23 May 2018

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

I was very pleased with the strong attendance of parents and carers at our recent parent teacher interviews. It is important to the academic success of our students that parents and teachers are able to work together to support students’ progress. Part of the journey through high school is realising what sort of a student you are and where your talents and abilities lie. The opportunities to focus these talents and begin to specialise in your studies increases as you progress through school. This was further supported by our recent QTAC presentation. This was an opportunity for our Year 10 students and parents and any other parents to gain a greater insight into the new QCE and ATAR system coming into effect next year. The school is supporting the students with further information about the choices that lie ahead as they prepare for the SET Plans later this year.

There have been a host of recent opportunities for students to engage in a wide variety of activities over the last few weeks. Before the holidays many of our Year 7 students had the opportunity to attend the Queensland Museum’s mummy exhibit. Participation was exceptional and by all reports the excursion has certainly fostered an interest in the Ancient histories. Wynnum SHS was well represented in local ANZAC Day ceremonies. Minna Stephens was outstanding in her address. We are all very PROUD of her presentation. Our musicians along with our wonderful instrumental staff played to our local communities on Mother’s Day. Thank you to the staff, students and families who have given time to support Wynnum this term.

We have visited all the catchment primary schools and have begun taking enrolments for 2019, with our first round of weekend interviews this past weekend. School tours occur on designated Thursday afternoons. Please contact the school if you would like to participate. Year 7 2019 Info Night is not too far away. We are looking at another strong Year 7 intake in 2019.

The school has been identified to receive an additional building for the start of 2019. The build will initially include four classrooms, and staff and student amenities with future proofing of another three classrooms. Plans are well underway and will replace the existing Amenities Block near Memorial Park. It is anticipated that this development will begin later this term. We will keep you informed of progress and starting dates as the back gate will be locked throughout the build.

Last week, our Years 7 and 9 students undertook their National Assessment Plan – Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) test. This is a great opportunity for our students to really show off their skills and I look forward to seeing another year of fantastic achievements from our students. Thank you to our P&C association, for sponsoring the sausage sizzle on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.

School Captains’ Trip to Parliament

On 2 May, we were invited by our Local Member for Lytton, Mrs Joan Pease, to visit Brisbane’s Parliament House. The students accompanied by Mrs Kim Hutchinson, were given a personal tour by Mrs Pease’s personal assistant, Joey of all Parliament House has to offer.

During our tour, we saw plenty of familiar politicians walking past with an inviting smile. We witnessed a press conference on the grass in the centre of the Parliament House buildings. We were also fortunate enough to see Ms Joan Pease sitting in the Legislative Assembly, which was very engaging and interesting. To hear her input on the importance of preserving the Great Barrier Reef and the significance it has as a tourism destination definitely left an impression on all of us. Joey gave us a thorough look around Parliament where we visited the Legislative Council Chambers. An interesting fact we learnt was that the Chambers were straight across from the Legislative Assembly. He also showed us the former and current members’ board and discovered that Ms Pease’s Grandfather was a former member in the early 20th century.

Notably, our lunch at the Strangers’ Dining Room with Ms Pease was a highlight. The delicious three course meal was some of the most sophisticated foods we had ever eaten. Over the course of the lunch, we met the Minister for Education and Industrial Relations, The Honourable Mrs Grace Grace, who let us take a photo to commemorate the day. We also found it extremely enjoyable to discuss various topics with Ms Pease; sharing our goals for the year. Overall, we had a lovely time at Parliament House and are very grateful to Ms Joan Pease for giving us the opportunity.

Nina Seychell

ANZAC Day

On Monday 23rd April, the four Junior Secondary Captains left Manly Station at 8:47am to attend the 2018 ANZAC Day Students’ Ceremony. Ava T, Aaron L, Mekayla A and Shiran S were joined by Chappy Greg and Tanya to represent Wynnum State High School in this prestigious event, with guest speakers such as the Honourable Annastacia Palaszczuk and the Honourable Paul de Jersey, the Premier and Governor of Queensland respectively.

A catafalque party – which was made up of cadets – surrounded the ANZAC Square war memorial to start off the ceremony. By that time, the square was filled with approximately 3000 students from schools all across Brisbane, as well as citizens who just happened to walk by and decided to stay to commemorate Australian and New Zealand soldiers.

The ceremony was moving and reminded us of how truly lucky we are to have citizens willingly risk their lives to give us the ultimate gift of freedom.

Mekayla Anog

ANZAC March Report

Although the horror of Gallipoli occurred over 100 years ago, some may believe that the qualities displayed by these brave women and men would become weary over time. The ANZAC spirit is still present in how the youth of today live their lives. The sacrifices of the ANZACS allow us to live our lives in peace and harmony in a country which offers so much potential for the future.

My understanding of the legacy of these audacious soldiers was cemented a couple of weeks ago at the ANZAC Day ceremony in Manly. Wynnum State High School was represented by our school captains, teachers and fellow students who marched proudly on the day. This occasion gave me the chance to really step back, and appreciate the significance of ANZAC Day in my community. I was in the presence of many families whose relatives had fought in the war and was excited to see so many young people wearing their medals. Not only did the ceremony bring the community together, it made everyone realise that the ANZAC spirit will never be forgotten and is still thriving today.

I am forever grateful that I was given the opportunity to represent our school alongside my fellow school captains and stand alongside these fine people whilst laying the wreath at the ceremony. The turnout of the Wynnum Manly community was a magnificent sight and everyone who attended the ceremony was definitely moved by each and every speaker including our own, Minna Stephens. Her words were inspirational and received an amazing reception. I can’t thank everyone enough for this opportunity. This ceremony was simply unforgettable and I truly was grateful to lead our exceptional school in this event. Thank you and Lest We Forget.

Kai Bowen

School ANZAC Day Ceremony

On 24 April, Wynnum High held its annual ANZAC Day commemoration. The atmosphere throughout the assembly was extremely solemn. The ceremony began with the official party arriving at 9:10 am and this was followed by a wonderful performance from Wynnum State High School’s Symphonic Band. Special thanks to our honoured guest Serge Rossingnol from the Manly Lota RSL Sub-Branch who delivered an important message to the school about the hard work, dedication and sacrifice that our diggers made all those years ago. With the laying of the wreaths followed by the ode and delivery of the prayer from our school chaplain Greg Deighton, the ceremony came to a close with the official party taking their leave to relay the wreaths at the memorial at the front of the school.

Bayley Romeril

Senior School News

Congratulations to Isabel Wilbor in Year 12. Earlier this month, Isabel was awarded a Brisbane Award (Achievement) at Brisbane City Hall for her effort in accumulating three VET Certificates: Certificate II in Business, Certificate II in Fashion Manufacturing and Certificate III in Hospitality. Isabel is also currently undertaking a Traineeship in Early Childhood (Certificate III) along with completing her final year at Wynnum High. Isabel’s dedication, organisational skills and work ethic will make her a very attractive employee for any business owner fortunate enough to employ her. Well done Isabel and we wish you all the best while you continue to prepare for life after school.

SCOPE BURSARY

Jenny Peach from the Scope Club of Wynnum Inc presented Skye-Maree Wallace in Year 11 with a $600 bursary at our assembly last week. The Scope Club is a women’s community service club whose charter involves giving back to the community. The club has offered this bursary to a Wynnum SHS student for a number of years now and we are very grateful for their support. Skye-Maree was thrilled to be accepted as this year’s bursary recipient and we know it is well deserved. Congratulations Skye-Maree.

CONGRATULATIONS!

Congratulations to Erin Genrich in Year 12 on achieving a GPA of '7' for the UQ Enhanced Studies Program which she completed earlier this semester. Well done!

Rostrum Voice of Youth 2018

On Saturday 28th April, three of our Year 7 students proudly represented our school in the Rostrum Voice of Youth public speaking competition which was held at QUT, Gardens Point. Lucy Stephens, Cassidy Newell and Annaliese Bohnstedt were given the following topics to choose from:

Trip back in time
When it’s gone, it’s gone
No joking matter
Proud to be different
In your wildest dreams

They were required to prepare a speech of six minutes and present to a room full of students, parents, teachers and an adjudicator. These young ladies spoke confidently when competing against students from Years 7, 8 and 9 from other schools throughout Brisbane and we are so impressed with how they performed. Lucy, Cassidy and Annaliese are already showcasing their skills as leaders of our school and we look forward to working with them in the future.

Mrs Kennedy and Mrs Chand

Creative Arts News

Variety Night

Variety Night this year is on Thursday 31 May and Friday 1 June. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased from Student Services. There is allocated seating. There will be no tickets sold at the door.

We have over 100 students performing in Variety Night this year with Music, Dance, Drama, Media and Visual Art being well represented by students from Years 7 – 12.

Come along and support the wonderfully talented young people who are performing. It will be a great family night out.

Instrumental Music - Family Bush Dance

The Instrumental Music Parents Support group (IMPS) is running a raffle with the first prize being a 5-day holiday at any Rydges Hotel in Australia and New Zealand for 2 adults and 2 children (12 and under).

Cr Peter Cummings and Dan LeMan from the Wynnum Music Centre have very generously contributed prizes to our raffle. Second prize is a HD TV and third prize is a Tanglewood acoustic guitar. The tickets will be drawn at the IMPS annual Bush Dance of Saturday 16 June.

Mother’s Day in the Park and Rotary Family Fair

The Symphonic Band, Concert Band and Big Band played at local community events, Mother’s Day in the Park and the Rotary Family Fair, over two weekends in May. The bands were wonderfully prepared by Mrs Anderson and Mr Cosic. Thank you to all the parents who support their child’s music education by transporting their child to and from these weekend events. You will be able to hear all the bands play again at Variety Night.

JUNIOR SHOWCASE

Showcase is on Tuesday 12 June in the Star Theatre from 5pm. Students from Years 7 – 9 who chose an Arts elective in Semester 1 have an opportunity to perform for family and friends on this evening. Music, Dance and Drama students will perform in the Star Theatre and Visual Arts students work will be on display in the foyer of the Star Theatre. The performance will start at 5 pm.

CONGRATULATIONS TO MEEKA IRELAND

Meeka has been accepted into the prestigious Pacific Honours Ensemble Program (PHEP)

PHEP is hosted by the Western International Band Clinic of the United States and is now in its 12th year of being held. The program sees the unity of over 600 American honour band students joined by a few representatives from Australia in Seattle, Washington as part of a partnership between the Queensland Conservatorium and WIBC. Students involved in this program get to experience popular sights in Seattle and be taught under world class conductors and educators such as Dr Ralph Hultgren and Robert W. Smith. The PHEP trip commences on the 12th November and goes until the 21st November. Congratulations to Meeka for being accepted into this program.

Year 7 History Excursion

During the last week of Term One, on 26th and 27th March, 100 of our eager Year 7 Humanities students were invited to attend the Ancient Mummies: exploring ancient lives exhibition at the Queensland Museum. Six mummies from the period 3000 to 1800 BC and 200 artefacts from the Egyptian collection of the British Museum were on display, allowing our students to discover how embalming took place through visualisations based on CT scans of the mummies and what life along the Nile Valley was like. The ancient texts, coffins, masks, jewellery and funerary objects were fascinating.

Each student was able to explore and study objects and real human remains at the exhibition revealing detailed information about the lives, beliefs and practices of the ancient Egyptians. At the time students were studying ancient Egypt in their history classes and benefited from this fantastic cultural experience. It was amazing to see the stunned and awed faces of these apprentice historians as they roamed around the exhibition, diligently filling in their excursion booklets with information and facts about these ancient artefacts.

Highlights from the museum’s collection included the ‘smelling station’ where students were able to identify and smell the different types of substances used to help mummify these ancient bodies; looking at the magical purposes of ancient Egyptian amulets in the mummification process; learning about ancient death and disease that afflicted the ancient Egyptians; and last, but not least, the many ancient mummies that were on display for study.

This was a ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity for our Year 7s – one they hopefully remember in years to come.

Emilie Bertsch

News from the Language Department

MLTAQ French Teachers’ Branch

Calligram Competition 2018

Design a calligram using A4 paper, making sure that your design fills as much of the paper as possible.

Year 5 and 6

What does France mean to you?

Year 7 and 8

How is the Brisbane French festival significant?

Judges will be looking for

• Originality of design.
• Accurate use of French language.

Please note

We will not be able to return entries so take a picture, scan or make a copy of your work in advance.

• CLOSING DATE IS FRIDAY 15TH JUNE 2018
• We will not consider any entries received after this date.
• Please send entries to Jeanette MacGregor, Stuartholme, 365 Birdwood Terrace, Toowong 0r email to jmacgregor@stuartholme.com
• $2 per entry.
• Winning entries will be displayed at the Brisbane French Festival.
• Prizes will be provided by the Alliance Française de Brisbane

HOST FAMILIES

Library News

Premier’s Reading Challenge 2018

Wynnum SHS students in Years 7-9 will this year participate in the 2018 Premier’s Reading Challenge. Students in Years 10-12 will also participate in a Reading Challenge so we are unified in our reading practices across the school. The reading period for the 2018 Premier's Reading Challenge has begun and closes Friday 24 August. We look forward to seeing as many of our students as possible embrace the 2018 Premier’s Reading Challenge.

Reading plays an important part in students’ lives during their school years and beyond. It allows children to actively engage their imagination and opens up a world of educational opportunities.

This year the Premier has challenged all state and non-state school students from Years 7 to 9 to read 15 books and we are asking Year 10-12 students to read 7 books in this time. This allows for differences in complexity of reading and school workloads. The following literature forms can be counted towards the challenge:

• printed books
• e-books, virtual books and digital publications
• graphic novels and comic books
• audio and braille books
• newspapers, magazines and recipe books
• books in languages other than English.

Students will take part in this year’s challenge by logging their books with our school’s Premier’s Reading Challenge coordinator, Mrs Redsell the Teacher Librarian.

Every student from Years 7-9 who completes the challenge will receive a Certificate of Achievement signed by the Premier. Students who participate but don’t complete the challenge receive a Certificate of Participation from the school. These certificates will be presented during the Premier’s Reading Challenge celebration weeks to be held 5 – 16 November 2018.

For more information about the Premier’s Reading Challenge, please visit the following page:

How Parents can support the Premier’s Reading Challenge

Yours truly, can play a big part in your student’s future by encouraging them to be part of this positive initiative as we are looking to develop and sustain in students the habit and enjoyment of reading for pleasure and to enrich students' intellectual, aesthetic, cultural and emotional growth. We would love for you to support us by buying and donating an age appropriate book that we don’t already have in our Library or that your student loves. Our local bookstores such as The Madhatter’s Bookshop and Little Gnome are supporting our challenge and will have a list of books we are seeking. If you would personally like the list of books we are seeking please e-mail sreds8@eq.edu.au . Once you have purchased the book for donation please include a donation entry in the front cover stating the family name of the donator and the date and drop in to the Library. For every book donated the family will go into the draw to win a prize.

Special Education News

Nationally Consistent Collection of Data on School Students with Disability

Our school will participate in the Nationally Consistent Collection of Data this year. The only data being collected at the school level to be reported nationally is the:

• number of students in the school who are provided with an adjustment to address a disability
• level of adjustments provided for those students
• broad category of disability

Only data that cannot identify your child will be submitted outside of the Department. If you do not wish for your child’s data to be included, please contact Alicia Black on 3906 7309.

Sport News

Track & Field Carnival

Date: Friday 15 June.
Time: 8:50am – 2:50pm

It's that time of year again! As we build up to our Athletics Carnival in week 9 we are beginning our Pre-carnival events during lunch times. This year we will be doing High Jump! The more participants we have the more points your house receives!

2018 Cross Country

It’s official, Mitchell House is the new force in Cross Country running. From the opening war cry, tribal bragging rights were on the line and the rivalry between Cunningham, Kennedy, Mitchell and Oxley houses was fierce. The early rain and intermittent showers added to the drama. On its own cross country running is a challenge but to run and win the in the mud one must overcome real adversity.

Congratulations to our Age Champions and Runners-Up Age Champions who will make up the backbone of the school team to run at the Bayside District Cross Country carnival.

Many thanks to the runners, walkers, helpers, House Captains, teachers and groundsmen who, together, made the 2018 Cross Country a fantastic day.

Bayside District Cross Country

Well done to all who participated in the Bayside District Cross Country on 27 April.

Congratulations to the people students who placed in the Top 20:

Felicity Bradford
Holly Kelk
Kalani Birchall
Bailey Gordon
Baden Hammermeister
Euan Day

Peter Bekiros
Cross Country Coordinator

Oxley House Colour Fun Run

The Oxley House Colour Fun Run was also held on the last day of Term 1. This was a great day that was enjoyed by everyone involved. Thank you to Oxley House and Mr Peters for organising it.

Maths Department News

The Australian Mathematics Competition

The Australian Mathematics Competition (AMC) was introduced in Australia in 1978 as the first Australia-wide Mathematics competition for students. It has since spread internationally, with students in more than 30 countries attempting the same problems.

Students are asked to solve 30 problems in 75 minutes (Years 7–12).

The problems, designed to test mathematical thinking and questions, are designed so that they can be answered just as quickly without a calculator as with one. The problems get more difficult through the competition, so that at the end they are challenging!

Competition Date, 9 August

Entries close 10 June

Free entry to this competition as the school will pay the entry fee. See your maths teacher to enter ASAP.

Mathletics

We’ve always known that Mathletics provides a significant advantage to all students who use it. Now it’s been proven.

Dr. Tony Stokes, from ACU Sydney, published an independent study looking into external standardised test results from over 8000 schools over a five year period, across Grades 3, 5, 7 & 9. The results speak for themselves and the best part is...students at Wynnum State High School already have access!

All students in Years 7-9 at Wynnum SHS have access to Mathletics! They can login at home or at school.

Mr Peter Wilson
HOD Mathematics

Career News

Skills for the Future

My Skills website

This site is an Australian Government website where you can find information about nationally recognised training courses, registered training organisations and financial assistance. You can find out information on the following industries:

• Agriculture and Food processing
• Arts and Culture
• Business, Education and Training,
• Construction and Mining
• Defence industry
• Design
• Government, Safety and Environment
• Sports and Recreation
• Tourism and Hospitality
• Transport
• Utilities
• Health and Community Services
• Manufacturing and Engineering
• Retail, Hair and Beauty Services
• Science and Technology

Each sector has a ‘Skills in Demand’ section which lists the skill shortages in every state and territory. Case studies and videos of people who have completed their training and gained entry to their preferred jobs are included.

The 10 skills you need to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution

According to a World Economic Forum article, by 2020 the Fourth Industrial Revolution will have brought us enormous technological advances (e.g. advanced robotics and autonomous transport, artificial intelligence and machine learning, advanced materials, biotechnology and genomics). These developments will change the way we live, and the way we work. Some jobs will disappear, others will grow and jobs that don’t exist today will become commonplace. The only certainty is that we will need the skills to meet these emerging challenges. So, what are these skills? The article lists the following 10 skills, suggested by chief human resources and strategy officers from leading global employers, as the skills needed to succeed in 2020. The skills are listed in order of importance.

1. Complex problem solving
2. Critical thinking
3. Creativity
4. People management
5. Coordinating with others
6. Emotional intelligence
7. Judgment and decision making
8. Service orientation
9. Negotiation
10. Cognitive flexibility

Could you demonstrate that you have these skills (i.e. talk about when you have successfully used them)? If not, how could you develop these skills? Read the following related articles from the Singularity Hub and Skills for Your Future. For other great articles visit the World Economic Forum’s website.

University

Griffith Uni "After the Siren" workshops

Griffith University, together with Runaway Bay Sports and Leadership Excellence Centre, are offering the "After the Siren" workshops in 2018. The free program is designed to offer Years 10 -12 student athletes the unique opportunity to learn about life as an elite athlete, from a range of current industry professionals and to help them prepare for a successful life on and off the sporting field.

Registrations for the day long After the Siren workshops are now open and you are invited to register up to four elite athletes from your school to attend one of the following events (registrations of more than four athletes will also be considered but can’t be guaranteed).

• Tuesday 31 July, Runaway Bay Sport and Leadership Excellence Centre
• Thursday 2 August, Griffith University, Nathan campus

Registration closes on Wednesday 20 June, 2018 at 4 pm. For registration contact Beau McCauley at bmcca191@eq.edu.au

Griffith Uni GUESTS applications for Trimester 2 now open

Applications close 30 May for Griffith University’s Early Start to Tertiary Studies (GUESTS) on-campus and online applications are currently open to high achieving Years 11 and 12 students for Trimester 2, 2018. Students can apply to undertake a first year university course from most Griffith degrees. Students who successfully complete their university course (subject) are eligible for two adjustment ranks towards their OP/ATAR when applying for Griffith and credit transfer once they commence their related degree. Find out more at griffith.edu.au/guests, phone 1800 677 728 or email guests_enquiry@griffith.edu.au

UQ Young Scholars Program for 2018 - 2019

This program provides high achieving Year 11 students with an opportunity to discover, learn and engage with UQ's academic community and like-minded students from across Queensland. For more information, visit the Young Scholars Program webpage. The 5 day residential camp at St Lucia campus will be held from 25 to 29 November 2018.

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

University Experience Day

This event will be held at the ACU Brisbane campus on Thursday 5 July 2018. On the day you can participate in workshops related to the degrees offered at ACU, meet staff and current students, check out the campus, get tips on preparing for uni and enjoy the entertainment. Registrations for this ACU event opened on 1 May 2018.

TAFE

TAFE Queensland Roundup

Brisbane

TAFE at School If you’re a Year 11 or 12 student you can complete a TAFE Queensland qualification while you're still at school. Choose from a variety of Certificate I to Certificate III courses from a range of study areas ranging from hospitality to horticulture, early childhood education to engineering, and everything in between. Applications are now open for Semester 2 2018 programs. They fill quickly so visit their website for more information and how to apply and make an appointment to see your Guidance Officer or VET Coordinator.

Career Information

Women In STEM

If you like the problem solving and creative thinking around Maths, Careers With STEM has a great section on Women in STEM which has profiled more that 75 women who are combining their interest in STEM and their passion and interest.

The Job I Love website

This website focuses on 12 different jobs in the service industries, including business, fitness, community pharmacy, retail, hairdressing, beauty, community recreation, outdoor recreation and floristry. The information provided for each industry includes the jobs available, the duties for each job and the training required for each job.

What careers use mathematics?

Did you know that Zoo Keepers, Meteorologists, Builders, Mechanics and Hairdressers use Maths in their work? These jobs are included in the 21 career profiles on the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute website. You can also check out the Careers with Maths magazine for more information about exciting careers that use Maths.

From the School Nurse

WORLD ASTHMA DAY – MAY 1

5 things you might not know about asthma

Asthma can affect anyone of any age, and should be treated very seriously.

Asthma is Australia’s most widespread chronic health problem. Asthma affects one quarter of Australian children, and one in 10 adults.

Despite it being so common, many of us don’t really know what asthma is, what causes it, or how to help someone with asthma. Read on to learn more about the condition that affects over 2 million Australians.

It’s all about the airways

The most common asthma symptom that people are aware of is ‘wheezing’ (a whistling sound when breathing), because it’s easy to identify as an outsider. But asthma is more than just a wheeze, and people with asthma might not always display this symptom.

People with asthma have airways that can be very sensitive to certain triggers, like pollen, dust or mould. When triggered, the airways become inflamed and swell up, they begin to produce excess mucus, and the airway muscles tighten. All of these things mean the person can’t move as much air in and out of their lungs, making it difficult to get enough breath.

Symptoms or signs that someone might have asthma include:

• feeling out of breath, or breathlessness
• a tightness in the chest
• wheezing
• and a persistent cough.

The severity of asthma symptoms can build up slowly over time, or come on very suddenly. Sudden, severe asthma symptoms are often referred to as an asthma attack.

Asthma affects all types of people

Common stereotypes of asthma can be pretty negative: nervous kids sitting on the sidelines of sports games, constantly reaching for their puffer. But the reality is that asthma can affect anyone of any age, and it shouldn’t stop them from having a full and active life.

In fact, some of Australia’s most successful sports starts have had asthma, including runner Cathy Freeman, swimmer Kieran Perkins, netballer Liz Ellis, and endurance mountain bike rider Phil Welch.

Asthma is a condition that needs managing, but it can be treated and is certainly nothing to be embarrassed about. With proper treatment, most people living with asthma can do anything that people without asthma can do.

While many children have asthma, it’s important to remember adults can develop asthma, too, even if they didn’t have it as a child. Asthma is more common in Indigenous Australians, in Australians living in inner regional areas and in people living in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas.

Asthma can be life-threatening

Because it is so common, there can be the misconception that asthma isn’t that dangerous. But asthma can be a very serious condition, and should always be treated as such.

In 2014, 419 Australians died due to asthma. In late 2016, over 8,500 Victorians sought help at hospitals after experiencing ‘thunderstorm asthma’, and nine people died as a result of this one severe environmental trigger.

Even if you don’t have asthma yourself, it can be useful to learn how to recognize an asthma emergency. Asthma Australia provides in-person or online training for carers of people with asthma, health professionals and people who work in sport, with children or with the community.

Asthma can’t be cured, but it can be controlled

We currently don’t know the cause of asthma, and there is no known cure for the condition. But, with the help of your GP, and specialists if needed, the condition can be treated and managed.

Children with asthma may ‘grow out’ of the condition, and no longer experience asthma symptoms. It is always possible that their asthma symptoms will return at a later date, however, just as it is possible for someone to develop asthma later in life.

Mould, mites and medicines can trigger it

Many different things can trigger sensitive airways, and triggers will be different for each person.

Common asthma triggers can include:

• dust mites
• mould
• pollen
• pet hair
• exercise
• illness like colds and flu
• some medicines
• crying or laughing
• stress
• weather, including changes in temperature, cold air and thunderstorms
• open fires or bushfire smoke
• and cigarette smoke.

Many people with asthma learn to manage their condition by minimizing exposure to triggers, taking regular asthma preventer medicines, using an asthma action plan, and having regular follow-up with their health professionals.

Kiss myAsthma – The App

Kiss myAsthma is a brand new app created by and for young people, together with Asthma experts at the University of Sydney and Asthma Australia. With Kiss myAsthma you can track your symptoms, access your action plan, learn about asthma and set goals to make change.

Kiss myAsthma is now available on the App Store and Google Play!

References

Further information

Gabrielle Nolan
Youth Health Nurse