8 August 2020

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear friends of Emerald High,

The year is racing away and we are now deep in one of the busiest times of the year.

I was delighted to attend an exceptional Year 11 Leadership Camp last week at Camp Fairbairn. The young people in attendance, our next group of school leaders, were fantastic. Positive, energetic and supportive of one another - just what we expect our leaders to be. Thanks to Jacinda Fehlhaber and Chloe Prior for their great work in organising this event and to James Fitzpatrick for his attendance, support and exceptional fire-lighting skills.

I was also delighted to hear that one of our amazing Year 12 students, Bridget Mackay, recently won the Jacaranda Writing Competition, a national level competition! This is a truly exceptional achievement and a great testament to Bridget's academic ability and dedication. Well done Bridget - you have done yourself and your school proud!

Last week also saw another group of our mathematicians participate in the QAMT Mathematics Competition, led by Rajiv Bahr and hosted by Gaye Saunders. This was a great opportunity for our bright young minds to be extended further into the exciting world of mathematics.

Many of our Year 12 students also attended a presentation from QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre) to provide them with the latest advice about tertiary entry for next year.

We are having to adjust and adapt many of our processes and events to ensure that we remain compliant with the new COVID restrictions and to help keep everyone safe and healthy. This is meaning reworking from scratch many of the processes that normally run routinely and I thank everyone for your patience and understanding as we work our way this this period - it has been challenging!

Our Senior Formal this year will be held at the school, it being the only location in town at which we can meet the social distancing requirements and at the same time manage the catering effectively. This will also allow us to adapt more easily should circumstances change (which hopefully they won't).

Our Year 6 Taster Day, in which Year 6 students from our many feeder primary schools visit for a day, was held last week and it was indeed a joy to have so many of our next generation here experiencing the wonders of high school first hand. My sincere thanks to Bridget Ryan, Ben Van Hees and many of our staff for organising this special event and to all of the primary schools who worked with us to coordinate the day.

Our first Year 6 Parent Information Evening was held as well, with small groups of parents in attendance to receive information and ask questions about Year 6. COVID safety precautions were in place for this event. My sincere thanks again to Bridget Ryan and Ben Van Hees for their work coordinating this event.

Semester 1 reports are now out and I am very heartened to see that our results have not suffered at all as a result of the COVID period, and are in fact a bit higher than the same time last year. We are now well set up for the remainder of the year.

'Careers Expo' is on next Tuesday, an opportunity for students to experience a range of career options first hand. During this event, we have a number of employers visit and set up displays in the UCA, all socially distanced as required. Groups of students attend to talk with these employers and explore in detail possible post-school options. My sincere than to Alarna Wills for her sensational work coordinating this event.

One other event that will be different this year will be our Subject Selection Evening. This is normally held as an event at school with lots of people in attendance, however this year we will not be able to do it this way due to COVID restrictions. Instead, we will post a wide range of resources on the website, including video presentations that provide detail about subjects, along with a survey tool that will allow parents to post questions that we will either answer via a FAQ page or by a phone call home. Subject selection booklets will not be printed but will also be posted on the website. Printed copies will be available on request from the office if families don’t have internet access, however, and parents are always welcome to call us and talk through any queries they may have. Further information will be emailed out shortly.

Thank you all again for your fantastic support!

First say to yourself what you would be; and then do what you have to do.

- Epictetus

Have a fantastic fortnight
Mr. Sean Maher
Principal

From the Deputy Principal – Junior School

Hi all, I would like to thank all the Year 6 students who attended our Taster Day at ESHS last Tuesday. Their behaviour and participation was to be commended. We are currently enrolling Year 6 students for next year, if you know any families who are yet to receive an enrolment pack for Year 7 next year, please encourage them to call into the school.

We have had a recent increase in incidents involving tackle football on the oval. I have spoken to the Year 7 and Year 8 students regarding this and reminded them that tackle football is not permitted at ESHS during lunch breaks. Teachers will be directing those not following the rules off the oval for safety reasons. If you are aware your child plays out on the oval, can you please reinforce the school’s expectations. Two teachers are on duty on the oval in each break and will be monitoring the safety of game occurring. Mr Maher, myself and the other Deputies will also increase our presence on the oval in the coming weeks.

If you have any questions regarding Years 6, 7 or 8 students, please don’t hesitate to contact me at bvanh2@eq.edu.au

Regards
Mr. Ben Van Hees
Deputy Principal – Junior School

From the Head of Year 10

Welcome back to Term 3! I hope your child was happy with their Semester 1 results on their report cards. I would encourage your child to set some goals for the new semester in all subject areas. We have asked Year 10s to strongly think about what they are currently studying, and ensuring they are setting themselves up to succeed within Senior Schooling.

Work experience forms are now overdue. If your child is still unsure where to go, please encourage them to speak with Alarna Wills who will assist with this process. This needs to be completed ASAP. A reminder that Work Experience is happening in Week 9 of Term 3.

Our PBL focus for the fortnight is about ‘Using break times to get a drink and go to the toilet’. This is a follow on focus from last fortnight, which was about being on time for class. Students are encouraged to manage their time better throughout the day, to minimise distractions and maximise learning.

With the cold weather still hanging around, teachers are still seeing students out of uniform. A reminder that your child is to wear a plain black jumper and pants. If your child is out of uniform they will be sent during PC to the Uniform Room where a Head of Year will rectify the uniform where possible. If students do not participate during PC they will be given an opportunity to attend at First Break to rectify their uniform. If the student still chooses not to comply with adult instructions they will be referred to their relevant Head of Year and consequences will be given.

Rock and Water & Rebound programs are beginning this week. I hope the selected students find these programs effective and relevant.

Have a great Term 3 everyone! Please remind your child if they ever need to speak to someone, my door is always open!

Regards
Miss. Chloe Prior
HOY – 10

From the Head of Year 11

Welcome back to Term 3! It has been lovely to see everyone back at school and in the classroom.

We have had a busy start to the term, with Leadership Camp running at the end of Week 3, preparing orders for 2021 Senior Jerseys and organising the process for leadership positions in 2021.

On Thursday and Friday of Week 3, eighteen of the Year 11 students attended Leadership Camp at Camp Fairbairn with Miss Jacinda Fehlhaber, Miss Chloe Prior and Mr James Fitzpatrick. It was a jam packed two days of activities, where the students were able to build their leadership skills and work together as a team. The students participated in activities such as canoeing, orienteering and high wire. It was fantastic to see the students working together as a team and with students who they would not normally work with. The students showed great teamwork, encouragement, initiative and support in all activities.

Leadership position applications for 2021 are now open. The important dates to note are below:

• Written Application due to Year 11 HOY by 3pm Friday 21st August 2020
• Notification of successful written application on Friday 28th August 2020
• Interviews will take place from Monday 31st August 2020 and Tuesday 1st September 2020
• Notification of successful interview on Wednesday 2nd September 2020
• Leadership speech transcripts due to Year 11 HOY on Tuesday 8th September 2020
• Leadership speeches on Assembly Tuesday 15th September 2020
• Executive positions announced on Assembly Tuesday 13th October 2020

If students wish to receive more information or apply for a position, they are required to see myself for an application pack.

2021 Senior Jersey orders are now being taken. Students will need to see myself in C7 for an order form. Please note that if student’s attendance is below 90% or they have outstanding school fees, they will be unable to purchase a jersey at this time. A second round of orders may be offered later in the year or early 2021.

If you should have any questions, myself (jfehl8@eq.edu.au) or Tanya Shaw (tshaw20@eq.edu.au) can be contacted via email or by phoning the school on 4988 2222.

Regards
Miss. Jacinda Fehlhaber
HOY – 11

From the Head of Year 12

Over the past fortnight, the seniors of Emerald State High School have been involved in a number of activities, both fun and academic. On the 20th of July our school held the annual Athletics Carnival and the seniors all attended to experience one of their last ever, whole school events. The participation in each event was high and the students later expressed that they had loads of fun. The food was provided by the students in a delicious BBQ fundraiser. The students that helped to cook and handle the money all day were a great help. The work that they put in and the money they raised will be going straight towards their formal later this year.

Taking a more academic turn, the students who are interested in attending university pathways after high school had the opportunity to listen to, and ask questions of, a representative from QTAC. The students were able to learn about certain courses and pre-requisites needed to attend those courses. A number of students asked some thought provoking questions and walked away with a lot more knowledge about the process. Any more questions they may have can be directed to our Guidance Officer.

Finally, and for some, most importantly a large change has been made in relation to the Senior Formal for 2020. The venue has been changed from the Town Hall to our school grounds. This decision has been made to fall in line with COVID-19 health and safety protocols and I implore those who wish to know more to read the email from our Principal Sean Maher. However, as has been promised before, our school cares greatly about our Year 12s and their school experience, as such we will be putting a great amount of effort for this formal to be as memorable as any before it.

Regards
Mr. Jaksen Brose
HOY – 12

From the SEP team

It has been a busy start to Term 3, will all students settling into the Term’s learning. Thank you to Mrs Bull who has been part of our team this term, teaching Mrs Somerville’s English and Independent Living classes. In our Independent Living class, we have started a unit of work that includes cooking on a Friday in the SEP kitchen. So far, we have made cheese toasted sandwiches, banana smoothies and ham and salad sandwiches. Everyone has really enjoyed making and eating their food.

In mathematics, students are learning about money. They are currently identifying coins and notes and will move on to adding money and calculating change. Practising these skills at home or when shopping will help students to practice their knowledge and skills in real life situations.

In English, some students are looking at information texts and stories about other countries. So far we have looked at China and New Zealand and students have been interested to learn about these places and identify where they are on the world map.

The Athletics Carnival was a great day in Week 2. It was wonderful to see some of our students participating in races/activities and having a great day. Thanks goes to Miss Pembroke and the HPE department who co-ordinated a great day.

Regards
Mrs. Sarah Somerville
Teacher – SEP

From the English team

Welcome back! It has been great to see everyone back at school, and ready to get into their English learning for Term 3. Firstly, we are excited to welcome Kayla Franklin, Kaitlyn Bygrave and Travis Grundell to the English Faculty here at Emerald State High School! Thanks for joining our awesome team. Secondly, we are all ready to jump into Semester 2, which is hopefully much less eventful than Semester 1.

In Senior, our Year 12 Essentials students are beginning to prep for their CIA (Common Internal Assessment) while our Year 12 General students are working towards their external examinations.

Year 11 General English students have started their creative writing piece about a back story of a character in 'Jasper Jones', while our Year 11 Essentials students are exploring contemporary heroes in the media.

Our Year 10 General English students are investigating techniques of bias in specific documentaries. Year 10 Essentials students are starting their literacy short course.

In Year 9, we are completing 'The Hunger Games' novel study in preparation for our in class analytical essay. Year 8s are preparing to create a ‘horror’ short story and Year 7s are working towards completing a folio of work based on Percy Jackson.

Please encourage all of our students to be punctual to class and attempt all set tasks.

Happy reading everyone!

Regards
Miss. Crystal Brunetto
Teacher – English

From the Hospitality & VET team

Vocational Education and Training in Schools (VETiS) is a program that enables students in Years 10, 11 and 12 to gain nationally recognised qualifications whilst at school and can count towards students’ QCE.

How is it funded? Which VEtiS qualifications can you undertake? Check out the FAQs page of the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training to find out more about Vocational Education and Training (VETiS) courses.

For more information about VETiS courses at Emerald State High School please contact our Workplace Coordinator (Mon – Thur) Alarna Wills awill5001@eq.edu.au or 49882222.

Regards
Mrs. Deborah Gellatly
Teacher – Hospitality

From the Technology team

The Design and Technology department is committed to helping our students achieve and create innovative products and projects that build on their knowledge and procedures in a practical environment.

This term, our students have hit the ground running with some amazing designs. Our Year 8s have identified a need within the Design and Technology department, that our storage of small items needs improving and are currently brainstorming projects they could construct to help meet the need.

Our Year 9 DAT classes are putting their heads together to construct an intricate jewellery box that will utilise their previously taught skills such as dovetails and finger joints. They are already on their way with project planning through material and costing calculations, time management strategies and considering factors that influence their final product.

Year 9 and 10 Graphics and Design students are exploring different perspectives of isometric and orthographical views. They have been sketching and peer reviewing, ready for their upcoming assessment.

Year 10 ITM students are in the process of planning and devising their manufacturing procedure for their foot stool based on technical information provided, such as working drawings and material lists. The students and staff are also being extra vigilant with their safety, by ensuring that everyone is wearing the correct PPE to avoid and minimise the risks of working in an Engineering workshop.

A manufacturing enterprise has been the main topic of discussion for Year 11 Engineering as students have been preparing to work collaboratively to produce a functional and durable F-Clamp for their assessment. Students have been investigating what makes an enterprise successful and how they could emulate those factors. The Design and Technology staff have been proud to see the level of maturity in the students when working in groups. Keep up the great work!

In the Design world, Year 11 have been exploring and devising possible products, services and environments in a commercial context. They are also researching what makes certain advertisement products (posters, flyers, merchandise, etc.) a commercial success. Year 12 Design have been busily preparing for their external assessment, which is due to be completed in Term 4. It is great to see the seniors have such a solid work ethic, especially towards the end of the year.

Regards
Miss. Kathleen Weis
Teacher - Technology

From the Learning Support/EALD team

I can’t believe that we are already approaching the middle of Term 3! This term we warmly welcome Lauren Jarvis to the learning support team, who has joined us from Brisbane. Assessments have already been started across the school and the learning support team are working hard with teachers to support our students in classes with curriculum adjustments where necessary.

Our small group, Corrective Reading Decoding lessons are continuing in Years 7- 10. In collaboration with Julie-Ann Brennan (Speech Language Pathologist), this is currently being adjusted to include some specific support strategies to assist with decoding. This has had a positive impact on students’ reading ability, and we are excited to continue offering this program at ESHS.

So far this term, we have provided each student in Years 7- 9 the opportunity to complete the ACER Progressive Assessment Tool (PAT) for Spelling. These results will be used to inform classroom teachers with information about students’ areas of strength and areas where we can support students’ learning and development. As a team, we welcome communication with parents and careers about their student’s learning.

Regards
Mrs. Samantha Hokins
Teacher – Learning Support

From the Guidance Officer

From 2020 the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) is responsible for the calculation of our Year 12 students’ Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Last week, due to the current social distancing measures put in place by the Queensland State Government, QTAC staff gave an online “How to Apply” presentation to Year 12 students, instead of their usual presentation delivered in person at Emerald State High School.

Topics discussed included:

- how to apply through QTAC
- entry requirements
- subject prerequisites for university study
- ordering preferences
- pathways
- important dates and deadlines
- responding to offers
- Educational Access Scheme (EAS) and other adjustment factors
- ATAR calculation and notification.

This was followed up by a question and answer session, and each student was given the 2021 QTAC Guide to Further Study, which contains general information regarding applications, courses and institutions.

QTAC has updated its website and applications are now open. This year many institutions are having interactive online open days and updated details can be confirmed on individual university, institute and TAFE websites.

The QTAC information from the presentation is on the ESHS website, under Senior Schooling. Students needing assistance with course information, QTAC preferences and their application are welcome to make an appointment to see Mrs Fitzgerald at Support Works or drop in during their lunch break.

Regards
ESHS Guidance Officer

From the Indigenous Education department

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

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

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. Watch this space!

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. Congratulations to all the students who passed all their subjects at the end of last semester – well done!

Have a great week.

Regards
Miss. Lucy Ferrara
Head of Indigenous Education

From the Maths Club

It has been a busy time for Maths Club! We have just entered the ‘competition season’, so students have been preparing and participating for several events.

On Wednesday, 29th of August, 13 students took part in the annual QAMT Year 7/8 Maths Quiz, which took place in the UCA. Students competed in teams of 3, across five rounds to score the most points. Usually, this event has teams from across the Central Highlands taking part, but due to COVID-19, the event was restricted to Emerald State High School participants. This did not dampen the spirits however! Mrs Saunders resumed her role as MC with gusto, while Mrs Ralley and Mr Sikwila kept the tempo going with their speedy marking and scorekeeping. The students showed great teamwork and displayed some individual moments of brilliance. Of particular note was Kat Hunter (8F), who, in 20 seconds, worked out the number of handshakes between 5 people if everyone shook hands once. In addition, Ella Job (8F) scored 5/5 on her individual quiz, something that is rarely seen!

On Wednesday, 5th of August, 18 students from Years 7-12 took part in the Australian Mathematics Competition. This is an individual test with participants coming not only from Australia, but from around the Asia-Pacific. It is a great chance for students to test themselves and solve problems that are not usually seen in the school curriculum. A special mention needs to go to Bridget Mackay (12F) and Sheriece Pegg (12F) for taking part in the competition despite having just finished a gruelling schedule of assessment tasks for their regular subjects.

Great effort!

Regards
Mr. Rajiv Bhar
Club supervisor

From the Positive Behaviour for Learning Team

Behaviour Focus

Our current behaviour focus is “Use break times to get drinks and/or use the toilet.”

Student of the Week

Week 3

Isobella Tyler 7B For constantly following uniform policy and wearing her uniform with pride.

Lauren Green 8A For her polite attitude and always demonstrating a ready to learn attitude

Grace Rudling 9F For consistently making good choices and participating in set tasks

Quanika Colliss 10C For consistently participating and showing positivity towards her schoolwork

Maddison Devlin 11E For her participation in class and for completing class work to an acceptable standard

Kirsen Gowlett 12F For leading by example by always giving his best.

Week 4

Hannah Rogerson 7D For always being ready to learn, being so polite on every occasion and putting her best effort into every task that she completes. You are a pleasure to have in the classroom.

Riley Thompson 8C For his excellent participation and courteous manner towards staff and students

Shannon Bean 9C For consistent participation in class and having a positive attitude.

Claire Reinke 10E For always completing all work to the best of her ability and actively participating in class asking meaningful questions.

Kaleb Bock 11B For consistently arriving to class prepared and ready to learn.

Jordyn Masters 12B For engaging completely with her learning.

Community Notices