28 May 2020

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report.

Dear friends of Emerald High

It is with delight that we have welcomed all of our students back to school, as we edge towards normality. Most school activities are back to normal, although assemblies and large group gatherings are not occurring, regular hand-washing is expected, and social distancing expectations remain in place in many areas around the school, including the tuckshop and school office.

Teachers have spent the week supporting students to re-align their learning and catch-up where needed. To give our students some more time this term to consolidate their learning, some assessment will occur later in the term than was scheduled and hence reports will be sent home in Week 2 next term rather than the end of this term.

I would encourage parents to contact teachers or the school and discuss any issues or concerns that your children may be experiencing making the transition back into normal schooling. It has been disruptive for many of our students and we are very keen to work with families to help smooth any speedbumps that may occur.

We will soon be doing something new to support students who may be struggling at school. From next term our Deputy Principals, Heads of Department and myself will each be 'academically coaching' a group of students who are experiencing difficulties, helping them to identify goals and strategies to help them learning and then supporting them in their journey through the term. This will be done in partnership with parents.

Amongst the many technological innovations that have occurred during the term, the school has launched the 'Qschools' app that can be downloaded for free. This app links directly with our school website and provides the community with quick and easy access to key information about the school, including the school calendar, news feed, Facebook page and more. No login or password are needed.

Whilst on the topic of our website, I would encourage everyone to have a look at our new introductory trailer for our musical next year, accessible on Facebook or on the school website. The musical will again be amazing!!

Last Friday was P&C Day, a day to acknowledge the very real difference that our P&C parents make to our school in support of our students and staff. I would like to thank all of the parents involved with our P&C for their dedication and commitment to the school with evidence of this work seen in all corners of our school. Thank you!

In any project the important factor is your belief. Without belief, there can be no successful outcome.

William James

Have a fantastic fortnight
Mr. Sean Maher
Principal

From the Deputy Principal – Junior School.

It’s Week 6 already, and it has been great to see classrooms returning to normal and students keen and eager to learn. In the Junior School, we started the year with a strong focus on classroom routines and bookwork. I have included a copy of our bookwork expectations below, please assist our teachers by checking your child has a book for each subject and that they are following the bookwork expectations. You will also be able to find some feedback from teachers in each of their books. Please contact your child’s teacher if you have any concerns.

Regards
Mr. Ben Van Hees
Deputy Principal – Senior School

From the Head of Year 7.

Welcome back everyone!

As life at ESHS returns back to some normality, our teachers are busy preparing our students for a smooth transition back to the classroom. In order to ensure that optimal learning occurs it is crucial that we emphasise the application of our 3P’s both in the classroom and at lunchtime.

Polite:

• Be kind. Speak nicely to your peers and teachers. Listen to and comply with adult instructions. Always.

Prepared:

• Make sure that you come to school on time, prepared and ready to learn. This not only means having your school diary, pencil case and correct book for each subject, but also wearing the correct uniform every day. Also, pack a healthy and nutritious lunch. Choose foods that will power the brain and help you to make the best choices when at school.

Participation:

• Finally, make the most of your time at school and participate! Engage in your learning to the best of your ability. We offer some awesome lunchtime clubs at ESHS that will start to resume now that we are all back on grounds. I will be checking in with Year 7s next term to see which club they are involved in. More information to come shortly.

I look forward to watching the Year 7 cohort transition back into the classroom and make the most of face–to–face curriculum delivery. Should you have any concerns regarding the welfare of your child please do not hesitate to email me: mmpem0@eq.edu.au

Regards
Miss. Maggie Pembroke
HOY – 7

From the Head of Year 12.

Back to normality for Emerald High in Week 6 of Term 2. However, it was back to normality for our seniors a little earlier than most. It can be said with confidence that the teachers were overjoyed to see their students again and help them get back on track to receiving their QCE. Once the school leaders returned, they were asked in some of their free time to help develop and star in a number of videos that went out on social media. One of these videos was a quick message to the Year 6 students in the Emerald Area about what they have to look forward to when they come to Emerald High next year. It’s on Facebook, so check it out if you haven’t already.

Late last term, QCAA (the authority who overseas senior schooling) contacted schools outlining the changes that would occur for our current Year 12s in terms of assessment. QCAA had decided to remove an assessment piece from each subject syllabus. For some subjects this was dictated by QCAA, for others it was a school decision. The Heads of Department and Senior School Deputy met to discuss where applicable what would be the best assessment to remove for our students in the current situation. This will be very valuable in terms of relieving stress for our students and parents.

If your student is looking for a little more excitement in life after school then maybe an Australian Defence Force Gap Year is for them. A great option for students interested in experiencing life in the armed forces. Applications for some roles have closed and others are closing soon.

I understand that with the current health situation there has been doubt thrown over a few stock events that Emerald High holds dear. However, I would like to take the time to let you know that, even in times of uncertainty that the staff of Emerald High are striving to support our senior students as much as possible. This also includes the events of Year 12 Formal and Graduation. I would like to assure you that whatever happens, these events will go ahead. The formal date of 17th September has not changed. However, when the time comes to switch focus from study to play; we, as a group, may need to be flexible and offer as much help to each other as we can.

Regards
Mr. Jaksen Brose
HOY – 12

From the Maths team.

The maths department is excited to see all students back in a maths classroom! We would like to congratulate and thank all the students and their carers for their efforts over the past five weeks. Although the situation was new, challenging and full of frustrations, the majority of students adapted admirably. Now, a new challenge begins: acclimatising back into the classroom.

Junior Maths (Years 7-9)

All students in Years 7-9 will have an exam at the end of this term on the content covered during online learning. To prepare students for this, the maths department made Week 5 a revision week, where no new content was delivered. In addition, teachers will reteach the content from Weeks 1-4 in their classroom before the exam. If students are concerned, they should attend Homework Club (afterschool every Wednesday in the library) or ask their teacher for help during their break times.

Year 10 Maths

Here is the assessment schedule for students in Year 10:

• Maths Foundations (MAF) – Exam in Week 9.
• Maths General (MAT) – Problem Solving and Modelling Task (PSMT) that will be handed out in Week 6, and due in Week 9.
• Maths Extension (MAX) – PSMT that will be handed out in Week 6 and due in Week 10.
• Maths Specialist (MAS) – Exam in Week 9.

Year 11 Maths

Due to COVID-19, the Maths Department has reduced the amount of assessment for Year 11 based on guidance from the QCAA. For students in General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics, their end of Unit 1 exam has been cancelled. As students have already completed a PSMT on Unit 1, this allows teachers and students to focus on Unit 2. The exam for Unit 2 will be in Term 3.

For Essential Mathematics, there is an exam in Week 7.

Year 12 Maths

The QCAA has asked schools to include only two of three assessments for consideration towards students’ ATAR calculation. The maths department has decided to use Internal Assessment 1 (IA1) and Internal Assessment 3 (IA3) for students in General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods and Specialist Mathematics.

However, for Essential Mathematics, there have been no changes except for that the Common Internal Assessment has been moved to Term 4.

Riddle of the Week

When does 9 plus 6 equal 3?

Regards
Mr. Rajiv Bhar
Teacher – Maths

From the HPE team.

Welcome Back Everyone!

We would like to thank all the students and parents for their patience, understanding and commitment to “Learning at Home” for the first part of this term.

With the return to school for all students at ESHS we would like to take this opportunity to let parents know that during HPE prac lessons we will have additional measures in place (e.g. washing of equipment at the end of every lesson) to meet the requirements of COVID-19.

For Years 8 and 9 we will be trialling the new style of Wellness lessons with students electing which activity they would like to participate in for the remainder of the term. There will be a high, medium and low intensity activity on offer and once the student has voted they will remain in that activity for the whole term. Students will be voting in Week 6 – upon their return to school.

A reminder that hats need to be worn for all HPE prac lessons (Wellness and HPE Prac). Please get your students to check their timetables for the days they have prac. Water bottles are also encouraged; even though the climate has changed we still need to stay hydrated.

We continue to encourage students to focus on their health and wellbeing. Although we are back at school and some restrictions has been eased, we encourage students and families to continue the healthy habits they have had during isolation. Keep going for that walk, riding the bike, walking the family pet and anything else that helps with your health and wellbeing.

Regards
Mrs. Christine Wilson
Teacher – HPE

From the Arts team.

It has definitely been an interesting first five weeks of Term 2. Teaching the Arts subjects online has been a learning curve for all. Please read on for a brief update on what all classes are working on.

7 ART

Students will begin the ‘Making and Reflection’ process to create a lino print, which will feature their object in the foreground and an intricate pattern in the background.

8 ART

Students have started planning for our ‘Making’ assessment task by looking back on previous artworks from Term 1 and 2, to discover what we want to include in our Journey Map.

9 ART

Students have introduced the ‘Making’ assessment task for the term: to create a self-portrait. Students have been encouraged to reflect on past artworks, and self-reflection tasks, to help develop ideas for their portrait.

11 ART

Students will be completing the creation of their resolved artwork/s, as well as presenting them, in our Installation Room. They will also be completing their artist statement and annotations.

11 VISUAL ARTS IN PRACTICE

Students will be completing the creation of their resolved artwork/s as well as presenting them in our Installation Room. They will also be completing their artist statement and organising their supporting portfolio.

7 MUSIC

In Year 7 Music, students have completed their first piece of assessment. Students had to create a composition, which involved students writing a piece of Rock music. The students will be working on a performance of a Rock piece of music for the remainder of Term 2.

8 MUSIC

Students in Year 8 Music have been working on their ‘Responding’ task. This task involved analysing the music of either ‘Man in the Mirror’ by Michael Jackson, or ‘Treaty’ by Yothu Yindi. The students will be moving onto their ‘Performance’ task in Week 6.

9 MUSIC

Students will be completing their ‘Responding’ task about fusion pieces, and then they will take part in a group performance task based on fusion music.

10/11/12 MUSIC

In the combined class of Years 10, 11 and 12, all students have been working on their composition tasks. All students have been working hard on producing their compositions and there has been many individualised sounds and arrangements taking place. The due dates have been pushed back due to COVID-19, so please check the assessment calendar.

DRAMA

Well what a term it has been! I am excited for all students to return back on campus this week for some fun drama activities. My Year 7s will finalise their script writing next week and then will begin working in groups to create a performance. My seniors are still busy working on their Dramatic Concept. Students are getting up to the stage of creating still images of their ideas. This will be a fun process for all involved.

11/12 FILM, TELEVISION & NEW MEDIA

Students will be completing the filming portion of their short films, and then they will begin to edit them, ready for final submission.

12 MEDIA ARTS IN PRACTICE

Students will be completing the filming process of their short films, and then they will begin to edit them, ready for final submission. They will also be completing their digital poster and DVD cover to promote their short film.

Remember that your teachers are here to help you achieve success and we are excited at having everyone back in the classroom again. Wishing everyone a very happy return to school.

Regards
Miss. Jacinda Fehlhaber
Teacher – Arts

From the Languages team.

Welcome back everyone!

We hope that everything is travelling smoothly for everyone during and after their remote learning. We would like to acknowledge and celebrate the great amount of effort that our students put into their work and we would like to show our gratitude to the parents and carers for their support and participation in the first part of the term.

Classwork each year level is to be completing both at home and at school in Week 5 & 6

Once again, the best way to improve achievement is short but regular review of both new and old vocabulary, as well as participating in all learning activities. It is an expectation that students across all year levels should complete two lessons of Japanese per week, as they are learning new content every lesson. Additionally, it is highly suggested that the students practice and exercise their skill in writing Japanese symbols by regularly using Quizlet or handwriting the symbols – hands on experience is always the most practical way of acquiring the knowledge! Years 9 and 10 should now be developing their skills in using hiragana and katakana and familiarise themselves with their recognition of various kanji. Remember that practice makes perfect!

Assessments updates

At this stage, assessment for Languages other than English (LOTE) are due at the end of this term to give students more time to complete their assessment. Furthermore, scaffolding and extra provisions will continue to occur to ensure equitable opportunity and whilst also making sure that no students who study Japanese are disadvantaged due to COVID-19 interruption. More in-class support will also be given to those who are still trying to catch up with the class content now that they are back at school.

What a return to regular schooling will look like in LOTE

With the return to school for all students at ESHS, we would like to take this opportunity to let parents and carers know that students will attend classes as normal. Students are to continue to demonstrate the three 3Ps while in class, where the expectation is for students to have a subject book, writing equipment, ruler, etc.

Upon entering the classroom, the students are going to sit at an individual desk to ensure that they have minimal amount of contact with other students inside the classroom. Remember to always bring and demonstrate a positive and polite attitude to every class!

Regards
Mr. Huu Nguyen
Teacher – Technology

From the Humanities team.

Welcome back this term to Years 7 to 10. Due to the COVID-19’s impact on schooling, assessment for this term has changed slightly, especially for junior classes. Folio items and TEEL responses have replaced some of the junior assessment pieces. Here is another list of student work for each subject’s work for you to peruse:

Junior Geography:

Year 7 = During Week 5, students began studying what councils do to improve liveability and enhance well-being. In Week 6 they will commence gathering primary data through a survey for their first folio item, a graph.

• Assessment = Folio items.

Year 8 = During Week 5, the students commenced their study migration looking at push and pull factors. This week, the students are examining graphs and statistics that will develop skills for their first folio item.

• Assessment = Folio items.

Year 9 = During Week 5, students began to investigate a hypothetical electronics company to analyse its environmental, social and economic impacts. This week, students will gather primary data through a survey.

• Assessment = Folio items.

Junior History:

Year 7 = During Week 5, the students finished researching the life of Qin. In Week 6, students will revise all work up to the present to check for understanding, ready for the upcoming exam.

• Assessment = Modified Short Response Exam.

Year 8 = During Week 5, students examined the start of medieval Japan and the Shogunate. In Week 6, they will look at the beliefs and values of the Shogunate and the three unifiers, such as Tokugawa.

• Assessment = Modified Research Portfolio.

Year 9 = During Week 6 students will examine the consequences of WW1 on a young nation.

• Assessment = Modified In-class essay.

Senior Modern History:

Years 10, 11 and 12 are all working on their IA2 Assessments which are due this term.

Year 10 = During Week 5, the students began their assessment by choosing their own historically based movie to analyse.

• Assessment = Research Report.

Year 11 = During Week 5, students completed their rationales and started their research on the Russian Revolution and Vladimir Lenin.

• Assessment = Research Report.

Year 12 = During Week 5 students finalised their IA2 assessments drafts relating to Nazi propaganda.

• Assessment = Research Report.

Senior Ancient History:

Year 10 = During Weeks 5 and 6 the Year 10 class will be beginning and continuing their study of Gaius Caligula in preparation for their historical essay assessment.

• Assessment = Exam.

Year 11 = During Week 3, the students have continued their study from Term 1, by learning about the beliefs, rituals and funerary practices of ancient cultures from around the world. This week, the students will begin their independent source investigation, choosing a culture to focus on and researching some aspect of it in detail.

• Assessment = Independent Source Investigation.

Year 12 = During Weeks 3 and this week, the students are continuing to work on their IA2, which is in relation to the Han Dynasty.

• Assessment = Investigative Report.

Legal Studies:

Year 10 = During Week 5, students are beginning their assessment by planning their inquiry and starting their research on bail conditions.

• Assessment = Inquiry Report.

Year 11 = During Week 5, students were continuing their assessment by drafting their inquiry and continuing their research on mandatory sentencing.

• Assessment = Inquiry Report.

Year 12 = During Week 5 and this week, students have continued working on their IA2, by drafting their legal inquiry upon marijuana possession and cultivation.

• Assessment = Inquiry Report.

Tourism:

Year 10 = During Week 5, the students began to unpack their assessment item, which they will continue to work on in Week 6.

• Assessment = Investigation.

Year 11 = During Week 5, the students conducted research to identify their chosen topic for the assessment. In Week 6 students will begin to write their article on niche tourism.

• Assessment = Investigation.

Regards
Mrs. Vicki Hawkins
Teacher – Humanities

From the SEP team.

We have made it to the end of learning at home! Well done everyone and a big thank you to the parents who supported each student through this period. This week we return to school, to our regular timetables and teachers. We are glad to see you back and look forward to hearing about what other interesting things or skill you have learnt during your time at home. Please remember to return all your work whether completed or not as we want to be able to add these items to your books/folios and see what areas we need to revisit.

If you are feeling worried about returning to school, please remember that the people who were here to support you during Term 1 are here to support you again. Please reach out to your case manager or another staff member if you are feeling in need of support at any time. If you are feeling worried that you have not understood or completed some of the work sent home, remember that you will not be the only one! Your teachers understand that the last few weeks have not always been ‘smooth sailing’ and will do their best to bring everyone up to date with their learning over the course of the next few weeks. Have a great first week back and remember the 3P’s!

Regards
Mrs. Sarah Somerville
Teacher – SEP

From the Science team.

A resounding welcome back for the students of Emerald State High. The science faculty would like to take the time to extend our thanks and appreciation to the students and parents of students for working so hard at home. It is important to maintain a strong, scientific knowledge base. This will undoubtedly help your student on returning to school.

For the return of our students to a normal schedule it is important to remember two key things. First, be sure to bring all necessary equipment to school. This includes books, pens and any specialty equipment that might be necessary. Second, remember to be polite and friendly to all of your peers.

If any student is feeling overwhelmed, or under pressure on their return back to school. Every Wednesday afternoon from 3pm there is an opportunity to come to study club. At study club teachers from many different faculties give up their time to help where ever they can. It can be a valuable resource. If a student is looking for a particular teacher, be sure to ask them so they are aware.

The classwork that the science classes will be continuing on with include Astronomy for the Year 7s, Geology for the Year 8s and Biology for our Year 9s.

Regards
Miss. Jess Whybird
Teacher – Science

From the English team.

All students are underway with their second piece of assessment. For most year levels, this consists of a drafting phase - some of which, will expected to be completed outside of school hours.

Year 7 English students have been working through their story creation unit, applying their knowledge in a narrative story format, which explores how certain phenomena came to be. They should be currently working through their drafts and will be writing their final copies in the coming weeks.

Year 8 English students are analysing songs and their lyrics, using the SPECS and SLIMS framework, which helps them recall all of the necessary information they will need to create an analytical response. These will be presented to the class in the final weeks of Term 2.

Year 9 English students are now exploring ideas about issues commonly represented in speculative fiction to create a short story.

Year 10 English students have been engaging in their novel studies. Each class has been designated a book and is reading through their novels, playing close attention to the themes and changes in characterisation. Once finalised, students will be asked to write an analytical essay in response to a question relating to their novel.

Year 11 General English students are currently investigating representations (or misrepresentations) of social groups in the media. They are preparing to perform an informative persuasive speech for item two assessment.

Year 11 Essential English are currently preparing for their exam on analysing workplace dynamics, and a variety of workplace documents.

Year 12 General English students have been looking at persuasive speeches on recent issues, which are covered by the media. Their findings will be presented to the class.

Year 12 Essential English students are looking at Australian films to identify social groups in preparation for their assessment where they have to design an Australian board game.

Regards
Mr. Lachlin Praed
Teacher – English

From the Hospitality & VET team.

ESHS WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

James Bridgeman started his school based apprenticeship in 2015 while completing Year 11, James graduated in 2016 and transitioned to full time employment. We would like to congratulate James on successfully completing his Certificate III in Electrotechnology, and thank Enwise Electrical and Refrigeration for their support and training.

Here is his first photo on the job and his completion

Styles and Smiles is BACK!

Styles and Smiles is BACK! Thursday appointments available. For all the latest news and appointment information, please join the Styles and Smiles Facebook group!

Book now at the link below.

Our students are now ready to start taking clients in preparation for their Cert II Salon Assistant. For the low, low price of $5.00, (cash only at this time), services include a scalp massage, wash and your choice of:

• Straighten
• Blow-dry
• Braid
• Curl

The salon will be open under D-Block on Thursdays, 1 hour appointments are available at 10:30-11:30am and 12:00pm-1:00pm.

Please note we are following all social distancing guidelines and only three clients will be allowed in the salon at one time. We ask that you not bring children with you.

Regards
Ms. Alana Wills
Teacher – VET

From the Positive Behaviour for Learning Team

Behaviour Focus

Our current behaviour focus is “Come prepared with all necessary equipment.”

Community Notices