19 August 2020

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear friends of Emerald High,

We have had an amazing few weeks at Emerald High, with lots and lots of exciting things happening.

This week was "Shines" week, in which our amazing students showcased their talents. My thanks to Leanne Ross for her work in coordinating this event and to all of the many and varied talented students who participated. Emerald High rocks!

This week our Year 9s also had the opportunity to experience our 'Drones' program first hand and get a taste of what they could experience if they select the Cert III Aviation course in Year 10. Education is certainly very different from when I went to school!

We also had the privilege of having Artist-in-Residence, Mark Paddick, working with our Art students to create an absolutely sensational mural on F Block (have a drive past the back of the school and have a look). My sincere thanks to Mark for his work with our students and to Amy Cochrane and Lucy Ferarra for arranging this super experience for our students.

'Book Club' is now up and running every Thursday in second break. This is a fantastic opportunity for our kids to deepen their engagement in reading. Well done Kate Hulme for leading this opportunity.

A reminder too that our 'Homework Club' runs every Wednesday afternoon in the Resource Centre, providing a free opportunity for students to access extra help with their work. My very sincere thanks to Jess Ralley for her coordination of the event and to the many teachers who give up their own time to support our students in their studies. We do have an incredibly professional and dedicated staff at our school - we are very lucky!

A very exciting item of student news to share - Year 8 student, Logan Weaver, competed in the Queensland State Championships last weekend in Weightlifting and took out Gold in both Under 15 & Youth Male 67kg. His Snatch was 80kg and his Clean & Jerk was 102kg - a new state record! He also won best male lifter for the competition over the weekend. Well done Logan - a fantastic achievement!

Last week our students also had the opportunity to learn more about the various career pathways on offer in our 'Career Expo'. A number of employer and post-school study groups attended the school to share their experience and wisdom with our students. Thank you to Alarna Wills for her great work in coordinating this very important event.

Whilst on the topic of subjects and careers, this week we emailed the parents of all Year 8, 9 and 10 students with information about subject selections. We have unfortunately been unable to conduct our normal Subject Selection Evenings due to COVID-19, but instead have tried to provide an expanded range of information on our website. Please feel free to contact the school if you have any questions about subjects - we are very happy to take the time to talk through any questions you may have.

I am also very pleased to announce that Emerald High now has a brand-new Career Website that is a one-stop-shop for everything that students need to know about careers and post-school study options. Click here to visit the site - it is very good and well worth a look! Thank you to Renee Firth and Cristal Dougan for their work in making this a reality.

2020 Early School Leavers survey

The Queensland Government is seeking the support of the school community for the annual survey of Year 10, 11 and 12 students who left school in 2019, before completing Year 12. This short, confidential survey collects information about what young people are doing, the year after leaving school. The results of the survey help provide valuable information to improve services available to school leavers in the future.

Between August and September, these school leavers can expect to receive instructions to complete a web-based survey or a telephone call from the Queensland Government Statistician’s Office. Please encourage them to take part. If their contact details have changed, please assist the interviewer with their updated details or forward the survey to their new address so they can participate.

Thank you for your support of Next Step post-school destination surveys in 2020. For more information, visit the link below or telephone toll free on 1800 068 587.

A final reminder about the importance of failing (yes you heard that right). We learn far more when we try something, fail, make changes and try again than if we get it right first time. Failure is an integral part of the learning process and everyone who has achieved highly, has failed lots and lots along the way.

Thank you again for your support of our amazing school!

Dream big and dare to fail.
Norman Vaughan

Have a fantastic fortnight
Mr. Sean Maher
Principal

From the Deputy Principal – Senior School

2020 Year 12 Formal

After much “can we, can’t we” discussions it was decided to hold our Year 12 formal as planned on 17th September. With the way COVID-19 was progressing in other states, we thought we needed to move fast before shut downs occurred again. In planning for this event we have had to overcome a number obstacles, the biggest being the venue.

As we wanted the formal to have the same values and feel as previous years, a celebration of our students with their parents and school staff, this year the formal will be held on-site, utilising the basketball court area. We are currently in a mad rush organising the hire of chairs, tables, hessian, lighting etc. to make this area look spectacular.

In following the COVID-19 safe plans, we have found that there are many traditions we can’t have this year. There can be no dancing at the event – this has made some students very happy and others not so happy. Traditionally, there are a number of spectators who watch the walk-ins, this can’t happen in the usual way this year. We are looking to live stream the walk-ins.

Year 11 subject changes

The Year 11s are currently over half way through their Unit 2 studies. If students are needing any subject changes this will need to happen quickly so that they can be rated in their new subject. It is important to remember that once students start Unit 3 studies, approximately middle of Term 4, there will be no more subject changes. A number of students have come to see me about getting a “spare”. Students are only entitled to a “spare” when they have something that impacts on their ability to study six subjects i.e. a traineeship, medical condition, travel requirements etc. Students wanting to change subjects must see Mrs Fitzgerald to complete the subject change form.

2021 Year 11 subject selection

Our Year 10s are currently in the process of selecting subjects for their senior studies. As we are nearly through our first cohort of students in the new system I wanted to share my observations on a successful transition:

• Students who have limited or no subject changes: By not changing subjects students have not missed any content due to the time taken to change subjects. They also have been able to build upon their knowledge through all units.
• Students who have attendance over 90%: Students are in class learning key content and able to work on assessment with teacher guidance.
• Students who have chosen subjects that link to future goals: Students generally have done better in these subjects due to interest and direct link to goals.
• Students who have good work/school/home balance: Students who are able to balance all aspects in their life have been successful. Students need to realise there is an increase needed in home learning to be successful.

My advice for students choosing subjects is always:

1. Choose subjects you like
2. Choose subjects you enjoy
3. Choose subjects that link to future goals.

Regards
Mrs. Tanya Shaw
Deputy Principal – Senior School

From the Head of Year 7

We are now halfway through the Year 7's first year of high school here at ESHS. Overall, I have been pleased with the cohort’s progress this term as they have settled back into the normality of our school routines here at ESHS. I have seen students engaging with the many opportunities offered including homework club, musical and our PBL lunchtime clubs.

Our PBL focus for Week 6 is to “show respect to others by listening when they are speaking”. Classroom teachers have encouraged this throughout the past week and have seen improvements in the respect students are showing to their teachers and their peers. At this point of the term, it is timely to mention the importance of completing and submitting assessment on time. Should you have any concerns surrounding your child and their progress, please do not hesitate to reach out to their classroom teachers for clarification. If your student is struggling with their work, please encourage them to ask their teachers for help. Homework Club runs every Wednesday afternoon from 3:15 – 4:00pm. Students who attend, meet with teachers to complete homework, assessment and ask any clarifying questions.

Please never hesitate to contact me should you have any concerns regarding the welfare of your child (mmpem0@eq.edu.au or 4988 2222).

Regards
Miss. Maggie Pembroke
HOY – 7

From the Head of Year 8

Assessment Calendars have been emailed to parents and carers. Please take time to print these out and discuss assessment with your child. I encourage you to plan and make note of important assessment dates in order to help your child prepare for assessment. Students should be using their diary to record all important school events and assessment dates. If your student has lost their diary, they can purchase a new one from the school Administration building.

As assessment starts to approach, please encourage your child to take advantage of Homework Club. Students have access to a range of teachers and can ask for assistance. In addition, light refreshments are provided to students too. If your child is struggling with a particular subject, encourage them to ask their teacher if they can attend Homework Club to support them. Teachers are very happy to support students to have success with their learning.

Attendance rates for the Year 8 cohort are down. Our goal is to be above 90%. Please encourage your child to attend school if they are well. By missing school, students are missing out on valuable learning time. This can have impacts on their learning in the future. Every day counts and every day students are at school contributes to them having success with their learning.

Finally, our PBL message this fortnight has been about showing respect to others by listening when they are speaking. This is extremely important and with assessment being completed in class, it is important that students are showing respect by listening so that they do not miss valuable information. By showing respect while listening, students are less likely to disrupt their learning and the learning of their peers. With less disruption occurring students can focus on their learning to achieve positive learning outcomes.

Regards
Mr. Peter Sanson
HOY – 8

From the Science team

Hey Hey Science peoples! The Science faculty would like to remind everyone that Science Week is Week 6 this term; 15th – 23rd of August.

Here’s what we’re learning so far this term:

7 Science:

Year 7 Science classes are currently learning about balanced and unbalanced forces; free body diagrams gravity and friction to name a few specific topics involved in this concept. Assessment = Student Experiment

8 Science:

Year 8 classes are currently studying physics, examining energy and energy changes. Assessment = Student Experiment

9 Science:

Year 9 Science classes have, this term, begun to investigate atoms, elements and the periodic table of elements. Assessment = Student Experiment.

10 Science in Practice:

Year 10 Science in Practice students have, this term, begun to investigate the secrets of the periodic table of elements.

10 Biology:

Year 10 Biology students are currently studying homeostasis. Assessment = Student experiment.

10 Chemistry:

Year 10 Chemistry students are studying types of chemical reactions. Assessment = Research Investigation.

11 Biology:

Year 11 Biology students are researching disease. Assessment = Research investigation.

11 Chemistry:

Year 11 Chemistry students are studying the gas laws as well as Arrhenius acids and bases. Assessment = Student experiment.

11 Physics:

Year 11 Physics students are currently studying gravity and are modifying experiments that verify the acceleration due to gravity. Assessment = Student Experiment.

12 Biology:

Year 12 Biology student are currently working through Unit 4: evolution. Assessment = Research Investigation assignment.

12 Chemistry:

Year 12 Chemistry students are currently studying organic chemistry; and revising for their upcoming Mock exam in preparation of the end of year exam in Term 4. Assessment = Mock Exam.

12 Physics:

Year 12 Physics students are currently studying gravity and motion and will lead into electromagnetism; revising for their upcoming Mock exam in preparation of the end of year exam in Term 4. Assessment = Mock Exam.

Regards
Mr. David Horsfall
Teacher – Science

From the Maths team

As we pass the halfway mark for this term, it’s time to start thinking about upcoming assessment. Many of our students have already been working hard on assignments over the past couple of weeks and there are several due dates fast approaching.

Year 7 Maths

Students have been working hard to use their knowledge of unit pricing, to cost a BBQ for their classes. This assignment is due in Week 5. Looking ahead, the Year 7 classes will be working with fractions and decimals, using mental maths.

Year 8 Maths

Students have been looking at whether a sample can be used to predict statistics about the population, with an assignment that is due in Week 6. Students will then be learning about time, rates and ratios, as well as linear relationships, with an exam on these topics in Week 9.

Year 9 Maths

Students have been collecting and analysing data to determine if males are always taller than females, and if their class is a typical Year 9 class. This assignment is due in Week 6. Following this students will be covering index laws, scientific notation, simple interest and probability.

Year 10 Maths

Extension and general classes are working towards an exam in Week 8, while the Foundations maths class are currently completing an assignment on statistics.

Senior Maths

Year 11 Methods and General classes are working towards their Unit 2 exam at the end of this term. This is an important time for these groups and they should be encouraged to complete extra revision at home. Year 11 Essentials are currently working on their PSMT which is due in later this term.

Year 12 Methods and General students have now completed their last ever internal assessment! They will be working towards their external exams taking place in Term 4. The Year 12 Essentials students are working on their PSMT that is due in Week 7.

Maths Club

In Maths Club news, the Year 7/8 QAMT team made it to the regional round which will be held in Week 9. If this team wins at the regional round, they will head on to state finals! Good luck to our 7/8 team.

The best way to help students succeed in maths is by ensuring that they are prepared for class with a calculator, pencil case and a subject specific maths book. Homework club also takes place every Wednesday from 3pm to 4pm and is a great place to work on assignments or study.

Regards
Miss. Angela Johnson
Teacher – Maths

From the HPE team

In Health and Physical Education we are continuing with washing the equipment at the end of every lesson and attempting to maintain as much social distancing as possible while participating in sport.

Our junior students are continuing working through their court game skills. There have been some incredible basketball skills displayed. Year 10s are refining their European Handball and touch football skills, with many students finding skills they never knew they had. There are some excellent lawn bowls and golf players in Year 11, and the Year 12s have begun their event management studies.

It has been excellent to see students continue with their improved hygiene practices throughout the term. We hope to see this carry on for the remainder of the year and beyond.

Regards
Mr. James Fitzpatrick
Teacher – HPE

From the Arts team

MUSIC

All Music classes have been slowly incorporating an online music classroom, to help create authentic and interactive learning opportunities for the students. Junior music classes have also been trialling an online music composition program, where students can record their own music online.

DRAMA

Year 7

We have had a great start to the term, with students now busily working on their script writing task. They have chosen a ‘theme’ and have begun writing a script demonstrating correct script formatting.

Years 10, 11 & 12

Students are all busy working on their next assessment tasks. Year 10s and 11 DIP are working on their magazine article, on a chosen contemporary theatre form. Year 11 DRA are still working on their directorial vision of 'Ruby Moon'. Year 12 DIP are busily working on their directing of 'Hoods' & Year 12 DRA are preparing for their mock exam.

ARTS

Year 8

This term we have been experimenting with layers and making some unique and colourful artwork to help experiment and explore different styles and mediums. The class has also been learning about the Australian artist Judy Watson, and her time working with scientists on Heron Island and how it influenced her artworks.

Year 9

Our classes have been taking on the intriguing topic of the Human Condition and discovering how artists have been inspired and influenced by how we as humans, experience all facets of life. Experimenting with a wide range of media is allowing these classes to really push their knowledge, skills and imagination.

Regards
Miss. Nikki Wouters
Teacher – Art

From the Humanities team

Congratulations to our senior humanities students who have now completed all their Internal Assessment pieces quite successfully! This has been such a steep learning curve for both staff and students and alike. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderfully hard working teachers who have planned and implemented such quality units of work and assessment, to engage our students and to ensure the best possible outcomes for our kids.

Students now begin the task of revising and studying for their external assessments in Term 4, so it is not quite time to relax just yet. Further to this, we have recently purchased study guides for all our History and Legal Studies students, which will provide them with some quality revision and exam preparation. Unfortunately, there was not a Geography version of this study guide, but the students have opportunities to engage with mock questions and exams in both their textbook and the mock external exam block in Weeks 8-9 of this term.

Parents please support our students by encouraging them to set up a study routine to revise and complete practice questions. They do still have quite a bit to do in order to be fully prepped and ready for their external exams.

In our junior school, we are also in assessment mode as we hit the middle of the term. There are several exams over the next few weeks in History and Geography for our Year 7 – 11 students.

It is expected that students are working on revising or researching at home. Where students fail to submit drafts, parental contact home will be made. If you have not seen a revision sheet or a take home assessment task and you would like further clarification, please feel free to contact your child’s teacher.

Regards
Mrs. Kerrie-Ann Van Hees
HOD – Humanities

From the SBT/SBA/Work department

Positions Vacant: Year 12 school based apprenticeship in Hairdressing available for application at Chitchats Emerald, please take a current resume to Kelly Parter to apply.

School Based Apprenticeships and Traineeships News

Emerald State High School would like to congratulate the following students on their achievements in securing a school based apprenticeship or traineeship:

• Tori Kavanagh - Emerald Community Kindergarten
• Sarah Johnston - McDonalds Emerald
• Anna Nordland - McDonalds Emerald
• Sophie Lyons - Jodis Salon
• Jorgia-Bella Woods - Hair Studio 62

Follow the Emerald State High School Facebook page for all school based apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities.

Careers Expo

Emerald State High School hosted their annual Year 10 Careers Expo on Tuesday the 11th of August. Local businesses were invited to attend and speak in an expo style set-up, where students can approach different tables and ask questions about the industry they work in. This assists our students in choosing subjects for their senior years.

The types of questions asked were:

• What jobs/duties are required in this job?
• What skills/training/qualifications do you need to complete?
• What opportunities are there to gain training/experiences in this field?
• What are employers looking for in applicants?
• Where can you access more information on this career?

The expo ran from 12.05pm to 2.30pm in the school’s Undercover Area (UCA).

The businesses went all-out for our students this year, with offerings of hats, water bottles, goodie bags, pens and the very popular cookies and soft serve ice cream vouchers from McDonalds. The feedback from businesses was fantastic and we look forward to the 2021 Careers Expo!

Thank you to the following businesses for supporting careers expo 2020:

Enwise, Stadium Fitness, Cas' Cakery, QLD Health, CP Dental, QAS, CHRC, MRAEL, Goldenwest, Kestrel Coal, Direct Chemist Pharmacy, McDonalds, Maraboon Vet, Sojitz Mine, Vanderfields, Corbett Homes, 4T Consultants, Sitesupport Services, CQ Uni, Maxima, Bethany Prickett Makeup, Anglicare, Clinton Adams Real Estate, Studio 62, DAF, Ergon Energy, Sweet Pea & Co

Certificate III Guarantee

This program supports school students to access training and Queensland’s Year 12 graduates, to transition to employment, by providing free training in high priority qualifications.

For an overview of what the Certificate III Guarantee means for students, view the Certificate III Guarantee student fact sheet:

Are you a Year 12 graduate looking to develop your skills? Study for FREE Find out more:

For more information, phone the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training on 1800 210 210.

Regards
Mrs. Alarna Wills
Work Place Coordinator

From the Future Teachers Project

In 2021 Emerald State High School is looking to take part in a Department of Education initiative called the 'Future Teachers Project'. The Future Teachers Project allows Year 11 and 12 students to study tertiary courses in education, while completing high school. Emerald SHS would like to offer this program to current Year 10 students, before entering Year 11. Students who are interested are invited to attend a meeting on Monday the 24th of August (Week 7) during first break. Alternatively you may contact Mr Mawson via email bmaws0@eq.edu.au or in person in the D block staffroom.

Regards
Mr. Ben Mawson
Teacher – Science

From the Page Turners Book Club

Emerald State High School’s book club is now up and running with the inaugural meeting of ‘PAGE TURNERS’ (an 8F project) on Thursday 6th August 2020. Our club had the honour of having Mrs. Hunt (H.O.D. of English) talk to us about how ‘The Alchemist’ by Paulo Coelho was such an enjoyable read for her when she presented at our first meeting. She epitomised what we all love about books – fun plots, inspiring messages and a whole heap of imagination. Our second week saw Year 12 student Bridget Mackay read her award-winning short story ‘Of Sand and Glass’. At our upcoming meeting on Thursday 20th Mrs Van Hees (H.O.D. of Humanities) will be presenting as our guest speaker. We look forward to hearing from her. During the past few weeks we have been excited to see interest sparked amongst both students and teachers by our book club. We were delighted to have guests and would love to see more of those who love to read come and enjoy discussion, sharing and suggestions about new reads.

Our Office Holder Positions were filled by:

• President: Carlene Caro
• Vice-President: Lillian Goodwin
• Secretaries: Destiny Guthrie, Ella Job

And we have a talented and enthusiastic publicity team of:

• Hannah Atkinson,
• Emily Calder,
• Jake Carver,
• Kat Hunter,
• Mikel Natividad,
• Telitha Osborne,
• Tayla Shields,
• Jorjia Wendt.

‘PAGE TURNERS’ invites you all to come and see for yourself every Thursday, 2nd break in AV02.

Regards
Students of the Page Turners.

From the Glee Club

Due to COVID-19, Euphonix, the Emerald SHS Glee Club’s, calendar was wiped clean which meant that we haven’t done an official performance in front of an audience.

This week, the Glee Club are participating in “Shines Week” and are hoping to place. The song we will sing for our audition is “Lanterns” by Birds of Tokyo, and if we place we will sing “Shotgun”. We are also performing with the school band for a concert during the day. We will be performing “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele and “Allstar” by Smash Mouth.

Towards the end of the year we have been invited to sing for the schools “Remembrance Day” service.

Our Glee Club is still looking for new members, so if you’re interested, please come along. The Glee Club is held every Tuesday and Thursday at First Break in K1. It would be great to keep adding to our numbers so we look forward to more students coming along and giving it a go.

Regards
Ms. Leanne Ross & Mr. Coromandel
Club supervisors

From the Positive Behaviour for Learning Team

Behaviour Focus

Our current behaviour focus is “Show respect to others by listening when they are speaking.”

Student of the Week

Week 5

Nate Gilliland 7G Showing a positive attitude towards everyone and challenging yourself in school activities.

Mia Day 8D For always being punctual to class and completing all set activities to an exemplary standard.

Riandi Van Wijk 9F For consistently participating in all of her subjects and putting in her best effort all of the time.

Lani Harrison 10D For engaging willingly and actively in independent activities

Logan Stanton 11E For working to the best of her ability. She is a valued class member who is always ready to help others in the kitchen.

Savannah Grindlay 12B For always attending and participating in school work.

Week 6

Thomas Mitchelmore 7E Looking out for others, showing helpfulness, honesty and integrity.

Isabel Badowski 8C For her resilient and hardworking attitude towards curriculum tasks. She is a role model for students.

Halle Toms 9C For working productively in class, being polite and being a quiet achiever.

Jade Morgan 10F For assisting others at completing work and being a great peer mentor.

Kaden Renwick 11A For applying himself to all aspects of his schooling and completing work to the best of his ability.

Mataya Smith 12A For going above and beyond when helping others.

Community Notices