you find your child playing with matches or lighters, setting rubbish or paper alight, or even burning toys or other people’s valuables?

Children don’t often consider the ramifications of starting a fire, and if you suspect your child’s fascination with fire is risking their safety or the safety of others, help is at hand. The Queensland Fire and Rescue Service have developed the ‘Fight Fire Fascination Program’ to support parents in their efforts to educate their children about fire and promote fire safety.  Through the program, also known as Triple-F, specially trained fire-fighters work directly with your child and family in a series of home visits. They explain the consequences of playing with fire and teach your child to make positive choices with regards to fire and help them understand how their behaviour affects others. 

The ‘Fight Fire Fascination Program’  is a free confidential service that brings together the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service, schools, and other services where necessary, to help families address this very serious issue. To find out more about the ‘Fight Fire Fascination Program’ visit www.fire.qld.gov.au or contact your local fire station.

HOW YOU CAN HELP YOUR CHILD WITH READING?

. As a parent, you are your child’s first teacher and it is important to encourage your child to read outside of the classroom. Our school is asking all parents to help their children to improve their reading skills.

You can do this by: -

• visiting the local library – this is an economical way to provide access to different kinds of books and learning materials and allows children to borrow from a wide range. Your library may also offer a reading program which makes reading an exciting experience and allows them to mix with other children;
• asking ‘why’ questions as you read a book or story together to help your child understand and asking them to think about alternate endings to make much-loved books even more interesting;
• reading to your child as often as you can and by trying to carry a book with you when away from home;
• letting your child hold the book and turn the pages when you are reading together – this lets your child join in and allows you to talk about the pictures;
• congratulating your child on their reading – this will encourage them to enjoy the reading experience;
• pointing out words as you read them, especially long or interesting words – this will create a word bank or a spelling list which will help your child with their writing;  and
• making a message board or space at home and encouraging your child to read and leave messages for other family members – this will also give them an important job in the household.

For more tips and online resources about literacy and numeracy visit www.education.qld.gov.au/parents/map/ .

Parents play a vital role in teaching their children how to walk to and from school safely. Ideally, young children should always be accompanied by an adult.

Parents should walk to school with primary school children so they can point out the dangers to them. While walking with them, talk about what you’re doing and explain what they need to watch out for to remain safe.

Show children the safest route to and from school. This is usually the way with the least traffic and the fewest roads to cross. Children should be encouraged to walk on the footpath as it is the safest place for them to walk. Discourage children from playing with toys or balls when walking as they may dash onto the road to retrieve them.

Parents should also teach their children to look out for vehicles coming in and out of driveways.

To cross the road safely, teach children to stop at the kerb, look right, look left, look right again, listen for cars coming, and think (is it safe to cross) before crossing the road.

Ask your children to explain these steps back to you so you can make sure they really do understand what to do.

Encourage children to cross roads where there are traffic lights or a school crossing supervisor.

If there is a school crossing supervisor, teach your child to obey them at all times and only cross when the supervisor has signalled that it is safe to do so.

Make sure they know to only cross at lights when the green “walk” sign is showing and at pedestrian crossings when cars have stopped for them.

To download some great pictures you could use to help keep your child safe travelling to school click here.

On Tuesday, 3 February, swimmers from across the district swam at the Northern Downs District Primary Schools Swimming Carnival held at the Highfields Aquatics Centre. Swimmers were hoping to gain selection to represent Northern Downs District Primary Schools at the Inner Downs Zone Primary Schools Swimming Trials at Pittsworth on Friday, 20 February.

Highfields State School representatives performed very well but a special congratulations goes to Tyla Howard who was named the 2009 12 Year Old Girls Age Champion.

Congratulations to the ten Highfields State School students who will represent Northern Downs District Primary Schools at the Inner Downs Zone trials:

Emily Carswell, Hannah Love, Jordan Howard, Aleisha Stuart, Olivia Cusato, Charlie Carswell, Tyla Howard, 

Chloe Wolski, Shaun Stevens and Madison

We wish these students the best of luck at the Inner Downs Zone trials next Friday night.

Current research into the brain and its functioning has shown regular refuelling, in the form of water and food, is essential for maximum function.  In response to this, we have introduced a “Brain Break” across the school, at approximately 10:00am each day.  This will help all children with their learning, and particularly younger students and those who have an early breakfast.

Children in all year levels are asked to have a small healthy snack in their bag, to be eaten at the “Brain Break”.  Please keep the following in mind when helping your child pack their lunchbox for school.  The snack would be part of your child’s regular lunchbox, but to be eaten at this particular time of day.

Snacks for the “Brain Break” must be low fat, healthy foods, which can be eaten quickly.  Many children will be eating their snack at their desks, so please make food easy and quick to eat.  No cakes, biscuits or chips please!  If a teacher feels the snack does not meet these requirements, the children will be asked to choose something else from their bag.

Suggested foods (following the guidelines of the Smart Choices strategy):

• Fruit or fruit pieces – apple, grapes, strawberries, orange segments, banana.
• Vegetables, especially those cut into sticks – carrot, celery, capsicum, cherry tomatoes, cucumber sticks.
• Cheese pieces or sticks.
• Small boxes of sultanas, dried fruit, raisins.

If you would like more information about our “Brain Break”, please see your child’s teacher.

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 .