Mirror on Macintyre
TWICE WINNER OF NSW SCHOOL NEWSPAPER OF THE YEAR
www.mhsinverell.com.au
ETHAN BOWER AND JACKSON CROSS
ITS time to put some myths to bed. In Australia there is a
pervasive perception that inner city schools, or those in major
centres, provide more of an opportunity and advantage than rural
Public education. Many opinions are wafted around but one thing
is for certain: rural Public education is not second rate. Rural
Public education is something to celebrate.
There is an ideology embedded deeply within the tightly
knit family of Macintyre High School. It follows that if you
give to the community, then they will reciprocate in kind.
This idea is one of the reasons why local schools and their
communities, work like a well-oiled machine; as
components that support one another. From charities to
fund raisers, Ag events to BBQs, sport events to glitzy
concerts, volunteering to work skills, CWA to Interact,
citizenship duties to White Ribbon events, Macintyre
constantly demonstrates partnerships with our community.
Relationships. They are the key to any successful venture
but this is especially true in education. Schools rely on
them, communities thrive on them. There is a shared
ownership that comes from the relationships. Alisa Stevens
a high school teacher from Goulburn NSW told the Mirror
that Relationships in rural schools are above and beyond
those in the big smoke. Author Gabriel Reid agrees stating
From the students I have taught rural students were most
respectful with their relationships with educators as they
know that we are part of their community.
Due to the size of the population in smaller centres,
individuals seem to be devoted to the wellbeing and the
longevity of the people. This could never be truer in the
rural Public school system. Teachers know that rural
Australia is invested in the students success, so in turn
they teach them with the passion, knowledge and
understanding so that one day they too will give back to
their community.
People often hear a mantra about reduced opportunity in
regional and rural areas, thats simply not true. In fact, rural
life can encourage opportunities as it drives us to be
creative. When the Mirror on Macintyre asked Australian
author and educational blogger Marilyn Parker what she
thought made rural Public education so great she said
Dedicated fabulous teachers who live in the community
and high quality leaders make rural Public education
great. The thing about rural schools is that all students and
staff use their leadership skills. Everyone has to pitch in.
Therefore, it follows that the creativity of these leaders is
essential. Not all schools in NSW, nor Australia for that matter,
have access to a Learning Centre to help students extend or
support their learning. Not all schools have a Peer Tutoring
Program that sees students from older years helping their peers
every morning before class. We are the first school in NSW to
give the CWA a junior perspective. To top it off, at Macintyre, we
find ways to make our curriculum diverse. Just look at former
student Janet Turner, whose design has been chosen for the
Village Emblem for the 2018 Commonwealth Games Village
JACKSON CROSS
RURAL Public education is constructed on the relationships of
its students and its teachers, and what better than the relationship
created by 30 years of dedicated work. This was achieved by
teacher Kate George.
It was revealed that one of our longest serving science
teachers, Mrs George, has announced her retirement. After 30
years of committed work to educating the students of Macintyre
High and helping them along, Mrs George is leaving at the end
of the year. Both students and teachers have felt that her leaving
will be both sad and difficult.
Kate is such a caring and compassionate person. Itll be a loss
to the school, said James Richardson. Although teaching is a
flexible career, its going to be difficult to replace such a lovely
person, he continued.
Mrs George has accomplished so much over the years of her
career. From being a year advisor, aiding with student welfare,
and MUNA. Her community commitment to Rotary has also
impacted the school positively with the foundation of a school
Interact Club. She has undoubtedly left a lasting and positive
mark on the staff and students of Macintyre High.
CelebratED
logo in Brisbane. Look also to 2016 graduate Ella Cheal who is
achieving on distinguished levels, accepted to further her
education at prestigious St Martins on the Field in London.
This school is a prestigious art centre with alumni including John
Lennon and world renowned fashion designer John Galliano (aka
Christian Dior).
These are only but some of the examples of how our creativity
flourishes and pays dividends for the future of Australia.
Another myth worth busting is the old one that facilities in rural
areas are limited. In fact rural Public schools have vast acreage
which they utilize for activities such as agriculture, sporting
events and carnivals. With such wide access to the community
Macintyre can also frequently access the town hall, footy fields to
full-fledged basketball arena. All of our sporting carnivals are
held in pristine fields with lots of space.
Our students enjoy the shade and sun of playgrounds vast and
By George, shes going...
open for their recess and lunch. Wherever you look, you see
2017
Friday December 1 2017
nature whether it be bush or gum tree, cattle in fields or even the
occasional brown snake. Fortunately, we are blessed to be this
close to nature and away from the dullness of a concrete jungle.
For many of us, nature is our classroom and one we may even
take for granted.
In rural areas Public schools often have the additional function
of being an economic and social hub for communities.
For example Macintyre is booked by gymnastics, dance,
basketball and tennis groups who wish to use our facilities.
Other schools across the New England region will
regularly book our Hann Gallery or our computer labs for
professional learning. These activities are good for the
economy, providing well-resourced venues for local
business and the young to utilise.
Rural schools often have stronger links to indigenous
culture. Macintyre has very close connections with the
Aboriginal groups of the area. Aboriginal reference
advisory group leader Harry White, Anaiwan local
Aboriginal Land Councils Gregory Livermore. Our very
own Jasmine Connors, Kelvin Brown and local poet,
Aunty Esther Gardener.
Our ties to the Tingha community are strong; cultural
dances at our formal assembly; and workshops at their
school and community centre. A majority of Tingha
Publics students come across to Macintyre to complete
their education. Students of Macintyre immerse
themselves in Aboriginal culture and history, by
attending memorials or history field trips at Myall Creek
and field studies at the local Aboriginal land
reserve Goonoowigall. Perhaps rural students are placed to
have a better understanding of indigenous culture than
their urban peers?
Education back in the days of old was an institution only
for the wealthy and privileged. In this day and age
education is more accessible than ever. However in 2017,
some people still feel the need to rationalise how and
why they are schooled, as a way to gain stature in
common society. This mindset is not a healthy one.
If we start seeing where we are educated as a way to
measure our worth in the world then it defeats what
the concept of Public education was trying to achieve in
the first place; inclusion.
Albert Einstein himself said that I never teach my
pupils; I only provide them with a place to learn. This is
what schooling is ultimately about, to be given the chance to
thrive and learn, facilitated by those who nurture, lead and value
an equitable and just community. These are the principles for
which Public education should be celebrated.
Obviously, Public education can and is flourishing in rural
areas. Just like our Inverell community garden cultivates what it
sows, Macintyre students are reaping the reward of strong
community ties, creative leaders and thinkers , with a close
connection to culture and nature.
Dont you think its time that rural Public schools were
CelebrateED?
Despite her numerous achievements, its the kind,
compassionate and friendly nature of Mrs George that she will
be remembered for most. Students have always loved having her
as their science teacher. Known for her great explanations and
ability to let students have time to embed their learning. Mrs
George has the three strings of science to her teaching bow,
teaching science, chemistry and physics.
One of her funnier traits, among others, is her ability to
misplace her keys, much to the amusement of her fellow staff
with the panic that ensued.
I love the staff, theyre so caring of the kids. Always trying to
help them and look after them, and also the kids themselves.
Theyre really accepting of others who are a bit different, or a bit
quirky, and I love that about Macintyre, said Mrs George.
When I started teaching, I was only going to teach for a few
years and move on to something else. Thirty years down the
track and Im still here, so Ive obviously enjoyed it.
Mrs George will truly be missed after her retirement this year.
It has been said that good teachers know how to bring out the
best in their students and their colleagues. For this, our
Macintyre community sincerely thanks you Mrs George.
 Europe 2017: Rediscovering the past
AMANDA JACOBSEN
EVER dreamt about what travelling
through Europe would be like? Well for
seven students, teachers and community
members this trip became a reality. In April
this year, Macintyre High School teacher,
Lee Cutler took students through Europe,
stopping in Russia, Poland, Germany,
Belgium and France, gaining valuable
cultural and educational experiences as they
went. The regular trips overseas, started out
as an extension for students, which fitted in
with the history syllabus, extending their
knowledge with
incredible hands on
experiences. It has
since become a
tradition at
Macintyre.
For one student, the
trip was more than
an educational
experience. Year 11
student Brooke
Fenton was the first
of her family to visit
her great, great
Uncles grave in
France.
The experience
brought many
emotions, it was very
moving for me to The Europe explorers in front of the Winter Palace in Russia
acknowledge my
relative and his sacrifice in the war,
said Brooke.
For most students, Russia appeared to be
the highlight of the trip, either for the tourist happened there. Having the opportunity to
attractions or for the cuisine.
St. Petersburg was so different to
anywhere Id ever been, the architecture
and the food, the mixture of old and new
was perfectly blended, said Miss Cutler.
Russias culture also appeared to be a
standout, along with Russias iconic onion
domes in their colourful glory, and the
many churches, canals and ageless
buildings and the old Tsarist Winter Palace.
The cuisine, however, may have stayed with height. The group visited the remains of the
the travellers longer than the wonderful
breakfast, there were also sweets for
breakfast and lots of cabbage. Its not hard
to recognise the challenges of finding
normal food. There may have been one
trip to a very unusual McDonalds.
The focus for many students was the
educational benefits, giving them a
better understanding of history and
world events.
An hours drive from Krakow in Poland
is the infamous Nazi concentration
camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, a place where
over one million people lost their lives
during WWII.
Just being there gave me an
overwhelmingly heavy feeling on my
shoulders because of the awful things that
go and see these things really opened my
eyes and gave me a better understanding of
what happened and the scale of these
senseless killings, said year12 student
Terri Ezzy.
In Berlin the group visited many sites
relevant to WWII, including the Holocaust
Memorial, which is dedicated to the
murdered Jews. It is an installation of
cement blocks of differing shapes and
Berlin Wall, now covered in graffiti but still down those doubts, by giving students
an iconic symbol of a changed world.
The group then arrived in Belgium where
WWI was the focus, visiting numerous
Australian battle sites and cemeteries.
Three students participated in the nightly
ceremony at the Menin Gate, where they
laid a wreath on behalf of Macintyre High.
This ceremony has taken place every night
since 1921 except during WWII.
Just across the border in France were
more battle sites from WW1 where
thousands of Australian soldiers sacrificed
themselves for their country. In Paris the
Palace of Versailles was just one of the past
glories of France that was visited. For most
of the group the
highlight of Paris
was of course
another icon the
Eiffel Tower.
The view was just
incredible, you could
see all of Paris. We Students in the Art Deco Moscow underground
gained knowledge
about the wars and
made some pretty
cool memories, said
Rachel McIntyre.
These trips
undoubtedly broaden
the horizons of the
students. They see
how others eat and
live. They always
gain a sense of
independence by learning to survive in
different environments.
It was definitely the chance to connect
with my family history and explore new
vistas, said Brooke Fenton.
Opportunities like these are so valuable
for rural students, it offers them a different
outlook on life, and helps them understand
the wider world and not just their home
country. It takes students out of their
comfort zone.
Rural kids often think that because they
live in rural areas that they cant go out of
the country, they cant travel because they
come from the country. Macintyre breaks
Brooke Fenton and her mother Janita at Guards Cemetery France
endless opportunities to embrace.

Students test their limits with the Duke of Edinburgh

sights. With foods such as liver cake for visiting Brookes great great Uncles graveside

KELSIE JULIUS
ONE of the most exciting things about being in-
volved in the Duke of Edinburgh program are the
adventurous journeys. In October 10 students
full of nerves and excitement headed to Kaputar
National Park.
The idea was for each student to physically
challenge themselves. Firstly by facing a 3.5 km
hike uphill on a wet slippery mountain
1,225 metres high.
Their next day wasnt about going up a hill but
going down with some students doing their first
abseil. Starting with the 15 metre cliff they then
advanced to the 35 metre cliff face.
In November the students once again headed to
the Kaputar National Park to complete their
qualifying expedition. The students were pleased
that it wasnt quite as wet as last time. The first
rock climb was 25 metres, this was followed by a
70 metre abseil which was the biggest one that
everyone completed.
Next on the agenda was a 35 metre abseil
followed by a pruisik, where they had to pull their
own body weight back up the cliff face. This was
particularly challenging to all involved.
The highlight of the trip was a two hour night
time hike to Mt Kaputar which is 1500 metres
high.
From the top of Mt Kaputar we were able to
see the lights of the district including Narrabri,
said organsing teacher, Travis Collins.
During the second trip, year 10 student
Kelsie Julius completed the Bronze level of the
Duke of Edinburgh Award. The rest of the
students are on track to complete the Bronze
in the next few months.
The two weekends trips were amazing. We
hiked, went mountain climbing and most
challenging of all was the abseiling which I had
never done before. It was really hard but super
fun, said year 10 student Caitlin Hinke. Duke Of Edinburgh students exploring Mt Kaputar National Park

Page 2 Mirror On Macintyre


New look for
Junior
students
KATHARINA
BERDESINSKI
MACINTYRE High is flexible
and listens to our community
and student voices. This is
proven by the newest optional
additions to the junior school
uniform. A polyester-cotton polo
shirt, which can be worn on five
days of the week, as well as
being unisex, will now heighten
the comfort level of the student
body. In addition, black shorts
will be an option, along with
skirts and skorts.
The old uniforms are still
available, its just an extra, said
Head Teacher Pam Murphy who
was involved in the
SRC initiatives
R U OK?
KELSIE JULIUS
R U OK? is a suicide
prevention charity in
Australia. It reminds people
that having a meaningful
conversation with mates or
loved ones could save lives.
It focuses on the prevention
of self harm.
Macintyre participated in
the R U OK day by wearing
yellow and hosting a large
sausage sizzle in the
SRC members Charlie Ross, Jackson Bell and Mel McLaren
helping to prepare the BBQ lunch on R U OK? day
Macintyre choir members with Ms Harris. The choir performs regulary in the school assembly
Mirror on Macintyre
Student voices ring out
development of the new shirt.
The shirt and shorts will be sold
in school, the Premier Store and
Kaspers Embroidery.
Initiated by year 9 student
Yash Appadoo, this shirt has
many advantages,including: the
unisex aspect, all week wear,
ease of washing and drying,
and needing no ironing to
maintain its form.
The planning occupied most
of 2017, with every person
involved working hard,
making the realisation of the
project possible.
Im so impressed by
everyones work and
dedication, said SRC
Co-ordinator Lisa Woolcott.
The Parents and Citizens
Association, the SRC and the
student body have shown what
can happen when there is true
partnership within a
school community.
quad for lunch. Years 7-11
were involved in a variety of
information sessions.
Remember, it is always
important for people to have
a time and place to talk about
the good and bad times.
Macintyre High Welfare
meetings provided a forum
for students during Term 3.
A special thanks to Karina
Hutchings, the Senior
Psychologist Education for
our area, who organised and
ran the sessions.
Footy colours
The SRC footy colours day
had many students strutting
the school with pride,
wearing their favourite footy
team colours. Footy Colours
Day is a Fight Cancer
fundraiser helping children
who are living with cancer.
Many students and teachers
wore colours from AFL,
NRL, Rugby and soccer. Its
important to raise awareness
about diseases that impact our
rural communities.
Macintyre makes a splash with a
new drinking fountain
ETHAN BOWER
WHEN Macintyre students identify a need,
they do something about it.
In 2017 the SRC students wanted to install a
new water fountain as part of a school
beautification project. Year 10 student Rohan
Cowley and SRC President Andrew Morris
pitched the idea to the Deputy Principal
Louisa Ouwendyk and it quickly
became a reality.
Its coming close to summer, and the
students needed somewhere to fill up their
water bottles with fresh, cold water. So we
put the plan in motion, said Rohan Cowley.
The fountain has already helped combat
littering by saving more than 3234 disposable
water bottles.
Its really good, I use it around four times a
day to refill my water bottle. Plus its saving the
environment from plastic waste, said Year 8
student Jessie Bills.
Shaving for hope
MACINTYRE High has again exceeded all
expectations with their support of the Leukaemia
Foundation. During March, students and teachers
dressed up in blue and orange shirts and wicked
looking hair to raise money.
The SRC donated many delicious cupcakes which
sold out before the main event. Three students and
two teachers stepped onto the stage to shave their
heads in support of the foundation.
Congratulations to all those people who helped
out and donated in some way and to the very
brave shavers for their support of this cause.
A big thank you to Sarah from Fusion Styling
for volunteering her time to shave the heads
of those who participated.
Lachlan Martin, Kelsie Julius and Scott Thomas
2017 - 2018 Year 12 SRC Presidents: Andrew Morris, Brooke Fenton,
and Vice Presidents Kaylee Harding and Jackson Bell with Principal Lindsay Paul
Kim Almoite, Manilyn Macalos, Rowena Gascon and Keith Almoite at the Year 12 social
Page 3

Welcome down under
KATHARINA BERDESINSKI
AS long as I can remember, Ive always wanted
to go and live in a different country. This year, my
dream finally came true and I was able to go on
an exchange. I must say that I am positively
surprised. Down under is far better than I could
have ever imagined.
Although I still dont understand the attachment
that you guys have to Vegemite It is waaay too
salty to taste good! However, who would have
thought that I had to travel across the globe to try
Frankfurts, when the city Frankfurt is only 50 km
from my place. Even though your food tastes
weird, Australian people are the friendliest Ive
ever had the pleasure to meet. The students and
teachers of Macintyre High made me feel
welcome from the very first moment I stepped
on school grounds and I am proud to be a part of
this wonderful community.
In Aussie land, even strangers, whom I have
never spoken to before, greet me with a smile.
This doesnt happen in big cities, like the ones I
have lived in up until now. Inverell should really
be careful I might not want to leave if you
Kat with her grandma and one of her host sisters, Jacqueline Garland, at Macintyre Falls
Editorial
Committee 2017
Supervising Editors:
Miss Lee Cutler,
Mrs Carla Beattie
Journalists: Katharina Berdesinski, Ethan Bower,
Jackson Cross, Brayden Barnewell, Madeline Dunbar,
Kelsie Julius, Lachlan Martin, Haylee Wyndham, Amanda Smith
Photos: Students and staff of Macintyre High School,
The School Photographer, Lynverell Photography
Cartoonist: Jackson Cross
Macintyre High School would like to thank the Inverell community for its generous support through out 2017.
Page 4
Culture Corner
Macintyre - artists at heart
continue to be this nice to me. Even my ETHAN BOWER and In November, the year 12 HSC students
friends from Germany tell me that I look way JACKSON CROSS showcased their major works at the Inverell Art
happier over here. This years art class has been very busy with a Gallery. The works involved showed great artistic
I had to catch a tram in Germany, but here I can range of projects and excursions throughout the aptitude and creativity. The night showed what
just walk from one end of Inverell to the other in year. The year 12 art students went to Sydney Macintyre students can achieve when they set
15 minutes. Instead of multiple story buildings, on an art excursion to see the Art Express. their minds to it.
the houses here are single story and in many During their visit to Sydney, they also visited Robbie Burnett took on the task of bringing new
rooms a television set decorates the wall, another the Australian Centre for Photography, to see life to a mural painted in 1978. The piece has
thing that is different where I come from. It is a the Anderson Exhibit. It was an educational resided in Blue block at the school for 39 years.
different world over here. and memorable experience for all the Mr Burnett and his art students have recently
It was difficult for me to adjust to the students involved. been restoring the piece to its former glory.
Australian culture which centres far more around
outdoor activities. Even though I am more of a
reader, it is nice to be pushed out of my comfort
zone but the venomous or poisonous animals,
I still dont know the difference, are pretty
intimidating. I have never been much of a snake
person. Or one for big spiders. It is a shame that
laying in the high grass is not an option here. On
the other hand, I dont think that I would have
experienced herding geese somewhere else.
I really look forward to the rest of my stay here
and all of the stuff I will do with the people I am
happy to be able to call my friends.
Year 12 visual arts and textiles students with Mr Burnett and Miss Brooker at the Inverell Art Gallery
Textiles students Chloe Jakins and Hayley Duffy
Merry
Visual arts student Alisha Bagnall with her HSC major works
Christmas
Wishing you all a safe and merry
Christmas and a Happy New Year
Mirror on Macintyre

MADELINE DUNBAR
YEAR 12 advisor Robbie Burnett has guided
year 12 since 2012. One of the best parts of
being their Year Advisor was getting to know the
students over such a long time
The future of these students looks very bright,
said Mr Burnett.
Year 12 is now waiting anxiously for their
HSC results which will be released on Thursday
14 December
Six years of high school finished with a
Farewell assembly followed by the Formal at
the Inverell RSM.
HS CU later
Year 12 formal Many students said the highlight was being able
to get dressed up while enjoying a lovely event
AS usual the year 12 formal was a glittering with their friends and family.
affair with amazing dresses and suits on display. All the speeches and photos put a huge smile
The group was entertained by Mr Burnetts on my face, said Charlie Houghton. For many
entertaining speech which few will forget. It was students the formal gave them one last time to all
a memorable night for year 12 and their parents. be together before they took on their exams.
It gave us a chance to forget about the stress Memories were shared, as well as laughs and
of year 12 and HSC exams and enjoy one maybe a few tears.
anothers company, said year 12 student It was definitely a night they wont forget.
Brooke Marshall.
Youre off to great places! Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!
~Dr Suess
HSC major projects
ONCE again the year 12 industrial technology
students created some high quality major
projects. Colette Monaghan designed and
built a unique curved leg desk.
Colettes desk along with Jack Solomon
and Nathan Pearces coffee tables have been
nominated for inclusion in InTech, an
exhibition of outstanding HSC major projects
from HSC industrial technology students.
Year 12 music student Matthew Hill was
nominated to present his HSC performance at
ENCORE at the Sydney Opera House.

SCR leaders Maxwell Dolby and Sarah Woodhead with the SRC Executive back: Bodie Nicholls, Kate Hackney, Katina Gibbs, Siobhan Harvey, Colette Monaghan and
Governor of NSW David Hurley at Government House Hayley Duffy. Front: Terri Ezzy, Tianne Riley, Maxwell Dolby, Sarah Woodhead and Ebony Romer
Mirror on Macintyre Page 5

Maths it all adds up!
ETHAN BOWER and
BRAYDEN BARNEWALL
IT has been a busy year for Macintyre High
Mathematics department, with two national
competitions and a mathematics day for
the year 8 students.
The Australian Maths Competition was held in
July. Three students in year 9 entered the
competition,with Holly Perkuhn being awarded
with a credit.
Competitions like these give students a good
idea of where they sit, against other students, and
Faculty spotlight
help them reflect on where they need to grow their
skillset, said Rachel Webster, maths teacher.
Junior students also participated in the Manga
High Super Hero Challenge, which was held in
Term 3. The goal was to achieve the highest
score on various maths quizzes, tests and games
on Manga High.
Many students achieved high scores and earned
medals, with Mikayla Budda-Deen, Liam Pearce,
Joeriz Aguirre, Justin Quirona and Hannah Appleby
all achieving gold medals.
The results that have been achieved reflect well
on the work ethic of the students at Macintyre
High School.
STEM Program
KELSIE JULIUS
For the last three years Macintyre High has
been running a year 6 transition program called
STEM. STEM stands for science, technology,
engineering and maths. All year 6 students from
Inverell Public have had the opportunity to
experience this for four hours a week as part of
their learning routine. The program offers an
insight into different aspects of high school
learning. This year student projects have
included a timber pencil case, a timber dice
pencil holder, and a metal spinning top.
Students were also involved in different
sporting games they normally wouldnt
experience in primary school. An added bonus is
early familiarisation with the new physical
environment making the final transition
less challenging.
The program has made a really good name
for itself and has been supported by parents
who have really gotten behind it, said Head
Teacher Technological and Applied Studies,
Jeff Ting
Year 6 student Lochie Solomon said Its so
fun to be involved in. It has helped us to know
more about high school and experience the
many different things you can do.
The future of STEM at Macintyre looks bright.

The right chemistry A very curious mind

for science
BRAYDEN BARNEWALL and
JACKSON CROSS
This year has been a productive year for the
students of Macintyre High School, with students
having the opportunity to participate in a variety of
competitions throughout the year. This included
the Big Science Competition which tests both the
critical thinking and problem solving skills of
participants.
Macintyre students were rewarded with some high
achievements. Two year 9 girls took out the top
scores, with both Holly Perkuhn and Chloe Harris
receiving high distinctions.
Year 10 students Brayden Barnewall and
Hannah Johnstone received a distinction and a
credit respectively.
A total of 49 Macintyre students participated in
the Big Science Competition this year. It is
through embracing opportunities such as this
that we stretch our minds.
indeed!
A high distinction for Chloe Harris in the science
contest, placed her in the prestigious and highly
academic program called Curious Minds. The
programme supports the study and interests of
students in the key STEM learning areas: science,
technology, engineering and mathematics.
Holly Perkuhns scholarship has provided her with
funding and educational resources. The scholarship
is provided to young girls who are geographically
disadvantaged, and who show great potential in
Mathematics and Science.
Earlier this year Macintyre year 10 students had
the opportunity to participate in the Science and
Engineering Challenge. The school placed third in
the competition between local schools of the area.
The competition had several events, including
constructing a mechanical hand, bridge building,
and many others.
It has been a full and productive year, said Head
of Science, James Richardson. Chloe Harris, Holly Perkuhn, Mr Richardson, Hannah Johnstone and Branden Barnwall

Today a reader, tomorrow a leader: English

KELSIE JULIUS

Speaking up a storm
THE debating and public speaking
representatives started the year strong.
The year 9/10 debating team experienced a
fantastic win against Glen Innes arguing for
the ban of alcohol at public events. The year
7/8 debating team went up confidently
against Armidale High and came out with a
well-deserved win.
Three Macintyre students willingly put
their hands up to volunteer in the annual
Rotary Public Speaking competition.
Lachlan Blair, Brooke Fenton and Ethan
Bower represented at the Inverell RSM.
Ethan went on to place runner up, allowing
him to go to the second round in Warialda.

Best of the best.

THERE was great success in this years
English competition. Holy Perkuhn of year
9 received a high distinction putting her in
the top 2% of Australia. Kate Hackney and
Katina Gibbs of year 12, Sophie Ditchfield
of year 11, Emily Hickey and Jackson Cross
of year 10, all received credits. Junior
students Hannah Appleby, Abigail Chetham,
Piper Cribb, Grace Dunbar and Lily King Jackson Cross, Hannah Appleby, Abigail Chetham, Piper Cribb, Lily King, Grace Dunbar and Emily Hickey
also received a credit for their amazing
effort, and Ethan Bower received a merit.

New innovations.
Many juniors at Macintyre High may have
noticed that Fridays have become even more
exciting. Not only is it the end of the week:
but it is also time for Friday Writing.
This innovation helps stimulate creativity,
encourage peer collaboration and build
writing skills. Many students believe that
Friday Writing is enjoyable. Friday Writing
is the best lesson of the week, said year 10
student Haylee Wyndham.
Friday Writing is not the only new thing
for improving student writing. Literacy
Planet has recently been introduced to the
classroom. The program is used for reading
writing and grammar skills. It operates as a
gamified system, targeting students needs.
Students can access this program both at
Mikayla Budda-Deen and Elijah Dunlop Holly Perkuhn and Chloe Harris
school and at home.
Page 6 Mirror on Macintyre
 A world of skill
Growing and showing the future
Massive recognition
MACINTYRE students attended the North West Regional State Training awards in Tamworth. VET students
Taylor Withers, Amanda Page and Emily Battle were all nominated. Taylor was successful in winning runner up
and Amanda Page received a highly commended in this section. Five school based trainees represented MHS,
Jake Cracknell in Certificate III in Property Services and Primary Industries for stock and station agents,
Jeddelyn Macalos for Certificate III in Aged Care, Kayla Griffiths and Kaitlyn Pay for Certificate III in Nursing
and Joshua Brand for a Certificate III in Building. Jeddelyn Macalos, was awarded a highly commended
for her work at McLean Care.

My Grandfather used to say that once in your life you need a

doctor, a lawyer, a policeman and a preacher but everyday
three times a day you need a farmer
Brenda Schoepp , Farmer
LACHLAN MARTIN
ITS time to break some misconceptions! At
Macintyre many students study agriculture and have
realised its so much more than just walking
that cow or mustering and drafting that mob of sheep.
Without even knowing it, they are continually
using powerful mind-sets. Creative thinking,
initiative, problem solving and team work are just
some of the skills students get to put into use.
Exposure to industry networks and career options
pathways are the bonus. Agriculture is not just
walking cattle and sheep around in a show ring. Thats
just the icing on the cake. Its the long days and
many hard hours of work that go into it. Its the
years of breeding, selections and managing nutrition
to prepare one animal to compete. There are
countless field and expo days attended to further
enhance industry knowledge.
So, next time you eat a meal, thank a farmer!
Theres more to it and thanks to MHS, agriculture is
going to have a healthy impact on the future.
Hard work pays off
THIS year students competed all around the traps,
from Brisbane to Dubbo to Sydney. Amy Whitechurch
had a very successful year in the ring, receiving
Grand Champion parader at Dubbo Charolais
Nationals, the Inverell show and Reserve Champion
at Glenn Innes show. Amy also broke in, prepped and
led a Charolais X steer which got fourth at EKKA.
Macintyre had huge success with steers and sheep Taylor Withers receiving runners-up at the North West Regional Training awards
at the Royal Sydney Show this year, achieving first
and second places in the led White Suffolk classes.
Our Santa X Speckle Park steer performed extremely
well placing fouth in its class and third on the hook
and overall winning a Bronze medal.
To top off the year, the Lismore North Coast
Nationals was a huge success with Macintyre
receiving Grand Champion Charolais bull. The
Angus/Limo/Simental steer received a third in the
schools steers medium weight class. This was a great
result considering it weighed 1kg too heavy to be in
the light weight class.

Amy Whitechurch with judge Krystelle Ridley

MHS Ag students 2017 Photo- The School Photographer

Caitlin whips up a plate of GOLD

Macintyre recently hosted the Regional World Skills Hospitality Kitchen Operations competition in our Trade
Training Centre commercial standard kitchen. Five students from the Tamworth Registered Training
Organisation traveled from Gunnedah, Peel, Inverell and Macintyre High Schools. Macintyre was represented
by year11 student Caitlin Roberts.
The talented cooks had to demonstrate their culinary and management skills by preparing and serving a three
course meal for four people in three and a half hours. Caitlin says she began with some nerves but just went
with it and her calm composure saw her serve an entre of bruschetta duo, a main of garlic chicken in a creamy
mustard sauce accompanied by duchess potatoes, carrot batons and zucchini spirals. Her menu was topped off
by a lemon polenta cake for dessert. Macintyre Hospitality teacher Bernadette Birmingham praised Caitlin for
her resilience under pressure.
The day finished on an outstanding note for Macintyre, with Caitlin receiving the gold, Jessica Smith from
Inverell High silver and Jessica Moore of Gunnedah bronze. Students were presented with their awards by Mr
Darren Fromson, Senior Pathways Officer, Adamstown School Services.
Caitlin said she couldnt believe it when her win was announced but she was very excited and happy. Caitlins
advice to anyone entering a competition like this? Just breathe, take your time, evaluate and follow your work
flow. Sounds like advice we can all follow, after all, they say character is revealed or even forged under
pressure. Caitlyn has most definitely revealed hers.

Just breathe, take your time,

evaluate and follow your work flow
- Caitlin Roberts
Caitlin Roberts receiving her award from Mr Darren Fromson

Mirror on Macintyre 7
 Smashing goals
HAYLEE WYNDHAM

Pitch perfect Hit and home run

THE Open Girls softball team travelled to Tamworth IN August the Open Boys softball team
North West
to compete in the CHS knockout. The team played journeyed to Newcastle to play in the Representatives
extremely well and all scored home runs. NSWCHS competition and were placed
The team then progressed to the next round and in the top 16 teams in the state.
became the North West Champions. Congratulations to Captain Alex Whites pitches were Athletics
Chloe Johnson, Demi Keating and Sophie Hayden on challenging for the opposition, Jack Brandon OGrady
Dylan Mutimer
their outstanding performances. Solomon was an asset pitching strikes Ethan Bower
and scoring a home run. The team work Ethan Horwood
Shooting goals was outstanding and the boys learnt a lot Jorgie Cribb
IN August the year 7/8 Boys and year 8 Girls netball about the complex game of softball. Kelsie Julius
teams travelled to Tamworth to represent Macintyre in Nathan Pearce
the School Cup. The girls team went in Toby Solomon
undefeated and played well in the windy conditions. Hoops! We did it again Netball
The boys team had a successful day making it to MACINTYRES Under 15s Boys Chloe Thompson
Whitney Melvin-Smith, Caitlin Phillips, Sophie McWhirter, Katie Mitchell,
the grand final, only missing out on State by one basketball team played in the Zone Bonnie Snaith and Jaimee Walker at the swimming carnival Softball
goal. They did extremely well adapting to the new knockout. They clashed with Armidale,
Chloe Johnson
sport and rules. Tenterfield and Coonabarabran. Shooting star Sophie Sophie Hayden
Their solid teamwork rewarded them TRUE champions believe in themselves even when nobody else does, said
with three wins.They then faced a much Sophie Hayden, year 12 student and sporting leader from Macintyre, best known Cross Country
taller, stronger Farrer High team and Rohan Cowley
for her sense of humour and sporting spirit. Sophie is talented in many ways. Zara Lewis
unfortunately didnt come out with a Her most memorable moment was when she received MVP for softball.
win. Sophie is athletic, versatile and important to any team she plays in. She is an Touch (U 15 Girls)
The Inter-Regional final was against outstanding leader and has a good sense of fair play. She plays in the right spirit Amiel Griffiths
Coffs Harbour High. Unfortunately their and always participates, said Lisa Watson. Sophie has had a huge impact on Annalise Crisp
strong defence and team work overcome many sporting teams at Macintyre and will be missed greatly. Chloe De Gunst
our Under 15 Boys.
Gymnastics
Miranda Hodges
Sharleigh Phillips
Sophie Kastelein

Lawn Bowls
William Latter

Cricket (Open Girls)

Year 7/8 Girls Touch team with coach Ian Ryan Chloe Johnson

Touch and go Swimming

Lilly Seagrott
THE year 7/8 Girls touch team attended a touch Shae Raw
carnival in early August and came out undefeated. Rohan Cowley
By the end of the day they were down to nine players
and managed to keep the other teams tries down
to only one.
House
They recently travelled to Penrith to play the State Captains
finals to place themselves amongst the top 16 teams
in the state.
Rob Roy captains:
Ethan Bower,
Haylee Wyndham
Vice: Andrew Appleby,
Chloe Johnson

Stirling captains:
Rohan Cowley,
Kelsie Julius
Vice: Toby Solomon,
Gosha Heldtz,
Annameka Hyatt

Sinclair captains:
River Melia,
Chloe Thompson
Vice: Clinton Masterson,
Andrew Morris, Sophie
Ditchfield, Emily Carr

Fraser captains:
Jackson Bell,
Mykayla Crisp
Vice: John Quirona,
Aidan Sparke-Gaukroger,
Catherine Borgas,
Hannah Crisp