16 May 2025
Principal’s Report.
Dearest Emerald High School Community,
We hope this message finds you well and ready for another productive fortnight. Last week was filled with energy, achievement, and community spirit – a true reflection of what makes Emerald State High School the great school that it is.
Thank You – Parent Teacher Interviews
A heartfelt thank you to all our dedicated teachers and supportive parents who participated in last week’s Parent Teacher Interviews. These conversations are so important in building strong relationships and guiding our students towards success. We appreciate your time and commitment.
Festival of the Bands – A Resounding Success!
Last week, our talented music students took centre stage at the annual Festival of the Bands, delivering powerful performances that showcased their dedication and passion. Thank you to our music staff for their tireless efforts and to all staff and families who came out to support the event. We are incredibly proud of our students and the way they represented our school.
Rugby League Excellence – Boys & Girls Teams Shine
It was a big week on the field for our rugby league teams. Both the boys and girls squads played with courage, skill, and excellent sportsmanship in their regional matches. Wins, close calls, and plenty of team spirit – a huge congratulations to all players and coaching staff. You’ve done Emerald State High proud!
‘Mamma Mia!’ Rehearsals – Full Steam Ahead
Over the weekend, our school came alive with the sound of ABBA as rehearsals for our upcoming production of Mamma Mia! continued. The cast and crew have been working hard, and it’s clear this show is going to be one to remember. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for concert dates and times!
Welcome to Our New Community Education Officer – Pamela Appleby
We’re thrilled to introduce Pamela Appleby as our new Community Education Officer. Pamela will be working out of Support Works Tuesday through Thursday each week. Pamela brings a wealth of experience and a deep passion for youth and community engagement. She will be working closely with First Nations students, families, and staff to strengthen connections and support learning pathways.
Careers Fair – This Friday!
A reminder that our Careers Fair is happening this Friday, 16 May. This is an exciting opportunity for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to explore future study options, apprenticeships, and employment pathways. Each year level will go at different times during the day. Please read the notes for your student’s year level carefully. We encourage all senior students – and their families – to attend and take advantage of the expertise on offer.
Thank you for your ongoing support in making Emerald State High School a place of learning, growth, success and community.
Have a great fortnight!!
- “Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.” Chinese Proverb
Regards
Mr. Troy Sanson
Principal
From the House Support Coordinator – Topaz 2.
It certainly has been a whirlwind start to the term, with us almost reaching the half-way mark, eek! As you know, at ESHS, every day counts. Attendance is not just about being at school, it’s about being engaged, connected, and ready to learn. When students attend regularly and arrive on time, they are giving themselves the best chance to succeed socially, emotionally, and academically. Even missing just one day a week can have a significant impact on student learning and when students miss school, they miss out on valuable learning opportunities.
Our PBL focus for this fortnight is: Be Prepared. This means arriving at school on time, following routines, wearing the correct uniform, and having the necessary materials for class. Students who follow these simple steps set themselves up for a smoother, more focused day, and ultimately, a stronger future.
In addition, with the colder weather setting in, it is important students continue to wear the correct uniform. A plain black jumper without a hood is acceptable. Any other jumper that has a logo or hood is not allowed at ESHS. Please ensure your child is attending school in the correct uniform. If you can’t get a plain black jumper, please ask your child to speak with me and we can work something out.
Why Attendance Matters:
- Just one day off a fortnight adds up to more than four weeks of missed school per year.
- Consistent attendance supports friendships, wellbeing, and learning progress.
- Attendance patterns established in early years often carry through to senior schooling often correlating with pleasing academic results.
How to Be Prepared:
- Bring all required materials for learning (books, devices, stationery).
- Check the timetable and arrive on time for every class.
- Wear the correct uniform with pride.
- Follow classroom routines and procedures, these are designed to help you succeed.
Families play a vital role in encouraging strong attendance and preparedness. A simple morning routine, positive reinforcement, and checking in about the school day can make a big difference.
This term, let’s work together to ensure every student is present, prepared, and ready to thrive!
Regards
Mr. Peter Sanson
HSC – Topaz 2
From the Guidance Officers.
As we move through Term 2 and begin the slow slide toward the middle of the year, it’s a great time for a wellbeing check-in. The newness of the school year has worn off, routines are established, and students are settling into the rhythm of learning and social life. But it’s also a time when fatigue can creep in, motivation may dip, and small struggles can start to feel bigger.
Checking In on Wellbeing
At this point in the year, some students may be thriving while others might be feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or just a bit “flat.” This is completely normal. Between academic expectations, social dynamics, and extracurricular commitments, there’s a lot on their plates. Taking time to check in with your child, emotionally and mentally, can be really powerful. Simple questions like, “What’s been the best part of your week?” or “Is there anything you’re finding tricky right now?” can spark valuable conversations.
Resilience and Growth Mindset
Middle of the year also brings a reminder that not every day (or grade) is going to be perfect—and that’s okay. Developing resilience is a key part of learning and as adults, we can help nurture that by encouraging a growth mindset. Celebrate effort and persistence, not just outcomes. When kids face challenges, help them reframe setbacks as learning opportunities. Phrases like, “You haven’t got it yet, but you’re getting there,” or “Mistakes mean you’re trying something new,” go a long way in building confidence and perseverance.
It Takes a Village
We know that students do best when home and school work together. If you’ve noticed any changes in your child i.e. mood shifts, school avoidance, friendship struggles, or increased stress, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our Guidance Team is here to support students and families through the ups and downs, and sometimes just having someone to talk to can make all the difference.
Let’s keep working together to support every student through the rest of the term, stronger, wiser, and a little more resilient each day.
Regards
ESHS Guidance Officers
From the HPE team.
We are off to a great start so far this term in the world of HPE. This term, our students are engaging in learning about discrimination in sport and the impact that drugs and alcohol can have on our overall health.
Our athletics carnival is on Tuesday 3rd June. We would love to see as many students as possible in attendance! At the swimming carnival, Sapphire and Topaz were fighting for the gold with Topaz taking the trophy by a mere 22 points. What will happen at the athletics carnival? Only time will tell.
Last week our students participated in the Karen Murphy Cup for the girl’s team and School Boy Trophy for the boy’s team. All teams competed to a high standard, making our coaches proud! Well done to everyone involved.
Regards
Mrs. Emily Brennan
Teacher
From the LOTE team.
YOKOSO! Welcome Back, Minna-san!
We hope your holidays were packed with fun, naps, snacks, and maybe a cheeky anime binge! Term 2 is here, and the Japanese classrooms are BUZZING with excitement! From mascots to food to dream jobs, we've got a jam-packed term ahead! Here's what's happening across Years 7–12 in our awesome LOTE program:
Year 7 – Mascot Mayhem: Yuru-kyara Takeover!
Get ready for some serious cuteness overload!
This term, Year 7 are diving into the wild and wonderful world of Japanese mascots—yuru-kyara! Did you know there's even a mascot for a prison?! Students will investigate what makes these mascots so beloved in Japan, then design their own based on themselves, our school, or the local community! Watch this space for the birth of some hilariously creative characters!
Year 8 – What’s For Dinner?
Warning: this unit may cause hunger pangs!
Students will explore all things Japanese food—how it’s made, what’s eaten, and the special traditions that go with it (like saying itadakimasu before meals). They'll also learn how to use chopsticks like a pro and take on the ULTIMATE challenge: eating all meals at home with chopsticks for a week! Are you up for it?
Years 9 & 10 – Dream Jobs + Japanese Careers!
"What’s the BEST job in the world?" That’s what our students will find out!
In this exciting unit, they will:
- Create bilingual job ads
- Plan and promote a dream job at a mock career fair
- Explore what it's like to be a teen worker in Japan!
They'll finish with a creative multimodal presentation in Weeks 9–10—better start planning that dream career now!
Years 11 & 12 – Lifestyles & Learning Across Cultures
This term, our senior students are going deep into the daily lives and school systems of Japan and Australia. They'll explore:
- What family life looks like
- How traditions shape who we are
- Why education matters in both cultures, using real data and reports
Big brains, big questions, big discussions ahead!
Reminders and Pro Tips!
Assessments will be given in Week 7 and due in Week 9—plenty of time to plan and polish!
The BEST way to improve your Japanese?
- Short, regular vocab reviews!
- Practise writing those tricky kana characters!
Let’s make Term 2 unforgettable, fun, and full of nihongo learning adventures!
Ganbatte, everyone, you’ve got this!
Regards
Miss. Abbi McClean
Teacher
From the Positive Behaviour for Learning Team
At Emerald State High School we are:
- Polite,
- Prepared, and we
- Participate.
Behaviour Focus
Our current behaviour focus is “Be prepared: Follow correct routines and procedures.”
Community Notices
Newsletter Sponsors
