16 September 2020

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear friends of Emerald High,

As Term 3 winds to an end we are all looking forward to a break from what has been a huge term - Athletics Carnival, Leadership Camp, ICAS Tests, Mock Exams, School Formal, Drones demonstrations, Artist-in-Residence Mural, 'Shines', Taster Days, Phone Parent Interviews and Careers Expo, just to name a few and many of these having to be done quite differently to adapt to the new COVID-19 conditions. It has been a gigantic term and I am so proud of our students and staff for the positive and supportive way that they have navigated the term, and to our wonderful parent group who support us so well. Thank you!

Our Year 12s are now entering a critical phase in their studies - the final preparation for their external exams. They have generally done well on their assessment leading up to this point (although some of the mock exams were patchy). As we have discussed with them as a group, preparation for their exams now becomes their focus for the next 8 weeks and we will be doing all that we can as a school to support them over these weeks. They are an amazing group of young people and we are confident that they will rise to the occasion - but they will need to work hard!

Whilst their exam prep is their focus, they must ensure that it does not absorb their world - it is still important to exercise, relax spend time with friends and family. The balance is important but exam prep must be at the centre of their world for the next 8 weeks to help them get the best results possible and open up opportunities post-school.

The Year 12 Formal is on tonight and will be amazing and magical, despite the very different circumstances. My very sincere thanks to everyone involved in the event, in particular Jaksen Brose, Tanya Shaw, Janene Vale, Renee Firth, Ruth Kelly and the ESHS Bites Team, Annette Carter, Kaitlyn Aubury, Leanne Ross and the SRC, Jade Gretton and her team, Sarah Challacombe and the many, many students, staff and parents, too numerous to mention, who have all worked together to create this special event. Thank you!

Some more exciting news - our school cricket team played Marist the other day at a special event coordinated by Simon Taylor. Our team won easily 202 to 101 with Jaxon scoring 105! It was a wonderful day and I thank Simon sincerely for his work in making this a reality. Our cricketers had the opportunity to meet players such as Darren Lehmann, Michael Kasprowicz and Andrew Symonds.

And the great news continues. Our school leaders attended the annual 'Mayoral Summit' at the Town Hall last week and, as expected, representing themselves and their school with distinction.

Stop press – there is more. Our Year 7/8 Maths team achieved 2nd place in the Regional Finals! This is yet another fantastic achievement and a testament to the quality of our students and our maths program. Thank you to Rajiv Bahr for making this opportunity possible.

RUoK Day was held at the school last week with displays and a sausage sizzle held by our Support Works Team amongst many other things. This is an important day that reminds us of the need to look after each other and be there to help our friends and others at any time they are in need.

To finish, I am delighted to advise that I have just been appointed permanently at the school and will be moving my family up at the end of the year and intend being in Emerald for a number of years.

Thank you yet again to everyone for your ongoing support for our fantastic school.

The power of imagination makes us infinite.
- John Muir

Have a fantastic break
Mr. Sean Maher
Principal

From the Deputy Principal – Senior School

2020 Year 12 Formal

This week we are on the count down to the 2020 Formal. Each day as the basketball courts start their transformation into the event destination of choice is exciting. I would like to thank the businesses, teachers and parents who have assisted in making this event happen. I can’t wait to see everyone on the night in their finest attire. Please remember, due to COVID-19 we are unable to have spectators on the night.

2021 School Leaders

On Tuesday the student body voted to elect the new senior school leaders for 2021. Our Year 11s this term have been to leadership camp and those wanting to be leaders have put in an application and had an interview. Due to COVID-19, their leadership speeches have been videoed and were played during class time on Tuesday. I wish them all the best of luck and thank each of them for the time they have put into their applications. I would be happy to work alongside any of them next year.

2020 External Exams (Year 12s)

At the end of the week the Year 12s will be given the external exam timetable. On the timetable we have scheduled a number of tuition sessions that students should attend before their exams. On Monday, Mr Maher and I spoke to the Year 12s about achieving their best on these exams. It is an expectation that students are studying at least 2 hours each week on any subjects that have an external exam. This includes the September holidays. During which time, they should be studying for about 25 hours each week. When we return in Term 4 students are expected to attend their classes as per their timetable. There is vital learning that is happening to support students in completing their external exams. In the next week I will receive the results from the mock external exams. If a student has failed 2 or more external exams I will be contacting you to make a meeting to discuss a plan of support.

2020 Awards Ceremony

At this stage we are planning our awards ceremony to be held at the school on Wednesday 18th November 2020 during school time. The ceremony will be split into three sessions. Session 1 will be for the Year 7s and 8s and will occur start at 9:00am. Session 2 will be the Years 9 and 10s and will start at 11:00 am. The final session will be for the Year 11s and 12s and will begin at 12:05. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only parents of students receiving special awards will be invited to attend. Where possible we will try to live stream the event.

Regards
Mrs. Tanya Shaw
Deputy Principal – Senior School

From the Head of Year 7

This week brings another mammoth term to an end, with a much deserved break well within reach. The past couple of weeks I have been reminding Year 7s about the importance of submitting quality assessment pieces on the due date. I have been super impressed with the attitude of Year 7s toward the back end of this term and I hope to see this reflected in their Term 3 reports, especially in their effort and behaviour grades. When reviewing report cards, please keep in mind that your students will be awarded a cumulative grade (term 1 – 3 results averaged) for their academic achievement. Please do not hesitate to reach out to subject teachers for any questions, concerns or feedback regarding reports.

Recently, I have requested classroom teachers nominate one student from their class who has consistently demonstrated the PBL focus throughout the fortnight. These students have been recognised on parade and awarded 25 bonus VIVOs. It has been so exciting to see a plethora different students who have been nominated.

Please encourage students to kick back over the holidays and use their time to reset for Term 4. There will be no rest for the wicked with Swimming Carnival, Western 7s and Awards Night all happening in the first few weeks. I hope to see the cohort finish the year stronger than when we started.

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

What a term it has been! It has been great to see the continuity of learning continue this term. Our PBL focus for Weeks 9 and 10 has been about using respectful language. Please continue to encourage your child to use respectful language when they are communicating with parents, carers, peers and the community.

The end of term provides the opportunity for reflection in relation to learning. I encourage all parents and carers to spend time reflecting with your child in relation to their progress this term. Encourage your child to set goals for Term 4 in relation to school. Without a goal it can be easy to forget the purpose of why you are doing what you are doing. Having goals can provide purpose and drive and give students something to aspire toward.

With this being said, in Term 4 the junior leadership process will occur. The aim of this is to elect junior school captains that will be the voice for the junior school and help to build the relationship between the junior and senior school. Please encourage your child to consider applying for a junior captain position, if this is something that interests them.

A reminder that every day counts and every day students are at school they are working towards having success with their learning. Please ensure your child is at school as teachers are beginning new units.

If you are travelling away for the break, please remember to be safe.

Regards
Miss. Chloe Prior
HOY – 10

From the Humanities team

Coming up to the end of Term 3, the Humanities students at ESHS have been involved with a number of social studies. Engaging with a number of different cultures and histories of other countries, and gaining an understanding of how our physical and human geographies impact the world around us.

Year 7 History students are wrapping up one of their favourite units… Ancient Egypt. Full of interesting and gory details about how and why mummies were created, to understanding how the treatment of the Egyptian nobles changed over time. The students can now look forward to completing the term by beginning the topic of Ancient China.

Year 8 Geography students have recently completed a very in depth unit on erosion and deposition creating landscapes and landforms. They now are looking forward to learning about and discussing the impacts of urbanisation. Our students really get involved with this unit, so do not be surprised if they come home asking you certain questions about migration patterns in your family for their schoolwork.

Meanwhile, students who are studying Ancient History in Year 10 this year are preparing themselves for their senior years in the same subject. They will be testing themselves comprehensively to ascertain their ability to comprehend, analyse and evaluate sources of evidence. These skills are focussed on History, however they will be taken by the students and applied to a number of every day uses.

Regards
Miss. Jess Whybird
Teacher – English

From the Arts team

It has been very busy in the Arts Faculty, with the completion of making and responding tasks in all our Arts subjects. Our students have produced some amazing work this term. Well done!

ESHS will be involved in the multi-school Art Exhibition at our local Art Gallery in October this year. The opening night is Friday 16 October 2020 from 6:00pm – 8:00pm. We will be submitting artwork from the Art Department and work from the Technology Department. Thank you to Miss Cochrane, our art teacher, for organising this great opportunity for our students.

The musical rehearsals for our Musical 2021 ‘Grease’ have been successful this term. Congratulations to all the students and staff involved in the weekly rehearsals. Keep up the great musical work.

Regards
Miss. Lucia Ferrara
HOD – Arts

From the LOTE team

Term 3 is quickly coming to an end, I hope for successful out comes for all of our students! Students are now, or will very soon be assessed a variety of topics across Years 7 – 9. These include:

Year 7 –“What is school life” ASSESSMENT: WEEK 8/9, - READING

• Students will recognise values associated with classroom language and behaviours. They will also compare values relating to schooling in Japan and Australia.

Year 8 – “What is friendship?” ASSESSMENT: WEEK 8/9 – WRITING

• Students will plan, draft and present a guide to making friends for Australian students heading to Japan on exchange. Additionally, they will also explain how their advice in the guide reflects Japanese values and ideas about friendship through appropriate choices of language and behaviour.

Year 9 – “How big is the generation gap?” ASSESSMENT: WEEK 7/8/9 – SPEAKING

• Students will share information, experiences and views related to their worlds and explain how cultural values are reflected in language and behaviours.

Year 10 – “What is animal conservation” ASSESSMENT: WEEK 6/7/8 – SPEAKING

• Students will uses Japanese to share information, experiences and views related to their social worlds using rehearsed and spontaneous language

Assessment for Languages is due within Weeks 7-9 of this term.

The best way to improve achievement is short but regular review of vocabulary. Particularly, it is recommended that you also use your spare time to learn Japanese writing symbols and new vocabulary, by regularly using Quizlet.

Years 9 and 10 should be aiming to learn their hiragana and katakana as soon as feasible. Short bursts of regular review, will always be more effective than last minute cramming! 10 – 15 minutes, three or four times week is an excellent start.

Book work is important as always! Neat handwriting and well organised notes is the greatest way to achieve success at assessment time, as tasks are generally open-book.

Regards
Mrs. Debbie Cognet
HOD – HPE & LOTE

From the Indigenous Education department

The Indigenous Education Department has been busy organising the 2020 NAIDOC Celebrations for ESHS this term. We will be celebrating NAIDOC 2020 in Week 2 of next term. Our celebrations will involve the following:

• Monday 12 October – Opening of NAIDOC Celebrations via a power-point presentation in PC
• Tuesday 13 October – Elder’s Luncheon at the Town Hall
• Thursday 15 October – Period 3 and 4 Yarning Circle activities with Indigenous Games on the oval during Second Break
• Friday 16 October – Sausage Sizzle and Celebration Cake.

A reminder to all students to see Miss Ferrara and Mrs Hall in regards to assisting with the preparation of our NAIDOC Celebrations, as well as participating in the activities next term.

Have an awesome holiday!

Regards
Miss. Lucia Ferrara
Head of Indigenous Education

From the Sports Coordinator

Throughout Term 3 we have seen the reboot of sport, both in the community and at school.

On Monday Week 2, we held our Interschool Athletics Carnival. The day went off without a hitch as we watched students jump, throw and sprint their way to victory. Topaz came out on top, despite Garnet nipping at their heels.

Due to CH Track and Field trials taking a breather this year, students competed in year levels for ultimate bragging rights. Congratulations to our Year Level Champions as well as the Senior and Junior Topaz House Captains! Can’t wait to see everyone back on the track and in the field in 2021.

House Shield Champions:

Year Level Champions:

On Wednesday the 26/08/20, ESHS took junior and senior teams to Middlemount to compete in netball and touch football games. Students fought hard against fellow CH schools including Blackwater, Capella and Middlemount. ESHS asserted our sporting dominance walking away undefeated. All students are to be congratulated on their exceptional sportsmanship and comradery displayed throughout the day.

Important Sport Dates – Term 4:

• 2020 Western 7’s will take place on Saturday the 17th of October (end of Week 2). Permission forms have now been distributed to those students who nominated. If your student is eager to take the field in the emerald and gold jersey, please ensure their permission form and payment is handed to the front office by 3pm Thursday the 17th of September.
  - I have a number of parents who have come forward and offered to help with the coaching of a team. If you are interested in sharing your knowledge with the ESHS union fanatics, please contact Maggie Pembroke on 4988 2222 or mmpem0@eq.edu.au.
• Swimming Carnival has been re-scheduled for Friday the 9th of October (Friday Week 1). The day will now be opt – in which means that students will need to add their name to the long list outside J Block staffroom by Monday the 14th of September if they wish to attend the day. Staff from the HPE faculty will accompany the swim team by bus to the pool from first break until 2:30pm. Students will return to school ready to catch their normal transport home.

Should students choose not to attend one of the best days in the school calendar, they will be required to attend school as per usual. Counting down the days until the ESHS staff walk away with the win from the staff v student relay.

Regards
Miss. Maggie Pembroke
Sports Coordinator

Shines Report

Due to COVID-19, the SRC had to change the usual format of the biannual talent show for staff and students – Shines. It showcases the amazing variety of talent at Emerald State High School. It involves individual and group acts of singing, dancing, comedy and instrumental skills. It provides an opportunity for students to participate in a cultural event in school, when they may not have the time to join one of the lunchtime or after school artistic clubs.

Shines is normally held in the evening over a couple of hours but due to restrictions the 2020 SRC team had to be more creative with their organisation, so Shines became the “All Stars Week” with students trying out on the Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday lunches with the big finale on the Friday. Individual acts were during the First Break with duets and groups in the Second Break.

We were really glad to see so many students eagerly participating this year despite the restrictions. Everyone was really wowed by the talent.

• Individual Winners: Lauren and Carlene 1st and 2nd respectively
• Student Duet Winner: 1st place went to Erika and Audree
• Group Winners: Euphonix and the Year 7 Honours Geography Class 1st and 2nd respectively

Audience members were encouraged to pay a gold coin entry in support of the Tourettes Australia Association. Thanks to this generosity and support, Emerald High is donating almost $300. It became a great opportunity to spread awareness of Tourettes Syndrome in the school and community.

As it was also a year when all cultural performances for the school bands and glee club were cancelled, it was decided to Live Stream two performances: the ESHS Symphonic Band and Euphonix Glee members on Wednesday during Music on the Green and then the Swing Doctors on Thursday. This has bolstered the spirit of the bands and Glee Club as they finally had something to rehearse for. These two live streamed events also provided an opportunity for parents and extended family members to watch their children, which is something they have been denied this year due to the pandemic. It was so popular there is talk of doing even more cultural events in Term 4. Well done to the SRC for starting a new tradition in the school

Euphonix Singing

Regards
Ms. Leanne Ross
Glee Club supervisor

From the Positive Behaviour for Learning Team

Behaviour Focus

Our current behaviour focus is “Use vocabulary that is not hurtful, offensive or derogatory.”

Student of the Week

Week 9

Jake Querro 7D Engaging willingly and actively in independent and collaborative activities.

Alaska-Mae Millin 8D Alaska always gives her all in class, asking and answering questions, modelling exemplary behaviour and always completing set work to the best of her abilities.

Morgan Harrison 9B For always being polite and courteous and a positive ambassador for the school.

Krystal Clark 10F For always working diligently in class and displaying a polite positive manner.

Tomas Bridgeman 11A For being polite and courteous to all and showing consistent determination in unfamiliar scenarios.

Sage Potter 12A For her consistent polite and friendly manner.

Week 10

Mikayla Capil 7A For showing respect to teachers and peers and engaging willingly and actively in independent and collaborative activities.

Emily Hall 8B For consistent and polite approach to learning.

Josh Russell 9F For a consistent polite manner and participating effectively in all aspects of school life.

Lenard Taylor 10E For always looking out for others and consistently demonstrating a positive attitude.

Arni Barnes 11C For being a role model student and completing set work with meticulous detail.

Community Notices