12 June 2020

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report.

Dear friends of Emerald High,

Things are pretty much back to normal at school as we all adjust back to 'real' schooling.

I would again 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, so that we can put support into place. We are very keen to ensure that the learning of our young people is supported as well as we possibly can.

Although we are all back into normal school routine, there are still a number of safety processes in place, such as:

• Regular use of hand-sanitiser across the school.
• Classrooms and frequent touch-points continue to be cleaned regularly by one of our cleaners who is working throughout the day.
• Regular reminders by teachers to wash hands regularly and thoroughly.
• Contact sports and activities are not allowed.
• Assemblies are not being conducted.
• Adult entry to the school is being minimised.
• Numerous posters can be seen around the school reminding students about the need for good hygiene.

Please be aware that the current health advice is that schools are not required to enforce social distancing measures for classroom activities. I continue to ask for everyone's support in keeping ill students at home and by minimising attendance at school or gathering outside the school grounds.

Some exciting news - through a partnership with BMA we are to receive some significant funding to support STEM learning in our school, STEM being 'Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics'. This funding will be used initially to purchase a range of learning resources such as telescopes, weather stations, 3D printers, wind tunnels, robots and the like to make STEM learning even more exciting, engaging and relevant.

A reminder that we have moved the Semester 1 report issue to the end of Week 2 next term (24 July). This will allow extra curriculum time for students this term to help catch up on learning time missed.

A reminder too that we will be initiating our Academic Coaching program next term to support students who are experiencing difficulties in their studies, with key staff members coaching individual students on their learning journey.

We are all faced with a series of great opportunities - brilliantly disguised as insolvable problems.

John Gardner

Have a fantastic fortnight
Mr. Sean Maher
Principal

From the Deputy Principal – Middle School.

STUDENT ID CARDS

All eligible students should have their student ID cards in Years 9 and 10. Some students who have not attended PC will need to collect and sign for their ID card by coming to see Mrs Saunders either before school or during their breaks. To be eligible, school fees must have been paid. Replacement cost for ID cards is $10.

ASSESSEMENT AND REPORTING

As we head into the last three weeks of Term 2, assessment will be the focus of many classes. I have listed all the assessment dates for students in both Years 9 and 10. This will be part of the information that will inform report cards, which will be emailed out to parents on Friday of Week 2 in Term 3.

Please ensure that email addresses are accurate and correct on our system.

ASSESSMENT FOR YEAR 9

ASSESSMENT FOR YEAR 10

NEW ENROLMENTS

We have had a number of new enrolments this term and I welcome them to our wonderful school.

COMMUNICATION

Please feel free to send me an email gsaun25@eq.edu.au if you have any concerns or questions about your student in Years 9 or 10.

Regards
Mrs. Gaye Saunders
Deputy Principal – Middle School

From the Deputy Principal – Senior School.

I can’t believe that it is only two weeks until June school holidays. It has impressed me the way that our senior students have coped with the transition to online learning and back again. At this stage, I have seen an improvement in our senior students’ attention to their studies.

Study Periods/Flexible Timetables

Many students in the past week (many Year 11s) have asked me for a study period. It is an expectation that students study a combination of six (6) subjects. Study periods are granted to students who have something that significantly impacts on their ability to study six (6) subjects. This could be due to having a traineeship or apprenticeship, a student with learning difficulties or disabilities, students who have a carer role, a student with English as an additional dialect and some bus students who are travelling on the bus for a large proportion of the afternoon/morning. Students must see Mrs Fitzgerald in Supportworx to discuss any changes to their timetable.

Students who have study periods and had “C” or better grades for all subjects on their Term 1 report card have been issued with a letter regarding a flexible timetable. The flexible timetable allows students to arrive for Period 2, if they have Period 1 spare and go home at 2nd lunch if they have a Period 4 spare. Please note that it is a requirement by law that we notify you if your student was not present at PC. If the student is on a “flexi” you do not need to action the text it will be sorted when they sign in. If you have any questions regarding this please contact me.

Attendance targets

The school requires that students in the senior school attend school at least 92%, this equates to approximately four days of absences each term. Year 11 and 12 students who do not meet this target are at risk of not attending the formal, as well as not being able to purchase a senior jersey. I have sent a letter home last week, outlining the requirements that our Year 12s must meet to be eligible for formal this year.

Regards
Mrs. Tanya Shaw
Deputy Principal – Senior School

From the Head of Year 8.

It certainly has been a testing and trying term for students, staff and the wider community. However, it has been great to see so many students return to school from online learning and the transition for many students has been seamless. It is a credit to the students that have been working hard at home and their efforts will certainly be visible in their results. With that being said, reporting has been moved to early in Term 3. One key lesson that we can take from the recent testing times has been the importance of developing resilience. Students that are able to persevere and continue despite adversity that challenges their endeavours, are more likely to have success. Every student succeeding is our focus and students that are being proactive and positive in relation to their learning are likely to achieve success.

With the cooler weather approaching it is a timely reminder that students are required to wear the correct uniform. Please see photos below of correct uniform items:

The uniform requirements are as follows:

ALL YEAR:

• Closed in shoes with laces
• ESHS shorts OR PLAIN black mid – length shorts with NO logos or symbols
• ESHS polo shirt
• ESHS bucket hat

WINTER:

• ESHS tracksuit pants OR PLAIN black tracksuit pants with NO logos or symbols
• ESHS jumpers OR PLAIN black jumper that does not have a hood or logo/symbol of any kind.
• NO beanies and headwear

Senior Jersey/ Shirt Monday-Friday

In Term 3, lunchtime clubs will recommence. These clubs, run by staff, are opportunities for students to engage in a variety of activities that range from sport to academic activities. Please encourage your son or daughter to join a club and participate in the range of activities on offer for students at school. A reminder that everyday counts, and if your child is absent, that you notify the school through school absent line (text or phone). I wish you a safe and relaxing semester break.

Regards
Mr. Peter Sanson
HOY – 8

From the Head of Year 9.

Happy Week 9! As the end of the term approaches, students are reminded to follow the 3 Ps both inside and outside of the classroom. Students seem to have settled back into life at school quite well and it is a credit to them. As a result of online learning, reporting has been moved back to the start of Term 3. As assessment time is just around the corner, students are advised to check their assessment planners and see what is due to ensure they are handing their work in on time. Homework club is running on a Wednesday afternoon from 3-4pm for students to seek help with their work.

Students are reminded that every day counts in their education. If students are away, please ensure that the school is contacted and the absence is explained. “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela.

Regards
Miss. Kate Deighton
HOY – 9

From the Sports Coordinator.

As COVID – 19 restrictions begin to lift, ‘return to play’ for many sports is becoming a reality. I couldn’t be more excited to see our students beginning to engage in physical activity again. Term 3 remains as the common goal for the resumption of social sports in town. Please check the relevant Facebook page or website for each organisation for more information regarding their return to play policy and timeframes.

Monday the 20th of July (Term 3, Week 2) students will have the opportunity to wear their house colours for the first time in 2020. On this date we will hold our interschool Athletics carnival here at ESHS. This year will see some changes to the layout of events on the day in a bid to promote house spirit and engagement in each event. Unfortunately due to the nature of COVID – 19, the opportunity for parents/carers to join us on the day remains unlikely.

Students will need to pay particular attention to student notices for nomination opening and closing dates should they wish to contest for age champion. Some events such as the 800m, 1500m and triple jump are likely to be held prior to the day.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the athletics carnival, please contact Maggie Pembroke via phone (4988 2222) or email (mmpem0@eq.edu.au).

Regards
Miss. Maggie Pembroke
ESHS Sports Coordinator

From the Maths team.

The Mathematics Department would like to encourage all students to prepare for their upcoming assessments. The scheduled exam dates for the junior classes are as follows:

• Year 7 Maths – Monday Week 9
• Year 8 Maths – Wednesday and Friday Week 9
• Year 9 Maths – Monday Week 9

The Year 10 Maths Foundations class will have their exam on Wednesday Week 9, whilst the Specialist Mathematics class will sit their exam on Friday Week 9, and the General Mathematics students will have their exam on Thursday Week 9. Year 10 Mathematics Extension students are currently working on their PSMT. Students in the Year 10 Mathematics Extension classes are encouraged to bring their electronic devices every lesson.

Year 12 Mathematics Essentials students will have an exam on Monday Week 10. The Mathematics Department wishes all students well in their upcoming assessments.

Regards
Mr. Tavonga Sikwila
Teacher – Maths

From the Technology team.

It has been great to see all the Design and Technology students getting back into the workshops to create brilliant products. We are really proud to see this.

What are we doing in Years 8, 9 and 10? Students have unleashed their creative sides and have been given the tasks of designing, creating and evaluating Viking Ships (Year 8), Cam Toys which promote Australian Culture (Year 9), and our Year 10 students are investigating Desk Organisers and Carry Alls. It has been really exciting to see what some of our students have come up with. However, the deadline for our assessments are coming up and if students feel like they are falling behind there are catch up sessions happening during the lunch breaks.

Year 11 and 12s in the workshops are focusing on improving their hand techniques, through quality processes. Year 11 Furnishings are finishing off their dazzling Dartboards, Year 11 Engineering are tinkering away at their BBQs, Year 12 Furnishings are crafting outstanding chairs and Year 12 Engineering students are welding and grinding away to create a quality vice. Such amazing work is happening and the Design Technology department is so proud!

The Year 11 and 12 Design and Graphics students have created such astounding working drawings and 3D modelled products. We are really glad that our students have used their time wisely. We continue to encourage students to keep up this great effort in their studies!

Regards
Miss. Kathleen Weis
Teacher – Technology

From the HPE team.

It has been a very smooth transition back into face to face classes and it has been great to see the students back outside playing and participating in sport again. Just quietly, the HPE teachers are just as happy to be back too!

We are still have our additional measures in place (e.g. washing of equipment at the end of every lesson) to meet the requirements of COVID-19 during all of our practical lessons, as well as having hand sanitiser available before and after classes.

For Years 8 and 9 we have begun 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. All indications are that the students are more engaged in their practical Wellness lessons as a result of this change.

Please remind students to continue to prepare for their upcoming assessments which will be due soon.

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, as even though the weather has changed, we still need to stay hydrated. Staff will also have sunscreen available for students to use.

We continue to encourage students to focus on their health and wellbeing. Although we are back at school and some restrictions have been eased, we encourage students and families to continue the healthy habits they have taken up 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
Mr. Simon Taylor
Teacher – HPE

From the Arts team.

We are very excited to announce our musical for 2021 – Grease! We have a huge expression of interest list, which ranges from students wanting to hold a main role, being a member of the chorus to assisting backstage. Audition packs and a draft schedule have now been handed out to the students. If for some reason a student was unable to attend the meeting to receive this pack, please see Miss Prior or Miss Fehlhaber. Auditions will be run during Week 9 – please keep an eye out for the days and lunchtimes that these will run.

We cannot wait to start working with everyone and look forward to seeing everyone at our performances in Week 2, Term 2, 2021!

As an update on the classwork students are undertaking across the Arts at Emerald State High, the follow year levels are completing:

• 7 ART are working on their making assessment – Lino printing.
• 8 ART are developing their artworks based on the topic of maps for their assessment.
• 9 ART are creating self-portraits for their assessment.
• 9 MUSIC are starting their performing component in relation to fusion music.
• 11 ART/VAP are completing their resolved artwork/s.
• 11/12 FTVNM and MAP are completing their short film productions.

Regards
Miss. Nikki Wouters
Teacher – Art

From the LOTE team.

We are all very pleased to have our students back at school. Most of us are settling back into our routines, and getting back down to business! I know we have not been back very long, but the assessment period is upon us.

Years 7 and 8, have commenced their assessment this week and this will be due at the end of Week 9.

Years 9 and 10, have also been given their assessment, and due to COVID-19, we have decided to take advantage of the extended reporting period. Their assessment will be due at the end of Week 10.

I would like to stress that we will be giving all students the support they need to have success this term in Japanese. Students who have completed online learning and or, at school classroom tasks, should find these open book assessment tasks achievable. By putting in the best effort all students should be able to have success.

If you notice your child is stressed or struggling – please let us know and or, encourage your child to come and see us! I wish everyone the best for the rest of term and the upcoming holidays.

Regards
Mr. Riley Neill
Teacher – LOTE

From the Humanities team.

The Humanities department is preparing for and completing assessment. The Year 12 Ancient History class has completed their penultimate assessment for the year, on the Later Han Dynasty and the Three Kingdoms. They consulted during this assessment, with a world-class historian, Professor Rafe de Crespigny, who translated many of their primary texts from the ancient Chinese writings.

Our Year 7 classes in History are concluding their study on ancient China also, working their way through a series of mini-exams to test their knowledge. The Year 10 Ancient History class are building their essay-writing skills in preparation for their historical essay, in exam conditions, on the mad Roman emperor, Caligula. We have been carefully analysing and evaluating the sources of evidence on his life to see what we can truly know about an individual from the past.

Regards
Mr. Callum Tyack
Teacher – Humanities

From SBA/SBT/Work.

All Year 10 students are completing assessment and competencies required for their dual course program of Certification II Skills for Work and Short Course Career Education. Assessment pieces due by the end of Term 2 are their Learning Journal and Resume from last term, and the Job Interview Research Presentation and their Workplace Numeracy booklet. As Queensland Government restrictions due to COVID-19 start to ease, we hope to make arrangements for work experience week soon.

If you have any questions regarding the completion of the assessment or course please contact your child’s teacher by calling the School Admin on (07) 4988 2222.

Regards
Mrs. Debbie Cognet
HOD – HPE and Languages.

From the SRC.

It is that time of the year again when the SRC is running its annual CQ Pet Rescue Winter fundraiser. Students are encouraged to bring in some pet food and place them in the bins in the library. The House with the most donations will win 200 points, which will also go towards the Spirit Cup. The bins in the library are all marked. Currently, Garnet is winning the Dog Cup, so come on the rest of you and make it a true challenge.

CQ Pet Rescue is a valuable charity within the local community which helps provide pets a second chance. Emerald SHS has a strong history of supporting this charity so it would be great to see everyone bringing in dog or cat food. They will be handed over to CQ Pet Rescue at the end of the term.

Regards
Mrs. Leanne Ross
Teacher – Humanities

From the Positive Behaviour for Learning Team

Behaviour Focus

Our current behaviour focus is “Always Comply With School Policies and Procedures.”

Student of the Week

Week 7

Rynaldo Sceresini 7E For working diligently during the Covid-19 lockdown and returning your completed work each week

Jake Carver 8F Enthusiastic participation and ready to learn attitude

Matty Hayne 9A For being a polite student who assists in setting up the classroom

Lauren Hales 10D For being polite and going above and beyond in all aspects of her schooling

Kye Newland 11D For his positive attitude and participation in all areas of his schooling this year.

Alyssa Lavell 12D For being positive and polite each and everyday.

Week 8

Felicity Pethers 7A For being a diligent learner who always participates, brings a positive attitude and gives 100% effort at all times

Bailey Fielder 8A Consistently displaying a positive attitude towards learning and demonstrating an exemplary standard for his peers.

Thomas Penberthy 9F For working diligently during the lockdown and returning completed work quickly

Meisha Greentree 10F For being polite every lesson and offering to help other students.

Chloe Gray 11F For having such a positive attitude and for her excellent work ethic

Chloe Matheson 12C For being a thoughtful and effective team player

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