25 July 2018

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

Welcome to our first newsletter for semester 2. By now reports have gone home and all parents should have had the opportunity to review them with their daughters and sons. Whilst there is not a parent teacher interview evening this term (the next one is early term 4) parents are welcome to email or call their child’s teacher of there are any concerns.

Last semester we achieved some solid gains such as:

• Our teachers made significant gains in planning for the new senior curriculum commencing in 2019. This is a landmark change for Qld Education where we link up with the rest of Australia adopting the National Curriculum and ATAR university entrance scores.
• Our positive behaviour team has developed lessons for every element on our school Behaviour Matrix.
• Our new hall is completed except for sound and video fittings.
• Our new amphitheatre is almost finished.
• Another significant gain for our school was the addition of staffing to support our students at risk of not completing senior or gaining a QCE. This has really assisted those students.
• The P&C has already progressed its plans for our 50th Year Jubilee celebrations in June next year.
• We have commenced long term planning to upgrade our toilets as well as enhancing current maintenance.
• We have refined our team development processes and improved clarity around each staff member’s key roles as an individual and a team member.
• We have introduced a class dashboard for every class to differentiate and track every student’s progress.
• We have maintained our proud record of supporting school sports.
• We have maintained our proud record of providing an extensive and varied curriculum with many extra-curricular activities.

Special Mentions

• Congratulations to Chloe Davey (Year 8) for being selected to be an associate judge at the Brisbane Exhibition this year. It is a terrific recognition for her skill set in showing cattle. Here is the link to youtube about her successes in showing cattle:

• Mr Van Hees for settling the many disputes amongst our younger students. He has a very complex job some days.
• Mrs Markey our Business manager who has a thankless job, however she has transformed our front office staff into a high performing team.
• To our cleaners who manage to maintain and clean a vast complex of buildings every day. They work very hard.
• Our P&C President Renee Frith who does a mighty job and includes everyone.
• To our mayor, Kerry Hayes, and Scott Mason (CHRC CEO) who always support our school when we go to them.

3 Things parents need to know about the new QCE

The Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) is Queensland’s senior secondary schooling qualification that students undertake in years 11 and 12. To earn a QCE, students must study and successfully complete a set number of subjects that meet all the requirements of the QCE. This becomes their pathway to successful employment or further study when they leave school.

Choosing a QCE pathway for year 11 and 12 is one of the most important things a student does in their schooling. If parents take an active interest in the process their children will tend to make better decisions.

For the current year 10 students and beyond, the QCE is changing. To understand these changes follow this hyperlink:

"I must do something" always solves more problems than "Something must be done!" Author Unknown

Have a safe weekend,
Ray Clarke
Principal

From the Head of Department – English

Improving student literacy skills is a key focus underpinning our English work programs in every year level. “Literacy encompasses the knowledge and skills students need to access, understand, analyse and evaluate information, make meaning, express thoughts and emotions, present ideas and opinions, interact with others and participate in activities at school and in their lives beyond school….” (The Australian Curriculum)

The English Department implements a range of strategies to improve students’ literacy skills, particularly in the junior school, through: weekly spelling; unit specific vocabulary; weekly grammar activities; weekly reading and comprehension activities; and TEEL paragraph writing.

These skills are applied and extended within units of work which explore a variety of genres and contexts. This term students will apply their literacy skills through engaging with a variety of written texts:

• Year 7 students will read a range of informative texts to write a biography on someone who has demonstrated courage;
• Year 8 students will explore the human experience of ‘growing up’ through the eyes of Lockie Leonard;
• Year 9 students are reading “Twelve Angry Men” and will develop a script demonstrating a character’s perspective on the issues raised in the text;
• Students in Year 10 studying English will explore the themes of Shakespeare’s play, Romeo and Juliet, whereas those studying Essential English will complete the analysis of a television show and create a visual response after reading poetry;
• In addition to analysing and evaluating political speeches, Year 11 English students will explore politics in the play Macbeth. Conversely, English Communication students will examine representations of Australia in film.
• Students in Year 12 English are reading the play The Crucible and those studying English Communication are exploring the themes of empathy and apathy in the novel The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas.

Students are encouraged to read for at least 20 minutes per day to improve their English. Engaging in a range of texts will greatly benefit students. In addition to reading, students in Years 7 – 9 are set weekly spelling words which they should be revising for homework.

The current Year 10 cohort will be the first to study the new syllabus in 2019. Thus, it is important for them to consider which English option is suitable for them. Students will be offered either English or Essential English, which reflects the current subjects we offer in Year 10. Students must pass Year 10 English to be able to study English in Years 11 and 12. Essential English is more suitable for students who are choosing a workforce pathway.

Mia Gibson
Head of Department – English (Acting)

From the Head of Department – Mathematics

Firstly, I would like to thank parents/caregivers for their valued support to our school so far.

Semester 1 flew by with our students having completed all necessary assessments and requirements. The students’ results were collated and reported on. Our reports have shown an improvement in student achievement across the board. I would like to congratulate students, parents/carers and teachers for this. Going forward we would like to build up on this success.

It has been found that the frequency of revision of work is directly correlated to retention of knowledge. For example, an hour’s worth of study done in one sitting is less effective than 3 x 20minute sessions done with breaks in between them. As parents/carers, we can assist in the students learning by prompting and ensuring the student is frequently engaging with schoolwork at home.

Term 3 is a busy term where many important concepts will be covered in Mathematics. A good grasp of these concepts is vital.

In a few weeks, our year 9’s and year 10’s will be selecting their subjects for next year. Our teachers have started having conversations with the students so that the students are able to make the best choices.

A group of year 12 students are on an “Academic Tour” this week. The tour involves students travelling to Brisbane to attend various university open days. They will also visit some other universities on the way to Brisbane.

Emerald State High is also gearing up for the implementation of the new QCAA syllabus next year. The Maths department is on track concerning timelines, work programs and term plans.

Again, I would like to thank you for your continued support.

Looking forward to a productive Term 3.

Nahroon Nazim
Head of Department – Mathematics

From the Head of Year – 7

Prepared People are Positively Perfect

Semester one was a positive start to high school for the year 7s. Behaviour, both inside and outside of the classroom, has been exemplary across the board. Students are encouraged to keep this up. They are setting a very high benchmark for themselves and the rest of the school. Participation across all subjects has also been excellent. They are encouraged to continue with this. Students are reminded to continue bringing hats to school. This is a big focus in HPE practical lessons.

Many of your year 7s appear excited for a new semester after a well-deserved holiday. Hopefully students were pleased with the Semester One results and received valuable feedback from their reports. This is an opportunity for students to identify their strengths and set goals for this term to make improvements where necessary. Teachers are always willing to work with students and parents in identifying key areas to improve.

The attendance of the year 7 students has continued to be excellent, but if your child is absent please ensure you contact the school that day so students are not ‘unexplained’. If it is a planned absence, please let the school know prior to that time so the student’s teachers know and any assessment can be either brought forward or extended so they don’t miss out.

As the weather remains cool in the mornings, students are reminded to ensure they are in the correct uniform. Furthermore, labelling clothing can assist with finding lost property as students tend to shed their jumpers as the weather warms of an afternoon. If for any reason, they are not able to wear the correct uniform, please make sure that they come to school with a note.

Students are encouraged to organise themselves for the new term by marking key dates on diary calendars and ensure they are prepared for class. Prepared students are less likely to feel stressed or overwhelmed by completing set tasks. It is fantastic that so many of our year 7s have embraced the values of the school in being polite, prepared and enthusiastically participating in school life.

Kate Deighton
Head of Year 7

From the Head of Year – 12

Term 3 is a big term for our year 12 students with the QCS test and continuing exams and extra-curricular activities. The QCS test will be held on the 4th and 5th of September (Week 8). It is crucial that students participating in the QCS test continue to attend their QCS classes in preparation for QCS, as this can ensure students are more confident and prepared for those days in early September.

Formal fundraising is continuing this term and all year 12 students are encouraged to participate in raising money to ensure the formal is well-decorated and an enjoyable evening. It is important that all students contribute to fundraising so that it does not all fall on the same members of the cohort. We have had success this year with our movie premiere and joining with the SRC to provide a BBQ at the athletics carnival.

Students are reminded to continue to attend school every day and provide medical certificates if they are ill and unable to attend. This ensures that their attendance remains high enough for them to be eligible to attend the formal. If students are concerned about their attendance percentage they can come at see me before school or during lunch breaks to discuss it.

Regards

Callum Tyack
Head of Year 12

Science News

Firstly, I would like to thank parents/caregivers for their valued support to our school so far.

Just an update on what’s happening this term!

The grade 7s are currently learning about the solar system. The grade 8 students are doing a Physics unit which involves energy transfer and transformation. In year 9 the students are working on their Biology unit involving body coordination and later they will do a unit on ecosystems. In the senior sciences, the grade 12 Science in Practice students are working on light & sound .The year 11 Biology students are currently learning about transport in plants and animals while the year 12s will be doing reproduction in animals this term. In Physics, the year 11s are learning concepts and principles involving different types of energy while the students in grade 12 Physics are learning about space physics. The year 11 Chemistry students are studying aqueous chemistry while the year 12 Chemistry classes are currently doing forensic science.

Industrial Technology & Design News

We are halfway through the year, though there remains a lot left to accomplish. The junior students are engaging with the new technology curriculum and learning how to look at solving problems logically and with all the tools at their disposal. The senior students are working their way through their projects, making log books and applying real world ideas into the creation of saleable products.

The Year 7 students have been creating LED lamps with custom logos designed by themselves. The Year 8s are starting to design desk organisers to solve a problem, in this case, the common messy home work area, while the Year 9s will be starting to look at solar powered vehicles and designs for safety.

The senior furnishings students are creating game boards with an emphasis on a high quality fit and finish and wooden outdoor eskies that are produced efficiently and to detailed specifications. The senior engineering students are working on making functional and strong F Clamps, while the Year 12s are finishing off the last parts of their Certificate II in Engineering pathways course.

Student from all grades have started preparing to compete in the Emerald Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) race. This small local race is between all the local high schools and is a preparatory run before the Fraser Coast 24hour race held in Maryborough, sneaks up on us in September. The recumbent bikes are being pulled out of storage in anticipation of some good weather and racing.

Student Representative Council News

Term 3 is shaping up to be another fantastic fun filled term. The SRC have a number of fun activities planned for staff, students and the school community. The SRC and Interact are currently running a stationery drive for Our Rainbow House. The SRC make an annual pledge to Our Rainbow House and the work they do in Zambia. If you would like to donate some stationery, you can drop it off at the administration office or there are collection bins at F block staffroom. The stationery drive will finish at the end of week 3.

In week 5, the SRC will begin a pet food drive for CQ Pet Rescue. Please watch the school Facebook page for information closer to the time. In addition, there will be a pet themed cupcake day to raise money for CQ Pet Rescue. The SRC hope to make a presentation of pet food items collected to CQ Pet Rescue in week 8.

Week 9 will see Emerald covered in colour, with the annual colour run. This is a fantastic event, make sure you get along to be part of the activities planned.

Finally, Friday week 10 is Jeans for Genes day. This will be a great opportunity to support an organisation that continues to research and develop cures for childhood cancer.

Library News

Bookweek

BOOKWEEK is coming! August 18-24 is The Children’s Book Council of Australia’s book week where libraries across Australia celebrate the best books published in the last year. The theme for 2018 is Find Your Treasure. Emerald State High School library will again be hosting a dress-up parade on AUGUST 24TH so start thinking about your costume NOW. Last year the turnout was brilliant with a range of book characters coming to life through the involvement of both staff & students… let’s see if we can do even better this year!

Digital Technologies ICAS

Congratulations to Annabelle, whose Digital Technologies ICAS results are in. The test assessed 6 different areas of Digital Technologies, with Annabelle scoring higher than the Year 9 average across in Australia in word processing and spreadsheets/databases. Well done Annabelle!

Word Mania

All students in Years 7-9 have been given their usernames & passwords to participate in Word Mania. This is a 3-minute word building game that students can play via the link below or by downloading the free LiteracyPlanet Word Mania app on Apple or Android. Students are currently in the practice phase, while they get used to how to play before competition Round 1 on July 30-August 3 & competition Round 2 on August 6-10. Hopefully our students will do well & be able to compete in the final round on August 15-17. In previous years we’ve won board games for the library based on our high number of student participation.

Community Events

Anzac to Armistice

The Emerald RSL Sub branch is running a competition open to all students from years 4 to 12. They are asking students across the region to create a poster based on a poem entitled Men from Australia by John Watkins. First prize is $500 for the student. Every participating entry will receive a limited edition medallion. Posters can be either hand drawn on no larger than A3 paper and scanned, or produced digitally and sent to lross71@eq.edu.au . Copies of the poem can be collected from Mrs Ross in F Block.

Could the NDIS benefit your family?

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is a new way to support Australians with disability, and make sure everyone has the support they need to enjoy an ordinary life. If you or someone in your family is living with permanent disability, you may be eligible for support through the NDIS. The NDIS helps people with disability achieve their goals. That can include becoming more independent, building strong social networks, and participating in the community and the workforce. Carers Queensland is your NDIS Partner in the Community. We can help you find out more about the NDIS and guide you through the planning process, learning the system and using your NDIS plan. If you’re not eligible for funding, we can help you find support, services and activities available in your local community. We can also help you learn new skills and find resources. We’ll be working to increase awareness of the issues people with disability face, and building a more accessible, inclusive Central Queensland where everyone is welcome and valued. To discuss how the NDIS could work for you, contact your NDIS Partner in the Community Carers Queensland on (07) 4994 1600 or rockhamptonlac@carersqld.com.au .

Young people invited to be engaged

Central Highlands Regional Council wants young people to be a part of the community engagement process and one way to do that is by joining a community reference group (CRG). Mayor Cr Kerry Hayes said that young people are a vital part of the community now and in the future. ‘We have many passionate and engaged young people that work with council to bring to life youth events and tell us what young people in the Central Highlands need and want,’ he said. ‘The fine ideas we recently heard at the Mayoral Student Leader Summit are just one proof that young people have valuable opinions, voices and ideas that we’d like to hear. ‘We hope to inspire young people to become a part of council’s community engagement processes and learn about their community and council.’ By joining a CRG young people can find out what’s happening in their community, learn about what council does and the people that work in council, hear about council’s latest projects and have a say about what’s important to them. There are thirteen CRG’s in the region that meet regularly to work together with community, government, business and industry to partner in advancing initiatives and have a say in the communities’ long-term future. For more information, visit the website below.

Emerald State High School turns 50 in 2019 and we want your help!

The jubilee committee have commenced work on a book of memories from the last 50 years. We would like to invite you to submit your recollections for possible inclusion in the book. We are calling on past and present administration, teachers, teacher-aides, ancillary staff, tuckshop volunteers, bus drivers, P&C members, students and parents to contribute their memories. The first cut-off date for submission swill be Friday the 21st of September 2018. Contributions don’t have to be long, perfectly written or correctly spelt. All contributions will be subject to editing to fit into required spaces and we can’t guarantee inclusion of each and every item. Photos are also very welcome. Scanned and sent by email is preferred but please let us know if we can help you in this process. Please also include the year/s you were present and any names and former names of individuals in your memories/articles. We may also be putting together a short video presentation so please let us know if you have video footage. Please don’t hesitate to contact me by phone or email, if you would like further information or guidance.

Yours sincerely,

Samantha Elsden
Jubilee Secretary
emeraldshsjubilee@gmail.com