24 November 2021

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report.

Dear Friends of Emerald High,

Graduation is over again for the year and we have farewelled our Year 12s as they step out into the big, bright world and last week also saw our Awards Night, which is now so big that we have to run it in three sessions. It was again sensational to see so many of our young people working so hard and achieving so highly - thank you to all of the staff and students who made these events so special and memorable!

The end of this week sees our Year 10s and 11s finish up for the year and also commence their Christmas break. I would like to wish all of them and the Year 12s a safe and enjoyable holiday.

The remaining Year 7s, 8s and 9s will be working in their usual classes right up until the very last day of school with learning activities related to the curriculum occurring in all classes. Learning doesn't stop at Emerald High!!

I am pleased to advise that the new bus interchange will be constructed over the Christmas break. Stay tuned for more detailed information that we will forward when advised by Council.

Our new school leaders for 2022 have been selected, announced at Awards Night and were introduced to their peers on assemblies this week. They are again an inspiring group of young people who I know will lead the school with distinction. Our 2022 leaders are as follow:

How can parents help students succeed at school?

Parenting can be enormously demanding as we seek to guide our young people through the challenges and joys of childhood. To help parents, the school has signed up to membership of 'Parenting Ideas' - an organisation that provides a range of resources to support parents.

Each fortnight I will attach an article from 'Parenting Ideas' to the school newsletter. The first of these articles below - I hope you find it useful.

Respond honestly to dishonesty

You enter the kitchen. Your child looks at you like she’s hiding something. You see cake crumbs on the bench and the tips of her fingers. ‘Did you eat the chocolate cake?’ Your child smiles at you, with chocolate stuck in her teeth, and innocently replies, ‘No.’

You know your child is not telling the truth. The evidence is everywhere! So, what do you do?

Honesty is an essential value for children and young people to develop as it’s central to building trust and community cohesion. Here are some simple, effective ways to encourage your child to be honest.

Remember, telling fibs is normal

Catching your child in a lie can be frustrating, but remembering that it’s a normal part of growing up can help you keep calm. While there is a moral aspect to honesty, children in the early years of primary school tend to be very concrete thinkers, responding better to your immediate concerns such as ‘I need to know you are telling the truth’ instead of the moral aspects of right and wrong. For older primary aged children and teenagers, the broader issues of trust and morality are parts of the conversations you should have.

Don’t ask questions if you know the answer

If your son is smeared in chocolate cake, don’t say, ‘Did you eat the chocolate cake?’ Instead try, ‘I can see you ate some chocolate cake. You must have been hungry huh?’ Then pause and ask, ‘Do you think I’m pleased or upset? Why? What should we do next time?’ Use the awkward situation as an opportunity to find out more about what your child may need.

Show the truth

If you are a parent of a teenager, you know how easily parent-teen relationships can be harmed by accusations and criticism. If you think that a teenager may have mislead you about an area of concern such as not being where they said they were, then it’s probably wisest to bring your young person’s attention to evidence of the truth rather than back them into a corner with an accusation. “You said you were at Jana’s, but her mum said that Jana didn’t have any visitors yesterday” is a statement of truth from your perspective that’s invites a response from a young person.

Listen to their side

Things often aren’t as they seem so if you think your child or young person is not being completely honest, be prepared to listen to their side of a story. This is not to suggest that you let them pull the proverbial wool over your eyes, but there are times when kids may believe they are telling the truth. Alternatively, they may have told a lie to keep themselves safe or to prevent them from following the crowd. Get your child talking, ascertain if they believe they are being truthful, and if they aren’t, listen to why they bent the truth.

Let the consequences do the teaching

Acknowledge truthfulness when a child or young person owns up to doing the wrong thing. Help them fix the dishonesty and discuss how to do better in the future. Avoid punishment as this will cause more lying in the future. Allowing the consequences to do the work helps keep your relationship intact and ensures that lessons are experienced, and responsibility is taken.

Extract a simple promise

Studies show that children are less likely to be dishonest once they have promised to tell the truth. If they tell you the truth, and then you punish them severely, they will be less likely to tell the truth in the future, promise or not.

Model honesty

Many adults are guilty of social ‘white’ lies. Such ‘little white lies’ that conveniently bend the truth to your advantage are commonplace. Children and young people take their cues from parents, so these little white lies show them it’s okay to bend the truth in certain circumstances. You don’t get away with anything when you are parent – your behaviour is always on show so stick to the truth, even when it’s difficult, if you want your kids to do the same.

In closing

Honesty takes time and maturity to learn, especially in the face of the clearly tactical advantages of bending the truth. As parents, nurture honesty in kids by modelling, discussing its merits and acknowledging that it’s not always easy to be honest. And maybe, avoid keeping the chocolate cake on the kitchen table.

I was always looking outside myself for strength and confidence, but it comes from within. It is there all of the time.
- Anna Freud

Have a fantastic fortnight
Mr. Sean Maher
Principal

From the Acting Deputy Principal – Middle School.

Scooters in the School Grounds

At Emerald State High School, we encourage students to ride to school and back as a way of keeping active and developing their independence. Bike racks are located at the bottom of the oval near the Moody Street entrance. It is a school expectation that once students enter the school grounds, they push the bike or scooter to avoid accidental injury to other people around them. These are to be secured at the bike racks and then not accessed until they are ready for the trip home in the afternoon.

Recently, we have noticed an increase in the number of students bringing electric scooters to school. These are to be stored in the same location and are not to be ridden in the school grounds. We appreciate that these are quite expensive items, but if they are not able to be stored at the bike racks, perhaps they are safer at home.

We have recently had members of the public express concerns about some of our students not exercising caution around traffic while riding electric scooters. We have also had staff from the local shopping centre request that our students do not ride their scooters or bikes through the centre. Our friends in the local police force have also spoken to some students to ensure that they are aware of the rules and the reasons for following these rules. All students have been given these messages on parade and in PC groups over the last few weeks. We ask that you also share this message with them.

Regards
Ms. Deanne Lucht
Acting Deputy Principal – Middle School

From the Deputy Principal – Senior School.

Last week we farewelled our Year 12s. This always brings mixed emotions but overwhelmingly, it is excitement and relief that I always feel. I am excited for the new adventures that our 12s will embark upon. I am excited to find out their final results and celebrate their successes. I am excited that we have announced our Senior Leaders for 2022, I feel it will be a great year. I am excited to welcome the Year 10s into the senior school for next year. I am relieved that external exams are done for another year and that we only have 3 weeks of school remaining!

On Friday 17th December at 9am students' final subject results, senior statements and QCEs will be released in their learning accounts in the Student Portal via the myQCE website below. The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) will release ATARs on the same day via its ATAR Portal. Students are encouraged to complete the Student Portal and ATAR Portal registration processes before results are released. If they have any difficulties with this they should contact me at the school.

Our Year 11s have now started their Unit 3 studies. By now they should have received their textbooks for Units 3 and 4, ready for them to revise over the Christmas holidays! Once we return to school in 2022, there will be no more subject changes for them as Unit 3 and 4 come as a pair. Again, it is important to look at their report cards to see if they are on track for a QCE – have the received a “C” or higher for 5 subjects, have they passed their English and Maths subject. If you have answered no to any of those questions, the student will probably not be on track for a QCE.

I would like to remind families that in Years 11 and 12, students are in the compulsory participation phase of learning. This means a young person must be either in approved education or training, paid employment or a combination of both. As a student of Emerald State High School, we expect all senior students to follow our 3Ps:

Polite – Be honest and courteous in their interactions with others. Value diversity and treat all members of the school community respectfully. Use positive and appropriate language. Seek to resolve problems in a proactive, non-abusive and non-violent manner. Promote a positive school image and act as a positive role model for all.

Prepared – Take pride in their personal appearance and wear the school uniform correctly. Ensure they have all necessary equipment for each lesson and plan to be ready for every lesson. Follow directions/routines of the school.

Participate – Regular attendance at school significantly enhances a student’s ability to achieve his or her academic potential. Have at least 92% attendance in all classes – with the exception of valid and approved absences (medical certificate). Not leave the school grounds during the day without approval. Be punctual to all scheduled lessons and events. Adhere to the assessment policy. Actively and positively participate in their learning by completing all classwork, homework and assessment items.

Students who fail to meet attendance and assessment requirements, and refuse to follow school policies and procedures may jeopardise their opportunity to be eligible for a Senior Shirt/Jersey and or their invitation to formal. They are also at risk of having their enrolment cancelled.

Flexi Timetables

It is an expectation that all students study six subjects in Years 11 and 12, unless they have circumstances that impact on their ability to study six. These impacts may include – school-based apprenticeships and traineeships, external study with another organisation, parenting responsibilities and health issues. Only students who have passed all subjects each term will be given a permission form to be allowed to study in their flex times at home. In Year 11, this means students will not be given this opportunity until the start of Term 2. For our students in Year 12, this means a review of their Term 4 report cards.

If you have any queries regarding Senior Schooling please contact me either through email or via the main office.

Regards
Mrs. Tanya Shaw
Deputy Principal – Senior School

From the Head of Year 7.

Only a few weeks to go before the term ends and the Year 7 students become Year 8 students. How the year has flown.

On our year level parade, we recognised the students for the month of October with having consistent positive behaviour and attendance over 95%. 122 students were acknowledged for consistent behaviour and 49 students with attendance greater than 95%. Our $50 and $20 Big W voucher winners were Eddie and Nakita. Congratulations to all students once again who received a certificate for the Month of October. I am looking forward to drawing the November draw shortly, and to see more of our Year 7 students being recognised for doing the right thing.

As the end of the term nears, this means that assessment is almost here as well. Please ensure that you are checking in with your child regarding their assessment. I have been reiterating the message of ensuring that you are putting in as much effort as you can to ensure that the assessment is your best work.

Last newsletters riddle had no winners. “A box without hinges, key or a lid, yet golden treasure inside is hid.” The answer I was looking for was an egg.

Here’s a riddle to finish on – your student is able to see me in A-Block staffroom if they believe they have the right answer: “Light as a feather, there is nothing in it; the strongest man can't hold it for much more than a minute.”

As always if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child’s welfare, do not hesitate to get in contact with me.

Regards
Miss. Bridget Ryan
HOY – Year 7

From the Head of Year 8.

Week 7 bought our 2022 Junior Leadership Selection to a close and we were able to announce the group of students who will lead our Junior School in 2022. Congratulations to the students listed in the Principal’s update, who all delivered excellent speeches to the Year 7 and 8 cohorts. The future is looking bright!

On a personal note I would like to thank all the parents/carers and students who I have engaged with over the last two years. I have loved working with this cohort and watching them transition from primary to secondary school.

They are an awesome bunch of students and I can’t wait to see the great things they achieve in the coming years. I will be watching!

Regards
Miss. Maggie Pembroke
HOY – Year 8

From the Head of Year 9.

What a fantastic term it has been. As we near the end of the year, it is great to reflect on the amazing success students in Year 9 have had this year. It was inspiring to see the Year 9 leaders present the senior awards at awards night. It has been great to see the growth of the junior leaders throughout the year and I look forward to working with students when they move into the senior school.

A massive congratulations to all the students in Year 9 who received an award at awards night. It is extremely important to recognise and celebrate the achievements of our students and it was encouraging to see many happy parents and carers celebrating their child’s success. Well done!

As we move in to the final few weeks of the term, it is important to remember that every day counts and that learning will be occurring in all classrooms as students continue to consolidate their knowledge and understanding. Please encourage your child to continue to demonstrate our key values of polite, prepared and participate as we move towards the end of term. Many classes will be completing assessment in the coming weeks and it is important students demonstrate our PBL focus of following staff instructions in order to help them have success with their learning and help to create an environment conducive for learning.

We are conducting our annual food drive for the Neighbourhood Centre, any donations of non-perishable food, toys etc. will be greatly appreciated. If you are going away over the break, please stay safe and we look forward to another fun and exciting year in 2022.

Regards
Mr. Peter Sanson
HOY – Year 9

From the Maths team.

It is that time of the year again, when we farewell our Year 12s. The Year 12 graduation on Friday marked the end of a long, but amazing journey for these students. I would also take this opportunity to congratulate all Year 12s on their massive effort this year and wish them well for their future.

The Year 11 cohort has now completed almost a year of their syllabus. Our students have shown a lot of progress over the year. In the not too distant future, the Year 11s will sit for their external exams. The external exam for Maths (General subjects) will account for 50% of their grade in Year 12. The Year 11s are already well into preparations for their coming assessments in Year 12.

I would like to reiterate the importance of frequent, consistent study sessions going into Year 12. We recommend a minimum of 3x30minute sessions per week for every Maths subject that the student is doing.

The junior Maths classes will also have an exam at the end of this term. Again, consistency is the key to achieving success in the upcoming assessments.

A notable mention: Estera Job got a 5/5 on her individual quiz portion at the STATE Maths Quiz championships. Well done Estera!

I would like to take this opportunity to thank parents and students alike for your continued support and encouragement towards the school. We have made a lot of progress this year and believe we will make significant headway in the future.

Regards
Mr. Nahroon Nazim
HOD

From the HPE team.

The ESHS sports program had a successful week, as we had an exciting win over Marist College Emerald in Soccer.

Our Year 7 students are learning about sport across the generations. Whilst sports relevance across cultures is being learnt in Year 8. All junior school students are participating in Volleyball games for their practical lessons. Year 10s are enjoying their topic of Biomechanics and Badminton, they are getting better every week. In Year 11 PE, the students are learning about access and equity.

Finally, we would like to congratulate all the students getting involved in sport and encourage them to bring a hat, water bottle and appropriate footwear to their practical lessons. Sunscreen is always available and we promote sun safety in all of our lessons. We are looking forward to some alternative HPE activities in the final weeks of the year.

Regards
Mr. Louis Beatty
Teacher

From the Arts team.

As always those involved in the Arts are busy being creative, while slowly counting down the days until the end of the year. Last week we farewelled our Year 12 students, who we wish all the best for their future endeavours. At the end of this week we will see the Year 10 and 11 students departing for their holidays after submitting all of their assessment. Our juniors will continue until the end of the term and are working towards finalising assessment, while looking forward to the feeling of relief that follows.

However, before we reach our final week of school, we have one more highlight brought to you by the Arts. Selected Visual Art students from Years 7 – 12 who have achieved highly, have been chosen to be part of the Emerald State High School end of year exhibition, One Story Isn’t Enough. With more than 100 works on display it will be a truly marvellous sight. Be sure to join us as we celebrate the success stories of our talented students at the opening night on December the 3rd or walk through the gallery at your leisure during your holiday break.

Regards
Miss. Amy Cochrane
Teacher

From the Humanities team.

As the yearly countdown to the summer holidays continues, most year levels and subjects in Humanities are wrapping up their studies with most students completing assessment.

Year 7 Geography students are finalising their ‘Liveability’ unit, with recommendations of how to improve a problem in a sector of our school, using a strategy of their choice. Litter or noise control and parking are just some of the subjects they may have chosen. In Year 7 History, students will complete an exam on ‘Ancient China’ and the role that sources, left to us from the time of the first emperor Qin, play in helping us understand what life would have been like.

Year 8 Geography students are refining earthquake-proof structures, having studied ‘Landforms and Landscapes’, whilst Year 8 History students will submit a Samurai research portfolio.

Year 9 History are working to complete research essays on the significance of developments that occurred as a result of WW1, whilst Year 9 Geography are wrapping up their studies of ‘Global Connections (Ecotourism, Connectivity and E-Waste)’ by completing an exam this week. Year 10 History students have questioned “Does Hollywood get it right?” This involves students using evidence from sources to explain how beliefs and values towards pirates have changed from the 18th century to now. Finally, Year 11 Ancient History complete the year with their investigation of ‘Alexander the Great’ and Modern History students complete an exam on ‘East Timor’.

With our Year 12 students having now departed from the school, we wish them all the best in their future studies and hope that studying Humanities at Emerald State High School has greatly expanded their knowledge and curiosity of the world and its people.

Regards
Mrs. Vicki Hawkins
Teacher

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 “Follow Instructions”.

Student of the Week

Week 6

Mason Stokes For consistently giving 100% effort and participation in class – Well Done.

Jayla Grant For being a polite and courteous student who always attends class with a positive attitude.

Jacob Silk For consistently completing set tasks in class and always getting assessment in on time.

Ella Kerr For completing her work to the best of her ability and keeping a positive attitude.

Jaxon Rugendyke For always completing all tasks and respecting the learning environment of others. He has been very helpful in Maths working with others and helping them with their work.

Week 7

Jasper Weekly For always being polite and completing the work in class – Keep up the great work.

Julius Jurd For respecting the learning environment of others, and completing tasks.

Jayden McMaster For showing maturity beyond his years, he is always polite and respectful towards staff and peers.

Taylor Dockerty For completing her work to the best of her ability and keeping a positive attitude.

Ethan Edwards For his polite and respectful attitude towards staff and peers. He is a positive ambassador for the school.

Community Notices