26 October 2022

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report.

Dear Friends of Emerald High,

Almost halfway through the term already.

Our Year 12s are now in the very final phase of their studies - external exams. They are well prepared and I am confident will do well. All the very best Year 12s!!

We again celebrate some amazing student achievements. Krystal Clark, Crystal Leo and Alicia Soundaram have been successful in being awarded very prestigious 'Excellence in Chemistry Awards' from the Royal Australian Chemical Institute. This is an outstanding achievement, placing them at the pinnacle of Chemistry students in Australia.

Dylan Obst competed at the State Athletics Championships and won a Silver Medal in Shotput. This is also an outstanding effort, achieving such an award at the highest levels in the state.

There is nothing Emerald kids can’t do!

On Friday 14 October, our students participated in the enormously fun and very colourful 'Colour Smash' for Mental Health Week, in which our students ran, climbed and crawled around the school, covered in water and colour. Our sincere thanks go to the Emerald Fire and Rescue, Fairbairn Outdoor Education Centre and Flexihire for helping make this possible and to Leanne Ross, Jess Whybird and the SRC for their amazing work in coordinating this exceptional event.

On the weekend our Interact Club held their annual 'Haunted House' fundraiser, supported by Emerald Rotary. Again, it was an outstanding (albeit very scary) success. Thank you to Ms Ross and the interact students for a very special event.

Our Instrumental Music band also hosted a special performance for the town's Year 3 students. From all reports it was lots of fun. Thank you to Dana Jones and the band for a very special event!

Some more super news. The school has been successful in securing funding to finish the Basketball Court covering, which should be completed in 2023. This will double the size of the existing cover, with all four basketball courts being fully shaded. My sincere thanks to Helen Markey and the P&C for their work in securing this amazing asset for our school.

This Friday we celebrate 'World Educators Day', at which time we celebrate the amazing work that all school staff do to support our young people along their learning journey. I can't speak highly enough of the staff at our school, who are the amongst the very best people I have worked with anywhere. Their professionalism, caring and dedication are exceptional. Please join me on Friday in thanking them for all that they do.

And thank you also to everyone who contributes to making our school the great place it is!

“Every person you meet knows something you don’t; learn from them.”
- H Jackson Brown Jr.

Have a fantastic fortnight
Mr. Sean Maher
Principal

From the Head of Year 8.

We’ve made it to the final term of the school year! Over the past three terms I have had the fortune of watching the Year 8 cohort develop resilience and leadership, through their participation in school life. I would like to congratulate all students on their enthusiasm in tackling every task that is thrown at them. They have shown exemplary behaviour throughout the year.

In Week 10 of Term 3, those students who are without any behaviours recorded for the term were awarded with a Domino’s Pizza voucher. Our PBL reward for Term 4 will be a trip to either the movies or the pool (their choice) during the last week of school. Students who have maintained positive behaviour (no incidents recorded) for all of Term 4 will be eligible for this award.

Just a reminder that it is an expectation that all students of Emerald State High School are Polite, Prepared and Participating. From visiting a number of Year 8 classrooms, it appears that some work may be needed around being prepared. Students need to be arriving at school with the correct equipment and uniform. It is the expectation in Year 8 that our students are bringing a book and pencil case to each class, which has all of the necessary equipment (pens, pencils, ruler, glue, scissors, etc). Your assistance with this is always appreciated.

The PBL focus for Week 1 and 2 of this term was 'Be in class, on time, every day'. This message was presented to the Year 7 and 8 cohorts on a special parade in Week 1. In Week 2, we acknowledged the Year 8 students who have maintained 92% attendance or above on parade. I am very proud to say that over 60 students achieved this, with 13 students maintaining 100% attendance for the entire term! Just a reminder to contact the office via phone or text if your child is ever away from school unwell.

As always, if you have any concerns or questions regarding anything Year 8, you can contact via email or by phoning the school on 4988 2222.

Regards
Mr. Leon Coromandel
HOY – Year 8

From the Head of Year 9.

Crazy to think it is Term 4 already! Some might say that the year has flown by, others might say otherwise! However, it won’t be long until our next block of holidays! The countdown is on!

In regards to attendance, it is vital your child is attending school every day. If your child is missing lessons often, they are missing out on big chunks of their education. If your child is unable to come to school, please make sure you contact the office and let us know.

As we are now heading towards the end of the Term 4, the Year 9 students have started their subject selection process for 2023. The choices made in Term 3, on the Subject Selection Evening, was to show an indication of student interest for subjects – it was not their final selection. The final subject selection will happen this term, please keep an eye out for these dates.

• “A goal without a plan, is just a wish” – Antoine de Saint Exupery

As our Year 9s wrap up their junior schooling, it would be the perfect place to take the opportunity to discuss how they are feeling about going into Year 10. This transition leads to integration of the senior curriculum, sometimes a heavier work load and the push to work more independently. Some students are starting to think about career paths which can cause others to feel anxious if they haven’t decided upon their own path. I would encourage you to open up those lines of communication and talk about expectations and goals going into their senior schooling to help them feel more at ease and excited about 2023.

As it is starting to get warmer, I would like to remind students to ensure that they have a hat for HPE and at lunchtimes. I would also like to encourage students to bring a water bottle to school and ensure that they fill it up in the break times. If your student would like some time out of the heat this term, they can join many school-based clubs. If they would like to join a club, they will need to listen out for notices, regarding attendance times.

That’s all from me, until next time

Regards
Mrs. Rickilee Venardos
HOY – Year 9

From the Head of Year 10.

It has been a great start back to the term. I hope everyone had a fun and relaxing break. With school ending in Week 8 for Year 10, assessment will start for the Year 10 cohort soon. In preparation, I encourage students to attend homework club on Monday and Wednesday at 3-4pm. Students should speak with their curriculum teachers to ensure teachers can attend to support students during homework club.

The PBL focus for Weeks 3 and 4 has related to resilience and the importance of perseverance. As we approach the end of the year, it can be easy to give up or find things overwhelming, and resilience can help us push through challenges and grow as a result.

Finally, the session ‘Love Bites’ initially planned for last term, will be run in Week 8. I have emailed the permission note home and I urge you to return this signed note by the end of Week 6 (11.11.22). If you want any more information about the ‘Love Bites’ session, please let me know.

Finally, all Year 10 students should have completed their SET plans by now and are set-up for success in their senior schooling.

Regards
Mr. Peter Sanson
HOY – Year 10

From the Head of Year 12.

Thank you to all the parents, community members and students that made the Emerald State High School formal the brilliant event that it was. I could not be more proud of the students and parent helpers who supported the school and I, to make the event flow so smoothly. To attest to this, I saw a number of positive comments throughout social media about the event. Thank you.

The senior students are now into their exam block and their teachers have strived to prepare them as best as they can. I would however like to stress some key things students can be doing the prepare themselves for their exams at home:

1. Active revision: This can be written summaries, diagrams or even audio of their notes.
2. Set timers: When revising, if focus is an issue then set a timer for half an hour of hard revision then take a 10-minute break. Repeat
3. Prepare the night before: Be sure to check your alarms and if you have all of the correct equipment, e.g. clear water bottle and pencil case, calculators, rulers and so on.
4. Health: Get enough sleep, eat and drink water.

It has been decided that this year the senior students will NOT RETURN TO SCHOOL after the exam block. Which means their attendance is not expected on the 16th or 17th of November. On Friday the 18th the seniors will return to school and attend their graduation ceremony at 8:45am.

The graduation ceremony will be held over two separate ceremonies. The first ceremony will be for our school students and teachers and the second ceremony will be for parents and family members. The first ceremony will be held on our new and improved basketball court, in order to accommodate our growing numbers. After which the seniors will then head into the Under Cover Area around 9:40am for a ceremony designed for parents and family guests. If you wish to attend the ceremony please email your RSVP to tshaw20@eq.edu.au and please be seated in the UCA by 9:30am. Once this second ceremony is complete, there will be a morning tea held in the amphitheatre which seniors and parents are invited to attend.

It has been a pleasure supporting these students in their schooling endeavours and I truly wish them the best in the future.

If you have any further questions, please send it through.

Regards
Mr. Jaksen Brose
HOY – Year 12

From the Technologies team.

Students in Furnishing and Engineering have been finishing off their Project Tasks at the start of this term. Year 11 Engineering, had their Release Clamps heat treated using Linseed Oil, to help reduce rusting. The Year 11 Furnishing completed their Chess Board, with the focus on quality finish of a furnishing item.

Year 12s are finalising their fire brasier in Engineering and the turned bowl in Furnishing. Good luck to all students during their Exam Block, which began at the start of this week.

Year 9 TMT (Technologies-Material and Technology) classes have completed their Cam Unit and are planning their final project for the year (step stool). The class started by identifying the problem (past design wobbles, uses screws and not stable) then working with the constraints, started roughing out concept sketches that satisfy the essential parameters of function and aesthetics that are the “givens” of the project.

Because this stool is for students’ own needs (bed-side table, something to place drinks on, a present, etc.) reflection on the location and environment was required by the students. From this reflection, size and use are identified in the designing process for its basic dimensions, as well as the location of structural supports.

Last week I set a design problem for my Year 11 Furnishing students:

• “From a given length of timber (65*42*??) how could you construct a box with a functioning draw?”

We have had some great results (Dia 2) with Josh Russell extending his designing skills with solving a problem with racking one of his fire arms (Dia 3).

With the Year 12s finishing up soon, it is a timely reminder for students to start cleaning out lockers, especially the Engineering classes and the safety clothing. These are valuable items (shoes, pants and shirts) that need to be removed, so other students can use the locker next year. A clean out of lockers will happen during Week 6, so please ensure your equipment does go home and is not placed in bins.

Also, as an elective subject with fees, and with projects coming to an end, it is ideal that students take home their projects and have pride in completing their assessment tasks.

Regards
Mr. Noel Cavanagh
HOD

From the Maths team.

The Maths Department would like to wish all senior students the best of luck on their external exams and also wish them a world of endless possibilities. Senior students are also encouraged to attend tutorial sessions with their subject teachers prior to their exams.

The assessment plan for this term is shown below.

Regards
Mr. Tavonga Sikwila
Teacher

From the HPE team.

We’ve had a busy start to HPE this term with the Rugby League 9s competition running smoothly during Week 2. The students competed well, coming home with a few trophies.

In classes, our Year 7 students are learning about sports across the generations. Year 8 are being introduced to popular American sports such as soft-crosse and street hockey. The Year 9s are currently revisiting volleyball. An interesting term in Year 10, where the students are learning about anatomy and biomechanical concepts specific to badminton. In our senior school, the Year 11 PE students are uncovering problems with access and equity, specific to professional sporting fields, whilst the ‘reckers’ (Sport and Rec students) are currently planning their trip to Stadium Premier Fitness, where they will take a partner through an exercise program. Last but not least, our Year 12s are studying hard for their external exams!

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 another term of HPE with our classes.

Regards
Mr. Louis Beatie
Teacher

From the Arts team.

The Instrumental Music Department has had a successful 2022, despite many student absences due to COVID, as well as a delayed start to rehearsals. Students have worked hard all year, with much success.

SHEP - State Honours Ensemble Program

We had a number of students attend both SHEP Rockhampton and SHEP Capricornia. Students enjoyed the many hours of music making and playing alongside musicians from all over Central Queensland.

Festival of Bands

Now in its 8th year, Festival of Bands is going from strength to strength. Many students participated in the Festival, culminating in a spectacular outdoor concert at St Patricks. Our students also participated in Saxophone workshops with members of the Barega Saxophone quartet.

Fanfare

Both Symphonic Band and Jazz Band participated in Fanfare competition. Regional heats were held at Biloela, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Emerald and Mackay. Symphonic Band was awarded Platinum and Jazz Band was awarded Gold. ESHS Symphonic Band was named as one of the top 5 high school ensembles across all of Central Queensland. This was an outstanding achievement for all involved.

QCE Instrumental Music

Four of our very talented Year 11 students have enrolled in IMQCE. They have worked extremely hard to complete all assessment requirements to receive a QCE point for Instrumental Music. Congratulations to the following students for challenging yourselves this year:

• Samantha Dudman – Euphonium - Level 9
• Breanna Davis - Alto Saxophone - Level 9
• Madison Powell – Flute - Level 7
• Kelly Hunter – Clarinet - level 7

Longreach Band Camp

Symphonic Band travelled to Longreach for our annual band camp. Performances were held at Blackall State School, Longreach State School and Longreach State High School. Our band combined with Longreach State High School Band for a workshop and concert. Students enjoyed working alongside Longreach students. It was a wonderful collaboration.

It wasn’t all work however as students also enjoyed the following:

• Afternoon river cruise along the Thompson river
• BBQ and Bowls night
• Luminescent Light Show at Qantas Museum
• Museum and Airwalk at Qantas Museum
• Talent Quest

Year 6 Transition

In Weeks 1-6 of Term 4, Year 6 students from the feeder primary schools have been invited to attend both Symphonic Band and Jazz Band rehearsals. We have seen over 20 primary students attend already. The feedback from the Year 6 students has been extremely positive.

Year 3 Recruitment

Our Symphonic Band recently performed for Year 3 students in the three state primary schools. Our students also demonstrated each instrument. It was a very successful recruitment day. The Year 3s were very attentive and had many questions. We wish them luck for the beginning of their musical journey in 2023.

Regards
Mrs. Dana Jones
Instrumental Music Coordinator

From the LOTE team.

Konnichiwa minna-san! Welcome back to Term 4, only seven more weeks until the summer holiday! This term, languages classes are back as per usual, and our focus for Weeks 3 and 4 is ‘Be a resilient member of the school community’, so make sure that you follow the process and continue to display a positive attitude and well-mannered language, like you always do. The Languages program this term has students studying a variety of topics across Years 7 – 11, including:

Year 7 – “Memorable places”

As the name suggests, students will be learning about the beauty of travelling and what makes a place memorable, in relation to themselves and others around them.

Year 8 – “What is community celebration?”

In this unit, students will discuss and explore different types of celebrations all over the world. This in turn will open up many valuable learning opportunities for students to understand how a community comes together to celebrate an important event and its purpose.

Years 9 and 10 – “What is global connection?”

Students will discuss and analyse how Japanese stand-up comedy (AKA Manzai) promotes the connections between different cultures and how comedy connects the world!

Assessments

At this stage, assessments for LOTE are given within the start of Week 7 and are due in Week 9. Although Year 10 will be given their assessment earlier, due to the early finish to Term 4!

The best way to improve achievement is short but regular review of vocabulary. It is recommended that you also use your spare time to learn Japanese writing symbols and new vocabulary, by regularly using Quizlet. Additionally, book work is important as always! Neat handwriting and well organised notes are the greatest way to best achieve a desirable outcome.

Have a great Term 4!

Regards
Mr. Huu Nguyen
Teacher

From the Humanities team.

Well we are definitely getting to the pointy end of the year, and what a busy term it has been for the Humanities department already! All of the Humanities staff are incredibly proud of the effort we are seeing from each year level, and we would like to thank the parents and carers of all students for their continued support in helping our teachers push their students to succeed.

The learning that is happening across the board in Humanities is very engaging and the students have been participating in a way that is very exciting to see. Just a quick reminder, that students need to be keeping their bookwork nice and neat, and bring all of their necessary equipment to each class, each day.

Year 7:

In Year 7, the History students are currently investigating the achievements of Ancient China’s leader Qin and will be assessed in an exam where the students will analyse sources. In the Geography sphere, the students are working on liveability, looking at the sustainability around Emerald State High School. Our Civics students are presently engaged in their study of the values and characteristics of the Australian Identity.

Year 8:

In Year 8, the History students are currently studying Vikings, where they analyse artefacts from the ESHS museum, which will culminate with them creating an artefact of their own. In the Geography sphere, the students are working on landscapes and landforms with a focus upon Earthquakes. Our Civics are presently engaged in their study of Australian laws.

Year 9:

In Year 9, the History students are currently beginning their research essay assessment on World War 1, which allows the students to analyse the role of women during the war effort, Monash or the changing nature of warfare. In the Geography sphere, the students are working on an investigation into biome alteration and waste management. Our Civics students are presently engaged in their study of how Australia's court system works to support a democratic and just society.

Year 10:

The Year 10 History students are currently starting their assessment on Ancient Greece, where they will write on any topic in any way, that allows the students to be creative in their study of the past, whilst the Year 10 Civics students are looking at the factors that sustain democratic societies.

Year 11:

In Geography, the students have begun their Unit 3 topic of Landcover Change and Climate Change. Here, the students are examining how humans impact and interact with the environment, including climate change. Our Legal Studies students are deep into their Unit 3 topic of Governance and Law Reform, looking at how governments uphold democracy and the institutions that impact good governance. The Modern History students are just about to start their IA1 work on East Timor, which will culminate in an in-class essay on Indonesia’s invasion of East Timor. The Ancient History students are examining the figure of Nero, which will result in a source analysis essay.

Just a heads up for parents, we are currently scheduling the postponed Humanities Tour for this cohort. The dates for the Tour will be from the 12th to the 15th of February 2023. Permission notes and more details will be sent home later this term.

Year 12:

As this newsletter goes to (digital) print, all Year 12 Humanities students are currently on exam block for their external exams. Good luck Year 12s, we’re very proud of your effort and we can’t wait to celebrate the end of your Humanities journey with you in three weeks’ time!

Regards
Mr. Graham Fandrich
Teacher

From the Interact Club.

Central Highlands Interact Group at Emerald SHS pulled off the best Haunted House yet on the weekend, raising over $1500 for the Royal Flying Doctor’s Service. 15 students jumped, moaned, whispered, screamed and creeped the almost 280 visitors as they made their way through the large demountable, that had been converted into different themed rooms of horror. Outside visitors were tormented by even more students who creeped around the crowd as they waited to enter the show.

The support from the local community was amazing with Emerald Sunrise Club loaning us the hall, Emerald Rotary catering (the popcorn was a great hit) and both VIPR Electrical Industries and Brennan’s Welding making two of the important props for us. The staff and volunteers at Lifeline, as well as Trash for Treasure and the Refuse Station all sourced and provided the props needed to finish the rooms; including the bathtub for our victim and the “body” for our bags.

Thanks to Mr Noel Cavanagh for making Sweeny Todd’s oven, Miss Kate Myers and her art club for painting all of the backgrounds and Ms Cochrane’s senior art students for painting the photo boards. Without your support we would have had to rely on my questionable efforts. Finally, thanks to the students for agreeing to be boxed, pinned, wrapped in fabric, “killed off” and generally putting themselves out there. They helped the art club at lunch and spent hours setting it up and packing it down. So many hours go into preparing for a show like this and it is was fantastic to see the students all laughing and joking afterwards – not at all concerning that they were comparing notes on how many people they had made jump or scream.

Bring on next year, as this same amazing group will be holding Christmas in July on Friday 21st July and the Haunted House on the weekend in between Mental Health Week and Halloween.

Interact meets every second Wednesday in C8 during First Break. They will be holding a break up party in the next few weeks at the pool. It is also planned that the group will hold at least one fundraiser and social event per term, throughout 2023.

Regards
Mrs. Leanne Ross
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 3 and 4 of this term.

Behaviour Focus

Our current behaviour focus is “Be a resilient member of the community.”

Community Notices