23 November 2016

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Welcome to this fortnight’s newsletter the penultimate one for 2016. When I reflect on the successes we have had it is clear our teachers and students have worked very hard. Results wise we had a good year. We had very strong growth in the upper 2 Bands in NAPLAN and outstanding Year 7 results. We also had great results for reading and numeracy. Right now we are on track for every year 12 to receive a Queensland Certificate of Education.

On the teaching side we have developed a strong improvement agenda: Teaching Standards of Practice (SOPs) and Positive Behaviour Learning (PBL). Amongst the many successful camps and excursions we received excellent sporting results as well. It was another good start as well for our new Year 7s.

We have already started planning for 2017, and our improvement agenda will be the same. There will be curriculum innovations such as the Year 10 curriculum which we believe will help our students achieve at higher levels. All in all it bodes well for 2017.

Last week we farewelled our Year 12s and what a great bunch of young men and women they are. It was a wonderful graduation ceremony. We will miss them as they commence a new phase in their lives. We wish them all the best.

Special Mentions

• To Mr Kurd and the staff who worked so hard to make the Year 12 Formal and graduation enjoyable events
• To Mr Ryan and his wife Tegan who had a lovely baby girl this last week end
• To our Year 12 senior leaders; well done in 2016.
• To Mr Platell who has been working hard as our Workplace Health and Safety officer
• To our Year 12 teachers who pushed ALL years 12s to their limit so that they can all receive a QCE.

Have a great weekend

Ray Clarke
Principal

Year 9 News

2016 has been an exciting, challenging, and at times stressful year for our Year 9 students. For me personally, it has been such a rewarding year and I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as Year Manager with such an amazing group of Year 9 students.

On Monday 31st October ESHS held their annual Awards Evening at the Town Hall. I would like to congratulate the 25 Year 9 students who received an award. It is a great accomplishment to receive an award and I was proud to see so many students in the cohort receive an award on the night. On Thursday 10th November the Year 9 Honours Class attended the ‘Expand Your Mind’ Science Day. Students attended Blackwater SHS and completed a number of hands on challenges in the area of robotics, chemical processing, engineering and design, and environmental science.

As we are nearing the end of the school year I would like to remind students of a few things. Students will have their final piece of assessment due for a range of subjects in the coming weeks. I would encourage all students to attend Homework Club during this time so they are able to catch up on work, complete assessment and revise for their subjects. They need to ensure that all of their library items have been returned. Also, the junior school students still have another couple of weeks to go and their full attendance is expected during this time. On a final note I would like to wish all the Year 9’s the best of luck as they enter Senior School next year.

Have a great week!

Elyse Gilbert
Head of Year 9

From the Head of Department: Arts

Oh how the year has flown! As we farewell week 7 and jump into week 8, the arts department begins to reflect on the year we have had; our challenges, our strengths and our areas to celebrate. Our students and staff have worked tirelessly to achieve such great success.

Our musical auditions were held over the last few weeks and we are very pleased to announce our cast list! If you are interested, there are still places available in our chorus and band, please see Miss Wilcox in G Block staffroom to nominate. We are very excited to begin our Battle of the Bands journey in week 9 with our first rehearsal.

As the year draws to a close for our Year 12 students, I would like to take the time to thank them for their positive contributions to our department. Your efforts have been continuous and we wouldn’t have been able to showcase such a high standard of work without you all. We wish you all the very best for what lies ahead.

Rachelle Wilcox
Head of Department – Arts

ITD News

Junior ITD

The year 7s are continuing with their term rotations. These students are making LED acrylic backboards. This project allows the students to get a taste of what ITD offers and how to use all the workshop equipment, especially the CNC machine which engraves a picture into the acrylic. The year 8s are currently finishing off their tea light candle holder. This project is very enjoyable and allows the student to design a piece using both acrylic and wood. Parents can expect to see this home in the next few weeks. The year 9s are currently finishing off their picture frames. This project is very enjoyable and allows the student to design and build a picture frame adding in their own flare. Some of the students have been able to enhance their jobs by collecting items from home to glue onto their frames, while others are using the wood burners and cutting sections out using the scroll saws.

Furnishing

The senior furnishings students have been working on their display cases; while this project has had a large practical component, the students will be finishing off the term with the written assessment. The year 10 students have finished their foot stools and are now using these skills to construct coffee tables. Some students have been able to use a variety of woods laminated together for the tops of their tables, which is allowing the students to take their jobs to the next level after spending so much time building them.

Engineering

The senior engineering students are finishing up the term with the final components of their jobs. The year 10 and 11 students are putting the finishing touches on their tack hammers. They have also been able to get into the welding bays and practice their welding skills and seeing who can lay down the best weld.

Learning Support News

This term has been very busy for Learning Support with the trial of a new Corrective Reading Program. In this program, students engage with a variety of verbal and written activities that explore the letter sound relationship. At this stage, the trial will continue for the rest of the year and may be used across all Extreme Literacy classes in 2017.

Instrumental Music Program News

Emerald State High School Instrumental Music Program Achievements 2016

The Instrumental Music Students have once again had a very successful year.

• Students at this years’ Central Highlands Secondary Eisteddfod received 6 firsts, 7 seconds, and 5 Highly Commended.
• In March, 12 students were accepted and attended the State Honours Ensemble Program held at Rockhampton
• 35 students attended a very successful band camp at Yeppoon in May. Here our Symphonic Band and Jazz Band intensively worked on new repertoire. Visiting clinician and conductor John Evenhuis worked with our students, and was genuine in her praise on our excellent musicianship skills. Jazz Band also gave a wonderful performance poolside at Capricorn Resort.
• In June, students performed at the biennial Fanfare Competition. Our Symphonic Band received a Gold award and our Jazz Band received a Silver award. Symphonic band was awarded the trophy for Best Regional Performance.
• In August, 21 students attended Festival of Bands. This was a wonderful weekend of music workshops with visiting clinicians. At the conclusion of rehearsals and workshops, our students performed in a Gala Concert at Emerald Town Hall.
• Students have performed at many school and community events including Senior Leader Induction Day, Jazz and Shiraz, Anzac Day Ceremony, Festival of Bands, Capricorn Resort, Eisteddfod, Senior Citizens Luncheon, Avalon Aged Care home, Senior Arts Showcase, Emerald Shines, Denison State School and Emerald State School, Grade 12 Graduation, and Band Awards night. Students will also be performing at the Emerald Town Carols on December 10.
• Sadly we lose 5 Grade 12`s this year. These students have been dedicated and valuable members of the music program for the last 5 years.

Library News

As we near the end of the school year students need to ensure that all library items are returned once they are finished using them. Deadlines for returning items are:

Year 12 – November 11
Years 10 & 11 – November 18
Years 7-9 – December 2

Pearson Textbooks

We are reviewing the use of Pearson textbooks and eBooks in Years 7 to 10. Year 7 to 9 students have these for English, Geography, History, Mathematics, and Science, while Year 10 students have these for Mathematics and Science. If your child was in these years for 2016, we ask that you please take a minute to complete the survey.

Premier’s Reading Challenge

As part of the 2016 Premier’s Reading Challenge, TUH Health Fund is offering students the chance to win a $1000 bursary for their school and a $50 voucher for themselves by submitting 50 words or less describing how their teacher or librarian inspires their love of reading. To enter, visit the link below.

Dam Safety

Tips for staying safe at dams, weirs and channels

• Look for hidden dangers – Check for submerged stumps, rocks or weeds before entering water
• Keep a safe distance – stay at least 200 metres away from dam and weir walls
• Read the signs – they contain important information about hazards and restricted areas
• Remain aware – stay alert to potential dangers and keep a close eye on friends and family

Exchange Students

BRING FRENCH CULTURE TO LIFE!

Why not volunteer to host an international student from France next year? We have a small group of delightful French students coming to Australia for 10 weeks to immerse in local culture, experience our schools, sports, environment and lifestyle. All students speak excellent English, have their own spending money, cover all school expenses, and we arrange all aspects of their program. It’s fun and interesting to help these young people achieve their Australian dream. If you’d like know more, please email your interest to rl@scce.com.au

Christmas

University Accommodation