2 March 2022

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report.

Dear Friends of Emerald High,

Half way through the term already. Classes are busy and engaging and the school is calm and productive. I have been so impressed with our young people this term. It has been a great start to the year!

Next week we are back to normal routine in terms of COVID. Masks will no longer be required, assemblies will re-commence and excursions will be able to restart as well. It will be great to be getting back to normal!!

I still ask parents to keep children at home, however, if they are unwell and we will continue to send students home if they become unwell at school.

Our cross-country is on this Friday and is an 'opt-in' activity rather than a whole-school event. I wonder what house will win this year?

We talk with the students a lot about having a Growth Mindset - a view of the world that has as one of its key principles being that "My Effort and Attitude Determine my Abilities" - it is with Effort and the right Attitude that we are all able to achieve our dreams. Our ability to succeed and achieve is NOT predetermined for us. I see this principle demonstrated over and over. It is the young people who work hard in class, attend regularly and bring the right attitude are the ones who do the best - and they are often not the ones who did well on NAPLAN!

Heading now in a totally different direction, a reminder that students are strongly encouraged to bring drink bottles with water in them to school and to take them to class. Teachers will not normally allow students out of class for a drink to ensure that learning time is maximised, so bringing a drink bottle allows students to stay hydrated whilst learning at the same time. Our new chilled water bubblers have special fittings on them to allow water bottles to be filled with chilled water quickly and easily.

A reminder also that out P&C AGM on Thursday 10 March at the school. We would love to see you there!

And a final 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)

Have a fantastic fortnight
Mr. Sean Maher
Principal

From the Deputy Principal – Middle School.

Welcome

What a great start to the 2022 school year. What looked like it could have been a disrupted term is progressing nicely. We have had many new enrolments over the last few weeks and everyone seems to have settled in with ease. I am enjoying seeing everyone hard at work as I visit classrooms.

Positive Behaviour for Learning

Thanks to all parents who have ensured that your child is prepared for school by having all of their equipment ready for every class. This is our current PBL focus and I am pleased to say that success with this goal is making life easier for students and teachers. Please remember that every student needs their school diary with them for every lesson.

As a student of Emerald State High School, we expect all 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 manner, in a 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 – Regularly attend school to achieve his or her academic potential. Not leave the school grounds during the day without approval. Be punctual to all scheduled lessons and events. Have a go at all tasks. Get involved in school and community activities. Comply with the assessment policy. Actively and positively participate in their learning by completing all classwork, homework and assessment items.

Positive Rewards

We have a range of positive rewards for all students who do the right thing. Many of you would have received a positive email, phone call or postcard about your student already this year. Last year students were also issued with VIVO points, which they could bank and then redeem in the form of gifts or vouchers. We are currently having some issues with VIVO and the company which facilitate VIVO points. Because of this, we are transitioning to a new system by the end of this term which will be called “Merit Points”. This will operate in much the same way but offer more opportunities to redeem these points locally, e.g. Tuckshop vouchers or movie tickets. Anyone with banked VIVO points will not lose them. Any balances will be transferred to the Merit Points system. I will let you know when this new system is ready to go and thank the students for their patience with this.

Junior Welfare Teams

At Emerald State High School, we have great support for students to be successful in their schooling. In Years 9 and 10, a Welfare team meets each week to discuss any issues students in those years may be having. The team consists of the Head of Year (Ms Venardos Year 9 and Mr Sanson Year 10), our Guidance Officer, and our HOD of Student Services (Miss Deighton). If you have any concerns about your child please contact any member of our team through the school.

Subject Changes

Since the start of the year we have had many students making changes to their elective subjects. Hopefully now that most students are in the subjects of their choice, there will be very little movement. Students wanting to make further changes should either see me in their lunch breaks or send me an email. This will now require that they complete a subject change form and have it signed by their parents and the HODs involved. Subject changes are still possible but will be dependent on availability in the subject requested. Please understand that some of these classes are at capacity and adding new students is not always possible.

Assessment Planners

On Tuesday of Week 4 Assessment Planners were emailed to all students via their student email accounts. These are also available on Q Parents. These planners list the due dates and assessment type for all assessment for all subjects that your student is enrolled in. They are listed in chronological order of the date they are due and are a handy tool for you and your child to monitor and plan for assessment tasks to be completed on time.

School Photo Day

Due to the postponed start to the 2022 school year, we have had to reschedule our school photo day. This will now be held in Term 2, on Friday 13th May. Closer to the date, information and payment envelopes will be sent home with students.

Immunisation Program for Year 7 and Year 10

Queensland Health will again provide free vaccinations for all Year 7 and 10 students, as part of Queensland Health’s Annual School Immunisation Program. Information pack and consent forms have been given to all Year 7 students. (Year 10 will be much later in the year). Please read this information, complete and sign “Yes” or “No” on the consent form and return to the school as soon as possible. It is requested that ALL families complete the consent form even if they do not want their child vaccinated at school as this allows us to confirm that the immunisation offer was received.

COVID-19 Vaccinations are not offered through this program. Your participation in the Immunisation Program is entirely up to you. Under no circumstances would the school be allowing vaccinations of any type without express parental approval in writing.

If your child misses the school immunisation day, there are nominated catch-up days shortly after. Alternatively, you can make a private appointment with your GP.

Communication

The main way we communicate to our parents is through the school’s newsletter and via email. We also post messages on the school’s Facebook page. I encourage all students to regularly check their school email account and use this email account to check in with their teachers as needed. If parents wish to contact teachers, email is often the easiest means, however, don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and give any teacher a call if this suits you better.

I wish you all well for the rest of Term 1. Fingers crossed that it continues in the same calm and positive way that the term has so far.

Regards
Mrs. Deanne Lucht
Deputy Principal – Middle School

From the Head of Year 10.

It has certainly been an interesting start to the year. I want to thank all the students and families for their patience as we navigated the rocky goat path that was the start of the 2022 school year. Also, my thanks to students and families for their continued adherence to department and school health advice in relation to the COVID-19 situation. It has been great to see Year 10 students demonstrating maturity in relation to the abnormal start back to the year.

It has been great to see that most students have sorted their timetable and electives for the year. I know this has been difficult for some students, but it is great to see students excited and happy about their subjects for the year.

This year will be a busy, important and exciting year for the Year 10 cohort. Students in Year 10 will participate in their first work experience placement. This is a great opportunity for our students to ‘test-out’ a profession/ workplace that may be of interest to them for their future. There will be more information delivered in relation to this as the placement comes closer.

With the start of the new school year comes a new PBL focus. For the start of this year we have been focusing on the importance of coming to school with all set materials, being prepared for class. It is extremely important for students to begin the year with the required materials and to take stock of these throughout the year, if any get low.

Please ensure your student is bringing all the required materials to class.

Have a fantastic term and please feel free to reach out if you have any questions or concerns

Regards
Mr. Peter Sanson
HOY – Year 10

From the Head of Year 11.

Well we are now halfway through Term 1 and what a crazy term it has been!

My name is Lauren Jarvis and I am the new Head of Year 11. I’ve been at Emerald SHS for 18 months, coming from a state high school in Brisbane. I am a Learning Support Teacher here and also co-teach the Year 7s and 8s as well as teaching the Year 10s their Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways.

As we start this year, it is vitally important that the Year 11s understand that their enrolment at school is no longer compulsory. This means that if the students are refusing to participate in their learning, their enrolment can be cancelled. Please encourage your students to arrive to school on time and ensure they are doing their best within the class. If they are having issues, they are welcome to have a chat with myself or Mrs Shaw and we will see what we can do to support them.

If your student is away for any reason they can still access all of their classwork on the student portal. This can be found on the Emerald State High School website. It is imperative that they don’t get behind with their work in Senior.

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the following students for receiving student of the week. Week 3 - Tina Taylor (11D) for engaging in her online learning and consistently participating in class. Week 4 – Deakin Holzwart (11C) for consistently achieving the 3Ps and gaining a school-based traineeship. Week 5 – Stephanie Woodhouse (11E) for consistently showing a positive attitude in class and being adaptable and flexible.

Should you have any concerns regarding the welfare of your child please do not hesitate to email me on ljarv26@eq.edu.au

Regards
Ms. Lauren Jarvis
HOY – Year 11

Engaging Classroom Activities.

8A have been investigating fractions this week, learning how to add, subtract, multiply and divide them. They were tasked with creating the ½ fraction with their bodies. Two of the groups were quite creative.

Regards
Mr. George Brown & Mrs. Lauren Jarvis
Teachers

From the Cooee Corner team.

Inclusion News

Welcome to all our new and returning families, we look forward to working with you during 2022.

Emerald State High School is an inclusive school environment. This means all students are able to learn alongside their peers in classrooms that foster engaging, inclusive and challenging learning.

Our inclusion team aims to offer varying levels of support to students who require it throughout the school. This can be via our Learning Support Team or Students with a Disability Team. Team members collaborate with students, teachers, families and agencies to identify areas requiring support. They then work with school staff to implement adjustments and strategies in the classroom and school environment for these students, increasing opportunities for curriculum access and success.

Our team for 2022 are:

Learning Support Team

• Lauren Jarvis
• Alisa Finn

SWD Team

• Sarah Somerville (HOSES)
• Jessica Zygadlo
• Stephanie Begg
• Natasha Vought
• Heather Te Amo

Reminders

If you have received an Educational Adjustment Program (EAP) form, can you please sign and return as soon as possible. This allows us to continue to support you student at school.

Homework Club is running Monday and Wednesday afternoons from 3-4pm. This is located in the Resource Centre and there is staff to support students. If a student requires support from their class teacher, this must be pre-arranged to ensure that they are available to attend the session.

Lunchtime Clubs provide structured activities for all students who wish to participate. The list of what’s on and when will be available soon. Our school Museum is open every Friday first break and provides an inclusive and supportive space for students to explore historical artefacts and socialise.

Regards
Mrs. Sarah Somerville
HOSES

From the Science team.

Year 11 Chemistry have just started their research investigation, with the draft due on the 11th of March, after examining the fundamentals of atoms. Students will research and analyse information related to a research question they develop.

Year 10 Science is looking at genetics and evolution, whilst Year 7 are exploring classification through dichotomous keys.

Year 9 Science have just finished examining the three main methods of heat transfer and are beginning on the theory of transverse and longitudinal waves. The students will have an exam in the last week of school this term.

Year 8 Science are focussing on elements, compounds and mixtures; how matter exists in our universe.

Regards
Mr. David Horsfall
Teacher

From the English team.

For any new parents, I wanted to introduce myself; my name is Gabby Hunt and I am the Head of Department of English here at Emerald State High School. Should you have any concerns this year about the English curriculum, please do not hesitate to contact me.

I would also like to introduce our English faculty: Mrs Vicki Hawkins, Mr Peter Sanson, Mr Graham Fandrich, Ms Kate Deighton, Ms Crystal Brunetto, Ms Lucy Ferrara, Ms Amy Cochrane, Mr Bailey Cox, Ms Kayla Franklin, Ms Katelyn Bygrave, Mr Jack Rynsbergen, Mrs Lisa Eagles, Mrs Linda Fry, Mrs Alisa Finn, and Ms Jordie Zahner.

By the end of last week, you should have received an email that outlines the texts your child is studying in English this year. These texts are selected to be engaging and challenging. I understand that occasionally we will have texts which you would prefer your child does not engage with. As a result, we have selected and sourced alternative texts. Your child will work independently on these texts, with support materials supplied by their teacher. All of these texts are now available in our library as part of our text book resource scheme. If you haven’t already contacted me or your child’s teacher, please do so ASAP.

In Year 12 we have selected texts that come from prescribed text lists created by QCAA. We must select texts from these lists. In 2023 there are new text lists and as a result, we will need to change some of the texts we currently do. You can access these lists on the QCAA website, under the English subject tab.

Regards
Mrs. Gabby Hunt
HOD

From the Hospitality & VET team.

Welcome back to another school year! In the VET Department, we are seeing all sorts of creative learning happening, as students draw closer to starting assessment.

Year 7 and 8 Food Specialisation have been learning about health and safety in the kitchen, and have made cheese and bacon rolls, which were an absolute hit!

Year 9 Food Specialisation have been learning about the different cooking methods and have so far made quiche and beef stroganoff.

Year 10 Food Specialisation have been learning about different preservation methods and made Bahn Mi with a carrot pickle.

Year 10 Certificate III Early Childhood Studies are nearly finished their first booklet, Identify and Respond to Children and Young People at Risk. The class is excited to be starting a Certificate and eventually going on placements to local kindergartens.

Year 10 students have all started their journey into Senior by enrolling into the Certificate II in Skills for Work and Vocational Pathways. The students participated in an online careers quiz and have been placed into classes based on their potential career. All the students will be doing the same work; however, we now have a clearer idea of the information which needs to be directed to particular classes if it arrives from external agencies. We have all now completed a personality quiz and are working on our first piece of assessment – the learning journal. By the end of Term 1, every student will have created their resumes and understand how to write a cover letter. We look forward to providing practical teaching and learning during these lessons. Students are currently working on their personality quizzes to help them discover what career path they might be best suited for and are discovering what 21st century skills are.

Year 12 Early Childhood Studies are underway with their first assessment task; a letter to the editor regarding parental concerns over ‘play-based learning’. Students are conducting research into the benefits of play-based learning for children’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual development.

Regards
Miss. Kayla Franklin
Teacher

From the Technology team.

The Technology Department has offered students from Years 7 to 10 an opportunity (with guidance) to claim ownership of their project and design the project themselves.

Year 8 DAT students have been manufacturing a project that will protect personal objects from being damaged. Some students have chosen to manufacture a pencil holder out of pine and acrylic, while others have chosen a design that can protect jewellery with a felt lining.

Examples below are from Jack Leonhardt. He is a very talented student who donated the project below to use as a demonstration instrument that can also be used for a display.

Year 9 TMT students are in the process of designing a Pine Jewellery Box. Students will be instructed to use different joining techniques such as a Five finger joint joining process, similar to the one below.

Year 10 TMT students have been starting their design folio for a Folding Camp Chair. They will have to complete the project in Term 2 and 3.

Year 11 Engineering students have been working through their design folios, to start working on their Centre Punch and a BBQ.

Year 11 Furnishing students are in the process of completing the design process so they can start the manufacturing of their dart board.

Year12 Furnishing students are developing their hand skills, by joining together two pieces of timber using a dovetail joint. Their main project is to manufacture a wooden chair for the outdoors. First though, they need to work through their design folios to plan the manufacturing process.

Year 12 Engineering students are manufacturing a vice from set drawings, which will give them even more skills in the industrial sector. This will include the cutting of material using a cold saw and machining sections of the vice on a lathe. There is also a requirement to join the metal together using an MMAW welding process.

On a personal note, I would like to thank all those students who continue using their 3Ps throughout the school day. I feel so privileged when a student greets me with an elbow bump. Our great team consist of Noel Cavanagh, the Head of Department, Mr Bennie Olivier, Mr Brent Leaver and myself, Ed Hansen.

We are looking forward to a great first term and wish all students every success and good luck on their learning in 2022.

Regards
Mr. Ed Hansen
Teacher

From the Sports Master.

It’s been a crazy start to the year of sport already. There has been some tight deadlines and I want to say thank you to everyone for their patience, nominations and punctuality with notes and payments. Please make sure students are listening in PC for notices as this is when sporting nominations are announced. We are already seeing some students progress onto the CAP level which is awesome – such talented sporting students we have!

There are a few big events coming up in the next few weeks:

Week 7 Tuesday – Cross Country

Tuesday 8th March is our annual inter-house Cross Country for the students who have opted in. This year it will again be run at the Botanical Gardens. Students will meet for the bus at school in PC and return by Period 3. Students who place at the inter-house Cross Country will be able to progress to the CH trials which take place in Week 1 of next term. Students who haven’t already nominated can do so by seeing Miss Johnson in D block staffroom.

Week 10 Friday – Swimming Carnival

Friday 1st April is the inter-house Swimming Carnival. This is such a fun day and an excellent way to finish off the term. The day will consist of a range of competitive and novelty events so that everyone has an opportunity to get in a swim on the day, regardless of swimming ability. There is no need to nominate ahead of time as students will be able to choose the events they wish to participate in on the day.

Regards
Miss. Angela Johnson
ESHS Sports Coordinator

From the Learning Support team.

2022 has seen a change in staffing within the Learning Support Department. Mrs Lauren Jarvis has continued on with Ms Alisa Finn joining the team. So far, we have been getting to know our students and have tested a few students using the ACER Progressive Assessment Tool (PAT) for Mathematics and Reading Comprehension. The results of these tests are currently being analysed and will be given to classroom teachers, enabling them to provide the most appropriate support for students within their classes.

Learning Support works with students who have some sort of barrier, preventing them from accessing the learning in the same way as their peers. Mrs Jarvis and Ms Finn will be working with classroom teachers in 2022, to ensure all students are able to succeed, regardless of their individual learning barriers.

If you would like the Learning Support team to assist your student, please feel free to email either of us on ljarv26@eq.edu.au or afinn22@eq.edu.au

Regards
Mrs. Lauren Jarvis
Learning Support Coordinator

Army Cadet Unit.

For the first time, there will be a catafalque party at our school’s Anzac service on Friday 22nd April. A catafalque party is a guard, usually of four people, that stands watch over a significant monument during a service. This year the four guards will be coming from the Blackwater Army Cadet Unit. There are plans though to create an Emerald Unit in the near future. Canberra has been approached and it is hoped that by the end of the year there will be a local unit that all youths in Emerald aged 12.5 to 16 will be able to attend.

At the moment, any students interested in being in the cadets are encouraged to join the Blackwater unit, who meet every Monday from 4pm-7pm. If we can get enough students wishing to join we could organise a roster of transport or perhaps look into other means.

The Cadets is a commitment but there are some great benefits:

• There are no costs as the uniforms are provided for you.
• There are camps – the biggest is the Annual Field Exercise in Rockhampton during the September holidays.
• You learn team building skills that employers are looking for.
• If you wish to join the armed forces upon leaving school, being in the cadets is a great advantage.

The more interest from Emerald students we have (not just ESHS), the more chance we have in creating an Emerald Unit. If you are interested please see me in the library and I will happily answer any questions that you may have.

Regards
Ms. Leanne Ross
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 5 and 6 of this term.

Student of the Week

Week 5

Year 7: Kelsey Leonhardt 7E For being polite, always prepared for class and for actively participating in all class discussions.

Year 8: Morgan Keirnan 8X For being a quiet achiever who always gives her best.

Year 9: Sophia Wright 9A For being polite and participating in learning activities to the best of her ability.

Year 10: Kain Lavell 10B For his enthusiasm towards completing curriculum tasks and demonstrating maturity beyond his years.

Year 11: Deakin Holzwart 11C For consistently showing the 3Ps and gaining a school-based traineeship.

Year 12: Indiah Schaefer 12B For always participating in class with a smile.

Week 6

Year 7: Beau Witkowski 7C For always being polite, prepared for class and actively participating in activities.

Year 8: Georgia Serotzki 8C For representing the school positively in a community event.

Year 9: Erika Neville 9F For trying really hard in class and always very polite – showing consistently the 3Ps.

Year 10: Sophie McNamara 10B For her participation in extra-curricular activities recently outside of school, keep up the great work.

Year 11: Stephanie Woodhouse For coming to class consistently with a positive attitude, being flexible and adaptable.

Year 12: Claire Lamb For being polite and respectful by helping others.

Community Notices

From the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training

The Department of Employment, Small Business and Training is about connecting your students and parents to quality training and skills to prepare them for work now and into the future.

We would like to invite you to share the below information via your next school newsletter:

If your school would like more information on Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs or requires any assistance, please contact us through email at cqdesbt@desbt.qld.gov.au or phone 1800 210 210.

Regards,
Ms. Michelle Hoban
Acting Regional Director - Central Queensland region