31 October 2016

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

As we approach the end of the year I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of our whole school community, to with our year 12s all the best! Reaching the end of Year 12 is an important milestone and we are delighted to be able to celebrate with our terrific Year 12s.

Information regarding the New Senior assessment Process

During the past two years, the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) has laid the groundwork for a new system of senior assessment and tertiary entrance.

The QCAA has stated that they will require more time to complete than originally planned. In particular, this means the redevelopment of senior syllabuses and the delivery of nearly 700 professional development workshops to about 17,000 teachers.

The Queensland Government has decided to introduce the new system with Year 11 students in 2019 instead of 2018. The first graduates will finish Year 12 in 2020. The government's final position can be viewed on the Department of Education and Training website at the link below. According to the QCAA, the extension will ensure that teachers have sufficient support to become completely familiar with the new system. It will also allow QCAA to analyse the findings of assessment trials and consult further with our education partners.

Spray deodorant ban at Rockhampton SHS

Please remember that spray cans with propellants are banned due to the extreme threat they pose to the health and safety of some of our students suffering from asthma or respiratory illness.

Student Driver and Passenger Contracts

Congratulations to our students who have achieved the milestone of getting their driver's licence!

Students and caregivers are reminded that it is the school's policy that these forms are completed so that we are aware that parents know if their child driving or is being driven to and from school.

Regards
Kirsten Dwyer

Early Departure from School

Parents are reminded that the procedure for releasing your student early is as follows:

• Send a note with your student requesting an early departure from school.
• In an emergency a student can be located but depending on the whereabouts of your students this cannot always be achieved in a short time.

If your student has an unexpected appointment that arises during the day, please advise the school at least an hour before the appointment.

Ceremony acknowledges new School Prefects

The annual Prefect Induction Ceremony took place on Friday 14 October 2016. This important event celebrates leadership within our student body. At this ceremony the newly selected Prefects were presented to staff, students, parents and wider school community. School Captain, Hannah Bowman, made a speech to remind the students of the important role bestowed on them. This was followed by the citation of the Prefect Pledge, led by current School Captain, Isobel Ward.

Mrs Dwyer pointed out the importance of leadership and responsibility, and the part it plays at Rockhampton State High School. A special guest at the ceremony was past Prefect, Mr Michael Hendry. Michael was a School Prefect in 2000. He is now a senior firefighter with the Queensland Fire Service. Michael gave the students a special message about his time as a Prefect and his journey since he left Rockhampton State High School.

We congratulate our School Prefects and wish them well in their future endeavours.

Trudy Crow
HOD – Senior Schooling

Important Dates

Mercy Health and Aged Care School Based Traineeship Opportunities

Mercy Health and Aged Care, in conjunction with the Royal College of Healthcare and MRAEL, are accepting applications for School-Based Aged Care Traineeships! The position is open to students who are in Year 10 and will be commencing Year 11 in 2017, and who have a keen interest in a career in the health care industry. Placements will commence in 2017.

Students will complete a Certificate III in Individual Care (Aged Care stream) in conjunction with the Royal College of Healthcare, whilst working one day per week at one of their facilities and attending fortnightly training sessions. Successful candidates will have demonstrated a high level of empathy and reliability, and the aptitude to handle confronting situations with maturity and discretion. An Information Session will be held for all interested students and their guardians. Attendance at this information session is the first step in the application process.

Date: Wednesday 9 November 2016
Time: 5:30pm
Location: Middle Hall 263 Agnes Street (behind McAuley Place)

For more information please see FEET First or To RSVP or to discuss further if you are unable to attend please email cmckenzie@mrael.com.au

Kate Ingram (Trenerry)
FEET First Program Coordinator

Calves Shine a Light on Dairy Careers

Over 60 excited students and teachers from Rockhampton were awarded for completing the Cows Create Careers – Farm Module, on Wednesday 12th October in Rockhampton.

Cows Create Careers - Farm Module is a Dairy Australia program that aims to increase the awareness of dairy industry careers in a very hands-on way. Secondary students are educated by rearing two three-week-old calves at school and the school is provided with dairy industry curriculum for years 7 and 8 and years 9 to 11, at no cost.

RSHS was fortunate again to be a part of this program and they shone. Congrats to 'Milky Way" team for achieving 3rd place. All participated well in the schools challenge activities on presentation day and RSHS won three out of the four challenges on the day.

Liz bull
Ag Teacher

Flying Arts Workshop

On Friday the 7th of October, the Year 9 Art class participated in a Flying Arts workshop facilitated by Brisbane artist Cate Callopy. Cate provided the students with a variety of recycled materials to explore and manipulate. The theme of the workshop was 'Fantastic Plastic' and each student spent the day creating their own 'Fantastic Plastic' sculpture. The students were taught a number of attachment techniques such as gluing, drilling and weaving plastics. Cate displayed mini maquettes of her work Fantastic Plastic and explained her artworks' intention. She also spoke about the impact plastic has on the environment and how it has influenced her life and sculptural work.

These 'Fantastic Plastic' sculptures will be on display at this year's Art Expo, Wednesday 9th November, 5:30 - 6:30 pm in the Art Block.

Sarah Clarke
Art Teacher

Photos are sculptures from: Cate Callopy and her recycled robots, Hayden Maker – Yr 9, Breanna Buxton – Yr 9, Allisa Barry – Yr 9, Mikayla Hall – Yr 9

Training and Employment Recognition Morning Tea

Rockhampton State High School recently held its annual Training and Employment Recognition Morning Tea on Friday 21 October 2016. This ceremony is an opportunity to publicly recognise the achievements of Year 12 students who have successfully combined Year 11 and 12 and a nationally recognised VET qualification through either a Vocational Education in Schools (VETiS) Program or a school-based traineeship or apprenticeship. The Training and Employment Recognition Morning Tea is also held in recognition of the employers that support our students by providing school-based traineeship and apprenticeship opportunities.

School principal, Mrs Kirsten Dwyer, spoke of the important role that the FEET First program plays in supporting students to find the right pathway to achieve their career goals. During the ceremony current Year 12 student Kira Boland spoke about her experience of undertaking Certificate II Retail school-based traineeship with Kmart and AFL Sports Ready in combination with a full OP subject load. Kira spoke of the opportunities that the traineeship has provided for her including ongoing employment next year while she goes on to study Secondary Education at University. Kira also expressed the importance of accessing assistance and seeking support from teachers and school support staff for help with identifying and accessing employment and training opportunities.

Parents, staff, employers and community members, including the Deputy Mayor Cr Tony Williams and Cr Rose Swaddling, attended this event to recognise the students' achievements.

Parents and students requiring information about the FEET First Program and the opportunities available are encouraged to contact Ms Kate Ingram, our FEET First Coordinator.

Trudy Crow
HOD – Senior Schooling

Dance Workshop

On Tuesday the 11th October Dance students from Rockhampton State High School were given the opportunity to participate in an hour long workshop with industry professionals form Dancenorth that explored contemporary dance technique and introduced students to choreographic elements, themes and tasks explored by the company in creating current works.

The company's cultural enrichment program aims to connect with regional communities throughout north Queensland and to share Dancenorth's dance technique and philosophy with young people throughout the region. The hour long workshop was an excellent opportunity for the students to refine their skills and work with professional artists.

Lynda Dowley
Dance and Drama Teacher

ArtizPUBLIC

At the end of last term, two of our students, Tahlia Price in Year 11 and Daniel Fox in Year 9, were fortunate enough to win bursaries from the Rockhampton Regional Council to attend the Flying Arts ArtizPUBLIC workshops in Toowoomba. The four-day residential workshop was held in Toowoomba during the September school holidays and the bursary covered the cost of the workshop, accommodation and the cost of return transport to the venue. While there, Tahlia and Daniel got to meet other students from all over Queensland and learned how to draw, paint on canvas and use aerosol paints to create large artworks on public buildings. The highlights of this experience were learning to use spray paint and the tour of public artworks in Toowoomba where they were impressed by the variation in styles, materials and techniques of the many artists.

In the near future, Tahlia and Daniel will decorate a wall in the Rockhampton CBD with their own design. They will have an artist who specialises in murals to act as their mentor and help them with the designing process. We are very thankful to the Rockhampton Regional Council for making this opportunity possible for our students. Watch this space for further images, when Tahlia and Daniel finish their unique public artwork in the centre of our town.

Cindy Mills
HOD - The Arts

Year 11 – "The Big Picture"

In term 4, students in Year 11 will participate in "The Big Picture", a session to inform, educate and encourage good choices in relation to school, life and relationships.

The session will take place during Rich Study on 28 October 2016.

Speakers will include PJ Marsh (ex NRL player) and Sarah Hicks our Youth Support Coordinator.

Topics will include:

• Safe choices and social behaviour
• Looking out for mates
• Physical relationships
• Making important choices
• Support options

Please don't hesitate to contact the school on 49204333 if you require any more information about this program.

Trudy Crow
HOD – Senior Schooling

Sport Spot

In the first week of October, three RSHS students contested the National titles for Baton Twirling – Summer Irons, Macey Kammholz and Aleesha Singleton. The competition encompassed a number of disciplines including single baton, double baton and 3-team events. Summer Irons was successful in winning first place overall for the Juniors division (u/17). Congratulations to the girls for an excellent effort, representing Queensland in their chosen sport

Trafford Bishop Year 9 competed in the Nationals - Archery and came 1st - B grade archery and 3rd A grade for paper targets

Dylan Mills Year 7 completed at State Athletics in Brisbane placed 3rd in 1500m and 5th in 800m

Girls Rugby League

Our girls played their second game 19th October against Glenmore at Glenmore coming away with their first win 30-26. It was a cracker of a game with both Kaidence Nelson and Maddi Tobane scoring length of the field tries. Our new little super star Maya Barnes delivered us the perfect welcome to Rocky High scoring 2 tries. I couldn't have been prouder as coach with the way the girls played and demonstrated our ROCKS values, especially when Heidi Tobane fell and injured her ankle (a sprain) setting up one of our tries. Well done to the Glenmore girls for helping Heidi and checking in on her.

Our next game will be against Yeppoon High in Yeppoon on the 2nd November at 4:30pm. The 9 and 10 team will also play against Yeppoon at 5:15pm. If you can make it down, we would love to see you there.

Kylie Sandilands
Coach

Interschool Hockey

Rockhampton State High School had a strong showing in the first week of the Rockhampton interschool hockey competition which began on Monday 24th October. The Girls team had strong wins over Heights (7- 0) and TCC (5 – 0). An understrength boys team were able to sneak through with a hard fought 4 – 2 win over Heights, an impressive performance with only five players!

Next Monday (31st October) the Girls will go up against North Rockhampton High School at 4:30pm, and Emmaus at 6:30pm. The Boys play St. Brendans at 5pm and Emmaus at 6pm. Both teams will be back to full strength, and ready to play some entertaining hockey. All games are played on the synthetic surface at Kalka Shades, and players and coaches would appreciate supporters coming along to cheer on our teams as they push for the finals.

Mr Girdler, Miss Ash and Miss Murphy
Hockey Coaches

Oztag

On October 22nd, four RSHS teams contested the Inaugural Oztag All Schools' Challenge. Our teams competed against sides from Emmaus, TCC, RGS and RGGS. Our teams produced some excellent results with our Open Boys and Open Girls going through their pool games undefeated with the Open Boys defeating TCC in the grand final 8-1. Our Open Girls were unlucky to be defeated by RGGS 2-1 in their Grand Final. Tahlia Conway was awarded MVP for the Open girls division. Our mighty Year 9 girls team was successful in their Grand Final, defeating TCC 5-2. On behalf of RSHS, I'd like to thank our staff – Mr Wells, Mr Webley, Miss Murphy, Mr Zimmer and Chappy Damo for their coaching expertise on the day, and our students for battling the heat, playing some great Oztag, and representing the school proudly.

Damien Kelso
HOD - Physical Education and Sport

Queensland Theatre Scene Project

On Monday the 10th October year 10 Drama students from Rockhampton State High School performed at the Pilbeam Theatre as part of Queensland Theatres Scene Project. Students have been working and consulting with writers and directors all year to create a prequel to the text Riley Valentine and Fort Svalbard utilising the theatrical styles of Physical and Epic Theatre.

Well done to all involved for their dedication, creativity and hard work!

Linda Dowley
Drama and Dance teacher

Students learn about university life

Rockhampton State High School's Year 11 OP eligible students visited CQUniversity this term to participate in the ROC-Q program. This program is part of the 'Widening Participation' initiative aimed at equipping school students with the desire and skills to transition to university. ROC-Q is about 'seeding success', motivating and inspiring students to be successful learners at school and also later at University, TAFE and in the workforce. The program targets Year 11 and 12 students and is made up of interactive modules which aim to build confidence and motivate all students to work to their full potential.

Our Year 11 students recently completed four of the program modules at the CQUniversity - North Rockhampton campus. While on the campus, students worked with current university students focusing on:

• What's uni like? A day in the life of a university student
• Another look at careers – investigating careers suited to personality
• How to study – effective study tips and advice
• Let's work together - working effectively in teams

The students will visit the university again in 2017 to focus on other modules such as choosing university courses and scholarships.

Mrs Trudy Crow
HOD – Senior Schooling

Dance Troupe 1st PLACE!

On Friday September 30th the Rockhampton State High School Dance Troupe performed at the Rockhampton Dance Festival.

The school's Dance Troupe performed two routines. The first (an ANZAC inspired collage to the Redgum song, Only 19 and You Found Me by The Fray) which came in at 1st place, their second routine (a fast paced hip hop song Be Cool featured in Step Up) placed 2nd.

The ANZAC troupe consisted of students Hannah Bowman, Rheanna Wanstall, Michelle Langford, Ali Jenkinson, Tyla Savage, Rheanna Wanstall, Monique McLeod, Sarah Rosengreen, Erika Boyd, Jess Beanland, Ella Nugent and Abby Hallett. The students did a wonderful job with numerous members of the community commenting on their performances and the choreography.

Well done to all involved, your countless hours of rehearsal and dedication paid off!

The two dance routines will again be featured at the schools Dance and Drama Showcase on October 27th at the schools Performing Arts Complex.

Lynda Dowley
Drama and Dance Teacher

Bullying No Way!

How parents and carers can respond

Children and young people need to know that they are being heard, that their feelings matter and that their issue will be investigated respectfully. Bullying should be taken seriously.

Listen calmly and get the full story

Your calm response is important to allow your child to tell you all about the situation. After they've told you their story, ask questions to get more details if you need to: who, what, where, when.

Your first response when a child tells you of a concern can make a difference to the outcome.

Although you may feel some strong emotions about your child's experience, try to keep calm to avoid more distress to your child.

Reassure your child they are not to blame

Many children blame themselves and this may make them feel even worse.

You could say things like, 'That sounds really hard to deal with. No one should have to put up with that.' or 'I'm so glad you told me. You should be able to feel safe at school; that's not fair at all'.

Ask your child what they want to do and what they want you to do

A critical part of your response is to avoid jumping in to solve the problem. While it is natural to want to protect your child, helping them to find their own solution is a better option. It helps them feel they have some power in the situation.

Learn some strategies to talk about with your child

These pages provide tips and ideas for different bullying situations. One idea is to practise strategies at home to help your child feel more confident.

If your child is being bullied
If your child is bullying others
If your child has seen bullying

Watch the Quick Tips for Parents videos by Dr Michael Carr-Gregg for more ideas.

Contact the school

Your child may be reluctant for you to do this, so discuss the idea and reassure them that the school would want to know and is able to help. Make an appointment to meet with your child's teacher and, if you need to, ask to talk with the principal. Contact the school immediately if you have a concern about your child's safety. Read more about Parents and schools working together.

Check in regularly with your child

Keep the conversation going. It can take time to resolve issues, so check in regularly with your child about their experiences and their feelings. Your ongoing support is important.

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