3 April 2025

Principal’s Report.

Dearest Emerald State High Community,

It feels like just yesterday that we launched into the 2025 academic year. End of term is upon us already. Students have pretty much completed the term's assessment and, like the staff, students are now ready for a well-earned relaxing break. Reports will be out at the end of this week for Year 7-10 students!

During this week, I implore you to take the time to reflect on the term with your child(ren). Discussing what went well, what they enjoyed and then what goals they might set to continue their growth in learning over the next term to continually strive for success.

Our Swimming Carnival on Friday will be a great way to end a big term! A reminder that students must have submitted a parent permission note to attend.

We also welcome prospective Year 7 students on Friday for our Transition Taster Day. We are really looking forward to showcasing all of the great opportunities available here at Emerald SHS.

Emerald State High School Uniform

A big thank you to parents and carers who ensured that students are coming to school in school uniform that reflects our Uniform Policy. Our Uniform Policy is agreed on and supported by the P&C. Thank you for supporting our school uniform.

Keep a watch on our school these holidays

Parents and students can help take care of our school by reporting any suspicious after-hours activity to School Watch on 13 17 88. By keeping an eye out, we can work together to create a safer school community and help to reduce vandalism, theft and arson in our school.

If you see something suspicious, please don’t intervene. Call the School Watch number and let the local police or State Government Protective Security Service deal with the matter.

A Great First Term

With only a number of school days to go, I would like to say thanks to everyone for a good start to the 2025 school year. You have certainly made our new staff and families feel very welcome in the Emerald State High School family. There is a community feel and I hope that the rest of the year is a successful one.

Please have a safe and relaxing Holiday Break and we welcome everyone back on Tuesday 22nd of April. 

“Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today.”

• Malcolm X

Regards
Mr. Troy Sanson
Principal

From the Cooee Corner.

With the closing of Term 1, the Cooee Corner team would like to acknowledge the fabulous transition that the Year 7s have had moving into high school. I would like to highlight the work that parents and carers are doing in supporting their students as well. As always, if you have any concerns or questions regarding the support your student/s are receiving or are requiring additional support please contact the below people:

• Head of Special Education Services: Sarah Somerville ssome17@eq.edu.au
• Garnet case manager: Ashley Stoker axsto14@eq.edu.au
• Sapphire case manager: Erika Tsai pxtsa0@eq.edu.au
• Zircon case manager: Kate Deighton kmdei0@eq.edu.au
• Topaz case manager: Jessica Perryman jmorr473@eq.edu.au
• English as a Second Language: Erika Tsai pxtsa0@eq.edu.au

Face to Face Workshop

Inclusion and Belonging at the Local School: The Parent Advocacy Toolkit:
Thursday 1st May 9.15am to 2.30pm.
Rockhampton Leagues Club, Cnr George & Cambridge Streets, Rockhampton.
For more information and to register for this fully-funded (free to families) workshop, please click here 
To view and share on Facebook, please click here.

Regards
Miss. Kate Deighton
Teacher

From the Science team.

Science so far this term…

Year 7 have finished their presentation on Earth and Space Science. Students thoroughly enjoyed learning about what causes the earth to endure seasons and how First Nations people used this to their advantage.

Year 8 science have just finished their Chemistry unit, where they learned about chemical and physical change.

Year 9 have just completed their Biology unit, which looked at both ecosystems and body systems. Students completed a research investigation about these topics.

Year 10 science has just finished their Physics unit, where they looked at Newton’s laws of Motion and instances of force application.

Congratulations to all Year 11 Sciences students who have recently completed their first round of senior Science assessment. Well, done!

Please remind all Year 12 students that this is a crucial year. Ensuring students stay on top of their study is the key to success.

On top of this The Queensland Minerals and Energy Academy (QMEA) applications are open for the QMEA Engineering Camp held at UQ St Lucia, Brisbane from the 7-10 of July 2025 (over the school holidays). This is an all costs covered (including flights, accommodation, food, social events and other costs) trip for Year 10 students.

Regards
Miss. Anna Betts
Teacher

From the English team.

Year 7:

It has been a busy and exciting term in Year 7 English. Students have been exploring the novel Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief and will soon move on to the TV adaptation of the same name. They are completing a folio of tasks linked to the text, demonstrating their understanding of narrative structure, character, and mythology. Our classrooms are bursting with colour thanks to the students’ artistic creations of various Ancient Greek gods and goddesses.

Year 8:

Students have been applying critical literacy skills to examine the persuasive techniques used in advertising. By analysing the language features and text structures that position consumers, they’ve developed a strong understanding of how media influences audiences. With their exam now complete, they are beginning a new unit focused on the classic film Remember the Titans.

Year 9:

“True Blue, is it me and you?” This term, students have been exploring the idea of the Aussie Battler—myth, fairy tale, or enduring truth? Through persuasive orals, they’ve reflected on how this identity has evolved and what it continues to represent in modern Australia. Next, they will begin their novel study of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, diving into the dystopian world of Panem and analysing themes of power, resistance, and survival.

Year 10:

After returning from work experience, Year 10 students have begun investigating media bias. Building on their earlier study of war representations, they are now critiquing how bias influence’s public opinion. As part of this unit, they will engage with a range of texts, including the powerful documentary Blackfish, honing their persuasive skills as they question the role of media in shaping truth.

Year 11:

General English students continue their study of The One Day of the Year by Alan Seymour, transitioning from analytical responses to creative writing. Using the play as inspiration, they are now working on their second assessment piece, a creative writing task that explores the play’s themes in new and original ways.

In Essential English, students are investigating how AI and technology are transforming the workplace. After completing a persuasive oral on the topic, they will now sit a mock CIA exam based on visual and written texts that explore the implications of AI and technology in our daily lives.

Year 12:

This term, students in General English have engaged deeply with George Orwell’s 1984 and the film The Truman Show. Through the development of a literary article, they have critiqued these texts and drawn thought-provoking connections between themes of control, surveillance, truth, and reality, and our own modern society. Is Big Brother watching?

In Literature, students have studied A Taste of Honey by Shelagh Delaney, unpacking the themes of poverty, class, race, gender roles, and complex relationships in 1950s Britain. They have brought these themes to life through an imaginative spoken task designed to entertain and engage their audience.

We are proud of the creativity, curiosity, and critical thinking our students have shown this term.

• The English Department

Regards
Mr. Peter Sanson
Teacher

From the Hospitality & VET team.

Hospitality & VET Update: A Delicious Journey Through Learning!

As the year progresses, our students in Hospitality and VET have been busy exploring a wide range of skills and knowledge, setting the foundation for future careers in the food and hospitality industries. Here’s a peek at what our students have been up to:

Year 8 – Healthy Eating & Creating a Healthy Hamburger

In Year 8, students have been diving into the world of nutrition with a focus on healthy eating. They’ve been learning about the essential food groups and how to make balanced food choices. One of the highlights has been designing and creating their own healthy hamburgers! This practical project has helped students understand how they can make delicious meals that are also nutritious and good for the body.

Year 9 – Cooking Methods and Their Effect on Nutrition

Year 9 students have been exploring different cooking methods, from grilling and steaming to frying and baking. By learning how each technique affects the nutritional value of food, students have gained valuable insight into making healthier meal choices. This practical knowledge is not only useful in the kitchen but will also benefit them in their future studies and careers in hospitality.

Year 10 – Food Specialisation & Preservation Methods

In Year 10, our Food Specialisation students have been investigating the science of food preservation. From pickling and canning to freezing and drying, they have been learning various methods to extend the shelf life of food while retaining its nutritional quality. This topic is particularly relevant in today’s world, where sustainability and reducing food waste are essential.

Cert I Hospitality – Safety & Hygiene Practices

The Cert I Hospitality students have been mastering essential safety and hygiene practices in the kitchen. This includes everything from proper food handling and storage to maintaining a clean work environment. By focusing on these critical skills, students are ensuring they are well-prepared for any professional kitchen setting, where hygiene and safety are paramount.

Cert II Hospitality – Cake Creation & Design

Our Cert II Hospitality students have been putting their creativity to work, designing and creating cakes. From baking to decoration, they have been honing their skills in the art of cake making. Not only is this a fun and delicious learning experience, but it also helps students develop a strong understanding of the food preparation process and the importance of presentation in the hospitality industry.

VET – Year 10 Work Experience & Future Employment Opportunities

Our Year 10 VET students have just completed their work experience, and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. The experience has provided students with real-world exposure to the workforce, and many have gained valuable insights into future employment opportunities. Some students have already secured offers for part-time work or internships, which is a fantastic outcome for their careers.

As always, our students in Hospitality and VET are gaining valuable skills that will serve them well in the workforce and beyond. We’re proud of the progress they’ve made and look forward to seeing what’s next on their culinary journey!

Stay tuned for more updates on our Hospitality and VET programs in future newsletters!

Regards
Miss. Kate Nolan
Teacher

From the Technologies team.

Students across all year levels have been engaging in a range of exciting projects in Digital Technologies, developing their creativity, problem-solving, and technical skills. This term, they have been working on hands-on, real-world applications of digital design, coding, and system development.

In Years 8–10, students have been exploring different areas of digital creation, from designing games in Kodu to developing mobile app prototypes with Adobe XD and building websites using HTML and CSS. These projects encourage students to think critically about user experience, functionality, and design principles.

In our senior ICT and Digital Solutions classes, students are tackling more advanced challenges, including smart home automation using Arduino microcontrollers and developing database-driven web applications with JavaScript and PHP. These projects build on industry-relevant skills and prepare students for further studies or careers in technology fields.

We are proud of the effort and creativity students have demonstrated in their projects this term. Parents are encouraged to ask their children about what they have been working on and how their skills are developing.

If you have any questions about our Digital Technologies programs, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Regards
Mr. Lachlin Praed
Teacher

From the Positive Behaviour for Learning Team

At Emerald State High School we are:

• Polite,
• Prepared, and we
• Participate

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