18 September 2025

Principal’s Report.

Dearest Emerald State High Community,

The end of term is drawing close, and students and staff are ready for a well-deserved break after a long, but successful term. In saying that, please remember that every day of the term is a learning day and that the end of the term does not mean the end of learning. All classrooms should be continuing learning every day in Week 10. All students should be in attendance in Week 10 to receive the full entitlement of their education.

The Senior Formal was held last Thursday night and was a magical event that will be remembered by our Year 12 attendees for a very long time indeed. A huge well done to Tanya McIntosh, Tanya Shaw, Michelle Watkin, Mikayla Willie and Leon Coromandel who are the driving organisational forces behind the whole event!

RUOK Day was also on last Thursday, and it was a great reminder to all of us about the importance of looking out for each other and checking in if we feel that a friend is not doing well. Thank you to the Support Works team for running this event for our school.

Cause for Celebration!

As we close out Term 3, I would like to highlight some successes that we can all celebrate here at Emerald State High School.

1. NAIDOC Elders Luncheon
2. Year 11 Leadership Camp
3. Year 8, 9 & 10 Subject Selections
4. SET Planning
5. SRC Trivia
6. ESHS Instrumental Performance
7. Parent Teacher Meetings
8. Bookweek Parade
9. Western 7s, Volleyball Junior Schools Cup, Touch Football
10. Solid MSS achievement in most NAPLAN Strands and improvement from 2024
11. Oval upgrade
12. Learning beyond the school gate with excursions and incursions
13. Working together to ensure that we realise our vision of improved student outcomes based on high expectations.

NAPLAN Results

NAPLAN is a point in time test of Literacy and Numeracy of students and is an indicator of student performance and the effectiveness of strategies and actions associated with our improvement plan. This year we have seen some success in our preliminary results and an increased performance from 2024.

I would like to congratulate the staff for their work in this area, the parents who support students in and out of school and of course the students for their perseverance. It is a real tribute to the programs and support that are provided to students here at ESHS. Further analysis of this will be presented at the next P&C Meeting and will be available on the MySchools Website from early Term 4.

School Watch

As a school we sustain little damage from incidental or intended vandalism, but at times this does occur because people are in our grounds when they shouldn’t be. Please ensure that students are not playing in the grounds or on the school equipment on weekends and report anyone that you see doing so in our grounds. Costs associated with cleaning up or repairing damage directly takeaway from our capacity to improve our facilities. As the school holidays are nearly here, please be especially vigilant and report any activity that you think is suspicious. School watch number is 131 788.

“Falling down is not failure. Failure comes when you stay where you have fallen.” - Socrates

Remember that school resumes on Tuesday 7th October 2025. Enjoy your well-deserved holidays and stay safe.

Regards
Mr. Troy Sanson
Principal

From the Technologies team.

Digital Technologies

Our Year 8 students are exploring the exciting world of game design using Microsoft Kodu. They are learning how to create simple, interactive 3D games by combining creativity with logic and problem-solving. This program gives them an accessible entry point into programming concepts while encouraging them to think critically about how games are built.

Year 9 students are diving into 2D game design through Microsoft MakeCode Arcade. They are developing skills in coding, game mechanics, and design thinking while producing fun and playable arcade-style games. This unit helps students build their confidence in coding and prepares them for more complex projects in later years.

In Year 10, students are taking their game design skills to the next level by working with Unity, a professional game development engine. They are learning how to create immersive 3D environments and explore the fundamentals of industry-standard design. This subject not only introduces them to advanced software but also highlights potential career pathways in game design and development.

Senior ICT students are engaging with the creative and technical aspects of audio and video production. They are learning about recording, editing, and post-production processes while working on projects that reflect real-world industry practices. These skills are valuable across a range of careers and provide students with opportunities to showcase their creativity through media projects.

Our Digital Solutions students are currently focusing on exam preparation, consolidating their learning across topics such as databases, web applications, and problem-solving using the EDGER framework. They are reviewing key concepts and practicing exam-style questions to ensure they are ready to demonstrate their understanding and skills under assessment conditions.

Design and Technologies

In Year 8 Materials, students are designing and constructing their own wooden pencil case. This project introduces them to hand tools, woodworking techniques, and finishing methods, while also allowing them to personalise their creations. It’s a hands-on way to build both practical skills and creativity.

Year 9 students are building a step stool, which challenges them to apply accurate measuring, cutting, and assembly techniques. This project helps them develop confidence with tools and reinforces the importance of safety, precision, and craftsmanship in woodworking.

In Year 10, students are creating a side table, which brings together advanced joinery skills, design principles, and finishing techniques. This project provides a taste of furniture-making while encouraging students to think about functionality and aesthetics in their designs.

Year 11 Furnishing students are designing and constructing a coffee table, developing advanced woodworking and finishing skills. They are also learning how to interpret plans, work with precision, and apply professional techniques, preparing them for both future studies and trade pathways.

Our Year 12 Furnishing students are completing their final major project: a bar stool. This capstone task challenges them to apply all the skills they have developed across their studies, from planning and joinery to finishing. It is a valuable opportunity to produce a high-quality piece of furniture that showcases their craftsmanship and learning journey.

Regards
Mr. Noel Cavanagh
HOD

From the Science team.

The Science Department has been buzzing with curiosity and creativity this term, as students and staff continue to explore the wonders of the natural world.

Year 7

Year 7 Honours students carried out an experiment on separation techniques in chemistry. They were provided with a mixture containing iron filings, salt, and sand, and tasked with designing a strategy to separate the components by applying their understanding of mixtures, substances, and their properties. Students then produced a report in which they recorded data from the investigation and analysed their results to evaluate the effectiveness of each separation method used.

Year 8

Year 8 students investigated the many ways we use minerals extracted from ores in everyday life. Building on this knowledge, students turned their attention to the important issue of mine rehabilitation, learning about the vital role scientists play in restoring environments and supporting communities. To showcase their understanding, they completed a research investigation project as part of their assessment.

Year 9

Year 9 science are revising/completing exams on heat/waves/circuits concepts and data.

Year 10

Year 10 science have completed their genetics & DNA exam and are currently doing experiments related to concepts in this space.

Year 11 Chemistry

Year 11 Chemistry students are finalising their student experiment report; they had a successful incursion at the start of Week 7. 

Year 11 Physics

In Physics, the Year 11 students have started their projectile motion unit, having finished all their year 11 assessment. They will continue to look at motion on inclined planes, circular motion, the gravitational force, and orbits of satellites and plantes moving into Term 4.

Science in Practice

Year 11 & 12 Science in Practice have been working on building a model house to investigate different insulation options, related to our topic of sustainability.

Regards
Mrs. Iryna Lapshyna
Teacher

From the Cooee Corner.

As Term 3 draws to a close, there’s plenty happening at Emerald State High School!

Some of our Year 12 QCIA students are heading out on work experience over the next two weeks. We wish them all the best as they take this exciting step into the community, building knowledge, developing new skills, and creating valuable connections for their future pathways.

Looking ahead to Term 4, we are excited to welcome some of our future 2026 students as part of our Additional Transition Program. This program gives students the chance to get to know ESHS, meet staff, and build confidence as they prepare for their high school journey. We are grateful to our local primary schools for their support and look forward to strengthening these important partnerships.

With the term quickly coming to an end, we’d like to thank students, families, and staff for their hard work and commitment. We hope everyone enjoys a safe and relaxing holiday break before we return for a busy and rewarding Term 4.

Regards
Mrs. Sarah Somerville
HOSES

From the Interact team.

It’s that time of the year again, when our school’s Interact group starts planning our annual Haunted House. This year we are raising money in support of Canteen.

The members are planning a new way in which to terrorise patrons, with new themes and our new members looking forward to the challenge of making their peers scream.

Like last year, there will be 2 different times to visit with a more kid friendly version from 6pm to 7pm and the lights out version from 7.30pm.

Rotary will be supplying the BBQ dinner and popcorn again and there will be a few market stalls as well to wonder through, either before or after.

The Haunted House marks the last large event for the club. The number of members and the frequency of events has grown so much over the last few years that our school’s Interact club is applying for an international recognition award. This will involve a range of different activities over the next ten months, and it’s fantastic that the members are excited about competing.

This year also marks the end for our senior members, many of whom we would not have grown and become one of the largest Rotary groups in the region without. We wish our year 12 members all the best with their upcoming exams and all the best for their future plans. They will be sorely missed.

Regards
Ms. Leanne Ross
Coordinator

From the SLC team.

First week back in the new term, the SLC is running its annual Colour Smash and obstacle course. It will be held Period 4 on Friday and involves a series of different challenges that students can participate in, including climbing, balancing and of course a slip ‘n’ slide.

If students wish to participate in the optional colour smash section, they are to purchase a wristband from the courtyard at both breaks for $2.

There will also be a BBQ First Break on Friday Week 1 next term, in order to raise money for Rainbow House.

A MASSIVE thank you to Mitre 10 and Shane from Rotary for donating the materials and their time to build new challenges for this year’s Colour Smash so we can continue to make it bigger and better.

Regards
Miss. Anna Betts
Teacher

From the Sports Coordinator.

Term 3 has been a huge term for our track and field athletes, with both the district and regional carnival being held this term. We saw some exceptional results with many of our students coming away from both carnivals with some medals and 4 of our students being selected for the Capricornia track and field team. We wish them the best of luck at the next stage!

The extra-curricular sport is still going strong with many teams heading to carnival days and matches this term. Our netball teams competed against Blackwater on Wednesday 3rd September to hopefully hold onto the winning title since their last match earlier in the year. The senior mixed team went away to Rockhampton on Friday 29th August to play in the Central Queensland All Schools Touch tournament, coming away as runner ups in a tough competition. The Year 9/10 and 11/12 boys Rugby League teams travelled to Moranbah for a match against their high school team – a match that was a great learning experience for our boys.

Finally, the Open girls Rugby League team travelled to Townsville in the third stage of the Karen Murphy Cup, playing in the Northern Quad series. The team earned the runners up position against teams from all across North Queensland. To get to this spot, the girls won against the Cairns and Townsville winners from the second round of competition. A really great effort from these girls – your coaches and community are very proud!

We look forward to our fourth and final term of sport here at ESHS, with the Sports Awards evening fast approaching in Week 4 of next term – we are excited to recognise all of our fantastic athletes and their achievements for 2025.

Regards
Mrs. Emily Brennan
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 “Look out for others.”

Community Notices