25 June 2020

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report.

Dear friends of Emerald High,

Well, we have made it! Students, staff and many parents are exhausted after one of the biggest and most challenging terms I think we have seen. Yet, despite it all, we have emerged from the other side intact and still smiling.

I have said many times throughout the term how impressed I have been with so many of our young people for the way they have adapted to the challenges presented to them, to our staff for the outstanding work that they have done to innovate and adapt to support our young people in their learning and to our parents and community for their support and trust in what has been a stressful and uncertain time for all of us.

Next term will look very similar to this term, with a few minor changes, these being:

1. Year level assemblies will return, but not full school assemblies.
2. A modified athletics carnival will be held on Monday 20 July, unfortunately, no outside spectators will be allowed.
3. A modified Parent-Teacher evening will be held on Tuesday 4 August with social-distancing measures in place.

The following health and wellbeing practices will continue:

1. Regular use of hand-sanitiser across the school.
2. Classrooms and frequent touch-points will continue to be cleaned regularly by one of our cleaners who is working throughout the day.
3. Regular reminders by teachers to wash hands regularly and thoroughly
4. Adult entry to the school is being minimised.
5. Numerous posters will remain around the school reminding students about the need for good hygiene.

Every year parents and caregivers are invited to participate in the School Opinion Survey to provide feedback about our school. Because of the disruptions caused by COVID-19, a simpler survey than previous years has been developed that will be accessed through a link that will be emailed out. This year, it will also include the opportunity to provide feedback about schooling during the COVID-19 lockdown.

Participation in the survey is anonymous and you are encouraged to take this opportunity to have your say. The survey form has been designed so that it can easily be completed on a computer or smartphone.

Finally, I would like to advise that the Principal's position that was due to be advertised this term will now be advertised in Term 3. Hence, I will be in the role for at least one more term and possibly (hopefully) longer depending on what happens.

Thank you all again for your fantastic support and I wish everyone a wonderful holiday break. See you in Term 3.

Happy are those who dream dreams and are ready to pay the price to make them come true.

Leon J. Suenes

Have a fantastic break
Mr. Sean Maher
Principal

From the Head of Year 7.

And just like that our first semester at high school has come to a close. It has been a very long and challenging term and I think the time away will do us all the world of good.

Should Queensland’s easing of COVID–19 restrictions follow the projected timeline, next term will see life at ESHS mostly back to normal. Year level assemblies as well as selected sports and organised gatherings, have all been given the green light under the easing of Stage 3 restrictions on July 10.

Our Year 7 assemblies are held every Monday morning in PC groups under D Block. It is important that all students are present at school by 8:45am to commence assembly promptly at 8:50am. During this assembly students are given important notices and are introduced to the fortnightly PBL focus.

Term 3 Week 1 our PBL focus will be ‘arrive at class on time’. Learning to arrive to class on time and ready to learn is an essential skill that is transferrable to any job in the ‘real world’. The importance of arriving on time will be reinforced each lesson over the first fortnight of Term 3. If a student is five minutes late to one lesson a week, over the period of the Term they will have lost 50 minutes of learning time. Should they arrive 5 minutes late to the same lesson over the week, they could have missed up to 20 minutes of learning time per week. Students will be rewarded with VIVO points when they arrive to class with all their necessary equipment, by the second bell.

My latest newsletter article mentioned the restart of our lunchtime clubs under the easing of Stage 3 restrictions. Below is a draft timetable of the lunchtime clubs we will be offering next term. I would love to see every Year 7 students involved in at least ONE lunchtime club or extra-curricular activity. Our lunchtime clubs are an awesome opportunity for students to meet new people from a different class or year group who shares a similar interest.

Have a happy and safe holiday!

Regards
Miss. Maggie Pembroke
HOY – 7

From the Head of Year 10.

Happy Week 10! The countdown is racing until holidays, however, that means we are in the midst of assessment, marking & reporting time. It is important students are keeping up to date with assessment work and asking their teachers for assistance when required. Reports have been moved to early Term 3.

As we, all know due to COVID-19, Year 10 work experience has been postponed. Due to the current circumstance, we know things can change very quickly. The new proposed date is Term 3, Week 10. I know many students are really looking forward to this fantastic opportunity. Please remind your son/daughter to think about where they would like to go. Forms will be released in Term 3.

With the cooler weather approaching it is a timely reminder that students are required to wear the correct uniform. If students do not have the school pants or jumper, they are permitted to wear plain black shorts and a plain black jumper (no logos & no hood). If your child does not have the correct uniform, they will be sent to the uniform room to rectify the situation. If students do not follow instructions, they will be issued with a warning and then will complete a Uniform Reflection form. If this is broken, they will then move onto a Uniform booklet.

I hope you all have a wonderful and relaxing break. I look forward to seeing everyone back for Term 3 – hopefully for a more “normal” term.

Regards
Miss. Chloe Prior
HOY – 10

From the Head of Year 11.

Well that is a wrap for Term 2 and what a term it has been – one we will definitely remember.

With restrictions being lifted, it is exciting that the 2020 Leadership Camp will go ahead. The Leadership Camp will run from Thursday 30th – Friday 31st July at the Fairbairn Outdoor Education Centre (FOEC). This camp is aimed at students who are interested in leadership positions in 2021 and involves activities to develop student leadership abilities through challenges and team building exercises. If students are interested in attending the camp, they are encouraged to see Miss Fehlhaber for a permission form, however there are limited spaces available. Please note that at this stage students will be staying overnight, though this may change depending on the restrictions. Payment for the camp will be invoiced early Term 3, and payment must be paid before attending the camp.

Students who do not attend the Leadership Camp, are still encouraged to apply for a leadership position.

As we enter Term 3, the weather will be cooler, this is a quick reminder to every one of the uniform policy and expectations at Emerald State High School.

The requirements for the uniform at ESHS 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

If there are any concerns with the uniform policy and expectations, please do not hesitate to contact Miss Fehlhaber on jfehl8@eq.edu.au.

On another exciting note, students have been voting for their preferred 2021 jersey design. Orders will start to be taken in early Term 3. A reminder to all Year 11 students that to be eligible to purchase a jersey, your attendance must be above 90%.

I would like to wish everyone a very safe and happy holiday and I look forward to seeing you all back in Term 3.

Regards
Miss. Jacinda Fehlhaber
HOY – 11

From the Head of Year 12.

The Year 12 students are ending a term that has been like no other. These students will be known for their resilience and flexibility.

To cap out the term, the Year 12s have been encouraging donations of pet food for CQ Pet Rescue. Framing it as a school-house competition. A number of students were also fortunate enough to have significant individuals from BMA and Glencore present for them. They came to the school, both in person and virtually to discuss a number of job opportunities and how to apply for them. A fantastic and tangible experience for the students.

As Term 2 draws to a close, most students’ eyes are drawn to formal. Emerald State High School has booked the Town Hall, as it has in previous years, for the 17th of September. If health restrictions do not allow for this date then another date on the 18th of November has been proposed. Students have been made aware that they must meet the behaviour and attendance expectations of ESHS if they wish to attend the formal. Each student may bring their parents but partners from outside the school are not invited to attend. As the formal draws closer there will be more information passed onto students and parents

A few questions about university pathways have been aired by parents and students. A QTAC information session will be run next term in week 2. Please keep posted for more details. If there are any university queries or concerns remember to see the Guidance Officer.

Please keep encouraging and pushing students to achieve highly, and if you have any concerns contact the school.

Regards
Mr. Jaksen Brose.
HOY – 12

From the SEP team.

It is hard to believe that we are half way through the year. We have had a busy Term 2 in the SEP unit. Most of the students were at home during COVID-19, learning with their family. They were so happy to come back to school, to learn and see their friends and teachers.

We have covered a variety of different topics this term. We have compared family life in Colonial Times to now and looked at all the changes. Life was so much harder back then. We have focused on weather in Science, learning about its impact on people and animals. It is certainly colder in this last week of term, which the students have definitely made a note of in our classes.

In Maths we learnt about all the different shapes and finding them in our environment. Healthy living is a favourite in SEP. We have been learning about the importance of hygiene and brushing our teeth, and washing our hands. Term 2 included planting herbs in the garden and maintaining the garden and watering it daily. We love going to cook yummy food in Home Economics. It is certainly one of our favourites. We have been developing our co-ordination and flexibility in Pilates and Yoga. And I’m sure most of our students will tell you that their favourite subject is Music, singing to lots of different songs.

In Art, we have been focusing on birds and all the different features that are unique to this animal. We have created 3D sculptures out of recycled plastic bottles and cartons. Some paintings that we have been working on included thumb print birds on a wire, and also large abstract bird paintings in the style of Picasso.

It has certainly been a busy term. We look forward to our holiday and returning to another great term at Emerald State High School. We hope you all have a great break.

Regards
Mrs. Heather Te Amo
Teacher – SEP

From the Science team.

It’s great to see the students back in class and working hard to finish off the term and their assessment. There are still assessment pieces outstanding for many of the science subjects and we look forward to seeing quality submissions. Please refer to previous newsletters for the submission dates for the Sciences.

We would like to remind you that if any student is feeling overwhelmed, or under pressure with the assessment or content of their class, that every Wednesday afternoon from 3pm there is an opportunity to come to study club. At study club teachers from many different faculties volunteer 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.

Next term our junior science classes will be working on Physics for the Year 7s, Energy for the Year 8s and Chemistry for Year 9s.

Regards
Mrs. Bridget Ryan
Teacher – Science

From the English team.

First off, a big well done from all of the English team, for the hard work that the students have been putting into their studies, both during the disruptive COVID-19 lockdown and since returning to regular face-to-face lessons.

As we round out Term 2, there are a few notices that the English department would like to inform the readers of, namely that our Year 7 students are currently immersed in mythology, studying Percy Jackson, a novel full of gods, monsters and wit. Our Year 8 students are about to create their own short story with a fusion of horror, full of vivid verbs, rich imagery created by figurative language and a hint of gothic spice. The Year 9 students are currently reading 'The Hunger Games', which means that listening to the audiobook on YouTube might help them to complete the novel as a holiday project.

The Year 10 cohort have just finalised their analytical essay and a moving into a documentary study, which will keep them informed and entertained about the world around them. Our Year 11 General English students are grappling with a great, Australian novel, 'Jasper Jones', in preparation for an essay and creative prose. Finally, our Year 12 General English students are deeply invested in the Shakespearean tragedy of 'Macbeth'.

Finally, on an interesting note for the students and our department, the Year 8F honours class are planning on starting an ESHS Book Club, to meet each Tuesday. Stay tuned for more information when the club is ready to launch.

Regards
Mrs. Kate Hume
Teacher – English

From the Hospitality & VET team.

Term 2 has been a terrific term for students in Early Childhood Studies. Despite the difficulties that COVID-19 presented to us this term, the students of Early Childhood Studies super exceeded my expectations with their effort and commitment to their studies.

Although we were unable to attend childcare centres this term, I was excited to see the students come up with a plan to deliver play based learning activities to young children, in order to complete assessment items.

Carly Williams, Nikitah Castles and Jorgia-Bella Woods even had their photo taken by the CQ News as they were delivering their activity to the children at the park.

I am looking forward to another great term after we all have a much needed break.

Well done early childhood studies students! Enjoy your break.

Regards
Mrs. Deborah Gellatly
Teacher – Hospitality

From the Technology team.

This semester Emerald State High School is witnessing the change from the “jug to mug” approach with Manual Arts leaning to the “Investigating” mode with Design and Technology. Leading up to the end of this semester, Mr Olivier’s graphics classes have been creating graphical representations of concepts from free hand sketching to creating a digital file of the item using AutoCAD.

In the workshops, Mr Hansen’s classes have also been busy with finishing off their cam project and wind powered vehicle. Year 12 Design have started their last Unit, ‘Sustainable Design’, with Miss Weis, and are experiencing how design concepts can be supported in terms of their economic, social and ecological impact on the wellbeing of humans.

Year 12 Furnishing have completed their projects this term and have been receiving feedback of their projects from staff and students. Setting up their projects outside of the Kiosk was an ideal setting to test out their latest achievement.

With Mr Corke leaving to take up a position down south, Mr Praed, Ms Campbell and Mr Cavanagh have been taking the digital classes. Year 9 and 10 classes have been focusing on data compression. Compression optimizes backup storage performance and primary storage data reduction. It's important to follow best practices when choosing which files to compress and which method to use with the various digital formats.

With Semester 1 over, it will soon be time to look at subject selection for next year. Technologies develop the capacity of a learner to create innovative solutions that improve the lives of people and societies globally, using traditional, contemporary and emerging technologies, to meet current and future needs. Technology aids students to be confident and responsible when individually and collaboratively creating solutions, by making informed and ethical decisions when investigating, designing, planning, managing and evaluating for a sustainable economy, environment and society.

While the coronavirus outbreak is wreaking havoc, it is giving us an insight into what the future of work might look like and the skills required. There has been much debate on preparing our future workforce for a digitised world, and with so many Australians now working remotely, we’re seeing just how critical technology is to the nation’s workforce and broader community. The COVID-19 crisis provides us with an opportunity to reimagine how we educate young Australians and ensure every student has access to not only technology and digital learning, but also STEM based skills.

Technologies extra curriculum activities/clubs have started up again and will be back on board next term. There are various clubs students can get involved in during the breaks such as:

1. Technology Club
2. HPV Club
3. Design Club

Please see any member of the Technologies staff or Mr Cavanagh for more details.

Regards
Mr. Noel Cavanagh
HOD - Technology

From the Learning Support/EALD team.

Semester 2, 2020 will see some staffing changes for the ESHS Learning Support team. Sadly we are farewelling Melinda Prior, who is transferring to the Gold Coast after many years teaching and supporting students at Emerald State High School. She will be greatly missed by staff and students. We wish her all the best in her new school and thank her for her years of dedication to our students. As Mel exits, Lauren Jarvis will be joining our team from Brisbane. Lauren has an Accounting and Mathematics background, but has also been working with students in Special Education and Learning Support. We look forward to sharing her skills and talents as she gets to know the students here.

With the end of Semester 1 approaching at a rapid pace, teachers are busy marking assessment pieces and writing reports that you will receive early in Term 3. I hope that your child’s report card is all you had hoped. Congratulations to those students who have done their best. Your report card should reward your hard work. Please remember that the marks you get for behaviour and effort are just as important as your academic grade.

As a teacher of classes across several year levels, I have noticed an increasing number of students arriving without their equipment, especially calculators, glue and rulers. The holidays might be a good chance to check your child’s pencil case to ensure they have the tools needed to help them achieve the best they can. It would be great for all students to start the term fresh, prepared and ready to participate.

Time management will be the challenge next term, particularly for senior students, with Term 3 being busy with lots of assessment due. Please remember to check assessment calendars for assessment dates regularly so that there are no nasty, last-minute surprises. Recording these dates in the student’s diary may help your child to complete and submit the task on time.

Meanwhile, the holiday break will be a much welcome relief for all. We look forward to seeing everyone back here and refreshed in Term 3. Enjoy the holidays!

Regards
Mrs. Deanne Lucht
HOSES

From the Indigenous Education department.

We continue to support our Indigenous students at ESHS with in-class support for our Years 7 – 9 students and academic coaching for our Years 10 – 12 students. They have been working hard to complete their assessment this term – well done.

We will be completing our QATSIF process for our eligible senior Indigenous students next term. Posters with the respective information have been placed around the school.

NAIDOC 2020 has been nationally rescheduled and it will now be celebrated in Term 4. Student involvement is important. Therefore we encourage all students to attend our NAIDOC Club every Monday at First Break in G001 during Term 3, so that we can prepare our celebration activities for NAIDOC 2020.

We will be running the AIME Mentoring Program again this year with our Indigenous students. We ran this program in Term 4 last year and the 30 students who participated found it to be a rewarding program.

Have a safe and happy holiday.

Regards
Miss. Lucy Ferrara
Head of Indigenous Education

From the Glee Club.

We started this year with a full calendar, thrilled with the opportunities ahead of us. Like every other club though, we’ve been unfortunately unable to perform. Nevertheless, the group has continued to rehearse in preparation for when we can sing publicly again. This year we’ve designed our club logo and purchased our own club shirts which we can wear on Fridays. Our numbers have also grown to 20 students – with members from all the grade levels. We’re hoping that parades can begin again as we’re rehearsing a song for Remembrance Day in November. If we can’t perform on parade, then we will still sing on the day near the tuckshop. You can’t keep good singers down. Even if we have to wait until next year, you can bet this talented group of kids have tried out to participate in Grease next year and will be participating in whatever opportunity crosses our path.

Regards
Ms. Leanne Ross & Mr. Coromandel
Club supervisors

From the Positive Behaviour for Learning Team

Behaviour Focus

Our current behaviour focus is “Be an active and positive member of the school.”

Student of the Week

Week 9

Bailey Henry 7E For being a polite and courteous students who is always in class ready to learn and consistently tries his best.

Cara Goff 8D For displaying a positive attitude towards her learning and being polite to her teachers and peers.

Tommy Green 9E For a consistently positive attitude towards his schoolwork and participating effectively.

Zoe Rolfe 10F For always coming to class with a positive attitude and completing work independently.

Paige 11F For always being prepared and for her excellent participation in completing her work to such a consistently high standard

Liarna 12A For consistent hard work in and out of school.

Week 10

Cyrish Arconada 7G For being a positive role model, always arriving to class prepared and strives to achieve her best.

Nathan 8E For demonstrating resilience and setting an exemplary standard in class completing all set work.

Matthew Weeks 9B For working extremely hard in class and always being prepared by handing work in on time.

FIT101A (Class Of The Week) Year 10 Fitness for participating in reorganising the Physical Education shed and equipment.

Andrew Gegg 11B For showing enthusiasm and commitment to different aspects of his schooling.

Chloe Matheson 12C For being responsible and helping others.

Community Notices