21 June 2022

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report.

Dear Friends of Emerald High,

Wow, end of term. Where has Semester 1 gone!

We are at the end of a big semester and again I have been impressed with the quality of work and effort from our students this term, the excellent teaching that is occurring in our classes, the outstanding assistance provided by our many support staff and the super support we get from our parents and community. Quality education truly is a team effort!

As a school, we are currently looking at ways in which we can better support student access to technology at school and broaden the range of learning approaches that involve the use of technology. We have formed five teams of staff to look at various aspects including curriculum and teaching, learning resources, technology, behaviour expectations and finance, admin and marketing. This will be an exciting step forward! Stay tuned for more.

We had next year's Year 6 students visit over the past few weeks as part of 'Taster Days' when they get a chance to find out about all the magical things that happen in high school. All of the students I spoke to said they had a terrific day and are keen to come to high school next year. My very sincere thanks to the many staff and students who worked together to make this successful, in particular Leah Cordwell and Ben Van Hees.

On Monday Night we all had the joy of experiencing the many talents of our staff and students in our annual 'Emerald Shines' event. Some acts were funny, some serious, but all displayed amazing talent. It was a wonderful, fun evening and I sincerely thank Leanne Ross, Jess Whybird and the SRC for coordinating this sensational event. A particular 'well done' to the overall winners on the night, 'The Back Avenue Boys', who provided a very enjoyable, entertaining and energetic performance.

Our 2023 School Musical has been announced and we look forward to 'Age of Rock' as being the next show, following on from the very successful production of 'Grease' in 2021. It will be lots of fun!

There is lots of stuff happening early next term. Parent-Teacher Night is on the 19th July (Week 2) - more information can be found later in the newsletter. Year 11 Leadership Camp is also on in Week 2 and the Humanities Tour is on in Week 4. An 'Authorship in Residence' program is also occurring in Week 3, as is the NAIDOC Elders' Luncheon.

I would like to remind everyone again that mobile phones are not to be used at Emerald High and that taking photos or filming students or staff at school, at school events or in school uniform is not acceptable and the consequences are significant. All members of our school community should be able to attend school free from being photographed or filmed.

Thank you again everyone for your ongoing support of our amazing school and I wish everyone a safe and relaxing school holiday break!

You cannot plough a field by turning it over in your mind.

- Author Unknown

Have a fantastic fortnight and a great break
Mr. Sean Maher
Principal

From the Deputy Principal – Middle School.

Year 10 Immunisations

The Year 10 Immunisation Clinic will be held on Thursday the 21st July as part of our Annual School Immunisation Program. All Year 10 students are being offered free vaccinations, as recommended by the National Immunisation Program to protect against Meningococcal ACWY.

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. Only those students who have returned their consent forms will be able to get their free immunisation at school.

If at any time you wish to change your consent decision or have questions, please contact Ozcare Emerald, directly by telephone: (07) 4937 4260.

If your child misses the school immunisation day, there will be a catch-up day on Tuesday the 25 October, held at the school. Alternatively, you can make a private appointment with your GP.

If your child has lost their form, or wasn’t at school when they were handed out, please collect another one from the administration office. For more information about the School Immunisation Program, visit the link below:

Personal Technology Devices

All personal technology devices (mobile phones, MP3 player, Bluetooth headphones, recording devices and all similar devices) are not to be used, seen or heard during the entire school day, either inside or outside the classroom. This includes before school, during all breaks, on excursions and until the end of the school day. Phones are not to be visible or turned on at any time, from the moment you enter the school grounds, until you leave the gate at the end of the day. We strongly recommend that these devices not be brought to school and take no responsibility for damage or theft.

If a parent needs to contact their child during school hours, this must only be done through the school office. Should a student need to go home due to illness or any other reason during the school day, the school will contact parents to coordinate arrangements. In urgent circumstances, students can ask permission to contact parents/carers and use the phone in the administration office. Every attempt will be made to contact students, should parents/carers need to get an urgent message to students.

Students who require the use of a personal technology device in special circumstances (for example to assist with a medical condition e.g. Diabetes management) should negotiate a special circumstances arrangement with the Principal. If permission is granted, that student will be issued with a card clearly stating the parameters agreed to.

The school recognises that personal technology devices are now part of society and that parents wish students to have mobile phones and such devices, as a means of security and safety. However, the benefits brought about through these diverse technologies are easily overshadowed by theft, damage, and deliberate misuse of these items. This interferes with school processes and disrupts learning.

Students who are found using personal technology devices at school during the day, will have their device confiscated for the remainder of the school day. Continued disobedience, or refusal to follow the instructions of staff members in regard to these devices, is likely to result in suspension.

Students who need devices before or after school may check them into the office before school, where they will be kept safe until they are collected after 2:50pm.

Junior Certificate of Education (J.C.E.)

In 2022, Emerald State High School will introduce a Junior Certificate of Education for eligible Year 10 students. In 2022, eligibility for this certificate will be calculated on only Semester 2 results. From 2023, it will reflect the whole year of study.

The Junior Certificate of Education (JCE) is a school based junior schooling qualification, awarded to eligible students at the end of Year 10, on completion of the junior phase of learning. At Emerald State High School, the JCE has been strategically designed to:

• Be a tool to track, recognise and celebrate student progress and engagement.
• Teach students to track their own progress towards goals, in preparation for the QCE process in Senior School.
• Provide a qualification to add to a student’s portfolio, to show outcomes and present to an employer.
• Reward hard work and commitment to studies in the middle years of schooling.

To be awarded a JCE, students will need to achieve a significant amount of learning, at a set standard by achieving a “C” standard or higher, in a number of core and elective subjects, across both semesters in Year 10.

The JCE Certificate will state the successful completion of Year 10, as well as a:

• Grade Point Average (GPA) score out of 5.
• Effort Point Average (EPA) score out of 5.
• Percentage attendance.
• A Statement of Participation showing service to the school, in a range of activities including: leadership roles, representative sport and extra-curricular activities.

The Junior Certificate of Education will be presented to eligible Year 10 students in a special parade at the end of Term 4.

Important Dates for Tracking Progress

Report Cards

It is that time of the year again! Teachers are busy marking student work and entering results for student reports. Report Cards will be emailed to parents’ email addresses on Friday the 24th June. They will also be available through Q-Parents.

Students, start your holidays by reflecting on your grade and also the effort and behaviour results awarded. Celebrate your successes and, all your hard work this semester. Have a rest and then we will do it all again!

Parent Teacher Interviews

Parent Teacher Interviews will be held on Tuesday the 19th July, Week 2 of Term 3. These will be held in the Library and F-Block building from 3:00 – 6:30pm. Bookings are done online, through “SOBS”. More information and a link to make bookings will be sent out early next term. Save the date!!!

Assessment Planners for Semester 2, 2022

In Week 3 of next term, Student Course Planners will be emailed to all student email accounts and made available on Q-Parents. This will have all of the assessment dates for the rest of the year. Please print it out and keep it handy. We suggest having students record these dates in their student diaries, so that they can plan ahead to complete all assessment on time.

Regards
Mrs. Deanne Lucht
Deputy Principal – Middle School

From the Deputy Principal – Senior School.

I can’t believe that the June school holidays are only days away, it seems like we were in April only days ago. Our Senior students have all been very studious this term, and I hope to see the outcome in their report cards.

Flexible Timetables

Many students in the past week (many Year 11s) have asked me for a study period. It is an expectation that students study a combination of six (6) subjects. Study periods are granted to students who have something that significantly impacts on their ability to study six (6) subjects. This could be due to having a traineeship or apprenticeship, a student with learning difficulties or disabilities, students who have a carer role, a student with English as an additional dialect and some bus students who are travelling on the bus for a large proportion of the afternoon/morning. Students must see Mrs Fitzgerald in Supportworx to discuss any changes to their timetable.

Students who have study periods and had “C” or better grades for all subjects on their Term 1 report card, have been issued with a letter regarding a flexible timetable. The flexible timetable allows students to arrive for Period 2, if they have Period 1 spare and go home at 2nd lunch, if they have a Period 4 spare. Please note that it is a requirement by law that we notify you if your student was not present at PC. If the student is on a “flexi” you do not need to action the text, it will be sorted when they sign in. If you have any questions regarding this please contact me.

I will be reviewing all report cards one they have been issued, to ensure that students with the flexi option are using it wisely. I have had some reports lately of students being found at the shopping centre and other shops during their flexi. The flexi letter that parents sign specifically states that “At no time is this time to be used for non-purposeful activities, such as going to fast food outlets or shopping.”

Formal

Our Year 12 Formal is fast approaching, with preparations well underway. This year, the formal will be held on Thursday 15th September at the Town Hall. Student walk-ins will start from approximately 5:45 pm.

Parent invites will be issued to students with attendance above 90% in Week 5. For students whose attendance is below 90%, they will have a 2nd chance of meeting this target, by having their attendance from Weeks 1 to 6 be above 90%. Eligible students will be able to bring 2 parent guests to formal. If you would like to request extra invites i.e. for blended families, or a change to the invite, I ask that a parent please contact me via email to discuss.

Senior Jersey

Lauren Jarvis (HOY 11) has been working hard to organise the purchase of senior jerseys for eligible Year 11s. To ensure that the shirts and jerseys arrive for the start of the school year and before winter, we need to order these early in Term 4. Students whose attendance is above 90% will be eligible to purchase these items. Information regarding this process will be sent home later in Term 3.

2023 Leadership Positions

Our school is also well represented by our senior leadership team. I am very pleased to see that next year will not be any different, as we have had over 25 students apply to attend our leadership camp next term. Students who were not able to attend the camp, will also be able to apply for leadership positions in 2023.

The application process involves students writing an application, participating in the interview process and speaking to our school body on a parade. Our school body then votes for each leadership position. These votes and the score students received for their application, interview and speech are tallied to find the winner.

I would encourage all our Year 11s to think about how they can contribute to the school community in their final year.

2023 Subject Selections

As we are half way through the school year, we are preparing for the 2023 school year. Students in Years 8, 9 and 10 will undertake subject selection in Term 3.

Our Year 8s will choose 2 elective subjects, the 9s will choose 3 elective subjects and our 10s will choose 6 subjects to study. To assist students to choose subjects there will be talks to each year level by Heads of Departments during class time. We also have a subject selection evening happening on Tuesday 2nd August. More information about this will be sent home next term.

2022 External Exam Schedule

QCAA has released the external exam schedule for this year. This was emailed to all the Year 12s last week. It is important to remember that these dates are fixed and can’t be changed. In Term 3 Week 8 and 9 the Year 12s will participate in Mock external exams. We have found in the past, their performance in these exams helps gives us data to support and prepare them for the external exam.

The QCAA has a number of resources that students and families can access online to help prepare students for these exams linked below. I would also encourage students to log into their myqce account as there is more resources there to assist

Regards
Mrs. Tanya Shaw
Deputy Principal – Senior School

From the Head of Year 10.

A warm greeting to all parents and carers! The end of the term is almost upon us. It has certainly been a busy term for the Year 10 cohort, with work experience and a host of other events. Students attended a career talk this week, hosted at Emerald State High School. In Term 3, students in Year 10 will complete subject selection planning for their senior years. Attending workshops and careers expos in coming terms will be great opportunities for students to consider the subjects they need to choose to suit the career pathway they are considering. I encourage parents and carers to discuss future pathways and explore possible avenues through the school to support their child. This may include school-based apprenticeships or traineeships.

Our PBL team have generated a list of students in Year 10 who are eligible for an end of term reward. These students will be awarded with a voucher that they can use at the tuckshop to buy a baked good, ice-block or hot chocolate/ hot drink. It is extremely important as a school, to recognise the incredible work our students do and the way they conduct themselves at school and while in our community.

With the colder weather setting in, I remind parents and carers to ensure that their child is wearing the correct uniform to school, inclusive of school appropriate jumpers etc.

Finally, parent teacher interviews are scheduled for Week 2 of Term 3. This will be a great opportunity for you to discuss your child’s progress with their teachers and ask any questions you might have about potential future pathways your child might choose. If you are travelling away these holidays please stay safe and enjoy some relaxation time. I look forward to seeing you all in Term 3!

Regards
Mr. Peter Sanson
HOY – Year 10

From the Head of Year 11.

We have made it halfway through our first senior year. The Year 11 students are doing an amazing job. Unit 2 has started in all subjects and we are monitoring students closely regarding their attendance. Please ensure your student attends school as much as possible, or, if they are away, please make sure you can provide medical evidence for their absence. If a student has low attendance, they may not be eligible to purchase a senior jersey or attend their formal next year.

28 students have put in their expression of interest to attend the Leadership Camp in July. I was very impressed with the standard I received and am delighted to be working with what I think will be the best leadership team ever at Emerald State High School!

Report cards will be issued this week. These results are indicative of students final Unit 1 results. If you have any concerns, please contact either myself or your student’s teacher directly.

We are still seeing a lot of non-uniform jumpers. Whilst I understand the need to wear a jumper, please ensure that you have purchased a plain black or green jumper, without a hood or one of the school jumpers, as per the uniform policy of the school.

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

Regards
Mrs. Lauren Jarvis
HOY – Year 11

From the Head of Year 12.

That is a wrap for Term 2! Only 17 more weeks of school left for the Year 12s.

The students have had a busy term with assessment, university talks and much more.

I would like to start with a massive thank you to all of our senior students and parents who helped out with the cleaning of the showground in Week 7. Our students really stood up and made a name for themselves within the community by working rubbish detail to keep the show grounds clean whilst the event was on. The Emerald Show Society reported back that the grounds were the “cleanest they had ever been”.

The formal is fast approaching and we are holding a fundraiser early Term 3 of July. The fundraiser would allow for funds to be raised to assist in lowering the cost of tickets for students and families, as well as supporting the purchasing of equipment and decorations. Details below:

Over the break, can I please ask that our students do not forget that many assessments carry over the holidays. This means that it is best to head into the break with a plan about what they will be studying and when. Just because it is a break from attending school does not mean that it is a break from learning.

If you have any questions or concerns please contact me, Jbros33@eq.edu.au

Regards
Mr. Jaksen Brose
HOY – Year 12

From the Cooee Corner.

This term, students have been busy learning about mixtures and chemistry in Science. We completed a few science experiments, where we compared and contrasted different materials and tested the qualities of various materials. Students tested qualities such as: flexibility, softness, transparency, absorption, and strength of objects.

For our Science assessment, students were able to formulate a hypothesis about what would happen to an experiment if we changed one of the elements.

Students have gained confidence by participating in work interviews and work experience out in the community. We have been learning about a variety of jobs and careers and determining which job we might be best suited to by completing career quizzes and questionnaires.

William entered a gorgeous watercolour painting of rabbits into the Emerald Show.

Regards
Ms. Natasha Vought
Teacher

From the Arts team.

As always, we are all very busy being creative in The Arts department. Our juniors in Years 7 and 8 have settled into their new rotations, are sinking their teeth into new juicy content and are starting to develop work of their first assessment pieces. The Year 9 and 10s are working towards completing upcoming assessment tasks, that reflect the knowledge and understanding they have gained so far this year. The seniors, Years 11 and 12, are also finalising current assessment tasks and moving forward with their next assessment tasks.

Some of our talented Visual Art students from across Years 7 - 12 have recently been selected for the Central Highlands Regional Council Annual Art Awards. The various works by these students will be on display from the 24th of June, commencing with the opening night on the same date, which will be when the awards for all categories are announced. Be sure to attend the event and support our entrants!

Regards
Miss. Amy Cochrane
Teacher

From the Science team.

Term 2 has been a busy one in the Science faculty. All students have been working hard on their assessment tasks and showing how much they have learnt throughout the term. An update on the current happenings of each year group:

• Year 7 – finished their forces and skills exam last week and are now applying their understanding to build balloon powered cars.
• Year 8 – Have completed their poster assessment on the rock cycle and are now learning about indigenous uses of rocks and the role of geologists in understanding the history of the Earth.
• Year 9 – Still working on their research assessment and developing their skills to interpret scientific data.
• Year 10 – finalising their experimental report on factors affecting reaction rates.
• Year 11 – All classes have been working on assessment to finish Unit 1 by the end of term.
• Year 12 – All classes have begun working on their final internal assessment (research investigation) which will be completed early in Term 3.

Regards
Ms. Annabel Wyatt
Teacher

From the Hospitality and VET team.

The students have been working towards a competency unit of work in the senior years, demonstrating their understanding of social and cultural sensitivity in Australia. They have been critically analysing relevant scenarios that demonstrate respect, communicating in line with appropriate social and cultural conventions.

The objective and key principles of their learning being of fairness and equity, in relation to interaction with colleagues and customers, key cultural and religious protocols of main social and cultural groups in Australian society, including Australian Indigenous people.

The term has ended with the students exhibiting the above, while developing outcomes that demonstrate the celebration of cultural diversity in Australia.

Regards
Ms. Anshu Sharma
Teacher

From the Gym Club.

This term in Gym Club, we guided the students through their choice of three set workouts. Over the term students have made noticeable improvements to their technique and strength. Next term, we will be diving into more dynamic CrossFit style workouts, this is to ensure students don’t get bored of the gym and continue to enjoy seeing progress for their hard work. We welcomed a few new members, but are always looking for new faces to help achieve their fitness goals. For those interested, grab a permission form from the gym during first break Tuesday and Thursday. We’re excited to continue to see the students develop in the gym.

Regards
Mr. Louis Beatty
Club Coordinator

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 9 and 10 of this term.

Behaviour Focus

Our current behaviour focus is “Be kind to all members of the community.”

Student of the Week

Week 9

Year 7: Alyssa Webber For consistently working hard and completing all tasks to a high standard. She always achieves the 3Ps.
Year 8: Jady Gladman For exemplary behaviour and always completing work to the best of her ability.
Year 9: Elizabeth Hooper For always polite, prepared and consistently trying her hardest in class.
Year 10: Lacey Hoskins For always acting respectful with staff and students.
Year 11: Gurkan Erkan For his positive attitude towards schooling and his stand-up comedy acts. He keeps our lessons interesting and always participates to the best of his ability.
Year 12: Breanna Bicknell – Hodge For being a pleasure to teach and encompassing the 3P’s.

Week 10

Year 7: Ainsley Tasker For always giving every task 110% and working well independently. She always meets the 3Ps.
Year 8: Hermione Collie For always having a positive attitude towards school, and being a pleasure to have in the school community.
Year 9: Bruno Santos For always trying his best, developing ideas and participating in lessons to the best of his ability.
Year 10: Jorjia Wendt For consistently achieving at a high standard and applying herself in all curriculum tasks.
Year 11: Melita Iona For doing so well in Graphics and has really shown a positive attitude towards something she has never done. Her endeavour and collaborative work have been outstanding.
Year 12: Eli Lohse For being a role model both in and outside of school.

Community Notices

Calling for families: Trial of programs for teenagers experiencing peer problems.

Families of teenagers (school year levels 7-12) are invited to participate in a trial of two group therapy programs designed to help teenagers manage emotions and relationship problems, like bullying or conflict. The programs will be offered in small groups by a therapist (psychologist) through Zoom (online).

This trial is managed by researchers who are psychologists and psychiatrists from QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute and The University of Queensland. Please visit the website for more information and to express interest in participating:

Get pumped for the June/July school holidays 2022!

Grab your skateboard or see the latest blockbuster with Central Highlands Regional Council this school holidays.

Commencing 24 June 2022, council has partnered with local orgs to offer an action-packed program to keep kids engaged and entertained during the break.

There’s something to suit every taste – sporty kids will love the chance to show off their latest tricks at the skate and pizza sessions, movie lovers can attend our variety of sessions, while art lovers can try their hand at making animal bag tags, winter craft and participate in a robotics workshop.

For all details and bookings check out our school holidays program or call 1300 242 686

Other notices: