29 March 2023

Newsletter Articles

Principal’s Report.

Dear Friends of Emerald High,

End of term is upon us already. Students have pretty much completed the term's assessment and, like the staff, students are now ready for a well-earned relaxing break. Reports will be out at the end of this week!

Our Swimming Carnival on Friday will be a great way to end a big term! A reminder that students must have submitted a parent permission note to attend.

As usual, some exciting student news…

Year 12 student, Josh Russell, went to Canberra on Australia Day to compete in a weekend long shooting competition at national level. In an outstanding performance, Josh came second overall and won the light division. This is an amazing outcome and yet another example of the many talents we can find in our student ranks. Well done Josh!!

Our Musical is starting to come together, with dress rehearsals occurring on the weekend. There is some amazing singing, dancing and acting talent on display in what will undoubtably be a very entertaining and enjoyable event. Tickets are now available - see later in this newsletter for details!

Our Interact group were also active on the weekend, conducting a carwash in the school's bus zone to raise fund to support our community. Well done to Ms Ross, Ms Whybird and everyone involved in this event.

Next term, the school will also be hosting a community Astronomy Night, allowing everyone to explore the universe using a range of high-powered telescopes. Stay tuned for more!

I am excited to advise that due to our increased enrolments, we have been told we will be receiving a new building that we believe will be similar to our newest building, Q Block. We are hopeful that this will occur in Term 2.

Term 2 should also see construction start on our Admin extension and Technology Centre and over the holidays we will have work done to upgrade out internet speed to 20 times it’s current, rather snail-like, pace.

Lots happening soon at Emerald High!

Finally, I would like to wish everyone a safe and relaxing holiday break and thank everyone yet again for your support of our amazing school.

“Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.”

• Winston Churchill

Have a fantastic fortnight
Mr. Sean Maher
Principal

From the Deputy Principal – Senior School.

It has been pleasing to see that our senior students have settled well into the new school year. They have taken up the many extra curricula opportunities given to them. I am particularly excited to see our students in a new light in their musical roles.

Attendance

As you are aware, it is an expectation that students in the senior school have an attendance rate over 90%. The biggest reason for this is that research shows the student attendance is linked to their performance. We see the correlation between them when we review report cards at the end of each term. Please help support your child’s education by ensuring they are at school each day and are on time. Please also encourage them to bring a filled water bottle, so they don’t miss lesson time on needing to do this.

Please remember that absences supported with medical evidence are not recorded against student’s attendance data. Evidence may be in the form of medical certificates from the doctors or chemists, letters from the Department of Health when RAT tests are registered, appointment slips for medical appointments, i.e. orthodontist or physio.

This year we are focussing on being on time each Monday. My thoughts for this are that they have had the weekend to recoup and relax and that they either have Math or English for their first lesson. Senior school students who are late on a Monday have been given a detention to complete with me.

Low attendance rates will affect the student’s ability to attend formal (Year 12) or eligibility to obtain a senior jersey.

Report Cards and Parent Teacher Interviews

Report cards will be issued to parents via email at the end of Week 10. If you do not receive your child’s report, please contact the school office.

Parent teacher interviews will occur on Tuesday 2nd May (Week 3). More information about bookings will be sent out in Week 1 of Term 2 via email and on Facebook.

Assessment

Assessment items must be submitted by the due date. If circumstances occur during the period over which the assignment runs, preventing the student from working on an assignment, then an extension can be requested.

Extensions are granted for the following reasons:

1. Extended illness
2. Bereavement
3. Accident or family circumstances causing prolonged absence during assessment preparation
4. Unforeseen circumstances

When considering the success of the extension application, consideration will be given to the student’s submission of work at the “check date” stage. All relevant documentation (medical certificate, etc) supporting an application for extension must be included.

Please be aware - problems with computers/printers are not an excuse for late submission – students should have backup copies and printed or hand-written drafts. Students who are on “holidays” or participating in sporting activities are also not eligible for an extension.

Homework

At ESHS, students in the senior school may not receive formal homework each week. It is expectation though that they are studying work they have learnt at the end of each day. As a minimum, students should read over their notes. I would also suggest that they complete any activities that they didn’t finish in class or that were not set, and read through the relevant chapter of their textbooks.

Flexible 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. Early next term, any Year 11 student with a flexi lesson on their timetable, who has passed all their subjects in Term 1, will be given a permission letter for signing in and out for their flexis.

Students Driving to School

Many of our students in Year 11 and 12 obtain their P class licence whilst at school. It is an expectation that students who drive themselves to school, park in the car park on Racecourse Road. For their own safety, students are discouraged from driving to and from school with others in their vehicles.

Students leaving the grounds at lunch times, with approved lunch passes, can only have siblings in their cars. Lunch passes are for students to have lunch at their own homes – not homes of friends or local shops.

Students signing in or out for flexis should not be transporting other students.

QCE Credits

In the last week I have had a number of Year 12 students come to see me about their predicted QCE credits. Whilst I am very happy to meet with them, I would like to remind them that they can find this information themselves through the myQCE website from the link below. The website not only gives information about potential credits, but also has study tips and information about assessment and ATAR.

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, as we often send them through opportunities when known i.e. university deadlines or information and industry days, etc.

Regards
Mrs. Tanya Shaw
Deputy Principal – Senior School

From the Head of Year 11.

The end of Term 1 is upon us. It has been great to see students embrace senior school life. A reminder about attendance. The school goal is 90%. Students who are below this attendance bench mark are at risk of compromising their learning opportunities. I understand there has been a number of bugs and illnesses going around in the community and it is important students maintain high levels of hygiene, including regular handwashing and using hand sanitizer and avoiding touching surfaces, when possible. The health advice remains, if your child is unwell, they are to remain at home and wear a mask if they are symptomatic.

In Week 10, report cards will be emailed to parents and carers. This is a great time for students to reflect on their learning progress for the term and make goals for the areas they need to improve on in order to work towards obtaining a QCE. The receiving of report cards is also a great opportunity for parents and carers to book a meeting with your child’s teacher to discuss their progress. Parent teacher interviews will occur in Term 2, on Tuesday the 2nd of May, so please keep this date free.

In addition, the Year 11 Leadership camp has been booked and will occur in Term 3, Week 5 on Monday 7th of August to Wednesday the 9th of August. This camp is designed for those students who are aspiring for a position of leadership within the school, namely school or house captain. Please have a conversation with your child and encourage them to consider participating in this camp. Representing the school is a challenging, but rewarding experience and looks great on CVs for prospective employers.

Finally, to end the term, the swimming carnival will occur on Friday the 31st of March. If you are free, please feel free to attend and support your child and also involve yourself in the school community.

I hope you all have a safe and relaxing Easter and I look forward to touching base with you in Term 2.

Regards
Mr. Peter Sanson
HOY – Year 11

From the Head of Year 12.

Term 1 is over and what a term it has been. Well done to all of those students who have achieved 100% attendance.

There is a direct correlation between attendance and results, so please encourage your students to be at school all day every day. Also, don’t forget, students need attendance at or above 90% to attend the formal.

The Year 12s have been busy, both with school and extra-curricular activities. Please consider supporting those involved in the school musical in Term 2. They have been practicing extremely hard and deserve to have amazing audiences to perform to.

Senior jerseys are due to arrive at the beginning of Term 2. Students are allowed to wear these to school as soon as they receive them.

More and more of our students are getting their driver’s licence and driving themselves to school. Whilst this is wonderful, please be aware that they are to not drive other students, other than siblings, to and from school. The car park where students park also needs to be kept clean or there will be consequences.

I hope you have a wonderful break over Easter. Looking forward to working with your students in Term 2. If you have any concerns please feel free to email me on ljarv26@eq.edu.au.

Regards
Mrs. Lauren Jarvis
HOY – Year 12

From the Cooee Corner.

The end of the term is quickly approaching and a massive congratulations to all Year 7s completing their first term in high school. This term it has been pleasing to see our new students settle into the busy school year as well as they have. A couple of reminders for next term from the Cooee Corner staff include:

• The Cooee Corner can be used by students at lunch time
• If your student is requiring further support, please contact their case manager. Each parent/carer will have been notified of their case manager earlier this term via email. If you are unsure of who to contact please contact Sarah Somerville ( ssome17@eq.edu.au )
• The swimming carnival is being held on Friday 31st March. Students must make their way to the pool and have a signed permission note. No classes will be run at school on the day.

I hope everyone has a relaxing and enjoyable holiday to come back ready for Term 2.

Regards
Miss. Jess Zygadlo
Teacher

From the Science team.

Curriculum News

All students in Years 7-12 Sciences have completed their assessments this term, with the exception of the Year 12 Physics and Chemistry students, who are still working on their student experiment reports (IA2s). The table below gives an overview of the assessments and units of work for Term 2, 2023.

Astronomy Event – Term 2, 2023

Emerald SHS will host an Astronomy Event on Thursday and Friday of Week 4 next term (11th and 12th of May). This event is sponsored by the BMA Bright Minds fund. Professor Graeme White (University of Southern Queensland) and Mr David Platz (Head of School – Online College of Advanced STEM) will assist in running the event on both days. Some of the activities during the two days include:

• Student and teacher professional development sessions on the use of telescopes for planetary and deep sky viewing and astrophotography
• Viewing sessions for the general public (Thursday night)
• Face-to-face learning for Senior Astronomy students (Friday daytime)
• Solar viewing sessions (Thursday afternoon/ Friday daytime)
• Public lecture and viewing sessions for the general public (Friday night)

Stay tuned for more information on this event!

Regards
Mr. Aneel Dewan
HOD

From the English team.

After a busy start to the year, we have finally reached Week 10 of Term 1.

Students have been hard at work studying poetry, representations of war, and analysing social issues. They have also had a go at responding to stimulus in exam conditions, presenting persuasive speeches and creating engaging feature articles.

Nearing the end of Term 1, students are preparing to study their new topics:

• Year 7: Folio Task – Percy Jackson and the Lightening Thief
• Year 8: Advertising
• Year 9: Australian Identity
• Year 10: Documentary Study – Bias in the media
• Year 11 Essentials: Workplace practices
• Year 11 Literature: Imaginative spoken/multimodal
• Year 11 General: Creative writing
• Year 12 Literature: Imaginative written
• Year 12 Essentials: Common Internal Assessment (CIA)
• Year 12 General: Creative writing

Regards
Miss. Crystal Brunetto
Teacher

From the Hospitality & VET team.

With Term 1 drawing to an end, we have seen many creative and amazing things happening in the kitchens.

Year 11 Certificate II in Hospitality

In Week 8, the Year 11s held their first in-school function; preparing and serving a Salad Bar for the ESHS staff. The function was a big success. Thank you to all of those who came along to support the Year 11s.

Year 10 Food Specialisation have been exploring different food preservation methods and learnt how to make jam.

Year 9 Food Specialisation has been exploring the different cooking methods and the effects they have on the nutritional value of foods.

Year 8 Food Specialisation has been learning all about healthy eating for adolescents and created healthy burgers.

Food and Fibre

This year, we have reintroduced Food and Fibre with Year 8s and Year 9s. Both classes have been working on designing and creating sustainable Tote Bags. Students are really enjoying the subject and their creative skills are really shining through.

Regards
Miss. Tanya McIntosh
Teacher

From the Technologies team.

Laptop Program

Thank you to all the students in Year 9 who returned their laptops in a timely manner on Monday. Feedback from students was that the program was worthwhile and helped them with their learning.

Next term, the Year 10s will have their opportunity to participate in the school Laptop Program, with learning being planned by teachers using the devices.

A reminder to Year 9 students that if you have outstanding items such as a strap, charger or case from the Laptop Program, then please return these to B07 (IT Technician). Families with outstanding items will be charged for replacement.

Engineering

With the break fast approaching, it is important that Engineering Skills students (Years 11 & 12) take their clothing home for a wash. The locker room is a bit on the nose.

Regards
Mr. Noel Cavanagh
HOD

From the Maths team.

The junior grades have the holidays in their sights, with most of their assessment being wrapped up. They are stoked to be learning their new content for Term 2. The Year 10s have just finalised their algebra and linear equations exam and they are happy to be heading into new units of work. The seniors are currently grinding away at their respective units with the Year 11s currently covering Unit 1 work, and the Year 12s currently completing Unit 3.

A number of classes also celebrated ‘Pi Day’ on March 14th. This is the Maths department’s favourite day of the year, just edging out Christmas Day for the number 1 spot.

Regards
Mr. George Brown
Teacher

From the Musical team.

Do you enjoy a good time? A family friendly event? Some decent music and a joke, or two? Then don't forget to secure your tickets to Emerald State High School's, 'Rock of Ages: Teen Edition'!

We have iconic '80's rock songs, heaps of glorious raffle prizes to win from a variety of our own Emerald businesses, and an enthusiastic group of high schoolers ready to impress!

Secure tickets to our shows via the Trybooking link below!

From the Gym Club.

We have had a fantastic start to the year in the ESHS gym club. We have never had such a high number of students join the club, who are so keen to learn and get fit.

In some even more exciting news for our gym club, we will be moving the gym into the current engineering shed! Once the new Technology Centre has been built near the bus zone, we will be able to move all our equipment into the engineering shed. This will give us a lot more floor space and room for new equipment.

If students have not yet signed up for gym club and would like to, they can collect a permission form from J Block staffroom.

Regards
Mr. James Fitzpatrick
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 “Use respectful language.”

Student of the Week

Week 9

Year 7: Zack Mannix For always checking in with teachers and making sure that his work is of a high standard.
Year 9: Aimee Truong For always being engaged in learning and getting her work done.
Year 10: Nadia Nisha For delivering an incredible piece of assessment in English and giving 100% at all times.
Year 11: Chloe Dailo For working hard to understand difficult concepts and always challenging herself in class.
Year 12: Georgia Barnes For successfully completing a senior astronomy course through USQ.

Week 10

Year 7: Brock McDonell For always having a positive attitude in class, putting his best effort towards his work at all times and being a role model for his peers.
Year 9: Samantha Salvador For always coming to class with a smile and putting 100% effort in every lesson.
Year 11: Isabel Badowski For applying herself in all subjects. Isabel is a determined student who always strives to achieve her best.
Year 12: Matt Pese For being selected to represent Capricornia school sport in tennis.

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