1 March 2019

Newsletter Articles

From the Principal

The school year has started extremely well – 1108 students and 221 are our newest year 7s! They have made a terrific adjustment to high school life and are very much enjoying their new environment as well as their lunchtime activities. Uniforms are looking fantastic; on behalf of the P&C, I would like to thank parents for their support of school policies and procedures.

This is a very important year for our year 11 students who (like approximately 50 000 other Queensland students) are facing major curriculum changes under the Queensland Certificate of Education. The QCAA website on the link below contains very useful information including a comparison between the old and new systems, resources for parents and students and information regarding syllabuses and resources. Our senior teachers have been working for quite some time to ensure a seamless transition. For additional support, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s teacher or our Senior Schooling Head of Department, Trudy Crow.

On 2 February 2019, MP Barry O’Rourke, Senator Murray Watt, ALP candidate Russell Robertson, and MP and Assistant Minister for Education Brittany Lauga visited Rockhampton SHS. The purpose was to investigate funding possibilities for our proposed aquaculture centre. Led by teacher Collis Holloway, this is a partnership project with Rockhampton Regional Council, CQ University, local industries and sporting groups. We are very keen to investigate possibilities to support our students’ educational pathways and to support the region; aquaculture development is likely to prove to be economically and environmentally important to Rockhampton.

Rockhampton SHS celebrated a very special birthday on 14 February. It was 100 years to the day that our first students attended the Bolsover St site Technical College (now the Regent Hotel). Special thanks goes to our wonderful Centenary committee led by John Allison, chair and past principal.

• Jan Plumb
• Helen Lord
• Bob Whyte
• Robert Brodie
• Robert Hughes
• Robert Schwarten
• Cheryl Haughton

I would also like to thank Cr Drew Wickerson, who very kindly donated his time to create a delicious mud cake with school badge!

We were delighted to have in attendance Adjunct professor John Story, AO and previous Chancellor of the University of Queensland. John was our special guest speaker who attended with his sister Janet Hill and cousin Margaret Davies, all grandchildren of founding Principal Major John Hill.

John Story, Margaret Davies and Janet Hill unveiling a portrait of their grandfather Major John Hill, founding principal 1919

John Allison addressing the pre-1960 students and staff

Rockhampton State High School Expo for
Year 7 in 2020

You and your family are invited to the Rockhampton State High School Expo on Saturday, May 11 from 2.00pm to 4.00pm.

The purpose of the Expo is to provide:

• a snapshot of the school’s facilities, curriculum and policies through an information session and organised tours of the school
• an opportunity to meet with staff and students to discuss the year 7 program and the many educational and vocational pathways after year 7
• the 2020 enrolment package to parents as well as enrolment interview times with staff members. We will be having interviews for the enrolments on Tuesday 23 July, 2019 starting from 3.00pm to 5.45pm.

The Expo will commence with short presentations from staff and students in the Assembly Hall at 2.00pm. This will be followed by an opportunity to tour the school and visit a number of informative interesting and entertaining exhibitions.

If you are unable to come to the Expo please ring the school for more information on how to make an enrolment interview for Tuesday 23 July 2019.

2019 School Leader Induction Ceremony

Rockhampton State High School’s annual School Leader Induction Ceremony was held on 15 February 2019. It was attended by special guest and 2013 School Captain, Rachel Warcon, as well as parents, students and teachers.

Our Principal, Mrs Dwyer presented new school leaders with their school leader badges. Member for Rockhampton, Barry O’Rourke (MP) presented the students with a certificate for attaining their positions.

School Leaders who were acknowledged were as follows:

School Captains, Kate Coleman and Nicholas Bramham, made their inaugural speech to pledge their commitment to the important role that has been bestowed on them.

Guest speaker for the ceremony was the class of 2013 School Captain, Rachel Warcon. Rachel gave the students a clear message to keep trying to achieve their goals. She said it was her belief in herself that contributed to her success. She encouraged them to keep their options open as her career aspirations were realised later in high school through her love of sport and competing. She talked about her fond memories as a school leader of Rockhampton State High School and the profound impact it has had on her life and career. Rachel has had an interesting career pathway since completing her Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at James Cook University including an internship with the Intrust Cup rugby league team the Townsville Blackhawks. She is currently working in Rockhampton at Vector Health as a Sports Scientist.

We sincerely thank Rachel for giving up her time to attend this ceremony.

Mrs Trudy Crow
HOD – Senior Schooling

We would like to welcome all new and continuing students to the 2019 EXCEL Program. 2019 sees the EXCEL Program expand to include Year 10 students in English, Maths and Science and also signals the introduction of new staff

Year 7:

English and Humanities – Miss Bielenberg
Maths – Miss English
Science – Mr Holloway

Year 8:

English – Miss Tones
Maths – Mr Webb
Science – Mrs Sinnamon
Humanities – Miss Beattie

Year 9:

English – Miss Worsley
Maths – Mr Govender
Science – Mrs Crosswell
Humanities (Semester 2) – Mr McGrath

Year 10:

English – Miss Beattie
Maths – Mr McCall
Science – Mr Ladley

Deputy Principal in charge of EXCEL: Mr Dan Petersen

Mr Holloway’s Year 7 science students have been using microscopes to explore microorganisms in water as part of their unit studying water purification and water distribution around the world.

Year 8 EXCEL students have been studying safe Bunsen burner usage and applying their practical skills to test hypotheses surrounding the States of Matter and phase changes.

Year 7 and 8 EXCEL students are impatiently waiting to attend their very first EXCEL camp. Students will participate in various activities at North Keppel Island Environmental Education Centre on May 23 and 24 with a team of Rockhampton State High School EXCEL teachers.

Year 9 and 10 EXCEL students will also have the opportunity to attend a camp in Semester 2 – October 20 – 23. More details will be provided about this camp in Term 2.

Breeha Sinnamon
EXCEL Coordinator

Students Schooled in Criminal Investigation

Year 11 Legal Studies students were fortunate to have a visit from Detective Senior Sergeant Simon Barclay from the Criminal Investigation Branch of the Queensland Police Service. Simon was invited to assist with student learning about criminal investigation process and police powers and responsibilities under the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000 (Qld). This information is relevant to their understanding of Unit 1 of the Legal Studies syllabus – Beyond Reasonable Doubt.

Mr Barclay explained the procedures involved with a crime scene, conducting searches (with and without search warrants), questioning processes and the powers of arrest. The students now have a clear understanding of the use of various forms of evidence in criminal investigations.

The class sincerely appreciates Mr Barclay for giving up his time to share his extensive knowledge about criminal investigation in Queensland.

Trudy Crow
Legal Studies Teacher

Lunchtime Legends

Our newest members of the school – our year 7s have been encouraged to be involved in a range of activities during first lunch break. The program called Lunchtime Legends has supported students in their transition to high school, providing them with some structured fun activities, to keep busy, and make new friends.

To date students have coded robots, played handball, Oz Tag, Wii Games, and Sock Hockey. With a mixture of indoor and outdoor activities, as well as physical and mental challenges, students have integrated well to the new school environment.

Activities have been organised by teachers, with community development officers from different sports supporting the program. It gives students the opportunity to try a sport or activity to see if they are interested in pursuing it.

Activities are open to all (Boys and Girls) students in year 7.

Upcoming Activities include:

Week 5 Indoor Sports Games and Oz Tag
Week 6 Robotics, Sphero, Board Games and AFL
Week 7 Table Tennis, Robotics, Board Games, and AFL
Week 8 Sock Hockey, Table Tennis and Cricket
Week 9 Graffiti Art and Cricket

Heath Henwood
HOD Pedagogy and Home Economics

Senior Schooling 2019

Welcome back to another school year and a special welcome to the senior students of 2019.

Students in the senior phase of learning will work towards the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). This qualification requires students to demonstrate a significant amount of learning at a set standard. There is flexibility in terms of where this learning occurs.

Year 12 OP eligible students will work towards the attainment of an OP score for the purpose of tertiary entrance. Rockhampton State High School runs a rigorous QCS Test preparation program to ensure our OP eligible students are fully prepared for these tests on 3 and 4 September. Their attendance at the preparation sessions during Rich Study every Friday is mandatory. The next full practice test for Year 12 students will be held on 14 and 15 May.

Year 11 students have just begun to work in the new QCE system. A large number of students are ATAR eligible. Their ATAR score will enable them to apply for university in 2021. Rockhampton State High School students will work with the “Widening Participation” team from CQUniversity to ensure they are fully informed about their post-school tertiary options.

Several initiatives have been developed to assist students achieve the goal of ‘earning or learning’ after Year 10. Students in Year 11 and 12 are expected to fully participate in the learning and support programs provided by the school. Their academic performance, behaviour, attendance and participation will be monitored throughout each term. Year 11 students completed a Senior Education and Training Plan (SET Plan) last year detailing their goals for senior schooling and beyond. This document will be revisited throughout the senior phase of learning to ensure students are on track at achieving their career goals.

Once again, students in Year 10, 11 and 12 can participate in the work experience program. Our work experience program is extremely successful in providing employment opportunities to our students. Parents/caregivers are reminded of the Industry Placement Fee of $10.00 which is charged to each student participating in the work experience program. This fee is necessary to cover the ever-increasing costs of running such a successful program. Please refer to the FEET First article for important dates including work experience and short courses.

Last year, Rockhampton State High School boasted over 20 school-based apprentices/trainees. Students wishing to gain employment as a school-based apprentice or trainee should register their interest at the FEET First office. Throughout the coming year we are aiming to increase this number.

Short courses such as White Card, First Aid, Responsible Service of Alcohol and Responsible Gambling Services will be arranged for Rockhampton State High School students to participate in this year. Students need to register their interest with FEET First. Furthermore, Rockhampton State High School students will continue to access vocational courses at CQUniversity and other local training organisations. Many of these courses attract government funding so are very affordable. Students need to see the staff in FEET First for information about these courses. It is hoped that these initiatives will ensure that students are successful in their senior schooling and beyond.

Our Year 11 students have had a successful start to the new QCE system. They have been provided with assessment dates and have learnt some valuable organisational skills to ensure they keep on top of their school and non-school commitments. Teachers are engaging in professional development and becoming familiar with the new curriculum documents.

I look forward to working with the senior students and their families in 2019.

Mrs Trudy Crow
HOD – Senior Schooling

FEET First Program 2019

In 2019, the FEET First program will continue to provide senior students with information and programs to assist them to transition into Full Education, Employment or Training once they complete their schooling.

FEET First staff are available to help students who are seeking casual employment outside of school hours, school-based apprenticeships or traineeships, vocational education & training, as well as those seeking to transition into full time employment or training. We assist students with the preparation of resumes, cover letters, applications for employment, how to prepare for job interviews and career and transition information. Work experience and training opportunities are also sourced by the FEET First staff. Students wishing to access the FEET First staff are asked to see FEET First during lunch breaks to book an appointment.

Employment and training vacancies as well as training opportunities such as short courses are advertised through the student notices and the Rockhampton State High School - FEET First Facebook page. FEET First also email opportunities to students school email accounts. A list of significant dates has been published below. Further opportunities will be advertised through the school notices, FEET First Facebook page and newsletters.

WORK EXPERIENCE DATES:

Year 10 students can choose to participate in work experience during the last week of Term 3 (16– 20 September 2019).

Please be aware that there may be limited opportunities for work experience in some industries due to the high number of students engaged at the same time. To increase opportunities for students, we ask that parents speak with family or friends who may have businesses that would be suitable for a work experience placement. Year 10 students will receive their work experience application forms Monday 30 April 2019.

Year 11 ATAR eligible and 12 OP eligible students are able to participate in work experience during a school holiday break to avoid impact on their studies.

Year 11 ATAR ineligible and 12 OP ineligible students are able to participate in work experience for a week long block as negotiated with FEET First staff and the students’ current teachers.

OTHER DATES TO REMEMBER:

Year 11 & 12 Careers Fair – Friday 31 May 2019. Guest speakers and stalls from a range of training organisations, community groups and local employers.

FEET First Year 12 Commitment Ceremony – Friday 3 May 2019. A ceremony where parents, teachers and the local business community support Year 12 students commit to Full Education, Employment or Training after finishing school.

Year 12 ‘Communication 2 Careers’ Mock Interview Session – Monday 3 June 2019. Year 12 students will participate in the Communication 2 Careers (C2C) Mock Interview Session with local employers to improve their communication and interview skills.

Training and Employment Morning Tea – 25 October. All Year 12 School-based apprentices and trainees and dual campus vocational students are recognised for their achievements at a morning tea with parents, carers and community representatives.

Short Course Dates:

RSA - Wednesday 26 June 2019 - One day Responsible Service of Alcohol course.

RGS - Tuesday 27 June 2019 - One day Responsible Gaming Service course.

White Card - Thursday 4 April 2019 - One day Construction Induction Safety Course.

First Aid Course - Thursday 19 September 2019 - One day First Aid Course.

Cert I in Financial Literacy – July and August (dates tbc)

*All short course dates are subject to change, depending on student participation numbers.

Vocational Education and training Courses:

Many senior students have enrolled in vocational education and training courses at CQUniversity and CSaT. There are vacancies for senior students who are ATAR ineligible or OP ineligible in the following courses/programs.

• Cert II in Resources and Infrastructure – SDS Training
• Cert II in Health Support – College Australia
• Cert II in Salon Assistant (Hairdressing) - CQUniversity
• Cert II in Tourism (Distance Mode) – CQUniversity
• Cert II in Food and Beverage – CQUniversity
• Cert II in Kitchen Operations - CQUniversity

School to Work (S2W) Transition Program – Cert II in Logistics – Department of Employment, Small Business and Training

School to Work (S2W) Transition Program – Cert II in Health Support – Department of Employment, Small Business and Training

We recommend that parents and carers encourage their students to participate fully in the programs available. Please do not hesitate to contact the FEET First staff on 49204391 for further information. We look forward to working with students to help them achieve their career goals.

Alana Knight
FEET First Program Co-ordinator

School Based Youth Health Nurse

My name is Loretta Green and I am the School Based Youth Health Nurse at Rockhampton State High School. I am employed by Central Queensland Health and Hospital Services (QLD Health).

My role is to promote health and wellbeing with the school community buy working with students, school staff, parents and carers and the wider school community.

I help connect people to other support services within our community because at times other services can provide more appropriate and/or further support.

I provide information on issues that affect young people including:

• Mental health and wellbeing
• Relationships
• Personal and family problems
• Growth and development
• Stress
• Sexual and reproductive health
• Smoking, alcohol and other drugs
• Eating issues

My role does not provide medical treatment or ongoing counselling.

For further information on my role click on the following link

My health and wellbeing focus this term aligns with the Qld Youth Strategy to assist in building young Queenslanders for a global future. The focus will be on young people’s healthy futures while dealing with the ever increasing pressures in regard to social media and in particular cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying is the use of technology to bullying a person or group with the intent to hurt them socially, psychologically or even physically.

For more information on what cyberbullying looks like, where to get support from, how to stop it and where to lodge a cyberbullying complaint visit the following websites:

Debating Team

On Tuesday 19th February, the members of the Rockhampton State High School Junior Debating Team - Monique Brady, Indianna Roberts and Joshua Oram - undertook their first debate for the 2019 Interschool Debating Competition. Shanae-Lee Pratt took on the role of chair, whilst Kirstyn Larcombe acted as timekeeper. The RSHS team were pitted against Rockhampton Girls Grammar School with the topic; ‘That Santa Clause is a Justifiable Deception’. RGGS argued for the affirmative, whilst RSHS argued the negative.

All debaters were understandably nervous as they took the stand to argue their points, but spoke eloquently and represented their schools admirably. Rockhampton Girls Grammar School managed to win the day, however RSHS students left the debate feeling excited for the next round of the competition against St. Ursula’s. Adjudicators from St. Brendan’s College Yeppoon and Heights College made special mention to the RSHS team for exemplary public speaking skills and audience connection. Congratulations to all of the students involved.

The next debate will be held on the 12th of March in the RSHS library.

Kathryn Handsaker
English & Humanities Teacher

Vocational Education and Training Programs

There are a number of vocational education and training programs on offer to senior students interested in careers within the health services as well as transport and logistics.

These courses are available to students who have not yet accessed their VET in Schools (VETiS) funding.

Please see attached information regarding these programs.

Contact Alana Knight in the FEET First Office for more information – 49204391 or aknig170@eq.edu.au.

Valentine’s Day

Love was in the air at Rockhampton State High school on Thursday 14th February! Year 12 students ran a Valentine’s Day stall, raising over $500 by selling roses and guesses in the “guess how many lollies in the jar” competition. These profits are being sent to Kelso State School in Townsville. This school suffered some significant damage by the recent floods and are needing to replace resources and assist families with new school supplies. Kelso State School Principal Mr Darrell Sard was touched by this gesture and wanted to pass on his sincere thanks and appreciation for the efforts of the students, staff and school community.

Claire Stevens
Year 12 Coordinator

GRIP Leadership Conference

On Tuesday 12th February, four year 10 students: Claire Cho, Danni Pickard, Oliver Howkins and Seth Hudson represented Rockhampton State High School at the GRIP Leadership conference. They spent the day learning about the characteristics of a leader, how to increase school morale and how to further a cause. The students left the conference with many ideas to work on with their fellow student mentors.

Lauren Dolgner
Year 10 Coordinator

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