13 June 2025

Principal’s Report.

Dearest Emerald State High Community,

I hope that this communication finds you well and that you are managing to stay warm.

Our Athletics Carnival was held last week, and it too was very successful with some great competition and lots of fun was had by the students and staff who attended. My very sincere thanks to the event coordinator, Emily Brennan, to the PE faculty as a whole and the many staff and students who worked together to make the day a success. Well done everyone!

The last few weeks have also seen some very fun and positive events occurring in the school. 'Emerald Shines' was on last week, in which the talents of our students and staff are on display for the world to see. This event was again a huge success with singing, dancing and comedy acts entertaining everyone. Thank you to Leanne Ross, Anna Betts, Tanya McIntosh and the SLC for their amazing work in making this event happen!

2025 Improvement Mission:

In 2025 we will ensure success for every student by increasing engagement and reducing defiance and truancy.  This will be achieved through High Expectations, Capability Development and Quality Assurance.

The table below tracks three (Positive Behaviour, Truancy and Defiance) of our Measurable Outcomes associated with our Improvement Mission. Our work to date to quality assure teaching and learning practice and maintain high expectations around our core work are paying dividends in terms of us realising our 2025 mission. I want to thank our staff, students and community for working together to increase time on teaching and learning and to acknowledge positive behaviour for learning.

“Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom.”

• Aristotle

Regards
Mr. Troy Sanson
Principal

From the Zircon Deputy Principal.

The last semester of the year is always a busy one for students in our senior school. There is a lot to prepare for and celebrate along the way.

2025 Year 12 Mock Exams

The mock exam timetable for the Year 12s will be held from Monday 8th September until Friday 19th September. This exam block provides students an opportunity to sit assessment under the conditions that they will face in the external exams in Term 4. The results from these exams allow the students and teachers to plan the weeks leading up to the externals. Students must arrive to their exams on time and with the correct equipment. If a student is unable to make an exam, they must see me to reschedule.

2025 Year 12 Formal

This year our date for formal has changed to 11 September. At this stage, students have picked a theme, and we have decided on a menu. More information and invitations will be given next term.

2025 Year 12 Graduation

The final day for Year 12s is Friday 21st November. The service will hopefully be conducted on the basketball courts with a whole school ceremony and then morning tea with parents. More information will be sent out closer to this date.

2025 Year 12 External Exams

The external exam block for Year 12s runs from Monday 24th October until Tuesday 18th November. Unlike the mock exams these dates cannot be changed. As these exams are statewide, students MUST sit their exams when scheduled.

More information regarding this will be sent out next term.

Year 11 Subject Changes

Our Year 11 students are now in their Unit 2 studies. This means that subject changes have closed. The next and last opportunity for subject changes will be at the end of Unit 2.

MyQCE accounts

It is a requirement that students in Years 10, 11 and 12 register their MyQCE account. The MyQCE site allows students to monitor their progress towards achieving a QCE. It is also the place where they will be able to access their final results and QCE. 

The site provides students support with study tips and also contains their timetable for the external exams and any AARA applications.

Students graduating from school in 2026 and beyond will also need to complete the academic integrity course that is found on the site.

If students need help to create their accounts, they can come and see me.

2026 Leaders

We are currently in the planning stages for selecting leaders for 2026. Our leadership camp will run from 13th August to 15th August. At this stage, we are still planning to announce our junior and senior leaders at awards night in November.

Regards
Mrs. Tanya Shaw
Deputy Principal – Zircon

From the Sapphire Deputy Principal.

Term 2 has been a busy term. Our super Sapphire team consisting of our HODs – Noel Cavanagh and Tanya McIntosh, and our HSCs – Brandon Armgardt and Kayla Gamer, have been working hard with our students and are to be thanked for all of their efforts.

Wellbeing

Wellbeing is progressing within the school. The Student Learning and Wellbeing Framework document is a working document. With this, a Student Wellbeing Action Plan has been developed and is being rolled out.

This term we have had a small group of students working with staff out at Camp Fairbairn. The program aims to develop skills around resilience, trust, teamwork, collaboration, leadership and accountability.

Behaviour

It is great to see so many positive behaviours recorded this year. To date, Sapphire has over 350 positive behaviours recorded for the year – keep up the great work.

Assessment and Reporting

Students are well into assessment for the term and the reporting period has begun. Report cards will be sent out in the last week of school.

A reminder that students can attend homework club on Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 3pm-4pm for further assistance from their teachers.

Parent teacher interviews will take place on Tuesday 29th July – bookings will be available in the first week of Term 3.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me on jfehl8@eq.edu.au

Regards
Mrs. Jacinda Stefaniuk
Deputy Principal – Sapphire

From the House Support Coordinator – Sapphire 2.

Did you know?

Barramundi are opportunistic predators! They eat whatever is available— including the Garnet Redclaws. Our house, Sapphire B, is led by Deputy Principal Jacinda Stefaniuk, supported by Head of Department Noel Cavanagh (Sapphire B) and House Support Coordinator Brandon Armgardt. The athletics carnival was a great success with high levels of participation across all houses.

As the colder months begin to kick in a quick reminder to only wear either a school or plain black jumper. If you are having issues with this, please feel free to reach out to either one of the Sapphire wellbeing staff and we will do our best to support you.

If you have any concerns regarding wellbeing please contact:

• Sapphire B: Brandon Armgardt – barmg0@eq.edu.au

Regards
Mr. Brandon Armgardt
HSC – Topaz 2

From the HPE team.

Great term two so far in HPE! All of our students have been busy learning about a range of topics and new exciting sports. Our Year 7s have been learning about mental health and wellbeing, along with developing our touch football and soccer skills. Our Year 8s have been busy learning all about alcohol and drugs, with touch football. Our Year 9s have been developing their understanding of discrimination in sport, as well as picking up some new skills in ultimate frisbee and European handball. Whilst our Year 10s are diving deep into biomechanics and badminton. The HPE department is impressed with the engagement and commitment that we’ve seen so far this term. Please ensure that we continue to bring a hat and water bottle to school for those practical lessons. A big thank you to Miss Brennan for organising and running a terrific athletics carnival as well.

Regards
Mr. James Fitzpatrick
HOD

From the Arts team.

The Arts department is buzzing with activity!

Year 11 and 12 Visual Art students are finalising their resolved artworks and assessment tasks, showcasing incredible creativity and dedication. Year 7 Visual Arts students are completing their lino prints, while Year 7 Media students are designing detailed storyboards for their assessment. Year 9 Media students are editing their own music videos, and Year 10 Media are refining their short films. In Drama, Year 10 students have just finished participating in the Scene Project Workshop, with an Artist in Residence from Queensland Theatre. Senior Drama students are now exploring contemporary theatre inspired by Ancient Greek traditions.

Regards
Mrs. Genevieve Mitchell
Teacher

From the Humanities team.

Dear Parents and Guardians,

As we approach the end of a productive term, we’re excited to share the latest updates from the Humanities department across all year levels:

Year 11 and 12 Legal Studies

Students are currently studying Human Rights, analysing how legal systems protect fundamental freedoms in Australia and internationally, with a focus on contemporary case studies and international agreements. Our Year 11 students are examining Criminal Law, exploring legal processes, types of offences, and the role of courts in delivering justice in criminal matters.

Year 12 Tourism

Students have begun Unit 4: Tourism Trends, where they are exploring current patterns, emerging destinations and trends (e.g. ecotourism, dark tourism, adventure tourism) and the impacts of such trends on places globally.

Year 11 and 12 Ancient History

Our senior students have successfully completed both their FA2 and IA2 Independent Source Investigation Tasks. Congratulations on their effort and commitment. Students are now transitioning into their new unit of study, focusing on "The Reign of Akhenaten" for the Year 11s and the "The Fall of the Roman Republic" for the Year 12s.

Year 11 and 12 Modern History

Students are currently completing their Cold War assessment, focusing on the complexities of global conflict, ideological tension, and significant events such as the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam War. Our Year 11s are finalising their assessments on the Russian Revolution, evaluating causes, turning points, and consequences through a range of historical perspectives and primary sources.

Year 9 Geography

Students have completed a thorough revision of biomes and food security, with a strong focus on global patterns, challenges in food production, and sustainable practices. They are currently preparing to sit their end-of-unit exam.

Year 8 Civics and Citizenship

Our Year 8 students are finalising their Civics assessment, where they’ve explored Australia's democratic values, laws, and the role of citizens in promoting fairness and equality.

Year 7 Economics and Business

This week marks the continuation of the Year 7 rotations in Humanities. Students studying Economics and Business will begin the Activate Program, an engaging and interactive introduction to decision-making, resource allocation, and personal finance.

We look forward to celebrating student achievements as the term wraps up and thank you for your continued support of Humanities education at our school.

Regards
Miss. Hayley Pike
Teacher

From the Sports Master.

We had a remarkable term in sports!

On Monday, June 2nd, our netball teams competed in the Vicki Wilson Competition, achieving second place. It was a splendid day, and our girls relished the chance to compete against schools across the region. The following day, Tuesday, June 3rd, we celebrated our Inter-House Athletics Carnival under beautiful weather, witnessing an impressive total of 24 records shattered by our dedicated athletes. We commend everyone involved for their incredible efforts. Lastly, we extend our best wishes to our girl’s rugby team as they prepare for the next stage of the Karyn Murphy Cup.

Regards
Mrs. Emily Brennan
ESHS Sports Coordinator

From the Student Leadership Council.

Shines is an annual talent show held by the Student Leadership Council. All acts are encouraged and this year, there were performers from all year levels; singing, dancing, playing instruments and even a couple of comedic acts.

It was a fantastic evening, with a great turn out, despite the inclement weather, allowing the SLC to raise money for Ronald McDonald House.

A special thanks to all the students and staff who did such an amazing job on stage – especially Coby and Seth our MCs - as well as Mrs Hawkins and Ms Whybird for working so hard backstage. A massive thank you also to Mrs McIntosh and her team for providing the BBQ during the intermission. Finally, thanks to Mrs Shaw and Mrs Lucht who had the most difficult job on the night, judging the winners.

The winners were:

• The Senior Act “Riri Halftime Show: Leaders Remix” took out the top award, with their tribute to Rihanna’s half time show.
• The Junior Leaders took out the Best Junior Group Act with their Brooklyn Nine-Nine “I Want It That Way”.
• Elliana & Estara Colaivalu won the Best Senior Group Act while both playing instruments and singing “Breathe”.
• Leo Ellison won the Best Senior Solo Act for their rendition of “I See Red”.
• Macy Tasker won the Best Junior Solo Act for her beautiful performance of “Shallow”.
• Mr Coromandel won the Best Staff Act by “Defying Gravity”.

Special mention to the Swifties who started the show and had to endure technical issues and Riley Flores who entertained the audience during the Intermission while his guitar.

Regards
Mrs. Leanne Ross
Coordinator

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 Polite: Build Respectful Relationships.”