The Whitsunday Word Friday 11 November 2016
UPCOMING EVENTS Whole School Term Four Concludes - Friday 25 November
Senior School Year 12 Valedictory Service and Dinner - Saturday 12 November Year 11 Assessment Block - Monday 14 November – Thursday 17 November and Monday 21 November Year 9 (2017) Orientation Day - Tuesday 15 November Year 12 Final Day - Friday 18 November Year 11 Rejuvenation Day - Tuesday 22 November Year 11 QCST Trial 1 - Wednesday 23 November Years 5-11 Final Day - Friday 25 November
Middle School Final MS Assembly - Tuesday 22 November MS Christmas Service - Wednesday 23 November Year 8 Dinner - Wednesday 23 November
Junior School Preparatory-Year 4 2017 Orientation Morning – Tuesday 14 November, 8.30am Kindergarten 2017 Orientation Morning – Saturday 19 November, 10.00am Preparatory Year 2017 Information Evening – Monday 21 November, 5.30pm Kindergarten End of year Celebration – Tuesday 22 November, 5.30pm Junior School Celebration of Achievement Ceremony – Friday 25 November, 10.00am
Sport Run as 1 for Cystic Fibrosis—Sunday 13 November Old Scholars v Open Volleyball teams Exhibition Match - Wednesday 30 November Open Girls and Boys—AVSC Melbourne Trip - 4 - 9 December
Boarding Boarding Orientation Evening – Monday 14 November Boarding Christmas Dinner and Senior Farewell – Thursday 17 November Boarding End of Year Activity – Thursday 24 November
Unbelievably the year is rapidly winding to a close. At the end of every year we have many events that celebrate the activity of the School. There are many awards to be given and moments to be remembered. Given that this is the last WAS Word that the Class of 2016 will officially receive, I hope you will forgive a little crowing about this remarkable group of young men and women who have led with such grace and charm this year. Their individual and collective character will be on show on Saturday evening at the Valedictory Service and Dinner, where I know it will be a truly joyous occasion. It is always such a privilege to watch these beautiful young men and women doing what they have done all year – having fun and delighting in each other’s company. Next week sees another signature event in the lives of our graduating class, the Final Assembly on Friday. Staff are busily preparing behind the scenes, just as they did for the Formal, and we look forward with great excitement to celebrating these significant rites of passage in the lives of our students. You must also understand that my heart is torn. I want to share our graduates’ final assembly as they are piped out by Oliver McCahill, as well as be at my daughter’s graduation. I’ve had some sensible advice from a number of you about just that, including Bishop Bill, “Mrs McIvor you can’t miss your own daughter’s graduation”. It warms my heart that as a School community you understand the importance of family just as our young ones are about to leave the nest of your own, and our WAS family. I thank you for your understanding extended to me for allowing me to be with mine. Every end is a beginning, and as our leavers prepare to leave the relative cocoon of a place where many of them have spent the majority of their lives thus far, they seem well placed to make their mark on a world that desperately needs their benevolent influence. They will do this not necessarily through their achievements but through their character and through the example they set. In a world where we are so often encouraged to live in fear, the challenge is to confront such fear by becoming agents of peace and love in the world. We must strive to make our influence count by standing up for our principles, and allow the words of the well known blessing to echo in our hearts: “Go forth into the world in peace; be of good courage; hold fast that which is good; render no man evil for evil; strengthen the fainthearted; support the weak; help the afflicted; honour all people.” Those of us who have learned to respect, love and trust the Class of 2016 know that the world is theirs and will continue to
be a better place because they are in it. They leave with our blessing, and we will honour them this week and next with gratitude and sincerity. In preparation for the Awards Ceremony we select the awards for this year and also the new appointments for the next. Neither of these processes are easy but overall it is an enjoyable one because all of the conversations are about very positive people and matters. Nevertheless, some observations from ‘inside the tent’ may be of interest to many. Whether it be giving an award for fine achievement (in any area of endeavour) we always have choice. Choice means a decision will need to be made and a recipient selected. We rarely see anyone disappointed about being selected but we do see some angst about missing out an award or position. If the emotion is at the level of disappointment it is both to be expected and it is reasonable. Hope and ambition would not be real if they were not accompanied by disappointment when there is not success. Yet too much disappointment is not acceptable. If the disappointment becomes denigration of another, then it has gone too far. The reason is simple. To have been close to an award or an appointment is an honour. Missing out is disappointing, but this is because another was selected. It is poor thinking to ever say in these cases, “I have been rejected”, because that is certainly not how conversations are conducted. Decisions that are based on a ‘fault finding process’ are never effective because they focus on what is not needed rather than on what is required for success. Our process prefers to discuss the positive options available. It can still be difficult but it is far more effective. Therefore, rejection is simply not the way we approach the thinking about who we select. Close decisions are tough because the options are good. In selecting the leaders in all sections of the school we consult the student body for their opinion. It is always critical to the final decision and remarkably it rarely shows any significant difference to the total outcome of all other processes we consider. Student opinion has wisdom. These opinions are collected from the students in conditions where they can express their perspective unfettered by peer or adult opinion. I have noticed over the years that if we blind tested the opinions of students and staff on a neutral group they would struggle to identify the origins of the opinions. The correlation is too high to be meaningfully distinguished. The decision of students about their leaders usually recognises that some boys and girls would not be great as leaders. This reflection has nothing to do with any assessment of the boys and girls as friends or as future leaders. It simply considers the special challenges of student leadership. Therefore, when counselling any disappointment remember you are creating character in those difficult moments.
The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were exuberant. Jesus repeated his greeting: “Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you.” John 20:2021 REMEMBRANCE DAY On Friday, we commemorated the 98th anniversary of the Armistice, to remember all who have served and serve, and pray for those who work to bring peace to our world. Staff and students from the Middle School and Senior School participated in a service lead by Middle School Character Counts Council students. Junior School Staff and students gathered for a service lead by students in Year 4. Thank you to the Cadets who formed the Guard and the musicians, Miriam Elliott Haynes, Tom Monckton, William Deeley, Mark Armstrong, Simba Walz, Emmett Withers and Oliver McCahill. At both services the students responded with the Remembrance Pledge: “I am young and I am worthy, I am brave and I am strong. In the face of any challenge, I will strive to rise above. I deserve this opportunity to live, to learn, to love. I can truly make a difference; my path is up to me and this is my commitment –be the best that I can be.” VALEDICTORY As we approach the end of another successful and memorable year, may I acknowledge the wonderful contribution to our faith community by the members of our Class of 2016 and the Student Leadership Team. Special thanks to our Chapel Captains, Jessica Heazlett and Toby Cash, for your capable and caring leadership. ANGLICAN EVENT At 8am on Sunday 4th December, the Anglican community welcomes everyone to a service of worship at St Ambrose, 28 Glenpark Street, North Mackay. This service will celebrate the launch of the Anglican Cluster. A fellowship morning tea will follow. CHRISTMAS SERVICES The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. For those who lived in a land of deep shadows light! The joy of a great celebration, sharing rich gifts and warm greetings. For a child has been born—for us! His ruling authority will grow, and there’ll be no limits to the wholeness he brings. He’ll put the kingdom on a firm footing and keep it going with fair dealing and right living, beginning now and lasting always. Isaiah 9 This Christmas will be a time of challenge for many families. Thank you to everyone for the generous donation of food and gifts to be distributed by ANGLICARE during this Christmas Season. On behalf of those who receive these gifts may you be blessed in knowing you have quietly helped a family.
For some Christian communities, Christmas is celebrated on December 25, the winter solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, and for others, January 06, The Epiphany, the coming of the Wise Men. The Wise Men, Shepherds, Angels, Joseph, Mary and Jesus, the Christ child in the manger, make the delightful Christmas picture. This helpless, tiny baby survived the wrath of a jealous king and travelled with his refugee parents from Bethlehem to Egypt to escape injustice and then the return to Nazareth when danger was past. Joseph and Mary are to be commended for their care and devotion to the safety of their child. May this be an encouragement to all communities to care for and nurture the children so they may grow to be responsible, resilient and caring community leaders. Matthew 1- 2, Luke 2 You are invited to Celebrate Christmas and relive anew the story of the little babe who came to bring peace and salvation to a very troubled world. The details for the Anglican Parish Services will be advertised in the Daily Correspondence later this month. Families and friends are welcome to celebrate The Journey to Christmas. The Junior School service will commence at 1.50pm on Monday 21 November and the Middle School Service at 12.25pm on Wednesday 23rd November. KIDSPLUS concluded this week. Thank you to Miss Narelle Litster, Mrs Kristen Jones, Mrs Sarah Clelland, Mrs Shirley Wood, Julia Boets, Alicia Ho Chau, Freya Garvey, Nicola Grobler, Kalaryn Fisher, Jake Lamb and students from the Middle School for capably assisting with this co-curricular activity. PRAYER REQUEST: safety for all involved in school activities; the graduating classes of 2016; Our School: Diocesan, Bishop Bill, Chair of Board, Mr David Watts, and the School Board, our Principal, Mrs Maria McIvor, Staff, students and families; good health and safety for our Adopt a Cop, Constable Isaac Mahony; our Adopted Elders, Revd Henry Kennell and Mrs Kennell; peace and hope for areas of our world where there is conflict and neglect; the work of ANGLICARE and all support agencies; families who are caring for members who are unwell and those who grieve; families preparing for new ventures and those preparing to join our community in the new year. Clothe yourself with love and let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, and be thankful. Colossians 3: 14-15 May I offer greetings to everyone for a happy and holy Christmas and refreshing and relaxing holidays.
From the Head of Staff and Student Development Departing Staff It is with sadness I inform all of the WAS community, that Miss Lisa Millard (PE Teacher), Mrs Sonia Ackerman (Humanities Teacher) and Mr Petar Grulovic (Maths and Humanities Teacher) will be leaving Whitsunday Anglican School at the end of this year. The three staff members have not made their decisions lightly and have all expressed the enjoyment and enriching experiences they have benefited from by being a Whitsunday Anglican School staff member.
As our final days are counting down, on behalf of the community, our Principal Mrs McIvor and the Executive team, we would all like to thank the entire staff of the School (Administrative, Services and Academic) for their tireless time and patience, skill and knowledge, care and attention that they have not only shown throughout the completion of their tasks, though more importantly they give to the School’s most prized possessions, our students. Quite simply, the outcomes and opportunities would not be as rich and vast without such a dedicated, valued and unified staff. Enjoy time with each other, family and friends over the Christmas break, and we look forward to another positive year filled with growth at Whitsunday Anglican School.
Miss Millard and her fiancé Jaebyn, will be relocating back Have a happy, safe and holy Christmas to all… to Adelaide to be close to family, who are in a time of need. Miss Millard has been at WAS from Term 4, 2012 and has made an enormous positive impact on the School community in her role as a Physical Education teacher. Mrs Ackerman will be relocating to Brisbane with her family as her husband Shannon, has taken on a new role in the South East corner. Mrs Ackerman has been with the School for six years, commencing in 2011 and has fostered within hundreds of WAS students, care and context of the importance of humanitarianism and social constructs of past, present and future societies. After seven years with the School, Mr Grulovic has expressed his desire to explore the possibility of new directions, with options in education and the arts, or even an alternative. Mr Grulovic has been a role model to staff and students sharing his talents in his teaching areas of Maths and Humanities, though also the expertise he has offered within the WAS’ Cultural sphere. On behalf of the entire WAS community, we would like to thank Lisa, Sonia and Petar for the way that they have engaged, lived through and enhanced the WAS Way in their valued time at the School. We wish you all well in what the future holds for you, and know that you will always be cherished members of the Whitsunday Anglican School staff and community. Long Service Leave Our Head of Science, Mrs Kathy Steggles will be taking Long Service Leave from the beginning of next year, 2017 for the entirety of Semester One. We are sure that Mrs Steggles will enjoy her leave and know that it will provide her with rejuvenation and reinvigoration. More Baby News It does seem that there is a baby race in the Senior School’s G Block staff room at present... It is with great pleasure that we can share to the community that Mrs Jess Vigliante, husband Simon and daughter Isabella, are expecting a new addition to their family towards the end of Term One next year. We wait with excited anticipation to welcome Baby Vigliante with many hugs on his or her first visit to the School next year.
From the Head of Senior School - Mrs Sarah Wright
communicated to students and parents. On the evening of Thursday 17 November is the Departing Parents’ Function. The final day of school for the Year 12 students will be on As we near the end of the 2016 academic year, I would like Friday 18 November. Year 12 parents are invited to attend to take this opportunity to thank all members of our Senior the Whole School Assembly to farewell our Seniors, School community for their contributions and dedicated starting at 9.40am in Ron Bourne Hall. work over the course of the year. In particular, our Senior School students have continued to prove themselves as fine citizens who have each given of their best to uphold the Year 9 (2017) Orientation Day high standards that we enjoy as a sub-school. Similarly, thank you to our selfless staff who are consummate The Heads of House and I will welcome the current Year 8 professionals and who have given so much of themselves students to their Year 9 (2017) Orientation Day on Tuesday this year for the benefit of our students and their 15 November. Information about the day has been provided development. Thank you also to our supportive parent to Year 8 students and their parents. The Year 8 students body. We have all banded together with the common goal have been asked to meet in PWC1 by 8.25am. The of achieving the best for our students, and this will remain students have been asked to wear their House uniform and our goal in 2017. bring a hat and morning tea. A light barbecue lunch will be provided. House Spirit Day Congratulations to the Heads of House and their House Captains for their last House Spirit Day of the year on Melbourne Cup Day last week. With the students all dressed up in the ‘Race Day’ theme, they certainly enjoyed the spirit of the day. Whole School Arts Assembly & Splendour in the Arts My sincere thanks and congratulations are extended to Mr Toby Hibbard, Mrs Katie Mann, Mrs Jo Tansey, Miss Kelly Smith, Ms Donna Free and Miss Kirstie Wilk, as well as their supportive team of staff, for providing such a wonderful Whole School Arts Assembly and Splendour in the Arts event last Friday evening. It is one of my favourite School events and it is always inspiring to see the artwork and musical and drama talents of our students throughout the School. Also, well done and congratulations to our Senior School students who were award recipients at the Assembly. Performer of the Year Award - Peyton Crofton Up and Coming Artist Award - Jessica Cash Artistic Endeavour Award - Joel Bennington Creativity and Craftsmanship - Nicola Crampton-Smith Arts All Rounder Award - Maggie Formosa Head of Arts Award - Julia Boets Year 12 Valedictory Service and Dinner
Final School Day of 2016 and Awards Night The final day of the 2016 school year is Friday 25 November. This is a normal school day and full attendance is expected. The Awards Night for Years 5 – 12 is on the evening of Friday 25 November. Other important information regarding the Middle and Senior School Awards Evening, as well as the list of award recipients, will be sent to parents via Daily Correspondence next week. Additionally, all Senior School students will be sent this information via their student e-mail accounts. Please support your child/children by checking this information carefully so we can ensure a successful evening for all. Year 11 QCST Trial 1 Year 11 examinations will finish on Monday 21 November. Year 11 students have a ‘Rejuvenation Day’ to rest at home on Tuesday 22 November, in preparation for their QCST Trial on Wednesday 23 November. It is compulsory for students to attend on the day unless they are ill in which case a medical certificate is required. This trial testing will provide data for me to provide OP-predictions for our students, early next year. Students in the Spotlight! Congratulations to Mrs Jacqueline Notley, Saad Ashraf, Aidan Bobby and Jessica Bowen for placing Fourth at the Australian National Titration Competition recently. This is an amazing result given that there were 169 school with teams in the competition.
This wonderful occasion has nearly arrived. I look forward to welcoming our Year 12 Seniors and another 120 members of our Senior School community to the Valedictory Service and Dinner this Saturday 12 November Finally, I wish all members of our Senior School community at The Event Centre, Mackay Turf Club at Ooralea. Please a happy and safe festive period over the coming months. I arrive at 6.00pm with the Valedictory Service led by look forward to working with you all again in 2017. Reverend Janet Story starting shortly thereafter. It would be appreciated if guests could refrain from ordering from the drinks bar until after the Service. Dinner and formalities will follow in what is sure to be a very enjoyable evening in celebration of our graduating students. Year 12 Activities Week, Departing Parents’ Function and Final Day After a busy week of examinations and other assessment, our Year 12 students will be rewarded with their Year 12 Activities Week which will run from Monday 14 November to Thursday 17 November. The schedule has been
From the Middle School Activities Coordinator Ms Angela Holm
Anglicare food hampers We also have our annual food hamper drive for Anglicare, with each class donating a hamper to a needy family at this special time of year. Many local families are doing it tough A very successful Fun Run, themed “Donate to Dash”, at the moment and we appreciate your support in our was organised by a few of our Year 8 students as part of their Impact Project supporting Cancer Research for Friday, charitable endeavours, particularly in support of the Anglican church. 28 October. The event was well supported by the community and the students managed to raise in excess of Orientation Day is next week, Tuesday 15 November $1 100 through their initiative. The feedback from participants has been very positive and the students should from 8:25am – 3:00pm. Information has been sent home through Daily Correspondence. Students are to wear free feel extremely proud of their effort. dress with closed-in shoes, hat and water bottle. Class lists for 2017 will be posted in the Middle School precinct this Through the Melbourne Cup High Tea last week, Middle School managed to raise over $200 that will be donated to coming Monday morning at 8.00am. Cystic Fibrosis research. Thank you to all the families who Our final Middle School Assembly is from 2-3pm on donated food for the morning, it is very much appreciated. At our Middle School Fashion Parade, we had many strong Wednesday 16 November, where we will be farewelling our contenders for each section and I’d like to congratulate the leavers and Year 8 students as they progress into Senior School. The Middle School Christmas Service is on winners on their House Spirit and effort with costuming – Wednesday 23 November from 12:25pm-1:25pm and we well done! welcome parents to come along to both of those assemblies. Recycling intiatives As we gear up towards the end of Term, there are still Finally, excitement is building for our annual Year 8 many events happening. In conjunction with National Dinner, scheduled for Wednesday 23 November. We are Recycling Week this week, the Middle School is having a all looking forward to the celebration of the Year 8 students’ Nude Food Lunch on Friday with a platter of watermelon being served to the class with the most ‘nude lunchboxes’. time in the Middle School. Parents are invited to join the students and staff for mocktails from 6:00pm- 6:30pm at the We are also holding a Boat Race with class boats being North Mackay Bowls club. Please refer to the letter that made from recyclable materials, to be held down on the went out on Daily Correspondence for more details on the oval on 24 November from 9:30-10:45 and welcome night’s arrangements or contact the Middle School office parents to come along and watch the race. (4969 2061) with any enquiries. Thank you to all our Middle School families for their support in what is a very busy end to Term 4.
From the Head of junior School - Mr Mick Martin The end of the 2016 School year It really does not quite seem 10 months ago when the students and staff began their 2016 journey with so much having occurred throughout that time. Some of the highlights for me, in particular, have been the colour and vibrancy of the Junior School Global Learning Day/’Tastes of the World’ Food Fest and Junior School Art displays in Splendour in the Arts; the joys of the Year two and Junior Choir Eisteddfod performances; the ‘Service’ offered by our students and community. I also look forward to the Junior School’s Celebration of Achievement ceremony. We also celebrated our involvement with ‘Voices’, our wonderful parent’s and friend’s involvement in all things ‘Junior School’, the Kindergarten to Year Four House Cross Country, our House Athletics Carnival and Swimming morning, House Ball games, House Choir and of course the individual journeys of the Junior School students and staff. Read more…………… The true spirit of Giving As the school year draws closer to an end and life in general seems to become busier with the Christmas and holiday period before us it is always heartening to be a part of the hugely generous Junior School community that finds time to support, embrace and donate to our Christmas Hamper and Christmas Giving Tree. This year is the 13th anniversary of the Junior School’s support of AngliCare in this manner. Last week you would have seen a flyer about our Christmas Giving Tree contributions and I thank you in anticipation of your continued and valued support. The true spirit of Christmas is very obvious in the Junior School. And it is not only through the giving of gifts and food stuffs that you demonstrate your generosity; there has been a wonderful group of Junior School parents who have given of their precious time to assist class teachers and students. I thank you on behalf of the Junior School community for your ongoing support in all things Junior School. Celebration of Achievement – Junior School The last of a number of important up-coming events on the Junior School calendar is the Junior School’s annual ‘Celebration of Achievement’, 10.00am, Friday 25 November. The practice is that each student will be presented to the Principal, Mrs. Maria McIvor, and then as a year level cohort will perform a musical piece before returning to their seats in the audience. It is expected that the ceremony will be completed before 11:30am. This is a formal event in the School’s calendar therefore I ask parents to be considerate and respectful of such an occasion i.e. dress standard, mobile phones, younger siblings. This obviously applies to the Junior School students’ dress of formal uniform with polished shoes. Year Four Public Speaking competition Each year the Year Four students compete for a place in the annual Public Speaking competition through their own class competitions. We are always thrilled at the tremendous effort that all the students put into their presentations; however, as with any competition, only a
small number are short-listed. This year those students competing again enthralled the audience and adjudicators with their poise and timing. Jasmine Salman, Year 4S, was judged as the student who presented ‘best’ in the competition with Rohit Vaidya, Year 4S, coming in second place. Arts Awards Congratulations to those Junior School students acknowledged at last week’s Arts Assembly for their contribution to the ‘Arts’ at Whitsunday Anglican School. Marley Clear, Year 4S, was acknowledged for his AMEB awards – Grade 3 Piano and Grade 4 Recorder – and Bella Burton, Year 4J, for her AMEB award – Preliminary Singing for Leisure. Other Arts news………………… Splendour in the Arts Last Friday’s Splendour in the Arts, was a celebration of the Arts programs within in the school that is never more brilliantly illustrated than by the vibrant explosion of colour and texture of Junior School art work that on display. The more formal studies and tones of the older student’s work are beautifully countered by the colour, liveliness and textures of the art work from our Kindergarten students through to our Year Four students. The art works really encapsulate the day-to-day ‘going-on’ of life in the Junior School – well done to the students and to Ms. Donna Free for a wonderful year of visual art. Preparatory Year to Year 4 2017 Orientation Morning – Tuesday 15 November The Junior School students will experience a morning with their 2017 class and cohort group next Tuesday morning. We will also hold a ‘sausage sizzle’ for morning tea to end the ‘orientation’. 2017 class groups will be published on the morning of Monday 14 November. Junior School Volunteers Thank You Morning Tea – Tuesday 15 November The morning of next week’s Orientation is also our chance to say thank you to those parents and family members who have assisted in some way throughout the year. If you would like to attend, and we would love to see you there, then please let Natalie Jonas know by Monday – 4969 2038, njo@was.qld.edu.au You Can Do It! – Resilience Junior School Gallery…………………...
From the Head of Boarding Mr Bruce Keys Booth House Race Dinner The annual Booth House Race Dinner was an outstanding success with all the glitz and glamour provided by our boarders. With six horses entered on the big day it was a very close finish with the Year 10 POD girls taking out first place.
Booth House Orientation Evening This Monday we have 12 new boarders arriving to spend the evening in Booth Boarding House. With there ages ranging from Year 5 - Year 9 in 2017 this will give these young people an opportunity to meet our boarders and familiarise themselves with routines and the daily lifestyle of boarding.
Farewell GAP Staff Booth House takes the opportunity of thanking two of our The evening meal along with our entertainment was Gap Staff for their contributions and involvement during delightful with our boarders parading on the red carpet for their 12 month visit and time at WAS and Boarding. We the “fashions of the field�. wish Simon Hall (England) and Keelan McMannus (South Africa) best wishes and blessings as they continue their Congratulations to Sophia Woodhouse, Tino Mlambo, Toby journeys with fond memories from their Aussie and Mackay Cash with equal placings for our senior girls shared by experience. Genie Howie and Nicola Crampton-Smith who all impressing the judges (Mrs Grant & Mrs Keys & Miss Julia Booth House Christmas Dinner & Seniors Farewell Jackson) and taking out the 2016 fashion stakes. Thursday 17 November we will be celebrating Booth House Christmas Dinner and Seniors Farewell. Our current Farewell Year 12 Year 11 boarders are making final arrangements for the Our Year 12 boarders are coming to the realisation that evening which will feature the announcement of our their years of secondary education and boarding are Boarders Boarder Award, Booth Colours and Half Colours, coming to a final close. There are mixed feelings and farewell speeches and dances for each Year 12 boarder emotions with our Booth seniors as they commence their along with our Christmas Dinner. planning for the next stage of their journey. I take this opportunity of thanking these fine young men and women Christmas Wishes to all our Boarding Community for all their support and strong leadership skills - they have As this is the last edition of the WAS Word for 2016 I would all been wonderful role models for the entire Boarding like to thank all our Boarding families for the enormous House. We wish them every success and happiness as amount of support and assistance you offer in so many they continue the new stage of their lives and extend an ways throughout the year. I wish you all a Merry Christmas open door for them to return to Booth House in future with joy and blessings as you spend a quality summer years. vacation with your loved ones.
Triathlon and Running Club Recently many of our WAS community took part in the Sarina Beach Triathlon. Overall results included: Nicholas du Toit—1st Enticer Distance Tom Monckton—7th Enticer Distance Simba Walz—9th Enticer Distance Anabella du Toit—14th Enticer Distance
Our Senior Girls have been undefeated throughout the season and on count back have finished third overall. Congratulations to all involved in this year’s competition.
Touch Football Season The U14 Girls and Boys teams have both made the final rounds with the quarter finals tonight. The U14 Girls finished top of the table in Division 2 giving them two opportunities to make the Grand Final in 2 weeks. Good luck to these teams.
Zac Chrzanowski— 11th Sprint Distance
Congratulations to all our students and their family members that competed in this event.
Sessions are still being run each Monday at Memorial Pool between 3.15 and 4.15pm with run/swim/run type sessions and Thursday between 7 and 8.00am on the school oval for running sessions. All students are welcome to attend these sessions free of charge.
Community Events Breast Cancer Fun Run Congratulations to Lulu Piperone, Hannah Tibbles, Rubi Cheesman and Laura Tibbles on their outstanding effort with the recent Breast Cancer Fun Run. The girls were able to raise over $1000 dollars to go towards this wonderful cause.
I look forward to future events that our students have the initiative to run.
Run as 1 for Cystic Fibrosis—Sunday 13th November WAS has several children attending the school with Cystic Fibrosis. A group of like minded people in Mackay have decided to raise awareness of this disease and our Middle School have decided to support the WAS CF students by participating in this community event. Please feel free to join the WAS team at this event and support a wonderful charity. Registration can be made through the Facebook Page or the Webpage.
Interschool AFL Competition Our four AFL teams have been taking part in the Interschool AFL competition at Queen’s Park. All teams have been playing well under the guidance of Lisa Millard and Adam Shield each afternoon.
Well done to our U16 teams who enjoyed the season and have now finished games.
What More Tests?
Billions of dollars of YOUR money is being wasted every year on tests and operations that are not necessary! This was highlighted in the ABC 4 Corners program on 28/9/15 by Dr Norman Swan and this deserves further discussion…
Classic examples are testing for Ross River Fever – there is no treatment and any tests only need to make sure that there are not more severe underlying diseases like leukemia. Ironically the tests for RRF are much more expensive that the simple tests that pick up leukemia and also once your RRF is positive, there is no point in EVER doing it again as it will be positive forever and gives you no more information…..
Another example is doing a test to confirm a diagnosis already made by the doctor. For example if there is a rash and the skilled doctor diagnoses a condition that is not life threatening the biopsies and excisions are not required. As long as that skin spot or rash behaves like it should, the expensive excisions are not needed. Unfortunately operations generate more money for doctors and they may be done because of a lack of confidence or because of finances…
Ironically when I worked in third world countries without access to any tests (bloods or xrays), we would have to make the diagnosis based on the history and examination, treat and then watch to see if we were correct. Amazingly most of the time, the diagnosis is correct and all these tests are just confirming what we expect or believe.
The other reason for doing tests is for legal protection. If the doctor is going to be sued for not doing a test in every 100 cases, he will do the other 99 tests just in case….. What a terrible state of affairs so let us not get into the American type of litigious behaviour otherwise everyone’s costs go up and Medicare will fail!
So ask the doctor if the test or procedure is really needed, will the management change, do I have to do more tests or see other specialists if the test is done? Just like choosing to accept treatment, you choose if you are going to have the tests done. So make sure that you do have the important tests done like for diabetes, heart attacks and cancers but be reluctant for knee and back scans and tests for conditions that can’t be treated!
Dr John McIntosh Mackay GP Superclinic
ophthalmology