18 March 2021

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report

Dear Friends of Emerald High,

The end of term is almost upon us and our amazing students are deeply involved in preparing and completing assessment. I have been delighted to see large numbers of students at Wednesday afternoon Homework Club, studying hard and working closely with the many teachers who attend to support learning. My sincere thanks to Ms Ralley and her team for running Homework Club, to which everyone is welcome!

We have had some feedback recently on some amazing achievements from our 2020 Year 12s:

• Holly McLean has won a $30 000 QCoal Foundation Scholarship to support her studies in dentistry!
• Dani Challacombe has won a $20 000 USQ 'Become Rewarded' Scholarship and a $5000 Aspiring Teacher's Grant!
• Bridget Mackay has won a prestigious writing award for a Novella she wrote last year.

The common factor with all of these students - they all worked hard at school and are now reaping the rewards with exciting futures! This is something we can all achieve if we are prepared to put in the effort!

The aim of all of us should be to achieve lives of meaning and purpose - to have lives of Choice and not of Chance. A good education gives us the ability to pick what we want to do with our lives - something interesting, engaging and meaningful for us as individuals. At the end of the day, however, we row our own boats - no-one can do it for us!

I am always keen to celebrate our students' achievements in the newsletter and invite students and parents to let me know when great things happen academically, culturally or in sport. I suspect there are many other great achievements that happen that I don't get to hear about. We have so much talent in our school community and we should celebrate - we punch well above our weight!

I talked with the senior students the other day about the important of taking ownership over our own learning, planning our study carefully, working consistently and taking responsibility to find out if we don’t understand something. Our super teachers are always keen to help students who ask!

Our Musical is very well advanced with a full day practice occurring on Wednesday. The students look and sound AMAZING! The musical will be something very special indeed! I wish I had a fraction of the talent of our young people!

Attendance continues to be a concern, with only three year levels hitting the 90% mark.

A reminder that regular attendance is particularly important with the following attendance rates providing a guide to the impact on academic success:

• 95% attendance = 1 day a month (minimal impact)
• <90% attendance = 1 day a fortnight (noticeable impact)
• <85% attendance = 1.5 days a fortnight (very significant impact)
• <80% attendance = 1 day a week (critical impact)

Joy is not in things. It is in us.
- Robert Wagner

Have a fantastic fortnight
Mr. Sean Maher
Principal

From the Deputy Principal – Senior School

I can’t believe that we are quickly approaching the Easter holidays – 2 weeks to go, but who’s counting! I am thrilled by the work our senior students have demonstrated already this year – induction, Valentine’s Day, participation in Cross Country, HPE week and Clean Up Australia Day, and great IA1 results.

There are still a number of Year 11s who come up each day wanting to change subjects. As they are now half way through their Unit 1 studies and most subjects are in the midst of assessment, changing subjects is not ideal and in some cases not doable. The Week 3 deadline for subject changes is in place, as it gives students time to get a feel for the subject without jeopardising their chances of success in the subject.

Assessment/Reporting

All students have now received a copy of their assessment calendars. These must be used to plan their time outside of school effectively. Students should put this up somewhere visible. It gives students an overall view of the extra busy times, so they can organise and prioritise around them. At a minimum, students should be at least reading over their notes from their work that completed that day. I would also like to remind you that under the new system, in the senior school, students are expected to hand in assessment on or before the due date.

Report cards will be issued at the end of the term via email. For the 12s this report is an interim Unit 3 and the Year 11s it is an interim Unit 1. These reports are the biggest indicator of whether a student is on track for a QCE. To be on track, students must have at least 5 subjects that are C’s or better. If your child is not passing 5 or more subjects, can you please make an appointment to meet with me to discuss support strategies that we can put in place.

AARA – Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments

AARA are actions taken to minimise barriers for students whose disability, impairment, medical condition or other circumstances may affect their ability to respond or participate in assessment. For students, the most common AARA that is applied are extensions when a student has not been able to submit or sit an assessment due to illness. The rules around AARA are governed by QCAA and are strict. To be granted AARA, as a minimum, a medical certificate must be given to the school. Below are is the list of eligible and ineligible reasons for AARA. If you have any questions regarding this please contact me.

Important dates

I have had a number of queries regarding dates for Year 12s in terms of formal, graduation and external exam block:

• Internal exam block – Week 8 & 9 of Term 3
• Formal – Thursday 16th September
• External exam block – 25th October to 16th November. Schedule to be released.
• Graduation – Friday 19th November.

Attendance

It is an expectation that our senior school students are present at school for 90%. As this week the Year 12s as a cohort are at 92%, the highest recording for many years and the Year 11s are at 86%. I have noticed lately a large number of senior students are signing into school late each morning, or after a flexi lesson, which in turn affects attendance data. It is important to know that a late attendance and early departure are counted as a ½ day absence. Attendance at school is a vital to success. Students with attendance less than 90% are at-risk of having their enrolment reviewed and not participating in extra-curricular activities such as formal and senior jerseys. I would like to acknowledge the following students whose attendance is at 100% for the term:

Year 12s

Year 11s

Next term is always a very busy one for our senior students, with the public holidays making it seem like a short term. We have spoken often to the students about making great habits now in terms of their study patterns.

Regards
Mrs. Tanya Shaw
Deputy Principal – Senior School

From the Head of Year 10

Hello! My name is Kate Deighton and I am the Year 10 Head of Year. My role is to track student attendance and also to support student wellbeing. This is a big term for Year 10s with work experience occurring in Week 9. This year, the Year 10s have been able to choose some electives to give them a taste of what subjects they may want to select as they head on to senior schooling next year. It is great to see most students have sorted their work experience and are looking forward to heading out into the workforce for a week.

Our PBL focus for the fortnight is around, ‘keeping the school environment clean and safe’. This is a timely reminder for students to ensure that they are respecting the areas around them and making sure they are doing everything that they can to ensure that the school grounds are a safe place to be. It can be as simple as putting rubbish in the bin, or it could be removing themselves from unsafe situations. As the Year 10s are part of the senior school now, they are expected to step up and lead by example, so that the younger students have role models around the school. As I have worked with this group for many years now, I know that they are more than capable of displaying model behaviour.

The Year 10 Welfare team meet weekly to discuss attendance and wellbeing for Year 10 students and how we can offer support where it is needed. It is crucial that if a student is sick or unable to attend school for a period of time, that contact is made with the school.

I look forward to working with the Year 10 students this year, and should you have any questions, myself (kmdei0@eq.edu.au), Gaye Saunders (gsaun25@eq.edu.au) or Deanne Lucht (dluch4@eq.edu.au) can be contacted via email or by phoning the school on 4988 2222.

Please continue to encourage your students to get the most out of their schooling every single day. Nelson Mandela once said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.”

Regards
Miss. Kate Deighton
HOY – 10

Student Messages & Perspectives

School life this term has been challenging, yet entertaining, as we’ve been provided opportunities for growth and independency. The subjects that I’m doing are thought-provoking and motivating, where the most enjoyment spawns from Literature and the work being done in that class. Here, we’re looking at the graphic novel Maus and how people responded to its release and accomplishments. My other subjects offer chances for us to improve our knowledge and although difficult, I’m definitely gaining a sense of what you have to do to accomplish your goals. The musical is in full swing and getting to the point in our production where everyone is excited about performing in front of people. I can say with full confidence that it is not one to miss! Overall, it is an exciting, but stressful time to here at ESHS, with so many possibilities to progress in knowledge and engage ourselves with the extracurriculars.

Regards
Mr. Declan Neville
School Student 2021

From the Science team

Curriculum News

The Year 7s have been studying solutions, mixtures and separation techniques this term. Year 8 Science curriculum is currently focussed upon properties of matter and physical/chemical changes, while the Year 9s examined light, sound and electricity. The global spheres were the course of study in Year 10 Science.

In the Applied Sciences, the Year 11 SPR classes focussed on ecosystems and organisms. They recently went on an excursion to the dam, where they observed not only the flora and fauna, but analysed the water quality as well. The Year 12 SPR students completed a unit on beer brewing and fermentation this term.

In the Chemistry, the Year 11s finalising their Unit 1 assessment; a research investigation into atomic structures, whilst the Year 12 students are undertaking their student experiment. Physics and Biology students in Year 11 are continuing with Unit 1, concepts while the Year 12 classes are finalising Unit 3.

SCIENCE DID YOU KNOW?

• The Earth spins at 1,000 mph (1609.34km/h), but it travels through space at an incredible 67,000 mph (107826.05 km/h).
• Every year, over one million earthquakes shake the Earth.
• When Krakatoa erupted in 1883, its force was so great it could be heard 4,800 kilometres away in Australia.
• If you could drive your car straight up you would arrive in space in just over an hour.

Regards
Mr. David Horsfall
Teacher

From the Maths team

General subject news

As a school, the mathematics department is currently finishing off assessment for most year levels. The Year 7 students have been looking at designing a new town to be located in Central Queensland using angles on parallel lines. The Year 8 students will have an exam covering solving everyday problems involving integers, rational numbers and percentages, as well as describing rational and irrational numbers in the form of an exam.

The Year 9 students are studying Pythagoras' theorem to calculate distance between two points, and investigating graphical and algebraic techniques for finding midpoint and gradient, as well as identifying direct proportion in real-life contexts. Our Year 9 students will be completing an exam to show the knowledge that they have learnt. The Year 10 students are applying their algebra knowledge of linear equations and investigating and modeling real life problems, using simultaneous equations.

Our senior classes at various levels have also been completing assessments and exams. Please remember that homework club is available for students to come along too if they need any assistance. This is run on Mondays and Wednesdays until 4pm.

UQ/QAMT Problem Solving Competition

On Friday, a crack squad of mathematicians took on the UQ/QAMT Problem Solving Competition. These brave students faced down 5 questions in 2 hours, where it is an achievement to get more than one correct answer. The following students displayed tremendous perseverance, resilience and creativity:

• Estera Job (7F),
• Jada Roberts (8F),
• Lillian Goodwin (9F),
• Ella Job (9F),
• Isaac Jansen (10F),
• Andrew Kloppers (11F) and
• Paxton Hayes (12F).

Regards
Mr. Leon Coromandel
Teacher

From the Technologies team

STEM

Through the BMA Bright Minds Partnership, Emerald State High School has sourced funding to develop STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) initiatives at our school. Through the STEM Team we not only purchased a 3D scanner, 3D printer, wind tunnel and CNC Plasma Cutter, but also strategically mapped out STEM planning for the school.

The Flo Visualisation Tunnel enables students to visually demonstrate aerodynamics with a compact, desk-size wind tunnel, perfect for concept designing and classroom use. With the partnership focus on technology and future skills, the purchase will engage, encourage and equip our future leaders with the skills required to succeed in the fourth industrial revolution, and establish Bowen Basin schools as technological leaders. Emerald SHS partnership with BMA supports our curriculum development, through the funding of innovating, challenging and engaging STEM equipment and events such as cluster STEM workshops and QMEA events.

School Technology

A reminder that all students of Emerald State High School have access to the school’s WiFi, to support their learning at school each day. Visit the link below for information about the BYOX program and software requirements. To use the BYOX Link service, you will need to enrol the device into Microsoft Intune Company Portal. Please contact the school on (07) 4988 2222 or email ncava8@eq.edu.au if you require any support or have any problems enrolling into Intune or selecting the device certificate (e.g. Windows devices).

Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based mobile device management (MDM) platform that, for the purpose of BYOx Link, allows the department to distribute a wireless network profile and curriculum related applications to BYO devices. Please note: When a Windows device is enrolled into Intune, a device user will be prompted to select the correct device certificate. This directs the device to access the new BYOxLink network.

Digital Technologies

With the Australian Curriculum being aligned across the school, there has been some new terminology used in different subjects, especially in Technologies. The introduction of Digital Technology, has seen the move away from understanding how to use the technology devices (ICT) to understanding HOW those capabilities are created, and developing a literacy in coding, which underpins the ability to create technology.

The new subject for Years 7–10 (optional in Years 9-10) students, offers innovative, challenging and engaging skills and content delivered by Mr Cavanagh and Mr Praed. It develops knowledge, understandings and skills of the underlying concepts of information systems, data, python coding and computer science. This course encourages students to design and create digital solutions that solve problems taking students preferred futures into consideration.

Technologies Clubs

HPV Club

The 2021 CQU Qld Pedal Prix Super Series is on again this year and will consist of seven events across Queensland. The series is for single seat, school entered, racing Human Powered Vehicles only, which comply with the Queensland Pedal Prix Specifications. We are trying to build on team numbers and have meetings Tuesday and Wednesday at First Break at E Block staff room.

This year the school is entering in the following events:

Round 2

• BHP Whitsunday Stem Challenge PEDAL PRIX
• Race Type: 8 Hour Event
• Date: Saturday, 12 June 2021
• Location: Palmyra Dragway

Round 3

• CENTRAL HIGHLANDS TECHNOLOGY CHALLENGE
• Race Type: 16 Hour Event
• Date: Saturday, 17 July & Sunday, 18 July 2021
• Location: Emerald Kart Track.
• Cost: Free

Round 5

• Central QUEENSLAND
• PEDAL PRIX
• Race Type: 8 Hour Event
• Date: Saturday, 14 August 2021 from 08:00 – 16:00
• Location: Benaraby Driver Education Facility.

Gaming Club

The Premier's Coding Challenge is an annual state-wide initiative for all Queensland students in Years 3 to 10. The Premier's Coding Challenge aims to encourage an interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) in Queensland students.

Technologies and digital services can have an impact on people's mental, physical, social and emotional health. Developing skills to improve digital wellbeing is important in today's world and who better to help raise awareness amongst Queenslanders than our budding developers and designers, aspiring engineers and young innovators. The challenge in 2021 is to code an interactive and innovative digital solution to raise awareness of digital wellbeing. This can include themes such as:

• work and study life balance,
• postural considerations of using technology,
• personal security and safety online, or
• adhering to social media ethics and protocols.

Entrants can develop an app, game, animation or website, and they must submit a short video showcase with their entry. Students can enter as individuals or as a pair, in one of eight categories:

Secondary—Innovative game, app or website:

• Years 7 and 8 – Python/HTML
• Years 7 and 8 – Open platform
• Years 9 and 10 – Python/HTML
• Years 9 and 10 – Open platform

Winners receive prizes of coding and robotic kits (total prize pool $10,000). Please see Mr Cavanagh or Mr Praed, who will help guide students through the design process to create an entry for the 2021 Premier’s Coding Challenge, with a focus on the new theme of digital wellbeing.

Regards
Mr. Noel Cavanagh
HOD - Design and Technologies & Digital Technologies

From the HPE team

The busy term continues in HPE! Many of the representative sporting days have now been completed, and we are now looking forward to the swimming carnival during the last week of this Term.

Assessments are kicking off left, right and centre, with many classes beginning this week. It has been noted by the HPE staff that there has been a noticeable improvement in participation and skill level during the later stages in this Term – which has been great to see!

Our senior students are proving to be up to the challenge of senior PE and Recreation, with many assessments being due during Week 8 or Week 9. Mr Fitz and Miss Pembroke had a successful day at the pool with their Year 12 Recreation classes last Friday, as they were put through their paces with their lifesaving assessment.

As we head toward the swimming carnival, we would like to encourage all parents to encourage their children to participate in the fantastic day. We will no doubt have a very sunny day on our heads – ideal for a swimming carnival! Will Topaz continue their dominance, or will Sapphire rise from the ashes and cause an upset?

Regards
Mr. James Fitzpatrick
Teacher

From the Arts team

Drama – Miss Prior and Miss Franklin

Year 7 Drama

Have just submitted their script writing task. Students will now begin reading through a script and working towards creating a performance.

Year 8 Drama

Student have just finished their first assessment which is a scriptwriting task and are starting their first table read of the play, 'How to Beat a Bully' for their performance assessment.

Year 9 & 10 Drama

Have been working productively on learning the elements of drama, ready to analyse within the performance of Fly In Fly Out. I am really impressed with their efforts within the classroom.

Year 11 Drama

Students have also just presented their performances of 'Snagged'. Senior Drama are now be busy working towards IA2/FA2 around the form of Epic Theatre/Realism.

Year 12 Drama

Students have just presented their IA1 Absurd Performances of Opening a Fuzzlewallop’s Frame of Mind.

Visual Art – Miss Cochrane and Miss Myers

Year 7, 8, 9 & 10 Visual Art

Students have just finished their ‘Experimental Folios’ and are now developing their responding skills through an art critique.

Year 11 Visual Arts in Practice

Students initially researched a number of different artists who create artwork through various drawing style. Students are now completing experimental drawings based upon the information found.

Year 11 Visual Art

Students are developing a folio of work in response to the concept of ‘Art as Lens’.

Year 12 Visual Arts in Practice

Student initially researched a number of different artists who illustrate children’s story books. Now, they are designing and completing media trials for a book of their own, which they will develop in the next assessment task.

Year 12 Visual Art

Students have recently submitted their IA1 and are now beginning to develop their IA2 based on the focus developed in the previous assessment task.

Music – Mrs Stefaniuk and Miss Ferrara

Year 7 Music

The Year 7 students have been working on finalising their compositions on ‘SoundTrap’ and will be moving forward to choosing their instrument for their performance of 'Viva La Vida'.

Year 9 Music

The Year 9 students have been working hard on finalising their performances of a chosen piece that reflects music fusion. After the performances, students will be investigating different aspects of music technology using the online classroom Music EDU.

10 Music

Students are completing their final submission of their composition assignment for Unit 1 (Popular Music).

Year 11 & 12 Music

All students have now completed their performance or production management assessment task. Students will be completing a couple of weeks of theoretical based activities that will assist with developing their next assessment task – composition.

Film – Miss Ferrara

Year 12 FTM

Students have started working on their IA2 (multi-platform project) which involves writing a film treatment, storyboard and creating their multi-platform film for Unit 3 (Participation).

Regards
Miss. Kate Myers
Teacher

From the Humanities team

As a school, we are now well and truly passed the middle of the term. The students are still working diligently and soon their hard work will be assessed. For the humanities classes this means an investigation into a great number of topics. Year 7 students will be close to wrapping up their research into Ancient Egyptian mummies and pyramids. As well as preparing for their exam about environmental resources. Year 8 History students have just completed their exam on the Black Death and the resonating effects in middle ages Europe. Soon these same students will take a turn on their historical journey and learn about Shogunate Japan and the power of the Samurai. Year 10 History students are now one week into their source investigation on a chosen topic and are progressing well. Please remember to support these students as this is a new topic of study. Finally, our seniors are working hard on their first topic of study and we can celebrate the creation of a new Year 11 subject; Senior Geography! This is fantastic, as it allows our students to study something they are passionate about.

Regards
Mr. Jaksen Brose
Teacher

From the Chess Club.

It is with great pleasure that I can let everyone know that the ESHS Chess Club has seen our biggest numbers attending ever! The club resumed casual meetings on Wednesdays, at second break in the library at the beginning of the year, and has seen growth week on week.

Chess is a fantastic sport which develops the grey matter, rather than the muscle matter. Played by millions of people worldwide, chess is a two-player strategy board game played on a checkered board with 64 squares arranged in an 8×8 grid. Play involves no hidden information, with the objective being to checkmate the opponent's king by placing it under an inescapable threat of capture. To this end, a player's pieces are used to attack and capture the opponent's pieces, while supporting one another.

Studies conducted over decades, by Harvard and Brainscape have shown that aside from being a fun sport to play, chess also has real-world health benefits for players, including:

1. It can raise your IQ.
2. It helps prevent Alzheimer's.
3. It exercises both sides of the brain.
4. It increases your creativity.
5. It improves your memory.
6. It increases problem-solving skills.
7. It improves reading skills.
8. It improves concentration.
9. It grows Dendrites (the neural pathways and connections in the brain).
10. It teaches planning and foresight.

As such, I would encourage everyone interested in developing their chess skills to come along, to see what all the fuss is about, regardless of your skill levels, beginners and masters are welcome alike! We will be teaching the rules, skills, moves and language of the game, so no one will be at a disadvantage.

The chess club will meet at second break in the Library every Wednesday.

Regards
Mr. Graham Fandrich
Club Supervisor

From the Positive Behaviour for Learning Team

At Emerald State High School we are:

• Polite,
• Prepared, and we
• Participate.

Please see the attached power point of the lesson taught on parade and throughout Weeks 7 and 8 of this term.

Behaviour Focus

Our current behaviour focus is “Keeping the school environment clean and safe.”

Student of the Week

Week 7

Mikaere Hare 7E For consistently being a polite class member and always participating to the best of his ability.
Chaise Hughes 8G For always following the 3 P's and her excellent bookwork in English and History.
Brant Wills 9C For always giving everything a go and completing all set tasks with enthusiasm.
Gabi Williams 10A For always having positive attitude and participating with enthusiasm.
Sam Kavanagh 11A For consistently doing the right thing and completing his work in.
Katelyn Hunter 12F For her impressive participation in all areas of her school work.

Week 8

Mia Roberts 7F For being a polite, proactive member in the class, who always gives her best in every activity.
Darcy Ward 8G For having a positive mindset and always doing your best with assigned tasks.
Haylee Symons 9F For her willingness to help students and staff and committed to her work.
Josh Russell 10F For always maintaining a polite attitude and giving his best in every class.
Patrick Shearman 11C He is so very polite whenever I see him. He is trying so very hard in all of his subjects.
Harley Hesman 12C For the massive improvement in his attendance - now over 93%.

Community Notices

From the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training

Dear Emerald State High School,

The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training is about connecting people to quality training and skills to prepare them for work now and into the future. We strive to enable more Queenslanders to: invest in themselves and their future, and participate, employ and adapt to change, including to support economic recovery from the impacts of COVID-19.

We invite you to share the below information via your school newsletter on:

• School-based Apprenticeships, Traineeships and Choose Your Own Health Career (CYOHC), and;
• Spread the word, nominations for Queensland Training Awards the are NOW OPEN. Promotional material is now available here, please select the most appropriate resource.

If your school would like to request more information on VET programs or require any assistance, please email cqdesbt@desbt.qld.gov.au

Regards,
Peter McDuff
Regional Director - Central Queensland region
Department of Employment, Small Business and Training